I drank the kool-aid

We don't call it bribery, we call it incentives. When Andy was learning to poop in the potty, I offered him an iPod as a reward. It worked, mostly. When it came to Ryan, it wasn't so easy. He gave up his pull-ups and readily sat on the toilet but he still has a problem with his bowels. Research has suggested it is encopresis. Incentives and rewards won't work for this.

When I began my weight loss journey, I didn't think of smaller goals and rewards for myself. Then I realized that it is a long term effort and why not reward myself. OK, actually this was just an excuse for making me wait and work for things I wanted but didn't need. I made a goal for each 25 pounds that I lose, I can buy... At the end, when I lose the 150 pounds, I will get myself an iPhone.

Things changed.

Ryan learned how fun it is to watch movies on Andy's iPod. I asked him if he wanted one for his birthday. "Yes!" Hmm... do I buy Ryan a new iPod? OR... give him my iPod Touch and then I can get an iPhone! It seemed like a perfect plan since a new iPhone would be cheaper than an iPod Classic.

But Ryan wanted an iPod like Andy's. Ugh. It took some convincing but Ryan soon realized that the iPod Touch is way better. It has games and the internet! Cool! I can't wait.

Ryan's birthday is September 22. I realized it would occur during the current money cycle. So why wait? Why not get it now? I called my local AT&T but they don't have any in stock. The Apple Stores have them so I drove down to the mall and got one. So quick and easy. Too easy.

I had said to myself that I wasn't going to make a big deal about it but I can't help it. I am a kid with a new toy even if it only has 2 more functions than my iPod Touch. I am a geek. But I love it! I love the grease resistant screen! I love the camera! I love that I can use it even when I can't get a wifi connection!

I didn't get a case for my iPhone. John Gruber doesn't use one. I do prefer it without a case, typing is easier. I just have to be careful and not drop it. It's a bit to slickery.

scheduling

I am finding it hard to get used to the new schedule. I need to find a routine and stick with it.

For the past few years, I had a routine. I can't say whether I liked it or not but it's what I had. Now it's all changing. Have I mentioned that I don't like change? Especially when it isn't my idea? Now the getting up and getting fed is a bit earlier but that's not so bad. It's the waiting for busses that has become longer and strung out. Instead of waiting for one bus in the morning and one in the afternoon, I get to wait for 2 buses at each time. And it's that gap in between that messes me up.

(Ack! Is it busses or buses? Busses looks goofy. But actually both are correct. I hate the english language!)

Thursday, I was actually productive in between mornings busses. I made a card and got the rest of the family album pages done. I didn't do anything productive in the afternoon.

Perhaps I should plan my time instead of seeing how the mood strikes me? I could be spending time with the boys one on one? Then again, they are at that age when they would rather be left alone. I guess I could do some housework but we all know how lazy I am. I need some self discipline. Without deadlines and due dates I just wander from task to chair and... Yes, that chair where minutes warp into hours.

I am also trying to get back in the groove of blog posting. It was easy to do a synopsis of the day during summer break. But I can imagine it would get so boring for me let alone the reader. What I need is a life!

waiting

It seems I spend a lot of time waiting these days. Waiting for busses to pick up the boys and waiting for busses to drop of the boys.

Andy's bus was very late today. We were sitting outside on the bench. I was reading blogs and Andy was sitting, getting up and walking around and sitting down again. I didn't even realize it was late until 8:03 and the scheduled pick up time is 7:47. At that point, I could have driven him to school and probably made it back in time for Ryan's bus. But Andy didn't want that, he wanted his bus.

At 8:15 I called the bus depot to find that it had broken down and was running very late. At that point, I emailed Andy's teacher to let her know. Andy was trying not to cry. He was upset but trying to control himself. A few minutes later we heard the bus.

The bus arrived and the tears came. Tears of relief and tears of things not being right. There was a different bus driver too. The aide tried to soothe Andy. I hope he will be OK.

Now I am sitting outside waiting for Ryan's bus. At this point, it's 7 minutes late.

[edited to add: Ryan's bus did not show up as of 9:00 so I drove him to school. I am waiting in the drop-off lane until 9:25 when I can set him free. Tea latté? Why yes please!]

back on the right path

During summer break, I found myself frustrated with my weight loss goals. There wasn't enough progress. I couldn't walk and the gardening wasn't eating up enough calories. Counting calories became tedious. I decided to give myself a break. I was mindful of what I ate and what I did for exercise but I didn't keep track except for weighing myself. I did lose a few pounds.

Now it's back to routine and back on the right path. I wasn't so good yesterday as far as exercise is concerned and I won't be so good today. (Driving the boys to school eats up about 2 hours and it is still hot.) But...

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My blogger friend Robynn is have a 30-day Throw Down! of NO fast food. Not just fast food restaurants by no convenience foods either. Make it from scratch! She is giving away a $100 amazon gift certificate so check out Robynn's Raving, join and get a bit healthier.

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During the summer, I was in the habit of eating popcorn in the afternoon every other day. Monday and Tuesday I was too busy and didn't think up it until 5 pm. By then it was too close to dinner. But then a couple of hours after dinner, I think I am hungry. In the past I would have eaten popcorn, or ice cream. But I know it's best not to eat so close to bed time. Though if you have to eat something, pick a protein as it will not spike your sugar levels and will digest slowly. So what to choose? Some of Ryan's chocolate milk.

first day of school

I have always loved the first day of school. I loved being in school at least through 8th grade. High school was another matter. I loved the structure and rules of school, the clear expectations. School sports was even better with plays and specific ways to interact with your teammates.



I think that is why my boys love school too. They know what to do and how to act. They know what is expected of them. They know will/should happen for a large portion of their day.

I have never been one of those moms to cry when my kids started school. I thought I would be especially when they started at such young ages, Andy was 4 and Ryan was 3. Perhaps I was being brave so they would be brave. No, it was because so much was going on at home and I knew they needed the help and I needed the break.

Seeing that bus drive away with my kids lets me relax for a few hours knowing some one else is reponsible for them and looking out for them. And I have been so fortunate that they have been treated kindly and never in danger.



So today starts another year. And I am starting to worry how they will interact with their peers. Will they make friends? Will Ryan want to hold hands with a girl? No, I don't worry about the grades. Ryan does very well and Andy, well, he just doesn't care. He is smart but doing well just isn't his thing. He would rather make music and I appreciate that. Heck, if I had his talent, I would be playing the tunes every day.



So today I gain some freedom for a few hours. Time to shop without worrying if someone has wandered off. Time to walk and get some exercise. Time to be quiet, whole house quiet, if I wish.

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Dropped Andy off. He ran into the office instead to his classroom. I told the principal who was standing there.





Then Ryan and I went to Starbucks where the wifi would not connect. Ugh.

Dropping Ryan off without a problem.

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Errands: Office Depot for padded envelopes; Publix for fruit where I weighed 9 peaches just under 2 pounds = $5; and Target for the grocery items I can get cheaper there.

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11:37 Home again.

Groceries are put away (mostly), laundry is going and I (sort of) cleaned out the car. If I never see another french fry, it will be too soon. I think I will take it for a car wash tomorrow.

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Caffeine shakes...

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2:51 At the bustop. I have no idea what time to expect Andy's bus. Could be anytime between now and 3:30 is my best guess. Hmm... I just saw Ryan's bus go by but it must be on another run since Ryan's school doesn't get out until 3:35. I am not even sure if the bus will stop here or on Eagle Station. It is safe on ES but...

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I edited some photos and listened to Auntie Vera. I have 239 podcasts to catch up on. The photos of Andy did not come out well but The ones I shot of Ryan using the flash did. Go figure.

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2:56. It's hot!

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3:31 Still no bus and I am really sweating now. Another bus came but I think it was for the local school. But why do some kids walk home?

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3:39 Still here. No bus. No one is answering the phone at bus depot but I just saw the bus go by. Where they go next, I have no idea. This really sucks for impatient people like me. I can imagine Andy might be upset if he saw me as they went past.

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3:48 Still here, no bus. I have tea but the cup is leaking down my shirt.

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4:00 Home. The bus showed up at 3:51 and we walked home.

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4:25 Round 2. Waiting at home for Ryan's bus. Sitting outside because the lawn workers are making so much noise and I wouldn't be able to hear the bus coming. This is late and Ryan probably will not be happy.

I am also going through the papers sent home with Andy. I am going to try to stay on top of things this year. Wonder how long I will last?

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4:54 Ryan is home. He is hanging out in my bedroom. Andy went to ride his bike.

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5:13 Finally cooling off a bit. I'd been outside for almost 2 1/2 hours. That's just wrong in Florida in August.

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9:07 This day has flown by. I feel like I didn't get much chance ti sit and relax, ie waste time, but that's good. Tomorrow shouldn't be as busy but I will try to fill the day with productivity.

peaches & herb

Last week I went to the grocery store. I wondered what fruit was peaking. I'd had honeydew for 2 weeks straight and was ready for something else. The first thing I see are peaches. Seems early but then I recall that Michigan peaches are ripe in September. Nine years in Florida and I still think I am up north.

OK back to the peaches. They looked good and smelled good. They were firm but not hard. I got 6, one for each day. Yeah, I know, that was nearly enough as they are all gone 3 days later.

They recommend eating 5 servings of fruit & vegetables each day each day. Dr Weil recommends 4-5 servings of vegetables and 3-4 servings of fruit each day. I am somewhere in between.

Growing up, we were more like 3-5 servings of fresh fruit or vegetables a week. With 5 kids, 3 of them boys, fruit was not cheap and it was easier and quicker to have canned fruit & vegetables. Fruit was mainly apples, bananas and grapes. Peaches, cherries and melons were seasonal and expensive and considered a treat.

I like apples but I have a hard time eating them everyday. I was eating bananas everyday but then they weren't tasting as good and were getting brown too quickly. So I have switched to the seasonal produce, at least for fruit. It sure does taste better that way. But I need to be honest with myself and know than one peach a day is not enough.

I need to research some farmer's markets around here. Our season usually starts in October and runs through May.

[summer break in 80 days] day 80

7:33 Later start this morning. I got up at 6 but came straight to the computer. I cleaned up some email and then worked on photos. I am behind still. Yesterday's post has pictures from Wednesday and Thursday. Hopefully, I will get to yesterday's photos today. Confused? Must be time for breakfast.

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8:30 Showered. Dressed. Eaten. Peaches are very good right. Not very juicy but very sweet & tender.

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12:39 Upgrading computer software. I was 2 updates behind now I am just one behind. I used to just click OK anytime an update came. But I have had some bad things happen so now I am more cautious. I let others be rhe guinea pigs and post on twitter.

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2:24 The upgrade seems to have gone well. But I didn't stick around to play. I went and made a card.

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Rainy day.

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OK, technically this isn't the last day. We were a few weeks into the count when we realized it was off by one day. But I wasn't about to change all the posts I had done. And ... in 80 days sounds better. Thanks for joining me this summer. I don't know if I will continue the daily posting. I mean, I will actually have time to myself to something productive. ;)

[summer break in 80 days] day 79

6:25 Making bagels.

Another crap night of sleep. Is it the tree frogs waking me up with their near constant croaks?

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11:10 Barnes & Noble.

I edited photos but my eyes were so heavy... I sat in that chair then it was 9:40 and time to get ready for our Wiregrass Walk.

Ryan is a grump. I am trying to keep calm. I have a tea latté to hopefully help... It started at the beginning of our walk. We parked on the parking garage and the first elevator we tried was not working. The other two did work but it was too late for Ryan. He grumbled and moped and my headache got worse. We went to Dillards and he grudgingly went up the escalator but would not use the elevator. He complained about everything and would not go into any stores. I wanted him to try on some shoes and I thought he was going to actually do it but he wouldn't help so we left. Poor Andy. He was being so good.

Ahh... the tea is good. The cashier was not sure they could make this but the barista did and he did a fine job and even offered the vanilla syrup. And it was $1.50 less than Starbucks!

Ryan has a new atlas and is better, mostly. But he still won't use the elevators.

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Don't ask your son to sit with your purse while you got look at magazines.

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The free wifi at Barnes & Noble keeps dropping me. But the tea is helping a lot.

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12:05 Wendy's

We left B&N and the grump returned. By the time we got to the car, I'd had enough. I told Ryan he had ruined our walk with his attitude. That he can't control the elevator and not to let it bother him. D'oh! I had let his attitude affect me. Is that the same thing? Sort of. Where I can walk away from a broken elevator, I cannot walk away from my son who won't stop grumbling and wanted to world to go away. Even though I really want to.

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Bumper sticker: Autism: Be Aware. Be Understanding.

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12:18 Chick Fil A.

The drive thru is long and people are inconsiderate of others and blocking the path for other drivers. This, Ryan's attitude, car woes, and PMS make me...

Car woes? As we were driving home Wednesday, Service Traction System light came on. Annoying but not critical and I don't need it. Then yesterday on the way home, the cruise control wouldn't work. It wouldn't work earlier today when I tried but did this afternoon. Weird. I use my cruise all the time. One less thing I have to concentrate on.

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12:50 Home.

Ryan seems better. Perhaps he was just tired of going out everyday.

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7:27

I finally got through yesterday's photos. Not too many good ones. Today's weren't much better. Is it me?

I installed a plugin from Timothy Armes that lets you export photos directly to your blog. It's a little odd but I'll get used to it and it'll save me time in the long run.

PMS is in full force. I would love to each the last 9 chocolate crackle cookies. Ugh.

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I need to read this weekend and figure out the health care debate. I know for sure we need reform. Other than that...

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[summer break in 80 days] day 78

6:33 Trouble sleeping last night. And a busy day today. Hmm...

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I noticed a calm come over Ryan yesterday while we were walking through school. He said "This is good."

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9:34 At the playground.

Bother! My camera was not working, focusing, and I didn't realize it. It wasn't set wrong but it wasn't focusing or even trying. I took off the lens and put it back on and it's fine. Meanwhile, I missed some good shots of Ryan on the monkey rings.

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10:45 The pool was closed so we went to MP III. They have such a nicer atmosphere, friendlier. They use chlorine in the pool instead of salt. It bothers my eyes. Andy did miss aerobics but he got over it.

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During the drive here, I realized that we never got Andy a school ID. We will have to take care of that on Monday. I will have to call or find out at the open house. oops (I found out that we didn't miss it. They do the photo IDs the same time as class pictures.)

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Ryan wouldn't use the outside bathrooms. Huh? Oh... they stink! Gross!

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There is a character at this pool. Gregarious and a bit loud. He is from New Jersey. Does that explain it? It that a stereotype? He fits it though he doesn't have the accent his friends have.

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11:22 At Wendy's. It's slow today.

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1:29 Home.

When we get home, the boys help with the groceries and then Ryan heads into my bedroom and shuts the door. Decompression? Andy bounces around like a puppy unleashed.

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6:30 At the middle school waiting for the open house to start. Andy is excited.

Ryan didn't want to come because it was going to storm. But we managed to skirt the storm and it rained while we were in the gym.

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8:10 Home.

I had never been to an open house. Ever. And I wasn't sure what to expect. I was thinking it would be like a regular open house where people come and go throughout. But this was structured. For 20 minutes, we sat in the gym and tried to listen to what was being said. Then we were told to follow the class schedule and report to those classrooms. Andy's first class is homeroom with Ms Jessica. Then Andy, S and G go to art. This is a 9 week course then they move on to something else. When we met in the spring, I told Ms Jessica about Andy's preference for music and she said she would put him in that but... Next we went to the gym where we tried to listen to one of the coaches give his spiel. Our kids will be separated, working on special olympic events. They will not need to change in the locker room. Whew! Our last stop was back to Ms Jessica's. G's mom kept asking questions so we had to wait to see about Andy's bus situation. We did hear back from transportation who said we will need a change in his IEP for curb to curb. Ms Jessica took care of that and will fax it tomorrow. (more on this tomorrow)

We left and when we got to the car noticed that Andy's umbrella was missing. (He dropped it in the class so it is not lost.)

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I didn't get to the photos to post POTD. Oh well.

[summer break in 80 days] day 77

6:50 Up early again and Ryan questioning me but Andy happily digging into the bagels as soon as they are ready. My back is sore from standing in queue for almost an hour yesterday.

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(I saw these vultures as we were driving past the school which is close to our house but the boys don't go there. I grabbed my camera and starting shooting. There was another pole with more vultures. There was road kill in between the lanes to the vultures had to be patient. When we came back, the road kill was moved over to the median and almost gone.)

11:06. Ryan's meet the teacher day went much faster. There was some confusion about whether the bus was picking him up at home or at the regular stop. Supposedly they will be combining regular and ESE kids. They have to have bands on their back packs for 3 weeks to make sure they are getting on the right bus and off at the right stop.



Ryan is in another Pod this year, the Panthers. The idea was that kids stayed in the same pod for 3 years but this hasn't happened with Ryan.

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I stopped at Starbucks on the way home. Glad I was at home when I discovered that they forgot the sugar. sigh

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2:08 I was sitting here after lunch think it was nice I didn't have anything that needed to be done right now. So I dozed off. I just woke up with the phone and realized I need to make a birthday card and cookies before tomorrow. Oops!

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3:22 Another oops! I am making the card and I realize I didn't pull out the butter. I go and do that but don't want to wait for the hour or so for it to soften. Google! I decide to grate it and the first 1/3 is fine but then it gets too soft and slippery. It is not like grating cheese. I need shortening but I don't use that. You can substitute melted and cooled butter. I melted the butter and put it in the fridge. It didn't cool completely by the time I needed it. Hmm... I know Martha calls these Giant Chocolate Sugar Cookies and she means business. A batch will yield 8 cookies! I don't plan on making then the size of CDs so I will get more. But with using my large scoop, you can only get a few on each cookie sheet. (I got 30 decent sized cookies.)

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3:49 I may have overbaked the first batch. The original recipe calls for 18-20 minutes in the oven. Since I went smaller, I tried 14 minutes. The second batch I baked for 13 minutes before I could taste a cookie. They are good but crunchy. I reduced the third batch to 12 minutes. Oh these are good! Wish I had some vanilla ice cream.

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Yep, 12 minutes is better.

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4:55 My back really hates vacuuming.

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