Okay, I am pretty proud of myself for I just completed my Composition paper. What an awesome feeling! I figured if I really stuck to it during the course of this weekend it would get completed and one less worry for me. Of course not that I didn't do anything else.
Needed to take a break here and there with the kids. Chased my daughter all over the city with her busy schedule. Made sure my son was behaving himself while playing with his friend all weekend. Tons of laundry. And is it "Murphy's Law" when the weather is extremely nice I'm not able to enjoy it?
Not sure if anyone will respond to this blog or not?! Yes, I was one that forgot an entry one week. It's kind of funny for as I was wrapping up my paper and making sure I had all the necessary paper work, I was reading the homework schedule and realized that I had this option for makeup. Completely forgot that it was mentioned in class, so...thanks Azor for the reminder :o)
Onto my next goal of studying for my math test. I was smart enough to take a personal day from work on Tuesday so hopefully I won't stress about it too much. Work all day tomorrow and then an evening class from 5-8 so pretty smart to make that choice. I must be running my body ragged though with the homework and finals week. Can feel the body aches, cold and sinuses acting up. Near the end and a pot of gold might just be waiting for me! Take Care Everyone!
Sunday, May 16, 2010
Saturday, May 8, 2010
Talent Show
Last night I had the opportunity to experience the Urban Middle School talent show. My daughter is graduating (8th grade) and has participated in this show for the past 3 years. By far, this was the most impressive year. It marked the 20th year of the current student council advisers that plan and run the event. Such dedication from these two individuals not only towards the school but the students too. A special commemorative slide show was presented to mark the event.
I give these children credit for getting up on stage and performing in front of hundreds of people. They themselves have made a commitment to weeks and hours of practice and perfecting their acts. Numerous singers, pianists, dancers and the MC's filled the auditorium with buzz and excitement. There was also about 20 staff members that performed a singing/dancing act. Such a fun-filled experience for all.
With everything that is going on in today's society is was really nice to sit back, enjoy and discover within our young children the passion to perform what they like about themselves. You can see the pride and self-confidence it builds. Everyone seems to be so busy nowadays that we forget to realize the simplistic events that we can sit down to and relax. The joy on these children faces, as the audience applauded, was priceless. Once could just feel the energy that was given off by them.
What did this experience provide me with? A bit of sadness as I realize my daughter has ended yet another milestone in her life and journeying onto high school next year (scary thought). Excitement for my son to begin his middle school years (another scary thought). The realization that I am getting that much older and still have the drive and passion, as these students, to face the unknown. Life is too short to miss out on anything. Do what you can in the moment!
I give these children credit for getting up on stage and performing in front of hundreds of people. They themselves have made a commitment to weeks and hours of practice and perfecting their acts. Numerous singers, pianists, dancers and the MC's filled the auditorium with buzz and excitement. There was also about 20 staff members that performed a singing/dancing act. Such a fun-filled experience for all.
With everything that is going on in today's society is was really nice to sit back, enjoy and discover within our young children the passion to perform what they like about themselves. You can see the pride and self-confidence it builds. Everyone seems to be so busy nowadays that we forget to realize the simplistic events that we can sit down to and relax. The joy on these children faces, as the audience applauded, was priceless. Once could just feel the energy that was given off by them.
What did this experience provide me with? A bit of sadness as I realize my daughter has ended yet another milestone in her life and journeying onto high school next year (scary thought). Excitement for my son to begin his middle school years (another scary thought). The realization that I am getting that much older and still have the drive and passion, as these students, to face the unknown. Life is too short to miss out on anything. Do what you can in the moment!
Tuesday, April 27, 2010
Procrastination
Okay, I have come to the end of my ropes and realize that I just need to get through these final weeks of school and work! There is WAY TOO much on my mind that I'm getting a bit frustrated. I truly am one that does not "try" to procrastinate but this past weekend I did and it hit me like a brick wall on Monday morning.
My weekend was so chaotic - First Communion weekend within the Catholic Church. Well, I had one that I needed to attend in the Madison area on Saturday evening and then to Elkhart Lake on Sunday afternoon. With the time frame and traveling involved I chose to stay overnight Saturday at my brother's house in Sun Prairie. It was a nice weekend and the kids had fun too. However, the preparation for just being gone two days drove me nuts! Chasing around for the cards and gifts, attending a Friday evening event at my son's school, making sure all laundry was done prior to leaving, and then doing laundry again once I got home at 6:30 Sunday evening. Besides that, my husband did not go grocery shopping for me - my most hated chore in the world! When do I catch a break?
I felt pretty good by the time I went to bed Sunday evening and accomplishing what I needed to do. Wait! Monday morning came and that is when it hit me! My goal was to do my blog entry for last week on Sunday evening when I came home. Needless to say, my procrastination didn't work in my favor. Does it ever? I FORGOT MY BLOG ENTRY! No need for sympathy Azor! This was brought upon by me and now will suffer the consequences. Has anyone else ever forgot this just due to a busy schedule? Probably not - just me!
As you can see I'm moving forward and getting the blog posted immediately for the week. No more putting things off. I need to get things done, stay focused, positive and move in the right direction. Live and learn from mistakes has always been a motto for me to follow. Believe me I have learned from many mistakes in my life! Can't beat myself over the head - not worth it!
My weekend was so chaotic - First Communion weekend within the Catholic Church. Well, I had one that I needed to attend in the Madison area on Saturday evening and then to Elkhart Lake on Sunday afternoon. With the time frame and traveling involved I chose to stay overnight Saturday at my brother's house in Sun Prairie. It was a nice weekend and the kids had fun too. However, the preparation for just being gone two days drove me nuts! Chasing around for the cards and gifts, attending a Friday evening event at my son's school, making sure all laundry was done prior to leaving, and then doing laundry again once I got home at 6:30 Sunday evening. Besides that, my husband did not go grocery shopping for me - my most hated chore in the world! When do I catch a break?
I felt pretty good by the time I went to bed Sunday evening and accomplishing what I needed to do. Wait! Monday morning came and that is when it hit me! My goal was to do my blog entry for last week on Sunday evening when I came home. Needless to say, my procrastination didn't work in my favor. Does it ever? I FORGOT MY BLOG ENTRY! No need for sympathy Azor! This was brought upon by me and now will suffer the consequences. Has anyone else ever forgot this just due to a busy schedule? Probably not - just me!
As you can see I'm moving forward and getting the blog posted immediately for the week. No more putting things off. I need to get things done, stay focused, positive and move in the right direction. Live and learn from mistakes has always been a motto for me to follow. Believe me I have learned from many mistakes in my life! Can't beat myself over the head - not worth it!
Saturday, April 17, 2010
Eyes Have Opened
After discussing with my husband that I just can't think of anything to blog about I opted to go with Azor's prompt on my perception of research and writing. I kind of laugh as this blog is being typed just due to the fact I need to reflect back in high school when research was so different and ancient as what is done today.
Our research was old school using newspapers, books and encyclopedias. Sure, interviews were done but not as deep as what I have learned thus far. The internet really didn't exist back then and it is such a phenomenal resource tool that for me it becomes overwhelming. I feel the need to look at everything out there instead of focusing in on just a few sites. How does one get beyond that point? Is my curiosity going way too out there for my own good? How do some of you finally narrow it down?
Don't get me wrong! The process that I have learned this semester has helped me tremendously since returning to school. I feel that each time I have written a paper I have improved my skills and process along the way. I truly hope that it all comes together in my last paper and that I feel like I have come full circle in research and writing.
Working in an elementary school (Comprehensive Literacy Charter School), they stress much of the same techniques with the young children such as creating a draft, revising and then editing. In middle school they definitely reinforce the entire research/writing process - saw it in my own 8th grade daughter this year. I do sometimes wonder though, is spelling as important as what it was when I grew up. My children are 10 and 13 and I really never saw spelling lists coming home for study and a ton of spelling tests. Has the computer age eliminated that benchmark skill due to the fact we now have spell check or a computer that automatically corrects the spelling for you? Off the subject it reminds me of how there is no longer any thought process at the grocery stores in giving change back. That could definitely be an entire blog entry!
In all my papers my final product was definitely enhanced by the peer feedback I received. I was always able to go back over my notes and enhance my final product. The flow of writing has become a bit more relaxing and natural once I'm in that "zone" and I actually look forward to the final challenge of the synthesis paper. Bringing everything together will be a challenge, I know that for sure, but hoping to having a unique topic that makes it interesting to not only me but my readers as well.
Our research was old school using newspapers, books and encyclopedias. Sure, interviews were done but not as deep as what I have learned thus far. The internet really didn't exist back then and it is such a phenomenal resource tool that for me it becomes overwhelming. I feel the need to look at everything out there instead of focusing in on just a few sites. How does one get beyond that point? Is my curiosity going way too out there for my own good? How do some of you finally narrow it down?
Don't get me wrong! The process that I have learned this semester has helped me tremendously since returning to school. I feel that each time I have written a paper I have improved my skills and process along the way. I truly hope that it all comes together in my last paper and that I feel like I have come full circle in research and writing.
Working in an elementary school (Comprehensive Literacy Charter School), they stress much of the same techniques with the young children such as creating a draft, revising and then editing. In middle school they definitely reinforce the entire research/writing process - saw it in my own 8th grade daughter this year. I do sometimes wonder though, is spelling as important as what it was when I grew up. My children are 10 and 13 and I really never saw spelling lists coming home for study and a ton of spelling tests. Has the computer age eliminated that benchmark skill due to the fact we now have spell check or a computer that automatically corrects the spelling for you? Off the subject it reminds me of how there is no longer any thought process at the grocery stores in giving change back. That could definitely be an entire blog entry!
In all my papers my final product was definitely enhanced by the peer feedback I received. I was always able to go back over my notes and enhance my final product. The flow of writing has become a bit more relaxing and natural once I'm in that "zone" and I actually look forward to the final challenge of the synthesis paper. Bringing everything together will be a challenge, I know that for sure, but hoping to having a unique topic that makes it interesting to not only me but my readers as well.
Saturday, April 10, 2010
Last Supper at Harry's
Took the kids out for supper last night at Harry's Diner on Calumet Drive. Not sure if anyone has eaten there or not but they have a 50's type atmosphere with, what I would call, great food. Nothing extremely out of the ordinary but a nice variety and reasonable prices. Never had a bad waitress at the establishment either.
So, we were a bit disappointed to hear from our waitress that it was the last evening they were going to be serving supper. :o( I guess one of the chefs was quitting and the hours will now only be 7:00-3:00. Bummed me out. I guess I should have asked where he would be going or what his plans were but then it also dawned on me how many others would be affected by his decision.
As I was paying the bill and talking with the hostess she as well made note to the sign of the new hours. She talked about how tough it was going to be on some of the girls working there for they will be losing around 2 hours per day. You begin to add that up (tips and all) and it could be big bucks for some. Once again the whole economy issue is dealt to individuals and small business owners.
As I left the tip - probably a bit more than usual - sadness did reign over me a bit. Kind of the end of an era. A comfort zone and always a backup plan for supper now fades away. It tends to make me think of all the little people (businesses) that seem to be affected by major decisions by an individual (or government). Can you sense my bitterness or slight sarcasm? Walking out of the diner my only thought was "There's always breakfast!" Try it sometime - omelets are awesome!
So, we were a bit disappointed to hear from our waitress that it was the last evening they were going to be serving supper. :o( I guess one of the chefs was quitting and the hours will now only be 7:00-3:00. Bummed me out. I guess I should have asked where he would be going or what his plans were but then it also dawned on me how many others would be affected by his decision.
As I was paying the bill and talking with the hostess she as well made note to the sign of the new hours. She talked about how tough it was going to be on some of the girls working there for they will be losing around 2 hours per day. You begin to add that up (tips and all) and it could be big bucks for some. Once again the whole economy issue is dealt to individuals and small business owners.
As I left the tip - probably a bit more than usual - sadness did reign over me a bit. Kind of the end of an era. A comfort zone and always a backup plan for supper now fades away. It tends to make me think of all the little people (businesses) that seem to be affected by major decisions by an individual (or government). Can you sense my bitterness or slight sarcasm? Walking out of the diner my only thought was "There's always breakfast!" Try it sometime - omelets are awesome!
Wednesday, March 31, 2010
Not Much Over Spring Break
My spring break consisted of rest - quiet time in the evenings with my family at home. This was actually a blessing without the chasing of getting to class on time after working all day. It actually made me think as to why I'm doing this to myself?!
I work for the Sheboygan Area School District so we are on spring break this week. I am able to relax all day long and attend my classes in the evening. Homework can be completed in a more comfortable state of mind without feeling rushed. I don't think I could have planned this schedule out better for myself. These past two weeks have been therapeutic for me since I have been dealing with some own health issues - the peace and quiet and rest is exactly what I needed physically and mentally.
What will next week bring for me? Back to reality with my 40 hour work week and completing my 10 credits for the semester. I need to stay positive and focused - the end is near! Reminds me of class last night and talking about drafts. I am one of those that needs to keep moving and the quote by Madeline L'Engle struck home. My inspiration usually comes to me while I'm working, but not necessarily while writing. Thoughts and ideas come to me while I'm working at my job or doing housework. I jot things down so it isn't lost. In fact, my last paper was up on the computer all day long and as I went about my tasks at home, reflections and ideas that came to mind were implemented in the paper. Kids didn't like it too much since they weren't allowed to go on the computer that particular day.
The last few days of my break week will be enjoying time with the kids - weather appears to be cooperating so will get the fresh air that is so much needed. Don't want to deal with the cleaning of the house so will procrastinate on that job probably until the weekend when it is supposed to rain. Easter brings new life so hopefully resuming my hectic schedule next week will bring positive reinforcements.
I work for the Sheboygan Area School District so we are on spring break this week. I am able to relax all day long and attend my classes in the evening. Homework can be completed in a more comfortable state of mind without feeling rushed. I don't think I could have planned this schedule out better for myself. These past two weeks have been therapeutic for me since I have been dealing with some own health issues - the peace and quiet and rest is exactly what I needed physically and mentally.
What will next week bring for me? Back to reality with my 40 hour work week and completing my 10 credits for the semester. I need to stay positive and focused - the end is near! Reminds me of class last night and talking about drafts. I am one of those that needs to keep moving and the quote by Madeline L'Engle struck home. My inspiration usually comes to me while I'm working, but not necessarily while writing. Thoughts and ideas come to me while I'm working at my job or doing housework. I jot things down so it isn't lost. In fact, my last paper was up on the computer all day long and as I went about my tasks at home, reflections and ideas that came to mind were implemented in the paper. Kids didn't like it too much since they weren't allowed to go on the computer that particular day.
The last few days of my break week will be enjoying time with the kids - weather appears to be cooperating so will get the fresh air that is so much needed. Don't want to deal with the cleaning of the house so will procrastinate on that job probably until the weekend when it is supposed to rain. Easter brings new life so hopefully resuming my hectic schedule next week will bring positive reinforcements.
Sunday, March 21, 2010
Tough to Compromise
I found this prompt to be quite intriqueing and one to think hard about. Two thoughts came to my head, finally. I probably could think of more but since my brain is pretty much in the spring break mode I'll just stick to two. My parenting skills and work ethics.
Okay, I would never be the one to say that my parenting skills are perfect but I also don't like others to preach to me. Since our children are 10 and 13, both my husband and I have many siblings with the older kids that have been through the famous "teenage years". I REALLY get sick of the phrase, "You just wait until your kids are older. You'll see what happens." First of all, everyone's lifestyle is completely different and the upbringing that each one chooses can have a huge affect on growth of a child. In another sense, my husband and I never truly argued or disagreed until we had children - once again the upbringings were different. Seldom will I compromise with him when a decision needs to be made. I think I talk circles around him until it get exhausting and what I decide he goes along with. It may be a heated debate but the manipulation does occur (not proud of myself on that). When we see eye to eye on issues that is always a plus for then no compromising needs to take place and the backing of each other is good for the kids to see.
Regarding work ethics, I will give my parents credit for that. Being brought up in a family with a small family owned business one is taught respect and responsibility. I have always been taught to go to work and do my job - a reason I'm not a fan of unions. I currently work in the school district and it is sad to see the backing of unions on employees that don't step up to the plate to perform to their expectations. I know plenty of people who would job at the opportunity to get a full time job and do the work that they are supposed to do. I have tried, endlessly, to talk to the principal regarding fellow employees and the wasted time that is seen. The job isn't to compromise what you want to do when - different tasks need to be assigned and everyone involved so they are disbursed evenly. The response I get is even more irritating, "Not everyone thinks like you." What is that supposed to mean? Either an individual is hired to do a job or not and as far as I'm concerned if a person cannot perform a job to the qualifications that are listed - they should not be working in that particular position. No other employee would allow it except for those that have a union backing them. My personal opinion!
With that said, I think it is hard for me to compromise in many aspects of my life. I think that is true for everyone who have strong willed types of personalities. Little things that don't have a huge impact on me I can compromise over but if it is an issue that will affect me tremendously then I have the right to state my opinion and convince anyone to compromise to my side. I'll try not to be to pushy or self-righteous in the process.
Okay, I would never be the one to say that my parenting skills are perfect but I also don't like others to preach to me. Since our children are 10 and 13, both my husband and I have many siblings with the older kids that have been through the famous "teenage years". I REALLY get sick of the phrase, "You just wait until your kids are older. You'll see what happens." First of all, everyone's lifestyle is completely different and the upbringing that each one chooses can have a huge affect on growth of a child. In another sense, my husband and I never truly argued or disagreed until we had children - once again the upbringings were different. Seldom will I compromise with him when a decision needs to be made. I think I talk circles around him until it get exhausting and what I decide he goes along with. It may be a heated debate but the manipulation does occur (not proud of myself on that). When we see eye to eye on issues that is always a plus for then no compromising needs to take place and the backing of each other is good for the kids to see.
Regarding work ethics, I will give my parents credit for that. Being brought up in a family with a small family owned business one is taught respect and responsibility. I have always been taught to go to work and do my job - a reason I'm not a fan of unions. I currently work in the school district and it is sad to see the backing of unions on employees that don't step up to the plate to perform to their expectations. I know plenty of people who would job at the opportunity to get a full time job and do the work that they are supposed to do. I have tried, endlessly, to talk to the principal regarding fellow employees and the wasted time that is seen. The job isn't to compromise what you want to do when - different tasks need to be assigned and everyone involved so they are disbursed evenly. The response I get is even more irritating, "Not everyone thinks like you." What is that supposed to mean? Either an individual is hired to do a job or not and as far as I'm concerned if a person cannot perform a job to the qualifications that are listed - they should not be working in that particular position. No other employee would allow it except for those that have a union backing them. My personal opinion!
With that said, I think it is hard for me to compromise in many aspects of my life. I think that is true for everyone who have strong willed types of personalities. Little things that don't have a huge impact on me I can compromise over but if it is an issue that will affect me tremendously then I have the right to state my opinion and convince anyone to compromise to my side. I'll try not to be to pushy or self-righteous in the process.
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