Grammar

I've really been trying to work on mine lately.  I've found that in an age of informal e-mail, especially from a smart phone, Facebook, texting, etc. that I've really let my grammar slip.  This is problematic because I write a lot.  I can't imagine how bad it would be for someone who doesn't write all the time.  Therefore, I've been taking efforts to ensure I use proper grammar, punctuation, etc. in even the briefest of e-mails. 

I sure hope I didn't make any grammar mistakes in this post.  That would really look bad.

Ironic

Photo courtesy of Apple.com

That's what you call it when you are using the sword (stopper thing for transport) from today's coffee to pry the keys off your keyboard.  This is the same keyboard that I spilled coffee on last week.  I'm just trying to clean up some stickiness, as it seems to be working again.  Honestly, it was the smallest thing on my desk capable of prying off the keys. 

Parenting a Grade Schooler

An acquaintance posted a statement on her Facebook account recently along the lines of:

When you have a baby everyone has some advice to offer you, but where is everyone with advice when you move to that next stage of parenting.   

I totally get that.  Currently, I'm at this stage, and I find it very difficult.  The fights over homework, not wanting to go to school, not wanting to stay for before and after care are exhausting.  The most frustrating part is that Little Jedi is struggling in some aspects of school (like reading/spelling),  and he is aware of this.  He is starting to get down about it.  Therefore, I'm constantly looking for ways to increase his self esteem and get him excited about reading.  So if anyone has advice on this sort of thing, I'm listening...

Finding my inner zen...

At the beginning of summer,  I made a new commitment to yoga.  Yes, that's what she said.  I've done yoga off and on for the last 10 years, but never made it a part of my daily routine.  That has changed.  I took up the yoga as a stress relief/mental healing practice more so than exercise (and yes it is exercise).  I was nearing a point on the stress meter labeled "psych ward".  Yoga has helped me to reduce stress with the added benefit of some toned arms and legs (and at some point I hope my abs).  I find that I can sit at my desk and write for extended periods without neck strain and migraines.  After all, I was so stressed that when getting a massage for mothers day the masseuse suggested I come back for another visit, since 1 hr wasn't enough to work out the tension in my shoulders.

Now, when I go a day without  yoga practice I just don't feel good.  I have an extremely busy schedule and fitting in "yoga time" was easier than I thought.  I got a couple of DVD's with yoga routines ranging from 15 to 60 minutes.  I also utilize exercise TV on demand and My Yoga Online (www.myyogaonline.com).  This gives me variety in routine and time, as some days are busier than others.  My schedule just doesn't allow time for going to classes on a regular basis without getting a sitter, etc.  

I'm trying to work in 10-15 minutes on an elliptical that has been collecting dust in my bedroom, but damn I hate cardio.  Plus it's hard to do cardio at 9 pm and be able to hit the sack within an hour or two.  That is not the case with yoga.

Needless to say, I have no plans of taking a break from yoga.  

Theme Songs

I'll admit it!  I was a huge Ally McBeal fan during my "college years".  Somehow I felt I could relate!  Can't you?  Who isn't thinking crazy things in their head while in the middle of a conversation?

And lets not forget the Ouga Chucka Baby.  While pregnant, I did have a vision of the "little jedi" standing up through my stomach and doing the Ouga Chucka Baby Dance. 

 

One of my favorite things about Ally McBeal was the "theme song".  The song that put a little bounce in her step and gave her the courage to do what she needed to do. 

Some days I have a theme song to spice things up.  My theme song changes regularly, but one of my favorites is the Zac Brown Band "Toes" song. 

Do you have a theme song?  And yes, I realize this post is a little video crazy!

Day Planners

With iPhones and other handy devices, you would think traditional day planners would be a thing of the past.  Particularly for the techie generation.  However, student after student sits down in my office and writes important dates in their "old school" day planner.  This is in contrast to older individuals I see (say the anti-tech generation, 40+) who have fully converted over to the likes of iCal, Outlook, and Google calendar. 

This makes no sense to me.  It is no wonder that the events feature of Facebook remains largely underused.  Or at least in my reality it is.  Perhaps I'm just unpopular and no one invites me to any events or my FB friends are just too old.  Are you still using a traditional day planner?  I can't say that I have in at least 8 years.  For once I'm cutting edge =)

After all I did just include my first picture in a blog post.

Overcommitting...

So I will be the first to admit, I have a serious issue with overcommitting myself.  This typically happens after a huge project deadline.  I work so intensely on the project when I’m done I feel like I have nothing to do.  When in reality, I just need to work on everything I was putting to the side while trying to make that deadline.  But no…. it seems that within a week after meeting a major deadline I seem to take on multiple responsibilities to make up for that lull, which really only lasts a nanosecond.  So I’ve just recently done this, and it is starting to sink in.  It never fails that whenever I do this something goes down with the Little Jedi.  Whether it is sickness, school issues, you name it.  So, I’m currently trying to swim my way out of the hole I’ve dug this time around.  If you need me, that is where I will be.  May the force be with me!

-L

Been a while!

Wow.  I really didn't keep up with this.  I need to get back at it.  I'll try harder.

crazy times

it seems to be that time of the year when things are a little off kilter for me.  For one I really don't have much drive when it comes to work.  Something about deep winter must put me in the nesting faze.  I'm more interested in decorating and cooking.  The weather is back and forth.  Two days ago it was almost 80 degrees and then this week they are saying there is a blizzard heading for us. 

I seem to have survived the requisite winter illness.  Although it took more out of me than in previous years.  Must be the age.  After all I have hitting the big 35 tomorrow.  Got a nice spa day out of the deal. 

Perhaps I'm just living in denial with  work.  Things aren't going as I'd like them to and I'm tired of busting my hump with no results.  I mean at the end of the day is it really the most important thing. 

Wow that was a lot of rambling!

that time of year

Well it is that time of year again.  The start of the spring semester.  It hasn't even started yet and the students are already driving me crazy.  There is always someone that thinks they are an exception to the rule even though the policy says "no exceptions".  Then there are those who've waited until the last minute to enroll in a class that is now full.  NMP people, grow up and get it together. 

I've made a commitment to not check my e-mail until Tuesday.  Or at least not my work account.  I'm going off the grid!  This is very unusual for me.  I may have withdrawals but I'm determined to enjoy this final weekend, get my house organized, finish other pressing work projects, and relax.  May even try and get a massage if I can get a last minute appointment.  It has been a long time and it is desperately needed.

Here's to an e-mail free weekend!