Tuesday, January 20, 2009

My Science Project

Notice I did not say, My Son's Science Project. Know why? Of course you do! Because his science project is due TOMORROW!
Normally, I pride myself on being in the know when it comes to their school work. There's a great website that has all the assignments and due dates. The science teacher even sent home a letter explaining all the rules, etc. However, since I lost my job a little over a week ago, my mind has been worthless. We talked about doing it on tectonic plates, and showing volcanoes and earthquakes. The teacher said no. So then we (D-Man and I) decided to do it on static electricity. Hubs saw a cool video on using wool and plexiglass to make Rice Krispies jump. Every day I've asked him to construct the stupid box so D-Man can test the project. Afterall, can't write it up if you can't test it. Every time I asked, he said, "I'll do it tomorrow."

WELL.... today Daimean says that the project is DUE tomorrow. Great. Luckily, we just bought a printer this morning for my Safe Haven project. So he rushes to make the box and the damn thing does not work. For anything. We tweak it, we change it, we beg the stupid thing. It doesn't work. Those are the deadest Rice Krispies I've ever seen. So we rush to pick another one, test it, write it up and get a poster board done. (In the interest of expediency, I typed while Daimean dictated, otherwise he did the rest himself)

I must say, it looks pretty good. Especially for being put together in one afternoon!

Monday, January 19, 2009

No Job = Full Panic Mode

Adventures in Unemployment, Day 10

As I'm reading CNN and MSNBC, I'm realizing that it's amazing I was employed for as long as I was. Finance is not the place to be, especially when the restaurants you're loaning to are going out of business at record rates. The worst part - it's a downward spiral. Jobs are cut, people worry, spend less... meaning more jobs are cut.
I spent a long time going to school part time to get my 60 credit hours to qualify for the police dept. Due to a randomly generated, ridiculously high number, I jumped through their hoops for 3 years, passed every exam and check, and still didn't get in. Perhaps it's time for me to look for a job where my qualifications actually have something to do with it.
Hubs has encouraged me to return to school, but I discounted that idea because we can't afford it. It's hard enough to pay for the kids to go to school. But he believes I can do it, even while working and raising two kids, volunteering at the school and being involved with Safe Haven.
Then today a good friend called and gave me a pep talk about finishing school. She even offered to take me to her school to apply for financial aid, etc. She thinks I'd be a good teacher, and knowing what my situation was like as a kid, thinks I could see the signs when kids need help. She thinks I can do something worthwhile and make a difference. While it would take me 2 years to finish, and then start the certification process, I'm seriously considering it. It's daunting, to be sure, but just maybe.....
Sometimes that makes all the difference in the word, having people believe in you, even when you don't believe in yourself.

Sunday, January 18, 2009

You Like Me! You Really Like Me!

Hey, look! Over there on the left. Down a ways, since BlogHer *insists* they have to be at the top.... Mmm-hmm, I got a bloggy friendship award from Leanna at The Rambler. When I started blogging, I didn't realize how wrapped up I'd get in the lives of other bloggers, but I'm so glad that I did. And so, I'll pass this Friendship Award to a few of my favorite mommy bloggers..... you know who you are! Kendra, Chris, Carrie, Nicole, Colleen, and all the rest of you who have listened patiently while I try to get to the point (which I will, eventually, get to) and have shared your lives via blogger :)