Camera, where are you?

My camera is sick. She is in the ICU at a camera hospital 3000 miles away. Sniff sniff. Apparently she was born this way. A few burned out pixels isn't a good thing for an otherwise healthy camera. I'm missing taking photos and learning all about how she works. Until she comes home, I thought I'd post some pics that I've taken with her.

Is there anything prettier than a reflection of nature?

THAT'S a foggy day.

As you can tell, I love photos of nature, more than people.

Kinda neato moon and it's reflection.

Proper Guidance?

This is copy/pasted from a CNN conversation about the Oh!0 school tragedy. Aaaaaaaaaand people wonder why people like me are afraid to say too much about our situation.

"The epidemic of labeling kids as ADD, ADHD, depressed, mentally ill, etc, etc... and pushing psychotropic drugs on them... this is killing our kids. Let kids be kids. Use proper guidance and counseling when needed and stop pumping them with toxins and vaccines, then you MIGHT see less of this epidemic among our children and teens."

You have no idea how much I wanted to respond to this comment. I know better though. Clearly this person is ignorant to mental illness, especially in children.

"... use proper guidance and counseling..." I'll get right on that, 'cause you know, sitting around and watching it explode in my face is more productive than guiding and counseling. Thanks for the bright idea and assistance. I freaking love know-it-alls. PLEASE, hear my sarcasm. Thanks.

SAHM vs Working battle?

I realized while I was filling out my district application, that it has been since she was this teeny tiny, that I have been a "working" mom.

I also realized how much it should have pissed me off when someone made the comment, "You don't know what it's like. You've never been a working mom." Since it's been so long, I always took that comment as truth, when it really should have offended me on so many levels. Yes, I do know what it's like to be a working mom. Yes, I know what it's like to leave a child in day care. Yes, I know what it's like to miss milestones while away from my child. Finally, yes, I do know that your choice to work or stay-at-home with your children is not my business. MY decisions are none of yours either. Sooo, I still consider myself a SAHM, I just happen to earn a pay check for doing a job I love (and happened to study for in college).

Love Day

It's winter. It's Valentine's Day. So, why is a picture of a palm tree in today's post? I'm not sure. That's just what happens when I have the chance to take a morning Valentine's Day stroll with a camera. Happy Love Day to you!

Intervention

Ok ok Shannon, I can say something now. Relax. :)

I was called on wednesday by a teacher who I know. She asked me if I'd be interested in doing Kindergarten intervention. OF COURSE!!!! So, it sounds like I'll be working with small groups of kiddos who need extra help with all subject areas, mainly reading and writing. The class sizes are so large, and the needs of some of the kids are so great too, so I'll be the one to step in to assess and work with them.

I am so super excited! I met briefly with three of the teachers today. It makes me even more excited that THEY are excited I am joining the team. Such a great feeling! I meet with them next week to figure out more details.

Off to get ready for my super-duper-mini-getaway tomorrow..... SoCal, here I come!

My Calling?

GOOD NEWS! I got a phone call yesterday afternoon asking me to do

THIS

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AGAIN!

That's right, I get to be in the classroom again. Details are being sorted out. I am super excited! Not substitute teaching, but... well, I'll get back to ya.

Under wraps

I often wonder what direction my blog travels? I'd venture to say that 90 percent of the time is goofy, going-ons, pointless adventures of my family, and things along those lines. 5 percent is a rant of some sort. Sometimes parenting, sometimes political, sometimes something just ticking me off. The remaining 5 percent... hmmmm, I dunno. Perhaps I am bad at math. :)

In reality, life behind our front door is different than the pictures I post. STOP THE PRESSES...

No way, really??? 'Cause nobody does or says things to make life seem more colorful or bright, right? Of course not. WHAT-EV-AHHHH!

Yes, I love my neato new camera. Yes, we have been to Yosemite and Alcatraz. Yes, pneumonia kicked my booty. There's another reality that I somewhat fear bringing to light on this blog. OH GOD, I wish I felt more comfortable. Countless other mom's do it, why can't I? Fear. Rejection. Fear again. Fear of judgement of her, fear of judgement for our family.

She's having a tough time. Let's be honest, I'm SCREAMING out via my blog that tough times suck. It's too bad that this is under wraps. Coming out from under the wrap is my goal. I'm not there yet, but I will be one day... for her sake, and I guess mine too.