WW: Dressed Up {Linky}

Isaak had a workshop at school called Think Tank. A handful of students get to go from each middle school. In the past they mixed those students up to form groups. They get to name a business, come up with a business model and logo. 

Isaak hasn't had much to do with the honors club (his school calls it GATE). He's not a reader, doesn't really like Quiz Bowl like Mica did. If his cards align, he's a great student, a strategic thinker, understands process, creative, and has a keen since of detail. 

The staff member that's in charge of GATE came to Isaak before spring break to ask if this would be something he would want to do. Isaak jumped in with a big YES. After spring break Isaak went up to this same guy asking for the paper work. He said, "Are you sure you can handle this?" He acted like he didn't remember asking Isaak to be a part of Think Tank. Some people are so odd! I hate when teachers, councilors and so on lack faith in young people. Here is this kid that wants to be involved. Let him be. 

Since he's artsy I got him a Keith Haring button down shirt at H&M. Doesn't he look handsome!?

Random Tid Bits

1. I asked Mica to sweep his room. A long time went by; I asked, "Mica did you sweep your room yet?" He said, "Ya I did that already." He brought the broom back, but he had no dirt to toss. I said, "Please don't tell me you threw your dirt away in your basket that filled with holes?!" He had a super guilty look on his face. I said, "Mica I've brought this up to you before. The dirt goes right through the holes." 
   
   
2. Isaak's been much better, since we've sent him back to school. He's only been in school for 2 weeks. Spring break fell in there as well. He brought his grades up, made a few new friends, made a new crush, and just overall seems happier. 
   
   
3. One week I went to get Isaak from school. He told me all about how he sent out an email to all his teachers. It was a - Thank you for all you've done this year. I know it's been hard, but you're a good person. If you are ever feeling down there are people that care about you. kind of email. Isaak's always been a caring person, but I haven't seen this side of him, since the pandemic hit. 
   
   I love Isaak's teachers this year. Certainly his note of kindness was worthy. In 5th and 6th grade he had some rough teachers. I'm glad when he needs them the most, they are good. 
   
   
4. I went to pick up Isaak from school last week, and there was a big wait in the pick-up line. Cars were moving, but there was a car that wasn't moving at all. I'm not a honker, but I honked. Then when I noticed cars were backed up in the busy street I went around. Go figure the Mom or pick-up person had fallen asleep. I hoped she had the car in park. Ekkk! 
   
   We got home and Isaak had someone else's device in his backpack; along with his own. Double Ekkk! I called the school, no one was there. Isaak emailed his teacher, and he emailed back saying not to worry about it. I just envisioned this kid being worried, or getting his ass kicked. 
   
   
5. We've been playing Hearts a lot. It's one of Travis' favorite games. I like most games. I'm not sure the boys love it though. What's your favorite card game?
   
   
   

Times are a Changin'

I feel bad because online learning hasn't been Isaak's jam for awhile. He used to be an A, B student, but his 5th grade teacher was all kinds of difficult. I've never encountered a teacher that isn't a good teacher throughout my boy's education except for her. In 6th grade he was new to middle school. Lots of emotions went with that. He only struggled grade wise at the quarter marks. 7th grade hit, emotions were better, but the pandemic is here to stay for awhile. He followed in Mica's footsteps, and stayed home. The poor boy struggled big time with online learning. He was sad because he doesn't have any friendships, and he was confused on different levels with each teacher. I felt bad for him. His report card came in and he had 1 C, 1 F and all the rest D's. 

Off to school he went. I really wanted to get vaccinated before this happened, but what choice do I have? It's depression and a child that isn't exceeding in school, or more success in his academic endeavors with the possibility of picking up this asshole of a virus.  

Isaak went back to school on Monday. Schedules had to change. I am worried about picking up covid. Isaak has managed to pull up his grades just in 3 days. He now has 1 B, 1 F, 2 C's, and one D. 

I wish parenting came with a direct handbook, for your specific child. Like - Oh you have an empath artistic child much like yourself, this is what you should do... Except I did my homework always. I didn't test well, so I did all my homework to compensate for that. He must get his lack of wanting to do his homework from his father. 

Here I thought less distractions from other kids would help him to focus. No chance of getting into middle school drama when a child is at home. Skip over that awkward voice changing time. Teachers and school rule. 

He went to school on his first day back with this hoodie on. It says, "You Can"! I do believe he can.

Random Tid Bits

It's been awhile, since I've done a "Random Tid Bits" post. What can I say? I've been busy applying for jobs. Fingers crossed I get the one I have a 2nd interview with tomorrow. 

1. My 1st grader nephew Edison wants to marry his sister Margaret. He got a bit annoyed when my sister told him that he has to marry someone he's not related to. 
   
   
   
   
   

   I finally got to meet Miss Margaret, and actually took the photo above. I called her Miss. Margareet, and Edison corrected me right away. I'm a huge fan of nicknames. It's better than what Mica called her...Maggot.
   
   
   
   
2. Isaak and my conversation:
   
   Me: PMS is so annoying! 
   Isaak: What's that?
   Me: Premenstrual Syndrome.
   Issak: Who that that?
   Me: I do.
   Isaak: Really?! I didn't know you were sick with something serious. What is it? *Insert a concerned look on his face. 
   Me: A period.
   Isaak: Oh...silence! 
   
   
3. Mica just started in person high school this week. They are only taking 1/2 students at a time, and it's on a system where they go 2 days, then remote 3, then go 3 days, then remote 2... The boy did his hair 4 times over again on the first day.
   
   How's school going where you live? Does it seem smooth, or rough all around?
    
4. It took Mica awhile to come home by bus.
   
   Me: What took so long, for you to get home? 
   Mica: They combined two busses, so my bus went all the way out to Western Omaha. You know where all the houses look alike. 
   Me: It's usually referred to West Omaha. I get you. 
   
   
5. Isaak didn't know who Steve Jobs is. 
   
   Mica: Isaak you don't know who Steve Jobs is! You need to use the dictionary more! 
   Travis: Because Steve Jobs is in the dictionary. What does one look up, "Steve" or "Jobs"? 
   We all laughed! 

#backtoschool With #ZOHAN

I've mentioned before that Isaak's oh so slow when it comes to doing homework. It's great that he can now listen to his teachers, with little to no distractions. They are still remote learning. He also gets involved in less drama. 

I don't know, maybe he does have some form of ADHD, but he's not the type of kid that's bouncing off the walls. I'd rather deal with his problems in other ways, then with medicine. He still gets distracted even with us. 

I'm pretty sure he gets this trait from me. I was/am a horrible test taker. That's part of why I don't want to go back to school to get my Education Certificate. I'm a mega hard worker though. I catch on to things quickly. Process things are easy, for me to understand. 

Thankfully I got noise headphones to review. 

Zohan Has Four Different Designs to Choose From:

• Nebula
• Rap
• Unicorn
• Flamingos

I was between the Nebula and Rap designs. The others are more girly of prints. Isaak would have liked the Rap one, but I chose Nebula. Last year he picked out a shirt at Christmas that had that pattern. Why not stick with what I know he likes? I honestly wanted it to be a surprise for him. 

Cost: 

$14.99 for all of the different designs. You can get them on Amazon Prime: https://www.amazon.com/dp/B07MT9JMWD. 

Size:

They are kid sizes. BUT Isaak and I have skinny heads. I often have to tie or loop my masks. These fit just fine. They even fit me. Of course they are adjustable too. 

Do They Work?

I put them on, and they do block out noises. Not totally. I can talk, and hear my own voice. It makes all sounds seem like I was underwater. 

What was your biggest struggle in school?

Disclaimer: I got this product for a discounted price, for the purpose of this review. All opinions are my own.

#WW Rotary Honor Roll #Linky

I got a call last week. Ring Ring...Hello is this Mrs. Apel? Do you still live on such and such street? This is King Science Middle School, and we want to drop off an award for Mica. 

I wasn't crying. Really I wasn't. ;) I shut myself in my room, and let it all go. It was a flood of emotions. I was proud of Mica! At the same time I was scared for the boy's future. I was sad that Mica won't be starting high school in a building, making new friends. Usually I'm getting ready for school. Since 2002 August meant school was starting for me. I had Mica the second day of school August 10, 2005. This year I'm not a teacher. I lost my job in May. I just got word that the college I worked for will close. How could they possibly stay open, when all of high school is remote. All understandable. If universities and community colleges are hurting, technical and art school are really struggling! 

With all the craziness in the world right now, what is something that has been the hardest on you?

Mica said, "Mom don't take a picture, when they get here!" Oh I wanted to!

The councilors don't even know how much I appreciate them dropping off this piece of paper to my son. He got all A's and one B+ last semester. He did everything he was supposed to do; even though they weren't grading his work.

The award stands for:

•Leadership: Works well with others | Respects opinions of others | Honest, dependable and reliable

•Character – Kind and courteous | Responsible | Demonstrates respect for others and respect for the environment

•Scholarship –Demonstrates thirst for knowledge | Shows ownership of academic outcomes | Respects teachers & the learning environment

•Presence – Behaves appropriately | Respects self and others in dress, speech and actions | Responsible for portraying positive self-image

Random Tid Bits

1. I'm ready for the school year to be done, but am nervous when fall rolls around.
   
2. I know I can teach online, but my first year students don't get their laptops until mid semester. They are going to try and figure out what it would take, for them to get their laptops early.
   
3. Isaak hasn't shown any more signs, on being allergic to this little cuddly boy. I swear he sat on my arm under this washcloth, which he thinks is his blanket for 20 minutes or more.
   
   
   
   
   
4. My first year students are working on stationery sets, for a company they made redid a logo for. Their logos looked pretty good. Their understanding of stationery is questionable. I even made my own to explain it. One guy must of never looked at my examples. He had the company's address in the center, instead of top left. He used my info for the business card, when I told them to research the company its self. I just want to scream, "Look at my examples!"
   
5. Mica's officially done with his big health care model, PowerPoint, and Word file. He presented to the class, University of Nebraska - Omaha (they mentored the students), Multiple Sclerosis (MS) Forward, and a small group from Multiple Sclerosis Society. He did really well. BUT while he was presenting he had a battery explode on his project. Thank goodness, he just had to show the project in his PowerPoint. It did kind of distract him, when he heard a big bang. 

Random Tid Bits

1. Getting used to this online teaching that happened oh so quickly has been interesting! I've had to change so many things that I do. I sent 2 big emails out to my students. After the 2nd email a student emailed, "Check in number 2". I spent 5 minutes looking at my 2nd email, trying to check what was wrong with it. She was just checking in saying, "I'm here!" Then I spent 5 more minute laughing about it. I needed that laugh.


2. We were at my parent's house last weekend. We were having a conversation about Mica's eyebrows. He's always had a unibrow. I pluck those suckers out of there. Mica was complaining to my Mom about how it hurts. My Mom asked, "Mica why don't you just do it yourself?" Mica said, "Well Grandma I can't see the hairs up on my forehead to pluck them." My Mom said, "Haven't you ever heard of a mirror?" He said, "Oh I didn't think about that." We laughed and laughed. 


3. If you remember Isaak had to switch Math teachers midyear. His first teacher (according to his carpool) didn't know how to teach. She was pushing the students really hard. Mainly because she was a 7th grade teacher, and Isaak is in 6th grade. She got put on Administrative Leave, then later fired.
   
   Isaak loved his new Math teacher. He was all the sudden excited about class. She even sent him this postcard, and his already big eyes lit up!
   
   
   
   
   
   Now that they don't have school Isaak's not only sad about not seeing his friends, but also pretty bummed that he doesn't have Math with Ms. Walton. He said, "Mom I was actually enjoying Math." :(
   
   Did you ever get excited about a certain class in school?


4. I totally dropped the ball with signing the kids up for any camps. Travis signed up for an art residency, where the whole family would be involved. He had to call about it, to see if he got it. Turns out they didn't read anyone's applications, letters, look at their work. She just picked the top two applicants, and gave it to them. :(
   
   I'm thinking it's a blessing I didn't sign the kids up for any camps with all that's going on. They may not of been able to participate anyhow. They I may not of gotten my money back. Maybe everything does happen for a reason. 


5. I was pretty ticked off yesterday. My boss has us still coming in to work, even though we totally could do it at home. They have signs on the doors, "If you're sick, don't come in!" One of my co-workers has been coughing, and snotting. It's not allergies. Then an Adjunct (which I really wish they weren't here!) just got done flying somewhere, and came in. That's totally how this COVID-19 spreads.
   
   The bossman offers suggestions to make this online stuff smoother. The coworker with a cold thinks the bossman is giving him more to do, making his job harder. I'm stuck in the middle of the two fighting.  

WW: Art Award {Linky}

Before Spring Break happened Isaak won the Art Award at school. They only awarded 2 kids per class. When he had Piano he was awarded that too. He was the only one that got that award.

Cheers to our creative one:

Peace to you during the time of COVID-19! I hope you, your family and friends have wellness during this time!

Random Tid Bits

1. Isaak switched over to his new Math teacher. It seems like a great fit. His old teacher did end up getting fired. I have no clue what will happen with the rest of that class. He hasn't looked clueless, for a good week. His old teacher taught the kids like they were in 7th grade. She was a 7th grade teacher, for the most part. Isaak has always been pretty good at math. He wasn't ready for an honors course that he didn't sign up for.
   
   
   
   
2. I was worried about Isaak loosing friends, and having a hard time making friends in this new Math class. I guess it's not a big deal. He knows some of the kids. Some kids wanted to sit next to him because they love his drawing skills. His new teacher told Isaak she loves his drawings as well. Confident boosting has helped!


3. I have a few student in my senior class that have jobs. I'm feeling a bit like they have senioritis bad. They are a great class, but done.


4. In all the classes I have there's drama that I'd love to disappear.
   
   One girl complains about her teachers to other teachers. She even complains about her Mom to her teachers. She had my sympathy, but lately I don't know if I can trust anything she says. Her Mom might be a great Mom. The teachers she's complaining about are great teachers.
   
   On Friday she was telling me that some teachers are so subjective in what they like. She was referring to an assignment she has with a different instructor. I said, "With each assignment we have objectives. They are clearly laid out. In the assignment you are showing me, I'm assuming the objective was to use as little points in the paths that you are making as possible. Then it can be a smooth line, and not a big file in size. I'm not the instructor for that class. If you want the exact objectives, refer to the video the instructor left for you on the server. Your teacher has taught here, for years. I know he wants certain things to come out of the assignment. If you don't like what he has to say, duplicate the assignment, create one how you'd like it to be, and the other how he'd like it to be." She walked away. Then started complaining that her computer didn't work.
   
   One other girl has gone to administration about me twice. It's over silly things. The first time it was about 3 questions on a 121 question test. This time it was because we were talking about current events in class. The discussion was healthy. We weren't picking sides in our conversation. No one was mad, but apparently her. She wasn't even part of the discussion. Instead of standing up and saying, "Can you guys keep it down.", or "I don't like this conversation." she went to administration to tell them. I've been feeling a bit like I can't say anything. My tongue is tied. If I said I was going to rest room, that might be too much information, for her. I don't know what I'll do in a few weeks when I'm supposed to talk about Health Insurance. How does one talk about that, and not bring up the government? It's in regards to freelancers; getting their own insurance. It comes down to...this is college, not elementary, middle or high school. It's important to have dialogue.
   
   One other girl hates life. She hates her computer. She hates work that's done on the computer. God hates her. I've heard all those things. She's a great illustrator. When it comes to creating things on the computer, she puts her head down, and doesn't even want to try. We put all our videos on a server, for them to watch. It's hard because she hasn't been showing up. She's so negative. I wish I could reach her. I kept her behind last class to show her a demo in baby steps. If she looked at the videos, it would be the same thing. Watch it fast, or watch it slow.
   
   One other girl is always left out. She stays late just so she doesn't have to go home. I want to wrap her up, take her home, and tell her it's all going to be ok.
   
   
   
   
5.  Mica's great. Minus his bus not showing up a lot lately. He just picked out high schools. He was torn between two. 

#pencilcase #pouch Review

Mica's super into anything space, or galaxy. This summer we're going to start the process of redoing his room. His room right now has streets painted all over it. There's nothing wrong with streets. It's just that Mica's past playing with cars and trucks. I think we'll paint his room with a blue grey, and add galaxy paintings on canvas. He has a locker in his room, and we may repaint that to be dark blue.

He watches YouTube videos on space, wants to go to a high school that has classes on Astronomy, and reads a lot of books on the subject.

I recently got a Fresh Twister Jumbo Pouch to review from zipit: https://just-zipit.com/collections/pencil-cases/products/fresh-twister-jumbo-pouch?variant=18497684635705. 

zipit has a lot of cute cases on their site!

zipit:

It has the name zipit for a reason. It zips fully shut, and unzips all the way. I did find it got stuck in one spot (zipper wise). 

Patterns in Fresh Twister Jumbo Pouch:

Galaxy
Kaleidoscope
Race Flag

Size:

It's pretty big. Much bigger than most pencil cases. 9” x .78” x 5.9” 

What You Can Carry in it:

Anything small! I was trying to think of things a teen would want to carry in it.

Scissors
Pencils/Pens/Markers
Art Supplies
Rubber Bands
Paper Clips/Alligator Clips
Ear Buds
Phone Charger
Phone
Tissues
Chapstick/Makeup for Girls
House/Car Keys
First Aid
And Much More!

Cost:

$9.99 Free Shipping if you spend over $35. I think the cost is very reasonable; considering the size and the cost I've spent on other pencil cases in the past. I love that it has a lifetime warranty!

Don't hesitate to get one. I'm thinking the Easter Bunny will leave 2 of these, for the boys. Why wait, for back to school time? They can use them now. 

Do you have a pencil case you carry around? We have a drawer at home, I have a canister at work, but I carry a case on my cart to go to the classrooms. 

Disclaimer: I got this product for free, in exchange for an honest review. All opinions are my own.

Random Tid Bits

1. I'm not really starting out the semester the best. Usually I have more done, but we had one week less on the break because Thanksgiving was so late. 


2. On Sunday Mica was talking about how they go back to school on Monday. I rolled with it. I sent them to bed early, from all the late nights previously. We got up early. Mica went to the bus stop. When Isaak's carpool didn't seem to get there, I had him call her. Turns out there was no school. We called Mica, who was wondering why he was alone at the bus stop to tell him it was a Teacher Planning Day. The award for the best parenting of the year goes to us!
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
3. On Tuesday the bus didn't show up for Mica, so Travis had to take the kids to school. Thankfully there's enough room in our Subaru for his bus stop kids.


4. I'm ready for wellness. Isaak had Strep. Mica had some nasty cold. I swore it was Strep because he got it after Isaak. He never got a fever. His sore throat came and went.
   
   My Mom and Dad were really sick. My Mom had to go in to get a chest x-ray, was put on antibiotics and a steroids.
   
   My Sister Terra's whole family got Influenza A. It's the worst in the US, right here in Douglas County. I was worried about my nephew Emerson, with having an already compromised immune system. He's ok.
   
   One of my Uncles has been in and out of the hospital, since before Thanksgiving. He's having internal bleeding, crazy number for his hemoglobin. He had to get an iron fusion, blood, and more than one colonoscopy.
   
   One of my Aunts had a UTI.
   
   One of my cousins turned jaundice. They rushed him off to the hospital. He had no health insurance. Too old to be on his parent's, went to college later, so he doesn't have a job to help. I'm sure an expensive scan later...he had to get his gallbladder out. The surgery was just this week. He got health insurance through school; as of January 1. It was like cement. They had to keep him in a day later than normal.
   
   Have you had any sickness in your neck of the woods, so to speak?
5. That whole thing with students complaining about a few questions on my test last semester...lingered. The Education Director emailed me about it 3 times. Every time was right before the end of the day. His mailbox was full, so I couldn't email him about it. He never called me in to talk to me. I feel odd about that. A girl had problems with 4 questions on the final exam. There were 120 questions on the exam. Yes one was picky, so I'm changing that. The rest were not. First thing on Mon. I see the girl. I smiled and said, "Hi!" She looked down, and didn't say anything. I'm thinking this is more her problem, than mine. If she's going to get that upset over 4 questions on a test, how is she going to be in the work world? 

My Jailbird Plays the Piano

I got a call last Friday, right before I was supposed to give my 1 hour lecture. Who was it? It was the Dean at Isaak's new school. Before I really talked to him I confessed that the reception is horrible where I work, just in case we got disconnected. The call took me off guard.

Here's How it Went: 

Isaak was outside in Walking Club. He started to tap or jab a few other kids. The other kids did the same. No one was hurt, or threatened. BUT Isaak didn't own up to it. It was behavior that often leads to fighting. Touching others isn't tolerated at that school. He gets an in school in school suspension on Monday (today).

I said I'd talk to Isaak, and got off the phone as quickly as I could because I knew my class was about to start.

Fast Forward to the End of the Day:

I mentioned this distraction phone call to a few people that all responded to, WHAT? You've got to be kidding me. I got out of class, went back to my office. I tried to call Mr. W., but he left for the day of course. I sent an email. I mentioned that if in fact he had bad behavior (which I don't think what he did was really bad per say), please help Isaak with getting more speedy - give him tips. All week last week he went to bed at 9:30, and probably didn't fall asleep until 10 due to the Strings Concert he HAD to go to, for his grade, and homework. I'd love for him to go to bed at 8:30 because we wake up at 6.

I wanted to say:

I'm just really glad Isaak's making friends he can play with! My co-worker thinks I should talk to him, and take him out for ice cream because of your ridiculous punishment. Don't you know boys play like that? Heck even some girls do. 

I picked up Isaak:

I got Isaak because he was at Poetry Slam. He didn't seem too bothered. I thought the boy would be in tears.

He said, "Mom look what I got!" It was an award, for the most outstanding Piano player. He was the only one that got one. Along with that he got candy, a free ice cream at Dairy Queen, and a few other random things. He was super excited!

When I brought up that the Dean called me, he said, "That was super annoying. Mom I didn't even feel like we did anything wrong. I seriously touched them lighter than if I was playing tag with them. They weren't bothered by it...until we got in trouble." 

I said, "Well I'm proud of you for your award. That is a big deal. We'll have to take a photo tomorrow when the lighting is better. You may have to serve the time for the touching big. It seems crazy to me! I emailed Mr. W., because he was gone for the day. I told him if you have to have suspension, which I don't agree with, I want them to give you all your homework, and work with you on tips for speeding up the process. Mr. W. really should focus on other kids that bully." 

Isaak said, "Am I in trouble at home?" 

I said, "No. Just know the rules at school, so this doesn't happen again. It's really ridiculous!" 

When Travis caught wind of it he email Mr. W. as well. 

We haven't heard anything back. Maybe I should call, but I kind of feel like I did what I could do. Isaak's learning about injustice today. I sent him to school in a sweat shirt that says, "Do Good", and "Be Good". I said, "Please don't wear your jacket, let them see the shirt. I love you! Ask them a lot of questions. Make them help you with your homework." 

What's something that you got in trouble for that was not called for? 

I had a few things happen:

I had to stay after school in 5th grade because I didn't realize there was a back to a homework assignment. My Mom was pissed at the teacher! I always did my homework. This was one time that I missed something not purposeful, and was in trouble for it. 

I used the word Enormous one year, and the teacher I had LOVED it because it was such a big word for me. The next year I used that same word again. That teacher kept me after school because she thought I copied that word off the board. She wasn't my favorite person in the world. 

Conferences

We had conferences last week. Both boys ended up with A's and B's. I couldn't ask for better report cards.

It was the first time Isaak was in middle school, and the middle school is very different than Mica's. As much as we didn't try to contrast, and compare it was natural to do so. 

We have, and continue to find all the staff at Mica's school to be so positive!

He's the news man in the morning. He loves doing it! He's free to change up things within reason. So he changes his accent almost every time. He makes silly jokes. A sixth grader came up to him in the hallway and said, "Are you the guy on the screen in the mornings? Man you're a good actor!" It cracked us all up, when we heard that story.

His Language Arts teacher likes that he puts his personality into his work. Not every kid feels free to do that.

His Healthcare Academy teacher is all over the place, but it's only because she likes to fit in as much as she can, within reason. She gave Mica a book about Polio, that he has to do a book report on. My Mom had that, so it's interesting. In the middle of talking to her the phone rang. She's like, "Mica can you get that? It's blind people that need to be escorted down here." He got the phone, but his ditzy Mica self said, "Ok come on down to room blah blah blah." It was like the blind was leading the blind. Ha! His teacher said, "No Mica you have to get them. They can't see!"

At the end of conferences I complimented Mica's last teacher. I said, "You know what? I know you don't feel well (she had a cold), but you should be proud. I haven't met a single bad teacher, since Mica started school here three years ago. You're all good." Then I walked away.

I do wish all the students at his school knew the capacity of the teachers, and how wonderful they are! Many don't seem to be as into things as Mica is.

Mica got all A's and one B.

Just like he tries different accents on the morning announcements. He tries different faces when we go out to eat.

Isaak's school had less walking, for conferences. All the teachers had their own little table in the gym and cafeteria. One would think that would be great. It annoyed Travis. He felt it was less personable. Voices echoed badly. There were only 3 chairs at any given table, so if anyone had an extra kid they had to stand.

There's only two teachers of his that I find great! The rest are just ok. I thought I'd think otherwise, considering that Isaak goes to an art magnet school.

Travis and I wanted feedback on how Isaak works in the classroom. His life seems to be school and homework. We don't want his whole life to be like that. I was looking for teacher tips on being more productive. Like, "Rule out all the answers you know are wrong, to pick the right answer.", "Do the easy homework first, and follow up with the harder things., "Talk less." and so on. Not one really gave us any tips. I've learned more from watching YouTube videos on anxiety in kids than I could get out of his teachers. One actually told me that boys just work slower than girls. Right away I thought, bullshit! Mica hardly has homework. He's a guy. That's an old way of thinking.

One teacher asked me who he has for Math. When Isaak said, she said, "Oh..." insert awkward silence here.

Isaak's teachers weren't mean. They just weren't out of the box thinkers, like I thought they'd be. 

Top teachers for him were Piano and Language Arts. He stops Piano now, and takes Drama. They have a rotating wheel of different arts they take. Yay Drama, but pout no more Piano. They seemed to understand creative kids the most.

Isaak got a two or three A's the rest B's.

I am happy both boys are doing great in school, but worried about Isaak's work load. How can I make the boy go faster? I'm not trying to change him. I just don't want his school life to always be homework. With ACT's and SAT's time is a factor. Life doesn't stop for people that go slow. 

Random Tid Bits

1. We're having a garage sale this weekend. I literally can't walk in my living room right now.


2. Travis got this pink luffa because it was in a set, and the boys wouldn't go for it. He's had it for awhile. I pulled it out of the shower and said, "Maybe you should sell this at our garage sale." I started cracking up so hard, I nearly fell over. I asked, "How much do you think we could get for it?" I started cracking up again. He's like, "What is your problem?" I couldn't help it, I thought it was so funny.
   
   
   
   
   
3. Just when you think it's going to be a normal school year, something crazy happens. I was talking with a student when no one else had come into the room. I asked, "Do you have roommates that go to school here, or do you live with your parents?" She said, "I have 3 roommates, but plan to have 2 really soon." She went on to say, "One of my roommates brought drugs into our apartment. We agreed that, that wasn't something that was allowed." Somehow the landlord found out. It was a big mess, and we're only on week 2. 

   
   
4. Another student came up to me at the end of the day. She said, "You're a Mom. Maybe I can ask you this..." She puts her leg up on the table and said, "Why is my ankle swelling?" I said, "Well it's really humid out. My glasses fogged up just when I went outside. Sometimes legs have fluid that builds up in wet heat. You can put your legs up when you go home. That might help." She just walked away. 


5. Isaak's quite the character. He doesn't pay attention when anyone drives him anywhere. This morning I took him to school, for the first time. I said, "When we get there, please tell me where to go. I've never dropped you off before." He said, "Don't talk to me. You're talking too much." I proceeded to talk to myself the rest of the way there out loud. He was annoyed, but so was I. I asked him a question, he refused to answer me, and I passed the street up on accident I needed to turn at. Apparently this is a very big deal. I went where the busses went, apologized to the lady in charge, and she told me where to get back on that street. Isaak still acted clueless, when we got up toward the drop off. It ended with me saying, "You need to pay more attention when people take you places!" He said, "You're the parent, and I'm the kid." Ya kind of annoying! Have you ever messed up a drop off, or pick up line?

Random Tid Bits

1. I have so many appointments coming up. I don't know how they all got shoved into late summer, but they did. Dentist Aug. 8 (writing this way early), Ears Nose Throat Aug. 26, OB with Mammogram Sept. 16, and I thought Isaak got braces early Aug., but that was just a consultation, so he gets them on Oct. 17. I try and schedule all this stuff when I don't teach. Thankfully the dentist will let me make appointments at 7 AM, so I do that. 


2. School starts for me on Monday. I think I'm ready. I'm just nervous because we have the students punch into a hand punch to get an idea of who is here and who is not.
   
   I have to enter them all. Oh joy! It was actually accreditation's idea that we take attendance. Financial Aid loves it because they have record of when someone's last day was, if they drop out. 
   
   I hate it because I visually just take attendance. It's a breeding ground for germs. 


3. The government makes me want to throw up. Maybe it's always been bad, but I was too young to care a whole lot.
   
   Some don't understand the Woman Marches, Black Lives Matter Marches, and Gun Violence Marches, but marches and protests have been going on for years and years. It's nothing new to stand up for yourself, and publicly show your support to a cause with joining a march.
   
   It's not just one side that upsets me, it's both. We've all gotten really good at pointing the finger, and not the thumb. It's good to admit we're all wrong with different things. Have a discussion about it. Solve problems, instead of divide ourselves up all the more. Aren't we all part of the problem?
   
   I have to say that I'm pretty proud of Senator John S. McCollister. He's a Republican living in a red state. He came out to reflect on something that would not be popular with much of his party. It's much easier to look the other way, point the finger, than to look a person in the eye and have a conversation about important topics. It's good to take ownership, and I for one am proud that he's not a follower, but instead a leader.
   
   
   
   


4. One statistic that many do not talk about when it comes to mass shootings is the fact that the shooters are male. We discuss race, religion, politics and other background details, but leave out the sex as a key factor. 

Even if you don't have boys, it's important to understand them!

I know I've put this on here before, but if you haven't seen The Mask You Live in, it's an very important movie to watch!




5. Another good one is Raising Cain. I read the book, and follow so much of what the phycologist Michael Thompson says! I had all sisters, and aunts growing up, so boys were knew to me. I had to learn to understand them. I see eye to eye with Michael Thompson so much. He did all his early research on girls, once the Columbine Shooting happened he switched gears and researched boys. This is long, so maybe listen to it like you would a podcast.

School Started for all of Us

Back to School Night was crazy! I don't know that, that much changed from last year. It just seemed nuts! Mica's started at 3:30, Isaak's started at 5, and we didn't get done until 7.

I've never been one that gets anxiety when being around lots of people, but that night it was even a bit much for me. Imagine what it's like for someone on the spectrum!

All the Booths:

• Yearbook - Just for Isaak. I guess Mica's comes out towards the end of the year. He's never even told us about it.


• School Activity Card - We stood in line for this at both schools, not knowing if we needed one or not. Turns out we waisted our time. Mica's not going to be in a sport, and Isaak can only do intramural sports. 


• Lunch Money - We skipped all together because we do it online.


• Nurse - We skipped this too. No meds to worry about.


• Donation for PTA - Only for Isaak's school.


• Join PTA - Sorry, but working full time, and being far away we didn't do this.


• After Care - We stood in line for Mica with this. I wasn't sure if he needed it with being in Quiz Bowl. Turns out we didn't need to be there.


• Sports - Isaak did get a sheet for intramural sports. 


• Merch - We opted to skip this because we were so done by the time we got to this. Mica has some shirts from his Heath Academy that has school spirit. Maybe we'll get something later for Isaak.


• Paperwork - We had to do this with both schools. Luckily they had our info typed in, and we just had to add changes. With Mica's school I felt like after looking it over we were butting back into line. I didn't want to piss anyone off. Isaak's school sent the info home, so it was a matter of handing to someone. 


• Photos - I filled out Isaak's prior to going there, but Mica's wasn't sent home so I had to fill that one out there. Regardless there was a huge line, for school photos. Never have they ever had them on Back to School Night. I thought it was a good idea. Like the parents are there to make sure their kid doesn't look unpresentable. It was complete chaos! It added so much time to the night!


• Schedule - Also chaos, but much needed. That was the whole purpose of going there. I did think both schools could have handled it better. Where Mica goes to school they didn't have signs saying, which grades were to be picked up where. With Isaak's school they had them alphabetically, but didn't have signs saying where A- L and M-Z were. 

After all the above, then it was time to meet all the teachers.  

I for sure do like to meet them. They often times have a list of supplies to get, an overview of the course and it's great to see their faces.

They messed up Mica's schedule.   

Mica's been talking about wanting to quit playing his trumpet. I said, "Well you have two choices in school: Art or Band, which one do you want to do?" He said, "Band I guess. It's an easy A."

He never has gotten better with his trumpet. He still hits crazy notes.

When we got his schedule it had Art on it, instead of Band. I most certainly didn't change it, nor did Mica. I said, "It's up to you. Maybe it's time to switch gears." He said, "Ok I'll go with Art."

A blessing in the mess up possibly?

Mica will be the lead voice, for the morning announcements.   

He's been super excited for this all spring, and a month before school started. He's been practicing, and letting me hear the sound of his voice. He didn't start yet because there wasn't much to announce. I think the group could have welcomed students back though.

Mica's homeroom will be with his Healthcare Academy.    

It was great that some organization donated pretty high end backpacks to them! He can't carry it in school, but will certainly carry it to and from.

Isaak just started his new school.    

So far he hasn't gotten lost. That was something I was worried about. He is like me, not great with directions. Not too long ago he went to the bathroom in a store. I stayed where I was, and he was escorted over by a store employee, and his eyes were flooded with tears. His middle school had a big addition, and one spot is really odd - you have to walk through the library to get to another wing.

His week has mostly been filled with rules and procedures.

We are excited that he has Piano as a class. He has Strings before fall break, and Art after fall break.

There are no official sports, but he can get into intramural sports.

Isaak did decide he wanted to eat breakfast at school, but quickly learned that it wasn't enough food. He's a slow eater, so it's good he has a little at home and a little at school. I do have to watch his carb intake. He wants the good stuff at each place.

I have three classes this semester. 

Art Media Techniques, Color and Design Theory and Design and Layout. I teach two Design and Layout classes - one in third year/first semester, and the other in first year/second semester.

I love my third year class. It's the best I've ever had. First year, it's too early to tell yet. One girl is super social with the guys, and has ventured into second year a lot. The rest are fairly quiet.

Traffic has picked up. We have construction right by our house. It has to be done, but it adds to the congestion.

Have kids started school by you? Do you have a lot of construction by your house?

Random Tid Bits

1. Somehow I managed to not get a summer school class!


2. I'm kind of excited. One co-worker, which I named Mrs. Clean Freak moved on. She seriously drove me batty. She was so picky about folders not being in the classroom. Folders don't belong in a classroom? Seriously! I had my moments of totally liking her too. It's just that it was hard having multiple bosses giving me things to do. Most of the time they didn't know each other was giving me things to do. Life has been happier with her gone.
   
   I found out that my favorite Admission Rep is taking over as the lead. I'm not super close to her. I just have a great vibe off her. She's much more open to new innovative ideas than the last one. Fingers crossed that she'll do great! 


3. I'm the first to admit when I've been a dumb ass. Earlier this week I was in fact a dumb ass. I heard that if you soaked strawberries in a little vinegar + water they last longer. I did that. They all tasted like vinegar. Don't do what I did. I make a strawberry crisp for work + one for Travis' work. The rest went in the freezer for smoothies. Not to worry too much though. Travis went out the next night and picked a whole new big bowl of strawberries. Here I was thinking they wouldn't do well this year with all the rain. Our backyard is kind of hilly though. 






4. I don't know if you remember when I posted about Mica having brown splotches on his skin? It started out where he had spots on his arm, then it was on his neck. It looks like it could be dirt. When I messaged the doctor's office they wanted the boys to come in for check-ups because it had been awhile. Right away I brought it up to the nurse when I took the boys in. She took note of it. Then the doctor came in, and I forgot all about the brown splotches. Then not one, but both boys fainted when their fingers were pricked, so the brown splotches were really off my mind.
   
   
   
   
   
   I sent a follow up email. I am supposed to let them know if it gets darker, or spreads more. It's called Cafe au lait Spots. It can just be birth marks, or darkening of the skin. What they worry about is how it can be associated with Neurofibromatosis. I think I'd be more worried if Isaak had these marks. Another sign of possible Neurofibromatosis is a birthmark on the spine, which Isaak has. Luckily Neurofibromatosis is not in our genetics. Although I know people with it. It's something to watch, but since I've taken the photo of Mica's skin his spots haven't gotten darker, in fact they've lightened a bit. 
   
   
   
   
5. A past student had a 4 month old pass away last year from SIDS. I was heartbroken for her. This week she got in a car accident. Her van rolled onto her hand degloving many of her fingers. They rushed her into surgery to get her hand stitched up with her skin. Thankfully she has skin they could use. Now she's worried about working, physical therapy, not having a vehicle to drive. Her life is kind of a downward spiral. She has 2 other kids at home. Positive vibes are sent her way! Do you know someone that seemed to just always have unfortunate things happen to them?

Leather #Portfolio Folder Padfolio for Business School Office Conference Presentation Interview Review

In a week Mica starts his first camp for the Healthcare Academy. I wanted him to have something to keep all his papers together all fancy like. 

Thankfully we got a Leather Portfolio for him to use. 

Inside:

The inside has different pockets for him to put papers. Right now I have his certificate that he got. He can put other papers in there too.

There's a pen holder as well.

I Love That...

It feels good to hold. Leather just it a fancy material! 

The pockets are unique in that they are 3 different sizes. 

It's great for many uses. It would be wonderful for job interviews, school, or business use.

I Wish That...

It had a zipper, so papers in no way will fly out on a windy day. It does have a rubber texture that holds things in. 

I wish it had one more holder, for an additional pen. I mean what if one goes out? I always carry more than one, just in case.

Cost:

You can get it on Amazon Prime for $11.99 https://www.amazon.com/Leather-Portfolio-Folder-Conference-Presentation-Letter-Size-Writing-Pad-Notepad/dp/B07PXVRK9J?psc=1&SubscriptionId=AKIAIJKR6IY4BV5FKK7A&linkCode=xm2&camp=2025&creative=165953&creativeASIN=B07PXVRK9J/ref=sr_1_5&ie=UTF8.

Do you have something fancy to hold important papers? 

Disclaimer: All opinions are my own. The company didn't tell me what to write.

Random Tid Bits

1. I've been battling a cold all week. Mica had it last week.
   
   I thought it was just allergies. He was complaining of a sore throat, being tired and achy.
   
   I said, "Do the Neti Pot, wash your hair, take some Zyrtec, change your pillow case, and go to bed early. It's just allergies." He swore it was more than allergies. I didn't believe him.
   
   Now I have, had this more than allergies thing, have apologized to him, and believe him.


2. I got my allergy shots on the 13th. I get 3. I bruised up so bad on the arm where I get 2 at once. I kind of made a big deal out of it because I never reacted like that before. I message the doctor's office. He told me to send photos to the nurse. I did, and heard nothing back. This is a week after getting my shots on the 20th.
   
   
   
   
   
3. Mica was reading a book when I was driving, "Mom pro is the opposite of con. That must mean progress is the opposite of congress." I said, "Pretty much."


4. My school got out last Friday, and the boys got out this Wednesday. We're done with school, for now. Are schools out where you live? I know some places had to go longer because of the snow. I don't know how we escaped that. 


5. I picked up Isaak from school last Friday. Only to be greeted by his smiling teacher. I asked, "Did Isaak have a good day today? I know he's been struggling with attention problems, since it's so close to the end of the year." She said, "No. He had a rough day. He didn't get done with his tests." Apparently they had SIX tests in ONE day! I can see why he was struggling! He had to take what he got done for 2. I get the standard tests. Why have tests for their main subject the same day as the standard ones? I just think SIX tests in ONE day for elementary seems like a lot! Do you think it's too much to have SIX tests in ONE day?