Sorry to be running so late, but DJ forgot to tell me I needed to fill in for him this morning until this morning. Typical. So, despite my late appearance, I’m hoping you won’t mind me being the one to blog instead of your good buddy DJ. For those of you new to the loop, I’m Lonzo, another one of the Seattle Paladins. DJ said he promised one of us would fill you in on our Sunday afternoon football extravaganza. So here goes.
We holed up at my place–well, I should say our place since Larem rooms with me. We did our best to do ‘DEATH BY PIZZA AND BEER.’ You know how much we ordered when the tip alone was $25, or it could be that we were feeling generous. The first game started at noon and we pretty much vegged out until the second game ended. I was pretty happy with the outcome. Alexis was rooting for the Cardinals and the Steelers (sorry to all those Eagles and Ravens fans out there), so she had a good day. And it goes without saying that we want her happy because then she passes that happiness along to us. DJ isn’t the only one waiting for his own book, you know.
After the game, we watched the HBO special on the Lincoln Memorial celebration in Washington, DC. That was pretty cool, too. How often do you get to see Springsteen and Bono on the same stage?
Things are quiet here at work this morning, which is a good thing. I hear things are a bit more tense in St. Louis, something about Jarvis and his book—it looks like some places may be shipping it early and that has him all stressed out. We should all be that lucky (hint, hint, Alexis. Are you listening?)
Well, off to see what DJ’s up to.
Lonzo
Lonzo- good to see you. I am glad you had a good football day. Could you ask Alexis a question for me? If they are shipping Jarvis’ book early should we wait to buy it until the official release date? Bonnie said something about books bought only during the first week count towards the “best sellers” lists but I can’t recall exactly what she said. So I can’t remember if books bought early count or if it is just ones bought late that don’t. I don’t want to hurt one of my favorite authors by being impatient, especially since I have waited this long already. I don’t think it will kill me to wait a bit longer ( I don’t think…keeping fingers crossed). OK, that is a lot of words for a simple question. I hope you can follow it. Thanks
Good morning Lonzo! I’m glad you were able to stop by and join us. So, what is it like having Larem as a roommate? I’m glad you guys had fun yesterday. Why did you need to fill in for D.J.? Is he in trouble again? LOL, I hope not.
Stay safe!
Kimberly–Alexis says she’s fine with you buying the book when you see it or if it ships early. ;-D She doesn’t know if Amazon is actually shipping, but the book is no longer listed as “pre-order.”
Living with Larem is okay. There were some adjustments–the nights he cooks, I have to eat vegetarian. If I’m cooking, I fix a few extra veggies for him. Compromise is the name of the game. He’s also turning out to be a wicked chess player, so that’s good. I like his rather dry sense of humor, too.
DJ’s not in trouble. He just thought you’d all like to hear from someone else once in a while, and I don’t run as fast as Trahern.
Lonzo
Good to see you Lonzo!
I’m glad the football games were enjoyable – I’m not into sports much, but I like others to enjoy themselves too.
Have a great week!
Lonzo! LOL at the not running as fast as Trahern…. as for the vegie meals… I know you guys are of the meat and potatos variety… but vegies are good for you too. Have you considered getting some of those vegitarian burger patties? You could grill yourself a hamburger and Larem a veggie burger. Though I’ve heard that Portobella mushrooms make a great burger too.
Hi Lonzo- Better late than never they say…. Sounds like your Sunday was pretty fullfilling. I too sat in front of the tv watching football all day. Was a little disappointed the Eagles lost-would have really like to have seen both Pa. teams go to the bowl.
Tell Alexis-thanks for rooting for Pittsburgh! We live about 35 miles from the city and we still had fire whistles blowing fireworks being put off and people screaming out their doors like mad- Nothing like a Pittsburgh Steeler fan. I tried to get my FIL to give up his tickets but he wasn’t falling for it
Poor Jarvis he must be going crazy, but knowing Alexis I’m sure she will make it well worth the wait. If it’s any consolation we don’t like waiting either
Lonzo as for you and DJ you’ll get your HEA you know we would never let Alexis forget about you. In the meantime you can always ask DJ if he would share us.
Alexis here–
Yeah, I had a good Sunday with the football games, although I’m ready for the season to be over. I’ve liked the Steelers for a long, long time–loved them when Terry Bradshaw and Franco Harris were the stars of the team.
The Cardinals were the St. Louis team when I lived there, so I’ve always had a soft spot for them. And I love seeing Warner doing so well–to go from working in a grocery store and playing arena bowl to his 2nd SuperBowl is a Cinderalla story if there ever was one.
Off to run errands–
Alexis
Kimberly I can’t recall if you live near a store or have to order online?
Since it was my agent who was disappointed in early shipments, I can only assume the official date of release matters most.
I had a friend who hit a list once b/c a hurricane held up a shipment on a train. Her book was later than usual arriving in stores in the South. The resulting “run” on the books when they finally arrived (on the actual release week) put her on the USA Today bestseller list.
I thought exactly the same thing you did about every sale counting to bump Alexis up to “bestseller” status. She’ll get there…count on it!
Here’s a thought, though, if you buy books for birthday gifts, maybe buying Jarvis’s in duplicate or triplicate is a gift idea?
That’s what I’ll be doing.
Then I’ll be able to turn more friends onto the Paladins.
Bonnie
Hey Lonzo thanks for stopping in… I should be getting my book like tomorrow or as late as Thursday!!!! It says it will be shipped or was shipped today!!! HEHEEHEH I’m all giggly.. I finished reading Demon Huntress by Y.G. yesterday, Anya Blast’s new book too… so I was like… well… what’s next! YEAH!
I am childless today…. all my babies are sick… my kids will be back tonight… there is some bug going around…
So NM did you see t he hockey game Saturday???? I missed it.. and Dang it! Alright I’m off… hehehe
Afternoon all!
I preordered from Amazon and it is showing as not shipped yet, but I’ll let you all know as soon as it does. I’m wondering how those preorders count in the overall sales figures too.
I’m watching Titanic with Clifton Webb and Barbara Stanwyck. Still the best one by far, in my opinion only, and I’m balling my eyes out.
I know, TMI…
Portobello mushrooms stuffed with spinach/garlic/onion and herbed cheese. To DIE for! I make them a few times a month. Drizzle a little balsamic vinegar over them…And Lonzo, I can guarantee you’d like them. A lot. And they do make good burgers too.
I was bummed because I had to wait for the game to end for the new Mentalist episode. I know, don’t hit me. Football just is not my thing and the Lions don’t help in peaking my interest either. Sorry. But the Mentalist was good
And OH! I know, probably no one else cares, but the SciFi channel is showing Moonlight on Fridays at 9pm starting this week *Snoopydance* Have you all seen how much CBS is in trouble? Serves them right for canceling wonderful shows!! grrrrr
HEY! We’re having a heat wave! It’s up to 20
NM- Oh I loved Moonlight, but we don’t get the Sci-fi channel. My dtr. is flipping out she wants to know if we can get a dish before Friday.
Kelley, did you know you can, or at least you could, watch the episodes online? I find it hard to do that though. Bothers my eyes after awhile. I think CBS took the episodes down though. But I do know you can buy the complete season on Amazon tomorrow.
Whahoo! Thanks for posting that about Moonlight! I really enjoyed that series and HATED it when they cancelled it. It had real potential, I thought.
Speaking of Amazon–I was looking at my numbers this morning (yes, it’s the official start of obsession season for me), and saw that they had a used copy of DARKNESS UNKNOWN for sale for $23! How crazy is that?
Alexis (who thinks that portabellow recipe sounds yummy!)
Alexis, Alexis…stop watching those crazy numbers. (I’m just as bad…sigh)
Off to order from Chapters online….
NM, I love that version of Titanic, too…the band playing, and the old couple refusing to be parted. . . Oh my. The tragedy.
Clifton Webb…quite an actor…comedy, drama…no one had quite as stiff an upper lip as he did. He played it for all it was worth, too.
Bonnie
Cool about your book @ $23. Did it sell for that much? If so, woohoo!
Lonzo, don’t know if anyone mentioned it, but I think you’re amazing for your easy going attitude and adaptability. I mean if someone had asked you 2 years ago if you’d be room mates with an Other…? And you guys are really friends! I think you are a pretty special guy! It takes a lot of understanding and a bit of intuition to imagine how Larem has had to adapt to our world. So, thank you! for all the above AND for stopping by today! I just wanted you to know that you, too, were appreciated!
Okay Alexis what do you mean your watching your numbers on Amazon?
I’m sure this is an author thing but I was curious.
Lonzo did you leave already?
Nope, I didn’t leave. Alexis did, though. Something about NCIS and Mark Harmon being on.
She looks at her sales rank on Amazon and her position on their lists. For some reason, our stories show up on the Gothic list of best sellers, and also historicals, I think. Seems odd.
Lonzo
I hated when CBS canceled Moonlight too. Why would they cancel a series that wins the People’s Choice award?? Idiots all.
Lonzo, Gothic??? Seriously? Um…wow…that’s the last thing I would have thought. On a happy note though, Amazon is packing my order as I type!!
WOOT!!!
Can’t wait!
I am a bit surprised though. Usually I get the new releases a week early from them.
OK since some of you wanted to know – I’ve got a release date on my book…. April 23rd!
Delilah, Can we order it on Amazon? What is it called? (Yippee)
So Lonzo we asked DJ what he’s looking for in his lady for his HEA what about you?
Lonzo here, but about to call it quits for the day. What do I look for in a lady with an HEA in mind? I want her to look at me like Lacey does Barak, Brenna does Trahern, and Laurel does Devlin. ‘Nuf said.
We will now return you to your regularly scheduled program. . . .
BTW, DJ plans to veg in front of the tv tomorrow and watch all the inauguration stuff, so he might be scarce. I think Alexis is watching with him.
Lonzo
Good morning guys! I hope everyone had a nice long weekend.
Strohs – I hope the kiddos are feeling better.
NM – That recipe sounds super yummy! I have a recipe but it involves sausage and cream cheese.
Delilah – Congrats on the release date! Whoo Hoo!
Alexis – Does BN still do the rankings on the website also? I’ll go check it out when I leave here.
Stay safe!
Strohs, I missed the hockey game! We had other plans.
SL, I have a sausage/cream cheese stuffing recipe for the portobellos too. Then again, there really isn’t much you *can’t* stuff them with. I’ll see if I can dig that recipe out for you if you want it. Now that the DH is on this silly diet, I’m not really cooking.
Delilah, who will be carrying your book?? And…dare I say it here…I love your website, but you’ve got a typo or two. *ducks* I like the picture of you though!
Hope everyone’s having a great day. I’m just sitting around watching old movies. Oh, and Shining Through, because it was on, but I love that movie anyway…
Lonzo, thanks again for stopping in!
YAY!!!!! My book is on it’s way! I can’t wait!
NM–Thanks for sharing your excitement with me, as so many of you all do so generously. It means a lot to me.
Alexis
I think I said this before, not to be overly dramatic, but…
The authors I love the most are the ones whose characters talk to me weeks after I’ve finished the book. Who will pop into my head at the oddest moments. I’ll still remember bits and pieces of your stories long after I’ve read them.
So yes, I’m excited!! I don’t look forward to a lot of authors, but I do you!
Nooo!!!!! None of my bookstores have the book on order!!! :’( I’ll probably have to wait to the end of February, damn it. Grrr…
Caz, I’m sorry you have to wait. I can’t even help you out because my copies haven’t come yet, either.
Alexis
Ok…some chuckles for you!
He said . . . I don’t know why you wear a bra; you’ve got nothing to put in it.
She said . . . You wear pants don’t you?
He said . . ….. Shall we try swapping positions tonight?
She said . . . .. That’s a good idea – you stand by the ironing board while I sit on the sofa and fart!
He said . … What have you been doing with all the grocery money I gave you?
She said . . .Turn sideways and look in the mirror!
He said .. . Why don’t you tell me when you have an orgasm?
She said . . .. I would but you’re never there.
He said . . . Why don’t women blink during foreplay?
She said . . .They don’t have time
He said .. . How many men does it take to change a roll of toilet paper?
She said . . We don’t know; it has never happened.
He said . .. Why is it difficult to find men who are sensitive, caring and good- looking?
She said . . . They already have boyfriends.
She said…What do you call a woman who knows where her husband is every night?
He said . . A widow.
He said … Why are married women heavier than single women?
She said . . . Single women come home, see what’s in the fridge and go to bed.
Married women come home, see what’s in bed and go to the fridge.
Some of them are groaners, I know, but I thought of you all first!
Bonnie
Bonnie – You had me laughing out loud!! Those were great!
I had a doctor’s appt this morning. I was the first appt. at 9:30, I got there at 9 to do paperwork. The doctore didn’t see me until 10:10!!!! I didn’t get out of there until after 11. GRRRRRR…….
And I still haven’t found Alexis’ book. **sob** But there is always tomorrow.:)
Bonnie thanks for sharings-too funny!
I was laughing! I thought they were great!
And my book is at the delivery center so it will be here tomorrow! YAY!!!
Now, on another note, would anyone like my husband? He’s an idiot, but he’s useful sometimes…low maintenance as long as you put a piece of duct tape over his mouth…
Free! To a…home.
Tis okay Alexis
Hopefully it won’t take them too long to order it in for me.
Bonnie, I’d heard a couple of those before, but they are all great and of course you thought of us first.
I have Jarvis’s book
and Midnight Confessions in the mail right now!! 
Darkness Unknown is arriving tomorrow – according to my shipping notice.
Did I mention that my DH qualified for a buy-in at a poker tournament in Tunica, MS next week. I’m going too! (leaving in a week) 4 days of spa and reading!!!! I’m so excited I can’t even do the happy dance. FOUR days! No MIL! Did I mention four days? I will be thinking of you all! Can’t take the DD’s laptop – some crap about her wanting to use it for college (sheesh). So, I don’t know what I’ll have in the way of internet access. Hopefully I’ll be able to check in. I’m making a TBR pile that I’ll not be able to finish, but I’m gonna have a blast trying!
I will MAKE myself wait to read Darkness Unknown! I am strong! :giddylaughter:
NM – I have to ask, what did the hubby do now to make you offer him up???
Bonnie – loved the he said/she said post. some of them fit way too well for comfort at this house.
I’m still not sure where to get Jarvis’s book at. Our local book store will close Saturday. The good thing is that all book left are between 40-75% off. My husband almost had a fit when I came home from work with a BIG bag of new books.
Summer, Amazon.com. It’s not always, but usually, the cheapest and certainly it’s reliable. (with a day or two plus or minus on new releases) IMHO
Thank you Caron for ordering MC…you have my heartfelt thanks.
Summer…the “sit on the sofa”…ergh…You know, when we speak of HEAs in “real” no one ever mentions this unromantic stuff, but by the time the subject comes up, we’re in so deep we’re not going to back out just b/c we get the eau-de-butt once in awhile. (jeeze, I said that out loud)
Which is another reason we love us our romantic heroes. Right DJ?
OK, off to get some work done.
Bonnie
Caron, forgot tomention the FOUR DAY HOLIDAY! YAY, for you. Enjoy every moment, the reading, the books, the reading, the books…the dh, the reading….no cooking! no cleaning!
The reading.
The books.
Lap it up,
Bonnie
Thought I’d better drop while Alexis is busy. She has a family thing going on tonight and I don’t want to get caught up in the preparation. My idea of wrapping a gift is to stuff it in one of those gift bags with a wad of that tissue stuff on top. I suspect she’d try to rope me into tying a bow or some such thing.
Caron–your trip sounds like great fun. Wish it was my book you’d be reading. (I know, enough of the self-pity party).
Once Alexis gets the family thing organized, she’ll be doing the revisions on Hunter’s book. At least I’m in his book, along with Larem and a few other familiar faces. Even that jerk Jake puts in a brief appearance. But, ha!, I have more pages than he does.
It’s foggy and chilly here–typical.
DJ
D.J. – Be nice or Alexis my add more of Jake when she does her revisions!
Caron – Congrats on the 4 day holiday!!! Enjoy all the quiet, reading time.
I still haven’t been able to find Alexis’ book either. I’ll be hunting all weekend as well. Our local BN rarely gets books on their release day. It is very frustrating. Sometimes the books arrive a couple of weeks late. GRRRRRR……
Stay Safe!
Summer, the DH just hasn’t got a clue when to keep his bloody mouth shut and thinks it’s funny when he pisses everyone else in the house off. It’s got to be a guy thing. They all think like that at times…
We were sitting quietly, together, Satan’s spawn, the DH and I and he just couldn’t resist making snide comments to piss off the DD2, thinking he was being ‘cute’. Of course, the only thing he did was piss her off, which pisses me off because he just can’t shut up…
idiot
My book is out for delivery! :yay:
Caron, I’d go and just enjoy the time away. Not like we won’t be here when you get back
Caron- You are one lucky lady, what I wouldn’t give for a little down time!
Enjoy it….
NM-Men never know when to shut up ( sorry-except you DJ), if it’s any consolation
my husbands the same way. Thinks he’s being funny when all he’s being is an ass.
Hey lasdies keep your fingers crossed and send up a few prayers for my son tomorrow. He’s 10 and we’ve had a lot of problems with him in regards
to school. He doesn’t have ADD or ADH and is not a problem child in any way. Actually he’s just the opposite cheerful,positive and always happy but he struggles in academics and the school has been of no help.You have no idea how much faith a parent puts into our teachers to adequately educate our kids and they fail you miserably. He’s in learning support for math and english which took me threatening to sue the school if he didn’t get help. So long story short I have spent the last year calling every advocacy group,state education agency,local childrens hospital,education centers trying to get my son specifically diagnosed and tomorrow is the day.The neuro psych dr, says it will take 3-5 hours to test him, but at least I’ll have a specific diagnosis and not some generic label the school placed on him. The bad thing is the school doesn’t need to abide by the dr.’s findings they only have to “consider” his recommendations, but as long as I know what is wrong that will allow me to help my son.
Between Tuesday and today I have spent over 12 hours talking to, waiting for, being measured by, having tubes and stitches placed and removed, and in various other ways dealing with doctors. Stephen (our 12 y/o) is now has a reconstructed tear duct, with the tubing removed. He is all set and ready for the cataracts to be removed, an artifical replacement lens to hopefully be put in (his was cracked in the accident), the iris to be surgically revised (that was split as well and no longer constricts), the muscle to be reattached (and hope they take and start working again), and the jelly-like goop from the center of the eye that has oozed into the front to be sucked out.
What’s even more exciting is that we even have a date set, and all of this will be done at the same time!
Now of course we have to understand that by doing all of this to fix his vision in the right eye; hopefully bringing it up above the legally blind limit his double vision may end up being that much worse that we’ll have to schedule another surgery to redo the actual placement of the eye. There is also the oral surgeon to deal with the extra sets of teeth the kid seems to have grown, but that’s fairly minor compared to everything else he’s been getting done.
Bottom line for the first time since his accident we are looking at a possible break from specialists and surgical doctors, at least for a few years until he grows a little bit more! I swear I’m not going to know what to do without having to go to one doctor or another 2 times a month.
Kelley, been there, done that. If you want to vent and hear my story, I’ll share with you privately.
Comes complete with a happy ending…so take heart.
Periodically the glimpses we all get into each others’ lives astounds me at the fortitude I see here. You’re all such fantastic WOMEN (in the fullest sense of the word: proud, strong, capable) Summer, you hang in there…what a trial!
Take care all.
Bonnie
Kelley and Summer, you both have my prayers. I know how very hard that is. Thankfully, in most of our school systems here, we have great support, but I know that’s not always the case.
It’s Thrilling Thursday…maybe you’ll laugh:
At 85 years of age, Wally married Anne, a lovely 25 year old. Since her new husband is so old, Anne decides that after their wedding she and Wally should have separate bedrooms, because she is concerned that her new but aged husband may overexert himself if they spend the entire night together.
After the wedding festivities Anne prepares herself for bed and the expected ‘knock’ on the door. Sure enough the knock comes, the door opens and there is Wally, her 85 year old groom, ready for action. They unite as one. All goes well, Wally takes leave of his bride, and she prepares to go to sleep.
After a few minutes, Anne hears another knock on her bedroom door, and it’s Wally. Again he is ready for more ‘action.’ Somewhat surprised, Anne consents for more coupling. When the newlyweds are done, Wally kisses his bride, bids her a fond goodnight and leaves.
She is set to go to sleep again, but, aha you guessed it….. Wally is back again, rapping on the door, and is as fresh as a 25-year-old, ready for more ‘action.’ And, once again they enjoy each other. But as Wally gets set to leave again, his young bride says to him, ‘I am thoroughly impressed that at your age you can perform so well and so often. I have been with guys less than a third of your age who were only good once. You are truly a great lover, Wally.’
Wally, somewhat embarrassed, turns to Anne and says: …….’You mean I was here already?’
Kelly – Congratulations on getting things set up! A start is always a start, regardless of how much fight comes before or after it, and something to be celebrated. I’m not sure what state you’re in, or how things work in your public schools, but if you can get a diagnosis from a doctor they should be able to also help you set up an IEP that the school will have to follow.
We’ve had our problems with our local school as well. To the point where I was at, or calling the office almost everyday. All to no avail. Alex was stuck in the back of the room and ignored by the teachers from first grade on because he already knew what they were teaching. Worst was when Stephen came to the same teachers a year later struggling to even read and they still didn’t do anything. He was placed in title 1 reading and math along with the entire class (that right there tells you something about the school when none of the kids are able to read) and it didn’t make a wit of difference.
My husband and I spoke about private school (which we could not afford) homeschooling (a great concept but the time involved with two working parents is difficult), and everything else we could think of. To be honest when Stephen had his accident it was almost a blessing school wise. We knew there just wasn’t any way he could keep up with classes given the hospital and doctor schedule we were looking at. That’s when we found out about cyber schooling.
OMG what a difference!
The first year I thought I was going to need to be committed, that or take stock in tissues, but we stuck it out and the boy are so remarkably different now.
Alex has advanced to the point where he is in 8th grade and getting highschool credits already with the option of taking college classes (for free) an graduating with an associated degree if he should choose to.
Stephen, after much work on both our parts, is completely caught up with where he should be and scoring advanced marks on his state testing. The best part is he can take his computer to the doctors and hospital when needed. The school will work around our schedule when needed, and he has so many more friends then he ever did in public school, without the fighting and bullying that kids deal with today.
All this to tell you good luck and keep fighting. When things look their worst somehow the universe manages to give you want you need to keep going.
Alexis here–
My thoughts and prayers are will all of you and the challenges you’re facing. We never had to face such a major surgery with our kids, but I spent an awful lot of time in the doctor’s office with my kids–asthma related stuff. And know that you’re doing the right thing to be such strong advocates for you kids when it comes to school.
Back to baking–
Alexis
Alexis what are you baking?With Christmas not even a month past I can’t imagine baking anything.
Summer- I am so sorry to hear of your sons surgery’s I actually flinched while reading your post. My son is named Stephen too and spelled the same way.
We live in Pa. and he does have an IEP but I should use it as toilet paper because at least that way it would be put to good use; right now all it is are abunch of words on paper. we meet with the school and advocate 3 times a year but they still can’t manage to pull their head out of their asses long enough to do anything .
We too considered private school and charter schools looked into cyber school but not sure if it would be the right fit, how does your son do with socialization? I found out last year while on a tangent with the state All of our kids that have IEP’s at our school are diagnosed with SLD(specific learning disabilites) nothing specific about it-they are all treated the same regardless of their deficiencies. In two words the SYSTEM SUCKS! But enough of that moving on- thanks for the well wishes ladies I appreciate it and need it
A visit from DJ could always make my day-FYI another Steeler rally in Pgh tomorrow. I swear Steeler fans will look for any excuse to drink,party and tailgate.Gotta love us!
NM- working with the department area on aging here in Pgh, and dealing with seniors everyday I found this thrilling thursday to be particularly funny-thanks.
Okay sorry Alexis I swear my saga is over.
Bonnie I will be e-mailing you soon I need to hear a happy ending because I’m not too sure if that’s possible in this case.
Kelley, if you can’t go on with your saga, we’re not very good friends here, are we? Because you need somewhere that you can get all this out and we’re all here to listen. :hug:
I did the home/cyber school combo with DD2. I home schooled her to get through the lessons, but she took the tests and had her forums online where she could interact with other kids and ‘study’ for the tests. I wish I’d never put her back in public school.
Anyway, there is never anything that can’t be overcome somehow and you will.
I’m glad you liked that joke. I thought it was funny.
Bonnie, I’m so glad you had a happy ending. I am an optimist and believe there’s always one to be had if you reach for it. Sappy? Maybe, but it’s gotten me through a lot.
Summer, where is your son having his surgery? Do they do everything in rotation on the same day?
And sheesh! Alexis! You’re supposed to wait until at least February before you start baking again!!
But…what are you baking? I loved baked goods… 
Oh, DJ!!! Where did you disappear to?
Good luck Kelley and Summer! Let us know how it goes
By the way, I’m getting a bit lost with all the shortened references. Is it an American thing? I’m seeing DH and DD etc a lot, and I assume they stand for dear husband and dear daughter? Though I could (very likely) be wrong). And there’s a few others, HRT or something? HRE, HDE? I can’t remember. It’s something like that. maybe it was RTH… *lost*
Kelly – Both of the older boy do a combination of self-paced and virtual classes.
Self-paced is excatly what it sounds like, you are given the book, a lesson plan/instruction book, as well as computer the same lesson/instructions being on the computer. You do what amounts to half a lesson a day, or can move ahead as you’re able to. If needed you can stay on the same lesson for several days until the child understands the concept and is ready to move on. Alex finished 3 grades worth of math his first year where as Stephen and I would sit and go over multiplying or fractions for more then a week before he was ready to move to the next thing.
Virtual classes are really cool. The kids are in a classroom with other children and a teacher only it is all over the computer. They can talk to each other (headsets for a desk top, or built in mic for lap tops), pass notes before and after class starts, and even have a special pad that they use to write on the online equivelant of a blackboard. At some point during the class they are split up into smaller groups of 2-4 kids to work on problems together while the teacher goes back and forth between the groups.
The school reimburses us for our internet, supplies a computer, scanner, and printer for each child. Homework is either assigned to be done online the same as tests, or done by hand and scanned into the computer and sent to the teacher vie a drop box or email.
In addition to the virtual classes the school gives each child their own email that they can use to contact their teachers and other kids. It’s set up so that only school email addresses can send back and forth so you know it’s safe. They also have several field trips set up through the school every month throughout the state that you can go to as you choose.
Since the cyber school is considered part of the public school system the local school has to allow the students to participate in any sports or other activities they offer. In fact both of my boys were in the elementary band and now go up for last period every day to participate in the high school/marching band. So they’re with the other kids every day just about, but still get a much better quality of education then what that school offers.
It takes more involvement on the parents part because, as with any kid if they can get away without doing the work they will, but all in all is a much better choice for us.
NM – We go to the Janet Weiss Children’s Hospital in Danville for the surgeries. It’s about an hour drive for us but the quality of care there is outstanding. They also have the doctor’s offices right there in a different part of the building so we can go from plastic surgeon, to opthomology, to ortho, to ped cataract all in the same trip if needed.
Not too mention that for the first several weeks after the accident, when Stephen was in the PICU then had his own room, one of us was there at all times. You really get to know the hospital staff very well, nursing, doctors, interns, even cafeteria workers and shuttle bus drivers. After 2 1/2 years I could probably give tours of the place complete with staff names.
Kelley, could you tell me a bit about what you do. My husband’s mom lives with us and has several health issues and I am primarily the one who cares for her. One of the reasons I am so excited about the trip to Tunica is that I will have a short break from caring for her. It’s gotten very bad. I am seriously looking for some advice and maybe some help … (She recently pulled a muscle or strained her sciatic (sp) nerve or something and can no longer get in bed with out help.) So, *I* am the one needing help. Thanks for the brief rant, ladies. Kelley, I don’t even know if you have anything to do with this or can offer advice. But, I’ll take whatever you’ve got.
Hmm. Caron, my job description?
Saint!
No just kidding.
I assist seniors and their families with completing applications that will offer them either county or state assistance. Most of these programs are designed to help keep seniors either in their own home or offer assistance to the families who are caregivers.
Email Alexis I have asked her to give you my email ( hopes she doesn’t mind)-of course DJ could always be the one to take care of that for her… needless to say I’m not too computer savy and my whole family uses the same account and not that any of you would EVER send or do anything inappropriate it’s those that may be just dropping in I worry about, and needless to say I don’t do myspace or facebook either-I know get with the times but i’m too busy to get with the times, maybe when my kids graduate and by then who knows what we’ll have.
Hey Caz- Here’s my guess and I could be wrong,probably am but this is what I decifer them as.
DH- Dear Husband
DD-Dear Daughter
HEA-Happily Ever After
TBR- To be read
Not sure what else
Caz:
DH = dear husband, dumb husband, ditzy husband, damned husband…
DD = dear daughter, darling daughter, or any of a number of other acronyms you want to choose
Same for the DH…
DS = dear sister, dear son, take your pick
Here’s a list of a lot of them, though it’s by no means all inclusive.
Summer, I understand. I had a lot of patients who spent several weeks on my unit and it’s the same way. You get to know people really well that way. Surprising, but then, strange things bring people together…
Caron, you need to find out if you can get a home health aid in once or twice a week so you can have a few hours to yourself. Check with medicare. They always paid for my dad’s. With two small children and him in the house, I had many a day when I wondered if I’d survive until it was time to go to bed.
We will be looking into the home health aid – FOR SURE. We have asked about it previously. The problem is she’s, well, depressed and therefore pretty much not making any decisions. AND her Dr. is on the south side of town and his contacts/program/whatever doesn’t reach up this far north to get us access (through her ins. or medicare) to home health care. But, it’s gotta be done even if it means her changing her PCP as we are rapidly approching the point where I can no longer do this. Rob spent a while recently looking at assisted living, we may need to go there. sigh. I’m just weary, ya know?
I am basically a positive person and I apologize for dumping and I thank you all for listening!
On a lighter note my Daddy sent me this story:
Cup of Tea
One day my mother was out and my dad was in charge of me. I was maybe 2 1/2 or 3 years old. Someone had given me a little china tea set and it was one of my favorite toys.
Daddy was in the living room engrossed in the evening news when I brought him a little cup of “tea”, which was just water. After several cups of tea and lots of praise for such yummy tea, my Mom came home.
My Dad made her wait in the living room to watch me bring him a cup of tea because it was “just the cutest thing!” My Mom waited and sure enough, here I came down the hall with a cup of tea for Daddy and she watched him drink it up.
Then she sais, as only a mother would, “Did it ever occur to you that the only pleace she can reach to get water is the toilet?”
DJ here—
Alexis was baking a pumpkin pie for a family birthday. In fact, while she’s not looking, I’m going to sneak a piece . . . or two . . . or three.
She’s going to watch BONES and then crash for the night.
I’ll check in tomorrrow–
DJ
Caron- Ew!!!!! I just gave a little shudder at the very thought. Ew, ew, ew….
Kelley and NM – thanks for the clarifaction
Hopefully I’ll be able to keep up now. 
It’s so interesting to see how even chatspeak changes from continent to continent. I’ve never seen those anywhere on Australian chat boards. My education grows every day on this blog 
Caron- most of the time HHA are not covered unde rmedicare/ private insurance except when a discharge from a hospital has been recent -than they will cover 6wks of visits (don’t mean to burst your bubble) but it’s just the way the insurance companies are (worked for them too). Alexis aid she would be glad to give you my e-mail so get in contact with her. Depending on the MIL age,income and other demographics she may be entitled to state benefits, county assistant benefits, or assistant threw “CLASS” programs depending on health and geographical location.
Trust me I can probably help you.
Happy Friday All- Off to the neuro psych wish us luck
Kelly and Summer, hang in there! My mother is a special education teacher, (there are some good ones!:)) and believe me, many of them are just as frustrated with the system as you are! The system is more interested in money and scores, not the kids. Many of the teachers are so buried under meetings, reports, tests, etc. that there’s hardly time to teach. Which is WRONG WRONG WRONG.
Are you certain the school doesn’t have to abide by what the doctor says? It seems to me that might be illegal. When all else fails, call the lawyer. They are required to provide whatever is needed for any child.
Alexis, I bought the first Harry Dresden book and really enjoyed it. I’m going to get the next book tomorrow. Also a new release in Urban Fantasy by Mark del Franco, who I enjoy reading. His Connor Grey is great!
Also looking forward to Patricia Briggs’ new book.
DJ, you need to try and catch Trahern a little harder. I know he’s not that shy. Maybe he can give us his perspective on Jarvis! I know Jarvis would LOVE that!
ALEXIS!!!!! I WON THE EBAY AUCTION!!! I’m so excited! All five, autographed!!! YAY!!!! Excited!!!! *does Snoopy dance*
*sigh* Okay, am regrouping here…
Kelley, if my dad’s doc wrote a prescription for it, he could have an HHA. Whether he’d been in hospital or not. Now, that said, he also had supplemental BCBS so I don’t know if they picked up any portion of that.
As far as the assisted living goes, where my dad was, was fairly nice, not outrageously gorgeous, but not a nursing home kind of thing, and it cost me $3100 a month. That’s the biggest problem with that.
Caron – Thanks for the joke post. Very cute. I wish you lots of luck with your MIL. I worked in nursing homes and understand how hard it can be for families dealing with the stress and medical problems of aging loved ones.
Kelly – How did the meeting go for you and your son?
Wendy – It really is a shame when the good teachers get pushed to the back of someone mind because of a poor teacher, or even worse school policy. Right now it seems like too many of the schools are more interested in making sure they score well on tests to keep up their funding rather then helping the children learn how to facilitate in life. Our local distract spent 6 weeks before states testing teaching 3rd graders how to use calculators to take their math tests instead of teaching the skills covered by the math test. Please tell you mother thanks for putting up with all of us parents and our children, and that we really do appreciate all that is done for us.
BTW my sons’ 3rd grade English teacher helped us out so much we still sing her praises this many years later.
Well it’s over! 6 hours of testing and my son endured everyhting like a champ- bless his little heart. we won’t have the results for a couple of weeks and even when the report is written they informed us we will have to pay for a copy of it-can you believe that. As if the $2500 for the tests wasn’t enough.
Wendy unfortunately when you take your child to be evaluated outside the school the doctors recommnedations only need to be considered not adhered to since the school’s “professionals” (and I use that term loosely)didn’t make the diagnosis, and the funny part is the school & school psychiatrist will not give you a specific diagnosis because they tell you they can’t they are not trained medically to pin point any disorder.We even tried to get the school to pay for the outside evaluation but the loop hole is we signed his initial IEP and with that signature we agreed to their diagnosis and their form of treatment- you live and learn!
i hate to say it but you just can’t fight the big guy- I’ve tried and I always loose. To make a long story short. as a parent you are entitled to your childs records-they can charge you for them but by law you are entitled to them. set up a meeting requesting my sons records, school out right refused- i took my sons records had them copied returned them to the districts administration bldg. 10 minutes later and 10 days later i got a citation being charged witha federal offense of tampering with public records. I kid you not. One trip to the magistrate and 5 court apperances later charges were dropped I still had to pay court fees,attorney feees and need to get my record expundged. so needless to say this district will never play nice. they don’t have my sons best interest at heart so as a parent I now have to do what I have to for my son no matter the cost.
But on a high note after spending all day in the hospital we trucked over the bridge into the city and went to the Steelers pep rally at Heinz field (yes named after the ketchup) and had a blast. The energy was amazing, I can’t believe we are going to be playing for our 6th super bowl ring!The best part to the night was seeing my son blow off steam and just relax.
have a good weekend ladies! This week has been tough
Alexis here–
I’m sorry that so many of you are dealing with some tough issues right now. I think of you often during the day–and I hope things get resolved for you soon.
NM! I’m so happy the books will be going to a good home. I’ll get them in the mail by Tuesday!
Enjoy your weekend, everybody!
Alexis, I am THRILLED! And please, don’t hurry. I know you’ll send them, so just whenever you’re going in the post office direction anyway is fine.
I’m reading what you all are saying about your school districts and how they cubicle your kids. I admire your strength and perseverance. I finally gave up fighting. My DD1 had a teacher in seventh grade middle school who was in her last year before retirement. She showed slides of her many hiking trips, camping trips, family get-togethers…DD1 came home night after night crying because she was so frustrated that she wasn’t learning anything and was bored to tears by this woman.
When I complained to the school board, they told me as far as they were concerned the teacher had always been a good one and since this was her last year, they didn’t want to give her a blotch on her record at this late date. When I found out that DD1 would have two more retiring teachers the next year, we yanked her and put her in private school. No, it wasn’t easy. When we did that, we were paying what we would have to put her through college. But it was definitely worth it.
When DD2 wanted to go back to school (she’d been homeschooled from third through sixth grade) we wanted to put her in that private school as well. She adamantly refused (long story why) so we put her back in public school. That was a huge mistake and I still think, had we put her in that private school, she’d be a different kid today. The teachers just didn’t care. Didn’t care if she did well, if she didn’t…and this isn’t saying anything against teachers in general either. My friend of forty years is an excellent teacher, but she cares about each student in her classroom and will admit, not all teachers do and the school districts are majorly to blame for that as well.
Hang in there. You’re all in my prayers.
I got Jarvis’s book today! Oh My! Loved it, as I expected I would. I needed that too. DH left today back to Iraq. Ugh. And of course, it’s been the coldest day for the last 2 weeks and snowing and icy and such. The weather just matched my mood.
Wendy…DH & I are reading the Dresden books too. He picked up the 9th book, not realizing it was a series. I order the book and read it first. Then I send it to him. When he’s done, I have the next book ready to be sent. The hardest part of this is knowing what’s in the next book and trying to remember not to spill anything.
I picked up 3 other books. I’ll get those read this week. Anyone have any other suggestions? I picked up Jacquelyn Frank’s newest release Ecstasy, and Gena Showalter’s Heart of the Dragon and Jewel of Atlantis. I’ll be ordering book 6 of the Dresden series tomorrow. Anything else I should look at?
PM
Piscesmom–I’m so glad you loved Jarvis’s story and that it gave you something to smile about with your DH leaving again. Tell him that we keep him in our thoughts and prayers. I seriously LOVE the Dresden books. Jim Butcher’s sense of humor is so great.
Have you tried Patricia Briggs’ series? I really like those a lot. I also like Keri Arthur’s books, and Charlaine Harris’s Sookie Stackhouse books.
If I think of any more, I’ll list them later.
Take care,
Alexis
Piscesmom, one of my favs in the last year was the 4 book Darkness Chosen series by Christina Dodd. The back story is something along the lines of a 1000 year old deal between an Evil Russian and the Devil and the current family dealing with the curse and it’s “benefits” of shape shifting. Each of the 4 children get their own story w/ their own HEA. The resolution in the final book is really well done. NM said something a while back about the reason we love Alexis’ characters. They live on or become real – like DJ and Company, I find myself thinking about Jasha, Adrick, Firebird and such. Bonnie’s books have become a favorite, too. Gotta love a ghost madame and all the chaos and fun she can create (amongst other stories.) Be forwarned tho, Bonnie cranks things up a couple of notches!
Alexis – Thanks for the recommendations. I’ll definitely check them out.
Caron – I have read all of those, and loved them just as much.
While DH was home, we were out looking as new living room furniture. I mentioned getting a 3 shelf book case. He just started laughing…said we’d need 3 of those just to hold my books. He’s exaggerating…some.
PM
Oh, Caron, you’re a sweetie, thanks so much for the compliment. And PM…all best to you and the dh. You know the internet and cell phones has brought the service personnel a lot of comfort. In previous times, it was strictly letters. Something to be grateful for in all this.
An update, if I may on my dd2′s training: yesterday she was pepper sprayed twice. They have to know what it feels like, I guess.
Soon, they get tazered (well, a couple of volunteers do). She’s already learned how to do a “take down”…my little girl, able to inflict pain and control men twice her size. Hard to believe.
back to these revisions. Sorry to be so quiet, but I’m in the dissection stage of this story…here’s hoping I don’t turn it into a Frankenstein, but the votes of confidence here help a lot.
You all rock.
Bonnie