Annoyed

I'm annoyed and here's why:

My hair is fairly long. And annoying (that's not what's annoying me at the moment though). Now, you might say, "then cut it," but many have seen me with NOT long hair and it isn't a pretty sight. So, because my hair is annoying, I wear it up, mostly. Because I wear it up, mostly, I have much stock in ponytail holders. In recent years, ponytail holders have become quite revolutionary. They no longer have that metal thingy that keeps the ends together and they are "ouchless". I love them.

So, about 2 weeks ago, I was at Meijer in the hair accessory department (buying a new brush) and realized that was running low on holdies. So I purchased my usual brand of Goody, ouchless ponytail holders in a variety of muted colors. And recently I broke the package open. And I'm nearly through the whole package. Because after about one use, they stretch to a point where they are useless. In other words, the elastic f*%king sucks! Now, this is my usual brand. A brand I've been happy with before. A brand that in the past hasn't sucked! So what does that mean? Does that mean I bought a lemon - a one time, won't-happen-again package? Or, does that more likely mean that like every other product out there they've decided their product was too good and people weren't buying it enough so they would cheapen it to up their consumer replacement? I'm betting the house on the latter!

Why can't things just work right? Like ovens! (No, mine didn't break again) I mean, it used to be that ovens would last for decades. There was no need to replace them much less fix, they hardly ever broke. Nowadays though, you replace the oven that worked for decades and the new one is built to break within a few years. Not so you have to replace it. Nope, just so you need a replacement part. Where in the end, it will cost you much more than a new oven to fix it every time it f*%ing breaks!

Anyone else annoyed right now?

K - gotta go get in a good mood so I don't beat my kids at school (lip curled). Later

5:34 AM and I'm Running Late

This will be short because I'm running a few minutes behind - and we all know how much I hate being off schedule - because I had to watch the Tina Fey/Amy Poehler opening from SNL. Of course it was Katie Couric interviewing Sarah Palin. Hilarious, especially the end. Check it out if you didn't see it live.

Okay, so not much going on. It's Monday which means lots of paperwork today and emails to parents. I've been showing the kids - once a week - an episode from PBS's Frontier House and today is episode 4. If you aren't aware of what it is, about 5 or 6 years ago, 3 families were chosen to live, on the "frontier" for 4 months in order to experience what life was like back then. It's a good pairing with what I've been teaching, the kids love it and it gives them a break from all the "note taking" we normally do. It also gives me catch-up time on Monday's to get all the crap I have to do, done.

Other than that, I have no excitement in my life. This weekend should be calm and there shouldn't be any crap thrown at me at school, though we all know that could change on a dime. I have no idea what I'm going to do for dinner since I didn't do my weekly shop but I'll figure it out today. I think Jim needs a pasta-less week so maybe, Chicken Marsala tonight. Mmm...

K - better head. Later.

Sundays, B.O. and Doggy Showers

I'm home from Columbus after a too-short visit with Maggie, Charlie, Zoe and Max. Last night was a good time - Dad took us all to The Refectory for dinner. One issue, however, was our waiter needed a lesson in the proper application of deodorant. I'm not sure how someone who smells as bad as our waiter did has managed to maintain employment at a restaurant of this caliber. Seriously, this guy REEKED!!! I'm not kidding! This is no joke. And it wasn't just me who noticed, in fact, it wasn't even me that brought it up in the first place. Charlie was the first to comment. And of course as the night wore on, this guy - Justin - wasn't smelling any better. Every time he reached across to pick up or put down something, I had to turn my head and wrinkle my nose in offense. At one point he said, "Excuse my reach" and I wanted to reply, "You know, I certainly don't mind your reach but your armpit in my nose is causing me great distress dude! Please, invest in some Old Spice or Right Guard." And MY GOD was he a total geek! And you know I would never mention his geekiness if it weren't for his obscene smell - well, maybe I would but whatever.

Other than all that, I had a fabulous dinner. I ordered the filet mignon with cardamom sauce. It was accompanied by a portabella mushroom as well as poached beets. Now, let me say, though I hate beets, I was willing to try these. Holy shit! Can I just tell you I would have been happy, ecstatic even with a plateful of these beets if it had been offered. I have never tasted anything so delectable. It's making my mouth water just thinking about it.

Anyway, after dinner we went home, played a game for about an hour and then we all went to bed. This morning, Maggie and Charlie made a delicious breakfast of turkey bacon, fried bread and scrambled eggs. I then left around 11:00 and was home in time to not watch the Bengals. I ironed my clothes and then decided, after observing Zeke suffer the itchies, to give him a shower. In doing so, I found a rather large growth at the bottom of his tail (near his butt). Jim's going to call the vet tomorrow to get it looked at. Cross your fingers.

Okay, I'm going to go start my dinner prep - we're having chicken divan and a salad tonight. I will then probably read my book. I want to finish it quickly because I just got a new book that I can't wait to start - The Story of Edgar Sawtelle - I'm sure you've heard of it. I'll give more info about in another post. K - later.

Happy National Hunting and Fishing Day!!!

Which is funny because I know two people who are doing just that this weekend; one is hunting, one is fishing. Funny.

So, I'm going to finish typing this and head up to shower and then head up to Maggie and Charlie's for the day/night. I originally got dissed by Maggie for scuba on this but, yeah!!! Maggie got sick and can't go diving. It's all about karma isn't it?

So anyway, Dad, Becky and Cullen are going up to Columbus as well and taking us out to dinner tonight. Some place called The Refectory. It's a fairly eclectic place, I checked out the menu and it looks interesting. I'm wearing jeans that I'm not sure even fit me anymore. My fat arse may have gotten too big and if that's the case, Maggie, we may just have to go out and purchase a nice pair for me. Arg! I need to get fit. I swear, at times I feel like I have a tapeworm and at other times I feel like I have no metabolism. I mean, I have a good breakfast, every morning, a small snack around 9 (usually a Kashi bar), a healthy lunch, a well-rounded dinner and still, I'm a lard. Sometimes, at night, I'll be lying in bed - having had a delicious meal not 3 hours before (and not over-eating either) - and my stomach will growl like I'm starving. And I feel hungry too. It's crazy. Not that I ever do anything about it at 9 PM but what the hell!? I need to start smoking again - I think that's when my metabolism really slowed down.

Okay - enough of all that hoo ha! I need to go get ready and head north so Maggie doesn't yell at me. Can't wait. Can't wait to see their new table and their new bed and my portrait on the wall in every room. Oooh, I should take my camera! K - Later.

Happy Love Note Day!!!

That's right! So make sure to leave your sweetie some little sweet nothings in the form of a love note. I've got mine to Jimmy all written out. It goes like this: "Dear Jim Dear, Please unload the dishwasher. I love all that you do. Yours, (me)." Isn't that just adorable? I kid by the way. About my note to him, not about the holiday.

So, I still may go to Columbus Saturday. Maggie has a head cold and won't be able to scuba if she still has it this weekend. She said she'd let me know by today. Which is great but if she feels better, that's cool too, I can go up next Saturday. Dad, Becky and Cullen will be up Saturday as well for the Ohio State game but that would be fun. Anyway, we'll see.

Okay, that's all I've got. I'm exhausted. I was up way too late last night (10) because Survivor started and I didn't know but it was a 2 hour premier and I was already taping Grey's so I had to stay up. Who cares though, it's Friday. I'll just stick a couple videos on in my classes and sleep at my desk. (I'm kidding).

K - later.

No Biggie

So, my meeting yesterday was really nothing. Nothing we haven't heard before. Pretty much a waste of my time. And the one teacher who should have been there to hear how incompetent he is didn't show. Hmmm...he was in the building, wonder why he wasn't there. Guess since he's so far up HH's ass, he doesn't need to be. So, I threw him under the bus for sucking so bad. I don't care. There has to be some accountability and if you aren't going to show at a meeting, then you've just proven my point. Anyway, of course HH handed us some paper with a list of about 53 things - protocol - that he would like us to follow in regard to the IEP process. All of it bunk. And I love how he prefaces everything by saying he isn't an "expert on special ed". Well then, why are you making all these stupid demands on our time. Why are you making all these ridiculous decisions? Since your not an expert, you obviously don't know how much crap we already have to do but oh yeah, that's right, you want everything to be your way and the way it was done at the last school where you worked. The one you left because it was "too big". Yeah, right. How about you left because the opportunity to make more money was here, in our district. Jackass! Now that that opportunity has passed you by, will you leave now?

Parent/teacher conferences were BORING!!! Of course I got a ton of crap done. I'm pretty much all mapped out for the whole year in my Social Studies class. I have all the PowerPoints done for U.S. History and I've got the 5 major PowerPoints done for Government. Exciting, huh? I should be working on what the eff I'm doing in my English class but, alas, those kids wear me out and I just didn't have the gumption to think about it last night. That will probably be my next big hurdle.

So tomorrow is Friday, thank God and I have absolutely no plans for the weekend. I would love to sit around and do nothing but the yard needs some work. I was going to go up to Maggie's on Saturday but she screwed me over for scuba diving lessons. How rude! Seems I'm never going to get an invite back up to Columbus. I guess once I helped her unpack her house, my work was done. I'm not needed anymore. Man! I feel hurt and blue!

K - I'm back. I had to wipe my tears and blow my nose. And now I must finish getting ready and go back to school. The place I just left, not 10 hours ago. Ugh! Later.

Could Be an Interesting Day

Not much going on here. I didn't post yesterday morning because I was in "a mood" (which carried on into the evening - Maggie can attest to that) and I didn't have time either. Plus there were no good "holidays" to observe yesterday. The same can be said about today - holidays, not my mood.

I had a couple of crazy dreams last night. I remember only part of one: I was at PIB and the cottage was like it was before the remodel. I walked into the kitchen (the old gold fridge was there) and Grandpa, Aunt Muir and Aunt Kathleen were sitting around the table (the one with the folding sort of gold/brown legs and white top) having breakfast. Grandma was in a white housecoat with green designs at the stove. I walked in and said, "What's everyone up to?" and Grandma said, "We're just reheating the spaghetti for breakfast." And then she gave me a big hug. That was it. Weird.

I also dreamt that I was trying to get home but had to cross this pond type thing to get there. I was going to have to wade through it but there were all these snakes swimming around. I was mighty scared (pause) mighty scared!

So nothing is going on today except that I have parent/teacher conferences. BORING!!! My schedule, as of yesterday afternoon had no parents on it. YIPPEE!!! Hopefully I'll at least get a lot of work done.

Oh, and this morning we (the sped dept.) have a 20 minute meeting with HH. JOY!!! This will either be a stupid, nothing meeting or it will be a meeting that will throw me into a tizzy for the next week. I just have to tell myself over and over not to react during the meeting. I need to just let whatever is going to be said, soak in before opening my mouth. I need to keep saying over and over to myself, "He'll be gone soon. He'll be gone soon. He'll be gone soon."

K - gotta scat, don't want to be late for the meeting.

I Think Hell Has Frozen Over

My colleague - Mick - a.k.a. Gayken lover (you know, the one who will no longer talk to me unless there's a union rep there because apparently I'm the devil) will be so bummed out and I'm sure, shocked as shit to see this! Who knew HE was gay!? My God! I'm just floored. I'm sure this will be the talk at the water cooler!!! I need to go call and tell everyone I know because I'm sure they just won't believe it! This is just SO crazy!!!

Happy Elephant Appreciation Day!!!

Who knew?

Okay so it's MONDAY!!! Yeah!!! Not really. I'm certainly not that cheery. Especially since this is going to be a sucky long week. I have parent teacher conferences Wednesday which means I'll be at school from about 6:30 - 7:30 (no, not an hour, AM to PM). Oh well, at least I'll get a ton of crap done - unless Lisa bothers me all night! Just kidding.

So I've really got nothing going on. I went to Anne's yesterday to check up on the kids and get them dinner since Anne and Dan went to Louisville for the day. Can I just say that Max has gotten crazier?! One of his ways of trying to torture someone is to moon them and then try and sit on them. I put a halt to that right their! He's nuts! But sweet too and my God is he impatient. So I was getting his dinner ready - chicken nuggets were in the oven (6-8 minutes). He kept saying, "I'm SOOOOOO hungry! When is dinner going to be ready?" Then he tried to get out some ice cream to eat (Yeah, like I was going to let that happen), then a Hersey bar (nice try dip), then gummy bears. That boy should be the size of a house! His legs are the size of my forearm! Boy doesn't need sugar, he needs fat!!! Madison was good, of course - not that Max was bad, he was actually good and sweet and he certainly makes me laugh - at least when his pants are up!

Anyway, after getting home, I made dinner, took a bath, watched Obama and McCain on 60 Minutes, headed up to bed and read my book. Eventually I started going cross-eyed and I fell asleep and here I am!!!

K - I'm off to work - Monday's are always full of paperwork, organizing and emails to parents so I better go get started. Later.

Crazy Holidays!

I'm totally bummed: Apparently Friday was International Talk Like A Pirate Day and I missed it. This is a serious - non made up holiday, and I missed it. I wish I had known! Well, next year, I will spread the word and say things like "Arrrggg!!!" and "Ahoy, me hearty!"

Here are some other crazy holidays and observances (these are serious! I did not make these up):

• January 21 - Squirrel Appreciation Day
• January 26 - National Peanut Brittle Day
• February 23 - Clam Chowder Day
• February 28 - National Tooth Fairy Day
• March 1 - Beer Day (I think this is my new favorite holiday!)
• March 3 - What if Cats and Dogs Had Opposable Thumbs Day
• April 1 - St. Stupid Day
• April 15 - That Sucks Day (interesting that if falls on tax day)
• May 2 - No Pants Day (this may be favorite #2)
• May 14 - Root Canal Appreciation Day
• June 22 - Stupid Guy Thing Day
• June 24 - Fairy Day (I don't know what kind of fairy)
• July 5 - Cherry Pit Spitting Day
• July 22 - Rat-catchers Day
• August 3 - Sister's Day (I expect a gift next year Maggie!)
• August 24 - National Waffle Day (Mmm, waffles)
• September 13 - Bald is Beautiful Day (and it is!)
• September 21 - Today is International Day of Peace
• October 13 - National Kick Butt Day
• October 17 - Trip will be happy about this: Mammography Day
• November 2 - Plan your Epitaph Day
• November 19 - Have a Bad Day Day
• December 2 - Special Education Day
• December 5 - Bathtub Party Day (Favorite #3)

Mark your calendars!!!

Maggie Is In Trouble!!!

Why you ask? Well, because here's what I woke up singing: "Who built the ark? Noah! Noah! Who built the ark? Brother Noah built the ark!" Now, I don't mind that I'm singing this song, which by the way for those who don't know, is a song by Raffi, a children's entertainer, but Jim is not happy with my jingle. He wanted to call Maggie and wake her up with his own song. I wouldn't let him though. Hee Hee!

Okay, so last night was fun. Remember, we went down to Oktoberfest. It did remind me though that I'm getting older and just can't hang with the die-hards anymore (like Terri). I was really good too. I managed to only drink 2 draft beers and the rest - probably only 2 - bud light bottles. We ended up going to Shooter's afterwards - around 11 PM - and getting a pizza and a shot. Jim ate a ton at the festival! He had a goetta link with the works, a Bahama Mama (from Schmidt's in Columbus), a German egg roll, funnel cake, some pad Thai, 1/2 my corned beef and Swiss (I accidentally typed "swill" - mmm, corned beef and swill!), part of my cream puff (damn that looks good - I think I need another one!), and part of Terri's sausage and kraut. My boy was hungry. And we didn't see any of it later either - thank you Jesus!

Okay, so listen (read) this: So, my neighbors up the street, across the street from Jane, recently split up. They are the ones who have the dog, Shooter and two autistic kids. Now the wife, her name is Becky, is very unfriendly. Seriously, she'll see me and purposely turn away so as not to have to say hi. Matt, the husband is a nice guy but sort of a drunk. Well, not a drunk per se but he certainly likes his Bud Light. Okay so, for the past 3 weeks, he had been living at the house and she wasn't anywhere around. Well, last week, she moved back in and Matt is gone. She's had her mother staying with her and some other dude - maybe her father? So, Becky apparently does not like Jane. I don't know if she thinks that because Jane is single she must want to get with Matt or what but it's weird - Jane has talked to Matt one time - while she was doing yard work and apparently after that, Becky has been shooting daggers at Jane. She's even ruder to Jane than me. Well, last Thursday, Jane came home from having dinner with her parents. She had left her rake outside and when she went to put it away, someone had spray painted "DIE" on it. She's convinced it was Becky. And really, it's the only thing that makes sense. She's the only one who would see Jane's comings and goings and Jane is friendly or at least neighborly with everyone else around her. Isn't that crazy?

Okay so today, I'm going to cook breakfast here in a bit, finish up laundry, go to the grocery (small shop) and then I have to go over to Anne and Dan's to check up on the kids. Apparently they're going to Louisville for the day to the Ryder Cup and though Madison is fine with Max on her own, Anne wants me to get them dinner and make sure they're not killing each other. Hopefully they don't because I have a ton of shit I have to get done in the yard. Arg!!!

Okay - must go fry up some turkey sausage, eggs and fried bread. Later.

Oktoberfest Weekend

Yaaaawwwwnnn!!! Man, a three-day work week should be easier than this, right? At least easier to get up. I'm exhausted. It probably didn't help that Jim tossed and turned most of the night. Well, until he finally got up and went downstairs. Here's a funny thing: Every time he does this (goes downstairs to sleep - and not because I've kicked him out) he ends up sleeping in the chair. Not the couch, which, yes, is plenty long enough for him. I don't understand it. He looks so uncomfortable. Anyway, I sent him back upstairs when I got up and I know this is going to piss off Bubba who was all sacked out in Jim's spot. Oh well.

So, this weekend Jim and I are headed down to Oktoberfest (the largest Oktoberfest in the world besides Munich). We're going with Jane but I've already emailed Terri and I'm sure we'll meet her down there too. Jim offered to drive. And by offered, I said, "Um, Jim, you're still in trouble from 3 years ago when you drank to much at the last Oktoberfest we attended and then threw up your zoomer (giant red hot hot dog) in my car. You want to drive Saturday, don't you?" I kid. He offered. Although we certainly don't want a repeat of that little episode.


Other than that, I have nothing going on. I plan on going to Wal-Mart for my next shop but because of the blackout, I may put that off a week since I'm sure everyone and their mother is restocking their bare shelves.


Okay, I have to get to school and deal with an irritating mother who emailed me at 2:14 AM last night. Jesus! This lady is going to bug the shit out of me all year, I'm sure. Can't wait to pass her off just like she was passed off onto me. Ugh! K - later.

Three Junes by Julia Glass

Well, I've finished the 4th and final book in the Twilight series by Stephenie Meyer: Breaking Dawn. I'm so sad! You know you have a good book when at the end you're totally bummed that it's over and you don't want to pick up another book for a while because you just want to think about what you've just read. Just to let your mind live for a little while longer in that world that you just left. Man! It's rare to find a book - a series - that so enthralls you, totally immerses and engulfs you into another world that, man, you wish you were a part of. Isn't that crazy? I laid in bed last night after finishing the last page and thought, "Damn! I wish I were a vampire!" I recommend this series for all: Young and not-so-young. So good!

So, of course I can't NOT read a book so I'm on to my next novel: Three Junes by Julia Glass. I've had this book forever and now it's time. This is an award winning, debut novel about the Mcleod family. It is spread over three pivitol summers, (one in Greece, one in Greenwich Village and one in Scotland) and traces the members of a Scottish family as they deal with the joys and longings, fulfillments and betrayals of love in all its forms. So far (and I've only read 7 pages), it reads like a Maeve Binch or Rosamonde Pilcher (a good thing). I'll let you know.

I Survived Ike!!!

Tree through fence.

Large Branches

Neighbor

Neighbor

Man! What a crazy bunch of days!!! That Ike was one crazy mother!!! Today is the first day since Sunday that I've had Internet service so I apologize.

So, last I left off, Jim and I were hunkered down on Sunday trying to survive the force of Ike. We ended up losing power around 3:30 PM (just in time to put us out of our misery that was the Bengals). Jane, my neighbor came over (a bit frightened and bored) and we commenced drinking lots of vodka. We went back and forth between her house and our house, checking on dogs and eating (I had to reheat my chicken tettrazini on the grill using my cast iron skillet). Dad and Becky never lost power so at around 7 PM, Jim took all our perishables (and Jane's) to their house. School was cancelled around 9:30, I passed out around 10:45, Jim got home and thank you Jesus, the power came back on around 1:30 AM. We were soooooo lucky! About 650,000 Duke customers in the area (out of 800,000) were without power and there are still (Lisa) those who haven't gotten it restored. Ugh!!! Can you imagine? There are still streets in my neighborhood that are closed because of downed trees and live, fallen power lines.

School was cancelled Tuesday as well though many schools (Cincinnati Public) were out through Wednesday, Thursday and even tomorrow. Unbelievable!

They said that 84 of the 88 Ohio counties had damage from the storm. Maggie in Columbus was out of power for, what, 1 1/2 days? Phew!

Jim and I lost a tree which took out part of our fence (and I just happened to be looking out the window and watched it go, it was scary). In addition, we lost lots of huge tree limbs and the number of leaves that littered our lawn, well, it might as well have been November with the amount of raking we had to do. Pretty much all our neighbors lost at least one tree but thankfully, no one had structural damage to their house. We really were lucky!

One thing that amazed me: In a neighborhood with trees, thousands upon thousands of trees all over the place, in 60-70 mile per hour gusts of wind, with trees falling left and right, what do you think my neighbors are doing? Yup, sight seeing, jogging, bike riding. Looking at all the damage BEFORE the storm has even passed. It was crazy. People and their stupidity amaze me.

Okay, I'm going to go read my book - which I'll update about later. See ya!

The Roof Nearly Blowd Off!!!

There is some craziness blowing around in the Hanke neighborhood. Ike is one bad mutha f&%a! We've got one tree down in the back yard with the corner of the fence out and I'm betting that we'll have more damage before this is all complete. The neighbors to the left of us (looking at our house) have a huge tree down as well (no damage). Every now and then I hear a huge CRACK and all I can do is cringe, waiting for the roof to cave. Cross your fingers.

Jane just called and said everywhere she's been today, the power has gone out and if it goes out at her house, I'll have to go over and start drinking with her. I've got no problem with that.

K - I still need to bathe!!! I'm afraid, though, that I'll be in the tub and a tree will crash through and crush me. Arg! Let's just hope that doesn't happen.

Later - wish us luck that we/our house survives this.

Fall Lineup

Okay, so we all know what a TV freak I am and how much I love my reality shows, so I thought I'd share with you what my fall TV watching schedule will be.

Sunday

1. Amazing Race

Monday

1. How I Met Your Mother

There isn't much offered here that interests me...I may try out that new "Worst Week" but we'll see, it's on a little late for me (9:30).

Tuesday

1. The Mentalist - a new show that looks good...mainly because the main character looks cute.

Wednesday

1. Private Practice - I can't wait for this to start again!!! I love looking at all the pretty characters and the writing is reminiscent of Grey's Anatomy when it first started.

Thursday - big night!!!

1. Survivor: Gabon - They're finally headed back to Africa!!! I can't wait. I think this Survivor is going to be one of the best in a long time!
2. Grey's Anatomy - I can't wait! Derek and Meredith are finally back on track and she's not annoying me anymore. Now, if only they could get Izzie back to being normal, we'd all be happy. New character alert: Kevin McKidd (Cristina love interest?) and rumor that Eric Stoltz will be on (yummy).

Friday

1. Ghost Whisperer - of course...really I watch this because Jim loves it...he's addicted to Jennifer "Love" Hewitt. He thinks she seems smart. He gets scared though.

Mid-season/Winter

1. Lost - January 2009
2. Top Chef - March 2009
3. Deadliest Catch - usually April/May

Breaking Dawn by Stephenie Meyer

Okay, I've finished reading Origin by Diana Abu-Jaber. Very good. I loved the main character, Lena. She was so quirky and confused while at the same time knowing exactly what she wanted (at least professionally). This book reminded me of early Kay Scarpetta novels (Patricia Cornwell) though the characters in the book were completely different. I actually had the basic mystery solved fairly quickly but the specific twists and turns were still surprising. A definite read.

So now I'm reading the 4th and final book in the Twilight series by Stephenie Meyer: Breaking Dawn. It's actually split into 3 books - 2 told in Bella's viewpoint and one in Jacob's. I am loving it already but don't see good things happening especially since it's the final book. I just have a terrible feeling that someone is going to die - and not die by becoming a vampire but really die. (Don't worry Maggie this is not what I've heard). The interesting thing that I've found as I'm reading this book (I'm in the middle of the second book - Jacob's) is that I'm more and morehaving less and less sympathy for Bella. In the past books, my sympathies were with Bella and hoping for the best in her life but now, I have more angst for the two male characters (Jacob and Edward) who are in love with Bella. It's funny too because what I wish for them is that they will find happiness away from what is torturing them and making them miserable which happens to be Bella. I wonder if this was Meyer's point and aim because of what's possibly to come. I guess we'll see. (And probably, Maggie is the only one who can relate to any of this...which means, the rest of you must read these books. They're sooooo good.)

What To Do...

9:20 - breakfast is over, the dogs are in bacon coma, Jim has left to run an errand and I'm sitting here trying to decide what to do today. Of course, I'll be completing my laundry, ironing for the week and cooking dinner (meatloaf, hash brown casserole and broccoli) but other than that, what should I do? I may just read my book. Ooh, I haven't posted about my newest - I'll have to do that next. The weather - Ike - is rolling in: High winds and lots of rain, but muggy. The temp is supposed to get to about 90 today and then drop to 57ish tonight. They're saying that this coming week is supposed to be the best weather week of the year. I can't wait.

Maybe I'll head to Kohl's to try and stock up on some deals. I need to get some new tops for work but I'm so unmotivated right now.

Ooh, speaking of shopping, Jim and I went to Biggs for our grocery shop yesterday. I ended up saving, probably $20. I still have to go to Kroger for certain things (yogurt, milk, cream) but, hey, it's a block away so it isn't out of my way. Milk at Kroger was nearly a dollar cheaper than Biggs and Biggs doesn't carry certain things I use (ground chicken or ground port - weird) but all in all, they had what I needed and their produce is really good. I tend to spend the most on produce too so that's important. Next week I'm going to try out the Super Wal-Mart. Maggie said she's noticed a lot of price differences and savings shopping at Wal-Mart.

Okay, I that's all I've got. Exciting, huh?

Bee Stings and Raffles

So, last night was fun. Jim and I went to Sharon Woods for Circle Tail's putting contest, dinner and raffle give away. Remember this was the first annual golf benefit for the organization and my neighbor, Jane is the one who organized the whole thing.

So, Jim and I got there around 4 and everyone was still out golfing - the rain had slowed them down a bit - so we sat, I drank a beer and eventually, Jane's parents arrived and we hung out with them. Once everyone got back from their golf, the putting contest began. I went down to support Jim and Jane's mom who wanted a shot at a case of beer (the four closest to the hole got one) and wouldn't you know it, as I'm standing there minding my own business, I get stung by a bee!? I felt this tickle on my leg and brushed at it and WHAM!!! Right on the fatty part of my middle finger. Stupid bastard bee! I don't' think he died either because the stinger wasn't in my finger and I didn't see and dumb ass, struggling, suffering bee around anywhere. Oh well, it really wasn't that big of a deal. My finger swelled up nice though - just that fatty part. I don't think I've been stung since I was about 4 or 5. Regardless, I think it must have affected my putting ability because wouldn't you know, I didn't win a case of beer!?

Anyway, after the putting contest, we had dinner. It was delicious. Prime rib, salad, green beans, potato wedges and they also had cheese cannelloni but I didn't eat that. After dinner, it was time for the raffle give aways. There were 23 prizes ranging from signed, autographed pictures of Carson Palmer and one of Boomer to OSU tickets to $50 gift card to Jeff Ruby's. Jim and I both won a basket. My basket had 2 golf lessons in it, a blue tooth and golf balls. Jim's basket was the Dale Earnhardt basket. It had an awesome #88 clock, beer coozies, another blue tooth, golf balls, a gift card to Dick's and a gift card to Johnny's car wash. Not bad, huh? Oh, and at the end of the night, one of the putting contest winners came up to us and offered us his case of beer. SCORE!!! We tried to give it to the 5th place winner but he had left.

So today, we're heading to Costco's to use our coupons that were good starting 9/11. After that, I'm coming home to clean the house and then do nothing. Probably just read my book. I can't wait. K - best get going. Later.

Yippee!!! My Oven Works!!!

Finally, after, what - 2 weeks, maybe longer, my oven is completely operational (knock on wood). The piece came Wednesday night but Jim and I were both too exhausted and both suffering from headaches to fix it then. So, I fixed it yesterday after school. Cut my hands all to shit but the pain and blood was worth being able to bake my delicious pizza last night at a whopping 450 degrees!!!

So, Friday plans: School and second to last IEP meeting...until next month. Long story: The people/idiots in charge at school are freaking idiots but I don't feel like talking about them. Lets just say that they make no sense and I think they're trying to torture me. Anyway, after school today, Jim and I will be heading to Sharon Woods to help Jane with her putting contest and then we'll eat dinner with her (prime rib...mmmm). She's doing a golf outing for Circle Tail - an organization that provides assistance dogs to people with disabilities. The weather is supposed to suck today but I'm sure everything will be fine for her and we'll still have fun. After that, we'll come back home and go over to Jane's for drinks and cards.

Other than all that, nothing is going on. We're going to Costco this weekend. Yeah! Stock up on all my Costco necessities. They already have Christmas displays up...crazy.

Oh and Jim's out of the dog house. I figured since it was supposed to rain, I should let him in the house.

K - later.

Strike 4,492!!!

Jim's done it again! How many strikes should I give that guy before he's out? How does he forget the one job he has, every night, even when I remind him - 3 times? Unbelievable.

So, yesterday was a doozie for me. I don't know why really. I had an IEP meeting and had to chase Jelly Belly (Vice-Principal) around because he can't read and didn't get me a sub. I sent him an email regarding this both last week and yesterday morning (as a reminder) that I would need a sub for 11:15. For some reason, this looks like "noon" to him. Other than that little headache though, I didn't have that big of a day. However, I was sooooooo tired and had such a massive headache that by 7:00 I was ready for bed. I took a bath, climbed in the sack and called down to Jim in the family room (using the phone intercom) just to say "goodnight" and "Don't forget to get the coffee ready". I had already said this 2 other times. He promised he wouldn't forget.

Guess what? Yup, he forgot. So, once again, my routine was messed up, by Jim. I had to make the coffee which is no easy feat when I'm barely awake, wait in the kitchen for the coffee to brew and my timetable for getting in the shower and back down to the kitchen was all kinds of effed up.

I'm actually not really pissed. It's so sad that I'm sort of resigned to these little issues regarding Jim anymore. Dude barely remembers to put on pants before he leaves the house. How am I supposed to expect him to remember the little things, like making coffee for the morning? I'm such a slave driver.

Oh, and tomorrow's weather is not looking good for the golf outing that Jim and I are helping Jane with after school. C'est la vie! We'll still have a good time: Dinner, cards, drinks.

K - I better head upstairs for a little toilet time. Too much info? Oh well. I just want to make sure you're all well-informed. Later.

My Box is Broken!!!

Not THAT box!!! Get your minds out of the gutter. The cable box in my bedroom. Sheesh!

So, Jim and I are in bed last night, quietly watching Empire Strikes Back - the best part too - you know, when Luke is all lost in the middle of that freezing planet? But of course, the TV keeps blinking in and out with all kinds of distortion. And then of course, we both accidentally push the guide button, which you can't do because it totally effs up the whole system. So I get fed up, jump out of bed and grab the phone. Long story short, our box is old and needs replacement. The really effed up thing is they have to schedule an appointment to have some tech come out and hook it all up. Okay, I would understand that if I were mechanically retarded but I'm not. Just give me the damn new box and I'll hook it up. Don't tell me that you'll be here somewhere between 3:30-6:00. It upsets my dogs too who want to tear this persons head off - or at least that's what they act like when anyone rings the doorbell. Anyway, the tech is also supposed to check our signal to make sure it isn't too strong or that it's strong enough. I tell you though, this better fix the problem or else...I'll...do nothing=(

Oh, and one funny thing while I was on the phone with "Michael" from Time Warner: He's trying to figure out what's going on with our systems (we have 3 cable boxes set up for 3 TV's) and he asks me, "Are your cable hook ups in different rooms?" Me: "Um, no, I have all three TV's in the same room. I watch a lot of TV." He laughed. I laughed. Good times!

OKAY - I have to interrupt my what I was going to say right now because guess what? Yeah, that's right! Jim is upsetting my routine. Seriously. Anymore, I don't want him awake when I'm up in the morning because if he isn't on the computer when I need it, he's letting the dogs out and then leaving to take a shower or poop and then they go berserk outside because some unseen animal is up a tree and they want to make sure every neighbor in a 10-mile radius is aware of it!!! ARGGGGGG!!!! Not to mention that I forgot to set the alarm last night! Jim's in trouble. And who gets punished? Yeah, the dog. Poor Zeke doesn't get his carrot. Jim's the one who shouldn't get his treat. He's a bad dog!

Okay, I have to get to work and make copies. Yippee!!! I have one IEP today, one tomorrow and one on Friday. That will conclude my "meetings" I do have one other but the parent can't be there so I'll probably meet with the kid, send it home. K - later.

S'up?

Okay - anyone for an oven update? Probably not, right? Tough! Well, yesterday, the second new front panel came in the mail - it was waiting for me when I arrived home. I quickly installed it. And I quickly found out that it is not what's faulty. I called Jim and said oh so sweetly, "Told you so!" So, he has now started the process to get the other piece - the electronic piece - replaced. It's a bit more of a pain in the arse. Irritating. In the meantime, I'm still cooking everything at 350. I think today is supposed to be pizza. I may have to put that off for a bit because that's meant to cook at 425. Hmmm...do you think I can set my oven on broil and turn it down to 425 and that would work? Or should I just cook at 350 and then brown the top of my pizza with the broiler? Mom, you take this one since you are the cooking guru!

In other news I actually have 2 IEP's today. We'll see if all my parents show or if they cancel last minute. I forgot that I had one of the IEP's and I'm not completely sure if I've written it. We'll see when I get to work and really, it isn't a big deal. I'll crank it out in a few minutes.

I had a weird dream last night but I've already forgotten it. I do know, however, that it was around Christmas time and Kristyn and Dan were in town. We were picking names and putting just about everyone we knew in the mix. Mom was helping me and she was like, "Ooh, put Stephanie's name in (this is her daughter-in-law from Richard's side) and Heffanie too, she gives me all my book recommendations!" I finally had to put my foot down on that one saying, "Um Mom!!! I'm not asking anyone to buy presents for someone they don't know named Heffanie!!!" It was kind of funny.

Okay - I best get my crippity crap together and head out the door.

Ooh, I made a really good mac and cheese last night. Different from my usual recipe. Jim loved it.

Smell you all later.

Worst Part About My Job

Aside from the administration, the worst part about my job is...drumroll...parents. Seriously, they're either totally absent from their child's education or they go way overboard.

I actually seem to have a pretty good bunch of parents although I've recently inherited a wacko from another teacher who last year hated her (hated Lil, my colleague). She hasn't been a huge problem yet but she has no social skills and has the personality of a T Rex. Every time I've been on the phone with her so far this year, she rants and raves about who knows what so I just placate her, listen and periodically go, "Mmm hmm. Right. I understand."

So, I have another parent whose child is a sophomore. Last year he did great. I never saw him, probably wouldn't recognize him in the halls and he really shouldn't be on an IEP. The parents have been great too. And, his grades last year were all A's and B's. At his IEP last spring, we really shaved down his accommodations for instance, he takes Spanish and last year he had the ability to use a word bank for test/quizzes. Well, because he never used one we took that service off. Well, don't you know that after about 1 day into Spanish II this year, he has a total freak out? I think his issues are totally psychological - he's psyched himself out so much for how hard he thinks this class is going to be that of course, on the first quiz, he failed it. So now, every other day, I'm getting a new email from either mom or dad asking about what they/student can do. Umm, how about studying harder? Umm, you could get tutoring. Annoying. The latest is that the student will now be coming to the resource room for tests/quizzes in Spanish and receiving a word bank. This means I now have to change the IEP. Thank God the Spanish teacher is awesome, understanding and totally relaxed, many aren't.

I also have a meeting this week with a crazy woman. Apparently this lady loves to talk and she always steers discussions back to herself and her missing limbs (she's an amputee). I call her Peggy. I can't remember her real name. I haven't met her yet as her son is a freshman - who's just as crazy has mom...the apple doesn't fall far, huh? I was warned early on that every time I talk to this woman I should start by saying, "I only have a few minutes to talk" or "I'm on my way to a meeting but...". The IEP should be interesting when she has an audience for an hour.

Okay - best skat and finish face prep. Later.

Time Warner Sucks!!!

Can I just say that I am about to go off the deep end and Time Warner is at the center of my circle of hate? See ever since they've changed to this Maestro system nothing about my cable has been the same. I can't look at my guide up in the bedroom because it sends the cable box into some sort of weird tizzy funk where it keeps trying to reboot but never does and I swear, one of these days the whole system is going to blow up. No where in the house, on any cable box can I search for shows (like Harry Potter) and if I try, it sends the box into a tailspin leaving me watching a black screen until I usually have to call the freaking cable company to reboot from their end.

And when I've tried to talk to a rep about this, they just say that, yes, they know of the issues but they can't do anything about it until all systems have been upgraded. At that point, their engineers can then focus on fixing or tweaking the flaws. Shit!!! Why would you put something in place that is so effed up? And why am I paying for something that doesn't work? It's a bunch of bullshit!!! Oh, and when I say to the reps - hey, what can you do for me in the meantime so I'm not cancelling and you lose a customer? They say they can't do anything because I'm on the lowest tier as it is - in other words, for my cable, I'm paying less than most customers. Well, if I'm paying for a service, isn't it reasonable that the service should work? COME ON!!! And really, what's my alternative? They don't care if they lose me as a customer they've got millions of others who keep them in the money. I guess I'll just keep bitching here. Sucks for all of you.

On another front - I need a new digital camera. I took a bunch of pictures last night of sweet little J Bird in his cute little Bengals pajamas but somewhere near the end of the end of the night, my disk went on the fritz and I've lost all photos! Sorry Maggie. It's what you (I) get for using such an ancient piece of equipment. In the meantime, you can enjoy this photo of J.J. from July and hope that Jim takes the hint and gets me a new camera for my birthday.

Off to Costco...later.

Saturday Plans, Dirty Dancing and Hippos

Saturday!!! Yippee!!!

So, I had no plans originally for this weekend but then Susan (s-i-l) called and invited Jim and I over for a cookout. Jim's going to work until around noon. I'm going to clean and then grocery shop. We'll probably head over there around 3 which means we'll get there around 3:45 or so. I don't really care about seeing Trip or Susan, I just want some nibble time with J Bird! I'll take my camera too and get some nice chunky shots. Oh, and of course I'm kidding about the Trip/Susan comment.

Last night Jim and I went to our favorite Mexican restaurant for dinner. Delicious! I had several (2) margarita's. We then came home and Jim wanted to watch Dirty Dancing (I got him the Special Ed. -edition, not education - DVD for his birthday) but I had to put my foot down and say, "NO!!! We've watched it the past 3 nights, Jim! I want to watch something else." Hee Hee.

On another note, Sami just tore ass after Zeke who happened to walk into the house while she was eating. It's not her fault. He crowds her every time she goes to eat and tortures her. I know he's snickering like Muttley every time he does it too.

So I got this email forwarded to me from Maggie about a baby hippo and tortoise (male) who have struck up an unusual relationship after a tsunami displaced the hippo. Apparently the baby hippo came upon the tortoise and needed a surrogate mommy and the two now sleep, swim, eat and cuddle together. Isn't that the cutest picture you've ever seen?

Okay - I best get to the store so I can come home and clean! Yeah! Later

A Show of Hands...

...for those of you sick of hearing about my oven. Well, I am certainly sick of talking about it much less having to deal with it.

Well, I got home yesterday and took everything apart. I made sure all connections were secure, put it back together and "VOILA", the up arrow, temp adjuster still didn't work. So Jim (who had gotten home early) thought we should try swapping out the new piece for the old piece (the front panel). After doing that, nothing worked except it did light up and show the time. We then had to put everything new back on so I could at least use the oven at 350. Jim then called the place where he had purchased the panel and re-ordered. Long story short, they're sending us a new piece which we have to pay for initially but within 2 weeks, we will get reimbursed. It's kind of crazy. I'm not freaking out about any of this but I wish it would just be done.

On the school front, things are fine. My IEP's went well yesterday and at the first meeting (with the parent who works for the district), don't you know that everyone who was supposed to attend did? Of course, they didn't get a sub for the regular educator and he had to leave to get to first period but whatever, I'll just be documenting all this.

I have one meeting today, ironically with another mother who works for the district. No big deal though it will be interesting to see who shows. Other than that, I'm just glad it's Friday and the heat has broken. I have no real plans this weekend except that I need to get to Costco. However, don't you know that I just received coupons in the mail for there and none of them are any good until Sept. 11th? I'll probably just get dog food this weekend and do a big shop there next.

Okay, that's all I've got. Better go finish my facial preparations. Later

4 Months!!!

I can't believe sweet little J Bird is so old!!! Man is he cute!!! (Sorry they're so small...I had to copy from a the Sears website)

Oh, The Drama!!!

Just take one guess why there is once again, drama in my house? Just guess. Did you say, "oven"? Well, if so, you are RIGHT!!! ARGHHHH!!! So, though my oven works, the up arrow that you press to increase the oven temperature doesn't work. The down one works and all the other buttons but I can't get my oven higher than 350. Unless I hit broil and go down from there but that isn't what I need. So, Jim will be taking the panel apart again to make sure that I've connected all the wires correctly (though you can only put things on one way). I guess the repair parts place could have sent us a faulty piece of equipment too but I'm hoping I'm the idiot here. At least I can still use the oven. Just not for anything that needs to bake over 350.

In other news, I have my first IEP today at 7AM so I need to head to work early to get all my shizz together. It'll be interesting to see if my vice-principal will show up for the meeting. Interestingly, this is a parent who works for the district and when she's emailed me in the past, she's cc-ed (carbon copied) my two administrators. I hope he doesn't show because that will show her how much they give a shizz about her daughter.

Okay, I best go get my face on and head. Later.

Sawing Logs

I slept like a baby last night, though I did wake up one time in the night, I went right back to sleep. I didn't have many dreams that I remember either, thank God.

So, it's hotter than Hades here. We had our hottest day of the year yesterday. Isn't that effed up? September 2nd and we hit 95. Today is supposed to be better: Only 92. Thank God my room at school is freezing. Of course, I just jinxed myself.

Tonight I was going to have Cajun chicken pasta for dinner but I want to use my newly fixed oven. It's so nice to be able to look over and see the time. I missed it. I don't know how women back in the day did it (Caroline Ingalls for example). Which reminds me: Maggie called me yesterday and said, "Caroline is going to be fine, thank God!" And I replied, "Oh, Little House? The one where she almost cuts her own leg off?" Isn't that funny that I knew exactly what she was talking about.

Okay, this is crazy: The first picture is of the REAL Caroline and Charles Ingalls. Man! That guy gives me the creeps! Not like the TV Charles who makes my heart go pitter patter! The real Caroline was kind of a looker though.

K, must scoot and try to skat.

Origin by Diana Abu-Jaber

Well, I finished Final Scream by Lisa Jackson. It sort of sucked. If you remember, it was a murder mystery dealing with arson and family secrets. Trouble was, most of the characters were so abominable that they deserved to die in the fire with the two victims (who, really, got what was coming to them). In the end, or rather mid-way through the book, I started just reading the first line of every paragraph and really, I didn't miss anything. I have another of Jackson's books and I'm betting it's just as good (sarcasm). I'm thinking I'll be passing on her from now on.

So, I've just started the above title - well, last night. This is another mystery. It takes place in Syracuse, New York and the main character, Lena Dawson, is a fingerprint expert with a delicate power of intuition (which sometimes helps her with her "detection"). She's working in a lab when SIDS is on the rise and when cribs deaths start showing up in her lap, no one else but Lena thinks this is more than just coincidence. She believes there is a serial baby-killer loose. Ooohhhh, scary!

So far, so good. I like Lena - though she is certainly flawed and I like too that there is quite a mystery surrounding her and her parentless past. I'll let you know how I it turns out.

I am now going to go soak in a bubble bath and commence reading. Later.

I Am The Champion My Friends!!!

I rock! That's all I have to say. Course, you all knew that but the reason I rock right this minute is because: I FIXED MY OVEN!!! Yeah!!!

So, here's the story: Jim came home this afternoon for lunch (he's been working in Montgomery) because he FedExed that 2nd part to fix the oven, it was supposed to arrive by 10AM today and he wanted to have it fixed by the time I got home. Of course, as all things go, the part didn't arrive when it was supposed to so he didn't get to fix it.

Well, I got home and the part was here!!! Yippee!!! So, I walked the dogs and went to work. And don't you know that Jim "accidentally" took the all 10 of the flat-head screwdrivers with him? You know he did it on purpose because he didn't want me fixing the oven. Little did he know, however, that I had a secret stash of tools. Long story short - I took the oven apart, replaced all the parts and it is now working like a champ!!! I will knock on wood here just in case.

So that headache is now remedied. What will be next? I will put bets down on the roof or refrigerator. Anyone want to take that bet?

IEP's and Ex-Boyfriends

Ugh! Two things I woke up to today: The first, IEP's start this week. However, I only have 2 this week and maybe 4 next? I can't remember. Anyway, the second thing I woke up to is a dream where #1 I got my hair cut short. Now, understand I would never do this. I did it once and I looked like a moron for about 3 years. I look like a total dufus with short hair. Like a boy. #2, I dreamt that Jim and I went to a local restaurant where my ex-boyfriend was a server. And of course he ended up being our server. The first thing he did was sit down at our table and start crying about how sorry he was in regard to our relationship. I guess one of his 12 steps. Then he wouldn't let us order our meals - he had to get us something "special". I thought for sure he was going serve us eyeball soup or something just as delicious. Weird.

So last night I was had the plan of going to bed early. I took a nice hot bath, climbed in bed and was falling asleep while reading by about 8:30. Unfortunately, my stomach had different plans. I ended up running back and forth to the terlit until about 11. Sucked. I feel fine now but I'm tired. I hate being tired. But, that's life and at least we have a 4-day work week.

K - that's all I got. Oh, I started a new book which I'll post about later. I started one book and wasn't liking it so I had to start another. And, the last book I read kind of sucked but I'll get into that later too. Not having the greatest book luck lately.

School ID

I promised I would put my photo up for others to enjoy. This is my actual school photo ID. The photo that I have to carry of myself on my badge whenever I'm at work. I have to find fun where I can when at work. The funniest thing about this photo is the woman who took it. Now, understand that this photo was taken last spring at the end of the day. We all looked like crap and so, I decided to smile like I meant it. You can see the gum in my mouth too. Anyway, when the lady took the photo and looked at her digital camera to make sure that I hadn't closed my eyes or whatever she said, "Um, do you really want to keep this photo?" Me: "Yup." Her: "Um, okaaaay." Then she smiled, shook her head and gave me a weird look.

And my principal says I walk around like I'm unhappy to be there. Does that look like someone that's unhappy?

Enjoy.