As you can see, the title of this post is "my life-changing experience". It won't seem like much to most of you when I tell you what it is...but believe me, it has really changed my life big-time!
What is it? you say. Well, my mother decided that she wanted to see me with nails before she shuffles off this mortal coil, so she paid for me to have fake nails put on until mine grow out. Those of you who know me know I have NEVER, EVER, EVER in my life EVER had fingernails! I have bitten my nails since I was old enough to have teeth!! I can remember being 4 years old and my friend's mother bribing me with painting my nails if I'd stop! I can remember having "Thumb", a noxious substance, painted on my nails so I wouldn't bite. Did it work? Temporarily....but then I'd be right back at it, the stuff wore off, and my poor mom just gave up and let me have at it.
Soooo...off I go to a Vietnamese establishment in Rocky Mount on Tuesday to have it done. I'll admit I was a little nervous, since I REALLY rely on being able to bite, just a little, and knew I wouldn't be able to at all! The lady put these horrendous-looking long talons on each nail at the tip, then, thank goodness, cut most of them off, shaped, ground, shaped, ground...you get the picture. The weirdest part was when she was through with me, she hadn't polished my nails yet and they looked not that great - but then, this regular white guy who looked like he should be working in Kroger's painted my nails!! HA! He actually gave me the "French" nail look (white tips, clear everywhere else) and painted my nails carefully. What a surreal experience!!
Supposedly, these things last about 3 weeks and then I have to go in again for more work. I'll probably stretch mine out a little longer since I don't intend to spend tons of money on my nails. They look pretty good - but then, a 3rd-grade boy at school asked me if my nails were fake, so I guess they're not fool-proof!! HA! Some of the little girls said they liked them. Carrie hates them - she said she wants my stubby fingers back! Oh well, she'll get used to them, and hopefully in the next few months or so I'll have my own nails and won't have to resort to fake tips.
As you can imagine, not being able to bite my nails has been quite a challenge. Also, I can feel every single separate nail on every finger...and as I type this, my fingers are making clacking noises which I suppose I'll get used to. They also clack when I play piano! I'm having to relearn how to do some things, like picking up pencils or small objects, because I had adapted to doing so without nails!
So - while this wouldn't impact most people, it has had a profound impact on my life! I have to say, I kinda like 'em and hopefully will unlearn biting my nails so I can carry on with my own in the near future.
Fascinating post, huh??? Are you happy now, oh-daughter-who's-been-bugging-me-to-post?
Thursday, October 6, 2011
Wednesday, August 17, 2011
First Day of School - WHEW!
Well, today was the first day of school! Can't believe it's here already!
After my cafeteria stint (dumping trays and trying to hurry kids along with their eating), I went to kindergarten. We have two classes, so I decided to go to the class with the new teacher, thinking she might need more help than the one who's been teaching awhile (although they both had extra help today!). When I got to class, all the children were sitting in their seats playing with various educational games like cards with animals and letters on them, magnetic letters which they were using to spell out their names, etc. We put nametags on all of them so we'd know what to call them - there were 23 children in there and it's almost impossible to remember everyone, although the teacher was doing a great job of it! I was impressed by her patience and insistence on certain rules, like raising hands before speaking and not talking while others are talking (a very hard concept for most school kids). Another lady who usually subs at the school and I stayed in the room all day, making sure the children didn't kill or maim each other (just kidding, they did really well!).
My after-school duties include car rider duty. This is usually pretty painless and today was no exception. We have a great team of teachers/teacher assistants who get the children out of the lobby and into the correct cars in record time. There was one kindergartner who was left, but he seemed not to mind too much and I'm sure was out of there pretty quickly.
I'll be doing K-duty for probably the rest of the week before starting my real schedule with the 3rd, 4th, and 5th graders. Can't wait to see my "older babies"!! I'm sure they can wait to see me, though - HA! Should be an interesting year!
After my cafeteria stint (dumping trays and trying to hurry kids along with their eating), I went to kindergarten. We have two classes, so I decided to go to the class with the new teacher, thinking she might need more help than the one who's been teaching awhile (although they both had extra help today!). When I got to class, all the children were sitting in their seats playing with various educational games like cards with animals and letters on them, magnetic letters which they were using to spell out their names, etc. We put nametags on all of them so we'd know what to call them - there were 23 children in there and it's almost impossible to remember everyone, although the teacher was doing a great job of it! I was impressed by her patience and insistence on certain rules, like raising hands before speaking and not talking while others are talking (a very hard concept for most school kids). Another lady who usually subs at the school and I stayed in the room all day, making sure the children didn't kill or maim each other (just kidding, they did really well!).
My after-school duties include car rider duty. This is usually pretty painless and today was no exception. We have a great team of teachers/teacher assistants who get the children out of the lobby and into the correct cars in record time. There was one kindergartner who was left, but he seemed not to mind too much and I'm sure was out of there pretty quickly.
I'll be doing K-duty for probably the rest of the week before starting my real schedule with the 3rd, 4th, and 5th graders. Can't wait to see my "older babies"!! I'm sure they can wait to see me, though - HA! Should be an interesting year!
Saturday, August 13, 2011
School Days are (almost) here again!
Hello all! For those of you who don't live in this area, you are probably amazed and astounded to learn that school, for the children, starts on August 17. The teachers (and teacher assistants, like myself) started back last Wednesday, August 10. The first day back was rather surreal, as I felt like I had just said good-bye to everyone the day before!
The reason we start back so soon is because we spend a certain number of days out every year because of snow, the threat of snow, a random snowflake, ice, random ice, etc., etc. In other words, we panic and close schools. Now, this was NOT the way we did things back in the "good ol' days" (or as I say, "dark ages") when I was a child. Back then, bus drivers put chains on the tires and kept on truckin'. Of course we had to miss on occasion - I can remember when I was in 4th grade we were out for a week because of deep snow with a layer of ice on top. It was FABULOUS for sleigh riding!! We paid the price for missing by going on Saturdays or never getting an Easter break. I could probably count on one hand the number of years we ever got more than a couple of days, if that, of Easter break. It just didn't happen!
Anyway, I have to admit that I'm kinda glad to be (almost) back in the school routine, even if it does cut into my free time! I didn't finish all the things I had planned to, though I did get a few things done. It was good to see all the teachers I worked with last year - and to meet the few new ones for this year. I have a new schedule that I'm rather excited about and hope all goes well this year.
Do I have a point? Well, no, not really...except to say that I do so enjoy my job, feel lucky to be in it, and can't wait to get going!!
The reason we start back so soon is because we spend a certain number of days out every year because of snow, the threat of snow, a random snowflake, ice, random ice, etc., etc. In other words, we panic and close schools. Now, this was NOT the way we did things back in the "good ol' days" (or as I say, "dark ages") when I was a child. Back then, bus drivers put chains on the tires and kept on truckin'. Of course we had to miss on occasion - I can remember when I was in 4th grade we were out for a week because of deep snow with a layer of ice on top. It was FABULOUS for sleigh riding!! We paid the price for missing by going on Saturdays or never getting an Easter break. I could probably count on one hand the number of years we ever got more than a couple of days, if that, of Easter break. It just didn't happen!
Anyway, I have to admit that I'm kinda glad to be (almost) back in the school routine, even if it does cut into my free time! I didn't finish all the things I had planned to, though I did get a few things done. It was good to see all the teachers I worked with last year - and to meet the few new ones for this year. I have a new schedule that I'm rather excited about and hope all goes well this year.
Do I have a point? Well, no, not really...except to say that I do so enjoy my job, feel lucky to be in it, and can't wait to get going!!
Sunday, July 17, 2011
Vacation Bible School and the Power of Children
Our church just completed its Bible School session yesterday. We generally have it with the Boones Mill Church of the Brethren because we don't have enough young children in our church to have it by ourselves - plus we enjoy the fellowship of other churches!
Every year for probably the last six or seven years, I have taught music to the children. At first, I had a very good pianist working with me, but as technology has evolved, I now use CD's to accompany our singing as you just can't replicate the arrangements on the CD's on a piano.
"Get to the point, already!" I can hear you saying. Well, the point is this: every year, I say "no more, I'm going to let someone else do it next year." But every year, I go back - with a sort of "oh gee, I really don't want to do this", but yet excitement because of the music and wondering what we'll end up singing. This year was no different - except that for the first time, my daughter and her friends would not be in a class and so would not be coming to me for music. While I knew they were happy about being "too old" for a Bible School class, I was a little sad because I enjoyed teaching them and hearing them sing. I was also sad because I knew Carrie wouldn't be there for the last session due to her beach trip.
This is where the power of children comes in...(yes, there is a point)...even though things were different this year (as above), the children that DID come to me, although not my own, were happy, enthusiastic, well-mannered, and ready to rock! I let them pick out the class-specific song they wanted to sing, we did movements to the words, and each class did something special that no other class did. For example, the pre-K class made their own "shakers" (margarine tubs with beads in them) for the theme song "Shake It Up" and quickly learned when exactly to shake their tubs. Another group memorized their words and had two soloists, and the third group chose a rather difficult song but performed it very well.
The power was this - even though I was feeling down on Saturday and didn't really want to go to VBS at all, I knew I had to - and thanks to the kids, I was so glad I did! The smiles on their faces and their desire to perform their song to the best of their ability was so heartwarming and lifted me up out of my "poor me" depression. You can't be depressed around young children - they won't allow it!! Without even knowing it, they made me feel better and glad I was there.
Thanks to all of you, VBS kids!!
Every year for probably the last six or seven years, I have taught music to the children. At first, I had a very good pianist working with me, but as technology has evolved, I now use CD's to accompany our singing as you just can't replicate the arrangements on the CD's on a piano.
"Get to the point, already!" I can hear you saying. Well, the point is this: every year, I say "no more, I'm going to let someone else do it next year." But every year, I go back - with a sort of "oh gee, I really don't want to do this", but yet excitement because of the music and wondering what we'll end up singing. This year was no different - except that for the first time, my daughter and her friends would not be in a class and so would not be coming to me for music. While I knew they were happy about being "too old" for a Bible School class, I was a little sad because I enjoyed teaching them and hearing them sing. I was also sad because I knew Carrie wouldn't be there for the last session due to her beach trip.
This is where the power of children comes in...(yes, there is a point)...even though things were different this year (as above), the children that DID come to me, although not my own, were happy, enthusiastic, well-mannered, and ready to rock! I let them pick out the class-specific song they wanted to sing, we did movements to the words, and each class did something special that no other class did. For example, the pre-K class made their own "shakers" (margarine tubs with beads in them) for the theme song "Shake It Up" and quickly learned when exactly to shake their tubs. Another group memorized their words and had two soloists, and the third group chose a rather difficult song but performed it very well.
The power was this - even though I was feeling down on Saturday and didn't really want to go to VBS at all, I knew I had to - and thanks to the kids, I was so glad I did! The smiles on their faces and their desire to perform their song to the best of their ability was so heartwarming and lifted me up out of my "poor me" depression. You can't be depressed around young children - they won't allow it!! Without even knowing it, they made me feel better and glad I was there.
Thanks to all of you, VBS kids!!
Wednesday, July 13, 2011
My every-day, hum-drum life
Catchy title, isn't it?? But there are some people in this household who will not leave me alone unless I post something and it's not her father...that narrows it down...
My husband has a blog on which he posts what happens on an almost daily basis. He's a busy guy around the farm and has a great sense of humor, so his blogs are generally enjoyable and interesting. I, on the other hand, don't normally post unless I have something significant to say - a point I cannot get across to my dear daughter! However, I will endeavor to make this blog somewhat interesting...
OK, today (and the last couple of days) has been super hot and humid. Since we have no AC in the house (yes, you heard me - no AC in the house), we survive with fans....most of the time. Today was one of those days when even a fan didn't really do it! Thankfully, this afternoon has been less humid - WHEW!
Today was designated "trash day" by me, so this morning Gill and I loaded up the truck (and we moved to Beverly...no, not quite!) with stuff that I've been wanting to get rid of for months. We didn't get rid of everything, but the majority is gone! YAHOO! There always seems to be something that needs doing around here, which I am sure is a common complaint for most people who own or rent houses.
Let's see, what else...Vacation Bible School starts tomorrow night and goes through Saturday. I have been working to learn the songs I will be teaching - not an easy thing as they all come with movements. The movements make the song more interesting, but also more complex, since you have to remember the music, words, AND movements! However, the children seem to like doing it this way and the movements seem to help them remember the words better - or at least, I hope they do!
Another project I have been working on at home is going through my dresser. Those who know me best know that I have a hard time throwing things away...I still have Christmas cards from the 70's, for example! I have found several interesting items which will be shared with my boys when they come to see me, along with stuff I didn't even remember having, much less saving! For example, I forgot that for a while, I saved every Dave Barry column that was in the Sunday paper in Richmond...yep, I did! Maybe I can get a spot on "Hoarders" or one of those awful reality shows!
Well, my imagination is running low and it's about supper time. You'll hear from me next time only when I have something to say that's worth reading!!!
My husband has a blog on which he posts what happens on an almost daily basis. He's a busy guy around the farm and has a great sense of humor, so his blogs are generally enjoyable and interesting. I, on the other hand, don't normally post unless I have something significant to say - a point I cannot get across to my dear daughter! However, I will endeavor to make this blog somewhat interesting...
OK, today (and the last couple of days) has been super hot and humid. Since we have no AC in the house (yes, you heard me - no AC in the house), we survive with fans....most of the time. Today was one of those days when even a fan didn't really do it! Thankfully, this afternoon has been less humid - WHEW!
Today was designated "trash day" by me, so this morning Gill and I loaded up the truck (and we moved to Beverly...no, not quite!) with stuff that I've been wanting to get rid of for months. We didn't get rid of everything, but the majority is gone! YAHOO! There always seems to be something that needs doing around here, which I am sure is a common complaint for most people who own or rent houses.
Let's see, what else...Vacation Bible School starts tomorrow night and goes through Saturday. I have been working to learn the songs I will be teaching - not an easy thing as they all come with movements. The movements make the song more interesting, but also more complex, since you have to remember the music, words, AND movements! However, the children seem to like doing it this way and the movements seem to help them remember the words better - or at least, I hope they do!
Another project I have been working on at home is going through my dresser. Those who know me best know that I have a hard time throwing things away...I still have Christmas cards from the 70's, for example! I have found several interesting items which will be shared with my boys when they come to see me, along with stuff I didn't even remember having, much less saving! For example, I forgot that for a while, I saved every Dave Barry column that was in the Sunday paper in Richmond...yep, I did! Maybe I can get a spot on "Hoarders" or one of those awful reality shows!
Well, my imagination is running low and it's about supper time. You'll hear from me next time only when I have something to say that's worth reading!!!
Monday, July 4, 2011
OK, OK!! I'm writing another post already!!
Well, since my children have fussed at me for not writing a blog since sometime in April, I decided to try again. What they don't understand is that I generally don't write something unless I have something to SAY. Of course, the fact that I apparently haven't had anything to say since April is rather pathetic, I suppose...so here goes...
Life since my last post has been busy to say the least! My daughter has gotten braces (just on the top teeth for now) AND turned 13 (yikes), my oldest son made A's in both of this VCU courses and is taking another course this summer that I'm sure he will ace, and my youngest son continues to work and support himself in a job he likes. My husband continues to be an A #1 farmer and even better cook and artist, and I have found what I want to do when I grow up - be a teacher (or at least, at this time, a teacher assistant - or "paraprofessional" as we are called)!
Those of you who have known me for a long time are probably saying: "well, isn't that what you went to school for?" and "so what took you so long to find out what's best for you?" The answer to the first question is "yes" and the answer to the second not so easy. It's true that when I got out of college all full of vim and vigor and ready to conquer the world, I tried to be a teacher. I was living in Richmond at the time and applied, applied, applied...and got nowhere. I know now that I probably couldn't have handled it, but I was blessedly unaware of that fact then. When that didn't pan out, I went in other directions and ended up in insurance. Let the record show that the 17 years I spent in the insurance industry in Richmond were GREAT years! I loved the people I worked with and grew to like what I did as well. I pushed the thought of being a teacher out of my mind completely.
When we moved here in 2000, my only thought was to continue in the profession with which I was familiar. DUMB, but understandable. It was hard enough to make the move here without completely changing my life! After almost 8 more years in insurance, I was unceremoniously "downsized", a new experience for me! However, even in the last several years of my working life, I had begun to experience a restlessness, the desire to do something better that would have a positive impact on mankind, rather than just pandering to doctors and lawyers all day. That's when I decided to try to enter the teaching profession. Of course, I was 54 at the time and that's not a great age to switch jobs, but I was willing to give it a try. After almost two years of substitute teaching, I was hooked! I was lucky to get a teacher assistant position this past year and hope to be back there again. I did recently apply for an elementary music position and didn't make it. I will continue to try and hope for better luck next time.
I hope this satisfies my loyal readers who have been clamoring for a post from yours truly!
Life since my last post has been busy to say the least! My daughter has gotten braces (just on the top teeth for now) AND turned 13 (yikes), my oldest son made A's in both of this VCU courses and is taking another course this summer that I'm sure he will ace, and my youngest son continues to work and support himself in a job he likes. My husband continues to be an A #1 farmer and even better cook and artist, and I have found what I want to do when I grow up - be a teacher (or at least, at this time, a teacher assistant - or "paraprofessional" as we are called)!
Those of you who have known me for a long time are probably saying: "well, isn't that what you went to school for?" and "so what took you so long to find out what's best for you?" The answer to the first question is "yes" and the answer to the second not so easy. It's true that when I got out of college all full of vim and vigor and ready to conquer the world, I tried to be a teacher. I was living in Richmond at the time and applied, applied, applied...and got nowhere. I know now that I probably couldn't have handled it, but I was blessedly unaware of that fact then. When that didn't pan out, I went in other directions and ended up in insurance. Let the record show that the 17 years I spent in the insurance industry in Richmond were GREAT years! I loved the people I worked with and grew to like what I did as well. I pushed the thought of being a teacher out of my mind completely.
When we moved here in 2000, my only thought was to continue in the profession with which I was familiar. DUMB, but understandable. It was hard enough to make the move here without completely changing my life! After almost 8 more years in insurance, I was unceremoniously "downsized", a new experience for me! However, even in the last several years of my working life, I had begun to experience a restlessness, the desire to do something better that would have a positive impact on mankind, rather than just pandering to doctors and lawyers all day. That's when I decided to try to enter the teaching profession. Of course, I was 54 at the time and that's not a great age to switch jobs, but I was willing to give it a try. After almost two years of substitute teaching, I was hooked! I was lucky to get a teacher assistant position this past year and hope to be back there again. I did recently apply for an elementary music position and didn't make it. I will continue to try and hope for better luck next time.
I hope this satisfies my loyal readers who have been clamoring for a post from yours truly!
Sunday, April 24, 2011
Th' stuff ya find when ya go through boxes...
First of all - HAPPY EASTER! It's a great, sunny day here in Boones Mill, VA, with a temp of around 80 degrees or so. This next week is spring break for us - double YAHOO!
Now to my main message...my husband cleaned out a storage spot we have in anticipation of storing more stuff (for an explanation of "stuff", see George Carlin). We are trying to clean out our tenant house because we'll be renting it in a few weeks. It is now crammed with Gill's art, art supplies, computers, etc., etc. Sooooo...he had cleaned out some space and wanted me to look at it. I immediately started going through boxes that have my sons' "stuff" from when they were little, like Justin's poetry about cats and Jason's report on France. Those things were great and brought a smile to my face, but the neatest thing this time, however, is that I found the inspiration for the name of this blog! Years ago (no, make that aeons ago), when I was still in college, I ordered a bumper sticker with "Oboe is a four letter word" on it because I liked it, my teacher had one, and oboe is, indeed, a four-letter word!! I always meant to put it on my car but never did. Well...I just happened to put my hand in the right place and there it was....my bumper sticker! I showed it to Gill and he said I should take a picture of it and put it on my blog. Since I don't know how to upload pictures, I may have to do this at a later date.
Anyway, I knew all my fans out there would be just thrilled to pieces that I found this bumper sticker!! This will be the talk of the town for weeks! :-)
Now to my main message...my husband cleaned out a storage spot we have in anticipation of storing more stuff (for an explanation of "stuff", see George Carlin). We are trying to clean out our tenant house because we'll be renting it in a few weeks. It is now crammed with Gill's art, art supplies, computers, etc., etc. Sooooo...he had cleaned out some space and wanted me to look at it. I immediately started going through boxes that have my sons' "stuff" from when they were little, like Justin's poetry about cats and Jason's report on France. Those things were great and brought a smile to my face, but the neatest thing this time, however, is that I found the inspiration for the name of this blog! Years ago (no, make that aeons ago), when I was still in college, I ordered a bumper sticker with "Oboe is a four letter word" on it because I liked it, my teacher had one, and oboe is, indeed, a four-letter word!! I always meant to put it on my car but never did. Well...I just happened to put my hand in the right place and there it was....my bumper sticker! I showed it to Gill and he said I should take a picture of it and put it on my blog. Since I don't know how to upload pictures, I may have to do this at a later date.
Anyway, I knew all my fans out there would be just thrilled to pieces that I found this bumper sticker!! This will be the talk of the town for weeks! :-)
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