The weather has cooled off, and I’ve been making an effort to have computer free days–at least after work, anyway! I’ve been spending the time outside working on the yard, riding Sky’s old bike or walking.
I’ve got the walking thing down. I bought a backpack, pictured below, that I carry to work with me everyday with my Sugarbuster’s approved lunch and a thermos of coffee.
Okay, not a day goes by that I don’t consider the issue of class in this town. The thing is, if you live here, you only walk if you are poor, or if you are walking with a friend in a nice neighborhood in the evening for exercise. Even though you can get anywhere in town by walking three miles or so, no one does it unless they don’t have a car.
So I’m walking to the farmer’s market this morning with my backpack and pedometer, and I’m super aware of this fact. I felt like a freak show, and of course, the people in the cars that you see ARE really looking at you, because they are wondering if they know you, and if so, what the hell happened to your car. However, I took a picture underneath the bridge that I like.
Another reason why I haven’t been blogging has to do with my abysmal followup to my very ambitious-sounding posts about my volunteer work. In the past, when I’ve mentored families, students, etc., it has generally went very well. I’ve even won awards. So I felt very confident about this whole thing.
I’ve learned a lesson though, and it was a hard one. Some people absolutely DO NOT WANT to help themselves. There was nothing I could do about that. It was a horrible situation, the worst I’ve ever seen, and all I can do at this point is look at it as a learning experience in so many ways. Seeing children literally grow up like wild animals definitely gives me more insight into my disruptive students’ behavior. Seeing it is really believing it. It’s so much different than reading about poverty and neglect in a book.
It really sucked and I was depressed but I will have to get over it and pray for those kids because at this point my hands have been stomped on and tied.
Sage has joined the Boy Scouts. Greg has undertaken it as his project. I have to admit that I was worried about the whole conformity aspect of the Boy Scouts. Not to mention military undertones. However, I’ve been pleasantly surprised. They learn the coolest things to earn those badges. It is very nature oriented, and teaches the boys to be good citizens in the right way, as opposed to say, not complaining when billions of dollars are sent to Iraq. Here’s a pic of Sage in his new uniform.
Today, I have the day to myself. Sage and Greg are off to the Renaissance Festival. A couple of days ago, they went to the fair. One of the things they did was look in the funhouse mirrors. Also, Sage rode one of the scary rides by himself. He’s growing up fast!
Looking at myself in a funhouse mirror would have made me cry. Right now, looking in the regular mirror at home is like looking in a carnival mirror. Of course, I’m trying to change that. I’m down 11 pounds. Sugarbusters really works for me, although, when I got stressed out last night, I did want to go and grab the chunk of bread sitting in the kitchen and cram it down my throat. But I didn’t, and I guess that’s what counts. Perhaps by Christmas, yall’ll see some photos of me on this blog…
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I am relieved that you posted though. I was beginning to wonder. I’m glad that it was because of outdoor activities, like yard work and walking! (very cool on the 11 pound loss) Is Sugarbusters a diet? I’ve never heard of it. As for the family, I’m sure it was an eye opener and depressing; I don’t think there is any way to imagine some of these people’s lives and what they consider “normal.”
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I’m glad your back. Your son looks really cute in his boy scouts uniform. Enjoy this lovely fall weather.
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I was in the Brownies and the Girl Guides when I was a kid. We had to promise to serve the Queen, which is kind of funny considering I have nothing against her personally but really don’t think the country would suffer much, may even benefit, if we abolished the monarchy. Anyway, I think I enjoyed the Brownies but quit the Guides, I guess I was getting older and the uniforms just didn’t do it for me anymore. Oh, and we had to send birthday wishes to HRH (the Queen) and I didn’t see why I had to!!
Anyway, good to see you back in blog land!
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I was wondering if you all had been washed away by Ike. We sure do know how to have a good time when the water rises, don’t we?
I hope you don’t mind that I tagged you for a book meme. I am not a huge fan of them myself but I guess it is part of blogging tradition.
Take care.
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I suspect that sometimes it’s not about being too lazy to walk, but about saving time. Sure I can walk three miles, but if I walk three miles to a place and then come back, then that’s two hours gone in which I could’ve been doing something else (unless you are also trying to get some exercise in, of course).
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I walk everywhere. I find it kind of relaxing, and it gives me time to think.
I like your bridge photo, although I can’t see where all the graffiti is. How are you supposed to know who is gay and who is in love 4eva?
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Yay! It’s great to have you back…glad to hear you were enjoying the weather and that bridge looks really cool…as for the backpack, I would prefer something a little less crazy (i.e. plain and boring) preferably in a black or grey
I’m excited to hear about Sage joining the scouts and look forward to hearing more about his progress!
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Love the backpack and cool bridge photo! Sage looks so awesome in his uniform … I bet he’ll have an awesome time in scouts.
Sorry to hear about the outcome of the mentoring work … guess it’s the ‘ole horse to water lesson. Bravo for your intentions and efforts. xx, JP/deb
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When you first wrote about the family (especially the mother), I worried. Made me heartsick, because I’m afraid this type of family dynamic is quite prevalent. There are SO MANY people out there who just shouldn’t be parents…
And Sage is adorable in his uniform! I’ll bet he’ll really enjoy Scouts, and it’ll be very good for him.
Good to see you back!
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