My lesson of the week

Scheduling the way I do seems like madness to many.  Why would a sane person schedule so much stuff - even if it IS fun stuff - all the time?  (Of course, my sanity is definitely up for debate, but that's an entirely separate blog.  Let us focus on one thing at a time, shall we?)

On Monday, I learned why I schedule so much...and also remembered that I wasn't always this way.  You see, I started recalling life with only one child - a child who likes time to, as she says, "do nothing" - and the calm peace that often was felt in the house.  My daughter and I would often just stay home and relax in the summer, maybe go to the park for a bit or a walk around the neighborhood.  In many ways, my daughter is a mini-me.  While she loves to check out new things and explore life, there is a part of her that also revels in the idea of lounging around the house and...well, that's it, just lounging around the house, reading a book, watching TV, writing.

My son is a different story.  Sure, sure.  He SAYS he wants to stay home, but his idea of staying home also includes jumping off the couch, running from one end of the house to the other at full speed, shooting a toy rocket until it ends up being broken into three pieces, and screaming when he doesn't get his way.  This frenetic behavior also results in an injury or two: always one with my daughter yelling "ow!" from an accidental scratch, a smack, a kick; sometimes a bump on his own head requiring ice.

Long story short: He needs more activity.

On Monday, he didn't get enough activity and by the end of the day, I was wondering why on this earth did I think staying home was a good idea.  While I did manage to clean the bathroom, clean up the family room, and get a ton of laundry done - all productive accomplishments - by that evening, I had regretted my decision to stay home all day and thought a messy house filled with dirty laundry was a better alternative.  (My husband would disagree, but we aren't talking about him right now! haha)

So, yesterday involved a trip to San Francisco for lunch with my mom, martial arts for my daughter and me (my son got to watch), and picking up his friend.  Today's schedule included a visit to my chiropractor, the pool, and my son's Tiny Tigers martial arts class.

And you know what??!!  I may be freakin' exhausted, but my son was much better today.

But I am exhausted.  Originally, the plan was to go to Discovery Kingdom tomorrow, but honestly, I am not sure I am up for it.  And guess what?  Mini-me says she would forgo it, too; she is also really tired.  HAHA.  Of course, I'm not sure my son would be willing to give up Discovery Kingdom, mind you.

Reflecting back on this, I realize there has to be a happy medium. It's definitely a good thing my son keeps us so active.  I wonder how lazy my daughter and I would get without him around. haha.  However, I don't think being on the "go, go go" on full speed is a healthy way to operate. Something between "doing nothing" and being "full speed ahead" is the new plan.  Clearly, what I need to do is schedule activities at home...thus, it will be more relaxing but still engaging...like this activity we did last summer (photos from July 2009):

We made these "cars" from cardboard boxes.  This summer, I'm thinking it's ROBOT time!  I've been collecting cardboard boxes and toilet paper rolls for a couple weeks.  We'll see what sort of creation we can make!  That activity coupled with reading some books, taking a nap, and enjoying sitting on the deck in the backyard sounds delightful!  Maybe we'll also schedule a visit to the Intel Museum (on a different day); there is a robot there!

Obviously, I have learned that I need to schedule fun things at home alongside trips away from home.  If I don't create more balance, I think I'll be comatose by August.

That's my lesson for the week - a repeat lesson from last summer, for sure, but as the saying goes, "I'm getting up on in years, so my memory ain't what it used to be."  So, if you see me racing from one place to another at full speed, make sure to remind me to slow the heck down!  I mean, it IS summer!  I should be relaxing more!

Scheduling Summer Fun...

I tend to overschedule.  It's just what I do.  Even in the summer - a time for relaxation and rest - I schedule one thing after another.  I am forever making lists and trying to fit everything in and get everything done.

Here's what I mean.  The following is a photocollage of last week:

The past week included a playdate that involved a slip-n-slide and dress up (photo bottom left); a trip to the beach (top right); two appointments; a few hours at the pool (bottom left); volunteering at my son's preschool; the movie Karate Kid (top left); taekwondo classes; martial arts belt promotion (middle); and Father's Day, which included lunch and shopping.

I have no idea why it is I schedule myself this way.  Bad habit, maybe? Actually, today we were supposed to go see Shrek, go to martial arts class, and then pick up a little boy whom my daughter babysits.  However, my son had such a sleepless night last night - which obviously gave me a sleepless night as well - that he'll be desperately needing a nap when the movie was playing.

And you know what that means!?

We aren't going to the movie!  hahaha.  And the little boy my daughter watches isn't needed our help today, so that means we only have one thing on the agenda: martial arts class.

It's nice not to have to go anywhere right now.  Of course, I do have laundry going and am planning to vacuum the house.  Oh, and I have to go grocery shopping and entertain the kids.  Speaking of those kids, my son had a meltdown already this morning; he also shot a toy into my daughter's eye; and my daughter has proceeded to ask me if she can get on the computer (bored, already?).

Gah.  Maybe THAT is why I tend to schedule so many things!  Who wants to go grocery shopping, clean, and deal with whiny kids?

Then again, at the moment, they are playing REALLY nicely - laughing and having a good time.  :)

I feel like a kid in a candy store!

Summer is here: the weather is beautiful; I don't have to work; the kids are home; days are ready to be scheduled with fun and exciting things.  The beach is awaiting our arrival.  Playdates are calling our names. Museums, zoos, and parks are ready for our visit. Crafts and other activities are beckoning.

There is so much I want to do and see.

I have no idea where to start. I feel like a kid in the candy store!

This week, we have so much planned: a playdate, a beach trip, lunch with an old friend, martial arts class, a visit to Nicky's daycare.  This summer, we are planning to go visit my uncle in Fresno, take a trip with friends to the Delta for some RV camping, go to Great America multiple times, drive out and see the dolphins at Discovery Kingdom at least three times, make it to the beach at least a couple times, and enjoy a short family trip somewhere yet undetermined.

I know.  I know.  Summers are also supposed to be for lazy days.  I'm sure we'll have some of those, too...but for now, I am trying to fit it all in.  We'll do as much as we can, but I'm sure there won't be enough days for all we want to do.  There never is. :P

All I have to say is....Just like the kid in the candy store, regardless of whether we get to all of it, I know we'll surely have fun trying!

From Paper Waster to Paper Maker...

In my profession as a university instructor, I am in contact with entirely too much paper waste.  Faculty assign paper after paper, and even in the age of computers, many of us require students to print out the papers to submit them. 

I am guilty of it, too.

At the end of each semester, I am surrounded by graded papers that students do not want returned: stacks and stacks of paper.  Obviously, I recycle the papers - and our county does pick up paper - but I feel like I should be doing more with it.  For years, I just re-purposed them, giving it to my kids for drawing paper, donating it to a preschool for art, and using them as notepaper after cutting them into fourths. 

However, isn't there more I can do with paper?  And what about scraps?  As a scrapbooker, I also am responsible for many scrap pieces too small for re-use.  So...what to do, what to do.

A few weeks ago, I started researching the craft of papermaking.  I recently purchased some papermaking supplies and can't wait to get started.  The papers will have a more textured feel, but they can be used in cardmaking and a whole host of other ways.

It looks like something fun my kids and I can do as a summer activity.  It's a win-win: they'll learn something, protect the environment, and have fun while making a mess.  Who can beat that?

And...it's yet another way for me to reduce my ecological footprint.  Right now, I impact my environment in too many negative ways.  While I've never seen myself as a "tree-hugger" type, I think maybe I should try...because according to this survey, "If everyone lived like you, we would need 3-4 more planet earths for resources."  

Err...really? 3-4 planets? Clearly, just throwing recyclables into the proper container isn't enough.  Thus, my plan to "Be More Green" is to tackle papermaking!   I'll keep you updated once I actually make something with my paper scraps! :)

For those interested in making paper (and helping the environment), here are some links to get you started:

• Paper Making Supplies: http://www.arnoldgrummer.com/product/paperMaking/productDetails.cfm?prod_id=1
• Online Instructions: http://blog.michellekaufmann.com/?p=508
• Alternate Online Instructions: http://www.wipapercouncil.org/makepaper.htm
• Video Demonstration of Papermaking: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=MIF-5ZhxMmA

Past and Present Hopes...

I had hoped that I would be traveling to Greece this year.  This particular hope - or dream - had been on my "list" for a few years.  I figured since this year marks a landmark birthday (The Big FOUR OH for those of you who don't know), it was as good a time as any.

Alas, it isn't in the cards.  With my husband's layoff last year and his current contract job ending in a few months, I have to be realistic.

I shouldn't spend the money on a frivolous trip to Greece - not when we have two kids to feed, a large mortgage, and bills up the wahzoo.  It wouldn't be responsible.

And I'm all about being Ms. Responsible nowadays.  Long gone are the days of dancing on bartops or talking to strangers late at night.  Reality includes a preschooler who broke my Giorgio Armani prescription glasses and a tween who tells me she still doesn't like boys.  (Does this child think I'm stupid?  Um, okay.  And I can still do the splits like I did in high school...not.)

But you know what? 

I wouldn't have it any other way.  Even though I never thought I'd be married with kids, deep down inside, I guess I had always hoped I would end up with a loving husband and two beautiful children....(don't most girls dream of this?)

and I did. So, I guess my most secret hopes became a reality, and if that includes some broken glasses and a daughter in denial, so be it.  :)  And I'll take that over Greece any day!

Today was....a day...and not necessarily a good one!

If my head wasn't connected to my body, I probably would have left that somewhere else today. 

Seriously.  If it wasn't one thing, it was another. 

**Warning: I am completely frazzled and a bit queasy (stupid vertigo), so it is definitely possible that I am not making sense.  Please be aware of this fact before continuing.  I just need somewhere to vent.

Today, I went to my first class and left my glasses there.  I walked back to my office and proctored a make-up exam, hastily packing my bags for my next class.  With my TWO huge bags, I walked over to another building to pick up a bicycle (from a wonderful colleague who gave it to me for FREE - woo hoo), walked back to the main department office to drop off the bike, and then headed to my last class...in a building on the opposite side of campus, OF COURSE.  Trying to set-up the game activities with a hastily packed bag is not something I recommend.  It is incredibly difficult to find what is needed.  In my scattered disposition, I couldn't find my camera and thought I left it back at my office.  While re-packing everything at the END of class, I did find the camera.  This was when I realized that I had left my glasses in my first classroom - you know, the one on the opposite side of campus from where I was standing at that instant.

What in the world...?  Grr...

Seriously, what the heck?

Vertigo sucks.  I have an appointment with an Ears, Nose, and Throat doctor in a couple weeks.  Hopefully we can figure out how to eliminate or decrease the episodes.  I think three episodes lasting 4-6 days, in a span of 12 months, is not good.  I can't think clearly.  I think I'm too busy trying to concentrate on not moving around too much; moving aggravates it.

Fortunately, my students still seemed to enjoy today.  I had a good time, too.  I just wish I felt better. 

For now, I'm going to go sit down somewhere and not move my head.  Maybe I'll just fall asleep.  Oh, wait.  I have kids who are awake and need to eat dinner. Scratch that.  Maybe I'll get to rest in about 2 more hours.

Fabulous.

10 Things NOT to Ask Your Instructor

One would think that university level students would be more responsible, be more proactive, and care more about how they do in class.  One would be wrong.  Okay, I exaggerate. There are many, many, many intelligent, organized, and responsible students.  Sadly, there are just as many lazy nincomepoops.  Though I have no idea why, the same questions or issues continue to occur in classes everywhere.  It’s not just in my classes; it’s not just at my university; it’s a nationwide epidemic.

Here are a sample of questions to which professors and lecturers are subjected.  In addition, I have taken the liberty of answering some of them – just for fun.  I’m entitling it…

Ten things NOT to ask the instructor and the answers they want to give you.

Question: Where is your office?  What time are your office hours?

Answer: Look on the syllabus...that I just reviewed in class.

Question: I couldn’t make it to the last class (or classes).  Did I miss anything?

Answer Option 1: Oh, of course not.  We were so horrified you couldn’t come to class, so we just sat there and stared at the ceiling for 75 minutes.

Answer Option 2: Yes.  :stare silently at student without any further response:

Question: When is the paper due?

Answer: It’s on the freakin’ syllabus.

Question: Do you have a stapler?

Answer: Nope.  Do I have Office Depot written on my forehead again?

Question: I know it says on the syllabus that such and such are the required readings, but are those the books that we need to read?

Answer Option 1: What?  Oh, that syllabus is just for the others.  YOU don’t have to read it.  You’re special.  :dripping with sarcasm:

Answer Option 2: Nope.  Everything is optional.  Even attendance is optional, but you will earn a grade of F if you choose not to read or do anything.

Question: I showed up for every class. How can I be failing?

Answer: Look on the syllabus.  See grade percentage breakdown.  There were things called exams and papers.  Oh, ya.  And even a group project.  You had to do them.

Question: I did half the work.  I should get a “C” then, right?

Answer: Um, no.  Honey, half the work equals 50%. Last time I checked, that equaled a grade of F.  It is on the higher side of the F, so you can be proud you didn’t get 14% though, right?

Question: What can I do to improve my grade in class?

Answer: Come to class.  Do the assignments.

Question: Can I get an incomplete instead of F?

Answer: Sorry, an incomplete is for a student with extenuating circumstances who missed assignments, not for half of the semester’s worth of work or for someone who repeatedly failed exams.

Question: This class is really important to me.  I really need a “C.”

Answer: I understand you are saying it is really important to you. Unfortunately, you demonstrated the opposite by being absent for two months and not turning in any work.  I do not “give” grades.  I record your effort.  The effort you demonstrated was actually below zero.  I had forgotten who you were, dumbass.

For the record, the diligent students think this is just as funny as I do.  I’ve seen them laughing when their fellow students ask an inane question! haha