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1月25日 Traditions of a New SemesterWell, my Spring semester is one week old. As tradition would have it, I can't pass up an opportunity to bash on my professors like I have every semester since I started back. And although this may be short and to the point, I'm sure it will be nonetheless amusing to some of you that I will be spending quite a bit of time with these people in the coming months. Let's just hope that some of them won't rub off on me...although I'm sure at least one will as he has already.
Let's begin with Prof. Cornelius...because he's always a favorite of mine. I survived last semester one-on-one with him while writing my book, and it was only natural that I take a course with him again. I don't think I can go a semester without doing so. I've become addicted to his courses, mainly because he genuinely enjoys the subjects he is teaching. This semester, it's Chaucer's Canterbury Tales. This is his area of expertise, and self-proclaimed favorite class. I spoke with him yesterday, and of course he was excited (albeit looking exhausted) that it was finally time to start the course. And I have to say, after reading a bit of the introduction about Chaucer's life I am quite intrigued. Forget the fact that we are reading the text in Middle English (not an easy thing...look it up sometime). We will also be learning how to pronounce correctly, and of course at some point Happy Fun Ball will make an appearance much to the dismay of myself because I HATE HAPPY FUN BALL.
Moving on...
Spanish "Dr. Jekkyl/Mrs. Hyde": From here on out I will resign to call my professors by their pseudonyms (sp?) for fear of retribution if they ever found out what I post about them for the world to enjoy. Anyway, Dr. Jekkyl/Mrs. Hyde...scary woman. Suffice to say that we've only had one class with her, and already half the class is either dropping or has complained to the chair of the department about this woman. First off, she treated a classroom full of adults as if we were prepubescent teenagers. She started the class alright, but somewhere along the line her Prozac seemed to wear off and she morphed into something out of a horror movie. Remember that movie where the teachers all become aliens and start acting really strange because they are going to take over the town? Well, that was exactly what it was like. She lashed out at two women who were talking, claiming she would separate them if they continued to do so...one was translating something for the other who didn't understand. Another, she nearly snapped the head off of because she was looking a word up in her dictionary. But the kicker...the ultimate of ultimate nono's...was when she started a fight with the only male student in our class simply because he didn't understand what she was saying. She basically told him to drop the class because she thought he was wasting our time. When the rest of us didn't seem to agree with her, she threw an all out hissy fit and declared that class was over. If this is only the first night, I'm scared to see what transpires in our next installment.
History "The Strange Little Bird": So is the nickname given by a fellow student of our illustrious History professor. No, seriously. He seems like another cool guy. Little old guy, paces, rambles, a bit flighty and pretty much the nutty History professor. Not much more to say about him. I guess that's the mark of a good one?
Constitutional Law: I haven't thought of a good nickname for him yet. He's a lawyer. He's from India (geez, now they seem to be outsourcing our professors too). No, really, he's not too bad. I just find it amusing that we have a guy from India teaching American Constitutional Law is all. The only problem I see is with my lack of verbal communication skills...er...more like my desire to do so. I've never been great at talking and debating in class, and it looks like that is all we will be doing here. He will put us on the spot...ie, the Socratic method of teaching...and ask us questions, and we will have to elaborate deeply on our answers. Funny though...he said that talking or lack thereof is not a requirement for the course. Could have fooled me! I'll let you know if my Effexor really works in a few weeks (taking it for social anxiety...time to test the meds!)
Anyway, that's a breakdown of who I will be spending A LOT of time with over the coming months. If you have any advice, or have encountered anyone like these "strange birds" before, then your comments are always welcome. Take care, be safe, and I'll be thinking of you from within the confines of the white walled rooms! 1月5日 A Little Political Chat...Obama will have my vote!This is just a little blog piece I wrote for DraftObama.org...thought I'd post it here for your reading enjoyment. I'll try to discuss a little more in depth in a couple days exactly WHY Barack Obama will have my vote if he is nominated for President in 2008. But for now, here's a taste of where I stand...
I am just an average, everyday citizen. I'm a loving, stay-at-home wife and mother. I'm a 31-year-old college senior pursuing my BA in English with minors in History and Political Science. I was raised with my younger sister in Fort Lauderdale, FL by a single mother in a time when single mothers were not yet given the many opportunities they are given today. I voted in my first election in 2004. I woke up early that morning, making sure my voter's registration was tucked safely in my wallet. I dressed my infant daughter warmly, and headed out to the little Brethren church where my local precinct was housed. I don't know what I expected. Some epiphany to make me change my mind into voting for John Kerry rather than George W. Bush maybe? Neither really heightened my interest. I couldn't identify with either one of them. But I was doing my civic duty. I was doing something that many people of my generation have been wary of since reaching an age that we were legally able to do so. I'd like to say that my reasoning in registering was for the greater good. Unfortunately, I cannot. I simply felt that my husband's job (he's an aerospace engineer for a defense contractor) depended on George W. Bush being re-elected. I had no preconceived notions that Bush's second four-year stint in the Oval Office would be any better than his first. The country was at war--a war that I believed in the beginning was necessary not only in terms of national defense, but also in terms of human rights. I was only a teenager when the first Gulf War began, and although I didn't completely understand the premise for that war, over the years I began to pay attention to the plight of citizens of Iraq and elsewhere. I was appalled at Saddam Hussein's gassing of his own citizens, and the reports of torture and killing that seemed to increasingly dot the international news. Even now, I walk a fine line when it comes to my beliefs of whether the war in Iraq this time around was justified or not. On the one hand, I think it was necessary to oust Saddam Hussein out of a position of power and give the Iraqi's the opportunity for democracy. On the other, I feel that sending thousands of our men and women into harms way was--IS-- a huge price to pay for a country that could possibly become a dire enemy in the not so distant future. Democracy or not. Anyway, my priorities have shifted since that chilly November morning in 2004. Although I look upon my husband's job as indispensable in terms of my family's welfare, I am now looking far into the future. Far beyond the question of war, and national security although they are both still an important issue in my mind. I, as well as my husband, have student loans that far exceed our yearly income at this point. The rising cost of living only exacerbates the need for things to changes in policy and leadership. I worry about our retirement, and how we will fare once we reach an age where we can no longer work for what we have. Will Social Security still be there for us? Will rising healthcare costs cause us to have to refuse medical attention if we are unable to meet the cost? Will our children fare the same? Most of all, though, I worry about my daughters. As public schools become even more crowded due to urban sprawl, I become even more disenchanted with the quality of education my oldest daughter is receiving. As it gets worse every year, I wonder how my youngest daughter will fare once she is old enough to start kindergarten. And as I watch the rates of college tuition rise, I wonder how my daughters will be able to attend college. Especially if my husband and I are still paying student loans of our own. It's a never-ending worry. And although the thoughts and ideas of our current politicians sound good on paper, it seems that not many in Washington are willing to put in the effort to achieve the goals they are so quick to use on the campaign trail. They seem more concerned with their own celebrity, and their own deep pockets, than that of average citizens such as myself that elected them into office in the first place. And I don't relate to them. I can't. The politicians of the former generation do not represent me in any way that allows me to. I believe that is why Senator Barack Obama has caught my interest. His average background and family values have shown me that there is someone in the political sphere that I can relate to. Someone that will put me and my family first, and someone who has the ambition and drive to put forth the effort to get things done in Washington. Regardless of whether Senator Obama decides to run in 2008, it is nice to know that there is someone like him emerging onto the political scene at a time when change is so desperately needed. I have not one doubt in my mind that he has the power to inspire others like him--like me--to get involved and stand up for my generation. After all...we are the ones who will inherit our country once the Bush's and Clinton's and other's of the former generation are long immortalized in the history books. It's nice to think that someday soon, someone will be representing us for a change and that prospect of better days in Washington, and quite possibly the world, are visible on the horizon.
 12月12日 Talking about: Sweethearts reunite, marry after 47 years - Wonderful World - MSNBC.com
I have to say this is the most romantic and sweetest story I have ever read. Read all the way to the end...trust me, you'll swoon! (I know I'm married, but this just gets me thinking about the one who got away....sigh)
Quote Sweethearts reunite, marry after 47 years - Wonderful World - MSNBC.com 12月7日 Christmas, Exams, and the end of my book journeyAhh...I love this time of year. Rushing to get my shopping done, emptying my wallet and increasing my credit dept as I merrily wander the malls. Scrambling to meet last minute deadlines in ALL my classes. Fretting over the my final exam that I just know I will crash and burn on, all the while freezing my arse off in class because the college is too cheap to turn up the heat. Ahh...December.
No seriously, it has been a really hectic and super stressful year. In reflecting on the events of 2006, I think of my sister's divorce, money woes, troubles with Ashleigh, Kayley and her little hospital fiasco, and of course school. I suppose my year could have been a lot worse, as many people that I know have had some terrible things happen in their own lives. And of course, I had some good times this year too. My trip to Florida and my band reunion, being able to spend time with my best friend and catch up with others that I haven't seen in a decade or more. But suffice to say that I am glad the year is almost over. Time for a new start.
So what are my plans for the new year? Well, I'm starting a new tradition of NOT coming up with a list of resolutions that I NEVER FOLLOW. Instead, I will make plans...mostly in reference to my writing and school, and a little tweaking of my parenting abilities as the last year has proven that I definitely need to rework a few things in my life.
Anyway, let's start with the book. Or BOOKS. First of all, seeing as I am nearing completion of the one I've been working on all semester, I will work on having that one read (possibly published) by an agent. It's a pretty good story, and I'm rather proud of the way it turned out. Especially since I had such a short amount of time to work on it. But I definitely challenged myself this semester with this one, and I am very proud of the fact that I have succeeded in something that I really wanted to achieve.
Second, during my break from classes, I plan to attempt to finish another book I've been working on for a very LONG TIME. Since I'm in that mode, I think that I can finally do that. My problem is that I was very attached to this one and I think that is the reason why I haven't finished it. We'll see if I can pull myself away from the story a bit so I can.
Finally, the kids. I know I haven't been spending a great deal of time with them this year. I can't even really say that I've tried all that hard. And although I could give you excuses as to why, I won't. Because they are a bunch of hullabaloo. But I really, REALLY want to spend some more quality time with both of them, and that's something I will be working on a lot more now that school is finally out for the holidays. And if I can get in that mommy mode again, then I'm sure I can carry on with it. Just need to get there again.
Anyway, so those are my plans for the upcoming year. Not much, but things that need to be done. I hope you all have a super, wonderful holiday season filled with fun and laughter...and maybe just a smidgen of eggnog to help you chase away the bitter cold. Take care all, and if I don't get back on here before the holidays are over...I will definitely be seeing you in 2007!
10月18日 For Anyone Who May Still Come Visit Me HereHi everyone! Yes, I have been seriously neglecting my blog once again. I do come in and check up on it every once in awhile, but with school busting my little tushy I don't have the time to update as much as I would like. It's sad too, because there is so much to tell. I've left a lot of issues hanging on here and I apologize to the friends and family that still stop in to see what is going on in my life. I'm hoping that with the semester half over, things will start to die down. Of course, it probably won't. I am barely half way through my book as of this moment, and I have a major paper and presentation coming up in my Ethics class...so I guess we'll just have to see. But on the bright side, I always seem to work better under a tight deadline!
So what's been going on in my life (and others)? Well, to start with...My sister filed for divorce and put her house up for sale, which I am happy to say has been sold. She closed on it on the 12th, and things are really looking up for her. She is currently seeing a guy that my mom deems as "nice but a little wierd." Wierd to my mom is having a long goatee and tattoos. But she says he is very sweet and treats my sister like a queen, which is what she really needs right now. My mom seems to think that this guy will stick, at least for awhile. Time will tell I guess.
Ashleigh: She is doing much better in school, although I think I may stop taking her to the child shrink. The truth is that he is not really doing anything differently than her pediatrician, and I'm paying him more just for 15 minutes of his time once a month. Honestly, I think her ped did a lot more in terms of checking up on her progress. I'm highly disappointed with the way things are being handled at the shrink. She is currently on a waiting list for behavioral therapy...which of course could be months before they actually call me to make an appointment so that's not really helping her NOW. Yeah, I think I'm going to call that whole thing off.
Kayley: Ahh...the terrible twos! I thought she may actually skip it, but it is now here in full force! She fights me on naps, eating, drinking, changing, bath time, and while we're shopping. Her new thing is climbing...she tries to climb everything including her huge dresser in her room. We had to get a second baby gate so that she can't climb over it (one on top of the other). The other morning, I woke up to find that she had managed to get out of her room without anyone hearing her, grabbed a chair and pulled it into the kitchen, and was terrorizing Ashleigh's pet fish. The fish was a bit shaken, but unharmed...but I don't even want to imagine what COULD HAVE HAPPENED had my mommy instincts not kicked in and woke me up. Yikes!
Husby: HUSBY GOT A PROMOTION!!! He is now middle management...in other words, he is basically the head of the structural engineering department which is what we have been waiting for. Hopefully, this will mean a decent raise in January...crossing my fingers!
As for me...well, I'm managing. Just trying to get through another semester. On a good note, my CORNY advisor (Dr. Cornelius) has informed me that if I play my cards right I can graduate next December instead of 2008. I have to say, I would really like to see that happen. Imagine all the time I would have on my hands!! Um...imagine all the time I would have on my hands? Ok, I think I am a bit intimidated now. I haven't had time on my hands in years. Aside from writing and kids, what the hell else will I do to fill my time? Yes, part of me is scared to graduate. I like being in the classroom. So much, in fact, that I may decide to go back for a second BA or even on to grad school at some point. It's who I've become. I'm not sure that I'm ready to enter the world with a degree quite yet. Hell, I don't even know what I want to be when I grow up aside from a writer! I'll really have to start thinking about that I suppose.
Oh well. Anyway, it's late and I have some work to do before I get off here for the night. I just wanted to let you all know that I am still alive and kicking and trying my best to keep the world informed of my presence. Hopefully it won't be another month before I get back here with you all. I kinda miss it
 Ok, take care all. Don't write me off quite yet! 9月7日 Talking about Parents seek ADHD meds to boost kids' grades - Growing Up Healthy - MSNBC.comA terrible misuse... Quote Parents seek ADHD meds to boost kids' grades - Growing Up Healthy - MSNBC.com 9月5日 FALL 2006...just another semester...notHi everyone. As always, I apologize for going AWOL on those of you who still visit me from time to time. Ya'll seem to understand my dilemma though...homework, kids, house vs. blogging, email, mindless rambling. Gotta have priorities, and although this little blog is my escape from reality at times...sort of...I just don't seem to have the time I used to have to keep it up. But I know you all still love me...you still do, right?
Anyway, as I always do at the beginning of a semester, I would like to update you on my first week of school. Can everyone say...HECTIC? Like that's anything new. Aside from only having one vehicle to get by on, and other more pressing financial things on my mind, this first week wasn't much different than any other first week. The same rush to get to class on time...the same panic attacks I always get when I'm going into a class not knowing if I know anyone...the same realizations that I have yet again purchased the wrong edition of the texts on ebay...yup, pretty much the same.
And as always, my professors all have little nuances that are bound to drive me mad this semester. There were also a few surprises that I really wasn't anticipating which are also bound to make this semester FUN FUN FUN!!!
Take Spanish, for instance. Everyone warned me to take this class with a certain professor and avoid the other like the plague. So, I signed up for the more favorable of the two and...BAM!! Wouldn't fate have it that the more desirable of the two decides to up and quit a week before classes begin, leaving the less desirable to pick up the slack. Lucky me!! Seems to be the story of my life these days. Now, this is a beginner Spanish class, mind you. Most of the people in it have not had any Spanish EVER...that's why it is called Beginning Spanish. Not advanced...not intermediate...BEGINNER! Well, seems someone did not tell this to the professor who came into class and immediately began to teach...IN SPANISH. Now, I know immersion is the best way to learn a language, but at least teach us a few basics. Start gently, for heaven's sake...for many of us, it's our first time!! Granted, I had two years of Spanish in high school which is helping me cope...but my friend Annette, who has never been privy to this, is about to have an aneurism. And it doesn't do any good to tell the professor this, because he just keeps talking, and writing EVERYWHERE on the board, and just as your writing something down he asks you a question in ESPANOL and expects you to answer in ESPANOL, even though you have no idea what he just said, which causes you to panic and forget what the hell you were writing down in the first place...sigh. And no one is exempt...everyone gets called on. The best thing to do is to not make eye contact with him. Just keep writing...doodle if you have too...just don't get caught in his stare!!
Ok, who's next...ahh, my caffeine-junky, over the top hyper Ethics professor. Now he's a trip! I have to admit, the stuff we are covering is a bit deep and gives me a bit of a headache, but at least he's an interesting individual. He's very...how should I say it...animated? He beats on desks, he jumps around the room, and is even willing to give a striptease if time allows.
 Ok, at least he's not too terrible on the eyes. Should be an interesting class, to say the least.Then there's the new Journalism professor. She's a feminist. But she's down to earth, and willing to let us dictate what we learn in class...which is a plus. There's only eight of us, and to her dismay most of us never took the prerequisite to the class...our loving advisors had us forced in because we are all writing majors. But she's willing to work with what mad writing skills we do have, so it's all good.
Finally, there is the always great Dr. Cornelius. Yes, I truly enjoy taking classes with this man. He's definitely one of a kind. Granted, his job this semester is basically to rip apart my dreams of my book ever getting further than the confines of my computer...but at least I can trust his unbiased and brutal honesty
 . I'm guaranteed to cry at least once this semester...hey, it wouldn't be normal if I didn't! Anyway, so there you have it. The people I will be spending a good deal of my time with this semester. Should be a good one...but as always there is room for error in judgement. Guess I'll just have to wait and see. So take care everyone. Say a prayer for me and the hope that your Kimber will survive yet another Wilson year... 8月24日 Talking about Scientists decide Pluto’s no longer a planet - Space News - MSNBC.comWhat in the world is this world coming to? This is just as strange as those people out there who feel that the maps of the world are wrong and that they should be shown turned upside down so that the south pole is actually north and vice versa! I grew up knowing 9 planets exist...add one or two, that's fine. But don't take them away!!!! That's just asinine! Quote Scientists decide Pluto’s no longer a planet - Space News - MSNBC.com 8月23日 What the heck just happened??Ok, that was just plain scary. I logged into my space here. And something entirely NOT MINE popped up with the profile thingie saying that I better keep it clean or they will report me. All my stuff was gone...I nearly cried!
Did I do something wrong? Was it something I said? Please, someone tell me that they have had this happen to them as well.
 Update
Apparently MSN did not encounter this problem when they typed in my space URL last night. But the URL that they said they typed in was not the same as the one I typed in. Now granted, I actually typed in the wrong URL myself last night. The scary thing was that it was linked to my space when I was signed in to MSN. And here's the scarier part. I tried the same thing with some of your URL's and it came up again. I will bet you anything that if you are signed in it will come up with this "Viksra" thing and have a link to your site if you are signed in to MSN. The link I typed was (exactly) http://spaces.msn.com/member/kimber29 I left the "s" off the member, which is wrong I know. But it's scary that this is linked when I am signed in. WTH!!! I wrote back to MSN today and explained that, so hopefully this time they will see it and not think I am crazy. I seems that if you add the last part of your own URL to this, it does the same thing. I tried Kat's and Deb's like this and they both did the same. 8月21日 A Touching StoryPlease go here to read this entry on Kat's space. Truly touching and puts things into perspective.
I have joined the MySpace crazeYes, I have a profile on MySpace. It started because I wanted to find a few friends, but then the addiction began. I started making minor changes to my profile, like adding a couple of pictures. Then as my addiction grew, I began perusing MySpace graphics sites to find the perfect background. Before I knew it, I was working on my profile every night...sigh.
Hello. My name is Kimber and I am a MySpace-aholic.
8月16日 Getting Back Into My GrooveWell, I'm finally into the home stretch. School is just around the corner! 2 weeks and 5 days before the first day of school!!!
You know, I love my daughter. Honest I do. But this summer she has succeeded in driving me up a wall, past the planet Mars, and on to the great beyond. Ok, maybe I'm exaggerating just a little...but no matter what I've done this summer it seems that nothing can keep that child occupied for more than a minute. I suppose it would help if there were actually kids around here that she could play with.
God, when I was growing up my neighborhood had tons of kids. We'd be all over the neighborhood until the sun went down and our parents yelled for us to come inside. I remember visiting at least 3 friend's houses a day if not more. We'd jump from pool to pool, tv to tv, playroom to playroom. It doesn't seem fair that kids just can't do that anymore. Right now Ashleigh is riding her bike in my neighbor's long rocky driveway, a perfect view from my bedroom window where I sit watching her and typing away.
God, my parents never knew where I was when I was a kid. I could be anywhere and my mom never had to worry because she knew most everyone in our neighborhood. She didn't worry about strange men with candy. Hell, now we have to worry about them just forcibly snatching them into their cars in broad daylight! It's maddening.
Oh good...the little boy from next door decided to come over and play. At least he'll keep her company for a bit. He's my neighbor's nephew, and he goes to Ashleigh's school. Same grade. Well, at least there's one.
Hrm...so what else has been going on? Ashleigh had her first appointment with the child psychiatrist on Monday. He confirmed her ADHD, and said that she also has a good amount of anxiety. Yeah? And I paid you HOW MUCH for that information? He recommended that I keep her on Strattera for now, and now she is on another waiting list to begin weekly behavioral therapy. He also recommended that I apply for special ed for her in school, although he specified that she will only need about 15 minutes of outside classroom work a day and special attention in class. I guess I can handle that. Just need to write a letter to her school and a few other people.
Other things...my hubby's car finally took it's last breath on Monday. Now we have to get a new one. I've been driving him to work in the morning, which is ok for the moment but isn't going to cut it when school starts. We had to cash out life insurance...not that it was a huge help...just to get him a POS that will get him to work and back. Sigh. Just when we thought things were looking up, Murphy decided to strike. DAMN YOU MURPHY!!!
On a happier note...I finally got DSL yesterday!! I can now view your blogs and such in less time than it takes me to get a Hershey kiss in my mouth!!! (I must admit, I've been eating a whole lot of them lately...coping mechanism...peanut butter filled...YUM)
Anyway, I'm off. Take care y'all and I'll try to update you on the book in my next installment. TATA!!!! 8月10日 A Fond Farewell to a Hectic SummerAhh...summer is nearly over. I made it through...with at least a bit of patience and mind to spare. I have to admit, there were times that I didn't think I would. It's been a rough few months between working with Ashleigh's behavioral issues and other family problems that seemed to arise out of nowhere. And of course, I was out of school for the entire summer which meant that I didn't have that nightly escape that I have become accustomed to. Not that I didn't enjoy spending time with my family, but there were nights that I really could have used a classroom and boring lecture to stimulate my brain. Oh well, two more weeks and I will have more than enough of that.
Anyway, my sister is doing better. She's in the tedious process of a divorce right now. Their house is on the market, which she will be staying in until it sells. It's been rather hard for her. It was hard for me to see her in such a state of chaos, mainly because I've been there and it's not a fun place to be. Her POS husband is now living with his girlfriend, he quit his high-paying job (we suspect so he doesn't get hit with alimony), and has not exactly been paying his fair share of the bills. My sister is now looking for a better job, or a second job to make ends meet. And of course, she's partying a little more than she should but who can blame her?
She finally has a bit of freedom that she never had with him. She never had the opportunity to go out and experience life. She's been with him since her freshman year of high school. Now that she's on her own and not being subjected to his verbal abuse and belittlement, she's beginning to realize that there are actually people out there who care about who she is and what she wants and thinks. Very empowering when you haven't experienced it. And she's met someone new...a friend right now...that shares the same story. Wife ran out on him, took everything he had...he's 32 and has a 6 year old...a home inspector. As "Carrie Bradshaw" of SITC fame would say...he's her "good on paper" guy. But even more so, she has fun with him and he's very settled. Doesn't drink, smoke or do drugs. Very regimented life...goes to the gym at 5:30AM, works hard all day, comes home and takes care of his life, socializes only on special occasions. Exactly what she needs. I hope it works out.
As for my own life? We are now focusing on what we can do to help Ashleigh get off the meds. They work to help her focus, but that's just about where their help ends. They've made her be more aggressive and have mood swings. It's just not something that I want to see. She has an appointment with a child psychiatrist next week for an evaluation, and we have decided to modify her diet since there is a correlation between diet and behavior in children. It's going to be a long, tedious process...we have to single out a specific trigger, which could take awhile...but it's one we really needed to do. Right now, we are limiting red dyes for 8 weeks. Not an easy task when your child things that colors automatically dictate how certain things will taste. We've had more than one fight about the subject, and now my husband and I have to discontinue our caffeine habits for the sake of family fairness. Did I mention I have a horrendous headache right now??
So anyway, there you have it...an end to a really strange and stressed out summer. I'm really looking forward to getting back to the books...and THE BOOK. I hope I can handle it all. At the moment, I am not even half as far as I hoped in my manuscript...but at least I have something that my advisor can read the first week of classes. Ashleigh is ready for school again as well...but only because of the talent show. She's obsessed now with "High School Musical." What a little diva she is.
Anyway, take care all...I'm off to visit now.
8月6日 I'm here but not hereJust a little note to tell you that I'm back from vacation. I've actually been back for a week but I had some other things to catch up on, and unfortunately blogging is taking a back seat. I miss y'all, and I'll be posting again really soon. For your viewing pleasure, I will be uploading pics from my vacation shortly. Take care, and I'll be around to visit you all soon.
 Kimber7月15日 Thar be pirates in our midst...aarrgh!Ok, so Kimber is in a bit of a better mood today. Why, you ask? Well, I have been spending the last few hours online trying to plan Ashleigh's 8th birthday party. Her birthday isn't until September 1st, but since last year everything was planned at the last minute and nearly everyone called last-minute to cancel (we had 3 kids out of 12 that were invited, including family) I decided to get cracking on it a little earlier.
So, today I asked my lovely, girly-girl daughter what she wanted this year's theme to be. And if you haven't already guessed by the title of today's blog, she chose pirates! Of course, my ideal party would be one with a certain famous and GORGEOUS pirate in attendance...sigh. But since this is a little girl's party, and since I'm not quite ready to explain to a bunch of children why mommy's drooling and panting over a pirate...well, I've been doing my research as to how to make this little pirate shindig appealing to a bunch of girls (and maybe 2 boys).
Here's the plan thus far:
So there you have it. Does this sound fit for a girlie pirate? I made up the invitations on the computer tonight too. "Ahoy Maties! The pirate Captain Mad Ashleigh requests yer presence at a parrty to celebrate her barrthday and to sarrch for buried treasure...Aargh!" Printed on paper that looks like old scroll parchment complete with skull and crossbones!!
Ok, so it's pretty late and I have to be up at 5:30 for my second attempt at having a yard sale. Just thought I would post something a bit jollier tonight to change the mood around here. Take care all, and if I don't post before I leave...have a great week!! 7月12日 Big Sister Mode...Thank you everyone for your thoughts and prayers and tidbits of advice over the past few days. I've really appreciated it. I wish I could say that things were getting better, but it's hard to say that when something like this happens. On one hand, my sister is finally beginning to see him for what he truly is and is confident that she will get through this eventually...which is good. It's a start. But on the other hand, she is now completely displaced and in a sense homeless at the moment. I mean, she has been staying with her friend and is now settling at our mom's house, but it's just not the same. I've been there, and living out of a duffle bag and going to what used to be your home to gather things together to get you through is no picnic. It really takes a lot out of a person. I've been there, and I know how hard it is.
And the worst part is that her husband has wasted no time in having his little chickadee stay the night at the house. My sister has gone "home" to find the girl's clothing strewn across what used to be her own bedroom, and little conspicuous notes lying about the house from her. How coniving is that? Could she twist the knife any more? I hate women like that who think that they have to rub in the fact that they have in a sense won the battle. I'd like to see these women if/when it happens to them. Then again, it seems they have no soul or heart anyway so what would it matter to them. They'd just go on to the next catch. I told my sister that legally she can tell the girl that she is tresspassing and if she doesn't leave, she will call the police to have her forcibly removed from the home...after all, my sister is on the deed and mortgage and not her.
And although there were no kids involved in this, my sister has two dogs and a cat that she has no choice but to abandon because she can't care for them. My hubby and I have decided that if they can agree to it, we will take one of their dogs...Sibi, the german shepard mix. She's really sweet and housetrained, so it wouldn't be a problem. However, Hennessy...the pit bull...it a bit rough and undisciplined and likes to destroy furniture so he would have to stay behind. That's ok though...he's mostly the husband's dog anyway. Hopefully he'll agree to let Sibi remain in the custody of my sister (and us).
It's not like he's making things any easier on my sister. He's already stated he wants ALL the furniture. In the past week, he's bought $2000 worth of clothing and jewlery and a new car. Not to mention the emotional roller coaster he has been subjecting my sister to. Crying one minute and saying he wants her back, and the next running off to his little skank (sorry, couldn't resist). It's all so terrible.
Anyway, I'll be down there in about a week for vacation so you can bet Big Sister is going to have her guard and defences up and on full alert. I'm ready to take on whatever I need to help her with...including moving things out of the house that belong to her. As for his desire to see my girls while we are in FL, it is my intent to let him see them. But before he does, I am planning to make him completely aware that it will be the last time and that he should say goodbye...I mean, he owes it to them and especially Ashleigh who absolutely adores him. She knows that they might be getting a divorce, and it's a terrible thing to have to explain to her. Actually, I think HE should be the one to do it.
Ok, I've probably bored you to tears with my little diatribe. So, I'll let you all off the hook. I'll definitely make sure to post and visit at least once before I go on vacation. Hopefully, it will be on a much lighter note. Take care all, and thanks for your understanding the past week.  7月4日 Why do some men just suck?(Note to Aunt Patti and Aunt Louise...please call me first and I'll give some explainations.)
I've been going through a rough time this past weekend. No, nothing is wrong in my own life. My husband and I are just fine, albeit tired and a little on edge...but fine. No, the issues we are facing now have to do with my sister and her husband. There's trouble in what we thought was paradise, and I'm feeling quite icky about it.
Oh, that's bullshit...I'm downright pissed off at my brother-in-law. I'd rather not sugar-coat this one. At the risk of sounding like a psycho, I've seriously been contemplating driving down there and beating the living hell out of him. And for good reason. You see, I've been through the same crap he is putting my sister through right now...TWICE. I've cried the tears over a seriously broken relationship, and I've lost the weight of stress and fatigue from fretting over whether I should stick it out or break it off. And I DO NOT want to see my little sister going through the same crap!
So what is it that my dear, sweet brother-in-law has done? Well although it is against my better judgement not to air my family's dirty laundry on here, the bitch in me really has no problem with announcing to the world that he is a piece of crap. And the chickadee that is "so concerned about his relationship with his wife" can take her "concern" and shove it straight up her ass! Sweetheart, I know otherwise. I know your type. I've been the manipulative little flirt. I know the games women play to woo the men they set their sights on. I've never taken it to the level that you are taking it to, though. That's because I have a little thing called GUILT built into my heart...unlike you, who has no heart.
Yes, I am a tad bitter. I'm sorry everyone. But my big-sister instincts and protective forces are working in overdrive right now. I'm sure that you all understand.
And do you know what my brother-in-law says? He says that "she reminds him of my sister when they first started dating eleven years ago." That's right...ELEVEN YEARS!!! Nearly two of those years married. Their anniversary is coming up on the 19th of this month. What a crock of shit, if you will pardon my overuse of colorful metaphors in this installment. Again, I am rather livid today. He says he can't choose...I say to hell with him. If he can't choose his absolutely beautiful and loyal wife over a piece of ass, then he's not worth the effort.
Anyway, I spoke to my sister this morning and she is absolutely devastated. She's going through the whirlwind of emotions that always seems to come with this type of trouble. The depression, anger, empowerment, etc...I've been through them all, and I can't help but feel as if I am going through them all over again vicariously through her. As well as my mother...she went through this same exact thing with our father. It seems that it is a curse that some of the women in my family are destined to share.
And it always goes the same. The men always say the exact same thing. "I'm confused. She reminds me of you. I still love you, but I can't let her go." BULLSHIT...takes one phone call. Have some balls and be a man for crimeny's sake!
There is, however, one bright note in all of this. There's this little thing called KARMA...you know, what goes around comes around...and it has proven itself more often than not in my own experiences. He'll get his one day, and when he does I hope my sister is able to hold her head high and smile. I know I will. Because if he keeps this crap up, he will damn well deserve it!
Aargh...sometimes I just loathe the male species...
6月26日 Adventures in Writing: Episode 2Well, I promised you all that I would eventually let you in on a few details of my project...and this is especially for Kat, since she was so disappointed reading my last installment
 ...so, without further ado...The story takes place on an island in the Indian Ocean called the Isle de la Reunion. This is a real island off the coast of Africa. It is a French state, and I have to tell you from the pictures that I have come across in my research...it is simply breathtaking. Hence, the working title of my story is simply "Reunion." Whether I will stick with this title remains to be determined, but for right now...it works.
The story itself is about five friends who are reunited after the death of a dear friend. She had been the only thing connecting them for quite some time...the matriarch of their little group...and her dying wish is that they, in memoriam to her, meet up on the Isle de la Reunion, putting aside past differences and try to rekindle the friendships that have fizzled out over the years. This sounds easy, but it isn't. There are a lot of hard feelings, resentments, hostilities, jealousy, and other things that could make this last attempt at reconciliation a complete failure.
The book is basically about relationships and finding oneself. The five main characters (who were best of friends in high school) each have personal demons to overcome, and unique personalities that I am trying to delve deeply into. Here's a breakdown:
So there you have it...a synopsis of what I've been working on. I won't be posting any of the chapters online, mainly because I don't want anyone stealing my ideas (that doesn't apply to any of my regular buddies on here...I know you wouldn't do such a thing). I'm a little leary of posting what I have, but I promised and I guess is doesn't hurt to have a little trust in my fellow man. So, I hope that satisfies you for now. I still have a lot of work to do. I have three chapters that I have been working on thus far, and none of them are even close to being finished. I believe at last count, I was up to a little over 11,000 words. Seems like a lot, I know, but my goal is somewhere between 70-80,000 words so I'm sure you can do the math! Overall, I want to have no less than 16 chapters which is rather small for a novel. I'll most likely have more. My biggest issue right now is fleshing all the details out on paper. I have so many ideas swimming in my brain, and I just need to ground them. Never said this course was going to be easy, but I'm in desperate need of a challenge that doesn't include writing academic BS. Anyway, I should go take advantage of the little bit of time I have to myself and go work. Take care, and if you all have any ideas you would like to share please let me know. I'm always open for them. Bye all!! MUAH 6月19日 Adventures in Writing: Episode OneAs promised, I have decided to try to keep a weekly journal of my attempts at writing my book for my Independent Creative Writing course that I've enrolled in for Fall semester. I figure it will keep me working, knowing that at least someone other than my advisor is keeping tabs on my progress...and believe me, since I am not THAT self-motivated, the "flies on the wall" will definitely help keep me on my toes (not that y'all are bugging me
 ). Anyway...The last couple of weeks have been hectic, however I've managed to write three chapters already. Now, it's important to note that they are in no way finished but they are each a jumping-off point for the actions that will take place in each. My main concern has been character development. I have six main characters as the focus of the story, which means a lot of diversity and a lot of work making each one as unique to the storyline as possible. So far I've managed to roughly develop four of them...most of the real development will take place while I'm writing the story. This has always been my strong point and my favorite part of writing a story. So having six major characters not only makes the story a lot more interesting, but it hilights what I'm really good at.
My biggest challenge so far has been trying to free myself from my own criticism. I'm usually pretty hard on myself...or at least, my inner critic or "watcher" is...when I'm serious about a project I'm working on. I think more so, it's because I'm writing this first and formost for a grade. But it's not just that...I have a great deal of respect for Dr. Cornelius and value his opinion. And for some reason, I am scared to death of his criticism. Now, he's critiqued some of my work before, and I'm used to his red-ink comments on academic papers...but this book is a lot more to me than that. It's what I want to accomplish in my career life, and I think his opinion (being my mentor) means more to me than even that of an editor! I suppose it's just one of the hurdles that this class is designed to conquer, and it is definitely a high one.
Anyway, I was talking about my "watcher." I read this term in a writing mag one time, and it kinda stuck. The article had said that in order to shut up your watcher, it is a good idea to give it a distinct identity...something, or someone, that you are not as likely to take seriously. Some people, the article said, have used Barbie dolls, trolls, or pictures of some politician that they can throw darts at when they are truly frustrated. So, who did I pick? YODA! Yep, I have a picture of him (standing on a pencil looking all serious and crap) hanging on my wall beside my desk. I hear his voice in my head with his terrible grammar telling me "Write this dribble, you cannot...rejected you will be" and I immediately FLICK HIM with a smile on my face. Believe it or not, it seems to work.
Anyway, so there you have it. My first attempt at writing this book. Honestly, I think I'm on the right track. I have good, strong characters...I have a great story idea...I have the approval of both my advisor and the Dean...and I have Yoda! So I'm pretty well set, at least for now.
Ok, I've bored y'all long enough for today. I think I'll save the juicy details of exactly WHAT I am writing for my next installment. For now, I'll keep your interest piqued and your imaginations running wondering just what the hell I'm working on. Take care all...have a great week. I'll be around to visit some of you a little later today! |
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