"Awkward" - Running into my daughter's teacher outside of school

Last Friday, right before pick up, I decided to run into Walgreens and who should I run into, my daughter's teacher. To say I was taken aback is an understatement. First, she addressed me by name which freaked me out. "She knows my name. Is this good or bad, I wondered?" I, of course, addressed her formerly as Mrs. F. I know I shouldn't be so formal, but seriously calling her by her first name seemed weird and disrepectful.

Why was I freaked out? Because our interactions on a daily basis are usually non-existent. If she even looks at the parents at drop off, it's unusual, let alone address you.

As I stood there, chatting with her about the bargains in the store, I really wanted to corner her and ask her "how is my daughter doing?" but I didn't. It seemed like an inappropriate moment to ambush her with the question. One of the other parents, said I was nuts, why not?

And so the awkward moment ended. "I gotta pick up my daughter, have a great weekend." politely ending the conversation and off I scooted hoping not to run into her as I left.

In the same situation, would you have asked your teacher how your child is doing????

Things I Wish For - It's Not What You Think

The end of the war in Iraq and Afghanistan, a Job, World Peace... Yes I wish for all those things but selfishly, I wish my parents were still alive.

I lost my mother in 1988 in a car accident after she returned from visiting her family in Japan after 15 and my father in 1993 to a heart attack.

I am not a particularly sentimental person except this past weekend as my daughter was being promoted from a white belt in karate to a blue belt (who knew there was even a blue belt?),  I  started to tear up at the promotion ceremony. I, instantly, thought of my parents and wouldn't it be wonderful if my parents could be here for the many in the line of momentous, memorable occasions my daughter will be having over the course of the next few years. Of course, they if had lived, the would be in there 70's.

That's it, just wanted to share. Have a great weekend.

No Notes Today

Today marks the fifth day that my daughter has not brought home a note. No note you say, huh?  Last week, her teacher decided that instead of her writing notes to the parents telling us that our child is misbehaving that the children start the practice of writing their own note detailing their daily transgressions (guess who I stole that word from, sorry I could not resist) and then having the parents sign it. Woo hoo!! That's what you want to see along with class notes.

The first day she brought home the note, I was a little upset since we had talked about her focusing more in class and not talking to her classmates. Good lord, in the first note, my daughter wrote, "I was talking during class." This would not have been so bad except she had noted 5 separate times she apparently was talking plus she pushed another girl. I have to say which bodes well for the future that she did not hold back the note but told me about and then promptly burst into to tears and said she was sorry and that she would work harder.

I have to assume that Mrs. F is pulling this stunt is a wake up call for the kids.  Over the next few days, her transgressions decreased.  So after a few days of bringing notes home, my daughter proudly announced "no note, today." Of course, one day does not make a trend. So here we are a week later and she has had no notes. I can only hope that this continues and she focuses her attention during class.

Walking To School - Living in the Moment

As anyone knows, the morning routine is akin to rustling cattle, moving them here and there all in an effort to get to a chosen destination on time. While it consistently makes me crazy trying to get my daughter out the door, so we don't get the dreaded late pass.  This morning, I realized that I actually need to cherish the walks to school.

It's twenty valuable minutes out of our day where my daughter has the most non-linear, off on a tangent, stream of consciousness conversations every imaginable. Lord knows what goes on in her head but I like our little conversations.

My AHA moment occurred to me as we passed some middle schoolers and I realized that before I know it the next few years will pass me by and she will be going to school by herself. And as history shows, she will turn into one of those stereotypical, moody and non-communicative tweener/teenage girls

So now I gladly enjoy the walk to and from school every day.

Living in the Moment.

Significant Partner - Who Needs Them? Sometimes I Do

It's not often, I wish I was married or at the least had an ex (those of you who are married and with exes my disagree) but this week has not been great and having someone to discuss issues/problems would be great.  A lot is going on this week, one the unemployment numbers are up and not looking like they will recede anytime soon. While I have been looking for a job, I positively thought that at the least I would have found short-term project work by now. I have been networking like mad but I know that eventually it will pay off but not in the near term.

Yesterday, I received my daughter's progress report and while it wasn't bad it wasn't good either. She is a good student but just not focused. It's times like this that having someone to discuss this type of topic on what to do next comes in handy even if you disagree with that person. Should I think about getting a tutor? Is the right time? Just not sure on this one.

I need to start looking for babysitters because the back up babysitter makes me wacky. I am never sure if she is coming or not. Isn't that the purpose of text messages, confirm bitch!!! What also makes me wacky is that she never seems to do what I ask. How hard is to get kid fed/bathed and dressed in two hours????

I find myself feeling the stress just tad bit more this week and am honestly a little less forgiving with my daughter. And we know that never ends well.

Needless to say it's been a tough week, emotionally and mentally.

Here's the end of this week.

Therapy Thursday (2) - The First Session

Finding a therapist is not as easy it seems. This is New York City, famous for it's therapists, if you believe all the movies you see. But after asking around and not getting any recommendations for a therapist, I decided to see if my insurance paid for therapists and hurray for me, they do. Too bad this is the year I decided to go the high deductible route. Oh well. So how I did I choose my therapist? Location, services offered and gender. I wanted someone who could feel some empathy but be objective, so I went with a woman, sorry guys. In addition, I wanted someone who just didn't focus on family issues but was more well rounded. I figured hey, why not continue once I sorta of gotta a handle on the child/parent thing and who wants to start all over with someone new.

After talking to a few doctor, I settled on Dr. R. not sure why, just a gut feeling . We arranged a time to meet. After watching a gazillion movies./tv shows with therapists, I thought this will be interesting. Expectation = Reality. Not! Does it ever?

Dr. R's office is near my neighborhood in a rather non-descript building with a rather non-descript lobby. I guess I should be grateful its not in some fancy Park/Fifth Avenue location which would make feel nervous, I am nervous enough about this process.

The elevator lets you off into the smallest little lobby if you want to call it lobby. It is occupied only by a small bench and post office boxes for the doctors. There are two separate entrances, not sure why. There is whole elaborate system to call your respective doctor which took a few minutes to figure out even with the instructions. Push a button, then wait for a buzzer, then do this, AAAGGG! Let me in already.

Once through the door, there is another waiting area, comfortable, chairs, sofa and magazines lying around; very typical waiting area.

So I sat there for a couple of minutes and then Dr. R stuck her head out. That part, I swear is just like every show (In Treatment, anyone) and movie I have ever seen. Just struck me as funny. Dr. R. looks like many New York women, well groomed, well dressed, thin and attractive. Probably in her in mid-late 30s, I am bad with ages.

As I whizzed by the other offices, I could see they were pretty much laid out the same way, sofa, chair, desk and bookshelf. Each office was the size of good size bedroom.

Dr. R's office has a homey feel to it. The sofa is quite comfortable with funky pillows. The lying down part, I think is pretty much a made up invention but what do I know from one therapists office. I think it would be weird for me to be talking to the ceiling and not be able to see the therapist's face while you talk.

So she asks right off the bat. Why are you here? I told her that while I needed help parenting my daughter, basically, I came at the suggestion of my family after they disinvited me on the family vacation.

This is when I knew I would be coming back. I am not sure if therapists are supposed to be stoic/expressionless people but her reaction was priceless. Her look was one of surprise and shock. Frankly, every time, I told people the story, they have the same gut reaction. "What?" Her comment after hearing that was, "how exatly does that help you?" My retort, "exactly." I then explained how this came to be, the misbehaving, the vacation last year but regardless of how I ended up here, I did some help in parenting my daughter.

So the other half of the session was talking about my relationship with my daughter, the not so great listening, having to repeat myself, lack of consistency, all typical wouldn't you say.

Then the 45 minutes was over. My homework: Write down my goals for our sessions. Easy

Until next week. Stay tuned.

Click here if you missed part 1 - Therapy Thursday (1) - I admit I have a Therapist

NYC Single Mom Quotes - Cliches are a Flying

What happened to me? When did I become a mother using tired old cliche examples from my childhood? Come on, I am supposed to be so much more advanced in my parenting thinking than my parents. I have watched enough Nanny 911, Super Nanny, Dr. Phil, Oprah and read articles and books to be the perfect parent. Hah! Wrong!!!!

This week, I used two tired ass cliches, that are just plain embarrassing.

All week, my daughter has been bugging me to let her go up to the classroom by herself like her classmate, M. I have no idea why her parents have gone down this route. Maybe because she is a year older than the other first graders (she was held back in Kindergarten, not sure why.) I have said no and told her that until she shows me that she take out all her stuff out when Mrs F. beckons them into the classroom. She has yet to do this without some serious prompting.

All the way to school. "But M. gets to go up, why can't I???" Finally, I couldn't take it anymore and retorted "if M. jumped off a bridge, would you want to do that, too?" She looks at me with a look that I should get used to since I will be seeing the look for years to, "Mommy, that makes no sense, why would I jump off a bridge, I could hurt myself."

I could only stammer and stumble through this crazy conversation and blurted out, "It's just an example, you can't go up by yourself and that's the end of the conversation."

Last night, we were doing homework and is most common, she used a pencil to fill her assignment. As she was running in with the very sharp pencil, I blurted out "don't run with that you will poke your eye out." Really linda, wow. That is just sad.

There is just no justification for this nuttiness.

Parent Teacher Conference Follow Up - Link to Great Article

Thanks to one of my readers Natalia D. for this helpful link from Parenthood.com on getting ready for my Parent -Teacher Conference next week.

A lot of information and follow up, I did not think of do next like engaging my daughter before and after the conference. Good stuff. Parenting is hard work, isn't it?

http://www.parenthood.com/article-topics/parentteacher_conference_getting_ready.html

Parent Teacher Conference Time Is Upon Us - Help

This week, the Hammer (aka Mrs. F) was patrolling outside the classroom door with a clipboard which to me means business. She told us that we needed to sign up for the Parent Teacher Conference. I have no idea why the school just springs this on you without any advance warning. All of sudden, you are faced with picking a time with no regard to what you could possibly have on your calendar. Luckily, I did not have any appointments that day.

Given that in years past, I have been so overwhelmed by work, I have just showed up and let the feedback flow and rarely asked questions. Sounds like I am uncaring but so untrue, there weren't any huge gaps so I did not think it was necessary to really probe. So this year instead of just showing up and listening, I thought I would be more prepared. Let's face it, this first grade no more silly stuff. So here are my thoughts on my upcoming meeting the Hammer.

• Be Prepared with Questions - the first year, I did not show with any questions. Of course, by the time I thought of any good questions, time was up.

Here are my questions for this year:
1. How is my daughter focusing in class? What do you do to get her to focus? This has been an issue since pre-school but thought by first grade, she would grow out it.
2. Does she participate and answer questions? Again, she has a tendency to say I don't know a lot when asked questions when I know she knows the answer.
3. Is she reluctant to answer/participate when it comes to Math? She has said more than once, " I am not good at Math." Based on what, I have no idea.

• Listen before asking questions/interrupting - We all want to hear nothing but little Johnny is a genius but not open to other feedback. This goes a long way to building rapport and a relationship. I have a tendency to be somewhat defensive, peppering the teacher with comments thus throwing off the flow of the meeting. Again because I was unprepared.

• Positive and develpment areas should both be covered in the meeting. Last year, her teachers started out the meeting with "we just love your daughter". I was skeptical and responded "I am sure you say that to everyone." "Nooo, we don't say it to every family." So, of course I loved hearing that but they were also pretty specific about how she was doing and what areas needed improvement. Truly fair and balanced feedback. In pre-school, I never heard about development areas just all positive which looking back, I should have pushed more and would have served her well going into kindergarten.

• Schedule a Follow Up Meeting, if necessary - If you don't get all your questions answered or feedback clarified in your 10-15 minute meeting, don't hesitate to set up another meeting. I wish I had done this in kindergarten just get clarification on how/what they were doing to help her work on focusing in class. This would have helped her going into first grade.

While I dread the meeting, it is a necessary part of the developmental process for my child. You can't help them grow if you have no idea how to nurture their strengths and improve their weaknesses.

So hopefully, this year, I will be more prepared and be a little more aggressive but in a nice way.

Would love to hear from readers how they prepare for the Parent/Teacher conference.

The Amazing Race - Beating the 8:25 School Clock

At the start of First Grade, I was determined to walk to school everyday. Last year, we took the bus to school so I could avoid starting everyday frustrated and repeating "hurry up, hurry up", every few minutes.

Other reasons for walking to school, losing weight (me) and reinforcing (my daughter) that New York City is a walking city, not a taxi catching- bus taking town. There is nothing sadder than a 6 year old, holding up their hand to hail a taxi to go five blocks or whining "my legs are tired" after walking a few blocks.

That said, our morning walk has now turned into the "The Amazing Race", an obstacle course beset with setbacks, diversions and joys of wonder.

The day starts with taking the elevator down eleven flights. This is usually uneventful unless a neighbor gets into the elevator with their dog. This is met with excitement by daughter as it should be. "Can I pet your dog? " my daughter always politely asks and most times, the owner says yes. This diversion adds in extra five minutes to the walk.

Then we hit the lobby, where we have to stop to give the doorman a hug and answer a few questions about the upcoming day. I tried to avoid this obstacle by leaving from the side door but I am usually met with sadness and on occasion a temper tantrum from my daughter. Again depending on the day, this diversion takes another 3-5 minutes.

Then the real journey begins. Children are creatures of habit. If they are used to walking a certain way, they will insist on stopping at the corner, wait for the light to turn green versus walking to catch the light further down the street. This drives me nuts because it adds time to the trip. My daughter has also begun insisting on not walking down certain streets that might be too dirty or sees trash on the street. I don't blame her but really...

Continuing our journey, we truly have our very own obstacle course. There is a building in our neighborhood that has a u-shaped driveway in the front of a very nice high rise. My daughter insists on going through the obstacle course aka the driveway. I used to get upset and slightly freaked out because it is a driveway. Frankly so few cars come through that I gave up arguing with her. There is a also huge speed bump as you enter the driveway and a 90 degree turn that making it easier to see a car coming before it even came close to hitting her. This obstacle course on good day takes a couple of minutes.

I am sure people are thinking to themselves what a terrible mother, letting her daughter run across the driveway.

As we continue our journey, my daughter insists on walking through a park. This doesn't bother me as we walk by a private school where I always see Julianne Moore and Laura (the redhead) from Project Runway dropping their kids off. I will admit it, I have tried to get pictures but unlike the paparazzi, I have yet to figure out how to get the shot without photographing their child.

Seeing the school in the distant, it's the home stretch so you would think but noooo.!!! My daughter aka Miss popularity has to stop and talk to every little kid along the way. Walking and talking, she has not mastered yet.

We finally arrive at the school and enter the chaos that is the New York City School, which is much like a roller derby, avoiding swinging backbacks, trying not to knock over tiny toddler siblings and dodging upper graders crowding the stairs.

Whew!!! It's 8:25. Just in time. Mrs. F. opens the door and off my daughter goes disappearing into the classroom.

I head down the stairs with a sigh, relaxed until the next morning when we have to do it all over again.

It's the Amazing Race !!!

The Other Side of the Door - First Grade Curriculum Meeting

Hallelujah, the Huns (aka the parents) were finally let into the classroom last week. Seems dramatic but I do feel like the administration treats parents like we are stampeding barbarians trying to overthrow them and take possession of their land.

And the reason for letting the moat down, the annual curriculum meeting. Finally, not only will be able to see inside the classroom and I will find out what my child will be learning in the next 9 months. School has been in session for 3 weeks and I have briefly, and I mean briefly I seen the the inside of my daughter’s classroom and that was the first day of school. Maybe, if I were Sean Spencer from Psych, I could tell you exactly what I saw but all I can remember is seeing wooden, little chairs and desks and the blackboard.What do you expect for 15 second glance.

As anyone with elementary age children knows, finding out what happens in class is like pulling teeth to get information. Every day, after school, it's twenty questions. How's was school? What happened in circle time? What did you do in circle time. I am lucky if I get 1 or two word response back.

And since there is literally been no interaction with the Hammer (aka Mrs. F.), I haven't the vaguest idea what is going on. So I was super anxious to find out if my daughter would get getting educating this year. I arrived early for the meeting because I am sure the Hammer would send me to the principal’s office for a late pass. Just kidding, not.

Before I get to the curriculum, it has to be said that Mrs. F is not warm and fuzzy. I had been warned by other parents but I, seriously, thought she would a tad bit more personable once all the parents were in the classroom and all was calm. No chance, she did not even crack a smile during the meeting, she was all business. I know, I have got to go over this coldness. I guess after warm and fuzzy pre-school and happiness and light (my nicknames for my daughter’s kindergarten teachers,) I have got to let this one go. At the end of the day, what is more important? My child’s education or being friends with her teacher. You know the answer.

Here is the curriculum.

Morning Routine: Basically, this time is devoted to putting their bags away, completing their jobs (everyone is assigned a job), morning meeting (review days of the week, # of days in school, the survey) which integrates math related concepts.

Reader’s Workshop: Reading strategies are taught/reviewed – chunking words, understanding a story, etc.

Independent Reading /Writer’s Workshop - practicing handwriting, being able to relate stories that they read.

Math – NY public uses TERC math which is pretty controversial. Basically, it uses manipulatives (i.e. objects, fingers to learn math) and the why behind math concepts. This one concerns because since everyone I talk to is positive the children will be left alone in Math. The kids either get it or don’t and even if they do get it, there not up to speed when they hit middle school. Get the check book out, tutors, here we come.

Social Studies - focuses on the needs of people in the city, specifically, restaurant s and parks. Why we need parks, restaurants, similarities between parks and restaurants (huh???.)

Science – Science is only being taught 2x a week. This disturbs me. I don’t think its enough. Shouldn't it be taught everyday.

So overall, Reading/Writing subjects, I am fine with but I am most concerned that history is not being introduced, math is questionable and science is only taught twice a week. Is this why the US is behind Asia and China????

Last thing, which somewhat disturbed me was that we were handed the word list that the class is studying in September/October.

Word List A: the, I, to, a, is, my, go, me, like, on, in, so, we, it, and, up, at, see, he, do, you, an, can, no, am

Word List B: went, are, this, look, for, get, come, got, play, was, had, they, will, too, all, be as, ball, by , day, did, has, her, him, fun

Scary huh. My daughter knows all those words.

Also part of the curriculum, my daughter will also have chess and Circus Arts (artists come into the school to teach art and dance.) And lest you think Department of Education funds these activities, you would be incorrect. The PTA (meaning me) funds those activities.

All in all, I feel much better about Mrs. F, and the curriculum.

Would love to hear about your child’s curriculum.

The Lonely Doll - Retro or Disturbing?

Before my daughter's room became inundated with books, I spent hours wandering around the Strand bookstore looking for interesting children's book. One day I came upon the The Lonely Doll written by Dare Wright.

I never read the book growing up but thought it was an interesting story and the cover jumped out from the stack of books.

It is about a little girl named Edith who lives in a nice house but is super lonely. But one day she encounters two bears and she is lonely no more.

What I really liked about the book was that it stood from the crowd of illustrated books of today. Edith and the two bears are photographed in black and white in posed action shots throughout the book.

This makes the book unique and just plain out of the ordinary versus all that you see today.

I wasn't sure my daughter would like the book given its lack of color but she does and it is now her favorite book to read. The one thing I should point out and she noticed immediately is that one scene is disturbing especially for today's politically correct parents.

At one point in the story, Edith misbehaves and the older bear spanks her for her transgressions. I am sure at the time this book was written in 1957, spanking was quite acceptable.

After she read it the first time, I asked her if she liked it and she said "Yes, I like Edith and the bears. I like that they dress up. But I don't like that Edith got a spanking from the big bear".

Who would?

Check out The Lonely Doll

What is your favorite childhood book that you are reading with your child?

Spoiled Brat Video - Anger Management Classes Anyone??

So far the consensus after 1.5 million hits is that this kid is a ungrateful and spoiled brat. Whatever happened to being thankful for gifts and lying that you a gift that has been given to you???

A Weekend of Firsts - Riding a Bike

We just got back from Fire Island. I love Fire Island because it's the anti-Hamptons. Sure it's planes, trains and automobiles to get there but when you are there, it so relaxing and peaceful. I love the fact that there are no cars, so no traffic. All you need are your feet or bike/scooter to get around.

Our friends have a house right on the water so waking up every morning and seeing the water is so incredibly calming. There is nothing better than sitting on the deck looking out at the bay and enjoying the first coffee of the day. I am so appreciative of their invitation every year as it is so rejuvenating for me to get out of the city. They are truly great and generous hosts.

So it was a weekend of firsts. My daughter actually learned how to ride a bike over the weekend. I am so proud of her. She just took to the bike without so much as a fall. She was a bit wobbly at first but after a few tries, she pretty much balanced herself and she was good to go. That is the difference between my daughter and myself, she is completely and unequivocally fearless. If she falls off, she pops right up and tries again. Me, no way, I have a fear of falling. Skiing, horse back riding, skateboards, scooters, roller blades, all bad for me.

Of course, keeping up with a 6 year old in a bike is not the easiest of tasks especially running after her in flip-flops so I had to actually get on a bike so as not to lose her. This was first for me. I have not ridden a bike since my trip to Martha's Vineyard 10 years ago.

Now this means I have to get a bike to keep up with her in the city because the training wheels need to come off. Wish me luck. Riding in the city. Personally, I think it's a little scary but I see people and kids do it all the time so I need to get over my fear and move on.

Kindergarten is Over - Where did the time go?

 Seriously, where did the time go? It seemed like yesterday that I was getting ready for the start of the Kindergarten and now it's over. We both survived and

So what did my daughter and I accomplish this past year (because it's not all about her, right?):

• She learned to read and quite well I might add (yes, I am bragging and for parents whose kids started in pre-school, let me have my moment). Trust me when I say back in October, when she told me she was going to read a book instead of me reading to her, I was skeptical but she did it. Happy Tears ensued.  Now, she is reading chapter books. Yeah!!
  
• Her  drawings of people now have arms. Whether they had arms or not was not on my radar screen as being bad or good, I just thought, okay, she will never be a great artist. But in my first parent/teacher conference, this was one of the positive comments the made. She is developing as she should because her stick figures now have arms. Whew! Huh?? What you don't know, right?
• I made new parent friends which is great since it takes awhile for me to meet new people.  One benefit to being unemployed is that you actually get to be part of the afterschool "park" scene. I was completely taken aback by the number of stay at home moms. Sure in private school, you expect to see this but public school? 
• I learned what  TERC math is - get the wallets out. Math tutors, here we come.
• I started my blog. This has provided me with the incredible opportunity to meet new bloggers, learn about social media firsthand (making me more marketable, blogging does not pay the bills), all things I would not have done if I was still unemployed. Cliche, "lemonade out of lemons." 
• Improved my health - because I don't work 10-12 hours/day, I work out more and eat healthier. As a result, I have lowered my blood pressure, avoided going having to take blood pressure medicine and lost about 8 pounds. 
• Connected with former colleagues - again being unemployed has reconnected me with colleagues from another era.

Next stop camp and for me, only time will tell. 

PMS, Rain and a Sassy 6 year old are not a good combination

I was told that the twos were terrible but they weren't. That year was a piece of cake compared to now. Two year olds barely talk, let alone argue with you.

My daughter has hit her sassy and obnoxious stage. I should be so lucky as to have one of those kids who runs off in a tiff and sulks in their room. Not me, boy!!! 

My daughter will either end up a lawyer, on the View (lord we hope that show gets canceled by then) or some crazy CNN commentator, that's how good she is at arguing with me.  She makes some pretty good points which makes it doubly frustrating and just throws it back in my face without blinking an eye. 

All the books say, "don't engage in the argument", "just walk away" but they don't have a response for when a child follows you , tells you it's rude to ignore her and it's rude to walk away while she is talking. And she would be right.  Dr. Phil, anyone!!!

This week, I am just not the mood and I know this is 24/7 job but... 

The weather has been awful for two straight weeks, I am PMS'ng, found out more friends have been laid off and my job search has been pretty bleak. So my patience for the bad listening and having to repeat the same request over 4 times is pretty much non-existent. My impatience results in  raising my voice and not using my words properly.

 "Because" and "I said no and that's final" --- all wrong retorts as we know. 

I am the parent and in charge of the asylum so I decided to make some changes and hope they work. 

Stay tuned as I am one step away from filming a request to Nanny 911 or seeking a family counselor.

If anyone has tips on how to get your child to listen the first time and how to get your child through the morning routine without an argument, I am all ears. 

Dance Recital

Saturday was a very exciting day as it was Alex's second dance recital. She is much improved versus last year which I am can pretty much attribute to her being a year older. 

Thank god, I can buy a dvd made by professionals. Making my own is a pain, I barely watched the show because I wanted to tape a little of it. 

First Disco Party - Future Club Kid

Alex was  invited to her first disco birthday party. Here she is outside Poisson Rouge which really is a club. I have been in there for other events so it's pretty cool and she definitely got to experience the club vibe albeit without the drugs and alcohol.  The place was huge with a real DJ playing the tunes. 

She had a great time dancing to all the latest hits, with all her friends from school.  

And why aren't there pictures of her dancing up a storm?  Because it was a DROP OFF birthday party, my favorite kind of party. 

Julliard Discoveries Casting

Two years of ballet have paid off. My daughter's ballet teacher recommended her to be cast in Juilliard Discoveries, a collection of DVDs, CDs and books that introduce young children to the joy of great music, dance and art.

Mind you, I do not except that my daughter will turn out to be some great ballet dancer but I do hope she walks away from the experience with a love of dance and classical music.

The Ants are Dead

I stupidly said yes to my daughter receiving an ant farm for Christmas. It sounded like a good idea at the time. Of course, you have to order the ants separately since ants don't exactly have a long shelf life.

After months of reminders, I finally ordered the ants and they arrived unbeknownst to my daughter. 

Instead of opening the package right away, I just left them sitting on a shelf. Finally, yesterday, I opened the envelope knowing full well, the ants were dead AND there they were lying prone all bunched in the tube.

Passive/aggressive behaviour, I know but I just don't want to deal with the thought of having ants escaping and multiplying in my apartment.  I am so not a pet person. 

I now have come up with a cover story, not to be confused with lying, about what is happening with the ants.