Monday, September 7, 2009

BORING . . .

I think I've discovered I'm a pretty boring person!  Not really knowing anyone here, Sarah and I don't really do much during the day while the boys are at school, except watch Elmo, do flash cards, read, and I Facebook while she's sleeping or watching Elmo.  We don't go out much during the week.  It's kind of frustrating not being able to communicate with anyone when we DO leave, so sometimes it's just easier to stay home.  We go out everyday to pick up the boys from school, but other than that, we don't do much during the week. 

Starting tomorrow, I'll be working in Jason's class every Tuesday morning grading math papers.  (Luckily she's giving me the answer sheet)!  And this Wednesday is the first PSO Meeting, so I know I'll be going out tomorrow and Wednesday for sure.  Thursday night is Elementary School Back To School Night.  I'll probably be out more this week, than I have since we've been here! 

PICTURE . . .

So heres' a picture of the boys in front of their new school.  As you can tell, Andrew still is, and probably always will be, a comedian!  So far they both seem to like their school.  I hope it stays that way, otherwise it'll be a long year! 

SATELLITE . . .

Okay, so I'm getting ready to point out to everyone just how sad I REALLY am!  And for those of you that know me really well, you already KNOW how sad I am, but for the rest of you, here goes. 


As I told you before, we don't have satellite.  They've been working on getting it set up, but it's a complicated process around here to get some things done.  So for 5 weeks we've had 2 English channels.  One is a news channel, which I've watched quite a bit, and the other is called ICS - International Channel Shanghai.  It broadcasts older shows from home.  Things like ER, Hell's Kitchen, Amazing Race.  We'd never watched Hell's Kitchen before.  But when that's the only thing on that's in English, sometimes you just like to have the noise.  And it's actually kind of a funny show.  Anyway, I just got a call today from Ryan's Office Manager to tell me that the Satellite is being installed tonight after we get home from school.  Can I just say, my heart is racing!  I'm SO excited!!!!!  All of the things around here that we could have, and I'm excited about satellite TV.  I don't even want to *know* what that says about me.  It either means that I'm happy with the little things, or it could mean that I'm even more boring than I thought I was.  You decide!

Friday, September 4, 2009

MIDDLE SCHOOL BACK TO SCHOOL NIGHT . . .

Last night was Back to School Night for Middle School.  I'm very glad I went, although when I first got there I just kept thinking about how tired I was and that I wished I'd stayed home!  The way it works is you start out by meeting the Middle School Principal and he gives a little talk.  Then you follow your child's daily schedule.  We spent 15 minutes in every class that the kids have.  I started out in Band.  I could have gone to Band or Drama, and since I knew I was going to see Jason's Drama teacher for 4 other classes, I decided to attend the Band session.  Jason has decided to play the Oboe.  I am picking it up this afternoon, and he will actually start practicing next week.  According to his instructor, he's supposed to practice about 15-20 minutes everyday.  I just hope my ears, and my neighbors, can take it!  The 5th grade Band will be giving 2 concerts throughout the year.  He's really excited about it, so hopefully he'll learn something from it! 

Next I went to Math Class.  They are doing something called Everyday Math.  He will have homework every night.  She said it's the hardest Math program she's ever taught.  For those of you that know me really well, you know that math isn't exactly my subject, so I have a feeling it's going to be a long year!  From there we went to Theme.  Theme is Science and Social Studies.  They spend about 6 weeks on Social Studies, and then 6 weeks on Science, and vice versa.  Sounds like they're going to have some pretty interesting subjects and projects throughout the year.  From there I went to Mandarin; all of which went right over my head!  I've decided I have a hard enough time speaking the English language.  The chances of me learning Chinese are pretty much slim to none!  But at least I learned what to expect throughout the year.  I guess my kids will be able to communicate with others around us very soon. 

After that I went to Religion.  I could have chosen between Religion, Health, and PE.  In Religion they are reading portions of the book Chicken Soup for the Preteen Soul.  I think I might look for it for Jason.  It sounds like there are some pretty interesting topics in there.  From there I went to Language Arts, and then Homeroom.  He has the same teacher for Math, Theme, Language Arts, and Homeroom.  Language Arts is going to be pretty interesting for him this year.  On Mondays he has a Poetry journal due, Tuesdays is a Blog, and I can't remember the rest of the week.  (I guess I should have paid better attention)!  :-)  The Blog I think is pretty cool.  Every week he has to write a piece on the Concordia Blog, based on what he's currently reading.  Then he also has to respond to 2 other people's Blog's.  She said that it becomes very interesting and very personal throughout the year.  I'm very anxious to see it.  Plus, people from home can see it too, so I'll let you know the web address whenever I get it. 

I asked Jason earlier this week if he liked his teacher, and he told me yes he did.  Then when I asked him why, he told me that she told good stories, she made class interesting, and that she was funny.  I saw during the night why he liked her.  She definitely is funny and knows how to keep things interesting.  It looks like he got pretty lucky this year with his teacher.  I was telling her that he likes to read like 2 or 3 books at the same time, and I asked her if that was typical.  She told me yes that it wasn't her fault, I had a boy, and I needed to talk to God about that.  I told her that I do, EVERY SINGLE DAY!!!!!

Wednesday, September 2, 2009

HOME . . .

Okay, so I've been thinking about some of the things I miss about home; besides the people, of course!

I miss going to O'Connell's with my Dad and shopping with my Mom. I miss my daily talks with Laura. I'd forgotten how much I depend on them! I miss not having anyone to gossip with. Karen, I haven't found one of you over here yet! I miss not being able to make plans for Homecoming. By now we would have already had our room booked and the kids would have been asking me how much longer until they get to see Jessica and Austin. And I would have been looking forward to hanging out at the pool with Sandy, drinking beer, and talking about everyone that stood us up! (Just Kidding)!

I miss not being able to text anyone. And for those of you that really know me, you know how much I LOVE to text!!! I miss Once Upon A Child and all of the Consignment Sales that are going on right about now. I miss the yard sales. I miss turning on the TV and understanding what they're saying! I miss the PTA meetings that should take about 45 minutes but instead take 2 hours because we're all so busy talking and laughing at each other. I miss being able to get in the shower and have it be hot within 2 minutes instead of 10. I miss sitting out on the front porch watching the kids playing outside. I miss being able to get into my car and go wherever I want to, whenever I want to.

But most of all, I miss my family and my friends. I hope you're all doing well. And I REALLY hope you won't forget about me while I'm gone!!!!!!