Why MY kids are the best kids :)

It's 1 am on one of those really long nights that  never seems to end, so there are so many things I could talk about in great length. Instead, I am just going to tell this quick story, so you all can see what great kids I have, and what a lucky mom I am:

I haven't given the kids their allowances in probably 3 months. Skylar has realized she simply isn't getting it, so I don't hear much from her about it, but Alex is more vocal so that is ALL I hear about from him. I feel badly because Skylar is very responsible with her money, and has planned out what to do with her money from now until the day she graduates high school, perhaps longer. Me not paying her messes up her plans (and her plans aren't stupid, I'm gonna buy this and that plans, she does real stuff with her money). Alex is 7 so he is all about what he is going to buy, so I usually just ignore him.

Well, today, I had $20 extra in my pocket, and I decided since it was already 2 $10s that I would give them each $10 as allowance, even though it is nowhere near what they usually get (especially Skylar, since she's older). I will admit, I was dreading their responses when I handed them their measly allowances, when they hadn't been paid in months.

I handed it to Skylar and said, "Here's what I can afford to give you for allowance." She looked up, her eyes brightened, and she said, "Thanks mom, $10! That's great! Thank you!" You'd have thought she'd just hit the lottery. Then I heard her say to herself, but so that I could hear her, "This is great, $10, I'm going to just save it here for sometime when I need it. Wow, 10 dollars..."

That made me feel great, but I also knew I had to go deal with Alex and his typical ungrateful attitude when it comes to him getting. So, I went in all prepared for the fight that would go along with handing him only $10 when he clearly was owed more (he has also been saving for awhile for a special magic wand he wants, and he can't get it because I can't pay up). So, I said the same as I did with Skylar. He looked at it and said, "How much? Oh 10 dollars?" I saw the look on his face, and got all ready to tell him without yelling that he was an unappreciative brat. Then he stopped, looked up at me and said, "This is so nice, thanks, mom." and he tucked it away in his wallet, without another word said.

This is why I have the best kids.

Life is a Mystery

It occurred to me today that life is a mystery. No, it's not a new understanding for me, it just seems like an appropriate topic for today. I am finding myself in a situation that is strange to me, and appears even stranger to many others looking in on it.

I got word yesterday that my X's company could be in trouble. This is not good news. Why do I care what happens to his job, when I can barely make ends meet myself? That is exactly why I care. If he can't bring in enough money to give us the support that we need, we can't make it here. And, if he needs to relocate, I will have to go with him so that the kids can be near their dad. How whacked out is that?! Moving to be near my X? Never heard of such a thing. Then again, like I just said, life is a mystery.

In other news, I'm going out with the girls tonight for the first time in a very long time (think last century). I'm already exhausted and I haven't even hit the dance floor yet. Tomorrow I'm sure you'll get the update on how it goes, if I make it through the night without falling asleep, and how many ways I manage to make a fool of myself. Luckily, I am the only non-drinker in the group, so if I'm very lucky, maybe I'll be the only one who remembers it :)

Noah's Ark in Real Life!

About a year ago, we brought home 2 adorable little puppies, who we named Yankee and Ruby. We also had 2 birds, 2 guinea pigs, 2 kids, and 2 adults, and some multiple of 2 fish. We joked we were turning into Noah's ark. Well, we re-homed the birds, some fish died, a guinea pig died, and the other one just went to live with the kids at Daddy's house so he wouldn't be lonely (I was proud of myself for that one). So we were down to just 2 kids, me and 2 dogs. Oh, and 1 fish is left.

Today I got the bright idea that we should adopt a cat. But, I'm concerned about allergies, so I was thinking fostering would be a great idea. Plus, foster animals are free, including their food and vet care. Of course, they have to be adopted out eventually, or we can keep them, but still, this is the best for us. So, guess what, I am the proud new foster mama of two of the most adorable 3 month old siamese kittens, who I named White Out because he looks like he spilled white out on his nose, and Shy Guy, because he is just that.

They are absolutely adorable, but must be kept away from the dogs due to them being fosters. It's okay because in a 3000 square foot house, surely there is room for a set of twin dogs and a set of twin cats, right?

And I just keep thinking, "Who built the ark? Noah, Noah! Who built the ark? Brother Noah built the ark!"

Come Here Often?

I've been officially divorced for 1 month today, but it seems like forever ago. And, while I have my moments of missing the X (like at a stop light today when some random thought popped into my head), I am ready to start dating. Before anyone goes all postal on me, let me explain a few things:

1. I have been alone much longer than the time it took to make this divorce happen. I has been months, if not a year or more since I have had an emotional connection of any kind with someone of the opposite sex. And let's face it, as much as I love my girl friends, well, it's just not the same.

2.  I am not looking to find a new lifelong partner right now; just to go out and have some fun with a man. See number 1 above, and I will continue it by saying it's has also been that long since I went on a real date with someone of the opposite sex. The X and I dropping the kids at Gramma's then wandering around wondering what to do and where to go just doesn't count as a date.

3. I also am not looking for someone to jump into bed with. Let's just not go there, there's just too much with that one. But, still, I figured I should at least point it out.

Now here's the problem, and it's my own little secret about to be revealed: I have NEVER been on a real date with someone I am not in a relationship with. Crazy, isn't it? I met X when I was 17, and we all know how 17-year-olds hook up. Hook up is the best way to describe it, because it's not like all of a sudden someone comes up to you and says, "Would you go out with me," Or whatever people say when they ask someone on a date. They just kinda start hanging out together, and then one thing leads to another, and then suddenly, they're an item. So, it has been 17 years since I was on the dating scene that I was never really on to begin with.

So, my problem is, even if I were brave enough to ask (I'm not), how does one go about doing it? I could try the ole, "Come here often?" but, umm...even I know that's not it. I could even try any of the other cliche pick up lines, but all of them would require me to know where to find single men.

That leads me to the next problem - where do I look for single men? I have plenty of single male friends, but friend is the key word there. And most of the other single men I know still think I'm married, so just think of that asking out line! "Umm, so, I know I used to be married, but great news! I'm not! So, wanna get some dinner some time?" I don't think that'll be in my best interest.

I think I need to go on a practice date. I just need an opportunity to get out there, try it out, and learn a few things before taking the plunge. Any takers?

Absence DOES Make the Heart Grow Fonder

We went to pick up our dogs today. I was kind of dreading it. I will be honest and say they are royal pains in the ... you know. They're barely housebroken, and still have way too many "accidents," they chew everything in sight, they don't walk well on a leash, basically, they are a nightmare. I will be the first to admit it is our fault for not taking the time to train them properly.

So, off we went for the one hour trip to pick up our little loves at the only lady who would take 2 untrained dogs and didn't care about potty accidents (if anyone is ever looking for someone, let me know and I'll give you her info - she's that awesome!). I was prepared for them to take awhile to remember us, but the second we got to the door, they were so excited, they started acting like, well, excited puppies. They ran all over the place, jumped, whimpered, the only thing they didn't do was pee.

We brought them home and started settling in to life with dogs again. I'll tell you, I'm sitting here, on the couch, with Yankee by my side, and Ruby sitting on her pillow, both chewing away on bones, and I am glad to have them back. I'm going to give this whole training thing one more full effort, including paying for classes, before I begin trying to find new homes for them. We all love them dearly, and would hate to see them go.

My love/hate relationship with Mathematics

Funny title for a Math teacher, isn't? Surely I sit around all day just dreaming about numbers, finding new ways to solve various algorithms, and trying to figure out if pi really does never end. Wrong! Don't get me wrong, math is a highly valuable skill. Being proficient in math can make or break you in many careers today. It is being stressed in schools at higher levels than when I was in high school, and its importance is probably stressed a little too much (let's face it - a straight A 4th grader comes home with a serious migraine the week before state tests is way too much pressure). But let's forget about the teaching of math, and talk about my learning of math.

You see, I was dubbed a math teacher 3 years ago when I started my first real teaching job after graduating college, then staying home with my children for 8 years. I had never taught math. I hadn't even taken a college math class (stats for social sciences is NOT a math class, sorry). I tried repeatedly to convince the powers that be that I am indeed not a math teacher, but I kept hearing, "but you are". I'm still convinced they were desperate and I was the only one willing to do it.

I learned to love my job, and I will say I have finally become pretty decent at what I do. However, I decided that since I have been labeled a math teacher, that label will never go away. There are some types of teaching positions that, once you start it, you will never get out. This list includes middle school, math, ESL, and special education, among others. So, I decided it was time to get my Masters degree in math education. I will be finishing that in about 6 weeks (if this class doesn't kill me). Still, there is really no math involved, just how to teach math.

Anyway, back to my learning of math, and my love/hate relationship with doing so

LOVE
It's challenging
Orderly
Has rules
It's not really open to interpretation
No guessing what the author was thinking
Most of all, I need to keep my brain working at all times or I am just not a happy person

HATE
It's challenging
The rules can be complex
There is no guessing, which means even one tiny mistake will ruin the entire thing
Sometimes it works my brain a little too hard

I will leave you with my famous quote which drives my students and my own children. I made it up in response to getting tired of hearing a chorus of children screaming, "IT'S TOO HARD!!!"

Here it is...

"Floors are hard, but problems may be challenging."

And Reality Sets In...

I promised I would not make this a divorce only thread, but tonight it seems fitting, so here goes...

This whole divorce thing seemed so easy, almost surreal, most of the time. I said repeatedly that I knew once I returned from New York to an empty house and the reality that this is my life, it would hit hard. I came back, and it was okay, good even. I saw and heard Alex say to himself as he looked around this morning, "I love this house." That just about made my day for some reason. We unpacked, played, then the kids went to play with Gramma while I went to the YMCA. Life had returned to normal.

Then it was time for the kids to go on their first night with their dad. That didn't bother me either; in fact, I was excited about all I could do on my time off. Until Alex cried. Not for me, of course, but because he had wanted to play with his friend tonight. I had to be the strong one and say, without emotion, "I understand, but today is Tuesday, so you are going to Daddy's." I stood on the porch and waved and blew kisses at that sad little boy face. I know the tears probably ended before the end of the street, but it still broke my Mommy heart.

I think the other part that bothered me was knowing that this is going to be my life forever. Well, at least for the next 11 years. Making my kids leave their home and friends for their time with their Daddy. Which brings me back to my, "Did I do the right thing?" mode. Or the, "Was it really worse than this is?" line of thought. I know the answer is a solid, "Yes," to both, but sometimes my heart gets the best of me and I begin to forget what I know.

I don't drink, so I'm on my way out to drown my sorrows in hot wings. Those of you who really know me understand that I see them as the world's best cureall. They heal you physically, spiritually, and emotionally. Cheaper than doctors or therapist, and they taste good too! I'm thinking of opening a restaurant and making that my slogan :)

Things I like about living in Texas

Oh goodness me, did I just admit there are things I like about living in Texas? Here they are in no particular order:


I have an amazing, awesome, rewarding, challenging, and fun job. I enjoy going to work almost every day, and look forward to seeing what my students have in store for me that day.

I have friends who have proven themselves to be amazing, as well. You know who you are.

My kids go to an amazing school, Riojas Elementary. Their teachers worked so hard all year to keep them challenged and happy. Skylar felt loved and cared for every day. She even made perfect attendance, in large part due to the fact that she loved to go see her teacher every day! She had so many opportunities to participate and excel this year. She is looking forward to next year.

Okay, Chris and Krista, the Mexican food IS better. Heck, even the fact that I am able to get Mexican food without driving an hour or more is amazing! Or Indian, couldn't get that anywhere in NY.

I love my church. It is very different from my former church, but different can be good.

I'm sure there's more, but a kid is calling me to play horses.

Things I love about Sidney NY

First, and foremost:

I realized at 10:10 that I never signed up Alex and Skylar for swimming lessons that start today. I was able to go to the pool, sign Alex up for lessons that start at 11, come home, tell Alex to get dressed for his lessons while I ran to KMart to buy new goggles, go to KMart to get the goggles, get lost looking for them, buy them, and get back home, with 15 minutes to spare! Just can't get that in Pflugerville, TX.

There are likely less than 10 kids in said swim lessons.

I feel completely safe leaving Skylar home alone while I take him to the lessons.

More to come, time to head to swimming lessons...

There's No Place Like Home

Can you hear the excitement in my voice? I am still coming down from a major high (natural, no worries) from this weekend.

Friday started with getting to make a visit to Denise and John Jacobus (Denise was my 8th grade English teacher) at Ideuma Creek Alpacas. We missed the birth of a cria by only 10 minutes, and the kids got to pet some older cria. The animals were amazing, as was visiting with someone I haven't seen in FOREVER.

Then:

I had the great privilege of going to the place I consider home this weekend. While it is not the town in which I grew up, it is the town in which I grew my children. It was the first place where we settled down, made friends, joined a church, and really settled into a community. I had mixed feeling about this trip. I wasn't sure if I would walk out in tears, glad to have left, joyous, or a combination.

It was fun to see people I hadn't seen in a couple years, to eat at some of our favorite places, and to just look around and reminisce. We even got to go to our favorite water park, Roseland Water Park!

This morning, I went to church, MY church. This is the church that my children grew up in, and the first I had ever joined. Not much had changed, which is a good thing. Sometimes we just need to go back to what we have always known, just for comfort, kwim?

So, the weekend is over, it's back to real life, but I am so glad that I put the time and effort into this trip. It helped heal my soul some, encouraged me to keep on growing, and assured me that, no matter where life may take me, there is a place where I can still return at any time to open and loving arms.

New York Trip Day One

3 am - alarm goes off after 4 hours sleep
3:45 am - head out the door to the airport. Kids say goodbye to their daddy
4:50 am - eat breakfast while we wait for our 6 am flight
5:30 am - I try to sleep, Alex wants to look at baseball cards
5:45 am - board the plane, we got 2nd row Yeehaw!!!
8:30 am - arrive in Chicago for a 3 hour layover; Passed time by taking a nap, buying a $40 sweatshirt to keep me warm, and eating lunch
12:30 pm - back into plane to head for Albany
2:30 pm - welcome home!!!!!

For the first time ever, I thought I might cry the second I saw my parents. I didn't, but I was pretty surprised by that.

A long trip to Sidney, then spiedies for dinner YUM! I went to bed by 7, and left my parents to deal with the kids til midnight. The day was just too exhausting for me.

Time to Start a Blog - Again

I've decided it's time to start a real blog, and keep at it this time. This is my attempt to not bore every single facebook friend with all my marvelous thoughts throughout the day. I swear I am the ADD poster child, which is a fact most people who knew me growing up would be surprised by. You see, I wasn't the child jumping on the desks, but the one who was perfectly happy to think 15 different thoughts at once, including paying attention to the teacher. I like to think it's because I'm so incredibly intelligent, but I'll leave that for you to decide. Anyway, back to the facebook thing. Because I can think of so many things at once, I decided to put them here instead of flooding everyone's newsfeed with my marvelous thought of the moment. You're very welcome.

The things I think about most, in no particular order:
*Teaching
*Learning
*Stuff I've read
*Relationships
*Texas vs. New York
*Church stuff, including my little mini sermons that just pop randomly into my head
*My kids
*Things I like to do
*Places I've traveled
*My life journey (not all that exciting, but still)
*Any other random thought that might occur to me at any given moment

So, there you have it, my first post in my latest blog. It was amazing, wasn't it? Please hold your applause til the end.