P.S. to Earlier Today

I get home from work and after school activities at 6:15 pm, after taking off my coat and shoes; starting to get comfortable; and I am asked..kind of to1d....I need to take S to pick up his rental car. However, first he wants to watch the remainder of the debate....then he somewhat "cleans" the bathroom. Now it is about 7:30 pm, we're heading out the door and I ask, just curious but, why didn't you pick up the car earlier?
Answer: because when he got home, wife/sis M was going in to take her nap that she has to take before going to class on Wednesday and Thursdays and by the time she gets up, well it's time to leave for class.........so that left ME!

Do we want a female president??

I have been following this presidential election more than I ever followed any election. The last election, it was a given that Bush would be back in…everyone, including me, complained after. I, like my sis, Wenderina, anxious moments, have not voted in the pass and not sure if I can vote this time – working in CA with residency in NY.

For some reason I am watching this campaign – it’s interesting and kind of un-predictable. I worry that having H.C. in office really means her husband is running the office for 4 more years – which really would not be a bad thing – we had peace with other countries; education system had a boost…a real boost – not some lame patch work with a label “No Child Left Behind” – that is the worst excuse for education assistance I have ever heard and experienced!

Then I look at our other options: an African American with a strange name - who is suppose to be Muslim. Now I don’t have anything against other religions, but this religion seems to promote terrorism. And that in-it-self scares the hell out of me! He is being “well” endorsed – but why doesn’t he have better results in these pre-election voting? And why are other African American so split on there supporting? A very good friend of mine – my age, who is African American, says no way to him. She says the young people who are voting for him are not listening, they just see his skin.

On the other side of the table – MC seems too old and MR is too quiet. I heard H.C.

talk about gas taxes, environment, education, health issues but can she pull off what she promises? and why is her husband campaigning for her?

And why does she (and everyone else) have to “sling mud”?

Although this campaign does seem to be far less negative – I still wonder…what will this world be like the next four years? Like I said, I am not politically inclined – but I do live in this world and have a very precious bundle growing up – my grandson who will have to deal with what we are doing to this world!

THIRTY-TWO YEARS OF MARRIAGE

And so, as one smart bear once said...

"If you live to be a hundred,
I want to live to be a hundred minus
one day,
so I never have to live without you."
- Winnie the Pooh.

That's how I feel about my hubby! He is the best man I've ever met. He is my heart & soul; my best friend. 32 years ago we joined hands for better or worse...and we have had many "worse" days, but the better definitely out-waded the bad. For richer or poorer....we had our share of poor. R supported me through four degrees; always encouraging me to go farther; never complaining. I think we are on our way to richer days as we get closer to retirement. In sickness & in health...I pray everyday that we continue to be healthy and strong...until death do us part...together!

“Love is just a word until someone comes along and gives it meaning.”

"Will you still need me,
will you still feed me...
When I'm sixty-four?"
(I hate my picture taken)

FULL THROTTLE

After working on getting our schools registered with three different companies to be entered into this context, we are finally in!
(READ BELOW)

The only problem is, we ONLY have 8 more days! We started yesterday, and you would think with a district of more than 4000 employees we would have more that 27 donations. We need number not $....it’s a $10 donation! That is all we are asking…$10 from each person!

So I am putting this out to the blog world….PLEASE, if anyone ever worked with kids or have kids or your own – you know how hard it is to have a dream! We are rookie teams trying to fit in the big league. PLEASE..pass this on and DREAM WITH US!!

THANK YOU

Dear Family, Friends, and Colleagues,

Do you want to be a part of a life-changing program that inspires young people to pursue opportunities in science and technology?

Lend a hand to help our students follow their dream. Sweetwater Union High School District has three high schools (Eastlake High, Hilltop High, and Alternative Education) building robots to compete in the San Diego Regional, March 6-8, 2008. To get to the competition, it is essential to raise money to pay for the robotic kit, transportation and various other expenses.

We have entered a contest to raise money through PARADE Magazine and Network for Good. They will give $50,000 to the top 10 charity groups who bring in the most $10+ donations. (To read more about the contest: http://www.parade.com/givingchallenge)

Click on or copy and paste the site below. You will be linked to our “badge” and can donate to rally around our students!

http://www.networkforgood.org/Pca/Badge.aspx?BadgeId=109490

When completing the form, use the following information:

Designation: Robotics

Remember we are looking for numbers of donations, not amounts! If you want to donate more than $10, please donate in multiples of $10 from everyone in your households. The more names we get, the more chances we will have to win!!

This contest ends January 31, 2008, so PLEASE donate now! 1200 donations of $10 each will put us in very competitive status! After you donate, forward this email to everyone! Time and numbers are of the essence!

THANK YOU!

Hilltop High School Team #2193

EastLake High School Team #

Alternative Education Team #2599

About FIRST:

Accomplished inventor Dean Kamen founded FIRST (For Inspiration and Recognition of Science and Technology) in 1989 to inspire an appreciation of science and technology in young people. Based in Manchester NH, FIRST designs accessible, innovative programs to build self-confidence, knowledge, and life skills while motivating young people to pursue opportunities in science, technology, and engineering. With the support of many of the world’s most well-known companies, the not-for-profit organization hosts the FIRST Robotics Competition and FIRST Tech Challenge for high school students, the FIRST LEGO League for children 9-14 years old, and the junior FIRST LEGO League for 6-9 year-olds. To learn more about FIRST, go to www.usfirst.org.

“To create a world where science and technology are celebrated....where young people dream of becoming science and technology heroes.” Dean Kamen, Founder

Up & Down or On & Off

I spend hours reading other people’s blogs. It’s a way I stay connected to my sister Wenderina, anxiousmoments and my daughter, Little Man A’s mom, searching for an even balance . After I am done reading I have no freakin’ ass idea what to write about. I just feel content in looking into their lives for a little while.

However, lately I even find myself doing catch-up reading on their bogs because I don’t have the chance to read any blogs.

Why? You ask…

I am so involved in US FIRST ROBOTICS…everyday something new is happening – writing grants, getting sponsors, meetings, meetings, watching this machine develop, talking with students, meetings, meetings, car wash, bottle/can drive, meetings, meetings…did I say meetings?

It is a great endeavor…exciting to be a part of…I just don’t know how to do that and still have a life of my own. I work with another teacher that is the mother of six (only one left at home….age 13). I don’t know how she does it….she has 10 different tasks going at the same time and she is great at all of them!

On February 14 to 18^th, we will have a low period for about 10 days until the competition on March 6-8, 2008 at the iPayOne Center in San Diego, CA……for now the quest goes on to build the robot and raise enough funds – just in case it’s in the “books” and we get to go to Atlanta, GA!

San Diego CHARGERS

San Diego Chargers

I enjoy watching most sports…use to be an avid hockey fan – Pittsburgh Penguins all the way! Since I started working and kind of living in San Diego, CA I have watch a lot of football. Every weekend, I would head up to my brother, T’s and wife, S’s house to watch the games. It’s just so much more fun there; many times we would get together with other friends like D and B – they are “good people” (like Dad always said).

Last Sunday was a highlight and the Chargers won the AFC West Championship. So all week everyone was Charger crazy! You could not go anywhere without hearing or seeing something about the up coming game against the all season winners, NE Patriots. People wore Charger jerseys, hats, and gear; they talked about how SD would beat NE and shatter their undefeated season; the Charger song was playing everywhere – the major made Friday, Charger Day!

I don’t thing I have ever felt a city so “charged” (excuse the wording) up over their home team! It was electrifying – you didn’t dare wear or cheer for another team!

Then the big game came – Sunday, January 20, 2008 – SD scored first, just a field goal – 3 points, but the points were on the board. Every interception – 3 total in the game for SD; every sack – against the NE quarter back – we screamed! Three hours later it was over and SD Chargers were going home and not to the Super Bowl. It was hard to take after the week of hope.

However, SD people continued to cheer on their boys wearing the “Bolt” uniform; people still wore their jerseys proud and displayed the Charger flag. Best of all – everyone agreed the team did well this year and they will be “BACK …..Oh yeah!…that’s what the governor (Arnie..you know Terminator…from CA)says too!

THE BEST SUNDAY!

Today was the best way to end a weekend!
Last night I went to my brother, T's house. He has this fantastically fun loving wife; my sister-n-law, S. She can talk up a storm; keep you laughing; is always smiling; thinks my brother is "cute"; and makes anyone around her feel completely and utterly comfortable. It is a gift!
Following the viewing of a totally boring football game between NE and JAX (I like football, this was just a ball tossing game), we went to visit her mother, who was in the hospital for back surgery and had a heart attack. I could see where S got her charm! Her mom is a wonderful person, too.
And today, the CHARGERS WON!!!! what a game!! I am sorry Dallas fans, because they lost (the next game) their game, but the CHARGER'S GAME WAS AWESOME! and watching my brother, T and his wife, S jump around with excitement over their teams every success was "entertaining" to watch.
After figuring out what the boys (nephews and visiting Aussies) wanted to do, we went to friends house. I really think of D & B as good friends.
They are an extraordinary couple. They are just like sister-n-law, S.
Fun to be around and they are so inviting to people into their home - which is absolutely beautiful! I definitely put these people on my good friends list!
We finalized the weekend at a bonfire for the Aussie's (these are 2 young guys visiting CA and staying at T & S's house) good-bye.
How could I have asked for a better end to the weekend!

Inner Bitch Food for Thought

How about making "what am I thinking?" your mantra this year? Because your inner Bitch knows that it beats "what was I thinking?" any day.

This is from my calender my
wonder sis W gave me for Christmas!


Mantra means: song, hymn, tune

I don't quite get it, but when "what am I thinking?" compare to "what was I thinking?" I would probably forget what I was thinking. That sounds more like a "half-heimer" problem than anything else; however, what I mean by that is today my second child; middle child syndrome; 1st son, R..turned 29 yrs old. This makes me feel old...just for the day. REALLY


He is a really great guy. He cares very mush about his family. "what I am thinking?" or "what was I thinking?" is the same always for R, I want him to get a life; do something wonderful with his intelligence; but mostly I want him to be happy!

HAPPY BIRTHDAY!

WHAT WILL THE NEW YEAR BRING???

Yes, I know it is the 11th day of the new year, but I oftem wonder how I can make a difference?

be the
Change
you wish
to see in the
World
mary ann radmacker

I mean how can I as a person, make any difference in the world? I think I need to do something to make a difference in kids life....make a difference in someone's life. Although I just don't know how?? Maybe it will come to me this year!

December 14, 2007 - 1 year!

He is the love of my life! Little Man A as he is known on the internet blogging world. It has been a whole year. I think of him every day. I wonder what he is doing. If he is learning something new. Finding new ways to test mom; which by the way he has the best! she knows his every move; his every wine, whimper, cry; she walks around with a camera to get his every move so that nothing is missed or forgotten. For a girl who wasn't going to have kids, she has proven hershef wrong!

The day arrive to celebrate his FIRST Birthday! and celebrate we did!
On his actual birthday we had to have a cake for him!

Then for the PARTY! Because he is my grandson,
he loves Mickey. So of course for his birthday.......
Mickey was everywhere!

Cupcakes had Mickey faces;
we made Mickey ears;
and wore Mickey wear!

But watching my daughter and son-n-law
with him was the best part......

THIS LITTLE BOY IS LOVED BY ALL!
He brings happiness and laughed to our family!
HAPPY BIRTHDAY !

A Long Month ++++

On December 6^th, as I was preparing to complete my Christmas shopping, holding my grandson for his 1^st birthday, plan for a substitute as I slipped out of town a week before break, I received frantic phone calls from my niece and husband. My 55 yr old sister-n-law had been rushed to the hospital – 4 hrs later the Dr. pronounced her deceased. 55 years old! She was a smoker for almost 40 yrs and had not gone to the Dr (accept for her back injury during the last couple of years) since her daughter was born 35yr ago!

I proceeded to re-arrange my flight to a week earlier (note here: jetblue.com is the BEST AIRLINE to deal with! They charged me $130 for changing my flight and a week later – when I gave them the info they needed, I was reimbursed the $130!) I got my alcoholic sister-n-law from FLA a flight; did laundry; packed Christmas & Birthday gifts, warm clothes; wrote lesson plans for school and got to bed by 3 am.

Sat. December 8^th – JFK airport is the dirtiest, loudest, disgustingest place I have ever had to be in for 5 hrs! However, later arriving in Rochester, seeing my hubby was worth the wait and trip! Sometimes when I see him it’s like the first time all over again (we live/work on opposite coast – sometimes I am not sure why; other times I think I am being selfless; or just not knowing which way to turn. Life is not supposed to be this complicated at 50+++).Over the next 5 days – I helped clear out the clutter in my NY house where everyone lives; helped with arrangements; sat up till any hour my niece needed and sailed through the days till it was time to leave for NYC and then to VA for grandson’s 1^st B-Day!

December 13^th – NOT A FRIDAY!! Was hell – H – E – (DOUBLE) – L – L!
My husband, son R and I drove to NYC (30 miles before City) on NY states finest roads – the thruway in a snow storm. White knuckle – No talking – 8 ½ hr drive that usually takes about 5 hr. When we arrived at my sis W house – well let’s just say her open arms, smile, kind words, warm house, and love are what I know I can count on – did I say she’s the BEST SISTER! (Yeah, I have another one, but they don’t compare!)A GREAT EVENING of fine food; laughs and love at W and C house! And GOOD weather on Friday, December 14^th to drive to Little Man A’s house!!!!! I can’t believe he turned a year already! I remember him bopping into the world and laughing after, about not being able to count (son-n-law R can always make me laugh about my stupidity!)

More to come this weekend as I catch up on Blogging!