Can't Believe It's Nearly July!

It's scaring me how fast this summer is already going.  UGH!  I need to remember to just enjoy every little minute and do as much as I can before it flies by.  At least I still have this weekend ahead of me (headed to Columbus and it's supposed to be beautiful) and then PIB in mid-July while Trip is there.

With that said, what are my plans today?  Well, I'll walk Sami in a bit and then I'd like to go for another bike ride.  I really enjoyed myself yesterday and want to do it again even with Jim at work.  I think today, I'll start my ride in Loveland and go to Kings Mills (yesterday we went from Kings Mills to Morrow).  That will be about a 10 mile ride, same as yesterday.  It was actually an easy ride - not too hilly and I didn't overdo it but it's great scenery and I still sweat my ass off.  From there, I'll come home, shower and then head to Costco.  Beyond that?  Not sure.  It isn't supposed to be very nice today so I'll probably just finish trimming up my quilting pieces for Maggie's quilt so that I can start sewing it all together.  Exciting, huh?

What else?  Nothing.  Another special board meeting is set for tomorrow at my school.  They'll just be approving the interim superintendent contract.  I hate that we'll have this interim dude because he really scares me with his views on collective bargaining but I'll keep trying to project positive thinking and hope that he doesn't mess up our district too badly.

Okay...and that's all I have.  Best mosey.  Happy Monday!

Test Ride!

Just a quickie...Jim and I will head down to the trail (Loveland Bike Trail) here in a bit to take a quick ride - to Morrow and back...it will be about a 10 mile or so ride.  I know that's not very far but Muir hasn't been on a bike for a long time and I don't want to overdo it...and get stuck.  Plus it's muggy as hell and there's no telling how many buckets of sweat I'll be down.  If all goes well, our next trek will take us to Lebanon and back and the from there...who knows.

Yesterday we fun, fun, fun.  Pretty much we spent the whole day in the pool playing volleyball.  My team won all games...of course!  After cake, Trip, Susan, J.J., Jim and I went to the Greyhound Tavern in KY...loved it.  Great, homey, comfort food.  YUM!

And that's about all I've got.  Best go make a quick breakfast, get dressed and go before the weather turns too muggy and thick.  Later.  Happy Sunday!

Happy Birthday MOM!!!

Happy birthday to my Mom!  Love you lots!  Hope your day is terrific!

Today is pool day at Raeburn.  Woot!  Can't wait to hang in the pool all day...too bad the weather isn't terrific but alas, who care...a day of relaxation...can't complain. 

Okay - I'm showered fed and walked.  Just need to get the pool bag together and get dressed.  Happy Saturday to all.  Later!

Samsung Snafus

My new TV...she's so pretty but she's a pain in the ass.  Jim and I managed to get the armoire taken apart and set up, the wall mount installed and the TV connected in just about 2 hours but it took until 10 minutes ago for me to get the cable remote to work.  Not to mention the settings on the TV were causing the picture to dim (some sort of eco saving bullshit) and I can't tell you how much that pissed me off last night.  I almost started crying from frustration! Additionally, I think I need different cables for connecting the cable, Wii and DVD so I'll be heading to Best Buy here in a bit to purchase those. I hope someone there can help me. I'd also like to get my Sony home theatre system set up to it but we'll see how savvy I want/can be without wanting to throw a hammer through the wall today. 

In terms of the armoire - I'm not thrilled with how it looks having just the bottom.  It just seems way too big (you can't tell from the picture).  I've decided to live with it for a while to see if I just need to adjust.  It may just need to be replaced with a console that has less depth.  We'll see.  (Diane, when you come stay with Sami, you can tell me what you think...be honest to, it won't hurt my feelings.)

And that's about all I've got.  Sami's walked, I'm fed; Jim's gone to work and so I think I'll get ready and head out.  Happy Friday!  Later!

New TV

This will be quick because I need to jump in the shower so that I can go buy a new TV and be home to lay out.  I'm so excited!  I'm getting the Samsung 60"...it's going to be ginormous but I think it will fit well in my family room since it's a rather large space.  We'll take the top of the armoir down and mount it on the wall.  I'm most likely going to get a mount that can move in all directions rather than one that just tilts up or down. I can't wait to get this thing bought and set up so that I can play with it! It comes with some cool apps and accessories! Sucks that I'll have to wait for Jimmy to come home to do that but alas, I'm not Wonder Woman...contrary to what you all think.

In other news - got my teaching schedule for next year and guess what?!  It was all messed up.  HH had me co-teaching English 11 with the one teacher I said wouldn't need a co-teacher.  Additionally, I told the knumskulls that co-teaching as well as teaching my 3 pull-out classes would only leave me with 2 study halls and that wasn't enough to properly serve my 17 kids.  I immediately emailed FW who emailed back and said that wasn't right, she called me and long story short - it's all fixed. Can you believe that?  Positive thinking...that's what I attribute it to. See, after emailing her, I just kept thinking to myself, "No big deal...if your schedule stays the same, you'll get through it just like you always do." And what do you know...flies, honey and all that jazz.

Okay well, I'm out...should be a good day:  New TV, sunny, Green Bean Delivery, TV and I'm getting a new TV! WOOT!  I'll take a picture when it's all mounted and set up! Cause I know you all just can't wait to see it! Later!

Someone Up There Must Be Listening (A Little At Least)

We have a new principal at my high school and THANK YOU JESUS it IS NOT our assistant principal. No offense to him but he can't do his own job...how the hell would he have been able to do this one?  The board voted 5-0 to hire the principal from Hamilton High School.  Hopefully he won't be a pain in my ass and will be a fair and supportive administrator.  Sure wish I knew someone from Hamilton to get some scoop on this guy but really, I'd rather figure out the type of person he is for myself rather than hear rumors. Rumors just cause fear and confusion.

Additionally, the board also approved to reinstate the interim superintendent that they rescinded last week.  Ridiculous but again, we will hopefully power through and he'll be gone in a year.  My biggest issues with this guy:  A) He is not healthy, has massive heart issues and the board has already put  a plan into place for when he cannot "serve" his position. Why would you hire someone that can't do his job?  B) This guy is as smarmy as they come...wears sun glasses ALL THE TIME and is a glad handing, baby-kissing schmoozer (and not the good kind...is there a good kind?) C) I love that they keep mentioning that he only took the job for a salary of $1...um...do you really think that he's not getting benefits?  Insurance?  You think this is costing the district ONLY $1?!  Dumb people D) He was very outspoken about his support of SB5 - the bill that threatened to break the unions and reduce teachers pay (basically). Not looking forward to this guy running the district and having to possibly negotiate a contract with this guy.  UGH! 

In addition, the board last night hired a Junior High principal (a woman from Mason). 

Now, enough school news.  What do I plan to do today?  Well, I need to make the breakfast burritos.  I didn't do it yesterday because I forgot to buy all the ingredients but I've adjusted my recipe so I'll just make them with what I have today.  I'll also mow the back yard...hopefully the buckets of rain that fell last night didn't leave the yard too swamped.  I doubt it as it was very dry.  And I'll probably do some quilting.  I need to do some pricing of TVs as well...planning on a new one for the family room...something large!  At least 50 inches...probably a 60 if I can find one affordable and with good reviews.

And that's it...best mosey...Sami is mean muggin me...I think she wants to go on a walk.  Later!

A Busy - What Day Is It? - Oh, Right...Tuesday

I'm so confused as to what day it is but I guess those are the "drawbacks" to being on vacation.  I guess I can also expect this to be the case until approximately August 16th. 

Can I just tell you how comfortable my bed is?  I love PIB but truly, the beds up there are probably as old as the hills and holy shizz does my back feel it after a week. (My bed needs replacing as well but it's only 10 years old where as the mattresses at PIB are at LEAST 25!)

So Jim and I had such a good time at PIB.  I won't bore you with all the details since most of what we did was posted on Facebook, however, the highlights were (in no particular order): My trip on the wave runner around the island; the trek to the top of the monument; hanging out with the neighbors; Eva!!!  Makes me sad to be away from the Bay and I hope that I can get up again in July when Trip is up there.  We'll see. 

Plans today?  Lots of "housekeeping" to do.  Actually, my house is nice and clean so I don't have to worry about that but my cupboards are empty.  I will head to the grocery today and then do a bunch of cooking.  I need to make more breakfast burritos for Jimmy and I'll also make some chicken burritos to freeze in the slow cooker so he'll have lunch to take. (I don't tend to have a ton of leftovers in the summer since I grill so much.) I'll also take Sami for a nice, long walk.  I'd like to do some biking too but we'll see.  The yard needs mowing...I may get to the front yard today but will probably wait to cut the back until tomorrow. 

God my life is exciting.

And that's all I've got.  Now it's time to sip so more of my delicious coffee.  Later

Away From Home

You know I'm not at home and I didn't go to the board meeting tonight so I don't know everything that happened but I am friends with some who are in precarious positions at school and it concerns me.  Why? Because, these so called troublemakers are on the outs (in terms of staff) because they've had to deal with some shit that the administration has dealt them and rather than sit back and eat shit they've decided to shovel it back at the "Powers that be".  Unfortunately, some have turned their backs on these good teachers rather than standing up for what is right simply because they are either afraid of the majority rule or because they are in fact unprofessional and can't separate friend from boss.  In fact, there should never be a time when the line between boss and friend is blurred but in my district, for the past eight years, that has been the case. From here on out, I hope this changes in my district   I want to look on my "leader" from here on out with the knowledge that he or she has my back no matter what...not because I'm his or her friend but because he or she is a professional and it's the right thing to do. But who am I kidding? This is education and everything is in fact political.

Last Minute Stuff

Sami walked - check
Breakfast eaten - check
Lawn mowed - check
Dry goods packed in car - check
Muir packed - check
Jim packed - check (took him an hour and a half just to pack...I was able to pack the car, pack my clothes and mow the back yard in the time it took him.  How did I end up with this guy!?)

Jim is now headed next door to complete his painting.  I'll sit and relax for a bit here before laying out.  We'll eat out tonight - Mexican...I've been jonesing hard - because I don't feel like cooking.  Tomorrow we'll get up around 4:00 (if last night is any indication of how I'll sleep, I'll probably be up by 3:00) and be on the road by 5:00 - hoping to catch the 9:00 ferry.  I plan on unpacking the car and heading immediately to Frosty's for breakfast and a delicious mimosa. 

Sami is starting to worry, it seems.  I keep telling her that she's going but she won't believe me until we're all in the car together.  I hope she has a good time.

And that's all I've got.  I may or may not post while at the Bay - I'm not taking my computer so it'll be short and sweet from my Kindle.  I'll definitely post on Facebook, however.  Oh, and the Egberts will be up on Wednesday!  Woot!

Oh, and happy Father's Day to my Dad and Richard! 

K - happy Saturday and safe travels to me.  Later!

Jobs

Cleaning - Check
Laundry - Check
Sami walked - Check
Sitting on my ass - check

I just need to get to the grocery to get a few forgotten items and head to the liquor store.  I think I'll do that after posting here, just to get it out of the way.  After that, I'll probably start organizing my packing. I'm going to be very thrifty in what I take to PIB this time around...I mean, what, besides a few pairs of comfy shorts, tank tops, bathing suits, a couple sweatshirts and a pair of flip flops are needed?  Oh, and my sneakers. There's laundry there so why go all cray cray?!  No one cares what I look like - although we all know I'm always looking my very best! I'll tell you, more than me, Jim is the over packing maniac.  He tries to pack all his baseball gloves and backgammon set and flashlight.  As though we don't have flashlights up there. And like we ever play backgammon.  Talking of cray cray!

In other news - how cute is a girl in her boots?! Man I love her. However, she's still talking about me stealing her binkie's.  If you're unaware, she must have had a dream where I took her pink binkie because every time she wakes up she talks about it. When we were in PIB last week, she kept saying to Maggie (while giving me the stink eye), "Remember when Muwee took my pink binkie?"  So...I went to Target yesterday and purchased TWO brand new beautiful binkie's for that little liar...I mean that imaginative little dreamer.  Hee hee.

Okay, well - guess I should go purchase the liquor.  I'll get Jimmy a froo froo flavor and some spiced rum.  YUMMY!  May have to purchase an extra bottle for home. 

Happy Friday the 13th...ooh...scary.  Later!

Taking It Slow

My book is so good!  I'm trying to take it slow so that I don't rush through my 800 and some pages and miss something. Of course I'll read it over again and listen to it (the reader of these books is amazing) but for now, I just need to take it slow and enjoy every word. 

So today will be busy, busy, busy.  I'll motivate here in a bit to get Sami walked so that I can do my major shops.  I need to go to Target, Costco and Kroger.  I'll also do all my meat prep for PIB - making burgers, marinating - as well as gathering all groceries for packing.  I need to make smoothie bags as well and get laundry done.  Cleaning will most likely take place tomorrow unless I get my "jobs" done in a timely manner today and still feel motivated.  Not sure that will happen.

In back news:  I've been having weird back issues.  To preface, I never have back issues.  The only time I've ever had a sore back was from a new workout or working in the yard (splitting wood).  Recently, however, I've had this weird pain...an ache really and it's very isolated...only in one specific spot, right on my spine.  Originally it was mid-way down but yesterday, the base of my back hurt.  It isn't anything that is debilitating, doesn't keep me from walking or doing anything, but just sort of aches when I arch and press on it.  We'll see how long this keeps up.  Maybe I just need a new mattress...which I do...just one more thing to add to the list.

Lets see...what am I going to have for dinner tonight?  UGH!  I'll probably just grill something...maybe pork. 

OMG!  Is it Thursday!?  HOT DAMN!!!  My Green Bean Delivery comes today!  I'm so excited!  I know you all must be too since I've been talking and talking about it!  I changed my order up a bit.  I'm getting potatoes, corn, green beans, lettuce, a cucumber, an onion, squash, a tomato, strawberries, grapes, raspberries, and bananas. And my bin is only $20 today since I'm a new customer and used a coupon code. Woot!  Most of these things will go to PIB with me.  It's going to be like Christmas today! 

K - well, I'd best mosey.  Later!

Moist

I hate that word...truly...it just puts disgusting things in my mind.  However, there is no better word to describe the air surrounding this city currently.  It's NASTY humid and damp and there isn't a break in our future until about Friday.  UGH!  Can I just say I can't WAIT to get to PIB!?  My hope is that A) it's beautiful while there and B) we have windy days. 

Speaking of words people hate, I did a little "research" on the most hated/annoying words and according to the Huffington Post, they are:

1. Literally (I kind of get that because people don't use it correctly.  For instance:  I literally DIED when I saw the news...and yet here I am talking to you...huh, maybe I don't have a clear understanding of what literally means.  Literally, however, is a great word when you use it with an English accent.  Try it...cause that won't get annoying to others.)
2. Moist (How did this only make #2?  Why not number 1?)
3. Panties (I think that word might be about #3 on my favorite words.  What's wrong with panties?  For example: Jim, don't get your panties in a bunch.)
4. Foodie (Pretentious...yeah, I get it)
5. Alright. (I get this...kind of...as an English major.  See, I was always taught that this wasn't a word but somehow, it has become part of the vernacular of the American English language.)
6. Curate (huh?  Who uses the word "curate"...oh, wait, apparently Twitter people - Tweeters - use this word...since I don't tweet or have anything to do with museums, okay).
7. Zeitgeist (again - pretentious...people who use it use it to sound smart, which by the way doesn't make you sound smart).
8. Impactful (who cares?)
9. Paradigm (I actually like this word because many people don't know how to pronounce it).

And here are some words that are often pronounced wrong that drive me crazy:

1. Ec-cetera instead of Etcetera!  ARG!!! (HH does this but YAY, he's gone, won't have to hear that anymore).
2. Supposbly - um, how do people NOT know that's wrong?!
3. Irregardless (Really!?  One of our guidance counselors says this...an educator! UGH!)
4. Brang - BRANG ISN'T A WORD!!!

Many more I'm sure but my fingers are tired now. 

K - I best mosey and do something...maybe sew.  Later!

Written In My Heart's Own Blood

It's rare that a new book comes out that has me giddy.  Harry Potter was one such example and the Outlander series is the other.  The eighth book of the latter by Diana Gabaldon has been released today and should be in my mailbox at some point.  I can't WAIT!!!  It makes me so happy.  Just under 900 pages I can't tell you how happy I am.  I wish it were longer as it takes her years to write these tomes but alas, I'll just be happy with what I'm given. 

BTW - I just finished the latest Sue Monk Kidd novel (she wrote Secret Life of Bees) and it was very good. I'll update my book blog after I finish this.  Interestingly her book - The Invention of Wings - is based on real people.  I highly recommend.

I've begun my prep work for PIB.  Yesterday I made my menu for the week as well as started my list for the grocery.  I'll do my best to do all prep work beforehand (making burgers and freezing, marinating meat) so that I won't have to take as much in terms of groceries.  I'll do my major shop on Thursday I believe (Costco and Kroger) and clean and do laundry throughout this week.

Oh, bonus: Maggie, Charlie and Eva will join us either Wednesday or Thursday and stay for the weekend.  YAY!

Lets see...what else...it's raining.  I won't get my full workout in today with Sami but I'll get on my treadmill or recumbent bike.  Exciting, huh? 

And that's about all I've got.  I guess I'll get up and start my day.  Later!

My First Bike Ride

I've been quite productive already today and am ready for the rest of my Sunday to be lazy relaxed. I got up way too early for my liking (6:30), made breakfast (sipped a mimosa), walked Sami and then took my new bike for a spin.  I only went about 4 miles but for this out of shape girl (walking every day doesn't prepare a body for longevity on a bike) that's a good start.  If I walk Sami her two miles every day and then do a short ride on my bike, that's pretty good, right? 

Last night didn't quite end up like we had planned.  Most of the neighbors pussed out on our cookout so Jim and I just went next door to eat.  We all chit chatted for a bit  and then forced coerced our other neighbors to bring their meal over and eat with us. They're going through a bit of "stuff" and needed to just relax and take a break from the stresses of their lives. 

Jim had worked all day long and was exhausted so we came home and went to bed around 8:30.  Apparently, after we left, there was some drama with the contractors that are retiling the neighbors bathroom and this morning, the cops are here taking a report.  These contractors basically started work on the bathroom without a contract and without giving a solid figure for the cost.  They are trying to charge them $1700 just to tear the old tile out.  They're saying that it was for 4 guys working 26 hours.  First of all, they only tore our on Friday so how was that 26 hours and secondly, 4 guys wouldn't even fit in that bathroom.  Additionally, when I was out mowing the lawn on Friday, two guys were standing in the driveway yuckin' it up for the whole time.  Was that part of the 26 hours? Should be interesting to see where this all goes.  The contractors were told by my neighbor to get their equipment out of their garage by 9:00 this morning or it would go out to the curb.  Being Sunday and garbage night, the pickers will pick that crap up in a hot minute. 

And that's about all I've got.  I'm currently watching the French open.  Go Nadal.  K - happy Sunday...later!

Mom's Gone

Mom and Richard left early...before 8:00 AM. I know they were anxious to get home and get Baxter.  We had a nice time last night...dinner, talking, TV watching and then bed. And there may have been a glass or three or five of wine.

This morning I've walked Sami and eaten breakfast.  Jimmy was up and next door painting around 7:00.  They're listing the house on Monday so he's in a mad rush to get the front painted where they repaneled the chimney...it was in disrepair from birds and raccoons.

After typing this, I'll do a quick clean - vacuuming - and start laundry.  Then it will be time to mow the back yard.  I got the front yesterday but the back was still too wet.  It might still be a bit too damp but it's soooo long I can't wait anymore. After that I'll probably read, lay out and chill.

Tonight was the night that all the neighbors were supposed to go to the Lager House but of course, none could pull it together to make it happen.  Instead, we'll do a cook out in the circle.  That's fine with me especially since I'm sure Jim will be EXHAUSTED after working all day in the sun. I'll do metts and brats and make a tomato, mozzarella, basil salad.  Maybe some potatoes...who knows. 

And that's all I've got.  Guess I should do a quick clean and then get my mow on.  Later!

UPDATE:  Interesting stuff happening at my school.  They've recently posted a new board agenda for a special board meeting set for June 10th to A) discuss rescinding the appointment of the interim superintendent and B) to put the principal from the JH in as assistant superintendent.  Fingers crossed that this all has a good outcome. 

Home Feels Good

I miss the Bay (it was so beautiful when we left which always makes it a little harder) but my bed is always nice too.  I felt like I hadn't slept in it in forever and I slept like a dream last night.

I arrived home yesterday around 4:00 and immediately changed so that I could take Sami for a nice romp.  She only got a mile in but I promised that today would be her full 2 miles.  After that I did some unpacking, dinner prep and then settled in with a beer before Jimmy got home.  We had a quick dinner and then he headed next door to do some painting.  I took a nice hot bath and read my book (reading Sue Monk Kidd's Invention of Wings and it is SOOO good!) before falling asleep. 

My plans today: My neighbor sold me her bike (she bought a new one and was getting rid of her in-perfect-condition Schwinn) so I need to go out to get a bike helmet. I'm excited to head down to the trail and ride.  I'm thinking a helmet with cat or dog ears on it like the little girl next door has...or maybe a tank on the top like the little boy two doors down.  I wonder if they have adult helmets with "stuff" on it.  We'll see.  Maybe I'd be better off with a helmet that has cup holders and a straw.  If not I bet Jim could fashion one for me.  Anyway - Mom and Richard should be here mid-afternoon.  They're just doing a quick stop over on their way home from Michigan.  We'll have dinner tonight of pork tenderloin, potatoes and broccoli.  I need to go to the grocery too...and that's about it.  Oh, and mow the lawn (the back at least if it isn't too soggy...apparently we got a lot of rain while I was gone).

EXCITING:  I placed my first order for my Green Bean Delivery (produce and veggies delivered to your door every week.  Here's my first order:

1 tomato
1 pound grapes
1 pound strawberries
1 potato
1 head of red leaf lettuce
1 onion, Vidalia
6 oz. raspberries
1 pound green beans
1 green and yellow squash
2 pluots (an aprilum)
4 nectarines

I'm excited and I still might do a couple substitutes before Monday (I have until then to change my order).

Okay well, that's all I've got for now.  I have a lot to do before Mom and Richard get here so I better get cracking...later!  Happy Friday!

Sunday With Mom and Richard

Mom and Richard got here yesterday around 5:30.  We sat and talked for a bit, I made dinner and then we sat and talked a bit more.  Jim was wiped out from painting in the sun all day and hit the hay around 8:30.  (He's already back at it...hard worker.) The rest of us were in bed by 10. 

This morning we all were up by about 6:30. I made Jim and I breakfast and then walked Sami.  Mom made breakfast for herself and Richard and she's now getting ready.  They will leave for Madison's party around 11:30 or so...Jim and I will head over around 1:30.  Not sure how long we'll stay, probably not as long as Mom and Richard. 

I need to get all my packing done for PIB...I'll do that in a bit...and then I'll shower.

And that's about it.  And how cut is Eva with her friend, strawberry picking and eating her first ice cream cone!?

K - I'm out...later!