Snowy Sunday

Why, yes, I did want to spend my entire weekend at home. I'm SO glad that it snowed so much that I could! :P

Today, actually, has been very nice and very relaxing. I did some laundry (and it's all done! yea!!!), made a HUGE pot of broccoli soup (yum!), and some oatmeal-chocolate chip muffins (i wish you could smell them, they smell that good!). I have continued working on my new project and spent time snuggling with miss raven. And I haven't worried a bit about where I am going to be living in a month. Well, maybe a little bit, but not too much.

The worst thing about the snow this weekend is that it happened over the weekend and it didn't snow enough to get me out of school tomorrow. I even spent some time this morning figuring out a schedule for a delay tomorrow, which means, of course, that we won't have one. School will start on time. Oh well, at least I have this:

this:
and of course, this:
to keep me happy today!

Snow Day?

Grrrrr.......snow on the weekend bites. No kidding. I so wanted it to snow yesterday so I wouldn't have to go to work.

So, snow today. It is pretty coming down and let me tell you, it is COMING DOWN. The last I heard, we are supposed to get up to 6 inches and the way it is snowing right now, I believe it. miss raven decided she needed to go out a little while ago. When we first went out this morning it wasn't snowing. Just really, really cold. So when I took her out the second time, well, let's just say she was (un)pleasently surprised.

I believe the message she is trying to get across here is: "No, mommy! NO! NO! NO! NO! NO!!!!!!" I said yes and so this is what happened next:

You don't need to see pictures of what happened next. That is private. ;) She was very happy to go back inside:Upon removal of her sweater and necklace (that's what we call the leash. it sounds nicer.) she ran directly into the bedroom, jumped up on the bed, and burrowed under the covers. When I got into the room I got the "I can't believe you did that to me!" look. I can guarantee that it will be quite some time before she needs to go back outside. :)

Here is the latest project I finished:

I didn't take a full-out picture because it was rather long and I wouldn't have gotten a good one. The yarn was really soft and surprisingly easy to work with. The pattern calls this a scarf, but I chose to use a thicker yarn so that it would be a shawl. I didn't make it as long as the pattern calls for because again, it was a thicker yarn. The pattern called for six rows of edging but I only completed three because I was almost out of yarn. It turn out really well, was super easy once the pattern was established, and the recipient loves it. :)

I wanted to start on a pair of socks next and I actually did attempt them. I had to put them away, though, because I was getting frustrated by them. Instead I started yet another shawl. I love the yarn--it's a dark pink, and I love the pattern. No recipient in mind....yet. :)

Hello...is anyone out there?

So, no questions to answer tonight. How sad is that? :(

I got a big bombshell dropped on me today that I am trying very hard not to stress out about. I was told that I need to find a new place to live immediately. I love where I live. Not only is it convenient to where I work, but it is probably the best place I have lived since moving here sixteen years ago. I have ZERO desire to move. After conferring with my roommate, my father, and my very good friend from work, I called a realtor who gave me some VERY good advice, eased my panic about having to move immediately, and is already working to help me out.

Other than that, my day was pretty good. Not too stressful and that even includes the trip to the grocery store the night before a potential snowstorm. You know, the snowstorm that didn't come in time for me to not have to work today. Anyway. The grocery store wasn't crowded AT ALL, which is very surprising because in this neck of the woods the mere mention of snow sends people into an all out, full blown panic. They rush to the supermarket and buy all the milk, bread, and toilet paper they can get their hands on. Tonight, however, I managed to get everything I needed and not have to wait in line. It was so nice.

Oh--on the way to the grocery store I did have a OMG! moment. So I was driving along, adhereing to the speed limit (REALLY--I WAS!) and ahead of me I spy a state trooper. I wasn't worried at all because I wasn't speeding. So the trooper slowed down, moved over into the turn lane and let me pass. Again, I wasn't worried because I thought he was turning to go the other way. To my great surprise, and utter HORROR, he pulled right behind me and turned on his lights. I have NEVER, EVER been stopped before. EVER. I was FREAKING OUT. It seemed like an eternity before he came over to my vehicle and told me that he just got called to another stop and he was letting me go but my headlight was out. (At this point my heart started beating again. That's helpful for living and all.) No ticket! I stressed all the way home, though, because it was dark and I had to have my lights on and I kept praying that I wouldn't be stopped again. Guess what I am going to get to do on Monday?? :)

So--please, please pray that everything works out for my roommate and me. My wish is that things work out so that I can buy the place and we can continue to live here and not have to worry about moving again. I am trying to remain calm and not stress about it. I know that it will work out eventually. Right? RIGHT??

Thankful Thursday

Soooooo. What am I thankful for? Let's see....

Tomorrow is Friday! Whoo-hoo!!!!!!! :) I double {heart} Friday! Not only is tomorrow Friday but it is payday Friday and I get to have lunch with one of my most favorite people. I am thankful for that.

I am thankful for another semi-peaceful week at work. I say semi-peaceful only because there is ALWAYS drama at work. Three kids in the last three days have been suspended. One for dropping the f-bomb. I am not thankful for that.

I was really, really hoping for a snow day tomorrow but doesn't look like that is going to happen. I am also not thankful for that.

Wait. This is supposed to be what I AM thankful for. Sorry.

Dark chocolate. Love that! Coffee. Yum! Chocolate covered raisins. Om nom nom nom! I'm also thankful for a warm bed and indoor plumbing. Hot showers and microwaves. My roommate who made dinner tonight--BBQ chicken. Target, Game Stop, and Hobby Lobby. My brother, who is one of a very small handful of people who can make me really laugh without even trying. My BFF who understands me like no one else does.

Oh--and miss raven, who loves me unconditionally:

Tomorrow is Open-Mic Friday for those of you who care to participate. Ask me anything and I will answer it. Only two rules: You must post your question in my comments and you can't ask my middle name. Well, you can ask but I won't tell. ;)

(not-so) wordless wednesday

well.....this WAS going to be a wordless wednesday post, but then i remembered some things i wanted to blog about so....

update: the dance was C.A.N.C.E.L.L.E.D. and NOT because of the weather. because of the lack of interest from the *ahem* darling children i work with. please pardon me while i take some deep cleansing breaths and find my happy place.........




ok. thanks. i am not even going to bother to vent about my feelings about the dancethatwasn't. i'm over it. i think. at least, i am trying to be over it.

i did not wii tonight. i pulled a calf muscle yesterday doing the last exercise so i decided to take a night off and give myself a chance to recover. i did go for a walk today with a friend from work. that counts as exercise, especially since i make her walk faster than she normally would. at least, that's what i tell myself.

OMG!!! my BFF may come to visit at the end of next month. can you even guess at how excited i am about that?!?!?!?! just a girls weekend! ohpleaseohpleaseohplease let it be so!!!!! :)

i realized today that i am not just a facebook addict, i am a SERIOUS facebook addict. i was annoyed by the fact that my favorite game wasn't working. who gets upset about things like that? really? i mean, there are many more things in this world to be annoyed about. just look at my list from yesterday! ;)

miss raven is currently sleeping under the bed. i know you were wondering and i don't want to keep you in suspense. she is annoyed because i am blogging and not paying attention to her.

i am in a crafting funk. i finished the project that i was making and i really, really, really, want to make a pair of socks. the directions are confusing me, though, and that also annoys me. i have the prettiest yarn, too. i looked on etsy today to see how much it would cost me to buy a pair of hand knit socks. sigh. pricey, but oh-so-worth it.

oh hey--can YOU figure this out? it is supposed to be the name of a candy:

"Blithe Artificially Flavored Masticating Substance"

a reward if you can. seriously. :)

UPDATE (yes, again) we have a winner! the answer is......(insert drum roll here)........................

carefree (sugarless gum)

10 Things Tuesday

Things That Annoy Me:

1. mushy apples--blech!
2. parents who think their children are perfect
3. people who drive slow in the left lane
4. winter--except when i desperately want a snow day
5. children who break rules and then blame me
6. spilling my coffee in the morning
7. people who lie and swear they aren't lying when you KNOW that they are
8. arrogance in authority
9. people who don't say what they mean and just hint about it
10. running out of ingredients when i am baking something

miss raven, however, does not annoy me. she now has her very own mii! granted, it doesn't look like her at all, except that it's black and grey like she is, but she still has one. Oh! and the wii didn't complain when i stepped on it today! :)

some random thoughts.....

there is no rhyme or reason to this post so if you feel that you can keep up with my brain's randomness tonight, read on, dear reader.

what is the matter with children these days? where has the sense of entitlement come from? do i blame the kids or do i blame the parents that have raised them to act the way they do? i managed, though much giving and begging, to get the powers that be to agree to a DANCE for our high school students. now mind you, in the approximately 45 year history of our school, there has NEVER, EVER been a DANCE. EVER. NEVER EVER. ok. i think you get my point. anyway. now there is a dance. and......are you ready for this? THE STUDENTS ARE COMPLAINING!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! i think my head may spin around completely and fly off. really. if anyone can explain this to me, i would be eternally grateful. seriously.

it may snow friday. i am rather hoping it does. if it snows on friday, along with possibly not having school, all homecoming festivities will be moved to saturday thus cancelling the dance. is it bad that my evil side hopes that happens so the dance gets cancelled?

i exercised for an hour tonight. i'm not sure how much it really counts when you exercise on a wii, but i had fun. and i realized how little rhythm i have. but i had fun and that's all that counts, right? and now my legs are sore.

i have gained 13 pounds since october. do you know how depressing it is to get on the wii balance board and hear it go "oooooohhhhhh". like it is really thinking "GET OFF ME YOU BIG FAT COW!!!!!" when my mii porked out after it weighed me i wanted to cry. really. when a machine complains about you it is sad. that's why i exercised for an hour this afternoon.

although i was REALLY frustrated by the COMPLAINERS this afternoon, i did not spiral into an eateverythingavaliable frenzy as i am sometimes wont to do. and i did have a bag of sugar-free chocolate covered almonds in my desk drawer. i REALLY, REALLY wanted to eat them. ALL of them. i was THAT frustrated/depressed/irritated/sad/angry. but i didn't. thank you BFF and roommate. they talked me off the ledge. i am grateful. very grateful.

miss raven doesn't like the wii. when i am on the wii she hides in the bedroom. where she to be out in the living room, i am confident that she would laugh at me. especially when i am doing the hula hoop game. although i am a calorie incinerator at that game. the wii told me so.

i found out last night that i can get facebook on my tv. hehehehehe!!!!!!!! i {heart} facebook. i spent time last night looking through my photo albums. large screen pictures of miss raven. awwwwwwwwww!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! she appreciated seeing herself on tv. i think.

i have discovered the joys of hulu! now i can catch up on 24. now THERE is one freaking confusing show! and really. how many more days like that can jack bauer have? seriously.

i must now go put a load of towels into the dryer. if you have read this far, you deserve some sort of prize. really.

:)

Grrrrrr..............

Those (five) of you that follow my blog know that there are many things about my workplace that aren't perfect--shocker, I know. ;) I've shared some things here on my blog but there are things that I haven't shared, too.

My job can be very frustrating at times. Between problems with students, parents, and teachers, I have my hands full on a daily basis. There are times when I think that maybe I should move on...the grass always seems greener somewhere else.

As much as my job, and yes, sometimes my co-workers, frustrate me, though, I still LOVE where I work. I wouldn't have stayed for SIXTEEN years (sheesh, even seeing that "in print" still doesn't make it seem real!) if Ididn't love it.

That being said, it bugs me to no end when someone runs my school down. It's kind of like a sibling relationship. I can call my brother a moron if I want to, heck, I look at it as a God-given right as the oldest child (love ya, Matt!!!), but seriously, God help the person who messes with him. They WILL answer to me and I promise it WON'T be nice. No one messes with my family. I feel the same way about my school and the people I work with and the students that I teach.

Recently we went through some painful times at school. Changes were made and things are looking better and we are THANKFUL for that. Today, while I was on Facebook (because yes, I am a Facebook-a-holic, aren't you??) a former co-worker (and by former I mean left-the-school-over-TEN-years-ago) decided that it would be appropriate to sarcastically mock MY school publicly. I took offense to that and felt that I needed to stick up for MY school. So I did. I tried very hard to not be offensive, because really, I HATE controversy and conflict, but I just couldn't let it slide. Dude, yes, things happened that shouldn't have happened, but the people that did it aren't even there anymore! Are you happy being bitter? How is mocking the school making you feel any better, really? The thing is, the person that is doing this isn't a "bad" person. I like them and their family. But I am not going to put up with someone "messing" with my school.

There is no perfect workplace. I wish there was. I think. Although, it might be boring. Really. And it could be worse. I could have clients who deposit bags of dead lice on my desk. But then again, I don't work in a law firm in Ohio. ;)

I need ideas for future posts. Hey you--you five followers out there--got any ideas? miss raven and I would like to know. We have inquiring minds.

Oh! Almost forgot! Guess who wanted to talk to me today????
Awwwwwwwwwww!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! She even "showed" me her brown bunny over the phone! Miss you, sweetie!!! :)

A Fairy Tale

Once upon a time (ok...it is a fairy tale), in a farway land, there was a town called Skoolandia. Skoolandia was a fairly peaceful town, bigger than some, not as big as others. The people of Skoolandia were generally happy people. Oh, don't get me wrong. Skoolandia had it's fair share of issues, just like all towns, but the people of Skoolandia always worked together to solve their problems.

Skoolandia had gone through some changes that left some people feeling a bit unsettled. The Leader that they had come to respect and love had left, sadly in the midst of some controversy. Skoolanians were a hardy people though, and they rallied around each other, supporting each other until a new Leader could be found.

After much searching, someone was brought forth as the new Leader. This person seemed to be ready to meet the challenge of leading the Skoolandians. The new Leader said all the right things and made all the right promises. Visions of new buildings and growth were put forth and the people of Skoolandia were excited about the future.

Sadly, it didn't take long before the true nature of the new Leader was revealed to some. Arrogance and pride reared their ugly heads until there were some in Skoolandia that were physically ill because of the tension. Some Skoolandians began to wonder if they would have to leave their beloved land forever. Other Skoolandians were terrified that they would be banished from the land that they loved. A darkness began to creep across Skoolandia and the fear and sadness was palpable. There was no more smiling in Skoolandia.

Finally, the Wise Ones came together. They discussed what was happening in Skoolandia. They wondered what could be done. Should the leader be given more time? Surely such a young leader could be counted on to heed advice from ones wiser, to change and become more like the Skoolandians. But the leader wasn't from Skoolandia and didn't truly understand the Skoolandians. The leader had an agenda all his own and wanted the Skoolandians to become more like him. The Wise Ones, for they were indeed wise, saw this and made a tough decision. They would tell the Leader that he must leave Skoolandia and not come back.

The news of this change brought great happiness and rejoicing to the people of Skoolandia. The dark cloud was lifted and the fear was gone. The people trusted the Wise Ones and knew that the future of Skoolandia was once again bright. There was smiling in Skoolandia once more.

:)

BONUS POST!

OH YEAH!!!! WHO DAT THINK THEY GONNA BEAT THEM COWBOYS?!?!?! MY BOYS JUST OPENED A CAN OF WHOOP-BUTT ON THEM EAGLES!!! 34-14!! BRING IT ON!!! WE CAN TAKE IT!!!!

As you might be able to surmise from the above jubilation, I have yet another reason to celebrate this weekend. ;)

miss raven is happy, too. You know, in case you were wondering.

HOW 'BOUT THEM COWBOYS!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Next on the request list....

is my crochet.

(You're welcome BFF. Hope this keeps you somewhat entertained this morning at the law firm. In freezing cold Ohio. I miss you. Thanks for being my BFF and for sharing in my happy news from Thursday. You are the most awesome person I know. :) )

So, while I was away over the holiday I found this book that has nothing but patterns for crochet food. The first thought I had, as soon as I saw it, was "OMG! The niece and nephew would L-O-V-E these!!!!!" So of course, the book was purchased.

I had so much fun making the stuff in the book. The patterns were quick and easy. The possibilities are endless and I even came up with something on my own. New Year's Eve my brother and sister-in-law had some of their friends over for a get together. The friends also have small children. The small children loved the food and so did the parents. So I may have a few orders coming in. I just have to create a price list. I might need some help with that.

Anyway--here are some pictures of the bountiful feast:

Breakfast first:

Toast triangles, fried eggs, and bacon. I loved the "face" look!

A short-stack of pancakes. Sorry, no syrup.

Strawberry and chocolate toaster pastries.

Lunch:

Lunch meat, lettuce, tomato, and Swiss cheese on wheat bread.

A better view of the Swiss cheese, lettuce, and tomato.

Mini cheeseburger and an apple.

And of course, PB&J! :)

Dinner:

Chicken leg.

Slice of pepperoni pizza.

A taco! :)

and of course, dessert: Ice cream drumstick.

Ice cream sandwich.

Chocolate chip cookies, no nuts.

A stack of Oreos, regular AND double-stuff. :)

And one more for good measure...

A cute little strawberry.

So, what do you think?? The kids loved them and loved playing with them. There are more patterns in the book that I have yet to try, and some of the ones I have done I can adapt. The ice cream drumstick can be made into a regular ice cream cone and I can change the flavors. The pop tart possibilities and the pizza possibilities are also endless. And because I am the auntie....I don't have to have a reason to send a present! :)

oh...you didn't think you were going to get a post without a picture of her, did you?

I love miss raven so much!

BTW--this is my 100th post!! :) Sadly, no confetti floated down from the ceiling when I hit "publish post." Maybe that comes after the 1,000th post. Hmmmmmm......

It's a BEE-YOU-TI-FUL day in the neighborhood!

Welcome back to my HAPPY, HAPPY blog!!! Yes, I am in a great mood and it has nothing to do (well maybe a little bit to do) with the fact that it is Friday!

Work was wonderful today. We had a 2 hour delay because of the snow, and, while I hate a delay (I would rather have the whole day off), it didn't matter today. Today was a BRAND NEW DAY ladies and gentlemen. A brand-spanking new day. And it was a glorious one! :) For the first time in a loooooonnnnnnggggg time, I do not dread Monday.

My BFF has decided that she would like the following posts in the following order:

1. kids

2. crochet

3. trip

Because I try to be as accomodating as possible, and because I sometimes take requests for my blog ideas, and because she makes wonderful apple pies (hint, hint)....she gets her wish. Tonight, for your reading pleasure, I will be blogging about my niece and nephew. :)

My nephew is almostfive. His birthday is Sunday and it is hard to believe that he is FIVE. He looks exactly like my brother. I kid you not. They could be twins. I look at pictures of the boy and, besides thinking that I feel so sorry for all the girls' hearts that he will break in about 10 years, I can't help thinking that I am looking back in time at my brother at that age.

Besides being the best looking little boy in the world. Seriously...look at that face and tell me he isn't:

Mister N is also quite possible the most intelligent child that has ever lived. No really. I'm not at all biased. He really is a little genius (he gets that from his mother. ;) ) The thing is, he knows that he is both cute and smart. A deadly combination.

My niece is two. She is adorable and hilarious to be around. Case in point:

Now really, wasn't that just too funny??

You know what else is funny? Playing hide and seek with an almostfive year old and a two year old. He gets it. She doesn't. She's two. It was so FUN to play with them. N kept wanting me to hide so he could find me and miss D wasn't quite clear on the whole "hiding" concept. It was so funny. She would run into another room and then run right back giggling the whole time. How could you not love that??

I miss them both so much and can't wait to see them again!!

ELATION! or... I feel like I should have little birdies singing around my head.

It is possible for a person to go from being so unbelievably, wretchedly depressed one minute to completely opposite the next? Why yes, yes it is. And I am living, breathing proof. ;)

My work situation has been amazingly stressful this year. A new year always brings changes but this year brought significant, stressful, changes. I felt in a way that I have been walking on eggshells all year long. Afraid to do anything wrong because it could affect my job.

Consequently, I have been scared, worried, stressed, well, just about every negative thing you could think of these last five months. As I am sure that you have noticed (you five that follow me. well, only four because one person registered twice to follow me. sigh. only four. and no comments.) my blog has been kind of negative lately. Ok, more than kind of. Alot. Sorry about that. Really. I am sorry about that.

I am much more confident now that my blog will take on a happier tone. Has all the stress been taken out of my life? No, it has not. There is always stress that comes along with my job. I know that. However, the MAJOR stresser in my life has been removed. I can go to work knowing that I have a job. That I can feel secure in that job. And although I will still be stressed out from time to time because of this parent, or that teacher, or that student, I will know that I can deal with it and that those that are in positions over me are confident that I can handle it.

I promise that I will soon blog about this:
and this:

and of course, this:

but not tonight. Tonight I am going to spend quality time with her:

relaxing and hopefully sleeping peacefully for the first night in a LONG time. :)

not-so wordless wednesday

OMG! Doesn't the cuteness just kill you!! :)

Miss you, sweet girl!! xoxoxo

Frustration

That is the title of this post. I am going to try mightily to not complain, but I am beyond frustrated. Not by one thing in particular, but by a host of things.

First--work. Work is so frustrating. What I used to love I now dread. Should I really need to be freaking out every day wondering if I am going to have a job the next? I didn't get into education to manage adults. I expect that adults will do what I tell them to do when I tell them to do it, not give me a million billion reasons why they can't. A very good friend of mine was treated like crap at work this week. I am frustrated because I can't do anything to help her. She didn't deserve what was done to her but because of the powers that be, there isn't anything she can do except suck it up and deal with it.

Second--hypocrisy. Oh how this one drives me up a wall! Now please understand, I am by no means perfect nor am I without my own hypocrisy at times. In fact, sometimes I feel like the BIGGEST hypocrite in the world for various and sundry reasons. However, when an adult stands in front of a child (no matter how old that child may be), acts one way, and then the complete opposite when they think no one is watching, WHY is that adult surprised when the child acts the same way? I have students who act SUPER DUPER holy at school, especially in chapel, then seem to forget that their facebook pages are visible to all. Who do I direct the brunt of my frustration at, though, the kids or the adults that have taught them how to act like that?

and Third--worry. Worry is a frustration that drives me up a wall. I know I'm not supposed to worry. Give it over to God and all that. I try. I really, REALLY, try not to worry. I don't succeed. I worry. Alot. About alot of things. Mostly things I can't control. Not having control worries me.

Have you missed miss raven? Well, then, here she is!

Awwwww.....she missed you, too! :)

Did you get what you wanted for Christmas?

Well, did you? Just wondering.

Oh? You want to know how my vacation was? Well, I'm happy to tell you. So glad you asked. :)

**BTW--this has the potential to be one VERY LONG post. Don't say I didn't warn you.**

The first week of my vacation I stayed in the area and visited some nice places. I went to Philly to see the light show at Wannamaker's (Macy's). It is pretty much a little kid thing, but I can remember my mom talking about seeing it when she was younger so I really wanted to see it. Of course I also went to Redding Terminal and ate a cheese steak.

I took some time to visit Longwood Gardens, also in Pennsylvania. It was SO pretty. They had everything all decorated for Christmas and it was GORGEOUS. During the day it is nice to look at but at night, when all the lights are on, it is simply BEE-YOU-TI-FUL. I highly recommend it.

We had a MAJOR snowstorm here the Friday we got out for vacation. miss raven and I do not like the snow. miss raven REALLY did not like the snow when she had to go out and *ahem* do her business. Truth be told, neither did I because it is so cold.
I flew home on Christmas day. Now, one would think (at least this one thought), that planes would be fairly empty on December 25. I figured everyone would already be where they wanted to be by then so I would have a nice, calm, empty airplane. BWHAHAHAHAHA. Not so much. The flight from here to Dallas wasn't too bad, except for the fact that they "lost" my seat. I had a seat. I had a window seat. Only, I didn't. I ended up on the AISLE!!!!! I should have known something was up when I got to Dallas because I came in at Gate C 29 and was SUPPOSED to leave from Gate C27. Whenever your gates are that close together in Dallas you should always know that something is going to happen. Something notsogood. I was only supposed to have an hour layover. Long enough to walk from one gate to another--airtram? I laugh at your airtram! moving sidewalks? I scoff at those! I am tough! I can carry a dog, a purse, and a bag through the airport with one arm tied behind my back. Ok--maybe not, but still...I can WALK!--go to the bathroom, AND get something to eat and possibly drink. (Now, before I go on, please remember that I got up at four in the morning to make my flight. Yes, FOUR, you read that correctly.) We land, early, and have to sit in front of the gate for almost half an hour. Am I worried? Of course not. I am going from Gate C29 to Gate C27. Nothing to be worried about. I may not get to go to the bathroom and I may not get a snack, but I am not worried.

We finally got off the plane and I noticed that there was no red-coated agent waiting to meet us with helpful information. In hindsight, I think the designated agent was too afraid of all the mad passengers to be there. I take a look at the monitors and do a double-take. My departure gate has changed. TO GATE A26!!!!! Quick look at the watch reveals I have about 41 minutes to make it. No problem. I'm not worried. I can still walk it, quickly, and make it by boarding time. Wait--what's that? Double-take again. The flight is now not leaving until 11:42 (supposed to leave at 10:50). Hmmmmmmm......ok. Well, darn it. There goes the surprise. You see, my brother didn't know I was coming home. Dad was going to pick me up at the airport, take me to his house to drop off miss raven, and then drive me over to my brother's house to surprise him and his family. Now I have to call Matthew and tell him that I am coming home, surprise, but am delayed in Dallas. He was surprised. I think.

Long story short. I end up in Dallas for an extra almost four hours. I shouldn't complain because there were people on my flight that had been in Dallas for more than 24 hours. One lady had a dog with her. I PRAY that never happens to miss raven and I!

I made it to El Paso and had a wonderful time with the family. I went to Chuck E. Cheese, Taco Cabana, the Sun Bowl, the movies (Sherlock Holmes--it was GREAT!), and other places.

I also crocheted. Here is a tease picture:
You'll get more on that in another post.

All in all it was a nice vacation. I am SO not ready to go back to work tomorrow. How many days until my next vacation???

OH!!! And to end the vacation on a SUPER HAPPY note.....the COWBOYS ARE THE NFC EAST CHAMPIONS! They opened up a can of whoop-bottom (hehe) on the eagles today. HOW 'BOUT THEM COWBOYS!!!! AND....the redskins lost! Nice!

A New Year

I suppose I should say "Happy New Year", since that is the "PC" thing to do. It technically isn't the new year here, yet, but it will be soon. I'm not feeling all that happy, though.

Don't get me wrong. It isn't that I had a bad vacation. I so did not. I actually had a wonderful vacation, truth be told. It's just that, at this time of the year, you tend to start thinking about things better left, well..un-thunk. (yes. I made up a word. I can do that because it's my blog, not yours.)

I am about to almost be close to middle age in a few months. I am not liking that at all. In fact, it quite depresses me because my life didn't turn out like I had planned. Isn't that a funny statement? I mean, who gets to have a planned-out life, anyway? Stupid type-A personality that I am...I expected that my life would follow the plan that I had for it. and...wait for it....POW! Right there is my whole up-bringing slapping me in the face. I don't get to plan my life. Ok. I can deal with that (as my nervous tic begins tic-ing). You know what really ticks me off, though? Glad you asked...happy to tell you.

Why is it that some people get to do whatever they want and still come out on top? They could fall into a pile of, well, you know, and still come out smelling like a rose. Then there are those people who do everything they are supposed to. And I do mean everything. Shouldn't those people get something that they want? Notice that I said something, not everything.

Those who know me know what I want and I don't think I am asking for too much. I really don't. I know all the right answers and all the right little sayings. By now, though, they are trite. By now they sound like platitudes that people say because they don't want to say anything to "offend".

Sometimes I want to just say "screw it" and do whatever I want. I pretty much don't, though, and it isn't always for the "right" reasons. Fear is a powerful tool and it does much to keep me in line. Fear of losing my job, fear of disappointing the people I love, fear of pushing just a little too much. Fear is a powerful motivator for a type-A.

So, a new year. We'll see.

Oh--and lest you think I sound bitter...well, maybe just a little. Generally not much. Sometimes. Like tonight. But not so much bitter as just sad.