Category Archives: Twists and Turns

Write It Down!

by in Twists and Turns and tagged , , , , , | 2 Comments

In my second job, I spend a lot of time at the local nursing home.  Yesterday I took time to ask a resident about her teaching career.  We ended up talking about kids then and now, and she told me a couple of stories about her students and her own children.  I enjoyed talking to her, but I still had some work to do.  I will go back soon; hopefully I can get some of her stories written down so they won’t be lost with the passing of time.  The stories of our elders are full of wisdom and humor.

I wish I had taken the time to write down stories from my grandparents before they were gone forever.  Nanny and Pawpie sure did a lot of living.  Grandma could have told some interesting stories as well.  Hindsight is 20/20, so please take my advice so you won’t make my mistake.  With the technology available today, you can have videos of your loved ones telling stories themselves.  Just imagine if I had been able to take videos of my grandparents.  My grandchildren and great-grandkids would have been able to not only see the people I loved and lost, but they would have been able to hear their voices!  What a gift!

For those of you with young children, I also say: Write things down!  (Laura and Keith, I am thinking of you when I give this advice!)  One day your memory will dim, and you will be confused as to which kid said what!  Trust me because I have already had it happen to me!  (I’m only 47, for crying out loud!)  In this day and age, there’s no reason not to document family gatherings, stories and memories of the people we love.

Lena could have told some great stories.

Lena could have told some great stories.

Christmas for the Girls?

by in Twists and Turns and tagged , , | 2 Comments

I saw a Facebook post this morning about the kidnapped Nigerian girls.  They have been gone for 255 days.  I can’t envision them opening presents today, can you?

My daughter and I have enjoyed our Christmas, but what about the families of those young girls?  How would I feel if one of those girls belonged in my family?  I’m sure I would have a major shift in priorities; wouldn’t you?  The missing school girls are not just Nigeria’s daughters; these daughters belong to the world.  I have followed the news stories, but there is no resolution.  I don’t know about you, but every time I think of these children, I cringe because I know what has probably been done to them.  As horrible as it is to contemplate, the “soldiers” of Boko Haram didn’t kidnap these daughters of ours for a stroll in the park.  Make no mistake—this kidnapping was an attack against women and decent people all over the world.  Don’t be deceived into believing the males of Boko Haram are real men either.  They are not!  Real men don’t prey on defenseless children.  Real men do not assault or threaten a female for any reason.  The Boko Haram is composed of cowards.

If I could make my voice heard, I would tell our captive daughters this:

Don’t give up!  Do whatever is necessary to survive.  People are still praying for you and awaiting your return.  You should feel no shame; the shame belongs to your captors.  They are cowards.  You, my daughters, are brave.

http://www.cbsnews.com/news/still-no-trace-of-200-kidnapped-girls-in-nigeria/

http://www.latimes.com/world/africa/la-fg-report-kidnapped-nigerian-girls-20141026-story.html

http://www.foxnews.com/world/2014/07/22/11-parents-nigeria-kidnapped-girls-die-from-attacks-and-stress-hometown-is/

http://www.abc.net.au/news/2014-11-02/boko-haram-leader-claims-kidnapped-girls-have-been-married-off/5860332

http://www.abc.net.au/news/2014-05-12/nigerian-girl-who-escaped-boko-haram-speaks-publicly-of-ordeal/5446168

http://www.abc.net.au/news/2011-11-06/what-is-nigeria27s-boko-haram3f/3637796

http://dictionary.cambridge.org/us/dictionary/british/soft-target

http://allafrica.com/stories/201409250559.html

http://www.aljazeera.com/news/africa/2014/12/girl-says-father-gave-her-boko-haram-20141225162449466569.html

Oreo

by in Twists and Turns and tagged , , , | Leave a comment

Oreo is a fine equine family member.  I try to make sure she is well cared for.  I knew her hooves needed a trim, but finding a farrier who was available proved tricky.  Good news, though—we finally had her hooves trimmed today!  Willie was running ahead of schedule, so the job was done when we got there.  I was stressing because I was thinking he was running late, but he had been waiting on me!  That rarely happens because I am usually on time.

Oreo was thrilled to get some grain and loving.  As you can tell, she obviously hasn’t been hurting for groceries.

Oreo makes sure to get the last little bit of food.

Oreo makes sure to get the last little bit of food.

oreo2

Snow Day!

by in Twists and Turns and tagged , , | Leave a comment

How do you spend a snow day?  Some people go outside and make snow angels.  Others love to build igloos or snowmen.  My way to enjoy a snow day is to snuggle my puppies!  I call my dogs puppies because they are fifteen pounds or less, but they are adult dogs.  I went to my room to lounge for a bit, but my bed was already occupied.  I managed to wiggle in anyway, and the pictures tell the rest of the story.

She's always "got my back!"

She’s always “got my back!”

Jinx was keeping my legs warm.

Jinx was keeping my legs warm.

Chance is a champion napper.

Chance is a champion napper.

Boxi, Jinx and Chance know how to guard my bed!

Boxi, Jinx and Chance know how to guard my bed!

Changes Are Coming

by in Twists and Turns and tagged , , , , | 2 Comments

In spite of the weather outside (It just started sleeting!), I feel better today than I have in weeks. 🙂 I had enough motivation to visit Laura and her adorable bunch. It’s been a while since I felt like getting out of my jammies long enough to drive out there. Today Ysabela and I decided there was gas in the car, and we had the time and energy. We called ahead, gathered movies, dolls and hair pretties for the girls and went out. Laura is always full of cool ideas, so it was nice to be in good company. We discussed kids, school, homeschooling and life in general. She commented that I seemed happy. Honestly, I feel as if a weight has been lifted from my shoulders. In the last few weeks I have made some tough decisions, but I am at peace about them all. Changes are coming!

Bela took this of me with "my" two babies. Laura did all the work!

Bela took this of me with “my” two babies. Laura did all the work!

I feel that the changes for my tiny family will be positive. I’ll be busy at work while Bela will be busy at home. We are both quite excited. With that happening, I need to keep the household running efficiently. If you have been keeping up with the blog, you know I have been cooking more lately, but now I would like to take our kitchen to the next level.

I am already thinking about how to cook meals in advance to keep things running smoothly. My friends post links on Facebook all the time about making meals and freezing extra portions. Maybe I could combine forces (and resources) with a friend or two and have a baking day so we could swap some meals for variety. I’ve spent a considerable amount of time brainstorming other ways to make and save more money. My dear friend, Lisa, sends coupons on a regular basis, and I am thrilled to use them! If you have other great ideas, please feel free to leave a comment!

Unexpected Compliment

by in Twists and Turns and tagged , , , , , | Leave a comment

I happened to talk to my friend Laura today. She had something interesting (and encouraging) to tell me. Last night was our town’s walkabout. Businesses set up freebies and items to buy, and the whole town turns out to check it all out. Santa greets children and adorable ponies pull a cart full of little ones. I usually make the rounds, but I stayed in this year. Ysabela went to have some fun.

Bela happened to bump into Laura’s mom. Laura wasn’t with her at the time, so Bela didn’t connect the two. They chatted for a bit, then Bela saw Laura’s daughters. Laura’s mom commented later that Bela was so respectful and nice. Laura passed that along to me, which thrilled my tired mommy heart. It was just what I needed to hear after a long, hard week. Laura’s mom went on to say that it was nice to see a teenager who was able to interact with both an unknown adult and small children. Most teens think they are “too cool” to play with little ones. (Laura, you are welcome to correct any errors and/or clarify as needed!)

That leads to me to huge point I would like to make: there is a difference between socializing and socialization. Socializing is just chatting with friends and hanging out. Kids do a lot of that at school. It can be positive or negative depending on the kids and the situation. Socialization is the ability to interact appropriately with people of all ages and walks of life in any situation. I am proud of my Ysabela because she is a sweet, generous, considerate teenager.

Scavenger Hunt?

by in Twists and Turns and tagged , , | Leave a comment

I have been teasing my daughter about hiding her Christmas gifts in brilliant places—right under her nose.  It’s driving her nuts.  To me, that’s half the fun!  Next Friday I will arrange a scavenger hunt so she can discover one of her gifts.  She will be beyond thrilled.  I’m working on clues for her this weekend.  I’m not horribly bothered that she’ll be using her gift before Christmas.  It’s something she wants, and she’ll be busy and happy while I’m at work.  🙂

Quiet Christmas…and a Book!

by in Twists and Turns and tagged , , , , , | Leave a comment

School is winding down for Christmas vacation.  My students have been counting the days.  So have I, actually.  I can’t wait to come home and be able to stay home and do nothing!  I really am looking forward to just curling up with a good book and a blanket.  The dogs and cats will snuggle with me, of course.

All I really want for Christmas is some quiet time.  I quit putting up a tree years ago.  Ysabela is old enough to be fine with that.  Santa doesn’t come here, but she knows to ask me for things she wants.  That’s also fine.

I have found myself checking my classroom for neat books to read.  I was thinking of reading Como agua para chocolate again.  It’s a wonderful book I read in college.   This week in class, I assigned topics (people) for biographies.  One of my students was lucky enough (?) to have Laura Esquivel, so I shared some information about the book.  Once the student found a website with a summary of each chapter, she read the whole thing!  Did I get mad that she read an English summary?  No.  I was just super happy that she wanted to learn about the novel at all.  The recipes grabbed her attention, and she was a goner!  🙂  That’s the kind of book I want for Christmas!