Over Already?

I can't believe that the first week of school is over already. I can't believe that my little holiday weekend is over already! Things have been really busy and fast paced and I've been worn out so I haven't made time to update about my first week of school. So let me do that now...

I love my new school! I can't tell you all the differences between where I am now and where I came from. It really is night and day...or more accurately Heaven and Hell. Everyone gets along on my team and we're working really well together. We have this "Maxine" of the group that keeps me in stitches all day long. It is so nice to work in a relaxed atmosphere rather than a negative one.

My kids are really good too. This week we kept our homerooms all day long and tomorrow will begin the switch process. I'm sort of nervous about that because it is new to me, but I think I'll love just teaching Language Arts and Social Studies.

Getting up at 5am has taken some getting used to, but I'm getting used to it. Case in point...this morning my eyes popped open at 5:17am. Thankfully, I was able to shut them and go right back to sleep. That probably won't work tomorrow morning though!

I hope that everyone had a great holiday weekend!

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?

The Run Down

• Home again, home again, long freaking jigidy jog home
• Extreme gum pain, fever, dry socket, bone infection
• Blessed pain meds and the right antibiotic
• Packing up my classroom and ready to move on to a fresh start
• Still horrible blogger
• New home pictures coming soon

I'm always amazed that you guys hang in there with me. I swear (well I shouldn't swear...y'all know my track record lately right?!) I'm going to find my blogging rhythm. Hopefully soon.

The Day Of Dental (Update)

Well, less than 24 hours later and I'm actually doing pretty well. My doctor was amazing. He gave ma little gas first and then froze my wrist (froze to numb and the wrist because I'm an incredibly hard stick) and I didn't feel anything else. It went faster than he had originally thought, which was great. He also let my mom be in the room until I went to sleep and they brought her back before they brought me out. I think he did this because I was nervous, but I really appreciated it.

I was pretty woozy and out of it when I first came awake. I gagged in the elevator and the nurse kept saying, "Don't throw up. Just breathe." I didn't end up getting sick which was a relief to both me and my mom. I made it home, but apparently turned into a little girl again asking her not to leave me. The only bad thing that happened yesterday was that my medicine wasn't ready at the pharmacy so I had to wait about two hours before I could start my meds. That wasn't pleasant. The one thing that seemed to make everything better was ice.

I'm still swollen and really sore today, but I'm not in that sharp throbbing pain. For which I'm very thankful. I'm also thankful for everyone who has wished me well and left either comments or sent emails. You're all the best!

Well, it is less than an hour away from my dental surgery. While everyone else enjoys breakfast, I sit in here starving and dehydrated. Well, okay maybe that was a little dramatic. When I brushed my teeth I held the rinse water a little longer hoping by some miracle it would seep through my tongue to my throat. You never know how thirsty you are until you can't have water!

I'll take a "before" picture (though it might not get posted...I mean I'm not exactly looking hot with my no make-uped face and hair just doing its own thing) and an "after". You know, for effect.

I'm not really as worried as I was, but just ready to get this over with. A friend said it is like taking a nap and then you wake up and it is over. Let's hope that she is 100% correct!

I'll check back in here in a few days. Hope you all are doing well!

Yes...Still Alive

I know...way to long between posts! You'll just have to forgive me.

First, thank you all for the congratulations. I am very excited to say the least about my new position. It is exactly what I wanted and I'm looking forward to being in a new positive environment. Please keep praying and sending good thoughts as it isn't "final" yet. The principal went on a week long in-service retreat (to Vail, CO...yeah...) and did not get all the paper work to HR yet. She told me today that she will be taking it to HR tomorrow. Normally this wouldn't be a problem, but I'm on a deadline. I'm still under contract with HISD and will be locked in after July 11 so while I'm confident that it will all be resolved I'm still nervous. I can't wait to as someone put it, "tell her to shove it." Anyway, enough of that. Y'all understand how I feel about my current principal.

Now, on to the move. Everything went so smoothly. I'm telling you, movers are worth every single penny! They had me packed up, moved, unloaded, and were on their way by 11am last Saturday. There were only two of them too. Like I said...worth every cent.

My mom stayed with me the past week to help me unpack and decorate my new apartment. I don't have any pictures now, but I will soon. I love it! It feels like home and I have more space too. Which for a girl like me is always a good thing! My mom and I worked at a steady pace and while everything was in its place when we left yesterday we were worn out. Moving isn't for the faint of heart!

Now, I'm in Abilene. I'm here to visit with my parents for a couple of weeks. Also I'm having some dental surgery done. I'm having all my wisdom teeth out next Monday. There are four of those suckers. One has behaved and is just ready to be pulled. Two are impacted and laying sideways. And one is flush against my jaw bone. I have a feeling this won't be an easy removal as my oral surgeon said, "You'll be cussing me the next day." Yeah...I can't wait.

Other than all that, I'm doing well. Toby is growing like a weed and he is so adorable. Of course I'm sure all pet parents think their pet is the most adorablest (yeah I think that is a word...) but y'all...Toby really is the most adorable kitty! I'll have to post new pictures of him too. Unfortunately, he isn't getting along with my parents cat. Compared to Toby, Dex (whom I love and adore too) is a huge honkin' thing. When he bares his teeth and growls (cats can growl...who'd have thunk?) he is down right scary. So the transition hasn't been totally smooth for Toby and Dex. They have 15 more days to get it right though!

I was catching up on some posts today and I just want everyone to know that while some of you have some really big stuff going on I always appreciate that you take the time to stop by here and leave a comment for me. It isn't a big secret that I haven't been happy with my lot in life for the last several months, but I feel so much better and at peace about things. I'm hoping to return to my normal self (blogging self included!) soon. I hope that y'all are doing well and taking care!

Finally...Great News!

I'm elbow deep in packing boxes, but I had to take some time out to share my wonderfully great news!

I was offered the job that I wanted from the very beginning!

Saturday afternoon I got a call from the principal of this school asking me to come and interview on Tuesday. I was really very shocked because in April I had sent her a letter of interest and a resume. While she seemed interested, she wasn't able to hire due to a rezoning issue in the district. I tried again about the middle of May and she replied with a short email saying that she didn't know if she would be able to hire anyone, but she thanked me for my interest. I thought I'd expressed interest one too many times.

Well, Tuesday I went and did the interview thing. It was the strangest interview. There were three people on one side of the desk. The principal asked one...uno...1...question and then turned to her computer and replied to email during the duration of my interview. They did a conference call with the second grade team leader so I looked like an idiot talking to the phone. Anyway, after I talked with the team leader they told me I could go. I was like, "Do you have any questions for me?" They said no so I was wondering just how impressed they were with me. I've been coming around to my mom's "if it is meant to be it will be" way of thinking so I figured if it was meant to be...

Yesterday afternoon I got the call from the principal. She said how impressed they had been with me and were excited to have me on their team. So, I'll be teaching Language Arts/Social Studies in second grade. I'm thrilled! This is what I wanted from the very beginning. Thank God for answered prayers!

Now, I have to get back to packing. Still so much to do before Saturday morning at 8am. Y'all have a great rest of the week!

Toby Love

There is a new little addition to my house...Toby! Faithful blog readers...meet Toby.


Isn't he just adorable?! I've been wanting a cat for a long time, but my landlady wouldn't let me have them here. So, I knew I'd be forking over the pet deposit and getting a kitten when I moved to the apartment (in ten days no less...packing is happening very slowly). Last weekend when I went to my grandparents, my mom had this little thing perched on her shoulder. He had been found cornered by the dogs and they had rescued him. He needed a home and I wanted a kitten and the rest is, as they say, history!

I took him to the vet Friday. He's around 5 weeks old and only weighed 1.2 pounds. He was covered in fleas (and hates the flea treatment we do every other day...got the scratch marks to prove it) and had ear mites. He endured some real indignities at the vet, but was a trooper. He had a weekend full of new experiences. Also, he wasn't a good traveler either. I think we were both crying by the time we got home. Thankfully, Toby has settled into a very nice routine here at home.

He's a really good kitty. The first night he was all over the bed, but the last few nights he's been settled right up there on my pillow. We wake up and I take him to the litter and his food and then I go back to sleep. Don't forget that school is out and I'm taking full advantage of the sleeping late thing! Anyway, when I wake back up then we play. Toby loves to play!

His favorite toy is this Gone Fishin' thing. It is a fabric fish on a string that hangs from a pole. He loves to swat at the fish though his coordination isn't always the best. I just love watching him! Then he naps and the whole eat, litter, play cycle begins again.

I'm taking advantage of his sleeping status to post. He doesn't seem to like me at the computer. He sits on the back of my recliner just meowing at me. I think it is because he can't crawl around or maybe because he doesn't have my attention. He loves to be the center of attention. Good thing he's adorable!

Another Applicant

Know those dating site commercials where the people say how great they are, but then a big white REJECTED sign pops up over their face...I know how they feel.

I heard back today from the lady that I interviewed with last week. While she appreciates my interest they have decided to recommend another applicant for the position. I am a little disappointed, but I suppose that is the way of things. As my mom is fond of telling me, "If it doesn't work out then it wasn't meant to be."

With that still in mind, I went to another interview yesterday. I think it went as well as it could. They are supposed to make their decision today so I suppose I won't have long to wait.

I'm trying to keep in mind the fact that just because I'm not chosen it doesn't mean I'm a bad teacher or there is something professionally wrong with me. (Thanks for those encouraging words Jersey Girl!) And it isn't like the last time I went on the job hunt. I am still gainfully employed. I'd just like to be better gainfully employed. It is a process...I know.

In other news, I found out that the reports about the apartment complex weren't exactly true (always nice to talk to the local police to clear things up). Every place is going to have good points and the not so good points. So, I'm still moving. In 17 days...I'm going to be so busy.

I know I haven't made the rounds lately, but I really appreciate you guys that still come by and leave words of encouragement! That means so much. Y'all have a great weekend!

On The Hunt

I again tackled apartment hunting today. I thought (well still mostly think) I'd hit the jackpot on the third complex. My "demands" were met...ground floor, price range, dishwasher, etc. The apartment was clean and everything seemed to be well maintained. Of course knowing the importance of not taking the first thing that comes along, I went ahead and kept looking.

I should stop here and give a huge shout out to my cousin who came with me. Thanks Amanda! Your insight was helpful!

Okay, so we looked at about four more. I still thought the best place for me was Apartment Three. I went back and filled out the application and left a deposit. I was still feeling comfortable with where I'd chosen. It is on the "good" side of town. My good friend lives across the street. Everything felt right.

Well, on my way home, my mom calls and tells me to look online. She had stumbled across some stuff that didn't sound so...right. Now, I know that not everyone is a satisfied renter, but the handful of ratings that were listed about this property weren't good. So, now I'm sort of worried. I mean I know looks can be deceiving, but that deceiving?

I called my friend that lives across the street and she was a little surprised to hear about the problems. I called the police department in an effort to find out about the safety and crime associated with the apartment complex. Unfortunately, I have to wait until Monday to talk to records. Also, Monday I'm supposed to hear back from the complex about the application status. I'll be sure to be asking about the laundry list of complaints.

So, while I'm not ready to say stop the presses, I am in need of a little bit more information. Seems I'm doing a lot of waiting lately. In case you can't tell...I hate waiting. Yeah yeah...I know all about a virtue called patience...

Maybe Job-y (Post Script)

Yesterday afternoon I sent in another round of faxes and today I got a nibble. I have an interview scheduled for Friday. It is in the area where I want to be and I like what I see from the school website. Plus, I have a friend that has worked there and said it was a good school. The principal sounded very friendly. So...now I go and interview.

This is the tricky part. I want to be excited and hopeful, but I don't want to get too excited just in case it doesn't pan out. I still find job rejection hard to handle. Y'all wish me luck. I'm sure I'll post details.

**Post Script...

Thank you for all the thoughts! The interview went well...at least I think it went well. I met with the principal only. We spoke for an hour and a half! Everyone has said that has to mean good things as you don't talk to someone for that long who you aren't interested in. We seemed to line up on most issues. She is looking for someone to be ESL certified (I'm not currently) but she did say that I could take the test over the summer and be fine. I tried to let her know that I was willing to do that and also that while not ESL certified I did have experience with those kids. I'm still trying to remain hopefully optimistic. She said that she had one more interview on Monday but that she wanted to make this decision fairly quickly. Hopefully I'll know something by next week. I really want this job. I've done all I can...now I just wait. And say a few prayers!

What A Bust

I think I've made a decision. No matter what happens job wise (I still haven't heard anything from anywhere...no one wants me...whaaa!) I will be moving. Several things have prompted this...mostly that I'm not happy in Huntsville. Also, this trailer is falling down around my ears and I'm not up to duck taping it together. So...I'm moving.

Where you might ask...I don't know.

When you might ask...another great question.

I have a time frame, but things seldom line up in my time frame. If you know me, you'd know that I just love (read H.A.T.E.) this kind of a plan.

Always trying to stay on top of things and keep in control what I can, I went house hunting in Conroe. Well, let me amend that. I started out house hunting and came to the realization that if I truly am not wanted anywhere else I'll have to be living on my current budget which means I can only afford to apartment hunt.

I should stop and say (or whine about) that I hate living in apartments. I like quiet. I usually like a yard (though seriously the creepy crawlies that go with grass...), and I'm picky in that I don't want to trek up stairs to get to my front door. Also, I'd like to have lots of room. Apartments aren't my first choice, but I'm discovering that they might be my only choice.

Okay, back to my house...err...apartment hunting this weekend. The places I could afford are the places where I'd be afraid for my life. And the places that were the nicest were for the drug dealing baby factories that are considered low income. (No offense to any drug dealing baby factories that are reading...) I learned quickly that I was what these apartments call "over qualified" and I need to look at "conventional" apartments.

So, this is my life at the moment. Packing up one residence to get ready to move to a still unknown residence. Also, there are only 7 days of school left so things are pretty crazy right now. This year has gone by so fast, but I think my little darlings are ready to move on from second grade. We all done good this year!

I hope you guys enjoy the rest of the holiday weekend! I've got laundry to finish (don't I always though...) and I think I might even scrap a little tonight or tomorrow, but other than that I'm just going to enjoy and rest for the rest of the long weekend. I hope you get to do that too!

Friendly Dinner Mishap

One of my favorite things about going to Conroe (about 30 miles away...you know...the "big city") is that my friend Nina and I (usually) get to go out to dinner! Where I live there are only a handful of restaurants...Chili's, a BBQ joint, and a dozen or so Mexican places. It gets pretty boring for the taste buds.


Well, several nights ago I got suckered into craving Olive Garden thanks to a new commercial advertising the stuffed rigatoni and sausage (by the way...yummy!). For that kind of indulgence I have to make a trip down Nina's way. Just my luck...Nina didn't mind eating out. The last time we went to Olive Garden it was a great experience. This time...not so much.


It was one mishap after another. For all the nitty gritty details go here...Nina's Life and check out her version (you might have to scroll...). It is pretty much mishap by mishap what happened! Plus, I'm all about pimpin' a friend's blog. Y'all go show her all the blog love y'all show me...and you'll get to read a funny story in the process.


What are you still doing here....go!

A Mama Is...

All week I've wondered what project to have the kids do for Mother's Day. Some classes are making vases out of plastic water bottles covered in tissue paper squares dipped in clue. Some are sticking their pictures on a flower that says, "I love you Mom!". And we're writing a poem.

Yep, I can really let it flow here...always (well not so much these days but 360 posts prove I'm somewhat) wordy. Today when I gathered my kids around for writer's workshop to demonstrate how to write this poem I had trouble. It wasn't that I didn't have anything to say, but I found that I had so much to say.

My mom is so much more than my mom. I didn't realize that until I was an adult living life out on my own. She's my mama. She's my best friend. She's always there. She keeps me grounded. She taught me to see that there is a bigger picture. She's shared her faith. She's my mama...my kids don't understand that. But I hope they will one day.

So, here is my poem.

A Mama Is...

By: Steff

A Mama is "I'll love you always...no matter what."

A Mama is strawberry cake to finish off a birthday dinner.

A Mama is a safe place to fall when the world has been cruel.

A Mama is a loud cheer in your corner when the world has been exceedingly kind.

A Mama is the scent of fresh laundry.

A Mama is always there even when she is miles away.

A Mama is what I want to be.

I love you Mama!

Such Language

As a teacher, there are just some things that I've grown accustomed to when it comes to parents. And then there are things that just blow me away.

Today, on our way to lunch, one of my little potty mouths turned around and let the person behind her have it...to the tune of you mother $@*&^! I was shocked and frankly a little amazed that an eight year old not only knew that phrase, but knew how to use it properly. Well I suppose properly is up for debate, but you know what I mean.

Anyway, this isn't normal behavior for this child so instead of taking her to the office, I decided to handle this in-classroom so to speak. I made her move a clip and took away her recess time. I also let her know that we'd be calling her mom too. Our afternoon was rather busy so I didn't have time to make the call until close to the end of the day.

I called her mom and explained that something had happened today and the child responded in a very inappropriate way. I also said that her daughter would be telling her what exactly she had said. Said child gets on the phone and says the above statement to her mom. Her mom talked to her for a minute and then she handed the phone back to me. At which point my jaw dropped when her mother said, "You called me just because she said..." Well you know what she said but the mom said the actual phrase to me!

I tell you...I would have been mortified...no...terrified to have repeated that to my mom on the phone. And I can guarantee that my mom would have been so embarrassed to have to speak to the teacher after hearing her child said such a thing. Parents just aren't the same today as mine were when I was growing up.

So, that whole little thing made my Monday a little more interesting.

Going Wild!

Tomorrow is the second grade field trip to the Houston Zoo! The kids are excited and even the teachers are excited. I'm excited because I have nine parents going! Yep...nine parents. That is more than half my parents. Y'all pray (or wish for us!) good weather. This is the second attempt at this field trip (last one "rained" out) so we really want that chance of rain to stay at 20%.

Oh, and I'll update tomorrow...heck who am I trying to fool...whenever I get to it with pictures of our positively wild time and my positively new red hair!