Christmas Recap

I swear I've posted since Saturday but apparently not. Hmm...must've dreamed that.

Oh boy, the traffic reporter on WLWT just said "EX-peciallly". UGH!

Anyway, Christmas Eve and Christmas were good. Everything on Christmas Eve went off without a hitch. Dinner was delicious (if I do say so myself); dessert was delicious; drinks were flowing and I believe everyone had a good time. Everyone left around 10:00 and Jim and I were in bed by 11:00.

Christmas day was quite lovely. Mom, Richard, Jim and I got up, opened presents, had breakfast and mimosas and they were on the road by 9:30. Jim and I headed over to Raeburn around noon. We had a great time there playing Celebrity Name Game, Farkle and Uno. Dinner was amazing (prime rib, potatoes, green beans, rolls) and the company was even better. We left around 10:00 and Sami was happy just to have us both to herself.

Yesterday was a very relaxing day. Jim and I literally laid around until it was time to go to J.J.'s soccer game (we left around 4:30). His team won and Jbird made two goals. WOOT! Afterwards we went to dinner with everyone (Dad, Becky, Cullen, Trip, Susan, J.J. and Anne and Steve) at Mellow Mushroom.

I will say, I wasn't great company yesterday. I've had a lot on my mind with today's oncology appointment. I'm just very emotional and full of anxiety about what we'll hear. Jim's appointment is at 1:30 and after I finish this I'll write out all my questions. I'll let you all know what we hear. Fingers crossed and keep the prayers coming.

On a lighter note, here is the Christmas loot I scored:

• From Cullen (he picked me and I picked in the kid gift giving): A Shooter's gift card! Perfect
• From Mom and Richard: Celebrity Name Game and best of all a stack of recipes that my mom gave me from her grandmother and mother. All in their handwriting. So interesting too because some of the things are written on the back of paper from church. I'm going to do something special with it all...I'll figure out what but first I need to scan it all for preservation. 
• From Dad and Becky: cash (woot) a beautiful bracelet and Jim got beer and beer bottle containers. 
• From Jim: Harry Potter Trivial Pursuit and Gryffindor hat and scarf; cozy socks (tradition every year); copper pots that I'm SO excited about; the new Andy Cohen book Superficial and Secret Life of Pets DVD (the kids at school will love it). 

Okay well, that's all I've got for now. Happy Tuesday. Later!

Merry Christmas Eve!

It's going to be a busy day today, starting with getting the house prepped for tonight (tables set etc.). We'll leave here around 10:30 for our annual Christmas Eve lunch at Hofbrauhaus. The whole family should be there as well as Fritz, Jim's brother. After that, Mom, Richard, Jim and I will come home and prepare for tonight. I've made the lasagnas and brownies so only need to make the salad and cut the cheese (hahaha, I have to cut the cheese! Get it?!). Jim's jobs include getting the luminaries ready, out and lit and basically being my bitch while I get everything in ship shape. People should be arriving anytime after 5:00. Dinner will be between 6:30 and 7:00. Can't wait to be relaxing and enjoying a glass of wine later!

Bengals play tonight. Not sure if we'll actually tune in. I mean, they're playing at the same time It's a Wonderful Life is on! Not like they're going to the playoffs or like the game even matters at this point. Trip and J.J., however, will probably insist. We'll see.

Jim got home around 10:30 last night which was good. He's done until Monday. YAY!

And that's all I've got. Time to get a mimosa in my hand and have a little bite to eat. Just something small...I don't want to ruin my appetite for schnitzel (or something along those lines). Merry Crixmats to all! Later!

Let The Cleaning Begin

Yesterday was quite productive. I finished my Christmas Eve grocery shop, wrapped the final gifts, got Jim's stocking stuffers, made the sauce for the lasagnas, made another batch of French cakes, and started to clean. I'll finish my cleaning today with Jim's help since he doesn't have to be at work until around 5:00 and make Brunswick stew for dinner. Pretty much that's all I need to do for today. Tomorrow will be the big cooking day although it really isn't that big a deal. I only need to make the lasagnas and brownies. The salad will be made on Saturday and other than that, it's just a matter of cutting cheeses and laying out crackers. I used to do apps (crab meat dip and hanky pankies) but it's just more work than needs to be done and I want people hungry for dinner...not filling up on apps.

I'm kind of bummed that the weather is warming up. I like it COLD on Christmas and NOT rainy. Thankfully, the rain we're supposed to get is going to be Saturday morning (the luminaries shouldn't get washed out) and then not again until Monday. Good for Mom and Richard who are driving back to TN on Christmas day.

And now I need to get up and start the cleaning. Well, first I need to get my Jimmy up and fed. We were out late last night and he's still snoozing. He ended up going in to work at 1:00 yesterday and was home by about 8:30. I was over at Doug and Lauren's playing cards so he joined us for a few games of euchre. We also enjoyed a delicious holiday beer that Lauren had gotten to share. It was amazing! I hope I can find it before the season is over.

Okay - wish me luck on my cleaning. Happy...what day is it? Thursday! Happy Thursday! Later!

Fantastic Beasts

So good! I loved it and can't wait for the next installment comes out. I'm just hoping that the screenplays will come out as well. I really enjoyed reading it beforehand. Harry Potter fans should be well satisfied, I know I was!

The previews were exciting too. Especially the newest movie for King Arthur - a Guy Richie movie (Madonna's ex). It stars Charlie Hunman (Sons of Anarchy) and Oh. My. God. (look at her butt) he isn't hard to look at. Not to mention that Jude Law is in it too. My salivary glands were in overdrive. Yowza.

So Jim's back on 2nd shift. Bullshit. But we can't really complain because this is a slow time at work for him so I'm just glad he has somewhere to go today. And since I'm off, we'll still get to see each other plenty. However, it means that we won't be able to get together with the neighbors tonight like we'd hoped. Oh well. He'll be able to help me clean and get the house ready for x-mas eve and he'll be off for the important days.

My plans today: I'll go to Costco as soon as it opens (10) while Jim stays home to clean. I'll make my sauce for the lasagna as well. I will then make another batch of French cakes. I've given some away and don't want the family to be pissed when they're gone because Jim and Sami have chowed down. Hee hee. I told Jim that after Christmas, he is off sugar. Not that he eats a ton but sugar and cancer do not go together so there you go.

And that's all I've got. Time to get my coffee on maybe eat a French cake and then get ready for my day. Later.

Make For Sure

There's a reporter on one of our local stations that says, "Make for sure" instead of just saying, "Make sure". It's quite annoying. Here's what I want to know: When people say dufus things in a job where it actually matters, do their producers or bosses correct them? Do they sit them down and say, "Um...that's not the saying and you sound like a maroon!" Because I'm sure that there are people out there saying mean things on social media. (Unlike me who says it on my blog to the five people who read this.)

Here are some other common phrases that people f*%k up (take note in case you're one of the guilty ones):

• Nip it in the butt vs. Nip it in the bud - you don't nip something in the butt - that would be harassment!
• I could care less vs. I couldn’t care less - if you could care less then you care a little bit. Duh!
• On accident vs. By accident - in case you don't know, it's BY accident. You can do something ON purpose but not ON accident. It's those tricky prepositions that I love so much.
• Anyways vs. Anyway - THERE IS NO "S" IN ANYWAY!!! Come on!

Sorry - on my high horse. I've dismounted. 

Plans for the day - I will be heading to Costco and the grocery this morning to do my Christmas Eve shop. That's about it. Jim is probably working 2nd shift tonight. He hasn't gotten an assignment for today as of yet so we'll see. 

Yesterday I wrote a scathing email to the billing/thoracic department at UC for their ridiculous charge of $400 for a consult that was unnecessary. They claimed that we were well aware that we would be talking about a VATS. Total bullshit considering they made the appointment without even talking to Jim and I had to ask Becky and Dad what their thoughts were on what the appointment was for. Not to mention the doctor herself didn't even know a biopsy was scheduled and if it was, a VATS was unnecessary. Her apology for the confusion sort of clinches it, don't you think? I'm sure we'll get screwed and the final decision will go against us but we'll see. 

What else? Nothing. Time for a French cake. Later!

Christmas Break

It was so nice to wake up today without an alarm knowing I had nothing to do today except hang with my girl, read my books and maybe start my lists for Christmas Eve. I've got bags of French cakes to keep me company too.

I had a lovely weekend. We pretty much did nothing except make French cakes, watch movies and drink mimosas. A perfect kickoff to my break!

This week I'll make several jaunts out to shop for Christmas Eve but it really should be low key and easy. Jim's back on regular shift so I'll also get to cook dinners! Mom and Richard should be coming in on Thursday too!

Electoral College meets today. I know there's no hope for blocking Trump from the presidency but wouldn't that be awesome!? I mean, this whole election has been unprecedented so why not this!?

I started reading the screenplay for Fantastic Beasts last night. So good...can't wait to see the movie. I'm thinking I may try to convince Jimmy to go Wednesday. We'll see if he's up for it.

Happy Monday! This time next week, I'll STILL be on break! Woot! Later!

So Hard

Not a lot of time to spare since I need to get my car packed for my trip to C-bus. Can't forget the French cake batter either. I hope to be on the road by around 10:00 to get there in time for lunch at Ted's!

Just want to give hugs and love to Lisa - my work wife - who had to do the hardest thing in the world last night: Say goodbye to part of her heart, Charlie.There is nothing worse than having to go through this especially when it happens so quickly and unexpectedly. There are no words of consolation; nothing to make things better. It sucks, I'm so sorry and I hope you know you've got a roomful of people at work who are there to cry with you, wipe your tears and help you through this.

I wrapped all of Jim's presents last night. Bam! I was just going to do a few but then I got started and decided not to stop. Bam Bam!

My snaggle tooth is back. If you'll recall, I chipped my tooth in 8th grade and had a fix on it that eventually fell off. My dentist fixed it last May and it fell off by July. So last time I was there, he scheduled me again. That was in early November. It fell off last night. Dammit! I'm not getting it fixed again. I'll just have to live with it. Well, really all of you will have to live with it because you'll be the ones having to look at it. Suck it!

And that's all I've got. I still feel like I have a tape worm. I eat and 10 minutes later I'm starving again. I don't know what's going on but it's pissing me off because I wake up in the middle of the night with my stomach growling.

K - well I'm out. Need to get it together. Happy Friday! Happy Winter Break to me! So happy to have two weeks off! Later!

Makes All The Difference

I've said it before but it needs saying again: I love the people I work with. I can't imagine working somewhere that didn't have my back or that was considered a "hostile environment". I have such sympathy for people that suffer through because they have no other choice or at least feel that way. Yesterday was miserable for me. I felt okay to start but had been up since 2:30 so was certainly tired. I thought I could power through, however. I did manage to get through exams but by 12:30, I had had it. I couldn't even eat my delicious Chinese we ordered. (I ate my egg roll and two or three bites of General Tso's.) As I sat there in my chair resting my eyes, Lisa said, "Go home." So I did. And on my way out - I stopped the first administrator I saw (principal) and told him I was sick and heading home. He patted me on the shoulder and said, "Oh no! With everything else going on?! Go home, get better!"

My thoughts and prayers are with Lisa, John and their girl Charlie today. Charlie's a black lab that was feeling poorly yesterday. When they took her to the vet, they found what looks to be a tumor. They'll know more after an ultrasound. To top that off, Lisa has a raging migraine! Stay home and don't think of work. We've got this!

Oh, and in terms of my own health, I'm feeling much better. I actually slept last night. I did keep waking up to cough but managed each time to fall back to sleep. I still have medicine belly which is driving me nuts. I eat and then in about 30 minutes my stomach starts growling like it's starving. Of course food doesn't really appeal to me.

Today will be busy, busy, busy after school. I'll pack when I get home and then I need to make French cake batter to take with me to Maggie's. Woot.

K - well, best head out. No delay yet which sort of surprised me since it's about 3 degrees out with a negative wind chill. I'm not complaining though. I'd prefer no delay.

Happy Thursday! Two days to go. Later!

I've Felt Better

Well, I was hoping I was on the mend from this stupid cold but it seems not. In the past several days since this came on, I've felt fine. At least I did once I had unclogged all the shit from my head but today I feel like poop. Part of it probably has to do with the fact that I woke up at 2:30 and never really went back to sleep. I'm hoping now that I've eaten and taken some medicine, things will improve but truthfully the toast and banana I just ate is sitting like a lump in my stomach. UGH!

In other news - I have one exam down and two to go. I gave my 6th period LA exam yesterday and I only had one F and one D. The rest were A's and a B. Not bad. Today will by my US history exam. The kids have been practicing using the Quizlet I created for them (online/interactive site where you create a study guide and the kids can take practice tests, use it as flashcards or a match game) and most of them are doing really well. Here's hoping.

Friday I'll leave school after giving my 1st period exam and from there I'm on break! Woot! Can't come soon enough.

Can't think of anything else to talk about. Sad about Alan Thicke dying. I liked him. Apparently he died of a heart attack while playing hockey with his son. How terrible.

K - well, I'd best get a move on...try and shake this crappy feeling. Happy Wednesday. Later!

Jimmy Update

So Jim got a call from the nurse yesterday and as we feared and assumed, the cancer cells are melanoma. In addition to that, Jim tested positive for the BRAF mutation. This is a protein that about 50% of people tested have that causes some cancers to grow rapidly. What does this mean? It means that Jim will most likely undergo targeted therapy or BRAF inhibitor (oral medication) to attack the protein directly. This has proven in many cases to shrink the cancer cells. However, they almost always comes back (eventually). We won't know everything for sure until 12/27 when we go to meet the oncologist. I know it's along time to wait (again) but Jim's doc is out of town.

I started looking at information last night and looked at statistics and survival rates but it started wigging me out a bit. I know I need to be prepared and know what we're facing, believe me - I'm not a stick-your-head-in-the-sand kind of girl - but last night was a lot of info I was absorbing. Jim is clueless and he and I need to talk about the possibilities. I don't want to jump any guns and I don't want to scare him but he also needs to know what we could be facing. He's been a stick-your-head-in-the-sand-guy lately. I'll let the doctor explain most though since she is the expert.

In other news - weather's on the way so this is going to be short. I want to beat the icy roads so I'm out. Happy Tuesday! Exam #1 is today (unless we get out due to weather). Later!

Get This!!!

So here's a whole bunch of bullshit. Remember that Jim had a consult with a thoracic surgeon a couple weeks ago? It was an appointment that ended up being unnecessary because he had been scheduled for a CT biopsy and according to the doc, if they scheduled that, they had a good idea they could get a tissue sample and a VATS wouldn't be needed. Great! Then the bill came this weekend for that 15 minute consult. $415 of which, we are responsible for $309. Can you believe that!? F&%king pissed. Needless to say, Jim will be making some phone calls today and I'll be adding this to my list of grievances.

In other news - I'm sick. I started getting something Friday night into Saturday. Though I only started getting a sore throat last night (sleeping sucked) it's not following the course of a normal cold. It has me constantly clearing my throat and I'm not coughing overly much. My head isn't clogged either. I just feel run down and nauseated by most things. Hopefully I've turned a corner and this will go away quickly. Sure and tired though.

Jim's on 2nd shift this week which is good. Hopefully we'll meet with the oncologist this week and he won't have to miss any work.

Exams start tomorrow. Today is a normal day and I'll do review with the kids. I look forward to today being over.

The weekend was good. We went to Mecklenburg's for dinner on Saturday prior to Terri's party. I wasn't into eating though so wasn't thrilled by the food. The party was fun and it was good to see friends I rarely get to see.

And that's all I've got. Time to get a move on...I need to prepare a review for the kids in history. We're playing bingo in LA. Happy Monday. Later!

Getting Nothing Done

I feel like I can't get ahead of the game lately at school. The problem is these damn kids who need help! Not to mention all the stupid teachers that have to give a damn test three days before exams start! UGH! First of all, exams suck! They're stupid. It's a system set up to make kids fail. Yes, I know that it's "preparing them for college" but when I was in college, I had MANY classes that DIDN'T give final exams. That being said, yes, I am giving an exam in my classes, but only because it's required. However, I've decided NOT to base my exams on the whole semester. My LA exam will be on the novel we've been reading (and will finish today) and my US is for the current chapter we finished yesterday. I want my kids to succeed and regardless of the fact that most of them won't go to college, they are still affected by their grades. Most of them actually CARE that they get good grades.

Jim did well yesterday. No problems with the site of his biopsy. He took the bandage off yesterday after I got home and it looked good. He's feeling good too although he had a little bout of dizziness but I think he was needing a little sugar. I gave him a small glass of o.j. and all was well. He'll take it easy again today and hopefully be ready for our annual X-mas party tomorrow. We'll play it by ear.

There was a scare, apparently at school yesterday. It was after school, in the junior high which is connected to the high school. The info I got was that someone hit an emergency button in the JH and they had to evacuate everyone to a site off campus. We're having a meeting about it today before school starts. Sure hope it was truly a false alarm.

Okay well time to get a move on. I still have a stack of papers to grade and need to get my LA and US exams finished. Happy Friday! Later!

Long Day

I'm glad yesterday is over and everything went as well as it could. (With the exception that we have confirmation that Jim has cancer but that was always a possibility with his melanoma diagnosis and everything that happened two years ago.)

As much as I've bitched about UC and not getting phone calls returned or not knowing exactly who our point person was, the care they gave Jim and how they treated me yesterday was awesome. When we got there, we probably only waited in the waiting room for about 10 minutes but we were about 15 minutes early so it all equaled out. The time it took Jim to get changed, hooked up to machines, and stuck (twice) for his IV had him being wheeled out for his procedure by 11:15ish. The actual biopsy was only supposed to take about an hour but Jim being Jim, his case was difficult. Hee hee. They didn't come to get me until 1:00ish.

All went well - no pneumothorax (air around the lungs causing a lung collapse and requiring a chest tube and hospital stay) and they were able to get a good tissue sample. They looked under the scope and saw the sample had cancer cells but beyond that, they'll do testing to see exactly what we're dealing with. That information will come in about 3-5 days (early next week, I'm hoping). Jim said the hardest part of the procedure was how he was directed to breathe. He couldn't take solid deep breaths and had to hold his breath a lot for a long time. They had to dig around a bit to get what they needed too. I think Jim said it took three attempts to get the sample they needed and they ended up having to go deep into the lung. Ugh!

Thankfully, this means that Jim will not have to have a VATS. Additionally, he's doing really well - has no bleeding and no pain. He slept well last night and will finally be able to take ibuprofen or naproxen later today (they are blood thinners so he wasn't aloud to take them these past 5 or 6 days). He'll be off for the next two days from work too.

Speaking of him being off, it couldn't come at a better time! I just ordered 15 bottles of wine (Groupon for $65+shipping), which will be delivered today and they have to have a signature. Glug glug glug! I got a mix of white and red and I can't wait to try them. Yummy! I hope they're good.

Okay well, I have about 50 papers to grade at school so I better get a move on. I'll probably stay after school today to get work done. I did manage to get my LA exam constructed yesterday during my wait as well as making major headway on my history exam. I'm actually ahead of my game. YAY! This time next week, I'll be one day away from Winter Break! WOOT!

Happy Thursday! Thanks for all the good thoughts and prayers and keep 'em coming! Later!

Here We Go

I'm sitting here ready to go but can't leave yet because it's too early. Jim's in the recliner nodding off. I just asked him, "How you doing?" and he answered with a smirk on his face, "As good as could be expected." He's a little off his game because he can't drink or eat anything and of course he's never been thirstier! He's acting like he's been marooned in a dessert without water for days. Such a drama queen. I guess he's allowed...today.

Anyway - I slept well but Jim was hit or miss. Jim came to bed with a headache and couldn't take anything (blood thinners). He fell asleep but then woke up at 12:30 and made some coffee thinking caffeine would help. He fell asleep in his chair downstairs around 2:00 he said and came back to bed around 3:30. I'm sure it's all stress related. I'll just be glad when this part is over. My biggest worry today is they won't be able to biopsy which would mean a VATS procedure. Prayers, fingers crossed and all that jazz!

Okay well, I need to gather some work to take with me and we need to get a move on. Here's hoping things turn out well!!! I'll keep everyone updated. I've heard different things about when we'll know something so...stay tuned.

Later!

Bam! Last IEP Of The Year DONE!

My IEPs yesterday went swimmingly. No issues and they were short and sweet. Of course with all that had been going on and writing 4 IEPs at the same time, I was bound to eff up somewhere. That came to light yesterday around 11:00. I got an email from the parent I was meeting with at 1:30. I had sent her a draft of the IEP on Wednesday of last week...or so I thought. Apparently I actually downloaded the 7:30 IEP and labeled it as my 1:30 IEP. Woopsie daisies! She emailed me and said that the IEP I sent her wasn't for her daughter, it was for some other kid. I emailed back and said, "JEEZ! I'm such an idiot!" So much for confidentiality! What are you going to do?!

My dreams last night were OUT OF CONTROL! Simply put, there were evacuations and snow emergencies and deaths from snow packs overtaking homes. So crazy. I'm sure this had everything to do with the Blizzard of '76 that hit 36 years ago today which Maggie "liked" on her FB page yesterday. Man - not good. I also had one of my recurring dreams where I'm back at college, in my dorm room with Adrienne. Good times.

Today should be an easy day but busy. I'll start figuring out my exams for next week. I need to decide if my history exam should be on the current chapter we're working or the whole semester. I'm thinking with all the kids who joined me just this quarter (and the fact that I loathe exams) I'll just make it on my current chapter. These kids need a break and so do I!

Tomorrow is Jim's biopsy. It isn't until 11:00 which blows because he can't eat 4 hours prior so basically he'll either have to get up EARLY and eat or not eat at all. Either way, by the time we leave the hospital, he'll be starving and we know what a hungry Jimmy is like. I guess I'll humor him...give him a little love and turn a deaf ear. Anyway - it may take up to a week (or so the Internet says) for results...we'll see and I'll let you know.

K - best be off. Raining kitties and puppies out there. Happy Tuesday! Later!

Busy Busy Busy

Don't have a lot of time here because I need to get to school. I've got two IEPs today - one at 7:30 and one at 1:30. Once these two meetings are in the the bag, I won't have another until mid-January. I'll set that meeting before the break so I can get it mostly written before Christmas. Fingers crossed that I follow through on that. I felt like these last 4 IEPs were written on the fly and that I was scrambling to get them all complete in time. But...that's probably because of everything else going on.

Yesterday was quite a lovely day. Basically I sat on the couch all day (with the exception of a 1/2 hour on the elliptical) with a fire in the fireplace and watched football. Jimmy even managed to hang with me without falling asleep (too many times). I made a stupendous dinner of braised short ribs and took a lovely bath before hitting the hay.

And that's all I've got. This week will be a little crazy since I'll be off Wednesday for Jim's procedure. Most likely we won't hear anything until Friday or Monday. Jim already told the nurse not to call Friday. I'll keep everyone updated.

And that's all I've got. Need to get a move on so I can prepare for my meeting. Later!

Sweathog!

Three or four nights this week I've woken up in a complete sweat. I mean SOAKING wet. It's horrible. I'm guessing this is peri-menopause but it is so uncomfortable. Well, finally, last night I slept without sweating through my sheets. Thank you Jesus!

I'm getting ahead of the game at school which is a bonus. I have one IEP to tweak today before my meetings on Monday. I'll send the draft home and hopefully the two meetings I have on Monday will be quick, quick, quick.

Weekend plans: Jim and I have no real plans this week. Today after school I told Jim we could go to Shooters. Most likely we'll just take food home from there for dinner. (Mmm...chicken teriyaki sandwich!) Other than that - who knows. There is a pub crawl on Saturday in downtown Loveland but with Jim's hips and feet and overall ability to be mobile, who knows if that will be a possibility. We'll see. I do know that I plan on sitting in front of a fire or two! Cozy!

And that's all I've got. I'm looking forward to my Winter break though. I'm counting down the days! Hopefully these last two weeks will fly by and then things will slow to a crawl.

Happy Friday! Later!

Fried Chicken!!!

Yesterday on the way home, I was contemplating dinner (should we have leftovers or should I try to find something at the store?). I decided, hey! Fried chicken! I had heard that it is surprisingly delicious and I knew Jim would be psyched (Jimmy loves him some fried chicken). So I got some chicken and potatoes and opened a can of green beans and WOW! Yummy! Delicious! Who knew? Well apparently a lot of  people because it goes like hotcakes. While I was there, they had just fried up a whole huge batch and by the time I got my order, nearly all of it was gone. And that's the norm from what the workers were saying. Highly recommended! Will do that again.

Tonight: Leftovers!

School: Going well. I'm catching up with my work but my big worry now is if I'll be able to finish the novel we're reading by the time exams roll around. I told the kids we were going to read like the wind for the next several school days so prepare themselves.

Jimmy: Nothing new on the health front. We're stuck in limbo until next Wednesday. He managed to sleep through the night last night, however. YAY!

And that's all I've got. Woot for it being Friday Eve. Happy Thursday! Later!

One Down Two And A Half To Go

I had my first of 3 1/2 IEPs yesterday (the half is the meeting I had scheduled today that got cancelled) and it went swimmingly. My administrator was the district sped coordinator who's never sat in one of my IEPs before. At the end she said, "That was a great IEP! I may have to use that as an example!" Not to toot my own horn but...toot toot. I spend a lot of time and put a lot of sweat into writing these and it's nice to get a little affirmation once in a while (from someone who knows what they're talking about). Anyway, the IEP was quick and easy and now I can focus on the two I have next Monday. They are nearly written so that's good.

Heartbreaking looking and hearing about the footage of Gatlinburg! My mom has been smelling the smoke from the fires for weeks now but this is now way too close to home. Gatlinburg has always been a special place for them. They live so close and often take "Sunday" drives up the mountain and around the loop. Richard worked there for years and who knows what will be left when it's all said and done. I'm hoping the rain that is falling now will help get things under control.

No new news regarding Jim. He called the oncologist yesterday (again) and left a message requesting a call back (again) and still has yet to hear from anyone (again). He'll call again today.

Getting caught up at work and I'm hoping to really crank it out today. I really need most of my kids to be sick today so I can get some shit done. I don't want them to be sick you understand.

Okay - I've got nothing else and need to get a move on so I can get to work. Happy Wednesday!!! Later!

A Little Good A Little Bad A Lotta Frustration

So Jim's appointment yesterday was certainly frustrating. I had a feeling that things would go the way they did. With all the crazy appointments and referrals and no one calling us back, it was bound to be a shit stormy day.

As a reminder, Jim's appointment yesterday was a consult with the thoracic surgeon. We weren't sure what the consult would be for but had a feeling (based on what Becky had told us) it would be to set up a VATS procedure. And lo and behold it was. The doc came in (we waited a good 30-40 minutes to be seen), got a bit of history and then stated that she wanted to schedule a VATS. This would entail a 2-day hospital stay (typically) and then Jim would be off for 2-3 weeks. Chest tube, pain meds blah blah blah. UGH. So she finishes and I say, "By the way, we got a call last Tuesday to schedule Jim for a CT biopsy. It's set for the 9th." The doc: "What? You did? Oh, well. Huh." In the end, obviously, that would be a better option (less invasive, less pain, less time off work, no hospital stay) than a VATS. Sign us up for a biopsy please. Oh, wait, we already are. Hopefully the biopsy will be successful in that they are able to get tissue to test. The doc said that if they scheduled a biopsy then most likely someone saw that as a likely option. If they can't then we will have to do a VATS. I'm praying that isn't the case. From there (if the biopsy is successful and if this is cancer) Jim will be treated medicinally.

Here's the thing that pisses me off and scares me (aside from everything Jim's dealing with), if it weren't for Becky and me having a resource to ask questions or tell me this that or the other, would I have asked the right questions? Would Jim just be automatically scheduled for a VATS when a biopsy could do the trick? Would he have gone through both without us knowing what the eff we were doing? Because aren't the docs who are supposed to be consulting each other supposed to know more than the patient? And the fact that Jim has no idea who is calling the shots in this whole thing is scary too. He has no idea who he should be talking to and who he needs to call with questions. By the way, this is his job today - to call his oncologist (who I think should be "in charge") and talk to someone who can be his point person. He definitely showed his frustration yesterday with the doc and I'm glad I was there to translate (Jim isn't always clear when he gets irritated and I speak Jim-glish).

Okay well today is going to be a day, I'm sure. I have a 7:30 IEP which I hope goes smoothly. There will be a lot of people in attendance so I'm hoping it doesn't take 2 hours. I also have no idea what I'm going to have the kids do 1st period while I'm in the meeting (video it is). I have a million papers to grade today from yesterday too and UGH!!! Exams are in two weeks. I need to get a move on! Which means I need to get to work.

Happy Tuesday. Later!

Dreaming

I slept until 8:00 today! WHAT?! I think I just needed sleep. Of course, in my sleeping I dreamt of Jim's situation which sucked. In my dream we found out that Jim would be having surgery to remove whatever is in his lungs and he would be out of commission for 10 1/2 weeks. Not only was that upsetting to me but it also meant we had to cancel his hip replacement. Ugh. I'm keeping my fingers crossed not only on his lung thing (obviously) but that he'll be able to keep his appointment for his hip because not only can my poor man not walk, he can't sit for longer than about a 1/2 hour without fidgeting. It's rather annoying. Maybe we should schedule a surgery for me to remove the part of my brain that controls getting annoyed. That might be the better fix, huh?  I think it's called a lobotomy.

Happy birthday to Aunt Kathleen! Hope it's a great one. Kisses to John, Mandy and Charlie but especially to you! Enjoy your day!

I also always think of my other aunt, Aunt Sister (my mom's sister) on this day since it would have been her birthday as well. I believe she was 5 years older than my mom so she would have been 83 or 84. Hope you're having a ball in heaven today!

I haven't seen any postings from my Mom today on Facebook or her blog. I'm hoping this means she's keeping quiet because she's getting her ducks in order. See there was only one winning ticket for the Powerball last night and it was in Tennessee. Here's hoping!

And that's all I've got. We had dinner last night at Cooper's Hawk with Jim's brother. It was delicious. Tonight we'll be going to the neighbor's for a fried turkey dinner. I feel like I haven't cooked in a week (because I haven't). Tomorrow is the appointment with the thoracic surgeon. I will update after the appointment. Happy Sunday - Who Dey!!! Later!

Happy Thanksgiving

Here are some things I'm particularly thankful for this Thanksgiving Day:

• I'm thankful I live in a country that has such great health care. I wonder what things would be like for Jim if we lived somewhere less fortunate. Canada, for instance. The typical wait time for a consult with a specialist is approximately 9 weeks. WHAT?! And that's just the consult. Scheduling treatment based on that consult can be equally as long. I may bitch and moan about not getting phone calls back right away but on the other hand, I've actually complained that appointments have been made within a week of calling without my/Jim's input. A week. I should stop bitching. However, this is my Jimmy and whatever this is (though we probably know) I just want to get a move on to getting him better! Thankfully in this country, that can and will happen starting in about a week. (December 7th biopsy)
• I'm thankful for my friends and family. I foresee a preoccupation with all this shit over the next weeks/months and I'm just happy I have people around me who listen to my freak out moments but also distract me. It makes me tear up knowing how many people I have around me offering up their ear/shoulder/liver. Lots of people don't have that. Thank you!
• I'm thankful for my little Sami. That girl makes me smile every time I see her. She's so funny. I know not everyone gets her (she can be a grump) but truthfully the only people that need to get her are her daddy and me. I believe our pets are dropped into our lives not by chance or random happenstance but because someone up there knows what a particular pup needs and which people down here can provide for those needs. For instance, my Aunt Kathleen. She's had a lot of sorrow because she's lost a couple of her pups too early but I tell you, Beau and Buddy don't see it that way. She was able to give those boys the best possible care before passing on and you have to wonder if they had had lives with someone else, would they have been so lucky in love? I don't think so. I'm thankful for my girl Sami but I know she's just as thankful that she was rescued by her daddy and me. 
• I'm thankful for my job. I have the greatest administration who are so understanding and it makes the situation Jim and I are going through a little easier. I used to assume that the administration and the staff I work with are the norm but I don't think that's true. I think my situation might just be extraordinary and pretty special. But even if it is the norm, I like thinking it's not. 

I'm so thankful for so many other things - I could keep going on and on but I think I'll go pour a mimosa instead because really, top of the list? I'm thankful for Mimos! Happy Thanksgiving! Hope all have a pleasant one. 

Major Frustration

I was a disaster yesterday. It started as I was perusing the Internet yesterday morning and I happened to look at Jim's appointment schedule with UC. I saw that aside from his appointment next Monday for the procedure with the thoracic surgeon, he has/had an appointment on Tuesday with the oncologist. It was set at 9:00 which was going to make it very difficult for me to make since I have a 7:30 IEP meeting. As I drove to work my mind started racing and I think everything (the unknown) started wearing on me. Poor Lisa got the brunt of my emotions and breakdown. I walked into our room (she was already there) and after about 2 minutes I said, "I'm starting to stress out" (or something like that) and then I burst into tears. This pretty much continued through the day.

The biggest problem is that Jim and I have gotten NO information about what's going on. Every time Jim's been told that someone will call to schedule this that or the other, no one calls...there's no follow through. These people think it's okay to call with devastating news at 3:30 on a Friday and then when they are supposed to call Monday, nothing. What kind of "bed side manner" is that?!  Add to that: My husband, for some reason, has been sticking his head in the sand and not forcing the issue or taking the bull by the horns and finding out what the f&%k is going on! Is it any wonder I'm a wreck? To this day, I/we still don't know what kind of procedure is going to be performed next Monday. I don't know if Jim's going to be laid up or if he'll be able to drive (I know I have to take him Monday but will he be able to drive on Tuesday?).

I ended up having to ream Jim a new peep hole yesterday when 5 o'clock rolled around and he still hadn't heard from anyone and he hadn't taken it upon himself to call (even though I had sent him a text to do just that). His response to my, "What the f&%k?" was, "I just didn't want to think about it." Okay dumb ass (I love you) this shit isn't going to just go away! Get it together before I tear your ass apart. Of course I was much less a wicked bitch but this is what I was saying in my head.

I do believe my sense of calm has returned once again. I've got great colleagues and my administrator was so understanding about everything. I'm hoping the kids don't piss me off too badly today and I'm hoping I'll manage to accomplish all the things I need to today. Wish me luck!

Dinner out tonight with the neighbors. Not sure where but we talked about Maggiano's. I've ever been but it sounds delicious. Happy Tuesday. Later!

What We Know

From what I've seen on Jim's UC online page, he has an appointment with a thoracic surgeon on my birthday (11/28). I say "from what I've seen" because the appointment was set without Jim's confirmation or verification. Whatever, we'll take what we can get. The biggest issue is that his follow-up appointment with the oncologist is the next morning at 9:00ish and I have a 7:30 IEP. I'll do what I can to get to the appointment but may be late. Actually, I'm not sure Jim will be able to drive yet after the 11/28 procedure. UGH! I'll have to figure all that out I guess. UGH. It just blows that all this is happening and we're really at the mercy of UC and where they can fit us in and I have 4 IEPs scheduled over the next two weeks and I don't know how I'm going to get it all done. Well, Jim's health is the most important thing and everyone else can just suck it.

Speaking of which, I plan on explaining to my administrator in charge of absences today just to give him a heads up. The other thing I may have to do is cancel my superintendent covering my class. I mean it's a cool little thing but the planning that it takes just isn't worth my time right now. Basically for what I've got planned on that day, I'd have to stay late today and tomorrow to get it all done. I'll see how I feel as I hear more about next week. 

In regard to mindset - I'm fine. I'm trying not to think too much about the possibilities until I have facts. Jim, however, seems a little off. It's hard to even pinpoint but he just seems very preoccupied...distracted. I'm also trying to ensure my mood isn't grumpy or sad so that his mood stays as positive as it can. He doesn't need to worry about me when all this is going on. But he does. Cause that's who Jimmy is. 

Okay well, I need to get a move on. Figure out the next couple of weeks. UGH. Those leaves in the backyard may have to lay there a little while longer. 

Happy Monday! Here's to a two day week!!! WOOT!!! Later!

No News

The saying no news is good news doesn't apply here. I just want to know what the next step is rather than sit here floundering. Jim has another oncologist appointment in two weeks and I'm hoping that by that time we will have gotten the biopsy or whatever. Hoping for a call today.

I'm taking a 1/2 day today for a doctors appointment myself. Just a typical, yearly wellness appointment for me. Weird thing is, I never got a reminder about this appointment and then sort of forgot until last night. I'll call this morning to double check. I'm hoping I didn't take a 1/2 day for nothing.

Things I hate:

• Moles! Those little f&%kers are the bane of my existence! I'm not kidding you these little muthas must be the size of small terriers because the mounds they're kicking up are like volcanoes. F&%K! And I'm telling you when I'm doing the leaves with the mower and I come across one of these and I run over it with the mower, I actually HOPE that I run over one of the little effers at the same time and take his blind head OFF!!! ARG!
• I hate NOT drinking during the week. Blows! 
• I've got another kid on my caseload who I believe tried to end their life. Just depressing. Damn kids!

Okay on those high notes, I'll head out. Got lots to do during this half day. Ooh, it's a Harry Potter weekend! Woot. You know where I'll be this rainy, windy cold weekend! In front of the fire with HP on at all times.

Happy Thursday. Later!

Contemplation

So as the saying goes, the best laid plans of mice and men often go awry. I honestly didn't expect to start writing again but alas, life happens. Not only is the blog a good way of keeping the family abreast of situations but it is also an outlet for my own brain. Lesson learned I guess.

So most of you know that Jimmy had a bad scan a couple weeks ago and was ordered more tests (PET and MRI). As has been the case, his brain came back clear (really?). His PET scan, however, did not. The nodules he's had in his lungs have grown. The tumor board will meet today and decide the next course of action - possibly a CT guided biopsy. This should happen within the next two weeks, prior to his next appointment with the oncologist (he met with her yesterday). There were certain levels that came back that make this all more concerning but as I'm still learning and figuring all this out, I can't quite explain it all.

When Jim met with the oncologist yesterday, she said that in the two years since she first met Jim the drugs out there for his melanoma have advanced amazingly so if this is what they're thinking it is, there is a lot of hope and treatment.

That's what I'm going to keep in mind and keep telling myself. My state of mind right now is fine. I actually slept last night but I'm sure until we have an answer, I'll be up and down and back and forth and more of a basket case than I usually am.

In terms of this blog, I'll keep people updated as we learn things. I may not post every single day (minus weekends) but I won't give it up either.

On a positive note it's Beaujolais Nouveau Day!!! I remember when I worked at the liquor store this was a busy day! Everyone came in on this day to buy their Thanksgiving Beaujolais. If I werent' off the juice during the week, I may just go buy a bottle. Oh well.

K - time to get a move on. Happy Wednesday. Later!

Because I Said I Would

I said I'd post and so I will...today. But this will be my last post for a long time. Maybe for good. But truly - who besides the 4 or 5 people who read this will care or even know? From here on out, I want to put the computer down and pick up the phone or look someone in the eye. I feel like we as Americans have forgotten what it is to have a real connection with each other. I feel like we've forgotten what it takes to be truly human with each other by stopping, putting down distractions and listening to what's going on in our lives. I've made an effort lately (especially at school) when I'm talking to my colleagues to stop, turn away from my computer and look at the person talking to me. And so I'm going to take control of that part of my life and just see because it feels suddenly like things are spinning out of control.

And yes, this has a lot to do with what just happened to the country. I know that we are strong and I hope we will get through this. And believe me, I know this isn't about just one person but rather the country as a whole. But this outcome? We've just taken a hundred-year step backward in our progress and it makes me so sad. I love my country but but this election has just shown how truly sexist, racist, homophobic and hate-filled so many in this country are. We've got a pathological liar about to take the helm of the most powerful nation in the world and I'm scared shitless. People say they want change but they choose a person to lead that will send us back to a mindset that took us 60, 70, 80, 90, 100 years to climb out of. That isn't change or progress! That is regression and it's utterly frightening.

And maybe a couple of you reading this voted for Trump and I apologize if this offends but I'm so sick at heart by what those votes mean about the people of this country. In this day, in this year of 2016 it can no longer be okay to tout things that spread hatred. Saying loathsome things about someone because they are fat or poor or black or Islamic or gay or a woman or because they have a handicap, that is not okay. It isn't human. It is base and ignorant and makes you unworthy of this great country that was built on differences. A vote for a man who has boisterously and vociferously said such horrible things about all those types of people is very telling about the people who elected him and the direction the country is taking. And I'm especially sad that people can't even see this about themselves. I hope this country can come together and keep this hatred at bay but right now, I'm just sad and feeling a bit hopeless.

I thank God that I live in a country where I have the right to vote and I'm especially glad that we have a democracy with checks and balances and separation of powers because I have a feeling they are going to be well used over the next few years.

I hope that people will look around and then inside themselves and see that much of what is wrong with our country isn't created by the government or the career politicians. It's created by intolerance and hate and it has to stop.

And so I sign off after 10 years of writing this blog. Thanks for reading.

This Time Tomorrow

...my mental state will hopefully be a little more stable. I'm scared for the outcome for sure but I'll be relieved for the end of this election season.

My day today will start around 8:00 at school with a district meeting with the superintendent. That will last about an hour or hour and a half. From there my department will meet to tear apart our IEPs in preparation for an audit by the state. UGH! I dread this. On the one hand I want to know where I'm doing things wrong but on the other I just want to say suck it...it's all bullshit anyway.

Sami isn't used to the time change yet. She got Jim up at 3:30 today to go out. Then at 4:30 she got him up again hoping for a treat. Thankfully Jim didn't reward that bad dog behavior. I love her though...for waking Jimmy up rather than me. Hee hee.

I got some new playing cards at Kroger yesterday (I couldn't resist...shown left). I'm not sure we'll be able to get much play in, however, because every card has a different puppy dog on it and they are ALL so freakin' cute. And, if you know the chihuahua is the two of spades...uh oh...that could cause some problems.

What else? Nada. Got nothing. I might post a little later than usual tomorrow but don't despair...I'm just sleeping in.

Okay well, I guess I should get a move on. Happy Tuesday! GO GET YOUR VOTE ON! Fingers crossed. Later!

Falling Back, Ironically Harder

I always have a hard time waking up on the Monday after we fall back (gain an hour) and today was no exception. I certainly got plenty of sleep but my eyes just felt glued shut. Oh well, it should be an easy week and at the end of it, I get to see Eva! Woot!

The weekend was good. I got all the leaves done (Saturday the front yard; Sunday the back) but of course will have to do them again since there are still plenty of leaves hanging. You may wonder why not just wait until they're all down. Well with the forest I live in, it just wouldn't be feasible. There are too damn many of them and my method (mowing, bagging, dumping behind the fence in the back) wouldn't allow for leaves that are too thick. Jim and I went to 50 West Saturday for beer and BBQ. It was fun and delicious. We were home early (by 8:00) and then just hung out and played cards with Doug and Lauren.

Sunday after doing leaves, I cleaned out my closet. I filled three lawn and leaf bags and now I feel like I need to replenish what I got rid of. Not really. One thing I'm excited about (other than a closet that I can walk into again and turn around): I got rid of about 10 pairs of jeans and I'm going to make my next quilt with them. Something easy and simple like the one at left. I think it will be nice, warm and cozy.

The week at school will be a bit wonky. Today will be normal but tomorrow is an in-service day. Meetings, meetings, meetings. Better than kids, however. Wednesday I took the day off and I'll head to a couple of doctor's appointments. Then Thursday and Friday will be normal but I'll scoot a bit early Friday (only about a 1/2 hour) to head up to Columbus. Can't wait.

And that's all I've got. Time to finish getting ready. Ooh, and I have to get gas. Better hurry. Later!

One Down...

...three late nights to go. I managed to get a ton of stuff done. I graded a hundred papers; made plans for next week including my sub plans for next Wednesday; had to create a study guide on the fly for a history test that I found out about last minute; created a Quizlet for same test and emailed all my parents and kids; got my paperwork complete for the IEP I had yesterday morning; completed an IEP and prepared to send it home (parents aren't coming in) and I had three conferences. I froze my ass off throughout the night. Our room is about 10 degrees colder than the rest of the building and the fleece blanket I keep at work didn't do much to keep me from shivering. My hands have a constant purple tint to them but I don't want to complain because the alternative is an oven and I don't want that. I think I need to take the Snuggie I got Jim for Christmas to school. Not kidding. He just fetched it for me.

Weekend plans: Tonight I think I'll come home and lay on my ass. I have some soup out for dinner and I'll heat that up and serve with some crusty bread. I'm sure there's a possibility of hanging with the neighbors a bit but I'm going to bed early! Tomorrow I'll clean out my closet and try and get Jim on his bike. Saturday night we're going to an event at 50 West Brewery with our neighbors. We'll get there around 4 and come home early to hang, play cards etc. I offered to drive so it'll be low key for me...until we get home. It's a bye week Sunday so no Bengals but that's fine too because I need a break. Next week I'll be headed to Columbus on Friday. Can't wait to see my girl.

And that's all I've got. Time to get ready and head to work. Happy Friday. Later!

Ah...Poor Tribe

I am sorry for my family in Cleveland but I am happy for the Cubs. Everyone was deserving but there can only be one winner. And what a series it was. I certainly didn't stay up to watch last night but who can blame me?10 innings? After a rain delay. I'd still be sleeping if I'd stayed up. Through my alarm.

Today is my first long day at school - 12 hours there (approximately) due to Parent/Teacher conferences. I have two meetings scheduled. Of course they are with the parents who really have nothing to meet about as their kids' grades are above average. Not complaining. I also have an IEP meeting at 7:30 and I'm hoping that goes smoothly. This is for a kid whose parents are battling divorce and custody so if the dad shows up, it could turn volatile. I've already warned the admin to ensure he's there from jump. Fingers crossed that things go smoothly.

Cut the piss out of my finger yesterday. I was reaching into my lunch bag to get my car key and sliced my right ring finger on a foil gum packet. Deep too...wouldn't stop bleeding. I finally managed to get a steri-strip on it but now it's falling off and typing is making it throb. See the pain I go through to post every day for all of you (5 people)?!

Happy Sandwich Day!!! But better than that - Happy STOUT DAY! I actually drank a stout yesterday (Guinness)! Loves me some stout! (That looks delicious!)

Okay well, I'd best get a move on so I can ready the conference room for my meeting and get plans together for my LA class which Lisa is covering for me. Happy Thursday (Friday Eve)! Later!

Cough Cough

Today at work we have the monthly district literacy meetings and I think I might just be feeling a little under the weather. I think by 1:30, I'll need to leave early. Seriously, I don't think I have it in me to sit through another meeting where nothing is learned, nothing is gained and my time is completely wasted. I hate to continually complain about this but seriously, it's so annoying and frustrating. I actually will have to get out the door and in my car by 2:25 because I have a dentist appointment so sorry, hate to be rude but suck it.

Today it's Cookie Monster Day! Love me some Cookie Monster (me okay, me okay) and love me some cookies! Additionally it's National Men Make Dinner Day but I think for both our belly's, we will NOT be celebrating that!

What else? Another day in the 80s today. I mean, it's November 2nd! What the heck!? We hit a record yesterday, btw.  This weather does not bode well for my love of fall and winter. I'm a bit concerned that we won't be getting good cold, fire place weather this year. I'm also concerned we won't get any good snow. I need snow!

I believe I'll be calling off next Wednesday. It's been a while since I've had a day away and I need a break. Plus, I know I won't sleep at all Tuesday night (election day) so I might as well plan. I'll put in today to ensure a sub. Fingers crossed.

Okay well, time to get rolling. Happy Wednesday! Happy Cookie Monster Day! Oh and it's National Fig Week! WOOT! Later!

Interesting Day Of Holidays

I went on a site just now to see what exciting holidays were being celebrated today, November 1st and the first thing that caught my eye was "Autistics Speaking Day". It had a link, I assumed to explain but when I clicked and went to the site, I was given no info. No explanation. I'm left to assume it means that today we should all speak in our favorite autistic person's manner of speaking. So I'll be going up to everyone I know and waving my hand in their face and saying, "Uh, GOOD MORNING! OKAY! GOOD MORNING, UH! Am I early? Uh, hi Mrs. Hanke, okay!?" And then I'll gasp sporadically and for no reason throughout the day. HUH! Okay!

It's also Hockey Mask Day which sort of freaks me out. Hoping I don't run into anyone celebrating that or I just might kick them in the junk. (Because you know only a guy would do that!)

Last night Jim and I pussed out of Halloween for the most part. We hung out with a couple of the neighbors (played a game of Euchre) prior to Trick or Treating but Jim can't walk and I just wasn't feeling it. I'm glad too because A) I was tired, B) I didn't want to drink and C) I wanted to lay in bed and be a bum. Mission accomplished.

What else? Oh, I have a student who apparently got suspended last week for drinking at school. Ten days out with recommendation for expulsion (won't happen). I was told yesterday about the incident around 1:30 (should have been told immediately). I was then told I was going to have to do a manifestation determination (special ed requirement to determine whether a student committed some dumb ass act due to their disability or not) Thursday at 8:00 AM. Uh, nope, I won't...sorry Mr. Coldtop (slacker VP) I have an IEP meeting at 7:30, which you know about because I included you on the invitation but of course you're so scattered and suck so bad, you don't know your ass from a hole in the ground. Ugh. Oh well. Not my problem. Well, not my fault at least.

Okay that's all I've got. Time to get ready for school. Happy Tuesday! Later!

Iffy

Feeling iffy today...not sure why. I wasn't feeling great yesterday, especially at bedtime. Hopefully this will pass as I get headed out for the day. Just feeling slightly nauseous and clammy. I hate that feeling.

This week I have an IEP, which is mostly written (Thursday) and a teeth cleaning (Wednesday). No big deal.

Didn't find a couch like I'd hope. I think I'll try Frontroom and Bassett next.

Game annoyed me yesterday. I hate a tie. And then the Indians lost. Oh well, better for them to win at home, right?

Jim was just mean. He saw an old lady on TV for a Steve Chabot ad (I think it was his other) and he started laughing and said, "YOU'RE STILL ALIVE!? Holy shit!!!" Jim's mean.

The recycling guy just took our bins. Yowza, that was a lot of clinking bottles!

Okay - best get a move on. Figure out what the heck I'm doing today. Maybe none of the kids will show up today! That would be nice.

Happy Monday. Later.

Nothing Like A Good Cry In The Morning

Man - this is why I don't look at these things and I scroll quickly through Facebook when I see pictures of lost dogs or abused animals. I can't get through anything animal-wise without tears. This at least was a sweet and happy video. It's just so sad how abused poor Shirley must have been throughout her lifetime to look the way she does now. I'm always amazed at how cruel humans can be and I guess I shouldn't be.

TGIF! So happy it's Friday. I look forward to getting home today and enjoy the weather that is supposed to be sticking around for at least a week. Temps in the 70s and near 80 tomorrow. This certainly isn't normal October/November weather but I'll take it. For now. I'll look forward to my cold weather but not having to put the air on is a bonus. Plus I'm hoping to get a couple of bike rides in this weekend. We'll see if Jim will make those or not.

Other weekend news: We really don't have any major plans. I'd like to get out Saturday to shop around for new family room furniture. I'd like to go to Macy's and maybe Ashley furniture. We'll see. Sunday is an early morning kickoff for the Bengals since they're playing in London. Other than that, we'll just hang out and enjoy the weekend weather.

Scheduled an IEP meeting (my last) with Horshack. The mother then emailed me and asked that I invite our district sped coordinator. Not sure why. Usually she would only be present at difficult meetings and I don't think this one will be that. I'll email her and see if she's free or maybe she can just call the mother and see what's up. I think the mom thinks that my coordinator has some other insight or knowledge in opportunities for Horshack after high school. The reality is, I asked her to gather possibilities for me a couple years ago for another of my autistic students getting ready to graduate and she never followed through. We'll see.

And that's all I've got. Should be an easy day. I'll read to my LA kids and I've got a new show to show the kids in history: Pioneer Quest. If you've never seen this - it's a Canadian public television production that took two couples in 2000 and put them in the middle of nowhere to live for a year as the pioneers did (1800s). It is so good. I think the kids will love it.

K - happy Friday. Later!

Why Are Kids So Dumb?

Obviously the answer to that question is in the question. UGH! I have a student who, to be nice, has a brain cell challenge (in that she doesn't have many). She's in a class that shouldn't be difficult but because of her challenge, she's barely getting by. She asked me and Lisa yesterday if it would be okay to bring a test down to our room 7th period to have it read to her. OF COURSE! I was so happy when she asked me because I've been telling her all quarter to do this (so that she wouldn't have to retake the damn things after failing them miserably). So of course Lisa and I both got wrapped up with other kids 7th period and, huh! Guess who didn't come down to take her test? I got an email from the teacher saying that she failed horribly (even using study guides and notes). Stupid, stupid, stupid!

Went to Costco yesterday. When I was hungry. Big mistake. I got so many yummy things. I got a chicken cordon blue that was delicious (we had it last night for dinner). The great thing about it was, it had two chicken breasts in the package and one was nice and little - perfect for little ol' me. I also got some stuffed peppers which we'll have tonight. They also had this amazing 6-layer dip that I've been wanting to get. And they had these individual chicken salad with almonds and cranberries - perfect for lunch. Of course I had to get more sangria! I was good about not getting any desserts though. All in all it was a very successful trip and I did it in under $200! Woot!

Jim was up and out of here by 5:20! He's hoping that he'll be able to take a half day tomorrow. Every time he does this, however, he ends up working a full (and getting overtime).

I had a crazy dream last night about my 7th/8th grade best friend. Weird. I wonder how she's doing.

What else? Nothing. We're headed for a major warm up this weekend - near 80 on Saturday. I'm fine with that as long as I don't have to turn on the air/heat. I got my latest bill with Duke and it dropped by $22! I use budget billing so that should stay the same for the next three months. More money to save and go toward new family room furniture and truck for Jimmy.

Okay well, I guess I should get a move on. Happy Friday Eve! Later!

Ghosts

It's not Halloween yet and I'm already dreaming of ghosts. So there I am, in my dream, riding in a red wagon with Jim pulling me. Typical. We were in the neighborhood I grew up in and Jim goes to this abandoned house (which used to be the Keffers for those of you familiar). Jim and I go inside and snoop around. It was weird and spooky and I just wanted to get the hell out of there. So as we're leaving, there's this couch by the door and it has three dead people on it and I said to Jim (matter of factly), "Those people are dead." (It was an old woman, a little girl and a little boy and they had corks in their noses.) So Jim takes the hands of the little boy and girl and shakes them. And the girl pops up and runs upstairs. And we run out the door. And as we're running away from the house, she's banging on an upstairs window yelling at us. It was freaky and startled me awake. Thankfully it was 4:49 and my alarm was about to go off anyway. Phew.

In school news, nothing much going on. Although I had a really good day with one of my students (actually not on my caseload but she is in my GI). She's been absent for about a week and a half partly because of a stomach flu and partly because once she came back she was stressed about the makeup work and then she'd get a "headache" and head home in the morning. So I emailed her mom and had her reassure her daughter that it wasn't that big a deal and we would crank out the missing work together and just get it done!!! So we got almost everything in yesterday and I emailed mom to let her know what a good day her daughter had and how much we managed to get done. She emailed me back around 5:00 saying that when she got home around 4:30, her daughter ran up to her ecstatic because she had had such a good day at school and got this done and that done. Mom said, "Thank you for empowering my daughters confidence!" That made me feel so good. And this is a girl who has had a very challenging life. Suffers from PTSD as a result.

What else? Jim fell yesterday...off his scaffolding. He was getting down and missed the last rung and fell. Scraped up his elbow, cut his knuckles up. Stupid bum hip. I told him, "Just think...this time next year, you'll be part bionic man!"

Okay well, I'm going to head up and out. Costco after school. Happy Wednesday! Later!

Well Rested

I got home yesterday and managed to cut the backyard but after that I was done. Which meant that there was no possibility of me cooking dinner. So...Jim headed out (just after he got home) to pick up Shooters (chicken terryaki sandwich...yum)! I managed to chow down and by 6:20, I was laying in my bed, watching Lester, crushing some candy. Once the news was over, I tried to read for a little while but I couldn't keep my eyes open. I turned off the TV and shut my eyes at 7:30. I woke up once at 11:30 but pretty much fell right back to sleep and am now ready for my day. Woot!

There's a set of parents at school (not from my caseload but from Lisa's) who is quickly becoming some of the most annoying f&%kers ever. They CONSTANTLY email and don't allow their kid to take any accountability. I mean what parent thinks that emailing a quesiton at 10:00 PM and expecting an answer is going to happen in any remote part of the world? Dumb ass! Do you not know that at 10:00 teachers are in their REM cycle? Please! And considering your threats (they were all pissed off 2 weeks before the end of the quarter that their kid had an F in a computer class and threatened NOT to vote for the levy) and your constant harassment - who's going to answer a question at 10:00 even if they were awake? Uh...no one. And unfortunately I have to deal with this set of parents because their kid is in my GI. Thankfully he's only in it 1st semester - he's supposed to have Health next. Of course knowing this set of parents, they'll want his schedule changed because with the pickup of Health, he'll lost any study hall at all. Should probably start preparing myself now.

I've got a load of kids who have recently just stopped coming to school. Normally I wouldn't give two shits because truancy would take care of this but unfortunately it's left up to me to get them caught up on all the work they've missed. UGH!

Sami woke me up right before my alarm went off - snoring. Hee hee. I love her. Speaking of how much I love her - last night I was sitting on the couch eating my dinner (we usually eat at the table but not when we get take out) and Sami was sitting in front of me being a bad girl and at one point I grabbed a french fry, moved to dip it in my ketchup and that little devil ate it right out of my hand. BAD SAMI! She normally doesn't do something like that...maybe she was channeling Bubba.

Okay - time to get a move on. Happy Tuesday! Later!

P.S. Spull chick ist'n wroking. Srrry!

One Less Show To Watch

I'm not sure if I don't feel well or if I'm just feeling like shit because I'm on about 4 hours sleep. I stayed up last night to watch Walking Dead (until 10:30) and then I didn't sleep at all past 2:30 because I couldn't stop thinking about what happened. It was just terrible! I'm seriously considering NOT watching anymore and not just because of who got killed off.  There's just NOTHING good that happens on this show anymore. There is no one good; no one who still has morals (especially after last night). Season to season I think the "bad guys" can't get any worse and then they do. I know it's just a show but there is never any hope in this zombie apocalypse and it's getting to the point where it isn't entertaining me. Ugh! We'll have to see but I may just be out. One thing is for sure: I can no longer watch the show before bedtime. Too many bad thoughts, bad dreams and poor sleeping.

So today will be a LONG day and I hope to just get through it. I'll start a new book with the kids and I hope they like it.

Not sure if I'll feel like cooking tonight and I was originally going to mow the back yard. That might have to wait until tomorrow.

The weekend was quite relaxing and nice. We managed to watch the game with the neighbors and thankfully the Bengals won. Next week is a 9:30 kickoff from London...we'll see if we are out in the circle or not.

And that's all I've got. Time to get it together and get to work. Happy Monday. Later!

Breezy

It's really, really windy out there...so lovely. Perfect fall day in store for us. Can't wait to get home to enjoy it! So happy it's the weekend!

No real plans this weekend except to relax and watch the game on Sunday. It'll be the first Sunday in about a month that we've been out there. I'm hoping it will change our luck. Especially against the winless Browns.

School is school. Nothing major going on. I have a parent I'd been trying to get in touch with to schedule an IEP (phone calls, emails, her daughter sent her texts) but was getting no response. Finally yesterday I had her daughter call her with me there and we finally managed to talk. Her mother works two jobs and can't meet before 3:00. She asked that I just have the meeting without her and send the IEP home. Cool! I'll be getting that done today.

We had a lock down drill yesterday and it opened up a lot of discussion with the kids on how to deal with an active shooter. I told them that from any room they're in throughout the building, they should always have an escape route. I told them they should know what doors exit where, what windows on the 2nd floor lead to the roof, and understand the labeled hallways. It's such a morbid thought but we've been told that at this point it isn't an "if it happens" but rather a "when". I told the kids that they're main goal in a situation like that is to get out and get safe. I told them that if someone came into our room wielding a gun that they should throw any and all things at them - desks, chairs, microwave whatever they have at hand. I told them they should bob and weave if ever confronted with someone holding a gun - don't stand still. Crazy to have these conversations with the kids but better safe than sorry!

Jim's up and out already. He's working downtown but has a 3:30 appointment so he had to get there
early.

And that's all I've got. Life is fairly boring for me right now, which is just fine with me but certainly doesn't make for exciting posts. Happy Friday (this time last week we were just past Dayton...sad face). Later!

Glad That's Over

The countdown to the end of this election has been on but now that the final debate is over, I feel like I can finally seen the end of the tunnel. I'm not sure my sleep habits can stand many more late nights (on a school night), that's for sure. Last night it was tough to turn the TV off when the debate ended...it's like an accident from which you can't look away. There were times where I just couldn't help but giggle because DT did exactly what he is known for ("wrong, wrong"; "I didn't say that"; "wrong") and completely lost his cool. No sense rehashing it - the news will be doing that for the next 3 weeks - the man just needs to roll over and concede he blew it.

Testing day yesterday went okay. There is never any preparation or information given to those administering the tests so it's sometimes hard to figure out the proper way to do thing but eventually we figured things out. I was a floater so I was able to get things done for my classes in the midst of relieving teachers to use the restroom or whatnot. We're back to a normal day today, however. Hopefully things will go quickly today.

We had some major storms in the southeast portions of Indiana last night but nothing major here. They had tornado warnings and softball sized hair that busted car windows...yowza.  Here there were a couple bouts of heavy rain but nothing major.

And that's all I've got. Time to get a move on. Happy Thursday. So happy we're almost there. Later!

Testing

Today is a wonky day because 10th and 11th graders are testing this morning (9th ad 12th graders have meeting and other things through the morning). We'll only have two class periods today (my plan period and then my history class). My assignment for the testing is floater which means I'm meant to relieve other testers (two sped teachers) who have to use the facilities or whatever. The biggest issue I have with this whole day is there's basically no prep for those of us who are meant to administer the test. They've done this before and I was left floundering not knowing what the hell I was doing. One of the teachers I'm in a room with is in the same position so I told her I'd come help her get started and I'm sure between the two of us, we can figure it out. I think we have 6 kids in our room (small group sped students who have "read aloud" as an accommodation). Hopefully none of them will want "read aloud" because I don't know how that will work.

On the way home from work yesterday I stopped at Kroger and got a seafood "Easy for you" packet. I chose two pieces of tilapia and did a lemon pepper with butter and rosemary. They package it all, for free, in a foil packet, you take it home, pop it in the oven and bing bang boom, 18 minutes later - dinner. It was delicious and cost me less than $4! Oh, and the seafood guy gave me a $1 off coupon so really it was less than $3! Awesome! I will certainly do that again...maybe try some cod or red snapper!

Tonight will be the last debate and I'm sure I'll watch. I'm excited for this election season to be OVER. My heart, nerves, mental state can't take much more.

Sunday Walking Dead starts! I'm so nervous!!! I'm so afraid at who dies.

And that's all I've got. Guess I should get a move on...happy Wednesday! Cool down on the way. I'm a little sick of 80 degree weather in mid-October. Stupid! I want cool weather and a fire in my fireplace! K - Later!

Catching Up

I managed to get my grades complete yesterday and do some printing for the upcoming history chapter but of course I never got to my IEP progress reports. As soon as I checked one thing off my list, I had to add something else. Like two more kids getting moved into my LA classes (and one of them going into my history as). This means I have to create binders for the and assess their reading levels. Then I got word my student who was hospitalized a few weeks ago is back in treatment. It's outpatient but of course the treatment occurs during the school day. So I have to gather all the work he's going to miss for at least the week. ARG! I feel so bad for this kid and I don't know what's going on with him. Apparently he's been suicidal and over the weekend, his mother says he tried to jump in front of a car. WTF!?

Diane's last day before her knee replacement surgery was yesterday. We had a little party for her - thanks to Kim! She made a delicious chicken chili and chocolate lasagna. Diane doesn't read this but fingers crossed that all goes well and she's on the mend quickly!

I watched the Melania Trump interview with Anderson Cooper last night. She was okay but of course she blamed everything on the media. It's all a conspiracy. La la la. You're husband is disgusting Melania...there's no excuse.

Jim's back on regular shift today. YAY! He's downtown - near the Baldwin building. Glad of this.

And that's all I've got. Best get to school and get some shit done. Happy Tuesday...later!

Back To The Grindstone

After a LONG weekend I guess it's time to get back to work. I haven't been in the school building since Wednesday and there's going to be a TON of papers for me to grade when I get back. Especially since Friday was end of the 1st quarter and I have to get my grades in by end of day today. Not to mention that I have to get IEP progress reports out and I haven't even started those. YOWZA. Good thing Jim's on 2nd shift. I may have to stay late today to make sure I get these things done and started.

The weekend was terrific. We had amazing weather and a ton of fun. It was relaxing and even Sami seemed to have a good time. I will say that by Sunday, she was ready to be in her own house but hey, she's an old lady and is set in her ways. No one likes change. She also hardly ate, which didn't surprise me...she's now back to normal. She literally slept the whole way home and only got up when we pulled off at our exit. Speaking of driving home - we went a different route home which took us through Mansfield to 71 which was nice because I HATE interstate 75. It was a little longer but we were still home in 4 hours. Woot.

I'm hoping this is the last day Jim's on 2nd shift but who knows - he seems to get screwed more than anyone else with his company. My fear is - the general contractor on the job he's currently on is headed to another job that starts today in Florence that will be 2nd shift and last 6 weeks. UGH. Crossed fingers.

And that's all I've got. 21 days and 19 hours until Election day. Can't tell you how happy I'll be to see it over.

Okay well, I need to get a move on. Get working on all the things I have to do today. Happy Monday...here's hoping the weekend gets her quickly. Later!

Good News

So I've got my CPI training today (a refresher on how to take down a kid that is disruptive, which, by the way, I will never use) and I found out yesterday that instead of having to be there at 8:00, we don't have to be there until 9:00...woot! The shorter the better. I should be done by 12:00 so I'll get to come home and get ready for PIB.

Speaking of which, this time tomorrow, we should be two hours into our trek north. Can't wait to get there! The weather should be good...maybe some rain but nothing major. Our plans are to hang, bar hop, watch football, eat chili, eat out one night; basically have a relaxing time. We'll be taking Sami with us and I'm hoping she has fun and relaxes as well. She's a good traveler but of course there's no place like home. But...she'll be happy to be with us.

I'm feeling a little bad for my subs over the next two days. Actually I'm really only worried about my 6th period but maybe all my warnings and threats will keep my one little punk on his best behavior. Yeah, probably not.

And that's all I've got. Sorry I'm so boring lately but I have nothing going on which isn't always a bad thing. I'll post again on Monday but I'll be sure to post pics on Facebook.  Happy Thursday and happy weekend. Later!

Effed Up Dreams

I kept dreaming last night of the Holocaust and it was terrible. I mean just terrible. I couldn't get out of my dream either, it kept pulling me back in and the images kept getting uglier and uglier. Ugh. And to top that off, Jim was restless last night. He was tossing and turning and waking me up every hour it seemed. He's on second shift so I'm sure he's sleeping like a baby now but I did NOT.

Now, I know what you're thinking: Jim's on second shift again!? Doesn't he get put on 2nd shift every time you go to PIB? Yes, he does and it's complete bullshit! I told him/warned him that he better just buck up and power through on Friday because he is NOT going to sleep all day long on the daybed. He can have an hour, after breakfast but then we're doing our thing!

In other Jim news - he scheduled his hip replacement surgery for March 24th. This was the soonest he could get but it's actually good because it's the Friday before Spring Break and so I'll be able to take care of him the next week. I'm sure I'll regret saying that but there you go. I did tell him, however, to call and tell the office that if there were a cancellation within a month to call him. I mean, the sooner the better after the new year.

What else? Today is my last day at school this week. I've got my plans pretty much ready. I'm worried my kids - mainly Schroeder - is going to be an asshole but I tried to put the fear of God into him/them so hopefully they'll be on their best behavior. My sub Thursday is a former teacher at the high school so I'm sure she'll be comfortable sending Schroeder's ass to the office if he acts the fool. She'll probably never sub for me again.

Okay well, I'd best mosey. I'm headed to Costco after school. Happy Wednesday...later.

Lots Of Zzzzs

I went up to lounge in bed and read around 7:30 last night and made it until about 8:00 before I was nodding off. That's what happens when you stay up too late watching the presidential debate, I guess. The funny thing is I never felt tired yesterday...I had tons of energy. Guess it all caught up with me.

Jim may be off today. He hasn't gotten an assignment yet. If he's home I told him to clean the Florida room.

I found out (or rather remembered) that this week will be even shorter than I thought. I was reminded that I've got a 1/2 day of training on Thursday which takes place from 8-12. This means that I can't get back to school so I'll get to come home...as of right now. I don't mind this...believe me...two days away from these crazy kids? Time for celebration. I just hate having to come up with lesson plans. And it's the last day of the quarter on Friday which means teachers are giving an overabundance of tests. UGH!

Oh...Jim just got an assignment. He has to go to the shop and work on a sign. That's good.

Okay well, time to finish getting ready. Happy Tuesday! Later!

Who Cooks For You

Lately, in the mornings, as I sit eating breakfast, I mute the TV and listen instead to the hoot hoot hooting of a sweet owl just outside the door. Well, maybe it isn't JUST outside the door but it's certainly right up in the trees. I love owls and love hearing their sweet call. Let me amend that: I love owls that HOOT! I do NOT love the sound of a screech owl. We've had one of those in our backyard before and it is quite disturbing. And loud.

I watch the debate last night and felt as sick as I thought I would listening to Trump try and defend his words and actions. The web is saying that he performed much better than anyone hoped (in his own "camp") but I thought his continual interruptions and temper tantrums for how he was "treated" were ridiculous, predictable and overshadowed anything he could have said. I thought he did what he always does and that's to attack and bully and threaten. A friend on facebook put it best when she said: Dictatorships use their power to imprison their political opponents...this is thee antithesis of our country. The man makes my skin crawl and I can't wait until this election is over. I'm hoping after November 8th Donald Trump will not be in my line of sight for a long time to come.

This week will be a short one for me as we leave for PIB early Friday morning. I can't wait! I need some time away!

And that's all I've got. Time to finish my routine and get a move on. Happy Monday. I hope this week goes quickly! Later!

Already Touched

I was watching the news and they had a piece about that woman (special ed teacher) who got married and had a bunch of her special ed kids in her wedding. That's such old news...I heard about that about 2 weeks ago. All of which I said out loud and Jim just started laughing. I said, "What's so funny?" Jim: "It's a touching story Muir! Who cares when it happened!" Oh, yeah, right. Well, I was already touched by it.

Am I turning into a grumpy old woman? I think I might be. Ugh.

I had my recurring dream last night that I was moving out of my house (for no real reason and I didn't want to and I had to move into an apartment). Sucked. And to top it off, we had to be out in a week and had nowhere to go. Well, I was walking around in Clifton (of all places) and I found this awesome building that was being rehabbed with a new roof and new A/C. I stopped and walked through an apartment and it was beautiful - tons of woodwork, a fireplace, huge bedrooms, on the ground floor...awesome. And!!! it just so happened that a friend of ours owned the place so I asked if Jim and I could live there. It was the first place I had found that had me excited and not completely bummed about moving from my house. So he takes me aside and said if I were anyone else, he'd be happy to rent the apartment to me and Jim but he just couldn't do that to us. Why? Well, through the old air grates in the floor, during the evenings, rats come through. ARG!!!  I'm never moving!

Got new tires! Excited! All four are ready to roll and I no longer need to deal with the slow leak caused by a nail. Woot! Should be good to go for another 65,000 miles.

Finished the quilt for my mom (to be given to my cousins, son's baby girl). I hope she likes it. It was certainly a labor of love. I was able to stitch her name in the edging too...cute! Her name is Mary Jo by the way. It turned out a little larger than a baby quilt but who's going to complain about that. It wish I could have quilted it the way I normally do - to give it a little more flair - but alas, my sewing machine is an asshole.

K - I best get a move on. So happy it's Friday. I woke up this morning not knowing why the hell my alarm was going off. I usually don't start feeling this way by end of week until April/May...does not bode well for this school year.

Happy Friday! Later!