So, Alex's class chose 3 of its 'most responsible' students to form a temporary government for the class yesterday, and Alex was one of the three and chosen as president! I was tickled. Truly, though, I think his Montessori school is just different enough that the kids earnestly chose 'responsible' over 'popular'. They really do live in their own bubble there.
Alex's teacher, Ms. Leigh, is a veteran at Montessori instruction. She and her best friend, Ms. Laura, have been team-teaching forever at Ellis, and two more grounded, and level-headed teachers aren't to be found. They stay optimistic and energetic and positive...but mellow. They love hands-on activities and are open to kids' ideas. They discourage any silly boyfriend/girlfriend nonsense and have the healthiest, most scholastic mindset. Both have families with grown children.
I actually requested them for Alex when he entered second grade, but the secretary told me that they couldn't put the 'entire' second & third grade in their classrooms! I was delighted that Alex got them for 5th grade, though (as they seem to constantly switch grade levels). His stress levels have been the lowest ever this year, and Fiona seemed to become much more level-headed through her year in the 1st grade with Ms. Laura.
A middle school teacher at Ellis once confided to me, almost incredulously, that the kids at Ellis were completely 'clueless' about things like drugs and sex. We agreed that was perfect, and boy did that confirm for me that it was the place to send my own kids.
Anyhow, just feeling surprised and pleased that Alex was chosen as president by his classmates...and clearly for the right reasons. He's also getting a special field trip next week for receiving a top CRCT score in the fifth grade.
Know what my sweetie said? "I think it's just because Ms. Leigh and Ms. Laura are the best teachers, as all the winners except for one came from their classrooms!" He's so modest...
Friday, May 28, 2010
Wednesday, May 26, 2010
Broody Hen
The pullets are doing well. We only have three, and they don't give us quite enough eggs to keep us well-stocked, but we've only bought eggs once or twice since they've begun laying. Too bad there are no extras for friends or neighbors...
I thought about getting more chickens, but they have this habit of squawking occasionally, and, even though there's no rooster crowing, they can get quite raucous back there at the hoot of an owl or at the shadow of an osprey. So, for the time being, we'll just stick with our three almost-hens. (I believe they're technically pullets until they turn one year old.)
Bach is our larger black Australorp, and she recently turned a bit broody when I failed to collect the eggs one day. I waited for her to leave, but I eventually reached under her and took out the eggs that evening. When she stayed in there for a time, I finally fished her out, too, and she stayed out.
The next morning, Bach was again in there when I let the chickens out in the morning. I gave her an hour more in there, and then I returned and reached in and pulled her out, though her hackles were raised. I was surprised there were no eggs (though there normally aren't in the morning). I set Bach down, and she stood there in the strangest position, sort of crouching, with those feathers sticking out. I watched, and, to my amazement, an egg suddenly thudded onto the ground! (Intact, thankfully.)
I did feel a bit sheepish, but I thought the extra hour would have been enough time! Anyhow, I think it's sweet that Bach has those broody urges, but, given that we don't have a rooster, it's pointless! No sense in her wasting her time in there.
Let's see...just thought I'd mention an observation that Michael made. I think I will avoid getting chickens with 'beards' from now on. I've given Chloe a terrible time about being rather stupid. It takes her so much longer to eat, and she seems fairly dim-witted quite a lot. However, Salmon Faverolles sport big feathers on their faces, and Michael pointed out that she can't see well because of them. Therefore, it's harder for her to see and react to her surroundings. I guess I shouldn't blast selective breeding too much this time, as it's why we get such prolific layers of nice, big eggs, but it does seem a shame when people breed those poor creatures so whimsically to create 'interesting' features, like the beards. Now I feel guilty for supporting those whims by ordering her!
While I'm on that topic, I'll just say I feel the same about poor little unnatural chihuahuas. Their nerves are so fraught that they shake all the time, and they can hardly give birth naturally... I never have understood the popularity of those 'rat dogs', as we call them here!
I thought about getting more chickens, but they have this habit of squawking occasionally, and, even though there's no rooster crowing, they can get quite raucous back there at the hoot of an owl or at the shadow of an osprey. So, for the time being, we'll just stick with our three almost-hens. (I believe they're technically pullets until they turn one year old.)
Bach is our larger black Australorp, and she recently turned a bit broody when I failed to collect the eggs one day. I waited for her to leave, but I eventually reached under her and took out the eggs that evening. When she stayed in there for a time, I finally fished her out, too, and she stayed out.
The next morning, Bach was again in there when I let the chickens out in the morning. I gave her an hour more in there, and then I returned and reached in and pulled her out, though her hackles were raised. I was surprised there were no eggs (though there normally aren't in the morning). I set Bach down, and she stood there in the strangest position, sort of crouching, with those feathers sticking out. I watched, and, to my amazement, an egg suddenly thudded onto the ground! (Intact, thankfully.)
I did feel a bit sheepish, but I thought the extra hour would have been enough time! Anyhow, I think it's sweet that Bach has those broody urges, but, given that we don't have a rooster, it's pointless! No sense in her wasting her time in there.
Let's see...just thought I'd mention an observation that Michael made. I think I will avoid getting chickens with 'beards' from now on. I've given Chloe a terrible time about being rather stupid. It takes her so much longer to eat, and she seems fairly dim-witted quite a lot. However, Salmon Faverolles sport big feathers on their faces, and Michael pointed out that she can't see well because of them. Therefore, it's harder for her to see and react to her surroundings. I guess I shouldn't blast selective breeding too much this time, as it's why we get such prolific layers of nice, big eggs, but it does seem a shame when people breed those poor creatures so whimsically to create 'interesting' features, like the beards. Now I feel guilty for supporting those whims by ordering her!
While I'm on that topic, I'll just say I feel the same about poor little unnatural chihuahuas. Their nerves are so fraught that they shake all the time, and they can hardly give birth naturally... I never have understood the popularity of those 'rat dogs', as we call them here!
Friday, May 21, 2010
Finished Proofing
I've read the whole novel aloud now, and Michael was very supportive and encouraging. Similarly, he also caught a lot of similar areas where I would have two similar words within a line or two... :)
He's printing out a copy today, and I'm going to let a friend read it. Not sure how I'm going to keep from bugging her to death while she's doing it...
Then I guess I need to get down to the business of finding a publisher? Or maybe just go ahead with book two? Or maybe I should try to write something entirely different! Not sure if I have a 'groove' or need a break! Besides, what if the publishers wanted to change the story and it affected the second book? Hmm...
I still need a name for the book. Probably won't decide on one until I need to put it in the mail...
He's printing out a copy today, and I'm going to let a friend read it. Not sure how I'm going to keep from bugging her to death while she's doing it...
Then I guess I need to get down to the business of finding a publisher? Or maybe just go ahead with book two? Or maybe I should try to write something entirely different! Not sure if I have a 'groove' or need a break! Besides, what if the publishers wanted to change the story and it affected the second book? Hmm...
I still need a name for the book. Probably won't decide on one until I need to put it in the mail...
Thursday, May 20, 2010
Fiona's Special Ballet Group, perhaps
Fiona's learned a lot in dance this year, and I've been pleased with seeing her finally learn technical dance moves and such, whereas she spent four years with another dance school where she learned almost nothing. However, Fiona is only taking ballet with some tap dancing. She hasn't had jazz or hip-hop, so, when I took her to the elite dance team audition on Sunday, she ended up in tears over being laughed at by other girls there when she tried the jazz and hip-hop portions of the audition.
I think the reactions to this are interesting:
1. Mine: Poor baby. This is all too much. Stick with Ellis school weekly dance class. Forget big venues and intensive teams. She's only a little girl, for goodness sakes.
2. My Mom: She needs that sort of thing occasionally to keep her head from swelling immensely.
3. My Sister: Other girls are mean and just jealous, 'cause she's cuter!
4. My Friend: Now you know what classes Fiona needs. She should take hip-hop and jazz this year, so she can make the team next year.
and finally, as of this morning...
5. Fiona's Dance teacher: Hmm...judges gave her high ratings only in ballet, so let's create a small, extra, & entirely new Ballet-only Elite Dance Team, to accommodate Fiona and still comply with the scores!
You know, I think reaction #4 was of particular interest to me, because it seemed like such a logical, productive conclusion. Now there's someone who isn't daunted by life, who learns and moves forward! I'm not convinced that I want to commit Fiona to dance in that way, but I was surprised and inspired when I heard that take on it, especially as, believe it or not, the thought had truly not occurred to me in the slightest!
#5 leaves me ambivalent. Ballet is the point for us, not jazz and hip-hop, so I do like the idea. I also like the idea of the small class, as Fiona does so much better with focused attention. I suppose I'm back to the whole 'she's just little, Ellis classes are fine!', and I like her smattering of activities and feel she's over-extended already...
Of course, #5 is my interpretation, based on my own Fiona-centric view of the ballet school. Perhaps Ms. Maxine was already entertaining this ballet team idea, and it's not just to accommodate Fiona! I am excited, though, by her thoughts on having a week-long ballet intensive for the team this summer. We'll see...
I think the reactions to this are interesting:
1. Mine: Poor baby. This is all too much. Stick with Ellis school weekly dance class. Forget big venues and intensive teams. She's only a little girl, for goodness sakes.
2. My Mom: She needs that sort of thing occasionally to keep her head from swelling immensely.
3. My Sister: Other girls are mean and just jealous, 'cause she's cuter!
4. My Friend: Now you know what classes Fiona needs. She should take hip-hop and jazz this year, so she can make the team next year.
and finally, as of this morning...
5. Fiona's Dance teacher: Hmm...judges gave her high ratings only in ballet, so let's create a small, extra, & entirely new Ballet-only Elite Dance Team, to accommodate Fiona and still comply with the scores!
You know, I think reaction #4 was of particular interest to me, because it seemed like such a logical, productive conclusion. Now there's someone who isn't daunted by life, who learns and moves forward! I'm not convinced that I want to commit Fiona to dance in that way, but I was surprised and inspired when I heard that take on it, especially as, believe it or not, the thought had truly not occurred to me in the slightest!
#5 leaves me ambivalent. Ballet is the point for us, not jazz and hip-hop, so I do like the idea. I also like the idea of the small class, as Fiona does so much better with focused attention. I suppose I'm back to the whole 'she's just little, Ellis classes are fine!', and I like her smattering of activities and feel she's over-extended already...
Of course, #5 is my interpretation, based on my own Fiona-centric view of the ballet school. Perhaps Ms. Maxine was already entertaining this ballet team idea, and it's not just to accommodate Fiona! I am excited, though, by her thoughts on having a week-long ballet intensive for the team this summer. We'll see...
Wednesday, May 19, 2010
Smooth Sailing with Alex
Just thought I'd mention Alex here for a moment. Alex has been laid back and very sweet, helpful, and pretty darn perfect this year. He does have a tendency still to brainstorm all sorts of messy projects and save all kinds of things to 'recycle' in projects that never happen, which I can sympathize with in theory but really just feel completely frustrated about!
Alex enjoys reading his National Geographics and Comics. He likes playing outside with other neighborhood boys, and he's often off on his scooter. He plays his Wii and DS games, and he loves watching the Simpsons and Scooby-Doo.
He keeps up with schoolwork without a problem, and he brings home 'excellent' progress reports nearly every week, but his primary goal with schoolwork is to get it out of the way as quickly as possible so he can do fun stuff. Truth be told, he's sort of like that with the piano, too, though I think he's gaining some appreciation for his own skill there. He really seems to have a knack, and he's diligent about practicing every day without being told most of the time.
He's becoming a young, independent little man, and I am fairly at ease about him. He gives me little to worry about and much to be proud of in his character. I say this with great hopes that this will remain true through his teen years!
Alex enjoys reading his National Geographics and Comics. He likes playing outside with other neighborhood boys, and he's often off on his scooter. He plays his Wii and DS games, and he loves watching the Simpsons and Scooby-Doo.
He keeps up with schoolwork without a problem, and he brings home 'excellent' progress reports nearly every week, but his primary goal with schoolwork is to get it out of the way as quickly as possible so he can do fun stuff. Truth be told, he's sort of like that with the piano, too, though I think he's gaining some appreciation for his own skill there. He really seems to have a knack, and he's diligent about practicing every day without being told most of the time.
He's becoming a young, independent little man, and I am fairly at ease about him. He gives me little to worry about and much to be proud of in his character. I say this with great hopes that this will remain true through his teen years!
Fiona's 8th Birthday
Yes, she was happy, but I asked for a serious pic, and I think it's nice!
She's our big eight year old now, and Fiona gets sweeter and more thoughtful every year.
We kept it fairly low-key today, which was still completely stressful for me. It's the 'holiday' mood I get, where it seems so critical for everyone to be happy...it's a lot of pressure!
I've held out pretty well, but I began to snap around bedtime tonight. Michael read the kids stories and the day was preserved! Thank goodness...
Anyhow, we kept everything a bit more modest this year. Michael put together a pair of earrings for her, and she received a couple of nice books, DVDs, and another nice Gotz doll. Media festival display before school, cupcakes at school, pottery painting after school, Olive Garden dinner, new Barbie movie to wrap up the day...
Oh, her darling brother is the biggest generous sweetie. He bought her a bag of truffles and a collection of seven Rainbow Magic books featuring the Sports Fairies (seriously!), with his own allowance, of course!
Anyhow, I was so relieved when Fiona hugged her new doll, Amy, at dinner and said, "This is my best birthday ever!"
P.S. Starlight Pottery is just lovely! It's by The King & I Thai Restaurant at Hodgson Memorial and Eisenhower. Fiona says that she wants to start going there 'a lot'! She painted a fairy and we'll pick it up next week after it has been glazed and fired in the kiln. (Another Savannah first for us...we're on a roll!)
P.P.S. Fiona's GEP class (about a dozen kids?) did their media festival project on Ocean Life. Fiona and Miles narrated again this year, but Fiona only did one of the art pictures herself and helped with one other in the slide show. Their project did well in the festival again (I'm actually not sure exactly how they scored, but the GEP teachers were displaying the projects with top scores, including theirs).
Sunday, May 16, 2010
New Savannah Discoveries
Okay, I've talked about being excited about the ballets at Savannah Arts Academy, but now I'm going to have to go and check out the SCAD schedule of events, too... Some very clever PR person at SCAD managed to list with MSN movies for their Lucas Theatre production. I thought the 'movie' sounded interesting, and so we went there for our anniversary date (ironically, the show was called 'The Impossible Marriage'). Was I surprised when I entered the theatre only to find that it was a live play! We enjoyed it tremendously. There's just something about a live performance that seems so much more fun than a movie, for some reason. I had not mentioned to Michael that the movie tickets were $15 apiece, thinking them a bit steep, but it was actually a fabulous deal!
Just before the play, we ate at Troy Meditteranean Restaurant on 204, which is phenomenal!!! Absolutely lovely, much nicer than I expected from the look of the place. Not cheap, but the food was perfect and the waitress as sweet as could be.
We've wanted to go there for ages, but we are big-time creatures of habit. We stick with our safe, comfortable spots, but when things turn out to be so nice, we kind of kick ourselves for not venturing to new places more often. We get bolder and bolder until...the Chinese waiter screams at us after serving us huge meat platters we really didn't order (and then chases us through the parking lot as we're leaving, threatening to call the police) OR the food tastes like pasteboard with food dye OR there are lumpy mystery bits in my soup that I talk myself into eating and then feel sick afterwards (and every time I see the restaurant for years!) OR well, I could go on, but I'll scare myself into sticking with Olive Garden and Moe's again!
In contrast, we FINALLY went to the big carnival that comes every year (or more often?) on Eisenhower at the Armory. I've meant to every time I've seen it, and finally we made a point of taking the kids on Friday evening. Honestly, it was an experience that I'm glad to have had. Memorable and almost farcical. The condition of the rides was scary! On one ride, I swear that rust flakes were falling in my face as it turned us upside down. Half the lights were out on the rides, and the carnie folks were, um, interesting characters. I refuse to admit my age, so I kept riding these rides that made me feel completely nauseated, and there are no nice & slow 'Small World' rides or any such. Did I really like anything there? Yes...there was a really sweet & friendly lady at the huge slide (we all liked that!), and I had a funnel cake for the very first time, which was sinfully good!
Just before the play, we ate at Troy Meditteranean Restaurant on 204, which is phenomenal!!! Absolutely lovely, much nicer than I expected from the look of the place. Not cheap, but the food was perfect and the waitress as sweet as could be.
We've wanted to go there for ages, but we are big-time creatures of habit. We stick with our safe, comfortable spots, but when things turn out to be so nice, we kind of kick ourselves for not venturing to new places more often. We get bolder and bolder until...the Chinese waiter screams at us after serving us huge meat platters we really didn't order (and then chases us through the parking lot as we're leaving, threatening to call the police) OR the food tastes like pasteboard with food dye OR there are lumpy mystery bits in my soup that I talk myself into eating and then feel sick afterwards (and every time I see the restaurant for years!) OR well, I could go on, but I'll scare myself into sticking with Olive Garden and Moe's again!
In contrast, we FINALLY went to the big carnival that comes every year (or more often?) on Eisenhower at the Armory. I've meant to every time I've seen it, and finally we made a point of taking the kids on Friday evening. Honestly, it was an experience that I'm glad to have had. Memorable and almost farcical. The condition of the rides was scary! On one ride, I swear that rust flakes were falling in my face as it turned us upside down. Half the lights were out on the rides, and the carnie folks were, um, interesting characters. I refuse to admit my age, so I kept riding these rides that made me feel completely nauseated, and there are no nice & slow 'Small World' rides or any such. Did I really like anything there? Yes...there was a really sweet & friendly lady at the huge slide (we all liked that!), and I had a funnel cake for the very first time, which was sinfully good!
Saturday, May 15, 2010
17 Years!
Anniversary today! Michael and I have been married 17 years now... We started dating just the year before, about the same week, which makes it over half my life! That doesn't seem surprising, really, as it's hard to remember not being together...
Anyhow, ups and downs, two wonderful kids, moves and homes and careers and many schools later... We've been through a lot. I know I've changed a lot, and so has he, but at some basic level we're still the same, or perhaps I just take the differences for granted.
I am lucky, of course. I could go on and on about all of Michael's wonderful attributes, but today I think I should honor him in particular for his tolerance and steadfastness through everything. He never wavers, and he's put up with more of my volatile, emotional crises than either of us can count. Glutton for punishment? Maybe. But I love him for it.
Happy Anniversary, Sweetheart!
Anyhow, ups and downs, two wonderful kids, moves and homes and careers and many schools later... We've been through a lot. I know I've changed a lot, and so has he, but at some basic level we're still the same, or perhaps I just take the differences for granted.
I am lucky, of course. I could go on and on about all of Michael's wonderful attributes, but today I think I should honor him in particular for his tolerance and steadfastness through everything. He never wavers, and he's put up with more of my volatile, emotional crises than either of us can count. Glutton for punishment? Maybe. But I love him for it.
Happy Anniversary, Sweetheart!
Thursday, May 13, 2010
Fiona the Star!
Pics of Fiona's art thru the school year...as shown in the 2nd and 3rd grade art show. The yellow mask, however, is one she did at home.
Wow, we just got back from Fiona's spring recital at school. I wasn't expecting much, as her recorder teacher had told me that she wasn't planning on having Fiona do a solo. I was so surprised to find that she was just beforehand! Then, her teacher went on to the whole audience about how gifted Fiona is and how she plays notes on the recorder that she didn't even know existed, etc., etc.! She's the only student to again have her name listed in the program!
Also, Fiona's dance teacher pulled us aside to ask that Fiona try out for a special performing dance group that dances around town for a variety of special performances to represent the dance school. She didn't want to mention it in front of the other parents. I am quite impressed with all that Fiona's learned in her once-weekly dance class, and I'm quite amazed at how sharp she is with the whole dance thing.
Fiona also played the violin today, and they sounded really nice. Her teacher is due to have a baby this month, so I know she's relieved to get through the concert. I was really impressed with the advanced violin class, which Fiona would join next year if her teacher comes back. There's some question of that with the new baby boy, of course.
Anyhow, it was fun to see Fiona featured so much. She puts her all into it, generally. Her three groups were the first three to perform, too! She has to stay in to practice her instruments all the time while Alex can go out and play with friends, so it's nice to see her efforts pay off.
Also, Fiona's dance teacher pulled us aside to ask that Fiona try out for a special performing dance group that dances around town for a variety of special performances to represent the dance school. She didn't want to mention it in front of the other parents. I am quite impressed with all that Fiona's learned in her once-weekly dance class, and I'm quite amazed at how sharp she is with the whole dance thing.
Fiona also played the violin today, and they sounded really nice. Her teacher is due to have a baby this month, so I know she's relieved to get through the concert. I was really impressed with the advanced violin class, which Fiona would join next year if her teacher comes back. There's some question of that with the new baby boy, of course.
Anyhow, it was fun to see Fiona featured so much. She puts her all into it, generally. Her three groups were the first three to perform, too! She has to stay in to practice her instruments all the time while Alex can go out and play with friends, so it's nice to see her efforts pay off.
First Rough Draft Done
Ick...not thrilled with the ending, but it's sorta, kinda done. The very last tiny, little bit just sort of flops, and I restarted it three times with different ideas, but at least there's something there. Kind of like an itty-bitty plug on a huge dam, though...
Anyhow, time to go back to the beginning and read the thing through completely. Haven't done that since about midway through. Hopefully I'll get sudden revelations on what to do with some of my fabulous characters who got dropped midway through...how to insert them in a smoothless fashion with something worth saying (assuming that any of the book is worth saying).
Hmm, guess that means I get to pin on my novelist badge today! Yay!
Yes, I suppose I'm all about the titles...Dr. Black Belt Novelist, right? Hope that doesn't mean I'll ditch my writing now that I've done it! (Not doctoring or taekwondoing any more...) Maybe not, though, as I've had a journaling/letter-writing habit for a dozen years, and this does feel right, and I don't have licensing issues (no GA ND license available) or torn brain ligaments to deal with yet (sigh).
I'm afraid I was tremendously influenced by a fortune-telling Tarot reader who accosted me when I was nineteen. She shook her head when I told her that I was planning to be a doctor, and she told me I'd be a writer. Kind of hoping she was right, now, though I was a bit upset at the time. She never said a published author, though, or that I'd be successful or talented at it...
Anyhow, time to go back to the beginning and read the thing through completely. Haven't done that since about midway through. Hopefully I'll get sudden revelations on what to do with some of my fabulous characters who got dropped midway through...how to insert them in a smoothless fashion with something worth saying (assuming that any of the book is worth saying).
Hmm, guess that means I get to pin on my novelist badge today! Yay!
Yes, I suppose I'm all about the titles...Dr. Black Belt Novelist, right? Hope that doesn't mean I'll ditch my writing now that I've done it! (Not doctoring or taekwondoing any more...) Maybe not, though, as I've had a journaling/letter-writing habit for a dozen years, and this does feel right, and I don't have licensing issues (no GA ND license available) or torn brain ligaments to deal with yet (sigh).
I'm afraid I was tremendously influenced by a fortune-telling Tarot reader who accosted me when I was nineteen. She shook her head when I told her that I was planning to be a doctor, and she told me I'd be a writer. Kind of hoping she was right, now, though I was a bit upset at the time. She never said a published author, though, or that I'd be successful or talented at it...
Wednesday, May 12, 2010
Fiona & Clothes
Oops...I caused my daughter much grief this morning through a simple misunderstanding. Apparently, she was trying to tell me she could wear her Ellis t-shirt today, though generally it's only allowed on Fridays. I thought she was saying that she could wear it any day, when it's been made quite clear that it's only Fridays... Anyway, I made her wear a regular uniform shirt and she bawled her eyes out. I tried to tell her that I would ask her teacher about it next time I'm in, but of course I didn't get it was a one-day deal.
They had a special read-all-day with pillows and sleeping bags and such today. Used to be 'pajama day', but uniform rules being what they are, well...
Anyhow, she did wear a too-cute new skort (hopefully within regulations!) I got her yesterday at Once Upon a Child. Actually, Fiona has grown phenomenally this past year. Clothes I bought at the beginning of the school year are already too small (and I buy big, generally!). We have just gotten rid of loads of clothes, and I was dismayed by the nearly empty drawers in her dresser. First time for everything!
Anyhow, I surprised her yesterday by going by Once Upon a Child. I bought something like 5 skorts, 5 jeans, 3 shorts, 7 tops, a new swimsuit...oh and some socks and 3 more shirts for Alex. Everything too cute and many with store tags still, all for $155. Anyhow, I'm tickled again about it. I loaded her up with all the stuff last night, and Michael mumbled, "You do realize her birthday is just next week?" Oh right...oops! She'll be eight...my favorite year of childhood and favorite number, too.
We're just going to have a quiet evening at home with a few presents. I can't deal with another big party. Nope. I'm elated that she's happy with the idea of a 'princess day' with a friend down the road soon. Pedicures, a dolphin tour, skating, that sort of thing.
Alex is eleven, but he's still wearing mostly the same clothes, thank goodness. Can you imagine what it'll be like in a couple of years? I think my brother shot up 6 inches in a summer once...maybe not, but something like that!
They had a special read-all-day with pillows and sleeping bags and such today. Used to be 'pajama day', but uniform rules being what they are, well...
Anyhow, she did wear a too-cute new skort (hopefully within regulations!) I got her yesterday at Once Upon a Child. Actually, Fiona has grown phenomenally this past year. Clothes I bought at the beginning of the school year are already too small (and I buy big, generally!). We have just gotten rid of loads of clothes, and I was dismayed by the nearly empty drawers in her dresser. First time for everything!
Anyhow, I surprised her yesterday by going by Once Upon a Child. I bought something like 5 skorts, 5 jeans, 3 shorts, 7 tops, a new swimsuit...oh and some socks and 3 more shirts for Alex. Everything too cute and many with store tags still, all for $155. Anyhow, I'm tickled again about it. I loaded her up with all the stuff last night, and Michael mumbled, "You do realize her birthday is just next week?" Oh right...oops! She'll be eight...my favorite year of childhood and favorite number, too.
We're just going to have a quiet evening at home with a few presents. I can't deal with another big party. Nope. I'm elated that she's happy with the idea of a 'princess day' with a friend down the road soon. Pedicures, a dolphin tour, skating, that sort of thing.
Alex is eleven, but he's still wearing mostly the same clothes, thank goodness. Can you imagine what it'll be like in a couple of years? I think my brother shot up 6 inches in a summer once...maybe not, but something like that!
Monday, May 10, 2010
50,000 DONE!
Not quite time for the party, though, as the story still hasn't finished. I've got until Friday to wrap everything up, at least for the rough draft portion. Word count is met, though Michael found a novel word-count recommendation of 60,000-100,000 words somewhere. I think the 50,000 was suggested as a minimum, as this program is a 'let's just see if you can do it' kinda thing. The time limit of one month and the relatively low word count are just motivational factors. Really important ones, in my case, as I needed something to drive this along. I doubt I get to 60,000 in the rough draft, though there are a couple of characters who seem to have been neglected a bit, but I don't want to just throw in random scenes. Not sure if I can link them back into the storyline, though, in an inserted scene. Oh well, I'll drop them for now and just finish it up! Looking forward to pinning on my Novelist Badge!
Sunday, May 9, 2010
Happy Mother's Day!
Today has been one of the best days ever!!! The kids fixed me a nearly inedible breakfast (burnt eggs and hard lumps of grits), but they were so happy and proud! After choking that down, Michael made a jelly roll (just what I need, right?), and then we all headed down to check out King's Ferry park on a whim. We waded and the kids played a little, and then we vegetarians walked over to Love's Seafood Restaurant (filmed in Forrest Gump) for lunch, though we normally swear off all restaurants on Mother's Day. Weather was perfect, everyone happy...
We stopped by the Coastal Bamboo Garden on the way back and picked strawberries. My first time, though the kids have done it with their school before. We walked through the gorgeous rose and iris gardens, too...
Michael's taken the kids off now to give me writing time, and I'm sort of doing that, right? (Woohoo--47,000 words now! Dubious quality, but they're there.)
Anyhow, a bunch of firsts today, and all within about 10 minutes of the house. Memorable and spontaneous. Perfect.
I meant that...as long as it's my own spontaneity, I'm golden. I totally would have stressed at the idea of PLANNING all of that. And I wouldn't have picked a seafood restaurant. If it had been someone else's spontaneous idea, then no way! I need about 6 weeks notice on everything. I'm lucky Michael and the kids are so much more accomodating!
The kids and Michael also bought me wonderful presents...and it's feeling good to be me today!
We stopped by the Coastal Bamboo Garden on the way back and picked strawberries. My first time, though the kids have done it with their school before. We walked through the gorgeous rose and iris gardens, too...
Michael's taken the kids off now to give me writing time, and I'm sort of doing that, right? (Woohoo--47,000 words now! Dubious quality, but they're there.)
Anyhow, a bunch of firsts today, and all within about 10 minutes of the house. Memorable and spontaneous. Perfect.
I meant that...as long as it's my own spontaneity, I'm golden. I totally would have stressed at the idea of PLANNING all of that. And I wouldn't have picked a seafood restaurant. If it had been someone else's spontaneous idea, then no way! I need about 6 weeks notice on everything. I'm lucky Michael and the kids are so much more accomodating!
The kids and Michael also bought me wonderful presents...and it's feeling good to be me today!
Friday, May 7, 2010
Noveling Blues
So, I'm updating a friend at lunch yesterday on my novel, and she says in all innocence, "Sounds just like a Harlequin romance." I was crushed. Of course, I'd said basically the same thing, but it's not what I want to hear from others! I'm trying to soothe myself by thinking that she hasn't read it...so, if you're writing, be cautious about sharing random bits or synopses, as you may not get the reaction you'd like!
In turn, I get to hear her adventures in internet dating. Sounds awful! She's a resilient, social type, though, unlike myself. I'm lucky to be out of all of that and to have an oft-doting hubby. I'll just live in my own bubble and make adventures up or read them!
Oh, she also mentioned that she'd described me to someone as 'really nice, always worried that she'll offend someone.' Ugh! It's ridiculously true, at least the last bit. Before we met, I had actually changed my shirt from the one that Michael bought me (with the 'Please don't annoy the author, as she may put you in a book and kill you'), as I wasn't sure if it would bother her sensibilities (as she's into energetic therapies and yoga), though I'd initially been excited about showing it to her. Then, when we were walking to lunch, she mentioned a woman who's given her trouble and said, "I may just have to kill her ass." I laughed and kicked myself for being so worried about the silly t-shirt.
Don't you know, I've also started worrying that people would take that joke personally on my blog, too? It's just supposed to be funny, and I haven't intentionally created any novel characters to be just like anyone that I know personally. In retrospect, I can identify all sorts of similarities, but I had a general plot in mind before I began, including deaths and such, so don't take anything too personally if you ever read it! I'm attached to all the characters, including the villain and unfortunate victims of circumstance, and I've cried at the awful things that have happened in the book. Anyway, I'm determined to use a pen name if I ever try to get published...
My sensitive little Pisces moon nature must be reacting to the Pisces moon in the sky right now. Back to my secure little bubble, I think...almost 6,000 words to go.
In turn, I get to hear her adventures in internet dating. Sounds awful! She's a resilient, social type, though, unlike myself. I'm lucky to be out of all of that and to have an oft-doting hubby. I'll just live in my own bubble and make adventures up or read them!
Oh, she also mentioned that she'd described me to someone as 'really nice, always worried that she'll offend someone.' Ugh! It's ridiculously true, at least the last bit. Before we met, I had actually changed my shirt from the one that Michael bought me (with the 'Please don't annoy the author, as she may put you in a book and kill you'), as I wasn't sure if it would bother her sensibilities (as she's into energetic therapies and yoga), though I'd initially been excited about showing it to her. Then, when we were walking to lunch, she mentioned a woman who's given her trouble and said, "I may just have to kill her ass." I laughed and kicked myself for being so worried about the silly t-shirt.
Don't you know, I've also started worrying that people would take that joke personally on my blog, too? It's just supposed to be funny, and I haven't intentionally created any novel characters to be just like anyone that I know personally. In retrospect, I can identify all sorts of similarities, but I had a general plot in mind before I began, including deaths and such, so don't take anything too personally if you ever read it! I'm attached to all the characters, including the villain and unfortunate victims of circumstance, and I've cried at the awful things that have happened in the book. Anyway, I'm determined to use a pen name if I ever try to get published...
My sensitive little Pisces moon nature must be reacting to the Pisces moon in the sky right now. Back to my secure little bubble, I think...almost 6,000 words to go.
Wednesday, May 5, 2010
42,000 words passed
Onwards! Yep, I'm bonafide OCD. Worked well for school, I suppose, but it's hard for actually having a family life. I was relieved when a dear friend cancelled a coffee date today, because I could write (whereas I normally would have been disappointed, and occasionally, depending on my mood, ridiculously mopey). Anyway, it's been fascinating to find out some historical stuff...just superficially, but still far more interesting to me than it would be if I weren't writing on that time period.
Oh, I have had a sudden switch in exercise to bicycle riding. I think it's all the long hours in front of the computer, and I hardly want to go and stare at a television show while I elliptical after that. Also, I keep writing about riding on horses, with the wind in their faces...see the correlation?
Only 8,000 more words actually required, but it's hard to see how I'm going to wrap it all up. I suppose I can envision wrapping it up, just not 'well'. Editing is supposed to come afterwards, though, so I guess I can leave it at a cliffhanger and then 'edit' in an additional chapter and epilogue?
Oh, too funny...Michael gave me a t-shirt today that says, 'Please do not annoy the writer. She may put you in a book and kill you.' It has a cute little typewriter underneath the caption. I thought it hysterical, as did my sister (who is still also writing).
Oh, I have had a sudden switch in exercise to bicycle riding. I think it's all the long hours in front of the computer, and I hardly want to go and stare at a television show while I elliptical after that. Also, I keep writing about riding on horses, with the wind in their faces...see the correlation?
Only 8,000 more words actually required, but it's hard to see how I'm going to wrap it all up. I suppose I can envision wrapping it up, just not 'well'. Editing is supposed to come afterwards, though, so I guess I can leave it at a cliffhanger and then 'edit' in an additional chapter and epilogue?
Oh, too funny...Michael gave me a t-shirt today that says, 'Please do not annoy the writer. She may put you in a book and kill you.' It has a cute little typewriter underneath the caption. I thought it hysterical, as did my sister (who is still also writing).
Monday, May 3, 2010
Super (energy-efficient) Model!
This 30 day novel plan is going well for me. I'm just that kind of person, I guess, who doesn't get the whole concept of moderation! Not that it's easy to pump out the book--I'm a bit obsessed and struggling, but it's actually happening!
So, anyhow, I thought that perhaps I should apply the concept to a weight-loss plan. Maybe.
I've never really been able to lose weight without a lot of exercise. That's as an adult, at least. My knee troubles really have been depressing, and I can't exercise a whole lot without upsetting them (yes, the right one hassles me just a bit too, these days, and the left one is just shot).
However, I've come up with a new philosophy that I hope will take. It did well yesterday, at least. I've realized I'm simply a super energy-efficient model. I exercise moderately almost daily (usually an hour on the elliptical) and I'm close to vegan (excepting those chicken eggs and some local honey!), but those lovely familial genes still want to keep ample stores in reserve (believe me, I can seem practically petite at family reunions!). I realized yesterday this is really a good thing. I am a deluxe super-efficient model of human! Very green! I just have to think in this way, as though I'm a hybrid who only needs half the fuel, when I've been assuming I'm just a normal gas-guzzler.
So, that's two different plans, I guess! For now, I'm just going to focus on my 30-day novel plan and try to incorporate the Green Efficient Human idea as a general philosophy! Perhaps I'll keep in mind a more extreme 30-day focus diet with sticker charts and blog reports if this life philosophy doesn't take!
Yep, so when I told Michael about the idea that I'm a Super Energy-Efficient Model, he agreed that I'm a Super Model. What a doll!
Saturday, May 1, 2010
Over 70% there!
I rocked my word count today! Over 36,000 done! Of course, I have no idea what happens next and am at a cliff-hanger moment... back to the thinking block!
The Wonderful Wizard of Oz Ballet
We attended the Wizard of Oz ballet last night at the Savannah Arts Academy. Fiona says it was the best night of her life. I was completely smitten with the dancer who played the Wicked Witch (she was Juliet and just as amazing in the fall), but Fiona thought that was terrible, "I know she's an amazing dancer, but she's evil!" Not that the other dancers weren't great, but this dancer has artistic genius oozing in every nuance of her face and hands. Fiona still preferred Dorothy, though, and cheered when the witch was destroyed...
Wait, what do you mean I'm off topic? Book? What book?
Actually, I am happy to report that, finally, things are starting to move forward again, and let's just say that the Wicked Witch character has inspired me to write a new chapter from my villain's perspective. Getting to it...
Wait, what do you mean I'm off topic? Book? What book?
Actually, I am happy to report that, finally, things are starting to move forward again, and let's just say that the Wicked Witch character has inspired me to write a new chapter from my villain's perspective. Getting to it...
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