Tired

I didn’t get much sleep last night, coffee is not helping, I have no neurons firing with ideas, all that comes to mind is; Wow I am so TIRED!

Tuckered out

Irritated

Run-down

Exhausted

Done

“Senses”

I see an ugly paisley print curtain, doctors and nurses hurrying about treating their patients. A hospital bed with an unhappy patient sitting on the side, an unflattering hospital gown, jeans, and untied work boots dangling from his feet. (A sure sign I’m in the right room)

I hear medical jargon. It’s not pneumonia, it’s not bronchitis, it’s not the flu, but something’s not right, his numbers are too low, we’re going to try fluids and steroids. We are keeping him overnight.

I smell antiseptic, latex, blood, and some other things I prefer to ignore.

I taste the sweet fruitiness of the watermelon jolly rancher, I fished out of my purse to quench my dry mouth.

I feel the tug of elastic behind my ears, the bendable metal piece molded uncomfortably around my nose, the itchy cloth pressed against my chapped lips and rosy cheeks. All compliments of the mask I am now required to wear.

Pick A Side

North or South – you have to choose one!

When you become a staff member in our district it is very important that you establish which team you support…SOX or Cubs. Just to be clear saying “I’m a Chicago Fan” is not tolerated. It’s a rivalry among the ranks and for years the Southside had the bragging rights, but due to recent events the Northside has been riding high the last few years.

Our superintendent is a diehard Cubs fan and has had to endure many years of “maybe next year” and a visit from the Chicago White Sox Mascot at an opening day institute. Last year payback was finally to be had, I lost a friendly wager and had to wear a Cubs hat to opening day. Oh I forgot to say I am Southside through and through so it was blasphemy for me to don the red and blue. I can still remember that morning, I couldn’t sleep, tossing and turning, my heart racing, my stomach in knots, I couldn’t even enjoy my morning coffee. I thought about taking a personal day. The assistant superintendent, a Sox fan even jokingly offered to approve it. But alas I am true to my word and always honor my bets. So I pulled on my Sox jersey, black and white from the neck down and added the final touch of cubby blue on my head, it was hard to look in the mirror that morning but I did it. My name is Nicole and It has been 211 days since I wore Cubs attire.

Reptile Day

Reptile day in pre-k. We read books, looked at images, googled questions, came up with more questions, and had intense discussions about the guests visiting our classroom today. We were ready for a hands on reptile/amphibian/bug experience.

Oohs and Aahs echoed as the “reptile guy” brought in box after box. The boxes were black and we couldn’t see in them but the excitement built as each one was brought in.

The bugs were first, a hissing cockroach the size of my hand, a tailless scorpion that kind of looked like a giant spider because of its eight legs, and a scorpion that glowed when the black light shone on it.

Then came the bullfrogs, snapping turtles, tortoise, blue tongue skinks, and a black throat monitor. We were able to touch their bodies, hold them in our arms, feel the flick of their tongues, and feed the tortoise.

And for the grand finale….snakes. There were small colorful snakes, two larger pythons, and an eighty pound anaconda. I am not afraid of snakes but they are definitely not my favorite. However when you are trying to convince twenty five little friends not to be afraid you have no choice but to embrace the snake. I was given an anaconda hug.

Unwelcomed Pest

I saw you hovering when my basement flooded, I had no energy to deal with you then.

I saw you by my door late last night as I headed to the bedroom to sleep, I prayed you would go away by morning.

I saw my husband leave for work and didn’t hear a sound so I knew you must have left.

I didn’t see you in the morning sun, I looked everywhere and thought, thank you for answered prayers.

I screamed as I saw you slither in on the floor as I turned on the shower.

I felt bad as I squished you with a shoe, yelling you’re not ruining my shower.

Rest In Peace my thousand-legged friend you won’t be missed.

Posen ❤️

Tonight my parents received a plaque honoring them for 43 years of business, service, and friendship to the town of Posen. Posen is where my mom was born and raised and my dad soon followed and built my childhood home with my grandfather. Posen is what made me me, when people ask where are you from, Posen is first on my tongue even though I moved away years ago. My parents owned two businesses for forty three years, my entire lifetime. They are well loved and staples of the community but on March 25, they will retire and sell the last property they own in Posen. Today was bittersweet, the crowd at the meeting to wish them well reminded me of just how much my childhood town meant to me and still means to me. Instead of coffee and cake the mayor and trustees came to enjoy one last drink with my family. Cheers to a Happy Retirement and unforgettable memories.

No Drive Thru Breakfast Today

My day usually starts at 3:30 am with a kiss goodbye and a have a great day, then I rollover, curl up under the warm blankets and drift back to dreamland until the silence is broken with the awful screech of my alarm shocking me awake at 6:00am. That’s a typical morning but every once in awhile I get to wake to the smell of bacon drifting through the air, my Dunkin’ Donuts coffee brewing in the Keurig, and blueberry waffles waiting for syrup. Today was one of those fabulous breakfast at home and not a drive thru kinda day. It doesn’t happen often but when it does Its wonderful. I love when my husband has a late start for work.

Friday Dance Party

Inspired by a slice I read yesterday about dance moves in Kindergarten, I decided to observe our pre-k Friday dance party and slice about it.

Spring is in the air and energy is high in Room 1. We end every Friday with a KiDZ BoP dance party where the kids pick the songs. Today’s play list Shake It Off, Despacito, Uptown Funk, Happy, and Thunder.

Today’s dance party include a plethora of dance styles. We had head boppers, booty shakers, and coordinated back up dancers performing the impeccable dab. Rock stars with air guitars and tongues out. The uncoordinated fellows bumping into everyone and falling regularly to the floor. Two partners dancing what looked like the Night at the Roxbury skit on SNL. A few professionals with all the right moves, sways, and dips. The wanna be breakdancers, spinning on their bottoms. The moon walking, Bruno Mars inspired smooth dancers. Finally my personal favorite the dance like no one is watching confident ones.

Sitting back and observing the dance floor it reminded me of adults the last hour of a wedding when inhibition and the fear of looking silly have gone by the wayside. Except it’s just Friday in Room 1 where we let loose with the only intent of having fun.

A Not So Special Specialist

I needed to make an appointment with a specialist today so when the chipper lady on the phone said why don’t you come in tonight we have a 5:15 opening I jumped on it . I mean what specialist has evening hours and the same day availability.

Red Flag #1 I called another office to have records faxed over, perfect no problem. Three hours later the nurse informs me that the fax number doesn’t work and nobody is answering their phone when she calls. No biggie I swing by the office pick up the records and take them with me.

Red Flag #2 I pulled into the parking lot, cool it’s a newer building with a list of Dr. names on the sign outside, Huh I don’t see the doctors name, I’ll just go inside and check anyway. Great his name is on the door, maybe he just moved there.

Red Flag #3 The waiting room is small but filled, this is going to be awhile, no worries at least they got me in today. I sign in and wait, and ask if I need to fill out any paperwork. As I’m filling out the paperwork the receptionist is yelling across the very small room asking me all my medical questions like she’s a reporter putting on a newscast for the waiting room.

Red Flag # 4 I am led back to the small examination room only 40 minutes late, not to horrible, I’ve waited longer. The nurse asks me a few questions one of which is do you know your blood pressure, um no not off the top of my head. She huffs says ok let me get the cuff and tromps back in to take my pressure. Seriously WT(expletive).

Red Flag # 5 As we’re finishing up on a few more questions I hear the entire conversation, diagnosis, and treatment of the patient in the next room. Hipaa anyone? A vent is split between the two exam rooms and voices echo through as if on the loudspeaker at a baseball game. (Picture Below)

Red Flag # 6 I’m sitting in the room waiting to meet with the physician and writing my slice and the lights suddenly dim. I hear the loud receptionist yell don’t turn them off it shuts the lights off in both rooms and you still have a patient. At this point I’m ready to cut my loss and run. As I am exiting, the doctor is walking into the room. I finally meet with him, discuss pertinent information and listen to what he recommends as a next step. I thank him but not so graciously decline to set up my next appointment.

10 PD Quotes

Ten things said at an Early Childhood Conference.

1. “Are we supposed to be doing anything?” A participant walking in late to the conference.

2. “Sounds like nerds, like the candy!” The lady in front of me when I was playing with a rice tray the speaker left at our table. (Sensory Activity)

3. “Anyone want some honey?” During a break when a person was looking for candy in her purse, it was a full jar.

4. “Anyone see the diet pop anywhere, anywhere?” An educator desperately seeking a pick me up to get through session 2.

5. “I always get inspired at this conference!”A pre-kindergarten teacher learning about a new way to utilize her art center.

6. “Ooohhhh God!” When hearing there will be plenty of “participation activities” during this session.

7. “Are we staying for the free lunch or going out?” By free I mean district paid for it. (We stayed)

8. “Should have gotten here sooner all the good lunches are gone!” Turkey and cheddar it is.

9. “Aww only seats left are in the front.” Should have ate a little quicker and you could of had the coveted back row like me.

10. “I would love to just be in their head one day to see what they are thinking.” A discussion of how children with Autism perceive their environment.