So it has been a heck of a week here. Last Friday my husband was temporarily laid-off from work. They are hoping that things will pick up in April. Kind of a blow in this economy. If I had know a few weeks ago, Jewel would not have been sent off. Thank goodness I have a savings. Also Wally has a personal savings for extras, which could be Top Ramen and Peanut Butter...LOL
I hope others are doing okay. I know it was scary getting the news, but I know that we always make it through the tough times. That we can weather it okay, I have that faith. However it sure is on my mind in the here and now.
Weather has been strange. Got some rain, a little snow this week and it is sunny and warm today. All the seasons in one week.
Till next time,
Me
The everyday life of an Average American Family. The ups and downs of teenage boys. The joys and trials of having horses. The silly things that my mind wonders too. Life's road...
Friday, February 27, 2009
Friday, February 20, 2009
Rose Coloured Glasses
So I know we all wear them at one time or another. But I think that one is surprised when we take them off and really look.
I know that I wear those glasses alot when it comes to looking at myself. I want to believe that I am a strong outgoing person. One who is morally correct, honest, trustworthy and has integrity. But lately I have noticed a few things about myself.
First is that I think I might be shy. I always thought a shy person is the one you saw sitting in a corner by themselves with hardly any friends. The loner maybe, the quiet one. But I realized that there could be more to it.
I have a fear of calling people besides the doctors and hotel reservations. I have my husband do the calling. Point in case, the Farrier. Our Farrier is a great guy and while he is there I will ask about his kids and wife, how work is going and if he got anything during hunting season, but I can not call him and set an appointment. Another case, cancelling or changing dates. I can not do it, my husband does this. He calls it "phone breaking up". He calls to cancel appointments or to let people know that we can not make it. Heck I had a hard time calling Jewel's trainer to see how she was doing(Wally refused to call for me) and I did not even called them to begin with to set up the training. My friend, who knows them, called and then gave me the phone..Sad, I know...
People I know and see other places, such as co-workers, people from the various clubs I am in, or parents of my boy's friends, I have a hard time approaching. If I know you and you walk up to me, I will chat with you. But if I have to approach and make the first move, I can not do it. My Husband sees people all the time and just jumps in and chats away, I stand in the background and hope that I am not asked anything. If I am with a group of people I know and they have other friends joining us, I am not the one to introduce myself, I will remain in the background until someone either asks who I am or someone else introduces me..
If I have a job, such as event registration, I have no problem talking with people, but if I have to do it on my own for no reason, then I can not. Is that really shyness?
Till next time,
Me
I know that I wear those glasses alot when it comes to looking at myself. I want to believe that I am a strong outgoing person. One who is morally correct, honest, trustworthy and has integrity. But lately I have noticed a few things about myself.
First is that I think I might be shy. I always thought a shy person is the one you saw sitting in a corner by themselves with hardly any friends. The loner maybe, the quiet one. But I realized that there could be more to it.
I have a fear of calling people besides the doctors and hotel reservations. I have my husband do the calling. Point in case, the Farrier. Our Farrier is a great guy and while he is there I will ask about his kids and wife, how work is going and if he got anything during hunting season, but I can not call him and set an appointment. Another case, cancelling or changing dates. I can not do it, my husband does this. He calls it "phone breaking up". He calls to cancel appointments or to let people know that we can not make it. Heck I had a hard time calling Jewel's trainer to see how she was doing(Wally refused to call for me) and I did not even called them to begin with to set up the training. My friend, who knows them, called and then gave me the phone..Sad, I know...
People I know and see other places, such as co-workers, people from the various clubs I am in, or parents of my boy's friends, I have a hard time approaching. If I know you and you walk up to me, I will chat with you. But if I have to approach and make the first move, I can not do it. My Husband sees people all the time and just jumps in and chats away, I stand in the background and hope that I am not asked anything. If I am with a group of people I know and they have other friends joining us, I am not the one to introduce myself, I will remain in the background until someone either asks who I am or someone else introduces me..
If I have a job, such as event registration, I have no problem talking with people, but if I have to do it on my own for no reason, then I can not. Is that really shyness?
Till next time,
Me
Thursday, February 19, 2009
Teenagers
If you have read my blog you know by now that I have two teenage boys. Kayvon is 15 and Jacob is 13(soon to be 14). They keep me on my toes and remind me that we could be worst. I thought I was grateful to have boys rather than girls, but now that we are at the teen years I am thinking they are both bad.
Jacob has been, what I call, the hands on kind of kid. As a toddler and in grade school he would not keep his hands to himself. He managed to pull both rear view mirrors of my two farm rigs. Put pennies in the tape decks, marbles in the VCR, eat anything in the cabinets that he could reach(or climb to) and all sorts of boy things. In grade school he was in more trouble for poking kids with pencils, eating other's lunches, pushing on the play ground and repeating all the barnyard words that I use. (Shit is not an appropriate word for school). But now that he is in Junior High, he has calmed down. Works well, keeps his hands to himself and knows what not to say at school. Does decent in school work and if I ask enough does all his chores. He is polite at others houses, works well for others and listens.
Kayvon has always been the good kid. Hardly ever cried as a baby, entertained himself as a toddler, did not wonder far from adults. Does decent in school and all his teachers liked him. And that is were the problem lays. Now that he is in High school, he is being teased for being liked and doing well in class. He feels that the teachers and bus driver plays favorites and he is it. So kids this year have been picking on him. On the bus they have destroyed assignments, clothing, backpacks and just plain mean words. Kayvon was doing okay, but his grades have been nearly failing and a couple of weeks ago all went to pot.
Kayvon decided that the kids on the bus would not pick on him if he did something to get in trouble for. So he smeared frosting all over a bus seat and then passed it on to another kid that spread it over the emergency exit. Then Kayvon lied to the VP at the High school and to us and that it was an accident. I was very upset and asked to see the video and sure enough Kayvon did it on purpose. He was assigned Saturday/Wednesday School. I was more rattled than anything. After we saw the tape Kayvon came clean and told us what was going on. How do you deal with the world and explain that to a teenager. Then last week a kid that goes to school with Kayvon comes up to Wally and tells him he overheard Kayvon ask for a knife(from three girls) to stab someone. Mind you, this kid came to us and not the school officials. I was upset, what is happening he with my kid? What is he thinking?? Well I called home, as they had the day off and was spending it with my mother and had Jacob go home and Kayvon watched like a hawk till I could get home.
In the end, Kayvon and the three girls he was with, said they were talking about a sub teacher and how they liked them. Kayvon said the class was so boring that he could have stabbed himself with a knife and been more entertained. The three girls he was with had the same story and I have not heard from the school yet. I gave him the lecture for hell. Had him in tears. I am going to believe him this time as he has never shown any tendencies for violence towards himself or others(except what brothers do to each other).
I wish kids had a manual. What as a parent is one suppose to do?? I pray that my two boys will grow up to be contributing members of society. That they will be happy and well adjusted. I know that life has it twists and turns but I am getting a bit seasick on this ride of teenager hood.
As always till next time,
Me
Jacob has been, what I call, the hands on kind of kid. As a toddler and in grade school he would not keep his hands to himself. He managed to pull both rear view mirrors of my two farm rigs. Put pennies in the tape decks, marbles in the VCR, eat anything in the cabinets that he could reach(or climb to) and all sorts of boy things. In grade school he was in more trouble for poking kids with pencils, eating other's lunches, pushing on the play ground and repeating all the barnyard words that I use. (Shit is not an appropriate word for school). But now that he is in Junior High, he has calmed down. Works well, keeps his hands to himself and knows what not to say at school. Does decent in school work and if I ask enough does all his chores. He is polite at others houses, works well for others and listens.
Kayvon has always been the good kid. Hardly ever cried as a baby, entertained himself as a toddler, did not wonder far from adults. Does decent in school and all his teachers liked him. And that is were the problem lays. Now that he is in High school, he is being teased for being liked and doing well in class. He feels that the teachers and bus driver plays favorites and he is it. So kids this year have been picking on him. On the bus they have destroyed assignments, clothing, backpacks and just plain mean words. Kayvon was doing okay, but his grades have been nearly failing and a couple of weeks ago all went to pot.
Kayvon decided that the kids on the bus would not pick on him if he did something to get in trouble for. So he smeared frosting all over a bus seat and then passed it on to another kid that spread it over the emergency exit. Then Kayvon lied to the VP at the High school and to us and that it was an accident. I was very upset and asked to see the video and sure enough Kayvon did it on purpose. He was assigned Saturday/Wednesday School. I was more rattled than anything. After we saw the tape Kayvon came clean and told us what was going on. How do you deal with the world and explain that to a teenager. Then last week a kid that goes to school with Kayvon comes up to Wally and tells him he overheard Kayvon ask for a knife(from three girls) to stab someone. Mind you, this kid came to us and not the school officials. I was upset, what is happening he with my kid? What is he thinking?? Well I called home, as they had the day off and was spending it with my mother and had Jacob go home and Kayvon watched like a hawk till I could get home.
In the end, Kayvon and the three girls he was with, said they were talking about a sub teacher and how they liked them. Kayvon said the class was so boring that he could have stabbed himself with a knife and been more entertained. The three girls he was with had the same story and I have not heard from the school yet. I gave him the lecture for hell. Had him in tears. I am going to believe him this time as he has never shown any tendencies for violence towards himself or others(except what brothers do to each other).
I wish kids had a manual. What as a parent is one suppose to do?? I pray that my two boys will grow up to be contributing members of society. That they will be happy and well adjusted. I know that life has it twists and turns but I am getting a bit seasick on this ride of teenager hood.
As always till next time,
Me
The Corn Belt
That is what my term paper was on and boy do I feel that like I failed the assignment. I turned it in last night and I just do not feel that I did well. I am usually good on reports, or I like to think so, but this one kick my hinny. I was just lost. I had plenty of time and I even turned it into a tutor. They had good things to say, but felt I had not answered the question. Looking back I am still not sure that I got it answered well enough. Anyways, thanks for listening to me vent my frustrations.
Wednesday, February 11, 2009
Mid-Terms, Term Papers and Lessons
Holy Cow, did I overload myself. I have a term paper due tonight and yes I am sick of it. That is why I am updating my blog. Sounds like I am working on the paper, but I am taking a break. LOL
I took three mid-terms last week. So far I got a high C(77.5%) on the geography test. And I am happy with that. I just forgot how much work college classes are. I have not heard back on the Ancient Near Fast East class or the Geography of Science class. I am worried on the first mention class and will let all know how I did..
Now I am working on two term papers, due this week and I still have a quiz and seven essay questions to do before Friday. I am just swamped. Remind me why I decided to got back to school???
On to better things. I found a trainer for Jewel. Mare is 15 in August and I love her to death. She is a horse you can let sit all winter(or years) and then just go grab, saddle up and ride down the trail. No issues. Jewel is 5 in April and although I had 60 days put on her, I am not comfortable just hopping on an heading down the trail. Also she is pushy compared to Mare and I am not fond of that. And with two horses and just me who rides(as my oldest moved on to different things now), I looked hard at what I was doing with them. They make great lawn mowers, but do I need two horses?
So after much discussions with Wally we decide to send Jewel off for more training, rather than just placing her in a new home (as the market sucks here and she just being a 14HH mustang). So what kind of training?? Cows....
Gale who I trail ride with over the summer (and who taught me to carriage drive) wants to team pen. She is getting cows this spring and used to work cattle before moving here. So with Mare I am sure she would work cows if I set her to it, but why not have Jewel do that....So off she went and if it does not work out, then I think she has a better chance of finding a good home rather than just another green horse.
I am kinda excited. I used to show horses in Halter, English and a few times Barrel Racing(english horses just are not programmed for that). But got out because of politics and just rude people in general. Lately I have just been trail riding. Have I work cows before??? Um, dairy cows on the ground, does that count?? I am a bit nervous I will make a fool out of myself, but I figure that if Jewel knows what to do and a few lessons for myself, I can do it also. It looks like fun... So on to another adventure...
*Update* The ewe had her lambs Sunday night.
Till next time,
Me
I took three mid-terms last week. So far I got a high C(77.5%) on the geography test. And I am happy with that. I just forgot how much work college classes are. I have not heard back on the Ancient Near Fast East class or the Geography of Science class. I am worried on the first mention class and will let all know how I did..
Now I am working on two term papers, due this week and I still have a quiz and seven essay questions to do before Friday. I am just swamped. Remind me why I decided to got back to school???
On to better things. I found a trainer for Jewel. Mare is 15 in August and I love her to death. She is a horse you can let sit all winter(or years) and then just go grab, saddle up and ride down the trail. No issues. Jewel is 5 in April and although I had 60 days put on her, I am not comfortable just hopping on an heading down the trail. Also she is pushy compared to Mare and I am not fond of that. And with two horses and just me who rides(as my oldest moved on to different things now), I looked hard at what I was doing with them. They make great lawn mowers, but do I need two horses?
So after much discussions with Wally we decide to send Jewel off for more training, rather than just placing her in a new home (as the market sucks here and she just being a 14HH mustang). So what kind of training?? Cows....
Gale who I trail ride with over the summer (and who taught me to carriage drive) wants to team pen. She is getting cows this spring and used to work cattle before moving here. So with Mare I am sure she would work cows if I set her to it, but why not have Jewel do that....So off she went and if it does not work out, then I think she has a better chance of finding a good home rather than just another green horse.
I am kinda excited. I used to show horses in Halter, English and a few times Barrel Racing(english horses just are not programmed for that). But got out because of politics and just rude people in general. Lately I have just been trail riding. Have I work cows before??? Um, dairy cows on the ground, does that count?? I am a bit nervous I will make a fool out of myself, but I figure that if Jewel knows what to do and a few lessons for myself, I can do it also. It looks like fun... So on to another adventure...
*Update* The ewe had her lambs Sunday night.
Till next time,
Me
Tuesday, February 3, 2009
College
I posted in a few post ago that I was going back to college. Well that has kept me from here. I took 14 credits, which is a big load for someone just heading back after 6 years. I thought what the heck, jump in with both feet.
Well I sure could use a rope about now..
I took two History courses and two Geography course. I have over 600 pages a week to read and all are writing intensive. I have seen my two girls only at feeding time and it shows. They look like free range mustangs during the muddy season.. Oh wait, they are mustangs and it is the muddy season...Still I hate it when they look like that.
So what have I been doing in my free time. Well I read and I read and my poor brain is frizzled with Egyptian and Mesopotamia culture. I find the reading similar to stereo instructions, and I think I have all their gods mixed up. Then I have history of the Pacific Northwest. I love the reading there, but am not so hot on all the essay questions I need to answer. I also have Geography of the US and Canada, this is fun and I enjoy it a great deal. Last I have the Geography of Science, this is also a great class.
In my other time I have been shuttling the boys to Winter Formals, Ski trips, Band concerts and oh, Kayvon passed his written test and now has his driving permit. We have been telling people to stay off the sidewalks..LOL
Last week I house sat for a friend. Her ewes are due and she needed us there to check on them thru the night. (10pm-2am-6am) Basically you head out in the dark, make sure the ewe is not having the lambs and then head back to bed. The lambs are cute, but those ewes do not always lamb when it is most convenient for you. She also has three Border Collies, a Rat Terrier, a big orange cat and a 3lb Yorkie and then I brought along my Lab and JRT. Boy, did the critters have a blast. I managed to get sleep and some reading done. However going from a Cal-King bed with only a Husband, dog and cat to a queen with three dogs, a cat and a husband was a challenge..LOL Overall no ewes lambed for us while we were there, but I had a great time and would gladly do it again.
Otherwise life is just puttering along. I got my taxes done and I get money back rather than have to pay. I got a raise at work and I am slowing paying the CCs off. Now if I could just win the Powerball all would be awesome.
Till next time,
Me
Well I sure could use a rope about now..
I took two History courses and two Geography course. I have over 600 pages a week to read and all are writing intensive. I have seen my two girls only at feeding time and it shows. They look like free range mustangs during the muddy season.. Oh wait, they are mustangs and it is the muddy season...Still I hate it when they look like that.
So what have I been doing in my free time. Well I read and I read and my poor brain is frizzled with Egyptian and Mesopotamia culture. I find the reading similar to stereo instructions, and I think I have all their gods mixed up. Then I have history of the Pacific Northwest. I love the reading there, but am not so hot on all the essay questions I need to answer. I also have Geography of the US and Canada, this is fun and I enjoy it a great deal. Last I have the Geography of Science, this is also a great class.
In my other time I have been shuttling the boys to Winter Formals, Ski trips, Band concerts and oh, Kayvon passed his written test and now has his driving permit. We have been telling people to stay off the sidewalks..LOL
Last week I house sat for a friend. Her ewes are due and she needed us there to check on them thru the night. (10pm-2am-6am) Basically you head out in the dark, make sure the ewe is not having the lambs and then head back to bed. The lambs are cute, but those ewes do not always lamb when it is most convenient for you. She also has three Border Collies, a Rat Terrier, a big orange cat and a 3lb Yorkie and then I brought along my Lab and JRT. Boy, did the critters have a blast. I managed to get sleep and some reading done. However going from a Cal-King bed with only a Husband, dog and cat to a queen with three dogs, a cat and a husband was a challenge..LOL Overall no ewes lambed for us while we were there, but I had a great time and would gladly do it again.
Otherwise life is just puttering along. I got my taxes done and I get money back rather than have to pay. I got a raise at work and I am slowing paying the CCs off. Now if I could just win the Powerball all would be awesome.
Till next time,
Me
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