Good morning! Well, last night was parent orientation and our first stab at meeting the teachers. Lynley and I received the grand tour of each of the kiddos classrooms and a pretty good idea of what would be expected of them each over the coming year.
Our first stop was with Mrs. Hart, Sydney's third grade teacher. I was immediately taken back as I began to realize that my baby girl was growing up. Gone are the creative play zones and toys. They have been replaced by shelves of books and supplies. The walls which I have been so used to seeing with cartoons representing the alphabet and days of the week have been replaced by pictures of the presidents. It was a stark contrast.
She is growing up. This was a real classroom.
As with every year, her homework and class room responsibilities are growing. She is fully in charge of ensuring that her work is being completed and turned in on time. From now on it will come at a higher price and impact her grades more significantly than ever.
Our next step was with Mrs. Wilson. She was a last minute replacement for Sydney's old first grade teacher who left late in the summer. This, of course, came as a bit of a shock to us as we had been anticipating Mrs. Rogers all summer. With all of that being said, Lynley and I absolutely love Mrs. Wilson and think it will be a very good match for Graham. Up until this point, Mrs. Wilson had been a sub at the school. Subbing for Sydney and Ainsley's classrooms on several occasions. (She has been a sub while her little ones were still at home.) Before that she spent about 10 years as a first and second grade teacher. In short, she is expertly qualified. Better yet, for Graham, she has 3 children and her middle son is just like Graham. It is a perfect fit.
Ainsley, sweet and mischievous Ainsley... As I mentioned last week, she will be the third of the Dunganlets kindergartened by Mrs. Lewis. There is no doubt that Mrs. Lewis can handle her but, once again, I find myself wondering what this year will hold. Will Ainsley continue being the perfect pillar of excellence at school? Will she ever come out of her shell? Only time will tell. I am just hopeful that if she does come out we are able to find some way to control her because we are clearly still struggling at home. Regardless, I am extremely excited for her this year. I can't wait to see who she will be.
Today is all about the kids meeting their teachers. We will spend the better part of the afternoon over at the school walking them through the motions. It ought to be fun to watch them overcome their nerves.
As always, the remainder of the weekend is packed.
I had better get going. I am plush with purpose today.
Friday, August 13, 2010
Thursday, August 12, 2010
End of Summer - in a flash
And so begins the final countdown...
Friday marks the last official weekday of summer for the kiddos. Other than the fact that we visited the school yesterday to see who was going to be in their classes, I don't think it has really sunk in that the end of summer has arrived. That is probably a good thing as it will be over even before they know it. In fact, with everything that is planned over the next few days, I am guessing that it will just be a blur.
Tonight we have Parent Orientation. This is the fun little beginning of the year meeting in which we get buried with everything you need to know about our children going to SCS. This is also a pretty good wallet emptying experience as we also get to sign up for (and pay for) all of the little extras. You know - after care, spirit shirts, meal cards, PTO, Booster Club, etc... (Of course, I would not neglect to mention that there are still a few advertising spaces left on the kid's backpacks;)
Tomorrow is all about the kids. It is their opportunity to meet the teacher and get an idea of what their classrooms will look like. Ainsley already has a pretty good idea as she has been placed in Mrs. Lewis' class which has a rich history of Dungan Twerpdom. (Poor Mrs. Lewis) But, the other two will likely be a little nervous as it will be the first meeting with their teachers. For them, it is a significant unknown. Strict or lenient, sweet or harsh, cuddly or cold, easy or hard - the questions are already running through their heads.
Almost as soon as they get a mental picture of life at school for the next year, they will be mentally preparing for a Tae Kwon Do tournament early Saturday morning at the Dallas Convention Center. Yep, it's the Texas Throwdown. It will be a full day as both Lynley and I have also volunteered at the tournament.
Quickly, Sunday will arrive. Normally this day would be relegated to chores but I am thinking we may put a little of that off to truly enjoy our last day of summer in the pool with the kiddos.
You see. I told you it was jam packed.
Well, speaking of which, I have a meeting planned first thing this morning and have to get ready. The kiddos are already rustling. In fact, the Grahamster was already wrestled control of the remote and is watching the Disney Channel beside me on the couch.
Let the purpose begin.
Friday marks the last official weekday of summer for the kiddos. Other than the fact that we visited the school yesterday to see who was going to be in their classes, I don't think it has really sunk in that the end of summer has arrived. That is probably a good thing as it will be over even before they know it. In fact, with everything that is planned over the next few days, I am guessing that it will just be a blur.
Tonight we have Parent Orientation. This is the fun little beginning of the year meeting in which we get buried with everything you need to know about our children going to SCS. This is also a pretty good wallet emptying experience as we also get to sign up for (and pay for) all of the little extras. You know - after care, spirit shirts, meal cards, PTO, Booster Club, etc... (Of course, I would not neglect to mention that there are still a few advertising spaces left on the kid's backpacks;)
Tomorrow is all about the kids. It is their opportunity to meet the teacher and get an idea of what their classrooms will look like. Ainsley already has a pretty good idea as she has been placed in Mrs. Lewis' class which has a rich history of Dungan Twerpdom. (Poor Mrs. Lewis) But, the other two will likely be a little nervous as it will be the first meeting with their teachers. For them, it is a significant unknown. Strict or lenient, sweet or harsh, cuddly or cold, easy or hard - the questions are already running through their heads.
Almost as soon as they get a mental picture of life at school for the next year, they will be mentally preparing for a Tae Kwon Do tournament early Saturday morning at the Dallas Convention Center. Yep, it's the Texas Throwdown. It will be a full day as both Lynley and I have also volunteered at the tournament.
Quickly, Sunday will arrive. Normally this day would be relegated to chores but I am thinking we may put a little of that off to truly enjoy our last day of summer in the pool with the kiddos.
You see. I told you it was jam packed.
Well, speaking of which, I have a meeting planned first thing this morning and have to get ready. The kiddos are already rustling. In fact, the Grahamster was already wrestled control of the remote and is watching the Disney Channel beside me on the couch.
Let the purpose begin.
Tuesday, August 10, 2010
The state of research
So, what is going on in the neuroblastoma research world. I have not talked about it much as of late - mostly due to the sheer fact that I have been buried. However, I have secretly (or not so secretly for some) been reviewing a slew of research proposals. Over the last month I have been through about 30 neuroblastoma specific proposals. These are all research proposals for individuals attempting to receive funding. I absolutely love the privilege of reviewing scientific proposals and, to this day, there is nothing that gives me more nerdly joy than combing through neuroblastoma research.
I prefer combing through research proposals the most. From the perspective of understanding the science of neuroblastoma, these are the most fun because you are often exposed to unpublished research along with a wealth of published data that often serves as the basis for the proposals. The bottom line is that I get to see perspectives that are often not available through other means. I get to read research support and knowledge that is available no where else. I also get the answer to the question of "Why?" which is not always clear from published material. Additionally, given these opportunities, I get excellent insight into the way research is moving. I get to see the new ideas. I get to answer the question: What is on the horizon?
Now, with all of that being said, I must also say that I have never been more depressed by a set of scientific proposals that I have been as of late. This last group has been pathetic. It is not that the research has necessarily been bad. Some of it has been very good from a scientific perspective. Unfortunately, where it all seems to fail is in the "matter" category. I have never seen a group of proposals that mattered less to patients with neuroblastoma and I find that terribly distressing. Out of all of those proposals, I read one that I felt had the potential to eventually make a difference in the lives of children with neuroblastoma.
Depressing...
It is disappointing because I usually see much more. I usually see creative ideas that have a clear path into the clinic and a meaningful impact. This time though, for the most part, that was missing. In the cases where I did see some potential impact for children with relapsed disease, the science was so bad or the structure of the trial was so poor that I could not in good consciousness recommend it to anyone. In these cases, these were clearly drugs pushed forward in a desperate act to provide children with relapsed and refractory disease more options. Unfortunately, the science and rationale behind the proposals were incredibly weak. Hey, don't get me wrong, I want more options for kids with relapsed disease. I just want the options to be good ones - and not the ones I have seen recently. It is almost like people have gone from using strong scientific rationale which supports moving a drug into the clinic in favor of picking something at random because they want to believe really hard that something will work.
I have never seen a more disappointing crop.
Now, before anyone makes any assumptions, these musings have nothing to do with my position in the NANT, their trials, or for that matter, anything I have seen come out of COG. As long as I am mentioning major neuroblastoma groups it is also worth noting that this has nothing to with what I am seeing come out of Sloan. In my opinion, those groups, for the most part, are on track. In fact, for two of those groups in particular have some incredible hope brewing in their cauldrons.
No, what I am disappointed in is the research that eventually flows into the clinic (potentially into those groups) and sadly it was not up to par. I don't know what is happening in the research world but the last month has not brought me the joy that it usually does.
It seems to me there is a large group looking for funding that, instead, need a good dose of purpose.
I prefer combing through research proposals the most. From the perspective of understanding the science of neuroblastoma, these are the most fun because you are often exposed to unpublished research along with a wealth of published data that often serves as the basis for the proposals. The bottom line is that I get to see perspectives that are often not available through other means. I get to read research support and knowledge that is available no where else. I also get the answer to the question of "Why?" which is not always clear from published material. Additionally, given these opportunities, I get excellent insight into the way research is moving. I get to see the new ideas. I get to answer the question: What is on the horizon?
Now, with all of that being said, I must also say that I have never been more depressed by a set of scientific proposals that I have been as of late. This last group has been pathetic. It is not that the research has necessarily been bad. Some of it has been very good from a scientific perspective. Unfortunately, where it all seems to fail is in the "matter" category. I have never seen a group of proposals that mattered less to patients with neuroblastoma and I find that terribly distressing. Out of all of those proposals, I read one that I felt had the potential to eventually make a difference in the lives of children with neuroblastoma.
Depressing...
It is disappointing because I usually see much more. I usually see creative ideas that have a clear path into the clinic and a meaningful impact. This time though, for the most part, that was missing. In the cases where I did see some potential impact for children with relapsed disease, the science was so bad or the structure of the trial was so poor that I could not in good consciousness recommend it to anyone. In these cases, these were clearly drugs pushed forward in a desperate act to provide children with relapsed and refractory disease more options. Unfortunately, the science and rationale behind the proposals were incredibly weak. Hey, don't get me wrong, I want more options for kids with relapsed disease. I just want the options to be good ones - and not the ones I have seen recently. It is almost like people have gone from using strong scientific rationale which supports moving a drug into the clinic in favor of picking something at random because they want to believe really hard that something will work.
I have never seen a more disappointing crop.
Now, before anyone makes any assumptions, these musings have nothing to do with my position in the NANT, their trials, or for that matter, anything I have seen come out of COG. As long as I am mentioning major neuroblastoma groups it is also worth noting that this has nothing to with what I am seeing come out of Sloan. In my opinion, those groups, for the most part, are on track. In fact, for two of those groups in particular have some incredible hope brewing in their cauldrons.
No, what I am disappointed in is the research that eventually flows into the clinic (potentially into those groups) and sadly it was not up to par. I don't know what is happening in the research world but the last month has not brought me the joy that it usually does.
It seems to me there is a large group looking for funding that, instead, need a good dose of purpose.
Monday, August 9, 2010
Back to normal - well our normal,,,
It has been another busy couple of days since the Keister Calamity of 2010. However, I am happy to report that Lynley's hiney appears to have returned to it's former glory. Her winces from my love pats are no longer a direct result of pain and are, once again, from annoyance. In an effort to salvage my marriage and the happiness that once existed before I started on the tushy topic there will be no further discussion. She will no longer be the butt of my jokes.
On to life...
Last weekend was a fairly normal one, although Lynley kept a steady stream of chores flowing for the grown ups. This, of course, left me playing with the kiddos. ;) I wish! Unfortunately, there was furniture refinishing, kitchen recaulking, and the usual slew of cleaning and laundary.
The rugratigans spent the majority of the weekend in the pool and enjoying water sports. This was a nice departure from their usual couch sitting and wii playing existence. Strangely enough Ainsley spent the majority of the weekend as the odd man out. It seems that Graham and Sydney have ostracized Ainsley for as long as she continues to be abusive. It seems as though they have had enough of the punches, kicks, and slaps. I don't blame them really and perhaps this might help solidify the family's stance on non violence. Maybe, just maybe, this might be what turns the tide. Ainsley does not like the fact that she is not the center of Sydney's attention. This could definitely be the motivating factor behind a kinder, gentler version of Ainsley.
Somehow, I doubt it though...
Regardless, today marks the beginning of their last week of summer. Next week will bring another new year of school so we will see how much new fun we can reign in over the next few days.
This week is about end of summer purpose.
On to life...
Last weekend was a fairly normal one, although Lynley kept a steady stream of chores flowing for the grown ups. This, of course, left me playing with the kiddos. ;) I wish! Unfortunately, there was furniture refinishing, kitchen recaulking, and the usual slew of cleaning and laundary.
The rugratigans spent the majority of the weekend in the pool and enjoying water sports. This was a nice departure from their usual couch sitting and wii playing existence. Strangely enough Ainsley spent the majority of the weekend as the odd man out. It seems that Graham and Sydney have ostracized Ainsley for as long as she continues to be abusive. It seems as though they have had enough of the punches, kicks, and slaps. I don't blame them really and perhaps this might help solidify the family's stance on non violence. Maybe, just maybe, this might be what turns the tide. Ainsley does not like the fact that she is not the center of Sydney's attention. This could definitely be the motivating factor behind a kinder, gentler version of Ainsley.
Somehow, I doubt it though...
Regardless, today marks the beginning of their last week of summer. Next week will bring another new year of school so we will see how much new fun we can reign in over the next few days.
This week is about end of summer purpose.
Thursday, August 5, 2010
A Keister Catastrophe
Yes, I heard. Apparently, I did not write in my diary yesterday. I apologize, but, you must understand. Yesterday was cram packed with sending all of my good energy towards healing Lynley's bottom.
You see, it is broken.
It all started on Tuesday night. Both Graham and Sydney had back to school parties at Roller Land. As soon as we had finished lacing up the kiddos skates we sensed it. The smell of thousands of discarded shoes and dirty carpet. The sound of 80s music reverberating through the rink. A deep voice booming over the loudspeaker was announcing the beginning of an hour of "all skate." Clearly it was beckoning us. Nostalgia from our lost youth was calling our names. The next thing we knew Lynley and I were both lacing up skates.
If it wasn't bad enough that we were becoming "those" parents (you know, the ones that break out the 50s dancing at prom or, in this case, the parents trying to relive their past by rollerskating at the kids back to school party) we really had no idea if we could still skate. I mean, it had probably been roughly 25 years. Could we still pull it off? Could we do it without bringing disgrace to our progeny?
Honestly, we could have cared less. It took only seconds to regain our skate legs (apparently, it is just like riding a bike) and we were off. We had a blast. Skating circles around the kids and doing our best to avoid other fallen skaters (there were many).
Hand in hand, around the rink
We had a blast. Even our kiddos were surprised by our grace (well, semi-grace). None the less, Lynley and I spent the remainder of the evening skating around like teenagers (just old ones).
It was during the last song that it happened. There we were, hand in hand and coming up quickly on a slow moving gaggle of newly born skaters. One fell and then it was like dominoes. The next thing we knew our paths forward were blocked. I made a lateral move into the center of the rink which spared my demise but Lynley was less lucky. Her choice was to topple a bunch of first graders or to perform an emergency sit down maneuver.
She chose the latter. Unfortunately her sitter-downer was battered in the debacle. And so it was written, Lynley's glorious tushy was broken.
It has been a tough couple of days for Lynley and her distressed derriere. It is clear from her pained movements that her toucus is still in great distress. While we have held constant vigil to her fantastical fanny it seems that healing is slow in coming. Yes, her gluteous greatous maximus continues to bring her discomfort.
Not to worry though, we are steadfast by her side, dedicated to bringing relief to her righteous rump.
See honey, I told you this wasn't the biggest pain in the ass you ever had.
That spot is reserved for me.
With love and much purpose, I have your backside.
You see, it is broken.
It all started on Tuesday night. Both Graham and Sydney had back to school parties at Roller Land. As soon as we had finished lacing up the kiddos skates we sensed it. The smell of thousands of discarded shoes and dirty carpet. The sound of 80s music reverberating through the rink. A deep voice booming over the loudspeaker was announcing the beginning of an hour of "all skate." Clearly it was beckoning us. Nostalgia from our lost youth was calling our names. The next thing we knew Lynley and I were both lacing up skates.
If it wasn't bad enough that we were becoming "those" parents (you know, the ones that break out the 50s dancing at prom or, in this case, the parents trying to relive their past by rollerskating at the kids back to school party) we really had no idea if we could still skate. I mean, it had probably been roughly 25 years. Could we still pull it off? Could we do it without bringing disgrace to our progeny?
Honestly, we could have cared less. It took only seconds to regain our skate legs (apparently, it is just like riding a bike) and we were off. We had a blast. Skating circles around the kids and doing our best to avoid other fallen skaters (there were many).
Hand in hand, around the rink
We had a blast. Even our kiddos were surprised by our grace (well, semi-grace). None the less, Lynley and I spent the remainder of the evening skating around like teenagers (just old ones).
It was during the last song that it happened. There we were, hand in hand and coming up quickly on a slow moving gaggle of newly born skaters. One fell and then it was like dominoes. The next thing we knew our paths forward were blocked. I made a lateral move into the center of the rink which spared my demise but Lynley was less lucky. Her choice was to topple a bunch of first graders or to perform an emergency sit down maneuver.
She chose the latter. Unfortunately her sitter-downer was battered in the debacle. And so it was written, Lynley's glorious tushy was broken.
It has been a tough couple of days for Lynley and her distressed derriere. It is clear from her pained movements that her toucus is still in great distress. While we have held constant vigil to her fantastical fanny it seems that healing is slow in coming. Yes, her gluteous greatous maximus continues to bring her discomfort.
Not to worry though, we are steadfast by her side, dedicated to bringing relief to her righteous rump.
See honey, I told you this wasn't the biggest pain in the ass you ever had.
That spot is reserved for me.
With love and much purpose, I have your backside.
Tuesday, August 3, 2010
Fight the power
I just don't think that it is right that I should get in trouble for what I write in my diary. Never-the-less, I am in the dog house. Apparently, some of my diary snoopers thought it would be a great idea to suggest to Lynley that the addition of another little boy Dunganlet would solve all of our issues with Graham. Supposedly this would balance the testosterone levels within our household and re right the power.
Well , what many of you failed to consider in your effort to help our family was that Lynley is apposed to more children - violently.
In fact, in her words, "she is soooooooo done."
I then received a half hour lecture on the fact that I am not supposed to write things in my diary which will get her accosted in the halls and via email to produce more offspring.
You see now why Graham has no chance.
And neither do I.
This is why us boys need so much dang purpose.
Well , what many of you failed to consider in your effort to help our family was that Lynley is apposed to more children - violently.
In fact, in her words, "she is soooooooo done."
I then received a half hour lecture on the fact that I am not supposed to write things in my diary which will get her accosted in the halls and via email to produce more offspring.
You see now why Graham has no chance.
And neither do I.
This is why us boys need so much dang purpose.
Monday, August 2, 2010
A tale of 2 Grahams
This weekend I was introduced to a new little boy. His name was Graham Dungan and he was likely the coolest little boy I have ever met. You see, on Friday night Graham had his best friend Bryce spend the night. That worked well for us as Bryce is pretty low maintenance. In fact, he is a downright blast to have around - not only for Graham but for us as well. This weekend was well deserved for Graham and it had been a long time in coming. To enhance the boyness of this overnight event DeeDee even offered to keep the girls overnight. This great sacrifice laid the ground work for the greatest boy night ever.
It wasn't as though they did anything special. There was swimming, flips off of the diving board, super sonic jumps on the trampoline, cap gun wars, pizza for dinner, and even a little Percy Jackson: the Lightening Thief playing on the big screen. But, in the grand scheme of ultra super cool boy nights, there really wasn't anything magical outside of what we saw from the Grahamster.
It was night and day. Graham transformed from the Graham we knew to this confident little boy that was an absolute blast to be around. There was no whining, no tattling, and no complaining. He was a completely different kid and frankly the one we have always known he was. It was incredible to see him unencumbered, free and, well, alive. He is such an awesome kiddo.
Interestingly, this new Graham stayed with us well through the next morning. In fact it was not until about 10 minutes after the girls returned home that his voice began to change. It went from exuding confidence and fun to this whiny, little cry-y voice that just completed his transforming look. His shoulders began to slump, his head began to hang, and the tears began to flow. Apparently, with the arrival of the girls, everything went from perfect balance to completely unfair.
It was quite possibly the most dramatic transition that I have ever seen in a person. You might assume that it was because he was tired after a long night of boydom but I don't really believe that was the case. You see, it wasn't that he got worse. He simply turned back into the Graham that he was whenever the girls were around. It that world, he is discriminated against and holds the lowest rung on the ladder - at least that is how he perceives it.
The question for me is: How do we bring out the other Graham? He is so much happier and balanced. How do we help him with his sisters?
I don't know that I have any answers but this little exercise certainly illustrated the issue. To say the difference was dramatic would be a gross understatement.
It is yet another purpii quandary.
It wasn't as though they did anything special. There was swimming, flips off of the diving board, super sonic jumps on the trampoline, cap gun wars, pizza for dinner, and even a little Percy Jackson: the Lightening Thief playing on the big screen. But, in the grand scheme of ultra super cool boy nights, there really wasn't anything magical outside of what we saw from the Grahamster.
It was night and day. Graham transformed from the Graham we knew to this confident little boy that was an absolute blast to be around. There was no whining, no tattling, and no complaining. He was a completely different kid and frankly the one we have always known he was. It was incredible to see him unencumbered, free and, well, alive. He is such an awesome kiddo.
Interestingly, this new Graham stayed with us well through the next morning. In fact it was not until about 10 minutes after the girls returned home that his voice began to change. It went from exuding confidence and fun to this whiny, little cry-y voice that just completed his transforming look. His shoulders began to slump, his head began to hang, and the tears began to flow. Apparently, with the arrival of the girls, everything went from perfect balance to completely unfair.
It was quite possibly the most dramatic transition that I have ever seen in a person. You might assume that it was because he was tired after a long night of boydom but I don't really believe that was the case. You see, it wasn't that he got worse. He simply turned back into the Graham that he was whenever the girls were around. It that world, he is discriminated against and holds the lowest rung on the ladder - at least that is how he perceives it.
The question for me is: How do we bring out the other Graham? He is so much happier and balanced. How do we help him with his sisters?
I don't know that I have any answers but this little exercise certainly illustrated the issue. To say the difference was dramatic would be a gross understatement.
It is yet another purpii quandary.
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