For the most part, today was a pretty good day. But there were a few things that either irritated me, inconvenienced me, or made me sad. I'd just rather this day was over and done with already.
I did not want to get up today. I woke up with a headache. I should have taken that as an omen.
After being at work for about an hour, I realized I was sore. My back hurts...but not like I threw it out or anything...it's just achy. It starts between my shoulders and goes down to the middle of my back. Sitting up straight hurts my shoulders and slouching hurts my back so, yeah, very uncomfortable.
I had the chance to watch Craig try Tae Bo today. He was so cute!
There was a power surge in the middle school building today that completely fried anything that was plugged in. The wiring was for 110v and the surge bumped everything up to 220v. They had to immediately evacuate because the building filled wtih fumes that may or may not have been toxic and they feared a fire would start. In order for the power company to assess the damage, they had to shut off power to our building, as well. We sat in the dark for an hour and a half.
After lunch, the power finally came on, but classes were all messed up because the clocks were out of synch. Since when do teachers not wear a wristwatch? Sheesh.
About an hour before I came home, Michael called with some sad news. Our dog, Sebastian, who we've had for just over 12 years died. Michael was working outside and wondering why Sebastian wasn't moving. He thought he was just relaxing in the sun but upon closer inspection realized he was not breathing. Poor Sebastian. :o(
So it's been a weird day. I think I'll turn off the computer and enjoy the lovely pork roast dinner Michael cooked and just relax all evening. I don't feel like doing much else.
Monday, February 28, 2005
Sunday, February 27, 2005
Weekend Round-Up
Okay, so I've been neglecting my blog. Not intentionally, though. In fact, it wasn't until I came to look at it yesterday that I even realized I hadn't posted.
So here's my week in a nutshell:
Monday: It was so hard for me to drag myself into work on Monday because it was President's Day and the whole tun was basically shut down. It felt like the only people who had to work that day were those of us employed by the school district. Once I got there, it was a normal day and I forgot all about the unfairness of it all. Thinking ahead to the 3 months off helped a little. *giggle*
I also had fun driving my sister-in-law nuts on Monday. It was her birthday and she was hoping to keep it under wraps. When she wasn't looking, I made a banner, colored it, and hung it up on her office window. I should get an academy award for the acting job I did afterwards. I played dumb like the best of them and she still hasn't figured out who did it.
Tuesday: Yoga day in science...see post below.
Wednesday: Just a plain, non-eventful day.
Thursday: We had high school basketball games that day. It totally threw me off. Basketball is a weekend activity around here. Going to a game on a Thursday made it extremely dificult to get up on Friday. It made me feel as if I were going to work on Saturday. Our junior varsity girls won by 20 but the varsity girls lost by 7.
Friday: Paydays that fall on Fridays are especially good. It gives you 2 reasons to look forward to the end of the week. The junior varsity girls won again, by 15. The varsity lost by 5.
So here's my week in a nutshell:
Monday: It was so hard for me to drag myself into work on Monday because it was President's Day and the whole tun was basically shut down. It felt like the only people who had to work that day were those of us employed by the school district. Once I got there, it was a normal day and I forgot all about the unfairness of it all. Thinking ahead to the 3 months off helped a little. *giggle*
I also had fun driving my sister-in-law nuts on Monday. It was her birthday and she was hoping to keep it under wraps. When she wasn't looking, I made a banner, colored it, and hung it up on her office window. I should get an academy award for the acting job I did afterwards. I played dumb like the best of them and she still hasn't figured out who did it.
Tuesday: Yoga day in science...see post below.
Wednesday: Just a plain, non-eventful day.
Thursday: We had high school basketball games that day. It totally threw me off. Basketball is a weekend activity around here. Going to a game on a Thursday made it extremely dificult to get up on Friday. It made me feel as if I were going to work on Saturday. Our junior varsity girls won by 20 but the varsity girls lost by 7.
Friday: Paydays that fall on Fridays are especially good. It gives you 2 reasons to look forward to the end of the week. The junior varsity girls won again, by 15. The varsity lost by 5.
Saturday, February 26, 2005
Where Did My Week Go?!
What? I haven't posted since Tuesday? Good grief!
I guess I have been a little busy, but I didn't know it had been that long. I get online each day after work and read the blogs of others, but have neglected my own. Oops!
I've been testing for the past 2 weeks so by the time I get home, the last thing I want to do is sit in front of my computer for long periods of time.
Lindsey's been wanting to spend a lot of time with me lately. Normally, that's not a problem, but I think she's going to start "developing" soon. If she's not, I don't know how else to explain these drastic mood swings she's been having. She'll be laughing and joking one minute and then turn around and either be so angry she can't speak or start crying. Another minute and that blows over and she's happy again. Over and over again ALL DAY LONG. I can't figure out what sets her off or even what makes her snap out of her moods. All I know for sure is that it's exhausting and I'm getting tired of dealing with it.
She's on her way here as I type this. I hope things go smoothly today. If this is a phase, I hope it's a short one. If it is a sign of things to come, God help me 'cause I'm gonna need it!
I guess I have been a little busy, but I didn't know it had been that long. I get online each day after work and read the blogs of others, but have neglected my own. Oops!
I've been testing for the past 2 weeks so by the time I get home, the last thing I want to do is sit in front of my computer for long periods of time.
Lindsey's been wanting to spend a lot of time with me lately. Normally, that's not a problem, but I think she's going to start "developing" soon. If she's not, I don't know how else to explain these drastic mood swings she's been having. She'll be laughing and joking one minute and then turn around and either be so angry she can't speak or start crying. Another minute and that blows over and she's happy again. Over and over again ALL DAY LONG. I can't figure out what sets her off or even what makes her snap out of her moods. All I know for sure is that it's exhausting and I'm getting tired of dealing with it.
She's on her way here as I type this. I hope things go smoothly today. If this is a phase, I hope it's a short one. If it is a sign of things to come, God help me 'cause I'm gonna need it!
Tuesday, February 22, 2005
Out of the Mouths of Babes
Here's another Craig story for ya:
He had science yesterday morning. We're doing a health unit this quarter. We've studied the skeleton, the lungs, the heart, teeth, safety and first aid, etc.
This week we're studying stress. What causes it, how can you relieve it....
So the other science teacher got an idea. "I want to teach the kids yoga!"
"They seem a little young to me, but if you think they'll enjoy it, go for it," I told her.
So there they are...a bunch of 1st graders sitting in the Candle position. She's trying to explain how yoga helps you to relax and the slow breathing helps you let go of stress and the kids are chattering away, giggling about the "light" they couldn't seem to see or feel. Time to change position. This time it's Dog, known to yoga officianados as Downward Dog, I guess.
Next thing you know, Craig speaks up. "Actually, this is not very laxing."
The other teacher and I are trying so hard not to giggle.
Now it's Twisted Pretzel. Again Craig speaks up, "Does laxing mean get twisted up? 'Cause that's all I feel."
They did about 2 or 3 more positions before they were allowed to put their shoes back on and get ready to go back to class.
"Aunty Kerri," Craig said, "I don't think that was very laxing at all. I have other ways to lax."
Yeah, I guess you had to be there.
**********************************
Anyway, here's a quick story about another boy, Walter.
Walter is behind developmentally. His muscle tone is not good at all. So much so,that he can't even hold a pencil correctly. His speech, although he's improved so much this year, also needs a lot of work.
To his credit, he couldn't communicate when school first started and when he did try, he was hard to understand. Now I can actually hold little conversations with him.
So yesterday at recess time, he walks into the guidance counselor's room for indoor recess.
"My shoes on backwards!" he said. Then he looked down at his feet and thought for a moment. He crossed one foot in front of the other and exclaimed, "But now they're not!"
He had science yesterday morning. We're doing a health unit this quarter. We've studied the skeleton, the lungs, the heart, teeth, safety and first aid, etc.
This week we're studying stress. What causes it, how can you relieve it....
So the other science teacher got an idea. "I want to teach the kids yoga!"
"They seem a little young to me, but if you think they'll enjoy it, go for it," I told her.
So there they are...a bunch of 1st graders sitting in the Candle position. She's trying to explain how yoga helps you to relax and the slow breathing helps you let go of stress and the kids are chattering away, giggling about the "light" they couldn't seem to see or feel. Time to change position. This time it's Dog, known to yoga officianados as Downward Dog, I guess.
Next thing you know, Craig speaks up. "Actually, this is not very laxing."
The other teacher and I are trying so hard not to giggle.
Now it's Twisted Pretzel. Again Craig speaks up, "Does laxing mean get twisted up? 'Cause that's all I feel."
They did about 2 or 3 more positions before they were allowed to put their shoes back on and get ready to go back to class.
"Aunty Kerri," Craig said, "I don't think that was very laxing at all. I have other ways to lax."
Yeah, I guess you had to be there.
**********************************
Anyway, here's a quick story about another boy, Walter.
Walter is behind developmentally. His muscle tone is not good at all. So much so,that he can't even hold a pencil correctly. His speech, although he's improved so much this year, also needs a lot of work.
To his credit, he couldn't communicate when school first started and when he did try, he was hard to understand. Now I can actually hold little conversations with him.
So yesterday at recess time, he walks into the guidance counselor's room for indoor recess.
"My shoes on backwards!" he said. Then he looked down at his feet and thought for a moment. He crossed one foot in front of the other and exclaimed, "But now they're not!"
Madisyn is Back Home :o)
According to her big brother (a 4th grader), Madisyn is at home now but only allowed to lay on the couch all day. She won't return to school till next week and then she'll have to choose indoor recess because - and I quote - she bonked her head so hard and if she chooses outdoor recess and bonks her head again, she'll have to go all the way back to Seattle.
Monday, February 21, 2005
Friday, February 18, 2005
I Can't Believe I Did It!
I finally broke in the clippers last night and gave Michael a haircut. I guess it wasn't all that bad for a first try. He really, really needed a cut so this was an improvement. As long as you don't look too carefully, it's a pretty decent cut. I forgot to take a "before" picture and was so relived to be done, I didn't bother to take an "after" shot.
Even if I don't ever cut his hair again, the clippers already paid for themselves. It would normally cost a trip to Town plus the haircut and a little shopping. He says that every time I cut his hair, it will get easier and easier. I say I was crazy to try it and can't guarantee there will be a next time! haha
*************************************
Madisyn is alert and as inquisitive as ever. Whenever her doctor tries to do something, she wants to know why. She's doing so well, she may even get to come home this weekend. I cannot tell you how happy that makes me. Like I said, she's not a relative, but I love kids and this particular one is just too adorable. She's extremely bright (She started Kindergarten at age 4 so she's the youngest and smallest in her class.) and friendly. She can't say her r's properly so she sounds really cute when she talks. She's one of those kids who manages to find trouble and get away with it because no one has the heart to yell at her sweet little face. The photo below doesn't really do her justice. She's a little doll.
Even if I don't ever cut his hair again, the clippers already paid for themselves. It would normally cost a trip to Town plus the haircut and a little shopping. He says that every time I cut his hair, it will get easier and easier. I say I was crazy to try it and can't guarantee there will be a next time! haha
*************************************
Madisyn is alert and as inquisitive as ever. Whenever her doctor tries to do something, she wants to know why. She's doing so well, she may even get to come home this weekend. I cannot tell you how happy that makes me. Like I said, she's not a relative, but I love kids and this particular one is just too adorable. She's extremely bright (She started Kindergarten at age 4 so she's the youngest and smallest in her class.) and friendly. She can't say her r's properly so she sounds really cute when she talks. She's one of those kids who manages to find trouble and get away with it because no one has the heart to yell at her sweet little face. The photo below doesn't really do her justice. She's a little doll.
Wednesday, February 16, 2005
Prayer Request (Updated)
I know my blog doesn't get read by many, but every little bit helps. If you have it in you, say a prayer or at the very least, think good thoughts for a little girl named Madisyn.
She's not related to me, but she's such a sweet child. She is the cutest little thing. Quite the chatter box, but extremely bright and always smiling. Class is just not the same without her around.
Yesterday after school she was hit by a car. The impact was so hard, that her little body was knocked out of her shoes and she was thrown through the air. She has been transported to Seattle. Please, please, PLEASE say a prayer for her.
Sweet, little Madisyn singing and signing at the Christmas program.
Update: According to her grandfather, Madisyn has a skull fracture by her ear and internal bleeding.
She's not related to me, but she's such a sweet child. She is the cutest little thing. Quite the chatter box, but extremely bright and always smiling. Class is just not the same without her around.
Yesterday after school she was hit by a car. The impact was so hard, that her little body was knocked out of her shoes and she was thrown through the air. She has been transported to Seattle. Please, please, PLEASE say a prayer for her.
Sweet, little Madisyn singing and signing at the Christmas program.
Update: According to her grandfather, Madisyn has a skull fracture by her ear and internal bleeding.
Monday, February 14, 2005
"Happy Valentimes Day, Ms. Kerri"
I heard that over and over again today. I even received some goodies. Cupcakes, lollipops, cards, candy hearts, cookies...
Why do kids say ValentiMes, anyway? I always make sure I reply with, "Happy ValentiNe's Day, (insert child's name here)." But they never seem to hear it. From Kindergarten up through 6th grade, they all said ValentiMes. heehee
All in all it was a good day. We decided we weren't going to exchange gifts or anything for Valentine's day, but Michael surprised me with a nice dinner. He made cornish hens. It was prepared in a way I had never had them before and I must say, they were very delicious!
We didn't have a lot of alone time, but that was by choice. Lucione was here when it was time to eat so we fed her. Then we went and spent some time with an aunt of mine. She happens to be one of my, if not THE, favorite aunts of mine.
My uncle passed away quite suddenly a couple years ago in January. She misses him terribly. Especially right now because the tournament we wathced this weekend was a memorial tournament in his honor. He was one of the biggest supporters of youth basketball in the community so it was only right it be named in his honor.
My aunt, too, is a very important pillar of our community. Whenever something needs to be done, she's called upon and she always delivers. Everyone in the community, young and old, call her either aunty or gramma whether they are related or not. Everyone loves her.
We brought her some of the fresh bread that was baked yesterday. She was so happy to receive it.
Now I think I'll go watch some TV with Michael. I hope you all had a nice Valentine's Day. :o)
Why do kids say ValentiMes, anyway? I always make sure I reply with, "Happy ValentiNe's Day, (insert child's name here)." But they never seem to hear it. From Kindergarten up through 6th grade, they all said ValentiMes. heehee
All in all it was a good day. We decided we weren't going to exchange gifts or anything for Valentine's day, but Michael surprised me with a nice dinner. He made cornish hens. It was prepared in a way I had never had them before and I must say, they were very delicious!
We didn't have a lot of alone time, but that was by choice. Lucione was here when it was time to eat so we fed her. Then we went and spent some time with an aunt of mine. She happens to be one of my, if not THE, favorite aunts of mine.
My uncle passed away quite suddenly a couple years ago in January. She misses him terribly. Especially right now because the tournament we wathced this weekend was a memorial tournament in his honor. He was one of the biggest supporters of youth basketball in the community so it was only right it be named in his honor.
My aunt, too, is a very important pillar of our community. Whenever something needs to be done, she's called upon and she always delivers. Everyone in the community, young and old, call her either aunty or gramma whether they are related or not. Everyone loves her.
We brought her some of the fresh bread that was baked yesterday. She was so happy to receive it.
Now I think I'll go watch some TV with Michael. I hope you all had a nice Valentine's Day. :o)
Sunday, February 13, 2005
Please, NO MORE Basketball!
What a long weekend this turned out to be. It's time's like this I kick myself for making promises. My nieces and nephews ask me to watch them play ball and, of course, I always promise I will. Then it comes time for a tournament and it's non-stop basketball for what feels like eternity.
Yesterday, Lindsey had a game at 9AM. Lucione had a game immediately following at 10:15. James followed her at 11:30. Quick break for lunch and then it's back to the gym to watch Lindsey's 2nd game at 2:00. I could only watch half, though, because Alexys had a 2:30 game at the other gym. Quick break for dinner. Then it was back to the gym to watch Lucione again at 5:45. Immediately following her game, was James' 2nd game at 7:00. Then the little "Wanna Be's" (4, 5, and 6 yr. olds) played. Then it was time for the awards ceremony. By the time it was all said and done, it was 9PM.
Twelve. Straight. Hours. Of. Basketball.
I tried to sit at my computer last night, but even in this soft chair, it hurt to sit! Seven games in one day after watching for 4 hours on Friday night was hard on my rear-end. hahaha
The kids did really well, though. I'm beat today because I got into a movie and didn't go to sleep until after 3AM.
Michael's busy baking bread so it will be a slow day at home, thank goodness. The weather is beautiful. We got a dusting of snow yesterday morning, and today the sky is bright blue. It's just cold enough to need a coat but not so cold that you don't want to be outside. Unless, of course, you're as worn out as I am.
Counting today, we have 5 blissful, basketball-free days before the high school girls have games on Friday and Saturday. Whew!
Yesterday, Lindsey had a game at 9AM. Lucione had a game immediately following at 10:15. James followed her at 11:30. Quick break for lunch and then it's back to the gym to watch Lindsey's 2nd game at 2:00. I could only watch half, though, because Alexys had a 2:30 game at the other gym. Quick break for dinner. Then it was back to the gym to watch Lucione again at 5:45. Immediately following her game, was James' 2nd game at 7:00. Then the little "Wanna Be's" (4, 5, and 6 yr. olds) played. Then it was time for the awards ceremony. By the time it was all said and done, it was 9PM.
Twelve. Straight. Hours. Of. Basketball.
I tried to sit at my computer last night, but even in this soft chair, it hurt to sit! Seven games in one day after watching for 4 hours on Friday night was hard on my rear-end. hahaha
The kids did really well, though. I'm beat today because I got into a movie and didn't go to sleep until after 3AM.
Michael's busy baking bread so it will be a slow day at home, thank goodness. The weather is beautiful. We got a dusting of snow yesterday morning, and today the sky is bright blue. It's just cold enough to need a coat but not so cold that you don't want to be outside. Unless, of course, you're as worn out as I am.
Counting today, we have 5 blissful, basketball-free days before the high school girls have games on Friday and Saturday. Whew!
Friday, February 11, 2005
Friday mini-post
I’m still not feeling up to par but I went to work anyway. I just got tired of being home. Cold medicine knocks me out so I spent the better part of Tuesday, Wednesday, and Thursday asleep or at least lying down because of lack of energy.
I still have a headache, but I didn’t have a fever today so I decided to tough it out. Friday’s are pretty easy for me, anyway.
I had Craig’s class for computers first hour. He always makes dragging myself to work worth it and he didn’t disappoint me today.
He’s having a friend stay at his house overnight tonight and he is all excited. He was telling his friend all about how they will spend their time.
At one point, he said, “And guess what my mom told me?! We get to stay up ALL night! We don’t even have to go to bed until 8 o’clock!”
I don’t think he’s in bed by 8:00 on school nights. Haha
He gave me another one of his informative lectures today, too. He said that fish have to live in water because they can’t breathe in the jungle or forest. When I asked him why, he rolled his eyes at me.
“Aunty, you KNOW fish have to breathe with gills! Gills only work under water.”
He enjoys learning new things. I hope he keeps that hunger for knowledge. He retains so much of what he hears – even when you think he’s not listening.
I’m going to try and go to the basketball games tonight. Even if I only watch 2, I have to get out of the house. Going to work helped but it was, well, work! There are games all day tomorrow, too, so if I don’t post, you know why. ;o)
I still have a headache, but I didn’t have a fever today so I decided to tough it out. Friday’s are pretty easy for me, anyway.
I had Craig’s class for computers first hour. He always makes dragging myself to work worth it and he didn’t disappoint me today.
He’s having a friend stay at his house overnight tonight and he is all excited. He was telling his friend all about how they will spend their time.
At one point, he said, “And guess what my mom told me?! We get to stay up ALL night! We don’t even have to go to bed until 8 o’clock!”
I don’t think he’s in bed by 8:00 on school nights. Haha
He gave me another one of his informative lectures today, too. He said that fish have to live in water because they can’t breathe in the jungle or forest. When I asked him why, he rolled his eyes at me.
“Aunty, you KNOW fish have to breathe with gills! Gills only work under water.”
He enjoys learning new things. I hope he keeps that hunger for knowledge. He retains so much of what he hears – even when you think he’s not listening.
I’m going to try and go to the basketball games tonight. Even if I only watch 2, I have to get out of the house. Going to work helped but it was, well, work! There are games all day tomorrow, too, so if I don’t post, you know why. ;o)
Thursday, February 10, 2005
I Have Returned...
...from the land of the almost dead. At least that's what it felt like. I woke up Monday morning with a terrible headache. I went to school knowing it was not going to be a full day for me (kids got released at 1:15 and I didn't have to participate in the workshop so I left around 2:30) hoping my headache would subside after swallowing a couple Tylenol. By mid-morning, I realized my headache didn't subside...it didn't even feel a tiny bit better...and I was starting to sneeze. By the time I left school my sinuses were completely plugged and my headache was 10 times worse.
I went to bed early that night but when I awoke the next morning I could barely lift my head off the pillow. I couldn't breathe, I was in pain (head and neck), and I was cold. I had a temperature of 99.8 so stayed home. Things only got worse. Yesterday I didn't even get up out of bed until 9:40PM and then I was back in bed by 11:00. Wide awake until 3:30AM or later and dead tired at 6:30 when my alarm went off.
I took off 3 days in a row. I hate missing work but it was better to have it happen this week than next week or the week after. There are only 2 more weeks in the 3rd quarter so I have to do testing for the next 2 weeks. I can't miss work during testing because I don't trust anyone else to do it properly.
A perfectionist, I am not. I just like things to be done right. :o)
There is a little league basketball tournament going on this weekend. It started tonight, actually. I'm missing out. :o( Michael asked me to come along but I haven't been at work in 3 days, so I figured it best to just stay home. There's always tomorrow and Saturday.
Being that I have not left the house since returning from work Monday afternoon, I really don't have anything to talk about. Hmph. Such a boring life I lead. Hee hee
I went to bed early that night but when I awoke the next morning I could barely lift my head off the pillow. I couldn't breathe, I was in pain (head and neck), and I was cold. I had a temperature of 99.8 so stayed home. Things only got worse. Yesterday I didn't even get up out of bed until 9:40PM and then I was back in bed by 11:00. Wide awake until 3:30AM or later and dead tired at 6:30 when my alarm went off.
I took off 3 days in a row. I hate missing work but it was better to have it happen this week than next week or the week after. There are only 2 more weeks in the 3rd quarter so I have to do testing for the next 2 weeks. I can't miss work during testing because I don't trust anyone else to do it properly.
A perfectionist, I am not. I just like things to be done right. :o)
There is a little league basketball tournament going on this weekend. It started tonight, actually. I'm missing out. :o( Michael asked me to come along but I haven't been at work in 3 days, so I figured it best to just stay home. There's always tomorrow and Saturday.
Being that I have not left the house since returning from work Monday afternoon, I really don't have anything to talk about. Hmph. Such a boring life I lead. Hee hee
Monday, February 07, 2005
Family Surprises
Remember my uncle who was in the hospital back in September? Well, he's traveling to Anchorage tomorrow for a check-up/follow-up with some doctors up there. He's fine, just being careful.
Anyway, he's my mom's older brother. My mom also had a younger brother. I never really knew him because I was a baby when he was hit by a car and killed in Oregon. I've heard stories, though, about how he'd spend his lunch hours not eating but playing with me when he was home for Summer breaks. I've been told that on the day of his funeral, I quietly cried at the exact time he would normally walk through my door which also happened to be the time the funeral started. I was a baby so I don't know...but that's what I've been told.
So anyway, I had this other uncle I didn't get the chance to know. Apparently, nobody in the family knew him as well as they thought. A couple months ago, a girl who grew up here in our village met a man in Anchorage through work. He found out where she was from somehow and asked her if she knew of a certain family from here. She said she'd look into it. She went home and called her mother who is also from here but lives in Bethel. She called my uncle. She told him there was a man looking for our family and asked him what she should do about it. Uncle told her to go ahead and give his contact information to him and he'd see what he had to say.
Turns out that my uncle had a girlfriend while in Oregon. Before his last Summer home, he broke up with her and got back together with a former girlfriend he ended up proposing to. When the girl found out she was pregnant and that my uncle was engaged to another, she decided to put the baby up for adoption.
He was adopted by a doctor in Anchorage. He's a doctor now, too. He's 37 years old and tried to contact his birth mother but she would not respond. She has made it clear that she doesn't want any contact with him whatsoever.
My uncle leaves tomorrow. While he's up there, he's going to meet a nephew (my cousin) that he never knew he had. If this man is really who he says he is, I hope that he finds his way down here. I've only seen pictures of his father. It would be so neat to be able to meet his son.
Anyway, he's my mom's older brother. My mom also had a younger brother. I never really knew him because I was a baby when he was hit by a car and killed in Oregon. I've heard stories, though, about how he'd spend his lunch hours not eating but playing with me when he was home for Summer breaks. I've been told that on the day of his funeral, I quietly cried at the exact time he would normally walk through my door which also happened to be the time the funeral started. I was a baby so I don't know...but that's what I've been told.
So anyway, I had this other uncle I didn't get the chance to know. Apparently, nobody in the family knew him as well as they thought. A couple months ago, a girl who grew up here in our village met a man in Anchorage through work. He found out where she was from somehow and asked her if she knew of a certain family from here. She said she'd look into it. She went home and called her mother who is also from here but lives in Bethel. She called my uncle. She told him there was a man looking for our family and asked him what she should do about it. Uncle told her to go ahead and give his contact information to him and he'd see what he had to say.
Turns out that my uncle had a girlfriend while in Oregon. Before his last Summer home, he broke up with her and got back together with a former girlfriend he ended up proposing to. When the girl found out she was pregnant and that my uncle was engaged to another, she decided to put the baby up for adoption.
He was adopted by a doctor in Anchorage. He's a doctor now, too. He's 37 years old and tried to contact his birth mother but she would not respond. She has made it clear that she doesn't want any contact with him whatsoever.
My uncle leaves tomorrow. While he's up there, he's going to meet a nephew (my cousin) that he never knew he had. If this man is really who he says he is, I hope that he finds his way down here. I've only seen pictures of his father. It would be so neat to be able to meet his son.
Sunday, February 06, 2005
Superbowl Sunday
I can't believe I haven't posted all weekend! I guess it's mainly because I didn't have anything worth posting about.
Saturday was pretty uneventful. Other than the 4 inches of snow we got, that is. We took a long drive all to enjoy the scenery. Saturday night Lucione and her mom came by for an unexpected visit. We had some popcorn and watched the Tom and Jerry movie. It was one of Lucione's favorite movies as a small child. She used to use my back scratcher as a cane and dance along with the characters in the movie. I couldn't talk her into doing it for us, though.
Today was another beautiful day. No snow, but clear blue skies all day. We didn't venture out, though, other than church. What little snow was left on the roads froze last night so we were a little nervous to drive. We didn't leave the house until just before kick-off.
We watched the superbowl at the house of my husband's cousin. It was fun. There were only 5 of us there. His cousin fried some chicken and made a delicious potato salad. The only complaint I have is someone smoked a cigar and now I smell the smoke on me. Everytime I turn my head...it's in my hair. ick
I didn't really care who won the superbowl. I was hoping the Steelers would make it in. Since they didn't, I just pulled for whoever was behind. hee hee
Now that I'm home, I think I'll take a quick shower to get rid of this awful smell and get some sleep.
Saturday was pretty uneventful. Other than the 4 inches of snow we got, that is. We took a long drive all to enjoy the scenery. Saturday night Lucione and her mom came by for an unexpected visit. We had some popcorn and watched the Tom and Jerry movie. It was one of Lucione's favorite movies as a small child. She used to use my back scratcher as a cane and dance along with the characters in the movie. I couldn't talk her into doing it for us, though.
Today was another beautiful day. No snow, but clear blue skies all day. We didn't venture out, though, other than church. What little snow was left on the roads froze last night so we were a little nervous to drive. We didn't leave the house until just before kick-off.
We watched the superbowl at the house of my husband's cousin. It was fun. There were only 5 of us there. His cousin fried some chicken and made a delicious potato salad. The only complaint I have is someone smoked a cigar and now I smell the smoke on me. Everytime I turn my head...it's in my hair. ick
I didn't really care who won the superbowl. I was hoping the Steelers would make it in. Since they didn't, I just pulled for whoever was behind. hee hee
Now that I'm home, I think I'll take a quick shower to get rid of this awful smell and get some sleep.
Friday, February 04, 2005
TGIF
I'm so glad today is Friday. This week did go by sort of quickly, but I'm always relieved when the weekend arrives.
The rain still has not stopped. The mountains got some snow over the past few days, but nothing down here at sea-level. At least the wind has died down.
I have a couple of Craig stories to share. One took place in the library at school. He and one of his classmates were standing in line waiting for me to check their books back in so they could chose another.
The first boy said, "We had P.E. today. I should have wore my other shoes. They make me run fast."
Craig said, "Yeah? These shoes make me jump real high."
The first boy didn't believe him so he thought he'd do a demonstration. He jumped fairly high but dropped his book. When he landed, he slipped on the book and fell to the floor.
He was sitting there looking defeated. He looked at the bottom of his shoe, shook his head and said with a heavy sigh, "I stand corrected."
I could not wait till I finished checking books in and out so I could leave the room and laugh. He's so cute and the things that come out of his mouth always surprise me. He's got a very good vocabulary for a 6 yr. old. Sometimes it feels as if I'm talking with a short adult.
The only thing is, he's got an excellent memory so you have to be careful what you say around him. It may come back at you later!
The other day, Craig and his dad went over to my in-laws' house. My father-in-law likes to tease and most of the time Craig just rolls with it but every once in a while, he'll be in a cranky mood and won't feel like playing along.
So the other day he walks in and his yaya immediately started teasing him.
Craig looked at him and growled, "I can't wait till I'm 16 then I am SO out of here!"
The rain still has not stopped. The mountains got some snow over the past few days, but nothing down here at sea-level. At least the wind has died down.
I have a couple of Craig stories to share. One took place in the library at school. He and one of his classmates were standing in line waiting for me to check their books back in so they could chose another.
The first boy said, "We had P.E. today. I should have wore my other shoes. They make me run fast."
Craig said, "Yeah? These shoes make me jump real high."
The first boy didn't believe him so he thought he'd do a demonstration. He jumped fairly high but dropped his book. When he landed, he slipped on the book and fell to the floor.
He was sitting there looking defeated. He looked at the bottom of his shoe, shook his head and said with a heavy sigh, "I stand corrected."
I could not wait till I finished checking books in and out so I could leave the room and laugh. He's so cute and the things that come out of his mouth always surprise me. He's got a very good vocabulary for a 6 yr. old. Sometimes it feels as if I'm talking with a short adult.
The only thing is, he's got an excellent memory so you have to be careful what you say around him. It may come back at you later!
The other day, Craig and his dad went over to my in-laws' house. My father-in-law likes to tease and most of the time Craig just rolls with it but every once in a while, he'll be in a cranky mood and won't feel like playing along.
So the other day he walks in and his yaya immediately started teasing him.
Craig looked at him and growled, "I can't wait till I'm 16 then I am SO out of here!"
Wednesday, February 02, 2005
If You Don't Support the War...
...at least support the troops. I have family who have gone to the war and back and some who are still there. For such a small community, it's unreal how many have served in the current war and Desert Storm.
Whether you agree with the war or not, please keep the troops in your thoughts and prayers. We (as a community and nation) have already lost too many. Thank you.
Whether you agree with the war or not, please keep the troops in your thoughts and prayers. We (as a community and nation) have already lost too many. Thank you.
Tuesday, February 01, 2005
I'm Longing For...
Tranquility
It's another stormy day today. High winds and heavy rain. Big surprise, I know. But I've had enough. I don't usually complain about the rain....it comes with the territory...but this is ridiculous.
The rain, my head cold that never seems to go away, and the hectic lives of my nieces all seem a bit much to handle at the moment. If I hadn't missed so much work at the beginning of the month, I'd take a personal day. But the way I'm feeling today, if I took a day off I wouldn't want to go back.
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I can't believe that it's already February. That means the 3rd quarter of school is already more than half over. That's just crazy. It seems like just last week I was complaining about my new schedule and here I am just 4 months away from the end of the year.
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Lucione seems to take after her mother in some respects. She forgot her trumpet yesterday. She "thinks" it's in the library. She better be praying she finds it today or she'll have one very upset aunty to deal with after school. heehee
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I'm off to work now. My first class isn't until 9 today. Hopefully, by then my headache will be gone.
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