Some Things You Don't Want To Hear

So I haven't shared many "student comments" this year so I thought today would be a good day. 

Horshack is one of my autistic kids...sometimes he doesn't have a filter.  Example?  The other day, he stood up quickly from his desk and came "racing" over to my desk:  "Mrs. Hanke can I go use the restroom...I feel something coming out?!"  Me: "REALLY!?  JEEZ!  I don't need to know that Horshack...just GO!"  Later he did the same thing to Lisa.  She ended up having a little talk with him. 

Ike (another autistic student) came over to my desk yesterday, just before LA started and asked to go to the nurse.  Now, when a student asks to go, we have to fill out this little slip of paper - a pass - which has a list of ailments.  We are supposed to check the ailment the student is suffering from.  So I say, "What's wrong?" And Ike mumbles something, "...hurts."  Me: "I'm sorry what?"  Ike: "My thing hurts," as he points and pokes at his "thing".  He continues, "I want to see if that's normal." Me (thinking): Uh, no, not normal...need a drink!  I was telling this story later to a couple people and Mark (another sped teacher) said, "I just hope he wasn't sticking his thing somewhere...in someone." Me: "Pretty sure it was self-inflicted."

If I could request, my friend, colleague and roommate at school: Lisa, I'd like you to add to your list of lessons in Transition class - "Things You Keep To Yourself".  Other lessons she'll hopefully be tackling this year: How Not To Dress Like A Slut (especially when you certainly don't have the body). How Often You Should Shower (BOYS!)  How To NOT Pick Your Nose.  Understanding That You Are Not Invisible And When You Pick Your Nose, Ass, Face Etc., People Can See You. 

I'm sure there will be more to add to that list but for now, I'll just leave that in your brain.

K - well, Jim's out already (working with his friend Dan today and hopefully tomorrow)...I best mosey on upstairs to finish my "toilette".  It's almost Friday!  YAY!  Later!

Jimmy Update

So Jim was able to get in with the oncologist yesterday (they had a cancellation at the last minute...lucky).  He goes into surgery on Monday.  This will include them cutting deeper where his mole was and then doing what's called a sentinel lymph node biopsy.  They inject a dye around his mole to find which lymph it drains into.  This will tell them the lymph nodes that could be affected and then they will remove those to see if they are cancerous.  If they aren't, we are in the clear.  If they are, well, we'll go from there.  It will take a week for results...ugh! Jim will be out of work for two weeks after the surgery, due mainly from the line of work he does.  He'll have fairly strict restrictions during the first week, 5-pound weight limit etc.  They say that most people can resume normal activities the next day. I'll definitely take Monday off (we have to be at UC at 5:30 in the morning) and will have plans, just in case, for Tuesday. I'm hating this waiting game but before the cancellation, they were looking at not getting Jim in until the 25th.  That seems so ridiculous to me.  So in a sense, we're lucky.  Fingers crossed and prayers please...Jimmy could use a break.

In school news, it's picture day which I thought about NOT doing but I've decided NOT to be a dud and just bite the bullet.  Who cares, right?  I mean, I'll just do my normal giant Muir smile to lighten up the yearbook and the wall where they hang our pictures for all to see. 

After school I'll go to Costco to stock up on my meats.  This weekend I'll do a lot of prep work for freezing so that the next several weeks won't be such a bear on me having to cook every freaking day...not to complain...I love to cook but I can't tell you what a nice thing it is just to say on a whim, "I don't feel like cooking...pizza it is!"  No worries though...things could be worse...I could be out of a job too. 

Okay well, if I'm going to have my picture taken, I should probably pretty it up a little more than usual. 

Ooh, and by the way, the fog this morning is CRAZY thick. I hate driving in fog, mainly because is disorients me.  Slow and steady.  K - I'm out.  Ooh, it's already humpday!  YAY!  Later!

Some Sleep

I did manage to get some sleep last night.  I still woke up at 10, midnight, and 3 but I went back to sleep fairly easily...I think.  I woke up before my alarm went off as well but I do that a lot.  I have a headache but that will go away in a bit I'm sure (my daily dose of naproxen just needs to kick in).  My mood is better and I'm sure work (though I don't want to go) will be a distraction.  And hey, it's a short week so I should cease my complaining and focus on that.

Lets see...what else...um...I've got nothing.  Jim's brother is in town.  I think he said he was going to hang with him today or tonight so I may be on my own for dinner.  I wouldn't mind that...good reason not to cook and to eat some of the many leftovers in my fridge.  We'll see.

Tomorrow is supposedly picture day at work.  Not really caring about that...may skip it altogether.  Not in the picture/smiling mood.  They can use my picture from last year! 

Okay well, I'm going to go head up to finish getting ready.  Happy Tuesday!  Later!

Things Just Aren't Going My Way!

Along with everything else going on - more on that in a minute - my computer has been acting like an asshole.  There was some sort of update yesterday that left me unable to sign on from the locked screen.  It would start to load and then go to a blank screen.  Considering how stupid I am when it comes to computers - it took me a while to get it working again and who knows if I've fixed it or only made things worse.  I did some sort of "refreshing" which left it with the settings, apps and programs that came with the computer.  Which means, I lost the Microsoft programs that I had installed so those are updating right now. I'm afraid to log off or restart or shut down for fear that it will resort to its asshole settings.  And it's running rather slowly.  ARG!  Annoying. 

So Jim's issues:  To recap or tell (for those who don't know) - Jim had a mole on his back that was giving him fits a couple months ago.  He called his dermatologist and made an appointment to get it checked out.  Took two months, by the way, for him to get in.  Last Wednesday, he went in.  The doc removed it and sent it off to the lab.  Friday the doc called to say that it is melanoma (don't ask me why the doctor felt it necessary to call on a Friday night before a three-day weekend when nothing could be done, leaving us worried and in limbo for a solid 72 hours).  She is unsure what stage (0-4) but if she had to guess, she'd say 2 or 3.  She's sent the results to another doctor, an oncologist, and we're hoping that by Tuesday or Wednesday, Jim will get to talk to him and figure the next step.  Most likely he'll go see the doctor who will do surgery to check the depth of the mole and most likely see if it has spread to his lymph nodes.  From there, who knows.

It's so weird...Jim feels fine I'm just praying this is in the early stages and I'm trying to stay positive and keep from thinking the worst since we just don't know ANYTHING yet.  I don't want to drive myself crazy going to places I don't need to go but it's so hard. I can't seem to keep myself from waking up during the night and perseverating on it.  I seem to have two thoughts running through my head at all times lately:  Jim doesn't have a job and Jim's got cancer.  UGH! 

And to top if all off, I'm in a shitty mood.  I'm just irritable and grumpy.  My computer is running slowly, there's some sort of thumping going on either in the basement or out under the deck of the Florida room and I don't want to be the one to check on it and Jim is out running errands.  I'm sick of cooking - I want pizza but with no income coming in from Jim, we're on a tight budget that doesn't include carry out.  Oh, and I don't want to work tomorrow - although that might be a needed distraction.

Sorry to be such a negative Nancy but could some-fucking-one just throw me a bone here.  ARG!  I know all that "what doesn't kill you makes you stronger" shit but I think I'd be happy to just have nothing happen to me and remain weak. 

K - I'm done bitching and moaning.  I'll try to be a bit more positive next time.  Later!

I'm Such An Asshole!

I came home from my walk with Sami yesterday and Jim was over talking to the new neighbors so I went over to chat. I remembered Sami barking at a cat that was walking around their gardens the other morning so I said, "You have a cat, right?"  Turns out, the night before last, they had to put him down.  ARG!  I made the pregnant lady next door cry!  What the heck!?  And then of course I started crying...it was ridiculous.  Turns out their sweet cat was only 5 years old...he had been acting funny...Cari got home from work and took him right to the vet.  He was filled with cancer.  Sad...I know how they feel. 

In school news - I feel like I'm actually on my game.  I've mostly got all the materials/binders ready for all my kids (and not my kids) for working on their IEP goals in their study halls.  It takes time because you have to test reading levels (for those with reading goals), print out comprehensions based on that.  For those with organization goals, I had to create spreadsheets to track grades (I'm actually making everyone do that because they should all be responsible for knowing what their grades are).  I have one student who has a functional math goal (for budgeting etc.) so yesterday I finally managed to create some spreadsheets on that using excel.  My students with math goals will have to wait as the program we'll be using is not up and running and we haven't been trained on it yet.  However, Horshack will be working on time and money if I can get access to the app I found for him on Chrome.  So much tedious work.  But I feel ahead of the game in comparison to last year.  Ooh, and I've started writing my first IEP...it isn't until the 23rd but there you go. 

Okay well...TGIF!  I'll be showing a video today in Government:This is America Charlie Brown or something like that. Hell, who cares, as long as Snoopy is in it. Loves me some Snoopy!  LA - we'll continue reading SLOB (Secret Life of Bees).  K - best motor...later!

And We're Back

I did try to post yesterday but had no Internet.  Seems the whole country, those Time Warner customers, were out.  And I had so much to say!  And of course now, I've forgotten it all!  Poor you!

So here's a funny:  Did I mention about month ago about walking Sami and passing this man walking his dog and thinking about 5 seconds later that he looked like an old friend from high school?  I'm friends with him on FB and messaged him asking, "Hey, I know this is a weird question but do you by chance..."?  Well, I never heard from him...until yesterday.  He messaged me back (seems he doesn't get on FB much) to say that indeed, it was him.  They had moved in the day before to a street about a 1/2 mile away, on one of my walking routes.  How funny is that?  I hadn't seen him since my wedding.  Small world. 

I walked Sami yesterday and can you believe she went the whole 2 miles?  In 88 degree heat?!  I kept waiting for her to stop and want to turn around but she never did.  I won't do that again as I think I allowed her to overdo it.  She seemed fine and never struggled or seemed over-heated but it's too much in this nasty weather.  Bad mommy! 

Jim and the job situation: He's still looking and filling out apps and gathering info.  He went to the union yesterday and got a lot of questions answered so that's good.  I'm trying to keep him motivated and pumped...not sure how long that will last.  Fingers crossed please...I need my boy working.

School is good.  I'm still getting to know my new kids and figuring out how they work (in the classroom...their pace etc.).  There's one girl who...really it's so sad...has some sort of degenerative cognitive issues...nothing that the doctors have ever been able to diagnose but just looking at her, you can tell there's something wrong. She's a senior, on Lisa's caseload and according to Lisa, she has slipped significantly since her freshmen and sophomore years.  Her mother is a doctor and is very supportive and helpful with homework, but she's also very busy and isn't able to help her all the time.  Her father, I believe, who is home more doesn't know how to help and apparently gets a bit frustrated. This girl has the attention span of about 5 seconds and I'm not exaggerating. This is quite a problem when reading aloud in my LA class.  Sometimes I read from a chapter for nearly the whole period and she probably only hears/gets 1/8 of it.  And then she's supposed to answer questions?  She works at a snail's pace and no matter that I've told them to keep their answers short and simple (less is more) she continues to insist on writing in complete (irrelevant) sentences.  UGH!  Hoping it gets better as she gets used to me (my first time having her in class).

And lets see...oh, Jim and I will be going to C-bus on Saturday.  We'll come home early Sunday.  Just a quick trip to hang with Maggie and Charlie...oh, and Eva.  A nice day at the pool and then home again.  My neighbor is going to help with Sami.  I'll walk her in the morning...wear her out and then we'll leave.  My neighbor's son loves Sami and so I'm sure they'll come over several times to love on her.

That's all I've got.  Guess I'll head up and then out.  Happy...ooh, it's Thursday.  One more day and then a 3-day weekend...woot!  Later!

It's Hot

I look forward to a break in this heat.  I thought that Thursday would bring cooler weather but looking at the forecast, I see that's changed.  Gee...I can't believe the weather people got it wrong. I've definitely been spoiled this summer.  I can't wait for "open window" weather!  I'm sick of all my clothes too...I need some cooler weather so I can wear more sweaters.  And Sami hasn't gotten a full walk in days!  She'll get one, at the earliest, Saturday.  By the time I get home from work to walk her it's 90 degrees and she stops walking after about a 1/2 mile.  Poor girl in her black fur coat.

Jim's already gone for the day.  He has to meet his friend Dan at 6:00.  Tomorrow won't be like this as he will be doing applications.  He ended up getting home at 1:00 yesterday because of a snafu with the job he was on.  I was all like, "See...you can't rely on these jobs."  Actually, I only said that in my head.  He was in a good mood yesterday and I didn't want to ruin that.

School:  Nothing exciting. Still getting a feel for the kids and my schedule. Oh, one thing to bitch about: I came in yesterday and a fuse had blown.  My refrigerator was on it so everything in my fridge had to get tossed. Thus, no lunch.  Had to go to McDonald's of all places (I NEVER eat at McD's).  I tried to stay healthy (minus the small fries that were calling my name) and got a chicken wrap...it was quite delicious.  Had lots of veggies (lettuce, cucumber, tomato) and a vinaigrette that was quite scrumptious.  I kind of wish it had sucked so I won't be tempted again.  Oh well, you can't win everything.  Anyway, we'll have to do some switching around of electronics in our room because the ginormous laptop cart seems to be drawing too much energy from the rest of the crap in our room and tripping the circuit.  Stupid school.  They need to amp up the juice capabilities. 

Okay well, I guess that's all I've got.  Best mosey so I can get to work and do some work before work.  Happy Tuesday!  Later!

Up & At 'Em

I'm a bit tired this morning...didn't get a ton of sleep.  Couldn't sleep.  (Maybe it was the bucket of ice that I doused myself with right before bed.)  Actually, I've started worrying (again) about Jim and his whole job shituation. I think Jim's concern is rubbing off on me and it left me tossing and turning from about midnight until 2:00. You see, for the next two days, he committed to work with his friend Dan who installs lockers etc.  He'll pay him comparably to what he was making and that's great.  Jim came to me yesterday, however, to say that he could work for him for the whole week but I put this kibosh. I think his focus should be filling out applications for the union paint companies and getting all his (my) questions answered about the union (he's still very unclear how everything works) sooner rather tan later. My point in doing this is:  Get what needs to get rolling stared because if it takes up to a month for a job to surface, that month starts TODAY...not next week.  Additionally, Jim tends to put things off and put things off and this time next week when he would be filling out applications on his timeline, he'd say, "Well, I have another weeks worth of work I could do to bring in money NOW!"  We're okay on money right now (lots of belt tightening from here on out) so I want him to do what needs to be done so the waiting game can start.  I think he's very frustrated with me but more than that I think he's scared. I wish I could take that away from him but he tends not to listen to me.  I think getting his questions answered and doing everything he can on his part to find a job will settle some of that fear but it still lingers in him and I worry about that too.  I can only support him and try and keep him focused...all while trying NOT to put undo pressure on him.  It's a tricky tightrope.

In school news - I start reading Secret Life of Bees to the kids today.  YAY.  I hope they like it. They always have in the past. 

Nothing else really going on.  Sad that Sami will be alone for so long today but it is what it is...she'll be okay.

Alright...best mosey...probably have shit to do from my absence on Friday...although my sub cancelled so who knows what was actually done.  K - I'm out...later!

Feeling Annoyed

Why is it that some people need to be told several times that something they do is inconsiderate and just plain rude!?  You must know I'm talking about Jim! 

So last evening, Jim went and had a beer with our former neighbor.  He originally told me he was going to go over around 6:30 but I said, "Um...that's dinner time. How about before or after?"  So he ended up going around 4:00 because Matt had gotten home early.  Jim and I didn't discuss much prior to him leaving because he was being an asshole. Anyway, he got home just before 6:00 as I was just about to get up to make dinner. I asked him to go over to our other neighbors real quick to see if Christy could let Sami out in the afternoon Friday since we would be heading out so early and Diane won't get here until later. So he goes and I make dinner.  6:15 rolls around and Jim's not back.  6:20, I text Jim and say, "Dinner's almost ready...come home." Nothing. 6:30 and still no Jim.  I walk outside and look around to see if he's out and about...nothing.  I call, "Jim!? Jim?"...nothing.  So I go in and finish dinner.  6:45 still no Jim, plates are served so I sit down and eat.  Jim walks in around 6:50 and says, "Really?  What the heck?" Me: "Um, it's nearly 7:00." Jim: "It is?  Sorry." I say nothing, just simply eat and that's that. 

I mean, this has happened before and Jim knows how annoying I find it (I mean, wouldn't anyone?). It's the inconsideration that drives me crazy.  He knew I was getting dinner together.  We had discussed having dinner around 6:30.  To lose complete lack of time and awareness of other people, it's just so rude. 

So - today will be a long day at work.  I could come home after school since Open House doesn't start until 6 something but since Jim will be here to take care of Sami, I can stay at work and hopefully get a shitload done.  I've already packed for PIB so all I'll need to do when I get home tonight is shower and get some sleep.  We plan on being on the road by 5:00 LATEST...hopefully we'll catch the 9:00 ferry...we'll see.

Okay - well, better mosey. It's my Friday...YAY!  Later!

Well Rested

I finally slept through the night last night...well, until about 2 minutes before my alarm went off and for some reason, Sami got up and stood on top of me.  Weird.  Sweet.  Anyway, after taking a much needed bath last night (I was so sweaty and nasty after sweating my ass off at school because the air in our building yesterday didn't work in certain parts), I took two Tylenol PM and was zonked by about 8:30.  I can't tell you how relieved I am to have slept. 

Regarding PIB: It's now back on.  Why?  Well, Jimmy joined the painters union yesterday.  I've been telling him to do this for a long time but for some reason, he had these preconceived notions about what it would mean and how it worked.  He should be back to work pretty quickly. He was given a sheet of companies to call yesterday, highlighted and with checkmarks next to those currently needing painters. He'll be making nearly double what he was making as well...with benefits, a pension, and protection. His hours will basically be the same hours as me too: 7:00 - 3:30. Cross your fingers (again)...I'm really hoping this is something that Jim will be on board with and excited about. I'm sure there will be times where he works for an outfit he might not necessarily like but it won't be forever. My mind is certainly relieved but I'm still a bit hesitant to celebrate and I will be until he actually has WORK.  Jim seems happy and felt the guys he talked to at the union were sincere and honest about the union and positive that he would have work quickly.  Sigh...

School news:  It was really such a positive day yesterday.  It was nice to be out at the buses in the morning with D2 there to greet the kids.  HH just never did that.  His M.O. was to stand in the hallways chatting it up with one of his "people" or stand there fiddling with his Blackberry.  Additionally, D2 went around with a "welcome wagon" to all the classrooms.  On it, he had a Kuerig, cookies, breakfast bars, energy drinks, water, and more for the kids and teachers.  I have high hopes that this type of friendly and open attitude will continue.  Fingers crossed.

In regard to my classes, they all went well.  I think I'll really like all my classes and it seems that there aren't any kids who will be a pain in my ass...at least in those classes I teach.  I do have a little punk in one of my study halls (little freshman who has already spent time in jail) but I made it clear that I've got his number and I'm not a moron. 

Okay well, I best motor.  So happy to have PIB to look forward to again (thank you so much Diane for still being there to watch Sami and I'm sorry I was so wishy washy about this).  It will be nice to be up there this weekend...especially since I'll be at school Thursday from about 7 AM to 8 PM...Open House. 

K - I'm out.  Later!

Is There Such Thing As A Smooth Road?!

Certainly for Jim and I there are more bumps than I know what to do with. 

Jim came home...oh, around 3:30 today. I was walking down the street with Sami.  When he stopped, I said cheerfully, "Hey!  What are you doing home so early?"  Jim: "They've eliminated my position.  I got let go."  Awesome.  So, Jim's out of work.  Super!  I feel so bad for him and I'm trying not to make him feel bad...I'm trying not to cry but it's hard.  He's got a couple possibilities and he's made a couple phone calls, put a reply in for a job that didn't sound horrible on Craig's list.  Regardless, money will be tight so Put-In-Bay is out for this weekend.  I mean, I know it isn't majorly costly to go but it would cost about $100 just in gas; the ferry round trip; Diane to stay with my girl and I refuse to go and have Maggie and Charlie pay for everything.  On a plus, Aunt Muir texted me to say that the weekend of October 17th is free so maybe by then...who knows. 

I don't know why shit like this always seems to happen. And I know that Jim and I are so much luckier than many and I know it's the nature of the beast considering the field that Jim works in but WHAT THE FUCK!?  Could Jim just find a job where the people didn't treat him like dirt and they were respectful and he just liked it a little bit...just a little! And it probably didn't help - karmically - that I kept saying what an asshole Jim's boss was. Maybe it's my fault.  UGH!  Fucking Karma!

Okay - I'm going to stop feeling sorry for this whole shituation and choose a better attitude...Jim's going to need it. 

Well, at least Sami won't have to be alone all day now.  Maybe Sami did this...somehow sabotaged Jim's job?  I wouldn't put it past her.

Major Headway!

Yesterday, I worked for about 5 hours on school stuff.  I got so much done...schedules are all checked and fixed on my master schedule. This allowed me to send ALL my IEPs to teachers.  I was also able to start getting my paperwork ready for my study halls.  I'm hoping that I won't be completely bogged down today and I can really motor through everything else I have to do. 

One thing that will be interesting over the next couple weeks is seeing who in our building continues to show up late.  Our contract says we're to be there at 7:00...I'm there usually between 6:30 and 6:45. Some people (many people) wander in as late as 7:20...it always amazes me...school starts at 7:25.  Well, D2 (new principal) has stressed several times the need for people to be ON TIME!  He sent his weekly "edict" out last night and that was again mentioned.  I think there are going to be some people (BFC) who may start immediately on his bad side.

In other news - Sami is NOT ready for losing her mommy's company.  This morning, she almost didn't come down for her crusts (off my toast).  This is a ritual we have and she almost missed it! And then when she did come down, she stood next to me yawning. I love her.  She's so cute.  She just went down to the family room to lay on her pillow...she's exhausted!

Jim and I didn't get to ride yesterday.  Well, we rode 5 miles (I know...woo hoo).  We rode 2 1/2 miles and then Jim got a flat so we had to turn around.  He had to stop every 1/2 mile or so to pump up his tire and then he ended up walking the last 1/2 mile because his valve popped off.  No big deal though.  We were talking later and both of us said we were kind of glad not to have done our original ride...his butt hurt and I was more winded than usual.  Everything happens for a reason.  We might try and ride tonight when Jim gets home, before dinner.

Still don't know if Jimmy will be going to PIB with me on Friday...his boss is an asshole. 

Okay well, I guess I better get a move on...lots to do.  Happy Monday! 

First Day Back

Yesterday's first day back was good.  I certainly think that it will be an interesting year.  I did find it quite interesting to watch and listen to those teachers and others who seem "lost" without our former principal. There seemed to be an overabundance of overly loud laughing (from FW) during the new principal's meeting yesterday...kind of annoying.  I believe she's trying to butter him up (and down) so as to be in his back pocket.  I recognized quite quickly that D2 (new principal's nickname) isn't stupid and will certainly recognize bullshit.  We'll see, however.  Regardless of all that, I feel hopeful that it will be a good year.  All I need to really worry about is me and I just need to focus on my job and doing it well.

Monday should be BUSY!  I'll need to be quite focused in order to get everything done that needs to get done.  I'm not too worried about lesson plans because I'll just be trying to get to know those that are new on my caseload (though I think there are only 4 or 5).  Making sure schedules are correct will be most important and I'll try to get some of that taken care of tomorrow.  I also need to get organized for my traveling (going to, I think two other rooms during my day - not too bad) so that I'll have what I need in those rooms.  IEP distribution shouldn't take too much time but it's tedious.  I'll contact new parents, get my folders for kids ready and then MAYBE I'll work on lesson plans. 

Maggie, Charlie and Eva made it up to PIB.  They had to wait in line for the ferry about 2 hours...crazy.  I'm hoping they are both relaxed now and enjoying themselves.  I look forward to being there next weekend.  I had hoped to possibly leave after school on Thursday but that won't be happening now since our (stupid) open house is that night.  Bullshit!  Oh well, can't complain too much...I'll just leave EXTRA early on Friday.  I still don't know if Jim will be going because his boss is an asshole and keeps stringing him along.  People like this guy are just sad sacks who get their rocks off, it seems, treating others like shit.  Maybe it makes him feel like a bigger man but in reality it just makes him look like an dick; pathetic and a loser.

So today:  I'll walk Sami in a bit.  Jim and I will go on a bike ride (if he ever wakes up) and then I'll clean and Jim will mow the back yard.  We'll head to West Chester to see Mom and have dinner with her. 

Okay - that's all I've got.  I'd best head up and get Sami ready.  Later!

Things I Hate!

(I know, I know...a negative title.  I should keep a positive attitude but whatever...I have to go back to work!  Stink!)

1. Waking up at 4:30 when I don't have to be up until 5:15!
2. The first day back to work
3. Leaving my baby girl after a summer together!
4. Seeing the sadness in my baby girl's eyes because she knows I'm headed back to work
5. When my butter falls off my knife, just as I'm carrying the knife to the toast and it lands on the stovetop!
6. Gnats!
7. When Eva says that she hates that I have to work and won't be up at the Bay with them today!
8. While I appreciate the lunch that the high school is normally served on opening day, I hate where it is (where the ATP is held).  The parking sucks, standing in line for food sucks (40 deep).  Not sure if that's what's going on today but I'm crossing my fingers for a different venue.
9. I hate that I'm not headed to PIB with Maggie and Charlie (though Charlie probably isn't too upset at that)
10. I can't take my nice morning rides anymore (except for Saturdays and Sundays)

I'm sure there are many more things that I hate but I'll have to save those for another day.  Lets end on a good note!

Things I love:

1. Feeding Sami some of my toast in the morning - she just stares at me sweet as can be and when I give her a piece, she chews it as quickly as she can so she can gobble up the next piece.
2. I love that I finished the quilt I've been working on for 3 years!  I'll take a pic later...it's so big I'll need Jim to hold it for me.
3. I love this weather!  So cool and lovely!

Okay I guess I need to finish up here and head to work...BOO HOO! Thank God it's Fibay, however, so that I can cry my tears into my wine tonight!

Safe travels to the Egberts today!  Text/call when you get there (although I'm sure I'll hear from Maggie before then).  Later!

4:30! Really!?

I didn't roll out of bed until about 5:00 but still, I was awake at 4:30 and I call bullshit on that!  Granted, I have a meeting today but not until 10:00.  And yes, I plan on walking Sami here in a bit before going but 4:30!?  Makes me so mad.

My meeting is the union building rep meeting.  Should be interesting as we are headed into a negotiation year and there will certainly be some drama due to changes.  I should be out of there by noon and I plan on making a QUICK stop at school...check out the room, possibly get some scheduling issues taken care of...that probably won't happen but we'll try.

You know what makes me mad?  The fact that I have emailed the guidance secretary and the counselor for a specific kid three times about fixing a schedule and guess what?  Hasn't been taken care of.  I'm not quite sure what kind of shit is going on, but that's just RUDE!  And have I gotten a response even?  Nope!  I mean, I know the guidance department is busy with schedules right now, but the other counselor who's had to make changes managed to take care of business, no problem.  And I know it takes about 3 minutes to deal with this so what's the freakin' problem?  So aggravating. I try and make their job a little easier so that these people don't have to deal with parents and/or first day schedule changes. ARG!

Mom comes up from TN today.  Anne is taking Madison down to Clemson and my Mom is coming up to stay with Max.  She'll be here until Sunday or Monday.  Hoping for a dinner or two together.  Safe travels mom!

Why is it still so damn dark out?  I can't walk Sami in this!  I'd probably stumble upon a skunk or raccoon and get either sprayed or bitten and then I'd get rabies! 

Okay well, I guess that's all I've got.  Best mosey.  Later!

Easier Said Than Done



So sad about Robin Williams.  I can't imagine the debilitating feeling and place that depression puts a person.  Can I say, I hate the people who say, "If you're sad, call someone"?  If it were that "easy" suicide wouldn't be so prevalent in our society.  It's a deeper thing than that and what needs to be done is a better system of help for those who suffer.  Better therapy, more accessible treatments, better meds. 

Regardless though - I have long and funny memories of Robin Williams.  When VCRs first came out, my Dad, of course, got one and along with it came stacks of tapes on hand.  One of those was his Live and Uncensored performance.  I watched this countless times.  I remember one time we had it on during the Christmas holiday when my Grandmother happened to come in to watch.  After about 10 or 15 minutes of watching, she casually said, "He sure does like that fuck word a lot."  Hee hee.  And the best part was she didn't leave and she didn't seem offended...just an observation. 

I think of all the movies he was in that I've seen and seem to ALWAYS watch when they happen to cross my path on TV: Jumanji, Awakenings, Patch Adams, Mrs. Doubtfire, Dead Poets Society, Birdcage (Jim and I were just watching that the other day), and my ALL TIME FAVORITE: The World According to Garp.  I've probably seen that movie 17 times and it's one of those movies I wish I owned.

Well, I hope he's happy now and in NO pain...the rest of us will just have to muddle through without his sweet, hilarious, wickedly funny, energetic personality.

My Last Free Monday

I'm doing my best NOT to cry and stay in bed all day with the hope that tomorrow and tomorrow and tomorrow won't come.  I remember last year at this time, I was typing/thinking that summer really lasted a long time; it crept along. This year, I don't know why, but it FLEW!  I'm so sad.  I'm certainly not ready and I wish so badly that I just had 2 more weeks.  Not that I think we start too early - I much prefer starting when we do so that we're out by June 1st...I just don't want to start AT ALL.

I'll quit bitching now. 

So today, I'll do my normal Monday stuff (for the last time until next summer): Menu-making, grocery shopping.  Can I tell you how excited I am to return to weather that is more conducive to soups and stews?  There's only so many recipes that fit well with this hot weather and I'm sick of trying to figure out a way to change up my chicken marinade (or pork or fish).  Can't wait for chili weather!

Yesterday's bike ride was so nice.  We went just about 15.5 miles (my longest so far) and other than my ass KILLING ME by the end, it was terrific.  I really love biking on the trail and look forward to seeing it when the leaves start changing.  Oh, and as I seem to see some wildlife on all of my rides, yesterday was a sweet rabbit.  Although, he was almost a mushed rabbit because he thought it would be funny to hop across my path right as I rode by. BAD RABBIT!  After getting home, I then cut the front yard and thought I would die.  I'm telling you, every stitch of clothing I was wearing was soaked.  But at least it got done! 

Let's see...what else do I have going on?  Nothing.  Rain is moving out until this afternoon so I'll do my Sami walk and then eat breakfast before my grocery shop.  I want to get the front of the house sprayed (with bug killer) before the rain starts.  We have daddy long leggers and these other spiders all over the place and I'm just SICK of it. Plus, I'm hoping this will also be a preventative measure for the stink bugs that are sure to descend on us soon.  Stupid freakin' stink bugs!

Okay well, that's all I've got.  I think I'll get a move on.  Happy Monday...later!

Take Two

Jim replaced the bad tube on my bike and so in a bit, we'll head out.  He wants to ride to Lebanon but looking at that mileage, it's 10 miles each way.  I'm not sure I can make that.  Now, if we stop and have breakfast at the Breakfast Club, maybe...I'm just not sure I'm a "qualified" enough biker to handle 20 miles.  Quite the quandary. 

Went to Anne's yesterday for Madison's goodbye/birthday party. She's going to have such a great time at college. I just hope she remembers that this really is the time of her life and doesn't suffer too much with homesickness...I really don't think she's prepared for how much she's going to miss her mother.  I know Anne is going to struggle and she's somewhat prepared but I still think they're both going to struggle at first.  On the plus side, they will get to see each other every month except February so that's a bonus.

Lets see...I really have nothing more.  I think I'll head out now - a bit early - to walk Sami.  She didn't get her full 2 miles yesterday and deserves it.  Happy Sunday. Later!

Plans Foiled

Jimmy and I were all set to head to the trail for a nice ride to Lebanon this morning.  Unfortunately, when Jim went to check my tires and fill them, the valve popped out.  Kind of lucky it did because my tire could have blown while I was riding.  He's headed to Montgomery Cyclery to get new tubes and we'll try again tomorrow.  So - I rode my recumbent bike this morning and walked Sami. 

So I ordered the Starz channels on Time Warner today.  Why? Because Outlander (the book series that I've been reading for years) has become a series.  They had the premier available to preview, which I did, and liked it SO MUCH that I knew I had to watch the rest.  Bonus too:  Time Warner had the channels available with a $50 rebate!  Woot.  Most likely I'll cancel after the season ends but until then, I'll enjoy.  Can't wait for the series to continue! 

Plans today: Not sure. We have Madison's going away/birthday party at 4:30.  Jimmy didn't have to go in to work today (YAY!!!).  He's been working his ass off for the last week...7 days straight and about 10 hours most every day.  Good money but a tired husband.  His paycheck this week was fat and I'll be pricing carpet here soon. 

What else?  Nada.  Guess I better mosey.  Happy Saturday...later!

A Week From Today

Not to be a Debbie Downer...a Negative Nancy...but a week from today will be my LAST day of summer break.  It makes me so sad.  I think this day is worse for me than the day before.  And normally I've been to school by now to check things out or get my room together but I have no plans for that.  I do have a union meeting next Wednesday and maybe I'll pop in then but who knows.  I don't want to but maybe it would be easier on first day.  WAH! 

So Maggie and Eva will be here later this morning.  Eva told Maggie she planned on bringing LOTS of stuff!  When asked what kind of stuff, she just answered LOTS!  I like stuff! Maybe I'll have to keep some of that stuff! Not sure what exactly we'll do besides go to lunch at Shooters and dinner at Silver Spring House (not sure how I feel about THAT). Maybe Eva can play a bit outside while Maggie and I watch...with a beer?  I told Maggie to have Eva bring her bike and maybe the kids will be out and about for her to play with. 

Got Maggie's quilt all pieced together. Not sure when I'll get to the basting.  I also need to finish my own quilt that I started about 3 years ago.  The problem with that is it was started as a hand quilted project and I'd like to finish it with machine quilting.  It will probably look weird but I may just say - eff it. 

Okay well, I best get a move on...I slept a little late and need to do some things before M&E arrive.  Happy Thursday...later!

Pots & Pans!!!

Got my new set of Emeril cookware yesterday!!!  Love!!!  I knew it was out for delivery but by 5:00 it still wasn't here so I figured I wouldn't get the joy of cooking with it. However, around 6:00, Sami started barking and I knew - YIPPEE!!! - they had arrived.  I unpacked (and packed up some things I'll donate), washed and admired.  Very sturdy, slippery and cooked my beef last night like a dream.  (That sounds dirty!  Sorry!)

Plans today: I'll continue working on the quilt I'm doing for Maggie.  It is nearly all pieced together so after that, I'll just need to baste and then quilt.  I need to get some batting for it...may do that next week.  I will also need to clean if Maggie ends up coming down tomorrow.  That's still up in the air.  Originally she was coming down to spend the day with her friend Lynne but Lynne's granddaughter is in the hospital (finally on the mend) and that got nixed.  Not sure if Maggie will come down Thursday or what.

I never did my school work stuff - PSAT testing - so maybe I should get that complete.  Maybe if I put it off long enough it will go away.  Not likely.

There's a meeting next week (Wednesday) for union reps.  I thought about NOT going but considering the changes with our district and the fact that it's a negotiation year I don't think it's a good idea to skip.

Ooh, started a really good book yesterday:  The Witch's Daughter.  I've heard of this book and had it for a while but only just now started reading...already recommend. 

And that's about all I've got.  Best get a move on and walk my girl.  Happy hump day!  later!

$115 Million - Really!

I'm sorry but Andy Dalton has NOT shown the talent in the last year (at least) to justify such a hefty paycheck.  I like the guy, don't get me wrong, and I certainly want to be proven wrong but he just hasn't performed like that amount of money indicates.  Why 6-years?  Just another Mike Brown bad decision. I can't imagine that Cincinnati fans will be happy about this.

Today:  There are some things for school that I need to get done.  They've decided that 10th and 11th graders will take the PSAT this year (awesome!) which means that all those on my caseload will need to be registered for accommodations.  That should be a huge pain in my ass.  I mean really? My autistic student who can't tell time, can't tie his shoe and will certainly need individual testing...he needs to take the PSAT!?  BULL{cough}SHIT!  Sometimes education is so stupid.  Do you know how much money a district must have to dole out to have this test administered?  Schools have become so test happy it is so disruptive and NOT a reflection for so many (not just sped kids). UGH!

I will walk Sami here in a bit and then eat breakfast and then mow the back yard.  Not in the mood to mow but it's gotten a little out of hand and with Jim working like a maniac lately, I'm the Hanke landscaper.  Good exercise, however.  I probably won't mow the front...not really needed yet.  I need to spray the yard with bug killer but Jim will have to do that.

Okay - well, I'd best get a move on. Happy Tuesday.  Later!

A Lost Viewer

So I was sitting there watching channel 9, WCPO, this morning and realized, "Where's my weatherman friend, Larry Hanley?!"  So I looked it up and can you believe that they didn't renew his contract after 15 years of service and he's gone!?  I am so pissed. He was THE reason I watched channel 9.  A hometown boy as well. Needless to say, I'm out...I will no longer watch channel 9 and I emailed the director to let him know.  Not that he'll care but I would imagine that a LOT of viewers opted out on the news of Larry's dismissal. 

In other news - the crib quilt that I started a couple weeks ago?  I quilted the WHOLE thing yesterday on my machine.  And I did it by noon.  It was amazing!  Today I'll sew the borders and then wash it and VOILA...DONE!  I used this project to practice my machine quilting and it really looks pretty good. From here, I'll complete Maggie's quilt and then work on the quilt that Aunt Kathleen sent me (forever ago).  The issue with that quilt is it was originally done with ties and so I'll have to remove those and re-baste and then quilt...but with my machine, it shouldn't take too long and should be pretty easy.  Maybe by Christmas I can get it back to her?  The crib quilt I made, I believe, will go to my new neighbor who is pregnant with a boy.  That's not a weird "welcome" gift is it?  I mean, I know she likes wine and normally I might bring over a nice bottle but again, she's pregnant.  Cookies instead? 

So Jim's off to work already.  He had to be in at 7:00 this morning.  He's hoping things slow down by Wednesday.  So far, he's got about 20 hours of overtime...woot.  I'll be pricing carpet as soon as I can.  Not sure if he'll be late tonight but for his sake, I hope not. He's exhausted.

Okay well, I best get a move on.  I plan on walking Sami and then going to the trail to take a little bike ride.  I won't do the 12 miles today, probably just 9 but that's pretty good.  K - best mosey. Later!

Quilts, New Neighbors & School Stuff

As you can see, I completed Eva's duvet yesterday.  You can see that the top is folded over to show the flannel purple back side.  I'm pretty happy with it.  I asked Jim, "What you think?  Does it look stupid?"  Jim: "No!  It's smart!  It has owls on it!"  Always helpful Jim, thanks!  I had a couple snafus yesterday because the backing, a full-sized sheet, was way smaller than my top piece. I ended up just folding the top over and sewing from there. It matches the measurements that Maggie gave me for her quilt so that's good.  Sewing the snaps was a pain in the ass too.  I'm now onto the baby blanket/quilt I pieced together a couple weeks ago.  Bonus too that the new neighbor is having a boy.  I may give that to her as a "house warming thingy".

Speaking of the neighbors, I got to talk to them for a good while last night.  Turns out he's a fire fighter and she's a nurse. She's due January 1st and loves to drink wine.  I felt bad for glug, glug, glugging right in her face (not really).  They both seem very nice and will hopefully be a good fit.  They had friends over who brought their kids and they had no problem playing and fitting in with the kids in the neighborhood.  These friends are actually looking for a home as well and are thinking/looking at the dirtsters house as a possible buy.  Who knows...would be nice...we need a good family to take that house. 

School stuff:  Got an email from the new sped coordinator for my school.  Nothing major there but they are switching our IEP writing program.  UGH!  Not that it will be that bad but it's always a pain in the ass to have to learn a new system.  I mean, I'm still trying to figure out Google.

Plans today:  Jim is off to work again here in a bit.  He worked for about 12 hours yesterday.  He doesn't know how long he'll have to work today...poor guy.  I told him to pick any meal he wanted for tonight.  I knew he's choose steak...which he did, so we'll have the ribeyes with blue cheese onion sauce.  YUMMY.  Crack potatoes and probably green beans...or brussel sprouts.  I will walk Sami here in a bit, go to the store (need steaks and blue cheese) and then start on my quilt.  This will be my first adventure with machine quilting so wish me luck. 

K - well that's all I've got.  Best mosey.  Happy Sunday!  Later!

A Saturday Alone

Jim just left for work and will be there all day (bummer for Jimmy but bonus for the bank account).  So what are my plans for the day?  Well, I think with the rain coming, I'll work on my sewing - Eva's duvet, mainly.  Maggie picked out a deep, eggplant purple and I washed it yesterday so I'll trim and then sew.  Hopefully I won't eff it up.  After that, all I need to do is attach the snaps.  When Maggie and Eva come on Thursday, I can present it to them.  I hope it doesn't suck. 

I may also do some cleaning.  Woot.

Had a great time in Columbus.  Eva was cute, as usual and I hated to leave.  Thankfully, I'll see her next week.  However, our time together, these impromptu jaunts north are numbered.  Can you believe I have to report back to school, in two weeks (minus a day)?!  So bummed!  This summer really flew by. 

Sami is walked and tuckered.  We got to see two dogs today.  And a bunny.  Oh, and I saw a kitty but thankfully Sami didn't.  She acts like a rabid Tasmanian devil when she spots a cat...I think if she ever caught one she'd either A) tear it to bits or B) get torn to bits.  Hopefully we'll never find out. 

K - well, I'm out...a little Today show and then cleaning.  Later!

Vanilla Ice Cream

Just wanted to put this on so I could then pin it.

1 1/2 c. Whole milk
1 1/8 c sugar
3 c. Heavy cream
1 1/2 T. Vanilla

Combine sugar and whole milk in bowl mix w/ electric mixer until sugar is dissolved.  Site in cream and vanilla.

Turn on machine with bowl in it and pour mixture in. Allow to turn for 25 minutes. Put ice cream into air tight container and freeze until set.

It Must Be Wednesday...Noon

He sounds like a rooster.  Bussie does this during the siren testing.  Hee hee.  He's so little and funny.  Mikey used to do that and he would get Zeke and Bubba started and the whole trio would cause quite the ruckus. 



Okay - so I'm up way too early because I'm headed up to Columbus.  I need to walk Sami before I go so I thought I'd better get a move on.  Hopefully I'll be on the road by about 8:00...there by about 9:30 mimosa in hand as I walk in the door. 

Speaking of Sami...she had a tough night last night.  Why couldn't the assholes behind us move?  They started setting off fireworks last night that sounded like mortar shells.  Sami was terrified.  Jim ended up calling 911 about it and as he was on the phone, they set one off.  We don't have an address for these redneck losers so I don't know what the cops could have done or if they even showed.  They didn't come to our house.  Makes me so mad though.  I mean, what's the excitement in setting big booming fireworks that don't light up?  I hope those effers damage their eardrums!

Okay well that's all I've got.  Today Maggie and I will hang at the pool (hopefully it will be nice) and then we'll go shopping for the backing of Eva's duvet tomorrow.  Oh!  I forgot!  I ended up buying a new set of cookware yesterday.  Emeril 10-piece from QVC.  I've been looking to do this for a while now and saw it featured yesterday.  Oven safe! Normally about $250 and on sale for $119.  Not bad!  I'm excited.

Okay, now I'm out. Later!

Slow Start

I was up late because I was illin'...hate that.  This meant that I slept in a bit and am now slow to get moving.  Sami's mean muggin' me.  I keep telling her we'll go but she just doesn't trust me.  Like I ever screw her over unless weather prevents.  So untrustworthy.

In school news (I can't believe I just typed that): I got all the schedules done yesterday and put the kids into the master schedule.  My classes are pretty balanced but Lisa has a 4th period study hall with 12 kids in it and then another period where there's 1.  This is the same shituation with the new guy and Lil.  Lil's shituation, however, can't be helped because once again, they've only given her 1 study hall.  This goes directly against what we decided at our professional development meetings in deciding kid placement.  She was only supposed to be team teaching in one English 9 class but whatever...doesn't affect me (better not). 

For my own caseload, I had 2 issues and so fixed the one myself and called a parent to figure out the other issue.  We'll see how that plays out as I'm still waiting to hear from that parent for a decision.  It is my autistic senior. 

And that's about all I've got.  Today I'll just hang at home and maybe do some sewing.  I had thought about going over to my former neighbors pool but she forgot that it's their house closing today and I'm not feeling quite right.  We'll do it another day.  Oh, and I guess I should get my shit together for tomorrow as I'm headed up to Columbus.  I'll leave early Thursday and come home in the afternoon Friday.  Maggie and I plan on hanging at the pool and then doing some fabric shopping Friday so I can finish up Eva's duvet. 

K - well, I'd best get it together...Sami's giving me sad, poor-pitiful-me looks.  Can you say spoiled?  Later!

Random Thoughts!

First of all - someone needs to tell Priscilla Presley to cut the botox. A few wrinkles, a crease here or there looks NORMAL for a 69 year old! 

Second:  Did anyone see the water balloon dude on the Today show!?  He invented a set of balloons that you blow up all together (about 2 dozen at a time) and they tie themselves. Ingenious!  Who says Americans are behind other countries in smarts!?  I know when I've been in water balloon fights, I can't get all that time back that it takes to blow up my missiles!  It's a game changer!

So my neighbors are completely out.  They did their final clean yesterday and pulled away for the final time around 5:00.  Jim was specifically told not to come get me because Brandi was getting emotional but of course he did.  Of course we both started tearing up at that point.  As they pulled away, our other neighbor started running after their car yelling "I can't believe this is happening".  Hilarious.  Of course we'll see them again...they're planning on having us over on Saturday and Brandi and I will get together at her new neighborhood pool...they're only a couple miles away.

So yesterday, I saw that I had an email from FW who needed information about sophomores on caseloads.  This meant that it was time for me to begin the "back to school" process.  I managed to get FW her needed info; I put together the master schedule; got all freshmen done and put into the master schedule as well.  The new guy is going to be screwed.  So far, he has about 9 kids in his 7th period class (study hall) and 1 in his 5th.  I can't figure out what he'll be doing throughout his day other than his study halls...weird...maybe co-teaching. 

Today I'll try and finish up my schedules and continue putting students into the master schedule.  I see a lot of issues with kids grouped into one class (Biology for instance) but nothing major so far.  Although one student was put into two English classes and one freshman is scheduled into Alg. II A/B (this is a junior class).  Not sure what's up with that.  Maybe a computer glitch.  I may email FW regarding. 

Well, I slept rather late so I need to get my shit together.  It's rather chilly out so I'll have to bundle up to walk Sami.  Not complaining by the way.  Happy Tuesday! 

Rainy Days and Sundays Always Get Me Down

I know it should be "Mondays" but since it isn't Monday, I had to switch her up! 

By the way...sorry I've been a bit of a slacker in the posting arena...out of town and then just not feeling it.  I'll try and get back into my daily routine today...tomorrow. 

Had a great time at PIB.  We had great weather...lots of hanging out and playing with J.J. and Eva.  Went to the pool, the baseball field, putt putt, jet skiing.  Ate at all the good places (Frosty's for breakfast and pizza; Reel Bar, Dairy Isle).  Hopefully all will go according to plan for August and our weekend up there...just depends if A) Jim can get off on Friday and B) Diane can keep an eye on the baby (Jim will ask his boss during the first week of August and I'll ask Diane - now - as well...weekend of the 22nd).

Last night was fun...we had a "goodbye" cookout for Brandi and Matt who are moving their final belongings from their house next door.  The final walk through for the new people is Tuesday and they close on Wednesday.  I'd assume the move in for the new people will happen Wednesday...or Thursday. 

Plans for today:  It is quite rainy and there is a threat for severe weather but I'm keeping my fingers crossed that no major winds hit.  I've already warned Jimmy to move his car as close to the garage as possible since the tree he parks under keeps dropping large limbs. We will certainly be taking that motha down here soon.  Other than that, I'll probably do some sewing and quilting.  I need to do some practicing on free motion sewing with my machine so that I don't eff my projects up. 

Okay well, Jim and I need to do some cleaning...happy Sunday.  Later!

Sunday PIB Eve

I forgot to post this morning.  Didn't really have time though because I had to get Sami walked and then head to the trail for a bike ride.  We went just over 12 miles and until I get a cushy new bike seat, I think that's about my limit.  I felt great except for my butt at the end.  You'd think as sore as my arse was, it was bony or something...and we all know I don't have a bony butt! 

After the ride, Jim and I had lunch and then I packed.  I'm ready to head up to Columbus, which I will do in about a 1/2 hour or so.

Maggie and I plan on hitting the road tomorrow around 8 or 9...I can't wait to get there!  The weather in PIB looks good with the exception of Wednesday but what they report and what actually happens is always a crapshoot.  Who cares though...it will be fun regardless.

Update on the Dirtster house:  Jim saw Jane (who lives next to the Dirtster house) at Kroger.  She went over to the house the other day while all the clean up was happening and they told her they are putting it up for sale.  Not sure of the extent of what they'll do to the place before putting it on the market but so far they've gutted it.  Jane said the smell, just standing outside of the house was unbelievable.  I can only imagine.  Excited for more new neighbors...hopefully we'll get some more fun people.

Speaking of...Brandi and Matt (our next door neighbors who are moving) have been moving stuff out all weekend.  They had a new mattress delivered to the new place yesterday so from this point on, they'll be sleeping at the new place.  Sayonara I guess.  Sad to see them go but hopefully the newbies will be winners. 

Okay well, that's all I've got.  Best call Maggie and let her know I'll be heading out and up in a bit.  Later and I'll be posting on FB for the remainder of the week (until Saturday or so).

It Came!

There I was, lounging in my bathtub, reading Insurgent (#2 in the Divergent series) when I heard the tell-tale sounds of the mail truck. And then I heard it stop and cut its engine.  So I popped up, grabbed my towel and then nearly fell on my ass from the slippery floor and the head rush/dizziness from the heat.  I really wanted to make sure that the mail carrier would leave my sewing machine without a signature.  She did.  I dried off, got dressed and headed down to get my present. 

Let me just say that my new Singer is awesome.  I was able to thread it easily - BONUS!  Loading up the bobbin was simple.  The automatic thread cutter is terrific.  Switching feet takes two moves.  The extended table for large projects is superb.  I've done only a little experimenting with the different stitches but I plan to do more today.  I want to really get a feel for the decorative stitches and figure out how to work the computer on it.  Oh and by the way - I dreamt of it last night.  Can't wait to have fun with it today.  Kind of glad that it isn't going to be very nice today.

How pissed am I to see all these back to school commercials!?  This summer is going by way too fast.  I fear that once I get back from PIB, before I know it...ARG!

In neighbor news (the Dirtster house I told you about yesterday):  There were several cars, people and a large work truck with trailer on it when I arrived home from the store yesterday.  As the morning progressed, a large Rumpke dumpster was delivered...probably around 11:00.  By 1:00, it was completely full (I kid you not) and there was a SECOND dumpster delivered.  CRAZY!  My take is that they are gutting the whole house.  I can't imagine they would be doing this for any other reason then to sell it but there's no telling. 

K - well, I'm going to go walk Sami, make breakfast and pour a mimosa.  Yum!  Hitting the road to Columbus at some point tomorrow (PIB Monday).  Happy Saturday.  Later!

I Hope...

I have no idea when my sewing machine will get here but it is in transit and was shipped from Plainfield, IN.  This is a place just west of Indianapolis so I'm hoping it will be delivered today...should be today...I was told it would be today. I got my fabric in the mail yesterday so I'll be able to complete the top of Maggie's duvet.  I can't wait to try out all the different 600 stitches that it can make!  I'm sure I won't necessarily try ALL 600...today...but I'll certainly try a bunch out.  Like the quilting stitches of which there are about 71.  Everything from flowers to boats to dogs.  The lettering is amazing...I could even write in Greek or Russian!  I'm sure all will be happy when I get this machine so I stop talking about it, huh?

Other plans today:  I'll do a grocery shop today so that Jimmy will have food for next week while I'm in PIB.  I'll make him some breakfast burritos as well.  I'll walk Sami, of course.  I'll do a clean and maybe lay out if my sewing machine doesn't get here until later in the day. 

Interesting goings-on in the Dirtsters house up the street.  Background info:  Three houses up from us is a house that was sold about 8 years ago from an older couple who moved to Mobile, AL.  The house was for sale forever because of the economy.  It finally sold but was a "lease to buy" thing.  The "family" that moved in was, to say the least, wack-a-doo.  There was originally two "ladies", an older man (with no teeth...he only came out of the house to collect the mail and would gather it in bare feed and shorts at all times of the year...even the snow) and a younger guy.  Rarely were they ever seen, although the "ladies" showed up one Halloween get-together we had.  They wore no costumes but somehow still scared the shit out of us all.  Not sure if they were sisters or lovers (which is fine)...they sort of looked alike but who knows.  The ladies smoked those cigarillos (Swisher Sweets) and let me tell you, when their garbage was out, the smell was unbelievable.  At one point in their about 5 years living in the house, they started collecting shit and just putting it in their driveway.  Things like a workout bench, a broken entertainment unit, planters, chairs.  That was cleaned up pretty quickly when the neighbor across the street called and reported them.  They used to stick twigs in the ground (limbs that seemed to have just broken off from nearby trees) as though they would grow.  At one point they had a pack of dogs that they let just wander the neighborhood.  I'm pretty sure the same neighbor across from them had the SPCA come out and take them.  Needless to say, these were not "Roth Ridge" quality people.

Several months ago, I noticed a U-Haul truck at their house.  Immediately I got excited, thinking they may be moving.  Indeed they did.  Apparently they skipped out, covertly, leaving the owners high and dry.  (Turns out the woman that bought the house, bought it to help these distant family members out with the understanding that they would make the mortgage payments.) Jim found out the story surrounding this house by tracking down the owners and calling them (not knowing if they were aware of the people hightailing it out of there).  He also managed to get inside the house and said the place was basically destroyed.  There was mold waist high on the walls in some places.  Sad as it is really a nice home. 

Well, over the next few days, someone - well three people - have been over there cleaning things up.  They've done a ton in the yard: weeding, cutting down overgrowth, mowing etc.  They've also been hauling the crap out of the garage (of which is up to the ceiling).  There are dozens of bags of garbage in the breezeway as well. I can only hope that this means they plan on putting the place up for sale (please Jesus!).  I can't imagine they could get much for it (unless they gut it and rehab it) but it's a house that deserves a nice family.  Fingers crossed.

Okay well, I'm hungry and Sami is ready.  TGIF!  Thank God It's Fibay!  Later!

Shipped!

So excited!!!  My sewing machine has shipped and should be here tomorrow!  YAY! YIPPEE! YAHOO!  Guess we all know what I'll be doing all weekend!

In other news - did anyone else see the new robot Asimo out by Honda?  It kind of gives me the willies.  The way it runs is so sneaky and weird. 

Loving this weather!  The current temperature is: 54°!!!  Love that! Kind of cold even.  Sami was very cuddly last night.  Should be a beautiful day today...high of about 79°.  I'm thinking about going for a bike ride...we'll see.

In other news...ooh, it's Green Bean Delivery day!  Getting lots of goodies...tomatoes, potatoes, corn, broccoli, brussel sprouts, squash, shallots and some fruit. Getting pears today...haven't gotten those before.  Just like Christmas.  Can't wait for the real Christmas!  I love Christmas! 

They keep saying "doodie" on the Today Show...of course they really mean "duty" but that's not where my mind goes. 

Okay well, I think I'll go get my clothes on (sorry for that image in your head) and get Sami walked.  She's all itchy lately...that time of year again.  She gets flea medicine and I've inspected her...not sure why she's all wiggly and scratchy.  Maybe I should give her another bath.  I'll wait until it warms up again.

Happy Thursday!  Later!

Tired...Jim's Fault

Jim went out to dinner with his brother last night and didn't get home until almost midnight.  I didn't expect him to stay out that late (not that I care) and so couldn't sleep.  This has left me a little deprived (depraved).  Doesn't really matter, however, because other than driving up to Columbus, I have nothing else to do.  Although, I'll have to be alert and aware so that I can be a momma to Maggie's baby.  Hee hee.

In other news - there was apparently a snake in my garage. Jim said he got home last night and was lingering and he looked down and thought, "why is there a rope on the ground?"  He managed to get it out but I was not happy to hear about this.  Why did he even tell me?  And by the way!  It's his fault it was in there (isn't everything his fault?).  I mean realistically, it's God's fault but he's not here to reprimand (wait a minute...isn't God everywhere) so Jim gets the brunt.  He left the garage door open ALL DAY LONG Sunday...you know...so he could move shit from one side of the thing to the other...so I'm sure it came in then. UGH!  I need to put up a sign (NO SNAKES ALLOWED) so these motha's know they aren't welcome! 

Okay well...Oh, great!  One of the newscasters on channel 9 just said, "Ex-cetera"!  WTF!? 

K - time to get my shit together.  I hope to be on the road around 8:30.  Need to eat, walk Sami and shower.  Best mosey.  Later!  Pics to come...maybe. 

Rainy Monday

Sami's bummed with all this rain.  She wants to go on her walk! She keeps looking at me then looking outside then looking at me the sticking her bottom lip out.  I keep telling her a bird is going to land on her lip but she just keeps it up.  Hopefully the rain will let up and we'll head out a bit later but until then, what are my plans?  Well, I'll go to the grocery in a bit...do my weekly shop and after that, I've got nothing.  I'll probably do a bit of sewing...maybe some cutting (squares for quilts). I'm so excited for my new machine to get here.  I may even be able to do applique and fancy stitching and all kinds of stuff.  YAY!

Tomorrow looks to be the better day compared to Wednesday I think I'll head to Columbus Tuesday. I'll just go up for one day...come home Wednesday morning...hopefully catch a few rays...hang with Eva and Maggie. 

And that's about all I've got.  Happy Monday to all.  Guess I'll head out and get my errands done.  Harry Potter Deathly Hallows 1 and 2 are on today so I think we'll know what I'll be watching all day!  Later!

OH BOY OH BOY OH BOY!!!

I'm so excited.  Why?  Because I just purchased a new sewing machine.  This thing is amazing! I don't know how well you can see but in the second picture - look at all the different stitches this thing can do!  It embroiders and should be quite efficient for my quilting! It comes with 18 different feet!  It was slightly expensive but I figure it will be worth every penny! Actually, it normally retails for $700 but Amazon had it for just over $300...not bad. How am I going to wait 2-3 days before it gets here?  ARG! 

In other news...um...I've got nothing!  It's Sunday and will possibly/hopefully rain today.  I think I'll head to Columbus for a day on Tuesday...to hang with Maggie and Eva in the pool.  I'll keep an eye on the weather to see if Tuesday will be the day. 

And that's about all I've got.  Sami has been walked and breakfast has been consumed so now I think I'll just relax and watch CBS Sunday Morning.  Ooh, a Jason Mraz piece is coming up.  Awesome!  Later...happy Sunday!

UPDATE:  Got this photo from Maggie...how cute is that little underbiting bulldog!? By the way - I don't think I mentioned how good he was when we were there over the July 4th weekend.  He was so cuddly and happy and NOT annoying.  He's really growing up and showing visitors that he's turned into a sweet love!

So Much Fun

The Ladies

I had so much fun last night...just a reminder that I need to get downtown and hang with my friends in that part of the city more often. Good thing is that this "Girls night out" is now a planned event for the first Friday of every month and those who can make it can and those who can't come next time (hopefully).


Terri and Muir

So, first I headed down around 4:15 to meet with Terri at her house so she could drive. I ended up driving to her place myself instead of having Jimmy do it...thought I'd give Jimmy a break. I figured I could have a drink or two and then drink water and be fine to drive home and if I wasn't, I could still call Jim for a ride. Terri and I (and a friend named Lisa) went from Terri's and met the rest of the ladies at the rooftop bar (21C Rooftop bar).  So cool...I'd never been there and didn't even know it existed...not sure how anyone else does either as it's down an alley...very covert.  Such beautiful views.  Couches for all seating and awnings...awesome.

From there we walked to Fountain Square where Via Vite is.  Terri and I shared an entrée (whole roasted chicken with caramelized brussel sprouts and an antipasti - pork belly with caramelized brussel sprouts). It was all so delicious and lovely.  We then headed to Nicholson's because a friend of many of the ladies was playing (Paul Otten).  A drink there, some dancing, laughing and it was time to go home.  I was in bed by 12:30ish but not ready for sleep so I was probably asleep around 2:00.  Of course I still woke up at 7:30.  Oh well, who cares...it's Saturday.

Plans today:  Sami is walked and we're all fed.  Jimmy will clean upstairs and then I think he and I will head to Shooter's.  It's been a while and Jimmy deserves a treat.  From there...who knows.  May just have to be a lazy day. 

K - well, I'm out.  Happy Saturday to all. 

Girls Night Out

Metropole

YAY!  It's Friday.  Not that it matters...every day could be Friday for me.  Although, actually, no...I'd rather every day be Saturday because then Jimmy wouldn't be working.  Well, no...then I'd get sick of him always being around (he'd get sick of me too). 

Anyway - tonight is girls night out.  I'll be heading downtown to meet up with Terri and some other ladies (not sure who exactly will be joining) first at the Metropole - a rooftop bar downtown, near the Aronoff and then to Nada for dinner.  Can't wait.  It's been way too long since I've seen these ladies and I always have a good time.  Originally I wasn't going to go because I'm a loser when it comes to downtown but I'll have Jimmy drive me to Terri's and she'll drive us down there.  Jim will then pick me up after dinner.  He's a good boy, huh? I didn't even have to ask him to do this...he just offered.

Today I'll just be running some errands and then coming


Nada

home to chill with Sami.  I may lay out for a bit...who knows.  Pretty exciting, huh? 

Okay well, I best mosey...run my errands so I can get back home to do nothing.  Later!  Happy Friday!

 

Productive

Yesterday was quite the productive day for me:  I mowed the lawn, front and back (I was feeling it so thought I'd give Jimmy a break but that just means he has to clean the house Saturday) met the new neighbors (they were next door for their inspection) and nearly completed the top for a new baby/crib quilt (at left).  I had all these remnants of blue and thought, hmm...what can I make?  Voila!  Anyone know a mother of a boy who could use that?  I need to figure out the backing for it and buy a new sewing machine that does easy machine quilting...shouldn't take me too terribly long. These types of quilts are easy, easy, easy (squares with very few cuts)...I could do a million of these.

Today is supposed to be beautiful.  I'll walk Sami here in a bit and then maybe I'll take a bike ride.  Even though I'm going to make Jimmy clean on Saturday, I need to do a quick vacuum because these stupid helicopters are DRIVING ME CRAZY!!!

So Friday, some friends of mine are doing their monthly girls night out.  I missed the first one because I was out of town.  And of course, Friday they chose two places (drinks at one and dinner at another) that are downtown.  I don't drive downtown because I'm directionally challenged there.  Seriously: I've been going downtown for years but I never do it alone because I can never figure out where I'm going or how to get there.  Now, normally I'm not such a "kitty" about going places but downtown is different for me.  I emailed and asked them to chose a non-downtown place next time. 

Okay well, Sami is ready to go...I slept a little late and she didn't so...happy Thursday.  Ooh!!! Today is Green Bean Delivery day!  YAY!!!  Later!

Duvet Making

At the butterfly show

I got a ton done with my duvet cover yesterday.  I cut all the fabric and sewed 4 1/2 of the 6 rows. The only reason I didn't finish the top was I didn't have enough of the owl material.  I knew when I bought the material, there wouldn't be enough of the owls but what can you do?  I'll most likely head to a different Joann Fabric today, get the owls and then finish the top.  Maggie stated she would like the backing to be flannel so I'll look for a solid colored top sheet for that.  It's hard, however, to find solid colored flannel sheets, especially in the summer.  We'll see.
In other news...nothing.  Nothing exciting is happening.  I need to mow the yard...I'll try to get to the front today and make Jim do the back tonight.  I've had to do the lawn for the last 3 mows and although I actually like to mow, it's too much to do in one day and the back is way too long.  Plus, Jim needs to do some things around the house...he's been quite the slacker of late. 

Swimming with Muwee

Got an email survey from our new principal yesterday.  I'm sure it's tough to try and plan for a new year when you basically know no one so he sent one out to try and "get to know" the staff.  Most of the questions had to do with cooperation between teachers, planning and  parent involvement.  No biggie.  Should be an interesting year.

And that's all I've got. A couple pics of my girl. 

Home Again (For Now)

Home again.  We had so much fun at Maggie and Charlie's.  Thursday, we went to the Turner building in downtown Columbus to watch the fireworks.  They were great.  Traffic was nuts on the way home but no matter...it was worth it.  Friday, we hung out all day in the pool, drank, ate, played with Eva.  Saturday was more of the same.  I had so much fun with Eva and it was hard to say goodbye.  BUT!!!  I'll see her in a couple weeks when I go up on my way to PIB.  Can't wait. 

Funny story - when I got home from Columbus, some stories of the antics that the ladies in my neighborhood got up to while I was gone started trickling in.  They had gone out on Thursday night for drinks, dinner and then returned to the circle to hang.  I had been invited but obviously had to decline since I was out of town.  Apparently when the got home they went "hot tubbing" next door.  Upon seeing my bedroom light on with the TV going (Diane, my awesome friend and house sitter)  they thought I had lied and was really home.  From that point, they started throwing mulch at the window and calling obscene things up to me.  Poor Diane.  I don't know that she even heard any of this since she didn't mention it but the ladies here said they were rather loud.  Considering how drunk they supposedly were, I can only imagine.  Hee hee...hope I still have a house/Sami sitter.

Today's plans: I've walked Sami and had breakfast.  My neighbor Brandi and I might go walking around 10 AM if she has a babysitter...she'll text me.  Speaking of Brandi, she and her husband sold their house.  The couple, we think, is young with no kids (yet).  If it's who we found through Google, they look to be  28 and 32, married for 2 years, he's a financial advisor.  We'll see.  They better not be duds, that's all I have to say.

Okay, well, I need to do some menu planning and some research online for Maggie's duvet cover that I'm making for Eva.  The fabric will be the owls shown and I'll probably do it in large blocks on the front with accent colors of teal and lavender. The back will be a solid color, maybe the citron if I can find something.  We'll see.  I've never done a duvet so this could be interesting. 

K - I'm out...later!

ME-HAAAA!!!

I mean, could she get any cuter!?  I love that her lasso is a stethoscope!  I'm guessing Bussie is her bucking bronco (or f%&king bronco...not sure).

In other news, I got a mouse (not the rodent kind, the computer kind) and she works like a charm!  YAY!

In other other news - I've got Sami walked; I did a little recumbent bike earlier; headed to Meijer and am home.  I'll eat lunch in a bit and then do some packing, maybe some laying out, maybe some sewing.

And that's it.  Jim and I head to Columbus tomorrow.  He'll work a half day and we'll be on the road, hopefully by 2PM.  Home Sunday.  Can't wait and I'll take lots of pictures.  Later!

Computer Issues

My touch pad on my laptop is all kinds of crazy.  It's clicking and moving without my authorization!  Dumb ass touch pad.  I'll have to check my stuff from my purchase to see if I have coverage/warranty.  My computer isn't even two years old and I think I have a 2 year warranty from Costco but we'll see.  If that isn't the case, I'll try and buy a mouse and see if that fixes the problem.

In other news - I dreamt of Zekey last night.  He was running around the backyard with a black puppy pug or French bulldog.  He was having so much fun, darting back and forth, butt in the air, ready to pounce while the puppy ran in circles...exactly what he used to do.  I hope my dream was a glimpse of what he's been doing up in heaven.  Love and miss that boy.

Today I'll just be cleaning, I think.  I decided to put my cleaning off yesterday because I wanted to get other stuff done and I ran out of gumption. I'll do major cleaning here after my walk with Sami.  I'll take a break from bike riding...don't want to overdo it and I don't want to run into another wacked out raccoon.  Seriously, I had a baby raccoon mean mug me yesterday on the trail.  I'm pretty sure that thing was rabid.  It was just at the side of the trail and as I rode by - each way - it just stopped, and in slow motion, watched me ride by sort of squinting (and shooting laser beams out of its eyes?).  It was scary.  There were several dogs on the trail being walked yesterday...I hope they either scared it so that it ran off or I hope they ignored that mangy thing.

Okay - well, that's all I've got.  Best mosey so a certain mutt doesn't start mean mugging me. Happy...uh, Tuesday - Happy Tuesday!  Later!