Random Tid Bits

1. We've been binge watching Ozark. Have you watched it? My sister-in-law used to live in the Lake of the Ozarks. I asked her if the people that are depicted in the show how they really are there. She said, "For sure." I don't remember them being that wacky and back woodsy. 

2. The boys got done with school. That means no more dropping Isaak off, and picking him up. 

3. That also means I need to start going into work. I can't work with blabby boys around me. 

4. I only have a week left at work. I gave them my notice on Monday. Switching jobs again isn't what I wanted to do. I could think of a ton of reasons to stay, but also some major reasons to leave. In the end much of my work that I was happy with they weren't using. They wouldn't even talk about it. I kept doubting myself, and it wasn't healthy. 

More about the job I'm heading to in a week. 

5. My niece Margaret is doing really well. The only thing she's struggling with is solids. My sister has been trying for few months, and she's not into them. Kids with Trisomy 18 typically have weak necks and throats. She's holding her head up ok. I wish she'd take to food, so she doesn't have to get tube fed.  

Random Tid Bits

 1. Isaak’s been a swear word police. He keeps saying, “Language!” When I saw this t-toilet, I so wanted to get it. 

2. The kid’s school district sent an email saying they want all remote kids in class the last few weeks. Mica went back on Friday. 

One girl hasn’t seen Mica for a year. She said, “Mica what happened to your voice?” Yep he now sounds like his Dad. 

3. Isaak says he never wants an Adam’s apple, nor does he want his voice to drop like Mica’s did. Growing up is hard to do! 

4. I’m almost done with my Midland class. It was so easy. I’m not the biggest fan of Canvas though. It’s not super picture friendly. Considering it’s a visual class, it was a pain to not get pictures into the tests. It kept erroring out. 

Were you really judgy about anything when you were a teen? I remember being annoyed that my parents only listened to John Denver and Neil Diamond. 

5. Mica’s decided to be super judgmental when it comes to TV and movies.  

Random Tid Bits

I know I've been horrible about posting. I've been pretty much diving into work. I don't even know why. Maybe it's because I was a teacher handing over my ideas, and now I can put those ideas to use by creating them. Oh I wish that was it! It kind of is. Ok, so it's complicated. 

1. My work loves a look. It's kind of fun, but it's just shapes, and more shapes. No concepts, or bringing their idea of storytelling into their work. I opened up the file that was given to me, to utilize...it was all kinds of a mess. Shapes that didn't line up with other shapes. It was annoying because it was paid for work. Meaning they reached outside the office to pay for it. Rule number one when working in Illustrator: Use the Align tool! 

Back up! Anyhow I was so excited to design this ebook from the day I got the project. Like really excited! Ok beyond excited. I've taught how to create brand guides for years! I've only created a full book like this with SOFT. 

That excitement ended with to disappointment when I learned that the project wasn't just mine. A firm was going to do it. The one that aligned the shapes not so well. I got really excited again when I was told by the marketing head (who is now a contractor) to finish it. She meant only the writing. I got really excited again when my boss told me that they were going to try using me for it. She meant to use the outside firms look. I kept getting burnt. Really I just wanted to do it. So I decided to take my own advice I gave my students a long time ago...when they were more excited about a sketch that I didn't care for...I said to do the one I wanted + prove me wrong with the one they wanted to do. So...I did that. 

I thought for sure they'd pick mine. I put time into it. It was good. I got it critiqued by a designer that lives in Chicago. I made all the changes, but a few. I was planning on taking some type out because I know it's too much to read. I just haven't yet. Never did I think they'd pick the one I did in 2 hours, that had subpar photos, and no alignment. 

I had my meeting, and you probably guessed it, they didn't even talk about the one I cared about. I made sure it had their colors, their fonts, and some of their shapes within it. 

The moral of the story is...maybe Alissa (me) cares too much. Maybe I have a vision that's as strong as their mission. Maybe I suck, and just don't know it. But I do know that it's good. I showed people that love it. By now I know what good work is. I can't deny that, that gave me Imposter Syndrome AKA self doubt. I flat out cried. Why? Why in the heck did I care so much? It's not the change of life. It's more than that. 

By the way I'm not in this to bash my work. It's more about how I feel. I don't think they get it, get me. They are techy people, not creative people. I don't expect them to get it. I'm not mad, I'm hurt. It's a struggle because I actually like them. It's hard to be mad, when I like the people I want to be mad at.

Ok so it would have been nice, to at least mention, "Hey Alissa I like what you did there, but we can't use it because of x, y, and z." I'm tired of crickets. Tell me something. Then I know you're human. Tell me you hate my work. At least I know you're human. 

Just on Scribd it's messing up the quotes. I don't plan on presenting it this way, but dang that's annoying! It's not like that in InDesign, or as just a PDF. Odd!

Youth Book by alissa apel on Scribd

The crazy thing is, is these people are open minded with politics, religion, gays and more. They can't see me. They can't see how important this project was for me.

I felt odd crying. Like I wasn't supposed to be crying. Why do adults tell kids that it's ok to be sad, but when we're sad we feel like a sap, or like we're feeling emotions all wrong? 

I'm sad because I'm f-ing HUMAN! 

I found this article about how you can get your boss to support your personal brand. It hits home with how I feel, but I'd never be able to share this with my boss or bosses. I did share it on LinkedIn. That's probably as far as it will go. 

A few quotes that stood out:

"Q: Why would I want to invest in an employee’s brand instead of the company brand? 

A: Because they are one and the same." 

 "Want to attract the best talent? Invest in the personal brands of the talent you have. This is just one benefit of investing in your employees’ personal brands. Another is: Humanizing your company, which leads to better sales since people prefer to buy from people they know, like, and trust, rather than faceless corporations." 

"Investing in an employee's personal brand increases retention. Q: Won’t investing in the employee’s personal brand make her more attractive to outside offers? A: Yes, but it will also make her more likely to turn them down."

Anyhow I totally connected with that article. 

2. At least when I did a quick flyer for a youth program the next day, they loved it. The Imposter Syndrome feeling sort of went away. 

3. Isaak's made a strong friendship through that bully incident. Good came from bad. He's coming over for his birthday. We haven't had anyone over, since May - except for my parents, that's only because they invited themselves over. 

4. Isaak is a bit more peppy these days. He wants to try out for the morning announcements. He was excited a teacher nominated him for a club that gets a trip at the end of next year. Only 15 people were nominated out of his class. 

5. Mica's Mica. He's just so smart with his studies. But dang the kid is dingy at tasks. Can't win them all.

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?
   
   
   

Random Tid Bits - Doctors

1. The boy's pediatrician is moving far, far away! He's been a most excellent doctor! I'm sad we won't get to say, "Goodbye!". He's seen them through 2 c-sections, meningitis, a staph infection in the neck, many ear infections, scoliosis and more. 
   
   
2. I decided to switch the boys to a more adult doctor; that can take us all in. I HATED my primary doctor, and have really have only seen my allergy and asthma one the last 2 years. He's the doctor where I went with a head full of polyps and he prescribed me with antibiotics and cough syrup. I even said, "There's things in my nose, and I can't get them out." After that I saw my hottie allergy asthma doctor; on my own accord. Then that doctor put me on a rigorous plan, and had me see an ent doctor as well. Then that doctor said if they weren't treated I would in fact die. He gave me the, "You might go blind, or get meningitis with this surgery...bit." Hey all I lost was smell. Where there's a negative, there's also a positive. I can now breathe through my nose! Damn right I'm changing doctors right along with my sons. 
   
   
3. We will miss Doctor Harrison! The only reason I know he's moving is because my sister told me so. She had it worse than me, and had to find two new docs. Her Trisomy 18 kids have a lot to be covered, and her older kids are my kid's ages, so they are getting bumped up as well. 
   
   
   A most recent picture of Margaret. She's my niece that has Trisomy 18. Sadly Emerson doesn't smile at all these days. He has seizures most days. His meds make him out of it all the time. :(
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
4. Doctor Harrison is the boy's profound pediatrician, and they are switching to Doctor Hare. When I told Isaak this he said,
   
   "What is this? Is Doctor Hare a rip-off of Doctor Harrison?"
   
   Ha! Possibly so. Doctor Harrison was a great doctor in the community. He along with my allergy asthma doctor; I wouldn't have traded either for the world. I even sent Doctor Harrison our Christmas cards. 
   
   
5. I got poked many times last week. One Johnson and Johnson shot (vaccine), and three allergy shots 24 hours later. I don't mind the poking. It's the reactions that are worse than the poking.
   
   Vaccine: I worry about an uprise with covid because of the many people that are getting the shot. Seriously! It was packed! Very little social distancing. In Nebraska, they almost didn't take me. Yes I'm a teacher, but no I don't teach at a union school. It's hard...who decides who should get shots, and who isn't up. It was medical professionals, then older people, then people that had health risks, then first responders, then teachers (but they weren't specific on what kind of teacher would get it). They never did go back to health risk individuals. Really store workers, work more with the public than others, but who am I to have an opinion? It's a crap shoot for who is more worthy of a shot. 
   
   I just had a headache and a was warm. I kind of wish I had more of a reaction. Then I'd know it worked! 
   
   I had more a reaction from allergy shots. Man they've been bad, since I found out I'm going through menopause. Itchy throat, uncontrollable sneezes, snot just dripping from my f-ing nose, huge Popeye arms, that are red, itchy and hot! The arms stay like that for a good 24 hours. I can't even keep ice packs cold. It's horrible! Pictures show a few hours after my shots, and then five hours after my shots.
   
   Are you afraid of needles? That's the topic in our house lately. Isaak's afraid of them. I'm not at all.
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
   

Random Tid Bits

1. Mica is 6' 1". Considering that he's 15, he'll probably grow more.  If his back was straight, he might be taller yet. He has an appointment coming up to see a specialist about his scoliosis in a few months. I thought may be had it because he grew so fast, but apparently that's not how it works. He was more than likely born with it, but it doesn't show up until their early teens. 
   
   
   
   
   
2. The boys have to switch their main doctor out. I'm kind of sad about this. I have zero ideas on who to switch to. I don't even like my regular doctor. Errr
   
   
3. Considering that Mica's tall and lanky, I need to buy him new tops. He's not fat, but some of his sleeves are 3" from his wrist. Have you ever bought clothing from Tall stores? Boy are they borings styles! If some stores actually do have talls, online they are slim pickings, once I do find something it's super expensive. 
   
   
4. Mica's tall, but such a scaredy cat. If a bug flies in his direction, he screams, and runs away. Often times I don't know what's up with him. It's a surprise to me to. Like...why is my child screaming? 
   
   

   

   
   
5. My niece Margaret is cute. She tests to be like a 4 month old, when she's 6 months old. It's higher than Emerson, her brother with Trisomy 18. 
   
   I said to Travis, "Isn't she cute?" He responded with, "Ya she's cute. But she'd be cuter if she didn't have that stupid bow on her head." I laughed about that off and on for a whole afternoon. Especially since I just got done telling my boss that I want them to be up font with me. 
   
   

   

   
   

   
   

Random Tid Bits

It’s been a really LONG time, since I’ve done a Random Tid Bits post. Here goes:

1. Isaak said, “Mom are you in the middle of a work meeting?” I said, “No.” He said, “Oh good! I get to go to the bathroom with the door open!” 
   
   
2. Mica had an assignment to make a vlog. He made one about taking care of a gecko. We had to shoot it so many times. Now it's so big he can't get it uploaded onto Canvas - what his school uses.
   
   
3. Whenever we do anything as a family, if the clock strikes 9 pm, Mica wants to go to bed. I don’t know that many 15 year olds that are bound by a routine as much as he is, nor do I know any that go to bed that early on the weekend. 
   
   
4. I wanted to get vaccinated before either of my boys went back to school full time. Our state along with many is super slow in this process. I was going to be up with high risk asthma. Teachers complained, as they should, and snuck in there. I’m like, I’m a teacher, I’ll get in that way. Nope! Schools with teacher unions are getting in, and I teach college.
   
   Isaak goes back on Monday. His grades were horrible. It’s a mix of depression, lack of drive comes with that, and confusion from being online. I hope that going in person helps.
   
   Mica’s getting A’s for the most part, so he’ll stay home with me. I’m thinking about having him sign up for a college course, for the summer, to see if he likes it. 
   
   
5. With work I have my most excellent days, and frustrating ones. The frustrating days are typically because I can't get ahold of anyone that's associated with a task I need to get done.  Which brings me to tears. I think a lot of it is the change I’m going through. I don't get hot flashes, but I do get anxious and tears just flow. I like to stay busy, get things done, and do a good job.
   
   I try to compensate the frustration with positivity. 
   
   
   
   
   
   
   What frustrates you at work? 

Random Tid Bits

1. Lately Isaak's a singing, noise making, beatboxing machine. I swear the kid switches preferred art forms just when you think you know his favorite. Paper art, nope, violin, nope, drawing, nope, piano, nope, beatboxing, maybe. 
   
   What's worse, is that he'll find a really annoying song to repeat, and repeat.  This is something I would totally do. He gets it from me. Here's the song he keeps singing...and when I sing it, and make up lyrics to it he gets really annoyed.
   
   
   
   
2. Isaak's grades were less than desirable. Mostly because he doesn't do certain things. I said, "You know there'd be less confusion if you just did your work, for when it's due. It's really confusing on your part to know what you do and don't have in, confusing to your teacher to." He said, "You're right." We'll see if he pulls those grades up. Truth it takes him three times as long to do anything, compared to Mica. I feel for him in that regard.
   
   How do you make a turtle into a hare? Isaak's always been slow with eating, getting dressed and doing homework.
   
   
3. Mica thought it was wise to lift weights, then put the weight on Isaak's ipad cord, that's the school's. Thank goodness it was ok. 
   
   
4. Isaak was flipping through stations. He saw that we have ET. He paused and said, "I thought this was E.T. meaning Extra Terrestrial." Poor boy looked so disappointed.
   
   This is what he was hoping for:
   
   

   
   

   This is something like what he got...
   
   
   
5. Signing up for conferences was literally crazy. Each teacher wanted a Teams meeting. When Travis started signing up for a few they'd said, "That spot is already full." At the time of sign up I didn't know if or when I was going to be working. So we did just a few. It's sad because Isaak in particular I really would have liked to of talked to his teachers. I don't blame the staff. It just wasn't going to work for us. A simple phone call would have been better. 
   
   
   

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! 

Random Tid Bits

1. I wasn’t ready, for the slap of cold. I guess I am thankful that we didn’t get hit with snow. Western Nebraska had snow. 
   
   
2. Mica is going to be in a club at school called STEM Advisory Board, which I guess is like Student Council. 
   
   
3. Travis said, “Hey Mica, since you’re in a smarty pants club at school, how about you open this dip the smart way. We all looked at him, and he was trying to stab the plastic film with a blunt carrot. The day and life with Mica. He said, “What?! I don’t want to use my finger. It will get messy.” Travis snapped, and told him to cut it.
   
   
4. The other night, my last customer was this old lady. I said to the manager that she may not of heard the closing announcement on the intercom. She took like 10 min. looking through flowers. The manager looked annoyed.
   
   When checking out she told me that she has an MRI happening soon. She said, "I think the doctors think I'm crazy in the head. I think I just have a lot going on. My brain just needs a cleaning. They can do that ya know. Just like they do with hearts." I wanted to take her home. She shouldn't of been out that late, by herself. I wish brains could be cleaned like hearts.
   
   Have you ever had anyone in your life loose it mentally?
   
   
5. Travis begged to go hiking on Labor Day. I really didn’t want to because my allergies and asthma have been so bad! I went anyhow. We got so twisted and turned around, that we had to walk for a long time on the highway to get back to our car. Travis has a habit of taking something quaint, and making it massive. < br />
   On his birthday he was going biking with friends. He was going to be back by lunch, but wasn’t back until dinner. He biked 23 miles.
   
   When we lived in Pine Lake, GA he wanted to take a “small walk” to Stone Mountain. It was midnight before we got back. 
   
   
   
   
   

Random Tid Bits

1.  I had a phone interview yesterday. He said that he asked me to think about a funny vacation story in his email to me. I never saw that, looked back, and didn’t see it there at all. It’s ok...I have plenty of vacation stories.
   
   
2. At work we were told to make sure that all employees checking out, have red stickers on their items. That way no one thinks the items are stollen. I do just that. One employee doesn’t like waiting. Who enjoys waiting? He huffs under his breath. One day he was doing this huffing and puffing right in front of customers. I could have chosen to ignore him, but it was like listening to Mica, when he was 13 and 14 - juvenile! I looked at him and said, “ I’m sorry you dislike this policy. If you’d like to have it changed, I encourage you to go to management to discuss it. I was trained to do what I do. I’m just doing my job. Please don’t huff, puff, and blow the work place down.” Do you think I handled that correctly, or not? How would you have handled it?
   
   
   Big Bad Wolf Huff GIF from Bigbadwolf GIFs
   
   
3. A lady wanted to make a return, that was a Kroger product. I kindly told her that she didn’t buy the product from our store. She got mad, and told me it was all over in the back. She said it was awful, and sour tasting. It was buttermilk. 
   
   
4. A cashier was glancing at her phone between orders. I didn’t think too much of it. She was new, and it wasn’t a consistent problem. A person that works in the back came and told in a mean way that - my cashiers shouldn't be using their phones. - It kind of took me off guard. 1. I don't own the cashiers. 2. For all she knew this cashier already taked to me about let's say her Mom was in the hospital, and she was checking her phone. 3. I have enough bosses, and don’t need another. - I told the lady I’d talk with the cashier. She stood there eyeing me. This lady didn’t like that I didn’t drop everything to talk with her. She told not 1, but 3 managers about this small issue. 
   
   
5. I thought remote learning was the answer, for Isaak. Turns out I got a message on my phone saying he had some missing assignments in Math class. We had a talk about accountability. 

Random Tid bits

1. This week my sister had her baby girl. What I thought would be a really positive experience has flipped into being difficult. Margaret (my niece) was breech. They got her flipped, so my sister was induced. The umbilical cord was wrapped around her legs and arms. Off to an emergency C-Section she went. My sister lost a lot of blood.  
   
   They took Margaret, and put her in the NICU. She was having mini seizures, so she got put on a cooling mat. I thought in the photos she looked more like her brother Emerson that has Trisomy 18, than her other brothers. 
   
   
2. When my sister was pregnant she got a blood test. All results showed that Margaret is normal. We now know she does have Trisomy 18 like Emerson does. 
   
   
3. I've been feeling excited with a new baby about to happen, sad that she had to be taken via c-section, angry that her brothers that have no chromosome problems will have even more attention taken from them, and not knowing how to feel. I love my nephew Emerson,  but he's a lot of of work. He has had tons of medical issues. He’ll never know what it’s like to live without pain. 
   
   
   
   
   
4. If someone taught a Psychology course...my family that has at least 3 carriers of Trisomy 18 would be a great topic. Should someone that wants to have kids, have them if they carry this to pass on? So much could be brought up: God, Life, Quality of Life, Medical Needs, Late Term Abortion, and so on. Late term abortion would have never been an option, for my sister, but it’s a topic that would be brought up. It's hard to know how to feel and talk about. We put other animals down that are in pain, but we don't with humans. I'm not saying we should. I just don't know how I feel about it all. 
   
   
5. To make this random, online learning is going to work...I think. We've had our bumps. I took Isaak in twice, for tech support. I thought it was his account. Turns out he was using Teams in the browser, and not the downloaded app. Errors occur with that. He's good now. What's really wonderful is that he got a new ipad on Friday. It will work so much better than the old PC they gave him. Isaak likes that he can hear the teacher! No random kids talking. Homework is all put in one place.
   
   The district has made adjustments along the way. Kindergarten, first and second graders now have 1/2 days, with bigger breaks. I think that's a smart move.
   
   What do you think about online learning? Is it working where you live?

Random Tid Bits

1. I know it's been awhile since I've posted a random post. Working from 4:30 AM to 1:30 PM isn't too bad. What's bad is working from 1:30 PM to 9:30 PM a few days later. I feel like I have no routine. I'm tired ALL the time!
   
   
2. The boys were supposed to start school next week. Omaha is doing so bad with COVID! The teachers got on the news, and talked about how they don't feel safe going back. I have a few thoughts on this. First I agree with them, second I see groups of kids all over hanging out without masks on, and with their parents out and about without masks... How is going to school any different?
   
   Education should be in my mind set before sports, and the economy. We've made it clear as a society that education is last. If we would have kept all things that we could shut down as long as we could, and had school in session first that would have been ideal. 
   
   
3. Things need to change, and fast! I've been saying this for years. We should move to one person in a family working. Single parents, shouldn't have to work as hard as they do. This would give children a stable home environment, that they need. Then make the price point of everything just a bit cheaper. If everything was cheaper this could be accomplished.
   
   Kids need home cooked meals, supervision, help with their homework, and someone to talk to.  
   
   What are your thoughts on all this? I'm not in the position to judge you. I want to know what you think. To me it's crazy how political this has gotten. We need ideas, compromise, and resolution. 
   
   
4. Isaak was cracking me up the other day. He said, "Mica do you think all holiday shows are kind of cheesy?" I don't even know that I heard Mica's answer. Then he said, "Mica do you think it's odd that dogs always talk in cartoon movies and shows?" 
   
   It reminded me of that seen in Stand By Me...
   
   
   
   
5. At home I wear Cheez-it shirts all the time. I literally a walking advertisement for them. They are comfortable. At the store a lady said, "I love your shirt!" I wanted to say, "If you follow me home I'll give you one." I have about seven of them. Ha!
   
   

 

Random Tid Bits

It's been a few weeks, since I've done one of these. I haven't forgotten. Just busy filling out job applications. They take so long to do.

1. Mica's been a cheerleader for me lately. He said, "Mom you'll find a job. You're a hard worker and smart." Then he said, "Mom I know you're having a frustrating day, but for every bad day two good days are to follow."
   
2. I hardly get photos of the kids now a days. When I do, they are like this:
   
   
   
   
   

   That's why I take more photos of our gecko Sunny, than the kids.
3. On Monday I start working at Fresh Thyme as a front end supervisor. I'm still open for where life takes me. I have tons of applications floating around out there. They offered me the position the same day as I interviewed with them. The schedule is so different from what I'm used to. The pay is less, but they have benefits that I didn't have before. I had two other interviews I'm super excited about, so I hope one of those comes through. In the middle of a pandemic I felt the need to take what I can, within reason. Fresh Thyme is super clean, and the people are nice. Retail it is, for now. I don't know how much I'll post about jobs. One never knows who reads what.
   
4. One application I took the longest on, I knew I'd be a great fit for. Deep questions, with equally deep answers. They sent my references long forms to fill out about me. They said to keep checking my spam folder for updates, which I have. I've been looking, since 6/11. Growing tired of checking, I called. It seems like so many places don't want you to call now a days. I left 2 messages, only to find out the decision person was on vacation. I looked her up on LinkedIn, and she looked 12. I got the denial email yesterday. It sucks that they didn't even call me in for an interview. Oh well. I guess I should be happy I got the automated rejection email. That's more than other companies deliver.
   
5. Travis and I talked about rules. The boys at school, and at their leadership camp had silly rules put in place. One, or a few children would get in trouble, they would discipline them all. Isaak had a really rough year in 5th grade! They never got recess because a few select kids. The boys grew tired of that. Sure sometimes Isaak's chatty, but overall our boys are good. My last place of employment said we couldn't listen to music, while we worked. It was all because the owner's brother listened to Rush Limbaugh really loud. Later a rule was made that no family member(s) could come in the office. Why? Because the same brother was letting his family in to use the school's equipment on Saturdays, and would have them there to socialize all day on work days. Instead of talking to the one that's the problem, they made rules. It put employee against employee. I liked my job overall. I think jobs are very similar to family members, you can't like them 100% of the time. What's a rule you dislike?

Random Tid Bits

1. I didn't even know today was Friday. That's how out of the loop I am.


2. I've been applying to all kinds of different jobs. Trying to keep an open mind. Travis is like, "What are you doing?! You don't want to do that." 


3. I found this at work...it says during a recession to apply to all different things.
   
   
   
   
   
4. My sister has been helping me with my resume. I like the wording changes she's made, but hate the layout. She had someone look at it that hires people. She wanted me to break everything up into bullet points. It's just bullet crazy now. If you're good with looking over a resume, and want to weigh in on what you think, let me know. anapeladay@gmail.com
   
5. I went to pick up everything at work. I had a trunk full! I did demos, so lots of art supplies! I had a lot of art books. It was all very overwhelming. An end to an 18 year chapter is hard.

Random Tid Bits

1. Today is my last day of classes. It's the boy's last day as well. Kind of odd feeling!


2. It took me for...ever to write my final exams! Getting used to google forms wasn't that big of a deal. Except I kept forgetting to make questions mandatory. Why do they even have that feature? If you didn't want them mandatory, just don't assign points to those particular questions!
   
   I wrote about 300 questions in total, 100 or so for each of my 3 classes. Of course I've changed things being all online, so it really was new everything.





3. I decided to go to get my allergy shots yesterday. I was in a rush because shhh I was supposed to be working. Hey some nights I've been working in the evenings writing tests.
   
   Off I went. On the way I realized the main street that takes me to the clinic was closed, due to construction. I'm not complaining about them working on the street. I just don't know the area well, or what way to turn. Off I went into a neighborhood  I was hoping would take me to the clinic. Instead I got lost. Finally I got out. I decided to use Waze to take me to the clinic. There were a lot of roundabouts the way it took me. I finally got there.
   
   Afterwards I got home, and was all wheezy. This is the third time I got like that after shots.
   


4. The boys are getting a fresh coat of paint, for their birthdays. Isaak's getting triangles. Much like this image. Except he's getting an undercoat of cream, and red-orange and blue-green triangles.
   
   
   
   
   
5. Now I'm being all indecisive on his bedding. I have so many in my shopping cart, just sitting there. I don't know that I want to give him new bedding now, maybe for Christmas.
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
   I think this is my favorite! BUT I'd have to get a duvet. It's just a cover. It looks like Isaak, considering he loves to draw.
   
   
   
   
   
   
   These are at Target:
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
   

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. I decided to get a bunch of design things done, that I wanted to get done. Now my scratch disk is full. I've even deleted a bunch of other things off.
   


2. All my students have been good through all this COVID-19 stuff, except for 2. I have had others not participate much. That's to be expected. I'm talking attitude.
   
   I had one tell me I wasn't a good person because I didn't grade her boyfriend's stuff. I missed his attachment entirely. I counted...that day I had 42 emails from the students. I apologized to him. Explained I'm human, and that it would help if he worked in the order of the assignment. Then I emailed the girlfriend telling her that I'm human, and it's not really her business. If he has a problem, he should contact me.
   
   I had another student that's having web issues. She keeps giving me her old file. Somehow that's my problem, not hers. She's had issues all through school. When the Director told me that she's had issues with the online learning, I think she just has issues in general.
   
3.  It snowed 6 inches last week. Now it's in the 60s. Hello Nebraska! What's the weather like where you live?
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
4. I've messed with our weatherman some more. I really like him, so it's all for fun. He was talking about it being cloudy. I asked, "Is it cloudy with the chance of meatballs?" That was a few weeks ago.
   
   This week he kept saying his favorite word, "Spectacular". I told him the boys were outside digging in the "Spectacular" dirt. He reads the comments out loud, and often chuckles with mine. 
   
   

   

   
   
5. Isaak has a group chat with 3 or 4 girls. It makes him happy. Mica cracks up over it. Says he has too much drama in his life. 

Random Tid Bits

1. I've had these sitting on my desktop, for awhile now. I've been amused by any meme that comes up for the Chicago Mayor Lori Lightfoot. I don't know that much about her, other than the memes. They just crack me up! I'm right in line with her. A few things I had to look up.
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
   I didn't know what "Bugchasing" meant. It's seeking out sex with someone that has AIDS.
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
2. I've had so many people here try to tell me COVID-19 is no big deal. With having blogger friends that live in places around the world, I knew otherwise. I'm not trying to be a person that's like, "I told you so!" It's more, "Please be safe, for yourself, and others around you! This is not a joke!"
   
   
3. I finally started working from home on Monday. The Governor of Nebraska basically said, "If you can work from home, do so!" My boss listens to the Governor, so I emailed to get the ball rolling. It worked.
   
   It's gone ok, except for the boy's fighting, Isaak doing nothing/being lazy, and them playing on the PS4 for their cousins. They forget how loud they talk.
   
   
4. Isaak's getting his with puberty. I remember Mica just being an ass when he was about to turn 12. Isaak turns 12 on May 19. The moods are strong with this one. Isaak's a different than Mica. He's slightly ass like, but very entitled baby like. They all go through it, so I'm not trying to pick on him. It's just hormones.
   
   Who knows before too long the family will have to put up with my hormones. I'm sure I'll go through menopause before too long. I'm mid 40's.


5. Isaak had a some days of waking up with his eyes all crazy like. Last night it was his lip that swelled. Say what?! I was thinking the eye was just environmental allergies. Now I'm wondering if he's allergic to Sunny - the Gecko. He washes his hands frequently, but sometimes not right away. I don't really know. What's something odd that you're allergic to?
   
   
   
   
   

Random Tid Bits

1. I really wish Nebraska would take this virus really seriously! As of right now our governor talks about working from home, keeping social distances, and using common sense. I think he's forgotten that many do not have common sense. There's no order to stay at home. BUT the mayor of Omaha did put in an order to close all the parks. That doesn't include places with trails. Places with trails have been so busy.


2. Someone that used to work with me made a parody with his family. I love it! Go give it a thumbs up if you like it too!




3. I started wearing a mask in public. It's just hard because I struggle from breathing anyhow. With fabric and a coffee filter over my face it makes it even harder. I remind myself that it's better than getting COVID-19!


4. I started thinking about my sister that's pregnant. She's due in August. If COVID-19 is still very powerful, it might be awhile before I get to hold my future niece.


5. In Omaha a distillery had to shut its doors. In order for the owners to stay afloat they decided to turn the place into a hand sanitizer distillery.
   
   Another place in Omaha makes leather aprons. They noticed their sales plummeting, so they decided to start making filter masks.
   
   I noticed a place in Maryland is collecting old breast pumps to convert to respirators. They only have drop off at the facility right now. I enquired about it because I still have a pump from when the boys were babies. I've kept it because I didn't know what to do with it. I heard one can recycle them, but I never knew where or how. I still have it. If I could follow the engineers directions on how to convert it to a respirator, I would. Ya know for me, if our hospitals get crazy!
   
   Another good thing happening...people staying home = less pollution in the world. I wish they'd get the memo when they go to stores, and leave their nasty gloves in the parking lot.
   
   Good things are happening. Problems are being solved. What is something good that's happening around where you live? I believe when there's a storm of bad, something good has to come.