My grandpa was a semi-truck driver for his entire life. Even after he retired, he drove a little delivery truck around for a small company "just to keep busy."
My mom was determined to raise me with the same directional wisdom that her father had passed down to her, often taking me on drives in the country, telling me to watch the country road signs and guess where we'd end up. We spent a lot of time "cruising", as she would call it, around different areas, traveling via Atlas and CB radio to out of state destinations and teaching me everything she knew about the roads. She never wanted me to end up stranded and lost. Ever.
With the exception of getting 'pseudo-lost' in a few suburban neighborhoods that all look alike, I've never really gotten lost anywhere that it "counts". I've never been scared of how I was going to get home from a certain location nor anxious about driving anywhere. I just typically get in the car...
..and go.
But this weekend, proved to be not only amusing, but also humbling and slightly embarrassing.
It was like any other Friday night without kids, Joe and I were hanging out, when at about 11:00 pm, I decided that I was hungry for "Stinney's Pizza". I'd had it a couple of times before and remembered that it was a bit different than "the norm" and knew of a few people that absolutely love it.
So, I looked up the number via Google search and called.
I still haven't decided if my life changed for the better or worse after that initial call, but it provided many "omg-i'm about to pee my pants-kind of laughs".
....
"Stinney's Pizza... this is Stinney"
-Are you guys still open?
"Well, it depends on how much money you're going to spend."
-Well, I just want like, a small or medium pizza.
"Ok, well I can open back up and make it for ya!"
(While I should've taken it as some sort of divine intervention... the phone lost signal and I had to call back. After 2 attempts at calling back and having a conversation about this pizza, I made Joe go get the home phone so I could call from a land line.)
This time a young girl answered.
"Hello"
- I just called about the pizza and I was wondering how much a small sausage pizza is.
(Hearing "stinney" in the background...) "A small is $13.95"
-ok, how many pieces are in a small?
(Again, hearing the slurred speech of "Stinney" in the background) - "well, how many pieces do you want? I can make 2 pieces, 10 pieces, I'll cut it however you want it!"
-Alright, I'll take a medium sausage pizza.
"Ok, we'll have that ready in about 20 minutes"
.....
Perfect! We jump in the truck and head to Markleville. The beautiful Metropolis of Markle-tucky as some would call it.
Once we arrive on the "stip" in Markleville, I realize... I have no idea where Stinney's Pizza is.
So, we "drive around" Markleville for about 20 seconds, get to just past Vail's parents house and realize that it's probably not "This far out" in the country.
What am I to do, but call "Stinney" back and ask him where the pizza place is located.
i'm pretty sure they were dying laughing at this point, because it's about 11:25 and we're LOST in MARKLEVILLE.
They tell me it's on Cottage avenue, in a little while garagte. So we drive around looking for Cottage Ave. I'll spare you the details, but let me just tell you that we finally found the "white garage" on Cottage Ave and Joe was a bit scared to walk in.
I don't even remember what kind of awesome outfit I was wearing, but I will go ahead and tell you that he was wearing "Fern Shirt" and plaid shorts. It's not a pretty sight. In fact, "Fern Shirt" deserves its own blog entry.
But for now, understand, that we looked like people that would...
...get lost in Markleville.
As we were leaving with our pizza, laughing with the obviously intoxicated and infamous "stinney", he hands Joe a beer to drink. I told JOe he was NOT taking the beer in the truck, as there are open container laws and I am SURE not getting arrested in Markleville.
"STinney authoritatively told us that he is the "ex-mayor" of Markleville and taking the open beer in the truck was not a problem.
We drove away laughing, and quickly looking for a trash can to ditch the can of beer before we were thrown in the slammer without tasting the pizza that we were longing for.
We ended up really liking the pizza, and will definitely be back - and this time we'll know how to get there.
Monday, May 7, 2012
Thursday, May 3, 2012
Coaching
As you may know, my dear daughter asked me repeatedly until I said yes to coach her softball team. I obliged, because there was another coach that would be helping me and I figured between the other coach, Joe and myself, we could inspire a team of little girls to hit a softball, right?
Admittedly, I was a bit nervous. I knew I could handle the business aspect (ordering shirts, cute socks, coordinating practices, etc) - but it was the skill I was a bit nervous about. Thankfully, none of us really "knew what we were doing" so to speak, so the pressure hasn't been so bad. ...and I'm actually enjoying it! Not sure that I'm enjoying it enough to coach for the next 10 years of her life, however.. it hasn't been too bad.
Last night at practice, I was determined to learn how to pitch. It can't be that hard, right?
Wrong.
It was nerve wracking, and i'm not sure who was more excited when the girls hit the ball I pitched; me or them! I was excited that I pitched a ball good enough for them to hit and they were excited to hit the ball.
Admittedly, there were a couple of balls that were hit low.
Low as in... "Is this softball or golf?"
But hey - they hit it, right :)
Either way, I just love little kids. Whether it's leading a girl scout troop, or...
...coaching a softball game...
I love being involved with my kids activities and hopefully being a faint part of some little girls memories some day.
I am equally as thankful that Joe is willing to help me coach my girl's team. It's fun to do that together and it makes me feel good that he loves me enough to help with my kids.
Although when he showed up at practice last night wearing a black mullet wig and his Cross Country T-Shirt from 1995... I was questioning his sanity.
But at least Mullet Man showed up to help, right!?
Admittedly, I was a bit nervous. I knew I could handle the business aspect (ordering shirts, cute socks, coordinating practices, etc) - but it was the skill I was a bit nervous about. Thankfully, none of us really "knew what we were doing" so to speak, so the pressure hasn't been so bad. ...and I'm actually enjoying it! Not sure that I'm enjoying it enough to coach for the next 10 years of her life, however.. it hasn't been too bad.
Last night at practice, I was determined to learn how to pitch. It can't be that hard, right?
Wrong.
It was nerve wracking, and i'm not sure who was more excited when the girls hit the ball I pitched; me or them! I was excited that I pitched a ball good enough for them to hit and they were excited to hit the ball.
Admittedly, there were a couple of balls that were hit low.
Low as in... "Is this softball or golf?"
But hey - they hit it, right :)
Either way, I just love little kids. Whether it's leading a girl scout troop, or...
...coaching a softball game...
I love being involved with my kids activities and hopefully being a faint part of some little girls memories some day.
I am equally as thankful that Joe is willing to help me coach my girl's team. It's fun to do that together and it makes me feel good that he loves me enough to help with my kids.
Although when he showed up at practice last night wearing a black mullet wig and his Cross Country T-Shirt from 1995... I was questioning his sanity.
But at least Mullet Man showed up to help, right!?
Wednesday, May 2, 2012
Girlfriends
There is no doubt about it... I have some of the best girlfriends ever.
This isn't anything necessarily 'new', but I was looking at some pictures posted yesterday of all of us "80's Ladies" on facebook and it just reminded me how thankful I am for these ladies.
Here is a list of the top ___ reasons why I love being an 80's Lady:
1.) With a name like "80's Ladies" who wouldn't want to be one?
2.) No matter where we are in our lives, there is no judgement, no negative talks about eachother, just pure friendship. And I appreciate that.
3.) We are so resourceful; with each person in a different segment of the world (both professionally and personally), I could reach out to virtually any of them for any kind of help I need.
4.) We know where we stand. We don't need to get on facebook every other day and proclaim how much we love eachother. We just know.
5.) Creating a "stupid" picture every time we are together is both disturbing and amusing. I used to think being in your "30's" was old. Now I realize, it's a matter of perspective. At times, I'm mature... but get a group of 80's Ladies together and start posing for pictures... it quickly goes downhill.
I love getting together with the ladies when our schedules work out, eating some yummy food, laughing about things that probably aren't very funny and making new memories.
How many people in this world can say that they still have good relationships with their girlfriends from high school?
This isn't anything necessarily 'new', but I was looking at some pictures posted yesterday of all of us "80's Ladies" on facebook and it just reminded me how thankful I am for these ladies.
Here is a list of the top ___ reasons why I love being an 80's Lady:
1.) With a name like "80's Ladies" who wouldn't want to be one?
2.) No matter where we are in our lives, there is no judgement, no negative talks about eachother, just pure friendship. And I appreciate that.
3.) We are so resourceful; with each person in a different segment of the world (both professionally and personally), I could reach out to virtually any of them for any kind of help I need.
4.) We know where we stand. We don't need to get on facebook every other day and proclaim how much we love eachother. We just know.
5.) Creating a "stupid" picture every time we are together is both disturbing and amusing. I used to think being in your "30's" was old. Now I realize, it's a matter of perspective. At times, I'm mature... but get a group of 80's Ladies together and start posing for pictures... it quickly goes downhill.
I love getting together with the ladies when our schedules work out, eating some yummy food, laughing about things that probably aren't very funny and making new memories.
How many people in this world can say that they still have good relationships with their girlfriends from high school?
Tuesday, May 1, 2012
Finish What You Start
Seasoned Parent [noun, perhaps a proper noun (?): having been through many years of parenting trials and tribulations causing, at times, hair pulling and graying effects.]
Before I became a more "seasoned" parent, I used to think that a child's achievements and behavior were a clear indication of a parent's due diligence.
When Chas was a baby, although he didn't walk until his very first birthday, I was just sure he was going to be the smartest kid in the world. He was very interactive, knew a lot at an early age, held full conversations, etc etc. He went to Kindergarten at the top of the class, did a great job at everything he tried - excelled in sports, earned awards at school for his academic achievements, spouted off random facts about anything, asked for his "dream" vacation to our Nation's Capital, etc. He was my first child, and i'm pretty sure he was almost perfect.
Bek however, walked at 9 months old, fully potty trained by the time she was 2, had to attend speech therapy because she wouldn't talk; only grunt... and within 6 months, talked so much I couldn't get her to stop! Now she whines like it's her job, is scared of her own shadow and can't do much without me by her side. She does well in school, enjoys hanging out with friends and is overall, pretty normal.
But then they started growing up and developing their personalities. Bekah is a people-pleaser. And that scares me to DEATH. Always trying to make people happy.
Chaston is a leader. Knows everything, has a comment for everything, tries to be funny and always finishes what he starts.
Well, except for picking up after himself. Although, in his defense, he never 'tries' to pick up after himself, so he never really starts the process either. HA.
Last week, he certainly finished what he started and it almost lead me to start calling around to see if they offer adoption for pre-teens, because he might need a different set of parents. (JK, i love him).
I got a call from the school that started with, "Hi, this is Mr. So-and-So and I want to start off by saying that Chas is ok".
My first thought was... "I can tell by the tone of this conversation that he may be "ok" right now.. but after school... I"m gonna kill him!"
The assistant principal went on to tell me that Chas was involved in a fight in school and suspension was involved.
&^*#$&*@(!&#*@(&$*@(
MY KID!?
Suspended?!!?
What will people think?
What the HELL was he thinking?
I'm going to beat him!
What have I done wrong!?
After I took a few deep breaths and calmed down, he told me the story. Which didn't make it any better, but did make me at least feel like he wasn't walking around bullying people.
So, apparently this other student called Chas a name. So, in a normal almost 12 year old boy fashion, he went ahead and called the kid a name back.
So it was over.
Then, they all started to play football at recess and the same kid tripped Chas.
So, Chas had it at that point, he got up and ran over and pushed the kid down. Apparently there wasn't any punching, but a teacher had to break the two boys up and they went to the office.
Chas received 1 day of in-school suspension and the other kid got 2 days for starting the fight, both times.
But seriously.
My son is lucky that I had time to cool down between the phone call and him coming home. And because I"m not exactly a parenting pro, I wasn't quite sure how to handle it. I decided I was not going to lay into him screaming like a fool.
He knew he messed up.
He was getting punished at school.
...and solving his violent act with my own violence probably woudln't set a very good example.
So, we handled it the best we could at home; Joe and I tried talking to him about self-control and being the bigger person. Not always having to get people back and make them "pay". I also touched on the long-term affects of quick-thinking decisions that cause bodily harm... it can take you down a road you don't want to go.
...and i might have mentioned that if he's in prison for battery, i"m not putting money on his commissary.
Probably a little harsh, but seriously.
SO, the next morning, I dropped him off at school and told him (cheerily) to have a GREAT day!!!!!
...sitting in the office next to the kid that he got in trouble with.
Ugh.
Parenting is tough.
Our kids start out as these perfect little babies. Then they grow into independent toddlers. Then cute elementary school kiddos with a slight attitude and innocence that is beyond charming.
...and then...
puberty begins.
They start to smell.
They know more than you.
They make immature decisions and you can only get through their heads on a good day.
And they smell.... even more than the first time I told you.
I fell in love with that boy almost 12 years ago. And, if I weren't his mother, loving him would be difficult, but somehow through the messes that he leaves in his path, the smart mouth, the friggen in-school suspension, the weird actions and large furry head of hair.... I still love that boy. Those brown eyes and cute grin still melts my heart...
... on a good day.
Before I became a more "seasoned" parent, I used to think that a child's achievements and behavior were a clear indication of a parent's due diligence.
When Chas was a baby, although he didn't walk until his very first birthday, I was just sure he was going to be the smartest kid in the world. He was very interactive, knew a lot at an early age, held full conversations, etc etc. He went to Kindergarten at the top of the class, did a great job at everything he tried - excelled in sports, earned awards at school for his academic achievements, spouted off random facts about anything, asked for his "dream" vacation to our Nation's Capital, etc. He was my first child, and i'm pretty sure he was almost perfect.
Bek however, walked at 9 months old, fully potty trained by the time she was 2, had to attend speech therapy because she wouldn't talk; only grunt... and within 6 months, talked so much I couldn't get her to stop! Now she whines like it's her job, is scared of her own shadow and can't do much without me by her side. She does well in school, enjoys hanging out with friends and is overall, pretty normal.
But then they started growing up and developing their personalities. Bekah is a people-pleaser. And that scares me to DEATH. Always trying to make people happy.
Chaston is a leader. Knows everything, has a comment for everything, tries to be funny and always finishes what he starts.
Well, except for picking up after himself. Although, in his defense, he never 'tries' to pick up after himself, so he never really starts the process either. HA.
Last week, he certainly finished what he started and it almost lead me to start calling around to see if they offer adoption for pre-teens, because he might need a different set of parents. (JK, i love him).
I got a call from the school that started with, "Hi, this is Mr. So-and-So and I want to start off by saying that Chas is ok".
My first thought was... "I can tell by the tone of this conversation that he may be "ok" right now.. but after school... I"m gonna kill him!"
The assistant principal went on to tell me that Chas was involved in a fight in school and suspension was involved.
&^*#$&*@(!&#*@(&$*@(
MY KID!?
Suspended?!!?
What will people think?
What the HELL was he thinking?
I'm going to beat him!
What have I done wrong!?
After I took a few deep breaths and calmed down, he told me the story. Which didn't make it any better, but did make me at least feel like he wasn't walking around bullying people.
So, apparently this other student called Chas a name. So, in a normal almost 12 year old boy fashion, he went ahead and called the kid a name back.
So it was over.
Then, they all started to play football at recess and the same kid tripped Chas.
So, Chas had it at that point, he got up and ran over and pushed the kid down. Apparently there wasn't any punching, but a teacher had to break the two boys up and they went to the office.
Chas received 1 day of in-school suspension and the other kid got 2 days for starting the fight, both times.
But seriously.
My son is lucky that I had time to cool down between the phone call and him coming home. And because I"m not exactly a parenting pro, I wasn't quite sure how to handle it. I decided I was not going to lay into him screaming like a fool.
He knew he messed up.
He was getting punished at school.
...and solving his violent act with my own violence probably woudln't set a very good example.
So, we handled it the best we could at home; Joe and I tried talking to him about self-control and being the bigger person. Not always having to get people back and make them "pay". I also touched on the long-term affects of quick-thinking decisions that cause bodily harm... it can take you down a road you don't want to go.
...and i might have mentioned that if he's in prison for battery, i"m not putting money on his commissary.
Probably a little harsh, but seriously.
SO, the next morning, I dropped him off at school and told him (cheerily) to have a GREAT day!!!!!
...sitting in the office next to the kid that he got in trouble with.
Ugh.
Parenting is tough.
Our kids start out as these perfect little babies. Then they grow into independent toddlers. Then cute elementary school kiddos with a slight attitude and innocence that is beyond charming.
...and then...
puberty begins.
They start to smell.
They know more than you.
They make immature decisions and you can only get through their heads on a good day.
And they smell.... even more than the first time I told you.
I fell in love with that boy almost 12 years ago. And, if I weren't his mother, loving him would be difficult, but somehow through the messes that he leaves in his path, the smart mouth, the friggen in-school suspension, the weird actions and large furry head of hair.... I still love that boy. Those brown eyes and cute grin still melts my heart...
... on a good day.
Monday, April 30, 2012
Associates
I know that an Associates Degree from IUPUI is nothing fancy, but to me, it's a milestone that I am SO thankful to say that I"ve finally earned. Finally.
Last night I completed my last exam for the grueling 12 credit hours I've been working on this semester.
And it felt so good.
So, now I just have to wait for my degree/piece of paper to be "certified" and I can go pick it up. I've scheduled my summer session(s) classes and fall - and by December I will have my Business Foundations Certificate as well.
Since i'm not 100% sure what I want to major in, I wanted to at least complete those two milestones so I can have some sort of "completed education" listed on my resume in the future, should I ever need it.
In other news, this weekend my girl had her first Softball game, and looked SO CUTE! I just love little softball girl uniforms! She talked me into coaching her team this year, thankfully there's another dad that is coaching and then Joe is also helping me, so it's been pretty fun! It's a lot of time commitment, but I do really like little kids, so I am enjoying it. And I know it makes Bek feel good that I"m involved.
I've been doing more and more work at the new house. Waiting to finish up all the painting and get my stuff moved in. At first, the thought of moving/selling my house made me really sad, but now that I am getting a taste of life with my 'new' blended family - I have no second thoughts. I am ready.
Today, I"m working from my little office in the upstairs of the new house, which is really nice. I can shut the door, get away from the rest of the house and not go back in the room until I am ready to work again.
Taking care of a family of 5 isn't so bad. The kids are playing together really well and I think overall, the transition is going smoothly. I've tried to be overly cognizant of the effect this type of blending will have on my kids, so i'm taking it one step at a time. There's a lot of laundry, and a lot of dishes and picking up and quite a few capri suns that we are going through, but things are going well. And I am so thankful.
I'm going to Las Vegas for a few days later this month to photograph one of my childhood friend's weddings. I"m super excited for the time away for a few days, but also eager to get back and get serious about moving this crazy house!
Once I get moved... it's back to wedding planning!
Last night I completed my last exam for the grueling 12 credit hours I've been working on this semester.
And it felt so good.
So, now I just have to wait for my degree/piece of paper to be "certified" and I can go pick it up. I've scheduled my summer session(s) classes and fall - and by December I will have my Business Foundations Certificate as well.
Since i'm not 100% sure what I want to major in, I wanted to at least complete those two milestones so I can have some sort of "completed education" listed on my resume in the future, should I ever need it.
In other news, this weekend my girl had her first Softball game, and looked SO CUTE! I just love little softball girl uniforms! She talked me into coaching her team this year, thankfully there's another dad that is coaching and then Joe is also helping me, so it's been pretty fun! It's a lot of time commitment, but I do really like little kids, so I am enjoying it. And I know it makes Bek feel good that I"m involved.
I've been doing more and more work at the new house. Waiting to finish up all the painting and get my stuff moved in. At first, the thought of moving/selling my house made me really sad, but now that I am getting a taste of life with my 'new' blended family - I have no second thoughts. I am ready.
Today, I"m working from my little office in the upstairs of the new house, which is really nice. I can shut the door, get away from the rest of the house and not go back in the room until I am ready to work again.
Taking care of a family of 5 isn't so bad. The kids are playing together really well and I think overall, the transition is going smoothly. I've tried to be overly cognizant of the effect this type of blending will have on my kids, so i'm taking it one step at a time. There's a lot of laundry, and a lot of dishes and picking up and quite a few capri suns that we are going through, but things are going well. And I am so thankful.
I'm going to Las Vegas for a few days later this month to photograph one of my childhood friend's weddings. I"m super excited for the time away for a few days, but also eager to get back and get serious about moving this crazy house!
Once I get moved... it's back to wedding planning!
Monday, April 16, 2012
Not A Second to Lose
I'm not sure what I was thinking when I set out in December and registered for 12 credit hours at school.
Well, I know what i was thinking... my Associates Degree is literally within reach, so why not just finish it up right now?
I won't say it was a 'bad' idea, because I'm extremely thankful that I did, however... it was certainly a challenging decision to say the least. I had no idea when I registered for classes that I would be getting engaged, buying a new home and everything else. I think I'll save my current commitments for another blog post. It should be a doosie.
Anyway - I know that an Associates Degree is just a piece of paper, and I'm really excited about finishing my Bachelors, however... it feels really good to meet one of my milestones that I created.
I always said that, when my kids are both in school, I'll go back to finish my degree. And I did. At the time, I set my major to a program that offered an Associates Degree because i was worried if I didn't set a some-what tangible goal, I'd get burnt out really quickly. So, here I am... getting ready to complete my 78th credit hour toward my Bachelor's Degree and meeting all the requirements of the Associates that I pushed myself to get a couple of years ago.
These last 2 weeks of school are absolutely killing me. Mainly because I know that it's almost over... the last 14 weeks of my life have been nothing but juggling my day-to-day stuff along with 4 classes of homework, lectures that put me to sleep, sitting in bed at night with the computer overheating on my lap and analyzing philosophical works using different types of logic and argument forms. It's enough to send me over the edge!
However... I'm almost there. That's what I keep telling myself. And i'm sure, after taking 12 credit hours this semester (which I have promised myself I will never do again) anything else I take will be no biggie, right? If I am able to keep up the momentum I have now on staying enrolled in 6-9 credits each semester (including summer) - i should finish this Bachelor's up in about a year and a half.
I'm hopeful.
I can assure you though, after this semester I will:
-Not care one bit more about Indiana Geology or caves. I will never think twice about bedrock, sedimentary rock, caves, sinkholes, limestone, coal, etc. Indiana Geology has killed me this semester and I fully intend on NEVER practicing ANY of what I have "learned".
-I will be able to effectively pose arguments using antecedents and forming hypothesis and theories in valid form. I will also try not to commit formal fallacies when structuring any type of argument or deduction in my future. Taking a logic class this semester was awesome - it challenged my brain in a different way, and I am going to be amazing at arguing. HA!
-I will NEVER apply for a job where using HTML is a requirement. I really thought I would enjoy the web design class - and it is possible that I have not gotten what I wanted to out of it because of the commitments required for some of my other classes, but I am so frustrated with HTML, that it disappoints me. I really wanted to learn that.
-I will view people and societies differently as a result of taking Anthropology. I have thoroughly enjoyed this class as it has taught me a great deal about other cultural norms and how many, many people are extremely ethnocentric. It's opened my eyes to trying to help my kids understand other places in the world and how, just because we do it one way, doesn't mean we do it the RIGHT way.
Is it April 28th yet?
Well, I know what i was thinking... my Associates Degree is literally within reach, so why not just finish it up right now?
I won't say it was a 'bad' idea, because I'm extremely thankful that I did, however... it was certainly a challenging decision to say the least. I had no idea when I registered for classes that I would be getting engaged, buying a new home and everything else. I think I'll save my current commitments for another blog post. It should be a doosie.
Anyway - I know that an Associates Degree is just a piece of paper, and I'm really excited about finishing my Bachelors, however... it feels really good to meet one of my milestones that I created.
I always said that, when my kids are both in school, I'll go back to finish my degree. And I did. At the time, I set my major to a program that offered an Associates Degree because i was worried if I didn't set a some-what tangible goal, I'd get burnt out really quickly. So, here I am... getting ready to complete my 78th credit hour toward my Bachelor's Degree and meeting all the requirements of the Associates that I pushed myself to get a couple of years ago.
These last 2 weeks of school are absolutely killing me. Mainly because I know that it's almost over... the last 14 weeks of my life have been nothing but juggling my day-to-day stuff along with 4 classes of homework, lectures that put me to sleep, sitting in bed at night with the computer overheating on my lap and analyzing philosophical works using different types of logic and argument forms. It's enough to send me over the edge!
However... I'm almost there. That's what I keep telling myself. And i'm sure, after taking 12 credit hours this semester (which I have promised myself I will never do again) anything else I take will be no biggie, right? If I am able to keep up the momentum I have now on staying enrolled in 6-9 credits each semester (including summer) - i should finish this Bachelor's up in about a year and a half.
I'm hopeful.
I can assure you though, after this semester I will:
-Not care one bit more about Indiana Geology or caves. I will never think twice about bedrock, sedimentary rock, caves, sinkholes, limestone, coal, etc. Indiana Geology has killed me this semester and I fully intend on NEVER practicing ANY of what I have "learned".
-I will be able to effectively pose arguments using antecedents and forming hypothesis and theories in valid form. I will also try not to commit formal fallacies when structuring any type of argument or deduction in my future. Taking a logic class this semester was awesome - it challenged my brain in a different way, and I am going to be amazing at arguing. HA!
-I will NEVER apply for a job where using HTML is a requirement. I really thought I would enjoy the web design class - and it is possible that I have not gotten what I wanted to out of it because of the commitments required for some of my other classes, but I am so frustrated with HTML, that it disappoints me. I really wanted to learn that.
-I will view people and societies differently as a result of taking Anthropology. I have thoroughly enjoyed this class as it has taught me a great deal about other cultural norms and how many, many people are extremely ethnocentric. It's opened my eyes to trying to help my kids understand other places in the world and how, just because we do it one way, doesn't mean we do it the RIGHT way.
Is it April 28th yet?
Monday, April 9, 2012
Spring Break
This year for Spring Break, I was really looking forward to taking the kids back to Panama City Beach, as the last time we went, it was absolutely gorgeous, there's a ton of things to do, the beaches are just powder perfect and the water is a nice shade of emerald.
Exactly what I'd expect out of a March getaway.
This year, it was extra awesome because The Joey and his little boy traveled with us.
Admittedly, I was a bit nervous to spend a whole week, uninterrupted together as a family. I knew it was necessary as we will be blending families soon, but I was still just a tad anxious about it overall.
We went with 2 other families with children, so it was nice that our kids weren't cooped up on top of each other the whole time, and i think Joe and I did a good job of making sure all of the kids had individual time with us and so on. Overall, the 3 of our kids did a really good job of getting along.
We arrived early Saturday morning after driving all night Friday night. Joe and the kids headed to the beach to check it out while I got us checked in. We spent the day playing it low-key as the adults were tired and the kids were ready to go from sleeping all night!!
Sunday, we had another low-key day, exploring the area (as Joe and Dylan had never been) via Limo Golf-Cart, which unlike last time, did not break a wheel off during our drive. Thank goodness!!
Monday, we headed to Ripley's Believe it or Not and Wonder Works, which are really cool buildings at the end of the strip in PCB. Ripley's looks like the Titanic crashed in the middle of the street, and then across from it, the Wonder Works building is build literally upside down like the White House! It's really a sight to see! The kids declared that those two places were their favorite part of the trip until...
Tuesday when we headed out on the Pirate Ship. Despite the fact that it's pretty pricey, it is a ton of fun. The kids are fully occupied for nearly 2 hours, while the parents watch and enjoy the music and a nice 2 hour Gulf Cruise!
After the pirate ship, the kids declared that THAT was the best part of the trip.
Wednesday, I believe we took it easy and played by the beach and pool most of the day so we could prepare for a fun day on Shell Island the next day.
So, we got up and ready and headed to St. Andrews State Park where we boarded the little shuttle that took us to Shell Island. We took a cooler bag with sandwiches and drinks and enjoyed a fun picnic on the beach! On the way there, we passed about 4 dolphins swimming beside the boat. One kept flapping its tail and splashing water on us! It was the cutest thing! The kids really enjoyed exploring shell island and thanks to Joe and another friend that went, we were able to get real sand dollars out of the ocean for the kids. They were THRILLED.
Wednesday night, the kids met some friends in our hotel and proceeded to hang out and "party" with them every night. I remember being that age and thinking i was SO COOL... so it was really funny to watch the kids, especially my pre-teen son ... think he was cool. I mean, he KNOWS he is cool, but to watch him, was a totally separate thing.
So, each night the kids would all take chairs down to the laundry room area of the hotel (just about 6 doors down from our room, so we could hear them and easily check on them) and just "hang out" listening to music from ipods, chatting, etc. It was really, the cutest thing.
All i could think about was the memories they were all making of an evening, thinking they were super cool and independent without parents.
And I felt so thankful to be sharing in that experience/memory making with them. Joe would take some popcorn down, drinks, cookies, and they'd just hang out until curfew!
...and that...
...is where my son's first crush was developed.
(wiping tear from 'ol mom's eyes).
Reaghan.
Sweet Reaghan.
A little girl who was just months older than him, but at least 6 inches taller and ... well... more developed.
Wow.
Although he'd never admit to the crush, a picture of the two of them resides as the "wallpaper" on his ipod.
I think it's serious, guys.
I wonder if i should tell her that he still sleeps with "blankie and blue bear".
BHAHAH!
Anyway - the forecast was calling for rain on Friday, so we were trying to get the kids packed and ready to leave Friday during the day. The kids were NOT having it. They begged and begged to stay one more night so they could "party".
...we gave in.
So, we started the long trek home on Saturday morning and ... after about 237489237942 bathroom stops, i was ready to pull over, cash out all of my life insurance and pension and invest in an RV with a bathroom on board. Aside from all of the bathroom breaks, almost crashing somewhere in Alabama or Tennessee and miles and miles of road ahead of us to drive, we had a great time.
I consider Spring Break 2012 a success.
Exactly what I'd expect out of a March getaway.
This year, it was extra awesome because The Joey and his little boy traveled with us.
Admittedly, I was a bit nervous to spend a whole week, uninterrupted together as a family. I knew it was necessary as we will be blending families soon, but I was still just a tad anxious about it overall.
We went with 2 other families with children, so it was nice that our kids weren't cooped up on top of each other the whole time, and i think Joe and I did a good job of making sure all of the kids had individual time with us and so on. Overall, the 3 of our kids did a really good job of getting along.
We arrived early Saturday morning after driving all night Friday night. Joe and the kids headed to the beach to check it out while I got us checked in. We spent the day playing it low-key as the adults were tired and the kids were ready to go from sleeping all night!!
Sunday, we had another low-key day, exploring the area (as Joe and Dylan had never been) via Limo Golf-Cart, which unlike last time, did not break a wheel off during our drive. Thank goodness!!
Monday, we headed to Ripley's Believe it or Not and Wonder Works, which are really cool buildings at the end of the strip in PCB. Ripley's looks like the Titanic crashed in the middle of the street, and then across from it, the Wonder Works building is build literally upside down like the White House! It's really a sight to see! The kids declared that those two places were their favorite part of the trip until...
Tuesday when we headed out on the Pirate Ship. Despite the fact that it's pretty pricey, it is a ton of fun. The kids are fully occupied for nearly 2 hours, while the parents watch and enjoy the music and a nice 2 hour Gulf Cruise!
After the pirate ship, the kids declared that THAT was the best part of the trip.
Wednesday, I believe we took it easy and played by the beach and pool most of the day so we could prepare for a fun day on Shell Island the next day.
So, we got up and ready and headed to St. Andrews State Park where we boarded the little shuttle that took us to Shell Island. We took a cooler bag with sandwiches and drinks and enjoyed a fun picnic on the beach! On the way there, we passed about 4 dolphins swimming beside the boat. One kept flapping its tail and splashing water on us! It was the cutest thing! The kids really enjoyed exploring shell island and thanks to Joe and another friend that went, we were able to get real sand dollars out of the ocean for the kids. They were THRILLED.
Wednesday night, the kids met some friends in our hotel and proceeded to hang out and "party" with them every night. I remember being that age and thinking i was SO COOL... so it was really funny to watch the kids, especially my pre-teen son ... think he was cool. I mean, he KNOWS he is cool, but to watch him, was a totally separate thing.
So, each night the kids would all take chairs down to the laundry room area of the hotel (just about 6 doors down from our room, so we could hear them and easily check on them) and just "hang out" listening to music from ipods, chatting, etc. It was really, the cutest thing.
All i could think about was the memories they were all making of an evening, thinking they were super cool and independent without parents.
And I felt so thankful to be sharing in that experience/memory making with them. Joe would take some popcorn down, drinks, cookies, and they'd just hang out until curfew!
...and that...
...is where my son's first crush was developed.
(wiping tear from 'ol mom's eyes).
Reaghan.
Sweet Reaghan.
A little girl who was just months older than him, but at least 6 inches taller and ... well... more developed.
Wow.
Although he'd never admit to the crush, a picture of the two of them resides as the "wallpaper" on his ipod.
I think it's serious, guys.
I wonder if i should tell her that he still sleeps with "blankie and blue bear".
BHAHAH!
Anyway - the forecast was calling for rain on Friday, so we were trying to get the kids packed and ready to leave Friday during the day. The kids were NOT having it. They begged and begged to stay one more night so they could "party".
...we gave in.
So, we started the long trek home on Saturday morning and ... after about 237489237942 bathroom stops, i was ready to pull over, cash out all of my life insurance and pension and invest in an RV with a bathroom on board. Aside from all of the bathroom breaks, almost crashing somewhere in Alabama or Tennessee and miles and miles of road ahead of us to drive, we had a great time.
I consider Spring Break 2012 a success.
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