Newest Writing Gig

I have been writing for a site called Bright Hub , and for the first full month, it is working out really well. It is a great site with information on everything from Office Productivity to lesson plans for teachers. It is very flexible, and the only tight schedule I follow is when I have to edit articles. I am working as a writer and managing editor. I have about 10 writers that I work with and I edit their articles as they come it. It's nice to write about what interests me, and I hope to really write a lot for the K-12 learning channel soon! I found the gig at a great site called Freelance Writing Gigs.

First Day of School!

Well, they're back! JC was thrilled to be in middle school, a little nervous I think (mom too). His big changes for the year include a locker, band, and his favorite...ala carte lunch! I think it is going to cost me a fortune to feed him. But, he did okay on day one. He loves changing for all of his classes, and one of his good friends from last year is in all but one of his classes. He still got to see his best friend during lunch so that was a bonus. He is on a different team so we thought he had a different lunch. They are really big on getting the kids organized and yesterday he mainly worked on organizing his binder and getting their schedule for the week laid out. The middle school runs on a modified block schedule and on Wednesday and Thursday they alternate and only have half of their classes each day, but for longer stretches of time. This allows the classes to do labs and take hikes out to the nature preserve the district oversees. Also more time for swimming in gym class and more involved art lessons. I taught this way for a long time and it really has its advantages.

JM came home already wanting a playdate. He didn't get home until 4:15, so that was a no-go. I am hoping to get him home closer to 4:00 as the week progresses and they work out the dismissal glitches. In third grade he will change classes with one other teacher. He has her for reading, language arts, and writing. His homeroom teacher teaches science, math, and social studies. I think it will be a good experience. When JC was in third grade they only changed classes for math. It's always changing. JM got the same teacher that JC had in third grade and is thrilled with that. He already came home though with some girls phone number!?! Sigh!

Off to take advantage of a quiet house to get some work done!

Last Fling of Summer

The orthodontist that JC goes to holds a big pool party the last weekend before school starts every summer. He rents out the local pool after closing and there is free pizza, snacks, ice cream, and drinks. The kids swam from 7:30-10:00 straight. Like a bad mom, I didn't bring the camera. They had a blast though and passed out as soon as they hit the pillow.

Of course, I am now up working...I am so bummed the USA basketball Olympic game is on at 2:30 AM. What the heck. I am taping it and am avoiding the TV, internet, and radio until I can watch it in the morning. The boys turn on Sports Center first thing upon wakening, so they have been warned not to spoil it for me!

Tomorrow is a school night and JC is ready as ever....JM...not so much. JC gets picked up at 6:55 for middle school and JM at 8:22. It will be so much calmer getting one ready at a time!

Two More Days of Summer Break!

I am excited and bummed all at the same time! I feel like there were a few more things we could have squeezed in, but we did do a lot this summer. The boys are getting bored and I think need the time away from each other...this house gets small at the end of a long summer.

We had a great summer at Cedar Point, JM hit the 54" mark and now can ride everything in the park, so that makes our visits even more fun since we can now stay together all day. JC did 6 weeks of fitness camp and worked really hard at it. I think he is stronger and can run much better as a result. It is getting so if you don't get your kids some outside sports training outside of the season, they fall behind others. Gets pretty pricey though.

JC is so excited for middle school. He had orientation and nailed his locker combination immediately. He is thrilled with the freedom he will have, the locker, and changing classes. JM got the teacher he wanted, although she will be leaving for maternity leave in December and that always causes some anxious moments. I was pregnant with JC when I was teaching so I know how it works, and I also know that the sub has to be really good to take over and do things the same way as the teacher does. Our building has permanent subs and they usually are the ones who take these long term positions, so they are very familiar with school policy and such. He had a maternity leave sub in first grade and managed well. Third grade is a lot of work at our school, so he is in for a tough year!

Bring it on!

Website Number Two

My self defense site it just about at its final editing stage and is getting some good hits. I like the broad scope of the site. I tried to cover not only Self-Defense, but also personal safety issues. It has lots of great information (if may say so myself!). Check out The Self Defense Advisor.

Enjoy!