Friday Feels Like Friday

Even though I was off on Monday - this week seemed to creep along and today actually feels like Friday.  Although when I woke up at 3:30 I laid there and thought, "Oh, good, I get to sleep in because it's Saturday...and I'm going to Maggie's...but SHIT!  I forgot to pack," and then, "Oh yeah, it's only Friday...and I only have an hour and a half left to sleep...better get crackin' on that."  This was not spoken aloud, by the little old way...it was a little 10 second conversation with myself.

In celebrity news: I think it's so funny that the entertainment news channels and websites are calling Michael Douglas and Catherine Zeta Jones split "shocking".  I've been waiting to hear this news for the last couple years...seriously.  I knew those two wouldn't last.  You can't have a 25 year age difference and think things are going to always be rainbows and sunshine.  Just saying.

In Jim news - I've had to give him a little lesson in etiquette this morning.  See, our neighbor, Matt, next door just recently ordered (and it came yesterday) a kegerator...you know a fridge for a keg (shown left).  So at breakfast this morning I told Jim it was delivered yesterday and of course Jim started drooling. I had to tell him at that point, "Don't be a MOOCH!"  And then I thought for a moment...remembered who my husband is and how he operates and I added, "And don't go over there with a frosty mug and say, "My wife told me not to be a mooch." (Seriously - my husband is a mooch.  One time, Matt was headed up to Kroger and Jim had the nerve to ask him to fill his gas can.  Thank God I was there and said, "Hell no!  You don't ask a neighbor that!"  Jimmy has no couth.) BTW - I may need to get me one of those kegerators.  That thing would make me so happy!  Maybe get one for wine too!  Oh boy, oh boy, oh boy!

Have I mentioned that I'm SO glad it's Friday.

On that note - I best head out...get this workday started so it can END!  Later!

Early Morning Meeting

I have a 7 a.m. meeting today with a parent and need to make this quick.  We also have a 7:30 fire drill so I hope this mother isn't long-winded.  She wants to meet to discuss her son and his issues.  Lets call him "Ike" (I need to make a list of nicknames so I don't forget).  Anyway - Ike has Asperger's I believe and seems to be pretty low.  He is very interested in the military (can you say "law enforcement" program at the career center) but I don't know how he would ever pass the ASVAB (the test to get into the military).  His writing is illegible for the most part but I'm not sure if that's because he's had his non-writing arm in a sling so that he doesn't hold his paper down which may be causing him to write extra-messy.  We'll see.  I'm not sure what his mother really wants to tell us (2 weeks into the year) but sometimes parents just like to talk.  She is nice enough (met her at Open House).  We were told she was getting her masters in special ed but I don't know if I believe that...she's been working at Kings Island.  Anyway - should be interesting.

In other news - my autistic junior - lets call him Linguini since he looks just like that character in Ratatouille - is having some issues that were only brought to my attention by the guidance counselor.  The parents went to her to deal with some behaviors and boy oh boy are they pusses!  They are such stick-their-heads-in-the-sand kinds of people.  They so can't get a grip on the fact that their kid is not NORMAL!  And not getting him help has caused him to regress into a bundle of teenaged, hormonal nerves.  He used to see a psychologist who they said seemed to help him and who he liked but it just "didn't fit into their schedule".  I've given them so many options on things to do for him but they never follow through.  I've given them ideas and places that may be beneficial for their son upon completing high school (it's time to start thinking about those things) and they do nothing! TOOLS! They seem to think, "Oh, maybe this year will be better.  Maybe this year will be different."  I think what they really mean (truly) is, "Maybe he will suddenly, magically be unautistic!"  Not going to happen! I hope to GOD we don't have issues like we've had with him for the past two years.  It is exhausting. 

Okay - well that's all I've got.  Not much else is happening.  Later!

Transimission

So Jim took his car into the dealership yesterday for an oil change and tire rotation.  Additionally, he asked them to check out an issue he had noticed.  Turns out the "issue" is his transmission and so he will be getting a NEW transmission installed today.  Crazy and thank you baby Jesus this is covered under warranty. He thus has a loaner car. 

I did something last night that I haven't done in probably 20 years.  I slept with my contacts in.  I NEVER do this.  I am a freak about taking them out.  I don't know what happened really...I have a routine: take out 'tacts, wash face, brush teeth, moisturize and go to bed.  For some reason I skipped step one.  I remember putting my book down last night and turning off my light thinking, "Something is missing here." See, I have a process there too: put book down, take down hair, check alarm, take off glasses and turn off lights.  Didn't take off my glasses so things seemed amiss.  When I was awoken by the alarm this morning and turned it off, I reached for my glasses as I usually do and couldn't find them.  And then I realized, "Hey, I can see the time on the clock...something is wrong with that...Oh SHIT!  I slept with my contacts in."  Oh well, no harm done that I can tell...eyes feel fine.  I had my contacts soak while I showered.

And that's about all I've got.  School is fine though I feel like I can't get my head above water quite yet.  Still trying to get into the routine.  I've managed to do that with my classes but my normal routines - updating parents and what not seems to be keeping me bogged down right now.  I'll get it together by next week, I'm sure...just in time for IEPs to start.  Of my 16 IEPs - 13 are due before January.  That's a little nuts but really no different than the past several years.  It's actually nice to have so few to do in the 2nd semester. 

K - that's all I've got. Except for this joke:  What do you call cheese that's not yours?  Nacho cheese!  Hee hee...feel free to share with others today!  K - I'm out...later!

And...we're home

We had such a good time in PIB this weekend.  The weather was amazing...each day - there wasn't a cloud to be found.  Each sunset was beautiful and the water was perfect.  Additionally we got to spend some time with Aunt Muir and Uncle Stan (hadn't seen them all year).  Eva was her usual sweet self too.  Mike (neighbor) and his son (Chris) and grandson (Gabe) were up...Eva loves her some Gabe!  And he's so sweet to her.  It was very sad to leave but I'm hoping for an October weekend as well...we'll see.

In other news - fellow Sirius car drivers - we have a free 2 weeks starting today.  YAY!

Oh, and damn Reds!  What are they trying to do to me?!

So today starts week two for school.  At least I have an idea of what I'm doing. I'll start a novel next week - after Labor Day.  Speaking of which, I won't have a full week at school until the week of the 9th!  YAY! 

And speaking of Labor Day - Jim and I will be headed up to Maggie's on Saturday...just a quick jaunt.  Jim hasn't seen their pool and the weather should (as of now) be nice.  Our neighbors said they'd let the dogs in and out and pill Bubba up...I figure they'll be okay for the day - right?! 

So just saw the Farmer's Almanac predicts a "piercing cold winter".  I think a trip to Punta Cana may definitely be a must!!!

Okay well, I'm sure I have papers on my desk to grade and parents to email so I'd better move along her.  Later!

Gotta Finish Packing

No time to really post.  With Open House being last night and not getting home until 8:30 - I didn't finish packing for PIB until this morning...I have thus run out of time for my readers (all 3 of you).  Sorry.

Open House was good...a good amount of parents showed.  No big whoop.  Our room was colder than shit, however, and my eye was a red mess and I was TIRED (and of course wound up by the time I got home and didn't go to sleep until after 10).  All was good.

Today - our PTO is serving us lunch - SKYLINE!!! Excited!

K - best head out.  Leaving from school...Jim is picking me up.  He better be on time or early or his ass is GRASS!!! 

Later - won't post again until Monday.  Ta!

Are People That Dense

First I'll say that school was pretty uneventful yesterday.  Just getting into the swing of things, you know.  My new autistic kid (I'll need to think of a nickname for him because I guarantee I'll be talking about him quite a bit) is funny.  He is the type of autistic that sometimes needs touch and pressure to calm him. For younger kids, they use vests or wear layers.  Well new kid will grab your hand and squeeze (not hard) or take your hand and press it to his face.  It's pretty funny...and was rather startling the first time he grabbed me as I walked by.  I've decided that as long as he doesn't just grab me, I'm okay with this.  (we'll talk about this as we go along). He and I were working together yesterday - I was standing at his desk helping him identify some states - and he just grabbed my hand, pulled it to his chest and held on.  It was kind of cute...especially when I tried to walk away and he wouldn't let go.  We'll work on this...doing it during appropriate times...but it calms him and keeps him from pacing and "whooping".  Playing it by ear right now.

So the title to my post:  I have a student who had MAJOR spine surgery over the summer.  I mean - he had a SERIOUS case of scoliosis.  (He showed me the before and after x-rays of his spine yesterday and I was just flabbergasted...I can't believe he's even walking.) Anyway - as you can imagine, he has some major restrictions at school.  He can't carry anything over 10 pounds; needs to use the elevator and so on.  Well, the nurse sent out an email the day before school started for the kids explaining all this and letting them know that he'd need an extra set of books at home (can't carry a book bag).  When I asked the student yesterday if he'd gotten that extra set, he said no.  SO!!!  I then emailed his teacher personally reminding them that not only is this a medical thing for the books but its also written in his IEP.  I got home yesterday and there was an email from his mother saying that books were handed out but not a extra set to her son.  She had called and emailed the counselor and VP but of course there was no response from them. She just wants to know when she can come pick them up.  I told her in so many words that from now on, if she wants something done or needs an answer to something, to call or email me.  You'd think after 2 full years together, she would realize this (and the fact that that VP and her son's guidance counselor are complete slackers and unorganized).

Okay well, I best head out.  1 day until PIB!!!  Later!

Back To Normal

Can I just tell you that I've missed my normal breakfast like you can't believe!?   (About 5 days a week, I make an breakfast sandwich with a poached egg, Swiss, tomato and avocado on a wheat English muffin.)  A week ago, my egg cooker broke.  The on/off button became disconnected and when I managed to finally shove it back into place it started shooting sparks.  Needless to say, I threw it away.  I then ordered it online (Walmart) because no one carries it in store.  It finally came yesterday and here I sit, munching on a delicious and wholesome breakfast (they say breakfast is the most important meal of the day, in case you didn't know).  So happy and fulfilled.

So the first day of school is behind me.  Things went well.  I seem to have good classes and good kids (that can change on a dime...not to be pessimistic or anything).  And BONUS!  I'm now in my room for every period except for 1st.  Lisa and I combined our 2nd bell study halls and were supposed to be in FW's class but young sped teacher (need to find a nickname for him) only has 5 kids and offered to go in her room so we could have our room (he was scheduled to teach math in our room).  YAY!!!  Good for Lisa too because she doesn't have to be in a different room for 1st and 2nd!  Love it when things work out well.

In other news - BFC is continuing to cause problems and email daily newsletters.  Got one this morning that didn't concern me in the least.  Well, okay, one point concerned me but it was something that had already been told to me yesterday.  I don't know if I can manage not going off on her at some point this year.  No, that isn't true...I don't care enough about her to risk something like that...I'll just continue to bitch about her behind her back.  Hee hee.  How catty!

K - well, I still am not sure what I'm doing in my classes today so I'd best head out.  I have an idea but with the first week being a "get-to-know-you" period...I don't want to start anything major.

Oh, I just remembered a dream I had.  I found a dog...a German shepherd.  Well, my mom found him and I had gone to her house.  I noticed a tag on his collar and I said, "Mom, did you call this number on his tag?  His name is Burris by the way." And she says, "No."  Apparently mom liked the dog and was just going to keep him.  Anyway - I called and reached the people and they lived in Colorado.  Burris had gotten that lost.  Oh, and they were offering a $20,000 reward for his return and I said, "We don't want a reward...why don't you just use that to pay for him to get home?"  Isn't that funny.  Why did I dream that?
K - I'm out.  Later!

Day 1

I'm actually writing this Monday night with the plan to post Tuesday morning because I need to get up (4:50), shower, get dressed and get outta here EARLY, EARLY, EARLY since I have NOTHING printed and ready for tomorrow (activity wise).  I was at school until 3:00 (1/2 hour after allowed to leave) and didn't get nearly enough done.  I had to leave, however, because my mind was swimming, I was getting a headache and needed a break.  I came home and after walking Sami and then running, I put together a "get to know you" questionnaire for the kids.  Tomorrow will be lots of announcements and bullshit with little time for much of anything so it will be an intro of me (for those newbies) and a getting-to-know-you thingy for me about the kids.  I'm hoping the start of this year won't be as manic as it was last year.

In other news - I can't WAIT to get to PIB on Friday.  I just want to smell that lake air and charge up for another school year.  Plus, I miss my sweet little Eva!  Today, she said hello to me on the phone and that she loved and missed me.  That in itself is pretty much all the charge I need.  Loves her! (Got this pic from Charlie of our bald eagle on the boathouse...pretty cool.  There's been a bald eagle couple that have been nesting just up the road from our house all spring and summer.  Pretty cool as they will soar through the air right by our cottage in the evenings.  They sometimes swoop down and steal the heron's catches - which pisses the heron's off to no end - just on the "Point" beyond our dock.  Pretty cool!)

BFC was a tool today...just the usual bullshit, trying to take control of things (aide schedules and the new MH teachers classroom) since she has no other control in her life.  I'm very happy for our aides who managed to get out from under her thumb a bit more this year...sharing duties in all rooms rather than 3 of the 5 completely stuck with her.  Should make for a much more enjoyable year for them.  Of course BFC didn't get what she wanted and so I'm sure the shit will soon start flying.  I know the emails have been non-stop from her.

And that's about all I've got for now.  Wish me luck with the kids.  Later!

Workday

First - HAPPY BIRTHDAY LISA!!!  I know how much it must suck to have one of the first days of the school year almost ALWAYS on your birthday but think of it this way:  You get to spend the day with friends!  Hope today is a great one and no one pisses you off! (Thought you might like a little George on your b-day.)

So today is our workday and I can't believe with everything I need to get done, I actually slept last night.  I didn't even think about all the shit that was waiting for me at work when I laid my head on the pillow last night.  That is a miracle and hopefully a preview of my year (good sleep with no worries).  That being said - here's all I have to do:

• Copy hundreds of shit for student folders - all of which is specific to their reading level. I have several new students - freshmen - so I'll have to contact their former teachers or figure out what their levels are.  This is always a crap shoot because their former teachers usually don't give great feedback...ugh.
• Send out all IEPs for all students on my caseload to all their teachers
• Prepare US History folders
• Meet with teachers who have my troubled student in their class
• Prepare my own personal folder that I keep with me at all times.  It has all my study hall info as well as phone numbers (need to update that) etc.
• Figure out my lessons for the first week. (I hate the first week of school)
• Put in for my personal day on Monday (I actually need to do that first thing)
• Prepare plans for Monday

That's actually all I can think of right now.  Not too bad.

In other news - I'm excited for Friday!  PIB here I come.  I hope this isn't the last time I'm up this year but who knows.

Eva called me last night and told me she missed me and loved me.  It was so sweet.  We actually had a little conversation.  She told me she was watching Gruffalo...so cute - she used to be afraid of that movie...I can kinda see why. 

Okay - need to get a move on.  Later!

Too Close For Comfort

So last year - I was in room 111.  This year I'm in 113...just across the hall...BUT next DOOR to BFC.  (This is the nickname that I did NOT give to the MH teacher in the sped department...it stands for Big Fat Cow).  BFC and I - if you remember - don't have dealings with each other because she's crazier than a shit house rat and apparently I pissed her off years ago to the point she won't speak with me unless a union rep is there.  Now that I'm a union rep, I hope she doesn't start talking to me. UGH!  Anyway - BFC is a complete and total control freak.  She has nothing in her life and so takes it upon herself to TRY and control what everyone else does.  She sends emails out that are several paragraphs long...emails that she has no need to send out. Already there have been two so far this year and the latest left my head pounding.  (She's so annoying). 

So the gist of the most recently sent email (sent to the whole building btw) was a let everyone know about the sign language interpreter that will be with one of the new MH students.  Here are a couple things that she put out there.

• EVERYTHING you say within general hearing distance of student will be translated.  I don’t want this to stop you from visiting the new MH teacher's (or my) room, however, just remember if you go in and tell an adult your opinion of how lousy of a play the quarterback made the night before, everything you say will be translated.  So, have the conversation out in the hall or in private or wait til lunch in the Teacher’s Lounge. Or if it is something you would say in front of a typical high school student, then no problem.  J  This is a good general rule of thumb for entering another classroom anyway.

Gee - thanks BFC...I wasn't sure how to act professionally until you just told me.  So does this mean - if I say "Hey - new teacher - isn't BFC a complete and total freak?"  And btw I wouldn't "visit" your room if you paid me a million dollars.

•  Don’t talk in the 3^rd person to the interpreter, talk directly to the student. For example, don’t say “Can you ask her if she likes red jello?” Instead say, “Student, do you like red jello?”

Gee - thanks...I didn't know what 3rd person was. That example was VERY helpful!

• If the student is in your class (at this time she is only taking gym class outside the MH/MD room) please try to give whatever materials you can to the interpreter in advance.

Points 4-9 then basically tell the teachers what to do for the student when she's in their classroom - even though she just said she WON'T be in their room. She tells them they need to provide a little table lamp, for example, so the interpreter can be seen by the student. 

GOD BFC is annoying. Can't wait for a whole year next door to her.  Hopefully the new teacher will see pretty quickly that she's a complete and total tool who can't be trusted.

K - well, I've wasted enough time here and Sami is giving me the stink eye...guess she wants her walk. 

Reasons Why I Don't Want To Go Back To Work (and then I'll stop complaining)

1. The most obvious - I don't want to work...I want to have gobs of money so that I can stay home and hang with my babies.
2. I don't like this waking up early shit.  And I didn't even get up at normal time today.  I got up at 5:30 and normally get up before 5:00. Tuesday's going to SUCK!
3. My babies are sad that I won't be with them all day long!
4. I'm going to have to go back to doing my grocery shop on Saturday.  I've been doing it on Monday and it is lovely.  There's no one there.  No little kids with their little mini cart to get in my way or run into my ankles (and risk a bitch slap). UGH!
5. I can't do my morning walk and run.  That's a biggie because you know that by the time I get home from work, it's 3PM and then I have to walk Sami, get dinner ready, and run?  Often times I'm worn out and I lose motivation.
6. I can't stay up and watch my shows.  I fell asleep last night during BB. No more chillaxing in bed with a book until the late hours (of 11:00).
7. My morning cup of Kuerig has to wait until I get to work. Our old coffee pot is back to brewing but it just isn't the same.
8. No more laying out and keeping my nice brown color.  I hate being pale!
9. I don't want to go back to work
10. I don't want to go back to work

K - I'm done bitching about having to work.  From here on out (until this time next year) I'll only bitch about the kids and people I work with...Ha! Well, I best finish beautifying myself and head in to school...big day ahead.  Later!

Dilemmas

So I've been on a bit of a whirlwind trip to Columbus and back and am somewhat depressed to be home, knowing I have to be at work tomorrow. I had so much fun, however.  I got there yesterday morning and the weather cleared up beautifully so that Maggie and I could hang out in the pool until Kristyn and gang came over.  They arrived around 5:00.  It was Kristyn, Clover, Karmen, Karen, Anne/Pat (Kristyn's mom), Caroline (Karen's daughter), Aunt Bean, Avery (Aunt Bean's granddaughter), Fernanda (Eric's wife...Eric couldn't be there because he's working his ass off opening a new Dewey's) , Dylan (F's son) and her new baby Ethan.  (Eddie and William - Karen's son - came over today; Dan hasn't gotten to Columbus yet - he arrives Friday). Anyway - we just hung out while the kids swam and then most of the adults left - around 8:30 - with the kids in tow except Kristyn and Karmen.  We (Kristyn, Karmen, me and Maggie) proceeded to drink wine (too much?) and talk...until about 9:30. (BTW - we never ate dinner...can you say: HUNGRY!? Definitely drank too much without anything in my belly to absorb!)  It was so nice to sit with them, as it always is and catch up.  I hate that they live so far from us - especially Kristyn.  She and Dan - btw - have just applied for permanent residency in Australia.  I am not happy! 

Oh, and sorry I only have these two pics of Kristyn and Clover...I'm a terrible photographer and have only my phone to use.  However, Mom, Pat/Anne says hello as do the rest of the Kohl's. 

So here's what came up while we were all chatting and it's left me with a bit of a dilemma:  Kristyn, Clover, Karen and her kids, Karmen and Anne are all going on a European Disney cruise next June (the 7th - 14th) and they told me they would love for Jim and I to go. I want to make this happen so BAD!!! It would start in Barcelona, go to Nice, then Florence/Pisa, Rome, Naples and back to Barcelona.  I've priced it out and for the two of us, including airfare, we could probably do it for under $4000. I'm trying HARD to figure out a way to afford it.  We never go ANYWHERE!  Except PIB...but what does that really cost us?  Do I just book the thing and say, "you only live once"?  I know I still owe on my windows but I know I can get that paid off in time (12 months same as cash deal).  Do I do this?!  I know we would have so much fun...something I would love to share with Jim (we've hardly been anywhere together other than our honeymoon).  UGH!  I don't know what to do!?  Advice?  Should I play it safe and wait until the windows are paid off and not strap myself totally? (BTW - I would only have to put $500 down as a deposit and the total amount wouldn't be due until February). What to do, what to do?

Okay - so Jim just go home.  I need to go hug my dogs and hubby.  Later. 

Starting To Get Bummed

I was laying in bed this morning - it was 6:00 AM - and I was completely bummed because I knew this was the last Monday of my vacation.  I know, as a teacher, I'm lucky to have summer's off and some people knock teachers for this as though we have part-time careers, but you just have no idea (unless you've been there) how draining it all can be.  And don't get me wrong, I do like my job but I certainly don't live to work...I work to live and these times, at the end of a nice break, just get me down.  Because I know that I can't just jaunt up to Columbus on the spur of the moment to hang with Maggie and Eva. And I only have one more planned trip up to the Bay (although I'd like to get up again in the fall). And I can't lay in bed until 10 or 11 at night reading an awesome book (unless I want to be a zombie at work). And my laying out days are numbered.  I'm getting more and more sad (sadder?).

And with all that being said, my plans for the day:  I've walked Sami; eaten breakfast and in a minute here I'm going to go run.  After that I'll shower and then I'll probably stop at Costco before {DREAD} heading up to work to get a few things done.  I was going to go on Thursday after my meeting but it's supposed to be nice on Thursday and I know I'd rather come home after lunch and hang with my pups (and lie in the sun).  I'll also stop at the library today...turn some things in and grab a new book on CD for my trip up to Columbus tomorrow. 

And that's about it. I'm pretty boring but that's a good thing because I'm sure there will be lots to talk about once school starts.  A new batch of kids is always full of crazy stories. K - later!

Bloody Hell

Sure wish this weather would clear up so I could lay out!  I need to get my tan on as much as possible before school starts again and ARG!  Mother Nature is effing with that plan!  So mad!  Well at least Wednesday is supposed to be nice.  I think I'll be heading up to Columbus Tuesday so that I can hang out Wednesday with Kristyn et al when she comes to town.  Might be my only chance to really see her...we'll have to see.

So last night we ended up hanging with the neighbors again.  Jim and I had gone to Shooter's yesterday for a beer or two and Matt, our neighbor, stopped by and brought up the plan to cook out.  I had chicken marinating so it was easy to change the plans. I made some broccoli salad and rice.  Brandi next door did some corn and baked beans.  Somehow, in the midst of our hanging out, we all started talking in British accents.  It was ridiculous but hilarious.  Lots of "Bloody 'ell"s and "Blimey"s; "tosh pot" made an appearance and "bugger".  Jim had the best accent and kept us in stitches.

Today's plans:  Well, I've already walked and did a bike workout as well.  Breakfast has been eaten and cleaned up.  I'm now sitting and waiting for it to clear up a bit so I can lay in the sun (fingers crossed).  I guess if it doesn't clear up, I'll do some reading (an amazing book - Mudbound - that I'll review later today probably) and maybe crush some candy. 

K - I'm out...later!

What's Up With My Head...And Eyeball!?

It's been a rough couple of days with my head and eye.  To preface - I take naproxen (Aleve) every day...one in the morning. I started doing this because of the headache I would get mid-morning and other various aches and pains (getting old sucks). Normally these headaches were occurring during the school year.  Can you say "stress"?  So for the past week or so, I've been getting a headache, mid-morning, right at the back of my skull, toward my neck. And when the come, it's well after I've taken my naproxen.  UGH!  I'm convinced it's the thoughts and dealings I've been having about school.  I can't say I'm stressed about school...just bummed I guess about the fact that my summer is almost done.  Sad.

In regard to my eye...who knows what's going on there.  My eyes are f%*ked up! Mainly it's my right eye. They itch, they burn, they water. So the other day, I took a nap and when I woke up, my eye was on the verge of what seemed to be another bout of pink eye. I took out my contacts (this never was an issue before when napping...I don't otherwise sleep in my 'tacts), put drops in and went on my way.  Then, the next day, I put my contacts in and slowly but surely, my right eye started acting the fool: itchy, watery and like there was a grain of sand in there somewhere.  Eventually, I threw those contacts out and put in a brand, spanking-new pair.  Ah...better.  Then the next day - yesterday - I put those contacts in and ARG!!!  My eye started up again.  I must have scratched that mutha.  Still feels like I've got a grain of sand rolling around in there...even with just my glasses on. I'll try and go without my contacts today but I need to walk Sami and run and I can't do that with my glasses on (I get so sweaty, they fly right off my head).  I think what I need to do is A) get new glasses and contacts or B) get some new eyes.  These puppies have about had it.

So got an email from Becky last night saying that my dad has been choses for a lifetime achievement award for medical education and service at Good Sam!  That's exciting.  It'll be a banquet on September 21st...looking forward to that...hopefully the whole fam can get together for it and celebrate.

Today's plans:  nothing much.  Hanging.  I might go out and get an eye patch...pretend I'm a pirate.  Hee hee...I kid.  We'll probably just chill out...depending on the weather, maybe do a bit of yard stuff.  I want Jim to start cleaning out the basement.  We'll see how that suggestion goes over with him.

K - I'm out...happy Saturday (last one during vacation for me - WAH!).  Later!

Oops...Forgot To Post

It's been a bit busy, busy, busy around here since Maggie and Eva came.  Not that we've done much but keeping up with Eva and keeping her occupied is a full-time job.  Then when she goes down for a nap, it's time to relax.

Wednesday, we just hung out for the most part.  They got here at about 10:30 and then we went and met Mom, Madison and Max at Frisch's.  We came home, Eva napped, Maggie napped and I sat and attempted to move beyond the level on Candy Crush that I've been stuck on for days.  So frustrating. 

Yesterday, Maggie went to lunch with Lynne while Eva and I stayed here and played.  We did some Lego building, some coloring, watched some Cailou and Sesame Street; Eva found a step stool and jumped up and down on that about 367 times, we ate lunch, Eva went down for a nap and then Maggie got home.  After dinner, we went over to Lynne's for a couple hours...drank a couple glasses of wine and then we came home.  Apparently it rained like a mutha last night and my backyard is swamped.  There must have been a river running through because the grass is all flat and pointed one direction.  Ugh! 

Today, Maggie and Eva leave.  Eva's actually still asleep (at 9:30).  She woke up and partied for a couple hours around 3AM so she's catching up.  Silly girl.  Not sure what I'll do here as it's not pretty and it's muggy as hell.  I need to hit the grocery and walk Sami.  Other than that...I may re-check schedules and just relax...catch up on some DVR stuff. 

And that's about it.  I best head up to get myself ready to walk with Sami...if I wait too long, she won't go the whole way (she gets hot in all this mugginess).

Later!

Jim Just Asks For It

I've said it before and I'm saying it again:  Jim must love to catch grief from me...otherwise, why would he continually eff up?!

So yesterday - I text Jim (around 2 or so) and tell him to text or call me a half hour before he leaves for home.  You see, dinner was going to take about an hour and some and I wanted to make sure I had plenty of time to cook without sitting down at 7:00. He texts back "K".  So 5:30 rolls around and no text, no call. 5:38 I get a text, "OMW".  So I text back, "Are you OYW or leaving in a half hour?"  Jim texts and says, "OMW".  Great!  So I call..."Um, you're on your way?  What happened to my request for a half hour?"  Jim: "I'm a half hour from home."  Me: "So...you enjoy getting yelled at is what you're saying.  I mean, you responded to my text with a 'K' so I assumed that meant you read it and I know you understand English so what's the deal?"  Jim: "I'm sorry."  Me: "I'm getting that tattooed on your forehead!"

Then, he comes home and I tell him, "Just so you know - after dinner, I'm going to be asking you to help me clean upstairs - vacuum, change sheets etc. - and when I do, I better not EVEN get a 'can it wait 15 minutes'.  You better just do it."  Jim: "K".  So then I point to a letter - addressed in my handwriting to the Clermont County Water Resource Department (the water bill) and I say, "Will you go put that in the mailbox?" And Jim says, "Is it a check?"  Me: "No.  It's a letter to my pen pal...at the water department."  Jim: "I ask the stupidest questions." Me: "Yep, you do."

I'll say it for you: Poor Jim...but you know, he just asks for it...truly.

K - well, Maggie is here - currently examining the back of her eyelids...as is Eva so I figure I might as well get a in a kitty cat nap myself.  Later!

Much More Rested

I was exhausted last night.  I looked in the mirror while washing my face at about 7:00 and my eyes were completely bloodshot.  I managed to stay up for a little while after dinner (catching up on The Killing) but had to hit the sheets around 9:00.  I think I just overdid it on Sunday and then didn't get great sleep.

So my trek to school yesterday went well.  All boxes got unpacked; books got shelved; cabinets were rearranged; Lisa's "kitchenette" is set up; the final belongings from our room across the hall were hauled over and put away and things that needed booted got booted. Overall it was a very productive day. I think I may go in one more time to get all my things arranged. I have a filing cabinet that has all my DVDs shoved in and desk supplies.  If I can get all that arranged, my work day will be spent much more productively and I won't feel completely unprepared for day one with kids.  I'll most likely head back in next Thursday after my union rep meeting.  That should be over by 1:00.  I'll try to remember to take a pic too...we have so much more room now...it makes me so happy. I was actually walking around my desk to the kitchenette yesterday and thinking, "God, it so far away now!"  Room to breathe!

Today...it's supposed rather cloudy with possibilities of rain so I'll most likely just hang here.  Maybe get some work done.  I'm still not sure what I'll start my LA class with so maybe I'll iron that out.  US History is easy but I'll double check that the first few chapters are ready.  Other than that, I'll just hang with my babies, walk Sami, and run.

And that's about all I've got.  Ooh, I did finish my latest book (Big Stone Gap by Adriana Trigiani)...really good and it part of a series...YAY!  I'll update my book blog later today! K - later!

Lots To Do And Feeling Lazy

I need to get off the computer and make breakfast so I can walk Sami and get a move on.  I need to get to school around 8:30 or 9:00 but I'm feeling a bit slow this morning.  I feel fine - just a bit tired.  I've been very tired lately...don't know why. 

Yesterday was fun.  I was laying out when Jim came and said the neighbors were gearing up for a little cookout.  I didn't have anything to make but that was okay...there was plenty of food.  We hung out until about 9:00 and just chit-chatted.  Found out that the neighbor down the road who has 2 autistic boys from her first marriage and a 2 year old from her current marriage...the 2 year old was just diagnosed with autism.  I mean, does that suck or what?!  Not sure of the severity and I'm sure with her just being 2 (she was born in July) they are still figuring that out as well.  The neighbor who was talking about it said she just stopped communicating completely.  So sad...kind of breaks my heart.

So as I've said, I'll be heading into work here in a bit.  I'm meeting Lisa and hopefully we'll get much of the stuff arranged that we need to.  From there we can start organizing cabinets and shelves.  We also need to get into our old room and take out the remainder of our crap.  It's a bit job and will certainly take more than just today so I may try to get in tomorrow as well.  We'll see how I feel. 

Okay well, I need to get up off my ass and motivate.  Later!

Mom Departs

{Lower lip out} I hate that my mom is leaving.  It's always so nice just hanging with her and pampering her, talking with her.  But alas, I think Eva may pull my mom's attention a little stronger than I ever could.  I'm not offended...I feel the same way.  Eva will have so much fun with her Nana swimming and today should be a beautiful day.

My plans today?  Well, Jim's exhausted and finally has a day off today so we'll be at home hanging.  He's been working nonstop all week because it's "busy" season where he works (getting apartments ready for the incoming university students). he's probably put in about 60 hours this week. Good for the bank account, bad for Jim's sleeping habits. Jim will probably mow the lawn while I lay out.  Maggie wanted us to go up for the day but it's just too much for poor Jimmy.  He'd be a dud. 

Tomorrow, I'll head up to school to try and get the room in order or rather Lisa and I will start to get it in order.  I might go up on Tuesday as well...we'll see how much we get done tomorrow.  I'll get there fairly early because I need to be home by noonish. 

And that's about all I've got.  Sorry I'm so boring.  Happy Sunday.  Later