R.I.P. Betty

Not a good day for us...mainly Jim.  We had to put Betty down yesterday.  Jim found her, out of it and not in a good way.  He took her to the vet and to make a long story short, had her put to sleep.  I believe she was nearly 20.  I got her the year after I moved back from Boston.  Josh got her for me and Boo.  I remember I had been out of town and I got back with (I think) Anne and Maggie in tow.  Josh had told me that he had a surprise for me at the apartment (we lived in O'Brienville - on Terrence Lane).  Well, I looked and looked and couldn't find anything.  I went in every closet, under furniture, on top of cabinets...everywhere.  Nothing.  Some surprise.  Finally, I decided that the last place this surprise could be (Josh finally told me what it was - he was at work and couldn't help out) would be under the entertainment center where there was about a 3 inch space.  Sure enough, there was the tiniest, most frightened ball of fur shivering and ready to scratch my eyes out.  Not much changed in her attitude after that...hee hee.  Sami will sure miss her.  It will probably take a while for her to realize that Betty isn't there anymore. 

Say hi to Boo in heaven for me Betty!  (Sorry I don't have a picture...they are all hard copies and I don't have my scanner hooked up.)

What Will The Week Bring?

I don't have much to say and I need to get to work so this will be short and sweet. 

Today will suck because we have Open House tonight!  Can you so ridiculous waste of my time?  I can.  I'll get out at 2:30, drive home, let the dogs out, walk Sami (a short one...can't get all hot and sweaty) and then drive back to work.  Open House doesn't start until 6:15ish but I'd like to get back to get a little work done.  I'll be there 'til 8.  I hate being at school that late.  I might as well set up a cot and just sleep there. 

In other news, Jim and I had a nice relaxing time at Raeburn.  I laid in the pool most of the day.  We actually came home a bit early - left around 3:30.  Watched the Reds pull out another win!  5 games up!!!  Largest lead of the season!!!  Hot DAMN!!!  Love me my Reds!!!

K - like I said - gotta boogie!  Later!

Sunday At The Pool

Jim and I plan to go to the pool today.  He was supposed to go riding (bike, not horse) at 8 this morning but when he was pumping up his flat front tire yesterday, he kept popping it.  I'm surprised the neighbors didn't call the police...it sound like he was shooting off his gun.  It was so f*%king loud!  I had to go out and shake my finger at him which pissed him off.  Needless to say, his bike is out of commission. Maybe he should take up horseback riding...he may have better luck. 

So Trip, Susan, J. Bird and Chomper called me yesterday (Chomps spent the night at their house).  Really it was just Chomper who called because he taught J.J. how to say (appropriately!!!) "Aunt Muir Rocks!!!"  I mean, we all know he's been thinking it and just figuring out a way to get it out.  I expect we'll all be hearing this for many many many years to come!  Hee hee!!!  I think he also said, "Aunt Maggie and Aunt Anne SUCK!!!" 

Check out the puppy of the day!  I saw this and was like - what the hell is that!?  It looks so funny!!!  It's a St. Bernard!  What a weird looking dog.  Now, Mom, I don't expect you to get one of these...too big but he sure is cute.  )

His name is - fittingly - Tatanka (Remember:  Dances with Wolves, that was the Indian word for buffalo - Yowza!

Okay, I gotta get a move on...walk Sami, make breakfast and then get ready for Raeburn.  Bit of the pool and swimming (back to the 90s today) then home to get ready for the week...ugh!

First Week Under My Belt!

So I'm glad the first week is over!  By the end - Friday - things were fine and dandy.  I'm still waiting for the other shoe to drop in regard to my autistic girl...I haven't seen too many behaviors from her but she also hasn't been in school for a full day.  I'm trying not to notice her quirks so much and just observe her as though I were an outsider looking in...not knowing she's autistic.  I guess she acts like all the other slightly immature kids she's surrounded by but she talks a little too loud sometimes and at one point yesterday she asked to go out in the hall; when I asked why, she said, "I have to fart!"  She didn't seem to care who heard it.  When she did go out into the hall, I'm telling you, she RIPPED one so loud.  It was pretty funny but I would hate for her to do that in a class that's larger than the 6 kids in that particular study hall.  Or when someone is walking by in the hallway.  Ugh!

So, Jim's already out the door this morning.  He had to put in a couple hours at work.  It will be busy, busy, busy, through October according to his bosses - I guess because of all the new students moving in to the apartments - so he may have to put in some overtime for the next couple months.  No complaints here and Jim doesn't mind.  Only thing that sucks for me is that he keeps skating out of helping me clean the house.  Oh well - at least he likes his job. 

Today, after I walk the dogs, clean the house and go to the grocery, my plans are to lay in the sun!  It's supposed to be gorgeous and I just need a day where I'm laying on my ass!  Can't wait...plus I need to get as much sun as I can before I start turning pasty white again.

Oh, meant to mention this:  I've started a new blog...just for my "Recent Reads".  You'll see the link on the right side of this blog.  It's called "Recent Reads by Muir".  I've decided just to update there so if you need to look for a book or care about my reviews, that's where you can go. 

So, lets look at a sweet puppy before we start the day!

Meet Riley!!!  Check out those eyes!

"Run for your life!!!  The big white monster is loose!!!"

"I love to lay out in the sun!"

K - I'm out...gotta walk Sami.  Later

Tired But Not As Tired As I Was

I actually got some sleep last night.  Funny though, I woke up at the same exact time last night as the night before.  Difference was, I was able to get back to sleep.  I was afraid I was going to wake up crying but I didn't.  I'm sure Jim's happy.

I don't have a lot to say and I need to get to school early because I have an IEP at 7:30...ugh.  Should be easy and hopefully I'll be done by 2nd period.  Yesterday went better than I had hoped.  Let me rephrase that...yesterday went fine.  I guess thinking that the worst will happen allows for there to be only one direction to go...up.  FW actually answered my email with some helpful info.  I ended up just calling her and going through it point by point so I wouldn't be confused.  She was professional and we were able to just put our differences aside.  My new student seems fine now...we'll see how it goes.  Her mom stated that she'll probably go through a "honeymoon" phase where we won't see any behaviors and then as her comfort level grows, she'll be more apt to tell others to "go to hell" (one of her issues).  To tell you the truth, her spouting that off will probably help me because it's what I want to say to some of the assholes I have in my classes.  Anyway, we'll see and I'm sure there will be more to share as we go on.  For now though, the autistic girl is here 1/2 days through the 3rd.  After that, she'll either be going full days or things will escalate and she may go to a residential facility (or something).

Okay - how about a sweet puppy of the day?!  I think after all my stress, I need a baby face to brighten my day.

This is Oso, the Australian Shepherd!  Why do I love him?  Because he looks like a spotted baby Zeke! 

Zeke loves to roll in the grass too!

K - I best head out...I have to get gas too.  Later and wishes that my days get better and better.

Woke Up Screaming Crying!

Ugh...poor Jim.  I guess it's the stress. Usually the nightmares I have where I wake up screaming and crying are ones dealing with a loved one dying.  This morning it was...you guessed it...school.  Cause of course, things just keep getting shittier and shittier.

So yesterday I received a phone call form my sped super (lets call her SS) telling me that SURPRISE!!!  The new behaviorally challenged autistic girl is coming tomorrow.  Her phone call was somewhat vague in that she just said she'll be there in the morning, someone needs to get her (mom's dropping her off), she should not follow her schedule on the first day (just stay in the "resource room"...that we don't have anymore), she'll leave at 12:30 and...oh, public transit will pick her up at 12:30.  So I call SS back because I don't know who, what, where kinds of things...tell her to call me back cause of course, she "isn't there".  By end of day - no phone call.  So I email...ask her to call me at home/cell and leave her my number.  Never got that call either.  Hmm...what the F?! 

Chitty bang bang, chitty chitty bang bang.

So, at 7:30, I start worrying about it and decide f&%k it...I'll email FW...gotta put those differences aside.  Here was my email (I added some things Lisa...it's probably bitchy now!):

FW,

SS called Tuesday and left a message giving me some information about new student coming to school Wednesday. I had several questions about the plan since I was not fully informed of all that was to take place. I called and emailed SS about specifics but never received a call/email back at school or home. I don't know exactly what I'm supposed to do with new student and need someone to answer my questions.

SS said new student is only coming for 1/2 the day (through Sept. 7th) and that her mom is dropping her off..."an assistant or someone" will need to meet her, according to SS to get her to class. I don't know where she's dropping her off, if she's bringing her to the office, the guidance office or what. Are you aware of any of this?

Also, UTS is apparently picking her up at 12:30 but I was never told where and will there be an aide to assist her in that?

SS stated she didn't think it a good idea that new student follow her schedule the first day - that she should come into the "resource room and follow that routine". My question is, we don't have a resource room with a "routine" to follow. She can be in Lisa's study hall 1st period in room 111 rather than Health and 2nd and 3rd she'll have with me (LA and history) but what do we do with her 4th? I have another class to teach in 111 and it isn't a good idea to keep her in there. Lisa co-teaches. I don't know any other schedules for the sped dept and will need to let either you or "useless teacher" know if she'll be with you. She will need an assistant to help her transition from one place to the next as well since she apparently gets lost and I don't know about you but I'm not comfortable given what I've heard of her, letting her just find her own way. Is there an aide to assist with this?

What to do with her 5th? There's still no schedule in DASL and I can't recall if she has Transition or not.

Will her schedule be put into DASL so that she will have something to follow?

Please get back to me before the day starts Wednesday so there's something solid in place and this poor girl isn't sent into a total tizzy because I haven't been completely informed of the procedure that I'm/we're supposed to follow.

I apologize if this sounds bitchy and negative but I'm so frustrated with this whole thing at this point and the lack of information that I've been given - I'm at the end of my rope.
 Me

We'll see if she calls me.

Regardless - I dreamt about running around the city trying to find this girl and long story short...I woke up screaming crying.  Can't wait for today.

Not Starting Off Well

Things did not go well yesterday...starting with the amount of crap I had to complete to the aide schedules to me having out with FW.  UGH!  I'm mentally exhausted already and the kids haven't even started yet.  In reality - I'm not too worried about them - it's FW and HH and at this point my sped supervisor.  In reality, she's the one I'm most disappointed in.  She has always known the shit we have to deal with when dealing with FW and HH and then yesterday, she does the one thing that we've been howling about forever! 

So in summary - as I know many (two) of you are probably confused:  FW - with the recommendation of my sped supervisor - put an incoming behavorially challenged autistic girl on my caseload.  Now, I'm all for pulling my weight and not crying about the number of kids on my caseload but when you shoulder two of us (Lisa and me) with the difficult cases because we do our job well that is NOT fair!  And I just couldn't take it anymore.  And I let FW know that the unfair distribution of students on caseloads was a load of shit and that I thought she was a poor department head who didn't stand up for us (to either HH or sped super). She tried to belittle me by telling me how disappointed she was that I would "dare" to categorize students and differentiate from an autistic kid and a kid with a learning disability.  They should all be treated the same!  EXCUSE ME!!!???  Lesson one in special ed:  Every kid is different and has different needs.  A kid who is out for all clases and doesn't even have a study hall with me?  Takes me an hour to write her IEP.  My difficult case with the needy parents?  Approximately 8 hours - with many back and forth emails to plan and collaborate.  That stupid bitch! 

In addition, the whole reprimand came up.  I told her - in essence (without using foul language) - that she sucked through that, she had abandoned me and that her ass deserved a reprimand too.  She tried to pretend that she didn't know what the hell had happened and she hadn't abandoned me but if she were a good department head, wouldn't she have followed through?  Wouldn't she have checked to see how things had faired?  A good department head would have ensure that (after I followed her advice) that I wasn't thrown to the wolves.

In end - I told her that she was a poor representative for our deparatment and that she had turned the department into one with no communication.  None of our needs within our classrooms and for our kids are taken into account.  In essence I said I knew she wouldn't do shit about the shitty shituation and she sucks.  She told me I was free to my own opinion (to which I said I'm not the only one - sorry to throw you under the bus Lisa) and then I hung up.  There was so much more to the conversation but what's the point. 

Chitty bang bang, shitty chitty bang bang

Chitty bang bang, shitty chitty bang bang

Oh you pretty chitty bang bang...

I'm out...I still have so much to do at school and need to make a list and get ready for the kids.  Later!

Chitty Bang Bang

Maggie has given me the idea that if someone pisses me off, I should sing Chitty Bang Bang! So, if you here these words coming out of me -

Chitty Bang Bang Chitty Chitty Bang Bang
Chitty Bang Bang Chitty Chitty Bang Bang
Chitty Bang Bang Chitty Chitty Bang Bang
Oh you pretty Chitty Bang Bang,
Chitty Chitty Bang Bang
We love you.
And, in
Chitty Chitty Bang Bang
Chitty Chitty Bang Bang
What we'll do.
Near, far, in our motor car Oh what a happy time we'll spend.
Bang Bang Chitty Chitty Bang Bang
Our fine four fendered friend.
Bang Bang Chitty Chitty Bang Bang
Our fine four fendered friend.
Chitty Bang Bang
Chitty Chitty Bang Bang
Chitty Bang Bang
Chitty Chitty Bang Bang
Chitty Bang Bang
Chitty Chitty Bang Bang
Oh you pretty Chitty Bang Bang
Chitty Chitty Bang Bang
We love you.


- duck and cover! You've somehow pissed me off and I've gone to my happy place!

Work Day

Ugh...I didn't sleep a wink last night. Well, I take that back. I did sleep at first but then kept waking up until finally at 4, I gave in, got out of bed and took a shower.

So today is the work day for teachers at school. I have so much shit to do! I need to get my class work done first so that I'm ready for tomorrow and I need to get my IEP complete for my meeting Thursday. Everything after that is going to have to play second fiddle. Thank God, though, for Diane, Kim and Patty (new aide) for helping me on Friday. They labeled my binders with kids names and hole-punched packets for my history class. Unfortunately, they won't be with us today as they have their annual mandatory CPR training. Pfft!

So, check out the shed that Charlie (and another dude) built yesterday! IN ONE DAY!!! Wow!!! Looks awesome! I could really use a shed too, Charlie!

Puppy of the day: Meet Frank!

How funny is that considering he's a wiener dog?! Have I mentioned that I'm obsessed with wiener dogs?!

K - I'm going to go do some stuff, get ready and head out. I have to go to the grocery before school to get my "supplies"...breakfast, milk, coffee etc. Later and cross your fingers that I'm not stuck at school until 9 PM!

Who Is In Trouble Now?!

My mama, that's who! She's always telling Maggie - behind my back - about how much trouble I'm in for not posting and guess what!? She didn't post yesterday. Apparently, they are at some "lake" but that is NO excuse! She is in sooooooo much trouble!

So, I'm sure everyone is just on pins and needles about school and how Friday went. There's really nothing to report. It was fine with meetings and training. Actually, the training sucked because we're changing our grade book program and I HATE!!!! HATE!!! HATE!!! The new system. It is NOT user friendly in my opinion and in truth, there really wasn't much training. Whatever though...I'll figure it out and if I don't, I'll just make Lisa, my next door desk neighbor, help me.

Cute Puppy: It's Moe - the English Bulldog!!! He doesn't look a THING like Maxi!

"Dear God, please let Mama Judy give me a home!"

"Excuse me! I'm trying to do my business!"

"Ding Dong! I've finished doing my business! Could I come in now and cuddle?!"

In holiday news it's Southern Hemisphere Hoodie Hoo Day! That's for the people below the equator who are sick of winter! How about those of us up here? Cause I'm a bit sick of summer, I'll tell you that. Now, don't misunderstand me! I'm not sick of being on summer vacation! I could be on summer vacation all year (well, not technically)...I'm just so sick of the heat and humidity.

Speaking of being sick and tired of something! Have I mentioned lately that Jim is driving me nutso!? Well, just yesterday really. See, I've been asking him for about a week to mow the lawn. I would have done it but I went out of town and then school started oh, and we were out of gas and HEY!!! I cook dinner every night! Jim can do a little around the house. Anyway, I also asked him yesterday if he would weed all the beds - I've been asking this to get done for about a month. Finally, I asked that he squirt off the front porch. Well, poor little baby! And his poor little baby hips (ankle, knees, hands, whatever else ails my little DQ)...after weeding (and not all the weeding I wanted done) - he came in, took a shower and laid in bed with a water bottle on him hip. Can anyone else say: JESUS H. ROOSEVELT CHRIST!!! Suck it up! What the F!? So of course today, he now has a TON of shit to do! Why is he such a baby? Why can't he see that he needs to take naproxen every morning to prevent these things? Why, when I tell him he needs to start stretching and exercising, does he not listen to me? I know what I'm talking about!? RRRRRRRRRRR I'm so annoyed right now.

K - I'm going to go and walk Sami now and then it's time for breakfast. More later - well, maybe tomorrow before I go in to school (work day...kids start Tuesday and have I mentioned how much shit I have to do tomorrow!? I doubt I'll be able to take a lunch break!) Later!

5am SUCKS!!!

RRRRRR! Hate 5 a.m.!!! And I didn't' sleep great last night. And I took my vitamins and I'm burping my omega 3 and I'm about to hurl!!! That doesn't normally happen. I'm so mad right now that I have to go to work! But!!! At least it's "Trick or Treat" day at school. A bunch of vendors should be there to try and get us to sign up for their insurance or credit card or some such bullshit and they always have free stuff - pens, sharpies, highlighters etc. Other than that, today will be filled with meetings in the morning and afternoon training on our new grade book. Yuck! I hope I'm not in a room with a bunch of dumb asses who can't turn on a computer!

So in other news, I'm still about to hurl from my pills...ugh!!!

Holiday News: It's (hold on while I finish hurling) Hug Your Boss Day!!! That's all it took for my vitamins to come back up - thinking about laying hands on nasty old HH with his big old bug eyes and stick up hair! Ewww! Definitely will NOT be partaking in that holiday!

Puppy of the day! Meet, Dozer! (That one's for you Aunt Kathleen!) Dozer lives in Colorado and is 4 weeks old.

Dozer likes to strut around with his chest out pretending he's running you down! Love him!!!

K - I'm out...Have. To. Go. To. Gulp - Work! I'M SO MAD!!!!

Happy Birthday Richard!!!

Happy Birthday Richard. I looked your name up in Google images and look what came up!!! I think it's a sign...to get TWO dogs!!!

In other fabulous news, Richard, you share your day with Cupcakes!!! It's Cupcake Day which is crazy because Maggie and I are JUST THIS MOMENT making cupcakes for her kids at Easter Seals. Isn't that crazy!?

Okay so that's all. Hope you have a great birthday today, Richard!

Cuzzin's Here I Come!!!

Can we all just say what a good sister I am? Once again, because she BEGGED me, I'm headed up to Columbus to grace Maggie with my presence. How many times has she been down to Cincy to spend time with me this summer? Um, none! She came down a couple times to see Lynne but not me! RUDE! Well, I'm not really going up to see her anyway! I'm going to see the frozen yogurt shop Cuzzins! I'll be eating there for breakfast, lunch and dinner! Mmm...can't wait.

So, other than the above, today I'm getting my hair done at 10. From there I'll head up to Columbus. I need to get a move on too because I still need to walk my baby Sam! I'll come back from Maggie's Thursday morning...we'll actually stop at the outlets together, do a little "back to school shopping" and then I will head back home to prepare for the first day back to school. Pfft!!!

I did go to school yesterday which I'm glad I did because I was able to get the room all situated - rearrange a few things - plus we discovered that our printer was being a dick and that's now fixed. I also got my first chapter for US History all printed. This will free me up to get a lot more stuff done for the work day on Monday. I also got the file for the IEP I need to write this weekend - I have an IEP meeting set for the 26th (two days after school starts) - Ugh! Shouldn't be too hard though...it's an easy parent and luckily, I have it set during my planning period. I'll call the parent today to see if it's okay to NOT have the regular ed teacher present...not like the teacher will know the kid in two days anyway. Other than that, I'll probably just flounder around on Monday trying to get things done.

Went to Joyce's yesterday after lunch to hang at the pool and drink dacaries...good times and I was able to work on my tan a bit. Afterwards, came home, got dinner ready and read a bit of my book. I ended up falling asleep last night around 9 - I was exhausted! I think my body must know that school's about to start and it's preparing itself. Again - PFFT!!!

K - I need to get a move on because I need to walk Sami, eat breakfast, pack, shower and get out the door. Later!!!

Ooh, and Maggie - David Gray's "Foundling" shipped at 12:35 last night!!!

J Bird Weared Me OUT!!!

I'm draggin so it's a good thing it's National Relaxation Day! I will NOT be taking Sami on her 2 miler today...I took her on about a 1/2 miler and she's just as happy. I'm not going to do my one hundred sit ups either - belly needs a break (plus, my pooch isn't showing any signs of going away...I just need to get liposuction, that's all there is to it). The pool, sun, playing with J.J. (not to mention beer/wine) have worn me out. And can I say - that boy is scrumptious and sweet and just plain fun and funny! He and I were in the pool for about 3 hours straight yesterday. He's as close to swimming as a boy can get. With his swimmies on his arms, he just bee-bops around, swimming and kicking; throwing balls. He loves when you throw the ball into the next too. "Into the net Daddy! Into the net!!!"

So, today, Jim and I are going to first head to Aldi - I want to see what kind of things I can get and how much money I can save shopping there - then we're going to go see Salt. It's a good day for a movie since it's hot as hell, muggy and NOT sunny. After that, we'll probably just come home and I may do some work and then make dinner, hang with my pups and think about the fact that my summer has less than 5 days left =( WAHHHHHH!!!!!!

On that depressing note - I'm going to go pop in the shower and get this grime off me. Later!

Oh, and here's the POTD (Puppy of the day) - Maverick - the Shetland Sheepdog. I love Shelties!

"Um, I'm sorry, what did you say!"

I think that cat is about to get a rude awakening!

Friday Report

So, went to the baby shower yesterday. (Ended up that Z wasn't there, by the way. FW was but other than a quick bob of my head to her, I avoided/ignored her.) Anyway, had a really good time at the baby shower. Good drinks, good food, Baf loved the blanket I knit her as well as the Raffi CD and it was actually nice to see everyone and socialize outside of school (normally I bail on those outings). Our hostess, and you can say what you want about her (which, by the way, I seriously question the rumors...I met her husband and she told me all about her summer and I just don't know...her life is good without having to eff it up with that complication!) but she cracks me up. She may take days to get shit done at school that would take me, um, a couple seconds, and she may be friends with the enemy but she's a nice person. And don't get me wrong, I wouldn't share anything of importance or opinion with her regarding those at school that I hate...I'm not stupid. However, I guess I just can't live my life anymore hating those who haven't done anything to me but are close to people I can't stand. Ugh!

Anyway, the shower was good and by the way, there are currently four women pregnant at my school: 1 due September 2 (science teacher), another due just after her (Spanish teacher and she looks about 13 months pregnant - she's ginormous!!!), the other is due in October (it was her baby shower) and finally another due in December (Media Center woman). Must be something in the water and let me tell you, I'm avoiding it like the plague.

After the shower, I raced home, picked up Jim and we met Dad and Becky at Walt's Hitching Post in KY. Deeeeelicous! Love me some ribs! We got home around 9:30, watched an episode of Chelsea Lately and then went to bed.

Today, we're going to Raeburn. It's too hot to sit anywhere that doesn't have a pool - especially when there's a pool available. Hopefully, Trip and J. Bird will join us! I needs me some J.J. love! Have I mentioned yet that he says my name? Sort of...it's more like "Nyur". Aunt Nyur. Love it.

K - need to walk Sami before it gets so hot that our feet melt on the pavement. Later!

Truffles and Baby Showers and Cigars On Mars

So first of all...this is Truffles - a dachshund mix. I love her! I've discovered that I'm obsessed with dachshunds. I think I may need one and if not me, then...hmm...who is up for getting a pup? Oh, I know - Mom!!! How 'bout it? I mean seriously!!! Wouldn't you want to cuddle with this sweet little long body!?

I just want to snuggle with her sweet little face and love on her and kiss her between the eyes!!

So today is the baby shower for the woman I used to co-teach with. It will be interesting because there will be several teachers there that I just don't like and of course FW will be there - she can suck it! - and that stupid Z has been invited. I hate her. But from what I understand, she went to Haiti (she has to go all the way to Haiti to "get some" cause no one here in the tri-state area wants to touch that!!!) so maybe I'll get lucky and not have to see her. Fingers crossed!

So Maggie and I were discussing the following - what is it a diddy, song, chant? - how about "rap"...anyway here it is:

There's a place called mars
Where the ladies smoke cigars
But the men don't care
'Cause they chew their underwear.

Now here's what we were wondering: First, are the men chewing their own underwear or the ladies? Maggie says either way, they're stupid. Second, where do you get cigars in Mars? And Maggie was wondering if smoking them on Mars is even possible. Does the atmosphere allow for fire? Hmm...I was also wondering if the ladies were able to smoke Cuban cigars on Mars and Maggie figured that you would because it isn't a U.S. territory. Finally, the question came up about where you would purchase cigars on Mars. Is there a cigar shop? And, by the way, how did the men and ladies get to Mars? So many questions about such a weird little tune/rap/diddy. And these are they types of stimulating discussions that Maggie and I have every morning.

Well, Happy Blame Someone Else Day! Kristyn did it! Hee hee...even in Australia she manages to get in trouble here in Cincy! K - I'm out...a little work, a little sun tanning and then must get ready for shower (at 4PM). Jim and I are going out to dinner tonight - my fav: Walt's Hitching Post! Can't wait!!!

That Little Jackass!!!

So, what a surprise!!! I got an email back from FAHH and guess what? All of a sudden the room assignments have been switched around so my room IS being used 6th period by the other sped teacher for his math class (I specifically looked prior to requesting the room change to make sure his math class was NOT in my room.) FAHH does whatever he can to try and make me mad. I'm not letting it get to me. My email back was "No problem whatsoever...I had just seen in DASL it was free...guess it changed. Thanks anyway!"

What a jackass!

Coton de Tulear

I've never even heard of this dog but check out RIGSBY!!! How effin cute is he!? And MOM!!! He would love to go to the mountains with you as they love hiking and swimming. They say his type suffers from "small dog syndrome" which means they can be a handful and try and take over as pack leader to their human. Ruh roh! They do need a bit of grooming but look at that dang face!!! In addition, they only get up to 15 pounds, live 14-15 years and are great with apartment life (meaning: they wouldn't need to roam around the hills of Tennessee).

So today happens to be Sewing Day. I may have to break out the sewing machine - which is sitting in front of me - and do a few stitches. Other than that, today will be full of chillin', a little school work and if it stays nice, a little laying in the sun. Will definitely need my cobra though as it will be another humid, disgusting scorcher today.

Speaking of school, have I mentioned that the bullshit is already starting with HH (Head Honcho)!? I need to rename him I think...maybe FAHH (f&%king a$$hole head honcho) or C&TD (complete & total d%&k). Oh well, for now we'll keep it as HH (I'm taking suggestions, however for good replacement names). Anyway, so, I get an email last week from the main secretary (she emailed everyone) about our schedules. She listed what we're to be teaching every period and in what room . She asked us to email back any needed changes/errors. Well, because Lisa and I share a room there are some periods where I have to go elsewhere for my class (i.e. study halls) and visa versa. I noticed that 6th period, no one was scheduled in our room so I emailed the secretary and asked her if we could change my 6th period from room 147 to room 111. Well, apparently when she asked HH if this was okay - he thought I was trying to go behind his back or be sneaky or something (she told me this later in confidence). He got all up in arms and while looking over her shoulder, had her email me back saying that she couldn't change that but she was sure he wouldn't have a problem with it if I called or emailed him myself. Well, damn it!!! I would have done that in the first place but I just figured since her original email included room numbers, and a request for any changes, I would ask her! Regardless, I emailed him right away - sweet as pie ("Hey! I hate to bother you! Would it be possible? No worries if it's a problem! Just thought I'd ask!"). I'm sure he'll find some reason to NOT let me switch. Whatever! Why does he have to be such a paranoid dick!? Why does he always think people are out to get him or go behind his back. Why does he feel he has to have such control of piddly shit that ultimately means nothing to him!? Oh, wait, I know. Because he is such a dick and he has pissed so many people off and he does feel like he has to watch his back because of his immoral actions. I tell you when karma comes back to bite him in the ass - it's going to be a doozy!

Alright, with that off my chest, I can now relax and get a little work done before the sun moves into position for some conducive sun bathing. Later!

Any Bitter Thing by Monica Wood

Things are looking up slightly in regard to my picks.

Here's the synopsis: The victim of a hit-and-run accident, Lizzy Mitchell is left by the driver in the middle of the median, hurt and adrift. Later Lizzy comes to see the accident as indicative of her life up to that point. After her parents are killed in an accident when she's two, Lizzy was raised by her uncle Mike, a Maine priest, At age nine, however, her comfortable world crumbles when her uncle is accused of molestation. Lizzy, now a high-school counselor, is still trying to make sense of what happened to her uncle.

I like this novel. I liked it even more after page 200 when POW!!! I was shocked by a turn of events that sent the characters and me into a tizzy! I would recommend this book though it was a bit slow in parts. There were times when the characters were total boneheads that I wanted to pound on them just a little bit but all in all, I would recommend this.

On to my next...a Laura Lippman which I'm liking so far!

She Flew the Coop by Michael Lee West

I'm so behind on my Recent Reads...ugh.

So my second most recent book takes place in the 50s in the small town of Limoges (the "s" is silent) Louisiana. The book starts with 16-year old Olive Nepper trying to kill herself by drinking poisoned Nehi because she's found herself in the family way via the local preacher. As Olive lingers in a two-month coma, the lives of those in Limoges continue with supposed private dramas and the resulting never ending gossip. Everyone seems to be living a soap opera. From Olive's dowdy mother, Vangie, whose only expertise seems to lie in gardening and sticking her head in the sand to her pharmacist husband Henry, who runs around town with his counter girl, Dee Dee Robichaux. She's married to a "cripple" recently back from Korea who likes to throw dishes and drink whiskey. Worst of all, however, is the identity-stealing Baptist minister, T.C. Kirby who, in every real sense of the word is a nymphomaniac/pedophile. If you thought your life was full of drama - get a load of these characters.

I had a hard time reading this book because, once again, there wasn't a likable character among the bunch. I'm sort of glad I stuck with it, however, because in the end, I enjoyed seeing certain people "get theirs". That being said, however, there were others who deserved the worst possible punishment but never got it. Do I recommend this to others? I guess. I know that doesn't seem promising but I think I may have just NOT been in the right frame of mind for this book. I can see how others may really enjoy it but I'm just so sick of reading books about shitty people who get dealt shitty hands or allow shitty things to happen to themselves without trying to make things better. You decide!

Leroy!

Mom, I think you may need to get a Leroy!!! His full name is Leroy Brown!!!

Maggie, who could resist that wiggly tail?!

Wouldn't you want to cuddle with that sweet Mr. Babes!?

I think he may have a wee bit o' mischief on his mind here!

My Husband Is A Dirty, Rotten, Scoundrel!!!

Oooooohhhh!!!! I'm so mad!!! What the heck is it with my husband and the dishwasher!? He is in so much trouble. Why is it so hard to unload the dishwasher? I mean, he was up at 6:30 and had plenty of time to unload the damn thing (and walk the dogs)! But did he!? Nope! You know why?! Because he was too "busy" playing backgammon! He's a dog!

Speaking of dogs, here's my dog/puppy of the day! Oh, man, those eyes! Who could resist that!? Not me, that's for sure. And check out that smile!


In holiday news, it's National Duran Duran Appreciation Day! Man did I appreciate them when I was young. Loved Nick Rhodes. In addition, it's S'mores Day! I appreciate those too.

K - so, today I will be going to lunch with the ladies and afterwards, probably coming home to do some work for school. It's going to be a scorcher today (96 with a heat index - whatever the hell that is - over 100! What the F!?). I'm a bit sick of this heat! It can cool down now!

Made a delicious dinner last night. It's one that I've posted about before - Beef, Bean and Cornbread Casserole. It's from Cooking Light and I make it with ground turkey so it's even lighter! Deeeeelicous! Jim loved it. You do have to be careful to bake it long enough to get the cornbread completely done. Best to cook in a shallower more expansive dish so the topping spreads thinner...and poke holes in the breading about 1/2 way through.

K - well, I'm going to go do my sit-ups (I already walked all three dogs) and then shower, straighten up and head out. Later!

A Little Incentive

Here Mom, see if these convince him.

Pugs scare me 'cause their eyes can pop out but this guy is cuuuuute!

He's cute but I might scream a little if this was in my face when I woke up in the morning.

Mmm...love!

I love you Momma Judy!!!

My sister Muir said she'd knit me a sweater!

I think these guys might be part of the mob.

Why don't you want me?!

Loves me a dachshund!

Such fancy ears!

Too Much Beer & I'm Out 20 Bucks!!!

Stink! I never catch a break with that damn catholic church! What the F!? I put down $20 and came out without a buck. Jim walked losing $10. Terri lost her ass - $30. Amy however was up $50 bucks but bought beer and ended up being up only $30! Only! Why does God hate me?!

Anyway, it was a really good time, as usual. I drank about a hundred beers but never truly felt it...until now. I took a big fat naproxen before bed and my head only feels a little foggy rather than like it will explode. I'll take a walk here in a bit with my little Sami and that should clear it up completely.

Today will be a day of hanging out. I'll make some Italian Braised Pork Chops for dinner - yum! I'll probably do a bit of work for school. And then!!! The Bengals play Dallas tonight. It will be interesting to see how they do. Lets hope they stomp on Dallas (hate Dallas!!!)! Who Dey!!!

By the way, it's Odie Day! Love that goofy dog. It's also Happiness Happens Day.

K - that's it...sorry I'm not more exciting but my heads in a screw, marinating in beer. Ugh...later

Immaculata Festival

I can't believe it's already that time of year again! It totally crept up on me. So, obviously tonight, Jim and I will be partaking in our annual gambling fest...a little blackjack, a little beer drinking all in the name of the catholic church...praise Jesus! I'm a sucker for a good cause when it comes to the church.

JOTD

Q: What is a Yankee?

A: The same as a quickie, but a guy can do it alone.

So, other than tonight's outing, I have no real plans. Jim is currently doing a bit o' work, cleaning a neighbors driveway. I completed my "job" of walking Sami and I ate breakfast. Bubba will be getting a bath in a bit (he's a hairy stink pot) and I may just do a bit of sun tanning later. I may also do a bit of school work...ugh!

Speaking of dogs...it's that time of year when my dogs are a tickly, itchy bundles of sensitive skin. I can't pet my dogs without them shaking their legs every which way. It always happens at this time of year. Poor babies. I also think that Bubba's cortisone shot is wearing off. It's been about 3 months and 4 is really the limit. We'll get to September and call the vet. His eyes are good - not gunky and he has all the fur on his face but his nose is a crusty mess. I have an ointment for it but he hates it. I still use it, and it seems to work (slowly) but every time I pull it out and call his name he takes one look at me and hightails it outta there. Poor thing...seems every time I ever call his name I'm poking things in his ears or brushing him or effing with his nose. He certainly ain't gonna be happy with me later when he's soaking wet. Oh well, he'll be happier in the long run.

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

Why Do My Siblings Want To Kill Me?

First, Trip tried to kill me on the wave runner and then Anne. I did nothing to her - unless you count causing her to bite her lip. What the f?! More on the attempted murder later.

So, Jim and I got back from PIB yesterday. Had a great time, of course. The house was filled with the following people: Dad, Becky, Cullen, Victor (their Brazilian exchange student), Anne, Madison, Max, Jim and me. Monday when we got to the island (around 11:30) we immediately packed up some sandwiches, water and beer and headed out on the boat and wave runner to School House Bay (at Middle Bass). We anchored and then took turns on the wave runner tubing. Anne, Madison and I went together and I tried to be gentle with Anne but in the end I made her wipe out and if she accidentally bit her lip, that can't be pinned on me. Apparently she thought differently. When it was my turn, well, according to Madison, it was the best wipe out she'd ever seen. All I remember was being in the air and thinking, "Why haven't I landed back in the water yet?" Apparently I was shot up in the air about 15 feet. Hee hee! Anne "claims" that it she didn't see the giant wave coming because she was distracted watching me because I was screaming and laughing so loud. (FYI - Madison was on the wave runner sitting backwards as "lookout" so Anne watching me and not the water!? Just reckless!) By the way? It was sooooooo much fun.

Other than all that, we hung out, had good dinners, more wave running, shopping etc. Jim and I fixed/cleaned the grill (a 5-6 hour job) and it's a wonder that we haven't filed divorce papers. Have I mentioned lately that he doesn't listen? Ugh! Regardless though, the grill at the Bay now works like a charm. The major parts have been replaced (only thing that couldn't be fixed is the ignitor but that's what lighters are for) and all the grease and gunk has been removed. Nearly like brand new!

In other news, I've started having nightmares about school already. This year my philosophy is a mix of my past philosophies plus a bit of new: I don't give a rat's ass, do your job and (the new part) mind your own business. In other words, if it doesn't affect or involve me, I can't be bothered. I mean seriously...after my reprimand, I'm on thin ice. If anything happens with me, I could be suspended. I'm not going to give those fools any reason to reprimand me again. So to sum up, my philosophy is: IDGARA, DYD & MYOB!!! Oh, and SUCK IT!!!

JOTD: On a cold, cold night two bulls are standing in a field. One says "Boy it's mighty cold out here!", the other says "Yes, I think I might slip into a nice Jersey". Ha ha!!! That's a dirty cow!

K - I'm going to go walk Sami...she' going to be soooooo excited. Later!

Back To The Bay

Jim and I are heading back to PIB tomorrow, EARLY...so I won't have time to post. I know I've been lame the last couple days but I haven't had much to say and I've been a bit busy getting my crap together. Anyway, this will most likely be the last trip up for the year, although I'd LOVE to get up one last time in the fall...best time! We'll see...it's a busy time with IEPs usually but if I could take a personal day on a Monday and head up after school on a Friday...who knows.

Other than the above, seriously, there's been nothing going on. I got my letter in the mail from school yesterday telling me all about the first two days (work days)...sucks. That's kind of got me bummed out but I'm trying not to think about it. I've been playing the lottery like a maniac hoping that at the last minute, I could walk in August 19th and hand in my resignation. So far, I've been a $2 winner...What the F GOD!!!??? I'm deserving!

Okay so that's all I've got...I'm up early tomorrow at 5 and on the road by 6. Diane, we'll be home Thursday, probably early afternoon. I'll call you tomorrow, since I know you got in late tonight (sorry, I'm a freak!) Later all...post Thursday!