Ramblings

The leaves are almost all gone leaving the mountainsides barren.  And animals have found or are getting ready to find their burrows for the cold to come.  Don't get me worn I love the change in seasons, but after awhile winter gets to me and I want to see color again.  So I will treasure the few remaining leaves.

Thanksgiving is 6 days away which is so hard to believe.  Which means 7 days until I can put up decorations.  A week after turkey day is my work's Christmas party.  I kind of like the short time span between the holidays. 

We are not going all out for Christmas this year.  Rob and I decided to just by for the kids this year.  We figured people really don't NEED anything and I really don't want to waste money on something they don't need.  We're not buying for each other either, we don't need anything.    We have financial goals we want to hit so all our focus is on that.  But if a family member wanted us to donate to a reputable charity (not one of the big mainstream ones where most money pays for the exuberant salaries) I'd be happy to do so.  I'd much rather GIVE to someone that NEEDS something then to someone who WANTS something.  The kids and I just might have to make some pay it forward trips.

I am on the final stretch of school at HCC.  This time of every semester I just want it to be over.  I always find myself starting to slack a little but I've been trying to keep myself in check.  I also met with an advisor at UMUC a couple of weeks ago and got my spring semester in order.  I am also taking a class this semester that is required of all new students. The class started this week and is only four weeks long.  I take 3 classes next semester.  The term's are only 8 weeks and they have 4 terms each semester. I'm gonna play it by ear and see how if I could possibly squeeze in fourth class for the fall semester.  I think I will still stick with two for the summer.  

Random pic just because it's cute.  See the squirrel in the corn stalk?

The kids have parent teacher conferences next week.  Hoping I don't get the same response from Autumn's teacher this year as I did last year.  Last year her teacher wasn't even in her room and I met with another teacher.  I ran into her homeroom teacher on the way out and she said "Oh I didn't need to talk to you because she's a good student".  Um ok, I was a little stunned.  Everyone can always strive for improvement in some area or another.  I know she has some weaknesses and I just basically wanted to an overall recap.  Logan's conference can go either way, for me that is.  It can make me blubber or just get determined.  Poor guy is struggling with comprehension, which I warned them they need to focus on.  And while he is graded with his "normal" peers I know how far this kid has come whether the grade reflects that or not.

Off to experiment with some recipes to take on Thanksgiving.