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

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? 

Tips to Help You Find a New Job During the COVID-19 Pandemic

Many people are in a difficult situation because of COVID-19. It's because they lost their jobs as companies needed to reduce costs. Under those circumstances, many people started to try new things to afford their expenses.

I found this in my office from 2009, and found it helpful during this pandemic. I may not of had the job I love, but I had a job I could tolerate. 

Paying the bills and even buying food is becoming stressful for those whose savings are decreasing day by day. To avoid the virus from spreading, many governments have taken isolation measurements. However, being in isolation means that you can't go out to work or buy products. Given that, remote working has become the new standard.

Nowadays, tech workers are playing an important role while helping organizations move forward. They have allowed companies not only to fill customers' needs but also to change how they operate. As a result, they've been able to innovate the market, even during this challenging situation.

Given these points, here are some tips you should consider if you are unemployed. These tips will help you to find a new job as well as meet future employers' requirements.

Do Some Research

Many positions have been affected by isolation. As a result, several are vulnerable and are still struggling to move forward. However, other sectors, like the healthcare sector, remain strong. Under those circumstances, you should do some research to see which sectors are still making job offers.

While looking for a job, you'll need to assess your skills. In that case, you'll be able to summarize what skills best fit employers' needs. Try to be creative and look for job vacancies even outside your local area. Additionally, you have to be aware that it could be a short term job. For that reason, be ready to compromise, at least while other sectors start to recover.

Contact Your Networks

Being in touch with friends has always been important. However, nowadays, it can be crucial to get a job. While looking for a job, they can help you get an interview. In the same way, you can make some calls to workmates who have worked with you in previous positions. Remember that spreading your voice is essential.

Often in the tech sector, candidates land qualifying jobs because of referrals. For example, as data becomes more valuable, companies need more tech talent like cybersecurity specialists. It's because they can keep companies' information safe as well as protect companies' products from digital threats. Under those circumstances, employers prefer to hire referred candidates rather than look for them on websites like LinkedIn.

Upgrade and Update Your Current Professional Skills

Maybe you have what it takes to get a job, but your skills are outdated. If you have free time, don't hesitate to complete some courses that could help you find and get a job. In the same way, keep up to date to stay relevant. Remember that education is the new currency.

Upgrading skills is essential because it helps you implement better practices. In that case, it's vital to say that tech professionals like WordPress Developers have to upgrade their skills regularly. It's because it allows them to create more dynamic websites by using the most recent plugins as well as better coding methods.

Build a Portfolio

Showing your abilities can help you get a new job as employers can see what you are capable of. With this in mind, it's feasible to say that building a portfolio is essential these days. You can include personal projects you are currently working on as well as other projects like team projects.

For professionals like graphic designers and UX/UI designers, building a portfolio is vital as they can capture employers' attention. With the use of portfolios, employers can evaluate aspirants' expertise. For that reason, they will know if candidates can meet their current needs or not.

Learn Programming Skills

During pandemics, tech workers have allowed companies not only to survive but also to innovate their working methods. Given that, the demand for skilled professionals has increased. In the same way, as customers started to use more digital channels, the need for digital solutions that could meet their requirements increased as well.

With this in mind, tech professionals with programming skills like software engineers started to create solutions that could help companies fill their customers' expectations. Also, learning how to code will allow you to work from any place. In other words, you'll be able to work from home, and you won't need to go to an office.

Nowadays, programming languages like Python are in-demand. Learning python programming skills will help you to be a must-have for employers. It's because Python is very versatile and can be used to create sophisticated solutions.

Python is exceptional for analyzing and visualizing data. For that reason, data scientists use it to build programs that can help them analyze gathered information. As a result, they'll be able to create better insights that help companies make data-driven decisions.

Furthermore, Python can be used to implement machine learning algorithms in existing products. In that case, organizations will be able to provide more personalized experiences to customers.

Enroll in a Coding Bootcamp

Coding Bootcamps have become very popular lately. It's because they offer courses where aspirants can learn in-demand skills to get better job opportunities. Under those circumstances, it's feasible to say that enrolling in a coding bootcamp is a great idea to be prepared to find a new job.

App Academy is a coding school that offers some exceptional courses in web development. At App Academy, you can become a full stack developer who's ready to mark the difference. For that reason, during the program, you'll learn new skills while building web applications on projects. Also, you'll learn how to code using programming languages like JavaScript and SQL.

It's important to remember that full stack developers are responsible for developing client-side apps as well as server-side apps. Under those circumstances, after completion, you'll be a candidate every employer would like to hire.

Conclusion

Generally speaking, looking for a job would be easier if you consider these tips. Learning new skills and enrolling in coding bootcamps will provide you with better job opportunities. In that case, during pandemics, you'll not only be able to land a new job but also to change your way of life.

Disclaimer: This is a guest post. This post was written by: Artur Meyster

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. 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. 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?

Random Tid Bits

1. It took me 30 minutes to clean 1 dry eraser board in my first year classroom. I called to leave boss man a message, "Hello! :) I think it may be time to change out the dry eraser boards. It's taken me way to long to clean it. It still looks stained."
   
   He called back, "Mr. G (coworker) says it's too much work to switch them out. He wants to see if we can coat them, or do something else to them. He'll be the one that has to replace them."
   
   Me feeling like an ass, "Ok, but they've been there since I started in 2001. I think they are ready to retire." I felt like saying, I think I may be ready to retire right along with them. Not really ha! I sometimes feel like I get people more responsibility when I don't mean to. I'm just trying to get things done.
   
   
   
   
   
2. Recycling has been way too hard at my work. Seriously! They act like I'm cutting off their limbs to get them to recycle. One sweet lady takes care of the cans and bottles. I take care of the paper. I was combining the paper boxes - each classroom has one under their printer table.
   
   I'm supposed to do it on my own time. There are times where I try and sneak to combine them. Today was one of those days. Really I was just cleaning up all three rooms: Grades off the walls, brooms, cleaners and rags all put away.
   
   Boss Man came out when I was doing it. He didn't seem annoyed that I was combining the boxes. He did seem a little like his pants were on a little too tight when he found out I was taking the student's grades off the walls, to toss them out. He said, "These should be shredded!" I said, "Oh I can do that if you'd like, but to be honest everyone has always thrown them out, since I started here in 2001. The student's names, and social security numbers are not on them. It's just a Student I.D. number that means nothing to anyone, but the students."
   
   He said, "Really?!" I said, "Really." He said, "Well I'll talk to the Director to see what she thinks." I said, "Go ahead. She tosses her grades out too. Let me know what you both decide." Truth be told, even his wife tosses grades away.
   
   
   
3. The Education Director wants our spring syllabi by January. I'm trying to get them done. My co-worker got his turned in in October. He hasn't gotten his proof-read and back yet. I'm not sure what I should think of that.
   
   
   
   
   
4. The Education Director said, "Did you do attendance for the last week of classes?" I think we're one of the only colleges that takes attendance - possibly! The students check in and out with a hand punch. All I can think of is gross - germs! I'll just take my own attendance thank you! They insist it needs to be done. The last week of classes everyone leaves after their test, which throws the punch way off. I don't even see the point. I did it anyhow.
   
   
   
   
   
5. Travis wanted me to apply to a $250 Grant. I really wish there were examples of written grants proposals and artist statements online. Maybe there is, but I can't find them. I can find sites that talk about them, but not specific examples. I'm not saying I want to copy them. Just read them, and come up with my own. That's how I roll. I look, see draw, and totally change it into my own. I do that with writing as well. Do you roll by example? 
   
   I was lacking on sleep all last week. I was worried about Isaak. This week I feel like I'm getting Isaak's cold, so my thinking/writing wasn't working that day at all. It never happened. Possibly it happened, but I never submitted it. That made me so pissed. I was annoyed because Travis said, "It's so easy! I'll help you write it." Then he watched Spiderman Homecoming with the boys. It didn't just stop there. They watched all the special features. Any superhero movie is loud, then quiet, then loud again. Here I was trying to write. I wanted to scream.
   
   
   

Lunch Tote Review #backtoschool

There's some things it seems we can never have enough in our house: Pillows, Good Water Bottles, Lunch Containers, and Lunch Totes. So I planned on just listing a few things, and ended up listing four things. What do you use a lot in your house?

Travis uses pillows all the time. I dropped a glass water bottle, and it shattered to pieces. There was a kid that threw something at another kid, and Mica's water bottle slammed to the floor. The straw section was all broken. Mica also lost a water bottle. Travis and I both work a lot, so we go through lunch containers. The lids always break before the containers do. We don't even wash them in the dishwasher. They just start to tear apart. The boys aren't into their younger kid lunch boxes/bags, so I'm trying to up their style a bit. Instead of cartoony things, we go simple these days.

I got an Amy Insulated Large Lunch Bag to review. It's perfect for going back to school!

It's big enough for two lunches, or one lunch and some drinks for the top. 

This week I've taken lunches for Monday and Tuesday, Wednesday and Thursday, and Friday was on it's own. I did throw in some drinks for today.

Colors: 

• Jean Blue $7.07
• Red $12.99
• Grey $6 (The color I got to review)

I'm not sure why they very so much in cost, but they do. They are all on Amazon Prime and can be found here: https://www.amazon.com/Insulated-Cooler-Double-Decker-School/dp/B0756ZSRD4/ref=sr_1_3?m=A1C4KMAOPNJ2JL&s=merchant-items&ie=UTF8&qid=1531831467&sr=1-3

Perks: 

• It's insulated well! That's good and bad. Good because things stay cold, bad because it's harder to just throw in the washer. It can be wiped out though. 

• I like the 2 big compartments. Over the weekend I make pretty big meals that carry us into the work week. I love taking 2 meals, and not have to deal with taking a meal for a day. 

• It's well designed. Meaning it looks nice!

Downfall: 

• The shoulder strap clasp is broke. It never worked. It just slips right out. I might as well throw it out, or only use the top handle. I was excited it had a shoulder strap. I'm often holding many things like my computer bag and groceries. It's nice to not have to hold a lunch bag too. I don't want my glass containers to fall and break though. I really don't think this is a problem with all their bags. Just this one. It could have been tested better before they shipped it out. 

Overall I do like this lunch tote. I'm in love with the room it has! What do you like to carry your lunch in, or do you buy your lunch every day?

Disclaimer: I got this product for a discounted price in exchange for an honest review. I only review things that I think will fit my readers or family.

Random Tid Bits

1. I've been asked the same question by someone at work 5 times over again. I keep thinking, Are you losing it?, Are you impatient?, Are you reverting back to your childhood years?, or Are you bored? Of course I just answer the same question the same way I did all the other times I was asked it.
   
   


2. The students and I just want to be done for the school year! My first year students are ahead. I just notice they have checked out. They worked hard, and should be able to check out. Of course I can't just let them be gone. It's a struggle. 


3. I keep getting really distracted. Do this, oh gotta do that, left that half done, gotta go back to that. Possibly it's because it's the end of the year, or it could be that I'm trying to do 3 full time jobs: My job, being a parent/wife/housekeeper, and looking for jobs. 


4. May birthdays are at my house. I'm not at all thrilled with the idea. I just don't like to entertain when I'm really busy, which is all the time. Ha!


5. I wrapped the May birthday presents up. It took me one gift to realize it was in Christmas paper. All I could see where doughnuts. 

Random Tid Bits

If you've been reading my blog for a long time now you may possibly remember me bitching complaining about my students a few years ago. Last year I had wonderful students, this year I have great students in first year for the most part, but I have the students back that I complained about before. Yep the ones I complained about were in first year when I struggled with them, I don't teach in second year, but I have them back in third year.

1. Girl that's uber talented hasn't shown up for 3 and 1/2 classes. We're into week 7. That means she's missed 1/2 of my classes. We have class 1 day a week. I can't even find her to talk to her. 


2. Boy that's uber talented I did talk to. Me, "Where's your work? You did great on your logos, but I haven't seen any of the campaign since week 2." Boy, "I have to admit I've just been slacking. That's all I've got." 


3. I also talked to the boy that sleeps in lecture, and in lab. Me, "Get up to walk around, exercise before class, eat right, get something to drink, or do whatever you need to do to stay awake." Boy, "Ok." So now he's taken what I've said to the max. He leaves to walk around, and is hardly in lecture. I found out that he closes his Mom's restaurant. That's great, but it's not helping his grades. He has literally fell asleep under his desk, and I could hear him snoring in class. I asked him to leave. 


4. Mr. Negative boy I haven't talked to. I'm worried I'll push him away, and won't get him back. Students like him I could use advice on. He brings not only himself down, but others as well. He is talented. He misses most mornings, and I see him in the afternoons. I said all chipper like, "Good morning!" to him when he comes in. He complains about other teachers, and probably complains about me when I'm not around. I've also hear him complain about tuition - it's as if he's bitter about it, but let's be honest the school was up front about costs every year he's come in. He got his Associate's Degree, but came back for his Bachelor's Degree. If tuition bothers him so much, why did he come back? More importantly, Why wouldn't he make the most out of his day? I'm a firm believer that if you're going to complain, you need to be making the most out of things before the complaining starts. That would be like me complaining about one of my son's swimming lessons, but only showing up for half of them. Would I be justified in my complaints? I don't think I would be. Maybe I need to talk to him in private, in a black and white way. I just fear that he'll take my conversation wrong, and will be all the more negative. I just can't take the negativity. Our school is small. Negativity feeds negativity. 


5. Lastly is a student in first year. Oh he's talented. He works S.L.O.W. I talked with him last Friday. He barely looked me in my eyes. Here were my tips:

• Paint like a 72 dpi image, and build up to a 300 dpi image. Basically paint like crap just blocking the image in, and bring the control back in the end of the piece by painting good. 

• Look up YouTube videos on graffiti artists. Watch how they start by blocking things out. Then he can work in his own style after he's blocked things out.

• Stand up to work. Sitting down is way too detailed.

What's random in your week?

#TraderLampDeskLamp #Giveaway

I get a little blue during the winter time. Natural light is important to me. I like it best for taking photos, doing artwork, and more. My kids need natural light as well. Isaak now has a new TraderLamp 22" Sunlight Desk Lamp sitting at his desk!

This lamp might go here and there in our house. I might need it to do artwork, Mica needed it to write thank you notes for his party, and Isaak needed it to do a crossword puzzle. Why Isaak? He had no lamp at all. He also has such big eyes, and allergy eyes. I worry about his eye. I figured he could use this lamp. It's right by the couch if someone else needs to use it.

I do wish it looked a little less like a lab light. More design options would be nice.

Bring natural sunlight to your desk. Are you ready to have a sunny day, every day? With this lamp you can get that inside.

No more depression. So much like sunshine it feels like you're on vacation. All you have to do is turn it on.

The TraderLamp Home Sunlight lamp could be the most important advancement in lamps since the invention of the light bulb. The new lighting technology emulates outdoor sunlight, which is balanced across the entire spectrum of color visible to the human eye. Everything seems so much easier to see. This is the clearest, brightest and most comfortable lighting we have found. Colors appear more vivid and true to life. Black and white contrast is heightened for easier reading. The soft and pure white light is easy on the eyes as it spreads to clearly illuminate your personal space. 

The flexible goose neck is fully adjustable to any angle so you see more comfortably for reading, working, and all closeup tasks and hobbies. Colors will be more vivid. Better contrast for reading. Helps reduce eye strains. Sharp visibility for more detail. Glare free for computer use. What does the TraderLamp Home Lamp look like. The Sunlight Lamp will look good in any room in the house or in the office. Why is the Bulb better than normal bulbs. Save on your electric bills. The supplied high-tech 27-Watt bulb, with a C.R.I. (Color Rendering Index) of 80-85, gives as much light as an ordinary 150-Watt bulb, but uses far less energy. The bulb can last up to 5000 hours, 5 times longer than other bulbs for years of normal use.

The best thing in my book is that this lamp isn't expensive. It's only $24.95! That's a steal for natural sunlight.

Now it's time for a giveaway! One of my US readers is going to win their own TraderLamp Desk Lamp!

a Rafflecopter giveaway
 

 

I received one or more of the products mentioned above for free using Tomoson.com. Regardless, I only recommend products or services I use personally and believe will be good for my readers.

Hydracentials Insulated Reusable Lunch Bag

I take my lunch every day, except for Saturday and Sunday to work. My bag was looking a little worn out. I've washed it, but through time things just start to look tired and old. I'm happy to have gotten Hydracentials Insulated Reusable Lunch Bag to review. It came just before school starts. It's a perfect back to school present for this teacher!
  I chose the black one:

It comes in purple and pink to:

About: 

• Size: 10.5 inches x L 9.5 inches H x 5 in D - Perfect to fit a lunch and an additional snack!

• Insulated with PEVA to keep your contents hot or cold.

• Material: 420D Polyester and PEVE Insulation

• Cost: $19.97

Here's what it looks like with a container that has Chicken Cordon bleu, veggies, and a reusable bag with 1/2 a peach. 

    

You can see that there is still plenty of room. I sometimes pack 2 lunches. My other lunch container wouldn't have room for 2 lunches. Now I can get buy with all that in there. There's certainly enough room for a lunch and a snack!

You can see the insulation in this photo. The white part is insulated. This makes it a great lunch box if you are traveling somewhere. Sometimes I set my lunch out in the morning, so I don't forget it. Well there is a time lapse. I don't need to worry about anything getting spoiled.

There are 2 zippers on it. It seems really sturdy.

 

An Eco Friendly Way to bring your lunch to school, work, or while you're on the go!

Do you take a lunch anywhere?

I received one or more of the products mentioned above for free using Tomoson.com. Regardless, I only recommend products or services I use personally and believe will be good for my readers. 

All Week I've Been Out of Touch

All week I haven't remembered what day it is. Every day has felt like it's Friday. 

At the end of the day on Tuesday I realized that we had an all day Teacher In-Service and Potluck on Wednesday. Usually I'm a part of planning the In-Service. Somehow this year I was off the hook with that duty. I'm horrible about checking my work email in the summers! Usually I make something fun for the potluck. This year I bought things.  

Work is odd this year. I don't have summer school for once. Our Education Director wanted to be done with that job title. She still wanted to stay on with teaching, but to hire someone else they needed more work. She's gone. Then our web instructor has wanted to be closer to home (6 hours away), so he quit. Then the boss' brother is on the line for quitting. He's buying land in Missouri. All of this feels odd. We're small, we depend on each other, and it makes me sad. I was annoyed that I was asked to sign my contract, and the boss' brother got more time to sign his. Family dynamics are real in work, but families never like to admit it. I keep thinking that it could be a positive. What if I love the new people?  

It's still been rainy here. The office next to me is leaking. Flat roofs leak like crazy. Yes they've had someone out to fix the problem. The trouble is, is that it never gets fixed.

Travis insisted that the boys pick out their own clothes this week. Mica came out of his room wearing sporty shorts, a dressy shirt, white socks and tennis shoes Wednesday. Thursday Isaak looked like the picture above. Yes I made them change. They've had places to go. They are not walking out of the house dressed like that.

I've been picking berries every night this week, and got 3 Mosquito bites in one spot on my arm. More than it itching, it just feels weird. It's all bumpy, red and hot. It reminds me of getting allergy shots - that reaction I'd get. Anyhow because it's so weird I'm starting to worry about it. It's not like normal bites that I've had. Then I feel like I'm over reacting.

On Wednesday I I double booked myself on Saturday. One of the things I wanted to go to, but I can't now. Boo! :( I'll still go, just not on the opening night of an art show that my silly dogs are in. I painted 4 wooden dogs - I'll share the others later. I've shared 1 already.

My sister Terra fell on the curb, and broke her foot earlier this week. My parents only have our kids twice a week, but that day they had our 2 + my 4 nephews! I got on Mica for not helping with lunch. He's pretty helpful when you ask him, but only when asked. Then I got on my parents for not asking him to help. Really Mica and his Cousin Evan should have been on sandwich duty, Isaak and his Cousin Elijah should have been loading up the plates, and pouring drinks. My parents just let them watch TV. Then they let them choose what they want for lunch. I'm like, "You're eating what I give you." HA HA Maybe that's the difference between parents and grandparents. 

Not really a bad week, just an off one.