Wow - I didn't realize how long it had been since I've posted anything on here.
I'd like to say I've been doing something really important, but I haven't been.
I've been sucked into the world of on-line socializing called Facebook.
Now, it has been a good thing in that I have reconnected with my best friends from high school. And not just on-line. We have gone out for breakfast and dinner, and have a lunch planned for two weeks. So it's not just been on on-line connection.
I've also reconnected with my estranged fathers family: my cousins, and aunts. That is important to me so it is another good thing that has come from Facebook.
I have also been a Mom in my time away. Volunteering at the kids school, doing softball and baseball practices and games, a few short vacations to our beach house and having fun with them over the summer. Now we are onto field hockey and football practices and games. I DO consider this very important.
But the whole Facebook "addiction" needs to stop. I've realized it is consuming too much time. Time away from my kids, family, and true friends. Friends who I enjoy spending time with. Friends who truly care about what I've been doing. Friends who are worth my time in seeing face to face - not facebook to facebook.
I've also realized that I cannot say a lot of what I want or need to say on Facebook. It is a very open forum which everyone I am friends with, and their friends, and so on and so on can see. A little too open.
So, I am back. Back to posting my thoughts, hopes, dreams, fears, and frustrations here. Where I have a certain degree of anonymity.
So, you'll be hearing regularly from me now. Maybe not everyday, but on a regular basis.
Til next time, I'll still be....
Being Brenda
Thursday, September 3, 2009
Sunday, February 8, 2009
Panther Pride!
I need to be a proud mommy for a minute...or longer.
Drewby turned 7 in November. He joined an indoor flag football league at that time.
His league is for 7-13 year olds. (Yes - I must be crazy as he is small for his age anyway!)
His games began just after the new year, and up until this weekend, there was not much excitement to blog about.
He would go and wear his jersey, sit with the "big" boys, get his fair share of plays, run the ball a time or two, and be quite happy when his team won.
The "big" boys are really great with Drewby, explaining to him where to go and what to do (this flag football is much different rule-wise than the flag football he played outdoors in the fall).
And whether Drewby made a good run, or not-so-good run, there were high fives and pats on the back.
This weekend, Drewby had two games to play.
Saturdays game started well, and his team (Pitt Panthers) took an early lead.
As is typically the case, Drewby then got to go in on offense. He took a hand-off. And ran.
AND SCORED A TOUCHDOWN!!!!!
I was standing up in the bistro area which overlooks the field, and I was jumping up and down hooting and hollering like a crazy person!!
(The parents and kids there for the ice hockey game looked at me strangely)
He took the hand-off and it was like magic. He ran one way, saw a player, cut back the other way, and just always kept his feet moving.
I truly think his smaller size made it very hard for the "bigger" boys on the opposing team to run, bend over, and take his flag.
A little later in the game, his team tried to run Drewby again. This time, the other team had their smaller boy in (who was still several inches taller than Drewby).
The boy not only caught up with Drewby, but in grabbing for Drewby's flag they got tied up and an accidental tackle occurred.
Drewby got up, looked like he was ready to cry. But the "big" boys on his team were there asking if he was alright, and the other team's player helped him up and apologized and asked if he was okay.
Drewby walked off the field without tears.
I was so proud of him.
And he still wanted to go today and play his game.
Todays game was tough, against the #1 ranked team in their division. Drewby only got some defensive playing time. And left a touchdown score by missing coverage on his player.
He said it was because I did not let him wear his "lucky" red shorts from yesterday's game.
Although, he slept in them last night because he was still so excited about the touchdown.
I seriously hope we're not starting these sports superstitions already!!
Til next time, I'll still be...
Being Brenda
Drewby turned 7 in November. He joined an indoor flag football league at that time.
His league is for 7-13 year olds. (Yes - I must be crazy as he is small for his age anyway!)
His games began just after the new year, and up until this weekend, there was not much excitement to blog about.
He would go and wear his jersey, sit with the "big" boys, get his fair share of plays, run the ball a time or two, and be quite happy when his team won.
The "big" boys are really great with Drewby, explaining to him where to go and what to do (this flag football is much different rule-wise than the flag football he played outdoors in the fall).
And whether Drewby made a good run, or not-so-good run, there were high fives and pats on the back.
This weekend, Drewby had two games to play.
Saturdays game started well, and his team (Pitt Panthers) took an early lead.
As is typically the case, Drewby then got to go in on offense. He took a hand-off. And ran.
AND SCORED A TOUCHDOWN!!!!!
I was standing up in the bistro area which overlooks the field, and I was jumping up and down hooting and hollering like a crazy person!!
(The parents and kids there for the ice hockey game looked at me strangely)
He took the hand-off and it was like magic. He ran one way, saw a player, cut back the other way, and just always kept his feet moving.
I truly think his smaller size made it very hard for the "bigger" boys on the opposing team to run, bend over, and take his flag.
A little later in the game, his team tried to run Drewby again. This time, the other team had their smaller boy in (who was still several inches taller than Drewby).
The boy not only caught up with Drewby, but in grabbing for Drewby's flag they got tied up and an accidental tackle occurred.
Drewby got up, looked like he was ready to cry. But the "big" boys on his team were there asking if he was alright, and the other team's player helped him up and apologized and asked if he was okay.
Drewby walked off the field without tears.
I was so proud of him.
And he still wanted to go today and play his game.
Todays game was tough, against the #1 ranked team in their division. Drewby only got some defensive playing time. And left a touchdown score by missing coverage on his player.
He said it was because I did not let him wear his "lucky" red shorts from yesterday's game.
Although, he slept in them last night because he was still so excited about the touchdown.
I seriously hope we're not starting these sports superstitions already!!
Til next time, I'll still be...
Being Brenda
Friday, February 6, 2009
It's Cookie Time!!
Okay, I have really been trying to stay away from the Girl Scout cookies.
Many of you may be thinking - not so hard.
Don't buy them, if you have them, just don't eat them.
Or - eat them and be done and get over it!
Not so easy.
See I am Miss M's Troop Cookie Manager.
It is a daunting position. I had to pre-order for our troop. I had as many as 80 CASES (that's like 960 boxes) of those yummy, delicious cookies in my home at one time.
Then, the girls turned in orders, which I separated and delivered to the school for pick-up. There were only maybe 8 or 9 cases left in my house.
And just when I thought I was through the worst of it - I have to go and pick up more cases today for the girls Cookie Booth tomorrow.
28 more cases.
There are Caramel Delites, Shortbreads, Thin Mints, Thanks A Lots (chocolate dipped shortbreads!), Peanut Butter Patties, all of them.
The only ones I am not so fond of - the new Daisy Go Rounds. Of course, they are reduced fat.
So I am really, really trying to steer clear of the cookies.
Will it ever end?
Oh yes - in about one month.
Wonder how long my willpower will hold out with all these cookies is my house through March 8th?!
Til next time, I'll still be...
(trying to avoid cookies, and)
Being Brenda
Many of you may be thinking - not so hard.
Don't buy them, if you have them, just don't eat them.
Or - eat them and be done and get over it!
Not so easy.
See I am Miss M's Troop Cookie Manager.
It is a daunting position. I had to pre-order for our troop. I had as many as 80 CASES (that's like 960 boxes) of those yummy, delicious cookies in my home at one time.
Then, the girls turned in orders, which I separated and delivered to the school for pick-up. There were only maybe 8 or 9 cases left in my house.
And just when I thought I was through the worst of it - I have to go and pick up more cases today for the girls Cookie Booth tomorrow.
28 more cases.
There are Caramel Delites, Shortbreads, Thin Mints, Thanks A Lots (chocolate dipped shortbreads!), Peanut Butter Patties, all of them.
The only ones I am not so fond of - the new Daisy Go Rounds. Of course, they are reduced fat.
So I am really, really trying to steer clear of the cookies.
Will it ever end?
Oh yes - in about one month.
Wonder how long my willpower will hold out with all these cookies is my house through March 8th?!
Til next time, I'll still be...
(trying to avoid cookies, and)
Being Brenda
Thursday, February 5, 2009
Mean Girls, Part Two
You may or may not remember the trouble Miss M had with a mean girl at cheerleading this fall.
If not, this post http://beingbrenda.blogspot.com/2008/08/mean-girls-mean-girls-what-ya-gonna-do.html will remind you.
Well, to try and make a long story short - this girl ended up in class with Miss M this year.
And just before Christmas, hubby and I made a trip into the school to talk with the teacher, as the mean girl was getting physical with Miss M.
In the back of the line between classes, while walking in back of her chair in class, outisde at recess. You know, when the teacher and aides are busy elsewhere.
Now I'm not talking tripping, pushing or punching - but pressure points and unwarranted flicks and nudges.
Miss M had told this girl to leave her alone. The mean girl replied to Miss M "Shut Up" and walked away.
Anyway, since the holidays, I thought, as did Miss M, that this girl had left her alone. No more pressure points, nudges, etc.
But now, Miss M's friends have told her what this girl is saying about Miss M - behind her back.
Things like, "M has an attitude and shouldn't be allowed in Catholic school" , M is too white and fair - what's wrong with her?", and "Why does M shake her butt so much when she walks - especially up to take Communion?"
Now, I know at home Miss M can have a slight attitude. But I have never been informed of her being unpleasant by anyone - teachers, aides, other parents, students, volunteers. And I am at the school enough to know the teachers would pull me aside if this were the case.
As for Miss M shaking her butt when she walks - well maybe she does a little, but it's the way she walks all the time - not just up to Communion. And why the hell is this girl watching Miss M walk up to Communion when she should be reflecting in the sacrament she is getting ready to or has just received?!
Now for the second comment - Miss M being too white and fair. We are Irish and German. Most Irish and Germans are fair skinned. And last time I checked, this was known as being intolerant, racism. The kids are learning in school about World War II, you know the one where Hitler prosecuted the Jewish people due to their religion? And looking different. And what about when they studied the Civil War - where African Americans were sold into slavery.
Well, evidently, the teachers have had enough of the bullying that is going on in 5th grade. Miss M's class and the other 5th grade were pulled together for a 2 hour meeting with the principal.
All students who felt bullied were encouraged to give examples, without names, to the group. All students were given a piece of paper to write down the names of who was bullying them or who they have observed bullying others. The principal commented that the same FOUR names were showing on the papers and then discussed how to handle bullies. Then each student had a one on one chance to talk with the principal to discuss specifics and names.
I totally agree with this. Miss M did a good job in telling the principal what had been going on. And her friends told the principal what this girl is still saying about Miss M behind her back.
What I don't agree with is the fact the the entire 5th grade is now forced to walk between classes, to and from the lunchroom in silence. They are to get their lunches and return to their classroom to eat in silence. Then they have recess in the classroom in silence.
Why would the teachers punish the entire class instead of the four bad seeds?! I am not an educator by profession so PLEASE - someone help me to understand why this is a good method?
The school handbook has a section that deals with bullying. How it will not be tolerated.
Isn't the best way to deal with the few bullies to DEAL with the bullies?! Not punish the whole class?
Remove the bad seeds, that's what I say.
Anyhoo...that's my venting about this whole bullying situation. If anyone has any insights or comments to help me see it any other way - please share!
til next time, I'll still be...
Being Brenda
If not, this post http://beingbrenda.blogspot.com/2008/08/mean-girls-mean-girls-what-ya-gonna-do.html will remind you.
Well, to try and make a long story short - this girl ended up in class with Miss M this year.
And just before Christmas, hubby and I made a trip into the school to talk with the teacher, as the mean girl was getting physical with Miss M.
In the back of the line between classes, while walking in back of her chair in class, outisde at recess. You know, when the teacher and aides are busy elsewhere.
Now I'm not talking tripping, pushing or punching - but pressure points and unwarranted flicks and nudges.
Miss M had told this girl to leave her alone. The mean girl replied to Miss M "Shut Up" and walked away.
Anyway, since the holidays, I thought, as did Miss M, that this girl had left her alone. No more pressure points, nudges, etc.
But now, Miss M's friends have told her what this girl is saying about Miss M - behind her back.
Things like, "M has an attitude and shouldn't be allowed in Catholic school" , M is too white and fair - what's wrong with her?", and "Why does M shake her butt so much when she walks - especially up to take Communion?"
Now, I know at home Miss M can have a slight attitude. But I have never been informed of her being unpleasant by anyone - teachers, aides, other parents, students, volunteers. And I am at the school enough to know the teachers would pull me aside if this were the case.
As for Miss M shaking her butt when she walks - well maybe she does a little, but it's the way she walks all the time - not just up to Communion. And why the hell is this girl watching Miss M walk up to Communion when she should be reflecting in the sacrament she is getting ready to or has just received?!
Now for the second comment - Miss M being too white and fair. We are Irish and German. Most Irish and Germans are fair skinned. And last time I checked, this was known as being intolerant, racism. The kids are learning in school about World War II, you know the one where Hitler prosecuted the Jewish people due to their religion? And looking different. And what about when they studied the Civil War - where African Americans were sold into slavery.
Well, evidently, the teachers have had enough of the bullying that is going on in 5th grade. Miss M's class and the other 5th grade were pulled together for a 2 hour meeting with the principal.
All students who felt bullied were encouraged to give examples, without names, to the group. All students were given a piece of paper to write down the names of who was bullying them or who they have observed bullying others. The principal commented that the same FOUR names were showing on the papers and then discussed how to handle bullies. Then each student had a one on one chance to talk with the principal to discuss specifics and names.
I totally agree with this. Miss M did a good job in telling the principal what had been going on. And her friends told the principal what this girl is still saying about Miss M behind her back.
What I don't agree with is the fact the the entire 5th grade is now forced to walk between classes, to and from the lunchroom in silence. They are to get their lunches and return to their classroom to eat in silence. Then they have recess in the classroom in silence.
Why would the teachers punish the entire class instead of the four bad seeds?! I am not an educator by profession so PLEASE - someone help me to understand why this is a good method?
The school handbook has a section that deals with bullying. How it will not be tolerated.
Isn't the best way to deal with the few bullies to DEAL with the bullies?! Not punish the whole class?
Remove the bad seeds, that's what I say.
Anyhoo...that's my venting about this whole bullying situation. If anyone has any insights or comments to help me see it any other way - please share!
til next time, I'll still be...
Being Brenda
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