And Now The After

Putting together a classroom (from scratch no less...if you're not sure what scratch means then look down a post) in one week isn't for the faint of heart! And saying one week isn't really a true description...try about 30 hours total. This week has pretty much been one of those "through the wringer" type weeks. I'll spare you the details and me the remembering. Actually I'll spare you lots of babbling as I'm wiped out.

From the door of my classroom, this is what it now looks like. The cabinets are in their rightful place and tables now dominate the floor. I wasn't sure I'd like these tables (as opposed to individual desks) but I love them! The X arrangement adds a lot of room too.

From the far corner, this is another shot of the room. In this one you can see part of my desk and that huge blackboard. I asked for a small easel to do writer's workshop at and this is what was delivered. I should have plenty of room!

I couldn't do exactly what I'd planned with that pillar because the computer connections are on the other side of it. But, with the back of the filing cabinet in that little nook it rounded out as a pretty good reading center. I decided to keep my jungle theme as I had the pillows and such. I think every kid at Meet and Greet last night had to pet it. Looks like a hit!

There is a lot more I could tell you and show you, but as I mentioned...wringer week...so if you're really interested in seeing more of the classroom, just email me and I'll send you the slide show. Now, if you'll excuse me a couch is calling my backside.

The Very Before

It is almost 11pm and I should be in bed getting some much needed sleep before next week starts, but I'm at the computer. I can't seem to turn my brain off even though I've been telling it to shut down for a while now. I suppose I have too many things occupying it. But, since I'm up I decided to get those pictures of my classroom posted. I warn you though...these are the extreme before pictures!

This is my classroom as seen from the hallway. I'm in a corner classroom. I think that window into the hallway is pretty nifty. I didn't have a window in my last room, so even if my view is just of the hall, I'm still impressed. I already have visions of valances and window clings. Very teachery of me don't you think?

So, remember when I said this was the extreme before pictures? This is why...my room is not finished yet. Those tall things in the middle of my room are the cabinets that go against a wall. I'm not sure what all that cardboard went to, but hopefully it will be gone too. The room feels fairly large (of course it is mostly empty) and I love that I have plenty of wall space.

This view is from the far corner looking toward the back of the room. I have this pillar that I'm not sure how exactly I'll work around. I've thought maybe my desk in that corner or a reading corner maybe. I'll just have to play it by ear. If you have any suggestions shout them out!

So, there you have the first tour of the room. It was hard for me to visualize it all ready for me to move in, but I think that it has a lot of potential. Tomorrow is the big move...well, I mean I'm taking my stuff out of storage and the movers are taking it to Spring. Hopefully (everyone please cross your fingers and say your prayers!) the room is ready. And by that I mean the cabinets are in the right place and there is furniture and all the trash is gone. If for some reason it isn't...well it is a good thing I'm practicing the art of letting it go!

Something Fun

I finally got into the new building and was able to see my classroom. Yep, I did take pictures, but that is a whole post in and of itself so I'll save it for tomorrow. Anyway, since we weren't able to actually do any work in our rooms, we got to leave early. I decided to kill a little time at Garden Ridge. I try not to go too often as I usually find more that I want than I really need. Well, as I turned the corner I ran into this couple.

I'm guessing they are for die hard Halloween fans huh? The bride even speaks...says something about how this is the happiest day of her...death. Seriously!

Yesterday was Toby's first day (and I mean full day...6:30AM till 5:00PM) at home alone. When I got home he was really wound up and ready for some attention. I loved on him and played with his favorite teaser wand for about 45 minutes. He finally wore down so I thought it might be safe to come and get on the computer. Have I mentioned that Toby doesn't like when my attention is directed at the computer?

Now I know some of you might say it was probably his picture he didn't want to have taken, but I know deep down in his little self he hates having to share my attention. Still...ain't he handsome!? I look at this (and of course others) picture and realize that his kitten looking days are coming to an end. He's lost that fluff ball look. Now, he looks catish.

They've Arrived...Dum Dum Dummmm

I wish that I was really technically savvy so that I could have some great space alien theme music going for this post, but alas I'm not. So, you all will have to pretend that you hear scary screams and Martian screeches as you read this next sentence...

They've arrived!

No, I haven't had an out of world experience or been beamed up to some flying saucer. I've got new neighbors. Neighbors of the upstairs variety...

Those of you that have been reading for any length of time or know me personally will understand why this calls for scary space alien music. I hate neighbors. I know, I know...that makes me sound horrible and well when it comes to noisy neighbors I guess I am. I had a horrible experience in college with apartment living so I guess I'm once burned twice shy. Neighbors were the one thing I had capitalized in the con column of moving to an apartment.

When I first moved in, the apartment above me was empty. I prayed that it would stay that way, but apparently God sees this as a trial in patience. At first I thought it was just this older woman, but since I've seen a man and a teenage girl going in and out. The man and woman hold hands and the girl calls them mom and dad...what are the chances they are just helping her move and they won't actually be living there?

I've tried to be understanding, patient, nice, but darn it...they sound like Sasquatch up there! There is much stomping and banging. Some might say I'm over-reacting, but when my friend Nina was here the other night she heard it too. I swear, sometimes I just look at the ceiling knowing that it is about to come crashing down on my head at any second. The only good thing...they seem to go to bed at a reasonable hour so my sleep isn't being disturbed...too much.

I went to bed a little early last night so I laid there, praying my ceiling fan wouldn't fall, and thought of ways I could ask them to walk softly. Maybe I could gently remind them that they lived on the second floor which meant there was someone below them...you know in case they forgot. Or maybe I could go up and say that I'd heard them moving in and slip in that it sounded like they were making their furniture from scratch. Of course I'd bring along a cake or something to take the sting out of the words. Maybe I could call the cops...loud walking in apartment 907 Officer.

But then I get realistic...no one called the cops, made tacky comments, or brought me a cake when I moved in. And I did my share of hammering. Also, no one complains when I get on to Toby about biting...which is fairly often. So, I'll probably just bite my own tongue and buy some new ear plugs. Besides...how long can it take to get settled into a new place right?

***I know this was a total rant post, but my blog so I get to rant!***

Dang Bartonella

Thanks to all of you who inquired about Toby. Y'all are such thoughtful people!

Toby has hemobartonellosis which is a disease of the red blood cells. It is caused by fleas (which he had a very bad case of when he was found) and can lead to anemia. Thankfully, my vet (which I fell hook, line, and sinker for...I mean I loved how she, the vet, called me at home and talked me through this diagnosis, met me when I picked Toby up, and make a check up call today) thinks that after a course of antibiotics Toby will be as good as new. He isn't enjoying the meds and truthfully I'm not all that fond of shoving it down his throat either, but you can bet we'll be finishing the whole bottle.

I have cat scratch fever. Before you say anything just let me say that yes, Toby is a biter. I'm working really hard to make sure I'm not sending mixed signals (no you can't bite, play with my fingers, etc.) and that he learns this is not acceptable behavior. But until he does, I'll probably remain covered in nicks and scratches. Seriously, if you could see my hands and thighs...

Anyway, the bacteria that is making Toby sick was most likely passed to me through a scratch. I had to do a little bit of my own research (I had every single symptom related to CSF) and the vet confirmed that Toby's illness could have caused mine, but my doctor wasn't so fast to agree. I believe her exact words were, "So, let me get this straight...the vet diagnosed you?" After explaining about Toby and his current medical crisis she was more inclined to agree, but wasn't going to make that her final diagnosis until after all that blood work came back. No, I haven't heard yet...maybe it is just a huge, ironic coincidence and I really have West Nile. Who knows, but CSF sure seems to be the missing key.

So, while Toby is dutifully, if not reluctantly, taking his meds I refused my doctor's order to start a broad spectrum antibiotic. I'm coming off two antibiotics in the last three weeks and for those of you who don't know...your vagina and your bottom aren't particularly happy with you after a steady stream of those things. Sorry few men that read (and squeamish weenie women). That sentence probably should have come with a warning. Needless to say, I'm riding it out. It is a virus therefore it will go away without treatment. Now, if something shows up on my blood work that is an entirely different story.

And there you have it...how one very nasty bacteria has wrecked havoc on two poor, unsuspecting souls. Dang Bartonella...

When You Are This Far Behind...

...you never catch up.

But, I'll give it a shot.

Bethany, yep I'm alive but just sort of wrapped up in myself at the moment. This is about the time of year that things start that ever faster spinning. I'm trying to manage everything I can because there are several things beyond my control.

My mouth has finally decided to take a break from seeing how much pain it can endure and started to heal. I've been pain med free for several days now. Actually, besides being a master flusher now (trust me...it isn't as icky as it sounds!), I don't think twice about those holes at the back of my teeth much anymore. And thank goodness the antibiotics have finally worked their way out of my body (in the most unpleasant of fashions might I add...).

So, while one part of my body has recovered another part has decided to break down. Well, break down probably isn't the best way to describe it. I've been spiking low grade temps for the last several days. I went to the doctor yesterday afternoon and naturally wasn't running fever, but she did think it was worth some lab work. Apparently when they don't know what is wrong with you they test you for everything under the sun. The lab tech took five viles of blood. It was a wonder I was able to walk out under my own steam. To her credit the stick didn't hurt, but by the third vile I was starting to feel woozy. Surely, they can find something in there to explain why my body is going wacky.

I think I'm finally free from HISD (I just want to say it one time...Hell ISD). A couple of weeks ago I called to see what the hold up was in getting my exit interview scheduled. Well, my principal ( you know the one that loves me and thinks I'm the greatest thing to effect the teaching profession) never signed off on my resignation so it was effectively stalled. Now, she signed off on others, but mine managed to slip through the crack. (Breathe in...breathe out...let it go... Sorry, mental pep talk there.) I had to go in and ask for my exit interview to be scheduled and fill out some forms to have my service records sent to SISD. I also gave them my new address information too. I was assured that a certified packet with exit interview materials would be mailed to me within the week. Well, two weeks later and still no paperwork. I called yesterday to find out what the hold up was only to be told that the secretary filled something out wrong and that was why I hadn't been sent anything. And of course they can't do anything until that paperwork has been filled out so again effectively stalled. I went in yesterday and filled out the forms and turned in my badge. You know I don't think I had to work this hard to get hired! Anyway, hopefully all is said and done. There is still plenty to be said and lots of wrongs I still feel haven't been addressed, but, as I told someone yesterday, there are some battles that just aren't worth the fight.

I also haven't been able to get into my new school, which is undergoing renovations. It will be open on August 15. That is ten days before school starts. Yep, I'm nerve wracked because I like to have everything in its place and settled before the year starts. At least I'm not the only one...every teacher (except for four lucky ones) at the school had to pack up this year due to the renovations. I guess that means I'll be in good company, but still a stressful thing. Because I didn't want to have all my stuff (and boy did I accumulate a lot in two years) cluttering up my apartment, I had to rent a storage building for the month of August. I swear it never ends!

Now for the most disturbing news...my baby is sick. Nine days ago I took Toby in for his first round of vaccines and a check up at the vet. The place I took him came highly recommended but I just didn't feel comfortable. The doctor didn't speak much to me rather than the nurse, they kept taking him out of the room for tests (which I know they do, but I've had two vets that did everything right there in the room), and when I called to explain his new symptoms they sort of brushed me off. I know I don't have kids, but Toby is my baby and no Mama (human or feline) likes to be brushed off when her baby isn't acting normal. So, I dumped them and called the vet I started to go with in the first place. Toby hasn't been eating as much (a drastic change from his routine) and has started drinking more water. Also, he's been crying in the litter. This isn't really new, but it has become more animated. I was fully prepared to be told I was an over-reacting pet parent, but instead I was told that Toby has fever, is pale, and that they needed to keep him to watch him and run more labs. Walking out of the vet's office without him was really hard. Hopefully, they will only need to watch him this morning.

For anyone putting together a connection between my unexplained fever and Toby's unexplained illness wait...my mom is three steps ahead of you. It might be possible that the two are related (he's getting much better at taming the clawing and biting, but just last night drew blood on my thigh) but I'm waiting to toss that out to either doctor until someone knows something for sure.

While this probably isn't everything, it is enough to give you a taste of things going on in my life. Even with a few bumps along the way, I'd still say things are going good! And I guess that is all that matters, huh?