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!

Have You Laughed Today?!

It is back to work tomorrow and while I am ready to get back into my routine I'm not ready, as in prepared, to go back. Monday was a scheduled workday, but little work got done. It wasn't my fault though (so my story and I'm so stickin' to it)! I had to catch up with everyone for the first hour. Then I needed to whip out some lesson plans for a team meeting after lunch. Then I got invited to go out to lunch (with people I hadn't caught up with during the first hour) so I went. Then we had a team meeting...which lasted entirely too long...grrr. So, I finally got back to my room about 3:15. At 3:20 the assistant principal announces that the building will be closing with the alarm set at 4:00. Everyone was very surprised, but what can you do? So this afternoon I worked like crazy and managed to just get my desk cleaned off. Tomorrow will start early and probably end late!

Today was the required staff development in-service day. Normally this seems like a big waste of time. Seriously, that is just how it is. Well, today we had some pretty funny presenters and the material actually was very useful and relevant to me. There were a few "when is this over again?" moments, but mostly I was engaged.

The funniest part of the whole day was when someone would volunteer to answer a question the facilitators would share a cheer and then we'd all do it. You know teachers are easily amused so we all had fun. My favorite was one called the truck driver. You pretend that you're driving a truck and then you pump your arm in the air and pull the air horn. Then you pretend you've got a CB radio in your hand and say, "Good job little buddy...ten four!" For some reason, that completely cracked up the teachers at my table. We all wanted to have cool CB radio names. Any suggestions?!

Well, the teachers on my team have decided to teach these cheers to our kids so when someone needs some celebrating everyone can cheer them. But first, we're just going to do the cheer randomly...like when someone gets an answer right or does something cheer worthy. We're pretty sure our kids will look at us like we're nuts, and maybe we are, but you've got to find your laughs where you can!

And if you need some cheering let me know...I've got some good ones! (Hey, my kids can look at me like I'm nuts...y'all have to just love me as is!)

Clean Sweep

I feel like I've overhauled my house today! I returned home early from my parents on the premise that I needed some time to get my Christmas taken down and have just a few days to relax before school started back. Well, I spent the first two days at home slowly bringing the Christmas stuff to central location, but mostly sitting on my couch watching movies and diving into a new book. So, today was do or die basically...I had to get that Christmas stuff taken down!

Now, I love Christmas and I love getting all the decorations out and having my home be full of Christmas spirit. I also like the way my home feels after all the Christmas decorations are put back in their boxes and my normal stuff is once again in place. I've sat and just stared at the end table and lamp that are back in their rightful place. All I can think is...ahhh. I guess it all boils down to being ready to face the new year officially. I do still have a little pile of Christmas things stacked in the spare bedroom, but it will have to sit that way until I can get to Walmart and buy another one of those huge plastic boxes. Last year, I had room to grow in the decoration department, but this year I guess I got too much new stuff! Anyway, things are so close to being back to normal that I feel safe in saying that Christmas is down for another year.

Today I also sat down and got all of my thank-you cards written. Warning...soap box rant fixing to begin! From the time I was old enough to write, my mom made me write thank-yous for every birthday, Christmas, or any other gift getting occasion. Thank-yous are also appropriate after any act of unexpected kindness. It has just been ingrained in my personality that thank-yous are a must...especially after Christmas. Now, if you're not a thank you writer please don't feel like I'm judging you or anything like that. I'm not. I'm just saying that for me personally I'd feel awful letting a gesture of kindness go unthanked. Okay, maybe there was a smidge of guilt thrown in there! There were many to write, but they are finished and ready to be mailed out on Monday.

There isn't much of my weekend left, but I intend to enjoy every last minute of it. I might scrounge around in the DVD cabinet or dive into my new "grown-up" read, Plain Truth by Jodi Picoult. I think it was made into a movie and I've seen the movie. I've had to force myself not to skip to the back (I'm notorious for reading the back of the book first!) and see if I'm right. So far it isn't bad, but unfortunately familiar. We'll see how it goes.

By the way...I've updated my photo spot on my sidebar with some new pictures. A couple are even from this Christmas! I'm sort of critical about the pictures and usually crop the heck out of them but I figured I'd just go with it. So, go check them out!

I Heart Fat Kitty

I feel like I'm being a complete slacker, but I downloaded a bunch of pictures from my camera from the holidays and had to put up one of my favorites! Plus, I got a bunch of snuggle time with Dex while I was home (he loved to sleep curled up next to my legs at night) and I'm having withdrawals. Isn't he the cutest?! He enjoyed Christmas present time as much as we did. He loves wrapping paper and boxes.



I lovingly call him fat kitty because he has this wobbly bit from his getting fixed surgery. The size of this bit is directly related to the number of treats he gets. Anyway, you can't see it in this picture, but believe me it is there! Also, he worked himself in and among the paper. There was no staging for this picture! For you guys that don't go crazy over pets, I'm sure I'll be back to regular posting soon!

Ringing In The New

The other day I posted a few of my thinks about the new year and my love/hate relationship with resolutions. I want to make some because I think they are constructive, but sometimes resolutions are a pain. So, I took (and with that I mean I borrowed, stole, and twisted) some advice from friends and fellow bloggers to help create the list below. Yes, it is in list form because I love making lists and I plan on printing this out so that today and next January 1 aren't the only times I look at it.

Now, for the part I stole. I found this quote over on my friend Bethany's blog and loved it! Mostly because more often than not most of my resolutions go by the way of the latter part of this quote.

"Now is the accepted time to make your regular annual good resolutions. Next week you can begin paving hell with them as usual." ~ Mark Twain

While I do think making a commitment to self-improvement is a good thing, I know realistically that I can't take this too seriously or I'll feel overwhelmed before I even begin. So, this year, instead of making resolutions I'm going to try setting goals that I'd like to accomplish or make significant progress on during the coming year. (I twisted the thoughts of Fin, Jacquie, and Tee to come up with this whole goal verses resolution thing...so thanks y'all for commenting!) Resolutions always strike me as things that you have to do and then not always because you want to do them. Goals sounds more maker-friendly. Plus, a goal is a positive thing to work toward. I also like the idea that a goal can be long or short term. Sometimes goals change, but as long as I continue to move in a forward direction I think achieving these goals will be a much easier task than trying to keep a resolution. Well, at least that is what I'm telling myself!

So, without further rambling...my 2008 goals:

1. Strive for the healthiest mind, body, and spirit possible! Yes, this is the realm of stretching my mind, weight-loss, exercise, and all things spiritual. I listed this as number one because it won't be an overnight change. Habits are often hard to change, but are usually worth the effort. I know this will be the one that will require the most dedication and I'm honest enough to realize that this one will also present me with the most temptations to give it up. I don't want to limit myself or set myself up for failure by placing a certain number of things, pounds, days at the gym, or daily quiet times on myself. I need for this goal to fit me...not the other way around!

2. Complete at least one scrapbook layout a month! For some this might seem silly, but I love to scrapbook. While I couldn't prove it from scrapbooks, I do love this hobby. It is important for me to get the big and small stuff that happens in my life down on paper. At one time I would have said this was one of my passions, and I hate to think that I let it go so easily. I'm going to inch back into this hobby and hopefully the thrill of a blank 12x12 will find me again!

3. Make one positive comment each week to the three people that irritate me to no end and make my work life pretty stressful. Okay, they don't do it all on their own. If I were a little more quick to forgive and forget and not so quick to get my feathers ruffled things might float along pretty peacefully. But, I know myself and those two things aren't likely to happen right away. I'm hoping that by finding a way to honestly (did you get that self...honestly and not facetiously)compliment or speak to them will help me in the long run relieve some of that tension and stress. I think there might be something to the killing them with kindness thing!

4. Encourage more. I'm going to encourage myself more this year. I find myself doubting my abilities in some areas and not reaching for dreams out of fear of failure. It is great to get support and strength from others, but I need to trust that inner voice that is cheering me on! Also, I'm going to encourage others. A handful of people that need encouragement have been laid on my heart. I love to send cheerful cards and little reminders that I'm here and I care about them. I'm just going to be much more diligent in doing it. It always amazes me when someone says just the right thing at just the right time and it totally makes my day. I want to give some of that amazement back!

As suggested, I'm keeping this list short. These four goals represent the areas of my life that I know would benefit the most from my efforts. Maybe every few months I'll dig this list out and re-evaluate and see how I'm doing. Baby steps...

And lastly, I want to start this year out by looking back and honestly seeing just how far I came last year (I'm completely borrowing this from Rae). Last year wasn't a perfect year for me and it had it's share of highs and lows. But, I made it through them all and even learned a thing or two along the way...which isn't that what it is all about!

I won't like everyone and not everyone will like me. But, I can find common and respectful ground to stand on with those people. I keep thinking about a song that says something to the fact that you've got to bend or you'll break. Breaking isn't fun and bending allows some new flexibility into my life.

I traveled to Mexico and solidified my desire to travel and roam! One of the highlights this year was my cruise. I loved it. I learned that having to plan and save for something you really want is worth it. I discovered that just maybe I'll be fine traveling alone. And I'm dreaming bigger about where I want to go next!

I stretched some of my personal envelopes. I've tried a few things I thought I'd never be able to do and found that I actually like that pushing. I'm taking those few baby steps I made last year in this area of my life and I'm going to keep stepping forward.

So, I've looked back and reflected. I've looked forward and set some goals. Now...bring on the year!

Sin On Wheels

I was out shopping today (I really was on the look out for something to be a gift for someone else) and I stumbled across this journal in the bottom of a sale bin at Books-A-Million. The more I looked at it the more I knew this $3 gem was coming home with me. I would assume that like most people I have a side that is a litter darker and naughtier than what you see and read on here. Maybe that is why a book where the woman on the front is a whisper away from being exposed and reads on the back, "...a journal that challenges you to be as bad as you can be on its virgin pages..." appeals to me.

Anyway, when I showed it to my mom (who made the appropriate humph sound and said my name in a way I know means she can't believe I bought that but then again she can totally believe a I bought that) she was quick to say, "What if you died and as we were going through your stuff we found a journal that said sin on wheels?" Well, I would imagine it would be quite an eye-opener! Take that to mean what you will.

The instructions say that I should unleash the raw passion of my life's lusty saga - the penetrating insights, the naked truths, the seminal events, and the graphic, gritty details of every betrayal, revenge, and triumph. While I'm sure my life has some of all of these things, I don't know if I'll be rushing off to record them all in this book. I've discovered that I have some memories and thoughts that belong to me alone. Though I have a feeling some of those would be the stuff this journal was created for. Besides, if I spill my guts in there what would I have left for here?!

This journal is based on a book so I think I'll look online and see if I can find it and order it. A book titled Sin on Wheels probably doesn't fall in my "grown up" reading list criteria, but I still have a love for the down and dirty romance. Who knows...it just might earn a spot on the side bar!

***I checked online last night and could only find two listings for this book on Amazon. The first was $60 and the second was $35. So, Unless I can find this at the public library I won't be reading it. Also, I did discover in my search that this is one of four pulp journals along this line. Those were ranging anywhere from $8 - $22 online so I got a deal on mine!***

Make 'Em To Break 'Em

This morning I spent several minutes going back and looking at the posts I wrote last year about this time. Does anyone else ever do that? Sometimes I find that it is a great measuring stick to see what was stressing me, making me happy, driving me nutty, turning me on a year ago. A few things have stayed the same and somethings have been resolved. Either way it is nice to look back at where I've been.

Which brings me to the point of where I'm going. New Year's resolutions have been on my mind lately. Last year I made the standard I'll-lose-some-pounds and exercise-is-my-friend type resolutions, but I made a lot of fluff ones too. I went back this morning and took a closer look. I'm still not sure if I should say sadly, but more were broken resolutions than ones that were kept. Which makes me wonder...will I be setting myself up for failure if I make a whole new batch of them this year?

I feel a need for change this coming year. I need to change some things professionally and some things personally. And I want to make a commitment and stick to it as well. Luckily I have a few more days to ponder what sort of things I want to write down as my big goals for 2008. And even if I can't keep them all and some might be just fluff I'm pretty sure I'll write them down. It's like taking the first step and I'm expecting that 2008 will be a year of a lot of first steps.

Technologically...Challenged

Either I was a very good girl this year or Santa just went overboard. I have a feeling that it was the latter! Anyway, I raked in the goodies. (Yes, I know Christmas isn't about the presents, but rather spending time with family and loved ones. And our family had a lot of prayers answered the last few days so I have a very thankful heart and enjoyed the time of resting and relaxation! But for the purposes of this post, I'm going to focus on the goodies part...forgive me.)

Now, I'm sure this doesn't come as a surprise to many, but I'm challenged in many areas. One of the biggest happens to be in the area of technology. Yes, I admit it. I'm technologically challenged. I enjoy the places I can go and the things I can do with technology, but I do not understand it for anything.

During the last few days before school let out, my kids were asking me what I'd be asking Santa for in the way of presents. I admitted that I really wanted an MP3 player. One of my darlings announced, rather loudly, that he already had an MP3 player. I'm sure he knows how to work it and all too. Anyway, I wanted one and I planted enough seeds in Santa's mind to know that this would most likely be among the presents under the tree. You know, asking for something you want and then knowing what to do with it when you get it are two totally different things.

Yes, I got an MP3 player. No, I didn't know what to do next with it. I carefully read the instructions that came with it, but they were very limited. I'm sure that the instructions writer assumed that I would probably know how to download music from the Internet to my computer so he would only need to tell me how to get it from my computer to this device. Oh, he needs to talk to my Papa about assuming. (My Papa taught me the valuable lesson about what assuming does for you...) Well, I was already confused and I hadn't even touched the computer. My mom (which bless her has more patience than I, but knows just about as much as I do when it comes to this MP3 stuff) said that she would help me.

Trying to get as much information as I possibly could, I called a friend for some pre-attempt advice. I'd heard a lot about itunes and assumed (maybe I should have listened to that advice a little harder too) that it would be what I'd need. Let me say right here that I did not get an ipod. Also, let me say that if you own something other than ipod you can not download music to it from itunes. And if you can, please don't enlighten me as my brain can only hold so much information and that just might send it into brain failure!

Anyway, after several hours of impatient huffs and resisting the urge to toss my new MP3 player out of the window I believe I have the downloading of music part down. Thank God! I'm now sort of up-to-date with the rest of society! If you've got a favorite song please leave me a comment. I'm in the market for songs these days!

Merry Christmas!

I just want to wish everyone that wanders by a Merry Christmas! Also, a wonderful New Year if you've come around after the Christmas rush. I'm going home tomorrow for some much needed rest and relaxation surrounded by family. It never ceases to amaze me the comfort that can come to your soul when it comes from someone that loves you...warts and all. Below is an updated picture of my tree...this time surrounded by presents!



Also, here is another questionnaire thingy. It is a little bit different than the normal type. Thanks Becky for letting me steal! If you make it all the way to the end (read this is a long one!) then extra brownie points to you!

1. I have come to realize that my butt:
will always be more round than any other part of my body. And heaven help any daughters I have...it is in the genes!

2. I have come to realize that when I talk:
not everyone likes or cares what I have to say. And I'm becoming more okay with that.

4. I have come to realize that I need:
to forgive and forget and move on.

5. I have come to realize that I lost:
my ability to trust easily. I trust my family, but there are very few others that I completely trust. How did that happen?

6. I have come to realize that I hate it when:
laundry day rolls around and then I hate when I realize laundry day will always come around...unless I turn nudist (which some days sounds pretty darn good!)

8. I have come to realize that marriage:
isn't exactly what I thought it was...

9. I have come to realize that work:
(Becky, I'm stealing this because it is so true!) Is just that, work...not your life and sometimes you have to just leave it there on the desk (the messy desk) and shut the door and come home.

10. I have come to realize that I will always be:
considered plus size but that will not define or drive my life!

11. I have come to realize that I like:
moving my body to the beat (even if it is a beat only I can hear)

12. I have come to realize that the last time I cried:
was over someone that shouldn't be worth the tears

13. I have come to realize that my cell phone is:
completely out of date...seriously I need a new phone!

15. I have come to realize that before I go to sleep at night:
I turn on my right side and snuggle my back up to my body pillow

16. I am currently thinking about:
how I should be wrapping, doing a load of laundry (not going nudist anytime this year...), packing, and cooking a lemon cake

17. I have come to realize that babies:
are sweet and fun to cuddle with and nice to hand back to their parents...I'm not ready for them yet.

18. I have come to realize that when I get on Myspace:
it has been an incredibly long time since I was last on there.

19. I have come to realize that today I will:
be thankful that I have a today to enjoy.

20. I have come to realize that tonight I will:
get to drool over Mick St. John!

21. I have come to realize that tomorrow I will:
not be ruled by the alarm clock! I will sleep until I wake up and then head to the family compound for Christmas!

22. I have come to realize that I really want to:
start scrapping again on a regular basis!

24. I have come to realize that true friends:
are a rare find that should be treasured and not taken for granted.

25. I have come to realize that the person who might repost this is:
Valerie because she loves me and wants to follow in my footprints! Well, I'm sure it is something like that...

26. What bill do you hate paying the most?
All of them! I hate them all equally.

27. Where's the best place to eat a romantic dinner?
Curled up on the couch together with Chinese and a couple of chopsticks.

28. Name of your first grade teacher?
Ohmygoodness...I don't remember. Mrs. Thomas maybe???

29. What do you really want to be doing right now?
This isn't that kind of blog...

30. What did you want to be when you were growing up?
In charge...

31. How many colleges did you attend?
One - go Midwestern! (Well, two if you count Algebra and Speech at the local junior college.)

32. Why did you wear the shirt that you have on right now?
It matches the pajama bottoms and it is super soft!

33. GAS PRICES First thought?
Dang...I forgot to gas up while I was out running around this afternoon. I guess I'll have to do it on my way out of town.

34. If you could visit anywhere and take someone with you...
Scotland (thanks to all those Highland romances) and I'd take my crush (well, if he'd be willing to go...)

35. First thought when the alarm went off this morning?
I'm sure something like, "Crap...already?"

36. Last thought before going to sleep last night?
Don't forget the fruit....which I totally forgot this morning.

37. What errand/chore do you despise?
L.A.U.N.D.R.Y....seriously are there maids that only do laundry?!

38. If you didn't have to work, would you volunteer at an art gallery?
Uh...no, probably not. I don't really get art.

39. Get up early or sleep in?
Sleep in if at all possible!

40. What is your favorite cartoon character?
I'm not sure...I liked watching The Gummy Bears

41. Are you planning on remaining in your current field?
Ahh...the hundred thousand dollar question...

42. Do you see yourself married in the next five years?
Yes

43. Your favorite lunch meat?
roast beef

44.What do you get every time you go into a WalMart?
A new book to read or a card to send someone.

45.Beach or lake?
Up until this summer I would have said lake, but after Mexico I'll always say the beach!

46. Do you think marriage is an outdated ritual?
Not exactly...I like what it says about two people making a commitment.

47.TV show you miss?
Touched By An Angel

48. Favorite guilty pleasure?
Oh it is hard to narrow it down to just one! My top few....venti caramel apple cider from Starbucks, a steamy romance novel, and panties (I know that one sounds strange, but I'm a believer that panties can make you feel sexy, confident, or pretty. My favorite pair...white cotton hipsters with pink and purple hearts.)

49. Favorite movie you wouldn't want anyone to find out about?
Quills

50. What's your drink?
Barq's Rootbeer

51. Cowboys or Indians?
Cowboys

52. Cops or Robbers?
Robbers...something about being the bad girl

53. Do you cheer for the bad guy in a movie?
Sometimes...depends on how much I can identify with the character.

54. What Hollywood star do you think resembles you best?
I don't know...I don't think about it very much.

55. What do you want when you are sick?
My mama

56. Who from high school would you like to run into?
Monica...

57. What radio station is your car radio tuned to right now?
89.3 KSBJ (It's 24/7 Christmas music right now!)

58. Worst mistake that you wish you could take back?
Jason...enough said.

59. Do you like the person who sits directly across from you at work?
Well, if you read the last post you should know! I'm directly across the hall from B. I do like her, but I do disagree with her on some things (mainly right now on how you talk to people).

60. What famous person would you like to have dinner with?
George W. Bush...are you really as ignorant as the media makes you out to be?

61. What is the best gift you have ever received?
Unconditional love from my parents...it has taken my places and allowed me to go and find my own way in this world. That is the best gift I could have ever been given.

62. Have you ever had to use a firearm?
No...but I want to. I mean I want to get my handgun license.

63. Last book you read?
gods in Alabama (see sidebar...great book!)

64, Do you have a teddy bear?
No. I used to have one named Henry with a band-aid on its tummy...it was a gift after my diagnosis of GERD. He was my favorite!

65. Strangest place you have ever brushed your teeth?
This is the strangest question...I guess outside a tent in Big Bend National Park

67. Somewhere in California you've never been and would like to go?
Huh...Sacramento. I hear they have some amazing hogs. :)

68. Number of texts in a day?
2-3

68. If you had to choose- would you start a new career or relationship?
Relationship

69. Favorite Winter Olympic Sport?
Ice skating

70. Pencil or pen?
Pen...preferably a felt tip

71. Ancient Egyptians or Mayans?
Egyptians

72. How many jobs have you had?
I'm on my 11th...hmm I wonder what that says about me as an employee?!

73. Are you where you thought you would be at this age?
Not exactly...

Now, if you've read this far you deserve a stretch break! Come on...steal if you have the stamina to complete it.

What To Call This...

***Disclaimer: This isn't a post to put anyone in a good mood. If you're on a happy high, well...first I envy the hell out of you right this minute, but you might want to stop reading. This post will be filled with self-doubt and probably a smidgen of self-pity thrown in. Read at your own risk.***

Today was not one of my better days. Being out yesterday really threw me off. This week is packed with activities and programs along with all the learning still expected to take place. Also, my being out was unexpected so my desk wasn't ready for a sub to sit down at and the meticulous plans that I normally leave were no where to be found. I have an emergency folder, but it is basically busy work. Anyway, yesterday the teacher that normally helps out my sub did what she could to keep things rolling. Also, another teacher tossed out a few ideas too. And this is the root of the whole problem.

When I'm out I want my sub to maintain my kids where they are...not introduce and teach them more. I'm sure some teachers reading this will completely disagree and some will understand exactly what I'm talking about here. I truly believe that it is a personal preference and doesn't mean that I'm a horrible teacher.

Just to keep things as clear as possible, lets say that K is the teacher I want helping my sub and kids the most and B is the other one. It is also fair to say that B and I don't share the same philosophy when it comes to subs and teaching. She instructed the sub to introduce a new topic and to do guided reading with my kids. These are two things that I would never ask a sub to do. K knew this. Yesterday wasn't the best day for my kids or for the sub. I'm not saying the sub did a bad job teaching, but he did things very differently from me and two people today told me that he was teaching an important concept wrong.

This is the part that I handled badly. I believe that when you are wrong you should say it, apologize, and move on. When I found out B was the one who asked him to do these things I became frustrated. There is a lot of background that I won't get into, but I wish she'd just let K handle things. When I saw her I snapped at her. She was being nothing but friendly this morning. She asked me what I was doing (and at the time I was putting treats in teachers' boxes) and I waved my hand in a dismissive gesture and said, "Passing things out." Yes, I snapped at her for something very minor. As soon as I did it, I regretted it and knew that it had probably hurt her feelings. I also knew she was pissed at me so I thought I'd let it go for a while and talk to her at the end of the day.

This afternoon I knew that I needed to apologize for my behavior this morning, but I also needed to talk to her and explain why I was upset about what she'd told the sub to do. I apologized and probably wasn't as appreciative of the fact that she was trying to help. Well, she let me have it when it was her turn to talk. I'm sure I deserved to hear that I need to think before I speak and probably that I should just be appreciative that someone was looking out for my kids in my absence. What I wasn't prepared for was her attack on my character, commitment to teaching, and professionalism. It hurts just having those words playing in my head so I'm not sure I can put them all down in writing. Besides, what if they are all true and then you fine people will know some horrible truth about me.

Apparently, I rub on her last nerve as much as she rubs on mine. This was the perfect opportunity for her to let me have it. I'm sure she felt justified. Either way, I really didn't do much except stand there and take it. Well, I shouldn't say that I took it all...I did fire back a few choice words. And then that just seemed to add credit to her assault. Anyway, when I left I was near tears and I'm not sure what she felt exactly. Back in my room, I was waging an internal battle. On one hand, I knew that the hurtful things she said were not all true. Actually very little of what she said was true, but it hurt all the same. Then on the other hand, I was filled with a lot of self-doubt. What if what she said was really true and I'm just in denial about it? This is a time when one of those compliment jars would come in so handy!

So, tomorrow morning at 7:30 I have to walk into our weekly team meeting and start to try and alter some of these perceptions she has of me. I can only keep in mind that tomorrow is a new day...or so they say. I know that I have things I can do to send more peaceful thoughts down our hallway, but we all do. As K said, it is time to kill her with kindness (even if I think at the moment that might kill me!).

Grown Up Reading

This weekend was a busy one and somewhere along the way I think my body said, "Enough!". I woke up this morning (though seriously is 2am really the morning or the dead of night...anyway) feeling pretty sick at my stomach, congested, and I was running a fever. I think the snot running down my throat was causing the upset stomach. That part is feeling much better now that I've put some toast in there too. So far the fever hasn't let up. Hopefully, the Advil will kick that in the butt ASAP. This is not the week for me to miss school.

Normally I give one of the other teachers a really hard time because she is constantly worrying over her class when she it out. And she's been out a lot this half of the year. Anyway, when I'm out I usually know ahead of time. I leave detailed plans and make sure everything is ready so I feel okay knowing that my kids are in good hands. Well, today that didn't happen. I wasn't planning on being gone so my desk is a mess and there are no plans. I've thought about my kids a bunch this morning. I hope they are fairing okay!

As for me, I'm resting (well, along with doing a little Christmas wrapping and laundry) and reading. Which brings me to the title of my post. If you read any meme that I've done you know that I really enjoy settling down with a romance book. They are pretty predictable and probably don't resemble real life in any way, but I still enjoy them. Lately, I've thought that maybe I should read a little more grown-up material. You know...a novel versus a romance story.

So, in this spirit I picked up a new book this weekend. I bought gods in Alabama by Joshilyn Jackson. So far it has been a surprisingly good read. The heroine is dealing with addictions, trying to keep secrets buried, and realizing the power of facing the demons and being free. I can oddly identify with her. Finding a connection with characters in a story is the major part of what makes a book good right?! Anyway, my goal is to read one "grown-up" book a month (there is no way I can completely go cold turkey from romance) and do a sort of book blurb in my sidebar under the what is on my nightstand section. And if you are in the mood for a good romance check out the one that is already over there. It is one of my absolute favorites!

Happy reading!

Don't Want To

The hardest part of kicking a habit is wanting to...we get addicted for a reason right?

Terrific Flops

Ever had one of those things where everything you touched flopped? I was pretty sure this was going to be my lot yesterday as I was getting ready for Bunco. December was my month to host which means I'm in charge of the meal. I picked items I thought were going to be easy to make. Oh, they normally are, but come on...it is me and the kitchen. By the way, would these kitchen adventures be as much fun to read about if everything I cooked came out right?!

It started with the pralines. I don't really make a lot of candy so I'm not really "in the know" about things related to candy making. To my mom's credit she did warn me to make it on a day with the smallest percentage of humidity. Well, it was getting down to the wire and I didn't have much of a choice. I made it on a day with 85% humidity. Well, it never set...ever. I was pretty sure this was going to be a huge flop. After some quick thinking, I decided to buy some premium ice cream and melt the candy to use as a topping. I confided to one person that it started out as a flop. After one bite, she suggested that I keep that flop business to myself and just say I meant for it to be an ice cream topping. I did...and everyone wanted the recipe to my wonderful praline sauce. So, on one hand the terrific part is that the pralines were still a wonderful dessert. On the other hand the flop part is that now I have to explain that it was a flop and I don't know how to make it sauce. I just sort of lucked into it.

My next dish was a corn casserole. I've made this numerous times before but in the original recipe. Last night I needed to double it. Doubling a recipe isn't normally hard, but this one was tricky. I couldn't remember if I was supposed to double everything but the oil or not. That casserole had one cup of oil in it. Doesn't that just sound wrong?! Anyway, I cooked it and when I took it out it was nice and brown on top. And a little bit shiny. I had to pat it down with paper towels to get some of that extra oil out. So, now I know...do not double the oil. Thankfully, when everyone ate it last night it tasted fine. Hopefully no one woke up with clogged arteries!

After those two things I was beginning to think that I'd made a huge mistake saying I'd cook. The last thing I needed to make was the taco casserole. Normally, I'd think how can someone possibly mess up meat, cheese, and tortillas. But seriously people...I don't have the best track record here. I started to gather up the ingredients and discovered that I had forgotten to set the meat into the fridge the night before. All my meat was frozen! I quickly defrosted it in the sink with hot water. So, finally the meat was done and I was ready to layer. Only problem...I ran out of cheese. Let me just say that I did stop at the store and grab some cheese so the casserole turned out fine. Actually, everyone loved it! It would have been terrific if I'd remembered to grab the lettuce and tomatoes that were supposed to go on top. Now, I currently have two bags of shredded lettuce and three tomatoes. Well, salads are in right?!

Even though every single part of that meal could have been a disaster, everything turned out okay. I don't question it. I'm just in awe of it...my ability to have the most terrific of flops!

Bits And Pieces

Though I should really call this post "It Is All Lori's Fault!". I'm going to fill you in on all the little things that prompted the post below, but I thought I'd start with the big things first. So, again it is all Lori's fault! A few weeks ago, she was posting about having snake troubles at her house. I left a comment jokingly saying that I was going to have to stop reading her blog because I was scared this might somehow become something at my house. (Side note: Lori and I are surprisingly alike in a lot of ways so I figured it was only natural!) So, anyone making a guess about what I'm fixing to relate?! Let's all say it together...it is all Lori's fault! Yes, dear readers, I had an experience with a snake.

I usually work late on Fridays at school unless I have plans. I like getting settled for the next week without having to wag all that stuff home. Well, I didn't make it home until close to 7pm. It was already getting dark, but thankfully the porch light came on when I pulled up. (I just replaced the motion censor bulb...thank heavens!) I was busy looking for my keys as I started up the porch steps when I felt (yes...it slithered over my foot!) something go over the toe of my shoe (which were the full coverage running shoe type) and then I heard the slither sound. I continued up the steps thinking it was a lizard. I've had those before remember? Anyway, I turned to look because I was still hearing the slither. That is when I saw it. I stopped and just stared. I didn't scream except in my head. It stopped and tried to blend in with some leaves. I left it down there and hurried on into my house...where I promptly went hysterical.

I called my mom and reached her voicemail. I'm sure the message I left will be quite funny at some later point! Anyway, then I did the mad search of my house to make sure there weren't any in my house. As I flung back the shower curtain, cautiously peeked under the toilet lid, and felt up the foot of my bed I kept telling myself that there is no way that snakes can get into my house. Now before you try to educate me, I'd like to just say that I prefer ignorance people! My mom already explained the awful truth but let me just be blissfully ignorant okay?!

I've already peeked out on the porch and can't see anything amiss, but I can tell you that it will be a quick hop off the bottom step and run to my car when I go out later! Compared to that experience the rest of the week has been a piece of cake.

At work, our team had decided to do secret Santas instead of getting everyone on the team a present. I loved the idea! There is something about a lot of little holiday happiness gifts along the way. Anyway, our campus decided to do this too. I'm a giver so what can I say, I signed up for that one too! It probably isn't a secret but there is a small group of ladies at work that really work over my nerves and I had been hoping that I wouldn't draw one of their names. Wouldn't you know I did. I decided that God probably had a hand in that pick. I know that you can give without wanting to, but you lack that good feeling when you do. So, I decided to focus on the fact that I do enjoy giving and I'm going to proceed with holiday spirit. It also doesn't hurt that my secret Santa is fabulous! I've gotten two gifts this week that have been perfect (purple pens and a cooking magazine) and I had a thought that what if one of those ladies is being Santa for me. They are doing a great job and perhaps this is the season to just let those frustrations go. If you only knew how big of a decision that is for me...I'm not a let-it-go kind of girl by nature. So, it is true. Giving with a joyful heart feels pretty darn good!

Isn't it funny how you have the whole month of December to fill with holiday events, but they all seem to culminate in one week?! Here is what my calendar looks like for next week:
Monday: Wrap Bunco gifts (I'm the hostess this month...seriously what was I thinking when I agreed to that!)
Tuesday: Take off the afternoon to cook the meal for Bunco (another hostess responsibility) and get everything taken to Bunco location and set up.
Wednesday: Staff development (which probably means more work dumped in my lap if I go by previous staff development days)
Thursday: Christmas concert
Friday: Work Christmas party (except without the happy hour out with the girls unlike last year. It made it more fun, but I'm sure it played a part in myself getting up for the Christmas carol singing game...)
Saturday: Another Christmas concert and then a sleepover in Houston

Throw in some holiday baking and present wrapping and the week is incredibly full. I've felt a little bad because I haven't been reading and commenting like I normally do, but it seems like everyone is busy this time of year. Last night I made the commenting rounds and I'm glad to read that most of you are enjoying the holiday season! As crazy as this time of year is, it is still one of my absolute favorites!