Jealous

Maggie, Charlie and Eva are going to PIB today and I'm jealous.  I know we're going again in October but I would still love to be up there this weekend.  Oh well, safe driving and hugs!

In other news, I got nothing.  I'm in a bit of quandary, however.  See, after the week of hair-pulling I've had (these kids, I swear, are rocks) I decided yesterday to make it movie day in World History.  My plan was to watch "The Brothers Grimm" - there's a connection to that movie and the Renaissance, which is what we're studying.  I had looked up movies that could tie in and found this one...and the Loveland library said they had it on their shelf.  Of course when I got there, it was missing.  UGH!  So I'm not sure what to watch.  I have the 3rd season of Little House and we could watch the episode called "Quarantine" since we've also been talking about the Black Death but that may be a little far fetched.  I also may not give a rats ass and just play whatever the hell I want.  We'll see what Diane thinks. (Oooh, and that stupid Carrie better not show her face in that episode...OOOH!!!  I just hate her!!!)

Weekend plans?  Don't really have any.  I won't be cooking tonight...YAY...so Jimmy will be picking up Timmy's tonight (no, unfortunately not my boyfriend Timmy but Timmy's Wok).  Can't wait to sit on my ass tonight with nothing to get up for in the morning.  Should be a nice, cool weekend too!

And that's all I've got for now.  Later!

I Wonder If...

I wonder if...you just never potty trained a kid, would they eventually just start going in a toilet, you know, by the age of like 13 or would they just continue going in their diapers?  I mean, if they eventually catch on...why not just let them choose when that is at their own pace?  Of course, you know I'm kidding, but I'm sure there are parents out there who do that...just let their kids choose when they want to stop wearing diapers and go in the terlit.

I wonder if...parents are as stupid as their kids think they are.  So I have a kid (I don't think I've named him yet)...I don't have a good one for him yet as he's still sort of an enigma.  Weirdo seems to fit but that isn't very original.  Anyway - this kid had been late for my LA class twice and I warned him, and the whole class, that the next time anyone was late it would result in a detention.  Well, Monday - Weirdo was late.  So I said, "You have a DT and mine are at 6:30 in the morning.  I expect you then and I'll email your mother so that she knows."  Next morning, promptly at 6:30, in walks Weirdo.  (Mom had said in her reply email that she would make sure he was there).  I kept the little bugger until 7AM when I released him.  BTW - my three "roomies" were in there and another student came in and spoke to him (which I told her not to since the kid was being punished).  Fast forward to yesterday, 6th period.  Weirdo - the little turd (maybe that's a better name: "LT") - LT walks in LATE!  I tell him to go to the office.  I make a referral in our discipline system and email the appropriate people.  Later I'm told that LT couldn't seem to get his story straight and would be receiving two lunch detentions.  Mom was emailed.  Later in the day, I get an email from the mother stating confusion.  Why was her son getting 2 lunch time DT's.  And she stated that when she talked to LT the day before, he told her that when he arrived for his morning DT, no one was there "not even a teacher".  F*%KING LITTLE LYING TURD!  So I immediately called her (she didn't answer) and left her a message that A) I was there B) he sat with me for a half hour C) there were three other teachers there as well who can attest to that and D) I think LT may either be telling stories or unbelievably confused.  UGH!  Kids/parents are stupid.

And that's all I've got for now.  I got a really nice email from a former parent...I'll share later.  Gotta go wake my hubby whose breakfast is ready.  Later!

Can Someone Explain Some Things To Me?

I don't understand a couple of things...regarding Kelly Osbourne's hair.  I know what you must be thinking:  Why does Muir give a shit about Kelly's hair (when her hair is an obvious mess)?  Well, my mess aside, I just don't understand why a pretty girl who is supposed to be so stylish (she is a part of E!'s after the Red Carpet bashes/celebrations for fashion) has purple hair.  And most times it looks GRAY!  (Is it "gray" or "grey"?  Who knows the answer to that and if you do can you set me straight?)  It just isn't pretty.  It looks stupid and why doesn't anyone tell her that?  I mean, maybe it was okay for the 1st week she did it but it's been that color for about a year now.  She obviously gets it colored periodically to have the roots NOT show...WHY!?  I hate it.  And I know she's "hip and young" but she's not THAT young anymore.  Dumb...and someone needs to tell her.

Sorry about that rant...its just been bothering me.

And now for some cute pics of a little girl Eva...at the zoo.  Her hair is getting LONG!  She looks very cute and shaggy!  I think someone may need a "bang cut".  And, how about them jeggings?!  Loves her!

BTW - slept like a baby rock last night.  I don't think I woke up once...until my alarm went off.  Oh, and I dreamt of Zoe.  Don't remember much except she was riding around in my car with me and I kept thinking "I need to remember this so I can tell Maggie that I've seen Zoe."  Interesting.

So I was thinking - Jim is going to the Reds game tonight with his friend Les so he won't be home 'til late, late, late.  Then tomorrow, he's going to his brother's house for a bit of help with clearing out the basement and I thought - "This is the perfect time for Tim Tebow to come over!"  I'll have to call him and let him know that "the coast is clear!"  Hee hee!

Okay well that's about all I've got.  It's early release day at school and we have NO meetings - YAY!!!  I can be in my room and actually do work!

K - I'm out...later!

P.S. - Spell check isn't working so if there are errors, it isn't my fault!

Some Things Currently Bumming Me OUT!

First of all - why is it that when it rains it pour!?  And by this I mean - Aunt Kathleen and her sweet pup, Beau!  Thoughts and prayers are with you all in the hopes that Beau's lump/tumor is benign!  That sweet boy needs a clean bill of health and believe you/me that Zoe, C.C. and all the other dogs I know in heaven are telling God that Beau needs many a more precious years on Earth to keep you and John company!  HUGE LOVE AND HUGS BEING SENT YOUR WAY!!!

The other thing that is bumming me out is that I forgot to post the sweet pictures of Eva that I got yesterday.  How could I forget my sweet sweety!?  It's blasphemous.  It's unforgiving.  It's left me overwrought!!!  And here she is, that love of mine, that sweet girl:  EVA!!!! (Fireworks are going off here at my house...I don't know about yours!) Doesn't her hair look crazy long and dark in the first photo?  And what about her new shoes?!  And the second photo...those chunky legs are so chunkilicous (new shoes there too).

And finally, the last thing bumming me out:  Tim.  You know, Tim Tebow?  My boyfriend?  He's been giving me the cold shoulder.  I don't know what's going on.  He hasn't called.  He hasn't written.  I haven't gotten any flowers.  I think it's because he's seen another man entering and leaving my house.  I've told Jim I think it would be best if he spent the night away for a few nights but he just won't listen.  What is a girl to do?!  Poor Tim.  I hope he doesn't think there's someone else!!!

Okay - so...I'm writing this Monday night with the hopes of running in the morning...which means I won't have time to post in the morning...I've got the Bengals on in the background and OH SHIT - the stupid Ravens just got another touchdown and I just can't watch anymore.  I love me my Bengals and I don't want to see a massacre right now.  Time to go to bed.  Here's hoping for nice dreams of healthy dogs Aunt Kathleen...I'm pulling for that sweet blond face and hope all is well.  He's in the best hands (yours and the vets)!  Loves and kisses!

Not A Dream About Tebow!

Last night I dreamt of chimpanzees.  Maggie had a few as pets and they were crazy and mean and the room she was keeping them in didn't have a door that latched much less locked.  I think I much prefer dreaming of Timmy - that's for sure.

And today starts my first FULL week of kids this school year.  Can you believe that this is - what, week 4? - and I haven't had to teach a full week!?  I'm thinking of calling in sick Friday (just kidding).  Anyway - this week I'll probably start writing the two IEPs I'll have in early October.  One is for a kid I've had (who shouldn't be on an IEP) and the other is for my troubled freshman.

This week should prove to be interesting as well because Jim's best bud from San Fran is in town as well as Jim's brother.  Jim picked up Les last night at the airport and will be going to a ball game with him on Wednesday.  Fritz is asking Jim to help him some night to clean the basement out of Bishop so it will be hit and miss when I see my hubby this week.  No worries though...I can handle it.  I have my dreams of Tim T to keep me occupied.  And if you're wondering about the basement job at Bishop most of that JUNK is probably Jim's anyway and I've told him already that not ONE piece of shit or anything comes home with him.  I don't want to see his stupid bottle cap collection or his tin can collection or whatever it might be.  He's promised it's all going to the curb.  It better cause I have the papers drawn up and ready to go!

Okay well, that's it.  I need to get to school to email some parents.  Later!

Tim Tebow Loves Me!

Isn't it funny that I'm not even a Tim Tebow fan (not that I'm not a fan but he doesn't play for my team and the whole "Jesus" thing turns me off) but I dream of him?  My dream was pretty hilarious.  I'm somewhere...some office building or something and all the workers are out of their minds excited because Tim Tebow is coming for some meeting.  I work there too but I'm not a "fan" so I don't give a shit.  Anyway, all these people who have nothing to do with the meeting want to go to the meeting.  And somehow, I get mixed up with the crowd milling about and then I get ushered into the conference room where the meeting is being held.  And somehow, I end up sitting next to Tim.  And as the meeting goes on, he and I are chit chatting away and I end up pretty much sitting in his lap.  I felt so little and small in his lap...he was all muscular and delicious.  Anyway, when the meeting is over, I expect to go my own way but before I can slip out of the room, my soon-to-be boyfriend Tim asks for my phone number.  I remember in my dream thinking, "Me!?  He wants MY phone number?!"  So I give him my digits and expect never to hear from him but WHAT DO YOU KNOW!?  Within about 3 hours, my phone is ringing and it's Timmy boy who couldn't wait until the next day to talk to me.  I think that dream made me a fan.  I may need to start stalking him...I mean...watching him - play...the football!

So my plans today:  Well, it's raining currently and Jim's about to head out to work for a few hours.  Oh, did I mention (of course I didn't) that I got a call yesterday morning from Jim at work who said, "So I get to the office to clock in and bossman asks me to come into his office."  I'm thinking, "Oh shit...here we go!"  And Jim continues, "He gave me a raise."  I mean a month ago Jim was getting his ass reamed for who knows what and next thing you know...he's getting a raise.  These people are f*%ked up!  That's no way to run a business.  Anyway - I'll be cleaning a bit here in a few, then heading to the store for my weekly shop.  I need to start making menus again so I'm not constantly having to make trips to Kroger.  Tonight I'm making Lightened Up Easy Slow Cooker Beef & Mushrooms.  Also today, I think since it's yucky out, I'll work on some quilting.  Sounds exciting.

And that's about it.  I'm going to go daydream about my new boyfriend...Tim!  I mean, fer shizz...who wouldn't want those arms wrapped around them!?  Deeeeelish!  Later!

A Prepost Post

I'm actually writing this on Thursday evening with the hopes of running in the morning, which means I won't have time in the morning to run, shower, dress, fix and eat breakfast and post.  So something has to give and the only thing that is currently fitting that spot is posting.  BUT I don't want to get the hairy eyeball from my sister (you know, the stink eye, the dirty look...although because I'm not in her visual vicinity, I'd really only suffer via text/email which is easily ignored, so really...why am I bothering!?)  Anyway - here I am, giving you a little taste of me to quench your "Muir appetite".  Lucky you.

So what's been up with me lately?  Not much.  School.  A bit of freaking regarding the new teacher eval thingy with Ohio but I'm trying to keep my hopes up in that regard.  How?  Well, I figure by the time our district is expected to put that whole piece of bullshit into full gear, it'll be null and void.  Lets hope at least.  Other than that, I'm dealing with the usual:  overly immature kids, stinky kids, kids who are too stupid to keep their mouths shut and just plain stupid kids.  Today was priceless.  So you remember my recent rant about Stanky, right?  Well, after that rant I had a little "to-do" with him.  He wanted to go to the nurse on Wednesday for a "sore throat" and cough that was causing him to "cough up phlegm".  I asked him what he thought the nurse could do for him.  He didn't seem to have an answer.  I said, feel free to get a drink but I'm guessing that you're just trying to get out of class and you might think twice about that since the result will not be what you want (getting sent home) and you'll have homework which you WON'T do and this will lower your grade.  But you choose...whatever you need.  So of course, after drama-queening it up...he chose to go to the nurse.  He comes back about 15 minutes later with a note from the nurse.  I ignored him.  He said, "The nurse said I'm supposed to drink lots of fluids."  Me:  "So...she wouldn't let you go home, huh?  By the way - did you get a drink on the way back."  Stanky: "I forgot."

Fast forward to this morning.  Stanky arrives.  In a wheelchair.  I'm thinking, "Oh, HERE WE GO!"  But I don't say anything.  I ignore him.  And interestingly...so do the rest of the kids in the class.  Not ONE kid commented or asked him what was wrong.  And hilariously!?  When the bell rang to end class, NO ONE!  Not ONE kid offered to help him.  I know this sounds uncaring and horrible but there was absolutely NOTHING wrong with this kid.  He is a total drama queen.  He'll arrive tomorrow FINE.  Oh, and by the way...did he do his homework that was due?  You know the work he didn't get done because he was with the nurse.  Nope.  He didn't.  His grade went from a B to a D.  Dumb ass.  I know I sound mean but he is the kind of kid that is looking for handouts and help when it isn't needed.  He'll be living off the rest of the world for the rest of his life because he doesn't understand the meaning of the word work.  Bullshit.

Okay...so now that I've got myself all jacked up...its' time for a nice soak in the tub.  Happy Friday to all.  Later!

A Little Redemption

Thankfully, for Maggie, I got some pics of Eva yesterday.  Don't you think the first one makes Eva look so OLD!?  She looks like a little girl.  There's always a point where a baby really starts to look like less of a baby...like a toddler...like a little person...you know what I mean, right?  And the second photo, well!  Who can resist a girl in a monkey hat!?  Eva's Grandma (Becky) got her a bunch of hats downtown, one being this sweet monkey.  Maggie said every time Eva sees herself in the mirror with this one on, she sort of smiles as though she's thinking, "My GOD that kid in the mirror is CUTE!"

In other Eva news, it's so funny to be on the phone with Maggie because I always hear Eva in the background "talking".  And recently, her talking is so funny because - as Maggie puts it - she's trying out all the different sounds and noises she can make with her tongue.  Total gobblygook but you can tell she's right on the verge of speaking...loves her.  Misses her...needs to see her!

And that's about all I've got.  Oh, I sent my first kid to the office yesterday...for being an ASS!  This kid is going to be a THORN in my tookus!  Apparently he's already had 3 bus referrals and is about to get kicked off.  But of course all douche bag admin has done is give him lunch detentions - for yesterday too.  Obviously this is not effective and it's time to go another route.  However, the kid is going to the doctor today and hopefully his meds will be adjusted to treat his dickiness.  The kid is just too stupid (literally - lit-tra-ly as Cullen would say in an English accent) to keep his mouth shut.  UGH!

K - well, I best get a move on.  Later!

A Little Bitch Here...A Little Bitch There

I didn't have much to post about and then I realized that I had some bitching to do!  About who (whom?) you ask?  And nope...not about Jim this time.  Which leaves only one other...yup, MAGGIE!  I sat on the phone and begged her, nearly crying, for a picture of my sweet baby girl!  I asked, "What's that little cutie wearing!?  I miss her so much! Please send me a pic...if you do, I can guarantee I'll post (today)!  If you can't do it for me, do it for Eva's Nana who hasn't seen her in weeks, nay, months!?"  And so I got up this morning and RUSHED through my morning routine.  To tell it truthful, I look like shit!  I didn't even take the time to put on my contacts (another future bitch).  I'm a wrinkly mess!  All parts of my ensemble look as though I rooted through the garbage to find something to wear.  And what do I find?  What is awaiting me in my mailbox?  NADA!  NOTHING!  GOOSE EGG!  ZERO! ZILCH!  OH THE HUMANITY!  I mean she's just so SELFISH!  She gets to see her every day!  I think she takes advantage of that fact!  I mean to ignore your own daughter by not snapping a picture for her sweet aunt!  And it isn't just about me!  NO!  Think of those faithful readers!  Those devoted people who long, LONG to see such a photo.  It's heartbreaking really!  And I'm ashamed of my sister!

That was a pretty good bitch, huh!?  Well, Maggie's a pretty good bitch!

My second bitch of the day is to Jessica Simpson.  I know what you must be thinking:  Why does Muir care about Jessica Simpson.  And in reality I don't.  Well, that's not true.  I like Jessica Simpson.  I'm very, very happy for her and her new baby.  I wish her the best and I hope she looks FREAKIN' FABULOUS when she debuts her "post baby" bod.  However, I just read this quote on People.com regarding her weight gain during her pregnancy - she stated that she indulged in EVERYTHING, which "included eating one of her faves, macaroni and cheese. But Simpson didn't quite understand how the indulgence would affect her post-baby body. 'I didn't realize [the weight] didn't all come off with the baby,' says Simpson." Is that chick for real!? Did she think that with the delivery of her baby would also be the delivery of her mac and cheese thighs/belly/butt?!  For shizz?  You can't be that stupid, can you?!  Regardless, I look forward to her looking fab (I think her debut will be on Katie Couric's new show).

And my third bitch is about a part of my body that I'm having a hard time coming to grips with.  I touched on it before...my eye!  My right (your left) eye to be precise.  It's driving me to, well, drink (not really...that's just an excuse).  I don't know what is going on with it but I have to think it's allergies.  It can't be pink eye because I don't have any of the "real" symptoms.  I mean, yes, it turns red but not goopy.  And it doesn't ache as though someones punched me.  The real issue, I think is that I may have scratched it or there's something else wonky with it.  I can't go a whole day with wearing my contacts because my eye goes haywire.  I've tried putting in new contacts.  I had a theory that maybe I was wearing my "tacts" inside out but alas, that wasn't the case.  I'm very diligent about changing the solution in my case and my left (your right) eye doesn't have issues.  At this point, I may just have to head to the eye guru and see what's up...make sure my eye isn't about to fall out.  That would suck.

Okay well, it's Wednesday, which means early release at school (for the kids), which means shortened periods which means I only have to sit in 1st period with the stinkiest, nastiest most heinous smelling kids for 40 minutes rather than 47 (or whatever it is).  OH JOY!  I'm not kidding you by the way - this kid is DISGUSTING.  He smells so rank I don't even know what to do!  HEY!  Maybe that's what's bother my eye.  Because you KNOW!  It's my right (your left) eye that's closest to the kid.  AND!!!  My eye didn't start bothering me until AFTER 1st period yesterday!  Oh, shit, wait!  I didn't take the kid home with me this weekend and I did have an issue on Sunday.  DAMN!  Anyway - if anyone has any extra room deodorizer sitting at home, I sure could use some extra bottles.  I may buy about a hundred of those little Christmas tree thingys and hang them under the table where Stanky sits. Although I don't think even those could outdo his odor.  I mean, think of dirty underwear, mixed with cat litter, cigarette smoke, B.O., and pee then multiply that by about a week without a shower and there you go!  Eau de Stanky.  F&%KIN' PEW!!!

K - Now I'm out...later!

Labor Day Hanging At Home

It's raining like a mutha!  Not that I'm complaining...we needed it BAD.  I've already grocery shopped and I just did my run but Sami's walk will have to wait.  They say the rain should clear out soon and when it does I'll head out with her.  Other than that - I'll just be chillin' at home.  I may play some Wii here in a minutes.  Jim and I golfed yesterday - he kicked my ass - and played tennis - I kicked his ass (which was funny because he kept hitting himself in the head with the controller...he couldn't hit my serves) but I want to play tennis by myself because when you play with 2 players, you can't gain "pro points" which is so stupid!  Anyway - after a bit o' Wii, I may do some sewing of Maggie's quilt...listen to some music...drink a beer.  

And that's about all I've got for now.  I'm trying a new recipe tonight...a low fat play on chicken Marsala...looks good, I think.  We'll see.  

K - gotta go get my Wii on...later!

Day 2 Of A 3-Day Weekend

I'm loving my 3-day weekend so far.  No plans, nothing I have to do, nowhere we have to go...relaxing.

So yesterday, Jim and I went to DSW - I got meself a new pair of running shoes (at left...fancy).  A new brand for me...I thought I'd try something different out since my last pair didn't last for more than 4 months.  We'll see how these do.  So far so good...they felt nice on my walk with Sami today.

And of course, while at DSW, I saw a pair of boots I had to have.  When I told Maggie about buying them she asked if they're different from the other boots I have and, well, honestly, they're not...oops.  But I like what I like and I don't veer very far from that.  I guess I should but I'm not an adventurous fashinista...sorry.  Although the new boots do have a bit of a heel.  Anyway - I like them.

After the shoe shopping, Jim and went to Shooter's...had a couple beers (Jim had Long Island Iced Teas), played some games and then came home.  I napped for a bit, watched Project Runway, Jim did a little cleaning up in the back yard and then later we went and tried out the new restaurant not too far from my house.  I wasn't too impressed.  I had a burger and it was fine but nothing that was standout compared to other places.

Back home last night we chilled, watched the Reds for a bit (until I felt I was jinxing them and damn it they lost), chilled some more, had some delicious berries with whipped cream and a drizzle of chocolate sauce then bed.

Today will be much of the same as yesterday except we're supposed to get some rain.  We'll see what the day has to offer.  K - gotta make the hubby breakfast.  Later!

Celebrating Zoe

Zoe with her first and bestest friend C.C.!

Hangin' at the pool!

Most if not all who read this know that Maggie and Charlie had to let their sweet, sweet Zoe go yesterday.  Sad!  However, thinking about her long life and all the adventures she got to have makes me smile.  Every person and dog who met Zoe couldn't help but love her (I know Bubba used to love to walk under her and just be near her and Max!  Well, Max is going to be missing a best friend too!). She was just so innocently sweet.  I don't think I ever heard her growl and rarely heard her bark.  She was the kind of girl that could get stepped on, knocked down, accidentally run into and she wouldn't make a peep.  She was just a happy-go-lucky little lady.  Her favorite pastime, in her early years was to kiss you.  At times, it could certainly be annoying (sorry Zoe) but who can fault a pup that just wants to be with people and love on them.  Zoe is now in heaven hanging with her best pal, C.C. and if I know C.C., she's taken Zoe under her wing and they're trotting around in heaven, bouncing around on clouds and getting into all kinds of mischief.  R.I.P. Zoe...miss you, love you...you were one of a kind!

Best friends in California

Charlie watching TV
Zoe watching Charlie

Zoe and her baby sister

Hold on...gotta get a tissue.

And here are a few pics of a sweet girl

Frolicking in the snow with Max

Okay so - today...I'm so excited to have a weekend at home.  It feels like that hasn't happened in I don't know how long.  I don't even care that it's going to be nasty and rainy.  Anyway - I've walked Sami, given her a bath, Zeke will get one here in a bit too.  I've eaten breakfast, talked to Maggie and I'm about to go run.  We'll clean the house and then I need to get a new pair of running shoes today.  The ones I bought in May, have already worn out.  Ridiculous!  Jim wants to go to Shooter's and play some MegaTouch and then we might go out to dinner tonight.  Thinking about Kirby's down the street.  Haven't been there before...hope it's good.

Zoe keeping an eye on J.J.

And that's it.  Hope all have a safe and happy long weekend.  Later!

Ooh, It's Thursday!

I'm almost to another three-day weekend!  YAY!

Not much going on here.  Pretty boring stuff.  School is the same old, same old.  We had a meeting yesterday regarding the new teacher evaluation system in Ohio but it wasn't much of anything I didn't know.  In fact, as our union prez said, "there are more questions out there regarding this than there are answers".  Such an ass backwards thing that Kasich and the Ohio legislatures did to demand a new system of doing things but then not plan the system out leaving the unions, teachers and administrators scrambling.  Thankfully, our district negotiated a 4-year contract prior to this thing going in and we don't have to implement until 2015 which gives us time to develop our system.  Other districts aren't so lucky.  They are having to do this thing THIS YEAR without a clue as to what or how to do it.  And don't think the ODE (Ohio Department of Education) is any help either...they're still trying to figure things out too.  Essentially, teachers will be evaluated through observations/walk throughs (50%) as well as student achievement (50%).  I'm sure on the surface you're thinking, "Well, that sounds okay!"  But - how do you measure student achievement for fine arts, foreign language and SPECIAL ED!?  And by the way, the student achievement part is the area that is completely gray.  No one seems to know how exactly that's to be measured.  Can you say, MESS!?

And that's about all I've got going on. I need to finish getting ready and get to school.  Later!

Don't Want To Jinx It...

...but yesterday was actually a good day.  It was the first day so far at school that I didn't leave there feeling like teaching some of these kids is pointless.  Diablo has been good too (knock on a GINORMOUS chunk of wood), but I am waiting for a shoe to drop there.  Going into yesterday I thought (about my low LA class) that I might have to chuck my plans of reading To Kill a Mockingbird with them but alas, after really reviewing chapter 1 and creating a character list etc., they really seemed to rally, participate and seem interested.  With the exception of Handy, that is...our Downs kid.  His participation is pretty much nonexistent...Kim and Diane, however, get A's since they pretty much do all his work!  I mean, if Handy could get a grade for twirling his little bead necklace...we'd be all good (he has this necklace that he pulls out and plays with and spins around.  He's supposed to use it as a stress reliever but if that's the case, the kids a basket of nerves because he has it out every 5 freakin' seconds.)  Anyway - I'm working on getting his stuff modified and I feel like we're getting there so that's sort of a relief.  I just have to get comfortable with the fact that he's there, not for the education aspect of our classes but rather the socialization piece.  What the kid really needs, is to learn things like washing his hands after using the terdlit!  Yesterday he came back from the bathroom and I said, "Did you wash your hands?"  Handy: "UH!  NO!"  Me: "Go do it."  So he goes, comes back and the front of his shirt and shorts are soaked.  Diane and I just had to laugh.  I think Diane asked him, "What!?  Did you jump in the toilet or something?"  UGH!

Anyway - I guess we'll take it day by day.  I actually have another addition to my high LA class.  A kid who went to the career center is coming back for his academic classes.  Not a big deal, he's a hard worker but it puts my high class to 12 kids.  That's pretty big but at least he'll be in there rather than my low class (although the kid is pretty low).  BUT!!!  I'm determined to have a positive attitude.  No stress.

And that's about all I've got going.  Oh, for anyone out there with XM/Sirius radio - 2 weeks free starting today.  And...um...heading to Costco after school - running out of terdlit paper and paper towels.  Gotta figure out what to have for dinner tonight too.  Oh, and today we have our first meeting at school regarding Ohio's new teacher evaluation shit.  Stupid Kasich...hate that guy.

K - I'm out.  Later!

Poor Itchy Bubba

Bubba went to the docs again yesterday.  He's been having skin issues again.  Thankfully his ears are still looking really good though.  His skin just gets scaly and disgusting in hot weather and the only thing to do for it is meds.  I hate having him on steroids but it's the only thing that works.  Anyway - when we got home from PIB yesterday, I immediately gave him a tranquilizer.  Now, the bottle says to give him 2-3 pills 1 hour prior.  In the past, however, an hour hasn't been long enough to get Bubba all doped up.  AND!  In the past, 2 and even 3 pills didn't do shit...at first.  Usually by hour 5 or 6, Bubba is so doped up, he can barely walk and his eyes are nonexistent (notice the pic).  So, yesterday, I gave him 1 1/2 pills. Within an hour his eyes were barely there and he wasn't feeling a thing.  I don't know what the key is to these pills because its different every time but at least he didn't have to be muzzled and he didn't care that he was getting poked and prodded.  Poor Bubba.

So Jim's back to his old bullshit!  No coffee this morning!  AND!!!  He told me that he had turned the A/C on last night but...that's right, you guessed it...he DIDN'T!  AND!!!  He can't remember what pills Bubba's supposed to get and when.  I mean, it's all written down but there's a "twist" to what we're supposed to do and Jim can't remember what it is.  I said to Jim, "So, you're telling me that it is in fact true that if I want something done right, I have to do it myself?!  Do you know how much shit is on me then!?"  UGH!  Jim's comment: "Will I ever learn?"  Outlook:  Not Good!

Okay well, I best head out.  I have some more modifying to do.  Oh, and last nights Open House?  One of my LOW kids' mother came in and boy oh boy...no WONDER!  Sheesh!

K - I'm out...Oh, and how about a couple little pics:

So tireds!

Another beautiful PIB sunset!

This, That & A Whole Lot Of WTF?!

Can anyone explain to me why the business manager dude at school has to send everyone in the district, updates on construction on a highway and state route that's about 20 miles away from school!  Why do I get bombarded with these stupid F&%KING emails!  This guy gets paid, I'm pretty sure, over a hundred thousand dollars to sit there and compose emails that tell all about some stupid freaking construction that's NOT EVEN IN OUR DISTRICT?  I'd like that job!  And THEN!? I waste my time posting about it!?  Ridiculous.  And STUPID!

Speaking of stupid...guess what?  I think - change that to I KNOW - this new batch of kids?  They are the dumbest I think I've ever encountered.  I'm not sure what kind of drugs must have been in the water when these parents were cooking these little gems but it sure didn't help them in the brain department.  I've never come across such a big bunch of idiots!  It's amazing to me.  I stand up there and give a whole example of what we're going to do today (the bio poems I mentioned before).  I write an example on the board telling them this is exactly what I should get back from them (except the poem is about them).  I underline the words that should be the SAME on their paper!  From about 4 of them, I get some kind of gobbily gook that doesn't even resemble words, much less legible letters.  So then with one kid I say, "Okay, lets work on this together".  So we sit down and I say, "Line 1:  First Name.  Okay that means that on line 1, you're supposed to write your first name.  What's your first name?"  Answer: "Bob".  Me: "Okay, yes.  Bob.  Now write it down." And he writes - ON. HIS. PAPER!!!  The actual words - "First Name."  Me: "NO!  Write your actual name...you know - BOB!"  And then he looks at me and kind of tilts his head.  But then he takes his pencil and writes, "Bob Smith".  Me:  "So your name is Bob Smith?"  (See, this is annoying because the last line of the poem is supposed to be your last name and I knew if I was having this much trouble with him just getting his first name, what was I going to get when I got to the last line!?) AAAAAAARRRRRRRGGGGGGGG!

It has not been an easy two day!  And I haven't even touched on our Downs kid.  I don't know what the F I'm going to do with him!  I've modified the modified stuff and it just isn't working.  He couldn't read the word "hill".  And it's so much more than that...you just can't understand how crazy and time-consuming this is and how frustrating it is when you ask a kid questions (EASY SHIT!) and his constant answer to you is "I don't know".  Poor Diane.  Poor Kim.  Poor me.  Poor Lisa!

K - well, I've posted now because I won't have time in the morning and I'm leaving for PIB straight from work.  Pray (for Jim's sake) that he isn't late picking me up tomorrow.  If he is, I just may kick him out of the car at school and leave him behind.  He can hitch a ride home with Diane.  K - well, I have to get cleaning here after I walk Sami.  Good weekends to all.  Later!

Review: First Day Of School

(Trying to have a positive attitude): Yesterday was a "fine" start to the school year.  It was a bit of a whirlwind at times.  There were kids whose schedules were effed up and who were misplaced and that was kind of a pain in the ass but as years go, that wasn't as bad as in the past.  The real "kicker" to yesterday and the thing that has me a bit perplexed, worried and unsure is our Downs kid.  (Lets nickname him...um..."Handy")  We were told that this kid has great listening skills and la la la...Uh, no he doesn't or rather he didn't yesterday.  We'll see how it goes today.  He will definitely need to dictate answers to someone (Kim or Diane or myself) when answering questions.  All the stuff I've modified already will have to be remodified because he won't be able to do most of what I've done.  I'm not sure he can really read (they said he was on a K-1st grade level which when you think about it, that means can't read-can barely read level).  I'll be spending much of my time over the next several weeks trying to figure out what to do with this kid and then modifying the work to fit his needs.  UGH!  I mean seriously - I'm not trying to be a complainer and saying a kid "can't do something" but I really think this kid would be better served learning some useful things other than what I'll be teaching in World History.  Hopefully this is just me freaking out about the new kid.

Most of my other kids are fine. I have a girl in 7th period who seems like she's going to have an attitude (and she's trying to be all goth and shit).  I also have an autistic kid in 7th who is very reminiscent of a former student...loud, opinionated...socially retarded.  She kept saying yesterday "THIS CLASS IS A ZOO!  THESE KIDS ARE A BUNCH OF ANIMALS!!!"  And she wasn't using her indoor voice.  I may have to do something about this 7th period study hall of mine because there are about 9 kids and they are all loud and I'm pretty sure most of them are medicated or at least should be!

So day 2!  Should be interesting.  I'm not going to start any real work in my classes yet - I want to do that next week...start really digging in but I need to get a feel for these kids first and make sure all schedules and placements are good. I hope no more fools show up because I'm all full up with crazy.

K - I'm out...need to do a few things and start getting my plans together for Monday since I won't be at school.  Can't WAIT to be at PIB!  Later

DAMN IT!

I mean, WTF!?  I've been up - with a couple quick reprieves - since about 1:30.  Jim's been awake too but I think his had to do with going to bed at 7:30.  Although I don't blame him - he's been putting in 14-15 hour days, nonstop, for about 2 weeks.  But me, why the hell was I tossing and turning and not able to get any shut eye?!  NOT FAIR!  I'm not stressed about today.  I don't have things on my mind, other than the normal stuff.  Oh well...I'll power through.  I was only able to run 1.5 miles this morning, too.  I thought about putting it off until after school but I know I'll be exhausted by then and I'll make excuses and won't do it.  This way, at least it gives me a jolt of energy.

So, yesterday I got a TON of stuff done!  I only stayed at school until about 2:40 too!  Pretty much everything that needed to happen prior to school starting, happened.  Talked to new parents (or emailed with them); sent IEPs, got all student binders ready, checked and re-checked schedules (there's one issue but isn't able to be remedied or addressed until today...apparently the only number to be had for this parent doesn't accept incoming calls...helpful, huh!?)

By the way - Jim and I watched the new series on BBC America called Copper.  About a detective in New York City in 1864.  GOOD!  Can't wait to see next weeks episode.  And the main character, as you can see, is not sore on the eyes!

And that's about all I've got.  I need to get a move on...I want to get to school a bit early just to make sure I'm ready for my day.  First day is always an easy one.

K - later!

Bananaconda!?

I just told Jim that I had a dream of an anaconda that woke me up about 30 seconds before my alarm went off and Jim said, "A bananaconda!?"  He's a dope!  My point being - I slept like a baby rock last night.  YAY!  Hopefully I'll sleep that well tonight too!

So my day today:  I need to get all my copying done - should be interesting with everyone else in the building making copies and one of the three (four?) copiers being busted.  Kim and Diane were able to label all my binders for all my kids in my classes, which is a HUGE time saver for me.  That means that once my copies are done, I only have to "build the binders".  Once that's done I have a couple teachers I need to talk to.  I need to send everyone on the staff (teachers) who have a kid on my caseload in their class, their IEP.  I need to call new parents to introduce myself.  Set up a new contact list in my email for parents.  Set up my study hall folders.  Um...that's about it.  I think.  Exciting, huh?  I'll be busy.  I won't go out to lunch I'll just work through it at my desk.

So Rette?  My pain in the ass senior?  The one who had recent news she told the guidance counselor?  Well, apparently she spent a couple days recently in JDC (juvenile detention center).  Based on the bit of info I was given, she either pulled a knife on her dad or tried to stab her dad?  I don't know...either way, she should still be in JDC, you want my opinion.  And what a dumb ass! I mean, now you have a record.  Of course reality, I think, may be a foreign subject to Rette so, there you go.  I'll email her mother today to just say, "Hey - heard Rette came in to fix her schedule...hope it looks good.  I look forward to a good year!"  (Blah blah blah)...we'll see if she calls or responds back with some detes about the above.  Poor lady.  I feel bad for what she has to go through.  She should just pack up and leave 'em all in her dust...take a trip to normal.

Okay - well, I think I'll get a move on...try to beat the other teacher rats to the copier.  K - later!

T-Minus 185

Until Summer Break.  UGH!  I'd be in big trouble if I started counting down now.  Is that right, by the way?  Is it 185?  Can't remember.  Anyway - I'm up...I've been up since about 4:15.  Well, awake.  I got out of bed around 4:30, ran 2 miles, showered and now I'm waiting for my breakfast to be ready.  I haven't woken Jim up yet but I will soon.  I'm sure he'll be thrilled that schools started again and he has to get up early with me (if he wants breakfast).  Especially since he worked for about 14 hours yesterday.  He told me yesterday morning that he'd only need about 5 hours to complete his painting job.  At lunch he said he'd be able to finish it after dinner.  Well, he worked through dinner (I ate alone AGAIN for about the 5 day in a row) and didn't get home until after 9PM.  I mean my boy is a hard worker but I'm over it.

And that's about all I've got for now.  I'm sure I'll have lots to share when I get home today.  Should be an interesting year...good I hope but interesting for sure.

And here's a sweet girl, enjoying PIB and showing off a new trick:  She can sip out of a straw.  Loves her!  (Notice the ponytail on top of her head...silly, cute girl)

K - later!

Last Day Of Freedom

Bunch of BULLSHIT!  I can't believe this is my last day of FREEDOM!  I'm sad, mad, NOT glad, I feel had, I thought it was just a fad, certainly it's not rad, it's just so BAD! WAHHHHHHHH!!!

Okay - got that out of my system.  And...I guess I've got nothing else.  I walked Sami and made breakfast.  Jim is already out the door to (hopefully) finish this exterior painting job he's got...what a surprise that it's taking FOREVER.  Of course it didn't help that the dude (whose business he's painting) didn't like the color he chose and didn't realize it until Jim had painted a side of the house (FOOL).  Oh well, this time next weekend we'll be in PIB!  FOR THE LAST TIME THIS YEAR - WAHHHHHHHHH!!!

So today - I need to finish modifying my TKM questions.  I know I keep saying that but I just wasn't feeling it yesterday.  I'll finish them tomorrow.  Other than that...I don't know although that will probably take a while.  I'm making turkey burgers tonight (new recipe) with a weight watchers mac and cheese and probably roasted cauliflower.

Oh, Happy Belated Birthday to Richard!  I, of course, forgot yesterday.  And of course Mom didn't post on her blog so I forgot!  Thus, not my fault!  Bad MOM!  Hope you both had a great day in Colorado yesterday.  When do you get back, by the way?

K - well, I guess I'll wrap it up here.  I hope the clouds clear out a bit so I can chill outside.  Later!

Goodbye Dinner

Victor playing with Eva

We had a nice time yesterday at Cullen's goodbye dinner.  All were there except Max...missed him!  Victor was there as well (from Brazil...Cullen et al played host to him a year or so ago) and it was fun to see him.  He's moving to Paris for at least a year and hopes after that to be in London.  Would be so cool if he was in London at the same time Cullen spends a semester (I think) in London as part of his acting program.  Anyway - dinner was great, J.J. and Eva were sweet (she certainly loves her cousin) and I'm going to miss Cullen like crazy!  I know he'll have such an amazing time, however, at school.

Today I plan on hanging out...maybe doing a little work, chilling outside on my last free weekend before school starts.  The weather is amazing...fall-like and I'm thinking of doing a pot roast for supper...sounds good, doesn't it?  I'll try to head to 1/2 price here after I run as well as the grocery.  Jim is finishing the exterior painting job he's been working on so I've got the house and pups to myself!

Speaking of pups...poor Bubba.  It's been a while since I've had to write that, huh?  He had a tough day yesterday.  After I went to get my car (did I mention that my car was ready 4 days early yesterday?) I came home to find three piles of throw up from one of the babies.  I didn't know who had gotten six (sick) until Maggie and Eva arrived and found Bubba behind a chair hurling again.  UGH!  Of course this would happen when I'm trying to get out the door.  Poor fellow.  I wish I had been there to comfort him since, apparently, when Jim got home from our dinner last night (he left a bit earlier than Maggie and I so he could feed Zeke), there were three more piles.  He seems fine now.  He is starting to have skin problems again, however, and will be going to the vet when we get back from PIB, next Monday.  We'll have to make a late afternoon appointment so that we have about 3 hours to tranquilize him prior.  He'll have to go on some more steroids I'm sure, and I hate that, but it's time.

And that's about all I have...I need to go run and then shower and head out.  Hope all have a lovely Saturday.  Later!

Walking In The Rain

I didn't mind that it rained on our walk today and I think Sami enjoyed it as well.  I think the rain releases a ton of interesting smells (interesting to Sami) because she wants to stop every 10 seconds to inhale.

So my plans today - as I've mentioned before:  Maggie and Eva are coming down.  They should leave around 9AM.  They'll pick me up and we'll head to Raeburn for Cullen's goodbye dinner.  Hopefully the rain will clear out as they said and we can spend some time poolside.  Before all that, however, I need to do a quick cleaning.  My house is pretty clean anyway but I need to run the vacuum (my beasts are SO hairy right now) and do a bit of dusting.

When I was re-reading that last paragraph, I thought it said, "my bReasts are so hairy right now"...they aren't!

In other news, school news, I got an interesting email from one of the counselors that I look forward to hearing more about.  She was asking about one of my kids (my only senior...I can't remember if I've nicknamed her before but lets call her "Rette" since she ACTS like - doesn't have - but acts like she has Tourettes).  She told me that she had come into school to get her schedule filled and told her some stuff that had happened recently in the fam.  I look forward to hearing (counselor didn't put it in an email).  This is one f&%ked up girl (and family).  The father is a complete DICK with depression and woman issues.  The older son is abusive (used to hit his girlfriend) and he has "phantom" medical issues that no one can seem to diagnose.  The mother is okay but she's a "p" word because she won't just kick the dickhead husband out and she puts up with the shit Rette deals out to her.  I'd have kicked Rette's ass LONG ago.  And Rette - well, she's just plain NUTS.  I'm not sure what her deal is aside from having a family that's nuts, suffering from depression and possible psychosis.  Seriously, visit my class and just watch her.  She'll mouth shit and mumble under her breath as other kids walk by.  She grunts and makes crazy noises sitting all by herself.  I just don't get it.  I tried, at first, to be nice and take her aside to tell her that she needs to stop doing those things (she can control it because she doesn't do it in regular classes) but she wouldn't so now I just call her out and tell her to stop in front of whomever.  I can't tell you how much I'm looking forward to another year of her...UGH!

Ha!  I was looking for a pic for the above paragraph and found this...who does this remind you of Lisa, Diane and Kim?!

Can I just tell you how annoying it is when the phone rings and you race to get it (both phones being upstairs) and find when you finally find the damn phone that it's an 800 number?!  I'm on the NO CALL LIST!  Why are these damn people calling me?!  I'm sure it was political but that just pisses me off.  There should also be a NO POLITICAL CALL sign up!

K - well I'd better get cleaning to prepare for my big girl Eva!  Who, by the way, grew an 1 1/2 in the last 3 months and gained 2 pounds.  She's still in the lower percentiles but who cares, she's cute and the doctors aren't concerned...she's just a bit of a peanut.  Oh, and Maggie said that when she got Eva up this morning, they were sitting on her bed and Maggie said, "We're going to Aunt Muir's today!" and Eva crawled over to Maggie and climbed on her...kind of like, "Ooooh!  Lets go get her now!"  Loves her. K - later!

A Good Start To The Day!

First of all - I'm so excited!  Today I ran 2 1/4 miles!  That's the farthest I've been able to run yet.  I even felt like I could have gone another lap but I didn't want to overdo it.  I hope I can keep that up!  Makes me feel really good.  I also walked two miles and did my ab workout.  So what if I'm not losing weight...at least I getting fitter (more fit?).

Second - I've been checking out positions at local rental properties in the tri-state area (the bigger places) for Jim and one of them posted a position for a painter today.  It's in Kenwood and includes benefits including vacation and a 401K.  Now, who knows if Jim will get it and I'm realistic that there are TONS of people out there looking for these types of jobs but I'm keeping my fingers crossed and my hopes positive.  I mean, how great would it be for him to be that close to home!?  Okay Muir, don't get your hopes out of control and too high!

So my plans today?  Well I don't have much going on.  I'm going to do a little work here in a bit.  I'm still modifying my To Kill a Mockingbird chapter questions. I did 10 of the chapters yesterday and hope to finish the rest today.  I think there are around 30 chapters...I can't remember.  Anyway - once I do that, I'll only need to print and create folders on my workday to be ready for day 1 at school.  I'll start the year with bio poems (poems the kids will create about themselves) which we will also use in the reading of the book (the kids will create a bio poem about one of the characters).  World History is already done...I just need to print all the stuff and then create binders for the kids.

Tomorrow is Friday and Maggie is coming down for our goodbye dinner for Cullen.  Can't believe he's about to head off to Minnesota!  I'm so excited for him!  Maggie will pick me up tomorrow so that Jim can just go straight to Raeburn after work.  We'll hang at the pool (hopefully it won't be too cloudy) and I'll get to play with Eva.

And that's all I've got.  Cross your fingers that the storms tonight aren't too bad...you know I'll be worried all day.  Ugh!

Oh, and I've updated my book blog...there are a couple of goodies on there!

K - I'm out...later!

Lots To Do

Really I don't have diddly squat to do BUT I do have a LOT of posting to do on my book blog.  I think I'm about 5 books behind.  And I just finished one yesterday.  It had me sobbing like a little baby (sobbing for joy).  The book was called Roam and was given to me by Aunt Kathleen...another dog book and a really good one.

Other than that, I don't have much to do today.  I've walked Sami and will eat breakfast then do my ab workout...not in that order.  I'll probably just hang at home today and soak in some sun since my summer vacation is nearing an end (WAHHHHHHHH!!!!!!!!) Maybe I'll do a bit o' work too...we'll see.  I think I'm going to start my Language Arts class this year with a little poetry/writing unit (sort of a get to know you thingy for those incoming freshmen...they'll hate it I'm sure).  After that, we'll start reading To Kill A Mockingbird.  I need a few more of the novels though and will probably head to 1/2 price at some point this week.  I also need to modify the chapter questions since I have at least two kids who are pretty low - one having Downs the other being Diablo.

And that's about all.  I finished the 2nd season of Downton Abbey and was just so happy and sad at the same time.  I REALLY don't know how I'm going to make it through to January 5th!  I'll just have to find comfort in all my other (dozens) of shows and characters.

Oh, I forgot - I dreamt last night, it seemed all night long, of FW.  We were trying to mend fences and I was at her house trying to help with her son.  It was weird.  I hate that as school gets nearer and nearer I start to dream of it.  It really pisses me off.

K - that's all I've got.  Later!

Surprise Surprise!

First of all HAPPY 16TH TO MADISON!!!  Can't believe she's 16!!!  Hope it's a great day!

So yesterday was good.  First of all, I took my car in.  That was hassle free!  AND my rental is a BRAND NEW car!  14 miles on it when I sat in the driver's seat.  It's a Kia Sportage...not a bad little thing although it's only a 4-cylinder and I don't really like the lack of power it has.  However, who am I to complain, right?  When I first go to the service center, I saw a PT Cruiser sitting out in the pick up area and I thought "Oh, no...I hope that isn't my rental cause I don't think I could drive it!" (The guy who died in the accident was driving a PT Cruiser).  It wasn't however, and I was glad.  BTW - my car should be done by next Tuesday! Just in time for school to start.

In other news, and the happy surprise that I had yesterday was that our classroom was put perfectly back together after its cleaning and waxing.  When I saw HH later I told him what a great job the maintenance people had done and to please pass it along.  Let the ass-kissing being!

And that's about all I have today.  I need to stay motivated here because I need to go run.  I haven't run in a several days so I need to get back on that horse.  I've still done my walking and I was very busy this weekend with mowing the lawn (that's a big job at my house), plus my ab workouts so I don't consider that I've been lazy but running burns the most calories and the dreaded FAT!

Oh, and Lisa, I've found several changes from the schedules etc. (not really our kids but it will affect the master schedule)...remind me to send you all the changes next week.

K - I'm out...later!

Time To Get The Car Fixed

I'm up and walked and just need to do some crunches and then shower.  After that, I'm off to take the car in to get repaired (cross fingers that it isn't too much of a pain in the ass). From there...dun dun dun...school - to see how much of a shambles the room is in.  Dread!  I'm sure by the time I leave school I'll be frustrated and sweating (such a positive attitude I have, huh?).  They never put things back where they were when they wax the floors.  I mean, I know how hard the maintenance people work and I know it's a thankless job but it's WAY annoying to come into your room, ready to start planning for the year and realize that nothing is where it's supposed to be and you have to spend at least an hour getting things back to their proper places.  UGH!

Once I'm finished up at school, I'll head to Costco for the normal shit and then home.  It's supposed to be raining much of the day (hasn't started yet) so I'll probably chill at home, quilt, watch the rest of my Downton Abbey (I'll be so sad when that's done), watch the premier of Hell on Wheels and then who knows.

And here's a bit of cheer to start your week.  Eva was all tuckered out and managed to fall asleep on her bike ride.  Loves her.

K - later!

Beautiful Sunday

I mean, I couldn't have ordered up a more perfect day.  It is seriously beautiful!  I woke up to 52 degrees, blue skies and it smelled like freshly cut grass.

Someone loves her milk!

Someone loves her mac n cheese!

The sweetest face!

So, sorry I haven't posted.  I was a bit busy Thursday, Friday and well, I wasn't really busy yesterday - unless you consider watching Downton Abbey busy and really I do.  Thursday, Maggie and Eva came down and we went to eat at DeSha's with Lynne then to her condo complex to chill at the pool.  Afterwards, we came home and within an hour, the electricity went out (the storm wasn't even ANYTHING!) and stayed out until 11:15 PM.  Ridiculous.  My plans for chicken burgers etc. went out the door.  We had LaRoasa's instead.  And, of course I couldn't sleep until the electricity came back on because it was way too quiet.  I sleep with about 3 fans going and with nothing - it's UGH!  Anyway - Friday, when we got up, the cable, phones and computer were out.  It took all day for the stupid cable people to figure out that it was an outage resulting from the night before.  It finally came on about 3PM.  Not that it mattered that I didn't have any of that because I was watching/chasing around a busy bee all day.  She was fun, fun, fun!  That girl is sweet, sweet, sweet.  I was EXHAUSTED by the time Maggie finally got home (she was hanging with Lynne).  Friday night, I made my chicken burgers and after Eva went down (which was 7:30...we wore each other out), Maggie and I finished up season 1 of Downton Abbey.  LOVE THAT SHOW!!!  Maggie and Eva left around 9AM but I'll get to see them AGAIN on Friday.  YAY!!!

Up the stairs and down the stairs!
That's about all she did while here.

Yesterday - exciting - I tried to get the 2nd season of Downton Abbey (for some reason, my library only has v. 2 of the second season) but was unsuccessful.  SO!  I signed up for Hulu!  And proceeded to watch the first four episodes (there are only 8).  What am I going to do until January 5th when season 3 starts?!  UGH!  Oh, the perils of my addictions! And by the way - if you love a good series, I seriously recommend this one.  It it just soooooo good!  Oh, and I also cut the grass yesterday...the backyard.

BTW - the new show - Copper - looks pretty good...I might try that one out too.

Today, I've walked my baby and after I finish up here, I will mow the front yard.  Normally Jim likes to do the front but he's got a side job (painting a house) that he needs to finish  and will be working ALL day.  That's another "drama" for another day.  After that, I'll clean up, bathe the pups and then LAY OUT!  Can't wait.  I got a new suit (Maggie and I actually got the same one) and I can't wait to try it out.

And that's it.  I'm boring.  Oh, and I take my car in tomorrow (pray for an easy, quick fix) and then I'll head to school for a check on the disaster that will be our room.  See you around 11, Lisa?

K - later!

Morning Plans On Hold

I just ate breakfast and normally I would get dressed to walk Sami but some major rain (only rain) just moved in.  The cell looks small so it should wrap up here in a minute and then I'll head out.  In the meantime, I thought I'd share my thoughts and some pics.  All my pics of Eva are blurry but Maggie put her hair in a pony Thursday and I thought I'd share the cuteness...again sorry about the blur. I took a video but can't load it.

And then there's Max and his tongue and toofs.  So cute.

So today - Maggie is coming!  She should be here around 11AM I'd be betting.  The weather is actually going to clear up here in a minute and should be good for her travel down.  We're supposed to get possible severe storms around 3PM.  I'll be glad she and Eva will be here to keep me calm.

In school news, Lisa told me today that all emails sent in the district with an admins name in it is flagged, allowing that admin to then pull any emails with their names in it, up.  I'm very careful - I think - about those type things.  I hope I would never put anything about how I really feel about the admins using their real names.  Just another reason to mind your p's and q's.

Okay well, the rain is slowing down and I need to get in some walking, running and cleaning.  Later!

Oh, and in car news, I got a call yesterday from the insurance company for the truck at fault in the accident.  They took my statement and we'll see what happens from there.  Considering the guy is in jail (or was...bail was set at $5,000) and charged with vehicular homicide so I'm guessing he is at fault.  I'm hoping - knock on wood - that this whole thing won't be a MAJOR pain in the as (I expect it to be a minor pain).

K - now I'm out...later!

Tuesdays With Eva (and Maggie)

Slept pretty good last night.  I woke up just before 6AM thinking about yesterday but I eventually went to sleep and was woken up by Maggie sticking a tissue up my nose at about 7:45.  I need to start locking my door when I'm here because this is, oh so typical of her.  I used to get woken up by Maggie as a kid playing with my nose, flicking my nose, raising my eyelid...she's such a pain in the arse! 
Yesterday was nice and relaxing.  When I arrived (did I already say this), Eva and Maggie were sitting out on the front stoop and when Eva saw it was me getting out of the car, she came running for me.  It was pretty freakin' cute and exactly what I needed.  From there, we went in, had lunch, Maggie put Eva down for a nap and then we got our suits on, hooked up the cobra and laid out for a couple hours.  Eva slept for about 2 1/2 hours...she's a good sleeper.  In fact, it's 8:41 right now and she still isn't up...oh, there she is.  K - I'm back.  Anyway - we hung out all day, talked, had dinner, went to Orange Leaf and then came home and we played Fighting Words. 

Today's plans are to walk, play at the park for a bit, maybe go to the pool and just chill.  Low key.  I'll leave here tomorrow.  Maggie is coming down on Thursday.  We'll hang out and Friday she'll hang with Lynne while I watch Eva. 

I called the insurance people and am taking my car in for repairs next Monday.  Hopefully it won't be too bad.  By the way - if you haven't read the article (which has my damn name and AGE in it) - here's a link.

And that's all I've got today.  Oh, and here's the video of Eva I promised of her dancing at PIB.  She's too cute!  K - later!

Must Be My Lucky Day

What a scary day!  And thank you anyone and Jesus, up in heaven keeping an eye out for me.  My day started out nice and calm and then whamo!  Let me preface here by saying I'm fine (other than periodically shaking like a leaf and feeling a bit nauseous) and my car is drivable.  So there I am, driving to Maggie's, listening to my book on CD.  I had  just passed the Lebanon exit on I-71 and was approaching the construction they've beeen doing on the huge bridge.  The left lane was about to close within the next half mile and I was in the right lane.  Traffic in my lane had slowed and I was probably crawling along at about 5-10 mph.  As I scooted over to the  along, I looked in my rear view mirror and saw about 50 yards behind me, a semi smash into a sedan.  The truck then jack-knifed and started barrelling toward me.  It skid into the grassy area on the right hand side and just kept coming toward me.  Knowing I was about to get hit, I moved into the left lane (thankfully no one was there) and kept my eye on the truck. I thought I had avoided getting hit.  I thought I was okay to drive but realized quickly I was shaking like a leaf.  After calling 911, I decided to go to the rest area about 50 yards ahead.  Getting out of my car, I realized I had been hit and had slight damage to my car.  I called the state patrol and told them.  They told me to hang tight because there were major injuries and an officer would be with me soon.  About an hour later, I had an Ohio State Patrolman take down all my info along with pictures.  I learned from him that there were actually 6 cars including mine involved, 2 semis and 1 fatalty.  I'm one lucky girl.  So scary.  Can't stop thinking about it.  I just keep seeing that semi coming at me from behind and thinking that if I hadn't moved...who knows.

So here are some photos.  The red truck is the one that hit me - I think the bumper in the road is what fell on top of my car. Though it's hard to tell, that is a PT cruiser and from what the reports have said, the driver of that car is the one who died.  Rest in peace.  Ugh!  Time for another beer.