Just my thoughts...

HAPPY BIRTHDAY MARK!!

2008-01-20T17:40:00.000-05:00

HAPPY BIRTHDAY MARK....MISS AND LOVE YOU!!

Another year gone...

2007-12-31T21:27:00.001-05:00

As another year comes to a close, I always like to reflect back on the year to see what I have accomplished, what my kids have accomplished and try to set new goals for the new year. 2007 was an interesting year. It flew by. We luckily saw no hurricanes or any other natural disasters in Florida. Health wise it was a good year for me and my family, no major illnesses, no injuries. Career wise nothing really changed. I earned my spot at Southridge as a substitute and really do like it there. I am still at Publix part time too, just a few days a week during the school year. Mike is still working at the JCC coaching baseball, but he was given the opportunity to sign on with a professional league in Israel over the summer. It was a wonderful experience for him. His team went all the way to the championship, never dropping out of first place the entire season, and took the title of the first ever champions of the IBL. He is looking forward to going back again in '08. Zach is doing great in school and has started working as well at Publix as a frontservice clerk. He enjoys earning his own money and sure does know how to save it! I am very proud of both of my boys, they are turning into fine young men!
We lost a lot of great people in '07. Some rich and famous, others a little closer to home. My thoughts are with these families. I've grown a little closer to some, and drifted from others - the natural succession of life I guess. You realize more and more everyday who is important to you and who you can let go a bit.
The holidays were great this year. Mark made it home for Christmas which made it extra special. I know that pleased Mom and Dad more than any gift could have. We all had a good laugh at Thanksgiving when something fairly important was left behind. None of us won the Lottery this year, there is always next year!
I wish everyone a great '08. I am not making any resolutions or promises this year (never really do anyway). I am hoping for happiness, good health, and I wish everyone "enough".

I wish you enough sun to keep your attitude bright no matter how gray the day may appear.

I wish you enough rain to appreciate the sun even more.

I wish you enough happiness to keep your spirit alive and everlasting

I wish you enough pain so that even the smallest of joys in life may appear bigger.
I wish you enough gain to satisfy your wanting.

I wish you enough loss to appreciate all that you possess.
I wish you enough hellos to get you through the final good-bye..

They say, it takes a minute to find a special person, an hour
to appreciate them, a day to love them , but an entire life to forget
them.

HAPPY NEW YEAR!!!!

HAPPY NEW YEAR

2007-12-30T16:35:00.000-05:00

Merry Christmas

2007-12-24T13:44:00.000-05:00

I hope everyone has a safe and enjoyable Christmas!!

Happy Birthday Dad!!

2007-12-01T17:13:00.000-05:00

Wow, I can't believe my Dad is 70. It seems like just yesterday Mom was running around frantically trying to plan a surprise birthday party for him. Somehow, some way, she managed to pull it off without him knowing. I remember there were people everywhere in the house and everyone had a great time. The greatest memory is the absolute shocked look on my dad's face. I think that is where the "priceless" commercials got started!! There is no way that was 30 years ago! Happy Birthday Dad!! We Love you!!!

Count the passes

2007-11-23T15:16:00.001-05:00

Happy Thanksgiving

2007-11-22T09:39:00.001-05:00

HAPPY THANKSGIVING EVERYONE!

We have made it to another Thanksgiving! Wow, time sure does fly!! It's hard to believe the holiday season is starting already. I have a lot to be thankful for this year. My family is healthy, I have a good job, my friends are plentiful, and we will be enjoying a fantastic meal at Mom and Dad's!! I hope everyone has a safe and peaceful Thanksgiving!

Christmas in November??

2007-10-31T08:49:00.000-04:00

Noel, Noel, Noel, Noel....everyone sing now..... It seems Christmas comes earlier and earlier every year. Keeping a half an eye (no pun intended) on the storm, no one is preparing, no one is buying water, there are no long lines at the gas station, but I am sure everyone is holding their breath a bit anyway because you never know with Mother Nature. It will be a windy Halloween tonight, the witches will be flying fast!

Happy Birthday Mom!

2007-10-02T08:25:00.000-04:00

HAPPY BIRTHDAY MOM!!!!

We Love You!!

2007-09-24T09:16:00.000-04:00

THE BLUE SOX WIN! THE BLUE SOX WIN!!

2007-08-19T19:26:00.000-04:00

In a battle for the championship, in front of over 2600 people, the Bet Shemesh Blue Sox win the first ever Israel Baseball League Championship by the score of 3-0. Congratulations Blue Sox! israelbaseballleague.com: Press Releases

THE FINALS

2007-08-17T12:27:00.000-04:00

VS

The stage is set. Sunday, August 19, 2007, 11 am EST., the Bet Shemesh Blue Sox will face the Modi'in Miracles for the first ever championship game of the Israel Baseball League. After holding on to first place the entire season, the Blue Sox clinched first place this past Sunday and earned a bye in the first round of the playoffs along with the second place team Tel Aviv Lightning. The Netanya Tigers battled the Ra'anana Express in the quarter finals defeating them 3-0 while the Modi'in Miracles faced the Petach Tikva Pioneers, defeating them 6-2. The next match up was the semi finals matching Tel Aviv against Modi'in and Bet Shemesh against Netanya. In what I would consider an upset, the Modi'in Miracles knocked the Tel Aviv Lightning out of the finals with a 4-2 defeat. The Tigers put up a great battle against the Blue Sox leading the game through the first 3 1/2 innings, but eventually the Blue Sox came back and defeated the Tigers 6-3. With a day off tomorrow the Bet Shemesh Blue Sox and the Modi'in Miracles will meet at Yarkon Field to determine the champions. Go Blue Sox!!!!!!!!!!!

Winding down

2007-08-09T17:44:00.000-04:00

With 5 games (and one suspended game to complete), the Bet Shemesh Blue Sox are still in 1st place by 3.5 games over the Tel Aviv Lightening. It has been an amazing season for them so far but it is winding down quick. Every team will have a chance at the championship, the first and second place teams will have a bye the first round, and it will go from there. Hard to believe it is almost over. Will be good to have Mike home again though. There is an article( Despite problems, IBL to return for another go in '08 Jerusalem Post) in the Jerusalem Post talking about having a league again next summer. Keep your fingers crossed for them and again....GO BLUE SOX!!!

The Jury

2007-08-08T20:52:00.000-04:00

Still having fun

2007-08-04T18:50:00.000-04:00

Still in first place, the Blue Sox continue to impress fans in Israel. Their games attract the largest crowds, albeit only around 600 fans, of all the teams. Bet Shemesh is 1.5 games ahead of Tel Aviv who seem to be the only team that consistently beat them. Mike had his second home run off of the Netanya Tigers this past week and currently holds the league high of 22 stolen bases. Even though the guys say they are having a great time, they are still ready to come home and sleep in their own beds, eat American food, and I am sure on the top of their list is to give their Moms a big kiss and hug!! Ok, their brothers too. Today the teams set off on some kind of archaeological trip, something different for them to do. Tomorrow it is back to baseball! Till then.....

Now Ths Is Funny

2007-07-29T18:48:00.000-04:00

Come on now, you know you have done the same thing at one point - we all have. I wonder how many of us have been captured on camera?!

Go Sox!

2007-07-23T21:20:00.000-04:00

The popularity of baseball seems to be growing in Israel. Autograph sessions like this are a daily occurrence and the stands are still full each game. Perhaps it is because the Blue Sox are still in first place. Speaking of which, they are barely hanging on to first place by .5 game. They suffered another defeat today to the Tel Aviv Lightening in a close pitchers dual. The Blue Sox are 16-7 which is a great record for any team, and they are about half way through their season. The Tel Aviv Lightening and the Modi'in Miracles are hot on their tail. The next closest team after that is a long 6.5 games out of first. It is hard to believe a month has gone by already but on the other hand it seems like it has been longer. They will be back before I know it. Hopefully the Sox can get back on their winning streak and put some distance between themselves and Tel Aviv.

IBL update

2007-07-13T11:00:00.000-04:00

Since my last post a lot has happened in the IBL. The Bet Shemesh Blue Sox suffered their first loss last Sunday to the second place team, the Tel Aviv Lightening. Still holding on to first place, it has been an up and down week for the team. On Monday and Tuesday they had decisive wins, but on Wednesday suffered their second loss in a 15-6 slaughter. On Thursday they came back to win, but it took a homerun derby to decide that game. In the IBL if a game is tied after the last (7th) inning, they go to a homerun derby to decide the outcome). Today they had an early game against the still second place team, Tel Aviv, and again was beaten by them. Although the Blue Sox are still in first, they are hanging on by a thread with only a .5 game lead. Hopefully they can gain back their momentum and get back on their winning streak. There is a great article in the Jerusalem Post about the Blue Sox and their fan base. Blue Sox spirit captivates fans Jerusalem Post. Michael says he signs autographs every day and seems to still be having a great time. On Tuesday while checking out the website, I found that they had recorded Sunday's game against Tel Aviv and were webcasting it. It was exciting to watch, Mike is on the film quite a bit, even shows him losing his temper at one point (nah...not Mike!!). If you get a chance, check it out.israelbaseballleague.com: Watch Games Just click on the Bet Shemesh vs Tel link, give it a few minutes, and it should play. There are no games tomorrow (never on Saturday), so we will have to wait and see what happens Sunday. GO BLUE SOX!

Happy Birthday Zach

2007-07-11T00:13:00.000-04:00

HAPPY BIRTHDAY ZACH!!!

Another Win??

2007-07-05T13:29:00.000-04:00

Well, guess what....they are still undefeated. With another slaughter today (18-5), the Bet Shemesh Blue Sox have an amazing 9-0 record. Michael had 5 stolen bases today, including stealing home. Wish I could be there to see him play, but someone has to hold down the home front. Unfortunately Ray's team isn't doing as well,and suffered another loss today. Hopefully they will get their act together and start winning more games (just not against Mike's team!!)
Zach is having a good time on vacation with his dad. They are spending a lot of time on the golf course and had a real good 4th. Can't wait till he gets home tomorrow. It is rough having both boys gone at the same time!

HAPPY 4TH!

2007-07-03T22:20:00.000-04:00

HOPE YOU ALL HAVE A SAFE AND FUN JULY 4TH!!!

Still Undefeated

2007-07-01T20:22:00.000-04:00

Down 5 runs in the seventh and last inning due in part to Ray's 3 run homer, Bet Shemesh somehow pulled another victory out of the air. A grand slam by teammate Jason Reese put some runs on the board for the Blue Sox, followed by a 3 run homerun by who else but Mike! Three more runs gave the Blue Sox the lead 10-5. The Tigers came back and scored one run in the bottom of the seventh to make the final score 10-6. Keep up the good work guys! If you want to keep up with it, just go to www.israelbaseballleague.com. Click on "Still Undefeated" in the title for story in Jerusalum Post! For some great pictures, click on Fanzone and photo album. Till next time!

iPhone..iWant....but iWill wait a bit...

2007-06-30T15:56:00.000-04:00

Another Victory!

2007-06-26T17:36:00.000-04:00

The Bet Shemesh Blue Sox are doing well, they have won their first two games of the season. This picture was posted on the web site today, that is Mike, #8 congratulating his teammate. Keep up the good work guys!

Israel Update

2007-06-25T20:16:00.000-04:00

Michael arrived in Israel safe and sound and with all luggage in tact. He is staying in a college dorm and says the food is terrible! He will either get used to it, or be really skinny when he gets home. He and his best friends are rooming with one other player. Opening day was Sunday but Mike's first game wasn't till today (Monday). His team won their first game. I asked Mike about opening day ceremonies and he said it was a pretty cool event. He also said he signed about 400 autographs - that had to be an ego booster! Apparently the event went well and there was a huge turn out. Our conversations are short, not sure what kind of phone bill it will produce until next month, but he seems happy. I think he would be happy anywhere as long as he gets to play baseball!
Zach is doing great and enjoying his summer vacation. He is headed to Oklahoma this week with his Dad to visit his Uncle. I hope they have a good time. His birthday is right around the corner, hard to believe he is going to be 14 already. Time flies.

I will keep you posted on Israel and anything else going on...........till then....

Baseball in Israel...Vy not!

2007-06-19T18:01:00.000-04:00

The time has finally arrived. Mike is set to go and is headed to New York first, then off to Israel. He is very excited and anxious to get there. It is about a 10 hour flight from NY to Israel, but Mike has his Ipod ready and said he is going to try to sleep as much as possible. They only have a few days before their first game, so I am sure they will be busy trying to meet their teammates and trying to get settled. I am so excited for him, this is an experience he will never forget. I will miss him, but it is only 2 months! Sure will be quiet around here.
The summer is going good. I have been working at Publix and catching up on some sleep. It is nice not having to wake up at 6 am every day and not working 7 days a week. I am sure the summer will fly by and that before I know it school is back in session. We will have a new principal when I go back, that should be interesting. I hear nothing but good about him, but you know how things are when someone new steps in. I am sure some things will change. We have also had a major turn over in management at Publix this summer. Just about everyone has shifted stores including our store manager. I guess it is just a summer of change.
Zach is enjoying his summer so far. He has been hanging out with his friends, riding bikes, skating, typical young teenage stuff. He is going on vacation soon too with his Dad and when he comes back his birthday is right around the corner. After his birthday he wants to work at Publix as a bagger and earn a bit of spending money for himself. At that age they can't work too many hours but it will be good for him to realize the value of a dollar.
Thant's about it for now, I will keep you posted on the goings on in Israel, or of course you can stay updated at www.israelbaseballleague.com.

HAPPY MEMORIAL DAY

2007-05-28T09:39:00.000-04:00

HAPPY MEMORIAL DAY

Outta Here

2007-05-10T10:45:00.000-04:00

Off to Vegas............. wish me luck!!

Are you SERIOUS??

2007-05-09T12:02:00.000-04:00

Is it not only May 9th??????????? What is going to happen this summer??

Very Proud

2007-05-01T08:48:00.000-04:00

Well, there it is, the first professional team Mike is playing for. The Bet Shemesh Blue Sox! On Sunday night we watched the IBL draft where Michael was chosen 3rd in the eighth round, his best friend Ray was chosen 2 picks earlier for the Netanya Tigers. They were a bit disappointed that they were not chosen for the same team, but hey, a little friendly competition is always good. I am not sure when they are leaving yet, but their first game is June 25th, and ironically they play against each other! Both are getting excited about going, and I think it will be a great experience for both of them. I wish I had that kind of opportunity when I was their age. Carpe Diem!

I am still subbing and enjoying it. They kids are really great. When I tell people where I sub, they cringe, but you know, there is really no place else I would rather be right now. It is a good school for the most part. Every school has their problems, this one no more than any other though. It is always nice to see a smile across their faces when they see me standing in the doorway between classes.

Zach is doing well. The school year is winding down quickly with the last day of school being the 29th of May. I was just talking to Zach the other day about how quickly this school year has gone. The older you get the faster the time goes by. Zach wants to start working this summer when he turns 14, he likes having money! It will be good for him, keep him out of trouble a few hours a day and teach him a little more responsibility and the value of money.

Vega$ is literally right around the corner. Hard to believe that in about 9 days we will be there. I am looking forward to getting away for a few days.

Other than that nothing new in my world. I am proud of both my boys, they make me smile!

HAPPY EASTER

2007-04-06T12:40:00.000-04:00

HAVE A SAFE AND HAPPY EASTER!!

HAPPY APRIL FOOLS DAY!

2007-04-01T09:21:00.000-04:00

Happy Spring and IBL

2007-03-27T08:16:00.000-04:00

Spring break is just around the corner, boy this year is flying by. It will be nice to be able to sleep in a bit everyday, and I know Zach will enjoy it too, no homework, no stress, just straight play time. What is also hard to believe is that there is only 2 more months of school, where did the time go?
I have been keeping busy, still subbing, a different class every week. Not a bad thing, gives me a variety. A lot of the students are getting to know me and greet me in the halls when they see me, some even see me in Publix as well and come up and say "Hi Ms. B". It is nice, you know you are well received when they do that, usually kids try to avoid their teachers!
The boys are great. Zach still enjoys middle school. They went to the Youth Fair yesterday, he had a great time. He also went fishing Sunday with some of his friends, he is really enjoying his youth and I am glad. Kids tend to grow up too quick these days. Mike is good, still working 6 days a week at the JCC, coaching baseball, doing field work. When he isn't there he is playing ball trying to get ready for his Israel trip this summer (Click on "Happy Spring and IBL above for website and check out player profiles). Of course he is having some fun too.
Vegas is just around the corner, we are headed out the middle of May for a few days. I am looking forward to it and I know Uncle Jim is too. They remodeled and moved his favorite spot in the Excalibur, the Sports Book, and he should be more comfortable there now. I don't now that I'll ever get him out of there!!!!! It will be good to get away for a few days.
That's really about it, I had a good birthday. A few of the girls at work cooked and brought in food on Saturday complete with balloons, gifts, and of course CAKE! It was nice. Other than that it was a quiet birthday, which is fine with me.
Well, enjoy your day everyone!! Happy Spring

T.G.I.F

2007-02-23T09:51:00.000-05:00

It is Friday!! I am sitting in a 9th grade "Leadership Development" class as I type. I have been in this class all week. They aren't bad, but 9th grade is probably the most difficult grade as they aren't quite ready to deal with the everyday ins and outs of high school but think they are. They had placed me in an "EH" class (emotionally handicapped) for about 2 1/2 weeks while they were awaiting a new hire to step in. That was a challenge!! These are kids that have no discipline at home, are in and out of jail, have parents that are in and out of jail, siblings with babies, and some of them are also parents. They have no respect for authority. I was happy to finish my "sentence" in there. Being in this 9th grade class this week I have been watching the Ana Nicole trial through the web. Although I think the judge was very strange, and not sure what is motive was for acting the way he did, I was happy with his decision. A mother should be buried (if that is what they wish) next to their children. I honestly don't know how anyone could have ruled any differently in this case. It will be interesting to see who the daddy is, I am not even going to begin to venture a guess on that one. Ana Nicole was definitely a troubled young lady, she had her issues (don't we all), As bad as this may sound, the baby may just be better off without her - yea, that DOES sound bad doesn't it. Hopefully she won't follow in her mother's footsteps and can grow up to be somewhat normal against all odds.
Everything else is good with me and the boys. Not much new to report there. Looks like Vegas is in the future again, will be making those final plans soon - a much needed vacation! I've been keeping busy with work, but nothing notable has happened - no more homeless being set on fire. That trial should be coming up soon I would guess.
Have a great weekend everyone!!

Back to routine

2007-01-16T12:19:00.000-05:00

Well, lets see..what has happened in the last 2 weeks?? We have gotten back into a routine which is really never a bad thing. Just before returning to work (school) I got the flu and was down and out for a few days. That is never fun, and to be quite honest I am still not 100%. I missed one day of work when I couldn't even get off the couch. The boys took good care of me making me soup and juice and waiting on me hand and foot. Zach even tried cooling me down with a wash cloth. Miraculously they didn't get the flu from me.

Zach got his report card just the other day and did real well. He got two "A"'s and the rest "B"'s. I am very proud of him. He got a new teacher in math this past Friday, so we will see how that goes. Zach also made the school softball team and they won their first game last week. They have another game tomorrow, hopefully they will do well. He is enjoying being part of the team. I believe he is the only 6th grader on this varsity team which is an accomplishment. He is really a good kid. All of the neighborhood kid's parents love him to death and have told me that when their kids are with Zach they don't worry because they know Zach will do the right thing. He is sorta the leader of the gang so to speak.

Mike is doing well. He is still working at the JCC coaching baseball. They had a Christmas camp so he kept pretty busy for those two weeks. He also tried out for the Israel Baseball League on Dec. 29th. He was told that day that he and his friend Ray made the first cut and to call back in a few weeks to see if they actually made the team. He was a bit concerned because of his batting (he did not try out for pitcher), but just a few days after the tryout he and Ray were both handed a contract to play!! What exactly does this mean?? It means this summer they will be traveling to Israel to play ball - all expenses paid. They also will be paid at the end of the season for just playing. Although it is a bit scary to have them going half way across the world and not to exactly the most ideal place, I think it is going to be a great experience for them both. Mike walks around sporting a tshirt that says "Baseball in Israel?" "Vy Not".

I have been bouncing around subbing. It is kind of fun, but I like the idea of having my own class and knowing where I am going everyday. This is more like babysitting than teaching. I have been pretty lucky so far in that I have had good classes. I haven't written a single referral since I've been out of ESE!!! I am sure eventually I will get a challenging class.

That's about all that is new and exciting in my world. Till next time.......

Happy New Year

2007-01-01T20:33:00.000-05:00

Wow, hard to believe 2006 is gone! This year flew by more quickly than any other year so far. It was for the most part a good year, and certainly a year for changes. I went from not working at all to 2 jobs - one actually in the field I want to pursue. Mike moved back home in May or June, that was an adjustment for all of us, but it has worked out well. Zach went from Elementary school to middle school - from hating school to loving it! We went from having back to back years of storms, to only one storm scare this year - that is certainly a plus! Most importantly, we all made it through the year with no serious injuries or illnesses.

What have I learned this year...let's see. I learned that I really do want to be a teacher. After being tossed to the wolves, so to speak, teaching ESE kids and not losing my mind in the process, I know now that I can handle just about anything. I enjoyed having a class that I could call my own and having that kind of responsibility. I guess I like pressure and have really always done well when my back is up against the wall. I try not to let the little things get to me and to let things roll off my back - it's healthier that way. I have also learned that I am not a bad person. People actually like me for me. People appreciate me and respect me. I am still trying to learn not to shrug off compliments and to accept them. I also went through this entire year without someone significant in my life and have decided that it is OK. I don't need to settle for being second best to anyone, and eventually, one day (maybe) someone will come along. I have a long list of things that I would like to accomplish, and a relationship is very low on my priority list right now. Not to say if someone comes along and sweeps me off my feet I wont allow it, just not looking for it.

I don't know what 2007 holds in store for me but I am going into it with a positive attitude, and a kick in my step. Everyone should have a 5 year plan, and I certainly have mine, but it may take every bit of those 5 years to accomplish what I want. That's OK, I WILL MAKE IT! HAPPY NEW YEAR EVERYONE!!

Happy Birthday David

2006-12-19T11:25:00.000-05:00

HAPPY BIRTHDAY DAVID!!

I hope you have a great day and have time to play in the snow.
May all your wishes come true...it's fun being 29 (again and again and again and again...LOL)

8 days and counting!

2006-12-13T13:25:00.000-05:00

Christmas break is right around the corner and I can't wait!! I have been in the ESE class all this time, but the end is near. They have finally hired a new teacher. She reported for duty last Friday but they are letting me stay until Christmas break with her because it is the end of the semester and we fear that the kids will shut down if we make too many changes now. Some of the students I am sure will be happy to see me go, others not so much. Some have even told me that they will make the new teacher so miserable that she will quit so I can come back! Honestly I think they will all be fine. It will be an adjustment period but eventually they will conform to the new teacher. She has taught High School ESE before, but not in poor Dade County. She taught in New Jersey where the schools wanted for nothing. If they needed it, they got it. Here we can't even get ink for our printers!! Supposedly another ESE teacher is leaving in January and they are going to slide me into that spot. They all say they are happy with what I have done with these kids.
It is so hard to believe that Christmas is so close. This year has certainly flown by and held a lot of changes. Most of the changes were for the best. I wish everyone a safe and happy holiday season and will post again when the opportunity arises!! Be Good!

Teaching or babysitting?

2006-11-17T12:07:00.000-05:00

As you may remember from the last post, I was still teaching ESE awaiting the new teacher to finish her internship and take over the class. Well, guess what - she took a position at another school. Where does this leave me? Guaranteed work for quite some time!! I spoke to the department head last week and was finally able to get access to the online grade book. She also sent over some more books for me to use to come up with some lesson plans, now only if I had the time!! They seem to be having some difficulty finding a "fit" for this position, and I can see why, it is not an easy job. The kids are classified as EMH (educable mentally handicapped), most of them have terrible home lives or live in group homes.
Last week one of my students had a seizure, no one told me she was even suspectible to seizures!
Well, it is about 2 weeks later since I started this post, haven't had time to finish. Since I started this some things have changed. One of my students walked into my room one day and let a crack pipe fall out of her pocket - needless to say I had to call security! Believe it or not, she was only sent to CSI for the day. Another student got into a fight during lunch and was put on outdoor suspension for 15 days - somehow I don't find that fair, but hey, I don't make the rules.
One of the biggest battles in this school, (well, at least in these classes) is the dress code. I have yet to understand why these kids will not keep their shirts tucked in. It is the simplest thing in the world, but the hardest thing for them to get through their heads. I have become an expert at writing referrals!!
Progress reports came out today along with failure notices. Some were actually shocked that they were failing my class. I warn them on a daily basis that the work they do in my class counts as a grade, but still some refuse to do the work. I think they got it now. We'll see if there is an improvement.
They brought in a lady that works in another school that supposedly interviewed for this job. I don't know if she took the position or not though. She is currently an elementary school teacher, and has been for 23 years, but never taught high school. The department head was telling her that these kids are on the same "level" as the elementary kids, which is true, but with WAY more attitude. You have to keep an eye on these kids like they are 3 year olds. If you leave the room ofr one minute chaos breaks out.
Next week is Thanksgiving already. It will be a nice little break and will be good to see the family again. I am working everyday till then, but have Thanksgiving day and the next off so it will be like a mini vacation. I can't believe the holidays are right around the corner already. Time flies.
Well, that's all for now. My computer at home crashed so I can only access at school and through my phone so don't think I am ignoring anyone. All is well!!!

Adventures in Substituting!! Part 2

2006-10-19T11:49:00.000-04:00

I have been assigned to the ESE class everyday since that first day. The students have gotten used to me, some like me, others not so much. I have been finding more and more work for them to do which is why some don't like me. They have been having a "free period" for a month or so now and don't want to work. It would probably be easier to let them just do what they want, but that is not helping anyone. They also tend to get a bit rowdy if you don't keep them busy. Monday was a good day, a lot of the kids were absent, and the ones that were there were quiet - I guess they were tuckered out from the weekend. On Tuesday of this week two of my students started arguing. It eventually came to both of them dropping their backpacks and putting up their fists. I was able to grab one by the arm and pull him away before the maylay began. I separated them (luckily I have a huge room) and they calmed down and I didn't have to call security. I told them that they all have the same classes everyday, and have to learn to get along. They don't have to like each other, but they do have to respect each other. When I got to school Wednesday, the schedule had been changed due to some testing. This meant that first block was going to be two blocks long. This was great for me as on even days I have first block free. I was able to come up with work for the rest of the day, and I thought, wow, this is going to be a great day! Well, first block wound up running 30 minutes later than previously thought, which means the next block was cut by 30 minutes, making it only 50 minutes long. Normally this would be a good thing, but the work I had planned was not something they could do in that amount of time. I had to cut the lesson down, and help them with the test, most of them still failed it. Lunch finally came and even though I had all that free time earlier in the day, I was ready for the break. After lunch, not 5 minutes into class, we had a fire drill - again, there go my lesson plans! Once we corralled the kids back into the classes, I finally got them settled into doing some work when the called for all Juniors to the gym. They were gone for about 30 minutes, then they called for the seniors. In the mean time, an announcement was made that the fire drill had been unacceptable and that it would have to be redone the next day. I finally gave up on the lesson plan and gave an open book test - finally they passed!! Today is "odd" day which is for some reason the rougher of the two. The combination of the kids is not a good one, and of course this morning we had the "make up" fire drill. So far the day has been pretty good. The usual students are being disruptive, but nothing out of the ordinary. I am on my planning period as I type, and there is only one more block after this, then tomorrow is a day off - teacher planning day and subs don't work. I was told this morning that I would be in the ESE until a new teacher is found. I heard they found someone, but she is still doing her internship and cannot start teaching until then. Maybe by Christmas!!

Adventures in Substituting!!

2006-10-13T14:11:00.000-04:00

Well, I started subbing last week at the local High School. The first day was a piece of cake, more literally than figuratively, I subbed a Home-Ec class. I was a bit nervous, well, not really nervous, but anxious. I had no idea what to expect, and had never dealt with block scheduling before. It was also a Friday, and the seniors had "privileges", but I wasn't sure what they were really allowed to do as compared to what they were telling me. A few tried to get away with leaving early, but others told me the truth and I was able to keep the class in check. Monday was also a good day. I had a Chemistry class - an honors class, so they were all good students, did their work quickly and quietly and the day passed without incident. Tuesday when I got to the school I found out I was subbing for an Algebra 2 class and was excited as this is my field. I had first block planning period, so I sat in the teachers lounge with the class' assignment and worked out all the problems so I would be able to help them if they needed. The class was well behaved and needed little to no help. I was some what disappointed. The next class he had was a "marketing class". I had 4 students.....the rest were on a field trip with the normal teacher. It was time for lunch at that point (12:20), and as it turned out this teacher also had last block on even days as a planning period, so after checking with the office, I was able to go home early. I paid for it though!!! I was thinking, boy this job is really easy, I have never earned money with this little effort before. Things change. Wednesday when I reported for duty, I was told to take a Drama class, I though, ok, cool. Well, the teacher showed up, so they reassigned me....to an ESE class. ESE is the "exceptional students", not gifted, but the other end of the spectrum. It was kind of like walking into a war zone. The class room was actually in one of the portables, when I knocked on the door, a teacher answered the door. I was a bit confused at first, but then realized in these portables were 3 classrooms. The teacher that opened the door happened to be someone I knew from Mike's baseball days. She was the Mom of one of Mike's team mates and friend. This was a welcome relief. Once in the portable, she explained to me how things worked to a certain extent. The ESE kids were pretty much contained to this portable for the day except if they had an elective. The teacher I was subbing for was actually non existent. It turns out that something about his certification wasn't up to date and they hadn't found a replacement. This apparently had been going on since about 2 weeks into the school year. These kids had been through sub after sub, and sometimes with no teacher at all if they couldn't find someone to take the class. Subs are only allowed to do the same class for a few days running otherwise they have to put you into a different classification, pay you more, and give you benefits. So, let me explain how things normally work when you sub a class. Nine times out of 10 the teachers know they are going to be out and leave a lesson plan - busy work - for the kids to do. You basically sit there and babysit, read a book, relax, and give out hall passes! Since there had been no teacher since week 2 for these kids, there were no lesson plans, no busy work. The name of the classes I was subbing were "Social Skills Developement" and "Career Building". These kids are on anywhere between a 4th and 5th grade level. Some are physically handicapped, some seemed to be visibly mentally challenged, others seemed like they may be taking the easy way out. Either way, I was flipping through books (what few books they had, not even enough workbooks for every child), and making up lessons. Some of these kids you saw twice in a day, so you had to come up with new work for each block. At first I felt sorry for the kids and their handicaps, but quickly learned that they use it to their advantage. Soon I was treating them like any other teenager, and I think they actually respected me more for that. They all asked me if I could be their regular teacher. I told them no, that I was just a sub. I left that day with a new respect for teachers, especially ESE teachers. I went home mentally and emotionally tired. I woke up the next day with a gut feeling that I was going to see these kids again, and I was right - I was assigned to them again on Thursday. This time I had the advantage of knowing what to expect, and was able to control the class from the beginning instead of coming in and trying to "tame a wild beast". To Be Continued...........................

Happy Birthday Mom

2006-10-02T11:25:00.000-04:00

Hard to believe another year has passed isn't it!! I remember my Mom's 40th birthday like it was yesterday. Dad was pretty busy at work at the time, my brother was away at college, so that left a lot for me to do. It was supposed to be a surprise party, but you never could fool Mom, I think she knew before we did!! Either way it turned out to be a success and everyone had a great time......Now, I won't say how many years later, Mom is a grandmother of two with a son and a daughter that have both passed their 40th birthday, I guess it is true, time does fly when you are having fun. Mom, I hope you have a wonderful birthday, and maybe for your 80th ( a long way away) we will be able to surprise you. We love you!!

2006-09-11T12:42:00.000-04:00

What better day to start blogging again than today?! It is hard to believe that 5 years have passed since 9/11, it seems like it was just yesterday. I still remember, like everyone else, where I was, what I was doing, and how shocked I was. Yesterday I watched the movie "United 93". No one really knows what happened aboard that flight, but I guess they gave it an educated, or at least a hopeful guess on what went on in those final moments. It was hard to watch the part where the people on board called their families - that part we know to be true - to say goodbye. Innocent lives lost for no good reason. Every one has different opinions on the war, and that is something I won't go into today, it is not the appropriate time. Let's just remember those who lost their lives, those who braved the "elements" to try to help others and let us hope against hope that this never happens again.

Congrats Miami Heat!!

2006-06-21T15:13:00.000-04:00

THEY DID IT!!

Happy Mother's Day

2006-05-14T10:36:00.000-04:00

Update - post Vegas

2006-05-11T08:34:00.000-04:00

Well, we made it back safe and sound from Vegas. It was a great trip as always. It is always fun seeing Vegas through someone elses eyes for the first time, and although it wasn't Mike's first time there, it was his first time being able to gamble/drink/enjoy adult activities. He discovered the nickel slot machines (especially Texas Tea), that when lucky enough, you hit bonus screens where you can win anywhere from a few to many credits. I was real lucky the first evening there, hitting $500 on a quarter slot machine. The great luck didn't stay with me, but I was up and down all week and had a good time which is the most important thing. The last evening there Uncle Jim and I hit the black jack table, and I wound up $50 ahead by the end of it all. I have been to Vegas many times, but this trip I saw and experienced things I hadn't before. The first night we were there, at about 2:45 in the morning, the fire alarm in the hotel went off. It was loud enough to wake the dead - even Mike woke up! We kind of looked at each other wondering what that horrible noise was, thinking someone had set the clock radio, then we realized it was coming from the speaker on the wall. Mike took his hand and tried to muffle the noise, and eventually used his pillow to do so, as I peered out the window to look for smoke. Being on the 25th floor, neither one of us felt like trudging down the stairs, so we waited - as I look back now, probably not the smartest decision, but hey, it was 2:45 in the morning, who was thinking straight. Finally after what seemed t be forever, the alarm stopped wailing and someone came over the speaker and said it was a false alarm. Mike and I breathed a sigh of relief and went back to sleep. We also saw 2 different people being escorted out, totally wasted, one of which had to be brought out in a wheelchair because she couldn't walk anymore without falling down. We saw a pizza delivery man get into an arguement with a security guard. We saw Las Vegas Blvd closed off for a immigration demonstration. It was an exciting trip, but it was also nice to be home again and see Zach. I tried to link some pictures (Kodakgallery.com Slideshow), hopefully the link will work. Some of the pictures - especially of the lions, are blurry because they were taken through very thick glass. Classes started Tuesday, looks like my Differential Equations Professor is going to be good. He is the type that will make sure you understand the material before moving on, which is a very good thing. Zach only has a few more weeks of school, he can't wait for it to be over. He has lots of activities in the next few weeks, so I think there will be very little work being done at school. Summer is just around the corner! That's about it for now, hopefully I will be able to post a little more often, but you never know........

Outta Here

2006-04-29T00:25:00.000-04:00

Well, it is time for Vegas. Hopefully this time with some luck. I am looking forward to this trip, I need the break. The sememster went well, wound up with a B in Calculus 3, but not complaining. The last test was a nightmare! I also got an A in Geology, so all is good. I will post some pictures when I get back, until then wish us luck!!

Happy Easter

2006-04-16T10:26:00.000-04:00

Immigration Laws

2006-04-10T23:41:00.000-04:00

Here is a typical day for me at work. Customer walks up to the service desk and says “Gkfjdojg jdlajfejqiejf fkldjflkjeoijq jdlkjfaojtiojeafj”. Did you understand that? Well, neither did I, it was in Spanish. I then say “excuse me?”. They say, oh, YOU don’t speak Spanish? When I say no, 50% of them walk away in a huff. Second scenario: Cashier walks up to customer service with their customer handing me a receipt and a red, white, and blue card with a magnetic strip that somehow got demagnetized. This little red, white, and blue card is a “benefits card” (aka foodstamps). I look at the customer, and 9 times out of 10, they are wearing clothes nicer than what hangs in my closet, and have more jewelry on them than I own, and 8 times out of 10, they are Latin. Now, I try to pride myself in not being prejudice, but this really gets to me. I work part time, go to school, and raise my son without any help from the government – no financial aid at all. I drive an 11 year old van that I hope will get me back and forth to school and work everyday, if I own 5 pairs of shoes that is a lot, and I was born in this country! Scenario 3: Any given day I will process 8-15 money transfers much of which goes to Honduras, Mexico, or Nicaragua. Just a note, Cuba has a $300 per 90 days limit it is my best guess that some of the monies being sent to these other countries eventually makes it to Cuba. Those who say that the illegals are helping our economy – guess what, the money isn’t staying here.
I 100% agree that the immigration laws are unfair – unfair to the people who are here legally. The “wet foot/dry foot” law is a joke, it is the most ridiculous idea I have ever seen, and it only applies to Cuban refugees. I know everyone wants to come to America, seek the American dream (is the American dream to live off the government while taking jobs from those who are legally here?), but things have to change. Those who are here illegally need to be located, and “repatriated”. If they want to come back, they need to obtain legal status just like my family did (hi Mom!). That’s my opinion, and as far as I know, this is still America and I am allowed to express it, feel free to agree or not, I will listen to any and all.

It's been a long time

2006-04-06T21:03:00.000-04:00

Yea, ok, I know it has been a while since I have posted. Things have been busy here in the life of Brenda. Mike was home for about 10 days, which is always a good thing. He is doing well, still trying to get his wrist back to normal, but each day it gets better and better. He has pretty much determined that he is returning to Miami to live in June, so looks like we will all be together once again. It will be nice to have another person to talk to around here, as well as help me out around the house.
Zach is doing ok. He has been sick for about a week now, and I finally took him to the doctor today. He just has a virus, or perhaps even allergies, but none the less it is something that just has to run its course. Next week is Spring Break for him, so this will give him an opportunity to get some rest, which I think is the key ingredient right now. We will also head down to Oma and Opa’s this weekend and a hug and kiss from them should cure him completely!
Work is ok, it is nice being able to punch out and leave it at the door when I leave. That is a new experience for me. I take pride in my job, but I am not letting it consume me as I have in the past. Right now school is my most important goal (except for, of course taking care of my kids).
Speaking of school, it is going well. I just finished my last (Thank God) Geology test and got a 95% on it. That gives me a 94.75% for the class, which of course is an A. Never again will I take an independent study, 8 week, science class. Calculus is going well. I got a 92% on my last test, and couldn’t have been happier. What this means is I need only about a 40% on my next test to receive a B in the class, and around an 90% for an A. Needless to say I am shooting for an A. This is indeed the toughest section of the course, and also my weakest area (integrals), but I am going to work my butt off. The last test is on April 18th, so wish me luck on that, chances are I won’t be posting again before that. After the 18th, I have about a 3 week break before summer classes start. I am only taking one course over the summer (Differential Equations), and will continue to work and try to put some money in the bank. April 29th is the trip to Vegas. I am so looking forward to that. It will be good to get away for a few days, and of course Vegas is one of my favorite getaways. Hopefully I will be putting some money in the bank after that trip!!
Hope all is well with everyone, and that everyone has a nice Easter!

Happy Birthday

2006-03-25T09:15:00.000-05:00

HAPPY BIRTHDAY UNCLE JIM!!

No more blue roof!!

2006-03-14T08:19:00.000-05:00

Today must be my lucky day - I am getting a new roof! As I sit here and type, the guys are up on the roof making all kinds of racket. It is going to make studying here impossible today, so soon I will be headed to the campus to catch up on some homework. Classes are going well. I did better on my last calculus test than the first which is always a good thing. I am hanging on to a B average in there, but it has been a challenge. The challenge for me is not knowing the material, it is testing on it. Before each test and quiz, a group of us get together and study - well, I teach. I can explain how to do most of the material, but come test time, I freeze, then panic. It was so bad on the last test, I was working on one problem (a graph in 3-space) for so long that the professor told me to turn the page and move on. I think she could see the frustration on my face. I did wind up missing that problem (I had one image in my head of what I thought it should be, and tried to fit the formula to what I was "seeing" - only problem is, it was the wrong image! It was kind of like trying to fit a square peg in a round hole). Geology is thrilling - I have to take a test today on glaciers, mountains, earthquakes, tsunamis and plate tectonics zzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzz. Zach has FCAT's this week and next so he is a bit stressed. This week is math and the beginning of reading - the math is ok, it is the reading that stresses him out. Next week concludes the reading then goes into the science and social studies. The only good thing about FCAT weeks are less homework, and the teachers tend to try and make the kids relax a bit. Spring break is just around the corner for him and he can't wait. Also just around the corner is a trip to Vegas. This trip will be a bit more special because Michael is coming along. He has been to Vegas twice, but never as an "adult" with the ability to gamble and even hang out in the casino. Hopefully he will bring some beginners luck with us. Mike's wrist is doing ok. He is starting to get some more movement in it, but not so much strength yet. It will take time, but I think eventually it will be good as new. He is really anxious about getting out and throwing a baseball again. Other than that nothing new. Work is ok - not working a lot, just enough to keep groceries in the house, now I just have to find time to buy groceries!! It is nice not having any real responsibility at work. I go in, do my thing, leave, no hassle, no headache. Speaking of headache, I need to get out of here, this noise is driving me nuts!

Weekend Update

2006-02-25T12:39:00.000-05:00

     Just thought I would update everyone as I haven’t really had time to post a lot lately.  I have been keeping very busy.  I got a part time job at the Publix by my house, working around my school schedule as well as Zach’s.  Not working a lot, just enough to keep groceries in the house!!  It is also nice to interact with customers again – my communications have been basically the neighborhood kids and my classmates which, are well, quite younger than I am.
     School is going well.  I took my first Geology test on Thursday.  This is an independent study class, so disciplining myself to study for it has been fun.  Science is not one of my strong subjects, and certainly not one of my favorites.  With that being said, I still, somehow, managed to pull a 95% on my test.  Hopefully I can maintain that and walk away with an A for the semester.  I guess only time will tell on that.  I have my second Calculus III test this coming Tuesday.  It is not going to be an easy one, it covers a lot of material including graphing in 3-space (3-D).  I will be studying all weekend for that one.
     The kids are doing great.  Mike is slowly building up strength in his wrist, but it is going to be a much longer process that he anticipated, and being MY SON, he has no patience.  He wants to be 100% again yesterday!  As of yesterday, he still could not throw a baseball, or for that matter even a dart without some pain.  I’m sure with time all will be well.  Zach is doing well, he is eagerly awaiting Summer vacation – he has a long way to go!  He just “loves” school…. He has a ton of friends in the neighborhood, so he keeps very busy with them riding bikes, skating, doing who knows what!!
     That’s about it everyone.  Have a great weekend!!!!!!!!!

Cast off day

2006-02-15T12:19:00.000-05:00

Well, yesterday was Valentine's day, I hope everyone had a good time. Yesterday was also "cast off day" for Mike - finally! After 8 long weeks Mike was finally able to shower without a plastic bag over one arm. They x-rayed his wrist, and as it turns out, he STILL has a hairline fracture on one of the bones, so they had to fit him for a removable brace. He has to wear it when he is in large groups, during any kind of activity, and while he sleeps to protect it from being rebroken. At least this is one he can take off and his skin can start to turn a normal color again. Not much else new to report, school is going well, getting more and more difficult as we go along, but I guess that is expected. I am keeping up with all the assignments, and I think that is going to be the key to success in this course. Zach is doing well, keeping busy hanging with his friends - they grow up way to fast! It looks like the cold weather has left us, it was nice having to put on a jacket for a few days, wish it hadn't disappeared so quickly. I hope everyone is well, and I will post again when there is something to tell!

HAPPY VALENTINE'S DAY

2006-02-14T08:58:00.000-05:00

HAPPY VALENTINE'S DAY!!!!!

After the game

2006-02-06T08:31:00.000-05:00

Well, Seattle didn't win, but it was a good game none the less. I wasn't too thrilled with the officiating and thought the commercials weren't as great as previous years, but I enjoyed watching just the same. My favorite commercial was the Budweiser commercial with the little clydesdale trying with all his might to pull the Budweiser carriage, then two older clydesdales came up behind the cart and pushed. Hard to explain it here, if you saw it you know what I am talking about. I also laughed out loud at the "streaker" commercial for Bud Light. I hope everyone enjoyed the game, and I will try to post later this week!

SUPERBOWL SUNDAY

2006-02-05T09:34:00.000-05:00

The teams have been chosen, the commercials all paid for, trash talking is near completion, so now it is time for some football!! The weather is cold and snowy, what effect this will have on either team I have no clue. Honestly, I think neither team will feel the cold as they are too psyched up. All of my friends and family are rooting for Pittsburgh, me on the other hand have to go with the underdog Seattle Seahawks. They have never been to the Superbowl, and it would be nice to see some new smiling faces in Disney World!! I am also looking forward to the commercials, the only bad part about the Superbowl, is you can never find time to go to the bathroom! You don't want to miss the game, you don't want to miss the commercials, you don't want to miss the half time show...what to do what to do. I can only imagine the amount of calories that will be consumed tonight - oh, by the way, they don't count on Superbowl Sunday - and how much alcohol will be drank, but I am sure a good time will be had by all. Enjoy the game everyone, and GO SEAHAWKS!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

"Million Little Pieces"

2006-01-27T11:28:00.000-05:00

About a month or so ago, I picked up a book that I thought had an interesting cover (and they say you can't judge a book by it's cover!). This book was called " A Million Little Pieces". I read the back cover and thought it sounded very interesting, but I didn't buy it because I knew I would be too busy to read it. Now I wish I had. A few weeks after I looked at it, suddenly it became popular. The author was on Oprah, she had picked it as one of her picks, even Regis and Kelly were talking about it (not that they hold any literary awards). What I did not know when I originally looked at it, was that it was a memoir and frankly, I didn't care if it was true or not - it sounded good. Now suddenly the author, who admitted to taking literary license, is being called a liar. He embarrassed Oprah, so now the world is looking down on him. I was watching CNN last night - Anderson what's his name 360 (personally I think he is an idiot) - and that was the top news story. HEAVEN FORBID someone embellish a story to make it sell better. When Larry King asked Anderson whether or not he liked the book, he said he didn't think much of it, but when King asked him if it had been published as a fiction book, Anderson backpedaled and said that it was great. Who did he hurt by this? Some are arguing that he hurt the rehab clinic he spoke of in the book, and now some may not seek help for fear of the treatment they will receive - I think it is just another excuse not to get help and to keep using. YOUR president lies on a daily basis, and this doesn't receive the national attention or criticism that Frey is getting. I have never been through rehab, and can only imagine what kind of fear must accompany it, and I am guessing that many of the things Frey wrote about happened in his mind, the way HE saw it. If you perform a scene in front of 5 different people, and then pull them into separate rooms and ask them what they saw, you will more than likely get 5 different accounts. Add to this being high, or coming off a high and going through withdrawals, and you can only imagine the story you will get. Personally, I am still going to purchase the book because I have heard nothing but great reviews on the way it was written, and I hope he has much success. As far as Oprah is concerned, maybe she was "duped", but I am sure it isn't the first time, and certainly won't be the last, so she can cry all she wants to the bank with her umteen million dollars - get over it!

Returning to "normal"

2006-01-07T22:20:00.000-05:00

Things are getting back to normal around here. Zach started back to school, Mike went back to Tallahassee, and I started my classes again. I enjoyed having a few weeks off, not having to deal with my homework, or helping Zach with his, and having Mike here, but it is always good to get back into routine again. It has been a bit chilly here the last few days, been a nice change, actually supposed to get some frost on the pumpkin tonight. I actually had to wear a long sleeve t-shirt and long pants today - no jacket required though.
Classes are interesting this semester. I am taking two math classes at the same time - not sure how confusing this will be, but going to give it my best shot. I am taking Calculus III and Differential Equations. In both classes there are no more than a half a dozen women, and the rest guys. At this point with math, most people are engineering majors, I think there is only one other Education major in the class.
I am ready for a Vegas trip, hopefully in the next few months I (along with Uncle Jim and Tanya) will be able to get away for a few days a least - and hopefully we will actually win this time. Either way I am sure we will have a good time.
I hope everyone's year is going well so far. Now that the holiday rush is over and things are returning to normal chaos, hopefully everyone can have a good year.

The End of 2005

2005-12-31T16:31:00.000-05:00

     As 2005 comes to a close I am looking back to see what I have accomplished this year, what I haven’t accomplished, and what I hope to accomplish in 2006.  This past year was an eventful one to say the least.  It was also a year that tested my resolve, to see just how much I could handle.  I think I did ok I am still alive after all!
     I took on a full time load at school starting in January, and wasn’t sure how it was going to transition for me going from working to just going to school.  I thought I would have all the time in the world to study, keep my house clean, cook dinner every night, and still have some “me” time.  Guess what….that didn’t exactly pan out the way I thought it would.  I spent quite a bit more time studying then I thought I would, and even though I wasn’t working, I still didn’t have much more me time.  I often wonder how I got everything accomplished when I was working, and I had 2 kids at home.  I guess you adjust to what you have to do in life.  As my semester was winding down, I found myself back in touch with an old high school friend.  This was someone I had dated my senior year, for only a short time, but who made a huge impact on my life.  Although 24 years had passed since we saw each other, it was as if time had stood still.  We were able to pick up our friendship all over again.  Even though he is 2000 miles away, I still consider him one of my best friends, and certainly a confidant.  That is one of the best things that happened this year.
     This was also a year Mother Nature unleashed her fury on the Gulf Coast and South Florida.  We saw the devastation from Katrina, we actually had the first taste of her before the Gulf Coast did.  My neighborhood was flooded, the kids and neighbors were out in row boats and jet skis, school was canceled for a few days, in general life was interrupted.  After Katrina, we were threatened by Rita, but escaped with just a near miss, only to be followed by Ms. Wilma who wasn’t so nice.  She knocked out power to many for weeks (fortunately for me, it was only a day), ripped off roofs, knocked down trees, and in general made a mess of things.  School was canceled for over a week and I don’t think anyone knew if they were coming or going.   I was in the middle of my semester, just finishing up an accelerated Calculus 1 course and supposed to have been starting Calc. II when Wilma hit.  She turned and 8 week course into a 6 ½ week course in a heartbeat, so we played catch up the rest of the semester.  It was a bit stressful, but I managed to keep my grades up, and my blood pressure down.
     It seemed to be a fairly good year for my children.  Zach is doing well in school so far, has lots of friends in the neighborhood, and is growing up to be a handsome and caring young man.  He will turn 13 in 2006, oh boy….  Mike had a good year up until a week before Christmas when he broke his wrist in 3 places.  Nothing like spending Christmas and his 21st birthday in a cast.   He isn’t going to school right now, and I think he is trying to figure out what to do with his life, but I have all the confidence in the world in him – he will figure it out – he is my son after all, and it only took me 25 years to figure it out!!
     My parents are doing well too.  My dad’s business is going along smoothly, Mom still “loves” her job, and their health is pretty good.  I am sure they want to both retire soon, and I know they want to get out of South Florida and away from the hurricanes – it really stressed them out this year (as it did everyone!).  My brother made his big move to NY this year.  So far he seems to be enjoying it, cold weather and all.  I know he can make it there, he truly can make it anywhere!  My cousin and his family are all well.  Rob just “loves” his job, and Ruth, well, she just loves everything!   Christian is doing well too, smart as a whip.
     In 2006 my goal is to continue my education, and hopefully finish it one of these days!  I also want to continue to raise my sons (well, I guess I am down to 1 now) the best way I know how, and to love them with all my heart.  Life is too short, tell those you love that you love them every chance you get.  Don’t be afraid to take chances, you will never know what you can do until you try.  The worse that can happen is that you don’t succeed, but at least you know, and you gave it your best try.  Regret is a powerful thing don’t let it be part of your vocabulary.   Let’s hope the war comes to an end soon, and that our soldiers can come home to their families safely.  Until that happens, keep them in your thoughts.  I wish everyone a safe, and Happy New Year!

New Year's Traditions

2005-12-31T12:39:00.000-05:00

I found this website kind of interesting Urban Legends Reference Pages: Holidays (New Year's Superstitions). Some of these I had never heard of before, all I know is that I am hoping for a wind out of the South on New Year's Day! I will also be looking for someone tall, dark, and handsome at the stroke of midnight - like that will happen!! Anyway, enjoy reading it, even if it is just for fun.

Ending the year with Zeta

2005-12-31T10:13:00.000-05:00

Not a threat, but still interesting none the less.... Tropical storm Zeta formed yesterday off the coast of Africa - one month after the end of Hurricane season....does it really ever end?? (Click on "Ending the year with Zeta" for the story)

I plan on posting my thoughts for 2005 and my hopes for 2006 later today providing my server is cooperating, if not, it will be here in the am!

Till then ---- HAPPY NEW YEAR!

MERRY CHRISTMAS!

2005-12-25T09:16:00.000-05:00

MERRY CHRISTMAS !!!!

I hope everyone has a wonderful Christmas!!! Eat, Drink, and be Merry!!!

Home For The Holidays!

2005-12-21T09:53:00.000-05:00

Well, Mike made it home safe and sound, but not necessarily in one piece. On Sunday, the 18th Mike broke his right wrist in 3 places. He has a cast from his hand to his bicep and has to keep that one on for a month then he can go to a half cast for a while. He seems to do better by the hour, but is already tired of the cast. Nice way to spend the holidays and his 21st birthday!!
My grades came in, and I was exactly right with them, 1-A and 3-B’s. I guess I am happy with that, they were tough classes, so I shouldn’t complain, and Wilma really hurt our time with Calculus 2 cutting an eight week course to about a 6 ½ week course.
Christmas is just a few days away, I am finished with my shopping, and only have a few more gifts to wrap. The hardest part of Christmas shopping is stocking stuffers!! I don’t know how my parents do that, they fill not only mine, but my kids’, my cousin, his wife, his son, and my brother. I only have my kids’ and my parents’.
Speaking of my brother, I blame him for all the snow in NY already this year as well as the transit strike. Before he moved there in late October, everything was just fine! So, people of NY….blame him!!

ONE WEEK TILL CHRISTMAS

2005-12-18T09:04:00.000-05:00

Well, I guess Christmas miracles do happen! Yesterday I got a phone call from FEMA inquiring about my roof again. They SAID they were on their way. Guess what - they actually got here and I now am the proud owner of a BLUE ROOF!!!! Now watch, it won't rain again till I get my real roof! It took 4 guys right around 3 hours to do the job, I didn't realize how tough it would be, looks easy enough. They were wiped out by the time they were done, it was a hot one yesterday. Anyway, it is done, and I am happy.
Only one week till Christmas, and no, I am not done shopping. I will get done though. Mike comes in on Tuesday, looking forward to that, I think I will get into the spirit then. It seems kind of strange not studying this weekend, I keep thinking I have work to do. I have been catching up on my sleep, and have actually been sleeping well the last few nights.
Well, guess I better run and figure out just how much more shopping I have to do! Have a great weekend!!!

VACATION

2005-12-16T08:59:00.000-05:00

9 shopping days till Christmas!!!

Yes, I am still alive. I know I haven't posted in forever, but I have been busy with school. Well, I am officially done with the fall semester. It wasn't a walk in the park this time, but I survived. I finished the semester with:
Diversity Class: A
Physical Science: B
Calculus 1 : B
Calculus 2: B
Next semester will hopefully be a bit easier, but who knows, I am taking Differential Equations, Calculus 3, and another Science course....
Now it is time for me to prepare for the holidays. I have been able to do a bit of Christmas shopping, but still have a long way to go and a short time to get there. It'll get done, but not today - today I am going to be a couch potato!!
Operation Blue roof update: Still no roof, but I did get a phone call yesterday from the Army Corps of Engineers. They were following up, and I explained that I still have no roof, they said I should have it in the next few days......I have heard that before, so I am not getting excited yet.
I guess that is all for now, hope everyone is well, and I will post more in the next few days!!

WISH LIST

2005-12-07T21:34:00.000-05:00

WISH LIST

I thought I would make it a bit easy and just post my WISH LIST for the holidays for anyone that may be interested, so here goes:

May as well start big:

To see the end of the war in Iraq

A new car (red please!)

A new computer and/or

Toshiba Tablet PCs - Toshiba

Flash drives (extremely handy for school)

Books: "Mary Mary" by James Patterson, "At First Sight" by Nicholas Sparks

New Nike shoes (size 7 1/2)

Law and Order SVU on DVD - any season, I don't have any

Pot holders

Kitchen Towels

That is all I can think of - like that isn't enough right!! :)

Our tree!

2005-12-04T09:47:00.000-05:00

Well, things have been busy around here lately. As you can see, we got our Christmas tree up and decorated yesterday. It was a hard task, but between Mike, Zach and I, we managed somehow!! Charlie Brown has nothing on us!
In all seriousness though, things have been busy around here since Mike's arrival. He and I decided to tackle the mystery plants in my back yard, hoping they were nothing poisonous. After many blisters and sore hands, we conquered most of them. It looks so much better now, and will look even nicer when and if I ever get a new fence (Wilma decided she didn't like my old one). Between that, school, and just general catching up, I haven't had a lot of time to post. One more week of classes, and then finals for me, then a much needed break! Then it is holiday time, so I guess it is true what they say, no rest for the wicked!!
That's all for now, gotta get back to the books!!

Unbelievable!!

2005-11-29T16:51:00.000-05:00

Although it is no threat to us, Mother Nature continues to show who is boss! This is Tropical Storm Epsilon - who would have thought it!! Luckily only 2 more days of hurricane season, although this year I am not sure that really means much. Been keeping busy and out of trouble lately, and will update soon... till then! Oh, STILL no blue roof if anyone was wondering!

Happy Thanksgiving!!

2005-11-24T09:19:00.000-05:00

HAPPY THANKSGIVING!!

It's hard to believe another year has gone by already. It seems like just yesterday we were stuffing ourselves with turkey and all the good stuff that goes with it, and making fun of my Uncle and his new glasses. This has been an eventful year, and we have lots to be thankful for. Remember, you have to look at the positive side of life without being naive. We "survived" many hurricanes and hurricane threats this year with really minimal damage compared to what it could have been. My family is healthy for the most part, no dreaded diseases (does insanity count?), which is always something to be happy about. Of course our friends that help keep us sane throughout our crazy lives, but mostly our families for just being there and sticking together, providing each other with if nothing else a shoulder to lean on especially this past hurricane season when it seemed we would all simply lose our minds.

Mike made it home safe and sound. It is so good to have him here, wish it were permanent, but I know he has to grow up (yea, ok!) and go on with his life, he can't stay home forever. He looks good, still as skinny as ever, but I think he may have actually finally stopped growing!

Well, here is a surprise, still no blue roof! I am not holding my breath anymore, I am tired of turning blue over a blue roof. It'll get here eventually I hope, and if not, well...

I hope everyone has a wonderful, safe, and filling Thanksgiving! Remember, only 30 shopping days till Christmas!!!

And 1!

2005-11-21T11:45:00.000-05:00

Only one more day till Mike's arrival, can't wait. Tomorrow is Zach's Thanksgiving feast at school, I am in charge of mashed potatoes and brownies, so will be busy this evening peeling potatoes and baking the brownies. I have classes and a test tomorrow, so have to prepare the food tonight, and finish it off in the morning. Speaking of classes, gotta run!

What a difference 24 hours make

2005-11-20T10:33:00.000-05:00

Twenty four hours ago, we in South Florida were trying to figure out how we were going to prepare for Tropical Storm Gamma. Twenty four hours ago my parents were still dealing with a leaky roof. Twenty four hours ago I still had no word on if I was ever going to get a blue roof. Twenty four hours ago, I thought I would lose my mind! Now, 24 hours later, my parents have a blue roof, Gamma is no longer a threat, and I finally heard from FEMA regarding my roof. Two gentlemen from FEMA came to "inspect" my blue roof today. They actually noticed that it wasn't done (not a hard task), and made a phone call for me to expedite the process. They explained that this isn't the first time the wrong house had been done, and were very apologetic. I thanked them for their help, and they said it will be 3-5 days, but I will be blue! What a difference 24 hours make! Oh, and 2 days till Mike comes home!!!

Each hour is looking better

2005-11-19T15:58:00.000-05:00

Only 3 more days till Mike's arrival and a smile reaches my face! It will be a nice break from everything that has been going on.
Each hour that passes looks better and better for South Florida and Gamma. Maybe my parents not only getting a visit from their insurance adjuster, but also getting their blue room today was enough for Gamma to head away from us. Maybe it (him? her?) decided that it couldn't hurt them anymore, so it will go elsewhere. I don't care what the reason is, as long as it doesn't come here!
Well, gotta get back to the books....have a good weekend!

Gamma for Thanksgiving??

2005-11-18T17:10:00.000-05:00

Just when we thought it was safe to take down our shutters.....here comes Gamma. This storm has "just developed" this afternoon, although it was actually TD #27 from last week that reformed. It seems that South Florida is in the cone, but who knows at this point, just gotta watch and see. All I know is my roof can't handle any more, and neither can my nerves!!!

And counting.....

2005-11-18T12:55:00.000-05:00

Busy week

2005-11-17T21:26:00.000-05:00

Only 5 more days till my oldest son Mike comes home for Thanksgiving. I can't wait to see him, it has been 4 months since I have seen him, which in my book is WAYYYY too long! I used to laugh at my parents when they would tell my brother Mark and I how excited they would get when it was getting near time for us to come home from college. I remember one time my mom woke up in the middle of the night and set the table in anticipation of our visit - about a week before we were due home! Well Mom, NOW I understand!! I am looking forward to next week, a time for family to gather and eat, and eat, and eat. I will enjoy at least one day of not studying derivatives and integrals, partial fraction decompositions, and trigonometric substitutions, series and sequences. Sound like fun? I had my first Calculus II test today. I think I did ok, but don't want to jinx it, will find out in a few days I guess.
I still don't have a blue roof, I am about ready to give up on that. I have called repeatedly, but I guess the Army Corps of Engineers is too busy looking for WMD in Miami, and don't have time to make me blue. At least hurricane season is almost over, I think we will all breathe a collective sigh of relief when December 1st hits. Ok, that's all for now, will try to post again this weekend..till then...

Friday already?

2005-11-11T09:51:00.000-05:00

Wow, I didn’t realize it had been a week since my last post.  Time is certainly flying by these days.
UPDATE ON BLUE ROOF:  Well, I was excited last Sunday when my phone rang, and it was the Army Corps of Engineers telling me they were ON THEIR WAY – hoo-rah (oh wait, that is a Marine term isn’t it!), anyway, two very nice gentlemen came over, took one look at my sparsely shingled roof, and immediately started measuring.  They were quick, and sympathetic.  They told me that the workers should be out in the next day or two to make me blue.  Monday came, no roof, Tuesday as I was sitting in my Diversity class, my phone buzzed, and I stepped out to take the call as it was a strange area code and suspected it might be the blue roof committee.  (Yes, a major no-no to have your phone on in class, but the professor said it was ok).  Anyway, indeed it was the blue roofers, telling me they were there, and asking if I could come home,  I told them no, but they have the release and to please go ahead with the job.  After classes Tuesday I excitedly drove home expecting to see a nice blue tarp instead of tattered shingles – guess what – NO BLUE!  I figured something must have happened and they would be back.  As of this morning, still nothing.  I was driving around the neighborhood the other day, and saw that on the next street, a house with my same house number happened to be blue roofed (on the very day mine was supposed to get it).  I am thinking they did the wrong house (theirs needed it as well though, so if that is the case it is not a big deal).  A few minutes ago, I called and spoke to one of the gentlemen that came out on Sunday to assess my roof – this was after futile attempts to call Operation Blue Roof directly and receive nothing but recordings – and he not only remembered me, but assured me that he would look into it for me.  So, hopefully I will have some good news soon.
The rest of my week has been busy, but not exciting at all.  Got a few test results back – got a 78% on my Science test (not great, but better than I thought I did, and I still have a B in the class).  This class isn’t tough, but it is somewhat boring, and the professor teaches way over our heads.  We started out with about 40 students, and are now down to about 25 – the rest have dropped the class.  His tests are all open ended questions too, so there is a lot to study for (6 chapters per test).  In my Diversity class, we had a 7 page take home test last week – not difficult by any means, but very time consuming.  Out of a possible 106% (two extra credit questions worth 3 points each), I got a 104%.  Not sure where I lost the 2 points as I haven’t seen the test, only know the score.  Oh, btw, the Science professor doesn’t let us see our tests either.  We haven’t had a test in Calculus II yet, that is coming this Thursday – can hardly wait (NOT).  The material in Calc II isn’t extremely difficult, but very long and involved.  One problem can take up almost half a page, and if you make a mistake toward the beginning, you are in trouble.  I have been working with a small (but fun) group of people, and that seems to work out well, we bounce our ideas off each other (there are several ways to tackle these problems), until we come up with the right solution.
My son almost had a full week of school they are off today for Veteran’s day – go figure.  I would have thought they would take this day away to help make up for some of the lost days from Katrina, Rita, and Wilma.  I still don’t know how they are going to take care of that, but these kids are really thrown off track.  The teachers and administrators have been really good about not bombarding the students with work to try to make up time, and they have been sending home notices on how to cope with disasters when it comes to your children.  They are working hard to become “normal” again.
Ok, that’s all for now, will try to post more this week than last.  Till then, have a great weekend!

Friday again!

2005-11-04T18:41:00.000-05:00

Yea, it is Friday, the end of a very long week. Things are almost normal again around here. My son is back in school, I am behind in my studies, traffic gets worse by the minute... good 'ole South Florida! This weekend will be spent catching up once again, I am not too far behind, but enough to ruin the weekend. Oh well, what can I say, I am the one that thought taking Calculus II in an 8 week course was the "smart" thing to do. Not much else new this week, still don't have a blue roof, but so far I have been lucky with the rain, seem to be dodging the rain storms around town. Don't know how long that luck will hold though. I got turned down for FEMA aid, gee what a surprise. I don't know how poor you have to be, I am a single, unemployed mother, how much worse does it have to get? I knew when I applied that I would be turned down, but I figured it wouldn't hurt to try - maybe I should have lied and said that I make $100,000 a year, maybe then I would have been flooded with aid. Hopefully my insurance company will come through and all will be right again. Have a good weekend everyone!

NO RAIN!

2005-11-02T10:46:00.000-05:00

(image placeholder)

Well, once again, the weather forecasters were wrong, and this time I couldn’t be happier! It rained very little at my house yesterday, and today looks clear as a bell. This means no roof leaks for now. We’ll see if “Operation Blue Roof” makes it here before the next rain.
Things are starting to return to normal. School is back in session starting tomorrow, my son isn’t thrilled, but I think it will be good for him. It is good to see things actually functioning again. As far as my classes, we are playing catch up so the next few weeks should be tons-o-fun! Speaking of which, need to get back to the books…

Test

2005-11-01T08:48:00.000-05:00

Today will be a test of just how bad my roof is. It is supposed to rain, and I am hoping that the tar paper will keep out at least most of it. Operation Blue Roof is supposed to take 10 days - 2 weeks so I am not blue yet. Keep your fingers crossed for me!
I went back to classes yesterday, it was good to get somewhat back into a routine. It is not going to be fun trying to catch up though. My son still isn't back in school, and won't be until at least Thursday. There are still some schools without power, others with lines down near the schools, and then there is the traffic light issue - many are not working. Things are starting to return to normal, but I will be glad when the kids are back in school, you don't have to wait in line for gas, you can buy what you WANT at the grocery store instead of what they have, it is the little things.....

Happy Halloween!

2005-10-31T12:36:00.000-05:00

Happy Halloween! May your treats be many and your tricks be few !!

Blue Roof

2005-10-30T14:34:00.000-05:00

I decided, after being informed by my Uncle that there was a place in my area taking applications, to fight the crowds in hopes of obtaining a blue roof. I grabbed my "Wilma" folder, complete with pictures of my house, a bottle of water, my ipod, and set off to stand in what I knew was going to be a terribly long line. I got to the location, a man in a golf cart (who spoke no English) pointed me in the right direction, and off I trudged. I saw a gentleman coming out of the building, and with trepidation, asked him how long of a wait it was. His response: I was in and out in 3 minutes! I could not believe what I was hearing, I just had to see for myself! I wandered up the stairs, and into the building, where some of Miami's finest were having some breakfast, and they too pointed in the direction of the "blue line". I marched up, with one person in front of me, gave the greeter my address, and then was called in within 30 seconds. No lines, no waiting. The form took all of 3 minutes, I was given a claim number and sent on my way with the instructions to paint the claim number on a piece of plywood outside my house. This is all too familiar - after Andrew we all had our names, house numbers, phone numbers, and Insurance company names plastered on our houses. Now, all I have to do is wait for the Army Corps of Engineers to pay me a visit! I am a patient soul though, I can wait! Oh, I do have to note that it was NOT FEMA running this operation today, it was indeed Dade County - I am guessing Dade County has learned from experience - oh wait, hasn't FEMA had even more experience????

Tick Tock!

2005-10-29T19:09:00.000-04:00

Don't forget..you get an extra hour of weekend!!! Set your clocks BACK one hour tonight!!

Recovery..

2005-10-28T12:53:00.000-04:00

If it weren't so scary, it would be beautiful! This is Wilma as she roared ashore. As you can see, Dade County took a good hit, although the eye did not cross us. That is one of they myths of a storm. People watch where the eye is (that is the points they give you on the news), but depending on the size of the storm, a huge area outside those two points on the map.
Today on the news they were telling people where they can get the lovely blue tarps for thier roofs put on for free by the Army Corps of Engineers. This keeps out any rain that may come, and is really a life saver. The only problem is, you have to apply in person, in NORTH MIAMI, and to top it off, FEMA only has 2 people working at that location to take these applications. So, I can jump in my van, use up a bunch of gas, stand in line for hours, and HOPE I qualify for a blue roof. Somehow it just doesn't seem worth it. The gentlemen from FEMA was speaking with one of the reporters telling all of Dade County with pride that another team of 2 were working to open up another office somewhere in Dade County - WHOO HOOO! I am guessing he doesn't live in South Florida.

Pictures

2005-10-27T23:00:00.000-04:00

I am not sure if this link will work, but try it if you are interested in seeing pictures from the aftermath of Wilma just click on the word Pictures in the title!

Hurricane Wilma

2005-10-27T20:48:00.000-04:00

Hurricane Wilma came and went, but the recovery is just beginning.  As I type this, I am one of the very few fortunate to have my electricity back.  It is Tuesday, October 25, 2005 (at least I think it is!), but I am sure you won’t be reading this for days.  I wanted to get my thoughts and experiences down while they are still fresh in my mind, although it is something I will never forget!
     Wilma was supposed to come through as a Category 1 when it hit the East Coast of Florida.  It was supposed to be a fast moving, non rain event.  Well, as compared to how long it hung out in Mexico, it was fast moving, and pretty much a non rain event, but, unfortunately it came in as, and stayed pretty much a Category 3 as it ravaged the East Coast.  Around midnight Sunday night, the winds began to pick up.  Around 2am, I managed to get my son to sleep, and I too fell asleep for about 30 minutes.  Somewhere around 3 am, the winds got stronger, howling through the cracks in the windows and doors making relaxing impossible.  Some how I was able to keep my satellite picture on my t.v. as well as my power, so I could watch the storm move on to the West coast just South of Marco Island.  For those of you who are unfamiliar with hurricanes, there is a “clean side” and a “dirty side” to a storm.  The “dirty side” is the NE quadrant of the storm and this is the side that Dade County got.  The eye wall is the strongest part, but next to that is the “dirty side”.  Around 7:30 am, the power went out, and the winds began to really blow.  It was still dark, and you couldn’t see what was going on outside, you could only hear.  Things banged against the walls, the wind blew so hard that the rain literally came through the wooden front door, the window next to the door buckled, and at many points I thought we would lose that window.  The sliding glass doors in my living room buckled as well, with the wind coming through the gap between the doors.  Daylight finally came, and my son and I could actually see what was happening outside – I think we were better off not knowing!  Roof shingles littered my yard, unbeknownst to me that they were all mine!  My privacy fence wiggled like a loose tooth, finally giving way and collapsing.  The wind swirled in front of our eyes, picking up debris and tossing it across the yard.  The American Flag that was attached to my house whipped in the wind, sounding like a machine gun being fired.  Looking out the front window you could see things flying by.  At one point we saw a kid’s ball fly from the back of the house to the front, and then two minutes later, it flew from the front of the house to the back (we later found that same ball about 2 blocks away).  My neighbor left a carpet remnant outside, and that flew by only to come back towards his house, wrapping itself around my mailbox and knocking it down.  My van was parked where it always is during a hurricane, against my house, and out of view from the window, so I had no idea if it was damaged.  With as much debris that was flying around, I just knew I had lost a window or three out of it. Finally, just before noon on Monday, my son and I were able to venture out to assess the damage, and to check on our neighbors.  The first thing I did was hug my van – it survived, no broken windows, only a few cuts and scrapes!  Then I held my breath and looked at my roof.  It was then that it dawned on me that all those shingles that littered my yard were mine.  Ironically, my roof had just been fixed after Hurricane Katrina this past Tuesday.  The patches that the roofers put on were there, but not much more than that.  I now have a black roof!  Hopefully we won’t get any rain for a while, as I am not sure if it will leak.  As my son and I wandered around the neighborhood, we saw many trees and fences down, shingles missing off of houses, but for the most part the damage was not that bad (as compared to this neighborhood after Andrew, and New Orleans after Katrina).  Luckily we had no flooding this go round, all in all we were very lucky.  My parents made out ok too, losing some shingles, and having their neighbor’s aluminum carport/patio litter their yard and trap their truck between the debris and the house.  Luckily their truck managed to escape with only a few dents and scratches.  My Uncle also escaped major damage.  My cousin had a tree or two fall on his house causing broken windows, and roof damage, but he, his wife, and his son were all ok, and that is the most important thing – everyone came out of this alive.
     School has been canceled for the entire week, so the neighborhood kids are thrilled – little do they know that they will have to make up some of these days.  With this storm, it is a total of 10 days of school closure due to storms this year (so far).  They only allow for a few “hurricane days”, so some will have to be made up.  Fortunately we don’t have to worry about “snow days”, but with the weather being as wacky as it has this year, you just never know!
     This storm reminds the residents of South Florida that Mother Nature is nothing to mess with.  Prepare as you may, when a storm like Wilma blows through, you may be physically ready, but you are never mentally prepared for what is in store.   I, unfortunately, was here for Andrew, and remember all too well the mental anguish we all went through while trying to recover.  Dealing with power outages, the oppressive heat that came after Andrew (we are fortunate this time that it is cool), trying to reach insurance agents, finding a reliable contractor, and the time it took to rebuild.  We were all short of our sanity by the time it was all said and done.  Hopefully this time will be a bit easier.  All I know is that I don’t want to have to deal with this again, I am getting too old, and very much too tired of it all.  How’s the weather in Arizona??

SHE'S HERE!

2005-10-24T03:04:00.000-04:00

Wilma is roaring ashore as I type. It is a little after 3 am, and the winds are starting to get a bit intense. I managed to doze off for about 30 minutes, but the howling of the wind woke me right back up. I am amazed we still have power. I know this is nothing compared to what we are going to get, so I am not niave to think this is the worst. My house already smells "wet" and humid. That is one thing you never forget, the smells of a hurricane! It is not a pleasant memory. I will try to post more later, as electricity allows.

Not long now

2005-10-23T23:34:00.000-04:00

So it looks like Wilma intensified instead of weakening - NOT GOOD! She is currently a Cat 3 storm, and you can just start to see the wind blowing a little harder than earlier. One of the most difficult things is not being able to see what is going on outside. During the night, you hear things, and wonder. These things always seem to come in the overnight hours. Wilma is a night owl too! I am hoping to keep power throughout the night, don't know if I will be that lucky. If so, I will post throughout the night to let you know what is going on!

and closer....

2005-10-23T19:09:00.000-04:00

Looks like we are down to a matter of hours now before Wilma seeks Fred in Florida. Hopefully she will find him and just go away. They are now saying that Wilma may even impact New England before it is all said and done. This has been the strangest hurricane seasons I can remember. I thought last year was bad, it was a piece of cake compared to what we have been through this year. The winds are blowing a bit, probably somewhere around 15 mph, no big deal YET. I will post as long as I can. To everyone in the strike zone- good luck!

Getting Closer...

2005-10-23T16:14:00.000-04:00

Wilma is getting closer... still calm around here, well the weather is at least.. The thought is the weather will start getting bad sometime around 11 pm, and get progressively worse throughout the night, and by this time tomorrow we should be done. Luckily Wilma has decided to pick up forward speed, so we wont have the 24 hours of hell like Mexico did. Ok...that's all for now!

Here She Comes!

2005-10-23T08:09:00.000-04:00

Wilma has finally moved away from Mexico, and is making her way to her next vacation spot - South Florida. Hopefully she won't like it here as much as she did Mexico! Maybe she will realized that everything around here has been canceled and there is nothing for her to do here. Again, we are just sitting, watching, waiting. I am ready, I have battened down all the hatches, removed or weighed down anything that could be moved or weighed down, The last of the dirty laundry is being washed (hey, if you lose power, you can't wash clothes!!), I have canned food and bottled water, candles, batteries, flashlights... I have never been so prepared. Hopefully since I am so prepared Wilma will just leave us alone.
I will post later, as the storm gets closer. Hopefully she is nothing but a bunch of hot air!

25

2005-10-22T11:56:00.000-04:00

Tropical Depression 25 has formed about 200 miles southwest of San Juan, Puerto Rico.
Maximum sustained winds are near 35 mph, with higher gusts, and the depression could become Tropical Storm Alpha later today.
Who called it?!?!

Waiting for Wilma

2005-10-22T08:32:00.000-04:00

I feel so bad for Mexico. They are not going to have much left when Wilma finishes her vacation there. It is like a bad house guest, they stay and stay and stay, and when they finally leave, things are never the same. Then there is Florida, waiting for their turn with this unwanted guest. I know I am at the point now where I am saying ok already, come and go, let's get this over with so we can go on with our lives. Does anyone see that blob to the southeast of Wilma? Is this going to be her cousin "Alpha"? Let's hope not. In the mean time, I am staying put, keeping a watchful eye on the news, and may actually get some non-school reading done this weekend. My guess is there will be no school Monday or Tuesday. On one hand I don't mind the break, on the other hand, that starts us in the negative AGAIN with Calculus II. I will enjoy the down time for now....

Not the same picture!

2005-10-21T08:58:00.000-04:00

Look familiar? It seems that Wilma just doesn't want to end her vacation in the Yucatan, can't say I blame her, I've been there, its nice! They are now talking a Tuesday land fall for Florida (maybe) as a Cat 2. This helps me breathe a bit easier. Still something to watch because you never know!!

FRED!!!

2005-10-20T20:15:00.000-04:00

I think she is still looking for Fred..someone please tell her he is NOT in Florida!!!

Still Churning

2005-10-20T09:08:00.000-04:00

Wilma is still churning out in the Caribbean, and the destination is still uncertain, but I think South Florida is going to be spared a major hit. They say if and when it comes ashore, it will only be a category 1 (possibly a 2) storm, and should just be a major rain maker for us. It is still a wait and see, so I guess we will just wait and see!

Round & Round & Round She Goes

2005-10-19T16:30:00.000-04:00

Round and round and round she goes...where she stops the winds will blow!! This is Wilma, she needs to find Fred and go back to Bedrock! It seems this storm has it's eye (so to speak) on Florida, but that can change at any given moment. This situation has been repeated once a month since July for Florida. I don't know how much more the residents can take. The Keys are already under a mandatory non-resident evacuation. The rest of us are just waiting, and watching, and hoping... I stopped to get gas this morning, not necessarily because of the storm, I was just low, and the gas station had a fairly decent line. I am thinking that South Florida is not going to wait around this time, prepare and hope it goes away seems to be the norm anymore. I will keep you posted!

It's a B!

2005-10-18T19:36:00.000-04:00

Today officially ended my bout with Calculus 1. I came out of it battered and bruised, mentally and physically exhausted, with numbers dancing in my head, and wound up with a B. I am certainly not complaining! This was an 8 week course, and we were subjected to 2 hurricanes closures for a total of three days of missed class at 2+ hours each, so we had major catch up to do. The professor did a great job keeping us on track, without making us feel too rushed. Hopefully Calculus 2 will be a little less hectic - it starts tomorrow!
WILMA!!!!! Well, just when you thought the tropics were safe, here comes yet another storm. It is the last name they have for the season, so here's hoping it is the last storm of the season too. No one knows where she will go, but some of the predictions have the "cone of death" on South Florida. It is a wait and see right now, and personally, I am tired of it all. I think my days are numbered in South Florida.
It's been a hectic couple of weeks. Between school and fund raising for Z's school, it seems there is no time for much else. Tonight I am going to kick back and relax, and enjoy a night of no math! Talk to you all later!

Is it worth it?

2005-10-15T09:16:00.000-04:00

As I was watching the news this morning, I heard something somewhat disturbing. Earlier this week, a human smuggling operation took place from Cuba. While this is nothing new, unfortunately this trip proved fatal to a 6 year old boy. The boat capsized and the little boy drowned. His parents survived, other adults survived including the smugglers. They were all taken to Key West and put into INS custody. Now here is where my problem begins. This morning, the parents of the little boy were "dry footed" and released to relatives. They are free to stay in the US, and will probably gain citizenship or residency (not sure how all that works) in a year. Everyone else on the boat will more than likely sent back, or to Guantanimo. I am thinking the parents of that little boy should be sent to jail. They knowingly put this child in danger, and as a result he lost his life - and now his parents are free? I know the loss of a child must be hard, and no parent should have to live through that, but knowingly putting your child in danger with no repercussion? Some how it just doesn't seem right to me.
More about my week later.....

YANKEES LOSE!!!!!

2005-10-11T08:54:00.000-04:00

I got it...no, you got it, no, I got it..ok, neither of us have it!

This play proved to be the beginning of the end for the Yankee's 2005 season. I couldn't be happier! (Sorry Mark and Tanya!) After watching the marathon Houston vs. Atlanta game on Sunday, I turned on the Yankee game to see the Angels fall, but wasn't concerned, I knew they would come out in the end. So my least favorite teams are out, actually it is kind of sad though, no one to root against. I would like to see the ChiSox take it all, but as long as the rest of the games are exciting, I really don't care who wins. Well, it's off to school for me, will post more later!