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When my son was in the third grade, I had the opportunity to attend a life-changing workshop. The workshop was presented by the Davis Joint Unified School District and was all about organization skills and children on the Autism Spectrum. I know this sounds dull, but stay with me here.

What I learned there not only was invaluable to my son, but to myself as well. Before this workshop organization was not my strong suit. I stank in school my whole life and really never learned how to study, or even read to retain information. Through this workshop I learned some shockingly simple, yet amazing tools that I still use to this day (my son does too).

Anyone can benefit from these, as long as you’re a visual person. If you learn best by visual reminders and cues (or have a child that does) then these tips should work great. I thought it would be nice to share them as I hope we all have a smooth school year.

1) Color is your friend! Give each subject in school its own color. Or if it’s for you, each class you’re taking. For the house? Each area of what needs organizing. For example, vacation-blue, kitchen-green, bills-red, kids-yellow, medical-orange. Same with subjects. For my son this goes so far as he even has color binder paper. This way if something falls out of his binder, rather than be overwhelmed by reading and deciphering, he can tell by the color where it goes.

2) Simplify! That’s right. If you don’t need it and aren’t using it, toss it! This goes for school work, office supplies, home items, everything. No one can study with a desk covered in old graded work. If they don’t need it, toss it! I like to keep a box with all my son’s graded papers through the current school year just in case a teacher says they didn’t turn something in or it’s needed for a test. This will also make it easier to focus on your task at-hand.

For school (for my son) I like the dividers with pockets. One side of the pocket is for things to take home or put away, the other side is to turn in. He HATES using the 3 rings (snapping them), so this way he can do it all at once, at home and not lose anything on the way.

3) Clearly post what needs to get done and when. See rule #1. For myself, I have a dry erase board in my study area that I write that current week’s homework (in the color of the subject) and when it’s due by. That way I keep on-task and don’t feel overwhelmed. It’s also a great sense of accomplishment to cross something off. Above that I have my calendars for each class for the semester. This helps me keep larger projects and deadlines in the back of my mind. My son has a student planner that works well for him.

4) Post-it’s are your friend. Yup. Get different colors so you can use one that matches what task or subject you’re on. This is especially great for studying for a test. You can mark relevant sections in the book, even write definitions or snippets. I personally LOVE the little arrow tabs that you can stick in books (without harming them) to remember important things.

5) See #1. That’s the best tool you can implement!

You may think these tips sound like they are for older children or even adults, but really they’re not. It’s NEVER too early to start good study skills and to teach your child how to organize their work. A simple system like the color system is one that can grow with them. It works just as well for my college classes as it did for my son in third grade.

I have plenty more tips on the subject, but I think this post is quite long enough. I hope you all are having a great first week back (who are in school, or who have children in school). Have a GREAT three day weekend!

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Being a busy mom, I feel like the bandwagon of pop culture is often a few miles ahead of me. Case in point, I FINALLY got to watch A Beautiful Mind yesterday. Yes, I know it won an Oscar. Yes, I have been told by many people how good it is… I just never had the time to watch it. I’m guessing that’s pretty common for most moms. In fact, it’s rare anymore that I’ve even seen even one Oscar nominated movie when that time of year rolls around. Maybe that’s why I quit watching the Oscars altogether and just buy the issue of People with the beautiful outfits to flip through while on the porcelain throne?! I’m hoping I’m not alone here…

A Beautiful Mind was wonderful. I must say it was even better that I got to watch it in the middle of the day, in bed, alone (with my cold). I’ll most likely have to wait till the next time I’m stricken with kiddie goo to watch No Country for Old Men or Million Dollar Baby. When was the last time you felt in the “now”?

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Ok… not really. I actually love both my dogs very much. However, our older dog Snack recently had to have a mass tumor removed from the back of her leg. My last month with her went like this.

- There’s a lump on the back of my dog’s leg. Hey honey! Let’s keep an eye on that!

-The lump is still there and looks like it’s getting bigger. Hey honey! Let’s take her to the vet.

- Biopsy, tests and exam. It’s not a big deal we’re told. They’ll call us with the lab results.

- We get a call. It IS a big deal. She has a Mass Tumor and needs it removed right away.

- Surgery, stitches, pain pills and a (too short) e-collar. She should be fine, but there’s a 50% chance it can come back.

-Three days later, she’s able to get at her back leg in spite of the e-collar.

-Yesterday… I come home to my husband telling me “It doesn’t look too good!” Understatement of the year. She tore her stitches out and I can see inside her leg. I will NEVER know why he didn’t call me on my cell phone (rrrrg.) We rush her to the only animal hospital open on a Sunday and bend over with our wallets open. My son had been asking about going to Disneyland lately. I told him “See your dog? There’s our trip to Disneyland. Her leg!”

Now even people who LOVE LOVE LOVE their dogs would be a little irritated at this point. We’re starting all over with her from a recovery point of view and I have to give her more pills than a 90yo who had a stroke. I love my dog, but this was a really bad week for her to decide to chew out her stitches. All the stress and exposure to various toddler body fluids at work have done their job and I’m now down with a cold today. Did I mention my first class starts tonight?

Yeah, I’m in a “poor me” space today, but I do still love my dog.

(The pictures are Snack post-op-round 1- with her e-collar. The other one is our “good” dog Sweetie)

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GO!!!!!!!!!

Man-cub starts the 9^th grade next Wednesday. In Davis that means this is his last year of Junior High School. Our HS goes 10-12^th grade, but his grades still count as if he were in HS. Complicated, I know.

My classes start Monday. This will be my third year of chipping away at a degree, but the first time I’m jumping in with three classes. I’ve learned from the past that I needed to create my own study space. Most of what I do, I do on the computer. But for reading, I needed my own quiet place to focus. I’m easily distracted and having such a tiny house doesn’t help.

Yesterday I got to do my favorite activity, re-arrange the furniture. No really, I LOVE doing this. You know those HGTV shows where they take what you already own and re-arrange it to be totally new. I think that show was made just for me. I re-arranged my bedroom to also have a study corner for myself (see the picture here). I’m really pleased with it. I think it’ll be a great place to escape and study. Sure I’d love an iBook on that desk as well, but we don’t always get what we want. Maybe if I keep up my 4.0, I’ll get one for Christmas?

Since this years grades are so important for my son, I’ve stooped to bribery. I told him if he gets all A’s on every report card this year, I’d buy him an iPhone (and pay all the monthly service fees involved). Here’s how I figure it. If he has all A’s, it will save me money in the long run via scholarships. See! Win-win. We all need a little pay-off in the end and I have no problem rewarding for hard work.

So, fresh school supplies? Check. Study space for me and my son? Check. Empty wallet? Check. I think we’re all set for school.

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It’s that time of year again. I can practically SMELL the pencils being sharpened and hear the moaning as I mention that this week is the last week of summer. Sadly, it’s the last week for us both (my classes start Monday, man-cub’s start Wednesday).

We always like to do a little last “hurrah” to summer around this time. In years past it’s varied from a quick trip to Monterey, to enjoying the CA State Fair. This year we wanted to do something different. Instead, we sent summer out with a “Huzzah!”

Yesterday we went to a Renaissance Faire in Golden Gate Park (San Francisco). I asked my aunt, her daughter and fiancé if they would like to join our merry band. It turns out that my cousin lives right across the street from the area of the park where the fair was held. We donned our best costumes (thank you Ebay) and trouped over to the faire. We had an amazing time. I had honestly forgotten how fun they are.

The weather was cloudy and grey, the sun was nowhere to be seen all day (just the way we all like it). The faire was pretty large, but very un-crowded. We shopped a little, my son did some archery, my husband and son did a little spontaneous play with a group of actors (check out the pictures). My personal favorite was a weaver woman there. She hand-spins her own yarn, then weaves the most beautiful blankets, wraps and capes I’ve ever seen. Sadly her skill is reflected in her fair prices, but it was out of my budget for the weekend. I did slip her card to my husband and whisper (Christmas) in his ear.

All the hand-made items were amazing. Of course, I was sad to see them sprinkled through “Made in China” wares, but it’s to be expected. As great as the fair was, it paled in comparison to the old Black Point Forest Ren Fair of old (where my husband and I got married years ago).

My son had an amazing time. I don’t think he’s quite ready to go back to school yet, but it was a lovely farewell to summer.

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Ok, seriously now… my hat is off to you mommies who work full time. I just finished a 40hour week with Preschoolers and oh man… even my toes are tired. How do you women do it?! I told my boss today that there is no way I can handle 8hr days at the school. From now on, please call me for 4hour shifts only.

I’ve learned a lot this week

* Our local co-op is wonderful. I ADORE their food bars. They saved us from fast food many times this week.

* Leftovers are amazing. I used to hate them. Again, they saved my butt this week.

* Coffee is the best thing ever invented. I seriously wanted to hook up an IV drip to my mouth each day and just roll the cup along with me.

* Not enough people value art. If I heard one more parent or teacher say “art is so messy! YUCK!” One more time, I was going to scream. When you’re child comes home “messy” it means they were busy creating, sharing, playing, learning and living. NOT intentionally “ruining” clothes.

* A child’s smile is the best gift ever. A hug is great too!

* To re-state the obvious, Crocs are the best shoes ever.

* Someone made it so that toddlers napped for a reason. Sanity. Thank goodness for naps.

* Showers may be a better invention than even coffee. Seriously. Nothing beats a shower after chasing 35 kids all day.

* I can do anything I put my mind to.

Regarding that last one... I was pretty anxious about being thrown into a new situation it such an intense level. I turned it into a great learning experience though and came out the other side stronger (in many ways. Those kids are surprisingly heavy!) I am mistress of the multi-tasking. Who can’t wait for her man to come home with pizza and open a bottle of wine. Mmmmmm.

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My entire adult life I’ve felt out of place. Mainly because when people ask, "what you do?" I take a deep breath and think hard. My jobs change frequently, as do the titles that accompany them. If I listed all the hats I’ve worn in my life, you’d be astounded, and then concerned (at least I always felt that’s how people would react).

Ask other people “What do you do?” You get “I’m a first grade teacher” or “I’m a stay at home mom” or “I’m in marketing”… you get what I’m saying? Ask me and I’m like… “Well, I have my jewelry business, but that’s more just for fun, then I do face painting, but not too often, then I like to write, but don’t dedicate enough time to it, oh yes… I’m an artist, but haven’t done anything in a bit, I’m a teacher, but where?” Oh yes. LONG answer. I was always envious of the people who would have a simple reply.

I AM…(?)

Something interesting has happened regarding this feeling I have in my new job (as a substitute preschool teacher.) As I talk to the other teachers there and find out more about them, I’m realizing I’m not alone. For the first time I’m hearing from other women, “Well, I have a BA in art, but didn’t like that, so then I did some writing, but love kids, so I’m back in school going for ECE credits while teaching here and singing in a band on weekends…” JUST LIKE ME!!!

I’m wondering if it’s because ADHD people enjoy being teachers to young children? I know I love all the constant change and challenges. It’s a great environment for me (even if I am exhausted at the end of the day). Or if it’s just that creative mentality who enjoys giving back to the world no matter if it’s through art, music, cooking, teaching… I’m not sure.

What I do know is that I’m pretty excited and feeling more confident in my exhaustive answer when people ask what I do. It helps to know you’re not alone.

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I have an issue I struggle with. Consumerism. On one hand I believe in reduce, re-use and recycle. I buy second hand, sales and take hand-me-downs from my aunt. I watch my budget closely and can pinch a penny well. Then something happens, I transmorph into a materialistic superficial elitist. I simply MUST HAVE another piece of jewelry, or designer purse (my two weaknesses). My focus on local grown healthy foods goes out of my mind as fast as I see an Outback Steakhouse commercial, dragging my new Coach bag and family out the door for an expensive dinner.

I have no idea where this comes from and sadly, my husband is the same way. Great with a budget, healthy and conscious one minute, buying an iPhone the next (and no, I’m not making exaggerations here.) I’m thinking that the reasons for this uber consumerism impulses could come from starting out with each other so young and with nothing. Now as soon as we feel a little relaxed financially, we “spoil” each other. Not good.

Of course there are saner things we need. A bathroom makeover, new tires on my car, a little family day-trip… but oh no! We need a Coach bag and iPhone more. Part of me relishes the ability to “treat” ourselves to something we REALLY want (and let me stress this is rare). The other part is disgusted at the example I’m setting for our son. But is it really that bad? If you work hard, make sacrifices, you too can “treat” yourself to something you really want? Is that horrible?

Image from http://www.joeledbetter.com...

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My husband’s last day at his old job was on Tuesday. He doesn’t start his new job till next Thursday. That means I’ve had my man around the house this week. Starting a new job myself, I wasn’t sure if this would be a good thing or extra work for me. Let’s face it, as much as I love the guy it is an extra mouth to cook for, more clutter to pick up and his agenda to work around my day. I was a little apprehensive at first, but it’s turned out to be great.

Rather than adding to my stress, it’s been helping. We did some back to school shopping together (a first for us, I’m usually the one doing it then discussing what I bought and why. HATE that!) We also squeezed in some date time as our son was camping with the grandparents. I’m feeling supported, assisted and loved. Just what a great husband should do.

We’ve also been working on much needed house projects together and making some headway there. The horrid yard always need attention and seems to suck our time like a black hole. He even got me soup and 7-up when I was feeling a little buggy last night.

His birthday is this Sunday and we’ll be heading up to Diamond Springs to spend the afternoon with his family. They’re big game players, so it should be fun. Knowing that I’m subbing next week full time is a little like trying to play on the beach with sharks breaking the surf behind you, but I’m trying to just relax and live in the moment.

Any tips for living in the moment? That’s something that has always been difficult for me.

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Just like a superhero, I got the call yesterday morning. Two teachers were sick at my Child Development Center and they needed me! Eight hours and six liters of water later, I’d finished my first day with about twenty pre-schoolers. Wow! At this rate, I’ll drop 100lbs in a week. Mother Nature’s gym for sure. I had totally forgotten what a work-out it is to chase after and entertain a toddler. Hats off to you ladies!

It was also a lot of fun. My favorite was nap time. Getting to rub the backs of the restless little ones... There is nothing more satisfying than knowing YOU helped get a little one off to a well-earned nap.

Even though I’ve only worked one day, I do have some sage words of advice to share (I know, you’re all stunned!)

~ Crocs are the best kid shoe ever invented. PLEASE don’t send your child to school in shoes that tie till they know how to put them back on themselves. I have never spent so much time putting shoes back on kids in my life! If they all wore crocs, there wouldn’t be a problem! It was also very hot and the crocs are light and comfy. Socks and tennies? Not so much.

~Pack Tupperware that your kid can open (or foods that they can open). Those little single string cheeses? Open them at home and put them in a little wax baggie or non-zip bag. This not only will make your child feel more independent, but will save the teachers a ton of time from having to open 20kids food items all at the same time. There were a lot of containers that even I had a hard time getting open! I can't imagine a 3yo being able to do it alone.

~Teach them how to wash hands. IF little ones wash their hands, all they do is get them wet. I remember learning to sing the alphabet while I washed.

~Your kid isn’t alone. I was interested to see just how many kids pick their nose and eat their boogers. Let’s just say it’s more than you would expect.

~Good manners go a long way. When you’re dealing with so many kids at once hearing yet another one scream “I WANT IT!” or “GIMMIE” gets old. The child I hear say “Can I please…” will for sure get my attention first, and a compliment back on their good manners.

Like Batman perched on a roof, I now await my next call that a teacher is sick and they need me, or not.

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Whenever I think to myself, “WOW! This is really a transitional period in life right now”, something will come up to show me that it was really nothing. That was just life… THIS is a transition.

This Tuesday will be my husband’s last day at his current job. He will be moving on to something new and exciting and, oh yeah… 1.5miles from our house. We’re so lucky to be able to change our life like this for the better. The job will be less-stress, less hours and closer to home. I’m hoping this will mean more family time and a healthier husband.

Me? I got a new job this week as well. I’ll be working at a Children’s Development Center (as a substitute teacher part time) that is 2 miles from our house. We’ll be living the dream every commuters fantasize about when stuck in traffic and paying $4.09 at the pump (and thinking that’s a deal!)

I’m also going to be taking three classes this Fall, managing both my businesses, my son will be starting 9^th grade (which luckily in Davis means his last year in Junior High), and serving on two committees with two different organizations.. Yes, there’s a lot on my plate. So much so that I see the scales tipping towards me and I’m wondering if I can handle it all. I’m telling myself that I just need to keep my eye on my priorities and be ok with letting things slide.

Whenever I start to feel the fingers of stress tighten around my throat, life usually throws a little something my way to make me stop, laugh and live. Yesterday was one of those days. The whole family went to Marine World (as an event related to my husbands soon to be x-job). We spent the day feeding seals and dolphins (check the pics! I’m so brave!) and having a great time. Everyone needs days of not answering their cell phone, e-mail, or questions from other people. You can’t find anyone’s lost anything when you aren’t home! Now that it’s the day after, I want more vacation therapy before the weights are piled on the scale.