I've Never Been So Happy To See Friday!!!

I think when I get out of my car this afternoon, I'm headed straight to the kegerator to pour myself a tall one! Well, maybe not straight out of my car but pretty close. I'm so proud of myself for NOT drinking this week and sticking with it but the closer I got to Friday the harder it was. Maggie and I were talking about it and really, the most difficult time for both of us is while we're cooking dinner. And of course while I'm cooking, the wine is sitting there on the counter just STARING at me. Taunting me! Tempting me! EVIL WINE!!! (Who ever thought I'd say that!?) You'd think after four days, I'd just put it somewhere out of sight (but never out of mind).  Maybe I haven't because my mind is dulled from lack of wine! Another one for the cons side of the page!

My husband is so stupid!!!  ARG! Why does he talk to me in the morning! Especially when he knows I've been 4 1/2 days without wine!? Why you ask. Well, we're looking for somewhere to go for his birthday which is approaching a month from today. He talked about going the the Taft Ale House - a new brewery downtown. I told him that a friend of mine was looking to make reservations for a group of her friends and the wait to get in was about a year. Jim says, "How do they expect to stay in business if no one can get in?" Dumb ass! How do you explain logic to someone so dense!?

I should be nicer, shouldn't I?

So here's a funny student story about Horshack (autistic student). So yesterday I decide to work on phone etiquette with him. I figured he was probably sorely lacking in this area and I was right. Sharing a room with Lisa, we each have a phone at our desk so I put him at Lisa's and I was at my own. I had asked him, "If you were sitting at Mrs. O's desk and the phone rang and you were allowed to answer it, what would you say?" He answered, "I'd say, 'Mrs. O's desk." Great...lets try it.

Ring ring (me dialing him):
Horshack: Hello, this is Horshack (he used his real name)
Me: (laughing because he did exactly the opposite of what he said) Hi, I was calling to talk to Mrs. O.
Horshack: She's not here. She's in another room. She teaches in another room during different times during the day and right now she's in another room. Teaching. In another room.
Me: Could I leave a message?
Horshack: Sure (scrambles to get a pen and paper from Kim and proceeds to screw it all up).

We try again - me calling him:
Ring ring
Horshack: Hello
Me: Is this LaRosa's
Horshack: Yes it is
Me: I'd like to order a pizza
H: Okay
Me: I'd like a large pepperoni supercrust well done
H: Okay
Me: Could you read my order back to me?
H: (Humming and rocking back and forth because he didn't write it down): Um...you ordered an extra large cheese pizza
Me: No, that would be wrong

I decide to try something else and tell him to call me. I told him when I answered, he'd know what kind of place he was calling
Ring Ring
Me: Timmy's Wok - best Chinese in the city
H: (Without skipping a beat) I'd like to order a seafood platter...non-poisonous please.
Me: Good choice sir! Anything else?
H: Yes, noodles.
Me: Hot or cold
H: Hot, of course. I like my noodles, warm, hot and well done.
Me: Okay anything else?
H: Egg...no I don't want any egg rolls because I don't, I can't eat eggs because they don't agree with me...they make my stomach upset and I...
Me: That's more information than I needed sir. Can I have your name?
H: Byran Langdon (totally off the cuff he says this fake name).

Lets try another one
Ring ring (him calling me)
Me: Sally's Curl
H: (Putting on an Italian accent) Hi, This is Tony Pajama (seriously that's what he said)
Me: Hi Mr. Pajama, would you like a perm?
H: No I wouldn't
Me: I think you may have the wrong number.
H: Yes I do.

It was hilarious and I think we may need to continue with these little practice sessions!

Okay well, I'm now out of time. Time to head to work. Later Happy Friday.

Eggtastic!!!

You know when I was opening my gifts this year from Jimmy, I knew to expect some crazy off-the-wall gifts. And of course he didn't disappoint. However, I've gotten much use out of nearly everything! (I haven't planted my Chia herbs yet but I'm sure they'll be awesome.) The most amazing of these "As seen on TV" gifts, however, has been the ceramic microwave egg cooker he got me. It makes fluffy perfect eggs in about 1 minute. I mean, I get up at 5:00 in the morning shower and dress, come down crack an egg mix it up with my preferred ingredients, pop it in the microwave and I'm sitting down eating my breakfast by 5:30. Oh, and in mixing my egg, I get to use my handy dandy whisk that Jim got me as well. It's a marvel! You're all jealous, I know.

Lets see...what else do I have? This week hasn't been long but when the alarm went off today it took me a minute to realize that it wasn't Friday and I have to say I was a bit bummed out. Ready for the weekend, I'll tell you that and not just because I can drink tomorrow.

Bonus - Monday is a work day so no kids! And then the following Monday is MLK day - no school! WOOT WOOT!!!

I made a delicious side dish last night! Roasted brussel sprouts and butternut squash with cranberries and a dijon vinaigrette dressing. That's pretty much all I ate for dinner. I had a bit of chicken but not much and the couscous I made wasn't to my liking so I ditched it. I was quite satisfied.

And that's all I've got. Time to finish up getting ready and head to work. Later! Happy Friday Eve!

Brainless

I've mentioned before that I am currently reading The Help with the kids in my LA class. Well, yesterday, it was the chapter where Minny and Celia have to defend themselves against a naked white man who keeps saying to the ladies while strokin' his "po boy", "You want some pecker pie?" Now, the kids in first bell barely made a sound during all this...a few chuckles but that's about it. Second bell, however, were much more vocal in their appreciation of the visualization and language. They were good though...and respectful...not acting like idiots. During 2nd bell. Later, however, I got to overhear a couple of them acting like buffoons. When the kids came in from lunch, later in the day, I overheard one student say to the other (and by the way it was in front of my desk...further proof that these kids just aren't that smart!), "You want a piece of pecker pie?" Now, inside I was howling but of course I had to end this so I said, "Hey, why don't I send you down to the principal and you can ask him if he'd like a piece of your pecker pie! Would you like that?!" He wasn't up for it.

Later in the day - 5th period, World History - we got to talking about why we speak English and not another language like French. And then I said a few things in French and Horshack suddenly raised his hand and said, I can make a French accent. And I said, "By all means!" So he said, "Excuse ma way!!!" I'm guessing he was trying to say excusez moi but he isn't so fluent in the language.

Day two is under my belt. It's probably a good thing I have no red wine in my house, though I do have white. Once again, I slept like a little baby. I even woke up at 3:00 and thought I wouldn't be able to get back to sleep. Next thing I knew my alarm was blaring. (I need to turn that thing down...scared the shit out of me!) I also do NOT have a headache! This is starting to look like a good thing, huh?

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

Day One "Sober" Under The Belt

And by "sober" I mean I'm not drinking during the week. Don't get crazy thoughts and think I'm going total sober! That's just preposterous!!!  Now, you may ask yourself, "Why Muir! Why would you torture yourself so (and Jim) when you love it SO much!?" Well, we can blame this on many factors. The number one factor is I'm not happy with my belly (and arms, and legs...I'm kind of fine with my ass but only because I can't see it). I've started a new exercise program and figure if I can NOT drink during the week, I can surely lose some of this belly fat (and arm jiggle and thigh chunk).

Am I asking too much!? I don't think so. By the way, have I told you all that I'm going to win the powerball on Wednesday?

Reason #2: Maggie. She's doing the same thing and I figure we can support each other in this. And yes, it's easy to lie when you can't see each other over the phone (example: I hear her take a sip of something and I ask, "What was that?" and after a short pause, the answer is, "Nothing...water.") but that won't happen because I/she can always hear the lie.

Reason #3: Now, don't get me wrong...I don't drink to excess during the week and I've always limited myself to red wine (which, as we all know doesn't count because that's what the French say)...a couple of glasses...big deal, right? Well, you know when you've been doing this for a while and you think, "Hmmm...I wonder if I have a drinking problem because I love it so much and I drink - at least a glass - every day?" Oh, you don't think that...well now you understand my reason #3. (And by the way - I'm not an alcoholic!)

And that's the story of why Muir quit drinking during the week and why she murdered all the kids in her class and why her husband left her and why after killing all the kids in the class a colleague (not her ladies) asked her a stupid question and she had to kill him/her and why she then lost her job and ended up in prison. UGH! Maybe it's better to be fat than in jail. Cause you know with all that starchy food in jail I'm just going to end up STILL FAT and unable to drink!!!  Such a vicious cycle!

Hmm...now I'm wondering if alcohol keeps me sane. I'm wondering if my rambling thoughts are a result of NOT drinking because you know alcohol dulls the senses! Maybe I should watch more Jeopardy. Maybe I should TRY OUT FOR JEOPARDY!?

And by the way - I don't have a headache this morning! Interesting.

Okay...well, it's going to be a fun day with the kids today! I hope they make it!  Later!

Back To School Headache

Thankfully - so far - the headache I have is real rather than the headache of a snowy drive. There are flurries flying but the areas that are getting a covering are east of here so my commute should be fine. Regardless though - UGH! I woke up around 4:00 with my headache and then, of course, couldn't get back to sleep. I'm sure like always, once I get going this morning and my naproxen kicks in, all will be fine. This is just the norm anymore when school is in session.

Yesterday's breakfast with my ladies from Xavier was fun. It was so good to see them and catch up. I got home around 12:30 and from there just hung out and watched football. YAY Bengals! Bummed that San Diego lost (who thought I'd ever say that!?) and double bummed that we have to play Pittsburgh Saturday. All I can say about it is the Bengals better get their shit together and keep their tempers. Penalties kill our game and when you add the Steelers to the mix we tend to shoot ourselves in the feet.

End of the quarter is Friday (and then we have a workday on Monday) so this first week back should be pretty smooth. I have three IEPs coming up but they are pretty much written already.

And that's all I've got. Best mosey and get to work...see what the heck I'm going to do. Later!

BOO!!!

I can't believe this is my last day of break. I'm so sad! I am not prepared mentally yet but I guess I'll get there.

Plans for the day: I'll shower here in a minute and get ready to head downtown for breakfast with a couple of ladies I went to grad school with. I can't tell you the last time I saw them. We'll meet at First Watch and then I'll come home and watch the Bengals game. Hopefully downtown won't be too nuts where and when I'm down there.

No idea what I'm making for dinner. I need to figure it out before heading to the grocery...ugh! I hate going to the grocery on Sunday! AND it's going to be a mad house with kids headed back to school tomorrow. Stink!

Possible snow for tomorrow morning. Most likely we won't get much, if any - may only hit the eastern counties. I'd really prefer NOT to have a snowy commute tomorrow but I do wish we would get at least ONE snow day.

And now I need to get ready. Happy Sunday. Later!

Happy New Year!!!

Cheers to 2016! Woot! I actually made it to midnight last night! Can you believe it? Jim, however, did not. Oh well.

So we ate last night around 7:00 and I have to toot my own horn here because dinner was incredible! My filet mignon was perfection. The recipe/method for cooking (thank you Maggie and the Barefoot Contessa) is completely foolproof. Melt in your mouth tender. My mushroom barley bake was delicious as well.

After dinner, Cari came over for a bit. Her husband, Jordan, got called in to work (he's a fire fighter) so she was alone. We had a few beers and then she headed out around 10:00. At this point, Jim went to bed and I stayed up to continue my binge watching of The Newsroom. I'm sad that I'm in the last 5 episodes of the series. I'll have to find something else to get hooked on. Although, once school starts back up, I won't have the time and I'll have Downton Abbey to keep me entertained.

Today will be another day of lounging. We'll take the decorations down - sad - and just hang. I'll make pork and sauerkraut and that's about it.

Oh, so I bought Jimmy a Kindle yesterday. He had mentioned wanting one and it was $50 for a Kindle Fire...so what the hell. He'll love it, I'm sure. Most likely, he'll use it for reading news and so on. I think it's high time for Jimmy to take a walk with technology.

And that's all I've got. Time for some exercise and breakfast. Happy New Year! Later!

Up But Not Quite At 'Em

With Jim working 2nd shift, Sami has been sleeping later than normal. And by later, I mean she makes it until 6:30. Normally she'll go to Jim's side of the bed and start grunting so he'll get up to let her out but she must know that he's tired (good girl). So, for the past week or so when he's been on the late shift, she comes up on the bed (my side) and plops down right in my side. I don't always wake up right away so she'll usually stand up and plop down again, a bit closer. If this doesn't work, she'll roll on her side facing me and paw at me (smack me). Have I mentioned how much I love her?

This morning when Sami came up on the bed, I woke up right away and so got out of bed right away. I'll tell you though, I could have stayed in for another hour at least. My eyes feel swollen, they burn a bit and are certainly no ready to be open. I'm not sure why I feel like this. I turned off the light and went to sleep around 10 and I didn't drink much last night - just a couple glasses of wine. Maybe it's watching my Kindle in bed that did it. Who knows?  I'll nap today...that'll fix me.

I'm now well into the 2nd season of The Newsroom. If you have an opportunity to watch (it's on Amazon Prime) I highly recommend. Such a smart show.

Today's plans: Jim told me yesterday that he didn't HAVE to work today and asked what would I prefer. Well DUH! I would of course prefer he stayed home and played with me all day so that's exactly what he's doing - YAY! We'll hang out, probably play some Wii and watch football. I'll make filet mignon oscar style along with a barley mushroom bake. Can't wait!  Who knows if I'll be able to stay up until midnight but I'll try. I'll certainly toast with champagne but it may have to happen before 12:00. I'll start with a mimosa here in a few too...OBVIOUSLY!

Tomorrow, I'll do the traditional pork and sauerkraut dinner for good luck. Other than that, we'll take down the tree and get the house back to it's fairly uncluttered normal state. I'll miss my tree, however. It's been lovely having the lights on...maybe I'll just keep it up year round!

And that's it for now. Happy New Year to all. Here's to 2016! Later!

Benefits To Jim Working 2nd Shift

(Preface: Every time I type "shift" - I did it again - I always type "shit" first.  Fits!)

So yes, Jim working 2nd shift sucks but the benefits are starting to out weight the bad. A) We got some errands done together yesterday (exchanged the sound bar he got me since the first one didn't have a remote in the box and got some necessities at Target). B) Jim gets to walk Sami while I do other things that take up my time; C) I got to wear my new boots while out and about! D) We got to lunch together at Flipdaddy's which was so delicious! I've been trying to get something different every time I go there. Yesterday was our third trek and I got their fish sandwich. Once again, it was delicious. Jim got the burger at top which he thoroughly enjoyed as well. Additionally, they have about 30 beers on tap so I usually get a different brew with every visit; and finally E) With Jim at work I get to lounge around and watch whatever TV program I want. Truthfully, however, I would do that anyway and Jim wouldn't mind as he pretty much likes everything I watch (exception: Housewives).

Now, you may be asking, what thrilling show did I watch last night? Well, Maggie will be happy to hear I finally started binge watching The Newsroom. If you are unaware of the show, it was an HBO series with Jeff Daniels. It was only on 3 seasons and after 6 episodes of the first season under my belt, I'm wondering WTF!? Why would they take such a great show off the air after only 3 seasons?! It doesn't make sense. Obviously, I'm loving the show so far and actually look forward to Jim going to work so I can continue my binge.

Plans today: Nothing much except I need to go to the grocery to purchase the items for my New Year's Eve and New Years Day meal. I believe for NYE I'll make some filets with Bearnaise sauce and maybe make it Oscar (crab meat and asparagus). I'm going to try a delicious looking barley mushroom bake with it. That sounds pretty good, huh? NYD will be our traditional pork and sauerkraut with mashers. YUMMY! Can't wait. Other than that, I'll be hanging at home doing laundry and cleaning.

And that's all I've got. Time for the Today show.  Later!

No Rain!?

Could it be that we may go a day without rain!? I'll believe it when I see it! Sami is so stir crazy, you can't imagine. She hasn't had a walk in several days and she's PISSED! Jim will be taking care of that today.

Speaking of Jim, he's back on 2nd shift. Of course they didn't tell him this yesterday and so he went off to work at the usual time. Around 10:00 he called to say he was on his way home and would have to go back around 5:00. I was slightly pissed because of course I had dinner planned. I made it anyway - Beef Barley soup - and it was DELICIOUS! Why don't I cook more with barley? It's really very delicious and good for you. I may have to peruse recipes with barley.

One last pic of Eva's quilt. I'm so happy that it fits her bed so well. Maggie changed up her bedding, buying some pink sheets, and I think it looks terrific. I'm so happy she loves it.

Got my boots yesterday. So awesome. They are very comfortable and I can't wait to wear them. My fabric shipped as well and should be here today or tomorrow. I actually started cutting down some flannel shirts yesterday to make another quilt. I'll use some of the shirts I cut up and then some leftover material that I had from Maggie's quilt...hopefully it won't be hideous. Maybe that will the quilt number 2 I take to PIB this year. We'll see...I may have to keep it for myself since my flannel quilt is starting to look a bit tattered.

Today: I'm not sure what I have in my plans. I'll work out in a bit. I need to go to Target so that's a possibility. Jim needs to go to Best Buy and return the sound bar he got me because it didn't have the remote in the box. Maybe we'll go together.

And that's all I've got. Time to work out. Happy Tuesday. Later!

Good Taste & A Copycat

My sister has such good taste and because of that, she forces me to be a copycat. Thank God she doesn't mind.  Some people would, I know but thankfully, she usually points me in the right direction with my style. Case in point: Boots at the left. Maggie got these for Christmas (though in a slightly different color) and she was totally cool with me ordering them for myself. I'm PSYCHED that I got these and can't wait for their delivery. Based on tracking information they are currently in Loveland but I'm not supposed to get them until tomorrow. UGH!

In addition to that purchase, I also ordered all the fabric for my next quilt. This one is meant for PIB. I'll do the same design as I did for Eva's quilt (at left) but I'll do teals and turquoises. I think it will be very pretty.

Jim's off to work. My day today will consist of hanging out, going to the grocery and making some soup using the prime rib that was left over from Christmas dinner. (Did I mention how delicious Christmas dinner was? Can't remember. Dad did a prime rib, his famous mashed potatoes - best in the Midwest - and his equally famous green beans...my mouth still waters remembering...YUM!) Maggie pinned a beef barley recipe and I'll check that out.

I should have asked for a canoe for Christmas because this rain is ridiculous. This season is proving to be nuts! UGH! With all the rain we have had, I wouldn't want it to be snow but I much prefer snow to rain. At least it's pretty! My backyard is a complete river. UGH! Things aren't going to be any better over the next 24 hours either.

And that's all I've got. Time for me to peruse Pinterest and make a grocery list. Happy Monday. So happy to be off for the next week. Later!

Withdraw

I may go through some withdraw today without family in my day. The good thing, however, is it's a Harry Potter weekend and really, he's like my family so there you go!

These past few days have been a whirlwind but so much fun. Mom and Richard came in on Tuesday and helped me to get ready for Christmas Eve. Christmas Eve was terrific starting with lunch at Hofbrauhaus in Newport with most of the family. People showed up at my house around 5:00 and I have to say this was probably my best Eve yet. I didn't do appetizers this year with the exception of cheese and crackers and it was perfect. I think everyone left feeling pleasantly full...not busting the seams.

Yesterday we got up, opened presents, had breakfast and mom and Richard hit the road around 9:00. Jim and I headed to Raeburn around noon and were home by 9:00. (Sami did great and was happy to see us...proof as she ran laps around the house.) Dinner at Raeburn was perfect (prime rib, mashed potatoes, green beans and a brussel sprout dish that Becky's sister made which I LOVED!!!) and the clean up this year was EASY!

Today will be an easy day for me. I plan on doing NOTHING except spending quality time with HP! Jim's cousin is doing a dinner but I've opted out because it's over an hour away and I'm sorry but I'm exhausted and I think it's stupid to expect people to drive all that way the day after Christmas. I worry about Jim going because it's so far away and the weather is not supposed to be great. At least it isn't going to be snowing though.

So what did I get, you may ask from my hubby and family? From Jim I got a new blue tooth and a sound bar for the TV; a wallet which I love, fuzzy socks and some "as seen on TV" items (a whisk, egg maker, chia herbs...Jim's weird). I got some nice jewelry from Becky, a french fry cutter from Susan (which goes with the birthday present she and Trip got me - a fryer) as well as a really nice bowl and candles. Mom got me a book and some Pioneer Woman items.

Better than the gifts I got, however, I loved the gifts I gave. I love how much Jim loves his kegerator. I love how much everyone loved their quilts as well. It just makes me so happy to create and make something for people that they can use every day and be cozy. My next "make" will be for PIB. I plan on making a couple of quilts for the cottage since we need to do a MAJOR overhaul of blankets up there.

And now I must go eat breakfast...I'm starving. Happy Day After Christmas! Later!

Let The Craziness Begin

Today will be the beginning of Muir being a bit nuts with everything that has to get done. And of course it's currently pouring.  However, I believe this is the last of the steady rain...after this - around 7:00 - it should be out of here and I can continue with my "jobs".

So today, I will finish up cleaning although Jim did a great job while I was gone. I will also do my major shop for X-mas Eve. After that, I'll make the sauce for the lasagna. I need to clean out refrigerators to make room as well. Mom and Richard are driving up today and will have lunch with Anne and the kids and then Mom will have a pedicure with the girls. I expect them here around 3 or 4. Dinner tonight will be Brunswick stew...something easy and fairly light. Jim will be working like a maniac for the next two days so he can have Thursday and Friday off.

Tomorrow - Wednesday - I'll get the tables set and put my lasagnas together. I will also make the brownies. Dinner tomorrow is still up in the air but I bought some crab cakes from Kroger and may just make those with a salad...again something easy and light.

Thursday will be our annual lunch at Hofbrauhaus. Can't wait.

So the kegerator...so much fun and so delicious. I don't think I'll be able to top myself with this gift, that's for sure. Our current flavors are Brooklyn Lager and Christian Moerlein OTR.  Cari and Jordan came over around 8:00 last night to try it out and she and I agree that the OTR is our favorite. There's just something about draft beer, you know? It goes down so much smoother than from the bottle.

In terms of the kegerator, I had read in my research that the only real complaint about this particular model was it didn't get cold enough. I don't know what people were talking about because the beer is as cold as any beer I've had. Now, it was mentioned that people who drink crap beer (Budweiser and such) expect near freezing temps since that's how it is served, to cover up the crap taste so maybe that was the problem. Whatever,..it's perfect for me.

And that's about all I've got. I need to get up and out so I can beat the Kroger crowd.  Happy Tuesday...safe travels Mom and Richard. Later!

Muir The Dumb Ass

I'm so stupid! I was driving home yesterday and saw that along with my check engine light (which has been on for a while and is just the fuel sensor...no big deal) I had a tire light on and the light at left too. For some reason, I forgot that the light at left was the TPMS light (tire pressure monitoring system) and thought it was the oil light. I immediately called to tell Jim who ordered me to stop at the new auto repair by our house. I explained to the guy that my tire light and oil light had just come on and could he quickly check my oil to see if it was low. He did...it wasn't. Hmm...he said that with my oil light on and the oil NOT low, he would caution me against running my engine. GREAT! I'm going to Columbus today! So I called Maggie and told her we had a problem and I probably wouldn't be able to make it up there today and she should try to call Madison to see if she could watch Eva tonight.

I then came in and called Jim about what was up. He told me to call Hyundai to see if they could get me in. I did and talked to a guy about the lights on in my car. He said, "What color is the light?" I said, "Orange." He said, "The oil light is red. Whatever light is on isn't your oil light. But come on up...we'll check it out." So I grab my purse and get in the car. I decided to pull out my manual and look up the meaning of the light. OH! That's right! I remember that light. It's my tire pressure light!

So all is well - Jim will take my car up this morning to put air in my tire and check the others and I'll be up and out by, hopefully, 8:30 or so. I'll hang with the Egbert's today and tomorrow and then come home Monday.

So happy to be on vacation but it will be a whirlwind for the next several days when I go to Columbus and then rush to get ready for Christmas Eve.

Oh, I gave Jimmy his kegerator last night. He loved it. I think he knew what it was but he says he didn't. He SAID he thought I had gotten him a beer fridge like Maggie and Charlie have in their basement but I don't believe that's what he thought. I think he's just telling me that. I don't care though because he loved it and I can't wait to get it all hooked up with beer flowing. WOOT! I may send him down to Party Source this weekend to purchase. Our former neighbor can hopefully help him set up the fridge. Maybe by Monday all will be ready?!

K - I'm out. Time to finish packing so I can go see my Eva. Later!

Man Oh Man Oh Shevitz

I mean what's going on?! First my Uncle Stan is hospitalized. Then a good friend has to have her pup put down (16 year old who lived a nice long life but is now in kidney failure). Next I see posts on FB from Aunt Kathleen about her baby Beau! He had a tumor that was bleeding so they had to do emergency surgery. They won't know the lab results until Monday. Someone up there needs to watch out for our loved ones please, during this holiday season. Christmas and heartache DO NOT MIX!!! (Prayers in a continuous stream to you Aunt Kathleen!)

School: I'm more than ready to be DONE with school for 2015! I'm not sure I can take another day of mindless staring. I have my history exam first today and then it's my planning period so I will be sitting on my ass from 10-12:30. Thankfully the PTO will be serving us lunch so there will be that to keep my mind occupied. I'll have to at least TRY and do some work. I'm just so OVER it.

I've been investigating getting a new garage door and opener. We looked into having it done by an outside company but the quote we got was $1600 (although he came down to $1425). Buying a door (<$600) and opener (<$200) ourselves would save us a TON of money but Jim is unsure about installing ourselves. The guy who gave us the quote said he'd install for $350 but I still think that's a bit outrageous. And everything I've read says that install isn't that hard. I think I'll order the stuff and see what's what when it comes. If it looks too difficult, I can always have the guy do it.

What else? Oh, I had a dream I had to get a blood test (I'm reading a novel about a family dealing with Huntington's Disease...same author who wrote Still Alice...really good btw) and the doctor called me to say that I tested positive...for crystal meth!  WHAT!? I kept telling him I had NEVER done crystal meth in my life but he wouldn't believe me. So weird.

Okay well it's colder than it's been yet this season so I guess I should get bundled up and outta here. Happy Friday!!! Happy beginning of winter break to me!!! Later!

Two Down...One To Go

I gave two of my three exams yesterday and not one kid scored below a C. WOOT! So proud of my kids! I don't expect the same results for my history exam because I know a couple of kids who won't study. UGH! I don't ever try to trick my kids and I give them the exact material they will need to have to study but you can only do so much. I even email the study guide home to parents but again, not all parents give a hoot (until their kid fails, that is).

I am officially FINISHED with my Christmas gifting!!! I finished the quilt I was doing last night and now just need to wrap it! I have a few items that I'm waiting on to come in the mail for Jim but everything has been purchased or made. YAY! I have wrapped a few items but couldn't continue with that last night because Jim wasn't working. I'll do it tonight.

Speaking of Jim, he's still on 2nd shift but the job he was supposed to do yesterday got taken care of by the general contractor so he had an unexpected day off. He'll have to work this weekend to finish up the job he's been on but I won't be in town so no big whoop. Although I need him to clean so he's going to be a busy boy.

Let me tell you - I do love exam week because of the things I manage to get done (I completed one IEP yesterday and nearly completed 2 others) but it can be mind-numbingly BORING at times. I had worked and worked and worked yesterday from 7:30 until 12:30 but then I crashed and just wanted to nap. Two more days of that. UGH! Well at least Friday at 12:30 (when the kids are all done) we have a lunch that will keep me entertained.

Today at work I'll make my grocery list for X-mas Eve. It should be an easier shop this year since I've already gotten some things. I really should take a trip to Party Source and do my alcohol shopping but I don't think I'll get there until next week. I plan on giving Jim his big gift...maybe Friday so that we can start putting it together and using it by X-mas Eve. Excited.

And that's all I've got. Guess I should finish up and get to school...to sit on my ass...and fall asleep. UGH! No complaining...loves me some easy days (knock on wood).

Happy Thursday...oooh, it's Thursday!!! Only one more day after this! WOOT!!! Later!

Headaches!!!

Too bad I can't drink at school! That would fix me up!

I have been waking up with a headache EVERY FREAKIN' DAY for the last few days and its driving me NUTS! I actually woke up around 4:30 today and felt my head throbbing. So annoying. It's usually gone by the time I leave or get to work but WTF?! I think it may be remnants from my cold. I don't think its stress because I don't feel under stress. Maybe it's just that we're close to break and I'm TIRED!!! Who knows but I'll be happy when this stops!

In Uncle Stan news: (I'll try to relate what Becky heard from, I think, Megan - my cousin) Stan is having continuous seizures. He's basically been unconscious much of the time it seems (though he woke for a bit yesterday and was talking) and the EKG shows that while in that state, he's continuing to have seizures. They aren't sure why. They have ruled out that it is an effect of diabetes (low blood sugar) but need to do an MRI to see what it is. The problem is that they need to stop the seizures to do the MRI because it can cause an abnormal read. The meds they've been using, however, haven't been stopping them. They will eventually do an MRI, regardless, to at least rule out a tumor. The other possibilities are stroke or infection. At this point they're just still trying to figure it all out. He's still in the ICU. Continued prayers please.

In school news, all went well yesterday though the day crept by. I fear that today will do the same but regardless of that, it will be an easy day. I give my 1st and 2nd period exams and the kids will be done and out of there by 12:25. Woot!

Jim's scan results were fine. He still has the three nodules but they haven't changed so that's good. The doc did see another little blip on the scan but isn't worried...could be due to his getting over a small cold. Basically the doc said this is just what Jim's lungs/body does. They'll do another scan in 3 months...on the Ides of March...may have to change that scan date!

National Honor Society served the staff lunch yesterday. We have the greatest kids! They gave each of the members of the staff a gift card as well! I mean WOW! That's like 60-70 people. So generous. Friday the PTO serves us lunch. We are so lucky!

And that's all I've got. I sure hope all my kids do really well on their exams today! They reviewed really well yesterday so I have high hopes.

Happy Wednesday! YAY! Later!

Thoughts & Prayers For Uncle Stan!

I woke up this morning to a text from my cousin, Allen. Apparently my Uncle Stan is in the hospital and they believe he had a stroke. Allen said my cousins Warren, Megan and my Aunt Muir are with him but he's fading in and out. Please pray for him. He was always such a big personality and force in the family, though lately he's seemed so frail.

Nothing much else. I had my neighbors knocking on my door last night at nearly 8:00. I don't know how many times I've talked about being a loser but I guess I need to say it one more time. Muwee is a loser!!! Bed time is usually around7:30 when school is in session. The bonus is, she left cookies and a littler Hickory Farm gift for me. Thank God the raccoons, squirrels, possums, chipmunks etc. didn't try and steal my stash!

K - I'm out. Exams start at today although I am not giving one. Should be a fairly easy day. Hoping for good news from Cleveland.

Later!

Dreams Of Bubba

I had the best dream featuring Bubba last night. Actually, I think it was early this morning...it's what I was dreaming when I woke up just before my alarm sounded. Anyway - I was walking my sweet Hubba Bubba though the streets, which were pretty much deserted. We were walking along and came upon another person walking their dog. I'm not sure who the person was but they were walking a chocolate lab. Now, in my dream I didn't recognize the chocolate lab but thinking back, I used to have a chocolate lab...Healy...when I was living with David - maybe it was her! Anyway - it was so cute, when Bubba spied the lab, he started running so that I had to run to catch up. This is what Bubba used to do when we would walk the Nature Center with Nessa. He was always such a poky little walker - sniffing every leaf and twig; peeing on every blade of grass. But get him with another dog in front of him and he would walk anywhere and I mean FAST. So cute. I love dreaming about my pups. I truly believe it's them visiting me from heaven. (I had a dream of Zekey early in the week too.)

This is the last push before Winter Break! Can I get a WOOT!? And it's jeans week! DOUBLE WOOT! And it's my last week of bus duty!!! WOOT WOOT WOOT!!!

Man is it windy out there. Speaking of which: Jim noticed the other day that a tree in the back yard, just beyond our fence broke and is just leaning against another tree. It seems pretty solid against the other tree but if the leaning one comes down, it'll come right through the fence. UGH! Sometimes trees suck!

Weekend news: Jim and I had a funeral on Saturday afternoon. It was a nice mass and Jim cried a bit...he had known the man (Les Chard...his best friends dad) for 30-some odd years. It was actually interesting - we were standing afterwards in the basement of the church where the reception was being held and there was this man there that I knew but could remember how. He was short, about 75 or so and balding. Hmm...weird that I totally recognized him. Then as I realized what Mr. Chard had done for a living, it all came back to me. He was an English professor at UC (hell, I could very well have had him) and the man I recognized was a professor I had for my Survey of English Literature I class. Crazy. I remember I REALLY liked this professor too. Can't remember his name but that's okay - at least I figured it out.

Saturday night, Jim and I went out, first to Mitchell's Fish Market for dinner in Newport and then to my friend Terri's annual party. Someone mentioned this was her 16th annual party which is crazy! I've been to every one except one (probably the 2nd or 3rd one she had). It's crazy to think I've known Terri that long. I met Jim through Terri and she and I met when I was in grad school...so...what, 17 or 18 years! Wow!

Yesterday, Jim went to Les's house to watch the game and I stayed here and tried NOT to watch the game. UGH! I made a few French cakes but I ran out of steam due to a massive headache. Ugh UGH!

I'll head to Maggie's on Saturday. I originally planned on going Sunday because Maggie and Charlie have plans Saturday night but they couldn't find a babysitter so it's Muwee to the rescue. Can't wait to see my girl!!! And Maggie and Charlie but really, it's all about Eva.

And I'm out. I'll head to Target after school to get stocking stuffers and wrapping stuff. Jim's on 2nd shift for the - hopefully - last couple days. He has his appointment with the doc regarding the scan he had last week. Fingers crossed that all is well. This time last year...

Happy Monday. Later!

My Husband The Fool Episode #327

I mean...I can't make this shit up! Jim says to me this morning (yes, he's off 2nd shift at least for today): "Do you know that people actually EAT pirannah!?" Me: "Well, why wouldn't they?" Jim: "That's taking a pretty big risk, don't you think?" Me: "Well, are they eating them alive?" Jim: "No, but they aren't afraid to get in the water and just...catch 'em!" (And he enacts a person in water just grabbing fish.) Me: "Don't you think they'd use something like a fishing pole? Or a net...off the shore?" Jim: "They've been known to take down cattle!" Me: "Well, yeah, but that's when they're in a frenzy. They aren't in a constant frenzy. Sometimes they're just swimming around...just keep swimming, just keep swimming. And by the way, other fish have teeth!"

Do you think my brain cells are just disappearing or evaporating when I have conversations like this with Jimmy? I do.

So Jimmy calls me last night and says, "What are we doing the day after Christmas?" And I say, "I'll be lounging around on my ass...how about you?" Well, apparently his cousins - who live about an hour and 15 minutes south of Cincinnati, are having the Hanke/Sanker (mom's side) over for dinner. WTF!? And...it's at 5:30. I'm trying my best to come up with a reason not to go. How am I going to get out of this?! I mean, after two days of going, going, going, I do NOT want to haul my ass to Carrollton Ky. Ridiculous. I'm not happy! I mean, what asshole plans that when the WHOLE family lives in Cincinnati!? Why can't someone up here have the damn dinner!? GOD!

I'm looking forward to sleeping in tomorrow. It gets harder and harder to get out of bed the closer we get to Winter Break. I'll probably still get up at 6:00 but at least it won't be by the alarm!

Jim just asked to see by post to see what I wrote about him. I just clicked on my blog and without his readers, he couldn't see that I hadn't posted today yet and what he was reading was yesterdays post. Hee hee...I'm so tricky. Poor Jimmy.

K - well, I best mosey. Today will be an easy day (though Lisa and Diane are both out) with reading and exam reviews. Happy Friday to all.  Later!

Unexpected Gifts

Don't you just love it when you realize there's a "gift" waiting for you that you didn't know was there? I was paying a bill and saw that I had "points" to redeem. I looked and saw I had over 13,000 which translated into $100 worth of gift cards (I chose Yard House and Bonefish). Plus I've got a stack in my wallet and another on the way from my insurance deal-y-o. I think Jim and I will use the Mitchell's Fish Market card this Saturday before heading to Terri's x-mas party. Excited.

Sad news: Jim's best friend's father passed away. His funeral is Saturday. Les was the best man in our wedding. Jim met Les when he and his father moved into the Hanke family home (it's a two-family). Jim and Les became fast friends and have stayed that way (even though Les lives in San Fransisco). Coincidentally, when Jim and I were dating and first got married, it just so happened that Les's mother and step-father lived two houses down from my parents. That's weird, right? Anyway - Les is in town and I'm sure Saturday will be a busy day for us.

Jim's still on 2nd shift. Don't know when that's going to change. I have to say I'm a bit sick of eating dinner by my lonesome. More annoying is the fact that I haven't cooked a real meal since Sunday. Not that I've been eating junk but I've been making little meals for myself (quiche, mini homemade pizzas).  I'll make a meal tonight so that we have some leftovers.

What else? Nothing really. I watched It's a Wonderful Life last night. Well, I watched the last hour. It had been on last Saturday and I watched the first two hours but fell asleep for the best part. I cried my eyes out last night. It was sort of ridiculous. I mean, I've seen that movie probably more than any movie ever. I can probably recite every single line in it yet I still get all weepy at the end. It just makes me so happy.

On that note...I'll bid adieu. Happy Thursday...we're almost there. Later!

Well On My Way

I think I have only a couple things to do at school to be ready for exams! (My exams) That's pretty impressive to me, I have to say. And I plan on getting the rest complete today. After that it's just a waiting game...waiting on other teachers to get their shit together so I can make study guides for their tests. Eight more days until break.

My cold: It's still lingering a bit. I wake up nearly every morning with a headache and I have to take about 10 minutes to cough out my lungs. Though my nose is clear (I can breathe through it) I still have a head full of stuff that I have to get out. It's really very pleasant, I know. I'm getting there though and I feel like every day is a little better. The worst of it though is definitely the headaches. Those can suck an egg!

Can someone tell me when Donald Trump is just going to go away? I'm so sick of his ridiculous, un-American bullshit! You know it's bad when the journalists just flat out say he's full of shit and there's no way at this point he can win any election (not that the republican party is ever going to give him the nomination). He'll end up breaking from the republican party and then the democrats sail right into the White House (not that I mind). So really I should just say,"keep it up Donald...Hilary doesn't even need to campaign with you spouting your crap." However, the things he says are hurting America and I hate to see that. He's digging his own grave...it's kind of pathetic.

Took some things to get framed yesterday. Several hundred dollars later...I'm so excited to get them back!!! December 21st!

What else? Jim's still on 2nd shift. I can tell you Sami loves it. She gets attention all day long. It should only be for another couple days, I think but who knows. At least he's working. This time last year he was out of work and I was freaking out a bit.

Well, I guess I'd better mosey. Happy Hump Day!!! Later!

The Storm Before The Calm

Of course every teacher (including me) is giving a test this week or next Monday. Tuesday, next week, starts exams. Which means that I'm running around like a chicken with its head cut off trying to make study guides for tests this week and next, making my own tests, making my own exams, and then making study guides for regular ed exams. I actually managed to get two study guides done yesterday for tests this week and I figured out my history exam. I made up a test for my history class this week and put together a study guide for it. I now have to make a review game for said test and can then work on making my LA exam. Not to mention all the regular shit I have to do. Whew...no wonder I find my head periodically pounding throughout the day. I'll be happy when this week is over and I have a solid week next week to meander over plans for next SEMESTER! Oh it is never ending. On a positive note, it sure makes my days fly by.

So yesterday I finished my Christmas shopping! How jealous are all of you!? (Probably not jealous at all because you all probably finished long ago!) I still have to go get a gift framed but I'm going to do that after school today.

This weekend, I think I'll go shopping for Christmas Eve stuff. I need to get some extra dishes and some silverware. I'm thinking Big Lots! I think we're going to have a record number of people at the Hanke household this year and I just don't have all the dinnerware for all those hungry mouths.

What else? Jim is still working 2nd shift. I'm getting a bit sick of that. Makes me want to go to bed at 7:00 because I've got nothing better to do. Plus I'm still really tired at the end of my days recently. This cold is just lingering and lingering. UGH!

And that's all I've got I think. I guess it can't hurt to get my ass to school and work on one of the many items on my list. How many more days until break? And when are we going to get some real winter weather!?

Happy Tuesday! Later!

A Good Couple Night's Sleep

Granted I woke up around 1:00 to go to the facilities and sort of lolled awake in bed for a bit but I still managed to get a nice night's sleep.  Saturday night as well. And let me tell you after a week of not really sleeping, it was quite welcome. Of course I had a crazy dream last night that I had to get a heart transplant so that sucked. Worst of all - and the real reason I was crying in my dream - was the doctors told me I would never be able to drink again. I mean, are you kidding!? I told the doctors that I would keep my bum heart, thanks anyway.

The weekend: So nice. I didn't leave the house. Jim and I decorated the tree and got the house all Christmasy on Saturday. I was going to cook but then started to feel bad around 3:00 so we got take out Shooters instead. Sunday was all about quilting and watching football. Can I get a WOOT and a WHO DEY!? And I'm thinking my new favorite NFC team is Philly who beat New England! Carolina is still undefeated but I'm okay with that...I like Cam Newton. Of course Pittsburgh won (F&%KERS!) but they were playing Indy...not like that was much of a stretch.

After football, we had a delicious dinner (beef with sugar snap peas...stir fry), I took a bath, then it was bed time and some TV.

This week will be a normal week and then next week starts exams (on Tuesday). I'm so excited. Of course I need to make my exams so that's a pain in the ass but I think I really only need to worry about English.

Jim's still on 2nd shift for a few more days. I'm hoping it won't be all week but while he is, I'm going to try and get our garage door opener replaced. Trying to find an accredited company, however, is proving to be a pain in the ass. I'll keep searching.

Okay well I best get a move on. Later and happy Monday!

The Sick Saga Continues

Who's sick of hearing/reading about my cold?! I am!!! Who's going to have to suck it up or click exit!? You are!!!

So I've been feeling better...I have. I get to the end of my day and my head is usually pounding a bit from all the coughing but when I don't cough, it doesn't pound so it's managable. Last night I had this dry annoying cough and I just wanted to have a good hard cough so I could get the shit in my lungs OUT! (Careful what you wish for!) When I went to bed, I took some NyQuil capsules...not because I was coughing but because I was afraid I would onece I laid down and I wanted to sleep. I think I turned off my light and went to sleep around...7:30? Something like that (I know I'm a loser but with the on and off sleep I've been getting, come on!)

Fast forward to sometimes around 11;00 I think. Truthfully I'm not sure because I was in such a NyQuil daze I can barely recall. All I know is that I woke up and coughed my lungs out for what seemed like an hour and it wasn't a dry cough anymore. UGH! I managed to get back to sleep and I'm telling you when the alarm went off at 5:00 this morning, it's a wonder that A) I heard it and B) I was able to drag my sorry ass out of bed.

When I got into the bathroom (after getting my coffee) I went through about 17 tissues and based on what was coming out of my head (very colorful) I think I may be getting a sinus infection. AWESOME!!!  I saw at least 4 colors of the rainbow in my nose blowing (sorry if you're eating breakfast or something). I used my Neti pot and my sinuses feel much better so maybe that'll do it. Who knows? I'll see how I feel through the day and if things go from bad to worse, I'll head to the Little Clinic after school. Not sure if they'll be able to diagnose me with something and give me antibiotics but it's worth a try! I have to say, it doesn't hurt when I press on my sinuses but that probably only means they're not God awful yet.

Jim is still on 2nd shift...hopefully tonight will be the last night. Poor Jimmy. What am I saying - he can suck it up! He was off the same as I was last week!

Okay well, I best finish up and head to work. Happy FRIDAY!!! YAY!!! Later!

Slightly Better

I was only up last night from 1:30 until 3:00 coughing and hacking. It's amazing to me that during all of this Jim continued to snore through it all. Granted, I did get out of bed for much of the coughing and snorting but I really didn't need to because Jim was out like a light.

Yesterday was tough at work in regard to this stupid cold, mainly because I had a couple of coughing fits and the coughing leaves my head pounding. I also had to read aloud during 7th period which killed me. I wonder how it will go today when I have to read aloud for 2 periods straight. I'll be fine!!!

In other news - did I mention that I ordered Jimmy's x-mas present online Monday (Cyber Monday)? He doesn't read this but I don't want to ruin it in case he stumbles upon this...I'll just say...glug, glug, glug!!! I'm so excited to give him this gift!!!

Lets see...what else...ooh, Top Chef started last night. I look forward to that when I get home today! Especially since Jim's still on 2nd shift and I'll have nothing better to do...like cook. Plus I still have a million leftovers.

And...that's all I've got. I'm still not caught up on grading at work but I should be able to do that today. Sophomores go to the career center which really doesn't affect me since they don't leave until 9:00 and I only have two on my caseload. No big whoop whoop! Oh, I do have a meeting today with the financial institution people who will be handling the districts HSA. I'll set up my account and then I think I'll let then know what amount will be withdrawn from my pay (?) to go directly in. Exciting, huh?

Well, I best mosey. I need a little extra time with this face today since I look extra heinous due to my cold. Something about being sick makes be break out like an asshole. Ratch-a-fratch!!!  Later!

I Think I Can...I Think I Can...

Regardless, I have to since I have another IEP at 7:30 this morning, which should be lickity quick, thank God.

I'm definitely on the mend but I still feel like ass. I managed to get pretty good sleep last night but woke up (from a NyQuil-induced slumber) hacking away at 11:00. I did that for about an hour (you know how once you cough it triggers the need to keep coughing) and managed to fall asleep right when Jimmy came home (he's on 2nd shift for the next few days). I woke up at around 3:00 in a cold sweat (love waking up in soaked sheets) but managed to go back to sleep until the alarm woke me up.
I have to say, poor Jim probably isn't getting any sleep right now with me hacking and coughing and trying to blow all the shit out of my head. Better to do it here and get it out than at school. I'm also suffering from that constant clammy, sweaty feeling. I know it's cold in my house because my feet and hands are FREEZING but the rest of my body is a sweaty mess.

Needless to say, this cold can't go away fast enough.

I got a nice email from my department head yesterday. She just emailed to say she hopes I'm feeling better and she's thinking of me. Isn't that nice? And isn't it shitty that one of the first things that pops into my head is, "Hmm...what's going on and what does she want?" It stems from my previous distrust of her but I'm trying to get over that. I certainly don't feel about her the way I used to...I just have to keep reminding myself that things are different now (for now).

Well, I'm sure there's a shit storm of paperwork waiting for me at school so I'd best get going. I made cookies for the kids to make up for my absence...hopefully they weren't assholes and I can share them.

Happy - oh, thank God - HumpDAY!!! Later

Still Sick

I thought I'd be able to make it to work today but alas, my cough is worse than ever (can't stop coughing) and I've got a low grade fever. UGH! I hate having to get a sub so much and I especially hate that the kids have to be read to (our novel) by a sub, but it can't be helped. I also hate that my ladies at work put together a work lunch for me and I'm not able to enjoy it. WAH! Well, I certainly appreciate you ladies and apologize for all this.

And that's all I've got. I need to get back on the couch. Maybe I'll watch some Charlie Brown. Later!

Sick & Miserable

I thought I was rallying yesterday but alas, this morning I'm feeling miserable. I think if I weren't coughing up yellow shit and thus probably still quite contagious, I would push through but I just don't want to do that. Problem is, I have an IEP at 7:30 so I will go in for that and then come back home and sleep this shit off. Problem #2 is no one has picked up my absence. Makes me feel bad but I just can't worry about that. Hopefully in the next 1/2 hour someone will get it.

Oh, and I can barely move my right arm. I think my rotator cuff is acting up again. I've popped 4 ibuprofen which helps immensely.

So, that's all I've got because I have to head to work to get plans together. Sorry so short. Later!

R.I.P. Baxter

Sigh...It makes me so sad to think that so close to Thanksgiving and with everything we have in our lives, life actually still goes on and sad, terrible things still happen. It makes me so sad to say that once again my Mom and Richard are having to say goodbye to the sweet little love in their lives. And I know how hard it is to be thankful when such an unexpected thing happens to a seemingly healthy, vibrant, roll-in-the-leaves pup. So...let me just tell you about Baxter...and maybe you can see just how thankful we should all remember to be for our furry babies.

My parents didn't raise Baxter from a pup. They didn't get to experience his puppy breath and they didn't get the "joy" of potty tranining him. They didn't ever know of his love of shoes and so they never had their favorite shoes ruined. Nope...they "inherited" Baxter, full-grown, from a nearby family that was never deserved of his love. Somehow, Baxter, like so many other needy, loving pups (Pancho, Mats, Cheyenne and Hillary), found his way to my parents house. And luckily enough, through some divine intervention, Baxter's "owners" realized when a good thing (a great and amazing thing) just couldn't be passed up.

Before Richard, Baxter never knew before what it felt like to be pet all night long if that's what he demanded with his nudging little nose.  Before my Mom, Baxter never knew what it was like to have someone come down on the floor with him and just love on him for the sake of loving. Before my parents, Baxter never knew what it was like to be vaccinated and protected from disease and bugs and itching. Before the Blossers, he never knew that there was such thing as a special pillow especially for his comfort.

It may be hard right now for my Mom and Richard to remember how thankful they are for the love they just lost but let me tell you - for Baxter in heaven, playing with Max and Zeke and Bubba and Zoe and C.C. and Pancho and Wolfie and Cheyenne and Mats and Phoebe and Hillary and Brutus and Laila (oh, my God, he has so many friends) it isn't hard to be thankful. He knows how lucky he was. He knows what an amazing life he had. And he knows that every day he had with my Mom and Richard was a day full of love and even just one day with them would have been enough to make life worthwhile.

Oh, that we all remember to remember to be so thankful.

I love you Mom and Richard. Please remember everything you were to Baxter!

D-Bag Kids!

So today is the last day before a nice 5-day weekend and Thanksgiving. You'd THINK that kids would be a little cooperative, thankful and respectful. (I know! After 16 years of doing this, you'd think I'd be a little wise to jackass teenagers! Guess I still prefer to live in a dream world.)

What happened, you ask? Well, in World History, we just finished a chapter and are about to start on the Industrial Revolution. Basically, all year has been leading to this pivotal chapter and of course, I don't want to start it on a two-day week where everything I teach is forgotten. So yesterday I give the kids a little intro packet and tell them that IF they work hard and strive to do this packet well, we will have a free day tomorrow (today) and watch a nice video (a little Little House to put us all in the mood for the holidays...of course I didn't tell them what video so you can't blame behaviors on that!)

Fast forward to 35 minutes into the class period (with about 20 minutes left). Most kids had turned in said packet and I had 2 or 3 still finishing up. One of my kids (who I normally like) turns his packet in and I start grading it...and realized he skipped one whole page (the page with the most questions on it). So I say, "Yo!? You missed this whole page. Come finish it." And he just shakes his head at me. So I say, "You need to do this, here!" Another shake of his head. So I say, "Fine. Take out your headphones," (I let the kids listen to music when we do this type of independent work) and then I say to the rest of the class, "We will not be having a free day tomorrow so prepare yourselves." (I know...I'm mean.) They all get pissy and I say, "Sorry, some of you just don't want to work as hard as others." And they all turn to the jackass and say, "THANKS A LOT!" He didn't even bat an eye...totally didn't give a shit. Ass hat!

Now how pissed am I that I have to do a lesson and one kid ruined it for the rest of us!? But I'm not backing down because I gave a warning and this little f%&ker isn't going to get to throw a little tantrum. Now watch...he won't come to school today. Shit can. Well, in that case, I will show the video. ARG! I hate teenagers sometimes.

So happy this is the final day before break (and if I have to hear Horshack tell me 72 time that he's so excited that this is the last day for before break, I might shove a turkey somewhere the sun don't shine!)

Has everyone heard that I'm now 4% fluent in Spanish?! So excited! Yo como pescada en lunes. (I eat fish on Mondays.) Jealous!? Escribo libros (I write books). Mi perro es negro! (My dog is black.) Of course I can read Spanish much more fluently than I can speak or write it but hey, I'm doing it.

K - well, I guess I better head up and out. Happy Tuesday! Later!

Sami's Messing With Me!

Every morning I have the same breakfast: Banana/Spinach smoothie and a begal. And every morning I share my bagel with Sami (started typing Eva). This morning Sami's acting all "I don't care" and "I could take or leave that bagel you're trying to give me". She's laying behind me and wouldn't even get up when I handed her her bites. And when she went to eat a piece she sort of side swiped at it, lifting her furry little lips at the side. She a kook. She looks all sad too as if she can't believe I'm going to leave her in about 20 minutes for work. I can't believe it either. However...

...IT'S A TWO DAY WEEK!!!  Woot! I'm so happy. Should be fairly easy too. With the exception of getting up and having to go to work...teach...do bus duty...but who cares...that much closer to a 5 day weekend! Oh, and the PTO is serving lunch today! It's a mac and cheese lunch which I'm not too sure about...I mean, I'm hoping to get more than just mac and cheese but beggars can't be choosers. I'll have a backup plan too.

The weekend: Was nice and relaxing. Jim and I went to Findlay Market sort of on a whim. We originally weren't going but then my friend Terri sent a text saying she was going down for a bit o' wine tasting. Well, I like wine and thought, "What the hell?!" What else was I going to do!? We also took a swing by Party Source to stock up and were home by 2:30ish. Nothing too exciting for Saturday night...watch Leftovers. Sunday was a day of quilting for me...I wasn't feeling great during a lot of the day but by the evening I was okay.

And that's all I've got. This week should be chock full of excitement and I can't wait for T-giving! Woot! Happy Monday. Later!

Excited For 25!!!

Adele's new album came out today! I'm excited...I love her. I've already purchased and downloaded to my PC but am still awaiting my silly iPhone to download. I've already heard a couple songs and love! Woot!

Lets see...what else? Oh, Jim and I went to Flip Daddy's last night for dinner. It was so good! The thing about them that I really like is A) their burgers are amazing! Made with brisket, short ribs and ground chuck and B) they are not ginormous. They are a reasonable size which doesn't make you feel like a cow while you eat your cow. I never leave there too full. Oh, and the beer selection is awesome. Plus we got two free glasses for our dinner last night! Woot.

This weekend should be nice and cold. I'm looking forward to a night on the couch in front of the fire. One downer is that Menards didn't have the fire back that I wanted so I had to order it online. It should be here in a week or so but I was disappointed I couldn't install immediately. Oh well.

And that's about all I've got. Diane and I are flying solo today since Kim is still out of commission (hope you're feeling better Kim and hope you have good news at the docs) and Lisa went to Michigan (have fun!!!). No big whoop.

K - best mosey. I actually have to dig out my coat! (I typed goat first...I have to dig out my goat.) Happy Friday - later!!!

Loves Me Some Cooler Air

You know, I get loving summer and all that but you people who are all, "29 weeks until summer"...why don't you just suck it. We just got into some cooler weather - and not very far into either...can I just have a couple months enjoying it? I need cool weather to appreciate warm weather, don't you. And if you're so HOT for HOT weather...move!

Speaking of cool weather, I just heard that we will get into the 20s this weekend. So excited to use my newly fixed fireplace. I plan on getting a fireplace fireback to help with the back wall and it reflects heat so bonus. I just might stop at the new Menards to do it. So excited!

What else? Nothing really. A week from today is TURKEY DAY!!! (Don't let that wig you out Maggie!) See, Maggie's gone off the Thanksgiving deep end. She's slightly obsessing about dinner. I don't mind though because all her obsessiveness will just mean dinner will be that much more delicious! I can't wait!

Okay well, I best mosey. I'm going to dry my hair today. Later...Happy Thursday! A week from today I'll still be sleeping!

Midweek Lapse

Having stayed home yesterday, I didn't remember to post. Sorry.

Yesterday was quite productive. The fireplace got fixed and we're clear to use it today. Although with the temps in the 60s, I don't think we'll light her up until the weekend.  I got a ton of quilting done as well. I'm well on my way to finishing my projects...YAY! I would say if I keep it up, I'll finish by next week! Woot!

What else? Oh, I went to Wal-Mart yesterday and they had some terrific Yankee Candles for a great price (Mom). $15 for the big jars...good flavors and very aromatic. I bought 2 and the smell awesome (pumpkin apple).

Jim keeps bothering me and saying stupid shit. I just had to tell him to go upstairs and shower and leave me alone...I can't type when he's saying stupid shit to me! Hee hee.

What else? Nothing really. I have a ton of shit to grade at school so I'd best be going. Happy Humpday to all. Later!

Lovely Weekend

I had such a nice time on Saturday with Jimmy. First we went to Findlay Market. Got some sausages, a flank steak, stuffed pork chops and some veggies. From there we were going to go to a Vietnamese restaurant to get some soup for a neighbor but they weren't open until 11 so we decided to come back. We then went to an art studio to get a Charley Harper print that I wanted (see below) and then back to Findlay. After scoring the soup, we headed to Moerlein Lager House for lunch. Jim had an amazing braised short rib grilled cheese and I had a chicken avocado club sandwich. YUMMY! After lunch
we headed to Newport and the Party Source to stock up on booze and I found the beer I was looking for: Shiner Cheer...so yummy. We were home by about 2:00 and just hung out for the rest of the evening.

Sunday was a cleaning day and a quilting day for me. Had a couple of beers in the circle with the neighbors and that was it.

Today I have a half day so that I can get to my doctors appointment and tomorrow I have a day off as well (fireplace repair) which means I'll be able to watch the Bengals tonight - YAY! WHO DEY!!!

And that's all I've got. I best get going so I can do my weekly Monday stuff and get my plans together for the next day and a half. Happy Monday. Later!

I'm So Stupid!

I know you may think that's a typo and I meant to type "Jim" but in fact it's me. I was sitting here on the computer and Jim was passing by and I said distracted, "Hey, will you check to see if Eva wants out?" Jim stands there and doesn't move for a minute and then he puts a fake phone to his ear and says, "Brrrriiing...Hello, Maggie, can you tell me if Eva wants out?" Hahahaha!

Man oh man...is anyone out there watching Survivor?! It is the BEST season! Blindsides left and right and some MAJOR game play. Loves me that game!

I had one of my recurring dreams last night: the snakes at PIB. I dream of them a LOT! Usually I'm in the water and trying to figure out a way to get to the dock without encountering the surrounding swimming snakes. Last night, however, I was on a raft of some sort, approaching the dock and my cousins and others (Allen, Megan etc.) were there shooting the little buggers. And there were bunches of dead snakes floating around. And of course I fell in the water. Normally I don't freak out but last night I think I did a bit. YUCK!

I also had a dream I got a perm. Not a good idea for me! Learned that lesson when I was about 12.

So glad it's Friday! Our plans this weekend are to go to Findlay market tomorrow and then an art gallery downtown - Charley Harper. I'm looking for a picture of a cardinal, specifically. I'm hoping to find one reasonably priced as a Christmas present for my neighbor. Her grandmother died recently and for a while after, she kept seeing a cardinal on her deck. She looked it up and found that cardinals are representative of loved ones spirits. Isn't that neat? So I thought I'd get her a nice framed pic of one so that she'll always have that reminder.

And that's all I've got. Should be an easy day (fingers crossed). Half my kids will be on a field trip this morning.

Happy Friday! Later!

Windy!!!

Major winds today in the midwest. In the Cincy area we're talking about 25 mph winds with possible gusts up to 40. By 3:00 things should start calming down. PIB is supposed to be especially cray with sustained winds near 40mph and possible 16 foot waves. YOWZA!!!  I'm glad the cottage is on the bay side of the lake.

My chicken dish was so yummy last night. It was so simple and delicious. I'll use the leftover chicken to make chicken divan. I've pinned it on my chicken board - Al Roker's salty chicken.

School...training yesterday was nothing I didn't know. Oh well. No biggie.

Dad and Becky head to London today for 16 days. Jealous! They'll hang a bunch with Cullen and go to Scotland for a few days as well. Jealous jealous!!!  Safe travels to you both and have so much fun. Hugs and kisses to Cullen.

And that's about all I've got. Best finish getting ready. Later!

Anything? Nope

I've got nothing. Nada to talk about. Hmm. I'll try anyway.

Lets see...things are shaping up for Thanksgiving at Maggie's. It should be a blast and I'm just excited to eat turkey! We'll go up on Thursday morning and come home Friday morning. I'm asking my neighbors to take care of Sami but of course I'll be worried about her. She'll be fine though. I'll bring her back some turkey to make it up. I'll certainly miss our regular tradition of Thanksgiving at Raeburn but I know Dad and Becky will be having a superb time in London with Cullen (they leave tomorrow for 16 days!)

Friday after Thanksgiving, Jim and I are going to dine at Eddie Merlots...one of my faves. Can't wait.

On the Saturday after Thanksgiving, it's my BIRTHDAY!!!  Maggie and Charlie (and Eva of course) are going to come down to Cincy and celebrate with me! WOOT! It's the day of the "Iron Bowl" (Alabama and Auburn play each other) so that will be fun. I'll text Trip today and see if he and Susan are in. Maybe get some wings from Shooters!

I'm going to need to go on a fast after my birthday week.

School: Nothing exciting going on. It's early release today and they're doing Google training which is a waste of my time since I know everything I need to know about this...I believe. I'm taking the Google Forms session to see if there's anything I don't know.

K - well I best mosey. Happy Hump DAY!!! Later!

This That & The Other

I don't have much to talk about because things are a bit boring here. I'll just share the bits and pieces.

Reading a REALLY good book (see left). It takes place in France during WWII. As we all know I'm a bit obsessed with WWII books, specifically the Holocaust and it seems recently I've been reading books that are in occupied France. I'm only a few chapters in but it's terrific so far.

Yesterday I contacted the last of my December IEP parents to set up meetings and found that one of the IEPs I had thought was due in early December is really due in February (FebRUary, mom...I said it right...in my head as I typed). Whoopsie daisies. And of course this is a parent who has no email so I left a message with Grandma because Mom was still sleeping...at 12:30 (apparently she works 2nd shift). I have a feeling she won't call back so I'll either call back and leave another message (to forget my first message) or just tell her son to tell her to disregard my stupidity. I did, however, get my other two meeting set up so I'll be busy writing those for the next few.

Jim worked 2nd shift (I typed shit first) last night. If I'm not mistaken, he was home and in bed by 11:00 so that's good. I think it was FINALLY his last time at this dentist's office. I'm not sure where he'll go now.

When I was home by myself surfing the channels I realized that TV sucks! There was NOTHING on unless I wanted to watch the Voice or DWTS (which I didn't). I ended up enjoying M*A*S*H. It had been a while since I watched and every time I hear that music it takes me back to my childhood. I could watch that show over and over again. AND! It was one of my favorites: The one where Hawkeye and Col. Potter go to the Korean hospital at the front to help out and then on the way back get shitfaced (while driving) and get ambushed and have to lay in the bunker until things settle down and Col. Potter MAKES Hawkeye use his pistol. My favorite M*A*S*H episodes are the ones where the actors act drunk. So funny...and not typical of me at all!

What else, what else. Oh, I bought some DELICIOUS pre-made scalloped potatoes at Costco last Wednesday. They were so delicious! I only wish I had bought more!

And...that's all I've got. Best mosey...finish getting myself beautiful. Later and Happy Tuesday!

Parents Just Don't LIsten

This weekend FLEW by! And without Sunday football it was weird. I did, however, manage to get a TON of quilting done! BONUS! We also got the last of the leaves in the backyard and Jim is working on cleaning up the side yard and beds. He'll be able to finish this up today since he works 2nd shift again today. Hopefully this will be the LAST venture downtown to the new dentist's office.

We also had a great time on Saturday with Trip, Susan, J.J., Mom & Richard as well as Anne, Steve and Max. Lots of football watching (Clemson, U.C. a bit of Auburn, Tennessee and Ohio State), great food and fun.

So, parents. UGH! I swear, sometimes there just isn't a question as to why certain kids are special ed...apple doesn't fall far! I have this student on my caseload who is a senior. He has not previously been on my caseload but he's been in my LA classes in the past. He is a really nice kid and has a ton of common sense with lots of potential. He is incredibly dyslexic, however, and I'm not sure he is a great candidate for college (not everyone is!). I do think he could possibly do well starting with a community college - maybe Sinclair or Cincinnati State?  At the beginning of the year, his mother contacted me regarding the ACT. She said the student's guidance counselor (who has since left to follow HH at another school) did all the paperwork for the ACT and could I look into finding out about getting her son registered to take it. That, first of all is weird - a parent would have to register FIRST, get a registration code and paperwork for special testing and THEN pass it on to the school to submit IEP (special ed) paperwork. But, I contacted his current counselor and former intervention specialist. Of course there was nothing. So I told the parent there was NO paperwork in his file and the kids previous sped teacher didn't think he had registered.

Fast forward to Friday when I get an email from the parent saying that her son would be taking the ACT on Dec. 12th, one on one. Uh...no...that can't be. See, one on one would not happen on the ACT day...Saturday. It's a three-week window and would be set up with the school and she would have gotten special paperwork. So I email back and tell the parent to scan and email the paperwork she has so I can see what it says. And of course, she has no paperwork. I'm not sure what's going on here...I'll have to talk to the counselor but this mother is SO confused.

Oh, and by the way - the student - when he took the PLAN (a sort of practice test for the ACT which is a good indicator for what you would score on the ACT) he got a 12. LOW!

Okay well, I best get to work. Happy Monday! Later!

8-0!!!

I only watched the first half and a bit of the 2nd (only until Andy Dalton got sacked and I got nervous). Of course after I turned off the TV and fell asleep, I kept waking up wondering if they had won. When I heard Jim around midnight, I tried to stay awake until he came to bed to ask but fell asleep. Such a pleasant thing to wake up to, 8-0!

I won't say I was thrilled with the first half performance - our offensive line was looking weak against Manziel but a win is a win and I'll take it!

And by the way - considering I went to sleep well past my normal bedtime, kept waking up and this rain is making me want to crawl on the couch I feel pretty good. TGIFF, huh?

My weekend plans: Jim's off today but I have no plans other than making a nice home cooked meal tonight and laying around with my two lovies! My mom and Richard are driving up today to stay with Trip so we'll go over tomorrow to hang...have dinner. Sunday with no Bengals game to watch I plan on quilting for as long as my little fingers will let me.

And that's all I've got. It's currently raining kitties and puppies so I best get a move on and make my way to work. Looks like much of this rain should be out of here by about 9AM (Mom and Richard, your drive shouldn't be too bad...it's moving east at a pretty good clip.  Safe travels!)

K - Happy Friday! WHO DEY! Later!

So Here's a Question

Why are some teachers so stupid? ARG!

There's a teacher in my school who has a student on my caseload in his class. The student is generally a good kid. I have him in two of my own classes and he does everything I tell him. I get on his case A LOT because he can be an excuse-maker and he just doesn't have organization skills. To make things worse, he is at a 4th grade reading level and can't spell worth a lick (doesn't even try to spell things right although I can riddle out his words because they are completely phonetic).

So this teacher...he's so stupid. Last week he apparently wrote an email to my department head about a "kid" in his class (he never named the student though I knew right away he was talking about my kid) and how he wanted to know why he wasn't in my pullout history class (or a co-taught once, which he originally was but there was a schedule change blah blah blah) and what kind of assessment did we use to determine and basically saying he didn't want this kid in his class because he couldn't read. Oh, and did I mention he carbon copied my principal on the email? I mean, dude, are you a first year teacher!? (No, he isn't!)

And BTW - my principal is all about gen ed teachers differentiating and accommodating and ending the thought that special ed kids aren't theirs, they're ours (meaning the sped teachers kid).

So anyway - my department head shows me this email (very unprofessional first of all) and not because she knew who this kid was and that he was on my caseload. She showed me to illustrate how stupid this teacher was. She told me that my principal was going to have a serious discussion with history teacher.

Fast forward to last night...me in bed getting ready to do some reading...I check my school email real quick and find this:

Hey there.

{Student} is refusing to do work in my class. He refused to do work for my sub today as well. I can't get him to do anything.  I differentiate and modify and bend over backwards to help him.  Do we have any flexibility to get him into the team taught class?   I have never had a student not respond to my kindness. He is starting to get defiant as well.  Let me know what you want to do.

So my first thought when reading this was, "Oh, f%&k it, I'll just put him in my history class!" But then I thought, wait a minute! A) the teacher obviously got a talking to! Notice the use of buzzwords, "differentiated" and "modify" and the fact that the student doesn't respond to "my kindness" (yeah, right) and B) I'm sure he didn't even attempt to contact home. I mean, wouldn't it make sense if you're having a problem with a kid, the first thing you do is call home...see if there's something going on...make them aware. But no...this teacher just wants to pass the buck! I find it highly suspicious too since he wasn't at school yesterday and he emailed me at 4:30. Once again, he doesn't like the fact that he's having to do something different in his class with a student who struggles. He just says, "this is too hard...who wants him?"  My email back was, "My first suggestion is to call home." Ball's back to you, sir! This is a student in YOUR class...not mine. Take the proper steps and then call me. 

Okay - well, Jim's working 2nd shift tonight downtown. Sucks that he'll have to be there and not be able to watch the game AND he will most likely have to deal with the traffic and riff raff. Oh well...should be the last jaunt down at this job so that's good. 

And I'm out. Who Dey!!! Later!

Disappointing

Truly disappointing that Ohio voters rejected legalizing marijuana but like I've said a hundred times - it is inevitable...it will happen eventually. I feel truly bad for those individuals who had hoped, medically, to get some relief. Such a shame. Like the casinos though, it will happen, it's just going to take some time.

Ooh, that makes me feel better...I just saw the commercial for the Playhouse's A Christmas Carol. Loves me some Christmas!

In good voter news - the two wanted individuals running for the two seats on our board WERE elected. Good news.  Now maybe our board can get some shit done! Be a little functional for once!

The in-service from yesterday went exactly how I expected. Waste of time. I don't think I took one thing from any of the meetings. I know how negative that sounds but it's true. There was an interesting moment when our new superintendent got a little pissed at the high school.  Good and informative to see his true colors. I've thought for a while that he might be a bit of an asshole and for a moment yesterday, he couldn't take the heat. I honestly don't expect this guy to stay with our district for too terribly long. The moment the same position opens up in his hometown of Milford (where he lives and has spent all of his career and where his wife still works and where he owns a business) he'll be gone.

Headed to Costco after school today. I've blown holes in so many pairs of my socks. UGH! I also need the usual items (chicken, pork, ground beef etc.).

And that's all I've got. Best mosey and live the dream for another day. Later!

No On 2 Yes On 3?

I'm always glad when Election Day is over (the commercials are so annoying) and this year is no different. I'm anxious to see what happens, however, with issue 3. I know a lot of people out there who are AGAINST the legalization of marijuana and are concerned over usage but here are some interesting facts from Colorado (they legalized in 2012):

• Traffic fatalities are down 6 percent
• Arrests are down 10 percent, with significant drops in arrests for violent crimes, including murder and rape
• Heroin overdose deaths are down nearly a third
• Teens who say they have tried marijuana is down 2 percent

Additionally, the tax benefits are good and best of all would be the medical benefits for those who suffer from cancer, glaucoma, HIV, ALS, Alzheimer’s, Crohn’s disease, spasms and seizures associated with MS and some types of epilepsy. 

Now, I'm not a pot smoker. It's not my thang but there is no difference in the use of alcohol and pot. And for those who say that people who smoke pot only do it to get high (whereas drinking is often just recreational) that just isn't true. Again, think of the medical benefits and some people do just take a hit to relax and it doesn't result in getting all effed up. 

I could go on and on but I won't (because I have to get to school) but just so you know - this is inevitable and those who don't pay attention to the FACTS just can't argue. With EVERYTHING "bad" for you (alcohol, cigarettes, sugar, fat, etc.) there are people who abuse but that doesn't mean the majority shouldn't have the choice. (And I'm not talking about highly addictive things like heroin and meth.)

K - I'm out. Must go be bored at work learning about curriculum shit and data that I just don't care about. Later!