I have always loved to camp. This weekend Dan is coming down from MD just for a camping weekend with Brandon and me. We will be tent camping at the oldest state park in the US, Indian Springs, Ga. Brandon and I will pick Dan up from the airport and with the car already loaded we will head to the campground. We will make one small stop to pick up Bobbaloo and the cooler, then we will be on our way.
I have never camped at Indian Springs although I have been to the park several times as a child. It is very pretty and full of history. I am sure we will take plenty of pictures. If not, we will get in trouble with Sandy. We look forward to cook outs, long walks, maybe a swim, putt-putt golf, maybe a canoe ride and of course we have our Greedy dice and Uno cards!
Too bad we can't leave right now!!
I teach science in the middle school setting to kids with special needs. My first period class is my favorite because I have some of the kids from the self-contained class join in with us. They are able to learn and they LOVE being in a typical classroom. It helps them so much with their self esteem and confidence.
We have been studying evolution, changes over time, and we have to introduce the kids to Darwin. So I showed them a power point presentation about Darwin and we talked about how many people didn't accept anything he said because he did not study science in college. Then we talked about other famous scientist that weren't formally taught in the field of science. I told them that I didn't even go to school to be a science teacher but it is my favorite subject to teach. So they asked me, "You didn't? What did you study to be?"I said, " a musician."
One student threw his hands up and said "Great!!! Show us a magic trick!"
I was diagnosed with May-Hegglin when I was 17 years old under some very interesting circumstances. I had an emergency surgery. My platets dropped to only 11,000 yet I had no bleeding out. The doctors were baffled and sent me for testing. Since that time my platets have never numbered higher than 70,000. I was tested for any and everything you could imagine and the Dr finally decided that I had MHA. Ok, the twist is that even though this is a genetic disorder, the tests on my family were all negative. So I was declared as a new mutant, yes wonderful for a teen.
I don't know another single person that has this disorder. The older I get the more questions I have. I will be turning 40 this year and I really would like to have atleast one person to compare conditions with. I have always bruised easily and I understand that part of the disorder but I have noticed that as I age common activities bruise me that didn't when I was younger. For example, some door knobs bruise my hands when I turn them, Bottles and jars are getting harder to open because of bruising, not because of strength.
I would like to know if that is normal and to be expected when aging with this disorder.
Kids today rarely get a chance to do some of the things that we and our grandparents did. One of those things is reciting poems or readings for others. I was delighted when Brandon had an assignment to do a reading for his class. He had to choose a poem to recite/read for his class. We practiced every night and I hope he did as well at school as he did for me at home.He has had a slow start in reading but now with medication to help his attention, I have seen him make huge strides in his progress. He isn't afraid to get up in front of others which is good for a future president.Here is the poem he chose:
The Toughest Boys in School
Don't mess with us! Don't be a fool!
We are the toughest boys in school.
So if you meet us - best behave.
We're big and strong and very brave.
Though I admit it's true to say
That we've been known to run away
From kids at school who call us names,
Who laugh at us and spoil our games.
'Cause even though we boys play rough,
The girls in school are twice as tough.
Bob Woodroffe
Anyone who knows me, even acquaintances, knows that I hate to read. I can handle short news stories and magazines, but give me a novel and I will almost always scoff, roll my eyes and put it on the shelf. I noticed that many of my students were reading these huge, thick books. Yes, the Twilight series by Stephenie Meyer. So just like I did with the Harry Potter books (which I hated), I got the first in the series and started reading. Within record time I finished the first book and was hungry, or should I say thirsty, for the second and then the third. I am currently reading the last of the series, Breaking Dawn. I am mesmerized with the story and found myself making myself turn off the lights at midnight last night. Of course, it didn't do me much good to turn the lights off when my mind is still full of questions about what might happen next.
I have loved the story line and I will definitely look at the authors other books now that I have read these. If you haven't read the Twilight series yet, get them but have plenty of time to get wrapped up in a swirl of questions, intrigue and love.
I started writing here on this blog one year ago. I thought it would be fun to share stories, vent from time to time and discuss all kinds of topics going on in this world. I was right. I found that I did enjoy writing little articles for my blog. So here I am at a new year and it has taken me 8 days to write my first one. Plus I realized I haven't told anyone about how wonderful my Christmas was.
So here we go. On Christmas day I was able to have some time with Brandon before he went to visit his dad's family for their annual Christmas breakfast. We opened presents from each other and had a beautiful time. I was given an present picked out and wrapped especially by Brandon. It was a rock from the yard, a big one. He told me that I could display it in my classroom since I teach science. We set up the Wii that he got from Santa and played a few games before he had to go.
After he left I got myself ready to go out and headed to the Atlanta airport to pick up Dan. The flight was on time and everything went pretty smoothly. We had a nice lunch at Waffle house, open 365 days a year and then headed to the house to play Wii and wait for Brandon to come back home.
On the 26th we had Christmas with my family, we had fun watching the magic of Christmas through all the little one's eyes. We had a big meal together and then played games til late in the night.
It was the best Christmas I have had in a LONG time. I have the best friends and family anyone could ever wish for.
Now as for New Year's resolutions.
I don't really make too many of these because they are so easily broken and forgotten. But this year I have help with really my only one. I have decided to read the Bible in chronological order throughout the year. I also recruited Dan for the task. We found a schedule and we are making sure that we are following the schedule and even discussing what we read for each day. So far we have made it a full week and I look forward to my time in the Bible every day.
I know that is the reader's digest condensed version but at least I got going for this year!
I hope you all had a great Christmas and a great start to 2009!
The holidays, mainly Thanksgiving, Christmas and New Years are a time that most people look forward to. For the past few years, I have not. I have dreaded the coming of these days with bitterness and fear knowing that I would probably feel disappointment and a longing for something unknown.
This year is different. I have a peace this year and feel a happiness that I haven't felt in years. I already have our tree up. Brandon picked it out and decorated it. I think it is the most beautiful tree I have ever seen. I have already finished my shopping and was excited about wrapping the presents and getting them under the tree. Our little apartment is meagerly decorated but definitely has that festive feeling when you walk inside. I am looking forward to going to parties and having fun with friends instead of sitting at home feeling all alone.
I have seen many changes in my life in the past two years. I have bittersweet feelings about some of the changes but I can see life flourishing in myself and in my son. A lightness and easy going feeling has come to both of us as we move forward in our lives.
I have many friends that have helped me through some terrible times and often find myself in tears as I realize how thankful I am for the hands and shoulders that have carried me through. My wonderful friend Dan who has stood by me faithfully and been a rock and foundation for me to stay above the troubled water's waves. My sisters Diane and Shirley that have not pressed me for anything but have shown unconditional love for me and Brandon. My brother, Jeff, who has done the same. All of which have never judged but have all been a great support. My parents who have taken me under their wings and shielded me from harm and given support like no one else can do.
I am a blessed person and I thank God for all my friends and family every day. I am finally able to love life again and with God's help I hope I will encourage others to find joy not only in the holidays but also in each and every day that we are blessed with.
The other day we passed a house that had about 10 of those big inflatable christmas decorations in the front yard. Brandon looked for a moment and said,
"Wow, I bet they are out of breath."
I have always said that Brandon's candidness with strangers is one day going to get me, him, or both of us killed. I thought that moment was going to happen yesterday while we were out shopping.Brandon needed some new shoes so we went to Famous Footwear to pick some up.
Of course it was busy since it was the day after Thanksgiving, but he needed shoes and I knew there would be some sales. We finally picked out shoes that we could both be happy with and went to check out. The line was really long because there was only one register open. One of the ladies in front of us had on a Barack Obama T-shirt. I didn't even notice, but Brandon did. He took the opportunity to strike up a conversation. "Hi," he said, "you like Barack Obama?" She said, "yes." "Well you know he isn't good and McCain is better" he continues. At this point, I notice her shirt and tell Brandon that in America it is ok for people to have their own opinions. I was hoping that would be the end of it. "Look, on your shirt ma'am, Obama won't wear a flag. That is bad" he explains.At this point the woman is getting irritated. And just for a little more emphasis Brandon tells her, "You should have voted for McCain."Now I am wanting to run out of the store. But I notice a distraction to try to redirect Brandon. A tiny baby behind us. Thank goodness it worked.
When we got in the car I explained to Brandon that we don't need to talk about politics in public with stangers. He said "well she had on the shirt." And I told him yes she did but it didn't mean you had to comment on it.I thought Brandon is smart for bringing up the fact that she had the t-shirt on. If you are going to wear something of that nature, you should be ready for people to like or dislike your display. I just think the woman didn't like being lectured by a little white boy.
**I snagged this from our church bulletin**
Be thankful that you don't already have everything you desire.
If you did, what would there be to look forward to?
Be thankful when you don't know something,
for it gives you the opportunity to learn.
Be thankful for the difficult times.
During those times you grow.
Be thankful for your limitations,
because they give you opportunities for improvement.
Be thankful for each new challenge,
because it will build your strength and character.
Be thankful for your mistakes.
They will teach you valuable lessons.
Be thankful when you are tired and weary,
because it means you have made a difference.
It is easy to be thankful for the good things. A life of rich fulfillment comes to those who are also thankful for the setbacks. Gratitude can turn a negative into a positive. Find a way to be thankful for your troubles, and they can become your blessings. (author unknown)
Time in the car is usually a great time to find out what is going on in Brandon's head. The trip to Tennessee this weekend was fairly quiet. But the closer we got to our destination they more chatty Brandon got.
We were driving past a large area that had recently been plowed. Brandon took in the sight and then explained to me that "Apparently, they are about to build a house." Now if that is the case, I would LOVE to see a house that big.
Then he was reading his Pepsi bottle. "Mom, Did you know there are 250 calories in this drink? No wonder Granddad is so hyper all the time."
Today I assigned a writing assignment. I used the Thanksgiving holiday as stimulus for the kids to write using many different ideas. Here are some of the responses from the assignment.
People that are important in my life:
Mrs. Carroll (a fellow teacher of mine) because she takes care of us and helps us with our math work and lets us write on the smart board.
Mrs. Ball (another teacher) because I can talk to her when I got a problem.
Ms. Kreismanis because she is nice and sweet and gives you candy and does fun things and lets us watch movies.
This year I am most thankful for...
My mom because she brought me through my problems.
for trying out a regular class
When I think about Thanksgiving I think about...
sharing and give to the homeless and I think of my family for helping me through my problems.
spending time with my family.
No matter how difficult each of these kids can be at times, they have sweet innocent hearts and if we look hard enough we can see the beauty in each one.
I am going to watch this beautiful man on the big screen tonight!! I can't wait!!! Swoons!!
HUBBA HUBBA
The other day as we drove home from school Brandon compared himself to a monkey.
"You know mom, I am a lot like a monkey. I like to jump. I like to run and make noise. I like to climb trees. I guess God made us a little like monkies. But I sure am glad he didn't make me like to eat other monkey's fleas!"
I am glad too!!! :)
This morning on the way to work I was listening to the news. There was a story that caught my attention. An adult male was having a inappropriate sexual relationship with an underage female relative.
Now, I would like to know if there is an appropriate sexual relationship you can have with an underage female relative?
Just something to think about.
Week 13 I actually gained .4 pounds. It was kinda expected with stresses and craziness in my week.
Week 14 weigh in was today and I lost 2 pounds woot!!!!!
yay 14 pounds total!!!!
