Angie's List? Should I?

It was difficult to sleep last night.  I've been worrying about our pool getting done and the huge mess caused by all the rain these past 3 days and seething over an electric company who could give less than two shakes of a rat's tail over a job for which we consulted. 

Several weeks ago while we were still in the planning phases I contacted a few electrical companies inquiring about the service I would need in order to get our new pool up and running.  At least two companies told me that they deal with much larger projects.  At first I was slightly miffed, but I did understand, and I appreciated the honesty.

I was afraid I wouldn't be able to explain accurately what we needed so I wrote it down and repeated it to everyone I spoke with.  I said, and I quote:  "I need electrical hooked up at the house and run from the house to the box, and from the box to the motors."  The pool company was supplying the box.  So, two companies were able to come out and for both my husband was home, thankfully, because I don't know diddly squat about electrical hook-ups, how it's run, etc.  Both fellas took a look at our breaker box, walked around the house, inspected stuff outside, etc.  They did the same things, they were given the same 'tour', and were told the same explanation of the work that was needed.

First quote, (from the guy who came last) was for $795.00.  His quote was written out itemizing the work required.  The first fellow who came - well, I had to call him and ask if he was going to send us a quote.  He replied he'd get it to me that very evening.  He did.  It was a two-liner: 

"$500.00 to wire pool in customer supplied trench and customer supplied grounding.
Add $500.00 for Current Electrical Services to trench wiring."

 

Okay.  I should've called him or emailed him back and verified this is the cost for doing this, this, and this, right?  Right??  But, I didn't. 

 

So, I called a week in advance to set up the appointment for the less expensive company to come out and do the job agreed to.  It has been nerve wracking coordinating pool installation with electrical, natural gas hook-up, and the inspector. 

 

It had been pouring on the pool guys since day one.  Mud has been filling back in the trench we dug for the electrical, and the pool guys wanted to go home and come back when dry - but, I had the electrical guy and inspector scheduled as progress on the pool dictated.  When you have someone 'scheduled' you can't just re-schedule at your convenience. 

 

So, the pool guys continued working and the electrical company sent their very friendly minion, their employee, to do the job.  It was evident he didn't expect the amount of work he needed to do.  At one point when looking at my breaker he said he didn't have the materials on hand to do what he needed to do with the breaker.  And - I knew.  I knew this wasn't going to end well.  He later came to the door and explained that this wasn't the job the business owner sent the quote for.  I was told I'd get another quote - which I hadn't, and that even if they could come back out - it wouldn't be this week at all. 

 

So, just how are the pool guys going to finish their job?  I know they have other jobs lined up.  It's still raining.  Concrete companies are backed up, too.   But, even if we get one lined up for next week - they can't do what they need to do until the electrical and gas is done.  Gas comes after the electrical as well. 

 

Sky had me call the electrical company that screwed us yesterday before 5pm to ask if they had another quote for me.  I couldn't leave a message on the man's cell because it was full, apparently.  So, I called the office and had to leave a message - it was 4:26 pm because I stated the time in the message I left.  Sky told me to be friendly but I wanted to be furious! 

 

I wish I could have trusted them to do the job they said they were going to do, when they said they'd do it, and for the price they quoted me.  Now, I'm all screwed up!

 

We are supposed to go camping this weekend with a large group of friends.  I'm excited about it but how can I leave this mess?  How can I leave this pool unfinished?  But, then I ask myself, why can't I just go - and forget it for the weekend?  I must look for the silver lining - that it's still too cold to be in the pool.  Then, again, it's supposed to be in the mid-70's next week.  Not too cool at all. 

 

Is there no silver lining?

 

I decided to leave a comment about this electrical company that has screwed me on Angie's List.  I didn't realize you have to pay for Angie's List.  So, I'm wondering, is it worth it?  $17 for 1-year - just to leave negative feed back.  I'm thinking it would be worth it.  I've given the company until 9am to call me back.  If they don't I'll contact the other electrical company and hope they can get to me in a relatively timely manner. 

 

Maybe I'll get in my pool in June???  I don't know.  What I do know is that this sucks, and I'm on end.  It's the first day of summer vacation for my kids and I'm already on edge. 

PUPPIES!

One of these pretty little babies will be ours!! 

Wow! I need a break.

     I feel completely overwhelmed.

     Justin and Tyler are both playing tennis. But since one is at the high school  and one is at the middle school, they are never in the same place.(I shouldn't complain, tennis season isn't very long.) Add to the mix Joshua whose baseball season just started and a husband who works a rotating schedule and you have a real mess!

      Today, Tyler did not have practice (thank heavens). But Justin had a game (not a home game) and when he called to have me pick him up he asked why I didn't come watch him play. Thanks, son, feeling lousy here - but I had a dilemma that needed my attention. I wound up telling him he'd have to wait until I left for Joshua's ball game to be picked up. I had him waiting on the side of the road as I pulled up so he could hop in quick, like a hitch-hiker. Feeling lousy yet some more! Unfortunately, I couldn't take him home after a very long and tiring day until the ball game was over. We didn't make it home before 9 pm.

     My dilemma earlier today? Well, in the past weeks Tyler has been on a downward spiral and picking up speed. Previously, I've been working with Tyler trying to re-work tests, complete missing assignments, and work on some projects. And I finally broke when, after trying for 4 hours on Mothers Day to figure out how cellular respiration works, I had a hissy fit because I, myself, couldn't understand it. I emailed the teacher that I cannot help my kid if I can't understand the material. Perhaps we need to devise a plan to help Tyler before the final weeks of school conclude. So today I met with all the teachers and ultimately - Tyler needs to up his meds. It was very clear that our attempt to wean him from the Adderall was in vain.  But, make no mistake - I know Tyler's problem isn't solely medication-related.  No, he's got a lazy streak and has developed some manipulative behaviors.  I definitely have my hands full with him.  None-the-less, we have to complete assignments and bring up our grade. Wait. His grade. Not mine. Although, I should be graded - if only for my efforts. I've been a good mom.

     But, all this running around and not being able to divide my time and energy equally among my kids (and them letting me know it) has left me feeling a little detached.

     Pathetic as it may sound I am looking forward to Friday. Why? Well, here's the pathetic part. I have chosen this day to go to the elementary school to clean out the PTO closet. LOL! Crazy, huh? Well, the way I see it I will be in the closet - alone - and with my mind focused on organizing. A specific task not related to my kids, home, friends or family. No one to tell me how to do it and no watching of the clock. No deadlines and no one to critique my work. No one to complain (and should they - I won't care).  I can't quite describe, the way I want to, why such a menial, yet tedious task, should be something I look forward to.  (My kids tell me I'm weird.  Then, again - so do most of my friends!)  :) It will be an odd - but very welcome break from the last few weeks I've had!

My Front Porch

     I was fortunate enough to find a ton of pallets for free - and a cable wheel. But I had no idea what to do with them. I love many of the ideas I've found on Pinterest but my husband wouldn't let me hang any (too heavy), the bike rack I attempted to copy - just didn't work, and the other projects required more pallets, and in nicer condition than the ones I had (not all pallets are created equal). So, after having them sit for months on my front porch I decided I'd just get 'S' hooks and hang some tins of herbs (though I've yet to get those herbs!). Recently I was walking in Shopko and a light bulb went off! And this is the result:

     I used self stick pictures you usually see on interior walls. I think it turned out great. I may have to use some sealer to prevent it from unsticking but so far I've not encountered a problem with it peeling off.  For the tree on the little pallet I used some really sharp scissors to cut the parts between the slats of wood.  I like the effect a lot. 

     I found a really pretty strand of garland to put on the windowsill, & a clock and candles for the table. And, knowing I needed to dress my porch up some more I immediately thought of - burlap.  So I bought some utility burlap (the kind used for wrapping trees) and made a table cloth. I cut the shape, frayed two sides, knotted the loose fringe 3 strands at a time to prevent further, unwanted fraying. Then, using my Cricut I cut out an image I liked, sprayed it with Craft Bond, placed it on the material (as a template) and painted. It turned out really cute!

     Then, I chose to make a very simple tabbed valance. I don't sew so fabric glue is one of my best friends.  I simply took the remainder of burlap and cut it into a rectangle, and folded it in two.  I applied a seam of fabric glue about 4 inches down from the fold (so you have to kind of unfold it - apply the glue and fold it back down).   Then, I made a template for cutting the tabs (so they'd all be equal in size and shape).  I put the same image on the valance as I used on the table cloth, only smaller, and tied the tabs with a complimentary colored ribbon. I used a tension rod to hang the valance.  It's not perfect - a little uneven.  But, it's burlap.  I like the natural look of it and for that reason - I never intended it to be perfect.

     The pillows in the chair are a nice touch, too. I would still like to add my herbs and a nice rug. But for now - this is my front porch. And I love it!  Imagine it on a sunny day - I was too eager to wait for a sunny day to take the pic's below.  I have a red door and the house is a blue/gray, trimmed in white.  Can't wait for the garden to come to life - it'll look even lovelier then.  :)

It Genuinely Irks me . . .

. . . that my husbands alarm can go off at 3:30 am and I don't hear it. 

So, what's the problem??

What I DO hear - is when he opens the bathroom door as if everyone is now awake.  The light streaming out, the sound of the door knob turning, the woosh of the door being tossed back. . . Then, as the light (AND fan) are still on, I hear drawers slamming as he pulls out his undergarments then plops on the bed to put his socks on, and bounces back up again.  He flicks on the light to the closet (which is right in front of my face) to yank his shirt and pants off their hangers, gets dressed in the closet with the light on and door wide open.  He stomps around to turn off the bathroom lights before turning off the closet light - which he does after he ever so sweetly kisses me good-bye.  Hmpf.

When MY alarm goes off an hour later - I'm thoroughly irritated, and irked.

Now, when HE is sleeping during the day (if he's on mids) and I have to take a shower - I hold my breath, turn the door knob at a rate so slow I'm going blue, tip toe in, and close the door in the same fashion I opened it.  I halt!  I watch to see if he has stirred.  If not, I attempt to control my breathing and lightly tip toe my way to the closet and gather all necessary clothing before tip toeing my way to the bathroom.  I turn the water on slowly, don't use the fan, close the curtain quietly, etc. 

Do I NOT deserve the same consideration???  I would love to hear that my man is no different than any other - it would make me feel so much better.

I see a mid-morning nap in my future!

Overweight Woman Pole Dancing - really pretty!

She's not fat by any means.  But, she does appear to be a plus-size woman.  Plus, I like the music and the dance is beautifully done.  I'd love to be her size.  Very pretty!

This second video here is her journey.  I don't know anything about this lady - but I like what she's doing.  And, these are probably old videos.  I came across the top one on a friends Facebook page from several months ago and looked the vid up on YouTube.  I would love to pole dance because I think it's pretty.  I could see my self doing it (though, I couldn't see anyone watching me doing it - LOL!)  Kudos to this lady!

Cleaning Window Screens

     So I looked online for 'how to clean window screens' and though I didn't look hard I kept coming across sites with long supply lists and multiple-step procedures.  I decided I could condense the supplies & procedure and after I got started I thought others might like to know how I cleaned my window screens.

     I cleaned off my island and laid down a towel. I poured 1/2 cup of ammonia in a small bowl with 1 and 1/2 cups of warm water. I laid my screen on the towel and began gently scrubbing the frame and screen with a toothbrush using the ammonia mix.   At this point the screen was laying down.

     Then, I'd stand the screen up and gently get the other side the same way but not as well as the first side. It just wasn't necessary. I then got a wash rag and wet it with water from the faucet and did not ring it out well. I gently wiped the frame and screen on each side.

 

     Finally, I used the blow dryer to dry the screen. This is important as the water that stays there can attract dust and dirt. Plus, though its April, we still have snow on the ground and its cold so it could freeze - and wouldn't look very nice.

 

     I held up two screens to see the difference. My fridge is acting as a backdrop. I didn't plan on doing this today. But often, my inspiration for cleaning is rearranging furniture or digging into some deep cleaning. So the rest of my house is a wreck and I didn't want to get too much of the 'mess' in my pictures.

Here are some before and after pics.

Don't forget to clean the windows, front and back, top and bottom.  It took me a while but I finally figured that the top window folds out the same way as the bottom window.  Use a vacuum to suck up dead lady bugs (which I think are actually Japanese Beetles that bite) and wasps.  Once the debris is out you may want to use the same ammonia mixture to clean the window where the dead bugs were - dirt, etc.  I found a lot of mold on my windows - apparently, we need new ones because they aren't sealing well in winter.  That will come later.  You can take your storm windows out to clean them front and back, too.  It makes a huge difference having windows out of which you can see clearly.  :)

I Propose a 4 Day School Week!

     So, our school district referendum didn't pass - for the 2nd time.  I'm realy disappointed by that but a writer for the Our Kids, Our Future page (a Pulaski page on Facebook) eloquently stated that our school district is a large, rural district covering 4 counties and numerous cities/villages.  Though Pulaski is a very successful school district and the pride runs deep - it's hard for those without kids in the district, especially in those most rural towns, to feel connected.  I'm frustrated, I can partially understand - but mostly I don't. 

 

     At any rate, due to extreme lack of funding we are facing, as a worst-case scenario, losing up to 35 teachers in our district, one of our elementary schools being abandoned and those kids bleeding into the most crowded elementary school in our district, because it's the closest to the school that would close.  It's also a consideration that one elementary school will become a k-2 and another a 3-5, resulting in families divided by two schools - and one very disastrous highway. 

 

     At the Board of Education meeting I was very frustrated that so many people offered reasons why NOT to proceed with options presented by our Superintendent.  Two people did come up with ideas, though.  One was to look into split grade classrooms.  Two principals spoke to their teachers and came up with a list of why that wouldn't work.  Again, this disappointed me because my children attended a choice school in Green Bay that had split grade classrooms - and it worked very well.  My oldest son, soon to be 15, was at the meeting and I asked him how he liked the split grade classes at Aldo.  He said he enjoyed it very much and would encourage that option.  I think it would be something new and different and after learning how to plan for a split grade classroom - teachers could make it work.  If it offers a cost savings, then the teachers having to learn a new technique and teaching skills is advisable.   Another suggestion was to write to the Joint Finance Committee members.  I did send a letter to Ellis and Olsen. 

 

     But, I've also made another suggestion.  Below is the email I sent to all of our Board of Education members about the possibility of a 4 day school week. 

 

If you - whoever happens to come by my page - have experience with a 4 day school week, I'd love to hear your thoughts.

 

 

 

 

 

Hello everyone,

I propose adopting a 4-day school week. I have done some looking around on the internet to see how that is working in other school districts. Some main points I have found are that money is saved on transportation, cafeteria, and facilities operations, as well as fewer need for substitutes. There have been other positives in regards to academics as well.

http://www.usnews.com/education/blogs/high-school-notes/2012/10/15/educators-at-some-high-schools-tout-benefits-of-4-day-week This is an article from US News written in October of 2012. According to this article there are approximately 300 districts across the nation adhering to the 4 day school week with many more making the consideration as a result of budget constraints. A Georgia school has been able to save $800,000 each year since it began the 4 day school week in 2010.

“U.S. Secretary of Education Arne Duncan has spoken out against four-day weeks, and school boards in several states have shot down attempts in their districts to move to shorter school weeks. Critics of the shorter week argue high school students should spend more days in school to prepare themselves for college and the workforce. But teachers and administrators immersed in the schedule say students are more focused while in school thanks to the three-day weekend, and the free day allows high schoolers to intern or enroll in college courses.”

Apparently, student absences and discipline problems have decreased as a result of this 4 day school week as well.

http://www.minnpost.com/politics-policy/2010/12/rural-minnesota-11-school-districts-4-day-weeks-hope-less-doesnt-mean-lesser This is an article written in 2010 regarding several school districts in Minnesota who’ve adopted the 4 day school week. Cost savings are significantly less than the school in Georgia but I would be willing to bet that has to do with population and the cost to expense ratio for the area. Some quotes from the article:

“This year, a typical day at the junior-senior high begins at 8:20 a.m. and ends at 3:50 p.m. A year ago, school started at 8:35 a.m. and ended at 2:55 p.m. Class periods are now 58 minutes long rather than 48 minutes.

School Board chairwoman Judy Raske says the longer days can be taxing for students, especially those on the far edges of the district who may get on the bus around 7:15 a.m. and return home around 5 p.m. On the other hand, she says some teachers have told her they are further along in their curriculum than they were a year ago under the standard five-day week.

Instruction time will actually increase by 518 minutes (about 8½ hours) this year over last, according to district figures.”

“State tests administered in the spring could shed light on whether the changes have affected student performance in the classroom. "At that point, we will evaluate it," Raske says. "But I would say that if things work well, we probably wouldn't go back to five days."”

http://www.ncsl.org/issues-research/educ/school-calendar-four-day-school-week-overview.aspx National Conference of State Legislatures (I can’t find a publication date)

“Overview: With strapped state budgets and alluring promises of significant reductions in overhead and transportation costs, the four-day school week has been an increasingly attractive option for legislators seeking to cut education costs. For small, remote school districts, instituting a four-day school week may provide a savings by reducing transportation, heating, and staff costs. Supporters of the shortened week also boast of improved morale and increased attendance (by both students and teachers), open Fridays for sporting events and doctor appointments, and more time to spend with loved ones. Opponents of the four-day school week cite problems with long, exhausting class days and finding day care for children whose parents work outside the home. Additionally, educational experts worry longer weekends could lead to a regression in learned concepts while also making it more difficult to offer elective classes. However, the jury is still out on many of these issues, as there is a lack of comprehensive studies.”

This is just some information I’ve been able to find online. Frankly, the idea seems brilliant to me and I would really enjoy a 4 day school week. Taking a quick look through the district calendar for the whole year I was able to spot 4 half-days, 6 Friday’s and 6 Monday’s off of school (though some of the whole days are holidays). On one website I looked at where Monday was a holiday they had school on that week’s Friday. We could easily eliminate the half-day (it seems like we’ve had so many more) and some of those whole days. The extension of the school day wouldn’t equate to hours but about 45 minutes, give or take. It’s not that much of an extension.

As for the dilemma of childcare on the 5th day I propose training many of the high school students in CPR and babysitting, putting their names on a list to be found on our district website with information such as: do they drive, what hours are they available, experience, and general location, a contact number, and a list of references.

Change is inevitable and that goes for parents as well as staff. So, the argument of childcare, in my opinion, is negligible.

Please, at the very least, run some numbers and see if it is an option and share what you’ve found in regards to this suggestion. I’m quite stoked about it and would love to know if it’s a possibility. It would be a much greater option than having to see many of our staff leave the district, programs cut, and buildings abandoned. It might not be enough by itself but in conjunction with other options – it could be just what our community and our school district needs.

Thank you very much for the work you do.

Robbie at her first Who-con as Amy Pond

The Apache

Tyler and Mitchell's project on the Apache Indians.

Justin & Elvis

Aren't they cute?!

The Science if Lightning!

This is Joshua's third science fair.

The Schenk's

Well, my mom did it. She got hitched for the third time. He's a really nice guy, though. So congrats to the Schenk's!

Scared Mother

Okay - knowing how I feel right now, how am I going to survive my son learning to drive? The only thing I can think of is to get a lifetime supply of Ativan and to learn not to care.  Sick, sick, sick.  I know it happens but when I'm in my home I can seperate myself from the knowledge that accidents happen, people get hurt and die.  When I drive by them - they affect me very, very differently!  It's also that I contemplate how it affects others and THAT affects me!

I had to drive Tyler & Mitchell to school this morning with a project and got detoured because of a head on collision.  Now it's been reported a body was moved from the scene.  Some of the thoughts going through my mind are, are they young?  A high school student?  A child in a car with an adult driver?  A grandparent who loss will tumultously affect a young person?  A young mom?  A new dad?  Just married?  Just off to college?  It goes on. . .

I feel it and it's awful. 

How do I let go and allow my child the right to learn to drive and take his life in his own hands?  Of course, I imagine worrying about him just as much being a new driver as I do with him being a college driver, a career-minded driver, a young, married driver, a new dad driver, a middle-aged driver.  I think I will worry every single day I know he will be on his own.  Maybe I won't be so worried when the other two reach driving age???? 

Horse and carriage, people.  That's what I think we should go back to.  (With seatbelts!)  (And, maybe helmets, too.)

Best Day Ever!