HOME!

The drive back was more difficult than the drive up. Guess Mom and I were just sick of being in the car. I had a great time, but I'm very happy to be home. Especially since my wonderful husband mowed the lawn while I was away!

Free wireless internet

We're supposed to have wireless Internet at our hotel, but I can't keep it long enough to post so I'll just keep writing and post them all when I can.

Effingham

If you've heard the new Ben Fold's CD then you know about this city in Illinois where we are stoping for dinner (and frozen custard!)

Akward

No, not the wedding. It was beautiful. The reception was a little akward for 2 reasons. First, the only people I knew besides my mom and sister were people I haven't seen in 13 years and second because Laura and I were at the "kids" table where even though all of us were in our 20's, they took away our wine glasses and made us beg for coffee :)

Surprise!

My grandma and cousin met us here! We're playing Rumicube and Speed Scrabble in the lobby and then we're going swimming!

Here- finally

14 hours in the car. Ugh.

Bedtime

We're leaving on our road trip to Chicago at 6 AM tomorrow so I need to get to bed. Like now.

Chicago

My mom and I are leaving very early tomorrow morning for Chicago. We'll drive all day, go to a wedding on Saturday, and then drive back all day Sunday. Road Trip!

For Julie

This post is just for my cousin Julie who said today that she loves my blog.

Shopping

Just spent the morning shopping with my mom. I got a few cute tops and all the fabric I need for my sundress and for Nate's laptop case.

Delayed Flight

Erika's flight has been delayed, so I'm going to spend a good amount of time chilling at the airport. Thank goodness for my iTouch and a new book.

FREE NEW CAR!

We are now the owners of a white 1984 Toyota Cressida with 240,000 miles on it. Did I mention that it was free? A teacher I work with said they didn't need it and would give it to us. The best part of the whole thing was how super nice and generous these people were. They had the oil changed, got it a new battery, and even filled the tank with gas! God is so good.

Busy Evening

When Nate gets home from work, we are going to see our new free car. Then we're heading up to Atlanta to meet Roger and give him some stuff from Wilmer. Nate is then taking me to the airport to meet Erika who will take me with her to my parents' house.

Summer School

So I'm definitely teaching summer school for the next 3 weeks from 8-12. The pay is good, so I guess it's worth it. Still waiting to hear if we'll have our little visitor from DFCS.

Difficult Decision

My assistant principal asked me to teach summer school about 3 minutes before DFCS asked us to keep a little boy- all of course during the same days. 

Lucky

I feel very lucky to work with such amazing educators.

Name

If the unborn baby for whom we had a shower today is a girl, she'll have the same name as me.  Same first and middle name with the spelling too.  I'm hoping it's a girl.

Oriental Trading

I just spent $200 at orientaltrading.com buying craft supplies for our Monday morning summer camp and VBS.

Too Much

The faculty is having a baby shower breakfast, a potluck lunch, and then a party after work.  I like these people, but that's a little too much together time.

Walkin'

It's time for my weekly walk with Megs and Noelle. Thank goodness it stopped raining for a little bit!

Beer

I just made my first alcohol purchase. I know, I'm 25 years old, but I've just never bought it myself before. I purchased a 6 pack of Budweiser at a gas station and not for myself. It's for the slugs in my garden. Apparently, they love Bud and they'll climb into a bowl of it and drown. And that's what I'm hoping for. I need them to die so my squash and beans can grow. So, there's the exciting story of my first time buying booze.

More Rain

It was rained, and rained, and rained this spring.  I'm glad that it's kept the temperature down, but some sunshine shure would be nice.

Teacher Work Day

Today and tomorrow are teacher work days.  I'm taking things down, organizing, and hunting for the last few missing books.  Technically, these are the last 2 days of school for teacher, but I'll probably be in one morning a week all summer.  A librarian's work is never done.

Job Change

I'm thinking about changing careers. My new profession- Refrigerator Organizer. First, I organized my parent's fridge and then, just to show off my organizational prowess, I fit ALL of the leftover wedding food into Nate's parent's fridge. I then proceeded to brag about this feat to anyone who would listen. And now, oh blogging world, I brag to you.

RAIN

Well, it rained, poured, and hailed so there was no lawn mowing done today.

Lawn Mowing

The "grass" (aka weeds) in the backyard are up to my waist, so I guess it's time to mow the lawn.

Home Again

We're back home. Nate's at work (probably pouting) and I'm at home doing piles of laundry and trying to get ready for VBS and the DASH summer camp.

Wedding Completed

It rained a lot, but there was still a beautiful wedding and a fun (indoor) reception. I'm totally exhausted, but I've had a great time being with family and friends. Too bad we have to go back to work this week. Only 2 more days of work for me and 3 more weeks for Nate!

Elusive Red Sweater

It always seems that I want/need one item of clothing (something simple) and then I can't find it anywhere. Wrong cut, wrong size, wrong price. I will find you, elusive red sweater.

Too Busy To Blog

It's busy. Yesterday was Todd's graduation. We left right after they called his name and drove the 6 hours to Mobile. Tomorrow's Nate's sister's wedding so there's lots to do, especially since it's supposed to rain all day today and tomorrow!

Technology

I've enjoyed showing my grandparents how to use my iTouch, how to use their new MacBook, and how to download podcasts.

Quality Time

I'm really enjoying quality time with my grandparents, parents, uncle, and brothers. I'm making the most of my 24 hours here.

Clean Up

The my media specialist mentor is standing in for me tomorrow and Friday.  I want my office (her old office) to be nice and tidy before she sees it. 

Time Flies

The school year is just about over.  I successfully completed my first year as a media specialists.  Wow.

Good News!

Today is just full of good news and generosity.  First, a teacher offeres to GIVE us a car (although an old one) for FREE.  Then I get an email from DASH that they are budgeting $500 for Noelle and me to use for our little summer camp!  Today ROCKS!

Honors Day

Today is the 6th and 7th grade honors day and my reading pins aren't here yet!

Librarian Love

As a librarian, it's my job to inform teachers and students about great resources. Well, I'm going to inform you, too. Click here to download audiobooks for FREE! Totally legal. All you have to do is have a Georgia library card. I'm currently downloading 2 books for our upcoming trip. Enjoy!

First of the Season

I know it's long overdue, but I'm painting my toes for the first time this spring. It's all for your wedding, Laura!

Inventory

The Missing Books report has gone down from 10 pages to 6 today.  That feels like a real accomplishment.

It's the Final Count Down!

2 days.  Just today and tomorrow.  Then it's off to Todd's graduation!

Peace and Quiet

It is the first morning I have not had to do the news broadcast at school in 9 months.  It's so peaceful.

Dinner and a Walk

I tried a new recipe last night- vegetable lo mein- and it turned out really well and then Megs, Noelle, and I walked over the new LC bridge.

Strawberry Cake

There is a huge hunk of delicious strawberry cake in the fridge that I will be eating part of as a snack when I get home.  The thought of it is keeps me going through the day.

Sister Sense

It just hit me.  I can feel it.  She's further away.  I miss her and I'm happy for her.

Makes My Day

A student just brought in a VERY overdue library book.  I told her that she, "made my day" and you know what, I totally meant it.  I really feel like a librarian today.

3 more day

Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday... then it's family time!

Looking on the Bright Side

Matt has been our roommate for over 2 years. He's part of the family really. Having him move out today was sucky. On the bright side, I can now play Rock Band in the living room in my underwear.

Let's see if this works

I downloaded a new application for my iTouch so I can update my blog from anywhere (or at least anywhere with wi-fi). Here's hoping this works.

Family

I love my family. I'm so glad I get to spend more time with them in just a few days.

Moving

Laura and Chris are packed and moving to Nashville tomorrow.
Matt is moving to Moultrie tomorrow.
Tomorrow is a big moving day. Lots of people I'll miss leaving LaGrange.

Party!

Off to a little post-grad party for Laura and Chris!

Ask Me Why I Love LaGrange

I could talk all day.

We just got back from Laura and Chris's graduation. I really do love LaGrange College.

Mommy and Me

I'm too busy enjoying time with my mommy to blog about it.

Spring in the Park

Each year, we have a celebration of the arts where the band and orchestra play, the poetry team performs, and a group of students put on a play- all outside.  I love being part of such an awesome school.

Ceiling Tiles

I took down 7 ceiling tiles in the library and let the top readers paint them.  I think they're turned out pretty well.

(exhasperated sound)

Why doesn't anyone listen to me?

Librarian Dreams

Last night I dreamed about checking books in and out. I dreamed about harassing children to get their books in and their fines paid.

Reward

It was suggested that I reward myself after such a long, sucky day. So I will. Off for pizza and trivia!

Wordsmith

Another teacher and I wrote a letter to the superintendent today.  I forgot how much I enjoy writing and synonyms.  I love that there are hundreds of ways to express the same idea with a slightly different tone or emphasis.

Stupid

I am currently very bored.  I have quite a few things to do, but I can't do any of them because I can't turn my back on these kids for even a minute.  This is stupid.  Why can't they just behave?

Sucky

Today has not been fun.  I feel like I'm the one being punished as much as these kids I'm watching. 

ISS

I'm keeping the in school suspension students today.  It's giving me a good chance to practice my Evil Eye.

I'm posting from my iTouch & I can't figure out how to the in the textbox.

Encouraging

Well, that facutly meeting sure was encouraging.  I feel much better.

More Cheating

If they knew how much time it takes me to deal with their cheating, do you think they'd cheat less?

Lingers

The smell of pizza lingers in the library.

Pizza Party!

Just 45 minutes until the first of two AR pizza parties.  Yea for pizza!  Yea for reading!

Unbelievable

Someone is sending offical looking letters to our parents telling them that our school is closing.  Confirmation that we are not just being paranoid.  Someone is out to get us.

Eventful Evening

I got home from school, made cookie dough, called G, made dinner (veggie quesadillas!), biked to the school to see the play, and then went for my weekly walk with Noelle and Megs. This certainly has been more eventful than most week nights.

No Comprendo

It does not make sense.  The library is CLOSED, so why am I busier than ever?

Dumping Physical Memory

One of the teachers got this message on her computer.  I called IT.  Apparently this message is called "The Blue Screen of Death."  I learned something new today.

Cheaters

I am in the process of unravelling a cheating mystery.  My sense of honesty and honor is so acute thanks to LaGrange College that this whole thing gives me a tummy ache.

Pizzas

20 pizzas ordered for tomorrow's AR Pizza Party!

Miss Georgia

Miss Georgia is speaking to our 4th and 5th graders in the gym in a few minutes.  I think I have to run the sound and projection systems.

Health Services Advisory Committee

I was just asked to be on the school system's Health Service Advisory Committee because of my interest in establishing a sex education program.  I know most people would no think this is exciting, but I do!

Distracted

I was so distracted by my new iPod Touch last night that I did not even think to post about it.  Thank you, Nate, for my late birthday present!

Weird but Impressive

During a one hour nap, I can fall deep enough asleep to have dreams.

For a Job Well Done

Today was kind of stressful, but I did not panic or throw a temper tantrum. I think I'll reward myself with a nap.

Brain Break

My brain needs a break from shelving and tshirt counting.  Only half an hour until lunch time.

Tshirt Order

I'm counting out the tshirts.  No matter how I work it, I am short.  Not enough Youth Large.  Not enough Adult Medium.  Clearly not my fault.  Dang it.  This means more work for me today.

Shelving Makes Me

super hungry.

Today's Activities Include

Shelving.  That is all.

Visitors!

Kent and Amy are spending the night in the bunk beds!

Sabbath

I like the idea of resting all day, but it turns out that I'm not very good at it.

Money

I'm stressing about money today.

Sleeping In on Mother's Day

I slept in until 9:30 today! I rarely sleep in. I don't think I ever slept in as a child. So, on this mother's day I want to say the following to my MOM:

1. I'm sorry I woke up at 6 AM every morning of my childhood and kept you from ever sleeping in.
   
2. Thank you for the genes that make me want to get up and get things done every morning.
3. Remember how we used to make you breakfast in bed? Count on it next Saturday!
   
4. I love you! Happy Mother's Day!
   

Ren. Fest.

There are 3 good things about the Renaissance Festival.

1. Good company (Amber, Derrick, Rachel, Roger, and Nate)
2. Interesting people to watch
3. Acrobats. Check these guys out- they are awesome. Honestly, they're the reason we go back every year.
   

Renaissance Fair

Nate, Amber, Derrick, and I are going to the Renaissance Fair. Free tickets!

March of Dimes

Nate is DJing for the March of Dimes in Franklin and I'm going along for the ride.

BTW

The reason I was so upset after my faculty meeting is because my principal announced she's retiring and our assistant principal is moving. Both came as a total surprise. I don't have a lot of confidence that the school board will send us someone who loves the arts, but I'll try to stay positive.

Antisocial

I just got back from Walmart and Kroger. Crying children, rude, slow people getting their carts all in my way... now I remember why I usually go to the grocery store before 10 AM on Saturdays.

Insert Curse Word

I'm upset.  Very upset.  Faculty meeting sucked.

Roller Coaster

How can it go from boringly calm to absolute chaos and back to silence in a matter of minutes?

Piles of Book

The books are overflowing the carts, the shelves, the counter.  Books everywhere.

Tshirt Pics

The colors are quite what I wanted, but there's nothing I can do about them now.  I'll know better for next time.

 

Help Please

Ok, so I'm trying to get ready for Teen Read Week and Children's Book Week for next year.  I want me themes to be "Read Like a Rock Star" or "Be a Reading Rock Star" or something like that.  The problem is that the posters and bookmarks I've found that say these things are pretty lame.  I thought maybe about getting regular rock group posters and then just writing "Reading Rocks" on it or something, but I'm not sure.  Suggestions would be greatly appreciated!

Tshirts

The AR tshirts with my design came in today.  I've never had 215 tshirts with something I drew printed on them, but here it is.  It didn't turn out exactly like I wanted, but I guess they'll do.  I'll post a picture later today if I can.

Due

All library books are due today.  Shelving will be unavoidable.

Disappointment

I know you're counting on my to entertain you, but I have nothing to say.

Wishes

I wish you all would update your blogs as often as I do.

A!

I just checked my grades and it appears (at least so far) that I have A's in both my grad classes!

Positive Relationship

The closer I am to the computer, the more often I post.

Townie Perks

The nice thing about living in LaGrange as long as we have (7 years) is that you never have to walk very far in the rain before someone you know drives by and picks you up.

Walking Home

It's raining.  The teacher I usually ride with in this sort of weather had to leave early.  I could wait for Nate, but I'd like to be home before 5.  Guess I'm going to get a little wet.

Too Quiet

When it's this quiet in the library, I have to do boring desk work like cataloging.  Bring on the chaos!

Plush Gnome

Since all of my traveling yard gnomes have broken into dozens of pieces, I want to get a plush gnome to travel. I can't find one I like anywhere on the internets, so I think I might make my own. See ambitious summer project here.

It's Too Much, Right?

Yesterday, as Dani pointed out, I posted 10 times before 6 PM.

Done.

I don't even care if these 2 classes have blown my 4.0- I'm done with this crap. Time for margaritas at Meg's!

Impossible

I'm never going to finish this final.

Waste of Time!

What's the point of submitting assignments if the professor or the web program loses them and I have to redo 2 assignments and half of my midterm? Ahhhh! So frustrating!

Final- Finally

I'm going to finish my final. Right now. I mean it this time.

Katie is...

tired of making spreadsheets about AR points and prizes.

Teacher Appreciation Take 3

I just had 5 girls that I taught 8th grade math to my first year come into the media center, hug me, and then head off for their AP Statastics test.  That makes me feel even more appreciated than free food.

Teacher Appreciation Week (cont.)

I get to go to lunch at Katie's!  Yippee!

Teacher Appreciation Week

There were Krispy Kreme doughnuts in the teacher work room.  I feel appreciated.  :)

Feliz Cinco De Mayo

We moved into our house 2 years ago today.

Tacos and margaritas at Meg's!

Hospitality

I was too contentedly stuffed with good food to blog about it last night, but I just want to say that Ms. Beth is one of my heroes. I want to exude hospitality like she does.

Library = Zoo

The library became a zoo today the minute my assistant left.  So much for peacefully winding down the school year. 

Itchy

The tip of my left pointer finger itches horribly.  Finger tips should not itch as no scratching seems to help.

Winding Down

The school year is coming to a close and you can really feel it in the library.  Kids are only getting short books they know they'll be able to finish before books are due, the last round of AR prizes are going out today, and library fines are getting paid.  13 more days!

Free Food

Matt's church was kind enough to feed us after his ordination last night, thus kicking off several days of free or semi-free dinners.  Tonight, it's dinner at Ms. Beth's, tomorrow is our Cinco De Mayo fiesta at Meghan's, and Wednesday is pot luck dinner at church!  Yea for good dinners with good friends!

Sunday Night Blues

About dinnertime on Sunday nights, Nate and I usually begin feeling sorry for ourselves. We know the weekend is almost over. Thankfully, I only have 3 more weeks of work and Nate only has 6. Then we'll have the whole summer off together! I can hardly wait!

Our Mrs. Reynolds

Just to round it out, let me tell you a little bit about Mrs. She's lost some weight recently and she's much sweeter than she used to be. She'll cuddle with you or let you pet her occasionally, she tolerates us and Nobby, and she'll knock on the bedroom door with her paws when she wants me to wake up and feed her.

Nobby

Have I told you about this kitten? He gets on the counter, eats out of the garbage disposal, chews through wires, races around the house, bites my arm, and still can be the sweetest snuggle kitten when he's tired. This kitten is a mess.

Veggie Garden

I planted TONS of seeds! I'm really hoping for a big crop this year. We planted green beans (2 varieties), yellow squash, zucchini, tomatoes, carrots, and peppers!

Super Busy Saturday

I got up before 7 AM and headed over to the church yard sale where I handed out cupcakes and VBS fliers to children.
I then went to 3 different nurseries to get all my veggie garden plants.
After a trip to the grocery store where I locked myself out of the car (Chuck and Nate had to come get me), I finally arrived at home and had lunch at 2:45.
Now it's time for us to plant our garden! I'm going to sleep well tonight!

Perfect

Everything just feels right. The weather is perfect. It smells like honeysuckle outside. It's almost summer. I'm going to plant my garden tomorrow. Nate is going to Columbia in the fall. Everything is perfect.

Legacy Dinner

I just got back from LaGrange College's Legacy Dinner. Laura and Chris got medallions because they have family who has gradutated from LC. It was really nice. To sum up all my good feelings about LC, please read Laura's blog.

Not Worth It

They had taco salads for us at the lunch meeting.  It was still going on at 1:40 when I left, making that lunch totally not worth over 2 hours of my time.

Meeting

Today I have a meeting from 11:30 until 1:00.  I have a feeling it will be a very boring meeting.  At least they're providing lunch.  It'd better be good.

Prayer Request

My daddy is having minor surgery right now.  Please pray that it goes smoothly.