2008 has definitely been a year filled with ups and downs. As it comes to a close, I thought I'd take a minute to share a couple of my favorite moments:
1. The Hannah Montana concert. I have to admit, it was incredibly fun to sing "GNO" at the top of my lungs, even if I was the only person over the age of 30 who knew all of the words.
2. The anniversary weekend spent in a Villa in Fort Lauderdale, which Chris won at the annual school auction by blocking the bidding sheet from view both by holding mindless conversations with other parents who might possibly outbid us, and by loudly declaring, "this looks like a crappy hotel, who would actually want to stay here for a weekend!" A technique that we will be employing once again this year.
3. Snorkling with my Michigan girlfriends in Key Largo. A trip that was supposed to take us 30 minutes, but which in actuality took us 3 hours and 30 minutes including an unplanned tour of Miami International Airport's arrival and departure gates. Seriously, someone needs to put better signs on the Turnpike.
4. Taking 2nd place at our very first cheerleading competition. This was another trip that took 3 hours longer than planned, and which included a viewing of the space shuttle launch, a dark and dusty road straight out of a horror movie, and a free breakfast - really, what more can you ask for.
5. Having "the talk" with Kaitlyn. It included an enormous amount of giggling (on her part), and groaning (on my part), as well as some well thought out answers to questions that might scar her forever. Nevertheless, a favorite moment for sure.
6. Michael Phelps.
In the end, amidst economics, and politics, spiraling home values, and unforseen losses, it's been a wonderful year just because I've been able to share it with my friends and family...because I've been able to spend it with you.
Blessings on a great 2009, and lots of love from the Florida Chick
Monday, December 29, 2008
Tuesday, December 9, 2008
Florida Chick Wears a Polo
Last week I wore a polo shirt to school. Well, not actually a Polo shirt …but, you know, a polo shirt – with short sleeves and a collar. The kind that Ralph Lauren made famous with a little stitched horse. Mine didn’t have a stitched horse but it did have a school logo – it was nice… the kind of shirt you wear to work on casual day with khakis and loafers, the problem is – I don’t wear khakis…or loafers. So today, on a day that I thought I’d bring school spirit to my students by wearing this polo…with khakis (c’mon, of course I didn’t wear loafers – I wore heels) instead, I brought laughter.
Apparently there is protocol for teachers that wear polos. It’s like the holiday sweater or the jean jumper, certain teachers wear them, but none under the age of 52 and only a few over. It’s an outfit that screams…”hi, I’m a teacher, now go write an essay.” To date, I’ve never been this teacher. I wear heels with everything including jeans (they make me taller than all of my students…and they make me look thin), I wear faux fur vests, and every once in a while a Hannah Montana puff-sleeved shirt. So, needless to say, on the day of the school-spirit polo, I was greeted with several once- overs, quite a few “did the school actually make you wear thats?” various raised eyebrows, and one lunch detention (seriously, you cannot say to a teacher “you look weird” without getting a lunch detention…you just can’t.) It was a banner day in my classroom in which I realized that regardless of how old I get or how much authority I have, it is still awkward to be the “uncool” person in Middle School.
I’ve tried to make up for it for it since then. The next day my heels were extra high and my jewelry was extra trendy. I said things in class like “whatev” and I talked about Twilight as if it weren’t the tackiest trend in literature since Sweet Valley High (oh, c’mon…you know it’s true). I belted out Christmas carols in class and traded in a grammar worksheet for a fun partner activity…all in an effort to regain my status as a non-polo wearing, semi-cool faculty member…and I thought I had done a good job, I thought the whole error in fashion judgment had been erased from the list of transgressions…until one of my co-workers (yes co-workers, not students) said to me with a smirk, “so Mrs. V., nice shirt yesterday.” You’ve got to be kidding me - it was a polo! It’s not like I showed up to school in a robe and fuzzy slippers! But that was it, my status as trend-setting teacher is officially gone, and apparently it’s been replaced with the title of “teacher who is only slightly cooler than one who shows up in a denim jumper” …and with my status officially gone, I’ve realized that there is just one thing left to do…I mean honestly, I might as well at least enjoy myself this holiday season – so Christmas sweater, here I come!
Apparently there is protocol for teachers that wear polos. It’s like the holiday sweater or the jean jumper, certain teachers wear them, but none under the age of 52 and only a few over. It’s an outfit that screams…”hi, I’m a teacher, now go write an essay.” To date, I’ve never been this teacher. I wear heels with everything including jeans (they make me taller than all of my students…and they make me look thin), I wear faux fur vests, and every once in a while a Hannah Montana puff-sleeved shirt. So, needless to say, on the day of the school-spirit polo, I was greeted with several once- overs, quite a few “did the school actually make you wear thats?” various raised eyebrows, and one lunch detention (seriously, you cannot say to a teacher “you look weird” without getting a lunch detention…you just can’t.) It was a banner day in my classroom in which I realized that regardless of how old I get or how much authority I have, it is still awkward to be the “uncool” person in Middle School.
I’ve tried to make up for it for it since then. The next day my heels were extra high and my jewelry was extra trendy. I said things in class like “whatev” and I talked about Twilight as if it weren’t the tackiest trend in literature since Sweet Valley High (oh, c’mon…you know it’s true). I belted out Christmas carols in class and traded in a grammar worksheet for a fun partner activity…all in an effort to regain my status as a non-polo wearing, semi-cool faculty member…and I thought I had done a good job, I thought the whole error in fashion judgment had been erased from the list of transgressions…until one of my co-workers (yes co-workers, not students) said to me with a smirk, “so Mrs. V., nice shirt yesterday.” You’ve got to be kidding me - it was a polo! It’s not like I showed up to school in a robe and fuzzy slippers! But that was it, my status as trend-setting teacher is officially gone, and apparently it’s been replaced with the title of “teacher who is only slightly cooler than one who shows up in a denim jumper” …and with my status officially gone, I’ve realized that there is just one thing left to do…I mean honestly, I might as well at least enjoy myself this holiday season – so Christmas sweater, here I come!
Wednesday, December 3, 2008
Florida Chick Makes a Threat
In general, I have to say that I have pretty good kids - I know that I'm biased...you don't have to email me and press the issue - but, that being said, aside from the whole "voting-for-the-opposite-candidate" debaucle, I have to say that my kids are pretty well-adjusted, polite, funny, and low ratio of mistake-to-success kind of kids... except for this past week.
Now, I blame this on their father and the fact that he's traipsing around London and calling us "chaps" on the phone - it's ridiculous, I think he even said "cheerio" today before hanging up - mind you, he's only been gone four days, but apparantly it only takes that long for one to become a true Londoner...as long as he doesn't expect fish and chips when he gets back...
Anyway, the kids...now, it's nothing major, just your garden variety excessive whining and picking on each other - the kind that seems 582 times exaggerated when you've been home alone with them for almost a week...and tonight I'd had enough. I have to say that I really didn't time it right, I suppose I could have controlled myself for another day or two, but today, I lost it a little, and honestly, I did the worst thing imaginable...I threatened to take away Christmas. I mean really, what parent does this? What parent threatens Christmas? The T.V., the computer, even the cell phone or friends - but Christmas? really? And to top it all off, we were standing in front of Santa's workshop ready to hand him his letters, ready to sit on his lap and pour out our soul. And then it happened - the last straw - and mother of the year that I am...I say, in a very calm and quiet voice, the one that each child knows as the serious mom voice, "if you continue with this behavior, you will not get to celebrate Christmas this year."
Ok, so I blew it. I did what every mother vows never to do...I said the first words that came out of my mouth before thinking them over. Honestly, I would never cancel Christmas...it's just not an option. But instead of being reasonable, rational...I blurt it out, and instead of sounding responsible...I sound ridiculous. The thing is, to my kids, I wasn't ridiculous - they believed me, which might actually be worse. Now, not only am I ridiculous...now I've become the Grinch...ouch.
Oh, the joys of parenting. Of working through issues and teaching values. Of building dreams and building lives. It's the best job in the world...but it's the hardest - and at the end of the day we all know that someday our kids will be in therapy with a psychiatrist who asks them about their childhood...and honestly, no one wants them telling their therapist that mom took Christmas away as a punishment for acting up in the line at Santa's Workshop. Actually, no one wants them telling their therapist anything but how wonderful their mother was and how she shaped them into the wonderful doctor/lawyer/philanthropist that they now are...on the other hand, I did get two giant hugs before bed tonight and I think they may have forgotten about the whole "threat" thing...or maybe not, but in that case, I may have found the best way to guarantee that they are on Santa's "good list" - at least for the next 22 days, and that, really isn't all that bad.
Lots of Love from a completely ridiculous Florida Chick!
Now, I blame this on their father and the fact that he's traipsing around London and calling us "chaps" on the phone - it's ridiculous, I think he even said "cheerio" today before hanging up - mind you, he's only been gone four days, but apparantly it only takes that long for one to become a true Londoner...as long as he doesn't expect fish and chips when he gets back...
Anyway, the kids...now, it's nothing major, just your garden variety excessive whining and picking on each other - the kind that seems 582 times exaggerated when you've been home alone with them for almost a week...and tonight I'd had enough. I have to say that I really didn't time it right, I suppose I could have controlled myself for another day or two, but today, I lost it a little, and honestly, I did the worst thing imaginable...I threatened to take away Christmas. I mean really, what parent does this? What parent threatens Christmas? The T.V., the computer, even the cell phone or friends - but Christmas? really? And to top it all off, we were standing in front of Santa's workshop ready to hand him his letters, ready to sit on his lap and pour out our soul. And then it happened - the last straw - and mother of the year that I am...I say, in a very calm and quiet voice, the one that each child knows as the serious mom voice, "if you continue with this behavior, you will not get to celebrate Christmas this year."
Ok, so I blew it. I did what every mother vows never to do...I said the first words that came out of my mouth before thinking them over. Honestly, I would never cancel Christmas...it's just not an option. But instead of being reasonable, rational...I blurt it out, and instead of sounding responsible...I sound ridiculous. The thing is, to my kids, I wasn't ridiculous - they believed me, which might actually be worse. Now, not only am I ridiculous...now I've become the Grinch...ouch.
Oh, the joys of parenting. Of working through issues and teaching values. Of building dreams and building lives. It's the best job in the world...but it's the hardest - and at the end of the day we all know that someday our kids will be in therapy with a psychiatrist who asks them about their childhood...and honestly, no one wants them telling their therapist that mom took Christmas away as a punishment for acting up in the line at Santa's Workshop. Actually, no one wants them telling their therapist anything but how wonderful their mother was and how she shaped them into the wonderful doctor/lawyer/philanthropist that they now are...on the other hand, I did get two giant hugs before bed tonight and I think they may have forgotten about the whole "threat" thing...or maybe not, but in that case, I may have found the best way to guarantee that they are on Santa's "good list" - at least for the next 22 days, and that, really isn't all that bad.
Lots of Love from a completely ridiculous Florida Chick!
Monday, December 1, 2008
Florida Chick Celebrates the Season
There is something terribly wrong about celebrating the holidays in 80 degree weather. Don't get me wrong, I love the sunshine...hate the snow - but listening to Josh Groban croon "O Holy Night" while drinking a pina colada on the beach...that's a little much.
Ok, ok, so there's not actually a pina colada - but there is a beach, and flip flops, and tank tops, and air conditioning. I still order a pumpkin spice latte everytime I pass Starbucks...but there is just something not quite right about having to roll down the window while I enjoy it so that I don't break out into a sweat from the heat. This year, instead of driving slowly on the way home from Thanksgiving dinner so as not to go sliding off of the road because of black ice, we were forced to drive home slowly because of traffic on I-95. And even though we decorated the tree this year with carols playing sweetly in the background, I struggled to get a good picture of the kids because of the glare of the sun streaming in through the patio doors.
Now, snow has never been on my list of things that I miss about living in Michigan, but I have to say that every once in a while I'd love to slip on a sweater, heat up a mug of apple cider and watch the snowflakes flutter down while I listen to Christmas carols. I'd like to bundle up under a blanket, build a crackling fire, watch a football game, and enjoy the sparkle of the tree lights as they reflect off of the icicles hanging from the eaves. And then...as I continue daydreaming about all of the amazing Christmas memories that could be, I realize that although I don't have hot cocoa, or cozy blankets, or a fire in the fireplace (actually, I don't have a fireplace at all) I can still curl up with a good book while Josh Groban serenades me in the background, I can hang lights, and light candles, bake cookies (with the A/C on of course, so the kitchen doesn't get too hot), and when all else fails, I can throw on a tank top and flip flops, take a picture in front of the palm tree in the yard strung with Christmas lights, and send it to all my friends who had to shovel out their driveways before leaving for work this morning - because really, if I can't enjoy a little holiday weather, I might as well at least enjoy the fact that while my Northern friends are busy shoveling, scraping and bundling up, I'll be heading to the beach this weekend for the Candy Cane Parade, with a jewel toned pedicure and a new pair of flip flops to show it off...now that's a happy holiday!
With lots of love from a very merry Florida Chick!
Ok, ok, so there's not actually a pina colada - but there is a beach, and flip flops, and tank tops, and air conditioning. I still order a pumpkin spice latte everytime I pass Starbucks...but there is just something not quite right about having to roll down the window while I enjoy it so that I don't break out into a sweat from the heat. This year, instead of driving slowly on the way home from Thanksgiving dinner so as not to go sliding off of the road because of black ice, we were forced to drive home slowly because of traffic on I-95. And even though we decorated the tree this year with carols playing sweetly in the background, I struggled to get a good picture of the kids because of the glare of the sun streaming in through the patio doors.
Now, snow has never been on my list of things that I miss about living in Michigan, but I have to say that every once in a while I'd love to slip on a sweater, heat up a mug of apple cider and watch the snowflakes flutter down while I listen to Christmas carols. I'd like to bundle up under a blanket, build a crackling fire, watch a football game, and enjoy the sparkle of the tree lights as they reflect off of the icicles hanging from the eaves. And then...as I continue daydreaming about all of the amazing Christmas memories that could be, I realize that although I don't have hot cocoa, or cozy blankets, or a fire in the fireplace (actually, I don't have a fireplace at all) I can still curl up with a good book while Josh Groban serenades me in the background, I can hang lights, and light candles, bake cookies (with the A/C on of course, so the kitchen doesn't get too hot), and when all else fails, I can throw on a tank top and flip flops, take a picture in front of the palm tree in the yard strung with Christmas lights, and send it to all my friends who had to shovel out their driveways before leaving for work this morning - because really, if I can't enjoy a little holiday weather, I might as well at least enjoy the fact that while my Northern friends are busy shoveling, scraping and bundling up, I'll be heading to the beach this weekend for the Candy Cane Parade, with a jewel toned pedicure and a new pair of flip flops to show it off...now that's a happy holiday!
With lots of love from a very merry Florida Chick!
Tuesday, November 11, 2008
Florida Chick's Day Off
So, I'm not about to say that days off are overrated, but it's 2:30 in the afternoon and here is a sample of my day by the numbers:
14 - times I've been on Facebook (although I only changed my status once because I didn't want anyone to know I'd been on that much.
24 - times the kids have asked for friends to come over and I've responded "no hablo ingles."
6 - times I've stood up, walked around the house and sat back down.
1/2 - pages that I've read of the book that I've been dying to read on my day off.
88 - number of unnecessary leftover halloween candies that I've eaten while staring at a blank T.V.
13 - houses I've chosen from realtor.com and craigslist that I absolutely MUST look at this afternoon.
8 - number of people that I've texted in the last hour about how bored I am.
5 million - times I reminded myself that I'm supposed to be relaxing and enjoying myself, sigh.
15 - days until Thanksgiving Break!
Lots of Love (and Happy Veteran's Day) from the Florida Chick!
14 - times I've been on Facebook (although I only changed my status once because I didn't want anyone to know I'd been on that much.
24 - times the kids have asked for friends to come over and I've responded "no hablo ingles."
6 - times I've stood up, walked around the house and sat back down.
1/2 - pages that I've read of the book that I've been dying to read on my day off.
88 - number of unnecessary leftover halloween candies that I've eaten while staring at a blank T.V.
13 - houses I've chosen from realtor.com and craigslist that I absolutely MUST look at this afternoon.
8 - number of people that I've texted in the last hour about how bored I am.
5 million - times I reminded myself that I'm supposed to be relaxing and enjoying myself, sigh.
15 - days until Thanksgiving Break!
Lots of Love (and Happy Veteran's Day) from the Florida Chick!
Wednesday, October 29, 2008
Florida Chick Gets Political
So...I have a presidential candidate sign in my yard...and it's not even the candidate I'm voting for. Seriously, what happens to people during an election year? We turn completely crazy and yell at the people we love...and call them idiots because they don't agree with our political views...or is that just my family? Honestly, the only politically sane person that I know at the moment is my husband who rolls his eyes and shrugs regardless of the candidate being talked about...at this moment I still don't know who he's voting for...I think he secretly likes them both.
Not so my daughter...yes, she'll be nine in a month...but she has very strong political views. Don't most kids tend to adopt their parent's political views? Doesn't every little girl want to be just like her mom? What happened in my home? Where did I go wrong? How did I end up with a child that brings home a yard sign for the candidate she knows I'm voting against and top it all off with(seriously, this almost stopped my heart) "and I also don't believe in Global Warming." You don't believe in Global Warming??? Whose child is this? I mean, she practically grew up inside a recycling bin...what's wrong with her?
I guess this is what politics is all about, right? It's democracy at it's best. It's giving each and every one of us (whether 32 or 8 years old) the chance to share our voice and let our opinion be heard. It's the chance to stand up and say "let's fix the economy, save our schools, and for goodness sake - let's recycle people!" It's also the chance to say "I don't believe in Global Warming" and stand secure in the knowledge that in this great country you have the right to believe it (even if your mother says you're wrong.)
More than that, it's the opportunity for us to love each other through our differences. To recognize that we really all want the same thing, even if we have different ideas about how to get there. And finally, it's an opportunity to teach our kids that they have the right to voice their opinions, to tell us when they think we're wrong, and to step up and try to change the world...and if all it takes on my part is letting the most independent, strong-willed eight year old in the country put a yard sign up - even though I cringe every time I see it - I'm glad to do it...and maybe one day, when she's the President of the United States, she'll finally see that I was right all along...or maybe not.
Lots of Love from a ready-for-election-day Florida Chick!
Not so my daughter...yes, she'll be nine in a month...but she has very strong political views. Don't most kids tend to adopt their parent's political views? Doesn't every little girl want to be just like her mom? What happened in my home? Where did I go wrong? How did I end up with a child that brings home a yard sign for the candidate she knows I'm voting against and top it all off with(seriously, this almost stopped my heart) "and I also don't believe in Global Warming." You don't believe in Global Warming??? Whose child is this? I mean, she practically grew up inside a recycling bin...what's wrong with her?
I guess this is what politics is all about, right? It's democracy at it's best. It's giving each and every one of us (whether 32 or 8 years old) the chance to share our voice and let our opinion be heard. It's the chance to stand up and say "let's fix the economy, save our schools, and for goodness sake - let's recycle people!" It's also the chance to say "I don't believe in Global Warming" and stand secure in the knowledge that in this great country you have the right to believe it (even if your mother says you're wrong.)
More than that, it's the opportunity for us to love each other through our differences. To recognize that we really all want the same thing, even if we have different ideas about how to get there. And finally, it's an opportunity to teach our kids that they have the right to voice their opinions, to tell us when they think we're wrong, and to step up and try to change the world...and if all it takes on my part is letting the most independent, strong-willed eight year old in the country put a yard sign up - even though I cringe every time I see it - I'm glad to do it...and maybe one day, when she's the President of the United States, she'll finally see that I was right all along...or maybe not.
Lots of Love from a ready-for-election-day Florida Chick!
Tuesday, September 2, 2008
Florida Chick's moment of genius
It used to be that my moments of genius could be measured by an award recieved or an amount of recognition given. It might have been a great gymnastics score, a 4.0 gpa, or the number of students who had passed a test...today, however, my moment of genius was less momentus yet equally important...it was the day that I remembered to take the chicken out of the freezer before work, marinate it, and prep the salad all so I could walk in the door at 5:45 and not wonder what's for dinner...it was glorious!
I was so excited as I walked in the door - no cereal for dinner tonight. No mac'n cheese with hotdogs (believe me, occasionally you can add hotdogs and convince your familiy it is a "casserole"), no breakfast as dinner (which, is really just an excuse to use the 'just add water' pancake mix in the back of your pantry), it was a full-blown, sit-down, planned meal in which any working mother could take pride. Don't get me wrong, I love to cook, I just seem to not be organized enough to plan ahead and be prepared during the school year. Walking into a pre-planned meal was a moment that would erase certain memories of the day which include announcing to a classroom of middle schoolers that if they didn't feel like listening I certainly didn't feel like teaching, after which I sat at my desk, picked up a book, and left them to figure out their homework on their own (not one of my better moments). It is notable to add that as I pulled the marinated chicken out of the fridge at 5:45, I fleetingly realized how much smaller chicken thighs are than chicken breasts -and as I sauteed the spinach, garlic and tomatoes, I realized that an entire bag of spinach shrinks down to fit into a shot glass. I refused to be fully concerned, however, until I began filling up dinner plates. One for Kaitlyn, one for Carson, one for Chris...
Yup, that's it, my moment of genius came to an end as I realized that my well intentioned meal was going to fall short...I, perfectionist extraordinaire, did not have enough food for my family dinner. To be honest, Chris fought with me to give me the last plate of food, but I was not about to lose an opportunity to play the martyr...if I couldn't enjoy the well-planned meal, the least I could do was earn everyone's pity. Which I did - the evening prayer went like this..."dear God, thank you for this food...and please help mom to eat something...amen." Worried that I had caused my children to think I suffered some sort of anorexia, I made a turkey sandwich and watched my family as they enjoyed the meal that I had so geniously remembered to prepare.
The story doesn't end there, however, sitting at the table, I realized that I had had another moment of genius, just two days ago I had picked up a bottle of Pinot Grigio that would go well with my turkey sandwich. I was feeling hopeful again until I took out the bottle...and the wine opener...and realized that my wine came with a twist off cap...a TWIST OFF CAP...sigh...but despite the twist off, (don't tell my wine conossieur parents) it did go well with the turkey sandwich...I suppose all I can do now is plan for tomorrow, I think I'll plan for pancakes...
Lots of love from a slightly hungry Florida Chick
I was so excited as I walked in the door - no cereal for dinner tonight. No mac'n cheese with hotdogs (believe me, occasionally you can add hotdogs and convince your familiy it is a "casserole"), no breakfast as dinner (which, is really just an excuse to use the 'just add water' pancake mix in the back of your pantry), it was a full-blown, sit-down, planned meal in which any working mother could take pride. Don't get me wrong, I love to cook, I just seem to not be organized enough to plan ahead and be prepared during the school year. Walking into a pre-planned meal was a moment that would erase certain memories of the day which include announcing to a classroom of middle schoolers that if they didn't feel like listening I certainly didn't feel like teaching, after which I sat at my desk, picked up a book, and left them to figure out their homework on their own (not one of my better moments). It is notable to add that as I pulled the marinated chicken out of the fridge at 5:45, I fleetingly realized how much smaller chicken thighs are than chicken breasts -and as I sauteed the spinach, garlic and tomatoes, I realized that an entire bag of spinach shrinks down to fit into a shot glass. I refused to be fully concerned, however, until I began filling up dinner plates. One for Kaitlyn, one for Carson, one for Chris...
Yup, that's it, my moment of genius came to an end as I realized that my well intentioned meal was going to fall short...I, perfectionist extraordinaire, did not have enough food for my family dinner. To be honest, Chris fought with me to give me the last plate of food, but I was not about to lose an opportunity to play the martyr...if I couldn't enjoy the well-planned meal, the least I could do was earn everyone's pity. Which I did - the evening prayer went like this..."dear God, thank you for this food...and please help mom to eat something...amen." Worried that I had caused my children to think I suffered some sort of anorexia, I made a turkey sandwich and watched my family as they enjoyed the meal that I had so geniously remembered to prepare.
The story doesn't end there, however, sitting at the table, I realized that I had had another moment of genius, just two days ago I had picked up a bottle of Pinot Grigio that would go well with my turkey sandwich. I was feeling hopeful again until I took out the bottle...and the wine opener...and realized that my wine came with a twist off cap...a TWIST OFF CAP...sigh...but despite the twist off, (don't tell my wine conossieur parents) it did go well with the turkey sandwich...I suppose all I can do now is plan for tomorrow, I think I'll plan for pancakes...
Lots of love from a slightly hungry Florida Chick
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