Well today is the day. Siobhan has started her 3rd grade GATE class and Diego is in 1st.
Eric and I took the day off to take them to school. Good thing Eric took the day off as he isn't feeling well. He is currently napping and I am... waiting.
Waiting to hear how it went. Did Diego have some friends in his class? Is Siobhan still stressed out that she might not have taken the right school supplies to the first day of class? (Apparently GATE students are notorious for being high strung). Did they eat all of their lunch? Ya know the regular stuff.
Siobhan wants to go to Dairy Queen after school. She said that is what we always do after the first day of school. Always? She is in 3rd grade. She has only had 3 other first days...ha ha
I miss them. I hope there is no homework already!
Monday, August 30, 2010
Saturday, August 28, 2010
School Issues
School starts on Monday. Classrooms were listed yesterday. I went to check it out only to find out that Siobhan is in a GATE cluster. This means that she is with 17 GATE students and the rest of the class are hand picked students by the Principal. We were a bit upset by that. According to GATE they are the highest performing students but the Principal said that isn't the case. She picked students based on who would be the best fit. We also have some concerns about the teacher she is going to have.
It isn't fair to judge the teacher based on things we have never seen or heard directly, only from others. On the other hand, with her belly problems and her sensitivity issues. So I spoke to the Principal about it. She said that she understood about our concerns. We told her we wanted Siobhan to remain in the GATE class but we do have concerns.
During the conversation we found out Diego is in the K/1 class. There are so many combo classes.
Just in case, I filled out the form to transfer classrooms. The Principal will check in with us within 10 days of school to see if we still want to change. I am afraid Diego won't be challenged enough and that Siobhan will be emotionally upset if her teacher is too hard on her.
I am torn because part of me thinks Siobhan needs to understand that all teachers aren't going to be cuddly teachers, but she is only EIGHT!
Anyway, we feel much better knowing that it is possible to at least change classes if we feel it is necessary.
Still kinda holding our breath.
It isn't fair to judge the teacher based on things we have never seen or heard directly, only from others. On the other hand, with her belly problems and her sensitivity issues. So I spoke to the Principal about it. She said that she understood about our concerns. We told her we wanted Siobhan to remain in the GATE class but we do have concerns.
During the conversation we found out Diego is in the K/1 class. There are so many combo classes.
Just in case, I filled out the form to transfer classrooms. The Principal will check in with us within 10 days of school to see if we still want to change. I am afraid Diego won't be challenged enough and that Siobhan will be emotionally upset if her teacher is too hard on her.
I am torn because part of me thinks Siobhan needs to understand that all teachers aren't going to be cuddly teachers, but she is only EIGHT!
Anyway, we feel much better knowing that it is possible to at least change classes if we feel it is necessary.
Still kinda holding our breath.
Saturday, August 21, 2010
I was never thin. When my mom was young she was super thin, but me, nope. I wasn't fat either. I have a bigger bone structure. In high school I was probably about 10 pounds over weight. I wore a 7/9 (which I would KILL for now). I was very healthy. My thing was skating (roller). I have been doing it as long as I can remember. I used to go to all night skates (7pm to 7am) and literally skate the whole time. Some people would sleep but not me. The thing is I did it like it was nothing.
Fast forward to pregnancy. I skated for a while but when I was about 5.5 months prego (and still wearing my jeans) I stopped because I fell. I didn't want to take a chance. I didn't know crap about metabolism at that time. Never even heard of it. Stopped skating but didn't change anything else about my lifestyle.
I lost about 15 pounds in the first three months because I was so sick. By the time I had Krystal I gained a total of 110 pounds. They say it is a harder delivery if you gain a lot of weight. Not true. Well, for me anyway.
I lost 30 pounds before I left the hospital three days later.
I got prego with Bradley, gained only about 15 pounds. WTH? If only I had only had boys. ha ha
Anyway, once K hit 21, over half my life I have been fat. I kept gaining and gaining over the years.
I tried Weight Watchers and lost about 40 pounds. It was working for me.
My dad died. I didn't give a sh*t about anything, much less losing weight.
Fast forward to present day. About a month ago, I thought, okay this is it. It isn't the weight so much as the way I eat. I decided to stop. As of that day, I am eating differently. It isn't so much as trying as I think I something changed in the way I think.
I used my Weight Watchers stuff for about a week to see what my portions should be. What types of snacks I should have and now I am different. I feel like a different person.
Previously I would wake up, have coffee at work and eat lunch. Lunch was huge for me. I was starving. I would go home eat dinner. I would usually have a snack of something before bed. (apples, popcorn, chips, etc).
Now things are so totally different. I make my breakfast at home but eating it at work (still not hungry when I wake but I still make sure I eat). I have two pieces of high fiber bread, toasted (1 point each), two egg whites (.5 points), half a piece of cheese (1) and two turkey bacon (1) for a yummy and very filling breakfast. I have a snack of 1 or 2 cups of fruit, or a 1 point yogurt or fiber one bar. For lunch, something like a veggie burger with 2 cups of veggies or a soup with the same veggies. Another snack and dinner but much less than usual.
It is just different. I can't explain it. I can't deny I wished it would have happened years ago, but it has happened and I think it will continue. I hope!
Fast forward to pregnancy. I skated for a while but when I was about 5.5 months prego (and still wearing my jeans) I stopped because I fell. I didn't want to take a chance. I didn't know crap about metabolism at that time. Never even heard of it. Stopped skating but didn't change anything else about my lifestyle.
I lost about 15 pounds in the first three months because I was so sick. By the time I had Krystal I gained a total of 110 pounds. They say it is a harder delivery if you gain a lot of weight. Not true. Well, for me anyway.
I lost 30 pounds before I left the hospital three days later.
I got prego with Bradley, gained only about 15 pounds. WTH? If only I had only had boys. ha ha
Anyway, once K hit 21, over half my life I have been fat. I kept gaining and gaining over the years.
I tried Weight Watchers and lost about 40 pounds. It was working for me.
My dad died. I didn't give a sh*t about anything, much less losing weight.
Fast forward to present day. About a month ago, I thought, okay this is it. It isn't the weight so much as the way I eat. I decided to stop. As of that day, I am eating differently. It isn't so much as trying as I think I something changed in the way I think.
I used my Weight Watchers stuff for about a week to see what my portions should be. What types of snacks I should have and now I am different. I feel like a different person.
Previously I would wake up, have coffee at work and eat lunch. Lunch was huge for me. I was starving. I would go home eat dinner. I would usually have a snack of something before bed. (apples, popcorn, chips, etc).
Now things are so totally different. I make my breakfast at home but eating it at work (still not hungry when I wake but I still make sure I eat). I have two pieces of high fiber bread, toasted (1 point each), two egg whites (.5 points), half a piece of cheese (1) and two turkey bacon (1) for a yummy and very filling breakfast. I have a snack of 1 or 2 cups of fruit, or a 1 point yogurt or fiber one bar. For lunch, something like a veggie burger with 2 cups of veggies or a soup with the same veggies. Another snack and dinner but much less than usual.
It is just different. I can't explain it. I can't deny I wished it would have happened years ago, but it has happened and I think it will continue. I hope!
Heat
I know I shouldn't complain because we have had a really cool summer (so far). Everywhere else is hot but it has been really nice here. It has been heating up a bit here and there. I am hoping it doesn't last. I am ever so happy we decided to put in air conditioning about 7 years ago. Now, for some reason, our house doesn't get really cold but it is WAY better than outside. I think it might be because our house gets sun all day. We don't really have any trees blocking the sun so that probably adds to it.
It seems to be going back and forth. Hot, less hot. Today it is supposed to be 87. 87 is no big deal IF that is all it is.
Washed Cucs so she could come in and enjoy the ac. She is almost 10 and pretty furry. Nacho on the other hand is always cold no matter how hot it is outside. Crazy dog!
It seems to be going back and forth. Hot, less hot. Today it is supposed to be 87. 87 is no big deal IF that is all it is.
Washed Cucs so she could come in and enjoy the ac. She is almost 10 and pretty furry. Nacho on the other hand is always cold no matter how hot it is outside. Crazy dog!
Thursday, August 19, 2010
Saturday, August 07, 2010
Last Day in San Francisco
We took our time waking up and getting ready. Packed all our stuff away and made sure the room was picked up. I had a cooler at 11am. I am sure I have never done that before.
We left our bags at the hotel and walked to
Lefty O'Doul's for a yummy lunch. I had corned beef and cabbage, Siobhan had mac and cheese (of course!), Diego had pasta with meat balls and Eric had ribs. Yummy! Included were rolls and a salad for everyone but Eric.
From there we took a cab to the Exploratorium where I used gift passes I have from at least 12 years ago. We spent a few hours in there. I think it might be better for kids a bit older but they had fun just the same.
Our cab driver took us by the house (or really the mansion) of Danielle Steel
You could not see it so well as there are trees all around but it is HUGE. There were at least 5 cars in the drive. Not one VW there, damn it. I told Eric, I need to stop buying her books, she has enough money!
We picked up our bags and walked to the BART. Our next stop, the airport.
We arrived early. Wanted to make up for our mistake in Long Beach, where we arrived with not a minute to spare. We had lunch and found a place to sit. Our flight info wasn't listed yet as it was still early. Ahh, there it is. We moved to where we would catch our flight. Streaming Charlie Brown Netflix on Eric's iPad 3g because there is NO wi-fi at the San Francisco airport! Waiting. Our flight is delayed! What?! From 7:55pm to 9pm. Oh great and no wi-fi. I enjoyed a very, very good mocha. Can't remember the last time I had one. Finally, we are on the plane and headed for home.
It was a great trip. If you ask the kids what they liked best, they say the hotel. And everything else. Why? What is it about a hotel? I don't know but I enjoy them too. If I were insanely wealthy I might live in one. ha ha
We left our bags at the hotel and walked to
Lefty O'Doul's for a yummy lunch. I had corned beef and cabbage, Siobhan had mac and cheese (of course!), Diego had pasta with meat balls and Eric had ribs. Yummy! Included were rolls and a salad for everyone but Eric.
From there we took a cab to the Exploratorium where I used gift passes I have from at least 12 years ago. We spent a few hours in there. I think it might be better for kids a bit older but they had fun just the same.
Our cab driver took us by the house (or really the mansion) of Danielle Steel
You could not see it so well as there are trees all around but it is HUGE. There were at least 5 cars in the drive. Not one VW there, damn it. I told Eric, I need to stop buying her books, she has enough money!We picked up our bags and walked to the BART. Our next stop, the airport.
We arrived early. Wanted to make up for our mistake in Long Beach, where we arrived with not a minute to spare. We had lunch and found a place to sit. Our flight info wasn't listed yet as it was still early. Ahh, there it is. We moved to where we would catch our flight. Streaming Charlie Brown Netflix on Eric's iPad 3g because there is NO wi-fi at the San Francisco airport! Waiting. Our flight is delayed! What?! From 7:55pm to 9pm. Oh great and no wi-fi. I enjoyed a very, very good mocha. Can't remember the last time I had one. Finally, we are on the plane and headed for home.
It was a great trip. If you ask the kids what they liked best, they say the hotel. And everything else. Why? What is it about a hotel? I don't know but I enjoy them too. If I were insanely wealthy I might live in one. ha ha
Wednesday, August 04, 2010
Day two SF
Set the alarm for 8am so we could make it in time for the free breakfast at the hotel. After filling our bellies we walked to the cable cars. The wait was about 30-45 minutes. I managed to buy a couple of newspapers from the homeless guy which was cool because we had thought maybe they stopped because we hadn't seen anyone selling them.
Kids enjoyed the cable cars but to be honest they we so full, even though we were on the outside they could hardly see. We took it Fisherman's Wharf. We got the yummy clam chowder bread bowls and ate them without getting attacked by birds.
We went to the Musèemècamique. There were lots of old coin machines. I was laughing at the old xxx one's with girls in bathing suits. Haha. We spent quite a bit of time in there.
We walked down to Pier 39. We used the outside self cleaning bathrooms. We watched the Sea Lions for a while. One had a big chunk of skin missing, poor baby. Siobhan went on a bungee trampoline and even did a few flips.
We ate an early dinner at an Italian restaurant, where Siobhan finally stopped crying that her belly hurt. We managed (finally) to find a taxi back to the hotel. But first he drove us down Lombard street.
Kids enjoyed the cable cars but to be honest they we so full, even though we were on the outside they could hardly see. We took it Fisherman's Wharf. We got the yummy clam chowder bread bowls and ate them without getting attacked by birds.
We went to the Musèemècamique. There were lots of old coin machines. I was laughing at the old xxx one's with girls in bathing suits. Haha. We spent quite a bit of time in there.
We walked down to Pier 39. We used the outside self cleaning bathrooms. We watched the Sea Lions for a while. One had a big chunk of skin missing, poor baby. Siobhan went on a bungee trampoline and even did a few flips.
We ate an early dinner at an Italian restaurant, where Siobhan finally stopped crying that her belly hurt. We managed (finally) to find a taxi back to the hotel. But first he drove us down Lombard street.
Tuesday, August 03, 2010
Day 1 San francisco
We had to get up at 5 am! Yikes. I was surprised at how quickly the kids woke up. We left the house a little late so we didn't stop for breakfast at McDonalds like we planned. We made really good time but had to wait a bit for the parking shuttle. Some lady started talking to us, practically learned our whole life story in ten minutes. We checked in, rushed through security and literally ran (okay walked very quickly) to the airplane. I am glad Jet Blue allows you to reserve you seats because otherwise we would have been all over the plane.
The plane ride was nice. Diego was really excited and loved watching cartoons. Siobhan had fun too. Diego was excited about the sun shade. Haha
We took the BART into the city. The kids got a kick of standing up while it was going fast. We had to walk a bit to our hotel. Up a lot of hills good times, ha ha. We found our hotel but it was only 10am we left our bags and went to Lefty O'douls where we had breakfast I have eaten there many times but never for breakfast, it was good.
From there went went to Union Square. We looked at some art and took a few pictures. We walked over to China Town. Shopping Heaven! Picked up something small for the girls at work. Diego got some little gold birds that chirps in the light. Thank goodness that stops in the dark. Siobhan picked out a parisol and I got a little solar dancing pig/dog thing. We also went into Old Saint Mary's Cathedral Church. I have been there so many times. We lit a candle for Eric's grandparents, my dad and I said a special prayer for my friend Melissa who just lost her Dad.
We took a cab back to the hotel because our feet were starting to hurt. We checked in. Our hotel is so cute. It is the Mayflower Hotel. Our room is cute. I am hoping to post photos later. They have a little computer area where the have books and a totally comfy couch too. Siobhan found a couple of books to read.
There is a store next door where we got some water, bananas, string cheese and other snacks. Later we are going to the Apple store (of course) and to get some yummy pizza! Great trip so far.
I want to say a special thanks to Carol (Nana) for staying at our house and taking care of the dogs for us, much less to worry about.
Tomorrow, the wharf!
The plane ride was nice. Diego was really excited and loved watching cartoons. Siobhan had fun too. Diego was excited about the sun shade. Haha
We took the BART into the city. The kids got a kick of standing up while it was going fast. We had to walk a bit to our hotel. Up a lot of hills good times, ha ha. We found our hotel but it was only 10am we left our bags and went to Lefty O'douls where we had breakfast I have eaten there many times but never for breakfast, it was good.
From there went went to Union Square. We looked at some art and took a few pictures. We walked over to China Town. Shopping Heaven! Picked up something small for the girls at work. Diego got some little gold birds that chirps in the light. Thank goodness that stops in the dark. Siobhan picked out a parisol and I got a little solar dancing pig/dog thing. We also went into Old Saint Mary's Cathedral Church. I have been there so many times. We lit a candle for Eric's grandparents, my dad and I said a special prayer for my friend Melissa who just lost her Dad.
We took a cab back to the hotel because our feet were starting to hurt. We checked in. Our hotel is so cute. It is the Mayflower Hotel. Our room is cute. I am hoping to post photos later. They have a little computer area where the have books and a totally comfy couch too. Siobhan found a couple of books to read.
There is a store next door where we got some water, bananas, string cheese and other snacks. Later we are going to the Apple store (of course) and to get some yummy pizza! Great trip so far.
I want to say a special thanks to Carol (Nana) for staying at our house and taking care of the dogs for us, much less to worry about.
Tomorrow, the wharf!
Monday, August 02, 2010
Yikes, pull over!
Well the LA Galaxy lost last night. They lost badly, very badly.
On the way to the fwy, "hmm, what's that noise?" " Do you hear that?" weird noise, got a bit louder than stopped.
Driving still, Eric said "Are your brakes okay", me "yes, but..crap, the steering, I can't really turn the wheel". At my attempt to get off the fwy, I managed to get on yet another one. I pull over on the fwy as a bit of steam comes from the engine. Turned the car off.
What are we going to do? Who do we call? We are in Long Beach and we don't know if Archie's serves that area. Oh, behind us pulls up the Hi-way Patrol tow truck. WOW. What amazing timing. Okay, we think, we can have it towed to the mechanic but how do we get from there to home? I call everyone in my phone. My mom (phone's off), Katie (phone's off), Linda (left message), Priscilla (left message), John (wrong number), thinking Sandee and Cheryl are on vacation, Julie is in the hospital with the new baby, what about Kevin. I couldn't seem to dial correctly so I called Eddie to get John's number when I finally get Kevin. Kevin will help. Kevin will pick us up.
The tow truck guy says they don't charge by milage but by the hour. Great, let's keep it under an hour. He actually offers to drive us home too. Called Kevin, thanks though! Drop off the car by the machanic (Joe), crap the car is locked. FUDGE (keeping it clean people) The tow truck guy gets them out and I think the battery is going because the headlights and flashers have been on all this time. FUDGE. Whatever, let's just get home.
We get to our house, where Siobhan who has been crying on and off, really has to go to the bathroom. Tow truck guy calls it in, well they charge by the hour BUT it is point to point. He has been with us less than an hour but he isn't back in his area yet, the dispacher tells him. CRAP. MOTHER CRAPPER. Whatever, nothing we can do about it now. Wishing we had AAA but glad we have State Farm's roadside assistace. We have to pay for it but we get reimbursed. Thankfully. The tow came to $172.50. Real nice.
Had to get up bright and early this morning to take those recovered keys to Joe so he could fix it and I could tell him what happened. Wasn't I JUST there, two/three weeks ago. Argh
But I am happy, we are all okay. Siobhan was a bit shook up. Today I was just getting ready to go to our State Farm agent and drop off my reciept when she called (WOW). She said just e-mail it to me. Super. Saved me a trip. Again, reminding myself, at least it wasn't worse. It could have been so much worse.
On the way to the fwy, "hmm, what's that noise?" " Do you hear that?" weird noise, got a bit louder than stopped.
Driving still, Eric said "Are your brakes okay", me "yes, but..crap, the steering, I can't really turn the wheel". At my attempt to get off the fwy, I managed to get on yet another one. I pull over on the fwy as a bit of steam comes from the engine. Turned the car off.
What are we going to do? Who do we call? We are in Long Beach and we don't know if Archie's serves that area. Oh, behind us pulls up the Hi-way Patrol tow truck. WOW. What amazing timing. Okay, we think, we can have it towed to the mechanic but how do we get from there to home? I call everyone in my phone. My mom (phone's off), Katie (phone's off), Linda (left message), Priscilla (left message), John (wrong number), thinking Sandee and Cheryl are on vacation, Julie is in the hospital with the new baby, what about Kevin. I couldn't seem to dial correctly so I called Eddie to get John's number when I finally get Kevin. Kevin will help. Kevin will pick us up.
The tow truck guy says they don't charge by milage but by the hour. Great, let's keep it under an hour. He actually offers to drive us home too. Called Kevin, thanks though! Drop off the car by the machanic (Joe), crap the car is locked. FUDGE (keeping it clean people) The tow truck guy gets them out and I think the battery is going because the headlights and flashers have been on all this time. FUDGE. Whatever, let's just get home.
We get to our house, where Siobhan who has been crying on and off, really has to go to the bathroom. Tow truck guy calls it in, well they charge by the hour BUT it is point to point. He has been with us less than an hour but he isn't back in his area yet, the dispacher tells him. CRAP. MOTHER CRAPPER. Whatever, nothing we can do about it now. Wishing we had AAA but glad we have State Farm's roadside assistace. We have to pay for it but we get reimbursed. Thankfully. The tow came to $172.50. Real nice.
Had to get up bright and early this morning to take those recovered keys to Joe so he could fix it and I could tell him what happened. Wasn't I JUST there, two/three weeks ago. Argh
But I am happy, we are all okay. Siobhan was a bit shook up. Today I was just getting ready to go to our State Farm agent and drop off my reciept when she called (WOW). She said just e-mail it to me. Super. Saved me a trip. Again, reminding myself, at least it wasn't worse. It could have been so much worse.
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