Remember to just breathe...

Facebook | Inbox

noreply@blogger.com (Mich) — Mon, 05 Oct 2009 20:50:00 +0000

School is IN!

noreply@blogger.com (Mich) — Wed, 26 Aug 2009 19:17:00 +0000

We all went back to school really early this year...August 5. Well I can't say "we" because I didn't start back until August 17, and I'm not the student this time :) I'm teaching a Dual Enrollment class at a local high school and I'm loving it. These seniors get the opportunity to take a college level class when they are in high school. How cool is that? I am also teaching developmental writing again. I really enjoy that because of the people with whom I work. Reading the college English versus the Writing papers is a HUGE difference, so I'm staying on my toes. My students were surprised to find out that I play Pokemon. I've even had one come by league to say hi (or maybe she was just checking to see if I really was that nerdy). I do it for my kids, not to mention its a lot of fun! Speaking of the kids, all are doing well with their new schools and teachers. My son has even picked up a second instrument...now he plays trumpet and is learning saxophone. He is also quite a miser lately on the computer, making a new movie of his own Pokemon-ish characters.

All this returning to school and work has me worn out. I hope that I can find the strength and energy to get used to it all before I totally crap out!

St. Louis

noreply@blogger.com (Mich) — Sat, 01 Aug 2009 13:51:00 +0000

Ok. So this is a little bit late, but the pictures are now available. Our vacation this summer was to St. Louis, Missouri. The National Pokemon Tournament was there this year, so we decided to go for the whole week and make a trip out of it. We had a lot of fun except for the hellacious hotness and humidity. It almost felt like we were still in Tennessee. We went to the St. Louis Science Center where Kyle built a Lego robot that beat all the competition. We also saw a cool sky show in their planetarium and now the kids watch the stars at night hoping to see one of the constellations they had learned. We also went to the Six Flags park one day and the water park another day. We stayed in a campground really close to the parks, so it was rather convenient. Our cousin Taylor came on Thursday and went with us to the park...she and Evan rode pretty much every rollercoaster in the park - in the FRONT car - and had a blast. The Six Flags old man on the commercials is hilarious; at the park, he is kind of freaky.

The rest of the weekend was devoted to the Pokemon tournament. Kyle actually got into the Video Game Championship again, so he didn't play the card game. He was in a flight of 5, with the top 4 going on to the finals...and of course he was #5. It was disappointing, but he handled it very well. Dad judged and had a great time doing that, but the other three of us actually played in the tournament. We didn't win anything, but we all had a great time meeting folks from all around the U.S. Everyone was very friendly and it is a great family fun event. Needless to say, we were exhausted (at least Dad and I were) when it was time to head home. Everyone had a great time and can't wait to go back next year...although I'm hoping we just go a couple of days and actually vacation somewhere near a beach and lots of water :)

I know, I know...

noreply@blogger.com (Mich) — Tue, 21 Jul 2009 22:36:00 +0000

I've been slacking badly. This has been a busy summer. We took a trip to St. Louis (and those pictures will have to come later...they are still in the camera and I have to wait for the hubby because I'm technically challenged). These pictures are from my last post. We were at the Gaylord Opryland Hotel in Nashville for the Pokemon Video Game Championships. My youngest son, Kyle, got chosen to participate and you can see he was pumped! He was also chosen in the National contest in St. Louis, but that's another blog entry.

The kids start back to school in less than two weeks (thank you, GOD!). No full time position has come my way as of yet, but I'm ever optimistic.

On another happy note - I got my diploma. Nevermind they got my name wrong...but that little piece of paper was hard-earned! Now on to the one with the Doctor of Arts or whatever :)

Oh blah de, oh blah dah, Life goes on

noreply@blogger.com (Mich) — Mon, 15 Jun 2009 12:34:00 +0000

This has been a busy couple of weeks. I finally hosted Bunko at my house, and it was a lot of fun. I didn't bother with a lot of cleaning and such because we had been running around with the kids and doing the tournament things. My friends got to see how I actually live, and it didn't seem to scare them to death. My two cats moved out over a year ago, but I think they still linger somewhat...one of my friends was having allergy problems. I guess I need to shampoo carpets and wash all the draperies to get it completely out.

This past weekend, on a whim, we went to the Opryland Hotel where there was a Regional Video Game Championship for....you guessed it...Pokemon. It was a horrible set-up. Over 300 "seniors" (13 and older) and even more "juniors" (12 and under) were there. You had to register and just HOPE to be one of the 128 people that were randomly picked. As luck would have it, only one out of my three was chosen. He actually made it to the top 8 in the tournament, and now that is all he thinks about. They will have the National Championship in St. Louis when we go, so he wants to try to make it into that tournament. It is really sad, however, that hundreds register, get their hopes up, practice their games for months, and then only have their hopes shattered by not being chosen in the drawing. I'm trying to prepare him for the possible disappointment, but you know how kids are...he is sure that he will be chosen.

Life goes on...A friend got engaged, another found out she was pregnant for the third time, and my quest for a full-time teaching position continues. Meanwhile, I'm reading a lot and hanging out with the kids. Our BEYOND wonderful Grandmother turned 82 this weekend. My kids are so extremely fortunate to get to know their great-grandmother. She is still active and quilting daily, although some headaches and coughs have kept her down lately. She is by far the best person I know.

Summer has started!

noreply@blogger.com (Mich) — Thu, 28 May 2009 14:26:00 +0000

The kids have been out of school for a whole week now and they are all still alive. I've started a countdown for them to return to school...how awful is that? We've been to Atlanta for a Pokemon tournament, but thats the only traveling so far. They even got ME to play in the tournament. Scary. I will admit it is fun, but even more important than that is my husband and kids' reaction to me playing. They are all getting a kick out of it. I've battled them several times over the past few days, which is wonderful because it keeps them off of the computer and fighting over video games.

We will be going to St. Louis for our family trip this summer because of the National Pokemon Tournament. That one is where scholarship money is at stake. Dorky, yes....but free money? I'll take it. We're going down a few days earlier to do the Six Flags/Arch/Science Center tour. No beach, but it will still be fun.

I still have no word from the school system. I'm afraid that I waited too late to start the interviewing process. I was led to believe I had to go through the county before I could go directly to a school, so I was left behind by those who already knew to go directly to the schools. Oh well...as I've said before, I love it at the college. I will be happy to stick with that.

Today I take my daughter in for an I.Q. test. She is testing as a gifted student, just like her brothers were. I think she will have no trouble with it, although she is sort of nervous about it. She started naming off "smart kids" that she knew in kindergarten and hopes they are all in her class. I wish it worked that way, but at least she will be getting some much needed stimulation in the first grade. Kindergarten was just way too easy for her, so she was not the best behavior-wise. She'd get bored and get antsy. Here's hoping it all goes well!

HAPPY DANCE!

noreply@blogger.com (Mich) — Thu, 14 May 2009 20:46:00 +0000

Final grades were posted today, and I got all three A's! Even on that infernal final project...an A! I'm glad its over but also missing school already. Am I weird or what?

I've been in kindergarten the past few days helping out my daughter's teacher. I swear they do not pay those teachers enough. I'd be gone after a week, but I know I have zero patience. I like to teach the older kids. I've had a preliminary interview with the Board of Education, so now I just have to wait for principals to put out a call for English teachers. But like I've said before, my heart won't break if I stay at the college. I really enjoy the people there.

I'm toying around with a Ph.D. There is a semi-local (45 minutes away) school that offers one in Adolescent Literature. If I can get a graduate assistanceship (i.e., they pay me AND pay my tuition), I just might do it. I'd have to take the GRE...and I'm NOT good at written exams...but thats a cross I will bear if I get to it.

YIPPEE! Now just to get that diploma and frame it :)

Yep..you guessed it

noreply@blogger.com (Mich) — Sun, 10 May 2009 15:22:00 +0000

I had to do ANOTHER revision. This time wasn't so bad, though. The second reader had a few corrections and questions that needed to be addressed, but no major overhaul. It was hopefully sent to the third reader already, because yesterday was graduation. I didn't go through the line. I didn't do it as an undergraduate either. I don't know why. I probably should have, but I had so many more things to do with my time. When and if I go on for the doctorate, I WILL walk in that line! I'm seriously considering it, but I don't know if I can put my family through any more of my "student stress" episodes.

I get to host the girls on Monday night, so I need to use what little time I have to straighten and clean and get the menu prepared for Bunko. It is a lot of fun, but also a lot of work. I also have Field Day with Reese on Monday and an interview with the Board of Education, so I will have no time to get anything done on Monday. I guess they will get to see how messy I really live! They all have kids, so I'm sure they will relate.

I feel like I'm rambling...my brain is on overdrive this morning. It is strange how I can function well from about 6:00 - 10:00 a.m., but then I start going downhill. By 6:00 p.m., I'm toast. I guess it is the Kentucky farm girl in me. I used to stay with my grandparents in Kentucky over the summer, and it would amaze me how they would go to bed as soon as it turned dark. Now I get it.

I hope every Mom out there has a great Mother's Day and is able to take a little time for herself. It is the toughest job, but the most rewarding job, and I know everybody says that...but you Mom's know what I'm talking about.

Please, please, please...

noreply@blogger.com (Mich) — Wed, 29 Apr 2009 11:53:00 +0000

...can I please be finished? I turned in my final project again yesterday with the necessary revisions and told my Professor, "Do NOT give it back to me!" I also taught my last American Literature class yesterday as well. We went over "The Dutchman" by Amiri Baraka. That was a cool study in racism and assimilation. The students were quite confused over the message, but once the saw the illusions to Adam and Eve and considered the things that were going on in the 60's, they got it. I still don't think they liked it. I thought it was a good read and even better movie (its on YouTube).

Otherwise, I am ready to enjoy the summer. I believe we'll be headed to St. Louis this year for our vacation, and I'm looking forward to it. I am going to try to meet up with a girl that was one of my best friends in middle school, and I'm excited to see her. We were Adam Ant freaks..."freaks" being the operative word because I believe she and I were the only ones crazy enough to love him so much.

This past weekend we had a lot of fun with the kids. We flew kites and ran around the playground. They got drenched in the fountain at a local outdoor mall. It was 80ish degrees, but they were all shivering like crazy. We went to the college where they had a movie night on Friday, which was really cool (literally and figuratively). All in all it was a great weekend.

Still trying SO hard!

noreply@blogger.com (Mich) — Sat, 25 Apr 2009 15:32:00 +0000

I thought I had finished my final thesis project, but no. My advisor gave it back to me with "a few" suggestions. HA! Few my butt. Anyway, I am trying to find the motivation to work on it. It is so pretty outside today and I really do NOT feel like driving to campus and shutting myself up in the library. Classes are over this week, and graduation is the 9th, so I need to suck it up and find the energy somehow.

I've been trying to get in touch with the board of education to schedule an interview. I've left AT LEAST 5 messages for this woman to call me, and she never has. Is this a message from the great school genie that I'm not supposed to teach public school? I really enjoy what I'm doing now at the college, but I would like to be a more full-time (i.e., benefits and leave time) worker. Either way, we will be OK. It would just be nice if I could get the courtesy of a call.

My "little man" turned 14 a few days ago. He got quite a bit of cash for his birthday and wanted to start saving it for a car. I can't say that at 14, that was my goal with my money. I think I blew mine on clothes and cassette tapes. I'm quite proud of the young man he is turning out to be.

Spring Break

noreply@blogger.com (Mich) — Sat, 04 Apr 2009 12:39:00 +0000

The kids are now officially on Spring Break, but I'm not. I wish the colleges would have the same break as the public schools. Lots of my friends are going to the beach, but we will have to make do with the movies and bowling and fishing. I may even get some kites and take the kids out by the lake to fly kites. Thats one of those things you always think about doing but never quite get around to doing.

I have a couple of weeks to finish my project and to complete my online course. I'm stressed (whats new), but I'm also excited that there is a light at the end of the long two year tunnel.

Otherwise, my family is finally healthy (everybody has been sick in some shape or form in the past month). My 12 year old son got his braces off and keeps checking himself out in the mirror...SO hilarious. But we just keep on truckin' along...

Busy, busy, busy

noreply@blogger.com (Mich) — Fri, 20 Mar 2009 12:08:00 +0000

Life has been terribly busy these past couple of weeks. The kids were all in a Pokemon tournament this past weekend, and they did very well. There were well over 100 people there. The oldest finished in the top 4, the 12 year old just showed up to be cute, and my 6 year old placed in the top 8. Quite an accomplishment!

I feel like I'm falling behind on my project. I was going to work on it during spring break last week, but I got sick and then my daughter got sick, so the whole week was shot. I feel like there is a 100 ton elephant sitting on my shoulders with this thing. I hope to find some inspiration and, more importantly, some time to start/finish it soon.

I had to lead two American Lit classes yesterday and that was a lot of fun. It is always gratifying for students to speak up and talk about literature and their opinions or views on what the story is saying. When students "get it," there is no better feeling as a teacher.

For those new bloggers...

noreply@blogger.com (Mich) — Sun, 01 Mar 2009 20:11:00 +0000

This note is a nod to all my fellow Technology students who may be creating their first blog for our class. I highly encourage you to use this technology. It is an excellent way for students to communicate their thoughts and ideas in a stream-of-consciousness sort of way. I have enjoyed using this technology with my writing students. It is almost like a diary from childhood, except I have to keep the more private things to myself :)

Happy Birthday!

noreply@blogger.com (Mich) — Thu, 19 Feb 2009 23:39:00 +0000

My son, Kyle, turned 12 yesterday. He chose to go to Outback Steakhouse for dinner, where we met his grandparents for a silly night. The wait staff brought him a huge scoop of ice cream and sang to him. He SAID he didn't want them to because it was "too embarrassing," but he lit up like a light bulb every time they walked by singing to someone else. He got a new bicycle, some new Pokemon figurines, and a bunch of money. He promptly said he is going to buy a new DS game or two with his new cash stash...now if he'd only get ungrounded or stay ungrounded long enough to play with it...

A Good Week

noreply@blogger.com (Mich) — Sun, 15 Feb 2009 16:07:00 +0000

This past week has been busy but good. I had to lead the class in a discussion on Glengarry Glen Ross, and it was actually fun. I highly recommend this play, especially when you can watch the movie as well. The way Mamet uses language is fantastic - he is able to carry the play with words more than scenery. His words provide the "action" of the play. This week we're heading into the Harlem Renaissance, one of my favorite subjects, so it should also be an interesting ride.

I worked on Saturday and it was quite pleasant. The place was pretty quiet, but I had plenty to do to keep the time moving along. I like quiet. My brain works much better.

Today is Pokemon for the kids, and I am SO hoping they all go. I'd really like to clean my house a bit. Well...that's a lie. I wouldn't LIKE to clean it, but it NEEDS to be cleaned. Where oh where is that Alice or Hazel or housekeeper du jour when you need her?

So mad at myself...

noreply@blogger.com (Mich) — Thu, 05 Feb 2009 19:06:00 +0000

Today my professor did not make it to class because he came up with a nosebleed. His secretary came into the classroom and said that I was supposed to lead the class. We were discussing three poems by Robert Frost today...three poems that could not understand myself, much less lead a discussion on. I talked a little about the play we are to read for next week, Glengarry Glen Ross, trying to give them some suggestions on how to digest and understand the conversations in the play. I am so mad at myself I could just spit. In the future, I will be prepared to lead a discussion on anything. I'm so embarassed that I didn't at least try, but I fear I would have been more embarassed if I had tried and looked like the teacher idiot who doesn't know anything. Rock, meet hard place.

I'm planning to rent the movie for Glengarry Glen Ross this weekend and watch it along with reading the play itself. I have never seen so many cuss words on a page. It should be interesting...

Sounds of Silence

noreply@blogger.com (Mich) — Wed, 28 Jan 2009 14:56:00 +0000

This morning it is snowing...beautiful, big, heavy snowflakes blowing lightly in the wind. I'm wrapped up in a blanket with a big mug of coffee just watching the flakes fall. The house is still quiet, and I can feel myself relaxing and enjoying the stillness. I'm sure later on in the day I will be faced with mountains of laundry from where they go outside and drag in wet clothes, but for now...Silence.

I cannot think of many things that are more calming and beautiful. It is going to be a good day.

EDIT: This is my 11 year old son, Kyle, from start to finish! I can't believe he was able to muster enough snow for such a big snowball!

Saturday!

noreply@blogger.com (Mich) — Sat, 24 Jan 2009 23:06:00 +0000

Today has been a great, lazy day. I got a lot of errands done this morning and now I'm getting ready to watch Iron Man with the kiddos. I did get the pictures from my mother-in-law today, too, so here is one of my little princess on her big day. We rented out a local skating rink for her party and had about 40 or so folks there. I don't know which was funnier...watching the kids skate who don't know how, or watching the grown-ups recapturing their youth! I made it around one time and fell on my butt near the end, so that was enough for me. Yes, her eyes are closed in the picture. You can tell she wasn't feeling quite right, but she was a trooper and managed to open all of her presents just fine.

Another Day in paradise

noreply@blogger.com (Mich) — Thu, 22 Jan 2009 13:30:00 +0000

I haven't been able to get my silly camera to work in order to download any pictures from the big girl's sixth birthday party. My mother-in-law actually has the camera with the memory stick, so hopefully I can swipe it from her soon. The party was a great success except for the fact that my little princess was sick the whole day with a high fever. She did well for the first half hour or so, but then she fell asleep during her party. She just had some type of viral thing (also known as "I have no idea whats wrong with your kid" per the doctor).

I've officially started work and class. It will be a busy semester, but I'm ready for the challenge. I am only teaching two classes this time around, with no lecture classes, so it shouldn't be too difficult. I have several students who were in my classes last semester who are taking me as their instructor again, so it was nice to see some familiar faces.

In my own studies of American Literature, I'm wading through some Walt Whitman this week. He's good, but you really have to dive deep into the poetry to understand it. I think this class will be helpful in giving me some type of American Literature background, although I am still more of a fan of the British writers.

Back to Work/School

noreply@blogger.com (Mich) — Tue, 13 Jan 2009 12:59:00 +0000

Thursday I set back to school on what I am planning on being my LAST semester. I'm excited and hopeful that I can handle it. I am only teaching two classes this semester, and neither is a lecture, so I think it will all work out. I enjoy teaching and being around other academics, even though it is a smaller community college. With my Master's I will be able to teach a wide range of classes. This semester I'm doing an apprenticeship in American Literature which should be fun. My undergraduate American Literature teacher was horrendous...I don't remember a thing from that class.

The weather outside is frigid cold...we may even get some snow this week. With my luck, just watch...it will snow on Thursday when I'm supposed to go to school/work and the kids will get out of school. Oh the irony. They have been practicing a lot with their new Pokemon decks. My 5 year old daughter won 3rd place in the Nashville tournament and then 2nd place in the Memphis tournament. She amazes me. In this game you have to be able to read and understand each attack, as well as add/subtract points when attacking your opponent or when you are attacked yourself. She is quite remarkable. Hopefully the next tournament she will be #1! The boys both are doing well with my oldest being #3 in the State so far. The boys both think the game is nerdy, but they secretly love playing.

I finally joined Facebook. My friends have been after me for quite some time to get on there and I've held out as long as I could. I was amazed to see how many of my family members are there. I'll play around with it for a while and see who I may find. Look me up! :)

Happy New Year!

noreply@blogger.com (Mich) — Thu, 01 Jan 2009 20:47:00 +0000

We've hit 2009, and I'm happy about that. This past year has not been so good and I've lost quite a bit, so I'm looking forward to a fresh start. My hope for the new year is that I learn to forgive easier, learn to love a lot more, and try to take care of myself a little better. I'm excited about the year because I will be finishing school and starting a more full-time position (hopefully) in the fall. I'm excited and nervous. Although I am so very thankful for all the years I've been able to stay home with my kids, I feel like it is my turn now.

Looks like we made it!

noreply@blogger.com (Mich) — Fri, 26 Dec 2008 21:07:00 +0000

Merry Christmas to all, and to all a good night!

Christmas was a lot of fun this year, and a lot of work. Christmas Eve we went to my brother-in-law's house for appetizers. While there, one of the little girl cousins smashed her finger in the door and practically chopped the tip off. Of course, it was MY daughter who accidentally shut the door. Now everyone has had a child hurt during the holidays except me, so I'm expecting it during the next get-together. She is fine now...they stitched it back on and it isn't broken; however, they are afraid her fingernail will not grow back. Then we came home and spread our reindeer food outside and made some cookies for Santa. Silly me thought that going to bed late would mean sleeping in late. HA! Riiiiiight.

Christmas Day was at my house, and started with my oldest getting up at 6:30 a.m. Since when does a teenager get up at 6:30??? I didn't take off my apron the entire day. My mother came over for a big breakfast, and then the entire family came over later for dinner. Thank goodness the trash man came today, because we had LOADS of boxes and wrap to turn in. My kids got pretty much everything they asked for. Santa didn't bring me anything because all I asked for was tuition money....my LAST semester!

Whew!

noreply@blogger.com (Mich) — Wed, 17 Dec 2008 20:02:00 +0000

Can you hear that big *sigh* coming from Tennessee? I'm finally FINISHED. Exams are done, papers are graded, grades are posted, and shopping is complete! Now its on to the baking portion of our program...

Today has been the only day I've had free for a while. The wee one has been sick, and then school was out for two days because of the friggin' weather. I swear the weatherman and the school board have some kind of deal going....they call off school here even if there is the slightest PREDICTION of bad weather.

Still....I'm DONE. :)

Christmas Cards

noreply@blogger.com (Mich) — Mon, 08 Dec 2008 13:32:00 +0000

This year I am cheating and sending email Christmas cards to some folks. Cheap, I know, but you gotta do what you gotta do. We went to see Santa yesterday and got some pretty decent pictures of the kids. The camera just loves to flash on the boys' glasses, but what can ya do. I was able to get all three of them to stand still and smile at the same time. Success!

My oldest son, Evan, tries SO HARD to stand taller than me. He's only got about 3-4 more inches to go. This was a better single picture of him....if only I knew how to photoshop and put this one into the group picture.

Last week of school and exams! Wish me luck!

The race begins!

noreply@blogger.com (Mich) — Thu, 04 Dec 2008 20:11:00 +0000

I have now officially registered for my last classes for the Master's degree. My advisor talked me out of doing a thesis and going for a teaching project instead. He seems to think it will be much easier to do and will take me just one semester. As a rule of thumb, most students haven't been able to get a thesis done in one semester. I'm nervous and excited to be so close to completion! I'm tossing around ideas of using Stephenie Meyer's Twilight and Bram Stoker's Dracula, if I can get a good, manageable topic formed.

Otherwise, I'm THISCLOSE to being finished with my Christmas shopping. Sadly, there isn't as much to go around this year, but I am pretty sure most of us are feeling the pinch. I'll be glad to have everybody safe, healthy, and under one roof. It has been a rough year.