My New Friend

So, not a lot of time...I'm trying something new re: healthy eating.  It's a Dr. Oz recommendation.  I usually don't watch him but I happened to flip him on the other day and he was talking about how to battle those different fats that we all deal with.  Depending on the type of fat you carry, he had different recommendations for each one.  I consider my biggest area of need to be my belly fat and for that he recommended a special breakfast and 1000mg of CLA (conjugated linoleic acid), which targets belly fat. The breakfast is a whole grain muffin with a poached egg, avocado, slice of Swiss, slice of tomato and a drizzle of olive oil.  Yummy.  So yesterday I wanted to try and get an egg poacher.  I looked all over Kroger (I have one but don't like it).  Well, I go back to the kitchen gadget area and I see a manager lady there and I approach her to ask where one might be and WHAT DO YOU KNOW!  She was holding an electric egg cooker and marking it down.  It was originally priced at $30, marked down to $20 and then marked down again to $10.  SOLD!  And I just cooked my egg and it was PERFECT!  I was afraid it'd be runny but nope!  

K - gotta go eat breakfast, finish my toilette and run out the door.  Oh, and getting my hair colored after school - YAY!!!!  Later!

Priceless!

 So here's how I work as a special ed teacher:  I have a caseload of kids.  Currently I think that number is 18.  I am in charge of their IEPs (writing them, monitoring progress etc.).  I have great communication with my parents (if I do say so myself), in fact, of my 18, I have only one parent who isn't available via email and is in fact a non-communicator (he doesn't give two shits about his daughters schooling or the fact that she had straight F's last quarter; yells at teachers who call to inform of daughter's poor performance). On Monday's EVERY WEEK - unless I'm out Monday and then this falls to Tuesday - I email ALL of my parent telling them current grades as well as any missing work that their child may have.  I do this EVERY WEEK and I keep a folder of all the printed out grades and the dates I email home.  Last week, I emailed on Monday saying that I would email - most likely Tuesday - with final 3rd quarter grades.  I ended up doing this Wednesday because teachers are slackers.

Fast Forward to this morning when I check my email and have an email from a parent whose son (a freshman) got an F for Health last quarter.  Pretty much, he had an F all quarter - which EVERY ONE OF MY EMAILS STATED.  I even communicated to this mother last week that he had failed the quarter and I added what grade he would need for 4th quarter (as well as on the exam) in order to get the points needed for credit (otherwise he would need to make this grade up next year somehow since Health is a requirement).  This mother's email stated - " I am a little confused here and need some help......my son is not allowed to play lacrosse rest of season because he got an F in health?   I thought he would get a warning first.  Can u tell me who I need to talk too in regards to this? This will make his grades go back down and I thought hes been doing better."  What can I do but laugh really.  I've been telling her his grades since September.  I've even told him every week in study hall.  So ridiculous.  I know she thought the "warning" would come from the athletic department stating that - uh oh - her son may get booted off the team but why is that more important to her than him actually failing. Why is she just NOW worried?!  By the way - he's also failed 2 quarters of Biology (with a D 3rd quarter).  And when did she think he was suddenly doing better?  She's so wrapped up in herself and her new boyfriend!  Her idea of helping him get through the year is grounding him.  UGH!

I'm so sick of kids and parents right now.  I am so ready for Spring Break.  I think (THINK) that will give me the energy to get through the rest of the year but let me tell you - that $500 million from Megamillions sure would come in handy right now!

K - well, I best get outta here.  Later!

Interesting Turn Of Events

So I'm going to talk work here for a minute.  As we all know (and if you don't - you haven't been reading my blog for long enough), my "boss" - HH - loves to surround himself with people who kiss his ass (possibly why he hates me).  Mostly this is women .  Rumor is that his marriage is somewhat of a sham, in that his wife is the decision maker and he just goes along with whatever she says...only staying around because of the kids?  I don't know.  (Must be why, when at work, he's steamrolls everyone with his "big" ideas no matter who it hurts/affects/puts out of sorts.) Anyway - at the end of this year, one of the English teachers is retiring.  Of course they post this position as though open for anyone to apply and have a chance...NOT!  It was known from jump that the person replacing (of course it's an HH kiss-ass and a woman) would be our Media Specialist (librarian).  She was of course hired, originally, because she was known to HH and a friend to many other of his ass-kissers.  Rumor is, she was also promised an eventual position as an English teacher.

On a side note, I was told by Kim and Diane that everyday, when they go to get Diablo off the bus, HH stands in waiting at the doors that connect to the junior high for the Media Specialist to arrive (lets call her, um...SUTA- stick up the ass).  He walks her the 50 feet EVERY DAY from those doors to the library.  In fact, doing this Monday, Suta was running late and this caused HH to run late in getting the pledge said over the announcements, which in turn interrupted all of the classes that were already teaching.  Annoying.

Anyway - with the media specialist taking the English job, that leaves a position open for Suta's current spot.  And don't you know that 3 men at the high school have applied (losers).  The one won't get it because he isn't an HH lackey and he's employed through Warren County, not my school.  The other is a chemistry teacher and he legitimately wants it because he loves technology (although I really don't know how much technology is involved in this job...oh and he was taking classes to get "certified" as a media specialist so he may actually qualify...but what does it really matter since Suta was never even qualified?).  The third - a history teacher - is the biggest gossip, kiss-ass-of HH and lazy-ass in the building.  I guarantee he wants the job because it would be CAKE!  I mean, really what would he have to do besides check books out, turn on the lamination machine and maybe a few computers.

And here's what I think may happen.  The history teacher is going to get the job.  Why?  Because that would leave a history position open and one of HH's favorite teachers, my former co-teaching buddy, wants to come back to her old position.  See, my former co-teaching buddy, left her position last year to be a guidance counselor in the junior high.  She HATES it.  HATES!  Hates the teachers in the junior high and hates being a guidance counselor.  She wants to be a history teacher again.  And what better way for HH to have his old posse in his back pocket?  That's my theory.  Who should get the job?  Probably the chem teacher.  But whatever.  I really don't care.  Keep HH happy and out of my hair.

Well that's all I've got.  Maggie texted me yesterday to say they got to Punta Cana sans any issue and Eva was a champ.  She called later to say the went swimming in the pool and Eva LOVED, LOVED, LOVED it!  I can't wait for summer!  Maggie better come down ALL THE TIME so we can hang and go swimming!

K - I'm out.  Later!

Bon Voyage

That goes out to Maggie and Charlie and Eva who will be flying to Punta Cana, Dominican Republic at 7AM this morning.  The hotel and beach where they're staying is at left.  Can you say jealous!?  Why is it that I'm never invited on these little excursions?!  RUDE!  I mean, who is ALWAYS playing Momma to a sweet baby?  That would be me!  You'd think that would merit a little "thank you"...in the form of a tropical trip!  Well, I guess they got their comeuppance!  They had to be at the airport at 5AM.  HA!  Feel my pain!

In other news...yowza...poor Jim.  And not from anything I did to him.  So, get this.  Jim got a notice in the mail last week from the state saying that (oops) his driver's license expired on his birthday.  No biggie (as long as he didn't get pulled over, which he didn't), he has 6 months to renew without penalty.  So he goes down on Saturday morning and finds out that - RUH ROH - he's blocked from renewing because of an issue in Massachusetts.  Now, you may be wondering, "Muir, when did you two live in MA?!"  Well, together, never.  But 13 years ago - before Jim and I were together, he did.  On the night he moved back home, he got a little ticket.  Fines were paid but as a result, there was a fee for re-instating driving privileges in Massachusetts.  Now, you may be wondering, "Muir, why is this coming up, 13 years later?"  Well, apparently all state DMV's are now linked so if there's an issue in say, Idaho, you need to take care of it before you can renew your license in Ohio. Jim asked if he could reject this as he never planned to drive in Mass. but apparently, that isn't how it works.  I guess the government can f&%k you but you can't try and f&&k the government.

Anyway - no big deal, I said to Jim, just call on Monday before going to work and pay over the phone.  Well, I guess we forgot what it was like dealing with a state government department because Jim was literally on HOLD from 9AM until 2:13 PM (getting shuffled around from person to person).  At 2:13, he finally talked to someone who knew what they were doing, HOWEVER, the woman who dealt with reinstating driving privileges was - wait for it - out to lunch.  He was then told that (lets say it together) she'd call Jim back...in an hour. Yeah, right.  So I get home at 3:00, walk Sami (a long one) and get home - still no call.  At around 4:00, I told Jim to start calling because he couldn't go another day, missing work, to take care of this.  So he calls, and sits on hold until 4:49 when Margaret actually called him back, took his money and 8 hours later, bing bang boom boom boom boom boom etc., etc., problem solved.  RIDICULOUS!

Oh, and of course, now, he still has to go down to our local DMV and get his license.  Pray he doesn't get pulled over...our luck (Jim's luck) he will.  UGH!

And that's all I've got.  Best head out to work.  Hoping for an uneventful day.  Later!

Another Of Jim's "Big Ideas"

I was going to start this post out with an "ugh"...even had it typed - but I decided NOT to be a negative Nancy.  So, a little preface:  The compressor on our A/C busted - no biggie...covered by warranty.  Anyway - when the guy came out to take a look-see - he noticed that the little platform the unit was sitting on was starting to sink backwards into the ground (stupid chipmunks).  So Jim said, "I can fix that...I'll just pour a little cement thingy for it to sit on...bing bang boom...no big deal."  Me (in my head):  "Hmm...does Jim know what the hell he's doing?"  So that was last week...and over the weekend the project was underway.  

On Saturday - I had some errands to run (Target, library, Half Price, Kroger)...took about two hours.  And when I got home - and looked outside to the side yard where the A/C unit is,  HOLY SHIT!  Jim had basically ripped out the whole side yard.  Now, this is something we've talked about and it has definitely needed to be done but alas, not THIS WEEKEND!  See this is what Jim does.  He starts a project and then it turns into 10 other projects at once.  So - to the left (sorry about the blur) is a picture where you can get an idea of what we used to have...lots of wood walkway and steps.  And below is what was left after Jim had his way...what I saw when I got home from my errands.  Oh my what a mess.  I have to say that once everything gets smoothed out and grass see laid - it will hopefully look nice but can everyone get a feel for what I go through every day with this man.  UGH!  Oh and the cement thing that he did for the A/C thing - impressive.  I didn't think he had it in him to make it that good.  I shouldn't question his ability all the time...he usually proves me wrong when I'm skeptical.  

In other news - another weekend has gone by.  Two more weeks until Spring Break.  Although next Monday I'll be taking off along with next Thursday so really I only have this week and then Tuesday and Wednesday of the following.  YIPPEE!

 K - well, I'm running a bit behind because the dogs have been very needy this morning.  Happy Monday.  Oh, and here's a pic of Cullen and Becky before the "Mom Prom"...love the color coordination!  K - Later!

Thicker

First - lets talk CUTE!  How cute is this sweet girl, asleep in her stroller clutching her sippy!?  Loves her!

Now lets talk about my post title.  First, as I've mentioned (and sorry if I keep going back to this), since I've been on my healthy eating/drinking kick of late, I definitely feel better.  I feel like I've shed a couple inches around the middle (usually...sometimes I just still feel fat!).  Things I normally wear fit better but because I don't own a scale, I don't know for sure if I've actually lost any weight.  So last night, I was looking for what to wear for today and I found some cropped jeans that I used to wear about 3 years ago...and I decided to try those on.  And while I could pull them on, they were TIGHT TIGHT TIGHT and not fit for wear.  UGH!  I mean, they are my size (10 by the way...I wear a 10...for the most part.  There have been times of late where I've had to get a 12, usually for corduroys or other pants that seem to run small) so why can't I get them to button?  So my question is:  Is this just part of getting older?  Am I to assume that I'm just a "thicker" person than I used to be?  I know my body shape has slightly changed.  I mean, I still fit in my same size (really I've been mostly a 10 for about 15 to 20 years...hell, I don't remember every buying a different size) but I can't fit in every size 10 out there.  It's very frustrating.  I know I still need to lose some weight but should I just be content to have what I own fit better and not be tight?  Or is there something "wrong"?

So that's all I've got for now.  Oh, woke up to Survivor's "I Can't Hold Back".  You have GOT to watch this video!  Keep an eye out at the beginning for the guy in the glasses.  RIDICULOUS!!!!  I can't IMAGINE that this look was EVER acceptable for public.  Those glasses are nearly as large as his face! (By the way - I'm pretty sure I owned a pair pretty similar...tinted...hideous!  Maggie was a bad sister back then for letting me walk around looking like I looked).

K - movie day at school!  Shummer Shandy after school!  Later!

Too Cool For Words

I mean, REALLY!  She's all, sittin' back with her sippy, just chillin', sayin' "Momma!  Come on!!!  Get a move on - lets go swingin'!"  Loves her!

I don't have much else to talk about.  Another beautiful day excepted here in the 'Nati (I hate that nickname by the way...I hate that I just used it too).  Rain tomorrow.  Of course there's rain expected on the weekend!  Rude!  Hopefully there will be somewhat of a break Saturday so that Jim and I can start putting our backyard into some kind of shape.  UGH!  I love my dogs, don't get me wrong but WHY!!!???  Why do they have to run the same path in the backyard every time they go out to do their business or fly out there after a squirrel?!  They've worn their little path down and now it's a muddy little path.  This is why I want to move the steps off the deck.  See, currently they are off the right side of the deck but if we put them right off the front, they wouldn't have to track around the deck into the main part of the yard...they could just go straight, in any direction and do what they gotta do.  But my husband won't do what I say!  Can' you believe it?! UGH!

And...countdown is 1!  1 day until WINE!  YEAH!  Did you think I forgot?  Did you think, "Hey!  I think Muir may be getting over her missing of wine and the dependency she has on it for completely relaxing her!" Did you think that?  You were wrong.  Although what I've really been thinking and pining for of late has been some Summer Shandy (or as I like to call it - Shummer Shandy).  On a hot day, like we've been having...give me some yummy shandy!  Can't wait 'til tomorrow!

Oh, and I'm getting my hairs cut tomorrow...did I already mention that?  I'm getting 3-4 inches cut off and I'm telling her to thin it out to the nth!  This mop is driving me crazy.  I'll set my appointment for color when I go tomorrow but she only had time in her schedule this week for a cut.  Can't wait!

And that's all I've got.  Best get to work.  Later!

What Is Wrong With People?!

As we all know - I'm a dog person.  I love my dogs.  They are my babies.  In fact Zeke just walked in the room (who can believe that lazy bum is up at 5:39!?  He's usually knocked out until at least 7 or 8!) wagged his tail, smiled at me and walked back out.  Oh, he's back...laying at my feet...wait, nope, he's back up wandering around.  Ha!  He just went into Jimmy's bathroom and plopped down on the cool tile.  I don't know what his deal is - I thought he must have wanted out when I finished my shower and saw him lying (laying?) outside my bathroom but alas, he just sniffed at the air when I opened the door, turned around and went into the family room. Anyway - as a dog person, it boggles my mind that people (my neighbors across the way) just leave their dog(s) out all night long.  And not only do they leave them out - they allow them to bark all night long - granted, they are small dogs and their barks aren't that loud but still.  For me, I'm not bothered because I use a fan 365 and don't hear the barking but I know for a fact that the neighbors on either side of the barking dog are bothered by it.  If it were me, and I were being roused during the night, I would call and wake those effers up because A) how rude and B) those pups deserve to sleep, cuddled up in a nice cozy house rather than in the chilly nighttime air!

In other news - I was reading people.com earlier and saw that Penelope Ann Miller and hubby have split.  Not that I care - well of course I care that another couple has bitten the dust - but what was "shocking" to me was the picture they had up of PAM.  She looked so OLD!  Now that's mean but seriously - her neck in the picture they had looked so old-lady-ish!  Check it out for yourselves!  And I know I shouldn't judge because have you seen me lately?  But really - this isn't her best look.  And the red lipstick just makes her look haggier.  I don't know.  I need to not be so mean.  Ah hell!  Now I feel bad!

I don't have much else to talk about.  Don't know what's for dinner tonight.  Probably spaghetti and a salad.  Something easy that will make leftovers.  The weather (on this second day of spring, March 21st) is still HOT!  82 is to be the high today.  Can't believe it.  Got a cute shirt from the Loft yesterday in the mail and I'm wearing it today.  And that's about it.

Guess I better head out to work.  Later!

Not Much To Say

Not much going on here.  It's still warm as hell - to be in the 80s through Thursday.  This is the craziest damn spring ever.  I was talking to Anne yesterday who was talking about neighbors with their A/C on.  As I walked Sami yesterday - I noticed the same thing.  And like Anne - it could be a million degrees out and you can bet a million dollars that I would NOT be turning on my A/C in March.  That's wack-a-doo!  Interestingly - the woman whose blog I read, lives in Modesto, CA and she said the high in her neck of the woods was 47 degrees yesterday.  Three degrees lower than Aberdeen Scotland where she used to live.  Crazy.  Ohio must be going through Armageddon.  Ruh-roh!

In school news - here's a funny.  So yesterday the kids were doing PowerPoint questions for my "chapter" on France (pronounced "Fronce").  And they get to the section for "foods".  Well in the PowerPoint there was discussion of escargot but the notes in their binders didn't have anything about it so when they got to a question that asked "what are escargots?" they couldn't answer it.  So I told the class, "Hey!  Everyone!  Look at me.  Is everyone looking at me?"  "Yes, Mrs. Hanke."  "Okay - #17 - what number?"  "17 Mrs. Hanke!"  "That's right, #17's answer is SNAILS!  Write it down!  Is everyone writing it down?"  "Yes Mrs. Hanke!"  Now, you may be asking yourselves why I'm such an anal, mean pain in the ass.  Well, I do this because don't you know that every time this type of thing comes up and I explain to the whole class what they should write, (thinking that every single one of them is listening) someone, two minutes later will raise their hand and say, "Um, what's the answer to..." (whatever I just told them).  So back to my story...#17 is snails.  Fast forward 3 minutes:  Diablo, "Mrs. Hanke...I need help."  Me:  "What number, Diablo?"  Diablo: "17".  Me: "Are you KIDDING ME!?  Diablo, were you not listening 3 minutes ago when I had the whole class look at me and I gave the whole class, including you, the answer?"  Diablo:  blank stare.  Me: "Diablo!  Why aren't you answering me when I'm asking you a question!?"  Diablo: "I'm nervous!"  Me (and Kim): HAHAHAHAHA!!!  "Snails, Diablo, snails!"  UGH!

So that's all I've got.  I made Rigatoni with Creamy Sausage Sauce (shut up Maggie...that's what it's called...she kept laughing when I told her what I was making...where do you get "creamy sausage" she asked...she's so obnoxious!)  Anyway - it was pretty good.  Tonight will be Balsamic braised chicken...asparagus, couscous.  Yummy!  Oh, and here are some stolen photos of Eva!

 Bathy time! She loves her rubber ducky!  I love her Chunks!!!











Closeup bouncy!

K - I'm out...must head to work and print out 3rd quarter grades.  Can you believe I'm in 4th quarter!!!  Awesome.  Oh, and Aunt Kathleen, I just started Rules of Civility...loving it!  Hard to put down!  K - later!

Celebrations In Ohio!!!

Woke up to Prince again today...this time I was being told to party like it's 1999.  Tomorrow, maybe some Raspberry Beret's?

March Madness has hit Ohio with a vengeance!  Xavier, UC and OSU have all made it into the Sweet Sixteen.  Of course I didn't watch because A) the games - well UC's - was on late (and by late I mean past 9PM) and B) Harry Potter was on.  Not to mention I'm not a basketball fan but I will always root for my alma maters - Go Bearcats!  Go Musketeers!!!  In addition, UK is in it and Indiana.

So yesterday was quite productive...well sort of productive.  Jim went on a bike ride with his friend and while he did that, I walked Sami (we made up) and then decided to rearrange my "dressing room" (really one of the guest bedrooms).  I took my sewing machine down (since I'm currently in the hand-sewing part of my quilt) and put my AeroPilates back up.  I need to tone my arms and figured I could do that relatively safely without hurting my shoulder by using my pilates machine. I moved my recumbent bike and my computer.  I also got rid (donating) of about 10 pairs of shoes - I have too many pairs of shoes.  My room looks nice and clean.  Other than that, I didn't do much - watched HP...and that's it.  At about 2:30 we went to Anne's for a cake and ice cream celebration for Max's birthday.  Nice to see everyone.  Came home - had dinner and went to bed.  Nice relaxing weekend.

And BONUS!  Trip asked me to go the Opening Day!  YEAH!  I didn't get to go last year (Jim was supposed to go but we ended up having to buy Jim's car that day...almost as good as Opening Day).  Anyway - my conundrum is - it's the day before my Spring Break starts.  AND!  I have to take all or at least part of that Monday off - the 2nd - to get my crown.  Now, I could take a 1/2 day for both days since the game on Opening Day isn't until 4:05...I just don't know what to do.  I mean, I have 115 days or so of sick time and why not, right?!  Advice?  Please?

And that's all I've got for now.  Sorry I'm not more exciting but give me time.  We're back to the regular work week and I look forward to having some time off. in about 3 weeks.  I hope the weather stays as is.  Today - 80 degrees!  I'm back in my dresses.  K - I'm out...later!

Prepare Yourselves - UPDATED!!!

Sorry I'm so late in posting...I had to clean my house, walk my bad dog (Sami...more of that in a minute), shower, grocery shop and finally - here I am.  By the way - I'm giving fair warning to prepare yourselves for a picture sure to give you the shivers.  I'll post it last so you have time to muster up the courage to look.

So I finally got some new pics from Maggie of that sweet girl we all know and love - EVA!!!

Getting ready to watch some March Madness and cheer on UC and Xavier...We're #1!  We're #1!!!

And here she is watching TV - notice the delicious wine in the background.  When Maggie sent this to me at school yesterday - I didn't know at first that it was a picture of Eva...I thought Maggie was just sending me a pic of alcohol to get me excited for my Friday night (of course I'm kidding!)

I stole this pic off my mom's blog...how cute is she with her ball!?  Her hair is getting so long!

And finally - as promised (and yes, I got permission from Dad):  Here is his wound from his battle with the kitchen counter.  27 staples (I think...I can't look long enough to count them).  I saw the scar last weekend and you can barely tell there was ever an issue there.  Pretty amazing.  If he ever does something like this again, by the way - I'll give him a wound that will definitely leave a scar...and some ringing ears.

Okay well, that's all I've got.  Oh, right - Sami...and why she's a bad dog.  Well, she attacked Bubba again yesterday.  It's been a long time since she's done this - probably over a year but I guess spring fever may have gotten the better of her.  I don't know what set her off and I wasn't home but I guess when Jim heard the ruckus and went to break it up, Bubba was actually defending himself.  He found them both going at each other on their hind legs. That's a first...usually he just lays on the ground howling and letting Sami go at him.  This time, he barely had a mark (she nipped his ear a bit) and I'm sure it has every thing to do with him saying, "Oh HELL NO!!!  I've had it with you, you big bully!"  I guess you can take the little girl out of Kentucky but you can't take the Kentucky out of the little girl. Hee hee.  I guess this is just one of the drawbacks of getting a dog when their grown, a stray and you have no idea what they went through before you got them.  I mean, she knows that Bubba would never hurt her, she knows she has the best home and that we love her but every now and then, she just loses her mind.  What to do?  Just gotta keep loving her!

Okay well that's it.  Headed to Greenie's for some golf, beer and J.J. time.  Later!

UPDATE!!!  Here's a link to Mom's blog where there is a video of sweet Eva!!!

Pics and Such

Ah...last day of the work week.  How happy am I?!  Woke up to Prince this morning..."Kiss" - now that will be in my head all day long.  Better than "The sailors says Brandy...you're a fine one...what a good wife you would be.  Oh, well, DAMN!  What was I singing before?  Oh, right, Prince...Kiss.  Nope...Brandy it is now.  Crap!

So yesterday I managed to look through about 582 Weight Watchers recipes.  I found several that I want to try out.  Probably next week.  Tonight is burritos.  Yummy.  And fairly low cal/low fat.  I put on a pair of jeans today that had felt a little snug in the past and they slid right on and voila...not so tight.  That's good.  I almost wish I owned a scale so I could actually see if I've lost any weight but I really don't want to know what I weigh.  UGH!

Speaking of weight and healthier living...I was thinking in the shower about the changes I've noticed since I've been on this no drinking during the week thing (can you tell I'm obsessed...it is all I talk about?) and here are some things that I've realized:

1. I sleep better.  And not only do I sleep better but I fall right to sleep and sleep through the night (if Zeke isn't panting away or Bubba isn't shaking his head or Jim isn't snoring to wake the dead).  And when I get up (except for the end of the week) it doesn't take forever to adjust to being up and awake.
2. It's about to be "that time of the month" and I've noticed that I haven't had any symptoms until today (due tomorrow).  No sore (chicken) boobs, no night sweats. Maybe I'm grumpy but that isn't a symptom I don't think...that may just be me wanting some wine! 
3. Headaches are to a minimum.  I still take my one pill (naproxen) in the morning but that's just preventative. Other than that - I rarely (knock on wood) get headaches.
4. I'm reading a ton more...because I'm not all in my cups, I guess.  Hee hee.

Now all this is fine and good and I appreciate how I'm feeling better but don't get me wrong.  I wish I could have a glass of wine (or three) every single day...and not feel guilty or fat or bloated or tired etc.  But - that's life and I'm 41!  Need to make it to 51. 

And now for a little "Aunt Kathleen Entertainment Time"!  To explain - I got an email from Aunt K last night.  She's recovering from yet another ankle surgery (repair of a hairline fracture) and is house bound.  She requested pics.  I sent the email to Mags, by the way, so hopefully that bad mom will be a good mom and send some cute pics of the fam (Eva).  Until then - here are some funnies to get you through your humdrum day. 

Isn't this a "terrible" pic!?  (Really though, how could any pic of sweet Eva be terrible?! I just love the complete drugged look).

I don't know when I took this pic of Maggie and Charlie's dog Max.  Obviously that was when I was still drinking wine during the week.  HA!  Who doesn't love a dog in hats!?

And I may have "published" this before but how cute is Sami in bed with her Daddy!?  When I'm not in bed, she's always in my spot.  Loves her!

A sweet pic of Zeke - cuddled up!

Oh, and I was going to post a pic of Dad after his stitches but I can't find the pic.  I saved it at work so I'll get it there and send it to myself and post tomorrow.  Prepare yourself though...it's a doozy (BTW - Dad gave me permission to post).  

K - I'm out and running late...again.  Later!

Bad Sleep, Bad Dream

I didn't sleep well last night.  A) Because Jim was a snoring fool no matter what side he was on and B) at around 2:30 this morning, Zeke decided he was scared and panted for about an hour.  And when I say panted, I mean he panted while laying against the bed which shook the bed and when he wasn't against the bed, he was pacing and plopping down loudly to pant some more.  When he gets like that there's nothing to do about it...he just has to wear himself out. Now the question you must be asking yourself is, "Muir, why was Zeke so scared that he started to pant so?"  And my answer would be, "I wish the F*%K I knew!"  It wasn't storming.  No lightening, no thunder, no rain for that matter.  No noises except the fan.  My guess would be that his deafness and elderly ways tricked him into thinking there was some sort of catastrophic weather event happening.  Who knows?  I hope this is not a sign of night times to come!  UGH!

In addition to sleeping poorly, I also had a doozy of a nightmare.  I dreamt that I was at PIB, hanging out with Maggie and Eva outside.  Over the bay, a plane had just taken off and was climbing in the sky.  Next think I know, another plane comes along and basically chases down this plane causing it to plummet to the ground - or rather into the center of the bay.  I ran into the cottage and dialed 911 but when someone finally answered, it was the "east wing" of some hospital.  In the end, I ran out to the Point and swam out to the wreckage and I, along with about 5 other people saved 3 people.  It was crazy.  And scary.  When we got this one woman out, she was holding a picture of her grandson and she was crying and saying she had just been sitting in the plane clutching his picture and waiting to die when we got to her.  Wild.  Ugh!

And it's day 4 of OGT's.  Diablo - who is being tested completely alone in our room has really been a champ.  Working really hard and "trying".  You may be wondering why he has to be tested in a room completely to himself.  Well, it's because he can't shut up and continues to make weird cat noises throughout the morning.  He also likes to announce things like, "I'm doing really good!  I'm on question 9!" (After an hour) Or, five minutes after 8:00 when he's still on question one, "When is lunch?  How long until lunch?  What lunch do I have?  When is lunch?"  Or, "I think I'm doing really good...I think I'm passing!"  Or, "REEERRRR!!!!  Meow!  Terminator says, MEOW!!! Cocoa Bear says, MEOW!!!" (Cocoa Bear is another kids dog who Diablo "thinks" is his.)  And I'll say, "Diablo!  That's enough!  Get to work!"  And he'll answer, OKAY Senorita!"  Or I'll say, "Diablo!  Get your finger out of your nose and get some sanitizer!" Or, "Diablo!  Get your hand out of your pants!!!"  And Diablo will say, "Hee hee hee hee hee!!!"  It's like watching a 4 year old!  Only the four-year-old I know doesn't do half the crazy, disgusting shit that Diablo does.  No wonder I don't have kids.'

K - well, I'm out.  Yesterday I managed to get my parts of all my IEP progress reports complete (just waiting on other teachers to tell me info).  I also organized my Outlook (email) folders - that took about an hour.  And that's it.  I'm sure I'll find lots of piddly shit to do again today.  K - I'm out...later!

Even Though...

Even though I missed winter...I missed getting even one snowfall (defined as more than 1 inch) - this weather is pretty f&%kin awesome.  I don't even care that I'm going to scare most of the school with my white, white legs today.  I mean, it's March 14th and I'm in a skirt without tights or boots.  Not too shitty!  Now what does suck is having one tiny window in my classroom that is across the room from my desk and against an adjacent wall, making it hard to get a look outside.  I SO wish our window was a sliding class door or just a glass door...looking out onto our little courtyard - that would be amazing!

Even though I'm a maniac with brushing and flossing can you believe I have a cavity!?  So bummed.  Although the doctor did say that he's surprised I don't have more fillings in my mouth because I have really "deep" teeth.  Whatever!  In addition to getting my cavity filled on April 3rd, I will also be getting a crown on a tooth that we've been "watching".  It's a filled tooth that has several cracks in it.  The doc said to keep a feel out for twinges of pain and though I rarely chew on that side of my mouth (because I'm scared to), I do feel twinges.  Better to take care of it now rather than when something terrible happens - like a break.  The hygienist was saying that one of three things could happen in that case:  A) the tooth breaks causing major pain B) the tooth breaks, goes into the nerve and causes the need for a root canal or C) the tooth breaks - apart and there's no possibility for a crown because it's broken so bad there's nothing to save.  Uh, I'll take D) none of the above.

Even though I have great neighbors, sometimes their kids suck and are tempting fate and an ass kicking.  So picture it - I'm in the kitchen on the phone (Maggie) and Zeke barks to go outside.  I let him out.  He goes tearing across the yard to the corner of the fence and starts barking.  Now, understand - I DO NOT let my dogs just bark outside.  I'm very conscious of my neighbors.  So I open the door to yell at Zeke to stop and I see little heads just outside the fence...little people heads.  I thought at first they were squirrels but nope, kids.  At first I didn't know which kids these were but then I recognized my next door neighbors.  Anyway - Zeke continues barking because there are two kids just on the other side of the fence, and suddenly a log, that's right a LOG comes flying over my fence and almost hits Zeke.  Needless to say, I yelled at the little f*%kers and told them, "Oh, HELL NO!  YOU DID NOT JUST THROW A LOG ACROSS MY FENCE!"  At first the little shits tried to hide but I yelled, "I see you!  DO NOT THROW SHIT IN MY YARD!!!  You almost hit Zeke!"  Then the little girl said, "Sorry".  Yeah, you will be, I ever see something like, that again.  I can throw a bigger log and I won't miss hitting you!  I then stood in my doorway glaring at them until they must have gotten so uncomfortable that they left.  Needless to say, next time I see their parents, I'll be saying a little something.

Okay and does it for this edition of Three Dogs Mommy.  Join us next time when I'll talk about Jim's urologist!  Later!  Oh shit - it's 6:20!!!

Purchases

So my day off yesterday was very productive...not for my bank account but alas, I got some good deals and some needed things.  Although what I was really shopping for (black pencil-like skirt) I didn't find.

First I went to Costco.  I hadn't planned on going there but because I was going to be next door at Target - why not pick up some dog food?  So I did.  And while there I got Jim his month-late birthday present.  And I'll need to backtrack here so I don't look like such a terrible wife. Originally, I had planned on getting Jim a new bike helmet because he thought his was busted.  However, because I'm rather dense when it comes to bike paraphernalia, I was going to let him make the purchase.  Fast forward to a couple Fridays ago when all the tornadoes struck: I donned Jim's bike helmet for my protection (more, so when I fell with wine I wouldn't get injured) and Jim realized that it wasn't busted.  SO!  No bike helmet needed.  Back to Costco - I was browsing and came upon a hydration pack.  It was perfect.  It hold 2 liters of water and all your goodies and isn't too huge.  Jim loved it.  In fact, he filled it with water and took it to bed with him - hung it on the post on his side so he could sip throughout the night.  I never said he wasn't a weirdo.

In addition to the hydration pack, I got some socks from Costco...and laundry detergent...and turkey bacon.

Then to Target.  they had their short sleeved shirts on sale for $7 so I got a couple of those.  They also had a cute sweater on sale for $13...score.  Then on to the shoes.  I got a cute pair of flip flops for $17.  Cotton balls, makeup, lotion.  Done!  On to Old Navy - nothing.  Kohl's - ditto (they didn't have SHIT and the store was a MESS!)  Home.  Oh, and I did go on line to the Loft and get a couple knit tops/sweaters - buy one get the other half off.  YEAH!  Still need my skirt but for now - I'm good.

And today will be a balmy 75 degrees.  Yowza!  I hope school is prepared for this and isn't an oven.  UGH!  Happens every year.  Additionally - it's OGT week (Ohio Graduation Test) so my morning - until 10:30 - will be quiet and most likely BORING!

K - I'm out...need to head up and out.  Dentist appointment after school...pfft!  I think I'll probably be scheduling a procedure to get a crown.  I've never had a crown...I don't know what it entails...or if it will hurt.  DOUBLE UGH!  K - later!

A Slacker

Sorry for not posting.  I blame Mom.  She and Richard were here and I had to entertain them...singing, dancing, juggling, plate-spinning...it was exhausting!  Then, Jim, the Drama Queen was "sick" and I was forced to care for him.  I think it's a good idea that I decided NOT to become a nurse.  I'm just not a very "caring" caregiver.  I don't put up with moaning and groaning.  Thinking about it, I'm not sure why I became a teacher either.  Oh well, too late to rethink that decision.  Seriously though - I love Jim but he is the biggest BABY!!!  He was walking around this morning with a thermometer in his mouth.  I'm like, "JIM!  You'll be okay.  If you want to call in sick," (Please God NO!!!) "then do it but make a decision!"  By the way - he had a temp of 98.8.  That's probably his "normal".  I fixed him a nice sandwich for lunch, some chips, a snack, packed him some medicine, patted his head and sent him on his way.  Ten bucks says he cuts out early today.  I know what you are all thinking:  I'm a heartless bitch but I'm not kidding - the way he carries on - head down all the time, sighing and literally moaning - it's enough to piss off Florence Nightingale.

So my plans today - it's raining like puppies and kitties (in other words, NOT pouring but a steady drizzle) so I think I'll go shopping.  I need some new flats and sandals.  I have a coupon for DSW but I think I'll try Target first and see if they have anything.  I also would like to get a skirt or two (I need a black one).  I may just putz around and see what's out there.  This week is supposed to get into the 70s and I need to beef up my wardrobe for what's looking to be a HOT spring.  UGH!  I'm too pale for this weather!  People are going to see my white legs and run for cover thinking I'm the walking dead.  I'd also like to get a little Zumba in today.  The dogs told me they'd like a nice laugh and I figured that would provide them with lots of comedy.

Okay and that's all I've got.  I need to shower and head out.  Cheesebourger Casserole for dinner tonight (a new recipe from WW) and a salad.  We'll see.

Not As Tired As I Thought I'd Be

But of course, that will probably all change as the day wears on.  Last night was long but in actuality the time - once the "fair" started went fast.  And!  We managed to sneak out about 15 minutes early so I was home before 9PM.  I did stay up until near 10:00 but I fell asleep pretty quickly and slept pretty well.  The fair was definitely too late and we were given a link on Google to give comments on how the administration can "make it better" so I'll mention that.  I mean really!  How can a tired and grumpy teacher be good for kids!?  Can't!  And though I wanted to chug wine when I got home last night - I didn't!  My willpower is out of this world!  (Ha!)

In weekend news - I'm just glad it's "nearly there, nearly there".  Just need to get through today.   And since it's "Movie Day" that should be a piece of cake - knock on wood.  Hoping too that we ladies can get "take out" for lunch today. (Kim?  You up for it?  Text/call Diane.)  I've run out of leftovers to take and me no wanna be tired, grumpy and hungry!

This evening I'll be cleaning house - readying things for Mom and Richard's arrival.  Picture me - dust cloth in one hand, wine in the other.  Vacuum in one hand, wine in the other.  I wish I had one of those helmets that have cup holders with a flexible straw so I could just walk around, cleaning, vacuuming and sipping my wine cocktail.  You know without having to stop cleaning, find my wine, walk to my wine, pick up my wine, sip my wine, put my wine back down, find the vacuum cleaner again and continue with cleaning.  And how much is it going to suck, when I'm ready for another swiglet, I'm have to hunt my wine down, most likely forgetting where I put it!?  That wouldn't happen if I had a wine helmet!  Oh the struggles I deal with EVERY SINGLE DAY!!!

K - well, I better stop talking about all this because soon, I'm going to get so down in the dumps thinking about it - I'll have to start hitting my cup right now and it's only 5:48!  AM!!!  Wish me luck today...wish the kids luck today!  Later!

Long Days

I'm not looking forward to tonight's Academic Fair.  I'll be at school until regular time, come home to let the dogs out and fluff up a bit before going back to school.  I'll also have to pick something up on the way back for dinner...not sure what...maybe Subway, I'll try for something healthy - we'll see.  They are serving Olive Garden at school for the staff but we all know that isn't healthy.  I'm not one to get all on some crazy kick where I never indulge but truly, I want to stay in the habit of indulging during the weekend rather than the week. 'Cause you know, first it will be Olive Garden on a Thursday and next thing, wine on Monday, wine on Tuesday, wine on Wednesday and so on.  My God I sound like an alchy (spelling).  By the way - have I mentioned lately that I miss wine?  I do. And I'm pretty sure it misses me.

Anyway - I went off on an tangent there - back to school. We have to be there at 5PM but the "fair" doesn't start until about 6:30 (teachers have to report at their tables at 6:10).  Then we sit there until 8PM but because this counts as a P/T conference and we have to give 3 1/2 hours, we're required to sit around in our rooms until 8:30.  Which means I won't be home until 9PM.  That is TOO LATE! I'm an hour to sleep by then normally. And I don't think this happened last year.  I just don't know why our time can't be from 4-7:30.  I think I'll bitch about it but who to bitch to and who cares about me?  No one!  Oh, and I think I mentioned that last year they stuck the "Special Services" table at the far end of the commons area WAYYYYY far away from everyone else?  This year?  They've stuck us in a room - closed off from everyone...where no one has to look at the "special" kids/teachers/parents.  So wrong!  FW (department head) is going to "demand" that we be with everyone else.  Have I mentioned lately that my administrators are complete morons?  Not recently?  Well, let that little tidbit above be a little reminder.

Now in recipe news - my Blue Cheese Chicken Bourgers were REALLY GOOD!  If anyone is interested in the recipe (Maggie can get it off WW) let me know and I'll post.

So that's it...it's warm as shit here - 60 degrees at 5:59 in the AM.  It's going to be a HOT summer.  Lots of time at the pool.

K - I'm out...later!

Common Sense & Irony

First the irony.  So I read a blog by some woman (let's call her "J")...I don't know her but long story, I hit on her blog when she was living in Scotland...she's a Californian and is back there now.  Anyway - here's the irony.  Today when I poured my coffee, I had to open a new creamer.  I use Kroger brand French vanilla fat free.  Well, last time I bought creamer, they were out of that flavor so, knowing it was a mistake, I purchased the SUGAR FREE French vanilla.  I hate sugar free creamer - it leaves a weird aftertaste.  Every time I take a sip of my creamer I think, "Bleck!  That's the reason I don't buy sugar free!" But I'm powering through - please don't anyone worry.  Anyway - I just got on the computer and checked J's blog and (ironic) the title of recent post is "Not All Creamers Are Created the Same".  It's about the same thing I've been dealing with all morning.  Ha!

So now the common sense part of my post.  Ugh!  I know my ladies at work are probably really sick of me talking about this but it's something I've been struggling with in my mind lately (more like an irk that I can't let stop irritating me).  Anyway - I have a student - lets all her "Blondie" - who is the sweetest most innocent little thing you could ever meet.  She's really very kind and would never hurt a fly and bonus!  She laughs at all my jokes.  And yes, she is special ed and definitely cognitively challenged but she tries SO hard!!!  My problem?  Ding, ding, ding, ding, ding - she has absolutely NO common sense.  Or, I don't know, maybe she is just so lacking in self-confidence that it comes across that way.  Seriously, she's the type of person that would be riding a bike and going along swimmingly but still turn around to her companion and say, "Am I doing this right?  I'm confused!"  Companion: "Uh, are you falling off the bike?  Are you wrecking?  Then, YES!  You're doing it right!"  That is me - every day with her.  Her favorite line to use with me used to be "I don't know" but I won't let her say that anymore so now she's reverted to:  I'm confused!  The worst subject where she does this is math and for a while she started going out of my study hall and getting help elsewhere.  I won't let her do that anymore because A) she's on my caseload and B) she only does it because whomever gives her help is just giving her the answers and not helping her understand the work.  Yesterday she was taking a test for Health and there was some True/False in it.  The test specifically said, A. True B. False.  Wouldn't that tell you that if the answer is True, you circle "A" and visa versa!?  Well, she said to me - "I'm confused.  What do I do!?"  I try SO HARD not to be sarcastic and mean - which means most of the time I'm turning to Diane and rolling my eyes while Diane shakes her head in disbelief.   It's so aggravating!  And I'm trying to teach Blondie to have self-confidence and feel secure in doing things (taking tests, answering comprehension questions, math problems) but can you really teach someone self-confidence?!  Am I beating my head against the wall!?  Ugh!  I don't want to be mean and short - so frustrating.

K - I'm done bitching.  And I'm done posting.  Need to go check on Bubba who is outside sniffing, sniffing, sniffing.  Later!

Mangy Mutts!

So. Hard. To. Type. My arms are killing and it's hard to lift them to the computer.  Okay, not really but my arms are aching.  Why, you ask?  Well (for those who didn't see my Facebook) - it's the fault of two mangy mutts!  And not my mutts either!  So picture it - me walking.  Walking Sami.  Minding my own business - bouncing along on a breezy and cool (more like cold!) Monday afternoon.  I originally wasn't going to take Sami on her two-miler because of how breezy and cold it was but dammit!  She looked at me with those sweet brown eyes when I was thinking about turning around and they said to me, PLEASE MAMA!!!  So what could I do?  Anyway - I'm nearly home (nearly there, nearly there - HP line) - about 1/2 mile away - and up ahead, I see a man walking toward me.  And he's got a little black dog with him.  And then - oh, no!  The little black dog isn't with him.  It's loose.  And the little black dog isn't alone!  It has a little gray dog tailing it.  So, knowing Sami, I pick her up because you know those dogs are gonna want to meet my dog and my dog is gonna want to take a bite out of those dogs.  UGH!

Well, from that point on - for a 1/2 mile (HALF MILE!!!) those damn dogs followed me all the way home!  Barking! And nipping at my heels! And of course it was garbage day yesterday so those houses that hadn't taken their cans in?  Dirty Frick and Dirty Frack (as I named those little f*%kers) had to stop and smell the cans and then RUN full tilt right back to me and bark and nip some more!  Sami - by the way - was a little angel and after barking back at DF-squared a couple times she just sat back and enjoyed the ride.  At one point, I was about 4 houses away from home and the mutts stopped to sniff and lick some trash cans.  I took that reprieve and set Sami down and we booked it for the front door.  Of course DF 1 and 2 saw us and came tearing after us but we made it in time!  Can you picture it?  'Cause it was ridiculous!  And I was a sweaty mess!  And let me tell you!  If I see those little f%&kers again, I may be tempted to give a little kick or two.  Not really but I did think about it!

So last night for dinner I made a new WW recipe:  BBQ Turkey Joe's.  I wasn't sure I'd like it because things with BBQ sauce sometimes don't work for me but alas!  It was delicious. And really simple. Interested? Here you go:

1/2 c. each of red pepper, green pepper and onion - set aside.
1 lb. ground turkey - brown.
Add veggies to browned turkey - a few minutes until onions translucent.  Add 1/8-1/4 teaspoon cayenne and 1 c. bbq sauce (I forget what I used...something normal nothing special).  I simmered this for a while - about an hour on low just to get the flavors combined because ground turkey can be bland.  Serve on whole wheat sandwich buns (I just did a half - open-faced) with coleslaw.  I also did a roasted red potato dish with it and it was scrumptious!

K - well, I best head out.  I have a meeting after school today - bullshit I'm sure.  Later!