Delicious Dinner On The Way!!!

I'm so excited!!! My first delivery from Home Chef comes today! Of the three meals I got, I think I'll make the sirloin with red wine reduction first. That should make Jimmy happy. The picture at left shows the ingredients for my meal! I'm hoping that it will be delicious and take some of the planning out of my hands (you know because I'm just so busy). Actually, it's not that I'm busy (I mean besides coming home after school, walking Sami and exercising, what else do I have to do besides make dinner) it's that I get stuck in a ruts trying to come up with exciting things to make. Especially at the end of a season when I'm sick of making the same old winter meals.

And here comes the rain. We're going to get dumped on over the next 24 hours or so with possible strong storms after midnight tonight. I do NOT like that the storms will hit while I'm sleeping but maybe I'll sleep through them! Unlikely. I think it's definitely a melatonin night tonight.

Jim will head back to the doctor today. We'll find out when he'll start back up with his meds. UGH! Not looking forward to that. Additionally, they'll most like put the order in for a PET scan and ekg.

Jimmy went back to work yesterday and had a good day but he was definitely tired and ready to come home.

And that's all I've got. I should probably Rainx my windshield before heading to work. My car can definitely use a bath though. Happy Tuesday to all...later!

A Bombardment Of Information

I don't know if I mentioned but an email was sent out last week stating that the high school will go down an intervention specialist next year, which is complete bullshit because our numbers will be essentially the same. So I sent a "reply to all" just to confirm (since the original email was not quite clear and then Lisa's information from FW was slightly confusing). Basically I just said, "To confirm, we are going from 9 to 8 IS teachers next year? This seems off since we will have the same numbers." Simple question, right? Yes or no. I got this not-so-simple answer (from the principal who apparently doesn't think I understand what our caseload numbers can be according to the state...I do, by the way):

Current students on IEPs at HS on caseloads: 138

What we know now:
Kids attending Career Center (barring they are admitted)-6
Students graduating and accepting diploma- 12
Students who will walk but defer diploma- 8
Incoming freshman- 37, plus 2 additional that are not currently in junior high (so, 39)

All the math together- next year, if numbers do not change- we will have 151 students total on IEPs.

Probably not what everyone wants to hear, but....

8 staff members by a caseload of 24 equals: 192 students
Based on student numbers for next year: 151 students
192 - 151 equals: 41 empty spots on caseloads
Roughly 19 students on a caseload for next year


I know how hard you all work. I truly do but that is why we are losing a position. I would be willing to think that our numbers will be evaluated every spring. I think we are good next year with 8.

The biggest issue I have with the whole "losing a teacher" thing is that OUR NUMBERS ARE NOT CHANGING and they never should have hired THREE new teachers for this year. We could have done just fine with 8 of us this year and not have someone possibly lose his/her job. In a district that is trying to save money with a superintendent who makes any possible cut he can, how did this happen in the first place? Now, realistically, because of a new position that's been created, which FW will be applying (and you know she'll get it) all of us will keep our jobs (and anyway - they would have just shifted someone to another school) but it's the principle of the matter. I've said for years that they try to fudge our numbers to make it seem like we need more teachers. Now I'm all for smaller caseloads but as you can see, it finally caught up with us. Seems at least one person can't be snowed.

Oh well. I'm not worried. I know the higher ups are aware of my capabilities. I do my job and I do it well. I don't try to ruffle feathers (really I wasn't trying to make a big to-do about all this I just wanted a clear answer to the vague shit they put out there). Should be interesting to see how this all shakes out. 

Okay - I'm out of time now. Jim's getting ready for work, by the way! YAY! My boy is going back to work! He's ready, I'm ready! Woot! 

K - happy Monday! Later!

Too Early!

It's way too early in the "season" to start freaking about because of the weather but apparently the tri-state area has an "enhanced" risk of severe weather. I remember several years ago when we had ungodly weather and tornadoes hit on March 9th and THAT was too much too soon. This shit coming our way, on February 24 is more than my mind can handle. I told Jim that his job today is to get the basement ready for camping out there tonight. I'll most likely take a Valium when I get home as a preventative measure. Oh, and I've got my bike helmet at the ready. This just sucks. I was hoping to win that lottery on Wednesday night so I could move somewhere clear of trees.

Speaking of Jim, he's doing well. Keeps going back and forth between 98.6 and 99.5. The prednisone is making him feel a bit wonky, however. Dizziness is his biggest issue but he's eating and getting his sleep schedule back to normal. He managed to walk Sami yesterday and get most of his laundry done. YAY! By Monday, he should be ready to go back to work.

We'll start watching Bridge of Spies today in history. A good Cold War movie. We finished Gone With the Wind yesterday (we've been watching it on and off for the last month) and the kids really loved it. I was surprised, thinking they would get bored with it but they all were rapt the whole time.

We got word yesterday that the high school would be losing a sped teacher next year. Total bullshit since we brought in 3  teachers for this year due to numbers and our numbers aren't going to change next year. Not sure what's up with that.

And that's all I've got. Time to get a move on. Later...happy Friday!

Something I Never Thought I'd Say!!!

Jim's back to normal! I think I scared the fever right out of him. OR!!! The prednisone is working!

The short version: Jim was supposed to call the doctor in the morning yesterday if he had a fever. Well, when I left it was in the 99 range. But, he was supposed to get up and check again. Did he? Nope! And what was his temp when I finally got a hold of him at around 1:30? Over 100! I was pissed! So...I berated his ass and he called. Then of course when I was about 2 minutes from home yesterday Jim called to tell me to go to Kroger to pick up his prescription. And of COURSE it wasn't ready. All I wanted to do yesterday when I got home was exercise! ARG!

In the end, Jim walked Sami (he needed to get out, believe me!), I exercised then got his prescription and what do you know?! Temperature is 98.6! YAY! And by the way - I asked him on Tuesday when he was at the doctor to ask about getting a steroid. Did he? Nope. Oh well.

So what does all this mean? Well, it means that Jim can get back to being Jim: Eating normally. sleeping normally (I told him he wasn't allowed to nap today...that won't happen, however), doing his damn laundry, walking Sami and going back to work (Monday). Phew!

Maggie turned me on to Home Chef (a meal delivery thingy...they deliver the ingredients and recipe, you cook it). I'm just going to try it...see how I like it. I'll get 3 meals next week. I ordered: Sirloin in a red wine reduction with brussel sprouts and potatoes, In-bone chimichurri pork chops (can't remember the veggies) and Classic chicken piccata with angel hair pasta and a lemon caper sauce. Sounds and looks delicious. I'll get $30 off this order and after that, 3 meals a week is about $60. We'll see.

And that's all I've got. Should be a relatively easy day at work. Tomorrow, possible storms are headed our way so I need to make sure I have some Valium available, just in cases. Crossed fingers that we don't get strong winds and storms. I'm preparing myself for an ugly spring. Ugh!

Happy Thursday! One more day until the weekend. Later!

Rough Day

So Jim had his doctor's appointment yesterday. I was a bit worried about him going on his own but he assured me that if he needed me to drive him he would call me at school. I sent him a text while he was there - (his appointment was at 1:00) and found out the following information:

• His temp upon arrival was 102 (UGH!!!)
• He lost 8 pounds since Friday (NOT GOOD!)
• The docs originally thought and TOLD the nurse practitioner we met with Friday that Jim's fever was due to his meds and he should have THEN stopped taking at least the one. FRIDAY! That stupid bitch was told FRIDAY it was the meds but she told us it was the flu! SO PISSED! Jim asked if she had been reprimanded and the head NP, who was PISSED, alluded to the fact that she had. 
• They wanted to admit Jim to the hospital yesterday but he managed to convince them to just give him IV fluids in the office. They did this and administered anti-nausea drugs as well. 2 hours later, he was feeling 85% better and his temp was slowly going back down.

Results: Jim has been taken off all meds for the time being. He will go back to the doc next week and they will adjust meds and he'll start back up. His temp, by the way, is down to 99.6. They told him to call if he still had a temp but I think this is low enough that as long as it doesn't go back up, he'll be okay (otherwise he'll have to go back and then who knows what). I'll be "on call" all day just in case.

Needless to say, Jim is exhausted but certainly feeling so much better. He didn't sleep great last night because he was trying to ensure his temp was down and that he was taking in lots of fluids and getting his Tylenol on time. I'm hoping (as is Jim) that tomorrow he can go back to work. We'll see...no need to push it as his boss is being very good about everything. 

Okay - gotta get going. Happy Wednesday! Later!

Hectic Weekend

My weekend started crazy! Friday I was just sitting down at the picnic table in the circle when Jim came out saying we had to go to the hospital. Racing there to make it by 5:00 was only the start of what was going to be a rather hectic 3 days (in my brain at least...and emotions). Originally we were told that Jim's high fever was the flu. Yes, I thought it strange that he had no other symptoms but I assumed those were going to come. They never did. By Sunday when his fever yo-yoed back and forth between 101-104, I had had enough and we called the doctor. (Nothing was working to bring his fever down below 103). Turns out, Jim doesn't have the flu. This has all been a result of one of the med he's been on. Nice to know on a Sunday evening! Had we known that, we wouldn't have had him take his Saturday (maybe even Friday) dose and we'd be that much closer to getting Jim back to normal. I'm wondering if we hadn't called the docs, would they have thought to finally call us!? Again, communication is lacking to say the least.

Anyway - Jim's fever is still going strong. I just took it again and he's at 103.2. I know he's frustrated feeling like this. He'll go to the docs today. I don't plan on going with him but I'll be close by my phone in case he needs me. Other than the fever, the other symptom he has is chills and shivering. The shivering is pretty major and usually only happens when he goes to bed. Reading about this med and the problems that it causes, this is pretty common. People have even had to go to the hospital as a result of the shivering to monitor their heart. UGH! Lets hope it doesn't come to that.

Fingers crossed that this ends soon and we can get Jim back on track. They say it takes about 3 days of not taking the med to get the body temp back to normal. Well, it's been 3 days and here we are.  I know my brain and emotions are fried and I can't even imagine how Jim must be feeling. I have to say, however, he has been a champ and a really good patient.

Other than that - I've got nothing going on. I'm happy for a short week, that's for sure. I'll be getting my hair done after work today. I need something to help beautify me! This stress with Jim is causing major beauty problems for me. I feel like I'm a teenager again and not in a good way...in a "I'm breaking out like a teenager" way. UGH!

Example of my mental state: I just dropped my allergy pill and couldn't find it so I said to Sami, "Did you see where that just went?" I looked at her and she looked at me and I could read her thoughts: "Was it food? No? Then I don't care!" Silly girl!

Okay, well back to the grind. Ooh, Maggie et al come back tonight. They won't get in until around 10ish so I probably won't talk to her. I told her to text when she's back in the states, however.

K - happy Tuesday! Later!

Still Burning

Jim's still suffering from this flu - if that's what it is. His fever has gone up and down from 100-103. This morning he was back to 102. We've been faithful in keeping him dosed with Tylenol (can't use Ibuprofen or Naproxen) and that helps for a bit to reduce slightly but when it's time to dose him back up, his fever is back up. UGH! I have to say - a Jimmy who is truly sick is NOT a drama queen and is quite easy to take care of. Probably because he's been sleeping most of the time. Currently he's back in bed sleeping. I'll feed him some toast or a bagel here in a bit. He's able to eat a little - grilled cheese last night. The biggest issue is he's just not hungry. He's drinking plenty of water though and that's good. Fingers crossed his fever breaks today.

Needless to say with everything going on, I didn't go to my dinner party last night. I felt bad for cancelling but I just wasn't comfortable leaving Jim. However, I will go out tonight with the neighbors. I know Jimmy won't mind and I won't be gone long, I'm sure. We're going to Cooper's Hawk (again...not that I mind...they have such a huge menu it's nice to try such an array of dishes to get a really good feel for what they do well). Originally this was a "Happy Birthday Jim" get together. Oh well...maybe I'll bring something home for him.

CHUCK TODD! Loves me some CHUCK TODD! Sunday just isn't the same without CHUCK TODD!

Jim and I watched Bridge of Spies last night. Maggie's been hounding me to watch and I'm glad I finally got around to it. I'll be showing it to the kids at school since we just finished our Cold War chapter in history. They'll like it but I'm sure they won't understand half of it.

Okay - time to feed my boy. I'll try to get a bagel and some juice into him. Although, his glucose levels were a little high so maybe just water. Happy Sunday.

Ooh...just remembered I had a dream about Zekey last night. Aww...and OMG! I just looked at the date and then double checked my blog! Four years ago today - we lost Zeke. Weird. He was very happy in my dream so I'm guessing he was letting me know he's in a good place but I knew that. I don't dream of Zeke very often (Bubba all the time) so it's nice to get a visit from him. Love that boy!

K - I'm out. So happy to be off tomorrow. I certainly don't see Jim going to work tomorrow. Poor fellow! Prayers for him please! K - later!

Poor Jimmy

Jimmy's had a tough week. First he was on a TERRIBLE job working 8PM-3AM shifts. Then he started to get sick, apparently. I say apparently because I didn't know how he as feeling since I hadn't really seen him until yesterday, since Wednesday. When I did see him (he came in from walking Sami after I had gotten home from school) he basically broke down and lost it. He was exhausted, achy (I thought from the job) and not in a good space mentally.  He tried to rally enough energy to get to work again. In the end I told him to call in...he couldn't sacrifice his health for a job that was draining him of everything. He needs to keep his strength up - both physically and mentally. He conceded and then asked if I would take his temperature. I felt his forehead and yowza! He was burning up. I took his temp - 102.4!!! Oh boy. I told him to call his doc immediately. Which he did and she ordered him to the hospital. We managed to jet over there and get to the office before end of day (4:44). Otherwise we would have had to go to the emergency room. They took tons of blood and urine and then we met with the NP (nurse practitioner). From the tests they did and were able to get back right away, his white blood count is only slightly elevated and they think it may be a virus. We'll know more for sure either today or tomorrow. They aren't sure if this is a result of his meds - if so they'll be adjusted the Tafinlar.

Needless to say, I had to cancel our plans to go our dinner party at Terri's. I was really looking forward to some fondue but I really don't want to leave Jimmy. Maybe I'm being a bit overly protective but I don't care. This is the new norm for us and I just need to get a feel for how to deal with all this.

I have to say, by the way, the attention Jim got from the doctors, nurses and workers at UC yesterday was awesome. Jim was on the phone with them just before 4:00 and we were in the car on our way by 4:15. (Not great timing for me, btw as I had just been handed a Summer Shandy by my neighbor. I chugged it when I got back home around 6:15.)

Okay - time to feed Jimmy. He threw up last night so I'm not sure he'll be able to keep anything down but I'll try to get something in him. His temp is still up - about 100 - and he's sleeping which is good. Hopefully he's on the upswing. Happy Saturday! Yay for the weekend. Later!

United Circus of America

I mean! How was I supposed to get a F&%KING thing done last night at work when I had a 77 minute - SEVENTY-SEVEN minute!!!- shit show  trump press conference to watch!? Really!? I've never seen anything so mind boggling. I keep thinking that things are going to settle down and that the American people are soon going to see an attempt at shit getting done in this country (you know, a little of the follow up on the campaign promises that he made - not that I want even half of that accomplished) but as we've seen over and over again, this is going to be a president who goes against the norm. And by norm, I mean reality and sanity. Lisa and I were discussing things last night (and watching the press conference like a bad accident...we couldn't look away) and she said, "If you have to say you aren't ranting and raving, YOU'RE RANTING AND RAVING!" I mean! What president has ever had to say that!? And what "president" would tell people (the press, who by the way were invited to this media circus) to "Sit down!" "Shut up" and then throw racial comments at one? It's truly like a circus. you know?  There are some parts that are fun and entertaining to watch (the scrambling of his staff is like watching an outrageous number of clowns try and fit up the ass  fit into a VW bug) but then there are the scary parts where you have to cover your face. Four years of this shit? I'm exhausted after less than a MONTH!

As I said, my long night at school resulted in getting hardly anything done. Of my list of 7 things, I managed to get 3 completed. Oh well. What're you going to do. I'm just glad it's Friday and I'm looking at the back end of a long weekend. Unfortunately Jim's still on 2nd/3rd shift. The did put another guy on the job, however, so now they have 3 and hopefully that will speed things up. They've had to tape up and spray the ceiling 3 times! Stupid.

Okay - I'm out. I'll have a fairly easy day today. We're on an early release schedule for a pep rally so YAY! (BTW - that's our staff minus one or two. I do love the school I work in! For the most part there is a great amount of camaraderie with all of us and I have to say our administration is really the best...it's taken a while for me to get to the point where I can say that but there you go. They've given me so much support of late - how can I not be thankful, appreciative and humbled!?)

Happy Friday! Later!

Long Day #3

Yearly, at school we have a total of 4 required days where teachers have to be at school until 7 or 8 o'clockish (2 parent/teacher conferences, academic fair and senior community service night). Tonight is #3 of the year and Academic Fair. We technically don't need to be there until 5:00 but I'll just stay through and get some stuff done. I'll be happy as hell when April rolls around and my last late night is over.

I have an IEP today at 8:00 AM. This is for the kid who was hospitalized twice this year for having suicidal thoughts. Things have been better since he returned but he's still having a lot of issues with another student who's apparently harassing him and his family. A student I have who drives me insane. I've sent him to the office these last two days because he basically does nothing or waltzes in whenever he wants. Kid's got issues and is HIGHLY ADHD and unmedicated.

The student who had a morning detention with me yesterday showed up! I was thrilled that I didn't have to A) lay into him again and B) didn't have to give him a Friday night school. He walked in the door at 6:45 on the button with a smile on his face and polite as hell. I really like this kid but circumstances and whatnot sometimes turn his attitude. I guess typical teenage stuff. I just need to keep that in mind.

Lets see...Jim has an appointment today with his hip doctor. I think they'll be taking an x-ray to determine for sure which hip they'll replace. I told him that he should do the right because IF we have both done this year, his second replacement will be a tougher recovery than the first and better have the hip that's most important to him done first - his right (driving leg etc.). We'll see.

Jim didn't get home until 3:00 last night (this morning). I know because I was up letting Sami out and blowing my annoying nose. Still have this whatever it is...cold I guess. I'm trying to keep it at bay by doing neti pots before bed and I think that's helping tremendously but I'll be happy when this is GONE.

Okay - best mosey and get my paperwork in order for my meeting. Happy Thursday! Later!

Boys Are Stupid

I have a student who has recently been consistently late to my classes. I gave him a warning last week that it wasn't permissible but he was late Monday to history (so I sent him to the office) and then late yesterday to history (so I sent him to the office). I usually don't need to give much more than a warning to my kids but alas, this one is apparently getting some nookie between classes so that's much more of an incentive than getting in trouble with Mrs. Hanke. After sending him to the office yesterday, I was forced (by one of my admins because it's the one area that he actually follows the handbook) to give this student a "teacher" detention. My detentions are in the AM so this kid has to be in my room at 6:45. I'm not seeing it happen. Which means I'll give him one last chance tomorrow morning and if he doesn't show then, he'll get an office detention. Not that I really care - doesn't put me out (nor would I let it because I wasn't the one late for class) I'm at school early anyway. Stupid kid.

Long weekend is heading my way. Saturday Jim and I have a dinner party to go to (fondue) and Sunday we'll go to Cooper's Hawk with some of the neighbors. I'm excited and hungry just thinking about all I'm going to eat! I'll have to devote some extra time on the fit board over the next few days.

Maggie et al made it safely to Punta Cana yesterday. Hope they have a terrific time...even though it'll be hard without my company. I don't understand why they keep going on vacation without me knowing that it's their good time is seriously compromised sans my company!

Okay well, as I said, I need to make sure I'm at school in time for my student to not show so I better get a move on. Jim's snoozing away. He wasn't in bed around 3:00 last night but when I looked at 4:30 he was a lump under the covers. I hope he manages to sleep LATE!

Happy Wednesday! Later!

Can't Decide

First - safe travels to Maggie, Charlie and Eva who head to Punta Cana today. Jealous! Hope you have smooth and on time flights, lots of sunshine and a great time!

I can't decide if my fitful sleeping last night had to do with this head cold going on with me or the fact that Jim was on 2nd shift. And really, it wasn't 2nd shift because he had to be in 8:00 PM. More like 3rd shift. Hopefully this will only last a couple days. I'm not even sure what time he got home but a 1;00, he still wasn't there. AND he had to work 4 hours during the day and had been up since 5:00 like me. Ugh! Well, he'll be able to sleep the morning away if he can.

BTW - Happy Valentines Day (not that Jim and I celebrate)! Happy Condom Day (not that Jim and I use them)! Happy Frederick Douglass Day! Oh, and keep a tight hold to your pets today because it's Pet Theft Awareness Day.

Seriously, my nose can stop being annoying now. I'm a sniffling, sneezing mess. I want to know who did this to me?!

What else? I really don't have anything exciting to talk about. It's a bit boring right now. So...I guess I'll head out. Get some stuff done at work. I need to use the neti pot too...which takes a couple of minutes. Man on man, if you haven't used one of these when you're sinuses are a little whacked out - DO IT! So amazing!

K - happy Tuesday! Later!

Feeling Iffy

I went to bed last night with a slight twinge in my throat but as the night went on, things got worse. I have a RAGING sore throat now and my sinuses are all out of whack. I apologized to Jimmy when we got up thinking I must have woke him up snoring because I sure woke myself up a half dozen times. However, he said he had no idea. Otherwise, I was feeling fine but just recently my stomach started doing flip flops. Hmm. I just ate so maybe that's it. I'm hoping this too will pass and go no further than it is right now. Ugh!

Can I get a HOT DAMN! No school next Monday! Woot!

The weekend was good. We went to Trip and Susan's on Saturday for some hanging out and card playing. I sucked! I didn't win once...guess I was the weak link. Oh well. Can't be a card shark every time.

This week is going to somewhat suck. Thursday is a late night - Academic Fair. Technically we have to be there from 5-8 but I'll stay through rather than go home...no point. Plus Jim is on 2nd shift starting tomorrow so Sami will be okay. I have an IEP on Thursday as well. Shouldn't be a big deal. It is jeans week, however! That's good. Don't have to think too hard about what I'm going to wear.  Not that I do any other day.

And that's all I've got. Time to get a move on. Get my Monday work complete. Happy Monday...later!

Sleep...Finally

I got some GOOD sleep last night. After tossing and turning Wednesday night and lying awake for several hours, I decided NOT to mess around last night and I took a melatonin and voila! Well-rested! Woot!

Jim got some sleep as well. I sent him a text in the AM after I got a text from my mom telling me (again because I hadn't listened well enough the first 2 times) to have him look into meloxicam (a pain reliever and anti-inflammatory for those who suffer from osteoarthritis). I did and Jim got a prescription for it which we filled last night (for "free"...since we've hit our deductible). He was feeling the effects soon after taking and he managed to sleep pretty well. I'm hoping this is the trick until hip replacement time. I'm not sure I can handle listening to him literally moan and groan for hours on end. Seriously...I know if I weren't in the house or around to hear it, he wouldn't carry on like that. I came downstairs to leave for work yesterday and he was draped, literally face down across the counter. I was more than happy to get the f*%k out of the house and go to work. I've tried to be very good about asking him how he's doing, how he slept, how work was, how his pain is but I have a hard time with his dramatics. Poor Jim...poor Muir.

So happy it's Friday. Yesterday was basically a wash. With my IEP meeting 1st period and then weird meetings the rest of the day which took my kids in and out of my classroom for one reason or another - I was unable to get any teaching done. And the kids were wild. Oh well...we all deserve a little break sometimes. Today - it's back to the books! Ooh, the trial starts today in To Kill a Mockingbird.

And I believe that's all I've got. Happy Friday! Woot! The weekend will be a somewhat busy one as we're headed to Trip and Susan's on Saturday for cards. I'm out...later!

T-Minus 4!!!

I have 4 more regular IEP meetings for the rest of the school year and after today it will be 3! Woot! Now that doesn't count the IEPs I'll have to do for the students going to the career center but of those (2) only one will need to be completely done (it's one of the 4 left). I will also have to have and IEP for my student who is going to another program after this, his senior year but that shouldn't be too terribly difficult. AND!!! Monday is the deadline for interims for the 3rd quarter! I'm almost to 4th quarter! HOW DID THAT HAPPEN!?

In Jimmy news: He had a good birthday - loved his radio! The sound is awesome. His dinner was delicious as well. However, he's having TERRIBLE hip pain and even had to come home early yesterday. Ugh! I tossed and turned last night thinking about it and then wondering if joint pain has anything to do with his meds (I've basically been up since 1:30). I'll have to research. I didn't want to mention that to him because as we all know, Jimmy can be a bit of a drama queen and the power of suggestion can be too much for him (and me)! Kind of a if-you-build-it-he-will-come sort of thing.

So his boss asked him yesterday when the last time he laid Jim off was. Which means he's thinking about doing it. I told Jim he was going to have to convince him NOT to! I mean, A) he's going to be out 6 weeks anyway at the end of March! I can't have him out prior to that! B) His raise is scheduled to be in 4 days. If they lay him off before then, the raise gets put off. Very curious that this gets brought up so close to that! Hopefully Jim will be able to power through with his hip and show his boss that he's an asset and not worth laying off. I mean COME ON DUDE! He's got cancer! Throw the guy a freaking BONE!

Okay - I best mosey. My IEP is at 7:15. I have a feeling the parent won't show (though the kid is 18 so that's no big deal) but I wanted to talk to her about some of the things her son was saying yesterday regarding his living situation. Sad situation. Basically he and his mother live with her mother and two brothers in a two bedroom apartment and the brothers are NOT very nice. The student is worried about his mother's physical well-being. No kid should have to worry about that. UGH!

Okay - happy Thursday! Almost to the weekend! Later!

Happy 49th Jimmy!!!

WOW! Jimmy is 49! He's now in his 50th year, as he had to remind me! (The pic at left, by the way was taken on his 40th!) I got Jimmy his radio. Happily, I found one on Amazon that fit the bill and I ordered it yesterday. It was delivered by 7:00 last night and Jimmy loves it! Gotta love Amazon Prime! Tonight we'll have rib eyes with a creamy onion blue cheese sauce, mashers and broccoli. One of Jim's faves. YAY!

There's been a bit of excitement in my district lately. Apparently, the last two days have had bomb threats at one of our elementary schools. They've had to evacuate each time and search. Today, they will have police presence and bomb sniffing dogs there. UGH! At the junior high yesterday the kids were talking about a kid being taken out of the school by the police. Of course I thought it was a male but in fact it was one of the adopted Mexican sisters that we have. Just a sad situation. These three girls have had a really tough life and last week they found out that the one relative they had left who cared about them (and cared for them when their mother died) passed away. I can't even imagine the angst these girls go through because of their past. And yet they remain good, sweet girls. (Well, I don't know the youngest that was taken yesterday but who can blame her anxiety and mental issues considering.) Anyway - she was taken for a psychiatric evaluation and the managed to have her released into her parents custody. It's been nearly a year since she's had a psychiatric stay at the hospital which is huge. I hope things just continue to improve for her as she gets older.

And that's all I've got. Time to get a move on. Snow tonight but nothing is expected on the roads. I'm so sick of this stupid winter! I want snow and cold and WINTER! Not this 60 degree shit in FEBRUARY!!! Sunday!? It's supposed to be near 70! BULLSHIT! ARG! I'm moving to Alaska or the Hudson Bay or Maine!

Happy Wednesday! Later!

Fast Cash!

When did I do my taxes? Last Wednesday? Thursday? Well guess what!? I checked my bank account today and BAM! There it was! My return! In less than a week! Nice! Now I can buy Jimmy a birthday gift!

Now, you may be saying to yourself: Didn't you just buy furniture for the family room, Muir? Yes, I did. But, I can't have that be the only thing I give him. He needs to open SOMETHING! I asked him last night what he wanted (expecting his typical answer of "I'll think about it and let you know" then never getting an answer) and he answered, "a radio for work". Hot dog! So I guess I'll be headed to Best Buy after work to see what they've got. What I really need to buy him is a new phone but he's so dense, I'm afraid he'd stream all the time and use all our data.

In school news - Dezi came back from a weekend in Washington D.C. (renewing his Iranian passport apparently or his dad was?) and the minute he walked into my room, he had to show me all his pictures of the art he saw. He's obsessed with art. I was surprised at all the artists I recognized: Monet, Gauguin, Picasso, Matisse etc. He's so funny. I mean he LOVES art. Not a bad thing to be slightly obsessed by.

I went on a lovely 2 mile walk when I got home yesterday. It's been a while but I missed having Sami with me. She just can't make it 2 miles so I walked her first, returned and then headed out again.

And that's all I've got. I need to get gas before going to work so I'd best mosey. Happy Tuesday. Oh wow and holy shit! It's Laura Ingalls Wilder day! How can I pass up showing an episode of Little House, knowing this?! It's also Wave All Your Fingers At Your Neighbor's Day...weird.

I'm out. Later!

Long Weekend OVER...BOO!

Well, I was going to come on and rant and rave about the weekend ending on a sour note (stupid Pats) but what can you say about a team that comes back from such a deficit to win in overtime? Not much. You just have to stick your tail between your legs and realize you were bested and then hope that Brady and Belichick go away soon! Not likely.

The weekend was super. Had a great time with Eva (and Maggie and Charlie). Maggie dragged me out on Friday morning (22 degrees) to walk. Needless to say, after the 2 1/2 miles, I couldn't feel my legs. We did NOT walk on Saturday because it was 16 degrees (with a 4 degree wind chill) but managed again yesterday. Felt good to get out there. I miss walking with my Sami but she just can't do it anymore. I may have to make Jim walk her everyday so I can walk a real walk. Other than that, we hung out at home mostly but did go out to dinner on Saturday (Mexican...delicious). We watched Sully as well. GOOD movie. Had no idea all the shit that Sully had to put up with the union and investigators.

I had an uneventful drive up but then my TPMS light came on as I was heading home. It didn't light up a particular tire, however. That was annoying. I checked/filled my tires and then the light went off then back on then off again. Annoying.

And that's all I've got. Should be a pretty uneventful week at school. I have an IEP on Thursday. No big deal. Happy Monday. Later!

Trekking North

I'll be heading north from school today. I haven't been to Columbus since before Christmas - Yowza! I'll certainly miss my girl. She's been extra lovey lately (for Sami). Sami's never been an overly demonstrative pup but lately she's been seeking out love and cuddles which is sweet. I was remember this morning to how she used to jump on me while I was sleeping and stand on top of me until I'd get up. Of course this was back when she would get on the bed. She doesn't really do that anymore. I've found her up there a couple of times lately when I've come home unexpectedly but for the most part, she sleeps in the bathroom or on the pillow by the bed. Just like her brothers did in their later lives. Funny.

Jimmy had a long day yesterday. After working a full day, getting home around 4:00, and eating dinner, he had to go back to work (downtown) to paint elevator doors. He was home by 10:30, however, so that wasn't too terribly bad and at least we got to break bread together. I'll miss him while I'm gone but it's good to miss your hubby a little (and wife).

School is school. I was right about that stupid meeting yesterday. My group wasn't where they were supposed to be and so I wandered around the school until I finally gave up and emailed the dumb ass in charge. Such a waste. Well, at least yesterday I didn't have to suffer through whatever they talked about and I managed to get part of an IEP complete.

Okay well, I won't post again until Monday, I believe. I'll post on Facebook however. I need to finish packing and getting ready. Happy Thursday! Later!

Wednesday - YAY! Early Release! Wednesday - BOO! Stupid Meeting!

It's been a while but today's early release meeting is the district's most recent attempt to waste teachers time - District Literacy Framework. I don't think one person truly understands what it is or what the point is. I'm guessing by next year, this will have gone away and all the wasted hours we spent listening to people ramble on about who-knows-what (truly I don't listen to half the shit that's talked about in these meetings) will be forgotten. And another "trend" will have taken it's place. UGH! And the last time we met (I think in November) my group - the English department - had a different meeting which no one thought to tell me about and so I wandered around looking for where I was supposed to go. Until, that is, I decided to say "f&%k it!" and headed back to my own room and get some shit done! Here's hoping that happens again.

Got my toof fixed. I arrived early - my appointment was at 3:50 and I got there around 3:15 - and they ended up taking me early because the person before me didn't show up. I was actually back out on the road and driving home at 3:48! Nice!

By the way - if you aren't watching Victoria, you must! Sure wish I was the queen of England. Of course I wouldn't marry my cousin but what are you going to do!?

And that's all I've got for now. I'll be busy tonight getting ready to head to Columbus after school Thursday, exercising and making dinner. Excited for a nice relaxing weekend.

Happy Wednesday. Later!