Bloogin' alone I guess...

Oh where oh where have my Big Sistas gone...oh where oh where have they gone? (my apologies to Mother Goose...or was that Grimm?)

Anyhow, I figure I will re-start this since the holidays are about upon us, and that is SURELY good fodder for blogging!!! ; )

Let's see.....first quarter grades are out...Kyle made high honors with all A's and a VERY high B+. Momma is very pleased! He has worked hard, and knows this is an important year for him. He just missed the all A's by .31 of a point....oh well! He has been working hard flippin' burgers too and making some cash for Christmas and all of his little desires, as well. Not sure about the basketball thing....think he is balking and may not try out after all...RATS! I really love to watch him play...

As for me....I have been running again...on a treadmill anyhow, which is easier on my weaker ankle. Up to 3+ miles, but nothing more than 5.7 mph so far. It feels good just to be able to do that much again, and I don't plan on pushing it. A friend asked me if I might run the Brewer High School Turkey Trot this coming weekend....I think I am going to...Won't be setting any records, but the satisfaction of it will be well worth the effort. Will keep you all posted.

School goes on....and on......and on.......and, well you get the picture! No, seriously it is fine. I am teaching basketball to just the girls while the boys swim....LOVIN' IT! The ladies are having a fun time too, which is great for the ones who really don't like the game much.

Everything else is fine here in lovely Brewer, Maine. Hope you are all well!

Kimmie

The LAST time....I hope!

Yes...this could be and I SINCERELY hope it will be, the very last time I blog about my stupid achilles tendons!

Saw Dr. Hanley today in Portland, and he said he would NOT do another surgery, no way!!! Said after already having two surgeries that he would NOT even go there at this point. I was glad to hear that, and just hope it all works out. He thinks the tendon and muscles will continue to strengthen with a lot of P.T. and other strengthening exercises that I can do on my own. Said running will help because of pushing off the forefoot etc. He and his associate were very nice, and helpful. Answered all my questions, even the one about WHY my tendon is "stretched" the way it supposedly is. He even admitted that "sometimes we don't get the tension just right" but that it will be fine, not perfect, but will get better in a few months yet. What a relief!!!!! There was NO way I was looking forward to another surgery on that one!

So, hopefully the ankle saga ends here.....I actually jogged 3+ miles comfortably on Sunday. I did not push it even, and do not plan to ever again! I will now be mixing up my routine between runs, bike rides, eliptical workouts, tread climbers, and whatever else!!!

Kyle is doing very well this quarter in school....All A's up until Friday...he did bomb a Graphic Arts quiz which even HE admitted he should have studied for. Their last game is this week...Varsity at Bangor (ugh) on Friday night, then he plays home to them on the following Monday. He was very happy that his cousin, Tyler, and Uncle Don came to his game last week.
I had a great time chatting with them during the game as well.

We went to see Bob Marley at the Bangor Auditorium this past Saturday night...God that man is funny!!! Kyle really enjoyed it.

That's about it from here....just working on clearing leaves away...I HATE this time of year!!! Be good you all!

Kim

I DID IT!!!

Today, for the first time in OVER a year, I ran....not on a treadmill, which I was able to do last spring before the last surgery, but on the dry land. NO hills, just a 1/3 mile loop that we have nearby...I ran 6 of them even! Ok...so "RAN" is really a stretch, cause it was truly a "JOG" in the eyes of a physical educator, but I did in fact have two feet off of the ground at one time, which classifies it as a running pattern kinesthetically at least!!! My left leg, the one with the continuing issues, was quite tired afterward, but it sure felt good to try again. I know, I know...don't push my luck....and, believe me, I WON'T!!! I will need a day or two to recover...thinking biking instead, then will try again...gonna take it slow.
My second opinion is scheduled for the 20th of this month, in Portland. I am curious what will come of it...The right one is coming along nicely...getting stronger every day.

Kyle is doing well....a good half of the first quarter so far...am proud of him. Football-wise, his J.V. team lost by 55-0 to Lawrence!!! Ouch. They played some Varsity players, and we got waxed!!! Kyle jumped up to catch a pass, which was behind him, and got slammed by another player (it was the hardest I have seen him hit and I was freakin'!!!) and his middle finger got caught in between his helmet and the other guy's..nice. Thought I was gonna have to release the nail bed for the hematoma that developed, but he iced it, which killed he said, then went back in! What a tough guy he is afterall. :)

Super Sib #2 came up on Friday night, spent the night here, then we headed to Karen Mac's for the last day of her art exhibit in Rockport. It was fun to be with them both again; been a while.

Am looking forward to the long weekend, the Red Sox games (YEA) and just relaxing for a few days. The boy is looking forward to another Varsity game that hopefully we can win (Cony), working 3-close at McDonald's on Sat. and his first day back at church since my surgery. Busy busy busy!!!

Have a good one all.

Kimmie

What is WRONG with kids nowadays???

Today at school, we used funds from a MELMAC grant (you remember that name Sistas...they held our school loans for a time) to hold a career/college fair day. I have this group of sophs. who could not give a rat's patootie about their education/futures whatsoever! They soooo tick me off!
Can't tell you how many presenters asked me what was up with them...Jeesh. Here's an opportunity to observe direct hire companies, colleges, and a variety of other job and post high school situations, and they sat on their hands, some even uttering the dreadful 'I wish we had classes instead of this today' comments!!!! "Oh my GOD, Magnum" what is wrong with these kids!!!???

Ok...that's off my chest. Not that I feel better, but.....I think my son is seriously considering a lot of options at this point, so feel good about that.

Family issues are at the forefront this month....two nieces have gone away to college, one for the first year, the other for her third. I love them dearly, and always think about how they are faring, though have no doubts that they will be fine.
Brother #2 (or is that 3 with Bob in the mix?) is now "engaged" but no date is set...a good thing.................I guess. Wish him well, certainly, but don't really know this girl, except for a few not so wonderful experiences she has had with Drew. We shall see....like I said, I hope it works out for him/them. Kyle is fine...doing very well this year so far in school....spoke to his football coach tonight about a few concerns...something I rarely do, but Kyle has a hard time being assertive, and now I know his coach has seen that too. He is a good man, and Ken was his major influence in being a coach to begin with, so he knows me very well. Ken knew the family well, coached both brothers in fact, and would be pleased that Don is Kyle's coach. He is very concerned with Kyle and wants desperately to find a role for him....hope he does. Hard to be a wide receiver in a running type offense though...suggested more defense and special teams, but we'll see. "It's a dog-eat-dog world and Kyle's wearin' Milk Bone underwear" at this point...not a snow ball's chance in He@* in other words!

As for me...have a second opinion meeting in Portland with Super Sib #1's referral, Dr. Haney, on the 20th of Oct. Now to just face the music of requesting my medical files and telling my Doc here that I am looking elsewhere on this one! Hopefully, he will understand why...if he doesn't, too bad! Need my whole body to do my job...not just my hands like he does. Who knows though, I may not hear what I want anyhow, so it's still so up in the air.

That's about it on the Brewer front kids......Ciao!

Kimmie

And the hits just keep on coming...

Well, it seems my super sibs are finally back on line again, so I guess it's my turn(?) Alas, I have larger fish to fry than Sarah Palin...sorry girls, not even going to waste my time there. Personally, I think we should be able to throw all four of them back and tell this country we want new candidates all around!

Kim is a bit jaded these days...her health triangle has been off balance for too long. Finally, I got some good news on the infected right ankle...it is healing just fine after a bit of an ugly scare...but, as I said, "the hits just keep on coming."
I told my Dr. that I was more concerned with the two time repaired left ankle as I still cannot bear the weight of my own body on my toes there yet, something I can already do on my right. He said he knew that and didn't "want to concern me until the other one was out of the woods." Great...in other words, he has known this is not good. Apparently, to make a long story short, my left achilles tendon is too long...or "stretched" and will not, therefore, allow my calf muscle to contract properly...it is misfiring, or rather NOT firing. Now, a stretched ligament and/or tendon indicates a clinical sprain, but that is an acute injury that I would surely have felt...and I did not. He gave me no explanation (as usual) about why it is like this, only that another surgery would have to be done to shorten it....HUH??? I don't think so, Doc. Not by him anyhow...he had two chances already at it, and I still need another surgery? What the heck?!!!

Emotionally, he didn't suggest I do this now...(ya think!). The problem is, I HAVE to be able to run to do my job, and by run I don't mean miles at a time like I REALLY want, but simply up and down fields, courts, and just to escape injury from flying objects on any surface! So, somehow, I need someone to fix this....again!

I am seeking a second (or more) opinion at this time, and thank you Gretch for your contribution. Portland is really the closest that I dare go, as these guys here will simply circle the wagons around this man, and I may not get the honest answer that I am looking for...of course I am being skeptical at the moment, but come on...realistically, if I totally ruptured it the second time, as in laterally, it ought to be shorter now anyhow! Furthermore, if he hadn't put me in that damn boot to begin with, THAT wouldn't even have happened. Yes, Kimmie is just a tad irritated. Ken's friend Joe, also my lawyer, will also be called....just in case. I know it sounds odd, and in a way inappropriate, but my body IS my livelihood at this point in my life. As much as I love to be physically fit, I also HAVE to be.

Anyhow, that is where my head is at these past few days. To add insult to injury, I have also been walking around with a partially torn hamstring and/or tendon in my right butt...it hurts too! Not sure if it is from over compensating or an "acute injury"....I think the injury is probably more likely since I was just getting back to being able to do things again last May when I started feeling it. The MRI showed a tear... I guess I really AM going to have to face aging once and for all. I was hoping the damn reading glasses would be enough though!!!hahaha

Enjoy!
Kim

Back to the ol' Grind!

Back to work for this Summer Girl! Today was only an optional day so we could meet our Year 2 Technology Standards....such B.S. for a P.E. teacher. I want my students to be out moving NOT sitting behind a stupid computer screen!!! I DID learn something(s) today though, so it wasn't a total loss, despite of the nice weather!!!
As I told Super Sib #1, I KNOW no one feels sorry for us teachers, with our summers off-without pay mind you, but if you know how hard it is to go back to work after even ONE week off, you have to understand how hard it is after being off for 8-10 weeks! Hey, I didn't write the school year calendar...I just have to follow it. Summers off are the best in Maine, but when I DO get time during the school year, that's when the airlines jack up the prices too...."stickin' it to the man" as usual!!!

Tomorrow is an all staff day, and I will secure my schedule, rosters, and put my office back together before heading south to Bean Town for a Sox game with the "girls"! Meeting Super Sib #2 for lunch on Friday, which will be fun too. Looking forward to it. Then back home on Saturday so I can take Kyle school shopping, though he did a good job today on his own!

Have a great Labor Day weekend kids!

Kim is back in the gym

Almost out of the woods...

That is the scoop on the latest set-back of the achilles saga! Today, my Dr. said he is still cautiously optimistic, but that it looks good. He reiterated that he was really on the fence after first seeing it the day after the E.R. visit. I actually had a suture come to the surface the other day and finally fall off...wonder if that was the issue to begin with.

Spent the day at a workshop, for any school personnel, about identifying students, or anyone else for that matter, on drugs and alcohol. It included field testing used for DWI's and a number of eye discrepancies, etc that occur with the 7 classifications of drugs. It was very informative and was only part one of a possible two part workshop...which I think I will attend in Sept. That way, I can, if necessary, actually do some assessments on students along with a couple of other colleagues who also wish to be able to do so. Not that we will be "Narc Hall Police" or anything, but just knowing what exactly to look for is helpful...especially in a college town! There are WAY too many drugs circulating for my comfort level.

Only two more weeks left of my "vacation"...HA...SOME vacation! Oh well....at least I will be DONE with this ankle stuff FOREVER I hope!

Part 2 of "Here we go again".....

Ok...so I go to the Dr's and am told before I go not to eat or drink anything! This was not the prescription I wanted to hear, knowing the possibilities. But, I went, he evaluated for a while, then decided to sit for two days while I watch the redness to be sure it doesn't spread. With luck, we got it early, but there is a 50/50 chance that he will have to go in and remove the cadaver graft and replace it...in other words, ANOTHER OPERATION on the RIGHT ankle now!!!!!! I am praying for a miracle at this point. He has no idea why this happened, just that some random bacteria got into the still healing scar. It was coming along so well too. God, I am so tired of this....I swear, if I have to go in and have this one re-done I am gonna lose it! AND I'M NOT CALLIN' MOM!!!!! She has already told me she was coming up here tomorrow....I told her I might not be here, who knows. I mean I have to keep it elevated, and take my drugs, but nothing says I can't have someone drive me elsewhere...I still have a life afterall!

So tell me why she does this crap would ya??? I HAD to tell her about my trip the ER, but avoided telling her that I had just taken her #1 son there on Thursday night. I told him not to call her cause I didn't want her to call me about it. He said he would wait when I advised him against it...Ok, long story short, he slipped or mis-stepped going down to his bedroom during the time we were having dinner at his house Thursday. He has two very wide steps, and missed one...fell, and hit the corner of his bed just right...sliced a 2-3 inch cut on the outside of his left eye from the edge of the brow down around to the cheekbone just under the middle part of his eye. Missed the eyeball by and eighth of an inch the P.A. said....and if he didn't have his glasses on, probably would have had some serious vision damage, or worse. Scary...he was laughing at tripping and saying he was fine, but thought he was bleeding. When I got down there, he was bleeding alright....everywhere! I know the head bleeds alot, but clearly he was in need of stitches. So, off we went to the ER. 4 hours and a head CT later, and they stitched him up with 17 stitches! I won that bet...was guessing 20. He was thinking 5 until the guys showed him in a mirror just what he looked like. Anyhow, it scared him, he was embarrassed, and was in tears when he realized how serious it could have been. I think I got through to him as I lambasted him on a number of issues while he was laying there. The crazy thing was, he was not as "influenced" as I have seen him...his bedroom light was off, and he literally just slipped. Oh, I am sure the chemicals had a little to do with it, but not totally....and I would not just say that to defend him....like I said, I blasted him nevertheless.
Anyhow, my point about Mom is that I ended up telling her the story, then immediately told Chris that I had to. He calls her today, and she acts like it's the first time she has heard this!!! I hate that game...ticks me off! She does it with Deed and me too...Does she think I don't talk to you all or what????? Jesus!

So....that is my end of this story, part 2. Let's hope there is NO part 3!!! Keep your fingers crossed for me kids. And pray this swelling and redness goes down.

Kimmie

Here we go again...But I hope not!

Ended up in the E.R. in Bangor yesterday morning with a raging infection in my latest suture line. It was looking more swollen than it had been, and quite red, so after sitting on it and just watching for any changes, I finally decided it was time to go. Called the Dr. and spoke with the on-call LPN who strongly suggested I go to the ER, and after a little thought, and more pain, I figured I better....Good thing!
I was put on two different antibiotics because the attending P.A. wanted to be sure it would be taken care of and not be some resistant bacteria. He took a culture, so depending on what that shows, I may be able to drop one of the meds in a day. Meanwhile, the sulfur drug (or possibly the Keflex) is killin' me...I could not get up for more than 4 minutes yesterday without feeling like I was either going to pass out or be sick....or both! Today is better, but I can't walk on it again...feels like I had surgery all over again! Worst case scenario, I am rejecting the allograph, but that seems doubtful since it has been over a month since the surgery. However, without treatment, I could have risked losing it....gotta see my Dr. today or tomorrow hopefully to be sure it will be alright.
So, in the meanwhile, I am sitting here with my foot up in the air....YET AGAIN! Will this ever end for me???!!!

Sorry, just feeling sorry for myself......

Our New Ride!

Yep, Sheb's Dad finally came through for me/us. When it rains it pours, as I had just blogged about the neighbor's car which would have been great for Ky. This can still happen when the Rav sells though, and Kyle can simply pay me back, provided that car is still available at the time my Toyota sells.
What a great deal I got too...an '06 with only 20,700 miles on it, loaded with all the amenities except leather seats...it even has an automatic sun roof that opens fully or tilts...Great stereo, cruise control, A/C, and it's an automatic so Kyle is psyched. He was NOT enjoying learning to drive a stick. Thus, the happy look on his face above!!!

Finally getting some rain here today...not much so far, but hopefully tonight. As much as I love the good weather, we sure do need the rain. My lawn is looking crispy out front....hate that.

Not much else is new...just hanging out today with a migraine thanks to the weather. Anyhow, just thought I would share my new wheels with y'all. Enjoy the weekend!

Kim

Things are lookin' up...

Yup, finally....the ankle is feeling GREAT! I think is is further along than the first one I had done prior to rupturing it totally. I can't wait to see the Dr. to hear what he thinks. Still some nerve pain, but the mobility is good!

Kyle, just applied for a job at the Walmart McDonalds and has an interview tomorrow...his buddy told him today that they were still hiring, so we went up and the manager seemed to like him. Of course, Mr. Know-it-all didn't want to listen to Mom who suggested he be SURE to hand his app. directly to the Mgr. or Shift Supervisor and not the girl at the counter...he pissed and moaned, so I left him there to decide...he made the right decision in the long run....then apologized to me. : )

The woman who pretty much GAVE Kyle money all winter/spring for feeding her cat and doing other odd jobs is now selling her car. It's a '94 Subaru, immaculate, 70,000 miles, no rust (amazing for a Subaru), automatic (good for him at this point), and she told us today she thinks she is only gonna ask him for $2000!!! I couldn't believe that...that was what I planned to put down as a down payment for the used Jeep I STILL don't have yet, so I have to consider this for him, and keep my Rav at this point. He can buy it from me on time for that price. The only thing I don't like about it is that it's red...I HATE RED...but, I won't be driving it much anyhow, so we are keeping our fingers crossed on the job and the car. I need to go check out the car tomorrow at some point, and he needs to drive it.

Kyle had a wonderful time at the Drop Kick Murphy concert...he said it was awesome and that the boys even got up on the stage, but that Becky, Tyler's girl, wouldn't. She seemed a bit shy when she was here, but very nice too.
I got to go sailing with my "other Mom and Dad" on Saturday...GREAT day for it too...superb!

So, things are, IN FACT, looking up here in the beautiful city of Brewer!

Later.

Boredom is not good...but it ain't so bad either!

I know, I shouldn't complain....I have the most beautiful time of the year off for this state, and usually I am ecstatic....but frankly, I can think of about a hundred other things I would like to be doing but CAN'T this summer! Yeah, yeah....I also know that I HAD to do this stupid surgery thing now and not wait....but.....I AM SO BORED!!!!! All I do all day is lie around with my foot up in the air 3 feet so it won't swell up, which it inevitably does when I take a stroll around the house for a change of scenery.
Ok, seriously, I am getting some things done...like catching up on the last 3 month's magazines that I didn't have time to read while I was still in school....like taking a tan for 3 hours on my back deck....like reading the books people loaned me the last two times I did this....like updating my resume cause I am applying for a teaching position in Brewer at the high school...among other VERY EXCITING THINGS!!

Hey, I even went to the parade on the 4th in Brewer!!! Now THAT was fun...5 minutes into it, while watching all the groupies carrying their "nominee" signs, these kids Kyle is pals with come around the corner and recruit him telling him he will get paid $20 to walk with this guy's sign on the parade route to Bangor. Naturally, he jumps at the easy money...I ask him if he has his phone (which he does not), and he says he will meet me back at the car. Uh, Kyle...YOU'RE GOING TO BANGOR!!! He laughs and says he will call. So, I am sitting...SITTING being the operating word here...you know, in one of those canvas chairs one takes to a parade or outdoor event, with an empty one beside me and it hits me.....I have NO way of getting two chairs back to my car which is located all the way over on State St. and I am sitting in the middle of Wilson St! I considered my options the whole parade long...So, I figured I would leave them up against the pool fence, and go get my car, drive over and pick them up (in the event that no one stole them by that time). I am on crutches, and must have looked pretty funny dragging one after the other to the curb...cause this nice woman from Orland and her son offer to carry them all the way to my car for me. I laughed and thanked them and explained my situation. No problem she says, my son is a boy scout and I'm a girl scout leader, so we would be happy to help. They were so nice...but the nicest thing was after they got to my car and I thanked them again, I heard her say to her son, "Now, didn't that make you feel good that you did that?" It was heartwarming to think other parents still try to teach their kids that kindness really DOES feel good! Made my day. My son comes home and sheepishly apologizes, as he realized his mistake about the time he hit the Joshua Chamberlain bridge! It all ended up fine, and he made $20!!!
We had a quiet day at home for the most part...ribs, pasta salad, ice cream treats while watching the Bangor fire works...what there was of them that is (they sucked). It was a good day though.

So, all in all this is "relaxing" I guess...lying around not doing much of anything. I think it might be nice for some people, but I am chomping at the bit. Would kill to be able to mow my lawn again...Junior has now taken over that duty, though he is none to pleased with the job, and FINALLY realized just how much work it can be for me! Frankly, I think it's an easy $10 for him, which is all I am paying...I can't believe the woman up the road pays him $5 every time he feeds her cat! How the heck can I teach him the value of a dollar, let alone what work ethic is when she is literally throwing money at him?! She is sweet to him though and I just hope he appreciates it. He never did get off his butt to find a real job this summer, so he better save what he does make...I remember the end of the summer shopping trips to the mall with the Super Sistas every August to buy our school clothes with the cash we made over the summer...God those were the days! We would fill up the well of Mom's jeep with bags and bags of stuff....Remember that girls?

Ok...I will have to start posting more regularly to keep the boredom away here...not that I have a ton to share! hahaha Have a hot one kids! Oh but a swim would feel good about now...not yet though...can't risk the bacteria in a pool or lake just yet. Darn!

Aaaaaaah....

My first attempt at attaching a photo to my blog...This is my Andrew Warhol that I took of the Kman and myself when I first got this state issued computer. I think it's cool...printed it even and put it up on my fridge...Now that I know how to do this, I will have to post some more.

So, the ankle is done....another cadaver graft was stitched into the split down the middle of the achilles tendon to help stabilize it more. The surgery was a success, and I had no pain at all the day and night I had it done....all the way until the next day....then....OUCH!!!! It feels like the second surgery now...where he nicked the nerve....burns like crazy and I got very little sleep last night because I couldn't keep up with the pain. I finally got enough drugs in my system to dull it though.
Called Mom, and said it was scheduled out of the blue, and I just wanted to get it done....had a case of the "guilts" after DeeDee told me Mom said her feelings would be hurt if I didn't call her to come up and take care of me. I sugar coated it nicely, and she came up today with two bags of food (a chicken and some crabmeat, and she even brought mayo.....like I don't have any in my house-Come ON!!!). She fixed me some lunch, sliced up the chicken, and even made some chicken salad. I think she must think I can't do anything myself, but really she should know better by now! Oh well, I do appreciate the ease of a couple of meals anyhow. She said she didn't want to go when it was time for her to head back home....I kept saying I was fine, and I am. She even offered to open a bottle of wine I had in my fridge before she left...Uh, no...I am on some heavy duty drugs here and the last thing I need is to be "over served" with alcohol AND Oxy's!!!

So, it was relatively painless visit...except for the continuous natter about Aunt Evelyn...which continues to go on and on and on!!! Whatever!

Catch you all later....still not sure about the weekend party in Beverly yet. A change of scenery might be good though...hmmmmm. We will have to wait and see.

Kim

16 years....OLD

The boy turned 16 yesterday...How can I have become so old??? hahaha Seriously, where does that time all go anyhow....I ask you.
He had his two bestest buddies here for his special day, Sheb and Cousin/Brother Tyler. The three of them are a hoot to watch, and I enjoy having them here every time they come...either alone or together! They all jammed on guitars in my livingroom made sound studio most of the afternoon and evening. It was wonderful. Kyle loves his new bass...it is a thing of beauty...all wood finish, with a beautiful grain. And, it's a 5 string bass! He is getting very good at it, I must admit! When he and Ty get together, I love to hear them play together-like my own private concert.
He was VERY excited about the concert ticket to the Dropkick Murphy concert in July. Tyler made him open that gift last...it will be a good time for the three of them (Ty's girlfriend is going too...God bless her!) Tyler kept this secret for well over a month too!

So, another year comes and goes..just glad I didn't have to do the elaborate "sweet 16" deal. I just got some food from Pat's Pizza, made lemon cupcakes, kept them in juice, soda, nachos, etc and called it a good day!
He still has one more day of school though before his summer vacation starts...I am still waiting to hear what his job status will look like with Sheb's Dad. I hope he gets more than a few days a week...we will see. He may have to hit the sidewalk in search of something otherwise. Lord knows I don't plan on "entertaining" him all summer...HA, that will be the day!

Summer is here...now, where IS that summer weather???!!!

Play it Alice!

"School's out for summer...." Finally free of a lousy school year. It was one I would truly like to forget as soon as possible, what with two surgeries, a really bad student teacher, and a few freshman girls I would like to have strangled!!! haha
But....it's all in the bag now. I DO wish I could say I am looking forward to this summer vacation, but I am really on the fence about it. Hate the thought of the surgery again...still have not told Mom the date...am thinking I may just have my neighbor drive me over and back. I should be ok, I have done this twice already. Besides, Mom almost over dosed me on meds last time...at least I can handle that part on my own. (What do you think Nurse Gretchen...as long as I have Jeannie next door if I need her, do you think it will be a wise decision?) Kyle will be here too, not that he can handle any out of the ordinary emergency...I just don't want the hassle of worrying about Mom getting either on my nerves, or p.o'ed about me being a lousy patient...I already know I am, but I truly don't want to tick her off or upset her...So, this is my dilemma. In some ways, my decision is selfish, in others it is to spare HER my impatience and crappy attitude at having to do this again! Hmmmmmmm.................

Well, are the Celts finally gonna claim that trophy again or what? Jeez, it's like the Sox series with the late games and all. At least I don't have to worry about getting up at 5:30 tomorrow for work!

Kyle turns 16 on Friday...YIKES! Where did THAT time go??? He wants just a low key deal....Sheb and hopefully Tyler if we can somehow get him up here...Gotta call the Super Sib #1.
Ok..."Come on Greeeeeeeeeeen" as in Celtic Green, NOT M.D.I. "Greeeeeeeeen" hahaha

Kimmie

"Are we there yet???"

I am writing this at 9:39 p.m. exhausted to the bone, though not sure exactly why. Graduation was last Friday for my high school, then out with the faculty, but only managed about 4 hours of sleep before getting up at 6:30 a.m. to head to Deed's. I know, it's my own fault...nevertheless, I woke up with a splitting migraine (I WISHed it was a hangover at that point) and headed to Mass.
Stuck Mumsie in the back so Kyle could stretch out his long legs...we chatted, but thankfully not as much as I had originally thought. And, yes, I DID in fact have to hear about Evelyn's visit...though that was Friday night before I went to graduation!
Crashed on Deed's lovely new couch (newly upholstered that is), watched Big Brown go down, then Howard treated us all to dinner that night, which was very nice!

Did not sleep much Sat. night...first night in a different bed never agrees with me, and my hip was killing me (another story for another time......or not), but got up early after a strange dream about Ken woke me...went for a long walk before breakfast and felt refreshed for the hot graduation of my lovely niece, Meghan. It was a warm one too!!! She looked so happy...and I am very proud of her.
We drove home at about 5:45 p.m. after a nice luncheon...got here around 9 p.m....again with Mom in the back where she fell asleep for a bit, so a quiet ride home...until Kyle asked me to put in the newest Bob Marley CD...she woke up and was hysterical laughing at it! Anyhow, the trip was really ok...tolerable, surprisingly, and I know DeeDee appreciated her being there, as did Meghan, so I was glad to do it overall.

However....I am still on the fence about the next surgery and if I want her here for it/me. As helpful as she can be, I am NOT a good patient, and do not have much patience for her little idiosyncrasies. What to do.....???

Started the end of the year today...first Finals were today...second round tomorrow...third on Friday...and finally done with them on Monday. Have to go to school a whole day on Tuesday for teachers' meetings, cleaning, getting all grades on the computer, etc....Cannot wait to be done....thus the "are we there yet" title. ALMOST!

Tonight, Kyle's guidance dept. hosted its first ever evening for Freshmen through Juniors about college...financial, tests, etc. Frankly, as overwhelming as it is, I was glad to get some info. Overall though, I left depressed and worried....how am I going to pull this one off??? I want the best for him, but there is only so much I can offer financially as a single parent....so hopefully some scholarships, grants, and loans will help. It is not a pretty picture in my mind's eye at this point, however...I am very concerned, and he only has two years left. (sigh)

Going to bed...hopefully to sleep all night long, which has not been easy lately. Probably why I am so tired...YA THINK KIM?!

I MUST be crazy

Yeah, so Super Sib #2 will owe ME big time now....I really want to be there for Meghan's graduation as I will absolutely NOT be able to make the party at the end of the month due to my surgery. So, I DO plan on attending her actual graduation, and offered (yeah, stupid....I know) to bring MOM down with me. It always sounds like a great and nice idea....up until I REALLY get thinking about it, that is. I just hope she doesn't feel the need to keep me "entertained" the WHOLE trip down there....silence really IS golden afterall! This will be a huge test for me...if she totally drives me nuts, I will NOT tell her when the surgery is....I already have other offers here who will take me to the surgery and home again...been the MOM route twice already...would really rather miss it this time around, if at all possible, but of course, don't want to hurt her feelings either. She will admit though, that I am a horrible patient...patience is NOT my strong suit and I HATE being down/hurt/sick...always have...always will. So, I don't need her playing the Saint role and trying to "fix" me that way either. Will be interesting.

I am looking forward to being at Meghan's graduation...Caroline's was the same night as Old Town's, as I recall, so I could not be at her's, but with Meg's on Sunday, and Old Town's on Friday night, I can swing this one. A down and back trip....hope the Matriarch is ready for THAT!!! :)

8 full days of school left and 3 half days....have a lot of tests to grade in that time frame too. As much as I anticipate the end of the year, once it gets here, it always goes too fast! So much to do...

The Relay For Life was great...soggy as usual. Chris' team raised over $6,000 this year, so we received the Silver Award for that. Don't know if Super #1 followed the Old Town woman's story of the house built for her family or not...she is dying of breast cancer, four kids and a husband, home was a moldy trailer. Anyhow, her dying wish was a home for her kids...a safe one. Old Town High's Stan (the man) Peterson spearheaded the crusade with another fellow Rotarian (the funeral director in town) and BUILT this family a brand new home...a la a Home Makeover times TEN! Stan recently lost his wonderful wife, Arneta, to cancer just over a year ago, so this was a huge deal for him. He is the most incredible, down to earth, funny, smart alecky guy you have ever met....and I love him right to death. His wife taught in the Union 90 system with me, and she and Stan were swim coaches for years with the Y programs....her death hit us all very hard, needless to say. Anyhow, I saw Stan on the track (he is only working part time at OTHS these days, the first semester only) and we just hugged, cried, and hugged some more. He said he "had" to do this for this woman...I KNOW he did! What a great man...if you saw the photo in the paper Gretch, that was him clutching his chest as the woman was hugging another girl on the front page...a shot he never wanted to be in...but, fate has its own mind it seems....choked me up...BIG!

Ok...all for now. Have a good week you all. See YOU this weekend Super #2!!!! Have that drink ready when I get there....gonna need it.

Hey, the youngest just entered the 40's era with us all....HAHAHAHAHA!!!!!

Love,
Kimmie

Happy Memorial Day

Well....I hope you all had a lovely Memorial Day long weekend! Mine was ok. Did the usual...you know, flowers, lawns, parade, b-b ques, lobster with the Mother, and the like. All VERY exciting stuff you know. YAWN!!!

I did, however, go see the latest Indiana Jones flick with the boy (his second time)...LOVED IT!!! Such fun. And "as we speak"...so to speak...I am currently watching "The Queen" which I gave to the Matriarch for her birthday last year, and proceeded to borrow THIS one! HA She prepared a lovely and very tasty lobster feast for Kyle and me, and Tyler was also a pleased recipient thereof.
Very delicious, needless to say. She, of course, goaded me into this fine meal....called me to let me know she had place some flowers on Ken's grave for Memorial Day, and said I should come down for lobster "if I could/when I could" this weekend....Hmmmmmm. So, upon great consideration and discussion with Super Sib #2, I decided the flowers, lawn, chores, etc would have to wait, and frankly the weather was NOT cooperating, so I headed to Sedgwick on Sat. It was a good trip...got to see Gretch and the whole family, including Caroline, who looks great. Also, Kathi and Steve were in town, and I do enjoy them. Kyle and Tyler had a blast together as usual...wish I could get those two together more...SOOOO like the brothers that they each don't have....but that is good that they both feel that way about each other, and it is wonderful to watch. Kyle, in a word, adores Tyler.

And so, another Memorial Day/Weekend passes......15 and a half days of work left this school year. Then, the summer, a third surgery, and who knows what kind of weather we will be getting!!! I hope you all had a nice one too. Ciao.

Kimmie

The question IS...where are my Super Sibs???

So, ARC girl started this with her "where oh where is the ARC Girl" blog....WELL...........where IS she??? And as for Super Sib #2...well, HER last notation was in APRIL for God sake! So, at this point, KYMNASIUM is...well...blogging to herself!!!! Have not even gotten a response to anything I have written in over a month...what's up with that Ladies???

Anyhow, it is my first day since mid-March without my stupid...er...student teacher....and it went very well. I DO love to teach, and the students respond, so I guess(?) that means I do a good job at it. It was nice to be able to relax without him looming around in my office too...did I mention he had a bad...BAD...case of halitosis??? Yuck! Offered him mints occasionally when I couldn't stand it, but made me wonder what the kids said about him. (meow...I know)

17 and a half days left of this school year...finals will cover the half days...can't wait, and I suspect, neither can the students!!! Lots of fights, senioritis, and wanna be senioritis!!! haha
Wish the weather would cooperate and get warmer on a daily basis though....Just be warm come June and I will be happy...cast or not!

So....Super Sib #3 comes through again......where are my Sistas?????


KIM BACK IN HER GYMNASIUM

The week in review....

Junior Jim leaves the Kymnasium tomorrow after school....FOR GOOD! What a chore he was!
His eval. was not a fun one to do...nor was the "reference" sheet I had to fill out for the University. He got a "B" from me...some would say the "kiss of death" for a future teacher, but I would guess he will land a job somewhere....I hope he learned SOMETHING from me.

The battle of sorts between Brewer and Old Town still goes on...some stupid kid from my school supposedly hit his girlfriend, from Brewer, and now her brother and his friends are fighting some idiot males from Old Town....soooooo stupid.

Looking forward to the weekend....hope the weather cooperates more than it has of late. My lawn is green at least!!! haha Won't be too much longer that I will be the one mowing it...as much as I HATE the thought of it, I do need to have this other achilles tendon repaired. It is sore, and I am tired of all of this....tempted to just let it go and risk another complete rupture, but think the healing will be longer....So sick of it! So...at my appt. on the 27th, I will schedule the THIRD damn surgery in less than a year!!!!!!!!! At least I am fortunate to have a couple of months off to recuperate...and not at work! But, that sure does put a damper on my vacation. Oh well...just want this phase of my life to be over and done with.

All for now....may have to take the dreaded trip to MOM'S this weekend to deliver her birthday present....really should do that I guess. So, may see you, Super Sib #1. As for Super Duper #2, sorry I did not mention the wonderful meal and superb hospitality at Chez Kartstein whilst on my Red Sox/Bishop weekend trip. We surely did have a great time.

Say, if you want to sponsor me for the Relay For Life that I will be doing with Chris, the weekend of Memorial Day, let me know. I will spot you the dollars and purchase a Luminary in the name of someone who has either passed away from Cancer or who is a survivor still. Let me know.....Deed, if you want, I can purchase a Luminary in Thelma's name to cover the postage for the package you sent....they are $10, so that just about does it...or if you have someone else you would rather honor, that is fine too. (luminaries are basically bags filled with sand and a tea light that are lit from 10 p.m. til they go out. The person you honor or memorialize is on the bag as is your name and any special note you have for them...These are ALL read over the loud speaker during this time and all the lights are turned out and the candles light the whole track-very cool/symbolic/touching....there are over 350 of these placed around our track at Old Town High School, where the event is held every year). Anyhow....let me know. In the past, I have purchased one for Elin O'Grady, among others. It's pretty cool anyhow.

Ciao,
Kimmie

Just news...

I have been "remiss" in my blogging...but then again so have my Super Sibs, so maybe this will inspire them (but I doubt it).

This week....Jr. Jim Teacher will be done on Friday. Finally finished his eval. and letter of "recommendation" and grade today. His University Supervisor was about on the same page as me, but she caved in the end I think....He deserved the "B" I issued him...basically the kiss of death for an interning teacher. Perhaps my letter will prove to be somewhat positive though, as I tried to be gentle, and I think I was. Will be glad to have my classes back again...it really HAS been a long year...and he made it even longer I am afraid.

Brawl nights between Brewer and Old Town kids/boys have us all on edge...some idiot student of mine is dating a Brewer girl, and her brother is not happy with him for "allegedly" hitting her...so the thugs of Old Town and the thugs of Brewer have decided to go for it...Last night it was in Old Town....tonight the word is that the fight is in Brewer. GREAAAAAAAT! I, for one, WON'T be there!!!!! Stupid kids.

Migraine all day....sucked. Went to work with "boiled egg" eyes....think allergies, lack of sleep, and stress all have contributed to this. Will figure it out and FIX it!

Not much else is new....hope all my Sib Sisses had nice Mom's Days. I was thinking of you (both)....ok...that was uncalled for...thinking of the youngest one too I guess....and of course MOM!

Catch y'all later.

Kim in the Gym

Weekend to weekend....

Never did get into the rest of my past weekend....The service was LONG, but really nice! I was more than proud of my son, the lead Crucifer...he looked so nice. The service was very impressive and the homily by the Bishop of Rochester, NY was an absolute hoot! He has known our soon to be Bishop for a very long time, so he gave the sermon instead or our own Bishop. He really kept us all "entertained" and got a rousing round of applause even!
Believe it or not, there was even communion for EVERYONE there...I am talking OVER 1300 people too! It was amazing how they pulled it all off...only took 10-15 minutes. Ministers and servants came down the aisles in about 8 areas, and everyone was "herded" (HA....pun intended) to an area for the sacraments. The bread was home baked and was wonderful! In all, the service lasted over 2 and a half hours, but everything was so interesting to take in that I didn't really notice too much. The hymns selected were wonderful and I knew almost all of them, which was neat.
Our former Church Secretary, whom Kyle and I both adored came too...we have not seen her in over 3 years. She was the one who got him started as an acolyte to begin with and greeted me with a huge hug...she wondered if Kyle would even recognize her, and I said I thought he would...He did. Grinning from ear to ear he gave her a nice big hug! It was great.
At breakfast at the Clarion, I noticed a familiar face....Kathy Suminsby...I know, Super Sib #1 had just seen her too...how ironic! I went over and said hello, chatted a bit, and introduced Kyle. I half expected to see Lauri Fernald or Jean there too!!!!
The really cool thing was that the Presiding Bishop, who was a very nice woman, gave all the kids her special lapel pin....very cool. What a wonder keepsake for Kyle to have.

The Sox game was great....SUPER seats right behind Mike Lowell...about 30 yards from him in fact. We loved it! No rain once we got there, almost got a ball even. Some kid got hit about three rows in front of us...he was ok though.
So, all in all a good weekend.

Today, was sort of sad for me. Ken's Uncle Ken died yesterday....cancer. It was rough as I found out by reading it in the paper this morning at work. I had seen him in Feb. and we shared a nice intimate chat that I will always remember, and am SO glad I had the opportunity to do so. He was a dear, sweet man...like his sister, my mother-in-law. He was always interested in what we were up to, how Kyle was, etc. His son Craig is our dentist now too which is neat. So, tomorrow, we will go to the calling hours to pay our final respects to a wonderful man. He was definitely one of my favorites.

Junior Gym Teacher is one week away from receiving a B at the most from me....not a good grade for a Student Teacher...sort of like saying "don't hire him" but what can I do. Even his University evaluator is at odds as to what SHE should give him....it's not gonna be a good week next week, and he will probably shut down on me...whatever though. I am tired of it all and just want my classes back again. At this point I am looking forward to summer vacation, even if it means I will be laid up all over again!!! Been a LOOOONNNNGGG year for Kim in the Gym!

Enjoy your Mother's Days ladies...you are both wonderful Moms and are deserving of the praise Moms will receive on Sunday. I hope you have a nice relaxing Sunday Gretchen and Dee Dee.

Kimmie

St. Lukes

I think I have been to this church/cathedral before...with Ken, and Brooks (his asst. Coach) and Tina...either that or with Brooks, Tina and Kyle during a summer festival in Portland...Kyle seemed to remember that too. Anyhow, it is BEAUTIFUL!!! Gorgeous rose window over the carved wooden altar, that looks remarkably similar to the one at our own St. Johns.
Kyle will be the LEAD Crucifer...leading the whole processional of over 400 ministers, vergers, some other special servants that I can't remember the names of, Deacons, presiding Bishops from NY, NH (yep, He's here!), ME, and one from somewhere else but I can't remember at the moment.
But the K-Man leads them ALL in! VERY COOL! There are three groups of teams, his is the first with two torch bearers who speak spanish only, and a banner bearer. Then comes another crucifer, and streamer bearers which look really cool! Then the last crucifer, torch bearers, and banner bearers. The service booklet looks like it will be a very long service, but we will see....I think the procession will take the most time....Kyle is really excited...you should have seen him! He actually said he was excited about it all, and couldn't wait to do this once we were at the rehearsal. He seemed so much older than his 15 years...very mature acting when sitting with the other kids...he may be the oldest one, but I think a couple of the girls are close to his age.
Staying at the Clarion...the old Ramada in Portland....for the night. Nice! They really re-did this hotel in a classy way! Not too pricey either.

So....off for the night...early evening. Kyle has to be there at 9 a.m. but the service doesn't officially start til 10:45. I need to be there by 10 just to sit in the main church....otherwise I get relegated to a back room watching it on a tv monitor.
Night for now...

Kim

Go Sox

A GREAT day in Brewer, Maine today!!!

Ok...here's the long and short of it kids...I get up and check my emails to find some special deals from the guy who I purchase my Red Sox tickets from each summer. He has a deal on some "front row" loge box seats on the third base line...just between the visitor's dugout and Manny...Now by "front row" we are not talking "on the field front row," but a mere 14 rows back...the front row just behind the walkway...STILL very good seats to watch a game., but not sure why they would call them FRONT ROW unless it's to get folks to bite. They are playing the team they face tonight...The Rays...!

So, since we got shut out (haha...pun intended) on our little Florida jaunt, I thought Kyle would like to be treated to a game since he has been begging me for the last two years, and I am going again in late August with the girls. He is thrilled, and went and bought an Ellsbury shirt at the mall cause he can't find his Ortiz shirt.
The beauty of this trip is that it falls on the end of the weekend we are in Portland for the Bishop's consecration service, so we will go down after that on Saturday, stay with the H. Roy Kartsteins, and just head to the ballpark on Sunday morning for the 1:30 start. The drive home won't be too bad that night, even with School the next day, as far as I'm concerned.
The MAJOR beauty of this one Super Sibs, and I know this sounds bad, is that now Mom won't be going with us to the Bishop's service...I had mentioned that I could try to get her a ticket, but since we will go to the game on Sunday, she won't be able to attend afterall...Oh well. As I lay in bed this morning thinking of how much I might be regretting that offer, and before I got the email about the Sox tickets, I was trying to think of HOW I could back out of that offer....I know, I am bad...I just can't stand the thought of being in a car, hotel room, church, and NO DOUBT another night at Chez Libbey...especially after the phone call I had with her the other night....GOTTA REMEMBER NOT TO CALL HER AFTER HER FIRST GLASS....DAMN!
So, it all worked out, for Kimmie at least.....for once!

To top it all off, I put the Mustang on the road today...got 4 new G.W. Bush tires on it (to be paid when that check comes), put the insurance back on it, and am loving driving it again!
Speaking of driving....Kyle is doing ok learning on the Rav...it's a standard and he gets a bit frustrated being the consummate perfectionist that he is, not being able to handle it if he makes a mistake (wonder where he got THAT trait from!!!). Nevertheless, he is doing very well, I think.
Got his 3rd quarter report card the other day....High Honors...All A's except for Honors Spanish where he missed an A by less than 3 points! So, today, he put some of his money saved, and some kickback Driver's Ed money I promised him if he got all A's (hey, pretty close is good for me) down on a new bass guitar. It is really beautiful...all light wood...Tyler will love it!!! He only owes about $100 on it, and can then take it home. I owe him about $50 of that, and he gets paid Friday's from his little cat feeding job up the street, so he will probably be strumming it by next weekend or shortly thereafter.

Lastly, today at the Gym, I was able to "slightly jog" on the tread climber machine...a treadmill-like walking machine that only goes 5 mph maximum. It has alternating belts for each foot that move up and down simulating climbing...it is a GREAT workout even when just walking it. But, I have actually been able to jump again...something I have not been able to do since last July...or perhaps even June....so I began a slight jog, with some weight bearing on the hand rails (I'm not stupid afterall...NOT interested in 4 of these surgeries...#3 is coming up soon enough on the right ankle). I didn't overdo it...only would jog for a minute or two minutes at a time at the most, and then only at 4 mph. It was very satisfying. The progress is finally beginning to show up, and I am grateful. It has been a very long time coming...but of course it would have been sooner had I not completely ruptured it 2 months into the recovery of the first surgery. Now.....how can I swing the 3rd one without Mom coming up here to stay??? Hmmmm...NOT that I wasn't happy to have her help...she just wore out her welcome is all. Kyle is even asking me if she has to come this time around...Yikes!

Ok...so that's it from here...Happy to have had the week to relax here, get all my yard work done...yes ALL, and ended up the week in a happy mood. And...I still have two days left!

"KimNOTinthegym" for two more days!!!

Another life wasted...make that two!

I have worked in the Old Town school system almost 3 years now, and have now seen 6 former students die tragic, unexpected, and even horrible deaths. It never gets easy...especially when you have either taught these kids, or known them as student body members and potentially "good" citizens of the community you work in and around.
My first year, within the first month of work, we lost two students to an accident that should have been avoided had the girl NOT been picking up her boyfriend at his home in the first place for school that day...she didn't have her license long enough to be carrying other kids...it was absolutely an inexperienced driver's fault-type of accident, and they both died WAY too soon.
They were a Junior and Senior.
Then, the very next year....a Sophomore with a wonderful musical career ahead of him perished in another inexperienced driving accident...he hit the soft shoulder and could not control his truck...when he stopped, the load of lumber he had in the bed came through the back window and basically impaled him. He was a very sweet boy.......BOY!!! His mother is still devastated by his loss....obviously. Such a waste...he was hurrying to keep up with the guys in front of him as they were on their way to the camp they were building together and this boy had the lumber.

This year, we lost a Junior to and "accidental" overdose of who knows WHAT drugs! Eric was a misguided kid who was trying to just stay afloat...he played football just to keep himself getting up in the morning. He had recently fallen into a fire pit while intoxicated and burned his hands...so he was on vicodin for the pain...which was not working, so he had his father get him "something else"....His mother found her son dead in bed around 1 p.m. on a Sunday....

And this weekend....a girl in my Pride Group for the last two years, who graduated last year (similar to a home room, only more intimate in closeness cause there are only about 15) gets taken hostage when the ex-boyfriend whom she put out an harassment warrant on, finds her with another guy...he beats him with a bat, takes her hostage and drives to Connecticut whereby they get pulled over and he shoots himself in front of her...Jesus! The guy she was with who was beaten to death was a good kid too....tragic! The guy who shot himself was a loser to begin with, but I have the sinking feeling that he is the brother of a freshman student of mine...something else I will have to deal with when I get back if this is so...she seems fragile enough as it is.

To top all this off, my student teacher lost his good friend's fiance to a car crash this week...she was headed from Portland to Yarmouth to work on 295 and for some reason crossed the median onto the southbound land and was struck by a mail truck and killed...he was beside himself, and I had to deal with that on top of the lousy week I get to have every year at this time, yet I have to go to work and "deal" with it so no one knows I am upset. I have to be there for the students I teach/work with regardless and...it just never really goes away ladies....it does get easier, but things come up and it still hits and hurts to the core. I hate that.

I am sick to death....of death, to put it bluntly!

Today, I gave Kyle his first lesson driving a standard....he was frustrated, but really did okay. He has decided that he wants an automatic, and I told him that was fine, but when he learns this way, he will be able to drive anything (but a semi). One hour down and 34 to go...or 6 months...whichever comes first! He will be fine. It's me who won't be, once he takes the car out for his first solo.......

No trip to Florida thanks to the Pope and his Yankee Stadium Mass. He managed to single handedly screw up all flights in and out of NY and NJ...We would have really have been stuck according to my friend Bob....Newark got crazy just after we headed home from Bangor. So, my yard work and kitchen floor take presidence this week...that's ok. At least the weather is ok so far. Nothing ventured, nothing gained....right???

Kim

Just a J.V. Catholic...and PROUD OF IT!

Yep, that's right people...I am just a JV Catholic as an Episcopaleon, and I wouldn't change it for anything!
Today, the Pope...yes, THAT POPE...managed to screw up all of New York and its surrounding airports so that planes had to be delayed, etc and/or couldn't get in or out at all! Consequently, as Kyle and I sat in Bangor International Airport for over 3.5 hours waiting to fly out with our Stand-by tickets, we were resolute that we were GOING to get to Tampa today! Alas, I would not be writing this blog if that were only so.
Just as we were one foot from the plane door, and I MEAN ONE FOOT, my friend Bob, whose "buddy passes" we were flying on calls me and says it is really tight in Newark (Continental's hub airport) and that all the pilots/crew/staff that HAD flights earlier were now bumping folks like us and we would probably get stuck in Newark until tomorrow afternoon, latest. No thanks!!! So, we picked up our bags, ripped up our stand by passes and "stood and waved bye" to the plane! Oh well....nothing ventured nothing gained!

So, we are still in the great state of Maine...hoping for the good weather that has been predicted so I can do my yard work, and get the rest of my flooring laid down. Presently, my refrigerator is sitting at the top of my stairs in my LIVING ROOM waiting for little brother, sib #4 Chris to finish the job he started. My bathroom looks GREAT! I love it, and cannot wait for the kitchen to look as nice.

Beware Mainers....a new 15 year old is now legally on the road as a "permitee"...that's right, Kyle Libbey has his driver's permit now. Only missed 8 questions out of 100 on the written. Of course, his Mom will have to teach him to drive a standard, cause that's all I have at the moment (still waiting for his buddy's Dad to find me that used Jeep Liberty)...so that is what else I will be doing this week...teaching Junior how to drive all over again! It will be fun........................I hope.

Also, to brag MY child up a bit, he made High Honors this quarter...all A's and one high B+ (in Spanish....HONORS SPANISH that is)....I am very proud of his efforts. When the boy puts his mind to it, he can pull all A's...he just sits back and follows a bit too much sometimes, but he is catching on, I think. Looking forward to seeing THAT report card!!! May have to frame it! haha

Ok...hitting the sack now...tired from being up early for church, then sitting at BIA for so long....OH...that reminds me! Kyle was also selected to be one of only two crucifers at the new Bishop's consecration on May 3rd!!! I really thought we were too late, but apparently, someone liked what they saw on his application. There were other positions like torch bearors, banner carriers and streamer carriers, but Kyle listed crucifer as his number one choice, and he got it! The minister at St. Lukes, in Portland, was very nice, and we are looking forward to meeting her and Bishop-elect Lane in a couple of weeks. I am hoping to find another ticket for Mom...would like someone else to share this with me....as it stands now, I only have one seat, unless I park cars, greet or usher at the service...something I just may end up doing. What a great experience for Kyle...I don't think he will really grasp it until he sees all the pageantry involved with this....I am excited, I know that! So, it really IS good to be an Episcopaleon afterall!!! hahaha

Kimmie

Flat knees are NOT pretty!

Yes, my knees are permanently flat these days...from being on them since Friday (and don't get any snide ideas as to WHY). My new bathroom floor looks great! I am so happy to be rid of that disgusting linoleum it isn't even funny. I even bought a new toilet to go with my "new" bathroom look! That is sitting under my picture window at present, in the living room (yikes).
Christopher, my little house husband brother has been here working all weekend, and really helped me out. I am not sure I had the harder part of this project, but he thinks so. Pulling up the other floor, backing, glue, etc....has been a bitch to be sure....thus the flat knees! My back is aching, my hands are tired, my shoulders are hurting...but it is all gonna be worth it! I wish I could figure out how to put a picture of my new bath on this so I could show you....I can't wait for it to all be done. Chris liked the tile I picked out so much he said he wished he had found it for his bathroom.

So, in a couple of days, he will seal up the bathroom floor, put the new potty in, and start on the kitchen...God love him!

Kyle has helped some too....he tires too easily for me....here I am, still gimpy and 45 and busting my tail for 6 hours and he comes home (yes, he abandoned me last night when I could have used him) and barely pushed the floor chisel for 5 minutes and starts complaining. Chris had originally told him if he pulled up the old stuff, he would pay him $100 for it...that's how much Chris hates doing that part of the job (I now know why)...but I guess Kyle thought this was gonna be easy money...I have done more than half of the job, but no one is paying me!!! What's up with that! :) No matter, I get the satisfaction of a nice new look.

The funniest part was when the two Jehovahs came to the door and opened it and asked how I was. I said, Tired...so this kid asked me if he could help...I said no. What I wanted to say was "Sure, if your wonderful savior can rip this damn glue up off this kitchen floor, or you have a miracle prayer that will do the trick, then I will join you and bother the rest of my neighbors WITH you!!!" Hind sight is 20/20 though, and I just said to go on their way.

Took Friday off...it had been 11 years to the day, cause is was a Friday, that Ken passed. This Wednesday I would be spending my 20th anniversary...Wow! Where did those years go??? I can always remember how old Caroline will be based on my anniversary though....that is a good thing. I think we will go out to dinner that night (Kyle and me that is).

Feels like we are over the weather hump finally. Warmer days this week and last...was actually in shorts most of last week at work....and biked outside two days last week! Keep it coming Mother Nature! Loved the letter to the editor this weekend about the people in the obits who say they went to heaven or whatever...then the guy says what about the rest...after these long cold winters he suspected they went where it was a lot warmer!!!!! I laughed my a@#! off after reading that one!

Time for dinner and a glass of wine I guess....then watch the Sox Yankees game while I grade 100 tests that I had "Junior Phys Ed Wanna-be" give while I was out. Go Boston!!!!

Kimmie

Too sick to come in....RIIIIGHT!

The saga continues.....after ANOTHER "come to Jesus meeting" with his supervisor, "The Kid" doesn't come in today....too sick! I had to listen to how he had been nauseous and throwing up and how his fever was 102, then 103 the second time he told me...PALEASE! I just said, I don't need the details, and I would see him tomorrow....(or not)
Now, mind you, I had a fever yesterday, and have this damn cold complete with sore throat, chest congestion and sinus congestion....but I went to work today! These kids today are a bunch of wussies! Suck it up and do your job...

What a nice day it was today...wish I could have run after work and REALLY enjoy the weather...oh well...maybe some day I will be able to do that again.

Kyle drove again today...said he did better today than the first day. Seems to enjoy the process so far. We'll see how he enjoys learning to drive a stick with his Mom...heh heh.

Ok...cheering for Memphis tonight in the big NCAA championship. Picked em from the get go...even ahead of my Duke boys! Go Tigers!!!

Kimmie

Cough cough....aaargh!

Yep....finally caved and got that dreaded cold-pray that it's not the flu-thing that has been going around. Feel like a truck ran over me today, but got things done, nevertheless. Who was it that said Women/Moms don't have TIME to be sick...?
So, today, I pulled up the bathroom floor in preparation for the new tiles to be installed on Friday (I hope). Kyle helped too, though he was playing his Guitar "Zero" game while I was getting started, then he came up and said "why didn't you tell me you were doing that?" Uh, Junior, couldn't you hear me banging and scraping away up here??? Talk about being in a zone...these kids with their game systems...jeesh!
Anyhow, we got most of the old stuff pulled up, and after a call in to my little brother house husband, Chris, it looks like that room is done and ready. The kitchen will be a bear to do though...not looking forward to that one. This stuff was so brittle though, I am amazed it hasn't cracked or whatever before now! I cannot wait to see my new tiles down...excited!

Another full week ahead of me...grades due, the moron will be back, Penquis Cap in for my Human Sexuality class in Health, and the dreaded day of the year marking the 11th anniversary of Ken's passing...so taking Friday off as a "mental health" day... Sometimes it seems like it was only a year ago, other times even longer. Miss him still...always will I guess.

Warmer weather is ahead this week...a good thing that can't hurt any of us! Warm air is one thing, but can we see the sun too! PLEEEEEAAASSSE!

OK...off to la la land. Need some sleep.

Nighty night.

Strike 3....

My moron of a student teacher pulled the biggest "boner" of the semester today. He shows up late to work...strolling down the hall after the bell has already rung signaling first period. I am already moving up the hallway to my first period study hall, wondering where this kid is, when I see him come walking towards me amid a sea of students. He smiles and says he's sorry...I just kept walking and said "You gotta get here a lot earlier than this!" I was livid! To make matters worse, I get no reason as to WHY he is late to begin with.
So I start class, and begin emailing his advisor, he comes up and says he needs to go to the bathroom because he thinks he is going to be sick...That's right super sibs....the boy was hung over! That was my assumption, and I am standing by it based on the way he looked, the fact that I got NO explanation, and the way he improved as the morning wore on! What an idiot!
Wouldn't you think after the "come to Jesus" meeting I had with him last week he would figure this out, and realize that he cannot screw up anymore! This kid is on his way out the door...I was so tempted to up and ask him how the party was last night, or say, 'so, what are you...hung over or something?' Now I wish I had!
Then the rest of the day, he is hanging by my side when he should be supervising the students more while I am doing busy work on this computer...when the I.T. guy came in and was helping me with a chart I was making, he comes up and stands there listening when he should have been moving among the kids. I had to tell him to go watch the students...WHY do I have tell him something he should know??? He actually told me today that he thinks he is good at being explicit with directions etc...that it was his strength! SO SHOW ME THAT ALREADY!

Has NOT been a good day! I have a call in to his Professor...he will be really pissed, I am sure of that knowing him. This could be the end of this kid's trail at Old Town High School! I will keep you posted. He is not in tomorrow...seminar all day...and I have a feeling he is going to get one heck of a tongue lashing.

Kyle drove a car today! Yikes....and now I have to go buy him pizza ingredients for a biology project...he is making a cross section of an animal cell and using the toppings for all the organelles in the cell membrane. It's a pain in the butt for me, but a good idea nevertheless.

TTFN AND TGIF (tomorrow)
Kim who is LOSING IT in the gym

Monday...Monday

As Mondays go...this one ranks right up there with all the rest! Snow...which I HATE...Hate with a capital H, mind you. A student teacher with nothing but excuses and "I was gonna do that" comments instead of "that's a good idea" comments, and sons who slack off when they don't have the time to do so! I get tired of watching him settle for less than he is and can be....simply because he is lazy or unmotivated. Kyle started Drivers Ed today, which takes up 3 hours of his afternoon, that he could be using to do his homework. Now, he is under the gun, which I explained to him, and I get the apathetic attitude about "doing it tomorrow in study hall" after he told me that there was too much to do....Ok, so how does he expect to get it done in study hall then? Oye!!! Always ends up in a big "to do" when we try to "discuss" this. Guitar Hero is more important than school work....not in my house it isn't! I knew that game would be the bane of my existence....and his! BOYS!!!!!

I did have a decent weekend...had a nice time at Super Sib #1's visiting, and dinner and all. It was good to escape Brewer for an afternoon. Been so darn busy every weekend, I haven't had that chance to just go somewhere for a day. Kyle had a great time with his cousin too...they get along so well...like brothers...or better yet, best friends. It is neat to see.

Early to bed tonight....tired. Hope everyone has a good week.....

Kimmie

Can this guy be any more stupid???!!!

First of all Super Sibs...thank you for your support and advice. I'm with you in a way Gretch, don't like sharing my space sometimes...guess it's all these recent years alone or something. I have supervised many student teachers and yes, Deed, I DO have the "power" or whatever to sit him down and read him the proverbial riot act...which I will be doing tomorrow morning, first thing. I spoke to the lad's Advisor, who happens to be a good friend of mine, and lives here in Brewer, so we see eachother often. He is a wonderful professor, and has a lot of faith in me as a professional...Rob and I worked with a number of students over the years, including my Dept. Head! Ironic, yes?

Anyhow, as to the can he BE any more stupid...today, I head up to Heather's office (Dept. Hd) for some Health stuff, and he gets in my office via my stupider (is that a word...don't think so) teaching partner, who really is not at fault in this instance. So, I come back and hear my desk chair move, enter my office and this kid says, he was just reading my newspaper...ok, no problem...I guess. I believe my computer was in sleep mode, which meant I needed to enter my password to use it, so I did. I end up leaving again to get my mail, run something by my teaching partner, and generally move about the building or whatever. When I come back, I notice an icon on my desktop of my laptop...a pdf file that I don't recognize...so I open it and it's something this kid downloaded to MY computer about his Lacrosse team...that's right folks...THE SAME COMPUTER I TOLD HIM NOT TO USE JUST YESTERDAY!!!! I am livid, and now so mistrusting that I put it in sleep mode all the rest of today, along with my desk computer.....I could not even bring it up, or I would have blown up.

So, after discussing it with Glenn, his advisor, we came up with the "discussion plan" for tomorrow. I HATE confrontations...and Glenn was more than willing to deal with it for me, but I told him that it will help me in the long run, and I don't want to renege on my duties. Sooooo, tomorrow, first thing, the boy and I will have a discussion of the changes he will need to make.
I think I want women from now on....college guys (and this kid is 24 already) are still too immature for me! As for his manners, Glenn thinks he is from a "not so well off" family that is probably lacking in social graces, etc...and he said everything I described perfectly described how he perceived this kid too. Interesting.....

Can't wait for the weekend already...Thanks again ladies....

Kimmie

"I hate my guy"

That's a line from Seinfeld...but I DO hate my guy...ok, to clarify..I am not very fond of my student teacher at the moment. He has gotten a little too comfortable too soon...to the point of almost disrespect.
First, he comes in his first day and opens my refridge. and just puts his lunch in (which is a big bag of food, so I have no room for MY lunch and it's MY fridge!) without even asking or saying, 'is it ok if I put my lunch in your fridge?'
Then, as I am checking my own emails and chuckle at one, he wants to know what I am reading? Rude!
Then, he puts his feet up on my file cabinet (two drawer, so low, about hip high), getting dirt from his sneakers all over it...I am annoyed, but still don't say anything.
He continues....tells one of my classes "less talking, more stretching" before even knowing that I don't mind if they chat WHILE we are stretching out, and the kids really don't know him yet.
The next day...puts his HUGE lunch bag in, AFTER I did...got there early and made sure I had room for mine...puts his damn feet up again, and while my dept head and I are talking, stays in my office to listen, and I just cannot stand it...so I say, "can you not put your feet up there, you're getting dirt all over my books"...he puts them down...and Heather is looking at me like, oh my!!! She comes down later and I tell her he is already driving me nuts, and he will be here til MAY!
Today....which is only day 4, we have a blood drive, so are in a weight room...I want to donate, so he will teach a class for me...I have him do a class beforehand so I can be comfortable with him teaching my lesson, and it is not good...I am nervous. Fortunately for me, unfortunately for the Red Cross, I am "deferred" from donating due to the cadaver graft in my achilles...I have to wait a year (actually more since I will need another when I have the right one done). Anyhow, by the time the end of the day comes, my homeroom is in the Library because of the blood drive, and he asks if he can use a computer there to check his mail...I tell him to introduce himself to the Library Nazi (really, she is a first class BAG....worse than Paul Hinton, if you can believe that Super Sibs). He then tells me he wants to check "First Class" which is a U of ME program a lot of schools carry, but we don't, so I tell him I don't think he will be able to. He then tells me he did on my computer earlier! I look at him and say "what?" He says, "Oh I guess I should have asked first, but I was able to get on..." I told him, yes, you should have asked, and NO is is not ok...Wow! The audacity of this guy and I really don't even know him!!! Gotta talk to the Advisor from the U of ME about this kid...Yikes!!!
This all on top some other "issues" I am dealing with...............Man oh man...what a week already!
Hoping to get to Sedgwick this weekend...sometime....have presents for Mom and D&G for watching out for Kyle while I was gone....have a Driver's Ed meeting at 11:00 on Sat. so not sure when it will be...and church on Sunday at 8....will figure out something I guess, even if it is for a few hours only.

Ok...gotta go grade some papers.

Ciao

GREAT...JUST WHAT I NEEDED!

Yep, you can probably tell by the title that Kimmie is NOT happy at the moment! I just called my credit union and MY account was one of the ones compromised in the big Hannaford account blunder! Now, I have to wait another 4-6 weeks before I am issued a new card/number...therefore having to check and monitor my account VERY CLOSELY to be sure no one is tampering with it. Of course this also means that if someone is, I have to go through the process of proving it, etc...I am SO not amused right now! Damn it! My main concern is really my savings...usually have just enough in the the checking from week to week to pay bills and such, so I am more concerned that these people will also be able to access that account, though I am not sure if my debit card is actually tied into it...it never was until the last scourge with TJ Maxx and I was sent a new card for that. Still waiting for a call back from the C.U. to hear. I am sure they have been bombarded. A local lawyer, who also sings in my church choir, is handling the class action suit...was sort of disgusted after reading about it this morning, but now thinking I might just jump in!!! (of course I probably won't....but it did cross my mind)

Oh...and I now have some mysterious blog responder/fan who responded that they/she/he liked my blog (see the Storm Dodging one)....checked them out and it is a phone company blogger or something...sort of creepy....hope they read this and get the hint....NOT INTERESTED! Guess that's the price we pay to post on the web though girls, but Super #1 got a nice one from some concert-goer...figures all I get is an ad group!!! What a day! Time to go work out and release this pent up stress.....Later.

Kym

Etc.....

Ok...so this week I have celebrated St. Patrick's Day....had a couple black and tans, and made the boy some Irish Nachos, which he loved!
Been on just about every kid's ass at school who doesn't give a rat's patooty about their education and what it actually means in the big picture. Searched 3 girls' restrooms looking for a missing student who I am at my wit's end with about now...found her, and it was legit....she had been taking a test and "forgot" that she needed to check in with ME first.
Watched a host of videos on mental disorders to the point that I am now obsessive compulsive (ok...maybe I already was) and perhaps a bit suicidal, not to mention my eating disorder!!! hahaha
OH...and I discovered this new ring tone kiddies can down load onto their cell phones that is difficult if not IMPOSSIBLE to hear at our age, so they can secretly hear if they have a text message in class...unfortunately for them, one of our "senior" teachers actually CAN hear it!!! Alas, I cannot...too old! I did have fun in my Health class though...got on line and played the darn thing and the kids were all looking around, holding their ears, etc...it was fun to watch! Evil Kim strikes again.

And, it's only Wednesday night! What more can I do tomorrow...brave the latest storm I guess.

Super Sibs are bringing me down a bit with the depressing and mind boggling college issues that I will soon be dealing with. Talk about stress...this on top of "Driver's Dreaducation" coming up the end of the month. Ahhhh...to be a parent of a teenager. I do love him though...right to death.

Easter is coming...95 more years and it will be this early again...how weird is that...the Catholics were right beside themselves with their little St. Patrick's parades having to be early this year (get over it). Going to church at 8:00; Kyle is serving of course...all those old ladies just love him! "Isn't he so handsome..and he does such a good job"...it's cute to hear that, and he does do a good job to be honest. Think we will have brunch or dinner with my niece Kristin and her family...we see them often and have become very close as she has had a MAJOR falling out with her parents-a very sad situation. So, looking forward to the weekend.

Hope you all have a good end of the work week....Oh, Drew texted me on his way to Hawaii, with the ex-now-on again girlfriend. Get this...he was seated next to former Pittsburgh Steeler great Lynn Swann! How cool is that...expecially seeing as how Andy is such a huge Steeler fan.
Wish I was going to Hawaii...oh well, I did have a good Feb. trip.

The Kimster

Storm dodging...

It does appear we all made out ok on this last round of "snow and ice" mix....Sorry, didn't get any...got rain instead. What the heck else will Mother Nature have in store for us this coming spring??? Me thinks flooding is inevitable....

Picked out and ordered my new floor tiles for the kitchen and upstairs bath...going with the same tile cause it's just easier, but I was tempted to use two different ones. They match as it is now, so just figured this would be ok.

Kyle will be signing up for (gulp) Driver's Ed this week...start on St. Paddy's day for his first class. Brewer High used to house a program, but has since dropped it, which will make transportation to the classes themselves in Bangor a bit interesting...they start at 3:00 and I don't leave Old Town until 2:40 at the earliest! So, will have to ask my wonderful neighbors if they wouldn't mind driving him over there for the three weeks classes are in session...hate to do that though. If he doesn't take this session though it will be close to summer and he will be working, I hope.

Thinking about going to Florida in April...this rotten weather is making me crazy, and my friend Bob can "buddy pass" us down to stay with them for very cheap! They will be heading to a wedding during the last part of our vacation week, so we can house sit/cat sit for them which will help them out. Bob was going to check on seats for us first though...stand by is not a lot of fun sometimes, but you can't beat the price.

Hate this day...losing an hour makes it just go too fast. I will end up tired for the next three with the lost 60 minutes too...always gets me, but AM glad for the increased light!

T.T.F.N.
Kim

One word.....YUCK!

Is is just me or does this weather in Maine REALLY SUCK! Do I NEED all this slush in my driveway?...and I shudder to think how well my roof is gonna handle the weight of this snow...good thing Little Sibling #4 put a new one on for me recently!

Another day off from work, which ultimately means another added on to the end...oh well. Jr. here will hate that more than me I am sure.
Been sitting here watching t.v, emailing with folks, took a trip to Wally World, and shoveling slush...whoopie!
I guess the day off to do some laundry is a good thing though...sort of. And they say we have another like this one on Saturday....GREAAAAAAAT!

Hope the ARC Girl didn't have too much of a difficult time with emergencies down in the big city of Ellsworth today...I see my nephew was lucky enough to just have a delayed start. They frown on that up here I guess cause I have not seen one yet! The roads were not passable this a.m. anyhow, so I guess that was ok.

Enough about weather! Going to go do something FUN for a change today.

Kym who is NOT in her Gym today....

ROAR!!!!!

March....Wow, talk about coming in like a lion! We can only hope for the "lamb of Spring" to complete the old saying I guess. At least we "spring ahead" earlier this year...makes for longer days which is always nice.

Not much news here in the big city of Brewer today...with any luck, we will not be rocked by yet another messy storm on Tues/Wed...at least not enough to keep me home from work again! I would actually LIKE to have the 4th of July off this year. Plus, the longer I am in school, the longer I have to put off the next surgery of the other achillies.....Wait....that's not such a bad thing is it? haha
Getting tired of limping, but am noticing some strength coming back finally...no feeling on the side of my foot still, but seem to be able to get a little bit of a push off the forefoot again. It will be 3 months on the 11th of this month, and I am hoping to be able to discard the brace by then, or at least by the next appointment at the end of the month. God I am sick of this though. I have dreams of actually running, but when I wake up, I just want to be able to walk normally again! Running seems like an impossibility still, and I don't even mean running for the exercise of it...I just mean moving quicker.

Alright...stay dry y'all!

Kimmie

Kym's Komments

Ok...so that sound a bit, I don't know...Communistic with the K's and all. I am laughing my butt off here though with all this espionage going on at the Downeast Area Red Cross "Palace!"
Dying to know just who Patrick is now....sheep in hotel rooms, velcro everywhere, and God only knows what is in store for my Super Sib #1!!!!!!!!!!! I am sure I will hear soon though.
Apparently, Kym in the Gym precedes herself(?) or something....pretty funny...I am SURE I could scare the wool off ANY sheep in short order...better tell Patrick that much Gretch!

Is is just me, or does this weather really just suck big time???!!!! I mean REALLY....do we need a foot and a half of new snow the first of March???!!! Like that's what I want to be doing all day and night Saturday...SNOW BLOWING!!! Jeez...Saint Maarten is lookin way better than bein' home now....my Rastafarian buddy, Jaba, just may hear back from me at this rate!

Hit the town tonight while Jr. went to his best friend's girlfriend's Sweet 16 party...MAN AM I GLAD I HAVE A BOY!!! Anyhow, we went to an Irish pub in Bangor which had 80 different beers...and some very good scotch too! The food was very good...had some Irish soda bread as my appetizer...Yummy. Awfully cold out here though to be running around from bar to car...brrrrrr. So, am tucked nicely in my warm flannel sheets for the night and, hopefully, a late morning...Hey, what have I got to get up early for anyhow...MORE SNOW?! I THINK NOT.

Later Women....(and Patrick...whoever you are)

Kym in the gym

MIssin' the sun, sand and sea

Hi all,
Vacation was fun, relaxing, and well worth it! The weather was fabulous every day...an occasional shower that passed quickly, then hot sunny skies. It was rather windy, but that felt good to be honest. The water was refreshing as well.
Lots of good meals, and saw a wonderful group called Latin Sugar. Three guys playing acoustic guitar, bass, and bongos and this incredibly beautiful young singer with a voice like you cannot believe. She shook maracas and danced during many of the songs she sang in Latin, and even sang some American tunes as well. We also got to see this young dance troupe of 15-17 year old dancers who danced to mainly Latin music. There was only one male, and he was fantastic! His lifts were smooth and strong, and he must have been exhausted by the time the show was over. They were from a local dance school there...very good!
The Heineken Regatta begins next week...a four day series of races around the islands there. Every night at 5:30, the draw bridge would open and these beautiful yachts would stream into the harbor...Gorgeous boats and ships that we worried would not clear the width of the opening, but somehow did. One night, a beautiful Hinckley 52 came in...that deep dark blue...BEAUTIFUL and we all cheered for it...was neat to see.
I love it down there...laid back and "No worries, Mon" as they say. Good to be home in my own bed though, I do have to admit. Unfortunately, another snow storm is in the picture, and perhaps yet another snow day...gonna be a long school year into June I guess. Oh well...at least I get to be outside teaching.
Note to Super Sib #1...Kyle had a great time with Ty and you all. Thank you for having him. Note to Super Sib #2...Kyle had a great time with you all too...told me great sushi stories, not to mention Carl's and Marty's!!! Thank you too! I missed him and it was great to see him again.

Well...stay out of the hot sun tomorrow all!!! I know I will....Darn it all.

Kimmie

And I thought LAST week was bad...

This is why I miss teaching on the elementary level, and one of the, if not the ONLY thing I hate about the high school level (well, this and the bitchy girls)...We lost another student this past weekend...that would be 4 in my 3 short years at Old Town High School. This young man did not die of a car accident like the other three students...he OD'ed on God knows what! His poor mother, who has done everything in her power to keep him in school, found him in his bed yesterday afternoon...gone. He had been on vicodin for pain after burning his hand from falling into a campfire after being drunk (seeing a trend here yet?). Apparently the vicodin didn't cut it, so he calls his father who "gets him something else"....and lo and behold, he ends up dead. We will see what the toxicology report shows, but since the State Police is involved, they will follow up as to where he got the latest of drugs....NOT GOOD!
There is a drug ring still going on that involves a number of our former and present students...this boy was one of them I fear. Then there are the idiot "friends" who announced that they were going out to get wasted, cause Eric would have wanted them to....J.C!!!

So, it's been a hell of a day...I am tired of reading these "announcements" to my homeroom kids. It's getting old fast! A lot of students are a wreck, as is typical of losing a classmate. Then, there are the "wannabe's" who just put on a show for reasons of getting out of classes, etc who never really knew this boy...pitiful. I am glad vacation is coming up....this is a bitch!

SNOW SNOW SNOW!!! Super Sib #1 is right....this is getting old too! I was outside today with Kyle trying to clear the drifts, and my hands were freezing even in mittens! I can live with some snow, but I really HATE the cold! In 72 short hours though, I will be warmer!!!

Ok...gotta go do some more packing. Warm wishes to you all....wood stoves help FYI!

Kimmie

"Hell Week"

Yeah...been sort of absent here for a bit...Sorry Ladies!!!
Work has been busy as I have taken the lion's share of the workload from the moron in sneakers I work with. Told him I would take care of this unit...used the guise that he had done "so much" while I was out! I guess I am a control freak at work...like things done my way in the best interest of the students.
This week has been hell though...Not sure what is going on or if there is something in the drinking water in Old Town, but these kids need a vacation or something! Fights brewing, high school drama queens driving me nuts, students forging notes to get out of "GYM" class...I have battled issues all week long so far. The admin. is as frustrated as we all are. CRAZY!

Today, some Ed. Tech took it upon himself to email the WHOLE school district that he plans on doing some work at the Obama visit this weekend...BIG WHOOP for him! Totally inappropriate to mail us all this crap, and the guys in I.T. let him know it, as did some of us. Actually, I just mailed the I.T. guy to let him know I didn't appreciate getting political propaganda at home, let alone at my work address. Then, I noticed a colleague had emailed the "all staff" list to say about the same thing...not wanting her to feel alone, I concurred. So, the guy sends me this rude email echoing the I.T. guy's comments about this not being board approved email, etc and not to mail everybody next time...Only he says, "please don't reply to 'all staff' with useless mail that I will only have to delete." WHAT A JERK! He was the one who started this whole thing to begin with! Get a life was what I wanted to reply to him after that, but didn't think he was worth the effort after that. Of course, I forwarded that to the I.T. guy and told him I didn't need this crap!
To make matters politically worse, I got two...TWO calls from the Democratic party tonight...one from Hillary's camp and the other from Obama's....AND I AM NOT EVEN REGISTERED AS A DEM. OR REP!!! I will be glad when the caucus is over and done with ...and rest assured people...I WON'T BE CAUCUSING HERE IN BREWER!!! Jeez.

One week from today I will be relaxing in the balmy Caribbean at some lovely outdoor restaurant...probably trying to keep Cherie Roy from eating off my plate. God that drives me nuts! I cannot wait to go though...sick to death of this winter, that's for sure.
Kyle is so excited about going to Grammie's, and seeing his cousin Tyler. Mostly, the "boys only" road trip to Carl's Sausage Kitchen and the Donut place have him totally on ten! He cannot wait!!! I will miss him...but frankly, we need some time apart. He did great on his mid-terms and his report card will show that I am sure.

I am seeing a physical therapist now for my left achillies...he is doing ultra sound on the scar tissue to try to break that up...as well as massage. He also has given me some stretches and low level strengthening work to begin the process of rehab. Looking forward to seeing some results...let alone some calf muscle again!!! haha Plan on relaxing as much as possible for the 10 days I am "on island" as Jimmy Buffet would say.

Have a lovely weekend everyone...stay out of the cold...YEAH RIGHT!

The Kimster

....Kim's whims

Having a difficult time thinking of a title for this one.....Yes, ME, at a loss for words! Kind of a once in a lifetime moment, n'est pas??? I will think of one by the time I am done.......

Sooooo, let's see...this week and last were kinda interesting. Got word on the other ankle...another tear up the middle...not the best news for sure. Went back to actually teaching, which was great! I really missed it, and one of my favorite pieces of my curriculum too...Volleyball!!! It felt great...all the way up until yesterday (Friday). My body finally gave in and I got a darn cold! I have not had one all year...maybe because I haven't been working as much this year! Anyhow, it was/is a fast moving one...felt it Thursday night, and whammo...by Friday afternoon all I wanted to do was climb back into bed and sleep, which is exactly what I did once I first got home to pick up Kyle and take him to two music stores looking for some sound distorter thing for his bass guitar, stopped at a store for some "Zicam" to help relieve these symptoms, and then finally BACK home again to get into bed! Felt good enough for some soup for dinner by about 7 p.m. when I woke up. Hoping it will be a quick one...heading to the warmth of the Caribbean in a few short weeks afterall!

Today, I spent two hours at the infamous Bangor Auditorium watching 19 Cheerleading Squads perform their hearts out, including MDI and Ellsworth...My Old Town Coyotes (God I hate that name) were also there, and ended up in 5th place out of the 6 who qualify for the States. I was actually there with my good friend Renee, whose daughter cheers for John Bapst...They were INCREDIBLE!!! Not one wasted second...these girls were moving the whole time they were on the floor, and were the only team with serious tumblers and stunts who didn't drop anyone or stumble during a tumbling run. They won the Eastern Maine Championship for Class B, so that was good for them, and I was very pleased for Renee's daughter Nikol. She is a great young lady...started school with Kyle, so they have been friends for a while...It was fun. It is an amazing thing to watch these teams and their choreography...

Got a kick out of Super Sib #1's "top ten" and could not resist adding a few of my own FOR her...wondering if this means #2 and I have been "tagged" now too??? Should we oblige as well now? Inquiring minds want to know!!! haha

Ok...heading to bed...watching Pretty Woman on the tele...for the umteenth time...Bon soir

Kimmie
(see...I DID come up with a title afterall)