Last Daiy Without A Computer...I Hope

My computer is still being fixed. I went in yesterday, at the end of the day to see progress and it was still reformatting which it had been doing for 7 hours. It was only at 73% too.  The teacher that was helping me out emailed me later and said he had talked to Toshiba - maker of my computer- and they said it's normally a 1-2 hour process. Crossed fingers that this is it.

In other news we're one step closer to getting new carpet in the family room. There's a guy coming Thursday to measure. Can't tell you how much I want this done. I'll have him give an estimate for the dining room/living room area for carpet vs hardwood as well. My goal is to get the carpet in the family room done as close to Thanksgiving as possible and then hopefully have the rest of the downstairs done before Christmas.

Yesterday was really nice - the breakfast with the Rotary club that honored the student I had nominated. Her whole family came including her little brother and sister. Her parents were so appreciative of the award for their girl.  I wish everyone got a chance to see and experience this because I know a lot more teachers would nominate if they knew how much it means to the kids and their family. Breakfast was delicious too.

Still freezing out there.

Jim's Keurig is on its way. It will be so hard not to give it to him before Christmas. I'll have to hide it from myself too.

And that's all I've got. Happy Wednesday. Only one more day for me. Later.

Brrrrrrr

Currently it's about 13 degrees with a wind chill in the negatives. I was really hoping for a delay, mainly for the possibility of black ice but it doesn't look like that will happen.

Yesterday was nice. Jim actually ended up turning around after sitting on the highway for an hour and coming home. He ended up going to Brandi's to finish painting one of the girl's bedrooms. He also will be doing some work for my friend Terri's fiance as he's putting his house up for sale. That should make up for the missed day at work.

I will actually not head straight to school today because I have a breakfast to go to because the kid I nominated for the rotary award won. We'll go to the Marriott near school and I should be in the classroom by 8:15.

And that's all I've got.  Best finish getting ready.  Later.

Waiting For A Closing

I'll attempt a post here...still don't have my computer...lots more wrong with it then I expected. I'm confident all will be well.

So, the weather: I'm currently on a delay. I'm guessing that since Cincinnati Public is closed it's only a matter of time before we close. On one hand, I'm excited but on the other hand I worry about using all our days quickly. Better safe than sorry though and I can't complain too much as I watch Jim getting ready to head out.

Jim normally has to be at work at 6:00 but with the roads and snow he's not taking any chances. Better to wait until more cars are out there to deal with the snowy roads. Of course I'll worry when he leaves and I hear from him.

Speaking of Jim, I got him a Christmas gift yesterday that I'm excited about. I got him the latest, Mack-daddy Keurig. It comes with 42 k-cups, a carafe and a bunch of filters. It can brew up to 30 ounces at a time, it's digital and has the largest reservoir they make. Kind of a gift for Muir too. Jim will be so happy. (I do have a machine already but I keep it at school and only bring it home during long breaks.)

And that's about it. It will be a short week as I'm taking Friday off to head to Columbus. I haven't been in forever. It's going to be a craft extravaganza as Maggie bought the makings for gingerbread houses and ornament making. Can't wait.

K - I'm out. Happy Monday and drive safely out there people. (Sorry about any errors.)

Short Post

This will be short as I'm doing this on my Kindle because my computer is still at school getting fixed. Now I know what mom goes through when she posts and she has a bunch of spelling errors.

A couple things to mention: It's flip-flopping freezing out there. I couldn't walk Sami her whole walk yesterday because the wind was so fierce. We managed about a mile and came home. She was not happy considering she wears a fur coat. I'm pretty sure I heard her call me a pu$$y under her breath. Speaking of Sami, I had a terrible dream about her last night. I don't want to mention it but they say if you do, then it won't come true. I dreamt she died. Poor baby. Knock on wood and all that jazz.

I watched a documentary on Lance Armstrong the other night. Man oh man was he an total sociopathic asshole. That guy's either going to hell or he'll be sucking a turd in purgatory for eternity.

K well my thumbs are tired and I need to mosey. (Here's something funny though:  whenever I type the word and, the list of suggested words that pops up include "jerry"  Eva would like that. ) K I'm out. Later and sorry about any mistakes.

Good News

First of all, my Christmas tree and wreath came yesterday.  I didn't unbubble wrap my tree but all looked well with it.  My wreath is cute too.  AND!!! The whole payment thing was remedied as well. Hayneedle managed to piss me off for a minute but it all ended well so yes, I will be ordering my daybed from there, probably this weekend.

Additionally, the Time Warner issue was fixed.  However, I've had just about all I can take with that company and when my current package expires, I will be shopping elsewhere.

My computer is still acting like an asshole but I'll be taking it to work with me so that the IT teacher can fix it and make it work like a dream.  It does pay to work in a school sometimes where there are people like the IT guy to fix my computer for free.

This weekend Jim and I (well I as I believe Jim will be painting) will shop for carpet.  I'm not sure if I'll do just the family room or the family room and living/dining room.  If you'll recall, I had thought to do hardwood in the latter and I still might but I'm going to price it all.  I'll go to the major hardware stores and then peruse online at Big Bobs, and other places. I'm hoping to get the at least the family room done by Christmas.  Maybe even the week of Thanksgiving.  Fingers crossed.  What do you think a reasonable amount would be?  I'm clueless as to what this will cost.

School news - nothing major.  I've got a couple (possibly a few if one of my kids ends up qualifying for services) IEPs due soon (early December) so will start focusing on writing those. Other than that, Macbeth is going well.  Most of the kids seem to be into it.  Some are just clueless.  I'll look forward to the end of the semester so I can start on something new.

Heard from Trippy yesterday.  Susan's surgery (ankle) went well.  It took a shorter amount of time than they expected so that's good.  Maybe that means her recovery will be shorter as well.  She isn't allowed to put ANY weight on it for 2 weeks at least and I believe she's not allowed to drive for something like 10 weeks.  UGH!  Jim dropped off several frozen meals and a gift card for them after work last night so hopefully that will ease their stress.

And that's about all I've got.  It's currently 30 degrees here...brrrrr...and is only going to get about 5 degrees warmer.  Can't wait for another fire tonight.

Happy Thursday...best be off...one more day!  Later!

Little Bear!!!

How cute is my girl?!  These are her preschool pics.  My fave is the first one.  Her eyes look so brown and I love the ring on her finger.  Everyone always mentions how expressive Eva's eyebrows are and this second one really shows.  I love her and am hoping to see her next weekend (fingers crossed that Jim's wound is completely healed by then)!

I hate to start a bitch fest but can I tell you how annoyed I am?  I just got my Time Warner Bill and it is for the cost that I told the woman on the phone I WOULD NOT PAY!  I will certainly be calling when I get home today and throw a fit. I am so sick of having to call these people to dispute cost or bitch about shitty pixilating service.  I'm this close (fingers a millimeter apart) from ditching them altogether.  Dish is looking better and better to me.  I may even call Cincinnati Bell and see about Fioptics.

In computer news - that is annoying me as well.  I'm still working to get these stupid pop ups from invading my browsing and I'm not having much luck.  I may just bring the damn thing into school and have the computer dude look at it.

And to make matters worse, I just got an email from Hayneedle - who I ordered my tree and wreath from - and they've charged me TWICE for my tree.  I'm about to lose my mind.

Lets see, in school news - another teacher had a student come in for Veterans day and talk to his history classes.  He happened to be a former student on my caseload who had served in Iraq and had his legs blown off.  It was really amazing to see him and to see how well he was doing.  Injury aside, he was a kid I was very worried about.  He was lazy but smart and I'm not sure how he graduated.  He has come such a long way, is married with a child and has his life together.  Just goes to show...

I'm Losing My Mind!

I am about to throw this stupid computer out the window. I hate Chrome!  I downloaded it because Blogger was no longer working properly and now I've got all these stupid ads popping up everywhere.  It's so annoying and I can't figure out how to stop it! I'm too stupid about computers to be patient enough to fix it!  ARG!!!  Sometimes I just hate f%&king technology.  I miss the days when we weren't all attached at the hip to phones and iPads and Kindles (I'm guilty too).  Of course I bitch about all this as I tap away on my laptop.  So annoying.  Not that I wish for a zombie apocalypse but imagine being in a shituation like that and how UNIMPORTANT all this computer shit is in the grand scheme of things.  It isn't necessary for our survival (although if a tech nerd were in front of me, I may use my computer to bash his brain in) and I'm pretty sure the stress this is shaving years off my life.  UGH!

So weather: Still warm out there but the way the weather people are talking, Armageddon is on its way.  Cold, wind, rain. I don't mind.  I'm excited to use my fireplace.  We've only had two fires so far this year and I'm jonesin.

School news: My principal came in for a quick observation yesterday.  He's been doing this with all the teachers since the beginning of the year but this is the first time he's come into my classroom.  He stayed or about 10 minutes or so and left a nice post it note on my desk saying how he enjoyed seeing my interaction with the kids (we were discussing weekends and just chit chatting before getting into a lesson my normal Monday routine). It is so nice to have a principal who actually shows his face in every room rather than those select few who are his minions.  Such a difference and it means a lot to the kids too.

And the cable guy came yesterday to try and fix the pixilating that we are still experiencing.  He ended up replacing cables and our downstairs box.  The box he gave us is a special box that we aren't supposed to have but it is AMAZING!  It makes it so our menu stretches our whole screen and...holy shit...here I am again becoming a slave to technology!  UGH!  Oh well.

Okay so my computer is acting like an asshole and I need to finish here.  Maybe I'll take it to school to try and fix.  K - I'm out.  Later!

Is It Thanksgiving Yet?

I woke up this morning wishing, wishing, wishing, that it were the week of Thanksgiving and I only had two days of work. Unfortunately, that was a dream.  However, I only need to get through the next two weeks and I'll be there. Can't wait.

Got a crazy weird text from my mom yesterday. It said, "Don't put up your Christmas tree until after Thanksgiving or a baby reindeer will die."  Reindeer killer for hire or what? I never knew my mother had it out for reindeer so much.  Seems like she's got some past issues with Rudolph that she may need to seek therapy for, huh?  Poor Eva would be so upset to learn that her Nana wants to kill innocent reindeer especially after she got a new friend yesterday.  Bad Nana!!!

In school news - it'll be a busy week with meetings.  Not mine but the school psyche who has a bunch of evaluations due before X-mas break.  I have one parent who is proving to be a pain in the ass - not for me but for others.  We'll see how they do over the next couple weeks.  Not really my problem though.

Okay well, I've run out of time because my computer is acting like an asshole.  Actually it's Chrome - which I hate - so I'll sign off and through my computer out the window.

Oh, and by the way, my Tuscan bean soup was soooooo good last night.  You through pesto in it at the end and man oh man, it gives it that little something extra.

K - happy Monday.  Later!

New Tree

 I broke down yesterday and decided to get an artificial tree.  I've been thinking about doing this for a while and finally found one that I liked and for a reasonable price.  I had actually been to Lowes earlier in the day and saw a tree there for $200 that I liked but knew I could get one for a better price off Hayneedle.com.  I did.  I got a 6.5 foot, pre-lit (I'm a colored light girl) for $168!  I also got a pre-lit wreath for the front door.  Free shipping?  Can't beat it.  I can't wait and I'm sure I'll be tempted to put it up as soon as it comes next week.  I LOVE CHRISTMAS!!!

Yesterday was quite the productive day for me.  I got up (Jim worked yesterday), ate, walked Sami, cleaned the house, did the leaves in the backyard (just mowed and mulched...worked well) then showered and headed out to run some errands.  I went to Target first to return a filter for my fridge and get some necessities.  I then went to Old Navy to return a sweater and hopefully get some new pants.  I scored there.  I ended up getting 6 pairs of pants and a pair of leggings.  I got all that for $140! I'm in love with my pants. They fit so well, are so comfy and stretchy and every pair I wanted was available in my size!  Can you say jackpot?!

Plans for today:  Jim and I will be getting ready for the polar vortex's arrival.  We need to load up our wood box as we will have highs in the 30s this week.  BRRRR!!!!  Looks like Cullen (Minneapolis) is gearing up for their first snow storm of the season: Anywhere from 8"-18"!  HOLY SHIZZBALLS!!!  Next Monday?  In Minneapolis, they will have a high of 14^° and a low of -1^°! I sure hope Cullen has a pair of heated undies and some mittens! 

I'll also try and get a bike ride in today with Brandi.  She's going to message me around 1:00.  She said she'll only be able to go about 8 miles which works for me.  I haven't been on a real bike for a few weeks so my arse will need some tender loving care. After that, Jim wants to go to Shooter's and since we don't have a Bengals game to watch (lose) what the hell, right? 

Dinner tonight - Tuscan bean soup!  It's a vegetarian recipe but I'll add some ham.  Looks yummy, huh?  I've pinned it on Pinterest if you're interested - under soups and stews.

K - I think it's time for mimosas and breakfast.  Happy Sunday!  Later!

Got Stomped On

Guess I didn't miss anything when I turned off the TV and the Bengals were already losing 14-3.  What can you do?

So its been awhile since I've mentioned HH (my former principal.  Can I get a little "thank you Jesus" that he's not MY HH anymore!?) and I hate to bring him up here as it seems to taint my blog but last night I received a message from my friend who is a science teacher at his new school. I had told her in a conversation last spring that he was all about gathering in his men and hated strong women. Here's what she sent me last night:

Her: ur rite. it's good old boys ego club; not strong women. very interesting

Me: Yup...he hates strong women and makes their school lives miserable when he can.

Her: Got a bad vibe. He doesn't like me but its mutual

Me: I'm sure he'll start recruiting next year. He likes to stack his staff with his weak lady minions

Her: he's all about pr and many have bought in. mostly males and he strokes their egos. it's ridiculous! he also likes his ego stroked. too much: all smoke and mirrors.

 

I have to say, better her than me.  I'm just glad that we got rid of that bad apple and hopefully, he'll never come back. He said he would like to but I'm thinking with our current board and the current interim superintendent (who I believe will become permanent superintendent) he doesn't stand a chance.  Good riddance.

 

Lets see, what else.  Jim has to go to his union meeting tonight to get sworn in.  We were going to go out to eat and use one of the gift card I got (to Ruth Chris's) but alas, we'll put that off for another time.  He also has to work tomorrow.  That sucks for him but it's good for the wallet and makes up for him having to take off last Friday. 

 

ARG!!!  I just checked my bank account and I've got all these crazy pending charges from game stores etc.  There are two charges that were made and then credited back to me and then more charged. Over $60!  I'm so annoyed right now. 5/3 had a security breech and I got a new card but that doesn't seem to be helping.  I've also changed my email password and this shit better STOP!  What else can I do?! I'll call 5/3 when I get to school (they aren't available until 7:00 AM).  I hate this!

K - well I best mosey.  Later - happy Friday!

Who Dey!

Ugh...woke up today to an email from Kristyn (my best friend from childhood...lived across the street from her for many years...she lived with us for several years during high school...currently lives in Australia). Last week they found a brain tumor in her mother.  They operated and were able to remove most of it but it seems they type of tumor she has is one of the worst (fast-growing). They won't be able to give her a "definite" prognosis or start other treatment until she recovers a bit from the surgery but there is some hope and they're keeping their fingers crossed. Kristyn says she'll be coming to the states soon but she isn't sure when.  I'm not even sure where Pat/Anne (her mother) is.  I believe she lives in New Mexico now but I'm not sure.  Eric, her son is currently with her.  Prayers and thoughts.

On a happier note - WHO DEY!  Go Bengals.  I was tempted to wear Bengals attire - especially since my principal is a Browns fan...I may still go up and change...what the heck, right?!  We'll see. Anyway - kick off isn't until after 8:00 so I don't know how much of the game I'm going to see.

By the way - I finished a couple of books recently that were really good.  The first is Following Atticus by Tom Ryan.  Atticus being a sweet mini-schnauzer and Tom Ryan being his owner.  It doesn't have a bad ending (for those of you worried since it's a dog story) and it's so uplifting. It made me want to go out and enjoy the world around me...stop sitting on my ass being idle and not looking at all that God gave us here on Earth.  There's so much that we stop paying attention to because we're busy or scared or stagnant and yet there's so much out there to experience.  There's all this awesome nature and beauty that we just pass right by. But not pups.  Nope, they enjoy it all.  It's almost a new day, a new discovery every day but unfortunately, most of them are at our beck and call and can't enjoy unless we enjoy. 

The second book was Defending Jacob by William Landay.  Jacob being a 13-year old accused of murdering a classmate.  Interesting.  Good.  Fast read. 

Okay well, I think I may just go up and change clothes...support my Bengals!  Eff it, right!? 

Happy Thursday!  One more day!  Later!

Half A Day Wasted

I can't tell you how annoyed and pissed I was at the administration or curriculum directors or whoever that made us sit through a mindless, pointless, what-does-this-have-to-do-with-education, hour-long talk by some grass eater from the Whole Foods yesterday. Ridiculous!  What the F&%K kind of waste of money was that!?  Seriously!  At one point the woman speaking said, "BM's are important!"  And I nearly lost my shit when she started a sentence with, "My first experience with lentils was..."  Really?!  Do you think I don't know that French fries aren't great for you?  Or that I should eat more fruits and vegetables!?  I don't need YOU Lady Granola, telling me to get closer to nature in my eating! Or that we are fatter than we've ever been as a society! ARG! I'm hoping they send out a survey to ask us about our day because they are not going to like my answers.  Of course, knowing that most if not all the staff will be throwing scathing reviews at them, they would be smart NOT to send a survey out. 

THEN! We sit through another hour and a half of mindless, time-wasting bullshit having to do with our new teacher evaluation shit. They made us put together "evidence" of how we could be considered "accomplished" (the highest rating) but give us no guidance.  Then!!! After struggling through that and reaching a frustration level that left me nearly to the point of telling all the administrators I saw to go f%&k themselves, we get back from lunch to find that our principal had all of this information already complete. He had done it at his former school and over lunch had emailed it to everyone.  Awesome...more time wasted. 

The final portion of our day wasn't bad.  We were given a short and sweet PowerPoint presentation (most of which was flipped through with the direction that if we want to read it ourselves it's available on the school network) and then given the major scoop of teacher evaluation in short, clear, concise language. Questions were asked and answered and I actually felt like I may be headed in the right direction toward knowing what the f&%k I'll be doing next year.  I'm sure all that will change when the state decides to switch everything up again. 

I have a bad attitude.

So thank God it's Wednesday.  We're half way through a long week and it's shortened bells today.  I just need a normal day!  No parent/teacher conferences...no in-service...just a day to teach and do what I need to do. 

BTW - I made a dish last night - Pasta a la Betsy - from the Pioneer Woman...YUM!  It's on my Pinterest board under "Fish" (it's made with shrimp).  Finger-licking, plate-licking good!

K - well, I guess that's all I have.  I promise tomorrow not to bitch all post long.  I hate people who complain about everything and I feel like that's been me lately so sorry!  I'll try to do better (of course this election doesn't leave me in a good spot to do that! Oops, I slipped).  K - later!

Cold or Allergies?

After three days of sneezing, snotty nose and watery eyes then starting a slight cough yesterday, I'm thinking this isn't allergies but a dern cold.  Who can I blame!?  I'm thinking it's the kids at school and NOT my girl Eva who would NEVER pass such germs onto her fave Muir!  UGH!  I'm very frustrated with my crusty nose and I dread sitting today in a fistful of pointless meetings.

So speaking of pointless meetings - the first meeting they're forcing us to sit through today is an hour and fifteen minute who-knows-what on "health wellness" by Whole Foods.  Um...if I'm not getting free something, why are they wasting my time with this!?  I could be working on IEPs or something rather than sitting in a lecture about nutrition or some such shit!  I'm nearly 44 years old and I don't need a lecture about health, nutrition, exercise etc.  ARG!  Why do they fill our time with this f&^king shit!?  I think the taxpayers would be appalled that we are taking an in-service day to do this!!! 

Can you tell I'm annoyed?  They also asked us to do a survey about wellness and I refused.  Now this will probably end up biting me in the ass because it has to do with some sort of raffle thing (giving away a basketful of twigs and fiber) but I'm not falling for it and allowing that to be a reason I give good marks for a lame, time-wasting presentation. If they can't find something useful for us to do, why don't they allow us to work in our rooms!?

In good news - it's Election Day and that means the phone calls and commercials and stupid mailings will CEASE!  I wonder how many trees had to die for these politicians so they can send us their  fliers in the mail. Annoying.

Last night was fine.  I ended up having 6 scheduled conferences but  my first and last didn't show...can I get a WOOT!?  I didn't get nearly the stuff done that I usually do but I got a fair amount accomplished and so won't complain there.  The one good thing about having staggered meeting throughout a night like this is it makes the time go faster.

When I got home, I was slightly wound up so ended up laying in bed and watching The Affair - a new series on Showtime.  Disturbing and I'm still figuring out what the eff is going on.  It's good though.

Okay well, I guess I best mosey...don't know what I'm wearing and I need to chisel a bit of crust off my nose before I get all beautified.  Happy Election Day...the country's going to hell in a hand basket.  Later!

PIB Weekend: A Recap

Normally the sun sets at the far right of where this picture is.
it's crazy how far to the left it gets over the fall and winter months.

I had such a good time this weekend, partially because I needed some uninterrupted Eva time and with the cold, rainy, windy weather...I got it!  I think she and I are back on solid ground again...thank God. 

So Jim and I arrived at the Miller (just as the ferry pulled away from the dock) at 8:30.  Maggie and Charlie made that boat and were able to open up the cottage (crank the heat) and see that - OH SHIT! There wasn't a place open on the island...except the grocery.  So, while Jim and I awaited our ride, Charlie ventured to the grocery for breakfast fixins.  By the time we got to the house, the cottage was getting toasty, Maggie had breakfast on the stove and I quickly had a mimosa in my hand. 

Friday was a day of hanging out, napping, playing with Eva and drinking.  It was fairly rainy and glum (and cold) so it was good to just chill.  I think I was in bed and asleep by 8:15 that night.  Who cares though. 

Saturday turned out to be freakin' COLD!  It was quite the show that the lake was putting on out back.  I think we stood around the kitchen just watching the waves hit the sea wall and drench the cars. I hadn't seen it that rough in a LONG time.  The Miller ended up NOT running until 1PM.  They did three round trips and one to Middle Bass and called it a day.  Apparently they didn't have enough water to dock at Catawba.  Glad that was Saturday and not Sunday. 

So Saturday we had breakfast, showered and ventured to the hardware store where there was one shop open.  I nabbed a good deal on a really nice jacket and sweatshirt.  We then hit 2 of the 3 bars open on the island: Topsy Turvy's (the Wharfside) and Joe's.  Joe's (by the golf course).  Joe's had had its final night on Friday and they were just cleaning things up.  They only had beer and wine to serve which was fine.  They had no orange juice so Maggie and I had a mimosa with pineapple juice instead.  You do what you gotta do to get your drink on. 

From there we went home to try and get Eva down for a nap.  Jim and Charlie went to town and stopped by the only other bar open, Tipper's.  Not much going on there so they were home in a jiffy.  We just hung out on Saturday, had chili and watched Auburn.  I was in bed by 10:00. 

Sunday was pretty relaxed.  We aimed to catch the 10:00 ferry and did.  Jim and I were home by 2:30 (we stopped twice: gas and food), I watched the game and Jim got the leaves in the front yard. 

This week should pretty much suck.  Not to be a Debbie Downer but I have parent teacher conferences tonight which means I'll be at work until 7:30.  I have 5 conferences.  It think that's a record.  The one interesting conference I have is with a kid's father who has not been involved in his sons schooling/life much in the past.  (Ike, for you ladies wondering.) We've been told by his mother that he's verbally abusive to Ike and he's afraid of his dad.  UGH!  My other conferences are typical, although my last one is for a kid NOT on my caseload (he's on Lisa's) but in my study hall.  I don't have much to say so hopefully she'll skedaddle quickly...I don't want to hang around talking. 

Tuesday will bite because it's an in-service day.  I think what they have planned for us is stupid shit as usual and I'm sure it will all be a pretty big waste of time.  I just wish they would see the errors they make year after year and do something that we can get something out of, for once.

I know, I know...my attitude sucks but it's from experience...they give us stupid filler shit every year and it annoys me.

Okay - I'm done bitching for the day.  Thank you again Diane for taking such amazing care of my baby girl.  She was so smiley and cute when we got home.  I could tell she enjoyed her Mama Diane cuddle time. 

K - happy Monday.  Later!

Phrases I Want To Bring Back!

So I saw something on the Internet a few days ago: "Phrases no longer in use" and I thought..."hmm...maybe I can help these make a comeback!"  So, here are some phrases that I believe are worthwhile and worth re-introducing to the English language:

• Gnarly (awesome) - That lesson Mrs. Hanke just taught was GNARLY!!!
• Cob Nobbler (loser) - Don't be such a cob nobbler Maggie!
• Trollop (slut) - Maggie used to be a trollop...well, lets face it she still is!
• Whizzbang (awesome) - That's party last night was whizzbang!
• Razzmatazz (flare) - I like to put a little razzmatazz in my teaching so the kids don't fall asleep!
• Gee willikers (gee - this reminds me of Kristyn as she always used to say it) - Gee willikers I can't believe Sami laid on top of me at 4:00 AM this morning.
• Rootin' Tootin' (Awesome) - That's a rootin' tootin' idea Muir, to try and bring back these rootin' tootin' words!
• Scallywag (rascal) - Sami, you scallywag...quit trying to get a biscuit by going outside, standing on the deck and coming right back in!
• Rascal (duh!) - What a rascal that Sami is trying to trick a biscuit out of me!
• Chump (fool; dolt) - Hey chump, quit bein' a chump! (I picture Spike from Tom and Jerry saying this).
• Ragamuffin (A grimy dirty little urchin or waif with ratted greasy hair. Usually female.) Have you ever seen Maggie when she wakes up in the morning?  She looks like a ragamuffin!
• Nookie (sexual intercourse) - I'm hoping to get a little nookie this weekend. (OH!  Sorry Mom...and Dad)
• Bub (a man or a boy) - Listen bub, I'm sick of your antics!
• Bug-eyed betty (an ugly woman) - That is one bug-eyed betty over there with no teeth!
• Zoiks (expression of surprise...made popular by Velma from Scooby Doo) - Zoiks!  I think I just saw a ghost!

I think that will do but I could go on and on.  I think my favorites are Rootin' Tootin', zoiks, scallywag and nookie.  It would be gnarly if we all started using some of these words in our everyday conversations!  Take one or two today and try them out.  I guarantee they'll be back in our vernacular before you know it!

Okay well, that's all I've got today.  I have lots to do when I get home.  Packing, cleaning, cooking, etc. This time tomorrow, I'll be on the road and I'm hoping the rain won't be too, too crappy.  Hate driving in the driving rain!  K - later!

Crazy Dreams

Good God!  Now I'm dreaming about Erving!  UGH!  I don't remember a lot of what I dreamed but I remember him asking why I didn't like him.  I hemmed and hawed in my dream then it's a blur from there and as he was leaving my room (at school) he kissed me on the cheek.  It was weird.  Especially because he kissed my cheek and started to back away and then came back and kissed me on the cheek again. WHAT DOES THIS MEAN!?

In other school news - FW is annoying me. I've mentioned before that she is SO busy and has to go to SO many meetings and she likes to make sure we ALL know about her many meetings.  Well, she sets a LOT of her meetings during 1st period which means she needs someone to watch her study hall and since I have one at the same time, I'm always her go to person. This really isn't a big deal but I never send my kids to her when I have a first period meeting (although I should) and it just gets annoying.  So yesterday I get an email asking once again if I'll watch her 1st period class because she has a 7AM meeting at KEC (could just say she had a meeting). So my email reply was: "K".  I checked my email later at home and I saw she emailed me, twice.  One at 3:01 PM and then another at 3:02.  The 3:01 said, "If you don't want to watch my kids, just say so." Maybe my email was a bit passive aggressive but whatever.  Should I have sent a reply saying, "OH FW!!! I WAS HOPING YOU'D CALL ON ME AGAIN TO BE YOUR BITCH!!! OF COURSE I'LL WATCH YOUR CLASS BUT OF COURSE I WON'T DO NEARLY THE AWESOME JOB YOU WOULD!!! PLEASE FORGIVE ME AHEAD OF TIME!"  Her 3:02 email?  The plans for all the kids. I should have replied back to that one and said, "Yeah, get someone else...I don't want to watch your kids." But of course, I would never do any of that...I'll just act like it's no big deal (cause really it isn't and I'm just being a bitch) and complain on here...and to Lisa.

In other news - I don't know what to wear today.  Normally I'm dressed by now but I'm still in my robe because I'm must not feeling any of my clothes. I'll probably just throw on some leggings and wear a tunic but I don't know. Maybe I'll just go in the robe and fuzzy slippers I have on.

Oh JOY!  It's Wednesday which means independent seat work for my LA classes. 

Okay well, I'd best mosey considering my hair isn't did and my clothes aren't on and my face isn't painted.  Later! 

Lists & Jobs

Getting ready for PIB, I'll be making my list today.  Maggie and I are splitting the dinner responsibilities for Friday and Saturday.  Friday I'll make a chicken pot pie.  Originally, I was going to bring one of the ones I made and froze but Jim got me worried that it would suck (isn't he sweet).  I was concerned anyway that it wouldn't be enough for all of us so since I'm going to Costco tomorrow anyway, I'll get one of theirs.  I know it's good and it will definitely be enough (they are huge).  I'll also do a salad.  Maggie will do chili on Saturday...perfect for hanging and watching Auburn.

In regard to Frosty's Maggie, I looked at my blog from last year and we ate at Pasquale's when we got there Friday and then had Frosty's on Saturday. So at least they'll be open on Saturday and we can make our own mimosa's if they aren't Friday.  I'll bring a flask, you bring a flask...it'll be a par-tay!

Lets see...school...UGH!  I'm starting some language exercises today.  We'll start with synonyms, antonyms and homonyms.  These are usually pretty easy for the kids but for some reason they forget from one day to the next what each of the words mean.  Maybe because they're noodle-challenged.  I have this one student in Government who, whenever I ask a questions that requires a number as an answer, she answer TWO! How many senators are there in the U.S.? TWO! How many states in the U.S.? TWO!  How many representatives are there in Congress? TWO!!!  How many brain cells do you have?! TWO! How many stiff drinks am I going to need to have tonight in order to recover from this lesson!? TWO! ARG!!!

Rain today.  Hoping Sami will get her walk but we're looking at a pretty major line of shit.  Yuck.  Weather for the weekend looks good, although COLD!!!  High at PIB on Saturday!?  41!  YOWZA!  And WINDY!  Can't wait!!!  I'm going to bring the comfiest clothes and cuddle and drink and relax!  I told Jim about the temps and we were talking about how cozy it will be and he sat up and said, "Bussie's going, right!?"  Guess his wife isn't going to get any cuddle time...he saves that for the dog. 

Okay well, I best mosey. Happy Tuesday!  Three more days!  Later!

Countdown

I've been saying for the last week, "This time next week we'll be in PIB!" or "Three days from now, we'll be in PIB."  I woke up this morning and thought, "This time next week, we'll be home from PIB." {Sad face} That is not the way to be thinking! Must stay on the positive! In 5 days I'll be sleeping at PIB!!!  Woot! 

Yesterday was a good day.  Jim got the side yard cleaned up...he actually threw a lot of shit away!  Yay Jim!  I did my part inside by rearranging my "dressing room" and preparing for a day bed. I went back and forth between a full-sized bed and a daybed but in the end, I'd like for it NOT to take up a ton of room in there. I'm thinking something along the lines of what you see at left - I need to have storage so the drawers in the bottom are key. Actually, what you see on the left is what I plan on buying...just a matter of when I should order.  Obviously, not before I leave for PIB. I think it's pretty cute and I think Eva will be comfy cozy in that.

Bengals.  Ugh! I had to stop watching yesterday at the point we almost lost. Well, I had it on but I was in the kitchen, trying to NOT pay attention. I can't tell you how many times yesterday I just thought, "I have no confidence in this team!" It's so frustrating. I am not a fan who jumps on and off the bandwagon but I can totally see why people decide to root for another team.

Okay so this week: Should be fairly easy.  I'm not exactly sure what I'll be doing in my LA class as I'm starting a unit on grammar, punctuation, literary terms, etc. I'll give the kids a "what do you know" assessment today and then go from there.  I'm thinking the answer to that will be, "Not much". I'll have my work cut out for me.  After this unit, we'll start Macbeth.  I look forward to that.

Okay well, I best get a move on.  Happy Monday!  Later!

Not Too Sore

I'll just say Jim and I KICKED ASS yesterday!  We started around 10:30. First we drove the pick-up you see at left into our neighbors backyard and where they had a HUGE amount of wood stacked.  We filled the truck to the brim, drove it to our yard, dumped all the wood and split. Our first load had us working until noon.  We stopped, had lunch and then started again.  We filled the truck again, split and were finished by about 1:45.  From there, Jim took the truck back, I started stacking and by the time Jim returned, I had most of the wood put away.  We were completely finished (yard raked up and trashcans filled with debris) by 3:30.  Amazing! In the picture below, the last two sections are what we did yesterday.  We had wood leftover from last year and that's what fills the first two sections.  By the way, aren't the racks that Jim built nice?

Oh, and bonus - I'm only a little sore. And really it's the good kind of sore...like when you do a new workout that works different muscles.  Hopefully I won't get worse as the day goes by. Anyway,  I did all the splitting and throwing while Jim took on the log-splitting controllers.  It works out best that way because Jim has a hard time sitting as low as you have to in order to split. I'm very proud of how much we accomplished in such a short time.

Today's plans:  I need to clean downstairs (I cleaned upstairs yesterday) but that shouldn't take long.  I also want to do some rearranging with my exercise room (my 2nd guest bedroom upstairs).  I plan on disassembling my Aeropilates machine to make room for eventually putting another bed in there. Now that Eva is in a big girl bed, I need to prepare for her someday coming again to stay.  I'll move things around so that I'll still have my treadmill in there but I need to make sure my girl has somewhere to sleep! I'll shop around for a bed soon...maybe a nice daybed or something that can act as a couch too...we'll see.

While all that is happening, Jim is going to clean up the side yard and then it will be football time, I'm sure.  Hopefully that won't disappoint me but the Ravens have been on fire lately and we're still dealing with a lot of injured players.  UGH! 

Dinner tonight:  Broccoli Cheese Soup.  Looks deeeelicious! 

K - happy Sunday Funday!  Time for mimosas and breakfast.  Later!

Getting Pumped Up!!!

Trying to get pumped up so I'll be ready to work like a dog hauling and splitting wood today.  I'm hoping there won't be any snakes in the wood pile we'll be pulling from and I'm hoping I don't throw my back out.  Jim will leave in a bit to get the splitter and from there we'll figure out how we'll orchestrate the whole thing.  I'm planning on working through most of the day so Sami will probably only get a short, 1-mile walk.  Thankfully it will be a nice day, although a little warmer than I'd like for this type of work. Better break out the earplugs as well. 

One sucky thing: I'm having some eye pain again.  Seems my right eye was to act like an asshole.  I need to get this puppy checked out.  I'll try changing my contact this morning to see if that helps. 

So excited for next weekend.  The weather, so far, looks to be exactly what I was hoping for: Windy and cool!!!  Possible rain for Friday but other than that, clear.  Can't wait!

Not cooking tonight.  I told Jim he could choose the takeout...I'm guessing he'll chose pizza but we'll see. 

And that's about all I've got.  I'd like to walk Sami now but it's still so dark.  Crazy. Maybe I'll go to the grocery, come home, walk Sami (sip a mimosa here and there) and by then, Jim will have gotten the splitter and we can start our day.  Good plan.

K - I'm out.  Jim's been talking about his job site and painting for the past 5 minutes so I better pretend to listen.  Later!

One Goes Up Another Down

Don't you love it when you get you're electric bill and its gone down by $30!?  Woot!  That makes up for my TWC bill...a little bit.  Problem with my energy bill is I'm on even billing so the price I just got will be good for 3 months and then who knows.  I will say, however, that the current bill is the lowest its been in probably 5 years. New windows or unseasonably warm October?  No one here is complaining.

In regard to my meal last night,  the flavor was delicious for sure but I won't do the meatballs again.  They fell apart so next time I'll make small, flat patties.  It all gets churned up in your mouth anyway. Jimmy loved it and kept trying to pick at it after he had had his allotment.  Bad Jim!

Got a call from my Uncle Stan last night although he called at 8:30 and I was already in bed so he left a message (I didn't hear my cell ring or I would have answered). Apparently they think we're headed up to PIB today. We're going NEXT weekend - for Halloween.  I sure hope this isn't a major snafu and that the cottage wasn't given away to someone else for the weekend.  Aunt Muir and I had texted back and forth about time this month...I originally had asked for last weekend but Megan had the house.  So then I said this weekend but had to switch to next when we didn't have a dog sitter.  I'm hoping that with all the kids in the family and trick-or-treaters, no one would want to be up there for the holiday. Fingers crossed.  I already sent a text to confirm.

Lets see...weekend plans: Jim and I are going to try and get the log splitter tomorrow and do a marathon splitting session. I'm thinking we'll haul a bunch of wood that the neighbor has and can't use and split until it's time to take the splitter back to the rental place and then Sunday we'll just stack.  I don't want to split both Saturday and Sunday so hopefully we can kick ass and get lots done during the time we have it.  I'll have to keep Jim on track, however, as he likes to get distracted with neighbors etc.

Okay well how happy am I that it's Fibay!?  Oh, speaking of stupid ways kids spell, I had a student (same student who did Janroy, Farybary, Moich, Apil...) who wrote a paragraph for Lisa on what she wants to be when she grows up...hilarious.  First of all, I couldn't read most of it since she can't spell worth a shit but she wants to be a nurse. She used to want to be a shark diver and I'm not sure this is a step up...definitely a step in the wrong direction for any patient she might ever have. She kept writing about the gob she would want to get and the nowlige she would need.  She seems to have no inkling of what college is about...she just thinks it's a place that will help her find a gob. How do you tell a kid that they will NEVER make it to college?  It gets a little tiring having to kill so many dreams.

Okay - NOW I'm done.  Happy Friday!  Later!

Mmm...Dinner

Is it completely loser-like that I'm excited about the dinner I'm making tonight?  I'll answer that question with a "NO!" as I believe it's the little things in life that count. I haven't had to "cook" in 2 nights (since Jim was taking his training) so I'm very excited not only to cook but about my Salisbury Steak Meatballs from the Pioneer Woman.  I've never made this recipe so it better be good.  It looks good, that's for sure!

Have I mentioned that one of the most annoying students I've ever had came back this past week from the career center? We all knew he wouldn't make it there because he's a total spaz and doesn't do shit but we were all hoping. He's now in two of my classes, which has completely changed the dynamics. (And the guidance counselor who made his schedule tried to put him in one of my study halls next semester but I called and said, "OH HELL NO!!! THREE PERIODS IN A DAY!? WHEN THERE'S ANOTHER STUDY HALL THAT PERIOD?! I CALL BULLSHIT!"  Especially when that other SH is FW's and she's never had to experience him and she has two planning periods a day and she can go suck it...give her a difficult student for once!") There isn't a seat far enough in the corner to put this kid. It doesn't matter where I put him, he f&%ks around no matter where he it. 

Yesterday I had him in LA and the kids were doing reading comprehensions.  You know, reading and then answering questions.  Not difficult...or so I thought.  I took this kid aside and explained EXACTLY how to do the assignment. He said he had it so off he went. He then tried to turn it in, unfinished.  I said, "Hey!  You need to take this to study hall and finish it."  He then said he didn't understand how to do this one part.  So I take the papers and show him AGAIN!  And then I remind him that he hadn't answered question #1.  So he takes it to study hall, I email Erving to tell him to make sure it gets done as Spaz likes to hem, haw and generally f&%k around.  10 minutes later, Spaz comes in with the papers...done WRONG and #1 is still not answered.  So I explain AGAIN!!!  And he takes it back and "ding" I get an email from Erving: "He's on his way to turn in his reading comp."  Me: "He's coming back to you now with said reading comp because HE DIDN'T FINISH IT!!!" (BTW - Erving is still being a total dumb ass PITA!)

So fast forward to 7th period when I have Spaz in Government.  The kids are taking a test and since he hasn't been here, he doesn't have to do it.  So I ask him for the reading comp.  He hands it in and NOTHING HAS CHANGED on it from before AND #1 is STILL NOT ANSWERED!  I wanted to leave work right then and head to Viva Tequila (local cantina) for a stiff margarita! I'm not kidding you I almost lost my f&%king mind!  This kid is going to be the death of me.  BUT!  I remained somewhat cool.  After reprimanding him sternly (I may have raised my voice a little) I sat him down and did the f%&king reading comp with him so he could see.

Oh, and apparently they recently upped this kids ADHD medicine.  I'm thinking...I don't know, I'm not an expert nor a doctor...but...I THINK they may need to up the dosage again.  Or give him some lithium...a bottle of Nyquil...a ruffie?  I'd rather him knocked out than completely nuts like he is...annoying me and making my life hell! ARG! 

Have I mentioned lately that I need to win the lottery? Reminder: Buy a ticket

Okay well, that's all I've got. Best mosey.  I'll let you know how dinner was.  Safe travels back to TN today Mom and Richard.  Later!

Pissed: Two Reason

(Sorry to post a negative Nancy post)

Pissed Reason #1: I got a letter from Time Warner yesterday saying that my bill was going up another 6 bucks.  I know, six bucks, big deal.  However, since January, my bill has gone up about $24.  Granted, my plan has HBO and Starz (didn't in January) but this raise is because some promotional things are ending.  Oh, and the letter told me too that my bill could be $280 but lucky me, because I'm so special, they'll let me only pay $186.  Not okay! So I call and I talk to a lady (who, btw, wanted to get a little attitudy with me at first) who asks a bunch of questions and then comes back to me with: "Okay, I think I've got a deal that will put you back where you want to be.  You'll get your two DVR boxes, HBO, Showtime, Cinemax, and Starz.  One year, no rate changes. This will all come to..." (she started talking really fast here) "$196.  Okay, so let me put that in for you and get you a confirmation number..." Me: "Whoa!  I'm sorry but I've just called to tell you I'm unhappy about paying $186 and you're giving me a quote for $10 above that.  I think we may be on different pages here."  She then pressed some buttons and said she just couldn't get it any lower.  So I said I was going to have to go to a different provider and this made me quite unhappy since I had been with TWC for over 10 years (just in this house) and it seems loyalty means nothing to them.  She then "suddenly" discovered that "some sort of error occurred" and she was able to give me the same deal she had mentioned above for just $191.  Me: "That's just five dollars lower than what you quoted before.  Not good enough." She then hemmed and hawed and "suddenly...she doesn't know what happened" but she managed to get it just below the price quoted to me in the letter.  I took it and this time next year, I'm going to dish.  I've always said I've been happy with TWC but these constant "promotional endings" are ridiculous.

Pissed Reason #2:  I get my water billed sent via email.  I always print it and pay it.  I get a notice last week that says I'm past due.  Hmm...so I check my email..."bills tab" - nope, no notice before the one received last week.  I check the trash...nope nothing there from the water/sewer people.  I check "all mail" nothing.  And I'm pissed because if they turn my water off I'm going to have someone's head!  I'll call this morning but let me tell you - I know I didn't get that email.  Someone effed up! ARG!

So school is a normal early release Wednesday.  We have a meeting with the sped coordinator.  I'm so sick of meetings. Sorry to complain. 

OMG!!!  I almost forgot:  HAPPY BIRTHDAY DIANE!!!  Hope you have a great day (although you never really read this!)  You're the best and I don't know what we'd do without you at school!

K - I'm out.  Later!

Come On Toys R Us!

I love Breaking Bad!  LOVE!  It was an awesome series and every time it's on, I tune in.  However, I do NOT support Toys R Us selling the action figures for the show.  Really!?  Bryan Cranston carrying a bag a money "earned" from cooking and selling meth?  With his hazmat suit as a "change" of clothes?  And apparently somewhere on the box it says "free meth inside".  Who thought that was a good idea.  Needless to say, TRU saw the errors of their ways and quickly removed the products from their shelves.  Now...I wonder where I can buy those...I bet they'll be collectors someday.

In other news - Jim will be taking a class over the next two days so he'll race home after work, change and then head down to the union.  It's a class from 4:30 - 9:30...the OSHA 10-hour card. It's one of those things that puts you a step above others if you have so...he'll also be able to pay his dues now that he's in the union.  He could take the class online but it's $70.  He'll be one tired motha. 

School is school.  Weird schedule today.  No big whoop.  I actually have my planning period during one of the 95 minute periods so that will be nice.  Always a bright spot.a

Dreamt of Boo and Betty last night.  And I dreamt the ceiling was collapsing and water was pouring from somewhere causing a HUGE mess. UGH! Wonder what all that means.

And that's all I've got.  I'm going to head up and blow my hair dry.  Exciting, huh?  K - happy Tuesday.  Later!

Weekend Update

A nice weekend.  It started with dinner at Silver Spring House with Maggie, Charlie, Eva, Dad and Becky.  Saturday was my usual Sami walk and grocery but I threw in a bit of backyard clean up.  Jim worked on bagging leaves in the front (I think he had about 30 by the end) but I'm smart and just mulched the ones in back. Granted there were fewer leaves out there but I'm NOT bagging when we have to do it again after all the leaves fall.  I think the neighbors were feeling a bit guilty for their yards because everyone did their leaves yesterday.

Saturday night (well, afternoon into evening) we went to Trip and Susan's for our now annual pumpkin carving/chili fest. It was Trip, Susan, J.J., Maggie, Charlie, Eva, Me, Jim, Dad Becky, Mom, Richard, Anne, Steve and Max.  Throw in 5 dogs and holy shit, you've got a party.  The dogs had a BLAST!  (Don't tell Sami as she wasn't invited...she doesn't play well with others).  They didn't care that it was raining and I'm sure they're all still exhausted.  Baxter (not shown) was the only smart dog to come inside and relax/sleep.  Granted he is a 13 year old golden so that explains it. Don't get me wrong, however, he still was out there a LOT romping with the others.

We only managed to get 6 of the 12 carved...it was cold and rainy and my carving abilities were not up to par.  I usually do two pumpkins but my first one gave me fits so I gave up.  Oh well, they still looked awesome.

This week is the final week of a messed up schedule.  It's also the start of 2nd quarter. I can't believe we're in 2nd quarter already.  Crazy.  I'll be showing The Secret Life of Bees movie starting either today or tomorrow and my Government class will have a test at the end of the week.  No big deal.

Okay well, that's all I've got...Bengals SUCKED ass yesterday.  Quite the embarrassment but without an offensive line, it's tough.  K - happy Monday.  Later!

Happy Birthday Trippy!

Thunder Twonk! Hee hee!@
My next pup will be named
Thunder Twonk!

He doesn't read this but lets pretend he does! Happy Birthday Trip!  I hope you have a great day and I can't wait to see you tomorrow and carve pumpkins!  I love you!!! You're the best older brother EVER!!!  Such a good dad and my go-to person for everything sports related!  Have a great day!

In other news - I was perusing the internet and found examples of texts you may get from your dog if our dog could text. Here's a smattering.  Cracked me UP! Trip so wishes he read my blog!

So happy it's Friday by the little old way. The week went really fast until Wednesday came around and that day was so freakin' endless that all day yesterday I thought it was Friday so now that Friday has arrived, I'm all messed up. UGH!  Well at least it will be a fairly easy day at school. LA kids are taking their SLOB test and my Government class will be completing chapter 3 on the Constitution! I know...you wish you took my Government class. I do try and make it fun! 

Maggie, Charlie and Eva arrive in town this evening. We'll meet them at Silver Spring House for dinner. I believe Dad and Becky will be joining. Jim and I will go up a bit early to get a table since Charlie has a meeting until about 3:00. 

I think I've decided on my next quilt.  It will look something like what you see at the bottom. I got some fabric from Joann's yesterday (online). Of course my fabrics will look a bit different but the patterns is what I'm most copying. I'll use browns, greens and blues (subtle greens and blues) the main color will be brown. Hopefully it will turn out nice. I'll have to figure out who I believe is most deserving of such a quilt. Hee hee. 

And that's about all I've got. I can't wait for tomorrow! Why? Because this time tomorrow, I'll be sleeping! I hope. Knowing me, I'll just be waking up about now. Stupid Jim! Always getting me up at 4:15!

K - happy Friday! Drive safely today Mom and Richard! Can't wait to see you!

HAPPY BIRTHDAY MAGGIE!

Happy birthday Maggie!!!  I just want to say thanks for always being there as my recipe go-to person; my ear for when I need to bitch about Jimmy; my soothing agent when things (especially lately) get out of my control and I just need to cry. Thanks for always making me laugh.  Thanks for turning me on to pumpkin muffins, bagels and Oreos; lim-a-rita's and Frosty mimosa's. Thanks for calling me when you see a product or piece of clothing you think I'll like.  Thanks for building a pool for me so that when I come to your house in the summer I don't die of heat.  Most of all, however, thanks for bringing my girl Eva into my life. You're such an amazing mom!  You and Charlie are raising such a sweet little girl (for me)...she's such a testament to how great and wonderful you both are and I know you'll look at her today and see that she's all the birthday present you could ever want or need! (Although you'll still get a little something from me...though you know what it is.)  Have a great day and I hope you got some sleep last night.  Can't wait to hang with you this weekend!

Lets see - in other news...it's still raining.  Should end by this afternoon. 

So as you may or may not know, I drink a smoothie every morning. I've been on a kick of PB2 (peanut butter protein powder), spinach and banana usually almond milk. (I don't use regular milk because it make the smoothie too frothy and airy). Well, I went to the store the other day to pick up some almond milk (I haven't made my own in  a while because I have too much almond flour in the freezer and don't want to make more) and I saw they also had coconut milk and I thought, "I'll try it."  So I did. My first smoothie, I thought, "Eh...I won't buy this again." It wasn't that I didn't like it I just felt like it was not quite my cup of tea and it took away from the PB2 taste.  Well, the next morning, I made another smoothie and I thought, "Huh...this is quite delicious!"  I'm really enjoying the coconut milk.  I won't buy it all the time because it is quite strong and I like to change things up but if you haven't tried...TRY! I'm not even a huge fan of coconut but deeeeeelicious.

Oh, and speaking of deeeeeelicious!  My chili last night - Sweet potato Chili - was YUM!!!  So easy and what a great way to use the sweet potatoes I accidentally got.  I may actually have to get them again so I can make this concoction!  It's on my Pinterest if you are interested.  And believe me - I'm not normally a sweet potato fan but it gives the chili a nice little sweetness to it. 

Today is NOT Friday but at least it isn't yesterday.  Yesterday was crazy with our testing schedule.  I had to administer the PSAT which sucked at first but once I started and figured out what I was doing, I was fine. I had about 3 hours to kill so I got a TON done.  Today is another weird schedule but I only have 2 of my study halls and Government.  Shouldn't be too hard.  Although some chick is coming in to talk to me from an outside agency about a student on my caseload.  Hopefully that won't take long and she won't annoy me.

Okay - well, I best head out.  Happy Thursday and again Happy Birthday MAGGIE!!!

Ineptness

I went to post a few minutes ago and all my computer would do was type the number two.  222222222222222222222222...it was crazy. Crazy kooky computer. I think there might need to be an exorcism done here as this mf-er has a mind of its own.

So - Jimmy update:  He went to the doctor again and was told he's healing.  YAY! and DUH!  I could tell that. His next appointment will be three days before Thanksgiving.  Oh, and yes, I'll have to continue packing that damn wound until then. I told him he was going to have to figure something out for a weekend and have someone pack it for him because I needed to get to Maggie's as I'm completely jonesin' for some Eva/sister time.  And some Jimless time (although I didn't tell him that).  Jim and I are never apart anymore aside from when we're at work.  I mean basically we get up at the same time, home at the same time and I never get that alone time I used to get.  It's very upsetting...in that it's upsetting my routine...rocking what was once a well-balanced boat.  Not that I don't love being with him and enjoy his company and he isn't annoying me (usually)...well, if you're married, you understand...I don't need to explain myself.

Have I mentioned that this week is Harry Potter week on ABC Family?!  It's so nice to come home, walk Sami and then turn on the TV while making dinner with HP on in the background.  He balances out my unbalanced world!

In school news things are completely annoying.  This testing shit is all effed up.  None of the kids who we had exempted from taking were exempt so I ended up calling parents and telling them to keep their kids home.  Most were good with this but one woman just wasn't getting what I was trying to tell her.  See, today, sophomores and juniors get to leave after testing around 11:30. There are no classes being held today. A student who has been exempt would basically be sitting at school with nothing to do for no reason.  I told this woman this and her response was, "Well, you might see him tomorrow and you might not."  Okay lady...whatever your loopiness needs to do.

The administrator who is in charge of the scheduling of students and this whole two weeks has effed everything up and when I explained to him, in a very copacetic manner , he just sort of shrugged his shoulders and said, "I don't care...do what you have to do."  Nice. Is that what's best for kids?

FW is annoying the shit out of me as is all this new paperwork we have to do for the district.  Most of the shit we are having to do for special ed isn't state or federally mandated but because some people can't seem to do anything right and the district is scared shitless of a lawsuit they have us chasing our tails and adding about 10 new pieces of paper we have to juggle when annual IEP reviews come along.  It's so stupid.  And there hasn't been any clear training or direction given and some of the shit we've been told has been wrong.  I hate having to check what someone in authority has told me because I don't trust that they know what they are doing.  There's definitely something wrong with that!

Okay - well, I think I've bitched enough for one morning.  Guess I will go and finish getting ready.  Excited for dinner tonight...I'm making a sweet potato chili for dinner.  (I accidentally got sweet potatoes with my GB Delivery and didn't know what else to make with them as I'm not a huge fan.) K - happy Wednesday.  Later!