OMG!!!  Eva is such a drama queen!  I love to watch her sway to the music.  Love her closed eyes! Nothing like a Lady and the Tramp song to get your "sway" on!  (BTW, Maggie - I thought you said you were sending me two videos?)


In school news - my first IEP of the year is this morning, 7:30.  No biggie...my senior autistic student, Linguini.  I've got the IEP written and I sent a draft to the parent so there won't be much to say.  I am annoyed, however, with FW.  She's been quite the ass-kissing slacker of late.  I think with all her brown-nosing of the new sped coordinator and new principal, she hasn't been able to focus on her real job.  She loves to mention all the dozens of meetings she has to go to (as though that makes her important) but I'm not sure anything she's meeting about is worthwhile...just a waste of time. I asked her about a month ago to send me information that she and the new sped coordinator were gathering about programs available to sped students who don't take their diploma after their senior year.  Apparently she sent me an email and I was supposed to call the sped coordinator to discuss.  The problem with this was, her email was basically spam, having nothing to do with my request and gave no explanation as to why I was getting it.  Do you know how many worthless pieces of email trash I get about this meeting or that meeting or this program or that program?  Oh, whoops, she never told me to call the sped coordinator.  So, two days before my meeting, I'm trying to get this information and the sped coordinator is TRES busy and though she said she'd call or come by to talk, she hasn't.  Guess I'll just tell the parent that FW is slacking and I'll gather the information and get it to her later.  ANNOYING!

Jim goes to the doctor today.  I look forward to hearing how that goes.  I'm sure he'll get his stitches out but based on the looks of the incision, I wonder if he'll have something done to it to make up for the weird gap.  We'll see.  I'm about sick of this whole thing!  I need my boy to cut the grass and get off his ass.  Although, that being said, he did vacuum and clean a bit yesterday so that's good.  Not Jim's fault he can't do much, I know.  I don't blame him.

And that's about all I've got.  Oh, except I finished Maggie's scarf.  This is it just before I completed...you get the idea.  I still need to bind the ends together but that will only take about 10 minutes. 

K - I'm out.  Best mosey to school and get everything set up for my meeting.  Later!

Post Oktoberfest Post

This weekend was a bit busy as Maggie and Charlie were in town and there was a lot of driving back and forth between home and Raeburn.

First - Saturday - Jim and I headed down to Raeburn in the morning so that I could go to Oktoberfest with Maggie, Charlie and Eva (Jim went back home as he wasn't quite up to a crowd that large). We headed downtown around 11:00 and stayed for a couple hours. It was PACKED and I can't imagine having been there later than we were considering the crowds pouring in as we were headed home.

After getting back to Raeburn, Maggie put Eva down and she and I hung out on the deck for a bit until Jimmy got there around 3:30.  We then just sat around, had some cocktails, talked and eventually got pizza.  Jim and I came home, our neighbor was having a fire in her fire pit so we went for a short while and then it was bed. 

Yesterday we got up and headed to Raeburn for breakfast.  From there, home and football.  Yesterday was a nice lazy day.  I managed to finish one scarf and have about a half hour to finish Maggie's. Woot!  I also sandwiched Maggie's quilt and will hopefully sew that this weekend. 

In Jim news: Friday, I had to leave work early because Jim's drain was giving him fits.  We went down to UC around 11:30 and eventually he had the drain removed. It wasn't working right, sucking air. This was such a relief for Jimmy and he was finally able to sleep...the first real sleep since Tuesday.  His incision is still sort of bleeding but it's really just sort of an oozing and Dad said it's normal considering how vascular this tissue is.  Whatever, I wish it would stop.  He goes in tomorrow and I look forward to hearing what the doc says.

Okay well, I best mosey.  I have a lot to do today.  Two IEPs this week...need to get the second one tweaked and printed.  K - Happy Monday!  WHO DEY!  Later!

Friday!

Happy Anniversary to Jimmy and Me! Fifteen years ago today, Jim stole my tissues during a major allergy attack and I was forced to give him my phone number to get them back.  It's a wonder I ever went out with him!  And considering the snotty mess I was on the day we met, it's a wonder he wanted to go out with me.  Ah...the power of a draft beer buzz! 

Speaking of Jimmy...I know I'm sick of his damn drain...I can't imagine how over it he is.  When I got home yesterday, Jim was in the shower.  After he got out, I put a new bandage on and saw that the redness had once again reduced (though there is still some there) and the drainage had slowed way down.  The consistency and color has changed and I'm not sure what that means.  It's very very red now and Jim said this morning it's a bit thicker.  (Sorry for the gross details).  I may have him call the doc, just to see that's normal.  Hope they don't feel bugged but that's what they are there for and I don't want Jim to get a further infection.  I'll check it again here before I go. 

He didn't sleep as well last night and I came downstairs to find him trying to sleep in his chair.  Poor guy. 

In other news - it's FRIDAY!  I have a lot to do today because I need to get my first two IEPs complete.  They are Tuesday and Wednesday next week.  I think I'm mostly done but just need to make sure.

In student news:  One of my kids - Linguini (I've spoken of him before...senior, autistic, cries a lot) - took his driver's test Wednesday.  Failed.  Ran a stop sign!  HOLY SHIT!  I've said for a while that guy shouldn't be on the road.  Don't know what some parents are thinking.

K - my computer's about to restart so I need to wrap this up.  Happy Friday.  Later!

Short & Sweet

I don't have time for a long post because I need to get Jimmy all settled before leaving.  No biggie - just need to change his bandage.  His fever broke over night...he's down to 98.5!  Woot!  We had a bit of a worry yesterday because a stupid nurse told him when he got his drain put in that if he notices pus to call.  Well, there was pus in the drain when I checked after getting home yesterday and so of course we both were worried.  After waiting for a call back from the doc for an hour and a half, I called my dad who told me that this was exactly what the drain was for.  In fact, with the pus finally coming out, his fever would most likely break.  Dad was right!  Don't tell him - don't want it to go to his head!  (Hee hee...he reads this guess the cat's out of the bag.)

Now we just have to wait for his wound to stop draining.  Once that happens he can have it removed.  Fingers crossed.  I'm just hoping he won't have to have it going down to Oktoberfest.

Here's the quilt Maggie got to go with Eva's quilt.  She was concerned it was too orange but I say a little girl needs color in her room.  I love it and it brings out the other colors in the quilt.

Got my new knitting needles and started a scarf last night...I'll be knitting myself one after all my other "orders" have been filled.

Okay - best mosey.  TGIAF!  (Thank God It's Almost Friday).  Happy Thursday!  Later!

Things Don't Come Easy

So Jim's got an infection.  UGH!  I think I mentioned yesterday that he had a restless night Monday into Tuesday.  Well, apparently he woke up with a fever and so called the doc, they had him come in and bing, bang, boom - dude's all infected!  They had to put a drain in his back and he's all hopped up on antibiotics.  They also marked the sides and told him if the redness spreads beyond that, to get himself lickity split to the emergency room.  Yikes!  Nothing is ever easy for Jimmy. 

Last night was okay.  He thought he'd have to sleep sitting up in the over-sized chair in the family room but I fixed the spare bed up for him - lots of pillows etc. so he would be comfortable.  He ended up sleeping on his stomach and only woke up to take his meds.  Poor guy.  I just keep saying to him, "This time next week - hopefully this will all be over.  Drain out, stitches possibly out, pain better."  Fingers crossed.

Oh, and he can't drink either.  Which means, if he's up to it, he has to drive on Saturday for Oktoberfest.  That isn't terrible...for me.  I had actually planned on driving because he had been through so much lately but someone had other plans. 

In school news - nothing.  I've done well in getting two of my IEPs mostly complete and will hopefully get more done today since it's Wednesday, which means independent seat work for my LA classes. 

Okay - well, that's all I've got.  Headed to Costco after school today.  Oh, and Michael's to get needles and yarn.  Exciting, huh?  K - happy HUMPDAY!  Later!

A Load Off

I can't tell you how happy I was to get Jim's text yesterday that his margins were clear and there were no issues with his lymph nodes.  I don't think I realized how much it was weighing on me...and I KNOW it was 10 times that for Jim.  When I got home, he had a shot of "little beers" waiting so that we could toast his good news.  But of course, he slept horribly last night. He kept moaning in his sleep and tossing and turning.  He was in considerable pain and discomfort last night.  I don't think he took a pain pill, which was a mistake. 

So now that this drama is past us, Jim can focus on getting a job.  Not that he hasn't been working at that.  He puts in apps as often as he can find something (as per unemployment rules). And once this week is up, he's clear to actually go BACK to work.  He'll get his sutures out next Tuesday.  Oh, and the nurse said that the drainage from his incision is totally normal. 

So looking forward to this weekend.  Maggie, Charlie and Eva are coming down to celebrate Oktoberfest.  I'm sure Jim's getting his steins all washed and polished for us.  And by the way - Jim and I met at Oktoberfest, 15 years ago Friday.  Can you believe it!?  FIFTEEN YEARS!!!  Crazy.  Anyway - the weather should be good for the weekend and its been a LONG time since Maggie and Charlie have been down so that will be nice.  (Maggie, did you call Trippy to see if they would be able to do anything?)

And other than that, I've got nothing.  Oh, except Sunday when I was rooting around in one of my closets I found a roll of queen-sized batting so I'll be able to finish Maggie's quilt - maybe this weekend.  In addition, I ordered the yarn for Maggie's chunky infinity scarf she wants me to knit (shown left...cool, huh?).  Hopefully it will turn out looking as good as that one and should only take about a day to knit.  I may have to make one for myself. 

K - well I best get a move on...time got away from me.  Later! 

Cozy Girl

So you may or may not know that Eva is now sleeping in her big girl bed.  Maggie was waiting until the weather got a little cooler before she put on her owl duvet.  Well, yesterday was the day.  She's so snuggly.  Maggie also plans on getting a quilt to put at the end of the bed - a sort of pumpkin color that is in the owl pattern of the duvet.  Nothing wrong with a little color in a little girl's room!  Every time I go to Maggie's, Eva now asks me to sleep with her.  I may have to take her up on that considering how cozy that looks. 

Can I get a Who Dey for the Bengals!?  I'm very proud of them.  They really looked good yesterday!  The fact that Andy Dalton has had no interceptions is awesome.  Hope the team continues their success.  I would like fewer injuries, please!  

Sorry for not posting this weekend.  When I was going to on Saturday, my computer had to update and restart which is causing problems and the computer was down for about an hour (I need to remedy that).  Not much to say anyway except the neighbor ladies and I had a great time out Friday.  I drank WAY too much but really did feel fine on Saturday.  I think the ladies were surprised to see I wasn't hung over...that probably isn't something to be proud of...my high tolerance.  Oh well...what's a girl to do?  Stop drinking!?  I don't think so!  Hee hee.

In Jim news:  Today is one week since surgery and the lab results should be in.  I'm not sure if they will call or what.  I may ask Jim to just call the office to see what the timeline is.  In regard to his recovery - his armpit is giving him a touch of pain but his back really isn't.  I do want him to call about his back, however, because it has a bit of fluid leaking out.  It is definitely healing but I just want to make sure that there isn't an issue.  The fluid isn't yellow or discolored and there isn't swelling or redness but I'm sure the doc/nurse will guide him on what is normal.  Regarding Jim's mindset - I need him to get out of this house more often or at least do more around the house.  I worry that his stagnant situation will bring on a bit of melancholy.  He tends to sleep way too much when given too much down time and I believe that brings on a case of the blues.  Of course he isn't supposed to do any "work" for the next week but he can certainly vacuum, right?  And of course he's still perusing the want ads etc.  I just need my boy working and DOING stuff rather than moping around the house.  (But, I'll try to be patient.)

In school news - nothing major.  I'll be finishing up some IEPs for next week...my first of the year.  So far I have 3 scheduled but have phone calls and emails in to schedule 3 more.  Can I tell you how much I hate when people don't respond to emails or phone calls.  JEEZ!  Be a parent please!

There's some sort of weird animal making noises outside currently.  May be an owl but I'm not opening the door to find out.  Maybe it's my stomach...no...that's not it! 

Okay well, I'd best mosey.  I'm thinking about coming home, walking Sami and then heading out for a bike ride today.  We'll see what the day brings. K - best mosey...Monday's always a busy day.  Later!

A Little (or a lot) of EVA!!!

I'm so forgetful!  Yesterday I had all these pics and videos to share of Eva and then...what happens?  I forget.  How can I forget my girl!?  These are the negatives about working and summer being over: My mind is too preoccupied (with work) to stay on top of my commitment to everything being about Eva!  I'm a bad aunt! 

Anyway - here are a few things to share!

Got to go to the zoo after
her first day at school!
(Not driving school!)

Waiting for her first gymnastics
class to start!

 

And that's all we need for this fine Friday, huh?  There's nothing else of consequence going on anyway.  Happy Friday!  Later

News

Lots of interesting news in the world today...Pistorius verdict coming; new witnesses in the Ferguson shooting saying "his hands were up" (white witnesses, by the way), ISIS; 9/11 anniversary (can't believe it's been 13 years yet it seems like decades ago in a way).  Liv Tyler is pregnant. 

In school news - I'm in training this morning for the new IEP program we'll be using.  It starts at 8:00 so I didn't have to get up this morning until 6:00.  Felt like 5:00 though. That will take until 10:30 and then I'll head back to school to finish up my day.  I hate that I've been out of my 2 LA classes so much lately but alas, there's no help for it. 

Other school news: So several of my students (on my caseload) get speech services.  Each of these students have a study hall but for some reason, our two speech teachers want to pull these 4 kids from my LA class on Fridays.  I'm not really happy about this and will discuss with them because it isn't like I do nothing on Fridays.  We have quiz this Friday and normally I'd be reading from our novel.  These are kids who definitely don't do well when they miss class and have to make up work on their own.  Hoping these teachers will be flexible and pull them from study hall.

Jim's bandage on his back came off.  I asked him about it yesterday and then looked at it.  I was worried based on what the bandage looked like (bloody and big).  In fact, the incision looked really good - nice and straight and clean.  No oozing and no blood.  It doesn't pain him either.  His armpit pains him a bit though. 

Friday night the ladies in our neighborhood are headed out for drinks and dinner.  Jim offered to drive us all...7 of us, I think.  Should be fun. 

Had a rumble or two of thunder last night.  Nothing severe and nothing major.  The only reason I woke up is I heard the rain and was worried it would blow into the windows (it didn't).  It is currently raining a bit here but nothing of significance.  It's supposed to clear up and be nice today (mid-70s).

And that's about all I've got. I'm happy it's almost Friday and there's nothing much going on this weekend.  Later!

You'd Think I'd Have More To Talk About

Considering I've been dormant for the past three days, you'd think I'd be full of updates and news.  Alas, you'd be wrong.  And by the way - I didn't post yesterday because my computer is, once again, being an asshole.  I actually didn't expect to be blogging today but when I turned on my computer, thinking: "maybe"...what do you know?  The damn thing actually booted up.  Seems every time this motha tries to update, it gets thrown into some sort of funk and just keeps "working", "restarting" and throwing me a bunch of bullshit.  I'm sure I'll be dragging it into school soon to have our computer guy look at it.

So, Jim.  He's doing well.  Doesn't have a lot of pain.  Showered yesterday without issue though he kept dropping the soap.  This normally wouldn't be a problem but he was trying to avoid direct water on his back.  It is still bandaged up - looks gnarly under there though...the bandage is all bloody - but doesn't pain him, which surprises me.  His armpit is sore and he's doing all he can to avoid using that arm for now.  And of course it is his right arm and he's right-handed.  Oh well...he's muddling through.  His next appointment with the doc is two weeks from yesterday...to remove the sutures.  He will, I assume, hear before then about the results of the biopsy.  The doc did say upon removal, they looked normal (do they not if they are cancerous?  I don't know) but of course labs will tell.

Did I need to take yesterday off?  For Jim, no but for me, yes.  I was mentally and physically exhausted after Monday. I just needed to decompress.  I managed to walk Sami (a nice long one, in the fog) and then went on a nice 12 mile ride.  I saw about 8 or 9 deer on my ride (none of them mean mugged me either...they must be from a better, classier part of town than my neighborhood) and it was exhilarating.  I went over to my former neighbors house around 1:30 and got a tour of her house and we had a beer and talked. Her house is gorgeous by the way.  I'm jealous of her bathtub and the pot filler at her stove. Oh and maybe the basement too. Other than that, I'm content with what I have...happy for her but content with my comfy, cozy home.  You know I wonder all the time: If I had a bank full of cash, would I stay here in my house?  I love my house and I know I'd certainly improve upon it if I had fistfuls of money but would I move?  I just don't know.  There's so much I'd be giving up but who knows...home is where the heart is, for sure.

Okay well, my day should be jam-packed.  I have lots to grade and do today due to my absences. It's shortened periods and I can't do my usual Wednesday plans in LA (independent seat work) because I won't be in the classroom tomorrow morning (training from 8-10:30)...ugh!  I best mosey.  Happy HumpDAY!  Later!

Dreams

Had a lot of dreams about hospitals last night...trying to get Jim to his appointment.  And I kept catching him chewing gum (which he isn't allowed to do before surgery) and yelling at him to, "SPIT IT OUT!" And then I woke up this morning at 6:18 and the first thing that went through my mind was, "This time tomorrow, I'll be up and at the hospital already".  Can't wait for this next week to be over...just want the waiting game to be over so we know where we're headed next.

Can I get a WHO DEY!?  I'm very excited for football this year.  In the past, I've been a bit bummed because the start of football season really screams the end of summer but this year I'm ready.  Maybe it's the sinking of the Reds or maybe it's the weather...either way I look forward to the game...and beer...and a first win!

Dinner tonight will either be a hit or miss.  I'm doing something new:  Bang Bang Shrimp tacos (copycat recipe from Bonefish) with Asian coleslaw.  I'm hoping it's yummy.  Loves me some Bang bang shrimp!

I'm very sneezy lately.  Seems I get this a couple times of year - usually at this exact time of the year. Knock on wood, however, I'm not nearly as bad as I usual. I'm not going through boxes of tissues, leaving my nose a crusty mess and I'm not sneezing every five seconds.

Jimmy's still asleep...he went out last night and didn't get home until 2AM. Lazy ass. 

And that's about all I've got today.  Jim and I will be up and out EARLY tomorrow so I won't post (until possibly later).  We have to be at the hospital by 5:15; his procedure is at 7:30 - they say it takes about 60 minutes so I'm hoping to be home by noon but who knows.  I'll be sure to text with news...if there is any.  K - Later!

Wouldn't You Know

Woke up with a stuffy head and slight sore throat.  Don't know what that's about.  Hoping it's just a fluke.  Maybe a mimosa will help!  I mean, come on...don't mimosas help everything!?

Today's plans:  Jim and I plan to just hang out together all weekend.  My house needs to be cleaned badly so that will happen.  I'll head to the grocery as well.  I will also do a bit of cooking today.  I went to Costco Wednesday and stocked up on meat (2 bags of chicken, 2 bags of cod, a bag of shrimp, pork tenderloin, short ribs, pork chops, ground beef) and did most of my marinating then but I'll do a bit more today (chicken sliders from Pioneer Woman...Maggie made these last weekend and they were YUMMY!) and then make my chicken burritos to freeze.  This will make the job of cooking so much a little easier on me.  I'm pretty excited about some of the marinades I found on Pinterest and the I was able to use so many of my fresh herbs.  Should make for some good eats!

Other than that, I think Jim and I will just drink some beers, play some games, maybe take a bike ride at some point this weekend and generally enjoy ourselves.

Dreamt of Bubba last night.  Miss that boy.  He looked good and was running around at Raeburn in the snow.  Bubba sure did love snow.

The heat we've been wallowing in these past couple of weeks is breaking.  Can't wait for open windows.  However, I think the stinkbugs are converging again.  I'll have Jimmy spray the house and hope that helps.  Probably won't but it will help with the other bugs that have been crawling all over the front porch. 

Okay well, best go make my menu and get Sami walked.  Happy Saturday.  Ooh, Outlander is on tonight!  YAY!  Later!

Lonely In Bed

It was so lonely in my bed last night because for some unknown reason, Sami slept on the floor. I mean, I had Jim all night but he snores and he doesn't cuddle up to my side and kick me when he dreams like Sami.  I missed that. I kept waking up, trying to coax her but she wouldn't budge.  Granted she did sleep in view of me but it just wasn't the same. I wonder if she maybe hurt herself jumping down yesterday.  But then, she came up 10 minutes before the alarm went off.  (She likes to drape herself across my middle when the alarm sounds.  We have a quick cuddle and then head downstairs for coffee and treats.) I don't know.  Maybe she's mad at me.  She started in bed last night. Maybe I kicked her!  Oh, nope...I know what it is!  Jim.  'Nough said.

Sad about Joan Rivers.  I actually kept waiting for this all week.  I kind of had a feeling (as many others did as well) that something went horrifically wrong during her throat procedure.  Heaven must be busting at the seems with Joan and Robin both there.  RIP.

School news:  TGIF!  This week went so slow considering it was only 4-days long!  I'm glad to be off Monday and Tuesday but not really.  I'd rather be at work considering the reason I'm calling off. 

Oh, I have this student who is being a big jerk.  We have a rule about no headphones at all anywhere in the building - for safety reasons.  The student mentioned has been pushing it big time.  I ask him nearly every day to take them out.  Finally yesterday I told him to stop wearing them, ever, la la la.  He finally got the hint but then got pissed.  Started talking about wanting out of my class and how does that happen.  I told him to talk to his parents because it's an IEP decision.  I then emailed his parents to let them know about the situation.  The mother emailed back saying she was sorry for his jerkiness but maybe we should talk about taking him off the IEP.  The father emailed back saying this type of immature behavior is the exact reason he should be on the IEP.  Okay, there isn't a "jerk" category that qualifies you for special ed services.  If there were, most of the teenagers in my building would be getting IEPs (and their parents too!).  So frustrating trying to school parents on what an IEP really means.  Gotta figure out how to handle that.  These are actually very nice parents and very supportive of me so it won't be that big a deal.  This is just a kid who really gets no services, shouldn't be on an IEP and is a senior, ready to be out of high school.  Ugh!

K - best mosey.  YAY FRIDAY!  Later!

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!