Every once in a while the world stands up and spins around. This is one of those times. OldestSon's good friends mother died Monday. She was not even 60. Pancreatic cancer-an evil one....taking the life out of someone filled with life. A sparkly woman, sure of herself and in the thick of her life. It's unsettling and so very sad. I watched my son sleep knowing I would have to wake him to tell him the news. I always think of those peaceful moments before the world spins.
Yesterday I also received news of two friends from college having cancer. One, a non-smoker, who has lung cancer, another a mother of five with melanoma. The mother does not have a diagnosis and is living with an uncertain future.
A boy in town has testicular cancer. He is 18. Two surgeries. Another boy who has a tumor on his brain stem. He is 16. A former student passed out during a hockey game and it turns out he has an enlarged heart and needed a defibrillator. He is 20.
All of this news in the span of a week. Bad week. I think of all of the people suffering from this news. I feel tentative and worried. Hold your people close.
1.09.2013
1.08.2013
International Travel Checklist
So it's the day before I leave for Lithuania. I love to travel but I am a fairly anxious gal so I always like to have a little mental checklist...
1. Be sure to be anxious about a week before you leave. Grit your teeth while sleeping-take ibuprofen in the morning.
2. Call the credit card companies to tell them you will be traveling. It is not a pretty sight to arrive in Istanbul at 12:30pm and find out your credit card does not work because they have cancelled it thinking that some major fraud business is happening.
3. Register with the embassy. Probably nothing will ever happen but....STEP program. Let's the US embassy know where you are at all times. (Travel.state.gov It's a good thing to check there before you even decide what country to go to...good things like crime statistics, worldwide warnings, terrorist alerts then see step 1 again.)
4. Worry some more. Think things like, "Oh my god I will be across the world from my people." Try to calm yourself down by thinking things like, "Well if I die at least the people have a good story to tell--Oh your mom died? Yes she was on a ferry in Hong Kong..."
5. Pack a BRIGHT suitcase. In this case black is not slimming it is forgettable and unfindable. Nothing makes me happier than seeing the Big Green Monster come out of the luggage belt. I also sometimes spot her getting loaded onto the plane. Yes, she is bright.
6. Use the same driver, airport, airline, hotel whenever possible. It makes the unfamiliar bits of traveling more familiar. It also satisfies the miles whore side of me! Be sure to keep track of those miles too! Bought a deep fryer courtesy of Hilton this year for Christmas.
7. Snacks and sleeping pills are your friend! Both make the time pass faster and help you through that ugly jet lag. Once on the plane set your watch to your new time zone then once you arrive at your destination spend as much time outside as possible.
8. Don't pack alot. You really don't need it. Nobody cares what you are wearing and you barely know anyone where you are going anyway. It stinks to shlepp stuff around and if you have space in your suitcase you can bring better stuff home.
9. If you see something that catches your eye and you think you might need it buy it. Regret sucks. I spent the whole movie Anna Karenina thinking about the earrings she wore in the first scene. Yes, I should have not hesitated and bought them at the Stanley Market when I saw them. Now I want them more than ever.
10. Always remember to stop and look around! You are in a cool, new place! Often times when I travel I am tired, or miss my family or feel lonely but I always try to take a deep breath and push those bad thoughts away and enjoy the experience! You won't be there forever! Carpe diem.
1. Be sure to be anxious about a week before you leave. Grit your teeth while sleeping-take ibuprofen in the morning.
2. Call the credit card companies to tell them you will be traveling. It is not a pretty sight to arrive in Istanbul at 12:30pm and find out your credit card does not work because they have cancelled it thinking that some major fraud business is happening.
3. Register with the embassy. Probably nothing will ever happen but....STEP program. Let's the US embassy know where you are at all times. (Travel.state.gov It's a good thing to check there before you even decide what country to go to...good things like crime statistics, worldwide warnings, terrorist alerts then see step 1 again.)
4. Worry some more. Think things like, "Oh my god I will be across the world from my people." Try to calm yourself down by thinking things like, "Well if I die at least the people have a good story to tell--Oh your mom died? Yes she was on a ferry in Hong Kong..."
5. Pack a BRIGHT suitcase. In this case black is not slimming it is forgettable and unfindable. Nothing makes me happier than seeing the Big Green Monster come out of the luggage belt. I also sometimes spot her getting loaded onto the plane. Yes, she is bright.
6. Use the same driver, airport, airline, hotel whenever possible. It makes the unfamiliar bits of traveling more familiar. It also satisfies the miles whore side of me! Be sure to keep track of those miles too! Bought a deep fryer courtesy of Hilton this year for Christmas.
7. Snacks and sleeping pills are your friend! Both make the time pass faster and help you through that ugly jet lag. Once on the plane set your watch to your new time zone then once you arrive at your destination spend as much time outside as possible.
8. Don't pack alot. You really don't need it. Nobody cares what you are wearing and you barely know anyone where you are going anyway. It stinks to shlepp stuff around and if you have space in your suitcase you can bring better stuff home.
9. If you see something that catches your eye and you think you might need it buy it. Regret sucks. I spent the whole movie Anna Karenina thinking about the earrings she wore in the first scene. Yes, I should have not hesitated and bought them at the Stanley Market when I saw them. Now I want them more than ever.
10. Always remember to stop and look around! You are in a cool, new place! Often times when I travel I am tired, or miss my family or feel lonely but I always try to take a deep breath and push those bad thoughts away and enjoy the experience! You won't be there forever! Carpe diem.
1.06.2013
Messy House
It's not that I would not LOVE LOVE LOVE to have a consistently clean house. It's just that my life tends to get in the way.
We used to have a cleaning lady and it was one of those good/bad things. It was good because it was like a slice of heaven to come home and have a sparkly clean house. It was bad because we would have to have 2 hours of "clutter control" the night before, cleaning our house for the cleaning lady. I also had guilt and embarrassment at some of the stuff she would have to face. Cookies underneath the pillows in the living room--happens. A giant spill of some unidentified object in the fridge--happens. Thousands of hidden candy wrappers on the tucked in the side of someone's bed--happens.
But all good things must end when one's job is cut to part time and she was one of those good things.
Today would have been a good day to get the house in order. But no. I drank too much last night to do anything but sleep in the morning. Is is bad to think of your college aged child as your designated driver? The afternoon brought alumni games and I watched some students play basketball and hockey.
Now it is 6 o'clock and entirely too late to consider cleaning. I don't know why but I think cleaning must be done during the day. I don't know when clean house people get all that cleaning done. Mysteries of life....
We used to have a cleaning lady and it was one of those good/bad things. It was good because it was like a slice of heaven to come home and have a sparkly clean house. It was bad because we would have to have 2 hours of "clutter control" the night before, cleaning our house for the cleaning lady. I also had guilt and embarrassment at some of the stuff she would have to face. Cookies underneath the pillows in the living room--happens. A giant spill of some unidentified object in the fridge--happens. Thousands of hidden candy wrappers on the tucked in the side of someone's bed--happens.
But all good things must end when one's job is cut to part time and she was one of those good things.
Today would have been a good day to get the house in order. But no. I drank too much last night to do anything but sleep in the morning. Is is bad to think of your college aged child as your designated driver? The afternoon brought alumni games and I watched some students play basketball and hockey.
Now it is 6 o'clock and entirely too late to consider cleaning. I don't know why but I think cleaning must be done during the day. I don't know when clean house people get all that cleaning done. Mysteries of life....
1.03.2013
No Gay-dar or Age-dar....
I can't ever tell if someone is gay. I can't ever tell how old someone is...so I never try to do either. Sometimes I get in a bad spot because of my inability to figure out how old someone is...
But one thing I have plenty of is the ability to spot a liar. I have excellent Lie-dar. Today I used that special skill.
As a teacher at a boarding school I have opportunities to have important sometime life-changing talks with students. Last night during a regular interaction with a student I felt a bit uneasy after he left. Today I checked on his story and determined that yes, he had lied to me. Now this was not a big lie nor was it to get out of any kind of trouble. But it was still a lie and really for no reason.
I called the student in and explained to him that once you lie to someone that you will forever be known to that person as a liar. I told this poor boy that now when he told me anything I will always stop to think if it is the truth or a lie.
Now this might seem pretty harsh. And one might say, "Well he is just a kid" but I believe that honesty is such a basic human need and right that it is important that every time he speaks or contemplates a lie I hope that he pauses and thinks and stops to do what is right
But one thing I have plenty of is the ability to spot a liar. I have excellent Lie-dar. Today I used that special skill.
As a teacher at a boarding school I have opportunities to have important sometime life-changing talks with students. Last night during a regular interaction with a student I felt a bit uneasy after he left. Today I checked on his story and determined that yes, he had lied to me. Now this was not a big lie nor was it to get out of any kind of trouble. But it was still a lie and really for no reason.
I called the student in and explained to him that once you lie to someone that you will forever be known to that person as a liar. I told this poor boy that now when he told me anything I will always stop to think if it is the truth or a lie.
Now this might seem pretty harsh. And one might say, "Well he is just a kid" but I believe that honesty is such a basic human need and right that it is important that every time he speaks or contemplates a lie I hope that he pauses and thinks and stops to do what is right
1.02.2013
More Hugging in the New Year!
So I always try to think of some resolutions. It's great because being in the education business I feel like I have two chances at the New Year thing--one in September and one in January!
I'm always better at the September resolutions. In January I am spent from the holidays with all the drinking, eating and general merry stuff. It also always kind of sneaks up on me...
Now no one has ever accused me of being sweet. It's just not an adjective that people use to describe me. Every year I try to tackle the big one--Be nicer! It's far too general and vague to really work for me. I should be more specific ie. speak nicely to someone once a day. Or try not to have evil thoughts for a two hour span. But no- I stick with Be Nicer.
So this year Be Nicer only lasted about 10 hours. Not a world record that is for sure. The mean thing was merited and I did not feel bad about it. It was a biggie too. I told someone I do care about to "Shut the F up". But it was in defense about someone I love.
When I texted a close friend about it she said the best thing ever, "It was probably appropriate for the situation. No resolution solves any issues." You have to love friends like that. So I'll just keep doing what I do--be nicer to those I adore and care for and try to be tolerant otherwise.
I am trying to do more hugging in the New Year and for sure, that will be just for people I like!
I'm always better at the September resolutions. In January I am spent from the holidays with all the drinking, eating and general merry stuff. It also always kind of sneaks up on me...
Now no one has ever accused me of being sweet. It's just not an adjective that people use to describe me. Every year I try to tackle the big one--Be nicer! It's far too general and vague to really work for me. I should be more specific ie. speak nicely to someone once a day. Or try not to have evil thoughts for a two hour span. But no- I stick with Be Nicer.
So this year Be Nicer only lasted about 10 hours. Not a world record that is for sure. The mean thing was merited and I did not feel bad about it. It was a biggie too. I told someone I do care about to "Shut the F up". But it was in defense about someone I love.
When I texted a close friend about it she said the best thing ever, "It was probably appropriate for the situation. No resolution solves any issues." You have to love friends like that. So I'll just keep doing what I do--be nicer to those I adore and care for and try to be tolerant otherwise.
I am trying to do more hugging in the New Year and for sure, that will be just for people I like!
10.04.2011
Awkward Moments at the Butcher
So I went to my local grocery store the other day after hearing from my mother that I was a tad chubby (of course, she didn't say it that directly but I know that is what she meant). So what is one to do except head to the store and get some giant steaks.
I approach the counter and ask for two rib-eyes. The 18 year old behind the counter says, "You know they are expensive." I say that I know but it's ok. He says, "I'll help you out-I've been giving away free meat so people come here more often." I say, "Oh no. I come EVERY day. Loyal customer. Willing to pay, don't worry about me." He winks and only puts one steak on the scale. I insist he put on two. He persists in only putting on one.
I take the criminal meat package and walk away. I am tempted to drop the hot goods off in the dairy aisle. I feel sweaty and like the package is hot lava. I also am sure that I am on some 20/20 episode about stealing in grocery stores. I am miserable. But I want to eat the damn steaks. I can also see the headlines, "PREP SCHOOL TEACHER ARRESTED IN MEAT THIEVERY".....
I brought the meat home, ate it and was happy. I will not shop at the butcher area in the near future--so much for his marketing plan!!!
I approach the counter and ask for two rib-eyes. The 18 year old behind the counter says, "You know they are expensive." I say that I know but it's ok. He says, "I'll help you out-I've been giving away free meat so people come here more often." I say, "Oh no. I come EVERY day. Loyal customer. Willing to pay, don't worry about me." He winks and only puts one steak on the scale. I insist he put on two. He persists in only putting on one.
I take the criminal meat package and walk away. I am tempted to drop the hot goods off in the dairy aisle. I feel sweaty and like the package is hot lava. I also am sure that I am on some 20/20 episode about stealing in grocery stores. I am miserable. But I want to eat the damn steaks. I can also see the headlines, "PREP SCHOOL TEACHER ARRESTED IN MEAT THIEVERY".....
I brought the meat home, ate it and was happy. I will not shop at the butcher area in the near future--so much for his marketing plan!!!
10.03.2011
5 Great Tips for a Great Prep School Interview
Well it's just starting. Interview season at boarding schools. Last year I did over 100 interviews in the office and almost just as many while traveling. That my friends, is a lot of talking with teenagers. Most of the time it's great....sometimes I feel like I am pulling teeth. Here are some ideas to help your child in their interview.
1. Please look presentable. Most schools have a dress code and you can usually look it up online. And as for moms....this is not a fashion show. You most likely will have to walk quite far on tour and sometimes in pretty crappy weather.
2. Be excited and true to yourself. I know that sometimes kids don't think it's cool to be enthusiastic but tell them if they like the school it's great for the interviewer to see some excitement. Best interviews I've had are with kids who have genuine enthusiasm for their current educational experience and look forward to the one they are about to embark upon.
3. This is also the time for honesty. I will ask you about your grades and if you tell me "A's and B's" I write it down and actually compare my notes to what comes in about your references and grade reports. Tell me why you aren't doing well in a class...and what you are doing to get better. If you have had ANY "situations" in your current school we most likely will hear about it so we would like to hear your side.
4. Do not fall asleep in the lobby while I am talking to your parents. Do not play gameboy, games on your Ipad or text in the lobby. It's great to make new friends in the lobby but be inclusive...nothing makes me more sad that to see kids excluding someone.
5. Know that we are keeping track of you. We like to see you at our events. It's great to see you come to theatre productions, sporting events and open houses. There is a limit though...if we have 4 receptions in your area please don't come to all of them...And when you have made a decision--let us know...we like to be liked and will put it down in your file. Nothing warms our heart more than the words, "Will come if accepted--First Choice!"
1. Please look presentable. Most schools have a dress code and you can usually look it up online. And as for moms....this is not a fashion show. You most likely will have to walk quite far on tour and sometimes in pretty crappy weather.
2. Be excited and true to yourself. I know that sometimes kids don't think it's cool to be enthusiastic but tell them if they like the school it's great for the interviewer to see some excitement. Best interviews I've had are with kids who have genuine enthusiasm for their current educational experience and look forward to the one they are about to embark upon.
3. This is also the time for honesty. I will ask you about your grades and if you tell me "A's and B's" I write it down and actually compare my notes to what comes in about your references and grade reports. Tell me why you aren't doing well in a class...and what you are doing to get better. If you have had ANY "situations" in your current school we most likely will hear about it so we would like to hear your side.
4. Do not fall asleep in the lobby while I am talking to your parents. Do not play gameboy, games on your Ipad or text in the lobby. It's great to make new friends in the lobby but be inclusive...nothing makes me more sad that to see kids excluding someone.
5. Know that we are keeping track of you. We like to see you at our events. It's great to see you come to theatre productions, sporting events and open houses. There is a limit though...if we have 4 receptions in your area please don't come to all of them...And when you have made a decision--let us know...we like to be liked and will put it down in your file. Nothing warms our heart more than the words, "Will come if accepted--First Choice!"
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)