Sorry I haven't written lately. I could come up with a bunch of excuses, but I'll spare you.
So, I've been mulling over a subject lately, wondering if I should write a post on it, but thinking that I might rock the boat needlessly. But the more I think about it, the more I want to write about it, if for nothing more than to make myself feel better for having said what I have to say. So, here goes...
Leyden has attended a private school since the second semester of second grade. I pay a lot of money every month to send her to this school, and overall I am pleased with our experience. There are some things with which I do not agree, but there are pros and cons to every situation. So, I overlook the things that I do not like, and praise God for the good friends that Leyden has made.
Since Leyden started school, I have always been an advocate for the teacher. Teachers get a lot of flack from parents these days, because Little Johnny certainly would not do any wrong, and so it must be the teacher's fault. I feel like the teacher is there to teach my child, and if my child does anything to distract or prohibit the teacher from doing her job, it is my job to support the teacher in whatever behavior modification is necessary. I realize Leyden isn't perfect, and I certainly will discipline her if need be.
In all the time Leyden has attended this private school, she's not made many bad grades. Usually, when Leyden makes a bad grade, it's because she was busy chatting with her friends instead of doing her work. Leyden gets distracted sometimes, and if she doesn't refocus to the proper activity, she wastes time. I realize this about my child, and I do my best to give her the tools (and skills) she needs to get her through times like these.
This year Leyden started sixth grade. Since the first week of school, everyone in my house has been stressed out about school, and even my parents (who pick Leyden up from school every day) are stressed out about school. The reason? Leyden has an unbelievable homework load. She has always been in bed by 8:30 on school nights; now we are lucky to get her to bed by 10. My Mom picks her up at school at 3, they go straight to Mom's house, get a snack and start on homework. When I pick Leyden up around 6, there is usually still work to be done. So, we go home (eat supper in the car on the way home or grab a quick bite when we get there) and do another hour or two of work. And that's not including reading 300 pages every nine weeks and additional projects.
There is no time for eating dinner as a family, practicing piano, Wednesday night church, or just plain old free time. Sometimes she has homework on the weekends, too. We all feel like we're running on a treadmill that won't turn off. Before sixth grade, Leyden goofed off at Mom and Dad's house after school, then she did homework when she got home. We had dinner and watched a little TV before she took her bath and got ready for bed. Now she works on homework after school for two hours, and then we rush home, wolf down our supper, rush through the remaining homework, grab a quick shower and the day is done (way past our bedtimes!).
Leyden brought home signed papers last week, and glaring up from the math test was an "F". WHAT?! How could someone make an "F" on a math test when they do more math homework than anyone I've ever known? Well, I've been speculating as to the reasons, because the teacher has not responded to my request for a conference.
Theory #1: The teacher is doing a fine job of teaching, but Leyden is chatting with her friends, so she doesn't hear the teacher. (This theory is very likely, and I realize it.)
Theory #2: The teacher isn't teaching the math until AFTER the kids have tried to do it on their own. Leyden doesn't always understand her math homework. From what I can tell, the teacher gives the homework assignment after reading over a little yellow box that gives directions on how to do the math. The kids take the work home, do their best to understand the concept and get the work done, and then the teacher goes over it in class the next day. Brad ends up teaching Leyden how to do the math at home so she can get her homework done. And if he teaches her the wrong way, she has to re-learn it at school the next day. How confusing is that? Like I said, this is from my observation on the home front. I'll know more about the method of teaching and the process when I have a conference with the teacher.
Theory #3: The teacher is spending too much time talking about "current affairs" (a/k/a internet rumors and urban legends, including false "truths" about presidential candidates and news that scares my child) and not enough time teaching math. Don't get me wrong - I'm all about kids learning to be aware of their world, staying abreast of current events and reading the news. However, there are websites out there that have searchable databases of internet myths, legends, and rumors, and I believe that someone in a position of authority should check their sources, or at least these websites, for confirmation before giving a bunch of sixth graders false information. I also think that it would be prudent to keep potentially frightening news to yourself, like the story about the possiblity of a black hole swallowing the earth. It's hard for kids to concentrate in school when they have nightmares about the "news stories" their teacher told them during school.
Theory #4: The teacher is aiming to finish the textbooks by the end of the year - that is a fact. So, theory #4 is that the teacher is teaching, but the pace is swift because she's getting everything in. (Does anybody ever finish all the textbooks by the end of the year?) If she's teaching at a faster pace, Leyden may not be absorbing all the information. Personally, I'd rather my child actually learn and remember a few things from sixth grade and not fly through all the books and remember nothing more than the work load.
Over half the class attended a "help class" for math either after school or during P.E., which tells me that over half the class is having trouble. That's not good, especially coming from a group of kids who have always done well in school.
When Leyden came home last week, worried about the black hole swallowing the earth, I told her that no matter what we face in life, God will give us the strength to get us through. She said, "You mean like homework?" I replied, "Yes, Leyden, like God giving you the strength to stay up late to get your homework done every night, and the strength to get up early every morning to go to school." So, I will hold on to the promise of God's strength as we all trudge through this homework bog.
Hopefully I can get a conference scheduled with the teacher and figure out what's going on in math. Until then, hi-ho, hi-ho, it's off to work we go...
Tuesday, September 23, 2008
Tuesday, June 24, 2008
A Trip in Pictures, Part III (Arlington National Cemetery)
[NOTE: Please excuse the pictures in shades of pink... my camera is acting up and refuses to take good pictures all the time. It's been dropped a half dozen times and it's about 5 years old, so I guess it's lived a full life. If you know of a good replacement camera (nothing complicated) let me know.]
Tourmobile Sightseeing has a bus tour that takes you through Arlington National Cemetery. The bus stops at the Kennedy's graves, the Tomb of the Unknown Soldiers, and Arlington House. The neat thing about seeing Arlington this way is that the tour guides point out famous sites, like the grave of Charles Burlingame, the pilot of Flight 77 that crashed into the Pentagon on September 11th.
Let me just stop here to say that while we were there, we encountered several groups of middle-school aged kids, and I was very disappointed in their behavior. I have always taught Leyden how to behave in a cemetery - no running, no yelling, no loud talking, no laughing hysterically. A cemetery is hallowed ground, and out of respect for the deceased we should maintain a peaceful atmosphere. It was shocking to me that the chaperones were not trying to quiet their group. I was relieved when the teenagers separated from us... their behavior was distracting and annoying, and I was really quite offended by it.
Okay, back to story...
The second you turn in the beautiful gates to the Cemetery, you are greeted by the Gardens of Stone. I was overwhelmed by the site of all the white stones standing in perfect rows. I thought of all the service men and women who have died for our freedom, and the sacrifices their families have made. This is definitely holy ground, and you know it when you enter the cemetery. You can feel a blanket of peacefulness surround you.
No matter which way you look at the stones, they are always in straight lines. In the picture above, the stone with the yellow flowers in the third row marks the grave of Charles Burlingame.
The first stop was the Kennedy grave site, where John F. Kennedy and Jacqueline Bouvier Kennedy Onassis are buried, along with their infant children Arabella Kennedy (August 23, 1956) and Patrick Bouvier Kennedy (August 7, 1963 - August 9, 1963). Jackie Kennedy requested that an eternal flame be installed at the grave site, and it was originally powered by propane. It is now run off natural gas, after being attached by several hundred feet of pipe to a gas main.
Our next stop was the Tomb of the Unknowns. This was a very humbling experience... just seeing the guard keep up this regimented routine for 30 minutes is facsinating. The guards take this job very seriously and consider it to be the highest honor. We were able to see the changing of the guard as well as a wreath laying ceremony. (The Unknowns receive LOTS of wreaths, from all over the world.)
Our last stop was Arlington House, The Robert E. Lee Memorial. This was once the home of Confederate General Robert E. Lee (through his marriage to Mary Custis, daugther of George Washington Parke Custis - a step-grandson of George Washington - who built the home). The house overlooks the Potomac River.
As our tour bus was heading back down to the gates, we passed two of the caissons being pulled by horses... there were several funerals the day we visited Arlington, and in honor of those being buried, all flags were flown at half-staff. I tried to get a good picture of the caissons, but we went past them so quickly and I couldn't get a good angle.
Tourmobile Sightseeing has a bus tour that takes you through Arlington National Cemetery. The bus stops at the Kennedy's graves, the Tomb of the Unknown Soldiers, and Arlington House. The neat thing about seeing Arlington this way is that the tour guides point out famous sites, like the grave of Charles Burlingame, the pilot of Flight 77 that crashed into the Pentagon on September 11th.
Let me just stop here to say that while we were there, we encountered several groups of middle-school aged kids, and I was very disappointed in their behavior. I have always taught Leyden how to behave in a cemetery - no running, no yelling, no loud talking, no laughing hysterically. A cemetery is hallowed ground, and out of respect for the deceased we should maintain a peaceful atmosphere. It was shocking to me that the chaperones were not trying to quiet their group. I was relieved when the teenagers separated from us... their behavior was distracting and annoying, and I was really quite offended by it.
Okay, back to story...
The second you turn in the beautiful gates to the Cemetery, you are greeted by the Gardens of Stone. I was overwhelmed by the site of all the white stones standing in perfect rows. I thought of all the service men and women who have died for our freedom, and the sacrifices their families have made. This is definitely holy ground, and you know it when you enter the cemetery. You can feel a blanket of peacefulness surround you.
No matter which way you look at the stones, they are always in straight lines. In the picture above, the stone with the yellow flowers in the third row marks the grave of Charles Burlingame.
The first stop was the Kennedy grave site, where John F. Kennedy and Jacqueline Bouvier Kennedy Onassis are buried, along with their infant children Arabella Kennedy (August 23, 1956) and Patrick Bouvier Kennedy (August 7, 1963 - August 9, 1963). Jackie Kennedy requested that an eternal flame be installed at the grave site, and it was originally powered by propane. It is now run off natural gas, after being attached by several hundred feet of pipe to a gas main.
Our next stop was the Tomb of the Unknowns. This was a very humbling experience... just seeing the guard keep up this regimented routine for 30 minutes is facsinating. The guards take this job very seriously and consider it to be the highest honor. We were able to see the changing of the guard as well as a wreath laying ceremony. (The Unknowns receive LOTS of wreaths, from all over the world.)
Our last stop was Arlington House, The Robert E. Lee Memorial. This was once the home of Confederate General Robert E. Lee (through his marriage to Mary Custis, daugther of George Washington Parke Custis - a step-grandson of George Washington - who built the home). The house overlooks the Potomac River.
As our tour bus was heading back down to the gates, we passed two of the caissons being pulled by horses... there were several funerals the day we visited Arlington, and in honor of those being buried, all flags were flown at half-staff. I tried to get a good picture of the caissons, but we went past them so quickly and I couldn't get a good angle.
My visit to Arlington National Cemetery renewed my sense of pride in my country, and it instilled in me a sincere appreciation for the people who keep things running smoothly, those who work tirelessly to keep the cemetery looking its best at all times, and the Tomb Guards who are so dedicated. If you've never been to Arlington National Cemetery, I'd put it at the top of your list of places to visit. I think every American should experience it firsthand.
Thursday, June 12, 2008
A Trip in Pictures, Part II (Washington, D.C.)
We started off our trip to Washington, D.C. with a one-hour train ride aboard Amtrak from Fredericksburg, VA. This was our first trip aboard a modern day passenger train. Our conductor looked, talked and acted like the conductor in "The Polar Express".
Although Leyden was at first "not fond of the train,", she discovered that it is actually a fun way to travel. Here we are on the platform in Washington, D.C. (Leyden kept telling me we were getting off at the wrong stop... we couldn't possibly be in Washington, because she couldn't see the Washington Monument. I had to explain to her - several times - that we couldn't see the Monument because we were down on the tracks, below street level.)
We took a tour bus (Tourmobile) through the city, and we could get off at whichever stops we wanted and catch another bus when we finished at that stop. We only had 6 or 7 hours in the city, so we rode by most of the sites and took pictures from the bus. Here is a shot of the Capitol.
The first site we got off to see up close was the Smithsonian Museum of Natural History.
I did not include my photo of the Hope Diamond, as the photo really does not do it justice. However, if you've never seen it in person, it is ABSOLUTELY GORGEOUS!
After we saw the Hope Diamond, Dad retreated outside (probably trying to get away from the throngs of loud, obnoxious schoolchildren who were EVERYWHERE) and Leyden and I went through the Butterfly Exhibit. It is much smaller than the Butterfly House at Callaway Gardens, but its small size creates an intimacy that you don't find at Callaway. Because of the close quarters, the butterflies flutter right in front of your face and sometimes land on you, as happened to Leyden:
There were many types of butterflies, and without looking at the "cheat sheet" Leyden knew most of them by name. There were some gorgeous ones, and one really big one. This one is an "owl eye" or something like that, and I thought it was cool.
Leyden and Mom and I hit the Dinosaur exhibit on our way out the door. Due to the large crowds, we walked in, took a few pictures, and left. But we saw the cool dinosaurs that I've only seen in movies!
The next stop was the Lincoln Memorial. Leyden studied American History this year in school, and the Lincoln Memorial was the one thing that she wanted to see up close. So, Mom and Leyden and I walked up all those steps to see President Lincoln up close...
Boy is he big!
Leyden's creativity never ceases...
And since Leyden didn't eat at Hard Rock, she was hungry on the train. So, we tried their cheese pizza, and it was actually very good.
Since there are already so many pictures on this post, I'll write a separate post about our tour of Arlington National Cemetery. It was a very moving experience.
Although Leyden was at first "not fond of the train,", she discovered that it is actually a fun way to travel. Here we are on the platform in Washington, D.C. (Leyden kept telling me we were getting off at the wrong stop... we couldn't possibly be in Washington, because she couldn't see the Washington Monument. I had to explain to her - several times - that we couldn't see the Monument because we were down on the tracks, below street level.)
We took a tour bus (Tourmobile) through the city, and we could get off at whichever stops we wanted and catch another bus when we finished at that stop. We only had 6 or 7 hours in the city, so we rode by most of the sites and took pictures from the bus. Here is a shot of the Capitol.
The first site we got off to see up close was the Smithsonian Museum of Natural History.
I did not include my photo of the Hope Diamond, as the photo really does not do it justice. However, if you've never seen it in person, it is ABSOLUTELY GORGEOUS!
After we saw the Hope Diamond, Dad retreated outside (probably trying to get away from the throngs of loud, obnoxious schoolchildren who were EVERYWHERE) and Leyden and I went through the Butterfly Exhibit. It is much smaller than the Butterfly House at Callaway Gardens, but its small size creates an intimacy that you don't find at Callaway. Because of the close quarters, the butterflies flutter right in front of your face and sometimes land on you, as happened to Leyden:
There were many types of butterflies, and without looking at the "cheat sheet" Leyden knew most of them by name. There were some gorgeous ones, and one really big one. This one is an "owl eye" or something like that, and I thought it was cool.
Leyden and Mom and I hit the Dinosaur exhibit on our way out the door. Due to the large crowds, we walked in, took a few pictures, and left. But we saw the cool dinosaurs that I've only seen in movies!The next stop was the Lincoln Memorial. Leyden studied American History this year in school, and the Lincoln Memorial was the one thing that she wanted to see up close. So, Mom and Leyden and I walked up all those steps to see President Lincoln up close...
Boy is he big!
We got some cool pictures of the Washington Monument from the Lincoln Memorial.
Leyden's creativity never ceases...
Another site where we didn't stop was the Jefferson Memorial. I will DEFINITELY make this stop next time. My boss said it is very serene inside. It is my favorite structure because of the architecture.
After our Tourmobile tour was over, we decided that we just HAD to go to Hard Rock Cafe in Washington, D.C. (We love to visit Hard Rock Cafes... it's a sickness!) So, we took a cab from Union Station to Hard Rock, and Leyden was terrified by the whole experience. First of all, the cabbie didn't speak much English, and Leyden didn't want any of us to speak in the cab. Next, Leyden looked out the window and saw homeless people sleeping on the street. Last, the cabbie's driving is nothing like Leyden has ever experienced, except maybe on an amusement park ride. So, after we got to Hard Rock, Leyden was asking about other ways to get back to Union Station. And she was too scared to eat.
Leyden loosened up after a little bit, but she didn't want me to take any pictures of the Ford Theatre (2 doors down from Hard Rock) because it was scary for me to walk around in this strange place. I tried to explain to her the importance of the theatre and it's place in history. How can you love the Lincoln Memorial and pass up a chance to see Ford's Theatre?
Mom took our picture outside Hard Rock, while we were waiting for the Evil Cab to come take us back to Union Station.
And since Leyden didn't eat at Hard Rock, she was hungry on the train. So, we tried their cheese pizza, and it was actually very good.
Since there are already so many pictures on this post, I'll write a separate post about our tour of Arlington National Cemetery. It was a very moving experience.
Wednesday, June 11, 2008
A Trip in Pictures, Part I (Deltaville)
I promised pictures from my trip, and I have a just a minute so I will post a few really quick.
This is a picture of dad's cousin, Skipper Leyden (a/k/a Don Leyden), teaching Leyden how to steer the boat. (We were sailing on the Piankatank River on Don & Alice's beautiful sailboat, the Santorini.) Leyden thought this was fantastic and really enjoyed it. After a while, the Skipper let Leyden steer all by herself, which was WAY cool!
This is a picture of Leyden and me aboard the Santorini. We really enjoyed this part of our trip, and even Mom enjoyed sailing:
Below is a picture of the "Admirable" Alice and Skipper Don, our wonderful hosts:
Okay, get your glasses, because without them you can't see what I'm talking about in this next picture... Don & Alice took us to see the New Point Comfort Light, which is waaaaaaaaay out in the water. Leyden took a picture of me "holding" the lighthouse, and I think you may need a magnifying glass to see the tiny lighthouse. (It seemed a lot bigger in person.) It could've been an inch tall and I'd have still been thrilled to see it!
Don & Alice also took us to Stingray Point Marina, where they have a full-scale replica of the Stingray Point Lighthouse. Leyden and I were able to walk around the outside of it and peer into the windows. Awesome!
Don & Alice also took us to Stingray Point Marina, where they have a full-scale replica of the Stingray Point Lighthouse. Leyden and I were able to walk around the outside of it and peer into the windows. Awesome!And last, but not least, is a picture from our tour of The Tides Inn in Irvinton, Virginia. It reminded me of Dirty Dancing, and had gorgeous grounds and a beautiful view. Below is a picture of Leyden and me outside Lancaster House.
I'll post more about our trip later, including some pictures from D.C.
Saturday, May 31, 2008
A Trip I'll Never Forget
Yesterday Leyden and I returned home from an 8-day trip with Mom and Dad. We drove to Deltaville, Virginia to visit our cousins, Don and Alice Leyden. (Leyden LOVES seeing the Leydens - especially all of them at once - because she isn't the only Leyden when they're around!)
We had a fabulous trip, thanks to our gracious hosts. We had a wonderful sailing expedition, where Leyden Skipper and Skipper Leyden showed us a good time on the Piankatank River. We went sightseeing in the area, ate lunch on the York River, and took a day trip (by train!) to Washington, D.C. Hopefully, I will have my pictures on CD soon and will be able to post some of them here.
"Papa Don" and "Cousin Alice" were the sweetest hosts anyone could ever imagine. They had our days planned out and I felt like they really put out the red carpet for us. Leyden and I enjoyed visiting their church. The people were so warm and friendly, we wish we could go there very Sunday! Their village is so neat and inviting, and we really hated to leave. Leyden cried when we left and is already planning her next trip!
The trip to D.C. was quite exciting, because Mom, Leyden and I had never been on a passenger train before, and we had never been to Washington, D.C. before. We also took a cab to the Hard Rock Cafe, and Leyden will have to tell you how she felt about her first cab ride. (The cabbie didn't speak much English!) Union Station is amazing, and I am so glad that I was able to see my nation's capitol in person. TV and pictures don't quite do it justice!
We didn't have a whole lot of time in D.C., so we took a tour bus around the city. It made several stops, and you could get off and look around and catch the next bus. We didn't get off at every stop, but we got off at the Smithsonian Museum of Natural History. Mom, Dad, Leyden and I saw the Hope Diamond, and it is breaktaking! Leyden and I visited the Butterfly Exhibit, which was smaller than the Butterfly Center at Callaway Gardens, so the butterflies get closer to you. One actually landed on Leyden's head. Then, Mom and Leyden and I navigated around the throngs of school children to see the dinosaur exhibit. Amazing - just like in the movies! We also got off the tour bus at the Lincoln Memorial. Mom and Leyden and I walked to the top and took our picture with Lincoln's statue. We also took pictures of the Washington Memorial across the little pond. Included in our tour was the Arlington National Cemetery. Quite a moving cemetery to visit, knowing that all those stones represent people who have helped provide me with the ability to live in a free country. We were able to see the changing of the guard and a wreath-laying ceremony. We also saw the graves of JFK and Jacqueline Kennedy Onassis. It was very moving.
This was definitely a trip I'll never forget.
We had a fabulous trip, thanks to our gracious hosts. We had a wonderful sailing expedition, where Leyden Skipper and Skipper Leyden showed us a good time on the Piankatank River. We went sightseeing in the area, ate lunch on the York River, and took a day trip (by train!) to Washington, D.C. Hopefully, I will have my pictures on CD soon and will be able to post some of them here.
"Papa Don" and "Cousin Alice" were the sweetest hosts anyone could ever imagine. They had our days planned out and I felt like they really put out the red carpet for us. Leyden and I enjoyed visiting their church. The people were so warm and friendly, we wish we could go there very Sunday! Their village is so neat and inviting, and we really hated to leave. Leyden cried when we left and is already planning her next trip!
The trip to D.C. was quite exciting, because Mom, Leyden and I had never been on a passenger train before, and we had never been to Washington, D.C. before. We also took a cab to the Hard Rock Cafe, and Leyden will have to tell you how she felt about her first cab ride. (The cabbie didn't speak much English!) Union Station is amazing, and I am so glad that I was able to see my nation's capitol in person. TV and pictures don't quite do it justice!
We didn't have a whole lot of time in D.C., so we took a tour bus around the city. It made several stops, and you could get off and look around and catch the next bus. We didn't get off at every stop, but we got off at the Smithsonian Museum of Natural History. Mom, Dad, Leyden and I saw the Hope Diamond, and it is breaktaking! Leyden and I visited the Butterfly Exhibit, which was smaller than the Butterfly Center at Callaway Gardens, so the butterflies get closer to you. One actually landed on Leyden's head. Then, Mom and Leyden and I navigated around the throngs of school children to see the dinosaur exhibit. Amazing - just like in the movies! We also got off the tour bus at the Lincoln Memorial. Mom and Leyden and I walked to the top and took our picture with Lincoln's statue. We also took pictures of the Washington Memorial across the little pond. Included in our tour was the Arlington National Cemetery. Quite a moving cemetery to visit, knowing that all those stones represent people who have helped provide me with the ability to live in a free country. We were able to see the changing of the guard and a wreath-laying ceremony. We also saw the graves of JFK and Jacqueline Kennedy Onassis. It was very moving.
This was definitely a trip I'll never forget.
Friday, March 28, 2008
God Is So Good
I've always known God is good, but after the roller coaster year we had in 2007, I had become self-absorbed and less focused on His goodness. Tonight Brad and I had dinner with a couple we met at our new church. God blessed us with Christian fellowship with another couple - something we have been lacking for some time now - and I really felt His presence. It's like He was telling me, "I'm still here; I never left you." Kind of like the footprints in the sand. I know He carried me through 2007, I have no doubt about that. I couldn't have made it through the trials of the year on my own strength, that is for certain. And I definitely felt His presence during the rough times. It's just that I became a little bitter and didn't allow myself to FEEL Him, really experience His mercy and goodness. Tonight was a great reminder, God. Thanks for being there for me, even when I'm too stubborn to see You and realize that You are good ALL THE TIME.
Thursday, March 27, 2008
New Name, Same Face
I decided to change the name of my blog, because it isn't just about Life in the Kountry. It's about my life, my whole life, and I want the title to encompass my whole life.
So, how did I come up with the new name? It's a nickname that I was given by some friends of mine in Alabama. I was in Biloxi, Mississippi at a meeting of NALS...The Association for Legal Professionals, and we had broken up into our Region meetings. Our Region Director was asking for assistance in locating speakers for our upcoming Region meeting in Atlanta, and I spoke up and said I'd be happy to help. One of the ladies from my local chapter looked at me in horror and said, "You can't do that!" (She was thinking that I needed to live in the same area as the meeting being held in order to know local speakers.) I replied, rather loudly, as the room had gotten quiet - "WHY CAN'T I DO IT?"
That phrase sums up my personality perfectly... don't tell me I can't do it, or I WILL do it, just to prove you wrong. It's a great trait to have most of the time, because it's an awfully powerful motivator. However, there are times when "Why Can't I Do It?" has gotten me into trouble.
The "Why Can't I Do It?" attitude permeates every area of my life - work, school, church, professional association, relationships. I can't get away from it. I have trouble saying, "No," when people ask me to assist with projects. I am always running myself crazy between my personal and church responsibilities, my professional association, and my job. My husband constantly tells me that I create my own madness by not being able to say, "NO!" You know what, this is one time he is right. (And I put it in writing!)
I am a control freak of sorts, not being able to let go of certain things. Take, for instance, the monthly bulletin of my professional association. Several years ago, I was appointed editor of the bulletin by the association President. I took what we had been doing (a paper version printed on an office copier) and made it digital. I began using color in it, which made a huge difference in making it look more professional. I scanned it in and emailed it instead of printing it and mailing it, because it made sense to save money for our non-profit association. After a few years in a row of being the editor, I became President of the Association and was told I couldn't do it anymore because the President isn't supposed to be chairman of any committees or serve in any other capacity. When the first issue of the bulletin came out, I almost cried. Please understand, the sweet woman that took over the bulletin did a fabulous job, especially when you consider that she wasn't all that computer-oriented and was publishing an electronic newsletter in Microsoft Word. My problem was that it wasn't what I had created. The next year, I managed to be appointed editor again, and have been ever since. I am being installed as President for my association again next week, and so far I haven't had anyone say they want to be editor of the bulletin, so maybe they'll let me keep it this time. We'll see.
I guess you could say I am a born leader. I'm not afraid of talking to large groups of people, and I am not afraid of stepping on people's toes when I am in a leadership position, if what I am doing is for the good of the whole. I've held numerous offices in my professional association, and I would like to hold office on the state level and possibly the national level eventually. My husband owns his own business, and I have recorded radio commercials for him and speak to groups about his business. I taught children's choir at church for several years. I don't have an ounce of shyness in my being.
I am also a learner. I read everything I see, which can be annoying for those around me. There is so much knowledge in books, even in fiction. You never know what you may learn when you pick up a book. I prefer reading books over listening to them. There is something about holding a book in my hands that makes me feel very wholesome and happy. (Yes, I know... most people call this nerdiness.) Being a learner and loving books makes me naturally attracted to challenges where reading is involved. I love to take classes and better myself through learning. If there is an award that can be obtained for learning, I want to win it. And don't tell me I can't, because WHY CAN'T I DO IT will do it for sure.
My first marriage ended when my daughter was nine months old. Some people said I wouldn't make it financially as a single mom, so I consulted a financial advisor who said I'd be bankrupt within in a year. When I told the advisor I could make my finances work without going bankrupt, she said I couldn't. Guess what I said? Yep - WHY CAN'T I DO IT? And you know what? I often robbed Peter to pay Paul, but the good Lord provided and after almost 9 years, I became free of credit card debt in March 2007.
So, as you can see from these brief illustrations, I can do anything I want to do. I must let you in on one secret... my successes aren't because of anything that I've done. I am successful because I ask God to guide me through each venture, and I follow His lead.
Now, why don't think about what you CAN do today?
So, how did I come up with the new name? It's a nickname that I was given by some friends of mine in Alabama. I was in Biloxi, Mississippi at a meeting of NALS...The Association for Legal Professionals, and we had broken up into our Region meetings. Our Region Director was asking for assistance in locating speakers for our upcoming Region meeting in Atlanta, and I spoke up and said I'd be happy to help. One of the ladies from my local chapter looked at me in horror and said, "You can't do that!" (She was thinking that I needed to live in the same area as the meeting being held in order to know local speakers.) I replied, rather loudly, as the room had gotten quiet - "WHY CAN'T I DO IT?"
That phrase sums up my personality perfectly... don't tell me I can't do it, or I WILL do it, just to prove you wrong. It's a great trait to have most of the time, because it's an awfully powerful motivator. However, there are times when "Why Can't I Do It?" has gotten me into trouble.
The "Why Can't I Do It?" attitude permeates every area of my life - work, school, church, professional association, relationships. I can't get away from it. I have trouble saying, "No," when people ask me to assist with projects. I am always running myself crazy between my personal and church responsibilities, my professional association, and my job. My husband constantly tells me that I create my own madness by not being able to say, "NO!" You know what, this is one time he is right. (And I put it in writing!)
I am a control freak of sorts, not being able to let go of certain things. Take, for instance, the monthly bulletin of my professional association. Several years ago, I was appointed editor of the bulletin by the association President. I took what we had been doing (a paper version printed on an office copier) and made it digital. I began using color in it, which made a huge difference in making it look more professional. I scanned it in and emailed it instead of printing it and mailing it, because it made sense to save money for our non-profit association. After a few years in a row of being the editor, I became President of the Association and was told I couldn't do it anymore because the President isn't supposed to be chairman of any committees or serve in any other capacity. When the first issue of the bulletin came out, I almost cried. Please understand, the sweet woman that took over the bulletin did a fabulous job, especially when you consider that she wasn't all that computer-oriented and was publishing an electronic newsletter in Microsoft Word. My problem was that it wasn't what I had created. The next year, I managed to be appointed editor again, and have been ever since. I am being installed as President for my association again next week, and so far I haven't had anyone say they want to be editor of the bulletin, so maybe they'll let me keep it this time. We'll see.
I guess you could say I am a born leader. I'm not afraid of talking to large groups of people, and I am not afraid of stepping on people's toes when I am in a leadership position, if what I am doing is for the good of the whole. I've held numerous offices in my professional association, and I would like to hold office on the state level and possibly the national level eventually. My husband owns his own business, and I have recorded radio commercials for him and speak to groups about his business. I taught children's choir at church for several years. I don't have an ounce of shyness in my being.
I am also a learner. I read everything I see, which can be annoying for those around me. There is so much knowledge in books, even in fiction. You never know what you may learn when you pick up a book. I prefer reading books over listening to them. There is something about holding a book in my hands that makes me feel very wholesome and happy. (Yes, I know... most people call this nerdiness.) Being a learner and loving books makes me naturally attracted to challenges where reading is involved. I love to take classes and better myself through learning. If there is an award that can be obtained for learning, I want to win it. And don't tell me I can't, because WHY CAN'T I DO IT will do it for sure.
My first marriage ended when my daughter was nine months old. Some people said I wouldn't make it financially as a single mom, so I consulted a financial advisor who said I'd be bankrupt within in a year. When I told the advisor I could make my finances work without going bankrupt, she said I couldn't. Guess what I said? Yep - WHY CAN'T I DO IT? And you know what? I often robbed Peter to pay Paul, but the good Lord provided and after almost 9 years, I became free of credit card debt in March 2007.
So, as you can see from these brief illustrations, I can do anything I want to do. I must let you in on one secret... my successes aren't because of anything that I've done. I am successful because I ask God to guide me through each venture, and I follow His lead.
Now, why don't think about what you CAN do today?
Saturday, January 19, 2008
Let it Snow!
Every now and then, we get some snow in these parts. The last time it snowed here, Leyden was 3, Scott's best friend had died the day before and I was sick with the flu. (I still got out and built her a snowman, thankyouverymuch.) This morning we woke up to a mixture of rain and sleet falling, and within an hour it had turned to snow. Of course, not much of it stuck because snow can't stick to puddles of water. However, it was sure beautiful to watch! It snowed pretty hard for an hour or so, and the white snowflakes were pretty as they drifted to the ground. The roof and the trees and the patio furniture were covered in about an inch of icy white. The snow is more ice, less powder, but such is the norm for this area.
Leyden is very disappointed that the predicted 6 to 8 inches didn't fall. She had big plans for a snowman and had already picked out his candy and carrot face. A friend of hers from down the road came over and they threw snowballs (translate: iceballs) at each other until they were soaking wet, so it wasn't a total loss.
Blue didn't want to be outside at first, and willingly went into his crate in the garage. After a while, I guess the thought of what the birds might be doing got the best of him, and he barked to be let out. I can't get him to come back in. He'll have to come in after while, though, because it's supposed to be below freezing tonight.
Brad and his mother went on an overnight trip to Biloxi for his mom's 50th birthday, so he has missed all the fun around here. They left yesterday and have had to cut their trip a little short. They're on their way back home now, instead of waiting until after supper. I hate their trip was cut short, but I don't like the idea of them trying to drive home on icy roads after dark.
I've really enjoyed being stuck in the house all day. I've gotten all the laundry done and watched several shows and a movie or two. Now I have to study, because I am taking the Professional Paralegal exam on March 1st, and I have a lot of reading to do!
Well, I guess I'll close for now. As soon as I find the box with my USB cable in it, I promise I'll load some pictures of the "snow" and catch you up on photos of other things. Until next time, drink plenty of hot chocolate and keep the fire going!
Leyden is very disappointed that the predicted 6 to 8 inches didn't fall. She had big plans for a snowman and had already picked out his candy and carrot face. A friend of hers from down the road came over and they threw snowballs (translate: iceballs) at each other until they were soaking wet, so it wasn't a total loss.
Blue didn't want to be outside at first, and willingly went into his crate in the garage. After a while, I guess the thought of what the birds might be doing got the best of him, and he barked to be let out. I can't get him to come back in. He'll have to come in after while, though, because it's supposed to be below freezing tonight.
Brad and his mother went on an overnight trip to Biloxi for his mom's 50th birthday, so he has missed all the fun around here. They left yesterday and have had to cut their trip a little short. They're on their way back home now, instead of waiting until after supper. I hate their trip was cut short, but I don't like the idea of them trying to drive home on icy roads after dark.
I've really enjoyed being stuck in the house all day. I've gotten all the laundry done and watched several shows and a movie or two. Now I have to study, because I am taking the Professional Paralegal exam on March 1st, and I have a lot of reading to do!
Well, I guess I'll close for now. As soon as I find the box with my USB cable in it, I promise I'll load some pictures of the "snow" and catch you up on photos of other things. Until next time, drink plenty of hot chocolate and keep the fire going!
Tuesday, January 01, 2008
Happy New Year!!!
Well, I'm sure you've guessed that things are busy right now and that is why I'm not blogging, and you're right. The new job keeps me very busy, and I've been fighting a cold or something lately, so when I get home I'm exhausted. It seems like it takes all my energy just to get out of bed every morning. So, I apologize for the quiet. I need to upload some photos and fill you in on the camping trip and Mom and Dad's new house. They bought a new house and have moved after 28 years at my childhood home. I'll miss the old house, but the new house is twice as big and SO NICE that my excitement for my parents greatly outweighs any sentimental feelings! They are getting settled in and enjoyed a wonderful Christmas sitting by the fire. (Mom finally has a fireplace!)
Dad retired as of December 31st, and tomorrow his co-workers are having a luncheon in his honor. He is OVERJOYED to be retiring at last. I am so excited for him! I hope that he will now be able to travel "out west" like he has wanted to do for so many years. I also hope that he will get some much needed rest now and be able to resolve some health issues.
Speaking of health issues, my brother had a mild heart attack a few weeks ago. He's 34, but he doesn't lead a very healthy lifestyle (has been smoking since a teenager and still eats like one and is always under a lot of stress). He is on some new medication to try to stop smoking. Please pray that this medication will work and he will break this chain of addiction. He's much too young to be dealing with this kind of health problem.
We had a good Christmas here in the Kountry, although it was busy and not nearly long enough (especially with all the extended family!). I think L got everything she wanted. It was a bittersweet Christmas, but we changed some traditions to help ease the grief. I had a beautiful ornament made in memory of my grandparents, and we all bought poinsettias for Gran and Grandaddy's church in their memory and in memory of Mickey (Dad's cousin). We also bought poinsettias in memory of Gran and Grandaddy and Charles (Dad's friend) for Mom and Dad's church. We haven't had Christmas with Dad's brother and his family yet, but will do so in a couple of weeks. They are going to come to Mom and Dad's house instead of us driving north. I think it will better help us transition to Christmas without Gran and Grandaddy if we have Christmas in another town.
Brad and L and I drove to Callaway Gardens the Sunday before Christmas. (NOTE: This is the first family "vacation" (just B, L, and me) we have taken in quite a while and it was SO NICE!) We surprised L with a horseback ride through Roosevelt State Park on Sunday morning. She was so excited! She kept telling us that it was the best surprise ever. She was a natural, of course, and kept saying she wants a horse at home. After the ride, we checked into the hotel and changed our clothes and then we found some lunch at the Country Kitchen. Then we visited the Butterfly House, the Horticulture Center, and the Discovery Center. It was fun, especially feeding the koi. We decided to go to the Christmas Village and look around before our Jolly Trolley ride through the Fantasy in Lights. We had fun drinking gallons of hot chocolate to keep warm in the frigid weather. The trolley ride was fun, but COLD. The lights were beautiful! After the lights, we found dinner at Aspen's Mountain Grill. I can definitely recommend their flat iron steak with fried green beans and white cheddar grits. YUM, YUM!!! On our way home, we stopped at several shops to look around. It was a great, relaxing trip.
I went back to the doctor the day after Christmas, and I am finished with formal treatment except for the anti-inflammatory medication (I'm not sure how long I'll have to take it) and some home PT exercises. I don't have to go back to the doctor unless I develop a problem. So, we're going to see what happens and we're hopeful that things are on the mend. I still have good days and bad days... I get really sore at work and when I'm driving, and some days I just hurt for no good reason. But, it could have been a lot worse and I am grateful to be where I am.
Brad and I celebrated our 7th wedding anniversary today. Seven years ago today, we were snowed in our cabin outside Gatlinburg, eating canned ravioli for supper. It seems like only yesterday. B, L and I went out to dinner Saturday night to celebrate at a Japanese restaurant and had a great time. They brought us a yummy pineapple boat, sang us a "Japanese Happy Song" and took our picture. They also gave us some really pretty chopsticks in a neat little wooden box. Since L was three when Brad and I married, our anniversary is not just a wedding anniversary, but the anniversary of us becoming a family, so we try to include L in the celebration somehow. Dinner at a fun restaurant we only go to on special occasions is a perfect solution! She loved it.
Well, I guess that is all for now... I just heard the dryer buzz!
Goodbye, 2007... a year we won't soon forget. Hello, 2008... we pray you bring blessings of joy!
Dad retired as of December 31st, and tomorrow his co-workers are having a luncheon in his honor. He is OVERJOYED to be retiring at last. I am so excited for him! I hope that he will now be able to travel "out west" like he has wanted to do for so many years. I also hope that he will get some much needed rest now and be able to resolve some health issues.
Speaking of health issues, my brother had a mild heart attack a few weeks ago. He's 34, but he doesn't lead a very healthy lifestyle (has been smoking since a teenager and still eats like one and is always under a lot of stress). He is on some new medication to try to stop smoking. Please pray that this medication will work and he will break this chain of addiction. He's much too young to be dealing with this kind of health problem.
We had a good Christmas here in the Kountry, although it was busy and not nearly long enough (especially with all the extended family!). I think L got everything she wanted. It was a bittersweet Christmas, but we changed some traditions to help ease the grief. I had a beautiful ornament made in memory of my grandparents, and we all bought poinsettias for Gran and Grandaddy's church in their memory and in memory of Mickey (Dad's cousin). We also bought poinsettias in memory of Gran and Grandaddy and Charles (Dad's friend) for Mom and Dad's church. We haven't had Christmas with Dad's brother and his family yet, but will do so in a couple of weeks. They are going to come to Mom and Dad's house instead of us driving north. I think it will better help us transition to Christmas without Gran and Grandaddy if we have Christmas in another town.
Brad and L and I drove to Callaway Gardens the Sunday before Christmas. (NOTE: This is the first family "vacation" (just B, L, and me) we have taken in quite a while and it was SO NICE!) We surprised L with a horseback ride through Roosevelt State Park on Sunday morning. She was so excited! She kept telling us that it was the best surprise ever. She was a natural, of course, and kept saying she wants a horse at home. After the ride, we checked into the hotel and changed our clothes and then we found some lunch at the Country Kitchen. Then we visited the Butterfly House, the Horticulture Center, and the Discovery Center. It was fun, especially feeding the koi. We decided to go to the Christmas Village and look around before our Jolly Trolley ride through the Fantasy in Lights. We had fun drinking gallons of hot chocolate to keep warm in the frigid weather. The trolley ride was fun, but COLD. The lights were beautiful! After the lights, we found dinner at Aspen's Mountain Grill. I can definitely recommend their flat iron steak with fried green beans and white cheddar grits. YUM, YUM!!! On our way home, we stopped at several shops to look around. It was a great, relaxing trip.
I went back to the doctor the day after Christmas, and I am finished with formal treatment except for the anti-inflammatory medication (I'm not sure how long I'll have to take it) and some home PT exercises. I don't have to go back to the doctor unless I develop a problem. So, we're going to see what happens and we're hopeful that things are on the mend. I still have good days and bad days... I get really sore at work and when I'm driving, and some days I just hurt for no good reason. But, it could have been a lot worse and I am grateful to be where I am.
Brad and I celebrated our 7th wedding anniversary today. Seven years ago today, we were snowed in our cabin outside Gatlinburg, eating canned ravioli for supper. It seems like only yesterday. B, L and I went out to dinner Saturday night to celebrate at a Japanese restaurant and had a great time. They brought us a yummy pineapple boat, sang us a "Japanese Happy Song" and took our picture. They also gave us some really pretty chopsticks in a neat little wooden box. Since L was three when Brad and I married, our anniversary is not just a wedding anniversary, but the anniversary of us becoming a family, so we try to include L in the celebration somehow. Dinner at a fun restaurant we only go to on special occasions is a perfect solution! She loved it.
Well, I guess that is all for now... I just heard the dryer buzz!
Goodbye, 2007... a year we won't soon forget. Hello, 2008... we pray you bring blessings of joy!
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