Santa Around The World

I have nothing to talk about so lets look at the different names for Santa around the world.

Afghanistan - Baba Chaghaloo
Hawaii - Kanakaloka
Hungary - Mikulas
Russia - Ded Moroz (Ded? That's a little too close to "dead")
China - Shengdan Laoren.
Germany - Christindl
France - Pere Noel

So, I hope everyone out there watched Prep and Landing.  I love that Lanny!  He makes me happy and I love his Christmas Tree hat!  I actually have a Christmas tree hat just like that - I make Jim wear it at this time of year when he walks the dogs.  And isn't it funny that he does.  I'll have to get a picture.

Okay - well, I'm running late and need to get gas (which is up thirty-four cents from last year at this time!  Isn't that a bunch of shit!?  They say it's due in part to the economy being better.  Oh, great, the economy starts improving and we all start being able to pay our bills and catch up and then the f%$k us at the gas pump...it's "The Man" tryin' to keep us down!)

K - I'm out!  Later




Germany - Christindl

France - Pere Noel

Weary Willy

It's not what you think.  Today is Weary Willy day - a day of recognition for the CLOWN named Weary Willy.  I hate clowns so I'm not going to celebrate his day but I will do my best to celebrate another willy in the hopes of making him weary!  Oh boy!  That's not right.  Sorry Mom.

Truthfully - I've got nothing else...not even a Christmas tree.  And I still have an ugly colored bathroom. 

Oh and Sunday is gearing up for a possibility of accumulating snow.  It may hit at a time where Monday won't be affected but we'll see.  I'll still be happy because it will make Bubba happy.  Where Sami is obsessed with French cakes, Bubba is obsessed with snow.  If he could sit outside all day and eat snow and lay on the deck making little melted spots with his belly, he would.  Interestingly, he hasn't peed on the deck once...yet.  He usually does and I don't know why.  Only when it snows though and never does he poo.  Oh, to be able to get into the minds of my pups.  Sami would be saying "French cakes, French cakes, French cakes, French cakes".  Bubba would be saying, "Snow, cheeseballs, carrots, snow, food, hungry, snow, pepperoni, snow."  Zeke would be snoring and dreaming of rolling in the green grass. 

Diablo news:  He was actually good for me yesterday.  Since we've been back from Thanksgiving break, he's been BAD but yesterday was okay.  Actually, the day before was good too (for me) but I used cookies to bribe him.  Here's something funny:  Tuesday, he asked to go get a drink.  Well, he's not allowed in the hallway between classes (he goes "shopping" for pencils...and by shopping?  I mean he steals them, picks them up off the floor, he'd root threw the garbage too if he knew a pencil was in there.  Even if the had a hint of one being there...shit, if I laid a trail of pencils straight into a pack of rabid wolves, he'd follow that trail with no thoughts to getting hurt.  Ugh!).  Anyway, so, he asked to get a drink.  I said, "Not right now.  You have to wait until the bell rings."  A couple minutes pass and he says, "Mrs. H!!!  Can't I go now!!!???  I'm about to burst!!!"  With the need for water?!  Hmm...sounds to me like you really don't need a drink but just want to get out into the hallway to, I don't know, maybe SHOP FOR PENCILS!!!? 

Oh, and the other day, we threw away a big old trapper keeper thingy of Pinocchio's (he's not coming back) and Diablo saw it in the trash and started rooting through taking things he wanted...not caring about all the other trash in there!  I nearly smacked his hands when I caught him.  When I said, "NO!"  He said, "But I want it!!!"  Well okay then.  FOOL!!!

K - I better head out.  It's colder than...a polar bear after a Brazilian wax (I didn't make that up...I found that).  Later!

French Cakes & Nothing To Celebrate

I'm just exhausted...from sitting on my ass in front of the stove top, reading my book while flipping the french cake iron.  YAWWWWNNNN!!!!  Seriously though, I think I made about 4 dozen french cakes last night and that was only about 2/3 of the batter.  I'll finish the rest tonight.  The batch from last night will be going to Trippy Tikki Tavi, little J Bird and Susan.  I don't know that J.J. has ever had a French cake.  Hmm...hope he enjoys them as much as Sami does.  She's ridiculous by the way.  (Oh, and the word "ridiculous" reminds me of Harry Potter...sigh...)  Back to Sami:  Last night during the whole "French cake party" - she sat by my stool staring at the counter where all the cakes were and whined...like a little gurl!  I thought she was going going to throw a fit (or have a fit).  She is in love with French cakes.  She wants to marry French cakes.  She wants to roll around on a bed of French cakes and take little nibbles here and there.  So do I. 

So there is no holiday to celebrate today.  Isn't that crazy.  I haven't checked in days about the daily celebration and what do you know...when I do check:  NOTHING!  Boo! 

By the way - it's so cold out (10 degrees here in old Loveland) I've had to put socks on with my cute little shoes.  I look rather stupid.  Better stupid than cold though. 

Okay - I better head out.  Oh, and in Jim news - I'm over the whole paint thing (sort of) but every time he gives me attitude in some form or another or irritates me in general, I say, "Hey Jim...Did you get me a tree yet?"  I am still mad about the tree.  K - I'm out...later.

My Husband Is (Lets Say It Together) A DOUCHE BAG!!!

Now, some of you may think that I'm too hard on my husband and that Jimmy can do no right according to the conditions and terms set by Muir.  (All of you are douche bags too, by the way.)  This little story should set your minds right. 

So, I leave for Columbus and I left a list for Jim to take care of while I'm gone.  And by list?  I mean 4 items.  They were:  Clean (we do this every Saturday anyway and I had done it several weeks in a row by myself when he went into work), Tree (a X-mas tree...just get a tree that's it...he didn't have to decorate or anything), Lights (to go around the deck railing out back...they lights, by the way, had been bought and sitting on the kitchen table for two weeks) and Pills (a reminder to take his vitamins, fiber and omega-3).  That's it.  No big deal and TWO SOLID DAYS to complete.  Hmm...lets see...what do you think he managed to accomplish?  Nope, your wrong cause I bet you said, "None".  He did clean and the place looked and smelled good (he's a good cleaner).  Other than that, however - FAILURE!!!  He forgot to take his pills yesterday, the light were put on the railing but the middle section doesn't work (looks retarded!) and I got no tree.  Why didn't I get a tree?  Well, because, apparently "he didn't want to pick one out without me"!!!  Boo hoo hoo.  Oh, but what did he do instead?  Did I just hear someone say, "Something you didn't want him to do?  Something that pissed you off!"?  Well, you would be right!

Jim, loving, sweet (stupid, moronic, stop-trying-to-do-"nice" things) husband PAINTED THE HALL BATHROOM BABY SHIT GREEN!!! (Prepare yourself for some language):  WHAT THE FUCK!!!???  He couldn't pick out a blasted tree but he could pick out a paint color?  A fucking ugly paint color that doens't match any of the decor in there. Where did the paint come from you ask.  Oh, he found a can for a DOLLAR!!!  Did that NOT clue him in on the hideousness of it?!  What was he thinking?!

So, I'm sure you're wondering how I handled it.  Well, first I texted him and told him he was in trouble, that I hated the color and that he would be fixing it.  Then I called Maggie to vent and try and calm down.  Then I called Jim and realized I hadn't calmed down enough and started ranting.  He said, "I'll fix it!"  I said, "No shit jack wagon!"  He said, "I was trying to do something nice.  I thought you'd like it."  I said, "Something nice would have been GETTING ME THE TREE I SPECIFICALLY ASKED FOR!!!  And by the way, you thought I'd like it?  Well, I guess now you think I have baby shitty taste!"  He said, "What do you want me to do?"  I said, "Promise me you will never do something like this again!  Promise that if I ask you to do something, that you will do what I want, rather than what you THINK I would like because history has shown us that that doesn't tend to work out for you!"  I said much more than that but I won't bore you with my screaming and yelling.

And now you can all see why Jim sometimes get figuratively backhanded by me!  It isn't like I'm completely delusional in my reactions to the things he does.  He pulls this shit ALL THE TIME!  I love him and he is a sweet man and he is good to me but every time a feather tickles his ass I get frightened about what wall will get painted in my house, or what pictures he's going to hang willy nilly, or where, suddenly, he's going to replant all the hastas. 

Ugh - I'm exhausted and I guess I better stop because I could go on all morning. Plus, I have to go to work and deal with a bunch of other morons.  K - later!

So Sick Of Haters!

Okay so I know that the Bengals lost - again - yesterday but come on people - they really did look good.  Aside from the clock issues that they had, they didn't look bad against the champs.  I'm not ashamed and I'm sick of the people out there who can only root for a team that wins.  You're either a fan or your not.  As my barfy sister says, Cincinnati has the worst fans.  How do you call yourself a fan when you actually BOO your players.  It's embarrassing and shows you have no class.  Maybe they would pull through in a clutch if they had a little support and cheering behind them rather than the knowledge that if you eff up, you're going to get a stadium full of jeers.  UGH!

So in other news, the cookies have been made.  We ended up with French cakes, Laura Bush cookies, thumbprints, peanut blossoms (with the Hershey kisses - I used dark chocolate), and gingerbread men/bells/boots/angels/stockings.  That's it.  I'll be bringing a few samplers to school because my hubby and I cannot be eating all that!!!  I'll also try to get Jim to drop some cookies off to Trippy so that J Bird has the opportunity to enjoy the French cakes.  I could just stuff all the cookies in my mouth but considering the biggness that is me - that may not be a good idea.

Weather news:  It's freakin' cold in Cincy!  The high today is going to be 22!!!!  What the heck!  When I get Bubba home, I'm going to have to get him to cuddle up on the couch with me - lay on top of me - to stay warm.  AND!!!  I have to walk Sami and Bubba when I get home!  Oh man - I need me some long johns!

K - well that's all I've got.  I'll be showering here in a bit and loading up the car.  I hope to be on the road by 9 or 10 for the drive back.  It snowed here a bit last night so I'll let the rush hour take care of the slick roads before I head out. 

I Better Post Before My Mother Yells At Me!

I say this but the mother in question hasn't posted herself so - WTF, MOM!!!  Get it together!  Did you love HP!?  Can you wait until July!?

Okay so I'm here in Columbus hanging with Maggie, Charlie, Zoe, Max and Bubba.  Bubba is loving his vacation away from his sister and the same old same old that is Loveland, Ohio.  He was great on the ride up and the only time I saw his little face in the rear view mirror was when I cracked open a granola bar and peeled my banana.  He must have smelled a bit o food and he popped up and said, "Huh?!  Is that something edible that I could be getting my little dog wips around?!"  The drive up was okay.  I left at 6:45 and my neighborhood was treacherous.  There was a car in a ditch as I puttered to the highway and the roads were slick, snow covered and slightly icy.  Once I got to the highway, they were just mostly wet but of course, Warren County was bad.  After I got past Wilimington, however, it was smooth sailing and I was at Maggie's by 8:30. 

In cookie news:  We've made the Laura Bush cookies and a little more than half of the French cakes.  The batter is made for the thumbprints as well. Today, we will do those and gingerbread men.  I would like also to do the peanut butter cookies with kisses in them (dark chocolate) but I don't know if Maggie will let me.  She's claiming that she doesn't know if she can get past the smell.  I think she may be lying and just doesn't want me to do a peanut butter cookie but I'm a little afraid of her so I may not risk the beatin' she could very well hand me. 

Last night's Auburn game was a complete ass whoopin!  Cam Newton was amazing.  I'm not a college football fan but it was a fun game to watch.  College football just take wayyyyy too long.  Anyway - after the game, dinner and a bit of HP, I was wiped out and went to bed to read and then fall asleep around 10. 

So that's the latest here in Columbus.  I'll get in the shower in a minute and then it time to make the cookies.  Later!

Reality TV Junkie!

I can't help it...I just love "Reality TV".  I don't think a lot of watch I watch, however, should be categorized as "reality"...more like "real life competition shows".  Top Chef, Big Brother (okay that's not real life), Survivor, Project runway.  And it isn't like I'm watching Jersey Shore or Real World (although I used to love Real World when it was closer to my age group).  I guess you could frown upon Real Housewives but isn't TV meant to be an escape?  What better way to escape than into the trivial (to me) lives of the rich and slightly mentally unstable?  It makes me kind of happy too so whatever...I make no apologies.

You know what else makes me happy?  Harry Potter!  And TA DA!!!  It's a Harry Potter weekend.  Did I mention that in a previous post?  Well, if so, you can never talk about Harry too much.  Poor Charlie!  Although Auburn will be playing in the midst of HP and of course we will watch the game - with HP on in the kitchen?  Maybe?  Sound down?

So, I'm braving/chancing the weather for tomorrow and NOT leaving for Maggie and Charlie's until early Saturday.  Cross your fingers that I beat the weather.  There may be some light snow overnight but they are saying it will just be a "dusting" and hopefully the roads will be fine.  I hope to get on the road between 7 and 8.  I'll get all packed tonight and just have to shower, dress, load up Bubba and hit the road. 

Speaking of Bubba...guess what was back last night and has suddenly disappeared again this morning?  That's right the elusive LUMP!!!  ERRRRRRRRRRR!!! (I'm growling).  It makes me so mad!!!  I want that thing GONE!  I had to give him a predinose last night too because it was enormous!!!  Well, maybe it will work its way into existence long enough to operate on over the winter break.  That would be perfect because then I would be around to keep an eye on my sweet baby boy!

Okay - I have to get gas on the way to school today - and it's F&%KING FREEZING OUT THERE!!!  I even had to turn the heat up to 62 in the house!!!  Normally I keep it at around 60 but Zeke needs more warm air cause like any old man, he's lost some of his fat.  His butt is so bony.  I tucked him in last night and he was still under his blankie this morning when I got up.  I love him! 

K - I'm out...later!

Cookie Extravaganza Weekend!!!

It's our annual Cookie Weekend this weekend for Maggie and I.  Originally I was going to go up on Saturday and stay until Monday (I took a personal day).  However, it looks like we are going to get some accumulating snow (or snot as I like to type) on Saturday and I don't want another drive like I had last year.  That was horrible.  I was also going to take Bubba but I don't think he'll be happy if I have him in the car for 8 hours at school.  So, the new plan is (haven't gotten the okay from Maggie and Charlie yet) I will leave after school on Friday (tomorrow) and come home Sunday.  Poor Bubba...he was so excited to see he cousins.

In other news:  Everyone mark your calendar because Prep and Landing will be on next Thursday (Dec. 9) at 8: 30 on ABC.  If you haven't seen it, YOU MUST!!!  Trip!  J. Bird needs this in his life!  Let him stay up "late" to watch! 

School news:  Diablo has indeed been a diablo lately.  He's been HORRIBLE!!!  I think he's been giving his medication to his fake dog Chi Chi.  Yesterday I sent him to the office for the second day in a row and he ended up getting an after school detention from my useless, I mean other colleague (the male sped teacher at school...not that that makes him useless...the fact that he sucks as a teacher and doesn't follow through on ANYTHING makes him useless!).  Anyway - he ended up screaming at all of us, believing we were calling him a "monster" (never came out of anyones mouth) and making fun of his name.  Not to mention that he tried to barrel past Lisa who was trying to talk to him and broke her fingernails.  He's a bad Diablo!  Today will be interesting too because he's supposed to go to job class...poor Kim (I'm sure he'll be fine).

K - well, I have to boogie.  I get my hair did after school (a little partial highlighting).  Shouldn't take too long and then I'll come home, pack and cuddle with the pups.  Later!

Is Santa A Racist?

That's my question...at least for the Santa on Rudolph (the big-nosed/red-nosed Reindeer...that's not racist...just mean).  I know this is nothing new, we've all seen the special before but watching last night I really "heard" Santa's biting remarks about Rudolph's "situation" and hoping it clears up as he gets older.  Then when he decides Rudolph can help him, suddenly he's his best friend and shames Donner (Rudolph's father) for trying to cover the nose up.  All this and we haven't even mentioned the other reindeer and the coach at flying lessons.  (And by "we" I mean Bubba who is sitting here helping me write this.)  And don't get me started with the homophobe elf boss!

Of course I still love Rudolph but does that make me tolerant?  And a bigot?  Really, I just like to sing the songs.

And WHEN THE HELL IS PREP AND LANDING ON!!!???  MY FAVORITE!!!

Okay so, it's cold as shit here and snowing.  It isn't supposed to accumulate which upsets Bubba but it will snow here and there they said for the next couple days...that will probably allow for a little snow on the deck.  See, Bubba likes to go out there and lick the deck when there's snow...he leaves little tongue prints all over the place.  I love him.

Have I mentioned that the kids at school are driving me nuts?  Well, only one, really:  Diablo.  He was so bad yesterday - I wanted to pop him one.  I ended up sending him to the office for his behavior but did they do anything?  Of course not...because they're useless.  In the end, I gave him a lunch detention and just sent him to the office to serve it.  F%$k them...I'm not giving up my lunch because they didn't do what they should.  AND!!!  I'm not celebrating Special Kids day today either (one of the holidays for December 1st).  Diablo has ruined it for them all!  He doesn't deserve any recognition for being a pain in the ass! 

Okay - I better head out...I need to remember to go to Costco after school today.  Maggie - should I pick up any groceries for our cookie extravaganza weekend?  IM or text me today.  Ladle all!

Why Must The Bank Freak Me Out?!

I deposited my "birthday money" on Saturday, which I would usually never do because my normal bank is only open M-F, however we bought Jim new tires and I needed to get that money in.  Well, I guess there was some holiday weekend hold-up (not as in a robbery but rather a delay) that caused my account to say all sorts of goofy things.  It took until this morning for things to look as they should.  Was freakin' me out a bit thinking they had done some crazy shit that cost me a chunk o chain.  In the end, however, patience paid and the transactions finally cleared.  Sigh...I hate thinking about money (because I have none).

In weather news - it's a freaking mess out there.  We're supposed to get torrential rains today.  Yippee!  It will turn to snow (I always type "snot" first) before ending but with no real accumulation.

In awesome winter break news, I thought our break wasn't for 4 weeks and when I went to school yesterday, Lisa set me straight.  I can't believe that this week and next week are our last two normal weeks before exam week!  I'm so excited I could pee my pants.  Of course I'm completely NOT ready for exams!  Oh well - will give me something to do for the next week...along with all the other shit I have to do (it's currently running through my mind and if I type it out, I might start freaking out a little bit).

So yesterday, my "wack-a-do" autistic girl finally blew (by the way, I don't think she's really autistic, just mentally unstable).  I was beginning to wonder if the stories of her having a foul mouth were all just the mother being a nut.  Crazy showed her true colors yesterday, however.  Apparently she had a bad time at lunch.  Her friends played a little trick on her - or so she thinks...I don't think they did, I just thing her perception of what happened is a little skewed.  Regardless, when she came to me after lunch for her study hall, she was in a mood.  I always ask the kids what they're working on and write it down.  When I asked her, she didn't answer.  I thought she had headphones in.  I asked her again.  Nothing.  Finally, one of my other kids said, "She's pissed."  Well, that's all it took for her to go off (someone else in her business is never a good way to get on her good side).  She told the kid to (pardon my language), "Stay out of her business and shut his fucking mouth."  She said fuck one more time and then I was up and walking her out the door.  My irritation was not in her spouting off but the room we're in?  It's another teachers room and she brings her little 5 year old with her many days before taking him to preschool.  Well, of course he was in there and got to hear.  When I got her out in the hall, I thought she was going to punch me.  However, she powered through and was finally able to "use her words".  We sat down, talked it over, dealt with the situation and she pulled it together.  Ugh!

So ready for X-mas break.

K - well, Bubba - my little lumpy pup (yes it keeps coming and going again) - is giving me guff.  Hmm...he must want some food the little piggy.  Later.

Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows Part 1

Oh my!  Let me start by saying this is a contender for my favorite movie so far.  Hard to beat Prisoner of Azkaban but it's up there.  The only reason I hesitate is it's only half of the last book and there is so much more to see.  I'll need to reassess in July when I see Part 2 but considering they filmed it all at the same time and the same director is at the helm...well, where can you go wrong?

So to sum up (without giving any away), I cried from the first scene.  I know how silly that is but when Hermione had to obliviate her parents minds - the tears were rolling.  That being said - there wasn't anything left out that should have been included so far.  The movie is following the book to a tee (and considering I read if for the third time just a couple weeks ago, it's fresh in my mind).  I will say that there are a few things that needed a bit of explaining for Jim who hasn't read the books (the Gryffindor sword and Olivander being captured) but other than that, perfect.  I want to go back and see it again.  There's so much more to come too...how am I going to wait for July?!  UGH!!!!

Oh, and by the way - I'm a little obsessed with Ron.  His facial expressions are priceless.

Okay so I have to head back to work today (hate to talk about that and HP in the same post).  I woke up at 4:38 (Bubba was scratching himself and his nails were clicking against the armoire...can you say annoying?) and realized I have no plans for my low level Language Arts class.  We just finished a book and movie and I have no plans for anything.  Well, I do - I'm starting another book but I'm short a book and was waiting for the library to email me that it was in.  Ugh!  I'll come up with something this morning...maybe some short stories in the meantime.  We'll see. Have I mentioned how I hate teaching the low level?  I could do some writing but alas - I hate teaching writing. We'll see.

Here's an idea - it's Cyber Monday and I think rather than plan what I want to do for school, I'll shop instead. 

Well, I'd better head in...later.

Wow, What A Game! War EAGLE!!!

Yesterday's Auburn game is why I can't watch College Football!  Way too stressful.  How they came back from the dregs of losing, I don't know but alas, the Tigers pulled it off.  College football is also way too long.  Games take forever!!!  That being said, however, we all had a really good time yesterday at Rafferty's - hanging, watching football, eating, and loving on J Bird!  That boy is so good.  I think he sat there for about 3 hours and never once whined or complained (except when he saw the Dr. Pepper Kiss commercial for the 3rd time and wanted to rip his eyes out...he did not like that!).  Fun.

Thanksgiving was great by the way.  I guess I haven't posted since then, huh?  Mom's not around to yell at me so I've been a slacker...hee hee.  She comes home today, however, so I had to bust a move!  Anyway, T-giving dinner was great!  Had fun, ate a ton, got some good gifts:  Wii Jeopardy (kicked Jim's ass once already - he didn't even make it to final Jeopardy), the new Patricia Cornwell, b-day money, and the best frog planter/decorative piece you ever saw.  It was a good day. 

Today will be a hang out day.  I've almost completed my third panel from my quilt - an ornament (I'll post when I finish...I'm sure it will be just as crooked as the Santa face) and will only have one left after that (x-mas stocking).  Tonight, Jim and I will be headed out to his cousin's retirement party.  We will probably stay an hour or so and then head to dinner to celebrate my b-day.  Tomorrow will be the best day of the year and not because I turn 40 on that day.  Nope - tomorrow is alllllll about HARRY POTTER!  I'm so excited!  I just can't wait!!! 

Well, I think I'm going to go challenge Jimmy in an easy round of Jeopardy.  I say easy because I think for his benefit, we need to set it on that level so he doesn't end up in the negative.  He just keeps ringing in without knowing the answer.  He's such a dufus!  K - I'm out...later!

Gobble Gobble!!!

Can't wait for delicious turkey!!!  We'll be headed to Anne and Dan's today.  My part of the meal is my famous succotash!  I slave for days in the kitchen getting this ready!  It's a holiday treat and tradition that I grace my family with only once a year so they definitely appreciate the time and effort I put in, I know.  For those interested - here's the recipe:






Succotash
Go to the store
Find the frozen food aisle
Grab a bag of lima beans (I prefer fork hook rather than baby)
Grab a bag of corn (white, nibblet, whatever floats your boat)
Drive home
Stick bags of veggies in freezer until day of meal
On day of meal - take bags out of freezer 30 minutes before meal
In a pot heat water.  When boiling, pour in veggies.  Cook until tender.
Serve hot (with butter if you like)

This year I'm also making some special cookies - just because.  I've never made them before but they sound delicious and they're bound to taste scrumptious: 

Pumpkin Chocolate Chip Cookies - my mouth is watering just typing that.  Yum.

Okay so yesterday - Jim gave me one of my birthday presents!  He got me the Wii Resort game.  It has 12 different games including another bowling game, golf, frisbee (which also has frisbee golf), archery, canoeing, and more.  I played it A LOT yesterday!  Jim did good!  I'd be happy with just that for my b-day! 

In weather news:  It's raining like CRAZY!!!  We're actually on a flood watch here in the tri-state area.  Yuck!  Sami's pissed because she knows that if this keeps up, she won't get her walk.  Oh well...I'll bring her home some turkey and make it up to her.  Bubba doesn't care cause he hates the rain and won't walk in it but he told me he wouldn't say no to some turkey too.  He's such a piggy!

Well, that's all I really have.  Can't wait to see J. Bird and the kids and spend some time with the family.  Hope Maggie has a puke-free day!  Fingers crossed.  Later!  Happy Thanksgiving to all!

Haircuts & Lonnnngggg Weekends!

So happy to have Tuesday be my Friday.  Zeke's happy too.  He loves it when I stay home although it isn't much different for him since most of his time is spent upstairs snoozing whether I'm here or not.  However, when I am home, he will, every hour or so, get up from his deep sleep, walk downstairs, check to see that I am where I'm supposed to be (on the couch reading or watching TV) and then turn around and head right back up for more zzzzzz's.  Love him.

Speaking of Zeke:  What a rude and unfair awakening for him last night when the thunderstorm hit!  He was so pissed.  He told me that it wasn't right that he had made it to November - through the 2nd hottest summer on record - without shitting himself only to have November hit and a freak storm sneak up on him.  I agreed with him that it wasn't right!  I'm pissed at this weather too.  It's nearly December and my clock thermometer on the way home yesterday said 74!  It should be no warmer than 50 and even that is too warm for me!  I want cold weather and fires in the fireplace and maybe even a few snowflakes to whet my whistle!  Who the hell is controlling things up there?!  Get it together!

Oh boy - it may not bode well for me that I've just yelled at "God".  But!!!  It is my birthday week so mayyyybe I'll be given a free pass.  I guess if I get struck down by lightening in the next few minutes, we'll know He doesn't roll that way. 

Still here.

K - well, I guess I should get my shit together and head out the door.  It will be a video day all day today.  I'm just not prepared to fight with trying to teach a bunch of squirrely teens.  Oh, and don't you love that we get a new student today!?  What stupid parent sends their kid to school on the Tuesday before Thanksgiving?  Apparently this is a kid too who has some kind of condition where he injures easily and has to wear a helmet.  Great!  Later!

Oh, and I'm getting my haircut after school...just a trim people don't get excited that I'd actually do something different! 

Santa Panel

Blur your eyes a bit cause it's a bit crooked but whatever...not much I can do about it now...I'm not an expert you know.  My next panel will probably be a X-mas stocking or an ornament...we'll see what I'm in the mood for.

In other news - I made a most deeeeelicous recipe from Pioneer Woman:  Beef with Snow Peas (though I used sugar snap peas because I'm not a fan of snow peas).  It was amazing!  Jim wasn't making a sound during dinner - not a "thank you", "dinner's great", "dinner sucks" so I look over and it's because he's shoving his face.  Good sign.  The key to the beef is to slice the flank steak super thin...like paper.  So here's the recipe if your interested and you should check out her site too - she's pretty amazing. 

K - well, I'm going to finish getting ready and then head out...only a two day work week here - so happy!  I feel like doing NOTHING today...but I'll power through and teach and let tomorrow be a "play day".  Later!

Nice Sunday Morning

The sunrise this morning was beautiful and the sun is currently shining right in my eyes...not a complaint...just saying (not my sunrise on the left, by the way but I wish it were!)  I slept only okay...I woke up at 3AM and felt like I had a sore throat and that sent me into dreams of having to call in sick this Monday and Tuesday and HH calling me at home to see if I was really home or possibly faking to go out of town.  When he called the first time, I told him (rudely) that he had woken me up and not to call back which of course you know he did.  He's an even bigger jackhole in my dreams.  Anyway - when he called the second time I answered by saying "F&%K YOU!!!  Don't call me again!"  I've got a little hostility built up inside me, don't you think?  Anyway, that woke me up and then I tossed and turned some more and after I finally fell asleep I slept well and woke up WITHOUT a sore throat.  Thank God.

Last night, Jim and I went to Bonefish...delicious.  They have a Kobe burger on their menu but it wasn't the one I wanted (with the red wine jam) so I got the bang bang tacos and they were delicious.  Not to mention that happy hour was until 7PM so my wine was all half-priced!  Bargain!!!  We got home and just hung out. 

Yesterday - I started the 2nd panel for my Christmas quilt - I'm doing a Santa face...I'll hopefully finish sewing that part together today and I'll take a picture...it's pretty abstract but nice - I think.  I got some special white fabric yesterday with silver snowflakes for his beard...sounds weird but it's nice.

Other than that - no Bengals today - they didn't sell out and so it won't be televised.  We could go see Harry but I think we'll wait for next Sunday on that...my birthday!!!  I'm so excited - by the way - for Harry - not my b-day!  Everyone who's seen it has LOVED it!!!  I'm so excited I'm slapping myself in the face!!!  What am I going to do when all this Harry Potter delicousness is over next summer?!  I'll be so bummed!  I'll probably go into a deep depression and have to start taking medication and I'll just sit in a corner, surrounded by all seven books just reading and re-reading and re-reading them!  OH HARRY!!!  I miss you already!

Hee hee hee!  I know Maggie is sitting there reading this going (doing) "You are so weird Muir!"  She feels the same way about HP - don't let her fool you...cause she's a fool! 

Oh, I got a message on my facebook page today from a Debbie McNulty...she said:  "My mother's maiden name was Isabel Arbaugh. Are you related to the Arbaughs of Martins Ferry? I have a cousin named Muir Arbaugh."  Isn't that funny?  I messaged her back telling her that it was her lucky day...I am niece to her cousin.  Isabel, I believe, was my grandfather's sister.  Funny...I'll have to remember to tell my dad on Thursday. 

K - must go make my frittata!  Kroger finally started selling packaged chicken sausage so I'm making a nice frittata as a change this morning...hope I don't eff it up.  Oh boy - Jim's yelling his head off in joy...he just got a double eagle in Wii golf...he's a maniac!  K - later!

Christmas Excitement

I don't know what it is this year but has anyone else noticed that the Christmas celebration seems to be "out there" a little earlier than usual?  And I'm not talking about Christmas commercials.  I mean decorations around the neighborhoods.  My neighbors set up their outdoor decorations last weekend.  They do wreaths on all their windows and then they have a giant cutout, wooden snowman that they prop up against a tree in their front yard (not a distasteful blowup one though those make me laugh and happy too).  And other neighbors up the street have a manger out already.  I've been ready - seriously - for Crixmats since July - I dont' know why - so this makes me soooooo happy.  I know we're supposed to get through Thanksgiving first and believe me - I love that day too but I'm just so excited for December!  Not to mention that the Grinch was on last night!!!  Fahoo fores Dahoo dores welcome Christmas Christmas day!!!

In other news - it's cold as a brother trucker this morning!  And that isn't a complaint.  My sweet hubby is building me a fire and when I finish this, I'll go into the family room, cuddle up in my quilt and enjoy the heat! Maybe kick his ass in a few Wii dart games...a little bowling...few rounds of golf...I'll be allllll ready then to hit the grocery store and Jim can clean.

Tonight, Jim wants to go to Bonefish.  Fine with me and I have a plan.  Usually we get the bang bang shrimp for an appetizer but tonight I'm going to get the bang bang fish tacos for my meal.  Unless they have the Kobe beef hamburger on the menu - then we'll get the shrimp for an app.  It's very exciting for me! 

Oh - Happy Name Your PC Day!  I've named mine:  Malory...it means unlucky.  Reason: My PC is sitting here in pieces - an unmovable laptop - because the screen went out and I had to buy a huge monitor to hook up to it and its sort of piecemealed together.  I still love her though - knock on wood!

Okay - well, I'm doing going to head into the FR for a cuddle with my pups and a little Wii ass kicking of my husband.  Happy Saturday!  Ladle!

Crazy Parents Make Me Happy!!!

Oh boy!  Lisa has been dealing with some certifiable parents lately and I'm telling you - you just can't make this crazy shit up!  Long story but what the f*%k!!!???  Why do parents believe their kids?  Why do they make stupid comments like:  Tom has never lied in his life??? (Why the question marks?  Because a parent wrote an email - a rambling, no punctuation, no capitalization, 4th grade email - where she made that statement and then ended it with three question marks...weird) It's a long story and I'll get more into it this weekend...there's a meeting with the VP and Lisa and the mother (the father won't come in because he threatened a teacher and, according to the mother, has "mental issues" and is on medication.  I think you may won't to up the medication.) today at 11:30 so I hope to have more juicy tidbits and scoop.  Lisa - prepare to duck under the table if the shit hits the fan! 

K - I must mosey because I need to gather some non-perishables for the food drive at work and HOLY SHIT!!!  It's already 6AM!!!  Later!

Zeke Is A Devil!

That boy is in troubles!  He's just turning quirkier and more devilish every day.  For example - this morning, I had finished getting ready and I was about to come downstairs to do my little computer thing.  Zeke, I noticed, got up as I was putting my shoes on and went down first.  He's hit or miss in this area:  Sometimes he'll lay in pillow all morning and sometimes he's touching fur and must go out early.  This morning was an early one.  So I come down and he's laying in front of the sliding glass door.  I open the door, Sami goes tearing out barking her head off but what does Zeke do?  He just lays there and wags his tail.  And I know what he's doing!  He does it every morning.  He won't go out until he gets his treat.  And he won't eat a carrot first...Nope!  He has to have a piece of pepperoni and then a carrot.  And if he only gets a piece of pepperoni - he'll stand at the fridge and bark.  DEVIL DOG!!!

Tuesday night - yeah, that's right, the day/night it rained like cats and dogs - he went outside and wouldn't come in for over an hour.  He was SOAKED!!! He was just huffin' and puffin' at the fence line gettin all riled up over who-knows-what!  Devil!

Yesterday, I was on the phone with Maggie and I had let Zekey out.  Well, he comes back up on the deck, stands at the door and barks.  So I go over, open the door expecting Zeke to mosey on in but what does he do?  He turns around and walks away!  WHAT THE HELL!?  That boy!  He's so ornery!  And devilish!!!

I love him!

It's Homemade Bread Day!

Which I won't be celebrating because I didn't make any...and I won't be making any today. 

School News:  Today is the day that the powers-that-be have decided will be a Special Ed run Early Release Day.  (Every Wednesday - we have early release.  The kids get out an hour early and the teachers have meetings which vary from week to week).  We've been meeting for the last few weeks - 5 of the 6 high school special ed teachers (bullshit!) - putting together a presentation for the regular ed staff.  A presentation that will be completely disregarded and probably resented.  As a rule - the regular ed staff hate it when the special ed staff try and tell them what they should/should not be doing.  Go figure.  Not to mention these people are set in their ways and not willing to change what they've been doing for 15 years.  And by the way - our presentation is STUPID!!! A complete waste of time!  We were really given NO guidance by anyone (that I'm aware of) as to what/why this was being forced on us.   I told FW on Friday last week that I didn't feel comfortable presenting to the staff...she said that was fine (tough shit if she didn't) and Lisa agreed (neither of us will be embarrassing ourselves).  The thing that really pisses me off though is that BFC didn't have to do ANYTHING for this.  It wasn't even a question of whether or not she would present or even help with the stupid presentation.  I'm sorry but didn't the calendar say "Special Ed Run Early Release"?  I didn't say that and then "Minus those who think they shouldn't have to help" or "Minus those who think their input doesn't pertain because they teach a smaller population".  So yeah, I refused (in essence) to present.  Don't like it?  Suck it!

Okay - now that I've gotten that off my chest - I'm excited today because I'm starting Cinderella Man in my US History class.  I hadn't originally planned on showing a movie after finishing the Roaring 20s chapter in preparation for the Great Depression chapter but my friend and colleague - Kim - told me about this movie (which I've never seen) and I thought - "Well, HELL YES I want to show a movie!!!"  So here we are!  Yay!!!.  I also have an IEP meeting today - second to last one I'll have to do until MARCH!!!  So happy!  I've got - I think 20 kids on my caseload and since the school year has started I think I'll have completed 15 of them by December!  Isn't that ridiculous!?  Well, at least I only have 5 left for the whole year.

Okay well, I guess I better head out.  Happy Hump Day!  Later!

Nothing To Talk About

I've got nothing.  So...in preparation for Thanksgiving - how about some turkey cartoons!

This cracks me up!  Get it!?  Crack!? Hahahahahahahahaha

I need to get on one of those bikes too!

Hee hee hee

Jeans Week

I "get" to wear jeans all week.  Yippee!  I don't know if I will wear jeans every day this week but I've paid for the right to do so.  ($10 for some Guatemala school thingy that one of the Spanish teachers at school sponsors)  I put a pair of jeans on today that I had forgotten I own...very comfortable. 

So, once again - we were supposed to be taking Bubba in for a lump removal but guess what?  That's right - no lump to be found.  I'm beginning to think Bubba has some sort of control over his lump and he makes it big when he wants a little extra lovin' and huggin' (like he doesn't get a ton already!).  He may just be a bit of a game player although I question whether he has the ability to use his noodle that effectively. (Sorry Bubs) I don't know what's up with this but I'm sure the vet is going to start thinking we're "those" kind of parents.  Ugh!  We'll see what Jim wants to do when he gets up but it's sort of useless taking the baby boy in if there's nothing to remove.  And...Jim would lose work time.  Ugh!  And can I tell you how pissed Bubba is right now since he didn't get his morning carrot?!  Oh boy! 

In other news:  I got up at 4:30 today because A) I couldn't really sleep and B) Sami was leaning against me and fake-yawning, trying get me out of bed.  I think she must have had to pee.  She kept smacking her lips and making that yawn croaking noise...she's such a goose!  Probably a good think I got an early start though because I have an IEP on Wednesday that I haven't even started.  Ugh. 

Well, that's all I've got...maybe instead of writing my IEP I'll just look for cute Christmas patterns for my quilt.  Hmm...maybe we need to make this a "movie" day.  NO, Muir!  Stick with your lesson plans!!!  God, I'm so easily sidetracked...K - I'm out.

Christmas Quilt

So, I've got the first panel done, as you can see.  Not bad.  I only effed up one square and I realized too late to fix it.   After finishing it, I thought it might be more fun to do 4 different panels on the quilt but I can't think of any other design that will work with just squares and triangles.  Maybe a candy cane but other than that, it gets a little more complicated than my experience allows.  I'll see if I can come up with anything.  Anyway - this is my design and I'll keep plugging away.  Maybe I'll just do a couple of the trees and then ooh, maybe a snowflake?  That may be cute. 

Anyway - that's it...just thought I'd share.  Later

Loosen Up, Lighten Up!

That's just one of today's "holidays" but even better - it's two weeks until my birthday.  I'll be 40!  Can you believe it?!  (No gifts please - just make a donation to your favorite charity...my name is spelled:  M-U-I-R...hee hee hee). 

So, last night was good.  Jim and I went to St. X and saw the TX performance of Zombie Prom...a very enjoyable, entertaining and toe-tapping musical.  Victor was terrific - he's got a great voice and I was amazed how he was able to cover up his Brazilian accent!  Cullen was great too.  He's got such great facial expressions and the boy can dance.  Don't know where that came from.  Anyway, it was a good time. 

Before the play, we went to Bacall's and as usual, it was deeeelicious.  I got the pot roast...so tender and yummy.  And can I tell you how funny my dad is?  We were talking about I don't know what and he mentioned that somewhere close to home, they were thinking about putting up a "Burger Chef".  Burger Chef dad?!  Really?  They haven't been around since about 1980.  He's so silly.  Burger Chef...I loved Burger Chef, by the way.  Burger Chef and Jeff?  Loved it!  Then, that got me thinking about all the great restaurants we used to go to as kids:  Incahoots, Sigee's, P.A. Adderley's, Max and Erma's when they still had telephones on your table, Larosa's Italian Inn, and what was the name of the place in Hyde Park?  With the rolly chairs at your table?  By the Kroger on Wasson?  Can't remember.  Anyway - Burger Chef...hahahahahahaha.

K - well, I'm going to go start breakfast here in a minute.  I'll work on my new quilt (started the sewing yesterday and I'll take a picture when I get one of the panels done) and watch the Bengals today.  Lets have a win!  Later!

Shit! It's World Kindness Day! Crap!

Just not my day...huh?

Aye yi yi...I had some weird dreams.  The only one that really caught my attention - and that I remembered - was:  I was at St. Ursula...in the older, mansiony part of the school (in the room where our french class was, Maggie...if you look at the picture, it would have been across the hall from the windows by the pine tree, right in the middle of the pic).  I was hanging out with a bunch of other people (I wasn't in school and it wasn't school hours...we were just hangin') and there was this kid in there doing a little "performance"...the Michael Jackson Thriller dance.  Well, he wasn't very good and at one point, he forgot the moves, I guess, and just started clapping.  Well, that sent me into a fit of giggles and I started laughing my arse off and when I looked up HH was sitting next to me and just looking at me and smiling.  Startled my ass awake.  So weird.

In other news:  It's a Harry Potter Weekend.  I won't be able to watch tonight because Jim and I are going to Cullen and Victor's performance in Zombie Prom at St. X.  The play starts at 7:30 and we're meeting Dad and Becky at Bacall's at around 5:30.  Yum!  Can't wait.

It's also going to be getting cold here again.  I'm happy for that.  I hate this cold then warm then cold shit.  My allergies/nose/sinuses can't take it.  Plus, I want a fire in the fireplace!

Oh - forgot to take a photo of my  quilt - for those who haven't seen it.  Well, here it is:

Jim isn't really allowed to use it...yet - he's just my model.

Granted, it's amateur and certainly NOT fancy but it's warm and soft and I love it!

Here's my sweet Bubs, trying to avoid me and my flash. 

Okay, well, that's all I've got...better get movin' - must grocery shop, make Jim clean (I've had to do it by myself the last two weeks because he's worked on Saturday) and then chill out until it's time to go.  Later!

Happy Birthday Charlie!!!

Hope your day is great and throw-up free!  This is going to be such an exciting year for you and hopefully soon, your life will have a little more light in it...when I visit for the annual Chrisxmats Cookie Making Weekend!!! 

Also, here's the latest of little Tuck!  Cute litte thumb (nub) sucker!

Veterans AND Oragami Day!

So, I had a crazy dream last night and it had one hell of a HUNK in it.  (Jim by the way, wasn't a factor.  I wasn't married so not cheating or anything...hell, I'm not even sure I was me).  I was at some restaurant with some girl (I think it was Maggie but I'm not sure cause I only had eyes for the hunky hunk).  Anyway, we had gone to the restaurant because we had heard this HUNK!!!  was going to be there and he had dated Maggie and dumped her and so I guess we were stalking him.  Anyway, he saw us, was all nice, he and Maggie had a nice chit chat and then we went our separate ways: Maggie and I at the bar waiting for our table and Hunk walking around socializing.  Well, it turned out that HUNK had planted the story that he would be there so that Maggie and I would show up and then he flaunted the fact that he was "seeing" this much older, wealthy woman.  I don't know why he did this considering he dumped Maggie.  Well, at the end of his meal, he got up to leave - having made his point I guess - and sort of left wealthy, older woman with the check and went to follow this younger chippy out.  Well, I was still mesmerized by his hunkiness and so I was like, "F*%K it!" and I walked up to him, yanked him around to face me and just started making out with him.  (You all probably thought I was going to punch him, huh?  Nope, he was a FOX!!!  I'm telling you - he was a HUNK of fresh bread!)  When I stopped kissing him I turned to Maggie and said, "Sorry but I figured everyone else has kissed this guy...I might as well get some action."  

And then my alarm went off - Frank Sinatra. 

Man was he a hunk (not Frank Sinatra...guy in my dream)!  Tall!  Dark!  Handsome!   A little short but man was he cute.  (By the way, the picture obviously isn't him but it's close!  SLURP!!!)

K - I gotta boogie.  Later!

Happy Anniversary Maggie & Charlie!

Three years!  Who thought it would last!?  Hee hee...I kid.  And now with a kid on the way!  By the way, when am I going to see that video!? 

In other news:  My momma is in a heap o' trouble!  I always get the snot kicked out of me when I don't post and lookie here!  Guess who didn't post yesterday!  Well, get ready for some snot kickin' Momma!  And your reason better be good! 

So today at school should be interesting.  One of my students - Pinocchio - has been out for about 2 weeks.  First it was with a suspension and then apparently on the day he was to come back, we found out he was in a nearby counties JDC (Juvey).  Yesterday was apparently his court date.  He either got out or he didn't.  We've (douche bag VP) has been trying to get in touch with some family member to find out A) what the eff he did and B) explain our plans for removing him from our school and place him in a behavioral facility.  I guess if he shows up today - he got out and I'm sure he'll be singing to the whole school a pack of lies about where he's been and what he did.  (Please, dear Jesus, let me get through the next week).

My new favorite show:  The Walking Dead on AMC.  It's a mix between 28 Days and I Am Legend.  Love it.  Lots of people hungry zombies searching for someone or something to eat...blood and guts galour!  Mom, you'd hate it.  The rest of you - I'm sure you can watch back episodes (there have only been two so far) on AMC on demand.  Otherwise, it's on Sundays at 10PM. 

K - I'd better head...I'm sure I have lots of stuff to do - grading etc. since I was "sick" yesterday.  Later!

Sunny, Warm...The Perfect Day To Be "Sick"

Ahh...what a beautiful day!  Do I know how to pick 'em or what?  Indian Summer, random Tuesday off, only my pups for company (no offense Jimmy!) - priceless!

So, last night I went to my neighbor's Pampered Chef party.  I didn't really have anything special I wanted to buy...for the most part, I have every gadget out there that I want...until I see the next latest and greatest.  I didn't come across anything that was a "must have" last night but I did end up purchasing a couple little items.  The food prepared was angel hair pasta with several different chicken choices prepared with several different rubs.  I really enjoyed the rubs I had and so ordered a set of those. 

In addition, I got a medium sized scooper thingy for cookies - I've wanted/needed one for a long time. 

After the party last night, I came home just in time for the Bengals/Steelers kickoff.  And I turned the TV off and headed upstairs within 10 seconds of the game starting.  Bengals fumbling on the first play to lose the ball on the return and have the shit-sucking Steelers take the lead on their first drive?  Done.  I'd rather finish my Harry Potter anyway (which I did and am now on to the Oprah book - "Freedom" by Jonathan Franzen - I'll update my Recent Reads when I'm done). 

So my plans today?  Well, I've already walked the pups so now I'm going to sit down and finish my quilt.  I have about 2 hours left of my binding and I'M FINISHED!!!  I'll take pictures and post when complete.  So excited!  I'm sure the first time I stick it in the wash it will fall apart but hey, what can you say for a rookie!? 

Okay well, I'm out of here...got lots of DVRed stuff to watch so catch ya on the flip...later!

No Time To Post

Early meeting...IEP to prepare for on Wednesday because - cough cough - not going to school tomorrow. So...to alleviate the irritation sure to come my way - enjoy some funny signs.

Going on my door at school today!

How many people are really going up to the sign and feeling its edges?

Are they changing the tire?  Why is the sign wooden?

Where the special ed kids play soccer.

It should say "Dumb asses"!

A Little Lax Lately!!!

Is it "lax" or "lacks" - short, I know for lackadaisical but, hmm...I just don't know.  Anyway I apologize that I didn't post yesterday...I was just so busy doing...umm...nothing.  I did manage to clean house, grocery shop and go to the library (finished my latest book on CD and picked up a new one...you can check out my Recent Read blog for an update if you so wish).  Other than that, however, I was home, watching Harry Potter (Half-Blood Prince) and sewing.  The final step in my quilt is taking FOREVER!!!  Binding a queen-sized quilt by hand is a bit time consuming.  Hopefully I'll finish here in the next couple days.  Jim and I got takeout Indian last night...deeeeeeeeelicious!  I got the Chicken Mushroom, and Aloo Mater (potatoes and peas in a spicy sauce) and Jim got Chicken Curry!  I could drink that sauce!  YUM!  I didn't finish mine either so I get that for lunch tomorrow!  Hot dog!!!

Today?  I'll be making breakfast here in a bit (blueberry pancakes, bacon and eggs - my special Sunday treat) and then chillin' with my pups!  And husband.  There will be a bit of reading, sewing and Wii playing I imagine today.  Also, some chocolate chip pumpkin bread making! Yum!!!  The Bengals aren't on until 8:30 tonight - won't be able to watch that - so I'll just have to throw them my support in my dreams.  They play the shit-suckin' Steelers...blech!!!  Effin' hate the Steelers!  I hate them so much that I almost broke down and used the actual "F" word.  Arg.

Here's something funny:  My neighbors next door have had a damaged fence since the wind storm over two years ago.  Yesterday, they decided to repair it.  So, they dug a HUGE hole to reposition one of the posts.  I woke up this morning and saw the empty hole and told Jim to crack-a-lack, grab Betty out of the freezer and put her in it.  The neighbors shouldn't mind, right? 

Okay - so, that's all I've got.  Gotta go make the "donuts".  Later!

UPDATED:  Yes, I'm aware that the Bengals play tomorrow...shows you how on top of it I am.  Either way - I won't be watching...too late for this loser.

Tough Night

And not just because I had Parent/Teacher conferences from 4-7:30.  I had a 2 hour meeting with my fellow speds (although 2 of the 6 didn't show...bullshit!) to put together a presentation (that I will NOT be presenting).  If 2 people can opt out of putting the presentation together, those 2 people can do the presenting.  And one of the people?  BFC!  She gets out of everything because she thinks nothing pertains to her since she "teaches" (HA!) the low, low, low kids.  Whatever!  The presentation is being thrust upon all sped departments in the district!  Suck it up!  And, she claims she didn't come to yesterday's meeting because she had conferences.  Well, first of all - that's bullshit.  She has 8 students in her room.  Even if every parent showed up, that's only an hour and 20 minutes worth of conference time.  Plus, she's had IEPs all week with at least 3 of her kids!  You know those parents weren't coming in. 

Another reason it was a tough night is because when I came home last night, Sami was acting WAY weird.  She was fine at first but then as I was settling down on the couch before heading up to bed, she came over to lay in my lap.  Well, she started shaking uncontrollably.  Not seizing but like she was cold.  And she was incredibly listless...like a limp rag.  And then she kept doing this thing:  She kept looking up at the ceiling - it was almost as if someone kept putting their finger under her chin and tilting her head up.  So weird.  There were a couple times I thought she was about to start seizing but she never did.  However, I feel like whatever was happening to her was little tiny seizures.  I don't know.  Needless to say, I didn't sleep great (for the 2nd night in a row) because I kept waking up to see what she was doing.  Most of the night she was with me, lying right beside me but I had to check to see if she was breathing and not shaking.  Ugh!  Poor baby. I'll be worried all day long!

Okay - well, that's all I've got.  It's Pumpkin Chuckin Days (from the 5th - 7th): Time to get rid of all your rotting Jack-o-Lanterns.  I had a student come in yesterday with a broken wrist (my unstable supposed autistic kid) because she punched a pumpkin in anger.  Her mother has recently been emailing me about some issues she's dealing with at home.  None of what she talks about is witnessed at school but I think - call me crazy - that it's because the mother has been working 80 hour work weeks and has not time for her daughter.  Considering it's just the two of them, they've only recently moved down here from the Cleveland area and she has no friends that she hangs out with outside of school...I'd be pissed and throwing fits too. 

K - I'm out...can't wait to get back home today!  So tired!  Later!

Sickly Seizure Sami

Well - talk about a rough day.  And let me preface by saying that Sami is fine...now.  Yes, she had another seizure.  I don't think I can take another one though...I don't know how she does it.  Of course she isn't sitting there watching herself while it's happening and I can only imagine what her poor little brain is having to deal with but for me?  Her mommy?  Terror!  How I wasn't running around screaming and crying (I cried afterward), is a wonder.

So, I got home today - later than usual because we had an extra long early release meeting.  I probably walked in the door at 3:30...normally I'm home by 3:00.  I got my clothes changed, had a quick chat with Maggie and then Sami and I were out the door for a quick walk.  On our way back, the neighbor kids were out and little boy neighbor Zeke (I know...isn't that funny that my neighbor's kid is named Zeke?  Needless to say he's obsessed with furry Zeke) came over wanting to pet Sami. He and Maddy did and then Sami and I went inside.  I got my coat and shoes off and then followed Sami through the dining room toward the kitchen (she likes a carrot after her afternoon constitutional) when I noticed she was swaying a bit with her tail between her legs and then she fell over.  I, of course, knew right then that she was about to go full blown seizure...which she did.  It lasted about 4 1/2 - 5 minutes.  Her eyes rolled back in her head (hadn't seen that before) and she was seriously in grand mal state!  Shaking and clawing and just UGH!!!!  There were a couple times she stopped breathing and I had to pick her up or walk her around to "remind" her.  So scary!  I had to call Jim in the midst because I just needed someone to talk to...keep me a little sane (he did great by the way).  I ended up hanging up with him though to call the vet - you know to reassure myself that she would be okay and I was doing the right thing.  I was tempted to just jump in my car but being alone...I waited, hoping (like all the other times) it would stop.  It did.  Thank you Jesus!

In the end, it looks like it's happening about once a year.  I looked it up on my blog here to see what the timeline for Sami's seizures have been.  This was her 3rd (that we know of).  Her first was November, 2008.  The last one was December 2009.  Here now is November 2010 (guess I didn't need to tell you that).  The doctor said that if we see it happening closer to every three months, then it's time to put her on anti-convulsive meds.  Next time (please God let there be no more)...Jim can be the one to deal.  I think it shaved about 3 years off my life. 

Funny thing?  When it first started, Bubba came over and I just looked at him and said, "Go away!  Sami needs room!" And he walked away.  Then Zeke came over and I said, "No Zeke!  Sami needs me by herself!" (Those two sometimes play little mommy attention games) And Zeke walked away.  I have good (though rather high maintenance) puppies.

Needless to say, by the way, I need a drink!  Sami could probably use one too but she's content right now to lay in a chair where she can see me and sleep.  She's exhausted.  I love her so much - it just makes me nuts to see her suffer! 

Okay - I'm going to go curl up on the couch with her and love and cuddle!

A Rare Day Off

Can I just say how nice it was to sleep in this morning?  Although I don't think it's considered sleeping in when you're awake by 6AM.  However, I didn't get out of bed until 6:30 - an hour and a half later than I usually arise.  Regardless, I didn't wake up from a blaring alarm clock and THAT was nice!  I am very sneezy, however, and that's annoying me.  I think it's because I finally caved and turned on the heat this morning.  It was 56 degrees in my house and perfect for sleeping but not hanging on the couch with my babies. I think the stagnant air that blew out of the vents may have tickled my sinuses and now I'm a sneezy mess.  I'll walk Sami in a bit and hopefully the cool, crisp air will nip my effed up nose in the bud.

So, I've mentioned before about my crazy parent, right?  Which one, you ask?  Well, it's probably been awhile since I mentioned her because her son is a senior and I haven't had to talk with her in over a year.  I send her emails every week on grade updates but until a couple weeks ago, I hadn't spoken to her since I last did her sons IEP.  Anyway, she is my Jewish mother (I know that sounds bad and I'm not being rude but alas, she is my only Jewish parent and she is your stereotypical Jewish mother.  She is also a maniac!).  Anyway - I called her a couple weeks ago to set up the annual IEP meeting for her son.  When I called - I made sure I had a good 1/2 hour to waste on the phone while she ranted and raved about completely irrelevant things.  To my surprise, however, she told me she didn't want to meet - that she would prefer to just "do this over the phone".  I was thrilled.  I ended up completing the IEP and sending it home yesterday. 

One thing she did bring up on the phone, was getting accommodations for her son to take the ACT.  Her son has completely illegible writing and has on his IEP the use of a computer for essays etc.  I told her I would look into what kind of accommodations were available and get back with her - which I did.  For the ACT.  Well, after emailing her the information, she tells me last week that her son is registered to take the SAT on Nov. 6 and what could I do for him.  (November 6th...this Saturday).  So I emailed her and told her that the regular deadline for that test date was Oct. 8th and the late registration was Oct. 22.  Because those dates had passed and requests for accommodations/special paperwork had to be filled out and wasn't, there would not be a possibility for accommodations.  She emailed me back on Friday after the school day and said, "Would you please submit it anyway?" I wanted to email back and say, "No...that would be a waste of my time."  Instead, I just forwarded it to the guidance counselor and said, "Can you explain it to her because she doesn't seem to be understanding it from me." 

So yesterday, I go the whole day doing my Monday stuff:  Paperwork (emailed parents grade updates), teaching etc. and when the day ended at 2:30, I was out the door excited for a day off.  I get home, do one last check of my school email before forgetting about school for 24 hours and what do I have but an email and phone call from the above mother.  Phone call left at 3:11 PM and email at 3:15.  All that she said was "please call me".  Well, lady - you left those for me after my school day had ended and I won't be back in the building until 7AM Wednesday so I will call you at my convenience then.  WHAT THE EFF, though!?  I can't wait until this kid graduates! 

Okay - well, I'm going to go eat breakfast and then start sewing, sewing, sewing.  I'll take pictures of my finished quilt when I'm done.  Later!

A Quickie

I have a 7AM IEP (without parent) so I need to scoot.  Just really getting signatures.  This is probably my worst parent on my caseload so you can imagine how thrilled I was when she said, "Can we just do this over the phone?"  ABSOLUTELY!  Of course, she's still being a pain in my ass but that's a long story - longer than I have time for right now. 

So, the Bengals lost.  To tell the truth, I didn't watch much past the first 1/2.  Carson looked good in that time and the offense did a great job protecting him...our defense just isn't what it should be.  Bummer to have lost but I'm still a fan and will continue to root!  Who dey!

I'm am nearly finished with my 1st quilt.  The only thing left is to do the binding around the edges.  It's all pressed and ready for sewing.  I'll have to do it by hand so on my DAY OFF!!!! tomorrow...that is what I'll be doing!  By the way...SOOOOOOOOOO happy to have tomorrow off!!!  And I will be sooooo happy when all these crazy political ads end.  They are vicious this year and completely NOT about politics...well, governmental politics that is. 

Made the Crock Pot Lasagna last night.  It was good.  A nice solid GOOD.  Lots of leftovers.  The recipe called for 1 can of crushed tomatoes which made NO sense and I added a second can but realistically - it should have been 3...it just wasn't saucy enough.  My lasagna is better but this was definitely a no hassle option.

K - I'm out...cold as shit out there...wish I could climb back in bed with my babies.  Wah!  Later!