So, once I came back from the cath lab, I was worn out and ready to sleep. I dozed on and off throughout the day. Ken left to head back to Urbana to collect the kids and some supplies for a couple of days. Until this point, I had held it together pretty well. But, once Ken left, I broke down for the first time. I felt entitled to a few tears, and indulged. The doctor came in while I was crying, and agreed to another dose of Adavan to prepare me for the arrival of the kids and my parents, who were making the two hour drive. The Adavan and the extreme fatigue lead me to sleep most of the day, unfortunately missing much of my parents' (and brother's) visit.
I was glad to be allowed to eat, though. I hadn't eaten since the popcorn at the game on Wednesday afternoon--was that really just yesterday?? So much had happened, it seemed impossible that several days had not past.
Ken and the boys secured a hotel room for the night. They left to have dinner and swim for a while. I was awake throughout the evening--watching TV and indulging in a shower. The nurse stopped my IV meds, but left the ports in, just in case. They also switched me to a portable monitor, which meant I could get to the bathroom with little trouble (though I won't say little effort, because, at this point, EVERYTHING took effort). The shower was wonderful. The nurse changed my bedding, and I slipped in between fresh sheet and watched TV the rest of the evening. About 10:30, I turned off the TV and lights, forgetting that it was New Year's Eve, banking on the nurse's promise not to bother me unless it was absolutely necessary. I slept hard, not even remembering being roused to take some meds at midnight.
Tuesday, January 05, 2010
Friday, January 01, 2010
Yes, Virginia, it really was a heart attack...
Well, actually, it was 2 heart attacks. Let me start at the beginning.....
Monday, Tuesday and Wednesday (Dec 28-30) was the Epiphany Tournament in Normal, IL, for Josh's basketball team. Monday night's game was a win, Tuesday's was a loss, which meant Wednesday's game was a competition for third place. Josh headed over early with the team on the bus, and Jake and I followed a little while later. Honestly, I was in a bit of a lethargic, grumpy mood that morning, and wished I could have stayed home. But, there was no good reason for me to miss Josh's game, so, like a good mom, I herded Jake into the car and headed to Normal. Not knowing the team's after-game plans, I had promised Josh I would take him to Avanti's after the games.
Jake and I arrived, and the game started out well. I was glad to see some of the boys on the court who hadn't got much playing time. In the third quarter, one of the boys was on a fast break, but the ball was batted away by the opponent, bouncing in front of him. He jumped and came down on ball, and the "snap" silenced the gym. The poor kiddo just laid there, unmoving. Seconds later, everyone realized the gravity of the situation, and stopped the game, called 911, and asked if there was a doctor in the building. I couldn't fight my mom instinct any longer, and headed over to the bench, since all of the coaches were on the floor with the injured boy. As I scanned the bench for Josh's face, I caught him looking at me, with a face as pale as his white home jersey. I mouthed the words "are you ok?" and he shook his head. I sent him into the locker room to splash water on his face and collect himself. I told a teammate to go with him, in case he happened to need assistance, all the while smiling inwardly...thinking that Josh does take after me in some ways, how he was hurting for his teammate.
Time seemed to drag on as we all waited for the ambulance. The PA announcer asked that the owner of the tan Toyota Camry please move their car, as it may be in the way of the ambulance's exit. Dang it! My car! I ran, probably faster than I have in a long time, to the parking lot and moved the car. As I was heading into the gym, the ambulance arrived, and the young man was whisked off to the hospital, accompanied by the 8th grade coach's wife.
I settled in to watch the rest of the game, smiling at Jake while he played with another younger brother from the team. The thought that kept popping in my head was, "I feel so bad for him, but I am so glad that it was not my son who was hurt. Does that make me a terrible person for thanking God for my son being whole?" The Tigers finished out the final quarter, winning the game, shouting their injured teammate's name in their celebratory chants.
During the game, a plan had come together to take to boys to a local pizza place to celebrate after the 8th grade game. My heart was hurting for the young man in the hospital, and in an attempt to find a way I could help, I decided to head over to the hospital to see what I could do. I mentioned it to Shelley, another mom. She volunteered to ride along, arranging with her husband for Jake to stay with him through the game, agreeing to meet up when the game was finished. Shelley and I headed to the hospital, not far from the school.
As we pulled into the hospital parking lot, I started to notice a pain in my chest, along the left side of my sternum. I knew my blood pressure had to be high--adrenaline was pounding through my veins. I figured I was just having a bit of a panic attack, wishing I had something with me to take to calm myself down. Forging ahead, we located the emergency department and found the young man's room.
The coach's wife was alone in the room, as he had been taken to xray. I plopped in the chair, feeling nauseous and sweaty. I pulled off my sweatshirt, not caring that I was left sitting in a camisole in front of people I barely knew. I pulled the garbage can closer, sure I was about to lose my cookies...again, not caring who was watching. Coach's wife began to fan me, then Shelley put a cold towel on the back of my neck. I asked a tech standing outside the room to take my blood pressure. It was 157/103. Yikes! Soon, as I was trying to laugh off my symptoms, the young man's mother called, and Shelley went out to meet them. A few minutes later, Shelley called my cell phone and asked me to head out where we had come in to look for his mother. I wandered out to the waiting area. I sat down, a bit disoriented. I pulled out my phone to call my doctor, then realized that was silly. I was in a hospital! So, instead, I called Ken, told him what was going on, and that I was going to have the ER doctors look me over. I stumbled into the triage office, and explained what was going on. They signed me in and placed me in a room 2 doors down from our player's room.
When I got in the room, the nurse tossed me a gown and told me to change. I put on the gown and laid on the bed....alone. Soon, Shelley walked down the hall and spotted me laying there. I explained that I had decided to get looked at, and she was shocked that I had not been seen yet. She was politely assertive with the staff, requesting that I be seen by someone. They took their time before they checked my vitals, drew blood, and ordered an EKG due to the chest pain. The doctor described the results of the EKG as "O.K." without a lot of enthusiasm. I asked what comes next. He explained that unexplained chest pain would probably earn me an overnight stay. I called Ken and asked him to come over, knowing that he would have to find someone to cover him at work. Shelley, Jackie (the coach's wife) and I joked and told stories, keeping the atmosphere light, all the while trying to find out more about our player down the hall. Turns out, the poor kiddo broke his femur, and decisions were being made about where he should be transferred to and how they would move him. Jackie ran out to the pizza place where the team was to grab dinner for his family.
Once she returned, again, the three of us chatted, waiting for time to pass. Not long after, the doctor returned and said, "According to the blood tests, you are having an heart attack". I think I looked at him like he had 2 heads, because that just couldn't be. He said that they were going to put me on nitroglycerin, aspirin, and oxygen. Shelley inched closer to my bed, and grasped my hand, which was exactly what I needed at that time. Soon after, the room got more active as the nurses got things moving. By this time, the pain had somewhat subsided, but I do think I was somewhat in shock, so that may be part of why I was so calm.
I asked Shelley to call Ken, and ask how far out he was, but not to tell him anything yet. I didn't want him to get that kind of news while he was on the road. I also asked that her husband take the kids to eat with the team, then bring my kids to me at the hospital. He was under strict instructions not to tell them I was sick, so they wouldn't worry. I really wanted them to enjoy the celebration.
In the meantime, the nurse had put me on oxygen and nitro and given me an aspirin. The head of the cardiology department was called in, and he arrived quickly, in his sweats :) He and the ER doctor volleyed ideas back and forth, considering what was going on and my lack of risk factors. They decided to do a chest xray and chest CT to check for clots in the lungs. Before those were done, Ken arrived, and I broke the news to him. Shortly after, the boys arrived, surprised to see me in the bed. The ER doctor came in and talked to them, letting them know I was sick, but would be ok. After some discussion, it was decided that the boys would go home with Shelley and her family, Ken would stay with me, and we would check out the situation in the morning.
I was taken to my room, IV's started, numerous EKG's done, and settled in. I was a little on edge, and the nurse gave me some Adavan to help me "chill out". I felt that warm, relaxing feeling take over, and was able to stop the mind from racing.
(This section is mostly from Ken's report on what happened, as I don't really remember):
About 2 in the morning, I asked Ken to uncover my feet, as I was extremely hot, nauseous and agitated. He uncovered my feet then went to the hall to get the nurse. She and another nurse worked on me, called the cardiologist, who came back in, and also called in the doctor who does the heart caths. They consulted and decided I was headed to the cath lab, since the blood tests were showing that I was having another heart attack, this one much worse than the first. Ken described me looking "as he would imagine me to look if I was dead". The cath doctor went with Ken and I to the cath lab, explaining to Ken all of the risks and what could happen as I was being prepped. Then Ken was left alone in the waiting room....I can't even imagine how hard that had to be.
So, what I remember about the cath lab experience- someone saying that they were giving me some Versed (yeah!), the monitors in the room, someone shaving the area where they were going to cut, the nurse applying pressure when it was all done, and someone asking if I wanted a leg brace to remember not to move my leg.
Well, while that is not the end of the story, I shall stop here and post more later. This post is already too long, and I would be surprised if anyone gets this far.
Monday, Tuesday and Wednesday (Dec 28-30) was the Epiphany Tournament in Normal, IL, for Josh's basketball team. Monday night's game was a win, Tuesday's was a loss, which meant Wednesday's game was a competition for third place. Josh headed over early with the team on the bus, and Jake and I followed a little while later. Honestly, I was in a bit of a lethargic, grumpy mood that morning, and wished I could have stayed home. But, there was no good reason for me to miss Josh's game, so, like a good mom, I herded Jake into the car and headed to Normal. Not knowing the team's after-game plans, I had promised Josh I would take him to Avanti's after the games.
Jake and I arrived, and the game started out well. I was glad to see some of the boys on the court who hadn't got much playing time. In the third quarter, one of the boys was on a fast break, but the ball was batted away by the opponent, bouncing in front of him. He jumped and came down on ball, and the "snap" silenced the gym. The poor kiddo just laid there, unmoving. Seconds later, everyone realized the gravity of the situation, and stopped the game, called 911, and asked if there was a doctor in the building. I couldn't fight my mom instinct any longer, and headed over to the bench, since all of the coaches were on the floor with the injured boy. As I scanned the bench for Josh's face, I caught him looking at me, with a face as pale as his white home jersey. I mouthed the words "are you ok?" and he shook his head. I sent him into the locker room to splash water on his face and collect himself. I told a teammate to go with him, in case he happened to need assistance, all the while smiling inwardly...thinking that Josh does take after me in some ways, how he was hurting for his teammate.
Time seemed to drag on as we all waited for the ambulance. The PA announcer asked that the owner of the tan Toyota Camry please move their car, as it may be in the way of the ambulance's exit. Dang it! My car! I ran, probably faster than I have in a long time, to the parking lot and moved the car. As I was heading into the gym, the ambulance arrived, and the young man was whisked off to the hospital, accompanied by the 8th grade coach's wife.
I settled in to watch the rest of the game, smiling at Jake while he played with another younger brother from the team. The thought that kept popping in my head was, "I feel so bad for him, but I am so glad that it was not my son who was hurt. Does that make me a terrible person for thanking God for my son being whole?" The Tigers finished out the final quarter, winning the game, shouting their injured teammate's name in their celebratory chants.
During the game, a plan had come together to take to boys to a local pizza place to celebrate after the 8th grade game. My heart was hurting for the young man in the hospital, and in an attempt to find a way I could help, I decided to head over to the hospital to see what I could do. I mentioned it to Shelley, another mom. She volunteered to ride along, arranging with her husband for Jake to stay with him through the game, agreeing to meet up when the game was finished. Shelley and I headed to the hospital, not far from the school.
As we pulled into the hospital parking lot, I started to notice a pain in my chest, along the left side of my sternum. I knew my blood pressure had to be high--adrenaline was pounding through my veins. I figured I was just having a bit of a panic attack, wishing I had something with me to take to calm myself down. Forging ahead, we located the emergency department and found the young man's room.
The coach's wife was alone in the room, as he had been taken to xray. I plopped in the chair, feeling nauseous and sweaty. I pulled off my sweatshirt, not caring that I was left sitting in a camisole in front of people I barely knew. I pulled the garbage can closer, sure I was about to lose my cookies...again, not caring who was watching. Coach's wife began to fan me, then Shelley put a cold towel on the back of my neck. I asked a tech standing outside the room to take my blood pressure. It was 157/103. Yikes! Soon, as I was trying to laugh off my symptoms, the young man's mother called, and Shelley went out to meet them. A few minutes later, Shelley called my cell phone and asked me to head out where we had come in to look for his mother. I wandered out to the waiting area. I sat down, a bit disoriented. I pulled out my phone to call my doctor, then realized that was silly. I was in a hospital! So, instead, I called Ken, told him what was going on, and that I was going to have the ER doctors look me over. I stumbled into the triage office, and explained what was going on. They signed me in and placed me in a room 2 doors down from our player's room.
When I got in the room, the nurse tossed me a gown and told me to change. I put on the gown and laid on the bed....alone. Soon, Shelley walked down the hall and spotted me laying there. I explained that I had decided to get looked at, and she was shocked that I had not been seen yet. She was politely assertive with the staff, requesting that I be seen by someone. They took their time before they checked my vitals, drew blood, and ordered an EKG due to the chest pain. The doctor described the results of the EKG as "O.K." without a lot of enthusiasm. I asked what comes next. He explained that unexplained chest pain would probably earn me an overnight stay. I called Ken and asked him to come over, knowing that he would have to find someone to cover him at work. Shelley, Jackie (the coach's wife) and I joked and told stories, keeping the atmosphere light, all the while trying to find out more about our player down the hall. Turns out, the poor kiddo broke his femur, and decisions were being made about where he should be transferred to and how they would move him. Jackie ran out to the pizza place where the team was to grab dinner for his family.
Once she returned, again, the three of us chatted, waiting for time to pass. Not long after, the doctor returned and said, "According to the blood tests, you are having an heart attack". I think I looked at him like he had 2 heads, because that just couldn't be. He said that they were going to put me on nitroglycerin, aspirin, and oxygen. Shelley inched closer to my bed, and grasped my hand, which was exactly what I needed at that time. Soon after, the room got more active as the nurses got things moving. By this time, the pain had somewhat subsided, but I do think I was somewhat in shock, so that may be part of why I was so calm.
I asked Shelley to call Ken, and ask how far out he was, but not to tell him anything yet. I didn't want him to get that kind of news while he was on the road. I also asked that her husband take the kids to eat with the team, then bring my kids to me at the hospital. He was under strict instructions not to tell them I was sick, so they wouldn't worry. I really wanted them to enjoy the celebration.
In the meantime, the nurse had put me on oxygen and nitro and given me an aspirin. The head of the cardiology department was called in, and he arrived quickly, in his sweats :) He and the ER doctor volleyed ideas back and forth, considering what was going on and my lack of risk factors. They decided to do a chest xray and chest CT to check for clots in the lungs. Before those were done, Ken arrived, and I broke the news to him. Shortly after, the boys arrived, surprised to see me in the bed. The ER doctor came in and talked to them, letting them know I was sick, but would be ok. After some discussion, it was decided that the boys would go home with Shelley and her family, Ken would stay with me, and we would check out the situation in the morning.
I was taken to my room, IV's started, numerous EKG's done, and settled in. I was a little on edge, and the nurse gave me some Adavan to help me "chill out". I felt that warm, relaxing feeling take over, and was able to stop the mind from racing.
(This section is mostly from Ken's report on what happened, as I don't really remember):
About 2 in the morning, I asked Ken to uncover my feet, as I was extremely hot, nauseous and agitated. He uncovered my feet then went to the hall to get the nurse. She and another nurse worked on me, called the cardiologist, who came back in, and also called in the doctor who does the heart caths. They consulted and decided I was headed to the cath lab, since the blood tests were showing that I was having another heart attack, this one much worse than the first. Ken described me looking "as he would imagine me to look if I was dead". The cath doctor went with Ken and I to the cath lab, explaining to Ken all of the risks and what could happen as I was being prepped. Then Ken was left alone in the waiting room....I can't even imagine how hard that had to be.
So, what I remember about the cath lab experience- someone saying that they were giving me some Versed (yeah!), the monitors in the room, someone shaving the area where they were going to cut, the nurse applying pressure when it was all done, and someone asking if I wanted a leg brace to remember not to move my leg.
Well, while that is not the end of the story, I shall stop here and post more later. This post is already too long, and I would be surprised if anyone gets this far.
Monday, November 02, 2009
Wrist Watch....
During a Monday night soccer practice on October 5th (ok, so I am a month late here...), Jake fell and sprained his wrist. He was in some pretty bad pain. Three weeks of wearing a splint, sitting out of P.E., popping tylenol (there is another story for another day), xrays and visits to the doctor, he was finally on the mend. Though it was his right wrist that was hurt, he was able to still do his school work, play soccer (though no more time in as keeper) and practice the trumpet, so all was not lost.
Jake was just getting done with his splint as Josh was trying out for the basketball team. In fact, one afternoon he asked to have a friend over to help him practice, since Jake still wasn't able to shoot a ball yet. Josh made it through the cuts and made the team!!! We were so happy for him! The day after tryouts, Josh called after school to let me know he had arrived home safely. He asked, "Did the school call you today?" No, they had not....why??? Well, apparently he was playing basketball in P.E. and fell, hurting his wrist. Oh no...not again! I rush home to take him to convenient care. We sit in their petri dish/waiting room (did I mention the flu is sweeping through town) to get xrays. The films are inconclusive, and we have to wait to hear from the radiologist. In the meantime, he is splinted and sent home. The doctor calls with the results...which are inconclusive. Which means a visit to my old friends in the orthopedic surgery department.
The ortho department does more xrays and concludes that he has a hairline fracture :( Yes, my boy is in a cast. Any guesses on what color he picked??
He will wear this cast for three weeks, then will be re-evaluated. They are optimistic that he will be healed by then. Until then, he is allowed to play in P.E. and in basketball practice as much as he can tolerate. He hasn't been in much pain at all, thankfully.
Happy Halloween....
Halloween did not pass without being recognized at our house this year! The boys carved pumpkins the weekend before. We have always had trouble with the squirrels eating the pumpkins, but I didn't want to go to all the trouble of treating the gourds with pepper to keep them away. Well...for some odd reason, the squirrels LOVED Jake's pumpkin, but didn't touch Josh's!
Then, Oct. 30th, Jake headed to a church Halloween party. We decided his regular costume might be too creepy, so we threw together this one in about 20 minutes....he looks a little like Bryan Adams....
Saturday came, and it was a busy, busy day. Basketball practice, errands, and preparing for trick or treating filled the day. Then, at 5:30, the middle school group showed up and I unleashed them on the neighborhood....
the gang
Then, Oct. 30th, Jake headed to a church Halloween party. We decided his regular costume might be too creepy, so we threw together this one in about 20 minutes....he looks a little like Bryan Adams....Saturday came, and it was a busy, busy day. Basketball practice, errands, and preparing for trick or treating filled the day. Then, at 5:30, the middle school group showed up and I unleashed them on the neighborhood....the gangJosh as Elwood Blues (but looking a little like an Amish thug)
dead dude in a coffin
The gang raided our area, then headed a few blocks over to invade the neighborhood of one of the gang members. The boys had a great time, got tons of candy, and sang Christmas songs to the people they got candy from. Middle school boys are just weird!
P.S.I even got in on the act....and took my inspiration from the book series I completed this summer.... 
Thursday, September 10, 2009
Mark Schultz
O.M.G! DH gave me tickets to see my favorite Christian artist for our anniversary....and tonight was the concert! We had the most amazing seats--front row center. The show was amazing!
Thursday, September 03, 2009
He's 11!
Yes, once again, momma sits here lamenting the passing of another year with her little boys. However, they are not that little any more! My baby, Jake, is 11. The day before his birthday, I joked with my coworkers that "eleven years ago right now, I was in some major pain!" All kidding aside, I remember holding Jake, shortly after he was born. Since he had been born via C-section, I had to go to recovery before I could really have any time with him. The fleeting moments in the delivery room were not enough. I unwrapped that little wiggly bundle of blankets and checked him out head to toe--and declared him perfect. I wasn't too far from wrong, either. Over the years, he has astounded me with his intelligence, talent, caring and sense of humor. While no one is truly perfect, Jake, again and again, demostrates what a terrific person he has turned out to be.
My favorite moment of his birthday this year was waking him early to dash off to Dunkin Donuts for a surprise breakfast run. He has always been a coffee fan, ever since Grandma Gabhart used to make the boys her "special coffee"-- a little coffee, lots of milk, and lots of sugar. After ordering my coffee, for the first time ever, I ordered him a cup too--double cream, double sugar, and half decaf. Walking back to the van, with his coffee cup warming his hands, he looked at me and said "thank you mommy" in the most sincere voice I have ever heard. That made it all worth while...Jake learning to enjoy the small, precious moments in life.
My favorite moment of his birthday this year was waking him early to dash off to Dunkin Donuts for a surprise breakfast run. He has always been a coffee fan, ever since Grandma Gabhart used to make the boys her "special coffee"-- a little coffee, lots of milk, and lots of sugar. After ordering my coffee, for the first time ever, I ordered him a cup too--double cream, double sugar, and half decaf. Walking back to the van, with his coffee cup warming his hands, he looked at me and said "thank you mommy" in the most sincere voice I have ever heard. That made it all worth while...Jake learning to enjoy the small, precious moments in life.
Thursday, August 20, 2009
Quick update
I don't have much time these days, since my students are starting TODAY and my classroom still has so much work to be done in it...but...here's a summary:
- I finished the Harry Potter series! Loved it...was one of the best reads EVER! Watched the first movie...but finding it hard to fit movie time into our busy schedule. Plus, when do I ever sit in one place for more than 2 hours??
- Jake attended 6th grade orientation yesterday. Is it really possible that my lil red-headed baby is in middle school?? (Next question...am I really that old??)
- Josh has finally adjusted to his braces. In a few weeks he will get the bottom ones on, and that will require yet another adjustment period. Now that his mouth is not sore, he has no complaints.
- School starts in my district TODAY! I am ready in some ways, but soooo not ready in others. But, no matter how prepared you think you are, students have a way of keeping you on your toes.
- Josh and Jake are dogsitting for their Grandma's dog for a week...at our house. Gracie is going to LOVE this, hahahaha! Poor thing will be exhausted when young Bella heads back home.
Thursday, August 06, 2009
My summer goal....
is to read the entire Harry Potter series. When Harry first came on the scene, my boys were much too young to get into it. As they got older, I thought maybe they would get interested, but, alas, they did not. I, however, was intrigued when I saw the Harry Potter exhibit at the Museum of Science and Industry (Jake's end-of-year field trip). So....I set out this summer (post homework-ectomy recovery) to read all 7 books. I have not seen any of the movies, so I began on this journey blind...which is the best way to begin (ALWAYS read the books before you see the movie...no matter what story is involved). Now, I have finished book 6....and I am itching to start on number 7....the last in the series. Give me a week, and I will be done...and ready for the movie marathon!
Saturday, August 01, 2009
The Dells- version 2009
Once again, we headed up to Wisconsin Dells in late July for a lil fun. Our usual partners-in-crime joined us, hosting us for a couple of days before hitting the resort...while at their house we rode 4-wheelers, went to Camp Phillip, and visited their church...
Camp Phillip... where we played disc golf, bankshot, ate dinner, and watched on outdoor concert.
BankShot
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S'mores!
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Monday morning we headed to the Dells...Deer Park, Jet Boats, and Tommy Bartlett. I love the Deer Park. It is amazing how tame the deer are, and there is something special about having such beautiful animals eating right out of your hand :)
The weather was a little cool, so the Jetboat ride was chilly, but tons of fun. As expected, we got soaked! The driver was very good, mixing humor and interesting information about the river with some pretty exciting spins and stops!
We went through the Tommy Bartlett Exploratory for the first time. I don't know who enjoyed it more...the kids or the adults! There were tons of hands-on science activities, which were entertaining and fascinating all at the same time.
Next was the Tommy Bartlett Water Show. Oh my...the things those kids can do on skis! They were amazing! After intermission and one of the biggest ice cream cones I have EVER seen, the land portion of the show began. My favorite part was "Dave the Horn Guy". He could play almost anything on the bulb horns attached to his suit....I was in tears I was laughing so hard!
And that was all on day one....more to come :)
Saturday, July 04, 2009
Reflections on the City Museum
On July 3rd, we hung out at the City Museum in St. Louis. If you haven't been there, you are missing out on one of the most mystical, fun, eclectic, exciting places around. I literally could wander around that place for hours. As always, the boys had a great time, and this was DH's first trip. He did some climbing in the Monstrocity and seemed to enjoy his visit.
that's him in the red shirt
We took in the rooftop, which is new this year. There is a ferris wheel on top of the building, a splash pond, and a 40 ft slide. The landing at the end of the slide is quite rough...you end abruptly on some pretty rough concrete, which took the skin off both of my elbows and one ankle. I think they need to really re-think that part...
The boys really liked the ball pit in the bottom of the Monstrocity...I think the weather prevented them from enjoying it before...
They recently added a large pencil to the skatepark. It really works....and yes, in case you are wondering, I did test it out. I guess if you really know me, you already knew that ;)
Friday, June 12, 2009
What does a former grad student do now that she has no homework?
Well, granted, it has only been a week into summer, so it's not like I have had much time to do anything. But, I do have a few projects going....
- Repair the bathroom wall. Yes, this is the bathroom that sucked every free moment from me two summers ago. Apparently, it is NOT a good idea to install the towel bar right in the same spot as that nasty seam in the drywall, the seam that took me a week to get it just right...(had to break out the drywall mud)
- Learning how to eat a "bland" diet. Again, a reoccurring tummy problem sent me to the ER, where they wanted to remove my non-existent gall bladder. So, right now, the goal is to calm my digestive system to see if the mystery inflammation can heal. Google "bland diet"....have a lil pity on me ;)
- Learning to use Microsoft OneNote...which I have been told will help organize my lesson plans and stuff at school )if you have ever seen my desk...you'd know why I need organizational help...) Why didn't I know about OneNote when I was doing my NBPTS portfolio??
- Reading...I have only one Jodi Picoult novel left (It's her new one...so no rush) and I just checked the original Harry Potter out at the library.
So, as you can see, I will not lack for things to do, even after the homework-ectomy.
Wednesday, June 03, 2009
a few laughs....
OK, admit it, it's funny when other people mess up. Check out www.failblog.org for page after page of chuckles.
Saturday, May 16, 2009
The last grade post....
I just got my grades from my last semester of grad school....I finished with a
4.0!!!
Friday, April 10, 2009
Boy Versus Food
Thanks to a co-worker, I discovered a new sandwich place. This is no ordinary sandwich shop, however. It is reminiscent of the show Man V. Food (check out the link if you have never seen the show.) The sandwich shop, located on campus, is called "Fat Sandwich Company". DH and I checked out the menu online and decided to give it a try.
The boys were intrigued by the "Build Your Own" option, choosing hamburger, chicken fingers, pizza bites, french fries and ketchup. 
We were treated to entertainment while we were there. A college student came in and decided to attempt the "Big Fat Ugly" challenge. He was unsuccessful, but was in good company. The manager told us that they have had made 160 Big Fat Uglies, but only had 2 people succeed in consuming the entire thing in 15 minutes. This young man wasn't even able to finish half the sandwich.
Definately an adventure!
Friday, April 03, 2009
Wednesday, April 01, 2009
Medical Terminology
-ectomy: Surgical removal
I feel like I have had a homework-ectomy. I looked forward to finishing my portfolio, and the relief of not having so much homework, but now I am dealing with the pain after the "surgery". Specifically, I feel like a part of me is missing. I have defined myself as a grad student and a National Boards candidate for so long, that I feel like part of me is missing. I'm sure that I will eventually come to terms with it, but, right now, I feel like I am having a personal crisis.
I feel like I have had a homework-ectomy. I looked forward to finishing my portfolio, and the relief of not having so much homework, but now I am dealing with the pain after the "surgery". Specifically, I feel like a part of me is missing. I have defined myself as a grad student and a National Boards candidate for so long, that I feel like part of me is missing. I'm sure that I will eventually come to terms with it, but, right now, I feel like I am having a personal crisis.
Friday, March 27, 2009
.Sunday, March 15, 2009
The hand of God
Often, you hear about being caught by the hand of God in a figurative sense. Yesterday, a friend was caught by the hand of God, but in a very literal way. This friend was trimming branches from a tree. When he tried to un-tether the ladder from the tree, the ladder fell, and this man plummeted 25 feet to the ground. He was taken to the hospital by ambulance on a backboard. (His wife was taken to the hospital, too, since the ladder hit her on the way down.) After running tests, the doctors determined that he had come out of his fall with no injuries, not even a single broken rib. That, my friends, is what happens when you are caught in the hand of God.
A quote....
"It's not about waiting until the storm passes....it's about learning to dance in the rain."
Beautiful Spring Weather
Today, the weather is absolutely gorgeous! The sound of the bop-bop-bop of the basketball on the street out front has begun. The boys have dug out their shorts, and the bikes have emerged from their winter home in the garage. I even wore sandals for a bit yesterday...now that is something to celebrate!!
DH and the boys are going to clean the yard, which will provide some much needed quiet time for me to work. The deadline is coming quick....the portfolio has to be postmarked by March 31st. It will be done...there really is no other choice. I have printed the forms to accompany my writing, and am pulling together entries into final drafts. Today I will also assemble my documentation for my professional development entry. So much to do...
I am trying to find little things that make me smile..to keep my spirits up as I persevere to the end....like the screensaver of the little pug licking the screen clean (I have named him Otis), a package of yellow Peeps, organizing a closet in my free time, making stuffed pizza to please DH, and wearing my sunglasses inside. It's the little things....
DH and the boys are going to clean the yard, which will provide some much needed quiet time for me to work. The deadline is coming quick....the portfolio has to be postmarked by March 31st. It will be done...there really is no other choice. I have printed the forms to accompany my writing, and am pulling together entries into final drafts. Today I will also assemble my documentation for my professional development entry. So much to do...
I am trying to find little things that make me smile..to keep my spirits up as I persevere to the end....like the screensaver of the little pug licking the screen clean (I have named him Otis), a package of yellow Peeps, organizing a closet in my free time, making stuffed pizza to please DH, and wearing my sunglasses inside. It's the little things....
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