Wednesday, July 6, 2011
Tuesday, July 5, 2011
Library Lists
We typically go to the library at least once a week in the summer. I drive people crazy because I absolutely devour books. I love to read. My tastes range from juvenile fiction/nonfiction (for my daughters or students) to education related nonfiction and romance novels. I can't list everything I read (although I did a few years ago) so I've decided to use this nifty new website to help me stay organized!
I've set up an account - one for personal/professional reading and one for my classroom library. As I read books (mostly from my public library) I'll add them. Periodically, I'll try to remember to tell you about the best ones. You can see what I'm reading/have read recently by looking at my shelf over in the sidebar. ------>
Another place I have discovered to get e-books from is the North Carolina Digital Library. I stumbled on this one day a few weeks ago. Our library doesn't offer any ebooks on site - and they only recently started offering audio-books that weren't on tape or cd. This is super exciting to me, as I have a back-up now in case I run out of things to read and the library is closed. (Our libraries have funky hours due to budget issues.) This hasn't been such an issue this summer, as I have more free time to go to the library. But during the school year, this has caused me some major sadness. Also, I'm looking forward to installing the software on my computer at school - then I can download the ebooks there and use them as read alouds (there is an astounding array of books - my romance novels, juvenile fiction, semi-current nonfiction.)
I've got to wrap this post up, there is a terrible t-storm brewing! Thank goodness for wireless internet and laptops with good batteries! Have fun reading! What are you currently enjoying?
Another place I have discovered to get e-books from is the North Carolina Digital Library. I stumbled on this one day a few weeks ago. Our library doesn't offer any ebooks on site - and they only recently started offering audio-books that weren't on tape or cd. This is super exciting to me, as I have a back-up now in case I run out of things to read and the library is closed. (Our libraries have funky hours due to budget issues.) This hasn't been such an issue this summer, as I have more free time to go to the library. But during the school year, this has caused me some major sadness. Also, I'm looking forward to installing the software on my computer at school - then I can download the ebooks there and use them as read alouds (there is an astounding array of books - my romance novels, juvenile fiction, semi-current nonfiction.)
I've got to wrap this post up, there is a terrible t-storm brewing! Thank goodness for wireless internet and laptops with good batteries! Have fun reading! What are you currently enjoying?
Monday, July 4, 2011
Independence Day
I'd like to ask your forgiveness upfront. This post will be full of me whining and complaining. I won't be offended if you skip out entirely. Here is a really great video you can watch instead: Life After Death by PowerPoint. It is a hilarious look at all the things you shouldn't do with PowerPoint.
I wish I could write a really clear post about why I want to make today MY Independence Day too. Mostly though, my brain is just full of frustration and annoyance. I'm feeling very put-upon these days. Since this is for my own benefit, let me list the ways...
Sounds great at first glance. Except now it means instead of cooking simple meals for the kids and me, I'm expected to produce meals with multiple parts, served on real dishes (not paper plates!), and to have it ready to eat when he walks in the door. Then I'm expected to clean it all up (alone) so he can go back to work. So you'd think on the weekends he'd cook meals (he is off on Saturday and Sunday.) Nope, still all me. He will do the dishes (eventually) but often I come and do them so that I can cook the next meal.
If he's home during the day, you'd think he could pitch in with the household chores, right? Nope, he's far too busy playing the virtual game of "Second Life." He's gotten to where he spends upwards of 5 hours a day on it. Probably many more, since he often stays up late and gets up very early just to play.
I wish I could declare my independence from being the only family member who cares about meals, groceries, clean clothes, and having a clean house. I'd love to go "on strike" and let them fend for themselves. But I know myself too well - I don't think I could do it. I just don't think I have the support structure to pull it off. I feel so frustrated and alone sometimes. I'm trying so hard and just can't any more. I don't want to look back on this summer and feel like it was torture, but that is how it is shaping up to be.
I could continue, but I think I've complained enough. I'm sorry - I wish I had a better way to vent this stuff, but hey - it IS my blog. I can complain if I need to. I'll try to cook up a happier post for tomorrow.
I wish I could write a really clear post about why I want to make today MY Independence Day too. Mostly though, my brain is just full of frustration and annoyance. I'm feeling very put-upon these days. Since this is for my own benefit, let me list the ways...
- Cook meals (always dinner for 4 and usually lunches too)
- Clean up after meals (almost always dinner dishes, sometimes dishes from lunch too)
- Wash clothes, towels, etc.
- Sweep, vacuum, mop the floors
- Clean bathrooms
- Clean up the clutter
- Hound the kids to do their own cleaning
- Hound the husband to help
- Buy the groceries
- Plan menus
- Discipline/Encourage the kids
Sounds great at first glance. Except now it means instead of cooking simple meals for the kids and me, I'm expected to produce meals with multiple parts, served on real dishes (not paper plates!), and to have it ready to eat when he walks in the door. Then I'm expected to clean it all up (alone) so he can go back to work. So you'd think on the weekends he'd cook meals (he is off on Saturday and Sunday.) Nope, still all me. He will do the dishes (eventually) but often I come and do them so that I can cook the next meal.
If he's home during the day, you'd think he could pitch in with the household chores, right? Nope, he's far too busy playing the virtual game of "Second Life." He's gotten to where he spends upwards of 5 hours a day on it. Probably many more, since he often stays up late and gets up very early just to play.
I wish I could declare my independence from being the only family member who cares about meals, groceries, clean clothes, and having a clean house. I'd love to go "on strike" and let them fend for themselves. But I know myself too well - I don't think I could do it. I just don't think I have the support structure to pull it off. I feel so frustrated and alone sometimes. I'm trying so hard and just can't any more. I don't want to look back on this summer and feel like it was torture, but that is how it is shaping up to be.
I could continue, but I think I've complained enough. I'm sorry - I wish I had a better way to vent this stuff, but hey - it IS my blog. I can complain if I need to. I'll try to cook up a happier post for tomorrow.
Sunday, July 3, 2011
Weekly Organization
Here are a few things I've come up with over the years to keep myself and my family organized.
Featured in our kitchen is our menu planner. We modified the idea from here: The Amazing Mess.
As a teacher, I've always got pocket charts laying around. They are usually in Target's Dollar Spot bins in July and August. The meal items are written on paint chips with Sharpie. We had an initial brainstorming session and made about 20 chips. Then as time went on, we added to it. Usually on Saturday mornings (before grocery shopping) we'll make a menu for the following week. It has been a life saver for me - really helps me stay organized. On days when there are after-school meetings or activities, I can think ahead and plan something simple. It works great!
Another big helper has been our giant wall calendar. It is featured in the dining room. This is because it stares my husband in the face while he makes the girls lunches on school days. This way, he can't say he didn't know to pick them up, come for lunch, etc. The girls have started writing notes on it as well - about TV shows to watch, things to do, friends coming over, etc. I just wish there was a way to save the pages instead of tearing them off. The pictures turned out pretty good though, maybe that is a viable option for saving.
I posted about our schedule a few days ago. Here it is, hung up and being used! I posted it at the bottom of the stairs, so when the girls come down in the morning, they see it first thing. And posted next to it is their behavior charts - so they can do those last thing at night before going up to bed. And we had a major schedule win Friday night - my 8 year old went to bed at 10:45, with no fussing, and didn't come down 15 zillion times. She slept until 10am Saturday! 11 hours - I'd say all her late nights finally caught up to her!
So, what you see are a few tools I'm using to keep us chugging along this summer. What do you do to stay organized?
Featured in our kitchen is our menu planner. We modified the idea from here: The Amazing Mess.
As a teacher, I've always got pocket charts laying around. They are usually in Target's Dollar Spot bins in July and August. The meal items are written on paint chips with Sharpie. We had an initial brainstorming session and made about 20 chips. Then as time went on, we added to it. Usually on Saturday mornings (before grocery shopping) we'll make a menu for the following week. It has been a life saver for me - really helps me stay organized. On days when there are after-school meetings or activities, I can think ahead and plan something simple. It works great!
Another big helper has been our giant wall calendar. It is featured in the dining room. This is because it stares my husband in the face while he makes the girls lunches on school days. This way, he can't say he didn't know to pick them up, come for lunch, etc. The girls have started writing notes on it as well - about TV shows to watch, things to do, friends coming over, etc. I just wish there was a way to save the pages instead of tearing them off. The pictures turned out pretty good though, maybe that is a viable option for saving.
I posted about our schedule a few days ago. Here it is, hung up and being used! I posted it at the bottom of the stairs, so when the girls come down in the morning, they see it first thing. And posted next to it is their behavior charts - so they can do those last thing at night before going up to bed. And we had a major schedule win Friday night - my 8 year old went to bed at 10:45, with no fussing, and didn't come down 15 zillion times. She slept until 10am Saturday! 11 hours - I'd say all her late nights finally caught up to her!
So, what you see are a few tools I'm using to keep us chugging along this summer. What do you do to stay organized?
Saturday, July 2, 2011
Inconsistent and Unfair = No Way to Run a City Pool
In our county, there is only 1 public pool. It isn't free. We went once before and had a great time. Aside from not having a lounger (you have to rent one!) it was great. The girls passed a swim test (thanks to a patient lifeguard) so they could go on the slides. I managed to get comfy with no lounger and settled in to read.We lasted a solid 2.5 hours before the skies darkened. We headed home excited to come again.
Today was the day! We were excited and ready to hit the pool. The girls were antsy to take the swim test again (yes, they have to RETEST every single visit) and I brought my own lounger this time. Except this visit got off to a different vibe right from the start.
"There's no outside food or drink. If we see it we will TAKE it." That was said in the most polite southern twang you can fathom - but it was rude! The lady pointed at signs - I agreed to take the cooler back to the car (even though the last time we came, I had the exact same cooler and no one said a word and I saw no signs.)
So we paid ($3 per kid and $4 for me) and went off to get settled. The girls got wet and splashed some. I took the cooler back to the car. I came back and they told me they were going to do the swim test. I agreed and proceeded to set up my stuff. I just got settled, book in hand (wishing for my Coke!) when they came back, in tears. Turns out it wasn't the same lifeguard as last time. She passed one kid and failed the other.
I had promised the girls to make a fuss if needed. After all, they might not be the next Olympians, but my girls can swim and paddle well enough to get out after the slides. After discussions with the lifeguard (who was very young, impatient, and quick to refuse to allow a retest) I went to discuss things with a higher up. I found the Asst. Rec. Dept. manager. She was pleasant enough - but she wasn't going to budge. Refused to even see the ridiculousness of having kids retest each visit! I stayed calm but got louder as our conversation went on. She finally realized she had to do something to placate me: refund my money or give my kid another chance. I knew she wouldn't budge on the swim test issue - I could see it in her attitude (which, while pleasant, was one of "I know better than you do.") So I continued to reiterate my points (paid money, took snacks back to car, passed test last time, not fair to kid) until she offered the refund. I jumped on it. Took back my $10, packed my kids up (they were already ready to go!), and high-tailed it. We had seen some folks we knew - one followed me and asked what was up. I briefly explained and she was outraged as well.
In the car on the way home, we all 3 vented - and I began composing a letter in my head. At that point, I wasn't sure if it would go to the rec dept or to the newspaper. I just needed to tell someone! In the end, I wrote to the head of the Rec Dept. I feel they need to know why the pool has problems making money - inconsistency and unfairness. Here is what I wrote (names and identifying details removed, of course.)
So we are looking (again) for swim options for the summer. And really the only other option is the YMCA. I'll have to call them tomorrow and see what we can work out. They have a fantastic pool in a nearby town. I'm not sure if it is included in the regular membership or not. If it is, it will be worth it - the family monthly fees are listed as $64. This is about 6 trips to the city pool (fewer if my husband had come.)
I'll keep you posted!
Today was the day! We were excited and ready to hit the pool. The girls were antsy to take the swim test again (yes, they have to RETEST every single visit) and I brought my own lounger this time. Except this visit got off to a different vibe right from the start.
"There's no outside food or drink. If we see it we will TAKE it." That was said in the most polite southern twang you can fathom - but it was rude! The lady pointed at signs - I agreed to take the cooler back to the car (even though the last time we came, I had the exact same cooler and no one said a word and I saw no signs.)
So we paid ($3 per kid and $4 for me) and went off to get settled. The girls got wet and splashed some. I took the cooler back to the car. I came back and they told me they were going to do the swim test. I agreed and proceeded to set up my stuff. I just got settled, book in hand (wishing for my Coke!) when they came back, in tears. Turns out it wasn't the same lifeguard as last time. She passed one kid and failed the other.
I had promised the girls to make a fuss if needed. After all, they might not be the next Olympians, but my girls can swim and paddle well enough to get out after the slides. After discussions with the lifeguard (who was very young, impatient, and quick to refuse to allow a retest) I went to discuss things with a higher up. I found the Asst. Rec. Dept. manager. She was pleasant enough - but she wasn't going to budge. Refused to even see the ridiculousness of having kids retest each visit! I stayed calm but got louder as our conversation went on. She finally realized she had to do something to placate me: refund my money or give my kid another chance. I knew she wouldn't budge on the swim test issue - I could see it in her attitude (which, while pleasant, was one of "I know better than you do.") So I continued to reiterate my points (paid money, took snacks back to car, passed test last time, not fair to kid) until she offered the refund. I jumped on it. Took back my $10, packed my kids up (they were already ready to go!), and high-tailed it. We had seen some folks we knew - one followed me and asked what was up. I briefly explained and she was outraged as well.
In the car on the way home, we all 3 vented - and I began composing a letter in my head. At that point, I wasn't sure if it would go to the rec dept or to the newspaper. I just needed to tell someone! In the end, I wrote to the head of the Rec Dept. I feel they need to know why the pool has problems making money - inconsistency and unfairness. Here is what I wrote (names and identifying details removed, of course.)
Greetings,So, did I over-react? Maybe. But you try explaining to an 8 year old why she can't use the slide when she did last time. She was ready to kick the lifeguard's butt. And the 10 year old was no better - it isn't as much fun when you are doing something alone. Do I expect any kind of response - nope. I figure it'll just go straight to her "trash" folder in email.
First I would like to express how pleasantly surprised I was by our first visit to the City Pool. We really enjoyed our time - the facilities were great and my kids loved the slides. It was well worth the money. We were considering buying punch cards so we could come often.
Unfortunately, today changed our opinions. We will not be back to the City Pool. On our first visit I very openly carried in a cooler bag with snacks and drinks. No one pointed out signs or told me I couldn't. Today I was politely told that there could be no outside food or drinks or they'd be taken. That startled me, but I agreed to put the items back into my car. I wonder though, what if my family had health/dietary issues? It is unfortunate that personal food items aren't allowed, even with an inspection. But I understand that some people won't follow rules.
What really bothered me today was that the swim tests are not done in consistent fashion. On our first visit, my daughters (ages 8 and 10) were given a little coaching before being "passed" on their test. Both can swim and paddle well enough to come off the slides and get to the side of the pool. Today, someone different gave the test. With no coaching and very little patience one of my girls did not pass her test. The other did - and both my girls have fairly equal swimming/paddling skills.
This, of course, upset my girls. After speaking to the lifeguard (who referred me to the concessions stand), I spoke to some other folks. They explained that there wasn't much that could be done, that the lifeguards watch the pool and slides. It is the lifeguards who must be comfortable with the skills of the kids. I understand all that - but how do I explain to my child why they passed last time but not this time? It just isn't fair.
All the folks I spoke to were very pleasant (and I tried to stay calm as well) and somewhat understanding. The asst. manager finally offered to give me my money back - and I took her offer. It is simply unacceptable to me that I'm paying my hard-earned money for an afternoon at the pool - and then one of my kids can't go on the main attraction.
I feel that the Recreation Department needs to consider a more formal, consistent way to test the swimming abilities of kids. Perhaps do swim tests at the top of the hour only and record names (perhaps via the parent's driver's license number or some other way) in a notebook so the kids only have to test once per season. Or at the very least, have the same person do the tests all the time. Or even allow kids to retest after practicing - it is an intimidating thing to swim the width of the pool twice. It makes me sad to think there are other kids who passed once and not the next time simply because of inconsistent procedures.
Thanks for your time and for one great visit to the pool. I appreciate that City opened it this year.
Sincerely,
So we are looking (again) for swim options for the summer. And really the only other option is the YMCA. I'll have to call them tomorrow and see what we can work out. They have a fantastic pool in a nearby town. I'm not sure if it is included in the regular membership or not. If it is, it will be worth it - the family monthly fees are listed as $64. This is about 6 trips to the city pool (fewer if my husband had come.)
I'll keep you posted!
Friday, July 1, 2011
Fun on the Lake
We were invited to join friends on the lake yesterday. The day was awesome and we didn't get sunburned - double awesome.
Here are some pictures from our fun - swimming, enjoying the boat, and tubing! My fraidy-cats actually loved tubing. I even overcame my initial "ick - fresh water" feelings and swam with the girls. (Sorry no pictures of that, I was the unofficial photographer.)
Without further ado, here they are (including some crap-tastic videos as proof that my girls went tubing.) (To make them look a little better than camera-phone pictures/video, I did an Animoto with them. Enjoy!)
Here are some pictures from our fun - swimming, enjoying the boat, and tubing! My fraidy-cats actually loved tubing. I even overcame my initial "ick - fresh water" feelings and swam with the girls. (Sorry no pictures of that, I was the unofficial photographer.)
Without further ado, here they are (including some crap-tastic videos as proof that my girls went tubing.) (To make them look a little better than camera-phone pictures/video, I did an Animoto with them. Enjoy!)
Wednesday, June 29, 2011
Summer Schedule aka Their Summer is Ruined so Let's Add Torture!
For inspiration:
http://blog.wantingwhatyouhave.com/2010/06/summer-schedule-for-kids.html
http://www.somewhatsimple.com/2011/06/summer-schedule-for-kids.html
http://prettyorganizedpalace.blogspot.com/2009/06/summer-schedule-for-kids.html
Can you guess my Google search terms?
The last several weeks have been torture for me - I was finalizing school stuff so the kids were home with DH. Sounds good, but he lets them basically do whatever. Then they went to Gramma's house. Again, sounds good. But they were borderline terrors (for the first time, usually angels.) Add in afternoon/evening/bedtime tantrums and almost constant bickering and I knew we were in desperate need of a schedule.
And so, here it is:
Yup, I'm rockin' the "leftover from school" pocket chart. Our schedule is color coded - teal means the item is a non-negotiable. Pink means they have choices. I listed as many as I could think of - I'm sure after some over-reacting (along the lines of, "That's ALL WE CAN DO?!?!") we'll add as many more things as they want. The activities are also color coded. Purple are the choices for quiet time - Any of those can happen IN THEIR ROOMS. Which I'm sure will also lead to some over-reacting. The orange-y Active choices can happen during the rest of the day, and the quiet ones can to.
I'm hoping this goes over well. I'm going to show it to the husband tonight. Then he and I can show it to the girls *together.* Even though I know full well he hates schedules, maybe in the name of family peace, love, and happiness (and my sanity!) he'll go along this time.
I'm considering adding a behavior chart as well. We used one when the girls were small and I'm thinking it would work well again. Chart could go from Friday to following Thursday and reward/consequence would revolve around the pool. Since we have to pay to go, it is an extra special thing this summer. I'm thinking for each spot without a mark/stamp/sticker (for every negative) 5 minutes out of the pool. Sounds good, yes? I might work on that next!
Leave your comments and summer scheduling suggestions below! I'm always looking for new ideas!
http://blog.wantingwhatyouhave.com/2010/06/summer-schedule-for-kids.html
http://www.somewhatsimple.com/2011/06/summer-schedule-for-kids.html
http://prettyorganizedpalace.blogspot.com/2009/06/summer-schedule-for-kids.html
Can you guess my Google search terms?
The last several weeks have been torture for me - I was finalizing school stuff so the kids were home with DH. Sounds good, but he lets them basically do whatever. Then they went to Gramma's house. Again, sounds good. But they were borderline terrors (for the first time, usually angels.) Add in afternoon/evening/bedtime tantrums and almost constant bickering and I knew we were in desperate need of a schedule.
And so, here it is:
I'm hoping this goes over well. I'm going to show it to the husband tonight. Then he and I can show it to the girls *together.* Even though I know full well he hates schedules, maybe in the name of family peace, love, and happiness (and my sanity!) he'll go along this time.
I'm considering adding a behavior chart as well. We used one when the girls were small and I'm thinking it would work well again. Chart could go from Friday to following Thursday and reward/consequence would revolve around the pool. Since we have to pay to go, it is an extra special thing this summer. I'm thinking for each spot without a mark/stamp/sticker (for every negative) 5 minutes out of the pool. Sounds good, yes? I might work on that next!
Leave your comments and summer scheduling suggestions below! I'm always looking for new ideas!
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