Let me just be totally candid here. Sometimes other people just suck. There's no real reason why...they just do. Maybe the reason is some underlying cause that I don't know about, but maybe they just...well...suck.
I can be a pretty tolerant person. It doesn't happen often, but on the rare occasion, I can put up with a lot of stuff. I write it off as stress or ignorance or having a bad day, and make excuse after excuse. It never goes well, and all it does is leave me with a bad taste in my mouth and the resolve to never let it happen again. And it doesn't...
Until it does. Again. Without fail.
I don't get people who flake. It makes me crazy. Do I want to flake sometimes? Hell yes I do. But do I? No. If I DO have to flake on something, I feel really bad about it, and probably go a little too overboard on the apologies. Also, excuses. I make sure my excuses are probably entirely TMI, but I want people to be sure there is no question in their minds that I have done absolutely everything in my power to not flake. It miiiiiiiiiiiiight be overkill, but if you've met me, you're probably not surprised.
Also, while we're on the topic...and (for the record) I don't really think we are...why do I let the flakes get to me? Why can I not give them the benefit of the doubt and realize that, just as life happens in a big way in my household, it can also have that kind of an impact in another's household?
Because I've been burned way too many times, that's why.
Today, the hardest humans I've had to deal with are my children. This is also not breaking news, but it might surprise you to hear that it is NOT my teen that is giving me the issues (today, at least...tomorrow is a whole 'nother ballgame), but the "tween" instead. There's no rhyme or reason for it. He's been "off" for a few months since he's been ill and recovering, but he has kind of moved past recovery mode and morphed into a person I don't even know. And when his dad came to pick him up tonight (after he'd been at my house for approximately 4 hours during what's supposed to be my week), I looked him in the eye and said, "B, I love you always, no matter what, but sometimes liking you and your actions is really hard, and this is one of those times. We always love each other because we're family, but we don't always have to like what each other does. I know you don't always like what I do or say, and you know I don't always like what you do or say, but I always love you. Right now, though? It's really hard to like this kind of behavior."
That pretty much sums it up. Add a few more people, varying levels of closeness, and a killer cold that's left me hacking nonstop without a voice, and you've got a pretty fancy (and exhausting) trifecta.
Which will be awesome while I'm chaperoning the 4th graders tomorrow on their field trip.
Sigh. Hack. Sniffle.
Aubs
Tuesday, May 17, 2016
Sunday, May 15, 2016
Underwhelming Weekend (AKA This is a Boring Post)
I'm officially finished with my BS in Integrative Studies. I think. My English prof hasn't posted final grades, and that's the one class I'm the most worried about because I have no clue how I did on the final. And since it's 25% of my grade, I'm stressing out about it. I couldn't even enjoy the fact that yesterday was my graduation day. Granted, I didn't attend; N was supposed to be in Grapevine, playing in a baseball tournament...one that was scrapped because of a combination of a storm that blew through in the morning and the threat for more rain today. I have yet to see any, but most of my blinds are closed because I'm a social recluse.
Anyway, I mentioned I was exempt from one final, but there were two other finals that were, um, finalized, by last Sunday. For one final, I needed a 37.5 to maintain my A, and I got an 87.5, so that one was in the bag. (If you're keeping track, that's two As) The other online final was the one that scared me a little bit because I needed a 92 and a perfect score on my final discussion board. I figured she would be lenient on the discussion board (It was a "What was the most interesting thing you learned from this class" discussion...in case you were wondering, I am now fascinated by cults.), so I was really only worried about the final. So when I got an 84, I was bummed because I realized I would miss the A cutoff by approximately 2 points. I anxiously held my breath for two days until she sent out an email saying she was adding 6 points to the final, comfortably securing my A.
Three As toward my quest of ending my semester/bachelors with a 4.0.
And then there's Karen. Now, to be fair, I adore her. She is passionate about her career and truly enjoys her students and our discussions. She does not, however, grade in a timely manner. I would think (and clearly I'm wrong on this) that she would make sure she updated the gradebook for the graduating Seniors in her classes (there were six in our class) so we might know if we are, in fact, graduating on Saturday. Now it's Sunday, and I still don't know how I did in her class. I need a 47 to pass her class with a C, but I don't want a C. Not even a little bit. The final was hard. There were entirely too many stories that were considered "fair game," and I answered at least three questions with "I honestly don't even remember this story OR seeing it on the syllabus." because she should know. It is just too much. All of the short stories were deceptively long, and although some of the questions were very cut and dry, there were a lot of opinion questions. How can you grade someone based on their opinion? What if my opinion vastly differs from her opinion? It's been stressing me the hell out for almost a week. And as of 2:45 PM on Sunday afternoon, I STILL don't have a grade. Grades are due tomorrow, but man...it sure would be nice to know if I need to have a discussion with her prior to the final grades being...well, FINAL.
The major upside of my weekend was Friday. I spent the afternoon with my mom, and we had a total girls' day! I met her at work, then we dropped off my car at her apartment before we took off to Houston's for lunch. Their salads are AMAZING, and so is their cheese toast. I'm drooling. After that, we took off for IKEA, where we didn't really need anything (aside from ideas), but managed to find some dish towels and table runners and bathroom mats that we clearly couldn't live without. We also totally redesigned my living room in our heads about 8 different times, and ALMOST scored a new slipcover for my couch in the "AS IS" section. Alas, it was for a loveseat instead. BUMMER. I've decided to recover my couch in gray (because it is my favorite comfy, cozy color), and I'd love to get the matching loveseat in a stripe because I love stripes. And then...a new chair (also in gray) followed by a couple of storage ottomans to replace the bench that currently acts as my coffee table. It will be amazing when it's done, and it will be done...eventually. Maybe. I hope. The only downside about IKEA is putting the stuff together. I don't know if you know this about me, but I only pretend to be handy. I am slightly more handy than I come across, but only slightly. Just never ask me to do anything like rewire a dryer because I almost electrocuted myself (and my dad) last time I tried that. I lost track of the ground wire. It wasn't my fault! (Okay, it was totally my fault. Hush)
Anyway, after IKEA, we went to pick up N from school and dropped him at home. Then we hit Starbucks and spent an hour at Old Navy buying all the things. We ended our day with pedicures (She chose "Kiss My Tulips" and I chose "Flip Flops and Crop Tops") and burgers from Deliman's, one of which we took home to the hungry, hungry teen. I had to go back to her house to get my car, so we hung out for a few more minutes, and made plans to go to Nebraska Furniture Mart if the aforementioned tournament was cancelled.
I think we jinxed it. Also, Friday felt a lot like Saturday and Saturday felt a lot like Sunday, but since Tuesday felt like Wednesday, and I spent all day thinking Thursday was Wednesday, this is not news. My week is all kinds of messed up.
Saturday, we headed to NFM, and when we walked in, we found the PERFECT cushions for my chairs on my back deck...only they didn't come in chair cushions. Just benches. Curse you, NFM! My mom was overwhelmed, but we did find a few couches she likes, so all was not lost. Also, the rainbow wall of Kitchen-Aid mixers is a total cure-all for anything that ails you. It's just peaceful. We swung by World Market (after missing our exit), and sampled a really good Pinot Grigio whose name I can't remember, and hard Cherry Cola. Oh my gosh, y'all. It was AMAZING. I can't keep it at home because "they" would drink it and not even know there was alcohol in it. Seriously. That good. When I finally got back home, I took a nap and woke up sounding like a chain smoker. It went downhill from there. N suggested Chinese food to celebrate my graduation day (well played, kid), so I croaked the order to the sweet man who doesn't speak English with minimal communication issues.
Graduation: I'm a grownup, and I know it's really not a big deal in the grand scheme of things, but it is a huge accomplishment as a single parent...I think. Or maybe it's not that big of a deal at all, but I worked hard to keep my GPA up to graduate (maybe) magna cum laude. And so it kind of stung when absolutely NOBODY (aside from my mom...and even then, I suggested the idea of a girl's day) said anything about it. Maybe it's because I didn't walk. Maybe it's because I downplayed it. Maybe it's really not that big of a deal. But it was a very underwhelming reaction to something I thought was a thing. I guess I'm in the minority here.
Bummer.
Aubs
Anyway, I mentioned I was exempt from one final, but there were two other finals that were, um, finalized, by last Sunday. For one final, I needed a 37.5 to maintain my A, and I got an 87.5, so that one was in the bag. (If you're keeping track, that's two As) The other online final was the one that scared me a little bit because I needed a 92 and a perfect score on my final discussion board. I figured she would be lenient on the discussion board (It was a "What was the most interesting thing you learned from this class" discussion...in case you were wondering, I am now fascinated by cults.), so I was really only worried about the final. So when I got an 84, I was bummed because I realized I would miss the A cutoff by approximately 2 points. I anxiously held my breath for two days until she sent out an email saying she was adding 6 points to the final, comfortably securing my A.
Three As toward my quest of ending my semester/bachelors with a 4.0.
And then there's Karen. Now, to be fair, I adore her. She is passionate about her career and truly enjoys her students and our discussions. She does not, however, grade in a timely manner. I would think (and clearly I'm wrong on this) that she would make sure she updated the gradebook for the graduating Seniors in her classes (there were six in our class) so we might know if we are, in fact, graduating on Saturday. Now it's Sunday, and I still don't know how I did in her class. I need a 47 to pass her class with a C, but I don't want a C. Not even a little bit. The final was hard. There were entirely too many stories that were considered "fair game," and I answered at least three questions with "I honestly don't even remember this story OR seeing it on the syllabus." because she should know. It is just too much. All of the short stories were deceptively long, and although some of the questions were very cut and dry, there were a lot of opinion questions. How can you grade someone based on their opinion? What if my opinion vastly differs from her opinion? It's been stressing me the hell out for almost a week. And as of 2:45 PM on Sunday afternoon, I STILL don't have a grade. Grades are due tomorrow, but man...it sure would be nice to know if I need to have a discussion with her prior to the final grades being...well, FINAL.
The major upside of my weekend was Friday. I spent the afternoon with my mom, and we had a total girls' day! I met her at work, then we dropped off my car at her apartment before we took off to Houston's for lunch. Their salads are AMAZING, and so is their cheese toast. I'm drooling. After that, we took off for IKEA, where we didn't really need anything (aside from ideas), but managed to find some dish towels and table runners and bathroom mats that we clearly couldn't live without. We also totally redesigned my living room in our heads about 8 different times, and ALMOST scored a new slipcover for my couch in the "AS IS" section. Alas, it was for a loveseat instead. BUMMER. I've decided to recover my couch in gray (because it is my favorite comfy, cozy color), and I'd love to get the matching loveseat in a stripe because I love stripes. And then...a new chair (also in gray) followed by a couple of storage ottomans to replace the bench that currently acts as my coffee table. It will be amazing when it's done, and it will be done...eventually. Maybe. I hope. The only downside about IKEA is putting the stuff together. I don't know if you know this about me, but I only pretend to be handy. I am slightly more handy than I come across, but only slightly. Just never ask me to do anything like rewire a dryer because I almost electrocuted myself (and my dad) last time I tried that. I lost track of the ground wire. It wasn't my fault! (Okay, it was totally my fault. Hush)
Anyway, after IKEA, we went to pick up N from school and dropped him at home. Then we hit Starbucks and spent an hour at Old Navy buying all the things. We ended our day with pedicures (She chose "Kiss My Tulips" and I chose "Flip Flops and Crop Tops") and burgers from Deliman's, one of which we took home to the hungry, hungry teen. I had to go back to her house to get my car, so we hung out for a few more minutes, and made plans to go to Nebraska Furniture Mart if the aforementioned tournament was cancelled.
I think we jinxed it. Also, Friday felt a lot like Saturday and Saturday felt a lot like Sunday, but since Tuesday felt like Wednesday, and I spent all day thinking Thursday was Wednesday, this is not news. My week is all kinds of messed up.
Saturday, we headed to NFM, and when we walked in, we found the PERFECT cushions for my chairs on my back deck...only they didn't come in chair cushions. Just benches. Curse you, NFM! My mom was overwhelmed, but we did find a few couches she likes, so all was not lost. Also, the rainbow wall of Kitchen-Aid mixers is a total cure-all for anything that ails you. It's just peaceful. We swung by World Market (after missing our exit), and sampled a really good Pinot Grigio whose name I can't remember, and hard Cherry Cola. Oh my gosh, y'all. It was AMAZING. I can't keep it at home because "they" would drink it and not even know there was alcohol in it. Seriously. That good. When I finally got back home, I took a nap and woke up sounding like a chain smoker. It went downhill from there. N suggested Chinese food to celebrate my graduation day (well played, kid), so I croaked the order to the sweet man who doesn't speak English with minimal communication issues.
Graduation: I'm a grownup, and I know it's really not a big deal in the grand scheme of things, but it is a huge accomplishment as a single parent...I think. Or maybe it's not that big of a deal at all, but I worked hard to keep my GPA up to graduate (maybe) magna cum laude. And so it kind of stung when absolutely NOBODY (aside from my mom...and even then, I suggested the idea of a girl's day) said anything about it. Maybe it's because I didn't walk. Maybe it's because I downplayed it. Maybe it's really not that big of a deal. But it was a very underwhelming reaction to something I thought was a thing. I guess I'm in the minority here.
Bummer.
Aubs
Sunday, May 1, 2016
Weekend Wrap-Up
This has been quite the weekend.
Side note: I have "Good Will Hunting" going in the background because I haven't actually watched it in I don't know how long. I just looked up and saw Ben Affleck...who looks like he's roughly 12. Weird. I wonder if he kisses his mother with that mouth. Man, he does the Boston accent well. And if he looks 12, Matt Damon looks about 10. Wow. Anyway. Moving on.
Friday, my garage door came off the track while my car was in the garage. That would be problematic anytime, but it happened when I was getting ready to leave to go get N from detention. So, in a bit of a panic, I picked up the phone to call my knight in shining aluminum foil, but then I remembered that he wasn't around. I called my dad, but he sent me to voicemail (Thanks, Dad). I called my big sister to see if I could borrow her husband, and when she asked what I needed him for and heard my explanation, she said, "You don't need Sean. You need Emily. Emily fixes the things." So, I did the whole manual thing and got my car out, then went to pick up the kid. When I returned, Ems was sitting in my living room, and she walked me through how to fix it. Then it started to storm, so she stuck around for a while and we set up an NES...only to discover (much later...like Saturday night) that Duck Hunt doesn't work on HD tvs. Bummer.
Saturday, N had practice, and I had stuff to clean up around the house, but my mom called late that afternoon to see if I wanted to go to At Home (Garden Ridge) and Olive Garden. Um. Duh. So, we went and found so many things that were fun and interesting and totally practical. Then we went to Olive Garden and ate all the food and made our waiter's day by using his name and acknowledging that he was, in fact, a person. And then, with 20 minutes until Bed, Bath & Beyond closed, we made a beeline for the front doors to cross a couple more things off of her list. We walked out right at 9:00.
Sunday, I woke up to find I had a bit of a flat, thanks to a screw. I was able to get it patched well enough to make it to my best girl's baptism this morning. It was so precious to see her surrounded by her family and friend, all celebrating her decision to walk with Jesus. She is so loved. I'd be lying if I said I didn't burst into tears at least 3 or 4 times during her testimony, the prayer her father prayed over her, the image of her mom and dad praying over her before they baptized her, and seeing her emerge from the pool, washed clean. Of course, I almost burst into tears when she and her little brother saw me across the playscape, too. They're little sister was too busy being loved on by other family members, but I FINALLY got to meet Cookie, their sweet grandmother. We're Facebook friends, but we always just miss each other when she and Dandy come to town to visit!
Afterward, I went over to my mom's to help her finish the last trip from her house to her apartment. She cleaned out the fridge while I packed up the remaining things in the garage. Then I came home and ate the rest of my Olive Garden and watched the Stars and the Rangers disappoint...one right after the other. I might've drifted off to sleep briefly, too, but was awakened by my phone buzzing ON. MY. FACE. How did it get there?! I have no idea.
So, while the weekend wasn't crazy busy, it was still pretty busy. And it is nothing compared to next weekend because our tournament season starts on the 7th...you know, Mother's Day weekend. I'm one of those moms who will be thrilled to spend Mother's Day at the ball fields, but I know it isn't everyone's cup of tea. I just wish my cup of tea wasn't in dang Grand Prairie! Still, I'm excited to see all of these tournament weekends popping up...this is what I live for!
We're down to one calendar page of school days, and I have less than 2 weeks until I'm officially finished with my undergrad. My calendar is so full of scribbles, and I'm determined that my next set of pages will be written neatly and carefully.
I'm also full of it. Because messy is just par for the course around here.
Aubs
Side note: I have "Good Will Hunting" going in the background because I haven't actually watched it in I don't know how long. I just looked up and saw Ben Affleck...who looks like he's roughly 12. Weird. I wonder if he kisses his mother with that mouth. Man, he does the Boston accent well. And if he looks 12, Matt Damon looks about 10. Wow. Anyway. Moving on.
Friday, my garage door came off the track while my car was in the garage. That would be problematic anytime, but it happened when I was getting ready to leave to go get N from detention. So, in a bit of a panic, I picked up the phone to call my knight in shining aluminum foil, but then I remembered that he wasn't around. I called my dad, but he sent me to voicemail (Thanks, Dad). I called my big sister to see if I could borrow her husband, and when she asked what I needed him for and heard my explanation, she said, "You don't need Sean. You need Emily. Emily fixes the things." So, I did the whole manual thing and got my car out, then went to pick up the kid. When I returned, Ems was sitting in my living room, and she walked me through how to fix it. Then it started to storm, so she stuck around for a while and we set up an NES...only to discover (much later...like Saturday night) that Duck Hunt doesn't work on HD tvs. Bummer.
Saturday, N had practice, and I had stuff to clean up around the house, but my mom called late that afternoon to see if I wanted to go to At Home (Garden Ridge) and Olive Garden. Um. Duh. So, we went and found so many things that were fun and interesting and totally practical. Then we went to Olive Garden and ate all the food and made our waiter's day by using his name and acknowledging that he was, in fact, a person. And then, with 20 minutes until Bed, Bath & Beyond closed, we made a beeline for the front doors to cross a couple more things off of her list. We walked out right at 9:00.
Sunday, I woke up to find I had a bit of a flat, thanks to a screw. I was able to get it patched well enough to make it to my best girl's baptism this morning. It was so precious to see her surrounded by her family and friend, all celebrating her decision to walk with Jesus. She is so loved. I'd be lying if I said I didn't burst into tears at least 3 or 4 times during her testimony, the prayer her father prayed over her, the image of her mom and dad praying over her before they baptized her, and seeing her emerge from the pool, washed clean. Of course, I almost burst into tears when she and her little brother saw me across the playscape, too. They're little sister was too busy being loved on by other family members, but I FINALLY got to meet Cookie, their sweet grandmother. We're Facebook friends, but we always just miss each other when she and Dandy come to town to visit!
Afterward, I went over to my mom's to help her finish the last trip from her house to her apartment. She cleaned out the fridge while I packed up the remaining things in the garage. Then I came home and ate the rest of my Olive Garden and watched the Stars and the Rangers disappoint...one right after the other. I might've drifted off to sleep briefly, too, but was awakened by my phone buzzing ON. MY. FACE. How did it get there?! I have no idea.
So, while the weekend wasn't crazy busy, it was still pretty busy. And it is nothing compared to next weekend because our tournament season starts on the 7th...you know, Mother's Day weekend. I'm one of those moms who will be thrilled to spend Mother's Day at the ball fields, but I know it isn't everyone's cup of tea. I just wish my cup of tea wasn't in dang Grand Prairie! Still, I'm excited to see all of these tournament weekends popping up...this is what I live for!
We're down to one calendar page of school days, and I have less than 2 weeks until I'm officially finished with my undergrad. My calendar is so full of scribbles, and I'm determined that my next set of pages will be written neatly and carefully.
I'm also full of it. Because messy is just par for the course around here.
Aubs
Thursday, April 28, 2016
The Last Few Months...On Fast Forward
It's been so busy around here, and there have been approximately 6,000 times where I've thought, "Man! That would make a great blog post!" or "I totally need to blog about that." or even "I have to document this because nobody will believe this!" BUT, life just kind of happens sometimes, and it gets pushed to the deepest corners of my mind, and then it's April and I have nothing documented and feel like an utter failure at life.
Not to get too dramatic or anything.
Also, insert eye roll here.
Despite a six week hiatus from school for B and me (L.O.N.G. story), this semester has really flown by, and I find myself counting down the days until May 14 when I will graduate magna cum laude. Yes, you read that correctly. It's been quite the journey, but despite all of the plot twists, I've managed to keep my gpa high and I'm on track to finish this semester with another 4.0, even after missing all of February and most of March. Please note that I am by no means a superhero...I just have some truly amazing professors who have brought me to tears on multiple occasions with their kindness and understanding. I will miss them after this semester comes to a close, but I have a distinct feeling I will remain in contact with at least one of them...for life. She's just that awesome!
I'm also gearing up to start a short grad-level program to get my teaching certification. I could start as early as this summer, but it will more than likely be in the fall, so I can prepare for it...and so I can spend some time with the boys this summer. The first half of the summer will be all about baseball, and then B is supposed to go on a cruise with his dad and stepmom. When they return, my plan is to take a road trip with both of the boys. Right now, I'm kind of digging the St. Louis/Kansas City loop, going up through Arkansas and Missouri and returning home through Kansas and Oklahoma. I'm not sure if they'll be on board, but N and I ended up having a really great time on our road trip over spring break.
We went to Little Rock to tour the USS Razorback, and we drove past Central High School and discussed integration and how brave those students must have been. He slept through Tennessee (both times) on our way to Bowling Green, where we visited the Corvette Museum and a random park that had some awesome planes on display. Then we hopped over to Louisville where we went to the Louisville Slugger Museum and Factory and the Frazier History Museum. It was nerdy and awesome and some really good memories...just the two of us. We googled our way through each city, finding the best place to get a burger or the best diner or the best _______. His choices were always awesome, and mine? Well...let's just say he was the one who picked the vast majority of the time, especially after the failure of dinner in Bowling Green. We got back to Dallas just in time for a baseball tournament, a lot of cold/windy weather, and a terrible cold that knocked me on my butt for a couple of weeks.
At the beginning of April, I decided I needed to take no prisoners for the remainder of the school year, so I jumped right back into the chaotic mess we call life, and here we are. Now it's the end of April (which is bizarre because I swear it was April 6 yesterday), and I have 4.5 assignments standing between me and graduation day. That's it. And, in case you're wondering, no, I will not be attending my graduation ceremony. N has a baseball tournament that weekend, and there's nowhere else I'd rather be.
For all of February and about half of March, B and I were attached at the hip. We did a 5 day hospital stay together, and then we got to hang out at home, not doing much, but getting lots of quality time together. We watched movies and started a tradition of watching NCIS and NCIS: New Orleans together (there are several episodes waiting for us upon his return from his dad's), and we played a few games. He slept a LOT and I drank a LOT of coffee. The great news is he's on the mend, and he's managed to stay caught up in school (because he's a rockstar), so there aren't any issues with his excessive absences. I think we're up to 36 or so for the school year. YIKES! He's in good spirits, ready to be back to normal without any restrictions, but with the extended viral illness season, it takes practically NOTHING to knock him back down. He's finally off of steroids, so that does help a lot...but he's pretty self-conscious about the pounds he packed on when he was ravenous all.the.time. Still, I'm starting to see glimpses of my sweet B more often than not, and that makes my heart so happy.
You'll be so surprised to hear this (insert another big eye roll here), but I'm still single. I know, y'all. I'm pretty sure I've forgotten how to be in a relationship by now. I'm a lot more open to it now, and infinitely more than I was a year ago, but I'm still cautious. I might even have a prospect or two, but you know me...if it's not complicated, it's not an option. I'm still trying to learn how to embrace simplicity. Seriously, though...I have spent some time with a really good and decent man lately. Just time. No dates, no funny business...just time. We talk and we text and we talk in person and just hang out. And I have to say that it's been pretty dang awesome. Will it go anywhere? I don't know, but if it did...well, that would be an adventure, and I think it's high time we have some adventure around here!
Meanwhile, there are not enough days where my teams are playing all.the.sports. There aren't any games that I'm invested in tonight, and it's put me in a weird kind of funk. Yes, you read that correctly. There aren't any baseball or hockey games on that interest me, and I couldn't care less about the NFL draft. I AM excited that there will be a weekend packed full of hockey playoffs and regular season baseball. It'll give me something to talk to the classes I'm teaching for a friend on Monday.
I never thought I'd say this, but y'all? I love middle school.
Aubs
Not to get too dramatic or anything.
Also, insert eye roll here.
Despite a six week hiatus from school for B and me (L.O.N.G. story), this semester has really flown by, and I find myself counting down the days until May 14 when I will graduate magna cum laude. Yes, you read that correctly. It's been quite the journey, but despite all of the plot twists, I've managed to keep my gpa high and I'm on track to finish this semester with another 4.0, even after missing all of February and most of March. Please note that I am by no means a superhero...I just have some truly amazing professors who have brought me to tears on multiple occasions with their kindness and understanding. I will miss them after this semester comes to a close, but I have a distinct feeling I will remain in contact with at least one of them...for life. She's just that awesome!
I'm also gearing up to start a short grad-level program to get my teaching certification. I could start as early as this summer, but it will more than likely be in the fall, so I can prepare for it...and so I can spend some time with the boys this summer. The first half of the summer will be all about baseball, and then B is supposed to go on a cruise with his dad and stepmom. When they return, my plan is to take a road trip with both of the boys. Right now, I'm kind of digging the St. Louis/Kansas City loop, going up through Arkansas and Missouri and returning home through Kansas and Oklahoma. I'm not sure if they'll be on board, but N and I ended up having a really great time on our road trip over spring break.
We went to Little Rock to tour the USS Razorback, and we drove past Central High School and discussed integration and how brave those students must have been. He slept through Tennessee (both times) on our way to Bowling Green, where we visited the Corvette Museum and a random park that had some awesome planes on display. Then we hopped over to Louisville where we went to the Louisville Slugger Museum and Factory and the Frazier History Museum. It was nerdy and awesome and some really good memories...just the two of us. We googled our way through each city, finding the best place to get a burger or the best diner or the best _______. His choices were always awesome, and mine? Well...let's just say he was the one who picked the vast majority of the time, especially after the failure of dinner in Bowling Green. We got back to Dallas just in time for a baseball tournament, a lot of cold/windy weather, and a terrible cold that knocked me on my butt for a couple of weeks.
At the beginning of April, I decided I needed to take no prisoners for the remainder of the school year, so I jumped right back into the chaotic mess we call life, and here we are. Now it's the end of April (which is bizarre because I swear it was April 6 yesterday), and I have 4.5 assignments standing between me and graduation day. That's it. And, in case you're wondering, no, I will not be attending my graduation ceremony. N has a baseball tournament that weekend, and there's nowhere else I'd rather be.
For all of February and about half of March, B and I were attached at the hip. We did a 5 day hospital stay together, and then we got to hang out at home, not doing much, but getting lots of quality time together. We watched movies and started a tradition of watching NCIS and NCIS: New Orleans together (there are several episodes waiting for us upon his return from his dad's), and we played a few games. He slept a LOT and I drank a LOT of coffee. The great news is he's on the mend, and he's managed to stay caught up in school (because he's a rockstar), so there aren't any issues with his excessive absences. I think we're up to 36 or so for the school year. YIKES! He's in good spirits, ready to be back to normal without any restrictions, but with the extended viral illness season, it takes practically NOTHING to knock him back down. He's finally off of steroids, so that does help a lot...but he's pretty self-conscious about the pounds he packed on when he was ravenous all.the.time. Still, I'm starting to see glimpses of my sweet B more often than not, and that makes my heart so happy.
You'll be so surprised to hear this (insert another big eye roll here), but I'm still single. I know, y'all. I'm pretty sure I've forgotten how to be in a relationship by now. I'm a lot more open to it now, and infinitely more than I was a year ago, but I'm still cautious. I might even have a prospect or two, but you know me...if it's not complicated, it's not an option. I'm still trying to learn how to embrace simplicity. Seriously, though...I have spent some time with a really good and decent man lately. Just time. No dates, no funny business...just time. We talk and we text and we talk in person and just hang out. And I have to say that it's been pretty dang awesome. Will it go anywhere? I don't know, but if it did...well, that would be an adventure, and I think it's high time we have some adventure around here!
Meanwhile, there are not enough days where my teams are playing all.the.sports. There aren't any games that I'm invested in tonight, and it's put me in a weird kind of funk. Yes, you read that correctly. There aren't any baseball or hockey games on that interest me, and I couldn't care less about the NFL draft. I AM excited that there will be a weekend packed full of hockey playoffs and regular season baseball. It'll give me something to talk to the classes I'm teaching for a friend on Monday.
I never thought I'd say this, but y'all? I love middle school.
Aubs
Thursday, December 17, 2015
Baby, I Wish It Was Cold Outside
I don't even know how it's already a week until Christmas. The last two weeks have flown by, and I'd like to have them back.
I'd prefer they be a little colder, too...because it's ridiculous that we have the windows open in December. I vote no. I want snow and cold and cozy nights by the fireplace.
I think a move to the Pacific Northwest is in order. Or South Dakota. I know I have a room there!
Christmas shopping finally began, but I'm not hurrying to wrap presents this year. I'm flying solo this year, as both of the boys will be with paternal family for Christmas. It's technically my year, but I've had several years in a row due to various illnesses that inevitably pop up prior to the holidays, so I've graciously offered to forgo my year so they can celebrate together. It's important to B, and that makes it important to me.
So, while they are opening presents and laughing and making memories, I will be by myself, watching Netflix and not wearing pants. It sounds like a dream come true...a dream that would only be better if the projected temperature on Christmas was NOT in the 70s. Because that sucks.
I've been at N's school a few times over the last week or so. I taught Art for one of N's former teachers, which was more fun than I expected even though I can't be artistic to save my life. My stick people are lopsided. They all live in a nudist colony because I can't draw clothes...but you know what I can do?
Color a mean coloring book. And paint by numbers? They're my jam.
This week, I ended up assisting in the special ed department at N's school. I was totally apprehensive because I had no idea what to expect. I was nervous, but spent two days bouncing from classroom to classroom, assisting in a variety of different ways, and I loved it. It was fun to work one on one with students, and it was so varied that the time flew by. This is midterm week at school, so it was nice to have an idea of what finals my kid was taking and when...because he couldn't claim he didn't know since I was there.
It also helped me to know how to help him review for the test he was nervous about. When he got in the car today, after taking his last midterm, he seemed pretty confident. It's something I love to see, but don't see very often.
Tomorrow is a shortened day. Instead of getting out of school at 3:20, N gets out at 1:45. B is out of school already...not because the elementary school gets out earlier than the other campuses, but because he has walking pneumonia.
Wait...what? Prior to Thanksgiving, B developed a respiratory infection. He never fully got over it, and struggling to overcome that, along with a little too much activity, has landed him in the bed rest/steroid zone the day before his school Christmas party.
Side note: I think people need to slow their roll on the whole "'Saying Merry Christmas' offends me" business. I told a cashier at Target "Merry Christmas" as I was leaving the register a couple of weeks ago, and a woman literally complained about how it offended her. I jumped up on my soapbox and gave her an earful (in a sweet voice, of course) about how I'm an American and I have the freedom of speech. When I finished, I got applause from the other people in line. And I took a bow.
And she was a little old lady in a Christmas sweater, for crying out loud!
I don't understand. Not even a little bit.
I will Merry Christmas myself silly, if that's what I want to do!
Aubs
I'd prefer they be a little colder, too...because it's ridiculous that we have the windows open in December. I vote no. I want snow and cold and cozy nights by the fireplace.
I think a move to the Pacific Northwest is in order. Or South Dakota. I know I have a room there!
Christmas shopping finally began, but I'm not hurrying to wrap presents this year. I'm flying solo this year, as both of the boys will be with paternal family for Christmas. It's technically my year, but I've had several years in a row due to various illnesses that inevitably pop up prior to the holidays, so I've graciously offered to forgo my year so they can celebrate together. It's important to B, and that makes it important to me.
So, while they are opening presents and laughing and making memories, I will be by myself, watching Netflix and not wearing pants. It sounds like a dream come true...a dream that would only be better if the projected temperature on Christmas was NOT in the 70s. Because that sucks.
I've been at N's school a few times over the last week or so. I taught Art for one of N's former teachers, which was more fun than I expected even though I can't be artistic to save my life. My stick people are lopsided. They all live in a nudist colony because I can't draw clothes...but you know what I can do?
Color a mean coloring book. And paint by numbers? They're my jam.
This week, I ended up assisting in the special ed department at N's school. I was totally apprehensive because I had no idea what to expect. I was nervous, but spent two days bouncing from classroom to classroom, assisting in a variety of different ways, and I loved it. It was fun to work one on one with students, and it was so varied that the time flew by. This is midterm week at school, so it was nice to have an idea of what finals my kid was taking and when...because he couldn't claim he didn't know since I was there.
It also helped me to know how to help him review for the test he was nervous about. When he got in the car today, after taking his last midterm, he seemed pretty confident. It's something I love to see, but don't see very often.
Tomorrow is a shortened day. Instead of getting out of school at 3:20, N gets out at 1:45. B is out of school already...not because the elementary school gets out earlier than the other campuses, but because he has walking pneumonia.
Wait...what? Prior to Thanksgiving, B developed a respiratory infection. He never fully got over it, and struggling to overcome that, along with a little too much activity, has landed him in the bed rest/steroid zone the day before his school Christmas party.
Side note: I think people need to slow their roll on the whole "'Saying Merry Christmas' offends me" business. I told a cashier at Target "Merry Christmas" as I was leaving the register a couple of weeks ago, and a woman literally complained about how it offended her. I jumped up on my soapbox and gave her an earful (in a sweet voice, of course) about how I'm an American and I have the freedom of speech. When I finished, I got applause from the other people in line. And I took a bow.
And she was a little old lady in a Christmas sweater, for crying out loud!
I don't understand. Not even a little bit.
I will Merry Christmas myself silly, if that's what I want to do!
Aubs
Sunday, December 6, 2015
Finals Week
Thankfully, I only have three finals to deal with this semester, since my precious local history professor decided to treat our class as a grad level class instead of a senior undergrad level class. That said, my only grades were two papers, attendance, and blog posts/discussion contribution...so, I totally nailed it and managed to receive all points possible.
The only class that I had any serious doubts about was my Sociology of Disasters class. It's not that the class isn't interesting, but there's a lot of reading that is sometimes less than interesting, which makes getting through it somewhat difficult. Going into my final I needed an 86 to get an A in the class...and her tests have always been a little more difficult than others. The wording of the questions is often off-putting or vague, and often they're open to interpretation, but you have to interpret them the way SHE interprets them. Also, on the final, there were several questions that were clearly opinion questions, so I'm anxious for the final to "close" so I can see how many of those I got wrong. I got an A on the final, which gives me a cushion and makes my A in the course absolute instead of questionable.
The most entertaining final so far has been my Sociology of Marriage and Family final. I've taken a variation of this class multiple times, each time focusing on something slightly different. I figure it can't hurt, and ideally speaking, the repetitive information might sink in and prove useful at some point. In fact, here are some of the most interesting tidbits I've learned this go 'round:
* Forty percent of all marriages in the U.S. are remarriages.
* Remarriages in which one partner was divorced are least likely to divorce.
* More couples cite communication problems as the main reason for divorce than anything else, including infidelity. (That was surprising to me)
* Marriage sabbaticals are legit "marriage time outs" that are agreed upon between both parties.
* Middle-class families tend to be more permissive in their child-rearing style. (Also surprising)
* Couples who cohabitated before marriage have a higher rate of divorce as compared to to those who did not cohabitate before marriage.
* The presence of teenagers in the house creates stressors that make divorce more likely.
So, I kind of figured the last one out because...Captain Obvious...but the rest of them were actually really interesting, as was the class in general.
SO interesting, in fact, that when I took my final this afternoon...I aced it. As in, I didn't get a single question wrong. Given my current relationship status and my fantastic track record with the opposite sex, let's let the irony of the perfect score on the MARRIAGE AND FAMILY final sink in.
I'll wait.
Okay, then. I have one more final this week, and then I have a blessed month off to gear up for my last semester of my undergrad. I was giving a recap to someone earlier today, along with my favorite statistics, and he replied with a LOL...and the rest went like this:
Me: Then what are you laughing at?
Him: How sexy you are when you're talking about statistics.
Me: Are you drunk?
Him: And horny? No
Me: Because statistics about the dissolution of marriage and the family unit are such a turn on?
Him: Because flexing your brain is sexy.
Me: If I could go to school for the rest of my life, I would...especially if I got paid to do it.
Him: Are you trying to turn me on?
I love how he keeps me on my toes. And laughing. Always laughing. Or blushing. Or biting my lip. Or all of the above.
Aubs
The only class that I had any serious doubts about was my Sociology of Disasters class. It's not that the class isn't interesting, but there's a lot of reading that is sometimes less than interesting, which makes getting through it somewhat difficult. Going into my final I needed an 86 to get an A in the class...and her tests have always been a little more difficult than others. The wording of the questions is often off-putting or vague, and often they're open to interpretation, but you have to interpret them the way SHE interprets them. Also, on the final, there were several questions that were clearly opinion questions, so I'm anxious for the final to "close" so I can see how many of those I got wrong. I got an A on the final, which gives me a cushion and makes my A in the course absolute instead of questionable.
The most entertaining final so far has been my Sociology of Marriage and Family final. I've taken a variation of this class multiple times, each time focusing on something slightly different. I figure it can't hurt, and ideally speaking, the repetitive information might sink in and prove useful at some point. In fact, here are some of the most interesting tidbits I've learned this go 'round:
* Forty percent of all marriages in the U.S. are remarriages.
* Remarriages in which one partner was divorced are least likely to divorce.
* More couples cite communication problems as the main reason for divorce than anything else, including infidelity. (That was surprising to me)
* Marriage sabbaticals are legit "marriage time outs" that are agreed upon between both parties.
* Middle-class families tend to be more permissive in their child-rearing style. (Also surprising)
* Couples who cohabitated before marriage have a higher rate of divorce as compared to to those who did not cohabitate before marriage.
* The presence of teenagers in the house creates stressors that make divorce more likely.
So, I kind of figured the last one out because...Captain Obvious...but the rest of them were actually really interesting, as was the class in general.
SO interesting, in fact, that when I took my final this afternoon...I aced it. As in, I didn't get a single question wrong. Given my current relationship status and my fantastic track record with the opposite sex, let's let the irony of the perfect score on the MARRIAGE AND FAMILY final sink in.
I'll wait.
Okay, then. I have one more final this week, and then I have a blessed month off to gear up for my last semester of my undergrad. I was giving a recap to someone earlier today, along with my favorite statistics, and he replied with a LOL...and the rest went like this:
Me: Then what are you laughing at?
Him: How sexy you are when you're talking about statistics.
Me: Are you drunk?
Him: And horny? No
Me: Because statistics about the dissolution of marriage and the family unit are such a turn on?
Him: Because flexing your brain is sexy.
Me: If I could go to school for the rest of my life, I would...especially if I got paid to do it.
Him: Are you trying to turn me on?
I love how he keeps me on my toes. And laughing. Always laughing. Or blushing. Or biting my lip. Or all of the above.
Aubs
Thursday, December 3, 2015
There are some great people out there
I think I've mentioned that my classes this semester were split between online and on campus classes. I had a 3 hour block twice a week and then my online classes just whenever I had the time. This might come as a shock, but I have been known to speak out and contribute...exuberantly...in discussions. Even though I have a bunch of other things going on, I usually read the material to actually comprehend it instead of just skimming it...unless it's long or boring. I keep it real. Anyway, in my local history class, I sat in the middle of the room and am known to everyone as "Aubrey, Not Elizabeth" because my professor was POSITIVE my name was Elizabeth. I'm taking her class online next semester, and as she hugged me goodbye on Tuesday, she said, "I can't wait for Aubrey, Not Elizabeth to ride again!" People like me...they really like me!
Y'all, she was honestly the sweetest professor I've had. She sent out an email just before Thanksgiving to remind those in our class who weren't able to spend time with their loved ones for Thanksgiving that it was, "...just a day. Talk to your loved ones, do something for yourself, relax and unwind, but just remember...it's ONE day, and you are amazing and wonderful and blessed." At our last meeting on Tuesday, she gave everyone personalized Christmas cards and said, "Y'all, please keep in touch. You're an amazing class, and I really do care about y'all. A lot." She asked each of us how our holiday was and what we did, and her eyes got all watery when I mentioned my dad, which did TONS for me keeping it together. She emailed me yesterday to ask how he was doing, and again today. She is a rarity, and I'm so glad I get to learn from her again next semester, even if it IS just in an online forum.
In my world lit class, I sit near the window because...yes. There's a group of 4 of us who always group up and banter back and forth. That class is very divided, but I've gotten to know a few of the "others" from talking to them out in the hall before class. One of the girls in the class and I have gotten very chatty over the last few weeks, so we discussed our holidays and cheesecake and papers and grades and life. Today, she sat down across from me with watery eyes and told me that her boyfriend, her "person" had dumped her at 2 a.m., and then used a Talladega Nights quote to relieve the tension when she was angry, that ultimately made her laugh, but then made her even more mad. She called him an "adorable asshole," and then I knew exactly what she meant.
I don't have one of those, but I do have an "adorable idiot" who bounces in and out of my life on occasion. In fact, I attempted to make her feel better by telling the story of how we met and the ridiculousness that stemmed from it, and at the end, she was all starry-eyed as she said, "Wow! That gives me so much hope!" Wait, what? Later, I heard from her and she asked which idiot I wound up with, to which I had to reply, "Neither." Her reply? "Well...that makes me suicidal. It was such a good story!" I told him about it this afternoon, after a random text to make sure I was still breathing/pining away for him (insert eye roll here), and he was happy to be a cautionary tale. If he lived closer I would've driven to his house and smacked him upside his head. I swear that would be it.
It is amazing to me how someone can disappear from your life for EVER and then reappear and become one of the people you come to rely on the most...the person I wanted to text at least a hundred times over the last 10 days or so to say "I need you" but deleting it over and over again because it wouldn't matter. We each have our own "stuff" going on and aren't able to be readily available for each other, but that doesn't stop us from trying to do the best we can.
At least ONE of us anyway. Life and love and friendships and complications are weird. And frustrating. And...yeah.
Aubs
Y'all, she was honestly the sweetest professor I've had. She sent out an email just before Thanksgiving to remind those in our class who weren't able to spend time with their loved ones for Thanksgiving that it was, "...just a day. Talk to your loved ones, do something for yourself, relax and unwind, but just remember...it's ONE day, and you are amazing and wonderful and blessed." At our last meeting on Tuesday, she gave everyone personalized Christmas cards and said, "Y'all, please keep in touch. You're an amazing class, and I really do care about y'all. A lot." She asked each of us how our holiday was and what we did, and her eyes got all watery when I mentioned my dad, which did TONS for me keeping it together. She emailed me yesterday to ask how he was doing, and again today. She is a rarity, and I'm so glad I get to learn from her again next semester, even if it IS just in an online forum.
In my world lit class, I sit near the window because...yes. There's a group of 4 of us who always group up and banter back and forth. That class is very divided, but I've gotten to know a few of the "others" from talking to them out in the hall before class. One of the girls in the class and I have gotten very chatty over the last few weeks, so we discussed our holidays and cheesecake and papers and grades and life. Today, she sat down across from me with watery eyes and told me that her boyfriend, her "person" had dumped her at 2 a.m., and then used a Talladega Nights quote to relieve the tension when she was angry, that ultimately made her laugh, but then made her even more mad. She called him an "adorable asshole," and then I knew exactly what she meant.
I don't have one of those, but I do have an "adorable idiot" who bounces in and out of my life on occasion. In fact, I attempted to make her feel better by telling the story of how we met and the ridiculousness that stemmed from it, and at the end, she was all starry-eyed as she said, "Wow! That gives me so much hope!" Wait, what? Later, I heard from her and she asked which idiot I wound up with, to which I had to reply, "Neither." Her reply? "Well...that makes me suicidal. It was such a good story!" I told him about it this afternoon, after a random text to make sure I was still breathing/pining away for him (insert eye roll here), and he was happy to be a cautionary tale. If he lived closer I would've driven to his house and smacked him upside his head. I swear that would be it.
It is amazing to me how someone can disappear from your life for EVER and then reappear and become one of the people you come to rely on the most...the person I wanted to text at least a hundred times over the last 10 days or so to say "I need you" but deleting it over and over again because it wouldn't matter. We each have our own "stuff" going on and aren't able to be readily available for each other, but that doesn't stop us from trying to do the best we can.
At least ONE of us anyway. Life and love and friendships and complications are weird. And frustrating. And...yeah.
Aubs
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