Control

I admit it, I have the Janet Jackson song playing in my head, but I was too lazy to look for it on YouTube. After reading my friend Jennifer's (Broken Bananas- link is on the right ladies) blog post about fighting over wearing jackets, I did a little soul searching. I suppose I have found another 12 step program I need to be in (shopping and Facebook are two others that quickly come to mind). I...Am....A...Control Freak. Arghhhh....I admit it. I make (no arguments here...no use they lose anyway) my kids wear jackets, I must have my bed made, we have a set routine for the morning so I don't kill anyone and get out the door in an orderly fashion. They are not allowed to eat anything without asking permission. I am sometimes a drill sargeant with my kids, barking out orders. Bedtime has it's own rituals. I have managed to resist the temptation of running my home like a classroom. It's good to know I did realize where to draw the line. I can only imagine the rebellion I am going to face once they are teenagers.

Class Pictures

Be aware....these rights of school passage come back to haunt you! Recently on Facebook a former elementary school attendee has dug up some old ones from the late 70s and early 80s. We look pretty scary....the fashions, the hairstyles, the ugly backgrounds. Some of them are brutal. I'm just gonna have to go digging in my garage to find mine....time to make some other people cry (either from sadness, embarassment, or laughter- your choice!) I just can't wait for 20 more years for my kids to say the same thing I've been lamenting, "what was my mother thinking dressing me like that?"

Jumping Through Hoops

The great state of Arizona feels it is necessary to torture teachers from other states seeking certification. There is no true reciprocity (unlike a few east coast states), so you must apply and verify all your documents. My Master's Level degrees are not sufficient proof to this state (which has lower requirements for it's teachers) is not proof enough of my capabiities. My passing scores on national exams, which exceeded Arizona's passing grades, are not valid. $120 is my privilege for a temporary license valid for one whole year. Then I get to pass a course in Arizona State government and a professional knowledge test (who knows, maybe more than one) before they will allow me to convert my Reciprical license for another temporary time period. All for additional fees, of course. Ah, the joy of government red tape.

Why Paxil, Why???

I have often raved about the wonderous affects of my Paxil....the good riddance to the PMDD, the lovely side effect of loss of appetite. But why no alcohol? Alcohol makes me happy. Really, I'm a giggly, fun drunk. I would think this would make a great combination. And when I am really in a bad mood (even after having my daily dose), I should be able to drink. I like drinking. I like the taste of wine and beer. I dig margaritas and fruity concocations. I like ordering the fun drinks from TGIFridays. But, NOOOOOO. I get to be the designated driver. Gosh, the least my friends can do is some crazy stuff that I can blackmail them with on Facebook.

Sheer Panic and Fear

Last evening I stopped off at my ATM to get cash for Bunco. I never carry cash, living on my debit card is the norm. Apparently I left the card in the stupid machine (it eats the card during the transaction, instead of you just swiping it). I didn't realize my card was lost until I went to pay for McDonald's tonight (yep another stellar moment in parenting). I was in such a panic. I dumped out the contents of my purse, almost in tears over losing something so important. And that is when it hit me! Damn you ATM machine, and damn my need for cash! Luckily I was able to report it lost immediately, and it doesn't look like it was used in the interim. Now make that two lost important cards this year, debit and my fingerprint clearance care. I fear this is going to be a slippery slope....

Procrastination

Once upon a time, Type A personality defined me. I was motivated, organized, a real go getter. Now, I could care less about many things. I'm almost a slacker (almost because when I realize my transgressions, I freak a little bit). I have been so unprepared for International Fest, I haven't been making Rachel do her homework, I don't check my banking everyday (not to mention I'm not even writing in the check register anymore). I am putting things off to the last moment. I seem to be saying "whatever" alot more now. I've sure loosened up....for good or for bad. Oh well, if you need my I'll be on Facebook or at the gym, or maybe the mall....if not Paradise Bakery is another option...

Prayers and Positive Thoughts

This is some background information about my 18 month old nephew. Today he is scheduled for his 2nd open heart surgery. So much for such a little boy.

Before Dylan was born we knew something was wrong with his heart but we weren't sure exactly what was wrong. We had a bunch of different diagnosis while I was pregnant with him. He was born on 6/19/07 at 10 lbs 7 oz and 21" long. He was absolutely perfect.

They did an echo soon after his birth and was finally diagnosed with transposition of the great arteries, a VSD, an ASD and pulmonary stenosis. He was life flighted to Miami Childrens Hospital about 5 hours after he was born.

He stayed at MCH for 2 weeks before they finally decided to do his open heart surgery called a Rastelli. General recovery time for the Rastelli procedure is 2 weeks. Our miracle heart baby came home one week after open heart surgery and we could not have been happier.