Winners!

Tonight is a good night. Nate and I (team "I Knew Bisa First") won the trivia contest, there's really yummy food to eat, and there are lots of fun people to hang out with. How many other places could I play whimsical new board games AND have an informed conversation about the state of the public library system in Georgia?

Manglass-Con!

We're in Athens with some friends (and some friends of friends) to play board games until New Year's Day!

On the Move, Again

We finally got all the cars up the driveway, just in time for us to pack up. First we're heading to Lawrenceville where NA will spend a few days with the AF (Adoptive Family) and then we're heading on to Athens for Manglass-Con!

All Here!

It's been the craziest 24 hours. Everyone if finally here, but each car (except our awesome little Yaris) has gotten stuck multiple times. Eventually we were able to get all the cars at least to the end of the lane and then we had to carry all our stuff up through the snow, thanks to the help of several passing drivers. We even have groceries now! We are all utterly exhausted and very tired of the snow.

Up the Snowy Mountain

We left Mom and Dad's a day early so that we'd be able to take my grandparents back to their hotel. It was only possible to get out of the neighborhood (not back in) because of the steep hill. We made it down without too much incident (we only slid off the road once) and then to the cabin. Luckily the GPS took us a weird back way because it turns out the roads we usually take are iced over. In fact, we are currently waiting for Nate's family who are stuck in a ditch not far from here. No tow truck will go out to get them so we're waiting for the sheriff to go pick them up.

More Snow!

It snowed about 6 inches yeterday with another 4-6 predicted for today. Laura and Chris are making their way here from Savannah- we're hoping the hill at the beginning of the neighborhood is plowed by then. I think I might spend some time shoveling the driveway after lunch...

Snow!

There's at least 3-4 inches of snow on the ground and it's still snowing. Brian, Todd, Nate, NA, and I went out to play for about half an hour- making snow balls and sliding down the steep road on boxes and our shoes.

White Christmas

Woke up to snow falling. Add a fresh pan of monkey bread, a cup of coffee, and a fire in the fireplace and I'm feeling pretty Christmas-y.

Opening Presents

I feel kind-of bad for NA as the only child here for Christmas morning- he's dying to open presents up early but I have a feeling we'll be lucky to get my brothers up before 10.

Coco Wheats

I just had a yummy bowl of Coco Wheats (chocolate cream of wheat) for breakfast and sang the theme song (which you can hear here).

Family Time

Tacos for dinner, board games, and watching movies curled up on the couch.

Shopping!

Today my mommy and I went shopping at this great discount store here. I found 2 pairs of pants, 2 shirts, a sweater, a skirt, and a really cute dress! Yay for new clothes and time with my mommy!

Aquarium

We're heading off on our Christmas adventure beginning with the aquarium! Then we're meeting up with 2 of the Princesses (my girl friends from high school) and finally heading up to my parents' house!

Proud Methodist

This article makes me proud to be Methodist.

Narnia

Off to watch the new Narnia movie (in 3D- boo!) with some neighbors.

Stockings

This morning we are opening our stockings- just me, Nate, and NA. Also there will be fresh banana chocolate chip muffins and a Christmas movie.

Elf

Just got done watching Elf. I love Christmas movies.

Boots

Do I need these boots?

Errands

This morning we're getting the oil changed on both cars, going to the post office, picking up the last Christmas present, and then buying some new jeans for NA (he just keeps growing!).

Dirty Santa

We spent the evening at our Sunday School's Christmas party and had a really good time. Good food, hilarious conversation, and a fun round of Dirty Santa made for an enjoyable evening.

Another Big Day

Dinner last night went really well. It was only anxiety filled because, honestly, there is not other situation to compare it to. It was hard for all of us to know how to act and what to say and what to do, but I think we navigated those uncharted waters pretty well. The adoptive couple (henceforth AC) are going to church with us this morning and then taking NA out for lunch and to Home Depot to pick out a color for his new room!

Big Day

As we keep telling NA, today's a big day. The prospecitve adoptive couple is coming over for dinner. But before that, I'm having lunch with my girls from college and after that we have a Christmas party!

Breaking Bad

Nate loves this show and I hate it. It's miserable and depressing and stressful and he makes me watch it with him.

Wings

Nate's cooking wings for dinner. Smells yummy!

Inexperienced

While I may be a technology guru compared to most of the teachers I work with, I know that in reality, I'm not.  I spent a large part of the day trying to set up a new website for the school and without the help of the band director (who actually knows what he's doing) I would have probably cussed out my computer and then cried.

Fail

I have failed (7 times each) to get in touch with the parents of 3 students who have 5 lost library books.  I have sent 2 emails, left 8 messages, and called 5 disconnected numbers.  I think it's time to give up.

3

Three more hours.  That's all.  I can make it.

Last Day!!!!!!!!!!!

Yay!

Photo Book

Yesterday we got a photo album from the couple that is interested in adopting NA. Nate and I looked through it last night and we gave it to him tonight after dinner. I have a feeling he'll be carrying it around until we meet them on Saturday night. I think this is really good.

Tired

There are only a few children in the library.  They are quietly reading.  I'm ready to go home.  It's tired in here.

Thief

I was just called into the principal's office to watch a surveillance video from the hallway. She was trying to find out who had stolen a snowman from the hall. It was me. I saw the snowman had a rip in his hat last week so I put him in my office to sew up. And then I got busy. I didn't know there was an investigation going on. I am the snowman thief.

Going In Late

This is a special morning.  This is the first morning all school year that I have not had to get NA up (he exempted his finals).  Also, I don't have to do the morning news or teach my math class.  I have no reason to go in at 7 AM!

Detox

Best way to calm down after a long, hard day? Watching TV alone in my house with a purring cat on my lap.

The Smell

I never thought I'd hate the smell of popcorn, but I think I do.  It's everywhere.

Twitchy

Noooooo!  Today has caused a really horrible eye twitch!

AR Celebrations

I must be out of my mind.  I'm running 9 AR parties today AND giving popcorn out to all the 4th and 5th graders.

Chipmunks

We played the Alvin and the Chipmunks Christmas album this morning on the news and it made me wonder... does my dad still have the record that we used to listen to as kids while we decorated the Christmas tree?

Christmas Break

I only have to get up at 6 AM 3 more times.  Then I get 18 days off plus 3 teacher work-days and another weekend before the kids come back.  That should help lower my stress level.

DFCS

Overall, we've had a really positive experience being foster parents but today I almost lost my cool with our caseworker. It's not her fault- it was just miscommunication somewhere along the way, but it's still SO FRUSTRATING. I spent my whole day crying and stressing and planning to be out tomorrow to be at a meeting with Austin and then I get a phone call- we don't even need to be there. It was all I could do not to yell "What the ****?!" Thank God for the reminder that everyone makes mistakes or I'd still be trying to punch the phone.

9

I just taught a 9 year old how to run the circulation desk.  She has to sit on a stool to reach the scanner and it's got to be the cutest thing I've ever seen.

Not a Good Start

Before 9 AM, I'd already cried in my AP's office and then made a student cry.  Clearly, this is going to be a great week.

Fantasy In Lights

It's freezing cold outside and we're heading out to ride the trolley at Callaway Gardens!

Brrr!

The wind is whipping around, it's 32 degrees outside, and I have 2 boys in my house who are watching the windows like hawks for any sign of snow flurries.

Wrapping

I've spend the last 2 hours wrapping Christmas presents (in hand-painted wrapping paper!) and listening to Christmas music. I'm ready for Christmas!

Neighborhood

We just got back from a neighborhood gathering- guys from the college changing the oil in people's cars, grilled hot dogs, hot cider, cookie decorating, and my contribution- salt dough ornaments!

Grocery Shopping and Laundry

Every Saturday morning it's the same. Grocery shopping and laundry.

It's Nate's Fault

Nate convinced me to stay up until 11 watching the last episode of Rome. Now he's sleeping in and I've been wide awake since 6. Not fair.

Lump

The last few days have been so crazy and busy that when I finally sat down on the couch, I curled up in a ball and could not get up for over an hour. I'm totally going to bed tonight before 9, but only after laying on the couch and watching TV for a while.

Blog Withdrawl

The internet was down today so I didn't get to give you the regular updates you have become accustomed to.  I went to a really boring meeting about office supplies this morning and then I've spent the afternoon trying to figure out what on my to-do list can be done without the internet (which, if you're wondering, is not much).

Holiday Concert

The PTO Meeting/Holiday Concert went on without a hitch thanks to our amazing new band director. Now for some time time sit on the couch with Nate and watch TV.

Favorite Foods

I'm almost 27 years old.  Will my favorite foods ever stop being pizza, french fries, and ice cream?

Soooooo Loooooooong

Tuesday and Wednesday were both 10.5 hour days and today is going to be a 12.5 hour day.  It's so hard to face that fact at 7 AM.  I need Christmas break to be here.  Now.

Time Travel

Once again I stamped a huge amout of date due cards with the wrong date- Jan. 10, 2010.  Guess the kids will have to do a little time travel if they want to return their books on time.

Superintendent

Our school system is in the process of hiring a new superintendent.  Today I looked over the qualifications of the 3 finalists and I noticed that none of them were teachers for more than 6 years and that all of them have been out of the classroom for more than 25 years.  I am really concerned that our future superintendent won't have a clue what it's like in the classroom today.

Soapbox

A 7th grade student just dared to ask me, "Why do we have to read?"

Needless to say, she got a 30 minute speach.  She should have known better.

Library Fines

It's almost the end of the semester and irresponsible middle school students throughout the school are realizing they have to pay their library fines in order to exempt their finals.  I'll hear excuses, listen to arguments, and ultimately collect handfuls of change that I will then use to purchase more books- books they will check out and then return late.  It's the library circle of life.

The Dangers of Yoga

I was barely able to drive home from yoga this evening because my leg kept shaking whenever I had to push down the clutch. Good thing it's a short drive!

Patience-o-Meter

I'm running on empty.  My patience for the day was entirely used up by a group 6th graders.  I am worried about this evening, alone with NA, when I have no patience left.  Somehow I'm doubting the faculty meeting will charge it back up...

Faculty Meeting, Take 1

We have our first faculty meeting today, our second tomorrow, and a PTO meeting/holiday concert on Thursday.  On Friday, I will need a nap.

Spontaneous Crocheting

I had a little impromptu crochet class with my principal and the school system's technology director today in the media center.  It started with a compliment on a scarf and ended with the 3 of us crowded around some scrap yarn teaching each other our favorite stitches.

On Hold

In order to get a special teacher discount to Fantasy in Lights, I have to call and make reservations.  It's 11:45 on a Tuesday.  Why have I been on hold for 15 minutes?  Who else is ordering tickets right now?

Spelling Bee

We held the Spelling Bee in the media center this morning (and I knew how to spell almost all the words).

Surpise, Surprise

I used one of the techniques I read about in an online foster parent training yesterday on NA and it actually worked.  What a pleasant surprise.

Rewards!

Our new behavior system rewards the kids with tickets when they are "caught" being good.  They can then trade tickets for things like extra recess, an entry into a drawing for an iPod, and my favorite, "Teacher's Helper."  I just had an 8th grade helper for the past hour and I got so much done!  I love this new reward system!

Alone

My library assistant has been relocated to the ISS room for the day, so I am in the library alone.  Oh, and did I mention that I'm teaching a research lesson to 3 6th grade classes and I'm supposed to read to both 3rd grade classes?  Plus I need to work the circulation desk for all the kids who finished their books over the weekend.  Clearly someone in this school does not understand what my job entails.

Christmas Story

Nate totally redeemed his Scrooge status by watching A Christmas Story with me and even tolerating my quoting of all the lines under my breath.

Another Sunday Dinner

Roasted turkey breast, green beans, seasoned rice and apple crisp for dessert! Trying to enjoy having time to cook since this week is going to be crazy.

Raking

Because of some poor behavior in school, NA has had to rake the yard yesterday and today. In total, he's been "raking" the same 10' x 10' patch for about 3 hours.

Acorns

I woke up once in the middle of the night and thought, "Man, it's really raining hard." When I woke up this morning, I realized it wasn't rain but thousands of acorns falling on our roof.

Party Time

Foster Christmas party this morning and college football this afternoon.

Therapy

Had a really rough day so I bought myself a pint of Ben and Jerry's (Imagine Whirled Peace). Ice cream therapy will commence tonight.

Naked

I forgot my planner at home today.  I feel so lost... so unprepared.  It's almost as bad as coming to school without any clothes on, though obviously without so much pointing and laughing.

Mean

Nate and I are mean parents tonight. NA got in trouble at school so he is currently in his room writing apology letters to his teachers. He is not happy with us.

Matchbook

In the back of my desk drawer I found a matchbook.  It is blue and inscribed with these words:

How Beautiful Life Can Be

When Touched By Love

Yvonne and Bobby

July 20, 1985

 

I wonder 1) how are Yvonne and Bobby going to do to celerate their 25th anniversary this summer? and

2) how much longer will I continue to find these little surprises stashed away in my office?

Where everybody knows your name...

As I walked down the hall and was greeted by a chorus of, "Hey, Mrs. B!" and I realized that there are 500 children at this school and all of them know my name. If you add in the 450 students who have already gone on to high school that's 950 people (alright, little people) who know me. I'm pretty sure that qualifies me as a celebrity.

Popcorn Fingers

I'm giving the kids who have met their reading goals popcorn-scented bookmarks (which they are just crazy about).  But after handling them, my fingers now smell like popcorn and no amount of washing has been able to remove the smell.

Eye Doctor

My ophthalmologist appointment today was both shorter and more pleasant that expected. I didn't have to get that air blown in my eyes or get them dilated and I found out my eyesight hasn't gotten worse. Best of all, the holes in my retina haven't gotten any bigger. Guess I won't be going blind as soon as I thought!

Brunette

I just got back from the bathroom where I had a revelation.  I am definitely not a blonde anymore.  My hair is brown and henceforth, when asked to describe my physical appearance, I must be truthful.  I am a brunette.

Ah, Yoga

My afternoon meetings lasted from 4:15-6:35. We had exactly 15 minutes to eat dinner before yoga, but I was determined to go. I needed a little time where I just shut off my brain. I'm so glad I went. Now I'm ready to shower, read, and enjoy a full 8 hours of sleep.

Christmas Tree

I think I found our Christmas tree!

Reading Rants

Every few months, I spend an hour or two reading this blog and making notes for books to buy for the library (as well as books to put on my own reading list!)  Not sure if you non-librarians will love it as much as I do, but just in case I thought I'd share.

Ratio

A student asked me an interesting question today:  Are there more books in the world than there are people?  I would add to that: What is the ratio of books to people?

Free Time?

I planned to come home right at 4:15 and do some sewing, but because of rainy dismissal I didn't get out until 4:45. And then NA needs carrots to bring to his health class so Nate has to run to the grocery store while I start dinner and by the time I finally get to pee and look at the mail, it's 5:25 and I have only 30 minutes before dinner. Plus, it's already dark. Longer school days plus shorter daylight really suck.

Turkey Talk

While waiting in the hall with some students we talked about our favorite Thanksgiving foods.  I now have a huge craving for turkey and stuffing even though we just had it a few days ago.  The red beans and rice I have for lunch is not going to cut it.

Outnumbered

Nate (aka Ebeneezer Scrooge) does not care about putting up a Christmas tree, so we don't usually or only put up a tiny one. Today as I was putting up our nativities NA was lamenting the lack of a tree. I think that I'm going to push for a vote so we can actually get a real live Christmas tree!

Sunny Spot

It's cold in the house and I find myself acting exactly like the cats- curled up in a blanket and moving along with the sunny spot from the window.

Content

We had a wonderful time at the cabin- ate good food, watched musicals, played board games, took naps, went on walks, laughed, and even went to see Harry Potter at the drive-in! Time at the cabin has left me feeling perfectly content.

Thankful

I'm thankful for:

• my family
• my friends who are like family
• good health
• a job that provides both income and fulfillment
• my house and neighborhood
• God being active in my life
• the internet and how easy it makes keeping in touch

12 Hours

Just 12 more hours until we're at the cabin.  4 hours of school, half an hour of packing, an hour and a half of driving, 3 hours of waiting while Nate's in class, then 2 and a half more hours of driving.  Really looking forward to spending the next 5 days at the cabin with family!

Goals

Today I hope to process at least 6 books and complete my 2 book orders.  AND all the 6th graders are coming today.  It's going to be a productive day in Library Land.

Ms. Beth's!

I'm really looking forward to this evening.  Nate and I only have 2 Christmas traditions in LaGrange.  One is that we go to Fantasy in Lights at Callaway Gardens and the second is tonight.  Every year Ms. Beth and Mr. Wayne invite some college students over to enjoy an amazing dinner (they are such great cooks!) and then to help decorate their house for Christmas.  Even though we are no longer college students, she graciously continues to invite us.  This will be the 9th year I've gone and I can hardly wait.

The Smell

I went home and took a shower but somehow, I can still smell the whipped cream.  It's driving me nuts.

Unanticipated

2 things I had not anticipated with the pie throwing.

#1  The whipped cream flew much further than I thought (past the plastic I had laid down) and I now have to scrub it out of the library carpet.

#2  I can't get the smell out of my hair.  I think I might need to go home and shower.

Pie Time

In about 30 minutes, this will be smashed in my face.

Walking Dead

Why do I let Nate talk me into watching these violent, bloody, scary tv shows? Dexter, Rome, and now Walking Dead. When I am going to learn to just walk away and go to bed like I planned?

So Close

Thanksgiving break is so close I can almost taste the turkey.

Busy Saturday

Today's been busy. I started with my usual round of grocery shopping (picked up our last CSA share of the season) and housework. Around lunch we headed down to Columbus to check out the SOA Rally and then have dinner with some friends. Then, after some complications with the transporter, we picked up NA and headed home. I know it's only 7:30, but I'm ready for bed!

HP7

After a thoroughly enjoyable dinner (Nate has excellent taste in friends), Nate and I are off to see Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows!

Risotto

After quickly packing up the Book Fair, I raced home to clean up the house and start cooking. Nate invited some seminary friends over for dinner and in addition to my roasted veggies and homemade bread, Nate's decided to make parmesan risotto. Now it's time for me to take NA to the sitter for the night so we can go see HP7 after dinner!

Pie

Final totals

Cake: $21.64
Pie: $43.53

Guess I need to buy a pie this weekend.

Sales

I have been purposely absent when they run the Book Fair sales totals each day.  I didn't want to know until the end.  But then today, they told me.  We've made about $2000 less than what I'd expected (based on the last 2 years of sales).  Why so low?  What did I do wrong?  Now I have to work hard not to let this disappointment ruin my day.

Harry Potter!

Guess what I'm NOT doing right now? I'm not watching the newest Harry Potter movie at midnight. We've had to skip the midnight showing since NA didn't finish reading the books in time. The deal, presented to him in July mind you, was the he could only go see this PG13 movie if he read the books first. He's only on #5 and for some reason, it's hard to get a DFCS approved sitter from 11:30-3:00 AM on a Thursday. Go figure.

Mindless

If I keep giving people a piece of my mind, eventually, I won't have any left.

Cake vs Pie

In order to get the kids excited about donating money to the One For Books program, I made a little contest.  There are 2 jars at the Book Fair- cake and pie- and students use their change to vote for which they would rather see smashed in my face on the morning news.  We'll know the winner at the end of the day tomorrow.  The smashing will take place on Monday morning.

Thanksgiving Lunch

Today is our school's annual Thanksgiving Lunch where parents, grandparents, etc come to have lunch with our students.  I like it because they usually spend a lot at the Book Fair.  I dislike it because it's crowded, busy, and parents always try to talk to me about lost books while I'm eating.  I am thankful Thanksgiving Lunch only comes once a year.

History Repeats

As I was laminating several dozen copies of "USA Studies Weekly" I read the article about the our country's involvment in the Philippines.  It was like reading about the Iraq War, only this took place over 100 years ago.  It starts off, "the United States wanted to support democray and self-rule for the Filipinos" and ends with "the bad expereinces from the Philipines War taugh America some valuable lessons."  Know what those valuable lessons were?  No, it's not that we shouldn't meddle with other country's goverments.  It's not even that suppling weapons to the leader we want in power might back-fire.  We learned that we needed to "improve our military readiness."  I might need to homeschool my kids if this is what we're teaching in public schools.

Grading

I've just been informed (via email) that I now have to assign grades for my morning math group.  GRADING IS ONE OF THE REASONS I GOT OUT OF THE CLASSROOM.  I hate it.  I was never, not once, ASKED to teach this remedial math class.  This is NOT my job.

TMI

Today has been the kind of day that's been so busy, I forget I've had to pee really bad for the past 3 hours.

Rosary

I noticed a new trend among our middle school boys.  They are wearing rosaries.  I don't think they have any idea that these are not neckalces.  Where are they buying them?

November 31st

Yesterday afternoon, in my low temperature haze, I stamped about a hundred date due cards "Nov. 31."

Mash-Up

NA is singing in the shower. It is a mash-up of "Blessed Be the Name of the Lord," "You've Got a Friend in Me," and some country song about a farmer. Trying hard not to laugh. 12 year olds are so funny sometimes.

Freak

I came home a little early and took my temperature before going to bed. My face felt hot so I assumed I had a fever. Know what my temperature was? 95.6! Why was I a full 3 degrees below the average human? I am a freak of nature.

Fever?

I feel really flushed so I went to the office to see if I'm running a fever.  Turns out so many kids have been going up to the office sick, that we're out of the little thermometer sleeves.  Guess I'll just have to tough it out until 4.

Check

A check for $981 from Scholastic showed up in my box today.  I assumed it had something to do with the Book Fair, so I called them.  An hour on the phone and numerous transfers later, we find that the check is a refund for overpayment in... April of 2006.  Now we have to figure out which account the money came out of (4 1/2 years ago- so no one remembers!).  Fingers crossed it's the media center!

Perfume

One of the middle school girls who is on the news crew came in drenched in perfume- enough to make the inside of my nose burn even after she's left the room.

Best Husband

Not only did Nate volunteer at the Book Fair today, he also vacuumed, took out the recycling, put away laundry, and washed dishes- on top of his school work. Best. Husband. Ever.

Little Boxes

Feeling a little overwhelmed so I resorted to my box counting ritual.  I also added the humming of "Little Boxes" while counting which made me feel slightly demented (in a rocking-back-and forth-in-the-corner sort of way).  I'm up to 34.  Here's my odd logic:  Plenty of boxes = the ability to move = feeling less trapped = a greater peace about staying where I am.

Sinus Cold

I started getting this cold on Friday (thanks to NA who has been sniffling for days) and it's hit hard today.  Runny nose, stuffy head, sore throat, coughing, sneezing, the whole nine yards.  Bleck.  If I feel crappy, I should at least be at home in my PJs.

Volunteer

I am super thankful to my sweet husband who volunteered to staff the Book Fair for a few hours this morning since we were short handed.

What Was I Thinking?

I cannot both be a librarian and run the Book Fair.  This is insane.

I need to blog!

I seriously jumped up from the kitchen table where I was having breakfast with my parents and exclaimed, "I need to blog about this!" Thoroughly enjoying spending time with Mom and Dad.

In My Way

All that stands between me and a weekend at my parents' house is 20 more minutes of school plus 4-5 hours or driving (through Atlanta at rush hour).

Free Food!

PTO is providing lunch to all the teachers and PAGE is bringing us dessert!

It Just Came Out

I walked into the teacher workroom to find our system's academic coaches.  One said, "I bet you wish you were back in the math classroom" (noticing my arms filled with book fair paraphernalia).  And that's all it took.  Out spewed a (thankfully light-hearted sounding) tirade about how I am so thankful NOT to be in the classroom because I couldn't stand the testing and pacing guides and people always trying to tell me how to do my job when I'm a really good teacher.  It just came out.  I said, to the very people who do those things that essentially, they were the reason I left the classroom.  Whoa.

Frazzled

Feeling so frazzled.  Too many people asking me to do too many things all at the same time.  So I'm rebelling and checking my email and writing this blog post.  A moment of "me time" if you will.

Super

Nate, in an effort to be super sweet, volunteered to try to salvage my ceramic bowl with super glue. But then the super glue container exploded all over his hand. We're both having a super rough day.

That Darn Cat!

I come home to find that Nobby had somehow climbed ON TOP of the kitchen cabinets, knocked over my large glass cake stand onto the floor which chipped a chunk out of the stove's paint on it's way down and then broke Mrs.'s food bowl (on of my own ceramic pieces). Oh, and Mrs. peed on the floor again. Awesome.

Lost Book

I just had the most weird experience.  A parent came to return a book that had been lost 2 years ago.  They had paid to replace it (2 years ago) and I bought a new copy (2 years ago) and then today they wanted their money back since they were bringing the book back.  I told them I couldn't give them the money back (it had already been spent) so they REFUSED to give me the library book back.  They said they'd paid for it.  We're a SCHOOL. Give me a break.

I Had No Idea

I had no idea how much I am looking forward to the Book Fair until I saw the truck pulling up to the school.  My face lit up and I shouted (to the whole library), "The Book Fair is here!"  Honestly, I don't know when it became a joy instead of a chore, but I'm glad it did!

15 Minutes

I have been going nonstop today. The guys just left for trivia and church and now I'm alone. I'm going to take the next 15 minutes to enjoy silently sitting and doing nothing before I embark on my sizable to do list.

You'll Need a Little Cheese...

to go with this whine.

 

My head hurts and I'm tired.  I want to take a nap but after school I have errands to run and then a meeting.  Boo.

Yoga

NA went to yoga with me last night- he was just going to read in the sitting room- but our yoga instructor convinced him to join us.  For a 12 year old beginner, he did pretty well in an intermediate adult class.  And he even said he enjoyed it!

Sing-Along

While NA is unloading the dishwasher, he's singing a medley of every song he knows. Praise songs, country, songs from Rock Band, you name it. Hilarious.

Cake

Today they'll announce the school's Teacher of the Year and no matter who wins, I know we get cake.  Cake makes every faculty meeting better.

That's Better

The heat is on AND our principal came by to bring us hot cocoa (with optional whipped cream and marshmallows!).

Awesome (sarcastic)

I slept horribly last night and then woke up at 5 AM because my body has not yet adjusted to the time change.  Then I get to school and still no heat!  This is an awesome start to the day.

I Can See The Future

I am, apparently, horrible at blogging in the afternoon. The last 2 hours of school drag, then I come home, do a little housework, cook dinner, and then either run off to some activity (yoga, GED, trivia) or watch tv with Nate. Then it's 9:00 and I remember I have a blog right around the time I should be getting ready for bed. Is this how the rest of my life plays out?

Brrrrrr

The "heater" has been blowing cold air into the library for over 2 hours.  They still haven't come to fix it and I can't even get it to turn off.  So cold!

VHS

While preparing to record the morning news, I told a 6th grader to put the tape into the VCR.  She proceeded to put the VHS tape in backwards because she had never used a VCR or VHS tape before.  It then came to light that our morning news show as the only time any of my middle school students had used a VCR.  So glad I can provide a good history lesson.

Sunday Dinner

Roasted herb chicken, seasoned rice, and collard greens plus... Pioneer Woman coffee cake for dessert!

Study Buddy

Mrs. likes to help Nate with his homework.

Game Night

Enjoyed playing some new board games with friends this evening. Ready for the extra hour of sleep- thanks Daylight Savings Time!

Cold Weather

I almost didn't mind the pre-Thanksgiving Christmas items displayed everywhere because it's so dang cold. On Tuesday when the high will be in the mid-70's, I don't think I'll feel the same.

Long Visit

NA is on an extra long visit with his brother today, so we're taking the 45 minute drive to the nearest Hobby Lobby! Yay for crafting supplies!

Desperate

I was so desperate for a haircut that I agreed to the only appointment she still had available for today... 7:45 AM.

Small Town

Sometimes I forget I live in a small town. Today is not one of those days. Today is THE big game- the city high school plays the county high school. And while everyone in the county is freezing their butts off watching the game, we're watching Willy Wonka and the Chocolate Factory in our warm living room.

The Vest

Today I am wearing my vest.  This black, zip-up, fleece vest (embroidered with the school's name) is something I loathe in theory (not attractive) but love in practice.  It's warm and has big pockets.  What more could you really ask for in clothing?

Heat

We turned the heat on for the first time last night.  I knew it was cold out, but I felt like the heater was having to work extra long to heat the house up.  Turns out NA put his fan in his open window last night.  Yep, on the first fall frost we were blowing in freezing air all night.

Mmmmmmm

NA: This taco soup is really good.

Dentist

I do not like going to the dentist. Here is why:

1. I gag during the x-rays so it takes twice as long.
2. I get flecks of toothpaste and spit all over my face.
3. The dental hygienist always tries to hold a conversation with me while her hands are in my mouth.
   

Jealousy

My evening:  going to the dentist, dinner at home with NA, and then taking NA with me to GED tutoring.

 

Nate's evening: going out to dinner at the BRICKSTORE PUB with some of our amazing friends.

Buttons!

Time to make buttons for next week's reading celebration... "Feed Your Mind Week!"

5 Minutes Late

How is it that no matter what time I get NA up, he's never ready on time?

Ewwwww

NA: What's for dinner tomorrow night?

Me: Taco Soup

NA: Ewwwww. What's in that?

Me: (exasperated sigh)

Dang it

I just realized (way past closing time) that I forgot, AGAIN, to call and make an appointment to get a haircut. I've had enough bad hair days in a row now that this is becoming urgent.

Uneventful

Today was busy but utterly uneventful. Looking forward to watching TV and crocheting alone in the house while Nate's at trivia and Austin's at youth group.

While You Were Sleeping

I just remembered that my husband woke me up when he came to bed last night (a full 2 hours after I'd fallen asleep) to tell me his tummy hurt after eating a dozen fish sticks.  Why does he insist on talking to me while I'm sleeping?

New Blog

As if posting 3-5 times a day here wasn't enough, my sister and I created a blog together. I think we're hilarious. Hope you enjoy!

Private Concert

Is there any sound more lovely than a 12 year old learning to play the trumpet?

Rubber Cement

I used an entire bottle of rubber cement today making signs/decoarations for the book fair.  I think I've lost a significant number of brain cells from the fumes.

Book Fair

Spending the majority of my work day getting ready for the book fair.  At least it's better than meetings.

Teacher Work Day

Slept in about half an hour this morning because it's a teacher work day! Off to my morning meeting.

Bloody

We just watched the newest episode of Dexter followed by an episode of Rome from Netflix. Too much violence for one evening.

First Year Teachers

I wonder how many other professions regularly have senior employees tell new employees: "The first year is miserable, but I promise it gets better."

12

This morning I am wondering why there aren't more reported cases of "shaken preteen syndrome."

Shaun of the Dead

Enjoying on of my favorite zombie movies for Halloween!

Pumpkin Spice Muffins

I just baked these! Can't wait to try them!

Barf

I have dealt with far too much puke between the hours of midnight and 9 AM. Nate was throwing up all night and then, to my delight, Mrs. up-chucked her breakfast. Today is starting off great.

Lazy Trick-or-Treaters

While trick-or-treating with NA and some friends, I was sickened by the sheer number of parents that were literally chauffeuring their kids from one house to the next- and this was in a neighborhood! If you are too lazy to walk, you are too lazy for candy.

Halloween!

Last year, we had about 150 people show up for our neighborhood Halloween Festival. This year, there were so many I couldn't' keep count- I'm thinking over 200! Huge success!

Clothes Shopping

Shopping for jeans with (and for) a 12 year old boy is MUCH easier than any personal jeans shopping excursion I have ever had.

Craft Store

I am in a crafting mood. It's a pity the nearest craft store is half an hour away.

PJs til Noon

I went to the grocery store at 9:00 last night just so I could sleep in and read in my PJs this morning.

Girl Scouts

Time for a quick dinner of wings and twice baked potatoes (super healthy, I know) and then I'm going to help a neighbor teach yoga to 70 Girl Scouts at a lock-in.

Making Cuts

I've been feeling a bit overwhelmed lately, so I looked at my schedule to see if there is something I can cut.  I decided to cut the obligation that causes me the most stress and takes up the most amount of time: clearly this whole librarian thing has to go.

New Favorites

Thanks to the 5th grade biography project, I have a few new favorite historical figures: Carry Nation, George Washington Carver, and Theodore Roosevelt.

Boxes

You know what I do when I start feeling really anxious about school?  I count the boxes I have been saving and stashing in the AV closet.  Boxes that I will use when we move.  I'm up to 25.

Will Schuester

You know a while back when I asked where all these "bad" teachers are that politicials are always talking about? I think I know. They're on Glee. Clearly, Mr. Schuester needs a few more standardized tests to keep him from dumping his personal problems on that group of high school students.

Not Saturday

I needed this to be Saturday so bad. I really need a break.

Crock Pot and Bread Machine

Thanks to my trusty crock pot and bread maker, bean soup and warm bread await me when I eventually get to sit down to eat (somewhere after planning a Girl Scout yoga event and inviting my block to the Halloween party but before GED tutoring).

Mid-morning Snack

Craisins and pumpkin seeds!  Yum!

My Bed

I slept so soundly last night with the fan in the window and the sound of the rain falling all night... I wish I was still there.

Tacky Day

Just a tiny bit of my tacky attire which includes polka dots, plaid, and stripes- all in different shades of red.

Monumental

Thanks to yoga once a week for the last 9 months, today I was able to touch my toes for the first time in as long as I can remember. This is huge!

Moldy Pumpkins

This unseasonably warm and damp weather is causing our carved pumpkins to mold on the front porch. Boo.

Shoe-Wearing Librarian

All it took was one rogue staple to the heel and my shoes are back on.

Barefoot Librarian

My shoes were hurting my feet so I'm going barefoot and it feels nice!

Hat Day

I'm wearing this today.

I Know It's Late But

I don't want to go to sleep yet. I'm going to pay for this tomorrow at about 2:30.

Rain, Rain

I love this rainy weather.  I hope it rains through the night!

Paranoid

About an hour ago I walked out of the bathroom with my skirt tucked into my underwear.  Thankfully, I didn't get far (or see any students!) before I noticed, but now I feel the need to frequently check to make sure I'm not flashing anyone.

No Website?

*Ring Ring*

 

Good morning, Media Center.

 

Hello!  This is -- from -- Publishing!  We want to send you a huge box of books to preview that will clutter your office for months.

 

Do you have a website I can look at instead?

 

No, but we do have free shipping.

 

It's 2010- how do you not have a website?

 

We find that many librarians prefer the "hands-on" preview.

 

I'm 26.  I use the internet for everything.

 

For no extra charge one of our assosciates will call every week and nag you about making a purchase.

 

Um, no thanks.  Call me again if you enter the 21st century.

 

 

 

 

Morning Motivation

When the alarm went off, I tried really hard to think about a reason to get out of bed.  I decided that eating the last 2 blueberry muffins for breakfast was sufficent.

Dinners

Since I posted what we had for dinner last night and the night before, I thought I'd tell you about tonight and tomorrow. Tonight we had spaghetti with homemade sauce and tomorrow night we're having orange chicken (it's already in the crockpot). I wish I had this much time to cook during the week.

Beautiful Weather!

Really looking forward to sitting in the sunshine and watching the boys play soccer in this beautiful weather!

Direct Traffic

Ok, so you know how I love to check Google Analytics (to track my rise to blog-stardom)? Well, I just hit a milestone. 34% direct traffic! That means that 1/3 of the people who read this are actually typing in this address. Clearly, I need to start figuring out which actress should play me in the movie based on my blog...

Dinner Guests

We're having the new band director and his wife over for dinner. Black beans and rice and board games!

Morning Person

I got up at early to drop NA off for his Boy Scout overnight hiking trip and then just decided to go to the grocery store... at 7 AM. I am completely a morning person. But I'm also a take-a-nap-in-the-afternoon person.

Pumpkins!

Another successful Family Dinner!

Hiccups

I've had hiccups 3 times today.  What's up diaphragm?

Family Dinner

Tonight we are hosting Family Dinner with the addition of a few new college students (even without Noelle and Chuck, we'll be up to 9 tonight!).  We'll enjoy vegetable chowder, homemade biscuits, and brownies for dinner followed by pumpkin carving!

Validation

I just had part 1 of my 3 part evalutation.  It was extremely validating to know that my AP had to go to a 4 hour training and read a 150 page manual just to learn how to evaluate me.  See?  Further proof that I do something beside check out books!

My REAL Job

I got permission to skip my morning remedial math class to teach research skills to the 5th graders.  I don't mind helping out, but it is really frustrating when the extra stuff I'm asked to do gets in the way of my real job.

Couch

I've been day-dreaming about my couch... imagining all the things I could be doing while sitting on it... watching tv, crocheting, sleeping, drinking coffee, reading... the possibilities are endless.

Apple

I'm eating a Winesap apple from Mercer's apple orchard.  It makes me think of both my time at the cabin and of my dad who once planted (and replanted) a Winesap apple tree in our yard.  These are my favorite apples.  Crisp, sweet, tart, and full of good memories.

Counting Down

3 weeks until we go visit my parents.  4 weeks until Harry Potter.  5 weeks until Thanksgiving.

Deep Thoughts

I've had some deep thoughts tonight, but I can't find a way to put them into just a few words.

It's the Little Things

Today I woke up smiling for the simple reason that today is not yesterday and for that I am very thankful.

Popcorn and Ice Cream

Detention didn't end in a riot, so I'm considering it a huge success. To celebrate the end of such a successful, long day, we're having popcorn and ice cream for dinner. That plus yoga tonight followed by chick-flick will make this day all better.

Assistant

One of our new rewards for good behavior is that students can be a teacher's assistant for an hour.  I had my first assistant today (a 5th grader) and we had so much fun putting up a bulletin board together.  I'm very thankful for moments like that to remind me why I love what I do.

Dread

I've been dreading today. It's hard enough to go back to school after a 4 day weekend, but even harder when you have to hold detention after school for 18 angry 8th graders.

My Day Off

Today's a furlough day and I'm trying to make the most of it. So far, I went to the grocery store, took in the recycling, went to the library, got my flu shot, did 3 loads of laundry, took the comforter to the laundromat, ordered new tires for the car, and had a visit with NA's case worker. I hope to finish one more load of laundry, mop the kitchen floor, and do a little mending before we watch Dexter tonight.

Driving

Driving in a small town has ruined me. Whenever we get on the interstate my anxiety level goes to 10 (maybe I should have taken one of the cat's pills...) because I am SURE that every car is inching closer and closer to the line and is, at any moment, going to cross into our lane and slam into us.

And that is why I only drive to the grocery store and back.

My Sister

I love my sister. Here is an excerpt from our g-chat conversation:

Laura: did I tell you about all the dogs here? there are stray brown dogs every where

so I've decided we can't live here or we'll end up with like 100 dogs

and I do NOT need a pack of semi-feral dogs in my backyard

me: no, you don't. unless of course you're going to A) train them for the circus or to be sled dogs or B) you're going to use them to help boost you into reality-star fame-dom

Laura: oooh, good idea like "19 kids, 50 dogs, and counting"

I need to be weirder than the current shows

Refreshed.

As always, we had a wonderful time at the cabin. We enjoyed spending time with Nate's parents, went to the Apple Festival, ate good food, and played plenty of card games. The fall colors were gorgeous and so was the weather. I feel refreshed.

Last First Kiss

Today is the 8th anniversary of our first kiss. Writing all these has made me feel super mushy.

Cabin Time

We're off to the cabin, but first we have to stop at Columbia. Nate has a class today and then we'll complete the journey to my favorite place on earth!

Fall Break

I am so thankful that our 4 day fall break begins tomorrow. Blue Ridge, here we come!

Sucky

Today might actually have been the suckiest day of my entire life.

aghhhhh!

So much cheating.... I've talked to 14 and still have 4 more to go before I can even start calling parents...

Stress

Today I have to orchestrate 6 AR celebrations, interrogate 20 students about cheating, and then call about 30 parents. Feeling a little overwhelmed.

TWO YEARS!

Today I have been blogging for 2 years. Can you believe it? The last 2 years of my life is documented here. Wow.

Ahhhhhhh!

Uncovered a huge AR cheating ring in the 8th grade.  Tomorrow is ruined.

Chairperson

Um, I think I just became the chairperson for the Book Fair.

Place Your Bets

It's the last day for students to meet their reading goals for this quarter.  How many times do you think I'm going to give the "too little, too late" speech today?

Go to Your Room

I made NA go to his room half an hour early- not as a punishment, but because I wanted to watch Glee and I didn't think it was appropriate for him. I'm pretty sure this falls into the "bad parent" category.

Perspective

I was about to complain how I still had a whole hour of school left followed by an hour long faculty meeting when I remembered my husband left home at the same time I did today, but he won't get home until almost 11 PM.

Animal Collective

I've got that Animal Collective song "My Girls" stuck in my head and I don't mind one bit.

Speech

I wrote this speech yesterday about how I'm frustrated that these extra things I'm being asked to do are interfering with my ability to fulfill my duties as a media specialist.  And then I didn't give it.  But today, I did skip a meeting that was during 7th grade's research time.

Weekends

I was just sending a quick email to Nate to make sure we're on the same page concerning the next few weekends when I realized we have something going on every weekend except one between now and Christmas break.  Whoa.

Nightmares

Thanks to Nate watching Dr. Who and then the movie The Wrestler last night, I had nightmares about time travelling wrestlers.  It was terrifying.

Inconsiderate

Due to miscommunication (for the 3rd year in a row!) I didn't find out the vision and hearing screening will be held in the media center this morning until the volunteers came to set up.  This means I had to reschedule the classes I had coming AND students won't be able to check out books all morning.  I can't begin to express how frustrated I am.

Soccer

Going to watch the boys and some of our neighbors play soccer before dinner.

The Usual

Church, cooking, cross-stitching, tv watching, and a nice nap. Typical Sunday accomplished.

Marshmallows!

We've invited some of our neighbors over to roast marshmallows this evening. Looking forward to some SMORES!

Cooking Time

Just made another batch of pesto, a pan of lasagna for later in the week, and pizza dough for the homemade pizzas we're having for dinner.

Practice Patient

This morning I'm heading down to Columbus to be a practice patient for my wonderful friend soon-to-be Doctor Amber.

11th Plague

Today at the grocery store, I had the worst baggers- 3 teenage boys that descended upon my small load of purchases like locusts then quickly departed leaving a tangle of plastic and canvas bags and my bread squished.

Cats

We have the weirdest cats.  One has anxiety disorder and foams at the mouth and the other was found today on top of the refrigerator trying to eat a loaf of bread (through the plastic).

Where are they?

These bad teachers that everyone talks about whenever politicians talk about education reform- where are they?  Not the school I work at and honestly, I bet there aren't nearly as many as we are lead to believe.  When are we going to hold students, parents, and yes, even our restrictive educational mandates accountable?

Big Butt

I butt dialed Nate five times (no exaggeration) on the 3 minute walk home from church. My big butt makes too many phone calls.

Peking

Nate and I enjoyed dinner out at our favorite Chinese restaurant tonight. It was especially nice to eat a meal without any complaints (or worse, backhanded compliments) from our picky 12 year old.

Weird Illness

Whatever this thing I have that makes my armpits, jaw, and elbows hurt, makes only one nostril of my nose run, and makes me feel weak and tired, I'm ready to be done with it.

Foaming at the Mouth

When I tried to give Mrs. her anxiety meds this morning, this is what happened:

The cat tried to throw the pill that was lodged in her throat back up, but only succeeded in making herself foam at the mouth.  The pill is blue, so the foam was also blue.  Then she ran away from me, trailing blue cat spit foam all over the house.  I'm sure that taking this anxiety medicine is only increasing her anxiety because it's surely increasing mine.

So Tired

I've been sleeping and resting all day, but my body is still so tired. Weirdly, I have almost no other sickness symptoms except for aches in every part of my body that has lymph nodes. I'm probably dying.

Going Home Sick

As soon as 9:30 rolls around, I'm going back home. I do not feel good.

Field Trip

Not sure who's been looking forward to this 3 day, 2 night field trip more- NA or me and Nate. Home alone without the 12 year-old! Wahooo! I'm sure NA will have a good time, too.

The Project

NA tells us last night at 6:30, right before Boy Scouts, that he had a huge project due that he forgot about. So today, he's trying to do a 6 week project in one night. Why are 12 year old so irresponsible?

New Pet Peeve

It started with NA, but it has since spread to all children.  I absolutely cannot stand when children make a statement instead of asking a question.  An example: "I need a book" instead of "Will you help me find a book?"  Maybe I'm being overly sensitive, but to me it implies an attitude of entitlement, that all they need to do is state a problem or desire and that someone will jump to fix it.

Perfect Breakfast

A bowl of oatmeal with a big scoop of apple crisp on tip may just be the perfect breakfast.

Cat Anxiety

So we took Mrs. Reynolds to the vet to see if there's a medical reason she keeps peeing on the floor. Turns out there probably is. Apparently, she has such severe anxiety that it's caused a "thickening of her bladder" so they've put her on medication for anxiety and OCD. So much of her weird behavior makes sense now. Our cat has an anxiety disorder.

Lock Jaw

My sister (the almost PA) says that the swollen, ouchy lump near my jaw is just an inflamed lymph node.  I'm pretty sure I have tetanus and it's lock jaw and I'm probably going to die soon.

Scary Books

As soon as October hits all the kids ask for "scary" books, so today I'm putting up my Halloween display, complete with a big spider web hanging from the ceiling.

Goodbye Summer

I packed away my tank tops and shorts and brought out my jeans and long-sleeved shirts. This guarantees we'll have one day next week in the mid-90's but I don't care. Goodbye Summer! Hello Autumn!

Sunday School

It's been years (literally) since we've attended a Sunday School class, but we're going this morning.

Apple Crisp, Take 2

Nate and I could not shake the craving for apple crisp after the Apple Crisp Fiasco of 2010 (that's what I'm calling it henceforth) so I baked it again, this time using a measuring cup and the recipe, to great success.

Quarantine

Mrs. Reynolds is currently on her second day of being quarantined in the bathroom. We're hoping this will break her of the habit of peeing next to the litter box rather than in it. Even though it's well deserved, I feel immensely guilty when I hear her meowing.

Butt-Dialing

It was bad enough to discover I butt-dialed my sister TWICE this morning (between 7 and 8 AM) but even worse when I realized that there's a 3 hour time difference (making it 4 and 5 AM for her). I'm sorry, Laura!

Fall Weather

I'm in love with this weather. Cool mornings and evenings plus sunny warm days are my favorite!

Family Birthday Wishes

Happy Birthday to my wonderful sister, Laura, and my amazing father-in-law, Ron!

Christmas List

My mom asked me to start putting together a Christmas list and all of the sudden, I can't think of anything in the world that I want.

Crushed

Have you ever seen someone who has been totally crushed?  I feel like I see that every day lately.  Why does our education system have to be so oppressive?

Freckle Juice

The adorable 3rd graders are walking around the school today with marker-drawn freckles all over their faces because they just finished reading Freckle Juice.  Too cute!

30 Rock

Watching the first episode of the new season of 30 Rock. I love this show.

New Student

I'm supposed to meet with a new student at GED tutoring tonight. I hope it goes well!

Sick Leave

On my pay stub today, I noticed that I have 40.75 days (or 8 weeks) of paid sick leave accumulated.  That's going to be a nice chuck of paid maternity leave in a few years!

Morning Cold

I woke up feeling sick- stuffy, sneezy, throat hurty.  I wanted to stay home, but I figured it'll get better as the day goes on.  It's only been an hour and I already feel better- which makes me wish even more I had chosen to stay at home!

Good Laugh

Today at lunch, not only did I get the "fertility fork" shaken at me (again), but we also had a hilarious converstation about birth control and slang words for genitals.  Thanks goodness the kids were so loud as this whole converstation took place in the cafeteria.

I Hate It

I hate teaching math in the morning.  Not because I dislike math or the kids, but because it means I have to close the libary up for an hour.  I have to lock the door in the faces of the adorable third graders who are so excited to get a new Black Lagoon picture book.  I hate that.

The Help

I stayed up too late, but I finished it. Gail was right, I loved it.

Purpose

Apparently 12 year old boys were made for the sole purpose of arguing.

Life Partner

Even though it doesn't sound as heterosexual, I think that life partner is a much better term than husband and wife.  It's so much more descriptive- it says, "we work together, we help each other, we are partners in the life we're creating together."  Anyway, I'm feeling extra thankful for such a wonderful life partner today.

Can't Shake It

Does this ever happen to you?  You hear something, read something, or think of something that makes you upset.  Then you get distracted or busy and you forget what that things was but you're left with the nagging upset feeling in the pit of your stomach.  I've had that all morning and I hate it.

Dexter

Tonight we're going to watch the new episode of Dexter. Part of me can't wait and part of me is dreading it. I always feel so emotionally drained after watching that show.

Snack (on sale)

Dreaming of a Super Pretzel ($0.50 per box after coupon and sale at Publix) and a Swiss Cake Roll ($1 per box, on sale at Kroger) for my afternoon snack.

Too Much

I think I've been playing too much Plants Vs. Zombies and reading too much of my book, The Help, because last night, I dreamed about trying to defend a southern plantation from zombies with the help of animated plants and a bunch of black maids in white uniforms.

Rubbing it in

Nate keeps saying, "Can I have some apple crisp? I really wanted some apple crisp."

Baking Fail

You know when you've made a recipe dozens of times and then you think to yourself, I can make this without looking at the recipe. And then the house is filled with the smell of warm apple crisp and you can't wait to eat it and then you do and something is horribly wrong (too much baking soda?). And then you are so mad at yourself- not only have you wasted ingredients and time, but now your desire for apple crisp is all the stronger.

Dinner Tonight

I didn't get around to making the pesto today, but I did make this yummy looking squash bake and biscuits (they're Pillsbury- Nate likes them better than my homemade). Not pictured is the apple crisp that's in the oven for dessert!

Simpy In Season

I love this cookbook. We have a BUNCH of fresh basil from our CSA share so we're going to make pesto with a recipe from this book. If you're trying to eat more seasonal fruits and veggies, this cookbook is a must!

Shuffle

Our new car has a feature that Nate loves- an auxiliary jack where he can plug in his MP3 player. Nate's version of listening to his MP3 player on shuffle is a little different than most. Today on the 25 minute drive back from church, we listened to the first 10 seconds of song after song, with only one song being deemed worthy to listen to all the way through.

For Ms. Becky

Here's a shout out to Ms. Becky (a friend's mom) who told me she reads my blog every day. Writing about the minutia of my life wouldn't be as fun if I didn't have cool people like her reading it.

New Favorite

My new favorite blog... Missed Connections. I love the art. I love the romance. I can't get enough.

Princess and the Frog

I'm finally getting around to watching the newest Disney Princess movie. So far, it's really cute.

Latino Festival

We just got back from the Latino festival that's going on down the street. We helped the kids make pinatas, ate really good food, hung out with friends and neighbors, and listened to the mariachi band.

Cross Country

Headed out to watch my brother's cross country race and then enjoy a picnic lunch!

Reasons Not To Mow

Here are the top 3 reasons why I should not have to mow my lawn:

1)  Medical- Nate and I are both allergic to grass.

2)  Religious- If God wanted the grass 4 inches tall, it would stop growing at that height.

3)  Social- In a neighborhood where we are a different ethnicity and in a different economic class as our neighbors, it is important to have some common ground.  Our yard looks exactly like everyone else's and we like it that way.

Sleep Dialing

To my knowledge, I have not walked in my sleep in a number of years.  But this morning I woke up with the vague memory of calling Nate on his cell phone last night, even though he was only in the living room.  Checked the cell phone to confirm that yes, I did call my husband in my sleep.  I'm very thankful I didn't embarrass myself by calling anyone else.

Missing Magazines

I am missing 32 issues of the magazines we order for the media center.  I've called the publishers, I've claimed the missing issues, I've even called the post office and I can't figure out where all these magazines are going, because it sure isn't here.

Mommy!

My mommy's coming to visit today!

Tent Revival

I went to my first tent revival tonight.

Violation

I came home to a yellow piece of paper on my front door notifying me that we have a lawn maintenance violation- it states that our grass is more than 1 foot tall. I know it's been much taller than a foot before, but it's not now. Some other neighbors have been getting these notices too, which you only get if someone calls the police on you. Then the next day, this guy shows up and asks if you want your lawn cut. I bet that jerk is calling in violations just to drum up business.

Deep Thinking

I've been thinking a lot lately about the difference between standards and standardization. 

For the most part, I'm fine with there being standards in public education (something set up by an authority to measure quality).  To me, this is really about the end product- what students should know or be able to do.

What I'm not ok with is the standardization (bringing things into conformity with a standard) of the process.  I don't think there's just one right way for a teacher to teach, for a classroom to look, or for a lesson plan to be written.  If we preach that students need differentiation, why do we not carry that over to the adults who teach?  Do we somehow lose our individuality once we pass high school?

I'm in Love

I love that Nate and I are totally in synch when it comes to parenting.  Here's an example:

Last night we were in the car with some friends.  Someone said the word "sexuality" and NA said, "You said a bad word."  Nate and I both said, "sexuality and sex aren't bad words" which caused NA to cover his ears and say, "Ewww!"  So Nate and I proceeded to say, "sex" over and over again.  Clearly, we are the best parents ever.

First Date

Can you tell I found my old planner? The one from my freshman year of college where I scribbled every meeting, homework assignment, and plan (just as I still do today). Well, 8 years ago today, Nate took me on our first date. He threw pebbles at my dorm room window, brought me a bouquet of dandelions, and then took me to the public library. Yes, I realize we are total nerds. But it was so romantic, too. He read me my favorite children's book.

4:15 Guilt

I feel extremely guilty every day at 4:15.  It's offically quitting time, but I'm the only one who actually leaves due to all hoops the teacher's have to jump through these days.  I know there's nothing I can do to help, but I still horrible as I walk out the door every afternoon.

Glee

Only a few more hours and I'll be home watching the new episode of Glee!

Old Track Injury

I pulled a muscle in yoga last night- in the same hip that I hurt during high school track.  So today I am walking with a limp, grimcing often, and saying things like, "old track injury" because it sounds so much cooler than, "I hurt myself during standing balance pose."

Rain and Yoga

We had the doors and windows open in the yoga studio tonight. By the end of the session the whole room was filled with the sent of fresh rain.

Plants vs Zombies

I just beat my first video game!

Paper Gown

Every time I go to the doctor's and put on one of those paper gowns (as I did today), I remember all those times my mom would go to the doctor's with me. While we waited, we'd fray the edges of the gown, gather it, stick on Kleenex corsages, and generally turn that piece of tissue paper into a beautiful ball gown. For some reason, we always found it much funnier than the doctor did.

Soup Time

I need it to be colder because I want to eat soup and chili and stew for dinner every night.  For some reason, Nate doesn't want scalding hot liquid for dinner when it's 90 degrees outside.  I need some fall weather now!

What the Heck?

I take it back. Real tv is dumb. I can't believe we ever sat through so many commercials!

Real TV!

We just plugged in our cable and found out we have 6 channels- Peachtree TV, Fox, CW, CBS, NBC, and a home shopping channel! We'll be able to watch Chuck live tonight. It's a momentous day.

Be The Adult

I just threw a mini hissy-fit (in front of students) when I realized I have to protor the ITBS today.  Then I turned away from them and put my "adult face" back on.

It's Still Here

Over the weekend, brief as it was, I managed to forget all about school work.  Low and behold, when I came in this morning it's still here- waiting for me.

Purring Cat

It is extremely rare, but Mrs. Reynolds jumped up in my lap and she is now nuzzling me and purring. She must be possessed.

Adidas Wookiee Jacket

Nate frequently sends me links to things he wants. I keep a bookmark folder called "Things Nate Wants." Some he may get for his birthday, but this one he sent me yesterday... probably not.

Neighbors

Dinner was amazing and the company was even better. I love our neighbors!

5 K

After a quick breakfast of pancakes with Noelle and Megs, we headed up to the NAMI walk in Lawrenceville. The park was beautiful and there were quite a lot of people there to participate! We completed the 5K walk in less than an hour and then enjoyed lunch before tackling the 2 hour drive back. I just got up from my nap and now I'm ready for dinner with our neighbors the Wheelers!

All-Nighter

The only all-nighter I ever pulled in college was in the first few weeks of my freshman year- and it wasn't for studying. 8 years ago today, I spent the entire night talking with Nate about everything and anything. That night of first getting to know the man I'd spend the rest of my life with was one of the best nights of my life.

NA says

NA just said, "My rooms smells like trumpet." What does that even mean?

Garlic

I may have used too much garlic in the roasted vegetables we're having for dinner. It's roasting now and I think if there were any vampires in a 1 mile radius of the house, they'd be hurting.

PICTURE day

Not only was it our official picture day, but I've been taking pictures of classroom activities ALL DAY.  8th grade is making butter, 7th grade had a Marine come speak to their class, 3rd grade is studying soil and rock samples with magnifying glasses, and 4th grade was doing a really cute writer's workshop.

Walk Tomorrow!

I can hardly believe it, but the NAMI walk is tomorrow morning!  If you wanted to donate, but have not yet, please click here and support this wonderful cause!

Picture Day

Not only did I forget to dress myself appropriately for picture day, but NA is wearing some junky t-shirt and has horrible bed-head.  Blah.

Fall Sounds

One of the things I love about my neighborhood is that when we have the windows open in the fall we can hear the high school football games from the stadium on Thursday and Friday nights.

Crock-Pot Disaster

I was under the impression that you couldn't overcook or burn things in your crock pot. Turns out I was WRONG. I left orange chicken to cook on low for the last 8 hours and came home to a smoking black mess. Ugh.

I love NPR

A few days ago NPR interviewed Danny DeVito about Always Sunny in Philidelphia and today, they have Jon Hamm on to talk about Mad Men.  I really love NPR.

"Going Out"

I found out through the grape vine that is middle school today that NA is "going out" with someone. I was concerned about what I should do or say, but by the time I got home, they'd broken up.

Honing My Skill

I've been honing my gum-catching skills.  I can spot a gum chewer from all the way down the hall.  I also pride myself at spotting the spit-out fake-out (you know, when they pretend to spit it out) even when accompanied by the open-mouth "proof" (it's always on the roof of their mouth).

Nerdy Joy

I just tried out some new software that makes cataloging SO easy!  It used to take me about 15-20 minutes to catalog a book.  With this new program, I just cataloged 9 books in less than 10 minutes!  I am filled with nerdy librarian love for a computer program that just made my job much easier.

Drop Out

More and more often I think about leaving this school system, about leaving ALL school systems.  It's so flawed.  It's so wrong at times that I don't want to be a part of it.  It's too big.  I can't fix it.  So I day dream about dropping out.  Letting it be someone else's problem.  Having some babies and homeschooling them while I bake my own bread and grow my own vegetables.  I have 2 more years to think about it.  Then Nate's out of seminary and I have to decide... should I drop out or stay and try to make the best of it?

Unseasonable

The high today is 93. The average temperature for today is 80. Why is it so unseasonably warm? I'm ready for fall!

Edna

NA and I watched The Incredibles tonight. I love that movie and I especially love Edna Mode.

Bottomless Pit

Since we got home from school today at 5:30 this is what NA has eaten: piece of pizza, a big bowl of chicken noodle soup, a glass of orange juice, a big slice of lasagna, a glass of milk, a bowl of ice cream, and now, half a bag of popcorn.

Movie-and-Popcorn

I decided to be a good mom (yep, I used the "m" word) and have a movie-and-popcorn night with NA. Since it's Nate's late night at school, he would have had to sit through yoga and since he already sat through a long faculty meeting that seemed cruel.

Difficult Decisions

Do I go to yoga with Noelle or stay at home with NA and watch a movie?

Quality Vs. Quantity

Which is better: less frequent posts on more interesting topics or a constant updates on all the boring minutia of my life?

Forgotten

I was forgotten about TWICE today at the doctor's office. First, I waited for an hour in the waiting room and then for another 30 minutes in the exam room. The nurses and doctors even admitted to forgetting about me both times. 90 minutes of waiting to get a 5 second injection.

Oh No

So, I accidentally deleted all the library transactions we've done today.  Huge mess.  All my fault.

Vaccination

I'm going to get my tetanus/pertussis vaccination this afternoon.  Already dreading the sore arm.

Hoops Explained

This is the list of the things a teacher in my school system is REQUIRED to do at the beginning of EVERY lesson:

• Sponge Activity
• Review of Behaviors
• Review of Classroom Rules
• Review of Consequences
• Review of Previous Day's Lesson
• Introduction of Current Day's Lesson
• Explanation of the Standard
• Discuss the Essential Question
• Activity

And all of that before you actually teach.

Calling

I think my life's calling is to be a baker. I just baked a batch of pita bread which we plan to eat topped with sauteed eggplant and peppers.

New Crocheting Project

Crocheting a baby blanket and watching Back to the Future.

Aloe

My singed knuckles are thankful for the aloe plant my mom gave me.

Embarrassed

Nate says, "Are you posting about how you burned your knuckles on the oven?"
I say, "No, I'm embarrassed."
Nate says, "Good, you should be."
So I post to prove that I shouldn't be.

I love baking

So we baked the calzones, the loaf of bread, and the pan of cinnamon rolls AND THEN I baked a pan of brownies (to fulfill my craving for brownies and mint chocolate chip ice cream). All that in addition to the blueberry muffins I baked this morning. I am a baking fiend.

Menu Planning

Between Friday night and Saturday morning, I plan out our dinners for the week. I check the ads and my coupon stash, see what's on sale, flip through my cook books, then make my grocery list. Like this week, I want to make calzones (cheese and pepperoni are on sale at Kroger). If I'm going to make bread dough, then I might as well make a double batch and then we'll have bread to go with the squash casserole I'm making AND enough dough left over to make a small batch of cinnamon rolls. My grocery shopping/menu making fulfills my 2 favorite past-times: cooking and list making.

Blueberry Muffins

Celebrating sleeping solidly for 8.5 hours with fresh baked blueberry muffins and a big cup of coffee.

Tricky

I figured out the trick to getting NA to eat beans without complaining. Invite my brother over for dinner. In an effort to impress Todd, NA eats whatever we put in front of him without complaining. Guess Todd's coming over for dinner more often!

Plants vs. Zombies

I found myself humming the music to Plants vs. Zombies.  This might be the first video game I want to play on my own since we first got PacMan on our home computer... in 1993.

Sleepy

I have not been sleeping well. I got up at least 4 times last night. I was too warm, too cold, had to pee, or had a horrible cramp in my calf. I need a good night's sleep pronto or they're going to find me passed out at the circulation desk.

Reaction

My tattoo, which I've had for more than a year, is suddenly puffy and itchy.  I thought the allergic reaction was done 6 months ago, but apparently my body will continue to reject my attempt to be cool for the rest of my life.

Hoops

I am extra thankful to be a librarian today. The hoops that our state and school system make teachers jump though leave no room for flexibility, creativity, teacher-choice. The expectation to fit into their box is suffocating. At least I have room to breathe in the media center.

8 years

I met my husband eight years ago today. My RA, on the spur of the moment, brought me along to the little house in the country where he lived/worked as a youth pastor. Within 3 weeks, I knew he was the one.

March

March is apparently a very popular time to give birth. We just found out about another pregnancy- this makes 4 couples we know- who are having babies in March!

Craving

I want a big warm brownie smothered by multiple scoops of mint chocolate chip ice cream

Morning News

Since the theater teacher moved to another school, I've taken over as lead director of the morning news broadcast.  We have 25 auditions over the next 5 weeks.  I miss her terribly.

New Recipes

Last night we had End of Summer Harvest Soup.

Tonight we're having Pork Chops and Scalloped Potatoes and Pear Crisp for dessert!

Better

Sitting at home on my couch reading a good book with a cup of coffee in my hand and the windows open is better than being at work working.

Poison Ivy

NA has poison ivy on his neck, side, arm, and on the bottom of his feet.

Speedometer

We took the '84 Cressida up to Atlanta and I noticed the speedometer, which has always been a little off, has gotten worse since the last time I drove it at interstate speed. Though it read that I was going 90 mph (in a 70), grandmas in Buicks were whizzing by.

Lunch Date

We're headed up to Dragon-Con today to meet my wonderful friend Bisa for lunch!

Cake Snob

Maybe I'm just a chocolate cake snob, but I think that microwave-cake was a bust.

Twice in 2 Days

NA is at a birthday party and I, for the second time in 2 days, find myself at home alone. This time, I'm making chocolate cake in a coffee mug and watching Better Off Ted.

66 degrees

With the windows open and the fans on last night, the house got down to 66 degrees! I want to believe fall is really here, but the weather forecast has highs in the mid 90s every day this week.

Birthday Party

NA and I spent the last 5 hours at a neighbor's birthday party. Grilling, roasting marshmallows, great conversation, making new friends, and a pinata added up for a great evening.

Fall!!!!

I love this weather. I feel the beginning of fall in the air. It's 80 degrees, sunny, with a light breeze. Perfect jeans, tank top, and flip-flops weather.

Home Alone

I am in my house, alone, for the first time in 2 months. I'm doing laundry, listening to This American Life, and playing Plants vs. Zombies.

Chocolate Chip Pancakes

Nate doesn't like pancakes, so NA and I are enjoying them together this morning while he's at Dragon-Con.

Celebrities

The Grammy award nominated band After Edmund was playing on the square tonight. The guys from the band came into the ice cream shop and graciously said hello to me. After all, we were friends in college. You know, before they became celebrities.

Ice Cream

NA and I are biking down to the local ice cream shop tonight.

Dragon-Con

Nate's off to Dragon Con for the next 4 days.  Not necessarily jealous about going to the convention, but definitely jealous he gets to spend time with some of our friends I rarely get to see.

NAMI Fundraiser

September 18th is only a few weeks away!  I'm really looking forward to joining a few friends and whole lot of other people on the walk to support the National Alliance on Mental Illness.  I am proud to walk to reduce stigma and raise awareness of mental illness. If you would like to help me raise money for this great cause, please click here.

Kaaaaaaatieeeeee

Every time NA says my name, he says it in a whine.  I asked him today why he doesn't do that to Nate.  He said it's because Nate is cool and he likes Nate.  Ouch.

Book Talks

Enjoyed spending the last 15 minutes discussing The Hunger Games (particularly Mockingjay, which we all just finished) with a couple of 8th graders.  Being a librarian is so much fun sometimes.

Encyclopedia

After spending the last 2 hours processing and cataloging the new set of World Book Encyclopedias, I keep wondering... what could I do to get my own entry?  Right between Baudelair, Charles (French poet) and Bauhas (German school of design)...

Relapse

Woke up to cat vomit and ants in our entry way. Will this morning cleaning ritual ever end?

Little Mermaid

I correctly hooked up the new sound system for tonight's PTO meeting on the first try.  To celebrate, I played the Little Mermaid soundtrack LOUDLY over the system while I finished setting up.  And yes, I did skip to track 6- Under the Sea.

Empty Shelves

I love going around adding book ends to every shelf at the beginning of the school year.  During the summer, the shelves are packed full of books, but as soon as circulation begins, big empty gaps spread across the shelves.  It means that books are in the hand of the kids and that makes me happy.

On the mend?

After an X-ray and bloodwork, they still couldn't figure out what was making Nobby sick.  He was super pitiful last night, but this morning, he followed me around, ate some food (didn't throw it up!), AND even tired to drink NA's milk while he wasn't looking.  I'm feeling hopeful that our sick kitten is on the mend.

Family Dinner Night!

Since the college kids are back in town, we have our family dinner night with the Peeks and our college-aged siblings. It's taco night!

X-Ray

Nobby's going in for an x-ray at 2:30.  I really hope they find out what's wrong with our kitty.

Item Sold!

I sold my Mario jacket! Honestly, I'm really surprised but super pleased!

Lunch and Dinner

I made cornmeal quiche for lunch and eggplant parmesan (with homemade rolls) for dinner. None of it turned out quite as good as I expected, but still pretty tasty.

Desirable

We've been visiting new churches the past few weeks and everyone has made us feel welcome. I'm sure that churches try to do this for everyone who visits, but I am aware that as a young family, we might be seen as exceptionally desirable new member material.

Travel

I want to pack a suitcase, get on a plane, and take a trip.

Wind

Since I've raved about how much I love fireworks just a few posts ago, I must now say that I have the same love for the wind. From gentle breezes to strong gusts, I can't get enough. Right now we have a lot of the latter and, against Nate's better judgment, I have all the windows open to enjoy it.

Update

I updated my Etsy account with a Raccoon Mario hooded sweatshirt jacket I cross stitched.

Just One Day

Can I please have just one day that does not include cleaning up cat vomit or ants? Please?

Fireworks

I LOVE fireworks. So much so, that it's probably sad to watch me during a fireworks display. My face in a frozen state of glee for the duration, I'm sure I like like an awestruck toddler- there may even be drooling. All this to say, even though the Brave's lost miserably, I had a great time because of the fireworks after.

RAIN!

It's finally raining!!!

Brave's Game

We're going to a Brave's game tonight with a couple of neighbors.  Tailgating in the parking lot, $1 seats, and fireworks afterwards!

You Know What?

This week would not have been nearly as exhausting and overwhelming if I didn't have to clean up cat vomit and combat ants every evening when I get home. Here's hoping next week will be better.

Sister Katie

At the neighborhood church tonight, I was introduced for the first time as "Sister Katie." Honestly, I feel like I've just been admitted to the "in" crowd.

Recommendations

I get so much joy out of recommending and discussing books with the kids.  I think it's my favorite part of the job.

Team Peeta

I started reading Mockingjay last night. These books are so much better than Twilight, I wish they were as popular. If there were Team Peeta and Team Gale tshirts, I'd totally be on Team Peeta.

Energy Czar

Yesterday I found out about a person in our school district who's sole responsibility is to make sure everyone is conserving energy. Why was I not offered this job?

Not Cool

I had a hard time falling asleep last night. I kept feeling ants crawling all over me and the most horrible song in the world kept playing through my head. I blame Nate for the latter since he showed me this video.

Carnage

I feel like we will find little ant bodies everywhere in our kitchen for years to come.

Cutting In

This extra hour of work is really cutting into my nap time.

Lunch Bunch

I've been eating lunch with the 7th grade teachers this year.  I'm really enjoying their company and converstation- which are often not about school!

Poison

My goal for the year was to keep away from gossip and negativity.  It found me today and instead of running, I listened.  I tried to turn the coverstation, but I ended up joining the gossip.  I have got to find a way to keep my mind, ears, and mouth free of this poison.  God help me.

More Ants

After we sprayed and cleaned on Monday, it seemed the ants were all taken care of.  Nate just texted me and said they're back.  Ugh.  Pray for rain so they'll go away!

Etsy

I opened an Etsy shop to sell a few things I've made but don't want/need to keep. Check it out!

Cee-Lo

Nate says I'm the only person in the world who does not like the new Cee Lo song. Please leave a comment to help end the argument.

Steak and Potatoes

After NA's many complaints over our veggie-rich dinners, tonight we're having steak and baked potatoes (plus roasted okra- I can't help myself!)

Frowny Face

This longer school day is really sucky.  I miss my extra hour of afternoon time!

Waiting

Today is the day. The final book of the Hunger Games series is out. I have been eagerly anticipating it's arrival and now I'll only have to wait a little longer. Even though it will be delivered today, I have to wait for Nate to read it first. Good thing he's a fast reader.

Ratatouille

Tonight's dinner and movie!

Sick Kitty

Nate had to take Nobby to the vet because he hasn't stopped throwing up and he won't drink any water.  I'm really worried about my little guy.  Hopefully it's just something he ate and not anything serious.

Math Teacher

This is my 3rd year as a media specialist, but my 5th year as a math teacher.  Every year I've been "out of the classroom,"  I've taught a remedial math class every single year.  Today I started with my new math class and had a really great experience.

Today SUCKS

I wake up to ANTS covering every surface of the kitchen.  Spiderwebbing the counters, cabinets, sink, floor, and ceiling.  Clean for an hour then have to leave.  Still feel ants crawling all over me.  Nate stayed home from school to clean and to take care of Nobby, who has been throwing up every hour or so since 8 last night.

Swimming

Just go back from a really enjoyable pool party/cook out with some people from Chuck and Noelle's church. We had a great time, but swimming makes me so tired! I'm going to lay down for a 20 minute power nap before going walking with some ladies from the neighborhood.

Baking 101

NA has to bake a homemade snack to bring to Boy Scouts tomorrow, so today we are baking Banana Chocolate Chip Muffins together. He asked me the exact same question that I remember asking my mother when I was 12 years old, "How come you're so much better at this?"

In with the New

Hello, Yaris!

Out with the Old

Good bye Taurus. Good bye savings account.

Yaris

I think we're going to go buy that car.

CSA

Today we picked up our first share from Jenny Jack Farms! We joined the CSA (community supported agriculture) for this local farm with some neighbors. We're really excited about receiving fresh, organic, in-season vegetables every week and supporting local farmers!

Buzzed

I was, for the first time in my life, a little tipsy this evening. I had about 1/3 of a margarita on a very empty stomach and I became light headed and flushed. I am such a light-weight.

First Name

I'm on a first name basis with both of the people who are at work today at the call center for my circulation system after the number of times I've called today.  I'm very thankful they are both patient and have a good sense of humor!

Extra Hour

It's going to take a long time to get used to 4:00 dismissal instead of 3:00.  15 days off for an extra hour every day doesn't seem to balance out.

Bragging Rights

As I was walking down the hall I overheard some 3rd graders talking. 

 

"There's Ms. B!"

 

"She lives in my neighborhood.  I get to call her Katie!"

Good Morning

I'm helping with the car-rider line until I start the news broadcast and I probably have said, "Good Morning!" about 150 times today. Every time I say it, I want to burst out singing the "Good Morning" song from Singing in the Rain.

Almost

I almost cut off a chunk of my thumb on the paper cutter just a few minutes ago.  I have a slash across my thumb nail, but thanks to quick refelxes, I retained all of my digits.  Nothing like almost going to the emergency room to wake you up.