Who's Ready!?

For Friday?! I am!!! Not that it's been a hard week (minus Monday but that was just me reacting to circumstances) but I haven't seen my husband since Monday and really I've only talked to him for a handful of minutes. It'll be nice to see his face. I hear he got a haircut!

So yesterday I bought my washer and dryer and my vanity (seen left). The original vanity I was going to get was out of stock so I opted for this one. I originally didn't want something that had an open shelf but it's a 1/2 bath so I don't need a ton of storage and both drawers open so that's okay. Here's the crazy thing though - the washer, dryer and vanity TOP will come to my house (free shipping) but the vanity itself was a $55 charge to ship to house (which means I'll be picking it up at the store). So annoying but oh well...no biggie. The appliances will supposedly be delivered on Saturday and I'll be JONESIN' to get those installed but it'll have to wait until the laundry room is ready (stink!).

In school news: I mentioned on Tuesday, regarding Monday, about the student who came back to the high school from the Alternative School? Well, when this all went down, I told FW about it (bitched about it). She was in agreement regarding how things went down (the student being put into classes for behavioral reasons...completely inappropriate and against our policy not to mention special ed law!) So she emailed our sped coordinator who then told FW to send an email to the case manager (Slacker) to call a meeting WITH THE TEAM (this would include me) to make the change of placement and discuss the student's schedule...oh and make sure the sped coordinator is invited. Fast forward to yesterday in 2nd period (my class with this particular student). My phone rings and it's Slacker asking me to send the student down to the office for a meeting. So I do and then, in total disbelief, I look at the school calendar and see that a meeting has indeed been set up but the only people invited are the guidance counselor and the VP. NOT sped coordinator. Not me. Not the team! So I call up FW and inform her. She's flabbergasted. So she calls sped coordinator who is LIVID and supposedly going to deal with this. I'm sure nothing will happen. I'm not sure why Slacker continues to display incompetence (and now basic insubordination) and gets to keep his job. Above and beyond my ability to understand. UGH! I'll keep you updated. It's always something, huh?

Okay well - best finish getting ready. It's raining like the dickens. Happy almost-Friday!!! Later!

Fun At Work

After my day on Monday, it was nice to have a day like yesterday. Especially 7th period. I haven't laughed like that in a long while (to the point I was crying and one of my kids said, "Mrs. Hanke! Look at you!!!") I'm sure the kids have been enjoying the app that makes these hilarious faces but I just found it. Every time I look at myself I crack up (and get a little scared...hope I didn't scare you).

Yesterday was quite the change. Thankfully I went into the day determined to be positive and not let things influence how I was feeling.  My autistic kid - though a distracted, hot mess - was a crack up. I'm not kidding you, every 10 seconds, I have to pull him back from whatever outside force is pulling him away. His attention span is like a baby. I finally had to say, "Dezi! If you don't get this work complete, you don't get to work on the history lesson tomorrow!" His answer is always, "Oh oh oh...sorry, sorry, sorry!" He really is quite funny. (I'm sure in about a month, I'll be ready to pull my hair out!)

I got sleep last night too. I think a good night's sleep is dependent on a few things. A) Not drinking and B) Yoga. I'm finding that a nice 45 minutes of yoga in the afternoon (after school) really sets me up for a relaxing night.

What else? Nada. We have Early Release today with a couple of training sessions (there were about 12 things you got to choose from) and I'm hoping mine gives me some new and good ideas for the classroom.

Jim's still on 2nd shift. He managed to tear out the drywall in the bathroom portion of the downstairs yesterday. I would assume today he'll tackle the tile.

I couldn't order my vanity yesterday because of course the one I like is out of stock and you can't order it. AND it's not available in store - only online. Stink and BOLSHEVIKS!!! (The new alrternative to bullshit that the kids have hooked on to after our Russian Revolution chapter...fail on my part!)


Well, time to get it together and head to work. I'm wearing sandals today...can you believe it. It's March 9th and going to get to 75ish today! I'll take it. Happy hump day! Later!

P.S. Spell check hasn't worked in the last few days for Blogger so I apologize for any mistakes (drives me crazy!!!).

More Bullshit

I'm not sure who is to blame for the current load of shit that's being doled out at school but I have a feeling it's a lot to do with one of our guidance counselors. Hmm...

(I'll make this short and sweet since I've been bitching about it for nearly 24 hours and I'm sure everyone is sick of hearing about it from me). A student (10th grader though he has NO credits) who had, for the past 2 months, been at the Alternative School (an alternate placement for kids who are not able to function well at their home school - usually having to do with behavior) returned yesterday (not sure why all of a sudden what wasn't appropriate 2 months ago suddenly is). He was only in a math pullout prior to leaving. Suddenly upon his return, they've put him one of my LA classes, Lisa's Transition class, the LOW math (rather than the one he was in) as well as 3 guided interventions (sped study halls). I am currently in the MIDDLE of a novel and the minute he walked into my classroom, he changed the whole dynamic of my class. ARG!!!  One of the most annoying and frustraitng parts of this whole thing is when I heard he was back, I immediately called his guidance counselor and told her in no uncertain terms that it would be completely inappropriate to put him in my LA class (didn't know about transition at this point). We have a policy in sped that we don't put kids in there because of behavior. We are NOT a dumping ground. But of course she didn't listen or care. I'm pissed and no one cares and no one will do anything and this kid will continue to do nothing and gain no credits. (His GPA is a .9!)

After my day yesterday, Jim and I went out to Home Depot where we bought our flooring and a toilet. We have to order our vanity on line so I'll do that today. I'll also order our washer/dryer - picked out a Maytag, stackable (we'll get white though)! Can't wait! From there we went to El Picante and I drank a delicious beer and a margarita. Oh, and I ate dinner too. Home - we watched the final Downton Abbey and I cried because it was the final episode. Why do good things have to come to an end?!

Of course I got NO sleep last night. Sucks. Jim works 2nd shift for the next few days but at least he gets to work. No complaints from me and it means he can do some tear out in the mudroom/bathroom/laundry room. Yesterday he tore out all the tile in the entryway. Today will hopefully see the vanity out of the there and the tile torn out in the bathroom. YAY!!!

K - well, time to get a move on. Hopefully today will be a better one. I just need to decide not to let things get to me. All about how I let things affect me. Positive thoughts and attitude!!!

Happy Tuesday - in the 70s today...later!

Alone Time

Jim came home last night from work (he worked all weekend including going in Friday at 3:00) and said, "So...how was your weekend?" It isn't often that Jim and I have basically NO time together on the weekend so I'm fine with how things went. Plus, he didn't work at all except on Friday last week so the hours were needed. He's off again today but then will be back at it tomorrow. In the mean time, I've put him to work here (more on that below).

This weekend really was an all "Muir" weekend. Friday I came home and made chili. Jim headed off to work and I caught up on some of my shows. After dinner and a nice hot bath, it was time to hit the hay. Saturday Jim was off by 7:00 so I quilted all day. Dinner (I was not up for cooking) was Thai...yum. Sunday Jim was out of the house by about 7:00 again so I did breakfast, yoga and then cleaned the dickens out of the laundry room and 1/2 bath. After that I did some more quilting, took a nice hot bath and then started dinner (penne a la Betsy). Jim didn't get home until late - around 6:30 so basically after dinner and some 60 Minutes, I was ready for bed.

Jim's work/mudroom update: So now that the shower is out and I've cleaned the laundry room and 1/2 bath in preparation for reno, I've asked Jim to start removing the tile in the hallway and bathroom as well as the vanity. This weekend we will make some purchases since we weren't able to do it this weekend (flooring, toilet, vanity order will be put in and maybe some drywall and insulation). I figure by the weekend, we can do some drywall reno as well as and maybe even get some back up.

And that's about all I've got. This week will be quite warm - in the 60s and 70s! Rain, however, starting Wednesday.

K - well, I'd best get a move on. Happy Monday...two more weeks until Spring Break!!! Can I get a WOOT!?!? Later!

Jim's Not Here But He's Driving Me Crazy!!!

ARG!!! Jim shouldn't be allowed to use the computer! In reality, I know that whatever just freakin' happened with my computer and Blogger and Google had nothing to do with Jim but it was HIS account that WOULDN'T SIGN OUT so who else should I blame!? I started to panic too because I couldn't get on my blog to post and I would have caught all kinds of hell from my sister and mother if things hadn't worked out. Phew!

Had a sweet phone call last night from Eva. She called to tell me that when Nana (my mom) goes to Maggie's in a couple weeks, we should all color eggs like we did last year. I said, "HELLS YES!!!" (Of course I didn't say exactly that but you get my gist.) After we had been talking for a bit, she said to me, "I can't wait to dye..." (and she paused and I was all...WHAT!?)..."Easter eggs!" she finished. Love her. We talked for about 10 minutes and at one point Maggie said, "Eva give me the phone so I can ask Muwee something then we need to get you in the bath." Eva replied with, "MOM! I'm talking here!" Then she said to me, "So how was your day!?" Seriously! I love her!

The new student yesterday was good. No big whoop. I could tell he was very nervous but we got on well and I think things will progress for him. He's very autistic and has little quirks (smell sensitivities...he walked in to my room and said, "It smells in here."  I said, "Yeah, that's because sometimes people forget to shower!" I didn't really say that but I did say, "Yeah, we've been having a lot of discussions about that lately." And I glared at my students...because some of them stink...and I've been TRYING to explain to them that they need to shower every day and wash their clothes! They don't listen).  Anyway, the kid is sweet - I think I'll call him Dezi - and all went well. Hopefully things will continue that way for him. I'm sure it will be a learning curve with him, me and school.

Jim's gone already. He left around 5:30. He has a punch list to do today downtown so that's good. He probably won't get a full day in but he'll work tomorrow and every little bit helps.

K - well, YAY for Friday. I'll make chili tonight for dinner...yum...and just hang out. Happy last-day-of-the-work-week! Later!

Should Be Interesting

Today will either be interesting or it will be a day nearly like any other day. The student I've talked about who is coming to the high school after several years on the autistic scholarship (money paid for special program to students with autism in lieu of them attending home school) starts today. He'll be here for 2 periods - a period doing credit (with me) and then a math class. He is 16, should be a sophomore but he has no high school credits. So far, he's signed up for 2 courses in credit recovery (LA and US history). We'll see how that goes. Dad says this kid has high reading comprehension but his last evaluation put him around a 5th grade level (he would have been around an 8th grader then). Dad alluded to the fact that the kid is a speed reader as well. We'll see. I'm not as concerned about his cognitive functioning as I am his social functioning and his little indiosyncrasies. To be precise, his bathroom habits. We'll see how many times he asks to go to the bathroom. Dad stated it is his method of escape - washing his hands (and other parts?) but that given firm restrictions works. Hmm...

I finished a good book - Everything I Never Told You by Celeste Ng. Started (or rather continued) reading another one - The Nightengale by Kristin Hannah. I had checked that one out from the library on my Kindle and didn't finish it before it expired and then I had to wait for it again. WWII story of occupied France. Interesting.

What else? Nada...I said most of what I would have said yesterday in my late afternoon post. Jim isn't working again today. He is working Saturday though so that's at least something. I'll have to figure out some jobs for him. Can't have him sitting around all day doing nothing.

K - well, time to get to work so I can grade papers. Later! Happy Thursday - tomorrow is FRIDAY!!! YAY!!!

A Perfect Day Off

I caught a bit of flack from my mom and sister because I hadn't posted so here you go. (I can't guarantee my morning post will be very exciting since I'll be telling all here.)

I took today off because I have a student starting tomorrow who may be a bit of a pill and since I won't have a day off (scheduled school break) until the end of March I thought this would be a perfect time. It also just so happens that Jim was off (again) today so I decided to go balls to the wall and treat this day as a true day off. A bit of a celebration if you will. That being said, I started my day off with mimosas. Jim had a couple bloody Mary's, we played some Wii and then decided Shooter's would be the perfect next step. From there Jim took a nap, I took a lovely bath and here we are. I don't plan on cooking tonight because we have a ton of leftovers. Truly a great day off and it's beautiful out there as well...though a bit chilly.

In mudroom news: Jim tore out the shower and drywall. It's amazing what a difference it makes. I'm excited to get things done in there. I've chosen the vanity and flooring (not completely sure on the color of the flooring because I'll need to see it in person but I like the color shown in the pic) as well as a utility sink. We'll do some purchasing for that this weekend. I also need to start looking/pricing stackable washer/dryers. That will be a good chunk of change so I really want to shop around. I'm hoping by the end of March all of this will be complete. Fingers crossed. Oh, and that's the vanity I like. Not sure about the top yet.

What else? I think I should take every Wednesday off because it makes the week go really fast. I mean, tomorrow is Thursday already! And then it's Friday! Who can believe that it's the first week of March already? And next week, looking at the weather? It'll be in the 70s! Now, I think there will be rain (and I'm hoping not storms) but that's Ohio for you in March.

Okay well, that should satisfy my family for a little while. I'll be back in the morning to let you know how well I slept and all the normal exciting stuff I blather on about. Later!

Feeling Sketchy

Yesterday was weird. I felt fine. No issues at school but the minute school ended I started feeling "iffy". Nauseous and thinking, "I sure hope I make it home." Then I got in the car and I felt fine again. I made it home. Then upon walking into the house I started getting hot then got cold then clammy, then I started feeling like I might get sick...ugh. (And my neighbors across the way had a MAJOR stomach virus last week and though I didn't hang with them over the weekend, I did chit chat with a couple of them on Sunday...made me worried for a second there.) So I laid on the couch for about an hour or so and thank the baby Jesus...I felt fine again. And the feelings I had didn't come back. Don't know what that was.

I took a sick day for Wednesday. Excited!

What else? Nothing. Boring. Sorry.

K - going to do my hair. Happy Tuesday...later!

Monday...Again

Back to work...not quite excited about this. However, I'm planning a day off on Wednesday...sick day. I need to take a day before the autistic dude starts on Thursday and I figured Wednesday was the best day to plan. That should make my week a little more manageable.

Not much to talk about. Jim's off today...it's that time of year where business is slow. They're trying NOT to lay him off (others have been laid off so Jim's been lucky), which means he may have a couple weeks where he doesn't get his 40 hours in. That's okay...I can deal if it means he isn't laid off and once we're solidly into March, things should pick up. And of course, I can find lots for him to do. For example, today he's being given the jobs of cleaning the house and starting to prepare the mudroom for renovation. I only want him to take out the shower as best he can...we'll see how that goes. Additionally I'm sending him to the store. Oh, and of course our other keg blew yesterday so I believe he'll head to Newport or Hidelberg for another one. That should keep him busy.

Speaking of the mudroom, I'll start making purchases for it next weekend. My goal is to get the flooring and toilet next weekend. I think that will be about $100 or so. I'm still trying to decide about the washer/dryer part of it.

I got my PIB quilt laid out yesterday and I managed to sew half of the top. I like it but sometimes when I look at the pieces for too long, it starts looking jumbled to me. I'm sure it will be fine. And I may just have enough pieces left to do a smaller quilt. We'll see.

And that's all I've got. I need to get to school and grade papers since I was out Friday for our professional day. Did I talk about that? Oh, well, all is pretty much settled for next year (but if I know my principal, he'll change things up without telling). I'm happy to say that as of now, I'm NOT co-teaching. I'll probably have three Guided Interventions which means I'll have other teachers' kids in my study halls but that's okay. There was one point during the meeting when my principal asked me, "So, Muir...can you tell me why we have you in a co-teaching World Studies class...I mean, what was the reasoning for putting you in there?" I thought he was joking. I think I had him repeat the question 3 times. Seems he forgot all about last year and the fact that it was HIS idea to do it and I made no bones about the fact that I'm not a fan of co-teaching. I also told him that HE was the one that effed that whole thing up by putting me and my colleague in the same history class at different periods. Dumb ass. Oh well.

K - well I'm out. Happy Monday. Later!

Seasons 52

What a nice day we had yesterday. So relaxing and best of all, delicious! We started the day just hanging out, drinking coffee, eating breakfast, drinking mimosas/bloody Mary's, playing Wii. From there, we both went our separate ways and did our own thing. I walked Sami and did the last cuts for my PIB quilt then took a nice hot bath and napped. Jim cleaned the garage (he actually did more than just move things from one side to the other! He actually filled two trash bags! #proudwife). Around 4:00, we headed down to Party Source to get a new keg for Jim's tap (my tap is still running). He just got the same beer he had previously: Great Lakes Conway Irish Ale. From there we went to dinner at Season's 52.

Dinner: I had never been to Seasons 52 before but I had a gift card from very generous parents so it was time. Maggie told me it was good and they had a healthier menu with smaller (normal) portions. We sat at the bar and here was the fare we enjoyed (I'm itemizing to show that it was a LOT for a LITTLE!): I had 2 glasses of wine, Jim had two gin and tonics. We shared a flat bread with braised short rib and aged cheddar. Jim had a Greek salad. Our entrees were, for me, pork tenderloin with mashed sweet potatoes and green beans with shaved Brussels sprouts. Jim had shrimp and grits. We basically shared our entrees because they were both amazing and seriously, the portions were perfect. Nothing went to waste and we walked away pleasantly full - not uncomfortably full. Oh, and I finished off my experience with a Godiva double espresso martini. All that for $104! Not bad. And since I had a $100 gift card, I only spent $30 after tip. Nice. I will definitely go there again. We were home by 7:00 and just hung out. Really I hung out because Jim was getting the keg set up. 

Today it's going to be lovely temp wise but we're under a wind advisory and this doesn't thrill me. Actually, the counties to the north of me are under advisory but I'm at the northern part of Clermont, just south of those counties so...ugh.  I know everyone thinks I'm a freak and worry wart but the high winds from a week ago took several the the neighbors trees out (behind us) and a couple even hit their houses. UGH! I'll be on pins and needles all day. 

Okay well I'm out. I'm sending Jim to the store and he needs lots of direction. Happy Sunday. Later!

Damn That Kelly Clarkson!!!

I just watched Kelly Clarkson's performance on American Idol last night...holy shit...get some tissues! I was crying regardless (guess I should redo my makeup) but then SHE started bawling and it was all over. I'm pretty sure all the judges and audience were crying too. I loves me some Kelly Clarkson!!!

Here's a funny (got this from Becky last night - a perfect reason why I should clarify who I'm talking about when I refer to "my kids" at school):

A guy goes to the supermarket and notices an attractive woman waving at him.
She says hello.
He’s rather taken aback because he can’t place where he knows her from.
So he says, "Do you know me?"
To which she replies, "I think you’re the father of one of my kids."
Now his mind travels back to the only time he has ever been unfaithful to his wife and says, "My God, are you the stripper from my bachelor party that I made love to on the pool table with all my buddies watching while your partner whipped my butt with wet celery?"
She looks into his eyes and says calmly, "No, I’m your son’s teacher."

Hee hee. And by the way: Wet celery? Interesting.

So I'll be headed to Perkins here in a bit...so excited for Perkins pancakes!!! They are the only pancakes I ever eat at a restaurant. From there the group of us (sped department) will head to central office for a day-long meeting to prepare for next year. I expect no issues (we're a pretty cohesive department) but there may be a bit of a tug-of-war in regard to my co-teaching assignment next year. I have a feeling I'm going to be made to co-teach English 11 and I'm not going to be happy about it. We'll see what happens. 

And that's about all I've got. I'm going to blow dry my hair since it's COLD out there and I've got the time. Happy Friday...so happy I made it. Later!!!

Is It Friday Yet?!

Man oh man I just didn't want to get out of bed this morning. I was sleeping like a little baby rock too so when my alarm went off it was quite a shock. Well, I'm just one day away and even though I have to get up at the same time tomorrow - I'm happy I'll be out of the classroom. Normally I wouldn't say that - I usually hate being out for professional meetings but I need a day away from the kids. Not that they're being bad or even annoying but I just need a break...something to break up the monotony.

Sami got sick this morning. I dont' know what's going on with her. She's also been belching like a sailor lately. It's kind of weird. All of a sudden lately, she'll drink water and then - burrrrrp. I mean loud. Little weirdo...I love her!!!

So I have this kid on my caseload...she's a bit of a dud...a bit of a weirdo...probably shouldn't be on an IEP because her only issue is "organization" (lame!) but in reality her issue is laziness. Well, about a month ago, she fell and apparently hit her head and got a concussion. Her mom keeps sending notes from the doctor to continue restrictions, one of which is NO TESTING. Not sure how this is going to work out but then I don't have to deal with that...I'll let her gen ed teachers deal. I question her headaches because I'll tell you every time I see her throughout the day - 3rd period and 7th - she's just fine. Yucking it up with her friends and doing what's expected - for the most part - in class. Maybe she's putting on a good game face but I've never once seen her ask to go to the nurse with a headache (part of her protocol). I think she's manipulating this situation and trying to get out of work but who knows. I'm sure I'll get emails today when this latest note gets sent to the gen ed teachers. Not my responsibility to send it out, however so we'll see what the principal says.

And that's all I've got. Guess I should get going. Shouldn't have any issues today in regard to roads (knock on wood) since they're too warm for the snow to stick. I'll definitely need a fire tonight, however...brrrrr Winds are high again though...hate that. Dreading Spring!

Happy Thursday...later!

Total Downpour

It's POURING out there. It's not just raining cats and dogs, it's raining lions and wolves...dire wolves! And it's going to continue All. Day. Long! Yuck. And then turning to snow overnight which of course won't stick until later in the day Thursday...you know, while I'm at work. Stink.

I have a 7:00 AM meeting this morning for the autistic scholarship student that's coming to my school. PFFT!  Annoying. And I'm telling you right now - if this kid somehow makes it onto my caseload - after FW already told me he'll be on Slacker's - I will have the biggest hissy fit! Just a warning. Anyway - the parent and kid will be there so it should be interesting. I know I mentioned that this kid has toileting issues. He has OCD and his "escape" mechanism is to go clean his ass, apparently. At first we thought it would me the installation of a bidet. Then we found out it was just basically an addition to the chosen toilet (in the nurses office) - like the squirter you have at your kitchen sink. THEN! the dad sends an email to our principal and says that things have improved and he isn't as kooky about it anymore and he does well with...wait for it...a garden watering can. And the dad sent a photo (like the one at left) in the email. Surprisingly, the student is embarrassed to carry the can around so it's best if he can leave it in a specific bathroom...according to dad. Yowza. I won't get that picture out of my head anytime soon. Kind of sad...makes you wonder what kind of shit (no pun intended) this kid went through to trigger this.

K - I'm out. Neighbor (husband) just sent me a text to watch his house for the next 10 minutes because the kids are alone at their house (sleeping) until the grandmother gets there. Apparently neighbor wife is headed to the hospital...been vomiting since midnight. Yowza.

Happy Wednesday. Later!

Accomplished

My energy level is high but MAN do I have a pounding headache. I'm sure it will be gone by the time I leave for work - as per usual.

Did I mention I had my post observation meeting last Friday? It's basically the final step in my evaluation this year and I managed to eke out an "Accomplished". (Levels are: Ineffective, Developing, Skilled and Accomplished) My admin gave me high praise (not to toot my own horn but you know...beep beep) and said that when he went back to the office after his observation, he had to share what he had just seen with the other admins. As much of a pain in the ass as this process has been, it's nice to get feedback and accolades from the "higher ups".  That rarely happens for teachers and principals anymore...we're always stuck in our room, doing our own thing and bogged down with everything that has to get done.  He also said he thought the sped coordinator needed to come and observe what we're doing in the classroom. I'm just glad it's done and I've made it and it really wasn't that big a deal and I'm accomplished. Woot!

My soup was amazing last night - Creamy Chicken and Rice. It got a little too think at points but I just added some stock and it was fine. The lemon is what really gives it that something special. I highly recommend. And bonus - I was able to save some to freeze. Best thing about soup!

Had dreams last night about former students. So weird. What puts the name Willie Baker in my head in the middle of the night? So crazy. I woke up wondering if he had made it to California (his dream) so I looked him up on Facebook and found that he did and he's in the navy. Proud. He was a fun kid.

What else? Hmm...ooh, we get to go to Perkins before our Friday meeting. Isn't it nice that our babysitters  administrators are letting us pretend to be adults?! I have a gift certificate for Perkins too and now I get to use it! YAY!

And that's all I've got. Best finish getting ready. Last nice day today before three days of shit. Happy Tuesday. Later!

What A Tease!

This weekend's weather was such a teaser and made me jones a bit for spring (which for me is unusual considering how much I enjoy winter and how little snow we've had). It was so nice to sit outside Saturday night with the neighbors in front of a fire and hang after many months of not really seeing them. And of course there were probably 6 too many shots consumed by me. Made for a tough day of outlet shopping yesterday. But I managed to power through.

So yes, I did that. Cari (my next door neighbor) asked me Friday if I wanted to go to the outlets with her and so we headed up there around 11:00 Sunday (the Monroe outlets). The weather was perfect and I really did feel surprisingly good (considering I did 6 shots on Saturday night). As the day wore on, however, and I got loaded down with shopping bags, my get-up-and-go, got up and left. We didn't get home until 4:00 and by that point I was ready for a nice lay down. Jim offered for me NOT to cook (I was all ready to make a delicious soup) and so pizza it was!

I managed to get some good deals on a few things. I got some of the jeans I love from the Gap. Yankee Candle had a sale on their large candles - 5 for $50. But the best deal of all was a Banana Republic coat for Jim that was originally $170 and I got it for $28! BAM! I was pretty happy about that and Jim really likes his coat. And now that this week is going to be cold again, he can wear it!

This week: Normal until Friday when I have an all day sped meeting with our department. It's our yearly get together to plan for next year - figuring out caseloads and placement of students. We'll also talk about teacher placement and I'm going to do everything in my power to get out of co-teaching World History. Should be interesting because I know that my principal will want to stick me in co-teaching English 11 and/or 12 and I say - HELL NO! I'm NOT teaching with the teachers currently in English 11.

Okay now that I've gotten that rant out...I should sign off and get to work. Jimmy's off today so he'll get to cuddle with Sami lucky dog (Jim, not Sami...well, Sami's lucky too). I'll make the soup I as going to make last night, tonight. K - I'm out...Happy Monday...later!

Wrapped Up

I got wrapped up in surfing the Net and almost forgot to post. Maggie would have been blowing up my phone had that happened.

So my observation went well, I think. I'll know for sure when I have my post-conference meeting within the next two weeks. The kids were amazing - raising their hands and showing their knowledge. I'm glad this observation lined up with my teaching of WWI...kids are definitely more interested in history when there's war involved. There was one snafu in my plans but I rolled with it and it wasn't a biggie...actually worked out perfectly because I had planned so much to do and would have run out of time. There was one part in the lesson where we were doing something, I asked for an answer to a question, Horshack raised his hand and answered correctly, "FRANCE!" I said, "Horshack, say it right." (He had said it normally with the long "a") and without missing a beat, Horshack says, " FRAWNCE!" (pronounced like an actual Frenchman would say). My admin cracked up. When I saw him later he said, "Great job today...you really threw me with the France thing." Hee hee. My kids make me so proud! I'll be stopping at Kroger on my way to school today for some donuts.

Had a couple drinks with Cari yesterday in honor of National Drink Wine Day. Only two glasses...maybe three...then we got Thai and that was that. Tonight we're going to a fish fry with Cari and Jordan. Jim's wanted to do this for 15 year and we've just never managed to do it. Jim's excited...I'm excited they serve beer. I mean, it's a Catholic church...of course there's alcohol.

Okay well, I have to stop at the grocery so I need to head out. Happy Friday. Windy and warm here today. Later!

A Mile-Marker

Today is my 2nd and final observation using the new Ohio teacher evaluation system. I have to say there was a lot of anticipation and angst leading up to this year knowing something new was on the horizon but it really hasn't been that bad. It's definitely been a learning curve and I could do without the added paperwork but being an organization freak and overachiever when it comes to doing things right, I'm comfortable with that aspect of the process. I think one bonus in the whole process has been having administrators (at least the 2 VPs, one of which was evaluating me) who are new to the process as well. I was worried about the admin who was assigned to me but he's been professional and helpful through the whole thing (though maybe a little flighty and scattered...thus his previous nickname ADHD). Recall this is the admin who got me written up several years ago.

On this observation I'm being observed in my World History class. (My 1st one was in my LA class). This was a choice of mine and I was hesitant because my admin is a former history teacher but whatever, I got this. We will be doing review games in preparation for a test tomorrow and if my kids perform today as well as they did yesterday (they were on FIRE) it's in the bag. Even if they don't...no worries.

I actually slept pretty well last night (1st ob I didn't) but was woken up by Sami at 4 AM. She usually heads to Daddy's side around 4:30 but this morning she was a bit early. So I've been up since then...or rather awake but that's okay.

I'm tres excited about the weekend. I'm hoping Jim and I will get to use one of our gift cards on Saturday...maybe Seasons 52? Who knows?

And that's all I've got. Best finish getting ready. Happy Thursday...so happy tomorrow is Friday!!! Later!

Young and Inexperienced

I've got nothing. Nothing to talk about. The last two days have been rather boring...not a complaint.

Jim got a raise. That's good. It was a "you've-been-with-us-one-year" raise.

We had a meeting yesterday about the autism scholarship kid who will be returning to school. He'll be starting 2 periods per day. They decided to start him in 2nd period math and 3rd period credit recovery (he has no high school credits at 16). I volunteered to do the 3rd period credit recovery monitoring and data collection lieu of my (pointless) co-teaching placement. When FW approached my principal to get the okay to do this, he questioned what wasn't working in my co-teaching position. Uh, dumb ass - it's not that it isn't working, it's not necessary and it's a waste of time. Just like we told you it would be. But of course, being new, you had to do your own thing and not take into consideration those of us who've been here over a dozen years may know better because we've TRIED things...we have prior knowledge. UGH! I hate it when people can't draw from others experiences because they have their own agenda and can't see beyond what THEY have to do. Annoying. A waste of time. Forces others to repeat mistakes. Produces resentment. And disrespect - because they don't respect you.

Oh well...that's what happens when you're old like me, working at a place where those younger than you take positions of authority. They have to figure things out for themselves...no matter how stupid it makes them look.

What else? Today would have been Zekey's birthday. Miss him.

And on that note...I'll sign off. Wearing jeans today since we have an "active shooter" activity to do after school - hate these things.

Happy Wednesday. Later!

Whoopsy Daisy

In the joy of my day off, I forgot to post yesterday. Sorry.

So my weekend was great! I got to Maggie's around 10:00 and we headed out to T.J. Maxx because Maggie needed some candles. Of course I had to get some too. From there we went to pick Eva up from school. It was so cute when she saw me - she came running and jumped up in my arms to hug me. I love that girl. From there we went to lunch at Rusty Bucket and then home for a nap. Dinner Friday was delicious - creamy chicken and rice soup (pinned and highly recommended). Saturday we went to COSI and then to lunch at the Pint House - YUMMY. Dinner that night was hamburgers. I left Sunday around 11:30 and came home to a really clean house! Jim went to town while I was gone - cleaned out cupboards and everything (Good boy Jim!). Valentine's Day dinner was braised short ribs and they were AMAZING!

Yesterday was nice and relaxing. I hung out in the morning and quilted. I got the top portion of my quilt almost completely sewn. YAY! I'll finish it up, probably this weekend and then start the top of my next quilt which I plan on taking to PIB. Other than that, nothing much to talk about.

This week at school should be pretty uneventful with the exception of my second observation on Thursday. I'm probably going to have to change my plans on that because I forgot to account for a day off yesterday. Oops...no big deal though.

What else? Nothing really. Walking Dead Sunday was a crazy zombie filled blood bath. Love that show so much but it definitely gives me heart palpitations!

Okay well, I have a lot to do at school - papers to grade - so I best get a move on. Later!

I Made It!!!

So happy I made it through last night and now get to enjoy some time with the Egberts this weekend. Not to mention I have Monday off! Woot!

Last night was fine - boring really. Academic Fair is usually a dud for the sped department. We had about 4 sets of parents stop by for a quick chat and we had a couple of parents stop by and say, "So what is the 'intervention specialist' department all about?" Me: "We're the special ed department." It's pretty comical how quickly they turn and walk away. Always brings a chuckle.

Here's a funny: I ordered Chipotle for dinner and Lisa was out and about so she sent a text that she could pick it up. I sent a text back which said, "It's paid for, under 'Muir'. I got chips and a butt iota." Hee hee...it auto corrected my misspelling of "burrito". Weird, huh? WTF is a butt iota?

When I got home last night I had planned to pack and have a nice glass of wine. In the end though I skipped the wine...how proud of me am I? I'll certainly make up for my abstinence this weekend though.

The newest buzz word: Game Changer. I challenge you to count how many times you hear it on TV. It drives Jim crazy (which is kind of funny).

And that's all I've got...I best go shower and get ready. I'm hoping to leave around 8:00. Can't wait to get there. Later!

Long Day Before A Long Weekend!

Today will be a long day as I'll be at work from about 7:00 AM until 8:00 PM - Academic Fair. The "night" part doesn't start until 4:30 so I'll run a few errands after school and grab dinner before heading back for a couple hours in my room - some much needed work time. (Seems I can always use a couple hours of required time in my room...so much shit to do ALWAYS!) After work I'll come home and pack for Columbus. I may even have a glass of wine since I'm not going to work tomorrow! I hope to be on the road by about 8:00 AM on Friday. No many plans for the weekend. Maggie and I will pick Eva up from school tomorrow and go to lunch. Maggie also mentioned possibly going to a movie Saturday...a little Kung Fu Panda! Sounds good to me!

Taxes came! Woot! That was, what? A week? Maybe 10 days!? Love it! Went directly into my savings. With that and my winnings from the Superbowl I'm ready to start my mudroom/laundry room purchases! I think I'll start that next weekend.

What else? Oh, have I mentioned how much Horshack is driving me NUTS at school lately?! I don't know what's gotten into him but he keeps saying to me every time he takes a breath or a step it seems, "I'm having a good day!" or "I'm going to have a GREAT lunch!!!" or after I told him he could go do the mail (his "job" at school), "That's my FAVORITE job! I'm going to have a GREAT time!!!" One of the days I'm going to say to him, "I'm going to PUNCH you in the face and have a GREAT time doing it!" Oh, and then, yesterday, as he's walking out the door to go to Speech, he says, "Fare thee well, Lady Hanke!!!" I know, I know, it SOUNDS cute and I'm being an asshole but if you could just experience for one minute the CONSTANT shit that comes out of his mouth, you would get annoyed to. Oh, he also does this a lot, "Mrs. Hanke?!...Oh, never mind!" About FIFTEEN times a day.

Okay, now that I got that off my chest...I guess I should go finish getting ready. I really need to blow my hair dry as it's freaking FREEZING out there. K - later!

Back To The Grind

So far we're business as usual today...some surrounding districts are on a delay but not us. I'd love a delay but if they were to call it, they need to do it before 6:00 AM.

The Egberts are back from their vacation...I got a text that they landed last night (of course I didn't see it until this morning).

Yesterday was quite relaxing. I managed to do an hour of yoga, I got a bath in, read my book, watched many of my DVRd shows, cut the pieces for a new quilt and made a delicious dinner.

I'm keeping an eye out for the weather on Friday since I have plans to go to Columbus. There's snow in the forecast but it looks like it will possibly hit on Friday PM so that's good. I'll keep an eye out, however, because my car is not good in weather.

Not much else is going on here. So...I'll finish getting ready. Happy Wednesday! Later!

Snow Day #3

Of course I have an IEP scheduled. This is the 3rd snow day and I believe the 3rd IEP that I had scheduled for the same day. Definitely not complaining and I believe I have until the 14th to get the meeting complete so that I remain in compliance...not to mention I'm pretty sure the parent wasn't going to show. I'll deal with it tomorrow.

I got major sleep last night and boy did I need it (I did not sleep at all Sunday into Monday). I wasn't even pissed that the closed call didn't come until after my alarm went off. Of course Jim doesn't have to be at work until 10:00 so he's annoyed by me (I laid in bed after the call and watched the news and drank my coffee while Sami grunted at Jimmy) but it's not his birthday anymore so I don't have to be nice. Speaking of which - my sister Anne sent Jim a happy birthday text yesterday and said, "Tell my sister to be nice to you!" How RUDE!!!  Hee hee!

My plans for today: Yoga and playing with Sami. I might start doing to quilt cutting as well. I've been on a break from quilting since my 5-quilt marathon this fall but I think I'm ready to begin again. I'll do one for PIB and one for here. The first quilt I ever made is starting to fray so I'm going to start a replacement. Makes me sad.

Maggie, Charlie and Eva are headed home today. They should be fine to travel...snow isn't bad and I'm pretty sure Columbus isn't getting what we're getting. They're flight is set to land in Ohio at 9:04. I'm sure I'll hear from her when she lands in the states around 6:00. Safe travels!

And that's all I've got for today. I'm going to go eat breakfast and do my Yoga. Later!

Happy Birthday Jimmy!!!

48!!!  Man oh man he's getting old! Two years from 50, that's crazy!

So we did most of our celebrating on Saturday with dinner at Grand Finale and we had a great time. Dinner was delicious and the company was even better. Yesterday we managed a quick trip to Shooters and then came home to hang out and watch the Super Bowl. And yes, we won the first quarter pot in our Super Bowl squares!!! Woot happy birthday Jimmy! $450 will come in handy as I start planning and buying for the mudroom/laundry room redo. I was rooting for Carolina but I like Peyton Manning so much and I'm happy for him so it's really a win. Poor Cam though. Feel bad for him.

With today being the actual date of Jimmy's birth we will do a bit of celebrating tonight. I'm going to go get him a gift after school (his real gift is fixing his mountain bike but I'm also going to get him a portable locker for his work paraphernalia...huge plastic, lockable chest on wheels) and we'll have shepherd's pie for dinner. Yummy!

What else? Nothing really. I've got an unexpected meeting today at 10:00 (popped up on Friday afternoon) but I think there's a 50/50 chance that the parents won't show up. I have an IEP tomorrow and Wednesday is my pre-conference for my second evaluation (the observation will be next week). Thursday is a late day at school for Academic Fair and then I'm taking Friday off to go to Maggie's. Monday of next week is President's Day so we're off...woot! Can't wait to get through these next two weeks.

Okay well, I best get going. Happy Monday...here's to the week flying by...later!

Almost There

I just need to get through today and I'm home free! I hate long weeks like this (and next) but last night was fine. I had one scheduled meeting and another set of parents pop in to talk. All went well and I managed to get a fair amount of things done. Today we're on an early release schedule because they're having a pep rally at the end of the day, which is good because it means shorter classes but bad because I hate pep rallies. Not that I attend them (I usually pop in for a minute) but the bell rings, it's Friday, I'm ready to go home and I have to sit there for another hour...wanting a beer!

This weekend Jim and I will do some errands, clean some house and then Saturday night we're going out to celebrate his birthday with friends. We'll be at Grand Finale (YUM!) and I've been thinking about their crepes all week! CAN'T WAIT FOR DELICIOUS FOOD!!!

I think I've figured out what I'm going to do with the mudroom/laundry room. I want to do something along the lines of what you see here -but I can't decide on color...white or the same dark colors as in our family room. The two rooms are attached to each other and there will no longer be a door separating them so all will be visible. I feel like it should be the same color. I'll rope Maggie (my stylist) into helping me decide. Additionally, our ceiling is low in the entry way so I have to see about the shelving height. I priced out flooring and that should cost under $100. I want to get a new toilet and vanity as well and then the biggie is, I want the stackable washer and dryer. Again, I have to see if that's even possible with low ceilings. I'll measure this weekend. See, I plan on winning the Super Bowl squares (at least one, hopefully more) to help fund this little project. I'm sure I'm going to win...I just have this feeling that if I continue to live my life like the money is mine - it will be.

Okay - well, I need to get a move on. Happy Friday! So happy to have the weekend in my sights. Later!

Toileting Issues

So during my planning period yesterday, my sped coordinator (for the district) came into Lisa and my room giving a family a tour (never good as this means it's someone who will be added to the sped population). I wasn't worried, however because I have 17 kids on my caseload and one of the other sped teachers in the high school has 13. This means that any new students would go on his caseload. (Sigh of relief). Anyway - the tour comes into our room and I walk in and the coordinator says, "Oh, Muir! This is a family that is looking to bring so-and-so to the high school. He's been on the Autism Scholarship and I think you'd really do well with this student!" WAIT!? WHA WHA WHAT?! But of course I smile and say, "Oh! GREAT!" They then leave. A few minutes later, I make the mistake of heading back out the door to make copies and of course they are in my path so I get roped back into talking to the family. Turns out this kid is a 10th grader with no high school credit. He's been on the autism scholarship since he was 13. They're thinking of transitioning him back into the public school setting a couple periods at a time. Of course that would mean my class and probably one of the math classes. And then the coordinator says once again that she thinks I would be a great person to "sit in" on meetings and help with the transition.

BULLSHIT!!! Once again, because I do my job (well) I get punished. After school, I ran into FW and immediately said, HELL NO!!! She then told me that one of the biggest issues with this kid is his toileting habits. Seems this kid can't "go" unless he has a bidet available. So, if he comes to the high school THEY WILL HAVE TO PUT A BIDET IN!!! WHAT! That's ridiculous! We'll see what happens. But I will fight tooth and nail NOT to have this kid on my caseload.

Parent/teacher conferences are tonight so I'll be at school from about 7:00 AM until 7:30 PM. UGH! I currently only have one meeting scheduled so I should be able to get LOTS done.

K - well, I'm running incredibly late. Best mosey. Later!

I SO Deserve Those Gift Cards!!!

I have a set of parents who, for the most part, make not a peep throughout the year. The exception is Open House, Parent/Teacher conferences and of course the IEP. These are the parents who gift me with very generous gift cards ($100 just this past x-mas). Now, Open House and P/T conferences are just usually then popping in, saying hello and that's it. The IEP is another matter altogether. This past IEP, however, was painless and truthfully, the only issues were with the speech therapist - not me (some people should read their "customer" and shut their mouth). Anyway - the IEP was held on a Friday, which had been delayed due to a snow day. I thus wasn't able to put the document in the outgoing mail until I got back to school on the following Tuesday (the 19th as Monday was MLK day).

Fast forward to that same week on Friday. I sent an email for another reason and the reply asked where the IEP was. I told them I had put it in the outgoing mail on Tuesday...it should be coming. They emailed me back on Tuesday of the following week saying they hadn't gotten it and could I send it home with their daughter. Of course I wasn't in the building that morning so I had to race around to find her. UGH! No word from them after that...until...

...I wake up this morning and have an email. Here's what it said: Guess what came in mail today?!Yes the IEP,posted Jan 21.Why are there no accommodations for "big tests", small group ,extended time,G needs that for ACT and other.

(I'm telling you they absolutely didn't believe that I actually put the document in the mail. I can't help that it sat in the outgoing mail for two days before the mail guy took it but I put it there!)
I thus went onto the IEP because I thought, "What!? Did I not put those items on the accommodation page?!" Here was my reply (this is copy and pasted directly from the IEP...that they JUST received!!!):These are the accommodations listed on the IEP - I've bolded the things your talking about:
Read test to student

Small group testing

Extended time (up to two days for lengthy writing assignments or projects)

Calculator

Copy of notes

Extended time for test and quizzes (1.5 periods)

Study guide for tests 

Word bank for fill-in or completion 

It isn't necessary to indicate "big tests" for ACT accommodations - it just needs to say there is extended time on tests and quizzes with an indication of the time allowed). 

These parents are driving me up a wall. They seem to think they know all in regard to IEP when they know nothing and their demeanor comes across so demanding. Annoying...so tempting for me to give this student up next year...I'm going to have to think about that.

Well, I did my taxes last night...easy peasy! So happy to have that off my plate and we're getting a nice chunk back...makes up for the giant check I had to write for our property taxes...yowza! 

Okay - well I'm on my way. Happy Wednesday. Later!  

I Might Be Psychic!!!

So I'm a Downton Abbey watcher...don't know if you knew. I was watching yesterday and Cora came on (Elizabeth McGovern) and I thought to myself, "Huh...I haven't seen Ordinary People in a while." (There was a time period where it seemed to be on my movie channels once a week.)  Fast forward to last night - I'm in bed looking for something to watch and I'm scrolling through the guide and I see "Ordinary Miracles" on some channel, which gets me thinking about Ordinary People again. So I just happen to start scrolling through all the channels...nothing...so I go to my premium movie channels and HOLY SHIT! It's starting at 8:00 on one of the Cinemax channels! Isn't that just the weirdest?!

I think this all stems from my watching Tyler Henry, medium. If you haven't watched him - you must. He's on E! on Sunday nights. He's pretty amazing. I watched an episode yesterday and he was reading Snooki (I know) and he had her uncle coming through and he said, "I'm getting the months July and October." So Snooki calls her mother (on air) and he tells her what he's getting and she says, "Ben (the uncle) was born in July and died in October." Then Tyler said, "I'm getting the name Elaine." This was the uncles fiances name. Now that's weird! And for you skeptics out there - he doesn't schedule his own readings - he has a manager that does it - so he has NO idea who the person is that he's going to read (half the time he arrives at someones door and doesn't know who it is even upon meeting them). Plus, you may everything you can about Snooki but what's the chance you'd know that she had a beloved uncle with a porn mustache (he mentioned that too) who mentions the months of July and October and a fiance named Elaine!? He's legit!

What else? Nothing. Boring. Oh, Maggie and Charlie are currently at the airport and headed toward the Dominican. Jealous! Of course Maggie had to send me a picture of the mimosa she's sipping - RUDE! I sent her a picture of my smoothie. She then sent me a picture of Eva (at left) and I sent her a picture of Jimmy. That'll teach her!

K - well I'm out...gotta head up and out to work (I can't just fly off to the Caribbean like some other rude people I know!) Happy Tuesday - safe travels to the Egberts...let me know when you get there!

And...Another Monday

I'm hoping this week goes by faster than last but I don't have a lot of faith that it will since a) I've got Parent/Teacher conferences on Thursday and b) Maggie leaves tomorrow for the Dominican and time creeps by for some reason when she's gone. Oh well, I did manage to get a lot of piddly stuff done last week so maybe this week will work out the same.

Speaking of which - this week should be pretty easy within the classroom...today my LA classes will have their test for The Help. This means, if everyone is present, we'll start watching the movie Tuesday and finish it by Thursday. Friday we'll do our normal Wednesday work and next week is still up in the air. And then in history - we'll just continue with our chapter (which is leading up to WWI and WWII...this is students fave part of the year).

The weekend was quite nice. Friday I drank way too much with my neighbor. I kept telling her I was going home at 9:00 and she kept telling me I wasn't. Kind of reminded me of when Kristyn would tell me as a kid that she had to go home for dinner and I wouldn't let her and then we would have a slap fight in the front yard. Of course Cari and I didn't have a slap fight but I woke up with a killer headache on Saturday. Which meant that Saturday was kind of a wash. We had intentions of going out and running a bunch of errands but we only made it to Menard's before I needed to eat. Once we made it to Shooters, I was done.

Sunday: We got up, had breakfast and then headed to Home Depot. My original intention was to buy new light fixtures for the kitchen but upon closer inspection of the busted light, I realized it was repairable. We thus bought the piece needed to fix (so happy I didn't have to get and install new lights) and headed to Meijer. At Meijer, I bought some new phones (ours stopped working on Friday...I think we may be one of the few people left in the world that still has landlines) and I accidentally stole a lamp. Here's what happened: I saw a lamp I liked and picked it up. Of course lamps don't come with lamp shades so I picked out a shade and popped it on top of the lamp. When I was checking out, the guy scanned the lamp shade and I said, "Those are separate." I assumed he scanned the lamp at that point. When I looked later at the receipt, oops, he hadn't. Oh well, what are you going to do? I guess if I were a truly good person I would take it back and pay for it.

What else: Oh, while at Home Depot, I checked out the stackable washer and dryers. When Jim and I redo the laundry room/mud room, that's my plan - to replace what we've got with stackables to free up room. I'd love to do something like what you see. Would be so nice to free up some room in there. We'll see.

And that's all I've got. I think I'll go put on jeans since it's dress up week and today is "red/white/blue". Any chance to wear jeans I'll take.

K - happy Monday. Later!

Ah...It's Friday

Not only am I excited for today (because it's Friday) but I feel like I've walked (not run...my week wasn't that hard) a marathon (maybe a 5K...certainly not 25K). This week just dragged on with IEPs and 1/2 day meetings and a schedule I couldn't seem to keep straight (due to rescheduled IEPs). I'm not really complaining - it was a good week as far as meetings and students go. My two IEPs were easy, quick and I know my parents are happy with me (at least these two). Additionally, today should be easy (even though Diane is home sick...feel better Diane - even though she doesn't read this). The kids will work on their study guides for The Help in LA, my co-teaching history class is giving a test so I don't have to sit in that classroom and waste my time (I'll sit in another classroom to help with the test and be able to get some work done) and my history class will be easy  - just continuing with my current chapter. And after that - my day is nearly done and I can look forward to some beer/wine. WOOT!

I wasn't all that great in regard to the no drinking during the week thing. I ended up having a glass of wine on Tuesday due to major lady issues...it's better than ibuprofen, I'm telling you. The cure-all for sure. Other than that, however, I was good. It really isn't that hard anymore...it's kind of become my norm.

What else? Oh, I was looking at Facebook this morning and someone in my cache of friends shared a stupid little thingy about the Dugger's (so disgusted by this family). The post was a supposed quote by Anna Dugger - the wife of the gross Dugger who has sexual addictions. Here's what it said: "If your husband runs astray, it is no ones fault but your own. I wasn't capable of being the wife I needed to be..." And it went on make me ill. And whoever posted stated something about this woman being "Christlike". So gross. Now I don't believe everything I read but the fact that someone put it out there and then the group called "Dugger family supporters" reposted and the spouted Christ's name makes me ill. These people need to go away and the fame that they are capitalizing on all in the name of Jesus - disgusting. I shouldn't care about this but I'm so sick of seeing it - why are people so enamored of this type of shit? Breathe Muir.

K - well, I'm out. I need to finish getting ready so I can finish up this work day! Later!

Slowest Week In History

I guess this week is going so slowly because this is our first full week in January since coming back from Winter Break (right?) but MAN! It's starting to wear on me. I'm also all messed up because of the 1/2 day meeting from Tuesday, the two IEPs that were scheduled this week and then the fact that the Tuesday meeting got pushed until today. Which, of course, I forgot about until I was laying my head down for bed last night. UGH! Thankfully, I sent a reminder out earlier in the week and I don't have a regular ed teacher coming. I forgot to remind Diane, however, who will be covering me (I hope) in my study hall. Oh well, it is thankfully Thursday so we're almost there.

The other bummer regarding school is my LA class is on the last chapter for The Help - we'll finish it today. This means that I'll have the test next week and then we'll watch the movie. And then I have to figure out what the F to do for the next week or two. I want to read one more book this year and I believe I know that book we'll read but I wanted to push that until the 4th quarter. I'm thinking about doing a writing assignment (the bane of my existence in teaching) but I'm still not sure. I mean some of the kids can barely form a sentence and I need to work on this with them but it's so painful. Sometimes you just have to bite the bullet and do things you don't want to do. And who knows - maybe the kids will surprise me.

Hey Maggie - here's a good comparison. For those of you wondering - Maggie and I were talking the other day and she was saying how she has a hard time looking at Ted Cruz's face because he reminds her so much of Glenn Quagmire. I had no idea who that was. Apparently he is a character on Family Guy. Here is the Wikipedia description of Glenn: The Griffins' next-door single sex-addicted neighbor and one of Peter's best friends. He is an airline pilot, but is best known for his extreme sexuality and always saying "Giggity" or "Alright". He is attracted to nearly every woman (especially Lois Griffin). In one episode, he is revealed to have been Jack The Ripper in a past life. He has a soft side for cats. His dad is Dan/Ida Quagmire, who is a male-to-female transgender woman.

Now try and unsee that or not think of Glenn the next time you see Ted on the news.

K - well, I guess I'd better mosey. Happy Thursday. Later!

R.I.P. Beau

UGH! There's nothing more heartbreaking than hearing that someones furry love has made the trip to heaven. Unfortunately, my Aunt Kathleen's and John's sweet Beau passed on yesterday. He was only 8 and had too little life here but from what I've heard, he gave more joy during that time than his years showed. My heart breaks for them but I know he was able to pass much of his love, loyalty and goodness onto his puppy sister Mandy and I hope she is a comfort to them while they grieve. 

In other news - I did not sleep well last night. I have to say this perimenopause shit is for the birds! I had the WORST cramps last night and suffered for about 2 hours between 1 and 3 before they finally subsided. HATE THAT!!! Thankfully they are gone now but I'm telling you - I'm ready to rip my insides out if this goes on much longer. And I know it's going to...I can probably expect at least another 5 or 10 years of changes. Sometimes it sucks being a woman! 

Speaking of women - I love that Trump is skipping the next debate because it's being it's mediator is Megyn Kelly. He knows he can't keep his mouth shut and - not that I like her but - she got the better of him last time and he can't stand it. What a douche. 

And that's all I've got. Need to get to school and tweak my IEP for today's meeting. Happy Humpday...later!

A Solid Sleep

I don't know why I was so exhausted yesterday but I was. I did wake up a couple of times through the night (Sunday into Monday) and my shoulder throbbed but I had plenty of sleep. Last night, however, I had a solid, uninterrupted sleep. (Though I got up before the alarm and that irks me.) Maybe it was the yoga. Maybe it was the no drinking (yes, I'm still doing that during the week and at this point it isn't really an issue). Maybe my mind was at peace after watching Downton Abbey (I love that show and dread the last episode). Who knows but I'll take it.

Today the junior high and high school sped department has a 1/2 day professional meeting (in the AM). In my mind, this "training" should take about an hour but I'm sure there will be some stupid, thoughtless questions (from BFC who feels it necessary to share shit we don't care about). Oh well, I'll just sit and finish my IEP for tomorrow.

Man, I'm full of mean today aren't I?

Well, that's all I've got. Time to finish getting ready. Happy Tuesday. Later!

Weekend

The weekend started a bit earlier than expected because we got out of school an hour early due to the impending weather that never came (no complaints here and better safe than sorry I always say). Saturday Jim and I went to Party Source to restock our kegs (we got an Irish ale and Sam Adams Winter Lager), lunch at Yard House and then home to hang out. Sunday turned out to be a bit of an impromptu get together with a few of our neighbors (to try out the new beer) and that lasted a bit longer than I had planned. By the time Jim and I finished dinner and I took a bath, I had had it. Bed was calling my name and I watched as much of the game as I could keep my eyes open for. Of course I fell asleep right away but then woke up around 10:30 or so with a throbbing shoulder. I'm not sure what was going on but it was quite irritating and a little painful. Thankfully I managed to fall asleep again eventually and it feels fine now.

This week is going to be a bit crazy. Today will be normal but tomorrow I have a 1/2 day professional meeting with the sped department. That will go until 11:00 and from there I'll head back to school where I have an IEP meeting at 11:30. Wednesday I have a 9:00 IEP meeting (haven't even started that IEP...ugh...guess I know what I'll be doing tonight) and once that is complete I have only one more IEP until the end of April!!! That makes me happy.

What else...nothing. Both my teams won last night. I'm not a Denver Bronco fan but I do like Peyton Manning so I'm happy he made it to the Super Bowl. However, I will be rooting for Carolina on February 7th. Oh, and this is hilarious - Channel 5's ticker said something along the lines of this: Cam Newton threw for 2 touchdowns and ran for two in the 49-15 laugher against Arizona. Hee hee...laugher is right (though it's not a word). What a debacle. Can't say I'm upset as Carson Palmer is an asshole and a baby.

Okay well, I'd better get to school and start on the IEP for Wednesday. And of course it's for a senior who will be graduating here in a few months. Happy Monday! Later!

He Bugs Me

So Jim has a problem (and not it's not his wife). Every time he watches the news some reporter comes on that bugs him. I can barely hear the news for all the, "he bugs me" and "she bugs me".  He truly is ridiculous. He said it again this morning about a reporter and I said, "You sure do have a lot of animosity towards these poor reporters." His response: "You bug me." Well, I guess he does have a problem with his wife.

So the weather should be interesting today. I'm just worried about snow starting while at school and getting stuck driving in this shit. We really aren't meant to get much but it only snowed about an inch the other day and city was a disaster. UGH! The funny thing is the meteorologist I'm watching keeps saying, "Those northwest of the city aren't going to get much if anything." And guess what? Northwest schools are closed. Crazy.

No real weekend plans just hanging out and hopefully playing in a bit of snow. I'm certainly glad we're not getting a blizzard but I would like a nice dumping (when I'm safe and sound inside).

Well, I guess I should finish my breakfast and get a move on. Happy Friday...later!

Poor Jimmy (Episode 412)

So Jim went into his most recent job yesterday and worked for about 4 hours. He then cut out because he had to go BACK to the job from last week to do the punch list (final things on a job that need touching up or completion). He went in around 6:00 and thought to put in 4 hours there and be home by 11:00. Yeah, that didn't happen. While he was packing up the contractor called him to tell him about two closets that needed painting (not on the list) so he didn't roll in until 12:30. He has to work his normal shift today so he's going to be tired. Oh well...at least tomorrow is Friday!

Yesterday was quite relaxing. I managed to get many of my recorded shows watched. Sami enjoyed having me around too. She can't wait for summer!

Today I have a 7:15 IEP meeting. I'm going to try and fly through it so I can get back to the classroom and finish the chapter we started reading Tuesday but that probably won't happen. Oh well, I'm flexible. I'll be happy when January is over as I won't have another IEP to write until April! Woot!

What else? Nothing. The snow totals for tomorrow are still up in the air. The tri-state area has a prediction of 1-10 inches. No that's not a typo...there is just such a fine line of where and how this is going to hit. They are saying places like Cincinnati could get 1-3 or 2-4 but then just south of the city could get a foot. It's crazy. I'm certainly happy that we're not a part of the blizzard conditions that are going to roll through in the east though. They said on the news yesterday that parts of Virginia could get up to three feet. THREE FEET!? That's crazy!

Okay - I better go get Jimmy...he's still not out of bed. Happy Thursday. Later!

Another Nail Biter

Looks like our superintendent is going to leave us all hanging AGAIN. Snow is coming down and accumulating and though we aren't meant to get much, of course it's hitting during the commute. WTF is wrong with a 2-hour delay. Oh, I know! It's early release today and if we get a 2-hour delay, it gets cancelled. The super has a planned meeting with the high school and junior high. I'm sure he doesn't want to cancel his appearance meeting. I'm finding more and more that this guy is an asshat jackhole. That's my diagnosis.

The weather people around here are still unsure about the possible Friday snowfall. I'm still hoping for a nice dumping and not just because I want a closing. We haven't had a good snow yet this year and I need it...so does Sami.

Okay - all the surrounding school are on delay...and there comes ours.

Jim is talking to me about Henry Ford and I'm totally not listening. Why isn't he getting in the shower to leave!? I told him he needed to be on the road early to try and beat the snow but he doesn't listen. Today he'll work a regular day and then he has to go in to his 2nd shift job for about 4 hours. Ridiculous but more hours or maybe shorter day Friday. We'll see.

In other news - I've got nothing. I sure wish they'd call us closed. We'll see what happens over the next couple hours since the snow is supposed to be falling until noon.

K - better go so I can sit on my ass and obsess on the news and scrolling schools closing across the bottom of my TV. Later!

Bracing For Weather

We are looking to get some weather tomorrow morning - of course it will hit right at rush hour (and a bit before) - as well as Friday. Friday is still up in the air but this lady is keeping her fingers crossed. The bonus is that I have an IEP on Thursday and that day won't be affected so I won't have to reschedule anything. Tomorrow's snow isn't supposed to be much but it will make a mess of things for the morning commute. Here's hoping they aren't so tardy in their decisions this week.

In dinner news - I made a new recipe last night and it was scrumptious! French Onion Pork Chops...so easy and flavorful. The only change I would make is to skip the Dijon. Not necessary but if you want to add it regardless, I would just put it into the onion mixture instead of the chops when browning - it just ends up burning in the skillet. Jim loved these. I served it with some plain couscous which I topped with the caramelized onions. A definite keeper.

Yesterday was quite nice. I didn't do much except hang with my girl (I walked her but didn't get far as it was soooooo cold...my snot froze!), catch up on some shows, take a bath and chill. Perfect Monday off.

And that's about all I've got. Best get to school...I'm guessing we're not going to get a delay...poop...I was hoping with the wind chill advisory. Oh well...can't win 'em all. Happy Tuesday...later!

MLK Day + Weekend UPdate

Highlights from the weekend: 

• Seeing Eva, Maggie and Charlie (but mostly seeing Eva)
• Lunch at Ted's (bison meatloaf sandwich never tasted so good!)
• Mimosas!
• Panthers winning!
• Broncos winning!
• Dinner last night - Curry Chicken and Dumplings
• Finally getting to see Jim after waiting for him to get home from work yesterday until 7:15! Poor Jimmy!

Plans for today: I've got no real plans. It's FREEZING here so I'll have to wait for a bit before I can walk Sami. Jim's working today but at least the job is near home (BONUS) and he's back on regular shift. This means I get to cook dinner tonight and I'm thinking it's going to be GOOD! I'm making a new recipe - French Onion Pork Chops! Can't wait for those. 

Oh, so get this: I had an IEP on Friday for my most needy parents. They love me and though there were a couple of rough spots during the meeting, it didn't have to do with me so no big deal. Anyway - this was a meeting that was scheduled 1 month ahead of time (before winter break) for last Tuesday but with the snow day, I had to reschedule. So I sent three emails to everyone when this happened: The first to say it would tentatively be on Friday; the second to confirm the meeting was Friday and then the third on Thursday as a reminder that we'd be meeting the next day. The regular educator was an English teacher who would be in a co-taught class so he wouldn't need a sub. Meeting time - 1:00. So I start the meeting - no reg ed teacher. Go through the meeting - no reg ed teacher. Finish the meeting - no reg ed teacher. After the meeting - when I get to Columbus around 3:30 I check my email and at 1:45, reg ed teacher emails me to say that his co-teaching partner is doing Re-do day (stupid all-day activity for freshmen) and "if this meeting is today, I'm going to need a sub". ARE YOU F&^KING KIDDING ME!? How ridiculous. IF this meeting is today? The three emails didn't clue you in!? And you email me at 1:45?! PISSED! I'll figure out how to deal with this on Tuesday. I didn't want to email a snarky response because that does no one any good but I should have. Stupid shit deserves stupid responses. So frustrating!

And that's all I've got. Time to...continue sitting on my ass and watching TV. Later!

A Quickie

Not the good kind of quickie...a quickie post. Must finish packing and still get to school on time. Headed to Columbus after school. I'm hoping to hit the road a few minutes early but I don't know that I'll be able to because a) I have an IEP meeting that may take me to the end of the day and b) I'll have to okay it with the admin and they may be assholes about it. We'll see.

Mom - got your text - this is the beef barley recipe I used. It was delicious!

I have to say - Fridays have always been awesome but when you don't drink during the week, it is so much sweeter! And I'm so proud of myself too. I was going to have a glass of red wine last night...had it planned to the time I would drink it but then I decided, "Well, first, I'll pack." Then I put it off again and said, "I'll have one at 5:30 just when I'm getting ready to eat dinner." But I didn't so I thought, "I'll have one after I eat dinner." And by that time, I was full and didn't really want a glass and so I didn't. YAY!

Plans for the weekend: Well, I'm hoping to get to Maggie's around 4:00. I'll then have some wine. And after that who cares? Just kidding. We'll hang out, have chili for dinner tonight. I've been told that I need to prepare myself for some game playing as Eva got several games for Christmas and she likes to play them A LOT! I'm ready! Saturday I don't know what we'll do but I would LIKE to go to Ted's for lunch. It's been a LONG time and I'm jonesin' for a bison meatloaf sandwich! I'll come home Sunday - weather permitting and it looks fine - and then I have Monday off and WOOT!

K - well, I need to finish getting ready and finish packing. My car is all fixed and ready for a small road trip. Happy Friday...later!

Running A Bit Late

I had to watch the James Corden Carpool Karaoke with Adele and so I'm nearly out of time to post.  Sorry but if you'd like to watch - it's HILARIOUS!!! About 15 minutes though...make sure you have time.

I had a weird dream last night with Kristyn's mother in it. Kristyn was in from Australia and we were all hanging out waiting for some summertime firework display to start. I always find it interesting when random people pop into my dream...not that Pat/Anne (Kristyn's mother) is random but out of nowhere I think of her...in my unconscious state?

Currently driving a loaner car - Hyundai Elantra - while the suspension bars on my car get repaired. It's been making a knocking noise for a bit and Jim finally took it in for me. After a day long fight to find out what was going on, never being told and a bit of a tug-of-war with the service guys, they are fixing it at half the cost for us. Sometimes when shitty things happen in your day, it pays off in the long run. Something that was going to cost $250 is now half that. Hot dog. I should be good to go to Columbus tomorrow in a non-rattling car. Now we just have to hope that the car is repaired and ready when I get out of school today.

I slept like a BABY last night. Barely heard Jim get home. I'm still not drinking during the week (yesterday was tough after the Hyundai headache) and I'm starting to see a difference in the fit of my clothes which is nice. Of course a weekend with Maggie is going to throw all of that down the tube. Oh well, you gotta live, right?! Funny thing, however, I have a slight headache this morning. I haven't had one since I stopped drinking during the week. Oh well, it'll be gone by the time I finish getting ready and leave.

Speaking of which...time to head up and out. Happy Thursday! IEP today - I have a feeling the parent isn't going to show. It's always a bit telling when they say on the phone a month ahead of time, "If something comes up and I can't make it, I'll let you know." Yeah, I bet.  K -  Later!

Final Post...

...as a non-billionaire!!!  So excited!

Well, my day off yesterday was quite a relaxing day. What did I do? I got up, ate breakfast, laid on the couch, drank coffee, pet Sami, talked to Maggie, emailed a couple parents, got up off the couch a couple times, did a load of laundry, talked to Maggie again, walked Sami, did yoga, watched some tv,  talked to Maggie, ate dinner, pet Sami some more, went up to bed, watched the SOTU and that's all she wrote. Wow, maybe it wasn't so relaxing because it seems I was busier than I thought.

I hadn't planned on watching the whole SOTU but then I got sucked in. I actually thought I wouldn't be able to stay up that late (I mean, wouldn't you be exhausted after the day I had) but lo and hehold, I did. I read for a while in bed (reading Tina Fey's Bossypants) and then tuned in. Good speech. Glad he "called out" Trump. Can't wait for the reaction of that putz.

So of course my IEP from yesterday isn't going to be so easy to reschedule as the parents want to reschedule for tomorrow at 1:00 but I have another meeting during that time. We'll see what I can maneuver.

Colder than all get out here but nothing like it was last year around this time. The temp is 4 and the wind chill is about -2. I can handle that.

I wasn't sure about this weekend and my plans for Columbus but it looks like all will work out. They are only looking at flurries on Sunday. YAY!

Okay - well, I'm out...time to get a move on. Later...happy hump day!

P.S. Spell check is not working...I apologize for any missed errors. Drives me crazy!

COME ON!!! (UPDATE)

Of course the snow just started and will be well under way when I need to leave for work. I'm waiting for a delay and hope it comes before I have to go up and finish my toilette. Nearby schools (to my school) have already closed. In fact, many Warren county schools have already closed. I mean COME ON...at least throw us a bone and give us a delay! My new superintendent is coming from Milford so I'm wondering if he's waiting on them (they haven't called anything in either). Who knows? We're only expecting 2" most but when it hits right when buses are out and about, that's bad news (or good depending on how you look at it). The unfortunate thing is I have an IEP today. It isn't until 1:00 and I technically have until next week to get it done and in compliance. We'll deal with that when/if it comes. And if I'm honest with myself - I'd much prefer a snow day and who gives a shit about the hassle of having to reschedule. Sami wants me to have a snow day too.

Dream news: UGH! I've mentioned before that I have a recurring dream where I make the crazy decision to move. For some reason, I keep having a dream of moving into an apartment complex that I lived in when I was in college. Well last night I had that dream. I made Jim get everything moved into our new, one-bedroom TINY apartment only to decide after less than one day (and after witnessing a robbery/drug deal gone bad) that I made a huge mistake and wanted to come back to my house (which hadn't sold). Poor Jim. He had to organize movers all over again and deal with my crying, regretful ass. I was happy to wake up in my cozy bed in my cozy house.

And now, because I haven't gotten a call, I have to head up and get ready. Stupid Super! GET IT TOGETHER! I'm going to be pissed if I have to go to school in this shit! K - I'm out. Later!

UPDATE: We are closed. Of course I was ready, putting on my boots and nearly out the door when the call came at 6:20. I'm not sure why our stupid super didn't at least give us a delay after seeing all the nearby schools closed but I'm guessing he'll be hearing from MANY on his late decision.

Brrr!

Currently 11°degrees! Yowza! Tomorrow we're looking at possible snow in the AM so that should be interesting. Dare I hope for a snow day!? 

So sad that David Bowie died. I didn't even know he was sick. Loved him, loved his music! Very reminiscent of my adolescene. 

Week to come: No kids at school today. I have a 7:30 meeting at central office (just a union meeting) which shouldn't take too terribly long and then I'll be at my desk all day getting paperwork complete, tweaking IEPs and that's about it. Jim is working second shift for the next few days. Possibly going to Columbus this weekend. I'm going to keep an eye on the weather because so far, my travel day on Sunday does not look good. We'll have to see as we get closer because my tires are not great and I'm not a fan of driving in the snow. 

What else? Basically watched football all weekend. Thankfully Green Bay won as well as the Chiefs. Otherwise, I was bummed about the Vikings and I can't even talk about the Bengals. I don't even want to think about that anymore. UGH!

And that's all I've got. I need to go finish getting ready - dry my hair...don't want it to freeze off. Happy Monday! Later!