Les Miserables

First - I loved the movie and Jim said he really liked it too.  I didn't cry as much as I thought which is good and considering I'm a freakin' baby and I cry at the drop of a hat, that's saying something.  (I cried 3 times by the way.)  Second - if you don't like singing, don't see the movie. It's sort of like an opera...they sing all the time.  Someone on Facebook mentioned how much they hated Russell Crowe so I was expecting to hate him.  I didn't.  I thought he did a phenomenal job.  I can't really understand what this person was talking about.  There were actually times when Hugh Jackman's voice got on my nerves but whatever...he did a great job too.  Anne Hathaway killed it.  Amanda Seyfried did a really nice job but there were a couple times when she hit a high note that was too high.  I had no idea that Helena Bonham Carter and Sasha Baron Cohen were in it and they nearly stole the show.  They should be up for supporting role awards.  Oh and it's a LONG movie (2 hours 37 minutes) but seriously worth it.  Someone else on Facebook said, "I heard it was all crying and depressing."  Um, dumb ass?  It's during the French Revolution.  I never heard it tell that the French Revolution was a good time...and um, did you catch the title?  Anyway - a really good movie...4 1/2 stars from this critic.

In Eva news...how cute is a girl in her cupcake hat.  Maggie says she completely into her hats lately and even had to wear this one to bed last night.  Hee hee.  Loves her.  (Or maybe Maggie and Charlie need to turn up the heat in their house.)

And here's an actress practicing her grumpy pants face.  Love her!

So plans today:  Jim has headed out to work.  He said he'll be home by 4:00.  We're supposed to get a little weather today so I told him I wanted him home before that hit.  I'm heading down to Walmart in a bit to get some needed items.  I'm looking into getting a mini tablet too so we'll see what they've got.  I want to do some good research before I purchase...some of the things I've been hearing about the "cheaper" tablets is they don't hold a charge well.  Maybe I should just spend the money...I don't know.  Anyway - tonight, we'll be having beef stroganoff for dinner tonight.  I'm sure Jim won't be able to stay up to ring in the new year but I'll try...maybe just take a glass of champs to bed with me.  Tomorrow we'll hang, have pork and sauerkraut for dinner and play games.

And that's about all I've got.  Oh, my next door neighbor's dog passed away yesterday.  Sad and I don't think he was very old.  His name was Guinness and I really liked him. He was such a little (well big) love. He always wanted to come over and say hello...because I would always pet and dote on him.  Apparently he had had surgery a couple weeks or so ago for a growth and he was just never the same after that.  They think he may have had a heart attack.  Poor fellow.  He was a large, shepherd mix...kind of reminded me of Hillary, Mom.  But with a normal size head (HA!)  I feel bad for my neighbors because they have two little girls and you hate having to explain that kind of thing to little ones.  RIP Guinness!  You may want to meet up with Zoe and C.C...they're fun and can show you the ropes up there in heaven.

K - well on that sad note, I'm out.  Happy New Year to all...hope you're safe if you're out and about tonight.  Later!

Snowy Saturday

We got about 3 or 4 more inches here in Loveland.  They're saying that we'll get flurries and whatnot throughout the day as well.  I'm loving it...the babies are loving it...Sami wants to take a walk in it...we'll see about that.

How about a few pics of a funny-faced girl?

Stolen from Madison's Facebook page...I think she must take after me...when she gets in front of a camera, she likes to put on her goofiest.  Loves her!

So my plans today are to exercise here in a minute (going to try a kickboxing routine), walk Sami (probably not too far since it's VERY snowy and I don't want my baby getting frostbite), maybe go to Shooters (Jim went to work...with only a two day work week, he's trying to make up hours), and there's definitely some Mario Cart in my future.  I'm making quiche tonight with rice and a salad.  Other than that...I've got nothing.  I need to clean the house a bit but may wait for tomorrow when we take down the tree.

And that's all I've got...best get down and kick box before I lose motivation.  Later!

I Just Got Excited!!!

I was searching for a pic to represent the snow we're about to get and I found this:

That's the snowfall prediction for this winter!  45 inches?!  That's nearly 4 feet which means we are BOUND to get a snow day here and there!  Me loves me some snow!  And we're supposed to get another 2-4 inches tonight!  YAY!!!  Won't start until after midnight or so...I'll wake up and there it will be!  Although there is still snow on the ground and it won't look much different from what it looks like now, it is still exciting.  I'm sure it will call for another day at home with the hubby playing games and sitting in front of the fire.

So my plans today?  Um...I'll exercise again.  I did a little aerobic/dance thing yesterday.  Didn't make it through the whole thing and I'm sore today but it's a good sore.  Isn't it ridiculous that I walk nearly every day...2 miles...and I'm still a fat-assed, out-of-shape blob?  UGH!  I should just say eff it and go balls to the wall and eat my little heart out without a care in the world.  ANYWAY - my plans are to do a little something for a work out as well as walk Sami and the boys (Jim's a slacker).  However, I'll probably cut my walk with Sami a little short since I don't want her sweet little paws to freeze.  Then I'll head to the bank...maybe do a quick jaunt to TJ Maxx...see if they have anything worth buying and come home.  We're having tuna casserole for dinner and that's all I've got.

Hope everyone is staying warm...later!

Such A Relaxing Day

Yesterday was such a relaxing day.  It was so nice to sit at home with my hubby, in front of the fire, pups all around, cuddling while the snow fell outside.  We literally laid around and played Mario Cart and Mario Galaxy all day long.  I was happy that when I told Jim he wasn't going anywhere due to weather, he didn't complain and fight me.  (Sometimes he does...I think if he still had his Blazer, he would have trekked to work.)  Happy too that Maggie, Charlie, Eva, Madison and dogs made it safely to Columbus.  Glad I wasn't in that car...I'm sure I would have suffered several apoplectic fits.  UGH!

In today's news, Jim just left for work.  My plans are to grocery shop, walk my baby...plan and start a new exercise routine...maybe do some quilting (I've been a slacker there) and hang.  I'm sure there will be a bit of Wii playing in my future too.

And for your viewing pleasure - I got Eva a vacuum cleaner for Christmas.  It's a mini-rendition of her Momma's vacuum and as you can see, she's a freak just like her mother.  Maggie told me she'll be sitting there playing...having a tea party or something and all of a sudden she'll get up, get her vacuum and start cleaning.  I'm telling you - Maggie has created a monster!  (I guess I'm not helping tame the beast either if I'm feeding the crazy, huh?)

So that's all I've got.  I should head to the store now and get that out of the way.  I'm enjoying my time off so far...I feel like today is my first REAL day off.  Probably because I'm home alone.

K - I'm out...later!

Happy Christmas Eve

Sorry!  I've been a slacker, I know.  (Here's a little pic of a Christmas elf to keep you happy).

So, yes - I've been busy, busy, busy!  With what?  Well, getting ready for tonight  - our annual Christmas Eve celebration at the Hanke household.  Lets see...what have I been doing.  Well, Saturday - I went grocery shopping.  I got all the goods for tonight.  Then, Jim and I cleaned the hell out of this house.  Jim was a maniac with the vacuum and I wiped down every surface imaginable.  Yesterday I did a quick shop at Home Goods (needed Euro pillows for the covers Maggie gave me for the guest room), got stocking stuffers and treats for the dogs and then I cooked, cooked, cooked.  I made my lasagnas, got the Hanky Panky's ready, made brownies, made my dinner last night (French onion soup). This morning I've tidied up, moved the kitchen table into the living room and set up a little sitting area where the kitchen table was.  I've set the tables...um, put more laundry in (I've probably done 20 loads of laundry since Saturday...cleaning all the blankets and whatnot in the house) and now I'm waiting to hear from Maggie and Charlie.

Today's plans:  Maggie and Charlie wanted to head to Hofbrauhaus (in Newport) for lunch and a little Christmas cheer.  The plan was to meet around 11:00 but Eva was a bit of a stinker last night and started whooping it up around 4 AM...soooooo...I don't know what the deal is.  I can't go too late because I need to get everything together here.

Tonight people should be arriving around 5:00...we'll chill, have apps, open presents, eat dinner and then veg.  Can't wait...should be VERY relaxing and fun.

And that's all I've got...ooh, UPS just came...yay!  All gifts are here.  K - I'd better get dressed.  Merry Christmas to all!  Have a safe and jolly holiday.  Later

Wish Me Luck

Driving to work that is...slick roads...high winds...UGH!  Hate driving in this.  Slow and steady wins the race.

And for your entertainment purposes...check out the trailer for the new movie The Heat with Sandra Bullock and Melissa McCarthy...high-larious!



K - and I best get my shit together...figure out which is the best way to head to work.  I'm out...later!

Could This Be My Friday!?

Not sure what the weather will hold for us tonight...there's a chance we could get some snow and have some slick roads for the morning commute.  I doubt it will be much but I HATE driving when the roads are iffy.  How awesome would it be to have the last exam day cancelled?  Sucks for the kids who would have to take their exams in January but it's not about the kids, is it?  It's about what I want!  What I need!  Hee hee!

Oh, and of course my nemesis is expected today!  Wind!  There's a wind advisory out.  Hate wind!  Hate the word "gust".

Speaking of exams:  I gave my 1st period exam yesterday and miracle of miracles!  No one in the class failed!  No one even got below a C!  In fact, the one kid who always does shitty and comes on test days saying "I'm going to fail this" and "I didn't study!" got the highest grade.  Must be their incredible teacher!  I did review like a wild woman with them.  Now 6th period exam will be another story.  The cognitive abilities in that class are on a whole other level (going down).

I have my intake meeting this morning at 7:30 for Mr. Magoo...shouldn't take long...we'll just accept the IEP, talk about the changes I made...meet the kid...get him his schedule...bing bang boom...done.  I hope.

In Christmas news - I finished my shopping yesterday!  I also did all my wrapping yesterday!  I went to Costco yesterday and got what I could for Christmas Eve!  I also got a bottle of the Kirkland chardonnay...tried it out last night. You know - for entertainment purposes...I had to try it before I could decide if it was worthy of serving...it was!  Yummy!  Anyway - I now only have to get to Kroger to complete my grocery shopping and then I'll be cooking my little heart out this weekend.

And that's all I've got.  I guess I should head out and get ready for my meeting.  Beat the rain.  K - later!

Teaching Teenagers Is Rough

I forgot to write about this little diddy from last Thursday (I think I told Lisa and Maggie).  So...my 7th period study hall is full of rambunctious kids.  It's the last period of the day so the kids are usually nuts and by the end of the week it's to the nth degree.  And by the way - it's a rather large study hall in my small room.  I think on a normal day - when everyone is present - there are 7 kids.  That doesn't sound like a lot but this is the study hall with my loud-talking autistic girl and 3 sophomores who don't have a concept of "indoor voices".  My sophomores consist of 2 boys and a very social and boy-crazy girl (she's very sweet though and one of my faves).  Now, let me take you back to last Thursday...

...cue the dreamy, harp-playing, music...

I'm sitting at my desk doing work.  Usually by 7th period the kids are done, they have little homework and there isn't much for me to do in the way of helping them.  The three sophomores are sitting at a large table together which is situated right next to my desk.  They're chit chatting about this, that and the other.  Usually it's stuff I try to NOT listen to because it's mindless, teenage prattle that I would rather not hear.  And then I catch the whiff of a conversation that I should probably hold my ears for...my loud mouth boy is asking my boy-crazy girl about someone and he says, "Is she blond?" Lovergirl answers: "Yeah." And then she adds, "My brother's fiance is blond with big boobs." Loud-mouth boy says, "If I had big boobs, I'd stare at them all day long."  Lovergirl: "Naked?"  Big Mouth: "Yeah.  I'd stand in front of a full-length mirror and stare at my boobs."  Lovergirl: "I do that."  Me:  "Um...can we put a halt to this conversation because I'm getting pictures in my mind that I'm afraid I won't be able to get out!"

These kids have the craziest conversations.  In front of adults.  They just don't care!  Actually - I'm glad they feel comfortable with me but there are times that I think my ears might fall off.  Crazy, kooky kids!

Well, I'd better motor.  I can leave a little later today because kids won't start arriving until 9:30ish but I need to get gas and stop inside Kroger for a gift card and card...our custodian at work left everyone a back scratcher with a note that said "I got your back".  Isn't that nice?  I have a back scratcher here at home that I love and NOW!!!  I have one at work.  I never see our custodian and sometimes I forget there's a person that cleans up after us every day...she definitely deserves a little something at the holidays.

K - well - I'm out...oh and remind me...I have a POOR SAMI story to tell.  She's fine but she got attacked yesterday on our walk.  Poor little girl!  Later!

One Down...

...four to go.  And yesterday went pretty smoothly.  There's a new kid in my 1st period class who gave me a few fits last week.  I wasn't sure how he'd be yesterday but all went well and he was fun and funny and we'll see what happens next.  He's from Cincinnati, hasn't had mad much in the way of schooling; in foster care; a minority in a mostly white school so he's feeling and testing his way around.  Seeing what he can get away with or not.  It's always a roller coaster ride when this kind of kid comes our way. People want to treat him with kid gloves and in a way I understand that but on the other hand...shouldn't he be treated like any other kid...show him what it's REALLY like to be a student...make him feel like someone who doesn't stick out like a sore thumb.  Plus when you treat kids with kid gloves...it can only last so long and then they have shell shock when all of a sudden they're supposed to follow the same rules as everyone else.  Anyway - yesterday went well.

So I think I mentioned yesterday that I got a new kid on my caseload.  He's visually impaired.  Apparently (I haven't met him yet and hopefully he won't start until after the holidays) his right eye - with corrective lenses - at best is 20/200.  At best for his left eye, he can count fingers up to a foot away.  Yowza, right?  So I'm reading his IEP and since 4th grade (he's in 11th now) he's been in 7 schools.  This is his 7th.  Ridiculous!  I keep reading.  As a student with his visual impairment  he gets "orientation and mobility" training.  What this means is that he has someone come to the school once a month, pick him up and they work on getting around independently; taking public transit etc.  So the woman who works with him, as a member of the IEP team has a blurb she's written in the profile.  In it she says that "Mr. Magoo's" main way of getting around is his bike.  Me:  WHAT!?  I continue to read: "When asked what he does when he has to cross an intersection, Mr. Magoo states that he just goes when he thinks it's safe...traffic usually stops."  I was flabbergasted   Is it good parenting to give your blind kid a bike and let him ride it in the STREET!?  It's a wonder this kid hasn't gotten hit and killed. And maybe he's gotten hit...I don't know.  Anyway - I have his intake meeting on Thursday.  Can't wait to meet mom.

So that's about all I've got.  Today should be fairly easy...ooh, and bonus:  one of my bad and crazy kids had to go to WV on a "family emergency"...he'll be gone all week! (I hope it isn't something bad but I'm pretty sure the same thing happened the week of Thanksgiving.) I'm not complaining though...class is so much nicer when he's not there.

K - I'm out...got lots to do today.  Later

Bunnies and Slides

Does a little girl need much more than a slide and her new bunny to go down with her?  I don't think so.  Miss her!

And today starts the final week before break.  I'm so ready.  If I can just get through today and tomorrow - it will be smooth sailing from there.  I did get a new student Friday and I'll need to have an intake meeting this week but that shouldn't be a big deal.  The kid is a junior, out for all classes, but there's some "orientation and mobility" issue.  I don't know what that means.  When I asked FW she said something like, "It simply means goobily gobbily gook."  As though it made perfect sense to her.  Which I bet it didn't because the explanation was weird.  Apparently he has vision issues.

Other than that - I've got nothing.  I did watch the President last night...tough to watch...Jim wanted me to turn it off (it makes him too weepy I think) but I thought it important to pay tribute, no matter how hard it was.  What we feel is nothing compared to what those parents and that community must be dealing with.  I just hope this is a catalyst to change.

K - well I'd better head out...see what's waiting for me at school (not to mention the fact that my computer is acting like a little bitch again...UGH!)  Later!

Hate To Say Goodbye

I wish I could stay another day!  I wish I were on vacation already so I wouldn't have to say bye-bye to Eva.  BUT!  I'll be seeing her in just a few days.  Plus, she didn't get a great nights sleep...I do believe she's got another little cold...stuffy head, runny nose...no one but Mamma will do. 

By the way - here are a few sweet videos to enjoy...the first is actually from our time at PIB in October.

The second is from PIB as well...out on the street enjoying the windy day...remember this was the hurricane on its way.

The third is from the park, yesterday.  Eva sure loves her some slide action.

And some cute pics on the slide.

Climbing...

At the bottom.

So, Maggie is currently making breakfast.  After she finishes with that I'll head to the shower and then probably head home.  I'm thinking about stopping at the outlets...we'll see how traffic looks.  When I drove by Friday morning, it was dead...probably won't be today but I may try it out just to get a few things for Jim. We need a new computer (Lisa - your help will be required) so I think for Christmas we'll only do little things for each other.  I've gotten him a thing or two so I only need a couple more things.

I'll also stop at the store on the way home to get groceries and then I'll be home and just hang with my babies and my hubby...prepare for the week ahead.  Hopefully an easy one.  I need to start making my list for X-mas Eve...my usual: Lasagna, salad etc.

K - well, I think Maggie could use an extra pair of hands with her grumpy baby girl.  Later!

Columbus With Eva

I'm here in Columbus...hanging with the Egberts.  Maggie and I got most French cakes done yesterday but have some to finish along with the Laura Bush and compost cookies to make.  We're going to take a quick walk to the park here in a bit, let Eva play before the rain gets here.  She LOVES the park and I must say, living two doors down from such a nice place is awesome for her.  I'll be sure to get lots of pics while there. 

Until then, however, here's a video for you to enjoy.  It's Eva in her pj's watching Frosty, first thing in the morning.  She likes to have it on in the background, pretty much all the time.

Okay well, I'm going to mosey...get Eva all dressed and bundled up. 

Cookie Extravaganza Weekend!!!

It's HERE!!!  I'm so excited to get my shit together and head out to Columbus!  I feel like the wait time for this weekend dragged on and on and on.  I feel like I haven't seen Eva in weeks; NAY MONTHS!  Even though its only been since Thanksgiving. But!!! Considering over the summer I was seeing her just about every 2 weeks or so - well, you can understand the withdraw I'm suffering.

So my plans:  I'll get up from posting here and make breakfast.  Then I'll pack (no Maggie, I didn't pack last night!  Stop BOTHERING ME!!!).  I'll walk Sami - a short one - and then jump in the shower and jump in my car and GO GO GO!  (Got a new book on CD to listen to and everything! My last one - a Laura Lippman - was really good...I'll post about it next week when I have gobs of time at school).  We'll start making cookies today of course.  We each made a batch of French Cake batter and with our dueling irons we'll crank those out.  We'll also make 3 other type of cookies (I've mentioned them before).  Tonight we're going to Bonefish.  I didn't tell Jim because he'd be jealous.  I'll tell him later and promise to take him over break.  Can't wait though...loves me some Bonefish...bang bang shrimp!  Yummy!

Other than the above, that's about all we plan on...except for a lot of playing and hanging and laughing with Maggie, Charlie, but mostly Eva.  I can't wait to watch Frosty 50 times with her (she's addicted)...I got some new lip smacker too - grape Crush!  I put some on last night before bed and Jim said, "What do you have on your lips?  I can smell it from a mile away."  Hee hee...Eva's going to love it...she'll literally want to eat it up (I won't let her).

And that's about all I've got.  Oh, my IEP went well yesterday.  So happy I got through all 6 without a hiccup.  I scheduled one for January...I'll have one in February; none in March; 1 in April and two exits in May.  YAY!  Oh, well, and of course I'll probably have 2 to write for the kids going to the career center but basically, the hard part is over.  {Deep sigh}

Okay well I best get this party started.  Later all...safe driving to me.  No rain today so that's good.  I'll post from Maggie's with a video or two to whet your Eva whistle...Later!

Awoke With A Sick Feeling

Sick as in scary...not ill.  I had a horrible dream.  Well, I should recant that...I had a dream on the verge of being horrible.  So there I am with Maggie (that's not the horrible, just to clarify), at the mall (again horrible but not what woke me up).  We had just gone in and I realized I had some coupons that I forgot in my car.  So I headed back out to grab them.  As I walked outside, I realized it was starting to pour...for some reason I had a blanket with me so I covered myself with it and ran to my car, which was located on the top deck of a parking garage.  I went to the passenger side of the car, opened the door and grabbed my coupons.  I was just starting to shut the door when I realized the car window was down. And then I heard a male voice say, "Hi".  I turned to the car next to me thinking it was coming from there but it wasn't.  And I turned back around to face my car and there was a man, in my car with my keys...scootching over from the drivers side reaching our for me.  Needless to say I started running and as I ran, I had this horrible feeling spread through my body...a chill of a sort...and it woke me up...it wasn't in my dream.  It was a seriously horrible feeling of dread and maybe adrenalin. So scary.  It took me about 5 minutes to really get my mind and body feeling normal again.  Thank God I fell back to sleep and not back into the dream.  UGH!

In other news:  My meeting for Blondie went fine yesterday.  She did end up attending and it wasn't a big deal but hearing all that crap about herself (she is seriously and anxiety-ridden, mental mess) can't be easy.  Her mother did sort of start in about "certain teachers" not supporting Blondie in a career of her choice and I immediately jumped on her little sneaky comment. (She didn't say it referring directly to me but we all knew she was talking to me.)  I told her simply that it's my job as a teacher to make sure students have all the facts when they are contemplating jobs...understanding what they mean.  I explained that considering Blondie has stated several times she NEVER plans on going to college, being a massage therapist may be more than she can handle.  I stated I never discouraged her but rather tried to inform her of what the preparation would be for such a position (anatomy, physiology, pathology, business courses etc.) and that it isn't just giving a good back rub.  Mom said, "Well, I know that she can do this if she really wants to because we'll be there with her the whole time." I said, "That's great but you can't take the test for her."  Mom, "She can take it 10 times if that's what it takes."  Me, "You're right, she could," and in my mind I'm saying - yeah, that won't frustrate her or anything...God forbid she choose something realistic where she can find success.  But whatever.  After the meeting our school psyche said to me that I handled that really well and most sped teachers don't have the balls to lay it on the line for parents.  I wasn't rude nor disrespectful by the way.

Okay well today will be busy, busy, busy.  I have a 9 AM IEP (I don't know if the parent will show...she's very sick - going through chemotherapy).  After school I need to go to the library, bank and grocery.  I have to cook dinner, make French cake batter and pack.  Can't wait to be at Maggie's!  Can't wait to see EVA!!!

K - I'm out...let's get this day STARTED!!!  Later

Don't You Just Hate It!?

Don't you just hate it when your computer is acting like a little BITCH!?  I don't know if it's because I'm installing updates or maybe because my computer is about 7 years old, which means ANCIENT and just doesn't have the juice anymore!  I SOOOOOO need to get a new one but I'm trying to hold off...who knows why...maybe to win the lottery?  Anyway - this may be a VERY short post if this little f*^ker doesn't get its shit together!

The real reason for this post title is:  Don't you just hate it when you miss a spot shaving?!  I missed a spot on my knee and since I'm wearing a skirt, you KNOW I'm going to be obsessed with it all day long.  I should just go upstairs and shave it when I go finish my toilette.  We'll see...knowing me, I'd hack my knee up and end up with blood all down my leg and in my boot.

So today is Blondie's IEP.  Should be interesting.  It's either going to go off without a hitch or Mom is going to ream me for being mean to her daughter and "picking" on her. Mom's got nearly as many problems as Blondie.  In fact, Blondie's problems started at the same time her mother started having anxiety issues as well.  Hmm...apple...tree...ugh!  I don't know if Blondie will be at the meeting.  My hope is NOT!  It isn't that I don't want to go over the IEP with her there it's just she twists everything and she won't understand all the stuff being said and I'm sure she'll start boo hoo-ing.  UGH! UGH!  Oh well, I'm a professional...I'll deal with whatever comes my way.

And that's about all I've got.  Jim got in trouble this morning because he didn't press the button for the coffee timer (even after I asked him when he came to bed last night) AND!!!  Worst of all, he left the tree on!  We could have gone up in flames!  He's in trouble!  I mean, how do you forget to turn off the glaring lights on the TREE that's in the middle (well, corner) of the family room.  My husband is not a smart man!  (That was said with a Forest Gump accent..."I am not a smart man JE-NAY!")

K - well, I best head out.  I got a new student in my 1st period class and need to get a binder for LA all ready for him.  Annnnnnddddd...I'm out!  Later

Little Time

Not much time to post...I have a 7 AM IEP meeting and need to make copies, get stuff together for the sub, and much more, I'm sure.  I need to stop offering 7 AM meetings to the parents...starts my day off too rushed.  Of course it's nice when it's out of the way.

Had a crazy dream that Maggie lived in a jungle and she had all these wild pets.  Like a panther that just roamed her home. There was a lion too but she didn't let him in the house.  He kept coming in though and cornering me in the kitchen (well, what passed for a kitchen...she lived in a shack).  Maggie would walk in and have to shoo him out.  It was quite disturbing.

And that's all we have time for.  I'm really enjoying my new book - Anna Karenina...I haven't had time to update my blog.  I'll probably do that during exam week when I have endless hours to waste.  I actually look forward to that.

K - I'm out.  Need to wake Jim up...his breakfast is sitting her getting cold.  He's so lazy!  K - I'm out...later!

A Little Too Much Christmas Cheer!

So I apologize for being such a slacker this weekend.  Yesterday, it was a tough day for me to get off the couch.  See, Jim and I went to Terri's on Saturday for her 13th annual tree decorating party.  I always say I'm not going to get too in my cups but for some reason, that never seems to stick once I get there.  It also didn't help that someone was feeding me shots of limoncello...oh boy.  It's no wonder half the party ended up in the basement dancing to 80s music.  I felt great...didn't get sick (bonus) but yesterday morning was ROUGH.  I had to send Jim out to get me a Big Boy and fries.  It hit the spot and started me on my recovery but I felt hungry about a half hour later.  By dinner time I was feeling fine - not hung over any more. I think next year I'll make a commitment to get WASTED and maybe then I'll do the opposite!  UGH!

So this week starts my final week of IEPs for the year (not school year, just 2012).  But after these three, I'll only have 4 left.  I only have one more to complete...it's mostly written, just have to tweak the goals.  Wish me luck with Blondie's IEP...who knows if her mother is going to give me shit or not.  Dread.

I'll be headed to Columbus Friday (cough cough...starting to feel a little sick - knock on wood) for our annual cookie making fiesta!  I plan on leaving, probably just after rush hour...get there in time for lunch.  And the we will bake the weekend away.  Can't wait!  Can't wait to see Eva! We're planning on making four types of cookies...We'll each make our own batch of French cakes (I'll make my batter Thursday), compost cookies (that's a new one), Laura Bush Cowboy Cookies and peanut blossoms.  YUM!

And that's about all I have.  Hope everyone has a good week.  Get better soon Lisa.  All will be well at school.  K - later!

The Saga That Is Bubba - Chapter 17

I feel like with all the crazy shit that Bubba's been through in the past, probably 5 years, this must be chapter 17, at least.  The latest is the same old, same old:  His skin.  The positive thing here is he isn't itchy.  His ears aren't a problem.  He's just getting patchy again.  And being on prednisone for two months is starting to take it's toll on his kidney's I think...poor fella can't hold his water like he used to...in the last 3 days, he's had 2 accidents and that has NEVER happened.  I'm going to have to start putting the water up while we're gone...or at least 2 of the five bowls we have stashed around the house.  Ugh...poor guy.  The doc wants to do a biopsy to see what's going on with him...see if there's something other than what we've been treating him for.  He's not thinking cancer which is a relief.  Who knows what this will cost - ugh x two!

So after that sucky bit of info - how about a little Eva!?

Here she is enjoying some sausage.  A baby girl sure does love her some sausages! (Check out that shaggy do!)

And here's a sweet girl watching Frosty...Maggie says that anytime she turns on the TV in the den (now "Eva's room), she points to the Frosty box and gets pissed if Maggie doesn't turn it on.  Love that!

Funny story about the sweater Eva has on.  Maggie went to give Eva lunch yesterday and she didn't want Eva getting her sweater all mussed up so she took it off, draped it on a chair and put Eva in her highchair.  Eva proceeded to get all uptight and pissed and started whining and crying.  So Maggie took her out - thinking Eva was going to want the sweater back on...Nope.  Eva has inherited her mother's OCD and grabbed the sweater, ran into her room and put it away.  Oh, and later in the day, Maggie had vacuumed and when she put the vacuum away, Eva cried.  I'm definitely buying her a toy vacuum for Christmas.

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

My Boulder Holder Broke!

So there I am...getting dressed this morning (sorry for the scary early-morning pic you're now stuck with in your head).  I've got my skivvies on, my brar, my shirt and I'm putting on my boot socks.  Suddenly, SNAP!!!  My under"wire" breaks.  I, of course, didn't realize that at first.  My first thought after, "What the hell?!" was, "Did I just fart?"  Then I thought, "No, I felt that a bit north of a toot."  Then I thought, "Oh God, this is what a heart attack feels like!"  (All this in a split second.) Then I feel my right boob and realize, "Well SHIT!  My boulders were too much for my holder!"  Stupid cheap brars! I had to then go hunt down another bra and change.  I could have left the broken one on but my right boob was sagging rather noticeably compared to the sag in my left boob (this would make a great movie...we could call it, "My Right Boob").

And that's about the most exciting thing going on right now.  Though, Maggie did send me a cute pic of Eva's new advent calendar.  How sweet is that!?  It's hard to see but notice at the bottom, her name "Eva Rae"...she'll have that the rest of her life!  I just love it!  Maggie - for next year, you should fill each one with a Christmas book - maybe it isn't big enough but you could wrap them with numbers for each day.  You can start collecting them now, save up 25...I saw a girl who did this...cost her all of about $5...stop by garage sales or such.

And that's about all I've got.  Oh, my IEP with my autistic girl was good.  No worries.  The mother is very happy with how things are going with her daughter.

I've started putting together my semester exams.  I'll start reviewing with the kids next week I think.  Should be a joy...dread!

K - I best motor...need to stop at Kroger before school...need some Pringles for my lunch.  K - later!

Oh, One More Thing

I posted below but keep forgetting I have a cute pic from Maggie of a little girl collecting leaves...loves me a leaf-collector! Lovin' the side pony as well on top of her head!

No Shows

I love it when parents don't show for IEP meetings...even after reminders and constant hounding (from them) about making sure their kid is doing well.  And I wasn't surprised that "Angel" called an hour and 15 minutes before our meeting yesterday to say she wanted to "reschedule".  Considering "Elvis" (student) wasn't there yesterday, I knew she wouldn't make it.  Not a big deal either...I just go on with the meeting and send the document home for review and signature.  Of course it's never that easy.  Why?  Well, I get an email at 11:45 from the school secretary saying mom called, can't make it and call to reschedule.  So I email back and say I'm going on with the IEP.  I then get a return email from my VP saying, "Please don't go on with IEP unless you have consent from parent.  This is a problem parent that I dealt with a couple summers ago and she can cause problems."  I then emailed back and said, "Actually - according to the law - I have to have the meeting by a certain date, otherwise we will be out of compliance.  I've already called and left a message for mom to explain it all," (of course she wasn't home and of course the number I had for her cell was no longer in service.) I went on to say that the mother and I are in constant contact, she loves me and it shouldn't be an issue.  I then get a reply from him saying, "Okay...no problem.  I just thought that meetings were supposed to be scheduled and if a parent couldn't make that time, there should be some flexibility."  ARE YOU KIDDING ME!?  First of all dude!  What the F*%K do you know about it?  You have no idea how or when I made the meeting.  In fact, I made the meeting on 11/12.  I gave the mother a time frame of 2 weeks to choose from.  I told her anytime between 7AM and 1:30 PM.  SHE chose the date!  And time! Of course I didn't reply that, I just let him go on with his erroneous thinking.  UGH!  Stupid no-nothings!

Oh, and I don't know how VP could know this parent...I'm pretty sure Elvis is her only kid.  They only moved into the district last year and why would it be you dealt with her in the summer?  I think he may be mistaken for who this parent is.

So, my IEP today is for my autistic girl.  I love her.  She's pretty funny.  She is your typical autistic kid who is a complete and literal thinker.  She says to me all the time, "Mrs. HANKE!!!  I don't understand idioms!"  And I always reply, "That's why I use them so much with you goof!"  She always asks what they mean so I figure, the more I use them, the better she'll understand.  She's also a loud talker which can be pretty funny but often jarring.  I often have to tell her to use her inside voice.  She is also a "champion" to anyone she thinks is being treated unfairly which, considering her inability to read social situations and get sarcasm, is nearly everyone she's surrounded by.  But she's good-natured and sweet.  I sent a draft of the IEP home so hopefully the meeting will be short and sweet.

In other news...I got nothing.  Jim's going Christmas shopping after work tonight so it'll be leftovers for me.  For once, he's not waiting until Christmas Eve.  Is my boy on the ball or what?  I mean, shit, it only took me 12 years!  I'm sure this is just a one time deal though.

Oh, Blondie wasn't at school yesterday.  I'm sure I'm to blame somehow.  UGH!  She'll come today and be a basket of nerves because she missed work, a test in science and is supposed to take a test in World History.  I'll go easy on her.  I won't tell her I'll kill her...maybe just maim.

K - well, I best head out...get to school early and get my shit together.  Later! Happy humpday!

One Down...

...5 more to go.  IEPs that is.  I have the 7th one in the works for scheduling (parent doesn't seem to want to email back to set a date/time) but that will be after the holidays.  I have all but one complete.  The one I had yesterday went well.  I was done with my part in 15 minutes but the school psyche was there and had to talk about the re-eval.  Funny side note here:  The parents, after their daughter graduates plan on moving to Florida so they can open a gator farm.  When they said that, the school psyche said, "I'm sorry.  Did you just say 'gator farm'?"  It was funny.  Who knew that was a real thing?  Who knew someone would actually have that "dream"?  Not my dream.  Gators sort of freak me out.

In other school/crazy student news, Blondie has gone over the deep end.  You will recall that Blondie is my anxiety ridden, koo koo student that will ask me the same question 15 times.  Every other phrase out of her mouth is "I'm confused" when really what she's looking for is someone to hold her hand, tell her all the answers to every question she has and solve all her problems. Frustrating.  Apparently, over the weekend, she perseverated on how mean I am, how I pick on her and how I made fun of her "career choices".  (BTW her career choices are: Wedding planner or massage therapist OR!!!  Marketing - by which she means stocking shelves at Target...her words/explanation, not mine). Long story but I got called into the office yesterday because upon arriving to school, Blondie proceeded straight to the office to "tell" on me.  The principal wanted the three of us to sit down together and hash this all out.  After explaining the circumstances and stating that a conversation like that would just feed the crazy, my VP seemed to understand what was going on and I was able to go back and do my job.  This chick needs mental help.  UGH!

Okay well, that's about all I've got for now.  Nothing major happening here in the homestead.  Watched Walking Dead last night.  That show gets me so rattled and apoplectic!  I'm going to keel one of these days while watching because I get so verklempt...ugh!  How am I going to wait until February to feel that way again (mid-season hiatus...and when did that become a thing...bullshit!)

K - I'm out...should head to work.  My IEP today is with "Angel" (the mother).  Son, my student:  Good kid.  Should be interesting as "Angel" tells me nearly every time I talk to her that son's dad was murdered and she got son taken away from her for a couple years in Florida for shop lifting.  Oh, and she's going through Chemo apparently...she told me this on the phone the last time I talked to her...after she had just lit a cigarette...or maybe it was a doobie...you know, medical marijuana.  (Huh, "doobie" came up spelled wrong...why isn't "doobie" in the dictionary!?)

K - now I'm out...later!

This Isn't Winter Weather!

69 degrees today!  Really!?  This doesn't make me happy.  I don't like this back and forth shit!  And to top it all off?  When I sat down to post here, what should be sitting there ON my computer to greet me?  A FREAKIN' STINK BUG!  MOTHER EFF!  That just pisses me off and gets my Monday morning off to a crappy start!

K - I'm better now.

So I think we have a ghost in our house.  That or my husband is a dumb ass.  Or maybe I am.  Hmm...I wonder which one it could be!  Definitely Jim! Anyway - last night I go upstairs to hit the sack. Well, first I took a bath, then I climbed in bed to watch a bit of the television.  So I go to climb in and I can't find the remote.  Usually, I fall asleep before Jim (which I did on Saturday night) and he puts the remote above his head on the headboard.  It's not there.  So I yell down..."Jim!!!  JIM!!!" (he's deaf, ya know) "I can't find the remote."  Jim:  "Oh, yeah, it dropped down behind the headboard last night...I heard it...it's on the floor under the bed probably."  So I look and it isn't there.  I search between the mattress and the frame...nothing.  I call down that I can't find it.  So Jim comes up and we look, and we look and we pull the mattress off and we undo covers and search in the pillows and nothing.  Nada.  It is GONE!  So I find an old remote and use that.  Fast forward about 20 minutes.  Jim and I are laying bed, watching something...can't remember what...not porn. Anyway - I go to hand him the remote because I'm going to go to sleep and my hand hits something hard (and not the good "something hard").  On top of the comforter, we have an extra blanket and the remote is nestled between those two things.  DAMN IT!  I think it's a ghost!  Cause I know I'm not a dumb ass and wouldn't I be a dumb ass if I married a dumb ass!?  On the other hand! I thought you "heard" it drop down behind the bed, JIM!  Yup, Jim = dumb ass!

Okay well, I best head off.  I have 3 IEPs this week and should get to school to dot all my "i's" and cross all my "t's".  K - later!

Ohhhhh, The Weather Outside Is Frightful

It is NASTY out!  It is pouring, not just cats and dogs but cougars and hyenas! I haven't seen any yet but there are supposedly flashes of lightening in the tri-state area!  Yowza.  A good day for putting up the tree and hunkering down with a good book (Anna Karenina is proving to be just that) and chillin'.  Poor Sami, however, may not get her 2 miles in, which means Muir won't get in her two miles.  I've walked two miles every day since Nov. 16th...that's pretty good.  If there's a break in this crap, I'll head out.  I'll walk in the rain but not in lightening.  You know God is just looking for an opportunity with me and I can't give it to Him so easily...he's going to have to work for it (knock on wood).

So yesterday was productive.  Jim cleaned. I shopped (grocery).  We got our tree AND!!!  We got a new grill.  Bonus too, we bought Lowes gift cards at Kroger before purchasing said tree and grill...quadruple points until December 7th.  We also spent some quality time with our local bartender at Shooters.  Got some much needed MegaTouch time in as well.

And as I'm sure you expected  there was a bit of drama with the grill.  Really, anytime Jim is involved in putting something together, there's bound to be drama. So, here's the story:  We got our grill.  I knew what I wanted and bing bang boom, in no time at all we had bought and loaded it into the car.  On the way home, I told Jim, "There will be some assembly required here and I'M IN CHARGE!  You are just my bitch!  If I need you to hold something or help in that capacity, you are at my beck and call. That's it!"  Jim was in agreement.  (I should always be suspicious of him when he agrees so readily...from here on out, I know).  So we get home and Jim immediately starts trying to take over.  I said, "Um, why don't you go get a Philips screwdriver."  Of course he comes out with a Philips, a flat head, his drill and a socket wrench.  Me: "We don't need all that."  But Jim doesn't listen.  So there were a couple of minor tiffs in the beginning and I kept reminding him, "Just do what I ask."  And then we get to the part where the wheels are put on...I haven't even finished reading the instructions and he's already using the socket wrench to tighten the nut.  And what do you know, as I'm saying, "You don't need to tighten it so..." SNAP!  He snaps the damn thing in half!  He broke my F*%KING GRILL!  Can you imagine how pissed I was?!  After a dressing down (he's lucky I didn't smack him upside the head, kick him in the nut and elbow him in the larynx) Jim slunked off the deck, with his tail between his legs and his head down.  Why does he have to ALWAYS try and take over.  He thinks I'm a complete F%*KING MORON!  I wanted to do the damn thing because every time he does a job like that, he ends up cursing up a storm and getting all bent out of shape.  I should have known he'd manage to do that to me!  In the end, we managed to rig the wheel and our grill is AWESOME!  And Jim didn't get kicked out but it was close.

So that's all I've got.  Dinner tonight will be Cincinnati Chicken Chili...yum!  Bengals at 4PM...three IEPs this week...all written.  And...I'm out...later!