New Space January 21, 2009

Good news! Over Christmas break the ladies and I from work warmed up our group room by adding a little paint. I painted the walls with two different yellows and then worked on the mural with help from my co-workers. We also painted a quote and our values. Its amazing how the kids reacted. At first they hated it, even telling me that it looked like I was on an acid trip while painting it. However, their behavior tells a different story. Our group circle has become smaller, not because there are less kids but it seems they don’t need quite as much personal space. They appear to be much calmer as well. We will see how long it lasts, but for now, its great. I love that I no longer have to stare at the white walls and feel cozier and seem to be able to focus more myself. Enjoy the pics

       

Its been a while… December 14, 2008

Sorry friends for the lack of blogging lately, but things have been busy…

I started the new job and love it, the hard part about blogging is that I really want to share about my work, but sadly, due to confidentiality I can’t, which makes it hard to write since it seems my job is typically the most exciting thing about my day. For those who don’t know, I am now working for a new non profit organization but am located at Forestview Middle School, my home away from home for the past 4 years. I help kids will all sorts of difficulties in their lives and let me tell you it fills me up. Some days are rough, others are amazing, it just depends on what happens in their lives. I love that I get to really TALK to kids. I’m no longer a slave to standards, curriculum guides and grading… but actually being there for kids who need it most. My day consists of 5 groups including three therapy hours and two focused on skills. I wasn’t sure how I would enjoy working with 7th and 8th graders, but I quickly learned I love them as well. I never thought I would think the middle school is for me, but it is! These kids challenge me daily, make me question and problem solve like I have never done before. They are my inspiration. I am going to paint a mural in our room over Christmas break that will look like this… I had to practice on a canvas before the real thing, it has now replaced the one in my kitchen from before.

 I have also found some quotes and words that I will paint around the room as well. I hope they like it!

I’ve been spending time at the crossing arts working for the flipside and attending different gallery openings; its been fun! The kids who come for the art for the flipside are so creative and I love to see what they will come up with next.  I also have been trying to work out at the YMCA at least 3 times a week, and love taking classes there. My current favorite is the drums alive class.  I have decided that I must have been Native American in a past life as we drum and dance while getting a great cardio workout. I just LOVE that class!! Other than that my life really revolves around work. I promise (Erin) to continue to update as much as I can. Hope you all have a fantastic Christmas and a wonderful time spent with family and friends!

Another one lays a clutch, another one lays a cluch! (to the tune of another one bites the dust) September 2, 2008

As you may recall from previous posts, Simon laid a few eggs at the beginning of the summer. Well, guess what she decided was a good idea AGAIN! She laid the first egg on Tuesday and I committed bird abortion to ensure the egg did not hatch. Forgive me Father for I have sinned… I know I am going to hell for this!

Yeah that’s right I boiled it. (gross, please don’t judge me for how dirty my stove is!) This way, she can sit on the egg, but it won’t hatch or break and make a mess. She then proceeded to lay three more, sits on them all day and is being quite the little mother. I decided to do a little more research to see why she continues to do this even though I really don’t think they are fertilized since Sam wants NOTHING to do with her or the eggs. From what I have read the father will feed the mother by regurgitating food so she doesn’t have to leave the eggs and he will take his turn on them as well. So either they are not his babies or he is one bad dad. So, I decided to submit a question to a breeder to see what they have to say about the situation. I mentioned that she lays them right next to the little mirror I have in the cage and that she often talks to her reflection. He said that she could be laying the eggs for the bird in the mirror thinking it is her mate. However, his next incite was the one that made me laugh so hard, I almost fell off my chair. He said,”she could also be laying them for you.” I thought to myself, what does that mean and decided to read on. He also said that if I cuddle with her, preen her (which is what birds to do each other to help get rid of the sheath around their new feathers) or give her lots of attention she may think you are her mate. Well, I guess my dad was right all along… I am a lesbian, because I think she is laying them for me. I preen her all the time, because Sam is too mean to do it and we sit on the couch together and she preens my hair as well. So… I have decided not to do that anymore! I have rearranged the cage and took the mirror out as the breeder suggested as well. I sure hope this works. I am sick of boiling eggs and not getting any egg salad out of the deal. Oh, and just so we are clear… I’m not a lesbian!

    

A day on the lake with the butt sisters September 2, 2008

Saturday I headed to Merrifield to spend some time with my friends from another generation. You see, when I started at Forestview, I was 24 and the next youngest person in the building was 36, so I didn’t have a lot of people my age. I have never been one to discriminate and if you are fun, then I want to hang out with  you. Well the ones I found are very fun and many are in their 50’s. Sara is one of my bff’s at school and she introduced my to Kathy, her best buddy from their first year of teaching. They also had a great friend Pat and they all worked at the State Hospital together. They are now all special ed. teachers and love to get together whenever possible. Pat moved to Winona a few years after teaching in Brainerd but when these girls, along with Sara W, who is Pat’s EA in Winona, get together they tend to have LOTS of fun… even enough to entertain my 26 year old self.

We got to Turkey Bass Lake around 1:00 and headed strait for the pontoon. It was unfortunately quite windy and Kathy was not confident in driving the boat, so we just sat on it, tied to the dock until around 4:30 when her husband Dan got off of work. We had some drinks, snacked, laughed, told stories and had some more drinks. We were on the boat until about 10:30 and then headed in for some dinner/midnight snack. It was an absolutely fantastic day haning with my girls… even if they do need cheaters to change the radio station!

p.s. check back for more pictures when I get them from the other cameras on the boat that day.

Making the Grandmas proud September 2, 2008

After ending my time at Xziex and Starting my time back at Forestview, I was able to enjoy a week off all to myself. I decided since I didn’t have time to do as much as I usually do in the summer, I might as well make it a fun filled week. I started off by heading to Forestview for the first day of workshop for the teachers. I enjoyed a little district picnic of big daddy’s pizza and salad and caught up with all my friends. Colleen, the master gardener gave me a plastic grocery bag FULL of green beans as well as 8 cucumbers. I love green beans but new that even I couldn’t finish them off before they went bad. So, I cut them all up, blanched them and froze them for later this year. Yummm… I can hardly wait! I also decided to make some refrigerator pickles out of the cucumbers she gave me. After telling Grandma, she was so proud. In fact she is now on the look out for a little canning machine (I have NO idea what its actually called) for me so I don’t have to freeze them next time. I have to say, it was fun to do a little cooking like they used to and not by popping it into the microwave.

I smell pumpkins! August 28, 2008

This was my first weekend up to the patch this whole summer, and the Donats reminded me of how much I have been slacking, especially Mindy, who is always quick to remind me of how much work I could have got done; Always in good humor however. Saturday morning I got up and headed to Bemidji at 6:00am to help get ready for the upcoming season. Mindy was not feeling so well, so she wasn’t the slave driver she usually is, which I was greatful for. We even got a nap in! We did a lot of cleaning in the barn after a winter of critters making it their hotel. Scrubbed walls, tables, chairs, floors and started getting the bins of decorations out. Sue and I priced lots of merchandise while Mindy tackled the Cafe’. We had many laughs, great food and amazing conversation as always. I just love mama Sue’s cookin’. Sunday we had the typical HUGE family breakfast, which I love and then Mindy and I headed to church, arriving late and smelling of bacon as usual. I then got up on Monday and headed back to Brainerd just in time to head to work. (sorry these posts are a little backwards) I was quite tired and went to bed early, I always sleep well after a weeeknd at the farm. Don’t forget to check out our website if you want to visit Pick a Pumpkin Patch. Here are some of my favorite shots from the past 2 seasons!  www.pickapumpkinpatch.com

    

So long, farewell, auf widersehen adu August 28, 2008

So, I had my last day at Xziex yesterday and went out with a bang. Not only did I get hung up on, Ryan recorded my voice for our new marketing tool which will be sent all over the country… I feel I have left my mark. Here are some shots from the last few days at work…

Me with my headset at my desk.

 

 

 

 

 

 

Jenny working away

Patty… My office neighbor

Chad, on a call… I snuck in and got this, I’m sure he will be less then amused.

Ryan, the man with all the answers.

Our personalized green balls that we throw at each other for fun!

Tom and I, my Xziex buddy

And A’Lesha, my Xziex BFF.

I will miss you guys!!

Xziex Party August 20, 2008

After the crazy wedding adventure on Friday night, I got up at 7:00 with Lora and we both hit the road, leaving Pat sleeping in the bed waiting for a ride home from Rob. Lora had another wedding to go to and I had a Xziex party to attend. After only three hours of sleep paired with some drinking, I was one tired girl and couldn’t wait to get home. I got home (punched the dress) took a shower, got on my suit and headed to my bosses house on Gull Lake. I met up with my co-workers and their families where we had great food, awesome entertainment and lots of laughs. Chad S. (my boss) and Chad M. (A’Lesha’s Boyfriend), who are long time friends, played around on the jet ski as if they were teenagers again.

                

We thoroughly enjoyed making fun of them. We played in the lake and then had lunch and then decided to take a little trip on the pontoon. Chad has been complaining how it keeps breaking down all summer, so when we boarded the boat, I said, “is this the one that keeps breaking down?” He responded with “not anymore!” Our captain began the tour as we gawked at all the awesome houses. A’Lesha and Sophi were attacked by many spiders, one actually crawled on A’Lesha’s eye. She was less then amused.

           

As we chugged along, the heat, lack of sleep, and booze started to get to me and I asked Chad to take me back to the house so I could make my way home. They dropped me off and said our goodbyes as they headed across the lake to have some pizza at Madden’s Resort. I climed the massive amount of stairs, gathered my things and headed to my car, to find it completely blocked in by Ryan’s vehicle. I called the cell to ask Ryan where his keys were and he replied, “oh right here in my pocket.” Chad yelled from the background and said, “tell her to go to the theater room, put in a movie and we will wake her up when we get back.” After about 20 min. of trying to figure out Chad’s abundance of theater equipment, the nanny happened to stop by and get a movie started for me. Within minutes I was asleep. I woke up to find the movie had ended and the credits were rolling. I thought, “why didn’t they wake me up, its been well over 2 hours now!” I dialed A’Lesha’s phone again to see what was up I was informed that “The boat broke down!” I waited a while until they made their way back and rather than leaving at 5:00 I got home around 9:00. However, it was a great day out at the lake and couldn’t have asked for much more.

 

      Sophie doing a number                                  A’Lesha and I                                    My cup runith over

        on a rice crispy bar                          My boob is as big as her head 

 

           Rowen playing in the lake                                 Chad and A’Lesha

Wicked Wedding Weekend August 19, 2008

This past weekend was one I was very much looking forward to. My best buddy from High school and college was getting married. We were the kind of friends who got along so well and were super close, that many thought we were together or should be. Our freshman year Andy sent me a contract that stated if we got to a certain age, hadn’t gotten married then we should marry each other. Thank goodness he found Ashley, because I’m not sure I could have followed through with that one, I’m sure he was thinking the same thing, these many years later.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

here we are in High School after prom

                                    Our first day of classes at SMSU together

It was going to be a great reunion of college friends that I hadn’t seen in quite some time. I planned the perfect outfit, a great gift, got a hotel for my friends and myself, took the day off of work and was ready to roll. Friday morning I got up, ran some errands, loaded the car and took off on my way to Buffalo MN. I hit LOTS of traffic, every red light possible and even got behind a semi going 20 mph in a 55 with no availability to pass. I was getting a little heated and just wanted to get there, get ready and get to the church. I found the hotel and carried my stuff up to my room. I was about to get in the shower when it hit me… I FORGOT MY DRESS!!!!!

I had worn gym shorts and a t-shirt and had brought sweatpants to drive home in the next day and that was it! I called my mom in a panic and she told me to calm down and run to Target. I got in the car and headed over to Target where I had always had luck finding clothes. However, being the plus size woman that I am, this is not always the easiest thing. I ran my way to the back of the store, to find 3 racks, yeah that’s it, with clothes that would fit over the girls. Unfortunately, there were NO dress, and hardly any dress clothes at all. I panicked again and ran to ask for help. The idiot behind the counter says, “yeah, I guess that all we have, sorry. You didn’t bring anything else to wear?” I was like, no you bitch, and I don’t need this from you! I grabbed a cotton skirt that I found in the ‘regular size’ section because I can fit into some bottoms but tops… that’s a WHOLE other story. I did all I could not to cry and headed to the hotel with a kelly green tank top and black skirt. I tried it on, it looked horrible and I began to cry.  I jumped in the shower and then called my mom again. She had called someone in the office in Buffalo (same bank, different town) and she suggested I head to Maurice’s. This I thought was a great idea, however, I was down to about a half an hour before I had to leave for Delano. I picked up the phone book to call and see if they had any dresses and then thought, no Sara, just drive there. I got to the store, took a look around and said “where is your plus size section?” The lady answered, “oh we don’t have one!” Again, I pleated with my eyes to keep the tears in. I told her the story of my dress and she said, “Oh, I’m sure we have something that will fit.” I informed her that the lady’s are not ones who like to fit into the regular size. She brings me a skirt, in a large, (Not going to fit) and a shirt that she states, “well its a long!” (not going to fit) I decided to amuse them and try it on. I was right… DIDN’T even come close to fitting. I then asked if they just had a little sweater to go over the one shoulder tank top I found in my car, but only had a regular bra, yeah that would look cute! She brings be this sweater, again size large, and insists I just try it on! I looked like Chris Farley in David Spades sport coat singing “fat guy in a little coat!” I should have brought my arms together and ripped it down the back just to show those idiots that I know what will fit and what will not. I called mom again, this time VERY close to tears and she said, go back, get dressed (in the skirt from target, the one shoulder tank and a white zip up hoodie I brought for the ride home) do your hair nice and get the idea in your head that you are not going to make it to the wedding ceremony. I did as she said and left at 5:25 to Delano for the 5:30 wedding. I ended up getting a bit lost, due to detours and had a full blown meltdown in the car and pulled into the parking lot of the church as the happy couple was making their way out of the church. SHIT! I missed the whole thing! I found my friends who all told me I looked great, because that’s what friends do… lie to each other and then found Andy. He said, “Hey Lemons, did you love the wedding?” I burst into tears again and said, “I MISSED THE WHOLE THING (sob) He told me not to worry and enjoy the evening. After arriving at the reception I loosened up, hung out with the old gang and danced the night away. I got home the next day, for the Xziex party at Chad’s house, and punched the dress still hanging in the doorway. Basically it sucked, but really it’s just a dress, and as my mother said, “you are going to have a great time no matter what you wear.” I disagreed at the time, but as always, she was right! Here are some fun shots from the day…

    

The groom with his favorite big boob sisters               Rob and Bogie… and a few drinks

  

Millers reception get-up                        Hanke and Rohloff gettin’ down               A 400lb. Keg stand

 

        My Roomies Pat and Lora Mertes                                Rob and I doing a little Dancing

Our disfunctional family photo. Lora, Rohloff and Sara paying attention. Smude punching Miller, Hanke with his hand in his pants, Witt taking a huge bite of something and Cassie (behind Rohloff’s head) watching the action… Oh how I miss the random days of college!

The tale of two jobs August 18, 2008

This summer I had quite the experience working for the first time in the ‘business world’. After a year of confusion, anger, drama and disappointment I thought to myself, “Self, maybe this is God’s way of saying you need a change. And that even though you have spent your life working toward the dream of being a teacher, maybe you were wrong all along.” So I entered this new world that I didn’t understand or enjoy much. Don’t get me wrong, I really liked the people I worked with and the product is great, but multi level marketing just isn’t my thing. However, I have gained a new appreciation for this kind of work. I am so thankful to have had the opportunity, but am even MORE thankful that I am back home at Forestview.

So, the new job… One day a few weeks back I went to grab some lunch on my break and decided that northwest bread and bagel was a tasty choice. I was in line waiting to order when Stacia, a friend from school who works in 5th-6th day treatment walked in. I hadn’t seen her all summer so I chatted with her and her son until my meal was ready. Stacia asked if I had heard of anything at school or if I would be hired back and I sadly told her there was nothing open and that I would be working at Xziex for the year. I then sarcastically, as I often do, said “why you have an opening in day treatment you want to hire me for?” Here eyes widened and she said, “You know what, Mark in 7th and 8th grade day treatment just gave his notice because he decided to start a business, you should call Julie!” I though to myself that I would have no change since I don’t have a degree in therapy, but decided to enquire about the job anyway. To make a long story short, I had an interview and GOT THE JOB!! I was hired with Northern Pines Mental Health Center to do group therapy for 7th and 8th graders.I will be teaching life skills instead of standards and that is something I have always missed from that first year in 5^th grade. I don’t know a whole lot about the job right now, but know that I will be with kids and that’s what I am excited about. It will be much like my first year working EBD (emotional behavior disorders) in 5th grade. You know, when I chased kids down the hall, did time outs and got the crap kicked out of my by 5th graders? Only now, they will be taller, bigger and smarter… sounds good doesn’t it!? I know it won’t be easy, but I am really excited and know I will learn A LOT! I would never give up the time I had working 5th grade EBD and know that every experience makes me that much better at my job as a teacher. So guess what Forestview… I’M BACK!!!