Happy Halloween

One of my sweet kids brought me a little jack-o-lantern today for Halloween! Her parents had drawn a face on an orange for me and written Happy Halloween Ms. Stewart on the back. I thanked her for the cute jack-o-lantern and she quickly informed me that it was really just an orange. What a cute idea and it totally made my day! Gotta love sweet "homemade" gifts from kids!

Today was a half day staff development day. The kids went home at noon and the teachers went to a meeting. I know this is going to sound like a rant (and maybe it is just a little bit) but just bear with me. As a teacher, I'm already over-whelmed by all the paperwork that comes with teaching. There are so many things to do and assessments to give. I already feel that sometimes all that assessing gets in the way of actual teaching. Anyway, today more work was dumped in our laps. One teacher looked at me and said, "Is it too late to change careers?" I'm sure she was joking, but seriously...how many straws before the camel breaks?

All that said to just say that those sweet and thoughtful (and almost always simple) gifts from kids really brighten the days. I'd like to say I treasured it. Well, I did...right up until lunch. Tastiest jack-o-lantern I've ever eaten!

Hope everyone's Halloween is full of more treats than tricks!

The Gourd Life

Well, I can officially say that gourds really aren't my thing. When I looked at the plethora of gourds on display I simply saw over grown potato looking things. But, some people obviously see a blank slate on which to develop their creativity. The final products were amazing! I gave in and bought a dipper gourd but so far I'm uninspired. I'm trying to think of what I can do to it paper crafting-wise. If anything sparks I'll show off my craftiness!

The family part of the weekend was good too, though some what awkward. This seems to just be the theme when we get together with my dad's family. No one wants this to happen, but it just some how does. Anyway, I thoroughly enjoyed getting to visit with my parents and despite some of the bumps I enjoyed seeing my aunts again too.

Oh, and in case you were wondering, there were no flashers either!

It's All About The Gourds

This week is done...thank you Lord! For some reason I thought not being a firsty would make life easier. Apparently not. It was "everything is due" day...grades, assessments, lesson plans, the works. I'm so ready for the weekend!

I'm heading out of town tomorrow morning. I'm meeting my parents and dad's sisters in Waco this weekend for a gourd festival. Seriously, I know. Gourds aren't really my thing, but maybe I'll learn something. Basically, I'm going to visit with family that I don't see very often (and oh yeah there is a story there about that) and a little bit because it's the middle of Fall and people should go to gourd type things right?!

I'm taking an open mind and my digital camera. Updates when I return home Sunday. I wonder if I'll see any gourds like this...



I think this dude is called The Flasher! This is even funnier because my very proper Mama sent me this in an email. LOL! Oh my, obscene squash.

Burn Baby Burn

This week has been perfect...well as far as the weather is concerned. It's been very Fall-like. The temperatures have hovered right around 60-65. I love it! Winter is my favorite season. I enjoy the bundling up and cold noses. Unfortunately, living in Texas I don't get too many bundling up type days. So, I truly enjoy the days of Fall when the temperatures dip low enough to require using the sheet, blanket, and the comforter. I love pulling out the jackets and long sleeved shirts. I love it all!

One thing I don't love...turning the central heating and air to heat for the first time in the season. Monday was the start of particularly low nightly temperatures. When I got home Monday, I set the thermostat to 65 and waited. Nothing. I figured it would dip low enough to come on before I went to bed. It didn't. This week has been one stressful one at work so I had many other things on my mind than the heat. I crawled into bed early (bundled up in pajama bottoms, t-shirt, and socks) and thankfully fell right to sleep. Imagine my shock to wake up about an hour later to the smoke alarm going off!

I must sleep deep because when I'm startled awake I feel shaky and my stomach hurts. Anyway, I immediately smelled the air (couldn't smell smoke) and reached around in the bedside nightstand drawer for my glasses. I got those on and I couldn't see anything that looked like fire, but I could certainly hear the smoke alarm. In my house I have one above the bedroom door and another one above the spare bedroom door at the opposite end of the house. The one above my door wasn't going off. So, I wondered into the living room. Nothing seemed out of place...nothing even smelled burnt. I hit the lights and grabbed a pillow off the couch. I went to wave it in front of the smoke detector and nearly took out everything on the top shelf of my bookcase. Finally, I was able to wave enough air in front of the dumb thing to get it to shut up.

I peeked in the spare bedroom, but everything seemed to be in place. Then it dawned on me...the air had kicked in. Sure, it is warm air coming up out of the floor, but enough to set off the smoke detector?! I thought about yanking the battery out but decided I'd rather be safe (and jarred right out of bed) than sorry. Thankfully, it didn't go off again. I guess it was just the first-of-the-season stinky air thing.

And speaking of smoke detectors and fire safety, the local fire department came out to do some demonstrations for the kids this week at school. It's Red Ribbon Week (you know...let's all be drug and alcohol free) and this year we're focusing on making good choices. The firemen bring a ladder truck and a fire trailer so the kids can practice exiting a house safely. The kids got a kick out of the whole experience. They especially loved getting to jump out the window to safety!

Well, while the kids enjoyed the fire trailer, the teachers enjoyed the firemen. Most of them were older guys, but there was one guy that was so hot! (That sounds so high school...lol!) Of course that started the joking about "Well, you can light me on fire anytime you want if he's what is coming to put me out!" and "If I'm on fire I stop, drop, and he rolls on top of me!". You know...completely inappropriate stuff for school! Believe me, it was the perfect mood lightening moment. Did I mention we're pretty stressed out at school?

Anyway, I'm enjoying this touch of Fall to the max because it probably won't be around long. If you live where there are four distinct seasons, please enjoy some of the Fall and Winter temperatures and weather for me!

Random And Weird...Yep That Is Me!

If you've been reading, well since yesterday, you know that have a thing for questionnaire type things. I think this stems from the fact that I'm a curious person by nature. Sometimes I'm reading someone's blog and I just want to ask the weirdest question or know the most random thing. Also, it doesn't hurt when someone asks you to do this type of thing! Yep, I was tagged by Jaded. Thank you! So, fellow readers and or bloggers...here is to getting to know more about each other.

Rules: I'm supposed to give seven random and weird facts about myself and then tag seven other people. I'm not going to do that because I don't like this rule. And if you've known me long you should realize that I follow the ones I like and try to find a way around the ones I don't.

1. Random: Since I have to get up at the crack of dawn (well really before the crack because it's still dark outside when I get up) I watch TV to get me going. I'm not sure how I stumbled on it, but I've gotten hooked on re-runs of Coach. I remember watching it when I was younger (when my parents would let me) and now it's a lot funnier since I know what all those jokes and innuendos actually mean!

2. Weird: I can't pee without first checking the shower to make sure that no one is hiding in there. I know it's completely irrational but I can't help it. I guess I don't want to literally get caught with my pants down. Though seriously if someone ever did jump out I'd be in the right place because the crap would probably be scared out of me. Too much info...sorry!

3. Random: I still have a crush. I've refrained from calling it inappropriate because what defines inappropriate? It's all about rationalizing baby!

4. Weird: This is completely unladylike and in some circles it is pretty gross, but I think farts are funny. It's one of my "guy" traits. Sad right? Did you know that the normal human body farts 12-40 times a day?! Seriously! How can you not find that funny?!

5. Random: One of my biggest fears is living a life of unfulfilled dreams. I dream a lot. I have things I want to try or things I want to do, but sometimes I settle for them just being dreams. I settle because I know that it is completely going to be out of character for me. I know that it is something no one expects and that some might even be disappointed in me. There are certain aspects of my life that only I control. It's selfish and frankly I don't care. I'll make the final decision, but there are some dreams that will remain just that because I can't live with just thinking of myself. I've had many dreams that I've been able to fulfill and I'm still dreaming. I just want the realities and dreams to balance out in the end!

6. Weird: I don't like lipstick. I prefer lip gloss. I usually feel too pale to wear lipstick...hence the gloss.

7. Random: I have picture frames out in my living room that don't have any pictures in them. Sometimes I just like the frame.

Okay, so there are seven facts (some random, some weird, and some things you probably already knew). If you're up to it, take up the random and weird challenge. It'll save me having to ask you later!

Beg, Steal, Borrow

It's been a while since I've done one of those questionnaire thingies. Yeah...I'm kind of addicted to them!

What kind of SOAP is in your bathtub right now? I guess we're going on the premise that liquid body wash isn't the same as SOAP. I have a bar of Zest in there...scent Linen Fresh
Do you have any watermelon in your refrigerator? Nope
What would you change about your living room? I'd get rid of my current entertainment center and get a new one.
Are the dishes in your dishwasher clean or dirty? What dishwasher...I'm the dishwasher. So, umm that means the few in the sink are dirty.
What is in your fridge? I bet this turns out to be embarrassing. 2 cartons of milk (one past the date and one fixing to go), bottled water, string cheese, lunch meat, some wilted lettuce, and some Mandarin oranges. What? It is almost the end of the month and the supplies have been depleted.
What is on top of your refrigerator? my lunchbox, a small ice chest, and a cauldron
What color or design is your shower curtain? I have a solid blue one and then a clear one with some fibers in it. Kind of mulberryish style.
How many plants are in your home right now? live plants? That would be zero, but I've got some pretty fake greenery.
Is your bed made right now? No...it's not sheet changing day
How many pillows do you sleep with? 5 regular ones and one body pillow...I usually settle down with the body pillow and two of the regular ones.
Do you sleep with any lights on at night? Nope, not unless I'm sick at my stomach and then I leave my night light on
Do you have a welcome mat on your front porch? I wouldn't say it was welcoming. It's just plain green and kind of rough to the touch on the bottom of the foot.
Chore you hate doing the most? All of them...I hate them all equally
Any retro items are in your home? Retro...hmm. I don't know
Do you keep any kind of protection weapons in your home? No. I have some knives in the kitchen though.
What does your home smell like right now? Like something was burned in the oven. That means I tried to cook something for dinner. I think something just ran over and was burning on the bottom of the oven.
Ever been on your roof? Nope
In case of fire, what are the items in your house which you’d grab if you only could make one quick trip? That is tough, but I guess I'd grab my purse, my current scrapbook, and the VIP (very important papers) folder from the file cabinet. I'd want to drag out the cedar chest but I don't think that would be any one's definition of a "quick trip" item.

So, a little more insight into what makes me tick. Learn anything interesting?!

Doing The Do

Ear update: Those "miracle" drop are in my hand and currently in my ear (four times a day no less) and still the bulge remains. Before I heard nothing because the bulge was caused by air. Now I hear a sloshy sound when I move my head. It really is fascinating the noises your body can make...especially when you're tuned into the sounds. Everyone knows you hear things when you can't hear right?!

I have it on good authority that it is certainly okay to devote numerous posts to beauty routines. The following is just such a post. I'm getting my hair cut tomorrow. That in and of itself isn't exactly blog worthy, but I'm going for a new style. Currently my hair is grown out (slightly past my shoulders at the longest layer) and in desperate need of a trim. I really like the bang look too, but I had to do some training of my hair before bangs would work. My hair now parts on the side of my head instead of right in the middle so I think we're ready!

Thanks to my dad, I've got some natural wave in my hair so I have a variety of ways to fix my hair. I usually go for the blow dry it straight look, but last week I wanted to sleep more than I wanted my hair to look good so I did a lot of letting it go natural and taming it with a headband. Take a look for yourself.



Oh, and yes Mama (and anyone else who has something to say about those eyebrows...another hairy gift from my dad) I'm getting a wax too.

Okay, here is the after picture...my new do!



So, what do y'all think?! I might be misleading you when I say "new" do as this is basically my same hairstyle just with bangs. But when a look works for you then you should stick with it right?! It's taking a little getting used to having something on your forehead when you haven't had something on your forehead in a while. But, overall I really like the cut. The only thing missing is the shaped eyebrows. Apparently the wax warmer got fried so it looks like me and the tweezers are going to get very friendly.

Just An Odd Ball

Today was appointment with the doctor about my ear. It's been chalked up to an ear infection, but something happened that was rather odd. My doctor has that pokey thing in my ear and she's looking around. Next I hear, "Mmmm. That is odd." Do you ever want to have a doctor who has some sort of instrument inside your body say that is odd?! After asking what exactly she meant by that she explained that I have a bulge on my ear drum. Apparently bulges aren't supposed to be on your ear drum. Anyway, I walked away with a prescription for some ear drops and strict instructions to come back in five days if I'm still having problems.

I stopped at Walgreens on my way home to get the ear drops, but I didn't stick around to wait. How come Walgreens is always so backed up?! It was going to be 45 minutes. I wasn't in a waiting mood so I guess the bulge will have to wait until tomorrow to begin the process of becoming un-odd. I had to pick up some supplies for a birthday party at work tomorrow so I was doing a quick cruise of the aisles (I said I wasn't into waiting...I was into shopping!) and I wound up on the Christmas aisle. Now I love Christmas...everything about Christmas actually. And I'm a wrapper. I like to wrap the presents (including matching paper, ribbon, and bows) and not just stick them in a sack. Well, all the nesting boxes, wrapping paper, bags, tissue, and ribbon was out. Also, the labels. I love the labels. I have several packages (more than gifts I'll actually give) that I bought on sale after last Christmas. I had to refrain from dropping a package or two in my basket.

Goodness...maybe I am an odd ball. I guess my ear drum is just following suit!

Cranky Baby

Here is a hodge podge of the week so far:

Fall Cleaning Project: Crap still in my living room, but the spare room is vacuumed, furniture arranged, bathroom scrubbed and smells fresh. I'm going to deviate from the plan and move all this crap back into the room but in sections so I can organize in there. I can't stand this crap in my living room!

Funny Kid Quotes: I'm beginning to wonder if these kids are as funny as my group last year. Maybe I just need to listen harder?!

Teacher: (whose back was turned to the board, writing) "Oh, who said evaporation?"
Student: "Uhh, no one Ms. Stewart. I think you're hearing things!"

Teacher: (who has some natural curl and when I'm in a rush I just spritz it with my curl vamp stuff and my hair has this total bed-head quality...the head band normally tames it a little, but it's the whole mess look)
Student: "Ms. Stewart did you forget to comb your hair today?"

Health Stuff: Last week I got some water in my ear during my shower. I tried to shake it out, but with little success. Anyway, now I hear like I have cotton in my ear. It's just been annoying, but not it is starting to hurt. I was one "cranky baby" this afternoon. I've got an appointment with my doctor on Thursday afternoon, but I'm willing to try shoving my key in my ear. Anything to pop that bubble!

My Co-Captain-ness: My friend Niners and I are co-captains for our school's Relay For Life team. Tonight was our first meeting and I have to admit that I'm a little overwhelmed by it all. Our theme this year is Monopoly. Each site will be a place on the board. We're not going for the popular ones (Boardwalk and Park Place) so we're looking for one with creative possibilities. Any ideas?!

Venting Update: After speaking to another teacher and my mom (who is my absolute calming center!) I realized that I might be over-reacting just a little and letting some personal issues cloud my judgement. Oh, the principal is still disorganized and horrible at communicating, but I'll give her that it might be because her plate is as full as mine is. Being swamped with meetings and paperwork is tough on all...the administrator and the teacher.

So, that about sums up the week so far. Normally the days go by fast, but I feel like this commercial I saw:

"I feel like I woke up this morning and thought it was Thursday, but it's only Wednesday."
"Dude, it's Tuesday."

So much to do, and so little time to get it all done in!

Saturday Project

Today has been the best kind of day! To begin with it is Saturday and that in and of itself is enough to make one happy. Also, I spent a very enjoyable morning in bed. I slept late, enjoyed some happy texting, got caught up on some tv I'd missed this week, and finished up a book. I only budged from my cozy place of sanctuary for those necessary bathroom and breakfast trips. Who knew a girl could waste half a day just being ridiculously lazy in bed?! Too, after the week I'd had I thought a little pampering in bed was just my due.

Once I did manage to wiggle out from the covers, I decided to take on a project. There is nothing like getting those batteries charged to make me productive. I'm taking on my spare bedroom. This was supposed to start out as my scrapbook and craft room. Right now it's just the catch all. Go ahead...take a peek for yourself.




I'm sort of embarrassed to post this on the internet...now all you people know my worst kept secret. I'm messy! Though to be honest, sometimes life just isn't worth it if there isn't a little mess involved. You're not buying that either huh? Well, that's my story.

Anyway, I thought if I took a picture of that disaster area and put it on my blog I'd feel compelled to get it in some semblance of order and then re-post showing off my new scrapbook haven. I have to admit that I'm not feeling very compelled at the moment but I'm sure that will come. Being the listy that I am (my term for my obsessive need to have lists in my life) I've made a list of the stages of organization.

1. Shame yourself into cleaning that room by posting horrible pictures on the internet....check

2. Move entire mess to living room and hope that you have no unexpected visitors for the next few weeks.....semi-check (I've got a lot left to haul into the living room)

3. Separate mess into smaller, but just as messy, piles of like mess

4. Organize (and by that I mean toss the stuff you don't want)

5. Put stuff I do want in cute containers and label

6. Arrange furniture pieces in spare bedroom to get the maximum amount of space out of that tiny room

7. Put newly organized and labeled stuff back in the room

8. Take pictures of your accomplishment and post on blog to redeem yourself from step 1

See...there is a method to my madness. Unfortunately, with my schedule I think my madness might take a week or two to get fully completed. I'm doing this all in the hopes that my desire to scrapbook will return. I know...my creativity has taken a vacation and finding her has been a challenge. To quote my friend Valerie...she's probably slutting around at someone else's house. Maybe she'll come home once she sees all the hard work I went to for her!

So, there you go. This is my current home project. Maybe I should have titled this SaturdayS (as in plural Saturdays) Project?!

A Much Needed Vent

I need to vent. I need to vent in the worst way, but I sort of feel like my vent is blocked.

I need to vent about work. I feel very unappreciated there. Oh, it's not by students, parents of students, or my team. Nope...it's my principal. There is a mini history there from last year, but who would be that petty to let that carry over? Oh who am I kidding?! I can certainly hold a grudge with the best of them. Anyway, I have a problem with the fact that I have to work so hard to communicate with her.

I don't need constant hand holding or never-ending praise, but when I feel like she doesn't respect or even like me as a person and just barely as a professional there is something wrong. Right?

Oh I don't know. Maybe I just need a long hot shower to wash away the mental stress of today. Apparently I suck at venting. I mean I want to really get on a roll, but frankly she just doesn't seem worth it. I just want my sensitive feelings to get the heck back in check. Plenty of people do appreciate me so who cares if the principal doesn't. Crap...I do.

Grrrrr!

Travel Buds

Quick birthday update: The actual day was great! Both my aunts sent presents too, so over all I raked in the goods. I got three complete sets of outfits (which can be interchanged so it's even more outfits actually), a great ring with different stones I can put in, a new hairdryer, Halloween scrapbooking kit, the scrapbook journaler's handbook, and a neat zipper pull that my mom made. Plus, I had a really great visiting with my parents. Thanks for all the birthday wishes everyone!

Now, about this travel buds business. As you probably know, or should be able to guess if you've been reading long, I love to travel. This year I broadened my horizons by getting a passport and going to Mexico on a cruise. Those horizons will expand even more next year when I travel to Jordan. One of my really good friends is going to Jordan for a year-long missionary trip and has invited me to come and visit. I'm already excited!

But, I've got a little problem in the meantime. What about all those mini vacation trips I want to take around the USA? I was thinking today that I'd love to visit Niagara Falls, Yellowstone, take a bed and breakfast tour of New England, go to Alaska. Can I go alone on a vacation?

I mean, I don't have to ask permission to take a trip, but I've never been totally alone on a trip before. I have to admit that the idea appeals to me. I'm a planner and usually want to do the touristy things the first time I visit a place. My last few fellow vacationers have been more fly-by-the-seat-of-her-pants type of travelers. I'm sure I made them nutty more than once! Plus, if I'm traveling alone, I'm not restricted by anyone else's budget or schedule.

Of course, being alone means I'm...well alone. What if I get lost (a distinct possibility given my map reading skills)? Who will take the pictures of me with all those sights?

The travel bug has me itching to plan a trip somewhere and to do something. But who to ask? Maybe I should take applications...up for travel? Apply below in the comments! Seriously, if you travel alone tell me about it. If you only travel with a bud tell me about that.

I'm ready to pack my bags and go....somewhere!

Fair On The Square Pretties

Sorry, to have just rushed away in that last post, but my parents had just driven up and I got excited! I hadn't seen them since July so I was ready. We're having a wonderful visit so far. Yesterday, we drove into Houston to see my cousin's new apartment and celebrate (though a little belated!) her birthday. I even baked her a spice cake (her favorite) for the occassion. Unfortunately, I didn't inherit my Mimi's cake decorating skills (or much else of her cooking skills) but Amanda assured me that the cake was yummy!

Today was the 33rd annual Fair on the Square in my little town. It always falls on the first weekend in October which is usually right around my birthday. It's basically a huge arts and crafts show set up around the courthouse. I love arts and crafts shows. How wonderfully thoughtful of Huntsville to decide to hold something I love right around my birthday!

My mom assures me that my birthday is the reason that they come and visit, but I know that she enjoys Fair on the Square as much as I do! Today turned out to be a good day for the whole event. It rained early this morning so it was sort of cool and there was a nice breeze. We got a great parking spot and while there were a lot of people it wasn't terribly crowded like last year. Most of the booths are the same year to year, but I found a few things I just couldn't live without!


If you couldn't tell I have a thing for apples! My kitchen is decorated in shades of lime, red, blue, and apples. I thought this oven hanging towel was so pretty. I especially love the little bushel of apples at the top. You can't tell from this picture but there is a lemon yogurt bread baking behind that pretty towel. (I'm experimenting and it smells delicious! How many wish you were on my Chirstmas baking list now?!)


I also found this sweet nativity. I have a thing for those too! Some people collect snowmen or Santas, but I love to collect nativities. I usually get two to three new ones each year. I found this one and thought it was an unique twist on the whole nativity scene. I love it!

The time goes so quickly when my parents are here, but we're trying to make the most of it. Tonight my dad and I are going to a college football game. That used to be our "daddy-daughter date night" thing when I was in high school. He'd take me to all the home games. These days I don't get to spend nearly enough time with him so this is a nice way to catch up. Tomorrow we might drive out by the lake...who knows...well after presents of course!

Thank you for all the wonderful birthday wishes! Sometmes I go over board (or as my mom says, "You just need to grow up!") with talking about and celebrating my birthday, but I can't help it. She who has the most birthdays lives the longest!

Happy Birthday To Me!

Usually I make a huge deal of my birthday because...well it's my birthday! All this week I've been counting down the days. Well, today is officially two days from my birthday. It's on Sunday, but the partying begins now!

My parents are on their way to visit. I'm truly excited about this because I haven't seen them since July. For an only child who is close to both parents that is a long stretch. And speaking of long stretches...they just pulled up!

Details after the weekend.

Happy birthday to me!!!

Thumbs Up

I figured everyone was tired of reading about my itches (which thanks for all the well wishes - relief is slow in coming but it is coming!), but today was a pretty low key day. Nothing really to write about...nothing really inspiring.

So, what is a girl to do when she needs a new post? Get a questionnaire thingy from www.blogthings.com of course! I had this real scientific way of choosing which one. I simply scrolled down and just clicked.

You Are the Thumb

You're unique and flexible. And you defy any category. Mentally strong and agile, you do things your own way. And you do them well. You are a natural leader... but also truly a loner. You inspire many but connect with few. You get along well with: The Middle Finger Stay away from: The Pinky

What Finger Are You?

Week Of The Itch

I itch!

At first, I thought I was just feeling sympathy for my mom (who spent several hours in the ER this weekend due to an allergic reaction) or maybe my friend Lindsey who has suffered from poison ivy. Now, I'm not so sure.

I have several bug bites on my foot and ankle. I'm pretty sure I'm a magnet for things that creep and crawl and bite. Saturday night I was locked out of my house (long story about a cheap landlady and a door that swells and locks me out) and I had to wait for the landlady to bring her extra key to me. Five minutes on my porch and I was eaten alive. Thank goodness for Benadryl itch gel.

And then there is the other itch. (Sorry guys...probably want to turn back now.) The itch that involves a blunt tipped syringe, waddling like a pinguin to bed, and lying still for about 20 minutes. Ladies you know what I mean. My friend Gela suggested I get in touch with my inner dude and scratch in the privacy under my desk. I refrained...just barely. That was probably too much information...sorry.

Now, if you'll excuse me I have some creams to apply.