Enjoying the moment

Maybe it's because I'm naturally pessimistic or because I have so much sh!t to do, but I don't very often have the pleasure of enjoying the moment.  I'm constantly thinking about what else needs to be done or dwelling about what I am putting off.  Today was a rare day.  I was in the moment and able to really enjoy it and appreciate it. 

Tim and I took the boys to Ruston Way.  I thought this would be a great place for Drake to ride his new bike (flat, safe, not too many people on a Sunday morning).  Flynn was strapped in the stroller, and off we went.  Drake can really move on that bike.  After a half a mile, we came to a beach.  The tide was out, so we ventured down.  The boys had a blast!  Is it a universal boy trait to throw rocks into water?  We saw dead crabs, live star fish, and the boys returned the rocks on the shore back into the Sound.  We walked probably 2-3 miles, watched boats go by, ate fish and chips (well, all three boys did; I ate cow), marvelled at all the dogs and pigeons, and enjoyed being a family.

Look, Mommy, water!

I wasn't thinking about all the final essays I needed to grade and all the coursework I needed to upload.  (BTW,  the essays did get graded; just enough course content was uploaded to help students get by for the week prior to class starting).    I look forward to more of these moments.

The everlasting effects of Mrs. Collins' English class

This morning, I was reading a discussion board post from one of my online students.  As I was reading, my eyes fell upon the word "germane," and I said (out loud), "Oooh, vocab word!"

For those of you who did not have the pleasure of being is Diane Collins' English class, I'll put this into context.  Every week, we studied vocabulary words out of our little workbook and were quizzed on those 20 words.  If you found one of those words being used in the real world (that is, in print), you brought the evidence into class and she would give you a point of extra credit.  I found more words in Cosmo and Calvin and Hobbes than any other sources.  She always raised one eyebrow at me when I brought in Cosmo.

I've been out of high school a great many years.  Yet, I still respond in Pavlovian manner whenever I see one of those words.  Here's to you, Mrs. Collins, for still having an effect after all these years.

Week 1 update

I did make some progress of the first week of my life makeover.  I did exercise four days in the form of taking Flynn out for really, really long stroller rides.  I only took the boys out for fast food once.  I worked in the garden, almost fixed the BBQ, repaired the roof, cleaned a clogged gutter, and worked on Drake's baby book.  All of my grading is up to date.  This is important because this week is finals week (lots and lots of essays).  Plus, I was just given two online classes to teach in the summer quarter, and all of the course content needs to be posted by next Sunday.  I have not been able to give up my addictions just yet. 

The most surprising result from this makeover is the benefit of having a clean sink every night.  When I wake in the morning, it's calming to have clean dishes.  I wasn't expecting that.  Now if I could just get the rest of house to be as clean as my sink.  I would be really mellow.

Mr. Mischief

I was fairly certain that Drake would be the child to cause my grey hairs, with his epic meltdowns, blind rage, and fierce tenacity.  Although he does all of this, he's always been one to follow the rules (once firmly drilled into his noggin).  He always holds my hand in parking lots and on sidewalks.  He's only drawn on a non-paper surface once.  He has the proper amount of fear and respect for the escalator and the oven.  He hasn't torn up any books.  He never tried to climb out of his crib.  He won't leave his room during naptime or bedtime (not even to go to the bathroom- which is a whole separate issue).  Drake will contribute some to my grey hair collection, but he won't be the main contributor.

That honor goes to Flynn.

I've been blindsided by his happy-go-lucky demeanor and his sweet smile.  Lurking inside my sweet little boy is Mr. Mischief.  He has figured out how to climb into his brother's bed (car carrier to the train table to the bed).  He's much like a rat: if the space is big enough to get his head through, he will go through it.  I found him up the attic; I thought I had sufficiently blocked the stairs.  He seems to know which buttons on the remote to push.  We were watching "Presto" on the Wall-E DVD.   The short had just ended and went back to the main menu.  Before I could grab the remote, he pushed some buttons and "Presto" began playing again.  He clapped for himself, proud of what he had just done, and plopped back down on the couch.  He managed to record The Count of Monte Cristo.  (I can't fault his taste.)  I catch him climbing onto the end table.  When I call his name, he turns slowly to look at me, and the glint is in his eyes.  That glint lets me know he's up to something.  He's almost too charming, with those baby blues and long eyelashes. 

Both boys are smart cookies.  This is only the beginning.  They'll probably rewire the house and program all the lights to turn on and off in sync with "Big Balls."  At least life won't be dull. :)

Needing to get back on track

Life does seem to get in the way, doesn’t it? This quarter has done me in. I am perfectly content that I have no classes slated for the summer or fall quarters. Since the beginning of the year, I’ve been stressed, depressed, sleepless, gained 10 pounds, and haven’t exercised. My To-Do lists are monumental and not completed. My brain is full, and it’s time for a break. It’s time for a clean start.

 

Usually, with these types of life changes, I’m good for a few weeks, and then I return to my usual behavior. I really need to stick with it this time. If I make it public here, then I am accountable to all of you who read this. If I slack off and return to my lazy, procrastinating ways, I will feel the guilt because I made a promise to myself and to all of you.

 

This is what I wish to accomplish:

 

• Lose the 10 pounds
• Starbucks’ Frappuccino drinks become a treat on the weekend (only if I stick with my weekly plan- a weekend reward) 
• Cut back on the fast food (meaning I have to cook more at home)
• Work on one house project and one crafty project every week
• (Though end of quarter) Grade assignments in a timely manner
• Stop playing Mafia Wars/excessive checking Facebook
• Make sure my sink is clean every night before going to bed

 

This is quite a bit to change at once. The experts say you are destined to fail if you change too much at once. I’ve learned from the past that will relapse if I change one or change twenty aspects in my life- the quantity doesn’t make a difference. I’m going to have to start planning ahead. I’m going to have to fake it till I make it. I think my family will thank me if I can do all of these things. If I can, then maybe I can add a few more (like writing that book I’ve been meaning to for the past eight years, or getting a social life).

 

Of all the days to forget the video camera

The boys and I went to Kaden’s 4th birthday party today. Drake spent most of the party upstairs in the play room (train coma!). I went upstairs to get him. “Drake, they have a piñata.”

“OH MY GOODNESS!”

He frantically tried to turn off the remote controlled train and rushed downstairs. He ever so patiently waited his turn. I laughed so hard as he was swinging the stick. I forget that he’s never really swung a baseball bat. He did connect with the piñata, but it was with the strength of a fly into an elephant. Not much impact. He was far more excited to gather the spoils once the piñata was burst open.

I distinctly recall a birthday party at Chrissy DeMarco’s house. I was able to peek out of the blindfold, so I could tell where the piñata was. I hit that thing so hard that candy flew into the farthest corners of the garage. Good times.

Go hug a teacher

I don't watch much TV during the day (trying to set a good role model for the boys), but, I stumbled upon Regis and Kelly today after Flynn finished watching monkey. This week is the show's "Top Teachers' Week." The gentleman being honored today was a 37-year veteran English teacher from Iowa (I think). Barnes and Noble gave him a $10,000 gift card, and because he is such a fan of Michael Bublé, he got tickets and backstage passes to the show in New Orleans (plus accommodations). Wow! It just warmed my heart. So many teachers become so run down and cynical from the poor pay and lack of support. I'm glad high profile people have taken it upon themselves to give kudos to those in this noble profession. How does a doctor become a doctor? With the help of a teacher. I may never be as good as this man, but I can strive to be. I get so jaded and cynical (see my last blog post). It's nice to see positive roles models in one's profession. With that said, I have a ton a grading to finish today.