Random....

Well, we learned that Son #1 did not get his first choice of electives for the upcoming school year. He switches to a new school for 7th grade (junior high = 7 & 8 grades). He wanted to take Spanish (click here to read the April 26th post). The deal was that if he allowed me to "homeschool" him in Study Skills - perhaps the most useful, but least fun elective - then I would allow him to sign up for Spanish. Unfortunately, the Spanish teacher only works part time and this year, there were simply too many kids requesting it. Perhaps next year....

In the meantime, Son #1 has asked me to homeschool him in Study Skills and Spanish (using my old college texts). We'll see how long that lasts. He wasn't placed in his second choice either. (I don't recall what it was.) Instead, he'll be taking Agricultural Science. When I initially read the description, I thought it sounded like something he'd really enjoy and was surprised that he didn't select it. I think he'll come around though, plus he has the entire summer to get used to the idea.

Unfortunately, we also learned that his schedule will be identical to that of his archnemesis (click here for a little background), same classes, same times. It makes sense because they're both in the inclusion program. While I don't want either kid "branded" as a problem, I do think it's important that the teahers and administrators are aware of the history so I've been asked to call back at the beginning of the school year to remind them that although they'll share the same classes, in no way should they be seated next to one another, etc.

In a few minutes I have to take our greyhound back to the vet. He hurt his paw a couple of weeks ago (he got it stuck between the pickets of our fence when we was trying to peek over. The cut didn't look very deep - very little blood, but it did get infected. We took him to the vet last week where they lanced the wound, put three staples (to somewhat close it, but still allow it to drain), and fitted him with the "lampshade" looking collars so he cannot continue to lick at it and chew at the staples. Well, the vet apparently underestimated Old Needle Nose. I noticed that he was still able to lick at the boo boo AND one of the staples is missing. Sigh.

After the vet, Son #2 has a baseball game. His team got off to a slow start, but has been playing well the past 5 games. Son #2 is the #2 pitcher. Son #1 has a Boy Scout meeting later this evening. Fortunately, Dear Hubby will take him.

Our lazy summer day has morphed into a busy summer evening.

Snot Stew ?

This was the chorus we heard tonight on the way home from the restaurant: Is Not, Is Too, Is Not, Is Too, S'Not, S'Too...Snot Stew. I don't know why I found it amusing. They weren't seriously arguing, just goofing off.

The dinner was a celebratory one. We had our camp swim tests today and did well. I don't recall if I mentioned it in my blog, but I've volunteered to help out at Son #2's Cub Scout Day Camp the week of June 4-8. Son #2's best friend's mother (UberMom) volunteered last year and again this year, so I thought I'd step up too. What the hell was I thinking? I hate to sweat, I hate bugs. It's going to be a lovely week indeed. UberMom and I are going to be Co-den leaders. We also signed up Son #3, and UberMom's daughter for the "Gator Bite" program for younger siblings. Being the wonderful moms that we are, we also signed up Son #1 and UberMom's oldest son as junior volunteers (Son #1 and Uber's Son #1 are in the same Boy Scout Troop). At least I won't be suffering alone. Kidding. It will be fun. Really.

In order to participate in any of the water activities at Day Camp, one must pass the swim test in the lake at the camp grounds. Water shoes are required, goggles are prohibited. No underwater swimming. The water is so murky that the lifeguards want everyone swimming on top of the water, which I completely understand. However, underwater swimming is probably my best method, next to dog paddling (also prohibited for reasons I do not know).

So today I ventured into my first dip in a lake in 25 years. Heck, in the past decade my only "swimming" has consisted of bobbing around a pool with a toddler in my arms. I asked one of the lifeguards to swim along side me. Truth be told, I didn't think I'd have real trouble (after all, I could call it quits and dog paddle back to shore). However, it seemed sort of lonely swimming 25 yards from the shore to the buoy and back again - 50 yards round trip - and I wanted someone to chat with.

I did pretty well until I was about one-third the way back to shore. At that point it hit me: 1) my legs are pretty out of shape, and 2) those water shoes are heavy when they're wet. What's the old saying about the duck? Gliding serenely atop the water, paddling like the dickens under the surface. Yep, that's me. I muddled through. I swam the last 20 feet or so with one leg straight down waiting for my little toes to touch the ground. Dear Hubby and other folks that I knew said I did great and it looked effortless. Little did they know.... It took a good twenty minutes for my leg muscles to quit spasming so I could walk again.

However, I think I did quite well for a non-athletic, 35+ year old (those who know me can quit snickering), swim-lesson drop out. :-)

Son #2 also did the swim test, but he struggled and was classified as a "beginner." He'll be able to participate in most water activities at day camp but he'll have to wear a life jacket. He'll also have the opportunity to develop his skills and re-test during the week, if he so chooses.

Son #1's swim test was different. In addition to volunteering at day camp, he is also attending Boy Scout Camp later in June and the Boy Scout swim test is 100 yards. Son #1 struggled mightily with it last year (click here to read about it) and barely passed. Boy Scouts' test is either pass or fail. The troop had a swim test a couple of weeks ago in a swimming pool (clear water, water shoes not required). Son #1 gave it a try, but panicked and decided he didn't want to continue the test. I was actually surprised that he would even try the test in the lake - not being able to see the bottom can be very intimidating to some people. Yet try he did.

One of the adult leaders swam along side Son #1 and he closed his eyes and swam three laps between buoys (25 yards per lap), then swam the 25 laps from the buoy to the shore. It was a sight to behold. His technique is awkward (he's hypotonic), but his persistence is amazing. Woo Hoo!

Dear Hubby also did the Boy Scout swim test since he'll attend camp with Son #1. Dear Hubby is athletic (running, biking) but he too struggled a bit. In his defense, he has a case of bursitis in his hip and his doctor said not to exercise for two weeks. Today was the end of the two week break and probably not the best time to swim 100 yards. Nevertheless, he completed the test.

Son #3 didn't have to take the swim test because he's too young to participate in the waterfront activities. (He's 5.)

Weight Watchers Wednesdays (& Other Stuff)

week 1 (Wed. 3.9.07) ~~~~~~ Just getting started!
week 2 (Wed. 3.14.07) ~~~~~ - 3.4 lbs
week 3 (Wed. 3.21.07) ~~~~~ - 1.6 lbs
week 4 (Wed. 3.28.07) ~~~~~ - 2.4 lbs
week 5 (Wed. 4.4.07) ~~~~~~~ + 0.6 lbs
week 6 (Wed. 4-11-07) ~~~~~~ -0
week 7 (Wed. 4-18-07) ~~~~~~ -3.2 lbs
week 8 (Wed. 4-25-07) ~~~~~~ -1.2 lbs
week 9 (Wed. 5-2-07) ~~~~~~~ -1.4 lbs
week 10 (Wed. 5-9-07) ~~~~~~ -1.4 lbs
week 11 (Wed. 5-16-07) ~~~~~ -1 lb (est.)
week 12 (Wed. 5-23-07) ~~~~~ -1.6 lbs

total weight loss: -16.6 lbs

Sorry I've been out of touch. I got involved in a little home improvement project which consumed quite a bit of my time. Monday evening, Dear Hubby was out of town on business. I don't sleep well when he's away, so the pass the time, I got the grand idea to repaint the master bedroom - for the 3rd time in 6 years. It took two days. I still have some minor touch ups to do, but it looks pretty good.

I've also been rushing around trying to finish all the errands I have to run while I only have one boy with me (Son #3). The older boys' last day of school is tomorrow! And it's a half day. Any other errands I run this summer will require my traveling in a pack of four. :-)

Today, Son #3 and I took "Steve" (our minivan) to the dealership for its 12K mile maintenance. Fortunately we got there early enough and therefore didn't have to wait long. A quick stop at Weight Watchers to weigh in and we were on our way. (With three kids, I haven't thought about how or whether I'll be able to attend any meetings over the summer.)

This was the Very Last Mom & Son#3 Day - just the two of us. Oh, I'm sure we'll have others, but this is the last regular one before the brothers get out of school. Come autumn, Son #3 will head off to school too. I asked him how he wanted to spend his day. Get this: he wanted to go to Barnes & Noble to play with the Thomas the Tank Engine trains they have set up in the kids' section. Afterwards, he wanted go to the coffee shop inside Barnes & Noble for a chocolate milk with whipped cream and a giant chocolate chip cookie. Iced Mocha for me. Of all the things he could've picked (Chuck E Cheese, McDonald's PlayLand, a movie), he picks chocolate. That's my boy!

Deena (check out her fun blog, Junk in the Trunk) tagged me several days ago to do the 8 Random Things About Me meme...

Here's how it works:
1. Each player starts with eight random facts/habits about themselves.
2. People who are tagged need to write their own blog about their eight things and post these rules.
3. At the end of your blog, you need to choose eight people to get tagged and list their names.
4. Don't forget to leave them a comment telling them they're tagged, and to read your blog.

Here are my 8 Random Things--
1) I like shopping at home improvement stores as much as I like shopping at the mall.

2) I once repainted the entire kitchen because I wasn't in the mood to clean the stove.

3) I have three boys (which most of you know), but I have never felt a strong yearning for a girl. Of course, if God had so blessed me, I'd be happy, but I've never craved 'pink.'

4) My first - and perhaps favorite - car was a 1976 dark olive green Ford Granada. My dad bought it (used) for my 16th birthday. I drove it for 9 years. Ah, the memories.

5) While I don't especially like snakes, spiders or rats, it's cockroaches that would have me running and shrieking.

6) I love snow! Living in southeast Louisiana, we only see a couple of flakes every decade or so, but when I lived in the D.C. area, I loved making snow angels during my lunch break. Then I'd return to my cubicle and admire my handiwork from the 6th floor window.

7) My handwriting changes with my mood. I try to keep my signature consistent for obvious reasons, but my penmanship varies widely. If I had criminal tendencies, I'd be a master forger. Fortunately, I'm too honest for that.

8) My mom and dad disagreed on what to name me. My mom liked the name "Dixie Lee" (why, oh why, mother?). Actually if I recall correctly, that was Bing Crosby's wife's name. My dad thought it sounded like a stripper's name. I have to back him up on that. :-) It very well might have been the only disagreement with my mother that he ever won.

So there you have it. I'm not going to tag anyone specifically since many of you already read Deena's blog and she already tagged you. However, if you want to play along, create a post on your blog and leave me a comment letting me know to check it out.

Weight Watchers Wednesdays

Okay, I'm a day late...

week 1 (Wed. 3.9.07) ~~~~~~ Just getting started!
week 2 (Wed. 3.14.07) ~~~~~ - 3.4 lbs
week 3 (Wed. 3.21.07) ~~~~~ - 1.6 lbs
week 4 (Wed. 3.28.07) ~~~~~ - 2.4 lbs
week 5 (Wed. 4.4.07) ~~~~~~~ + 0.6 lbs
week 6 (Wed. 4-11-07) ~~~~~~ -0
week 7 (Wed. 4-18-07) ~~~~~~ -3.2 lbs
week 8 (Wed. 4-25-07) ~~~~~~ -1.2 lbs
week 9 (Wed. 5-2-07) ~~~~~~~ -1.4 lbs
week 10 (Wed. 5-9-07) ~~~~~~ -1.4 lbs
week 11 (Wed. 5-16-07) ~~~~~ -1 lb (est.)

total weight loss: -15 lbs

I actually skipped this week's meeting/weigh in. We had some heavy thunderstorms pass through in the morning and I just couldn't bring myself to get out of bed. Son #3 and I were enjoying our lazy morning, snuggling and watching a movie. I could attend another meeting time during the week, but most are too early in the morning for me, or too late in the evening. I did weigh myself on my bathroom scale and it registered one pound less than yesterday.

I'm officially at the end of my 10-week pre-paid Weight Watchers session (ten weeks plus two "missed" meeting passes = the 12 weeks you see above). I am, however, about halfway to my personal goal so I will renew for 10 additional weeks when I go next Wednesday. You have the option of paying per week as you go, paying upfront for 10 weeks (a slight discount), or paying for the "monthly pass" which automatically bills your credit card unless you call to cancel. The monthly pass option gives you the greatest discount, plus access to WeightWatchers' e-tools. I figure I spend so much time online doing other stuff, that I really don't need another reason to spend even more time online. Ha Ha!

I can say that my body has finally adjusted to smaller portions. It took about eight weeks to get to that point though - longer than I expected, but thankfully it did happen. Although I've met my goal of drinking more water, I have not yet begun exercising regularly. My results would be more impressive if I do exercise, I realize, but I've only just recently started feeling more energetic. Probably due to getting acclimated to smaller portions, plus my cutting out the massive amounts of Diet Coke that I used to drink (at least 44 oz. per day). In fact, I've only splurged once and had 20 oz of Diet Coke at a restaurant about a week ago. My first time since giving it up on April 23rd.

Feelin' better, lookin' better. That's what it's all about.

Uh, Never Mind...

I normally don't flake out and change my mind once I *finally* make a decision, but this time is different. On Friday, I was supposed to call the realtor to make an offer on the house we like, but I just couldn't bring myself to do it. Something just didn't feel right. All day long a certain dollar amount kept swirling through my mind: It's the difference in insurance costs and taxes that we'd be paying - and it's pretty substantial. Manageable, but substantial. If I thought things were stabilizing in the insurance industry here in Southeast Louisiana, I'd move forward, but insurance companies are still looking for ways to minimize their risk and there's no telling what changed might be in store next year.

I may have mentioned this in a previous post: I have my insurance with a major insurance company. It covers my homeowners, including wind/hail damage (replacement cost). If we buy a new house, the same company will insure it, but it will drop the wind/hail coverage so we'll have to go through the state's insurance plan for wind/hail, and it would only be actual cost (depreciated) and quite expensive.

Plus the current law on the books state that an insurance company doing business in the state of Louisiana cannot drop a customer without a good reason if they've had their policy for 3+ years. A new house = a new policy. Never mind that we've been insured with them for 17 years. They could feasibly drop us within the first three years of owning the new house and then we'd have to go through the state insurance plan ($$$$) for all of our coverage.

Ultimately, the insurance represents too great an unknown variable for my comfort level so we're staying put. Perhaps in the next 3-5 years the insurance industry will stabilize (and hopefully the real estate industry won't skyrocket).

Meanwhile, my realtor put the For Sale sign up Friday. I was NOT expecting that. I thought he'd put it up Monday (today) when he came to take the interior pictures. I asked Dear Hubby to call and "break up" with our realtor, who handled the news fine. We took the sign down.

Home, Sweet Home.

Decisions, Decisions...

We signed the paperwork to list our house last night. I think we're asking a fair price, considering the type. It's a little starter home, cute, new enough (6 yrs) to still be attractive to potential buyers, I think. I'm still purging unwanted stuff, packing not frequently used items into boxes to put in the attic (de-cluttering), cleaning, etc.

On Monday, my agent will take interior photos and put up the yard sign. I'll probably cry then (again). It still doesn't feel real yet. We did find a house in our neighborhood that we like a lot. Still trying to decide whether it's The One, but I can certainly see myself living there (that's a good start).

The tricky thing is that I live in a fairly affluent town, but we're not very affluent ourselves (nor are we poor). When we first returned to Louisiana, this was a pretty affordable area to live because it is a bit of a commute for the people who work in New Orleans (a 24 mile toll-bridge, plus interstate traffic into the city).

Hurricane Katrina changed all that. We were fortunate that our area was not severely impacted (in general, our area had wind damage, but only the homes within a few blocks of lake flooded). So much of the New Orleans and the immediately surrounding areas were devastated. While there are people who are committed to rebuilding there, a great number decided to move to our area. Suddenly being far away from the city became a plus.

Property values initially skyrocketed. They've leveled off now, though. As I said in yesterday's post, we priced ourselves out of a lot of properties by waiting (and by being conservative). However, I feel like we're getting to the point that the value of the starter homes will peak so this would be a good time to sell. No one is building mid-level neighborhoods, though. Everything is upscale, which is nice...unless you're in the market for a mid-level home. The houses in our neighborhood are mid-level and are 6-17 years old. Other mid-levels homes in the area are much, much older.

Insurance is another huge issue. Because of Hurricane Katrina, many insurance companies have stopped doing business in the state of Louisiana. My carrier, Allstate, will write new policies for existing customers, but they're one of the few. They may be the only one by now, for all I know. Insurance costs have gone up - I've gotten used to that. The state flood insurance plan isn't terribly expensive in our area. The kicker is that if we sell our existing home which Allstate provides with hazard (fire, accident) & wind/hail coverage, they'll issue a new policy for hazard, but NOT for wind/hail. We'll have to go through the state insurance plan for that. :-(

There's also a rule on the books that an insurance company cannot drop a policy without good reason if the customer has had insurance for more than three years. Well, if we buy a new home, then we start all over with a new policy, which Allstate can feasibly drop (oops, they call it "non-renew" - like that makes a difference) our hazard coverage within 3 years - which means we'd have to go with the $tate run in$urance plan.

It's a gamble. My agent seems to feel that Allstate is committed to staying in Louisiana, and because we have multiple policies (auto, life, home) and a clean claims history that they'd be unlikely to drop/non-renew us. Of course, he doesn't know that for sure. It'll likely take several years for the insurance industry to stabilize and attract new providers.

So here's how it stands. Our house will soon be on the market. I think we'll make an offer for the one we like best. It will be a predicated offer, contingent on the sale of our home. Then we wait.... we wait to see if the seller will accept our offer (or negotiate), then we wait to see if someone will make a decent offer on our home.

Let the emotional rollercoaster begin!

Weight Watchers Wednesdays (& Other Stuff)

week 1 (Wed. 3.9.07) ~~~~~~ Just getting started!
week 2 (Wed. 3.14.07) ~~~~~ - 3.4 lbs
week 3 (Wed. 3.21.07) ~~~~~ - 1.6 lbs
week 4 (Wed. 3.28.07) ~~~~~ - 2.4 lbs
week 5 (Wed. 4.4.07) ~~~~~~~ + 0.6 lbs
week 6 (Wed. 4-11-07) ~~~~~~ -0
week 7 (Wed. 4-18-07) ~~~~~~ -3.2 lbs
week 8 (Wed. 4-25-07) ~~~~~~ -1.2 lbs
week 9 (Wed. 5-2-07) ~~~~~~~ -1.4 lbs
weej 10 (Wed. 5-9-07) ~~~~~~ -1.4 lbs

total weight loss: -14 lbs

Wow, I can't believe it's been a week since I've posted. Sorry, everyone, for leaving you hanging. (I do like to check in every couple of days at least.)

Here's what's happening now: Dear Hubby and I thinking of selling our house and buying a slightly larger on in the same neighborhood. We have a "starter" home and I think the market for those are started to level off, whereas the slightly larger homes still seem to be appreciating in value. Unfortunately, we've priced ourselves out of a lot of decent homes by waiting.... I do not tend to make big decisions easily, I have to research, research, research, ponder it obsessively (my head hurts), lose a lot of sleep before I ultimately ask Dear Hubby what his gut is telling him and usually go with that. I'm certain God speaks to both of us. Unfortunately, I'm still learning how to just be still, be quiet.

Just when I think we've made a decision something else comes up. Another house in the area is listed for sale (I'm sure we'll see more of this as the school year is coming to a close), hints about a job offer out of state (would we really consider it?), etc.

Besides obsessing, I've been obsessively cleaning our house, touch up paint, de-cluttering, etc. to make ours ready to sell. We have a realtor coming by this evening to discuss pricing, etc., and if we like what he has to say, we just might take the plunge!

I have mixed feelings, though. I really like our house. It's just so tiny and the floor plan doesn't lend itself well to entertaining. That wasn't an issue when we bought, but at the time we had two kids and Dear Hubby's family didn't live very nearby. Now, since Hurricane Katrina wreck their home, Dear Hubby's dad and two brothers are living 4 blocks away. Two of Dear Hubby's sisters are living next door to each other two block from our current house.

I'll keep you posted. In the meantime, I'm off to check your blogs.

Weight Watchers Wednesdays

week 1 (Wed. 3.9.07) ~~~~~~ Just getting started!
week 2 (Wed. 3.14.07) ~~~~~ - 3.4 lbs
week 3 (Wed. 3.21.07) ~~~~~ - 1.6 lbs
week 4 (Wed. 3.28.07) ~~~~~ - 2.4 lbs
week 5 (Wed. 4.4.07) ~~~~~~~ + 0.6 lbs
week 6 (Wed. 4-11-07) ~~~~~~ -0
week 7 (Wed. 4-18-07) ~~~~~~ -3.2 lbs
week 8 (Wed. 4-25-07) ~~~~~~ -1.2 lbs
week 9 (Wed. 5-2-07) ~~~~~~~ -1.4 lbs

total weight loss: -12.6 lbs

So there you have it!