So, just over a month ago I got licensed as a Zumba Instructor! Now, I get paid to work out! How great is that?!?! :-)
Yesterday was my first class. I was subbing for a woman who normally teaches NIA. NIA and Zumba are so not the same! I've never taken a NIA class before, but let's just say that people showed up shoeless. From my observations, NIA is more free spirited dance. Oh well, needless to say when the people showed up to take their NIA class they were a bit surprised to find out they'd be taking Zumba instead. One comment I got was "Zumba's a bit more high energy, isn't it?"
So, want to know how it went? Well, let's start with the fact that there were 3 people in my class. I'm not complaining. It was a good way to start out. Not too overwhelming! Of the 3 people, only 1 was not a senior citizen. My 2 seniors were a male and a female. When the senior woman found out that we were going to be doing Zumba she asked if it was okay if she stopped if necessary. My response, "Of course! I don't want you to do anything you're uncomfortable with. Just march if you need to." None of them had ever taken Zumba, but they all seemed (semi) excited about opportunity.
As I was doing my warm up, I started wishing I was a Zumba Gold instructor. I kept things a bit simpler than I will in my next class. When I was doing moves that I would normally speed up after a few half-time rounds, I kept them half-time. I also broke down a few moves that I normally would just go into. I feel like that was the best way to keep them safe and having a good time.
The man in my class was super cute! He started singing along with the songs. When I did my Calypso, he said he's been watching the calypso long before I was born and was grinning from ear to ear! After one "hip shaking" song he said "It would be easier for me to shake my hips if I had hips!" He was AWESOME!
The women in my class did really well also. The senior woman didn't stop at all! I was very proud of her. The other woman kept right with me and was smiling the entire time also. After the class everyone thanked me and started talking about when Zumba was offered at that facility. The 2 seniors agreed that the times they were offered was too late (6:30), but they'd come to an earlier class if there was one!
Overall, I'd call that a success! I can't wait to be on a regular schedule somewhere!
I feel an appropriate ending to this blog would be to quote my daughter's favorite part of my Zumba songs, "1...2...3...ZUMBA!" (this is the part she always sings along to).
Tuesday, October 18, 2011
Tuesday, June 14, 2011
We have a parrot!
Yes, we now have a parrot. Suspiciously, our parrot looks a whole lot like a little girl! My daughter now repeats almost everything we say. She can't quite repeat full sentences, so we usually get an echo of the last word we say. This was not so cute when I almost hit a giant branch in the middle of the road and she decided to repeat "shit." Luckily, she hasn't said that again (probably because I haven't said that again).
She tries to sing along with anything and everything also. My daughter's current favorite song is "The ABCs." She gets "A, B, C," "T, U, V," and "with me." She tries SO hard for "L, M, N, O, P," but she's not quite there yet. "Row your boat" is another favorite. We hear " Woe, Woe, Woe" and "marwawe, marwawe, marwawe, marwawe" when we sing that one. In the car, when she's fussy, I play "Mamma Mia" and she begins to sing and dance in the back seat. She's quite entertaining...when she's not having a fit.
I do love my little parrot! She's the best!
She tries to sing along with anything and everything also. My daughter's current favorite song is "The ABCs." She gets "A, B, C," "T, U, V," and "with me." She tries SO hard for "L, M, N, O, P," but she's not quite there yet. "Row your boat" is another favorite. We hear " Woe, Woe, Woe" and "marwawe, marwawe, marwawe, marwawe" when we sing that one. In the car, when she's fussy, I play "Mamma Mia" and she begins to sing and dance in the back seat. She's quite entertaining...when she's not having a fit.
I do love my little parrot! She's the best!
Tuesday, June 7, 2011
Fighting the Good Fight?
As a parent, I know that my child needs fruits, veggies, dairy, carbs, and protein in her diet. But, is it really worth the fight? I don't think so.
My daughter is 18 months old. How can you really MAKE an 18 month old eat anything that she doesn't want to? My husband and I will give her her protein and her fruits and veggies, but I'm not about to make her eat anything! Sometimes she'll decided nothing on her plate looks good, but what daddy's eating looks AMAZING, so she'll eat his dinner.
A few weeks ago, my family went to the Q-Shack for dinner. My daughter had her turkey, and whatever else was on her plate. She decided the fries were where it was at! The good thing about not fighting with her is that usually (not always) she'll also check out the other foods on her plate...she just doesn't start there. At the table next to us there was another child about my daughter's age. All he wanted were his hush puppies. His mom kept trying to take it from him and make him eat his turkey. This resulted in a lovely screaming fit and the child didn't eat anything. Of course, as this child continues to scream the mom told him people were looking at him and that he was making a scene and needed to stop. Did she expect her 18 month old to understand that?
Don't get me wrong, I'd much rather my child have a balanced meal than a mean of potatoes...but I'd also rather my child eat than go hungry. My husband and I give her what she needs to eat, then it's up to her. Yes, we try to get her to eat the other foods, but if she spits it out or throws it, what good is that for anyone? Some days my daughter will decide that all she wants for dinner are her green beans! Today, she took 3 bites of her grilled cheese then decided that the strawberries are the way to go.
The way I see it, when she gets older I can tell her if you don't eat A, B and C then you don't get dessert. But for now, I'll let her pick and choose. She's happy, she's healthy, I love her! Isn't that what truly matters?
My daughter is 18 months old. How can you really MAKE an 18 month old eat anything that she doesn't want to? My husband and I will give her her protein and her fruits and veggies, but I'm not about to make her eat anything! Sometimes she'll decided nothing on her plate looks good, but what daddy's eating looks AMAZING, so she'll eat his dinner.
A few weeks ago, my family went to the Q-Shack for dinner. My daughter had her turkey, and whatever else was on her plate. She decided the fries were where it was at! The good thing about not fighting with her is that usually (not always) she'll also check out the other foods on her plate...she just doesn't start there. At the table next to us there was another child about my daughter's age. All he wanted were his hush puppies. His mom kept trying to take it from him and make him eat his turkey. This resulted in a lovely screaming fit and the child didn't eat anything. Of course, as this child continues to scream the mom told him people were looking at him and that he was making a scene and needed to stop. Did she expect her 18 month old to understand that?
Don't get me wrong, I'd much rather my child have a balanced meal than a mean of potatoes...but I'd also rather my child eat than go hungry. My husband and I give her what she needs to eat, then it's up to her. Yes, we try to get her to eat the other foods, but if she spits it out or throws it, what good is that for anyone? Some days my daughter will decide that all she wants for dinner are her green beans! Today, she took 3 bites of her grilled cheese then decided that the strawberries are the way to go.
The way I see it, when she gets older I can tell her if you don't eat A, B and C then you don't get dessert. But for now, I'll let her pick and choose. She's happy, she's healthy, I love her! Isn't that what truly matters?
Tuesday, May 3, 2011
Somethings that's bothering me...
WARNING: The following is gaurenteed to make some people mad. Proceed with caution!
This bothers me:
This bothers me:
Wednesday, April 13, 2011
Budget Cuts, Education, and Famous People...what a combination!
Alright...I understand that there need to be budget cuts in this county, in this state, in this country! I do NOT, however, understand why there are so many cuts in education! I mean, REALLY! Isn't education the platform for our country's future? Why in the world would you want to cut money from that?
Let's look at this for a minute...teachers make crap for money, so they are obviously in it because they love what they do. So, I have an idea! Let's add 10 extra kids to each classroom, rid of these kids extracurricular activities (which may be the only reason some of these kids even come to school), and let's get rid of those AP classes while we're at it! Oh wait...who needs the arts? Music and art classes...GOOD BYE! Who needs them any way? But wait...that's not all! We'll keep football...it's a money maker, but field hockey...cheerleading...lacrosse, PEACE OUT!
Here's a good question for you...where would all the famous people in the world be with out all these things that are being cut out of our country's education system now? What ever happened to paying it forward? All of these famous people (sports stars, actors, musicians) have their charities that they reach out to, and I respect that. What about our country's education system? Most of these people make millions of dollars a year! Why not take $500K or even $1 million a year and give it to education? Those professional sports players wouldn't be where they are without their HS teams. Where would these actors be without their drama club? And the musician...do you really want to tell me that they were never in choir or band?
I don't know what my children will have when they are in school, and it scares me! I want my children to have every opportunity that I had and more!
That's my rant...I'm just terrified for what the future generations have to look forward to in this education system. I don't have a suggestion as to where the cuts should be, but I definitely am sick of hearing about education being slashed here and there.
Let's look at this for a minute...teachers make crap for money, so they are obviously in it because they love what they do. So, I have an idea! Let's add 10 extra kids to each classroom, rid of these kids extracurricular activities (which may be the only reason some of these kids even come to school), and let's get rid of those AP classes while we're at it! Oh wait...who needs the arts? Music and art classes...GOOD BYE! Who needs them any way? But wait...that's not all! We'll keep football...it's a money maker, but field hockey...cheerleading...lacrosse, PEACE OUT!
Here's a good question for you...where would all the famous people in the world be with out all these things that are being cut out of our country's education system now? What ever happened to paying it forward? All of these famous people (sports stars, actors, musicians) have their charities that they reach out to, and I respect that. What about our country's education system? Most of these people make millions of dollars a year! Why not take $500K or even $1 million a year and give it to education? Those professional sports players wouldn't be where they are without their HS teams. Where would these actors be without their drama club? And the musician...do you really want to tell me that they were never in choir or band?
I don't know what my children will have when they are in school, and it scares me! I want my children to have every opportunity that I had and more!
That's my rant...I'm just terrified for what the future generations have to look forward to in this education system. I don't have a suggestion as to where the cuts should be, but I definitely am sick of hearing about education being slashed here and there.
Wednesday, April 6, 2011
starting to show my age
I swear I'm not trying to fool anyone. I'm going to be 28 this year and I have no qualms about it. But, I see my age starting to show through.
I don't wear make-up...but I'm starting to think that maybe I should. Last time my mom visited, I made my way into one of the pictures with my daughter. All I saw in that picture (besides my beautiful daughter) were the massive circles under my eyes! So not attractive! Thankfully I'm already married and not trying to meet a guy. But still, make-up might be in store for my life in the not too distant future! The problem with this...I don't really know how to wear make-up the right way. I can do eye liner no problem, but anything else...I'm clueless! I don't know what brands to get, what colors to get, NOTHING! And, please tell me how you do make-up so it doesn't look like you're wearing any! Does anyone want to be my make-up tutor?
Now, I guess make-up it the biggest issue, but there's another thing that's been poking fun at me aging for the last 7 or 8 years. Gray...no, WHITE hair! I kind of envy blonds because their grays, or whites, hardly show. When you have dark hair, like ME, every single one shows its ugly face! I go through spurts, pull the out...let the grow...pull the out, I'm getting married...Now, I think I'm back to letting them grow. They have begun to over power me! There are just too many to pull anymore. So, I have decided that I am going to embrace the white hairs. Maybe they'll look good on me? I figure that I'll give them a few months. After that, if I can't deal with them any more, I'll flirt with the idea of coloring my hair then.
Ah, youth. I see you now in my child and future children! It has come time for us to part ways, but please feel free to visit, at least once a week would be nice!
I don't wear make-up...but I'm starting to think that maybe I should. Last time my mom visited, I made my way into one of the pictures with my daughter. All I saw in that picture (besides my beautiful daughter) were the massive circles under my eyes! So not attractive! Thankfully I'm already married and not trying to meet a guy. But still, make-up might be in store for my life in the not too distant future! The problem with this...I don't really know how to wear make-up the right way. I can do eye liner no problem, but anything else...I'm clueless! I don't know what brands to get, what colors to get, NOTHING! And, please tell me how you do make-up so it doesn't look like you're wearing any! Does anyone want to be my make-up tutor?
Now, I guess make-up it the biggest issue, but there's another thing that's been poking fun at me aging for the last 7 or 8 years. Gray...no, WHITE hair! I kind of envy blonds because their grays, or whites, hardly show. When you have dark hair, like ME, every single one shows its ugly face! I go through spurts, pull the out...let the grow...pull the out, I'm getting married...Now, I think I'm back to letting them grow. They have begun to over power me! There are just too many to pull anymore. So, I have decided that I am going to embrace the white hairs. Maybe they'll look good on me? I figure that I'll give them a few months. After that, if I can't deal with them any more, I'll flirt with the idea of coloring my hair then.
Ah, youth. I see you now in my child and future children! It has come time for us to part ways, but please feel free to visit, at least once a week would be nice!
Friday, April 1, 2011
how about an update?
I haven't really ever updated people on what is happening in my life...so here we go!
My daughter is now 16 months old! She repeats (or tries to) almost every thing anyone says. She's also started saying a few 2 word sentences! The new things we hear her say most often are "That's daddy's," "uh oh, oopsies," "up please," and "meow." This little girl has also started using the potty! She giggles every time she hears her pee hit the water. We're still working on going poopy on the potty, but she's only 16 months! I'm not complaining. I was expecting to be changing her diapers for another 8 months at least! Yesterday, my husband and I took our daughter to her first Little Gym class. IT WAS THE CUTEST THING EVER! She was running around, climbing on everything! When the music as going, she would stop and start dancing. The other parents got a kick out of that. At the end of the class, the teacher started blowing bubbles. My baby went right up to her and said, "More please." She did so well there, my husband and I are looking into see if we can budget our money so we can enroll her!
My husband is doing wonderfully. He's still busy at work (big surprise!), but he's been able to be home for most weekends without having to go to the office. As a married couple...things are perfect! We couldn't be happier! Today is actually the 3 year anniversary of our first date (and meeting...it was a blind date).
On to me, huh? I started nannying for a new family last week. The family has 2 boys. One boy is going to be 2 this month and the other just turned 4. My daughter LOVES playing with these boys. It has been really nice for both of us. Another plus...the mom is only a few years older than me. She has been great trying to set us up with other moms and nannys who have kids around the same age as my daughter and her kids. I like meeting other people with kids my kid can play with...it's good for everybody's sanity that way!
Alright...I guess that's it for the update. Thanks for reading!
My daughter is now 16 months old! She repeats (or tries to) almost every thing anyone says. She's also started saying a few 2 word sentences! The new things we hear her say most often are "That's daddy's," "uh oh, oopsies," "up please," and "meow." This little girl has also started using the potty! She giggles every time she hears her pee hit the water. We're still working on going poopy on the potty, but she's only 16 months! I'm not complaining. I was expecting to be changing her diapers for another 8 months at least! Yesterday, my husband and I took our daughter to her first Little Gym class. IT WAS THE CUTEST THING EVER! She was running around, climbing on everything! When the music as going, she would stop and start dancing. The other parents got a kick out of that. At the end of the class, the teacher started blowing bubbles. My baby went right up to her and said, "More please." She did so well there, my husband and I are looking into see if we can budget our money so we can enroll her!
My husband is doing wonderfully. He's still busy at work (big surprise!), but he's been able to be home for most weekends without having to go to the office. As a married couple...things are perfect! We couldn't be happier! Today is actually the 3 year anniversary of our first date (and meeting...it was a blind date).
On to me, huh? I started nannying for a new family last week. The family has 2 boys. One boy is going to be 2 this month and the other just turned 4. My daughter LOVES playing with these boys. It has been really nice for both of us. Another plus...the mom is only a few years older than me. She has been great trying to set us up with other moms and nannys who have kids around the same age as my daughter and her kids. I like meeting other people with kids my kid can play with...it's good for everybody's sanity that way!
Alright...I guess that's it for the update. Thanks for reading!
Sunday, March 27, 2011
sleep, where are you?
I cannot recall the last time that I have actually felt rested after a night of sleep. Maybe because I don't remember the last time I made it through the night without staring at the clock for at least half an hour. Why is this happening? Right now, my daughter is sleeping and I would love nothing more than to join her. I feel this way almost daily...a certain jealousy of my daughter's need and ability to nap everyday.
Why is it not okay for adults to take naps? Why is it looked at as a weakness or laziness? Why can't we have a daily "siesta"? How much more productive would Americans be at work if they were allowed to take a 30 minute nap? How much happier would the stay at home moms be if the got 30 minutes to rest up before taking care of an entire household? 30 minutes is all I ask! Well, that and not to be called "lazy", "slacker", or "weak" because of it.
Why is it not okay for adults to take naps? Why is it looked at as a weakness or laziness? Why can't we have a daily "siesta"? How much more productive would Americans be at work if they were allowed to take a 30 minute nap? How much happier would the stay at home moms be if the got 30 minutes to rest up before taking care of an entire household? 30 minutes is all I ask! Well, that and not to be called "lazy", "slacker", or "weak" because of it.
Tuesday, March 1, 2011
Pop Culture...I don't get it!
Alright...I think I'm about to go on a rant. **BEWARE**
I don't understand the obsession with pop culture. Don't get me wrong, I like movies, music, television, and sports. I don't, however understand why people find the need to know about everyone's personal life. WHAT'S THE BIG DEAL?!?!
I really don't care who is dating who, or getting married, or even divorcing. Actually, all of the marriages and divorces kind of depress me. Have you noticed that the weddings and divorces are the same people over and over? No wonder people are waiting longer to get married if they even decide to get married at all. What ever happened to finding the right person and staying with them "til death do us part?" What are the vows now? "Til one of us finds someone better," "til we get bored with one another," "til I get my really big break?" Aren't these people supposed to be role models, to an extent?
On with my rant...
I don't care who's doing what drugs, getting drunk, cheating on their spouse or significant other. I DON'T CARE! Isn't there better news to be following. How about finding local heros? The fireman who ran into the building to save the kids...The person who lives next door who saw the burglar and chased him down...The teacher who changed a child's (or 50) life. Why can't we have stories about these people in the news?
I don't care if Lindsey Lohan is in jail again or if she violated her parole. I don't care that Charlie Sheen is living with his 2 girlfriends (the ex-porn star and the nanny) nor do I care that he's claiming to be sober and suing the TV station that canceled his show. Let me just clarify that I know all of this because I watched the news this morning!
I care about the stories about the safety of my family. I care about the stories that tell me where we stand in this ridiculous war. I care about the stories that focus on our nations education.
Let me ask one more time...WHAT'S THE BIG DEAL?!?!
I don't understand the obsession with pop culture. Don't get me wrong, I like movies, music, television, and sports. I don't, however understand why people find the need to know about everyone's personal life. WHAT'S THE BIG DEAL?!?!
I really don't care who is dating who, or getting married, or even divorcing. Actually, all of the marriages and divorces kind of depress me. Have you noticed that the weddings and divorces are the same people over and over? No wonder people are waiting longer to get married if they even decide to get married at all. What ever happened to finding the right person and staying with them "til death do us part?" What are the vows now? "Til one of us finds someone better," "til we get bored with one another," "til I get my really big break?" Aren't these people supposed to be role models, to an extent?
On with my rant...
I don't care who's doing what drugs, getting drunk, cheating on their spouse or significant other. I DON'T CARE! Isn't there better news to be following. How about finding local heros? The fireman who ran into the building to save the kids...The person who lives next door who saw the burglar and chased him down...The teacher who changed a child's (or 50) life. Why can't we have stories about these people in the news?
I don't care if Lindsey Lohan is in jail again or if she violated her parole. I don't care that Charlie Sheen is living with his 2 girlfriends (the ex-porn star and the nanny) nor do I care that he's claiming to be sober and suing the TV station that canceled his show. Let me just clarify that I know all of this because I watched the news this morning!
I care about the stories about the safety of my family. I care about the stories that tell me where we stand in this ridiculous war. I care about the stories that focus on our nations education.
Let me ask one more time...WHAT'S THE BIG DEAL?!?!
Wednesday, February 23, 2011
growing up so fast
I love my daughter! I love watching her grow and learn. There's nothing better than watching her figure something out.
My baby girl is now 15 months old! She is finally on the chart for her growth (she's been at 97% and >97% since she was 2 months old). We've got a nice little vocabulary growing. Her newest words are please, thank you, more, and cookie. She LOVES to sing and dance! Whenever my daughter is fussy in the car, she ca;ms down to the "Mamma Mia" soundtrack. She'll dance in her car seat and attempt to sing along. Now she sings it without the music. It is absolutely adorable watching her dance around the house singing "mommy ah. mommy ah". She's also likes doing the movements to "Itsy Bitsy Spider" and "Head Shoulders Knees and Toes."
Around the house, my baby girl has become such a little helper. She loves finding garbage and throwing it away...especially her diapers! When I'm filling the hamper, she likes to help me. Her favorite part of doing the laundry though, pushing the clothes into the dryer! She is my little helper.
I love her SO much. I just want her to slow down! Can't she grow up a little slower?
My baby girl is now 15 months old! She is finally on the chart for her growth (she's been at 97% and >97% since she was 2 months old). We've got a nice little vocabulary growing. Her newest words are please, thank you, more, and cookie. She LOVES to sing and dance! Whenever my daughter is fussy in the car, she ca;ms down to the "Mamma Mia" soundtrack. She'll dance in her car seat and attempt to sing along. Now she sings it without the music. It is absolutely adorable watching her dance around the house singing "mommy ah. mommy ah". She's also likes doing the movements to "Itsy Bitsy Spider" and "Head Shoulders Knees and Toes."
Around the house, my baby girl has become such a little helper. She loves finding garbage and throwing it away...especially her diapers! When I'm filling the hamper, she likes to help me. Her favorite part of doing the laundry though, pushing the clothes into the dryer! She is my little helper.
I love her SO much. I just want her to slow down! Can't she grow up a little slower?
Wednesday, February 2, 2011
3 days deep
So, it has begun! My new job and my baby girl going to day care! HOLY COW! Emotions are running high in my household. We'll go from youngest to oldest...
My daughter has spent her first 14 months of life with me by her side almost 24/7. Now, SURPRISE...mommy's leaving her with people she's met once (or twice) before! Poor kid. Her classroom is right across the hall from mine, which is good and bad. The good...I'm right there if things get too bad, her teachers keep me informed on how she's doing throughout the day, I can catch a glimpse of her on my way to and from the bathroom, and occasionally while she's on the playground. The bad...I can hear her scream when I leave her in the morning, if she sees me when I'm walking by her room the screaming resumes, and when she's on the playground, I have to duck or hide while helping my students with their potty training endeavors. Days 1 and 2, she had a rough time in the mornings (except outside time...she LOVES the playground). I believe all of her crying was the reason behind her not eating any lunch those days. Today, she only cried when I left her until morning snack, she ate lunch, transitioned well, and took an almost 2 1/2 hour nap! We're getting there...it's only a matter of time, right?
My husband (yes, I'm older than him) is on another level of emotions. Before he was comfortable because he knew our daughter was with me all day. He knew I would never let anything, or anyone, hurt her. Now, she's not only being left with someone who isn't me, she's with people he has only met once. It's cute though...I loves having us visit him at his office when we leave school. He's such a mush when it comes to his baby girl.
Okay, I bet you want to know how I'm holding up. My students' parents keep asking how I'm doing with the transitions and I tell them all the same thing, "Getting back into teaching has been a breeze. Leaving my daughter with someone else has been a lot more difficult than I expected." I miss my daughter! I love when I have my lunch break and I can go into her classroom and watch her sleeping with her puppy.
About the job:
My old co-workers may have some jealousy here...I get an hour long lunch break! I can sit in the lounge and with TV, I can go off campus if I want, I can do some planning, run errands, go out to lunch! SO NICE! The school's security is great. I don't have to worry about who's coming into my daughter's school. Parents and teachers get their own digital keys that are registered to them. Every time I go into the school, there's a log of it. The classrooms all of security cameras in them. There's a full-time cook of staff. He prepares all snacks and a well balanced lunch for the kids every day. One less thing for me, as a parent, to worry about.
Any way...that's how things are going so far. I'm exhausted at night, so I'm going to go curl up and attempt to watch my Wednesday night TV. If it's like last night, I'll pass out before it's over!
My daughter has spent her first 14 months of life with me by her side almost 24/7. Now, SURPRISE...mommy's leaving her with people she's met once (or twice) before! Poor kid. Her classroom is right across the hall from mine, which is good and bad. The good...I'm right there if things get too bad, her teachers keep me informed on how she's doing throughout the day, I can catch a glimpse of her on my way to and from the bathroom, and occasionally while she's on the playground. The bad...I can hear her scream when I leave her in the morning, if she sees me when I'm walking by her room the screaming resumes, and when she's on the playground, I have to duck or hide while helping my students with their potty training endeavors. Days 1 and 2, she had a rough time in the mornings (except outside time...she LOVES the playground). I believe all of her crying was the reason behind her not eating any lunch those days. Today, she only cried when I left her until morning snack, she ate lunch, transitioned well, and took an almost 2 1/2 hour nap! We're getting there...it's only a matter of time, right?
My husband (yes, I'm older than him) is on another level of emotions. Before he was comfortable because he knew our daughter was with me all day. He knew I would never let anything, or anyone, hurt her. Now, she's not only being left with someone who isn't me, she's with people he has only met once. It's cute though...I loves having us visit him at his office when we leave school. He's such a mush when it comes to his baby girl.
Okay, I bet you want to know how I'm holding up. My students' parents keep asking how I'm doing with the transitions and I tell them all the same thing, "Getting back into teaching has been a breeze. Leaving my daughter with someone else has been a lot more difficult than I expected." I miss my daughter! I love when I have my lunch break and I can go into her classroom and watch her sleeping with her puppy.
About the job:
My old co-workers may have some jealousy here...I get an hour long lunch break! I can sit in the lounge and with TV, I can go off campus if I want, I can do some planning, run errands, go out to lunch! SO NICE! The school's security is great. I don't have to worry about who's coming into my daughter's school. Parents and teachers get their own digital keys that are registered to them. Every time I go into the school, there's a log of it. The classrooms all of security cameras in them. There's a full-time cook of staff. He prepares all snacks and a well balanced lunch for the kids every day. One less thing for me, as a parent, to worry about.
Any way...that's how things are going so far. I'm exhausted at night, so I'm going to go curl up and attempt to watch my Wednesday night TV. If it's like last night, I'll pass out before it's over!
Tuesday, January 25, 2011
Missing an Old Friend
Do you ever wonder what happened to your old friends from, well, whenever? I mean those that haven't made it to facebook, or twitter, or myspace, or whatever other social networking sites there might be.
I have one who I wonder about constantly. Her family moved while we were still in high school, but she and I remained in contact. I went off to college...we still spoke. Not as often as we had, but we did. I graduated college, moved to Pittsburgh and then to North Carolina...we were still in contact.
One day, I decided to go for a run with my dog and one of my friends. As I was turning a corner, I hit a rock and fell...right on my phone! That night I had to get a new phone...nothing could be saved from my old one. I guess I landed pretty hard! Since I wasn't planning on leaving NC anytime soon, I decided to get a new, local, phone number to accompany the new phone. This is when I lost my friend.
Last I knew, she was engaged. They were waiting to get married for my friend to graduate college. She had wanted me to be a bridesmaid. I assume she is now married, and probably has some children of her own. When I was planning my wedding, I told my mother that the best gift I could ask for would be to have this friend at my wedding. Unfortuately, nobody from my high school stayed in contact with her, besides me.
Some day, I will have the money to find her again. But for now, I'll continue to wonder about my old friend, and hope she is happy, and maybe even wondering about me!
I have one who I wonder about constantly. Her family moved while we were still in high school, but she and I remained in contact. I went off to college...we still spoke. Not as often as we had, but we did. I graduated college, moved to Pittsburgh and then to North Carolina...we were still in contact.
One day, I decided to go for a run with my dog and one of my friends. As I was turning a corner, I hit a rock and fell...right on my phone! That night I had to get a new phone...nothing could be saved from my old one. I guess I landed pretty hard! Since I wasn't planning on leaving NC anytime soon, I decided to get a new, local, phone number to accompany the new phone. This is when I lost my friend.
Last I knew, she was engaged. They were waiting to get married for my friend to graduate college. She had wanted me to be a bridesmaid. I assume she is now married, and probably has some children of her own. When I was planning my wedding, I told my mother that the best gift I could ask for would be to have this friend at my wedding. Unfortuately, nobody from my high school stayed in contact with her, besides me.
Some day, I will have the money to find her again. But for now, I'll continue to wonder about my old friend, and hope she is happy, and maybe even wondering about me!
Friday, January 21, 2011
Game Shows
I have decided that I want to go on a game show. You've thought about it also...admit it.
Not Jeopardy...I think I'd crack under pressure and end up owing THEM money. Wheel of Fortune would be interesting...especially if I was on one of there shows with a partner. Best Friends Week, Couples, Teachers...could be fun! I wonder if that wheel is heavy. Should I work on strengthening my arms before I go on?
Speaking of wheels, I've heard that the one on The Price is Right is heavy. I may have to jump to get that one moving. I don't actually think that I'd be good at the Price is Right though. So, I probably won't apply for that one.
Cash Cab would be fun, but really, what are the chances of getting that cab? You can't apply for that show. Just stick your arm out and pray the Ben Bailey is in the driver's seat. I wonder how many people in NYC have Started taking taxis over the subway in the hopes of getting in the Cash Cab.
I think I'd do well at Millionaire (Now that Regis isn't there, They've taken out the Who Wants To Be A part of it). I'd be on no time constraints and I wouldn't have to worry about another contestant answering before me. I think Millionaire may be the way to go. Where do I sign up?
Not Jeopardy...I think I'd crack under pressure and end up owing THEM money. Wheel of Fortune would be interesting...especially if I was on one of there shows with a partner. Best Friends Week, Couples, Teachers...could be fun! I wonder if that wheel is heavy. Should I work on strengthening my arms before I go on?
Speaking of wheels, I've heard that the one on The Price is Right is heavy. I may have to jump to get that one moving. I don't actually think that I'd be good at the Price is Right though. So, I probably won't apply for that one.
Cash Cab would be fun, but really, what are the chances of getting that cab? You can't apply for that show. Just stick your arm out and pray the Ben Bailey is in the driver's seat. I wonder how many people in NYC have Started taking taxis over the subway in the hopes of getting in the Cash Cab.
I think I'd do well at Millionaire (Now that Regis isn't there, They've taken out the Who Wants To Be A part of it). I'd be on no time constraints and I wouldn't have to worry about another contestant answering before me. I think Millionaire may be the way to go. Where do I sign up?
Thursday, January 20, 2011
a different direction
So, I got a new job. I will no longer be with my beautiful daughter all day, everyday. I have to admit, I'm nervous! The good news is that she won't be far from me (right across the hall as a matter of fact), but it's just not the same!
When I was pregnant, I was sure that I was going back to work and my daughter would be in Day Care. Unfortunately, after crunching the numbers, we couldn't afford that option. Now, I have to wonder if it would have been easier doing day care starting at a younger age rather than during "toddlerhood." In the long run, I know this is going to be the best option for everyone. I'll get my adult interactions, and my daughter will learn to survive with other caregivers.
This whole job thing isn't the direction I was hoping to go. I was hoping that eventually I could be a stay at home mom (and that's still my hope). I know you must be thinking "what about that adult contact you were yearning for?" Am I right? I feel that if I were a full time stay at home mom, I would make a point to find a playgroup. That's not so easy when you're only a stay at home mom one day a week. My one day home, I do the grocery shopping, the laundry, some cleaning.
So for now, I'm back to teaching! Maybe someday my dreams of being a stay at home mom will be an option, but for now...this is what's best for my family! Happy Teaching!
When I was pregnant, I was sure that I was going back to work and my daughter would be in Day Care. Unfortunately, after crunching the numbers, we couldn't afford that option. Now, I have to wonder if it would have been easier doing day care starting at a younger age rather than during "toddlerhood." In the long run, I know this is going to be the best option for everyone. I'll get my adult interactions, and my daughter will learn to survive with other caregivers.
This whole job thing isn't the direction I was hoping to go. I was hoping that eventually I could be a stay at home mom (and that's still my hope). I know you must be thinking "what about that adult contact you were yearning for?" Am I right? I feel that if I were a full time stay at home mom, I would make a point to find a playgroup. That's not so easy when you're only a stay at home mom one day a week. My one day home, I do the grocery shopping, the laundry, some cleaning.
So for now, I'm back to teaching! Maybe someday my dreams of being a stay at home mom will be an option, but for now...this is what's best for my family! Happy Teaching!
Friday, January 14, 2011
"Ah Ha" Moment
I figured it out! I dug deep into my own mind (more scariness, I know) and I figured it out! I know why I started this blog! Were you hoping for something more profound than my starting this blog? But, if you're still reading, you must have some curiosity. It has to be that, or extreme boredom.
So, I started this blog because I need to talk! My week days are spent mostly with 2 toddlers. They know a few words, but mostly it's just babble. I understand a decent amount of what my daughter is trying to get across, but it isn't a real conversation. I guess you could say that I'm aching for some conversation. Stay at Home moms, do you agree?
I have thoughts throughout the week that don't pertain to nap time, figuring out who has the poopy diaper, and deciding whether that screech was a happy one, or a pissed off one. Lucky you! You get to be my adult conversation, even if you don't want to talk back, I GET TO TALK! {insert happy dance here} (Are you picturing it? Are you laughing yet?)
So, for those of you who were curious or bored enough to read about my "Ah Ha" moment. Thanks for listening!
So, I started this blog because I need to talk! My week days are spent mostly with 2 toddlers. They know a few words, but mostly it's just babble. I understand a decent amount of what my daughter is trying to get across, but it isn't a real conversation. I guess you could say that I'm aching for some conversation. Stay at Home moms, do you agree?
I have thoughts throughout the week that don't pertain to nap time, figuring out who has the poopy diaper, and deciding whether that screech was a happy one, or a pissed off one. Lucky you! You get to be my adult conversation, even if you don't want to talk back, I GET TO TALK! {insert happy dance here} (Are you picturing it? Are you laughing yet?)
So, for those of you who were curious or bored enough to read about my "Ah Ha" moment. Thanks for listening!
Wednesday, January 12, 2011
Wandering Minds
Last night, I was in bed...awake. My daughter, my husband, and even my dog were peacefully sleeping. My Tuesday night TV programs of choice were over, and I was awake! Insomnia? I doubt it. I wasn't quite tired enough to go to sleep so I was awake with my thoughts (scary, I know!). Why is it that when you are awake with your thoughts, you wake up more? And these thoughts...one has nothing to do with the other, or do they?
I found my self thinking about being pregnant again. I found myself thinking about traveling. I found myself thinking about laundry and grocery shopping. I even found myself thinking about my best friend's up coming wedding. None of these things have anything in common, right? Wrong! Can you say "money"?
Why is it that my sleepless nights are often attributed to financial uncertainty? We need money to have another baby...first I need insurance that actually covers maternity and that insurance doesn't cover all of the hospital expenses! Then of course I have to feed, dress and diaper that baby! These needs for a baby ultimately have me needing to partake in the shopping experience (which gives me anxiety all in its own). Shopping of any kind takes money to do it.
The rest are pretty self explanatory, right? Anyway, I have told my husband that we can have as many kids as we can afford. But what is the number we need to be able to afford baby #2? Really, how far off are we from that mark? Not too far, but just far enough for my mind to feel the need to wander!
I found my self thinking about being pregnant again. I found myself thinking about traveling. I found myself thinking about laundry and grocery shopping. I even found myself thinking about my best friend's up coming wedding. None of these things have anything in common, right? Wrong! Can you say "money"?
Why is it that my sleepless nights are often attributed to financial uncertainty? We need money to have another baby...first I need insurance that actually covers maternity and that insurance doesn't cover all of the hospital expenses! Then of course I have to feed, dress and diaper that baby! These needs for a baby ultimately have me needing to partake in the shopping experience (which gives me anxiety all in its own). Shopping of any kind takes money to do it.
The rest are pretty self explanatory, right? Anyway, I have told my husband that we can have as many kids as we can afford. But what is the number we need to be able to afford baby #2? Really, how far off are we from that mark? Not too far, but just far enough for my mind to feel the need to wander!
Monday, January 10, 2011
Something New
I have a few friends who blog and I often find myself reading these, almost religously. I had to ask myself, "Why are they so interesting?" I figured it out! These friends aren't extra special. They aren't doing the unimaginable. They don't go and party with famous people. These friends are regular people who talk about regular things. So, why can't I do it also?
For my first official blog posting, I need to get something off my chest.
"Huckleberry Finn" by Mark Twain is a great American classic novel. People have decided that since this amazing piece of liturature uses the "n word" it needs to be changed. THAT IS HOW IT WAS THEN, FOLKS! What are you going to do next? Put clothes on Michaelangelo's David? I think not! How are our children supposed to know how life has changed if we continue to cover up our own history? How are they supposed to appreciate greatness if we insist on changing it to become more "politically correct"? I will be hitting up a bookstore on my way home from work today. When my children are required to read "Huckleberry Finn" for school, I will hand them a copy that hasn't been changed. My children may have questions about the language used, but I will not shy away from them. My children will ultimately receive the education in which I believe they deserve.
For my first official blog posting, I need to get something off my chest.
"Huckleberry Finn" by Mark Twain is a great American classic novel. People have decided that since this amazing piece of liturature uses the "n word" it needs to be changed. THAT IS HOW IT WAS THEN, FOLKS! What are you going to do next? Put clothes on Michaelangelo's David? I think not! How are our children supposed to know how life has changed if we continue to cover up our own history? How are they supposed to appreciate greatness if we insist on changing it to become more "politically correct"? I will be hitting up a bookstore on my way home from work today. When my children are required to read "Huckleberry Finn" for school, I will hand them a copy that hasn't been changed. My children may have questions about the language used, but I will not shy away from them. My children will ultimately receive the education in which I believe they deserve.
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