With a title like that you just know this can't be a good post right? Well, it isn't...
Last night on my way home from work, I was involved in a car accident. Maybe involved is the wrong word...I was the cause of the accident, I was the totaled car in the accident, I was the royally screwed party (albeit by my own screwing...that doesn't sound right, but you know what I mean) in the accident.
I had just merged onto I45 and was stuck in a pile of cars waiting to use a one lane exit. Anyway, being my patient self, I was ready to move over into the next lane where traffic was going faster. I saw that the car ahead of me had the same idea, but we had at least one and possibly two car lengths between us. We moved over and just as I checked my side view mirror to see if I was clear, I hit her.
Once we got pulled over to the side of the road, I got out and immediately asked about her. She said that she was fine, and then she explained that a school bus cut her off to merge so she had to slow down. While she said she braked (I don't know...I was looking the side view mirror) when I hit her there were no brake lights on. She admitted that she was just putting her foot back on the gas when I hit her. After settling that, and deciding to call the police, I got my first good look at my car. My crunched up front end car. My leaking fluid all over the road car. My crap this can't be good car. Have I gotten across the point that the car isn't in good shape?
After what seemed like forever, the state trooper came, I was given the ticket (of course...), the kinda scary but very nice tow truck driver hooked up my car, and a friend came and got me, and then I had to call my parents. Let me just interject that I have very kind and concerned parents. Yes, they were concerned about me, but they were also understanding about the situation too. The most unfortunate part of the whole deal...my car probably isn't worth what it will take to fix it. I'd lay money on the fact that a new car is in my immediate future. While that prospect does excite me, the budget side is a little frightening. I like a cushion in the bank and this will turn my cushion into a thin piece of mosquito netting. I also haven't said it out loud (typing it isn't the same as saying it out loud) but my Jordan trip just might have to be put on hold. I hate it and right now I'm trying to find any single way to still make that work, but I'm also a realist and it just might not be possible for December. Sigh...I just got sad.
I took today off from work (main reason...can't walk the 30 mile commute) to get started on the claims process and trying to find a rental car. You would think that should have been easy, but with this Hurricane Ike business (have I mentioned how disillusioned I am by hurricanes now?) there are practically no cars to be found. Thankfully, the fourth place I called has three full size sedans to pick from...I think I'm getting the Hyundai Sonata. *EDIT...just found out it is going to be a Toyota Camry that I'm getting...*Anyway, at least I'll have some transportation until I know what my options are for the car.
So, as my mom said this morning, I'll have to dig deep and find my well hidden cache of patience and ride this thing out. I'm normally a glass half empty kind of girl, but I'm trying to see the positives here...I'm okay! I might get a new car...which I've been thinking about and working toward! While it isn't how I'd choose to spend it, I do have a cushion so that this won't break me. (That doesn't get a !...) I have a friend that didn't mind driving out of her way to come and get me! I have parents that love me and would have given up their plans for the weekend to come down and help me through this if I thought I'd needed them to!
All in all...I'm still very blessed and for that I'm very thankful!
Well, I've enjoyed more time off than anyone really expected to get three weeks into school so I suppose it is only right that things start up again. My school was the last school to receive power back in the aftermath of Ike, but it was restored this morning so I'm off to work at noon. I guess I could pretend that I was already out and about today and didn't get the message, but frankly I was getting a little stir crazy! So, I need to get ready and take care of a few things this morning and then I'm heading off to work...finally!
Sometimes I find myself having the best time when I go back and read some of my old posts. I was stumbling around looking for an old post (never did find it...) but I did find some old favorites. And because I think it is always appropriate to take a minute and reflect on just where you've been and how far you've come I've linked some of my favorite old posts. So, if you're new to my blog or simply want to see what you might have missed then dive in!
Also, it might be a few days before I take up blogging again. I heard today that power is restored at my home. Let's all take a moment to say Amen.......did you say it?.... Anyway, I'm planning on heading home on Sunday morning. School is supposed to resume on Tuesday pending power restoration. We'll see how that goes. Anyway, that is the latest Hurricane Ike news.
Now get to diving....
Things I'd Tell Her If I Could...
Deck The Halls (Part 1)
40/60
Hi...This Is Steffany...Blah Blah Blah
Because I Just Can't Resist
So, there you go...now you know (or have remembered) just a little bit more about me!
One of the good things...perhaps the only good thing...to come out of Ike was that I'm getting to enjoy some unexpected time with my family. As you may have gathered, I'm still in Abilene. School was cancelled for the rest of the week with our projected date of return Monday. As of now, there is still no power in Spring and one of my friends and fellow co-workers said that judging by the looks of things in Spring it might be the middle of next week before we return. So, more waiting and seeing...
In the meantime, I'm getting to spend my days hanging out with my mom. Now you all know how much fun I have with my mom. Today we met up with some friends of hers for lunch. After that, we spent the afternoon in her craft room. While we don't share the same paper crafting hobbies, I really enjoy getting to help her make cards and such. It is just a relaxing way to spend time together. I'm reminded again just how lucky I am to have such a great relationship with my mom.
Thanks for all your kind and caring thoughts! You blogger friends of mine are the best!
I survived...though not as I would have liked. Let me first say that I am alive and well! Thank you for all the well wishes, thoughts, and prayers too. I'm not still in the Houston area, but rather decided to evacuate myself to my parents' home further north. Something I'm now wishing I had done Friday morning...
In my last post, I said that I was prepared, but this wasn't one hundred percent true as I soon discovered. I had my batteries for my lantern (though just enough to start it working...not enough for when those would have eventually ran out), batteries in my radio (but again...not enough), and some crackers, water, pudding, and beef jerky type things to eat. I'm sure anyone else that has endured the damages and fall out of a hurricane are smiling smugly. I was so totally unprepared. I admit it and believe me...learning from my mistakes.
I had power (which I was so taking for granted) all day and night Friday. I went to bed about midnight Friday with the thought of sleeping through Ike and waking up Saturday morning to it being mostly over. Around 4am Ike was hitting Conroe. Looking out the window was very interesting. I'd never seen trees bend so far over and the rain looked like it was literally blowing in sideways. As I watched, the power went out. After checking that my make shift sandbag was holding, I got back in bed. Saturday morning the eye had passed us, but we were still in for the southern eye wall. While I didn't have power at my apartment, I did have service on my cell phone. At some point in the morning that went too and the day became quite miserable.
I was bored beyond belief and getting pretty sick of beef jerky and cheezits. Saturday night was pretty rough on me. When the sun went down and all went dark, I sort of lost it. I should say that one of my worst fears is being alone in the dark. Every time I tried to lay down (even with the portable radio...which was starting to run low on battery juice) and turn the lantern out, I'd start to feel like I couldn't breathe. It was a miserable night. I'm not sure I slept very much. I was up and dressed as soon as the sun was starting to rise. I was having to drive almost five miles outside of town just to get service on my cell phone. As soon as I talked to my principal who confirmed we'd not be having school Monday, I called my mom and told her Toby and I were heading to our safe place...home.
So, here I sit...in my safe, lighted, cool air blowing place. School is out until at least Thursday with the possibility of longer so for now I'm staying put. Believe me, if this happens again...and I'm sure it will given where I choose to call home...I'll be making the evacuation trek along with everyone else. But, for now I'm safe and supposedly my home is safe. And in the end...that is really all that matters.
Please continue to send up thoughts and prayers for those still down there or still being effected in some way by Ike. It truly is a mess down there and the recovery probably won't be quick and painless. I have pictures to share once I'm back home and can upload them.
I feel like these weekend updates are becoming the norm around here. Truth to tell, sometimes my weekends are the only two days of the week that feel normal. I'm sure that will change, but for now I'm doing good to come in and make dinner and get the dishes cleaned up (having a dishwasher makes that so much easier!) so coming in and blogging just hasn't happened...yet.
This week was my first week to be a switcher teacher. I just made that term up, but it basically means that I only teach the language arts (the reading, writing, and God help all the children...spelling) and social studies. My partner teaches math and science. It works pretty well I think. While I did it the last two years, I didn't really enjoy the math/science part so I'm very happy to be doing the LA part. The planning is easier and I really feel like I can sink my teeth into topics rather than skimming because I've got two other subjects to prep for too. So, everyone understands...the material I love.
The switching...it is taking some getting used to on my part. We have a homeroom which is basically just a gab fest. I have work for the kids to do, but everyone is coming in at odd times and everyone needs to show me something or tell me something. Truthfully, I use it too as an extra 35 minutes of prep too. At 8:30 the switch begins. I receive my AM class. They are the AG (above grade...basically means we'll review 2nd grade material for a few weeks and then move on to 3rd grade material for the rest of the year) kiddos. They are what I've always been used to teaching. They raise their hands, they participate, they actually work, and they are behaved. My mornings run smooth.
The PM...I suppose the best way to say this is that those kids will challenge me as a teacher. They will challenge me to find a way to reach them. They will challenge me to put into action my classroom management style that before has always just been a "this is how it is and you won't challenge it" kind of system. They will challenge me to find a way to make the required material fun and interesting. They will challenge me to want to come back and face them again tomorrow.
I've hit my first "shock and awe" class. In the relatively short time I've been teaching, I've finally run into that class that you just don't get. At first, I was a little shocked that my usual manner of teaching wasn't working. After the AM kids, I was thinking this would be a breeze. I was so wrong. Next came the pissed off stage. I was pissed that these kids had absolutely no respect for me and what I was trying to do for them. I know respect is earned and I guess I've never had to work so hard for it. When it comes (and it has to come right?) I know I'll appreciate it all the more and work to keep it. But now, I'm sort of resigned. These are my kids. I'm trying really hard not to feel like they are the ones I'm stuck with, but rather the ones I've been gifted with...I didn't say I was succeeding but I am trying. The afternoon leaves me drained.
In other sort of related to school news...I've caught something. Yesterday I noticed that my throat was scratchy and swallowing felt like glass was going down. If I'm going to catch something it will always start in my throat. While not feeling 100% I decided to head on to happy hour and mingle with my fellow co-workers. Besides as someone else battling The Germs put it, "If beer won't help than nothing will.". So, after two beverages of the loaded variety, I decided to head home...where I mixed Nyquil and Advil with the drinks and landed myself in bed.
This morning, whatever was in my head has obviously moved to my chest where only coughing and gaging and hacking up goo will make me feel better. Needless to say, after my first "real" week and now an onslaught of The Germs, I feel pretty roadkillish...you know when you're in the middle of the freeway and you get hit by the truck and then backed over by the truck.
Anyone know directions to the exit ramp?
I can't believe that the first week of school is over already. I can't believe that my little holiday weekend is over already! Things have been really busy and fast paced and I've been worn out so I haven't made time to update about my first week of school. So let me do that now...
I love my new school! I can't tell you all the differences between where I am now and where I came from. It really is night and day...or more accurately Heaven and Hell. Everyone gets along on my team and we're working really well together. We have this "Maxine" of the group that keeps me in stitches all day long. It is so nice to work in a relaxed atmosphere rather than a negative one.
My kids are really good too. This week we kept our homerooms all day long and tomorrow will begin the switch process. I'm sort of nervous about that because it is new to me, but I think I'll love just teaching Language Arts and Social Studies.
Getting up at 5am has taken some getting used to, but I'm getting used to it. Case in point...this morning my eyes popped open at 5:17am. Thankfully, I was able to shut them and go right back to sleep. That probably won't work tomorrow morning though!
I hope that everyone had a great holiday weekend!
Putting together a classroom (from scratch no less...if you're not sure what scratch means then look down a post) in one week isn't for the faint of heart! And saying one week isn't really a true description...try about 30 hours total. This week has pretty much been one of those "through the wringer" type weeks. I'll spare you the details and me the remembering. Actually I'll spare you lots of babbling as I'm wiped out.
From the door of my classroom, this is what it now looks like. The cabinets are in their rightful place and tables now dominate the floor. I wasn't sure I'd like these tables (as opposed to individual desks) but I love them! The X arrangement adds a lot of room too.
From the far corner, this is another shot of the room. In this one you can see part of my desk and that huge blackboard. I asked for a small easel to do writer's workshop at and this is what was delivered. I should have plenty of room!
I couldn't do exactly what I'd planned with that pillar because the computer connections are on the other side of it. But, with the back of the filing cabinet in that little nook it rounded out as a pretty good reading center. I decided to keep my jungle theme as I had the pillows and such. I think every kid at Meet and Greet last night had to pet it. Looks like a hit!There is a lot more I could tell you and show you, but as I mentioned...wringer week...so if you're really interested in seeing more of the classroom, just email me and I'll send you the slide show. Now, if you'll excuse me a couch is calling my backside.
This is my classroom as seen from the hallway. I'm in a corner classroom. I think that window into the hallway is pretty nifty. I didn't have a window in my last room, so even if my view is just of the hall, I'm still impressed. I already have visions of valances and window clings. Very teachery of me don't you think?
So, remember when I said this was the extreme before pictures? This is why...my room is not finished yet. Those tall things in the middle of my room are the cabinets that go against a wall. I'm not sure what all that cardboard went to, but hopefully it will be gone too. The room feels fairly large (of course it is mostly empty) and I love that I have plenty of wall space.
This view is from the far corner looking toward the back of the room. I have this pillar that I'm not sure how exactly I'll work around. I've thought maybe my desk in that corner or a reading corner maybe. I'll just have to play it by ear. If you have any suggestions shout them out!
So, there you have the first tour of the room. It was hard for me to visualize it all ready for me to move in, but I think that it has a lot of potential. Tomorrow is the big move...well, I mean I'm taking my stuff out of storage and the movers are taking it to Spring. Hopefully (everyone please cross your fingers and say your prayers!) the room is ready. And by that I mean the cabinets are in the right place and there is furniture and all the trash is gone. If for some reason it isn't...well it is a good thing I'm practicing the art of letting it go!
I'm guessing they are for die hard Halloween fans huh? The bride even speaks...says something about how this is the happiest day of her...death. Seriously!
Now I know some of you might say it was probably his picture he didn't want to have taken, but I know deep down in his little self he hates having to share my attention. Still...ain't he handsome!? I look at this (and of course others) picture and realize that his kitten looking days are coming to an end. He's lost that fluff ball look. Now, he looks catish.I wish that I was really technically savvy so that I could have some great space alien theme music going for this post, but alas I'm not. So, you all will have to pretend that you hear scary screams and Martian screeches as you read this next sentence...
They've arrived!
No, I haven't had an out of world experience or been beamed up to some flying saucer. I've got new neighbors. Neighbors of the upstairs variety...
Those of you that have been reading for any length of time or know me personally will understand why this calls for scary space alien music. I hate neighbors. I know, I know...that makes me sound horrible and well when it comes to noisy neighbors I guess I am. I had a horrible experience in college with apartment living so I guess I'm once burned twice shy. Neighbors were the one thing I had capitalized in the con column of moving to an apartment.
When I first moved in, the apartment above me was empty. I prayed that it would stay that way, but apparently God sees this as a trial in patience. At first I thought it was just this older woman, but since I've seen a man and a teenage girl going in and out. The man and woman hold hands and the girl calls them mom and dad...what are the chances they are just helping her move and they won't actually be living there?
I've tried to be understanding, patient, nice, but darn it...they sound like Sasquatch up there! There is much stomping and banging. Some might say I'm over-reacting, but when my friend Nina was here the other night she heard it too. I swear, sometimes I just look at the ceiling knowing that it is about to come crashing down on my head at any second. The only good thing...they seem to go to bed at a reasonable hour so my sleep isn't being disturbed...too much.
I went to bed a little early last night so I laid there, praying my ceiling fan wouldn't fall, and thought of ways I could ask them to walk softly. Maybe I could gently remind them that they lived on the second floor which meant there was someone below them...you know in case they forgot. Or maybe I could go up and say that I'd heard them moving in and slip in that it sounded like they were making their furniture from scratch. Of course I'd bring along a cake or something to take the sting out of the words. Maybe I could call the cops...loud walking in apartment 907 Officer.
But then I get realistic...no one called the cops, made tacky comments, or brought me a cake when I moved in. And I did my share of hammering. Also, no one complains when I get on to Toby about biting...which is fairly often. So, I'll probably just bite my own tongue and buy some new ear plugs. Besides...how long can it take to get settled into a new place right?
***I know this was a total rant post, but my blog so I get to rant!***
Thanks to all of you who inquired about Toby. Y'all are such thoughtful people!
Toby has hemobartonellosis which is a disease of the red blood cells. It is caused by fleas (which he had a very bad case of when he was found) and can lead to anemia. Thankfully, my vet (which I fell hook, line, and sinker for...I mean I loved how she, the vet, called me at home and talked me through this diagnosis, met me when I picked Toby up, and make a check up call today) thinks that after a course of antibiotics Toby will be as good as new. He isn't enjoying the meds and truthfully I'm not all that fond of shoving it down his throat either, but you can bet we'll be finishing the whole bottle.
I have cat scratch fever. Before you say anything just let me say that yes, Toby is a biter. I'm working really hard to make sure I'm not sending mixed signals (no you can't bite, play with my fingers, etc.) and that he learns this is not acceptable behavior. But until he does, I'll probably remain covered in nicks and scratches. Seriously, if you could see my hands and thighs...
Anyway, the bacteria that is making Toby sick was most likely passed to me through a scratch. I had to do a little bit of my own research (I had every single symptom related to CSF) and the vet confirmed that Toby's illness could have caused mine, but my doctor wasn't so fast to agree. I believe her exact words were, "So, let me get this straight...the vet diagnosed you?" After explaining about Toby and his current medical crisis she was more inclined to agree, but wasn't going to make that her final diagnosis until after all that blood work came back. No, I haven't heard yet...maybe it is just a huge, ironic coincidence and I really have West Nile. Who knows, but CSF sure seems to be the missing key.
So, while Toby is dutifully, if not reluctantly, taking his meds I refused my doctor's order to start a broad spectrum antibiotic. I'm coming off two antibiotics in the last three weeks and for those of you who don't know...your vagina and your bottom aren't particularly happy with you after a steady stream of those things. Sorry few men that read (and squeamish weenie women). That sentence probably should have come with a warning. Needless to say, I'm riding it out. It is a virus therefore it will go away without treatment. Now, if something shows up on my blood work that is an entirely different story.
And there you have it...how one very nasty bacteria has wrecked havoc on two poor, unsuspecting souls. Dang Bartonella...
...you never catch up.
But, I'll give it a shot.
Bethany, yep I'm alive but just sort of wrapped up in myself at the moment. This is about the time of year that things start that ever faster spinning. I'm trying to manage everything I can because there are several things beyond my control.
My mouth has finally decided to take a break from seeing how much pain it can endure and started to heal. I've been pain med free for several days now. Actually, besides being a master flusher now (trust me...it isn't as icky as it sounds!), I don't think twice about those holes at the back of my teeth much anymore. And thank goodness the antibiotics have finally worked their way out of my body (in the most unpleasant of fashions might I add...).
So, while one part of my body has recovered another part has decided to break down. Well, break down probably isn't the best way to describe it. I've been spiking low grade temps for the last several days. I went to the doctor yesterday afternoon and naturally wasn't running fever, but she did think it was worth some lab work. Apparently when they don't know what is wrong with you they test you for everything under the sun. The lab tech took five viles of blood. It was a wonder I was able to walk out under my own steam. To her credit the stick didn't hurt, but by the third vile I was starting to feel woozy. Surely, they can find something in there to explain why my body is going wacky.
I think I'm finally free from HISD (I just want to say it one time...Hell ISD). A couple of weeks ago I called to see what the hold up was in getting my exit interview scheduled. Well, my principal ( you know the one that loves me and thinks I'm the greatest thing to effect the teaching profession) never signed off on my resignation so it was effectively stalled. Now, she signed off on others, but mine managed to slip through the crack. (Breathe in...breathe out...let it go... Sorry, mental pep talk there.) I had to go in and ask for my exit interview to be scheduled and fill out some forms to have my service records sent to SISD. I also gave them my new address information too. I was assured that a certified packet with exit interview materials would be mailed to me within the week. Well, two weeks later and still no paperwork. I called yesterday to find out what the hold up was only to be told that the secretary filled something out wrong and that was why I hadn't been sent anything. And of course they can't do anything until that paperwork has been filled out so again effectively stalled. I went in yesterday and filled out the forms and turned in my badge. You know I don't think I had to work this hard to get hired! Anyway, hopefully all is said and done. There is still plenty to be said and lots of wrongs I still feel haven't been addressed, but, as I told someone yesterday, there are some battles that just aren't worth the fight.
I also haven't been able to get into my new school, which is undergoing renovations. It will be open on August 15. That is ten days before school starts. Yep, I'm nerve wracked because I like to have everything in its place and settled before the year starts. At least I'm not the only one...every teacher (except for four lucky ones) at the school had to pack up this year due to the renovations. I guess that means I'll be in good company, but still a stressful thing. Because I didn't want to have all my stuff (and boy did I accumulate a lot in two years) cluttering up my apartment, I had to rent a storage building for the month of August. I swear it never ends!
Now for the most disturbing news...my baby is sick. Nine days ago I took Toby in for his first round of vaccines and a check up at the vet. The place I took him came highly recommended but I just didn't feel comfortable. The doctor didn't speak much to me rather than the nurse, they kept taking him out of the room for tests (which I know they do, but I've had two vets that did everything right there in the room), and when I called to explain his new symptoms they sort of brushed me off. I know I don't have kids, but Toby is my baby and no Mama (human or feline) likes to be brushed off when her baby isn't acting normal. So, I dumped them and called the vet I started to go with in the first place. Toby hasn't been eating as much (a drastic change from his routine) and has started drinking more water. Also, he's been crying in the litter. This isn't really new, but it has become more animated. I was fully prepared to be told I was an over-reacting pet parent, but instead I was told that Toby has fever, is pale, and that they needed to keep him to watch him and run more labs. Walking out of the vet's office without him was really hard. Hopefully, they will only need to watch him this morning.
For anyone putting together a connection between my unexplained fever and Toby's unexplained illness wait...my mom is three steps ahead of you. It might be possible that the two are related (he's getting much better at taming the clawing and biting, but just last night drew blood on my thigh) but I'm waiting to toss that out to either doctor until someone knows something for sure.
While this probably isn't everything, it is enough to give you a taste of things going on in my life. Even with a few bumps along the way, I'd still say things are going good! And I guess that is all that matters, huh?
I'm always amazed that you guys hang in there with me. I swear (well I shouldn't swear...y'all know my track record lately right?!) I'm going to find my blogging rhythm. Hopefully soon.
Well, less than 24 hours later and I'm actually doing pretty well. My doctor was amazing. He gave ma little gas first and then froze my wrist (froze to numb and the wrist because I'm an incredibly hard stick) and I didn't feel anything else. It went faster than he had originally thought, which was great. He also let my mom be in the room until I went to sleep and they brought her back before they brought me out. I think he did this because I was nervous, but I really appreciated it.
I was pretty woozy and out of it when I first came awake. I gagged in the elevator and the nurse kept saying, "Don't throw up. Just breathe." I didn't end up getting sick which was a relief to both me and my mom. I made it home, but apparently turned into a little girl again asking her not to leave me. The only bad thing that happened yesterday was that my medicine wasn't ready at the pharmacy so I had to wait about two hours before I could start my meds. That wasn't pleasant. The one thing that seemed to make everything better was ice.
I'm still swollen and really sore today, but I'm not in that sharp throbbing pain. For which I'm very thankful. I'm also thankful for everyone who has wished me well and left either comments or sent emails. You're all the best!
Well, it is less than an hour away from my dental surgery. While everyone else enjoys breakfast, I sit in here starving and dehydrated. Well, okay maybe that was a little dramatic. When I brushed my teeth I held the rinse water a little longer hoping by some miracle it would seep through my tongue to my throat. You never know how thirsty you are until you can't have water!
I'll take a "before" picture (though it might not get posted...I mean I'm not exactly looking hot with my no make-uped face and hair just doing its own thing) and an "after". You know, for effect.
I'm not really as worried as I was, but just ready to get this over with. A friend said it is like taking a nap and then you wake up and it is over. Let's hope that she is 100% correct!
I'll check back in here in a few days. Hope you all are doing well!
I know...way to long between posts! You'll just have to forgive me.
First, thank you all for the congratulations. I am very excited to say the least about my new position. It is exactly what I wanted and I'm looking forward to being in a new positive environment. Please keep praying and sending good thoughts as it isn't "final" yet. The principal went on a week long in-service retreat (to Vail, CO...yeah...) and did not get all the paper work to HR yet. She told me today that she will be taking it to HR tomorrow. Normally this wouldn't be a problem, but I'm on a deadline. I'm still under contract with HISD and will be locked in after July 11 so while I'm confident that it will all be resolved I'm still nervous. I can't wait to as someone put it, "tell her to shove it." Anyway, enough of that. Y'all understand how I feel about my current principal.
Now, on to the move. Everything went so smoothly. I'm telling you, movers are worth every single penny! They had me packed up, moved, unloaded, and were on their way by 11am last Saturday. There were only two of them too. Like I said...worth every cent.
My mom stayed with me the past week to help me unpack and decorate my new apartment. I don't have any pictures now, but I will soon. I love it! It feels like home and I have more space too. Which for a girl like me is always a good thing! My mom and I worked at a steady pace and while everything was in its place when we left yesterday we were worn out. Moving isn't for the faint of heart!
Now, I'm in Abilene. I'm here to visit with my parents for a couple of weeks. Also I'm having some dental surgery done. I'm having all my wisdom teeth out next Monday. There are four of those suckers. One has behaved and is just ready to be pulled. Two are impacted and laying sideways. And one is flush against my jaw bone. I have a feeling this won't be an easy removal as my oral surgeon said, "You'll be cussing me the next day." Yeah...I can't wait.
Other than all that, I'm doing well. Toby is growing like a weed and he is so adorable. Of course I'm sure all pet parents think their pet is the most adorablest (yeah I think that is a word...) but y'all...Toby really is the most adorable kitty! I'll have to post new pictures of him too. Unfortunately, he isn't getting along with my parents cat. Compared to Toby, Dex (whom I love and adore too) is a huge honkin' thing. When he bares his teeth and growls (cats can growl...who'd have thunk?) he is down right scary. So the transition hasn't been totally smooth for Toby and Dex. They have 15 more days to get it right though!
I was catching up on some posts today and I just want everyone to know that while some of you have some really big stuff going on I always appreciate that you take the time to stop by here and leave a comment for me. It isn't a big secret that I haven't been happy with my lot in life for the last several months, but I feel so much better and at peace about things. I'm hoping to return to my normal self (blogging self included!) soon. I hope that y'all are doing well and taking care!
I'm elbow deep in packing boxes, but I had to take some time out to share my wonderfully great news!
I was offered the job that I wanted from the very beginning!
Saturday afternoon I got a call from the principal of this school asking me to come and interview on Tuesday. I was really very shocked because in April I had sent her a letter of interest and a resume. While she seemed interested, she wasn't able to hire due to a rezoning issue in the district. I tried again about the middle of May and she replied with a short email saying that she didn't know if she would be able to hire anyone, but she thanked me for my interest. I thought I'd expressed interest one too many times.
Well, Tuesday I went and did the interview thing. It was the strangest interview. There were three people on one side of the desk. The principal asked one...uno...1...question and then turned to her computer and replied to email during the duration of my interview. They did a conference call with the second grade team leader so I looked like an idiot talking to the phone. Anyway, after I talked with the team leader they told me I could go. I was like, "Do you have any questions for me?" They said no so I was wondering just how impressed they were with me. I've been coming around to my mom's "if it is meant to be it will be" way of thinking so I figured if it was meant to be...
Yesterday afternoon I got the call from the principal. She said how impressed they had been with me and were excited to have me on their team. So, I'll be teaching Language Arts/Social Studies in second grade. I'm thrilled! This is what I wanted from the very beginning. Thank God for answered prayers!
Now, I have to get back to packing. Still so much to do before Saturday morning at 8am. Y'all have a great rest of the week!
There is a new little addition to my house...Toby! Faithful blog readers...meet Toby.
Isn't he just adorable?! I've been wanting a cat for a long time, but my landlady wouldn't let me have them here. So, I knew I'd be forking over the pet deposit and getting a kitten when I moved to the apartment (in ten days no less...packing is happening very slowly). Last weekend when I went to my grandparents, my mom had this little thing perched on her shoulder. He had been found cornered by the dogs and they had rescued him. He needed a home and I wanted a kitten and the rest is, as they say, history!
I took him to the vet Friday. He's around 5 weeks old and only weighed 1.2 pounds. He was covered in fleas (and hates the flea treatment we do every other day...got the scratch marks to prove it) and had ear mites. He endured some real indignities at the vet, but was a trooper. He had a weekend full of new experiences. Also, he wasn't a good traveler either. I think we were both crying by the time we got home. Thankfully, Toby has settled into a very nice routine here at home.
He's a really good kitty. The first night he was all over the bed, but the last few nights he's been settled right up there on my pillow. We wake up and I take him to the litter and his food and then I go back to sleep. Don't forget that school is out and I'm taking full advantage of the sleeping late thing! Anyway, when I wake back up then we play. Toby loves to play!
His favorite toy is this Gone Fishin' thing. It is a fabric fish on a string that hangs from a pole. He loves to swat at the fish though his coordination isn't always the best. I just love watching him! Then he naps and the whole eat, litter, play cycle begins again.
I'm taking advantage of his sleeping status to post. He doesn't seem to like me at the computer. He sits on the back of my recliner just meowing at me. I think it is because he can't crawl around or maybe because he doesn't have my attention. He loves to be the center of attention. Good thing he's adorable!
