Joe?

Well today was the lunch date with Joe. It was comfortable talking with him. We only had about 45 minutes because he had to head back to work. We slowly hit on several topics, biking, half-marathon training, the whole It's Just Lunch (IJL) dating world, kids, jobs, weekend plans, and asking for phone number controversies. This is the first date with this "program" that my date hasn't paid. I was surprised but not annoyed, I mean I've always expected to pay just haven't had to. He seems to be a "rule follower" and that IS how the rules of IJL are presented. We left the restaurant and headed to our cars and he asked for my number. I let him know that I would really enjoy hearing from him....which was the truth. I didn't ask for his number, thinking the ball should be in his court. I'm hoping he calls. He's different than the men I've previously been attracted to. He's average, normal, calm, nice...but for some reason I was a bit drawn to him. We'll see! I am getting better at approaching me and feeling like I deserve to have their attention and respect...but I haven't gotten any better at understanding/knowing what they're thinking!!!! The adventure continues.

Random Ramblings!

1. Nick and John did this great Treasure Hunt for the kids in NC. Nancy called and asked John to put out a couple of pennies for the kids to find on our evening walk. To make a long story short, and save any embarrassment on "Martha's" part, the walk got cancelled...well all most. We drug the kids out at nearly 10 for a wagon pulled walk. They used their flashlights and were told that the Pirates in the neighborhood had dropped some things. Well these pirates lived the high life. Our little ones found two piles of silver coins each and a goodie bag that included popcorn, High-end chocolate, and an apple! I knew it was a success when they both started shouting "thank you" to the pirates from the street! A great night and a cute group of kids and pirates to boot!

2. Last night was my return to Party in the Park. I had done some serious mental preparing...knowing he (EW) would be there! For those of you behind, EW is a friend that turned into more and lets just say between complications, surprises, and his love for self my heart was broken. So in preparation to have him remain on my team this year I've done a bit of detachment and emotional rebuilding. This was our first time talking and/or seeing each other since the last day of school and our last fight. It was awkward, but I prevailed, spoke and was friendly. I am so proud of me...no giving in and asking to have a "talk" with him, no demanding an apology. Maybe I've come to accept that he is who he is and HE isn't right for me. It was draining, I had to keep serious tabs on my thoughts and self talk, but I made it and I'm confident I'll continue to make it as well.

3. Marlon, AKA "my boyfriend who doesn't know he's my boyfriend" also earned a shady tag. Here's the question to the masses: How do you make it clear that you expect more than a booty call and are not interested in holding that title? Seriously, I haven't presented myself as a booty call, but I'm starting to get the impression that's what he's interested in. Some say you have to verbally set them straight. Others say you should just "scratch them off the list". What do you think?

4. Lunch date tomorrow. I'll be meeting Joe. He's said to be 37, 5'10'', has two children, is a project manager, likes to lift weights at the gym, enjoys the theater, street festivals, hiking, traveling, just about anything. He's also reported to be funny and caring. I'll let you know how this one turns out!

Where does time go?

Well in April I committed to walking the USAF 1/2 marathon. I'm happy (and proud) to say my training is still going well and I'm feeling very strong in my commitment! Instead of using this event just as a personal success I'm trying to include my son by telling him "Mom has to talk her walk so she can be more healthy". He seems to be more accepting of my morning departures and the talk of health has entered our vocabulary more often. I so do not want B to have to deal with the life-long struggle of a weight issue like I've had to. His eating leaves a lot to be desired so my concern grows, exercise will be a must for us!
Summer has brought about rest and recuperation, a much needed break from this past school year. B and I have spent a great deal of time swimming at the Y, going to Kings Island, visiting the Zoo, and taking a big two week trip to NC. It's been fun spending time with him, but I have gained a great deal of admiration for stay at home moms. I love my son, but my time at work is needed for us to have a calmer relationship. He needs for me to be away so I can have more patience for him.
Our vacation to NC was big fun. We spent our time at the Gibbs house, visiting with their family (including Gramma Sherri, a very special matriarch). It was fun to watch AJ and B bond. They even began acting just like siblings. You know fighting and bickering, but then protecting each other when one was in trouble or being aggravated by another person. B even told one of the Lifeguards that AJ was with girlfriend, mind you this was not even a half an hour after they had been driving Nancy and I crazy with fighting in the car.
The kids went to camp (church) each morning while the moms visited "The Diner" for breakfast. We then went shopping, I am afraid to say that I did more than my part in keeping the NC economy going. Coach, Polo, Crocks, Kamelon, Yard flags, Sweet Paws, Build-A-Bear, and I can't forget the JCPenny photography department! Whoops....how could I neglect the sneaky NC smigs!?
This trip also allowed me to spend some time with my friend Emily. This trip was different from the last one. Emily, Nancy, and I were able to hang out and it really did feel just like old times. Those two woman were amazing friends then and I'm so glad that we can always just pick up where we left off....even when I've sucked at stay in touch. Good times, good people, good friends....more than I could ever ask for!
So many special events that I'll have to make a separate post about the cookout, the comedy club, the swimming days, Cold-Stone, and the Treasure Hunt. Keep your eyes peeled I'm off to continue the huge job of unpacking!!!

Testing

I've never been a good test taker, so as a teacher my sympathy runs very deep for my students when comes to taking standardized test. This week my 'babies" at school have taken the Ohio Proficiency Test. What a ridiculous creation! We sit all the students in the sate down to take the same assessment and we then rate the teachers talents and the school setting. Not one evaluation takes into account home life, family support, and academic focus.
So here I am, buying clothes and food for at least 5 of my students, making sure at least three of them get showers more than once a week, and teaching not only content but character as well. Then these mysterious people who have never met my students, never heard about their home lives, or asked what grade level skills they were on when they arrived to my room come and write a general test to determine how good of a teacher I am. It's offensive! Don't get me wrong, I know there are teachers out there who don't do what they're suppose to do and do not have the best interest of the students at heart, but a standardized test isn't going to solve that. I don't have all the answers. I wish I did. Do you?

The Deed is Done.... Now one foot in front of the other!

My entire life has been filled with great distaste for running, but with that distaste came great admiration for people who could commit to and finish marathons. It has always been a secret desire of mine, despite my distaste, to show this kind of commitment. So I've gone and done it...I've signed up for my first race. OK, my goal was to shoot for realism and work towards the dream so I'll be competing in the USAF Half-Marathon in September. My plan is to walk the 13.1 miles. Again, I decided not to pretend that I'm still a healthy athlete instead just admit that the athlete is hidden under years of pizza, beer, and oh yeah a baby.
My official training will begin the first of June but I will be easing into walking daily until then. I had attempted to be prepared for the half-marathon for the flying pig, but sickness all winter really hit me hard so hopefully my body is ready now. Wish me luck..better yet persistence. I'll keep ya posted on my success!

Note other secret dreams I may be attempting within the next 5 years a full marathon and a triathlon. Only time will tell.

A shot worth keeping!

My good friends Keith and Karri have started a business called "3x3 Photography". The company is in it's early stages, but their work is tried and true! When I was pregnant with B they had this gorgeous collage of pictures of their oldest son. After I discovered that Keith had taken the pictures I made them promise to produce one of my child after my delivery. They agreed and I smile daily as I pass their view of my precious piece of art. (okay that may have been a bit queer, but when you really think of it he did grow in my womb for 9 months...and that is the longest time I've ever worked on a piece of art....and he is priceless so queer it is.)

How ecstatic was I when they informed me that they were starting a business and wanted to take an older view of B. I couldn't ask for better shots! They are getting their web page up and running soon and I will post it when they do. Let me know if you are interested so I can pass the word along and encourage them that their new business is a "hot commodity". I hope you can experience the joy of captivating the special flash moments of your little one and having them turned into art. The 3 x3 above will be for my home and the 3x1 will be for my father's (an optometrist) office.

Bye bye tonsils, bye bye ear infections...HELLO SPRING!

Today was the big day. We were scheduled to have surgery at 2:00pm. I woke B up at 4am to eat and basically force fed him until 6. Bless his heart he fell back asleep awoke to his mother being gone to a doctors appointment and his Papa telling him no more food! We had to resort to tying the cabinets and refrigerator shut. He was not happy about not eating but after I got home I did my best to distract him. We flew a kite, raided the library for movies and way to many books (not that reading is bad, but I might have thrown my back out). God love him he had no clue what was coming. I mean, we prepared! We read books, talked about the mask, sleepy gas, the bed with wheels, and the arm "hug" the nurse would give him. Three year old's just don't have forethought.

We arrived to Children's Outpatient Mason branch at 1:00. B was getting more and more ravenous, searching for food...even crumbs in the bottom of my purse. Don't tell but he did find a random (and I'm sure filthy piece of candy in the car, but we pried it from his lips). We checked in, and went to the play room. He was so co-operative with all the staff, he didn't talk much (now that's a surprise), but was willing to try on the mask, be weighed, and have his temp and blood pressure taken. The ONLY thing he didn't want to do was to put on the hospital outfit! So my little guy paraded around in his Spiderman boxer-briefs. He strutted to the play room for a while, had surgery, recovered, and even stayed in that outfit until we arrived home. I only wish I would have had my camera.

Walking him to the pre-op room wasn't bad. Convincing him to wear the mask was a struggle, but not scary. My friends had all warned me that this would be the worst part that it may even look like he was dying, but that wasn't my feeling at all. He looked so helpless, and I hate giving up control. So there lay my little baby, helpless, and I'm turning over control to these people I've never met...not to mention that although it was best for B he didn't have any say. I had a couple of tears run down my face but then I was fine.

We waited for about 45 minutes and then were called back to the recovery room. They reported that he had a very difficult time coming out of anesthetics but after that he was a champ. The people at Children's were amazing. Every person that had come into contact with B came to check on him. Each person was complimentary, supportive, informative, and best of all personable. The day could not have gone better!!

My only complaint, which isn't even one at all, is that they told me he'd come home and be exhausted. He's running around, wanting to wrestle, eating like an animal who just found food, and talking non-stop!! I'm glad he's healthy, but the stress I didn't realize I was carrying has worn me out and I could use some cuddle time! Maybe tomorrow! I am so thankful that we have been blessed with a safe and hitch less procedure!