This weekend is cleanup time here at the Flynn house - the kids decided that they wanted to completely renovate their play room in our basement. They did it all themselves - spending over 5 hours going through everything. If you'd seen the room before, you would be amazed at how it's changed in one day.
During the course of cleaning, we all found things we were no longer using and gave them all away on the freecycle network. We had a wide variety of stuff: a microwave, a playstation one, a non-working Lexmark printer/scanner/copier, and more - all claimed in record time. I posted a "wanted" message hoping to get a card table and chairs and lo and behold I got a response almost immediately. I picked it up on the northwest side of town at 6pm tonight and by 9 we will be playing Uno on it downstairs in the game room.
I've mentioned Freecycle before and can't say enough about it. Before you buy new, post a wanted message - and before you throw it in the landfill, post it for free. The only catch is, no money can change hands, which is great. Find your local network at www.freecycle.org!
Saturday, September 29, 2007
Friday, September 28, 2007
Fall Color Walk
Early this evening, the kids school hosted a Fall Color Walk throughout Sylvan Hill park. Although the colors are only about 30 percent at their peak, it was beautiful. The weather, too, was a perfect, crisp autumn day - 65 and plenty of sunshine. I tried to take a panoramic photo of the group but it's pretty hard to get 1st and 2nd graders to sit still (not to mention the parents!)
Sylvan Hill used to be a ski hill in my youth, but it's now a tubing hill. The mounds you see are part of the run structures.
Here are just a few photos from our trek.
Thursday, September 27, 2007
House of Music
Through a partnership between the Montessori school and the Wausau Conservatory, my kids are now taking even more music lessons. Rowan has been taking guitar and is adding drumset along with baritone at Horace Mann, and Devon has decided to add sax lessons with John Greiner. They started this week with new instruments. Add any more and we're going to have to add a room onto the house to keep them all!
I think Devon is not much bigger than the saxophone....
Wednesday, September 26, 2007
Click to Give
Click the pink ribbon to be redirected to the Breast Cancer Site - your daily click will help fund mammograms for womeon who cannot afford them. The lifesaving potential is tremendous!
Monday, September 24, 2007
Wasted Time
I heard this song today for the first time in years.
WASTED TIME
(Frey)
Well baby, there you stand
With your little head, down in your hand
Oh, my God, you can't believe it's happening again
Your baby's gone, and you're all alone
and it looks like the end.
You're back out on the street.
And you're tryin' to remember.
How will you start it over?
You don't know what became.
You don't care much for a stranger's touch,
But you can't hold your man.
You never thought you'd be alone this far down the line
And I know what's been on your mind
You're afraid it's all been wasted time
The autumn leaves have got you thinking
about the first time that you fell
You didn't love the boy too much, no, no
you just loved the boy to well, Farewell
So you live from day to day, and you dream about tomorrow
And the hours go by like minutes
and the shadows come to stay
So you take a little something to make them go away
And I could have done so many things, baby
If I could only stop my mind
from wondring what I left behind and from worrying about this wasted time
another love has come and gone
and the years keep rushing on
I remember what you told me before you went out on your own:
"Sometimes to keep it together, we got to leave it alone."
So you can get on with your search, baby,
and I can get on with mine
And maybe someday we will find that it wasn't really wasted time
WASTED TIME
(Frey)
Well baby, there you stand
With your little head, down in your hand
Oh, my God, you can't believe it's happening again
Your baby's gone, and you're all alone
and it looks like the end.
You're back out on the street.
And you're tryin' to remember.
How will you start it over?
You don't know what became.
You don't care much for a stranger's touch,
But you can't hold your man.
You never thought you'd be alone this far down the line
And I know what's been on your mind
You're afraid it's all been wasted time
The autumn leaves have got you thinking
about the first time that you fell
You didn't love the boy too much, no, no
you just loved the boy to well, Farewell
So you live from day to day, and you dream about tomorrow
And the hours go by like minutes
and the shadows come to stay
So you take a little something to make them go away
And I could have done so many things, baby
If I could only stop my mind
from wondring what I left behind and from worrying about this wasted time
another love has come and gone
and the years keep rushing on
I remember what you told me before you went out on your own:
"Sometimes to keep it together, we got to leave it alone."
So you can get on with your search, baby,
and I can get on with mine
And maybe someday we will find that it wasn't really wasted time
Goodbye, Summer
I know in Wisconsin most people love autumn, but fall is not my favorite time of year. Today the leaves fell like fat snowflakes as the wind blew and the rain fell in torrents. Fall depresses me terribly. A season of change, of things dying, of memories left behind. The kids another year older, another year closer to leaving. Always, it seems, a time of regret, of things not completed.
The fall colors have begun to show themselves. At school, the kids are planning a fall color walk for the parents on Friday if the weather holds which should make for some wonderful photo opportunities.
We've finally given up and closed the pool, put the winter cover on, and have brought the pump indoors for the season. The summers here are so beautiful - I never want them to end.
Last week I only made it to the gym three times rather than my usual five, but I'm in a full blown lupus flareup and my joints ache like nobody's business. I forced myself to go today and will tomorrow as well - perhaps with a slightly different workout to accomodate the pain. So far I've lost 16 pounds, though somehow I gained two over the weekend (what the hell???) - must have been the calamari and martinis Saturday night. Eeek!
Friday, September 21, 2007
Bullies
A few days ago, I finished Jodi Picoult's disturbing yet fantastic book, Nineteen Minutes - the story of a teenage boy who, after years of humiliation and victimization from the school's more popular crowd, went on a 19 minute shooting rampage at his high school, killing ten and wounding many. The story gives a unique perspective, moving back and forth from past to present, to show how a fragile, sweet young boy slowly turned into a killer - and the aftermath for his family as well as the victims. A story like this cannot have a happy ending, but it certainly ended in a twist I didn't see coming. Well worth the read.
The subject of bullying has been at the forefront of my thoughts off and on for years, especially after my own son, Devon, was the victim of unrelenting harassment at John Marshall School throughout the 2nd grade.
Devon went from being the most popular boy in class to the most persecuted almost overnight, thanks to a small group of boys who decided they no longer liked him, and were making it their mission to ruin Devon's life. Every week it was something new. He came home with a split lip, a black eye, bruises and lacerations, and was even stabbed in the back with a pencil - leaving a scar that he still carries both inside and out. An involved parent, I spoke with teachers, parents, administrators, and friends to try and get the bullying to stop - all to no avail.
"Kids will be kids", I was told.
"Kids need to learn to handle bullying - it's a rite of passage," I was told.
"Every kid puts up with it - it's just the way it is these days," I was told.
What bullshit.
I can remember every single instance of the bullying I was myself subjected to in school and I can tell you without a doubt it did not make me a more confident person. The thought is ludicrous - one perpetuated by administrators and parents who are all a part of the problem themselves.
I read a startling fact recently: that a single, serious incident of bullying is as psychologically damaging to a human being as a sexual assault.
Think about that for a minute. As psychologically damaging to the human being as a sexual assault.
Incredible? And true.
For Devon, we had our happy ending. I pulled him out of school at the end of the year and sent him to Montessori, where he is happily on top of the world and has never since been the victim of such treatment. Where he once complained of stomach aches, headaches, and other vague illnesses in an attempt to get out of school, he now bounces out of bed every morning and can't wait for the day begin. What a difference it has made.
I wish every parent would read Nineteen Minutes - and give some hard thought to how they are encouraging their own children to behave. Likewise, parents need to know it's okay to stand up for their kids. As parents, we need to be advocates for our children.
After all, if we don't do it - who will?
The subject of bullying has been at the forefront of my thoughts off and on for years, especially after my own son, Devon, was the victim of unrelenting harassment at John Marshall School throughout the 2nd grade.
Devon went from being the most popular boy in class to the most persecuted almost overnight, thanks to a small group of boys who decided they no longer liked him, and were making it their mission to ruin Devon's life. Every week it was something new. He came home with a split lip, a black eye, bruises and lacerations, and was even stabbed in the back with a pencil - leaving a scar that he still carries both inside and out. An involved parent, I spoke with teachers, parents, administrators, and friends to try and get the bullying to stop - all to no avail.
"Kids will be kids", I was told.
"Kids need to learn to handle bullying - it's a rite of passage," I was told.
"Every kid puts up with it - it's just the way it is these days," I was told.
What bullshit.
I can remember every single instance of the bullying I was myself subjected to in school and I can tell you without a doubt it did not make me a more confident person. The thought is ludicrous - one perpetuated by administrators and parents who are all a part of the problem themselves.
I read a startling fact recently: that a single, serious incident of bullying is as psychologically damaging to a human being as a sexual assault.
Think about that for a minute. As psychologically damaging to the human being as a sexual assault.
Incredible? And true.
For Devon, we had our happy ending. I pulled him out of school at the end of the year and sent him to Montessori, where he is happily on top of the world and has never since been the victim of such treatment. Where he once complained of stomach aches, headaches, and other vague illnesses in an attempt to get out of school, he now bounces out of bed every morning and can't wait for the day begin. What a difference it has made.
I wish every parent would read Nineteen Minutes - and give some hard thought to how they are encouraging their own children to behave. Likewise, parents need to know it's okay to stand up for their kids. As parents, we need to be advocates for our children.
After all, if we don't do it - who will?
Thursday, September 20, 2007
Naughty Kitty
When Wendy was here, she started feeding Simon at the table - now he's SO naughty. He stole a green bean right off of Rowan's plate tonight!
Wednesday, September 19, 2007
Bad Girl
Ten days since I last posted - oh, my. I have no excuse, either. I just have been in a bit of a slump.
It's been a week of ups and downs at our house. John is getting the hang of being back in school, and so are the kids. Devon started rehearsals with the Choraliers - his singing group - and both boys lessons at the Wausau Conservatory of Music have begun.
In addition to the guitar, Rowan has had his heart set completely on playing the drums in the 6th grade band. The Montessori kids don't have band, but after much lobbying he was told he could take band with the Horace Mann kids. All summer long, it's all he could think about. Drums! Band! Big fun! But he was distressed to learn that there were 12 students who wanted to play the drums - and only 4 could be accepted. He worked....he practiced his counting and his notereading like crazy. We bought sticks, a book, and a practice pad. But I'm afraid his best wasn't quite what it needed to be, because he was turned down for the percussion section on Monday. And let me tell you, he was crushed.
There may have been other kids better, but I guarantee no kid wanted it more. It's just too bad.
To every cloud, however, there is a silver lining, and we were delighted to learn that our newly formed partnership with the Wausau Conservatory will allow for in-school lessons taught by WCM faculty - and among the offerings is Michael Kowaleski's drumset.....so all is not lost, and he will be taking lessons beginning next week.
Private lessons are wonderful, but it isn't like the camraderie and fun of playing in the band. The band director, who I know from playing together in the Wausau Symphony, actually called me on Tuesday to ask how we could get Rowan interested in another instrument. He had not been there the day of tryouts (which makes me wonder if the outcome might have been different if he had) and knew how much Rowan wanted this. We talked a bit, and Jeff thought he'd like to talk to Rowan about giving something else a try - and perhaps moving into the drums if a vacancy occurs (which invariably it does - people do quit!) so after talking with him a bit Rowan has decided to take up the Baritone Tuba, a fabulous sounding instrument that I think will be an excellent choice. So now we've got Devon playing piano & violin while singing, too.....and Rowan on guitar, drums, and Baritone. Then there's my flute, piccolo, and cello. I think we're going to have to refinance so we can build another room just for all the instruments!
I'm so impressed with how much Jeff Murray cared about getting Rowan involved - he really went the extra mile more than I think most would have. I hope now Rowan feels better about it all.....but wow, his heart was truly broken when he was told he wasn't accepted. It made me want to bawl.
It's been a week of ups and downs at our house. John is getting the hang of being back in school, and so are the kids. Devon started rehearsals with the Choraliers - his singing group - and both boys lessons at the Wausau Conservatory of Music have begun.
In addition to the guitar, Rowan has had his heart set completely on playing the drums in the 6th grade band. The Montessori kids don't have band, but after much lobbying he was told he could take band with the Horace Mann kids. All summer long, it's all he could think about. Drums! Band! Big fun! But he was distressed to learn that there were 12 students who wanted to play the drums - and only 4 could be accepted. He worked....he practiced his counting and his notereading like crazy. We bought sticks, a book, and a practice pad. But I'm afraid his best wasn't quite what it needed to be, because he was turned down for the percussion section on Monday. And let me tell you, he was crushed.
There may have been other kids better, but I guarantee no kid wanted it more. It's just too bad.
To every cloud, however, there is a silver lining, and we were delighted to learn that our newly formed partnership with the Wausau Conservatory will allow for in-school lessons taught by WCM faculty - and among the offerings is Michael Kowaleski's drumset.....so all is not lost, and he will be taking lessons beginning next week.
Private lessons are wonderful, but it isn't like the camraderie and fun of playing in the band. The band director, who I know from playing together in the Wausau Symphony, actually called me on Tuesday to ask how we could get Rowan interested in another instrument. He had not been there the day of tryouts (which makes me wonder if the outcome might have been different if he had) and knew how much Rowan wanted this. We talked a bit, and Jeff thought he'd like to talk to Rowan about giving something else a try - and perhaps moving into the drums if a vacancy occurs (which invariably it does - people do quit!) so after talking with him a bit Rowan has decided to take up the Baritone Tuba, a fabulous sounding instrument that I think will be an excellent choice. So now we've got Devon playing piano & violin while singing, too.....and Rowan on guitar, drums, and Baritone. Then there's my flute, piccolo, and cello. I think we're going to have to refinance so we can build another room just for all the instruments!
I'm so impressed with how much Jeff Murray cared about getting Rowan involved - he really went the extra mile more than I think most would have. I hope now Rowan feels better about it all.....but wow, his heart was truly broken when he was told he wasn't accepted. It made me want to bawl.
Sunday, September 09, 2007
Girls Photos
Had a great time with my friends last night - Angela left early but the rest of us stayed out way too late. Fun!
Thursday, September 06, 2007
39 Today
Oooooh - just 16 more years till I can get my AARP card (right,Spike?)!!
So far this has been a pretty good week. As much as I hate to admit it,having a little quiet in the house has been nice during the day. We're getting back to a routine and so far, so good. John is struggling with his college courses but that's to be expected - he's been out of the fray for 20 years. He'll get used to it.
Rowan came home with the longest face ever yesterday - he wants to be in the 6th grade band and has been talking about wanting to take drums for years now.....but yesterday he learned he'll have to try out before they let him in. Evidently percussion is a much-desired thing and there are way more boys and girls wanting to try than space allows. I told him - with a year and a half of piano, and a year of guitar (almost, anyway) he should do just fine with the audition. He was not convinced. So while he was at his guitar lesson at the Conservatory I ran over to Jerry's to pick up a snare kit rental, some great sticks, and a book so he can practice. The kit has a snare, a mallet set, and a practice pad - and he was so happy to get it. I'm renting it for now - but if he keeps on, I'll buy it for him. At least he can go to the audition well prepared!
Devon, too, has new challenges as he began his participation in the Wausau Conservatory Choraliers - the audition only kids singing group he was accepted into. He was really nervous to start with, but made friends right away. There are about 8 boys, so he's not alone - and they were really great to him. This year they are focusing on jazz pieces - and some of the music he brought home is terrific. I can't wait to hear their first performance November 3rd at Una Notte Bella - the Conservatory's annual fundraising dinner!
Meanwhile, I've kicked up my workout a notch, adding the elliptical and some other machines. My pants fit a little differently - and I'm 13 pounds down.
Make that 12 pounds down - after I eat chocolate cake and pasta for my birthday dinner!
Tuesday, September 04, 2007
Only in Wisconsin
I often say that I don't like the Packers....but that isn't true, really. I guess what I don't like is rabid Packer fans. Here in Wisconsin, Packer football is a religion in itself. It's not uncommon to see a sea of green and gold everywhere, all season long.....but this car takes the cake. The license plate says "Pacher" (Packer was probably already taken) - and painted on the side is the Green Bay logo along with the saying "Vikings Swallow". I saw this while driving up 6th Street today on the way to pick the kids up from school and had to grab the camera.
Talk about taking it to a whole new level......of insanity.
First Day of School
School went really well for the kids and they had a blast on their first day. I even caught Rowan smiling - so I had to post the photo. I think this was the happiest we've been in months - a new year, a new start for everyone.
The Pooparazzi
One of the many things my father always did for me was to pick up dog poop from the yard - a job that fell to the kids after his death. Every week they'd go out with their shovels, bags and rakes, spend an hour hemming and hawing, and end up with one little lousy bag of poop for their time and effort. And with three large dogs - well....you do the math! All summer long it has been a bone of contention between me and the kids. They try (sort of) but they never get it all. I've decided to give them other jobs (which, to their credit, they have done without fail) and tackle the poop issue myself.
Let's just say it's not my favorite thing.
So today I hired the Pooparazzi - a dog poop pickup service that'll come to your house once a week (or more, if you'd like), pick up the poop, and dispose of it for you. For three dogs, it only costs $16 a week - well worth it not to have to deal with it! The first time costs more, since she knows there is always a lot more to pick up. Today she filled four bags. FOUR BAGS!
Her website is www.goodbyepoop.com - I'm so excited - she'll even do it in the winter. All winter long! Money well spent - it's my birthday present to myself. Yahoo!
Let's just say it's not my favorite thing.
So today I hired the Pooparazzi - a dog poop pickup service that'll come to your house once a week (or more, if you'd like), pick up the poop, and dispose of it for you. For three dogs, it only costs $16 a week - well worth it not to have to deal with it! The first time costs more, since she knows there is always a lot more to pick up. Today she filled four bags. FOUR BAGS!
Her website is www.goodbyepoop.com - I'm so excited - she'll even do it in the winter. All winter long! Money well spent - it's my birthday present to myself. Yahoo!
Monday, September 03, 2007
Goodbye, Summer
Today is the final day of summer vacation - tomorrow it's back to school for the kids - and for John, who is returning to get his BS in nursing. Big changes ahead. Today is a beautiful day, and I'm savoring the final day before the inevitable changes that come with a new school year. The sun is shining with temps expected in the 80's - one more pool day for sure.
Saturday, September 01, 2007
Labor Day Weekend
Every year since I was little, our family has attended the Big Falls Corn Roast in the tiny town of Big Falls, WI - about an hour from here in Waupaca county. My grandmother on my mom's side had a house there that my father owned after her death (long story there!) and we'd all take the day off to cruise over for the annual festival, during which the small town's population swells from the usual 75 to about 8,000. Folks come from all over for the festival, and we always loved it. My dad would go the night before to get everything ready, and wait for our arrival in the morning. We'd stay for the day and usually spend the night, eating our share of the six tons of corn donated to the festival by area farmers. There is beer, great food, homemeade pies, free corn, and fun carnival games for the kids - and usually some pretty decent musical entertainment, too. You can look for last year's Corn Roast entry on the blog for photos! But this year, I can't bring myself to go, and I have opted to pick up a bunch of work all weekend and just stay home. The kids are disappointed - but I can't bear it, can't stand the thought of going without my dad. I think by next year I'll be ready - but for now, I just can't do it.
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