Thursday, September 30, 2010

What's a Cubit?

Crazy rainy day today.

Brain is packed with items to process, but I'm feeling overwhelmed.

Future career plans are on hold.

I know that in five years, I'll look back and laugh at how stressed I am over rather inconsequential things.  But right now, because my office is the four walls of my home and my job responsibilities begin and end with my kids, that is exactly what I am consumed with - my home and my kids.  And how they look, and whether the kids succeed, has been squarely placed on my shoulders.  By me.

I am starting to think that I need to find some little something to do from home for money.  Nothing major.  Maybe creating and maintaining a spreadsheet or database of leads and sales for another mom who sells Pampered Chef, or something like that.  Maybe editing user guides for a software developer.  Something that I can do at home, when the kids are in bed, for a couple of hours a week.

Maybe that will helpn me feel like I am slowly gaining control of my life.

Not quite sure how or why it feels like it's slipped from my hands.

Need to sign off and try to get some sleep.  Hoping that J will be well enough to go to school tomorrow.

Wednesday, September 29, 2010

Crazy Day

When it rains, it pours.

Today started with a fun event.  I went to the remodelers' office to do a first round design of our proposed addition.  It took two hours, way longer than I expected, but it was still pretty cool.  I have a bunch of things to think about, design-wise, which kinda hurts my head right now.

I left there and headed back to pick up T from school.

A little while after I got home, poor S had a little, erm, issue.  Let's just say he had some serious blockage.  A Q-Tip and some Vaseline was required to rectify the situation (pun intended, go ahead and groan). 

Then I ran out to a branch office to pay a bill I talked about yesterday, since waiting for the mail to get to its destination would result in a missed payment rather than a late payment.

Put S down for a nap; the earlier distress wiped him out and he slept for three hours.

At about 3:20, dismissal time, I got a phone call from the substitute school nurse.  J threw up in the classroom at around 3:00.  She said that when she came to escort him to her office, his shirt was soaking wet.  Poor guy.  I had to wait about ten minutes while Grandma came to stay at the house with T and still sleeping S, so J got home at the exact same time he would have had he taken the bus.

Needless to say, J missed CCD today.

He lounged on the couch, munching on toast and drinking tea.

By bedtime, he seemed almost normal. 

We'll see how J feels tomorrow morning.

I'd hate to keep him home if he's feeling fine, but after yesterday's classroom incident, I am hesitant.

Well, tomorrow's another day...

Tuesday, September 28, 2010

Dropped the Ball

Funny, for the past couple of weeks, I felt like there was something important that I had to do, but forgot.

I figured out what it was today.

I forgot to pay the this month's bills.

Yeah.

All of them.

So thankful for autopay.

Sunday, September 26, 2010

One Crazy Hour

I took J and T to mass this morning. 

We arrived just before the processional because while backing out of the driveway, I paid more attention to the CD player than to what was behind me and ended up scraping my rear fender against Hubster's front one.

I was so pissed with myself, mostly because it was completely avoidable.

So we get there just as the mass begins, and rather than enter through the center, we go in through a side door.  We sit in a rear pew next to an older man (mid- to late-70s, I would guess), one pew ahead of J's friend M.  I could sense that our pew-neighbor wasn't into kids because rather than slide in so the boys could sit directly in front of their friends, he acts as if they don't exist. 

Shortly after mass begins, the priest invites the children to exit the rear of the church for the children's liturgy downstairs.  Of course the boys immediately head to the center aisle.  As they go to cross in front of the man, he holds his hand up as if to stop them from moving past him.  What was that about?  And, of course, the boys are too quick for me to redirect them; I was barely able to remind them to say "Excuse me" when they were in the aisle.  It was rather obvious to me that this man was annoyed, so I muttered, "they're children."

The funniest part of the mass?  When it came to the part where we offer one another the sign of peace, the man refused to make eye contact with me.  He wouldn't even turn his head or body towards me.  I so wished he did; I really wanted to shake his hand after what had happened.

The service continues, and the children return later than usual.  I go into the vestibule to flag down the boys, lest they get too close to Mr. Crankypants.  Fortunately, this time, it works. 

Later, the priest invites the children to the altar to say the Our Father.  The boys make their way up using the side aisle.  Afterwards, J comes back down the side but T comes down the middle, meaning that he has to pass Mr. Crankypants for yet another time.  Would you believe that he, again, stands still and acts as if T doesn't even exist as T wriggles along the seat behind him?

Look, I understand that some people just don't like kids.  That's fine.  But when you're in, say, a public place where children are welcome (you know, like in church or someplace like that; not a bar), you just might want to be civil.

Just sayin'

Friday, September 24, 2010

One Day...

One day... I will be able to attend a family function and have multiple conversations with other adults.

Tonight was the elementary school's Father's Club Barbecue.  Hubster chose to go golfing, so I decided to take the three boys myself.

It wasn't that bad.

J and T spent pretty much the entire time with J's friend (and former classmate) M and his brother T.  They're both really good boys, so I was happy that my guys chose to play with them all night.  Their mom is also really nice, so it was a bonus all around.  It also helps that J and T are old enough that I don't need to be within ten feet of them at all times any more.

S, however, is a different story.

The reason I was unable to converse with anyone at length was because S was keeping me on my toes.  I'm not mad; he's twenty-one months old so it's to be expected.  And fortunately he's a really happy kid.  He was busy jumping all over the lawn, dancing to the DJ's music, attempting to climb the playstructure amid kids several years older and larger than him, making friends with anyone who would pay him attention, and just plain ol' running.

All in all, though, I had fun.  And the boys did, too.  I'm glad we went.

Thursday, September 23, 2010

Must-See TV

Yeah, I'm a TV nerd.

I am loving this premiere episode of Community.

And now 30 Rock is on.

I want to go to there...

Wednesday, September 22, 2010

Bite My Tongue/From the Mouths of Babes

That's what I should have done today.

Yesterday, I asked J about his homework.  His weekly homework sheet mentioned an alphabet guessing game, but he had no worksheet.  J explained that they were doing the game today.  I assumed that he either misunderstood and that it was due today, or that he forgot the worksheet and was making an excuse.

I was going to do nothing, and let J deal with it.  But no.  I had to email his teacher. 

And he was right.

They played the game today, and he hadn't forgotten anything.  I felt rather small.

Epic Mommy Facepalm.

-----------------------------------------

J had his first CCD class today.  At dinner, I asked him to tell me one cool thing he learned.  He told me the story of Adam and Eve as only a six-year-old could.  It was an incredibly sweet moment for me.

I then asked him to tell me one cool thing he did at school today.  He told me that he and his classmate and longtime friend (since birth, really), R, play Wipeout on the playground.  Yes, I realize that Wipeout isn't exactly highbrow entertainment for six-year-olds, but I think it's pretty cool that after watching an episode, J is inspired to create his own obstacle courses (some are for his Matchbox cars; others are for himself and his brother or friends).

Tuesday, September 21, 2010

You're Only a Day Away

Tomorrow I have a contractor coming to the house. 

Again. 

No, really, for the third time.  It's actually kind of embarrassing.

Let me explain:  We live in a six-room colonial.  Three bedrooms, two and a half baths.  No garage.  Unfinished basement.  There are five people in our family, three of them are young, but growing, boys.  The cabinets in my kitchen are original, and have been painted over several times.  The kitchen floor is a sheet of vinyl that was probably once white, but no amount of mopping or steaming will confirm that hypothesis.

In a nutshell:  We need more room.  Stat.

So why am I have my third meeting in two years with aforementioned contractor, you ask?  Well, because, and I quote the Hubster, "I'm in no rush to add on."  Thus says the man who leaves the house and sits in an office all day while I watch the walls close in around me.

But this time, I've changed things up a bit, you see.  For a reasonable fee, the contractor will measure, talk to me about what I want, and draw up a plan and cost proposal for an addition.

Words have made no progress in this discussion.  The time has come to fight with visuals.

And I will be ready.

Sunday, September 19, 2010

Making a Statement?

While perusing ew.com earlier, I saw an item that Kelly McGillis and her girlfriend were recently joined in civil union.

Yeah, I didn't know she was gay, either.

Don't get me wrong; I take no issue with gays or with same-sex civil unions.  No, what I find interesting is the seeming increase in fifty-something celebrities who are "outing" themselves:  Kelly McGillis, Meredith Baxter Birney, Carol Leifer.  These women had marriages to men; they are mothers.  It certainly puts a spin on the "nature vs. nurture" argument regarding homosexuality.

Look, I don't doubt that these women sincerely love their partners.  But have they always been attracted to women and denied those urges, or are they choosing women because they were so badly burned by their former male partners?

Marriage is wonderful, but let's be honest, there are days (and sometimes weeks or months) that are difficult.  Days when you would much rather share your home with a close female friend because, with her, you wouldn't have to explain (for the umpteenth time) why you're so tired and bitchy the week before your period, or how draining it is to spend all day negotiating with a four-year-old while simultaneously keeping your two-year-old from scaling the fireplace.

I have no desire to leave my husband for anyone, much less a woman, but this does give one pause... 

Saturday, September 18, 2010

I'm Psychotic. I Have ESPN.

Actually, I'm not.  But I do have ESPN. 

I'm also not psychic.  However, today was one of those days when I wish I were.  (were not was, right?)  Hubster said very little to me, but kept giving me these ridiculous, glaring looks - you know the kind, they're the ones that middle school girls give one another when they're in a "fight" and not speaking.

Hon, I love you, but if you need something from me, or have expectations that I am not meeting, you need to tell me.  I cannot read your mind nor your expressions.

But I do love you.

Friday, September 17, 2010

TGIF

Meh.  That's pretty much how I feel right now.

I just got off the phone with J's teacher.  I really like her, and we had a very good conversation.  I'm just really annoyed with my beloved first child for giving reason for her to call home in the first place.

At school today, J and another boy went to the boys' room.  Another teacher found the two of them yelling in the bathroom and in the hallway and told J's teacher.  Hence the phone call home.  The teacher also spoke to both of them about their behavior, and took away their non-group bathroom privileges for next week (a decision with which I agree). 

At least the beginning of the day went well.

I got my laundry done before taking T to preschool.  Went to playgroup for S after dropping off T.  Came home and hung out for a little while, had lunch, then picked up T.  Played on the playground for about twenty minutes.  Went home and hung out again until S's nap.  Quiet time for Mom and T.

So at least that was positive.

And a big, fat thank you to Sensei's Wife for some perspective on the "I Hate Everything" syndrome.  Just like Hubster, sometimes I have my head so far up my own ass it's hard to see daylight.  Thank you for shining your light on me; Lord knows I needed it.

Lemon out...

Thursday, September 16, 2010

I Hate Everything!

Well, I don't, but my first grader does. 

While this is the third week of school, it's the first five-day week.  And the typical first-grade transition kicked in, big time, on Tuesday.

Tuesday, J announced that he hates school.

Yesterday, he hated his jeans because they kept falling down.  These are the same size 7 Slim jeans that he wore to kindergarten last year.  He apparently has grown taller without gaining weight.  I told him to eat more at lunch.  J failed to appreciate my sparkling wit.

Today, J wanted to watch TV as soon as he got off the bus, but I told him that he couldn't watch until he did his homework.  Commence the Stage Three Meltdown.  He hates school, he hates homework, everything is stupid, he doesn't like me, blah blah blah.

Deep Breaths.  This too shall pass.

Wednesday, September 15, 2010

What Is With People?

I went shopping with S today while J and T were at school.  I noticed something.  Well, actually, I've known this for some time, but it was once again demonstrated that Many People Are Rude.

First, we went to Osh Kosh.  S needed pants that were long enough but also narrow enough in the waist so he didn't walk out of them.  He's 20 months old and in the 97th %ile for height and rather skinny; it's harder than one would think to find pants that fit him.  But I digress..

So, at Osh Kosh.  I'm pushing S in a six and a half year old stroller, it's a beast, but I do my best not to take the clothing racks with me or run into anyone's ankles.  Apparently, I'm a freak of nature because at least two other women (mothers, mind you) are blocking aisles and when I try to get by, they IGNORE ME.  Seriously.  They know I'm there; I even did the whole fake-surprised thing and apologized.  One woman DID NOT EVEN LOOK AWAY FROM THE MERCHANDISE.  Gah.

After doing some damage at Osh Kosh, I headed to Kohl's to meet my mother.  She had a 30% off coupon and I needed some underwear (ooh - exciting!).  We went down to the lower level to look at the shoes (sadly, nothing good).  It's bad enough that many of the aisles are not stroller-friendly; mirrored posts block many of them.  But I tried to go around an island of shoes in the main aisle, and this woman JUST STOOD THERE TRYING ON SHOES, IGNORING ME.  Again, I know she knew I was there; I said "excuse me" rather clearly.  And don't play that "My hearing isn't what it used to be," Mrs. I'm-A-Senior-Citizen-So-You-Should-Show-Me-Some-Respect-And-Let-Me-Do-Whatever-I-Damn-Well-Please.  You were being rude, and even my mother saw it.  Double Gah.

But on the upside, I bought an article of clothing with what is quite possibly the stupidest name ever given to an article of clothing.  Yes, I am now the proud owner of JEGGINGS.  Ugh, how I loathe that word.  So much that I think I threw up a little in my mouth.  Bleagh.

Tuesday, September 14, 2010

I Did It!

I know, I took a couple of nights off.  I needed to recover.  Allow me to explain:

I did it!  Success!

I threw Hubster a surprise un-40th birthday party on Sunday.  I started planning this back in the summer, and he only figured it out on Saturday because he found the two cases of beer (under a blanket) when he was looking for a ladder to paint windowsills.  So, it would have been nice if that didn't happen, but by that point I just didn't care; I was so excited for him to see his high school and college friends again.

Hub's highlight of the day was pretty much everything - he was so excited to see his friends, including a good friend from college we haven't seen in over eight years (her husband, also a good friend from college, was FDNY and perished in the 9/11 attacks).

My highlight of the day was Hubs telling me that the party was the best present anyone has ever given him.  I am so glad; to quote the Dubya, "Mission Accomplished."

Saturday, September 11, 2010

All Gave Some, Some Gave All

On Facebook today, so many people were posting where they were on September 11, 2001.

It's interesting to read posts of friends who live in the midwest, and have lived there their whole lives.  I mean no disrespect to them, but I don't know that people who weren't in the New York metro area, near Schwenksville, PA, or Washington, DC, or are close to someone who was in one of those areas, or who spent a significant amount of time in one of those areas, experienced September 11th in quite the same way.

But first, I need to get a petty pet peeve off my chest:  PLEASE DO NOT REFER TO SEPTEMBER 11TH AS "911."  911 IS THE EMERGENCY NUMBER, 9/11 IS THE DATE.

Thank you.  Back to what I was rambling about...

I remember exactly where I was when I found out what happened.  I could look out my office window and see only one tower still standing.  I remember calling my mother and grandmother in PA to let them know that I was okay.  I remember calling my then fiance (our wedding was eleven days later), who told me that his friend T was probably at the towers, since he was FDNY Special Ops.  I remember telling him that hopefully T wasn't at the towers, since it looked really bad.

My memories of September 11th may fade, but I will never forget.  Rest in peace, all of you who we lost that day.

Friday, September 10, 2010

Stampin' Out

So Wednesday night I was invited to my friend's house for a Stamping party. 

What is a Stamping party, you ask?

Well, it's kind of like a Pampered Chef party, or a Lia Sophia party, except instead of someone selling Pampered Chef or Lia Sophia products, Stamping products are sold.  This particular company sells stamps, the blocks on which they are attached, ink pads, card stock, paper punches, and all sorts of paraphernalia used to make one's own greeting cards.

When I arrived, L was showing the group how to make a Halloween card.  On the coffee table were several dozen samples, cards made using Stamping products.  Each of us was given a folder containing the Stamping catalog, an order form, and a list of suggested items that ranged from packages of eight gift cards (that needed small touches, such as tying a ribbon and sticking on a gem) for $30 to stamping packages that were $150 - $175.

After the demonstration, we were invited to make two of our own cards, as well as peruse the catalog and order lots of products.  Most of the other women who came were very interested in the stuff, but I'm just not there right now.  When would I possibly have time to sit down and make a dozen greeting cards?  I didn't write out thank you notes for my son's sixth birthday; I had him handwrite a note, scanned it, and printed it onto patterened paper.

As part of her pitch, L went on about how special hand made greeting cards are as a gift.  As some oohed and aahed and nodded in agreement, I just thought Really?  Who has time for that?

Don't get me wrong:  I get a beautiful hand stamped card from Sensei's mother-in-law every Christmas, which I love.  But it's just not my thing, and definitely not while I have three small kids.  And honestly, I think I'd rather take up drawing or painting as a creative outlet.  You know, because this writing thing just isn't enough... *wink*

Anyway, after making my sample cards (which, admittedly, was fun, but I would never do at home on my own), I sat with T to look through the catalog.  We both agreed that it reminded us of the first time we went to Babies R Us to register.  Overwhelming!

I thought about ordering a return address stamp, or a stamp for the boys' books ("This book belongs to ....'s library").  I spent a good half an hour with the catalog opened to the personalized stamps.  I wanted to like them, but wasn't crazy about the graphics, or the fonts.  I felt weird about coming to a party and not ordering anything, but T told me I was ridiculous for feeling that way (gotta love friends like that).

So at around 10pm, I headed out, empty handed and feeling kinda not great.

I wasn't sure why, but the thought that kept going through my head was, "I feel small."  In hindsight, I think it was because I was the only one at the party who is still in the toddler stage.  All of the other women had older kids.  T's youngest is four; K's youngest is five, J's six.  Not too much older, but enough to make a difference.  And they all have daughters.  A few of the women planned to work on projects with their girls. 

I think I just felt... not left out, but in a different place.  Just not into the stamping thing.  And PMSy.

Thursday, September 9, 2010

Stepping Outside of Myself

I had one of those amazingly sweet and touching moments that you want to bottle and keep forever.

There was no school today, in honor of Rosh Hashana (L'Shana Tovah, everyone!). 

We had a playdate scheduled, with a friend who has two boys around T's and S's ages.  Needless to say, J didn't want to be there.  I can't say I blame him; why would he want to play with four boys younger than him?  A bunch of babies!  Fortunately, Grandma and Grandpa saved the day, and hosted J for the day.

Around 5pm, I got a phone call from my parents' number.  It was J on the other line, very politely asking me if he could stay at Grandma and Grandpa's for dinner.  It was definitely something:  I got to experience my son the way other people do.  He sounded so mature, a little tentative, but very polite.  My heart swelled with love and pride, and I even teared up a little bit. 

Thank you, J, for giving me a glimpse of how others see you.  You are a terrific little boy, and I am terribly proud of you.  I love you!

(note to self:  need to write about last night's Stamping party)

Tuesday, September 7, 2010

I Got Nothin' Today

Nothing.  Nothing particularly exciting to write about today.  I'm feeling kinda tired, so I might call it a night and go read in bed.  Or watch Sunday's episode of Mad Men

Oh, wait.  I went to get my color retouched today.  Once again, KM refused to charge me.  She also refused to take a tip.  I felt a little awkward, and I actually teared up because I was so touched by her honesty and professionalism.  In fact, it touched my mouth; I was rather tongue-tied trying to explain why I should give her a tip.

Sigh... so, peach ice cream or a cup of green tea?  I know what I want, and I know which I should have...

Good night, all.

Monday, September 6, 2010

Taking a Page from a Comedian

Oh no I di'int! 

We had company today.  And I decided to take a page from Eddie Murphy, Comedian.  Oh yes, I did. 

Remember the bit where Eddie talks about his family, and how his father would get drunk and slur, "This is my house, bitch!  And if you don' like it, you can getdafukout!"?  Yeah, I borrowed that attitude today.  I didn't get drunk, and I wasn't nasty, but I politely held my ground.

T and I ran to the grocery store to get some things for lunch, and when we got home, they had already arrived.  And, as is typical, everyone was talking in the kitchen.  I walked in carrying four grocery bags, and said, "Hi guys.  I don't mean to be rude, but could you all please talk inside so I can unpack?" 

I know, that doesn't sound like a big deal, but for someone who has a tendency to quietly seethe instead of speaking up, it was pretty big for me.

That's all I've got.  For now...

Sunday, September 5, 2010

Get Me to the Church on Time

For the past six weeks or so, I've been taking J to church.  There are two main reasons I've waited this long:
  1. I've been wanting to go to church regularly for some time, but every time one of my kids was old enough to accompany me, I was also taking care of a newborn.
  2. Hubs has no desire to accompany me, nor to watch all three kids so I can go to mass.
In all honesty, #2 has been the biggest impediment to me going to mass on a regular basis.  But S is over a year and a half now, so there's no need to worry about #1 any more.

So this morning, as we have for the past several weeks, I took J and T to mass.  We attend the family mass, and the boys go downstairs for the children's liturgy while I remain in the church.  For the first two weeks, J was fine.  He was receptive to going, and while he wasn't particularly excited, he didn't complain about coming with me.  The past four or five weeks, that hasn't been the case.

I understand that church isn't the most exciting place to be for a six year old, but his attitude is really starting to get to me.  I could retire if I had a dime for every time he told me that he hated church, or thought it was stupid, or that he didn't want to go.

I've tried to bribe him with munchkins after mass, which works with diminishing returns.  Last week Hubs had to physically carry him to the car.  This week I had to threaten him with missing Family Fun Day. 

And of course I'm putting so much pressure on myself, too.  That letter from the parish about CCD, stating that "It is expected that you and your child will attend mass weekly," was one more poke in my psyche.  Like I really need outside influences; I can do enough damage myself, thank you.

I've explained that church is what we do on Sunday mornings.  I've used the argument that my mother used with us - "God does no much for you all week, and all He asks in return in one hour."  He doesn't care.  Of course he doesn't - how many six year olds really understand who God is, and what He does, and why we should be grateful to Him?  I don't blame J for feeling how he does; I just get so frustrated by his stubbornness. 

I need to figure this one out.  It's tough.

Friday, September 3, 2010

Give Me A Break

And if anyone hands me a piece of that Kit Kat bar, I'm gonna smack them.  Seriously.

I'm not annoyed any more, but two and a half hours ago, I was.  I called Hubs a couple of times (in the office, and another couple of times on his cell) to see when he would be leaving work.  Of course, no answer on either line.  I don't know why it took me a couple of hours to figure it out, but I eventually did.  The stinker went golfing! 

Now, if I told Hubs that I was going to go grocery shopping and came home three and a half hours later because I decided to hit the mall first, I would expect him to be annoyed.  Rightly so, too.

Don't get me wrong.  I don't have a problem with him golfing, or with taking a break.  But doing so without at least picking up his office phone (he told me his cell phone died... grrr)?  Come on. 

And I could use a break, too.  I know, I've heard his argument - I should be grateful that we can afford for me to stay home.  I am.  I would much rather stay at home with my boys than go to work every day.  But let's be honest.  Don't you think Derek Jeter needs a day off every once in a while?  As much as Bruce Springsteen loves performing live, I'm sure he needs a break.  Heck, even GOD rested on the seventh day, and He's the Almighty. 

I think I just need to get over it and take that three and a half hour grocery shopping trip.  Perhaps tomorrow?

Thursday, September 2, 2010

It's About Trust

Today I let J get hot lunch at school today for the first time.

After his first day of school, we sat down with the monthly lunch menu and he decided which days he wanted to have the hot lunch and which days he wanted to bring something from home.  Later that night, I went online and set up his lunch money account.  (Our district recently joined http://www.mylunchmoney.com/, which lets parents deposit money into a PIN-accessed account.  Parents can see what items their children have ordered over the past seven meal days, as well as restrict what can be purchased - meals only vs. a la carte items, etc.)

This morning, J asked me if he could get ice cream or a popsicle with his lunch.  I immediately wondered if hot lunch, and the debit account in particular, was a really bad idea.  I told him no, he could only get what was part of the lunch - chicken nuggets, vegetables, fruit, and milk.  He immediately asked if he could get chocolate milk (I said yes), and then said that the ice cream is part of the meal.

Sigh.

I told him that if ice cream or a popsicle is part of his meal, and if he ate all of the rest of his meal - the chicken nuggets AND the broccoli - then he could have an ice cream.

On and off all day, I wondered if J was going to have ice cream with his lunch.

I know, not the hill to die on, but I knew that this would be one of those turning points for J - would he do the right thing, or would he give in to temptation?  And would the teachers, cafeteria staff, and parents let him?

After J got off the bus, I asked him about his day.  I especially grilled him about lunch (I know).  Earlier this morning he expressed concern about what to do when in line for hot lunch, so I wanted to make sure he didn't have any problems.  I asked him what he ate, and he told me that he had....

Chicken nuggets, broccoli and carrot sticks, and chocolate milk.  No ice cream. 

I'm so proud of J.  I realize that this isn't really a big deal in the grand scheme of things, but I am really pleased that I know I can trust him to do the right thing (ie, not get junk instead of food for lunch) when I'm not there to guide him.  I know there are many days left in the school year, and many more opportunities to get that ice cream instead of the nachos, but this is a good start.  (I suppose warning him that if I find out that he had ice cream instead of the chicken nuggets and broccoli, it would be the end of hot lunch was a good thing, too).

Wednesday, September 1, 2010

Why Do They Need to Know?

I was going through some paperwork for T's preschool when I came across a form that had me scratching my head. 

The school (his preschool is part of a Catholic elementary school) is planning a special celebration honoring the students' grandparents, so they sent home a form requesting the names and mailing addresses for them, regardless of how far away they live (paraphrasing here, but "so we can consider ways to virtually participate"). 

Okay, maybe I've been reading too much DWILs, but my immediate reaction was, "No 3#$%ing way!"  Don't get me wrong, I don't have a problem with involving T's grandparents in some sort of Grandparents Day celebration (depending on what it is), but why should I provide T's school with contact information when they haven't yet decided what they're going to do with it?  And shouldn't it be my decision as T's parent, and not the school's, as how his extended family is involved?

To put it another way:  let's say some software company approaches you about a new application.  You fill out some forms, disclosing your personal medical information, and when the application is built, they'll contact you.  You'd tell them where to go stick it, wouldn't you?  Exactly my point.

Well, as long as Hurricane Earl doesn't make landfall in CT on Friday, I'll have the opportunity to ask about what these plans are.  If they're worthy, I'll share.  If not, I might mention something in passing, but just to be safe, figure that it's nothing newsworthy.