Since you've been gone
I can breathe for the first time
I'm so moving on,
Yeah, yeah
Thanks to you
Now I get, I get what I want
~ Kelly Clarkson
"Since You've Been Gone"
Have you heard that song, "Somebody I used to Know" by Goyte? I don't even know the correct pronunciation of "Goyte", but I do know that his/her/their song gets me going. I'm finding myself into all kinds of music these days. Classical Music is becoming one of my favorites. A song without lyrics can be just as revealing as haunting lyrics. And it's subjective, kind of like photography.
This summer I've been conducting my Photography 101 home school course. My goal is to learn something new every day. The Internet has some great places to research and study the rules, mistakes, and enthusiasm for Shutterbugs like me. I read somewhere that the only photographer I need to compare myself to is the one I used to be.
I think that can apply to life in general.
Wednesday, August 15, 2012
Tuesday, August 14, 2012
Sunday, August 12, 2012
Friday, July 6, 2012
The Sweetest Thing
Tuesday, June 19, 2012
Monday, June 18, 2012
MIA due to CXVB
Looks like I'm back from an unexpected hiatus. My Netbook has taken a beating over the years, And I'm sure the swan dive Isaiah helped it perform off the kitchen table didn't help. Random keys ceased to work, which is fine unless I need to type a word with a c, x, v, or b in it. I've missed The Blog. So much has happened since the last entry. Instead of attempting to put it all into words, it seems the best thing to do would be a Picture Post. So stay tuned for that.
Saturday, April 21, 2012
Gooey Brownies
S: I hope we win our first game.
Me: Have faith in your team! And remember: it's not whether you win or lose - it's how you all play the game!
S: (blank stare) Uh, have you seen us play?
Truth be told, they aren't that great. Savannah described her softball team as the Bad News Bears of junior varsity. She's on a team with a few girly girls, some more concerned about getting their hair messed up by the batting helmet than hitting a home run. But in my eyes, they might as well be World Champions. They accept my daughter for who she is.
Asperger's Syndrome is quirky thing. It limits social skills and peer relationships. Savannah hasn't had any real, typical friendships. She prefers solitude. Reading, creating stories, obsessing over vehicles - which is her thing. (If you are considering an automobile purchase, vintage or right off the showroom floor, you'll want to consult her first). It can be difficult to steer conversations in another direction. So when she shows an interest in anything else, I'm eager to see where it takes us.
When she first mentioned playing for her school's team it was at the suggestion of one of her teachers who happens to coach the upperclassmen. When she agreed to attend a practice, I was thrilled. She was grinning when she got into the car afterward. She was officially on the team and looking forward to a competitive season (too bad her team wasn't...) They haven't won every game, but that's the last thing on my mind.
I'm just so proud of my Brownies.
They are adjusting and settling into our new normal. Happily expressing themselves, growing, and doing well in school. Mariah recently placed third in her school's Science Fair. She'd probably have placed higher if I had regained feeling in my left index finger sooner. We both learned a valuable lesson: insulated wire + battery terminal = heat. Yowza. She was selected for a musical program taking place at a local amusement park. Singing and performing seem to take Mariah to her Happy Place.
Everywhere Isaiah goes lately seems to be his Happy Place. His IEP meeting this month was encouraging. Everyone gushed at how well he is meeting his goals. I adore his team and appreciate that he has been able to have the stability of a small, familiar environment. We were out and about the other day when a friendly woman approached and greeted my son by his first name. She knew Mr. Popularity from school.
I really need to get out more.
Me: Have faith in your team! And remember: it's not whether you win or lose - it's how you all play the game!
S: (blank stare) Uh, have you seen us play?
Truth be told, they aren't that great. Savannah described her softball team as the Bad News Bears of junior varsity. She's on a team with a few girly girls, some more concerned about getting their hair messed up by the batting helmet than hitting a home run. But in my eyes, they might as well be World Champions. They accept my daughter for who she is.
Asperger's Syndrome is quirky thing. It limits social skills and peer relationships. Savannah hasn't had any real, typical friendships. She prefers solitude. Reading, creating stories, obsessing over vehicles - which is her thing. (If you are considering an automobile purchase, vintage or right off the showroom floor, you'll want to consult her first). It can be difficult to steer conversations in another direction. So when she shows an interest in anything else, I'm eager to see where it takes us.
When she first mentioned playing for her school's team it was at the suggestion of one of her teachers who happens to coach the upperclassmen. When she agreed to attend a practice, I was thrilled. She was grinning when she got into the car afterward. She was officially on the team and looking forward to a competitive season (too bad her team wasn't...) They haven't won every game, but that's the last thing on my mind.
I'm just so proud of my Brownies.
They are adjusting and settling into our new normal. Happily expressing themselves, growing, and doing well in school. Mariah recently placed third in her school's Science Fair. She'd probably have placed higher if I had regained feeling in my left index finger sooner. We both learned a valuable lesson: insulated wire + battery terminal = heat. Yowza. She was selected for a musical program taking place at a local amusement park. Singing and performing seem to take Mariah to her Happy Place.
Everywhere Isaiah goes lately seems to be his Happy Place. His IEP meeting this month was encouraging. Everyone gushed at how well he is meeting his goals. I adore his team and appreciate that he has been able to have the stability of a small, familiar environment. We were out and about the other day when a friendly woman approached and greeted my son by his first name. She knew Mr. Popularity from school.
I really need to get out more.
Friday, April 20, 2012
Discovery
Toby McKnight told me that the Space Shuttle Challenger exploded. We were in junior high school - way before the Internet, iPhones, and instant streaming. Initially, I misunderstood what he said. Challenger had been plagued with issues prior to that doomed mission - a mission that was different in more ways than one. There was a teacher on board. Televisions in school offices everywhere were tuned in for the historic launch. What I thought Toby said was, "The space shuttle didn't go up!" So my flippant reply was, "Oh they'll never get that thing up!"
Of course what he actually said was, "The Space Shuttle blew up!" I stood there dumbfounded. He wasn't making any sense. I remember the somber tone of the school rest of the day. I remember watching the replay of the explosion over and over again on television that night. A somber tone of a nation followed.
Discovery was the Shuttle that gave us all hope after the tragedy of the Challenger. The first Shuttle to go back into space. It also became the first shuttle I would ever see airborne with my own eyes as it "flew" its last mission from Florida to D.C. this week. Thanks to my tipster brother, I didn't miss it.
The emotion of that moment Discovery came into view on the back of a 747 and escorted by a minuscule jet, in comparison, is now etched into my memory.
Not bad for a weekday morning.
Sunday, April 15, 2012
Vice Grip(e)
Parenting children with Special Needs has taught me to be less judgmental in all areas of my life (except driving - some people are still idiots behind the wheel).
As much as I attempt to "understand and appreciate" other's choices, there are a few things that people continue to do in 2012 that simply stump me:
(1) Smoking. With all of the studies. All the restrictions. All the warnings. People still smoke cigarettes. Hats off to anyone who has quit successfully. It is definitely a challenge, but it is definitely worth it. No one around me smokes, but it takes me aback when I see people flicking butts out of their car windows (which is a whole 'nother annoyance).
(2) Super-Sizing. Even before the infamous documentary was released, it was safe to assume fast food was best in moderation. I remember that going to McDonald's was a treat for us back-in-the-day. It wasn't anything we did regularly. It has been a quick, easy choice for me as a parent, but I know a steady diet of that crap isn't a good idea. Asking them to increase the portions seems like a recipe for disaster, literally.
(3) Tanning. Obviously not everyone is born with my melanin and my ability to bronze automatically in the sun. But with so many other - less carcinogenic - ways to brown up, I can't grasp why someone would bake herself on purpose.
Ah well. I eat pork, chemically relax my hair, and hate to exercise. And I could eat Chick-Fil-A seven days a week, but they are only open six.
As much as I attempt to "understand and appreciate" other's choices, there are a few things that people continue to do in 2012 that simply stump me:
(1) Smoking. With all of the studies. All the restrictions. All the warnings. People still smoke cigarettes. Hats off to anyone who has quit successfully. It is definitely a challenge, but it is definitely worth it. No one around me smokes, but it takes me aback when I see people flicking butts out of their car windows (which is a whole 'nother annoyance).
(2) Super-Sizing. Even before the infamous documentary was released, it was safe to assume fast food was best in moderation. I remember that going to McDonald's was a treat for us back-in-the-day. It wasn't anything we did regularly. It has been a quick, easy choice for me as a parent, but I know a steady diet of that crap isn't a good idea. Asking them to increase the portions seems like a recipe for disaster, literally.
(3) Tanning. Obviously not everyone is born with my melanin and my ability to bronze automatically in the sun. But with so many other - less carcinogenic - ways to brown up, I can't grasp why someone would bake herself on purpose.
Ah well. I eat pork, chemically relax my hair, and hate to exercise. And I could eat Chick-Fil-A seven days a week, but they are only open six.
Saturday, April 14, 2012
The Nook Hook
In my defense, it was "The Hunger Games", after all.
Remember a few months ago when I declared e-readerswere the work of the devil didn't hold a candle to actual paper books? That no matter how colorful a Nook or how on fire a Kindle was, they would never replace books in my life?
Well, I've been Nooked.
Mariah's entire school received brand new Nooks courtesy of Panera Bread. They sponsored a mind + body fitness field trip at a local resort. The Nook was the students' surprise parting gift.
I was impressed, but not interested. Have I mentioned I have a bookmark with strips of bacon on it?
Enter: The Hunger Games and all of its mania. I am a firm believer in "reading the book before watching the movie". And Bandwagon-Jumping is one of the few sports in which I actually participate. The decision was made on a gloomy, wet Pajama Saturday. Dowloading the book to the Nook was e-a-s-y. And even though I attempted to "lick my finger and turn the page" on more than one occasion, that e-reader won me over. I bought and downloaded the second book of the series less than a week later.
Flipping through an actual book is still enjoyable. And there's nothing that can replace the stanky perfume samples and maddening subscription cards that rain from fresh magazines. To reaafirm my faith in the Paper Word, I took the kids to the public library last week. I gushed to them about the countless hours I have spent in libraries during my lifetime. With renewed enthusiam I approached the librarian at the information desk. Newly-minted Library Card in hand, I inquired about "Mockingjay" - the last book of the Hunger Games series. The one I had been more than a little eager to finally read. That's when I heard the snort and giggle from Librarian #2. My odds of hitting the recent record-sitting lottery would have been better than getting my hands on that book. I was informed the waiting list was a mile-long.
I could hold my place at #115 for a library book that could be borrowed and downloaded to an e-reader in about 11.5 seconds.
And that, my friends, is Reason #6,780 why robots are destined to take over the world.
Remember a few months ago when I declared e-readers
Well, I've been Nooked.
Mariah's entire school received brand new Nooks courtesy of Panera Bread. They sponsored a mind + body fitness field trip at a local resort. The Nook was the students' surprise parting gift.
I was impressed, but not interested. Have I mentioned I have a bookmark with strips of bacon on it?
Enter: The Hunger Games and all of its mania. I am a firm believer in "reading the book before watching the movie". And Bandwagon-Jumping is one of the few sports in which I actually participate. The decision was made on a gloomy, wet Pajama Saturday. Dowloading the book to the Nook was e-a-s-y. And even though I attempted to "lick my finger and turn the page" on more than one occasion, that e-reader won me over. I bought and downloaded the second book of the series less than a week later.
Flipping through an actual book is still enjoyable. And there's nothing that can replace the stanky perfume samples and maddening subscription cards that rain from fresh magazines. To reaafirm my faith in the Paper Word, I took the kids to the public library last week. I gushed to them about the countless hours I have spent in libraries during my lifetime. With renewed enthusiam I approached the librarian at the information desk. Newly-minted Library Card in hand, I inquired about "Mockingjay" - the last book of the Hunger Games series. The one I had been more than a little eager to finally read. That's when I heard the snort and giggle from Librarian #2. My odds of hitting the recent record-sitting lottery would have been better than getting my hands on that book. I was informed the waiting list was a mile-long.
I could hold my place at #115 for a library book that could be borrowed and downloaded to an e-reader in about 11.5 seconds.
And that, my friends, is Reason #6,780 why robots are destined to take over the world.
Saturday, March 31, 2012
OMG. TMI.
The following conversation took place last week after I picked up my 14 year-old from school:
S: Today I heard that a boy likes me.
Me: (Trying not to drive off the road. Blink. Swallow hard. Breathe.)
Me: Oh really ? (Keep calm and keep her talking) Do you like him?
S: I don't like him like that.
(Whew)
Me: Well, remember to respect yourself and make sure he respects you. He hasn't made a move on you, has he?
S: NO. Could we talk about something else?
Me: Well, he'd better keep his hands to himself.
S: (Putting in her earbuds, probably ascertaining the risks of jumping out of a moving car)
Me: But I can see why he would like you. You are witty, funny, beautiful - I know if I were an 8th grade boy --
S: (Dying. Visibly.)
Me: Too weird?
S: Uh, yeah.
Me: Good talk.
S: Today I heard that a boy likes me.
Me: (Trying not to drive off the road. Blink. Swallow hard. Breathe.)
Me: Oh really ? (Keep calm and keep her talking) Do you like him?
S: I don't like him like that.
(Whew)
Me: Well, remember to respect yourself and make sure he respects you. He hasn't made a move on you, has he?
S: NO. Could we talk about something else?
Me: Well, he'd better keep his hands to himself.
S: (Putting in her earbuds, probably ascertaining the risks of jumping out of a moving car)
Me: But I can see why he would like you. You are witty, funny, beautiful - I know if I were an 8th grade boy --
S: (Dying. Visibly.)
Me: Too weird?
S: Uh, yeah.
Me: Good talk.
Wednesday, March 28, 2012
Hooded Fears
My son has been known to scarf down Skittles candy and delight in the sweetness of an iced tea. He can be naughty at times, but he is my child and I couldn't imagine life without him.
And I couldn't imagine his life being senselessly taken away.
I'm not going to debate what happened to Trayvon Martin last month. Only two people know for sure and one of them is dead. For anyone willing to listen, the facts speak for themselves.
This incident has put a mirror up to my face. My own issues with judgement. I have made assumptions about the young man coming toward me down the sidewalk. The way I have surreptitiously locked my doors at a stoplight while driving through "da hood". But I don't go looking for trouble. And I know far too many bright, witty, intelligent, gifted, young black men who are up to ALL good to paint them with a broad brush. Truth is, our irrational fears and ugly generalizations make me sad and fearful for my children. Especially my son.
If keeping Isaiah safe were only as easy as throwing away all of his hoodies...
And I couldn't imagine his life being senselessly taken away.
I'm not going to debate what happened to Trayvon Martin last month. Only two people know for sure and one of them is dead. For anyone willing to listen, the facts speak for themselves.
This incident has put a mirror up to my face. My own issues with judgement. I have made assumptions about the young man coming toward me down the sidewalk. The way I have surreptitiously locked my doors at a stoplight while driving through "da hood". But I don't go looking for trouble. And I know far too many bright, witty, intelligent, gifted, young black men who are up to ALL good to paint them with a broad brush. Truth is, our irrational fears and ugly generalizations make me sad and fearful for my children. Especially my son.
If keeping Isaiah safe were only as easy as throwing away all of his hoodies...
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