Let the Prom Drama begin....Like Aurora, her dress keeps changing

[horseshowmom]

Horseshowmom:
How is your DD doing? Any more issues with the creepo?

So far, so good. I'm cautiously optimistic that whatever thoughts he had of hounding DD went away after the police captain talked with him. But, OTOH, I can't help but keep thinking that it did take him a year and a half last time, so I worry a little bit that he's really not gone yet.

While working on the sandwiches Deck'ster was hanging out by the back door when we noticed the 2 raccoons that until last week I hadn't seen since Spring. We turned on the outside lights and turned off all the inside lights and watched them eat Deck'sters food. We then tossed the bread ends from the sandwiches out there and us "City" folks sat in our breakfast nook for about 1/2 hour just watching the Raccoons which were inches away on the other side of our sliding glass door. They sure are cute! Deck'ster does not seem to be bothered by them (other than they ate his midnight snack)

Sooo cute! Like Sandy, I love Deck'sters name!

 

[horseshowmom]

DS says that the teacher picks on two girls in the class that sit in the back and are friends. To help them do better on his tests, apparently they picked up AP Biology study guides at Barnes & Noble. Well, to the teacher, this is "cheating". For the life of me, I can't see HOW. There are some parents getting involved, so I'm sure this won't be the last thing we hear of!!

I'm in complete agreement with you about this. How can he even remotely consider this cheating? If anything, the girls should be commended for using their intellect and preparing as well as they possibly can. I can't blame parents for getting involved over something as ridiculous as that.

 

[Sandy V.]

I'm with you!

DD's roommate is the DD of my first cousin. When the girl moved into the apartment last year, they bought her all new furniture (living room and bedroom furniture). This is really nice stuff too. The girls have a nice place, but I wouldn't have paid that much for it.

Considering the girls will have to move it to Jackson next year and then back again at the end of that year, I wouldn't have put that much money into it. DD has a hand me down bed (but it doesn have a nice memory foam pad to make it softer ).

Considering how hectic the college lifestyle can be and how young people at that age are basically good, but self-centered and immature a great deal of the time, I just can't see spending a lot of $$$ on furniture I know won't be taken care of.

Except for a new mattress and box springs, every piece of furniture DD has in her apartment that came from our house is used. Not in bad shape, but nothing brand new. In two years, I hesitate to think about what shape most of it will be in!!

 

[Sandy V.]

So far, so good. I'm cautiously optimistic that whatever thoughts he had of hounding DD went away after the police captain talked with him. But, OTOH, I can't help but keep thinking that it did take him a year and a half last time, so I worry a little bit that he's really not gone yet.

Let's hope it stays this way. Being a Mom, I don't think you ever stop worrying.

 

[Sandy V.]

I'm in complete agreement with you about this. How can he even remotely consider this cheating? If anything, the girls should be commended for using their intellect and preparing as well as they possibly can. I can't blame parents for getting involved over something as ridiculous as that.

The ironic part is, before he got back the results on this retake, I was worried about DS's grade in that class and I was going to go to Barnes & Noble myself to buy him a study guide. I still am probably going to do it anyway. Like you, since they're obviously working toward taking the test in May, isn't the purpose to learn the material, no matter WHAT SOURCE?

As I said previously, the guy has great academic credentials, but his teaching methods are starting to fall apart. There are some pretty persistent parents around here, so I think he may find himself on the other end of some significant pushback. I've only called the school once regarding a teacher, and that was the World Geography one. Hopefully, I won't have to make it two!!

 

[horseshowmom]

I got a nice perk from my trip to the Gaylord Opryland last week.

When I checked out, they had the bill completely messed up. I was at the counter for a hour. The bill that I got was very confused and convoluted. After I got home and had time to really analyze the bill, I realized that they had charged my credit card for $184.40 in addition to the $166.97 that they were supposed to have (remember that comp for the upgrade last week? ).

Of course, I had already spent a hour at the counter. Then, this morning, I spend a substantial amount of time trying to explain to them what was wrong with the bill. They called me back 4 times to explain to me that I was wrong (after I kept giving the girl the reasons why I wasn't, she would have to go talk to her manager).

Finally, she insisted they were right. I told her, "Fine, ignore the bill in front of you, and on your own add up how much I should have paid for those two rooms for those nights. Subtract the amount of the school check that I gave you and figure out how much is left. You'll see that I owed you $166.97 but NOT the other $184.40."

When they called back the next time, they were very apologetic and agreed that I was correct. I asked them what the chance was that I could get a discount on a Christmas package for my trouble. They wound up giving me a substantial discount (about $400 - $500 off), so it looks like I'll get to go back the weekend after Thanksgiving. I've always wanted to see the Radio City Music Hall Rockettes, and that's part of the package. They also upgraded me to an atrium room again. This will be a nice early Christmas present for me and DH!

 

[horseshowmom]

The ironic part is, before he got back the results on this retake, I was worried about DS's grade in that class and I was going to go to Barnes & Noble myself to buy him a study guide. I still am probably going to do it anyway. Like you, since they're obviously working toward taking the test in May, isn't the purpose to learn the material, no matter WHAT SOURCE?

Yes, that's called being resourceful, NOT cheating.

 

[Sandy V.]

When they called back the next time, they were very apologetic and agreed that I was correct. I asked them what the chance was that I could get a discount on a Christmas package for my trouble. They wound up giving me a substantial discount (about $400 - $500 off), so it looks like I'll get to go back the weekend after Thanksgiving. I've always wanted to see the Radio City Music Hall Rockettes, and that's part of the package. They also upgraded me to an atrium room again. This will be a nice early Christmas present for me and DH!

Congratulations on being persistent!!!!

 

[mamacatnv]

Thanks. I wasn't even going to try for tickets, but DH said to at least give it a chance. The website got around 9 million hits yesterday morning!!

WOW - Good Luck, how about buying them thru the Boston website? (Don't know, Just a thought) I would assume not as many would travel but that they still get an allotment.

DS says that the teacher picks on two girls in the class that sit in the back and are friends. To help them do better on his tests, apparently they picked up AP Biology study guides at Barnes & Noble. Well, to the teacher, this is "cheating". For the life of me, I can't see HOW. There are some parents getting involved, so I'm sure this won't be the last thing we hear of!!

That is just stupid! It is my understanding that the AP program does not come with it's own curriculum as a package. It comes with an outline of sorts and it is up to the teacher/program to get the material taught (which is why some schools have better results than others). If he was "preparing" them for the AP test then he should be proud of their iniative to purchase and study additional study guides. You can buy them for the ACT & SAT in fact it is encouraged and it is not considered cheating. I bought my son one of the AP study guides last year which their teacher encouraged.

DD has become SO much more aware of the value of a dollar. It's almost funny to watch!!!

So, you are saying there is hope

Hang in there, the season is almost over. Then you can turn into a slacker once again!!!

Hey, hey now, you won't think I am such a slacker when you finally get your fanny to NV and I am mixing you up one of my famouse martini's!

The raccoons sound funny. I'm surprised that Deck'ster (great name!!) didn't mind that they were around. Although what would he do to stop them?

I was worried the 1st time they were out there together but they don't seem to bother him and he stays out of their way and does not compete for the food.

Did you ever have a "talk" with DD about the slumber party behavior? Kids!!

Yes, last night. She and I discussed it at length. My DD is extremely sensitive to others feelings, I think she needed to be reminded that her words could be hurtful. I did a lot of the "How would you feel if...." type discussion. We also had another chat about being grateful and how lucky she and her brother are that their parents have educations and good jobs but that a lot of her classmates are not in the same situation and she needs to remember that when she is being snarky and selfish. I also told her a little bit of how girls operate and that her words to her "friends" about the other girl would most likely be used against her (DD) at some point in time.

So far, so good. I'm cautiously optimistic that whatever thoughts he had of hounding DD went away after the police captain talked with him. But, OTOH, I can't help but keep thinking that it did take him a year and a half last time, so I worry a little bit that he's really not gone yet.

Cautiously optimistic that is where I would be. I think keeping the guard up is a good idea, like you said it took 1.5 years for the last set of harrassing movement.

I agree on the hand me down furniture. We have moved my Cousin who finished Grad school a year ago and now wants to go to law school 3 times in 10 months. The one nice piece of furniture is all beat up and the rest of it already was and is none the worse for wear.

Deck'ster still won't let me touch him. On Sunday, Simon the Fat Cat got out into the backyard where DH & DS were working on a firepit and DS said that Simon and Deck'ster played with each other all afternoon. Deck'ster has shown some interest in coming into the house but DH says no way! Yesterday I called the county and left a message with their feral cat program. They have a trap and spay/neuter/release(back to my deck) type program. I just don't know if he is tame-able to be a housecat - heck I don't even know if he is really a he or a she (Don't say it Sandy, I know what you were thinking )

 

[Sandy V.]

I'm on two computers, trying to access the Rockies' website. Sigh . . . no luck after a little over an hour.

Melissa, no tix available through the Red Sox. In fact, a lot of Boston folk are trying to get tickets through OUR website!!

I really should go back to work.

Thanks for the reassurance, ladies, about the teacher. I think he's turning into a mean old man.

 

[mamacatnv]

Horseshowmom: Glad to know that customer service is not dead! Sounds like a wonderful treat for you and your DH
Shhh, don't tell Chachi till the last minute, he might be a little bent that DH is going and not he, Chachi, King of your castle

So, one of my closest friends just called. She is off to have her nose pierced (tiny diamond stud in the crease, not one of those cow rings ) and I couln't stop laughing at her.....She says "they are sexy and feminine............" and then rattles off a bunch of people we know who have them. I gently pointed out that all of her examples are under 25 while she is a shade under 50 she didn't huff at me but it was close

 

[Sandy V.]

I just don't know if he is tame-able to be a housecat - heck I don't even know if he is really a he or a she (Don't say it Sandy, I know what you were thinking )

I'm so glad you said it first!!!!!!!!!!!!!

 

[horseshowmom]

.
Yes, last night. She and I discussed it at length. My DD is extremely sensitive to others feelings, I think she needed to be reminded that her words could be hurtful. I did a lot of the "How would you feel if...." type discussion. We also had another chat about being grateful and how lucky she and her brother are that their parents have educations and good jobs but that a lot of her classmates are not in the same situation and she needs to remember that when she is being snarky and selfish. I also told her a little bit of how girls operate and that her words to her "friends" about the other girl would most likely be used against her (DD) at some point in time.

Very good point and very good advice. Throughout the years, one of the points I've tried to impress on DD was that you don't have to say everything you think. Further, if you do say it, you'd better be sure you don't mind having it come back to haunt you later.

Deck'ster still won't let me touch him. On Sunday, Simon the Fat Cat got out into the backyard where DH & DS were working on a firepit and DS said that Simon and Deck'ster played with each other all afternoon. Deck'ster has shown some interest in coming into the house but DH says no way! Yesterday I called the county and left a message with their feral cat program. They have a trap and spay/neuter/release(back to my deck) type program. I just don't know if he is tame-able to be a housecat - heck I don't even know if he is really a he or a she (Don't say it Sandy, I know what you were thinking )

That's a great idea! I pretty much can assure you that in my case Deck'ster would turn out to be a female who was pregnant with a large litter. One of the reasons we have so many is that we had a cat materialize from nowhere out at the barn who was pregnant. She had 6 kittens (only 5 made it). I had them all spayed/neutered (including mama) as soon as they were old enough.

It's possible that Deck'ster will always be a little flighty, but it sounds like you can make him/her as comfortable as possible (which is much better off than he/she was before he/she got to your house).

 

[horseshowmom]

Horseshowmom: Glad to know that customer service is not dead! Sounds like a wonderful treat for you and your DH
Shhh, don't tell Chachi till the last minute, he might be a little bent that DH is going and not he, Chachi, King of your castle

He'll probaby be more bent to find out that this time DD will be "taking care" of him!

So, one of my closest friends just called. She is off to have her nose pierced (tiny diamond stud in the crease, not one of those cow rings ) and I couln't stop laughing at her.....She says "they are sexy and feminine............" and then rattles off a bunch of people we know who have them. I gently pointed out that all of her examples are under 25 while she is a shade under 50 she didn't huff at me but it was close

She can't say you didn't tell her so! (And I've got to agree with you, I just don't see a pierced nose as being "sexy and feminine"! )

 

[mamacatnv]

I'm on two computers, trying to access the Rockies' website. Sigh . . . no luck after a little over an hour.

Good luck in your ticket hunt

Thanks for the reassurance, ladies, about the teacher. I think he's turning into a mean old man.

I think you are right. Just like any job, burn out does set in, maybe he needs a change of scenery, a sabbatical or retirement.
I truly am not a teacher basher (despite the issues with DD's teacher this year) in all of our years in the public education system that was the first time I have ever had an issue. When one's behavior becomes abusive or neglectful then it is time that something was done and these days getting administration to do much is like pulling teeth, they circle the wagons and the parents have to get involved.


Update on DD's teacher:
DD is really warming up to her new teacher. Last couple of days all we hear is "teacher" facts......when DD does this we know she is happy. We never learned a single fact about her prior teacher but we are learning all kinds of tidbits about the new one "Mom, you know that Airbornne suff? My teacher is friends with the person who invented it" "Mom, my teacher says that she loves the Ribsy books like you" "Mom, remember when we went to Monterey? my Teacher used to take her class to the aquarium every year on a field trip, she saw the great white shark we saw!" etc.......... this is a good thing, this was one gamble that paid off

Just like DS talks non stop about the "Science Geeks" his Chem & Bio teachers. He just loves them all!

 

[mamacatnv]

He'll probaby be more bent to find out that this time DD will be "taking care" of him!

Oh dear I'm not sure who I sympathize with more - your DD or Chachi

Throughout the years, one of the points I've tried to impress on DD was that you don't have to say everything you think. Further, if you do say it, you'd better be sure you don't mind having it come back to haunt you later.

Heck, the not saying everything you think is still tough for me and I have been working on it for a long time.

That right there is some very sound advice and I am sure it is something that I will be repeating for many years to come.

In a lot of ways, boys are much easier

 

[horseshowmom]

Good luck in your ticket hunt

Yeah, me too, Sandy!

Update on DD's teacher:
DD is really warming up to her new teacher. Last couple of days all we hear is "teacher" facts......when DD does this we know she is happy. We never learned a single fact about her prior teacher but we are learning all kinds of tidbits about the new one "Mom, you know that Airbornne suff? My teacher is friends with the person who invented it" "Mom, my teacher says that she loves the Ribsy books like you" "Mom, remember when we went to Monterey? my Teacher used to take her class to the aquarium every year on a field trip, she saw the great white shark we saw!" etc.......... this is a good thing, this was one gamble that paid off

Just like DS talks non stop about the "Science Geeks" his Chem & Bio teachers. He just loves them all!

There's really not much that can compare to contentment!

 

[Sandy V.]

Good morning, ladies. Popping in for a quick minute.

Well, after trying my best for about 2 hours, no luck with the World Series tickets. I'll just have to watch the Rockies beat the Sox from the comfort of my family room!!!

Glad that everything is with the teachers. DS is not a teacher lover, I have to say. He does his work and does well most of the time, but I think that since he got his acceptance to CU, he's not emotionally invested in teacher pleasing. Will have to "lean" on him for the rest of the year to make sure he's putting in the effort. He knows that if he doesn't, there will be h*** to pay!!

Gotta get back to work. I have a swimming lesson today at 4:30. It went very well last week, so I'm looking forward to this one today.

See ya!!

 

[horseshowmom]

Good luck with the swimming!

 

[Sandy V.]

Good luck with the swimming!

Thanks. The goggles really help me and I'm not so afraid of drowning anymore!!!