Let me start this by saying, I am not anti-military. I come from a stronly military family, there are only two cousins on my Nanny's side who didn't at least attempt to get into and/or serve in the military. All of her brothers served, two of whom were on a ship on their way to Japan before Nagasaki and Hiroshima were bombed. My great grandpa, whose house I live in, and his brother both signed up during WWI, and his brother died in training during the Spanish Influenze of 1918. Ok, so, I salute the flag support our armed forces, and pray for each man, woman, and their families.
Now that I've said all of that, my job has really opened my eyes to one major downfall of the military and the life that it follows. I work in Lawton, which is the home of Fort Sill, an army base. The school district does include several schools on base, but all three of my schools are not on base.
However, many of the kids are military kids who live off base and thus go to school inside the town. I have truly seen the affect of the nomadic lifestyles these kids endure, and for so many it isn't positive. It breaks my heart to see these kids who are struggling, are unable to read, or are just behind because they are in a new school every year or whatever.
Further than that, there are kids whose speech problems or learning issues are only aggravated by the deployment of one or both parent. I can imagine from a wife's standpoint how hard daily life would be to have your spouse gone for a year, to not have their support and help in daily decision making, but for a 12 year old to have just one parent. Even more than just having one parent, is having one parent who is stressed to the max and dealing with everything tough that's going on.
It's horrible to even imagine.
The fact from my point of view is, it's detrimental to a lot of kids. And then to be put in a place like Lawton, having a population of 110k when combined with Fort Sill, is like throwing them into the lion's den. It's scary for me to be in a hallway with 600 middle school kids swarming around you, usually against the stream, and I'm 23 almost 24 years old.
Anyway all of that said, I have a paper that I have to write about developing psychology, and I'm thinking it's going to be about this.
Saturday, September 26, 2009
Wednesday, September 23, 2009
In other news!
I found this super neat little wine bistro and grill just blocks from one of my schools, and even though I'm not currently a big wine drinker, I think it might be a great way unwind.
I told Chance we were sooo eating there!!
I told Chance we were sooo eating there!!
Monday, September 21, 2009
Survived
Day was super long, as I had class at 5. I got home about 8. I'm super tired!!
It seems like I will be working with some really great people, which I love. I will be floating between 3 schools, but they are all in a 10 minute radius.
My only concern is that I'm a little out of practice. My brain is more on the Mommy wavelength vs the education/speech path wave length, so I'll have to stretch it and tune it to do what needs to be done!!
Night all!!
PS, Did I mention I have a super sweet husband who told me happy anniversary today. When we were kids, we would always do something special on each monthiversary, and today happens to be 8 years and 5 months. He's amazing.
It seems like I will be working with some really great people, which I love. I will be floating between 3 schools, but they are all in a 10 minute radius.
My only concern is that I'm a little out of practice. My brain is more on the Mommy wavelength vs the education/speech path wave length, so I'll have to stretch it and tune it to do what needs to be done!!
Night all!!
PS, Did I mention I have a super sweet husband who told me happy anniversary today. When we were kids, we would always do something special on each monthiversary, and today happens to be 8 years and 5 months. He's amazing.
Sunday, September 20, 2009
Wish List
Chance was going on earlier about the things he would like to have once we have a little more money so I told him I would creat a to do list, and when he crossed something off he could buy it.
There are several big projects still half finished around the house, so he has plenty to do, his wish list was short though. Just a jeep, a turkey fryer, and a new gun. *rolls eyes* He's obsessed with fried turkey, I like it, but not enough to buy a turkey fryer.
So, I've been trying to think of things to culminate into my own personal wish list. I'm not a big jewelry fan, but my sister sells Premier, so I can have her order whatever.
Here's what I have so far:
1. Small notebook computer
2. New DSLR camera
3. King sized bed
That's all I can think of for right now, but man mine are all super expensive things!
There are several big projects still half finished around the house, so he has plenty to do, his wish list was short though. Just a jeep, a turkey fryer, and a new gun. *rolls eyes* He's obsessed with fried turkey, I like it, but not enough to buy a turkey fryer.
So, I've been trying to think of things to culminate into my own personal wish list. I'm not a big jewelry fan, but my sister sells Premier, so I can have her order whatever.
Here's what I have so far:
1. Small notebook computer
2. New DSLR camera
3. King sized bed
That's all I can think of for right now, but man mine are all super expensive things!
Going to Bed for the Last Time
as a stay at home Mommy. I wake up tomorrow a working Mommy.
I've been good all weekend, and the finality of that statement made me cry. I hate it. I know that at some time tomorrow, I'm going to break down in tears. I hate that too.
Hopefully I will get to get online somewhere and will be able to at least look at some pics of the kiddo, maybe that will help me get through the day.
Night all
I've been good all weekend, and the finality of that statement made me cry. I hate it. I know that at some time tomorrow, I'm going to break down in tears. I hate that too.
Hopefully I will get to get online somewhere and will be able to at least look at some pics of the kiddo, maybe that will help me get through the day.
Night all
Penelope
I mentioned the movie Enchanted earlier, and the fact that I'm not enthused with the overall idea of the movie.
Well, after Chance went to bed, Archer and I watched Penelope, the movie with Christina Ricci. I went into it expecting it to be silly, and your regular run of the mill JH girl movie.
After watching the movie, I can only hope that every JH girl has seen the movie. In my comparison of the two movies, I would choose the slightly more rough around the edges Penelope over Enchanted.
The Disney flick had was cute, but in my opinion it gave the wrong message. Penelope had more adult language and themes, but had the message that young girls need to hear.
Well, after Chance went to bed, Archer and I watched Penelope, the movie with Christina Ricci. I went into it expecting it to be silly, and your regular run of the mill JH girl movie.
After watching the movie, I can only hope that every JH girl has seen the movie. In my comparison of the two movies, I would choose the slightly more rough around the edges Penelope over Enchanted.
The Disney flick had was cute, but in my opinion it gave the wrong message. Penelope had more adult language and themes, but had the message that young girls need to hear.
Saturday, September 19, 2009
DSS-Early Childhood
ETA: After a re-read, this is slightly choppy and bounces a little. Sorry.
Last week I discussed my parents and how they got together.
How about a lesson in early childhood? At the ripe old age of 2 we moved to a trailer on the family farm. There was a ton of family always around, and when my mom was working I spent my time with my grandparents. My grandpa was diagnosed with MS in his 20's and my grandma was in the early stages of losing her sight at this point.
Days with my grandparents are some of my most cherished memories. So many of them are fading, and I'm glad of the few pictures I have of them.
My grandpa, to be here on out called Poppy always let me sit in his lap and drink his coffee when it got cold. He would let me help him shave with one of those 3 round bladed electric shavers.
My grandma, to be called Nanny, schooled me at an early age. I had this book that we kept my homework in and I would get this really awesome red heart stickers when I completed so many assignments. I was reading Dick, Jane, and Sally books by the age of 4.
Once I was in school, I would ride the bus home to the bus stop, and Poppy would pick me up in this 1960's model truck with this horn that sounds so crazy. My sister hated it, I always thought it was cool.
I spent so much time with my Nanny and Poppy because my dad worked out of state a lot. He did (and still does) construction, and places like NJ and CA made a lot more money than the jobs here. My mom worked some then, mostly at convenience stores, but once my dad was back in OK for good my mom and her sister went in together and bought their own store.
Her odd hours and my dad's alcoholism lead to us spending a lot of time with the grandparents, but I don't ever remember thinking, "I wish I was home instead of here." Ya know? It had no ill effect.
One major happening was this really bad storm. I don't remember it, but I know it caused me to be a complete freak about weather. My cousin's wife ran a quarter of a mile to my Poppy's cellar, with my baby cousin (who was the same age as me) because we were in a tornado warning. She didn't have a car, so she cut through the cotton field and had cuts all over her legs and arms. That same cousin whose wife ran, his mom was killed by a single lightening strike on a cloudy day. It wasn't even storming.
To this day, I get extremely anxious about bad weather. Literally, almost to the point of anxiety attacks. It's really the only thing that just completely freaks me out and that I'm unable to be calm and collected about.
So, some milestones, some issues, and a big phobia!!
Last week I discussed my parents and how they got together.
How about a lesson in early childhood? At the ripe old age of 2 we moved to a trailer on the family farm. There was a ton of family always around, and when my mom was working I spent my time with my grandparents. My grandpa was diagnosed with MS in his 20's and my grandma was in the early stages of losing her sight at this point.
Days with my grandparents are some of my most cherished memories. So many of them are fading, and I'm glad of the few pictures I have of them.
My grandpa, to be here on out called Poppy always let me sit in his lap and drink his coffee when it got cold. He would let me help him shave with one of those 3 round bladed electric shavers.
My grandma, to be called Nanny, schooled me at an early age. I had this book that we kept my homework in and I would get this really awesome red heart stickers when I completed so many assignments. I was reading Dick, Jane, and Sally books by the age of 4.
Once I was in school, I would ride the bus home to the bus stop, and Poppy would pick me up in this 1960's model truck with this horn that sounds so crazy. My sister hated it, I always thought it was cool.
I spent so much time with my Nanny and Poppy because my dad worked out of state a lot. He did (and still does) construction, and places like NJ and CA made a lot more money than the jobs here. My mom worked some then, mostly at convenience stores, but once my dad was back in OK for good my mom and her sister went in together and bought their own store.
Her odd hours and my dad's alcoholism lead to us spending a lot of time with the grandparents, but I don't ever remember thinking, "I wish I was home instead of here." Ya know? It had no ill effect.
One major happening was this really bad storm. I don't remember it, but I know it caused me to be a complete freak about weather. My cousin's wife ran a quarter of a mile to my Poppy's cellar, with my baby cousin (who was the same age as me) because we were in a tornado warning. She didn't have a car, so she cut through the cotton field and had cuts all over her legs and arms. That same cousin whose wife ran, his mom was killed by a single lightening strike on a cloudy day. It wasn't even storming.
To this day, I get extremely anxious about bad weather. Literally, almost to the point of anxiety attacks. It's really the only thing that just completely freaks me out and that I'm unable to be calm and collected about.
So, some milestones, some issues, and a big phobia!!
Fairy Tale Movie?
Since Starz is free this weekend, there is lots on TV! Yeah right, but still, I DVRed "Enchanted" last night, and we watched it earlier today.
Spoiler if you haven't seen it.
Knowing it's a Disney movie, I wasn't expecting anything too risque or anything. There weren't any blatant cleavage shots or a ton of over exposing clothes. The father buys a book about famous women for the daughter instead of the fairy tale book she wanted.
Blah, blah the movie goes on in a typical fashion for disney. Singing, dancing, and gaiety. (The happy kind, not the sexual kind.) Well, you can clearly see that the father is growing feelings for the princess, and like wise. They almost kiss.
The movie winds down to the ulimate climactic moment, and guess what? True love's first kiss we've been singing about since minute 3, it's not with Prince Edward, it's with Robert McDreamy.
Now, I have no problem with true love, singing, or fairy tales. But, and this is a pretty big one, but I'm not ok with adultery. I'm sure it sounds absurd to say this, but he's planning on proposing to his girlfriend of 5 years. She was on the way to the wedding to marry her prince. They were both "in love" with these people, yet suddenly they are in love with each other.
What kind of message is that? I like the idea of the story, that we don't always have to do what is expected, that we don't fall in love after just one day, we have to date and learn about each other. I get and respect all of that.
Don't know. Maybe I'm over thinking it, I just don't like to promote the idea that we can fall out of love with one person and in love with another in a matter of days.
Spoiler if you haven't seen it.
Knowing it's a Disney movie, I wasn't expecting anything too risque or anything. There weren't any blatant cleavage shots or a ton of over exposing clothes. The father buys a book about famous women for the daughter instead of the fairy tale book she wanted.
Blah, blah the movie goes on in a typical fashion for disney. Singing, dancing, and gaiety. (The happy kind, not the sexual kind.) Well, you can clearly see that the father is growing feelings for the princess, and like wise. They almost kiss.
The movie winds down to the ulimate climactic moment, and guess what? True love's first kiss we've been singing about since minute 3, it's not with Prince Edward, it's with Robert McDreamy.
Now, I have no problem with true love, singing, or fairy tales. But, and this is a pretty big one, but I'm not ok with adultery. I'm sure it sounds absurd to say this, but he's planning on proposing to his girlfriend of 5 years. She was on the way to the wedding to marry her prince. They were both "in love" with these people, yet suddenly they are in love with each other.
What kind of message is that? I like the idea of the story, that we don't always have to do what is expected, that we don't fall in love after just one day, we have to date and learn about each other. I get and respect all of that.
Don't know. Maybe I'm over thinking it, I just don't like to promote the idea that we can fall out of love with one person and in love with another in a matter of days.
Football
Archer and I shared a first tonight. We went to our first HS football game.The town we live in played a boarding school on the edge of town.
My little sister is a HS cheerleader this year, so we went to watch her for the homecoming festivities. We actually couldn't see her from where I sat, but we got some pics before!
Archer was a little worried about the band, they were just a few feet over from us. He kept staring over at them and had this really worried look on his face. After they scored a few touch downs though, he was ok about it and was clapping when we clapped and yelling when we yelled. He even danced to the band music a little.
The game was a complete blowout. My dad and I only stayed for the first quarter because as we were leaving, they scored a last second TD and brought the score to 44-0. The final score ended up being 71-0.
Great first time experience for both of us!!
My little sister is a HS cheerleader this year, so we went to watch her for the homecoming festivities. We actually couldn't see her from where I sat, but we got some pics before!
Archer was a little worried about the band, they were just a few feet over from us. He kept staring over at them and had this really worried look on his face. After they scored a few touch downs though, he was ok about it and was clapping when we clapped and yelling when we yelled. He even danced to the band music a little.
The game was a complete blowout. My dad and I only stayed for the first quarter because as we were leaving, they scored a last second TD and brought the score to 44-0. The final score ended up being 71-0.
Great first time experience for both of us!!
Friday, September 18, 2009
I'm really trying not to whine. I let myself mope for the entire first day, and now I have to get over it.
Today is my last day with Archer until Summer.
I also realized last night that I only signed a contract through May 27. What if I buy a new car, and then can't find another job somewhere else?! I'm not going to let myself worry about it because I have to get a new car to drive 45 minutes and then drive to each school.
Anyway, kiddo is fighting nap time, gonna go help him to sleep.
Today is my last day with Archer until Summer.
I also realized last night that I only signed a contract through May 27. What if I buy a new car, and then can't find another job somewhere else?! I'm not going to let myself worry about it because I have to get a new car to drive 45 minutes and then drive to each school.
Anyway, kiddo is fighting nap time, gonna go help him to sleep.
Thursday, September 17, 2009
Mm, Mm, Mmmm
I got to thinking today about my favorite foods!
1. Steak (I love a really juicy, albeit well cooked steak.)
2. Pizza Hut Cheese Pizza (Thin or Handtossed Crust, pan is toooo greasy.)
3. Pancakes (No explanation needed.)
4. A really great green salad (No icky lettuce, or mushrooms though.)
5. Bread (Fresh from the bakery french bread with a crusty crust. Mmm.)
Basically, that's all I could come up with. There are other things that I like, but I love those tings. I could eat them daily, and not get tired of them.
1. Steak (I love a really juicy, albeit well cooked steak.)
2. Pizza Hut Cheese Pizza (Thin or Handtossed Crust, pan is toooo greasy.)
3. Pancakes (No explanation needed.)
4. A really great green salad (No icky lettuce, or mushrooms though.)
5. Bread (Fresh from the bakery french bread with a crusty crust. Mmm.)
Basically, that's all I could come up with. There are other things that I like, but I love those tings. I could eat them daily, and not get tired of them.
Job
Feeling a lot better about the job situtation today.
I'm only considered a support staff person, which is kind of confusing, but really from what I can tell it means that I don't have to work inservice days.
The home daycare I was wanting to send Archer to said she doesn't want a baby as small as him. She said that if I couldn't find anything else to let her know, she might change her mind. I really hope she does!
I'm only considered a support staff person, which is kind of confusing, but really from what I can tell it means that I don't have to work inservice days.
The home daycare I was wanting to send Archer to said she doesn't want a baby as small as him. She said that if I couldn't find anything else to let her know, she might change her mind. I really hope she does!
Wednesday, September 16, 2009
Hollywood self esteem
Megan Fox is admitting to cutting herself and being extremely insecure.
I feel terrible for this girl. I don't really have any self esteem issues, sometimes I feel down about something or another, but I just don't have the time or energy to care what others think about me, physically or mentally.
This girl is hot. And loaded. And really hot. She's a freaking movie star.
How can you feel down about yourself? You have to have talent to be an actress, it's not as simple as it seems. You have to be hot to be the kind of actress she is. And yet she says she feels as if she has no worth. I just don't get that.
With all of that said, my cousin made the HS paper a few weeks ago, and the same paper had a survey of the actresses they thought were the hottest. It was a HS poll. Sophie Bush beat out Megan Fox. We were all shocked. Guess that much overwhelming beauty can be too much, even to high school boys, who would have guessed.
I feel terrible for this girl. I don't really have any self esteem issues, sometimes I feel down about something or another, but I just don't have the time or energy to care what others think about me, physically or mentally.
This girl is hot. And loaded. And really hot. She's a freaking movie star.
How can you feel down about yourself? You have to have talent to be an actress, it's not as simple as it seems. You have to be hot to be the kind of actress she is. And yet she says she feels as if she has no worth. I just don't get that.
With all of that said, my cousin made the HS paper a few weeks ago, and the same paper had a survey of the actresses they thought were the hottest. It was a HS poll. Sophie Bush beat out Megan Fox. We were all shocked. Guess that much overwhelming beauty can be too much, even to high school boys, who would have guessed.
: (
I'm feeling extremely sad.
I the call that my husband has been waiting for.
I was offered a job at a public school for speech path assistant.
Shouldn't you be happy? Husband asks.
I'm not. I answer. I am trying. It will be an experience.
But once again, my entire life is shifting, not just a part of it.
On Monday, I have to be a working mom. I have to find a schedule for my child and myself that I haven't given second thought so since I figured I wouldn't have a job after the first of the school year.
I'm sad because I have to leave my baby behind. I'm sad because he's just not so much a baby anymore. I'm sad because I am.
Chance just really doesn't get this. He's never been at home, he's never have every inch of his life changed irreversibly. He's never had to change all of who he is.
Now, there is a good side to this. I will be making $30 an hour, that's good. We will be able to get central heat and air installed before the dead cold of winter. I will be able to go with my sister and blow money on ridiculous things on shopping trips. And so on and so forth.
The thing is, I don't care about the money.
Maybe I'm just scared. Afraid of changing again. Maybe I'll even get over it.
For now I'm just sad.
I the call that my husband has been waiting for.
I was offered a job at a public school for speech path assistant.
Shouldn't you be happy? Husband asks.
I'm not. I answer. I am trying. It will be an experience.
But once again, my entire life is shifting, not just a part of it.
On Monday, I have to be a working mom. I have to find a schedule for my child and myself that I haven't given second thought so since I figured I wouldn't have a job after the first of the school year.
I'm sad because I have to leave my baby behind. I'm sad because he's just not so much a baby anymore. I'm sad because I am.
Chance just really doesn't get this. He's never been at home, he's never have every inch of his life changed irreversibly. He's never had to change all of who he is.
Now, there is a good side to this. I will be making $30 an hour, that's good. We will be able to get central heat and air installed before the dead cold of winter. I will be able to go with my sister and blow money on ridiculous things on shopping trips. And so on and so forth.
The thing is, I don't care about the money.
Maybe I'm just scared. Afraid of changing again. Maybe I'll even get over it.
For now I'm just sad.
Tuesday, September 15, 2009
13th Tale
I completely devoured this book. I read late last night, during nap time today and even for a little while as Chance and Arch played in the floor. The instant they were in bed, I busted that book out again and finished it.
In the book, the author describes being so drawn into a book that you are completely unaware of the world moving around you. While that didn't happen with this book, it has happened to me in the past. When I was reading the Twlight Saga, it happened to me. I was so wrapped up that I couldn't do anything but read. Archer was still bfing so I could just read while he nursed and napped. I honestly stayed up until 330 to finish one of the books, and I read them all in 5 days. I actually finished the first book on the way to the theater to watch the movie. On the way back, I picked up New Moon from my sister and had it finished the by the evening of the next day. Luckily, my own personal copies came in the mail 2 days later, or I would have been suffering from withdrawals.
The Thirteenth Tale, the book I just finished, was a really good book. The author was very engaging, and I'm slightly disappointed in myself for not realizing what was happening until it was spelled out for me. I was going in all the wrong places, but once it was said outloud, I was distressed to have missed it.
I would highly recommend this book to anyone who enjoys reading in general. It has very little bad language, it does talk a little about things of a not so kosher nature, but nothing that isn't absolved with the story.
Tomorrow, I must make up lost time in the homework department. Hopefully I'll have the chance to pop in the library to check out The Shadow of the Wind, by Carlos Ruiz-Zafon. More on it later!
In the book, the author describes being so drawn into a book that you are completely unaware of the world moving around you. While that didn't happen with this book, it has happened to me in the past. When I was reading the Twlight Saga, it happened to me. I was so wrapped up that I couldn't do anything but read. Archer was still bfing so I could just read while he nursed and napped. I honestly stayed up until 330 to finish one of the books, and I read them all in 5 days. I actually finished the first book on the way to the theater to watch the movie. On the way back, I picked up New Moon from my sister and had it finished the by the evening of the next day. Luckily, my own personal copies came in the mail 2 days later, or I would have been suffering from withdrawals.
The Thirteenth Tale, the book I just finished, was a really good book. The author was very engaging, and I'm slightly disappointed in myself for not realizing what was happening until it was spelled out for me. I was going in all the wrong places, but once it was said outloud, I was distressed to have missed it.
I would highly recommend this book to anyone who enjoys reading in general. It has very little bad language, it does talk a little about things of a not so kosher nature, but nothing that isn't absolved with the story.
Tomorrow, I must make up lost time in the homework department. Hopefully I'll have the chance to pop in the library to check out The Shadow of the Wind, by Carlos Ruiz-Zafon. More on it later!
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