I know I shouldn't but I do. I can let some things slide right off without even batting an eye but this one I can't let go. It keeps building. It may wane a bit and I think I'm be over it but then they add to it and it all comes rushing back like a wave crashing over the rocks. I bite my tongue and it hurts. I would love to tell people off but I still stick to the "if you have nothing nice to say.....". My mama said so.
Don't go to my boss, the park board, over my head, behind my back and suggest something for me to do. Don't go to local businesses and tell them how I should do my job because, guess what? I do have a few friends. They tell me. Do you think they are going to pressure me into doing it? Not after I explain the cost and how much extra parents will have to come up with in these hard times. We have the great outdoors to play in.
Why don't you come to me, ask or suggest to my face? Don't get upset with me because I do my job and make it so it's affordable. My job is with the city. My concern is the kids.
Yesterday was my eighth year anniversary on the job. Hooray. I think the previous record was 2 1/2 years. That's how I know I let stuff slide. If I quit because things were too rough or overwhelming, I would have been out of here a long time ago. I have thrown things, cussed, cried, had anxiety attacks, thrown up and had sleepless nights.
It's been worth it though. The kids and I make each other laugh, they have entertained me, the hugs, the hellos, the waves, some call me "Coach" (that always cracks me up) and the pictures they have drawn for me.
People get to you only if you let them. I let this one but I feel better now. Thanks for listening....or reading.
We've been busy lately. Painting soccer fields, ordering supplies, doggie do bags, getting ready for a dance, making rosters, running errands, finding someone to do a bit of skidloader work (I tried once, it wasn't pretty), weeding gardens, trimming bushes, phone calls galore, putting soccer goals together, painting four more soccer fields, picking up limbs, ordering chemicals, running leagues, setting schedules, hiring pool help, fixing things that get broken. meetings, reports, finding coaches, updating rules, getting the pool paperwork ready and more.
The one thing you're concerned about may not be that one thing on my mind at the time. I have to think months in advance what is coming and what I have to do for it. I don't care about flag football now but I do know we'll have to play on the fields we use for soccer. We'll have the Iowa Firemen's Convention here on the fairgrounds. It'll be hard to throw a pass around all the campers.
Yep. I feel better.
Wednesday, March 30, 2011
Monday, March 21, 2011
My first roller derby bout.
I went to my first roller derby bout this past Saturday! It was The Eastern Iowa Outlaws vs. The Oskaloosa Mayhem Girls (OMG). The Outlaws are the "home" team. They practice here at the youth center twice a week.
The Five Flags Center is in Dubuque. I had never been there before and we were a little unsure where it was. We pulled up to a corner where a guy was standing outside smoking...in front of a bar. I asked for directions, please. When he was having trouble navigating the curb, I was thinking I asked the wrong person. He made it to the truck without falling down and he gave me slow and deliberate account of where to go. Luckily we were on the correct street. "Just keep going until you can't go no more then take a right." We thanked him. Sounds easy enough and it was.
We found a public parking lot because all the ones along the center were reserved. They had meters in the lot but that was for the hours of 8:00 a.m. and 5:00 p.m. I hope. It was after 6:30 p.m. and I didn't have any change anyway. The people from Chicago put in a dollars’ worth just for good measure.
I bought my tickets in advance so we didn't have to wait in line, just walked in, picked up our VIP passes to sit in the reserved seating. I bought a beer, talked with the team manager, he said he was going to present me with a check during half time. Cool!
Clayton and Matthew came in. I gave them their passes. And said I'd buy their first round but they had to go get it. They brought Jim and I one also....with my money. Jim was driving so, I drank that one too.
The announcer starts explaining the rules and how the scoring takes place. I understood part of it but I’ve had almost three beers by this time. He introduced the OMG then The Outlaws.
THE PACK: Consists of 3 BLOCKERS from each team and a PIVOT who wears a stripe on her helmet.
THE JAMMER: One from each team. Has a start on her helmet.
Side note: The Pivot and the Jammer where a cover over their helmets that has the stripe and the star so they can remove it and someone else can take those positions.
A single whistle blow from the ref gets the PACK skating. The PIVOTS set the pace for the PACK.
A double whistle low and the JAMMERS start skating.
The JAMMERS approach the PACK, the BLOCKERS and the PIVOTS try to stop the opposing team’s JAMMER from getting through.
The first JAMMER who makes it through the PACK becomes the LEAD JAMMER. To make it legally through the PACK a JAMMER must remain on the track when she passes each player and not receive any penalties.
MINOR PENALTIES: One short whistle, illegal blocking not deemed a serious threat, 4 minors equals one minute in the penalty box.
MAJOR PENALTY: One long whistle, illegal blocking deemed a serious threat, equals one minute in the penalty box, 3 majors in one period equals fouling out.
SCORING POINTS: Both JAMMERS can begin to win points for their team after making it through the PACK once. JAMMERS score a point for every opposing team’s player they pass in a lap, including the opposing JAMMER.
Two halves, each 30 minutes long.
Ruby DoomsDay sang the National Anthem. She sang it like it should be sung! It gave you goose bumps.
Jim and Matt were picking up on the scoring system. Clayton probably was too but he was sitting on the other side of Matt. I was drinking. Jim would lean in and say the score before the score girl (kind of like a ring girl for boxing) would walk our direction with the score on a wipe off board held high. He was right.
V-Train and Kissta Koncrete were the high scorers for the Outlaws. They were in the lead at half time 69 to 47.
I was called down to center ring to be presented with a check. They thanked me (the city) for letting them practice and making it affordable (that’ll change! Kidding.) and as their “charity” of the month, presented the parks department with a check for $500.00. I couldn’t believe it! Of course I thanked them, told them how much I enjoyed having them at the Berndes Center, that we had a lot of needs and the check will help a great deal. I also told Jim, Matt and Clayton to quit laughing at me. I only had two and a half beers at this point.
Matt bought a round for the second half. I told the guys it was pretty sad that these two had to spend their Saturday night with their boss. They didn’t seem to mind and they really didn’t have to but I appreciate it that they did. I don’t think anyone else from town was there.
Matt and I yelled for V-Train and Kissta. We all clapped when points were being made. I think I was catching on the scoring system. I know we all had fun. We were laughing and helping with the chants. It was exciting and fun. Something the whole family could enjoy.
The Eastern Iowa Outlaws won 189 to 99.
Jim decided we would stop at Taco John’s after he filled my truck up. It works for me! Then we went across the street to the DQ for a shake, mine was chocolate.
I was back home a little before 11:00. I told myself I wasn't getting up until I felt like it. That turned out to be 5:00 a.m. I guess I felt like it.
The Five Flags Center is in Dubuque. I had never been there before and we were a little unsure where it was. We pulled up to a corner where a guy was standing outside smoking...in front of a bar. I asked for directions, please. When he was having trouble navigating the curb, I was thinking I asked the wrong person. He made it to the truck without falling down and he gave me slow and deliberate account of where to go. Luckily we were on the correct street. "Just keep going until you can't go no more then take a right." We thanked him. Sounds easy enough and it was.
We found a public parking lot because all the ones along the center were reserved. They had meters in the lot but that was for the hours of 8:00 a.m. and 5:00 p.m. I hope. It was after 6:30 p.m. and I didn't have any change anyway. The people from Chicago put in a dollars’ worth just for good measure.
I bought my tickets in advance so we didn't have to wait in line, just walked in, picked up our VIP passes to sit in the reserved seating. I bought a beer, talked with the team manager, he said he was going to present me with a check during half time. Cool!
Clayton and Matthew came in. I gave them their passes. And said I'd buy their first round but they had to go get it. They brought Jim and I one also....with my money. Jim was driving so, I drank that one too.
The announcer starts explaining the rules and how the scoring takes place. I understood part of it but I’ve had almost three beers by this time. He introduced the OMG then The Outlaws.
THE PACK: Consists of 3 BLOCKERS from each team and a PIVOT who wears a stripe on her helmet.
THE JAMMER: One from each team. Has a start on her helmet.
Side note: The Pivot and the Jammer where a cover over their helmets that has the stripe and the star so they can remove it and someone else can take those positions.
A single whistle blow from the ref gets the PACK skating. The PIVOTS set the pace for the PACK.
A double whistle low and the JAMMERS start skating.
The JAMMERS approach the PACK, the BLOCKERS and the PIVOTS try to stop the opposing team’s JAMMER from getting through.
The first JAMMER who makes it through the PACK becomes the LEAD JAMMER. To make it legally through the PACK a JAMMER must remain on the track when she passes each player and not receive any penalties.
MINOR PENALTIES: One short whistle, illegal blocking not deemed a serious threat, 4 minors equals one minute in the penalty box.
MAJOR PENALTY: One long whistle, illegal blocking deemed a serious threat, equals one minute in the penalty box, 3 majors in one period equals fouling out.
SCORING POINTS: Both JAMMERS can begin to win points for their team after making it through the PACK once. JAMMERS score a point for every opposing team’s player they pass in a lap, including the opposing JAMMER.
Two halves, each 30 minutes long.
Ruby DoomsDay sang the National Anthem. She sang it like it should be sung! It gave you goose bumps.
Jim and Matt were picking up on the scoring system. Clayton probably was too but he was sitting on the other side of Matt. I was drinking. Jim would lean in and say the score before the score girl (kind of like a ring girl for boxing) would walk our direction with the score on a wipe off board held high. He was right.
V-Train and Kissta Koncrete were the high scorers for the Outlaws. They were in the lead at half time 69 to 47.
I was called down to center ring to be presented with a check. They thanked me (the city) for letting them practice and making it affordable (that’ll change! Kidding.) and as their “charity” of the month, presented the parks department with a check for $500.00. I couldn’t believe it! Of course I thanked them, told them how much I enjoyed having them at the Berndes Center, that we had a lot of needs and the check will help a great deal. I also told Jim, Matt and Clayton to quit laughing at me. I only had two and a half beers at this point.
Matt bought a round for the second half. I told the guys it was pretty sad that these two had to spend their Saturday night with their boss. They didn’t seem to mind and they really didn’t have to but I appreciate it that they did. I don’t think anyone else from town was there.
Matt and I yelled for V-Train and Kissta. We all clapped when points were being made. I think I was catching on the scoring system. I know we all had fun. We were laughing and helping with the chants. It was exciting and fun. Something the whole family could enjoy.
The Eastern Iowa Outlaws won 189 to 99.
Jim decided we would stop at Taco John’s after he filled my truck up. It works for me! Then we went across the street to the DQ for a shake, mine was chocolate.
I was back home a little before 11:00. I told myself I wasn't getting up until I felt like it. That turned out to be 5:00 a.m. I guess I felt like it.
Thursday, March 17, 2011
Can we have a little communication here?
We spent our day yesterday painting field lines and moving soccer goals from one field to the other. I had discussed it with the AD earlier in the year, the city administrator and the soccer coach, all at separate times, what we were going to do because we share the fields. Our leagues moved to the spring because most people didn't like the summer league. It was like that when I got here.
So there's two new fields, we aren't allowed to play on the school's game field and the old practice field is now off limits to promote new grass growth. Our games will be at 5:30 when the high school kids will be done practicing.
These two fields are kind of end to end. The south field has a swamp in the middle of it. Great idea! Let's let the younger kids play there because we can put two fields going east and west on that one, leaving the swamp area in between the two. No one will slip, fall, or sink up to their ankles in muck. Good call.
On the south field the goals are on the north and south ends. But they have wheels. On the north field the goals are all over the place. We have to carry one at a time, the four of us. They are not light. There's a gradual ditch/waterway about 50 feet wide in between these two fields also. But hey, it's a nice day!
After setting the goals, the soccer team comes out to practice. I ask the assistant coaches if the team would move the roller goals to the other field for us since there's 20 or so of them and only 4 of us. It was decided that they were not going to practice on the north field, they like the south one better. The goals are staying. Crap. Thanks for letting me know. We could have saved ourselves a bit of trouble, injury, hernias, sore muscles and maybe even death. I asked, politely even though I felt the anger rising, if the team could move one set back for us and they assured me they would. I haven't been out there yet but I hope they had.
Now comes the interesting part. We will have to move the goals from the ends to the sides and back every Tuesday and Thursday for four weeks. It can't be done until after their practice. There will be three of us on Tuesdays and only two of us on Thursdays. Even though they are on wheels, they have to be tipped up and over to use the wheels. They are the biggest goals and the heaviest. I'll probably be crushed like a bug.
Back at the office I grab a catalog to see how much goals cost. I'm looking at lighter weight, folding goals that can be stored. I will not leave them out especially on school property over the winter. A bit over 600 for a set. But each goal only weighs 81 lbs. each. Something I can move by myself....but I won't. I went to the sports shop in town to see if they could find something cheaper, cut me a deal sort of thing. They'll check into it.
Our first game night is next Tuesday. I don't think they'll be here by next week. And I always like to ask permission before I buy even though it's not over the limit when I do have to ask. The boss man is gone until tomorrow. If I had known this other stuff, we would have been more prepared. If I had known.
My biggest problem was thinking it wouldn't be light enough for the second set of games at 6:30. We were gaining 3 minutes of daylight per day since the first day of (real) winter. It took some figuring but we made it. Of course there's daylight savings time too.
Jess came in to visit yesterday. She brought me some chocolate from Sweden. She says she reads what I have to say every day. Okay, I've been a little lax but the weather is getting nicer and there's a lot to do. Jess used to work here through school and at the pool. She says she can't wait until we really get busy and I go crazy. It'll be some good reading then, she says. Thanks, Jess.
The chocolate is delicious and I had some with my chocolate wine last night. And I didn't really figure out the three minutes a day thing. Soccer in the dark, what could be more fun?
So there's two new fields, we aren't allowed to play on the school's game field and the old practice field is now off limits to promote new grass growth. Our games will be at 5:30 when the high school kids will be done practicing.
These two fields are kind of end to end. The south field has a swamp in the middle of it. Great idea! Let's let the younger kids play there because we can put two fields going east and west on that one, leaving the swamp area in between the two. No one will slip, fall, or sink up to their ankles in muck. Good call.
On the south field the goals are on the north and south ends. But they have wheels. On the north field the goals are all over the place. We have to carry one at a time, the four of us. They are not light. There's a gradual ditch/waterway about 50 feet wide in between these two fields also. But hey, it's a nice day!
After setting the goals, the soccer team comes out to practice. I ask the assistant coaches if the team would move the roller goals to the other field for us since there's 20 or so of them and only 4 of us. It was decided that they were not going to practice on the north field, they like the south one better. The goals are staying. Crap. Thanks for letting me know. We could have saved ourselves a bit of trouble, injury, hernias, sore muscles and maybe even death. I asked, politely even though I felt the anger rising, if the team could move one set back for us and they assured me they would. I haven't been out there yet but I hope they had.
Now comes the interesting part. We will have to move the goals from the ends to the sides and back every Tuesday and Thursday for four weeks. It can't be done until after their practice. There will be three of us on Tuesdays and only two of us on Thursdays. Even though they are on wheels, they have to be tipped up and over to use the wheels. They are the biggest goals and the heaviest. I'll probably be crushed like a bug.
Back at the office I grab a catalog to see how much goals cost. I'm looking at lighter weight, folding goals that can be stored. I will not leave them out especially on school property over the winter. A bit over 600 for a set. But each goal only weighs 81 lbs. each. Something I can move by myself....but I won't. I went to the sports shop in town to see if they could find something cheaper, cut me a deal sort of thing. They'll check into it.
Our first game night is next Tuesday. I don't think they'll be here by next week. And I always like to ask permission before I buy even though it's not over the limit when I do have to ask. The boss man is gone until tomorrow. If I had known this other stuff, we would have been more prepared. If I had known.
My biggest problem was thinking it wouldn't be light enough for the second set of games at 6:30. We were gaining 3 minutes of daylight per day since the first day of (real) winter. It took some figuring but we made it. Of course there's daylight savings time too.
Jess came in to visit yesterday. She brought me some chocolate from Sweden. She says she reads what I have to say every day. Okay, I've been a little lax but the weather is getting nicer and there's a lot to do. Jess used to work here through school and at the pool. She says she can't wait until we really get busy and I go crazy. It'll be some good reading then, she says. Thanks, Jess.
The chocolate is delicious and I had some with my chocolate wine last night. And I didn't really figure out the three minutes a day thing. Soccer in the dark, what could be more fun?
Friday, March 11, 2011
Where's Waldo?
There are bushes out in front of this building. Spirea. Pink. Not my favorite color but I didn't plant them. They get trimmed, the surrounding area weeded, new mulch, the flowers dead-headed, gum and cigarette butts picked up.
One day, I'm sure I was taking a break, I noticed we had a visitor. A praying mantis. He stood stock still, not moving, waiting for lunch while blending in with the greenery. Cool.
Another day and another break, I walked up and down the sidewalk looking to see if the visitor was still with us. Not in the same bush but he was there. It took me a while to spot him.
Apparently, as the days went by, people were noticing what I was doing. Mostly staring at the bushes. The elderly when they would come in for lunch started looking. The J.E.T.S. drivers starting looking. It became a game on who could spot him at different times of the day. He didn't always stay in the same bush as when first spotted early in the day. We dubbed him Waldo. Seemed fitting.
When people are standing on the sidewalk, peering into bushes and pointing, even more people begin to wonder what is going on. The man who lives in the house across the street would watch us when he was outside taking his "break". He came over and asked what we were looking at. I explained to him about Waldo. When he would take his walk, he'd come over and look for himself trying to find him.
Fall then winter came and I'm sure he went to praying mantis heaven. No one really knew what happens to them.
I discovered two egg cases. I pointed them out to Matt. We may cut the branches off and bring them in the office to hatch(?). Of course, what would they eat? Maybe each other. Survival of the fittest. Our imaginations went wild. We figured if we douse the last one with gamma rays, loud rock music, maybe acid or other drugs to promote some sort of mutation, we could have a Mega Mantis! It would be the beginnings of another sad SyFy Channel movie. An eight foot tall mantis lopping off heads and sucking the juice out.
Wonder if he'll do what we say or if everyone would be at risk?
We have this copyrighted so don't even think about it!
One day, I'm sure I was taking a break, I noticed we had a visitor. A praying mantis. He stood stock still, not moving, waiting for lunch while blending in with the greenery. Cool.
Another day and another break, I walked up and down the sidewalk looking to see if the visitor was still with us. Not in the same bush but he was there. It took me a while to spot him.
Apparently, as the days went by, people were noticing what I was doing. Mostly staring at the bushes. The elderly when they would come in for lunch started looking. The J.E.T.S. drivers starting looking. It became a game on who could spot him at different times of the day. He didn't always stay in the same bush as when first spotted early in the day. We dubbed him Waldo. Seemed fitting.
When people are standing on the sidewalk, peering into bushes and pointing, even more people begin to wonder what is going on. The man who lives in the house across the street would watch us when he was outside taking his "break". He came over and asked what we were looking at. I explained to him about Waldo. When he would take his walk, he'd come over and look for himself trying to find him.
Fall then winter came and I'm sure he went to praying mantis heaven. No one really knew what happens to them.
I discovered two egg cases. I pointed them out to Matt. We may cut the branches off and bring them in the office to hatch(?). Of course, what would they eat? Maybe each other. Survival of the fittest. Our imaginations went wild. We figured if we douse the last one with gamma rays, loud rock music, maybe acid or other drugs to promote some sort of mutation, we could have a Mega Mantis! It would be the beginnings of another sad SyFy Channel movie. An eight foot tall mantis lopping off heads and sucking the juice out.
Wonder if he'll do what we say or if everyone would be at risk?
We have this copyrighted so don't even think about it!
Thursday, March 10, 2011
What am I going to do.
That's not a question as it is a statement. I find out the lifeguarding class for the new kids to take and the guards that need to be recertified is on graduation day. The juniors that are being recertified have to sing in the choir or they get a big fat zero for the quarter. They can't miss it.
I'm doomed. Unless they'll change the date, I'm doomed.
Down to needing three coaches for soccer. I called kids and adults alike. Someone please answer me.
Good news though. I have a dress for the donkey ball.
I'm doomed. Unless they'll change the date, I'm doomed.
Down to needing three coaches for soccer. I called kids and adults alike. Someone please answer me.
Good news though. I have a dress for the donkey ball.
Wednesday, March 9, 2011
I woke up angry this morning.
Something happened yesterday that I was prepared for today. I was ready for what might happen. I was angry but decided I'd be civil. People can't help it that they're idiots. Look at Charlie Sheen. Well, it never came about. What a let down. Not so mad now and that's probably a good thing. It might happen later but I'm over it. I still know what I'll say though.
I believe I have a 7th grade coach for prep baseball. That's a good thing. It was coming down to me holding practices while the other helpers worked the ball diamonds and concession stands. It could have been done before the pool opened. I would've worried about the traveling part of it later.
They need one for 8th grade prep too. Two fellas will do it if they have to. They may have to. Sorry guys.
I still need four coaches for soccer. Sometimes if I cry that works but not always. I think they're on to me. I did receive a form today that the deadline was Feb. 25. Sigh. It's a good thing I haven't ordered shirts yet.
It snowed again overnight and into mid-morning. The weatherman keeps smiling and saying, "Warmer temperatures are coming!". I'd like to slap him. Everyday my hopes of not wearing a coat are dashed and splattered on the wall. It's pretty messy too. The flowers out front are confused. They're up about 3-4 inches, daffodil, tulips and hyacinths, all sprinkled with snow. They must listen to the same channel I do.
I was leaving to fill up my truck and go shopping when Mr. Know-It-All was pulling into the lot. Dodged that one but I did phone Clayton for a heads up. Matt said it got a little tense but they handled it. Apparently they should be millionaires by now as Mr. Know-It-All was by their age. That's why I would drive a crappy creeper van, so people won't know I have all sorts of money.
That's probably the most shopping I've done in a long time. There are two cosignment shops in town. I went looking for a long gown for the donkey ball. We have to dress up as drag queens. There was a couple nice ones but they were a little pricey to fall on the floor with and get stepped on. Possibly dragged across the floor. Thank goodness a friend has one that I can have and bleed on and she won't care. Whew!
It's all about the dress!
My boss is concerned that I'll get hurt. If anything, my arm will break. It needs to be rebroken anyway. A doctor wanted to do it 25 years ago but I told him I'd take care of it. I just didn't say when. When I thought I had succeeded with just a crack about ten years ago (a cow attacked me), she said if I were murdered and they found my bones in a ditch, they could identify me. Where the cow had hit me, the bones had bowed at the old break.
I would only be off a few of days. Some screws, a plate and a couple of pins. More than likely a hospital stay.
Oops. I went off track. Shopping. I hate it. If I have to go, I go, I get it, I get out. Simple plan. I do like to go to garage sales. Not cramped in a store with sales people that follow you around when you don't need help or not a one to find if you do. Not my cup of tea. Some people love to go. Uh, no thanks.
I remember last Wednesday I was a bit of a grump also. A) Could it be the day? B) The snow? C) Mr. Know-It-All? D) Maybe a bit of each? I'll take "D" please.
I believe I have a 7th grade coach for prep baseball. That's a good thing. It was coming down to me holding practices while the other helpers worked the ball diamonds and concession stands. It could have been done before the pool opened. I would've worried about the traveling part of it later.
They need one for 8th grade prep too. Two fellas will do it if they have to. They may have to. Sorry guys.
I still need four coaches for soccer. Sometimes if I cry that works but not always. I think they're on to me. I did receive a form today that the deadline was Feb. 25. Sigh. It's a good thing I haven't ordered shirts yet.
It snowed again overnight and into mid-morning. The weatherman keeps smiling and saying, "Warmer temperatures are coming!". I'd like to slap him. Everyday my hopes of not wearing a coat are dashed and splattered on the wall. It's pretty messy too. The flowers out front are confused. They're up about 3-4 inches, daffodil, tulips and hyacinths, all sprinkled with snow. They must listen to the same channel I do.
I was leaving to fill up my truck and go shopping when Mr. Know-It-All was pulling into the lot. Dodged that one but I did phone Clayton for a heads up. Matt said it got a little tense but they handled it. Apparently they should be millionaires by now as Mr. Know-It-All was by their age. That's why I would drive a crappy creeper van, so people won't know I have all sorts of money.
That's probably the most shopping I've done in a long time. There are two cosignment shops in town. I went looking for a long gown for the donkey ball. We have to dress up as drag queens. There was a couple nice ones but they were a little pricey to fall on the floor with and get stepped on. Possibly dragged across the floor. Thank goodness a friend has one that I can have and bleed on and she won't care. Whew!
It's all about the dress!
My boss is concerned that I'll get hurt. If anything, my arm will break. It needs to be rebroken anyway. A doctor wanted to do it 25 years ago but I told him I'd take care of it. I just didn't say when. When I thought I had succeeded with just a crack about ten years ago (a cow attacked me), she said if I were murdered and they found my bones in a ditch, they could identify me. Where the cow had hit me, the bones had bowed at the old break.
I would only be off a few of days. Some screws, a plate and a couple of pins. More than likely a hospital stay.
Oops. I went off track. Shopping. I hate it. If I have to go, I go, I get it, I get out. Simple plan. I do like to go to garage sales. Not cramped in a store with sales people that follow you around when you don't need help or not a one to find if you do. Not my cup of tea. Some people love to go. Uh, no thanks.
I remember last Wednesday I was a bit of a grump also. A) Could it be the day? B) The snow? C) Mr. Know-It-All? D) Maybe a bit of each? I'll take "D" please.
Tuesday, March 8, 2011
Kickball and stuff.
Tonight is Kickball for Kids. It's a bit better than the t-ball. The K-1 kids are picking up on it and the 2nd-3rd graders just need someone to ref. Of course us big kids will take them on towards the end. We will dominate again. A couple of 20 something year olds and a 50 year old. Maybe a few parents but I won't ask their ages. Let's be polite.
Marcy and Reenie decided we should have adult kickball. Of course it will be hard for Marcy to play since she's in COLORADO! It'll have to be after fair in mid-July after the baseball/softball season and before flag football. We can play on the Shannon school field since there is lights there and since the city pays for them, we might as well use them. The cost will be cheap, I'm sure we'll go through a lot of balls. Adults kick harder than kids.
Sorry to say though, we can't drink there. It is school property. Before or after, not during. This may be something I might even pay the $10 to play. Or do I have to? I should be allowed some perks. We can drag the field just like baseball and line it.
I wonder if they'll want to have a tournament? So do we get medals? I know where I can buy them!
The high school is having a soccer camp here. The instructor remembers that if the ceiling tiles get hit and broke, it's $10 to the kid who kicked the ball. That rule works for an inside practice too. The kids pay it too. Last year some would kick it too hard, up, on purpose. They graduated though. The most we ever made was $80 in one day. Of course there was pieces of tile all over the floor and I have to have the lift to fix them.
I'm beginning to wonder if anyone reads the paper for the news I put in there. Not a single person has called for tickets to the roller derby bout that is benefiting the parks department! I guess I'll go with Clayton and Matt maybe Jim, drink beer, sit in the suicide seats right next to the track and hope I don't get creamed. I'll do about anything for a donation. I fundraised enough for a pretzel warmer selling fruit and getting a donation. I wonder if the other guys have to fundraise for new garbage trucks? I'm thinking not.
I need outfield fence but I don't know if I can raise that much money.
The "I Know-Everything-My-Stuff-Is-Better-Than-Yours" guy was in. Matt took over. He was firing back as much garbage as that guy was. Karson added some too. Chance, Clayton and I just kept about our business. Karson and Chance are from the high school. They do their class down here helping me. I instructed them not to get up from their chairs so he wouldn't sit down. By the way, Mick Jagger is opening a string of taco stands called Mick's Hot Licks (Matt says so and Karson confirmed).
I had tears.
Marcy and Reenie decided we should have adult kickball. Of course it will be hard for Marcy to play since she's in COLORADO! It'll have to be after fair in mid-July after the baseball/softball season and before flag football. We can play on the Shannon school field since there is lights there and since the city pays for them, we might as well use them. The cost will be cheap, I'm sure we'll go through a lot of balls. Adults kick harder than kids.
Sorry to say though, we can't drink there. It is school property. Before or after, not during. This may be something I might even pay the $10 to play. Or do I have to? I should be allowed some perks. We can drag the field just like baseball and line it.
I wonder if they'll want to have a tournament? So do we get medals? I know where I can buy them!
The high school is having a soccer camp here. The instructor remembers that if the ceiling tiles get hit and broke, it's $10 to the kid who kicked the ball. That rule works for an inside practice too. The kids pay it too. Last year some would kick it too hard, up, on purpose. They graduated though. The most we ever made was $80 in one day. Of course there was pieces of tile all over the floor and I have to have the lift to fix them.
I'm beginning to wonder if anyone reads the paper for the news I put in there. Not a single person has called for tickets to the roller derby bout that is benefiting the parks department! I guess I'll go with Clayton and Matt maybe Jim, drink beer, sit in the suicide seats right next to the track and hope I don't get creamed. I'll do about anything for a donation. I fundraised enough for a pretzel warmer selling fruit and getting a donation. I wonder if the other guys have to fundraise for new garbage trucks? I'm thinking not.
I need outfield fence but I don't know if I can raise that much money.
The "I Know-Everything-My-Stuff-Is-Better-Than-Yours" guy was in. Matt took over. He was firing back as much garbage as that guy was. Karson added some too. Chance, Clayton and I just kept about our business. Karson and Chance are from the high school. They do their class down here helping me. I instructed them not to get up from their chairs so he wouldn't sit down. By the way, Mick Jagger is opening a string of taco stands called Mick's Hot Licks (Matt says so and Karson confirmed).
I had tears.
Monday, March 7, 2011
The pool. I hate it.
Not at the beginning of the season but as the summer plays on, I grow to hate the pool.
Right now I'm hoping I have enough lifeguards for the season. If the strays will take their recertification class, I might be okay. Some will have softball, baseball, dance camp, football camp, cheerleading camp and Travel Team Soccer throughout the summer. There's always family vacations too. There's rivers to float, movies to see, friends to visit. That's nice.
But I don't care. If you signed up or I put you down to work, you best be there. If you can't find a replacement, you best be there. If you just decide not to show up, you're gone. I don't have time for that. I have a stack of applications of kids wanting to work concessions/front desk who would be more than happy to take your place.
You think working at the pool will be easy, fun, nothing but water and sun. Better retink it. You have to clean counters, the appliances, clean ketchup spills, take out the garbage, wash dishes, wait on bossy kids and exasperated parents. There's coolers to stock, lost and found to sort, glass doors with full suntan-lotioned body prints to wash, holes to fill in the sand play area. The kids like to dig to China. We have a shovel with your name on it. You'll have people complain about the prices or the fact we just ran out of ice cream sandwiches. You'll complain about the other workers who don't do all the work on the list even though we do have a list to follow. There's floors to scrub, trash to pick up beyond the "No food or drink allowed beyond this point" signs, money to count and you better be able to add and subtract.
Lifeguards have different duties. They have lives in their hands. It is very stressful to sit on the chairs watching constantly. You deserve the raises. The one thing that really annoys me though; when you're sitting on the bench, FACE the pool, you're still watching kids. Yes, even on your 15 minute break. They still run and climb on the top of the frog slide. You can check the messages on your cell phone or call mom to bring you lunch but there are lives at stake here. If you think I'm a bitch, big surprise, I don't care.
They start off strong but then decide it is a job and they really do have to work. You will be asked to sign a "Termination of Employment" form since it's a seasonal job. At the end of the season, you have no job. You must reapply next year. You're not guaranteed a job. You may not know I've been watching you or someone else has. I've seen you work.
Very few have seen me go ape at the pool. I try not to with little kids running (WALK!) around. It's not a pleasant sight. My filter doesn't work when that happens so I hope you've heard all the dicey words. You have to understand the higher ups are watching you too. If you're not doing something correctly, I'm going to hear about it. Then you certainly will hear about it.
Please, like I've said, leave your bracelet making kits, fingernail polish, make up, Cosmopolitians, colors, markers and coloring books at home. Don't bring decks of cards. They will disappear.
I've never watched "Parks and Rec." on television. It can't be as fun as this.
Right now I'm hoping I have enough lifeguards for the season. If the strays will take their recertification class, I might be okay. Some will have softball, baseball, dance camp, football camp, cheerleading camp and Travel Team Soccer throughout the summer. There's always family vacations too. There's rivers to float, movies to see, friends to visit. That's nice.
But I don't care. If you signed up or I put you down to work, you best be there. If you can't find a replacement, you best be there. If you just decide not to show up, you're gone. I don't have time for that. I have a stack of applications of kids wanting to work concessions/front desk who would be more than happy to take your place.
You think working at the pool will be easy, fun, nothing but water and sun. Better retink it. You have to clean counters, the appliances, clean ketchup spills, take out the garbage, wash dishes, wait on bossy kids and exasperated parents. There's coolers to stock, lost and found to sort, glass doors with full suntan-lotioned body prints to wash, holes to fill in the sand play area. The kids like to dig to China. We have a shovel with your name on it. You'll have people complain about the prices or the fact we just ran out of ice cream sandwiches. You'll complain about the other workers who don't do all the work on the list even though we do have a list to follow. There's floors to scrub, trash to pick up beyond the "No food or drink allowed beyond this point" signs, money to count and you better be able to add and subtract.
Lifeguards have different duties. They have lives in their hands. It is very stressful to sit on the chairs watching constantly. You deserve the raises. The one thing that really annoys me though; when you're sitting on the bench, FACE the pool, you're still watching kids. Yes, even on your 15 minute break. They still run and climb on the top of the frog slide. You can check the messages on your cell phone or call mom to bring you lunch but there are lives at stake here. If you think I'm a bitch, big surprise, I don't care.
They start off strong but then decide it is a job and they really do have to work. You will be asked to sign a "Termination of Employment" form since it's a seasonal job. At the end of the season, you have no job. You must reapply next year. You're not guaranteed a job. You may not know I've been watching you or someone else has. I've seen you work.
Very few have seen me go ape at the pool. I try not to with little kids running (WALK!) around. It's not a pleasant sight. My filter doesn't work when that happens so I hope you've heard all the dicey words. You have to understand the higher ups are watching you too. If you're not doing something correctly, I'm going to hear about it. Then you certainly will hear about it.
Please, like I've said, leave your bracelet making kits, fingernail polish, make up, Cosmopolitians, colors, markers and coloring books at home. Don't bring decks of cards. They will disappear.
I've never watched "Parks and Rec." on television. It can't be as fun as this.
Friday, March 4, 2011
It's Friday.
And it really doesn't matter. I don't think I have any plans now that I don't have to work Sunday at the baseball clinic. It doesn't bother me if I don't do anything. I'm good doing the puzzles in the paper. Maybe watching some televison between loads of laundry. Have to do my chores, ya know.
I'm easily entertained. Just ask my mom.
Living in Iowa is a lot different that living in Missouri. The winters are brutal. They suck. They stink. I hate the cold and the snow. They did get their share this year down south but they are few and far between. From what I remember anyway. I am getting old so maybe I don't recall as well.
I do miss my family. My folks, sister and both brothers are in Missouri, not that far from each other. I do have friends up here though. There's one family down the road that I really like. I worked with the dad before at a different job and really didn't like him. I won't go into the particulars on that. My first impressions were way off, mainly because of one of his friends. He does know this and he repeats it. I was wrong and admitted to it.
I came to know them better because of his kids playing baseball, flag football and basketball through the parks department. The kids are riots. The mother is great and dad, a good beer drinking buddy. I met his brother, another beer buddy. I know other members of the family. They all make me laugh. I have been invited to the July 4th and New Year's Eve parties and they all make me feel welcome. I'm the female version of "Uncle Buck" to the kids. I said so.
I showed them how to make dry ice bombs. They are loud. The bombs, not the kids.
The kids and I have a "date" day over Christmas break. They spend the day with me at work and we go to the pizza place and spend the gift card they gave me for Christmas. We play HORSE. I usually lose. Not on purpose either. I just really stink at basketball. We'll play other games too. They also work if I ask them to do something. They don't mind. I'm sure the two 7th graders will bow out shortly but I think the younger one will stick around a bit.
Had a little homemade bow, used pencils to shoot across the room at a Kleenex box. Fun stuff.
Last year for the big 5-0, my daughter had a surprise party for me at a friend's house. My daughter, friends, my pretend family (just the adults) were there along with my real brothers. It was the best ever! They had a bet whether or not I would cry. I did. You lose. Didn't realize how much I miss everyone until I saw them.
I do have my daughter, my Fbook buddies and pretend family close. And my pretend brothers don't hit me either.
I'm easily entertained. Just ask my mom.
Living in Iowa is a lot different that living in Missouri. The winters are brutal. They suck. They stink. I hate the cold and the snow. They did get their share this year down south but they are few and far between. From what I remember anyway. I am getting old so maybe I don't recall as well.
I do miss my family. My folks, sister and both brothers are in Missouri, not that far from each other. I do have friends up here though. There's one family down the road that I really like. I worked with the dad before at a different job and really didn't like him. I won't go into the particulars on that. My first impressions were way off, mainly because of one of his friends. He does know this and he repeats it. I was wrong and admitted to it.
I came to know them better because of his kids playing baseball, flag football and basketball through the parks department. The kids are riots. The mother is great and dad, a good beer drinking buddy. I met his brother, another beer buddy. I know other members of the family. They all make me laugh. I have been invited to the July 4th and New Year's Eve parties and they all make me feel welcome. I'm the female version of "Uncle Buck" to the kids. I said so.
I showed them how to make dry ice bombs. They are loud. The bombs, not the kids.
The kids and I have a "date" day over Christmas break. They spend the day with me at work and we go to the pizza place and spend the gift card they gave me for Christmas. We play HORSE. I usually lose. Not on purpose either. I just really stink at basketball. We'll play other games too. They also work if I ask them to do something. They don't mind. I'm sure the two 7th graders will bow out shortly but I think the younger one will stick around a bit.
Had a little homemade bow, used pencils to shoot across the room at a Kleenex box. Fun stuff.
Last year for the big 5-0, my daughter had a surprise party for me at a friend's house. My daughter, friends, my pretend family (just the adults) were there along with my real brothers. It was the best ever! They had a bet whether or not I would cry. I did. You lose. Didn't realize how much I miss everyone until I saw them.
I do have my daughter, my Fbook buddies and pretend family close. And my pretend brothers don't hit me either.
Thursday, March 3, 2011
And they wonder why I drink.
I crawl out of bed in the morning at whatever time. It doesn't matter. I try to keep it between 5-6 even though I may have been awake to watch "Spliced" on qubo at 3:00. It's a weird cartoon but it cracks me up. I have my first of many cups of coffee, sit outside in the car port and have a smoke thinking about what it is I plan on doing today. It seemed to be a good day to work on spreadsheets. Why not?
I sat at the end of the drive, waiting while the truck warmed up a bit. I was waiting for a "neighbor" a couple of miles away. She went flying past. I speed too but I'll let her take the ticket, which she has.
I was here about 7:15 and grabbed the soccer forms for 2nd-4th grade, Defenders division. I entered the name, phone, grade, cost and check number/cash for each one. I look at each sheet to see if anyone signed up to coach. Three parents out of 82 kids. I'm hoping high school students will want service hours. I'm hoping for six more kids to sign up or we'll do seven teams with 11 or 12 to a team. We play with ten.
A few interruptions later...some are butt chewings for the parking situation but not too bad. It is a public lot.
I checked my emails. Apparently the floor is still slippery from the car show. All the polish overspray gets on the floor and the derby ladies have trouble staying upright. The floor was scrubbed once and could have been again any time Tuesday or Wednesday but they didn't say anything until today. Matt likes doing it and he's working his other job today. I guess I'll have to be the one. I still have two more spreadsheets to do and coaches to find.
Had a bit of yelling in the lobby. Can't say what it was about but I called his supervisor to report it. Now I have to write up a report. Not even about me, I wasn't involved but now I am. Better let the boss know.
Another spreadsheet and that report is done. Time for my break. Clayton is here!
I went to start the floor scrubber but it wasn't plugged in right so there wasn't a charge. I guess I'll wait.
I had a parent ask me about flag football. I knew where it was going so I told him since soccer has been moved to spring, then baseball/softball, swim team, flag football and the last, boy's basketball. Flag football will be moved up so they can have more games. Soccer pinched it one way and boy's basketball the other. We took to playing doubleheaders. Basketball needs to be done the week of Thanksgiving because with Christmas, school programs and concerts, it doesn't do any good to do anything in December. He was concerned there isn't anything for his kids to do until T-ball for Tots (Feb.) or Kickball for Kids (March).
In January and February we have basketball for girls. They get to play too, get real!
While we might run all sorts of programs here, is it my job to entertain kids year around? We go from one activity to another. Don't forget in July the county fair is here. They take up two weeks. One for the fair and the other I'm searching barns looking for stuff they used and cleaning what they missed. There will be tournaments too.
Is there anything wrong with parents spending time with their kids? Maybe they could read or color or practice catching, throwing and hitting, how to dribble a basketball, throw a football, playing cards, cooking, board games, or watching PBS! So you have a little down time. Make the best of it.
There is one family that comes to the pool. The boys crack us all up by doing jumps from the diving boards as Superman, Spiderman and any other character they can think of. Mom and dad throw a soft cloth ball when they're going off the board and the boys try to catch it before they hit the water. They spend time with their kids and play with them at the pool, the lifguards love them. Most just dump them off for us to watch for the duration of the day until supper.
I scrubbed the better part of the floor. I'm letting Clayton take over. I'm sweating. What a workout. I could pull the "age" card and say you're 26, I'm 50 but I like doing it because it is a workout. In the winter we don't have too much physical labor going on here except shoveling snow. I use my brain mostly and then some people will debate that.
The supervisor came and picked up my report. I still have one more spreadsheet to do for the Lil Kickers K-1. I lost my 7th grade prep baseball coach. The floor is scrubbed anyway. At least there won't be anyone wanting to play on the clean floor since the school, and I do believe all the students because it's their cars in the parking lot, went to the state basketball game to cheer on the Monticello Panthers Girls Basketball team. I gained another soccer player. Five more to go. Even though the deadline was last Friday...
Finished the last spreadsheet! Had two phone calls and a couple visitors. Two more soccer forms but they are for the youngest group. Clayton and I had a discussion. One more for the group I needed! She apologized for being late. I'll let her off the hook...this time.
If there had been no interruptions, I could have had those spreadsheets done before noon. Of course, checking my Facebook page to throw out someting silly in response to something silly, took a little time. Not much though.
And I haven't played a single game of SNOOD yet but I think it's time.
I sat at the end of the drive, waiting while the truck warmed up a bit. I was waiting for a "neighbor" a couple of miles away. She went flying past. I speed too but I'll let her take the ticket, which she has.
I was here about 7:15 and grabbed the soccer forms for 2nd-4th grade, Defenders division. I entered the name, phone, grade, cost and check number/cash for each one. I look at each sheet to see if anyone signed up to coach. Three parents out of 82 kids. I'm hoping high school students will want service hours. I'm hoping for six more kids to sign up or we'll do seven teams with 11 or 12 to a team. We play with ten.
A few interruptions later...some are butt chewings for the parking situation but not too bad. It is a public lot.
I checked my emails. Apparently the floor is still slippery from the car show. All the polish overspray gets on the floor and the derby ladies have trouble staying upright. The floor was scrubbed once and could have been again any time Tuesday or Wednesday but they didn't say anything until today. Matt likes doing it and he's working his other job today. I guess I'll have to be the one. I still have two more spreadsheets to do and coaches to find.
Had a bit of yelling in the lobby. Can't say what it was about but I called his supervisor to report it. Now I have to write up a report. Not even about me, I wasn't involved but now I am. Better let the boss know.
Another spreadsheet and that report is done. Time for my break. Clayton is here!
I went to start the floor scrubber but it wasn't plugged in right so there wasn't a charge. I guess I'll wait.
I had a parent ask me about flag football. I knew where it was going so I told him since soccer has been moved to spring, then baseball/softball, swim team, flag football and the last, boy's basketball. Flag football will be moved up so they can have more games. Soccer pinched it one way and boy's basketball the other. We took to playing doubleheaders. Basketball needs to be done the week of Thanksgiving because with Christmas, school programs and concerts, it doesn't do any good to do anything in December. He was concerned there isn't anything for his kids to do until T-ball for Tots (Feb.) or Kickball for Kids (March).
In January and February we have basketball for girls. They get to play too, get real!
While we might run all sorts of programs here, is it my job to entertain kids year around? We go from one activity to another. Don't forget in July the county fair is here. They take up two weeks. One for the fair and the other I'm searching barns looking for stuff they used and cleaning what they missed. There will be tournaments too.
Is there anything wrong with parents spending time with their kids? Maybe they could read or color or practice catching, throwing and hitting, how to dribble a basketball, throw a football, playing cards, cooking, board games, or watching PBS! So you have a little down time. Make the best of it.
There is one family that comes to the pool. The boys crack us all up by doing jumps from the diving boards as Superman, Spiderman and any other character they can think of. Mom and dad throw a soft cloth ball when they're going off the board and the boys try to catch it before they hit the water. They spend time with their kids and play with them at the pool, the lifguards love them. Most just dump them off for us to watch for the duration of the day until supper.
I scrubbed the better part of the floor. I'm letting Clayton take over. I'm sweating. What a workout. I could pull the "age" card and say you're 26, I'm 50 but I like doing it because it is a workout. In the winter we don't have too much physical labor going on here except shoveling snow. I use my brain mostly and then some people will debate that.
The supervisor came and picked up my report. I still have one more spreadsheet to do for the Lil Kickers K-1. I lost my 7th grade prep baseball coach. The floor is scrubbed anyway. At least there won't be anyone wanting to play on the clean floor since the school, and I do believe all the students because it's their cars in the parking lot, went to the state basketball game to cheer on the Monticello Panthers Girls Basketball team. I gained another soccer player. Five more to go. Even though the deadline was last Friday...
Finished the last spreadsheet! Had two phone calls and a couple visitors. Two more soccer forms but they are for the youngest group. Clayton and I had a discussion. One more for the group I needed! She apologized for being late. I'll let her off the hook...this time.
If there had been no interruptions, I could have had those spreadsheets done before noon. Of course, checking my Facebook page to throw out someting silly in response to something silly, took a little time. Not much though.
And I haven't played a single game of SNOOD yet but I think it's time.
Wednesday, March 2, 2011
You realize of course, this means war.
I'm a little angry today. The day started off fine. I even giggled about the kid being knocked off his feet from kickball last night. It hit him pretty good but he continued to play. I emailed his mama to make sure he was okay this morning.
I tried to do something for the kids that a parent (a good coach) suggested after last ball season. It was a great idea. I kept it in the back of my mind until the time was right, mainly after basketball season. Time to work on it! I thought it would be an easy task and it should have been but it turned into a big pile of bullshit. Things didn't work out as planned so I changed up. Feelings were hurt and guess what?! I apologized for hurting feelings, it had nothing to do with them personally. It was what was good for the kids, costs for parents and I was doing my job.
My little low-cost $10.00 event was overshadowed, undercut by something even cheaper...free. You just did to me what you claimed I did to you and you weren't even planning one until I was. Yours was on the spur of the moment and mine had been planned since last summer. Well, guess what? I cancelled mine because we didn't have the numbers and sent those kids to yours. I am mailing back their checks. It's too bad that this was two separate events, you are doing one thing while I was covering totally different, important issues. I tried to work with you and now I'm done.
I guess I'll have a Sunday off now.
That's one.
Here's two.
There's this fellow who comes down here to walk. Actually what he does is talk and 100% is crap unless he says it's a nice day and it would happen to be. Hit and miss kind of thing. He'll sit in the office and spew all this garbage. His is better regardless of what "it" happens to be, tells the kids what they should go to college for to make the big bucks, his rich brother, his kid on the Olympic team or grandson on the U.S. National Soccer Team, or that he can press 600 easy. Ya know, I don't really care. I think the reason I get angry is I honestly believe HE believes I'm buying it. I don't think so. I'm too polite to call you out on your crap. There is someone in this office who will though and I love it when he does. M. tops the already humongous pile with his own "stories". Back at ya! It may get deeper in here but it's worth it. I'll wear my boots.
Aaaannndd three.
When we went out to the gym last night to play kickball, I left a few things on the desk that were of no importance to anyone but me. Or so I thought. The car show is over, I have taken back my office! There's papers, pencils, pens, mail, etc. In the mix, my orange lighter and a letter opener thingy. Not the switch blade looking kind. This one had a magnet on the back so I could stick it on the file cabinet and always have it handy.
After kickball, two hours later, I decided I'd go outside. I didn't see my lighter anywhere. Not under the soccer papers, not on the floor, not in my pockets, not in a house, not with a mouse. I have a spare.
This morning I did a more thorough search of the office. Thinking, since M. left early, he borrowed it. No biggie.
I went to open a stack of envelopes and my letter opener wasn't stuck on the file cabinet. Again looking under the stacks of soccer forms, on the floor, on the three desks and in numerous drawers, I can't find it. I also have a spare but it doesn't have a magnet.
M. did not have my lighter. C. did not have my lighter. They have no use for the opener. I did have a community service kid in here helping as part of his punishment. Entertaining little kids can be almost cruel. Maybe he'll think again.
Maybe I misplaced them. I'm not accusing anyone. It's minor and maybe they'll show up but it's aggravating.
Unless it was one of the kindergarteners.....
They can be sneaky.
I tried to do something for the kids that a parent (a good coach) suggested after last ball season. It was a great idea. I kept it in the back of my mind until the time was right, mainly after basketball season. Time to work on it! I thought it would be an easy task and it should have been but it turned into a big pile of bullshit. Things didn't work out as planned so I changed up. Feelings were hurt and guess what?! I apologized for hurting feelings, it had nothing to do with them personally. It was what was good for the kids, costs for parents and I was doing my job.
My little low-cost $10.00 event was overshadowed, undercut by something even cheaper...free. You just did to me what you claimed I did to you and you weren't even planning one until I was. Yours was on the spur of the moment and mine had been planned since last summer. Well, guess what? I cancelled mine because we didn't have the numbers and sent those kids to yours. I am mailing back their checks. It's too bad that this was two separate events, you are doing one thing while I was covering totally different, important issues. I tried to work with you and now I'm done.
I guess I'll have a Sunday off now.
That's one.
Here's two.
There's this fellow who comes down here to walk. Actually what he does is talk and 100% is crap unless he says it's a nice day and it would happen to be. Hit and miss kind of thing. He'll sit in the office and spew all this garbage. His is better regardless of what "it" happens to be, tells the kids what they should go to college for to make the big bucks, his rich brother, his kid on the Olympic team or grandson on the U.S. National Soccer Team, or that he can press 600 easy. Ya know, I don't really care. I think the reason I get angry is I honestly believe HE believes I'm buying it. I don't think so. I'm too polite to call you out on your crap. There is someone in this office who will though and I love it when he does. M. tops the already humongous pile with his own "stories". Back at ya! It may get deeper in here but it's worth it. I'll wear my boots.
Aaaannndd three.
When we went out to the gym last night to play kickball, I left a few things on the desk that were of no importance to anyone but me. Or so I thought. The car show is over, I have taken back my office! There's papers, pencils, pens, mail, etc. In the mix, my orange lighter and a letter opener thingy. Not the switch blade looking kind. This one had a magnet on the back so I could stick it on the file cabinet and always have it handy.
After kickball, two hours later, I decided I'd go outside. I didn't see my lighter anywhere. Not under the soccer papers, not on the floor, not in my pockets, not in a house, not with a mouse. I have a spare.
This morning I did a more thorough search of the office. Thinking, since M. left early, he borrowed it. No biggie.
I went to open a stack of envelopes and my letter opener wasn't stuck on the file cabinet. Again looking under the stacks of soccer forms, on the floor, on the three desks and in numerous drawers, I can't find it. I also have a spare but it doesn't have a magnet.
M. did not have my lighter. C. did not have my lighter. They have no use for the opener. I did have a community service kid in here helping as part of his punishment. Entertaining little kids can be almost cruel. Maybe he'll think again.
Maybe I misplaced them. I'm not accusing anyone. It's minor and maybe they'll show up but it's aggravating.
Unless it was one of the kindergarteners.....
They can be sneaky.
Tuesday, March 1, 2011
I made a mistake.
I double booked the gym. Usually the first Tuesday of the month is reserved for Community Health. Sometimes I don't write it down because I know it, I put it on my monthly calendar for the paper. I also told the middle school they could come here for their reading party as usual.
I was on the phone when the kids came in yelling and screaming. I realized what was going on (oh, shit!) and told them to get out of the gym. More and more kids came in, a few teachers, I'm still on the phone, kids are yelling, I'm apologizing to the teachers, the kids are yelling, I'm trying to think of where to send them (that didn't pan out), I'm still on the phone, I yelled at the kids to be quiet that I was on the damn phone!, apologized to the fellow on the phone (who was chuckling), Matt was chuckling also, the bus came back for the kids to go back to the school gym. They're going to watch a movie. They come in here yelling and carrying on but I bet they don't do that at school. This is still a place of business. I probably shouldn't have said damn but most of these kids know me and might have even heard me say worse.
The last night of T-ball for Tots, I called a boy a little stinker as I tickled his tummy and another one repeated it. I apologized to both of the kids' parents. It was not out of anger (this time). The parents weren't upset.
I called a kid a little jackass once. That one was out of anger but I wasn't at work. Not this work anyway. I was helping a friend sod a yard and when we finished, went back out to his brother's farm where across the road was this friend's property. We were putting tools away and going to lunch afterwards. His nephews and one of their friends snuck through the culvert under the highway and starting shooting me with Nerf darts. It was a surprise attack!
I turned my back to them and was laughing. I told them not to shoot me in the face as I had one hit me in the eye accidently. That stung just a little. The friend of the boys walked up and point blank range shot me in the temple. Okay. That hurt. You wouldn't think a Nerf dart would but at that distance, it does.
I whipped around and said, "Listen you little jackass, you shoot me again with that and I'll shove it up your butt!" I know I said it with clenched teeth. Three of the four boys knew I meant business. The fourth, the shooter, repeated what I said, mainly the jackass part and where the gun was going to be. And he'd laugh. I said I shouldn't have said that, I'm sorry. He kept repeating it. I told all the boys to help unload the pickup, which they did, trying to get the one off track. He was enjoying saying "jackass".
Later when I went home, I called the boys' houses. The mother of the three asked me if they listened to what I said about not shooting me. I said yes and she said they had better. I called the other and dad said I should've smacked him. Now I have leverage. I let him know his dad said I could smack him if he misbehaves. I probably wouldn't but he doesn't know that. I've been using that threat for three years. He's in 7th grade now.
Even though I apologized for what I said, they have heard worse (that's what the parents said) and they seemed more concerned if the boys had listened to me. I like that.
Every now and again the one will say, "Remember when you called me a jackass?" I let him know he still is!
I was on the phone when the kids came in yelling and screaming. I realized what was going on (oh, shit!) and told them to get out of the gym. More and more kids came in, a few teachers, I'm still on the phone, kids are yelling, I'm apologizing to the teachers, the kids are yelling, I'm trying to think of where to send them (that didn't pan out), I'm still on the phone, I yelled at the kids to be quiet that I was on the damn phone!, apologized to the fellow on the phone (who was chuckling), Matt was chuckling also, the bus came back for the kids to go back to the school gym. They're going to watch a movie. They come in here yelling and carrying on but I bet they don't do that at school. This is still a place of business. I probably shouldn't have said damn but most of these kids know me and might have even heard me say worse.
The last night of T-ball for Tots, I called a boy a little stinker as I tickled his tummy and another one repeated it. I apologized to both of the kids' parents. It was not out of anger (this time). The parents weren't upset.
I called a kid a little jackass once. That one was out of anger but I wasn't at work. Not this work anyway. I was helping a friend sod a yard and when we finished, went back out to his brother's farm where across the road was this friend's property. We were putting tools away and going to lunch afterwards. His nephews and one of their friends snuck through the culvert under the highway and starting shooting me with Nerf darts. It was a surprise attack!
I turned my back to them and was laughing. I told them not to shoot me in the face as I had one hit me in the eye accidently. That stung just a little. The friend of the boys walked up and point blank range shot me in the temple. Okay. That hurt. You wouldn't think a Nerf dart would but at that distance, it does.
I whipped around and said, "Listen you little jackass, you shoot me again with that and I'll shove it up your butt!" I know I said it with clenched teeth. Three of the four boys knew I meant business. The fourth, the shooter, repeated what I said, mainly the jackass part and where the gun was going to be. And he'd laugh. I said I shouldn't have said that, I'm sorry. He kept repeating it. I told all the boys to help unload the pickup, which they did, trying to get the one off track. He was enjoying saying "jackass".
Later when I went home, I called the boys' houses. The mother of the three asked me if they listened to what I said about not shooting me. I said yes and she said they had better. I called the other and dad said I should've smacked him. Now I have leverage. I let him know his dad said I could smack him if he misbehaves. I probably wouldn't but he doesn't know that. I've been using that threat for three years. He's in 7th grade now.
Even though I apologized for what I said, they have heard worse (that's what the parents said) and they seemed more concerned if the boys had listened to me. I like that.
Every now and again the one will say, "Remember when you called me a jackass?" I let him know he still is!
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