The Latta Family

I once said Andrew's like the Motel 6 . . . he'll leave a light on, or 3. All day. Whether he's in his room, or not.  He and I have been having a bit of a struggle over the light situation.  He NEVER turns the lights out.  Ever.  I'm so tired of walking back to his room, climbing over 2 puppy gates, and turning the lights out in his room.  I do it probably 3-5 times a day.  I mean . . . why am I turning the lights out in his room so much?  It's daylight!  He's not looking at anything except his phone or the tv when he's in his room.  Neither require the use of an overhead light, a desk light, or a bedside light.  I started by saying sarcastic comments, indicating I was irritated that he never turns his light out.  But he just smiled his, "But I'm Still Your Only Son, and You Think I'm Awesome" smile.  Then I did the, "Hey- I'm kind of serious- it's wasteful.  Turn off your light." and he responded, "Ok- you're r...

This will blow your mind- it blows mine- we're in the process of trying to get Andrew his permit.  I'm about to be chauffeured everywhere I go.  I'm about to change Andrew's name to Jarvis (after Howard Stark's chauffeur- Iron Man's Dad's Chauffeur).  I've been befuddled by this process from Day 1.  It doesn't help that the process has been completely screwed up by having a Global Pandemic.  This isn't the only process that causes me confusion.  Every single year I am totally confused on how to renew my car's registration.  Every year.  Why?  Does it change that much from year to year?  It seems to, to me- but here's the thing I have a very difficult time following procedures. Anything to do with insurance?  A mystery.   Which is kind of hilarious because I am a special education teacher- our job is pretty much following paperwork procedures.  Which I can do (probably because I have a LOT of opportunities to practic...

Well, the governor announced North Carolina's "Back to School" option, and my school district's decision of how we'll implement it has been announced.  Doug and I were talking about it last night, and he said something about "Well, in 3 weeks when you have to go back to school . . . " WAIT.  HOLD THE PHONE.  3 weeks?!!!!  That's like 20 ish days.  Uhhhhh . . . .  I know some of y'all are freaking out about what you're going to teach, or how it's going to look, or like real stuff- but I'm over here thinking: 1. How am I ever going to get out the door in a reasonable amount of time?  I don't remember how to do that skill.  For 5 months I have had excessively slow mornings.  (Even when it was still school back in April and May- I'd just wash my face and appear like I was ready and professional.  I was like a mullet.  Business on top- pajamas on the bottom) See my morning wake up routine takes like 3 hours now.  It involves lot...

So, I thought I had The COVID.  My symptoms showed up 6 days after I participated in my school's face to face graduation. I stood in a parking lot of 300+, 18 year old young adults, most of whom did not wear masks, while we waited for the ceremony to start.  I helped line them up into the order they would proceed into the stadium.  I wore my mask inconsistently.  It's hard to convey directions to a large group of people, about where to line up/stand/who goes where- with a mask.  It was hot, it was sliding down my face, the graduates couldn't hear me, etc . . . Why do I say all that about my mask? It's about to be a real situation for teachers.  It's going to be difficult to be heard, with a mask.  That's just a truth.  It started with congestion.  I had body aches, a cough, shortness of breath, headache, no energy, no fever. After 4 days, I called my physician's office, and asked them what they wanted me to do.  They're so overwhelme...

My mother called yesterday, while I was outside watering and letting the puppy run about.  Alexa answered the phone and talked to her and SPILLED ALL OF OUR SECRETS!  I told her she'd be eating veggies all day today as a result.   I was in a bit of a funk . . . all week.  I typically struggle in the summer with no routine.  I am not self disciplined enough to make a routine and stick to it.  Well- that's not entirely true.  I have a routine- it's even moderately healthy (much to my mother's surprise- as you'll see in a minute).  I eat healthy oatmeal for breakfast, drink plenty of water, exercise, take the puppy for walks, eat a healthy lunch that actually has veggies.  And that's it.  That's the only routine I have.  It's hard for me to get into a rhythm and I can't figure out any type of project I'm interested in attempting.  I am bored with reading (GASP!!!), and I don't generally have the attention span to watch tv. I ...

At the beginning of the school year, we had an authentic lock-down due to a gun being on campus.  It was before the day started, and so kids were milling about all over campus.  When the announcement came over the loudspeaker, I dashed in the hall and started directing kids to the nearest room.  When it was all said and done and everyone was safe- and no injuries had occurred- my take away from that event was, "I do know how to react in a crisis!!!!"  Frankly- I was relieved!  Over the years, whenever I had encountered a "crisis" with a critter- my reaction has been to flee.  And not like- gather up my infant baby girl, or special needs students and make a mad dash for it- nope, I don't do that.  When a critter is involved, I'll probably push you in front of me as I am following the "SAVE YOURSELF" mantra.  To say I am not good in a crisis that involves a critter is an understatement.  A perfect example of this is when Alexa was approximate...

I LOVE LOVE LOVE LOVE LOVE peaches.  Love.  . . . . Love. If you have to buy those hard, little gross ones from a grocery store.  I am so sorry for you.  I live in North Carolina- and I am able to buy the most delicious peaches from South Carolina.  South Carolina grown peaches are a thing of beauty.  I'm about to say the most controversial thing I have ever said on this blog- so brace yourself- and don't be sending me hate mail.  Just keep your negative peach hatin' thoughts to yourself.  Here goes: Georgia may be "The Peach State" but they do not grow the most peaches.  There.  I said it.  South Carolina and California produce more peaches that Georgia  Did you know New Jersey grows peaches?  Me either.  Thanks to this little article , I'm now more informed, and so are you, I hope.  I live for June.  Peach season starts in June and it is a glorious time of year.  I spend anywhere between $9-$11 o...