Let the Prom Drama CONTINUE . . . . . . . .

[Sandy V.]

Now that was quick! I guess he isn't wasting any time since he knows she's going to be moving soon (I hope there are no broken hearts coming ). I'm sure you'll meet her soon!

Actually I think he wants this relationship to "gel" so he's got a date for Prom! We're coming full circle with how we all originally "met" as we prepare for Prom Season II.

Sorry that your FIL is still so weak, but I'm glad he's somewhere where he's getting good medical treatment.

 

[mamacatnv]

Hi Girls:

I'm back safe and sound but I have a big project I have to get off my desk today. I will get all caught up tomorrow

Take care

 

[horseshowmom]

Glad you made it back okay!

 

[Sandy V.]

Glad you're back - we want all the details!

 

[horseshowmom]

One short update: We had a school board meeting Monday night, and my understanding is that it turned into a very unpleasant affair. I wasn't there, because my name was on the agenda to be made the elementary school librarian, and I didn't want to be caught between the board and the supt. (Sure enough, I found out that they did question him as to why I was going to be changing jobs, but he, of course, had "great" answers for why I was moving.)

There were board members mad at each other, the Supt. got belligerant with some of the board members, one of the board members said she was fed up and going to quit, the board atty. got mad at a couple of the board members for not doing what he wanted (fell under personal wish, not legal direction) and quit (loudly) saying that he was going to represent anybody who wanted to sue the school district. And that's just the high points. It was bizarre at best.


ETA: Oh yeah, I forgot to add that the Supt. tried to get the woman from Memphis hired again. Wants to pay her $6000 per month between now and July (when she would take the job full-time) while she stays as a full-time principal for Memphis. Wonder where she would find the time to be a full-time principal and still have time to earn $6000 a month from us?

 

[Sandy V.]

One short update: We had a school board meeting Monday night, and my understanding is that it turned into a very unpleasant affair. I wasn't there, because my name was on the agenda to be made the elementary school librarian, and I didn't want to be caught between the board and the supt. (Sure enough, I found out that they did question him as to why I was going to be changing jobs, but he, of course, had "great" answers for why I was moving.)

There were board members mad at each other, the Supt. got belligerant with some of the board members, one of the board members said she was fed up and going to quit, the board atty. got mad at a couple of the board members for not doing what he wanted (fell under personal wish, not legal direction) and quit (loudly) saying that he was going to represent anybody who wanted to sue the school district. And that's just the high points. It was bizarre at best.


ETA: Oh yeah, I forgot to add that the Supt. tried to get the woman from Memphis hired again. Wants to pay her $6000 per month between now and July (when she would take the job full-time) while she stays as a full-time principal for Memphis. Wonder where she would find the time to be a full-time principal and still have time to earn $6000 a month from us?

Thanks for the update. Things are never dull in your neighborhood, are they?

Pretty boring around here for the moment. I will write more tomorrow, I promise.

 

[horseshowmom]

Thanks for the update. Things are never dull in your neighborhood, are they?

Pretty boring around here for the moment. I will write more tomorrow, I promise.

No, they aren't. I'm just counting the days until the end of the week. We're out for Spring Break next week, and I'm looking forward to it!

 

[Sandy V.]

Happy Monday to everyone, although with this time change, I am desperately missing some sleep!!!!

Things have been busy around here, work especially so. I'm hoping this will be a slower week!!

On the good news front, DS was named one of the captains for the varsity lacrosse team!! They are voted on by the varsity players.

DS has been very dedicated to his sport over the past 3 years and as biased parents , DH really felt that he deserved this honor because of his leadership skills. But, as we told DS several weeks ago when practive started, there are many times when you "deserve" something that you don't get it, so be prepared. In an incredibly stupid situation last year, they named 3 sophomores and a senior as captains (the team was very sophomore-heavy and it was a pure popularity contest - made a lot of parents and players mad.)

One of sophomore captains last year was the superintendent's son. This kid has some talent, but he's a drama queen and an injury malinger-er. Well, this year, he starts in with the same behavior. Most of the team and the coaches were fed up with his behavior, but you can just TELL this kid is 100% confident that he will be re-annointed with a captaincy again. Well, the voting took place on Thursday and the results announced on Friday. Superindent's son did not get named captain and DS was one of 5 kids who did (all deserving from my viewpoint!). Superintendent's son was so angry and flustered at the announcement, which took place at the beginning of practice, that DS said he didn't think the kid made a decent play the entire Friday practice. Now, I feel bad that the kid feels bad, but hey - you sow what you reap!!

The aquarium is coming along. After 2 weeks with just rocks and live water, the filtration system is working fine and the chemical tests are coming back okay, BUT there is lots of ugly brown algae growing on the rocks (this is normal). So, yesterday, we got our first marine life - 2 starfish (maybe brittle stars, I don't know), about 20 snails, and about 20 tiny hermit crabs. Man, you would think they were STARVING the way they went to task on eating the algae from the rocks and sand. There's a lot there, so they'll be busy for awhile. It's not quite the same as watching fish, but it has been fun to watch them work their way around the tank and interact with each other. Next week, we should be good for fish!!!

DS has cooled on sophomore girl and is trying to figure out his prom options. Prom is early this year - April 19th, so he doesn't have the luxury of a lot of time!! Stay tuned . . .

I hope that everyone is well. I will write more later, but probably better get back to work for now!!

Have a great day, all!!

 

[mamacatnv]

Good Morning Ladies:
Never had a chance to get back to you last week. DH had cataract surgery on Wednesday, which went really well but it turned me into his personal driver for 2 days. Now to get caught up with you........

Due to all of the skiing, my handwarmer stock is almost gone and I need to run back to the sporting goods store to buy more.

We bought some this past football season that were larger, about the size of a small paperback book, they were wonderful in the bottom of the sleeping bag.

I found out an interesting tidbit this weekend. DS's buddy girl, the one that went skiing with us on Sunday - her grandfather was a Naval Academy graduate who was a P.O.W. for 6 years alongside John McCain. I actually met the guy once at Wal-Mart when we were both scanning photos on the machines there a couple of years ago. Very nice man; I had no idea of his background. He wrote a book about this experience and drew all of the illustrations. DS got the book from his buddy and I plan on reading it over the next few weeks.

I bet his stories are just fascinating yet horrifying at the same time. Let us know how the book is

On a more worrisome note - my MIL called yesterday. Her doctor is pretty sure that she's got Parkinson's Disease. Not really much they can do except continue to monitor her. There's a patch that you can wear that administers dopamene (sp?) which is the brain chemical that Parkinson's suffererers lack. She'll be 81 in April, and still lives in her own home. We noticed when we've seen her over the past year that she's really deteriorated physically. I guess we just take this stuff day by day. Meanwhile, DH is worried because his dad had Parkinson's too, so there's certainly the potential for his own genetic tendency toward it in the future. Poor guy; I went to WebMd and they really downplayed the genetic factor, although I know he has a reason to be concerned long-term.

I'm so sorry to hear that. Are the brain implants an option for MIL? My Uncle was diagnosed with Parkinsons when he was in his mid 40's which is young for that disease. He has the brain implants and they made a huge difference in his quality of life.

DH is concerned, because he knows how his dad is and how he will be when they take away the sedation. He's afraid that it may all come to a head at that point. He won't do his breathing treatments the correct way (even though they've shown him and tried to talk to him about it over and over, nobody can tell him anything). DH knows that it's just a matter of time now. Each time this happens it gets much worse. It's frustrating to the family that he's so bullheaded. DH had discussed with his mother a long time ago about the need for a living will, but she didn't do it (she's pretty difficult too, I'll take him over her any day ).

Glad to hear that your FIL is stablized, but I can certainly empathize with you about the follow-through issues. We've certainly dealt with them with DH's parents. Their biggest issue is medication - they expect any new medication to start working/curing them IMMEDIATELY. If it doesn't work after a day or so, then they stop taking it. Drives me nuts!! But I complain to DH and keep my mouth shut to everyone else about it. They won't change.

I think our our MIL's, FIL's & parents are all alike. What is it about elderly people being sooooo stubborn?

Sandy, my DH bought new hunting clothes back in the fall. He did some professional development training that he got paid for, so I insisted he spend it all on himself. $500 later, he now owns the warmest clothes you can find (from boots to head covering)! Maybe I should send you the brands and types of things he bought. It will sure keep you warm (but you may stand out from the others in the stands )!

Maybe her DS's school colors are orange and Camo! It could happen

DS has a lacrosse scrimmage in Denver tomorrow afternoon.

How was the game?

Oh! DS is officially "going with" the sophomore. Of course, we haven't met her yet, but I'm hoping that will occur soon. He's pretty happy about it all right now. Ahhh . . . young love.

Ahhhh, how cute!

One short update: We had a school board meeting Monday night, and my understanding is that it turned into a very unpleasant affair. I wasn't there, because my name was on the agenda to be made the elementary school librarian, and I didn't want to be caught between the board and the supt. (Sure enough, I found out that they did question him as to why I was going to be changing jobs, but he, of course, had "great" answers for why I was moving.)

Such as???
Has anyone asked you what your thoughts are?

Curiosity Questions:
Does this guy have all power over all employees? What is the purpose of the school board if the Supt. has so much power?

There were board members mad at each other, the Supt. got belligerant with some of the board members, one of the board members said she was fed up and going to quit, the board atty. got mad at a couple of the board members for not doing what he wanted (fell under personal wish, not legal direction) and quit (loudly) saying that he was going to represent anybody who wanted to sue the school district. And that's just the high points. It was bizarre at best.

So, idiot still has supporters?????

ETA: Oh yeah, I forgot to add that the Supt. tried to get the woman from Memphis hired again. Wants to pay her $6000 per month between now and July (when she would take the job full-time) while she stays as a full-time principal for Memphis. Wonder where she would find the time to be a full-time principal and still have time to earn $6000 a month from us?

What I am wondering is why this proposed Principal from Memphis is even in agreement with this scenario if she already has a full time job? One would think (or hope) that she would have some sort of ethical dilemna with this.

Where does your little tiny district get the funding to pay all these people those kind of salaries?

Sheila:
How is your FIL?
Has the Supt. had to hire an official taster yet?

Agnes:
How was the concert?

Sandy:
How is the budding romance coming along?

Pam:
Sr. Prom???? What is she wearing?
Has DD heard from Ringling yet?

Overdue update:
My trip to Portland was fairly uneventful. I spent quite a bit of time taking Mother for walks and reading childrens books to her. I added some decorations to her room and met with her caregivers. Had a conference with her Dr. and caregivers and due to excessive sleeping Dr. is going to back off on her anti-psychotic medication. All parties are on the alert to see if her behavior changes. 16 months ago she was on a heavy duty anti-psych drug 3 x's per day, then we lowered it to twice a day and just last month went to 1.5 times a day. So far so good, but now she is sleeping alot. So, dropping the dose to once a day. The thought process being that because her environment is stable the likelihood of her having a fit or going after someone physically is dramatically reduced. We shall see......I have glimpsed pieces of her old self over the past year and I know it is still in there someone.

My Aunt and I went out to the coast Friday night. We sat on the deck of the condo overlooking the ocean eating whole (fresh, caught that morning) crab! Yummmm

Tried to avoid "Dad". Was supposed to have lunch on Sunday, I called, no answer, yeah, I'm off the hook. She calls back late afternoon (I didn't answer) and then twice early evening. I finally answered thinking it was late enough that she wouldn't want to meet. She wanted to go to dinner. Told her where my Aunt and I were planning on going, she didn't want to drive that far. So I say, oh well, maybe we can catch up next time....... She calls back 5 minutes later with an alternate plan. "really wants to see me" okay, I cave and make arrangements to meet her, my Aunt bails, I'm on my own!

Meet up with Dad, wondering what is so urgent, her "wanting to see me" is very out of character. Well, it took about 3 minutes to find out what was up. She was mad at me, nothing new. I seem to offend her quite often and if I haven't done something then my brother has and it is somehow my fault. (She was not invited to my Brothers wedding and somehow it was my fault. I received nasty, hateful email and 2 years of cold shoulder)
So, she was here in NV. over Christmas. I knew she was coming. She stayed with my Aunt. I have a big Christmas Eve dinner at my house that my Aunt and Uncle attended. As soon as I knew she was going to be in town I was worried. My Aunt assured me "she knows she can't come and she is fine with that" "Don't worry"
Uhhh, huh I should have known better, she is never "fine" with much of anything.

So, she says to me "I know that I am not welcome at your house for various reasons" (yeah, DH is a little homophobic and thinks she is a freak, my DS is just starting to get curious and thinks he may want to meet her since he last saw his "grandpa" when he was 5 but is not yet positively sure and DD has no clue)
Sorry, I digress...........She continues, this is good "I don't appreciate being left in the dark like a mushroom. If I am not invited to something then you OWE me the courtesy of telling me that" When I picked my chin up off the table, I said:
"So, just to clarify, If I have a family event you expect me to call you and tell you, hey, I'm having a party, but you're not invited?????" She says "Yes" I said "I'm sorry, that is rude and not something I am going to do"

Oh dear, I actually rolled my eyes. I felt like an insolent teenager just sitting there looking at her and I said:
"You're kidding right?" she just looks at me so I continue "You were Aunties house guest, not mine, why should I tell you anything?"
She was dead serious. She was "offended" that I "Ignored" her and did not extend an non-invite. I did tell her that it was not my intention to hurt her feelings in any way, but she wasn't my house guest and therefore I didn't feel I owed her any explanation at all. Yeah, so that is why she was all fired up to "meet", so she could once again point out how she has been slighted! I give up.........You wonder why I drink

I have to go get some work done - I'll be back to update you on the prom dress for DS's GF!

Sheila: Hope your dial up is working and that you are enjoying your Spring Break. My Kids are home this week also.

Have a great day ladies..............

 

[mamacatnv]

On the good news front, DS was named one of the captains for the varsity lacrosse team!! They are voted on by the varsity players.

way to go Mom!

One of sophomore captains last year was the superintendent's son. This kid has some talent, but he's a drama queen and an injury malinger-er. Well, this year, he starts in with the same behavior. Most of the team and the coaches were fed up with his behavior, but you can just TELL this kid is 100% confident that he will be re-annointed with a captaincy again. Well, the voting took place on Thursday and the results announced on Friday. Superindent's son did not get named captain and DS was one of 5 kids who did (all deserving from my viewpoint!). Superintendent's son was so angry and flustered at the announcement, which took place at the beginning of practice, that DS said he didn't think the kid made a decent play the entire Friday practice. Now, I feel bad that the kid feels bad, but hey - you sow what you reap!!

The team has spoken! This is the kind of lesson that hopefully will teach this kid a little something about how life works. This could be one of those eye opening experiences for him......in other words, I don't feel bad for that kid the team put his big boy pants on for him

The aquarium is coming along. After 2 weeks with just rocks and live water, the filtration system is working fine and the chemical tests are coming back okay, BUT there is lots of ugly brown algae growing on the rocks (this is normal). So, yesterday, we got our first marine life - 2 starfish (maybe brittle stars, I don't know), about 20 snails, and about 20 tiny hermit crabs. Man, you would think they were STARVING the way they went to task on eating the algae from the rocks and sand. There's a lot there, so they'll be busy for awhile. It's not quite the same as watching fish, but it has been fun to watch them work their way around the tank and interact with each other. Next week, we should be good for fish!!!

I bet they are cool to watch - will they remain in the tank as the cleaners?

DS has cooled on sophomore girl and is trying to figure out his prom options.

Dang, that was quick.

Prom is early this year - April 19th, so he doesn't have the luxury of a lot of time!! Stay tuned . . .

Our Prom is the same night - want to meet to cry in a drink with me?

 

[Sandy V.]

Good Morning Ladies:
Never had a chance to get back to you last week. DH had cataract surgery on Wednesday, which went really well but it turned me into his personal driver for 2 days.

I hope that your DH is okay. Man, when it rains, it pours. Was this expected surgery?

I'm so sorry to hear that. Are the brain implants an option for MIL? My Uncle was diagnosed with Parkinsons when he was in his mid 40's which is young for that disease. He has the brain implants and they made a huge difference in his quality of life.

No brain implants here. My FIL had one, and they're pretty convinced he had a stroke on the operating room table that made things worse. Plus, the implant worked for awhile, but then it "sunk" in his brain cavity and again made things worse. I'm glad that it worked for your uncle, though.

I think our our MIL's, FIL's & parents are all alike. What is it about elderly people being sooooo stubborn?

I don't know. This "instant relief" stuff just drives me crazy. They don't listen to anyone about giving something a change and letting the medicine build up in their system. Nothing I can do about it but complain to DH out of ear of my inlaws.

How was the game?

They won handily (opposing team just starting lacrosse program). The regular season starts tomorrow. Need to load the car with blankets, coats, and umbrellas just in case I need them!!

Overdue update:
My trip to Portland was fairly uneventful. I spent quite a bit of time taking Mother for walks and reading childrens books to her. I added some decorations to her room and met with her caregivers. Had a conference with her Dr. and caregivers and due to excessive sleeping Dr. is going to back off on her anti-psychotic medication. All parties are on the alert to see if her behavior changes. 16 months ago she was on a heavy duty anti-psych drug 3 x's per day, then we lowered it to twice a day and just last month went to 1.5 times a day. So far so good, but now she is sleeping alot. So, dropping the dose to once a day. The thought process being that because her environment is stable the likelihood of her having a fit or going after someone physically is dramatically reduced. We shall see......I have glimpsed pieces of her old self over the past year and I know it is still in there someone.

My Aunt and I went out to the coast Friday night. We sat on the deck of the condo overlooking the ocean eating whole (fresh, caught that morning) crab! Yummmm

I'm glad that your mom seems to have stabilized. That must make you feel better.

Tried to avoid "Dad". Was supposed to have lunch on Sunday, I called, no answer, yeah, I'm off the hook. She calls back late afternoon (I didn't answer) and then twice early evening. I finally answered thinking it was late enough that she wouldn't want to meet. She wanted to go to dinner. Told her where my Aunt and I were planning on going, she didn't want to drive that far. So I say, oh well, maybe we can catch up next time....... She calls back 5 minutes later with an alternate plan. "really wants to see me" okay, I cave and make arrangements to meet her, my Aunt bails, I'm on my own!

Meet up with Dad, wondering what is so urgent, her "wanting to see me" is very out of character. Well, it took about 3 minutes to find out what was up. She was mad at me, nothing new. I seem to offend her quite often and if I haven't done something then my brother has and it is somehow my fault. (She was not invited to my Brothers wedding and somehow it was my fault. I received nasty, hateful email and 2 years of cold shoulder)
So, she was here in NV. over Christmas. I knew she was coming. She stayed with my Aunt. I have a big Christmas Eve dinner at my house that my Aunt and Uncle attended. As soon as I knew she was going to be in town I was worried. My Aunt assured me "she knows she can't come and she is fine with that" "Don't worry"
Uhhh, huh I should have known better, she is never "fine" with much of anything.

So, she says to me "I know that I am not welcome at your house for various reasons" (yeah, DH is a little homophobic and thinks she is a freak, my DS is just starting to get curious and thinks he may want to meet her since he last saw his "grandpa" when he was 5 but is not yet positively sure and DD has no clue)
Sorry, I digress...........She continues, this is good "I don't appreciate being left in the dark like a mushroom. If I am not invited to something then you OWE me the courtesy of telling me that" When I picked my chin up off the table, I said:
"So, just to clarify, If I have a family event you expect me to call you and tell you, hey, I'm having a party, but you're not invited?????" She says "Yes" I said "I'm sorry, that is rude and not something I am going to do"

Oh dear, I actually rolled my eyes. I felt like an insolent teenager just sitting there looking at her and I said:
"You're kidding right?" she just looks at me so I continue "You were Aunties house guest, not mine, why should I tell you anything?"
She was dead serious. She was "offended" that I "Ignored" her and did not extend an non-invite. I did tell her that it was not my intention to hurt her feelings in any way, but she wasn't my house guest and therefore I didn't feel I owed her any explanation at all. Yeah, so that is why she was all fired up to "meet", so she could once again point out how she has been slighted! I give up.........You wonder why I drink

She just wanted to have dinner with you so she could rail on you for some non-existent offense!!! She wants you to extend a "non-invite"? How bizarre . . . yeah, right. Way to not be guilt-tripped!!!!

 

[Sandy V.]

way to go Mom!

Thank you. I would like to take some credit for this getting elected captain stuff, but all I did was "birth" him!!!

The team has spoken! This is the kind of lesson that hopefully will teach this kid a little something about how life works. This could be one of those eye opening experiences for him......in other words, I don't feel bad for that kid the team put his big boy pants on for him

Oh, I am half-expecting for the kid to be announced captain SOMEHOW; if that does happen, expect all heck to break loose. The superintendent is relatively new; he's been in the school district as a teacher for a long time and worked his way up (he's not nearly as interesting as Sheila's superintendent ). Hopefully, he sees it the same way that you do, Melissa, and leaves things the way that they are. I agree - a good lesson for his kid!!

I bet they are cool to watch - will they remain in the tank as the cleaners?

Yes. It's one of those circle of life things. Snails are hard to keep; they are pretty sensitive to the water's salinity. So you have about a 50% mortality rate. But . . . that's okay, because when they die, the hermit crabs take over their empty snail shells after they decompose. The starfish/brittle stars/whatever they are are noctural creatures, they do a lot of the evening feeding. Most starter fishes aren't algae cleaners, so you need them in the tank or it will get pretty gross pretty quickly.

I feel like a chemist; we've been taking PH, nitrite, nitrate, ammonia, and KH hardness readings about once a week or so. And we check salinity on a near daily basis. But it's all pretty easy and actually kind of fun.

Dang, that was quick.

Tell me about it. I think the age difference was too much. I also think she wasn't all that bright, which is a "must" for DS!! On to the next girl!!

Our Prom is the same night - want to meet to cry in a drink with me?

It's a date!!


Oh, we had one of those "life lessons" things happen at our house this past week. DS and DD are on our Verizon family share plan and both of their phones were up for renewal this past Sunday (a week ago). DS is pretty low maintenance about what he wanted, but DD is another story. She wanted internet access on hers, which naturally meant a much more expensive phone. I told her that I would match whatever I spent on DS's phone and put that amount in her checking account. For anything she wanted that was more expensive than that, she had to pay it out of her own pocket. AND . . . she had to pay for any additional monthly internet access fees.

Went and got DS's phone on that Sunday; nice "Juke" phone and got a very good price (at least I thought so). Deposited the equivalent in DD's account. She started looking on Monday and Tuesday and was just FLOORED at what she might have to pay to get the phone she wants. I think in her comments/complaints to me she's s-l-i-g-h-t-l-y hinting that she would like some financial "help", but I'm did not take the bait (pat on the back for me!!).

So, after Mom not taking the "hint" and reevaluating her checking account, on Friday, DD got the internet access phone that she wanted. You can tell that she thought A LOT about this decision since the extra cash came out of her pocket. If Mom and Dad were spending the moola, she would have had the phone on the first day she could!!

Will write more later!!

 

[horseshowmom]

On the good news front, DS was named one of the captains for the varsity lacrosse team!! They are voted on by the varsity players.

That's great news! I'm glad that your DS's hard work paid off!

Hopefully, the kid who was so unhappy learned a lesson (but probably not ).

The aquarium is coming along. After 2 weeks with just rocks and live water, the filtration system is working fine and the chemical tests are coming back okay, BUT there is lots of ugly brown algae growing on the rocks (this is normal). So, yesterday, we got our first marine life - 2 starfish (maybe brittle stars, I don't know), about 20 snails, and about 20 tiny hermit crabs. Man, you would think they were STARVING the way they went to task on eating the algae from the rocks and sand. There's a lot there, so they'll be busy for awhile. It's not quite the same as watching fish, but it has been fun to watch them work their way around the tank and interact with each other. Next week, we should be good for fish!!!

DS has cooled on sophomore girl and is trying to figure out his prom options. Prom is early this year - April 19th, so he doesn't have the luxury of a lot of time!! Stay tuned . . .

Short and sweet...

Good Morning Ladies:
Never had a chance to get back to you last week. DH had cataract surgery on Wednesday, which went really well but it turned me into his personal driver for 2 days.

Glad to hear it went well and things are better now!

I'm so sorry to hear that. Are the brain implants an option for MIL? My Uncle was diagnosed with Parkinsons when he was in his mid 40's which is young for that disease. He has the brain implants and they made a huge difference in his quality of life.

My sympathy on this too. I've known people who had this, and I know it's really difficult.

Has anyone asked you what your thoughts are?

No, I haven't run into any of them yet.

Curiosity Questions:
Does this guy have all power over all employees? What is the purpose of the school board if the Supt. has so much power?

Basically, yes. The school board has to vote on contracts, hiring, policies, etc., but he can move employees around at will. He could actually have moved me to the library right now although he would have kept my at my current contracted salary (since that woman quit the 1st of January), so I guess I'm fortunate that I get to finish out the year in this job (which probably means he just didn't think about it).

And, yes, he does still have supporters, but even a lot of them are starting to scratch their heads.

What I am wondering is why this proposed Principal from Memphis is even in agreement with this scenario if she already has a full time job? One would think (or hope) that she would have some sort of ethical dilemna with this.

You just don't realize how special these people think they are!

Where does your little tiny district get the funding to pay all these people those kind of salaries?

That's what I'd like to know! (Fortunately, they haven't hired her thus far, and I can only hope they stay the course.)

Sheila: How is your FIL?

Doing well physically, but he's been pretty ugly to MIL. DH and his DSis discussed trying to talk to him (which I think is a good idea), but the fact is that she's allowed him to treat her like a servant (a very poorly treated servant ) for all these years, and I don't think he has any respect for her. Until she puts a stop to it, I doubt that he's going to pay much attention to them.

DD has an interesting take on it. She says that MIL (her GM) has always liked to play the martyr (woe is me) and have the family upset on her behalf. I've got to say that there's a lot to that. They have a woman who takes care of him all day (8 - 5), so it's not like he can force her to let him mistreat her. All she's got to do is get up and walk out of the room. She refuses to even address the concept of telling him "no".

Overdue update:Had a conference with her Dr. and caregivers and due to excessive sleeping Dr. is going to back off on her anti-psychotic medication. We shall see......I have glimpsed pieces of her old self over the past year and I know it is still in there someone.

I hope that works out.

Tried to avoid "Dad".

You know, I can completely understand this. You always know that there is a strong likelihood of there being a confrontation, and after so many years, it just gets where it's old (not to mention painful and frustrating).

"So, just to clarify, If I have a family event you expect me to call you and tell you, hey, I'm having a party, but you're not invited?????" She says "Yes"

I think this could be classified as Guilt 101...

So, after Mom not taking the "hint" and reevaluating her checking account, on Friday, DD got the internet access phone that she wanted. You can tell that she thought A LOT about this decision since the extra cash came out of her pocket. If Mom and Dad were spending the moola, she would have had the phone on the first day she could!!

We always did (and still do) the same thing. As I told you, DD is wanting to start showing a little bit again. I'm fine with it, but she's going to have to buy the showmanship outfit (she finds the money to buy all those shoes ).




Update Update Update!!!

We don't even have a firm date set yet, but would you believe we bought a wedding dress yesterday?

DD wanted to go look (this is the first time she's even tried dresses on), so since we're both out of school, we decided to go yesterday (with NO intention of buying).

This particular dress, she almost didn't even take to try on, but the lady helping us told her that she might want to just try it. It happened to be the first dress she tried on (just because it was first on the rolling rack that they put the dresses on). It was absolutely incredible - perfect in EVERY way!

She tried on many, many more after that, but none of them even came close to this dress. We left there and went to another store and weren't there more than 30 minutes. They didn't have anything that even remotely appealed to her.

We discussed the dress over lunch. It was more than I had planned to spend (aren't they always? ), and we agreed that it would be a good idea to think about it for awhile (they had it written down on her card, so it would be there).

I called the lady who helped us, gave her my cell phone number, and asked her if she would call me if they had a sale. She said that she would be happy to do so. About 30 minutes later, I got a phone call back. She said she had talked to her manager, and they were willing to offer 25% off for the rest of this week if we decided we wanted the dress.

That brought it down to my price range, and DD was thrilled. We're going back Good Friday to show it to DFi's mom, so I'll try to take pictures then. I can't believe we bought this dress this far out (this is SOOOO NOT LIKE ME ), but it's incredible - very much of a vintage look, so the style isn't going to change. She didn't even need alterations - it fit perfectly!

 

[Sandy V.]

That's great news! I'm glad that your DS's hard work paid off!

Hopefully, the kid who was so unhappy learned a lesson (but probably not ).

Thanks, Sheila. Well, at least I was wrong about the superintendent's kid being named captain at a later date. That didn't happen. We have the first game of the season tonight in Denver, so it's a quick meal on the run before that!!

Yep!! We've decided to wait until after Spring Break (last week in March) to get the fish. Too much going on before then, and we're going to Grand Junction for a lacrosse tournament for 1/2 the week, so no one would be around to feed them!!

The school board has to vote on contracts, hiring, policies, etc., but he can move employees around at will. He could actually have moved me to the library right now although he would have kept my at my current contracted salary (since that woman quit the 1st of January), so I guess I'm fortunate that I get to finish out the year in this job (which probably means he just didn't think about it).

And, yes, he does still have supporters, but even a lot of them are starting to scratch their heads.

You just don't realize how special these people think they are!

That's what I'd like to know! (Fortunately, they haven't hired her thus far, and I can only hope they stay the course.)

I think that the other shoe HAS to drop and you're going to be in for a recall effort somewhere down the road!!! Hang in there, woman!!

Doing well physically, but he's been pretty ugly to MIL. DH and his DSis discussed trying to talk to him (which I think is a good idea), but the fact is that she's allowed him to treat her like a servant (a very poorly treated servant ) for all these years, and I don't think he has any respect for her. Until she puts a stop to it, I doubt that he's going to pay much attention to them.

DD has an interesting take on it. She says that MIL (her GM) has always liked to play the martyr (woe is me) and have the family upset on her behalf. I've got to say that there's a lot to that. They have a woman who takes care of him all day (8 - 5), so it's not like he can force her to let him mistreat her. All she's got to do is get up and walk out of the room. She refuses to even address the concept of telling him "no".

I think your DD has good insight here. There are lots of people like that. My FIL had similiar tendencies, although if directly confronted, you could make him back down. When he was placed in the nursing home, he got VERY jealous anytime my MIL went anywhere without him. And she very much needed the break from him and all of us kids encouraged her to get out. It was a good thing that the Veteran's Nursing home was in a town a little over an hour from where she lived and she would go up there on weekends and call him nearly every day - because if he had been in the non-Veteran's one in her hometown, he would have expected her to be there morning, noon, and night.

I think this could be classified as Guilt 101...

That's exactly what it is!!!!

Update Update Update!!!

We don't even have a firm date set yet, but would you believe we bought a wedding dress yesterday?

DD wanted to go look (this is the first time she's even tried dresses on), so since we're both out of school, we decided to go yesterday (with NO intention of buying).

This particular dress, she almost didn't even take to try on, but the lady helping us told her that she might want to just try it. It happened to be the first dress she tried on (just because it was first on the rolling rack that they put the dresses on). It was absolutely incredible - perfect in EVERY way!

She tried on many, many more after that, but none of them even came close to this dress. We left there and went to another store and weren't there more than 30 minutes. They didn't have anything that even remotely appealed to her.

We discussed the dress over lunch. It was more than I had planned to spend (aren't they always? ), and we agreed that it would be a good idea to think about it for awhile (they had it written down on her card, so it would be there).

I called the lady who helped us, gave her my cell phone number, and asked her if she would call me if they had a sale. She said that she would be happy to do so. About 30 minutes later, I got a phone call back. She said she had talked to her manager, and they were willing to offer 25% off for the rest of this week if we decided we wanted the dress.

That brought it down to my price range, and DD was thrilled. We're going back Good Friday to show it to DFi's mom, so I'll try to take pictures then. I can't believe we bought this dress this far out (this is SOOOO NOT LIKE ME ), but it's incredible - very much of a vintage look, so the style isn't going to change. She didn't even need alterations - it fit perfectly!

How wonderful!!!! You're right; you are going to have to figure out how to post pictures because Melissa and I will DEMAND them! That's such a great feeling to find "the dress".

 

[horseshowmom]

Thanks, Sheila. Well, at least I was wrong about the superintendent's kid being named captain at a later date. That didn't happen. We have the first game of the season tonight in Denver, so it's a quick meal on the run before that!!

Go team!!!

Yep!! We've decided to wait until after Spring Break (last week in March) to get the fish. Too much going on before then, and we're going to Grand Junction for a lacrosse tournament for 1/2 the week, so no one would be around to feed them!!

Yeah, that feeding thing is important...

I think that the other shoe HAS to drop and you're going to be in for a recall effort somewhere down the road!!! Hang in there, woman!!

Sadly enough, you can't have a recall in our state for a Supt. (I researched it ).

I think your DD has good insight here. There are lots of people like that. My FIL had similiar tendencies, although if directly confronted, you could make him back down. When he was placed in the nursing home, he got VERY jealous anytime my MIL went anywhere without him. And she very much needed the break from him and all of us kids encouraged her to get out. It was a good thing that the Veteran's Nursing home was in a town a little over an hour from where she lived and she would go up there on weekends and call him nearly every day - because if he had been in the non-Veteran's one in her hometown, he would have expected her to be there morning, noon, and night.

Yes, that's the way he is. MIL likes to say it's his condition or his medicine. Really, all that does is take the responsibility off of her for standing up to him. The fact is that he's not doing everybody else that way. If it were truly the meds or the condition, he wouldn't be able to control himself, now would he.

Truthfully, MIL really is the martyr type. She likes to meddle with what I call "velvet gloves" (you know, she's only saying/doing these things because she loves you so much. I know it's kind of sad to say, but she really gets on DD's nerves (for good reason).

How wonderful!!!! You're right; you are going to have to figure out how to post pictures because Melissa and I will DEMAND them! That's such a great feeling to find "the dress".

I've learned how to do photobucket , so this shouldn't be hard at all. When I took her camera out yesterday, it came on and then immediately died (dead battery ). I took some with my RAZR, but they aren't very good. You really can't see much. I'll do better though!

 

[Sandy V.]

Go team!!!

Thanks. DS's team won 9-2 last night. DS is a defensive player, so he didn't score, but he did play well.

Sadly enough, you can't have a recall in our state for a Supt. (I researched it ).

That's too bad. I wonder if they can recall the school board members who support this yo-yo? It may come to that.

Yes, that's the way he is. MIL likes to say it's his condition or his medicine. Really, all that does is take the responsibility off of her for standing up to him. The fact is that he's not doing everybody else that way. If it were truly the meds or the condition, he wouldn't be able to control himself, now would he.

Truthfully, MIL really is the martyr type. She likes to meddle with what I call "velvet gloves" (you know, she's only saying/doing these things because she loves you so much. I know it's kind of sad to say, but she really gets on DD's nerves (for good reason).

Yeah, there are a lot of those around, and you just have to deal with them as best you can. You can't MAKE people grow a spine, although it certainly would be nice if you could!! You can't make them stop being manipulators either, can you?

My MIL really needs to finish some estate planning, and she seeks DH's advice. He, of course, gives it to her and tells her to get things done through a Nebraska attorney (neither of us is licensed to practice there and plus, we don't WANT that responsibility). Well, she knows what she needs to do, but deep down, she's too CHEAP to just pony up and pay a good attorney to get her ducks in a row. She has the money; she's just a child of the Depression who hangs on to it for dear life!! So we don't know if it will ever get taken care of!

I've learned how to do photobucket , so this shouldn't be hard at all. When I took her camera out yesterday, it came on and then immediately died (dead battery ). I took some with my RAZR, but they aren't very good. You really can't see much. I'll do better though!

Looking forward to seeing them!!

 

[mamacatnv]

Thank you. I would like to take some credit for this getting elected captain stuff, but all I did was "birth" him!!!

You also raised him and helped him develop the skills that helped him land the position

Yes. It's one of those circle of life things. Snails are hard to keep; they are pretty sensitive to the water's salinity. So you have about a 50% mortality rate. But . . . that's okay, because when they die, the hermit crabs take over their empty snail shells after they decompose. The starfish/brittle stars/whatever they are are noctural creatures, they do a lot of the evening feeding. Most starter fishes aren't algae cleaners, so you need them in the tank or it will get pretty gross pretty quickly.

I feel like a chemist; we've been taking PH, nitrite, nitrate, ammonia, and KH hardness readings about once a week or so. And we check salinity on a near daily basis. But it's all pretty easy and actually kind of fun.

Sounds like you are getting the hang of it - poor snails, destined to be crab food

Tell me about it. I think the age difference was too much. I also think she wasn't all that bright, which is a "must" for DS!! On to the next girl!!

One of DS's friends recently broke up with his GF of 2 years (he is a Sr.) his latest conquest is a Freshman we are all watching this one (we know the Mom of the girl)

If Mom and Dad were spending the moola, she would have had the phone on the first day she could!!

Funny how that works!

Basically, yes. The school board has to vote on contracts, hiring, policies, etc., but he can move employees around at will. He could actually have moved me to the library right now although he would have kept my at my current contracted salary (since that woman quit the 1st of January), so I guess I'm fortunate that I get to finish out the year in this job (which probably means he just didn't think about it).

And, yes, he does still have supporters, but even a lot of them are starting to scratch their heads.
Sadly enough, you can't have a recall in our state for a Supt. (I researched it ).

It amazes me that he has that much power and virtually no accountability to say nothing of he is pretty much untouchable.

Update Update Update!!!
We don't even have a firm date set yet, but would you believe we bought a wedding dress yesterday? I can't believe we bought this dress this far out (this is SOOOO NOT LIKE ME ), but it's incredible - very much of a vintage look, so the style isn't going to change. She didn't even need alterations - it fit perfectly

When you find THE dress, what choice do you have I can't wait to see it - how exciting!

That brought it down to my price range

Since you get a deal/upgrade on just about everything you do this does not surprise me.

Truthfully, MIL really is the martyr type. She likes to meddle with what I call "velvet gloves" (you know, she's only saying/doing these things because she loves you so much. I know it's kind of sad to say, but she really gets on DD's nerves (for good reason).

Ahh, yes the old "Victim" mentallity - fortunately, my MIL keeps my FIL in check most of the time and does not coddle him.

I've learned how to do photobucket , so this shouldn't be hard at all.

Thanks. DS's team won 9-2 last night. DS is a defensive player, so he didn't score, but he did play well.

My MIL really needs to finish some estate planning, and she seeks DH's advice. He, of course, gives it to her and tells her to get things done through a Nebraska attorney (neither of us is licensed to practice there and plus, we don't WANT that responsibility). Well, she knows what she needs to do, but deep down, she's too CHEAP to just pony up and pay a good attorney to get her ducks in a row. She has the money; she's just a child of the Depression who hangs on to it for dear life!! So we don't know if it will ever get taken care of!

Coincidentally we just got the updated packet from DH's parents yesterday. They had to redo all their documents since they are now residents of Florida and not New Hampshire. This is a Dad/StepMom situation, although DH's Mother passed away 25 or so years ago so she is the only MIL I know. They appointed one son from each side of the family as executors and the health care advocates. DH just hands me the packet, he hates that kind of stuff. Now all I have to do is sort out FIL's wishes in the event that MIL proceeds him in death, my DH makes the health care decisions and IMO I would like to have some idea of what FIL's wishes are.

Not much going on around here, the weather is turning nasty and is supposed to snow thru the weekend.

My fat cat Simon has some sort of owie on the tip of his tongue and has not been eating/drinking since he can't seem to pick/lick at anything and he is drooling all over the place. Yesterday and this morning I gave him water with a medicine dropper and fed him some chicken (he can chew, just can't pull the food into his mouth with his tongue) He has an appt. with the vet this afternoon. He was eating out of his bowl this morning but very slowly.

Several of my office mates are out with bronchitis/pnuemonia or are recovering, somehow I missed when it went thru the office (I think I was in Oregon) so things are pretty quiet.

Oh, I forgot......... My DH's employer offers a scholarship for their employee's kids. The application was long and complicated, it was a royal pain to be honest. Due to some really bizarre requirements we were on track to miss the mailing deadline since only the school could provide the requirements and the application was due at the end of Christmas break (school closed). It was my own fault, I hadn't read all the fine print. So, the day the dumb thing was due, I was all bent out of shape at myself for "dropping the ball". Then DH calls me in the afternoon and tells me that he got an email from HR and they had extended the deadline (Guess I was not the only one who waited til the last minute to read the fine print ) So, I breath a huge sigh of relief, get all the required docs when school started up again and mail the dang thing off. I'm thinking to myself, that was a lot of work for a few bucks. We did not know what the reward could be, it was never disclosed.

So, fast forward to Tuesday, get home, there is an envelope from the scholarship organization, dang, DS is not home, we were meeting for dinner and bowling........We did not open it, but it was killing me I tried holding it up to the light and everything
So, DS opens it at dinner..........he was awarded a $3500 scholarship between what the Univ. has given him, his state scholarship and this one his tuition, books and all fee's will be covered for the 1st year. Now to whittle down the room & board!

That is about it - I hope all is well in your worlds

I'm off to the vet in a few

 

[agnes!]

WOW, mamcatnv, that is GREAT news!

And the lesson for today kiddies? Your DDs and DSs (or you if appropriate) should fill out the paperwork for EVERY college scholarship/grant/etc they might qualify for.
Don't edit your efforts before you even start.

agnes!

 

[mamacatnv]

WOW, mamcatnv, that is GREAT news!

I am very excited!

And the lesson for today kiddies?

Read the fine print and don't wait till the day before it is due to fill it out and mail. Funny thing is, even if we had it completed, we were hit with a huge storm the afternoon before the postmark deadline and we could not have gotten it into town for the required post mark.

 

[horseshowmom]

Thanks. DS's team won 9-2 last night. DS is a defensive player, so he didn't score, but he did play well.

Yeah, there are a lot of those around, and you just have to deal with them as best you can. You can't MAKE people grow a spine, although it certainly would be nice if you could!! You can't make them stop being manipulators either, can you?

FIL called last night and wanted DH to take him to the doctor today (said he's had a pain in his chest for the last two years, and he needs to get it looked at ) As many times as he's been to a doctor in the last 2 years, that's NOT his problem.

The root of this was that MIL has a chiropractor appt. today, and he was trying to make somebody take him somewhere since she was going to be gone (actually, what he wanted was for her not to go and her to take him ). Going to the doctor seems to be one of the things he likes to do for entertainment (attention).

DH got on the phone with his mother and told her to go to the chiro and leave him at home (she's been complaining about "having" to take him - they've told her that he can't MAKE her take him, that she's making that decision herself). He has someone who comes in to take care of him from 8 - 5 every day. She says that he'll be mad when she gets back. DH (and his siblings) say to let him be mad, so what? Close the door and let him pout.

My MIL really needs to finish some estate planning, and she seeks DH's advice. He, of course, gives it to her and tells her to get things done through a Nebraska attorney (neither of us is licensed to practice there and plus, we don't WANT that responsibility). Well, she knows what she needs to do, but deep down, she's too CHEAP to just pony up and pay a good attorney to get her ducks in a row. She has the money; she's just a child of the Depression who hangs on to it for dear life!! So we don't know if it will ever get taken care of!

DH has repeatedly told MIL that she/they need to have living wills. Does she do it? Nope. I know exactly what you mean.

Looking forward to seeing them!! [/QUOTE]

One of DS's friends recently broke up with his GF of 2 years (he is a Sr.) his latest conquest is a Freshman we are all watching this one (we know the Mom of the girl)

Nothing like a young, adoring girl to bolster a hurt ego (if his heart was broken from the breakup)!

When you find THE dress, what choice do you have I can't wait to see it - how exciting!

That's what I told her dad, and he actually took it better than I thought!

Since you get a deal/upgrade on just about everything you do this does not surprise me.

That's how I live above my means!

Not much going on around here, the weather is turning nasty and is supposed to snow thru the weekend.

We've had a great week, but I think it's going downhill tonight. I can't complain though. It was a great week for Spring Break. We go back next week for 4 days and then 4 days the next week (out Good Friday and the following Monday).

My fat cat Simon has some sort of owie on the tip of his tongue and has not been eating/drinking since he can't seem to pick/lick at anything and he is drooling all over the place. Yesterday and this morning I gave him water with a medicine dropper and fed him some chicken (he can chew, just can't pull the food into his mouth with his tongue) He has an appt. with the vet this afternoon. He was eating out of his bowl this morning but very slowly.

I'm sorry to hear that. That will be a difficult area to treat too. Let us know what the vet says. Also, how's Deck'ster making it these days?

Several of my office mates are out with bronchitis/pnuemonia or are recovering, somehow I missed when it went thru the office (I think I was in Oregon) so things are pretty quiet.

Oooo, glad you missed all that fun!

Oh, I forgot......... My DH's employer offers a scholarship for their employee's kids.

So, fast forward to Tuesday, get home, there is an envelope from the scholarship organization,

So, DS opens it at dinner..........he was awarded a $3500 scholarship between what the Univ. has given him, his state scholarship and this one his tuition, books and all fee's will be covered for the 1st year. Now to whittle down the room & board!

That's wonderful! I know you're thrilled to say the least, and I'm sure he's excited too!

WOW, mamcatnv, that is GREAT news!

And the lesson for today kiddies? Your DDs and DSs (or you if appropriate) should fill out the paperwork for EVERY college scholarship/grant/etc they might qualify for.
Don't edit your efforts before you even start.

agnes!

ITA!