Enjoy The Turkey

I hope everyone has a wonderful Thanksgiving holiday!

Peace

Today I had lunch with a friend at this little hole in the wall place that serves generous portions and delicious pie. The decor is what you'd call eclectic. In and among pie plates and doors made into lighting fixtures is a huge piece of artwork. It is calming colors swirled into a very calming design and the most profound quote graces the entire thing.

peace.

it does not mean to be in a place

where there is no noise, trouble

or hard work but rather it means

to be in the midst of all those things

and to be calm in your heart

Lately, I've been trying to listen carefully and pay attention to the voice of God in my life. I know for some, they hear God speaking every day, but for me I have to be listening attentively. Even then I sometimes miss it all together. This has become more important to me lately because I'm seeing how God has open doors and is actively working in my life. That makes me want to listen even more!

I think this quote really touched my heart because my life has become this topsy turvy road that I sometimes feel has no end in sight. There are the every day ordinary things to do, then the extra stuff you never plan on, plus the holiday season and that wonderful madness...it all adds up to a life full of noise, trouble, and hard work being lived. Still, among it all, I've found recently a peace that has taken over my life.

I suppose this is truly where I see God at work because just a handful of months ago, all that "living" would have me spinning. Now, I seem to go with the flow and have an outlook that things are going as they should. I feel at peace with the changes that happened at school (mainly my now essentially teaching 3rd grade), the financial issues that have cropped up (car payment, insurance, etc.), and some personal relationships.

It is pretty neat to not only have other people see the changes, but to notice them in myself. My life is full of noise and trouble and yeah I have to work pretty hard at keeping it all spinning, but my heart finally feels like it is on track for finding rest in and among it all. And that is a very peaceful feeling.

Absolutely True

At school, one of my friends and fellow teachers has a sign hanging in her classroom that says:

There will be no crisis this week...my schedule is already full.

I laugh every time I see that sign. How true, right? I'm not sure when it happened, but my life became busy. Usually when I think about busy, I'm thinking about all the "extra" stuff that can fill up a square on the calendar. I've discovered that I'm quite busy these days just doing the ordinary stuff, not to mention all that extra stuff.

For example, you know that I'm busy with walking most nights (and if you're not familiar with that check out the post below...such an embarrassment, but a fun read all the same) and when you throw in church on Wednesday and WW on Thursday...well it just adds up.

Also on my calendar this week (in three boxes no less) was Toby. He was declawed and neutered on Tuesday. I had to take him to the vet Monday afternoon since I couldn't drop him off on Tuesday morning (sometimes work gets in the way of just about everything!). I picked him up on Wednesday afternoon. Unfortunately for both of us, his healing hasn't been smooth. I had to take him back in this morning for an infection in one of the pads. Of course, Charlie doesn't understand either why his pal doesn't want to play with him so he's been driving me bonkers. Needless to say...one crisis we're all wishing hadn't happened.

There is this Fall PTO carnival at school this afternoon. It was stressed very heavily that you needed to sign up for a shift, but I've decided not to trek down to Spring and attend. I put in a monetary donation instead. There have been numerous things that come up at school that require money...more than I thought. Frankly, I'm a little tapped out at the moment in the spare money department. I'm sure it'll go on just fine without me.

Today, I'm doing a little Fall cleaning at home...more than just the usual vacuum and toilet scrub of the weekend. My friend Becky is coming to spend the weekend with me on Friday. As you've seen, my weeknights are a blur of activity so all that in depth cleaning gets to get done today. Don't you just hate anything that starts with in depth?! On the upside, the house smells wonderful! Clean is my absolute favorite scent.

So, however you're spending the weekend I hope your life follows that funny little saying and that all crisis stay away so you can get on with the getting on of living that busy life of yours!

TP Issues

Oh what a story...grab a kleenex as you might laugh until you cry.

I think I've mentioned before that my friend and I are walking in an effort to move more and add that dreaded exercise component to our weight loss efforts. The park where we walk is really nice. The walking track is paved and very well lighted. I always feel safe when I'm out there walking. The only thing that didn't look so hot were the bathrooms. Now, please picture in your head your worst camping trip bathroom experience. This was worse!

I should probably back up a bit and explain that before we'd gone to walk, I had drank a large amount at dinner. Normally I'm one that can hold my liquids, but not tonight...unfortunately.

We were half way around the track on our first lap when I realised there might be a problem. We talked about how dilapidated the bathrooms looked (I mean they have old time jail cells out in front of them...seriously) and I decided that I would just hold it for the remaining mile we planned to walk. Unfortunately, the further around the track we went the more I felt the need to go. So, when we got over there by the bathrooms, I just told Nina I didn't have a choice.

I briefly thought the jail cells were kind of fun and thought about bringing a camera for a photo opportunity the next time. Turning my eyes to where the door to the bathroom would be I found another iron gate looking thing. Strange, but when you've got to go...you really are only focused on one thing. Stepping into the bathroom I almost peed right there. Instead of stalls there were just toilets with concrete barriers between them.

Are you picturing this...NO doors, NO privacy, and in the first stall NO toilet paper...well not counting the wet, stuck to the floor pieces. Everyone take a moment for the involuntary shiver that you just had on the heels of that thought.

So, I quickly turn to leave, but my bladder apparently doesn't give a hoot about what the bathroom looks like. It is either pee in here or pee in my pants outside. Gosh, some choices are so hard to make! I yelled for Nina to stand watch. By this point, she's laughing and probably thanking her bladder for its holding capacity. I venture further into the bathroom (and I use the term so loosely) and find about 12 squares of toilet paper on the roll. I carefully pull off some and strategically place them around the seat of the toilet. I definitely planned to squat, but you never know.

Thank goodness for thinking ahead. Just as I bent my knees and got ready to do my business, I noticed the puddles on the floor (I'll leave any further description to your imagination...which you're probably now wishing wasn't vivid) and in my efforts to pull up the hem of my jeans, I lost my balance and landed on the toilet paper covered seat. At this point, I simply wanted to find relief and get the heck out of there. I finished quickly, wiped, flushed, and went to wash my hands. At which point in time I discovered no soap and no paper towels. Seriously, that just wouldn't fit with the decor right? I scrubbed my hands with cold water and let them air dry as we continued on our way.

Now, back on the trail, Nina and I are walking and talking when I notice that I don't feel right...back there. Trying to be discreet, I feel up my own rear. I'm sure the old man with the dog behind us found this very funny. Anyway, I finally mention my unease to Nina. Then (because I've obviously forgotten where we are...which is on the most lighted and populated part of the trail...and all the manners my mama taught me...you do not put your hands down your pants) I lift my shirt and reach back into my jeans. What do you suppose I come up with?

Yeah...a wad of toilet paper. I pull out a square or two and then in a fit of humiliation and total amusement I toss it to the ground. Yes, I know. I littered. Get over it. We walk about ten feet further and I realize I didn't get it all. So I reach back in again. Let me stop right here and say I don't know what came over me...I just had to get the TP out of my crack. (Yeah, my mama is rolling her eyes right now.) I find another wad and again toss it to the grass.

At this point, Nina is giggling hysterically. While I mention that I think I've got it all, she lets me know that I don't. Now it is hanging out of my jeans. I ask her to get it (and I'd return the favor of pulling TP out of her pants...you know if she ever had some hanging out of them) and she says no among her giggling fit. So, I reach back there and that is when Nina points out that there are people behind us.

Oh the shame....

Here I've been pulling TP out of my own pants and tossing it on the ground with an entire audience behind us. I'm sure they had a great laugh. I'll be lucky if I'm not asked to check my pants at my car before I step foot on the track.

Now, dab your eyes people and learn from me...peeing your pants is always a viable alternative, make sure TP stays where it belongs...which isn't in your pants, don't litter (there you green people...that make you feel better?), and if you feel like you've got something in your pants that shouldn't be...check it out when you get home.

I mean it folks...learn from me.

We Interrupt This Blogging...

...for a little bit of blog surgery. I'm trying to update my blog's look and change a few things around. I just feel the need for something a little...different. So, while I'm playing with gadgets and buttons, just take a look around. It'll all be straightened out soon!

***Update: What you're seeing is the final product. I love it!***

From My Pumpkins

Happy Halloween!

from Charlie!

from Toby!

I am not one to dress up my animals, but the other weekend while I was in the vet's office I noticed that they were having a little costume party on Halloween. I wasn't seriously considering getting them an outfit, but when I came across this little pumpkin hat thing I couldn't resist! I'm sure that Charlie and Toby wish I had tried just a little bit harder.

Their little faces probably don't convey it, but we wish y'all plenty of treats and absolutely no tricks!

Shake It Girl

Tonight I made a discovery. Well, actually it is an affirmation of a previously discovered discovery. Hmm...did I just make up some words? Either way...the discovery...God blessed me with zero ounces of rhythm.


A friend of mine and I are jumping on the exercise band wagon. Apparently eating rabbit food and drinking water will only take you so far. We walk several times a week, but we're trying to expand our routines while shrinking our number of fat cells. We already do walking (1 mile a few times a week), we're exploring the water aerobics offered at the community pool, tennis looks easy enough, and my suggestion...belly dancing!


Yep, we're taking belly dancing lessons from the lovely (not to mention tanned, blond, tiny) Dolphina. Tonight was our first go at it. This is when I discovered just how rhythmically challenged I truly am. I look like some large retarded bird on drugs. Trust me...it ain't pretty. So, while I'm trying to loosen my chakras and touch my loonycona...or something like that (whatever it was it sounded pretty darn dirty) my friend got a good laugh. I lost my balance (which happens easily when the trunk is more full than the hood...seriously the girls can't even touch that junk) and ended up on the floor. My snakes are pretty sad and my shimmy...well even sadder. I totally stink in the dance arena!


But, despite my obvious handicap, I still managed to walk away with my thighs screaming and my heart pumping. So, I gotta be doing something right. Right?! Now, if you'll excuse me I have to take a large quantity of Advil and crawl into bed.

Explain Please

So, it was brought to my attention that perhaps I acted like a tease...well maybe just a bit. Of course I could also argue that I just needed a little processing time. The older I'm getting the more I value that "shut up and say nothing for just a minute" time. Whatever my reason (notice I did not say excuse!), I'm fully prepared to do the explaining that so many of you asked for.


I should warn that this could possibly be a long post.


The Car
In short...wrecked, totalled, absolute loan mess, new car...sigh! The details are boring, but frankly there was a huge delay with the loan process. I did what the bank asked me to do with having the dealership fax over the sales worksheet. They let it sit on the fax machine for a day (all they can offer by way of explanation is some fuzzy "We're sorry.") which pushed it back till after the weekend. Then once the loan was approved I needed to have some documents which if I'd kept them it would have been easy to get them faxed over to the bank. But, since I'm all for getting rid of "clutter" I'd tossed it out. Basically, after a week of "I don't believe it!" moments I finally got to go and pick up my car. It is a 2008 Kia Spectra that I lovingly call Spence. And, after all was said and signed on multiple dotted lines, I bought a car! It wasn't as scary as I thought it would be and that is directly because of some great advice/support/coaching from Josh (see...I told you I'd sing your praises) and lots of the same from my parents. Now, that is a lot to sigh about!


That Job Thing
A few weeks ago, my principal called me in and said that because of low numbers they were going to have to do some changing around. My heart nearly stopped. I thought I was being sent to another campus. Luckily for me, she just wanted to tell me that my AG (above grade learners) 2nd graders should begin learning third grade material so I'd have a section of AG 2nd and OG (on grade learners) 3rd. So, while I'm still teaching Language Arts and Social Studies I now teach 2nd and 3rd graders. It has been an adjustment, but I actually like the challenge. At first, a lot of the other teachers (let's just say there were many...many schedule changes to make this work) weren't very interested in this change. I can't blame them either...I hate change, but this time I went in with a positive attitude and it has been really...positive. Imagine that! So, yeah...I don't just teach 2nd grade anymore. I bet that is going to look so cool on a resume too!


I Finally Cracked...
For a while I've been having some pain in my foot. Okay, more than just a little pain...a lot of pain. It started months ago, but finally was bad enough to drive me to the doctor. I was pretty stunned when my family doctor thought it was a benign growth on a nerve and sent me immediately to an orthopedic surgeon. After several sets of x-rays and prodding around, it was determined that it was a much simpler affliction...a stress fracture across three metatarsals. I spent three weeks in the most unattractive and uncomfortable boot and now I've moved into the post operative shoe. Not a big improvement in the attractive footwear department, but much improved in the comfort one. I have to wear it for the next four weeks and then be re-evaluated. This truly has felt like the year of the medical mishap, but thankfully the year is almost over and this was the last one!


There have been a lot of little other things along the way, but those were the big things. I really should start blogging as things occur instead of trying to play catch up. Seriously.

Slacker

Yep...that is me. A big ole slacker.

I am alive.

I have bought a car.

This is my year of the bodily ailments.

I'm love my new kitten Charlie though I'm sort of in naming remorse...I think he really is a Gus.

I don't teach just second grade anymore.

Tomorrow is my Friday so there is always a silver lining!

Finding the "want to" along with the time to post hasn't been easy.

I hope you guys are all doing well even though I won't be around to check things out for myself for a few more days yet.

New Favorite Snack

Yesterday I was picking up some items at the store and came across a new popcorn flavor. Have y'all seen that Orville Redenbacher's Natural popcorn before? It comes in a variety of flavors...the newest being salt and lime.

Oh. My. Gosh.

This stuff is delicious! My taste buds have a soft spot for salty and tangy flavors so they are pretty darn happy right now.

Seriously...y'all should try it!

Happy Birthday...

...to me! (Technically it isn't until Oct. 7, but I hit the post button before I thought to schedule it.)

Normally, I go on and on about my birthday. I can't help it...I love them! But this year, with so many things that have happened in the last few months, I just sort of feel kind of old.

How did that happen?!

Despite the old label, I am getting to have a birthday lunch, a birthday dinner, presents (which technically were given to me in September, but I've been a very good girl and didn't open or even peek), and a slice of carrot cake (my current obsession) so what could be better right?

Maybe being 21 again. I'm just saying...

Worth A Thousand Words

There have been some changes in my little world recently. I could go on and on, but aren't pictures better? Now don't get excited yet, I still plan to be a little bit wordy about each picture. Thought you were getting out easy huh?!

Charlie

Charlie is the newest addition to my little family. Toby has been really great about me being at work all day and him being home alone. But, sometimes, I just know he wishes there was more to do...I know this due to some bite marks and other naughtiness found around my house. So, because I was at the end of my rope with him, I decided to get him a friend to have for company. Enter Charlie...an adorable 10 week old kitten I rescued. Last night was his first night with us and after a few minutes of hissing and growling (yep, cats growl...who knew?) the boys settled right into a friendship. The played all night and were playing this morning when I got up. I think this is going to be the perfect solution!

Ike

Thankfully, any effects from Ike are starting to fade. I have my power, debris has been cleared away, and things are starting to return to normal. Despite all that, I wanted to go ahead and post a picture of the damage that happened around me. This tree is less than 100 feet from my front door. I was very lucky. As you can see, there was some minor flooding of the sidewalks. Also, that thing that looks like a big eye next to the roots is actually a part of the lamp post by my apartment. Ike hit very early Saturday morning and I took these pictures about mid morning Saturday. With the debris and such I probably shouldn't have been out walking around, but sometimes you just have to get a picture.

Wreck

When I went to the body shop to snap these pictures, I had a strange feeling. Perhaps it was because I was PMSing, overwhelmed by the prospect of buying a new car, or simply grateful that the car took the brunt of the accident instead of my body, but I was a little emotional about turning this car over to be totaled. I took all my things out of it and pulled off my two car magnet things and waved goodbye. This car was a good little car. It saw me through college, my first job, and always got me home safely when I ventured across the state to see my parents. While I'd been planning on getting a new car, I wasn't really ready to let this one go. But, looking on the bright side (see...I am trying) I wouldn't be able to get a new one until I got rid of this one. And I've decided that, while a little unnerving, the whole buying a car process excites me!

So there you go...my world in a few pictures.

Advice Me

I'm off to see the Dealer...the hopefully won't hose me dealer...

(hummed to the tune of Follow The Yellow Brick Road)

Yep, got word yesterday that the body shop is recommending that the car be totaled. So, now I wait for the insurance to see what exactly they will give me and then I go and buy a car.

If you've got advice on this, please drop it in the comments. I promise it will be much appreciated!

Wrecked

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!

Back To Normal

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!

Where I've Come From

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!

Mini Vacation

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!

In The Aftermath

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.

Ike

While I don't live in Florida, I am close to the coast where Ike is expected to make landfall. Actually, I've vacationed exactly where Ike is expected to make landfall. That was a pretty sobering thought. Despite my distance from the coast, we are still expected to get 80-110 mph winds and 8-10 inches of rain. Right now everything is "expected" so my hope is that we get the unexpected things.

Yesterday on my way home (which by the way usually takes me 25-30 minutes on a good day took me 2 hours as we all creeped along at 12 mph) there were cars on either side of me packed to the windows with clothes and boxes and personal belongings. I knew these people were heading to safety but it was certainly an eye opener. I could only imagine how they must have felt having to leave (many areas it was mandatory) their home knowing that the likelihood of returning to it in the same state were very slim. My heart went out to these people.

After listening to many news reports, I decided to stay put and weather out whatever Ike dishes out at home. I've taken all the precautions that I could take to make sure that I'm as safe as possible at home. The only concern I have is that my back patio usually collects water as I'm right next to a gutter drain. On a normal rainy day it comes about half way up my patio, so I'm worried that it might come and rise up to the back door. Taking my mom's advice (finally!) I went and bought some big bags of potting soil and put one on the outside and put a rolled up towel and the other bag of potting soil against the inside of the door. We could call it a make shift sand bag! Otherwise, I have my battery operated lantern, my battery operated radio, plenty of water, and some food that doesn't require refrigeration...just in case.

While I am all the way cautious and want to be smart about this, a little part of me is excited to experience a hurricane. That sounds completely loony toony doesn't it?! Anyway, I am going to unplug my computer and cover it up to keep it from getting fried. I will update about how I weathered this storm as soon as I can!

Please just keep everyone who has been or will be effected by Ike in your thoughts and prayers!

Beep Beep...Get Out Of The Road

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?