Thursday Thirteen

I really really wanted to post Tuesday Ten, but that came and went. So, the only number and “catchy”  title for today would be thirteen. Three just seems so uninspiring.  I have thought about writing SO many times in the last month, then I sit down, and nadda.

1.

We made a trip to Millersville University for

Accepted Students Day!

Someone was very excited! They had students lining the streets into town, waving at us and directing us where to go, for the mile/mile and a half after you turn off the main road. I must say it was definitely cool to see. K was excited to see a PIRATE parrot – of all things! The official school mascot is a Marauder (aka “pirate” I suppose) So this is the new mascot. She was also excited that the school colors are gold and black, ala Pittsburg Steelers, and the Dean of the school is  a fan.  She is very excited about starting in the fall.

2.

And my big news….

CONGRATULATIONS TO OUR CHPSW GRADUATING STUDENTS!

The College of Health Professions and Social Work would like to extend warm wishes for our graduating students of August 2011, January 2012, and May 2012.  We recognize that this is a milestone achievement and wish you well in your future endeavors!

Graduation Ceremonies on May 10, 2012!!

No, I did not go to graduation. No need to. I know what I accomplished, and would have had to walk with all of the twentysomethings, and had no desire to fight Temple traffic just for a cap and gown. I am still adjusting to not having to read or write, and have taken a week off of any reading!  This was much more challenging at times than I thought it would be, but also so much more rewarding than I ever expected it to be. There were times I really found myself wishing for a classroom so I could debate face to face! Online is not at all “easy” as everyone seems to think it is! Then there are all the things that go along with a job, teenagers, keeping a house and trying to complete my school work at the same time. But I DID IT.

I must be insane because I am already thinking of the “next thing” ! Just deciding if I want to stay in orthopedics or not.

3.

There is another graduate in this house! Her news far outweighs mine! These arrived on my graduation day – HER announcements. We only had to get a few for far flung friends and family. Hard to believe in three weeks I will be the parent of a high school graduate!!

4.

Took my last field trip in May.

A ton of mixed emotions here. Dude will be starting HIGH SCHOOL next year! No more need for mom to tag along on field trips. So I was SO happy to get to go along on the NYC trip to Broadway. Was so surprised the boys actually wanted to pick Wicked and thankfully Dude got the LAST lottery number for that bus! I can definitely say, taking this trip with these boys was a planetary difference from the trip I took with  Princess Textsalot and her friends when she was in the 9th grade! Those girls had an agenda! see this, do that! Asked the boys what they wanted to do with the 45 minutes we had after lunch, until we had to be at the theater. “I don’t know”….so I tried the best I could with TRU, and the M&M store and Hershey. They were not interested in spending money, and really did not want to “see” anything. So we got to the theater 30 min early! Love his friends! They were so polite and nice, sweet boys. I LOVE seeing first time reactions to the sights, sounds and SMELLS of NYC. Makes me LOL every year!

5.

Speaking of “friends” – Dr Who is big big big around here lately. Total fan here. (and imagine my dismay when Dr Who appeared on the dvd player on the bus to NYC! and even episodes I have seen and trust me I haven’t seen many!) Anyway, he was invited to a Dr Who themed party last weekend. He planned his costume for weeks, down to the pocket watch, and laser screwdriver, I give you The Master. He even downloaded the drum beats The Master hears in his head all the time. AND, he won Best Overall Costume, and bragging rights for a year!

6.

Am I really only at #6?? My toenails need painted…now on to better things.

7.

Dude attended his first “real” dance! 9th grade dance!

He was stoked to wear a suit, and his new “zipper tie” – yes, it has a zipper up the tail that tightens it, and you can not see it at all! No tying! Size 46 reg jacket!!

SO proud of the young man he is becoming. So sweet, kind hearted, funny, sarcastic – I don’t know where he gets that? – curious and smart. He has lots of “girl”friends, but no “girlfriend” yet. But a few crushes….shhhhh…don’t’ tell.

8.

Mother’s Day was low key, just like I like it. Roused the night owls out of bed, to have breakfast at the market Café, and then Sir Fartsalot and I were planning to ditch the spawn and go to Longtrout Winery for some adult time alone (been a rough week here) , but as we were leaving, The Sir remembered that he heard about a flea market in Fleetwood, did we want to try to find it!? Sure came the cries from the back seat! well,let’s say we struck out on a few fronts that we tried to find a flea marker, which resulted in some driving around, but lead to winding up at the ice cream parlor! can’t argue with that!  We did then ditch the kids and hit the nursery for some plants, and spent the afternoon napping and planting. Perfectly fine  with me! MD is still a rough holiday for me, even after all these years, and I do not fancy the brunches and packed restaurants and expensive menus, so have given up even trying. I just didn’t plan a big day trip this year.

9.

This girl continues to be silly and fun! Challenges me almost daily, and is probably the sole cause of every grey hair on my head, but is growing into a strong young woman that we are so proud of! Can’t wait to see her pottery on display somewhere some day!

10.

She made this piece for me recently. Matches a lamp I have. I LOVE it.

11.

The frogs in the pond this year are INSANE!  They are multiplying like rabbits, talking up a storm and we found more tadpoles in the skimmer! I will most likely not have baby fish this year, as I am sure the babies won’t out swim these guys. I am so grateful that Sir Fartsalot surprised me all those years ago by digging this “hole” for me. He knew how much I wanted it.

We are losing count and are trying not to think of the Egypt plagues most days around here!

12.

Someday hopefully, this will be a blanket for Princess Textsalot to take to school with her. She is obsessed with blankets and can’t have enough. I was so pleased when I cautiously asked if she wanted me to make her one for her dorm, she said yes!

13.

I made it! 13 things! bored you all to tears, but I am on #13.

 

The foot isn’t looking to bad, and is FINALLY working pretty well. Has it’s moments but I CAN WALK again with little pain! That is always a nice thing!!

The heart is coming along but we will address that another day!