I Guess I Should Count Myself Lucky

So my GOD!  Lisa sent me a video...how she came upon it I don't know...she must have searched "Stupid MO-Rons that must be special ed".  You must watch...I didn't want to post it on here because, well, I think my blog is a little classier than that...maybe not.  I shouldn't find humor out of the misfortune of others but...oh shit, I should just post it...I mean, who else besides about 6 people read this?  Okay fine...here it is (pay extra special attention to the mother in the background who has the hiccups...and sorry about all the "f" bombs...oh, and at around 2:48, it's hilarious! Priceless):

Definitely not "fake" (if you watched, you know what I'm talking about).  I don't think you can fake crazy moron like that.  And, I'm pretty sure, if I lived in Mt. Vernon (Kentucky?  Ohio?), she would have been a student of mine.  She looks pretty familiar scary enough.  I guess I should count myself lucky with a student like Gremlin.  I wouldn't want to come across this bitch in any classroom...ugh...she'd kick my ass!

Okay and on that note (mom, aren't you glad you're retired?) I best head to school.  Later!

Officially In My 43rd Year!

I can't believe I'm OVER 42!  Crazy!  So, what did I get from Jim?  Well, I got a kitchen timer.  My egg timer broke the day before my b-day and that thing is half the reason I'm an okay cook!  So I told Jim I needed a new one.  He didn't disappoint...he got me the mack-daddy of kitchen timers!  I also told him I needed a new pair of Crocs.  My brown ones were left out in the sun and one of them melted.  Didn't know that was a possibility but there you go.  I told him this time I'd like black ones.  Well!  Guess what!?  He got me a pair of black AND brown ones!  Both "fur" lined!  That right there would have been enough but YIPPEE!!!  The Killers have a new album out and my Jimmy got it for me!!!  (Thanks to Maggie, by the way, who told him of said new album!)  Can't wait to get in the car and listen!  And that would have been enough but YAY!!!  Jim got me an ice cream cake!  So happy!

So how about a little Eva!?  (Although, her Nana doesn't really deserve this since she didn't post on my BIRTHDAY yesterday!  How rude!)

Someone watching Sesame Street

Someone very laid back watching Sesame Street

Someone getting very tired, watching Sesame Street (loves her).

Okay well, like I said, I can't wait to get in my car to listen the my new Killers CD so...I'm out...later!

Happy Birthday To...

...ME!!!  Well would you look at that!  It's my birthday!  Would you just look at that. Speaking of looking at that, here's a video to get your day going (or wrap it up, depending on when you're looking).  This video was introduced to me by Cullen and it is ridiculously stupid and funny! Enjoy.


In other news, I'm just glad it's Wednesday. Why?  Well, Wednesdays are shorter periods at school so I  won't be doing my writing assignment with my kids. My 1st period class is fine (with the exception of one slacker) but my 6th period class...I've had it with the little shit we call weirdo.  What does Kim call him?  It was a good one...oh, yes...Gremlin.  That's his new name.  Well, Gremlin has gotten on my last nerve and won't work.  Won't do anything but stare off into space, mouth weird shit to himself, ignore everything we do and continue to be a lump of nothing.  Yesterday I had to tell him about 10 times in the space of 15 minutes to get to work.  And the only reason he wrote ANYTHING down was because I sat and stared at him the whole time.  In the end, he told me to shut up under his breath so I did a discipline referral on him.  He got a detention...big whoop.  Today in class, he'll sit and do nothing, again.  I should just sit him in a spot where he's as far from me as possible.  I'm sure I'll get to a point where that will happen but for now, he'll sit right next to my desk where my laser eyes can watch him at all times.  Oh, but he's going to college!  Yay, right!  Not when you can't pass a PULL-OUT Language Arts class!  Pain in my ass.  ARRRRRR

No would you look at that!?  I got myself all japped up because of that turd Gremlin...ON MY BIRTHDAY!  Would you look at that!?

Well, I've really got nothing else.  Tonight, Jim and I will eat leftovers.  Everyone - including Jim - keeps giving me shit for that.  I mean hello!  It's a school night?  We're not going out and I don't want to cook and I made a deeeelicious bean and ham soup for dinner the other night!  That's better than take-out any day.  I'll make some corn bread...a salad...pour me some wine...we got ourselves a PARTY! (That will have to end at around 8:00 because as I've said before...it's a school night!)

K - best get to school...plenty to do...7 IEP's in the next 2 weeks.  UGH!  K - later!

A Theory

Do you know what I just did?  I just posted a "Happy Birthday" on 4 people's wall!  FOUR!  Four people, "friends" on Facebook, have a birthday today!  And you know my birthday is tomorrow!  And not only does my Aunt Kathleen have a birthday today (one of the 4 on FB) but my other aunt - my mom's sister - my Aunt Sister had her birthday today!  And you KNOW that there are many, many more people out there with a birthday right around now.  And do you know what was going on around 9 1/2 months ago?  Valentine's Day!  My theory is that people are really feeling the love on Valentine's day.  I wonder what the percentage of birthdays on or around this day is.  Bunch of horn dogs!  Good for them!

So what's going on recently?  Um...well, I've started updating my book blog.  I've been such a slacker...I was about 7 or 8 books behind (including those I listened to).  I did three books yesterday and will continue over the next day or two.  I also just started a massive tome:  Anna Karenina.  My mom gave this book to me a while ago...it's quite intimidating as it's A) Leo Tolstoy and B) nearly 800 page.  That being said, it's really, really good so far. I hope it doesn't take me too long to finish...I really want to see the movie with Keira Knightley that just came out...oh, and would you look at that...Jude Law is in it too!  He is LUSCIOUS...even if he is a scallywag!

Speaking of scallywags - I really need to do a "funny word" post...it's been a LONG time.

Okay well, I need to get gas so I better motor...thank the baby Jesus that the snow didn't hit...it's just wet...knock on wood.  K - I'm out...later!

The Daily Grind

Well it's back to work.  UGH!  On a positive note, however, we have three regular weeks of school and then exam week.  I'll be happy when it's all over.  Actually, I'll be happy when it's December 13th...that will be the day of my last IEP for the "year".

Nothing great or exciting to report.  Although, Jim and I played Mario Cart last night and my "team" beat his team 2 out of 3 games.  I was Yoshi; Jim was Luigi.  I also kicked Jim's ass in Jeopardy but I got beat on the final Jeopardy by the damn computer.  So pissed.  I did win a fancy new pair of shorts, however, in my game.  Hee hee.  I love the Wii Jeopardy.

So I went to bed last night thinking I wouldn't be able to sleep.  Expecting that I would lie awake for a while trying to figure out what I'm going to do in LA for the next few weeks.  I do some of my best planning that way.  Lo and behold!  Next thing I knew my clock said 4:38 and I hadn't had any brilliant ideas in my sleep. UGH!  So what the hell!?  I guess for the next couple days I'll do a writing assignment.  I DREAD THIS with my 6th period class.  How do you do a writing assignment with a bunch of kids who can barely read?!  I'll figure something out.

Oh, did anyone watch 60 minutes last night?  The lion story?  I don't know how that couple does it...living out in the middle of Africa with only each other 24/7 in a tent...surrounded by lions.  After the story, they had a little blurb about a continuing story they have on their website that discusses how this couple makes their marriage work.  Jim turned to me and said, "You'd throw me to the lions."  Ain't that the truth.  If he didn't throw me there first, that is.

And that's about all I have.  I should probably get to school a bit early and try to figure something out.  K - later!

Never Long Enough

Breaks, vacations, time off...it's just never long enough.  I would like another week off...another two weeks off.  The rest of my life off.  I need to play the Powerball that no one won last night and then I'd be all set.  That being said, I'm not complaining...I know how lucky I am to even get time off...to have a job...to have been smart enough to choose teaching where I get such good vacations.

So my plans today?  Well we ate breakfast, I just walked Sami.  I got the bean and ham soup in the crock pot and Jim and I are now going to sit down and play some games on the Wii.  Maybe a little darts, some Mario Cart...I may kick his ass in Jeopardy.  Who knows...the whole day is open.  And unfortunately the Bengals are blacked out so there you go.  A day of cuddling and hanging by the fire.

Tomorrow starts a whirlwind to Winter Break.  So far I have 5 IEPs set for December and I need to schedule one more.  I've two completely written, 2 mostly written and I need to crack-a-lack on the others.  I have NO idea what I'm going to do for the next couple weeks in LA...I was going to do Romeo and Juliet but I'm not ready for that...we'll see if I can crank something out here in the next week and start it before break.

And that's all I have.  I best go and kick Jim's ass in some darts.  Later!

Post Thanksgiving Post

I'm still full.  And I only had one helping.  Thanksgiving makes me wish I could eat more but alas, one nice helping and dessert are all I'm good for.  BTW - my buffalo chicken muffins were deeeeelicious!

So yesterday was fun, fun, fun.  Much of the day - once Eva got up - was spent hanging outside on the deck while Eva ran around.  She loves getting into my purse and taking my lip smackers and yesterday was no exception.  As you can see, she's got two in her hands and we finally had to take them away from her because she just kept applying and licking off and reapplying and licking off and she ended up with a whole face full of clumped up lip smacker.  She's so cute!

Raeburn - by the way - is ALL decked out this year with Christmas lights.  It looks so good.  You can kind of see in these pics...it's hard to get a whole shot of the house, especially from the back but you get the idea. The house has so many nooks, crannies and eaves that the icicles really look good.

Today:  Jim went to work for a bit.  He should be home around 11:30.  We'll then head to Zips for some lunch and then maybe to Ault park for some playtime.  I think Eva would love to run around up there.

Other than that - we have no other plans.  Don't know what tonight holds...maybe dinner out...that would be fun but we'll see.  I don't know what Maggie and Charlie will be up for.

Okay well, sorry so short...I need to motor here and walk Sami and then shower and get ready.  Excited, by the way for a COLD day tomorrow...I plan on sitting in front of the fire and cuddling with all my babies.  K - I'm out...later!

P.S. - hope my ladies at work survived Black Friday and got lots of good deals!  Can't wait to hear all about it Monday.

Gabble Gabble!

Last night was fun.  I thought Rafferty's would be packed but Trip said it's one of their slowest nights of the year.  Better for us because J.J. and Eva were able to run around without bothering other patrons.  And can I just say how cute those two are!?  Eva LOVES her cousin J.J. and I think J.J. enjoys being the older/wiser kid in that scenario.  Usually, when the cousins are together, Max is the star for J.J. but when it's just Eva and J.J., he gets to be the star...and I think he likes it.

My buffalo chicken muffins (I'm going to call them muffins because every time I say cupcakes, it throws people) turned out well.  I haven't tried them but Jim did and said they were good.  They weren't the easiest things to make but I think that's because I didn't follow the directions and I should have.  Lesson learned.  I didn't try them because I felt odd yesterday and had no appetite.  I felt sort of barfy to tell the truth.  I was fine by dinnertime and I'm glad that passed.

I can't WAIT for today.  Well, okay, it is today...what I mean is I can't wait for hanging with the fam at Raeburn today.  So nice to just chill, watch football, eat, play, drink, eat some more...play a bit more.

And that's all I have.  Here are some funnies from the Internet.  I've probably featured some of these before but they're still funny.

Gabble Gabble...Hope everyone has a safe and fulfilling holiday.  Later.

Wednesday Off

Slept until nearly 7:30...nice.  Bubba woke up at 6:30 and started whining but I pretended not to hear because I knew Jim would get up.  As well he should!  I don't have to work and it was HIS TURN!  He did get up and then I slept for another hour...nice.  I was dreaming of being in Hawaii too...not that I've ever been there but it sure was beautiful.

So today...my plans are to get my ham balls and buffalo chicken cupcakes made .  I'll do some laundry, walk my sweet girl and just chill.  Dinner with the family is at 7:00 tonight at Rafferty's in Kentucky...Trip's working but Susan and J.J. will be there.  I'm assuming Trippy will wait on us.  Always fun.  Can't wait to see everyone...Cullen and Eva.  I had a dream Cullen's hair was really long and in a ponytail.  As though they don't have hair cutting places in MN.

I currently have a headache starting...need to get me some naproxen and breakfast so I'll cut this short.  I'm sure I'll have some photos to post for tomorrow.  K - I'm out...later!

TGIMFF

Having trouble figuring out what that mean?  It's:  Thank God It's My Fake Friday!  HA!  So glad today is my final work day of the week.  I woke up this morning and before I even put feet to floor I thought, "This time tomorrow I'll still be asleep."  Nice!

Nicer still, I'm being a rebel and wearing jeans today.  Livin' the dream my friends, livin' the dream!

So today is Diablo's last day at our school.  I've said it before and I'll say it again - he's come a long way and I will miss him. We're having a little party for him today - pizza, brownies, chips, pop and a movie. I hope he likes it and doesn't get too hopped up...he does have a test 7th period.

Dreamt crazy dreams last night.  I was living in a world like that in The Walking Dead.  Crazy.  I don't know that I would survive that particular apocalypse.  I'd probably just roll over and let the walkers or biters have their "way" with me. And by "way" I mean eat me.  Disgusting I know but I don't think I could stand to be that dirty and disgusting all the time.  These people rarely take showers.  I mean...I have oily hair...it wouldn't be pretty.  It wouldn't smell pretty.  Not to mention all those dead and rotting people walking around all the time...ugh!

And that's about all I've got.  I'll head to Costco after work today and then home to walk Sami and lay on my couch revelling in the joy that is a 5-day weekend!  HA!  K - I'm out...later!

Sorry!

I'm a lame blogger, I know.  I had plenty to talk about (not really) but just didn't have the gumption to type it out.  If only there were a program that could just take my thoughts out of my brain and put them here on the computer...we'd be all set.  Of course no one wants access to all my thoughts...yowza!

So, lets start this week off right and with a bang!  Here are a little girl and her momma watching football at Champs.  Maggie must be watching one game and Eva is watching another.

In weekend news...lets see...Friday was an early to bed night.  We got Chipotle and watched Nashville and a couple episodes of Homeland.  Saturday we cleaned, I shopped, we went to Shooters and then home.  We had delicious meatball hoagies for dinner and then bed.  We had a nice fire on Saturday and when I got up Sunday (at 7:30!) Jim had a nice fire going again.  Breakfast and a walk with Sami then Jim and I went to Target and Lowes.  Watched football (YAY Bengals!) and then Jim got ALL the lights up on the house.  Except our X-mas tree that we string outside...you know the one against the house.  We figured with the nice weather, might as well take advantage!  So excited.

So this week will be EASY - knock on wood.  Today in LA we'll finish TKM...I think we have about 3 minutes left.  We'll then watch some of the extras...they're interesting.  THen who knows.  WH - today we'll do a packet and then tomorrow we'll have a party because it will be Diablo's last day.  I'm a bit sad about that.  I know he can be trying at times but realistically, he can't help it and I feel bad that he has to switch schools.  I bought the animated film Brave and maybe we'll watch that.

And that's it.  I best head out...get gas.  Later!

Finally Friday!

Man oh man am I glad it's Friday.  And gladder still that next week is a 2 day week.  And even GLADDER that I get to see Eva and Maggie and Charlie and Trip and Susan, J.J. CULLEN!!!  Dad, Becky, Anne, Chomper, Madison!!!  Am I forgetting anyone?  Anyway - it's been a LONG week (I don't know why) and I'm happy it's almost over.

Speaking of over - I had a dream last night I was in jail.  Weird.  I don't know why I was there but it was my last night and I was ready to get out.

Speaking of over again - Today should be the last day of watching TKM.  The kids have all really seemed to enjoy it...at least no one has fallen asleep which, when you think about teen-aged punks, that is a feat in itself! If we have time at the end of class, we'll watch some of the bonus features...they're really interesting.

Oh, and let me just say this.  What the hell!?  I mean, I'm sure it's incredibly tough being the daughter of Jon Bon Jovi...having to wallow in your father's spotlight...getting everything you want (probably) and wanting for nothing.  But really?!  Heroin?!  And then you're stupid enough to overdose.  What is wrong with these people!?  It just pisses me off...what kind of boring, ridiculousness makes you decide to try a drug like that? What a loser.

K - I'm off my soapbox now...best finish buffing this body up before heading out.  Later!

Early Riser

I don't know what's wrong with me lately...I keep waking up around 4:00 or 4:30.  I think I may need to push myself to stay up a little longer at night...try and make it past 8:00.  God I'm a loser.

By the way - those of you with XM/Sirius radio - it's free for the next two weeks.  Love that. It happens about 4 or so times per year and it always makes my commute a little better.  I don't get all the channels I would normally listen to but whatever...I get most of the good ones.

Lupus is coming for a donation pickup today so last night I went through my closet and tossed a bunch of stuff.  Mostly shirts but some pants.  I was actually surprised when trying on my jeans that more fit than I thought would.  That makes me happy.  I got rid of about 6 or 7 coats too.  Nice to have more room.  I didn't get rid of everything I needed to but that's a bigger job than a Wednesday evening can take.

So, as you all know - I'm famous for my Thanksgiving succotash.  Everyone demands it of me during the holiday - as you can imagine - and of course I won't disappoint this year.  However, in addition to doing that, I also do an appetizer.  Normally I make a ham cheese ball...add some crackers and you've got a party.  Well this year ALONG with my cheese ball, I'm also going to do another little something.  How good does this look?!  Buffalo Chicken cupcakes!  I'm thinking about doing a test run...Jim would love that, I'm sure.  They look super easy too.  We'll see.

Okay well that's all I've got.  Another easy day for me...watching TKM in my LA classes and then starting a new chapter in history which means an intro video!  YEAH!  K - I'm out...later!

Toof Scare

So there I am, in the shower (sorry if it's early - or late for that matter- and I've put a scary image in your brain) flossing.  And before you ask - yes - I floss in the shower.  Anyway - I'm flossing, (I use the reach hand held thingy) and I'm moving along...it's the last thing I do before I get out...when suddenly!!!  I can't get the damn thing out from between my teeth.  I have very TIGHT teeth (no disgusting comments from the peanut gallery please) and when I put a new "cartridge" in for the Reach thing-a-ma-bob it takes a bit until it's smooth sailing.  Anyway - it's stuck and I can't get it out and I'm afraid that if I yank - I'll pop my tooth right off.  And before you say it, I know that's stupid but the more I struggled, the more I thought it was on the crown that I had done last year and the more I think I'm about to dislodge hundreds of dollars worth of work. So I had to jump out of the shower, dripping wet, slide across the tiles, grab a pair of scissors and cut the cartridge.  Ugh!  And then it still felt like my crown was popping off...that it had got dislodged somehow.  So I race (nekid) to Jim's bathroom (dogs a chasin') gargle, floss with regular floss and - AH!!!  All was well.  And then I realized - I'm stupid!  It couldn't have been my crown!  See, the tooth that the crown was put on was rebuilt so that the area around said tooth ISN'T tight...it was the toof next door.  I must have had some tidbit of floss stuck.  Not a great way to start your morning.  Go figure I have a headache now.

In school news - I'm happy to report that only 1 student of 19 failed my TKM test! (Well, 2 but I don't count Handy, who has Downs because I didn't really expect him to pass and I'm not counting it against him.) And - I expected that kid to fail.  He's a lazy ass who doesn't give a shit about anything. I had a few D's, a smattering of C's, several B's but no A's.  Hmm...that makes me wonder.  At least one should have had an A.  BUT!  Everyone turned in their study guide, which means that today in both my LA classes - we're watching the movie!  Can't wait.  AND!!!  In World History we have a test so it will be an EASY day!  YAY!!!

Check out the fountain head!  Loves her.  Got this yesterday during my meeting.  A nice little treat in the middle of BORING!  Actually - the meeting wasn't bad and it was informative.

And that's all I've got.  Better head out.  It's nice to have my car again.  Jim's car makes me feel unsafe because it's so little.  My car is doing well according to the service dude...knock on wood.  K - I'm out...later!

Not Even 15 Minutes!

I tried to sleep in for 15 minutes and I couldn't even do that.  In fact, I woke up at 4:30 "raring" to go.  (I put raring in quotes because I was ready to get up but who is really raring at 4:30 AM?)  I don't have to be at central office until 7:30 so I thought, "Hey!  Why not 'sleep in'?"  Didn't happen.  Oh well.  And then!  I woke up, checked my emails and saw that the woman in for me today is sick and won't make it.  No one's taken my 1/2 day yet.  Who knows if someone will.  I emailed the school secretary and VP in charge of coverage.  We'll see.  I won't worry about it.  I'll head in a bit early because I forgot something at school I need and I'll need a cup of Joe 

For anyone interested - and I know that's everyone - Harry Potter is on ABC Family through Thursday!  Made my week when I saw that last night.

And because its been a while - here's a sweet pic of a little girl.  She's getting so big.  Her hair is getting so long too!  And before you say it - I already gave Maggie guff...she says Eva was perfectly safe on the counter, so high up, all by herself.  Maggie "claims" she was right there.  I guess I have to believe her since I'm assuming it was she that took the picture.  I may have to take her away from Maggie though if she isn't more careful. Check yourself sister!

Oh, one more thing about Eva:  Maggie and I were on the phone last night (hard to believe, I know) and Eva was jabbering away in the background.  At one point it sounded like she was saying "Meow" so I said, "Meow, Meow beautiful, meow, meow" (from Mr. Rogers).  So Maggie then repeats what I said to Eva and then for about a minute she was saying, "Meow, meow, meow, meow"...SO STINKIN' CUTE!!!  She jabbers so much, one of these days she's just going to start talking in complete sentences...it's so funny!

Well, I guess that's all I've got today. Like I said I need to go to school before heading over to central.  I also have to drive Jim's car today...he's taking mine in for an oil change and to check my coolant (Jim had a "whiff" of it the other day coming into the garage.)  K - later!

Thanksgiving Is Next Week?!

Is that right?  I can't believe it's just around the corner!? Which means I work this week, then two days next week and then I'm off until the following Monday!?  Holy shizz balls!  That makes me happy.  AND!  This week will be pretty easy (knock on wood)...I have a review for TKM today and then test tomorrow and then the rest of the week is the movie.  World History is a review today and tomorrow, test Wednesday.  We'll start a new chapter after that but I won't do anything major Thursday and Friday.  Not that any of you care about this.  Oh, and Tuesday I have a 1/2 day meeting at central office...bonus.

Happy that the Bengals won...bummed I didn't get to watch it.  It was blacked out.  Oh well, Who Dey!

Yesterday was a good day.  We did a bit of yard work.  I did some cleaning...until the vacuum busted.  Just the hose...it got a hole in it...I ordered another one that should be here in a couple days.  We went to Shooters...had fun there.  Came home.  Jim did "yard work".  I put that in quotes because really all he did was a little work and then he planted himself with the neighbor in a chair and drank beer. Dinner was delicious.

And that's about all I've got.  Sorry I'm not exciting.  Need to head to work.  K - later!

I Told You So

And of course Muir got her way...and Jim realized his ridiculousness...and the leaves got done with the cooperation of husband and wife.  I don't know why every year we have to go through this.  It's always something:  The fence; the leaves; decorating the x-mas tree...look forward to that I'll tell you.  Hilarious too - as we were sitting at Olive Garden enjoying our endless salad (of which we only ate one helping) Jim says to me, "I need to change my ways." Me: "Ya think?"  Hee hee.  I try not to bust his chops too much but his attitude at times definitely gets old.  And you know I'm not one to put up with too much bullshit.  Shocking I know.

Ooh, speaking of Christmas!?  How excited was I last night driving home and we saw THREE - count 'em: 1-2-3 - homes with CHRISTMAS LIGHTS UP!!!  So happy.  And with Thanksgiving extra early this year!!!  OOOOOHHHHH!!!!

So today's plans:  Breakfast is done.  I'll get up after posting and walk Sami.  I'll get home and do a quick clean.  Put some laundry away then head outside to help Jim (whether he likes it or not) put some stuff away.  By then it should be time for Shooters.  A couple beers, a little MegaTouch then home for some more yard work/chillin'/reading my new book (Bone Bed by Patricia Cornwell).  By the way - Sam Adams has their holiday beers out and if you like delicious beers - White Christmas is quite delicious.

Dinner tonight:  Curried Chicken and Dumplings...yum.  I've made this several times and it is yum, yum, yum.

And that's about all I've got.  Best head out before Sami goes rogue on me and jumps the fence to take herself on a walk.  Happy Sunday...later!

Ridiculousness

Here's my belief:  You catch more flies with honey...right?  Why doesn't Jim know that little trick?  Why is he such a hothead half the time?!  And usually before it ever need get to that point.  So frustrating!

To catch you all up - last weekend, Jim was collecting leaves and I guess he looked at the house and saw that the front gutter wasn't quite right.  It wasn't aligned right.  So, he gets ALL pissed off...starts throwing a freaking FIT to beat Jesus.  So I calm him down; explain to him that he hasn't even contacted the guy who did the gutters to say what he found.  I told him "I'm SURE any issues will get fixed...settle down.  If you point out something and he refuses to do anything, then you can have a hissy."  Crisis averted...at least for a while.  So Jim emails Bob (the guy who recommended the gutter dude) and they talk and set up a time to get together (Jim, Bob and gutter dude) to walk through and unearth any other possible issues...today at 2:00.

Fast forward to 1:45 today.  Gutter dude stops by.  Jim walks out, talks to the guy and I can see that Jim's getting ALL pissy.  So I go to Jim and ask what the issue is.  He says gutter dude isn't there to fix anything!  He's only there to walk through with Bob and see any other problems.  I said, "And? That's what they said they were coming over for."  Jim says, "I just assumed things were going to be fixed today."  Me, "Well, I wasn't under that assumption.  Your text from Bob specifically said that the three of you would be walking through to discuss issues. No one said it was getting fixed today."  Jim, "Oh."  Yeah douche!  Why don't you check yourself.  I just don't know why he gets like that.  He then had to go eat crow because he was being a total ASS to gutter dude.  Why would you be a DICK when A) no one has refused to fix any of the problems and B) who is going to want to fix said problems when you're being such a DICK!!!???

And since we're on the subject of Jim being a DICK!  So he's working in the back yard, raking and blowing leaves.  I decide to be nice and help him.  So I go out and say, "Hey, why don't I mow and bag while you blow?"  Jim says, "Well, I can use your help but let me bag up the leaves I've got in piles and then when I'm done with that in say, a half hour, you can mow and I'll follow you with the trash can to bag up the leaves."  Me, "Well I can at least start while you're bagging up the piles you've already got."  Jim, "No, we'll just do it my way."  Me, "That's a waste of time though.  Why don't I just start and we'll get done even faster."  Jim, "No.  Just do it my way...it would be too much walking back and forth otherwise."  Me, "I did this last year - it isn't a lot of back and forth...I know what to do and how to do it."  Jim - talking right through me and not even listening or being reasonable, "No...my way."  Me, "How 'bout this?  I don't help you and you do it all yourself since you're being rude and not listening."  Later! Dick!

Sorry about all that...but this is sort of how I get it out of my system and it keeps me from driving my foot into Jim's nuts!  K - I'm out...later!

Not "Shit! Thursday!"...Yay, Friday!

Yippee!!!  So glad...the weekend is almost here!

In dream news:  I had a doozie!  I dreamt I was driving with Jim and there was a kid walking around on the outside of our car...while we were driving.  I kept yelling to Jim to get him in the car but the kid kept walking around, just out of Jim's reach.  Next think I know, I take a turn...and I took it really slowly...and the kid flies off and into an intersection and I hear a horrible crunch.  I get out of the car and the kid is completely flattened.  It was so terrible and weird.  What I can't understand is why I kept driving...why didn't I stop?  UGH!  I'll never to that again...in my dream!

So here are some things exciting me at the moment:

• Thanksgiving is nearly here!!!  Which means...
• Christmas is nearly here!!! Which means...
• I'll be half-way through my school year!!! 
• Additionally, one of my problem students is moving out of district!!!  I'm counting the days...so is she by the way and she's essentially stopped doing anything in class.  I keep telling her that her grades are going with her but she just doesn't give a shit anymore. Losing her will put me at 17 kids!  I've already done 7 of those IEPs, I have 2 more scheduled and will have 2 additional done before winter break!  Ah...I can breathe.
• Speaking of Christmas!  You know what I just thought of?  Prep and Landing and Elf and Miracle on 34th Street!  Can't wait!

K - well, I need to pay attention to eating my breakfast right now.  I burnt the roof of my mouth last night and eating this sandwich is going to take both hands and some concentration.  I HATE it when I burn the roof of my mouth!  K - I'm out...later!

Is It Friday

At first this week seemed to fly by...even with P/T conferences on MONDAY (ridiculous by the way).  Then yesterday came and I thought, all day, that it was Thursday.  And the kids all felt like it was Monday (they had Tuesday off).  Waking up today was HARD and that's after I fell asleep at 8PM.  I didn't even get to watch Survivor.  And I thought when I awoke, "Ah, Friday." And then I realized, "SHIT!  Thursday!"  Ugh.  Oh well, only today and tomorrow and then the weekend and sleep and no plans and hanging out and Shooters and maybe out to dinner and maybe Shooters again!

So you know how little things excite?  Well yesterday I had to run to Costco...dog food, chicken, turkey bacon, shampoo, toothpaste etc.  And do you know what made me happy?  Costco's brand - Kirkland - now makes toothpaste! And it's whitening!?  I'm psyched   Can't wait to try it...but I'll have to wait because I can't open a tube before the old tube is gone!  Does toothpaste go bad?  I would assume it does.  Anyway - I also went to Target to get some essential toiletries...and to see if they had a bean bag (sort of a motivational thing I wanted to try in the classroom)...I wanted to get a couch or a sectional but it won't fit in our room.  Anyway - I hated the beanbags at Target so I'm still on the lookout.  I bet Ikea would have some but I'm not going there until the holidays when I can go in the middle of the week.

And that's about all the excitement I've got going on right now.  I'm so happy the political commercials have now been replaced with Christmas - and I'm NOT joking.  I LOVE X-MAS and don't care who knows it!

K - I'm out...later!

Might Need About 10 Cups Of Coffee

I was up way too late last night (11:00) and woke up periodically wondering what was going on out there. I didn't manage to stay until the race was won...I had to get some sleep, but I wish I had been able to maintain raised eyelids.  In the end though, I can breathe a sigh of relief.  That's all I will say as I don't want to shove anything in anyone's face (even though this is my blog)...it's about respect of opinions and taking the high road.

So in regard to the election last night - Jim came home and was sort of a Debbie Downer.  He was all mopey and I was all like, "What's wrong with you bro?!" (Didn't really call him bro...that would sort of be disgusting).  And he's all like, "I just can't wait for this all to be over."  And then he proceeded to be all mopey...kind of killed my buzz (figurative) and made me want to get a buzz (literal).  And I agree, in a way, at least in regard to the ads and the stupid shit people do and say that is so disrespectful of others.  But then I have to always think about the other side of that.  I'm sick of all that - the ads and people saying crappy things on social networks - because I live in such a a great place where that sort of stuff is allowed.  I'd much rather have ads everywhere (even when they do skew the facts), people spewing their beliefs - not caring if their "facts" are correct,  candidates having a tight and sometimes malicious race - I'd rather ALL that than the alternative. And sometimes Jim can be such a DOWNER.  I had to kick his ass a few times and say, "Buck UP little fella...you live in a great country and need to see that rather then mope around like a little pansy!"  (Didn't really say that but I did have to remind him of a few things).

And that's about all I have.  I need to get to school here so that I can suck down a few cups of some Big and Bold Emeril coffee...and maybe some Starbucks French roast...time to pull out the big guns.  Hope the kids are good today...to tired to deal with stupid (I should probably just stay home then, huh?).  K - I'm out.  Later!

Election Day

So happy that today is Election Day.  I'm even happier that I've already voted.  The lines in Ohio are supposed to be ridiculous.  I hope people don't get frustrated and leave without voting.  I will be really happy this time tomorrow when we know who won.  And I'll be elated when it's President Obama.  Positive thinking and good thoughts.

Last night was fine...not too painful.  Got two IEPs out of the way; met with 3 other parents and was home by 8:00.  Bonus too:  we don't have to be at school until 7:30 which meant I could sleep until 5:30.  Of course I woke up at 5:00 anyway so there you go.

Oooh...my friend Larry Hanley (weather man) just said snow tonight...no accumulation though.  Might have to build a fire when I get home.

And I don't have much more to talk about...got some new flannel sheets in the mail yesterday.  They are currently in the washer and I'll be cuddling in them tonight.  Can't wait.

Okay well...that's all I've got.  Get out there and vote if you haven't already.  K - later!

Should Be A LONNNGGGG Week

This is one of those weeks I DO NOT look forward to.  First today is P/T conferences.  I hate being at school for so long...it's exhausting.  Second - and this is actually not a total negative - tomorrow is an in-service day.  That's good because no kids but bad because I'll be sitting in meetings all day.  Hopefully not all the meetings will be pointless.  Third - and again this is slightly good - tomorrow is Election Day and I'm WORRIED!  However, I will be happy when it's all over and I don't have to stress about what's going to happen anymore. I know it's stupid to stress but I really worry about this country if "my guy" doesn't win.  I mean do I think the other guy will start WWIII and decimate the USA?  No but as a woman, teacher and middle class citizen, he isn't going to do anything good for me.  With all that said, I'll still put a smile on my face and muddle through it...not to mention the weekend looks beautiful and I have NO plans.  Love having no plans sometimes...except to sit on my ass and relax.

Yesterday was exhausting.  Really I did nothing.  Well, I take that back...I did help Jim in the yard.  I blew all the leaves into piles...Jim raked.  We came in at lunch, ate, I took a bath, we then both laid down to watch football, both fell asleep and Jim finally went back out to bag the leaves around 4:00.  He'll have to finish with all that this week.  I was in bed by 7:30 and asleep by 8:00.  Slept the night through and feel much better.

And that's about all I've got.  Better get finished here and head out.  K - later!

Euchre Tourney

Last night was a lot of fun.  Jim and I had a little euchre party.  Originally, I wanted it to be 12-16 people (3-4 games going) but we ended up with 8.  I will say, in the end, I rather liked that number. The players were:  Trip, Susan, me, Jim, Terri, Amy, Jim's friend Dan and because his partner backed out, we had Trip's high school friend Greg stand in.  I made two types of chili - con carne and white chicken - we had a couple apps, Amy brought cornbread and after chowing down, we commenced playing.  It was my thought to mix up the players so we picked names out of a hat for partners and I ended up with Susan.  We played several rounds and in the end, Susan and I won (kicked ass really) and were in fact undefeated.  It was pretty awesome!  Oh, and of course I drank too much last night and now I'm feeling it.  I told Jim I'd help him with leaves but I'm not sure I have it in me.  I may end up blowing chunks in the piles...ugh!  No, I don't feel that bad but I've felt better.

So, this week should suck.  Tomorrow is Parent/Teacher conferences which means I'll  be at school from about 7 AM - 7:30 PM...HATE!  I actually have two IEPs during that time.  Hopefully they'll be easy and uneventful.  Then, Tuesday is an in-service day.  This year - they've set up little "classes" and/training sessions throughout the day.  I think there are 5 total that every teacher in the district had to sign up for...another basic waste of time, I'm sure.  Although there is a google apps session that will hopefully be worthwhile...and a google docs.  The other three will probably suck.  Or not...positive thoughts.

Okay well, I think I better get my ass and get moving or I may just talk myself into being more hungover than I am...maybe a little hair of the dog will help.

Anyway - here are a couple shots of a sweet girl...love the ponies, huh?  And how stylin' are her sweet hat and gloves?!

K - I'm out.  Later

TGIF

Even though I had Monday off...this week was LONG!  I'm very ready for my weekend.  Hopefully today goes quickly and is uneventful.

And look who still wanted to wear her owl costume yesterday!  Love it!  How cute is she!?

In other news, Jim has a second interview today for the job he interviewed for on Wednesday.  Crossed fingers please.

Gutters are almost done!  I mean, it was definitely worth having done and the price we paid was pretty good but it really shouldn't have taken this long.  Whatever though.

And that's about all I have.  I'm having a little euchre party tomorrow.  There will only be 8 of us but should still be fun.  Little chili, little cards, little beer, lotta fun I hope.

K - I'm out...waiting for Bubba to get in so I can go shower.  He decided to get his lazy butt up early and now I'm having to wait for him...he a debil.  K - later!

Bick Or Beet!

How cute are they?!

 The sweetest owl EVER!

Mr. Red!

So last night was fun.  With all the rain and nastiness, the neighbors all ended up next door either inside or in the garage.  Jim and I grilled chicken and made hash brown casserole, which everyone LOVED!  Had a few beers, saw all the kids in their gear and then I headed home around 8PM...Jim stayed until about 9:30 drinking with the boys.  I really do have good neighbors that are fun.  Even the kids are cute.

Nothing else is going on.  My kids at school, for the most part, SUCK!  I've just about had it with some of these maroons.  I sent a scathing email to a mother yesterday because of her son.  I'm just at the end of my rope with some of them.  They either need meds (they definitely need meds) but maybe a brain transplant as well.  Oh, and bonus...at our meeting with the JH yesterday, they said that the next group...the current 8th graders are even LOWER.  Well, truthfully, I think I could take lower I just can't take more immature and/or spazzier.  Why can't parents just medicate their kids!?  I know that's awful but what do they think they're getting out of school having a 2 second attention span.  And it isn't like their behavior is being controlled by diet...the just don't give a shit because it isn't them having to deal.  Oh well...I chose my profession and knew what it would entail.

K - well, I guess I better head out...still need to finish the two IEPs I have on Monday night. Later!