The Long Weekend

Had a nice busy holiday weekend. Saturday since we didn't have soccer we decided to go to the zoo. We were thinking about going up to Milwaukee, but decided to do Brookfield this time instead. We haven't been to the zoo in at least a few years, maybe since the goofballs were in strollers. Seems like a really long time, anyway. We only had about 5 hours there since Patrick had a meeting in the morning. There was a threat of rain, but it turned out to be a beautiful day. Not too crowded at the zoo either, but a pretty good amount of people. We saw a few new exhibits that we've not seen before including the new Wolf Woods, and the lagoon. They also made a new bird/reptile house. We saw almost everything, although we missed the elephants/rhinos/kangaroos/and all of the big cats except the snow leopards. Well, we'll just have to go back for those.

View highlights of the trip here.

Sunday we had family over for the boy's birthday. Had a nice cookout with lots of food and presents! Yea! The boy got a new light saber, which is good since his old one was on it's last leg. Also a big castle playhouse to color, and several Star Wars figures with Darth Vader carrying case. Too cool! Saturday night we took loopy dog for a LONG walk around the neighborhood and she did really good! Course, as soon as we got home she plopped down on a towel and went right to sleep. lol.

Monday I was up early (As I was Sunday) because the dog can't get it straight that we sleep IN on the weekends and get up early during the week. Loopy dog insists on being up before the crack of dawn on the weekends. Patrick had dog duty on Saturday since he was getting up early anyway, and I got stuck with Sunday AND Monday. What's up with that?! So loopy dog got me up around 6:30. I decided to stay up and start working on some new orders. Everyone else got up about 8:30am and we got ready to go to the Memorial Day parade. After that we played a bit of tennis and ran a few errands and in the afternoon I put out the sprinkler for the kids and dog. After dinner (yum...leftovers) we went back out and played some more tennis. The kids are really liking it and we're having a lot of fun.

Now, back to work. Happy last almost full week of school. 5 days + 1hour to go.

Interesting Development...

As we know, the superintendent is leaving the district, and now so is the Asst. Superintendent for Business Services. But at tonight's school board meeting they voted to post job listings for art/music/PE and encore (which is a rotation of Art/Music/Spanish). Seems they have 1.5 million sitting around. Don't know where that is coming from, since they are supposed to have $5 mil in reserves (which I don't think we do now). Could that be what the extra million was for that they transferred (borrowed) out of another account? I don't think that extra money has been accounted for yet. Hmmm....we'll not get our hopes up just yet.

The meeting took place at the Middle School in the library (hadn't been there before) so the kids found a nice secluded spot to sit and read and listed to their CDs. Turns out it was also the area that the teachers and principals were congregating, so the girl's new principal kept an eye on them. We spoke to him a little bit as we were leaving and the girl introduced herself. He said if she behaves as well as she did during the meeting she'll have no problem at school. She just sat there reading her book. lol. He's very nice. I'm very impressed with the principal and vice principal there.

Half-day tomorrow so we're riding bikes down to a friends house so they can play in the afternoon. Boy, I bet I get in great shape this summer. Have to bike to get anywhere. We'll have to work on our stamina so we can make it up to where the stores are. That's about a 4 mile trek though. I'll let you know how we do in August. lol

I think I will start listing the books I'm reading. I've been meaning to keep a list going, but I always forget. So the last few I've read in the last month or so...all 7 of the Narnia books, Bridge to Terabithia, Hatchet, Bud Not Buddy, and I'm reading the companion to Hatchet - Brian's Winter now. If you know any of those books, watch for them to show up on Happy Jack!

Newly Elected...

Me. It's official...watch out neighbors...I'm on the PTO. lol We had elections last night and how sad is this? In attendance at last night's general PTO meeting were the 7 people currently on the board, me, another lady who was running for a seat, another lady from my neighborhood, the principal, two 4th grade teachers, and a kindergarten teacher. That's it. Not even one other lady who was running for Secretary. So we basically voted ourselves on the board. Is there a problem with volunteerism everywhere? I suspect so. It must go back to that whole "just looking out for me" mentality that is sweeping the nation.

On another equally funny and sad note, I got a "piece of work" in the mail yesterday. "Getting to Know Your Schools" An Official Publication of CCSD #46 hit the streets, well, actually, my mailbox and I'm assuming everyone in CCSD 46's. Seems this little glossy 4-page fluff piece cost the district $8,000...which they stress all over the place that "no educational funds were used to develop, create, print or mail." No, the funds were taken from the lease agreement with Lakeview School. So they used District funds to "communicate" with the community how great the district is, but they won't respond by email to questions from the community, they won't answer questions at board meetings, and unless you are a member of their core support group, they won't address you at all. One board member will not even look at people addressing the board at public comment time at the board meetings. It's a joke. Please tell me it is.

I had another current PTO board member drive me to the meeting last night and her daughter in the back seat was telling me how cool it was that the PTO bought the school new playground equipment, but they really needed more dodge balls. Which is hilarious since all they do for gym class is play dodge ball...at least that's how it seems to me. My kids always come home talking about what went on at dodge ball. Although I shouldn't say always, like they are always having gym. That is just once every week or two when the teachers can pool the kids together and have 100 kids in the gym throwing balls at each other. Lucky us no PE for kids in K-4th grade, so the occasional game of dodge ball will have to suffice. Guess the PTO better stock up on balls.

But never fear....CUP STACKING IS HERE!
Hang with me, it just keeps getting better. In the $8,000 fluff piece from the school board there was a half-page article on this new game that is sweeping the nation. And "It's fun but not just a Game: Speed Stacking Hits at the Heart of P.E. Standards". So have no fear, even though we don't have gym teachers or a program that consists of much other than dodge ball we can challenge our little kids with speed stacking. What is speed stacking you ask? Good question..I had not heard of this new national pastime either. Speed stacking is an activity to improve eye-hand coordination, increase motivation, and enhance student focus and concentration skills. [Insert rolling of the eyes here] Come on, what's the punch line? It's a joke, right? This can't be the investment in our children's future, can it? While we scale back programs including art, music, gym, and this year's cuts include technology (because, really, who needs to know how to use computers in this day and age) we're teaching kids speed stacking...it sounds to me like we're preparing our kids for a future as a stock clerk at a supermarket.

Ok, off my soap box, or rather can-stack for today. Should be a beautiful day in the neighborhood. Gotta go let the snorting, loopy dog out. Maybe I'll spend the day with her, on the kitchen floor, on my back, in the sun. Sounds good to me.

Animal Crackers in my soup

I like animal crackers. Gave them to the girl in her lunch this morning. And speaking of animal crackers, I found the cutest little book set that looks like a box of animal crackers. Watch for that to show up on Happy Jack sometime soon.

PTO elections are tonight.

By the way, I haven't written about the bus trip to Springfield yet, but that was really interesting. As soon as we got off the bus Andy Shaw from ABC news was there to interview our group's leader. I saw myself in the video, and in a couple newspaper pictures too. I had never been inside the capital before and it was really neat. The Governor hid in his office and there were about 3,000 people there, a big rally was held in the Rotunda and then everyone split up to go meet with Senators and Reps. The Rep for our area seems like a big weenie, sorry dude, but you need to go. He doesn't seem to think there is any problem with school funding.

Oh, and today it will be in the 60s.

Oh What A Beautiful Morning...

Oh What a Beautiful Day...I can't remember the rest of the words. 58 degrees and heading towards 70...bright and sun-shiny. Yippee. Had a very busy weekend. Took the boy out to dinner and then to see Star Wars on Friday, two soccer games (both heartbreaking losses), a play date, trip to Target, yard work and Happy Jack work on Saturday, more Happy Jack work, trip to play tennis with the kids, grocery shopping, more Happy Jack work on Sunday.

Loopy dog got a nice run around yesterday as well. Course, you know she'll only run about the length of the house and then need to lay down.

This week we start play rehearsal again...Hansel & Gretel...the girl is in the chorus again. A disappointment, but she doesn't seem to mind. They will be picking "fairies" out of the Gingerbread chorus, and if the girl doesn't have "fairy" written all over her face, I don't know who does. lol

Ok back to work...busy week...

Happy Birthday!

Today's my little bub's birthday...today's my little bub's birthday! He doesn't think we got him any presents. lol. We had to go to two meetings last night and he kept saying that two of us could go to the meeting and the other two could go get him presents and cupcakes for school. We did go get the cupcakes after the meeting. The presents have been hidden in my room for the last 2 weeks. lol. And he wrote the cutest note up in his room last night. It said:

"It's my birthday. I am exited to get Star Wars stuff or whatever you give me! I love my family even Bean!"

Aaawwwww...my little bub. Patrick is taking a half day today so he'll be home when the kids get home and he'll make a cake while I wrap the presents. We're thinking birthday dinner tonight (Bub picked Olive Garden...how did I get the kids with expensive taste?!) and maybe we'll go see Star Wars too. He's dying to see it and Patrick told him in a couple weeks when it isn't so crowded. We'll have to see how everything works out time-wise. We'd want to go to an earlier movie when it's not too crowded, like maybe a 4~4:30 one or something. But that would definitely be a big surprise for him.

Happy Birthday Little Bub!

Trends

I've noticed some strange trends lately. I am getting hits on Happy Jack from some odd places. Israel, Saudi Arabia, Canada...not that those are odd places, but those three in a row just struck me as odd, and all this morning. Hmmm...what was Jack up to while we were all sleeping?

Also, my last email campaign, the graduation goodies, did not get the same reception most of the others did. That one did follow right on the heels of the birthday button & baby basket announcements. So did fewer people open the email because they've already been to the sight recently through the other announcements, or is it because most people on the list don't have anyone graduating? Only 3 people actually clicked through the email and went into the sight. Hmmmm...troubling...

I have new products to launch, but now I'm torn between waiting another couple weeks to put some space between emails and just wanting to put them out there so maybe I'll get some orders from them. What to do...what to do...

Tomorrow I'm off to Springfield. I've got my backpack adorned with new Education buttons and lots of extras and business cards. Maybe I can give a button to the Governor. Wouldn't that be something. Here's hoping some news organization sees my backpack full of buttons. Maybe the kids will get something and Happy Jack too. That would make for a good day for all.

Why does my life...

...revolve around the temperature? I just realized that is the first thing I think about to write about. It is 58 degrees right now. Sunny, which is nice, but still chilly to me. It was a pretty chilly weekend too, and overcast, mostly. Soccer games this week: girl won, boy lost. I talked to one of the other mom's during most of the boy's game, which was nice. The girl's team continues to do really well. They played the same team they tied with earlier in the season, but this time they won handily. They are very good. Boy's team is good too, but they've hit a bad slide lately, although they usually only lose by 1 point. They play much better than last year's team though.

The girl auditioned for another play last week and got a part in the chorus. There may be changes to the cast list though, so we'll see if she moves up into another speaking part. She seemed ok with it, although a little disappointed to be only in the chorus after her first speaking part in the last play. The play is Hansel and Gretal and I thought the girl would be perfect for the "Dew Princess" part. If that doesn't sound like the girl, I don't know what does. lol.

Anyone need any Education Funding Reform buttons?

What happened to Spring?

It was in the 30s this morning. What is going on here? It was rainy and windy and cold all day yesterday. Doesn't look like there will be soccer practice today...expecting another day of rain. My tulips are going to be all gone before I get a chance to take pics of them! Phooey.

Today I need to catch up on house work. I finished up all the orders I had, just a couple pending now. And another potential order that was discussed at one of the school meetings yesterday. Yippee! I sent out 50 flyers to schools in the area and a few in better areas in the last couple days for teachers end of the year goodies, so we'll see if the hit counter goes up on the web page. Orders would be nice too...

Still working on the next new product release. I think this one will be the beginning of June. Maybe end of May if I can get everything finished in time. So far I have 19 items finished, and 3 more down on paper. Gotta finish those up soon.

Guess I better get busy.

Hmmm...

Yeah I know what day it is. Don't remind me, huh? Been a busy day already. Went to an orientation at the girl's new school this morning. Met the principal & asst. principal, had a tour, etc. Nice school. 880+ students in 5th & 6th grades. There are 15 5th grade classes and 16 6th grade classes. Something like 17 busses... Of course, no art/music/or special stuff like that, but they do have an outside resource come in for band. So they do have a band program. Will have to investigate that. And figure out a way to get her to school early in the morning to do that. Will have to start looking for a job and a really cheap car too.

After that we went to the PO and to get a little breakfast at BK. Mmmmm...love those croisanwiches. Then drove by the old house to see how our plants look. The pretty purple tulips are blooming, but not the lilac yet. Then we went down to Super Target to do some birthday shopping for the boy. Can't believe his birthday is next week already. Luckily we found some good stuff there for him. He is the one who always wants something every time you go anywhere, but when you ask him what he wants for his birthday he has a hard time coming up with anything. We got him some good stuff I think he will really like. Some of which he doesn't even know he will really like it. lol.

Next stop is back over to school for an after school thank you party put on by the teachers for the parents that helped out this year. Then home to finish up a project the girl is working on, then out to dinner tonight. And no, I'm really not 30-something.

A bit late today

And I really don't have much to say. It is a beautiful day today. Sunny....72 degrees, slight breeze off the lake, lol. Busy weekend ahead too...soccer at 9:15am, then Marketday pickup, then soccer game at 12:30...then who knows.

Lots of orders coming in lately too. Not that I'm complaining, mind you. April was very slow but May has certainly picked up. Probably due to the end of the school year. Those end of the school year bars I've been doing for people are really cute. Go see them at Happy Jack Graduation Stuff.

Also, I think I've finally hit the big time...I have a UPS account now. lol

TGIF...and happy Mother's Day to those it applies to.

Only 26 letters in the alphabet? Really?

Well, the ABC countdown has begun. Why didn't they think of this when I was a kid? Yesterday was "Art Day" for the boy...I already forgot what he said they did. Will have to ask him again. And it was "Apple Day" for the girl. Today is "Bubble Gum Day" and "Baby Picture Day" for the boy and girl respectively. So that means we're down to 24 days left of school right? I always forget if there are 26 or 27 letter in the alphabet. I know, not such a good thing to forget for a college educated person and all, but I'm sure there is a logical reason for why I have a hard time with that. Just like there is a perfectly reasonable explanation for why I think drive through window #1 is the one closest to the front of the store, not the first one you drive up to. Yeah, I'm that one who read all the test questions funny too. I think I just look at things from a completely different perspective. Ok, maybe one from another planet...I know what you're thinking. Can't help it...that's just the way I am.

Another school board meeting has been called for Thursday night...yup 48 hours after the last one, to discuss the email elimination and something else. They didn't post in their agenda a public comment section, which I guess is supposed to occur per some board code. Boy, I certainly don't envy them. There are so many rules and regulations on this stuff it makes my head spin! Village politics seems much easier. Course, the village board meeting and school board meeting are on the same day so I'm kinda struggling with which one to focus my limited attention on. Went to the school board meeting on Monday since the Village board was swearing in the new guys. Would have liked to see that, but I feel the school board needs more attention at the moment. I'm just so flabbergasted at the parents of STUDENTS who believe what this school board says and support them. They are doing away with a superintendant with a doctorate in favor of someone from another state without a doctorate and with no experience with the funding issues we are facing. And they are so pleased with themselves. I don't think I could show my face if it were me. But I guess it is another example of dumbing down society. Who needs an education right? Especially when you can add a 27th letter to the alphabet anytime you want.

At least on the positive side of things, it will be 64 and sunny today. Was in the 30s Monday and it snowed on my head when I went outside. I was not pleased. lol

School Board Meeting Tonight.

Need I say more? I don't think so.