Rainy Days & Mondays

It isn't getting me down, like the song says but this crazy summer (crazy that it is very unsummer-like) is on a fast track to pissing me off. July starts Wednesday and the temps for PIB over the next week or so is mid-70s. I'm not really bummed over the temps but the rain can settle the hell down now! Regardless though, rain or shine I'll have a great time in PIB.

Ted Cruz is s dufus in case you didn't already know.

Hilarious! I just saw a commercial for Channel 5 - WLWT - weather and they have all these people, drenched, saying they blame this person or that person. The best though is a little kid in a Reds hat who says, "I blame the Cardinals!" Yay, me too!

Dinner last night was yummy. We met Fritz and his friend George at Trio's. Originally, we were supposed to go to Vincenzo's but alas, my fave Italian restaurant isn't open on Sundays. I got the meatloaf...yummy. I've had it before and it's great but the best part of the dish are the brussel sprouts and carrots. I could have just eaten a plateful of that.

Plans today: Not sure what I'll do...maybe clean. Definitely exercise. Jim has one more day (after work) completing his side job so he'll be late. Hopefully home by 7:00 but any estimate Jim gives should have an hour tacked on to it.

Finished a great book yesterday: The Life We Bury by Allen Eskens. LOVED IT! I've read three really fast reads lately and am in a total reading groove now. I'm now reading two books that are starting really well too: The Art of Hearing Heartbeats and Apple Tree Yard.

And that's about all I've got. Oh, except to add a bit of a bitch straight at my sister who has YET to post any pictures of her trip to Destin. I've said for a while now that I'm a better momma to her baby and this just proves it! How am I supposed to get my Eva fix!? Don't make me come down there and kick some Maggie biscuits!

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

Happy Birthday MOM!!!

Happy 77th to my mom!!!  I hope you have a fantabulous day! I know I've used this pic many times before but I love it...makes me smile every time I see it.

Can you believe the Miller yesterday!? Probably obvious but they had to cancel all trips due to the crazy Nor'easter that hit. This is a shot from Catawba. Where all the water is, that's where the cars line up. 

In this shot, where the building is, just behind it, that's where cars drive around to load onto the boat. Dad and Becky are headed up today and it looks like they should make it on the island without any problems (boats were up and running by 8:00). I wonder how the point and our dock fared?!

In other news - Jim and I will be having dinner out tonight with his brother who is in town from San Fran. We'll go to Vincenzo's...YUMMY! Can't wait. 

Jim worked yesterday from about 9:00 and didn't get home until 10:30. UGH! He's almost done with the job he has (should finish up today) so that's good. My plans for today are to relax and enjoy the sun. The temps are awesome and the humidity is nil! WOOT! 

And that's all I've got. Maggie, Charlie and Eva made it safe and sound to Florida. Hope they have fun and whoop it up. Time for me to walk Sami and get my exercise on. Later! Happy Sunday.

Rainy Saturday Plans

Jim's working all weekend to finish a side job that's been on his agenda for what seems like forever. With vacation, an undecided client and weird 2nd shift shifts at work, he's had this woman on the back burner for about a month (again - not all his fault). He'll work today and tomorrow and hopefully bang it all out (and get PAID!). This means that Muwee has the house to herself!!  What to do, what to do?

Well, first of all I will be going to the grocery so that I can do some freezer meals (breakfast and dinner) so Jim can eat when I'm gone during the week of the 6th. I'll do breakfast burritos, waffles, and probably a casserole. After that, I'll do a bit of cleaning. I'm going to map out my next quilt as well...this will take some time because I need to figure out a pattern and then account for size and cuts. Lots of math in my future. I'll walk Sami and exercise as well.

My couple of days in Columbus were awesome. Wednesday was spent nearly completely in the pool. Eva was a TON of fun. She's really taken to swimming on her own (using her puddle jumper) and racing from one end of the pool to the other. Oh and she's a HUGE cheater! She literally pulls her opponent's arm to gain the upper hand and pull out a win. Hilarious!

Today, Maggie, Charlie and Eva are headed to Destin (safe travels). They'll hang for the week with their Alabama family (and others). Hope you all have a great, relaxing time and have great weather. (My neighbors are heading there today as well!)

What else? So happy about the SCOTUS decision on same-sex marriage. Maggie called me to tell me yesterday as I drove home from her house and it made me very emotional. Thanks for making me cry while I drove Maggie!

Hung out yesterday with my former neighbor, Brandi. Hadn't seen her in nearly a year. It was good to hang out and catch up. Definitely need to make a greater effort to see them.

Okay well for some reason, Sami's giving me grief. She must want her walk NOW! Guess I'm out. Happy Saturday to all. Later!

Next Couple Of Days

So yesterday was my 14th anniversary and it was just a nice, relaxing day. Though Jim had to work, we managed to go out to dinner and let me tell you - it was YUMMY! We went to Tony's Steakhouse (got to use my $125 gift card and still have about $25 left). I had the braised short ribs (amazing though I could only eat half) and Jim had a burger (off the bar menu). We shared the calamari of which I'm not usually a fan but Jim loves it and it was really delicious. Jim also ordered the gazpacho but it never came (good thing because he ordered too much food anyway) so they gave him a large container to go...lunch for Jimmy. All in all, it was a good dining experience but I will say, I like Eddie Merlots better. It has a nicer atmosphere and the service is much better. 

So in a few minutes, I'll go shower and then hop in my car to head to Columbus. It's supposed to be beautiful so Maggie and I plan to hang at the pool all day. We have no plans of going anywhere all day...a nice relaxing day.

I'll come home on Friday morning - by noon - and if it's nice, I'll go over to my former neighbors neighborhood to hang with her. It's been forever since we've caught up and there's a LOT of interesting dirt to update her with regarding my circle. 

And that's about all. Weather is amazing today - no humidity and cool. Can't wait to chill by the pool with my girl and Maggie. Later!

Sticky

Which means I'm about to be stinky since I need to mow the yard. UGH! It's going to be nasty and humid today and I don't look forward to my yard chores but alas, they need to get done. I also need to spray the back yard for weeds...ridiculous. Before I do that, however, I'll do a much needed grocery shop. My cupboards are BARE!!! And I'll make my calendar for the week. Other than those two things, I've no plans today.

Jim's back to work. He's in Sharonville which is good because that's pretty close to home. He was not looking forward to going back but thems the brakes.

Not much else is going on. Lunch with the ladies tomorrow and that's it.

Best get my menu and list started. Later!

Home - Safe & Sound

You know, in my older age (not old - just older) I've gotten a little more neurotic in how I live and the things I allow to weigh on my mind. Example: I worry about driving in rain to the point that yesterday - with Bill literally hanging over my head - Jim and I opted for a drive home that was solely on back roads (state and US routes). I kept myself up most of the night Friday into Saturday worrying about the drive home (no way to live) and in the end, it was senseless worrying. I should have known that Jim would be up for a nice back road adventure (that boy loves him some scenery). We ended up taking a new route home that allowed us to NEVER get on the interstate thus avoiding any stress or freak out on my part and only took an extra half hour to arrive at our destination (although we used less gas). In my older age, I'm not in a rush to get anywhere - even home. Better safe and sound that reckless and on edge. 

We had a wonderful time in PIB. There was lots of rain (it rained all but two days) but it wasn't a complete washout. We did have two really beautiful days and Maggie and I got to take a lovely ride around Rattlesnake (I took a lovely ride around PIB as well after Maggie left me). We had a couple hatchings of mayflies (those little wormy f*%kers are annoying) but that was easily dealt with. We did a TON of cleaning, rearranging and purging although it may have all been for naught considering the hoarding tendencies of some and the fact that people rarely leave things as good or better than the way they found them. An unfortunate consequence of having a house that is used by so many. What are you going to do?

When I got back yesterday - I saw my next door neighbor (Cari) and since her husband was on duty last night (he's a fire fighter) we made plans for some drinks. Her grandmother passed a couple days ago (she was really close to her) and she needed some friend time and a chance to talk about her loss. I took her some sun flowers to hopefully brighten things up and we had lots of laughs, delicious wine and I got caught up on the gossip around the circle (some kooky shit).

Today Jim and I will be easing back into our routines. We're hoping to go to Shooters at some point but I'm not sure they're open for Father's Day (they close on Mother's Day so the chances are slim). We'll have dinner at home and just enjoy the comforts. I need to mow the lawn like you can't imagine but considering the rain we've had, that may have to wait a couple days. I'm planning a trip to Columbus this week (most likely Wednesday to Friday) and I have lunch with my girls from work Tuesday. 

Okay well, Sami needs to take a jaunt around the neighborhood so I'll head out. Happy Sunday and Happy Father's Day to the two father fellows in my life.  You've both been such great influences to me in my life and I love you both.  Thanks Dad and Richard. Hope your day is relaxing and happy! 

This Time Tomorrow...

...I'm hoping to be past Dayton and approaching our exit. We'll take a different route up tomorrow due to construction on both I-75 and route 6. We went our new way home in May and it's a quite easy and will hopefully be traffic/construction free. It will take a few minutes more but it's worth avoiding the crazy construction on 75 in Findlay. Hoping to catch the 9:30 ferry and hoping that Maggie is on the same one. Charlie will drive up separately and hopefully be up by 4:00.

Today will be my shopping/packing extravaganza. Hopefully most of my work will be done by noon and I can then relax and go to bed early. I won't cook tonight...we'll just get takeout - something that won't leave leftovers.

Not sure what the weather will be at the Bay over the next week or so but it doesn't really matter. Weather.com always shows rain and storms for pretty much every day but that's nothing new. Lake weather is a crap shoot and they never get it right. Saturday looks NICE, however. High - 75 and mostly sunny. WOOT! Temps don't look to get above 85 on any day. WOOT WOOT! Hoping to have windows open all week long.  Hoping for some nice windy days as well.

Aunt Muir and Uncle Stan will be coming up on Friday as Stan has a meeting at the yacht club Saturday. They're going to take us to the Crew's Nest for happy hour and dinner at the yacht club after (Maggie, I was right - A Taste of Italy...Eva will be happy). Should be fun.

And that's about all I've got. Should be another scorcher here today with temps in the 90s. Yesterday was hot as well but not bad...humidity was low...laying out was quite comfortable. I'll hop on the elliptical here in a minute and then eat breakfast, shower and head to Kroger. This will probably be my last post for a week or so but I'm sure I'll post on FB with pictures. Later...safe travels to me!

2 Days Until Bliss!!!

I am very anxious to get up to the Bay, that's for sure. I've been doing a little bit every day to prepare (cleaning, shopping, marinating). Today, I'll do some last bits of laundry and mow the lawn. Tomorrow will be my big shop and I'll then begin to pack the car (dry goods). Woot!

Jim's finally back on regular shift at work (sort of). For the past few days, he's been working second shift (3:30-11:30ish). It was actually nice to have him around during the day (to help clean etc.) and then I had some nice hours on my own.

Looks like Sami will be joining Jim and me for vacation. I messaged Diane this morning to check how her mother is doing and things are still very difficult on that front. They've called in hospice and will move her to hospice today, I believe. Diane just isn't comfortable leaving her and I completely understand. I had a feeling this might happen. I don't know what this will mean for Maggie and Charlie if they can't get a sitter for Bussie. We'll see.

And that's all I've got. I need to get a move on. It's going to be a SCORCHER today (near 90) and I need to get the lawn mowed before it gets too bad. Of course it's only 8:30 so I'll have to wait a bit but whatever.

Happy - shit what day is it? Oh, Wednesday...happy Wednesday! Later!

Getting Ready

YAWN!!!  I don't know why but today is the first day that it's really FELT like I'm on summer vacation. Interesting, huh? Maybe because last night was the first "school night" that I really stayed up late, knowing I didn't have to get up early. (Nothing exciting, I just stayed up late reading.) So happy to be on break.

So this week I'll be prepping for PIB. Today, I'll do a major house clean since it's going to be rainy and stormy. Tomorrow, I'll do my Costco shop and get all the meats I will take up, marinate them and organize all the dry goods that will be going. I won't do my veggie shop and refrigerated shop until probably Thursday. I got some veggies from my Green Bean delivery which will come on Thursday too.

Jim doesn't have to work today until 3:30. Weird, I know. He's doing a Gold Star and I believe that he has to wait until later for other workers to finish their parts. He'll get an 8-hour day in so he'll be a tired pup tomorrow.

The good thing about Jim working later is he can finish his chore of cleaning the Florida room that he started yesterday. He managed to just get the windows cleaned yesterday. It's a big job since there are 9 louvered windows but my boy tends to be a bit OCD when he cleans (no to mention slow). He even took all the screens out and scrubbed them down. Hopefully today, I'll get the rest of the room done. Currently he's out helping the garbage guy who will hopefully take our dismantled fence that's been in our side yard for weeks (they wouldn't take it before).

My French dip sandwiches were DEEEEELICIOUS last night. So easy and yummy! I've pinned it if you're interested.

And that's all I've got. Best hop on the elliptical while I'm motivated. Happy Monday. Later!

There's Something To Be Said...

...for my ability to drink. A) I can hold my liquor which means B) I tend NOT to get hung over after a night of ridiculous frivolity. And I mean ridiculous. I can't say that all of my fellow partiers can say they feel well today and based on the antics of said partiers - I don't expect to see their faces today (and I'll bet their a tad green). There were LOTS of shots, beers and not enough water drunk in between (I drank water. I'm not stupid and it wasn't my first rodeo).

Last night we started at Stonecreek (in Montgomery) where I enjoyed a yummy dinner of short ribs, mashers with horseradish and green beans (and a chocolate martini for dessert). We then headed across the street to the Corner Pub as they had live music outside. From there (because certain individuals had sat idle for too long with too many drink poured down their gullet) we headed to the Village Tavern for some dancing. They had a great dj and once we kicked the young twerkers off the dance floor, we ruled the joint. My awesome husband got us all home safe and sound and I'm SO glad I'm feeling fine.

French Open: Djokovic is losing his mind. I love to see the players get emotional...makes for some good tennis. I'm rooting for the underdog (Wawrinka) though I know nothing about him except he's Swiss and he's wearing some crazy shorts.

Today I'll just hang. I'm making French Dip sandwiches in the crockpot for dinner. Sami's going to get a bath here in a minute. Her winter coat is driving me crazy and I think the only cure is going to be a nice bath. She'll hate it for a minute but loves all the love and attention.

And that's all I've got. This week will be me getting ready for the Bay (we're leaving Friday). I'll start getting my meals together (marinating and freezing things). Can't wait to be up there.

Happy Sunday to all. Later!

Quick Saturday Post

I slept a little later than I'd intended so I need to get a move on. I should be out the door to go to Trip's at 9:00. J.J.'s baseball game is at 11:00. Not sure how long that will last but I'd expect to be home around 2:00. I'll try to get some pics.

Tonight most of the neighbors in my circle are going out to eat and then to a bar for drinks to celebrate one of the guys birthday. Should be fun. We've not all been out before, away from the neighborhood. The girls, yes, but the men, no.

I went over to my next door neighbor's house last night for a few cocktails...home by 11:00. I managed NOT to imbibe too much and so I'll be ready for tonight.

And that's all I've got going for now. The heat from yesterday has dissipated and the sun isn't out so baseball watching should be comfortable. YAY!

I can't believe my boy George (Clooney) came to town and didn't call me! I call bullshit. I mean, just because he's married now doesn't mean our relationship has to end totally! We can still be friends. Rude.

'K - I'm out. Best get ready. Later!

Because My Mom Yelled At Me!

I have very remiss in my posting and apparently, that has upset my mother. I got a text from her this morning that said, "Are you ever going to post again?" Oops. I'm grounded and may just get my mouth washed out. And I had so much to share!

So here are some highlights from my {extended} stay in Columbus (stayed an extra day):

• The zoo. We had such a great time! The weather was a bit cool and cloudy but that was okay. (I think the cool weather keeps some of the animals out and happy - i.e. the polar bears, which by the way were out and there were three of them this time around. I'd not seen more than two there before). The cheetah run was so cool. I was amazed that the zoo handlers were in the enclosure with them. Unfortunately I had a video that I THOUGHT I'd uploaded onto my drive but alas, I didn't and I've since deleted it from my phone (I'm such an asshole).
• Speaking of the cheetahs - they have a second enclosure which is shared with a yellow lab buddy. It is crazy and amazing that such a possible fierce animal (the cheetah, duh) can have such a playful and loving relationship with a domestic animal. So cute. 
• Eva and I read a TON of books together and best of all, she chose to snuggle with me the other night before going to sleep. She told me, "First we'll talk about a safari I went on and then I'll go to sleep." Of course her safari was never-ending and I had to finally tell her that Muwee's a loser and about to start sawing logs so, night night. 
• Eva and I did a lot of swimming together yesterday. She's a great kicker and nearly there in terms of her swimming. She wore me OUT! 
• Finally got some quality color on this pale skin of mine. I don't think I've gone this far into warm weather without a bit of color! Embarrassing really!
• Last night, Eva was in rare form. We put her to get after nine but she was wound up (not sure why). She sounded DRUNK talking in her bed and singing. Apparently Maggie had to go into her room at 12:30 and tell her to QUIT TALKING AND GO TO SLEEP! Of course she was up before nine this morning but in a great mood. 

I'm sorry to have to leave today but I'll be seeing at least Maggie and Eva (hopefully Charlie as well) in just about a week!

My plans today: I'll head for the shower here in a minute and leave, around 10:00. I want to stop at the outlets on my way home...see if they have anything for me to wear (night out Saturday for a neighbors birthday). I'll make a delicious and deserved dinner for Jimmy tonight and put him to bed early so I can go hang with my next door neighbor for some wine time. Other than that...nothing.

Okay well, I'd best mosey. Happy Friday! Later!

Northbound

7:00 AM and I'm showered and fed; mostly packed and I hope to head out at about 8:00. Maggie and I will go to the zoo and hopefully be there in time for the cheetah race at 10:30. I haven't been to the Columbus Zoo's Heart of Africa and I can't wait. I'll take pics and post, of course.

I'll be in Columbus until Thursday. Tomorrow, Eva has a doctor's appointment and after that we just plan on hanging out. The weather was originally supposed to be beautiful but of course that's changed and we're now looking at partly cloudy. That's okay though.

What else? Jim's currently getting the big screw with work. His supervisor is a bit of a puss. He didn't have anywhere to send Jim yesterday and won't answer Jim's texts or phone calls. He currently hasn't received an assignment for today either. The reason this is such a big deal is that Jim could be doing a side job that would pay over a thousand bucks but without knowing exactly if/when he'll be placed on a job, he can't start it. Additionally, we're headed on vacation next Friday which means next week is a 4-day week and then he'll have a week off. UGH! His supervisor told him there were three jobs about to start but I heard that song and dance for four months over the winter. Fingers crossed. I'm a bit sick of this.

And that's all I've got. Best get a move on so Maggie doesn't yell at me. Can't wait to see Eva. Happy Tuesday/Day 2 of vacation! Later!

J.J.'s Birthday Party

Yesterday's birthday party for J.J. was quite lovely. The pool was great and I can't wait to get back there to lounge and float around later in the summer. J.J. had a great time with his friends. Eva thoroughly enjoyed swimming with her Daddy and the weather held out with the exception of a couple of rain showers - brief and harmless.

Today will be a day of "jobs". I've cooked breakfast; Jim cleaned; I walked Sami and I'll head out here in a minute to mow the back yard. Jim wants to till an area of the front yard that's a bit of an eyesore and if he's doing that, I may just mow the front if I have the wherewithal. Other than that, I will hang out and watch me some Harry Potter.

Plans for the week: I believe I'll head to Columbus on Tuesday (come home Thursday) to spend a little time with my girl (Eva). Wednesday's supposed to be NICE so we can maybe go to the zoo and spend some leisure time at the pool. Can't wait. Other than that I just plan on settling into my summer. Planning for PIB (heading there on the 12th) will take a bit of time (meals etc.)

The new neighbors have moved in but they've not yet made an "island" appearance though Cari (my next door neighbor) tried to lure them in Friday for a drink. She may have scared them a bit with her excitement. Oh well..if that scared them off, they may not be "our" kind of people. JK - I'm sure they'll be great.

Okay well, I best head out before I decide to pour myself another mimosa instead. Later!

OH SHIT! Jim just took out my wallet because he was going to the store and a spider crawled out! WHAT THE F&%K!?!? Not cool spider! I'm so mad at that spider right now!  K - Happy Sunday! Later!

Work Then Play

I'll head in around 7:00 today (we were told we could go in a little late) for the 8:00 breakfast for the staff. I made a delicious looking raspberry coffee cake, by the way, and it smells and looks delicious...here's hoping it tastes the same. After that, I want to move my desk and certain other items into our new room and then, I'm hoping, we can all sneak out. Who knows...not too worried about it. I'm in no rush with 2 1/2 months off starting tomorrow!

Jim and I went to Vince's memorial last night, met Anne there. It was packed! I'd say we got there and waited in line to give our condolences for about an hour. Maybe a little longer. So sad for Carol, her girls and their grandchildren. I won't go to the funeral today but Trip will be there. I know my mom wishes she weren't on vacation so she could make it.

After leaving the funeral home, Jim and headed to Bacall's. Love that place and we hadn't been since Cullen was at St. X. We both got our usual (me - meatloaf; Jim - black and blue burger). I want to go back and have about 10 other things on the menu.

Speaking of menus - I got a gift card from one of my kids/parents yesterday to Tony's Steak House.  For...wait for it...$125!!!  No you didn't read that wrong - for one hundred twenty-five DOLLARS!!! I was shocked. I mean, for Christmas, they gave me a $50 gift card but HOLY SHIZZ!!! I'm tres excited!

And on that note, I guess I'll go shower and get ready. Happy last day to me and my ladies at work. It's been a long and tiring year and I know we're all ready to enjoy some time off. Later!

Last Day Of SCHOOL!!!

So happy! Last day of school {with kids}!!! Both my classes today are study halls so this should be an easy day. My plans: Help kids if they need it on their exams (because I have to although the majority of the kids can't be helped because they don't study) and do some last minute packing up (most is complete); work on next year's World History chapters...they're all done but I'm tweaking the PowerPoints and do some research on HSA stuff.

Yesterday I got some annoying news regarding my schedule next year. See, when our department met in April to deal with caseloads and schedules, our new leader voiced his desire to force all of us into co-teaching positions (cough...bullshit). I only had one period free to do this so I volunteered to work with a World Studies teacher whose students often struggle because of his teaching method (writes in cursive, open-note, impossible video quizzes etc.) and he adds chapters that other WS teachers don't teach. Another sped teacher would work with a different World Studies teacher to cover all bases. So yesterday I get an email (which pisses me off...don't be such a puss...talk to me directly...makes me feel like I'm back with HH as my "leader") that says due do who-knows-what-reason (cough...more bullshit), I'll NOT be co-teaching with the teacher I was supposed to and now Mark (sped teacher) and I will BOTH co-teach with a World Studies teacher during different periods. So, two of us will co-teach at different times for the same class. Does that make a lick of sense to you? I originally let it go because it's a waste of my time to explain (to dumb asses) the ridiculousness of this plan but then I thought, you know what? There's no reason why I shouldn't say (in a polite way) that this is a dumb f&%k idea and a waste of my time. So I sent an email to Sir Talks A Lot (new nickname for my principal - STAL) and basically said it's a stupid plan but whatever...I'll do what I'm told (what other choice do I have).

STAL nickname reason: He gets on the announcements EVERY DAY and flaps his lips saying nothing at all. It's rather annoying and he truly just talks in a mindless circle...I think...because he has a word quota every day. UGH.

Okay - I'm going to stop bitching now. Happy last day with kids to me!!! Later!

My Last "Late" Night At School: Done

Yesterday I had my last late meeting at school for the year - hopefully. (It was the union putting together a crisis team to deal with the board and hopefully push for a settlement in our negotiations.) We've got a pretty good plan started with a couple of get togethers scheduled over the summer as well as a plan to rally the troops for board meetings. I'll miss the next one because I'll be in PIB but I'll make the July meeting I believe. We also have our next negotiation meetings set with the mediator (two dates - July 29th and 30th). Crossed fingers.

And of course the meeting wrapped up last night just in time for the thunderstorm that rolled through. Rain smacked me in the face sideways on my run to the car but I made it home fine (back roads). There were a couple of trees down in Loveland but all was well at the homestead.

Exams went fine yesterday. I had one failure for my LA exam but I ended up giving that student a D because he was all in a tizzie yesterday (Horshack), it was his birthday and poor kid tried. If you'll recall, he's autistic and so a change in his schedule can really mess him up. When the kids who had rides all left yesterday at around 12:30 and he had to stay, he freaked out, thinking he had no ride home. I've never seen him cry like that in my two years with him and it just sucked. Especially when he said, "This is the worst birthday ever!" We turned him around, however, and hopefully today will be a much better day.

Why do stars say things like, "This will be my last tour ever"? Shania Twain...haven't we heard all this from her before? First she lost her voice and could no longer sing. Then HEY! She's suddenly found her voice (which was documented on an Oprah series) and, what do you know?! She gets a gig in Vegas! Now apparently, after this tour, she'll have accomplished everything she ever set out to do and will be done. Yeah, right...until you're broke and need the cash from a nice, lucrative tour. Ridiculous.

Okay well - that's all I've got. Guess I'll finish my routine and get going. TWO MORE DAYS WITH KIDS!!! I CAN'T BELIEVE IT!!! Later!

Post Memorial Day Post

I had a great weekend. Lots of hanging out with the neighbors, beautiful weather, late nights (I was up talking with two of my neighbors Saturday until 2 AM) and probably too much to drink. My weekend gave me the final push that I needed to get me through this last week at school.

Today I will be giving my 2nd period LA exam. Kids are done with their exams by noonish so that will be me plenty of time to A) grade them and B) continue packing up our room. I have a 4:00 meeting after school (sucks) and will probably need to nap at my desk to get through.

Unfortunately with all the fun I had this weekend, it did end with sad news. Vince Pfeiffer - a long ago friend of my parents (from the neighborhood we lived in until I was about 4) died suddenly in an ATV accident. The most shocking thing about this was he had been having health issues (blocked stent) earlier in May but had been on the mend. I don't know WHY people get on those damn things! Makes me so mad. This is a family that has such never-ending faith in God and I hope that Carol (Vince's wife), his daughters and grandchildren find comfort in Him.

And that's all I've got. I guess I should get to work...get this last week started. Happy Tuesday...later.

NOT Hungover

Yes, that's a Christmas tree...it's always lit.

I'm very glad I didn't get too far into my cups last night. I also only did one shot so that's good. Aside from the margarita at the beginning of the night (with dinner) I stuck with beer. That's tough too because those ladies (well, Lauren mostly) revels in peer pressure. We started our night at El Picante for dinner and then went to Cindy's Friendly Tavern. A local, Loveland dive and CHEAP!!!  A bucket of beers costs what two beers would at Shooters. We didn't stay out too late either...I called Jim to come haul us home around 10:30 and I was in bed by 11:15.  I managed to sleep until 7:00 too. Bonus.

Plans today: Jim's already out. He has two rooms to paint and a small bathroom and should be home around 1:00ish (two short days of work and he'll get paid equal to a week and a half of work...woot! That will make up for his vacation in June). He has to stop at the grocery and the auto parts store to get my headlights replaced (one is out) but other than that he'll be home and we'll chill. I'm thinking we'll have a circle cookout tonight. YAY!

And that's all I've got. Time for breakfast and a mimosa. Later!

Lots Of Little Stuff

I got up extra early today so that Jim would have a nice breakfast for his Saturday side job. Not really, however. I got up at 6:30, which if you think about it, that's later than I would normally get up if Jim didn't have to work because Sami tends to get one of us up at 5:30 or 6:00. That girl's a slave to her pills. Anyway - I got up so that Jim would have a good breakfast and now I'm ready to get my day started. I'll walk Sami here in a minute and then head to Old Navy in the hopes of finding something cute to wear tonight on "girls night out". I'll then mow the front yard (at least) and clean the house. After that I'm sure I'll be about ready for a bath and a nap.

So 1 of my 3 exams are complete. The kids took their Government exam yesterday and I'm so happy to say that no one got lower than a C! I had even planned on giving one kid a D (expecting he would fail) but best surprise ever, he legit got a 74%...not even the lowest in the class! When I told Jim this, he said, "What kind of things were on the exam?" (and he said it with a snide little tone as though it was so easy they'd have to be complete morons to fail.) So I mentioned just a few things: Exclusionary Rule, Free Exercise Clause, Establishment Clause, the three parts to the Constitution, knowing the Bill of Rights and lots more. Jim shut up pretty quickly when he realized that he wouldn't have passed my exam, most likely. Sucklord!

And that's about all I've got. I'm going to go get Sami walked so I can get out and back. It's a beautiful weekend! So happy that next week at this time, I'll be at the start of a 2 1/2 month vacation! Woot. Happy Memorial Day Weekend...later!