I Know More About Wind Than You Do

Yup, gas bag, you probably do! However, when it comes to windmills and clean energy, to use your own words, you're a disaster! 

Here are some of my other faves from last night: "I take full responsibility. It's not my fault that it came here. It's China's fault."  As he looks out into the crowd, over the top of Kristen Welker's head, “I can’t even see the audience because it is so dark, but I don’t care who is in the audience,” Trump added. “I’m the least racist person in this room.” 

All in all, I thought it was a good debate but the big winner of the whole thing was Kristen Welker. She was phenomenal. She kept them civil, cut them both off when it was going down a road that wasn't part of the discussion and she was the ultimate professional. And after trump insulted her prior to the debate, saying that she was going to be horrible, he said during the debate how well she was doing. And after, he told her how professionally she had handled the whole thing. 

In other news, Jim's already gone to work, leaving me to wrangle the boys. He's hopefully going to be done early and will go to the grocery for me. 

You'll be happy to hear that the bullnose is a MATCH! Which means, tile goes in today! Additionally they got the vanity upstairs and ready for install. Of course the vanity top we had (the third one) was scratch and we had to take it back AGAIN! 

Plans tonight: grilled cheese and tomato soup for dinner and hunkering down as the weather turns shitty again. GBBO episode will probably be watched and wine will be drunk. 

And now I'm running late so I need to motor. Happy Friday! Stay health! Later!

How Has This Been A Long Week!?

 I mean, I didn't work Monday, how is it that this week has turtle-walked by? 

So I get this email this morning (that was sent at 11 PM) from one of my juniors (which is important because by now, shouldn't you know better) saying, Mrs. Hanke, do you think name (math teacher) would give me more time on my assignments. I really behind. I emailed her back and said, I don't know...you should probably ask HER but generally she doesn't give extensions. Especially when you slack and were on your phone the whole time yesterday in my class and you have a study hall to boot. I mean, quit being a slacker. I don't have much sympathy...because more and more, I'm finding kids are stupid!

Bathroom: Jim's got the painting done and he went yesterday and bought the casing and toe boards and painted those. Larry should be here today to install that stuff and hopefully put in the vanity and toilet. Woot! Jim will pick up the bullnose after work (fingers crossed it matches what we have) and then the tile should be laid tomorrow. After that, it's fixtures and the shower glass. Woot! 

This weekend Jim and I will go out and buy the doors for upstairs and the bathroom accessories. I think I'll go to Bed Bath and Beyond for that stuff...hopefully I'll find something I like. Jim doesn't want a toilet paper holder attached to the wall so I need to find a stand like I have in the master. Everything is brushed nickel...hopefully BB&B is well stocked. Hopefully I have some coupons. 

Dinner tonight: Pork tenderloin on the grill, broccoli and rice. It's supposed to get to near 80 and NOT rain so it's a good night to grill. 

What else...I got a new kid yesterday on my caseload. The good thing about this is he has a pretty easy IEP that was JUST done so I won't have to do that. Although I'm tempted to redo it - write all the same shit is has on it from Milford (where he was last) and just add an objective to his goal. Reason: It was done on 9/17 which means I would have to do it lickity split next year when school starts. No one wants that. Oh, and his goal is an executive functioning goal (turning in his work). He used to have a behavior goal so hopefully he isn't an asshole. We'll see. 

Okay time to go. Happy Thursday...one more day. Stay healthy. Stay away from people. Spikes everywhere (and not because we're doing more testing!). Later

Leaves Are Going To Be A Problem

So for the next two days, the weather is finally going to be nice. No rain, sunshine and nice temps. And then after that...rain, rain, rain, rain. This does not bode well for getting the leaves mulched but such is the temperament of the bitch Mother Nature. 

Jim got the bathroom painted last night and I really like the color. It's gray but it has hints of blue to it so it will go nicely with the tile and the vanity. Can't wait until it's all done! I'm sure Jim feels the same as his whole bathroom is currently in boxes in the spare bedroom. 

Did I mention that I finally got a referral for a doctor (family practice)? I called yesterday to make an appointment and of course she's not taking new patients until January. Which is fine, unless I get sick before then. Oh well, what're you going to do. So my appointment isn't until January 6th. 

After I got of the phone making that appointment, I got a message from my dentist. Apparently Dr. Sherman has to have some medical procedure and is going to be out for 3 months. Ugh! They only moved my next cleaning by one day so it's no big deal...I just hope my doc is okay. They've had it tough this last year. My hygienist's husband was diagnosed with cancer and then Covid hit and when they had just reopened the office, my hygienist broke her wrist and was out for 6 weeks and now this! 2020 is a bitch! 

Can I tell you how much I love the "WE BUY ANY CAR!" commercial! "ANY ANY ANY ANY!!!" Love it...not kidding. They need to make a similar commercial for the "We buy ugly houses" company. I wonder if that's the same owners. Hmm...

What else? Not much. Kids at school that have been learning virtually are petitioning to come back. Not surprised. I just wonder how long this will last before all the shit hits the fan. More kids in the buildings while the cases are spiking in Ohio. 

And that's all I've got. Dinner tonight will be One Pot Pepper Chicken...a favorite. I'll make it with rice and peas. One of these days I'm going to have to have leftovers because all my recent meals have produced lots. 

K - happy Wednesday. Stay healthy! Later!

Who Knew Bullnose Would Be My Enemy?

Bullnose (if you didn't know) is the curved tile that you lay on the edge of a tile project to finish it off. And you'd think WHITE bullnose wouldn't be difficult to find. Well, white glossy is everywhere but those of us who don't like the flash and prefer MATTE are fucked! We've been everywhere and of course the place that our contractor called that told him "Sure! We have that in stock!" Well, they lied and so we had to order it and it won't be in until Thursday which means Larry is in a bit of a holding pattern. So, he's taking a couple days to do a two-day job he has and we're stuck waiting. Not his fault. He did get the bench built yesterday and finished the grouting of the shower floor and floor tile. He also primed the walls so Jim will paint tonight. He'll come back on Thursday and he will then put in the vanity (YAY!) and hopefully the toilet and then start the shower tile. Oh, and this is all if the actual bullnose we bought is a match because of course they didn't have a sample we could match to our tile. Annoying. So next week should be the week. Lets hope! 

Yesterday was good but nasty and rainy. I had hoped that there would be a break in the rain but of course there wasn't. It just rained hard in the morning and then spit the rest of the day. We are in for a LOT of rain in the coming week which means getting going on the leaves is going to be impossible. Ugh! 

My doctor's appointment was fine...no bit deal. I got a referral for a GP or family doc so I'll call and make an appointment to have a bit of a physical. My main reason for doing this is to have an actual GP in case I get sick and to get my cholesterol checked and so on. I figure at 50 (which I will be in just about a month) is a good time to get that shit figured out. 

Nothing happening at school today. I'm showing the kids Romeo and Juliet starting today which should take the rest of the week. The quarter ends Friday which means it will be a mad rush for dumb fuck teachers to get tests in. Assholes. 

I started a new series: The Murders at White House Farm. True story about a murder of a family in England in 1985...ends up not being what they thought it was. It's really good so far and there's a podcast to go along with it. I'll listen to the podcast once I finish the series (don't want to ruin anything). 

K - well, time to get a move on. Happy Tuesday! Later! Stay healthy. 

Yuck Day!

Man is it yucky and rainy out there. Boo and Scout came down with me this morning (at 5:30) looked out the open door and turned right back around. Boo ate his breakfast (Scout wouldn't eat) and then they both went back upstairs to bed. I think they might have the right idea with this crap weather. Of course I can't go back to bed because I have a day ahead of me but I'll certainly go up and cuddle with them a bit. 

My day: Yoga in a minute then the elliptical. I'll eventually walk the boys but I don't know when that will happen. Radar shows rain at least through the lun-chour. We'll see. I hate when I can't walk the boys...it makes them sad. Anyway - I have to go to the grocery at some point and I have my doctor's appointment later. 

The weekend was good. Just a lot of hanging: cooking, football (very little because what's the point with these Bengals, right?), Shooters, beers with the neighbors, mimosas, reading, napping. We went out yesterday to look for some bullnose. Didn't not find any place that had it in stock so we had to order some without being able to see it. Sure hope it works. It will come in Thursday. Oh, and dropped off our ballots yesterday! That was exciting! Now I can track it...make sure it gets counted. 

So yeah, today I took off from work which means I have a short week. I'll probably do a little work this morning so that my day tomorrow isn't nuts (just emails home and some grading). I don't have any planned meetings this week so that's good. Not much happening. 

Current stats at my school (from last week) in terms of Covid: 27 kids and 6 teachers are in quarantine. There is one student case of Covid in the schools (not the high school) and no teachers with the virus. I would imagine that these numbers are going to rise as our county is now red but we'll see. Obviously, schools aren't the problem and we've done a good job keeping people healthy. 

Bathroom update: The shower floor tile is down and grouted but I noticed a couple spots that need a touch up. The floor tile is down but not grouted. I would imagine that today he'll start on the shower wall tile. Nasty day for it...they'll have to move their cutter indoors. I'll probably be gone for a lot of that work so the boys will be in the bedroom which will make it easier for them to do their work in the garage. 

And that's all I've got. Time to do some yoga. Happy Monday! Stay healthy and mask up! Later!

Turned A Corner

 First I'll say - HAPPY BIRTHDAY MAGGIE! 52 never looked so good! Hope your day is terrific! (Talk to you later!)

And since I won't be posting tomorrow: HAPPY EARLY BIRTHDAY TRIPP!!! 54 never looked so good! (Call you tomorrow!)

I'm hoping that Scout turned a corner yesterday. He ate well (with pumpkin in the morning and a little rice water) and though I didn't get a look at his doo doo, he didn't seem to have any issues and he went through the night without having to go out. This morning I gave him another spoon of pumpkin for good measure and hopefully that's that. I don't know what that boy constantly does to give his belly fits but he just needs to stop! 

Speaking of yesterday - all went well with my IEP meeting. I think all IEP meetings should be virtual. So much easier and efficient. The dogs were good too (I was a little concerned they'd start barking) and the bathroom guy was just mudding the walls so there wasn't any banging going on. Took less the 30 minutes, bing bang boom...done! 

Of course all the emails I sent out to my kids online weren't read (by three of them) and of course they tried to Zoom with me and then emailed me saying, "What's going on?" ARG! Oh well, at least they got their tests done for LA and no one failed! Woot! 

Plans today: I've just made breakfast and Jim's getting ready for work. He's heading out a little early so that we can meet around 3:00 at Shooters. YAY! I'm getting my hair cut at 1:30 which I can't wait for. I'll walk the boys once it gets light and then do some yoga. My left hip has been giving me fits so I'm trying to get back into yoga to stretch it out. I'll also do my elliptical (and watch the latest episode of GBBO - it's chocolate week). Dinner tonight: Jim chose to have grilled cheese and soup (pasta fagioli). 

And that's all I've got. Time to get a move on and get my yoga on. Happy Friday! Stay healthy! Later!

Up All Night

I was up all night with a sick pup and so, I called in sick. I know you might think, "You called in because your dog is sick?!" Yes, I did because he's my baby; he's my kid and as some would do that for their son or daughter, I'm doing it for Scout. Plus I got NO sleep! And I don't want him holed up all day in my bedroom, sick and unable to go outside. So suck a turd (although I'm sure the people reading this who are all dog people don't blame me). 

I was just sitting here finishing up my breakfast and I said, "Oh, JEEZ!" And Jim said, "What happened?" And I said, "I burped and a little fruit juice flew out of my mouth...aren't you glad you asked?" HAHA! 

So yeah, now I have a 5-day weekend (since I'm off tomorrow and called off Monday). I will post tomorrow but I'll be sleeping in a bit so, like today, it will be a little later than usual. Don't freak out! 

I do have an IEP meeting today that was supposed to be in person but things happen. I emailed the parent and hopefully that won't be a problem for her to Zoom with me...we'll see. Some things just can't be helped. 

Why don't kids read their emails?! I was up at 1:30 getting all my plans put together and realized at 3:30 that I'd forgotten to contact my kid 1st period (who is online) that I wouldn't be able to Zoom with him. And of course at 7:00, he got on for our normal meeting...because he didn't read his email. Annoying. That's the first thing kids should be doing every day...going to their school email to see if there's anything important that might impact their day. 

Oh, and Scout's issues: He was sick for a couple days earlier this week but yesterday he seemed to have turned the corner. He didn't have any issues while I was at work and he's been eating well. Plus when I took him on his walk yesterday, his poop was solid (sorry). But then he was up, starting at 10:00 PM last night and got up every 2 hours or so until 6:00 when I finally got out of bed for good. The good thing about all this was he went to the door in the kitchen every time and barked loudly, alerting me that he was "touching cloth". Poor baby. I gave him some pumpkin with his breakfast this morning and will try to get him to drink some rice water. 

And that's all I've got...happy Thursday. Stay healthy...later!

Good Question

So here's a question: Why are trump supporters so fucking obnoxious? For example, why do they have to tie up the highway, for hours, to drive around with their giant, noxious trucks flouting their stupid fucking flags and ruining everyone's Saturday. Or why do they have to have a fucking parade in my neighborhood, potentially causing ruckus and tying up traffic while the rest of us are just trying to enjoy the weekend? What is it in their psyche that pushes them to be like that little brother/sister who tortures their sibling, sitting next to them with their hand in their face and saying things like, "I'm not touching you...I'm not touching you...you can't be mad!" So fucking obnoxious!

You know what else is obnoxious? Grandparents! (Not you, Mom, Dad, Beck or Richard) Specifically my mentally unstable kids grandmother. Remember I told you last week that I had a Zoom meeting with my mentally unstable kid's family? It happened Friday. And mom, dad and gma were all together in the same room during the meeting. We discussed issues (namely Biology class) and came up with the biggest causes for the issues and solutions were presented to try. (Kid will keep his 1st - 3rd bells and Biology notes would be provided as well as tutoring availability and we added a sped study hall during 4th to provide even more support.) So last night at 7:30 I get an email from gma saying that MK (Mental Kid) had no idea what was going on and he was under the impression that Biology was dropped. So I forwarded to gma (at 8:00 PM) the follow-up email I sent to the parents on Friday explaining all we had discussed. (Recall gma was AT THE MEETING!) Gma then emails me back and says didn't know what was going on either because her daughter didn't forward that email to her. I sat there and thought, "Am I nuts? Or is she just old? And doesn't remember being in the meeting!?" We talked about all this before we all signed off in the meeting. I mean WTF!?  UGH!

Okay well, I'd best move along since I now have shit I need to deal with at school. Happy Wednesday (my Thursday) and stay...lets say it together...HEALTHY! Later!

Tuesday Is The New Wednesday

 Since I have a short week...get it? 

This will have to be quick because I need to get gas before heading to work. I would have done it yesterday after work but the roads in my neighborhood are a shit storm. They're repaving literally EVERY road in about a 2 mile radius from my house and so traffic is nuts. Even my subdivision is crazy with drivers as everyone is trying to avoid the traffic. Walking the dog...I might as well be walking on the side of the highway. Nuts. 

They poured the shower yesterday. So excited...things are really coming along. I believe he has another layer of concrete to pour before he can build the bench and this is the slow stuff but I would bet by the end of the week things will really look different. 

I came home yesterday to find that Scoutie had been sick. Poor little fellow. He looked so sad and puny.  I'm not sure why he was sick...probably ate something foul in the backyard. This is so typical of Scout and happens about every 4 or 5 months. Turkey. Hopefully with the rain we had last night, it washed away some of the crap in the yard. It definitely blew down a ton of leaves. I have my work cut out for me once things dry out. 

Speaking of leaves - I need a new lawn mower. The one I have just sucks. It doesn't mulch well which is how I generally do my leaves. Guess I know what I'll be doing this weekend. I just hope I can find a mower still. 

Getting my hairs cut on Friday! Can't wait. Last time I got my hair cut was early in the pandemic and Jim did it so you KNOW my do is all kinds of uneven! 

What else? Oh, dinner tonight. I think I'll make some BBQ Turkey Joes (a WW take on sloppy joes...delicious). 

Okay well, that's enough. I have a fairly easy day today. We're finishing Romeo and Juliet in class today and continuing to watch Hamilton in Government. Science we're starting a new chapter. I don't have any meetings so YAY! 

Happy Tuesday...stay healthy. Later!

Short Week, Short Week

I have a short week this week and next week. Friday we have a day off at school and then Monday I took off for doc appointments. So excited. I'm also excited that for the majority of this week, we'll be watching Hamilton in Government class. I think it gets better every time I watch it. I'm not sure how much the kids like it but what're you going to do? 

Bit of a shit storm hit at school Friday. It all started with an email from our union president who was sending out a bit of a virtual tutoring session for teachers struggling with technology in trying to teach in person and online. It quickly turned into teachers voicing their struggle and the fact that the support we need isn't being given. The administration was in on the long chain of emails and they say they're looking for a solution but I'll believe it when I see it. The thing that people are having the hardest time with is lack of time with kids and lack of time in general while there is still an expectation that we can just do it all in an already shortened school day. I never respond to all to these kind of things but I did Friday because I think we all need to support each other's struggle no matter what. Maybe some people aren't struggling as much as others but as a staff, we need to make sure we're heard and that we matter. Administrators can't just make blanket decisions without bringing us into the discussion. 

The weekend was fine...relaxing. Saturday we went out and looked for bathroom stuff (bullnose, which we couldn't find) and then had lunch and beers. We also picked up our shower glass which was a pain in the ass because it was bigger than would fit in my car so I had to drive home with the hatch up. Actually it wasn't that big a deal but that kind of stuff always makes me nervous. However we got home without incident. 

And that's about all I've got. I made a delicious white chicken chili for dinner last night but better than that I made a loaf of cinnamon raisin bread...probably the best bread I've ever made. So delicious. A Pioneer Woman recipe. Tonight I'll make a baked chicken with white wine herb sauce...it's an oldie but a goodie. 

Okay time to get a move on. Happy Monday...stay healthy and cheers to a fast, short week. Later!

That Made Me Laugh

I was looking for some funny images for Friday and this one made me laugh out loud. I don't know why...maybe because it's funny! I asked Jim just now, "You know what rhymes with Friday?" And he said, "What?" And I said, "Martini!" And Jim laughed like I did and then said, "I'm going to ask that question today to the GC today down at my job...he'll think that's funny."  We're so similar, Jim and I.

Another question I asked Jim this morning (and I thought I knew but wasn't sure), "What's your favorite fruit?" And he thought for a minute and said, "Strawbabies I think. What's yours?" And I said, "Same...strawberries although these seedless red grapes I got last time at the grocery are delicious!" Then Jim said, "What's your favorite color?" I thought for a minute and said, "Green." Which he also answered. We have more in common that you'd think. 

Today at school (I've mentioned this before but I'm really excited) we'll start watching Hamilton in Government class. I really hope the kids like it. I think they will...or they won't and I don't care because I don't what I want and guess who's the boss in my classroom!? 

Guess what I got in the mail yesterday!? My ballot!!! I'm so excited! Jim and I will fill them out this weekend and then drop them off, in person to ensure they are delivered. Twenty-five days people! 

Bathroom update: The ceiling is in along with a pod light over the shower. The new fan was put in. The vent/air duct has been properly placed (he had to move it) and things are ready, I believe for the shower to be poured. I'm assuming this because there are about 8 bags of concrete in the garage. That will need to cure which is perfect since it's the weekend. Things are really moving along and I can't wait to see where we are this time next week. 

Speaking of next week, I'll have 2 4-day weeks in a row. That's right, next Friday we don't have school and then the following Monday is an in-service day but because we don't have any real meetings or plans, I decided to make that a day where I have my doctor's appointments so I won't be going in. I figure that way I can take a nice 4-day weekend without having to put plans together for class and I don't need a sub. Everyone's a winner. 

Weekend plans: We have lots of errands to do tomorrow (Menards, Floor Decor and Home Depot) then I think we'll go to Sonder Brewery for a beer or two and then maybe lunch at Rusty Bucket (I've been craving a taco salad. Tonight we don't have much going on and I believe the neighbors (Doug at least) will be out of town. 

K - well, I'd best get a move on. Happy Friday! Stay healthy and safe and have a good weekend! Later!

This, That & A Fly

Holy merde! It's Thursday! I have to say this week has flown by! Freakin' awesome. And considering I was up way too late, I'm so thankful the weekend is just around the corner. 

Bathroom update: The plumbing for the toilet has been successfully moved! This is "UGE"! The placement of the toilet in that bathroom was the dumbest thing since...non-sliced bread! It took up all the room and had no business in the MIDDLE of the bathroom. Now, it is perfectly placed and will free up room to actually move in there without the door hitting it. Additionally, they moved the vent (where the new toilet will be) and they got the soffit removed above the shower, which has made the bathroom look so much bigger. I just never get why people unnecessarily put in space reducing things into small spaces. Makes no sense. 

Speaking of shit...did you see that fly on top of Pence's head!? Ha! Couple things here: Twitter was hilarious about the whole thing. One of my faves was "RGB sent the fly". Also, "“Bro, I thought i was eating a big pile a garbage. Then I realized I was sitting on a big pile of shit.” #flygate". And then the interesting take on flies in the bible and the fact that it landed on the VP's head. (Flies in the Bible. In the Bible, flies have a completely different meaning. They represent everything that is bad. Some even consider them descendants of the devil. Flies represent the worst evil and personification of the worst on our planet.) Hmm...telling.

What else? Mowed the lawn yesterday. I was going to save that for the weekend but Saturday we have a bunch of errands to run and Sunday it might rain and the grass was so long so there you go. Done! 

And that's about all I've got. Good news: Scout ate his breakfast this morning. He's such a turkey some days. I wish I could just leave the food out but Boo's a bigger turkey. 

Okay well, that's all I've got. Time to get to school. In LA today, kids will watch a recap of act 4 in Romeo and Juliet then take a quiz. Can't believe we're 1 act away from finishing! Oh, speaking of R&J, did I mention that the fall play at school is...drum roll...ROMEO AND JULIET!? How awesome. I'm hoping I can get the kids in to watch a dress rehearsal, we'll see. Regardless though I'll show the kids Zeffirelli's rendition of the play after we finish. Anyway, my Government kids have a test and in science we're reviewing. 

K - happy Thursday...stay healthy...later!

Covid Is A Bitch!

Here’s what Covid has taken: Normalcy. And that’s huge. That’s everything. That’s a change in our every day life. And that’s not normal. All of our lives have changed because of this virus. How I work, how my neighbors work, how I walk around every day, how I interact with people, how I look at people, how I think about people. People who aren’t wearing masks I want to stab them in the fucking eye because who do they fucking think they are to risk my health because they’re too much of an asshole to put on a mask? That’s not normal thinking. That’s not normalcy. So Covid has taken away normalcy. And the fact that people don’t see that and people are fighting it and people are risking others lives is infuriating. 

Mr. President! (It galls me to even give him that much respect.) I’m talking to you! You are spreading this virus! You are a super spreader You are allowing others to get sick. You with your words and your tweets and your denial of what this is...pretending it will all go away...that like a miracle it will be gone...that it’s not so bad. You are essentially a murderer. You are using your position to sway the stupid and you’re killing people. And maybe I should say I don’t care because the stupid deserve what they get. I mean the stupid have a choice and they decide to blindly follow someone so blatantly horrible by choice so do they deserve to live? But then I realize you’re supposed to be protecting the country and you’re using your position instead to maintain your position. Because you don’t want to lose your position. Because of fear of prison? I don’t know. Because you’re a narcissist and don’t wanna lose ?I don’t know. But I can’t wait to see your demise. It can’t come too soon.

Here’s sample of real life: I saw my neighbor yesterday pulling in from work she was with her kids and I could tell she was stressed. She looked disheveled she was on the phone which is unusual when she’s out with her kids. But I was harried and I didn’t think about it and I didn’t stop and I did my normal thing when I came home (I exercised I did dinner prep...The guys were here with the bathroom so I had to talk to them). And then when everything was done and I finally sat down and I was looking at Instagram saw that my neighborhood posted some thing about how certain friends always knew when their friends needed them and I knew right away that something was wrong. So I sent her a text and I just said “Are you OK.” She sent me a text back and she said “Actually I’m not. My mom had a heart attack yesterday.” To preface her dad has cancer and has been going through chemotherapy. My neighbor lost her job as a nurse because they wanted to send her back into the the Covid Unit when she returned to work and she’s got MS so that’s not something she can do. In summary: 2020 sucks. And the thing is she’s not a negative person she is a person who usually tries to see the bright light or the blue sky in a cloudy day...kind of like me I think. I’m not a negative Nancy but this year has kicked certain peoples asses. 

All of this is a reminder that Covid is serious and we can't relax around it. We can't pretend that it's not a big deal and we should just live our lives. Because it's NOT OVER! We aren't over the hump. We don't have a vaccine! We don't know when this will all end. We're headed into another spike and only JUST heading into flu season. But this president doesn't care! He only cares how it's affecting him and his re-election. And that's utterly disgusting! VOTE! And don't vote for that guy because if you do? You're culpable! 

Early Out

I have a 7:15 meeting today so need to crack-a-lack! I don't have much to talk about anyway.

Truly...I have nothing. I mean, I could discuss the absurdity of trump but like him I hate being redundant.

I started watching Ratched on Netflix...creepy. Sarah Paulson is so good! Recommended but certainly weird, creepy, and a bit bloody. The filming is great...the colors (maybe that's cinematography?) so brilliant.

My dishwasher is acting like an asshole. I guess it's not draining properly so it's throwing up errors. Annoying. Jim's trying to remedy it now by shop-vaccing the hell out of the drain. We'll see if that works. If not, he'll have to pull it out and check on the drain hose. Dammit!

What else? Nothing. I'm excited about Friday because we'll start watching Hamilton in Government class. I think the kids will really like it. I hope so. 

Okay well, I have to iron my face mask (which is annoying!) and my shirt since I do have a meeting though it is virtual so who really cares. 

K - happy Tuesday! Stay healthy! Even if you think you're immune. Later!

Just Wear A Fucking Mask!

I'm guessing the fact that so many White House personnel DON'T wear masks (Mark Meadows, Jason Miller, Mike Pence, Kayleigh McEnany) is to deflect the real story of trump's illness. I guess they just don't care that they look like total tools, clowns, fools. Are you really okay with taking one for the "team" as the team goes down in flames? I think it's time to jump ship. 

trump's reckless behavior for a photo op is something else that we should all, at this point, be used to but just read this tweet from a doctor at Walter Reed Hospital: 

That Presidential SUV is not only bulletproof, but hermetically sealed against chemical attack. The risk of COVID19 transmission inside is as high as it gets outside of medical procedures. The irresponsibility is astounding. My thoughts are with the Secret Service forced to play.

The Secret Service who should now be forced to quarantine for 2 weeks. Unbelievable!

So on to more exciting news: PIB was lovely. The weather was lovely; the dogs were great and it was so nice just to relax with Jimmy and the boys. What did we do? We walked the boys a lot. We went out to eat a couple times. The neighbors were there so we had cocktails with them on Friday. Did a little shopping. Just fun. Sad it's the last time up there this year and hopefully the next time I see the place, it will be renovated! Fingers crossed because it is BADLY needed. 

The week should be pretty normal. I have an IEP tomorrow at 7:15 (virtual). Shouldn't be a big deal. Other than that, it's just a "normal" week at the Castle (that's what they call our school). 

Back to the pups and their experience. On the way up to the Bay, I gave them each a pill to calm them. On the way home, I didn't. I think in the future, Boo does better on a sedative. He just couldn't fully relax and stayed awake, sometimes panting, on the way home. Scout sacked out for 3 of the 4 hours. 

While at the Bay Scout was in hog heaven because there were bunnies everywhere. He also came across a cat in some bushes. He was intrigued by the lake, especially Friday when it was really rough. He would stand at the back seawall and just stare with his head cocked a bit. At one point, I took him down close to the lake where he could get on some rocks and close to the water and he was hesitant but not afraid. Boo on the other hand, a little scared. He is so properly named! 

Okay well I'd best mosey. I have a ton of grading to do from my absence on Friday. Happy Monday (oh! bathroom reno starts today) stay healthy. Later!

My Friday

It was tough getting up today which kind of makes sense since it's actually my Friday (headed to the Bay tomorrow morning). I guess it's because I slept well. Even with Boo (I started to type Sami) getting up at 2:30 to bark at the back door. He NEVER has to go out in the middle of the night so he must've really had to go. And then of course Scout got up. I made him wait to go out until Boo came back because I didn't want them going out together and getting all excited and hyped up, barking and playing. They both came back, we all went back upstairs and slept for another 2 1/2 hours. 

Yeah, so since we started leaving the boys out during the day, Jim also took it upon himself to make the decision to leave the gate down (which we normally have up at night at the top of the stairs). Even when Jim would forget to put it up, they would never go downstairs at night...even when they would wake up before us. Good boys. 

So today after school, I don't have much to do except pack. I went to the store yesterday so that's done. My meal plans are simple...just tomato soup and grilled cheese on Friday; probably out for breakfast and lunch on Saturday and then Saturday night I'll make sausage patties, grill some potatoes and have some green beans. Simple. 

Looks like the weather should be pretty good Friday and Saturday...cool but sunny and slightly breezy. Sunday, rain moves in but that doesn't bother me on the days I leave PIB. 

Dinner tonight...we're either going out or getting takeout...Jim's decision. He can't seem to figure out what he wants. 

So I got my replacement vanity top yesterday. And...it's got a big old chip out of it. Of course it does. But I mean, you should see how it arrived. I should've taken a picture. The styrofoam and protections that should have surrounded the sink in the box were all in pieces at the bottom of the box. Obviously, someone got the sink and returned it and they just shipped it right out as is to the next sucker...me. I'll take care of it when we get back from PIB. 

Speaking of the bathroom reno, he's now going to start on Monday. Which is good because Jim still had the shower to dismantle. Now he can work on that Sunday and the focus tonight can be on getting ready to leave tomorrow. 

And that's all I've got. Time to get to school. Happy Thursday...stay healthy (oh, and second case of Covid in two dayas at school yesterday). Later!

Winners & Losers

First there were no winners in last night's debate. The losers? The American public and democracy. The institutes that have been put into place for all voters to hear the candidates and know what their positions are and understand their platforms. Chris Wallace was a huge loser whose "moderator" style was something so repugnant and biased, I have to wonder if he was somehow on trumps payroll. ("You're going to like this next question Mr. President" He said that more than once!) Oh, okay maybe one winner of the night was white supremacists. They got the backing of their leader when he commanded them to "stand back and stand by". That's not condemning them...that's instructing them to wait your your next order. Disgusting fucking racist pig. 

Needless to say I got very little sleep last night. I was up until 11:00 watching and then kept waking up with small moments of panic about where our country is continuing. I just don't think I can take another few weeks of this much less another 4 years. It makes me want to cry...it's so upsetting. How do people look at this (I'll use Biden's word) clown and see a leader? He's a playground bully who lies willy nilly (the Portland County sheriff DOENS'T have his support...that's just one lie he said last night) and can't follow rules...of a debate...of a president...of a person. So depressed! 

Okay I have nothing else. I can't wait to get to PIB this weekend and be in my calming place (I'll have to ignore all the stupid trump signs but I have to do that in my own neighborhood)...rejuvenate myself. Happy Wednesday...later...stay healthy. 

Fun Facts!

Fun fact: Trump paid Stormy Daniels 173 times more than he paid in federal income taxes. How does that jibe? 

Fun fact: Trump once sued Bill Maher for calling his father a monkey. Hmm...seems some one can dish it out but can't take it. Recall his name calling: Pocahontas and the Indian when referring to Elizabeth Warren.  Braindead Bernie, Little Katy, Morning Psycho, The Chin (about reporter Thomas Friedman) and so many others. 

Fun Fact: Trump was a registered Democrat from 2001-2009. Fair-weathered fan much? 

Fun fact: Trump has filed for chapter 11 bankruptcy for his businesses 6 (SIX!!!) times. But he's a great businessman. Got it!

Fun Fact: Trump has been accused by 24 women of sexual assault in 30 years. Upstanding guy! Hope he never gets close enough to grab your daughter or wife by the pussy. 

Scary fact: Trump is a bigot and a liar and I don't give a shit what he may have done for your 401k or whatever reason you give to justify his dispicableness...you can't trade your morals and values for a little coin! People need to have some principles for the love of God!

So the first debate is tonight and I'm on the fence about it. Of course I want to watch it because my skin crawls so badly when I'm forced to hear that guy spew lies and truthfully my sleep is more important. I really want to see how Chris Wallace works it...ugh...I'll just have to see how I feel. 

In other news, it rained so much after school yesterday that I never got to walk my babies. Oh, they did great yesterday! They met me at the door when I got home and seemed to have just slept and maybe they found a sock or two to carry around. If that's the worst thing they do...I'm good. We'll see how today goes. Don't want to count my chickens. 

Okay - running late. Best motor. Happy Tuesday. Later!

Short Week Ahead

I have a short work week in my future because Jim and I will be heading north on Friday for our last jaunt to PIB. Looks like it's going to be perfect cool weather as well and the winds won't be terrible. Phew! That's always my worry when heading to the Bay in October. I can't wait to take the boys up for the first time. I hope they love it. Should be interesting. 

Speaking of the boys, we're going to test them out of their cages this week. My biggest worry in doing this is that they will bark incessantly. We'll close the curtains in the bedroom and hopefully reduce that annoying habit of theirs. We'll see. They don't really get into anything anymore. The worst thing they do is steal socks or underwear and I'll make sure those things are stashed where they should be. 

The weekend was good. Friday we hung out and played cards (electronically) with the neighbors. Saturday Jim and I headed to Walnut Hills to hang with Terri and friends...a little Oktoberfest celebration. It was fun and we were home by 9:00. Loves me an early night. 

Jim did a bit of demo yesterday in the bathroom. He got the mirror down, the cabinetry ripped out and will work on tile later this week. We're hoping Larry can start on Friday while we're gone. I went to check on our purchases that I hadn't inspected and found that our sink was all fucked up and in several pieces. Jim will be taking it back to Home Depot and hopefully we'll get it replaced in a reasonable amount of time. It was delivered quickly originally so hopefully that can happen again. 

What else? Not much. We'll have a major weather change today. The rest of the week will only have highs in the 50s or 60s with lows possibly dipping down into the 30s. Brr...might actually have to turn on the heat. 

Well, that's all I've got. I did most of my Monday work last Friday so it should be an easy day. Oh, and bonus, the IEP meeting I had planned for this week...he's being written off an IEP (will go on a 504) so that's good. I do have an IEP coming on October 6th so I should probably get that written this week. No big deal though. 

Okay best get a move on. Happy Monday. Stay healthy and Covid free. Later!

Taking A Break...

...from cooking tonight. It's been a couple weeks since I didn't cook dinner and I'm spent. Jim decided on pizza for tonight so I'll make myself a salad to go with mine but other than that, I'm staying out of the kitchen. Don't get me wrong...I love to cook but sometimes a person needs a reprieve. 

Guess what happens today when I get home from work? I get to watch GBBO, season 11! I'm so excited I could cry! Loves me some British baking! These are the contestants and I predict...a woman winning this year! Last year a man won. In fact a man won the last two years so it's time! Regardless though...I'll just be happy to see what the season brings! 

School today: Nothing major is going on. In LA we just finished act 2 of Romeo and Juliet so the kids will watch an animated recap and then take a quiz. History, we're starting a new chapter and science we're going over chapter 1 test. Exciting, huh? 

Speaking of school my principal is real douche bag. Dare I say, a pussy!? Sorry for those whose gentle ears and intellect can't take that word but it's fitting. Why? Because he doesn't have the BALLS to reprimand someone to their face. Apparently one of our aides (the new one who is good and does her job and so far hasn't succumbed to the unprofessional shit of the other ones) came in 2 minutes late the other day because of traffic. According to Mr. P, (pussy), another staff member reported it and so he went back on the cameras to look. Really? You couldn't just go ask her!? I mean...put your tightie whities on and march your ass to the classroom and HAVE A CONVERSATION! If you can't do that (and don't tell me you don't have the time because you had the time to go back in the video to find proof of her guilt) you shouldn't be an administrator. You know we're all dealing with something and 2 minutes late garners a verbal, wait, not even a verbal reprimand but an emailed reprimand!? Give me a fucking break! Oh, and you KNOW it was one of those other aides who said something. These people are so petty and just MEAN! I'm so glad they aren't with me. 

BTW - had that been me that got reprimanded by email I would have marched my ass down to Mr. P's office and ensured that he had to face me and hear MY side of the situation. I wouldn't allow him to take the easy way out. I'd call him out on that bullshit too. I'm getting all up in arms...sorry. 

What else? Not much else to talk about. The weekend should be pretty relaxed although we are going to a friend's house on Saturday for a little Oktoberfest gathering. I think there are 10 of us and we'll all hang outside, drink beer, eat bratts and metts and relax. 

Got my Kamala t-shirt yesterday! So excited! Think I'll wear it Saturday as a matter of fact. 

Okay time to move on. Happy Friday! Stay healthy. Later!

Ass Being Handed To Her

I just watched an interview between an AWESOME Australian reporter and Sarah Huckabee Sanders and it was the most amazing take down I've ever seen! Straight-forward questions from the reporter who didn't allow Sanders to skate around the issues and spew her trump filth. Sanders body and voice was squirming by the end and more than ready to end the interview! I just wish the people interviewing trump and/or his staff would demand the same type of standards. In other words, don't allow these fools to spew lies and skate around what's actually being asked. Demand an answer to your questions and call these people out when they don't! 

K - sorry. 

Got my flu shot yesterday...my arm is a little sore but no big deal. I did start having a little cough but I think that had to do with some overwhelming exposure to some Frank's Hot Sauce. All is well now. 

There's a lot of confusion at school about Covid leave and once again the administration is not being transparent and/or clear about it. Here's the issue: We were told by the superintendent that we would NOT have to take Covid leave or sick leave if we were put in quarantine and could still teach remotely. Now, they aren't standing by that. Additionally, we are supposed to stay home (and take a Covid day) if we have even one symptom from the list in our flow chart. BUT we are given only 10 days of Covid leave. And let me tell you, most people probably have one symptom at some point, once a week, minimum. Oh, and these Covid leave days end December 31st. A few teachers I know are just taking Covid leave every time they have a symptom because why not? Me, I don't want to deplete them in case I would have to quarantine because I don't want to dip into my sick leave...that's a part of my severance and I'm not willing to give those days up if I could technically work from home. It's such a shit show. 

What else? Dinner tonight is a chicken piccata type dish (I've made it before and it's delicious) probably with some broccoli and rice. 

Jim went to the store for me yesterday because we were out of fruit and they were out of strawberries! So I told him to just get something else...pineapple or watermelon. So he got both and holy merde! So yummy! I could have eaten the whole container! But I didn't! 

A friend of mine on Facebook who I went to high school with "changed" her name and I don't understand why. She only changed one letter...oh...I just figured it out...she changed the ending of her name (from an "e" to and "a") and then cut her last name off to just be the last three letters of her actual last name. I bet it's for security reasons. Got it! See...sometimes you just have to walk yourself through a problem and the solution is right there!

K - well, now that I've hurt my brain, I guess I'll go torture myself some more...at work. Happy Thursday (OOOHHHH tomorrow is Friday). Stay healthy, happy and wise. Later!

I'm Getting Shot

I get my flu shot after school today. I hate to say this and I know everyone out there reading this will freak the eff out but this will be the first time I've ever gotten a flu shot! I know, I know! How irresponsible of me. But suck it! I just haven't done it in the past. Sure I kept telling myself over the last couple years (especially with Jim's health issues) during the lead up to flu season that I needed to do it but I just didn't. I made sure Jim got his though, even making his appointments for him so that's something. But today, you'll be happy to hear that I'm getting my flu shot at 2:31 PM! 

In other news: My kids took their first Government test yesterday and even using their notes - literally the study guide was EXACTLY what was on the test - most got either Cs or Ds. I mean what!? THE?! F&^K?! Oh well. Today they have a science test and that's going to be a shit storm. My kids are NOT good at math and since I'm teaching physical science this year and our first chapter is about the metric system, I'm guessing it's going to be the same as yesterday. Of course I'll let them use their study guides but I don't have much confidence in their actually using it correctly. 

My IEP yesterday went well. It was via Zoom and aside from the fact that my administrator spent the whole time trying to get the main screen to project and fix the sound, it went off without a hitch. (My computer was working fine as well as my student and the parent). My next IEP is on the 30th and I'm not sure what's going to happen with that one. We've talked about writing him off (it's an evaluation meeting as well to see if he's still eligible) so we'll see. I have the IEP mostly written just in case. 

Dinner tonight: WW Buffalo chicken fingers. I'll probably serve with baked beans and some carrot fries for me, regular fries for Jimmy. 

I took a lovely bike ride yesterday. However, part of my route had some construction and there was loose gravel all over the road. I didn't realize how bad it was until I was halfway through and there was no point in turning around. I came home caked in gravel. Even had gravel in my hair. Still had some this morning when I took a shower. Funny. 

Boo got up around midnight wanting to cuddle, which was a problem. See, Boo sometimes wakes up from sleep and attacks. I think he saw Scout sleeping on my pillow behind my head and he wanted some of that. I loved and snuggled with him for about 10 minutes and then made him get down. He was fine with that. Poor guy...he knows not what he does. 

Okay well, I had a lot more to talk about than I thought I would. Happy Wednesday! I think I might have a glass of wine tonight! What do you think about that?! Yummy! Happy hump day! Stay healthy and kind...later!

You'll Be Happy To Hear...

 ...Muwee got some sleep last night. I'm telling you going to work yesterday was a bit dicey. I felt so out of it...probably shouldn't have been behind the wheel. But I made it and I made it through my day (without killing any kids) and I made it through exercise and even though I almost called Jim and told him to bring home takeout, I made it through cooking dinner. I was in bed by 7:00 and read until I dropped my iPad. And even with Jim coming to bed and disturbing and snoring (after kicking him 2 or 3 times) I fell asleep and slept like a baby rock! Thank the baby Jesus! 

The issue I'm having now is that after my allergy attack and an over usage of tissues, my face is chapped and hurting (I know, my face hurts you too!). I'll have to slather myself with moisturizer and hope I don't have another attack for another year. Ugh! 

Dinner last night wasn't my favorite (spice shrimp with caulirice and spinach). It was fine but not my fave...I won't make that again. Tonight will be sour cream pork chops in the instant pot. A WW favorite. 

What else!? My Biden sign should be here today. Can't wait. I can't tell you how depressing it is seeing all the Trump signs in my neighborhood while walking with Scout. Every time I go by these yards all I can think is, racist, racist, racist, bigot, immoral, valueless. I mean, how can anyone support this man!? How, after nearly 4 years of this shit can anyone think, "Yeah, I'll take another 4 years of that." Crazy. It's so depressing that I live in this world...well, this country. Makes me hate people. 

Sorry...I try to keep my head in the game but there are times when the possible future freaks the fuck out of me. 

Okay well, on that note, I guess I'll go try and shape the future of our kids. That's scary too, huh? K - happy Tuesday! Stay healthy. Later!

The Monday Struggle

Today I'll be struggling more than a normal Monday as I got very little sleep last night. I went to bed early (before 8:00) because I had an allergy attack yesterday and was exhausted. I slept until about midnight but then woke up and really didn't get back to solid sleep. Scout also woke up and needed to go out. And now my nose is raw and it's really going to suck to have to wear a mask all day. Thankfully, my nose is back to normal and the allergy attack has subsided. 

The weekend was lovely. We didn't do much of anything. Jim worked Saturday and I just cleaned, grocery shopped and made my menu. Yesterday I took a lovely long walk with Scout and a bike ride later in the afternoon. Jim and I played some corn hole and hung with the neighbors and I made a delicious pot of chili. 

This week at work will be a bit hectic as I have an IEP meeting tomorrow and I'm giving tests in science and history. No big deal though. 

Our current covid situation at work: 1 kid is reportedly positive at the high school and 10 students are quarantined. I think we have a couple staff members quarantined as well. 

And that's all I've got. Jim's getting his flu and shingles shot today (I get mine Wednesday...just the flu not shingles). Dinner tonight...I was going to do a spicy shrimp dish but it's a dish that will take some time and attention and I'm not sure I have that in me. So, I'll probably do sour cream pork chops or a chicken dish. 

K - happy Monday. Stay healthy. Later!

What's The Opposite Of Transparency?

I think the district is really being an asshole. Apparently we have a positive covid case at the high school but how would I know? Was I told? Nope. Did I get an email? Uh-uh. Was there a meeting to tell the teachers? Negative. But apparently there was a letter sent out to parents. And the kids sure seem to be in the know because they were talking about it at school yesterday. And guess who looks like an asshole because when kids ask about how many kids are quarantined, teachers can only say, "I have no idea what you're talking about." Pisses me off, I'll tell you that. I'll ask one of my building reps about it today and see what she knows. So frustrating. And today I think there are 6 teachers out without subs so they're relying on teachers to cover and it's just impossible. 

Sorry about all the bitching. I swear I'm not a negative Nancy. This isn't how I roll normally. But these certainly aren't normal times. I will say this, however: My days teaching are getting easier and easier. I'm getting more and more comfortable with my dual role (in person and online teacher) so that's good. I wasn't nearly as exhausted at the end of yesterday as I've been so there you go...that's something. 

So happy it's Friday. I have to admit that I had a couple glasses of wine yesterday. I caved. Oh well. I've worked so hard this week though so I don't feel too terribly guilty. And my pants still fit so that's something. 

No real plans this weekend. Jim's going to go in to work tomorrow and paint a ceiling. Little overtime pay will be good. Other than that...who knows. I need to make a menu and figure out what I'm making next week. Tonight will be some leftover soup. I have ham and bean and some Brunswick soup. Yummy. 

Okay well, I'd best get going. I'm running a bit late because my computer went haywire and had to restart which took forever. So...with that, happy Friday. Have a good weekend and stay healthy. Later!

This Weather

I'm loving this weather. It's turning toward my favorite time of year and it's just so invigorating! We're not going to see rain for at least 7 days and the temps starting tomorrow are going to be in the 60s with lows in the 40s. I think it's too early for a fire but it's not far away. 

Speaking of fires, we have plenty of wood for the winter but still have a bit that needs splitting from last year's tree take down. It's all the small wood and won't take but a couple hours to crank out. Jim was supposed to call our tree guy to get the splitter but who knows when he'll get around to it. 

Yesterday I came home and thought, I think I'll mow the lawn as my exercise!  And so I did along with abs and arms. (If you know me, you know I really like to mow the lawn.) I also walked Scout and ended up getting a 5 mile walk in all added up. I'm a bit sore this morning but a good sore. Today will be a perfect day for a bike ride! Can't wait. 

In other news, school is school. Things are going fine and I'm starting to find my rhythm as are the kids. By the end of the day, I'm always exhausted but that's just going to be the new norm. Or maybe it's that my day goes so long without a break. Maybe it's the mask. Maybe it's that I'm in year 21 and still need another 15 before I can get full retirement. How daunting. I wonder if I can somehow win the lottery. I'll have Jim play some numbers today. 

Two weeks from tomorrow we'll be headed to PIB! Woot! I hope the weather cooperates! 

What else? Dinner tonight is a chicken marsala pasta thingy with a salad. Yummy! 

And that's all I've got. It's Thursday and the Bengals play the Browns tonight so I'm wearing my Who Dey paraphernalia. I'm looking forward to Friday and having a cocktail tomorrow! This no drinking thing during the week is a killer! 

Okay - happy Thursday! Stay healthy...listen to the doctors who know! Later!

Best News Ever!!!

 

I was perusing Instagram this morning and saw that GBBO (Great British Bake Off), which premiers on September 22 in Britain will premier 3 days later on Netflix!!! So guess what I'll be doing on after school on 9/25!? I'm so happy I could cry! And though I'll miss Sandi (one of the hosts) I'm excited about the new guy. You might recognize him from Bridesmaids. He played Rebel Wilson's brother who was Kristin Wiig's roommate in the movie. Additionally, he was in the staged concert of Les Miserables. He's funny! I'm excited! 

What else? Not much. School is school. We had more technological difficulties at school yesterday but for me, it wasn't too bad. For the most part, it hit after I had taught most of my classes. It was a Google issue, I believe and was apparently a nationwide thing. Maybe 45 minutes of difficulty before it was fixed. 

My biggest issue yesterday was having to figure out my medically fragile girl's issues. I got an email from her mother saying that her daughter was struggling and having anxiety attacks. (I would imagine!) She's just overwhelmed and having a hard time keeping up. She apparently was coming home exhausted every day and sleeping from the minute she got home until the next day. We thus had to change her schedule and flip flop a few things and get transportation fixed for her. It wasn't that big a deal for me but required a LOT of my attention for the first half of my day. This seems to happen every other day and makes me feel as though I'm running around like a chicken with her head cut off. I know things will eventually calm down but I'm just wondering when that will be. 

Dinner tonight: I'll be grilling some pork chops. Probably make some yellow rice and steam some veggies. Nothing big. Last night's dinner (chicken Florentine) was absolutely delicious! Pretty easy too. I replaced the half-and-half with coconut milk and it worked like a charm. Jim loved it. 

And that's all I've got. I have to change what I'm wearing (it's wear-your-union-tshirt day) so I'd best get a move on. Happy Wednesday! Stay healthy. Later!

Something That Irks Me

Anyways...it isn't a word people. Sure, it's used all the time but that doesn't mean it's correct. And sure it may be in the dictionary but so are the following words: Amazeballs, chillax, adorbs, and mansplain. And I love the definition and sentence when you look it up on the Internet: nonstandard form of anyway. In a sentence: "You wouldn't understand all them long words anyways." Ha...even the sentence example is incorrect and stupid. And yes, I understand that I'm an asshole but isn't it better that I'm the asshole when I correct rather than you be an idiot, speaking incorrectly like a dumb ass? I think so. 

School news: You won't be hearing (knock on wood) about my mentally unstable kid anymore. His mother has moved him to option 2, which means he'll do online schooling this year. I will send him emails weekly to ensure I document my attempt to serve him but he'll get served through his classes (assuming he shows up) and the tracking of his behaviors. So there you go. One thing went right yesterday. 

Not to say that it was the only thing that went right yesterday but it was a bit of a shit storm. Lots of internet, network and Zoom issues. I managed to "educate" all my students, however. My biggest issue was that my desktop computer and phone kept going out and our printer wasn't working. Hopefully this gets fixed today. 

Dinner tonight: Jim wanted something with spinach in it so I'm making a Chicken Florentine dish tonight. We'll see how that goes...first time making.

What else? Slept like a little baby last night and was startled awake this morning by my alarm. First time in a while my alarm actually woke me up. The weather is lovely right now with temps in the 50s which goes hand in hand with my good night's sleep. 

Weather today: Supposed to be nice but hazy...we're getting the smoke in the atmosphere above us. Those poor people out west! 

And that's all I've got. Time to get to work and see what's what. Oh, here's something: My principal sent an email out last night telling us to "dress up" this week (Thursday in Bengals/Brown gear and Friday in Kings gear to support our players). The weird thing was that for Friday's directive, he wrote in parentheses ("Remember that we have school"). Why wouldn't we have school? Are we going remote Friday? Did I miss something? Probably. Oh well...guess I'll find out later.

K - happy Tuesday...stay healthy. Later!

Weekend Wrap Up

The weekend went way too quickly but what're you going to do? I certainly don't want to start the week complaining about having to go back to work but with this year and the way it's started, it's really hard to keep my head in the game. It's hard to keep my head up as well. There are rumors at work that they're trying to push a different type of schedule and I'm really hoping that it goes through so there is that. We'll see what happen. All I can do right now is do my best to keep my nose to the grindstone and continue my mantra: This too shall pass. 

Here's what my weekend consisted of: Friday we hung out at home and took it easy. It was nice to just hang without staying up too late or drinking too much. Saturday, Jim and I went out and about with Doug and Lauren to celebrate her birthday. We went to Drunken Tacos for lunch (in Clifton) and then headed to Walnut Hills to try out a new brewery called Esoteric. It was delicious even though they only had 6 beers on tap. I imbibed in a brown ale and a stout. Yummy. We came home and just hung out with the neighbors, played cards and were in bed relatively early. Yesterday Jim and I went to Shooters, I did my roots, Jim did the grocery shopping; we watched a little football and had dinner. Pretty low key. 

Oh, so get this: I got an email from one of my sped supervisors last night because she had gotten an email from the woman in charge of special transportation. Apparently my mentally challenged kid's mother sent a message to say they were discontinuing transportation because they were going to be home schooling. My supervisor was seeing what I knew about this. Uh...nothing. You think they're keeping me in the loop when she didn't even want me to have direct contact with her son? Now, I'm guessing that this means he'll be doing remote learning (rather than home schooling) and I'll still be responsible for ensuring he gets services. This will prove to be impossible because mom doesn't want me to have direct contact with her son and I'm sure he'll refuse to zoom with me. Should be fun dealing with this. People are such a pain in the ass! 

Nothing happening here this week. Dinner tonight (for Maggie's info) Turkey kielbasa with roasted potatoes and probably brussel sprouts. Something easy. 

Okay well I'd better get a move on...get to school and figure things out. Thankfully I scheduled most of my assignments for the week on Friday. I just need to check to see that they actually posted. Google Classroom has been very stupid lately...when I schedule things to post in the future, they don't post on time or at all. It's annoying. 

K - happy Monday! Here's hoping the week goes by quickly and that it's uneventful. Later...stay healthy.

Remembering 9/11

 

I don't like this day. I can't believe it's been 19 years since that horror happened. I remember where I was, what I was wearing and the incredulity I felt watching such hate happening. I can't believe that the kids I teach today weren't even born when these events occurred. And I dread the fact that sometime, in my students' lives, they will have an event occur that they'll remember always. 

In other news, Jim just walked in from the garage with a poured beer in his hand. It's 5:58 AM. I was like, "What the hell?" Apparently he was just making sure the handle wasn't stuck. I love that he's just making sure that all is in the ready for when we start pounding beers later today. HAHA!

The news just showed a scene of a fire in Wyoming (the neighborhood here in Cincy, not the state) and I said, "Huh, that's a huge garbage fire!" And Jim said, "Yeah, that would be a huge garbage fire except that it's a GARAGE fire!" I can't read!

SOOOOOO happy it's Friday. I truly feel like making it movie day but I'm not going to. We're going to start reading Romeo and Juliet today in LA, continue a section in Government and I'm going to torture myself and the kids in trying to teach them about metric conversions in science. I tried yesterday and it didn't go well. Kids just can't figure out how to move a decimal. Unbelievable. 

No real plans this weekend. It happens to be Lauren's birthday today. We talked about doing something this weekend...we'll see what their soccer schedule is like. 

And that's all I've got. Time to head out and figure out my lessons. Oh, and in case you were wondering, my Bluetooth speaker phone that I used yesterday for Zooming/teaching sucked. Didn't work and it wasn't just me. Talking to others later about it, apparently it sucked for others as well. I would get it connected and then it would blink out. Stupid shit! Oh well. 

K - happy Friday! Stay healthy and safe. Later!

I Think...

I think...I'm ready for the weekend. And thank God tomorrow is Friday! That being said, I did have a MUCH better day yesterday. No computer glitches and when I emailed my admins with a technological need, it was delivered posthaste! (I had explained that I needed some sort of wireless speaker/microphone and they got me a Bluetooth speaker phone kind of thingy.) 

I think...the issues I'm having to deal with now in regard to kids and their digital dumbness is going to be the death of me. I mean, why do I have to tell a student to minimize or exit a window that popped up on their computer, covering up the slideshow I'm displaying to them so that they can't see it?! "Mrs. Hanke, I can't see the powerpoint to write out my notes!" And I walk over and see that an advertisement has popped up partially blocking their view. These kids can't be that dense, can they!? They're messing with me, right!? 

I think...I can make it through one more day without the alcohol! I made a vow that I wouldn't drink this week (well, Tuesday - Thursday) and so far I've been good with no real temptations. The reason it's been so easy though is because by the time I get home, exercise, walk the dog, and do dinner prep, it's 5:30 and time to make dinner. And by that time, I'm through my hard-not-to-drink time. So as long as I get through today doing the same thing, I'll be all good. I just have to make sure I ignore my neighbors calling out for a cocktail! 

I think...Jim's a goof! We're sitting at the table finishing our breakfast and he yawns really loudly and says, "I think I need a nap!" Laziass! (That's a new word I just made up from "lazy" and "ass". Feel free to use it when you talk about your loved one as well!) 

Did I mention that Jim ran the car into the garage door? He did...thankfully he didn't damage my car, however, the garage was all jacked up. It would open fine but when it closed, you had to give it a punch to get one of the panels back in line. Jim thought it would take replacing the panel to fix it. I didn't think it was that big a deal. Thankfully, Muir, as usual was right! The repair guy only had to replace the brackets...bing, bang, boom, $120 later, fixed! Which means, no Shooters for Jim this week! 

Okay well that's all I've got. I better go figure out what I'm wearing today and then head out. Later! Happy Thursday...stay healthy!

Shit Storm

Yesterday - not to make it too dramatic and negative - was a freakin' shit storm. It was like being a first year teacher on her first day with every technical meltdown happening while trying to keep my cool. I don't look forward to another day like yesterday. However, on the plus side, even dreading having to deal with similar snafus today, I slept pretty well! So that's something. Another plus? The kids were great and patient and did their best and probably - truth be told - did better than I did! The problem was that I was trying to teach to my in-person kids at the front of the classroom while walking around to make sure they were getting what we were doing while at the same time I had two computers going and a group of virtual kids who couldn't hear me, I couldn't hear them, computers were freezing up, they couldn't find posted items and then of course the whole network sort of crashed, no one could get on Zoom. Any why, you may ask? Because the whole district was trying to do the same thing I was doing. It was a clown's-in-a-car scene to be sure! 

So lets do a little stress relief thinking. Here are the last of the Proust questions: 

29. Which historical figure do you most identify with? Jeez...I don't know...Laura Ingalls Wilder? Only because I'm a teacher. 
30. Who are your heroes in real life? There isn't just one...anyone who overcomes hardship and perseveres. Recently, I listened to Dax Shephard's interview with his mother and it was so inspiring, her ability to push through bad decisions and make her life better. Impressive.
31. What are your favorite names? I always loved the name Isabelle if I'd had a girl. Milo was our boy name. 
32. What is it that you most dislike? Adolf and Donald for sure!
33. What is your greatest regret? That I never followed through on trying to write something and try to get published. 
34. How would you like to die? Duh...in my sleep!
35. What is your motto? IDGARA (I don't give a rat's ass)

Okay well, that's that. I pray that today will go more smoothly than yesterday. I have a couple ideas I'm going to try so here's hoping. Happy Wednesday! Stay healthy. (Is it bad that I pray we go to remote learning sooner rather than later now!?) Later! 

It's Here!

 Our first day with ALL the kids (not on remote or virtual) in school has finally arrived. I'm on the fence about how I feel about this. On the one hand I'm so ready to get this year started and have some normalcy but on the other, I'm prepared to go right back to remote pretty quickly. I think it won't be long before we start seeing an uptick in cases and teachers being quarantined but who knows. Friday actually went a lot better than I thought it would. I had a couple kids who didn't show but of course that's going to be case. I think it's going to be a bit of a shit show trying to teach online and remotely but I'll do my best and hope for the best. 

In other news: Did I go into my mentally ill kid who was a pain in the ass last Thursday? He claims he was having an anxiety attack regarding his mask but I think that was just an excuse to go sit in the nurse's office and avoid going to class. Well, mom emailed me last night and has asked that because of the stress I caused him last week that I have limited to no direct contact with him. Sounds good to me. Not to mention the fact that he doesn't have me for class. She also wants an exception made for him having to wear a mask so I'll pass that on to my admin. Dude just needs to stay home and do remote...put us all out of our misery. 

Okay - so no on to the fun stuff - questions 22-28. Enjoy

22. What is your most treasured possession? A ring I wear that my mother gave me. I never take it off. And my puppies!
23. What do you regard as the lowest depth of misery? I would imagine it would be the death of a child. 
What is your favorite occupation? Writer
What is your most marked characteristic? Truth-teller (according to Maggie)
What do you most value in your friends? Honesty
Who are your favorite writers? Pat Conroy, John Steinbeck, 
Who is your hero of fiction? Atticus Finch

Well, I'd better get a move on and head to work. I need to deal with a couple things before kids start rolling into school. Wish me luck. Fingers crossed there aren't a ton of snafus with my classes today! Happy Tuesday (yay...short week) stay healthy. 

Labor Day + Q's 15-21

Happy Labor Day! It's been a good weekend here in Loveland. We didn't do a ton but we did get out and about on Saturday. We went to MPH (a local brewery), tried out Condado's (Verdict: DELICIOUS!) and then headed to Sonder (another brewery) before coming home. Unfortunately, when Jim pulled into the driveway Saturday, he didn't realize the garage door had stopped and of course he hit it, damaging the bottom panel. My car did not get damaged however, so that's good. The door still works but when it does down you have to knock the bottom panel back in line or it gets stuck and just goes back up. Oh well. 

We also got our shower glass ordered Saturday. That's the last big item needed for our reno. Can't wait for it to be done! 

Yesterday we did our usual Shooter's run and then came home and hung out the neighbors. Jim was in bed early while I stayed up and watched some TV. Today will just be a relaxed day. I'll walk Scout here in a bit and maybe take a nice bike ride before weather hits. We're supposed to get rain but probably not until dinner time. 

And now what you've been waiting for. Questions 15-21 of Proust's questionnaire. 

15. What or who is the greatest love of your life? Jimmy, of course!
16. When and where were you happiest? Outside of my marriage (cause that's too easy...or hard) I would say the year I spent in Boston during my freshman year. I would go back to that year in a heartbeat!
17. Which talent would you most like to have? Musical talent - the ability to play several instruments and be able to compose music.
18. If you could change one thing about yourself, what would it be? This is the same as another question I answered: my insecurity. 
19. What do you consider your greatest achievement? I'm proud of my career and the years I've spent as a teacher. I'm also very proud of my marriage. It's honest and I'm sure no one thought we'd last. 
20. If you were to die and come back as a person or a thing, what would it be? That's hard. I guess it would be a person but I don't know if there's a particular person. Maybe it would be interesting to try life as the opposite sex...see what that's like. 
21. Where would you most like to live? On the water - either at the lake (PIB?) or on the ocean. 

And that's all I've got. Time to get Scout walked. Happy Monday...happy Labor day...stay healthy. Later! 

Proust Continued (Q's 8-14)

A couple things before I answer the next set of Proust questions. School should be interesting today as it's our first day of remote. Today is really just a test run to iron out kinks and make sure all the kids are able to sign on etc. I plan on doing just Getting To Know You activities as well as some "What do you know" things for history and science. 

Yesterday was a shit storm for me for half my day. My unbalanced, mentally ill student came to run his schedule and as expected, things did not go well. Long story short, he spent most of his day (1/2 day since he has an abbreviated schedule) in the nurses office. I had to track him down and get him back on track. Needless to say, I then had to spend most of my time working out a plan for dealing with his shit. Our behavior specialist will be observing next week and coming up with something. Oh, and when talking to his mother yesterday, she tells me her son forgot to take his meds yesterday. Gee thanks mom! Way to set us up for failure! 

Weekend plans: Nothing is happening tonight. I suspect I'll be out like a light pretty early as I'm exhausted. Saturday Jim and I will be headed to Menard's (and anywhere else if we can't find what we need there) for our shower enclosure. That's the last of our needed materials, I believe, before our reno starts. We're still a couple weeks out from the start but we'll be ready. We'll get a week advance notice and that's when we'll demo. Can't wait. 

Saturday we're going out early with Doug and Lauren. We'll probably head to a brewery and then to a new taco/margarita place nearby called Condado's. Can't wait. Who knows what's on tap for Sunday and Monday. Relaxing on a foretasted beautiful weekend. 

And now for what you've all been waiting for - the next set of questions and the answers that will reveal my true and natural self. 

8. What do you consider the most overrated virtue? I guess I'd say bravery...that's a tough one though. I just don't think that bravery is something that should be a virtue and something that people strive for. It's okay to be vulnerable and scared. 

9. On what occasion do you lie? When the truth would hurt someone.

10. What do you most dislike about your appearance? Of late? My wrinkles and the bags under my eyes. It makes me hate looking in the mirror!

11. Which living person do you most despise? Do you really need to ask? And I'd say I don't despise or hate anyone...except Donald Trump. And yes, I HATE him...DESPISE him!

12. What is the quality you most like in a man? Honesty

13. What is the quality you most like in a woman? The ability to handle (my) honesty. 

14. Which words or phrases do you most overuse? "Meaning..." 

So there you go. Looks like you'll have to wait until Monday for questions 15-21. Happy Friday and happy 3-day weekend. Stay healthy and safe...no large gatherings or picnics! Don't be stupid! K - later...wish me luck today.

Proust

I was listening to Dax Shepherd yesterday (the recent episode with Jason Bateman) and at the end, when he and Monica do their "fact check", they went through a series of questions put together by Marcel Proust, a french novelist. He believed that in answering these questions, a person would reveal their true nature. So, I thought...I have nothing else to talk about other than the same old same old...why not do this today!? So here you go (and by the way, there are 35 so I'll just do a few today and then continue through the next several days. Something to look forward to, huh!?

1. What is your idea of perfect happiness? Being with family at PIB
2. What is your greatest fear? Dying alone
3. What is the trait you most deplore in yourself? Insecurity
4. What is the trait you most deplore in others? Narcissism 
5. Which living person do you most admire? Bill Gates  (this changes and I kind of stole it from Dax but it's who I'm obsessed with most right now in the good he's done.)
6. What is your greatest extravagance? Currently, it's fixing up the house - the deck, the bathroom - but I'm not a spender and I'm not that person who needs 12 watches or 17 purses or a bunch of cars or a ridiculously expensive watch for every day of the week. Good thing since I can't afford any of those things!
7. What is your current state of mind? I'm of two states of mind. In my personal life, I'm content (which scares me because things can change on a dime in regard to health and Jim). In my professional life, I'd say unstable. Half the time I don't know what's going on at work or what I'm doing. It makes me feel like I'm walking in sky high heels and at any moment I'm going to stumble and fall flat on my face. Ugh! 

So there you go. A little insight into my apparent true self. I'll give you the next 7 tomorrow. 

Currently it's raining cats and dogs. I hate driving to work in this shit because people are stupid. Which means I should get a move on. Happy Thursday! Later...stay healthy. 

Ban Soup! (Not Guns)

Have you seen the clip of trump in front of the media talking about how protesters are using cans of soup to destroy property? Apparently they aren't using bricks because "you can't throw a brick! It's too heavy!" So they use soup and then when they get caught they can just say, "No...I'm not doing anything wrong! This is food for my family!" He says it's incredible and you have "people coming over with bags of soup...bags of soup! And they lay it on the ground and the anarchists come over and start throwing it at OUR police and if it hits you it's worse than a brick!" Next thing you know...no more soup for us! 

(I mean you just can't make this shit up! I can't wait until Sarah Cooper comes out with her rendition of this interview.)

Oh, speaking of trump no longer being president - I was walking the dog yesterday and saw two signs in this one yard. The first one said, "And just like a miracle, he isn't president anymore!" And the other one said, "Republicans for Biden" It made me so happy! Maybe I'll go by today and leave some flowers on their doorstep. And I'm not one to put political signs in my yard but I just might have to put a Biden/Harris one in this year. 

Yesterday at school was a much better day. Maybe it's because I went in with a better attitude. Maybe it's because I had more kids yesterday (it was my "busy" day). Who knows but I'm trying to turn my frown upside down. Today will be slow because I have several bells with no kids coming but that's okay. I'm still working to get my materials transferred over to all electronic. 

Here's my issue of late (because I know you're curious). And let me preface by saying I'm not one of those people who can't seem to find anything good in 2020. I know 2020 sucks with this pandemic and things aren't how we'd prefer it but I have lots of things to be happy and thankful about. Jim's doing well (he had an doc appointment yesterday and though he didn't have a scan - that will be in late October - his oncologist his happy with his path), we're both employed and overall things are good. That being said, however, I feel like my administration is NOT being candid and transparent. I feel like they're not giving us the details they should in terms of numbers of kids/employees who are quarantined and/or Covid positive. Maybe this will change once school actually starts with all kids on Tuesday but I doubt it. I may have a question or two for my union. Just seems that they aren't keeping the teachers and other employees informed about what we're walking into every day. 

And that's about all I've got for now. Time to finish my toilette and get a move on. It's a rainy couple of day here in the Cincy area but that's okay, The other side of this weather is a beautiful, low humidity weekend. Three-day weekend! Woot! 

K - happy Wednesday! Later! Stay healthy and Covid free! 

Expect A Long Week

Yesterday was brutal for a number of reasons. Mainly because though there were finally kids in the building, they were so few and far between that it was disturbing; spooky and just not right. I had to go out into the hallway during the lunch bell to see if there was anyone actually in the building. I had a smattering of kids in my classes (only 1 kid 1st, 3rd and 5th) and it truly sucked. This year is just going to be so weird and I'm trying to wrap my head around it and remind myself that "this too shall pass" but days like yesterday are just depressing! And I still don't know how I'm going to teach in-person and remotely when we start on Tuesday next week. Ugh! But I'm resilient and I'll get through this and truthfully, I'm the least important person in this scenario! More and more, I feel so bad for these kids. 

For example - yesterday a new kid came who is new to the district. He's got no friends and basically had to walk around by himself all day. I told him that once school started and he was in class with more kids, things would get better. I just don't want him to get discouraged! Blows. 

Needless to say, after that shit day, I felt the need to partake in a glass of wine. Well, 2 glasses but that's alright. But I didn't have dessert so that makes it all a wash. 

What else? I'm looking forward to hopefully going to PIB in October. Jim and I are going to go up, just the two of us, and take the boys for the first time. I'm assuming things won't be underway with the reno which sucks but the bright side is that Jim and I can get a last weekend in at the Bay. I'm hoping the boys love it and that the ride up with them goes smoothly. 

And that's all I've got. Guess I'll go finish getting ready. Happy Tuesday! Later! Oh, stay healthy.