And...It's 4:15

Scout was crazy restless this morning, waking me up at 4:00. I have a feeling (based on the coughing I hear in the backyard and the amount of grass I saw him eating last night) he's feeling a bit puny. Who knows what shit that boy ate to make him feel bad but he's been out in the yard for 20 minutes (knowing I just fed Boo) and he's still not showing his face. I'm guessing he's upchucking whatever is giving him fits.

I was afraid at first when he woke me up at 4:00 that he was interested in an animal in the side yard (which our bedroom has a window that overlooks) and since there was a skunk in the vicinity a couple nights ago, I was reluctant to get up. However, there was no smell and all my forceful, "UH HUH"s when he tried to get me up were ignored so I knew it was more than some rodent.

I figured since I'm up and at 'em with a cup of joe, I might as well type this out...I mean I have to wait for him to come in anyway. I don't think I'll feed him right away today...don't want to waste the food. Poor little scavenger!

In other news, I made a delicious dinner last night: Pesto Minestrone! It was another success from my Instant Pot Bible! The kicker? Walnuts! I thought, as I was making it, "Hmm...walnuts...that's an interesting addition." The crunch it gave was magical. Jim had two bowls. So simple too! Oh, and I was able to freeze half of it for later (along with a couple bowls for us both for lunch today). That's a third success from this cookbook so far. One of these weekend days, I'm going to make a Breakfast Hash that sounds amazing. Can't wait.

Yesterday, as you may recall, I gave a test in both history and science. From the first test (history), I learned that my one LOW LOW LOW kid, needs to use his notes. And even then, when taking the science test, he struggled. In fact, on one part of the test where my instruction to him was, "Don't forget...if it has a number, it has to be a QUANTITATIVE Observation." (Something we'd been talking about for three weeks.) We got to a statement that said She had 3 pencils on her desk, and he pointed to the 3 and said, "Is that a number?" Ugh! I mean, maybe his brain had turned it around and he thought it was an "E" I don't know but this is what I deal with. Poor guy.

So today will be a bit of a catch up day for some kids and a movie day for others. We've had a TON of sick kids in school as well. Lots of this cold going around and a stomach bug too. Sucks that it's happening but maybe we'll get all that out of the way early in the year. I doubt it...probably just a sign of what's to come.

The weekend: No real plans. Jim and I would like to go out to dinner one of these nights, probably Sunday...not sure where. We still want to go to Bite but I'm not sure they're open Sundays...we'll see. Saturday we're going to go to Trip and Susan's new house and help remove wallpaper for several hours. I can't wait to see their house in person! I'm so excited for them. I can't wait for them to be in and enjoying it all...Christmas for them this year is going to be amazing!

And that's all I've got. I've finished this and it's still 10 minutes before my alarm would have gone off. Well, at least I don't feel tired (now) and it's Friday! Happy Friday. Later!

Dear Mindy Kaling

I've been watching the Hulu series Four Weddings and a Funeral and have to say I love it. It's a dream series for anyone who loves a romantic comedy movie but feels like there's never enough at the end of two hours. This series is 10 episodes long, I've just finished watching number 8 and I'm getting sad already that the end is so near. Yesterday, after watching I went online to look something up about the cast and saw that it wasn't getting very good reviews. I read that some of the people felt that it just didn't live up to the original. My thing is if you are watching the series, you know that it's not a "remake" it's its own story; it just shares the title. And it takes place in London. I mean come on people have a little imagination. 

My cold has now moved into my sinuses with a phlegmy cough (sorry that's gross). I knew it was happening last night when I went to bed and sure enough I woke up with a clogged head. Well the good news is I slept like a baby. I didn't wake up once! Phew! I needed that kind of sleep. 

I'm giving my first test in history and science today and I expect a shit storm of shitty grades. It isn't that I'm a bad teacher...I SWEAR!!! These kids are just really low! I'm not kidding you it's beyond what I've seen. (Do I say that every year?) I have one kid who literally can't put numbers in ascending order. He can't recognize words that we've been using in science for the weeks we've been in school. It's pretty amazing. He is reading on a 1.2 grade level (allegedly) and I really question that. The horrible part of it is that he wants to have a part in the reading of Hamlet in class and I just can't imagine how that's going to go. I guess we'll try it out tomorrow (when we read again) but it's going to be like fingernails on a chalkboard, I'm sure. 

Not much else here to talk about. So...I guess I'll sign off and head to school. Happy Thursday! Later!

Slowly But Surely

I slept a little better last night in comparison to the night before, thank God. I only had to wake up once for a cough drop so that's good. Of course Jim got up extra early and fed the dogs before I had gotten up and then they decided they wanted to cuddle so I was woken up earlier than my alarm would have gone off so that was annoying. Oh well...what're going to do?

Can I tell you how excited I am? (I should have led with this.) As you may or may not know, I'm obsessed with the Great British Baking Show, which premiered last night...in Great Britain. Last year, after the premier in August, it took until November for Netflix to release the series. So last night I went online to see if I could find a way to watch it (a little piracy maybe) and I came upon an announcement that said...drum roll please...three days after the premier, on August 30th, Netflix will air the episode and then continue airing the episodes, one at a time, every Friday! I mean I nearly cried with happiness! This means that not only will Friday be an awesome day because it's Friday (before a 3-day weekend) but I'll get to come home, climb on my elliptical and lose myself in all that is baking and Paul Hollywood and Noel Fielding and Britain! AND!!! I think they're starting with Cake Week! Massive! My life is made!

BTW - if you haven't watched Handmaid's Tale...good!

Ooh, and today is Wednesday which means the latest episode of Four Weddings and a Funeral has been released on Hulu! Guess what I'll be doing and what I'll be watching after school today?

I think I may have a TV addiction!

Actually with it being so nice out I may take a bike ride after school instead...depending if Jim gets home early or not. We'll see.

School is school...kids are starting to show their true colors. The honeymoon is over. Thankfully Emo hasn't been a thorn in my side lately but another is giving me fits lately. This is a kid who is the brother of another student on my caseload. He's autistic and wasn't in a public school setting for a long time until 7th grade. Last year, they struggled to get him to do any work. We started off really well this year and I think all will be fine eventually. The problem with him is that he gets easily annoyed by other students. The littlest thing sets him off and he gets bossy and bitchy to other kids. I've had a little chit chat with him already about the fact that he doesn't get to tell other kids what to do and how to act but yesterday apparently did him in. He got so pissed we ended up with tears. He couldn't pull it together enough to work and in talking to him I thought it best to back up a bit as it seemed he might haul off and slug me. Dude needs some "tools" on how to deal with frustration. Well, we'll see how things go through the rest of the week.

Oop...just got an email from the parent of the kid above that he'll be out today to go to the doctor...they apparently had a bad night. Hmm...

Well, I'd best get a move on. Happy Wednesday...half way there! Later!

All Shot Up

So a couple things: It was a dicey night sleeping due to a hacking cough. I thought for sure Jim was probably annoyed by me but alas, when I apologized this morning, he said he had no idea and slept like a baby. Well, at least one of us did. I actually don't feel that tired (not like yesterday) but between coughing (and waking up because my Halls had dissolved and I needed another one) and the night sweats, it was rough going!

Finally got my botox update! Woot! It was easy and done in 5 minutes. Although it was kind of funny...well, let me back track. This is a place I hadn't been to so when I called for my appointment last Friday I asked them about prices. The lady on the phone said that typically, people spend about $150 - $350...that surprised me because without a Groupon, it can be closer to $500. Anyway - when I got in the chair yesterday the lady asked me what I wanted and then said, "Typically our clients spend 750." I said, "Oh, $7.50 per unit?! That's great!" She said, "No, $750." I said, "Yeah, no...the lady I talked to on the phone said you charge $10-$12 per unit...I typically get less than 40 units so lets start there." In the end, she gave me less than the 40 units. $750! Lady, you cray!

Jim had his appointment with the doc yesterday. Couple things there: First, his appointment was at 3:15 and he didn't even get taken back until almost 5:00. Ugh. Then, it looks like our doctor is getting out of Christ. Not sure what that means but with the "non compete" laws, we'll have to keep an ear and eye out for if they move to another office, affiliation etc. I really like the Christ hospital, however...I hope this isn't a shit storm. I mean what could be worse than your oncologist leaving and not knowing where he's going. Well, at least we have Jill's (nurse practitioner) cell. Anyway - all is fine...Jim will go in for a new scan in 2 months time.

Not much else is going on here. Oh, I made some banana bundt bread in my instant pot yesterday and it was amazing. You have to have a small, 7-inch bundt pan (which I bought) but it is so moist and actually pretty low sugar and fat (used greek yogurt). Of course I won't eat most of it but Jim's happy. Additionally I made a really delicious Turkey meatball soup with white beans and kale last night in the instant pot which was light and yummy. Tonight I'm making Spicy apricot chicken in the pot...my new "Bible" is amazing. I'll let you know.

Okay - time to get a move on. Should be a relatively easy day...more storms this afternoon and then sun for a few days. We had rain all day yesterday which was much needed but will mean the need for mowing but that's okay.

Happy Tuesday! Later!

Not Quite Up To Par

I've had this weird throat thing going for several days and yesterday it finally manifested itself into an annoying cold. I'm stuffy, I've got a weird sore throat tickle (that kept me up all night), I'm slightly queasy and I want to know who gave me this shit!? Well, thankfully, I took a half day for a doc appointment anyway so there you go. I'll be able to leave school by 10:30 and I'm hoping to feel better by then but if not, well, at least I'll be home.

The weekend was good. We went to a new restaurant (Napa) on Montgomery. It's where Stone Creek used to be. They have half price bottles of wine every day until 6:00! So worth it! The portion sizes are normal too which was nice. It was really good and I look forward to going back and trying a bunch of different dishes. Originally we were going to go to Bite in Milford but when Jim called to get a reservation they were all booked up until 8:15 and that's too late for Muwee. After dinner we came back, threw some cards with the neighbors and then went to bed.

My next door neighbors are out of town and yesterday we got to take care of their pup, Reggie. First of all, he's the sweetest thing (he's a shepherd, Australian shepherd mix I think) and so soft! I've never felt a dog so soft before. I've been wanting to get him and Scout together and yesterday I finally did. They did great. Reggie was so patient with Scout while Scout sniffed every nook and cranny in Reggie's back yard. Once that was complete, they chased each other around the yard. Scout is definitely alpha and had to give Reggie a couple reprimands when he thought he was getting a bit too forward (he wasn't) but there were no issues whatsoever. I knew Scout would do well...he's so laid back.

The week should be uneventful - as long as this cold goes away quickly. No meetings this week and next weekend will be a 3-day one. YAY!

Okay well, best motor. I need to get my plans together for the sub coming in for me. Happy Monday! (Oh, Jim has his follow up appointment from his latest scan today. I think all is well...I'll let you know.) Later!

Nostalgic!

I'm at an age where a lot of my friends and "friends" on FB are sending their kids off to college for the first time and it is making me so nostalgic! What a fun time for these kids. I remember going off to Boston and moving into my dorm and getting to know these near total strangers (except my roommate who was one of my BFs from high school) and learning the campus and city and going to classes and just enjoying being there and on my own. I had so much fun! I say all the time that I wouldn't want to go back in time because I love my life now but I would go back to that one year. Jim and I keep saying we're going to go back to Boston to visit our old stomping ground (he lived there for a year before we met as well) and we need to jump on that! {Sigh}

Well, I made it through this week and here we are at Friday. There were a couple times yesterday where I wasn't sure I was going to make it but (science class) but here we are. I'm most likely going to be showing movies for history and science because I don't think I have it in me to try and teach some of these kids anything new today that they just won't get while they look at me with vacant looks in their eyes. It's just so disheartening when I'm trying to teach and I ask a question and I get a raised hand and I think, "Someone knows the answer to my questions about the Homestead Act!" But instead, I get a kid asking if he can eat his snack, or go to their locker to put an empty Ziploc bag in it or fill of their already half full water bottle or sharpen their pencil that's already sharp or drink their Capri Sun. ARG!!! All these things have happened and yesterday was he pinnacle of circus! So yes, today we need movie day! Am I going to be able to handle this for the rest of the year?! Who's to say! I may have to get more vigorous in my lottery play.

So the weekend is not too busy, although we do have dinner plans for Saturday. I'm excited to try Bite! Other than that, I have things around here to do - mow lawn, clean etc. - but is should be a pretty low key weekend.

Okay I need to get a move on. Happy Friday! Later!

Sleep!

I slept better last night than I've slept in WEEKS! I didn't wake up in the middle of the night! I didn't have a hot flash! I didn't have a nightmare! I didn't wake up with a headache! It was amazing! That being said, I'm going to ruin my awesome night's sleep talk with some paranoia: Does this mean my day is going to be shit?! I'll be on my toes at least, having slept so well.

Can I tell you how happy I am that it's Thursday!? And can I tell you how happy I am to find out that Open House is NOT a requirement for teachers?! After going for 19 years (I think in those years I only missed one) I find this out yesterday so guess what? I'm skipping it this year. I have a feeling that with the number of teachers that has found this out and with it being a negotiation year, this might change with our next contract so I'm taking advantage. I already emailed my caseload parents but will also email those parents of students in my classes NOT on my caseload. Just to give them a heads up. Woot! Happy to get home today and not have to leave again!

My classes of kids: I'm still up in the air about a couple kids from the MH classroom. I just don't know if their placement in my room is appropriate. Every day I see different behaviors that make it impossible NOT to babysit them constantly. I dread the day when Diane is sick and doesn't get a sub (which happens pretty much all the time). That in itself is an issue (the lack of subs) but having to be so focused on two students in a classroom of 8, the others don't get the attention they need. We'll see what happens. It may be that we move them out for one of the 2 they're scheduled in with me. We'll see.

Well, I need to boogie because there's some major weather coming in right now and I'd like to beat it. Happy Thursday! Just one more day after this! I can do it!!! Later!

Parent Headaches

Why are parents such a pain in the ass? Let me give you some advice if you're a parent: If you have an issue with a teacher, don't ask ANOTHER teacher to deal with it. Put your big girl/boy panties on and be an adult...handle the situation yourself. So some of my kids have Speech services on their IEPs (to help with communication, expression, etc. It's not about how they talk BTW). In our school we have two providers for these services. One is full time and works 5 days a week and one is part time at the high school and serves two days a week. So they set their schedules last week and I contacted my kids to let them know when they would be seeing one of them. Yesterday one of my kids came in bitching because she didn't want to be served with the full-time person (and by the way, this happened with a different SLP a couple years back...makes you wonder where the actual problem lies). Anyway, I said, "That's an issue you'll have to figure out with your parents and they can handle it with Mrs. So-and-so." Fast forward to this morning when I check my email and see the mother emailed me to say she's fine with her daughter making that decision and if I could handle it, that'd be great. Yeah, no! I will be responding and saying if they want the change made they'll need to make contact with the SLP in writing to let her know that they'd prefer another. I work with this woman...don't get me involved in your shit to make an uncomfortable situation for me. I can do it but shouldn't have to. Assholes!

Other than that, school is good. I'm still barely keeping my head above water with all the shit I should already have done but that's the way it goes every year. I just have to muddle through, keep on keepin' and hope I don't lose my mind. I had a good day yesterday with the kids in class and assume that as time goes by and we all get to know each other, things will get better and better every day. (Of course Emo was absent so that may have had something to do with it too. Not sure why he was absent and I didn't ask...don't like to open cans of worms when I don't need to.) Until that time, however, I expect to be pretty frazzled by Friday so I'm already making plans for a "Friday Movie Day". I'm thinking some sort of science movie for Biology; City Slickers for history (talking about settling the west right now and moving cattle etc.) and in LA, we'll probably do some work to get ready to read Hamlet on Monday.

And that's all I've got. We got some really good rain last evening...much needed and it brought some cooler weather. It's still humid and going to be sticky today but it's better than it was and the end is near as we get closer to the weekend. I can't wait to do absolutely nothing and have no plans this weekend. I'm thinking about going out to eat at a place nearby that I've heard good things about: Bite. Looks good and it's a BYOB so that will help keep our bill lower!

Okay - I'm out...happy Wednesday...ooh, half way there. Later!in

Unnecessary Teasing

I've been so excited looking at Twitter lately because Paul Hollywood (a judge) and Noel Fielding (a host) from The Great British Baking Show have been gearing up for the premier of the next season! Today, for example, they released a promo shot of all the bakers. And I'm so excited but why!? Because even though they are set to premier in about a week, that's just in Great Britain. I probably won't be able to watch - via Netflix - until November! Bullshit! I need to find a way to get access to some British TV! Anyone? Anyone?

In school news, yesterday was exhausting. First I had to deal with Emo and his schedule. After conferencing with mom, dad and gma, I put him out for a US history class and a credit recover English. I think he'll struggle but these are the live-and-learn lessons we all have to figure out. I'm hoping he excels (he has the brain) but his anxiety and emotions get in the way of nearly everything. Along with that, I have to do paperwork which just adds more to my plate. After that, my day was pretty routine but some of these kids I'm teaching are so trying. They need constant attention and I'm not talking about the kids from the MH room because that's a given and that's Diane for the most part. The others, well, if they aren't writing the wrong word in the wrong space, they're spouting off irrelevant shit about who-knows-what. We were talking about antagonists in literature and I used The Lion King to help them understand. Well, then one of my new autistic kids (he likes to say, "I'm just a little autistic...my brother is a LOT autistic) starts going off about an antagonist in some other movie and I have no idea what he's talking about. (Turns out it was the Princess and the Frog). He is constantly raising his hand and wanting to share useless information which derails the class and my lesson. I'm not kidding you, movie-day-Friday might have to be a real thing!

Slept like shit last night. I kept having nightmares. Not worth sharing but they sucked and I just kept falling back into them every time I would wake up. Ugh!

Weather today is supposed to get near 100 and it's already 81! Pair that with the crazy high humidity and it's miserable. I look forward to Saturday when we're supposed to have clear skies with a high of 75! Windows open...basking in the sun...doing nothing, going nowhere...I can't wait.

Okay, well, I have lots to do so I'd best get a move on. Happy Tuesday! Later!

Weekend Emails From Parents

Can I just tell you I hate getting emails from parents over the weekend? I do my best to ignore it until I get to school on Monday but OF COURSE it's going through my mind. I woke up thinking about a stupid email that's going to cause me to spend half my day on a solution! UGH!

So the email came from, Emo's mother about his schedule (we'll call my emotionally imbalanced kid that). And let me back track and tell you that prior to school starting, (he's on a partial schedule...only in school bells 1-4) I had to rearrange his schedule because I didn't think it a good idea having him do an online class for math because when he had that last year, he really struggled without "instruction". So...I switched his 2nd period class from having me for history to a math class. I figured this would be a good idea too because he really likes history and it was something he could do independently. And then last week happened with his 4th period class (he's in drawing and was being an asshole about doing work and "being told how to be creative") but that got figured out and all was fine by Friday. I thought, okay...can we now move on from all this schedule bullshit so I can get some work done!? Nope! Basically, he told his grandmother (who is heavily involved in his parenting...he also stays with her on weekends) that he was pissed that he wasn't in a history class and would prefer to have an online Language Arts class instead. (He likes to dictate how classes are taught and wants to go at the speed that's "right" for him and then he makes comments that are sort of ultimatumish..."I'm going to go off if I have to do this" and so on). The problem is: my history class will frustrate the hell out of him. First of all, he gets irritated when he has to go slowly which is necessary considering the population in my class. This causes behaviors for him. I'm sick of him thinking he can make all the decisions without understanding the reasons behind the adults making decisions. Plus if I move his schedule around, there's a chance I won't see him at all (which wouldn't be terrible but you know). So now I have to figure out how to handle all this and still deal with the rest of my day and trying to get caught up. UGH!

The weekend was good. I went out Saturday to my friend Terri's...fun! Yesterday was just a nice relaxing day of laying out, Shooters and a lovely dinner. Early to bed and here we are for our first real Monday of the year.

This week should be relatively easy although Thursday is Open House (from 6-8). Most likely I'll come home so I can deal with the boys and then exercise before heading back to school. At least it's a Thursday.

K - need to stop at the grocery before school so I need to mosey. Happy Monday! Later!

Bad Neighbors!

OMG - yesterday was hilarious. Not only at work with these crazy kids I'm just getting to know but also at home, with my neighbors.

Good news: You'll think I'm crazy but I got two kids added to my history and Biology classes yesterday. Two kids from the MH classroom (multi-handicap), by the way. The good part of this? I got Diane back! Because they are pretty low and I already have a number of low kids in there, I need an aide and Diane was the obvious choice! When she came in yesterday morning and I saw her after hearing the news, I was so happy I almost cried! The band is back together! But let me tell you, we have our work cut out for us cause those kids are going to keep us on our toes!

Bad news: I drank last night! It really wasn't my fault! I got a text yesterday from Lauren saying she'd like to have a drink if I were up for it so I said to myself I've been good this week...I deserve it! And so after doing dinner prep and exercising, we met up in the garage and had 1 or 3 cocktails! Jim joined us and then eventually Cari and Jordan came over. I ended up NOT making dinner though...bad neighbors...bad influences! I just heated up leftovers for me and Lauren had 2 leftover pizzas so Jim ate that. Thankfully, I'm NOT hung over or anything...just feeling guilty for all the drinks I drank. Oh well.

So during our cocktail hour (+2), my other neighbor down the hill came out because her dog had gotten loose. They have an older puppy boxer who is a PAIN IN THE ASS! She was literally trying to catch him for 2 hours. We all got involved but that little f&^ker wouldn't be caught. She eventually called her husband who was out of town to reem him a new ass, tell him she didn't care how much it cost but they were getting a fence and SHE WAS DONE. She had this conversation in my front yard so I got to enjoy it. She kept saying, "No...I'm not yelling...I'm not raising my voice...I'm just telling you I'm fucking done...1,2,3,4,5!" So funny...she had this sweet voice going and then she'd drop an F bomb and then count to calm herself down. Oh, and she was in her pjs and there were boobs flying everywhere. I mean...I can't even tell you how much I enjoyed that show! I really felt bad for her though. I mean, supposedly, her husband insisted they get this dog and then he's out of town half the week every week. Yeah, I don't blame her for her frustration and doneness.

Okay well, TGIF! I made it! I'm not sure what I'm doing today but we'll figure it out. Happy Friday...later!

6,600 Steps = 3.25 Miles

That's how many steps I made at school yesterday. And most of that happened before 7:50 when classes started. There were so many kids walking around not knowing where the eff they were going! Poor things. I think I walked 6 different kids to where they needed to be. Part of the problem was that so many freshman (and new kids) had come to school before the first day to walk their schedule so were ready to go straight to 1st bell but then were told they had to do to their "advisory" (homeroom) room first...a place that hadn't been on their radar. This, I believe, is what caused the mayhem we had. I think this is a lesson learned: Don't send kids on the first day of school to their advisory. There's no reason why students can't just report to their 1st period and get their planners etc. there. If  there are kids who didn't pick up their schedule before the first day, post that information. UGH! It's always something. 

All in all, however, the day was good. I have some seriously interesting new kids in my classes that I'm sure will give me great fodder to share throughout the year. They had me cracking up, that's for sure. Definite replacements for Dezi to keep me on my toes. 

My kid with the mental issues actually made it through his day without any major issues. Of course he wrote me a note about how he hates school and is only there because it's the law. He also wrote a note to his art teacher basically saying the same thing. I expected this but hey, he made it through and even with all his complaints etc., he apparently went home and said it was a pretty good day. We'll see how today goes. We may have to switch up his art class...we'll see. 

Scout is so funny! I'm up here in the kitchen typing and I see him slinking around in the family room, like a cat about to pounce. I look to see where Boo is and I see he's in the kitchen, oblivious to what Scout is doing. So then Scout goes and hides behind the ottoman and waits. Eventually Boo, who is sniffing around the kitchen, meanders down into the family room and as he gets to the ottoman, Scout POUNCES on Boo, scaring the shit out of him and the wrastling beings. They are pure entertainment. I just love how Scout likes to hide behind things and scare Boo. No wonder Boo is such a nervous Nelly. 

I still have a shit ton of stuff to do at school so I'd best get a move on. Our building, yesterday, was ridiculously HOT. Not my room...my room was quite pleasant but it seemed everywhere else had over 80 degree temps. That's ridiculous and this is something I bitch about all the time. With this high-tech system they supposedly have in place (computerized) why can't they get it together. EVERY. YEAR! And for this reason, we've been told we can wear shorts today. Sounds good to me! 

Okay I'm out...need to get to school so I can get something done and figure out my teaching classes for the day. Happy Thursday...OOH!!! Tomorrow is FRIDAY! YAY! (It's not a good sign that I'm THIS ready for the end of the week so early in the year.) Later!

Here We GO!!!

And in 2 hours, the kids will be rolling into their classrooms for 1st bell and gearing up for another year as will I. Am I ready, you might ask. And I laugh in your face! Of course not! Am I ever ready? I always need another week or so to be completely ready but that's okay. I don't really plan on doing any teaching this week...just some getting to know you stuff and easing into what will be another whirlwind year, I'm sure (I hope). I do have the most important things figured out: Schedules and rules. We'll talk a lot about rules today and isn't it funny that every year, my rule sheet gets just a little longer? Mainly its about kids not touching my shit and not just doing whatever the eff they want and having a little respect. I tend to start the year sort of putting the fear of God into my kids but they realize pretty quickly that if they're respectful and not jerks, we'll get along just fine.

Other than rules and little activities, today will just be a day of talking and getting to know those kids that I don't know. Tomorrow we'll work on getting materials ready for class and ensuring everyone has their needed passwords for email and Progress Book (the system we use for grades) etc. That's plenty to do! Friday, I have no idea what we'll work on...maybe some initial "What do you know" stuff for history and Biology and I'll take some surveys for kids in LA (what to read first etc). Easy peasy lemon squeezy!

Yesterday was crazy hectic! Every time I worked on something on my to-do list, I would get distracted by something else that popped up needing attention and then forget about my list and by the end of the day, my mind was frazzled and I needed a drink...but I didn't have one. I'm back on the "no-drinking-during-the-week" wagon. So far it's going well because by the time I get home, give the dogs love, do dinner prep work, exercise and finally sit on the couch with my seltzer water, it's nearly time for dinner and by that point, I'm not craving as much. Then, after dinner, it's time for the Wheel which means a cup of tea and then bed! I can do this!

And that's all I've got. I'm going to head out extra early and finish up some last minute activities. So...happy Wednesday (at least it's hump day!)...later! Wish me luck!

Day Two

I won't count past today, I promise. That would be so tedious.

Yesterday, as first days go, was fine. A couple of stupid meetings that were way too long and needless. My building meeting was pretty painful. Not to knock my administrator - he's okay even though I bitch about him a fair amount...my biggest beef is he's a puss (can't have a one on one convo with a teacher) - but he's just not a good public speaker. He tries really hard - which makes it even sadder - but he's just not inspiring. I think he's motivated by what inspires himself but that doesn't speak to others. Not to mention the fact that he constantly talks a mile a minute so you catch every 5th word or so and he is constantly moving so that he's turning away from his audience, making hearing/understanding what he says even more difficult. Needless to say, I lose focus and stop listening about 2 minutes into every "speech" he gives.

Anyway - yesterday was fine...nothing too unexpected. Today will be spent at my desk all day long. I'll be eating at my desk as well with the hope that I get what needs to be done, done. I'm going to do things a bit differently this year to try and make my prep a little easier but I still have lots to do. I got some things done yesterday but didn't have much consistent time to spend on stuff.

The pups got lucky yesterday. Jim went to work and then had to come home for a while because the rooms he was to be painting weren't ready (ceiling guys still working). So, he ended up hanging with the boys until about 1:00 so when I got home they weren't nuts. I managed to put an hour on the elliptical which made me very happy. I'm hoping that today, Jim will get home relatively early and the rain stops so I can take a lovely bike ride. We'll see.

And that's about all I've got today. I don't expect any parent visits today which is good. Should be an easy, though hectic day. Hope yours is as well.

Happy Tuesday! Later!

How Can This Be?

How is it that summer went by so quickly?! I just can't believe it's over. Oh well...time for a positive attitude. I'll do my best to keep my eye-rolling to a minimum today and my smile at max wattage. I'm just hoping that the meetings I have to sit through aren't a complete waste of my time. We'll see. I'll let you know.

Sleeping sucked last night. I was not feeling well for about 2 hours so there was that. Then I had a couple lovely hot flashes and woke up with a bit of a headache. But, I've taken some ibuprofen so hopefully I'll be feeling a bit better in a few.

The boys are not going to be happy in a couple hours. I don't think they have any idea what's about to happen. Thankfully, they are up and about playing and chasing each other so hopefully some of their energy is getting drained. Poor little babies.

I finished Where The Crawdad's Sing yesterday. I really liked it a lot but I knew what was going to happen at the end. That's all I'll say so I don't ruin it for those who may not have read it. I definitely recommend, however.

Let's see...what else? Nothing. Hopefully I don't have much to talk about tomorrow either. I don't know that there will be much in terms of "news" to share. I did hear that the state has gotten rid of one of the state tests high schoolers are forced to take (Geometry). I would imagine I'll hear if that's true or not today.

Okay well, I'd best finish getting ready. My car is already loaded with those things I need to take so I don't have much to do to walk out the door. It's not like it used to be where I would have to buy my own supplies...school pretty much takes care of that.

K - happy Monday. Here's hoping for a FAST and EASY school year! Later!

Jim Doesn't Know His Shapes

So I'm sitting here eating breakfast and Jim's headed out to work. He says to me, "Honey, is it okay if I take one of these USB plugs?" (We have three in our mudroom for our different electronics). I said, "Sure, just don't take the cube." He said, "Which one?" I said, "The cube...don't take the white cube." He said, "There are two white ones." I said, "Yes but one of them is cube-shaped. Don't take that one." He said, "They're both the same." Me: "No, one is a cube." Seriously, he had to pull them both out of the socket before he could say, "Ohhhhh...I see...got it...bye!" You know he scooted out the door quick as a cat so he didn't have to hear me make fun of him. Ridiculous.

I'm headed up to Columbus here in a bit. I got up at 5:00 today so that I could exercise and eat in order to leave by 8:00. Call it a little preparation for what's to come next week. Not me exercising in the morning but having to get up so early. BTW - I didn't like it! However, I slept well. I decided to take some ibuprofen PM last night after sitting at the computer all day yesterday and not sleeping great this last week. It worked and I only woke up a couple times during the night (hot flashes).

Speaking of hot flashes...I'm starting to get them more and more during the day now too. It's annoying. I wonder what is amping them up. I looked it up and the Internet said a possibility of an increase is stress. That makes sense since school starts next week. But then it also said that one method dealing or alleviating is to exercise. Uh...I exercise every day...sometimes twice...I'm thinking that isn't right. Who knows?

Jim told me I was talking in my sleep last night. I asked him what I said and he said I said, clear as a bell, "Shut up Jim!" Haha! I have no idea what I dreamt last night, however, Jim was snoring last night before I stopped reading and I had to keep shaking him and tell him to roll over so maybe that carried on in my dreams.

I completed much of what I wanted to get done for school yesterday. I got all the schedules done and then the master schedule with kids. I also sent all my IEPs. I still have much to do and plan on working when I get home from C-bus tomorrow. No way will I be done by the time Monday rolls around but I'll do what I can. Jim is working Saturday so I'll have lots of time then as well.

Okay well, time to get showered, packed and head out. Happy Thursday! Later!

Near Miss

So I was doing my thing yesterday - exercise, breakfast, walk the dogs - and was in the midst of cleaning when suddenly my mind said, "It's August 6th! Oh shit! I think Kim's surprise party for her retirement is today!" See, I had it in my mind that it was WEDNESDAY August 6th when really, yesterday (the 6th) was Tuesday! So I sent a text to Diane and said, Oh shit! Is the lunch today!? And she confirmed that it was. At that point it was 9:52 AM and I needed to shower, go to the store, get gas and get to the lunch by 11:45! Not to mention that I had to sit down with Boo and Scout and explain to them that Mama was wrong and indeed would have to leave them alone for a bit. ARG! Thankfully, they weren't too upset and I was quick as a cat and managed to get everything done and still get to the luncheon early. Whew!

The lunch, by the way, was lovely. Kim was surprised and though she SAID she didn't want a surprise like that, she was touched and enjoyed herself. I get it though...I hate being the center of attention too. It's just one of those things you have to deal with sometimes though: People like to show you how much they care about you and you just have to let them. It's not always about you. Ha!

All that to mean that the work I had planned to do yesterday will have to be done today. I've got all my schedules pretty much done and my plans today are to send out IEPs, finish the master schedule with kids and then map out my first week. I'm going to do things a little different this time around so that I'm not so harried during the first week. Hopefully that will work.

Sleep was a bit elusive last night. More hot flashes, I had to get up and pee about three times (drank my tea a little later than usual last night) and I woke up at about 3:00 and couldn't get back to sleep. I almost just got up but decided not to...and I ended up eventually falling asleep.

Oh, I finally got the book Where The Crawdads Sing and I'm reading that. It's a lovely book...I'm only about 1/4 the way through but it's beautifully written. I keep calling it (in my head) I Know Why The Crawdads Sing...isn't that funny?

And that's about all I've got for the day. My pups are walked, I've taken a bike ride and eaten breakfast so now I need to hunker down and get some shit DONE! Wish me luck.

Happy Wednesday - Later!

Jerk Computer

I would have posted sooner but my computer is having a temper tantrum. I think after all the work it had to do yesterday, it's gone on strike. Well, little computer, I have news for you! You haven't seen anything yet!

So yeah, yesterday I was on the computer working on schedules and whatnot from about noon until 4:00. I am nowhere near done but I decided I needed a break and Boo kept coming up to me for a cuddle. It's hard to type on a computer when you've got a little boy sitting on your lap wanting his back scrubbed and wanting to kiss your face all over. This just means that today I'll most like be doing the same thing as yesterday. However, I don't have any errands to run...just need to clean the house. My exercise is complete...the boys are now napping and I've started a bit of laundry.

So a recap of yesterday: I went to Costco and Aldi. I had Kroger on my list of things to do as well but Aldi's produce looked so good yesterday that I didn't end up having to go to Kroger. Often times, Aldi's produce has something to be desired but yesterday it looked fresh and delicious. I managed to pick up bananas, green beans, mushrooms, brussel sprouts and onions. Along with my usual "gets" - ground turkey (I really like their Active & Fit brand), ground chicken, fat free half and half (got about 5 of those...they are really cheap in comparison to Kroger), beans, broth, and I restocked my granola bar stash for the kids at school (they are always starving).

Ooh, here's something exciting: Costco had shorts that were cute on sale ($9) but I was on the fence as to what size to get. I've been a size 8 but it's starting to get loose so I broke down and got 6s in what I bought yesterday and guess what?! They fit! Now I just have to make sure they stay fit! Woot!

I didn't get anything else too exciting at Costco. Except peaches. They have the best peaches. I got Jim a giant box of waffles...he loves waffles in the morning. I love smelling them!

What else? Nothing really. I guess I should quit procrastinating and get a move on...finish cleaning and hunker down with schedule shit for school. Happy Tuesday! Later!

A Week From Today

I've been trying NOT to think about where I'll be in a week but at this point it's inevitable and impossible to keep the days from getting here. And, I actually need to do some work this week if I'm going to be at all ready for the beginning of school. I'm trying to think of the bright side in all of this and I guess the one good thing I could say is that I have a pretty good schedule. So there you go.

Before I do work, however, I need to get some grocery shopping done. After finishing this, I'll shower and head to Aldi, Costco and Kroger. I'll come home and do a bit of cleaning and then begin the task of checking schedules and getting my lists started.

So far today I've walked the dogs, done the elliptical and eaten breakfast. I'll be so sad to go back to work and not be with my boys. Such is life, however. It's also going to suck that my workouts will have to wait until the end of the day. But it is what it is.

I weighed myself today - I was frightened to do it - and I'm still about 8 pounds UNDER my original goal weight. I did gain a pound since my last weigh in about two weeks ago but considering the amount of drinking I've done this last week, that's pretty good! This week will be double workouts as often as possible to make up for all that.

I've been having the WORST hot flashes at night lately. And the weird thing is, they happen whenever I roll onto my left side. Isn't that bizarre? It's awful and of course it wakes me up every time so I end up waking up about 3 or 4 times in a night. UGH! That needs to stop lickity split! I just wish this menopause thing would be done!

Okay - well, time to get  a move on. Happy Monday! Later!

And So It Begins

First of all...I had quite the lovely time at PIB with Maggie, Charlie and Eva. I missed Jimmy but the 4 of us still managed to enjoy the island and each other. We did a lot of swimming, hanging, biking, eating and maybe a little drinking. I was sad to leave but will be back for Oktoberfest weekend in October! YAY!

And now that August has hit, I'm forced to think (a little bit) about school. Today for a couple hours, I'll try and get some of the piddly, tedious shit done like my caseload schedules and so on. I hate this part of the summer because it A) comes too quickly and B) is the beginning of the end.

This next week and a half is also going to be one of me hopping back up on my wagon. Not that I've completely fallen off, but this last week has me feeling a bit guilty and sloth-like. I just want to hit the workouts hard and make sure I'm staying in my desired weight window. Today I walked the dogs and biked 10 miles and a little later I'll do some arms, abs and ass stuff. Apparently, (according to Maggie and Eva) my ass is now a near match to Jimmy's and that is not okay with me!

Got a text from Trip last night (freaked me out because it was late) saying he and Susan bought a house! So excited for them. It's really cute and has a TON of space (in and out) for them. I think, in my humble opinion, they should put a pool in...someday maybe. Would be AWESOME! Can't wait for them to get all settled and in!

What else? The boys were sure happy to see me yesterday. Sleeping last night was a challenge because they had the need to make a mommy sandwich and I could barely move. Thankfully, Scout eventually went to sleep on his pillow but Boo wasn't about to have me out of kissing distance. I love them. And they were so happy to get a walk this morning. Currently they are both sacked out!

Guess what? The Great British Baking Show is currently filming! I'm so excited. No idea when that means they'll air it but at least I know it's coming.

Okay well, I don't have anything exciting to discuss. Time to get some work done so I can maybe enjoy the sunshine this afternoon. Happy Friday! Later!