I Didn’t Want To Go There

Some of you may have seen my post on Facebook about the whole state testing situation.

I’ve always had my qualms about state testing as I’m sure many have. So when I got notes sent home regarding this “mandatory” meeting for parents over third grade testing, I could feel the twinge of what was to come. Here we go it’s going to be another pomp and circumstance of prepping for state testing just like in Texas… yet it wasn’t like that at all.

The principal of our school called this meeting to give us parents a reality check of what the state legislature is trying to do to our schools, our teachers and our kids. This woman is passionate about these kids and their education but is just sick as to whats in store for kids next year. The media isn’t telling us anything about it. I’m so thankful for her and blessed to have a principal like her.

Heres the handout in collage form which gives the overall basic gist of what’s going on.

 

This overall situation affects all three of my boys in some ways. Luckily my youngest won’t be succomed to the third grade craziness. Can you imagine if your third grader does not pass the state test and then has to redo third grade again because he possibly had a bad day? Get this when he does repeat 3rd grade he can take the test after 9 weeks and if he passes then, he gets to go to 4th grade. How messed up is that? 

I don’t want to even go into how my middle child who has an IEP and is in Special Ed will have to deal with this. HIs educational success should not ride on this test. 

As the principal honestly told us…the state has set schools up to fail. How sad is that for your own principal to tell a cafeteria full of parents that? A school that is marked as a “Satisfactory/ High performing school” . 

I just don’t know anymore. My youngest even stated “you know how to fix this mom? you home school and take me to the science museum for field trips.” 

Sadly he would still probably have to take that dang state test. 

What also is sad is that all though the hype for magnet schools is amping up they don’t even have to come close to the standards that the public schools are going to have to work so hard to live up to. A standard that could and will cost teacher jobs and schools to live up to a standard that will be impossible to reach. 

I’m all about enhancing our education and striving to raise standards compared to other countries but this is going to be a shot in the foot. 

Patience Is Not His Virtue

*first of all to my wordpress blog friends-this new set up they have is..uhm interesting to say the least. (maybe something user friendly for the newbies?)*

Anywho…

As we all know my youngest has a little problem with controlling his emotions. My mom and I blame it on his birth…. 

Recently his beloved DS broke due to him dropping it for the 20th time on the floor a mere 24 hours after he had just gotten a new DS game. You can all imagine his angst and you can imagine mine as I’ve had to hear about it non stop for the past 10 plus days. He somehow negotiated with his middle brother (Boy Wonder) to go halvzies on buying a new 3DS because if their gonna get a new one they might as well go for broke. Right? Oh and it really isn’t halvzies but more like 70/50 as big brother will have to foot most of it. Of course. I already sense a pattern coming in this.

We told this boy of ours that he had to bring up his report card grade before we submit to his demands of him buying a new DS..ahem 3DS. He’s worked on it and brought it up. So I ordered the 3DS and a protective cover thank you very much and it was set to delivery for today. The kid was psyched and could not wait to get home from school to get his coveted beloved. 

Unbeknownst to me it was a sign on delivery kind of drop off, in other words the FedEx guy came by and did not drop it off as no one was here. His case however did arrive later in the day when we were home. Needless to say the 3DS did not get delivered as it was a separate order/shipment. Hysterics ensued. Trying to explain to an 8 year old why his precious did not get delivered is one thing, explaining it to MY 8 year old is probably a whole different beast on its own. Of course it was my fault, because why wouldn’t it be? 

Sigh..after finally getting him somewhat calm and explaining that it will be here tomorrow as I was able to sign the little slip and leave it on the door to say it’s ok to leave the DS at the door, I convinced him it would come tomorrow. Then IT happened. IT never fails when I get this child of mine controlled to a certain level of calm (which is next to impossible) my other two sons just have to poke the sleeping giant and chaos breaks loose again. 

The kid was at least proud of his new Nerf DS cover and brought it along on our way to dinner ( because my day was exhausting enough and fixing dinner was at the bottom of my want to do list) his oldest brother decided he needed to see this awesome cover… in the car… in the dark… just because. It was bad enough that he even thought about wanting to see it but he also touched it which was one of the seven deadly sins in itself…then he did the unspeakable and BROKE the cover that was supposed to be all mighty and powerful and protective and it couldn’t even protect itself! Not only did hysterics ensue times two, but tears of sorrow like I’ve never heard from this child erupted. He was literally sobbing. Please do not even feel an ounce of pity for this child, he knows what he’s doing with his menacing ways. There is a method to his madness. I’m pretty sure that small earthquake that felt this side of town was from my youngest having yet another melt down.

Don’t fret, the thing wasn’t actually broken, it connects and disconnects like a hinge kind of thing. I easily put it back together once I was parked and in light. Was I the ultimate hero awesome mom at that moment? Not really as there is no 3DS yet to fill its emptiness. Unfortunately I don’t get off easy on this one and that’s why they pay me the big mom bucks as CEO of WM247 enterprises; expected to solve problems and get little thanks for it. 

I shall report back soonish on the conclusion. All I say is it for sure better come tomorrow or I’m not going home, I’ll just make a nice cozy pallet at work where I can be under appreciated and at least get paid.

The Thing About The Thing

*Wiping dust and cob webs…cough…cough*

Well then so much for promises of a monthly blogging challenge. I had no real intention of taking a break but let’s all admit it was getting pretty lack of anything substantial around here.

So I realize there is all of one of you out there anxiously awaiting for me to speak on the happenings going on in that place that puts food on my table and gas in my car and maybe my car payment. Yeah that place….

The last 3 months have been kind of just the most craziest challenge that any kind of occupation could bring on to any person. Without going into a long drawn out detail just think about that movie with the stapler guy and his cozy broom closet. Basically we were succumbed to a little bity labor space for 7 or so people. On top of that, training of newbies was involved and a whole gambit of other challenges. They should have just made a reality T.V. show and called it Paycheck Survivor. We did survive and are finally back to “normal” cubicle farm conditions. I’ve never been so happy to have my own little 1/200th of a space on the farm. I promise you the last few weeks of being in the dungeon would have made for Emmy winning reality T.V.

During that time span a lot of changes happened that added to the physical and mental challenges of being in seclusion. There was a “change of positions” X 2 among the uppers, allowing potential opportunities for yours truly. In a way I hate how these things just kind of fall in my lap, but that seems the way it sort of happens. As the opportunity arose for potential “growth” , many expected it should have been handed to me with no question. It didn’t happen that way and deep down, I really felt if they wanted me to have this position (which I do feel I greatly qualified for) they would have done it that way in the first place. Im not complaining…Im just saying.

So I had to apply and interview with the one person who many would have thought would be the “easy ticket” to getting in. Needless to say that was a month ago and the committee was out on their decision until yesterday. I knew the length of time it was taking to decide on who gets the position; meant I didn’t get it. Many felt it was a no brainer and yet I guess it wasn’t and they went with someone else.

My thoughts are this: I already went through my woe is me period a month ago. I knew by then they didn’t want me. Here is the reason, at least Im pretty sure… because I’m pretty good at what I do and if I bump to doing other duties above me they would have to get yet another new person for me to train on top of the additional people we plan to add and have already added. I know it’s complicated but it’s probably on track. This new person I suppose doesn’t need a lot of detailed training on specifically what we do as they will be more focused on doing the other upper stuff. That I think is the touching point, training someone on something I already know the ins and outs on, plus I have other ninja tricks up my sleeve. I would just have to learn a few other take charge kind of skillz that shouldn’t take long. This person will have to learn everything plus be in charge.

The person who made the decision knows that many are upset about this change. The good thing is, we talked at great length about it, which many may or may not realize. This meeting I appreciated greatly. The last time this kind of thing happened (different place different state)  I didn’t get a chance to discuss it and I let it fester like a crazed monster and then went psycho at my review about why..why not me (sob sob-yeah it wasn’t pretty). This person (I feel) is going to take care of me. They are going do their best to keep me happy because hello they can’t lose me right now. We both know this.

Im really not upset. Many others are very upset about this change. I’m pretty sure if I wanted to go all Erin Brocowvitch and rally up some troops for my cause, I would have it in minutes. It makes me warm and fuzzy inside that so many care. On that note, I know that I may not be the “official” upper person, but everyone will still come to me and still see me as their main girl. I also will smile inside when fires start and they look to me to put them out, as I’m sure it will happen.

I  feel that things happen for a reason as it has in the past and history has a way of repeating itself on this kind of thing for me. Maybe those “happen for a reason happenings” has brought me full circle and I’m a big girl now and it doesn’t upset me when I don’t understand why this happened. Chalk that up for life lesson learned.

*if some words were oddly used instead of others, it’s because I am that paranoid person *

Hitting The Ground Running

I’ve taken a little hiatus from blogging for no real reason really despite that I’m working full time, going to school, shuffling between soccer practice and getting caught up on Doctor Who…ahem. I decided it was time to get back in the saddle. I used to be a decent faithful blogger back in the day and then I took a nose dive the last few years. I have some pretty good excuses though I think.

Let’s catch up shall we?

Work is growing in leaps and bounds and some crazy stuff is happening. Right now our little group is in the dungeon literally. Imagine a 10 by 10 room with 7 people lined up like school children. There is no room for anything and your living out of a box literally. Then imagine that you’ve already been in the dungeon for a month and they told you originally it would be just a few weeks. Then imagine that just Monday they tell you worst case scenario we will be in there another 60 days but they are trying to speed things up. Needless to say productivity and quality are down along with morale. At least we still kinda like each other for the most part. There is no “personal” conversation. If my husband calls the work phone, everyone knows it and says HI, which is all well and good the first few times but yeah that only goes so far.

I did get a chance to hobnob with the big wigs at the company dinner for 10 year honorees. No I haven’t been there 10 years but I was the plus one who was being honored for 10 years. We had a great time getting guzzied up and having a girls night out. I even networked with the photography guy who also works for the company, so there’s that.

What else?

The boys are doing their thing. There’s not really a lot to report. That probably sounds bad and I also blame my attention to school more than anything.

Speaking of school, this semester I’m taking Art History, Typography, and Earth Science. I probably already mentioned it but there you go.
Here is the first project in typography we did. It’s a little outside my norm but I loved it.

It’s ok if you don’t get it.

 

 

That should do it for now… we’ll see if we can’t actually compose something of structure and content tomorrow.

Day Book 09-20

Outside My Window: It’s been really nice this September.

I Am Hearing: Farscape – We are the nerdiest of the nerdy family. We are in season 4 of Doctor Who. Im still recovering from Doctor 10 and Rose’s ending. A lovely ending for sure but I really loved Doctor 10. Im still adjusting to the new one, Matt Smith. I’m looking forward to this new story line with River and Amy. If you have no idea what I’m talking about… I’m sorry..Im so so sorry.

I Am Thinking: Im on the verge of burnout at the place of well you know where. I’m at an impasse in a way but yet I want to hang around until I’m vested with my 401K in November. My portfolio class is really gearing us up to seek employment and make us reveal our plans. I don’t want too (yet). The place is gearing up for a big aqcuisiiton
and lots of changes and hiring up a storm. Any who we shall see. If you know someone looking for work in OKC let me know.

I Am Hoping: Meh…

Plans For The Week: Well seeing as how the week is pretty much over…I apologize right now for the lamest post ever. I’ll blame Doctor Who this time and the next and the next.

Picture Thoughts: A few random pics from the phone

The youngest is quite the cell phone photographer. He’s also a mess and the biggest parenting challenge I’ve encountered.

Day Book 09/09

Outside My Window: Pleasant and I hope it stays that way the rest of the week.

I Am Hearing: Pay Phone by Maroon 5 -Im trying to tune out the hubs watching Hercules on Netflix. I have some confessions about Netflix. We have overdosed ourselves on Doctor Who and as I posted last night on Facebook, My thoughts are literally British…Im not speaking British yet but it wouldn’t surprise me in the least. Odd things that are really quite “normal” I think are instantly alien like. I know it’s a sickness. I love David Tennett but as the doctor but he’s been through a lot so far. I’m apprehensive about the next doctor. We shall see, we’re still trucking along in Season 3.

I Am Thinking: Obviously I’m thinking in British but that’s not the point. I have to also say that I’ve been just “skating” along in my classes. It’s actually scary that I’m waiting until literally the last minute to finish everything and my doing great in my classes. I wouldn’t say that it’s not that I’m challenged it’s just I don’t feel near the stress with these two classes as I have with a few classes I’ve had the last few semesters. Can we say Statistics?
The funny thing is I’ll be concerned with an assignment as I sorta would sort of half a** it (lets face fact, last minute work isn’t actually stellar awesome work) and would still ace it no problem. This packaging class is pretty fun and I’ve had to construct actual packaging items for a grade. Anyway..I’m glad we had this little confession about my quirks.
I’m Hoping: For yet another good week, soccer should be starting soonish.

Plans For The Week: I don’t have much going this week that I’m aware of.

Weekend: We didn’t do much but hang out and watch Doctor Who. I did have dinner with my Alter Ego on Friday. M if your reading this well..there you go. M is my co worker who has a degree in interior design and is I would say truly my Alter Ego, she’s the bubbly outgoing one and her name is my name too..atleast her name is my middle name hence why she is my alter ego. Together we are worse than 20 school girls, as we bring out the goofiness and everything else in each other. It’s scary in a someways. The hubs got to meet her and we just sat and laughed and talked for a good while. Fun Times! She now has the blog site, we’ll see if she actually checks it out. I told her I’ve slacked on anything really worth reading lately.

Picture Thoughts: Yes I sorta of took some pictures with my phone. I’m learning to accept the things I cannot change about my phone and just live with it.
Here is my mohawked snaggle toothed kid

Here is my pretty Bella girl. Im not sure why Im drawn to this picture but there it is.

Day Book 08/21

Outside My Window: It’s been just perfect weather and it’s amazing because it’s August and it’s normally still in the triple digits.

(Yes I took Pics..aren’t you proud of me?)

I Am Hearing; The 8yr old humming. Did I mention I’m on vacation? I’d love to say Im at some beach somewhere hearing the ocean crashing on the sand and a Pina Colada or some fruity drink in hand, lounging in a beach chair. Instead I’m lounging on my love seat, feet propped on a the coffee table, hearing the crashing sounds of things being shot at on the video games and my youngest humming Maroon 5. That’s so way better than the beach.

I Am Thinking: These boys finally get back to school tomorrow. I feel a little guilty that we didn’t do anything amazingly exciting this summer at least kid wise, but the fair’s coming soon and we’ll have our family fun day at Frontier City soonish so hopefully that will make up for it. I’m sure if they are asked to write about what they did this summer it will entail video games, taking over grandpa’s T.V., trips to the library, and trips to multiple doctors appointments with the grandparents. Fun times, memories they’ll have forever.

I Am Hoping: My dearest husband takes me for sushi tomorrow for my last day off while the children are at school.

Plans For The Week: To get the kids settled for school. To obtain the Hunger Games DVD, eat some sushi, and back to the grind of work. Exciting stuff.

The Weekend: We celebrated the hubby’s birthday by getting a new mattress and eating BBQ. Not to shabby. I took the kids to the park which was somewhat of a mistake as they were like banshees who had never seen the light of day of outside. They fought and fought and with much gnashing of teeth and a few pics in between, we left after all of 20 minutes and resigned to getting sno cones. Which always makes everything all right.

Picture Thoughts: A few more… I didn’t take that many since there was much gnashing of teeth in between

Day Book 08/16

Outside My Window: We had a few showers but not nothing crazy.. and yes Im alive and kickin for some reason this week just got away from me.

I Am Hearing: The hubs watching a show on his ‘puter

I Am Thinking: It’s been an interesting week I suppose. Monday I finally got to sub in for my boss for her Bunco group. It looks like I will be a sub in next month too. Fun Fun times, I needed a girls night out even on a Monday. I Bunco’d to top it off.

Tuesday: I got a promotion. I know! It was a long time coming and yes I admit I was somewhat expecting it after the dedication and hard work I have put in the last few months. Sadly, just because my title changed did not mean I am getting paid the big bucks. As the hubs stated “so instead of a penny raise you got a few nickels” I’ll just leave it at that.

I Am Hoping: I can get my house somewhat cleaned up and some homework done as my MIL is coming to town this weekend for my hubby’s birthday.

Plans For The Rest of The Week: I’m going to shoot for a half day tomorrow depending on how busy it is. Fridays are always the busiest day. Plus I have to get the youngest to his meet the teacher night. Next week is going to be interesting as well. Im taking Monday and Tuesday off just because. School starts Tuesday so there’s that.

Don’t Even Ask About Pictures. Maybe this weekend for the birthday boy.

Day Book 8.07

Outside My Window: We’ve had a somewhat of a cool down and by that I mean it wasn’t a blistering 110 but only a hundred. The night air is even quite pleasant and non stifling. It’s been a roller coaster of stress with the fires everywhere but we’re good.

I Am Hearing: Pre season football being blasted from the computer. We still don’t have cable so haven’t gotten to watch any Olympic coverage. I know it’s a shame. I think I’ve convinced the hubs we need cable back for football of course

I Am Thinking: Im back into swing of classes and am really looking forward to my Portfolio/Businesses practices class and Product Design Packaging. Fun Stuff! The Portfolio class is really going to be helpful. I’m still reeling that I’m into the last year and need to really amp my brain that Im really going to be doing a full mind shift of doing this and not “my comfort zone zone” job. I admit Im a little skeered.

I Am Hoping: To get my car back soonish. I really thought I’d have an update by Friday but nothing. Im also hoping for cooler temps. A girl can hope.

Random Thoughts: I think I finally have 50 Shades out of my system. I finished the second book (again) and I’m good now until of course the movie. The 3rd Book is great but the first two are best just so you know. We can all rest assured that Jeanie will not speak it’s name again atleast for awhile.

Plans For The Week: Soccer camp starts this week and I’m so grateful again that the youngest decided on soccer this fall. The poor football boys have started practice and in this dreadful heat it’s gotta be worse than the last two seasons combined. I admit I smiled in relief as I drove by.

Picture Thoughts: Yes I took a pic or two nothing crazy amazing (I know) I must pause now for a moment of silence for my beloved Sony. I think she has finally gone to that amazing photography studio in the sky. She was holding on by a thread when I somehow broke the battery lid. The battery held precariously by a small plastic place holder and that now no longer keeps the battery in place enough to keep it powered. It’s really tricky to hold the battery tightly enough to power and shoot a picture. I now must reaquaint with the Nikon, and although she takes great pictures she’s very persnickety and you have to hold your tongue just right. It’s ok I need to put my big girl pants on and really learn and understand her ways better. I’m a professional after all.
Ok I lied, Im just not ready to go public again with the photos …gah

Day Book 7/31

Outside My Window: We’ve hit record high heat like in the history of the state. One would think that once it hits past 105 that it really feels all the same but there really is a big difference of 105 and 108. It’s supposed to be possibly 110 for reals tomorrow. Hold Me.

I Am Hearing: Some shooting and “let me get the killing blow” I know I should hang my head in shame. Boys and their toys

I Am Thinking: That Im SOOO glad the youngest decided soccer is more for him than football. We drove past the football practice field and low and behold there they were. I will not miss sitting and sweating for 3 hours for anything.

I Am Hoping: My car gets done soon. Im greatful for the little loaner except the fact that it’s black and in this heat it just really is insane. Plus I miss Tutti and I hope she gets well soon.

Plans For The Week: Well my classes start back up tomorrow. woot. I haven’t even ordered my books. Im thinking to take it the lazy way and wait the first week to see if they’re really going to be necessary. Knowing my luck..well you know.

I made the executive decision to not do much OT this week. Im sure I’ll miss the paycheck but my sanity needs a break.

I Hate To Admit This: Im “reading” the Shades of Grey series again. I have never in my life re read a series of books literally back to back over again. Im sorry I felt I had to share this. But since Im confessing I will state that Im enjoying it just as much the second time around. Im not near as stressed during the “stressful” parts and am “examining” it a little better. Im also slightly obsessing over who could be Mr Grey in the movie and Im also looking forward to what the sound track would be like. I know..Im probably the lamest person ever. I don’t recall any books having this kind of effect on me…including Twilight. Please forgive me and I promise this will be the last I mention it. (Im already halfway through book two). Thank goodness for audio books that allow me to multi task. And thank goodness for friends who let me borrow them.

Picture Thoughts: Yeah..I did a photo shoot of myself cause Im lame like that. I still need to edit them, which I’ll get to eventually.