it's more blessed to give...

than to receive.

i'm repeating that to myself over and over.

i participated in a Christmas swap on Ravelry again this year.

this is the fourth swap i have participated in and the second Christmas one.  i have been pretty much pleased with the other three swaps.  this one, though...not so much.

i was already disenchanted with this one because the person that i was supposed to be sending to posted little to no information about her likes/dislikes.  i did the best i could and, in my opinion, sent off a very nice package today.  i came home from work to find my very own package waiting for me.

i was excited.  i LOVE getting presents and being surprised.  i couldn't wait to open it and find out what goodies my person sent me.  i had spent a lot of time making sure that i answered all the questions posted and had all my information up-to-date.  i just knew this was going to be another good experience.

w.r.o.n.g.

the first thing to disappoint me was the unbelievable smell of cigarette smoke that assaulted me when i opened the package.  i'm not kidding when i say that it literally made my eyes water.  pretty much everything was wrapped, which was nice, and i decided to try to get past the smell and open the presents.

sigh.

it appears as though much of what i receive was re-gifted.  there didn't seem to be much thought put in to my "gift" and, i have to say, my feelings are a little hurt.  there were three redeeming things in the package:

1. a small jar of vanilla bean pods (useful because i do love to bake.)
2. a tile Christmas coaster (it is cute and i do like it.)
3. two stitch markers (i think they are handmade but am not sure.)

the yarn i was sent reeks of smoke and right now i have most of it placed in a ziploc bag with a dryer sheet.  the "homespun" i was sent looks like someones first attempt...i don't mean to sound ungrateful, but my feeling is, if you are going to send someone something handmade, make sure it looks nice and is useable.  there is NO WAY i can use the "hand spun" i was sent.  even if it wasn't a "first attempt" there isn't enough there to make anything usable.

needless to say, i am very disappointed with this swap experience.  (i can STILL smell the smoke on my clothes three hours later and it is giving me a headache.)  i wish people would think before they send things or even before they sign up to participate in something like this.  i know this is the Christmas season and i probably shouldn't gripe and complain, but right now i am just a little sad.

i did send a message to the moderator of the swap to let her know about these issues.  i made sure she understood that i wasn't seeking another package, just wanted to let her know about the lack of consideration in the one i received.

anyway.

the kids did a great job today at their Christmas program.  i was SO proud of them, as usual.  :)

only SIX more school days until VACATION!!!!!

time to knit!

have a HAPPY FRIDAY!  :)

it's the most busiest time...

of the year.

no kidding!

school has been crazy busy.  my kids are wonderful and i love them so much.  even at 1:37 when i feel like the day will never, EVER end and i don't think i can take anymore.  they bring so much joy to my heart.  they have such a good reputation in the school. not only are they freaking BRILLIANT, they are also respectful, obedient, and well-mannered.  they almost make me want to move up to 6th grade next year.  almost.

did i  mention how freaking brilliant they are?  they did an amazing job on our first benchmark testing and rocked the science test today.

i'm so proud of them!

on the knitting front:

• i finished the present that i was making for my niece.  can't post pictures right now because it is a christmas present.
• i am currently working on a scarf.  i totally love the pattern and am proud of myself because i am (successfully) following a chart.
• NEWS ALERT!!!  i am taking a SOCK knitting class in february!!!   so. freaking. excited.!!!!

that is all for now.  i still need to work on the scarf and survivor is on.

have a great night!

:)

Tidbits...

Here I am again...

It seems like the last couple of weeks have flown by.  It's amazing how fast time moves when you get older.  I can't believe that the school year is almost half over!

Thanksgiving didn't end up being as lonely as I was anticipating.  A friend of mine from work invited me to spend the afternoon with her family and I was so thankful.  It was nice to not be alone.  I'm really not a people person and I have a hard time making small talk with people I don't know.  They made it really easy, though, and I did have a very nice time.  And the food was wonderful.  :)

The tree is up and, as usual, I love it.  I got a couple of new ornaments this year and they have found their place quite nicely.  If I could change one thing I would add more lights, though.  Can never have too many lights on the tree.  :)

I had to put FOUR new tires on my truck.  I was only going to get two new ones and then I got to BJ's tonight to have the two new ones put on only to discover that the ones they ordered were narrower than the ones that were on the truck.  Of course they put the fault on me and because they tires they ordered are a viable option for the truck they won't do anything about it.  AND...since you can't safely drive the truck with mis-matched tires, I had to get two more to match the two I just bought.  UGH.  On the bright side...I did need two tires and was going to have to get the other two after the new year.  So....better safe than I sorry, I suppose.

The Cowboys beat the eagles last night.  SWEEP!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!  BWAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHA!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!  I can't even tell you how much joy it brings to my heart that the eagles SUCK OUT LOUD ALL DAY LONG THIS YEAR.  I love it with a love so deep and meaningful that I can't put it into words.  Because I'm passive-aggressive like that. ;)

Coffee's done, puppy needs attention (I waited at BJ's for TWO hours to get the tires put on tonight.  miss raven is feeling rather neglected.), and I am tired!

Goodnight!!!

:)

today is...

• wednesday (but you knew that, right?)
• the day before thanksgiving (again, stating the obvious)
• yarn along at ginny's blog (and....once again i'm not participating)
• my first day of freedom  (school's out for the holiday!!!)

on another happy note...four of my students have now joined ravelry!  i am so happy that they have taken to crafting.  it makes my heart happy that they are expanding their crocheting abilities.  :)

and yet another happy note...yesterday after school i received disappointing news.  wait--i promise, this is a happy story.  i left the meeting kind of sad and a little confused as to why i got the answer i did but i had determined that, no matter what, i would be respectful and accept whatever decision i was given.  it was hard, but i think i did a pretty good job.  anyway (and here comes the good part), as i was headed back to my classroom to get my things to leave for three days of FREEDOM, the vice-president of the PTA stopped me to tell me about a conversation that had taken place earlier in the day.  i have known him for a long time and had worked with his kids when i was the principal.  i like him a lot and have a great amount of respect for him.  anyway...he was acting pretty serious and i was kind of freaking out a little because i thought it was something bad.  he proceeded to tell me that the people that were having the conversation (including my principal) were talking about my class.  they were talking about how well-behaved my class is and how we have the best attendance record in the whole school.  apparently my principal went on to say that, at any given time of the day, you can walk past my classroom and see my kids in little groups, on the floor, at their desks, wherever, doing all different kinds of things.  crocheting, reading, working a puzzle, but most importantly, LEARNING.  he basically told everyone in the conversation that i was an awesome teacher.  i would be totally lying if i said that didn't make me feel good.  :)

now i am going to take all my happiness and drink some more coffee and snuggle my dog.

have a wonderful wednesday!

:)

no capitals for you...

calm down, bff.  yes, i am posting again.

less than a week since my last one.

it's the least i can do for you.

since you put up with me and all.

:)

i am having quite the paradoxical moment.

i am yearning desperately for thanksgiving break, which now starts in less than 24 sweet, blessed hours.

i am, on the other had, decidedly NOT looking forward to thanksgiving break as miss raven and i will be alone.

i am pitiful, i know.

here are our plans for the *big* day:

• watch the parade
• drink coffee
• knit
• eat the traditional meal of scrapple, rye bread, and french fries.

wait, what?  you don't eat the traditional meal?  pfft.  you're totally losing out.

i do plan on doing a wee bit of black friday shopping.  my LYS is having a wonderful sale and i have no intention of missing it.  i have gifts to make for christmas, people.

after  the holiday it is just four (hopefully) short weeks until christmas break.  i NEED a break.  i love my kiddos dearly, but i NEED a break.  they are so amped up for this break that it is almost torture to do any school work.  alas, they have a math test tomorrow.  i am not completely heartless, though.  no homework for the babies over the break.  i figure they NEED a break, too.  :)

now i must go.  i must knit.  and knit.  and knit.  christmas is coming and i must be ready!

night!

:)

So, wow...

Um.  Huh.

Today is November 16.  How'd *that* happen??

Thanksgiving is less than a WEEK away.

And I am (once again) a blogger slacker.

Let's get caught up....

1. School:
• Is going well, thank you for asking.
• We had Grandparent's Day today.  As much as it stresses me out, I have to be honest and say that it is one of my FAVORITE days of the year.  This year I had the grandparents share what school was like when they were in 5th grade and also any advice they wanted to give to the students.  It was so precious and I am so glad I thought to do it.  I loved hearing what they had to say.
• I did the coolest project this week...and it wasn't messy.  SCORE!  I had each group (right now they are in 5 groups of 3) plan a Thanksgiving meal for 8 people.  I gave them each a different grocery store ad and told them their budget was $60.00.  They did so well working together.  I was super proud of them.  They all managed to stay within the budget AND plan a pretty decent meal.  Although one group's guests will have yogurt for dessert....
2. Life:
• personally.....hmmmmm....things are changing.  I've had to make some tough decisions about some relationships lately.  It hasn't been easy but I am at peace about it.  I've also been able to renew an old friendship.  That was rather unexpected but has been....nice.  :)
• miss raven is still giving me cause to worry.  Tuesday-Thursday I came home to find that she had been sick.  When I got home she wasn't acting sick but she had been sick sometime that day.  Today when I got home, all was well.  No sickness, thankfully, and a very frisky puppy.  she keeps me guessing, to be sure.

I think that's it for now.  I'm looking forward to this weekend as I am going to my knitting group again tomorrow.  I had a nice time the last time I went and am hoping to step out of my shell and talk a little more tomorrow.

Now, though, the best movie EVER is on and I am going to watch it.

"You've Got Mail"

:)

no tricks....

just treats.

yes.  i give out candy for halloween.  i just don't see anything wrong with it.

so far it's been a pretty decent evening.  i've had iron man, robin, 2 dorothys, several princesses, a skeleton, a couple of vampires, 2 football players, a cheerleader, a horse, a zombie, a monster, scooby doo, captain america, a bunny, the most adorable butterfly ever, a doctor, a bumblebee, a ladybug, a teenage mutant ninja  turtle, a cute purple monster, and some other unidentifiable "guests" at my door.  i've also had some older kids who didn't even bother to dress up.  in my world, if you make an effort, you get two pieces of candy.  if you don't even try, you only get one.  i'm stingy like that.

i carved pumpkins again this year and they turned out really well.  i took pictures but am too lazy to get the camera and upload them.  you'll have to wait.

miss raven does NOT like halloween.  it is just too stressful for the girl.  every time someone knocks at the door she freaks out.  i thought about putting her in the bedroom but i didn't want her to think she was in trouble.  she is trying to relax on MY heated blanket right now.  spoiled little diva.

it was good to get back to school today.  i missed my babies and we had fun today.  they are getting excited because they know the holidays are coming up.  they get next friday off for parent-teacher conferences, the following monday off for Veteran's Day, and then it is only 6 school days until thanksgiving.  after that, christmas is only a hop, skip, and a jump away.  vacation is so close they can almost taste it.  truth be told....i feel the same way!  ;)

at the beginning of the year i put a name tag on each desk.  my theme was monsters this year and the desk tags were no exception.  i never told them this but i had decided that whoever kept their name tag on their desk for the whole first quarter would get a special prize.  as of last thursday i had two girls and one boy still in the running.  then i looked up.  the boy was taking his name tag over to the trash.  i almost said something to him but then decided that wouldn't be fair to the other 12 who had throw theirs away before him.  since friday was the end of the quarter and we didn't have school on monday or tuesday, they two girls got their prize today.  they got to spend ALL day long in the comfy chairs.  OMG.  you should have see the looks on the faces of the other kids!  twelve of them were SUPREMELY jealous and the one that threw the tag away last thursday was so, so disappointed!  let me tell you what.  i found the GOLD MINE of rewards right there.  every kid asked me if i was use that reward again this year.  of course i didn't commit to anything.  have to keep the little boogers guessing.  ;)

have a wonderful thursday.  oh, and....only 54 shopping days left until christmas.

:)

Thankful...

it isn't even november yet, but i have much to be thankful for...

• safety during one of the worst storms this area has ever seen...a "FRANKENstorm", if you will
• power.  i can't even put into words how much that one little word means to me.  i was prepared to be without it for days and days and days.  imagine my surprise and my happy heart upon waking this morning to find that, for once, my power company deserves praise and not wrath.
• family and friends who called/texted to check on me.  it is always good to feel loved and cared for.
• no storm damage.  the wind howled last night and, i'll be honest, i was SCARED.  as far as i can tell from my "inspection" this morning, the house is safe and sound.  no windows broken, no leaks, no cracks.

i spent some time this morning carving pumpkins.  i haven't taken pictures yet, but i will.  i am hoping that the trick-or-treaters are still able to come around tomorrow night.  i have the cute pumpkins and i have a TON of candy.  we never did lose power here and the streets are clear, so i am keeping my fingers crossed.

my thoughts and prayers go out to those who suffered the brunt of this storm.  so many people lost so, so much.  the pictures on the news this morning show devastation like i have never seen in this country.  i am truly hoping that these people find the relief that they need and that it happens soon, before the really cold weather sets in.

It will get worse before it gets better...

I figured I should blog again while I still had the chance.  There is no telling when the power will finally go out and, if you believe what the news is saying, it could be upwards of two weeks before it will come back on.

The rain started last night around eight or so.  I took miss raven out around 8:30 and she was less than thrilled.  We snuggled up all night, listening to the rain and praying the power would stay on.

The thing is...the worst is yet to come.  It is supposed to get REALLY bad tonight (WHY must storms intensify at night?  This ALWAYS happens!) and I am certain that I will lose power at some point.  The winds are supposed to pick up and gust up to 75 miles an hour.

I go back and forth between being in denial and being scared out of my mind.  The media is really hyping this storm up and I wonder how much of it is sensationalism, just to get the ratings.  I do think this is a powerful storm, a bully storm, and it shouldn't be trivialized.  I just think that sometimes, the weather people are secretly giddy when things like this happen and they make it out to be more than it is.

I definitely think the power companies do this.  They tell you it will be a LONG time before power is restored so that, when it comes back on way sooner than they said, you will think they are fabulous and not complain about rate hikes.

Currently miss raven and I are snuggled under our electric blankets.  Yes, she has one of her own.  I got tired of trying to "share".  Don't judge.  I am on my second cup of coffee, trying to be very thankful for it as I am not sure when my next cup of hot coffee will be.  If you are the praying type, please pray for us, that we will be safe, that my house won't be damaged, and that our power won't go out.

Thanks for reading!

:)

To blog or not to blog...

Well, hello there.

I'm not dead.

Nothing's wrong.

miss raven and I are still ok.

Just really haven't felt like blogging much and, to be honest, I was questioning why I blog in the first place.

For the last several weeks I haven't been too sure that I was going to keep blogging.  I read other blogs and other people seem to have a much more interesting life than I do.  I don't get many comments, I've been blogging for two(ish) years now and only have 20 followers (really, I think I only have like, 17).  I guess I kind of was feeling like I was wasting my time blogging.

I don't say anything earth-shattering.  I try not to be too controversial.  It's mostly like a conversation with my BFF...things I could, and sometimes do, say to her through text messages.

I know, I know.  I'm whining.

I'm just not sure.  I like to put my thoughts down, but I really do censor them so much that it ends up not being my complete thoughts.

Things really are going well.

Mostly.

Except for this:

(weather.com)

FRANKENSTORM Sandy.

Stupid #*$%(#.  Bad as your relative Irene.

They are already telling us to be prepared to lose power.

We all know what that means.

No power = No coffee = CRANKY Melicity

How's that for an evil math problem?

My knitting is going ok.  I wanted to have my finished sweater to show you but I can't get past the sleeves.  I've tried DPNs and I've tried magic loop but I can't get those suckers to look right.  I was so frustrated with it this afternoon that I just put it away rather than throw it across the room.  Depending on what happens tomorrow I may try to pick it up again and at least do the edge ribbing.

I'll try to be back soon.  I really do love my little blog and I'm not quite sure that I want to give it up just yet....

If you are in the path of the Frankenstorm, please be safe!

SAD...

It took me a while to figure out why I was in such a funk.

Then it hit me the other day.

It's fall.

(shudder)

And I think we all know what that means.

It's almost winter.


And that makes me so sad.  I'm not even kidding.  I totally identify with Seasonal Affective Disorder.  Please note that it's initials also spell SAD.

I'm trying to shake this but the changing of the seasons, a difficult decision to make concerning a relationship, miss raven being sick last weekend, not sleeping well at all, and the frenetic pace of school....well, with all that and LIFE....all I've wanted to do lately is just pull the covers up over my head and shut out the world.

What frightens me is that if I am this messed up about fall, what the heck am I going to look like come winter?

The kiddos are wonderful at school and truly, they are the reason right now I am not completely falling apart.  They make me laugh despite my depression and were so very sweet when they found out that raven wasn't feeling well.  One of them even told me to tell her that they were praying for her.  They ask about her every day and are always begging me to tell them stories about her.

One of our favorite times during the day is right after lunch when I read to them.  I sit in one of the "comfy" chairs and they sit/lounge on the floor.  The girls crochet, the boys...well, the boys are boys, and I read two chapters of our current book.  We are reading the "Secret Series".  They LOVED the first book:  The Name of This Book is a Secret and we are about three chapters from finishing the second book If You're Reading This It's Too Late.  I have to tell you, I get a secret thrill when I stop reading and they beg and plead and bargain for me to read "just ONE more chapter, pllllllleeeeeeaaaaaassssseeeeee!!!!!!!!!!"  I LOVE it!

I am very much looking forward to this long weekend and have been for a while.  I am attending a fiber festival (go figure....more yarn) and am planning on purchasing my very first yarn swift.  I can decide on the walnut or cherry.  Any suggestions?

My sweater class starts next Wednesday and I am looking forward to that as well.  I am planning on doing my gauge swatch(es) tonight and am hoping that goes off without too many issues.  Although I am looking forward to this class, I am still a little nervous about it.  I love the pattern but am a tiny bit afraid that it may be over my head.

Well....I need to go get ready for school.  Yesterday was not a good day at school (not because of my kids) and I am really hoping that today is a better day.

I promise...

I really am still alive.

This whole "Fall" thing is kicking my butt and I am fighting off depression.

I'll be back soon.

I promise.

Keep up with this one, why don't you....

I seem to have lost my blogging mojo again.

Along with my dieting mojo, but that is another story.

It isn't that things are not going well, because they are.  It isn't because I haven't thought about blogging, because I have.

Pretty much it's because I am lazy.

So there.

Here's a quick recap of school:

1. I am the best teacher in the world.
2. We are making pet rocks.
3. We made rice krispy treat bricks.
4. I am the best teacher in the world.

And now you are caught up.

miss raven is doing well, as well.  Currently she has her inferno-body pressed up against my leg.  she is nice and comfy.  I am on FIRE.  However, she is spoiled so I will deal with the heat.

The Cowboys beat the giants...who'da thunk it?  Annnnddddd then promptly lost to the seahawks.  *headsmack*  They kill me.

I am in full-on PUMPKIN mode.  I must have all things pumpkin.  Much of this has to do with the fact that I can now SEE MY BREATH IN THE MORNING!  That sucks.  Pumpkin makes it better.

I am so close to the end of my knitted shawl that I can taste it.  I want to be done with this thing so I can get in another small project before the sweater class starts.

I miss my BFF, my brother and sister-in-law, and my niece and nephew.  I'm thinking they ALL need to move closer to me.  Sounds like a good plan to me.

;o)

night!

Not even a chance...

Here I am again!

Yea me!

:)

Not to brag or anything, but today was another good day.  To be honest, I still can't believe how good I have it.  I have the best class in the school, good parents, and a great boss.

Right now, life is good.

Football officially starts tonight.  So, so happy!  My COWBOYS play the giants in New York and, to be fair, I don't really expect them to win.  However, NO ONE seems to be giving them a chance.  Not even a wee little one.  That makes me sad.

I'm not gonna lie.  I won't be watching the game (I get too frenetic and it totally FREAKS miss raven out) and I am not going to be all "I have to turn on the TV to see how badly we beat the giants" tomorrow morning.  If (and that really is a big IF) we win, I will hustle to the nearest convenience store and purchase a paper to take with me to school tomorrow morning, but I won't be setting the alarm any earlier, if you know what I mean.

Don't you hate it when someone gets something you kinda really wanted and then does nothing but brag about it?  Kind of makes you want to....

Never mind.

I don't have a Yarn Along post today mostly because I haven't been reading much.  I did get a copy of Mockingjay (the third in the Hunger Games trilogy) yesterday but I haven't started listening to it yet.  I may put the first disc in a little later since, you know, I'm not watching the game.

I am knitting and still loving it.  Why didn't someone tell me how much fun it is sooner?  I haven't crocheted in a while and, to be honest, I don't miss it.  I am working on my Striped Study shawl.  Sorry, if you aren't on Ravelry, you won't be able to see it (I don't think...)  I love this pattern but my wrap-and-turns aren't so great.  I also need to learn how to carry the yarn up the side for color changes because:

• all those ends to weave in are going to be a youknowwhat
• the stitches on the side where the ends need to be woven in are kind of loose--I an hoping I can tighten them up a bit after I block the thing.

I am hoping to have a progress/almost completed picture for you soon, but for now...

Good night!

:)

Don't you hate it...

When you follow a blogger and they never blog?

**crickets**

**hanging head**

**crickets**

I write a million posts every week in my head and then never get around to actually WRITING them.  I was determined that, even though I had stuff to do tonight, I would blog.

Things are going well.  I love my class, the new math curriculum is frustrating me (but today was a MUCH better day), the weather is ridiculously humid, I signed up for another knitting class, football starts tomorrow night.....

Really.  Things are going well.

I did, in fact, sign up for another knitting class that I am REALLY excited about.  I will be learning how to knit a raglan sweater from the top down.  There is a really cool leaf pattern down the middle of the back.  I chose a really pretty blue-green yarn.  Not really turquoise...slightly more blue than green.  The pattern scares the bejeezus out of me, though.  My teacher is the same woman that I had for the lace knitting class and that semi-scares me, too.

And there you have it, folks.  My last week in a nutshell.  I will leave you this evening with a few pictures of my classroom.

Don't say I never gave you anything.

:op

 one side of the room

 oops!  how'd she sneak in here?

 comfy chairs, new floor pillows in the back, and a basket of blankies

 OMG!  I *love* this board!

monsters!

 hehehe!  there she is again!!

 can you tell i love my monsters?

last monster pictures, i promise.

 she is *not* a monster

 cool idea for hanging papers...clothespins hot-glued onto ribbon

front of the room

good night!

:)

Sorry..

there is no way my brain is coming up with a witty post title tonight.

I'm so tired! I've been up since three with a sick little puppy.  I'm not quite sure what the problem was, but we had two puky episodes between three and five.  I gave up trying to go back to sleep after the five o'clock  episode so I came out into the living room and knit for a while.  The little one followed me out, walked over to her food bowl, and chowed down.  I wanted to cry just a little.  She seems to be fine now and I am hoping for a restful night.

I HAD to mow my lawn when I came home .  It was just THAT bad.  It took me a while and I'm not even finished with the weed-whacking part.  I have an electric weed-eater and it ran out of juice halfway through the whacking.  I'm gonna have to come home tomorrow night and finish up.

Fortunately for me, the kiddos were good today.  We had a fun day and they don't hate school...so far.  They did have homework tonight, but just a little.  I am trying to ease them back in gently.  They think that is pretty cool of me.

I was able to get my hands on a couple of CD ROM things that I needed for school.  I just spent the last three quarters of an hour printing out stuff that I need for the rest of the week.  I was supposed to take an apple to school today for a demonstration but I forgot.  Most likely because I was too busy remembering to take my coffee.  Coffee was more necessary for survival today than the apple demo.  In my opinion anyway.

Short one again tonight.  And no pictures.  I'm a blogger fail.  :(

Goodnight!

Another year...

Today was the first day of the new school year.  And....it was a great day.

:)

I have 15 students this year and 12 of them are kids I had last year.  The other 3 are from the other class who requested to be in my class this year.  Needless to say, I have an amazing group of kids.  I am so excited about this year...even more than I was last year.

I don't have pictures to post because I keep forgetting to take my camera.  I will try to remember tomorrow.

Right now I am enjoying a lovely iced coffee from Dunkin Donuts.  I had a diet fail today.  I went to the grocery store after school because I needed to pick up a few things.  I ended up leaving with some peanut M&M's.  Oh how I love them.  I will have to do much better tomorrow.

:o/

Now it's time to knit so...

goodnight!  :)

One would think...

that I am trying to freak my BFF out by posting THREE days in a row.

;o)

Today was a good day.  I completely finished my classroom (and promptly forgot to take pictures) and I must say that it looks good.  Even better than last year, perhaps.  The parents come tomorrow and all I have to do is plug in the air fresheners as soon as I get there in the morning so that my room smells pleasant.

We have a new online grading system this year and, I have to tell you, the thing has me stymied!  It is really hard to figure out and the lesson plan part of it is complicated.  I am not going to stress out about having plans done by Friday.  We have Friday off (have I mentioned how much I LOVE my principal?!?) and I am going to work on my plans then.  I am so excited about this bonus day off!  The weather is supposed to be nice so I am going to do some work and then maybe go out for lunch at a place where I can sit and knit for a while....with a good cup of coffee.  I'd love to go into the city but that would be WAY more fun with someone else.  Hint, hint, BFF.  ;o)

I'm literally in the middle of typing a "Welcome Back" letter to the parents and I am stuck.  I feel like it sounds kind of phony even though it is totally sincere.  I need to finish it tonight, though, so I can put it in my packet for tomorrow.

I have been pretty diligent with my eating this week.  I don't know if I have officially lost any weight because I refuse to get on the scale right now.  I am trying to focus more on making healthy choices rather than a number on the scale.  I did try on a blouse that I bought last Friday, though, and it felt a little looser.  That made me feel better and gave me a little more willpower.  I was so proud of myself on Monday...I bypassed the Danish and other sweets that were provided for us for breakfast.  I happily ate my Greek yogurt and didn't feel like I was missing out on anything.

Ok.  I have to get back to this letter!

Goodnight!

:)

Day two...

Second day back and thankfully I'm not quite as tired as I was last night.  By the time I went to bed last night I was so tired I couldn't fall asleep.  I hate when that happens.

I worked hard again today but it was worth it.  My classroom is pretty much ready except for a few things I need to finish up tomorrow morning.  I am hoping that, after our morning meetings, I will be able to start working on my lesson plans.  That's one thing I'm not looking forward to.

Hopefully I'll remember my camera tomorrow so I can show you what my room looks like.  I didn't change much around in the way of furniture, but I do have some new things up this year.  I LOVE my "Welcome Back" board this year.

I still have a few final things to pick up from Target, too.  I am hoping I can leave a little bit early tomorrow so I can get to Target without being stuck in a lot of traffic.

My knitting is going well.  I am still loving the shawl I am working on but there are a few oddities to it that I can't figure out.  I am sure that I am doing something wrong, I'm just not sure what.

I should do some laundry tonight but, well, that's not going to happen.

This post is getting seriously disjointed so I am going to wrap it up for now.

Two days in a row.

You're welcome.

:)

Zzzzzzzzzzzz...

O Holy Night...I am so tired!

Today was my first day back at work since the end of May.  While I had a wonderful summer and while I was ready to start this school year, I have to tell you...I am SO tired!

We had meetings this morning (of course) but they weren't awful.  My principal really is a good guy and he tries to make meetings as profitable and "entertaining" as possible.

The afternoon was dedicated to working in our classrooms.  And when I say working, I mean WORKING! I moved all my furniture from one corner of the room back to where it belongs.  In doing so I pulled a muscle in my chest.  I have to be careful how I lay down because, sheesh, the pain is intense!  Fortunately, I have some staff kids (who will also be my students) coming in to help me tomorrow so I won't have to move anything heavy.  I am anticipating soreness beyond my wildest imaginations tomorrow!  :o/

Good news!  I am getting all my kids back this year!  All the kids from my class last year that are returning this year requested to be in my class (plus two from the other class).  Whoo-hoo!  According to the registrar, once word got out that I was moving up to 5th grade the phones "lit up" with parents who wanted their kid in my class.  That was a nice ego-booster.  :)

And now, I am going to retire for the evening.  Did I mention that I was tired?

:)

p.s.  I never thought these words would come out of me but, Go Pats, clip those eagles' wings.  Because really, anybody but the eagles (or the redskins)!  Oh...and that's not passive-aggressive.  That's just out-right blunt.  ;o)

I know, I know...

It's been a while...

(again)

Last Sunday was not a good day for me, and, to be truthful, neither was Monday.  You would think that as the years go by it would get easier.  It doesn't.

Tuesday miss raven and I took our last official "vacation" of the summer.  We packed up and headed to the beach for a few days.  My love of the beach is well documented and I was thrilled to be there, even if it was only for a few days.

The weather was gorgeous and I only got a teensy bit burned on the backs of my legs.  I saw a large pod of dolphins on Wednesday morning...I think that was the highlight of the whole trip.  It was pretty early in the morning, the beach wasn't crowded, and there they were, playing in the water.  Because my camera isn't top of the line I couldn't get a decent picture of them.  Sometimes, though, it is nice just to have the memories of something.

My summer is officially over now as I go back to work tomorrow.  I am actually kind of looking forward to it.  As nice amazingly wonderful as my summer as been, I'm ready to see my kiddos again.  I am hoping to have all of my returning students again this year.  I know there are some new kids and I am hoping they fit in as well as the new ones did last year.  I have four bags packed and ready to take in tomorrow.  I also have a basket of books but that may have to wait until later in the week.  I still have to put everything in my room back into place and that will probably take up most of the day tomorrow.  Well, whatever I have left of the day after all the back-to-school meetings are over.  I have to have my room all ready by Thursday morning as that is when the parents will be coming for orientation.  Thankfully, it is in the morning so no one has to stay late this year.

My knitting is going well.  I am working on a shawl that I am loving right now and so far it actually looks good.  I have four scarves blocking right now and am hoping to have some pictures of them to post soon.

Have a great Monday!  :)

seven...

seven years feels like a lifetime.

some days it's hard for me to believe you have been gone for so long.  there are times when i still find myself reaching for my phone to call you when i am desperate for someone to talk to.  especially in the last two years.  you were so right about a lot of things and a lot of people.  i should have listened to you more.

i still get angry that you're gone.  i still cry.  i still feel pain so intense i feel like my heart is being ripped out.  i still find it hard to breathe sometimes.

i wish i could talk to you.  so much has happened that you should have been a part of.  i hate that you have missed so much.

seven years feels like a lifetime...

I suppose that "streaky"...

is more like it.

I blinked my eyes and a whole week went by.

How did that happen??

I can't even tell you that much happened over the last week because not much did.  I knitted, I read, I napped, I drank coffee.  Yep.  That's pretty much it.

I did go out this morning in the deluge to go to my hair appointment.  I'd show you a picture but, truth be told, it doesn't look much different.  I wish I would have had her cut it a little shorter.  She did manage to talk me into the fancy-pants shampoo and conditioner that she used on me.  Apparently my hair is a little coarse and needs more protein.  I couldn't afford the super special serum she wanted me to buy.  Maybe next time.

I also pretty much solidified my reading list for this school year:

Mrs. Frisby and the Rats of Nimh by Robert C. O'Brien

Shiloh by Phyllis Reynolds Naylor

Sounder by William H. Armstrong

The Mysterious Benedict Society (book one) by Trenton Lee Stewart

The first three are Newberry winners and the last one is relatively new.  I wanted so badly to like The Westing Game but I found it difficult to follow.  If it is hard for me to follow then I know it will be extremely difficult for some of my students.

I also picked up The Name Of This Book Is A Secret to read to them.  This is also the first book in a series so if they like this one I'll move on to the second one.

It's hard to believe that school starts in just a few weeks.  Although the summer has felt long at times, I have really enjoyed this break.  I needed some time to relax and this has been wonderful.  I have some goals for this upcoming year, some of which I will be sharing in the next few weeks, but my number one goal (and yes, I know I have said this before), is to lose weight and be healthier.

I went into Old Navy today because I had a coupon and their jeans were on sale.  When I realized, though, that in order to be comfortable in my jeans I would have to go up yet ANOTHER size, I put the jeans back and determined that I was, once and for all, tired of being overweight.  I don't care if I waste the coupon, I don't care if the jeans were on sale.  I am NOT buying a larger pant/jean size.  I didn't even want to look in the mirror when I was getting my hair cut because I felt like my face looked so fat.  I know what to do.  I know how to do it.  I just need to be determined enough to actually DO it.  I will do my best to give you progress reports on a weekly basis.  Perhaps that will help me be a little more accountable.  I am hoping to lose about thirty pounds before Christmas.  It won't be enough, just a drop in the bucket, but it will be a start.

Have a happy Friday and a WONDERFUL weekend!

:)

Streaking...

I'm really trying to get back into blogging more consistently.  So, looky here...three days in a row!  Could this be considered a streak??

I scored an amazing deal at JoAnn's today.  They were having a great sale AND I had a coupon for 25% off my entire purchase INCLUDING sale items.  That almost never happens so I wanted to take full advantage.  I did get a couple more pairs of circular needles, some point protectors, some ribbon, and two knitting books.  The books were already 40% off and then the whole 25% off thing was added to it.  YOWZA!

Normally I don't bother with ribbon.  I'm not crafty like that.  My BFF had tons of ribbon and can do amazing things with it.  I needed to get some, though, because I found this really cute idea for my classroom. You take a length of ribbon, hot glue wooden clothespins to it, hang it up, and viola!  instant paper hanger!  I love this idea and am already planning on using it in a couple of ways, including writing the names of each of my students on a clothespin and using it as a sort of mail system.  :)

The other idea was to take contact paper, trace your hand on it, cut it out, write something positive on it, and then stick it to the kid's back...it's a "pat" on the back.  I really, really like this idea and went out and got the contact paper today as well.

Right now I am trying to figure out what novels I want the kids to read this year.  At the top of my list is the Black Stallion.  I am also considering The Borrowers and The Mysterious Benedict Society.  Anyone out there have any other suggestions?

The countdown has begun.  The football countdown, that is!  September 5th is the kickoff and I am SO ready for some football.  As much as I have LOVED my summer, I cannot wait until football begins.

Stop rolling your eyes and making faces, BFF.  It isn't polite.

;)

My big day out...

Although I still have roughly two and a half weeks of vacation left, other teachers in the area do not.  Trust me when I tell you that, as a teacher, it is no fun at all to have to settle for leftovers when you visit your local teacher supply store.  I decided to get a little jump on things and head to the closest one today.

I scored some pretty awesome stuff.  I decided that my "Welcome Back" theme was going to somehow incorporate fuzzy monsters.  Truly, they are adorable and I love them dearly!  I got border, letters, cut-outs, smelly stickers, name plates, and a poster.  I even managed to find monster birthday cards.  The coolest thing I found, though, were two small books of writing prompts.  I am moving up to fifth grade this year and I am planning on having my kids journal daily.  They will most likely hate it but it will be good for them.  My favorite one has a vocabulary word/definition for each day and then a question to answer that uses the vocab word.  Here's an example:

pandemonium:  wild uproar; complete chaos (noun)

Pretend you are a zookeeper who comes to work and discovers that all the animals have escaped from their cages.  Write a short story about the pandemonium at the zoo.

I LOVE this little book and can't wait to use it!

side note:  OF COURSE it's raining.  I went outside earlier and watered all the plants.  Hmph!

On the way home I decided to stop at Wal-Mart.  They have this wonderful pineapple-coconut flavored fizzy water that I love.  I got a couple of bottles and some other stuff.  Honestly, between Target and Wal-Mart I spend WAY too much money!  I was greatly annoyed at the lack of customer service at the Wal-Mart that I went to.  When I got in line the cashier said something to me but, because she spoke softly, I had to ask her to repeat what she said.  She got all huffy and told me that she couldn't give me cash back at her register.  I told her that was ok, as long as I could use my debit card I was fine.  She rolled her eyes and walked off.  I did a double take and just kind of stared at her.  I don't know what she was doing but she eventually came back and started scanning my purchases.  She didn't say a word to me but slammed a couple of my things down into the bags.  I was fuming by that point and just really wanted to get out of there.  When she handed my my receipt I said "I certainly hope your day gets better." in as frosty a tone as I could muster.  She looked a little stunned and told me that she wasn't having a bad day.  I said, "Oh, well that's hard to tell, then."  and walked off.  I contemplated finding the manager but decided against it because it never seems to do any good anyway.

No trip out would be complete without a stop at Dunkin Donuts.  Large, blueberry iced coffee with cream, anyone?

Finally, I rounded out my big day out with a stop at the library.  I got an e-mail notification yesterday that the second Hunger Games book I had requested was ready for me to pick up.  It's an audio book so I can knit and read at the same time.  Score!

Have you heard of Group Dealz?  OMG!  I have found some super-cute things there.  Today I couldn't resist ordering the "I love my state" pillow.  Texas, of course.  :)

Hope you are having a wonderful day, wherever you are!

:)

Welcome back, me!

I've been away for a bit but I promise, it was for a good reason.

I was visiting her

and her

Yea for a visit with my BFF!!!!

We did a whole bunch of stuff including visiting the Memphis Zoo, walking on Beale Street (which, I am sad to say, was rather a disappointment), trolley riding through downtown Memphis, and watching the Olympics Opening Ceremony.  I am happy to report that a wonderful time was had by all.

Well...not by her

My girl is such a homebody.  I can't say that I blame her.

Anywho.

We've been home for a few days and I thought I should probably let you all know I am still alive.  Even better, today, for the first time in probably a year, I can contribute to Ginny's Yarn Along!



Look, look, look at what I have done!

My first knitted scarf:

My first knitted lace scarf:

A scarf version of The Camping Shawl (on Ravelry)

and, on the needles, the Helix Scarf:

I did read two books while I was gone.  Sadly, I am too lazy to get up from the couch, get my Kindle, and take a picture of them.  One was a knitting mystery (along the same line as the crochet mysteries I read last summer) and the other was the same type only it was set in a cupcake shop.  They were cheesy, but they were good.

I will do my best to be back tomorrow.  I only have a few short weeks of vacation left and I want to enjoy every second of them!

I've been bitten...

by the knitting bug.

I'm convinced it isn't terminal, but honestly, I'm obsessed with it.  Currently I am staring at my project that I started on Monday night at my class.  It is almost done and I am already planning for the next project I am going to cast on.

I have a billion and one things to do today and all I want to do is sit here and knit.  I forced myself to go out a little while ago and take care of the yard.  It wasn't as bad as it sounds because of the high heat and lack of rain but there were a few places that were starting to look overgrown.

I need to do laundry, wash dishes, vacuum, clean the kitchen, make my bed, and clean the bathroom but all I want to do is knit.

It's a good thing I have all that yarn.

:)

Catch up...

Hola!  It's me again!

Let's catch up, shall we?

• I've decided not to care if I don't blog a lot.  It's summer, I'm on vacation.  I'll blog if I want.  And I won't feel (too) guilty.  :)
• Sunday was my girl's birthday. She is THIRTEEN.  It's hard to believe that, especially when she romps through the yard barking her fool little head off at the helicopters.  She received a new squeaky toy and some treats for her special day.  The toy hasn't received much attention but boy, did she love those treats.  :)
• My BFF's little girl's birthday was also on Sunday and she is also THIRTEEN!  That one is even hard to believe.  I remember when she was born and it just doesn't seem like thirteen years have gone by.  She is one awesome kid and I am blessed to be a part of her life.  :)
• I took my lace knitting class last night.  While I was there I was extremely frustrated.  The teacher was good, it wasn't her fault, but the yarn they recommended was difficult to work with (although it has gotten better) and we were supposed to work on the project using the chart only.  I know that it is good to know how to read the chart but I really, really need to be able to see the written directions so I can get my mind wrapped around what I am supposed to be doing.  I made a mistake at the beginning (in the lace row) and she told me to just knit two together in the next row to get rid of the extra stitch, which I did, but by that time I was getting frustrated and discouraged.  Everyone else in the class seemed to be getting it and was sailing through the project, completing repeat after repeat, and I was still on row six.  The class was only two hours long which means NO ONE was going to get it finished; however, to finish the project we are supposed to kitchner the thing together.  She told us she wasn't going to demo the kitchner because we weren't going to get to it anyway and then gave us the name of a You Tube video to watch.  She did show us how to do a three needle bind-off, though, and said that would work just as well.  I came home and was still discouraged but decided to try it one more time before going to bed.  After I read the written directions, I figured out what I did wrong and then sailed through the next several rows.  Like I said, I know charts are good, and I know I need to know how to read them, but I really need to see the directions written out.  At least right now.
• My vegetable plants are annoying me this year.  Both my cucumber plants are dead.  I've gotten one tomato and have another red one waiting for me.  There are several green ones but no new blossoms. The pepper plants have lots of blossoms but no peppers.  I'm about to give up.
• The Olympics are only ten days away and football is only fifty days away!  Whoo-hoo!

Well, that about does it for now.  Consider yourself all caught up.

:)

the invader and how miss raven dealt with it...

I've decided that my new theme song is "Stronger" by Kelly Clarkson.

no explanation necessary.

(p.s.  i triple-puffy-heart love you, bff.  thanks for always, always being there for me!)

I do have a funny miss raven story....

The other night she needed to visit the yard.  I let her out and I noticed that there was something in our yard. Seems like someone kicked/threw/tossed an old soccer ball into the yard.  What happened next made me howl with laughter and made me wish I had brought my camera outside.  miss raven saw the "thing" from the porch and tore off down the steps to attack the invader.  her fur was standing straight up all the way down her back and she was barking like mad.  she ran up to the ball but stopped short and started circling it, facing it the whole time and still barking.  Of course I had to play this up.  I kept telling her to get it and she kept barking.  she finally got the nerve up to get a little closer and sniff it.  As luck would have it, she was on the opposite side of the ball from my foot so as soon as she got close enough, I nudged it with  my toe.  I swear that dog jumped six feet off the ground and she was madder than a hornet!  The barking started anew but this time she was hiding behind my legs and peeking around to "attack".

I really, really wish I could have video-taped the whole thing because it was just about the funniest thing I have seen in a long time.  :)

I made it to Michael's yesterday and picked up a couple of different cable needles.  These new ones are from Boye and have ridges in the middle that seem to hold the yard better.  I also finally used my Barnes and Noble gift card on another knitting book.  I really like this one because it has pictures that I can understand.  I started a new cable swatch and am really happy with it.  I have an idea floating around in my mind for a sweater for my girl.  I like the idea of a cable down the back of the sweater.  The only thing I'm not sure of is how to add little sleeves.  I am assuming I would need double pointed needles (DPNs) but haven't learned how to use them yet. I know how I would do the main piece and the under piece and I know how I would sew them together.  I'm even thinking about ribbing around the bottom and the neck.  We'll see.  Right now I am going to keep practicing my cables, though, and tomorrow I am going to sign up for the lace knitting class.

Keep cool today and guess what?  There are only 17 days left until the Olympics!!!!

It's raining, it's pouring...

miss raven is snoring...

no, seriously.  she is snoring.  and i love the sound.

:)

our heat wave from the last week-plus has finally broken.  yesterday it was so humid and sticky and muggy, i felt kind of like i was back in florida.  i tried not to go outside unless i absolutely had to.  it was literally hard to breathe.

storms came through early this morning.  i was woken up around three by thunder, lightening, and a terrified chihuahua.  she was frantic to get as close to me as possible.  the storm lasted for a while and my power flicked off once.  i prayed and prayed that it would stay on and thankfully, it did.

right now i am looking out my living room windows and watching the rain fall.  i'm sure my plants are happy, i'm sure my grass is happy, and i know i am happy.  i'm certain that miss raven is happy also because i am quite sure that she is getting tired of me plopping her down in the bathtub to wet her down with cool water to cool her off.

last week miss raven and i went on a little trip.  as a football lover i have ALWAYS wanted to visit the hall of fame so i thought to myself, "why not?"  i packed up the truck and miss raven and hit the road.  the HOF was great and my favorite part, of course, was seeing the bust of Troy Aikman.

:)

the next few days were kind of a whirlwind.  we went to buffalo (new york) to stay in a hotel, then i went over the border into canada (my first time!) to visit niagara falls.  that was pretty awesome!  the next day we drove to corning (also new york) and visited the glass museum there and watched the fireworks that night.  finally, while miss raven was chilling in the room, i went to hike watkins glen (full disclosure:  i took the shuttle to the top and "hiked" to the bottom), and took a boat ride on seneca lake.

friday we drove home.  it was a long drive and a long day but it was worth it.  we had a great time and it was nice to get away and see some things that i have never seen before.  miss raven was, as always, a wonderful travel companion.  :)

my knitting is going as well as can be expected, i suppose.  yesterday i spent the afternoon listening to a book on cd and teaching myself how to cable.  it wasn't as hard as i thought it would be but that dang cable needle is going to be the death of me as it keeps slipping out of my work and messing me up.  i am thinking about making a little trip to michael's today to see if i can pick up a different style of one.  later on this week i am going to visit my LYS to sign up for a beginning lace knitting class.  i am excited about that.  :)

i think it is about time for another cup of coffee so i will bid you adieu for now.  have a wonderful monday!!

In which I proclaim my hatred of camping and my love of electricity...

I looked at the calendar this morning and realized, with some shock, that today is July 1.

How did THAT happen?

It feels like forever since school let out and believe me when I say that, aside from yesterday, I am thoroughly enjoying my summer vacation.  It has been hotter than the devil's left armpit outside and I am quite ok with that.  I'm not a fan of the oppressive humidity but I would much, much rather be hot than cold.  When I'm cold it is so hard to get warm again.

I didn't have any coffee yesterday and, by the time I finally fell asleep last night, I was battling a persistent headache.  Apparently I won because I did finally fall asleep.  I am now drinking my first of what I predict will be many cups of coffee and am also doing laundry.  I was up by 5:30 this morning because the power flickered again and something in my room beeped.  I couldn't go back to sleep because I was busy praying that the power would stay on.

I am such a big baby when it comes to electricity.  I get cranky when it goes out because I am so dependent on it.  I'm not ashamed to admit that.  There is no WAY I would have survived in the Little House on the Prairie days.  Heck, people who know me know my large aversion to anything remotely related to camping. God did not mean for me to sleep in a nylon enclosure on a cot/air bag/sleeping bag.  I don't intend to walk to a common shower area to take a cold shower or to share a communal toilet.  Yes, I am a spoiled American.  I like my creature comforts...indoor plumbing, electricity, fresh coffee, comfy bed, air conditioning.

Anyway.

The Olympics are coming up and I am insanely excited about it. My BFF and I L.O.V.E. the Olympics.  I can't even pick between the Summer or Winter because I love them both.  I am excited to watch the swimming and diving and gymnastics and beach volleyball and everything else.  Except maybe tennis and ping pong.  I get goosebumps when one of our Olympians wins a gold medal and the "Star Spangled Banner" is played.  Sometimes I even cry a little.  :o)  I'm such a sappy person.

My vegetable plants seem to be doing well.  I should go out and water them before it gets too hot.  It is supposed to be almost 100 degrees here today.  I have a teeny weeny cucumber and several cucumber blossoms, two green tomatoes and a handful of tomato blossoms, and three small green peppers and what looks like some pepper blossoms.  Sometimes I get a little discouraged because I don't think I am going to get much out of these plants.  This time last year I had already harvested several tomatoes and a couple of cucumbers.  I guess I'll have to wait and see.  I'm not a very patient gardener it seems.

My BFF's little girl will be 13 in 15 days.  THIRTEEN!!!  How the heck did THAT happen?  I want to get her a special present for her birthday.  Any suggestions?

miss raven will also be 13 in 15 days.  I love her so much.  Yes, she will get presents, and yes I will post pictures.  :)  she is also very happy the power is back on.  I think probably because I made her get in the bathtub three times yesterday so I could wet her down with some cool water.  I gave her extra treats last night to make up for the horror of it all.

I have now finished my first cup coffee and am going to make my second cup.  Enjoy your day and stay cool!

Off the grid...

Sorry I've been MIA for the past week.  Time got away from me and I didn't think about blogging much.  Well, that, and I have nothing much to say.

We had an incredibly violent storm last night.  So much so that I was actually pretty scared and storms don't normally scare me much.  miss raven and I spent the night in total darkness, huddled in my bed, listening to the wind scream and howl, and shaking.  I was praying that my roof and windows would hold.  In some ways it was worse that what we went through with Hurricane Irene last summer.

Most of the day today we were ok.  We lost power around 10:30 last night but were able to make it through most of the day inside.  My cell phone was pretty much dead and I had no coffee so around 4:00 this afternoon I put miss raven in the truck with me, plugged in the cell phone, cranked up the AC, and took a drive.  We ended up going to a Petsmart where they were EXTREMELY nice to us, encouraging us to take our time and take advantage of the AC.  We spent about half an hour there and then headed to the Dunkin Donuts near me.  I was so, so disappointed when I saw that they were closed.  I decided to try Starbucks and they were closed, too.  Honestly, I think I cried then.

We headed home and I was pretty surprised at the amount of damage.  There were trees and branches down everywhere.  While I was in the truck I called the power company and the recorded message said that they didn't expect power to be restored until sometime after the FOURTH OF JULY.  I did cry then.

The power came on about half an hour ago but it is starting to flicker again so I am going to cut this short.  Have a great week, wherever you are, and I will try to be back again soon.

:)

Why I do what I do...

Yesterday afternoon I had lunch with one of my former students.  She went to my school through 8th grade and then left to attend a public high school.  I knew she would do well no matter where she went and, after talking with her yesterday, I knew I had been correct.

She graduated earlier this month and will be going to college out of state in the fall.  She is excited and scared and nervous and everything else a first time college student is.  I remember feeling that way the summer before I was getting ready to leave for school in Florida.

Lunch was nice and it was so nice to be able to catch up with her.  She gave me a card with a couple of her senior pictures.  I read the card while I was there and it was very hard to hold back the tears.  I waited until I came home and then bawled like a baby.  Here is what she said:

It feels like just yesterday I was sitting in your History Class 8th grade year hoping to score high on my test to earn some type of tasty treat!!  It didn't matter if it was a brownie or a cookie, I just knew it would be delicious.  Now I'm graduating high school and moving on to college.  When I left CCS, I didn't like Wise at all.  I missed every part of CCS, especially YOU!!  At CCS you were there as a teacher, counselor, principal, and most of all a mother figure.  After I left you were still there to listen and keep me in your prayers.  Though you might not have known, I always noticed you were humble, caring, constantly going above and beyond what was asked of you, and always keeping God first.  Your kindness inspired me to be like you!  Your test messages telling me you knew I would do well and reminding me I was in your prayers were the best encouragements and motivations that pushed me to do so much during high school.  Your FaceBook and text messages always came at the times when I needed it the most.  All I can do is say thank you to God for blessing me with an amazing teacher in my life who instilled more in me than any other!  Along with thanking God, I want to say thanks to you for everything you have done.  For all the lessons (both history and life lessons), for all the encouragement (to do everything I put my mind to and forget what others think), and for all the messages to remind me you still cared.  That's more than I ever expected!

I love you more than just a teacher, more than just a principal, more than just a counselor, I love you like a mother!!  You will always be the greatest teacher ever!!  Thank You Again!  :)

 And that is why I do what I do.

:)

 

Note to self...

It really would be a good idea to blog more than once a week....

I actually did have a blog post ready to go sometime last week.  I had typed up about half of it and then had to stop for a bit.  I never did get back to it and so it never got posted.

Sorry about that.

So.  My knitting class was supposed to end last night.  I happened to check my e-mail yesterday afternoon and discovered an e-mail from someone in the store (I think the owner) saying that class was going to be postponed because the instructor was in the emergency room.

What?!?!

I don't know what's up with her and I really hope she is ok.  I was disappointed to miss class but am more concerned about the instructor.  We are supposed to be making up the class this coming Tuesday night and then I will have to decide what I am going to do after that.  I am going to try to get some advice from the girl who is teaching the class to see what she would recommend as the next step.  I have been looking at some of the choices and there are a few that sound interesting but that require skills that I don't have yet.

Look what I got this weekend:

I have been wanting some nice (inexpensive) furniture for my deck since I moved in here but didn't have the money to buy anything.  I have literally been saving for about two years and found this set on clearance at Home Depot this weekend.  I am so in love with it!  Unfortunately, it was hotter than Satan's left armpit the last few days so I haven't been able to really enjoy it, yet.

My deck is slowly turning in to the little oasis that I have been envisioning.  I love the bright colors of the plants I have gotten and love the furniture that I have.  It is supposed to cool down a little this weekend so I am hoping to be able to grill and dine al fresco.  :)

The little one is doing well.  She enjoys her daily naps:

and has "made friends" with the dog that lives behind us.  Ok.  Technically, I suppose they aren't friends.  I am guessing she is more likely merely tolerating him.  It is kind of funny, though.  He will come to the fence and whine and whimper to get her attention.  She will walk over to the fence and stare at him while he makes a fool out of himself.  Then she will turn around and look at me and I swear she would roll her eyes if she could.

She is such a diva.  Aaannnnnnddd....I love her!

Stay cool wherever you are and enjoy the rest of your week!

:)

Did you know...

1. While I was born (and spent five years) in the North, I consider myself a Southern girl through and through.  I say y'all, all y'all, yes ma'am/no ma'am, and yes sir/no sir.  Without fail.
2. My students think I talk funny although they do not think I have a Texas accent.
3. I hate snakes, heights, close spaces, anything with a stinger, and people who talk during the movie.  Shut up already!
4. One of my secret guilty pleasures involves a salt shaker and slugs.  I hate those slimy little buggers.
5. I used to think that blood was thicker than water.  Not anymore.
6. My favorite color is pink.
7. Although I drive a truck, LOVE football, and watch NASCAR, I am a girly girl through and through.  
8. I hate to sweat thus my abhorrence of exercising. Although I DESPERATELY need to.
9. Improper grammar drives me up the wall.  I am always (mentally) correcting other people's grammar.
10. I love coffee and coffee flavored anything.
11. If I could eat ice cream every day for the rest of my life I would be happy.  Especially if I could do that and not gain any weight.
12. I used to think I was going to marry Troy Aikman.  Now I am in love with Tony Stewart.
13. I love my job.  I love being a teacher.  I love being an elementary school teacher.
14. One day I would love to move back to Texas.
15. I love my dog.  She is my BFFF (best furry friend forever).
16. I hate flowery scents.  Except lilac.  I LOVE the smell of lilacs.
17. Not that I think this is EVER going to happen; however, if it does...I plan on getting married on the beach.  In bare feet.  With either pink or orange toe nails.
18. My BFF is going to make my wedding cake.  Or cupcakes.  In fabulously bright colors.
19. I don't care if it is in style.  If I like it, I will wear it.  And probably buy three or four of it.
20. I love plants but have little luck in growing them or keeping them alive.  When I can accomplish keeping a plant alive longer than six months I consider myself successful.
21. My favorite kind of food is Mexican but my favorite home cooked meal is my Dad's BBQ beef ribs.  I do my best to get him to make them for me every time I see him.
22. I do not know how to change a tire but I do know how to add wind shield wiper fluid.  I can also add oil to my lawn mower.  Clearly I am not a do-it-yourself kind of girl.
23. One of my biggest pet peeves is when people scream and rant and rave about equal rights but then do not recognize that those equal rights belong to EVERYONE whether you agree with them or not.
24. I love old movies.  I mean Cary Grant, Jimmy Stewart, and Ingrid Bergman old.
25. While I don't follow basketball I am rooting for OKC because I can't stand loathe the Heat.

The end.

:)

A whole week, huh?

I cannot tell you how many times this last week I thought to myself....Gee, I should blog today.

And then I didn't.

And now it has been a week since I last blogged.

And I am on summer vacation.

*hangs head in shame*

Sadly, and I said this before, during the summer nothing exciting happens to me.  I have no cute student stories, no interesting "at work" happenings.  It is just boring, old me.

I did start my knitting lessons last week and I have been practicing all week long.  I keep looking at all the cool patterns on Ravelry and I want so badly to move beyond K1,k1.  I am hoping to take a shawl class after this beginning knitting class so that I can start using some of my gorgeous yarns on fun things.

It has been hot here the last few days and I am dreading the electric bill.  My cooler ran pretty much non-stop from about 10:00 yesterday morning until roughly 10:00 last night.  I  kept all the lights off, the blinds closed, and the curtains drawn in the living room and kitchen to help keep the inside cool.  I guess it worked.  My cooler is already running this morning...it started around 9:30.  Sigh.

You know what?  There is pretty much NOTHING of worth on TV during the daytime.  I play a lot of games on Facebook.

You know what I like the best about summer vacation?  The fact that I don't have to do ANYTHING unless I want to.  Including, but not limited to, changing out of my pajamas until 5:00.  PM.

Time for a popsicle.

Toodles!

blah, blah, blah...

One would think that, with pretty much nothing work-related to do over the summer, I would blog more.

One would be sadly mistaken.

And we know who that "one" would be, don't we, BFF?

;o)

My lack of blogging just goes to show you how very boring I truly am.  I mean, I could bore you with mindless drivel, but I am afraid that would insult your collective intelligence.

I like to use the term "collective" because it makes it seem like there are FAR more people reading this blog than there actually are.  It's truly a self-esteem boost.

My whole getting-back-on-the-WW-bandwagon has been pretty much of a fail so far.  I had pretty much no self-control while I was visiting with my BFF last weekend and, aside from the two days this week that I actually wrote down what I ate, I haven't done much.  I had every intention of getting up and walking today.  I got up.  I walked.....to the couch.  I haven't done too badly in the eating department today and tomorrow I am going to (hopefully) not only write down everything I eat but also *gulp* exercise.

(shudder)

I still love my new haircut.  As a matter of fact, I am loving it even more now, three days after.  Usually I only really love it the first day.  After that, it's back to despising it.  Not so this time.

My knitting class starts TOMORROW and I am so freaking excited.  They recommended several books to purchase as one of the additional things to bring to the class.  I bought one of them and am going to the library tomorrow to check out one of the others.  Yes.  I am an over-achiever and yes, I am the kid in school that you hated because they always did more than they had to.  I will also probably (more than likely) ask for additional homework.  I am such a suck-up.

Well.  I think that is all the drivel I can muster up for this evening.

:)

It's just hair...

So for quite some time now I have worn my hair one way.

Long and boring.

Not that people with long hair are boring.

I am fairly inept when it comes to doing my hair in any sort of "style".  Of late, my "style" has been to wing my hair up into what my students liked to call my "flippy" ponytail.  It was quick and it got the long hair out of my way.

The kiddos always liked it when I would come to school with my hair down and they would give me a hard time when, inevitably, it would irritate the nonsense out of me and I would....you guessed it, wing it up out of the way.

I decided, over the weekend, that it was time to have something done with the mop on my head.  I summoned my courage and made an appointment at a salon for this morning.  I did a little research online and everything seemed positive about the place that I wanted to go to.  When I got there I was impressed.  The staff was courteous and I was offered water, tea, or coffee.  I had to wait about ten minutes because the stylist that they assigned me to was finishing up another client.

When the stylist came to get me I was impressed by how professional she was.  She was pretty young so I wasn't sure what to expect but she obviously knew what she was doing.  The package that I purchased included a shampoo as well as a deep conditioning treatment.  Paige (my stylist) did a thorough job shampooing my hair and even put a warm washcloth under my neck so the cold sink would be more comfortable.  She told me everything she was going to do before she did it and told me what kind of product she was putting on my hair.

I had basically given her free reign to do whatever she wanted with  my hair.  I figured that, since it is just hair, I could always grow it out if I didn't like it.  She discussed some options with  me and then had me look through a magazine while I was sitting under the dryer with the conditioner on my hair.  I found something that I liked and she gave me an honest opinion about it.  Fortunately, it was something that would look good on me AND that I could maintain on my own.

I was in the salon for about two hours and let me tell you, it was WORTH IT.  I LOVE my hair.  I normally don't love my hair.  I normally kind of just tolerate my hair.  Right now, though, I love it.  It is soft, stylish, and easy to maintain.  It is also COMPLETELY different.

Wanna see?

:)

disclaimer:  i have no make-up on.  please do not be frightened.

and there you go.

It's just hair...but I love it!

:)