Look Who's 6!!!

6 months 

I'm currently sitting here watching the Today show with Maggie and one of the top stories is "Season Finale of Ted Lasso...will it be the last?" I have a feeling it is. Maybe they'll do a movie though!? Like in Downton Abbey. That would be awesome. 

Anyway, I got here yesterday around 11:00 and Maggie and Eva were already home from Ev's haircut. We chit chatted a bit, had lunch then headed out to the pool where we stayed until around 3:00 or so. A couple friends of Eva's popped over so while they jumped on the trampoline we changed and hunkered down to watch Nicolle Wallace with a glass of wine. We had pizza for dinner and I was in bed by 9:00ish. 

Not quite 2

Today will be much the same. We'll walk in a bit, head to the grocery and then it's pool time. We'll go over to Mom's for a cocktail later and then have dinner here. We'll either grill or have some sort of taco bowls. Either sounds delicious to me. 

I had originally planned on going home tomorrow but may stay until Friday. Maggie, Charlie and Eva have reservations for Jeff Ruby's to celebrate Eva's birthday and her awesome grades and they invited me. I didn't want to weasel in but they insist that I wouldn't be intruding. I didn't bring anything to wear but I'm sure Maggie has something I can throw on. We'll see...I haven't talked to Jim about it yet and he may not let me. HAHAHA! 

I do feel bad about being here on this day because IT'S BOO AND SCOUT'S 6th BIRTHDAY!!! I can't believe we've had them that long. I can't believe how big they are and how much they've changed. I told Jim to make sure they get a pup cup tonight as a treat. I'll give them something special when I get home. 

5 1/2 

Okay well, time to get a move. Happy Wednesday (took me a second or two to remember what day it was). Later!

5 1/2 - (He's so scruffy!)

Never Again

If you know me, you know I'm a stickler for organization. I'm a planner. I make lists. I'm a routine girl. I like to make sure I've got my shit together when doing pretty much anything. When I'm eating lunch, I like to know what I'm going to have for dinner. I make menus for the week. You get it, right? This isn't a surprise to anyone reading this, right? 

So Sunday as a few of my neighbors and I were hanging out, one of them said, "Are we cooking out tomorrow?" Doug said, "Yeah!" I said, "Sounds good to me." I think Lauren sent a text out to Cari who said they'd be going to the pool but would be back to cookout as long as we could wait to do so until 5:00. So that was the plan. I did my thing: cut the grass, took a bike ride. Lauren sent a text around 2:00 saying they were outside. I, however, was laying out so I didn't respond right away. When I did get up to shower, I texted back to say I'd be out after. And then I looked outside and saw her WHOLE family was over. We're talking about 10 - 15 people so I said to Jim, "I'm just going to hang on the porch." I still had things to do for the supposed cookout because I'd said I would make baked beans and a caprese salad so I got that stuff ready around 3:00. 

By 4:30 nothing was happening. Lauren's family was still there and so I went in and said to Jim, "I'm over this. It's not happening. We'll just eat the two of us." Jim was happy because he was sore (from his bike kerfuffle) and tired and just wanted to chill. However, I hadn't gotten that out of my mouth before Kyle (another neighbor) sent a text saying he put all his stuff up in the island and would be back up to cook. UGH! So Jim and I hauled the Blackstone out to the driveway and proceeded with Kyle to set everything up. He had bought all the meat and fixins' which was so nice and I set up my stuff and got plates, forks etc. 

Doug and Lauren, never showed for dinner. Cari and Jordan came home from the pool just after 5:00, went inside saying they'd change and be right back and then didn't come back out for an hour and had dinner at their house. It was all just so fucking annoying and rude. I didn't plan this. I didn't even bring it up but those involved all said, "YES! Let's cookout!" and then they rudely bailed. So needless to say, I won't be doing that again. If people want to have a cookout, they can figure it out and I'll do my own thing. So sick of people. I mean, Doug and Lauren knew they were having family over on Sunday! Why say yes to a neighborhood cookout if you knew you were going to be hanging with your family and eating with them. Cari and Jordan? Typical. They do that all the time and I didn't actually expect them to even show. I'm sure it was quite obvious I was annoyed but I don't care. (Oh and even more annoying, they bring out Reggie, their dog and parade him in my driveway when they KNOW my dogs are going to lose their fucking minds...which they do. FUCK!)

All that being said, I'm happy to be getting away from these fools for a bit. I need a break, especially from my neighbor who never shuts up. I'm not kidding, it is incessant. She never stopped talking yesterday. She'd be talking to me and swivel her head mid-sentence and start a whole new conversation to the person who was next to her. If she wasn't prattling on to me or someone else she was talking to her kids. This is not an exaggeration either...it was nonstop! I kept having to go inside to take a break from the mindless chatter about nothing. UGH! I try so hard to give her the benefit of the doubt but yesterday broke me and it didn't help that I was so annoyed by everyone else. 

Okay, I'm done bitching. I need to get my shit done and hit the road. I'll walk the dogs, shower and I hope to be headed north by 9:30. Eva has a hair appointment so I figured if I got there around 11:00 they'd be about home. 

K - happy Tuesday. I'll take my computer and post up there. Hopefully Maggie won't irritate me and make me post about her. Never! Later!

Surprise!

I bet you thought that since it's a holiday, I wouldn't post. I figured I was just sitting here out on my deck, enjoying a lovely morning and why not? 

It's been a good weekend and it's not over yet. Friday we were chilled with the neighbors. Saturday Jim and I did some outside work (I mowed the lawn and Jim cleaned the garage) and then took a bike ride. Jim didn't make it far (3 miles) but he'll try to increase a little every time. We went out Saturday night with Doug and Lauren to the West Side (what a haul). We headed first to dinner at the W Bar + Bistro in Westwood and then walked over to the West Side Brewery for a beer. It's a cute and diverse area but definitely a one time deal as it is NOT convenient to get to. We were all so full after that, once we got home we crashed. 

Yesterday, Sunday, Jim and did our normal morning thing and then headed to Raeburn for lunch and some hang out time with the fam. It wasn't a great day weatherwise so I didn't get in the water but I expect this weekend we may head back over and swim. It's supposed to be a scorcher. 

When we got home, as expected, the neighbors were gathering so we spent some time with them and played some yard Yahtzee (a gift from D&L on my birthday last year). It was quite fun...Doug won. As you may have seen, Jim had a bit of an accident because he's stupid. Here's how it went down or rather, how Jim went down. I had been over at our house and had just returned to D&L driveway. Micah's bike was sitting there and Jim got up and was about to get on it. I said, "JIM! Don't you dare ride that bike you're going to hurt yourself or the bike!" Grace, D&L oldest, said, "He's already ridden it like 4 times." And as she said that, Jim somehow managed to flip over the handle bars and land in a heap. It was so funny and no one was able to stop laughing long enough to see if he was alright. He was but he was also hurt. He has a huge scrape down his right arm, he has a HUGE knot on his left leg, he bumped his forehead but funniest of all was all the grass stains on his clothes and the palms of his hands. He's such an idiot. 

So today, in a minute here I'm going to make breakfast on the Blackstone (bacon, eggs, hashbrowns and pancakes). Then we'll walk the dogs. Jim's going to clean the house while I mow the front yard and then he'll need to go to the store. We're going to cook out with the neighbors for dinner so I need to figure out what to get/make. 

And that's about it. I'm planning on going to Maggie's for a couple days tomorrow. I think the weather's going to be good and HOT! I'll probably be home Thursday. I'll take my computer if I remember and post from there. It's so nice to have my work computer with me for the summer. My personal computer blows. 

K - happy Memorial Day! Happy  Monday! Later!

I Can Breathe!

I love this day, my work day. Yes, I still have to go and sit in one last meeting for the year and listen to my principal prattle on about nothing but that's okay because ahead of me are weeks and weeks of summer. Looking back on the year, it really did fly by, minus this last month which DRAGGED! And it was a fairly easy year without much drama. Sure I had a lot to bitch about but that has everything to do with administration. Sure, I'm getting more and more burnt out as each year goes by but I'm hopeful the rules will change with Ohio's teacher retirement system to allow me to retire at 60. And again, though I'm paid a pittance what other's in a job for 23 years are paid, I'm still lucky to be where I am. So sitting here with the whole summer ahead of me, I'm going to try and breathe, take it all in, enjoy myself, and relax. 

All that being said, the weekend should be fun and packed with stuff. Tonight I'm sure we'll hang with the neighbors who, for once, have nothing going on. Tomorrow, Doug, Lauren, Jim and I are going out. We were originally going to go down to Arnold's but I remembered it's Taste of Cincinnati and I don't want to step foot downtown where streets will be closed and parking will be a nightmare. (We'll go next weekend when Lauren's uncle plays there.) Not sure where we'll go but I'd like to go somewhere and sit outside. 

Sunday, we're going to go to Raeburn for a few hours. Of course the weather has turned and not it's going to be cloudy but that's okay. A little family time, a little volleyball...should be fun. 

Monday we're going to do a neighborhood cookout I think. That was brought up yesterday when everyone gathered to greet the kids off the bus with water balloons in celebration of their last day. We'll see if it pans out. 

My plans today: I should get out of school by 9:00 or so. From there I need to stop at Target and then I'll come home, walk the dogs and maybe lay out. Jim plans on getting off early today and we might meet at Shooters...we'll see what time he's able to bail. Dinner tonight will be pork chops, broccoli salad and probably potatoes of some sort. 

Oh, I started watching Platonic on Apple this morning. First episode was good. I feel like with a new series, because the first episode is an introduction and has to pack a lot of stuff in to set up the premise, it isn't always an attention grabber. I liked it and I'll continue with it and I bet it gets even better. 

Okay time to finish my toilette so I can get to work and then get OUT! Happy Friday! Happy Memorial Day Weekend! Happy SUMMER!!! Later!

Itchy, Patchy Skin

I've got this spot on my neck, right at my Adam's apple (or my Joey's apple...that's for Trip...really it should be my Muir's apple) which has been there for about a month or so and it itches like crazy. For a while it seemed to be fading but I woke up this morning and it's larger and giving me fits. I'm trying my best not to itch it but it's killing me. I guessing it's an eczema patch but I've never had eczema before so that's weird, right? I thought we had some topical cortisone cream but apparently we don't. I think we did but I probably tossed it when I went through the many medicine "cabinets" because it was expired. Anyway, I'm going to have to stop at Kroger on my way to school because I'm not going to be able to go through today without relief. 

Speaking of today! It's the last day with kids! Can I get a long and loud WOOT!? Kids will come in at 7:30ish to take their 7th bell exam and then they're out of there by 9:30. I'm not sure how I'm going to sit there all day with really nothing to do. Maybe I'll take a minute and head to Aldi. That's an idea. I ended up sending all my progress reports yesterday and then I started creating Google Forms for chapters in The Help which we'll read next year. I guess I'll continue doing that today to kill some time and save myself time next year. Everything else is really done. 

In celebration I think Jim and I will go out to dinner tonight. Most like to El Picante! Yummy!

Oh, I forgot to update you all on Jim's stuff yesterday after his latest appointment. His doc has actually said to Jim that he's "cancer free". I don't really trust this but am certainly hopeful. The doc is also talking about having Jim stop his meds. This, of course, makes me really nervous. It hasn't happened yet so we'll see. My biggest question is: How often, off meds, will he get a scan? Currently, on meds, he's going every 6 months. I'm not really comfortable with that if he's off meds. We'll have to talk doc! 

I watched the 2nd to last episode of Ted Lasso yesterday. I got a text from Trip telling me how good it was and of course I couldn't hold out until Friday to watch. It was so good! I cried like a little baby a couple times. I'm excited to see what happens but I'm sad to see it end. However, as Trip said, it's better end it with the fans wanting more. An interesting thing I'm just going to put out there. On Apple TV for the final episode it says, "Season Finale" rather than "Series Finale". It makes you pause, doesn't it. It sure leaves the door open! 

The series with Rose Byrne and Seth Rogan was dropped yesterday, "Platonic" and I was going to watch it but my TV downstairs is being an asshole. It was weird, I was able to watch the 2nd half of Ted Lasso. I finished it, exited out to live TV while I did some things for dinner, came back to watch an episode of "Platonic" and it wouldn't load from my apps manager. I'll have to riddle it out later. 

Okay well, like I said, I have to stop at Kroger on my way in so I need to head. Happy Thursday! I might be posting a little later tomorrow because I'm going to sleep in about a half hour so keep your panties on (Maggie). Later!

I'm No Actor

I had a dream that I was in a play and so many things went wrong. First, I didn't know my lines. Second, as my part was nearing during the play, I couldn't find where the make-up room or wardrobe was and I was in a panic. Then, when I finally found the make-up room, they ran out of gray spray paint for my hair because I was playing an old lady. It was so weird. I've never had this type of dream before and it got me thinking. I have recurring dreams about missing a semester of school and having to take a final exam, most likely because I'm a teacher, right? That made me wonder, what are the recurring dreams that people in different careers have? I'm guessing actors have ones similar to the one I had last night. I should take a poll...just out of curiosity. 

Why is Jim talking to me right now? Jaysus! He's talking about the food shortage that we're going to face because of blah blah blah and so when he finished his last who-knows-what statement, I said, "K." And he finally caught a clue and responded with, "I won't go into that because I know you don't want to listen." I mean...this happens nearly every day! Another reason why I can't wait for summer so I can sleep in and post after he's gone for the day. 

Yesterday was just glorious, by the way. I got so much done, all before lunch! I walked the dogs, took a bike ride, made my menu for the week, went to the grocery, did all the laundry, made broth, cut up fruit for the week. It seems like I did more but now I can't remember. Oh, I watched the first episode of the documentary series of Smartless on Max...it was so funny! Love those guys. If you don't listen to that podcast, you need to...you will pee your pants! 

Dinner tonight: I'm going to grill again - burgers this time. I might make a caprese salad again too becuase I need to use the mozzarella and it's delicious. I'll probably do baked beans with it. Speaking of which, they now have Bush's baked beans with "zero sugar" added. I normally get the vegetarian (because it's delicious) but I'm going to try these and see if I like. 

Today's school day: I have a "full" day of exams (my 5th and 6th periods) but the kids will be out of my hair by 11:25. Woot. 

And that's all I've got. Happy Wednesday! So excited to say again, this time next week I'll probably just be waking up! Woot! K - later!

Homebound

So since I don't have any exams today and I'm feeling a little stuffy (don't know what's up with my nose) I decided to stay home. I got a ton of shit done yesterday and realistically, it's such a waste of my time to sit at work. Yesterday I put a bunch of shit away for the summer, I got all the the hanging things off the wall and I've completed the questions for Hamlet (the Shakespeare play we'll read next year). All of my progress reports are done (I'll send them out Friday) and I emailed all my new parents yesterday to introduce myself (one of them parents replied with a "thanks for the email" and then continued with "but student won't be attending Kings next year.") I still have Wednesday and Thursday to sit at my desk and try to find something to do. 

My plans today: I've done some ab and arm work and after I finish here I'll walk the dogs. From there I think I'll head to the grocery then come home and take a bike ride. I'll get my laundry done but other than that, the day is mine. I might just lay in the sun if it's nice. I need to get a move on with my tan...it's lacking. 

Dinner tonight: I think I'll do some sort of chicken on the grill, maybe chicken burgers, corn and a caprese salad. I need to make my menu for the week before I head to the grocery. It's going to be a nice week so I'll probably do a lot of grilling...maybe some kabobs. 

Not much else is happening here so I guess I'll get the boys taken care of. Oh, speaking of which, Boo came in last night from playing outside, jumped on the couch and demanded some love. I went to give him some scratches on the neck (he loves that) and came away with a slimy, wet hand. And then the stank hit me. Needless to say, he got a scrub down. What is it about stinky smells that dogs love rolling in? And the worst part is that there's no major rain in the forecast to wash that shit away in the backyard. Ugh!

Okay - time to hit it. Happy Tuesday. Later!

Unappreciated

Before I explain my post title, I'll do a little recap for the weekend. First, it went by way too quickly. A short weekend just isn't enough time to spend at my favorite place in the world. However, we had a lovely time. The girls had so much fun and proved that they are indeed crazy by getting into the lake. Eva actually didn't get in because she's not allowed with her cast (pools are fine but not lakes or oceans) and she was pissed. I get it. Anyway - the weekend was lovely and very relaxing. We didn't do much beyond hanging out. The new furniture is awesome - comfortable and pretty - and it's so nice to have so many choices about seating. Now we just need to get the pictures on the walls and get a few lamps here and there. I can't wait to get back up there in less than a month. 

Jim and I got back home around 2:00 and after walking the boys, I mowed the backyard while Jim washed and gassed up my car and made a quick grocery run. I was exhausted and in bed early after a restorative bath. 

Now onto the title of my post: My teacher's union is currently in negotiations and of course they don't want to pay us well. By the 2nd meeting, they went into mediation (pulling in an outside negotiator from the state) and from there it's not gone well. Apparently at the last meeting the "other side" basically shut down talks at 12:30 and now with all the people needing to coordinate their schedules, the next open date is August 9th. I'm telling you, if they come at us with some bullshit contract, I'm going to lose my mind. I'm hoping that the whole union will stand strong and fight, not buckle and if need be, strike. Looking at the surrounding districts to mine, they all make more money than I do with the amount of experience and education I have. On an average, nearby, similar districts make $6000 more than me. That's a bunch of horse shit. It's so frustrating. Fuckers. I will be writing a letter to the board telling them that I stand by my union and won't buckle under their unfair and insulting treatment of their teachers. 

Okay, so today starts exam week! I have a 1st period exam today and then don't have any kids after 9:30. Although I did tell one kid he could take his Health exam with me so I can read it to him. I don't know why, he isn't going to pass. Tomorrow, I have no kids, no exams and am so tempted to just call in. I do have a 7:30 meeting but it isn't a meeting I need to be in...we'll see. Wednesday I have a "full day" of exams, but kids are out of my hair by 11:30. Thursday, we only have kids until 9:30 and then my day is free. Friday is a work day and my admin finally gave in and told the staff that after our 8:30 meeting, we're free to do whatever. About time dummy. 

Dinner tonight: I think I'll make chicken Marsala, broccoli and egg noodles. Easy and yummy. 

K - time to get a move on. Happy Monday! Happy last Monday of the school year! This time next week I hope I'm still in bed. Woot! Later!

Push For PIB

Lots to do to get ready to hit the road tomorrow and I hope I can get it all done. Yesterday I started cleaning and will finish that today after school. I also need to get to the grocery. I'll get half the shit I need today during my plan period and then get the alcohol and cold stuff later. I need to stop at the bank, get gas, pack and then monitor Jim. He tends to get a little lazy and I have to reel that in otherwise he'll try to wait to do things tomorrow morning which will push our departure time and that will make me angry. And you know what happens when Muir gets angry. You wouldn't like me when I'm angry.  

I sent a text to my cousin, Jeff, yesterday since he's going to be receiving the furniture today with my Aunt Muir. It is still scheduled to come (phew...I was worried it wouldn't and we got rid of all the other furniture) early this morning and I'm so excited! Unfortunately we won't get to see my cousin and aunt - they have to get back to Cleveland - but hopefully this summer we'll all be able to meet up at the Bay. 

School is giving me fits. Well, the kids are giving me fits. I am not being a good teacher this week. I'm irritable and just sick of stupid. Of course it isn't just the kids (administration) but I do see the light at the end of this tunnel so I can get through! PIB will certainly give me the push I need. 

So yeah, after school I'll do my usual routine with exercise and walking pups. I won't be cooking however, so I'll have more time to pack and clean. I'm hoping Jim will be home at a reasonable time to help. If not, I'll send him to the grocery for the rest of the items we need and then have him pick up take-out from Shooters. We have over $100 worth of gift cards there from their reward thing we have and it's easy. 

My plan tomorrow is to be on the road, no later than 5:30...I'm telling Jim 5:00 though. I'll have most of the car packed so I think getting up at 4:00 will give us plenty of time. I want to beat rush hour through Dayton. I'm hoping there isn't much construction but you never know. 

Okay well, that's all I've got. I won't be posting tomorrow but I'll certainly post on FB and Instagram. Happy Thursday...happy weekend. Later!

Getting Sad

I'm getting sad...not because of the seniors on my caseload having their last day yesterday. That's a reason to celebrate. (So glad to be done with a couple of them!) I'm sad about Ted Lasso. There isn't confirmation that this is definitely the last season of the show but that was always the plan...that was what Jason Sudeikis said and maybe there's still hope. But if there's not, I'm getting sad because episode 10 came out today and that means there's' only 11 and 12 left. I just love the show so much! {Sigh}

Jim was just talking to me about who-knows-what. I wasn't listening. He was going on for about 2 - 3 minutes and finally he said, "You aren't listening to me." That's the one thing I heard and I responded by saying, "Nope...I'm not...seems you'd know that by now." You know, it's a really good thing that Jim tolerates me because I don't think a lot of people would. Of course the door swings both ways. I guess the moral of this sham of a story is that it's a good thing we found each other...no one else would probably put up with us. 

So I have this freshman on my caseload - lets call her Meg. This year, Meg was in a pullout (resource) math class but early on, she was doing pretty well and the decision was made that for her sophomore year, she could go out to a co-taught math class. On Monday, her current math teacher came to me concerned, not because of her ability or lack thereof but because of the number of absences. She's had 31 full days out and 7 partial days. That's nearly 25% of the school year; of missed instruction. So I emailed the mom (who's a complete idiot) and expressed her teacher's concern. I also made sure to mention the number of missed days. Of course she calls me in response but I missed the call and so she left a message. She wants to talk about math (because as she said, "I'm not so good with the email") and also about her daughter's attendance. At the point she called, I didn't have any free time without kids in my day so I emailed her and told her I could chat today for a "few minutes" during my plan. I also said, "Any concern you may have about her attendance isn't something I can answer to so you'd need to take those questions to the attendance secretary." (BTW - I've had to tell her this before. Did I mention this woman is an idiot?) I dread the phone call only because I hate dealing with stupid. Why do I get involved in this shit? Why didn't I just leave it up to the math teacher to deal with it? Who's the idiot now? 

Dinner tonight: I'm probably going to do leftovers because we have a ton. I was originally going to do a cobb salad but I need to get rid of some of the stuff in the fridge. I can do the cobb salad on Sunday when we get back from the Bay. 

As I figured, I cried like a little baby yesterday during 1st period reading the last chapter of our book. I thought I'd made it through and then the very last paragraph got me. Dammit! Thankfully I got over it by 5th period and managed to keep my cool for those kids. I don't care...I'm not embarrassed or anything...I think it's kind of funny that the kids get to see me be a big old weeper...they really seemed kind of fascinated by it. Almost like they thought I didn't have any feelings. Hmm...

K - time to get going. Happy ooh, Wednesday! Tomorrow's my Friday! Later!

Dumb Ideas

Every Sunday night for the past...I don't know...8 years...since my principal has been at our school, he sends out an "edict" detailing the goings on for the week. Yesterday morning when I opened mine, I read all the stupid end-of-year shit happening and then saw that he had written a tentative plan for next Friday, our work day. Normally on our last day, we have a staff breakfast where everyone brings a little (or big) something. We gather for last announcements and then are sent off to our rooms to finish up what needs done. If you finish early, bye! I think last year I was out by 9:00? Maybe 9:30. Anyway - on this week's edict under Friday 5/26, it said, "Staff Cookout". Obviously you can imagine my response. "Oh, HELL NO!" I'm not sticking around for hours with nothing to do because he wants to have a staff cookout. Dude, read the room! Most of us don't want to hang out with each other. More than most of us don't want to hang out with YOU! 

And then I'm hanging before school yesterday in the library, venting and preparing for the day. The art department head who I eat lunch with most days gets an email from the principal saying that the weekly department head meeting that was going to be cancelled, he's going to go ahead and hold it to discuss next years' goals. Oh, and he wants to talk about having a staff picnic where staff members can "bring your family to work". Uh fuck that! A) what staff member's loved ones can just take off or want to take off work to hang with a bunch of people they don't know that they've probably heard their husbands/wives bitch about? B) many staff members (not me) need that last work day to finish up in their rooms and having a "picnic" in the middle of the day is stupid and disruptive. I set the task to my friend to nip that shit in the bud! No one wants to have a cookout on the last day to prolong when they leave! No wants to do the breakfast either but that's certainly more manageable. And I'm telling you, I'm coming in, sending out my progress reports, cleaning up a few things (unless I do that during exam week) and then I'm out! 

I'm sure most of you are going to be relieved when I'm done with school so you don't have to listen to me bitch, right? I'm such a downer. Sorry!

Dinner tonight: I'll make some chicken burgers with fries and probably green beans. Something easy. 

Boo! He's in so much trouble. He woke up at 11:30 last night barking his head off at the back door. Jim and I ignored him and he eventually came up and settled down. Then around 12:00 he started barking his head off upstairs. There was obviously something outside making him nuts but he's a crazy man if he thinks I'm going to let him out to wake the neighborhood up. This is why spring sucks!  I told him, "When Diane is here this weekend, you better not be a bad boy and do that to her!" 

And that's about all I've got. I'm reading the last chapter today in our novel for ELA (A Lesson Before Dying) and I'm going to cry my eyes out. I've already warned the kids. I mean, I've read the book about a dozen times but every time, the ending gets me all verklempt. I'm sure one or two of my students will get choked up too. 

K - happy Tuesday. Later!

Wonky Throat

Since Friday, I've had a wonky throat and though it's certainly better since Saturday when I woke up and could barely swallow, it's still got a little scratchy annoying thing going. I haven't had any type of sickness in forever (including when I had Covid in November and only knew it because I lost taste and smell) and I'm glad this was minor and that it happened this past weekend instead of next. 

The weekend was nice. I met Jim at Shooters after school which was a good thing since they were closed during the day on Sunday. Friday night I'd planned on a relaxing night with no cooking (pizza) and then a lovely bath but the neighbors had a different idea. It ended up that we all hung out and after pizza, Doug and Lauren came over for a quick game of Skip-Bo. It was a "late" night for me and I didn't get to bed until after 10:00! 

Saturday Jim and I went out and bought all our flowers etc. at Lowes. BTW - it was NUTS there! I guess everyone had the same idea we did and the checkout line was ridiculous. I'm glad I didn't let that deter me, however, because they had them moving really well with a woman going down the line and scanning everything so that when we got to the register, we just gave the last 4 of my phone number and bing, bang, boom, we were out. From there we went to Roosters for lunch. The night was chill...I made dinner and then we watched a movie - Kodochrome with Ed Harris and Jason Sudeikis. It was good. 

Sunday was busy, busy, busy and exhausting but we got all the flowers planted and though my back isn't quite complete it's nearly there. I still need to get the rest of the furniture out and the umbrella for the table. Jim cleaned out the helicopters from the gutters and then scrubbed the front deck and furniture. I mowed both the front and back yards and clocked a total of just over 9 miles walking yesterday. Needless to say I slept like a baby last night. Dinner was a stuffed pepper casserole which was really yummy. 

This is my last week of teaching for the year and I'm so excited. Add to that, I'm off Friday and then headed to PIB, well, I'm very excited. The week will be a wrap up of chapters and our novel and prep for the exams. I'll also be getting shit together for the Bay, trying to figure out what needs to be done and brought up. The box spring I bought for one of the queen beds came over the weekend so that's good. 

And other than that, I've got nothing. Dinner tonight will be mahi mahi with long grained wild rice and cauliflower with brown butter. I need to make things this week that won't make leftovers...I have enough from last night's meal. 

Okay well, happy Monday! The second to last Monday of my year! Woot! Later!

Coffee Asshole!

Jim's an asshole. I mean, how many posts have started that way? Well this morning, he's a really big asshole. So I come downstairs, pissed off already because the damn dogs stole one of the attachments from the vacuum and chewed it all up, and Jim starts talking to me. Here we go! And then as I'm getting ready to make my 2nd cup of much needed coffee he says all sugary, "Honey? Would you be a doll?" And then he reaches up from the loveseat he's lounged out in and starts hitting the railing that separates the family room from the kitchen with his coffee mug. I said, "Suck it! I'm getting my coffee. Get your own!" But he keeps tap tap tapping so I grab his mug and do him a solid. Five minutes later after my coffee is made and I've gotten his all brewed and doctored , I get up from my seat and do him a second solid, delivering his cup of joe. But as I'm delivering and he goes to grab the bottom of the mug, I pull back and say, "No! It's too hot! You're going to burn your hand!" And he has the gall to respond in a shitty tone, "WILL YOU JUST GIVE ME MY FUCKING COFFEE!?!" He nearly had that scalding hot coffee dumped on his head. See? Asshole. 

This time next week I'm hoping we're on the road and nearly to Dayton! Something to look forward to and boy oh boy I need it. I'm sorry I keep bitching about my job but I'm just so done. These kids are truly driving me nuts. Oh, and here's a funny little conversation I was involved with that probably killed off dozens of brain cells: So this kids says to me as he's about to leave for lunch: "Mrs. Hanke? I had my first 'dinger' in softball last night. I hit the ball and ran to second, slid into 3rd then went to first." I said, "Huh...that's interesting. I'm not sure your team was too thrilled with that." He said, "Yeah. We lost 18-1". Me: "That makes sense if you went to 2nd, slid into 3rd then went to 1st." I mean, what the heck was he talking about? 

Jim's watching TV and just said, "I'm sorry but no one's going to vote for you." And me, being dumb and not thinking said, "Who?" And Jim starts explaining and I was forced to interrupt and say, "I'm sorry, I don't care. I don't know why I asked who?" Jim understood...really! I wasn't being an asshole. 

Dinner tonight: I gave Jim the option of a deconstructed stuffed green pepper casserole or take-out pizza. I was so happy when he chose pizza. It's been a while. I'll make the casserole either this weekend or next week. It looks really good...something new and I love stuffed green peppers. 

Okay well, thank God it's Friday! I'm so looking forward to doing nothing much this weekend. School should be pretty chill. I'm finishing up my novel in ELA (three chapters to go); the kids will do their final chapter review in history (WW2) and then in science we finished up studying Earth's biomes yesterday so we'll watch a nature video today on the Rainforest. Woot! Happy Friday! Happy weekend. Later!

Computer Woes = Late Post

When I got downstairs this morning to post, having already booted up the computer hoping to save time, I sat down and saw I didn't have internet connection and needed to restart my computer. This is never good when I'm on a timeline because my computer takes FOREVER to download updates and restart. Of course I immediately texted Maggie that I'd be late, knowing otherwise I'd get a text demanding "What?" "Why?" and "How dare I!" So here I am at school and now you know why I'm late. 

This time next week will be my Friday and I'll be excited (more excited than I am now) about my first trip of the year to PIB! I can't wait. It will be Eva's birthday weekend and she's bringing up a couple friends. They won't get there until after school with Charlie. Maggie,  Jim and I will get up there in the morning and get the place up in preparation for her birthday. Maggie's getting a couple special things for the loft/clubhouse where the girls will be sleeping. I think we'll also bake a cake and I can't wait! 

Yesterday, I bought a box spring for one of the queen sized beds up there. The beds are nice and comfortable but they sit really low to the ground without a box spring and it's weird. The one I bough comes disassembled so it will be delivered here and I'll take it up and put it together next weekend. I want to make sure it's a good one before I buy a second one for the other queen bed. I'm sure it's fine but you never know. 

I took a lovely bike ride yesterday. I hope to again today before the rain hits, of course, over the weekend. That's getting annoying! 

My stupid computer here at school is driving me nuts! Every now and then, my mouse will suddenly and without reason switch from left-click to right-click so when I try to use it and I left-click something it goes all wonky. It usually takes me a minute or two before I realize what's going on which is so annoying. Arg!

Dinner tonight: I'm making jalapeno popper chicken with rice and broccoli or cauliflower...I don't think I have any broccoli. 

And that's about all I've got. Time to prepare myself for the kids...try to put on a happy face. It's getting harder, I'll tell you. Happy Thursday! Later!

Like Mother Like Daughter

I woke up this morning to this text from Maggie: At urgent care. Eva broke her arm in 2 places, her ulna and radius. I mean, what!? What's with these klutzy Egbert girls?! I talked to Maggie just now and she said it's her left arm and it's a clean break which is good. After Maggie's experience with her ankle, Eva was stressed and a bit weepy about what she might have to go through (surgery etc.). Hopefully that won't happen but they won't know for sure until they get to an orthopedic doc. As of now, Eva plans on going to school...we'll see. Maggie said she slept well and they're trying to keep ahead of any swelling/pain. Jaysus! 

I mean, I've got nothing that can compete with that. I did have zombie dreams last night. It was nuts but one good thing was I figured out that the zombies would follow single word commands. I figured this out while I was on a bridge and I said, "JUMP!" And the zombies starting jumping. In my dream I was also very concerned about getting home to my boys. It all started when I was in downtown Cincinnati so figuring out how I was going to get there was a pickle. I finally figured out that I could grab one of the scooters they have available. It was crazy.

I mentioned earlier in the week that it's teacher appreciation week, right? Well, yesterday, the administrators came over from central office and disrupted everything at the high school. They brought us a bunch of stupid shit (skittles, granola bars, sodas etc.) and I guess I should say, it's the thought that counts but they are so tone deaf to what the teachers need and want from them. The greatest part of the whole "appreciation" was the little "mental health" bag they gave all the teachers. It was filled with dumb shit like a lavender scent sack, a pencil with some stupid shit written on it; a stone with "hope" or "dream" or some such shit; a mental health activity book (really?) and best of all, a card that had the suicide hotline number written on it. It was like, "Hey, here...we appreciate you! Don't kill yourself!" 

First of all, I'd like to know how much district money was spent on this shit! Second, I can't wait to hear that in contract negotiations they're going to give us a 0% or 1% pay increase. This is the shit that pisses me off! ARG! I need summer to get here ASAP!

Okay - well, I'm running behind now and I need to get a move on but Jim keeps asking me stupid shit (who was the second president? Who was the 4th? 5th?). It's going to be a beautiful day so maybe I'll take a bike ride tonight! Oh, dinner will be some sort of pork chop dish with mashers and succotash. Happy Wednesday! Later!

Jim's Lungs Are Stupid!

I was hopeful that Jim's scan would be all clear skies with no growth but that isn't the case. Here's what the results said, "Masslike consolidation right lower lobe extending somewhat along the hilum into the right upper lobe and right middle lobe. Overall, this is minimally increased since recent exam but enlarging since 11/3/2021." This could be a number of things, including pneumonia, sarcoidosis and/or a result of his radiation. He will move his appointment up 3-4 weeks with the pulmonologist and discuss where to go from here. Dammit! Damn Jim and his stupid lungs and melanoma! ARG! 

And here's the thing too, when he got up and while I was doing yoga he had a major coughing fit which in itself isn't uncommon but it was worse than usual. I yelled down, "What the heck is going on?!" He answered with an "I'm alright" but I just don't like that! Otherwise, by the way, he's been feeling fine. 

In other news, I did a yoga today with "minimal cues" and it was quite nice. A lot of times when I do yoga, I get annoyed with the "teacher" and all talk talk talk. Sometimes I'm like, "SHUT UP!" Today, was lovely. All she did was call the next pose and for the most part, I knew what she was calling without having to look. However, she tends to use the technical yoga terms and there was one or two which I had to glance at the screen to know what she meant. I'll have to do more of those yoga routines.

Dinner tonight will be either Salisbury steak or I might just make burgers. We'll see what Jim wants. But if I know Jim he'll choose Salisbury so he can have mashed potatoes. But maybe I'll not ask him and just do burgers and make pork chops tomorrow and serve the mashers with those. It's a pickle. 

Boo's a bad boy! This morning, for the first time in weeks, Scout didn't eat. He came in from his morning potty and headed straight upstairs to go back to bed. I left the food down, however, in case he decided he was hungry. I was paying attention but I guess not enough because right before I head up, Boo slipped away from me and I heard the chomp, chomp, chomp of him being a pig. I berated him a little (told him he was a bad boy) but he doesn't care. 

Oh! A toe update: Since the weekend, my toe has improved amazingly. There's barely anything to see and yesterday I walked Scout 3 miles then did the elliptical and I had NO pain. Zero. Zip. Zilch! Knock on wood this continues. 

Okay - time to get a move on. Man oh man, those birds are so loud this morning. K - happy Tuesday. Later!

Preash

It's teacher appreciation week which means lots of different treats for us. Today they'll serve us pizza and there a "special gift" from the PTO. I won't partake in the pizza for a couple reasons. A) I'm taking my lunch and trying to be a little healthy and B) I eat "D" lunch which is the last lunch and I'm guessing all the food will be gone by then and/or cold. It's fine. The rest of the week will have little daily things for us (City BBQ one day and a taco bar Friday I think) most of which I won't take part in but it's nice of the different groups to throw us some solids. 

The weekend was good. Chill. We did go to Agave and Rye for lunch on Saturday and as usual it was delicious. We didn't go to Bed Bath and Beyond though...neither of us were feeling it. I didn't end up making dinner Saturday because I wasn't that hungry but we did get a little Chinese instead. Afterward, Doug and Lauren came over and we played cards. Sunday was the usual. We did hang on the deck with some of the neighbors for a bit before I went in to cook last night. I was in bed by 7:30, reading.

The weather this week is going to be WARM and it's a reminder that I'm pale as a ghost. I need to get some color on my legs before I blind someone. 

Dinner tonight: I will either do Salisbury steak or grill some BBQ chicken. Depends on how I feel when I get home and if the weather is stormy or not. 

Nothing big happening at school for the next weeks now that I'm done with all my IEPs. I'll just be working these next days to get my final paperwork done including senior shit. 

Jim's got a CT scan today which is a follow up ordered by his pulmonologist to get a comparison. Fingers crossed. It's always a little nerve wracking because you just never know. 

Okay I need to get a move on...well I really don't but I'm going to. Happy Monday! Hopefully this week will go by quickly. Later!

In Three Weeks

First of all, before the three week mark, in two weeks time, I'm hoping that Jim and I will already be in the car and on our way to PIB. Woot! I can't wait! In three weeks, it will be my work day and this year will be behind me! How crazy! Year 23 under my belt! Only 12 more to go! That's depressing. No way in hell can I make it that long. 

In other news, my meeting yesterday was pretty mind numbing. Realistically, in the 2 1/2 hours that the lawyer prattled on, I maybe heard 2 things that I hadn't really known or was new to me and I can't even remember what that was. The thing I really gave two shits about was the very last thing she talked about and I had to leave to get to my class to teach so I missed that. Additionally, the lawyer who was presenting the information to us didn't get there until 8:30 (she wasn't late, she had another appointment prior) but we had to be there at 7:30. In the hour before that, I was forced to sit and listen to one of my least favorite people in the world twitter and flitter about acting all hoity toity and annoying. It was truly a waste of my time, which you all know I hate. I could have slept in a bit. Arg! 

It's going to be a lovely weekend I hope. Tonight Jim and I will hang. I've pulled some taco soup from the freezer in celebration of Cinco de Mayo. No way in hell was I heading out to a Mexican restaurant so this was as close as I could get without really having to cook. Saturday we'll head down to Hyde Park to visit the Bed Bath and Beyond down there...see if there are any items I need/want on sale since they're going out of business and then we'll head to Agave and Rye. Yummy! 

Saturday night, if I'm not too full from lunch, Jim and I will just hang at home and I'll make dinner. It's Derby day but truthfully I hate horse racing. I think it's cruel and it makes me so nervous. I'm not sure I'll even watch it. Sunday will be our usual day. 

Today at school should be a shit storm. It's KFC (Kings Freshmen Camp) which is a two day event for incoming freshmen to get to know the building. It's a good idea but completely disruptive to everyone and a sub nightmare. Along with the teachers out of the classroom to help with KFC, it's the time of year were teachers are burnt out and Fridays are the key day to be "sick". As of Monday there were 8 unfilled absences so I'm sure there will be double that this morning. Oh well, not my problem. 

K - well, time to wrap up my toe (still a bit of an issue but getting better I think) and hit the road. Happy Friday! Later!

May The Fourth Be With You!

Since I have a PD 1/2 day this morning, I slept in...5 minutes. My plan was to sleep an extra 15 but the puppies had a different idea. I think they woke up and thought I overslept. Boo actually went to Jim and batted him in the face (good boy) so he got up with the dogs and fed them but by then I was awake and had gotten loads of sleep so I thought, Why not?

Speaking of sleep, I don't know if it's my new pillow or what but I've been sleeping like a little baby rock lately. I also haven't really had any headaches or at least none during the night. Bonus! 

I was perusing Apple TV last night and seeing what's coming up and there are so many shows that look SO good. First though, I'm so excited to announce that the book I just finished and raved about - Lessons In Chemistry - is being made into a series! It won't be out until the Fall but I'm so excited. Along with that, there's a new series coming up called Platonic with Rose Byrne and Seth Rogan. It looks hilarious. There were others but now I forget. I put them on my list though. 

Dinner tonight: I'll make a chicken in some way and then have the Italian style gnocchi that I got from Trader Joe's and broccoli. 

So yeah, my meeting today is with the districts lawyer who will update us on special ed law. It's been several years since this happened. Usually she tells us shit that half the staff freak out about but is really shit that is common sense. I doubt there's anything really new but maybe stuff that's coming down the pike. We'll see. I'll do my best not to eye roll and pay attention. I tend to zone out with this stuff because I feel like they often present things in a manner that's meant to be a scare tactic and I'm like, "Fuck off...I'm not stupid." Of course there are those that don't use common sense so I guess it's worthwhile for some. 

Okay as typical, I just got a text from Maggie demanding to know where my post is. She's so impatient! 

Happy Thursday...May the 4th be with you! Later!

Happy Birthday JJ!!!

I mean how is it that this guy is 15!? Seems like just yesterday I was gazing at this kid as a newborn in my lap and wondering how I could love someone so much, having just met him! He is truly a kind, fun and funny guy who loves baseball (and all sports) and doesn't seem to mind (maybe even loves) hanging with his family. I can't wait to see where he goes from here. 

In other news, I'm pretty close to calling DPS on Boo. You know, Duck Protective Services. He continually takes his ducks outside and then leaves them there. Last night he left his green duck out all night and it rained. I mean I get that they're ducks and don't really mind the water but it's cold and they're used to the warmth and comfort of being inside. I just don't know what to do anymore. I've tried to bribe Boo. I've recruited Uncle Scout to help but it ends up that about 3 days a week I come across a duck on the deck, sad and abandoned. 

I have my final IEP this morning at 7:30. This is for a kid who really shouldn't be on an IEP. She came to my school during her freshman year after moving here from Illinois. She's a complete introvert which is really what her mother is most concerned about. She's a straight A student who never needs help. Trying to write a goal for her was a bitch this time around. On one hand she's an easy kid to have on my caseload because she needs so little assistance but when it comes to writing her IEP, I struggle. Oh well. Hopefully the meeting will go smoothly. 

The Loveland levy passed! Woot! It was a pretty good win 54% - 46%; not a landslide but really not that close when you looked at the numbers. The crazy thing was, a friend of a friend went to vote as his polling place yesterday donning a Loveland sweatshirt and he was told by one of the poll workers he would have to either take his sweatshirt off or cover it up. The friend of a friend said, "Uh, nope. You have no right to tell me what I can wear." And the poll worker continued to block his way in. The voter ended up calling election officials and within a few minutes, the polling place got a phone call telling the poll worker to cut the shit. Isn't that shit crazy!? 

I get it. How we fund schools in Ohio sucks. It's a weight on everyone's shoulders and really fucks those who aren't as well off and able to afford to live in the districts with good schools and higher property taxes. I get if you're retired or have no kids or on a fixed income. I understand that struggle. But it isn't the schools who you should be protesting. Go to you state reps and try and get things done. Loveland hasn't passed a levy in 9 years. That's a long time. Much longer than it was supposed to last. Take your hate and vitriol to Columbus though...quit punishing the kids and teachers. 

Okay I need to get a move on since my meeting this morning is at 7:30. Happy Wednesday! Later!

Three More Mondays

Now that yesterday is over, I have only 3 more Mondays until the end of the school year. Can I get a woot!? I mean, that's major! That means that Sundays will no longer be the bane of my existence, at least through the summer. I'll take it. 

Update on my pillow: I'm really liking my new pillow. It does seem like it would be uncomfortable but it isn't. It lifts my head perfectly without sinking down like a normal pillow would. I haven't woken up yet with a headache since using it too. And that's after a late-night, wine-fueled Saturday night too. I was worried about how "loud" the pillow is considering it's filled with buckwheat hull but it really isn't. Sure, when you shift your head there's a slight rustling but it's really nothing to complain about. So far, so great! 

Update on my toe: It seems to be getting better. I'm going to continue using the Compound W wart remover to try and get the corn reduced and I've been using a pumice on it to rub away the skin (sorry if that wigs you out). It seems to be reducing in size and it certainly doesn't hurt like it did. I didn't get to walk yesterday because of the rain so I don't really know if the pain is substantially better, hopefully we'll get out there today and then I'll have a better idea. Scout is keeping his paws crossed...he was NOT happy about the rain yesterday. 

Dinner tonight: I think I'll make homemade fish and chips or something along those lines. I have cole slaw I need to use. I'll look up a recipe at school and see if I can't find something delicious. 

OMG! I forgot! Yesterday when I got to my room and approached my desk I noticed it was littered with papers. At first I thought it was from the assignments the kids had on Friday while I was out. I remembered, however, that all my assignments were on Google Form. And then, Lisa said to me, "Yeah, your sub left you a book." I mean, he really did. I'm talking about 10 pages of notes. Apparently he "conferenced" with every kid in my GI and made them get on Progress Book and check their grades, which he then wrote down for every kid. He also made a point to write that he was an actual certified special ed teacher and was currently on the job hunt. Lisa told me she thought he is definitely on the spectrum. 

When the kids told me about him they did say how nice he was but really out there. He left notes that they were all good and he had no behavior issues and I hope that's true. I mean, if it's not one thing it's another with subs. I guess the report about his was much better than other reports I've gotten. 

Oh, and then 2nd bell starts yesterday and I had about 6 kids surrounding my desk trying to talk to me at once, "Mrs. Hanke! That sub!" and "Mrs. Hanke, I need to take a vocab quiz...do you have it?" and "Mrs. Hanke look at this Tik Tok!" and "Mrs. Hanke! Can I heat up my rice?" (That was an actual question from one of my kids...at 8:30 in the morning.) I finally had to raise my voice and say, "GUYS! Can you give me a minute and leave me the heck alone!? You're giving me a headache!" And I look up and there's my admin who needs to talk to me. Not that I care. In fact, I said, "Oh, good! Can you take these kids down with you to the office or wherever!? They're driving me nuts!" It was funny. 

Jim has to go back and get more blood drawn. They're trying to figure out some things with him. They think that length of time he's been on his meds is starting to cause side effects which they want to eliminate or reduce (mainly his foot pain). He'll reduce one of his meds from 4 pills 2 times a day to 3. Hopefully this will make a difference for him while keeping his melanoma at bay. 

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

Whirlwind

It was a whirlwind weekend and I'm still exhausted. 

Friday: As you will recall, I took the day off. I had a vet appointment for Boo and though it started well, it ended poorly. We had Boo all drugged up and ready for a calm visit. Before we left, he was sacked out and definitely feeling no pain. When I loaded him into the car, he was fine, excited more than anything. We got to the vet and we were ushered into a room and his anxiety level was certainly elevated. For the most part he spent his time there in my lap. The vet tech came in, asked her questions and we discussed what shots he would get and then they took him back for his heartworm test, vaccines and nail trim. Within a few minutes, I heard him scream. Ugh! He screamed once more and then that was it. The vet came in and said he did great but was just not happy about getting blood drawn. Once that was done, he calmed down. I asked if they were able to get his nails done and she said, yes, there were just now finishing that up. Phew. She left and I waited. And then the groomer came in and said, "Um...well...we were able to get his back nails cut. He did great with those. However, when we went for his front paws he flipped out." Apparently they had him muzzled but when he wigged out he somehow got it off and then proceeded to bite the vet tech, breaking her skin. Ugh! Dammit Boo! I told her, "By the way, he is drugged up." She was shocked. 

So from there we left and I took my baby home and loved on him and told him it wasn't his fault and he wouldn't have to go back there for a long while. Fast forward to me out and about running errands. I was in the parking lot of Costco when my phone rang. I saw it was the vet calling. Apparently in all the craziness, they didn't give Boo his heartworm shot and could I come back on Monday? What!? Jesus Christ! I mean, poor boy has been tormented and now he has to go back. I'm going to make Jim do it (at 4:35 this afternoon). I think they should have to come out to the car and do it to avoid any anxiety for Boo. 

Friday night Jim and I headed over to Raeburn for dinner and a chance to see Cullen, meet Cesar and just have family time. Trip, Susan and JJ ended up being able to come as well since JJ's game was cancelled. 

Saturday: Maggie and Charlie got here around 3:00. From there we went up to Shooters for a couple beers and apps. Dinner reservations weren't until 8:15 so we needed a little sustenance. After that we came home and just rested until it was time to get ready and head downtown. We decided to meet a bit early and have a cocktail with those who could make it at the Palm, the bar in the Netherlands. Of course it was closed (really?) so we ended up just sort of tooling around Fountain Square. Via Vite had a little spot outside to sit so we got some drinks and waited for our reservations. 

Jeff Ruby's knows how to make a meal. Everything was amazing from the atmosphere to the gimlet I got to the apps (king crab leg) to the steaks and desserts. Best of all was the company, however. It was a great celebration of Dad and though the evening wiped him out, having all of us there was something special. Thank you Dad and Becky for a wonderful night. 

As for the dinner, most of us got steaks except for Becky (she got the dover sole) and Eva (salmon). Jim got the biggest steak I've ever seen (porterhouse) it was ridiculous and you know he ate every last bit of it. We were there for a solid 4 hours and we didn't get home until 1:00. Maggie and I stayed up a bit and chatted and were finally in bed by 2:00. I got up at 7:00 and was freakin' exhausted. I made a big breakfast, though we were all still a but stuffed from dinner and then the Egberts were on the road around 10:00. 

Jim and I did head to Shooters for some down time then came home to lay about and recover. I did manage to take a nap for about an hour yesterday but I didn't want to ruin myself for a good night's sleep. I made a salad for dinner and was in bed by 8:00.

Thankfully I did sleep well last night. I think I woke up around 1:00 and laid there for about an hour before I finally fell back to sleep but all in all, I can't complain. I think it had everything to do with my new buckwheat hull pillow. So far so good there. Though it was really hard to get up at 4:15 this morning, I didn't have a headache. 

Oh, bonus: For those of you who know about my poor toe, the thick skin that was causing such pain fell off. I'm hoping that this is the beginning of my toe feeling better. I'm going to keep treating it with kid gloves but I'm hoping that the pain I was having will begin to subside. Fingers crossed. 

It should be a pretty normal week though I do have an IEP meeting Wednesday (the last of the year). I have 1/2 a PD day on Thursday but other than that, I'll just be powering through hoping to make it to Friday without too many issues. In less than a month, I'll be on summer break. I just have to keep my eye on the ball. 

K - happy Monday. Oh, dinner tonight: pork chops, Thai style and rice with some sort of veggie. K - Later!