I received an email this afternoon from Master Mike. He simply stated, "you are running graduation tonight." Well, thanks for the heads up. ;) As always, I was nervous. Master Mike and John said I did well. After graduation, all my students wanted to take a picture with me. :) John told the girls I looked like Mickey Mouse. Too funny!
Side note: Jesse's room is almost done. A couple of things need to be hung up. Hopefully, I'll get pictures posted over the weekend.
Thursday, June 28, 2012
Wednesday, June 27, 2012
"Life comes at you fast."
I love those commercials. I always laugh, then say, "that is so true!" So, when I have a moment that comes at me, that will change my life, I always think of those commercials. Last night was one of those moments. After months of me agonizing, Master Mike told me last night he is going to stay as long as he can. I am taking that to mean he will be here long after December. :) Yes, I'll still be his assistant; and yes I'll still be "the" instrutor for the white/yellow belt class. Life is as it should be. :) Of course, this does not mean he won't change his mind in a few months! LOL
Another note: Jesse's room has finally been finished. Okay, the paint is finished. Today, we get the joyous task of putting her room back together. And I get the jubilence of having my house back!! I'm not sure which of us is happier. :)
Another note: Jesse's room has finally been finished. Okay, the paint is finished. Today, we get the joyous task of putting her room back together. And I get the jubilence of having my house back!! I'm not sure which of us is happier. :)
Tuesday, June 26, 2012
Family conversations
I believe I've complained a few times to John about the girls not quite doing what they are suppose to with their school work. I believe I've also complained a few times about a lack of time to grade papers and things.
We have spent the last few days discussing school, with John. Last night we finally sat down together, all four of us, to discuss school. I started out by showing John the schedule I make for the girls. I usually schedule school, at least, two weeks out, so I can order books from the library. He finally got what I've been saying regarding the girls not doing tests when they are suppose to. It is clearly written out on their schedules. He finally turned the questioning to the girls, where it should have been.
After our discussion, we are making changes to our school. First, we are changing when we do school work. We are going to a six-week on, one-week off schedule. However, we are making Monday "fun" day. In other words, we are doing all the fun subjects on Monday: art, geography, Spanish, home ec, etc. Then in September we'll add in the Homeschool Mondays at the zoo. John has agreed to have school on his days off.
Honestly, I'm not sure if this will work or not. It seems like I tried this a couple of years ago and it didn't go well. I am hoping since John now sees all of our problems, with school, he will be more helpful on his days off.
Secondly, John told me he'll grade all the tests. Yes!! I am hoping, and I told him this, that he will keep is word on this one. I would love to not have to worry about that. I mean with the household, school work, taekwondo, theater, science classes and everything else my time is scarce. I know this will help and take a huge burden off my shoulders.
On another note, Jesse received a letter in the mail today, from the library. She has been nominated for the President's Volunteer Service Award. She is very excited; she had no idea. There is going to be an award ceremony in August and she is really looking forward to it.
We have spent the last few days discussing school, with John. Last night we finally sat down together, all four of us, to discuss school. I started out by showing John the schedule I make for the girls. I usually schedule school, at least, two weeks out, so I can order books from the library. He finally got what I've been saying regarding the girls not doing tests when they are suppose to. It is clearly written out on their schedules. He finally turned the questioning to the girls, where it should have been.
After our discussion, we are making changes to our school. First, we are changing when we do school work. We are going to a six-week on, one-week off schedule. However, we are making Monday "fun" day. In other words, we are doing all the fun subjects on Monday: art, geography, Spanish, home ec, etc. Then in September we'll add in the Homeschool Mondays at the zoo. John has agreed to have school on his days off.
Honestly, I'm not sure if this will work or not. It seems like I tried this a couple of years ago and it didn't go well. I am hoping since John now sees all of our problems, with school, he will be more helpful on his days off.
Secondly, John told me he'll grade all the tests. Yes!! I am hoping, and I told him this, that he will keep is word on this one. I would love to not have to worry about that. I mean with the household, school work, taekwondo, theater, science classes and everything else my time is scarce. I know this will help and take a huge burden off my shoulders.
On another note, Jesse received a letter in the mail today, from the library. She has been nominated for the President's Volunteer Service Award. She is very excited; she had no idea. There is going to be an award ceremony in August and she is really looking forward to it.
Thursday, June 21, 2012
Thinking Out Loud
Our summer break is over half gone. {sigh} I know! Five weeks just flies by too quickly. So, I've been thinking. I've been trying to avoid thinking, but I can't seem to stop myself.
Our homescool has a few issues...for me. One: I need a place to put papers the girls have finished, but need to be checked by me. Two: I need to spend more time working with Chloe on a couple of subjects during school. Three: I need to finish planning out a couple of subjects for next year. Fourth: I need a good schedule, but not so rigid I drive us all nuts! Fifth: I need a new calendar.
So, the last one, a calendar, is what I chose to work on today. Yes, I started with the easy one. ;) I thought the other day of the small day planner I've had for years. Yes, the inside binding is coming apart, but no one is perfect. Today, I purchased a new calendar for it, and a new note pad too. I'll still have to use my big calendar until December, but in January I'll start with the new one. However, I needed the new one to start carrying with me, because I'll start planning/making appointments for next year very soon. Our life is planned out months in advance!
As far is finishing my planning, well, I just need to sit down at the computer, surrounded by books, and just finish. It is not even a difficult subject: reading. It is searching the library website and putting all the information in a spreadsheet. Sounds simple. What annoys me is in six months when I go to request the book it will have magically disappeared from the system. {sigh} This has happened more than once. More than twice. In fact, so many times I assume when I go to the library site I'll be searching for a book. I also need to type up a few other schedules I completed a couple of months ago.
Time is something I have little control over. I do need to spend more time working with Chloe on math and English. She is doing well, but I think she would understand them better if I could spend time going over her first page of math and doing more of her English with her.
I'm still working on figuring out a good schedule. Jesse will still volunteer at the library...I think. The current librarian over the volunteers, Mrs. Paula, is leaving our branch. They are now thinking of changing how they are going to do things. So, honestly, I'm not sure where are going from here with that one. But right now I'm assuming she'll still be there. And with adding in some exercise (daily) and some group outside activities (not education related), I just don't know yet how we'll get everything done for school. I'm still thinking though.
My last problem has been reoccurring: papers. So many papers to look at and grade!! Today, while we were in Office Depot, I found a paper holder. You know one of those that has three dividers, one higher than the other? Anyway, it got me thinking. Out loud. Of course Jesse was right there to hear me out. My argument was, "I have nowhere on my desk to put it." Jesse, of course, was very matter of fact: "That is because all of our papers are on your desk." Well, there ya go!! I'm going to have to think about it. I think I'm going to take a good long look at my desk and see if I can figure out somewhere, that I already have, to put all the papers as they come to me.
Only a few things to figure out before July 9th. I just need to take time to focus on where we are and where we need to be.
Our homescool has a few issues...for me. One: I need a place to put papers the girls have finished, but need to be checked by me. Two: I need to spend more time working with Chloe on a couple of subjects during school. Three: I need to finish planning out a couple of subjects for next year. Fourth: I need a good schedule, but not so rigid I drive us all nuts! Fifth: I need a new calendar.
So, the last one, a calendar, is what I chose to work on today. Yes, I started with the easy one. ;) I thought the other day of the small day planner I've had for years. Yes, the inside binding is coming apart, but no one is perfect. Today, I purchased a new calendar for it, and a new note pad too. I'll still have to use my big calendar until December, but in January I'll start with the new one. However, I needed the new one to start carrying with me, because I'll start planning/making appointments for next year very soon. Our life is planned out months in advance!
As far is finishing my planning, well, I just need to sit down at the computer, surrounded by books, and just finish. It is not even a difficult subject: reading. It is searching the library website and putting all the information in a spreadsheet. Sounds simple. What annoys me is in six months when I go to request the book it will have magically disappeared from the system. {sigh} This has happened more than once. More than twice. In fact, so many times I assume when I go to the library site I'll be searching for a book. I also need to type up a few other schedules I completed a couple of months ago.
Time is something I have little control over. I do need to spend more time working with Chloe on math and English. She is doing well, but I think she would understand them better if I could spend time going over her first page of math and doing more of her English with her.
I'm still working on figuring out a good schedule. Jesse will still volunteer at the library...I think. The current librarian over the volunteers, Mrs. Paula, is leaving our branch. They are now thinking of changing how they are going to do things. So, honestly, I'm not sure where are going from here with that one. But right now I'm assuming she'll still be there. And with adding in some exercise (daily) and some group outside activities (not education related), I just don't know yet how we'll get everything done for school. I'm still thinking though.
My last problem has been reoccurring: papers. So many papers to look at and grade!! Today, while we were in Office Depot, I found a paper holder. You know one of those that has three dividers, one higher than the other? Anyway, it got me thinking. Out loud. Of course Jesse was right there to hear me out. My argument was, "I have nowhere on my desk to put it." Jesse, of course, was very matter of fact: "That is because all of our papers are on your desk." Well, there ya go!! I'm going to have to think about it. I think I'm going to take a good long look at my desk and see if I can figure out somewhere, that I already have, to put all the papers as they come to me.
Only a few things to figure out before July 9th. I just need to take time to focus on where we are and where we need to be.
Monday, June 18, 2012
A change here and a change there (boredom alert John)
Somehow the year has just flown by...can't imagine why! ;) So, it is difficult for me to believe how many months ago I posted on Facebook that we were rearranging furniture to have a friend ask for pictures. I had yet to get pictures on, but there were a few reasons why.
First, a couple of months ago I posted a picture of the white table, in the kitchen, for our pots and pans. Well, honestly I was never happy with the end result. I tried desperately to come up with a fix, but failed. The problem was the bread. Such a simple thing, but such a big deal. You see the bread was in one of the drawers of the kitchen organizer we removed. All of a sudden the bread was living on my counter top, something that drives me nuts! Everyone in the house knows if I'm standing in the kitchen, with something in my hands, and no where to put it down then I'm about to erupt. The spewing is close at hand and something needs to be done. Well, that was daily with the bread all over the counter next to the toaster.
The end result is the white table needs another home, and the kitchen organizer is back in the kitchen. We did change it up a bit. We left the microwave on the counter top and put the pots and pans on the top of the organizer. I'm happy. The bread is no longer in my way every day. The pots and pans are still easily accessible. And there was a bonus! The bonus is I had purchased a red container to put onions and potatoes, because they too had lived in the organizer. Now the container is free to hold small items, so when cleaning I pick up one container rather than five, or six, smaller items. I have even purchased a white container for the remaining items.
The living room is very different than what we are used to, but we are loving it! The old TV was above the fireplace (still is until I figure out how to get the 100 lb item down), so your head was always looking up. Way up! Now, the new TV is just across from the love seat and the sofa. There is a comfy feeling now.
We've also been discussing our desire to never be home. Yeah, we get the urge to leave frequently. My new opinion is this: We are seeking fun! Yes, we have all kinds of fun things to do inside, and outside, but the ambiance sucks. Yes, I said it! It sucks! I think I figured it out a few weeks ago when were looking at hotels. John loves to go on Groupon and look at the hotels. We seem to be drawn to color. I have finally, I can't believe it, talked John into painting our living room. It probably won't be until this fall but I really cannot wait!!
I thought our bedroom was done. It is organized now, mostly, but I really thought besides painting we were done. But just before our beach trip John asked me what I thought about a new headboard. A BIG headboard for our bed. Love it! Ours bumps me just at the base of head, before my neck, when we are sitting in bed watching TV. I wind up with a soar neck from holding my head weird, so I won't have a sore head. I don't know when we'll get it done, but I'm excited.
I also finally found a fabric for my Grandmother's rocking chair. It is a red toile with an off white background, and I love it. The only problem. It is $27 a yard!!! Ouch!! And because the bottom of the seat, and the front and back of the back need to be covered, I'm looking at about 2 1/2-3 yards. Painful! Maybe next year.
Right now Jesse's room is under construction. It even says so on the sign she made for her room. ;) We decided a month ago we'd paint her room. She wants yellow, Funshine yellow to be exact. This week she talked her Dad into taking down all the shelves he put up in her room a couple of years ago. So, this week John has been filling in holes. So many holes! I'll post pictures once we are done. I want to get her a new bedspread too; hers (and Chloe's) I bought when she was two! She finally wants a new one (she is very sentimental about things).
First, a couple of months ago I posted a picture of the white table, in the kitchen, for our pots and pans. Well, honestly I was never happy with the end result. I tried desperately to come up with a fix, but failed. The problem was the bread. Such a simple thing, but such a big deal. You see the bread was in one of the drawers of the kitchen organizer we removed. All of a sudden the bread was living on my counter top, something that drives me nuts! Everyone in the house knows if I'm standing in the kitchen, with something in my hands, and no where to put it down then I'm about to erupt. The spewing is close at hand and something needs to be done. Well, that was daily with the bread all over the counter next to the toaster.
The end result is the white table needs another home, and the kitchen organizer is back in the kitchen. We did change it up a bit. We left the microwave on the counter top and put the pots and pans on the top of the organizer. I'm happy. The bread is no longer in my way every day. The pots and pans are still easily accessible. And there was a bonus! The bonus is I had purchased a red container to put onions and potatoes, because they too had lived in the organizer. Now the container is free to hold small items, so when cleaning I pick up one container rather than five, or six, smaller items. I have even purchased a white container for the remaining items.
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| Something old, something new. |
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| This makes me so HAPPY!!! |
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| The living room from the foyer. |
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| Can you find our new recycling center? Love that too!! |
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| The living room. |
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| The blue is the shade we have picked for the living room. :) |
I also finally found a fabric for my Grandmother's rocking chair. It is a red toile with an off white background, and I love it. The only problem. It is $27 a yard!!! Ouch!! And because the bottom of the seat, and the front and back of the back need to be covered, I'm looking at about 2 1/2-3 yards. Painful! Maybe next year.
Right now Jesse's room is under construction. It even says so on the sign she made for her room. ;) We decided a month ago we'd paint her room. She wants yellow, Funshine yellow to be exact. This week she talked her Dad into taking down all the shelves he put up in her room a couple of years ago. So, this week John has been filling in holes. So many holes! I'll post pictures once we are done. I want to get her a new bedspread too; hers (and Chloe's) I bought when she was two! She finally wants a new one (she is very sentimental about things).
Friday, June 15, 2012
I'm coming out
I know the past few months I've eluded to many things going on with us regarding to taekwondo. I've left people wondering if I was completely crazy or what. Well, crazy yes, but in this case just struggling.
Everything started in January. A new year and a new beginning. Then BAM! I was hit right in the face. Master Mike told me he wants to retire in June. His he crazy?! Well, I suppose after 27 years he may be a little tired of it. But what would happen to us? To the students?
His next sentence was he wanted me to take over the school. Yeah, me! I laughed. Then we started discussing it. He told me he could not leave it in Alex's hands; he would rather close the school. But I knew there was no way I'd be prepared by June to take over.
So, after many conversations. And many tears, at the thought of having to close, Master Mike and I finally found came to an agreement. He is retiring in December. I am taking over the drills and things for the black belt class in August (after our July break). He will be easing me into everything.
To say this has been stressful (especially with everything else going on in my life) would be an understatement. In January, I had not even begun to learn any of my third degree forms. I could not remember any of the weapons forms, so how could I teach them? We have been working on the weapons forms for the last few weeks. Total, there are fifteen forms I need to know inside and out. I still have much to do and learn.
The students have not been formally informed. Master Mike has discussed things with me in front of other black belts, but he has not made an announcement. I believe he plans on telling them in August. We'll see how it is goes over then.
The girls are excited. I'm scared.
January 2013 is going to be interesting...
Everything started in January. A new year and a new beginning. Then BAM! I was hit right in the face. Master Mike told me he wants to retire in June. His he crazy?! Well, I suppose after 27 years he may be a little tired of it. But what would happen to us? To the students?
His next sentence was he wanted me to take over the school. Yeah, me! I laughed. Then we started discussing it. He told me he could not leave it in Alex's hands; he would rather close the school. But I knew there was no way I'd be prepared by June to take over.
So, after many conversations. And many tears, at the thought of having to close, Master Mike and I finally found came to an agreement. He is retiring in December. I am taking over the drills and things for the black belt class in August (after our July break). He will be easing me into everything.
To say this has been stressful (especially with everything else going on in my life) would be an understatement. In January, I had not even begun to learn any of my third degree forms. I could not remember any of the weapons forms, so how could I teach them? We have been working on the weapons forms for the last few weeks. Total, there are fifteen forms I need to know inside and out. I still have much to do and learn.
The students have not been formally informed. Master Mike has discussed things with me in front of other black belts, but he has not made an announcement. I believe he plans on telling them in August. We'll see how it is goes over then.
The girls are excited. I'm scared.
January 2013 is going to be interesting...
Tuesday, June 12, 2012
A birthday "surprise"!
John planned a wonderful trip for my birthday. He was taking me to the beach, but he wasn't going to tell me until my birthday. However, after he made the reservations, he realized we would be gone on Thursday night rather than Tuesday (the night I had taken off of taekwondo). He had to tell me early, so I could work it all out with Master Mike. No problem. ;)
So, Wednesday morning we loaded up the car and headed out for the beach. I love the beach! But it truly is not John's favorite place to be, so I was thrilled to be going. And not only did we go to Myrtle Beach, we actually stayed in an oceanfront room. It was beautiful! I love sitting listening to the roar of the ocean; it is so relaxing.
We have not been to the beach in two years and we were all really looking forward to eating at Tripp's, at Broadway at the Beach. I cannot begin to tell you my disappointment when we pulled in to find out it had closed and been replaced by an Italian restaurant. {sigh} Where to now? Well, we wound up at TBonz, which we never eat at at home. I had the best fillet mignon I've eaten in a long time. It just melted in my mouth. Oh! I even shared a small bite with John. ;)
I have to admit sometimes I miss things. I remember leaving the room for a moment, coming back to discover "we" were taking a helicopter flight. I say "we" because only three of us could go and since I've been in one (John too, of course) I stayed on the ground. Now let me tell you, Jesse was going to have none of it. She begged. She pleaded. But her rear end still ended up on the helicopter. ;)
Everynight we found ourselves in the lobby. We were drawn to a corner of the lobby. There was couch, two chairs, large coffee table and a TV. And of course, the best view of the ocean! We would watch TV, chat and laugh. It was very relaxing.
We rarely play mini golf at home (though we did go a couple of weeks ago). But I believe we have only played once, maybe twice, at the beach. Chloe wanted to play a round at Captain Hook's. We had a good time and the course was a lot of fun.
Of course, no beach trip is complete without actually going to hang out on the beach.
Okay. Our last visit to Disney, John bought himself some Disney Crocs. I've been giving him grief ever since, because he is always putting them on then going on and on about how wonderful they are. Yadda, yadda, yadda. So, we found a Croc store the beach and he bought me the cutest pair. They are not Disney, but they are still a "fun" color. Thanks John!!
So, Wednesday morning we loaded up the car and headed out for the beach. I love the beach! But it truly is not John's favorite place to be, so I was thrilled to be going. And not only did we go to Myrtle Beach, we actually stayed in an oceanfront room. It was beautiful! I love sitting listening to the roar of the ocean; it is so relaxing.
We have not been to the beach in two years and we were all really looking forward to eating at Tripp's, at Broadway at the Beach. I cannot begin to tell you my disappointment when we pulled in to find out it had closed and been replaced by an Italian restaurant. {sigh} Where to now? Well, we wound up at TBonz, which we never eat at at home. I had the best fillet mignon I've eaten in a long time. It just melted in my mouth. Oh! I even shared a small bite with John. ;)
I have to admit sometimes I miss things. I remember leaving the room for a moment, coming back to discover "we" were taking a helicopter flight. I say "we" because only three of us could go and since I've been in one (John too, of course) I stayed on the ground. Now let me tell you, Jesse was going to have none of it. She begged. She pleaded. But her rear end still ended up on the helicopter. ;)
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| She really did not want to get on the helicopter. |
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| Just before take off. |
We rarely play mini golf at home (though we did go a couple of weeks ago). But I believe we have only played once, maybe twice, at the beach. Chloe wanted to play a round at Captain Hook's. We had a good time and the course was a lot of fun.
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| This was too weird! :) |
Of course, no beach trip is complete without actually going to hang out on the beach.
Okay. Our last visit to Disney, John bought himself some Disney Crocs. I've been giving him grief ever since, because he is always putting them on then going on and on about how wonderful they are. Yadda, yadda, yadda. So, we found a Croc store the beach and he bought me the cutest pair. They are not Disney, but they are still a "fun" color. Thanks John!!
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| Cute Croc flippies!!!! |
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