HAPPY HALLOWEEN!

And HELLO to NOVEMBER!

Life is crazy

So Julianna has to see a cardiologist now because the anesthesiologist heard a heart murmur and won't allow sedation because of it. I was okay with it and glad the doctor was so careful and thorough. He said murmurs are nothing to worry about and she will most likely still be able to get her cavities filled. So Julianna went to school on the bus, just like normal. I went to Blake's preschool for the Halloween lunch/party, and on the way home we stopped at the store to use my great Stater Bros. coupons. As I was backing out of my parking space, I hear a CRUNCH! And at first I thought something fell out of my car--it was so strange. Then I looked back to see that I hit an SUV! An old man gets out and we chat--exchange info, etc. This is the first accident I've been in since the one soon after I got my driver's license (with Callie in our little Ford Festiva). So anyway, I know I didn't see this guy behind me, and he said he saw my brake lights come on but wasn't sure if I was backing out. He was stopped at the end of the parking lane, waiting to turn out in front of the store (after I hit him), or maybe he went past me as I was backing out, thinking I saw him--I really don't know. Anyway, this is the first time I've ever filed a claim--let's hope things work out! Meanwhile I have to get an estimate on repair for the bumper. The weird thing is--I wouldn't have even been at the store if Julianna had been able to get her dental work done--I would have been home with her. So was this meant to happen to me today? Either way I guess it would have been a tough day. And that's why life is CRAZY.

Dentist tomorrow

Julianna's going to the dentist tomorrow to get some cavities filled and sealants placed--she will be fully sedated for the whole thing--medically necessary, of course. Anyone been through this with their kids before? Any helpful words of advice or encouragement would be appreciated! Wish us luck!

On being a substitute teacher

A famous substitute teacher.

I am lucky enough to be able to substitute teach on occasion at a public charter school. This is my second year, I've taught all grades now--my favorite is elementary--3rd or 4th grade. There are many perks to being a substitute:
--no need for a teaching credential--just a bachelor's and CBEST test.
--no grading papers
--no lesson planning
--no dealing with the same students every day (this can be a GOOD thing)
--no staying after school--you go home when the students do
--no commitment--you can work whenever you want
--getting to teach all different subjects

But there are some cons to being a substitute, many of which I experienced just the other day:

--The famous question from the teachers: "So who are you today?" Meaning, who are you subbing for. I always want to say, "I'm Kera today, just like every day."
--The INEVITABLE question when I walk into a classroom to take over for a teacher, who says, "Oh, are you the sub?" I say, "Yes, I am!" So the teacher proceeds by saying, "Now class, I want you to behave for uh...(turning to me) What was your name?" "Mrs. Washburn," I say, always realizing that the teacher never cared to ask my name when I walked in the room. This same conversation happens almost every time I sub.
--The students' immediate excitement upon finding they have a sub, which is usually a lot of them saying "YES!" under their breath (usually only middle schoolers and older). Yes, meaning they don't have to work today. I quickly remind them that just because I'm a sub, they won't get away with anything. The elementary students, on the other hand, also say "YES!" but only because they really like me.
--The awkwardness of the break/lunch room. A good example: A staff member walked in with a new staff member and introduced her to each teacher in the room. When she got to me, she stopped and looked away. I could almost read her mind, "Oh, she's just a sub."

So that is all I have to say about substitute teaching. From what I have learned, I know that when I become a REAL teacher, I will definitely treat every substitute with courtesy and respect. And those of you that I know that are teachers, I am sure you already do this!

Bad news, and good news

Let's start with the bad news: our trampoline is no longer safe. Thanks to an extra strong gust of wind today, the net is so ripped (in two places) that it is beyond repair. I've actually sewn two big rips together that were on the lower part of the net--it wasn't too hard. But there's no way I can fix it, besides getting a new net (I wonder how much they cost...). Well, it almost lasted a year.

And now for the good news--I am the proud owner of an official Rodney Copperbottom doll ("Robots" movie)--yes, that is my doll on my carpet . Well, I'm the owner for now, until it's given to Julianna on her birthday. She really wants this--badly! And after some successful negotiating on ebay, it arrived in the mail today! This RARE doll cannot be found in stores, and people charge a pretty penny for it (we're talking $40 to 80). I got mine for $20. Not bad!! But don't tell Julianna--it's a surprise! I can't wait to see the look on her face when she opens it! I love getting things for my kids that they REALLY love--because I love seeing their faces light up.

Choose This Day

Choose This Day

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"Mommy, it rained on our house last night"

Rainy (or drizzly) days are a novelty here, as you can see by their excitement.

Wildlife and a doctor visit

What an adventure it was at the doctor today. Julianna came down with an ear infection yesterday, so I took her in to the pediatrician around 2:45 today. As we were waiting for our name to be called, someone pointed outside (we were sitting in front of the wall/window that's in front of the sidewalk of the building.) So we turned around and saw a HAWK (a red-tailed hawk like the one above) laying on the ground, and it looked like it was dead. There was already a small crowd gathered--some people were touching it. Even though I was inside, our view was perfect--only about 10 feet away from this huge bird. I watched the people talking outside, trying to read their lips to see what happened to the hawk. I'm pretty sure a boy said that the hawk somehow flew right into the wall above the window and then fell to the ground. So sad! Everyone just sat around, waiting to see what would happen, both inside and outside the doctor's office. Some people inside went and told one of the nurses, so they told the doctors, and pretty soon everyone was buzzing about it. After about 10 minutes, the hawk slowly began to open its eyes, and then lift its head, and before we knew it, it got up on its feet and ruffled its feathers! Everyone just watched as this predator, this meat-eating bird stood there trying to gather its strength again. It stood there for a long time, until our name was called. I heard later that the hawk did fly away again. It really was amazing to watch an injured bird regain strength, and I'm glad the kids were there to see it.

After I got home, I got a call from the doctor's office--I left my wallet there! So I had to drive back to get it. As we left the parking lot, I noticed the hawk perched on the rooftop of a nearby building. What a cool thing to happen at the doctor! It sure made our wait a little more entertaining and bearable!