Day 29

Nothing but a quote today. A good one I think:

"Play with a child. Children are your greatest teachers".
- Cheryl Richardson

Day 30

Nothing eventful to report for today. Just another nice spring day.

The best part was my second grade friend "A", that wrote me the beautiful poem. She came to show me her Young Author's Book. It was all poems she wrote herself and she dedicated the entire book to me. I have never felt so appreciated or loved before. Her mom says she just loves me. I feel being honored by a student is way more meaningful that anything else I can think of right now. She truly does not know, at this point in my life, what this means to me. "A" is another of the most special ones at school, and I am just glad we live in the same neighborhood so that I can still see her.

So here is our photo. This is going in her book too.

Day 31

Uneventful day. I will keep it short and simple today compared to yesterday. Not alot happened today and that's ok. Been without MC for a few days, and got things done and feel very unstressed. I'm sure that will change when MC is back so I better enjoy it while it lasts.

Came home watched my GH and took a little nap. Didn't answer the phone for anyone. Sorry if you called, just not in the mood to talk.

Didn't go to #5's game. Husband went for a little while and said he was 2 for 2, then got taken out to let others play because they were slaughtering the other team. I'm sure he will come home happy.

Today's photo is very random. This is of the day I came home from the hospital and my grandmother (who I was named after) was really feeding me ice cream. That explains alot. What's really scary is that she was probably my age (or even younger) than me in this photo. I'm so glad that these days the 40's are the new
30's!!!!!!!!!!!!

Day 32

Today is making me think of many different things. My very favorite student, “S” came back to school with mom, and we told her I won’t be back next. We’ve become very close. It sort of hit me hard. Not sure if “S” really gets it yet (only 8 years old), but I will miss her so much (as all of the students, but “S” is special).

Starting this Wednesday there are only 26 school days left. We start an ABC countdown. That’s scary because there is so much to do before I leave and feel that I won’t get it all done. I know, some people will say “who cares, you got cut, not your job after you leave”, but I still feel responsible.

Today at school was another good day. No MC and SL actually leaves us alone when MC is not there. After school I went to a small town-hall rally to support schools and funding. It was outside at SEHS. My friend, “J”, spoke, and spoke wonderfully. They were probably hoping for a bigger turnout, but it was nice to see that families that attended and care out their children’s education.

I then went over to #5’s game. I wasn’t dressed right, so I left. It really needs to get warmer and stay warmer.

On the subject of #5, I’m feeling very frustrated and helpless as his mom. There were many a day when he was attached to my hip and only wanted or needed me. And now, these days, he is growing up too fast and I feel like we’ve lost a little part of our connection. I am very grateful and happy about the relationship he has with his father, but still feel as if I am losing my little boy who is now a teenager and maybe that is all I should chalk this up to. It just makes me feel sad that when I see him at the field, he seems to be embarrassed that I am actually there to watch him. I know they are all like that, but hey, it’s my blog and my feelings and I am entitled to them.

The school thing is equally as frustrating. I am so afraid for his education, it scares me. #5 can roll out of bed and get B’s, but chooses not to. I do not know how to make him understand how important school is now and in the future. Maybe because I was the same way and was never interested in school and did not go to college and I just want more for him. I’m the classic example of “if I could do it all over again, things would be different”. Part of me wishes he wasn’t so dedicated to baseball, because maybe then he’d work harder at school. He doesn’t quite get it yet that no grades, means no baseball, especially in college. I’m hoping that is just immaturity and that he will get it real soon (like next year).

Well, this probably depressed you enough, if anyone is actually reading this, but it sure makes me feel better. As they say "this too will pass".

So today's picture is one of my favorites of #5, when he totally needed and wanted his mommy!!!!!!!

Day 33

Day 33 was a Friday, and even if Friday's are bad, they are still good in my mind. This one was on the better side. Weather was ok. Got left alone and actually feel as if I accomplished some things.

My sweet second grader (we'll call her A) came to show me another poem she wrote for her author's project and she was dedicating it to me. Later in the day I heard all the second graders were talking about it. I feel so honored. Kids are the best. They always make you feel better about yourself. We should all be able to look at things from their perspective.

I want to ask A's mother's permission to post the photo of the two of us, so hopefully I can put it up. So the photo for this day, is another of Maxx. He came to visit us on Friday evening, along with a great homemade pizza from mom and dad.

Day 34

Happy Earth Day! Good day. MC and SL left us alone and actually got a lot of work done. They were outside celebrating Earth Day with students cleaning up and planting flowers. We weren't asked to participate, but that was just fine. I guess I need to give the devil her do though, it was a nice idea and the school looks great. I celebrated by coming home, watching GH and taking a nap. Didn't even make it to #5's game. Just waiting for the call to pick him up.

Day 35

Today was Secretary's Day, or the new politically correct name: Professional, Administrative Assistant's Day or whatever. If you really want to give me a day and a title, I should have many. Such as: secretary, nurse, counseler, waitress, mother (to all 776 students), gopher or errand girl (had to go on a last minute errand for MC, AGAIN), guinea pig feeder, "sucker" for putting up with the abuse from MC. That's ok because the kids are the real reason I love my job. Today I received many nice things; flowers and a gift card from the staff, hand made cards (poster size too) from many classes, a beautiful poem by a sweet second grader. Mrs. A's kindergarteners interviewed me too (see picture and what they said about me).

Day 36

Again, it's always a good day not to be at work. Had to go for a test today (medical), so took the whole day. Husband actually came with me and bought me breakfast. Cleaning lady was here (doing a fantastic job as usual), went to parents, took a nap, a little shopping with mom and hung out with puppy. #5 (in blue) had a game (perfect weather for it), but they lost. I think he is little by little getting out of his hitting slump and acutally got to play his position (2nd base). He did go 1 for 2 though.

Took some more random picutres. MORE CHICKENS. Don't know why they fascinate me, but they do.

Day 37

Not much to say. Most of the day was productive (I was left alone) and got a lot done.

Today's pics are a few self portraits I was playing around with.

Day 38

Have to say today was a great day! I was "in charge" at school. Both administators were out of the building today, and the atmosphere and attitude was great. Almost like old times, almost like when T was our prinicipal. (But it will NEVER be the same without her).








Two photos for today. One: a little girl was in the office (about 3 years old) and she was so cute and had the cutest tutu, leggings and most adorable shoes. She (or should I say her mom) let me take a picture of them. I think I'm going to try a photo project of just shoes (love them).

Photo two: "Why did the chicken cross the road?" While going to #5's game, a group of chickens crossed right in front me by the local farm. They made me giggle, so I
had to stop in the street and take a picture.

Day 39

I got nothin'!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Day 40

Not sure what to say. Today was a productive day at school. After school had to go to a meeting with all the other clerical/secretaries that were RIF'd. It was sad to look around the room and see how many of us there were. It hit home finally I think with me. I'm still convinced it's a sign and it's the right thing for me, it is all so sad too.

The best (positive) photo I can com up with is this! Cubs Win!!!!!!!!

Day 41

Tuesday, April 13th and spring has finally sprung. It's as if overnight everything came into bloom; tulips, trees.

At school this evening was kindergarten round up and my new way actually worked. It went really well. I think that it was one of few things this entire school year that went well.

My day started with a donut from our PTO president and later in the day she brought me a cute little wind-up toy to make me smile. She's a good person, and has done alot to help me get through this year.

Day 42

Monday, Monday what a day you are. Today was busy, but the same old same old. I went to dinner with three of my old friends from my old district(two from the other school and my friend I worked with for 5 years). We had a great time and a great meal and laughed ALOT.Something I think I haven't really done in a long time. We just all sort of giggled, it was great. My friend and former co-worker, wel'll call her P came and I was happy to see her. We always said we were so connected that we shared a brain (I believe possibly even a heart, I love and miss her so much).Seeing her always makes me happy! And sure enough, tonight we were finishing each others sentences and it's been about a year since we've been together.

Me, P(in back), G & C
Me & P

Name

Went to downtown St. Charles this morning to take photos of random things. These random things spell out my last name. Not bad I think for a first attempt at this project. It was fun walking by the river and taking photos of different things. Even went into an antique store and asked the lady if I could talke some photos. She said "as long as you are not a thief". She later came up to me in the store and thanked me for asking and that obviously I was not a thief or I wouldn't have asked.

Day 43

Today is day 43 of my work day countdown. It was a great day because I did not go to work. Actually got to be mom and take son and his friend to school today. Hung out at home, enjoyed some coffee and little bit of Oprah before heading out. Had an appointment and ran around most of the day; dr., haircut, book store and as you can tell by my photo, the mall. Macy's to be exact. Shopping ALWAYS makes me smile. Tomorrow is supposed to be a nice day, so I am hoping to make it to at least one of my son's (we'll call him "#5") baseball games.

Day 44

Today is day 44. Can't say it was good. I am taking the day off tomorrow, so that's a good thing.

Today's picture is of my neighbor's dafodils. Played around with coloring/effect. Not too bad. I have alot to learn. It was such a gray, gloomy, cold day they seemed to really stand out.

Count Down

Not that anyone is actually reading this yet (maybe "J"), but what better way to vent. I'm finding the more I write down, the better I feel.

So, this begins my countdown to the end of my job in u-46. 44 school days. June 10th will be my last day of employment and can't come soon enough. They may be 44 of the most stressful days, but according to my mother (who is ususally right), it will be better; you can't change what is going to happen; and just make it through one day at a time. Starting tomorrow, Thursday, April 8th I am going to try and take and post one picture of something positive in my day, and not dwell on all the negative.

Today's picture is from the weekend and it just makes me smile. My newly done toes and Maxx at my feet.

My boy, #5!

Like father, like son.

Just a few of my favorite pics of my son. You will see that his life is baseball!

My Family

Playing with my Camera

Can you see the scary face in the bark of my riverbirch tree?