Posting time & Set-up

Alright, just how long does it take you to do ONE post. One with a few pictures?
It just took me an hour to post on my adoption info site. The post below was at least that - I didn't have all the images ready before I started.
Goodness!I must be slow or something. I would like to post daily but my hubby thinks I have an blog-addiction problem, yeah - whatever (eye roll).
So if I am slower than most to post- what am I faster at than the average? hmmmm

Hmmmm (sigh) I don't get punch lines in a reasonable amount of time.

Hmmmm(sigh) I react slower than most (see post below).

Hmmmm(sigh) I eat slower than most.

Hmmm(sigh) It takes me longer to sleep than most.

Hmmm(sigh) I drive slower than most (ie that would be 3 over the posted speed limits)

I got it! I talk faster than most! ?Is that good?

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Set-up:
Last night I was set -up. Yep, the 7 yr old works hard trying to get his Mother committed to the loony bin (same place Ms. Dragon fly visited ;)
To back up a bit- I have been trying some new parenting phrases.
The latest is "So how would you handle that?" Basically, I am trying to help instill some responsibility, ownership and action after a situation that needs attention.

I have used this when the boys are fighting - I get interesting answers but the idea is to keep them talking and thinking about it instead of taking the anger fight mode. They come up with a solution, hopefully and with some guided discussion, it is resolved.

OK - so last night, I am beckoned to my 7 year old's room by "Mom, would you pleeeaaaaaaaassssssssssse come here?" Not in a crisis voice but like it was important. So I walk over.

He commands "Now stand here." He points that wiggly finger to a spot on the floor. Ok - I am wondering when did I become the robot of choice, but I dutifully do this. Then he grinned (?) said "Look up"

I do. Now, right above me is a very large spider looking back at me! I am not afraid of spiders except when they are unexpected - I can't go through the psycho babble of -they are more afraid of me, they don't bite, this is natural, it is kind of cute, look at how well it is adapted, blah blah etc.

I think I sucked in all the air in the room when the little monster says "So how are you going to handle THAT?"

Now, I believe there are many paths in life. There were so many options for me at the moment. Some were not going to get me to that Terrific Mom award (it is out there - I heard about it but never make the first round). Was he trying to KILL me? How long can I ground him? Maybe he can live with Grandma! These are of course the only ones I can type in public (don't want to lose my NICE award).

After staring in disbelief for oh-maybe eternity (remember I am not quick on the draw, apparently even survival skills).

The little guy has the nerve to continue "Would you like me to make a suggestion?"
I think I nodded, but slowly.

"Back up and get a container to take it outside." announces Mr. smarty pants.

So do you think he is on to my new parenting techniques?
Do you think he is learning how to manipulate the system?
Do you think he understands how this is effective to work things out? (bahhaha- hard to type that one)

Virtual Shopping

Thank you for your comments. I am looking into the Organic Vs Local issue and will present a post soon on this.
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I want to thank some of you for visiting. I love to buy gifts- I even HAD a gift budget. "Gifting" is one of my LOVE Languages (great book if you have some spare time). It is important to me to find a "perfect" gift and it doesn't have to be expensive. Sometimes the deadline of a birthday comes too quickly and I am not happy with the gift, but if there is time- there is usually a lot of thought to the present.

Ok..ok.. I am a volunteer now- I am on a extreme "budget." So I went VIRTUAL shopping for some of you.
OBVIOUSLY, if I could give any of us in the adoption wait it would be to have a perfect referral & immediate travel for our Chinese children.
BUT for something more to do I searched some of your blogs for ideas...I am a bit rushed - so this is suppose to be light and fun.

First, A buddy of mine is not a blogger but checks the site out- he is photo buddy (really Awesome photos) and past work colleague. I miss our daily check ins and science banter. So for you, AB I got you the tripod you have been wanting. Will you share it?

**UPDATE - Dang Nebit!*** You just told me you bought it today!***

Now for Secret Agent. There was so much to consider. I hope there will be a crazy batch like Aug - Sept 2006 of say- 30 days??? - So we can travel together. She is an animal lover and has to put up with the strangest town I have ever known. I decided on a Pegasus.
Not that your horses aren't keeping you busy enough, but if there was first contact with this new animal- I can imagine that you would be a great rider and learn to fly the Pegasus. With an extra animal- you need extra help. Here is the guy to help you with all the work around the farm. He can hand deliver your Mojitos too. Sorry - we didn't exchange names....

Another gal, was one of the first I met through a yahoo group. She is also blessed with a beautiful boy. Her blog just shows the joys of being parents. She also has a the self confidence that I would love to be standing behind. She is also in education so she took the insanity route. So for you dear Mothermotherocean I know you want sleep, I'd order you some Lunesta sleeping pills - they wouldn't work anyway. You won't be able to sleep soundly until your child has moved out of the house. So how about Alice. You may need her to to the housekeeping but I bet she could also grade papers, organize projects and even conference with students if you need a sub:)


The Ghelerter Twins- your life is plentiful, doubly blessed with twins. I get belly aches from reading your posts. How about an action pack adventure to Disney? You may have been there a bunch of times but I can see you with the Minnie mouse ears!


My Special pal- we are actually from some of the same star dust. Getting to know each other more and more we found some uncanny similarities.Of course - I wish you had your princess, too. Do I get you that girlie dog you mentioned???How about a Grand Piano? For my Sweet DeRouen Princess, there is the spa. Not so original. Many of us could use this, but - take a break from the full time work, full time family, full time worries...



Ms Dragonfly, yes I know you want plane tickets. I enjoy your post about Shrimpy and life of the young. You have dimension and depth. Also the gift for writing. I had different ideas for you but since your dreams are much more channelled than mine so your present is a crystal ball.

Now we need you to use it and get us some answers!

Ok- Barkfoot seems pretty handy with the camera too. He has a nature/biology background. I don't think he would like to be walking around New York City for long so I found you a trip on an African Safari- Great seats- "shoot" all day long.
Beware of some new tribal ceremonies- I hear they can be rough.


Lisa M. This was a bit more challenging. I taught 8th grade for awhile so knowing that you have twins 13 years old! - you could have used some meds maybe not so legal...but they seem to be good guys. They love their mom so I thought - take the stress off yourself from that home improvement. I called Ty Pennington to give your home the Extreme makeover while you are off to Hawaii to "wait"- have a drink with a fancy umbrella- you can do your walking there while they give your house a "fresh" look.
MOVE that Bus!

OK now didn't get to everyone. Please don't be insulted. I must "shop" again so if you feel you missed out - I can get ya on the next one.

Organic or Local

I want to put out there the idea that has been bugging me this summer.
Which is better- eating organic foods or locally grown produce? and when is one better than another?

Some organic produce comes from CA! That is a long way to ripen or over ripe or are they picked very green?

The cost of organic is so high! We have a local distributor for organic milk - still 2x the cost for half as much but it tastes so good.

Eggs! Yikes- 3x as much.

Some local grown foods use chemicals & pesticides- Is this why there is such a high rate of Cancer in America?

If you have any good sites I should look at about this -please let me know. I will put out a comparison of what I find out in another post.

Blah-Blah- talk - talk-

I was having blog-block...(hehe - sounds like a lotion)and decided to start rambling and see what happens.

First, I have talked with some of you about career changes. I need to get over this transition. I am driving my friends and family CRAZY! I am finding a heck of a lotta stuff about myself though. I am a "worker- bee" I like having a boss and some structure and direction. My amazement for those that have their own business. I would be Chapter 11 in a week.
I am generally a creative person. I work best with a partner to bounce things off of. I have a great teacher friend who we would walk and come up with some of the best activities to do in class. Of course a lot of work but we were both sadistically worker-bees.

I like routines. My class was structured- not rigid - some flexibility but enough that the students knew what to expect when they walked in. I did "surprised them with questions, demos, things like that but I wouldn't go to bed the night before until I had things all planed out- even if it was just mental notes.

Am I missing teaching? Yes and No. There is terrific energy working with middle schoolers. I miss that. I am not stressed out with grading and the testing of my patience.I needed a break. That is for certain. Unfortunately, I didn't rest over the summer to be ready for Sept.
I am calmer now in that respect (I am a bit of a spaz- but all self induced). I have more patience and time to answer my kids in complete sentences, look at their homework, sign papers, make the kids breakfast and lunches, not lose it as much when the kids start an argument. I am able to take that deep breath and start over.

Now, I am fretting about my role, the program, what I want or rather need to be doing to keep busy.
Remember this is a one year leave. I can go back next year but not in my exact position.
Too much to think about - I'll go get my camera and see if I can think about something else for awhile...therapy....
Thanks for reading/listening!

Signs say...

Its one of THOSE days...You all have had one in your life, I'm sure of it.

I am not the quickest one to figure things out, get a punch line or have witty comebacks, so today is just another way to miss the obvious...

I have been working on a making a movie CD to thank my aunt & uncle for a nice visit. I took over 100 pictures and organized them into a movie format and added music, titles and such. The "project" is saved but it will NOT burn to CD or even be saved as a MOVIE on my computer (yes there is plenty of room).Why do these thing need to be sooooooo difficult. Good intentions....

I burned my tongue on my coffee this morning. I can't remember when I have done that last myself. I make my own brew each week (ancient Christine secret) and nuke it in the morning. Today I put in the wrong amount of time - duh 1:45 but I must have put in 2:45 or something higher. I start it and go do something else while it is heating up. Of course, my kids were trying not to laugh as I spit it out when I thought it was a nice warm cup. You know how it probably is funny -LATER but at the time you are so mad that you want to blame it on someone else. The boys got to see that "fear for your life" mode that I occasionally show...
Now - I feel my tongue all day. "I tink I got a bister."

Last, many of you know that I have a terrarium and critter area from *Hell*. I encourage my kids to have these "pets" but once again I am the one cleaning and checking water pH etc. I have "lost" tadpoles, frogs, a little fish (I think it got eaten but not sure by what). It keeps me busier than I want to be. Now we have a tree frog, newt, goldfish and a gecko. How do you do it on a farm?? ;)You know I'd be trampled by a horse or sat on!

I dropped a cage full of crickets today. Yes - they are feeder food for the gecko and tree frog. Now they are all over my Berber carpet. I ended up killing most of them at first accidentally by grabbing at them before they disappeared. Then I was getting more frustrated so I just thought I will buy new ones tomorrow. I will be moving the couches again and vacuuming. Now on the list of scheduled events ...
I also cleaned the tank, added fresh water, cleaned the water pumps - rinsed the motors and cleaned the filters. Now one isn't working well at all. After an hour of - very uncensored words- it is pumping water at a slow trickle. Argh.. Good intentions- clean cage - happy critters- Me at the end of my nerves...

So once again it takes awhile to read the signs. I think back to bed and read a book...what's the worst that can happen ---papercut???

I'm gushing...

Thank you thank you.. I was just awarded the "nice award." Me! Stop laughing some of you! NO I haven't been given this by a student- uhm... they love me but it is sooooo uncool to like give it to ya teacher.
Actually I was honored by Loud Secrets. I had been following her blog and another for about 6 months before even starting my own. She has the coolest ranch and I wish I could ride horses with the freedom she has. She seems so much better at expressing what we all feel though this adoption wait. She has been getting me to do more with the blog. I now have 3 blogs. One for adoption news, one for ramblings & fun and one for quilt square recognition. Yes- maybe I have multiple personalities but at least one of them is "nice."



Remember Sandra Bullock in Miss Congeniality at the end...that is how I feel...
Ahem...My speech- thank you to all the people that check in. One good turn deserves another. And peace and goodwill to all.



My dress would be something like this...Bring on the champagne, ladies and I will so "nice-ly" pour you a glass...

Thank you again.
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RED ROVER


I have thought about this post recently. I love analogies.Ms. Dragonfly- I am so inspired... So here it goes...
I was thinking how this adoption "situation" is like playing Red Rover- (I stunk at this game).
Those of us that have or will adopt are on one side and are connected by holding hands(red thread). The people that have been through this adoption before are like good brick walls. Many of us plant ourselves near them for advice and support. Others that are waiting to adopt can waiver. Our patience and determination seems to be tested. But still holding on to our dreams and hopes.

The other side is everything that is "happening" with adopting.Paperwork, regulations, referral batches (now that is a tough one!), politics and the children.


So here we are playing our "game". Trying to hold on and take it again. Some days are easier to be strong, others I am just hanging on. I never imagined this process would cause so much physical, emotional and spiritual pain and growth. Yes, I am stronger- (I should look like a heavy weight fighter by now). I have found tremendous support within friends next door and here in "blogland." Networking is good.

Hasn't it been said - "it is worth the wait?"

What to do....

First day of school was Tuesday. I was happy to send my kids off but I was lost without MY first day. For 14 years I would be in a dead panic on this day- first impression of the teacher! I missed it. At the end of the first day - I always knew it was going to be ok. Making dinner and laundry isn't going to cut it for me.

My dH has described my time off this year as a "chain smoker who has gone cold turkey." Yep that is me. I thrive on energy- Middle schoolers have a lot of it- so I am trying to work on a new mentor program for my middle school. Only problem is that everyone keeps telling me to "talk to this person" and "Read up the latest research." I feel that I have been doing a lot of meetings, listening and researching- but I need some ACTION.

Patience -right? hmmm. I think my adoption wait has tapped me for the moment on patience. Balance is key. I never had that under control while teaching.

OK so today is Wed. I went roller blading after dropping off the kids. Did more research in between appointments added more "ideas" to the ever growing list of possibilities. Not in the groove yet. Not much on paper as I hoped. I need to do this.

She's Back!

Hello- All!
Whoa - was there really an August??? I guess I put travel, vacations, meetings and visits all to this month. It was so full on the calendar, I can't believe it is over! I found myself without the blog world and a computer often and missed everyone. Grab some coffee or tea- this is a long one...

Let me wrap up my visitors. I had a great time with my grandparents- they are a hoot! She was so helpful to put dishes away that we are still have a FUN game trying to find where everything was put. You never know what will be in those top cabinets.



Here is a picture of my plastic bags she FOLDED!?? I have no idea why she does this- She asked where she should put them - then I showed her the bag that all the others were stuffed into! You can imagine her look and sigh - like she was thinking if she had enough energy to fold all the others.

The last morning with them- we had a nice breakfast. My grandfather actually shared some stories about the "good-ole-days". The times they went "dancing at a club," - real dancing together with some rhythm. Fighting in WWII with my uncles - trying to meet up on days off and learning to load a gun together. How really exciting the NY state fairs were and getting candy treats. Dealing with discrimination at his work because he was Italian, and how important family really is- he helped many of my cousins get jobs.

My grandparents really take care of each other. Through all the nagging and bickering - there is something very deep between them. I really don't think one can fully live without the other anymore. It is powerful and special and privilege to see.

They are back in their "retirement" home. It isn't NY and very isolated for them but my aunt lives close by to check on them. They live in a house. Both are still very healthy. I wondered if I could have them stay with me longer. Michigan is nice in the summer- maybe for 2-3 weeks. I will have to think about it more and hope they will agree.

But to leave this on a different note- As I was hugging her good bye "Now, be a good girl." Uhm...who told her???

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My big news - which some of you may know - I am taking a leave from my teaching duties this year. I have been so stressed out with lots of stuff that I was needing a change. I had THOUGHT we were traveling to China by now and that would have been a great change! A chance to stay home, be my own boss, and get a new focus BUT...No- 11 months still not even close...

SO I can't stay home and not have a PROJECT. I am a bit of a spaz and need to have a bunch of things going or I am lost. I am going to work on organizing a mentor/volunteer program in the middle schools for science and Math.
Earlier I asked for help with a name- Barkfoot suggested S*M*A*R*T and that is what "powers that be" are liking for the moment. I still have the others names- but as I look to seek grants for some funding for supplies- I realize the politics of "do what others say." So they are choosing a title.
Anyhow- I am excited. This will provide some outlet for my creative side that has been in sort of a stalemate for a bit. I also love challenges- I really want this to be successful and productive.

This was a VERY hard decision since we still don't have most of our money saved for our travel to China. We are losing about a 1/3 of our income but my dh is very good financially and know we will be fine if we follow some sort of a budget.
BUDGET - has always seemed like a Dirty word. My mother worked when I was young and as soon as I could- I got a job. It is part of me to be independent. This will be an adjustment.

It was really hard to pack up my classroom after 14 years. I will have a choice to return to teaching in a year but not necessarily in the building with my friends and level I was at. So I am taking a huge risk. Leaving my colleagues who have become close friends- people who you depend on and can understand teaching like I do was also emotionally upsetting. Yes, there have been some breakdown days - and I am not one to let go easily either.

I am going to look at it (because I have to) as a good thing to rejuvenate and slow down. As with this China adoption - there are ups and downs. The support I get online and friends here, helps get me out of funks. Change is good...Prayers...Faith can move mountains....

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I am sorry to neglect so many of you on your blogs- I am going to have to get the boys in school (Tuesday) and get caught up.
Tagged for the 7 Ps.

Thank you Mamacita for tagging me.

There are no rules or guidelines to this.

I tag:
Derouen Princess
Wanderlust
Ms. Dragonfly
and anyone else who wants to play.

The 7 P's. It was hard to use only SEVEN, so I cheated on some and used more.

PANDORA's box - What I question when I have those thoughts of saying what is really on my mind.

PETS & PACMAN - gotta have...

PIZAZZ- Needing a little more now and then in life.

PERCEPTION - Everything has another view. In my age old wisdom- there is many more ways to view a situation.

PHLEGM - biologically useful but sounds disgusting as it looks.

PHOTOGRAPHY- I have plans to take more pictures - divulge in the creative side more- a release and freedom. I would like to start a photo challenge going for anyone. More thoughts on this later.

PEACEMAKER, PRACTICAL, PURPOSEFUL- Roles I am comfortable with.



Me & dH- relaxing and ready for a new chapter...