Here's some interesting things T has related to me this week:
1. Frequent quizzing on addition and subtraction. What's 100 plus 2? What's 13 plus 16? What's 20 plus 20 plus 20? And on and on. And he almost always gets it right. He uses his fingers often, but I don't get how he does so well when he goes above anything over the number of fingers he has.
2. On being asked what's your favorite (anything). "Well, lets do eeny meeny miny moe, get a body let him go, one, two, three, four, five and your are it." (LOVE his version...) First he wants to know what MY favorite is and then he'll choose to be alike or different from my choice. There's a politician brewing here.
3. On playing tag in the yard. Of course he makes up the rules as we go and the "vase" (his word for base) changes depending on what he can get to. Then from across the lawn he implored me to "Wait! Wait, wait,wait, wait, wait.", as he walked towards me to explain how this bit of the game would go. I stood there and looked at him with a moment of silence and then said with a sarcastic grin, "I heard you the first time." He looks up at me inquisitively and incredulously and asks, "You didn't hear me the second time?" LOLOLOL! So I explained that what I meant was I HEARD you the first time, no need to say it a second, third, etc time. Ai yai yai. Nothing like a new perspective on an old cliche. lol.
4. I gave my cat a shower and T watched with curiosity--and mocking him at his obvious discomfort with the whole thing. After it was done he decided he wanted to jump in with me (it's a big shower with a bench on one wall). While soaping up as he was standing on the bench he starts to slip and slide his tummy onto mine--and as usual we make a mini game out of it. Then he stops, and looks at my chest. He places his hands on his own tiny nipples and informs me that his boobies are growing (with a bit of glee, I might add). I assured him they won't grow now or in the future. They only grow for girls, not boys. He stops and thinks. Then looks me square in the eyes and says, "No, Mama. Look at Opa." LOL. I had no leg to stand on with that argument! Opa loved that story (that was a bit of sarcasm too ;) ).
Sunday, September 7, 2008
A day at the art and wine festival
Today Mom came over and after shopping at the dutch pastry shop and Costco, we went to Castro street Art and Wine festival. It was huge...and HOT. The weather was at least 100 degrees. And with that many people milling around booths, beer and kabobs, it got tiring. There was all kinds of neat stuff to look at but none of it was a "must have". Sometimes I can find something interesting for a Christmas gift. But not this time. Still, it was nice to share an ice cream with my favorite son and mom...and a grape/bubblegum flavored shaved ice....and a cold soda.
The best part for all of us was the kid's area where they had rides and slides--for a price. But I can't dwell on the money spent when you see the look of utter glee spread out over T's face. I will look at those photos and be glad I let him have his fun. No matter how much money they relieved from my wallet.
Later we went to the mall near my home to hit the food court for dinner. Mom and my favorite is the burritos at Rubios--we get one and split it. And T, of course, never veers from his usual order--Sbarro's slice a pizza kids meal. And a McDonald's vanilla soft ice cream cone. Mom did very well, considering this was the first day she's been out of the house since she came down with whatever viral crud she caught from my brother after our camping trip. We had to take frequent breaks but she managed to enjoy herself.
T was thoroughly happy and told me repeatedly all evening how lucky we were to have each other.
Really.
And hugs and kisses and cuddles. I love my 5 year old. Can he please stay this way forever?
Friday, September 5, 2008
Still searching for a preceptor
Well, it's Friday and still no word on whom my preceptor for my practicum will be. I have until next Friday to get a preceptor, sign the contracts and meet to decide on how I'll get the hours logged. I sent an email to the director of nursing of the nearest community college that has a nursing program. I kept the letter short and sweet but definitely let her know I was in a hurry to find someone. I figured she might be interested in the relationship I'd be building with their department as this master's degree would qualify me to be a teacher in their program. And from what I've read, it's a huge need--more faculty members so that they can let in more students. The nursing shortage will continue unless we can graduate more nurses. So many applicants get denied into a program due to the lack of teachers. I'll check my work email tomorrow and if I don't hear anything, printed all the phone number of every faculty member in the nursing department and make individual pleas. I could also contact the 2 year college I attended but it's much farther to drive out there and as I'll be having to go there to get my 105 hours completed--lots of extra time and gas to get it done there.
Since my master's degree is in nursing with a focus on education, it makes sense to go to academics to get the preceptorship done, but as a last resort I'm going to also contact the Health education department at my work. They might be able to do the job. I just think it might be more difficult to write the papers I'm going to have to write on my experiences.
Today, the neighbors picked up T from school and took him swimming with their daughter (also in the same kindergarten class). They fed him lunch (well, I packed one for him) and they played well together in the water (even though, apparently, the water was a bit cold). Then they fed him dinner (burritos) and took him along with their daughter to the Ice Cream Social at school. I tried to get out of work as quickly as possible but still stayed over time 30 minutes. I got there a little late but the party was still in full swing. The kids were all having a ball! And the parents were milling about and mingling while keeping one eye on their kids. The weather was hot but cooling off. Perfect for the ice cream sundaes they were making. Within minutes I saw one of my patients there with her son and then another guy recognized me. He and I used to swim together in the Master's program at lunch time. (Ah...good times, they were. 10 guys in a lane and me. I loved the attention! I swam until the day I broke my water. Then life...changed...) They also had a school uniform swap and you could bring uniforms that kids out grew and pick through the piles for anything in the desired sizes. Since it's out first year, we have nothing to swap so I just looked though and found a pair of shorts that would fit T. When he outgrows what we have, I'll give it up for the smaller kids. Kind of nice to save money on the uniforms and be supportive of those in our school.
It was as close to a Norman Rockwell scene as I've ever had.
Pray I'll get a nibble SOON on finding a preceptor.
Since my master's degree is in nursing with a focus on education, it makes sense to go to academics to get the preceptorship done, but as a last resort I'm going to also contact the Health education department at my work. They might be able to do the job. I just think it might be more difficult to write the papers I'm going to have to write on my experiences.
Today, the neighbors picked up T from school and took him swimming with their daughter (also in the same kindergarten class). They fed him lunch (well, I packed one for him) and they played well together in the water (even though, apparently, the water was a bit cold). Then they fed him dinner (burritos) and took him along with their daughter to the Ice Cream Social at school. I tried to get out of work as quickly as possible but still stayed over time 30 minutes. I got there a little late but the party was still in full swing. The kids were all having a ball! And the parents were milling about and mingling while keeping one eye on their kids. The weather was hot but cooling off. Perfect for the ice cream sundaes they were making. Within minutes I saw one of my patients there with her son and then another guy recognized me. He and I used to swim together in the Master's program at lunch time. (Ah...good times, they were. 10 guys in a lane and me. I loved the attention! I swam until the day I broke my water. Then life...changed...) They also had a school uniform swap and you could bring uniforms that kids out grew and pick through the piles for anything in the desired sizes. Since it's out first year, we have nothing to swap so I just looked though and found a pair of shorts that would fit T. When he outgrows what we have, I'll give it up for the smaller kids. Kind of nice to save money on the uniforms and be supportive of those in our school.
It was as close to a Norman Rockwell scene as I've ever had.
Pray I'll get a nibble SOON on finding a preceptor.
Thursday, September 4, 2008
STRESS!
As usual, the school experience causes great stress in trying to figure out what I need to do and all the work that will be required of me in the next 16 weeks. This class is double the length of the usual 8 week course because it's a practicum. That means I need to find a preceptor. FAST. Seems like all the other students are already situated with their preceptors, know what seminars they will be attending, taken all their CLMs (courses in a binder to be tested on--total of 3, and I've only done one!) have already applied for graduation and have their tickets to Denver to attend the ceremony!
Breathe.....
It's just the 3rd day and I'm feeling like I am inside a pressure cooker.
Come on December. I'll be SOOO glad when this is over.
Breathe.....
It's just the 3rd day and I'm feeling like I am inside a pressure cooker.
Come on December. I'll be SOOO glad when this is over.
Tuesday, September 2, 2008
more expenses
Jack called again and said he forgot a couple items in the estimate price.
1. The painting. Am I gonna want it repainted inside and out?
Yes. And I likely won't find time to do it myself. So shell out another $600 or so.
2. The eletrical. Yes, I'll want the electrical that will be exposed by re-doing the wall to be updated to today's standards. Actually, I'll want to add a plug here and there too.
Add on another couple hundred.
Ain't that the way it always goes??
1. The painting. Am I gonna want it repainted inside and out?
Yes. And I likely won't find time to do it myself. So shell out another $600 or so.
2. The eletrical. Yes, I'll want the electrical that will be exposed by re-doing the wall to be updated to today's standards. Actually, I'll want to add a plug here and there too.
Add on another couple hundred.
Ain't that the way it always goes??
The next home remodel project!
My house in 2003 after the remodel but before I hung the green shutters and painted the front door green.Last Monday I called my old contractor Jack and had him take a look at what I planned to do next. I still need to replace the old drafty windows in my room and the back bedroom, plus the original bathroom and the 2 square picture windows on either side of the fireplace. I didn't do it before with the remodel in 2003 because I was trying to save money and figured I'd do it when I paid off all the expenses I had at the time. Well, now that time has come!
When I added the bathroom to the front of my bedroom I found I had much less light than I used to have (since I removed the old window in order to add the bathroom). So instead of going with just a replacement for the old window I want to remove the old window and add 2 smaller windows on each end of the wall (with plenty of wall space for a bed to go up against in between). Then remove the 4 x 4 foot window (the standard window in most of my rooms) in the back bed room and put in a 2 x 4 foot double hung window. While the wall is being destroyed to install the windows they will insulate it and update the electric system exposed. The hall bathroom and picture windows will also be replaced with double paned windows. And if I can afford it this time, I'll move the existing 5 foot French door slider into the back bedroom where the 2nd 4 x 4 foot window is and install a SIX foot French door into the dining room area. It's always kind of bugged me that the slider looks so small in that space. More light into the house will be nice too. So that's the project.
Jack called me a couple days ago and said it would cost me $6400 for the window project without moving the slider. If I want to do the slider job too, tack on another $4500. Ouch. Well, I knew it would be a pretty penny. Having all new double paned windows is high on my list of things to do, especially with the colder months coming soon. And I love that I'll be insulating the wall (which catches all the afternoon heat). Apparently, in 1948 insulation was not a consideration when building homes!
I'm going to have to dip into my vacation funds to get it done. I won't have to use those funds until next Spring time (when I have to be ready for my niece's special trip that will take place next summer). Hopefully I'll make enough back to buffer up that savings account. In a pinch, my parents said they would loan me the money so that I won't run short on any of the needs that might come up.
Oh, and my last on-line class in getting my master's degree starts today. It's just like me to pile up all kinds of things to do so I feel like I've just barely got my nose just above the water line. Why do I do this to myself, repeatedly?? I think I must operate best on a schedule that requires a little panic and adrenalin mix.....
When I added the bathroom to the front of my bedroom I found I had much less light than I used to have (since I removed the old window in order to add the bathroom). So instead of going with just a replacement for the old window I want to remove the old window and add 2 smaller windows on each end of the wall (with plenty of wall space for a bed to go up against in between). Then remove the 4 x 4 foot window (the standard window in most of my rooms) in the back bed room and put in a 2 x 4 foot double hung window. While the wall is being destroyed to install the windows they will insulate it and update the electric system exposed. The hall bathroom and picture windows will also be replaced with double paned windows. And if I can afford it this time, I'll move the existing 5 foot French door slider into the back bedroom where the 2nd 4 x 4 foot window is and install a SIX foot French door into the dining room area. It's always kind of bugged me that the slider looks so small in that space. More light into the house will be nice too. So that's the project.
Jack called me a couple days ago and said it would cost me $6400 for the window project without moving the slider. If I want to do the slider job too, tack on another $4500. Ouch. Well, I knew it would be a pretty penny. Having all new double paned windows is high on my list of things to do, especially with the colder months coming soon. And I love that I'll be insulating the wall (which catches all the afternoon heat). Apparently, in 1948 insulation was not a consideration when building homes!
I'm going to have to dip into my vacation funds to get it done. I won't have to use those funds until next Spring time (when I have to be ready for my niece's special trip that will take place next summer). Hopefully I'll make enough back to buffer up that savings account. In a pinch, my parents said they would loan me the money so that I won't run short on any of the needs that might come up.
Oh, and my last on-line class in getting my master's degree starts today. It's just like me to pile up all kinds of things to do so I feel like I've just barely got my nose just above the water line. Why do I do this to myself, repeatedly?? I think I must operate best on a schedule that requires a little panic and adrenalin mix.....
Labor Day Weekend
It was a nice 3 day weekend. We didn't go anywhere but just hung out at home and tended to the to-do list that always accompanies a house.
Since the start of kindergarten, T and I (at his insistence) have been taking a walk or bike ride around the block to visit any or all of the 3 kids in his class. He's really connected with a little girl who also apparently got the "tall" gene and matches T in height and weight. (Makes it more even with the occasional wrestling/tickle matches that happen). She's also an only child and so I think her parents appreciate having another child over to play with their daughter. As I was enjoying a glass of wine with "A's" mother I lamented (during last week's heat wave) that my air conditioner won't stay on and keeps tripping the breaker. She volunteered her husband to have a look at it in the coming week. The next day (yes, it's almost a daily occurrence to go and visit due to T's persistence) I complained that I tried to install the new front door latch but one of the three existing holes drilled into the door didn't match up perfectly and now I have to wait to borrow a drill bit to make a new hole. Again, he piped up and volunteered to have a go at it. Of course I jumped at the offering! The next day the whole family came over and he trimmed the neighbors wayward tree (that was partially blocking my lemon tree), installed my new latch, fixed the air-conditioner's problem (needed a larger wattage breaker), and adjusted the side yard gate so that it actually latches properly again. Plus, he's willing to come demolition one of the back yard sheds to make way for my new back yard plans, whenever I want him to. My goodness! He says he's done with his own "honey-do" list (having been unemployed now for a little while) and finds it more fun to work on someone else's house. I can see that. And I totally appreciate it!!! It makes me feel a little guilty having someone do so much for me without paying him. Maybe I'll have them all over for a nice spaghetti dinner soon. That'll be good.
Yesterday, dad came over and together we made plans for my "city strip" (the strip of land between my front lawn and the street). My parents and I removed the old English ivy that was there a few weeks ago and now a few more sprinkler heads need to be installed so that grass and flowers can grow there instead. Dad is very good at making plans on paper (from his years as a draftsman) but unfortunately he had to make 3 different trips to Orchard Supply because he kept buying the wrong pipes, elbows and Tee joints. Finally by the day's end he was actively installing the new piping but was unable to finish, so tomorrow he'll finish up the job. Then it's up to me to get some excellent soil, install the 2x4 boundary markers for my flower bed around the existing Japanese Maple tree and get the sod. In no time it will be gorgeous! Dad says he kept making mistakes because he's still getting over his illness (the one my brother spread around during our camping trip) but it could also just be that his brain doesn't work too well any more. I'm thankful he didn't become too angry at all the wasted time, energy, gas and "wear and tear on the poor engine" as he kept driving back and forth.
I called mom a couple of times. She's still sick as a dog. She says she'll go to the doctor again in 2 days if she's not much better. She went late last week and was diagnosed with an ear infection and what ever viral illness she suffers from. She wants to give the antibiotics time to do their thing before making the effort to call and go in again (she hates using the phone for some reason). But she really enjoyed the peace and quiet while dad was away at my house. She was especially grateful he'd need to come back to my house to finish the sprinkler project. Poor woman. Anything to brighten her day....
Hopefully she'll make a turn around for the better soon. In the mean time she's lost quite a bit of weight and is enjoying watching the graph marks go down to new territory (she keeps a graph on the fridge and she and my dad plot their daily progress on it--makes it more fun and really helps keep the motivation going).
Since the start of kindergarten, T and I (at his insistence) have been taking a walk or bike ride around the block to visit any or all of the 3 kids in his class. He's really connected with a little girl who also apparently got the "tall" gene and matches T in height and weight. (Makes it more even with the occasional wrestling/tickle matches that happen). She's also an only child and so I think her parents appreciate having another child over to play with their daughter. As I was enjoying a glass of wine with "A's" mother I lamented (during last week's heat wave) that my air conditioner won't stay on and keeps tripping the breaker. She volunteered her husband to have a look at it in the coming week. The next day (yes, it's almost a daily occurrence to go and visit due to T's persistence) I complained that I tried to install the new front door latch but one of the three existing holes drilled into the door didn't match up perfectly and now I have to wait to borrow a drill bit to make a new hole. Again, he piped up and volunteered to have a go at it. Of course I jumped at the offering! The next day the whole family came over and he trimmed the neighbors wayward tree (that was partially blocking my lemon tree), installed my new latch, fixed the air-conditioner's problem (needed a larger wattage breaker), and adjusted the side yard gate so that it actually latches properly again. Plus, he's willing to come demolition one of the back yard sheds to make way for my new back yard plans, whenever I want him to. My goodness! He says he's done with his own "honey-do" list (having been unemployed now for a little while) and finds it more fun to work on someone else's house. I can see that. And I totally appreciate it!!! It makes me feel a little guilty having someone do so much for me without paying him. Maybe I'll have them all over for a nice spaghetti dinner soon. That'll be good.
Yesterday, dad came over and together we made plans for my "city strip" (the strip of land between my front lawn and the street). My parents and I removed the old English ivy that was there a few weeks ago and now a few more sprinkler heads need to be installed so that grass and flowers can grow there instead. Dad is very good at making plans on paper (from his years as a draftsman) but unfortunately he had to make 3 different trips to Orchard Supply because he kept buying the wrong pipes, elbows and Tee joints. Finally by the day's end he was actively installing the new piping but was unable to finish, so tomorrow he'll finish up the job. Then it's up to me to get some excellent soil, install the 2x4 boundary markers for my flower bed around the existing Japanese Maple tree and get the sod. In no time it will be gorgeous! Dad says he kept making mistakes because he's still getting over his illness (the one my brother spread around during our camping trip) but it could also just be that his brain doesn't work too well any more. I'm thankful he didn't become too angry at all the wasted time, energy, gas and "wear and tear on the poor engine" as he kept driving back and forth.
I called mom a couple of times. She's still sick as a dog. She says she'll go to the doctor again in 2 days if she's not much better. She went late last week and was diagnosed with an ear infection and what ever viral illness she suffers from. She wants to give the antibiotics time to do their thing before making the effort to call and go in again (she hates using the phone for some reason). But she really enjoyed the peace and quiet while dad was away at my house. She was especially grateful he'd need to come back to my house to finish the sprinkler project. Poor woman. Anything to brighten her day....
Hopefully she'll make a turn around for the better soon. In the mean time she's lost quite a bit of weight and is enjoying watching the graph marks go down to new territory (she keeps a graph on the fridge and she and my dad plot their daily progress on it--makes it more fun and really helps keep the motivation going).
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