Catch my drift...... (tee hee)
Yet another extremely snowy day in Iowa today.
We had school today, for a whopping 2 hours. I won't tell you how irritated I was - okay maybe I will :)
Warning: Venting ahead - I do apologize to those of you who come to see crafty pictures and news. Unfortunately it's just not in the works right now. For the moment my blog, is a way to journal - get things "off my chest, and out of my head". So if you care to move on to another blog - that's fine, I understand. If not, thanks for reading and stopping by! I do appreciate you!!
I knew that we were in for another big snow storm, and was sure we would not have school today.
But as of 6:00 am, there was no news. So, before leaving home to head to work (which takes 1 hr. in good weather), I called my Superintendent to make sure that we were on schedule. Yup, we were but it looked like we would be getting out early. As to when "early" was he didn't know.
Because I live an hour away, I said that I may turn around and come home if it was too bad. I then got the spiel about how I would have to take a full personal day if I did not make it to school (once you/students get to school and then are sent them home early, it is still counted as a full day). Which, I can understand.....however......
Due to my surgery, I have NO MORE personal, sick, you name it days! In other words, if I don't show, I don't get paid. Unless I'm really physically ill, I'm not in a position that I can afford to miss school.
So, I trodded along going between 25 and 40 mph on the interstate that was primarily one lane at best. If you were passed by a semi, and insane drivers, you couldn't see due to the kicked up snow. This will probably describe how bad it truly was - a snow plow had gone into the ditch! A SNOW PLOW!!
It took me 2 hrs. to get to school (I was only 15 min. late as I had left that early!) I was so tense and knotted up that I could hardly move when I got there. We had a short staff meeting, and then it was a mad dash to get some items printed off and handed out to my musical kids, and then it was get ready to dismiss the kids at 10:00 am.
I risked my life for 2 hours on dangers roads, to be at school for 2 hours! If I'm at home and this happens again, NO WAY. I'll take a day of no pay. It is simply not worth it.
Thankfully, my Dad only lives about 30 min. from where I work, and so I am now holed up with him. I had originally planned to stay with him this evening, as musical rehearsals were to start, so the plan was/is to stay with him on Mon., Tues. and Thurs. evenings.
I doubt we will have school tomorrowv (but then again who knows!) as the winds are to really pick up this evening. That means all this fresh snow, 8-10 inches, of it is going to go flying all over the place. Fun - Fun.
So, no matter were you are, I hope you are safe and comfortable!
As always, take care and thank you for stopping by! - Elizabeth
Monday, February 8, 2010
Sunday, January 31, 2010
Sewing and Some Good News!
Went to a "Sit and Sew" yesterday and got the main part of a diaper bag made for an acquaintance. Sorry I haven't taken any pictures yet, but will when I get it finished. I must say it is turning out quite cute! This may sound shocking to some of you, but I sewed my first elastic casing yesterday - and it worked!! Oh, the little things in life that can make us giddy :)
The gals that attend this "Sit and Sew" are always fun! They are great women who share your passion, give helpful tips, and suggestions, and share in harmless, but fun banter = good times. So, if you've never attended a "Sit and Sew" try it out!!
On to school news:
A large part of my "school" weight has been lifted.
My Middle School concert had to be moved back due to scheduling conflicts with the High School. Normally, this would upset me, but we need the extra time!! And, my Middle School musical has been pushed back 2 weeks - again giving us more time! I was really stressing over how I was going to get everything done, the kids ready, and have the performances "sound" decent. Now with more time - we can get closer to that goal! Glory, Hallelujah and a big AMEN!
So now, we can continue on, and hopefully not have any more snow days. We are up to 7 now and winter is not quite half over!! I really do not want to got into June with school. Any teacher will tell you that the students' brains shut down come the beginning to mid May and to go any further, would not be pleasant for all involved!
Anywho, just had to share my good news, and hopefully I'll be able to get that diaper bag finished soon and a picture up!
Take Care and Thanks for Stopping By! - Elizabeth
The gals that attend this "Sit and Sew" are always fun! They are great women who share your passion, give helpful tips, and suggestions, and share in harmless, but fun banter = good times. So, if you've never attended a "Sit and Sew" try it out!!
On to school news:
A large part of my "school" weight has been lifted.
My Middle School concert had to be moved back due to scheduling conflicts with the High School. Normally, this would upset me, but we need the extra time!! And, my Middle School musical has been pushed back 2 weeks - again giving us more time! I was really stressing over how I was going to get everything done, the kids ready, and have the performances "sound" decent. Now with more time - we can get closer to that goal! Glory, Hallelujah and a big AMEN!
So now, we can continue on, and hopefully not have any more snow days. We are up to 7 now and winter is not quite half over!! I really do not want to got into June with school. Any teacher will tell you that the students' brains shut down come the beginning to mid May and to go any further, would not be pleasant for all involved!
Anywho, just had to share my good news, and hopefully I'll be able to get that diaper bag finished soon and a picture up!
Take Care and Thanks for Stopping By! - Elizabeth
Monday, January 25, 2010
Are we in Kansas yet?
My oh my has the weather been NASTY today!
We've been under a blizzard warning this afternoon and this evening and there have been times where it sounds like the house is just going to up and join the snow blowing around.
Due to this lovely weather, school was cancelled. We now have 5 days to add to the end of the school year. June - here we come! Uck. It doesn't break my heart that we didn't have school, however it puts me and my kids in a bind in trying to get ready for our concert Feb. 11th. We'll do the best we can, but Lord help us!
Since there was no school, I rescheduled my physical therapy appointment to this morning, and was able to get into my regular physician to get a neck adjustment and to check out my cold issue. I am feeling much better after taking a "Z Pack" of antibiotics last week, but the lungs still feel full. Dr. says there is some crud left, but not enough to warrant more antibiotics - just have to let it run it's course.
The roads were not bad when I went to my appointments (normally 20min. away) but I drove home in complete white-outs at times because of the new falling snow and the high winds. It is not pleasant to go from being able to see in front of you to seeing nothing but white snow - not cool!
Well, I'm really tired of seeing this: (photo courtesy of the web - not my area, but it does look a lot like this outside!!!)
I'm really ready to see this: (again - photo courtesy of the web, wish this was in my area!)
Thanks for stopping and Take Care! - Elizabeth
We've been under a blizzard warning this afternoon and this evening and there have been times where it sounds like the house is just going to up and join the snow blowing around.
Due to this lovely weather, school was cancelled. We now have 5 days to add to the end of the school year. June - here we come! Uck. It doesn't break my heart that we didn't have school, however it puts me and my kids in a bind in trying to get ready for our concert Feb. 11th. We'll do the best we can, but Lord help us!
Since there was no school, I rescheduled my physical therapy appointment to this morning, and was able to get into my regular physician to get a neck adjustment and to check out my cold issue. I am feeling much better after taking a "Z Pack" of antibiotics last week, but the lungs still feel full. Dr. says there is some crud left, but not enough to warrant more antibiotics - just have to let it run it's course.
The roads were not bad when I went to my appointments (normally 20min. away) but I drove home in complete white-outs at times because of the new falling snow and the high winds. It is not pleasant to go from being able to see in front of you to seeing nothing but white snow - not cool!
Well, I'm really tired of seeing this: (photo courtesy of the web - not my area, but it does look a lot like this outside!!!)
I'm really ready to see this: (again - photo courtesy of the web, wish this was in my area!)
Thanks for stopping and Take Care! - Elizabeth
Sunday, January 17, 2010
A Crafty Picture
I know - it's a miracle :)
Here is my finished scarf done on the Kniffty Knitter mentioned in the previous post, and one mitten. The mitten my mother made for me since she's all sorts of talented with the 4 needle knitting thing!! I'm still waiting for the second one.....but it will come (luv ya Mamma Bear!) And yes, the glove is a little large, but I think we plan on lining it as well so it will be extra warm and cozy! It may not seem like it but the colored yarn in the scarf, is the same yarn that was used for the mitten. Only I used two skeins of colored and one cream to give it more bulk. I think it turned out nice - yet I'm biased and it is for me after all :)
I have boycotted school work this weekend, which I will regret later, but this cold is truly kickin' my pa-tootie! The only things I have accomplished this weekend are: cleaning the cat pan, doing laundry, finishing my scarf, playing for the Jr. Choir at church and a whole lot of sleeping. I'm not feeling a whole lot better than Fri. so I may have to call the Dr. to see if what I have is viral or something antibiotics could annihilate!
Well, that's all for now. Thanks for stopping and Take Care! -Elizabeth
Saturday, January 16, 2010
Thank you!
First off, thank you to all of you who have left such supportive comments regarding my school and health issues. It is nice to have affirmations that one is not truly making "mountains out of mole hills"!
So, here's a hug from me to you - Thank You!!
School is still very stressful, but I am trying to lay as low as possible, and just do my job to the best of my abilities.
This week was my first official full week back at school since my surgery in October. Let me tell you..... it was a very long week! Not only did my back feel it, but some little urchin decided to share their cold bug with me and I have felt rather punk all week. It's one of those colds that isn't bad enough to justify staying home, but bad enough that by the time you do get home-you collapse! Needless to say, I think all I did this last week was go to school, come home and go to bed. Hopefully, with some more bed rest, orange juice, and cold meds, I'll be feeling more up to snuff once Monday rolls around!
No real sewing news to report. I did make my dad a scarf (sorry no picture) with a Kniffty Knitter and am currently working on one myself. Mindless work with pretty outcomes - just what I need right now!
Here is the Kniffty Knitter loom I use to make the scarfs however I do not use the whole length - otherwise you'd have a VERY wide scarf.
Well, that about covers it. Again thank you so much for your support and words of encouragement.
Take Care - Elizabeth
So, here's a hug from me to you - Thank You!!
School is still very stressful, but I am trying to lay as low as possible, and just do my job to the best of my abilities.
This week was my first official full week back at school since my surgery in October. Let me tell you..... it was a very long week! Not only did my back feel it, but some little urchin decided to share their cold bug with me and I have felt rather punk all week. It's one of those colds that isn't bad enough to justify staying home, but bad enough that by the time you do get home-you collapse! Needless to say, I think all I did this last week was go to school, come home and go to bed. Hopefully, with some more bed rest, orange juice, and cold meds, I'll be feeling more up to snuff once Monday rolls around!
No real sewing news to report. I did make my dad a scarf (sorry no picture) with a Kniffty Knitter and am currently working on one myself. Mindless work with pretty outcomes - just what I need right now!
Here is the Kniffty Knitter loom I use to make the scarfs however I do not use the whole length - otherwise you'd have a VERY wide scarf.
Well, that about covers it. Again thank you so much for your support and words of encouragement.
Take Care - Elizabeth
Thursday, December 31, 2009
Venting - about school
For those of you who are up on my health and school issues and care to learn more of the saga, read on - however lengthy. If not, skip down to my previous post :)
Well, now on to the venting.
I blogged earlier about my first day back at school after being off for 10 weeks due to surgery. And to answer some of your comments, yes, all of that clean up was and still is to do during my free time. Joy, Joy.
Well, I made it through Monday and Tuesday, and Wednesday came and I was a hurtin' unit. I knew that we got out early for a teacher inservice so I thought I would just head for home - not that missing inservices are a good thing, but better than missing "teaching".
I went to talk to the Principal and I was literally "reamed". I was informed that it was "my choice to go" however there were Parent-Teacher Conferences that night after the inservice and that I had a lot of very unhappy parents that wanted to speak with me - WHAT?? (Side note.....PT conferences were supposed to be the week before, but were moved due to poor weather - this was all new to me!)
I was informed by the Principal, in a not so very nice tone, that "we used to have a great Middle School vocal music program and now it is terrible, both the Winter and Veteran's day performances were terrible, there are students wanting to drop choir right and left, parents are calling and complaining that their student has wasted a semester of their time in choir......"
I was stunned, I just stood there, and had no idea what to say. When she was finished, I said I would re-evaluate and let her know what my plans were.
After a few tears - okay a lot of tears, and an internal struggle with health vs. paycheck, I chose to stay.
I went back to the Principal, in tears (I hate that!) to inform her that I would try and stay as long as I could and that I felt I was being blamed for something that was completely out of my control. She backed off slightly - but barely.
I also asked her if I could use part of the inservice time to get grades printed off - so I could have at least something to go off of when parents started to show up (another side note.....my sub did not update all of the grades before she left, so I had plenty of grades for me to insert - in other words the grades weren't even up to date! - grades still aren't up to date because the grading program on my computer crashed and has to be reinstalled!!)
Anyway her response was no, because I would have 1/2 hour to do that between when the kids left and when the inservice started!!!
It was close, but I did manage to get the grades all printed off. I had 16 parents come in and Praise the Lord (literally!!) they were all very understanding of me being gone, etc. I was so nervous because I thought, according to the Principal, that I was about to be yelled at all evening long!
It got to be about 6:00 pm and I went to double check that conferences were done at 6:30 and that it was "ok" for me to leave at that time. She replied that I "would have to take 1 hour unpaid leave" because all of the Middle School teachers were to stay another 1 hr. (a contract thing) - another thing I knew nothing about!
By this time, I was beyond hurting, stressed out, tired, you name it - I went back into my room and told the band director, that I share the room with, that I was going into the office to lay down - I just could not handle sitting or standing any longer.
Needless to say, I made it through the 16hr day, only by the Grace of God and my allotted amount of pain pills!
Well, now on to the venting.
I blogged earlier about my first day back at school after being off for 10 weeks due to surgery. And to answer some of your comments, yes, all of that clean up was and still is to do during my free time. Joy, Joy.
Well, I made it through Monday and Tuesday, and Wednesday came and I was a hurtin' unit. I knew that we got out early for a teacher inservice so I thought I would just head for home - not that missing inservices are a good thing, but better than missing "teaching".
I went to talk to the Principal and I was literally "reamed". I was informed that it was "my choice to go" however there were Parent-Teacher Conferences that night after the inservice and that I had a lot of very unhappy parents that wanted to speak with me - WHAT?? (Side note.....PT conferences were supposed to be the week before, but were moved due to poor weather - this was all new to me!)
I was informed by the Principal, in a not so very nice tone, that "we used to have a great Middle School vocal music program and now it is terrible, both the Winter and Veteran's day performances were terrible, there are students wanting to drop choir right and left, parents are calling and complaining that their student has wasted a semester of their time in choir......"
I was stunned, I just stood there, and had no idea what to say. When she was finished, I said I would re-evaluate and let her know what my plans were.
After a few tears - okay a lot of tears, and an internal struggle with health vs. paycheck, I chose to stay.
I went back to the Principal, in tears (I hate that!) to inform her that I would try and stay as long as I could and that I felt I was being blamed for something that was completely out of my control. She backed off slightly - but barely.
I also asked her if I could use part of the inservice time to get grades printed off - so I could have at least something to go off of when parents started to show up (another side note.....my sub did not update all of the grades before she left, so I had plenty of grades for me to insert - in other words the grades weren't even up to date! - grades still aren't up to date because the grading program on my computer crashed and has to be reinstalled!!)
Anyway her response was no, because I would have 1/2 hour to do that between when the kids left and when the inservice started!!!
It was close, but I did manage to get the grades all printed off. I had 16 parents come in and Praise the Lord (literally!!) they were all very understanding of me being gone, etc. I was so nervous because I thought, according to the Principal, that I was about to be yelled at all evening long!
It got to be about 6:00 pm and I went to double check that conferences were done at 6:30 and that it was "ok" for me to leave at that time. She replied that I "would have to take 1 hour unpaid leave" because all of the Middle School teachers were to stay another 1 hr. (a contract thing) - another thing I knew nothing about!
By this time, I was beyond hurting, stressed out, tired, you name it - I went back into my room and told the band director, that I share the room with, that I was going into the office to lay down - I just could not handle sitting or standing any longer.
Needless to say, I made it through the 16hr day, only by the Grace of God and my allotted amount of pain pills!
I was sooooo tempted to call in "ill" on Thursday morning because I could hardly move. But, I was already scheduled for a 1/2 day as I was to see my surgeon that afternoon for my 3 month follow up. So again, Thank God and Pain Pills!
Went to the Dr.'s and the good thing is that everything is healing as it should. None of the rods, screws, or spacer have shifted out of their place = good news! It will take at least a good year though before things start to feel "normal" Pain wise, it is primarily muscle and nerve issues compensating for an area that used to be able to move but now can not. Hence, I'm doing physical therapy to get these other areas strengthed up!
I also learned that the nerve effected by all this (if not permanently damaged) will regenerate itself up to 1 millimeter a day. I am 6'2", and granted this is my lower back we're talkin' - but I have a LONG way to go as there are 3 mm in 1/8 of an inch. - See you learned something new amongst my venting :)
I told my surgeon about the previous 16hr day and was then told by him that I should not be having those kind of days until I reached the 6 month point. As a teacher - that is unrealistic, and I explained this to him. He wasn't thrilled but again - health vs. paycheck! I did ask for him to write a "Work Release" that during my break time, if needed, I am to go "lie down" for 10-15min. to relieve pressure and stretch things back out.
So back to school I went on Friday, with my "Work Release" form, and then e-mailed the Principal and Superintendent a rather lengthy e-mail, explaining what the Dr. had said and that I was not using my back as an excuse to get out of my obligations but for them to understand that when I'm hurting, I truly am hurting, and if I need to lie down, I need to lie down! I reminded them that when they hired me I informed them that I would do the best that I could and that statement still stands.
I never heard back from the Principal, the Superintendent (a man of few words) did e-mail me back and answered the few questions I had posed in my e-mail.
Okay, so in case you haven't been up on my "saga" let me remind you - I was not at school from Oct. 1st - Dec. 11 due to my back surgery where I had two vertebrae fused. A pretty intense surgery, not to be taken lightly.
I had started my students on the Veteran's Day music the first day of school (so I'm not quite sure why that ended up being so "terrible"), I had all of the Winter Concert Music picked out and ready, and I had 2 weeks of lesson plans done for my elementary classes - so, I ask how was the above all my fault??? (I'm not entirely blaming the sub - it is not easy being a sub...)
Now, not only do I still have to get things caught up, I have to go back and get the Middle Schoolers ready for a concert in less than a month. And that's IF there are no snow days during that time! No pressure there!!
I am a high anxiety person and suffer from the occasional panic attack - so even though I have been on break, the panic and worrying about how to get things back on track has been in hyper drive!
Long story short, I feel like I'm being blamed for something that was out of my control. I defenitly know that I will not win any "great teacher awards", and I know that I can not please everyone all the time, but I try - and that should count for something - right?
Well, that's enough venting and feeling sorry for myself. I'm not looking forward to going back to school on Monday, but it is what it is, and I will do the best I can.
If you've actually made it through this whole post-thanks for listening :) Elizabeth
Went to the Dr.'s and the good thing is that everything is healing as it should. None of the rods, screws, or spacer have shifted out of their place = good news! It will take at least a good year though before things start to feel "normal" Pain wise, it is primarily muscle and nerve issues compensating for an area that used to be able to move but now can not. Hence, I'm doing physical therapy to get these other areas strengthed up!
I also learned that the nerve effected by all this (if not permanently damaged) will regenerate itself up to 1 millimeter a day. I am 6'2", and granted this is my lower back we're talkin' - but I have a LONG way to go as there are 3 mm in 1/8 of an inch. - See you learned something new amongst my venting :)
I told my surgeon about the previous 16hr day and was then told by him that I should not be having those kind of days until I reached the 6 month point. As a teacher - that is unrealistic, and I explained this to him. He wasn't thrilled but again - health vs. paycheck! I did ask for him to write a "Work Release" that during my break time, if needed, I am to go "lie down" for 10-15min. to relieve pressure and stretch things back out.
So back to school I went on Friday, with my "Work Release" form, and then e-mailed the Principal and Superintendent a rather lengthy e-mail, explaining what the Dr. had said and that I was not using my back as an excuse to get out of my obligations but for them to understand that when I'm hurting, I truly am hurting, and if I need to lie down, I need to lie down! I reminded them that when they hired me I informed them that I would do the best that I could and that statement still stands.
I never heard back from the Principal, the Superintendent (a man of few words) did e-mail me back and answered the few questions I had posed in my e-mail.
Okay, so in case you haven't been up on my "saga" let me remind you - I was not at school from Oct. 1st - Dec. 11 due to my back surgery where I had two vertebrae fused. A pretty intense surgery, not to be taken lightly.
I had started my students on the Veteran's Day music the first day of school (so I'm not quite sure why that ended up being so "terrible"), I had all of the Winter Concert Music picked out and ready, and I had 2 weeks of lesson plans done for my elementary classes - so, I ask how was the above all my fault??? (I'm not entirely blaming the sub - it is not easy being a sub...)
Now, not only do I still have to get things caught up, I have to go back and get the Middle Schoolers ready for a concert in less than a month. And that's IF there are no snow days during that time! No pressure there!!
I am a high anxiety person and suffer from the occasional panic attack - so even though I have been on break, the panic and worrying about how to get things back on track has been in hyper drive!
Long story short, I feel like I'm being blamed for something that was out of my control. I defenitly know that I will not win any "great teacher awards", and I know that I can not please everyone all the time, but I try - and that should count for something - right?
Well, that's enough venting and feeling sorry for myself. I'm not looking forward to going back to school on Monday, but it is what it is, and I will do the best I can.
If you've actually made it through this whole post-thanks for listening :) Elizabeth
A WIN.....And Happy New Year!!
I WON something - can you believe it!!
I never win anything - truly, honest, not kidding - and I've been meaning to post about it ever since I received it in the mail, but I guess life has just got in the way!
Awhile ago the site Sew, Mamma, Sew! held a "Giveaway Day" in which they listed a ton of sites where you could go visit and sign up for that particular blogs "giveaway". Well, why not?!? So, I went to several and threw my name in the pot and I WON!!
I won this beautiful Tiger Eye bookmark from Pam at pantsfreesia.blogspot.com
(picture courtesy of Pam's website!)
And, here it is in my book :) The pictures truly do not do it justice!! It's lovely - perfect balance of weight and length so it fits in nicely and does not fall out! Plus the fact that the Tiger's Eye is one of my favorite stones! Thank You so much to Pam for participating in the giveaway!!
I love Winnie the Pooh, so of course when this book came out, I just had to have a go at it :)
I hope you all had a wonderful Christmas. Mine was good and low key. Mom and I exchanged some great gifts and then just lounged about. Unfortunately my area got hit with LOTS of winter weather so my Dad was not able to come up and spend the day, but I was able to meet up with him the following Sunday, so all was good.
We are still being, blasted with snow and ice about every other day and now I hear it is to become bitterly cold - ahh, the joys of living in Iowa. I guess it is good that we are having this weather now during break from school, otherwise we would have a lot snow make up days and end up going until the middle of June - uck, no thank you!!
Anywho, I wish you all a crafty, safe, healthy, happy, and love filled New Year!!
Take Care and thanks for stopping - Elizabeth
Side note....when I was coming home from seeing my Dad this past Monday, I counted over 38 vehicles in the median/ditch along I35 within an approximate 25 miles - ouch! So PLEASE if you live in a snowy/icy area, BE CAREFUL!! - remember the story of the "Tortoise and the Hare" - slow and steady can win the race :)
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