She's Here!

...and she is beautiful!!  She arrived at 11:12 VIA C section.  She weighs 7 lbs 12 ounces and is 20 inches long.  She has a beautiful face and dark hair.  We just spent several hours with her and Maggie.

Here she is with her Aunt Muir

Here she is with her mama!

Here she is with her Nana!

Here she is with her Aunt Susan!

Here she is getting her first bath - NOT HAPPY!

No News Yet

No news and it's driving me bananas.  I could barely sleep last night wondering if Eva was here, almost here, nowhere near here.  Ugh!

So, while we wait, let's see what holidays are celebrated on this day - May 21st!

Holidays

• I Need A Patch For That Day!  Weird!
• Armed Forces Day
• Rhubarb Day (I've got me some strawberry/rhubarb jam that I'll have on my toast this morning!)
• Preakness Stakes (OH!!!  HOLY SHIT!!!  Listen to this!  I dreamt of Ted Shakleford last night - he played Gary Ewing on Knot's Landing - AND THERE'S A HORSE RUNNING IN THE PREAKNESS NAMED "SHAKLEFORD"!!! WTH!?  Don't ask me why I dreamt of him but isn't that freakin' weird!?!?!  OH CRAP - there's also a horse named "Mucho Macho Man" and just yesterday, "Macho Man" Randy Savage died!  There is just too many coincidences not to mention that today is also:)
• End of the World or Rapture Party Day!
• Eva's Birthday!!!

Birthdays on this date

• Eva!!!
• Raymond Burr (1917)
• Mr. T!!!  (1952) - "I pity the fool!!!  I pity the fool that ISN'T born on my birfday!!!"
• Plato (not Play-doh)
• Josh Hamilton - once a Reds player I believe

And that's all I've got...I'm just waiting, waiting, waiting...more later...

Could It Be More Perfect!?

What could be more perfect about this weekend that Eva - my little Thundercat - comes to meet all of us?  The fact that it's going to be sunny?  Well, that's nice but that doesn't make it perfect.  The fact that her Nana and Grandpap have come up to meet her?  That's fantastic too but it isn't what makes this weekend perfect.  The fact that her Uncle Trip (I think we need to bring back the Uncle Brother name, by the way) and Aunt Susan will come to see her?  Again - terrrrrrrific but nope!  The fact that her Aunt Anne and cousins Madison and Max will be giving her some lovin'?  All nice but not the icing on the cake! 

IT'S A HARRY POTTER WEEKEND!!!

I mean, come on!  How perfect is that?!  These weekends don't come every day!  I called Maggie last night to tell her and she's as excited as I am!  She said she's pretty sure there's a TV in the room...she'll be able to have it playing as she delivers!  Just think!  The first words that Eva might hear are:  Expecto!!!  Patronum!!!  Magical!!!

So, yes - today at noon, Maggie will be at the hospital getting ready for some pitocin and some pushin!  I'll be on pins and needles for the next 24 hours (hopefully less) waiting to hear the word!  Just think - this time tomorrow that sweet baby girl will hopefully be here!  OH BOY OH BOY OH BOY OH BOY!!!

How am I going to work today!?!?

So, I thought it would be nice to see A) what other holidays are today and B) what other people were born today (I'll do this again tomorrow in case she's born after midnight!)

Holidays:
Well, look at that - it's Eliza Doolittle Day and Mike, the Headless Chicken Day (WTF?!)

Birthdays on this date:
Jimmy Stewart (1908)!
Danny Aeillo (1933)
Cher (1946)
Dean Butler (1956)!!!  He played Almanzo on Little House!!! 
Jane Wiedlin (1958) - from the GoGo's!
Ramon Hernandez (1976) catcher for dem Reds!
Austin Kearns (1980) former Reds player - BABY RUTH!!!

Okay so there you have it...exciting stuff.  I'll update that tomorrow in case my little thundercat is stubborn!  K - GOOD LUCK MAGGIE!!!  Relax and BREATHE!!!  Call me!  Or I'll call you!!!

Deep Thoughts By Muir

So I was watching Oprah 25 Years:  Behind the Scenes yesterday and they were talking about Oprah's diaries...she's kept one, I think, since she was 15.  I was thinking to myself, "Hmm...I used to try and keep a diary when I was a kid but I could never stick with it."  And I thought too of how I wish I did keep a diary just to look back on and remember the crap that I've done and how I've grown from it (or not grown).  And then I thought, "You moron, Muir!  What do you think your blog essentially is?!"  Of course I don't write down every little thought that goes through my mind because that isn't really for public consumption but I write down the things that happen to me and the important events! 

By the way, today is May Ray Day!  It's a day where you're supposed to celebrate the warmer days of summer (HA!  What a joke!  We set a record the other day for having the lowest high for this time of year - 51 degrees!  Ridiculous).  This day is also supposed to be a day to celebrate all people named Ray - or RAE as my mother's middle name is spelled and as Eva's middle name will be spelled!  Wouldn't it have been great if my little thundercat had decided to make an appearance today!?  But she's not that cooperative. 

Speaking of cooperative - Maggie has her last dr.'s appointment this morning before her INDUCTION!!!  We'll see if she's dilated or not - cross your fingers!

By the way - I just took my pills (fish oil, naproxen, allergy and vitamin) and it's making me want to yak!  BLECH!  I hate it when it makes me nauseous...usually it doesn't but for some reason this morning - ICK!

Made a new recipe the other night - really delicious and simple.  The pasta is in a weird place at Kroger - near the deli in it's own fridge case not down an aisle.  I think next time too I will try a similar pasta, not the one called for in the recipe - maybe a tortellini.  Here it is:

Italian Chicken Pasta Bake

Ingredients:
- ¼ cup Frozen Chopped Onion (I used fresh)
- 2 Garlic Cloves, crushed
- 8 oz White Sliced Mushrooms
- 2 small Zucchini, diced
- 2 - 14.5 oz cans crushed Tomatoes
- 2 tsp Italian Seasoning
- ½ tsp Salt
- ½ tsp Ground Black Pepper
- ½ tsp Sugar
- 1 Kroger Wholesome  Home Savory Slow Roasted Rotisserie Chicken, deboned and broken into chunks
- 8 oz pkg Finely Shredded Italian Cheese Blend, divided
- 9 oz pkg Kroger Wholesome Home Chicken & Bacon Borsetti Fresh Pasta, uncooked

Directions:
1) Preheat oven to 400°F. Spray 13x9 baking dish with cooking spray.
2) Heat large skillet over medium-high heat and spray bottom with cooking spray. Add onion and garlic and sauté 1 minute.
3) Add mushrooms and zucchini and sauté for 5 minutes. Add crushed tomatoes, Italian seasoning, salt, pepper and sugar. Stir to combine.
4) Remove from heat, add chicken and1 cup Italian cheese. Stir to combine.
5) Spread uncooked borsetti pasta evenly in bottom of baking dish. Top with chicken and vegetable mixture, making sure all pasta is covered. Sprinkle remaining cheese over top.
6) Bake uncovered for 20 minutes on center oven rack, until heated through and cheese is melted and bubbly. Let stand 5 minutes before serving.

Well, that's all I've got...best head to work to figure out what I'm going to do for the rest of the year and exams.  Ugh!  Later!
Oh, here's a funny:  My parent from last year - you know, the one that caused all my mayhem at the end of the year...got me written up?  Adopts all these boys?  Well, he adopted two more recently (to replace the two he booted out and left to fend for themselves after they turned 18 last year) and wouldn't you know it!  One of the boys qualifies for special ed!!!  So our school psyche who does our evaluations that determine if a kid qualifies sent out an email asking if one of us would take him on our caseload - a huge undertaking because A) the parent is a pita! and B) the IEP would have to be done BEFORE the end of the school year.  I of course volunteered!  NOT!!!  I did email the school psyche to say that "I would but I don't think I'm allowed!"  He emailed back and said I should take him anyway for entertainment purposes!  Ha!  Later

Should Be Interesting

Today marks the first FULL-DAY of negotiations for our contract at school.  These negotiations should have started sooner but the big hold up is insurance.  Apparently, our current insurance has offered us a 26% increase to keep them which is ridiculous!  The negotiators and our insurance guy at school has thus been investigating different options.  The best chance we have at reasonable insurance is getting involved in a consortium pool.  The problem with this is that there will be no ability to negotiate benefits...it will all be set.  In addition, the consortium we're trying to get into is very exclusive and they may not accept us because of the high pay out we've had recently because of the number of people battling cancer in our district.  This along with Kasich's budget is bound to set my life back a bit.  Seriously need to start job searching. 

In other news, the Reds have once again come from behind to win.  Trailing in the 8th, 5-3, we came back to win 7-5...mainly due to Cubby error.  We'll take it any way it comes.  HOWEVER!!!  I'm so sick of our boys having to come from behind to win a game...it's never easy.  Same as last year!  Loves me some Reds but they are trying to make my hair turn gray!

In other news, it's raining here - AGAIN!  I should just break down and turn my backyard into a pond...raise a few ducks (hey, I dreamt about ducks last night), stock it with some fish, put in a few lily pads.  In the winter, I could use it as an ice skating rink.  That could be good times!  I'll have to think on that one for a bit.

Have I mentioned that I have no idea what I'm doing at school for the last two weeks?  I'm completely at a loss as to what I'm supposed to fill the last days with.  I just finished a book and for the next couple of days we'll be doing a collage but after that?  What?  I can't start anything new...I'm just so DONE!  Ugh! 

Okay well, that's all I've got.  Later!

The Shaved Head Must Have Done It!

My Jonny Gomes FINALLY came out of his no hit slump last night with a 2-run homer to take the lead over the Cubs.  There isn't a guy in baseball that needed that more, that's for sure.  He also shaved his mohawk which makes you wonder with a guy as superstitious as Jonny (if you've ever seen him at bat, you know what I'm talking about), if he did it because it was bringing him NO LUCK!  I'm hoping this will be the corner for him.  BTW - 4 wins in a row for the Redlegs! Unfortunately the stupid Cards won so we're still only 1.5 games up. 

And by the way...how 'bout them Indians...4.5 up...sucks for us that they're so hot since we'll be playing them here in a few. 

Okay so, I went to Target after school yesterday to buy the Wii exercise/dance game Zumba.  I did my first "class" yesterday and I'm not kidding you I was a hot mess.  I think the dogs thought I was having a seizure or that I was spinning around the family room trying to step on my own feet.  I never knew what a giant clod I really am!  I have absolutely NO coordination.  I don't know how I'm ever going to get this down.  There needs to be a "slow" button on the controller cause I could barely keep up and I think all the arm swinging nearly knocked my shoulder out of socket.  I'll keep trying though and I have to admit - it was quite a workout.  I sweat my ass off but maybe that was just becuase I was struggling just to keep up.  If only Jim had been home to see what a bumbling idiot I am.  (That is not me on the cover of the game by the way...I didn't want anyone to be confused!)

So that's about all I've got.  We're at t-minus 4 days 'til Thundercats r go! Can't wait to see my sweet Thundercat!  (I better get out my camera now so I don't forget it!) Later!

Why Do The Reds Want To Kill Me!?

They are constantly trying to give me a heart attack!

So there I am, driving home from the movie yesterday (la la la...drive drive drive...hmm hmm hmm), and I call Maggie.  She had called during the movie and I remembered I needed to call her back.  One of the reasons she called was to say the Reds were kicking St. L's ass!  7th inning - 7-2 and my boys are about to sweep.  YIPPEE!!!  So I hang up with Maggie and tune in.  Every thing is going fine.  I get home.  I get out of my car.  I go inside the house.  Jim's sitting watching the game.  They've put Chapman in.  Me: "Oh shit!"  Jim tells me he can't find the base.  And lo and behold, the easy closing he should have had turns into a near loss.  He ends up letting those assholes from St. L score 5 runs.  It's 9-7.  WTF!?  Why do they keep putting that guy in?!  He wouldn't be able to find the base if it was stuck to his ass!  I wanted to change the channel because I couldn't watch but Jim wouldn't let me.  In the end we, of course, won.  Cordero managed to wrap it up but why do the Reds do this to me?!  Chapman may have speed but his accuracy is for SHIT!  He shouldn't be allowed to pitch until he can show a little more consistency!  ARG! 

So the movie was good yesterday.  Anne and I went to see Something Borrowed with Ginnifer Goodwin and Kate Hudson.  Good movie but Anne and I both agreed that the book was better.  A nice solid chick flick.  The previews we saw were exciting too mainly because I got to see the Harry Potter trailer!  I was tearing up.  I know that sounds silly but I'm just so excited about the last movie.  7 book!?  8 movies?!  There hasn't been a phenomenon like this ever has there?!  Anyway - the other trailers looked really funny too:  The new Steve Carell movie with Ryan Gosling (Crazy Stupid Love); the new Paul Rudd movie (Our Idiot Brother); the new Justin Timberlake movie (Friends with Benefits)...I'm going to be busy this summer.

Well, that's about all I have.  I'm thinking about heading up to Columbus on Saturday now...if Maggie doesn't mind (why should she - she'll most like still be in the hospital) and if Charlie doesn't mind.  I guess I should ask that, huh?  Again, I'll just have to play it by ear and see what happens with our little Thundercat, Eva!  So excited! 

Okay well I guess I better head up and finish getting ready.  Jim's doing well by the way.  He is going to work today although he'll have to take it just a little easy.  No heavy lifting for a couple days.  This was actually a very easy and (not just for me) painless procedure.  He's barely complained and you KNOW that's a miracle.  K - I'm out...later!

Movies, Seeing Old Acquaintances & Pain In The Ass Sisters!

And I don't mean Anne.  Hee hee.  Just kidding about Maggie being a pain in the ass (well, not really) - she's just 9 months pregnant and trying to get everything together (when she doesn't need to worry about so much considering Mom will be there soon and I'll be up this weekend to do what needs to be done in the house but she won't listen to me and I think she "nesting").  Anyway - we're trying to work out a meeting time/place for dinner tonight.  Maggie and Charlie are going to drive down to meet Dan and Kristyn for dinner (Dan unexpectedly flew in from Australia and will be leaving on Tuesday).  Jim and I will meet them as well and there was some back and forth phone calls trying to figure out how K & D would get up to Deerfield.  I am, of course more than happy to drive and pick them up but I, using my incredible reasoning powers, said it would probably NOT be a problem to borrow either Dad or Becky's car.  Jim - incredible husband of mine - ended up ironing that part of the issue out and IF Dad and Becky don't join us for dinner, they will let Kristyn and Dan borrow one of their vehicles. 

In regard to old acquaintances, I saw a ton of old high school (and childhood) friends yesterday at Mr. K's funeral.  Crazy to see some of these people after so long.  The funeral mass was nice though it was tough on the Kohl kids and it was difficult to watch them...every time I would look at Kristyn or Karmen in the mass, I had to quickly look away or I'd cry (seeing people cry makes me cry).  It was all just so fast and hard to process.  After the mass many went to The Kohl's aunt's house (Mr. K's sister).  That was fun and nice to spend some time chit chatting with everyone. 

Today, I'm going to meet Anne around 1PM at the movie theater.  We're going to see Something Borrowed.  I read this book a while back and look forward to seeing a nice romantic comedy.  After that - home and then dinner. 

So that's it.  Oh and I've updated my Recent Reads blog with my latest read.  Other than that...I got nothing.  Later!

Don't Hate Me!!!

Stupid Blogger!  For the past two days I haven't been able to get on to post.  I could see and read blogs but when I tried to sign in or tried to click on "new post" it would go to an error page.  So save your bitching and complaining for someone who gives a poop! 

I've had so much to share these past few days too so lets get started!

First of all - Jim's surgery went well.  He's now only half the man he used to be!  Hee hee.  Actually, he's had very little issue and swelling.  He even said in the car on the way home (I think he hated admitting it to me) that aside from a tiny

pinch when he got the local anesthesia, it wasn't any big deal.  Amazingly enough - he's barely shown his drama queen tendencies!  The one time when I'll actually put up with his moaning and groaning and what does he do?  He sucks it up and acts like a man.  Well, half a man.  Hee hee.  Jim will be taking it easy today and Sunday - staying at home and relaxing with ice on his junk - mainly to be safe but also he can't shower until tomorrow so we'll see how the rest of the weekend goes.

In Maggie news:  They are inducing her next Friday!  YEAH!!!  Can't wait to see that little baby thundercat!!!  (By the way, I had a dream last night that her water broke!)  I'm thinking that if she goes in Friday to have Eva, she'll have her most likely Saturday and then will come home on Monday (that's what the doc said).  I'll try and get up Sunday and we'll see what happens from there.  It will all depend on her hospital stay.  I'd love to come up Sunday, maybe help mom and Charlie get the house ready for the homecoming...spend the night and come home Monday!  But we'll see.  I'm putting the cart in front of the horse I guess.  I'M JUST SO EXCITED!!!

Today will be a tough day.  Mr. Kohl's funeral is at 11AM.  It will be nice to see everyone but I hate the reasons that people who are separated by continents get together.  I wish I could have been at the Reds game last night too...they were doing a moment of silence for Mr. K...isn't that sweet?  Not to mention that the Reds won BIG last night!  JOEY!!!  MVP! MVP! MVP!  Mr. Kohl would have been thrilled, I'm sure.  He and Grandma Kohl were probably up in heaven watching! 

Some holidays that we've missed while I've been unable to post?  Blame Someone Else Day (Kristyn did it! I celebrate that every day anyway!)  It was also Frog Jumping Day yesterday - sorry I missed that!  Oh, and Thursday was Hug Your Cat Day!  I'll go to the freezer and give Betty a little squeeze!  It's so wrong!

Weird that as the morning goes on the sky is getting darker and darker rather than lighter.  It's going to be a nasty day!  But of course because it's the weekend and that's become the norm anymore here in the tristate area. 

K - well, I better get Jim set up with some ice.  Later!

Zeke Is Pushing My Buttons This Morning!

Oooooh!  He's making me so mad!  That bad dog!  He can walk perfectly fine but for some reason this morning he wants me to carry him back upstairs.  He's already climbed up and down and now he's waking Jimmy up to get a lift.  Spoiled boy!  I checked the weather too...it is not about to storm so it isn't that making him crazy.  Yesterday was funny though.  We had a late afternoon storm and I will tell you!  It was loud!  Thunder that sounded like trees cracking and breaking.  No wind though - thank you Jesus.  Anyway - poor Zeke sat huddled under the end table in the family room for about an hour and a half...long after the storm was over.  I tried to get him out but he wouldn't believe that it had passed.  He doesn't trust his mama!  Debil!

So today is Eat What You Want Day and that makes me MAD!!!  I can't eat whatever I want!  I'm a fatty and need to watch my cal intake.  If I could eat what I wanted though, you know what I'd eat!?  Hmm...well, for breakfast I'd make fried bread, bacon and eggs.  And I'd suck down a mimosa with it.  I'd have chocolate for a chaser!  Lunch would be a big old juicy hamburger with fries and a beer.  I'd chase all that down with some chocolate too!  For dinner, I have - most likely - some sort of pasta dish...and I chase it all down with some chocolate.  Man I wish I could eat what I wanted and not worry about it.

Well, today is my PITA (pain in the ass) IEP meeting.  I'm actually not hopped up about it.  I made a decision yesterday that I can only put my suggestions out there for what I think is best/right for a student and the parent can agree or disagree (you know maybe trust me a little that I know their kid a bit better educationally) and then we can go from there.  Why fret about it?  I don't know why I sometimes get nervous or worry about what is in the IEP - it's a working document that can be tweaked at the meeting as needed.  At least I'll have my sped coordinator there to deal with the big questions that I can't really make a decision about...that makes it a bit easier.  (Mom wants summer services which is really ridiculous as this kid doesn't regress over summer breaks...well, I should clarify: Dad is most likely pushing this but whatever.)  And if dad is there and being his usual crazy ass self, I'll just kill him with kindness and ignore his rude behavior.  Easier said than done but that's the plan.

Oh, my robins just outside my bedroom window are nearly ready to fly the coop.  There are three and they're huge.  I seriously don't know how they all fit in that nest.  And when Mama comes and sits on them well, my goodness is it cramped.  All the babies are so cute 'cause they're preening themselves and getting their feathers all ready...so cute.  One of these days I'll look out and they'll be gone.

Okay well, that's all I've got.  I wanted to post a video here - one that Aunt K sent a link to on youtube but there was not code for embedding.  Stink.  Well, if you're interested...it's really hilarious and short:  Interactive Conversation with Dog

K - I'm out...later!

The Case Of The Smelly Muir!

So all day yesterday - starting at home while getting ready for work - I smelled.  It drove me nuts because I couldn't figure out what it was, where it was coming from, what I had possibly eaten.  I kept saying to anyone around me (kids, other teachers) "I SMELL!!!  WTH!?!?!"  My clothes smelled freshly washed.  I had freshly washed. My lotion hadn't suddenly gone rancid.  It was a head scratcher.  I eventually just figured it was something I had eaten and it was coming out of my pores.  But see, I really didn't believe this because I had teryaki chicken, broccoli and long grain wild rice the night before.  There wasn't any pungent odor or ingredient (including garlic) in any of that. 

Interestingly, when I got home and changed and walked Sami the smell was mysteriously GONE!  Vamoose!  Hmm...

So, fast forward to me getting ready for bed.  Wash wash wash, brush brush brush...flush flush flush!  Then I go in my closet to get my outfit for today ready.  Innnnhale...HEY!  THERE'S THAT SMELL!!!  So I gaze down and give a nasty look to my new shoes.  That I wore to work!  Why you little stinkers!  I picked up one of the guilty party and inhaled!  Lo and behold - culprit nabbed!  My shoes - the leather - STINK!  I mean I guess it smells a little like leather but really it smells more garlic/oniony.  I even had Jim chickity check it out and he concurred!   Those shoes gave me more trouble yesterday!  Way comfortable but they made farting sounds when I walked and then gaslighted me!  OOOOOOOHHHHHH!!!!  I shake my fist at you shoes!

So in Sami news:  She's feeling much better.  (Her shots from Saturday - yearly + rabies) caused her to have a weird reaction...lethargic and sore.  I gave her an anti-inflammatory and she's nearly back to her old whack-a-do self.  I wore her out yesterday too (a nice long two-miler) and I think that loosened her up. 

So that's about all I've got.  Looking forward to Sunday - Anne and I are going to see "Something Borrowed".  I've read this book and it's certainly a "chick flick" that Jimmy wouldn't want to see with me.  Anne's reading the book right now...should be good...haven't been to a movie since...oh, Jane Eyre with my other sis!  K - I'm out...later!

Big Week

First, let me say to Diane - I'm so sorry about Ozzie and I loved his picture on FB.  I actually checked your page yesterday to see if you had by chance posted something Saturday.  I saw pics of him and I had a feeling. (I didn't read the posts from Friday so I never saw the R.I.P. post.)  He is definitely in a better place and is looking down on you smiling and saying Thank You for letting him live the best life he could! 

So this week will be a busy week for me.  I have my last IEPs for the year on Wednesday, Thursday and Friday.  Friday I actually will only go in for my 7:30 IEP and then leave for home.  Jim is having his big (or little) procedure that day and I will need to drive him home.  I dread a weekend of dramatics from him.  Hopefully they'll give him some good pain meds and I'll just dope him up.  My IEPs should be no biggie but the Wednesday one is for my student whose dad is a complete and total a-hole.  He didn't show last year but I have a feeling this year I won't be so lucky.  I sent a draft of the IEP home last week and haven't heard back.  UGH!  Hopefully he's not going through it with a fine-toothed comb and picking everything out that he can drill me about at the meeting.  DREAD!  FROWN!!  GRIMACE!!!

In other school news, I'm about to finish my final novel in my low LA class (Where the Red Fern Grows).  After the movie, I have no idea what to do.  We have three weeks left before exams (I think) and this week will be the final chapters and movie but what then?  I don't want to start anything new.  Maybe I'll do a project on the book but that will be painful with Diablo.  He bitches about everything.  It will be like pulling teeth just to get him to do anything.  UGH!  I'll figure something out. 

Did You Know?
George Gershwin suffered partial hearing loss after a poppy seed became lodged in his ear canal. By the time it was removed, it had begun to sprout.  Weird.  I'm going to have an "everything" bagel for breakfast when I get to school - I better be careful and not get a poppy seed lodged in my ear.  Although it might be kinda cool to have poppies sprouting out of my ears. 

K - well, that's all I've got for now.  All talk at ya later!

Happy Mother's Day!!!

Happy Mother's Day to every mother out there!  Hope your day is SPECTACULAR!!!  It's supposed to get beautiful here later but currently?  Not so much!  Stink! 

So, what are my plans today you ask?  Well, I just finished making breakfast.  In a bit I'll get dressed and head up to Deerfield and go to Jo-Ann Fabrics to A) find some backing for my king-sized quilt and B) get some new templates for my quilting.  I should also stop at Target because Jim and I both need new shower curtains.  I need to get some more pork chops at Costco too.  Jim needs a haircut.  Other than that, I'll hang at home and maybe get some clean up done outside.  Sami told me she'd like to go on a nice long walk so I think I'll pencil that in too.

By the way - Happy No Socks Day!!!  Crap - hold on...K - I had to whip my socks across the room.  Damn!  Now my feets are cold! 

So that's all I've got...sorry I'm not more exciting!  Have a happy mothers day all you mother's who read this...my babies haven't given my my presents yet...although Bubba licked my eye this morning and Zeke gave me a rather fishy face bath.  That's all I really need anyway.  K - later!

Tough Morning For Zeke!

Only because I was walking around in the dark and kicked him.  Then when I tried to step over him I stepped on him.  When he finally got the hint and moved out into the hallway he stood there looking at me, wagging his tail.  He loves me that much!  I can kick him and then step on him and he's still happy to see me in the morning.  I love that boy. 

I had a tough time getting up this morning.  It's that time of year, I guess.  By May in my school year, after getting up at 5AM for nine months, I think my body starts going into shut down mode.  I was so tired last night - at 8:00 - that I felt drunk (and no, I wasn't).  When my head hit the pillow at 8:00, I think I was immediately OUT!  Man, I don't know how I'm going to survive tonight.  Fritz - brother-in-law - is having dinner.  We'll leave here at 6PM and head down to Clifton.  I'm sure by 8PM I'll be ready to go home to sleep.  I think I better try to get a quick cat nap in when I get home today...otherwise I'll be a bum and I don't want to do that to Jimmy.  Or Fritz.  That would be rude.  I can suck it up one night. 

So that's all I've got.  Except!!!  It's NO PANTS DAY!!!  Hot damn!  And Shit!!!  I'm wearing pants!!!  I guess I'll just have to take them off!  But here's a weird thing:  Not only is it No Pants Day but it's also National Prevention of Teen Pregnancy Day!  WHY!!!???  WHY!!!??? Why would you celebrate No Pants Day when you're trying to prevent teens from getting pregnant?!  It should just be called, No Pants Day Teens So Go Get Pregnant Cause You've Got No Pants On You Big Bunch Of Horndogs!  That's a mouthful though and I don't think it would fit on a poster.

K - I'm out...later!

Love

As in Jennifer Love Hewitt has gone through ANOTHER boyfriend.  What's with that girl?  She goes through men like I go through...wine.  Well, now, that didn't make me sound good.  She goes through men like I go through...underwear?  No, that makes it sound like I mess myself a lot...AND I DON'T!  No matter what Maggie tells you.  I don't know...she just goes through a lot of men!  She must be difficult!

Got my hairs cut yesterday.  Two inches.  You won't be able to tell because A) I always wear it up and B) it was so long anyway that two inches isn't going to be noticeable.  Feels good though.  I can get a brush through it. (I know that cartoon isn't appropriate but it made me laugh...her boobs are so perky!  They MUST be implants!)

Got an email from Maggie with a weird picture attached.  Don't know what the hell that was about.  I think she may be losing her mind as her pregnancy progresses.  Eva may be sucking her brain cells out through the umbilical cord...Maggie can't afford that!  (Uh oh...I better watch it cause unless I actually steal that baby, I may never get to see her!)

Today?  Respect for Chickens Day!  I absolutely respect the chicken!  I think it's DELICIOUS!  However, I had already planned on making pork for dinner so BONUS!  I don't have to change my plans!

Oh, and hey!  Don't become a sumo wrestler in Japan!  They pay their income taxes based on their weight!  Good thing they don't do that here in the good old US of A!  I'd be paying out the nose! 

Okay well I know it's going to shock you but that's all I've got!  I didn't realize I had that much so consider yourself lucky! (Consider yourself at home...consider yourself part of the fammmmilyyyy!  What's song?  Are you singing it now?)  K - I'm out...later!

WHO IS 3!?!?!?!

Sweet J Bird - that's who!!!  It's his GOLDEN BIRTHDAY!!!  He's 3 on the 3rd!!!  Happy B-day sweet boy!  I love you!

Now!  Let's check out this handsome guy through the years! 

Brand spankin new!!!

He must be reaching for his Aunt Muir!!!

How happy is this kid to see his Aunt Muir!!!

I think this is my all time favorite picture of him!  Look at that long hair!!!  And cheese smile!!!

Completely hugalicous!!!

Even caked in spaghetti sauce I'd kiss that face!!!

The sweetest 3-year old I know!!!  Love you!

More Stupid Posts

Do people forget on facebook what they've already posted?  I love the people who, when OBL was first declared dead, spoke out in joy and triumph and then their next post is this:

"I mourn the loss of thousands of precious lives, but I will not rejoice in the death of one, not even an enemy. Returning hate for hate multiplies hate, adding deeper darkness to a night already devoid of stars. Darkness cannot drive out darkness: only light can do that. Hate cannot drive out hate: only love can do that."

-Martin Luther King, Jr.

Don't get me wrong - I appreciate their opinions and right to share (don't have a FB page if you don't want to hear opposing/different opinions) but please!  Choose a side!  Annoying! 

So, in Cincinnati weather news, guess what?!  IT'S RAINING.  What's going on?  I'm beginning to think that the Midwest did something to piss God off.  I can't imagine what it is!  I mean, I live here!  That should override any negative issue! 

Dreamt I was Shania Twain last night.  My new husband is CUTE!!!  So was I for that matter!  My dream even caused me to oversleep...again!  Slept right through my alarm...John Waite was singing...not Shania.

So that's it.  Oh, it's election day today...lots of school levies on the ballots.  It will be interesting to see if many of them pass/fail.  What will that say about SB5?  Hmm...

By the way:  It's National Disabled Pets Day...do you think any/all of my dogs would qualify?  I think Zeke definitely...maybe not because of a mental or cognitive disability but certainly with a physical one.  If he drove a car (like the dog in the Geico commercial) he'd definitely have a wheelchair sticker/tag!  Bubba on the other hand, I think, is slightly cognitively delayed.  I also think he's missing that part of his brain that tells you when you're full.  Sami?  Well, I'm pretty sure she's got ODD (Oppositioinal Defiant Disorder), OCD (Obsessive/Compulsive Disorder), ADHD, PTSD (Post-traumatic Stress Disorder) and probably load more! 

Oh, well, what do you know!  It's National Teacher Day...I just read that Kasich made that "declaration" in a public announcement yesterday.  Have I mentioned that he's a dick?  That just made it official!

Did You Know?
Here's a fact that makes me want to never become a Sherpa!  In 1983, two Danish climbers trapped on Mt. Everest kept warm by killing their Sherpa and setting fire to his corpse. 

K - I'm out...can't wait to drive to work in this rain - again!  I think I need new tires too.  Later!

Wow! 10 Years!

I can't believe it's been 10 years - nearly - since 9/11.  Finally that sick bastard it dead!  They say OBL was shot in the head in a mansion in Pakistan.  I wonder about the mansion he was staying it.  Whose was it?  If not his, are those bastards dead too?  (That's not very nice of me...wishing others dead but you know there are more sick bastards waiting in line to bring the U.S. to its knees)  And by the way - my "friends" on FB say the dumbest things!  I can't believe the stupid shit people say publicly for all to see.

So it's raining...again.  Next three days:  Rain.  Lovely. I HATE RAIN!!!

This is funny.  Jim and I had a few errands to run yesterday.  We took his car but of course I drove.  Well, before we left I was running around looking for the grill manual because I needed the part number for the heat diffuser.  And of course I got no help from Jim...he's just out sitting in the car while I try to get shit done...of course he doesn't know where anything is so, really, he would have just gotten in the way.  Anyway, I finally get what I need and head out to the car.  Jim's in the driver's seat.  DB!?  Move it!  (Hold on!  That's not the funny part).  So we're driving along and we get to a red light...

BTW - it's POURING!!!

...and I look around the car and see this little notebook thingy stuck between the seats so I say, "What's this?" Jim:  "I don't know."  So I pick it up and look in it and Jim has written on it:  "Muir is nosey."  OOOOOOOO!!!  What a devil!  He knows me so well!  We laughed for minutes and minutes!  (This is what he was doing by the way while I raced around the house looking for stuff!  He's so helpful!)

Seriously - it's freaking POURING!!!  Hope it lets up before I leave for work. 

Happy Melanoma Monday by the way!  I don't think we should "celebrate" this day...that seems a little morbid! 

And...that's all I've got.  I'm already exhausted and ready for a nap.  Long work week!  Ugh!  K - I'm out...later!

And This One Belongs To The Reds!!!

Yay!  Off to a good start:  My first game of the year and my boys won.  It was a harry start but alas, they pulled it off in the 10th.  I tell you - Edinson Volquez may have pitched a good game yesterday but there were just too many walks to keep me pleased.  In my view - from what I could see - he just seems so nervous on the mound and then frustrated at the pitches he's throwing.  So much inconsistency in my eyes.  Granted he only gave up one run in five innings and 4 hits but he walked 5!  Ugh!  Walks will haunt you!

So the game was super fun and J Bird was such a good boy (as he always is).  We had great seats (thanks Trip) although we didn't get to sit with Jim - he was in our section moving around as he got kicked out of others seats.  It was a LOOOOONNNNG game - by 9-something (two hours in) we were only in the 5th inning.  It ended up a 4-hour game.  We actually left after the 5th when Trip and the J Bird left.  By the way - I think J.J. is warming up to our mascots (Rosie, Gapper and Mr. Redlegs).  He's still very cautious of them and doesn't want them to get near him but he doesn't turn away when he sees them and he's certainly curious about them.  I think he's trying to figure them out.  (He wonders why they don't speak...that's a legitimate question!  I mean how creep!  These big monstery looking things that don't say anything).  Looking at Mr. Redlegs last night - I don't blame J.J. for thinking he's creepy!  I mean look at those kook-a-doodle-doo eyes!  He looks like he's trying to put you in a trance (to steal kids?  Maybe!). 

Anyway - it was a fun game...thanks Trippy-tiki-tavi for inviting us!  Can't wait for the next game. 

So, today?  I'm hanging out, doing laundry.  Jim went to work for a few hours.  When he gets home, we'll run to Sears for a grill part.  Jim has some lawn seeding to do too.  I'm still working on getting my quilt pieced together and then I'll be able to start hand sewing.  I need to go the Jo-Ann's to get some new templates for the quilting patterns.  Maybe Jimmy will want to do that with me! 

And...that's all I've got.  It's May 1st and guess what day it is?  School Principal's Day!  FU HH!!!  You deserve NO celebration from me!  Assholes shouldn't be celebrated!  And how weird that it's on a Sunday!  K - I'm out...later!

Zekey Update

So Thursday, I came home from work.  Everything was normal.  I let the pups out, changed and went to check on how muddy Zeke was getting in the backyard.  As I was heading out, he barked from the bottom of the deck steps.  Hmm...this is new.  He's been able to go up steps for about a solid month now.  Well, I go and carry him up and realize that at some point since getting home, he tweaked his injured leg.  STINK!!!  When I brought him up to the deck, he was walking as poorly as he had before surgery and I felt sure that he tore his repaired ACL again.  DOUBLE STINK!!!  Friday, I had Jim call and talk to the doc, I picked up meds after school and Jim agreed to take the boy in on Saturday to have it checked out. Results:  Thank you baby Jesus, he only tweaked it.  His repair is still solid.  We'll just have to keep him on his anti-inflammatory and pain meds for a bit.  Dern dog!  I know he went out there and either stepped in a muddy spot and slipped or he was rolling around in the muddy wet grass like he likes to do and twisted it the wrong way!  He's a bad dog...worrying his momma like that! 

Have I mentioned that I would like to be Kate Middleton?  Just for a day.  You know, funny enough, I really didn't pay that much attention to the Royal Wedding Extravaganza as the wedding day approached but now, I'm slightly obsessed with the couple.  I just think, for one day, it would be groovy to live that life.  BUT!!!  Since we don't live in a magical world - I guess I'm living in a dream world. 

Aunt Kathleen - the quilt arrived yesterday.  I love it!  I didn't realize how together it already was.  All I need to do is all the hand stitching - no big whoop.  I'll go get a template tomorrow probably and start on it.  Should take a couple months but maybe by June - I'll have it complete for you!  Love all the cute fabrics! 

Okay so that's all I've got.  My house is clean and I'm just waiting on Jim to get back from the BMV so I can go to the grocery.  We're going to the Reds game tonight (Joey Votto bobble head night)...meeting J.J. and Trip around 5:00!  Can't wait...first game of the year...hope they win.  Ooh and I'll get to wear my new Reds jersey that Jimmy got me for X-mas...I chose #31 - Jonny Gomes!  Love him and his mohawk. 

K - I'm out...Jim's home.  Later!

Wish I Were Royal!

I've got the royal extravaganza on in the background.  I'm waiting for Kate to get in her Rolls...I am taping this but I keep trying to an eye out.  I've got Jim in the family room watching and keeping an eye out.  Just a minute ago, he says, I think this is her and I look and it's some chick in BLUE!!!  He says, "I don't know what she looks like!"  I say, "Well, a huge clue that it's her?  She'll be in a WEDDING DRESS!!!"  He said, "I'm not going to tell you when I see her now!"  My husband might be retarded. 

God, I remember when Maggie and I got up to watch Diana get married in 1981...so exciting that her son is now taking the leap!  Full circle! 

K - sorry so short but I want to hurry, finish getting ready, race to work and watch at school! 

Jim just yelled, "It's the Duchess of Cornhole!"  I'm guessing he means the Duchess of Cornwall which I think means Camilla just arrived with Prince Charles. 

Jim just asked, "Who's the dude with the Queen?"  Duh!  Her husband ratard!  I wish I could stay home with him and watch this...it's funny to hear him say stupid stuff!

K - I'm out!  Later!

Dear Baby Jesus,

Thank you for answering my prayers and NOT for bringing the heavens down on me last night.  I slept like a baby rock and am grateful that I didn't have a tree crush me whilst I slept! 

I assume it didn't storm last night because I heard nothing.  Currently the wind is howling but I think it's just breezy - nothing to damage my house or nerves.  I do believe we are in the clear for a bit at least although it's supposed to rain all day AGAIN!  This is ridiculous!  And you all know I'm not affected by weather like many people are.  It usually doesn't give me the blues but I'm about to cry if this rain doesn't end.  So far this month we've had 13.32 inches of rain.  13!!!  INCHES!!!  OF RAIN!!!  IN 28 DAYS!!!  By the way - that's a record!  The wettest April in history!!!  Stupid!

When all the rain is over, I told Jim last night, he needs to rent the steam cleaner for the weekend because my carpets are full of muddy puppy prints!  What can you do!?  I try to keep up with wiping them but Sami's fast as lightening and can't STAND to have her paws squeezed or rubbed like that.  Oh well...what's a girl to do.

In other news...um...I got nothing.  I dreamt of cookies last night.  Isn't that funny?  I was baking cookies - all kinds.  It seemed like I was doing it for Christmas but I'm not sure.  There were a ton of cookies.  I remember for one batch instead of mixing all the ingredients with a spoon or electric mixer, I put everything in a paper bag and just shook.  Funny.  It worked though. 

Here's a little piece of mindless trivia:
DID YOU KNOW?
Famed Italian explorer Marco Polo never learned to swim. Hmm...Marco?  Polo?  Fish dead in the water!!! 

Well SHIT Kim!!!  Yesterday was Babe Ruth Day!!!  How funny is that?!  For those of you wondering why I give a crap...I've been teaching my kids in history class all about baseball.  We had a week of the History of Baseball.  This week has been all about Women in Baseball (Starting A League of Their Own today).  Next week is about Shoeless Joe (Field of Dreams after).  I missed a "teaching moment"!  Although in reality, I told the kids all about the Sultan of Swat last week so...anyway...I'm out...later!

Storms Only A Dog Can Hear!

Zeke's must be psychic!  He has a sixth sense I think for storms!  He's been following me around, panting and drooling on my foot since I got up this morning.  WHICH MEANS:  A storms a brewin'!  OH!  I just heard thunder.  Now, why can't Zeke be psychic about other things that could benefit ME!? 

The weather is supposed to be severe later today - not looking forward to that but I'm hoping that the winds (by biggest nemesis and fear) will not gust up to 80mph again!  With these rain-soaked grounds, these trees are likely to topple right over!  BUT!!!  I'll try to keep my cool.  I just can't be around Kim today because I know she and I will feed off each others fears!  Not to mention we both have kook-a-doodle dogs that are petrified of storms. 

By the way - I checked out the Top Ten Windiest Places in America and 8 out of 10 are in California.  The other two?  Hawaii.  I will not be moving to either place. 

I also checked out the record for wind gust in the U.S.  Holy Shit!!!  In April, 1934 - a wind gust in Mount Washington New Hampshire registered at 231 mph!  That is really close to Maine!  I wouldn't have a tree left!  That's some scary shit. 

Okay - so that's all I've got!  But before I go...how about an amazing fact?

Did You Know?
Famed frontiersman Daniel Boone never wore a coonskin cap. He did, however, suffer from a medical condition that caused his breasts to lactate.  Oh snippity snap!  How bad would that have been.  Maybe he wore coonskin caps on his man boobs!  That would soak up the leakage, for sure!  How unfortunate!  All his frontier friends probably made fun of him!  Talk about being bullied!  I feel so bad for old Danny!

I Think Jimmy Might Be Smoking Crack!

So here's another classic in: Stupid Shit My Husband Does:
Picture it - There I am last night:  In bed, reading my book, TV on in the background...relaxing.  It's around 8:00...8:15.  Jim's working late and the phone rings.  Jim.  He's on his way home.  He says he's about to hop on 275 from 71 which means he's about 10 minutes out.  Me:  "Great!  See ya then."  He says, "You want to do me a favor?"  Which to me means I would have to get out of bed.  Me (with a suspicious tone...he knows I'm in bed): "What?"  Jim: "You want to get out of bed, go downstairs, take the chili out of the fridge and heat it up for me?"  Me: "HAHAHAHAHAHAHAHA!!!  That's funny.  Thanks for the laugh!  Heat it up your damn self!"  Jim (by the way, he was chuckling too): "Fine!  I just gave it a shot.  I'll put it on the stove top when I get home."  Me: "Is the microwave broken?  Why can't you just heat it in the micro?!"  Jim: "Oh yeah!" 

He's a dummy!

So, I totally forgot that I set up a short meeting with a parent this morning for 7:30.  No big deal, everything is done.  It's just the last step in special ed paperwork for seniors...should take about 5 minutes...I hope!  Another pain in my ass though (not the parent...the paperwork).

I've really got nothing else.  It's windy out which makes me nervous.  They're saying "severe" weather is a possibility for Wednesday night into Thursday as a cool front passes through.  FUDGE!!!  Why?  Please Lord, no more winds gusting at 80mph!  I just can't take it.  It isn't good for my nerves, skin, marriage, dogs, fingernails, toenails for that matter, hair color, stomach, plumbing!  UGH!  Calgon, take me away!

K - I'm done with the dramatics...I had better head up then out so I can get ready for today.  Later - cross fingers, toes and eyes for calm winds/weather!  Later!

There's Just No Excuse!

Actually there is:  I just wasn't feeling it...I didn't have a post in me Friday or Saturday...sorry!

News of Muir:  It's raining...and it's not stopping...and I'm sick to death of rain!!!  My backyard is wetter than it's ever been since I've lived in this house. 

Dog News:  It's raining and my pups are sick of it.  They haven't been able to go on a walk since Thursday.  Bubba is pissed that his belly keeps getting wet and Zeke is pissed that every time he comes inside, I have to wipe his saturated and muddy paws!  Sami doens't give a shit...well, she's pretty bummed about not going on a walk.  I'll try today if there is a clearing.

Jim News:  It's raining and Jim doesn't care one way or another.  I think he's probably happy because he isn't being made to go work in the yard.  Although he always finds something for himself to do.  For example - right now he's on his hands and knees cleaning the kitchen floor.  I didn't even ask him to do that.  He's a good boy.

Exciting news:  Yesterday evening, my neighbor came over and brought me my Tastefully Simple purchases!  I think I'll celebrate by indulging in my Sangria Slush Bucket tonight!!!  Just add red wine!  YUM!!!  I also got Nana's apple cake, some wheat beer bread and a strawberry rhubarb jam!  I may just have to have some of that on toast for breakfast!  It is to die for! 

So it's Easter Sunday.  Jim and I are just staying home.  I'm not sure what I'll cook but I'm thinking a chicken Alfredo or something like that.  Dad and Becky asked us over but I haven't been feeling great and didn't want to expose everyone to my mopiness.  Bock Meow though to everyone out there.  Hope your day is great!

K - I'm out...going to go make breakfast.  Oh, and Jim and I watched The King's Speech last night.  I had seen it...Jim hadn't.  He REALLY like it!  I told him he would. 

Later!

Interesting Dreams

I slept pretty good last night...only woke up once at around 3.  I did have a weird dream.  I was back in high school.  I remember pulling up with Maggie into the lot and thinking that something was off.  I kept seeing all these people from high school in my dream and I realized that I knew their future. (In my dream, I was my sophomore self but I was walking around as though I were my 40-year old self with the knowledge of all these people in 2011).  One part of my dream that was sort of sad:  I was walking into the gym and I saw my favorite teacher - Mrs. Pfetzing.  (Rewind:  Mrs. Pfetzing died somewhat suddenly in the 90s.  She was diagnosed with a rare form of leukemia and died a week later).  In my dream, I realized I knew this was going happen and I just started crying and I walked up to her and hugged her.  It was crazy.  Then, Adrienne - my bf from hs - walked up to me and told me I was acting weird.  I told her I knew the future of all these people.  She asked me about her own future and I told her:  "You're going to get your undergrad in Boston then eventually move out to California, get  your law degree and have a career defending death row inmates."  She was like, "Oh, okay - that's good." 

Then Jim woke me up when he had to pee. 

So today is my Friday.  Yeah!  Bonus too:  The church that rents out my school on Sunday's is treating us to lunch...they do this every year and it's always deeeeelicous.  Usually it's a bunch of different salads (pasta, chicken etc.)

Weekend plans:  None.  I'm planning on hanging with my pups, hopefully finding a dry spot in the weather to mow some of the backyard...although the grass is so thick and high that I doubt the mower will be able to take it...ugh.  I'll maybe do some sewing and I'd like to go see a movie (The Conspirator or something such as that).  Actually, I'd love to see that new movie by Tom Shadyac "I Am"...it was discussed on Oprah yesterday...looks interesting...but I doubt it's at a theatre around us or that I'd be able to sit in for 2 hours.

By the way, It's High Five Day AND!!! National Chocolate-Covered Cashews Day!  Now THAT deserves a high five!  (I just high fived myself). 

K - well, that's all I've got...must go finish my grooming process...I hope I'm not late for school.  Later!

Are There Tornadoes In Maine?

I just can't take it anymore. (Oh, and to preface:  as far as I can tell, we have no trees down but it's dark out and I can't see completely).  This weather and the wind and trees?  It's going to send me to the loony bin!

So last night, I was exhausted.  I didn't feel well and I headed to bed around 8 PM.  I read for a while and then turned out the light just before 9 PM.  Fast forward to 12:30:  Sirens blaring!  I turn on the TV to see if I should head to the basement or not.  There were severe thunderstorm warnings headed my way with - of course - high winds so they set off the sirens (potential for tornadic activity...and by the way - I've concluded that "tornadic" isn't a word cause my spell check says so!  Stupid weather people!)  Anyway - I decide to take a chance, turn off the TV and try and get some sleep.  Fast forward again to 1:30...just starting to fall asleep and WHOOOOO  WHOOOOO (those are sirens)...more tornadic activity?  So!!! I turn the TV on again (sorry Jimmy) and see that things are heating up and getting a little dicey.  I stay tuned (Zeke by the way hadn't had issue yet)to wait to see what happens.  Sirens started going off again - we have tornado warnings now - and my friend Steve Raleigh (channel 9s CHIEF meteorologist) tells me that winds are expected to be in gusts of anywhere from 60-80 mph!  WHAT?!  NOOOOOOOOOO!!!!!!  I can't take it!!!  I'm going to lose my marbles!!!

Fast forward to 2AM...sirens are going off again and suddenly there is a gust of wind that literally had me shaking in my undies!  (I didn't have boots on).  You know how they say, "The wind sounded like a freight train!"?  Well, let me tell you, THE WIND SOUNDED LIKE A F%&KING FREIGHT TRAIN!!!  Even calm, cool, collected Jim popped out of bed and started rounding up the dogs to go downstairs.  Now, by this point, they were saying that there weren't any tornadoes reported but it didn't sound that way! Jim, however, said we'd be fine if we just got down to the family room.  I was shaking so bad and trying to keep my cool but I must say, I was really scared.  Now I know what Zeke must feel like every time it storms.  I'll take a doggy "thunder vest" too, please! 

We stayed in the FR until about 2:30 - by that time the storm had passed us.  I tried to sleep but it just wasn't hapening.  I think I managed to snooze a bit...last I looked the clock said 3:30.  Needless to say - I'm exhausted.

I swear, while sitting here typing, I thought I just heard a tree go down!  I looked outside but didn't see anything.  Maybe it was Bubba getting in the shower...I don't know...I might be losing my mind!  I'M SO TIRED!!!  Seriously!?  I need to get out of this place!  I love my house and where I live but I just can't take these high winds anymore!  Every time it blows, I think we'll have a tree crashing through our roof!  You know it's only a matter of time!  UGH!  Seriously!?  Does Maine have tornadoes?

I wish I could do a shot right now to calm my nerves!
K - I'm going go finish getting ready.  And beware ladies - I might be a bear today (although you all were probably up 1/2 the night too since we were all in the path of the storm!  Poor baby Sadie!!!)  This better be IT for major storms for a while!  Later!

Zeke In The Bathroom

So there I am, showered and half asleep, sitting in front of my bathroom mirror trying to see well enough through tired eyes to get my makeup on without looking like a clown (not sure I accomplished that).  I heard a small rumble of thunder - so small that it didn't register in my brain UNTIL!!!  Rattle RATTLE, BaNg, CRASH!!!  Well HELLO!!!  There's a Zeke at my bathroom door - scared shitless, trying to get in to my "secure", tiled bathroom so that he can pant and drool in the comfort of his Mama's presence.  Damn dog made me jump about 10 miles in the air!  I'm awake now!  Funny, he didn't hear the loud storm we had at 3AM this morning.  Poor fellow.

And it's back to work I go.  I'll only have a 3-day week this week since we have Good Friday off.  Happy!  Today I have an IEP meeting for a kid that has no, I say absolutely NO NEED for and IEP.  I haven't seen this kid in 2 years (he's a sophomore).  He's in honors classes...and Chemistry (not usual for a sophomore) and gets A's and B's.  His goal this past year was to turn all assignments in 90% of the time.  He far exceeded this.  His goal next year?  To turn in assignments 100% of the time.  Ridiculous!  I'll mention to the mother that there really isn't a need but without a real team there (my admins never show up), I'm not going to be able to force this on her.  At least he's an easy "case" to have on my load.  I shouldn't bitch but it inflates our numbers.

Well damn!  I missed National Wear Your Pajamas To Work yesterday!  Stink!  Well, I did wear my pj's for most of the day yesterday.  Funny enough, today is National Hang Out Day which I absolutely celebrated yesterday. 

Oh boy!  The heavens just opened up!  I mean it is POURING!!!  There goes my backyard!  Washing away!  UGH!  This has been one rainy spring! 

Okay well, I best mosey along. Later!

The Next David Beckham

I mean, could this kid get any cuter!?  Loves me a J Bird in his soccer uniform!

I'm pretty sure he just made a goal here and is celebrating by running around in circles, arms out like an airplane!  Love him!

Look at that form!  That grace!  That left foot!

A Monday Off

YAAAAWWWWNNNN!!!  So nice to have slept in this morning!  I took today off, originally, because I thought I had one more personal day left but alas, I was confused and had taken all three (although they've only docked me for two...weird...those snow days messed me all up this year).  Once I had it in my mind, however, to take today off, I just put it in as a sick day...they don't have a "mental health" category on the site.  So, my plans today are to finish up some laundry I have, finish up the cutting for my quilt so that I can start sewing the squares together, maybe watch HP while doing so and hang with my pups.  Currently I'm waiting for the sun to peek through so Sami and I can take our walk.  I'll also take the boys since Jim's a bad dad and dissed his babies.  ARG!!!  BAD DAD!!! 

So, yesterday was very nice.  The fam (minus Maggie and Charlie) went to Dad and Becky's on a sort of impromptu dinner extravaganza (they decided on Saturday that it was time we all get together for some good old fashioned fam time).  Dad's b-day was yesterday too so that was a bonus.  We had a beef roast, baked potatoes, green bean casserole, salad and brownies and Graeters for dessert.  It was nice to see everyone - J.J., as usual, was a sweetie pie - and we need to start getting together on a more regular basis!  Dad said at the end of the night that it was his best birthday in a long, long time!  (I said it was because Maggie wasn't there...hee hee!  I'm the debil!)

Jim and I left Raeburn around 8:30 and after feeding and watering the dogs, we all went to bed.  I tried to stay awake for The Killing but I just didn't have it in me.  We'll watch tonight.

Dinner:  I'm making a new Pioneer Woman recipe (Cajun Chicken Pasta)...should be delicious.  Oh, and speaking of recipes, I made this (Chicken with Mushrooms and Artichokes) the other night...it was scrumpdiliosa!  Jim loved the noodles.  If you love mushrooms like I do - try it...you won't be disappointed.  Don't be afraid of the artichokes either (sometimes they can have a too-sour taste to me but the cooking time really dulls that down).  By the way - I didn't use thighs and legs, I just took a couple breasts, cubed them, browned them and removed.  I only added them back to the dish at the end when I added the cream.  Oh, and with the cream I did a little cornstarch/water concoction to thicken a bit more...Perfection! 

Oh, by the way - I would have posted some Phantom pics but I couldn't save them off the website like I normally would and then when I went to post them, they converted into black and white and were difficult to view.  Sorry!

So that's all I have.  I'm going to go fold laundry and hang.  Later!

Phantom of the Opera

Wow!  I must say, this production of Phantom of the Opera was no typical high school production but then anything that Theater Xavier puts on isn't typical of a high school production!  It was amazing and the voices that these high school students have is pretty remarkable.  Needless to say - last night's play was really really really good!  I've never seen Phantom but of course, I had heard much of the music and these kids REALLY belted it out!  The ever changing set was super, the costumes were great and of course, Cullen did awesome!  The only negative thing I have to say is...the woman who sat in front of me was annoying and she wore WAAAAAAAY to much nasty ass perfume!  But I survived!  Hee!  Oh, and I will post pictures as soon as St. X does...you will be amazed!

Prior to the play, Jim and I met Dad and Becky at Bacall's.  We, all four of us, got the pot roast.  It was, as usual, deeeeelectable!

Today is Palm Sunday and DAD'S BIRTHDAY!!!  Happy 74th?  You don't look a day over 60!  By the way - you share your day with bats!!!  It's Bat Appreciation Day!  I wonder if that has any connection to Jesus!?  Maybe Jesus was a bat!  Am I going to go to hell?  Well, if I do, I'll see you all there!

Dad and Becky are having dinner tonight...I know that Trip and Susan and J Bird are going (and Jim and I) but D&B hadn't heard from Anne, Dan and the kids...hopefully we'll all be there.  Should be delicious...a roast, baked potatoes, green bean casserole...I'm making fudgy brownies and bringing Graeters...can't wait. 

So that's all I've got right now...I'm taking a day off tomorrow so that will be nice to sleep in an extra day.  I'm also off next Friday - YEAH!!!  Loves me a 3-day week! K - Later!

Rain Rain Go Away!

More flooding rain headed this way.  I'm glad it's raining, so that I don't have to water the back lawn but we've had "flooding" rain for the past three rain events.  My backyard can't keep up! 

And can someone tell me why my damn dog (Zeke) insists on going outside and making little bare spots so that he can eat dirt!?  This is a question that has been plaguing me for years.  It's so infuriating!  He walks out there and in perfectly grown grass, he starts pawing and sticking his nose in the ground and snuffling.  And he's three-quarters deaf so for me to get him to stop, I have to shout "ZEKE!!!" and then pound on the deck railing.  My neighbors must think I've lost my mind.  Damn dog!

By the way - how happy am I that it's Friday!?  So tired!  Can't wait to sleep in tomorrow. 

So, my weekend plans?  Well, aside from watching HP as many times as I can (if I get the movie...this will be a test at how well my husband listens - not at all - and how good a husband he actually is), I'll be going to

St. X on Saturday to see Phantom of the Opera.  Cullen and Victor have parts so that will be fun.  Jim and I are meeting Dad and Becky at Bacall's before hand for dinner...yum...can't wait for the potroast! 

Well, that's about all I've got this fine morning.  Jim's sick by the way (cold) and ridiculous.  I swear every time he talks to me, his nose gets a little stuffier...he's such a DQ.  Speaking of DQ!  Did you see that they now carry "mini blizzards"?  I may be sending Jim on a little excursion tonight after dinner. 

K - I'm out.  Later!

Isn't Cory Hart Dreamy!?

I had a hard time waking up this morning.  I also didn't want to get out of bed because "I wear my sunglasses at night" was playing and I wanted to just lounge and listen.  But alas - that wouldn't be fair to Jim.  I did sleep like a baby rock last night though - bonus!  I hadn't been sleeping well lately - waking up at 3...not able to get back to sleep until about 3 minutes before my alarm goes off...Jim snoring and waking me up...me kicking him in the nut to shut him up (kidding).  Anyway - I'm awake now, finally and ready for the weekend.  Too bad it's still only Thursday!

Oh, I wanted to share this with those who know Kristyn and the Kohl's:  Kristyn emailed yesterday to say that Mr. Kohl has been diagnosed with cancer.  It's apparently very advanced, in his liver and most likely started in his lungs.  He'll go to an oncologist on Monday to get more solid info.  Keep him in your prayers!

Last night Maggie sent this little "status update" on FB that a friend of hers had posted...makes me laugh. 
Remember when teachers, public employees, Planned Parenthood, NPR, and PBS crashed the stock market, wiped out half of our 401Ks, took trillions in TARP money, spilled oil in the Gulf of Mexico, gave themselves billions in bonuses, and paid no taxes? Yeah, me neither.

Repost and pass it on.

Did You Know?
The pope's official barber, who cuts only the pope's hair, earns an annual salary equivalent to $250,000 (US).  WTH!?  WTF?!  I need to go to the Vatican and apply for that job!  Holy pope balls Batman that's a huge chunk of change! 

So that's it...I should get a move on...I think I need gas - GDit!  Someone needs to do something about those gas prices!  K - later!

Settle Down LADIES!!!

God, I got a tongue lashing from not only Maggie today but from Kim as well!  So, I thought I'd give you all a little treat and post IN THE AFTERNOON!!!  Unheard of!  Unprecedented! 

So here are some things that have me giddy and laughing:
1.  Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows Part 1 comes out Friday!  I can barely contain myself.  I'm all a twitter!  I may have to call in sick Friday and get up at 7 AM (or whenever it goes on sale) and buy it and watch it all day.  THEN!!!  When I'm home on Monday (another day I'm taking off) I'll watch it then too!  It's just so exciting!

2.  So, Jim's working late tonight and I couldn't decide what to have for dinner.  I thought about leftovers but I've been eating them for about 2 days.  I thought about my usual "go-to" when Jim works late (salad with popcorn chicken) but I just wasn't feeling it.  Then as I was walking Sami, something spoke to me.  And it said, "BLT!"  Then it went on to say, "with AVOCADO!!!"  Then it said, "French Fries...broccoli salad"!  I love the little voices in my head!  I can't wait to eat dinner!

3.  This made me laugh so hard today:  I had finished early with my kids in LA and they had a couple minutes to chit chat before the bell rang.  Somehow they started talking about their heritage and what nationality they were.  One of my kids - lets call him Walter - said, "I have cherry blood in me."  He said it about 5 times.  Finally, one of the other students said, "You mean Cherokee?"  All I could think to tell him while sitting there chuckling was, "I have watermelon blood!"  It's not nice that I find such humor at the expense of my students, is it? 

I have nothing else to share at this time.  Sorry all for not posting this morning and hopefully I won't slack off again tomorrow...you never know though.  K - I'm out...I may have to eat an "early bird special"!  Later.