Turning 50

Today was my mom's birthday. She worked today, and both my grandma and I are sick, so we didn't do too much. When she came over after work, I brought out a cake that Diego had bought her (unfortunately it was dry -- boo for buying cake on Thursday evenings). Then we went to dinner at Hof's Hut. I wanted to take her to this Thai/Japanese Sukiyaki buffet that she likes and hasn't been to in awhile. She decided that it was too far (Azusa), however, and wanted to stay closer to home tonight. Additionally, my grandma wouldn't go there anyway, seeing as she's deathly afraid of fish and won't even go near food items that are even relatively neighboring fish-infested items.

I bought her a stereo as well. Earlier today, I set it up in her bedroom. I wanted to put it on this shelf-type thing where her old stereo was, but it didn't fit. It was too deep! I didn't even think about depth when I bought it. How dumb am I? I was on the verge of buying her this super thin cd player too. I thought she would like a tape deck and etc. as well, though, so I got this one instead. I ended up putting it on a chest of drawers at the opposite side of the room. The problem with this was that I couldn't plug the damned thing into the wall. I reached my arm up behind the back of the cabinet, but I couldn't get the plug into the outlet. Then I found that my arm was wedged tightly between the wall and the cabinet, and I couldn't get it out. I panicked for a good 60 seconds while trying to pry my arm free, and eventually got it loose. Man, that sucked. In the end, I had to move the darned thing, and it weighs about a ton. I tried moving it forever to no avail before finally emptying some of its contents to make it a bit lighter. I think I hurt my back. :( No word yet on whether or not she liked it. Good sign or bad?

Sickness

Man, I've been sick for awhile now. I called in sick two Wednesdays ago to spend the day with Diego. We went to C&O for lunch and then walked around the canals. It was fun. The only problem is that ever since then I've been feeling rather unwell. I actually took three days off this week, which is very unlike me. I know that things are going to be a mess on Monday when I go back to work. I have no idea what my kids have been doing (if anything). *sigh* Three more weeks, and I'm off on vacation.

I've been planning to skip the country for some time now. The only problem is that I can't seem to make definite travel plans. I need to get off my arse and start making some headway. Otherwise, I'm going to be staying home during my break.

Near Death Experience

Just had a random coughing fit.
Almost died.
Just though I'd share...

Reporting Abuse

A couple of weeks ago, one of my students came into class with a bloody eye. I took her aside and asked her what happened. She said that if she told me, I'd have to report it. I was really concerned about what happened to her. I know her boyfriend (he was one of my students last year), and I was wondering if he had anything to do with the damage. Then I wondered if something was happening at home. When another student asked her what happened, she told the girl that she hit herself.

After class, I approached her again. I couldn't help myself. I mean, I was really concerned. She then told me what happened. Her father had hit her. More than once. She described her home life situation and the incident. She said she threatened to call the police if he continued hitting her, and he told her to go ahead and do so, because her mom wouldn't be able to support the family without him. Just horrible things were said and done that night. She called the 911, but the lines were busy, so she hung up. Finally, she decided that it was for the best, since her mom was pregnant and she didn't want things to get worse for her. She seemed to think that something bad would happen to her mom and/or the baby. After she talked to her mom about it, her mom said it wouldn't happen again, and the girl was living with her uncle. She then told me not to say anything.

I didn't know what to do. I was really upset about the situation, and felt like I needed to say something. On the other hand, she really didn't want me to talk about it with anyone. I wondered if maybe things would really get better on their own. Maybe he wouldn't touch her again. Maybe reporting the incident would make things worse for her family, and then she would be upset with me, and I'd be helping to destroy a home. I mean, it apparently wasn't the best home to begin with, but still, who am I to judge. I've never been hit in my life. Well, except for that one time I said "fuck" out of frustration and anger in the car, and my mom slapped my thigh. I was like 18 or 19. I don't think that really counts. But I also know that a lot of kids get hit. Almost all the people I know have been struck or punished by their parents in ways in which I disapprove. Maybe this is just something that happens every now and again.

However, I couldn't not say anything, so I went to the PSA counselor and told her my story. I had to report the incident to children's services, and they sent people to her home and school. She was out for days, and when she came back, she didn't say anything to me. I've been waltzing around the issue, because I've been afraid that she hates me. She hasn't updated me at all, and doesn't seem inclined to speak to me. Yet a few days ago, the PSA counselor told me that she spoke to the girl. Apparently she told the woman that she is grateful to me, because she now feels safer at home. That was such a relief, let my just say....

Marlene's Wedding

Marlene's Wedding

So I went to my first real wedding - well, my first wedding where the bride and groom are friends of mine and not my family (or whatever). It was pretty cool. It was at this golf course. There was a lake in the background with geese and everything. The couple seems really happy, so that's what makes everything great.



Me and Diego



Together 


Happy