Failing Grades

This morning, as soon as I was generally coherent, I hopped on my laptop to check email, our finances, and Conner's grades. Conner has been grounded from everything but eating, sleeping, and breathing for the past few weeks because of his grades, so I tend to check out his averages online A LOT.

At some point after the Christmas break, Conner decided to let his grades completely plummet into the sewer. He was failing SEVEN classes out of nine. It's true. And just like always, all of his privileges were taken away...no time with his girlfriend...no cell phone...no hanging out with his buddies...no computer/Facebook...NOTHING. And, because I was so thoroughly disgusted with his ridiculous grades, I implemented and book report requirement on top of the hours of studying he wasn't going to weasel his way out of.

The good news is that he's brought up all of his grades to the passing level, with the exception of two.

The bad news.... When I checked his grades this morning, he got a 50% on a Biology test - he's still failing Biology. AND he didn't even turn in a homework paper in Money Matters....helping him to maintain his stellar average of 40%.

What does he think!?! I've been busting his chops for weeks! Sitting in the front room WITH him, where there is no noise or distraction, keeping him on task and accountable, quizzing him on content....and holding his feet to the fire!!! And this little buzzard has the cojones to produce a ZERO ON HOMEWORK?!?

His MP3 is now in my possession, and I am going to switch his radio/alarm clock out with a plain-jane alarm clock while he's at school.

I welcome any other brilliant idea or suggestions on how to get this kid refocused and prioritized.

Failure is NOT an option.

Stop The Clock!!

If I could stop time for 24 hours....

**Warning: This is not going to be deep or thought provoking. It's just where I am and what I would want to do at this particular moment in time.**

I would catch up on scrapbooking. I have so many pretty papers, stickers, and wonderful photos that are just dying to be put into a place that they can be shown off and adored. I have cute kids, in case you didn't already know.

I would go splurge on some new clothes. I rarely have time to shop BY MYSELF, and let's face it, even when I do have time...I'm rushed because there are other things that need to be tended to. I would catch up on all of the reality/trash TV that is dying to be watched on our DVR. Project Runway, RHWofAtlanta, RHWofDC, Brothers & Sisters, etc...

I would read. Currently reading Les Miserables by Victor Hugo. Need to be better about reading the B-I-B-L-E (are you singing the song in your head now?) so I would give that some love. Don't judge. I have room for improvement.

I would Facebook, Twitter, WWF/Scrabble, and BLOG.

In between all of these fun little ME THINGS, I would get a slice of White Chocolate Raspberry Truffle Cheesecake from The Cheesecake Factory....and call some friends while I am jetting around in my car. Bluetooth is awesome, BTW.

It would be awesome.

....maybe I should find a reason for Richard and the kids to leave town for a day to two (or three), so that I can work this out! Hmmm....

Prompt #5 - If you could stop time for 24 hours, what would you accomplish?