It has been over two years since I had a physical. My regular doctor was a wonderful woman but she left the practice for love. Her fiance lived in another city. It is pretty easy for doctors to move as they are so in demand. My new doctor is a PA.
Tom sees her also. He doesn't like her. She has a strong firm personality, and they have differing opinions. I found her very approachable. She spoke bluntly. In two years my cholesterol has gone from 135 to 219. My bad cholesterol which should be under 100 was at 145. On a scale of 1 to 5, I am now a 4 for candidate for stroke or heart attack. She wants me to start cholesterol meds right away. She says its not my fault, its genetics. I can blame my mother for everything (giggle). So eat more vegetables and protein and add 4, yes four, fish oil tablets to my diet, along with 2000 milligrams of vitamin D as I was borderline insufficient in vitamin D. You can't absorb calcium without vitamin D. I am such a white skinned person, she knew right away I didn't get enough sun. Add 20 minutes of walking outside daily to the "to do" list.
Good news was no thyroid problem or anemia. She also recommended adding ground flax seed to my diet. She said the ground was cheaper and worked better than the liquid. Regardless, I have reached that age in life where you have to start taking pills to stay healthy if you want to live a long life. I told the PA I would try diet and the vitamin approach first before leaping into drug therapy. It could have been all the bread and butter I ate that week. She said an aspirin a day was another very important element to prevent a stroke. I go back in three months to fast again and have another blood draw. See if the holistic approach improved my numbers.
When I started the fish oil I could tell it worked. Good thing we have as many bathrooms in this house as we do. The vitamin D improved my moods also. I could tell I was low before. I had already started taking D, but not regularly. Now I know there is a reason I was feeling the need.
I have to go to Costco for the rest. She recommended shopping there. She said she takes this stuff herself.
Nothing like a little stress to have age catch up with you fast. I have been golfing withTrev at a little neighborhood par three. Its been fun. Riley is so competative, he wont go with us. He doesn't like to lose to anyone so he wont try. We did get him bowling the other night, but there are arcade games at the bowling alley he wanted to check out.
We had fun once I set the rule no speaking during Riley's turn. He said it was a distraction and made him angry. I can't wait until school starts. He needs to get back to school and be social. Speak up in class. I am stressing his going to school at all, but boy does he need socializing.
Tuesday, August 31, 2010
Saturday, August 28, 2010
Jamboree
Wow, what a difference a year makes. Riley opted out of going. We stopped by the library to pick up a book for him on our way out of town. The library was closed for an old car event downtown. Since he didn't have anything to read he wanted me to drop him back at home. I didn't argue, though I was disappointed. He would have pouted if I made him go. Its not nearly as fun watching as it is playing the game. Now that he can't play and didn't have a friend to hang with at the track, I dropped him at the corner of our neighborhood to walk home. My mom thought he might have felt bad about not being able to play this season and that is why he didn't want to watch the game. We were running on a tight schedule and I didn't want to be late. I wasn't going to spend time arguing and ruining the day for everyone present.
As Trevor and I were driving I remembered I had said I would do snacks for the game, oranges and grapes. It was going to be bananas, but Trev said he wanted grapes. Now I had to drop Trev and find a store and cut the oranges to have the snacks ready to go.
Just up the hill a few blocks from the stadium, I found a local store. It reminded me of New York. One of those cramped markets my sister shops at. The aisles were two feet wide and displays crammed in every free nook. It had a little of everything including gallon size bags and paring knives to cut the oranges and grape clusters. I prepared the snacks on the back of the trunk and headed back to the field with time to spare.
I put the paring knife in my glove box for future use. Loved the squirt bottle of hand sanitizer that I keep in the car, to remove the sticky juice from my hands.
The sun was shining but it wasn't too hot. A perfect day for football. I wore a shirt with Trevor's name and number on the back in his team colors. It was one I bought last year for him for under his gear, that doesn't fit him anymore. The bottom of the shirt curls up over his belly, but it fits me just fine. With my sun hat and the team roster with their numbers I was set. I handed out the rosters to parents when I saw them.
Coach asked me and a couple of other moms standing by to be weigh masters. We didn't have our books yet, with their pictures and numbers. Jamboree is more of a scrimmage or practice, so we pretend weigh in to catch the stripers and check gear for safety. Then the games begin; 20 minutes offense on the half field, then switch to 20 minutes defense, with a running clock. Refs flag and tell you what the kids did wrong but there are no penalties.
Trevor is a striper. At weigh in for eighth grade, stripers are over 170 pounds. You are either over or under. A piece of colored tape goes on the front and back of a stripers helmet to identify him as a none ball carrier. He can intercept a ball, but he can not be given a ball to run a play. It prevents really big kids from dominating the field in a youth league, where everyone has their growth spurts at different times. Coach had Trevor practice Defense. He played the second half.
I couldn't believe it, the other team double teamed him. Not only that but they illegally wrapped him up in their arms. You are allowed to push, shove, knock someone down. But you cannot just wrap your arms around a player on the line and hold him. I had no idea Trevor was such a threat. He had this ballet spin where he rolled off his opponent and kept going using that momentum to stay with the ball. He had his brace on his knee so it didn't bother him at all. He played hard.
I still can't get over that the other team thought him so powerful they assigned two people to stop him and should have been flagged for holding at least five times. It was just a scrimmage, but once the season starts if they do it during a game the refs should call the penalty. It was so blatant I even noticed.
Tom says Trevor just needs to learn how to be quick, make decisions quickly on the field. He loved that roll spin Trevor had. Trevor wont be a fast runner, but he can get stuff done on the line. He definitely kept those two blockers busy, which freed up someone else to break through the line, who is not being guarded by one of those two boys busy with my son. Trevor was in on a few tackles once he spun off his guards, that was probably when they started holding and wrapping him up. It was a great game.
Another team mate was covering a receiver in the end zone. He batted down a beautiful throw that would have been a touch down for the other side. He made it look so easy and graceful. The coach was encouraging and positive throughout the game with everyone. He really knows his stuff. From one year to the next it is lovely to see the improvements. I really don't want to miss any games. I hope they are all late in the day. Its going to be a great season, as I told Trevor, as long as he doesn't get injured. That brace really seems to have done the trick.
Tom was not happy Riley missed the game. My parents and my sister came to watch. They were disappointed Riley did not come, and they didn't get to see him. Tom made Riley mow the lawn as a punishment when he got home, for bogging out on his brother. Riley did a great job, so I took both boys to Dairy queen for treats. Riley said he wanted to avoid his Dad and any more chores. We swung by the library to see if it was open. The downtown event was over so the library was open and we were able to pick up the books on hold for both boys.
Tom is making them watch a football game with him, pointing out the linemen plays to Trevor and showing how the pros play that position. Trevor is trying to get his dad to agree to take him to an OSU game. But the ones that don't conflict with Trevor's season are the big ones. USC or the Civil War, which by the way falls on our anniversary this year, December 4. I wouldn't dare plan anything else.
Maybe a hotel in Corvallis and game tickets for the family would be a great anniversary gift. We have done that before. Tom took the boys for an overnight and a game. Civil war is so intense though. They would probably love it. I am not sure I would.
My peach tree has ended its season. I will have to trim it back. It is now two stories tall, very beautiful, but hard to pick the fruit off the higher branches. The pear is just coming ripe and the apples also. . My grass is mowed, thanks to Riley. Fall is right around the corner. Yeah football season.
Tom got his fantasy league team today so everyone is happy. Check out his fantasy football blog squiggyrant.blogspot.com
As Trevor and I were driving I remembered I had said I would do snacks for the game, oranges and grapes. It was going to be bananas, but Trev said he wanted grapes. Now I had to drop Trev and find a store and cut the oranges to have the snacks ready to go.
Just up the hill a few blocks from the stadium, I found a local store. It reminded me of New York. One of those cramped markets my sister shops at. The aisles were two feet wide and displays crammed in every free nook. It had a little of everything including gallon size bags and paring knives to cut the oranges and grape clusters. I prepared the snacks on the back of the trunk and headed back to the field with time to spare.
I put the paring knife in my glove box for future use. Loved the squirt bottle of hand sanitizer that I keep in the car, to remove the sticky juice from my hands.
The sun was shining but it wasn't too hot. A perfect day for football. I wore a shirt with Trevor's name and number on the back in his team colors. It was one I bought last year for him for under his gear, that doesn't fit him anymore. The bottom of the shirt curls up over his belly, but it fits me just fine. With my sun hat and the team roster with their numbers I was set. I handed out the rosters to parents when I saw them.
Coach asked me and a couple of other moms standing by to be weigh masters. We didn't have our books yet, with their pictures and numbers. Jamboree is more of a scrimmage or practice, so we pretend weigh in to catch the stripers and check gear for safety. Then the games begin; 20 minutes offense on the half field, then switch to 20 minutes defense, with a running clock. Refs flag and tell you what the kids did wrong but there are no penalties.
Trevor is a striper. At weigh in for eighth grade, stripers are over 170 pounds. You are either over or under. A piece of colored tape goes on the front and back of a stripers helmet to identify him as a none ball carrier. He can intercept a ball, but he can not be given a ball to run a play. It prevents really big kids from dominating the field in a youth league, where everyone has their growth spurts at different times. Coach had Trevor practice Defense. He played the second half.
I couldn't believe it, the other team double teamed him. Not only that but they illegally wrapped him up in their arms. You are allowed to push, shove, knock someone down. But you cannot just wrap your arms around a player on the line and hold him. I had no idea Trevor was such a threat. He had this ballet spin where he rolled off his opponent and kept going using that momentum to stay with the ball. He had his brace on his knee so it didn't bother him at all. He played hard.
I still can't get over that the other team thought him so powerful they assigned two people to stop him and should have been flagged for holding at least five times. It was just a scrimmage, but once the season starts if they do it during a game the refs should call the penalty. It was so blatant I even noticed.
Tom says Trevor just needs to learn how to be quick, make decisions quickly on the field. He loved that roll spin Trevor had. Trevor wont be a fast runner, but he can get stuff done on the line. He definitely kept those two blockers busy, which freed up someone else to break through the line, who is not being guarded by one of those two boys busy with my son. Trevor was in on a few tackles once he spun off his guards, that was probably when they started holding and wrapping him up. It was a great game.
Another team mate was covering a receiver in the end zone. He batted down a beautiful throw that would have been a touch down for the other side. He made it look so easy and graceful. The coach was encouraging and positive throughout the game with everyone. He really knows his stuff. From one year to the next it is lovely to see the improvements. I really don't want to miss any games. I hope they are all late in the day. Its going to be a great season, as I told Trevor, as long as he doesn't get injured. That brace really seems to have done the trick.
Tom was not happy Riley missed the game. My parents and my sister came to watch. They were disappointed Riley did not come, and they didn't get to see him. Tom made Riley mow the lawn as a punishment when he got home, for bogging out on his brother. Riley did a great job, so I took both boys to Dairy queen for treats. Riley said he wanted to avoid his Dad and any more chores. We swung by the library to see if it was open. The downtown event was over so the library was open and we were able to pick up the books on hold for both boys.
Tom is making them watch a football game with him, pointing out the linemen plays to Trevor and showing how the pros play that position. Trevor is trying to get his dad to agree to take him to an OSU game. But the ones that don't conflict with Trevor's season are the big ones. USC or the Civil War, which by the way falls on our anniversary this year, December 4. I wouldn't dare plan anything else.
Maybe a hotel in Corvallis and game tickets for the family would be a great anniversary gift. We have done that before. Tom took the boys for an overnight and a game. Civil war is so intense though. They would probably love it. I am not sure I would.
My peach tree has ended its season. I will have to trim it back. It is now two stories tall, very beautiful, but hard to pick the fruit off the higher branches. The pear is just coming ripe and the apples also. . My grass is mowed, thanks to Riley. Fall is right around the corner. Yeah football season.
Tom got his fantasy league team today so everyone is happy. Check out his fantasy football blog squiggyrant.blogspot.com
Friday, August 27, 2010
Practice
Last night the boys were running as a team. They run to the slowest member's speed. Trevor was in the middle of the pack. he was loving it. He has my short legs and stride. The team was running with him. It was so fun to watch. End of practice they had a water fight with any left over water in their bottles. Jamboree is coming up. They look good. I hope its a good season.
Trevor said he blew by a block last night during practice and tackled one of the fastest boys in eighth grade. Wish I had seen it. I was in the snack shack selling candy and pop. tomorrow though, he will have my full attention at the game. I promised myself I would only cheer positively, no advise.
I stopped by the open house at school. Trevor I thought was supposed to get pictures done. The school had decided to wait until first day. Too many students don't show up for registration and they have to do it then anyway. Since I prepaid, I really didn't have to bother at all. They gave me my receipt, but it was mostly for paying bills and receiving information that I already had.
Crossing the parking lot into the building Trevor lectured me that I was not to say Hi to anyone or embarrass him with comments. I was there just in case he needed my check book. I laughed. When it turned out I didn't need to be there at all, we made a fairly quick exit. I said Hi to the Principal. Trevor couldn't complain in front of the Principal. But we did make a quick exit, I didn't want to push my luck with the boy.
Today I am still waiting for homework. He has one last assignment to do. He is doing the delaying tactic. Bummer since I was going to reward him with lunch out. Well now it is going to be an argument instead. Highs and lows. TV will be banned unless their Dad is home during the school year. I will have to find the lock out codes, and hide the computers.
Trevor said he blew by a block last night during practice and tackled one of the fastest boys in eighth grade. Wish I had seen it. I was in the snack shack selling candy and pop. tomorrow though, he will have my full attention at the game. I promised myself I would only cheer positively, no advise.
I stopped by the open house at school. Trevor I thought was supposed to get pictures done. The school had decided to wait until first day. Too many students don't show up for registration and they have to do it then anyway. Since I prepaid, I really didn't have to bother at all. They gave me my receipt, but it was mostly for paying bills and receiving information that I already had.
Crossing the parking lot into the building Trevor lectured me that I was not to say Hi to anyone or embarrass him with comments. I was there just in case he needed my check book. I laughed. When it turned out I didn't need to be there at all, we made a fairly quick exit. I said Hi to the Principal. Trevor couldn't complain in front of the Principal. But we did make a quick exit, I didn't want to push my luck with the boy.
Today I am still waiting for homework. He has one last assignment to do. He is doing the delaying tactic. Bummer since I was going to reward him with lunch out. Well now it is going to be an argument instead. Highs and lows. TV will be banned unless their Dad is home during the school year. I will have to find the lock out codes, and hide the computers.
Thursday, August 26, 2010
Pull your hair out
Trevor blew off his homework from his teacher. I had him up two hours early once I realized he hadn't gotten it done, none of it. It still wasn't enough time. I had mentioned the homework yesterday, but he said he would do it later. I have got to find a way for him to do it during the school year. The tutor showed him the difference between having his homework done and not being ready was the difference between an A and a D. Guess what he got last year.
I told Trevor two to three hours of homework should not be unexpected this year. He will be an eighth grader and they will be prepping him for high school independence, ack.
We bought his school supplies. He tried to buy triple the list. He was going to give his teachers school supplies also. So sweet, but no guarantee they wouldn't hand them out to other students in need, when Trevor will be needing them along the way. I will be supplying spare pencils. That seemed to be a real culprit last year, not having a writing utensil. He claimed people had borrowed his and not given them back. I can afford pencils.
Riley had no real lists of supplies. I am told each teacher will let them know what they need. I figure they will want the same kind of supplies as any other teacher, but we'll see what additions there are to the list. I saw somewhere that a graphing calculator might be needed. Riley will go with a binder and papers for the first day. His locker is not even in the main building. Freshmen get last pick and all that was left was the Fine Arts Building unless you were willing to share your locker. Riley does not share. He will just have to carry everything he needs with him each day. His middle school has spoiled him with the lockers so conveniently located in the same wing just a short step from the classrooms.
I love that new students in high school have the building to themselves the first day. They get a tour to help them not to get lost. It is a big meandering facility with add ons and multiple out buildings. More like a college campus than a regular contained high school. Nice thing about small towns is there is still room to spread out.
The high school football field is getting its new turf still. Hopefully they will be ready for us to move over there for our practices next week. That is the plan if they are on schedule. Fields are at a premium this time of year between football and soccer. Youth football is crammed into a very tight area for all the teams. Not a lot of elbow room. Youth varsity will get to practice on the JV fields at the high school. Some parents with multiple children in the program love it right now because they can just walk from one practice area to another. Once Varcity moves, you have to choose which night to watch which child.
Last year Riley weighed just over 100 pounds in eighth grade. I told the coach I was fine with him playing down to his brother's team. A few of the smaller kids play on the JV seventh grade teams. They are just too light and small for the big boys that play eighth grade varsity. Trevor out weighs his brother by 60 pounds even though he is two years younger. Riley is not small he is just slender where Trevor is not slender at all. Same gene pool, just different family branches in the tree.
Trevor threw up again at practice last night, cheese burger pile. He took a water break and then was back out there again. Coach was impressed, asked him if he wanted a break. He said no. He was drinking his fluids. I bought him a gator aide. I think we need to eat earlier before practice, easily digestible foods. He is loving football. Others on the team asked where Riley was. Trevor told them Riley was seriously sick. They hadn't heard the story. They all listened then what I thought was nice is football practice went on. No one dwelled. Trevor is in his own world now, normal teen agers.
I watched him hit another player on the back with his hand. A huge grin on his face, all the boys faces for that matter. You could split their heads in half with the smiles. It was a hot and hard practice. Sweat poured off faces and shirts were soaked and smelly. Coach let them play a gear off touch football game at the end for a reward for a strong practice. I already see a difference in Trevor's running. He doesn't want to be last. He knee is stronger. I challanged him at squats, he smiled and laughed through the whole excersize.
I am glad Riley has a friend staying over. They go off and play. Everyone is occupied and happy with their own entertainment. I just wish Trevor enjoyed learning school work as much as playing football. I remember all the days I got called to school because Trevor was in the nurses station not feeling well. He wouldn't just go vomit from over exertion then back to the classroom. Oh no, he wanted to come home and watch TV.
Riley had a couple of Teachers that inspired him enough that he hated to miss their class. If they taught a extra carricular activity he would try and take it knowing it would be fun. Trevor has had a couple of Teachers that inpired the kids. He didn't get sick those years and try to miss school. I am hopeful each year that there will be someone with that pazzazz to energize the classroom and let the students know that it doesn't have to be work. Learning can be fascinating and its own reward.
Tom is reading Mises, the Austrian economist before there were economist. Its a difficult read translated from German and done 50 years ago so the volcabulary is a little old school. He is just doing it for his own edification. We discuss the chapters. I don't know if I would have picked up a book like that just for fun. I did read the Teddy Roosevelt story by Moore. It was a wonderful read. I may try to peruse Mises when Tom is done, if only to be able to stay up on the conversation.
If Trevor doesn't like a book, it is pulling teeth to get him to read it. Riley has learned some cheats, like first and last chapters and first and last pages in a chapter. It gets a book he doesn't like done. But usually he will read the whole thing, just because he likes to read. If Trevor likes the book its a breeze. Not like a book and the whole house suffers the complaints how thoughtless and cruel the teacher is, how it is so unfair and its a bad book choice. he spends more time complaining than it would take to just do it.
Riley got up today and did his chores and others without my asking. I think it was so I would be happy, and let him have his way with something later. I haven't figured out yet what he is after though.
I told Trevor two to three hours of homework should not be unexpected this year. He will be an eighth grader and they will be prepping him for high school independence, ack.
We bought his school supplies. He tried to buy triple the list. He was going to give his teachers school supplies also. So sweet, but no guarantee they wouldn't hand them out to other students in need, when Trevor will be needing them along the way. I will be supplying spare pencils. That seemed to be a real culprit last year, not having a writing utensil. He claimed people had borrowed his and not given them back. I can afford pencils.
Riley had no real lists of supplies. I am told each teacher will let them know what they need. I figure they will want the same kind of supplies as any other teacher, but we'll see what additions there are to the list. I saw somewhere that a graphing calculator might be needed. Riley will go with a binder and papers for the first day. His locker is not even in the main building. Freshmen get last pick and all that was left was the Fine Arts Building unless you were willing to share your locker. Riley does not share. He will just have to carry everything he needs with him each day. His middle school has spoiled him with the lockers so conveniently located in the same wing just a short step from the classrooms.
I love that new students in high school have the building to themselves the first day. They get a tour to help them not to get lost. It is a big meandering facility with add ons and multiple out buildings. More like a college campus than a regular contained high school. Nice thing about small towns is there is still room to spread out.
The high school football field is getting its new turf still. Hopefully they will be ready for us to move over there for our practices next week. That is the plan if they are on schedule. Fields are at a premium this time of year between football and soccer. Youth football is crammed into a very tight area for all the teams. Not a lot of elbow room. Youth varsity will get to practice on the JV fields at the high school. Some parents with multiple children in the program love it right now because they can just walk from one practice area to another. Once Varcity moves, you have to choose which night to watch which child.
Last year Riley weighed just over 100 pounds in eighth grade. I told the coach I was fine with him playing down to his brother's team. A few of the smaller kids play on the JV seventh grade teams. They are just too light and small for the big boys that play eighth grade varsity. Trevor out weighs his brother by 60 pounds even though he is two years younger. Riley is not small he is just slender where Trevor is not slender at all. Same gene pool, just different family branches in the tree.
Trevor threw up again at practice last night, cheese burger pile. He took a water break and then was back out there again. Coach was impressed, asked him if he wanted a break. He said no. He was drinking his fluids. I bought him a gator aide. I think we need to eat earlier before practice, easily digestible foods. He is loving football. Others on the team asked where Riley was. Trevor told them Riley was seriously sick. They hadn't heard the story. They all listened then what I thought was nice is football practice went on. No one dwelled. Trevor is in his own world now, normal teen agers.
I watched him hit another player on the back with his hand. A huge grin on his face, all the boys faces for that matter. You could split their heads in half with the smiles. It was a hot and hard practice. Sweat poured off faces and shirts were soaked and smelly. Coach let them play a gear off touch football game at the end for a reward for a strong practice. I already see a difference in Trevor's running. He doesn't want to be last. He knee is stronger. I challanged him at squats, he smiled and laughed through the whole excersize.
I am glad Riley has a friend staying over. They go off and play. Everyone is occupied and happy with their own entertainment. I just wish Trevor enjoyed learning school work as much as playing football. I remember all the days I got called to school because Trevor was in the nurses station not feeling well. He wouldn't just go vomit from over exertion then back to the classroom. Oh no, he wanted to come home and watch TV.
Riley had a couple of Teachers that inspired him enough that he hated to miss their class. If they taught a extra carricular activity he would try and take it knowing it would be fun. Trevor has had a couple of Teachers that inpired the kids. He didn't get sick those years and try to miss school. I am hopeful each year that there will be someone with that pazzazz to energize the classroom and let the students know that it doesn't have to be work. Learning can be fascinating and its own reward.
Tom is reading Mises, the Austrian economist before there were economist. Its a difficult read translated from German and done 50 years ago so the volcabulary is a little old school. He is just doing it for his own edification. We discuss the chapters. I don't know if I would have picked up a book like that just for fun. I did read the Teddy Roosevelt story by Moore. It was a wonderful read. I may try to peruse Mises when Tom is done, if only to be able to stay up on the conversation.
If Trevor doesn't like a book, it is pulling teeth to get him to read it. Riley has learned some cheats, like first and last chapters and first and last pages in a chapter. It gets a book he doesn't like done. But usually he will read the whole thing, just because he likes to read. If Trevor likes the book its a breeze. Not like a book and the whole house suffers the complaints how thoughtless and cruel the teacher is, how it is so unfair and its a bad book choice. he spends more time complaining than it would take to just do it.
Riley got up today and did his chores and others without my asking. I think it was so I would be happy, and let him have his way with something later. I haven't figured out yet what he is after though.
Wednesday, August 25, 2010
Found it
It only took three days of sorting and tossing papers to finally find the right bin. I have been looking for my social security card for my new job. I knew it was around here somewhere. I just kept sorting papers and throwing out, until I finally stumbled on the safe place I had stored the card.
What a relief to find it. I had found everyone Else's cards including my deceased relatives. Now I can hold my head up high. I had gone on line to see what it took to replace the card. They wanted original documentation. I could go in person and stand in line or mail it. I didn't really want to send my irreplaceable documentation through the mail. At least not without paying for the registration and certification, where they track it and have to sign for it at the other end. Standing in line would also be an inconvenience to say the least. I am now off the hook officially. SS# in hand, proven citizenship and legal rights. I can be hired and paid. No questions asked.
I had forgotten how important that small scrap of paper seems to be to everyone. It doesn't even come with a picture. Anyhow the problem is solved. Now after I show it off I have to find a safe place to keep it so it wont get lost.
What a relief to find it. I had found everyone Else's cards including my deceased relatives. Now I can hold my head up high. I had gone on line to see what it took to replace the card. They wanted original documentation. I could go in person and stand in line or mail it. I didn't really want to send my irreplaceable documentation through the mail. At least not without paying for the registration and certification, where they track it and have to sign for it at the other end. Standing in line would also be an inconvenience to say the least. I am now off the hook officially. SS# in hand, proven citizenship and legal rights. I can be hired and paid. No questions asked.
I had forgotten how important that small scrap of paper seems to be to everyone. It doesn't even come with a picture. Anyhow the problem is solved. Now after I show it off I have to find a safe place to keep it so it wont get lost.
Tuesday, August 24, 2010
Vomit during football
Trevor needed his vaccine for school. Tetanus was a standard easy decision. Trevor was bound to step on a nail or poke himself with something rusty sooner or later. He has a lot of me in him, a little accident prone. The other shot is the meningitis shot. That's the one that kills college students quickly. In schools packed with students, I also saw this one as reasonable. I checked the shots for the mercury preservative. The tetanus was a child's dose so it was safe. The meningitis shot was also clean. There were the regular warnings in the fine print about reactions. I didn't think much about it at the time.
Two hours later Trevor had a rip roaring headache going. I reported it to the doctor's office and gave him ibuprofen. There was no pain in his arms though, at the injection sights. He was still bothered by the headache at football practice. He let the coach know and was asked if he still wanted to play. He said "yes", he would try to continue with practice, play through the pain. 40 minutes later he moved off to the side of the practice area, removed his helmet and vomited his dinner into the grass. I found him lying on the hill with his hands on his head. Still feeling the pain.
I called the doctor's office again. It was after hours but the on call doctor called me back shortly. He said to give him Tylenol. I asked if it was OK for Trevor to sleep or if I need to watch him for seizures. I am sure he thought I was over reacting, but we hadn't expected the headache. I kind of expected the vomiting if Trevor practiced. But I figured he could lie at home feeling miserable and making the whole family miserable or try to distract him with practice. If he wasn't faking there was a chance he would vomit from the head ache, been there done that. Dwelling in a dark room is even less fun. Besides he'll get points with the coach for trying to play through the pain.
On the other hand, I am sure I lost points with the coach for being a mean old mom and making my kid play when he wasn't feeling well. Coach said "Please, Mom take him home."
Trev can be such a whiner though, you never know quite how sick he really feels.
I could always tell when Riley felt bad. He was a straight up sick kid. He would say he didn't feel well, and there would be a temperature. Or he would be hacking and coughing with a regular cold.
Trevor would just try and sleep in and be late for school. He would say he was sick, try to fake cough, couldn't keep a straight face, no fever. I warned him he had a reputation that we couldn't trust his word. So I was impressed that he wanted to try and play through the headache. He wasn't in tears. I think he was proud of himself too, for trying. It was also a hot evening 90 degrees. That didn't help Trevor feeling any better.
He had taken a cold bath the night before for his knee, which has bothered him. He needs to strengthen the muscles around his knee. He was not thrilled about another cold bath. Coach said to ice the knee. I told him to just take a regular bath, he would feel better afterwards. We could ice the knee.
He did feel better. The Tylenol kicked in and now he wanted to play with Riley and his friends over at the house. I told him if he missed practice he needed to go to bed. I am a tough mom.
You cant skip out on your obligations like school or sports teams and get to have a treat. I made him drink lots of water and stay quietly in his room. Tom concurred. Trevor pulled out a book to read, but now he was complaining about his confinement. I knew he was all better, no more worries about reactions. I could go to bed myself. It was after 9:00 pm by this time.
His vaccines are now current. We had been slow, spreading them out over time. We wont be getting a letter from the school nurse this year. Its nice to have them done.Riley caught whooping cough, the P in the DTP shot, as an infant and almost died, so I do believe in vaccines.
You just need to make sure your child is healthy and well hydrated when you vaccinate. I will be forcing the liquids for the next week on Trevor. He should be doing that anyway with football.
We are off to Dicks sporting goods to see if we can get some decent pants for Trevor. The replacement pants provided came with longjohns with pads. The undergarment is too short. The pads don't cover the knees. The over pants are too long. I am hopeful we can find some under armour pants that fit appropriately. I really need Trevor's knees protected with his weak knee issues.
Once he starts strengthening his legs, this problem should resolve itself. I just think about his skeletal frame at age 13 now carrying this much weight. Trevor claims its all muscle as he squeezes his belly. I love the conditioning in football. All of a sudden Trevor does lean up and become a mass of muscle. He has energy and focus. Too bad football is only in the fall.
Trevor had a teacher that said swimming was really good for the student's cognitive abilities. Having the arms and legs going at the same time doing different motions, stimulated the brain. Students were more attentive in class. I am going to try and get Trevor swimming again. Last year his grades prevented me from putting him in any after school activities. But maybe if I start right after football, Trevor wont slide in the grade department.
Meanwhile, Trevor loves football enough to vomit on the field. Horrible that I think that is kind of cool to have that passion for the game. I didn't know if he really loved it, or if it was his Dad's influence or mine that kept him going. He has got to love it for himself to put himself through that kind of misery or he would have pulled himself from practice before he vomited. Cool kid.
Two hours later Trevor had a rip roaring headache going. I reported it to the doctor's office and gave him ibuprofen. There was no pain in his arms though, at the injection sights. He was still bothered by the headache at football practice. He let the coach know and was asked if he still wanted to play. He said "yes", he would try to continue with practice, play through the pain. 40 minutes later he moved off to the side of the practice area, removed his helmet and vomited his dinner into the grass. I found him lying on the hill with his hands on his head. Still feeling the pain.
I called the doctor's office again. It was after hours but the on call doctor called me back shortly. He said to give him Tylenol. I asked if it was OK for Trevor to sleep or if I need to watch him for seizures. I am sure he thought I was over reacting, but we hadn't expected the headache. I kind of expected the vomiting if Trevor practiced. But I figured he could lie at home feeling miserable and making the whole family miserable or try to distract him with practice. If he wasn't faking there was a chance he would vomit from the head ache, been there done that. Dwelling in a dark room is even less fun. Besides he'll get points with the coach for trying to play through the pain.
On the other hand, I am sure I lost points with the coach for being a mean old mom and making my kid play when he wasn't feeling well. Coach said "Please, Mom take him home."
Trev can be such a whiner though, you never know quite how sick he really feels.
I could always tell when Riley felt bad. He was a straight up sick kid. He would say he didn't feel well, and there would be a temperature. Or he would be hacking and coughing with a regular cold.
Trevor would just try and sleep in and be late for school. He would say he was sick, try to fake cough, couldn't keep a straight face, no fever. I warned him he had a reputation that we couldn't trust his word. So I was impressed that he wanted to try and play through the headache. He wasn't in tears. I think he was proud of himself too, for trying. It was also a hot evening 90 degrees. That didn't help Trevor feeling any better.
He had taken a cold bath the night before for his knee, which has bothered him. He needs to strengthen the muscles around his knee. He was not thrilled about another cold bath. Coach said to ice the knee. I told him to just take a regular bath, he would feel better afterwards. We could ice the knee.
He did feel better. The Tylenol kicked in and now he wanted to play with Riley and his friends over at the house. I told him if he missed practice he needed to go to bed. I am a tough mom.
You cant skip out on your obligations like school or sports teams and get to have a treat. I made him drink lots of water and stay quietly in his room. Tom concurred. Trevor pulled out a book to read, but now he was complaining about his confinement. I knew he was all better, no more worries about reactions. I could go to bed myself. It was after 9:00 pm by this time.
His vaccines are now current. We had been slow, spreading them out over time. We wont be getting a letter from the school nurse this year. Its nice to have them done.Riley caught whooping cough, the P in the DTP shot, as an infant and almost died, so I do believe in vaccines.
You just need to make sure your child is healthy and well hydrated when you vaccinate. I will be forcing the liquids for the next week on Trevor. He should be doing that anyway with football.
We are off to Dicks sporting goods to see if we can get some decent pants for Trevor. The replacement pants provided came with longjohns with pads. The undergarment is too short. The pads don't cover the knees. The over pants are too long. I am hopeful we can find some under armour pants that fit appropriately. I really need Trevor's knees protected with his weak knee issues.
Once he starts strengthening his legs, this problem should resolve itself. I just think about his skeletal frame at age 13 now carrying this much weight. Trevor claims its all muscle as he squeezes his belly. I love the conditioning in football. All of a sudden Trevor does lean up and become a mass of muscle. He has energy and focus. Too bad football is only in the fall.
Trevor had a teacher that said swimming was really good for the student's cognitive abilities. Having the arms and legs going at the same time doing different motions, stimulated the brain. Students were more attentive in class. I am going to try and get Trevor swimming again. Last year his grades prevented me from putting him in any after school activities. But maybe if I start right after football, Trevor wont slide in the grade department.
Meanwhile, Trevor loves football enough to vomit on the field. Horrible that I think that is kind of cool to have that passion for the game. I didn't know if he really loved it, or if it was his Dad's influence or mine that kept him going. He has got to love it for himself to put himself through that kind of misery or he would have pulled himself from practice before he vomited. Cool kid.
Chores for visitors
Riley's best friend invited him to go to Hood River for the week. They have a house on acreage. Tom and I weren't comfortable with Riley being that far away just running around somewhat unsupervised. The friend is wonderful, but its easy to get hurt. I am not even sure Riley wanted to go. Their property has no intranet service.
The boy called back. He couldn't find anyone able to go with him so he opted not to go at all. He wants to come play with us at our house. I can handle that. He does need entertaining, but with my two boys tag teaming our guest, he stays pretty entertained while he is with us.
Its hard to be without friends and no one to play with. We get that so well at our house. Trevor's friends come and go. they play with Riley but they are really here for the cheerful camaraderie that Trevor offers. Young or old, Trevor includes everyone equally. Riley gets the benefit of his brother's more cheerful and outgoing personality.
So we are to have an overnight guest. His mom doesn't mind the drive. She is one of those car people. You know the ones that like to drive and like to keep busy constantly. They are always on the go and driving somewhere. This time its to my house. She is making the young man do chores to earn the drive over to our house.
We were up doing chores at eight this morning. Riley stripped his bed and I put fresh sheets on it. His skin was breaking out so I thought that clean sheets might help. Trevor threw on a load of laundry, while I put away the loads on the balcony. Team effort, it is amazing how much we accomplish when everyone pitches in. I am passing more chores over to the boys in preparation for work. I think making a list might help also.
I still haven't found where I hid my Social security card. I did a really good job hiding it. I found Tom's and the boys. I know mine will turn up if I keep cleaning. I put it someplace safe, if only I could remember where.
The boy called back. He couldn't find anyone able to go with him so he opted not to go at all. He wants to come play with us at our house. I can handle that. He does need entertaining, but with my two boys tag teaming our guest, he stays pretty entertained while he is with us.
Its hard to be without friends and no one to play with. We get that so well at our house. Trevor's friends come and go. they play with Riley but they are really here for the cheerful camaraderie that Trevor offers. Young or old, Trevor includes everyone equally. Riley gets the benefit of his brother's more cheerful and outgoing personality.
So we are to have an overnight guest. His mom doesn't mind the drive. She is one of those car people. You know the ones that like to drive and like to keep busy constantly. They are always on the go and driving somewhere. This time its to my house. She is making the young man do chores to earn the drive over to our house.
We were up doing chores at eight this morning. Riley stripped his bed and I put fresh sheets on it. His skin was breaking out so I thought that clean sheets might help. Trevor threw on a load of laundry, while I put away the loads on the balcony. Team effort, it is amazing how much we accomplish when everyone pitches in. I am passing more chores over to the boys in preparation for work. I think making a list might help also.
I still haven't found where I hid my Social security card. I did a really good job hiding it. I found Tom's and the boys. I know mine will turn up if I keep cleaning. I put it someplace safe, if only I could remember where.
Sunday, August 22, 2010
Football
I love football season. The energy is incredable. Great coach this year. One with a huge amount of experience. He doesn't even have kids in the league anymore, just can't escape the program. New uniforms that fit big boys were given out. Love them. Still waiting for the schedule. Hope the games are really late so I can see them.
New job signed me up for every Saturday in September. Open until 6 pm. I hope to find another mom willing to do the late shift if I can do the early shift. I may only need to squeeze out another hour in the day to make the games. I check my e-mail regularly waiting for the schedule so I can start finessing the time. It is just for football season, two months.
I told them when I was hired, every other Saturday was fine. In October we have our Make a Wish trip. I sent an e-mail letting the manager know our dates so she wouldn't book me for that weekend. I do need to locate my social security card. I have the number memorized, but they want proof. Been a while since I saw it. I am on the hunt today. I can tell I have some commitment issues to get used to with going back to work. I am thrilled though to be working even if it is minimum wage to start.
I love the thought of learning about foot ailments. Shoes have always been fun. Now I am going to learn something about them. I did have to practice tieing up a shoe on Trevor, just to make sure I could do it. He said I tied it too tight. I am told though that the proper way to wear shoes is snuggly for the full support to work.
I know I will be buying some new shoes in the near future. They are going to be comfortable.
Definately a pair of fancy boots to pace the sidelines at the football games.
New job signed me up for every Saturday in September. Open until 6 pm. I hope to find another mom willing to do the late shift if I can do the early shift. I may only need to squeeze out another hour in the day to make the games. I check my e-mail regularly waiting for the schedule so I can start finessing the time. It is just for football season, two months.
I told them when I was hired, every other Saturday was fine. In October we have our Make a Wish trip. I sent an e-mail letting the manager know our dates so she wouldn't book me for that weekend. I do need to locate my social security card. I have the number memorized, but they want proof. Been a while since I saw it. I am on the hunt today. I can tell I have some commitment issues to get used to with going back to work. I am thrilled though to be working even if it is minimum wage to start.
I love the thought of learning about foot ailments. Shoes have always been fun. Now I am going to learn something about them. I did have to practice tieing up a shoe on Trevor, just to make sure I could do it. He said I tied it too tight. I am told though that the proper way to wear shoes is snuggly for the full support to work.
I know I will be buying some new shoes in the near future. They are going to be comfortable.
Definately a pair of fancy boots to pace the sidelines at the football games.
Thursday, August 19, 2010
Thursday August 19
Today is a visit with the dermatologist and high school registration in the afternoon. No contact sports but supposedly Riley can do anything else within reason. I volunteered yesterday for the 10 through 12 registration so I would know what to expect and not freak out today with Riley.
They have the system down. It should run smoothly. I already dropped off checks for preregistration. Cafeteria check and the latest thing is a planner for all the kids to stay organized. Pictures will be taken for their ID cards. Schedules for freshmen will not be distributed until orientation on the first day of school when only freshmen and new students attend.
Riley has one more doctor appointment and blood draw before school starts. Tom said he may be waffling on the BMT. I don't know though. Riley has that look and smell about him of a child who is sick and on meds. He just looks off from a normal healthy child. I am more tempted to get him fixed so he wouldn't have to live his life in a protective bubble. We'll see what the numbers hold.
They have the system down. It should run smoothly. I already dropped off checks for preregistration. Cafeteria check and the latest thing is a planner for all the kids to stay organized. Pictures will be taken for their ID cards. Schedules for freshmen will not be distributed until orientation on the first day of school when only freshmen and new students attend.
Riley has one more doctor appointment and blood draw before school starts. Tom said he may be waffling on the BMT. I don't know though. Riley has that look and smell about him of a child who is sick and on meds. He just looks off from a normal healthy child. I am more tempted to get him fixed so he wouldn't have to live his life in a protective bubble. We'll see what the numbers hold.
Thursday, August 12, 2010
strange blood found
We headed up for bed last night. I walk into the bathroom and see blood on the toilet seat and a tissue with blood floating in the water. I call out who had blood? I walk over to the sinks. In Tom's side is more bloody tissue. In the sink is a damp pool of red blood. The tissue is crumpled up like it had been stuffed in the nose.
Riley walks in. He says it isn't his. Trevor says it isn't his. Tom and I look at each other. No one is claiming a bloody nose? Since it was also in the toilet I look at Trevor and ask again, in case he was injured during football practice, blood in the urine and all that. I say no one is in trouble. We just need to know where it came from. Still denials all around. I wonder if it could be a friend's. No, I kind of think it is Trevor's. He had been using our bathroom after football both the toilet and the bath. But why would he not want to say it was his bloody tissue? It's no big deal.
Tom gets on the boys about lying to us. The boys leave the room. I clean up the bloody tissue still curious as to its owner, suspecting Trevor. Trevor has headed down stairs to finish up his math for the tutor that is coming in the morning. I join him at the dining room table and ask again if it was his bloody nose. He says maybe, he isn't sure. He may have wiped his nose and not noticed. What? Maybe? I let it go and headed back upstairs to Tom.
I tell him I suspect the blood is Trevor's. It was fresh and he was the last to use our bathroom. He had been in the bathroom for an hour. Toms mind begins to churn. Why would Trevor feel the need to lie about the blood? When Trevor comes back upstairs, Tom asks him why he lied. Trevor vacillates. It may be his blood, he is not sure. I say again its not a big deal I just need to know where it came from. Was he injured in football? Was it from his nose or his bowels. A mom always worries about the worst, especially in this house hold at this time.
Tom tells Trevor the worst thing he can be is a liar and its a really bad thing that we don't believe him. I tell Trevor I was not mad at him about the bike being stolen, why would he not want to tell us about the blood. The light bulb goes on for Tom.
"Are you afraid you might have what Riley has? Are you afraid you might get pulled from football?"
"Well, yeah. Mom threatened to take me to the doctor."
I said "That was for the viral rash that you have." Riley's rash is now on Trevor. The doctor looked at it on Riley and said it just needed to run its course. I am just letting it run its course now on Trevor, but its pretty extensive, a bigger rash than Riley had, full torso. A rash on Riley is what alerted the doctors in February to his condition. Raising children is sometimes just one doctor's visit after another, even for the healthy ones. Trevor has always been the one that had the weird things happen, until Riley got sick.
I had not realised how effected Trevor was by Riley's illness. All we wanted to know really was that someone claim the bloody nose. That no one, especially Riley, had tried to hide it from us. When no one would claim the blood, then it became an issue. To find out Trevor was afraid we would pull him from football if he had blood, am I getting that paranoid? Is that the impression the boys are getting from me? Trevor wouldn't tell his father either so that makes me feel a little better.
But to think that denial makes an illness go away is bad. If Trevor ever does get sick, he needs to be able to deal with it. Not pretend it doesn't exist and it will just go away. I can see future conversations ahead with that boy. A bloody nose is just a bloody nose. No big deal. Thank goodness he is such a slob to leave his bloody tissues lying around. We caught this issue and can deal with it. I would hate for Trevor to try and hide a broken rib or something else serious.
Tom was concerned about the lying. When I said it had to be Trevor's blood, Tom said he thought about what would make Trevor deny it was his. It was a guy thing. He realized that Trevor is really loving football and that under the circumstances Trevor might have a fear that he might be sick also or that we would pull him for a bloody nose. It was right after football season or perhaps during the season that Riley caught whatever virus that made him sick. Its been a topic of conversation, as you can imagine, what made Riley sick.
I do try to take precautions with Riley. Today unloading the dishwasher, which is Riley's chore, Riley found a broken wine glass. He called me to come clean up the glass. I just figure why take the chance on his cutting himself on broken glass. You have to reach in and fish around for the pieces. If anyone is going to get cut, I would rather it be me and not Riley. He still has to unload all the other pieces, which he does without complaint. I admit to insulating him a bit. It is one of the reasons we are considering BMT, so we can stop being careful all the time. Riley may look normal. As Tom said in our discussion last night, Riley is 20 times better. But he is still 4 times less than where he needs to be.
I had just not realized the backlash that was occurring with Trevor. I thought we were doing so well with normality, only to find Trevor is paranoid in the other direction. He is afraid to admit to illness in case he becomes a shut in also.
Riley is quite content with his life. He has his computer and geeky computer friends. They can play Spore for hours, lined up in a row on the bed, comparing aliens. Their computer screens reflecting on their faces. If you ask if he is depressed, he whines "Why does everyone think I am depressed? I am not depressed!!"
Trevor came downstairs this weekend with a couple of his playmates. They ask if I can tell the children who are still upstairs, including Riley, to play outside. He asks me to shut down the computer games for a while. There lies the difference. Trevor wants to run around and play, ride bikes and use squirt guns. Riley has always been more of a book worm.
I can't wait for the boys to start school and I start my new job. I think we all need a change of environment. A step back from all this worry, a distraction. Trevor was so afraid we would deny him football, he would not fess up to a bloody nose. Thank goodness Tom understands how the male mind works better than me.
Riley walks in. He says it isn't his. Trevor says it isn't his. Tom and I look at each other. No one is claiming a bloody nose? Since it was also in the toilet I look at Trevor and ask again, in case he was injured during football practice, blood in the urine and all that. I say no one is in trouble. We just need to know where it came from. Still denials all around. I wonder if it could be a friend's. No, I kind of think it is Trevor's. He had been using our bathroom after football both the toilet and the bath. But why would he not want to say it was his bloody tissue? It's no big deal.
Tom gets on the boys about lying to us. The boys leave the room. I clean up the bloody tissue still curious as to its owner, suspecting Trevor. Trevor has headed down stairs to finish up his math for the tutor that is coming in the morning. I join him at the dining room table and ask again if it was his bloody nose. He says maybe, he isn't sure. He may have wiped his nose and not noticed. What? Maybe? I let it go and headed back upstairs to Tom.
I tell him I suspect the blood is Trevor's. It was fresh and he was the last to use our bathroom. He had been in the bathroom for an hour. Toms mind begins to churn. Why would Trevor feel the need to lie about the blood? When Trevor comes back upstairs, Tom asks him why he lied. Trevor vacillates. It may be his blood, he is not sure. I say again its not a big deal I just need to know where it came from. Was he injured in football? Was it from his nose or his bowels. A mom always worries about the worst, especially in this house hold at this time.
Tom tells Trevor the worst thing he can be is a liar and its a really bad thing that we don't believe him. I tell Trevor I was not mad at him about the bike being stolen, why would he not want to tell us about the blood. The light bulb goes on for Tom.
"Are you afraid you might have what Riley has? Are you afraid you might get pulled from football?"
"Well, yeah. Mom threatened to take me to the doctor."
I said "That was for the viral rash that you have." Riley's rash is now on Trevor. The doctor looked at it on Riley and said it just needed to run its course. I am just letting it run its course now on Trevor, but its pretty extensive, a bigger rash than Riley had, full torso. A rash on Riley is what alerted the doctors in February to his condition. Raising children is sometimes just one doctor's visit after another, even for the healthy ones. Trevor has always been the one that had the weird things happen, until Riley got sick.
I had not realised how effected Trevor was by Riley's illness. All we wanted to know really was that someone claim the bloody nose. That no one, especially Riley, had tried to hide it from us. When no one would claim the blood, then it became an issue. To find out Trevor was afraid we would pull him from football if he had blood, am I getting that paranoid? Is that the impression the boys are getting from me? Trevor wouldn't tell his father either so that makes me feel a little better.
But to think that denial makes an illness go away is bad. If Trevor ever does get sick, he needs to be able to deal with it. Not pretend it doesn't exist and it will just go away. I can see future conversations ahead with that boy. A bloody nose is just a bloody nose. No big deal. Thank goodness he is such a slob to leave his bloody tissues lying around. We caught this issue and can deal with it. I would hate for Trevor to try and hide a broken rib or something else serious.
Tom was concerned about the lying. When I said it had to be Trevor's blood, Tom said he thought about what would make Trevor deny it was his. It was a guy thing. He realized that Trevor is really loving football and that under the circumstances Trevor might have a fear that he might be sick also or that we would pull him for a bloody nose. It was right after football season or perhaps during the season that Riley caught whatever virus that made him sick. Its been a topic of conversation, as you can imagine, what made Riley sick.
I do try to take precautions with Riley. Today unloading the dishwasher, which is Riley's chore, Riley found a broken wine glass. He called me to come clean up the glass. I just figure why take the chance on his cutting himself on broken glass. You have to reach in and fish around for the pieces. If anyone is going to get cut, I would rather it be me and not Riley. He still has to unload all the other pieces, which he does without complaint. I admit to insulating him a bit. It is one of the reasons we are considering BMT, so we can stop being careful all the time. Riley may look normal. As Tom said in our discussion last night, Riley is 20 times better. But he is still 4 times less than where he needs to be.
I had just not realized the backlash that was occurring with Trevor. I thought we were doing so well with normality, only to find Trevor is paranoid in the other direction. He is afraid to admit to illness in case he becomes a shut in also.
Riley is quite content with his life. He has his computer and geeky computer friends. They can play Spore for hours, lined up in a row on the bed, comparing aliens. Their computer screens reflecting on their faces. If you ask if he is depressed, he whines "Why does everyone think I am depressed? I am not depressed!!"
Trevor came downstairs this weekend with a couple of his playmates. They ask if I can tell the children who are still upstairs, including Riley, to play outside. He asks me to shut down the computer games for a while. There lies the difference. Trevor wants to run around and play, ride bikes and use squirt guns. Riley has always been more of a book worm.
I can't wait for the boys to start school and I start my new job. I think we all need a change of environment. A step back from all this worry, a distraction. Trevor was so afraid we would deny him football, he would not fess up to a bloody nose. Thank goodness Tom understands how the male mind works better than me.
Sunday, August 8, 2010
Dang
It seems as if Trevor has a big bulls eye on his back. Target written across his forehead. I sent him to the store to buy oil for the new lawn mower. I told Tom I wasn't sure if Trevor could handle the errand, if he would come back with the right stuff. Tom said its not that difficult to find lawn mower oil. I sent him with the spare cell just in case.
I got a call. My bike that he used to get to the store is no longer where he left it. It was stolen from out front. He had left it unlocked. There were several other unlocked bikes, but it was mine that was taken. It was nicer than the rest. I told Trevor to report it to security and walk home. I got in my car and drove around the area and through the apartment complexes to see if I could spot it. It has a white wire basket on the front. You would think that who ever took it would be discouraged by the girly basket. They probably ditched the basket, but it was attached with a solid chain to the handle bars, so it wouldn't fly off the bike when I had it on the rack driving.
My hope is that they needed a quick ride to another destination then ditched the bike at that end and it will reappear. I filed a police report in case they stumble over it. The basket does make it distinctive from the bikes you see around town. Its a Timberline GT from GI Joes (It has a sticker on it near the bottom post) with a tan front and mostly dark grey frame. It also has the wider girl's seat with a tear in it. It is a match to Riley's so I was able to give a very accurate description to the police. You never know, they could find it abandoned somewhere.
I just feel that Trevor gets more than his fair share of ill will. At school he lost his lanyard twice. Once it was literally ripped from his neck. The boy took off running and hid in one of the classrooms around a corner. Trevor could not identify him, it happened too suddenly. He didn't even try to chase the child down. Another time his card was recovered in the garbage by staff, when he left it at his lunch table. It had been mangled on purpose. He had a really nice calculator last year that came home crushed from being stomped on. You could see the shoe print in the plastic. I am tempted to hold him back from high school one year. He will be eaten alive standing still.
Riley never had these difficulties. He kept track of his stuff. He didn't let people take advantage of him. You never wanted to make him mad. His expression when angry would turn you to stone, if it didn't make you laugh. He would defend himself and his territory. On the other hand he is not generous the way Trevor is with his good works and deeds.
Trevor would offer to help someone if he saw the need. Riley would be oblivious that someone even needed help. He might even try to hide out rather than help out.
The other day my neighbor was clearing out his garage. His wife offered a huge cabinet they were ditching. It was perfect for the boys' toys, if I could get it up to the playroom. The thing was seven feet tall and two feet wide. It was awkward and weighed more than I could manage alone. Trevor came out to help me move it. We used the dolly to get it in to the house and up the stairs. It was sweaty work.
Trevor took the bottom of the dolly when we reached the stairs. I took the top. I was pinned by its height. I would call " lift" and we would raise one strep at a time. Towards the top we realized the cabinet would not make the corner on its side. It was too long. I was afraid if we tipped it up we would lose control. Trevor would be crushed under the weight and fall down the stairs. I called in Riley to help at my end. We lifted and turned carefully. Trying to hang on so the monster didn't slide back down the stairs where Trevor had the bottom end on the dolly wheels. If the wheels slipped off the stair Trevor could lose his balance. We couldn't go back down and it was a nightmare making the turn. But together as a team we survived and the boys now have a spot to contain their messes. I am putting more shelves in for organizing games.
My neighbor was right, it is not an attractive cabinet. But it is so useful and practical. I may just put a new handle on it to dress it up a bit and it should be just fine. The only way I am getting it out of that room is in pieces anyway. I am not moving it again. I could not have gotten it up the stairs at all without Trevor.
Trevor hadn't locked the bike at the store. He forgets the combination. I let our guard down and had stopped worrying about theft and not pushed him to be safer. Hard lesson learned. I usually detach the front tire or bring the bike into the store or use the chain making it look like the bike is locked even if the lock is not closed. Trevor probably just parked and walked in to the store with out pretence. Any one watching would have seen he did not make any effort to lock the bike. I can't be mad at him for his having faith in the goodness of others.
I found out the cameras outside face the employee parking areas not the public areas outside the building. The doors inside are covered with cameras, but not outside. Who ever took the bike got away with it with impunity. Without a subpoena you can't even see the security photos. Which is one of the reasons why I did file a police report.
I miss the era of unlocked doors and assisting your neighbors. In our little area we know our neighbors. I have driven the teenager who missed the bus to school. My neighbors have done the same for my boys. We have babysat when needed and watched each others homes when on vacation. I just forgot the rest of the world doesn't live with the same integrity, especially when people are out of work and desperate.
Tom kept his door unlocked in Eugene when he was gone at work. He said that was because if someone wanted to break in they would easily succeed. It was more costly to replace the front door than to just leave it unlocked. We really didn't have anything back then worth stealing.
We were burglarized in the country when we lived in La Center. Someone broke into our garage and took our fun tools; chain saw, circular saw and all sorts of other tools we had. $2500 worth of tools went missing. It was one of the reasons I was willing to give up that little piece of paradise and move into town.
Now we have a steel door. I have given the boys keys. We had a reminder today and will try be more vigilant as to what the rest of the world is doing.
I got a call. My bike that he used to get to the store is no longer where he left it. It was stolen from out front. He had left it unlocked. There were several other unlocked bikes, but it was mine that was taken. It was nicer than the rest. I told Trevor to report it to security and walk home. I got in my car and drove around the area and through the apartment complexes to see if I could spot it. It has a white wire basket on the front. You would think that who ever took it would be discouraged by the girly basket. They probably ditched the basket, but it was attached with a solid chain to the handle bars, so it wouldn't fly off the bike when I had it on the rack driving.
My hope is that they needed a quick ride to another destination then ditched the bike at that end and it will reappear. I filed a police report in case they stumble over it. The basket does make it distinctive from the bikes you see around town. Its a Timberline GT from GI Joes (It has a sticker on it near the bottom post) with a tan front and mostly dark grey frame. It also has the wider girl's seat with a tear in it. It is a match to Riley's so I was able to give a very accurate description to the police. You never know, they could find it abandoned somewhere.
I just feel that Trevor gets more than his fair share of ill will. At school he lost his lanyard twice. Once it was literally ripped from his neck. The boy took off running and hid in one of the classrooms around a corner. Trevor could not identify him, it happened too suddenly. He didn't even try to chase the child down. Another time his card was recovered in the garbage by staff, when he left it at his lunch table. It had been mangled on purpose. He had a really nice calculator last year that came home crushed from being stomped on. You could see the shoe print in the plastic. I am tempted to hold him back from high school one year. He will be eaten alive standing still.
Riley never had these difficulties. He kept track of his stuff. He didn't let people take advantage of him. You never wanted to make him mad. His expression when angry would turn you to stone, if it didn't make you laugh. He would defend himself and his territory. On the other hand he is not generous the way Trevor is with his good works and deeds.
Trevor would offer to help someone if he saw the need. Riley would be oblivious that someone even needed help. He might even try to hide out rather than help out.
The other day my neighbor was clearing out his garage. His wife offered a huge cabinet they were ditching. It was perfect for the boys' toys, if I could get it up to the playroom. The thing was seven feet tall and two feet wide. It was awkward and weighed more than I could manage alone. Trevor came out to help me move it. We used the dolly to get it in to the house and up the stairs. It was sweaty work.
Trevor took the bottom of the dolly when we reached the stairs. I took the top. I was pinned by its height. I would call " lift" and we would raise one strep at a time. Towards the top we realized the cabinet would not make the corner on its side. It was too long. I was afraid if we tipped it up we would lose control. Trevor would be crushed under the weight and fall down the stairs. I called in Riley to help at my end. We lifted and turned carefully. Trying to hang on so the monster didn't slide back down the stairs where Trevor had the bottom end on the dolly wheels. If the wheels slipped off the stair Trevor could lose his balance. We couldn't go back down and it was a nightmare making the turn. But together as a team we survived and the boys now have a spot to contain their messes. I am putting more shelves in for organizing games.
My neighbor was right, it is not an attractive cabinet. But it is so useful and practical. I may just put a new handle on it to dress it up a bit and it should be just fine. The only way I am getting it out of that room is in pieces anyway. I am not moving it again. I could not have gotten it up the stairs at all without Trevor.
Trevor hadn't locked the bike at the store. He forgets the combination. I let our guard down and had stopped worrying about theft and not pushed him to be safer. Hard lesson learned. I usually detach the front tire or bring the bike into the store or use the chain making it look like the bike is locked even if the lock is not closed. Trevor probably just parked and walked in to the store with out pretence. Any one watching would have seen he did not make any effort to lock the bike. I can't be mad at him for his having faith in the goodness of others.
I found out the cameras outside face the employee parking areas not the public areas outside the building. The doors inside are covered with cameras, but not outside. Who ever took the bike got away with it with impunity. Without a subpoena you can't even see the security photos. Which is one of the reasons why I did file a police report.
I miss the era of unlocked doors and assisting your neighbors. In our little area we know our neighbors. I have driven the teenager who missed the bus to school. My neighbors have done the same for my boys. We have babysat when needed and watched each others homes when on vacation. I just forgot the rest of the world doesn't live with the same integrity, especially when people are out of work and desperate.
Tom kept his door unlocked in Eugene when he was gone at work. He said that was because if someone wanted to break in they would easily succeed. It was more costly to replace the front door than to just leave it unlocked. We really didn't have anything back then worth stealing.
We were burglarized in the country when we lived in La Center. Someone broke into our garage and took our fun tools; chain saw, circular saw and all sorts of other tools we had. $2500 worth of tools went missing. It was one of the reasons I was willing to give up that little piece of paradise and move into town.
Now we have a steel door. I have given the boys keys. We had a reminder today and will try be more vigilant as to what the rest of the world is doing.
Saturday, August 7, 2010
Date weekend
I hired a high school student who had a car to watch the boys when we did our overnight date for Tom's birthday. She babysits my neighbor's elementary school children. I told Tom who was watching the boys. His response was to note that the boys are teen agers themselves. Riley is almost 15. I had hired a cute young girl barely older than my own children to watch my pubescent boys. He even joked that Riley could play the "I'm sick and dieing card", and see if she was a soft touch. I called her back and told her we had decided the boys were old enough to be left alone.
I just have this vision in my head of the boys as babies still. It is hard to see them as teen agers able to be responsible. Riley will be learning to drive in 3 months. We have the extra car just for that purpose. The boys couldn't wait for us to go out the door so they could play games on the computers and watch movies.
Tom called them down to the kitchen and gave them a lecture on no friends over, no inappropriate activities, no porn sights (I had to tell Trevor what a porn sight was). Not staying up all night, though I think they did anyway. Trevor was in our bed still sleeping when we got home at noon.
We had received a gift certificate at Christmas for a night at the De Luxe hotel in downtown Portland. Its the remodeled Mallory, done in vintage black and white 1940s movie style. I loved it. I conned Riley with $10 to go to the thrift store with me so I could find an appropriate dress for the evening. Riley has good tastes and wont let me get something I shouldn't wear.
He shakes his head at one dress, then pulls another from the hanger and says try this one. I get the key from the front clerk and go try it on in the dingy dressing room. It is long, dark silver with long stemmed black flowers and a deep swooping back that prevents me from wearing a bra. Very dramatic and vintage looking. Riley was right. I look fantastic in it. I worry its a bit much, but I love dressing up. The dress is only $20. If I wear it only this once it is still worth it.
Tom has asked for an electric fly swatter for his present. He has wanted one for ages, but I hadn't been able to find one. Stores don't carry them at Christmas time when I remember to look. Wilco has one left on the shelf. Not cheap, but it is exactly what Tom has been asking for.
He also wanted a new, not used, lawn mower. He does not like the push mower as much as I do. the fringe doesn't get cut well. You have to do it more often. The end result is not as polished. He likes a tight cut, golf course quality . Monday I had gone out and bought a new lawn mower. Forgetting entirely that I had a bike on the back of the car. I had to unload the bike and take the rack off before I could load the lawn mower, then put the rack back on with the bike, before I could drive the lawn mower home in the car. I was sweating with exertion and hadn't even mowed the lawn yet with it.
I hid the mower under a paint cloth in the garage. Bringing it out with a big bow on it for Tom to find on the front porch when he came home from work.
He was content. He had received the two things he had been wanting for a while. He also liked my new dress, and did not feel it was over the top. He didn't want to wear a full suit so he chose a sport coat in order to not be under dressed with me.
I had a pair of pointy shoes that hurt my feet but matched the dress. I have made that mistake before. We always end up walking some distance. To be on the safe side I changed out into a more practical and comfortable pair. I am so glad I did because we did end up walking and bar hopping the park blocks.
The restaurant in our hotel was booked for a private party and unavailable. The bar was so dark Tom and I with our aging eyes couldn't see to read the menu. Tom did say he probably looked younger in the darkness. We had happy hour cocktails then had the concierge book us at Jakes and call us a cab.
Jakes turned out to be only a few blocks away. The bar was full so we went ahead and got our table even though we were early for our reservations. More cocktails and a bottle of wine, crab bisque for starters, Tom orders the Filet and I order the stuffed salmon. The salmon was mouth watering, moist and perfectly cooked. I cleaned my plate. It was only 6:30 by the time we finished dinner. Tom commented that he was ready for bed and couldn't believe it wasn't later.
Tom suggests we walk down to the theaters and see what was playing. Nothing really grabs us so we walk on to the Heathman for after dinner drinks. I ordered a Baileys on the rocks and coffee. They had outside tables available. We watched the people go by on the sidewalk. It was completely a stress free evening. We had one more cocktail once we got back in that dark bar at the De luxe hotel. I had the Elizabeth Taylor which was a delightful champagne cocktail, not too sweet.
We head up to our room and are in bed by 11:00pm. The room is not big. A king size bed takes up most of the space. There is just enough space for bed side tables and the ability to walk around the bed comfortably. The 10 foot ceilings with molding help give the room a larger feeling. The small bathroom has white subway tiles on the walls and marble floors. The tub is a deep cast iron soaking tub, which I take advantage of in the morning. I love the vintage feel of the space. If I was to do a bathroom from scratch, it is very close to what I would like to choose. Tom might want something more modern, but I love the flavor of the space, and that tub was wonderful, deeper than my own soaking tub that the boys love so much.
I enjoyed Tom's birthday as much as I think he enjoyed it. It is nice to know we can still go out and spend hours together and come up with things to talk about and enjoy each others company as much as we did when we first were married. The one topic I made Tom steer clear of was what we would be deciding in September. The night was an escape for me and I did not want to spoil it with a discussion or disagreement on such a difficult issue. Why ruin the evening with something so disagreeable. It would still be there to discuss all month long, just not this night.
I just have this vision in my head of the boys as babies still. It is hard to see them as teen agers able to be responsible. Riley will be learning to drive in 3 months. We have the extra car just for that purpose. The boys couldn't wait for us to go out the door so they could play games on the computers and watch movies.
Tom called them down to the kitchen and gave them a lecture on no friends over, no inappropriate activities, no porn sights (I had to tell Trevor what a porn sight was). Not staying up all night, though I think they did anyway. Trevor was in our bed still sleeping when we got home at noon.
We had received a gift certificate at Christmas for a night at the De Luxe hotel in downtown Portland. Its the remodeled Mallory, done in vintage black and white 1940s movie style. I loved it. I conned Riley with $10 to go to the thrift store with me so I could find an appropriate dress for the evening. Riley has good tastes and wont let me get something I shouldn't wear.
He shakes his head at one dress, then pulls another from the hanger and says try this one. I get the key from the front clerk and go try it on in the dingy dressing room. It is long, dark silver with long stemmed black flowers and a deep swooping back that prevents me from wearing a bra. Very dramatic and vintage looking. Riley was right. I look fantastic in it. I worry its a bit much, but I love dressing up. The dress is only $20. If I wear it only this once it is still worth it.
Tom has asked for an electric fly swatter for his present. He has wanted one for ages, but I hadn't been able to find one. Stores don't carry them at Christmas time when I remember to look. Wilco has one left on the shelf. Not cheap, but it is exactly what Tom has been asking for.
He also wanted a new, not used, lawn mower. He does not like the push mower as much as I do. the fringe doesn't get cut well. You have to do it more often. The end result is not as polished. He likes a tight cut, golf course quality . Monday I had gone out and bought a new lawn mower. Forgetting entirely that I had a bike on the back of the car. I had to unload the bike and take the rack off before I could load the lawn mower, then put the rack back on with the bike, before I could drive the lawn mower home in the car. I was sweating with exertion and hadn't even mowed the lawn yet with it.
I hid the mower under a paint cloth in the garage. Bringing it out with a big bow on it for Tom to find on the front porch when he came home from work.
He was content. He had received the two things he had been wanting for a while. He also liked my new dress, and did not feel it was over the top. He didn't want to wear a full suit so he chose a sport coat in order to not be under dressed with me.
I had a pair of pointy shoes that hurt my feet but matched the dress. I have made that mistake before. We always end up walking some distance. To be on the safe side I changed out into a more practical and comfortable pair. I am so glad I did because we did end up walking and bar hopping the park blocks.
The restaurant in our hotel was booked for a private party and unavailable. The bar was so dark Tom and I with our aging eyes couldn't see to read the menu. Tom did say he probably looked younger in the darkness. We had happy hour cocktails then had the concierge book us at Jakes and call us a cab.
Jakes turned out to be only a few blocks away. The bar was full so we went ahead and got our table even though we were early for our reservations. More cocktails and a bottle of wine, crab bisque for starters, Tom orders the Filet and I order the stuffed salmon. The salmon was mouth watering, moist and perfectly cooked. I cleaned my plate. It was only 6:30 by the time we finished dinner. Tom commented that he was ready for bed and couldn't believe it wasn't later.
Tom suggests we walk down to the theaters and see what was playing. Nothing really grabs us so we walk on to the Heathman for after dinner drinks. I ordered a Baileys on the rocks and coffee. They had outside tables available. We watched the people go by on the sidewalk. It was completely a stress free evening. We had one more cocktail once we got back in that dark bar at the De luxe hotel. I had the Elizabeth Taylor which was a delightful champagne cocktail, not too sweet.
We head up to our room and are in bed by 11:00pm. The room is not big. A king size bed takes up most of the space. There is just enough space for bed side tables and the ability to walk around the bed comfortably. The 10 foot ceilings with molding help give the room a larger feeling. The small bathroom has white subway tiles on the walls and marble floors. The tub is a deep cast iron soaking tub, which I take advantage of in the morning. I love the vintage feel of the space. If I was to do a bathroom from scratch, it is very close to what I would like to choose. Tom might want something more modern, but I love the flavor of the space, and that tub was wonderful, deeper than my own soaking tub that the boys love so much.
I enjoyed Tom's birthday as much as I think he enjoyed it. It is nice to know we can still go out and spend hours together and come up with things to talk about and enjoy each others company as much as we did when we first were married. The one topic I made Tom steer clear of was what we would be deciding in September. The night was an escape for me and I did not want to spoil it with a discussion or disagreement on such a difficult issue. Why ruin the evening with something so disagreeable. It would still be there to discuss all month long, just not this night.
Tuesday, August 3, 2010
weekend July 31
Football gear hand outs. I went and helped 10:00 to 12:30. Its fun to see how big the kids have grown. I did weigh in scale. The boys hold their pants and pads while I find out how much they weigh, if they are over or under their weight limit for their age group. That way when it is time to break up into teams the coaches have an idea of who can be a ball carrier and who needs to be a line man.
Trevor came with me. He needed pants. They hadn't had the xxl he needed at the earlier gear hand outs. After being fitted though, he took money from my wallet and walked over to Fred Meyer for the new Spore game for PC and walked home. Its nice to live in a small enough town where your child can get around on his own without whining about needing a ride.
I talked to another mom who has also had a bad year with the death of a grand parent from a fall, a sister from an aneurysm, and an Uncle from MS. She is also getting laid off this month from cut backs at work. They were able to donate organs from her sister, but it is a small consolation. It reminds me that we are not alone in our struggles. Some people have it even worse than we do. I am blessed in so many ways with my family and financial stability. Honestly my family adds interest to my life. What a dull place it would be without the turmoil.
I checked on my sister and found her child free for the weekend. She was working on clearing out the garage of some of her fiance's stored items. It was the easy stuff to tackle. I brought KFC and kept her company. She had some yard work that had been neglected. She is hiring someone to come clean up the yard. I don't know why she doesn't just host a clean up party. There are plenty of friends that would help free of charge. But I guess she just wants to have it done. Me, I would have a work party with a cooler of beer and pop and water and a BBQ when we were done. It would be cheaper than this landscaper she has hired. BYO Tools.
When Riley was first diagnosed, I was amazed at the friends that just showed up and got things done. My yard was magically mowed. My house was cleaner than I ever kept it. I still get teary when I think of that outpouring of love. It got me through a very rough time.
A few friends could knock out the work in a couple of hours or less. She wants her front yard weeded and the plants trimmed down. The bushes have that neglected granny yard look to them. Its been years probably since they saw some attention and love. She is having bark spread in areas also. In the back yard she is having the bank above her patio weeded and barked. Some trees needed to be trimmed back and off the roof. What I found while I was puttering was most of it was stuff I could have done for her if she had just let me know. I needed a saw for the branches on the roof but they were very reachable. Had I brought a saw with me the work would be done already.
The thing she didn't ask for and does need is to have her gutters cleaned. With all the trees around her property, I could see sprouts beginning in the gutters. The one I reached was over flowing with debris. Given another opportunity I could probably get that done, at least get her set up for another year. I told her since she was hiring the landscaper and crew, have them do her gutters. She had a plumber come for a stain in her ceiling and he told her it was most likely a backed up gutter.
Another friend of mine lost her husband over a year ago. She told me she went on a spending spree in her grief to make herself feel better. She ordered and canceled granite counter tops. She ordered and canceled a new car. She almost bought a $3000 dining room set. Luckily she didn't go through with these purchases she could ill afford. She did end up with the cutest little power boat off of Craig's list. The jury is still out whether it was a good purchase or more trouble than its worth. Its a blast when the motor works but it has already been in the repair shop and can be fussy to start. Luckily she is something of a handy woman herself and a fast learner.
I was listening to NPR while driving in the car. Shopping is a great depression lifter. One thing I learned is to go to a thrift store rather than a high end expensive store. That way if you end up buying something, it probably wont break the bank. I bought a bunch of clothes after Tom Sr died. Half of them I ended up redonating later, but I had spent $35 total. Any one of the items would have cost that much alone at a regular store.
I do get the need to get your affairs in order, to control your exterior life since you can't control your interior feelings. I would rather do the physical work myself. A good day of digging in the yard helps me sleep soundly. My tomatoes are looking great and my fruit trees are heavy with this year's crop. I have debated doing the fruit trees as espaliers but I like the way they mask the fence as full trees.
I brought my sister back to my house for a night of big screen TV and company. I went to bed while Tom and She stayed up watching a scary movie. In the morning we went to the nail salon for pedicures. I thought a little pampering would cheer her up.
I drove her home after noon on my way to take Trevor to a birthday party in Longview. That drive wears me out. I do not enjoy driving. Tom finds it a good way to unwind, but I am exhausted and go to bed soon after we get home.
Monday, I snuck off again for a long bike ride with my biker girl friend. We met in Sellwood and wandered through the neighborhoods looking at the old houses. It was encouraging to see some remodels in progress. We rode out towards Gresham and then back. We split a Santa Fe omelet between us and had strong coffee. We talked for over an hour and then head home to our respective families.
I stopped to drop off 6 rolls of film to be developed. I am still old school with disposable cameras. They pile up for a while before I get them in, then I get surprised by what is on the rolls. I will pick them up tomorrow. It was a one hour photo but that was per roll I found out. Having six would take much longer. I shopped for Tom's gift while I was at the mall. Since he reads this, I'll let you know what I got him after Friday. August 6, the day we dropped the bomb on Hiroshima, is Tom's birthday.
We have some great plans for a romantic evening downtown. Tom doesn't like a big party anymore. We used to host great BBQ's with lots of people. Now he likes the day to just slip by. He is looking forward to dinner out date night, just us.
I thought I might invite my sisters for a drink when we were downtown, but Tom vetoed the idea. He wanted just us. We are having my sisters over tomorrow for a BBQ. Jen is in town from NY, seeing her mom.
Trevor was missing an assignment today with the tutor. She is worth every penny. Last week he was ready. This week, he slipped. We are working on his organization skills. We will add weeks of tutoring as needed. He says he will get up early tomorrow and study. He is assigned homework every time to help him learn to be organized and get work done.
Riley sat in at the end for the geography segment. The tutor wanted to add distraction then teach Trevor how to stay on task. The boys enjoyed the time. Riley loves to learn and be challenged. he was torn whether to be sad or happy over not having his own tutoring sessions.
We got the school packets. I need to get on line and pre pay. If you pre pay there is a fast check in line at school. It takes just a few minutes compared to over an hour waiting in different lines.
I also want to see the high school web sight. I think Riley is calmer than I am about starting high school.
Trevor came with me. He needed pants. They hadn't had the xxl he needed at the earlier gear hand outs. After being fitted though, he took money from my wallet and walked over to Fred Meyer for the new Spore game for PC and walked home. Its nice to live in a small enough town where your child can get around on his own without whining about needing a ride.
I talked to another mom who has also had a bad year with the death of a grand parent from a fall, a sister from an aneurysm, and an Uncle from MS. She is also getting laid off this month from cut backs at work. They were able to donate organs from her sister, but it is a small consolation. It reminds me that we are not alone in our struggles. Some people have it even worse than we do. I am blessed in so many ways with my family and financial stability. Honestly my family adds interest to my life. What a dull place it would be without the turmoil.
I checked on my sister and found her child free for the weekend. She was working on clearing out the garage of some of her fiance's stored items. It was the easy stuff to tackle. I brought KFC and kept her company. She had some yard work that had been neglected. She is hiring someone to come clean up the yard. I don't know why she doesn't just host a clean up party. There are plenty of friends that would help free of charge. But I guess she just wants to have it done. Me, I would have a work party with a cooler of beer and pop and water and a BBQ when we were done. It would be cheaper than this landscaper she has hired. BYO Tools.
When Riley was first diagnosed, I was amazed at the friends that just showed up and got things done. My yard was magically mowed. My house was cleaner than I ever kept it. I still get teary when I think of that outpouring of love. It got me through a very rough time.
A few friends could knock out the work in a couple of hours or less. She wants her front yard weeded and the plants trimmed down. The bushes have that neglected granny yard look to them. Its been years probably since they saw some attention and love. She is having bark spread in areas also. In the back yard she is having the bank above her patio weeded and barked. Some trees needed to be trimmed back and off the roof. What I found while I was puttering was most of it was stuff I could have done for her if she had just let me know. I needed a saw for the branches on the roof but they were very reachable. Had I brought a saw with me the work would be done already.
The thing she didn't ask for and does need is to have her gutters cleaned. With all the trees around her property, I could see sprouts beginning in the gutters. The one I reached was over flowing with debris. Given another opportunity I could probably get that done, at least get her set up for another year. I told her since she was hiring the landscaper and crew, have them do her gutters. She had a plumber come for a stain in her ceiling and he told her it was most likely a backed up gutter.
Another friend of mine lost her husband over a year ago. She told me she went on a spending spree in her grief to make herself feel better. She ordered and canceled granite counter tops. She ordered and canceled a new car. She almost bought a $3000 dining room set. Luckily she didn't go through with these purchases she could ill afford. She did end up with the cutest little power boat off of Craig's list. The jury is still out whether it was a good purchase or more trouble than its worth. Its a blast when the motor works but it has already been in the repair shop and can be fussy to start. Luckily she is something of a handy woman herself and a fast learner.
I was listening to NPR while driving in the car. Shopping is a great depression lifter. One thing I learned is to go to a thrift store rather than a high end expensive store. That way if you end up buying something, it probably wont break the bank. I bought a bunch of clothes after Tom Sr died. Half of them I ended up redonating later, but I had spent $35 total. Any one of the items would have cost that much alone at a regular store.
I do get the need to get your affairs in order, to control your exterior life since you can't control your interior feelings. I would rather do the physical work myself. A good day of digging in the yard helps me sleep soundly. My tomatoes are looking great and my fruit trees are heavy with this year's crop. I have debated doing the fruit trees as espaliers but I like the way they mask the fence as full trees.
I brought my sister back to my house for a night of big screen TV and company. I went to bed while Tom and She stayed up watching a scary movie. In the morning we went to the nail salon for pedicures. I thought a little pampering would cheer her up.
I drove her home after noon on my way to take Trevor to a birthday party in Longview. That drive wears me out. I do not enjoy driving. Tom finds it a good way to unwind, but I am exhausted and go to bed soon after we get home.
Monday, I snuck off again for a long bike ride with my biker girl friend. We met in Sellwood and wandered through the neighborhoods looking at the old houses. It was encouraging to see some remodels in progress. We rode out towards Gresham and then back. We split a Santa Fe omelet between us and had strong coffee. We talked for over an hour and then head home to our respective families.
I stopped to drop off 6 rolls of film to be developed. I am still old school with disposable cameras. They pile up for a while before I get them in, then I get surprised by what is on the rolls. I will pick them up tomorrow. It was a one hour photo but that was per roll I found out. Having six would take much longer. I shopped for Tom's gift while I was at the mall. Since he reads this, I'll let you know what I got him after Friday. August 6, the day we dropped the bomb on Hiroshima, is Tom's birthday.
We have some great plans for a romantic evening downtown. Tom doesn't like a big party anymore. We used to host great BBQ's with lots of people. Now he likes the day to just slip by. He is looking forward to dinner out date night, just us.
I thought I might invite my sisters for a drink when we were downtown, but Tom vetoed the idea. He wanted just us. We are having my sisters over tomorrow for a BBQ. Jen is in town from NY, seeing her mom.
Trevor was missing an assignment today with the tutor. She is worth every penny. Last week he was ready. This week, he slipped. We are working on his organization skills. We will add weeks of tutoring as needed. He says he will get up early tomorrow and study. He is assigned homework every time to help him learn to be organized and get work done.
Riley sat in at the end for the geography segment. The tutor wanted to add distraction then teach Trevor how to stay on task. The boys enjoyed the time. Riley loves to learn and be challenged. he was torn whether to be sad or happy over not having his own tutoring sessions.
We got the school packets. I need to get on line and pre pay. If you pre pay there is a fast check in line at school. It takes just a few minutes compared to over an hour waiting in different lines.
I also want to see the high school web sight. I think Riley is calmer than I am about starting high school.
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