Holding Pattern
Posted on | November 15, 2011 | No Comments
Wow! I was listed #4 on the “30 Best College Mom Blogs,” and I haven’t posted forever. Ha! I didn’t know I was a college mom blog. Whatever.
Why haven’t I posted. We’re in a holding pattern, and I’m seriously working on the book I told you about earlier. At the current rate the book will be ready in 10 years. No kidding.
As for the college search, the holding pattern is due to waiting for a score on the PSAT. Our daughter did well on this test her sophomore year in high school, but does it count the sophomore year? NO! Doing well on this test could change the entire college search for her. When will the scores be in – December. December when? Don’t know. Just waiting. Until then, check out these sites:
www.Fastweb.com
www.collegeispossible.org
www.collegeinvest.org
www.fafsa.gov
www.studentaid.ed.gov
www.collegeboard.org
www.finaid.org
www.act.org
There are days I think…
Posted on | October 26, 2011 | 1 Comment
that my job sucks. Not so much…
Seriously? It’s that full?
The Severed Hand Dream
Posted on | October 13, 2011 | 3 Comments
In my dream last night, I was visiting at my parent’s home. My three siblings were there, but no spouses or kids. We were in the family room enjoying a discussion when I decided to walk into the mud bathroom. Remember this is a dream. To the right of the sink were two hands (a few fingers missing and/or hanging) in a bowl of water. The water was not bloody, but a bit cloudy. On the floor were a few knives and an axe.
The next thing I knew my son was with me following the dripping blood. It led us out onto the driveway. We followed it to the end of the driveway, and at that point I had learned it was my brother Chris’ hand.
The neighborhood was alive. Neighbors were planting flowers, working in their vegetable gardens, and a group of boys (my brother, Doug, included) were playing basketball across the road.
I began to scream my brother’s name. I screamed, “Chris, Chris, Chris”, over and over again. No one seemed to notice. The next thing I knew was that my parents were by my side. They said that he cut off his other hand before. He goes away and will come home when he’s ready. They were very calm. Their calmness was reassuring.
Why is this weird? My brother, Chris, estranged himself from our family 3 years ago. Or as my 12 year-old would say, he “defected.” Chris is married and they have 2 children. The oldest is my Godson. I haven’t seen any of them for a little over 3 years.
I’ve been thinking about him a lot, lately. He was diagnosed with colon cancer a couple of years ago. We thought he beat it, but it’s back. It’s in his liver.
Back to the dream: I learn that the other hand is that of my 16 year-old daughter, Rebecca. All I could think was, “Why? Why would she cut off her hand?” This time Kevin and my other daughter Grace reassured me that she knows what she’s doing.
What does this all mean? Is Rebecca separating herself from us? Am I dreaming this because she has begun the “college search?” Is the thought of her being miles away from us freaking me out? YES!
Reality: It’s 6:00 AM. I role over in bed and there is Rebecca. She’s asleep on her back, mouth open, and a small, gentle snore. Kevin is out of town. When he is gone Rebecca is the one who always climbs into bed and sleeps with me. When she’s off to college will the other 2 sleep with me?
Another Great Weekend
Posted on | October 10, 2011 | 2 Comments
Steamroller Prints and Farm Day all in the same weekend.
Yes, that’s a steamroller being used to make prints.
This is my linoleum block inked and ready to be printed.
You got it. You put your print on the ground, cover it with paper followed by a felt blanket, and run it over a few times with a steamroller. Seriously! Flat-Out Fun!!
We also learned another fun way to make prints is with a “rocking horse.”
Yeehaw!
Tom and Wendy’s Annual Farm Day.
They have the most beautiful home overlooking the most beautiful land.
Tom and Wendy are living the dream. They are both designers and dabble in all kinds of fun. They built a beautiful home in the country with their 3 young children. In addition to the home, they have a studio barn like no other. One of their many businesses is a t-shirt company: Wire and Twine (Note to self: order the Honey Badger t-shirt – priceless)
Every year they host a wonderful get-together know as Farm Day. Everyone has the opportunity to silk screen a t-shirt, mingle with friends, visit the chickens, walk the trails, and pee in the lake. Oh, wait, only Eddie peed in their lake. Sorry.
Yes, they have chickens.
Is it wrong that I named their chickens? I want chickens!
But wait. Eddie wanted me to mention one more thing. They have Donkey Kong in their studio.
And a greenhouse. Can’t wait to see what they grow this coming year.
Well, the weekend is over. Back to reality. School. Work. Laundry. Have a great week!
Tell the FDA: Label My Food!
Posted on | October 5, 2011 | No Comments
Are you concerned about genetically engineered (GE) foods? Do you believe we have the right to know what’s in our food?
Currently there are no laws requiring labeling of genetically modified foods.
Puberty in Second Grade?
Posted on | October 4, 2011 | No Comments
I’m on the BPA rant, again.
Academy of Pediatrics found that one in ten girls start to develop breasts at the age of seven, with even higher rates in some communities. One of the reasons for this frightening increase in early puberty? Exposure to endocrine disrupting chemicals like BPA in everyday items.
CLICK HERE to sign the petition to Tell Manufacturers to Stop Marketing BPA to Kids. I personally want them to stop using BPA all together!!
I Have Your Back
Posted on | September 28, 2011 | 2 Comments
Life is wonderful… and harrowing all in the same breath. When something hurts one of my children, I physically feel the sting. I question what is the best way to handle it. Will they learn and grow from the positives as well as the negatives? I want what every parent wants…
Then I begin to whirl… I worry about the children out there, that might not have that someone. That someone who has their back. I try to rationalize. Everyone has a heart and a brain. Everyone has the same guiding principle. We are all the same.
Yesterday, while stalking my new best friend, Vikki, from Up Popped Fox, I saw this story, “Flying While Muslim… or Gay.” Please read it. Thx.
Death and Social Media
Posted on | September 12, 2011 | 18 Comments
I’m not sure I’ll ever be able to write a condolence on someone’s Facebook wall. It seems so impersonal. Shouldn’t death be treated with honor and privacy?
Facebook, Twitter, blogs, etc. in my view have changed the world for the better. Yes there are a few hoaxes, for example, ‘Gay Girl In Damascus,’ but what Facebook and Twitter give to us is the ability to share common, everyday, immediate information. Real-life. Yes, I tend to use Twitter to vent, but it has many other more favorable capabilities.
When my 95-year-old grandfather, Gramps, passed away this past March, I change my Facebook profile photo. It was the above photo of Kevin and I dancing with him and Grandma on our surprise wedding day. It’s my favorite photo of the two of them. I loved him (and Grandma) so much, and seeing a pack of Juicy Fruit gum will always bring a smile to my face.
Our community suffered a great loss this past week. The 20-year-old son of a very well liked, well-known family died. He left behind his parents, a younger brother, two younger sisters, and a very large extended family.
His father is Rebecca’s favorite teacher of all time, and the older of the two sisters is on Grace’s volleyball team. Both Rebecca and Grace have always talked about how wonderful and kind she, the sister, is. They both really like her.
The mentions on Facebook came slow at first. I’m sure everyone was in shock, and I know that everyone wanted to do whatever was possible to help the family during those first moments.
I’ll admit that two nights later, I searched for the deceased’s Facebook page. There was an endless outpour from friends. He touched so many lives. I felt like a stalker, but it gave me a sense of reassurance seeing first-hand how beautifully he was being honored.
A few days prior to the death, a friend’s mother passed away. She was too young, but it wasn’t a surprise because she was battling cancer. The messages on her wall were beautiful as well. They were packed with memories and photos from loved ones.
Facebook seemed too impersonal to be included with death, but I’m beginning to see how it has become an acceptable form of support for the loved ones. Even meaningful.
Last year when my friend Ken passed away unexpectedly, I found reading the wall posts left for him were very moving. Friends of his that I never knew had such wonderful memories of him. It was a beautiful way to honor his life. His daughters wrote the most moving messages. I went to his site months later and found many messages from his two daughters telling him how much he was missed.
Just two months ago when a good friend’s husband died unexpectedly, I wanted her to know I was there for her. I knew her family was with her, and I knew family and friends from out of town where with her. I always try to not be a bother or in the way, and I’ll admit I never want to say anything wrong. Because of this, I find it easier not to say anything. I know, I get scared and I’m a chicken. The best way for me to tell her how sorry I was for her loss was to direct message her. She replied immediately.
Kevin and I attended her husband’s memorial service, which I have to say was one of the most beautiful, nonconformist, and moving services. Later, I apologized to her for not greeting her face-to-face after the service. She was so busy talking to friends and family, and I knew I’d be there for her later. She told me that she was glad I didn’t because it became overwhelming for her. I hope she knows I’m still here for her, even at 3:00 a.m. in the morning. Whenever she needs to talk.
Yesterday, we attended the 20-year-old’s memorial service. It was beyond moving. The love and strength from his family cannot be measured. He sounded like an amazing kid, and I am so sorry I never had the opportunity to meet him. I am so fortunate that I have had the opportunity to get to know his family. They are amazing, and I will pray that they will have the strength to find peace.
Yes, I went to Facebook to read the updates after the service. Everyone was moved. Many were moved in the same way. Many were moved in different ways, but everyone wants to help the family in anyway possible. Facebook has unlocked the exchange. Thank you Mr. Zuckerberg and/or the Winklevi Twins – whoever…
The College Search is On
Posted on | August 29, 2011 | 2 Comments
Yesterday, Rebecca and I attended her first college informational meeting. When I went to college a million years ago I never attended an informational meeting. Neither did Kevin. After much discussion last night, I’m sure Rebecca is realizing that both of her parents are ID10ts.
Kevin chose The University of Cincinnati after attending a huge party at a friend’s brother’s dorm. After that, there was no need for him to look at another school. I chose Kent State University for 2 reasons. One being that I was highly advised from my parents to not go out of state due to the higher tuition (that I would be paying-off for the rest of my existence,) and two, as much as I hate to admit this, my high school sweetheart was going to a private college only 30 minutes up the road from Kent.
Yesterday, we were introduced to Case Western Reserve University. The meeting was held in Cincinnati at an Embassy Suites. Both Rebecca and I found it very informational. Many questions that we didn’t even know we had were answered. I in particular loved how they “sold” us on the University. Then they began to list the requirements for admission. Rebecca has already reached and exceeded the measures, and she still has 2 more years of high school. Yes, this is great, but there’s always a price tag. Case Western Reserve University costs the same as the Ivy Leagues. We want the best for her, but she also has 2 younger siblings.
This is just the beginning of her search. Tonight she and I are attending another informational session, but tonight there will be 40 colleges/universities represented. Do you think Grace and Eddie will receive this attention when it’s time for them? Probably not.
Grace loves to tell this story: Mom and Dad do everything for Rebecca. When it comes to me and Eddie, they are tired. When Rebecca was a baby, mom would get up and feed her every time she cried in the middle of the night. When I cried, she’s get up and close my bedroom door. When Eddie came along and cried, she’d stuff towels under the door so she wouldn’t hear him.
Sadly, she’s not far off.
Do you pay school fees?
Posted on | August 24, 2011 | 8 Comments
Yesterday, my children began yet another year of school. They all woke up on their own, and were ready for breakfast without having to scream. Today was a different story, already.
Yesterday was also the day of filling out countless forms and paying school fees. When did this come about? Have we been paying school fees forever?
I am not complaining. I’m just concerned. My children attend a great school. We stay in the community because of the school system. What we lose in closet space they gain in the brain.
We have 3 children. Numbers 1 & 2 are in high school, and #3 is in junior high.
#1 – $535.50 (this includes 4 AP class tests at $88 each)
#2 – $181.00
#3 – $68.00
Now add optional costs, PTO, Athletic Boosters, Art/Theatre Boosters, PSAT review sessions, etc.
And, don’t forget school supplies. I save big on school supplies, but we did just purchase our 3rd TI-84 for #3. Oh, and underwear. My children go thru underwear like they’re toilet paper. Is underwear singular or plural? It or them? #1 will correct me later.
Don’t get me wrong, this is good. We are fortunate to have 3 healthy, somewhat-focused children. My concern is for those who may not be able to pay school fees. Or worse, those that aren’t in a good school system.
What are you paying for your children to attend school? I’d really like to know.
keep looking »Pages
Recent Posts
Categories
Search
Follow on Facebook
Meta
Google Friend Connect
Follow on Twitter
Tag Cloud
