O, Sleep

I couldn't keep you at bay at 9pm last night.

Now, at 4:30am you have eluded me for the last hour. 

But I know your evil games.  I will fall back into a deep slumber in another few minutes only to be mercilessly dragged out of bed by my 5:15am alarm. 

You're a fickle friend. 

Moving from 2006 to 2009

Today I said goodbye to a loyal friend,

my Motorola Razr. I've had it since the fall of 2006. I think this makes it 120 in phone years. 

At one point in techie history, all the cool kids had one, but it has since fallen from grace, and now it just looks archaic. 

But regardless of appearance, my Razr was steadfast and got the job done. 

Until recently...now it can't hold a charge longer than a good 15 minute conversation.  This tends to hamper communication...the sole purpose of its existence. 

So I have ushered in a new friend,

 the enV3. 

May it have as good of life as its predecessor. 

Who knew produce could be this much fun?

June 2010 - Freshly shelled peas

My joy this summer - besides my baby boy - was our CSA (community supported agriculture) program.  Check out the website here, if you are interested. 

Fresh produce delivered to our door every Wednesday for 14 weeks - we were in organic veggie heaven! I experimented (mainly with olive olive and a roasting pan in hand) with kohlrabi, beets, and sweet potatoes to name a few, and we enjoyed the normal summer classics like zucchini, green beans, tomatoes, corn, white and red potatoes, etc - the list goes on and on.

There were a few pitfalls of the experience.  1) Sadly, vegetables do not wash themselves. There were several hours of work involved through out the summer cleaning, prepping, and cooking.  2) I was not creative enough to figure out how to make okra less slimy or find a dish that would inspire love for eggplant.  (Please feel free to make suggestions if you have any.)

That said, however, I will join the CSA again next summer in a heartbeat. Every Wednesday I was like a kid in a candy store (except I was dealing with veggies) opening my cooler to see what loot I had acquired.  I can't wait to do it again next year. 

Ascending to the Top of Geekdom

As I was tidying up a few things in the house preparing to end another day, I realized that more than anything I wanted to crawl into bed, snuggle under my covers, and read my National Geographic. 

I mean, who wouldn't want to learn about the Bahamas' blue holes?

Ah. Bliss. 

All I need now is NPR playing quietly in the background. 

IT'S BACK!! Let the Saturday Circle Games commence!

In lieu of my recent post this week and also inspired by my dear friend at Written Permission, I felt it was time to bring back Saturday's circle game.  Grab your spouses, grab your friends, and let's play!

I'm keeping it light this week.  I figure we gotta ease back into it.

Please tell us about your absolute favorite I-can't-live-without purchase. 

 

The Art of Conversation

I recently observed a conversation where one person sat and listened to another person babble for hours and hours...about himself and his two favorite hobbies.  It was torturous to watch, and I am guessing, even more excruciating to listen.  Truthfully, I am amazed that the person talking did not get bored of himself. 

I know there are days where we aren't on our best "small talk" game.   Babies, relationships, new houses, work, hobbies etc... - all of these things can disconnect us from the rest of the world and we can close in on ourselves (for better or worse) for a while. I understand.  I have been guilty myself of dominating conversations at times.   

However, as adults, I feel that it is important to know how to carry on a conversation.  It's not enough to simply listen to what people have to say, but we must learn to ask questions of each other.  I believe it's a way to show that we care.  And, at the least, even if we don't care, it's the polite thing to do.
 

Nursing and thank yous

I began reflecting about my own short journey with breastfeeding after reading a post by Grumbles and Grunts about nursing in public, and although I could say a lot about this sensitive topic (mainly that American society has some screwed up views when it comes to breastfeeding and sexuality), I realized that more than anything I wanted to take the time to thank the people in my life that have made these 4 1/2  months of nursing my son possible.

First, some background.
I went into this venture without many expectations and little knowledge about breastfeeding.  I was going to give it a try and if it worked - great, if it didn't - fine. 

Four and a half months later, I am still giving my son breast milk and my goal is to make it at least another month and a half. 

Why do I have this goal?  The health benefits, the milk is free, it relaxes me, I have not yet learned how to mix a bottle of formula, etc...
 
If I like it so much why don't I extend my goal, you ask?  Well, I head back to work right around G's 6 month birthday, and I've decided on a no-guilt policy.  If the babe and I can continue nursing, we will.  If it doesn't work - fine, and I'll figure out the magic of mixing a bottle of formula. 

Second, the thank yous. 
I have come to the conclusion that my feelings of success with breastfeeding are due to two main factors. 

First, the timing of my maternity leave was perfect.  Had I gone back to work right away, I would have definitely figured out how to mix the bottle of formula.  The logistics of pumping at work combined with the lack of sleep from nursing every 2-3 hours would have been too much for me to continue. 

Second, the people around me have been wonderfully supportive, and I owe them a HUGE thank you. 

My families on both sides have been fabulous. If there has been any discomfort with me nursing G while sitting in their midst, I have been blissfully ignorant. They have kept me company and always made me feel at ease, and when I have been brave enough to ask, my friends and co-workers have reacted in the same manner.

I owe three people a special thanks...my husband, mom, and mother-in-law. In the beginning, before I felt like I could leave my house because I was so overcome by all the baby equipment and logistics, these three made the idea of nursing palatable. Just when I would think I couldn't handle another feeding session out of sheer boredom, one of them would join me in the nursery and keep me company.  They have logged hour after hour with me while nursing, and I am incredibly grateful.

And now, as I am cautiously testing the waters of nursing in public, the same three people have sat with me at least once keeping me company and giving me that extra sense of security. 

Thank you for all your patience and support. 
 

Work in progress

This past weekend the fam packed up and headed south for a few days to G's Nana and Poppa's house. 

It's a mini-miracle to get the three of us packed up with all the needed (and non-needed) essentials; how people with more than one child ever leave their house is a mystery to me.  As I was carefully planning and folding G's clothes, I was simultaneously thinking of how many bottles we should pack.  The internal debate raged for 1/2 hour, but I finally settled on 1-3 bottles.  I went downstairs to confer with my spouse. 

"How many bottles should we take for this weekend?" I question.  Without pausing he states, "4," which clearly told me he wasn't painstakingly thinking through the situation as I had hoped - we were only leaving for 2 days, and I am still nursing the wee one 90 percent of the time. 

I give him a look as if he just suggested trading our first born son for the latest and greatest piece of lawn equipment.  He picks up on my disapproval and tries again, "2?" Pause.  "Hell, I dunno, 8?"

I call him out, "You didn't even think about the question.  You're just trying to guess the right answer." 

He starts to laugh because he knows he's caught.  After a moment of  I-can't-believe-he's-laughing-doesn't-he-realize-feeding-our-son-is-important!, I join in because 1) he's eating a Klondike bar and I'm afraid it's going to come out his nose he's laughing so hard, 2) of course he cares about our son eating - my thinking is ridiculous, and 3) it hits me that our exchange could be a vignette straight from Gary Chapman's Five Love Languages or John Gray's Men are from Mars, Women are from Venus. 

Me? I want to discuss and consider all possible angles of the situation, finally coming to a decision that we both work toward.

Him?  He wants to solve my dilemma...immediately. 

And the truth - I did want to confer as a team, but, in my mind, there was a "right" answer. 

"Well," I tell him, "the good news is we're trying to work together. You were sincere in wanting to answer correctly, and I sincerely wanted you to get the correct answer."

For the first time in 7 seven years, we got it.  For that day, the communication improved drastically. We started the conversation again. 

"Should we take 1, 2, or 3 bottles?" I ask.

"2," he responds confidently. 

I practice my new skill again giving only options that are acceptable in my mind.  "Should we pack the bottle in his diaper bag or suitcase?" 

"Diaper bag" he states decisively, and I nod in agreement.

Will we make the same communication mistakes again?  Probably, but we sit on the couch content for a minute enjoying the moment of clarity before resuming our packing.    

Sleep

It's lacking in our house these days...again.

Things were going well for a while. For most of the month of May G-man was sleeping 8 hours a night - he would scream for an hour before going to bed, but the uninterrupted night sleep was well worth the screaming. I had mentally awarded us a parental gold star in the sleep arena.

Then I went back to work for two weeks, and selfishly I HAD to get sleep - this is hard with a baby screaming like a banshee in the background. I tried to pretend it was the sound of the ocean crashing against the beach - but this technique was unsuccessful. And well, we broke down. We started bad habits like diverting from our bedtime routine...and the ultimate habit that put the nail in our sleep coffin...a pacifier.

It seemed like a GREAT idea at first - it works magic with many, many children, right? With it G could fall asleep by himself without screaming and the first two nights with this new habit he slept for 8 hours again. Halleluiah! I still remember waking up the next morning. It was glorious!  A smiley, well-rested baby and mommy make a great combination, and I put the mental gold star back on the board.

Then he started waking up once an evening, needing me to pop the paci back in his mouth. It seemed innocent enough. One time...not a big deal.

Two weeks later, however, I am getting up four times a night to find the missing paci. My child goes back to sleep in an instant, however, I am left wide awake.

I HATE to hear my child scream - who doesn't? - but as the parent I need to take control. There will be no paci tonight. And most likely, no sleep, but I am hoping that it will pay off in the long run - for all three of us.

 

I Guess I'm One of Those Women

I hyphenated my name when I got married several years ago.  The decision got an eyebrow raise from my HR director at work.  "Oh, you're one of THOSE women," was his comment.  "Yep, I guess I am," was my response. 

Then yesterday my mother-in-law and I planned to run an errand and go out to eat - something I have not been able to do as frequently as I used to since the birth of Baby G.  I was really looking forward to some time out of the house, and I believe that it is important for G-Man to get use to being out and about as well.

As it turns out our errand lasted much, much longer than anticipated because of a very kind, very talkative woman, and of course, by the time we were ready to go to lunch it was feeding time for the babe.  I had to make a decision.  Should we turn around and abort our lunch plans so I could nurse the little guy at home, or should I bite the bullet and feed him in public?

I decided to live up to the reputation that, apparently, in the eyes of my HR director, a hyphenated name affords.  I feed the little guy in public...in a restaurant (gasp)! 

I felt liberated.  My mother-in-law and I had a very nice lunch, and so did Baby G.  If people were offended by the fact that I fed my baby while managing to show LESS skin than seen plastered over all media outlets...well, I didn't care.  I was just glad to have a break from my house. 

World Fair Trade Day!

May 8 is World Fair Trade Day - yep, there's a day for everything.  So, I'd like to take a moment and shamelessly push my favorite fair trade store.  Ten Thousand Villages not only practices fair trade but offers fabulous products.  My personal favorite is the jewelry.  Haven't picked out a mother's day present yet?  I'd suggest taking a look.   

Dear flowers

Dear flowers,

Do I need to remind you all that we live in the Midwest? I know the weather has been absolutely BEAUTIFUL, but, again - we live in the Midwest. There are probably at least 1/2 dozen mornings ahead of us where the temperature will be below 32 degrees, and we know you all despise this. So although you are absolutely fabulous to look at, I am begging you to stop blooming for about 2-3 more weeks so you don't meet an early demise.

Thanks!
Management

Baby G is Two Months!

Some pics

  

G loves the swing he borrowed from his friend, KA!

Enjoying a spring day with daddy

Getting some exercise on his exercise mat. 

Here he is checking out the new shades.  They didn't last long. 

Take a look at his Daddy's jersey, circa 1980s. 

The smiles quickly turned to screams when he realized lunch was 30 seconds late.

Some skills Baby G has been working on during the past month

1) Vocalization in the form of both cooing and screaming.  T and I prefer the first to the second. 

2) Smiling. I love this. I swear it's not just gas. Starting about three weeks ago he really smiles back when you smile at him. 

3) Focusing his eyes on an object like a face, rattle, etc... It is especially great when he combines #3 with #2. 

4) Controlling his head for brief periods of time. 

Some points from Baby G's two month appointment

1) He's 12lb 10oz, 23.5 inches long. 

2) He's 75th percentile in both height and weight, and his head is in the 30th percentile.  Huh?  Interestingly, his head started out in the 90th percentile when he was born. Again...huh?

3) The blocked tear duct in his left eye is still an issue. We're hoping it will work itself out soon. 

4) He took his two month shots like a champ. 

Lessons I've learned from my short time of being a parent

1) Stay humble and alert when changing diapers.  Everytime I get a little too cocky about my diaper changing skills, Baby G pees on me. 

2) Our daily rountine and life is not about T and me any more, but it can't be ALL about Baby G either.  There has to be balance.  Note: I'm still working on finding the balance. 

3) I feel most empowered when I view parenting as a problem solving task that demands creativity and flexibility. 

4) Burp cloths and bibs are no longer optional. 

5) I've learned to expect change when we feel that we are getting into a routine or rthym. 

I'll say it...

I was disappointed with Glee. 

I really, really, really wanted to like it, but it didn't live up to my expectations. 

Perhaps next week will be better. 

Diapers.com

I'm in love with this website. 

It captured my heart when Baby G was a wee one and one night we found our diaper supply seriously depleted.  G was new enough that trips out of the house were a BIG deal.  So, I used the $10 off coupon from Parenting Magazine and almost cried with relief when the diapers arrived on my porch less than 48 hours later. 

Six weeks later, a trip to Babies R Us by myself with the little guy to get a 200-something count box of diapers still does not sound appealing, so I continue to utilize the website.

My favorite part - free shipping if you spend $50.  This minimum is NOT hard to meet for anyone with a child in diapers.  My second favorite part - they have one of my favorite brands, Aden and Anais.  The burpy bibs are wonderful and Baby G lived in the muslin swaddles for the few weeks of his life.  The swaddling days are over, but we still use these blankets everyday.  I highly recommend. 

Tricks of the Trade

For years I have been watching my mother in awe as she cuts fruit with a pairing knife and no cutting board.  Rather than using the cutting board she sticks out her thumb to stop the blade.  It always looks dangerous but after using all four of my cutting boards in one day, I decided to give it a go.  (Apparently cleaning one was just not an option for me.)
So, for the last three mornings I have been cutting my strawberries sans board - putting my thumb in the line of fire.  It's been a slow process, but I'm determined to learn this trick.  I have decided, though, that as soon as I slice my thumb, it's over - I'll be back to my cutting boards. 

Baby Bean is One Month

First the pictures...

G's favorite way to pass the day

There is no doubt...G loves his daddy and his daddy loves him

I love this picture.  I tried to use it for his birth announcement but no matter how I cropped it, it looked weird.  It was unfortunate.

Lastly, we have been teaching G how to attract the lady babies with a wink and a smile.

Some things I've learned from the first weeks of motherhood...

1)  Finger nails are dangerous.  His are sharp, mine are too long and it has been detrimental to us both. 

2)  One can NEVER have enough changing pad covers, especially when learning how to change diapers.   

3)  Going out in the afternoon takes a whole morning of strategic planning.  I've yet to leave my house in the morning, so I am still trying to figure out what must happen if I want to get myself and baby out the door before 11am.  Start getting ready at 3am?

4)  My days are not busy or productive, and, for the moment, I am OK with that fact. 

5)  The nurses at our pediatrician's office are saints. 

6)  T and I are funny people (at least to each other) when sleep deprived. 

7)  I will drop everything to see my son making cute or funny faces.

Read Across America Day

I'm a day late.  Read Across America Day was yesterday, March 2; however, I thought this list of teachers' top 100 books from NEA (National Education Association) was still worth posting.  Click here to view the complete list. 

Yes, I know these are children's books, but some of my all time favorites are listed here.  For instance, I LOVE The Giver by Lois Lowry. 

Did any of your favorites make the list? 

Please don't go Bob Costas

I heard the dreaded news around 3am when I awoke to Baby Bean lying on my chest snoring lightly.  Bob Costas was on the TV telling me that the closing ceremonies for the Olympics happen TONIGHT. 

AGH!!!! What, oh what, will I watch on TV from 1-5 in the morning during my turn on "baby duty"? 

This is a serious question.  I would be happy to take your suggestions. 

Did you watch curling?

If you didn't catch it yesterday, I strongly suggest you try to get a glimpse before the Olympics is over. 

The sport is fascinating.  First of all, who wants to sweep for fun and sport? Second, it kinda of reminds me of billards on ice with bigger equipment. 

When is it time to say goodbye?

My relationship with my hair stylist began about 6 years ago.  She's good, her salon is close to my house, and I will forever thank her for talking me into short hair.  It was a big step for me, and for about 5 years I have enjoyed many variations of my short bob. 

But here's the problem:  I'm growing tired of it.  I want something new.  But alas, beloved hair stylist apparently wants nothing to do with putting me in shoulder/mid-length hair.  Despite expressing my desire that I would like to grow my hair out, our session ended yesterday with her taking a razor to the back of my neck and telling me that I'm a "short-hair gal".  Perhaps I am. But I'm itching for a change, and after 9 months of almost getting through the ugly transition period only to have her chop the whole thing off (this has happened at least twice), I'm beginning to doubt that I will ever get my shoulder length hair back. 

So my dilemma:  Do I throw caution to the wind, say a pleasant goodbye, and find someone else who may or may not be as good?  Or do I put my faith in my trusty hairstylist to know what looks best for my face and hair type and possibly live with the short bob for another 10 years?  Comments?

Getting my Cook On

I only get excited about cooking when life feels stress free.  Otherwise, it's a drag.  When there is a mile long to-do list, planning, shopping, chopping, cleaning up, etc...feels like an enormous chore.  But yesterday, after a somewhat unexpected snow day and time to relax, I was ready to cook. 

The menu: Pear and Spinach salad, Mini Meatball Soup, and roasted brussels sprouts (thanks, Two Pretzels, for recently pointing out the correct spelling).  Yum, I can't wait for lunch so I can help myself to leftovers. 

It was the first time I had ever cooked brussels sprouts.  The verdict: I liked them roasted, drizzled with a little bit of olive oil, and sprinkled with salt.  But here's the kicker - I didn't have to clean them. A woman from work gave me homegrown brussels sprout already washed and trimmed.  I feel like I can't really judge these mini-cabbages until I experience the whole process, so I'm currently withholding my final thoughts.  If you have some hints on the cleaning process of these little green gems, please share. 

If it were up to me...

my child would be born today.  As a fan of numbers, I think 2/10/2010 would be a cool birthday.  But alas, I think the little bugger is quite comfortable and has no plans for moving from under my ribs anytime soon. 

The Prego Report

It was another 3-appointment week. 

The word from our nurse practitioner, OB/GYN, and perinatalogist...he's a plump baby (Thursday he was estimated to be 7lb 8oz, Friday's estimation was 8lb 3oz-obviously it's not an exact science) who seems quite content to hang out in his little cocoon. 

The calls from the medical experts that he might make an early appearance (based on some contractions I had) have faded.  Now we are having conversations that go something like this:  "Everything looks fine - he'll let you know when he's ready - we won't start thinking about induction until a week after his due date." 

So, am I nervous about labor and delivery? Yep, especially if the predictions of his size hold true. However, here is some advice from some wise women (or at least my interpretation of their advice) that has helped keep me in the right frame of mind. 

• Many, many women across many continents and many generations have gone through this process.  My own mother gave birth in an underprivileged nation 3 1/2 decades ago.  My grandma gave birth to six children ranging from 8 1/2 - 10 1/2 pounds over a 22 year period.  They both survived, and I will too.   
• There are so many things one can worry about while pregnant, so why worry until you have to?  I'm trying to take this approach with labor and delivery. 
• Everyone has their own ways of coping, so be free to utilize whatever is needed to get through the process. Screaming, silence, hanging on to my husband's hand for dear life?  All fine. 

So, to our plump little baby, take your time.  We're excited to meet you, but in reality, there's no rush.  In fact, if you would like pictures on your walls to look at or perhaps some curtains on your nursery window, one more week before you make your grand entrance in this world would be fabulous.   

They Got Me

T and I recently dined with my brother and his family at Red Robin.  This meal occurred a few weeks after our doctor suggested I become more conscious of my diet in the hopes of keeping Baby Bean's weight down.  I should have ordered a salad, but they just didn't seem interesting that night.  Instead, I ordered the Whiskey River BBQ Chicken Wrap.  I thought the Spinach tortilla sounded healthier than a bun and when isn't chicken good for you if it's grilled? 

I was horrified tonight to read an article on Yahoo! that listed this sandwich as one of the 10 unhealthiest around.  As quoted from the article, "Chicken sandwiches have an undeserved healthy reputation—that's because, while they're built with the leanest meat, they're often stuffed and flavored with enough high-calorie sauces and fillings to sink a ship."  Full article here. 

Um, yep, I was definitely fooled.  As it turns out, eating this sandwich had about as many fat grams as a Big Mac.  Guess I still have a few things to learn about nutrition. 

Calling All Cooks

I need some help.  Recently I made some OK-tasting enchiladas.  I think they have the possibility of being great, but they are lacking some flavor.  The meat filling called for garlic, onion, cummin, chilli powder, and a little bit of all-spice.  But it was still a little bland.  What would you add to the mix?

I was nominated...

YAY!! Thanks to Two Pretzels for the nomination! You are fantastic, funny, and insightful, as is your blog.   Here we go...it's like a big circle game and I LOVE it! 


The Rules:
1. Thank the person who nominated me for this award: Again, thank you, Two Pretzels. 
2. Copy the award & place it on my blog.
3. Link to the person who nominated me for this award.
4. Share 7 interesting things about myself. (See below).
5. Nominate 7 bloggers. (See below).

My 7 things:
1. I have an extra bone/knob in the inside of my ankle. Thanks, Dad!
2. I would, at some point in my life, like to become scuba certified.  Fishes, watch out!
3. Lucerne, Switzerland and Brugge, Belgium are two of my favorite cities outside the United States.
4. I will NEVER cook without a recipe, and really admire the people who can just "throw" things together.
5. Currently my husband and I are watching Twin Peaks - from the early 1990s.  It weirds me out and yet fascinates me at the same time.
6. I HATE flying with a passion, although I will do it when necessary.
7. I love assembling pieces of furniture. 

Nominations:  Almost all of the blogs listed below have been nominated already, but I wanted them to know that I love their blogs and love hearing their updates. In alphabetical order...
1.  Aimless Oasis
2. Chewlies
3. Musings on Motherhood
4. Snappy Tulip
5. Trophy Life
6. Two Pretzels
7. Written Permission

As a breakfast food fan...

I have found a new love: The Bagel BELT from Tim Horton's.  They describe it as a scrumptious layering of bacon, egg, lettuce, tomato, and processed cheese (by far my favorite part of the description) on a delicious bagel of your fancy.  I have honestly talked myself into thinking this thing is healthy - I mean, look at the veggies involved, you don't get that at McD's - and I can't be convinced otherwise. 

I AM SO SMART, S-M-R-T

I think this is a Homer Simpson quote, but really, it reminds me of my cousins, Megan and B-Rent. 

And because I was giddy with glee, it's what I repeated to myself today after I finished my four hour graduation exam for my master's.  I have a few loose ends to tie up, but essential in my mind, I'm done.  Pressure's off.  I have to tell you, despite this extra large baby I am carrying around, I feel 20 pounds lighter this afternoon than I did this morning.  It's a fabulous feeling. 

I really did enjoy my experience as a grad student.  I have absolutely no regrets about the path I took to get this degree; however, I am definitely ready for a break from reading research articles and writing papers.

The Prego Report

I've been to the doctor's office three times this week; here's a little synopsis of the three appointments. 

Monday was the LONGEST appointment I have had.  Little Bean was hyper and wanted to move during the non-stress test.  This is both good and bad.  Good because the doctor wants to see him move -  bad because the monitor lost his heartbeat everytime he shifted.  So I sat reclined in the chair for 1 1/2 hours.  Not surprisingly, since breathing in a reclined chair is not an easy feat these days, my blood pressure was through the roof at the end of this visit. 

Thursday, fortunately, was the quickest non-stress test we've had.  Little Bean was still moving around, but the technology was cooperating this time.  Halleluia!  Doc said things looked great.

Friday we went to see the specialist that is in charge of monitoring my extra thick, sticky blood.  During the ultrasound we got to see Bean's little face complete with a large bottom lip that I am convinced he inherited from his father and some little cheeks that I can't wait to kiss.  At almost 35 weeks he's measuring 6lb 14oz.  Here's where the mixed emotions come into play.  My first thought: thank goodness he's growing despite the abnormalities in my blood.  My second thought:  I would REALLY prefer NOT to deliver a 9lb baby.  The specialist is also a little concerned about his size.  He told me to lay off concentrated sugars like candy, juice, and white grains.  So, of course, what do I now crave?  Orange juice, rice, sugary cereal, and one of my absolute favorites, frostys.  I will have to dig really, really deep for some will power over the next few weeks.

Intel Advertising

Have you noticed Intel's new marketing campaign? Click here and here for two examples. I applaud their efforts in trying to redefine the sciences as the face of "cool".


My only complaint? The lack of diversity in their science "rock stars". All of the advertisements I have seen have depicted white males as the scientists/inventors.

Intel, I give you two thumbs up in your efforts to make math and science more glamorous to the public. Two thumbs down, however, for not challenging (and perhaps promoting) the stereotypical image of scientist/inventor.

 

A Gift

My first delay of the year!


I was secretly hoping for it last night, but I quickly learned earlier in my teaching career that you NEVER make a prediction of delay or closure the night before or it's sure not to materialize.

So when T's phone buzzed at 5:15 with the news of a delay, I was overjoyed. Two more hours of break!

So what did I do with my extra 2 hours? Did I get some extra sleep? Did I grade the papers that didn't get finished over the past two weeks? Or perhaps work on my grad school action research paper? Or fold the laundry that I left in the dryer over night? Or get into school early, so I can check out my new room still covered in boxes?

Nope...here I sit on my couch, mesmerized by all the other school delays, reading blogs, and drinking coffee. It's a perfect morning, and I'm going to enjoy my last few hours of calm before I go back to trying to convince high schoolers that math REALLY IS important to them and their future.