Well, my dread was not unwarranted. I got the call around 9:15 p.m. last night.
"Please come get your child as soon as possible. He punched another camper in the face."
Such warm, fuzzy mom moments.
He was very tired, and very upset. He truly hated camp this week. It's hard to enjoy camp when none of your cabinmates want to include you in the activities. Combine that with lack of sleep, and problems controlling impulses and anger, and what do you get? A complete meltdown.
He did say that he really liked his horse. Her name was Honey. She was much more cooperative than Cricket was last year. J said the only problem she had was she liked to eat too much.
I couldn't get mad at J for hitting the other kid, knowing that this had been brewing since the first day. I feel bad that he is so different from the kids his age that they don't want anything to do with him. I talked to him about it briefly on the ride home. Suggested that when they were breaking the rules, that he should have involved a counselor/adult.
I am upset that he hit the boy, don't get me wrong. I know it's wrong, and so does he. And there is no excuse for hitting another person.
The final straw last night was at the lake and the rope swing. The rules say that there is no saving spots in line. The boy(s) ahead of him were doing exactly that. So, of course, my son has to be insistent that they were breaking the rules and can't save spots in line. This obviously got way out of hand. One kid got hit and another sent home. So, while the counselors knew that there were major problems with this cabin of boys, I am wondering where they were while this argument was escalating. (Simple solution would have been to have an adult supervising the line, and enforcing the no saving spots/cutting in line.) I don't know, I wasn't there. Maybe I am just too simplistic.
Today is another day. Tomorrow will be a new day too.
Time for some Mac 'n Cheese, Diet Pepsi and some knitting.
Friday, June 19, 2009
Monday, June 15, 2009
A Week of Horses
J is off to Ranch Camp at Camp Kitaki (near South Bend, NE). I am both elated and full of trepidation. I love having J enjoy time out of the house, riding horses, spending time with other kids his age. But... I also dread having J out of the house spending time with other kids his age, or those that are not familiar with his subtle signs of impending doom. (These are pictures of 2008)
I am hoping for a great week (weather permitting) for him with his horse and new friends. I think that he will keep it together. I just wish I could know for sure.
I haven't even had a chance to knit more that about 4 rows on anything for the last week. This is beginning to get on my nerves. I miss knitting every evening.
On another completely different note: "One Book, One Lincoln" announced the 5 finalists for this year's reading. They seem a bit more probable than last year's titles, but still a bit dark in theme. (racism, poverty, Sudan "Lost Boys", and civil wars). I will have to try to get one of these and see how they go.
I am starting to get K ready for her tour at camp. She goes in about 3 weeks. She's excited and ready to go.
I am hoping for a great week (weather permitting) for him with his horse and new friends. I think that he will keep it together. I just wish I could know for sure.
I haven't even had a chance to knit more that about 4 rows on anything for the last week. This is beginning to get on my nerves. I miss knitting every evening.
On another completely different note: "One Book, One Lincoln" announced the 5 finalists for this year's reading. They seem a bit more probable than last year's titles, but still a bit dark in theme. (racism, poverty, Sudan "Lost Boys", and civil wars). I will have to try to get one of these and see how they go.
I am starting to get K ready for her tour at camp. She goes in about 3 weeks. She's excited and ready to go.
Tuesday, June 9, 2009
Typical Government/University Thinking...
I have done a stupid thing. I lost my university ID card. This wouldn't be such a horrible thing, except that it is how I unlock the doors in the building.
Now, for the brilliant thinking/policy making, that can only be attributed to government and university minds. Ready? To report your card lost/stolen you must give them your name and (wait for it) the ID number that is only found on the front of your ID card.
Hello! Anyone paying attention? This number is not located anywhere else that you can access.
So, I was told that it would be best to not show up at the Ncard office for the next 6 weeks, unless it was absolutely necessary, as they are processing several hundred new students, and I would have to wait for each group to go through. (The ave. group size, you ask? 50 people)
Oh well. I will just have to stalk their office in the morning, and beat the influx of new students.
On the home front: Last Friday was the 1st day off for the summer for my kids. We went to the psychologist (we may have some new answers that make much more sense soon), then we went to the YMCA to bask in the sun in the new outdoor pool.
Saturday we went to the park, then the pool (let me tell you the water is very cold). After the pool, we went to Panera for a Lincoln Knitter's session. (only 3 of us showed up).
Sunday was the best though. We spent the entire day at the Henry Doorly Zoo in Omaha. We got there, drove around the parking lot for like 45 minutes, trying to find a parking spot (no luck). Finally got a spot across the street, then proceeded to walk around, ride the train, and ride the tram until almost 5 p.m.
Sorry, no pictures. But I will tell you that both kids were thrilled with the peacocks that roam free. And J wanted to get up close and personal with the prairie dogs that also roam free. K loved watching the sea lions. She made us get off the tram so she could watch them. (so much like me, anything about the water creatures)
The second best thing? the aquarium. We actually sat down in the shark tube for almost 10 minutes. We were all mesmerized and fascinated with the sharks, rays, puffer fish and sea turtle. I could stay in there all day and not get bored, but not the kids. I thought 10 minutes was about as long as I could make J stay in there.
Behavior has been pretty darn good from J over the weekend. But then again, he was being kept very active and busy with things that are not the same. This will wear off (i.e. the outdoor pool), but I will bask in the minimal fighting/arguing that occurred.
Knitting is going about the same, I didn't get much time over the weekend because of how busy and on the road we were, so I am in about the same spot I was the last time I checked in. I did cast on a new pair of shorty socks for J. He likes the way they feel better than store bought socks.
Well, have a great day!
(p.s. Jess, I got your postcard. Love it! Now, if you would have put your new address on there, we could send one back. PM me in Ravelry some time with your address)
Now, for the brilliant thinking/policy making, that can only be attributed to government and university minds. Ready? To report your card lost/stolen you must give them your name and (wait for it) the ID number that is only found on the front of your ID card.
Hello! Anyone paying attention? This number is not located anywhere else that you can access.
So, I was told that it would be best to not show up at the Ncard office for the next 6 weeks, unless it was absolutely necessary, as they are processing several hundred new students, and I would have to wait for each group to go through. (The ave. group size, you ask? 50 people)
Oh well. I will just have to stalk their office in the morning, and beat the influx of new students.
On the home front: Last Friday was the 1st day off for the summer for my kids. We went to the psychologist (we may have some new answers that make much more sense soon), then we went to the YMCA to bask in the sun in the new outdoor pool.
Saturday we went to the park, then the pool (let me tell you the water is very cold). After the pool, we went to Panera for a Lincoln Knitter's session. (only 3 of us showed up).
Sunday was the best though. We spent the entire day at the Henry Doorly Zoo in Omaha. We got there, drove around the parking lot for like 45 minutes, trying to find a parking spot (no luck). Finally got a spot across the street, then proceeded to walk around, ride the train, and ride the tram until almost 5 p.m.
Sorry, no pictures. But I will tell you that both kids were thrilled with the peacocks that roam free. And J wanted to get up close and personal with the prairie dogs that also roam free. K loved watching the sea lions. She made us get off the tram so she could watch them. (so much like me, anything about the water creatures)
The second best thing? the aquarium. We actually sat down in the shark tube for almost 10 minutes. We were all mesmerized and fascinated with the sharks, rays, puffer fish and sea turtle. I could stay in there all day and not get bored, but not the kids. I thought 10 minutes was about as long as I could make J stay in there.
Behavior has been pretty darn good from J over the weekend. But then again, he was being kept very active and busy with things that are not the same. This will wear off (i.e. the outdoor pool), but I will bask in the minimal fighting/arguing that occurred.
Knitting is going about the same, I didn't get much time over the weekend because of how busy and on the road we were, so I am in about the same spot I was the last time I checked in. I did cast on a new pair of shorty socks for J. He likes the way they feel better than store bought socks.
Well, have a great day!
(p.s. Jess, I got your postcard. Love it! Now, if you would have put your new address on there, we could send one back. PM me in Ravelry some time with your address)
Tuesday, June 2, 2009
Luvin' 'Amigurumi Knits'
I can't get over how much I LUV this book: Amigurumi Knits
I have made the Garden Snail, and started Nessie and the Octopus.
These are about as close to instant gratification as you can get for knitting projects. They are even more fun than socks.
I love Hansi Singh's designs. I have dreamed about her designs even before her book. I would drool over her Etsy.com site. (She has her shop closed this week, but I am sure she will be back in all her cryptozoological glory soon)
I am using the yarn that Jess gifted me. (Remember that tangled mess you were going to throw away? It has gone on to become some fun creatures!)
I need to finish up so many projects. I will work on that, bit by bit, and throw in some quick ami's to make sure I don't get too bored. Some of them are just too big and hot to work on in the summer, so go into hibernation until October or later.
Happy Knitting!
I have made the Garden Snail, and started Nessie and the Octopus.
These are about as close to instant gratification as you can get for knitting projects. They are even more fun than socks.
I love Hansi Singh's designs. I have dreamed about her designs even before her book. I would drool over her Etsy.com site. (She has her shop closed this week, but I am sure she will be back in all her cryptozoological glory soon)
I am using the yarn that Jess gifted me. (Remember that tangled mess you were going to throw away? It has gone on to become some fun creatures!)
I need to finish up so many projects. I will work on that, bit by bit, and throw in some quick ami's to make sure I don't get too bored. Some of them are just too big and hot to work on in the summer, so go into hibernation until October or later.
Happy Knitting!
Monday, June 1, 2009
End of school approaches, and the frustration begins
OK, this post is just one big rant. Ignore as needed.
I am a bit apprehensive about school ending this week. I will be glad to not have to worry about missing assignments, and "we need this" and "we need money for this".
But... there is the problem of what to do with the 2 kids to keep them entertained/out of trouble/not fighting over the summer.
I wonder if there is any way to find more money and more camps for them to attend? I would love to be able to send them to camp all summer. (Anywhere!) But one's that wouldn't cost me an arm and leg to do so. (And one who is capable of dealing with an out of control temper/behavioral problems)
I do have a couple weeks of each kid going to Camp Kitaki. J will be going the week after next and K. will be going right after the 4th of July. I am also looking into a music camp for J. to attend. But then I feel guilty for not having a 2nd camp for K.
Then I find out that I may be called for Jury Duty on the week of the music camp. Well, that just stinks. I was thinking that I could take a day or 2 off that week and spend it with K, instead of a 2nd camp, but if I am stuck in the courthouse ...
I will have to think about this some more. I wish there were more options.
Everyone keeps telling me about BrightLights. But the hours do not fit with having to work an everyday job from 8-5. I mean the morning session is from 9-noon, and the afternoon session is from 1-4.
Who schedules these things? Don't they realize that people have jobs? I guess they are still under the impression that the "wife" stays home and can cart the kids to all their activities. and why don't they provide before care and lunch supervision at the other locations? I would have to get to work 1.5 hours late and leave 1.5 hours early. I mean, I guess then I would have to leave work again at 11:30 to supervise my own child over lunch and hurry back after 1 p.m. So, I would be at work from 9:30-11:30 in the morning and 1:30-3:30 in the afternoon. Sure, that's close to a full 8 hour day.
Ok, I think I've ranted enough (or quite a bit more that enough).
On the knitting front: I have started (and almost finished) Nessie from Amigurumi Knits I have the flippers and horns left.
I am almost 1/2 way done with my beaded sock from the Knitter's Brewing Co.
I finished those socks I have been using as appointment waiting room socks.
I made a purse/bag.
I made the garden snail from the same book that Nessie is in. (I plan to make many more of these creatures. I love this book so much.)
I made out my list of people for Christmas, and started to gather ideas for what to do (hopefully most can be accomplished from my stash). I may have to get out my 3 foot long size 50 knitting needles again.
I'm about 1/2 way done with a gift for Tana and her newest edition.
I still need to finish a blanket that will be gifted/donated too. Just have to seam up all the blasted blocks.
Plus I have some shawls I need/want to knit up, and several more KAL's coming up.
(Just remember Jess, you wanted me to blog more. I am sure you are having fun getting reacquainted with NYC.)
I am a bit apprehensive about school ending this week. I will be glad to not have to worry about missing assignments, and "we need this" and "we need money for this".
But... there is the problem of what to do with the 2 kids to keep them entertained/out of trouble/not fighting over the summer.
I wonder if there is any way to find more money and more camps for them to attend? I would love to be able to send them to camp all summer. (Anywhere!) But one's that wouldn't cost me an arm and leg to do so. (And one who is capable of dealing with an out of control temper/behavioral problems)
I do have a couple weeks of each kid going to Camp Kitaki. J will be going the week after next and K. will be going right after the 4th of July. I am also looking into a music camp for J. to attend. But then I feel guilty for not having a 2nd camp for K.
Then I find out that I may be called for Jury Duty on the week of the music camp. Well, that just stinks. I was thinking that I could take a day or 2 off that week and spend it with K, instead of a 2nd camp, but if I am stuck in the courthouse ...
I will have to think about this some more. I wish there were more options.
Everyone keeps telling me about BrightLights. But the hours do not fit with having to work an everyday job from 8-5. I mean the morning session is from 9-noon, and the afternoon session is from 1-4.
Who schedules these things? Don't they realize that people have jobs? I guess they are still under the impression that the "wife" stays home and can cart the kids to all their activities. and why don't they provide before care and lunch supervision at the other locations? I would have to get to work 1.5 hours late and leave 1.5 hours early. I mean, I guess then I would have to leave work again at 11:30 to supervise my own child over lunch and hurry back after 1 p.m. So, I would be at work from 9:30-11:30 in the morning and 1:30-3:30 in the afternoon. Sure, that's close to a full 8 hour day.
Ok, I think I've ranted enough (or quite a bit more that enough).
On the knitting front: I have started (and almost finished) Nessie from Amigurumi Knits I have the flippers and horns left.
I am almost 1/2 way done with my beaded sock from the Knitter's Brewing Co.
I finished those socks I have been using as appointment waiting room socks.
I made a purse/bag.
I made the garden snail from the same book that Nessie is in. (I plan to make many more of these creatures. I love this book so much.)
I made out my list of people for Christmas, and started to gather ideas for what to do (hopefully most can be accomplished from my stash). I may have to get out my 3 foot long size 50 knitting needles again.
I'm about 1/2 way done with a gift for Tana and her newest edition.
I still need to finish a blanket that will be gifted/donated too. Just have to seam up all the blasted blocks.
Plus I have some shawls I need/want to knit up, and several more KAL's coming up.
(Just remember Jess, you wanted me to blog more. I am sure you are having fun getting reacquainted with NYC.)
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