Here it is folks! I have been paying attention to the NFL lock-out, but haven't written on it as I'm in a wait-and-see mode. I, as a huge fan, hope the season will start without any issues, but am not entirely sure that will be the case. It's interesting how the league is carrying on with business as usual and training camps haven't really started yet, and they should have by now. Without much knowledge or understanding of why what's happening is happening in the league right now, it would be hard to give my opinion, er, rant, on the current situation, so I'll keep my fingers crossed and hope for the best.
From FoxSports.com
The NFL released its entire regular-season schedule Tuesday and the season kicks off Thursday, Sept. 8 with the Super Bowl champion Green Bay Packers hosting the New Orleans Saints at Lambeau Field.
The New York Giants will visit the Washington Redskins and the New York Jets will host the Dallas Cowboys on Sept. 11, marking the 10th anniversary of the terrorist attacks on the World Trade Center and the Pentagon.
With the NFL and its locked-out players mired in negotiations over a new labor agreement, the league on Tuesday announced its 2011-12 schedule — assuming the season starts on time.
The first Sunday features several high-profile games, including Indianapolis at Houston and Atlanta at Chicago. But much of the national focus will be on Washington and New York, the two cities most affected by the terrorist attacks of Sept. 11, 2001.
''That stadium is going to be full of emotion, not only the people from the area but in the entire country,'' said Jets coach Rex Ryan, who will be matching wits with his brother, Cowboys defensive coordinator Rob Ryan. ''The fact that it's the 10th anniversary of 9/11, that's where the focus should be, not me playing against my brother.''
The Redskins and Giants kick off at 4:15 p.m., with the Jets and Cowboys at 8:20 p.m.
''For nearly 10 years, we have felt an obligation to use our platform to make sure none of us ever forget the tragedy and heartbreak and courage and heroism of Sept. 11,'' Giants spokesman Pat Hanlon said. ''That responsibility becomes even greater.''
Pittsburgh was the third NFL city most closely affected by the terrorist attacks after Flight 93 crashed 80 miles away near Shanksville, Pa. The Steelers will visit the Baltimore Ravens on Sept. 11.
New England travels to Miami and Oakland visits Denver for the opening Monday night.
The final Sunday of the regular season falls on New Year's Day, when all 16 scheduled games are between division rivals, enhancing the potential for playoff ramifications.
The regular season covers 17 weeks, with the opening round of the playoffs scheduled for Jan. 7-8 and the Super Bowl on Feb. 5 in Indianapolis.
The NFL has expressed a desire to stretch the season to 18 games, one of the sticking points in the contentious fight between owners and players over a new labor agreement.
The two sides resumed court-ordered mediation on Tuesday in Minneapolis, with a federal judge's decision expected soon on a request to immediately halt the lockout.
The two sides spent 16 days immersed in mediated talks in Washington without coming to an agreement, resulting in a class-action antitrust lawsuit filed by the players against the NFL and the league's first work stoppage since 1987. They've recently spent about 20 hours over three days meeting in Minneapolis, with more discussions planned for Wednesday.
In a statement announcing next season's schedule, the NFL did not provide any contingencies should negotiations on a new collective bargaining agreement stretch into the fall.
''I'm confident we will have season,'' Rex Ryan said Tuesday night. ''We're going to be ready to play. Whenever they say, 'OK, we're going back to work,' we'll be ready to play.''
Among the other highlights of the schedule, the Tampa Bay Buccaneers will host the Chicago Bears at Wembley Stadium on Oct. 23, one of two games outside the United States and the fifth consecutive year the NFL has played a regular-season game in London.
The Bucs lost to the New England Patriots at Wembley Stadium in 2009, while the Bears will be marking the 25th anniversary of their preseason game against the Cowboys in London.
The Buffalo Bills will play a game in Canada for the fourth consecutive season when they host the Redskins at the Rogers Centre on Oct. 30 in Toronto. The Bills have a deal with Rogers Communications through 2012 to play five regular-season games in Canada's largest city.
The Thanksgiving Day games include the Packers at Detroit, Miami at Dallas and San Francisco at Baltimore, when new 49ers coach Jim Harbaugh faces the Ravens and coach John Harbaugh in the first meeting between sibling head coaches in NFL history.
The Packers play the Bears in the only game on Christmas Day. There are 13 games scheduled for Dec. 24, including the Giants against the Jets.
The NFL will again use ''flexible scheduling'' for Weeks 10-15 and the final week of the regular season, allowing the league to move the start times for select games.
Obviously, the labor strife between the owners and the players could force major adjustments if a new collective bargaining agreement isn't reached in a timely fashion.
Full schedule
All times Eastern.
Week 1
Thursday, Sept. 8
Saints at Packers 8:30 PM
Sunday, Sept. 11
Steelers at Ravens 1:00 PM
Bengals at Browns 1:00 PM
Colts at Texans 1:00 PM
Titans at Jaguars 1:00 PM
Falcons at Bears 1:00 PM
Bills at Chiefs 1:00 PM
Eagles at Rams 1:00 PM
Lions at Buccaneers 1:00 PM
Seahawks at 49ers 4:15 PM
Giants at Redskins 4:15 PM
Vikings at Chargers 4:15 PM
Panthers at Cardinals 4:15 PM
Cowboys at Jets 8:20 PM
Monday, Sept. 12
Patriots at Dolphins 7:00 PM
Raiders at Broncos 10:15 PM
Week 2
Sunday, Sept. 18
Chiefs at Lions 1:00 PM
Seahawks at Steelers 1:00 PM
Raiders at Bills 1:00 PM
Packers at Panthers 1:00 PM
Ravens at Titans 1:00 PM
Browns at Colts 1:00 PM
Buccaneers at Vikings 1:00 PM
Cardinals at Redskins 1:00 PM
Bears at Saints 1:00 PM
Jaguars at Jets 1:00 PM
Cowboys at 49ers 4:05 PM
Chargers at Patriots 4:15 PM
Bengals at Broncos 4:15 PM
Texans at Dolphins 4:15 PM
Eagles at Falcons 8:20 PM
Monday, Sept. 19
Rams at Giants 8:30 PM
Week 3
Sunday, Sept. 25
Patriots at Bills 1:00 PM
Lions at Vikings 1:00 PM
Giants at Eagles 1:00 PM
Jaguars at Panthers 1:00 PM
49ers at Bengals 1:00 PM
Texans at Saints 1:00 PM
Dolphins at Browns 1:00 PM
Broncos at Titans 1:00 PM
Chiefs at Chargers 4:05 PM
Ravens at Rams 4:05 PM
Jets at Raiders 4:05 PM
Packers at Bears 4:15 PM
Falcons at Buccaneers 4:15 PM
Cardinals at Seahawks 4:15 PM
Steelers at Colts 8:20 PM
Monday, Sept. 26
Redskins at Cowboys 8:30 PM
Week 4
Sunday, Oct. 2
Saints at Jaguars 1:00 PM
Vikings at Chiefs 1:00 PM
Panthers at Bears 1:00 PM
Titans at Browns 1:00 PM
Steelers at Texans 1:00 PM
49ers at Eagles 1:00 PM
Redskins at Rams 1:00 PM
Bills at Bengals 1:00 PM
Lions at Cowboys 1:00 PM
Giants at Cardinals 4:05 PM
Falcons at Seahawks 4:05 PM
Broncos at Packers 4:15 PM
Patriots at Raiders 4:15 PM
Dolphins at Chargers 4:15 PM
Jets at Ravens 8:20 PM
Monday, Oct. 3
Colts at Buccaneers 8:30 PM
Week 5
Sunday, Oct. 9
Saints at Panthers 1:00 PM
Eagles at Bills 1:00 PM
Bengals at Jaguars 1:00 PM
Seahawks at Giants 1:00 PM
Titans at Steelers 1:00 PM
Raiders at Texans 1:00 PM
Chiefs at Colts 1:00 PM
Cardinals at Vikings 1:00 PM
Buccaneers at 49ers 4:05 PM
Chargers at Broncos 4:15 PM
Jets at Patriots 4:15 PM
Packers at Falcons 8:20 PM
Monday, Oct. 10
Bears at Lions 8:30 PM
Byes: BAL, CLE, DAL, MIA, WAS, STL
Week 6
Sunday, Oct. 16
Panthers at Falcons 1:00 PM
Eagles at Redskins 1:00 PM
Bills at Giants 1:00 PM
Colts at Bengals 1:00 PM
Jaguars at Steelers 1:00 PM
49ers at Lions 1:00 PM
Rams at Packers 1:00 PM
Texans at Ravens 4:05 PM
Browns at Raiders 4:05 PM
Saints at Buccaneers 4:15 PM
Cowboys at Patriots 4:15 PM
Vikings at Bears 8:20 PM
Monday, Oct. 17
Dolphins at Jets 8:30 PM
Byes: ARI, DEN, KC, SD, SEA, TEN
Week 7
Sunday, Oct. 23
Texans at Titans 1:00 PM
Seahawks at Browns 1:00 PM
Falcons at Lions 1:00 PM
Broncos at Dolphins 1:00 PM
Chargers at Jets 1:00 PM
Bears at Buccaneers 1:00 PM
Redskins at Panthers 1:00 PM
Chiefs at Raiders 4:05 PM
Steelers at Cardinals 4:05 PM
Packers at Vikings 4:15 PM
Rams at Cowboys 4:15 PM
Colts at Saints 8:20 PM
Monday, Oct. 24
Ravens at Jaguars 8:30 PM
Byes: BUF, CIN, NE, NYG, PHI, SF
Week 8
Sunday, Oct. 30
Colts at Titans 1:00 PM
Jaguars at Texans 1:00 PM
Cardinals at Ravens 1:00 PM
Dolphins at Giants 1:00 PM
Vikings at Panthers 1:00 PM
Saints at Rams 1:00 PM
Redskins at Bills 4:05 PM
Lions at Broncos 4:05 PM
Browns at 49ers 4:15 PM
Bengals at Seahawks 4:15 PM
Patriots at Steelers 4:15 PM
Cowboys at Eagles 8:20 PM
Monday, Oct. 31
Chargers at Chiefs 8:30 PM
Byes: ATL, CHI, GB, NYJ, OAK, TB
Week 9
Sunday, Nov. 6
Jets at Bills 1:00 PM
Buccaneers at Saints 1:00 PM
Falcons at Colts 1:00 PM
Seahawks at Cowboys 1:00 PM
Dolphins at Chiefs 1:00 PM
49ers at Redskins 1:00 PM
Browns at Texans 1:00 PM
Broncos at Raiders 4:05 PM
Bengals at Titans 4:05 PM
Rams at Cardinals 4:15 PM
Giants at Patriots 4:15 PM
Packers at Chargers 4:15 PM
Ravens at Steelers 8:20 PM
Monday, Nov. 7
Bears at Eagles 8:30 PM
Byes: CAR, DET, JAC, MIN
Week 10
Thursday, Nov. 10
Raiders at Chargers 8:20 PM
Sunday, Nov. 13
Saints at Falcons 1:00 PM
Lions at Bears 1:00 PM
Jaguars at Colts 1:00 PM
Broncos at Chiefs 1:00 PM
Steelers at Bengals 1:00 PM
Titans at Panthers 1:00 PM
Texans at Buccaneers 1:00 PM
Redskins at Dolphins 1:00 PM
Rams at Browns 1:00 PM
Bills at Cowboys 1:00 PM
Cardinals at Eagles 1:00 PM
Ravens at Seahawks 4:05 PM
Giants at 49ers 4:15 PM
Patriots at Jets 8:20 PM
Monday, Nov. 14
Vikings at Packers 8:30 PM
Week 11
Thursday, Nov. 17
Jets at Broncos 8:20 PM
Sunday, Nov. 20
Bengals at Ravens 1:00 PM
Cowboys at Redskins 1:00 PM
Bills at Dolphins 1:00 PM
Titans at Falcons 1:00 PM
Raiders at Vikings 1:00 PM
Jaguars at Browns 1:00 PM
Panthers at Lions 1:00 PM
Buccaneers at Packers 1:00 PM
Seahawks at Rams 4:05 PM
Cardinals at 49ers 4:05 PM
Chargers at Bears 4:15 PM
Eagles at Giants 8:20 PM
Monday, Nov. 21
Chiefs at Patriots 8:30 PM
Byes: HOU, IND, NO, PIT
Week 12
Thursday, Nov. 24
Packers at Lions 12:30 PM
Dolphins at Cowboys 4:15 PM
49ers at Ravens 8:20 PM
Sunday, Nov. 27
Browns at Bengals 1:00 PM
Texans at Jaguars 1:00 PM
Cardinals at Rams 1:00 PM
Bills at Jets 1:00 PM
Buccaneers at Titans 1:00 PM
Panthers at Colts 1:00 PM
Vikings at Falcons 1:00 PM
Bears at Raiders 4:05 PM
Redskins at Seahawks 4:05 PM
Broncos at Chargers 4:15 PM
Patriots at Eagles 4:15 PM
Steelers at Chiefs 8:20 PM
Monday, Nov. 28
Giants at Saints 8:30 PM
Week 13
Thursday, Dec. 1
Eagles at Seahawks 8:20 PM
Sunday, Dec. 4
Ravens at Browns 1:00 PM
Bengals at Steelers 1:00 PM
Panthers at Buccaneers 1:00 PM
Chiefs at Bears 1:00 PM
Jets at Redskins 1:00 PM
Falcons at Texans 1:00 PM
Raiders at Dolphins 1:00 PM
Lions at Saints 1:00 PM
Titans at Bills 1:00 PM
Broncos at Vikings 4:05 PM
Rams at 49ers 4:15 PM
Cowboys at Cardinals 4:15 PM
Packers at Giants 4:15 PM
Colts at Patriots 8:20 PM
Monday, Dec. 5
Chargers at Jaguars 8:30 PM
Week 14
Thursday, Dec. 8
Browns at Steelers 8:20 PM
Sunday, Dec. 11
Falcons at Panthers 1:00 PM
Vikings at Lions 1:00 PM
Raiders at Packers 1:00 PM
Buccaneers at Jaguars 1:00 PM
Eagles at Dolphins 1:00 PM
Patriots at Redskins 1:00 PM
Saints at Titans 1:00 PM
Colts at Ravens 1:00 PM
Chiefs at Jets 1:00 PM
Texans at Bengals 1:00 PM
49ers at Cardinals 4:05 PM
Bears at Broncos 4:05 PM
Bills at Chargers 4:15 PM
Giants at Cowboys 8:20 PM
Monday, Dec. 12
Rams at Seahawks 8:30 PM
Week 15
Thursday, Dec. 15
Jaguars at Falcons 8:20 PM
Saturday, Dec. 17
Cowboys at Buccaneers 8:20 PM
Sunday, Dec. 18
Dolphins at Bills 1:00 PM
Redskins at Giants 1:00 PM
Titans at Colts 1:00 PM
Panthers at Texans 1:00 PM
Packers at Chiefs 1:00 PM
Bengals at Rams 1:00 PM
Saints at Vikings 1:00 PM
Seahawks at Bears 1:00 PM
Lions at Raiders 4:05 PM
Jets at Eagles 4:15 PM
Browns at Cardinals 4:15 PM
Patriots at Broncos 4:15 PM
Ravens at Chargers 8:20 PM
Monday, Dec. 19
Steelers at 49ers 8:30 PM
Week 16
Thursday, Dec. 22
Texans at Colts 8:20 PM
Saturday, Dec. 24
Browns at Ravens 1:00 PM
Buccaneers at Panthers 1:00 PM
Dolphins at Patriots 1:00 PM
Raiders at Chiefs 1:00 PM
Jaguars at Titans 1:00 PM
Cardinals at Bengals 1:00 PM
Giants at Jets 1:00 PM
Rams at Steelers 1:00 PM
Broncos at Bills 1:00 PM
Vikings at Redskins 1:00 PM
Chargers at Lions 4:05 PM
Eagles at Cowboys 4:15 PM
49ers at Seahawks 4:15 PM
Sunday, Dec. 25
Bears at Packers 8:20 PM
Monday, Dec. 26
Falcons at Saints 8:30 PM
Week 17
Sunday, Jan. 1
Buccaneers at Falcons 1:00 PM
Cowboys at Giants 1:00 PM
Panthers at Saints 1:00 PM
49ers at Rams 1:00 PM
Colts at Jaguars 1:00 PM
Titans at Texans 1:00 PM
Lions at Packers 1:00 PM
Redskins at Eagles 1:00 PM
Bills at Patriots 1:00 PM
Bears at Vikings 1:00 PM
Jets at Dolphins 1:00 PM
Ravens at Bengals 1:00 PM
Steelers at Browns 1:00 PM
Chiefs at Broncos 4:15 PM
Seahawks at Cardinals 4:15 PM
Chargers at Raiders 4:15 PM
Wednesday, April 20, 2011
Saturday, April 16, 2011
Emotions and Politics
This week has been challenging. When one deals with a loved one who is going thru some sort of crisis, trying to be the voice of reason and comfort can be tricky. I don't want to come off sounding uncompassionate, yet I want to convey feelings of optimism and hope. It's hard sometimes to meld the two together. I know in my heart what I am thinking, but to actually verbalize it is completely different. I hope the recipient of my words understands this. And maybe crying with someone over the phone is enough.
At any rate, I haven't really ever been good with showing emotions or affection for that matter. It wasn't because I wasn't hugged enough as a kid or any of that psycho-analytical bull crap, I just have never been good with it. It's nothing personal, I'd just rather shake your hand than hug you. Of course my comfort level with you and our personal relationship have something to do with that, too. I remember when I worked at our local nursing home and one day, our manager asked us how we empathize with our residents. Most responses were along the lines of "hugging" or "holding hands" with them. I was mortified! I thought to myself, "I rarely hug my own grandparents!". To me, as a professional, physical contact is kept to a minimum in order to maintain the balance between working and personal relationships. I show my empathy by doing a good job! I also don't like the meet and greet at church. The ladies who have to hug everyone, including me, is annoying. It's like a "look at how much I care" but frankly if you really cared, you'd call me at home or remember my birthday or when a loved one dies. Not a half-hearted hug whenever I see you at church. But, that's just me. I hug you if I really mean it... I NEVER initiate a hug at church, unless you really are deserving or you're my daughter. But, again, just me. Some people are just huggers. I don't and won't understand it. It's just too bad those people don't respect other people's bubbles!
Speaking of people and emotions, Denny Rehberg has brought on my wrath. I don't know, after the House vote the other day, if I will vote for him. I certainly won't vote for Tester, but if there is another Republican on the Senate ticket other than Rehberg, that person may get my vote. I can't believe he voted against the budget. You fool! Medicare totally has become abused and needs an overhaul. It's a step in the right direction. I'm sorry Paul Ryan isn't running for President, cuz he'd have our household vote in a heart beat. He is trying to fix something. He is making an effort. And he makes a lot of sense. There is a lot of head scratching as to why Donald Trump is leading the GOP polls at the moment and the answer is simple. He's taking on the Democrats head on and people are loving it. He's not cowering to the Democrats insults and lies. While I don't think I'd vote for Trump, I like his "you mess with the bull, so here's the horns" attitude. Future 2012 GOP nominees should take note. The Democrats in my view have become bullies. Take this recent budget proposal that Ryan put forth. The Dems are saying how it clearly shows how Republicans are against senior citizens and the poor. What a crock and how sad for the pathetic people who believe that! Of course, there will be programs available for those WHO TRULY need it! We have become a country of entitlement and handouts. It's time to cut the cord to the federal government. I know of entirely too many people who are perfectly capable of working and aren't because of Uncle Sam's generous hand. If a person has the ability to work, put 'em to work. "well there aren't any jobs", is your reply. Really?! Go to a local health care facility and look on their jobs postings; there's plenty of work. It's just a matter of people being too picky or too spoiled to not get off their butt and get a job. My sympathy for people like this is non-existent. And my tolerance for them is even less. So back to Denny... while he says he voted no for the seniors, he actually voted "vote for me, seniors, in my bid for U.S Senator", to show how he cares. He gave Montana seniors a big, church lady hug. Gross. Time to look thru the B.S., people. It was a pathetic attempt to snag votes. Not cool, Denny.
At any rate, I haven't really ever been good with showing emotions or affection for that matter. It wasn't because I wasn't hugged enough as a kid or any of that psycho-analytical bull crap, I just have never been good with it. It's nothing personal, I'd just rather shake your hand than hug you. Of course my comfort level with you and our personal relationship have something to do with that, too. I remember when I worked at our local nursing home and one day, our manager asked us how we empathize with our residents. Most responses were along the lines of "hugging" or "holding hands" with them. I was mortified! I thought to myself, "I rarely hug my own grandparents!". To me, as a professional, physical contact is kept to a minimum in order to maintain the balance between working and personal relationships. I show my empathy by doing a good job! I also don't like the meet and greet at church. The ladies who have to hug everyone, including me, is annoying. It's like a "look at how much I care" but frankly if you really cared, you'd call me at home or remember my birthday or when a loved one dies. Not a half-hearted hug whenever I see you at church. But, that's just me. I hug you if I really mean it... I NEVER initiate a hug at church, unless you really are deserving or you're my daughter. But, again, just me. Some people are just huggers. I don't and won't understand it. It's just too bad those people don't respect other people's bubbles!
Speaking of people and emotions, Denny Rehberg has brought on my wrath. I don't know, after the House vote the other day, if I will vote for him. I certainly won't vote for Tester, but if there is another Republican on the Senate ticket other than Rehberg, that person may get my vote. I can't believe he voted against the budget. You fool! Medicare totally has become abused and needs an overhaul. It's a step in the right direction. I'm sorry Paul Ryan isn't running for President, cuz he'd have our household vote in a heart beat. He is trying to fix something. He is making an effort. And he makes a lot of sense. There is a lot of head scratching as to why Donald Trump is leading the GOP polls at the moment and the answer is simple. He's taking on the Democrats head on and people are loving it. He's not cowering to the Democrats insults and lies. While I don't think I'd vote for Trump, I like his "you mess with the bull, so here's the horns" attitude. Future 2012 GOP nominees should take note. The Democrats in my view have become bullies. Take this recent budget proposal that Ryan put forth. The Dems are saying how it clearly shows how Republicans are against senior citizens and the poor. What a crock and how sad for the pathetic people who believe that! Of course, there will be programs available for those WHO TRULY need it! We have become a country of entitlement and handouts. It's time to cut the cord to the federal government. I know of entirely too many people who are perfectly capable of working and aren't because of Uncle Sam's generous hand. If a person has the ability to work, put 'em to work. "well there aren't any jobs", is your reply. Really?! Go to a local health care facility and look on their jobs postings; there's plenty of work. It's just a matter of people being too picky or too spoiled to not get off their butt and get a job. My sympathy for people like this is non-existent. And my tolerance for them is even less. So back to Denny... while he says he voted no for the seniors, he actually voted "vote for me, seniors, in my bid for U.S Senator", to show how he cares. He gave Montana seniors a big, church lady hug. Gross. Time to look thru the B.S., people. It was a pathetic attempt to snag votes. Not cool, Denny.
Sunday, April 10, 2011
Preschool Program... on to Kindergarten!
Aria kept checking to make sure we were watching her!
Believe it or not, you're looking at the Class of 2024!
Another milestone was met today; preschool years are behind us. Well, technically not for another 2 weeks, but the official year end program was today. I still look back and marvel at how fast these last 2 years went by. I really, honestly struggled with the idea of entering Aria into preschool at all. I never went. Tony never went. My siblings never went. I wondered about the value of what would be learned at preschool that would not be taught in school. I was very wrong! Aria had so much fun going (she's a social butterfly) and as her teachers assured me, learning would be a by-product. She knows her alphabet, can write her name and many of the other letters, her knowledge of things has really grown. I am truly impressed with the results. I have to laugh at some parents who insisted their child(ren) recognize shapes, colors, letter, and numbers before they could really even talk. If they go to preschool, the playing field is pretty level and they actually comprehend what they've learned, not just spouting out what parents/grandparents have the kid memorize. I guess there is nothing wrong with any of that. I'm just glad I let Aria be a kid and enjoy doing toddler things and learn things at the appropriate age and time. She will be entering kindergarten at the same level as all her peers, regardless of how many hours we spent memorizing picture books. She has kindergarten visitation May 4. If I understand correctly, she will spend the whole day there to get an idea of what a day in the life of a kindergartner will be like. It's just one of many milestones Aria will be crossing this year. It's fun to watch it happen and be apart of it, but it's almost kind of sad how fast it happens and then ends. Ah, the bitter-sweetness of parenthood!
Believe it or not, you're looking at the Class of 2024!
Another milestone was met today; preschool years are behind us. Well, technically not for another 2 weeks, but the official year end program was today. I still look back and marvel at how fast these last 2 years went by. I really, honestly struggled with the idea of entering Aria into preschool at all. I never went. Tony never went. My siblings never went. I wondered about the value of what would be learned at preschool that would not be taught in school. I was very wrong! Aria had so much fun going (she's a social butterfly) and as her teachers assured me, learning would be a by-product. She knows her alphabet, can write her name and many of the other letters, her knowledge of things has really grown. I am truly impressed with the results. I have to laugh at some parents who insisted their child(ren) recognize shapes, colors, letter, and numbers before they could really even talk. If they go to preschool, the playing field is pretty level and they actually comprehend what they've learned, not just spouting out what parents/grandparents have the kid memorize. I guess there is nothing wrong with any of that. I'm just glad I let Aria be a kid and enjoy doing toddler things and learn things at the appropriate age and time. She will be entering kindergarten at the same level as all her peers, regardless of how many hours we spent memorizing picture books. She has kindergarten visitation May 4. If I understand correctly, she will spend the whole day there to get an idea of what a day in the life of a kindergartner will be like. It's just one of many milestones Aria will be crossing this year. It's fun to watch it happen and be apart of it, but it's almost kind of sad how fast it happens and then ends. Ah, the bitter-sweetness of parenthood!
Wednesday, April 6, 2011
So, it's a girl... maybe, probably... well, it's a 50-50 shot right?!
I like this kid already!!! Thumbs up to you too:)
Our ultrasound was yesterday and was, well, maybe a bit disappointing. Don't get me wrong; the baby looks very healthy and everything is going as it should. They said my placenta is low, but being how I'll be a C-section, they're not too worried about it. However, the whole reason for this ultrasound, in my book, was to find out the sex of the baby. I NEED to know! I'm not one of those "I want to be surprised" people. No offense to those who are, but it's not for me. I must plan, I must prepare and I can only do that if I know what I'm having! If it were 20 years ago and this capability was not available to me, I'm sure I'd be fine as I wouldn't know any better. But, we have the technology, let's use it! The tech, while nice enough, wasn't as personable as one would hope. She had a hard time getting a decent picture. (The best one is above.) She did the 3D imaging, which I thought would be really neat, and it was but ours turned out, again, kinda disappointing. I preferred the 2D images that showed the baby moving around. To see her moving around in there was incredible. So active, yet I haven't felt a thing yet! But like I said, the tech had a hard time determining the baby's sex. She said, "if I had to guess, it's a girl." to which Aria started to argue with her as she's having a baby brother! Watching a 5 year old disagree with an adult it pretty entertaining to watch! Tony is pretty good at reading sonograms/x-rays and he came to the same conclusion: Probably a girl, but not too sure. It's funny tho, cuz I said up to then that I really didn't care, but after that, I found I was a little sad it wasn't a boy. I am happy to have a girl, but this is it. No more babies after this one. It would have been fun to say I have a daughter and a son. But, you know, I am thrilled that she is healthy and will love her just the same. She's gonna have to put up with some football jersey outfits tho. I really wanted to by some of those! Aria is excited cuz she's upgrading to a new room. We told her if it's a girl, she gets the ex-guest bedroom and baby girl gets her old room. I've got a great idea to decorate her room and hopefully will get started on it next month. So, apparently, even tho we're not sure, we're calling baby a she/girl/her till we find out differently. And, we have a name picked out, but the surprise for you will be that you won't know till she's born! I'll keep you updated as best I can.
It's hard to tell in this 3D image, but she's sucking her thumb!
Our ultrasound was yesterday and was, well, maybe a bit disappointing. Don't get me wrong; the baby looks very healthy and everything is going as it should. They said my placenta is low, but being how I'll be a C-section, they're not too worried about it. However, the whole reason for this ultrasound, in my book, was to find out the sex of the baby. I NEED to know! I'm not one of those "I want to be surprised" people. No offense to those who are, but it's not for me. I must plan, I must prepare and I can only do that if I know what I'm having! If it were 20 years ago and this capability was not available to me, I'm sure I'd be fine as I wouldn't know any better. But, we have the technology, let's use it! The tech, while nice enough, wasn't as personable as one would hope. She had a hard time getting a decent picture. (The best one is above.) She did the 3D imaging, which I thought would be really neat, and it was but ours turned out, again, kinda disappointing. I preferred the 2D images that showed the baby moving around. To see her moving around in there was incredible. So active, yet I haven't felt a thing yet! But like I said, the tech had a hard time determining the baby's sex. She said, "if I had to guess, it's a girl." to which Aria started to argue with her as she's having a baby brother! Watching a 5 year old disagree with an adult it pretty entertaining to watch! Tony is pretty good at reading sonograms/x-rays and he came to the same conclusion: Probably a girl, but not too sure. It's funny tho, cuz I said up to then that I really didn't care, but after that, I found I was a little sad it wasn't a boy. I am happy to have a girl, but this is it. No more babies after this one. It would have been fun to say I have a daughter and a son. But, you know, I am thrilled that she is healthy and will love her just the same. She's gonna have to put up with some football jersey outfits tho. I really wanted to by some of those! Aria is excited cuz she's upgrading to a new room. We told her if it's a girl, she gets the ex-guest bedroom and baby girl gets her old room. I've got a great idea to decorate her room and hopefully will get started on it next month. So, apparently, even tho we're not sure, we're calling baby a she/girl/her till we find out differently. And, we have a name picked out, but the surprise for you will be that you won't know till she's born! I'll keep you updated as best I can.
It's hard to tell in this 3D image, but she's sucking her thumb!
Friday, April 1, 2011
Ladies night
Oh yes, it's ladies night... tomorrow. I really look forward to these events. I am not someone who seeks constant social experiences; I am pretty content to hang out at home and not feel like a loser! But, the rare (and becoming rarer, due to some people's not getting the LADIES only moniker) occasion we do have a ladies night is something I really enjoy. Perhaps it is because I only do it 3 or 4 times a year, I can really appreciate the company of other women. Growing up, I always was one of the boys. I liked hanging around the guys and being one of the guys. I just related better to guys: their love of sports, their sense of humor, their not needing to impress their peers in social gatherings... As I got older and then married, my ability, obviously to hang with the guys pretty much came to a screeching halt. I did hang out with a few guy friends after I was married and it was AWKWARD! It's just kinda weird to be with another guy who isn't your husband on what looks to others like an apparent date. So, I started working on making girl friends and hanging out with them. That was in Billings and it was pretty easy to do. Lots of girls and places to go! I had quite a few female friends, then we moved back to Joplin. One thing Joplin lacks is females that are my age who aren't already engaged in some sort of clique or another. I honestly shun cliques. It was hard at first and so to cope, I became a homebody to the point where I enjoyed my privacy more than anything. Not having someone calling frequently or needing to hang out was to me a relief. (I might add, I was not always like this.) Especially now with kids, I really didn't like going out; finding a sitter, the extra $$ spent that could be saved for better use later. It may be excuses to not do anything, but it's really hard to find babysitters, esp. in Joplin! But, a few years ago, my brother-in-law married an amazing woman and she has, whether she knows it or not, got my social life and gals paling around back on track. I am perfectly comfortable in our friendship: it's just right. And I perfectly comfortable saying that between her, my sister, and our families, I really have all the "girl time" I need. I still keep in touch with most of my close friends from high school. Their friendship will last a life time as long as we're both willing to work at it. (I had one friend that literally dropped off the face of the earth, not from my lack of trying. I can take a hint!) Those friends, when I see them, it's like we just pick up where we left off. But I'm talking more day to day; what keeps me looking forward to the next big event. Women can be catty, nit-picky, do-it-my-way-or-else and it was exhausting trying to live up to their standards, esp. when I'm thinking to myself, as long as it's done, does it really matter?! The females in my life are not like this at all, thank goodness! I have weeded out a lot of those unnecessary people from my life, or kept my contact with them to a minimum and my life is peaceful, content, and drama-free (well, for the most part! Drama can't be 100% avoided!). So, as I look forward to another Ladies Only Night, I am genuinely excited and relieved I don't do this every weekend!
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