My last day of work at school was June 10th and I was looking forward to having time off. "Yeah, Right" I've had one relaxing, do nothing day so far and that was June 11th.
On June 11th, my sons received their final report cards for the year. I reluctantly opened them, knowing that I was not going to like what I would find. Shane, my oldest son, did decent (not great, but passing). His report card stated that he would need to take English 10 during summer school, before he could advance to a senior next year. Yes I said English 10. He was a junior last year taking his 3rd year of English 9 and 2nd year of English 10. He finally passed English 9 with flying colors this year. He even received an award for being top of his class. He should after 3 years of the same material.
My youngest son, Joey did very poorly on his report. He took 7 classes during his freshman year of high school. He passed (with a D) in only one of those classes. Want to guess which class it was? GYM! He is going to be retained in 9th grade next year, but I am still making him take World Geography and Algebra 1 part 1 during summer school.
Two days after my last day of work, I begin my second job. Taxi Driver! I roll out of bed at 7:00 each morning Monday - Friday and force the boys out of bed. I make the 20 minute drive to the high school to drop them off and return home. Then at 2:00 I make the trip again to pick them up and transport them to work unless I get lucky and they both have the day off. Most days I am not.
Depending on the day, I will make at least one more trip to town to retrieve them from work. More often than not I will have to make two more trips, when one gets off work at 9 and the other gets off at 11 or 12. I have spent more time driving and waiting than I would have in a regular full time job.
Shane will end his summer school term 1 next Friday, but Joey will be in for term 1 and 2. His last day will be July 16th, so it looks like my summer vacation will be quite a bit shorter than first anticipated.
Friday, June 20, 2008
Saturday, April 26, 2008
The Home Stretch
I am in my final week of classes through Marshall University and WV learns. I have learned many new and interesting ideas through these classes.
One class that I am taking is called Special Students in the Regular Classroom. It is a course specifically in helping to implement UDL - Universal Design for Learning. If you would like to read about UDL here is the website: http://www.cast.org/teachingeverystudent/ideas/tes/chapter4.cfm
In the course of the class we have had the opportunity to try many new software products that could help us in implementing UDL. Here are three that I especially enjoyed and feel would be a wonderful tools in my classroom.
One class that I am taking is called Special Students in the Regular Classroom. It is a course specifically in helping to implement UDL - Universal Design for Learning. If you would like to read about UDL here is the website: http://www.cast.org/teachingeverystudent/ideas/tes/chapter4.cfm
In the course of the class we have had the opportunity to try many new software products that could help us in implementing UDL. Here are three that I especially enjoyed and feel would be a wonderful tools in my classroom.
- CleverKeys: a software programs that allows individuals to have instant access to definitions, synonyms and facts. This can be used with teacher and student created work as well as web pages and email. This will help to boost comprehension for all students. http://www.cleverkeys.com/
- Textaloud: Uses voice software to convert text into spoken language. I can also be used with teacher and student created work as well as web pages and email. This is a great program to help students who have a difficult time reading and it is also a great proofreading tool. http://www.nextup.com/
- Intellitools Classroom Suite 4 features: Reading instruction aligned with national standards, Math instruction targeting number sense and automaticity, Writing templates across many genres, Creativity tools for whole class instruction and student presentations, Early Learning activities for emergent learners. Students have access to many graphic organizers and learning activities to help increase learning. http://www.intellitools.com/
The other class that I am taking is 21st Century Teaching and Learning in Science. Since I was a science major in college I felt that I would have some background knowledge in this area. I found that many technologies exist that I never realized were available, but 21st Century learning is not just about technology.
It includes collaboration and communication (teach students to do both of these), Thinking skills and assessments (used to see if learning is occurring),Evaluating and applying instructional models (research based teaching) and teacher roles (changing what a teacher is in the classroom). All schools are working toward 21st century learning and I think that with the completion of this class I have a better understanding of what this includes.
Although these classes have taken a great deal of time to complete (about 4-6 hours a week for the past 6 weeks) I feel that I have learned material that will help me in the future.
Saturday, April 19, 2008
Computer literacy training
At the ripe old age of 3, Sabrina has begun her computer training. I introduced her to my laptop this week and she loves it. She likes to play playstation and her v-tech game, so she took to the computer like a fish to water. She fusses now to get on the computer on a regular basis. I purchased Thursday preschool software for her to play on the computer.
The software includes skills that deal with color and shape recognition, letter and number recognition, and following directions. The componet I like the best in this software is that it introduces basic computer skills. She amazes me. She can manipulate the mouse and left click and drag items that she wants. She knows how to start, end and change activities. In just 2 days she can do more than I could when I first purchased my computer.She has more advantages than I ever had and most children her age have.
As schools integrate technology into the classroom, and the workforce demands technological skills in jobs, children who are not computer literate and technology integrated will have a disadvantage in life. I am only 37 but in that span of time, our society has traveled light years in technology. Knowing what I have seen, WHAT WILL SHE SEE AND DO! It is up to me to start her off right and give her what she needs to excel in the world of tomorrow.
The software includes skills that deal with color and shape recognition, letter and number recognition, and following directions. The componet I like the best in this software is that it introduces basic computer skills. She amazes me. She can manipulate the mouse and left click and drag items that she wants. She knows how to start, end and change activities. In just 2 days she can do more than I could when I first purchased my computer.She has more advantages than I ever had and most children her age have.
As schools integrate technology into the classroom, and the workforce demands technological skills in jobs, children who are not computer literate and technology integrated will have a disadvantage in life. I am only 37 but in that span of time, our society has traveled light years in technology. Knowing what I have seen, WHAT WILL SHE SEE AND DO! It is up to me to start her off right and give her what she needs to excel in the world of tomorrow.
Sunday, April 13, 2008
Doctor Professionalism
On Friday, I awoke at the same time to prepare for a long day at the hospital. I got my things and Sabrina ready for the days activities. I drove the 20 minutes to my mother-in-laws and placed the still sleeping child in bed, before heading to Bluefield Regional Hospital in Bluefield, WV.
I arrived at 8:30 to find that my grandmother had already been taken down for her procedure. I sat quietly in the surgical waiting room, listening to another family discussing their relatives problems and current surgery. A short time later my father, grandfather, and uncle appeared around the corner. We finally found my other uncle a few minutes later in another part of the hospital, in another waiting room. My grandmother's procedure was finished by 9:30.
We returned with her to her room on the third floor of the hospital. She was doing great. She had to lay flat for a couple of hours and if everything went well she was told she could go home in 6 hours. She was happy, she doesn't like hospitals much. Little did we know what was to come later.
Here recently Bluefield Regional Medical Center has been getting a lot of print time in the local newspaper. These articles claim that the service provided here have been below standard. I have to give them praise this time. I was concerned that we would be waiting all day just for the staff to take her down for her procedure. I was happily surprised when I arrived at 8:30 to find she was already having the procedure. The nursing staff was prompt and helpful. The nurse who took care of my grandmother was very nice and professional. She should be recognized by the hospital as an outstanding employee. I had no complaints about the nursing staff or hospital in general, and if you know me and hospitals that's saying a lot. I did have another problem, one in which I have never encountered before.
At around 11:30 or so, we were visited by a doctor. He was not the doctor that had performed the procedure, but seemed to know about it. He came in to ask some questions. He seemed quite intelligent, but there was something about him, I could not put my finger on it, that I just did not like. He continued to talk on and on and on until finally he said it. "I think we should keep you here tonight and run some more tests to find out what is going on." Now my grandmother is visibly upset. The reason for her being so upset is because about 3 weeks ago she spent 4-5 days in this same hospital undergoing a battery of tests only to find out very little. She speaks up and tells him this. He states he will need time to look at her testing records to find what he can do for her.
I finally speak up and ask him how long he would need to look at those records and when could we expect him back to talk to us. I do not feel that what I said or asked is out of the ordinary. I mean it seems to me that he should expect this type of question and reaction from patients and patient family. He glared at me and stated around 3 o'clock. I said OK and turned to my grandmother and told her not to get upset, we will just wait and see what he has planned and decide later whether she should stay or not. By the look on his face, I don't think he liked this.
We all had lunch and began the long wait. At around 2:45, I left to meet my mother-in-law to pick up Sabrina. I brought her back to the hospital. I knew that having Sabrina there would give us all something to do and brighten every ones outlook. She has that effect in this family. Time keeps marching on - 3, 4, 5 o'clock. No doctor. I finally ask the nurse. She informs me that she will do her best to find him, but he is the doctor on call. About 30 minutes later she returns to tell me she can't find him. I politely state that he was supposed to look at her records and discuss what he plans to do or ,if there are no other tests, release her. She states she will beep him.
About 30 minutes later she calls the room to tell us that the doctor will be in shortly. Now here comes the moment of truth for my reason for titling this post Doctor Professionalism. This doctor walks into the room, my grandmother says quietly and kindly "I want to go home." and the @#@& hits the fan. He has the gall to throw his hand up, in the way you would if you were a teenager stating talk to the hand, in the direction of my grandmother and states "I can't deal with someone like this". Holy Crap!!!!! OH NO, YOU DIDN"T!!!!!!
I let it go, I did not fly off the handle, although I should have. He informs us that if we want to know what's going on (referring to my father, grandfather and myself) then we needed to walk outside into the hallway. I stand up and walk out with them, Sabrina in tow. Within 3 minutes, I would be mad enough to kill this man in the hospital hallway. Sabrina is 3 years old and active and at this time she chooses to scamper over the man's feet, while he is talking.
He has another unnecessary outburst. I reach for Sabrina as he informs me that "This is a hospital for adults, that's why he never brought his children and I should control my child! This he states is not the pediatric ward!" I felt fire emit from both of my eye balls, I say not a word, but I have had it with this Man! I continue to listen to his explanation of my grandmothers condition. All the while watching that Sabrina is CONTROLLED!
He speaks to my father and grandfather, but never again makes eye contact with me, until..... After listening to his drawn out explanations and examples (treating us like we have no clue about simple human body functions) and still not hearing anything about what new tests he would like to have done, I speak up again. "So, what you are saying is that there is no other tests you can perform, and you can give her the medicine that she needs and send her home!" If looks could kill I would be dead. This "professional" reiterates "Well if I was not so rudely interrupted I could explain what I think should be done." "That's all I need to Know! I'll get granny ready to go home!" I state and return to her room to help her dress. We sign her discharge papers and leave a short time later.
Here is my problem. I do not feel that this doctor ever planned on returning to discuss results that afternoon. When I pressed the nurse to his where abouts and she beeped him, this ticked him off. When he entered the room, he was already pissed off at me at calling his bluff. He has no private practice that I can find on record in Bluefield WV or VA. He is new to BRMC, because it still states on the VA state Board of Medicine website that he works in Roanoke. He has only had a license to practice in WV for 6 months according to WV Board of Medicine website. His specialty is Internal Medicine at both websites and that he has been a board approved medical professional for 25 years.
You would think after all of those years of education and experience he would know that pissing off people will only hurt yourself. As a consumer, we have the right to ask questions and expect answers in a prompt and respectful manner. This man did neither. As a consumer I would think that BRMC as a business would want to hire and keep only those that will increase business not deter it. I will never again see this doctor, as a patient of his, or allow him access to any other member of my family. If this is a problem, then I will not use BRMC every again and neither will any of my family members,
I arrived at 8:30 to find that my grandmother had already been taken down for her procedure. I sat quietly in the surgical waiting room, listening to another family discussing their relatives problems and current surgery. A short time later my father, grandfather, and uncle appeared around the corner. We finally found my other uncle a few minutes later in another part of the hospital, in another waiting room. My grandmother's procedure was finished by 9:30.
We returned with her to her room on the third floor of the hospital. She was doing great. She had to lay flat for a couple of hours and if everything went well she was told she could go home in 6 hours. She was happy, she doesn't like hospitals much. Little did we know what was to come later.
Here recently Bluefield Regional Medical Center has been getting a lot of print time in the local newspaper. These articles claim that the service provided here have been below standard. I have to give them praise this time. I was concerned that we would be waiting all day just for the staff to take her down for her procedure. I was happily surprised when I arrived at 8:30 to find she was already having the procedure. The nursing staff was prompt and helpful. The nurse who took care of my grandmother was very nice and professional. She should be recognized by the hospital as an outstanding employee. I had no complaints about the nursing staff or hospital in general, and if you know me and hospitals that's saying a lot. I did have another problem, one in which I have never encountered before.
At around 11:30 or so, we were visited by a doctor. He was not the doctor that had performed the procedure, but seemed to know about it. He came in to ask some questions. He seemed quite intelligent, but there was something about him, I could not put my finger on it, that I just did not like. He continued to talk on and on and on until finally he said it. "I think we should keep you here tonight and run some more tests to find out what is going on." Now my grandmother is visibly upset. The reason for her being so upset is because about 3 weeks ago she spent 4-5 days in this same hospital undergoing a battery of tests only to find out very little. She speaks up and tells him this. He states he will need time to look at her testing records to find what he can do for her.
I finally speak up and ask him how long he would need to look at those records and when could we expect him back to talk to us. I do not feel that what I said or asked is out of the ordinary. I mean it seems to me that he should expect this type of question and reaction from patients and patient family. He glared at me and stated around 3 o'clock. I said OK and turned to my grandmother and told her not to get upset, we will just wait and see what he has planned and decide later whether she should stay or not. By the look on his face, I don't think he liked this.
We all had lunch and began the long wait. At around 2:45, I left to meet my mother-in-law to pick up Sabrina. I brought her back to the hospital. I knew that having Sabrina there would give us all something to do and brighten every ones outlook. She has that effect in this family. Time keeps marching on - 3, 4, 5 o'clock. No doctor. I finally ask the nurse. She informs me that she will do her best to find him, but he is the doctor on call. About 30 minutes later she returns to tell me she can't find him. I politely state that he was supposed to look at her records and discuss what he plans to do or ,if there are no other tests, release her. She states she will beep him.
About 30 minutes later she calls the room to tell us that the doctor will be in shortly. Now here comes the moment of truth for my reason for titling this post Doctor Professionalism. This doctor walks into the room, my grandmother says quietly and kindly "I want to go home." and the @#@& hits the fan. He has the gall to throw his hand up, in the way you would if you were a teenager stating talk to the hand, in the direction of my grandmother and states "I can't deal with someone like this". Holy Crap!!!!! OH NO, YOU DIDN"T!!!!!!
I let it go, I did not fly off the handle, although I should have. He informs us that if we want to know what's going on (referring to my father, grandfather and myself) then we needed to walk outside into the hallway. I stand up and walk out with them, Sabrina in tow. Within 3 minutes, I would be mad enough to kill this man in the hospital hallway. Sabrina is 3 years old and active and at this time she chooses to scamper over the man's feet, while he is talking.
He has another unnecessary outburst. I reach for Sabrina as he informs me that "This is a hospital for adults, that's why he never brought his children and I should control my child! This he states is not the pediatric ward!" I felt fire emit from both of my eye balls, I say not a word, but I have had it with this Man! I continue to listen to his explanation of my grandmothers condition. All the while watching that Sabrina is CONTROLLED!
He speaks to my father and grandfather, but never again makes eye contact with me, until..... After listening to his drawn out explanations and examples (treating us like we have no clue about simple human body functions) and still not hearing anything about what new tests he would like to have done, I speak up again. "So, what you are saying is that there is no other tests you can perform, and you can give her the medicine that she needs and send her home!" If looks could kill I would be dead. This "professional" reiterates "Well if I was not so rudely interrupted I could explain what I think should be done." "That's all I need to Know! I'll get granny ready to go home!" I state and return to her room to help her dress. We sign her discharge papers and leave a short time later.
Here is my problem. I do not feel that this doctor ever planned on returning to discuss results that afternoon. When I pressed the nurse to his where abouts and she beeped him, this ticked him off. When he entered the room, he was already pissed off at me at calling his bluff. He has no private practice that I can find on record in Bluefield WV or VA. He is new to BRMC, because it still states on the VA state Board of Medicine website that he works in Roanoke. He has only had a license to practice in WV for 6 months according to WV Board of Medicine website. His specialty is Internal Medicine at both websites and that he has been a board approved medical professional for 25 years.
You would think after all of those years of education and experience he would know that pissing off people will only hurt yourself. As a consumer, we have the right to ask questions and expect answers in a prompt and respectful manner. This man did neither. As a consumer I would think that BRMC as a business would want to hire and keep only those that will increase business not deter it. I will never again see this doctor, as a patient of his, or allow him access to any other member of my family. If this is a problem, then I will not use BRMC every again and neither will any of my family members,
Tuesday, April 8, 2008
WHAT A DAY!
Returning to school today was hard on me and the baby. She did not want me to leave her with mama and I really did not want to either. I quess it won't be much longer till I can stay home with her on a daily basis.
We had an IS day today at school. No students showed up, but we spent all morning on benchmark analysis for 3rd, 4th, and 5th grade. After lunch, we returned to a faculty senate meeting which lasted only 1 1/2 hours today. I guess I get to go home at 3:30 today instead of the usual 4 o'clock.
I have no major plans for tonight other than grading a few papers that I did not get to this weekend. I have only 2 more workdays before spring break. Well, really 3 but I am taking Friday to spend the day at the hospital with my grandmother. We get a whole week off for spring break and I fiqure I am going to need it.
I have to spring clean my house. I have been putting this off for a while. I have had a good excuse, I HAVE TO WORK! Next week that excuse will not work. I will have to take a trip to Wally World and purchase cleaning supplies this weekend.
We had an IS day today at school. No students showed up, but we spent all morning on benchmark analysis for 3rd, 4th, and 5th grade. After lunch, we returned to a faculty senate meeting which lasted only 1 1/2 hours today. I guess I get to go home at 3:30 today instead of the usual 4 o'clock.
I have no major plans for tonight other than grading a few papers that I did not get to this weekend. I have only 2 more workdays before spring break. Well, really 3 but I am taking Friday to spend the day at the hospital with my grandmother. We get a whole week off for spring break and I fiqure I am going to need it.
I have to spring clean my house. I have been putting this off for a while. I have had a good excuse, I HAVE TO WORK! Next week that excuse will not work. I will have to take a trip to Wally World and purchase cleaning supplies this weekend.
Monday, April 7, 2008
SO Sorry!
I have been rather busy the past month and haven't had a chance to post.
I began taking a class on WVLearns in February and that took up a lot of my computer time. I am now taking 2 of them and that results in me on the computer for at least 2 hours a day. I will be finished with both of these classes at the end of April and I am not taking another until September.
The reason that I am taking these classes is for my re-certification. As a teacher, we are never really finished with school. We have a certain number of professional development credits that we have to have every three years and a certain number of college credits as well. If you have a master's degree you can forgo the college credits, but as for now I only have a bachelor's.
I am hoping in September to begin a graduate program offered through Walden University to work toward my Master's degree. We will have to see, I guess it takes money to make money!
My husband began a new job about 3 weeks ago, so now he is on day shift. This has not helped a whole lot. I have to be on the computer for my classes of an evening and he feels that I should be spending time with him. He just does not realize the work that I have to do just to teach.
My oldest son just turned 18 and we are going today to order his tuxedo for his prom. I can't believe that he is so grown up. He agreed to have his hair cut yesterday. He now looks like a fine young gentleman. Long Hair is Gone!!! My youngest son also cut his hair. He now has a mohawk that is fire red. OH BOY! He is definitely a unique child.
I also had my hair trimmed yesterday and spent about an hour last night dying it to remove the stray gray hairs. I can't believe that at 37 years old, I am having to worry about graying hair. I guess I will be fighting this battle for the rest of my life.
I took a day off of work today to try to catch up on a few things here at home. Tomorrow I have school but most of my students do not. It is a IS (Instructional Support) Day. I have invited several students to come in and receive remediation. Most of them will not show, but maybe a few will.
My daughter is fine, she is as rotten as a 1 week old egg that's been laying out in the sun, but she is fine. I never knew how much a child like her could change my life. I am a little biased, I know, but I don't believe that God could have given me a better gift. She is my world!!!
I guess I should get off her and get ready to pick up my oldest from school. We have a lot to do today! Until next time!!!
I began taking a class on WVLearns in February and that took up a lot of my computer time. I am now taking 2 of them and that results in me on the computer for at least 2 hours a day. I will be finished with both of these classes at the end of April and I am not taking another until September.
The reason that I am taking these classes is for my re-certification. As a teacher, we are never really finished with school. We have a certain number of professional development credits that we have to have every three years and a certain number of college credits as well. If you have a master's degree you can forgo the college credits, but as for now I only have a bachelor's.
I am hoping in September to begin a graduate program offered through Walden University to work toward my Master's degree. We will have to see, I guess it takes money to make money!
My husband began a new job about 3 weeks ago, so now he is on day shift. This has not helped a whole lot. I have to be on the computer for my classes of an evening and he feels that I should be spending time with him. He just does not realize the work that I have to do just to teach.
My oldest son just turned 18 and we are going today to order his tuxedo for his prom. I can't believe that he is so grown up. He agreed to have his hair cut yesterday. He now looks like a fine young gentleman. Long Hair is Gone!!! My youngest son also cut his hair. He now has a mohawk that is fire red. OH BOY! He is definitely a unique child.
I also had my hair trimmed yesterday and spent about an hour last night dying it to remove the stray gray hairs. I can't believe that at 37 years old, I am having to worry about graying hair. I guess I will be fighting this battle for the rest of my life.
I took a day off of work today to try to catch up on a few things here at home. Tomorrow I have school but most of my students do not. It is a IS (Instructional Support) Day. I have invited several students to come in and receive remediation. Most of them will not show, but maybe a few will.
My daughter is fine, she is as rotten as a 1 week old egg that's been laying out in the sun, but she is fine. I never knew how much a child like her could change my life. I am a little biased, I know, but I don't believe that God could have given me a better gift. She is my world!!!
I guess I should get off her and get ready to pick up my oldest from school. We have a lot to do today! Until next time!!!
Friday, January 18, 2008
Tuesday January 15th
Tuesday was the day of the big trip for the girls. I awoke this morning excited, but also dreading the day. I awoke my little girl with a smile and informed her that we were going to see Elmo! She had been screaming everyday since I told her about it. When I decided to take her, I also decided that this might be a great time to try potty training. I told her we would go see Elmo if she started to use the potty! IT WORKED! As of today she has only had 5 accidents in almost a week and none in the past 3 days. As I was saying! I woke her up and took her to the potty. I got ready for work and traveled the 20 minutes to my mother-in-laws. When I arrived, it had started to snow pretty heavily. She was asleep so I had to wake her again to go in. She began to cry and shouted "I don't want to be here, I want to see Elmo!" I told her that we would go after I got off work. I dropped her off and continued on to work. The roads were getting bad, but I made it. Only one bus picked up kids in our area, so I only had 4 fifth graders and 6 fourth graders.
I used today to average grades and attend a collaboration meeting with my boss. I left work at 12:00, taking half a day for the trip. The roads had cleared; smooth sailing. I walked in the door at my mother-in-laws to the waiting arms of Sabrina. She was hollering "Go see Elmo!" I left, drove to the Tazewell Co. Courthouse to pay $117 for my oldest sons tickets and then to McDonalds to grab lunch for us.
I got home around 2:00 and called my mom. She decided to keep Sabrina that night and the next day for me. I gathered her things, including her potty and headed to my moms to pick her up. We got on the road around 3:00. Sabrina slept the entire way to Johnson City. I was so so glad. We had a little difficulty finding Freedom Hall with the Internet map that I had printed and had to stop to ask directions. THE INTERNET MAP WAS WRONG! Shame on you Yahoo!
We finally found it at around 5:30. We still had an hour before they opened the doors, so we went to get something to eat. We found an Applebees about a mile down the road. My mom and I both ordered Steak and Shrimp. This was a new experience for my mom. I love their food, but mom had never eaten there. Sabrina ate 8 grilled garlic shrimp and a few vegetables. All the while yelling "Go See Elm0!"
We headed back at 6:15, paid for our parking and entered the building. As soon as we walked in there was souvenir stands and of course we had to get something. $45 dollars later, we had a stuffed Big Bird, Elmo and a t-shirt. We found our reserved seat pretty easily and waited. We watched the crowds as they filled the Civic Center. Sabrina began hollering she had to go to the potty. I carried her up the 3 flights of stairs to the restrooms and returned relieved that she went before the show started.
At exactly 7:30, the show began. I took 2 films worth of pictures, I hope to some how get them on here later for everyone to see. I was amazed! The characters, story line, lights and music were excellent. My daughter's eyes never looked away; she was mesmerized. I watched her several times and she would smile, open her mouth in amazement and follow the characters every move. There were lights, cannons firing confetti, and great music. My mom was having as much fun as my daughter. She laughed out loud several times during the show. Several times the characters walked down the aisle where we were sitting. Sabrina would look at them and then shirk away. She likes them she just did not want to touch them. I did not force it.
At exactly 9:00 the show ended. I figured I would be in traffic for an hour trying to get back to the interstate. I was wrong. I was back on the interstate at 9:15. Sabrina remained awake the entire way home. She stated 4 times she had to go to the potty. I'm glad I had packed the potty. We just placed her on it in the back seat of the car, no need to stop and find a bathroom. We did stop once for gas. I arrived at my mothers house at 11:30. We made excellent time. Sabrina cried not wanting to stay the night, so I just brought her home; at 11:45.
We were both exhausted, but happy to have seen the show. I would recommend Sesame Street Live to everyone of all ages.
I used today to average grades and attend a collaboration meeting with my boss. I left work at 12:00, taking half a day for the trip. The roads had cleared; smooth sailing. I walked in the door at my mother-in-laws to the waiting arms of Sabrina. She was hollering "Go see Elmo!" I left, drove to the Tazewell Co. Courthouse to pay $117 for my oldest sons tickets and then to McDonalds to grab lunch for us.
I got home around 2:00 and called my mom. She decided to keep Sabrina that night and the next day for me. I gathered her things, including her potty and headed to my moms to pick her up. We got on the road around 3:00. Sabrina slept the entire way to Johnson City. I was so so glad. We had a little difficulty finding Freedom Hall with the Internet map that I had printed and had to stop to ask directions. THE INTERNET MAP WAS WRONG! Shame on you Yahoo!
We finally found it at around 5:30. We still had an hour before they opened the doors, so we went to get something to eat. We found an Applebees about a mile down the road. My mom and I both ordered Steak and Shrimp. This was a new experience for my mom. I love their food, but mom had never eaten there. Sabrina ate 8 grilled garlic shrimp and a few vegetables. All the while yelling "Go See Elm0!"
We headed back at 6:15, paid for our parking and entered the building. As soon as we walked in there was souvenir stands and of course we had to get something. $45 dollars later, we had a stuffed Big Bird, Elmo and a t-shirt. We found our reserved seat pretty easily and waited. We watched the crowds as they filled the Civic Center. Sabrina began hollering she had to go to the potty. I carried her up the 3 flights of stairs to the restrooms and returned relieved that she went before the show started.
At exactly 7:30, the show began. I took 2 films worth of pictures, I hope to some how get them on here later for everyone to see. I was amazed! The characters, story line, lights and music were excellent. My daughter's eyes never looked away; she was mesmerized. I watched her several times and she would smile, open her mouth in amazement and follow the characters every move. There were lights, cannons firing confetti, and great music. My mom was having as much fun as my daughter. She laughed out loud several times during the show. Several times the characters walked down the aisle where we were sitting. Sabrina would look at them and then shirk away. She likes them she just did not want to touch them. I did not force it.
At exactly 9:00 the show ended. I figured I would be in traffic for an hour trying to get back to the interstate. I was wrong. I was back on the interstate at 9:15. Sabrina remained awake the entire way home. She stated 4 times she had to go to the potty. I'm glad I had packed the potty. We just placed her on it in the back seat of the car, no need to stop and find a bathroom. We did stop once for gas. I arrived at my mothers house at 11:30. We made excellent time. Sabrina cried not wanting to stay the night, so I just brought her home; at 11:45.
We were both exhausted, but happy to have seen the show. I would recommend Sesame Street Live to everyone of all ages.
Sunday, January 6, 2008
Another Sick Day
Thursday Afternoon at around 3 pm my daughter awoke from a nap, screaming. She is not the type of child that cries when she is not feeling well. For example, when she was about 18 months old she began to run a fever she never cried or complained, but I took her to the doctor anyway. The doctor informed me that she had one of the worst ear infections he had seen in a while. So when my daughter screams in pain, she is really hurting.
I immediately call the doctor and set up an appointment for Friday morning at 9:45. I give her a double dose of Motrin and some ear drops. In about 30 minutes she calms and settles down. I call my boss and inform her of the situation. I then worked about 30 minutes typing up lesson plans to email to my colleague.
At about 11 pm Thursday my daughter begins to have secretions coming from her right eye. I don't know what is causing this for sure, but I guess it might be an eye infection. Friday morning at 9:30 I walk into "The Clinic" in Claypool Hill, VA. She has an appointment to see Dr. Thompson. When the nurse calls us back, my daughter begins to cry, looking at the nurse she says, "I don't like doctors!" The nurse laughs and I prepare for the fight.
The doctor walks in and she explodes; screaming, slapping, and kicking. He gives her a once over and announces she has a pretty bad ear infection and conjunctivitis(pink eye) in both eyes. He writes two prescriptions and sets up an appointment in two weeks. I pay my $15 co payment and travel to Walmart.
I drop off the prescriptions and walk around to wait. I go to retrieve them only to find out that although I have insurance, my part is going to cost me $60. It's no wonder many people have to choose between medications and food. Her eye drops were $20 and her antibiotic was $40 which is about half the full cost.
I get home at around 11:30 am, now the fun begins; figuring out how to get the drops in her eyes. I finally realize how its going to be have to be done. Here is the process:
I immediately call the doctor and set up an appointment for Friday morning at 9:45. I give her a double dose of Motrin and some ear drops. In about 30 minutes she calms and settles down. I call my boss and inform her of the situation. I then worked about 30 minutes typing up lesson plans to email to my colleague.
At about 11 pm Thursday my daughter begins to have secretions coming from her right eye. I don't know what is causing this for sure, but I guess it might be an eye infection. Friday morning at 9:30 I walk into "The Clinic" in Claypool Hill, VA. She has an appointment to see Dr. Thompson. When the nurse calls us back, my daughter begins to cry, looking at the nurse she says, "I don't like doctors!" The nurse laughs and I prepare for the fight.
The doctor walks in and she explodes; screaming, slapping, and kicking. He gives her a once over and announces she has a pretty bad ear infection and conjunctivitis(pink eye) in both eyes. He writes two prescriptions and sets up an appointment in two weeks. I pay my $15 co payment and travel to Walmart.
I drop off the prescriptions and walk around to wait. I go to retrieve them only to find out that although I have insurance, my part is going to cost me $60. It's no wonder many people have to choose between medications and food. Her eye drops were $20 and her antibiotic was $40 which is about half the full cost.
I get home at around 11:30 am, now the fun begins; figuring out how to get the drops in her eyes. I finally realize how its going to be have to be done. Here is the process:
- First I lay her in the floor on her back
- Then I straddle her pinning her arms to her sides
- Holding her head with one hand I place one drop in one eye
- Then take both hands to force her eye open so they can go in
- Finally I repeat the process with the other eye
The entire time she is fighting me and screaming. I don't really blame her, I can't stand eye drops either. I have to go through this process 4 times a day until the drops are gone.
Today she is much better, no secretions from her eyes, other than when she is crying when it comes time for her drops. She has not run a fever or complained with her ear. I guess I might be able to work tomorrow.
Thursday, January 3, 2008
Planning a Girl's Night Out
I rarely go anywhere without the entire family in tow, but I have planned a day without the guys. WooHoo!!! I never go anywhere without my daughter and luckily she is able to attend this girl's night out. No I will not be drinking or bar-hopping. We are going to attend a performance of Sesame Street Live in Kingsport, TN.
I have been seeing an AD on the local broadcasting station out of Bristol, TN for a couple of weeks, but never really paid attention to it until about 4 days ago. I loved to watch Sesame Street when I was little and my daughter knows most of the characters by heart as well. I became interested. I have never been to a concert or major production in my life and I want my daughter to have these types of experiences.
On the other hand, Kingsport is a good distance from my home and I really do not want to travel that kind of distance by myself. So I asked my mom to accompany me. She enthusiastically said she would go with us. She has never been to anything like this either. So three girls will be getting their first experiences together.
I got online last night to check on tickets. They ranged from $25 to $12. The most expensive were floor seats in the first 10 rows A-J. All Sold Out! Crap! The next were 15.50, still floor seats but behind A-J. Oh! Well, it will have to do. I bought 3 tickets. January 15th, Section 2 seats K-1,K-2,and K-3. These are also aisle seats so if my daughter wants to get up an dance she will have a little wiggle room.
I will be taking a half of day off of work this day. I don't know if my boss will like this, but that's not going to deter me. My mom also has to work this day, but she gets off work at 12:00. I will leave work at 12:30 after my lunch duty, pick-up my daughter at my in-laws and be ready to hit the open road by 3:00. The performance begins at 7:30 and lasts for 90 minutes. I'll let you know how it turns out.
I told my daughter about it today, while the AD was running on TV. She has talked of nothing else since. She wants to go now, she is not old enough yet to understand that it is going to be a couple of more weeks. All she cares about is she is going to see Elmo. Bless her heart, there is nothing that I would not do for her.
I have been seeing an AD on the local broadcasting station out of Bristol, TN for a couple of weeks, but never really paid attention to it until about 4 days ago. I loved to watch Sesame Street when I was little and my daughter knows most of the characters by heart as well. I became interested. I have never been to a concert or major production in my life and I want my daughter to have these types of experiences.
On the other hand, Kingsport is a good distance from my home and I really do not want to travel that kind of distance by myself. So I asked my mom to accompany me. She enthusiastically said she would go with us. She has never been to anything like this either. So three girls will be getting their first experiences together.
I got online last night to check on tickets. They ranged from $25 to $12. The most expensive were floor seats in the first 10 rows A-J. All Sold Out! Crap! The next were 15.50, still floor seats but behind A-J. Oh! Well, it will have to do. I bought 3 tickets. January 15th, Section 2 seats K-1,K-2,and K-3. These are also aisle seats so if my daughter wants to get up an dance she will have a little wiggle room.
I will be taking a half of day off of work this day. I don't know if my boss will like this, but that's not going to deter me. My mom also has to work this day, but she gets off work at 12:00. I will leave work at 12:30 after my lunch duty, pick-up my daughter at my in-laws and be ready to hit the open road by 3:00. The performance begins at 7:30 and lasts for 90 minutes. I'll let you know how it turns out.
I told my daughter about it today, while the AD was running on TV. She has talked of nothing else since. She wants to go now, she is not old enough yet to understand that it is going to be a couple of more weeks. All she cares about is she is going to see Elmo. Bless her heart, there is nothing that I would not do for her.
Wednesday, January 2, 2008
Sorry!!!
I haven't taken the time to write in a while, but I will try to keep this a little more up to date.
Christmas is finally over and the New Year has been ushered in. Christmas was wonderful, despite the rush and hustle. My family and I spent Saturday 21st, with my mother and my stepdad. Also in attendance were my brother, sister, half brother and stepbrother and their respective families. We ate pizza, played pool and just reconnected.
Christmas Eve is reserved for my Dad and grandparents(Papa and Granny). My stepmom and others put together a wonderful Christmas meal and we spent about an hour opening gifts. Here the family was huge packed into about 4 rooms.
*my dad and stepmom
*Papa and Granny
*Uncle Johnny and Sharon
*Uncle Danny and Linda
*Great Uncle Bill and Aunt Margaret Ann
*Brother, Wife and 2 Nephews
*Sister and Husband
*Stepsister, Husband and 2 Nieces
*Cousin, Wife and 2 Kids
*and of course me, husband and 3 kids
Christmas Day my daughter decided that she wanted all of her mama's and papa's to come watch her open her presents from Santa. So we invited them all to have coffee and donuts. They all came except one and we invited her favorite aunt and uncle to come as well. We had a pretty good time. My mother woke early and made homemade ham, sausage, and bacon biscuits to bring along.
Later Christmas day we traveled to my husbands parents, my in-laws to celebrate with them. My oldest son did not go with us, he spent the day with his girlfriend and her mother. All together there were still 9 people. We stayed until around 7 pm and returned home.
For a couple of days I did nothing. I slept late and played with Sabrina. But finally Friday I decided I should try to wash dishes and clothes. Saturday I took down my tree and decorations. Yesterday I finally opened a book and completed my lesson plans for the next month.
Today I caught up on clothes and dishes. Still haven't touched a single paper to grade, but I have already been told that school is on 2 hour delay tomorrow. Maybe we will get another day off and I can do them then. If not, I'll get them this weekend.
Well until later, take care and Happy New Year!
Christmas is finally over and the New Year has been ushered in. Christmas was wonderful, despite the rush and hustle. My family and I spent Saturday 21st, with my mother and my stepdad. Also in attendance were my brother, sister, half brother and stepbrother and their respective families. We ate pizza, played pool and just reconnected.
Christmas Eve is reserved for my Dad and grandparents(Papa and Granny). My stepmom and others put together a wonderful Christmas meal and we spent about an hour opening gifts. Here the family was huge packed into about 4 rooms.
*my dad and stepmom
*Papa and Granny
*Uncle Johnny and Sharon
*Uncle Danny and Linda
*Great Uncle Bill and Aunt Margaret Ann
*Brother, Wife and 2 Nephews
*Sister and Husband
*Stepsister, Husband and 2 Nieces
*Cousin, Wife and 2 Kids
*and of course me, husband and 3 kids
Christmas Day my daughter decided that she wanted all of her mama's and papa's to come watch her open her presents from Santa. So we invited them all to have coffee and donuts. They all came except one and we invited her favorite aunt and uncle to come as well. We had a pretty good time. My mother woke early and made homemade ham, sausage, and bacon biscuits to bring along.
Later Christmas day we traveled to my husbands parents, my in-laws to celebrate with them. My oldest son did not go with us, he spent the day with his girlfriend and her mother. All together there were still 9 people. We stayed until around 7 pm and returned home.
For a couple of days I did nothing. I slept late and played with Sabrina. But finally Friday I decided I should try to wash dishes and clothes. Saturday I took down my tree and decorations. Yesterday I finally opened a book and completed my lesson plans for the next month.
Today I caught up on clothes and dishes. Still haven't touched a single paper to grade, but I have already been told that school is on 2 hour delay tomorrow. Maybe we will get another day off and I can do them then. If not, I'll get them this weekend.
Well until later, take care and Happy New Year!
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