Husband For Sale (It Doesn't Have To Be A "Good Home" Either)

Well before we get to Jim - rrrrrrrr - lets have us a little - sigh - sweet moment with JBird!  Loves me a sweet boy

So a little background on this picture.  First - remember Trip, Susan and J.J. went to C-Bus to visit Maggie and Charlie last weekend.  Second - Maggie and Charlie live 2 houses down from an amazing park: tennis courts, a large walking trail, several jungle gyms, soccer fields, etc.  Third - J.J. is 3 1/2 and loves to play, play, play.  So Saturday they get up, hang out for a bit, call me via Skype and even then J.J. was saying "Lets go to the park".  So they get off the "computer" with me with plans to head out.  Well, Maggie and Susan decided to stay behind to shower etc. and Charlie - as usual - was dilly dallying (he's a contender for Jim's dilly dallying...maybe worse!).  Poor J.J. was ready to GO GO GO!!!  He strapped on his bag of balls (behind him) and a cooler for when all the playin' took it out of him.  It's just not fair when a boy, rarin to go has to wait on some supposed "grown up" toolin' around on the computer (see Charlie just sittin' there behind him!?)  But look at that smile!  He's so cute!

So, Eye News (it deserves capitals at this point).  I'm out of contacts for the next two weeks.  UGH!  So irritated.  The doc wants to get my eyes COMPLETELY free of the pink.  Then he wants to reintroduce my lenses to make sure they aren't the issue.  I already know they're not because this all started about a month before I got my new lenses and I'm telling you it's allergy related.  But whatever...I'll do what the doc says.  Of course when I dropped off my new prescription they didn't have it so I'll have to start that today.  And of course, I didn't get home until about 5PM last evening so Sami (and I) didn't get our long walk.  And OF COURSE!!! Jim didn't take care of his responsibilities yesterday - making sure to get a hold of the washer repair guy (it's busted) so I'm still out a washer for at least another two days!  Jim is so on my shit list!  Anyone need a husband?  I'm going to tie him to the mailbox with a sign around his neck (FREE!!!).  Maybe the "Junk Guy" that goes around my neighborhood will take him.  Probably not! 

OH GOD!!! I've been trying to remember something since last night and it just came to me!!!  It was driving me crazy!  I knew there was something I was forgetting but it just wouldn't come to me!  I think I might be losing my freakin' mind!!!  UGH!!!

Okay well that's all I've got...I'm feeling a little nauseous from my vitamin...yuck!  Best get a move on.  Later!

Zipper Alert

To all my ladies:  Please be aware that the pair of pants I'm wearing have a zipper that likes to scoot down every time I sit down.  If you see me fiddlin' with my nether parts, understand that I'm just dealing with a rouge zipper.  If you see said rouge zipper down, please inform!  I'll have to warn the kids too.  I'd change my pants but alas, I don't feel like it.  I'd rather deal with an open fly than iron, change and primp all over again.  Oh the price we pay for beauty and style.  Although, how much style must I really have with a pair of pants that can't even sport a working zipper.  I think Jim may have W-D40'd my zipper as a joke!  Ooh, that man!

In school news, FW (department head) - her water broke on Friday night.  She's been in the hospital since.  She wasn't due to have her baby until Nov. 9th.  She's only 34 weeks along.  You aren't considered full term until 37 weeks so this is considered "high risk".  I think she was probably high risk already what with all the issues she's had.  Anyway - they're planning on delivering her on Tuesday if all goes according to plan.  Regardless of any issues I've ever had with FW, things lately have been good and even if they weren't I hate for her or anyone to have to go through so much stress...especially when it has to do with an innocent helpless baby.  I'm hoping all goes well for her and the only problems this baby has will end upon being born. 

In book news, I filled a HUGE box yesterday of just about all my paperbacks (the little regular sized paperbacks, not my larger good paperbacks).  I also added any book I saw that just wasn't worth my time or that I hated.  I've simply run out of room.  I like to keep my books because I often re-read, however, I won't re-read my romance novels and I won't re-read my mindless mystery books.  So, I thought, "It's time".  Plus I went to Half Price on Saturday and bought about 15 new books and had no room for them.  Ugh!  So, if anyone is interested in just about all 30 of the J.D. Robb "In death" series...I've got em.  Otherwise, I'll sell them to Half Price (I'll probably only get about $5 for the whole box but whatever).

And that's about it.  I'm headed off to work.  Eye doc after work...I also need to get back to Wal-Mart for some yarn...started Eva a sweater and need another ball.  K - later!

The Crazies Are Coming Back To Haunt Us!

So I get a text yesterday from Lisa.  She said that there was a voicemail on her school email that she forwarded to me that I needed to listen to when I got a chance...oh, and it's "weird".  So I take a listen.  It's a voicemail from a former student...probably from 5 or 6 years ago...I'm not even sure she graduated.  (Ladies - initials LH; had a slight case of cerebral palsy; used to come back after she left school and just "hang out"; a rather hard "girl".)  Anyway - she basically called to have Lisa try and get her out of the mental institute that she's being kept in for 3 months.  Apparently they've put her away and she wants out and she wants to know if Lisa can do anything because she can't afford a lawyer and anyway - Lisa won't be able to call back so she'll call again.  Click. 

Hee hee! Thank God she called Lisa and not me.  Thank God the number shows so she'll know not to answer if she calls again.  Talk about crazy! 

So last night, there I am, getting ready to start dinner...hamburgers, roasted potatoes, cole slaw when there's a knock on my front door.  Jim goes out - it's Drew, one of our kiddy neighbors.  His mother sent him over to see if we wanted to join them and two other neighbors in the circle out front for an impromptu grill out.  Okay, sure since that's what we were doing anyway.  It was fun...the kids are crazy and I mean they sure do like to scream.  At the top of their lungs.  At one point they were in a jumpy thing that was behind where Jim was sitting and Jim said, "Did the kids just multiply?  Are there like a hundred of them in there now?"  They're funny too because about every 30 seconds, one of the kids would come out of the jumpy slide thingy and run to their mother and tattle on one of the other kids.  (Of the three neighbors, there are two kids each - all the same ages so they're all really close, like brothers and sisters and they fight that way too).  At one point one of the kids tattling was telling on another kid to her father and her father said, "Okay - I don't care...go back and play".    Oh, and around 8:00, there was total mayhem and meltdowns.  Six kids all crying and screaming, running around with flashlights...pissed at all the other kids...Funny to watch.  Glad I ended the night with just my husband to put to bed...and a glass of wine. 

So today, after I walk Sami, I'll get my crock pot going for dinner (my own concoction of chicken stroganoff).  I've got to finish the two dog sweaters I've knitted...just need to bind them together.  Then I'll work on my quilt and hang.  I'm all caught up on my TV shows...tonight will start a new weeks worth of DVRs...we'll see how well I keep up.  My eye is nearly all better but I'm going to wait until after my doc appointment to wear my contacts (yes another new one for my right eye...at this rate, my years worth of contacts are going to last me only about 4 months!  So pissed!)  K - well, I'm out...think I'll make breakfast.  Later!

My EYE! My EYE!

Ugh!  The pink just keeps hanging on...very frustrating.  I finally broke down and called the Opthamologist...made an appointment for Monday after school.  I know what he's going to say:  I have pink eye.  It's caused by an allergy.  Keep taking your anti-biotics.  Here's a re-fill...buh-bye.  What else am I going to do?!  I'm sick of wearing my glasses too.  It's a pain in the ass to walk the dog with glasses on...don't ask me to explain...it just is.  And add to all that - I keep getting this headache...even after taking Naproxen...ugh!  Hope it's not a symptom of some inner brain thing where my eye is about to fall out and my head is about to pop off.  That would suck!

So, my plans today:  I'm going to scoot here in a minute and walk Sami.  Jim's going for a quick bike ride.  When I get home, I'll dress and head to the grocery and 1/2 price books.  I want to see if there are any cheap movies (law movies) for my Government class.  Then, I'll come home and hopefully, Jim will have already cleaned the house.  I also want him to cut the grass since it's about two feet high.  We need to do some yard work as well - move the wood pile into one area, seed, burn the stumps that are in the middle of the yard. 

After all that my plan is to hang out and maybe do a little quilting.  I'm also knitting a couple sweet little dog sweaters for Becky's mother, Joan.  I have one half way complete...took me about an hour to do so I'll be able to whip up a couple.  (She's got a little mini pinscher, I think).  And that's it.  Burgers for dinner with roasted red potatoes.  Tomorrow, I'm going to try a chicken stroganoff in the crock pot.  Exciting, huh?  K - well, I'm out.  Later!

IEP - 7AM

I gotta head out because I have a 7AM IEP meeting.  This is my last of the month (I know...it's only the 7th!!!).  HOWEVER, I think I have 6 or 7 due in November.  Needless to say - I will be a frazzled, busy, bitch during that time so here's your warning. 

In other news...look who can suck on her toes!!!  Just like her Uncle Brother!  Look at those baby chunks!  Loves me some EVA!  So jealous that Trip, Susan and J.J. get to see her this weekend and I don't!  You all better call me via Skype!

K - I'm out...Happy Friday!  Jimmy John's for lunch today!!!  LaRosa's for dinner.  

Sami Won't Let Me Post!

She keeps pawing at me and her claws HURT!!!  She's sitting on the couch next to me and looking sweet and wanting some love.  And who am I to deny her!  (Typed all that with one hand).  She's now heard/found something in the front yard to growl at so I'm free to post. 

And I really have nothing to post about.

Hmm...

Don't you hate it when you have uncomfortable panties on!?  Man!  I put a pair on today that I just KNEW was going to give me fits.  Bind me up in more ways than one.  I ended up digging  - no, not up my butt - in my undie drawer for a better, more comfy pair.  (BTW - how flippin' funny is that cartoon!?)

That's about all I've got that's "exciting"...a little mention about my unmentionables. 

Um...

My pork and sauerkraut was delicious last night.  I think the pork was a bit dry but Jim said it was fine.  Next time I'll set the timer and then just keep it warm.  Tonight I'm making Chicken Marsala...simple, quick but delicious.  I can't wait for some cool weather again so I can do a soup in my crock pot. 

Okay so I need to get to school and make up some bullshit worksheet for Biology (one of my kids who needs modifications)...something on heterotrophs vs. autotrophs or cellular respiration or some such shit that I know NADA about.  He should really get a lot out of the crap I'm going to put together.  And before you ask, YES, the regular ed teachers SHOULD be doing this but alas, we've spoiled these damn teachers.  Okay - I'm out...later!

Sorry - Pork Chops and Sauerkraut Had Me Occupado!

I don't have time to post (well, except for this little bit) because I was getting my pork chops and sauerkraut ready for the crock pot...yum.  Should be delicious tonight with my cheesy potato casserole!!!  (Hopefully, that cartoon won't ring true for me later tonight!)
K - must mosey!  Later!

Regrets - I've Had A Few

I regret NOT checking every pocket of my pants, sweaters and sweatshirts prior to washing them and finding, when I opened the lid to transfer into the dryer - I'd washed a tissue (or two) and now I've got little white pieces of tissue EVERYWHERE!!!  I do this just about every time I wash by the way!

I regret NOT sending Jim out at 5AM yesterday morning when the recycling truck came for pick-up and our bin wasn't out there.  Our bin is FULL and Jim is a slacker.  What I really regret here is letting Jim come to bed Sunday night without checking to see if he did his "job".

I regret (sort of) succumbing to my craving of Chipotle last night...I should have cooked but it was soooooo good.  They put a TON of black beans in my bowl...yummy.  I think Jim might regret that...toot toot!

I regret leaving the lid off the newly full dog food bin and leaving Bubba ALONE with said full bin.  Bubba doesn't regret this!  I'm sure he was right behind me the whole time, trying to blend in with the tile so I wouldn't see him with excitement in his eyes at my forgetfulness.  One of these days, that boy isn't going to be able to get up.

I'm sure I have many more regrets but I can't think of any right now.  And I didn't have anything else to talk about.  Weird dreams by the way of former teachers at my school.  Weird.  K - I'm out...must get a move on...later!

Weekend Update (With Muir Hanke)

Her new jacket!  Hee hee...love her!

{Sigh} I miss her already!  I mean, how cute is this little girl!?  I had 32 pictures uploaded from my camera and it was tough for me NOT to put them ALL on here! 

In her jumpy watching the game!

So, my weekend was good and relaxing.  Friday I got there and Maggie and I went to Costco and then came home to hang, watch Project Runway and cuddle with Eva.  Maggie had made bean soup so when Charlie got home, we all dug in (it was amazing...toot toot...beans beans the musical fruit!!!).  We then watched Conspirator (Abe Lincoln assassination movie with Robin Wright...Robert Redford movie).  Good...sad.  I'm just a little obsessed with the Civil War and Abe Lincoln.  I'm sure there are a million biographies about him...I'd like to find a really really good one to read. 

Lovin' her oatmeal and kickin (as usual)

Anyway - Saturday, we got up and went to DK Diner. (DK stands for donut kitchen or something like that because they used to just do donuts but they also serve breakfast now.)  Maggie had me go look at the case when we sat down to see what donuts they had.  I tried to explain and I told her that one of them (using my hands) was about as big as a cantaloupe but she must not have realized that I was talking "actual size".  We both ordered one (it was an apple fritter) and when they came to the table, she nearly shit in her yoga pants!  Needless to say, we only got through one of the fritters...took the other home. 

 

One of the messiest eaters I've come across
(with the exception of Jim, of course)


After breakfast and a quick jaunt home, we headed out again to Kohl's, Microcenter (I'm now on Skype and MOM!!!  You must get set up with this!  A camera is 10 bucks and Skype is free!!!  See Eva, all the time, every day!) and lunch.  Home again to watch Auburn and Ohio State.  I glanced here and there at the TV but mostly I was playing Angry Birds...ooh, those little green pigs make me sooooo mad!!!

A sweet girl and her daddy!

Sunday - home...Jim had cleaned all the carpets and my house smells fresh and clean!  YEAH!  Oh, and Bengals won!  Yippee! 

Eva, ready for bed!
 I love a baby in white



So today will be all screwy at school.  The plans I quickly made on Thursday are thrown out the window for today and pushed to tomorrow because of another bullying thing for the kids.  Lets just beat them all silly so I can get on with my teaching...quit all these interruptions with classes.  UGH!





G'night!



K - I'm out...oh, and once again - I have pink eye!  Saved that little tidbit for my grand finale!  Must be Maggie's doing because when we were at breakfast she asked me if I'd had any issues...got home and BOOM!  Pink eye!  She cursed me!  K - I'm out...later

EVA HERE I COME!!!

From a couple months ago but
how cute is she?!

So I'm sitting there in 6th period yesterday...my mind is spinning at these crazy, stupid kids that are sitting in front of me...and I think to myself, "Why the hell am I coming to school tomorrow when I could be getting an early start toward my "EVA FILLED WEEKEND"!?  And I answer myself, "I don't know!"  So with that thought, I decided - cough cough, mooooaaaannnn - I'm feeling a bit sick!  I need to call in for Friday.  So I did. Plus, it's "Movie Friday" so no big deal.  Actually, my Government class is having a test but still...no biggie.  I don't know the sub who took my absence but hopefully he isn't annoying and doesn't piss off my kids.  They tend to be total assholes to subs. 

Plans:  I'll leave here around 10:30.  I'll walk Sami before leaving, gas up and go.  Maggie needs to go to Costco so that will be in our plans today.  Maybe a trip to Kohl's...we both have coupons and I've been really liking the pants that Sonoma has put out this season...comfy and they fit well.  After that, we'll head home, Maggie will put a pot of bean soup on and I'll play with my lovey Eva!  Can't wait...ooh, I gotta find my camera.  Charlie is going to work tomorrow so it'll be the girls for the day.  Who knows what we'll do.  It's going to be a chilly weekend...perfect for snuggling with a sweetie!   And that's it.  I can't wait.  This weather is exactly my style - 50s, breezy!  Excited!

K - my little Chester the Molester is getting antsy to hit the pavement.  (I call Sami that because she's so itchy and scratchy this time of year that she rubs her whole body up against anything solid...walls, ottomans, table legs, couches...she's crazy!  I love her!)  K - I'm out...safe trip to me...later!

Stupid Headlines

So I read People on line...this morning there was a headline that said: "Michael Jackson's Children Wept Upon Seeing Their Father Dead".  I know what you're all thinking, "Isn't this old news"...well yes it is but his doc is now on trial so we all get to step back in time.  This headline though...it just boggles me.  Wouldn't the real story be if the kids DIDN'T weep?  But then, it is Michael Jackson...and not to speak ill of the weird dead...but you just have to wonder what kind of dad he was...soooooo maybe People got it right.  Regardless though, it made me think wayyyyy too much about Michael Jackson wayyyyy too early in the morning. 

And today will be busy - after work.  I have to get my stuff ready to leave straight from school on Friday to head to Columbus...pack, write Jim a "to do" list, walk my baby, cook dinner, watch some of my many DVRd stuff.  Oh, and by the way - I've started watching two new shows...I know...UGH!  A Gifted Man and Pan Am.  I taped A Gifted Man last week just to see how it was and of course, it was good so now I'll have to watch the series.  Luckily, it's on Friday's at 8PM...I can stay up for that AND I don't tape anything else on Fridays.  Pan Am got such good reviews that I had to check it out.  Again - I liked it so now I've got the series set to DVR...it's on Sundays, which is good because I don't tape anything then either.  Soon I'm going to have to quit my job so I can watch all my shows.  UGH!  I'm SOOOOOOOO busy!

K - well, I best head up and out.  Later!

"War Eagle" Says Eva

I mean, could there be a cuter, sweet baby?  Charlie sent this to me yesterday...it's her new Auburn gear!  My GOD!!!  That face!  Those EYES!!! 

And this from Maggie yesterday morning:  A sweet girl enjoying her oatmeal!  Love her!

Okay so I don't have much time this morning.  I realized at 4:05 this morning that today is Wednesday and I had planned to have a test in my government class Thursday which means today is supposed to be a review and I haven't made a PowerPoint Jeopardy for that yet...GASP...and I don't want to push the test off to Friday because it's my movie day and I don't want to put the test Monday 'cause no one will study over the weekend. Breathe, breathe.  I might just have to have the test on Friday anyway though because Wednesdays are shortened bells and there probably isn't enough time today to get in my review sheet, plus the kids have to make flashcards for the vocab and then the Jeopardy game...what was I thinking?  Okay then, test Friday.  They'll be so pissed about movie day.  Oh, well, if they finish early, I'll still show the movie and if not, we'll have movie day Monday instead.  (Mrs. Hanke needs a day off too you know).

Regardless though I still need to get to school and figure out all my crap.  And I won't have any time during the Early Release hour today because we have some stupid bullying seminar presentation thingy.  I mean Jesus!  After all last year being trained in bullying, you'd think they'd realize that I know how to bully...I got it down!  Just ask the kids...or Diane!  Hee hee.

K - well, I best be on my way.  Later!

The Continuous Time Warner Saga

It seems lately that every few months, I'm having to call my cable company to find out why my bill is up a few dollars.  Well this last billing cycle, it was up $13.  So I called and am told that the promo I was under for the last two years had expired.  HUH?!  I thought when I called a few months ago bitching about the same thing, that a promo had ended then.  Well, apparently that was for something completely different.  (COUGH BULL COUGH SHIT!!!) So I tell the lady, as nicely as possible (you catch more flies with honey and all that jazz) that with all the increases I'm having to face that I guess I'll just have to go shopping for another "bundle".  So she tells me that there's a department for that!  She said she can transfer me to someone who will go over my bill with me and try to figure out a way to keep my business.  Long story a little less long, I'm transferred.  Some woman and I haggle a bit over this that and the other and in the end, my bill is raised $5 - solid for two years (yeah, we'll see) and I get Showtime free for a year.  She told me that in a year I need to call back and see what new premium deals they can get for me.  Okay.  FINE!  I'm still a bit pissed but as I've been telling others (knock on wood), since I've had TW Cable (bundled with Internet and phone), I've never had issues.  I've been a happy customer.  I don't want to change!  Change is BAD!

Okay and....that's all I've got.  I'm a rather boring person.  Um...headed to C-bus this weekend...that's exciting.  I get to see my sweet baby Eva.  And Maggie and Charlie but really they play second fiddle to that girl.  And rightfully so.  I can't wait to see her.  She's eating oatmeal now!  Maggie said she's spitting more of it out...all over her mamma...rather than actually eating it but I think she knows what she's doing.  I'd spit food all over Maggie too if I weren't afraid of the repercussions.  Hee hee.  Anyway - can't wait to see her!  Eva, I mean.  Hee hee...sure wish someone would send me a new pic of her to tide me over until Friday! 

You know - it's been a long long time since we've had a dose of Daily Puppy! 

And for shizz!!!  Look at this little baby! 

Butterscotch!!!

Love the way bassets lay down - this is how Zeke lays down too. 

K - well that's all I've got.  There isn't much more to say after that, huh?  Happy Tuesday!

Here's Hoping For A Normal Week!

I need a dose of normal (cause I sure wasn't surrounded by any over the weekend!). 

So, here's a funny:  Last night, Jim went down to Clifton for dinner.  Fritz called at around 2 or 3 (last minute, as usual) and said he was going to cook dinner.  I wasn't thrilled considering I had a pot roast on and had planned a nice relaxing day/night with my hubby...I've barely seen him this past week.  Anyway, I sucked it up (okay, I pouted a little) and ate my scrumptious meal sans Jim.  Well, around 8PM, I'm in bed...cuddled up and reading my book and the phone rings.  I remember looking at the clock (8:05) and thinking, "Wow, Jim's already calling to say he's on his way home!"  Shows how stupid I am.  He was actually calling to say that Fritz didn't cook and they were all on their way to Dewey's for dinner.  Man oh man!  If you're wondering why I never go with Jim when he does things with his family...this is why.  This is how it is EVERY TIME!!! 

Anyway - that isn't the funny part.  So, Jim goes on to tell me:  Fritz had been giving Tina and her husband Tony the "tour" of the house (thrilling I'm sure) and Jim and John (Emily's husband) are stuck waiting on them (I believe Emily was co-tour director with Fritzy).  Jim and John get to talking and somehow it comes up about people being "self-absorbed".  John says to Jim something along the lines:  He and Emily were talking about how their daughter Katie is so self-absorbed.  And John looks at Jim and says something like, "Sort of like how you are."  And he was serious!!!  HAHAHAHAHAHAHA!!!!  Maggie and I had JUST JUST had this same discussion regarding his family - particulary Emily.  My oh my! 

So  in other funny news, here are some funny comments from Diablo:
Taking a test in science:  "How am I supposed to take a test if I don't know all the answers!?!?!?!"

Here's a little exchange b/w the Devil and me:
Me:  Turn to page 15
Diablo: PAGE 15 DOESN'T EXIST!!!  (all caps because he was yelling)! 

Oh the little turd, I'm sure this week will be filled with more nutty Diabloisms!

K - well, it's raining cats and dogs...I may have to drive the back way...can't stand 71 in the rain...lots of puddles and hydroplaining.  Safe trip to mom and Richard today...later!

I Ache ALL OVER!

I shouldn't wear heels!  Why did I?  I almost turned my car around and changed into flats but NO!!!  I'm stupid.  I don't listen to myself...and I yell at Jim for not listening to me and we all know!!!  I'm always right!!!  (If you watched Modern Family this week...the 2nd episode?  Regarding Clair?  Me!) And my outfit today calls for heels too!  UGH!  I'm in for a world of hurtin!

So last night was fine.  Long!  At 6:00 I thought I had already been there 14 hours and my feet were killing me and I was done.  But we had 2 more hours to go.  Three it ended up because no one wanted to leave and they had one more major decision to make...but I'll get to that in a minute.  It was an open casket and Rob looked...I'm sorry to say...horrible.  It never looks like the person and I think because he had gotten so skinny (Rob was NOT a skinny man!  He was probably 6'3" or 4" with a basketball gut) - there wasn't much they could do to make him look like "Rob".  A good amount of people showed (not enough for 4 hours) and I was pleased that Jim's friends (most) showed for him as well.  One guy who is really a friend of Emily's showed drunk at the end of the night.  He actually had some stranger come from the bar to drive.  Isn't that the most f&%ked up thing you ever heard?! 

Anyway - Rob's daughter is taking it hard.  Rob had only known her since 2007.  Long story:  He was there when she was born but when she was a month old, he was incarcerated for 4 months.  In that time, the mother took off, married another man who adopted Tina and Rob couldn't find them.  Tina always knew that Rob existed but she didn't know how to find him.  Finally, she tricked her mother into giving her Rob's correctly spelled name and she found him and they've had a relationship for 4 years.  They talked all the time.  AND!  She has 3 kids so Rob was a grandfather.  Kooky and crazy.  Par for the course. 

Okay so here's the really really really F&$KED up thing:  We're 10 minutes from walking out the door yesterday to go down to the cemetery for the visitation.  Fritz calls.  He tells Jim that he found out from Tina that Rob had purchased two plots at a cemetery in KY for he and Carole (basically his common law wife...who is currently serving time...another long story).  After much discussion - AFTER the visitation, the three sibs and Tina (not sure she wasn't bamboozled) decide that it's fine they bury him at Spring Grove against his "wishes" because the only reason he didn't get plots there was because he couldn't afford it.  (Me:  Hmm...that's a convenient theory)  Here's the kicker though:  He wanted to be cremated.  That's right!  He had wished...told Tina...that he wanted to be cremated.  (BTW - she didn't say anything because when they called her in L.A. and told her the news, they told her too that everything was being taken care of and she just assumed they were following his wishes).  Anyway - Fritz decided that the only reason he decided to be cremated was because Rob was just trying to make things as cheap as possible.  I am flabbergasted.  I told Jim..."I want to be cremated and it isn't because it's cheaper it's because IT'S WHAT I WANT!!!  So, when I die, if you're still around, don't decide that I only wanted that because I was trying to take the burden off you!  DO WHAT I ASKED!!!"  The gall!  I just can't believe it.  Am I wrong thinking this is sort of a big deal?!

K - I have to go shower...we have to be down at the cemetery at 9:45.  I already need a drink!  UGH!!! 

By the way, thanks guys for coming down and Becky, keep us posted regarding Aunt Joyce!  Double UGH!  K - Later!

Busy Blue Weekend

So today will start with me headed to school...only for an hour.  I actually took the day off from work but I have an IEP meeting that couldn't be re-scheduled.  It's at 7:30 and should only take an hour.  I'll go home from there, hopefully I'll get there around 9:00 or 9:30.  Jim will most likely have just gotten up (or still be in bed) since he got home at 2AM last night.  His brother's daughter (he's never met her) flew in from L.A. last night.  She was supposed to be in at 9PM but her plane was delayed an hour...who knows when she actually touched down. 

Anyway, Jim and I will probably just hang out today...I might clean...we'll have a late lunch and then head down to Spring Grove Cemetery and the funeral home there for the visitation that's from 4-8.  Four to EIGHT!!!???  I know, four hours!  I don't know who came up with that.  It's a ridiculously long time!  I'm not really sure why it has to be for that long except for the fact that we are talking about Jim's family that takes twice as long as any "normal" family to do ANYTHING!!!  I'm just going to suck it up, keep my mouth shut, and pack a flask full of wine in my purse.  I'm not really kidding about that.  I'm actually thinking it may keep me sane.  On the other hand, it may not be much of help in the "keeping my mouth shut" department.  UGH!

From there, we'll head home.  I already told Jim that after the visitation, we need to go home.  No dilly dallying .  I think Saturday is going to be rather draining on him and he's seriously been running himself ragged this past week.  I don't know how he's standing and if he has to stand around after the visitation with his brother and sister trying to figure out what to do, where to go etc., it may drive him over the edge.  It will certainly drive me over the edge. 

Saturday, the funeral is at 10:30, again at Spring Grove.  Afterwards, we'll head over to Emily's house for a little get-together thingy.  Is that a wake?  Anyway, they are expecting 50-60 people to show up.  I think they're smoking crack but what do I know.  I just think back to the recent wakes I've been to and not that many people show for those...usually just close friends and family.  Hmm....

By the way - here's the obit:
Robert HANKE (1959 - 2011)

ROBERT C. Beloved father of Tina (Anthony) Scarsciotti. Grandfather of Alyssa, Anthony and Tessa. Brother of Milo Hanke, Jr., Emily (John) Harten, and James (Muir) Hanke. Uncle of James, Katherine, and the late Philip Harten. He was preceded in death by his parents Milo, Sr. and Ann Hanke (nee Brady). Passed away at his residence on Monday, September 19, 2011 at the age of 51. Visitation will be held Friday, September 23, 2011 from 4:00-8:00 p.m. at the Gwen Mooney Funeral Home, (513-853-1035). Funeral services will be held Saturday, September 24, 2011 at 10:30 a.m. at the Norman Chapel at Spring Grove Cemetery. Interment Spring Grove Cemetery. A memorial contribution may be given to Mental Health Association of Northern Kentucky. Sympathy may be expressed at http://www.springrove.org/.

And by the way - the web link at the bottom?  Wrong address...nice!  Morons...I don't know if the morons are the enquirer or the people who put the obit together (you can guess who that was and I don't believe it was my hubby). Anyway...a nice obit.  Not that this matters either but Jim said that just that...cost $400!  Wow.

Well, I better get going.  Wish me luck that I don't lose my mind tonight (and kill someone) Later!

BE A DAWG!!!

First of all - how excited am I that we have a two hour delay!?  YIPPEE!!!  Problem, however:  I have an IEP meeting at 9:30 which the mother won't now be able to come to because she's a bus driver and I have to hold the meeting becuase it's due either today or tomorrow and I can't hold it tomorrow because I'm not going in to school...oh well.  I'll just call the mother in a bit...don't have her number...and let her know. 

So Maggie sent me a video last weekend or the weekend before (I was a bit slow in looking at it) and I've posted it here for all to enjoy...I'm showing it to my kids in class today...BE A DAWG...We don't need no MEOOOOOWWWWWS!!!

Lets Start This Day Out Right!

Bath time!!!

She loves to move and kick...you can see by the blur that she's movin' and throwin her hand up in the air like she just don't care!  I think it looks a bit like she's yellin' at her mommy...saying "HEY!  put that camera away and get some pants on me before I pee on you!

Check out those socks!  I think my Aunt Kathleen got those for her and man, can she rock the bows or what!?  And the polka dots!  And the long-sleeved white onesie!  And the binkie!

Okay so that's all I've got for now.  I just took my vitamin and it's making me want to barf.  UGH!  K - later!

A Really Tough Monday Night

R.I.P. Rob Hanke...Jim's brother.  I got a call from Jim, I think I remember the clock saying 4:38 PM, telling me that "Rob was no longer with us".  It's a call, that sadly, has been anticipated.  Rob has had mental and physical health issues for a long time and for the past 5 years, things have not been great.  He's been hosptiatlized many times for complications due to diabetes but he's also suffered from pancratitis as well as bipolar disorder.  I don't have any details.  I don't know what happened.  I don't know how he died.  But I do know that finally!  Finally!  Rob is at peace.  Healthy in heaven.  Clear-headed and with his mother and father...making his own peace and for that I hope Jim can rest at ease.

The problem I'm having here...the thing that is making this so hard is that I'm trying so hard to be strong for Jim!  To be there as a pillar to lean against but every time I think about what's happened...every time I think about what it would be like for me in the same situation...I break.  I lose it.  I can't talk or be that pillar.  Maggie calls...I try to call Anne...I call my mom and I lose it.  I can't think about the ramifications because then...THEN!!! How can I be the strength for Jim!?  UGH!  I can't think about that!  I just have to put it all into perspective for him!  JIM!  HIM! What he's dealing with!  Oh my...it's hard!

K - well, that's all.  I don't know that I'll have it in me to post tomorrow morning...so...just send our your thoughts for Jim and his sister Emily and brother Fritz who are dealing with such a loss...something that I'm unwilling to talk or think about right now..................

Suck It Monday!!!

I mean, didn't I just leave school?  Didn't I just, FINALLY, relax after a long week?!  It was my first full week since I started so maybe that's why.  I think we should have 3 day weekends.  I think that going either Mon-Thurs or Tues - Fri. is plenty of schooling.  Tack an hour on each day and VOILA!!!  Hell, my kids aren't getting any smarter anyway so why the hell not?! 

Dinner last night, by the way, was delectable!  I had put knives on the table but you didn't need them!  The chops could easily be cut with just your fork.  And the sauce?  Had there been enough, I would have saved it just to eat as soup...cream of mushroom and cream of chicken mixed with some potatoes and carrots?!  Mmm...mmm...mmm!!!  Definitely a repeat dish! 

No idea whats for dinner tonight.  I have a slow cook cookbook that I may take to work to flip through to see what's what.  I bought a roast at the grocery this weekend...maybe I'll do something new and exciting with that this weekend!  Oh but wait, I might be headed to C-bus this weekend.  UGH!  Poor Jim!

Went to Orange Leaf last night after dinner.  I was psyched too becuase they had Coffee yogurt!  Of course they didn't have pecans and I told the ringer-up girl that that pisses me off!  I wasn't rude but I told her that pecans have to be a hundred times more popular than the dirt mix they have laying out.  Seriously...I don't know what it is...there's a little tub full of brown, sandy dirt looking stuff.  Who puts that on their yogurt!?  And what the eff is it?  She had no answer.  Ridiculous!  But what am I going to do?!  Ban them?  Yeah, not likely!

Okay so that's all I've got.  This week I have only two meetings...both IEPs.  One Friday and one Wednesday.  I think the Friday one is done but I've barely looked at the Wednesday one.  I just don't care anymore though.  After that Friday fiasco training where I found out that I was doing everything wrong and IEP writing was now going to take me 2 hours rather than 1?  I've given up.  I'm just going to write the damn things as I see fit.  I figure it's better than half our department who leave pages blank and write half-assed goals and put us out of compliance.  IDGARA!!!

K - later!

P.S. - my spell check isn't working so if there are errors, SUCK IT!

Book Blog - Finally Updated

I had 4 books - I thought - that needed "reviewed" on my blog.  And then as I was reviewing (adding a new category of "nonfiction") I realized that I had forgotten to review a book I read about 3 or 4 months ago...a really good one too.  I've been sitting here for the last hour or so updating.  And now I'm exhausted.  YAWN!

What else have I been doing?  Well, it's fascinating really.  I walked Sami.  Nice leisurely 2-miler.  She got to see two cats and a dog.  She knows the words "kitty cat" now and if I see one on our walk that she hasn't spied yet, I always say, "There's a kitty cat" and she goes a bit ape shit.  She knows where all the cats live on our route so she's usually on the lookout.  I've also gotten my dinner in the crock pot.  Should be delicious.  I put in carrots, onions, potatoes (all diced) and then placed my pork chops on top (brushed with Liquid Bouquet seasoning sauce) and poured a mixture of cream of mushroom, cream of chicken, water and wine on top.  I hope it's delicious.  I'll probably serve it with a salad and nice crusty bread.  I can't wait. 

It's pretty dreary here right now so I might just plant myself in front of the TV to quilt after I clean upstairs.  Exciting.  Maybe watch some football. 

K - I'm out...later!

Breathe Deep...(UPDATED!)

Ah...that's better!  Maggie finally came through!  Here's a sweet babe in her new bajamas!

And and exhausted chicken after an evening walk...comfy in her papa's arms!

Saturday Plans:  Nothing much.  I'm going to walk my baby Sam, clean a bit, grocery shop.  I haven't seen Jim much since about Wednesday so we're going to finally use a gift card for dinner tonight...spend some time together.  That about covers it.  Exciting, huh?


Jim went to the baseball game last night with Trip, Susan and J.J...here are some photos.

J.J. got a ball thrown to him from one of the players!  Who could resist that boy!?

And the three boys...I love this pic!  J Bird is so cute with his daddy and uncle!

You Can Blame Maggie!

Maggie called me last night to tell me she sent a sweet photo of Eva for me to post today.  I was excited as I came downstairs this morning!  I finally had something worthwhile to put on here.  How disappointed was I to see that, HUH!?  I didn't have an email from Maggie!  I checked my text messages...just in case she sent it that way.  Nope!  I checked my school email...NOTHING!  Is this a JOKE!?!?!  Maggie effed it up again and now you all have to suffer!  I can't apologize for her enough!

In other news - TGIFF!!!  I'm so sick of this week!  I just wasn't feelin' it.  Kids driving me nuts, IEP meetings, too much to do that I can't keep up!  UGH!  Can't wait to sleep in tomorrow.  I am loving this weather, however, and aside from Jim coming home around 10PM and causing the dogs to go berserk, I slept like a baby rock! 

And that's all I've got.  It's supposed to be another cool and beautiful day.  I've actually got a long-sleeved shirt on!  And jeans!  WOW!  Still hate my clothes. Oh, and YAY for movie day!  We're watching Milo and Otis in my low LA, finishing up The Rainmaker in Gov't (we'll probably start the Pelican Brief after), and 9 to 5 in my high LA (their choice).  Nice and relaxing.  K - later!  And don't forget, Maggie sucks!  You should have been looking at a sweet baby girl in her new bajamas but Noooooooo.....

Not much to talk about.  I feel like my sinuses are going crazy!  I ended up, at 9:45, having to take some Tylenol Sinus Nighttime last night.  UGH!  I could barely breathe, my jaw was aching, and my nose and sinuses were throbbing.  I feel fine now but I'm still a little snuffly.  Hope this allergy pill kicks in soon.

In regard to BB - Glad Rachel won.  Am boggled by the fact that Dani says she HATES floaters and then votes for Porsche.  Ridiculous. 

Survivor - Ozzy is annoying and stupid! 

School - school is annoying and stupid.  Hee hee.  Well, meetings are annoying and stupid.  I have two today.  Cross your fingers that the first one signs OUT of sped services!  One less IEP I'll have to do (and it's due Oct. 4th so...cross cross cross!)

K - I'm out.  I hate my clothes and I hate all my shoes.  I need to go shopping and I need to lose about 50 pounds!  UGH!  Later!

Mmm...Mmm...Mmm

My dinner was deeeelicious last night.  I made a simple crock pot meal (read yesterday's post) with chicken and served it over egg noodles.  I mean to tell you, that chicken was the most tender, melt in your mouth chicken ever.  My next meal in the crock will be pork chops.  Can't wait.  But I'll have to because presently we have 3 meals worth of leftovers in the fridge and Jim's golfing Thursday after work so...maybe Friday or Saturday.  We'll see. 

And for your viewing pleasure:  A monkey with her monkey blanket!  Love her!

And that's all I've got for now.  Oh, except:  yesterday Diablo was being a pain in the ass (again...I know, shocking) and arguing about having to have someone walk him everywhere.  He kept saying how he was sick of being treated like a baby (THEN STOP ACTING LIKE ONE!!!  Never going to happen with his issues).  Finally, he says to Diane and I:  "YOU'RE RUINING MY CHILDHOOD!!!"  Diane's response was, "Yeah?  Well, you're ruining my adulthood!"  Ahh!  My job is so satisfying!

K - I best head out...I have a 7:30 IEP meeting and need to prepare.  Later.

Oh, My Achin' Abs & Ass

I did a new workout yesterday.  Some chick from San Fransisco.  That should have been my warning.  She kept mentioning all the hills in her city and how you gotta get your "booty" in shape to climb them.  The only thing my "booty" feels right now is that it got a good kicking.  I was looking for more of a workout on my abs but those feel fine.  Well, maybe a little sore.  Actually, I wasn't even going to do a workout routine yesterday...I was just going to take my baby Sam for a 2-miler but alas, when we got to the end of our street, she refused to walk.  She kept trying to turn back.  I don't know what was wrong with her but it was weird and she's NEVER not wanted to walk before.  I guess she just missed her brothers.

So, I'm trying a new dinner tonight.  It's from a website that Kim and/or Diane found called Crock Pot Girls (I think).  It's just a simple chicken dish (with cream of mushroom, onion soup mix, sour cream, milk which I'll serve over noodles) but how nice will it be NOT to have to slave away in the kitchen when I get home today?  We'll see how it goes.  Hopefully the house won't burn down.  UGH!  Hopefully Jim remembers to turn it on before he leaves.  I'll let you know.

In other news, one of the students from last year that had moved away and we had HOPED was going to stay away, moved back.  He hadn't withdrawn and so was still showing up on our roster's.  (Bullshit that nothing will happen to him in regard to truancy...I say throw the book at him and his dad.)  I saw him in the office yesterday afternoon.  Totally bummed me out too because he's the kid that made our room smell like dog shit!  He is NASTY!!!  Not only does he smell dirty but he ALWAYS looks dirty.  His fingernails are always waaaaaaayyyyy too long with black nasty-ass dirt under them.  (Hope no one is trying to eat their breakfast right now.)  And let me tell you the apple doesn't fall far from the tree...Dad was a piece of work!  Dyed black hair, all tatted up and it looked as though he was just as dirty as his son.  I didn't get close enough to smell him though. Oh, and the son?  He dyed his hair a reddish and grew it out.  It also looked as though he had a black eye.  Sort of sad, to tell the truth.  These people are DIRT (no pun intended) poor!  Rumor is, Mom is trying to get custody.  I guess boy was with her all summer.  I guess she didn't realize summer had ended and it was time to get back to school.  UGH!

Okay so I best head off.  I think I need gas.  I hate buying gas!  I wish there was a subway to my school.  I mean what a good idea.  There should be subway cars that go directly to schools.  No more buses.  Anyway, Later!

Tylenol PM - My Savior!

Popped (or pooped as I first typed) a couple of Tylenol PMs last night around 7:30, got ready for bed and started a new book (Three Dog Life...good...a memoir...review later...behind in my reviews by 4 books...ugh!).  By 8:30, I thought I'd give sleeping a try.  Conked out nearly immediately.  When I awoke at 1:30 to use the facilities, I worried that I wouldn't be able to fall back asleep.  I needn't have worried.  Conked out again and didn't wake up until my alarm clock started blaring.  My back still aches a bit but it feels a ton better than yesterday.  Thank the little baby Jesus!

So I have a big week.  2 IEPs and an ETR Meeting.  Hopefully at the ETR, my student will get dismissed from services.  Weird though that our school psyche says he's pretty much got the mom convinced to do this but she kept emailing me last year about discussing the independent eval she had done and the "great ideas" she has in mind for her son.  This is a kid who sees me - NOT AT ALL!  He gets NO services and mom and dad don't want him to.  So why is he on an IEP!?  Yeah, I don't know either.  For my IEPs, I had emailed and emailed and called one of my parents (my Friday meeting) and never got any returns.  I finally just set the meeting for Friday.  I get an email over the weekend from the mother asking to change it to Thursday.  UGH!  What a pain in my ass.  But whatever...I'd rather NOT be out of the classroom on movie day anyway.  Hee hee.

Okay well, I best go.  YAY to the Bengals who won against the Browns.  I didn't watch a ton of the game because I was mowing and sort of tyring to help Jimmy with the gutters (of which we need new ones as well as a new roof. Anyone out there have a heap of cash they aren't using?) and by helping I mean coming when I was called to toss him one thing or another while he was on the roof.  I used to get on the roof but not anymore...it scares me. 

K - I'm out.  Gotta get my Thursday IEP written.  Later! 

Falling Apart!

I got NO sleep last night.  Why?  Well, for one, I don't sleep well when Jim's not here.  (Jim stayed in Clifton because he was out on the town with his friend Les and didn't want to risk driving home late - after having a couple beers...good plan!)  Second, Sami doesn't sleep well when her daddy's not here either and she was constantly up and down looking out the window.  Third, Zeke was A PAIN IN MY ASS!!!  He got in some serious trouble last night.  First he wouldn't stop barking downstairs by the back door.  Finally after about an hour of ignoring him, I let him out (I was up anyway because of reason #4 which I'll get to).  I laid on the couch and waited for him to come back but after about 20 minutes he was still roaming around outside.  When he started huffing and puffing at the fence line (a sure sign that he's about to start barking like an idiot), I decided to get up and haul his bony ass back inside.  Not an easy feat, however, considering he's deaf as a doe-nob!!!  ARG!!!  I tried using the squirt bottle but it just doesn't reach that far.  In the end, I had to walk my ass out to the back yard and push him toward the deck steps...squirting and yelling at him the whole way.  Fat lot of good it does me to yell at him though since he only sees my lips moving.  The fourth reason I didn't sleep well last night is because I did something to my back.  Basically the only way it feels good is if I'm standing up.  Any position I lay in puts pressure on it.  It's muscular - like a really stiff neck -and any way I move when sitting or laying down just compresses and hurts!!!  WTF?!  I'm soooooo uncomfortable. 

I was also cleaning the kitchen and I shoved some random piece of metal on the microwave under my right middle fingernail - wayyyyy past the quick so that it's bleeding under my nail and HURTS LIKE A MOTHA!!!  I just need to go back to bed and start this day over...except!!!  IT HURTS TO LAY DOWN!!! 

Here's a little something to make me feel better.  Is there anything better than a sweet baby in white!?!?!  Hmm...loves her!

K - I'm going to go suck down a few ibuprofen and mow the lawn.  Maybe that'll loosen up my back and make be more limber.  Later!  (I'm trying to stay away from the TV today because it's ALL 9/11 stuff and it's totally depressing me.  Hard to believe it's been 10 years.  I was just in the first months of my marriage and living in Pleasant Ridge.  Sigh...sniff...sad!)  Later!

Having A Child With ODD

Oppositional Defiant Disorder for those who don't know.  It's HELL!  It's a mystery.  It's ruining our relationship!  Bubba and I used to be so close.  I remember having the flu and he HAD to lie directly on top of my chest!  And that may not be like having an elephant on your chest but it's pretty darn close. 

What do you do when you're child growls at you just for trying to get him to stop digging and itching!?  I mean his allergies are leaving him raw!  I'm just trying to help but he doesn't see it.  And I know that he thinks he can just eat anything and work it off in his sleep but it isn't TRUE!  I mean YES, you burn calories while you sleep but not enough to work off a bag of sandwich buns, and dog food and carrots and anything else he's eating (foil from Reese's!) that I've not figured out yet!  It isn't like I'm letting him starve!  Shit, he could probably live off his own fat for a good week!  Oooh, he's just such a DEVIL!!!  We may have to go to some family counseling!

Anyway!  Today is WONDERFUL WEIRDOS DAY!!!  Maggie!  Anne!  Kim and Diane!!!  All of you weirdos - today is your day!  Had I known ahead of time, I would have made something for you (K & D) and brought it in today!  Oh well! 

Maggie and Charlie and Eva!  Have a safe and wonderful trip! Text/call me Maggie...although I'm in a meeting today from 8-11 so after that. 

K - I'm out...later!  Happy Friday!

I Took My Eye Off The Butterball!!!

How could I be so stupid!?  I even blogged about the beast that is "prednisone" Bubba!  Did I totally forget the bagel incident?  Am I suffering from dementia!? 

So yesterday, I went to the store after work.  Got my needed supplies including lunch stuff for school (turkey, cheese, chips, buns).  I got home, did all my dinner prep stuff, set the table and then went to work out in front of the TV.  About half way into my workout, Bubba came in and started messing around with his mouth like he had eaten a fur ball or had lint stuck on his tongue.  I let him do his thing since tight abs were occupying my mind at the time.  Finishing my workout, I tended to Bubba and noticed, HUH!  That's weird.  He has plastic stuck between his teeth.  NOOOOOOOOOOOOOOO!!!!  And I went running for my lunch bag...where I had stuffed my sandwich buns...that were now laying on the floor with maybe 1 half of a bun left.  That MF-er ate a WHOLE PACK OF SANDWICH BUNS!!!  After the bagel incident though, you can't help but think:  Fool me once shame on you...fool me twice, shame on me!  I can't believe I forgot about Bubba's love of, well, anything edible (or not edible for that matter...apparently he'll eat plastic wrap too).  Well, at least they were wheat.  Damn Dog!

K - I'm out...running late.  Need to giddy-up so I can write some IEPs.  Later!

Some Tough Sleeping!

First I was woken up by Bubba grunting and gnawing at himself.  I fall asleep.  Then, Sami decides that she's itchy too and proceeds to thump thump thump ON THE BED!!!  AGAINST MY SLEEPING BODY!!!  But, I manage to fall back asleep.  THEN!  at 1:15, my neighbor gets home and slams his car door and sets the car alarm BEEP BEEP! (This from a kid whose family continually leaves their garage door up all night...and their barking dog out...although with all my fans, I never hear.)  I toss and turn at bit at this point but somehow, I manage to fall asleep...eventually.  Well, then, of course Jim has to get in on all the action (and not the good kind of action)!  He shakes me awake and tells me - "You're crying in your sleep!"  Me:  "NO I'M NOT!!!  THAT'S THE DAMN DOG WHINING!!!"  What the hell!?  Why can't a girl get a bit of shut (I typed shit the first time) eye?!

In Diablo news:  That little f*%ker better have a nicer attitude today.  He was just the littlest shit yesterday!  Threw a bit of a temper tantrum at the end of the day outside my classroom.  He refused to come in and get his book to work on chapter questions in study hall.  Diane came in and said, "Um, Mrs. Hanke we seem to have a little kid out here in the hallway having a temper tantrum.  He's sitting on the floor and yelling that he won't come in the room."  So I haul my fat ass up and walk over to the door and say, "Diablo, get up and get the book and go back to study hall."  Diablo: "NO!!!  YOU'RE FRETTENING ME AGAIN AND I'M TELLING MR. C!!!"  Me:  "Okay but get up and get the book!"  Diablo: "NO!!!  I'M SICK OF YOU BEIN' MEAN TO ME!!!"  Me:  "I'm sick of having to be mean too.  Get up and get the book please!"  Diablo:  "YOU'RE MEAN AND I HATE YOU!!!" (or something to that effect).  Me:  "I know.  Get the book."  And he got up, grabbed the book and tore off down the hall.  That kid is a menace - but he sure makes me smile sometimes with all his crazy (seriously and literally) antics!

Speaking of Diablo, here's a little tidbit from last week: 
Me (getting class started):  Okay, I need every one's ears!
Diablo (totally seriously):  Don't take them away from us!!!
Me (to Kim):  Write that down so I don't forget. 
Me and Kim:  Hee hee hee!!!

Okay well, yesterday was Bubba's semi-annual doctor allergy visit.  He got shot up with cortisone, poked, prodded and pissed off.  He's on a regiment for the next two weeks of ear ointment (although his ears look almost better than ever), prednione and histamines.  His weight (drum roll please) was 69 pounds!!!  YEAH!!!  He's been this weight before but that's the LOWEST he's ever been and it's been about 5 years!  His last weigh-in was 73 pounds!  Of course now that he's on prednisone again, his weight will skyrocket but we'll try and keep it under control.  UGH!  Not ready for that hungry beast! 

By the way, when I typed above the word "drum roll", I typed it "drumroll" and my spell check came up and one of the choices that I accidentally chose was "Demerol"...hee hee.  I should have kept it:  Demerol Please!!!

In tooth news:  My teeth look great but the doc told me to watch two teeth with old fillings that will eventually need crowns.  He told me that the minute I feel a twinge that I need to call.  That makes me nervous.  Ugh. 

K - I better head out...I have no idea what my lunch will be today.  Probably just a PB sandwich...yummy.  K - I'm out. Later!  BTW - I smell a skunk out there...I hope it's not in my yard!

Running Late

Sorry...no time to post anything of worth.  I'm running late. 

Here's what's going on:  It's picture day.  I have a dentist's appointment after school.  I want to buy an elliptical machine.  This is my kind of weather.  I'm wearing pants (well, cropped pants) for the first time in a long while.  After my dentist's appointment today, I'll be treating myself to Orange Leaf.  I just finished Rob Lowe's autobiography (I'll review later on my book blog but it was REALLY good!).  Rob Lowe sure is handsome.  However, Rob Lowe is a Steelers fan - strike 10!!! 

That's it.  Later!

Eva Says: War Eagle!!!

Girl loves to watch the tee-vee...just like her daddy.  This was taken yesterday during the Auburn game!  She must have been good luck as the Tigers pulled their first win out!  Love her!!!

Aaaaaaa-CHOOOOO!!!!

Thank you baby Jesus for the rain.  And not only because the grass and flowers needed it but because I think it will help alleviate these damn allergies.  I mean, it was only a matter of time.  I knew I wouldn't be able to go this whole season without a massive allergy blowout and sure enough, yesterday was hell!  Well, things weren't too bad until I left the pool and then KAPOW!!!  My  nose went crazy, my eyes started watering, I couldn't stop sneezing...it was awful.  For the most part, all night I couldn't breathe until, finally, it stormed here and then I swear, my nose and head started clearing up.  I'm not back to 100% but at least I'm not having to keep a tissue under my nostrils at all time.  UGH!  I hate this time of year.  It must be the pollen which is "HIGH" and expected to stay that way through Wednesday...we'll see. 

In other news, because of my horrible allergies last night, I just didn't have it in me to cook so Jim and I went to Blue Ash Chili.  YUMMY!  Very similar to Skyline but their chili is a little thicker.  It was deeeelicous!  Tonight I will cook...probably just an easy chicken dish.  We'll see.  Other plans for today - nothing much.  I need to walk Sami but it looks like it might rain here in a minute so I'll see if that clears up first.  I also need to clean upstairs...hate cleaning.

So that's it.  I'm about 3 books behind in my book blog so I'll be updating that as well...not that anyone here cares.  Bunch a illiterates!  K - that's all I've got...later!

Cravings!

I can't stop thinking about Chipotle...can't wait to have it for dinner tonight!  Burrito bowl...mmm...maybe some Orange Leaf this weekend!  Definitely Orange Leaf on Tuesday 'cause I have my 6-month dental appointment after school and it's a block away! 

I don't have much else to chit chat about.  Things at school are fine.  A student who moved away last year is back.  He supposedly moved to Tennessee with his grandparents who at the time had custody and during that time, he never enrolled in school.  Technically still a freshman though he should be a sophomore.  Isn't that ridiculous?  His aunt now has custody.  They put him in my low language arts class which is kind of ridiculous but he's sort of a pain in the arse so maybe a little Diablo exposure will keep him in line.  We'll see how it goes.  Ridiculous too because FW has the least amount of kids on her caseload - 18 - but she still finds a way to stick a the kid on Lisa's caseload.  Cough - bullshit - cough!!!

K - well, I guess I have nothing else.  Need to figure out my lunch for today.  Probably peanut butter on toast...yum!  Later!

For your viewing pleasure...I wonder who wins this fight!  That puppy is eying that cat's head...yowza!

Poor Itchy Bubba

All of a sudden he's an itchy, scratchy mess.  He isn't goopy (eyes & ears) which is good but he can't seem to stop his back leg from thumpin' up and down, trying to soothe a tickle on his belly.  He keeps gnawing at his feet too.  I took him outside yesterday and gave him a good combing.  He usually hates this and will run from me but I think it feels good on his itchy skin so he hopped up on a lounge chair and enjoyed the moment.  I'm out of histamines so Jim's going to call the doc today to get a refill...hopefully I won't have to take him in - I don't want to have to pay for an office visit so they can tell me what I already know:  Bubba has allergies.  Gee thanks!

In other news...sad news, a teacher at the JH died yesterday.  It's a long story but she had issues over the summer, hip replacements and such (she battled breast cancer a couple years ago but had beat it).  I guess a couple of days ago she was diagnosed with bone cancer.  She went into hospice Tuesday and died yesterday.  I just can't even fathom how something can happen that fast.  She was a special ed teacher as well and one of my students (the new one who's autistic) had her in kindergarten and 7th grade.  I expect he'll have some trouble coping today but thankfully, one of the 8th grade teachers and the guidance counselor down there has offered to be an ear for him if he needs someone.  It's just too sad.  I can't stop thinking about it.  I already emailed HH to make sure he knew that I and I'm sure others will give our planning to cover anyone who needs it.  Sad!

Okay so that's about all I've got.  My own allergies are on the brink of eruption and causing me a bit of mayhem.  The pill I take every day is just barely keeping things at bay.  I think this has been my eye issue as well.  My nose has a constant tickle which is driving me bananas too!  Lets hope that things don't take a turn for the worse and cause any and all tissues to run for cover!  UGH!  K - I'm done bitching...later!

A Little Too Nice?

I don't know...things at work are...to say the least...weird.  HH?  He's been - dare I say it - friendly.  Overly nice.  Pleasant even.  (It scares me a little to say it out loud for fear of jinxing it!) Yesterday for instance, I was stopped in the hall during my planning by one of my VPs (ADHD) who needed to ask me a question regarding one of my students.  It just so happened that he was walking with HH.  Now, normally, HH would ignore me and walk away but yesterday, he stopped and listened to my story about the student.  He even laughed (out loud and loudly) at my jokes.  It's very unsettling.  HOWEVER!  I'm killing him with kindness and giving as good as I'm getting.  Treat me well and get it back twofold!  Enjoy the party while it lasts I always say (or I said it once...just now)!

In other funny news:  I got my kids in my government class to call me Queen Hanke!  We were talking about monarchs vs. dictators and I told them that while I was the dictator in my classroom, I was fine with them calling me either Queen Hanke or Empress Hanke.  We all laughed but a little while later, Lily raised her hand and said, "Um, Um!!!  Queen Hanke?"  and then she asked me a question.  When I answered - totally on her own she says, "Fank you your majesty!"  (She replaces her "th"s with "f"s).  It was hilarious.  Diablo (the little shit...literally) did the same thing. 

Speaking of Diablo...oh boy...things are starting off rocky this year.  Yesterday, apparently during 5th period he had to go to the facilities...twice.  It turns out that after he was in there, there was poop all over.  In the urinal, walls, floor.  Now, I don't know what happened, and Diablo of course denies that he did it but the small spot of poop on his shorts is pretty damning!  When I questioned him about it, he kept telling me that he was sick of being accused of things and that I was deliberately (although he mispronounced the word) embarrassing him.  It was hard not to laugh while lecturing/questioning.  And poor Kim!  She's been getting the brunt of his craziness.

So that's all I've got for now.  I need to head out.  Later!