"Sittin' round the Pot Belly Stove!"

[coriolis]

Heelllllloooooooo.

No one has posted since Wednesday! This place has been deserted for 3 days! OK, lets wash out this coffee pot, sweep the floor, and take out the trash. There - it's back to respectable again!!

(Starts a pot of coffee.)

It's good to hear everyones slices of their lives.

Oh, by the way, I brought a couple boxes of sticky buns! Enjoy!

[Hurricaneman]

I feel like I work really hard and enjoy life for what its worth

[James]

Nothing like some work to make you feel satisfied at the end of the day. Plenty of that at the moment what with school deadlines. Speaking of which, I've got an interview on Tuesday to go to study art at college before I take it on to university. Sure hope it goes OK.

[breeze]

Sticky buns? Yummo! Thanks, Ed - I needed a good sugar boost!

I've been patiently waiting for the return of warm weather, like most of the
rest of the country - this week looks promising. I'm chomping at the bit to
get outside and work in the flowers, but, I'm only gradually uncovering those
beds, as cool weather is still possible here until the end of April. Until then,
I'm finding all kinds of chores that need done inside - oh, why did I even
look?

Good luck with your art study interview, James! I do hope that it goes
very well for you!

Have a great week, folks.


Annette

[Dee Bee]

Thanks for the clean-up, Coriolis. Would you like to come to my house and do the same...?

I'm sending out positive thoughts for your interview, James.

Well, I ended the quarter at the college in Ft. Lauderdale for which I've been teaching since I moved here in 2000. I'm not returning next quarter: too many philosophical disagreements with the president and vice-president, most of which affect the full-time faculty more than the adjuncts. But mostly I feel the students are being misled and taken advantage of. Since I have the luxury of sitting out for a while -- or even permanently -- I'm going to do so. To give you an idea of the general displeasure with the administration, in the past 9 months, 5 of the 8 long-standing department heads (each of whom is extremely talented as well as dedicated to higher education) have left, and enrollment has dropped by nearly one-third.

On the other hand, the position I presently have at the local community college is fantastic! I'm in a grant program for current first-year teachers who do not have full state certification. They're mostly part of a program called Transition to Teaching (which many states have) for adults with bachelor degrees in fields other than education to become part of the teaching force. I'm teaching a required 8-week course called "Teaching Strategies." The very large (35!) class is a marvelous group to work with, and they have indicated flat-out that they enjoy working with me, as well.

Unfortunately, as has happened at other colleges I've worked at in IL in the past, fewer courses are offered during summer term, and full-time faculty have first choice of those courses. Since this grant program just began last fall and is in the pilot stage (with this one group of students), only two courses for them are being offered this summer and both have been spoken for by full-time professors. My immediate supervisor has reassured me that (a)he values my work and (b)he will do all he can to get me tied into the program as soon as possible; nevertheless, he says I just have to be patient -- which is pretty tough for me! So for the first time since about 1994 I'll probably have the summer off. I know, that may sound like heaven for most people, but I really enjoy the structure of research and teaching at least 1 class per term.

I do have a few other possibilities. My previous department head at Ft. Lauderdale left that school last month and indicated before she left that I should call her about a possible position at her new location in Pompano Beach (nearly as far to travel for me); her replacement at Ft. Lauderdale said to call him in April if I'd like to return this summer. I also can contact a medical training center in Palm Springs (about 10 mi. from my home) for which I taught an English class last summer, although that class is only offered once a year and may not be on the upcoming schedule or may already have an instructor.

My bottom line is that even though adjunct faculty are grossly underpaid in this area, a little bit of extra income is more satisfying than none at all. But I believe my best move right now is to just be patient and see what might develop at either the community college or at the medical center, since the price of gasoline is on the rise again. Plus, maybe a summer off is just what I need!

OK, time to catch what's left of The Soprano's. I made another loaf of Irish soda bread with the remaining buttermilk in my refrig, so I'll put it here for y'all to nosh on. Good night!

[vbhoutex]

James, best of luck to you!!! I'm sure you will do fine!!

Annette, I told you not to look!!!!hehehe

Quick update from here. Had a wonderful weekend with friends at the Men's state chili cook off this weekend. It was a final celebration before starting my new job today!! I am nervous and very excited too. As it turns out my immediate surpervisor where I used to work may be coming to where I am going!!! That would be good since we work well together.

My MIL is home from the nursing home and so far doing well. We do have help coming in for part of the day but one of us will still have to be there ar least a part of everyday. Please keep us in your thoughts and prayers during this new transition period.

Nice clean up Ed!!! You're hired!!!! And thanks for the sticky buns.

Gotta run and get ready for work. Laters all!!

[Miss Mary]

Diane - I guess I never really thought about admins in teaching before, on a college level, until you explained it. I think to most non-edu types, we assume once you've got a job you're set - wrong, huh? Well, hang in there, patience seems to be your answer. Now that you've explained enrollment and classes being dropped, I have heard Nina say these things, from a student's point of view. Or a class she really needs is only offered in the evening, not daytme. Her Tuesday's are very full, for example. 4 or 5 classes and then a weekly meeting at the BSU. She's on the go from early morning until 10 at night. Also, her evening class meets once a week so it's very busy and between class time she has a lot of homework for it (you'll understand that). Well, keep us updated on your employment situation. I have a good friend with her Master's in Education, she's a full time art teacher right now. But has been tentatively offered a position at a soon to be built Cultural Center, she would be in charge of revolving art exhibits and would work non-school hours. She's getting burned out teaching art to 600+ students and doesn't even have an office. She has an art 'cart', she just pushes it from room to room, the students have art in their homeroom. When they create pottery she said it's a real challenge, she's borrowing drying space from rooms but they do provide her with a kiln (I think it's near the furnace room!). Everytime I ask her how it's going, she sighs and says that Cultural Center possible job looks better and better. She's my age and worries she might not be up the energy level it would command though. Teaching seems to be an ever changing career too - most districts want you to have your Master's and you are asked to do more and more documentation. When what teachers really want to do - work with students - is reduced more and more, b/c of paperwork. Well, to anyone who thinks teaching is an easy job - ha! I know it isn't......

James - let us know how your interview goes. I'll keep my fingers crossed you get it!

That said, can I politely vent? Does anyone have a non-stop talker in their family? If you do, then maybe you'll understand why I crave quiet right now. Our youngest daughter Laura (ADD child) has talked since she was 12 months. Yes, she spoke right away, Nina went around our house naming things. It was so cute - doorknob, lamp, and I'd be sitting there thinking does a baby really need to know how to say doorknob right now? LOL Well, whatever Nina did, worked - and how! Laura was saying complete sentences by age 18 months I'd say. She just blew people away. Instead of milk or cup, it was - Mommy, can I have milk please? I just naturally thought oh school is going to be a breeze with her!!!!! Wrong! But anyway, I've had to listen to this non-stop chatter for 14 years now. Before school, on the way to school, after school, during dinner, during TV shows, movies - she hits the pause button constantly - before bedtime......oh and she wakes up in the middle of the night to tell me something she forgot! OMG, I do okay with it most of the time but here of late, I just want to hike in the woods and hear nothing but nature. Another example - take Laura hiking and she babbles on there too. We all hush her and say - Laura listen......she asks - to what, it's too quiet! LOL And get this, a few days after pre-school began I was picking her up and I had Nina in the car. I asked the teacher how she was doing while Laura was getting her art work and I quote - "oh she's doing fine, but she is just so quiet!". I swear Nina and I could fainted on the spot. We said what? Quiet - you must be talking about a different kid. So you see she saves all this chatter for us - her loving family. Oh lucky us I say. Gosh, I sound like such a mean mom and that is how I try not to be! I am comforted to know she doesn't do this with friends or at school - quite the opposite, all the way thru until now, 10th Grade, all of her teachers said the same thing - she's so quiet. They wish the could get her talking. Maybe this is her ADD, I don't know. But sometimes it literally drives me crazy!

Well, thanks for listening. Now I feel terrible when I know parents of Autistic children would love for their child to utter just a few of the words Laura does. So I'm sorry if I ruffled a few feathers. It's just that when you share a home with someone who does this, I swear it drives you batty!

The library has always been a wonderful haven to me. I think I need to carve time out tonight for a flip thru the magazine time. LOL

Have a nice Monday everyone!

Mary

[therock1811]

Hey guys. Just popping in here. Really late night for me, yes. But, ah well. I'm sure I'll sleep better once i calm down. I miss Liz and it kills me. Every time she and I have to go our separate ways, it hurts a little more. Is this normal for a long distance relationship? I hope it is and that I am not the only one.

Mary, I can't say we do. It gets really quiet here at times. Even when there are people around. It's almost eerie.

That's it for me. Gonna settle in with some tea. I think it will put me down. Later all.

[Miss Mary]

Jeremy - yes, that's normal! I remember that stage......fondly.

I felt bad after I added my last post. Then I thought no, maybe someone else has a monologue talker at home (that's what I think of at times!). And they'd be happy to share some tips on how they get thru it. Please don't say tune her out, I can't do that. Besides I often here - you're not looking at me when I talk! Some people need to be quiet and then others need to be heard. 99.9% of the time I handle it all well. But this past weekend was rough! What I think I'm missing is my simple, annual women's retreat. The retreat house closed and I've discovered directed, quiet, reflective retreats similar to what I most enjoyed are dying out. Women my age don't have time for 2 day, 2 night retreats. They prefer all day events but they're hands on, very-very busy. You not only sign up for a retreat but then you are place on a revolving schedule to present a retreat for future women. A real committment. I'll admit it, I didn't mind paying only $70 for this 48 hour retreat, food was good, the fellowship nice and welcoming and most of all, I loved the quiet. My mom says I'd like a retreat she goes to in Kentucky, at a monastary. Run by munks but it's really silent - no one talks, even during meals! Even though I crave quiet, I think that's a little too quiet! But who knows, maybe that's what I need.

Sorry to have vented everyone.

Jeremy - still so happy you've found someone.

Mary

[weathermom]

Mary- Surprise! I have the same thing here. I have 3 girls and all are tremendously verbal. Since they were small I have asked for 5 minutes of silence every now and then. I always explained that they weren't in trouble and I loved to hear what they had to say, but with 3 of them talking all the time sometimes my ears just need a break. Often they would find a book to read or something to do in order to keep themselves quiet and it would last longer than 5 minutes.

I am hesitant to do it now, I figure that if my 14 year old wants to talk to me I had better be listening. Because one day she may need to talk to me and I want her to be aware that I will listen when she needs it.

So I guess I am saying that I understand completely, but have no suggestions for you that may actually help. Though now that you have started working again you can always try saying that you are tired from work and need a few minutes of quiet to clear your head.

[Miss Mary]

Loren - we have yet another thing in common! I see female hormones are a problem in your house. Same here - the dog is even a girl! LOL Like you, once my girls entered their teen years I quickly learned that when they wanted to talk, you'd better make time to listen. You may not get that chance again. The usual questions, how was the dance, school, the movies are not what initiated dialogue. Usually something else gets them talking. We don't live in a walking community but it's not rural either. Large, 2 HS's, 6 Elem's and 1 Middle (where I work). Nearly every activity my girls have been involved with required driving to. At first this wore me out but I noticed this was precisely the times they chose to tell me what was going on in school. Not the minute they came in the door. For the most part, I handle my ADD daughter's non-stop talking. And it goes in spurts. This past weekend was a lot but would I trade not being a mom - no way!

So thanks for prompting me to thank my lucky stars I got to be a mom.

Mary

[weatherlover427]

Not that I'm a mom , but this kind of goes the other way around...

Due to my issues, sometimes I talk a lot and sometimes I talk very little. Sometimes it even bothers me if other people talk around me excessively. Never figured out why either. I try and deal with it the best that I can but sometimes it becomes too much and I just have to leave the room or go somewhere else for a while.

Anyway, it sure has been raining here a lot lately. We're quickly making up our rainfall deficit for this year. A large storm is expected to come in here shortly after midnight tonight and bring 2 inches of rain here and up to 6 inches in the mountains. We need it but not all at once!

My birthday is in 25 days! I'm getting excited. Hope it's a good one this year.

I've had some dental work done lately. Went to the deentist in October, they said I had 0 cavities. Went again first week of March, I had 7. Dunno how that happened. So I had 5 filled the same day, and one a week later. One remains to be filled; plus I still need a gum deep cleaning due to my periodontitis (lack of brushing my teeth).

Anyway; hope that all is well with you guys. I'll be offline later today, going to see my mom, Be back later tonight.

[Miss Mary]

Joshua - to go from 0 cavities to 7 is a surprise! I'm glad you're getting all of that taken care of. I was flossing twice a day one year and my DDS said they can't even get their patients to do it once a day (and to keep it up). Sigh, you get lazy and now I do it once a day. His hygenist has actually re-taught me how to brush! In circles or top to bottom, never side to side. I'm sure you've heard all the same suggestions. Years ago it didn't seem like dentists cared this much. Now there's a connection between dental care and heart problems.

I think part of my daughter non-stop talking has to do with her ADD. 99.9% of the time, I handle it fine. Lately I've been trying to teach her to converse and have a give and take conversation. She keeps saying she only does this at home. At school, she's not like this and listens to her friends conversations. So I'm just trying to let it all go. But I have to say when you wake up at 5:40 and hear this all day long, it does drive you a little batty. I think I need to borrow someone's iPod in this house!!!!

Happy BD early if I miss it Joshua!

Mary

[weatherlover427]

I've certainly been brushing a lot more lately since I found out that news; that's for sure! I definitely don't want to lose my teeth like some people who I know have. My dentist says I definitely need to floss; but my gums are so sore / sensitive / swollen from my lack of brushing that I am afraid I am going to screw something up if I slip with the floss string thingy.

Since I live by myself; I'm usually quiet as it is. I talk to my next door neighbors but that's about it. And my mom whenever I see her. But most of the time I keep to myself; using the computer as my outlet to the outside world. Except when I have a job of course. Sometimes I will go on bus rides to get some fresh air but that's it.

My birthday isn't till the 27th but thanks anyway!

[Miss Mary]

Josh - one thing my dentist said is to buy soft or extra soft toothbrushes, nothing past that. Definitely not medium! That might help you. We also swish with a mixture of water and peroxide. Holding the liquid in certain places if we have a cold sore or blister. My youngest has braces and occasionally she'll have a sore spot. A Pharmacist gave me this tip once. A bottle of peroxide is under $1 and to do this on a regular basis is inexpensive. Added benefit - it whitens your teeth too! Just don't swallow. That might help heal your gums. Just do several swishes (fresh mixture each time) once or twice a day, tilting your head to target the areas that need it. You can actually feel the peroxide bubble up and you know it's doing its job. Just make sure to delute the peroxide with an equal part of water, for example if you pour 1/4th cup of peroxide, you use 1/4th cup of water. Stir the two together and you have an effective mouth wash. Ever since that Pharmacist told us this tip (to avoid a pricy tube of something called Glyxcide?), we've used it on a regular basis. Often after a cold, I get oral blisters but they clear up up in a day if I use this mouth wash.

Good luck!

Mary

PS - decided to google "peroxide mouth wash" and found a lot. Here's a useful page:
http://www.h2o2-4u.com/house.html

[weathermom]

I have found that chewing SUGAR FREE gum a few times a day that my teeth have been better. Not sure if it actually helps or if it is a coincidence.

[Miss Mary]

Good morning!

We won't be needing this stove much longer will we? Spring has sprung in my neighborhood and I've already started the yardwork, grass cutting, etc. Only put a dent into it all though.

Received an email from Tracy/TLC recently. She says hello to everyone. Her son is a senior in high school this year and soon to graduate. She is caring for her parents, who both had strokes. Tracy keeps in close contact with angelheart/Lisa and said to pass along that Lisa is very happy these days, and doing very well (has a new boyfriend too!). What else....we both said how much we miss people who have drifted away - Cyclone/Graham, Keirstein, raine (I understand Jackie, you're busy flying the friendly skies!), etc. Trying to think of more but coming up blank (ack, pre-senior moment there?!!).

I have a 4 day workweek, off on Good Friday and then all next week for Spring Break. Bummer is I don't get paid for any of it, since I'm still a substitute employee but hoping to be offered a contract position over the summer and definitely by early Fall. I've been almost promised a perm. positon at this middle school. Sometimes I can't believe how that all worked out. I almost had to look for work in the real world and there would go our vacation times, family reunion time slot, xmas break (we get 2 full weeks off next year).

Have a good week all and Happy Easter a little early.

Mary

[vbhoutex]

I did notice Tracy on ths site last night. Did me good to know she is at least able to drop in once in a while and check us out. Obviously she has her hands very full. Give her our best and tell her to drop in when she can.

My work week is five days, but we usually cut Friday short so I probably won't be here all day on Friday. Our church choir did their Easter Cantata yesterday. If I do say so myself, we nailed it, and the standing ovaton from the congregation drove that home. I am so proud to be part of that ministry in our church. We have an awesome Choir director/associate minister who has done wonders with the group he has to work with.

Well, even though I don't have a managers meeting this morning, I need to get to work.

HAVE A WONDERFUL WEEK ALL!

[breeze]

Can you believe that it's almost Easter? Wow! Luckily, spring looks to be
springing! And, yes, Mary, I'm betting that Front Porch is not too far away!

I had my days off last week, Thursday and Friday, so, I'll have to work a
full week, this week. LOL, I told Miss Mary that I didn't get half done of
what I'd planned, but, relaxing is the idea of vacation, right?

David, I'd love to hear your choir sing for Easter Cantata! It truly does
make all the difference in the world when you have someone to direct who
puts their heart and soul into it, doesn't it?

I put my hummingbird feeders out, yesterday, and, guess what I saw,
this evening? They were eating out of them - yaaay!!! They're back!!

Everyone have a good Tuesday. I left a few boxes of chocolate KK's to
snack on - Crouton looks like he hasn't eaten, lately, so you'd better
grab one up!

~Annette~

[Pburgh]

Annette, you do know the way to David's heart. I think I'll grab one of those KK's for breakfast. Thanks

I think Spring is springing here too. It's supposed to be 73° today. YIPPEE!!! On Friday, I'm picking up my Mom in Weirton and heading down to Roanoke for Easter. I can't wait. My daughter, grandson and son in law are coming down from Columbus and my ex-husband will be in from Ohio. Cookies and sweet treats are all made and the menu is planned. I love family get togethers and I think Easter is the perfect time for us to go to church and praise God for giving us his Son.

David, I wish I could have heard your Easter Cantata. I used to sing in our choir and always felt especially inspired when singing Easter music.

Well Miss Mary you are right. We won't be needing the stove. I think Dennis needs to open up the porch pretty soon. I wonder what Iced Earl Grey tastes like??

I better get some work done here. As Eric would say, "Have a Terrific Tuesday"!
Karan