Pavlovian Response

One of the teachers (who has a lot of technology questions) has started to bribe me to come to her room.  Each time I help her, there is a candy bar waiting for me.  I'm sure she's hoping I'll start salivating every time I receive an email from her. 

Chili for lunch!

Thanks to my wonderful sister, I have chili for lunch! Yippee!

No Consistency

One minute, it's super busy and I have 8 million things to do and then next, the library is a ghost town and I'm able to read book reviews in peace.  The lack of consistency is stressful.

Funk

It's only 7:25 AM and I feel all out of sorts.  I hope this feeling fades as the day goes on.

Allergies

Today my allergies are acting up.  No, I'm not sneezing like a normal person.  The roof of my mouth and my lips itch like crazy!  Isn't that weird?

School Nurse?

I just performed minor surgery aka splinter removal in my office.

#25

Today is my 25th birthday.  They announced it on the school news and I just had a whole class of 3rd graders wish me happy birthday.  How nice.

Cabin Time

While at the cabin this weekend, I slept in late, watched several movies, crocheted about a foot onto my current project, ate junkfood, relaxed in the hot tub, read 2 books, and enjoyed spending time with my amazing husband.  It was soooooo wonderful.

Free Technology!

Today, the library recieved (for free):  five brand new digital cameras, six 4 GB jump drives, and... 2 iPods!

 

The cameras were from the system's technology department and the jump drives and iPods were damaged donations from Walmart.  One of these is an iPod Touch- though the screen is smashed.  I'm seeing if I can get it fixed under warranty.  Now I just have to catalog all of these items...

Get-Away

Today has been busier and crazier than yesterday, but at least I know that after school today we're getting away for the weekend!  For 2 glorious days I can forget about all the cataloging that will be waiting for me when I get back.

Babysitting

Nate always jokes that my job is just glorified babysitting.  Well, today it is.  5th grade is in the library again today with an inexperienced sub.  I can't get much done in my office because I have to keep them quiet and working.  Librarian turned babysitter.  At least the pay is the same.

CABIN

Nate's parents' cabin is one of my favorite places in the world and we'll be there in 14 hours!

Messy

The messier my office, the busier my day has been.  There are papers covering every surface and there are boxes of books and VHS tapes all over the floor.  That should tell you what kind of day this has been!

Rainy Day

Rainy days mean a very busy library- especially when half the 5th grade needs to meet in here all day because their trailer is flooded.

Count Down (cont.)

7 more days until Spring Break.  2 more days until we're going to the cabin.

Outnumber the Muslims

Something for you Christians to think about. 

I can't help but share

I just got off the phone with a parent.  They asked for a print out of all the books that their child has checked out this year.  I proceeded to expain that library privacy- a part of your first and fourth amendment rights- does not have age restrictions so I am not legally allowed to give these parents that information without the consent of their child.  The parents (on speaker phone) both started ranting about the "bleeding heart liberal, Obama-loving crap" that is their child's constitutional rights.  Now, I understand both sides of the issue, (no matter how liberal you might think I am, Laura) but I could hardly contain my giggles until after I got off the phone.  I love educating people about their rights.

Nap?

I have 2 hours at school until Nate comes to pick me up.  I know I should get some of my UWG work done, but instead I'm tossing around the idea or dragging all the library floor pillows into my office to make a nap nest.

Grown-Up

We are refinancing our mortgage today.  I don't feel like a real adult.  I wish my mom and dad could come with us.

Your Changing Body

The 4th and 5th grade girls are currently in the library getting the "Growing Up" talk. 

FRUSTRATED

I am SO tired of doing the morning news with these noisy, lazy kids.  They are driving me crazy!

Last Night

Nate, Matt, and Chris put together office furniture at the church while I talked to Amber on the phone.  There really wasn't any point in trying to help.  I'm useless when it comes to reading directions.

Count Down

Only 8 1/2 more school days until spring break.

State Research

Today the 5th grade began their state research project.  Did you know that the median age of Utah's population is only 28?  Or that Wyoming is the "Equality State"?

Earth Day Planning

I'm beginning my plans for Earth Day here at school.  Any suggestions?

Haircut

I noticed my hair was getting a little long in the back, so I decided to cut it this morning.  That's right.  I tried to cut the back of my hair at 6 AM.  It's not horrible, but I think I might need to get my sister to even it out for me.

Boy Scouts

I'm off to the radio station to help Nate give a tour to a group of Boy Scouts.

Self-Esteem!

I know I've talked about Google Analytics a bunch, but I love it. When I see how many visitors I've had in the past month from so many different states and countries, it makes me feel special.

Legacy

My youngest brother has decided to make LaGrange College his home this fall!

Why?

I was just about to post about how super busy I am when I stopped to ask myself, "Why am I wasting time blogging when I have so much to do?"  I don't have a good answer for that.

Bump

Yesterday, I was bending down to get something and I hit my head on the corner of my dresser.  Now there's a bump and it hurts.  It hurts extra when I bend over.  I feel like a total idiot.

My Saturday

Just out of blogging obligation, I feel like I should let you in on the boringness that has been my Saturday. I got up and did a little housework, went to the grocery store with G, watched Nate and Dan play video games, and then worked at the library for 2 boring hours. My evening plans include laundry and cleaning the bathtub!

Yummy Dinnner... I hope

Tonight, we're having teriyaki chicken kabobs, stir fried veggies, and rice with peanut butter pie for dessert! Happy Birthday, Dan!

Gardening

This one's for you, Lindsey L.  It seems that Mrs. Obama has set a pretty high standard for our gardening...

Success!

Did I tell you that my little remedial 6th grade math class has been whittled down from 9 students to 6?  That little change has made all the difference in the world.  We learned so much today and I even felt happy after class rather than exhausted and frustrated.  We had a successful learning experience!

SPRING!

Today is the first day of spring!  I'm celebrating by spending half my day in a boring training. 

Algebra vs. Cockroaches

I love this game.  It's a math teacher's dream.  I just got to show it to my 8th grade class remedial class that I teach once a week after school.  You should check it out. 

Library Theme

I'm trying to come up with my library theme for next year.  This will dictate decorations, as well as the themes for Children's Book Week and Teen Read Week. 

Here's what I'm thinking:

• Reading Rocks (rock star themed or maybe pet rocks?)
• Reading is Sweet (sweets!!)
• Read, Return, Repeat or Go Green at Your Library (something about sustainability)

What do you think?  Help would be greatly appreciated.

Visitors!

Dan and Genevieve are coming today!!!

Church Garden

I pinkie promised Lindsey that I would do a vegetable garden with her this year on the church's property. A precursor to what will hopefully be a community garden in the future. I hope this will be a more successful garden than last year's gardening attempt.

Walking Home

When I was walking home today, I reverse blinked. Instead of closing my eyes for just a moment every 5 seconds, I walked all the way home only opening my eyes for a moment every 5 seconds. I did this for 2 reasons: first to practice (for when I become blind) and second because I was too tired to keep my eyes open all the way home.

NAP

I need a nap.  I really, really need a nap.

Why are you here?

Unless I get to school well before 7:00, there are students waiting in the library.  They're here to do the morning news, but being middle schoolers, they don't actually do anything without contsant prodding.  I long for a quiet moment in the library.

Longer than I thought

Immediately after the Open House, Nate picked me up and reminded me we are supposed to clean the church on Tuesday nights.  After cleaning the church, I went straight to the grocery store.  It was a super long day.

Book Fair $

So it turns out that I have like $800 that I get to spend at the book fair!  Library shopping spree!

I'm a lame librarian

I nearly had a librarian heart attack today when I found 4th graders had been instructed to do a research project using Wikipedia and Google.

Looooooong day

There is a PTO meeting and Open House after school today extending my school day from 7 AM to 7 PM.

Harry Potter Clue

I won Harry Potter Clue last night even against the fierce competition of Amber, Derrick, Matt, and Nate.  Peter Pettigrew in the Great Hall with the Vanishing Cabinet!

Test Failed

If God was testing my patience with procrastinators today after my rant last Thursday, then I probably failed. 

Teacher Twitter

I just spent 10 minutes explaining Twitter to a pair of middle aged teachers.

Big Time Photographer

Today, I took pictures for 2 events in my school.  Photographing events is a pretty common part of my job.  We use the pictures for the yearbook or just to show on the morning news.  But today, both of our special guests asked me to email my photos to them.  Now I'm feeling very self-conscious about my lack of photography skills.

Jinxed

I should have never said I was bored yesterday.  Today has been crazy here at school.

Bored

I'm getting tired of this cold wet weather that keeps me inside. It was nice to watch movies and read at first but now it's getting old.

The Hunger Games

I have spent a good part of the day reading The Hunger Games by Suzanne Collins. Wow. It's intense. I'll probably have it finished before the weekend is up. Dreary weather is only good for snuggling up with a good book.

Breakfast and Sisterly Love

It's a good thing I love my brother. That's why I'm going to IHOP at 7 AM on a Saturday before spending the morning in CPR training.

Friday Night Fun

My Friday night plans are so exciting... Laundry, homework, and going to GameStop with Nate.

Teacher Work Day

Today, I'm going to complete all the things I started in the last week, but didn't get around to finishing.  AND- I get to do it all while listening to my MP3 player!

Novacaine

First, let me say that Nate put up that last post.

What I really wanted to post about was my dentist visit which ended with the right size of my tongue and lips totally numb. Thankfully, I have regained feeling as well as the ability to enunciate.

Frustrating

My husband can be so frustrating. All I wanted to do was update my blog and he went and signed on World of Warcraft instead.

Dentist

I have a dentist appointment today.

Procrastinators

Today is the last day of the grading period.  The library has been flooded with kids this week- kids who are trying to get all their AR points.  I have to say, I have no patience for these procrastinators.  They've had 9 weeks to read.  In my opinion, it's fine if you're a procrastinator- as you long you take responsibility for your actions and don't complain.  Surprisingly, this logic does not work on 8 to 14 year old children.

Doodling

I doodle.  I've done it all through middle and high school, through college and grad school, and now during meetings and workshops.  Many times, I am accused of not paying attention, but finally here is scientific proof that doodling actually does help me listen better.  See, Mom?  I really did have to have a brand new pack of Crayola skinny markers ever school year! 

Respite Care

So it looks like we'll have our first foster care experience over spring break.  We're still ironing out the details, but I'm really excited about the opportunity!

He's fine

In case you were worried about Nobby, he came home today and he's doing well.

Bad Dreams

I had some really bad dreams last night.  I'll blame in on the fact that Nate slept in the guest room.  Not because we're in a fight, but he has this horrible cough at night that keeps me awake.  I can't wait for him to get better.

Pen Pal

I got a letter from my pen pal today! What a nice surprise! (Thanks, Margaret!)

Redundent

I know I'm repeating myself, but I just LOVE this weather!

Reviews

Today the library is rather quiet, so I'm taking this opportunity to catch up on my book reviews.  I'm almost done reading November's reviews if that tells you how far behind I've gotten.

Hungry/Guilty

I ate 2 doughnuts yesterday.  I'm feeling a little guilty so I'm trying to eat healthier today.  The only problem is I'm HUNGRY and there's trail mix and a granola bar in my desk drawer calling my name.

Snip, Snip

Today, Nobby and Noelle and Chuck's cat Annyong are getting fixed and front declawed.  I've tried to tell him, but he's clueless.  I hope it all goes well. 

We're a good team

Yesterday, I helped Nate give a tour of the radio station to some boy scouts.  Today, it's our turn to clean the church.  I like it when we do things together.  I think we make a good team.

Good Movies

I watched 2 good movies this weekend which I highly recommend.  Lars and the Real Girl and Stardust. 

Trade Off

I can't decide which I want more- for it to be light out when I get to school in the morning or for it to still be light out after dinner.  I guess that in a few more weeks, I can have both!

Curious

Google Analytics makes me insanely curious. It would me nice if you, my readers, would help me out. Who are you? Especially you from New York and you from California? I'm dying to know.

78 degrees

I love, love, LOVE this weather! It just fills me with joy and hope.

Great Day

Today, I found a few great deals at Discount Grocery, got a free pancake breakfast, rode my bike in this beautiful weather, got some work done in that wonderful new LC library, got to have delicious pizza with Noelle and Chuck, and got to watch a good movie with Noelle. Today has been awesome.

SPRING!

This weather makes me so happy!

Praise God!

It might not be the exact answer we were hoping for, but God answered my prayers today... Nate got accepted to Candler's MDiv program!

Totally Awesome

Our final Hippie-themed book club meeting went really well! The tie-dying was a huge success and a few of the kids even found out they like hummus!

Better Late Than Never

Here are the previously promised pictures of Canine Capers.  The theme this time was Black Beard's Pirates!

Tie Dye!

I am so excited about today's 7th grade book club meeting.  We're tie dying!  As with everything else I've done in the library, I might have been a wee bit over ambitious, but I'm hoping for the best.

TRIVIA

I look forward to Thursdays at Mighty Joes for pizza and trivia.  Even if our team is on a losing streak (and I am absolutely no help at all), I still enjoy the good food and the great company.

Tenure

I was just informed today that I will probably receive tenure at the end of this school year.  I was under the impression this was something you got when you were old.  Not that I mind at all.  I'm very happy to have a little more job security!

Question of the Day

Will I be able to complete all of my to do list before 5:00?

Book Club Meeting

I am so excited about tomorrow's final book club meeting.  I went to the grocery store last night to purchase "hippie food" for the kids to try (our book is about a kid from a commune).  Hummus and pitas, gluten free cheese puffs, sesame and seaweed chips... My hope was to expose them to something new, though my options at Kroger were a little limited.

The Best

Nate is the best husband in the world. While I was at the grocery store, he took out the trash and vacuumed the whole house.

I can do that better than you

Nate thinks that I'm overly controlling. I know that the truth is that I actually CAN bag groceries better than the bag boys at the grocery store. I went grocery shopping with Amber tonight and it was nice to know that I'm not the only one who feels this way. Thanks for some validation, Amber.

kickball

I bought a kickball. I'm hoping there will be kids in the lot behind the church tonight so we can play.

Worry

I know I shouldn't worry, but I do a lot.

Girl Scout Cookies!

My boxes of Thin Mints and  Tagalongs arrived today!

I'm tired

I'm tired of feeling tired. I can't wait for this cold and winter to be over so I feel like doing something other than watching TV or going to sleep after work.

Get some cheese

because here comes the whine...

My throat hurts!!!

I'm going to brag

I'm currently eating some of the oatmeal chocolate chip cookies that I baked yesterday, and dang, I'm good.

Nothing Much

I was just about to post that I have nothing of importance to say about today and then I remembered that I NEVER saying anything of much importance on my blog :) 

Snow Day Update

Well, I didn't do my yoga, but I did bake muffins and cookies, I called about refinancing our mortgage (it made me feel like a real adult but also kind of overwhelmed), I got 3 quizzes done, I cleaned the bathroom, swept, unloaded the dishwasher, did all of our laundry, took out the trash, and bagged up the recycling. So productive!
I do feel a little bad that I missed spending Dr. Seuss's birthday in the library though.

Nobby

Today, Nobby was being CRAZY, so I put him in time out. During his time out, he knocked the litter scoop into the litter box and POOPED on it. Right on the handle. That is one vindictive cat.

Self-Paced

I am only a few assignments away from being done with one of my grad classes. My goal was to finish both before spring break and it looks like I might reach it. I LOVE self-paced classes!

Honest and Dependable

These are 2 words I would use to describe Nate. He is the best employee in the world. He works hard, he's reliable, and he rarely gets sick. But, Nate is sick today. I know how it probably looks to his boss (it is a snow day, after all), but he really is sick. He wouldn't let me call him in sick, so I had to do it while he was throwing up. So there are 3 words I'd use to describe my husband today: honest, dependable, and SICK.

Snow Day

My snow day plans include:

• yoga
• school work
• laundry
• cleaning the bathroom
• baking muffins
• applying to refinance our mortgage
• taking care of my sick husband

SNOW!

It's pretty rare that it snows in Georgia, much less that it snows and sticks. We have a good inch on the ground, but we'll be lucky if any of it lasts much past tomorrow morning. All the same, this is a southern blizzard so they canceled school tomorrow!