Burning the Candle at Both Ends Results In Burnout...Believe It!

Not liking the policy put in place and distributed via company e-mail stating that call-ins will not be accepted and you will not be paid sick time or vacation time during the holidays.  I can't recall the exact dates that were stated on the memo.   Well, I went to work the entire weekend ill and of course I have not had any time to recover so now I cannot talk and can barely breath.  Nothing short of a miracle or hospitalization is going to let me off work.

So what do I do?  I am going to the doctor at 4:00.  I either have pneumonia or a really bad case of bronchitis.  The hubby is on his way home so I can go to the doctor sans kids.       

Twas the Wednesday Before Christmas

Who Wants to do My Christmas Wrapping For Me?

I truly meant to start wrapping last night.  It just slipped my mind.  I definitely have to do it tonight.  I have no excuses because I have a bigger house and more storage space (more hiding places too).  Why do I hate wrapping so much?   I don't hate it just a strong dislike and a procrastinating nature finds me up every Christmas Eve late to finish it.  Not this year though because I have to work Christmas Day.  

Work had free wrapping for up to 3 gifts but I forgot to take some gifts in, plus I am particular about the paper matching.  Who cares about that right?  It'll all be torn to bits in a matter of seconds.  My mom used to wrap stuff in newspaper.

I am going to cut this short today.  It's late now I started this earlier in the day.  Now I really do have to think about wrapping my gifts.  We are having some old friends over tomorrow for dinner and fun.        

Twas the Tuesday Before Christmas

Do you Homeschool All Year Long?

My plan has been to homeschool all year long and take breaks when it suited us.  My son is upset because his friends are all out of school for the holidays and he still has to do school work.  He got over it but I know I am in for a fight with him when summer comes.  That alone makes me wish I had home-schooled them right from the beginning.

The plan this week is to bake cookies for me to take to work on Christmas Day.  Andrew says he will do language arts today and math tomorrow.  I relented on the schedule and said they only have to do one lesson a day during the holidays.  We are having company over for a cook-out on Thursday.  Sorry all my Canadian friends and family (Did I mention cookout in December?).

We are using time4learning and Saxon Math as our traditional stuff.  If anyone would like to buy us Rosetta Stone German Language course we would be forever grateful.  We are participating in some co-ops with other home-schooled children.  I must mention how glad I am to have found PEAK (peaknetwork.org).  They welcomed us with open arms and we have been having a great time.     
   

Twas the Monday Before Christmas

Are you finished your Christmas shopping?  Really?  Neither have I, still have to get stocking stuffers and some more things for my husband so he has something under the tree.  He bought himself a big screen 3D television for christmas, says he got a deal...Whatever.

I have to work Christmas this year.  The kids and I intend to make lots of cookies for the patients in my unit who are unfortunate enough to have to be so sick at Christmas time, and for my coworkers who have to be away from their families.  We work long hours (6:30AM to 7:00PM) so there isn't much time even to spend with family after the shift.  My Mom is a healthcare worker and she has to work Christmas Day.  Come to think of it I think she has worked on Christmas Day every year for as long as I can remember.

The puppy is doing great.  He is really attached to my son.  My other two dogs still don't like him too much but they tolerate as long as he doesn't get in their space.  He sleeps in his crate at night but he had an accident in it last night.  The crate is the smallest one they have but he is such a little puppy he can pee on one end and sleep on the other.  He'll grow into it though.

I have laundry to do and dogs to walk.  Talk later.         

Got My Son a Puppy (Brussels Griffon)

My Son wanted a Pug.  Pugs are really expensive and hard to find.  I saw an ad in the local newspaper for Pug and Brussels Griffon puppies.  I had never heard of a Brussels Griffon breed of dog so I googled it.  Basically it looks like a pug but with wiry hair like a terrier.  They are rather homely.

Herein lies the journey to the middle of some swamp in Mississippi, to retrieve the Brussels Griffon puppy (thank you GPS).  Amid all the I'm hungry's, and the arguing we made it to a ramshackle trailer home.  We met the breeder's daughter who was very nice.  My Son got to pick the puppy he wanted out of two males.  He picked the smaller of the two.

The puppy peed on my Son on the way home but that has been the only accident that he has had since we brought him home.  The pup's name is Andy and he also slept in his crate until my Husband's alarm went off at 4am.  Also the only time my Son put me in charge of the pup so he could go back to sleep.  I honestly think that getting the pup for him was a good thing.  I at least know that I may end up having to do a lot of the training,  you cannot expect a 9 year-old child to take on that big a responsibility.  He will have to take on the brunt of it though.

I should mention that I have two other rescued dogs who are spoiled rotten but really sweet.  They keep their distance from the pup so far.  But I am sure they are more worried about the crate that arrived with the pup than anything.  Wish us luck. 

My Water Damaged MacBook Suddenly Started Working Today

Yes, you read that right.  She began to work properly today.  I can't be happier.  I thought she was dead and beyond repair (the cost to fix her would have been slightly less than to replace her all together).  My kids think it was the elf-on-the-shelf we named Jingle's doing.  Maybe it was magic.

Maybe it was that I left it alone for about a month and just turned it on for the first time today because all the other computers were being used for school-work.  Who knows but it works.  It was damaged by my 6 year old dumping a whole glass of water on it while it was on.  It was filtered water as though that makes any difference.

Thought I'd share my great news.  Now I'll be posting a lot more often.

Long Time No Post

I have been busy.  Just looked at my amazon earnings and I got paid this year.  Kinda surprised.  It's pretty easy to make a few bucks online.  It helps out too.

We have had a whirlwind of visitors lately.  It almost seems weird to not have a house full of people.  Thanksgiving was great, Black-Friday was really interesting too (got a bunch of bargains). We also slipped in a cruise, and my husband went to Europe for business and to visit family.

The homeschooling is going well.  I have heard some opposition from some family members (not mentioning any names) but that is to be expected.  Both children are almost finished language arts in their grade level and should move into the next after the new year.  I knew they were bright but they have surpassed my expectations.

Getting ready for Christmas and will start advent today.  I am going to start keeping up with this blog more often. Maybe I can increase my readership and my revenue.  

Beginning to Homeschool

It has been an interesting month.  We moved into a much bigger home with a much bigger mortgage.  I am homeschooling my children for the first time this year.  Needless to say I have been less than enchanted with the public schools and I am not paying for private school for the same thing.

My children are slowly getting into it.  I met with a formerly home-schooled woman today.  She has a college education.  She felt good about being homeschooled because she had the freedom to choose her own interests and develop the skills needed to pursue a career of her choice.  Not having to learn what everyone else does and learning to learn within her learning ability not someone telling her to learn the way they say to learn.

So far my son's attitude has changed for the better.  He is much happier, talkative, less nervous and less sleep deprived.  So far we are learning and testing well.  We shall see where my nerves end up, but at least I am not sleep deprived either.  

Having a Little success at Examiner.com

I am really getting a good experience at examiner.com I have actually made a couple of dollars.  I am really hoping to be able to make a hundred or two a month.  My first week with a little extra effort had me on the top five list for that week.  I haven't been able to do as much this week and probably next week.  We are moving to a new house so it's really hectic.  I will try to get three out this week if I can.

It's really nerve wracking to move.  My poor husband is a basket case.  I have two big zits.  I haven't had a zit in years.  I know it's stress.  I hope my husband makes it through this without any lasting traumatic effects.

     

Trying My Hand at Examiner.com

Yes I am back.  I still keep my stance on pretentiousness and with me you won't get that.  What you see is what you get.  No lies, no pretense.  I am trying out examiner.com  It's a news reporting site.  I have even been given a title,  "Jackson Health News Examiner." I guess small things excite me but I am really excited and I have made more money with them in three weeks than I have in almost a year with those others.

If you don't believe me about the pretentiousness of some of those so called Writing Community Sites try one and let me know.  Forgive me for waffling a little bit though. I did learn a lot and I have made some really great online friends (unpretentious ones).

Pretentiousness and Internet Authors

I have begun to believe that most people who write on the internet are pretentious and untruthful.  I say this only with about a year into trying my hand at this.  The pretentious ones are just that.  They make up the facts and make themselves look so very important when they are usually the opposite of what they really are on the other side of the keyboard.

Having membership on several writing sites I have noticed two things.  One, most of these sites are full of spammers.  Two, the rest of them are scammers and liars.  When I say pretentious I am not kidding these people are so full of pretentious notions and really just trying to get your money.  I have made only one sale on a piece and that was to a small magazine.

This will probably be the last time I make a note on this site for a while.  I am rather burned out on the whole blogger, internet author thing.  My husband warned me about this happening and I thought he was crazy.  I guess he was right for once.

Beginning Homeschooling

We started our odyssey I call homeschooling.  My son has balked at any attempts to get him to learn something.  The nicer you are to him the less he does.  He is nine and has been going to public school since preschool and has just scraped by.  He and I have clashed and argued and fought every day since the curriculum was introduced.  Today has been particularly stressful.

My son is burned out with school and learning and I know it is really going to be a challenge for me to get him to do the work without a fight.  It makes me very sad that the public school took away his love of learning and turned it into a tedious unrewarding chore.  I have got to find a happy medium.  I have a super stubborn child who refuses to make any effort at learning new skills.  How do I make it enjoyable for him again?

Wow I think I just answered my own question.  I have several tests or questionnaires that tell you individual learning styles.  I think that will be the lesson plan tomorrow.  I feel more optimistic now.  Search Amazon.com for learning strategies

House Inspection and USA International Ballet Competition

We got through the house inspection and we're home free...so to speak.  A few minor things that can be fixed easily.  We will close at the end of next month and move into our new house.  My husband is happy and relaxing right now as the worst part is over, at least in his mind.  Is there anything more nerve racking than selling and buying a house?  The young man buying our house is really excited he drove by a couple of times looking at the outside.  The same thing we've been doing with the house that we are buying.

The USA International Ballet Competition was amazing.  The second competitor was from Canada she was terrific.  The athletic stamina those dancers have is amazing.  My five year old was inspired to  practicing her ballet positions today.  She said she really enjoyed herself. Check out usaibc.com for more information.  It's a great show and the tickets are really inexpensive.  



   

Off to the Ballet

My daughter and I are going to watch a USA International Ballet Competition matinee today.  We are meeting some homeschool families who are attending too.  My daughter has been taking tap and ballet since she was 3 years old.  It is great discipline and great exercise.

http://www.usaibc.com/  Here is the website for anyone who is interested there are still lots of special things that go along with this event.  It is one of the world's most prestigious dance events.  It is an olympic style event where competitors vie for medals, cash awards and scholarships. The USA IBC is held every four years.

The First Day of June 2010

Yep it's here.  June and it's hot here in Mississippi.  My daughter says it's the first day of summer.  I don't blame her because it has been hot for about a month here.

We are going to the Museum of Natural History today to see an exhibit on snakes with a lecture.   We will hopefully see some of the homeschoolers from the group that I recently joined.  I am really stoked about teaching them at home this year.  I hope  all goes well.  I am giving them a couple of weeks to unwind and then we will start adding school work.

We are going on a cruise in the fall with my mother, grandmother, and two of my aunts out of New Orleans...I can't wait.  It will be a great teaching experience for the kids too.  I will try to think up some lessons on the ocean or boats or something before we go.  

Top Kill...Will It Work on the Oil Spewing into the Gulf?

Yesterday mid afternoon BP began pumping mud into the leaking well in an effort to stop it from spewing more oil into the gulf.  Officials say it will be at least 24 hours to know if the attempt has been successful.  BP plans to eventually pour cement into the well to seal it.

So far at least 7 million gallons of oil has spilled into the gulf.  The top kill has been used above ground but never has been tried 5,000 feet beneath the sea.  President Obama plans a trip to Louisiana on Friday.

The live feed of the well may be experience a lot of traffic and has been blank.  Here are the links that will take you to the live feeds from ROV cams:  http://globalwarming.house.gov/spillcam  or BP’s web site.  Only time will tell if they can get the situation under control.  There is already damage to Louisiana wetlands and passes, yet no effort in keeping the oil from invading the coast line.

Photos of Ship Island, Gulf Coast Mississippi.  See the dolphin in the bottom photo.  Photos by:  Steve Lochmann

Ship Island one of the barrier islands along the coast Old Fort Massachusetts is situated there and a ferry takes beach goers back and forth during the beach season several times a day.  Here are photos from the effort to keep the island from becoming too damaged:View oil spill photos.  There are environmentalists planted on the island cleaning up any oil that has washed ashore immediately.  People are still going to the island which is a national park and protected under wildlife and fisheries.  For more information click this link: Ship Island History

Oil Spill in the Gulf of Mexico

As a resident of Mississippi and a frequent beach goer (and lover) I am extremely upset about what is happening on our Gulf Shores.  As of today oil is still spilling from the well at 210,000 gallons per day.  Here is a link for the live feed of the well  http://www.livestream.com/oilspill 

They are today Wednesday, June 26th, 2010 planning to top kill the well and apply cement to stop the well from leaking.  They say there is a 60 to 70 percent chance of Stopping the oil leak. Oil has already reached Grand Isle, Louisiana.  Fishing and crabbing boats are prohibited right now and rumors of law suits for lost wages are brewing.  

Will we be able to stop the leak and save our precious Gulf Coast ecosystem?  As of today there is no end in sight.  Below is a slide show of Grand Gulf Isle where oil has made land fall and the park is closed.



What can we do to help the oil spill?  Clicking on the question will take you to a website that has several ways in which you can donate time or money to help with this disaster.  Collectively we have to send positive thoughts that this tragedy has ended with little to no permanent damage.

Home Schooling?

Two more days and the kids are finished for the summer.  I can't wait to sleep in and the kids to be well rested and happy.  We will get lots of swimming and outside time and then we will see if we can get some school work started.  I am still praying that it will work for us.  I have decided on a curriculum and will get some ideas on unit study.  There should be a home school picnic coming up in the next few weeks.  I can't wait for that.  Andrew really likes meeting new kids and Erin loves it.  I on the other hand when it comes to meeting new people in person, not so good.  I get so tongue tied and never know what to say.

I notice at the public school that the kids attend,  there are some parents that just waltz in and out of there like it's a special club or something.   Oh well, I guess I won't have to worry about that until the oldest one goes to high school.  Andrew's violin class is performing for the 5th grade class this morning.  I still hope that he can participate next year with them.  How come the decision to homeschool has made me feel happy in my heart and when I sent them to public school there was always a sense of sadness and anxiety.  I still feel that every morning. It has to be a sign.

Maybe Some Good News

Okay...Got a bite or so we think...A lady viewed the house yesterday and said it was the nicest one she had seen and wants to look at it again with her mother. I sure hope that she decides to go for it.

I went to the gym today for the first time in a long time. I weighed in at 146lbs...I am so ashamed I haven't weighed that since I was nine months pregnant with my last child 6 years ago. I have got to get rid of it. Starting today no more eating after 7 pm...Drink tea or something, no food. Is it since I hit 40 my metabolism has slowed that much? I did quit smoking and they say your metabolism decreases when you do. I suppose I shouldn't gripe but I sure feel this weight especially since it's all around my middle.

It's raining outside and I really feel sleepy. I sure did feel good after my workout but now I am cold and feeling stiff. I think I'll lay down for a few minutes before the kids get home from school.

Good News

Someone actually showed some interest in our house today.  I had to scramble to get things put away because to tell the truth we had given up on anyone taking any interest.  You see, we own a very small home and we have outgrown it.  Two children, two dogs and a cat in an 1100 foot home.  Not working...We want to move into our new home but we have to sell first.  We were sure we had hit a snag as the first time home owner incentive is now expired.

Here's hoping we can get a buyer soon.  I have such high hopes that we can be moved before the summer is out.  My children only have one more week left of school before they are out for the summer...

I am still very adamant about homeschooling them this next school year.  I am hoping my experiment with it this summer will work.  I just have to have a good attitude and know that it is the best thing for my kids.  I have pretty much got my curriculum sorted out I just need to think about unit studies but only if I can get these kids to buckle down and learn from me...If it doesn't work I'll have to figure out a better way to get them the quality education that they need.  Wish me luck and things will work out as planned.  

Ode to Nurses

A Nurse must have a heart

That's bigger than the rest.

How else can she see the worst

And give her best.

She puts on a brave face

With any sign of danger.

Cheeks lined with weariness,

Yet a smile to comfort a stranger.

She knows that with

kindness and love

There is always room to

Rise above.

The Nurse's Heart

The Rash is Under Control

Finally...I did some research and they say allergic hives have nothing to do with a nervous condition.  Claritin has been our savior.  That has been the only thing that worked.  The hubby took him to see Iron Man II on Friday but they had to leave because I forgot to give Andrew his Claritin and he broke out in hives in the middle of the movie.  Oh well they can buy the blu-ray when it comes out.

I cannot wait until this School year is over.  I am planning to homeschool my kids from now on.  I decided to let them finish out the school year so not to irritate or hurt anyone's (the teacher's) feelings.  I am really unsatisfied with how my children are being taught.  They are both exceptionally bright but they are both exceptionally bored and frustrated and tired of school.

I am tired of going to work and someone dictating what I have to do in my free time which consists of fighting with my kids to get homework done and having to teach my kids what is required to be able to complete the homework because they didn't learn it in the classroom.  My kindergartener (who is just learning to read) brings home homework that I have to decipher for her so she can complete it.

 I might as well be keeping them home so 1) they can get a good night's sleep 2) our stress level is lower 3) our personal time is our personal time 4) I don't have to send my kids with strangers to fend for themselves 5) We can travel and do things without having to schedule them around school.  Then traveling times won't be as busy either 6) We won't have to buy school clothes, supplies, backpacks, shoes until we need to.  I could go on but I don't have time.
Ten Great Reasons to Homeschool
If there are any homeschoolers out that that read this.  I would love to hear from you.

The Rash on Thursday

I am really starting to get frustrated with this rash thing.  Andrew's arms were covered with hives this morning.  I gave him the Prednisone and sprayed his arms with itch spray.  I hope the medicine kicks in so he can spend the day at school and I don't have to pick him up.  The poor kids was so miserable last night until the Benadryl kicked in.  He went to sleep but he wet the bed last night (I really think this is something to do with nerves).   My Husband gets nervous hives and so does my Mom.

If the child breaks out again tonight I am going to keep him home tomorrow from school.  This is just another reason for me to homeschool my kids especially my son.  Is the stress that he is under going to help him?  Will it make him tougher?  Somehow I just don't think subjecting my 9 year old child to so much stress is a good thing.  I as an adult have learned how to handle stressful situations but being thrown into them as a child without parental guidance is just not healthy...period.

The Rash on Wednesday

I am starting to wonder if this is a nervous thing he has.  He had gotten overheated this afternoon while we were at the store.  His chubby little cheeks are all red from the steroids.  After he had his shower he started to itch and he broke out in terrible hives all over him again.   Maybe too long a period between steroid doses or the Claritin wore off...Probably a combination of the two.

They gave him a little extra stress today and made him take the MCT2 test that he missed plus the one that was administered today.  I happened to proctor one of the 5th grade classes while they took their test today.  That was interesting.  They are really strict with how the test is administered.  They don't want anyone to cheat.  They give the kids peppermints during the test to stimulate them.  Fifth graders are very mature these days too.  The class that I was watching was so quiet and respectful.  They looked very tired though.  Some of the kids who finished the test before everyone else actually put their heads on their desks and went to sleep.

I sure hope my child wakes up without the welts and the itching tomorrow morning.

The Rash on Tuesday

Hi,

Just another day in the allergic reaction prone household of the Exhausted Nurse. My son broke out in hives last night. Today he was supposed to be doing the MCT 2 testing at his school. I didn't know what to do so I hopped him up with antihistamines and sent him to school with a note.

Dear Teacher,

George is having an allergic reaction to something. I sent him to school because I didn't know what to do about the tests. I have given him some medication for it. Please call me when the testing is over so I can pick him up, or if I can just come and get him before the tests start.

Sincerely,

The Exhausted Nurse

I changed some of the names. Anyhow they made my kid call me before the tests started and come and pick him up. Now we are on Benadryl and Steroids (Orapred to be exact). Poor kid, before I sent him to school even the bottom of his feet and his palms were itching. What would you have done?