Monday, January 25, 2010

I Don't Know What to Write About OR January Recap

I've been thinking about updating the blog for awhile now. But that's all I've done, just thought about it. When I'm not at the computer, I can think of all kinds of things to write about. When I make the time to sit down and write, nothing comes to mind. I obsess about being unoriginal, boring, or a copycat. I obsess to the point where I just throw up my hands in disgust, hang my head in shame, and walk away. At least I haven't given up, right?

January has been an interesting month. Here's the recap:

1). The peeps turned three, and we celebrated with a Snow White/Mater party! The cake I attempted would've made an excellent candidate for that Cake Wreck web site. But it was just the four of us, so no one really cared.

2). I'm set to begin another long-term sub job any day. I'll be teaching 9th grade Challenge Communication Arts. I'm super excited about this opportunity because I get to revisit mythology, Homer's Odyssey, Fahrenheit 451, and Romeo & Juliet. Love that stuff!

3) I learned that it irritates some people when I refer to the peeps' daycare as "school." On a related note, I learned that the war between SAHM's and WOHM's is still waging. Why can't we all just get along? You do what's right for your family, and I'll do what's right for my family, and we'll all hold hands and sing "Kumbaya." Easier said than done, I guess.

4) I fulfilled one of my 2010 goals (to get out and about more this year) Saturday night by meeting up with some friends from high school, most of whom I hadn't seen in 20 years. I wasn't much of a social butterfly, but at least I put myself out there.

5) I plan on fulfilling another 2010 goal (to meet new people/make new friends) this coming Sunday when I attend a local mom meet up. While I will know a handful of women there, most will be lots of new faces and new personalities. At least I'm putting myself out there.

6) I started another master's class. Only six more to go. Let the countdown begin! I earn my degree in December, but by the start of the next school year, I should be eligible for a provisional Reading Specialist certificate.

Ta Da!

Friday, January 1, 2010

Christmas 2009 - Ideal Reality Achieved

We wrapped up an extended holiday season today, just in time to start exploring the new year. Our Christmas celebrations started December 19 and were slated to wrap up on December 26. However, a blizzard of the snowed-in for days variety forced us to postpone the final celebration until today. I enjoyed each family gathering, but it's good to be done.

For the first time in many years, I eagerly anticipated Christmas. Not only are the peeps at an age where they know what's going on, but I got to spend Christmas Eve and Christmas Day with MY family. And by "MY family," I mean it was just me, my husband, and the peeps. No one else. We didn't have to drive anywhere, bring anything, or tolerate anybody else or their holiday rules. The days were all ours. It was my ideal reality come true. A cherished event.

While I'm sure our celebration would not light the world on fire, it was the stuff my dreams are made of. Christmas Eve night we played a pre-pre-school version of Candyland by a semi-roaring fire. Each person got to do a victory dance when they won. When we tired of playing the game, we read "Twas the Night Before Christmas." The peeps sat through the entire story and loved it. Later, the peeps and I snuggled and played on the sofa, and when bedtime arrived the little ladies climbed into bed and drifted quickly off to sleep.

Cartoons in bed and Mark's homemade cinnamon rolls (a new family tradition) sparked our Christmas Day celebration. The peeps opened their presents and oohed and awed over each packaged and the surprise it contained. Hot Wheels. Thomas the Train. A saxophone. A kitchen and shopping cart. Games. Santa was kind to them. Not a lump of coal in sight.

On Saturday, we were stilled snowed in. We romped in the snow (approx. 9 inches!) and drank hot cocoa to defrost. Correction: Mark and I drank it hot. The peeps wanted "coldy" hot cocoa. I don't recommend it, but they slurped it down and wanted more. Late in the afternoon, I snuggled with the peeps under our "magic shawl" and watched "Cars" and "Snow White."

Did we squabble? If we did, I don't remember. Did cabin fever invade our cozy habitat? Yep. By Sunday we were all looking to fly the coop. Regardless, Christmas 2009 will go down in my personal history as one of the rare times that my ideal reality jived with the true reality.

I hope everyone enjoyed their holidays, and I wish everyone the best in 2010.