My Heart Is Finally Beating Normally

I don't know that I can take another Bengals game like that. I guess it's a good thing that they play Thursday night this week (too late for this loser to stay up and watch). So happy they did it...first time in Bengal history they started 7-0! Woot and WHY DEY!!!

We did end up watching in the circle and there was a lot of superstitious stuff going on. First of all we were all concerned because one of our neighbors wasn't there to watch with us. At one point - with 3 minutes left in the 4th - Jim had gotten up and was twirling an umbrella and something good happened so we made him twirl it for the rest of the game. Craziness. I did a lot of shouting and probably offending as I called Ben Roethlisberger a "puss&" about a hundred times. Sorry neighbors - I can't be held responsible for what comes out of my mouth during a stressful Bengals game!

This week at school: We have an in-service day tomorrow, Election Day. Should be a solid waste of time. I'm not sure what they're going to make us do but I'm sure it will be irrelevant to me. Oh well...what are you going to do?

I'm still pissed about the whole parking thing. (For those of you not in the know: I've been parking on the opposite side of school where most teachers park because our room now so far away. It's no big deal, I have NEVER parked in a "reserved" spot and there's ALWAYS plenty of parking out there for anyone else. In fact - the area where I park, the actual reserved spots - are for the nurse, the media center specialist (a teacher JUST LIKE ME) and the media center "helper". Anyway, Friday I get an email from jackass administrator saying, "Muir - do not park in the lot by the media center. These are reserved spaces. I will be putting up signs soon!" Excuse me!? I emailed back and said, "Okay but just so you know - I never park in the reserved spots." I don't know what his deal is but I just can't believe that one teacher is allowed to park there and another isn't. Seems a bit ridiculous. I'm actually tempted to just casually say to him, "Hey so-and-so (Jackass), what's the big deal about parking out by the media center?" I just feel like I want to make him say to me face to face why he's being so petty. I HATE when the admins just send emails because they're too chicken shit to say things to a persons face. I have to be careful here, however, but this admin is in charge of my evaluation. UGH! Asshole mother clucker!

Okay well - that's all I've got. Jim is actually working in Maineville today - right by my school. I'm just happy he doesn't have to be downtown.

K - happy Monday. Later!

One Down Three To Go

In a school year, we have 4 late night (2 parent/teacher conferences; academic fair and senior community service night). It's always noteworthy when I can tick one off my calendar.

Last night was fine. I got some piddly things done and I managed to put together a new survey for teachers. I still need to construct 2 more surveys but I'd never really done it before so I was working on a learning curve.

Jim will NOT be off today. Of course the job he's on didn't end when it should (no fault of Jim's) so he'll put in a full day today and MAY have to work tomorrow. Slightly annoyed but again, overtime is nice.

I need to be home lickity split today (by 3) so that I can be here when Time Warner Cable comes to install the DVR system. They say it will take about 2 hours (please I hope not).

Weekend plans - we'll do a chili fest in the circle prior to Trick-or-Treat tomorrow and then probably hang in the circle...if the rain holds off.

Sunday I'm sure we'll watch the Bengals game in the circle. Nervous!

And that's all I've got. Nothing too exciting. Best mosey. Later!

Early Days

I didn't even see Jim this morning before he left for work...just heard him through the bathroom door. He has to be out of the job by 2:00 so that the movers can get shit in without his interference. And then FINALLY - that should be it. He will also have his 40 hours in by end of day today so he'll get to have tomorrow off. YAY! And that's good for me because I need him to do some "jobs" around the house as well as make some phone calls (estimates for repairing the fireplace wall and getting a new garage door opener installed).

Today is a LONG day for me due to Parent/teacher conferences. I only have two meetings as of yesterday morning and I'm crossing my fingers that it stays that way. I don't have a TON on my plate for getting things done but I can certainly find things to do.

Why is it that Sami prefers the water outside (littered with fallen leaves at this point I'm sure...even though I try and clean it out everyday) rather than one of the 15 bowls I have strewn around the house? Weird little girl. She's also so funny this time of year because she wants to go outside about 17 times in the morning. I don't know if she's going out there to use the "facilities" or just sniff around but she certainly never does this during warmer weather. I love her!

What else? Nothing really. They're serving us pizza for dinner tonight. Things have certainly changed since this new administration has taken over. Where we used to have catered meals for dinner on P/T conference night, we now get pizza. And let me tell you - I'm not complaining. A) I'm just happy they feed us...they don't need to do that and B) if they are going to feed us, I'm fine that they are saving, probably hundreds of dollars in ordering pizza in lieu of expensive catering from a restaurant.

Well, I guess I should mosey. Happy Thurdsay! Later!

Delicious

Once again, Jim had to step in for the guy at work and put in a 12 hour day. The bonus was that the extra hours were at Hershey. So, since I was lonely alone for dinner again, and Cari's (next door neighbor) husband was on duty, we had dinner together. She had crab cakes from Kroger fresh seafood bar and I made a salad. And let me just tell you - those crab cakes were DELICIOUS!!!  She said that she gets them all the time (the Cajun ones) and they are often on sale for a buck! She'll get a bunch and freeze them. Served with a tartar sauce (or roumalade if you can find a good one)... awesome! I love that I get new and different things to make from different people because I get stuck in such a rut of fixing the same things over and over again.

Now, speaking of Jim and work - he had to step in to help a guy at work that was falling behind because Monday he couldn't work due to "family issues". Hmm. So Jim sends me a text last night after being there about a half hour and he tell me the scoop. Bob tells Jim (two minutes after meeting him) that he just found out that his wife was sleeping with his brother. DAMN! AND! To make matters worse, his wife was last seen with a handful of pills in one hand and a pistol in her purse. She wasn't answering any texts and was holed up in some seedy motel. Poor dude.

Jim got his results from his scans. He has 3 small nodules in his lung but the doc says he isn't too worried about them. He says he'll do another scan in 6-8 weeks to see if there's growth. I'm not too worried about these but of course there's always a part of my mind that "goes there". I'll be anxious to see what happens in December.

Here's my latest story from my battle with Time Warner Cable: So my 12-month promo package (3 boxes, 2 of which are DVRs and 4 premium channels  - HBO, STARZ, Showtime and Cinemax - bundled with Internet and phone) is up in about a week. This means if I don't change something or get another promo - my bill will go up about $100. Uh, no! So I called last week and the guy wouldn't budge with me. I told him I'd be cancelling within the week. In reality I just planned on calling and getting another rep to help me out. I did that yesterday. In the end - I got all that I wanted (nothing has been reduced in my channel line up) and I got an upgrade in my DVR service all for the same basic price I was paying (less than a dollar more). The reason I said yes to the slight increase (though I had said I would NOT go any higher) was because they are giving my the Enhanced Home DVR system. I'll now be able to DVR 6 shows at the same time (currently can only do 2) and I'll be able to watch any of the DVRd shows from any box in the house. AWESOME! I'm completely satisfied.

Okay well I need to boogie because I need to Rainx my windshield and head to work in this nasty rainy weather. Happy Humpday. Later!

Waste

I'll start with something positive today: I kicked ASS getting the leaves in my front yard yesterday. Originally, it was supposed to be Jim and I doing it together but he had to work a double shift at the last minute (he was back at Hershey's last night). This meant that instead of me mowing up leaves and dumping them into three trashcans scattered around the yard while Jim shoved them down and then dumped them when full - I had to do it all by my little self. I started around 2:00 (got home early from our meeting) and finished around 4:30. Not bad considering our front yard was completely covered (not a blade of grass to be seen) and our yard is ginormous! I wasn't able to get to the back yard but it isn't as bad and I was only hoping to beat the rain for the front. Hopefully I can get to the back either this weekend (if it doesn't rain Saturday) or next week. We'll see.

Now for the negative: I'm so sick of people wasting my time. Yesterday's meeting was just plain STUPID! There wasn't ONE thing that couldn't have been said by simply distributing the gobs of paper we got via email. And really there was only one document (of the 20) which was even worth my time. And to make things 100 times worse, the 4 of us that went are now going to have to present this shit to the rest of the high school staff and the junior high. DUMB! Most of the shit that was discussed is already in place with a couple of tweaks here and there. And FW annoyed me with her constant chatter and head-nodding. UGH!

I should mention too that I was in a dumpy mood having come back from my LAST weekend at PIB (that went way too fast). I was extra sensitive to stupid shit so I was not in a very forgiving mood. And on a positive note...at least I got out of there early and managed to get the leaves done!

Today will hopefully be a normal day. I don't look forward to having to stay late on Thursday but again - at least I'll be able to get some stuff checked off my list. Speaking of which I need to make a list!

And that's all I've got. The rain has started here and should continue until tomorrow lunch time. I need gas so I'd best get a move on.  Later!

Too Fast

This past weekend went by way too quickly. I feel like I didn't get nearly enough time up at the Bay. I know, I know...I'm selfish and should just enjoy the time I have but it's hard. Like I said to the car full of us on the way to Frosty's yesterday: I need to just buckle down and win the lottery.

Front view

My house is still for sale, by the way. And it's dropped in price by $20,000. I've GOT to figure out a way to buy this place! I could gut it and then make it into a 3 bedroom with 2 baths (maybe a 1/2). How cute is that?! So frustrating!

Directly across the street!

So this week: I have a stupid conference today but it only goes until noon. From there we'll go out to lunch to discuss the stupidity of the  conference and then I'm free to go home. YAY! I also have parent/teacher conferences Thursday - BOO! But at least I'll get some shit done. I have two parents coming in so far...crossed fingers that I won't have more. And they're parents that always come in so it was expected. Maybe with our new room they won't be able to find me! Here's hoping.

Jim's back downtown today. He has some touch ups to do and they're moving furniture in so he may have to go over areas they mess up. Who knows. He thought he might be in Wilmington today but that didn't happen. Not sure which is worse, distance wise...traffic = downtown.

Jimmy's appointment with the doc for the scan results will be tomorrow. Crossed fingers!

And that's about all I've got. I'd best mosey. Finish getting ready. We're gearing up for two days of massive rain starting tomorrow - Patricia remnants. I'm going to come home today and try to get some of the leaves. UGH!

K - happy Monday! Less than two months until CHRISTMAS!!! WOOT WOOT! (If I don't have PIB in my near future, I have to have something!) Later!

PIB Eve

So excited! This time tomorrow, I'm hoping to be around Dayton and only a few hours from the ferry!

Dentist results: All is well. My dentist told me I have a great mouth; very clean. He said my hygienist must love cleaning my teeth to which she answered, "I do!" Good to know. I'm very regimented about brushing and flossing and it's worth it hearing that.

After the dentist, I came home, had a quick couple of beers with my neighbor, Cari, and then Jim and I went to dinner at Shooters. When we got home Jim cleaned his room (he had his whole closet and drawers thrown on the guest bed) and I cleaned upstairs. I also did most of my packing. I will clean the rest of the house when I get home tonight.

Jim will head to Party Source after work today...champagne and wine. Yummy!

I got my feedback from my observation but haven't looked at it yet. I can't remember my sign in information for the site...it's saved on my school computer and not on this one.

And that's all I've got. I have to stop and get gas before school so I'd best mosey. I probably won't post tomorrow but I'll be sure to post pics on Facebook while I'm in PIB. Later!

Chimney Swept

The guy came yesterday to clean the chimney and was here for 2 1/2 hours. He did a hell of a job and was well worth the money. He was very thorough and showed me everything he did; showed me up inside the chimney and explained all the flaws he saw with our "system". We have some inside inside work that needs to be taken care of (a few cinder blocks need replacing inside the firebox) as well as a new crown on top of the chimney. Neither one needs to be taken care of RIGHT NOW but I think I'll try and get the inside stuff done before burning a fire. That was scary to me when he showed me how the bricks have popped out and move when you press on them. We also have some creosote build up but he said we can burn a creosote log once a month and that helps a lot. So glad to have that done. Peace of mind...knock on wood.

While Fred the fireplace guy was here, I did some quilting. Nothing too exciting but I'm well on my way to getting things complete that need to be complete.

I slept like a little baby last night. I think that having my observation out of the way gave my mind some rest and I slept without waking up all night. However, I dreamt that when we got up to the Bay on Friday, the ferries weren't running. UGH!

Nothing really to talk about in regard to my observation. It went as planned. My admin stayed the WHOLE period. They are only required to be there for minimum 30 minutes but he stayed basically until the bell rang. No big deal though. I'm comfortable with how it went. I haven't gotten any feedback but he said in our pre-observation conference that he would have that to me quickly - by the end of the week. We'll then meet next week to discuss where I may need improvement. (Eye roll...it's all such stupid bullshit.)

I have a dentist's appointment after school today (crossed fingers for no cavities). I'll then come home and clean, clean, clean. Need to get prepared for leaving.

Speaking of dentists, Jim's job (that he's been on for the past month and a half) will end today. YAY!!!  I only say that because it's all the way downtown in the Westin. He had the opportunity to go back to the Hershey's office but the company gave it to another guy who likes 2nd shift jobs. Bummer...we're running low on chocolate!

Well, I best mosey.  I have tests to grade at work.  Happy...oooh, it's Wednesday!  Happy Wednesday! Later!

Half Day

Today I leave school at 11:00 for an appointment I have at 2:00. I'll come home and probably just do some quilting stuff. Additionally, I had sort of put it out of my mind that I have a professional meeting on Monday as well so that means I have to get plans ready for Friday AND Monday. Pain in the ass. And I'm NOT happy about this because the professional meeting I'm going to is a meeting we've all been forced to go through before. So stupid. Such a waste of time not to mention money. Oh well - at least the meeting only goes until noon and then we're going out to lunch and will be done.

My evaluation is today - first period. I dreamt last night that it got all screwed up and all my plans went out the window. Then the kids pissed me off and made me cry. I'm hoping that isn't the case today.  Hee hee.

Did I tell you all about my turkey noodle soup? I had made it Sunday but for some reason it wasn't ready at dinner time. I don't know if I didn't crock pot it long enough or if my crock pot is on the fritz or...hmm...maybe I had 10 too many beers Sunday. Whatever...when I got home yesterday I put it back on the crock pot. I let it cook until about 6:00 and bing, bang, boom...done and delicious. I'm still not sure that my crock pot isn't dying...which pisses me off since it's really very new...we'll see.

And that's all I've got. Best finish my toilette and head to school. Happy half day Tuesday...to me. Later!

Interesting Week

This will be an interesting week due mainly because I've got appointments and scheduled time off from work. I have a half day tomorrow because the chimney sweep guy is coming and he only had a 2:00 open for the next 2 months. Jim has his CT and pet scan tomorrow after 3:00 so he'll be late. Wednesday I have a dentists appointment and then Friday I'll be headed to PIB...for the last time this year. WAHHH!!!  Oh, and of course Tuesday I've got my 1st observation. Not too worried or nervous about it. I know what I'm doing and I'm doing what I would normally do. I'm not one of those teachers who have to suddenly put on some song and dance to impress the admins...I can do that with my normal routine!

Yesterday was a ton of fun with only a couple snafus. Loving the Bengals being 6-0! We had a great time watching the game out in the circle (and our streak continues). However, I don't know that we'll be able to continue for game #7. First of all, we have our bye week next week which puts the next game into November. What's the likelihood that it will be "warm" and dry enough for us to continue out in the elements? We'll see.

The snafus from yesterday: I don't know if my crock pot was on the fritz or if I'm just stupid but my soup didn't cook correctly. By the time it was time for dinner, the carrots weren't done and my noodles were too al dente for my taste. We ended up having to get Frisch's...which I'm not complaining about. I'll try the soup again tonight.

I also probably drank a bit too much yesterday. Oops. I'm fine now, however.  I drank a ton of water last night and managed to pop several ibuprofen before bed and I'm ready to go.

What else? Nothing. Guess I better get to school. Get things going. Happy Monday! Later!

Rough Night

Prepare yourselves for "lady" talk (I think I have mostly ladies reading this anyway - with the exception of my Dad). I was up half the night with the most God-awful cramps! This is about the 3rd month in a row that this has been an issue. All my life, I've dealt with minor cramps but recently...I mean...horrific! I can tell you that it's almost as bad as having a miscarriage and believe you me, I've had that experience enough to know! UGH! When I finally crawled out of bed this morning, I was tempted to forgo the coffee and head straight to the mimosa. Thank God the cramps are gone but man! When is menopause just going to take over and free me from this pain...in my ass!?

WTF! I just saw on Channel 5, WLWT a puppy up for adoption that was a BOXER/CHIHUAHUA mix! Now how the HELL did that happen!? It was a freakin' cute dog! I want this dog or rather I would if I didn't already have a dog {that would cut a bitch if given the chance}! I wonder which parent was which. Crazy! That was either one desperate Boxer or one brave Chihuahua!

Lets see...Bengals play at 1:00. The circle plans on being out there...the thought is that we can't jinx our streak. We'll build a fire in the circle and hopefully have slightly warmer weather today in comparison to yesterday. Not a fan of Rex Ryan so I'm hoping hoping hoping that we stomp of Buffalo.  However, I believe our experience against the Bills in Buffalo has not been great. Fingers crossed.

Okay well, I've waited long enough for my mimosa. Time to get a move on...get my drink on.  (Don't judge me!)

Happy Sunday and WHO DEY!!!  Later!

HAPPY BIRTHDAY MAGGIE!!!

Happy birthday Maggie!!! She is...hold on...how old am I? Right...she's 47! WOW! She doesn't look a day over 35! Which means, I must look 33 since I'm two years younger than she is! That sound right, right?!

This is my fave pic of Maggie by the way! I mean A) the haircut - way to go Mom; B) the polyester - way to go Mom C) that collar - she's about to take flight; D) the teeth! Way to go God! And of course we can't forget that shit-eating grin.

I'm in trouble...LOVE YOU!!! Hope you have a great day with Lynne and a great weekend with Trip et al. Sorry it won't be a perfect weekend...since you won't get to spend it with me but to get you through...this time next week, we'll all be headed to PIB! (Well, I will and you'll be soon to leave!) It's going to be so much fun!!!

What else? Oh, how about a cute girl in her Halloween costume!? She's some sort of rainbow princess I guess. She's so cute!

And that's all I've got. Today I'll have my pre-observation meeting with my admin. Observation will be Tuesday. I'll be happy when next week is over.

Okay - I need to find an original picture of Billy the Kid! They just found one that was auctioned off for $5 million!!! There have only been 2 pics found of the guy ever. Any tips?

Well, Happy Birthday again to Maggie! Have a great day!!! I love you!

Later!

Productive Day

I got so much done yesterday I'm so proud of myself. Basically I worked from about 10:00 until 4:30. Woot! Throw in a walk for Sami and a quick run to the grocery and I'd say mission accomplished. Here's just a sampling of what I did (on left). This is a quilt for Eva. It isn't quite finished (I'll add a few more rows) but with such large blocks it takes no time at all to sew. My goal now is to get batting, backing and be done!

Jim's better. When I was going to the grocery yesterday I sent a text to Jim to see if I should buy meds. He responded and said, "No. I feel fine. Get root beer." And by root beer, he meant the alcoholic kind (his new fave). That boy is funny.

Lets see...what else? Nothing really. It's cold. Some parts of the tristate got into the 30s last night. Not here but it's coming. I'm just glad we're getting our chimney swept next Tuesday. I can't wait for a fire.

And that's all I've got. I'd best get to school. I have a lot of papers to grade since I was out yesterday. Happy Thursday! One more day. Later!

Quilting/Sick Day

I took a day off today in order to get some stuff done around the house, namely quilting. Before I do that, I'll exercise, walk Sami and make a quick run to the store. After that it's a cutting/sewing marathon.

Jim's sick. UGH! He came home early on Monday and then seemed fine after resting. Tuesday (yesterday) he went to work and came home seeming fine but as the evening wore on, his chest congestion got worse. He woke me up at 12:30 blowing his damn nose. (Maggie, you can just imagine). Jim's nose blowing is like a dented trumpet sounding off in the worse way and when I heard it (in a dead sleep) I shot up and said, "WHAT THE HELL WAS THAT!?" Jim apologized and I actually felt bad for him. He sounded terrible. And apparently he didn't get much sleep after that because at 4:00 AM he woke me up saying goodbye as he left for work. I guess he figures the quicker he gets to work and puts in his hours, the faster he can get home. Plus his job is wrapping up and the carpet layers are coming today.  Poor guy.

What else? I didn't watch the debates last night but I taped them. I might run through them a bit to see what's what. I'm only really interested in Bernie Sanders and Hillary Clinton's points.

Yay Cubbies! So glad they beat those stupid Cardinals! Oh, and yes Mom, I messaged Joel last night like you asked. His response was, "Wow, your mom really works fast!"  Hee hee.

And that's all I've got. I best get a move on if want to accomplish what I hope to accomplish today. Happy Hump day (wow this week is going fast). Later!

Where Am I?

I dreamt that Jim and I moved to Clifton - an apartment - I guess we were downsizing. Anyway, we were in transition, between our house and new place and I was going to head over to the new place and I couldn't remember where it was. I called Jim and he couldn't remember either. So I just started walking around seeing if anything struck me as familiar. UGH! I have that dream A LOT! Not that I can't remember where I've moved but that I have moved. Weird.

Woke up around 3:00 and sort of flip flopped between sleep and not sleep until the alarm went off. I'm not tired (yet) but I hate that. I keep wake up thinking about school and my evaluation and what I need to do at school. I have to say, I'm not really worried about my observation next week but I keep thinking about things I need to do prior (paperwork). I don't plan on doing anything different from what I normally do but it is a bit nerve wracking having someone watch you. How can you evaluate a person in 30 minutes? How do you get a feel for everything that a teacher gives and plans and stresses over in such a short time? It's really ridiculous and I guess that's why I'm not too terribly worried because I feel like our administrators get that. We'll see though.

I had my last IEP until December yesterday. It went well. No big deal.

Jim came home sick yesterday. He said he felt like a wet noodle. He slept until about 4:00 and then seemed fine. He's currently in the shower so I think all is well.

I'm thinking about taking a sick day tomorrow. I need to get some things done and I need a solid day without Jim around to do it. I'll see how things go today. I'm taking a half day next Tuesday too and then I have the 23rd off so...who knows?

Started reading The Help yesterday with the kids. I'm so glad to be back reading a novel. And even though we've only read chapter 1, the kids seemed to like it. I know they will but sometimes a new book takes a week or so for the kids to get invested.

Okay well, I'm out. Happy Tuesday...later!

Perfect Weekend

Another successful weekend and not just because the Bengals are 5-0! I got a ton of sewing done, cleaned the house, went to Shooters and watched the game with the neighbors. I didn't plan on watching in the island but while Jim and I were hanging at shooters, we kept getting texts and phone calls from the neighbors. So.u..we rushed home and set everything up. One neighbor brought out bloody Mary makings, another brought a TV, we hooked it up with electricity and a fire was started. It was quite lovely (though certainly tense at times) and I believe, as do my neighbors, that we must continue watching the games together to keep the Bengals winning. Thankfully their bye week will be the weekend we go to PIB.

This week is going to be a bit of a whacky one. I have an IEP this morning and the schedule today is going to be all messed up. Thanksfully I won't be too terribly affected by the testing this week as I don't have to administer any test and I don't have a homeroom. Dodged a bullet there that's for sure.

Jim will be working late these next two days but should still get home for dinner (overtime!). I have a dentist's appointment on Wednesday.

Oh, my neighbors cat was attacked this weekend and the vet said it was either a coyote or a fox based on the puncture wounds. Not sure why it couldn't be a dog but it scares me that we may have a coyote in the area. I'm sure this is the norm any more but I'll be keeping a sharper eye and ear out for Sami. Even with a completly fenced in yard, you just never know. And for those of you wondering - no the cat didn't get attacked by Sami...she was inside with me all night.

And that's all I've got. Best get a move on and make sure I've got everything ready for my meeting this morning. It's for a freshman so it's a new set of parents. They are divorced and apparently there's quite a lot of antagonism there. The dad is Middle Eastern and the mom is a kook. Literally, I've been told she has to periodically be hospitalized. UGH! I've never talked to her but he's supportive at least. We'll see...crossed fingers it all goes off without a hitch.

K - happy Monday. Later!

P.S. Spell check isn't working so sorry if I've made any mistakes!

How Did I Manage Sleep Last Night?!

What with American Horror Story on my brain and waking up with aching knees and shoulders (the rain is definitely coming) it's a wonder I slept so well!

Seriously! AHS - crazy! I'm not a scary movie type of person so it's a bit of a head-scratcher why I wanted to watch this series but it is mesmerizing. Lady Gaga is really good...a perfect role for her. Kathy Bates is one scary lady and Sarah Paulson is a whack-a-doodle! I'm not sure what's going on yet but seriously, I'm not sure I'm supposed to. I don't think I'll be staying in any hotels anytime soon!

My shoulders and knees were really giving me fits last night. I've never had such achiness before. I'm thinking it's the rain that's moving in. They aren't bothering me now, however, so that's good.

I have an IEP this morning at 11:00. No big whoop but it is for one of my seniors and we need to figure out what she's going to do after this year. I think she should defer her diploma and do a year at Project Search (the students in this program will work at a local nursing home in several different positions throughout the year and many times they get placed in a job once the year is up). I think Mom and daughter are on board as well. We'll see.

The weekend: Jim will be working both Saturday and Sunday which is good for two reasons. A) moolah, moolah, moolah (overtime)! and B) I need him to be gone so I can get some sewing done. When he's around, he ends up getting the neighbors altogether and I end up in the island drinking and socializing...not sewing. Bad Jim!

Maggie, Charlie and Eva are headed to Washington D.C. today...driving. Have fun...be safe.

And that's all I've got. Best mosey. I want to get much of my pre-conference questions answered today. It will take a while because I have no clue what I'm doing. I think they should A) give us some training on how to do this and B) give us some professional time to work on this.

K - Happy Friday!!! Later!

What's Wrong With People?

So I know I'm a bit of a loser - I can't help that I get up at 5:00 am. (Well, I guess I could sleep to the last minute and rush around like a maniac to get to school on time but that just isn't me.) Usually I'm beat and ready for bed by 7:00. Now that doesn't mean I go to SLEEP at 7:00 but I'm tired and craving bed. Last night for example, Jim was across the way at a neighbors doing a small side job and I had no one to hang with and couldn't catch up on any shows (he watches too). So! I headed upstairs to lay in my oh-so-comfy bed and read. So I'm doing my thing (brushing and washing and changing) and I get in bed around 7:30. I pick up my Kindle and am just about to open up my latest book when from across the way, I hear the screaming sound of a saw cutting into concrete. WTF!? It's 7:30...heading toward 8:00 and nearly dark. WTF is going on?! And then I see that of COURSE it's my neighbor across the way (where Jim is working) who had her driveway done by the hillbilly behind us and of course there's a crack in the driveway and of course since he's usually up until 4:00 am working on his diesel truck, of course he's doing a job at 7:30 at NIGHT! What a tool.

Went to Half Price yesterday to get extra books (The Help) and scored the 1st season of West Wing as well. It's a good show to play for my history kids on days when I just need a BREAK! (They only had 2 of my books but I'll see if the library at school has any classroom copies.)

I then headed to Costco where I scored some leggings (they sell the kind I like best) and new stuffed chicken breasts (stuffed with brie and cranberries). They better be good too, Maggie! I got several things of mashed potatoes (I've always been anti premade mashers but I had some at Maggie's last time I was there and they were quite delicious), a bagged Asian salad to take for lunch and other necessary stuff.

And that's about all I've got. I'm ready for this Indian Summer to end. I want to wear my sweaters! Oh, speaking of which, yesterday was the Lupus donation pickup (I scrambled on Tuesday to clean out my closet and get shit ready after I got the call Tuesday night for Wednesday pickup) and they didn't show up. Last time I give to them. I'll have Jim call today to find out WTF!

K - now I'm out. Later! One more day until Friday!

Busy (Watching TV)

I tell you - I'm not sure I'm going to have time to work over the next several months. Why? Because many of my loved shows are about to start up. Although...a new one just ended (Fear the Walking Dead). BUT! I've decided to try a new one (American Horor Story: Hotel). I'm a bit scured of AHS...it may just cause me to have nightmares however, have you seen the cast!? Crazy! Michelle Pfeiffer, Donald Sutherland, Matt Bomer, Lady Gaga, Alexander Skarsgard, Kathy Bates! (And many more). Nightmares might be worth it.

The following is also about to start: Walking Dead, People's Couch (started last night), The Leftovers, Top Chef should be starting soon, not to mention all my Bravo Shows! Downton Abbey, Survivor...like I said...BUSY!

Jim was up and out early. He was gone by about 5:30. His current job is getting set to wrap up so he's trying to beat the finishers.

I woke up last night around 11:15 thinking about my upcoming evaluation/observation. I've been on the ropes about whether to have my admin observe my LA class or history and I've settled on LA. We're about to start reading The Help and I think this would be a better choice...especially since the admin assigned to me is a former history teacher. I think I've got an idea of what I'll do that day (not much different from anything I'd normally do) but I'll play a quick game to start the class off...show my use of technology and the kids involvement with iPads. Exciting, huh?

And that's about all I've got. Jim's got a small side job tonight so I might just do leftovers for dinner (we have a TON). Headed to Costco after school as well as Half Price Books...need to get some extra books for LA.

Happy Hump Day! Later!

Last Minutes Chores

Yesterday I was not feeling my best. Around lunchtime, I started to feel weird...I can't really explain it. It wasn't a belly issue but my abdomen was feeling bizarre. I even went so far as to get plans ready for today in case I had to call in sick. By the time I got home, however, I was feeling much better. (I told Lisa I would probably walk out of the building and feel fine...not quite but close.) I walked Sami and didn't have any issues anymore. I didn't want to get on the elliptical (too warm) so I decided to mow the backyard. Today, I think I'll tackle the front when I get home. I had kind of given up on taking care of the yard but with this weather, I really can't do that yet.

Speaking of weather - I wish fall weather would come and stick around. Not that I want rain but I would like some sweater weather. I mean I bought all these new sweaters and I've barely been able to wear any of them! ARG!

Speaking of sweaters, Lupus is coming this week for a donation and I need to clean out my closet. I'll tackle that on Wednesday. I have a lot of clothes that I can get rid of but I'm sure someone else can use.

What else? Nothing. I guess I should get a move on.

Happy Tuesday. Later!

Another Successful Weekend

I haven't posted since Friday...sorry...I get caught up in my non-routine and then of course my mimosas get a hold of me!

Friday's training was as much of a waste of time as I thought it would be but it wasn't too terribly bad. At least we got to go out to lunch and it was a bit of a break from the classroom. I still have the same feelings about using this training - I will NEVER lay hands on kids. In fact, the trainer said that the moves she was teaching us were never to be used on students bigger or stronger than you. Hmm...that pretty much means most of my kids.

Saturday was a fun day. Jim and I were invited to one of the neighborhood boy's 6th birthday party. It was at a nearby bowling alley and pretty much all the neighbors in the circle were there. We were fed pizza and I have to say this pizza it was really good. I wonder if it was LaRoas's pizza since there's one right across from the bowling alley. I managed to break 100 in the only game I bowled. Not bad. Not as good as my Wii capabilities but there you go.

We were home by 3:30 and I napped since I had been up since 5:00...who knows why.  Dinner was a one-pot Cajun chicken pasta (amazing and pinned) which we took over to Cari's for dinner (Jordan was working).

Sunday I had planned on a relaxing day of sewing and watching the game on the couch. Instead, I had a relaxing day out in the circle watching the game with the neighbors. Happy the Bengals got a win - it never really felt close but like Maggie said, the penalties have GOT to stop. It's the difference in an A+ team and a B+ team.

This week I have 2 IEPs but one of them is just with the student since the mother can't make it and student is 18. I'll just go over the meeting quickly and gather signatures. Friday's meeting is with a senior...no big whoop.

And that's it. Best get a move on...I've got lots of stuff to do at school this morning since I wasn't there Friday...and I'm not sure what I have on tap. UGH! Happy Monday. Later!

Muir Pulled A Jim!

So I have a professional development day today (CPI training) and don't have to be there until 8:00 which means I got to sleep until 6:00 today! Woot! I told Jim last night that he would have to set his own alarm. He said he didn't need an alarm because he would wake up automatically. I said, however, that I would need him to set it anyway because if he didn't I would worry that he wouldn't get up and I would keep looking at the clock. He said, FINE! In the end, I set it and apparently I decided to set it for 4:00 AM instead of 5:00 AM. Oops. So his alarm goes off and he gets back in bed to keep sleeping which made me lay there and keep looking at the clock. I'm such an asshole!

Oh, speaking of Jim, the lump on his armpit is an infection. Go figure that one year after his lymph node biopsy, he would get an infection NOW. I was reading about what it could be yesterday and the infections they talked about happened within a couple weeks of operations. Hmm...so he's on antibiotics for the next week and will talk to the doc in a week to let them know how it's going. He also has his 6 month appointment/scan with this doc coming up. This lump makes me a tad nervous but I'll worry when I need to worry.

After Jim and I both didn't get home until late yesterday (I had errands and he was at the docs) we decided to go out to dinner at the Silver Spring House. So good. I got a quarter chicken and Jim actually branched out from his black and bleu burger and got the Roadhouse burrito which he loved. They also redid the outdoor area and put in a second bar...huge with about 30 taps.

We may go out again tonight or I may say eff it...too nasty and just make dinner here.

Got my new boots in the mail yesterday...love them...can't wait to wear them. Can't believe it's going to go back up to the 80s next week. I call bullshit!

And that's all I've got.  Better get a move on. Later!

Such A Little Lady

She's so grown up! How cute is she!? This is what she wore yesterday for her school pictures and I can't wait to get my copy!!!

Not much going on. My meeting yesterday that I bitched about was not too terribly bad. It only lasted about 20 minutes so that was good. I thought it was interesting, however, that two of my administrators popped their heads in - to ensure that I was there, I'm sure.  Annoying. Oh well, at least I was where I was supposed to be.

Jim just came down prior to his shower to show me a lump he has where his incision was in his arm pit from his lymph node surgery. It doesn't look like anything - possibly just scar tissue but he's going to call the doc to have it looked at to make sure.

And that's all I've got. I have to run errands after school today...get a gift for my neighbor who is having a birthday party Saturday that we're going to - I think he'll be 5, maybe 6? Need to return some stuff at Old Navy as well.

Happy Thursday...later!

Another Waste Of Time

Can I just tell you how much it bugs me when I'm forced to waste my time? Once again, my principal is forcing us to go to the department meetings in the subject where we co-teach. Ridiculous. Why? Who knows. He says he wants us to be a part of their curriculum mapping but guess what? I'm no help to them. I have no business in assisting in their curriculum as I'm not the expert they are. Why is it that WE have to go to their department meetings but never are the regular ed teachers forced to go to the special ed department meetings. I would never expect them to write an IEP (and they would have no idea HOW to write an IEP). And I bet if you polled the staff, they would be FINE with the sped department spending their time during early release writing said IEPs. I have three in the next week and could really use that time rather than sitting wasting an hour with a department that doesn't need/want me there. And my principal is well aware of the fact that we ALL feel this way. Slowly seeing that my principal is slightly stupid. 

Made a delicious dinner last night...so simple...just brown sugar glazed pork chops but they were so scrumptious. 

Can I tell you how glad I am that it's FINALLY raining?! And the cool weather is back. Thank you Jesus!

And that's all I've got. Last day of September...can't believe tomorrow is October! Christmas is almost here!!!  

Okay - best mosey. Happy Hump Day!!!

1:45 AM & I Smell Smoke!

I woke up at 1:45 last night and smelled smoke...cigarette smoke. This freaked me out a bit because it felt like someone had to be close enough to my house for the smell to float into my bedroom windows. Jim said he didn't smell anything but being an ex-smoker, I have a nose for it. I walked around the 2nd floor looking out windows but didn't see or hear anything. Sami wasn't on alert either but since she's about 13 or 14, I can't really rely on her hearing anymore. Jim got up and checked the 1st floor but said all was quiet. The dude behind us DID appear to be up (his backyard was flooded with light) so it could have been that. Oh well. I managed to get back to sleep around 2:30 which is good.

I have a 12:30 IEP meeting...no big deal. It's a set of new parents (a 9th grader) but I don't expect any issues and I know they like me.

I totally forgot about a stupid day of training I have to do on Friday. It's CPI training (crisis prevention training) and such a waste of my time. It's a nonviolent way of dealing with a student if he/she gets out of hand.  That's what my legs and voice are for. My nonviolent method: Run and yell for help - preferably from a big, strong guy. Cause you know if something ever happens and I have to take a kid down, it's a lawsuit against me and the district. I'm not putting my hands on any kid. Sorry. And the training goes until 3:30. Of course I don't have to be there until 8:00 so that's a bonus. Oh well...what are you going to do?

And that's all I've got. Time to get to work. Later!

Just Another Monday

Yesterday was a ton of fun but a LONG day (of drinking). We managed to get a TV out to the circle with an antenna and speakers and bing bang boom - football with the neighbors. We were basically out there from 11:30 until 6:00. I didn't drink that WHOLE time, however. I moved to ginger ale for a while. I think next week will be even better (if we do the same thing) because the weather will be cool and perfect for football.

Dinner last night was yummy. Jim wanted bean soup so bean soup it was. I made it in the slow cooker and managed to freeze half of it.

This week at school: I have one IEP (tomorrow) and we'll be finishing watching Hamlet today most likely. Which means I need to figure out lessons for the rest of the week. I think we'll start reading the Help next Monday.

I dreamt last night I was on a cruise ship. I have this dream fairly often and since I've never been on a cruise, that's kind of weird. Usually it consists of me walking around and realizing the ship isn't as big as it seemed. Last night I was by myself too which wasn't very fun.

And that's all I've got. I need to get to work to get my normal Monday morning jobs done. Happy Monday...later!

A Beautiful Weekend

Let's hope the Bengals come home with a "W" too...that would make it all perfect.

So let's see...we'll start with Friday - that seems logical. I was NOT looking forward to the party Jim and I were to go to (who has a party on Friday after I've been getting up at 5:00 AM all week!? Jeez!!!) but alas, it was a good time. Before headed there, however, we went to dinner at Via Vite (delicious) and we managed to be home by 11:00. And bonus, I didn't overdo it.

The best part of Friday, however, was going to the Party Source in Newport. We got Jim's bloody Mary mix (2 bottles) a few bottles of wine, a 1/2 gallon of vodka and best of all a case of my champagne! It was $1.50 cheaper than at my Kroger and who can pass that up!? I was so happy. I will be going to the Source more often, that's for sure!

Yesterday, Saturday, Jim had to work so I went to Joann Fabrics (got some cute fabric for some quilts I'll be sewing) and then headed to the grocery. When I got home, I did some cutting (got a whole quilt cut) and then took a nice leisurely bath. After a nap, I saw the neighbors were out so I headed out and had a few beers. Jim and I had plans to get Thai takeout and when I told the neighbors, they were on board as well. Jim picked it up and we had an unbelievably delicious dinner in the circle. Once all the kids were in bed, we lit a fire in the circle and just hung out. I was in bed and crushing candy around 11:00.

Today, around 11:00 we'll do a bloody Mary/Mimosa bar in the circle with the neighbors. One o'clock will be the game. I'm going to do a bean/ham soup in the slow cooker. It's going to be a lovely day. This weather just makes me so content.

And now it's time for mimosa #1 and breakfast. Happy Sunday! Who Dey!!! Later!

Jim Stole My Lunch!

And he's not going to be happy about it because it was peas and corn with a small scoop of hash brown casserole. This means that I get to have crackers with peanut butter. Oh well - since we're going to Via Vita, we both should probably eat light today anyway.

Can I tell you how much I love to watch Mean Tweets (on Jimmy Kimmel). So freakin' funny.  I really liked Benedict Cumberbatch read: "If you find Benedict Cumberbatch attractive, I'm guessing you'd also quite enjoy staring directly at a cat's anus." He laughed when he read this and then he said, "Well, somebody did and she put a ring on it!" Hee hee.

Jim was up and out by about 5:30 this morning. He's hoping to get home early today to nap before we have to head out. I'm hoping to do the same. I just need to come home, walk Sami, elliptisize and shower. I'll then nap for, hopefully a solid hour (which won't happen because I tend only to kitty cat nap) and then get my hair did. Have no idea what to wear tonight but I really don't care. I hate this time of year for dressing. I want to wear sweaters and leggings but it's still not cool enough yet. I don't want to wear sleeveless because I'm not tan anymore. It's quite annoying.

Speaking of sweaters - I bought about 5 more on TJ Maxx last night. Found some really cute ones. And now I need to clean out my closet because I've run out of room. Maybe I'll do that this weekend. We'll see.

Okay well that's all I've got. Best mosey and finish getting ready. Happy Friday...later!

The Clap Is Back

That's a line from my new fave show: Life In Pieces. If you haven't watched it (and there's only been one episode), you must (Mondays on CBS). I originally wanted to watch because I love Dianne Wiest (HI GARRRRY!!! - a line from her iconic role in Parenthood). However, now that I've seen it, my favorites on are Tom Hanks son and the woman that plays his wife. Another line to tempt you: "I looked at my box!!!" Jim and I laughed throughout the whole show.

Lets see...what's going on. Well, it's Thursday but feels like Friday because I'm wearing jeans. It's our pink ribbon game tonight so we have an extra day for dressing down this week. I'll take it. Tomorrow's going to be a bit rough because Jim and I have a party to go to tomorrow night. (Why do people have parties on Fridays?! Don't they know I'm no good on a Friday!? And yes, it's all about me!) We'll hit Via Vite before hand (on Fountain Square) as the party is in northern KY. I'm hoping to be home relatively early...I know Jim won't last long.

School: So another teacher in my school turned the staff on (about a month ago) to a new interactive website. It's called Kahoot. You can make quizzes on the site and then have the students take them while competing against each other. AND the results are all downloadable. The kids can use their phones to play too. We played for the first time yesterday and the kids (and teachers - Lisa and Diane) LOVED IT! So much fun! It really gets the kids thinking on their toes and helps with processing speed. I'll use this periodically to warm the kids up in class and do quick reviews of lessons.

Well, that's all I've got. Best finish my routine. Happy Thursday...later!

A Restless Night

I was up and down most of the night, not sick...major cramps...sorry for the TMI but holy shit! I wish I would just settle into menopause and get this other crap done with. UGH! I feel fine this morning...cramps gone and I'm not tired so that's a plus.

I finally got the email from my administrator about setting up my observation (required for the teacher evaluation). Of course I have to fill out even MORE paperwork which is a HUGE pain in the ass. So far I've had to do a self-evaluation, set my two professional goals, upload a ton of "evidence" for the shit I do (which is a pain in the ass because first you have to save the documents as a pdf, then you have to upload it and figure out which of the 7 standards it should go toward...I think I've got about 7 or 8 documents uploaded). I need now to set up a pre-conference for my observation and fill out the paperwork for my lesson (which is in about 3 weeks so that means I have to figure out what chapter I'll be teaching then). This includes what I'll be teaching, how I'll teach it, a profile of my students and about 100 other things. Can you say "new career"? There has to be a better way! And I can't even imagine being an administrator right now. They're each assigned about 25 teachers and there have to be 2 observations for EACH. Crazy.

I'm sure this won't be the last time I bitch and complain about this by the way so buckle up.

I gave the Hamlet test yesterday and I only had 1 student fail. And the student that failed the test shouldn't have failed and it sort of pisses me off that she did. Why? Well, let me just give you an example. On part of the test, you had to take a list of about 8 characters and say whether they were alive or dead at the end of the play (there is only one person from the list still alive and we went over that prior to the test). Then you had to say how they died (most of them were either poisoned or stabbed) and then you had to write WHO was responsible for their death. On the who was responsible portion, this girl wrote for two of the characters "Italy". HUH?! First of all, "Italy" isn't a WHO answer! Second, there isn't a portion, not one scene, not even a MENTION of Italy in Hamlet! ARG!!! She got a 59%. Now you may think, "Come on Muir...throw her a bone...round up to a 60% for a D!" NO!!! That's just plain lazy rushing on her part. Sloppy test taking.

Other than that one grade, I was very satisfied with the results (some of my typical shit students got A's!) The kids really liked the play and I'm sure they'll enjoy the movie as well.

Okay well I best mosey. Best get to school and start on the pre-observation bullshit. Later!

A Disturbing Find While Grilling

So I'm going to tell you a story and it's going to disturb you. I don't blame you and can only say, at least you didn't have to experience it.

Last night for dinner, I grilled pork chops. Normally, I make Jim light the grill...for a number of reasons. First, he can at least HELP with the dinner prep and second, we've had issues with mice making nests in the damn thing. It's so freaking annoying. Happens a few times a year. Well, last night, Jim was running late and so I was forced to do the honors. I didn't think there would be a problem because I had just grilled the other night. (Usually the mice show after the grill has been idle for a couple weeks.) I was wrong. When I opened the lid, there was the usual mess of shit (the mouse is always absent)! Balls of fur (I have no idea what kind of animal fur it must be but it looks like raccoon), insulation, tissue of some sort and then as I looked closer and then closer still (because I wasn't sure I was seeing what I thought I was seeing) I see...wait for it and hold on...SNAKE SKIN!!! WHAT!? THE?! FUCK!? (Sorry for the foul language but as you can see, it's called for!) I was so pissed. At Jim. For being late and making me clean that crap out! (Not really) As you can imagine I'm in a fight with mice! And as Maggie reminded me - does this mouse have some sort of death wish?!

School stuff: I have the rotary award breakfast this morning. It starts at 7:15 so I don't have to leave as early today. It's at the Marriott near school. And let me tell you, I'm hungry! I look forward to a yummy meal. I'll miss my first two periods at school and then third period is during freshman class meetings so I don't have to go to my co-teaching class. Although I'll go by my fellow teachers room to teach him out to do a Google form.

What else? Nothing much. Finished another good book yesterday (thank you Aunt Kathleen for turning me onto this author): The Hypnotist's Love Story by Liane Moriarty. I weeped a little at the end (in a good way). Really good.

Well, I best finish getting ready. Happy Tuesday. Later!

Bonjour!!!

Oops...I just seem to forget to post during the weekend. Not to mention I actually slept until 8:00 yesterday which delayed my normal routine so that I was in a rush to chug-a-lug mimosas! And we can't have THAT!!!

Not much to talk about from this weekend. I hung around home both days. Jim had to work on Saturday. There was a bit of "island" hanging but other than that nada. Of course I watched the game and was thrilled. I thought Andy Dalton looked great. I'm still annoyed by the amount of penalties the Bengals rack up but one thing at a time, huh?

This week should be fairly tame. My next IEP isn't until the 29th so I'll get that written this week. It'll be a good week to do it since after today - LA class will be just be the kids either taking their Hamlet test, doing independent reading work or watching Hamlet. Love when it's time to watch a movie in LA. Good break for Mrs. Hanke!

Oh, and the student I nominated for the Rotary Club award got it so I believe I get to go to that ceremony. It's held at the Marriot at Fields Ertel. Yummy breakfast and I'll miss the first bell or two at school.

I did NOT watch the Emmy's last night. I just wasn't feeling it. I was tired and was more into my book. Stayed up a bit too late reading but that's okay.

And...that's all I've got. I kind of like it when I don't have much to talk about.

Happy Monday.  Later!

Car Woes?

There's nothing worse than driving along and noticing your "check engine" light is on. UGH! What does it mean? Am I about to be stranded on the side of the road? Is my transmission about to fall out? ARG!!! It happened to me yesterday on my way to work so after work, I stopped at NAPA to have them scan for the code. Ends up it's a fuel sensor that's out of whack. Funny thing is (a couple things), when I went online to check possibilities, many of the sites said, "Did you recently fuel up?" (I had) and the guy at NAPA asked that immediately as well. AND the last time I fueled up (not this time), Jim had done it (with me in the car) and when I turned on the car and the needle went up, it didn't go up ALL the way - you know, how the needle will go slightly past the "F"? So I'm wondering...

Anyway - I'm not sure what I'll do about this. The websites I looked at said the dealer will charge about $600 to fix. Uh, NO! I also read that it's relatively easy. We'll see. I'll have Jim ask around and see if there are any auto mechanics known around who are reasonable.

In school news, I have that stupid ass meeting with Linguini today. I'm planning on sitting there and not saying much. I can just hear it now: "Muir, what do you think? Do you think Linguini will do well in this program?" I'll either answer, "Can't hurt to try", or "SURE!!!" or "No because he doesn't want to do anything that might challenge him and you, as parents, kowtow to his every boo hoo." Of course I won't say the last one but I sure wish I could.

My drunk neighbor came home last night from his two week stint in jail. His wife served him with divorce papers while he was there and he now has a week (she may have given him two) to find a place to live. I hope I don't run into this guy because he's a douche and it will take all I have not to tell him. Last night, after he got home, my neighbor Cari and I camped out in her front living room to watch the happenings. Nothing happened. Which is good for them but boring for us.

Okay well YAY for Friday! I'll be a happy girl this time tomorrow (cause I'll be sleeping). K - I'm out...later!

Midnight Illness

It was actually 11:00 when I woke up feeling not so good. I was up for about an hour - sick! Ugh! I feel okay now...just a little queasy but I think that's passing and I was only up for about an hour so I think I'll be fine for work. No big deal. Not sure what happened and Jim wasn't sick so who knows. Just Muir being crazy.

I was going through my DVR schedule for the next week or so and saw that A) Survivor starts next Wednesday!!! (WooT! It's an all-star too!) and B) Grey's Anatomy is scheduled to record and I haven't quite decided what to do about that. I didn't delete it but I think I will. After last year's debacle I swore I wouldn't watch. What's the point? They same things happen. Couples get together then the writers break them up. Unlikely medical shit happens and the only ones that ever die on the show anymore are main characters instead of patients. It's stupid.

What else? Oh, this is good. So the parent of the student who just qualified for an IEP? She started with a bit of an attitude though now all is well? Remember? Anyway - I've had three meetings with her father including two phone discussions since school started. This week - he requested another meeting to discuss his daughters history class. She's in honors and bombed the first test, which I knew would happen. This was something I voiced concern about at the LAST meeting and suggested that based on the test results, we switch her to college prep. So he emails and says he wants to meet to discuss why she failed...he'd be free Thursday or Friday. I immediately emailed and told him I was all booked up this week but it didn't really matter about me because I wasn't the one he needed to talk to about what to expect in Honors. (And by the way, maybe you should have asked these questions at the beginning of the year when you were contemplating best placement for her.) I told him my opinion was to switch her and as soon as possible so that she wouldn't miss more of the current chapter their in. So he gave me the go-ahead and the switch was made.

Fast forward to last night. I see I've got an email thread from the parent to the history teacher saying he'd like to meet at 12:45 today. The history teacher then says, "would you like Mrs. H to be there?" The parent of course says, "Sure!" I emailed the history teacher this morning and said, "I'll try to make it" but I won't. I DON'T NEED TO BE THERE!!! I'm not wasting my time with another meeting. ARG! Why can't we just have phone calls. This man needs to get a life.

Well, I best mosey. Finishing up Hamlet this morning! YAY! Kids did really well with it and I'm sure they look forward to the movie...as do I...three days of no "teaching".

Happy Thursday. Later!

Phones & Burgers

I mentioned yesterday that Jim and I would be getting him a new phone to replace the one he put through the washing machine. Afterwards, I had plans to go to Red Robin for dinner. And this is just what happened. We headed to AT&T around 4:30, got him a new phone (just a slide phone to replace the slide he had...it's nice and just what he needs since he only uses the phone and texts) and then headed to Red Robin around 5:00. And BONUS, it was Tuesday Tavern Burger day! You get a free Tavern Burger with the purchase of another entree (just another burger) and two drinks. The Tavern Burger was perfect for me (slightly smaller than their normal burger which I can never finish) and Jim got his normal Blue Ribbon burger.We shared a half tower of onion rings and I got broccoli with my burger and Jim got cole slaw. A perfect amount of food. With the $25 gift card I had, dinner only cost $8.16!!! Woot!

When I got home, I headed over to Cari's for a quick drink and was home by 7:30. I went up around 8:00, read for a while and fell asleep around 8:30. Slept like a little baby. Was just sort of waking up and rolling over when the alarm went off. I love it when it all works out like that (and it so rarely does anymore).

Jim has plans for overtime this Saturday and he'll be the foreman on the job. That's good. I told him that he needs to take advantage of any overtime possible to show the company that he's a valuable worker. Hopefully that will decrease the possibility of him getting laid off over the winter.

I'm actually excited that he's got overtime and that it may rain Saturday...it will give me a chance to sew my ass off. I have the pieces cut for my next quilts and I need to crank them out.  I should be getting more fabric in the mail here in the next couple days and will get my 4th quilt started.

Okay well - I best be off. Today is my easy day at work - students will be doing independent work in all my classes so I should be able to get some shit done. Happy Hump day! Later!

So Much To Talk About

Really only two things...well, three.

So I've been waiting and waiting and hoping and hoping that Thomas' Pumpkin Spice Bagels would come back to the shelves soon. Well, yesterday when I walked into Kroger and headed to the carts, I glanced to my left and saw a small display was up...I started to turn back to my cart mission and then realized - HEY!!! It's a pumpkin product display! With bated breath, I scanned the items and finally my eyes lit upon a small (dinky really) display of what I was looking for. I ran over and grabbed 5 bags. (I was tempted to take them all but I decided to leave some for others). Today I will go back to Kroger and pick up another cartful. You think I'm kidding but I'm not. I'm addicted to these things and I need to get all I can while I can.

The second thing to mention is my other new addiction: Leinenkugel's Harvest Patch Shandy. It's like fall in your mouth. So delicious. Cinnamon and pumpkin...yum! Problem is that everyone else has become hip to the deliciousness and I've gone twice now to Kroger and the shelves have been empty...they've sold out and I'm PISSED!!!

And last but unfortunately not least: I woke up at midnight last night to a missing Jim. I figured he was just in the terdlit. Then I heard what sounded like a coyote so I looked to the spot where Sami usually sleeps. Empty as well. So I wait for a bit and Jim doesn't show. So I get up and find Jim in the laundry room (Sami was with him...oh, and my coyotes sounded like regular dogs once I was up and about). He had forgotten to put his work pants in the dryer and was doing that. As he came out of the laundry room, he said, "And...apparently I forgot to check my pockets." And he shows me his cell phone. UGH! So it looks like Jim will be getting a new phone after school/work today. He was due...his phone was ridiculous really. Antiquated and all scratched up.

Okay, well I best get a move on. Happy Tuesday...later!

Stink, Stank, SKUNK!!!

Man oh man...sleeping was ROUGH last night. Why? Because I'm pretty sure there was a skunk camped out under my bedroom window (side yard). It smelled so strong all night long. YOWZA. I think it finally headed elsewhere around 4AM. Just terrible. I kept trying to stick my nose under the covers but then I couldn't breathe. UGH!

Can I get a WHO DEY!?!?!  AND! Every team in our division is 0-1 except us. Woot! Keep it up. I have to say, Andy Dalton looked good. He didn't look panicked at all. The only issue I have with the Bengals is Adam Jones...what an asshole. I guarantee he'll be fined before the end of the season for his unsportsmanlike conduct.

This week: I have an IEP today...no big deal. Other than that - nothing much is going on. Oh, however, I did get an email Friday while out to lunch with Maggie and Eva that Linguini (yes, that's right - my FORMER student - autistic - who deferred diploma to go on to the career center this year) has quit the program and now I have to attend a meeting Friday to discuss his options. I'm sort of pissed that I have to be a this meeting because I have no part in this decision. He's not coming back to the high school so WTF!? Just becuase I supposedly "know this student best" and the parent requested my presence? Stupid waste of time. Seriously, if I voice how I truly feel, the parent would uninvite me. Why? Because my opinion is that the parents are the problem. They let this kid rule all and never push him to do something longer than a second. The minute he pitches a fit, they quit what's good for him. Band, speech services, DD services, school (he ended up having to go 1/2 days at the end of the year last year). Mom said to me once last year that she'd be happy for him to just work at Kroger for the rest of his life it that's what he wanted. Well, it's the one thing he's done that he hasn't had issue with. Do it! Put the rest of us out of our misery! UGH! Seriously, I picture myself just sitting there with nothing to say Friday. And this meeting better not go past my school day! Annoying.

It's always something. (I should have more compassion, I know but you just can't imagine how frustrating these parents are with their pu$$y ways!

K - best mosey. Gotta get my plans on the board and grade some papers. Later!

Northbound

I'm taking a half day and heading to Columbus. Can't wait. I haven't been to C-bus for the weekend since last spring. Of course I've been there during the week, over the summer. Can't wait to see Eva! Can't wait to hang with Maggie! Can't wait for Ted's! Can't wait for football and beer with Charlie (et al) on Saturday. Should be relaxing.

Jimmy won't rest well this weekend. He'll be working all day Saturday for a friend who just remodeled the main floor of his home. They're having a "reveal" party in a couple weeks so Jim needs to crank it out in a hurry. He still hasn't caught up from working second shift but he'll get through it, I'm sure.

Today at school will be a bit of a wacky one. Seniors will all be out for their 9/11 day of volunteering (an annual event). A TON of teachers will be out assisting with this and many teachers are doing tribute things for 9/11 in their classrooms. Originally, I had thought to just go on with my day as normal but I think for my LA classes I'll try to find something to show the kids. They majority of them were either toddlers or infants and a few of them weren't even born. So weird to think about.

Okay well, I still have some last minute packing to do so I'd best mosey. Happy Friday. Be safe out there. Later!

Poor Yimmy!!!

So with Jim working second shift, when I've been falling asleep, I've been doing so in the middle of the bed. Normally (every other night) I've at some point, scootched over to my side before he's come to bed. Apparently, last night I didn't. I woke up smack dab in the middle of the bed with Jim on his side, hugging the edge. I'm not quite sure why he didn't move me (maybe he did) but I have to say, I slept like a BABY!!! I don't think I woke up once...even to turn over. Poor Yimmy! And, he's done with second shift and has to be up soon to work downtown today. Oh well...he's a good boy!

My IEP went well yesterday. No big deal. It's a girl that probably doesn't need to be on an IEP (and doesn't want to be) so I think after this year, depending on how things go, she'll demand from her dad to discontinue services. And considering dad is not the boss/parent, she'll get her way. She's actually a really nice girl but certainly has the teenage attitude going on. She has her first Honors World History test on Friday and I look forward to how that goes. (She may think she's smarter than she is.)

Other school news - we are under way with the new evaluations. So much of it is so stupid and such a waste of time and we've really been given NO instruction for what we're doing. But whatever. I've done my self-evaluation (which was total bullshit considering no one even sees it) and I've done my dumb ass professional development plan (you have to set two goals for the year - one for yourself and one that is student driven). I just wish they'd let us teach and quit giving us all these time-consuming requirements that mean nothing. UGH...so frustrating.

I'll come home from work today and pack for tomorrow. I'm taking a 1/2 day and plan on being on the road by 11:00. Can't wait. Maggie and I are going to Ted's for lunch so I'll have to be careful not to get a ticket, speeding to get there. Mmm...Ted's!!!

And that's all I've got. Wish this humidity would skedaddle! But at least the temps are dropping.  K - later! Happy Friday Eve!

Don't You Just Hate It...

...when you're lying in bed, it's 1:00 AM and you realize you've messed up certain details in setting up a meeting for the next morning. I don't know what I was thinking when I set up a meeting a couple weeks ago for 10:00 AM and told the administration that I WOULDN'T need a sub because it was my planning period. My planning period isn't until around 12:30 (on normal days). And I can't blame my slip thinking it was the time that my planning was last year...that was around 9:30. I'm a dumb ass. Oh, and then, I forgot to follow up on where I'm meeting. The normal conference room that I usually hold my meetings was booked so I had to go to a different one that has to be set up through the secretary in that department (rather than using Google Calendar...which is a huge pain in the ass...not Google Calendar but having to set it up with the secretary). And of course I forgot to follow up and she OF COURSE didn't respond (I think she hates me...not that I care cause she's a bit of a ditzy stoop). ARG! Oh well...who cares...not me.

How funny that after that paragraph detailing my scattered brain, I have the gall to call someone ELSE a ditzy stoop. Pot meet kettle.

Got my hairs cut...not that anyone will notice since it's too hot to ever wear it down. I'll wear it down more when it cools down. At least it's easier to brush through though.

Jim's still on second shift (I typed shit which at this point is how I'm feeling about it). Today should be the last day. I'm a bit over it mainly because I need to get back into the routine of cooking every night. Oh the good side, however, he managed to clean and stain the deck. And vacuum yesterday. I'll have to come up with some final jobs for him today...take advantage. The lawn needs mowing.

Hmm...nothing else. Guess I should get to school. Happy Hump Day!!! Later!

Shopping

I have to say - I'm not a fan of shopping and add to that huge crowds and 90 degree weather and you have Muir's biggest nightmare. With that said, however, yesterday's trek to the outlets was quite an enjoyable success. I had never been to the Monroe outlets but I will certainly go again. (Although next time I'll do it in the middle of the day...during the week.)

My main look-for yesterday was a a ring from Swarovski that I've been wanting and a long, down jacket. I scored the jacket you see at left (it doesn't have the fur on the hood) and it's light and perfect for me who hates to wear thick, heavy coats in winter. Additionally I purchased things at The Gap, Banana Republic, Hanes (I'm in love with my new bra and wish I'd bought more), and that's it. I didn't overspend and I love all the things I got. I now just need to stop at the outlets on the way home from Columbus next Sunday and get some of these awesome leggings they had at the Gap. Now, you may be thinking, What the heck, Muir!? Why didn't you buy them yesterday? Well, the outlets were PACKED and every dressing room had ridiculous lines and I wasn't about to wait.

Swarovski jewelry didn't have the ring in my size but I was able to try one on and now know the size I need and can order it online. Isn't it pretty? Maggie has one in a different hue (I'm a copycat). It will be an alternate piece I can wear on my ring finger when I don't want to wear my wedding rings.

Final review - awesome deals at a LOT of the stores. I didn't go into every store I wanted but I went around the WHOLE place. (I would have gone into Le Creuset but I knew if I did I would be broke coming out!) A good time with the ladies too.

And that's all I've got. IEP tomorrow but other than that - nothing major. Later Best head to work...figure out what I'm doing. Later!

Nice Long Weekend

So glad that I have today off...may need it to recover from all the late nights. Friday was a drunken debacle with the neighbors - I broke a big wheel if that tells you anything. Saturday was a ton of fun at Raeburn - last family pool day of the season. Yesterday I wasn't feeling great for some reason most of the day (and no, it wasn't because I was hungover...I think I was just tired...who knows). However, by 4:00, I joined the neighbors outside and we ended up getting pizza and hanging out. Today, the ladies of the circle are headed to the outlets and I believe I'll join them. I've never been to the Monroe outlets and thought I'd see if they have anything. We'll have lunch and then hopefully I'll be home relatively early so that I can relax the rest of day.

This week should be pretty uneventful. I have an IEP on Wednesday...no big whoop. I'm getting my hairs cut on Tuesday. I believe I'll take a half day on Friday and head to Columbus for the weekend. Exciting...I know. I feel like I haven't been to Maggie's in forever.

And that's all I've got. I best mosey, get breakfast ready and shower. Happy Labor Day. Later!

Didn't Need To Know That!

Saw this headline this morning that stopped me eating my breakfast: Iron Maiden Singer Got Tongue Cancer from a Sexually Transmitted Virus. Gross!

Look who got some new leopard WINTER pajamas and decided to put them on in this cool 90 degree heat!!!  With crocs and a floppy hat. I keep telling her and she doesn't want to believe me but she's a KOOK! And here's the proof. (BTW - is she not the sweetest and prettiest!? I mean look at that mouth and that smile! I know, I'm biased.)

Student Comment: Horshack (my kooky autistic kid) came in yesterday laughing and talking to himself...more than usual. So I said, "Jeez Horshack! What's up with you?" He answered, "Oh, I just had a really good night last night!" Me: "I guess so. What'd you do?" Horshack: "I took a SHOWER!"  Now, I take a shower every morning and I don't come out of it laughing like a hyena and talking gibberish to myself. I'm not quite sure I want to know what exactly happens in Horshack's shower.

Oh, and the other day, Horshack was having a bad day. And by bad, I mean he wasn't doing the things I had asked him to do so had to go over work he had turned in and it was driving him mad! He was huffing and puffing like a freight train and twisting his hands nearly off. At one point he said to me: "Mrs. Hanke I just have a small brain." And then later he said, "I'm just a clumsy lump!" Poor kid. I didn't argue with him, however.

YAY for a three-day weekend!!!  So happy. I woke up this morning and thought, Oh no...is it not Friday yet!? And then I realized IT IS FRIDAY!!! TGIFF!!!

Man my head just started pounding. I just ate and took my naproxen so hopefully that will go away. Yowza!

K - gotta finish getting ready. Oh and FYI - Jim brought another huge bag full of candy home last night. We've not got Whoppers out the ass, Cookies and Cream Easter candy, marshmallow eggs...I'll be bringing a shitload of this to school today. Get the kids all sugared up.

Happy Friday. Later!

Out Of Hand

Jim's gotten out of hand and I'm going to be the one to pay for it. I came downstairs AGAIN this morning to find another 4 or 5 bags of candy on my kitchen counter. I'm going to run out of hiding places (from Jim and myself). I just wonder how much candy Jim's stuffing in his mouth as he's working. Careful what you wish for, huh?

School: We had a meeting yesterday regarding the evaluations that we are being put through this year. I have to say, every meeting I've been in has left my head reeling and my stomach slightly queasy. Yesterday - not so much. I felt a little better because for once I didn't feel completely lost. I may still not know what the f&%k I'm doing most of the time, but at least there's one area I can actually show I understand. I'm still worried about having to put together a professional growth plan (can you say "waste of time when I could be working on something worthwhile...I don't know...like teaching"?) but at least I understand how to show the "evidence" of all my hard work. And...knock on wood...I'm comfortable with who my evaluator is. I'm also happy that the WHOLE staff is going through this at the same time. It allows for a certain amount of wiggle room (the administration is in over their heads) as well as the ability for us all to help each other. This too shall pass.

What else? It's Thursday and I'm so happy to have a three-day weekend in my near future. I'm excited to spend time with the family on Saturday and I'm happy that I'll get to see Jim for more than an hour each day.

Okay well, that's all I have to share. I best get to school and start uploading "evidence" in preparation for my evaluations. What a pain in the ass.

K - Happy almost-the-weekend-Thursday. Later!

CHOCOLATE!!!!

So Jim's working up the street this week - just off our exit. He's working second shift since it's an occupied office. And not just any office but a HERSHEY'S office! That's right - an office made of chocolate!!! Well not really but there's a whole ROOM filled with Hershey treats! I came downstairs this morning, barely awake, rubbing my eyes to find A COUNTER FULL OF STUFF!!!  And all my favorites! Take 5, Nutrageous and Reese's Sticks! POP went my eyes. No need for coffee this morning! Then I opened the freezer and found a bowl full of individual little treats! I hope my husband stretches this job out for as long as possible!

In other news: Can I tell you how OVER I am with the Kardashians!? If I go to one more website (even my MSN news homepage) and see one more annoying selfie of one of those "K" kids - I'm going to puke. These ladies are completely self-absorbed! Jeez!

School: Things went well with the new girl in my study hall yesterday. She came in and I sat down and chatted with her. Apologized for the eff up from Monday...told her it was her father's fault (yeah, I wasn't taking the fall for that one!) and moved on. She was definitely nervous but when the kids started trickling in, I think she A) realized they weren't (I don't use this word normally but this is what she was most likely thinking) "retarded" looking like she was thinking and B) she could actually get something out of this. We'll see...she may still have a bit of an attitude. I mean, on a paper I had her fill out, it asked, "How would your disability affect you at a job?" She replied: "I don't have a disability." Uh...miss? I have news for you. She is definitely NOT going to like the IEP meeting next Wednesday. I'll go easy on her though.

Oh, this is good: I have a parent who may be the dumbest person I've dealt with in a long time. Dumb as in REALLY STUPID! Her daughter is taking a Speech class and I get an email yesterday that her schedule needs to be changed: Here's what the mom wrote:
Hello nice to talk to u again but {my daughter} doesnt like speech class this last homework she had she didnt like doing i had to help her and she is suppose to show u what we did in the morning but she wants pulled out of that class asap and take something else she dont want to talk in front of everyone. let me know what u think.

Hmm...I think a case could be made here for the apple not falling far from this tree!  I love her use of punctuation...in that there is none.  Makes writing so much easier. Oh and this is a student who barely says a word...she's REALLY shy. What did they think this class was? And after day one, when the teacher explains what will be going on for the class, did that not clue you in that you may want to make a schedule change? Annoying!

K - well I best mosey. Have I mentioned that the A/C in my room at school isn't working? Sucks! I hate being hot! I'm sure by the time the weather breaks and we're back into cooler days, it will be repaired. And then winter will hit and we'll all be freezing. Of course, I'd rather be cold.

Happy Humpday! Later!

Stupid Parents

So I have a student on my caseload - a freshman, newly qualified for sped services, transfer from a private school where she went all her life. Dad is the only parent - mom passed (I don't know when, how etc.). She qualified in February for services but because she was at a private school they didn't have to do an IEP. Which means that lucky Muir gets to write one without knowing this kid or having any real info on her. Oh, and BONUS, the student is a bitch on wheels and wants NOTHING to do with special ed (which I do understand...the stigma and all that). I met with parent and student after school in the first couple of days to see what was what especially since she's not in any sped classes thus not getting any services (not allowed, technically). It was discovered then, at this short meeting that the student wanted nothing to do with sped and dad is a wishy-washy parent who can't stand up and be the adult. Long story short, I told them to go home, talk about what they wanted out of this and if they wanted nothing, then I would write a skeleton IEP and they could refuse services.

Fast forward to a week later where we met on another matter. Basically dad was given the advice to TAKE services since if he refused, he would be in the boat of requesting the whole process to start over (request for testing, qualifying her, writing an evaluation, THEN getting to the IEP). Dad asked me what my thoughts were on how his daughter's schedule would change. I told him switching her out of her regular study hall and into mine was an easy change since her study hall was at the same bell as mine. This was last Tuesday. I said, talk it over with her (she wasn't at this meeting), get her ready, we'll start the schedule change Monday (yesterday).

Yesterday - 4th period - new student is supposed to show. No show. I emailed the guidance counselor who had made the schedule change to see if she had sat down with her directly. I also emailed her father to ensure he had talked to her about it. The guidance counselor happened to be talking to her at that point and emailed that she was finishing up and would be on her way in a few. Five minutes later I get the email that she's "on her way". Ten minutes later, she still hasn't shown. Another 10 - nothing. I email the counselor again. And as I'm doing that, I get an email from the father saying: "I did not do a good job talking to her about it. I forgot over the weekend and mentioned it this morning. I didn’t know the room number to tell her where to go. She texted me. She is upset."  Gee - really. Awesome! What a good dad you are! F&%king Pu$$y!!!  He didn't forget! What a jackass.

Hopefully today she'll show and I can chat with her...apologize for the misunderstanding - trying NOT to throw her dad under the bus which is what I should do...what I want to do...but I'm guessing she's got her dad's number as it is...no point.  Parents are so stupid.

Okay well - I best mosey - I have a teacher's meeting before school...boring. Later!