No, I have not fell off the face of the earth....

I have been busy, but I thank God each day that I am not idle.  I would be in trouble if I was idle, then I would have an excuse to put away the three story mountain of laundry giving me the evil eye from the laundry room.  

I have three papers to type in the next two weeks.  I may be a little out of it during that time.  The good thing is I have all of my report cards ready to go for the end of this week.  They seemed worse than the laundry and papers combined.  I am ready for this part of the school year to be over with.  

My real thoughts tonight are about making do.  The economy is bad, yak cough yak, unemployment is at its highest in the last 25 years,  yes I know my husband has been home for NINE MONTHS NOW, etc etc etc... I could be doom and gloom and go on for hours. 

The real problem in my opinion is that we Americans are unable to just make do.  We want more, more, more.  I will be the first to admit that was very caught up in that life style.  I only wanted brand name clothes,  the kid only wore Gymbo,  I needed to present an image.  Well it is just that an image.  I am learning that real people and real friends do not care where you live, what you drive, and about what you wear.  Maybe I am trying to rationalize this in my head so bear with me.  

We have made do with one car since July.  It can be done.  It is not easy but we make do.  We only buy clothes when we really need them.  I am proud to say the last time I did get myself something it serves a dual purpose of work and casual and it was on clearance at the mother land, i.e. Old Gravy.  I get textbooks from the public library.  

You know what, it feels good.  It feels good to not try to keep up with the Jones'.  It feels good to just be us.  We are in the process of making some new friends and shedding some old ones and that feels good too.  

So, I thank God each day that our bills are paid, we have a house and car, food in our tummies and clothes on our backs.  I know that the Father will provide work for Mike when he sees fit or lead us to new opportunities.  

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. 

Tales of Motherhood

This post may strike a nerve with some, so I offend, please ignore. 

I ask myself often why women, mothers attack are so very opinionated towards the two sects.  The working, and the non working.  I have done both,  I have stayed home, I have worked, and I have just worked part time.  Right now I have a full time schedule.  

The question I am pondering today is why they attack each other.  I will prelude this by stating the fact that since I chose to go back to school, that when and if we have any more children I will be a working mom.  I made the choice to take out loans, it is not my husband's responsibility to pay them back.  

Instead of the focus being on who works and who does not should it not be about the real time you spend with your children.  I have a friend who stays home.  This person really does not spend much time with their child.  Their day is spent running from activity to store.  I have a friend who works, a lot.  When she gets home she wants time to herself.  I do not see how one is better than the other, yet inevitably they will make comment about each other.  

I guess my point is one day when my daughter is grown, she will not remember when I worked and when I did not, but the time that I invested in her.  The hours we have played dolls,  read stories under the covers, shared memories and hopes, and just enjoyed the company of each other.  

Whether you work or not enjoy your children....

You know that you are too old..

for college when you start thinking things like this. 

1. You want to scold the person in class behind you for talking while the professor is.  Not because it is bothering you, but because it is rude. 

2. That girl, with the lace finger tip gloves does not know that Madonna made them popular in the 1980's because she was not born yet. 

3. You feel the urge to yank the pants of the boy walking down the sidewalk in front of you because they rest around the bottom of his butt. 

4. You then wonder if he has to do anything when he uses the restroom because his pants are so low. 

5.  When you have to cover up the gray hair to camouflage how old you actually are. 

6. You don't care that you are not in style.  (Back in the day it was black "sorority girl pants" now it is Uggs. 

7. When your professor asks you for the third time when you are moving to Athens.

8. When you park in a parking garage and use escalators to avoid walking outside uphill both ways in the snow.

Okay, that is all I can think of for now.  

In other news the flu arrived this week like a brick wall.  Libby was sick, now Mike is.  I am hoping that I have been exposed to it so much that my tiredness and mild aches are going to be the worst of it for me.  

In the mean time I am going to enjoy the rest of the snow day, and suck up to my hubby, because I am a bad wife. 

Weight Watchers Update!

After nearly three weeks on WW I have lost seven pounds. Oddly, I feel heavier right now...

I am still struggling with getting any workout other than walking to classes into my life. I had one person say you just have to make the commitment to be away from your kids one more hour of the day. You know what, I am not willing. I am barely home as it is!

My goal within the next week is to cut out the junk food cravings, and to start getting up just a little bit earlier to work out.

Wish me luck :0)

Daily life...

Well, did I not tell you I was going to be busy?  

School is going.  Not good or bad, just a lot of work.  I enjoy the drive to Athens as it equates some alone time that I desperately need after being at work and Mike being at home for an unmentionable amount of months now.  I know he is thankful when we leave each morning too!

The thing is, in Athens, I am very old.   I have never been made to feel unworthy of my college education or less of a student because of my age until going down there.  I have one professor who makes it a practice of saying things like "when you grow up", "when you have a real job", "none of you have kids, do you...".  Although I know he does not know any better, it just rubs me the wrong way.  I will be thirty years old when I graduate.  So what, who cares, at least I went back.   To many people say they want to, but then never do.  I am proud that I have stuck with it.  

In other news I am pretty sure that I am going to run for city council for our ward.  If I decide to, this blog will become by invite only.  I consider this my journal, and I am flattered that many of you take the time to read.  You can email at g a r b r a n d t  at columbus. rr. com (without those spaces) I will send you an invite when and if the time comes.  

I want to run because A. I am tired of our current ward leadership.  He has been in for a while and you never hear much from him.  When Mike and I contacted him last spring it was his wife who called us back, and another councilman, a friend, who ending up helping us out.  And B. because to quote our almost president, it is time for change.  Lanc. is very old boys club,  I think a little youth may help!

We have been home for five days now.  Thursday, I had class, Friday I was sick, Saturday Mike's parents came down and we went to a birthday party, yesterday we went sledding, and today we went to see Hotel for Dogs, but it was sold out so we saw Bedtime Stories.  It has been fun, but I am ready to get back to the grind.  Only eight more weeks left of winter quarter!

Back to the grind...

Tomorrow life starts again.  I am going to miss break! 

My new schedule:

Monday: Teach 8:45-11:45

Drive to Athens 11:45-12:45

Sit in Comparative Politics 1:10-3:00

Sit in American Domestic Policy 3:10-5:00

Drive home 5:00-6:00

Collapse on couch....

Tuesday: Teach 8:45-11:45

Force myself to go to the gym 12ish

Pick Libby up from school 2:30

Sit in Geography of Ohio 3:10-5:00

I think Libby will have gymnastics at 7:00 on Tuesdays

Wednesday: Same as Monday

Thursday: Same as Tuesday, except I tutor from 5-6 after I am done with class. 

Friday: Enjoy sleeping in until Mike finds a job....

I am also taking one online class, so I will need to find time to do that too. 

I am thankful that the geography class was being offered here and I will have all of my Social Studies requirements less one elusive Latin America history class complete after this quarter.  Have I mentioned I only have five classes and student teaching left after winter quarter? Well I do! Can you here the elation in my typing?

My one complaint is that the Comparative politics class has a group project.  I realize I am not the norm attending an Athens class, but seriously, when I am going to find time to work with these kids who live down there.  Jeez....

I am also starting Weight Watchers, again, tomorrow.  I am sticking with it.  My workout on M/W will be walking my chunky rear end from whatever remote parking spot I find to the classroom on College Green.  T/TH I am going to make myself use the free gym at OUL, and and F/S/S I am going to try the couch to 5k program.  I need to loose this weight.  It is not about skinny, it's about healthy.  I may even post some pictures tomorrow and disclose my real weight to force myself to stick with it. 

I am going to enjoy my last full calorie sodas today.  Wish me luck!

The Holidays

Our official holiday celebrations began the Sunday before Christmas with Libby's baptism. Most parents do this when their children are babies, but it took us a while longer to find our home with our father. She looked like an angel, and understood that she was becoming marked as Christ's own child. My one hope is that she always keeps these beliefs in here life. Growing up I did, but when my mom became sick, and then died, I really struggled with my faith, to my very core. Not every one who reads my prose is religious, or cares to be, so I am not going to preach about how everyone should go to church. I will say that growing closer to God is helping us grow as a family and as a couple.

A rare family picture.... I am looking a little, okay, a lot chunky these days. Time to make time for fitness!
Libby and Father Bill

We had a few people over after church for a light lunch, and then we relaxed!

Monday and Tuesday we finished our shopping, baked many cookies, and watched movies. On Wednesday we made cookie deliveries to neighbors, went to early church service, and then to my dads for dinner. The holidays are the most difficult for him, but we had a nice evening. I had to chuckle when looking back through pictures. My dad has worn the same worn out Ohio State sweat pants for at least 20 Christmas. These pants are so worn. I guess they can be added to our list of Christmas traditions!

"American Girl Boxes! You knew just what I wanted Papaw!"

"My own pink I pod, it says Libby!"

We then came home to see if the elves had came. Each year if Libby has been a good girl the elves leave a surprise showing that Santa really is going to come. They leave pj's so we can look nice in our Christmas morning pictures. Those elves really thing ahead.

Libby made and left the sweetest note for Santa to thank him. I must brag... check out that stellar handwriting. This is the same kid who got a S- the first nine weeks in this very subject, she has made a huge turn a round.

The elves hit a mid summer AG clearance sale and were able to pick up jammies for Libby and her doll.

Christmas was beautiful. What a nice quiet and peaceful day to celebrate the birth of Christ and to share gifts with each other. I mentioned before Santa brings three gifts. Santa did bring one extra this year, I think it was more for Mike....

This sums the joy of my Christmas in one moment.

On Friday we played some more and on Saturday we headed over to the greater Z ville area for the Garbrandt Christmas. Check out our cutie pie nieces and nephews.

Those darn teeth just did not make it in time for Christmas!

Libby-5, Maia-6, Kelsey-7

Christopher-2

I think that is enough Christmas overload for tonight! Happy New to All..... may 2009 be filled richly for each and everyone of you.

The List

Things that have gone all wrong since May 16, 2008...

1. Mike lost his job.
2. The air conditioner broke. We had to buy a new one
3. Our older car broke down. The engine blew. We only have one car.
4. A kitchen window spontaneously broke. They only sent us the glass, not a sash. Who knows how to take a window apart to install glass in a sealed sash.
5. The smoker caught on fire. We had to throw it away.
6. The car one good car we have needed repaired. It cost a lot!
7. We argue weekly about what has gone wrong and who is at fault.
8. The hard drive of the computer with everything all important to life in general took a dive. It is still at the shop.
9. Today when we went to Mike's parents house... the driveway was icy.... we had to slam on the breaks.... a LOUD pop.... the transmission went out on our car... we think.
10.????? What could possibly be next??? Check back for updates. Never mind, we came up with 10. b The furnace broke, but Mike was able to fix it for $25. Could that be a positive too?
11. Also, Mike discovered a hole in the roof, but he and his dad were able to fix it for free.
12. There was also a two month period were Mike's dad called us everyday about things he found on Craig's list. We have be the go between for several of the questionably needed items. After some comments were made about a "problem" at a family get together this has slowed down!

Our car is sitting in their driveway. The only thing stopping it from crashing into their garage is the parking break and one of those cement geese.

Trying to give life a positive spin... good things that have happened...

1. We have spent a lot of quality time together as a family.
2. Mike put the swing set together.
3. We became members of a church, Mike was baptised, I was confirmed, and we attend regularly. A long time goal of ours.
4. I made dean's list for fall quarter.
5. Lib is doing very well in school.
6. We have not killed each other, yet.
7. We made it home safe in Mike's dad's truck in all of this horrible snow. I prayed a lot on the ride home.

For tonight I am going to pray that our car is still under warranty like we think it is. There must be a silver lining somewhere.

I am also go to pray for help in being a better wife. I really stink in this department these days. I know it and I do not like it. I am trying. A few bad months out of seven years of bad wifing (is that a word) is not that bad.

Tomorrow is a new day!

Halloween Pictures!

Mike's parents and the anniversary cake I made for them. We could not find a 40th anniversary topper so we improvised. The before are the parents from the Loving family dollhouse, and the now is Mr. and Mrs. Noah Little People. The cake is right on from their wedding pictures. Probably the best cake I have ever done for a decorating dabbler.


We are borrowing my dad's computer for a few days... our hard drive crashed. I will blame it on Mike, I blame everything on him these days, including the downturn of American economics. I digress, that is a post for another day.
Our SD drive was not working and I have been unable to post pictures. Maybe I will get caught up this weekend.

My pretty girl missing her two front teeth. This is at the Fairfield County fair. We look so forward to this each year. I am proud too, she does not eat "fair food" She will only eat chicken and noodles!

If you look in the archives you will find pictures that look just like this from 2006. She is almost 4 feet tall! I will miss these kinds of things if we move away....

My little Alice! She was so polite correcting those who called her a princess, or Cinderella.

Are we really these people?

Last night I was in bed reading. My bible. I was given a new one when I was confirmed two weeks ago. It is the nicest Bible I have ever owned. Not in looks, but in content. It is not the sayeth, thereth, youeth, type, but one that is full of side notes and more importantly real world context that can help you relate the ideas to your life. I am to the end of the story about Noah in Genesis, if you really wanted to know.

So Mike ventures upstairs, and I pause in my reading to tell him I am concerned about the amount of rampant crime going on in our town. "I think maybe we should load the gun." Yes, yes, we have a gun or home. Not a popular decision for most. After a home a block away was robbed a knife point I gave the okay. The sad thing is, that for the most part we live in a VERY safe community. I have no problem going for a walk at night. I think I just more aware of the crime that does occur. And before you get concerned, yes Libby does know about the gun. I strongly feel that if you are going to have firearms in your home that your children must know that people kill, not guns. She knows that it is not a toy, and should never be touched.

Needless to say I continued reading while Mike fiddled around with it for a while. Then the humor of the scenario took over. Wife in bed reading Bible, husband sitting on the end of the bed in his jammies loading gun. It was like a twisted Lifetime movie...

We decided not load the gun, not a good idea for right now. But if you had plans of breaking into my home I can have it load and ready to shoot through the floor in seconds! Beware...

Pictures from our trip...

Libby and I on Antelope Island

Baby Preston on his glow worm lights

Libby at the Golden Spike.

We have spent the last five days in Utah helping friends with their new baby boy Preston and doing a little sight seeing.

Utah is beautiful country. Mountains and crazy drivers! It is good to be with good friends.

On my knees.

Dear God,

Please be with our family. Please help Mike find suitable employment before December 9th. Be with him as he continues this transition. Help me to be a supportive and understanding wife. Be with Libby and help this huge change not affect her.

Amen

A sad day in education.

While observing for one of my classes I overheard to junior girls discussing how they were going to make their children part of their video project for government.

I am sad that these babies have babies. I know how I struggle as an adult with parenthood and school. I can not imagine their lives. I have been praying for them and their children each day.

I think I have been living in a bubble.

Christmas Preview

True Confessions of a Christmas Shop a holic....

I absolutely love the idea of Christmas shopping, but when it comes down to it I hate the malls during the season. People are rude and pushy. It takes the real spirit of the holiday for me. Last year Mike and I went to Polaris during the bad ice storm and spent several hours looking for Hungry, Hungry, Hippos to finally find it at the last place we went.

The tradition. Libby gets three gifts from Santa because that is what baby Jesus got. I would love to take credit for this idea, but it is from a bulletin board I frequent. We started this on her second Christmas.

This year we are thinking (per her numbered list already on the fridge.)

The pink ipod shuffle. She really wants one of her own!

Legos: Some sort of larger set. She is really into legos right now.

Her last present from Santa will be something from American Girl. We are not sure yet. Grandpa and Grandma Garbrandt got her Samantha

She also would like to have Ivy (who is her Julie doll's best friend,) Nellie who is Samantha's best friend, and Julie's bed.

From Mommy and Daddy she is getting a new ornament, some clothes for her AG dolls, and an EYECLOPS.

I am trying to keep it small.

Happy Shopping!

Somewhere in between.

As I near the end of school, did I mention I have just ten classes left, I find myself stuck in the land near the middle.

I have spent the better portion of my working years with the preschool crowd. I have the patience and understanding to teach them. I have gained the knack to plan entire units that cover all areas of their education that meet several different learning styles. I am in the denim jumper female dominated world.

The transition to secondary education is not going to be an easy one for me. I love history and government. I have the passion to teach them. But, the world I am going to is testosterone dominated, crotch scratching, and every one's name is preceded by coach. In all seriousness I worry I will not get a job because I am not a man, and I am not the kind of girl who thinks that.

I wonder how it will all turn out?

The truth about being parents

Most people that I know are in the throws of raising small children. We hug and kiss, nurture and foster, all the things that good parents do. While in the midst of this it is easy to loose sight of the future. The truth. Our children are going to grow up and leave us someday.

We made it to church on time, for once, today. We sat in our usual pew towards the back, you know the one were we can make quick break for cover if our child is the one disrupting the service. In front of us sat a boy and his mother. Not just any boy and mother though. This was the grown son of mother, dressed in his Marine best, and his father is our pastor.

This boy, once their small child is now a man leaving for a war this week. He was blessed at the end of the service as was his armor. His father took off his robes at the end of the service to prepare to take his son to war. A powerful picture for a quaint Sunday morning in small town America.

I do not know Tristan Pursley, or his mother. We are acquainted with his father as our minister for nearly sixth months. What I do know is that these parents raised their son to be a good Christian, a kind person, and a brave man. All things as parents we can hope to do.

I cried silently through church this morning for the loss of these parents. All parents who raise good and just sons and daughters to serve our republic for what strong men see as the means to solve the worlds crisis. We do not question, but have faith. We believe and have faith. As parents this is all we can do.

Hold your children close. Raise them to see all the good things God has provided for us.

Pray for our minister, his wife, and their son as he leaves for Afghanistan.

Our babies will grow up. They do a little each day.