We are in the paper! SOLC 21

Today I came home to a note from one of my friends at work. It was a quick and simple note. "Did you see it? Our kids are in the paper?" What? How did I miss it. My first thought was someone from the paper was covering our St. Patty's parade we had on Friday. I must have missed seeing the reporter from the paper. I quickly opened up the paper and to my delight and surprise, it was not our parade, but an article about our Lolligrams.

http://riverhead.patch.com/articles/valentines-at-aquebogue-elementary-benefit-christopher-timpone

We did this on Valentine's Day. We must have missed the article when it was written. The article is dated for February 15th.
Things really do happen for a reason. I say this because we did the Lolligrams for Chris. Chris is a young boy from our school who we have been praying and rallying around while he fights cancer. On Friday Chris completed his last Chemo treatment. He was welcomed home on Friday with a heroes salute. The firetrucks, ambulances and police escorted him back in town as he made his way home from Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer center.
It is the little things in life, those small, and ever so important things that keep me going. Just this one little article and I am reminded of why I do some of the things I do. Why some things are important and other things just aren't!
Welcome Home Chris! We continue to pray for your continued health and recovery.
Hugs,

SOLC 20

There is something to be said for the sound of birds chirping, the blooming trees, the warmth of sun beating down on you. It is no longer that spring is around the corner, it is finally, Spring is here. You don't even have to hear the birds chirping, feel the warmth of the sun or see the blooming trees, just enter the Kindergarten hallways of any school and you KNOW something is different.
It is almost instant as you enter the wing that you know that something is different. The noise level is at a new decibel. It is a much higher decibel than normal. Everyone who entered today remarked about it today. The children just can't contain themselves. The chatter sounds like a zillion chipmunks running in circles screaching at the top of their lungs. I kid you not. In one day my class has morhped.
I'm hoping that tomorrow the screaching chipmunks will take it down a few notches tomorrow.
Happy Spring everyone...
Hugs,

SOLC 19

Upon entering your immediately hit by the lights, the sounds, the smells, and the different people. The beeps from the machines are all different. So are the lights. Some machines the lights are blinking. Some machines the lights are just glowing. On other machines the lights are flashing madly along with loud sounds. Those are the sounds that delight those that have come to win. If those machines are making the loud sounds and flashing wildly you can bet people are screaming with delight because they have won the jackpot. The meaning of jackpot is different for everyone. Jackpot could be $25.00, or jackpot could be so much more.
My husband and I have come to this place for some rest. This place of sounds and light to get away. Yes, really, we went to atlantic City for some time to de-stress. It is odd that we would choose to go to someplace so busy to try and relax. However, we were not there to gamble. We went because it was not far from our home. It is only a three hour drive. The weekend was supposed to be gorgeous so we decided to take advantage of the weather and walk the boardwalk and just get away from it all. It just so happens that we LOVE the beach and our favorite restaurant is at the hotel that gave us a great rate. So we set in motion the plans. We quickly found someone to watch the kids (or should I say, keep an eye on them). They really don't need a sitter. They are old enough, but my son still needs someone to help with some things, like his medication etc. I don't want this falling on his sister. So, it was all set. My brother and sister volunteered to help out. I called the hotel on Friday night, made the reservations for Sunday and we were all set. One night away for us to rejuvenate.
It was perfect! Dinner at our favorite place. Lots of window shopping and beautiful weather for walking the boardwalk. When we left to come home my husband commented that he wished we had one more night. I agreed that one more night would be great. However, this was perfect too. It was just enough to get away, enjoy some relaxation and not be too long away from home. We have not been away by ourselves since our son's accident. (It is almost 2 yrs since the accident).
My daughter kindly reminds me often. "Mom, you need to leave the house, you and Dad never go out!" She is right. We don't ever go anywhere. So, I did it, I made the plans. Sure, they were for one night. I'm not sure I would be able to leave just yet for longer. Longer time away would require much more juggling of things for my son. This was perfect. Being last minute was also perfect. I did not have time to rethink it and back out. I know if I made plans in advance I would have panicked and canceled. So I'm glad it went the way it did. This was perfect. The kids were fine. I was fine.
The lights, the sounds, the smells, they were just what we needed. The change of scenery, well, you could say my 17 yr old was correct. We did need to leave the house. I'm not sure if it was even the lights, the sounds or the smells. It was just the company I keep. That time with my husband and the uninterrupted time alone, precious time one does not always get in our busy everyday lives. Time I do cherish. Time I won't wait so long to take together next time. For as we have learned, life is too short! I hit my own jackpot. There are no lights, sounds, etc. I don't need those...I already have all I need!
Hugs,

SOLC 17

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Michaela and her Uncle Mike St. Patrick's Day Parade.

Today is St. Patrick's Day. It is a day of big celebrating for our family. Honestly, we have been celebrating all month. We begin March with decorating. The green shamrock tablecloths, dishtowels, wash cloths, placemats, table runners all come out. The shamrocks, leprechauns and any other Irish related items are put up once Valentine's Day is over. The bag pipe music begins playing. We are infused with the joy of St. Patrick's Day. We completely enjoy this holiday. It is enjoyed just as much as Christmas in our house. Both of my parents are 100% Irish. They are proud of their heritage and passed this pride to their children. My mom is named after a river in Ireland. The adair River. This river was one her dad fished at when he was a child. Our names were all carefully selected to reflect our Irish heritage. I come from a large Irish-catholic family. My mom is the oldest of ten children. I am the oldest of 58 grand-children. My own children are completely fascinated by how many cousins, aunts, and uncles they have. It can get very confusing. It is equally confusing because we reflect our Irish heritage in our name selection. We tend to use the same names over and over. We have many Uncle Peters, Uncle Kevin's and aunt Kathleen's. It is so hard to keep it straight. However, odds are good, when in fact if you forget, call them Peter or Kevin. Today my daughter said to me that she loves her name. However, she is most grateful that I didn't name her Kathleen like so many of her relatives. I just laughed! She is the only one so far in our family. I didn't go with the norm. I didn't name her Kathleen or Kate. She is Michaela. It is an Irish name. However, she is the first Michaela in our family. Her name is spelled differently than most Michaela's as well. My brother Michael is her godfather and I wanted it to reflect his connection to her. My brother is adopted from Korea. His connection to his Korean heritage is sketchy at best. I have always felt that his new heritage began on March 1st. when he joined our family. However, I am always looking for ways to let him know how important he is to us too. Connecting my daughter's name to his was my way of letting him know how loved he is, how his joining our family made our lives complete. My daughter loves her godfather very much. He treats her like she is his own daughter. He is such a wonderful Uncle, brother and friend. Our lives are so blessed on this St. Patrick's Day and on all the other day's too!
Hugs,
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SOLC 16

I am afraid if I stand close to them long enough or if I eat with them, their crank will rub off on me. Yes, I'm scared of them. I do not dare enter their lair (the faculty room) in the morning nor at lunch. By them, I mean "those" teachers. You know who I mean. I mean "those" teachers in the faculty room who are complaining about everything, the ones who find something wrong with every new initiative. You know, the one who complains when you enthusiastically mention doing something new. Every school has at least one of them. Some have even more than one. Sometimes, if you are not careful, their crank can become contagious. My friends and I have a rule, never let a fellow friend enter the lair unattended. If you must enter the lair, buddy up. You must always have back up. Sadly, I went without back-up today. I broke the golden rule. I should have known better. Whatever was I thinking? I mean, today was party central, the day before St. Patrick's Day. The lair was hopping, hence my reason for my entering the lair. I thought it would be nice for the faculty to have some Irish Soda Bread. Not being of sound mind I quickly ran into the lair without thinking. Upon entering to drop off the soda bread the noise level was deafening. Today's topic of crank was about our new breakfast program. I chose not to become involved in the discussion when asked. I just nodded and kept my head down. I quickly dropped the soda bread and butter on the table and escaped unharmed. Ha! I was quick to pat myself on the back for my quick escape. I returned to my room. I marveled with my friend how I had escaped the lair without battle wounds. I spoke too soon. I realized after getting back to my room that I had left my papers in the faculty room. Oh no! I must go back. I glanced at the clock. It was a good time, no one would be there. The student's were coming in now from the buses. I made a mad dash up the stairs to the lair. Upon entering I see that the soda bread has been cut into. People are enjoying it. I also notice that someone has stolen one of the sticks of butter! What? Really? I glance at one of the special area teachers that is making her coffee. I begin to complain about how I can't believe that someone would steal a stick of butter. While I am speaking I realize…oh…my…word..it has happened! I am complaining about something so trivial. Their crank has rubbed off on me. I stop mid-sentence. I apologize to my fellow teacher. With a perplexed look, she says, "ok?" I grab my papers and get out of there! Not sure what happened to me back there, but really? Over a stick of butter? I broke the cardinal rule. Never let us enter the lair unattended! BUDDY UP! It's a good rule! One I most likely won't forget next time! Nor will I forget to bring extra butter, apparently it is in large demand in the lair!
Hugs,

Happy Friday!

SOLC 15

I'm wondering how one can be so tired when they hit the sack at 8:30 in the evening? I woke up tired and I remained tired all day...I was thinking it could be daylights savings. Can losing one hour really mess you up that much? So I am asking my fellow slicers. Did you find yourself very exhausted this week? Do you find yourself yawning at 7 o'clock and trying to keep your eyes open? I do hope this is the reason for my exhaustion and not old age. With that being said, I am going to finish up a few things and make way for bed even earlier tonight. This is sad but true. I will be going to bed at 8 o'clock tonight. I sure hope it is daylight savings that has me so worn out tired because gosh almighty I am one very tired Kindergarten teacher and can't even think straight to write anything but how tired I am tonight. Good-night everyone!!
Hugs,

SOLC 14

Monday began as it should, the shrill of the alarm alerting me that a new week was beginning and that I needed to get moving. I hit the ground running. My running clothes were laid out, I did my 3 mile run, showered and headed off to work. The sun was shining so brightly on my drive to work. I needed my sunglasses, something I have not needed in such a long time. The long commute was brightened by the scenery and the tunes kept me company. But, I felt that strange pain, square smack in the middle of my chest, it hit me hard. Hmmmmmmmm, what the heck? Then, suddenly it felt like an elephant was sitting on my chest, it was hard to breath. I began to wonder, do I turn around, should I pull over and call someone? The pain intensified. I thought this is just not the way to begin the day. I decided I should call my husband and then thought better of it. I did not want to worry him over something that was nothing. I figured I was hungry and once I ate I would feel better. That was my story and I was sticking to it. I arrived at work. Unloaded my bags and got out my yogurt while trying to ignore the pain that was now radiating down my left arm. I kept trying to keep myself from thinking about the pain. I decided that perhaps asking the school nurse some advice might be a good idea. I headed down to her office. She saw me in the doorway, she instantly got up and went for her blood pressure monitor. We do have a routine her and I. She asked if I had taken my pressure in the morning. I had, it was low, but not as low as I could go. She then asked if I was feeling dizzy and what was my heart rate in the morning. Ironically my heart rate was good I told her. She looks a little perplexed at me. I then slowly proceed to tell her that I am having pain in my chest that has now gone down my arm. She gives me that look, I know that look. I don't like when she looks at me that way. It is the same look I give my children when they are in BIG trouble. Yup, I was right. I was in trouble. I was right, I knew that look. She was not happy with me for not going back home when this started and for now not wanting to go home. She made me call my husband. Oh boy, it is now on! NOT THE HUSBND! Now I'm in trouble. I call him from her office. He picks up immediately. I can hear it in his voice, I know he knows something is wrong. I tell him everything is ok. He chuckles and tells me if everything is so good then why are you calling from the nurses office. Oh boy, he is too smart for me. Well, it is nothing, but I'm having some chest pain and will need to go to the doctor, but I would like to wait till school is over. However, Mrs. P thinks I should go now. I know you won't be able to get me for a few hours right? He wants to know why I would wait that long and then tells me he will call me back in five minutes he will call the office and get someone to cover his route. Oh nuts, I'm not winning this battle with anyone today! I hang up and proceed to tell Mrs. P what he has said and we both call the main office and explain what is going on. I then go and set my room up to be out. I end up not leaving though till 2PM because my poor husband did not get relieved from his job till 1:15, I work 45 minutes from his job. He picked me up and we headed to SBUMC where my Cardiologist was, it has the heart center where I had my heart ablation surgery three years prior. I speak to nurse from my doctors office they tell me to go to the ER. We arrive at the ER, they were expecting me. I am taken immediately. It is a flurry of activity, EKG, put on a gown, blood work, questions, etc. They ER was packed, but I was given priority because I have a cardiac history and the EKG showed something funny. Before I knew it, I was put in a room. I was now scared! Really? The doctor arrives, not mine, but one of the Pa's in the practice, lots of questions, more monitoring and the decision is made to do a scan to rule out the need to put a stint in my heart since they gave me 3 nitroglicerin tablets and it did not take away the pain. My head was spinning. I don't think we had time to think my husband and I or even time to get scared. We decided we needed to let our children know what was going on since it was now dinner time and the kids would worry that I had not come home from work. We called friends to let them know what was going on. We covered all bases just in case. They came and took me for the test. Within 45 minutes the test was done and then we waited…we never talked about the what if..we didn't make plans for me to be admitted, we just did not go there! I didn't want to think about it. We would cross that bridge when we needed to. Within that hour the doctor arrives and tells us, I have good news and bad news. The good news, you have PERFECT arteries, there is no calcification, no blockages. Your heart is in great shape. The bad news, I have NO idea what your pain is from. Perhaps you pulled a muscle running, perhaps your pneumonia is still there, we hear some wheezing. So, we will do a chest x-ray. I had the chest x-ray immediately. The x-ray was negative too. We were again at a cross-roads. They still had no clue where the pain was coming from. They decided to discharge me. WOO! I still have the pain and oddly, one day later, still have pain and now I have begun to come down with a cold, but I will take a cold any day of the week as opposed to what they thought was wrong! LIFE IS STILL GOOD and what a Monday that was!
Hugs,