Well, it actually happened at the PAC.
Before I get into that, let me start off by saying I am not a joiner. At least not by nature. I don't generally like meeting new people. Its not them, its me...seriously. Before I have to go to a new place or meet new people I get all sweaty, red-faced, nervous and awkward. I feel like I stutter and then I inevitably start to, what would be in a daintier person, nervously giggle but with me in just comes out as a big dorky guffaw.
But in the interest of settling in and getting to know people in my new town I set aside my 'no joiner' policy and went out to the Parent Advisory Committee meetings at both the elementary school and the middle school.
September meetings went well. I mostly sat back and watched. I asked a few questions but managed to escape both meetings unscathed and uncommitted. October did not go so well.
At the elementary school I ended up getting myself on a two person committee to revamp the playground and create an outdoor classroom. No big deal but I as I walked into the middle school for their PAC meeting last night I told myself, "No talking at the PAC!"
Well, that lasted all of five minutes! Unbeknownst to me it was elections night. As the discussion turned to electing a new executive it became clear that there were not enough parents willing to sign up and that PAC was in danger of being dissolved. I was irritated that parents are eager to stand at a hockey rink for hours every week to watch their kids compete in sports but were not willing to give up one hour a month to be involved in their children's education.
Minutes after that came flying out of my mouth I was named the new co-chair of the PAC.
Huh? Note to self: must remain quiet...with great gabbing comes great responsibility.
Tuesday, October 19, 2010
Monday, October 18, 2010
The Bieber Dilemma
Well, its about that time again. One of the most painful times in a parent's life. A time of whining, wailing and gnashing of teeth. Its time to take the boys for a haircut.
Both Dude and Mischief hate going for haircuts. They enjoy their long floppy 'dos and unkempt locks but we're at the point that its been so long since I've seen their faces that I forget what colour eyes they have. Sure they flick their bangs out of their eyes with a toss of their heads but I worry that they are going to put their neck out or something with all their flicking and twitching!
So I announce its time...they must get their hair cut. Surprisingly Dude was okay with it. He said he'd go as long as I could promise him that his hair would not look like Justin Bieber's hair when the deed was done. I asked him why he was so adamant about the Bieber thing and he said, "Justin Bieber is for girls. The girls like him, not boys." So I promised that I would specify a no-Bieber look when he got into the chair. He seemed okay with that and went back to watching TV.
I then turned to Mischief and asked him what kind of haircut he wanted. He thought about it for a minute then said, "I want Bieber hair." When I asked him why he flicked his hair, winked at me and said, "Girls like Justin Bieber."
Oh boy!
Both Dude and Mischief hate going for haircuts. They enjoy their long floppy 'dos and unkempt locks but we're at the point that its been so long since I've seen their faces that I forget what colour eyes they have. Sure they flick their bangs out of their eyes with a toss of their heads but I worry that they are going to put their neck out or something with all their flicking and twitching!
So I announce its time...they must get their hair cut. Surprisingly Dude was okay with it. He said he'd go as long as I could promise him that his hair would not look like Justin Bieber's hair when the deed was done. I asked him why he was so adamant about the Bieber thing and he said, "Justin Bieber is for girls. The girls like him, not boys." So I promised that I would specify a no-Bieber look when he got into the chair. He seemed okay with that and went back to watching TV.
I then turned to Mischief and asked him what kind of haircut he wanted. He thought about it for a minute then said, "I want Bieber hair." When I asked him why he flicked his hair, winked at me and said, "Girls like Justin Bieber."
Oh boy!
Friday, October 15, 2010
Fiction Friday: FALL by Colin McAdam
The more time I spend writing and chatting with other writers the more important I think it is to support up and coming authors and home grown Canadian authors. That's why this week's Fiction Friday pick is by Canada's own Colin McAdam.
FALL was a finalist for the Giller Prize this past year and after soaking in the pages of this dark and twisty book I can see why. McAdam pulls you through his story word by word and before you realise it you are tangled up in the delusions, lies and guilt of his main character. Noel is an intelligent yet socially awkward senior at St. Ebury, an elite boarding school in Ottawa, who sees himself as the perfect sidekick to his popular and charismatic roommate, Julius.
His curiosity about Julius, his friends and his girlfriend, Fall takes a dark turn into obsession. Noel becomes inwardly disgusted and frustrated by Julius' oblivion and crass behavior while outwardly he continues to play the role of the devoted roommate. Noel's angst builds to the boiling point when one night he conceives a plan that is sure to win him Fall and give him the status and respect he deserves.
This book is a handful and not one that the average reader could breeze through but it is definitely worth the time to sit back and savour one of Canada's best and brightest authors. Well done, Mr. McAdam!
FALL was a finalist for the Giller Prize this past year and after soaking in the pages of this dark and twisty book I can see why. McAdam pulls you through his story word by word and before you realise it you are tangled up in the delusions, lies and guilt of his main character. Noel is an intelligent yet socially awkward senior at St. Ebury, an elite boarding school in Ottawa, who sees himself as the perfect sidekick to his popular and charismatic roommate, Julius.
His curiosity about Julius, his friends and his girlfriend, Fall takes a dark turn into obsession. Noel becomes inwardly disgusted and frustrated by Julius' oblivion and crass behavior while outwardly he continues to play the role of the devoted roommate. Noel's angst builds to the boiling point when one night he conceives a plan that is sure to win him Fall and give him the status and respect he deserves.
This book is a handful and not one that the average reader could breeze through but it is definitely worth the time to sit back and savour one of Canada's best and brightest authors. Well done, Mr. McAdam!
Thursday, October 14, 2010
Top Ten Signs I am Turning into My Mother
10. I now make my bed everyday...including five decorative pillows and an 'extra' blanket in case I get cold in the night.
9. I dusted and cleaned the windows yesterday but did it again today because I thought they were streaky.
8. I used to think of granola bars as health food now they are a 'treat' in the kids' lunchboxes.
7. Every night before bed I must have a cup of tea, check the weather for the next day and moisturize my hands and face.
6. I don't care how light it is outside and how many neighborhood kids are still outside playing bedtime is bedtime!
5. I hear phrases like, "because I'm the mom" "I'm not your maid" and "I don't care if you don't like it, that's supper" coming out of my mouth on a daily basis.
4. I carry extra Kleenex and hand sanitizer in my purse.
3. As I have gotten older my hair style has gotten bigger.
2. I never go anywhere without wearing earrings and a watch.
1. I seem to be stock piling paper products...paper towels, napkins, toilet paper, loose leaf...it doesn't matter...I must have copious amounts of it all!
;-) Love you Mom!
9. I dusted and cleaned the windows yesterday but did it again today because I thought they were streaky.
8. I used to think of granola bars as health food now they are a 'treat' in the kids' lunchboxes.
7. Every night before bed I must have a cup of tea, check the weather for the next day and moisturize my hands and face.
6. I don't care how light it is outside and how many neighborhood kids are still outside playing bedtime is bedtime!
5. I hear phrases like, "because I'm the mom" "I'm not your maid" and "I don't care if you don't like it, that's supper" coming out of my mouth on a daily basis.
4. I carry extra Kleenex and hand sanitizer in my purse.
3. As I have gotten older my hair style has gotten bigger.
2. I never go anywhere without wearing earrings and a watch.
1. I seem to be stock piling paper products...paper towels, napkins, toilet paper, loose leaf...it doesn't matter...I must have copious amounts of it all!
;-) Love you Mom!
Wednesday, October 13, 2010
Stupid Teenagers
Before I start this rant I have to say that normally I like teenagers a lot. Sure, they do and say dumb stuff often but for the most part its not their fault...their brains haven't finished growing yet. I find most teenagers I meet to be bright, witty and interesting. Their view on life is pure and unique and one teen can have more passion and charisma than a room full of adults. Teens are awesome!
But not today.
I had a pretty busy yet productive morning of domestic chores. I cleaned and baked and folded until most of the house was sparkly lemon fresh. Mischief's birthday party is fast approaching so I decided to run to Walmart this afternoon to pick up the things I need for the party.
I didn't want to waste time fixing my hair so I put on a cute knit cap, threw on some funky earrings and headed out the door. I knew I wasn't dressed to impress but I felt all right about this 'running errands' look so I entered Walmart with a bounce in my step and a catchy tune in my head.
I was done my shopping and heading for a check out when a gaggle of teen boys came running into the store and nearly into me. A couple of them apologized and kept walking. When I had past the last teen someone from the middle of the group yelled, "Dude, you almost ran over an old person!"
I turned thinking that they had careened into one of the many seniors shopping in the store. When one kid saw me looking he said, "Dude she heard you!" They were talking about me! Me, in my cute hat and funky earrings. Me, not even halfway through my thirties yet. Me?
Miffed, I shout back, "I'm not old or deaf!"
Stupid teenagers.
But not today.
I had a pretty busy yet productive morning of domestic chores. I cleaned and baked and folded until most of the house was sparkly lemon fresh. Mischief's birthday party is fast approaching so I decided to run to Walmart this afternoon to pick up the things I need for the party.
I didn't want to waste time fixing my hair so I put on a cute knit cap, threw on some funky earrings and headed out the door. I knew I wasn't dressed to impress but I felt all right about this 'running errands' look so I entered Walmart with a bounce in my step and a catchy tune in my head.
I was done my shopping and heading for a check out when a gaggle of teen boys came running into the store and nearly into me. A couple of them apologized and kept walking. When I had past the last teen someone from the middle of the group yelled, "Dude, you almost ran over an old person!"
I turned thinking that they had careened into one of the many seniors shopping in the store. When one kid saw me looking he said, "Dude she heard you!" They were talking about me! Me, in my cute hat and funky earrings. Me, not even halfway through my thirties yet. Me?
Miffed, I shout back, "I'm not old or deaf!"
Stupid teenagers.
Tuesday, October 12, 2010
Life Lessons from the Soccer Field
At lunch today...
Me: How was your morning?
Mischief: Great! I played soccer at recess!
Me: That sounds like fun! How'd you do?
Mischief: We scored ten times!
Me: Wow! Your team scored ten goals?!
Mischief: Not my team, WE scored the goals.
Me: We who?
Mischief: All of us
Me: Don't you guys play on teams?
Mischief: Nope.
Me: How do you know who to pass to or who you are playing against?
Mischief: We aren't against, we're for everybody. We pass to whoever we want to, especially if its a kid who hasn't kicked the ball in a while.
Me: What if that kid isn't very good at soccer?
Mischief: That doesn't matter. Its more fair if everyone gets a chance. Besides we can help.
Me: Well, what about cheering?
Mischief: We cheer for everybody.
Me: Even if they don't score?
Mischief: Yep, cause at least they tried.
Me: Is this how your teacher wants you to play?
Mischief: (shrugs) I dunno. Its just how we play.
Life Lesson: Be for everyone and against no one. Include as many as possible, help those who are having a rough time and cheer for everyone...win or lose.
Me: How was your morning?
Mischief: Great! I played soccer at recess!
Me: That sounds like fun! How'd you do?
Mischief: We scored ten times!
Me: Wow! Your team scored ten goals?!
Mischief: Not my team, WE scored the goals.
Me: We who?
Mischief: All of us
Me: Don't you guys play on teams?
Mischief: Nope.
Me: How do you know who to pass to or who you are playing against?
Mischief: We aren't against, we're for everybody. We pass to whoever we want to, especially if its a kid who hasn't kicked the ball in a while.
Me: What if that kid isn't very good at soccer?
Mischief: That doesn't matter. Its more fair if everyone gets a chance. Besides we can help.
Me: Well, what about cheering?
Mischief: We cheer for everybody.
Me: Even if they don't score?
Mischief: Yep, cause at least they tried.
Me: Is this how your teacher wants you to play?
Mischief: (shrugs) I dunno. Its just how we play.
Life Lesson: Be for everyone and against no one. Include as many as possible, help those who are having a rough time and cheer for everyone...win or lose.
Wednesday, October 6, 2010
Tattle Tale!
Today was the day that Crafty has been waiting for and I have been sort of dreading. Today was my first day as a Parent Volunteer in the new school.
I hate meeting new people, I have dozens of boxes still to unpack and it looks like a bomb went off in my craft area...and don't even get me started on the piles of laundry I've been trying to ignore all week. In short, I had loads (literally) of other things to do today but I promised Crafty that I'd be there so after lunch I hauled myself into the school office, signed in and put on my name tag. I took a deep breath and headed down the hall in search of the Grade Three classroom.
The teacher was nice and the other parent volunteer was funny. Before long I felt comfortable and was happily working away. My job was to help the kids choose a 'just right' book for home reading, record the title of the book in the log and have them put their chosen book in their backpack. Simple.
I was about halfway through the list of kids when I called Crafty to the table. She spent ten minutes pondering her book choices, rejecting my suggestions and moping about not finding 'the right just right' book. Getting impatient I told her to just pick one because we were running out of time. Her response? She just glared at me, turned on her heel and walked away.
The other parent gave a nervous chuckle, shrugged and went back to her assigned work. When I looked back to see where Crafty went I was mortified. She was at her teacher's desk and before I could even form a plan she dramatically pointed at me and announced, "She was rushing me!"
Suddenly 26 sets of tiny eyes were on me, accusing me, condemning me. I hung my head in shame and returned to my volunteer corner. When Crafty brought her book to me five minutes later (it was one I suggested in the first 30 seconds of looking) I wrote down the title of the book, handed it back to her and whispered to her, "Watch your back, kid. Its on!"
She just smirked and walked away.
I hate meeting new people, I have dozens of boxes still to unpack and it looks like a bomb went off in my craft area...and don't even get me started on the piles of laundry I've been trying to ignore all week. In short, I had loads (literally) of other things to do today but I promised Crafty that I'd be there so after lunch I hauled myself into the school office, signed in and put on my name tag. I took a deep breath and headed down the hall in search of the Grade Three classroom.
The teacher was nice and the other parent volunteer was funny. Before long I felt comfortable and was happily working away. My job was to help the kids choose a 'just right' book for home reading, record the title of the book in the log and have them put their chosen book in their backpack. Simple.
I was about halfway through the list of kids when I called Crafty to the table. She spent ten minutes pondering her book choices, rejecting my suggestions and moping about not finding 'the right just right' book. Getting impatient I told her to just pick one because we were running out of time. Her response? She just glared at me, turned on her heel and walked away.
The other parent gave a nervous chuckle, shrugged and went back to her assigned work. When I looked back to see where Crafty went I was mortified. She was at her teacher's desk and before I could even form a plan she dramatically pointed at me and announced, "She was rushing me!"
Suddenly 26 sets of tiny eyes were on me, accusing me, condemning me. I hung my head in shame and returned to my volunteer corner. When Crafty brought her book to me five minutes later (it was one I suggested in the first 30 seconds of looking) I wrote down the title of the book, handed it back to her and whispered to her, "Watch your back, kid. Its on!"
She just smirked and walked away.
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)