I have a blessed DH. He's a great man.
He took me up on my suggestion and called the contacts for Guides (though, in his usual non-communicative fashion didn't tell me he did and didn't tell me the results)!
Lucky for us/me, Guides starts on Monday. Winter camping is in two weeks. WEEEEEEE.
Monday, December 31, 2007
Two hours later
Two hours later and things have a bit better perspective.
How could I have raised a semi-organized child? Me? Of all people, me?!
After re-awakening to the sounds of the garbage truck racing by, I got up to attend to business (chasing the truck with our modest week's worth of Christmas detritus. I'm happy to say our recycling pile is still much larger then our garbage pile, though the three composters are full to their frozen brims and our community won't start the green box until 2009.)
While hanging up my coat and putting away my mitts in my locker, I got a brilliant thought - to rifle through CU-2's locker. Maybe, just maybe her Guiding materials would be there and there'd be a clue as to who her current Guide leaders are.
Hallelujah! There's the paperwork with ALL the contact names!
Now the thing is to wait long enough before playing the telephone game. Not everyone is working a 1/2 day today, and some actually be sleeping in in order to prepare for the festivities tonight!
How could I have raised a semi-organized child? Me? Of all people, me?!
After re-awakening to the sounds of the garbage truck racing by, I got up to attend to business (chasing the truck with our modest week's worth of Christmas detritus. I'm happy to say our recycling pile is still much larger then our garbage pile, though the three composters are full to their frozen brims and our community won't start the green box until 2009.)
While hanging up my coat and putting away my mitts in my locker, I got a brilliant thought - to rifle through CU-2's locker. Maybe, just maybe her Guiding materials would be there and there'd be a clue as to who her current Guide leaders are.
Hallelujah! There's the paperwork with ALL the contact names!
Now the thing is to wait long enough before playing the telephone game. Not everyone is working a 1/2 day today, and some actually be sleeping in in order to prepare for the festivities tonight!
Bad parent
Well, at 6:30 in the morning, that's what I feel like. I woke up, hearing the rumblings of CU-4, thinking that maybe he needed something (false alarm), and then, for some reason (possibly because CU-2 will be home in about eight hours after almost two weeks away) started to thinking about Girl Guides.
Now that seems to be a big leap, especially seeing that she's not had the opportunity to attend that many Guide meetings this year (the last one we thought she had didn't happen).
So, now I'm up up UP! in a panic, in a tizzy, trying to figure out if I've got her Guide group leader's contact information (it's 6:30 in the freaking a.m. and I went to bed after two a.m., and I don't have it), trying to figure out if she might have a winter camping session that I don't know about. All at six-freaking thirty a.m. on New Year's eve. Like I'm going to be able to accomplish a whole hell of a lot. (I have managed to get some email issues straightened out though, and drop an email note to the former Guide leader, who, I'm sure I will be calling later this morning to try and make contact because of my extreme panic about CU-2 missing an event). Oh, the joys of being a parent ... the joys of parental guilt.
What are the chances of me being able to go back to sleep for a few more zzzzzs before the rest of the crew awaken? (It IS New Years eve after all, AND CU-1 and 2 ARE coming home ...).
Sigh.
Now that seems to be a big leap, especially seeing that she's not had the opportunity to attend that many Guide meetings this year (the last one we thought she had didn't happen).
So, now I'm up up UP! in a panic, in a tizzy, trying to figure out if I've got her Guide group leader's contact information (it's 6:30 in the freaking a.m. and I went to bed after two a.m., and I don't have it), trying to figure out if she might have a winter camping session that I don't know about. All at six-freaking thirty a.m. on New Year's eve. Like I'm going to be able to accomplish a whole hell of a lot. (I have managed to get some email issues straightened out though, and drop an email note to the former Guide leader, who, I'm sure I will be calling later this morning to try and make contact because of my extreme panic about CU-2 missing an event). Oh, the joys of being a parent ... the joys of parental guilt.
What are the chances of me being able to go back to sleep for a few more zzzzzs before the rest of the crew awaken? (It IS New Years eve after all, AND CU-1 and 2 ARE coming home ...).
Sigh.
Saturday, December 29, 2007
Thursday, December 27, 2007
End of year
Today is Thursday.
I think.
It's been such a long time since I've looked at a calendar. Really looked at it, do you know what I mean? Most of you probably do as you live a regular life with appointments, and interesting things to do, and places to go, and coffee to drink with people that talk in full sentences.
I'm now finishing my year off in exile (aka maternity leave). It's been an interesting experience. I've got another 24 ish days to go before my first day back at work. It's going to be odd looking at files and projects that are a year old. I don't think there will be that much catching up to do, as far as I can tell, 'cause things just don't move that fast in government.
It's been an interesting year. Looking at past blog entries has helped jog the old mind. Birth, construction, reunions, heart ache, and good visits. 2007 is ending on a mixed note with relations in hospitals (some to be released in better health, others to move on to the last phase of dying), and news of impending births.
Hope. I think 2008 is a year about hope.
I think.
It's been such a long time since I've looked at a calendar. Really looked at it, do you know what I mean? Most of you probably do as you live a regular life with appointments, and interesting things to do, and places to go, and coffee to drink with people that talk in full sentences.
I'm now finishing my year off in exile (aka maternity leave). It's been an interesting experience. I've got another 24 ish days to go before my first day back at work. It's going to be odd looking at files and projects that are a year old. I don't think there will be that much catching up to do, as far as I can tell, 'cause things just don't move that fast in government.
It's been an interesting year. Looking at past blog entries has helped jog the old mind. Birth, construction, reunions, heart ache, and good visits. 2007 is ending on a mixed note with relations in hospitals (some to be released in better health, others to move on to the last phase of dying), and news of impending births.
Hope. I think 2008 is a year about hope.
Wednesday, December 26, 2007
Let it snow
We're supposed to be getting some more fresh snow this week. Since our last storm we've had a bout of freezing rain, but before that set in, the CUs and I made up a batch of a recipe I haven't tried since my early childhood.
Snow Ice Cream
2 C milk
2 eggs
1 1/2 C sugar
1/2 tsp salt
3 tsp vanilla
Whip ingredients with eater. Add fresh fallen snow (unpacked) and stir until no more can be added. Eat or freeze. May also add "Nestle's Quick" to make chocolate version.
Tastes pretty good.
Snow Ice Cream
2 C milk
2 eggs
1 1/2 C sugar
1/2 tsp salt
3 tsp vanilla
Whip ingredients with eater. Add fresh fallen snow (unpacked) and stir until no more can be added. Eat or freeze. May also add "Nestle's Quick" to make chocolate version.
Tastes pretty good.
Tuesday, December 25, 2007
Merry Christmas to all!
Christmas morning in our house has been eventful. This picture, taken by the talented CU-3, shows two of the many gifts I received. Around my neck are the "Prairie Pearls" from my dear FIL. Hand collected, hand crafted! I'll be wearing these to work regularly!!
Also, a dream come true, a Canon Digital Rebel XTi!
This doesn't make the Nikon obsolete. It will now become my p
ocket book camera that I carry around most of the time, unless I plan to go out to an event to take pictures.
It also means I can take the CUs out with me and maybe I can share my passion!
Here's CU-3 (who took the picture of me up above).
Also, a dream come true, a Canon Digital Rebel XTi!This doesn't make the Nikon obsolete. It will now become my p
ocket book camera that I carry around most of the time, unless I plan to go out to an event to take pictures.It also means I can take the CUs out with me and maybe I can share my passion!
Here's CU-3 (who took the picture of me up above).
Saturday, December 22, 2007
A Christmas inspired meme
Found on Things by Mike:
1. Wrapping or gift bags?
Wrapping. Though I'll double-up and use gift bags to hold a bunch of small things, plus baking.
2. Real or artificial tree?
I prefer real. DH has decided that with at least another 20 years of trees for the kids he's decided it would be more convenient to get a pop-up artificial tree. Uh huh. (I miss the smell, the water stains and the shedding of a real tree!)
3. When do you put up the tree?
Depends on what weekend all the children are home, though only DH decorates the tree, so I'm not sure why we wait. But, now it's tradition.
4. When do you take the tree down?
Around January 6th.
5. Do you like egg nog?
I can take it or leave it. I'd like to find a lower calorie alternative though.
6. Favorite gift received as a child?
The one that's most memorable was a wagon I used to on my newspaper route.
7. Do you have a nativity scene?
Several.
8. Worst Christmas gift you ever received?
Slippers. They didn't fit. I felt badly about that. And then, there was the really ugly watch.
I like receiving either or. Only recently have I taken to mailing some out. Usually they become New Years cards ;-)
10. Favorite Christmas Movie?
A Charlie Brown Christmas Special.
11. When do you start shopping for Christmas?
The day after Christmas, for the next year. Sometimes even before the current Christmas, if the specials are really good, and the Christmas "away" boxes have been sent.
12. Favorite thing to eat at Christmas?
The venison jerky that comes but once a year from my in-laws.
13. Clear lights or colored on the tree?
I prefer white, but now we've got the artificial tree, it'll be permanently colored, as least until the tree dies.
14. Favorite Christmas song(s)?
Any that I can remember the words to. I like listening to them more then singing them.
15. Travel at Christmas or stay home?
Stay home.
16. Can you name all of Santa’s reindeer?
Hell no. Well, maybe if I tried. I just don't want to. >:)
17. Angel on the tree top or a star?
1984 mental health angel from Brenda in New Brunswick. (There's a short, but special story that goes with that one! Some day I might recount it here.)
18. Open the presents Christmas Eve or Christmas Morning?
I prefer Christmas Eve, 'cause Pere Noel usually comes when we're at evening mass. DH prefers Christmas Day. Sometimes we compromise and do the socks the night before, if there's been a visit.
19. Most annoying thing about this time of year?
Commercialism.
20. Do you decorate your tree in any specific theme or color?
Only tradition is to make new paper chains for the tree. So, no.
21. What do you leave for Santa?
Carrots for the reindeer. A cookie, and a bit of milk, and maybe a note.
22. Least favorite holiday song?
I'm sure I have at least one. I just can't recall. (And don't ask me to be your partner when playing Humzinger either!)
23. Favorite ornament?
Anything the kids have made.
24. Family tradition?
Staying home.
25. Ever been to Midnight Mass or late-night Christmas Eve services?
Yes. I go to the evening masses usually because one or the other kids is in the presentation. I just can't stand the cologne and perfume.
Vacation for all
The older CUs are on their way to the "far west" (as CU-1 calls it). They'll be back in the region in a week. Back home in another two days after that, when we'll have a second Christmas. Perhaps we'll just make it into a big Welcome Home/New Years party!
Meanwhile, we have Grandma C here. What a blessing. We keep telling her we're going to try to make many excuses for her to stay. She's fun, and funny and a joy to be around (though WE might be driving her crazy! She doesn't complain.)
She's slipped into the crazy routines of the house. She's been used as a trampoline by CU-4. She's played beauty parlor with CU-3. The cats have crawled on and around her. She's found Dora (of Explorer fame) in her bed, plus a mouse ... (Sourisette, CU-1's plush pet), and occasionally a grand baby. Again, no complaints. Well, with the exception that Dora is a bed hog. ;-)
She's cooked her famous sausage rolls (mmm mmm good), and helped me catch up on the laundry, and Christmas baking. She's taught me how to make marshmellows! MARSHMELLOWS! HOMEMADE! (AND OMG they're GOOD!)
We've stayed up most nights until well after midnight (with the exception of last night. We were all in bed by 10, 'cause CU-4 has been very generous and shared his cold with us all).
Now DH is home on shut down until New Years. We'll sit around in our pjs until some one decides its time to get dressed, when we'll all follow suit.
Our days will slide one into the other. Low stress (biggest stress will be fighting over who gets to cook dinner that night). Christmas dinner is planned, so is New Years. Again. Low-to-no stressed. In it goes, and we go back to chatting, visiting, playing cards.
It's nice when we have family members that like one another.
My thoughts go out to all of you who are not with your families this Christmas - either by choice or by circumstances. May you find what you are looking for - particular peace in your life, and health in your mind and body.
Meanwhile, we have Grandma C here. What a blessing. We keep telling her we're going to try to make many excuses for her to stay. She's fun, and funny and a joy to be around (though WE might be driving her crazy! She doesn't complain.)
She's slipped into the crazy routines of the house. She's been used as a trampoline by CU-4. She's played beauty parlor with CU-3. The cats have crawled on and around her. She's found Dora (of Explorer fame) in her bed, plus a mouse ... (Sourisette, CU-1's plush pet), and occasionally a grand baby. Again, no complaints. Well, with the exception that Dora is a bed hog. ;-)
She's cooked her famous sausage rolls (mmm mmm good), and helped me catch up on the laundry, and Christmas baking. She's taught me how to make marshmellows! MARSHMELLOWS! HOMEMADE! (AND OMG they're GOOD!)
We've stayed up most nights until well after midnight (with the exception of last night. We were all in bed by 10, 'cause CU-4 has been very generous and shared his cold with us all).
Now DH is home on shut down until New Years. We'll sit around in our pjs until some one decides its time to get dressed, when we'll all follow suit.
Our days will slide one into the other. Low stress (biggest stress will be fighting over who gets to cook dinner that night). Christmas dinner is planned, so is New Years. Again. Low-to-no stressed. In it goes, and we go back to chatting, visiting, playing cards.
It's nice when we have family members that like one another.
My thoughts go out to all of you who are not with your families this Christmas - either by choice or by circumstances. May you find what you are looking for - particular peace in your life, and health in your mind and body.
Monday, December 17, 2007
One week later
Though the fall out continues with Christmasgate, I've had many, many, many, many chats with my MIL. They've helped A LOT.
The chats, coupled with 37 cm of snow over the weekend have helped me work a lot of things out of my system.
Man, do I miss winters like this. I'm glad to see one back. It brings back many memories, like the one where I wanted to trap the mail man because he ALWAYS cut across the lawn, and even at that young, precocious age, I had a strong sense of mine and thine.
As the holidays roll soundly along (mostly without me!), I have no real illusions of what this season is about. I'm not into the heavy commercialism, or the "rip fest", or the over eating, or the ever so special "day of salads" (26 by last count) festival of my former life.
No, no. This year, as in previous years, we'll start of the seasonal celebrations with the nightly "screaming children" choral singing the every so effervescent "Idoughwannagotobed" followed by "I hungry" chorus.
The older kids will start the "Awmombutitsvacation sing along.
Eyes will roll. Parents will cave, and it will be merriment for all.
Actually, as of Friday, it will be subdued merriment for all as the old CUs head for Vegas with DXH and his other half. They'll be back for New Years when the Hallelujah chorus will be played.
The chats, coupled with 37 cm of snow over the weekend have helped me work a lot of things out of my system.
Man, do I miss winters like this. I'm glad to see one back. It brings back many memories, like the one where I wanted to trap the mail man because he ALWAYS cut across the lawn, and even at that young, precocious age, I had a strong sense of mine and thine.
As the holidays roll soundly along (mostly without me!), I have no real illusions of what this season is about. I'm not into the heavy commercialism, or the "rip fest", or the over eating, or the ever so special "day of salads" (26 by last count) festival of my former life.
No, no. This year, as in previous years, we'll start of the seasonal celebrations with the nightly "screaming children" choral singing the every so effervescent "Idoughwannagotobed" followed by "I hungry" chorus.
The older kids will start the "Awmombutitsvacation sing along.
Eyes will roll. Parents will cave, and it will be merriment for all.
Actually, as of Friday, it will be subdued merriment for all as the old CUs head for Vegas with DXH and his other half. They'll be back for New Years when the Hallelujah chorus will be played.
Wednesday, December 12, 2007
Christmasgate
Why do I have to be capable of knowing when something is up?
Why am I able to pick up on subtle visual clues when I don't need too?
Why am I particularly capable of stumbling across clues?
I'm not a detective. I'm usually a big picture kind of person, not detailed. I also wouldn't classify myself as the sharpest knife in the drawer either.
Lately, I'm able to guess what's going to happen in a story well before it ends. Same thing in the movies. And now in life. It's getting kind of boring and mostly annoying.
The episode with my DH is now spiraling out of control, as I reach out and talk to my friends and family. Once I present them with my suspicions, people just cave and imply that yes, they too have been hit up for a contribution.
DH has really blown it this time. I'm not the kind of person who needs a lot of things, and I'm certainly not the kind of person who needs them today.
Besides the hitting up my framily for this big ticket item, I'm catching DH in fundamental lies. If he was better covering, perhaps I wouldn't feel so bad. But, because he caves with the slightest touch, I am robbed of any joy that could come with the gift. Knowing about it two weeks in advance isn't a nice surprise. Knowing that framily were asked to contribute is embarrassing.
Framily, on behalf of me, I'm sorry that he did this. I really really am.
Why am I able to pick up on subtle visual clues when I don't need too?
Why am I particularly capable of stumbling across clues?
I'm not a detective. I'm usually a big picture kind of person, not detailed. I also wouldn't classify myself as the sharpest knife in the drawer either.
Lately, I'm able to guess what's going to happen in a story well before it ends. Same thing in the movies. And now in life. It's getting kind of boring and mostly annoying.
The episode with my DH is now spiraling out of control, as I reach out and talk to my friends and family. Once I present them with my suspicions, people just cave and imply that yes, they too have been hit up for a contribution.
DH has really blown it this time. I'm not the kind of person who needs a lot of things, and I'm certainly not the kind of person who needs them today.
Besides the hitting up my framily for this big ticket item, I'm catching DH in fundamental lies. If he was better covering, perhaps I wouldn't feel so bad. But, because he caves with the slightest touch, I am robbed of any joy that could come with the gift. Knowing about it two weeks in advance isn't a nice surprise. Knowing that framily were asked to contribute is embarrassing.
Framily, on behalf of me, I'm sorry that he did this. I really really am.
Ho ho ho! Who's coming to town?
GRANDMA of course!
Grandma from the West lands this afternoon to join the organized chaos of our home. We welcome her with many many open arms.
Grandma from the West lands this afternoon to join the organized chaos of our home. We welcome her with many many open arms.
Tuesday, December 11, 2007
SUN
SUN is an acronym a friend came up for Shut Up Now. She draws a happy sun on her hand during work meetings on occasion, especially when she feels she's going to go too far with a comment. I've asked her if I could commandeer the image for myself on many occasion. Now, I've got to ask on behalf of my DH.
You see, I think I guessed my Christmas present. I think he flubbed up badly, said too much before investigating and just implied too much.
Now I'm angry. I like good surprises. This one would have been a doozy. Really, it would have, had he been able to carry it to term. Now, guessing all the quicky phone calls that have been coming in, I'm putting the whole equation together.
I've told him to call off the hounds, so to speak. Tell everyone who he has finagled into donating towards the cause to cool their jets.
It's horribly embarrassing, and the only way I know how to react is to try to stop it all.
Think I'm over reacting? It's a you had to be there conversation on the phone with him. He practically said "I'm getting you X, to make up for the stupid olives and the not-so-funny box of matches I got you."
My affections will not be bought.
You see, I think I guessed my Christmas present. I think he flubbed up badly, said too much before investigating and just implied too much.
Now I'm angry. I like good surprises. This one would have been a doozy. Really, it would have, had he been able to carry it to term. Now, guessing all the quicky phone calls that have been coming in, I'm putting the whole equation together.
I've told him to call off the hounds, so to speak. Tell everyone who he has finagled into donating towards the cause to cool their jets.
It's horribly embarrassing, and the only way I know how to react is to try to stop it all.
Think I'm over reacting? It's a you had to be there conversation on the phone with him. He practically said "I'm getting you X, to make up for the stupid olives and the not-so-funny box of matches I got you."
My affections will not be bought.
Friday, December 07, 2007
Oh wait a minute
So I saw DXH in the hallway as he was picking up our two CUs for the week. I was there for one of my CUs as I was packing the other one around on my back all day.
I blurted out a bit of pertinent information about the change of the skating program he agreed to register the children in (before reneging on CU-1s attendance). The verbal slap down came so smoothly. I don't miss those days.
The not so funny thing about all this is that I'd got a call from the coordinator about thirty minutes before asking me if CU-1 didn't want to be part of the program, or what happened. I explained the situation as best I could. The coordinator was kind and took CU-1s measurements over the telephone.
I had a quick, pithy talk with DH about the whole thing. DXH isn't going to take CU-1 to the program because CU-1 said he didn't want to go. This is the same kid who doesn't want to brush his teeth, or wear deodorant and frequently forgets to wear underwear. How dare we try to assert our responsibility as a parent! This is also the same DXH who didn't want CU-1 to wear glasses for fear of being laughed at but didn't give it a second thought to cut and die a child's hair ...
CU-1 will grow up having his feet held to the fire in one house and hate it and have the ability to complain and get away without having to be responsible for his own actions in another.
Just makes me want to pull my hair out because it's such a trial some weeks.
I blurted out a bit of pertinent information about the change of the skating program he agreed to register the children in (before reneging on CU-1s attendance). The verbal slap down came so smoothly. I don't miss those days.
The not so funny thing about all this is that I'd got a call from the coordinator about thirty minutes before asking me if CU-1 didn't want to be part of the program, or what happened. I explained the situation as best I could. The coordinator was kind and took CU-1s measurements over the telephone.
I had a quick, pithy talk with DH about the whole thing. DXH isn't going to take CU-1 to the program because CU-1 said he didn't want to go. This is the same kid who doesn't want to brush his teeth, or wear deodorant and frequently forgets to wear underwear. How dare we try to assert our responsibility as a parent! This is also the same DXH who didn't want CU-1 to wear glasses for fear of being laughed at but didn't give it a second thought to cut and die a child's hair ...
CU-1 will grow up having his feet held to the fire in one house and hate it and have the ability to complain and get away without having to be responsible for his own actions in another.
Just makes me want to pull my hair out because it's such a trial some weeks.
Thursday, December 06, 2007
D day is upon me
Today is D day for many parents in my region. I'm still not sure if all the school's policies are the same. At my kids' elementary, you are required to present yourself to get a copy of your children's report card. They do this because for some parents, it's the only time they'll see them.
For me, it's a very emotional day. Coming up against a system that I do not have found memories of; coming up against a person from whom I felt abused me emotionally and psychologically; feeling out numbers and then, having my children, whom I love, be critiqued is rough.
This morning, while talking to my day care provider, I broke down. I'd been pretty tough to this point, able to put on a brave face. I'm just loosing it now.
Talk to a guy, they'd say "Tut tut. Stiff upper lip and all that." I'm trying.
Logically I know I'm not responsible for what my children put down (or don't put down) on a test paper. I put in my time with each. I help them prepare their school work when they need direction. It still doesn't help me with feeling like I'm walking into a very nasty situation in a couple of hours.
Then again, I could be wrong.
***
UPDATE
So I panicked for a lot of nothing. CU-1 got a lovely report card, though the grades are on a heavy curve.
I still got it between the eyes for allowing CU-1 to pack too many books to school. WHAT? I told the teacher (with DXH and DXH's squeeze in tow) that it's like a police state now - we're patting him down every morning and that I don't know how he's getting the books out the door.
I also was told that allowing this kid to take out and read 40+ books a week was too much and that he wouldn't have space in his head to keep his studies present. Um well, as my DH pointed out: 1. What's he reading? (mostly comic books, though the X wants him to read more grown up books ... really what's with that? They guy certainly doesn't model it and only reads magazines with pictures! 2. How's he reading? for pleasure or for comprehension. Those are two different styles of reading.)
With CU-2 - there was a beautiful line from the teacher: "which one of you is the father". I relish that comment and appreciate her straightforwardness on it. DXH's complaint with CU-2s report card? Shouldn't she be getting all As? Well, let me see, she's doing splendidly in her English language course work (despite your disinterest in her learning English) and her other big problem is slowing down to read the question, which I told you. Big deal. She's a relatively happy, well adjusted, likeable girl. I say leave her alone on the marks (she knows the material, on tests, it came out sideways) and support her life outside the school.
Oh, that's right, pigs may have to sprout wings for you to consider that. Oh well.
Anyway, part one of what I perceived as December's major train wreck has come and gone. Next week we have another face-to-face meeting where they'll have another crack at me. Once that's done, we don't have to have face-to-face contact for another term and I won't have to revisit my ghosts until then. Yeha and Happy New Year.
For me, it's a very emotional day. Coming up against a system that I do not have found memories of; coming up against a person from whom I felt abused me emotionally and psychologically; feeling out numbers and then, having my children, whom I love, be critiqued is rough.
This morning, while talking to my day care provider, I broke down. I'd been pretty tough to this point, able to put on a brave face. I'm just loosing it now.
Talk to a guy, they'd say "Tut tut. Stiff upper lip and all that." I'm trying.
Logically I know I'm not responsible for what my children put down (or don't put down) on a test paper. I put in my time with each. I help them prepare their school work when they need direction. It still doesn't help me with feeling like I'm walking into a very nasty situation in a couple of hours.
Then again, I could be wrong.
***
UPDATE
So I panicked for a lot of nothing. CU-1 got a lovely report card, though the grades are on a heavy curve.
I still got it between the eyes for allowing CU-1 to pack too many books to school. WHAT? I told the teacher (with DXH and DXH's squeeze in tow) that it's like a police state now - we're patting him down every morning and that I don't know how he's getting the books out the door.
I also was told that allowing this kid to take out and read 40+ books a week was too much and that he wouldn't have space in his head to keep his studies present. Um well, as my DH pointed out: 1. What's he reading? (mostly comic books, though the X wants him to read more grown up books ... really what's with that? They guy certainly doesn't model it and only reads magazines with pictures! 2. How's he reading? for pleasure or for comprehension. Those are two different styles of reading.)
With CU-2 - there was a beautiful line from the teacher: "which one of you is the father". I relish that comment and appreciate her straightforwardness on it. DXH's complaint with CU-2s report card? Shouldn't she be getting all As? Well, let me see, she's doing splendidly in her English language course work (despite your disinterest in her learning English) and her other big problem is slowing down to read the question, which I told you. Big deal. She's a relatively happy, well adjusted, likeable girl. I say leave her alone on the marks (she knows the material, on tests, it came out sideways) and support her life outside the school.
Oh, that's right, pigs may have to sprout wings for you to consider that. Oh well.
Anyway, part one of what I perceived as December's major train wreck has come and gone. Next week we have another face-to-face meeting where they'll have another crack at me. Once that's done, we don't have to have face-to-face contact for another term and I won't have to revisit my ghosts until then. Yeha and Happy New Year.
Saturday, December 01, 2007
Serendipity too
While trying to write this post update, I had to send the DH to break it up between "Perve" the cat and child-unit 1's snow pants. "Get a room" and "Sweeeeet luuuuuuv" has a whole new meaning in this house. Eww.
Anyway, the point of this late night post was to talk about a kind and gentle bit of serendipity that occurred this evening while out at the ballet (not The Winnipeg Ballet level - this was from the farm team/school for ballerinas). So that was what took me and the two older CUs out this evening.
During intermission, I do what many women do. Stand in line. Eventually I made it to the loo, hung up my hand bag on the back of the door, and parked. When I looked up, I saw the most wonderful piece of graffiti:
How's that for a beautiful message. As far as graffiti goes, I think that's the most beautiful thing I've ever seen.
Anyway, the point of this late night post was to talk about a kind and gentle bit of serendipity that occurred this evening while out at the ballet (not The Winnipeg Ballet level - this was from the farm team/school for ballerinas). So that was what took me and the two older CUs out this evening.
During intermission, I do what many women do. Stand in line. Eventually I made it to the loo, hung up my hand bag on the back of the door, and parked. When I looked up, I saw the most wonderful piece of graffiti:
How's that for a beautiful message. As far as graffiti goes, I think that's the most beautiful thing I've ever seen.
Serendipity
I knew the word meant something good, or, at least in my experience, it has been. So, I pulled out my handy pocket dictionary and found this:serendipity
n : pure luck in discovering things you were not looking for
(see photo)
Five "official" years together. Life has been relatively calm. Good. Fun.
Thank you.
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