Perfunctory NaBloPoMo Post
Posted by: LSM on: November 8, 2009
So far, so good on the NaBloPoMo 30 posts in 30 days challenge. I’ll admit knowing I have to blog every day has contributed to my getting back in the groove after slacking off a bit on this front. And, until now–eight days in–I haven’t really struggled for content.
But today, I’m pulling together loose ends so that I can drive to Texas in a couple of hours. My grandfather’s sister passed away Friday, and I’m going for the visitation today and the funeral on Monday. It’s sad that the last of a generation has died, but I’m thankful for her long life and for a death that came with no prolonged illness. It’s what many of us would hope for in the end.
More tomorrow night…
Sleep Is A Many Splendored Thing
Posted by: LSM on: November 7, 2009
After a very rough day yesterday–I learned of a death in the family and had a work crisis that led to my not arriving home until 7:30 p.m.–Adventure Guy took pity on me and took my volunteer shift at the cross country team’s half-marathon fund raiser this morning. DD1 had to be there at 6:30 a.m. to volunteer, and my scheduled duties included serving as a course marshall and manning a water stop. Adventure Guy planned to run but hadn’t registered, so he stepped in for me instead.
I barely even heard them leave and snoozed on until the phone rang at 7:15 a.m. Yes, 7:15 a.m. Anyone who knows me well, knows I love to sleep. Maybe I’ll outgrow it at some point, but I can still easily sleep until noon on the rare weekend day I have no other commitments.
I. Was. Not. Happy. when I looked at the clock and then crawled to the other side of the bed to answer. It was my brother-in-law, father of small children who wake up early, calling to find out if Soccer Boy still wanted to go along to his cousin’s game. Yes, he did (which is why we arranged for him to be picked up last night). Yes, I would have him ready at 8:30. Why, oh why was it necessary to call an hour and fifteen minutes prior to an already arranged pick up?
I checked on Soccer Boy, confirmed he was up and tried to go back to sleep. The dog had other ideas and squirmed around until I got up and let him out. Minutes later my mother-in-law called to ask if Soccer Boy was going to the game. Yes. Was he ready? Yes. Evidently plans had changed and she was now picking him up. Fine. He’s ready.
Once again, I attempted to return to sleep. No luck. I’d already started running through all that should be done. But it was the third call that did me in–a robocall in our local mayoral election scheduled for Tuesday. I gave up, showered and ran some errands. I even have my house straightened and the laundry going. But I’m bitter. Very bitter.
Cook’s Nook
Posted by: LSM on: November 6, 2009
When I arrived home from the airport last night, I realized one of my last excuses for the sorry state of our family dinner hour had evaporated overnight. Waiting in a lovely brown Amazon.com box were the solution to the food rut we seem to have found ourselves in here in Suburbia.
First, my long-awaited copy of The Pioneer Woman Cooks. Yes, I attended the book signing. Unfortunately, I neither preordered a copy nor arrived early enough at the event to snag one before they sold out. Instead, I ordered online after the fact, saving a bit of money along the way. Adventure Guy is already drooling over just the photo of the onion strings. And, there are plenty of other inspirations between those pages as well.
But sometimes, it’s tough to put together dinner after a long work day. I loved the make it and take it places that seemed to blossom out everywhere around here and then go out of business just as quickly. Heading in for a couple of hours to make a dozen meals to pop in my freezer led to quite a feeling of accomplishment.
Fix, Freeze, Feast gives me hope of replicating that feeling again in my own home. Even though I know the lovely sight of all those pre-prepped ingredients, not to mention cleanup people at the ready is not destined to be duplicated.
What I like about this book is that not only does it provide bulk cooking recipes for freezer-ready chicken, beef, pork, and vegetarian dinners, but it also provides “second generation” meals that can be made with the leftovers. The recipes use good, basic ingredients and few processed foods like canned soups. There are even recipes for breakfasts, snacks, and sides.
Adventure Guy will be out-of-town next weekend, so my goal is to have a well-stocked freezer by the time he returns. There’s nothing like having a home cooked meal ready and just waiting to go at the end of the day.
Why I Love My DVR
Posted by: LSM on: November 5, 2009
A few years ago, the DVR changed my life. No, really. With a crazy schedule, before the advent of the DVR, I found I often missed the shows I wanted to watch and found myself watching drivel during the limited time I had for television viewing.
I remember telling Best Friend that Adventure Guy had bought me a DVR for my birthday back in 2005. She laughed and said, “Oh, something for him.” I told her that I’d begged for it. Not only do I get to watch exactly what I want to watch when I want to watch it, but I also get to fast forward through commercials. What could be better?
I’ve added a few shows to my Fall recording lineup. Adventure Guy and I both really enjoy Flash Forward. If you haven’t tuned in, I suggest catching up online and then tuning in. The premise is that everyone on earth blacks out simultaneously, and while they are out, they see their futures–or lack thereof. The show tracks the investigation into what happened and shows the repercussions of seeing the future. It’s intriguing and well-acted.
Another new show I only recently tuned into is The Good Wife. It stars Julianna Margulies, an actress I’ve like since her stint on ER. I’m catching up on what’s happened since the pilot during the current repeat episodes, and the series has drawn me in with the story of Alicia Florrick, an attorney who returns to work following her politician husband’s fall from grace in a sex scandal.
And, how can I not mention Glee? I love this show. And I shouldn’t. Having worked in high schools for years, watching this show takes a substantial amount of “willing suspension of disbelief” on my part. Cause I know that cheerleaders don’t wear their uniforms each and every day to high school. And glee club teachers don’t get to dirty dance with their classes to inappropriate songs. Nor do football teams kick extra points and field goals using choreographed moves accompanied by “All The Single Ladies.” But those little details don’t detract at all from the sheer fun of this show. And Jane Lynch (Best in Show) as Sue Sylvester is not to be missed.
So, what shows are must-sees in your Fall lineup?
Blink
Posted by: LSM on: November 4, 2009
People often assume I went in to school administration because I didn’t like teaching. Honestly, I loved teaching. I continue to miss it. And I was good at it.
Recently a few experiences have reminded me of that–I’ve taken on completing some teacher evaluations back at the high school where I was principal, and today I spent time with a colleague from the first school I ever worked in back in the early 90s.
I came back to evaluation by way of volunteering to help ease the return to work for the husband of my friend who died of cancer recently. Completing that task provided a concrete way to assist, rather than offering the hollow, “let me know if I can do anything” comment. I could do something. And while I entered in to it with the motive of helping him, I’ve found it oddly helpful to me too. I’ve had great conversations about teaching and learning with the teachers I’m working with–many of whom teach in the same field I did. I don’t get that one-to-one interaction with teachers in my current job, and I honestly didn’t realize how much I’ve missed it. I miss working directly with teachers–talking strategy and instructional methods. My work now is more big picture, school-wide stuff and working with principals who in turn take it to teachers and the classroom level. It’s not the same.
But tonight I had the chance to reconnect with the 23-year-old first year teacher I was, seemingly only moments ago. One of my former colleagues is also attending the meeting I’m at this week. We team taught 9th grade and then later served as subject areas specialists in our respective fields. We’ve both moved on, but tonight we talked about kids we still remembered, things we did that worked–really worked–with students, and all the people we knew and loved–or didn’t.
It reminded me how fortunate I was to start my career in a strong district that cared about teaching and learning. And how fortunate I am to have brought those skills with me to another district, in another state that also cares about teaching and learning. It’s hard to believe that I’ve been at this almost twenty years. It seems like only yesterday that I stood quaking in my heels and respectable dress in front of that first class. But they’ve been years well-invested. This career I’ve chosen makes a difference in the world.
Plus my friend says I haven’t changed a bit, and I am definitely going to take her at her word on that!
On Second Thought
Posted by: LSM on: November 3, 2009
Today proved a mixed bag sort of day. The bad began when DD2 arrived in our room around 6:00 a.m. complaining of a sore throat, headache, and stomach pain–a sure sign of strep throat in our house. We sent her back upstairs and set about calling in her absence and then discussing the need to make a doctor’s appointment when the office opened.
Then I went back to sleep. Because I’m an excellent sleeper. A couple of hours later, I managed to accomplish the assigned task of arranging to see the doctor while heading in to one of the good parts of the day–our semi-annual showcase of district programs for the Board of Education.
I love showing off the great things we’re doing at All-American Public Schools. This fall we highlighted our Chinese language programs as well as our writing initiative, our efforts to meet the needs of struggling students, and our integration of technology into instruction.
Adventure Guy handled the trip to the doctor, which for now has rendered a “no strep” verdict. But something tells my mother’s intuition that the long-term test may show a different result. DD2 spent the day resting and sleeping and still went to bed early tonight. No fever during the entire experience, so if she’s feeling up to it, she can return to school tomorrow.
I’ll have to hear the decision from afar, however, because I got on a plane a little after seven to head to a meeting. The bad news is that I had to get on a plane and leave my family when I’d really prefer being at home this week.
The good news is that this is what the hotel looks like.
All For Me
Work area
Non-work Area
And did I mention that there’s free wireless? And that my meeting doesn’t start until 11:30 a.m. tomorrow so I’m getting a massage at the spa in the morning?
This trip may not be so bad after all!
‘Tis A Gift
Posted by: LSM on: November 2, 2009
- In: Balance| Kids| Work
- 5 Comments
Tonight’s school board meeting rated a perfect score in my book (well, actually, I guess it was on my feedback form). Though it had its highs (approval of the bid package on an exciting new building project that’s been in the works for several years) and lows (a budget update about the funding cuts predicted for our state), it was sheer efficiency that made it a winner. We completed our work in one hour and ten minutes, which has to be an all-time best.
And, yes, I’ll admit to a degree of excitement any time I have a shorter-than-average evening meeting. But tonight, I had reason for celebration when I pulled out of the parking lot. The bright lights of Soccer Boy’s much-anticipated evening game beckoned from the field, only a few miles from the Board room. I skipped the usual post-meeting small talk and followed the call.
As I rounded the corner from the parking lot, thankful I’d worn chunkier heels today rather than those more likely to sink into the turf, I looked up just in time to see our team score. Hurrying to the sidelines, I learned that the score stood at 1-0. Soccer Boy played the rest of the half as goalie, holding on to the shutout. At the break, he rotated out of goal so he could get some regular playing time. His sub held strong as well, and the team won 2-0.
My unexpected opportunity to catch the game made Soccer Boy as happy as it did me. We celebrated with dinner out and the chance to hear firsthand about Adventure Guy’s experience running the New York Marathon this weekend. Sometimes it’s the simple things that make it a great day.
Independence 101
Posted by: LSM on: November 1, 2009
- In: Kids
- 5 Comments
Evidently, I wouldn’t make it as a Chinese parent. I expect my children to be far too independent.
Even in a time when we hear constantly about helicopter parenting and the news seems filled with examples of teens and even young adults unwilling to take responsibility for their actions, the Chinese teachers we host each year as part of our school’s exchange partnership continue to comment about the independence of my children and American children in general.
A few of the things our current houseguest found amazing
- DD2 made blueberry muffins (from a mix, though I didn’t rat her out) by herself.
- Soccer Boy made himself breakfast and left to catch the bus without my help.
- Soccer Boy cleaned his room in preparation for her visit.
- DD1 did her own laundry.
- I did not insist that the children eat all of their vegetables at dinner.
- DD2 did her own makeup and hair for her dance competition yesterday.
While I readily admit I take this type of thing completely for granted, these tasks appear to be outside the realm of expectation for children and teens in China. Mothers, and sometimes grandmothers who live with their extended families, take care of such things. I find this interesting on many levels, not the least of which is the general valuing of independence in American society as compared to the Communist system in China. The rugged individualism that garners admiration here can’t be tolerated in a place where it’s important to go along to get along. And, of course, the influence of the one child policy–which I can’t even imagine living under–shouldn’t be underestimated. It’s far easier to cater to one child than it is to three. Plus, Chinese parents’ future hopes reside solely in that one child. I’m sure I’d be tempted to coddle and overprotect as well.
But the downside of all that coddling appears to be demanding children who are incapable of taking care of themselves once they leave home. Aftter only two months here in America, my guest seems inspired to shake up the system a bit when she gets home. Her 15-year-old daughter may not be so pleased with what her mom learned in Suburbia!
Pumpkin Eaters
Posted by: LSM on: October 31, 2009
This year represents my most lacksidasical approach to Halloween in my parenting career. I’m having a “been there, done that” type of year.
Adventure Guy acquired Soccer Boy’s generic scary guy costume last weekend. DD2 is going as a girl in pajamas, a costume of her own devising. DD1 will not trick or treat, instead choosing to go to a college football game with one of her friends.
Since the costume issue worked itself out without much involvement from me, I determined that we needed some pumpkins this afternoon before it was entirely too late. DD1 and I stopped by the corner pumpkin stand on the way home from school. And chose two pumpkins that didn’t look nearly so large alongside all the other pumpkins.
Soccer Boy carved his pumpkin last weekend at his Boy Scouts campout. Despite my warning that it wouldn’t last, he insisted he would not carve another one. So, DDs 1 and 2 found themselves carving alone. They finished just about the time Soccer Boy realized his pumpkin had become a lab specimen. Hmmm,,,maybe mother does know best on occasion.
One great thing about pumpkin carving–late or not–is the production of pumpkin seeds. I love roasted pumpkin seeds, and this year I tried out a new sweet version in addition to the savory one.
This new version has an interesting kick to it. It’s almost like a cinnamon sugar coating but with a litter something extra.
Sweet and Spicy Pumpkin Seeds
1 cup clean, raw pumpkin seeds
2 Tbs. sugar
2 Tbs. pumpkin pie spice
1/2 tsp. kosher salt
2 Tbs. canola oil
Spread clean pumpkin seeds into single layer on cookie sheet and bake at 225 degrees for 45 minutes. Combine spices in small bowl. Heat canola oil in skillet, and add pumpkin seeds and spices. Saute for 1-2 minutes.
Enjoy!
A Night In The Big City
Posted by: LSM on: October 27, 2009
Last night’s conversation here in Suburbia went something like this…
Adventure Guy: Now where are you going tomorrow night?
LSM: To dinner with some friends and then to hear The Pioneer Woman talk about her new cookbook.
Adventure Guy: Now, remind me again about The Pioneer Woman.
LSM: You know, she lives on a ranch and blogs about it.
Adventure Guy: Well, you blog. How come you don’t have a cookbook deal?
LSM: Well, I don’t have millions of readers every month.
Adventure Guy: So, how many do you normally have?
LSM: mumble, mumble, mumble…not millions.
Adventure Guy: What do you think you could do to get your totals up?
LSM: You could wear chaps and let me take pictures. That seems to be a real draw.
Adventure Guy: Maybe you don’t need more readers afterall.
So now you know what’s standing between me and millions of readers. But tonight I managed to put aside the bitterness brought on by the prospect of never seeing Adventure Guy in chaps long and instead comforted myself with an evening out with friends. After a good dinner and a better pomegranite martini, we squeezed our way in to hear The Pioneer Woman personally–if not so “up close” thanks to the standing-room-only crowd.
Though I’ve been blogging for several years, I’ll admit tonight’s event marked the first time I’d ever met a blogger I’d not known previously. After a brief introduction from the event organizer, Ree answer questions from the audience and introduced friends and family members in attendance, including her brother Mike, sister Betsy, and yes, even Marlboro Man (sadly, he was not wearing chaps).
It must be a bit strange to stand up in front of a room filled with people who know all about you and your life. One of the comments alluded to Marlboro Man’s disinclination to have chickens on the ranch; another asked what Ree was doing in that smoky bar the night she met her husband-to-be. Someone asked her where she bought her sushi. And Ree answered every one of those questions with the openness and spirit of fun that comes across so clearly on her site.
Maybe it’s not just the chaps that account for those millions of readers!
Someone Said