The art of multitasking.

Today in one of my political science classes I was sitting next to a rather interesting girl.  First and foremost she was wearing an over sized sweater and leggings.  I can remember when this was in style for the first time.  Maybe it is my post child pooch or my tree stump length legs, but this is a style I am not eager to repeat, ever.  It was cute in the late eighties,  I am just not into this time around.  

I am sitting in my crapped seat taking notes the old fashioned way.  Pen and Paper.  I notice that she is making faces.  Faces that include sticking your fingers in the sides of your mouth, pulling it open, and sticking your tongue out.  She is video chatting.... Curious, I begin to follow what she is doing.  Not only is she video chatting, she has two other chat conversation boxes open, and she is taking notes, and she is texting on her phone.  I am in awe.  All of this technology.... that did not exist ten years ago, my first time around.  I admire her multitasking abilities, but I question whether she is able to truly learn while doing so many things.  Yet, that is the difference,  I am there to learn.  I already have a husband, a kid, a job, all of the things that these guys have yet to experience.  

I took a technology class last spring that was meant to teach teachers how to use technology in their classrooms.  I hate to face it but I, nearly 30, am light years behind what students are able to do now.  Our kids are growing up with computers.  I only can imagine what it will be like when the kiddo goes off to Athens.  (She has already decided, and apparently I am to move there with her.  I am not sure were this leaves Mike, or any future kiddos we have :))

So any way, funky girl in class, good for you.  I am doing good to get out of the house each morning with my head in tact. 

And a final note, I have been blogging a lot about this non traditional Athens experience.  My final note on age is when we were talking about 9/11 today most of them mentioned they were 12 or 13.  I got married two weeks after 9/11. 

Overwhelmed and Aggrivated....

For anyone who really knows me, they know I have serious time management issues.  Well we are reaching the end of the quarter and for the first time I can say "IT IS NOT MY FAULT". 

I have been assigned a group project for one of my Athens classes.  Now, I have know about this project since the beginning of the quarter,  I started asking the prof about three weeks ago, and he just gave us the assignment and groups this last week.  My group of slightly just past the pubescent stage boys decided it was too hot to work in the lecture hall... they wanted to meet at nine that night.  Folks, I am in my pj's by nine pm.  They then got a little mad when I said I couldn't meet then.  I was supposed to get an email, yet today is Sunday, and no email had arrived.  I took the pleasure of emailing them!  I am sure they will love me by the time this is done.  

I also have two other papers due within the next three weeks.  That is nearly forty pages.  Oy vey.  I have every thing started, but I am having a little pity party for myself.  

To end on a positive note, we did get out today.  We tried to go the the Tarlton Cross Mound,  but the park was closed, so we went to Slate Run Historical farm.  It was fun and quiet.  

Later. 

An oped letter to the lady at Target last night...

Dear Mam,

I realize that you remember us from the times that we went to church with my mom before she passed away.  I know that my mother's courage, spirit, and fight inspired you as she battled cancer.  I am sure that you really did mean well last night when you saw us at Target and proceeded to hug my daughter, who had know idea who you were, and then burst into tears because "you knew" how much my mom would have loved her....

What you did not know is that yesterday was my mom's birthday.   I had been really proud that I had been able to make it through the day without being a blubbering mess of tears.  I am actually proud of each yearly milestone I make without letting grief over take my life.  Then as I comforted you in Target I was reminded of each of those very things.  

What you did not know is that my little girl has not survived a week at school this year without tears for her Nan.  The weekly discussions I have with her compassionate and caring teacher who understands and is helping us work through these tears with nothing but love.  

I appreciate you hashing up all of these dark things on what had finally been a good week for us.  I know you really meant well, but I just wanted to knock you out in the check out line.  If you were oblivious enough to think that I do not think about my mom each and everyday and how much she would still love Libby then shame on you.  Love does not end at death.  I know that my mom still loves us everyday.  Just because she has gone to the next place does not mean that love has ended.  

So, friendly Christian lady at Target, think next time before you speak, and cry. You may have thought about my mom when you saw us, but we think about her every single day.  

Happy birthday mom.... we miss you. 

Shhh, I am hiding

Do you ever just have one of those days where you long to be alone? 

I have a headache, some mild PMS, and we have been out of our routine too long.

So here I sit, it my bed, with my computer, asking God for his forgiveness for actions that I may commit if I hear my daughter yell in her high pitched whiny voice "DADDY" one more time, or if I hear him antagonize her to make her yell this.  If the dog barks one more time, or if the bleeping people ( I try to keep this G rated) across the street make their tires make whatever sound it is when you are too lazy to shovel the snow ruts out before trying to leave your house.  

Seriously folks a girl just needs some peace and quiet every ninety days or so.  

Oh, and Beth, tell your husband he better follow through and come get my husband Thursday and take him away from this house, or so help me he will feel my wrath too. 

Now I must report they are outside throwing snowballs at my bedroom window... I am trying to do some homework people!

Sorry, you have been lead down this diatribe.  I will go back to my homework now.  I think I may need to be sent to my room for the rest of the day though.