Remember the book The Long Winter? Where the winter just kept on piling up, and they thought it was never going to end? And right when they thought it was getting better, it didn't?
Yeah.
That was the drive home on Sunday. Let me tell you, it wasn't a whole lot of fun.
Our fuel pump seemed to be going out. The truck quit on us twice in New Orleans. We had a mechanic look at it, and he determined that it must be the fuel pump. It didn't seem *that bad, right?
So we trekked toward home. A six hour trip, that last fifteen (!!!) hours. Drive fifteen miles, cool off the pump for twenty. It was also wicked hot, and very humid, which didn't help matters much. Fortunately, as the ambient temperature dropped, it took less time for the pump to cool off. Although all things considered, I definitely did not appreciate the truck quitting on us before we reached the top of the Lake Charles Bridge. By the time we hit the top, we were doing about two miles an hour, and then we coasted all the way down....
We have a new appreciation for the heat in Texas. Who knew that after experiencing 90+ degree temps with a heat index of ten or more degrees and greater than 60% humidity would make you LOVE the fact that it's "only" 93 degrees with a heat index of five, and 10% humidity? Yeah. That's what *I said. Craziness, I tell you.
The truck went to the shop immediately upon our return to home base, where it still is. A part of the a/c went out, and we're still waiting on the part for that. It was offered they could put the truck back together so I could use it for the interim, but the idea of paying more so I could have my car back for a whole day? No thanks, I'll tough it out.
We've been having an A-Team original series marathon here today, and finding interesting meals to put together in light of the fact that we didn't make it to the grocery before dropping off the truck. Personally, I think it builds character to eat oatmeal for lunch, and popcorn at random times of the day.
Oddly, sitting around doing nothing is just plain exhausting. I think we'll all go to bed early tonight!
Tuesday, June 15, 2010
Saturday, June 12, 2010
Melting
Here's the thing about New Orleans, if you didn't already know:
It's very humid.
It's drippy, and suffocatingly HUMID. The heat index has been as much as fifteen degrees more than the actual temperature. Fif.teen. degrees. Do you know what that is? That is INSANE. Especially when it's already 91 degrees out.
We also have a new family rule:
Do not get out of the car without a bottle of water.
We hit a short trail yesterday at the Barataria Preserve, in hopes of seeing an alligator. The short trail offered us no alligator, so we took a different trail instead of turning around. Over two miles later, we're back at the car, all of us limp from the lack of water. At least we were smart enough to keep our ice chest in the back of the truck, full of up water bottles!
Originally we had planned on going on a swamp boat tour, but ended up canceling that once we hit the trail at the preserve. We met a pair of scientists on the trail, who were taking pictures for an upcoming biology textbook. They were more than happy to share with us information about the local plants and animals, and tell us lots about what we found interesting on the trail. To say we were happy to run into them is an understatement! It was very patient of them to allow the children to pepper them with questions, and we found out all kinds of interesting things.
After the kids finished filling out their Jr. Ranger forms, got their badges and were "sworn" in as Jr. Rangers, they got their badges and we were ready to head out of there. To someplace with air conditioning, thankyouverymuch.
Okay, so going to the grocery store isn't *that exciting, but it is air conditioned! When we finally pulled out of the parking lot (a *Bank of America fiasco and an impromptu car seat check in the parking lot waylaid us by over an hour) we went a few more miles down the road and went across the Lake Pontchartrain Causeway. Officially the world's longest bridge that is not a viaduct as well, it is really is quite something. Kind of boring overall and not super exciting, it met our requirements of a) air conditioned and b) budget friendly! And now we can say we've been across the bridge.
Today we're off to do some mundane things like laundry, dog walking, and car cleaning. We haven't decided on the full itinerary for the day yet, but it will likely include a trip to walk around French Quarter, and a streetcar ride. The younger ones are clamoring for food, so I suppose I'll feed them first....
Have a great day! And remember, don't forget the sunscreen and the bug spray when you head to New Orleans!
*a postscript about Bank of America, otherwise known as The Bank I Will Never Use Again While Traveling. When we were headed over this way, I used the card twice for gas. The third time I used the card, it was declined. BoA blocked the card due to "unusual activity". I had to call and approve all the transactions/attempted transactions. Card was unblocked. When we went to the grocery store, my first attempt to use the card it was blocked. As in, hi, you tried to use it but ha ha you can't! After four attempts at the register (am I putting in the wrong PIN? Maybe I pushed a wrong button) I finally figured it out - I bet they've blocked the card again! I call BoA and yes, all four attempted transactions were there for me to "approve". So let me get this straight - they want to block it from the *first use? Really? Why would you do that? It's not like Whole Foods is some sort of a red flag, either. It's groceries! I spent twenty minutes on the phone with BoA getting them to unblock it, and then made the customer rep stay on the phone while I used the card to buy my now melting groceries. And that's what happened with BoA.
It's very humid.
It's drippy, and suffocatingly HUMID. The heat index has been as much as fifteen degrees more than the actual temperature. Fif.teen. degrees. Do you know what that is? That is INSANE. Especially when it's already 91 degrees out.
We also have a new family rule:
Do not get out of the car without a bottle of water.
We hit a short trail yesterday at the Barataria Preserve, in hopes of seeing an alligator. The short trail offered us no alligator, so we took a different trail instead of turning around. Over two miles later, we're back at the car, all of us limp from the lack of water. At least we were smart enough to keep our ice chest in the back of the truck, full of up water bottles!
Originally we had planned on going on a swamp boat tour, but ended up canceling that once we hit the trail at the preserve. We met a pair of scientists on the trail, who were taking pictures for an upcoming biology textbook. They were more than happy to share with us information about the local plants and animals, and tell us lots about what we found interesting on the trail. To say we were happy to run into them is an understatement! It was very patient of them to allow the children to pepper them with questions, and we found out all kinds of interesting things.
After the kids finished filling out their Jr. Ranger forms, got their badges and were "sworn" in as Jr. Rangers, they got their badges and we were ready to head out of there. To someplace with air conditioning, thankyouverymuch.
Okay, so going to the grocery store isn't *that exciting, but it is air conditioned! When we finally pulled out of the parking lot (a *Bank of America fiasco and an impromptu car seat check in the parking lot waylaid us by over an hour) we went a few more miles down the road and went across the Lake Pontchartrain Causeway. Officially the world's longest bridge that is not a viaduct as well, it is really is quite something. Kind of boring overall and not super exciting, it met our requirements of a) air conditioned and b) budget friendly! And now we can say we've been across the bridge.
Today we're off to do some mundane things like laundry, dog walking, and car cleaning. We haven't decided on the full itinerary for the day yet, but it will likely include a trip to walk around French Quarter, and a streetcar ride. The younger ones are clamoring for food, so I suppose I'll feed them first....
Have a great day! And remember, don't forget the sunscreen and the bug spray when you head to New Orleans!
*a postscript about Bank of America, otherwise known as The Bank I Will Never Use Again While Traveling. When we were headed over this way, I used the card twice for gas. The third time I used the card, it was declined. BoA blocked the card due to "unusual activity". I had to call and approve all the transactions/attempted transactions. Card was unblocked. When we went to the grocery store, my first attempt to use the card it was blocked. As in, hi, you tried to use it but ha ha you can't! After four attempts at the register (am I putting in the wrong PIN? Maybe I pushed a wrong button) I finally figured it out - I bet they've blocked the card again! I call BoA and yes, all four attempted transactions were there for me to "approve". So let me get this straight - they want to block it from the *first use? Really? Why would you do that? It's not like Whole Foods is some sort of a red flag, either. It's groceries! I spent twenty minutes on the phone with BoA getting them to unblock it, and then made the customer rep stay on the phone while I used the card to buy my now melting groceries. And that's what happened with BoA.
Thursday, June 10, 2010
Slow Down!
Since Feburary, I've been telling myself that hey, I'll have time to _____ - tomorrow, next week, next month, later today.
Know what?
It hasn't happened. I've been climbing a steadfast pile of homework, schoolwork, activities, laundry, dishes, meals, showers, books that need to be read, and paperwork that needs to be finished. The faster I think I'm moving, the more behind I get. So much ado about nothing, I guess I need a new plan of action. Which is: JUST DO IT. Sorry, Nike, that wasn't intentional, that was the best I could come up with on short notice.
With the exception of Intensity, school is out for the summer, for kids and adults alike. She, the dear brave girl, is taking on a traditional high school diploma, with the goal of finishing in three years instead of four. Currently she is slogging her way through freshman classes in summer school. Three cheers for Intensity, she's working hard and reaching her goals!
The kids had a wonderful full first year of public school. I'm amazed, impressed, and enamored at the level of dedication the educational teams have. The autism coordinator and autism support people that are in place are nothing short of amazing in this school district, and we've seen our autism kids come a long way. As much as we are fly by the seat of our pants and not have a plan kind of people, it feels extremely odd to be making plans for next school year. Yet, here we are, plans are in place, IEP's written, schedules drawn out, social stories written, activities planned, and - see? Isn't that weird?? Next year the kids will be in 11th, 8th, 6th, 3rd, 2nd, and Kindergarten.
Silly me, I did believe that once school was out things would slow down.
And? Not so much.
Currently, myself and the youngest four kids (Inquisitive, Princess, Discovery, and Constant) are in New Orleans for a Super Geek Conference (SGC). Okay, so *I'm not here for the conference, I just tagged along. We're staying at a lovely State Park right outside of NO. The humidity is a bit more than I bargained for. I did not even know you could have a 15 degree heat index! Five, maybe six degrees, right? Nooooo. The other day it was 91, with a head index of 106! Pass the ice water, please!
The Man's SGC will be over late tonight, and tomorrow we'll be hitting some spots, doing a bit of geocaching, and seeing the sights! We've managed to have several adventures here in NO already. Okay, I'm calling it an adventure for the sake of not wanting to use the word "calamity". And I must admit that my first inclination to a vehicle stalling out in the MIDDLE of the freeway would be to use the words "disaster" "you're kidding", and several other unprintable words.
We've got several planned adventures coming up before school starts, and we're hoping to log some miles before the school year begins again on August 23rd. Stay tuned, and it's good to be back blogging!
Know what?
It hasn't happened. I've been climbing a steadfast pile of homework, schoolwork, activities, laundry, dishes, meals, showers, books that need to be read, and paperwork that needs to be finished. The faster I think I'm moving, the more behind I get. So much ado about nothing, I guess I need a new plan of action. Which is: JUST DO IT. Sorry, Nike, that wasn't intentional, that was the best I could come up with on short notice.
With the exception of Intensity, school is out for the summer, for kids and adults alike. She, the dear brave girl, is taking on a traditional high school diploma, with the goal of finishing in three years instead of four. Currently she is slogging her way through freshman classes in summer school. Three cheers for Intensity, she's working hard and reaching her goals!
The kids had a wonderful full first year of public school. I'm amazed, impressed, and enamored at the level of dedication the educational teams have. The autism coordinator and autism support people that are in place are nothing short of amazing in this school district, and we've seen our autism kids come a long way. As much as we are fly by the seat of our pants and not have a plan kind of people, it feels extremely odd to be making plans for next school year. Yet, here we are, plans are in place, IEP's written, schedules drawn out, social stories written, activities planned, and - see? Isn't that weird?? Next year the kids will be in 11th, 8th, 6th, 3rd, 2nd, and Kindergarten.
Silly me, I did believe that once school was out things would slow down.
And? Not so much.
Currently, myself and the youngest four kids (Inquisitive, Princess, Discovery, and Constant) are in New Orleans for a Super Geek Conference (SGC). Okay, so *I'm not here for the conference, I just tagged along. We're staying at a lovely State Park right outside of NO. The humidity is a bit more than I bargained for. I did not even know you could have a 15 degree heat index! Five, maybe six degrees, right? Nooooo. The other day it was 91, with a head index of 106! Pass the ice water, please!
The Man's SGC will be over late tonight, and tomorrow we'll be hitting some spots, doing a bit of geocaching, and seeing the sights! We've managed to have several adventures here in NO already. Okay, I'm calling it an adventure for the sake of not wanting to use the word "calamity". And I must admit that my first inclination to a vehicle stalling out in the MIDDLE of the freeway would be to use the words "disaster" "you're kidding", and several other unprintable words.
We've got several planned adventures coming up before school starts, and we're hoping to log some miles before the school year begins again on August 23rd. Stay tuned, and it's good to be back blogging!
Monday, February 15, 2010
It's About TIME
Time.
I seem to be running short on that these days.
Right now it's quiet time. Kids in bed. Dogs asleep. Dishes done. Backpacks ready for tomorrow. Clothes in the Daily Bin. Shoes under the table.
It's a nice time of day. No screeching, no handflapping, no Echolalia. This week the phrase is "WOO HOO!", from one of the Lego Atlantis videos that Constant watched online. I'mreally mildly annoyed by "WOO HOO!". Especially since it's usually said loudly. Right next to my ear.
Mondays and Wednesdays are by far the busiest days, with nary a quiet moment to be found. This year so far the days seem to rush one after the other. Some days I'm irritated by the routine we have, and desperately miss the ability to pick and choose what we want to do in a day. Other days it's a comfort to have the same thing going on, and know the basic activities of the day. It's a soothing rhythm, that ocassionally makes me seasick.
Time management has never been my strong point. I've often got piles of things going on, and simply flit from one item to the next, with no particular order or deadline in mind. That, my friends, is not a technique that works well for five kids in school, one in preschool, and a mama taking two classes (one of which is kickin' my heinie!). I'm constantly making to do lists, marking items on the calendar, and attempting to stay organized. The calendar is my friend, along with Listomni.
Tomorrow I'm already wondering if I'll have enough TIME to do everything that needs to be done. And look what time it is! It's time for bed......
I seem to be running short on that these days.
Right now it's quiet time. Kids in bed. Dogs asleep. Dishes done. Backpacks ready for tomorrow. Clothes in the Daily Bin. Shoes under the table.
It's a nice time of day. No screeching, no handflapping, no Echolalia. This week the phrase is "WOO HOO!", from one of the Lego Atlantis videos that Constant watched online. I'm
Mondays and Wednesdays are by far the busiest days, with nary a quiet moment to be found. This year so far the days seem to rush one after the other. Some days I'm irritated by the routine we have, and desperately miss the ability to pick and choose what we want to do in a day. Other days it's a comfort to have the same thing going on, and know the basic activities of the day. It's a soothing rhythm, that ocassionally makes me seasick.
Time management has never been my strong point. I've often got piles of things going on, and simply flit from one item to the next, with no particular order or deadline in mind. That, my friends, is not a technique that works well for five kids in school, one in preschool, and a mama taking two classes (one of which is kickin' my heinie!). I'm constantly making to do lists, marking items on the calendar, and attempting to stay organized. The calendar is my friend, along with Listomni.
Tomorrow I'm already wondering if I'll have enough TIME to do everything that needs to be done. And look what time it is! It's time for bed......
Saturday, January 16, 2010
True Story
We're at the grocery store. We're getting out of the car.
Discovery, 8, begins what I think will be a rather innocent conversation. That was a mistake.
"Mom, I really need for you to buy a car."
"A car? What?"
"Yes, one about this size will do fine. It needs to be big."
"Okay. What are you going to do? Fix it?"
"No. I have a project in mind. And it's going to take real gas."
Ummm. Er. No? REALLY?
"Let's talk more about this. I have blueprints in mind."
I'm kind of afraid now. I'm not sure if I should run screaming for the hills, or build a bunker. No, I don't know what he's thinking of doing with a car, that would need real gas, AND blueprints.
Discovery, 8, begins what I think will be a rather innocent conversation. That was a mistake.
"Mom, I really need for you to buy a car."
"A car? What?"
"Yes, one about this size will do fine. It needs to be big."
"Okay. What are you going to do? Fix it?"
"No. I have a project in mind. And it's going to take real gas."
Ummm. Er. No? REALLY?
"Let's talk more about this. I have blueprints in mind."
I'm kind of afraid now. I'm not sure if I should run screaming for the hills, or build a bunker. No, I don't know what he's thinking of doing with a car, that would need real gas, AND blueprints.
Wednesday, January 13, 2010
Random
I start college classes next week. Yes. You read that right. College. Classes. I am, at this time, pursing a two year degree to become a Paramedic. I feel a little woozy. School? WOT?!
I want to buy Hello Kitty school supplies. You know. Because I'm COOL like that. Besides, don't all EMS personnel harbor a secret love for Hello Kitty? No? It's just me? That's alright. I'm okay with that.
Little Dog is snoring, while asleep on my feet.
I can't move my feet, because Little Dog is asleep on them. I'm considering kicking Little Dog, just enough to make him flinch, and get OFF my feet.
I had ALL THE KIDS in bed before 7 pm. Their crankiness was making me cranky, and the only way to make it stop was to SEND THEM TO BED.
Okay, that's a lie. Not ALL. The two teen agers are still awake. I think they would be insulted if I called them "kids" though.
I cleaned all the trash out of my truck, but didn't vacuum up the crumbs. Yet. And wash the truck? WHY would I do that? It's got *character like this!
Yesterday was Intensity's first soccer game. I'm sure she'd love for me to talk more about it, but instead I'm going to tell you she got her hand stepped on by an opposing team member.
Because I'm going to school, Inquisitive is going to go to a church preschool program. I think I'm going to cry now. My baby is going to SCHOOL. !!!! And, even more stunning than him weeping and clinging to my leg "mommy, don't LEAVE me", is that he isn't - he can't wait. I think he thinks he's just going to march in there with his backpack next week and not even shed a tear.
I was going to add a picture to this post, but I can't. I seem to be photo adding inept. I don't know what's wrong with me.
Last random item - it's not even 9 pm, and I"m seriously considering turning off the light and going to bed myself. I know. That's sad, isn't it?
I want to buy Hello Kitty school supplies. You know. Because I'm COOL like that. Besides, don't all EMS personnel harbor a secret love for Hello Kitty? No? It's just me? That's alright. I'm okay with that.
Little Dog is snoring, while asleep on my feet.
I can't move my feet, because Little Dog is asleep on them. I'm considering kicking Little Dog, just enough to make him flinch, and get OFF my feet.
I had ALL THE KIDS in bed before 7 pm. Their crankiness was making me cranky, and the only way to make it stop was to SEND THEM TO BED.
Okay, that's a lie. Not ALL. The two teen agers are still awake. I think they would be insulted if I called them "kids" though.
I cleaned all the trash out of my truck, but didn't vacuum up the crumbs. Yet. And wash the truck? WHY would I do that? It's got *character like this!
Yesterday was Intensity's first soccer game. I'm sure she'd love for me to talk more about it, but instead I'm going to tell you she got her hand stepped on by an opposing team member.
Because I'm going to school, Inquisitive is going to go to a church preschool program. I think I'm going to cry now. My baby is going to SCHOOL. !!!! And, even more stunning than him weeping and clinging to my leg "mommy, don't LEAVE me", is that he isn't - he can't wait. I think he thinks he's just going to march in there with his backpack next week and not even shed a tear.
I was going to add a picture to this post, but I can't. I seem to be photo adding inept. I don't know what's wrong with me.
Last random item - it's not even 9 pm, and I"m seriously considering turning off the light and going to bed myself. I know. That's sad, isn't it?
Wednesday, December 30, 2009
Happy New Year?
Who can even believe that 2009 is almost over? Wasn't it just New Years Eve 2008 the other day?
Shocking.
I can remember when I was younger, and it seemed to be just foreeeeever between important events like Christmas, Spring Break, and Summer Vacation. Adults would say "you just wait. Time FLIES". As it turns out? It really does fly.
Here's to 2010 being a great year!
Shocking.
I can remember when I was younger, and it seemed to be just foreeeeever between important events like Christmas, Spring Break, and Summer Vacation. Adults would say "you just wait. Time FLIES". As it turns out? It really does fly.
Here's to 2010 being a great year!
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