Playing Catch Up

You guys really are the best. I've become this horrible blogger recluse, yet I still check my comments daily hoping that you guys haven't followed my terrible lead. And I'm always surprised! Thank you all for the wonderful comments and emails. Even when I'm being unusually quiet, I appreciate the thoughts and support. I'd promise to return the favor, but with my current blogging habits I might just end up being a terrible liar. So, I'm going to take it one day at a time and make time to visit at least one friend every day. Baby steps and all....

Anyway, the vacation time share...excuse me vacation home purchase...turned out to be a lot of hype. But you never know until you go right? I conned my cousin into going with me (promising her the "free" seat next to me on the plane to Vegas and all) and also so she could remind me to be strong and remember my favorite phrase, "No, thank you!" The guy who showed us around was really nice (and cute...but I wasn't swayed) and even took my "No, thank you!" very well. He just asked a manager to come over and talk to me about financing. I couldn't afford this place with the cute guy and even though I was curious about the "deal" this other guy could make me I still couldn't afford it. For those people that could it seemed like a good deal. Well, once I told him "No, thank you!" he became a little rude. Okay, more than a little rude. I believe his exact words were, "Fine, keep throwing away your money." (See they try to sell you on the idea that the money you'd spend on their vacation getaway is less than you'd spend on a year's worth of vacations.) I replied that I didn't think I was throwing away money at which point he stomped away from the table leaving me completely clueless as to what to do next.

When I finally did make it to the prize hut it wasn't all it was cracked up to be. I "won" a trip to Aruba that I have to pay to get to, pay to eat and drink at, and pay to get around on. Not so great of a deal. Of course there is the Vegas trip...the one that leaves on Tuesday only between 3pm-10pm and lets us stay at the luxurious Days Inn. The best thing I got was a $40 gas card!

I was finally able to sleep again, but I'm not sure how long it is going to last. It is 9:45 and I'm wide awake. Hopefully a little blogging and then a little in bed reading will help me drift off at a reasonable hour. It is probably because I got the most unprofessional e-mail about my contract today and I'm all up in a stir again. As my mom has told me...let it go and don't pick it back up. Leave it alone! Keep sending me sleepy time thoughts okay...

I've applied at two more school districts. Just a little nibble in Spring but I'm still keeping my fingers crossed that somewhere out there someone wants me. And no, Lori...not in Arkansas! It is a waiting game but I've waited before so I'll make it. Patience just isn't my long suit...not by a long shot!

Yes, there is a guy. But that is all I'm willing to share. Right now it is just a friendship (which is how they should all start out right) but I'm open to whatever comes next. We'll see.

There are only 29 days of school left. How does that happen? How can it already be the end of April? Time sure goes fast these days. I've got a great crop of kids this year and it is hard to believe that my time with them is already drawing to a close. They have made great gains this year and I'm so proud of them! And of course they keep me laughing (which I've needed a little bit lately)! The other day we were discussing diagrams and how some diagrams point out the names of parts. This particular diagram was a plane...parts of a plane. We got a little stuck on the word cabin (most thought that was a house) but after some explaining I thought we had it.

Ms. S: "Where does the pilot sit?"
S: "In his seat Ms. Stewart!"

Well, apparently not. But I had to laugh...

Thanks again for hanging in there with me. You bloggers are the best!

12:41

It is after midnight. Where should I be...bed. Where am I...in front of the computer. My body is tired and begging for bed, but I can not shut my mind off. There are so many things rattling around up there.

I'm worried that I won't find another job and I'll be stuck in the hell that is where I work.

I'm frustrated because I'm not in control right now. I hate having any of my ducks out of a row and right now the job duckie (a huge duckie) is missing altogether.

I'm disappointed in myself that I hate where I am and while I'm making efforts to change where I am and daily trying to find the positive I still hate where I am. I hate that I hate it.

I'm excited about an upcoming vacation (to Amman, Jordan this Christmas!)

I'm trying to stay in perspective when it comes to this guy. My emotions are trying to run wild, but my head (and mother) are shouting back perspective perspective perspective.

My bed is calling and I really should return. I still feel like sleep is a long way off, but perhaps I'll rest more if I'm under the covers with the lights out.

Mind...go to sleep!

The Bluebonnet Festival

I've been hearing about the funky weather across the country, but today was a beautiful day in Texas! It was perfect for heading out to a Bluebonnet Festival. Bluebonnets the flowers...not the butter. (Somebody will understand that!) My friend Tracy and I headed out around noon for a lazy jaunt through the country. We were on the hunt for these...bluebonnets.


Unfortunately, while we saw patches of flowers, they seemed to be past their peak. Some spots were vibrant blues and purples and in huge chunks. For the most part though, it was small patches of not so vivid flowers. I was fully expecting to find a beautiful patch where I could sit in them and have a picture taken. Turns out there wasn't a spot that would have been worth the memory card space.

Anyway, we did make it to the festival and the arts and crafts fair. It was set up along the main street. There were so many booths! I saw many things I could have carried home with me, but my wallet kept a tight leash on me...fortunately. I did come across this little treasure in The Brazos Star. I'm partial to Americana stuff and I just couldn't resist. Isn't it sweet!

The flag is stitched out of material and is surprisingly soft. I'm not sure how I will incorporate it into my living room decor, but I'll find a way!

Also, what is a festival if you don't indulge in festival food?! The smells were all mixing together, and the smokey smell of brisket and sausage was almost more than I could take. I did settle for a delicious funnel cake and fresh squeezed lemonade!

I opted for the small version (it was still a lot of funnel cake...probably the 1,000 calorie version!) but I can't imagine what a Texas size would have been like! Either way it was very good...crispy on the outside, soft in the middle, and very powdery!

Also, speaking of things that are crispy, I got that way a little bit myself. I wore an off the shoulder shirt and didn't give sunscreen a thought when I left. Apparently, I should have!

Thankfully, I Solarcaine-ed up as soon as I got home. It isn't stinging too much. You're probably noticing the little circular moon in the middle. My hair is getting much too long (normally I keep it shoulder length) so where it was I'm still creamy skinned. Unfortunately, everything else got burned. I guess it'll just match the other tan lines...soon I hope!

I had a great Saturday. I hope all you lovely people did too!

Vegas Baby...Maybe

I have a story to tell about a "free vacation" and maybe the gullible girl that is falling for it. Great hook right?!

Several weeks ago, I got this letter from a prize verification center that was addressed to my dad but with my address. The letter said that I'd (well he'd) been chosen to win a fabulous free vacation plus another of four great prizes. The letter didn't say what I had to do to claim these wonderful prizes. So, I read it and then promptly tore it up. I tossed it away, chalking it up to one of those hoaxy things.

Well, maybe two weeks later I received another letter. Again it was addressed to my dad (a big red flag...he wouldn't have signed up for something using my address) and I read it again. This time I thought a few minutes before tearing it up and promptly forgetting about it. Just days ago guess what came...yes...another letter. Now, I have to say that my curiosity was well and fully peaked. I laid it to the side with all the intentions of calling and finding out what exactly I'd won. Then I got busy.

When the postcard came yesterday, I made it a point to call. Heaven bless the guy that answered my call! I had many questions and was loaded with skepticism. Supposedly, all I have to do is give two hours of my time and listen to some spiel to buy into this vacation resort timeshare and an all-expense paid trip to Las Vegas is mine. For those of you out there afraid that I'm walking into some trap where I'm going to lose all my money...fear not! I'm very good at saying NO!

I did put two and two together and realized that I'd have to probably pay taxes on the trip, but still that might be cheaper than if I'd actually planned the trip to Vegas. Also, I specifically asked for the website address and the name of the company (I Better Business Bureau-ed them!) so I could investigate on my own. Well, I can't access the website. That was sort of a red flag so I searched for this company and scams. Several things came up, but mostly the disgruntled were people who'd actually bought into the timeshare program. There were a few people that said they just went for the free trips and were satisfied.

I want to be in that group...the free (well...relatively free) trip winners who are satisfied group. We shall see. I'm supposed to go and tour this resort next weekend. I'm also taking my cousin with me...she can say NO! too! I'll keep everyone updated on whether I'm actually going to Vegas or not. I know you're waiting with bated breath...

Blackberry Blunder

It should come as a shock to no one, but I am not good with technological gadgets. Seriously, it is a miracle that I can work things like the remote or the computer. Even then, sometimes I get frustrated and want to whack the heck out of it! When I got my new cell phone (I finally upgraded to something not from the 1990s) I had to scour the manual to find out how to do the basics. Yes, I live in a sad little low-tech world!

Well, yesterday my cousin and I were out and about. We'd gone out to lunch and were on the hunt for a movie theater that was showing The Other Boleyn Girl. She has a gerbil or German or something...anyway, it's one of those things that tells you where you are and where you need to go. It sits on the dashboard. It was turning out to be of no help, so she dug out her blackberry for us to use the Internet to find movie listings.

I should mention that we were driving along in Houston area traffic so she said, "You do know how to use the Internet right?" Well, of course I know how to use the Internet...when it is on a computer screen. She handed over the phone thing and I looked at it thinking, "Where is the A key?" Yeah, I was pushing all sorts of buttons. I must have had a seriously perplexed look on my face, because she started cracking up. It wasn't just any normal cracking up, but that kind where you hear no sound coming out. Babies do that...when they make that face, but no sound comes out. You know it is going to be one loud fit when the voice catches up with the face. I quickly handed the thing back like it was a hot potato! And then I caught the giggles.

You know, maybe you just had to be there, but I have serious issues with blackberries! Maybe I just have serious issues with technology! I swear...

Can Never Have Too Many

Today was a mental health day for me. I did have a doctor's appointment this morning, but after that was over I decided to drive to the "big city" of Conroe (you'd understand that if you understood how small the town where I live really is...) and do a little shopping. You know shopping really is the best kind of therapy!

At Target I found the cutest shoes! They are like fake Crocs...same material but a much cheaper price. Well, I found a pair of light pink and dark pink striped ones. I loved them! They are so comfortable. Plus, they match the blue pair I have and always get so many compliments on them. See...



In the midst of admiring these, I stumbled across another Croc-like pair of shoes. They are like Mary Janes and again so darn comfortable! The only thing about these is that they sometimes make a little squish sound when I walk. That might be embarrassing...if you know what I mean... But, I'll over come it because they are just so cute! See...



Nothing like adding a new pair of shoes to the collection. Well, except adding two!

For The Honk Of It

After all this time, you guys probably know just how easily amused I am. Usually that amusement comes from things I see or hear, but today I was totally amused by myself. Being able to laugh at yourself is a sign of a healthy self esteem...or so I'm told. Well, today I'm extremely healthy!

A few weeks ago, I had to have my car put in the shop (code words for I had to spend an exuberant amount of money...). I had originally decided to have it looked at because my horn had all but given up the ghost. Seriously, this would be the best post to make audible. I'm sure you'd be highly amused to hear me wheeze and whooo like my practically dead horn, but alas I'm not that technologically advanced. So, just imagine me sitting here making wheezey and whoooy noises. The replacing of the horn was needed so my car would pass inspection. Well, I am definitely going to pass inspection!

Today after school, I needed to run to the little mail shipping place I use to drop off a package. The box was kind of bulky so I didn't want to wag in more than necessary. I grabbed my purse (also kind of bulky) and set it against the steering wheel to dig out my checkbook. Now, pre-outrageous amount to fix car (can you tell I'm still a little bitter about the loss of that $680?) I could have sat on the horn and it wouldn't have made a peep. Well, post-fix the horn is how shall I say...sensitive. Apparently the edge of my purse was pressing against the center of the wheel. When I reached into the pocket to grab my checkbook I pressed a little too hard I guess.

Now, here is the part that just tickles my funny bone. I didn't realize it at the time, but there was another lady parked next to me that walking in front of my car at the exact moment I pressed a little too hard. My horn, now fully functional and loud, tooted big time. Startled, I looked up to see her jump and I guess I hit it because before I knew it the horn was going off...again. I couldn't get my purse off my lap fast enough. By that time, I was tickled by seeing her jump and then me jump and then that horn going off again.

I did manage to get out of the car, with my checkbook, and the box without further incident. I apologized to her once I got inside the building. Thankfully, she was super nice about it all! Even she joined in with a little chuckle of her own. She did say it was a good thing she's worn her Depends. You just have to like a woman that can laugh at the fact that she needs "leakage" protection!

If all that wasn't bad enough, on the way to my next stop I hit the horn again. Now, if you knew my family you would understand this total "Mimi moment". Several years ago, my Mimi had this van that must have been possessed. The horn would just go off at random times. No one ever wanted to ride in that thing, but it sure was funny when you did! So, needless to say, from here on out (or until this horn goes all wheezey and whoooy) I will make sure I'll watch exactly what I put against the wheel!

Entirely Too Much TV

I saw the cutest commercial today! Yes, I was home from work. I'm having ear problems (and no the kids didn't talk it off!). Last week I went to the doctor because I'd been having ear pain and pressure for almost two weeks. The doctor came in, took a look, and said I had a serious infection in one ear and the start of one in the other ear. I was given a round of antibiotics, but they hadn't done the trick. I'm armed with another prescription for stronger antibiotics and orders to follow-up again with the doctor in seven days. I'm so tired of feeling so...full!

Anyway, back to this commercial I saw today. Now, you know that I'm a TV watcher. A lot of the time, half the fun of watching it is because of the commercials. Or perhaps I'm just so easily amused! Either way, Charmin has the funniest commercial. It starts out with a little bear walking around with toilet paper fuzz on his bottom. Then his mama comes after him with the vacuum cleaner and sucks the fuzz right off his bottom. I'm not doing it any justice, but it sure is cute! The whole point is that their toilet paper is quilted in a way that won't leave any fuzz on your bottom.

If the teaching thing doesn't pan out, I might try advertising. I could come up with something just as cute as a mama vacuuming her little bear's bottom. Trust me, be on the look out for it!

Spring Cleanin'

Just thought I'd share...this is my 350 post! Who would have thought I'd have so much to say?!

I was off on Friday (district says it is a bad weather day and the calendar says that it is Good Friday) and was so glad! We've only got ten weeks of school left. The year has just flown by...it is so crazy! Anyway, I spent yesterday out with the girls. We went shopping, had a great lunch out, and then saw a movie. Busy day so I slept extra late this morning. I think with Spring Break last week and yesterday off I'm getting into a habit that I hate to break come Monday morning. I also had to remind myself that it wasn't Sunday and I had an "extra" day off.

Being that it is now officially Spring and I had some time on my hands I decided to do some in-depth cleaning. Y'all pretty much know how I feel about chores so why bore everyone again, but oh I hate house work! I'll make someone such a terrible wife one day. Ha ha...that was a joke! Well, sorta...

I've vacuumed and scrubbed stuff. I've washed curtains and sheets. Now I need to start organizing stuff. My bathroom closet looks like a mini drug store and linens store exploded. I'm contemplating the pantry and spice rack next, but we'll see. I'm not all that into cooking so maybe it could wait.

Along the lines of needing to sweep the dust bunnies off the rafters and ceiling fans, I started thinking about other things that could probably use a good cleaning. You know the things that aren't "household items". Things like my attitude toward people at work. Instead of letting it get me down I need to just clean it up and realize that there are only a handful of weeks left to have to deal with these people. I also need to dust off the stamps and my address book. I got a card from a friend and realized just how long it has been since I sent out mail happiness to people. I also need to tackle my closets. I have clothes for all the seasons just thrown in together in the bedroom closet. Yes, I am one of those people who try to keep the seasonal clothes all together and change them out from the spare bedroom closet to my actual bedroom closet. It is a sickness I tell you! Plus, I need to get rid of some things! I've been getting more movement in and thanks to more nights cooking rather than eating out, I'm down 10 pounds and some things are too big in the waist now. That kind of cleaning is always a good thing right?!

So, I'm taking time to reflect about what the Easter holiday means to me on a spiritual level, but I'm also looking at it from the perspective of someone who needs to shake off the dullness and blues of the Winter and get into the new groove of Spring! I look outside (I have six windows in my living room and the view is just gorgeous out there) and see everything green and getting ready to bloom. It is invigorating! I hope you can find some time to catch that same feeling too!

Pinch Protection

I keep saying it and once again, I really should write down all the funny things kids say to their teachers and write a book! Some days the best part of the job is what comes out of their little mouths.

As I'm sure you guys are well aware, today was St. Patrick's Day. Like most people, I wore green in an effort to avoid any pinch activity. See...I thought I looked pretty good for the first Monday back after Spring Break.



Anyway, as the kids came into the classroom, I looked them over from head to toe and if I didn't see green they had to endure a little pinch (please don't turn me in for child abuse...I swear it was the gentlest of pinches!) before they could enter. Out of sixteen kids only two needed a pinch. Our morning was running pretty smoothly when one of my boys just about came out of his seat waving his arm.

"Ms. Stewart, can I pinch you?"
"No! You only can pinch if the person is not wearing green."
"Ms. Stewart, you shouldn't have worn green. We all want to pinch you!"

I wasn't sure how to respond to that kind of logic! I reminded him that I didn't want to get pinched so I wore green as pinch protection.

Later in the day, I met up with my Pre-K friends (I think I hear a calling to go back to Pre-K...a whole other blog post...) and one of the little dolls that loves to give me hugs every afternoon ran up to me. She grabbed my name badge and pointed to my name. I should mention that my first and last name is printed on my badge under my picture. She pointed to each letter in my first name as she said the letters out loud. Then she said, "That says Ms." She repeated the same thing with my last name. Then she said, "That says Stewart."

She was so excited that she looked up at me and said, "I can read!". She was just so darn adorable! Kids...gotta love 'em!

What If...

Y'all know how I feel about tags and questionnaire things! I found (read stole) this from Lori's blog. I liked it. If you do too, then feel free to steal! If not, then just enjoy the read.

What if I could meet someone in the art world to chat with - I think it would be a very short conversation! I'm not artsy at all. Now, if scrapbooking counts as the art world, I'd love to meet and chat with Lisa Bearnson!

What if I could have one wish granted for the benefit of all mankind - I'm sure this sounds corny and very reminiscent of a beauty pageant, but I'd wish for world peace. Every time you turn on the TV there is some new break-out of violence. Someone else is hurting another person. Surely an end to all the violence and wars would be a benefit to all mankind.

What if I could travel anywhere in the world - I'd want to go everywhere! It is hard to narrow it down to just one spot, but I think I'd love to travel and see Ireland and Scotland. The pictures that I see from there are absolutely breathtaking. And some of those highland kilt wearing clansmen fantasies don't hurt!

What if I could live in a period other than the present, for 24 hours - Hmm, I think I have it pretty good right now, so I'm not sure I'd want to leave the present! But, for the sake of the question, I'd probably pick the Civil War era. Maybe I've watched Scarlett one too many times, but the dresses, hats, shoes, and such look so lovely. Plus, it just seems like the deep South would be a charming place. I'm so off base aren't I?!

What if I could make over three areas of my body - My butt (I would redefine it and make it smaller), my breasts (I would put some of the butt there to make them bigger), and my thighs (they have just always been a struggle). Outside of the breasts (which will probably just remain their current shape and size because I really don't think I'm vain enough for surgery), I am already working on making over those other two areas. The going is just slow!

What if I could become an animal for 24 hours - I want to be Dex, Fat Kitty! All he does is get pampered with attention, eat, and sleep. Who wouldn't want that kind of a life?!

What if I could bring someone back to life for 24 hours - I think I'd want to bring back my dad's mom. She died before I was born so I never had the chance to know her. I've heard all about her, but would love to introduce myself and find out a little bit more about her.

Show Me The Money

Ever have one of those days where you feel like everywhere you turn someone is demanding "Show me the money!"? Well, today was my day.

My car is a good little car and I try my best to take care of it, but today I had to take it to the shop. I went in for one little thing...the horn. See, when I got the car it had this sickening little wheeze of a horn sound. Well, after several years and just maybe one too many honks, it gave up the ghost. I also need to have the thing inspected and I knew that without the horn it wouldn't pass. So, how much could it cost to fix the horn? I wouldn't know, because it was also discovered that I needed a new headlight thing-a-mah-bob, the fuel filter and some plugs needed replacing, and the timing belt needed to be replaced. These guys are reputable and do outstanding work. My parents have used them for years, but when he said the total was $680 I just about fell out. That is more than my rent! More than my rent and cable and phone put together! I guess this is what savings accounts and rainy days are all about huh?

That was this morning.

As I mentioned before, I'm having to have my wisdom teeth extracted (sounds more dramatic!) this summer. Today was the pre-surgery consult. Well, the oral surgeon I'm using will file my insurance, but they don't accept it as payment. That means I shelled out $125 for the visit and the three second X-ray. I also found out that my bottom teeth are embedded in the jaw bone so the extraction will be a "bony extraction" which means I have to be put to sleep and the teeth have to be cut before they can be removed. I found out all kinds of scary stuff. Like, I'll be put to sleep. The surgery will take an hour and a half. Because of the position of my bottom wisdom teeth (they lay flat instead of standing up like good teeth) it will most likely being a swelling and painful recovery process. My doctor even said, "You'll probably be cussin' me for the first few days." Thanks, but that wasn't encouraging Doc. As if all that information wasn't enough...the receptionist laid the boom on me. The total (before insurance...which mine might yeah MIGHT cover only 80%) is $1645. Yeah you read that right.

I figured I'd better come home and stay put lest anyone else come find me and say I owed them money! Feel free to start a collection in my name. Okay okay I figured that one wouldn't go over, but please do send up thoughts and prayers that my insurance will cover the full 80%. My checking account and I would really appreciate it!

On The Road Again...

The last few weeks have found me putting the pedal to the metal and hitting the highway. Last weekend, I traveled to my grandparents for a family weekend (had a great time!) and then yesterday I headed to my parents' house to spend the week (it is much needed Spring Break time!). As I was trapped in my car for hours on end I made a few discoveries.

First, you can always go home again, but the drive never gets any shorter! It takes forever to get anywhere in the state of Texas. I mean, having lived here my whole life, I know Texas is a big state. I was telling someone just the other day that I spent about three hours driving to go about two inches on the map. And that was the short trip. I live about five hours away from my parents now. My mom always likes to ask, "Well did the road get any shorter?" and the answer is always the same...NO!

Second, we need to stop worrying about that chicken and start talking to all those poor stinky skunks about crossing the road! I've never seen so many dead skunks! Maybe it was the distance and that is why I counted so many. Poor stinky things...you'd think they would learn that cars are not friendly to skunks.

Third, it is a good thing I'm an educator because I'd never make it as a singer! In an effort to ward off the boredom, I plugged my MP3 player in and sang away. I love that thing! I guess it is a good thing I didn't give up and chunk it out the window at Christmas. LOL While it didn't totally take my mind off of how bored I was, it did make for some pretty strange looks from my fellow travelers. I was singing at the top of my lungs and dancing (well as much as you can strapped in by the seat belt) along to the songs. I'm sure I looked like I was on my way to the nut farm!

Anyway, despite the long and boring drive, I've arrived safe and in one piece. I unloaded to my mom about all the crap that has been happening at school. (Y'all, I could go on and on about it, but it is just same song different verse. Please just send thoughts and prayers my way that I find another job ASAP!) Well, after our debriefing, I resolved that I wouldn't give school another thought this week. I'm looking forward to sleeping late, catching up on some reading, and just over all having some time to just relax. My fellow teachers will completely understand that sentiment. The rest of you...sorry, but you made the wrong career choice!

Just Desserts

One of my jobs as Relay For Life captain is to help come up with ideas for fundraisers. Our latest idea...a silent dessert auction. After wrangling most of the team members into baking two desserts a piece, I really think this will be a success! Now, as a team member you know that I had to make two desserts too. Y'all remember my fine cooking skills right?!

I've been told I shouldn't be so hard on myself (okay she actually said I shouldn't be misleading the public) when it comes to my skills in the kitchen. I can cook. I have a handful of things that I cook/bake/throw together really well. My cooking skills just aren't exactly where I wish they were...I make huge messes in the kitchen, I set off the smoke detectors on a regular basis, and I've had some total flops. But, no one would starve if I was in charge of all the cookin'.

So, back to today's kitchen activities. I volunteered to bring a lemon cake and a chocolate cherry trifle. Sounds yummy right?! I'm hoping that they are (well actually I know that the lemon cake is wonderful!) good and look great too. Not that I'm going to be crushed, but I don't want them to bring the least amount of money. Hmm...is that wrong to say?!

Also, in addition to mixing batters and putting together the trifle, I also need to clean some berries. Tomorrow the kids are making fruit and yogurt parfaits in class. We've been talking about making healthy snack choices and they love to play with food. I really think this is the most action my kitchen has seen in a long time! At least the oven is playing nice and not smoking every time I open the door.

Now, if you'll excuse me...despite the encouragement I've given the dishes...they aren't getting busy and washing themselves. Darn dishes. They must be good friends with the laundry that doesn't wash itself either...

Crazy Eights

Okay, y'all know how much I love a good questionnaire thingy and my friend Lindsey tagged me! This might have made the rounds while I was out taking a breath so I probably won't tag anyone. If you haven't been tagged then give it a shot!

8 Things I'm Passionate About:
1. Family!
2. Friends...the real ones and the blogger variety!
3. Teaching
4. My faith
5. Scrapbooking
6. Writing
7. Sending mail happiness
8. Shopping!

8 Things I Want to do Before I die:
1. Get married
2. Have a baby...or maybe two or three babies
3. Go to Alaska and see the Northern Lights
4. Teach Social Studies
5. Be a single digit...probably won't happen, but a girl can dream right?!
6. Be debt free!
7. Be published in a scrapbooking magazine
8. Retire and love it! (stealing this answer but at the moment it sounds so wonderful!)

8 Things I Say Often:
1. "NO!" (to my students...haha)
2. "Anyways"
3. "I hate....H.A.T.E. laundry."
4. "That is my favorite commercial!"
5. "Let's shop!"
6. "I forgot..."
7. "Love you!"
8. "Seriously"

8 Books I've Read Recently:
1. Too Much Temptation by Lori Foster
2. Your Bed or Mine? by Kate Hoffmann
3. Mrs. Watson Wants Your Teeth by Allison McGhee
4. Venus Envy by Shannon McKelden
5. Figure Magazine
6. Scrapbook Etc.
7. Winter Roses by Diana Palmer
8. Tooth Trouble (it is dental health month!)

8 Songs I Could Listen to Over and Over:
1. Sweet Victory by Twilia Paris
2. One Life by Kenny Rogers
3. God Speaking by Mandisa
4. If Walls Could Talk by Celine Dion
5. I Remember by Kenny Chesney
6. Just Like Jesse James by Cher
7. Beauty and The Beast by Celine Dion
8. I Want To Be The One by Lonestar

8 Things That Attract Me to My Best Friends:
1. Funny...gotta have a sense of humor. Helps if that humor is a little off because frankly I'm a little off sometimes!
2. Say what you mean...mean what you say
3. Make time for me
4. Honesty
5. They just "get" me
6. Love to shop!
7. They know how to laugh!
8. They are the people who know all my stories and I have been there for all of theirs

If you want it....take it!

Breathing No Longer

My friend Nina isn't just a fellow blogger, but a friend and co-worker. The other day as I was cutting through her room she said, "Are you done breathing yet?" Well, yeah...I'm done breathing.

I've missed my blog and I've missed all my readers! Thank you so much for the encouraging emails and everyone who still stopped by to check in on me. Y'all are the best! Now, how to catch everyone up on what has been happening in my life in the most concise way possible? Several of you know that I can just go on and on about practically nothing... There were several reasons as to why I needed a little down time so I'm just going to give you a brief run down. I promise...brief!

Work...lots of things fall under this heading. Isn't if funny how if you aren't careful work can completely take over your life? This is sort of what happened to me.

Professional Learning Communities...Of The Devil
Okay, some of my fellow teachers may have heard of PLCs. Under it all, PLCs are a wonderful thing. I really do believe in them. PLC means working together as a school and group of professionals to see those kids as "ours" rather than just "mine". It is a very student-centered approach to teaching. The only down side...it is so much data and paperwork! Our district decided that everyone would do this and like it (seriously...a couple of complainers have gotten professional letters of reprimand put in their personnel folders...wtf?) and get it the first time around. Well, let me tell you...doing it takes a lot of time, no one really likes it, and getting it the first time is incredibly hard. It might have been easier if this was the only new thing out district was trying...but it wasn't. Picture me in a batting cage with one very small mitt. Now picture the ball thingy going crazy and firing hard balls every second. Yeah, that is me. Most days when someone comes to my door, I just want to hide under my desk! Believe me, even if I close my eyes they can still see me.

My Bleepty Bleep Principal
The woman hates me! I don't know why and I've stopped trying to figure it out. I had my annual evaluation and well...I'm jumping through a lot of hoops right now. She waited until the very last minute (seriously...Thursday 3:15 was the deadline and she came at 2:10-3:00 on Thursday) and showed up during end of the nine weeks testing. It was in my lesson plans that I would be working one-on-one with testing students and the others would be doing worksheets to keep busy and quiet. Well is it any wonder that she didn't see me teaching? Also, if you're a teacher you know that during reading testing it needs to be quiet. I made one student move closer to me because of behavior (he wasn't working) and I told two others to sit and read. Yes, I didn't hold their hands and plead with them to be quiet and work, but rather quickly and efficiently told them to sit down and get busy reading. Well, apparently my principal doesn't like how I use rules and consequences to manage my classroom. I feel you sighing and rolling your eyes. Anyway, I'm jumping through some hoops for her at the moment. Several people have told me to appeal the evaluation, but it just doesn't seem worth it at the moment. Sometimes it is just not worth the fight.

Updating My Resume and Job Hunting
With the above, is it any stretch to see how I'm looking to leave this district? Now, I'm not expecting perfection somewhere else and I'm not afraid of hard work, but geez I can't take working in this environment any longer. I've been told that not all districts are like this and I shouldn't give up teaching until I've been where it is good. I love teaching and it was a pretty sharp slap in the face when I questioned whether I wanted to continue doing it. So, I've updated the resume and I'm applying all over the place and now I wait to see if I get a nibble. I hate the waiting part!

Relay For Life Captain
Against my will (sorta) and against my better judgement (seriously) I took on the job of co-captaining our school's Relay For Life team. This is a wonderful event for a really good cause, but what was I thinking?! If you've ever headed up a group or team you know that it is almost like pulling teeth to get people to give of their valuable time to join the team, fund raise, and then participate in the actual event. I just felt overwhelmed. I still feel overwhelmed. But I've got a team (a wonderful team!) who help plan fundraisers and are in the trenches with me. And thank goodness it is all over in April!

Biggest Loser Club
At school, a group of us decided to do a little Biggest Loser at school. We donate $8 a month and the person who loses the most by the end of May gets the kitty...the over $500 kitty! I don't know exactly how it happened, but I'm the secretary. It isn't a hard job at all (just send out the weigh-in reminders) but it is one more thing to remember. I even forgot last week...shame shame. Anyway, I'm having fun with the club. We encourage each other and we've started walking one mile each day. Once you push past the initial pain...it's all gravy. Or so we tell ourselves!

Personal...or basically everything else.

Moving
Well, if I'm applying all over the place and assuming that I will get a nibble somewhere else means that a move is in my near future. I hate moving! I've only done it once but that was enough. I have a lot of stuff for a 26 year old. The thought of packing it up and finding another place to put it is very daunting. Yeah, just daunting.

Money
Ugh, how come bills come with being a grown up? I've been trying really hard to stick with my monthly budget (I haven't bought a new purse or shoes in many moons...) and save has become my mantra. That whole moving process...not cheap! Also, I have some big trips that I want to take (visit a friend in Jordan next year and maybe take another cruise). I also want (won't say need because mine is still working and running smoothly) to get a new car. For some reason, most people don't accept smiles and words of kindness. Also, for the last few months I've had outrageous energy bills. I couldn't figure out why since I was leaving the thermostat alone and either taking clothes off or putting more clothes on to be comfortable, but the bills were still over $200! Well, I called and the first thing they asked me was, "Have you changed your air filters lately?" I didn't know what the air filter was let alone where it was located in my house...seriously I thought it was the thing outside. Anyway, can you guess how long it had been since they'd been changed considering I didn't even know where it was located?! Let's see...I've lived here for almost two years. Yep, it was pretty darn gross. So, here is to hoping that my bill goes back down ASAP!

Social Calendar
I like hanging out with my friends, but I love alone time too. Well, I'd gotten a little bit out of whack. I wasn't spending enough time alone. It is great that I can go out and hang with friends, but I wasn't getting enough time to just recharge and rest. My battery was on E. I'm a people person so it was hard at first to say no, but now I'm pretty good at it. I've found the balance between enjoying being a homebody and the social butterfly. Thank goodness!

Missing My Parents
It was great being with my family over the holidays. I've been completely blessed to have such a great relationship with parents. Once I came home after the holidays and my life seemed to just implode, I really hated that they were over 5 hours away. Coming for a little pick me up visit was out of the question and getting home wasn't an option either. Being only a phone call away isn't much comfort and is a poor substitute for warm hugs. Thankfully, I'm seeing them this coming weekend and in two weeks it is Spring Break, and before I know it summer will be here. This has just been a long stretch.

Dental Surgery
Last August, my dentist told me that I'd need to have my four wisdom teeth removed or I'd risk ruining my smile. Of course it couldn't be routine...my wisdom teeth lay sideways instead of sitting up normally. So, that means some dental surgery this summer. Luckily, I discovered that I signed up for dental insurance (a total mistake by the way!) so 80% is covered. That is sort of a relief, but the thought of being put to sleep...I'm not comfortable with it.

There you go. Aren't you glad you just read about it and weren't living it?!

Puffs This!

Thank you for all the get well thoughts! They are helping. Yesterday was really rough, but today I feel slightly better. I'm still running a fever but at least food is staying put and my body isn't trying to destroy itself from the inside out. Now, please allow a sick gal some ranting rights...

Is it too much to ask that the Kleenex people NOT stuff the box so full of kleenex so that when I've got a noseful of gunk coming out I reach for a tissue and can only pull out that half that tears? Seriously, I've wanted to cut the darn box apart and just lay the stack on the nightstand.

Grrrr kleenex. If I wasn't as weak as a newborn kitten I'd totally kick your square butt.

Well Crap...

I was fully planning on getting caught up on this blog this weekend. That will be put on hold again. Oh come on...y'all are sort of over the worst of the withdrawls right?! Anyway, today I felt like crap. No, crap that has been run over by a truck. Well, 101.8 fever, a nose swab that I swear touched my brain, and $25 later...diagnosis...the flu. This little cartoon pretty much sums up my day and probably my next few days.

Taking A Breather

I've been debating back and forth on whether or not to even make this a post, but after two emails from caring readers (y'all are the best for sensing something was off and asking about me!) I've decided to not just disappear without some sort of an explanation. I need to take a breather from blogging. Hopefully, it will just be a short break. I have many things on my plate and many more things on my mind these days. When I get home, trying to string two sentences together, let alone an entire post, seems like a daunting task. Plus, some of the things I have going on are things that I don't feel I can share yet. I need some self-reflection time before I just blurt it out into cyber space. So, for a while this blog may stay very much unchanged. I enjoy the blogging community so much so I hope you guys hang with me while I breathe! And, I will still be lurking in your comments...reading is the easiest part of the whole blogging experience! Thanks for understanding!

Wiped Out

Well, this week has been a good one, but it has kicked my butt too! School started back this Wednesday. I missed my kids! I didn't realize it until they came rushing up to me with hugs. I worried that we'd back track in our progress of learning and sticking to our routines, but they were great! They were a little rowdy today (or maybe I was just a little tired) but overall it was very nice to be back into my routine.

The only part of my routine that I'm not crazy about is the getting up at 5:30am part. I was looking forward to Saturday morning and sleeping as late as I wanted, but I've got this meeting thing tomorrow morning. See, I'm the Relay For Life co-captain for out school's team and there is a meeting tomorrow. It starts at 9am. Sometimes being a leader totally sucks. Bad attitude I know, but I'm wiped out.

So, after that I hope to get home and just relax. There is the required laundry and general cleaning that needs to be done too. Also, I need to get caught up with my blog buddies! I've been a total slacker in making the rounds. Lame excuse I know. So, watch out...I'll be out and about tomorrow!

Now, if you'll excuse me. I'm off to be a complete old fart by going to bed at 9pm and letting sleep claim me!