Now I've heard it all

I work at a rural, public school with at-risk kids. What does that mean? Some are at-risk academically: they are failing, they have low test scores, etc... Some are at-risk environmentally: they and their 5 brothers and cousins are being raised by grandma b/c mama is in jail and daddy is a drug dealer, etc... So I've seen and heard alot. I've also learned alot.
Tonight, we had a parent event where they are invited to have dinner and hear a guest speaker. Childcare is provided. I happend to be in the back with the kids. One little, tiny girl, about 18 months, was trying to leave the room and I told her to stay in here and watch the movie.
"Shut up," she said, "Shut up, bitch." Wait. No. She didn't say that. I misunderstood her tiny voice. "Comeback in here," I said and I took her arm. She pushed me away and said, "Shut up, bitch. Shut up bitch."
Oh my Lord. That tiny little girl knew that phrase and she knew how to use it. I found out later her mama had her when she was in about the 8th grade. This is the sadness I deal with everyday. This is the parenting that is going on these days. And people want to blame education and teachers?

Hap-bir-day!

So, last week was my birthday. The morning started off with this conversation:
We had just sat down for breakfast and Savannah asks me to get her something.
me: "Mama just sat down and it's my birthday so you'll have to wait."
Savannah: "Where's your birthday? where's your cake?"
Me: "I don't know. I don't have one."
Savannah: "Mason will be here inaminute and he'll bring you a cake. OK?....and we'll wear a party hat." (Mason is our nephew 800+ miles away)
The rest of the day was nothing too exciting. In fact, it was kind of annoying. The kids at school were particularly wound up and I had to call 3 parents. At one point, some kids were guessing how old I was. One kid said "30" and I told them "higher." So one girl guesses 70. I said, "Tiana, do I Look like I'm 70?!?" And she said yes.
It took me forever to get out of work for various reasons and then when I finally did, I got stuck behind a tractor for a few miles (the joys of living in the rural South).
Later that evening, Steve and I went out to eat and had to take Savannah with us. Not a big deal, but dinner out at a nice restaurant is a little less enjoyable when you have to constantly remind your 2 1/2 year old dining companion not to crawl on top of the booth and that anything that has fallen on the floor is "yucky."
We spent the weekend in the mountains at my parents' place. Friday night the 3 of us were there with my parents. It was a nice, relaxing evening. Saturday, we cruised around nearby towns and just did a little sight-seeing. Saturday, my parents went back home and took Savannah with them. So...me and Steve hit the local bar that evening. Very interesting. In a nutshell, this place is apparently the watering hole of choice for the locals. Some of which haven't been outside of this mountain town since the 70's as indicated by their hairdos. But there was some live music and we enjoyed a few beers and the atmosphere.
P.S. "Hap-bir-day" is an old inside joke from high school. Holla back if you know what I'm talking about...

Wordless Wednesday

mid-week round-up

Nothing too exciting going on. We had a good weekend. Steve got in late Friday from being gone all week. Saturday I went to a shower luncheon for my cousin who is getting married. Saturday night we went shopping as part of my birthday present from Steve. I got lotsa good stuff:
cute top, jeans, 2 tanks, lotion and dishes. Dishes? Yeah, when we got married we never picked out everyday dishes b/c I didn't see anything I liked, so I went to Belk and picked out some lovely dishes! (the picks don't do them justice, but it's Italian Countryside by Mikasa, if you're interested).
Sunday was church, dinner at mama's and then we walked in the woods where we will someday, probably, hopefully build a house. We're looking to have the land cleared so we'll at least have that done when we are ready to start building.
Monday was a busy day of work. Today I had a doctor appt. and killed a little time going to the thrift stores. I got a few good things, but no one fabulous find. I got a top and pants for Savannah, an Old Navy skirt for me, 6 books and a framed print all for the low, low price of $6.50. Deal!
So that's about it!

Old kids on the Block

Just wanted to let everyone know....I heard that New Kids on the Block are perfoming on the Today show tomorrow and that a tour is on the way. All I have to say is "Oh ma gah!" I totally loved them, especially Joe! And I admit it! I went to 2 concerts and owned several posters and various paraphanalia. I'll be tuning in and keep you posted.
On a related note: take my "80's hunk" quiz at the bottom of the page. So fun and so true!