My Strange Addiction

I have a pretty strange addiction. Well, actually I have a lot of strange addictions. Some are to places, some are to people, but one of the strangest is my addiction to all things gummy. I'm not sure when this started,but it's pretty hard for me to pass up something gummy. I remember thinking those Troll gummy pizzas were just the best type of candy. Anyway, I'm sure my addiction is rooted deep in my childhood, but I'd never seen anything like this before.



I found it at Garden Ridge when I went the other day. It's gummy tacos! People...gummy tacos. I know you're trying really hard to resist the urge to leave your house and find your nearest Garden Ridge, but try to make it all the way through this post. On the back of the box it even has "recipes" you can make from the gummy treats! You can make quesadillas, a mini taco pizza, or a veggie taco. I think Taco Bell should get a hold of this idea...pronto.

Anyway, through the course of the night I enjoyed my four little tacos. See, just another little thing about me you probably didn't know and now are wondering where to file this little gem. I love gummy candies!

Now get out there and try something gummy.

Summer Vacation!

I'm reading this



because I'm going here



in 57 days!


I am so excited. Seriously excited!

Night Owl

Today, or rather yesterday, was the last day of school! I simply can't believe how fast time has flown. It really doesn't seem possible that the end is here. This has been a great year. There have been some downs, but so many ups too! One of my co-workers said that we're no longer "firsties" and I hadn't stopped to think about it in those terms. But, yeah the first year is done. Well, not totally because next week is teacher work days where I'll wrap up my classroom and get it settled for the summer. It was a great year and I'm completely happy to wrap it up and set it on the shelf of experience!

Now, as to this night owl business. I gave this post that title because it's the middle of the night...literally. It is 1:07 in the A.M! As some of you might know...this is very atypical for me to be up and moving around this late...or early.

Yesterday, school let out early so I was home several hours earlier than normal. I did some laundry, cleaned a little on my house, and had a snack. Then around 6pm I went to lay down for a little nap. I'm a fan of naps. They don't usually leave me groggy, but can actually improve my mood and make me more productive. See...posting at 1am...productive!

Yes, I slept until 12:45am when a call from a friend woke me up. He asked if I was sleeping and it took me a minute to realize where I was and what time it was. I'd been asleep since 6pm! That's practically a full night's sleep. I chatted with him for a few minutes and then sat up in bed. It was one of those times where you feel you should lay back down because hello...it's dark outside and it's the middle of the night, but...I had pretty much woken up. So, I went to the bathroom and here I am.

I suppose this past week has just caught up with me. I had something every single night plus just the stress of hurrying around to get things completed with the end of school and all. (Short side note: School was officially supposed to end next Wednesday, but a waiver from TEA...Texas Education Agency...allowed us to call Friday the last day of school. Every thing got pushed up along with all the end of the year paperwork and such. So, besides the social things I was going to I had this on my mind. Like I said...busy!) So, it makes sense that the week would catch up with me at some point. I just didn't think it would happen so quickly!

So, what do night owls do in the middle of the night? I'm not one so this is all new to me. I am a little hungry since I missed supper earlier. I think I'm going to try eating a bite and then I'm getting back in bed. I'll pop in a movie and see if that helps put me back to sleep. If not, I'll be back to see what you night owls suggest because I know some of you are up and at your best right now!

Ohmygoodness...I just thought of something. I'll probably be wide awake (still) and ready to start the day tomorrow bright and early. Darn. I was looking forward to getting to sleep late on Saturday morning. I may just lay in bed until 9am or so in protest! Oh jeez. I'm like a baby with my days and nights all mixed up!

Three Days Left

It's a long story, but the end-of-school date was pushed forward by three days so it's been a scramble to keep my head above water these days. Anyway, my friend Chrissy sent me this hilarious e-mail that spoke to my educator self. There are so many of these that apply to me so I've made little notes. Enjoy!

YOU might be a school employee if....

...you believe the playground should be equipped with Ritalin salt lick

...you want to slap the next person who says, "Must be nice to work 8 to 3:30 and have summers off (OMG YES. If you added up all the hours during the summer...yes we do work during the summer and all the hours after school, nights, and weekends then we'd probably work more than most 9-5ers.)

..it is difficult to name your own child because there's no name you can come up with that doesn't bring high blood pressure as it is uttered (Dustin is completely off the list!)

...you can tell it's a full moon or if it going to rain, snow, hail....anything!!! Without ever looking outside (I had heard this in college, but I can't believe how true it is...they are little human barometers.)

...you believe, "shallow gene pool" should have its own box on a report card

...you believe that unspeakable evils will befall you if anyone says, "Boy, the kids sure are mellow today."

...when out in public, you feel the urge to snap your fingers at children you do not know and correct their behavior

...you have no social life between August and June

...you think people should have a government permit before being allowed to reproduce

...you wonder how some parents MANAGED to reproduce

...you laugh uncontrollably when people refer to the staff room as the "lounge."

...you encourage an obnoxious parent to check into charter schools or home schooling and are willing to donate the UHAUL boxes should they decided to move out of district (You know that parent that has been giving me hell all year...I'd pack for them I'm so frustrated with them at this point!)

...you think caffeine should be available in intravenous form

...you can't imagine how the ACLU could think that covering your students chair with Velcro and then requiring uniforms made out of the corresponding Velcro could ever be misunderstood by the public (I love love love l-o-v-e this idea!!!)

...meeting a child's parent instantly answers the question, "Why is this kid like this?"

...you would choose a mammogram over a parent conference

...you think someone should invent antibacterial pencils and crayons...and desks and chairs for that matter!!!

...the words "I have college debt for this?" has ever come out of your mouth

This week take the time to show some appreciation for all the educators in your life. It means the world to us to have someone acknowledge all we do!

New Life

Ahh...is there anything more precious or sweet than the potential that comes with a brand new life? These adorable little boys are the blessings that belong to my friends John and Shari. I met the twins in March and I can't wait to see them again. I hear they are growing and changing daily. Every time I see a picture of them (or any baby) I think about all the potential they have and can't help but imagine what life will hold for them. Only the best I hope! It also makes me think about my life and all the potential I still have. So as I wonder what life has in store for these little boys I also feel an excitement about what life still holds in store for me!

Taylor and John...I hope life only holds the best for you, but if there are times when that doesn't seem true I hope you will always feel the love and support that surrounds you now!

So Easily Sucked In...

You are a Visionary

Your imagination, self-assuredness, and knowledge of the world combine to make you a VISIONARY.

You have clear notions of how things could be, and the confidence to try to make them that way.

You enjoy having a routine, and prefer comfort and familiarity to risk and adventure.

Not needing others' approval to forge ahead, you are confident in your designs for the future.

Your imagination allows you to envision the world as a better place.

You're better at thinking of the big picture than you are with details, and you can see wonder in abstract things.

Style and appearances are important to you, and you have a good eye for beauty.

You are somewhat rigid in your beliefs, which comes from both confidence and an aversion to change.

You are good at creating works of art in forms with which you're familiar.

You're not one to force your positions on a group, and you tend to be fair in evaluating different options.

You are balanced in your approach to problem-solving, not letting your emotions hold you up.

You much prefer to have time to plan for things, feeling better with a schedule than with keeping plans up in the air until the last minute. Your decisions are well thought out, and you're not the least bit impulsive.


If you want to be different:

Appreciate the earthly, functional elements of things.

Your clarity of vision sometimes prevents you from being open to new ideas. Try expanding your horizon of experiences, and experimenting with novel ways of doing things.


how you relate to others
You are Animated

You are outgoing, comfortable with others, and up for anything, which makes you ANIMATED.

Some people find crowds and parties exhausting, but not you! You are able to be yourself in many situations.

Sometimes it is hard for you to understand why others feel the way they do, but that doesn't stop you from trusting them or having faith that they are good people.

You know the world is complicated and that there is often more than one side to a story, so you are careful not to make judgments about others too hastily.

You would rather experience the world than sit back and observe it—you are not one to sit on the sidelines.

You are an independent thinker and don't get too worried about how others might perceive you—you are not self-conscious about being the active, engaged person that you are.

Although you have a keen understanding of different people's life circumstances, you occasionally have trouble seeing why people get so upset and emotional about things—they should just lighten up and have fun!

In addition to having faith in the world, you have faith in the people around you—you trust others to do the right thing and to be honest.

You're not one to force your positions on a group, and you tend to be fair in evaluating different options.

You are balanced in your approach to problem-solving, not letting your emotions hold you up.

You much prefer to have time to plan for things, feeling better with a schedule than with keeping plans up in the air until the last minute. Your decisions are well thought out, and you're not the least bit impulsive.


If you want to be different:

Remember that time alone can be just as fulfilling as time spent with others—take some time for yourself and you might find that there are many things in your inner world that are just as compelling as the world outside your window.

Your open-mindedness about the ways of world gives you an understanding of people's differences, but that knowledge doesn't always translate into sympathy. Don't be afraid to let your trust and understanding influence your feelings.

Poster Child For Plucking

Many months ago I wrote a post about my horrific experience getting my eyebrows waxed. Does anyone remember...the guy left an abrasion on my lid. It was pretty bad. Well, I'm not sure it was the worst thing that has happened to my eyebrows in relation to a wax. Let me explain.

Last week, I went in to get my hair cut and my eyebrows waxed. The haircut turned out great. The wax...well...not so much.

First, the woman talked a lot. I mean she seemed to get flustered and for no apparent reason. I wasn't talking to her that much, but I think she simply got distracted. She kept layering wax on my brow. Finally, she laid the cotton strip down, gave it a very brief pat, and then ripped. After that, she went "Oh" on a sharply indrawn breath.

Anyone care to guess what she'd done?

Oh yeah. I thought she'd taken off the whole eyebrow. I was trying to remember to breath and not cry while frantically reaching for a mirror. She handed me one and it was worse than I'd thought. She'd taken off a half inch chunk from the middle of my eyebrow. Scroll back down and look at my pictures. Go ahead. I'll wait.

See, my eyebrows aren't thin and fine. Nope, thanks to my father I have thick, stubborn, black eyebrows. So, are you seeing the picture in your head. Dark bushy eyebrow, pale smooth as baby butt skin, and then more dark bushy eyebrow.

I look like a freak!

When I called my mom, she was supportive until she couldn't keep the giggles in any longer. She couldn't wait to see me and it had nothing to do with the fact that she missed me or anything like that. She literally couldn't wait to see me. Thanks mom.

Thankfully, my brows have always grown fast and I'm getting the hang of this whole brow pencil thing. Now if I can stop touching my face and rubbing it off through out the day I'll be set.

Ten

I got tagged by Nikky to complete this spill-your-guts type of questionnaire thingy. And y'all know how much I love a spill-your-guts type of questionnaire! I've seen this particular version on blogs and in emails. And now it's my turn. Depending on how well you know me these might be things you already knew and then some might be enlightening. Enjoy!

The Rules: Tell ten things about yourself that most people would not know.

1. I...ahem...have a card fetish. Okay so this isn't really all that much of a secret, but perhaps you're unaware of the extent of this fetish. Can I say fetish and it not mean something sexual? Anyway, I love buying cards, sending cards, and getting cards. I will always believe that mail happiness (my coined term for getting an unexpected card or letter in the mail) is good and can turn a bad day into a good one. It's true for me and that's all that matters!

2. There is going to the bathroom and then there is "going" to the bathroom. Well when I "go" to the bathroom, I have to have something to read. I'm serious...I keep a magazine on the dryer (which is located within reaching distance of my toilet) for those "going" trips. Also, if I don't have a magazine handy then I'll read the back of my face wash or the tampon box...anything that takes my mind off the "going" process. That's a weird one right?

3. I collect shot glasses. I currently have 21 glasses of all shapes, sizes, and varieties. I usually collect them from travels and my uncle also gave me several from his own personal collection.

4. I get embarrassed for people. For example, it's torture for me to listen to people call in on the radio. I usually listen to the radio on my way to work in the morning when the news and morning shows are on. It drives me crazy when people call in and sound like duds on air. I literally cringe and have to change the station because I'm embarrassed for them.

5. I want to write a romance book. I love to read and I read a variety of things (okay the variety has come within the last few years) but I'd still pick a romance book from a pile if I could only read one thing. It's hokey because the plot line is always the same (girl wants a guy, guy is her opposite but hot, girl and guy have a hot passionate affair, discover they are in love, always a misunderstanding that breaks them up, they get together and live happily ever after...ahhh) but I really think it would be fun to write a romance novel.

6. I'm an only child. Some know this because they know me, but I wonder just how many people could guess that fact without me saying it.

7. At some point in my life I want to own a bed and breakfast. This dream (maybe an unrealistic one but a dream none the less) is so funny to me because I can't cook (at least not well!), I'm not fond of cleaning, and sometimes I really enjoy just being alone. But still...there it is. Would you come and stay at my B&B?

8. Sometimes I don't brush my teeth before bed...I just use mouthwash. Kinda hard to believe that I have never had a cavity and I don't have bad teeth!

9. Both of my pinkies are bent. It looks like both of my pinkies were broken or something. They are bent in at the first knuckle. The doctor's told my mom that it was a genetic mutation. Ha...I'm mutated!

10. Hydrangeas are my favorite flower. I think the lavender and periwinkle ones are the prettiest. I love how those colors flow together. They are pretty.

Okay, that was tough. Tougher than I thought it would be, but anyway, I'm not going to tag anyone. If you feel up to copying it take it, but if not thanks for reading my stuff!

M.A.S.H

How many of you remember the game of M.A.S.H? Girls probably remember it more simply because girls mostly played the game. I mean, boys might have, but it was probably a dirty version. Anyway, for anyone not familiar with the game M.A.S.H. it's basically a hokey look into your future. You listed several choices for husband, the number of kids you'd have, the car you'd drive, the job you'd have, etc.

Well, today during a workshop a few of the ladies around me started to play in the effort to ward off boredom. I have to admit that it reminded me of being in middle school and just knowing that if only my M.A.S.H would come true I'd be a happy camper. Well...not exactly today!

Here are my results:

I'm married to George.
We have 15 kids. (I should mention that a rule was that at least one answer had to be a funny, never going to happen kind of answer. This whole 15 kids thing...one of those never going to happen kind of answers!)
We drive a school bus. (Apparently to cart around all those kids.)
I'm an exotic dancer. (Though after 15 kids how good could I look?!)
We have a pet bird.
We live in Houston.
The colors of my wedding were light blue and lavender.
My husband is a public official. (I have to wonder if the public knew about the whole exotic dancing thing...)
A son is named Tucker and a daughter is named Shelby.
We honeymooned in my parents' house.
We live in a mansion.

It was a good laugh and brought back a few memories. So, if you're bored grab your paper and your pen and play a game of M.A.S.H!

Relay For Life (Post Script)

***Update: 24. That is a nice number. Lots of things can be said about that number, but since that's the number of hours I've been awake you'll forgive me if I don't list them all here. I'm not feeling too creative at the moment. Yesterday I wagged some bedding things out to the Relay For Life (which promotes the American Cancer Society) campsite, but that was so silly. Oh so silly. We didn't sleep at all...not one little wink. I pretty much started to crash around 3am this morning. I got up and walked another half mile, but I think that just added to the tiredness rather than boosting any energy levels. By 5:30am I just wanted my bed. Seriously, it's a miracle I made it home without driving off the road! I fully understand now why someone might use sleep deprivation as a torture tactic. I just got up from a nice 7 hour nap (sorry to those few of you who called and got the muttered "I'm sleeping"...click) and I'm still pretty sure I'd give away any secrets that I had! I had planned on going shopping today, but I think that's a pipe dream. I'm going to do some dishes, walk to the mailbox, and just chill at home. Probably in my bed and with my pajamas still on!***

Well, it's that night. The night where me and seven of my closest co-workers do what we said we'd do when we collected all the money. We spend the night (6pm - 6am) walking around the high school track. Not all at the same time mind you...that's where the term relay comes into play.

Laps to date...okay hour: 7 (that roughly equals out to be almost 2 miles).

Now, I know you're just dying to know if there is wireless out at the high school track or what. I mean, "Just how is she posting?" might be a question you're asking yourself. Well, the answer is simple. I'm at home for a potty break.

The relay organization was kind enough to have several porta-potties brought out to the track, but I guess space was an issue. They aligned these portable bathrooms on a slight incline. I want you to fully get the picture. When you step in you stay as close to the door as possible for fear of tipping the porta-potty backwards. Yes folks...the porta-potties sit at an angle. I tried to "hover and lean forward" motion to do my business (I was all for giving the porta-potties a shot), but I just couldn't do it. I even yelled for my friend to stand behind the porta-potty just in case. She was quick to let me know that she doesn't catch tipping porta-potties.

So, we've all been taking turns running on potty breaks to people's houses. This one just happens to be my turn. And since I had a few minutes I just knew that all my loyal readers would want to read about a porta-potty! Y'all do want to read about a porta-potty right?!

Well, anyway, looks like the bathroom break is over. We're off to the track again. This is a great cause and I'm having a good time, but...isn't it morning yet?

Gone But Not Forgotten

This morning I received a very unsettling message from a friend that said "please call me as soon as you get this. It's important...". You just know that these kind of messages aren't something good. I was on my way out the door for an appointment and then on to school so I wasn't able to call this morning. When I got to school, I opened an email from another friend in the same circle. That gut feeling from this morning was right. My friend's mom passed away on Monday.

I've known this friend and her family since second grade (almost twenty years) so it hurt to know that her mom had passed away. I knew that her mom had had heart trouble in the past, but I wasn't prepared to learn that it was just a routine procedure she had gone in for. It was something she'd had done before without any incident. In one of those freak things, she coded and they weren't able to bring her back. My friend lives in Washington these days and I can only imagine what her flight home yesterday must have been like; the whys and simply the shock of the whole situation. It simply breaks my heart.

All day long I've been remembering all the times I was over at her house, all the times her mom hugged me and treated me just like another kiddo. The memories are vast and long. And my heart is sad tonight. Any life that is lost is tragic, but when it happens so unexpectedly there are so many questions and so many what ifs. When I called my friend tonight she seemed to be doing okay and so in control. I'm sure that the hurt is coming and going. And I'm sure it will for a while to come too.

I couldn't help but think about my mom today. She isn't in the best of health and this makes me realize how important are the times we have together. I'm pretty sure that my world will crumble if anything happens to my mom. She's my rock. I feel a little guilty tonight because I can call up my mom and tell her I love her and my friend can't.

So, if you're a praying person, please just take a minute and lift this family up in prayer. There are a lot of shocked and shattered people tonight. It's not important to know her name or all the details, but God will know who you're asking prayer for and that is what is a true comfort.

Thank you, friends!