Memorial Day Cook-Out

Just got back from swimming and cooking out with our friends Roger and Rachel. Very fun.

Free Chick-fil-a

Nate and I are off to get our free spicy chicken sandwiches!

1997

Yes, this picture is of my toes. No, this is not a picture from when I was 13 (note the Croc tan-line- shoes that did not exist in 1997). I've painted my toenails sparkly purple. I think it might be time for some new nail polish.

Run #1

Today I went on my first run/walk of the summer. It was much more walk than run, but I know it will improve each day.

Scarves

Have I told you how blessed I've been to have 6 new friends move into our neighborhood? Or how their tireless volunteering paved the way for me and my neighbors to do things we've always wanted to do in our community? Mission Year has made it possible. I crocheted these scarves to give away to people willing to donate to Mission Year.

Not only will your generous donations support young people who volunteer a year to serve God and their communities, but you can get one of these stylish scarves. I hope by reading all that's going on in our neighborhood in the past year, you've seen the good work that has come from this and consider making a donation.

Sunday Dinner

Since softball began, Nate and I have had an interesting Sunday supper tradition- a bowl of cereal each and then a big bowl of popcorn.

The Hunger Site

Not sure if I've posted about this before, but I love this site. I go there daily for the "Click to Donate," and I love to shop there, too. Not only are you getting super cute, fair trade items, but depending on which tab you're on, you also donate to the cause of your choice with every purchase!

Craft Projects

I have too many craft projects started at once- my rag rug, a few scarfs and a t-shirt bag I'm crocheting, several cross stitch projects, and my mending pile that grows larger every day. I need to finish a few of these this week so my craft nook doesn't overtake the entire room.

Year of Living Biblically

I've already read the book, but Nate and I enjoyed listening to A Year of Living Biblically by A. J. Jacobs on the ride home. If you haven't read it, I highly recommend it.

Breakfast Bonding

I'm anxiously awaiting breakfast with Ron and Genevieve. It's become a sort of tradition for him to make breakfast for us, his favorite daughters-in-law and something I really look forward to when we visit.

Scattergories

You've never played Scattergories until you've played with Nate's family. Voting, shouting, laughing, wheezing, bargaining, threatening, lying. It's hilarious, but I can usually only take 3 or 4 rounds at a time- it's too intense.

Facebook

After finding out how much of my information Facebook has taken upon itself to share, I've just edited down my profile. It may be the beginning of the end of my relationship with that social network site.

Finger Update

Lost some feeling in my pinkie last night (after going back to finish cutting up t-shirts), but regained most of the feeling to both fingers this morning. I feel pretty confident that the tingling and numbness will go away in the near future. I really need it to because Lindsay won't be my friend anymore if I have to get them amputated.

First One Up

I love getting up at 7 AM in the summer. It's the perfect time to get up and get things done, or not. Either way, it's ME time.

Anniversary

Today is Ron and Gail's anniversary, so we're making carnitas for dinner. Yum!

Numb

I was cutting up t-shirts for a little over an hour and stopped because my ring finger on my right hand is numb. It's been about 2 hours and it's still tingly. Weird.

Blog to Book to Movie

I can't remember if I've expressed this on the blog yet, but I hold a not-secret-anymore dream that my blog will become super famous, then they'll make it into a book, which will then be made into a movie where Drew Barrimore plays me.

Peeling

I've never had a sunburn bad enough to peel- until now. There's a 4 inch strip across my back that I missed with the sunscreen that is burned and peeling. Ouch.

Col. Pop Pop

Ron (my father-in-law) was complaining that he has not yet been mentioned on my blog and we've been at their house since Monday. So here's my shout-out to Ron, who we are finally getting to spend some time with this evening.

Bling

I got my engagement and wedding rings cleaned today for the first time (I know, 6 years is too long). So sparkly!

Tank Top or Tan Line?: My Day at the Beach

Enjoyed a wonderful few hours at the beach on Dauphin Island today with Genevieve and Karen. It was a beautiful day and not very crowded- just enough strange people to make for interesting converstations.

Contingent

My summer job is contingent on the camp recruiting 10 more kids. If you know someone who has a 5th-8th grade student, please, please, please pass on the information about this incredible camp.

Night Driver

We arrived in Wilmer at 2:30 AM central time. I am so thankful that Nate likes to drive at night, because I like to sleep at night.

LOST

We just got back from our softball game and are quickly taking showers so we can drive to Pratville, Alabama to watch the Lost finale with some friends. Then it's off to Mobile for the week.

New Pastor

I'm off to church to meet the new pastor. Keep Dunson in your prayers as we prepare for big changes.

Pastor Nate

Nate is preaching on Pentecost this morning at church.

Blankets

I just finished reading the graphic novel Blankets by Craig Thompson. It's a story of finding and losing love and faith. I could hardly put it down. Both the story and illustrations are absolutely beautiful.

Star Wars Jokes

Amber and I had to suffer through the WORST set of Star Wars jokes on the 30 minute ride home from Newnan. Our boys are such nerds.

Rockville

We just got back from Rockville Salvage. What an interesting place- I can't even really describe it.

Clothes Line Love

I know I've probably said this before (it's bound to happen- I've been blogging for almost 3 years), but I love hanging the laundry on the clothes line on Saturday mornings. It's so peaceful and for some reason, it makes me feel like I am the person I want to be.

Karaoke

Going to karaoke with a bunch of teachers from school. Fun!

Happy Bike to Work Day!

Did you know today is Bike to Work Day?  If you didn't bike today, make a plan to sometime next week!

LAST DAY!

It's the last day of school!!!

TV 33

OMG. Our local TV station is now steaming live online! Everyone should check out this awesomeness.

Neighborhood

Between kids visiting our house this afternoon, the Thursday afternoon walk, and GED tutoring, I'm feeling super neighborly. I love Hillside.

Tummy Time Travel

I ate 2 big handfuls of M&Ms at 11:00 and my tummy still hurts.  I wish I had a time machine so I could go back and slap those little chocolate candies out of my hand.  Ugh.

The Law of Equal Suffering

In a marriage, there is something called The Law of Equal Suffering.  If I'm working, you should be working.  Things are unequal at the B. house when Nate stays at home playing video games all day while Katie has to keep going to work.  Thankfully, we'll both be off for the next few weeks and balance will be restored.

Staying Up Late

I don't care that it's already 10:00. I'm going to watch Glee with NPH!

Big Meeting

I have an important meeting today at 4:00.  Please pray for peace and wisdom.

Honor's Day

2 Honor's Day programs down, 4 more to go.

Sunset

I've fallen asleep on the couch twice, but can't bring myself to go to bed yet because the sun hasn't set. Stupid 9:00 sunset.

Check It Off

It's amazing how checking off just one little thing that has been looming on your To Do list can make you feel like the whole day has been successful.

Losing Battle

Several times a year I fight to keep the several varieties of spiky, thorny vines from breaching the fence and taking over the entire back yard. I know I can only keep them at bay for so long..

Exhausted

Today was non-stop, super busy. Taking a break to watch the Survivor finale and eat dinner and then it's back to work. There is just too much to do the last week of school.

New Found Respect

After spending the last hour up to my elbows in ice cream (for 5th grade's AR party) I have a new found respect for Nate and the 3 years he worked at Bruster's.

Facebook

I just realized that in 6 days, the students who were in 8th grade when I did my student teaching will graduate from high school and I will have to live up to my promise to make them my Facebook friends.

Closet Rearranging

Once I start, it's hard to stop. If I move something in one closet, I inevitably end up moving things in all 4 closets. In addition to closet organizing, Nate and I also culled our extensive book and DVD collections a little.

Fruits and Veggies!

Here's the obligatory picture of my vegetable garden (the squash and zucchini are actually GROWING this year!)

And here's some blackberries I picked from the neighbor's bush (I'm not stealing- nobody lives there). It's actually several plants just cut to look like one bush- 3 azalea bushes, a holly bush, blackberries, honeysuckle, and kudzu!

Burger Master

Our friends Roger and Rachel came down for dinner tonight. Nate made the most amazing burgers.

Compliment

I got what I consider to be one of the best compliments ever today. Someone who I really admire called me, "one gutsy broad."

Test Scores

Nothing will cause emotions to run high among both students and teachers as knowing high stakes test scores are in the building, but that you won't get them until 2:45.

Red Cross Hat Day

Just collected $95 for Red Cross by letting the kids make a $1 donation in order to wear a hat all day.  Not too shabby.

NPH

I am counting down the days until I can watch the new episode of Glee with NEIL PATRICK HARRIS!

Six.

Ice Cream Truck

There are 2 ice cream trucks in our neighborhood. One plays Christmas music. The other plays a tinny "Do Your Ears Hang Low" and sells drugs. Both creep me out.

Begging

I have been reduced to begging students to return books and pay fines.  This is a librarian low.

Catching Up

I've been really bad about reading book reviews this year. So bad in fact that although I read 2 review magazines yesterday and 3 more today, I'm still only in the January issues.  I will suffer the consequences of my procrastination without complaint.

Fire

I just finished reading Fire by Kristin Cashore. Although it and it's companion novel Graceling are a little too mature for my middle school kids, these are pretty dang good fantasy novels. The worlds and powers Cashore creates are so interesting and engrossing that it's easy to forgive the sappy romance and predictable-at-times plot.

Bathroom Taxi Flyer

While in the bathroom of our usual trivia spot, I noticed an unusual disclaimer on a flyer for a taxi service.

We will not transport for the sale, purchase, or distribution of illegal drugs!

I would guess this was a recurring situation if they felt they needed to put it on all their flyers, wouldn't you?

In Regards to How Things Are at School

You know that saying, "If you can't say something nice, don't say anything at all"? 

 

...

 

 

 

Yay!

I was informed this morning that I got the job at the college's Learn 2 Serve camp!

Sleep Schedule

The downside to going to sleep at 8:30 is that when my husband came to bed at 3:45 AM and woke me up, I was wide awake.  I'd already gotten more than 7 hours of sleep and he was just going to bed.

Scratch That

Decided at the last minute to skip trivia to read and go to sleep early. I am a nerdy librarian through and through.

Lazy Peach

We're trying trivia at a new venue tonight. Here's hoping the host and music are good.

Stupid Car

A few weeks ago, we spent $300 for a new starter on the Taurus. Today, another $475 for a bunch of other crap. I hate this stupid car. It's so hard to know when to stop putting money into it.

Last News Cast

Today we did our last news cast of the year.  That extra hour of peace and quiet each morning will help me get through the last 9 days of school. 

Red Team Wins Again

The good: we won our softball game.
The bad: I pulled a muscle in my thigh and it hurts, hurts, hurts.

Sunday Baking

Today I baked a batch of pitas, cinnamon pecan bread, and some spiced pecans. Yay for Sunday baking!

Mother's Day

I love my mommy.

Date Night

Nate and I just enjoyed dinner out and we're headed off to see Iron Man 2 with some friends later tonight.

Totally Worth It

I just mowed the law with NO ALLERGY SYMPTOMS! In early May! With only a Claritin in my system from this morning! 3 years of weekly allergy shots are finally worth it.

New Summer Dress

I'm wearing my new pink cotton summer dress and going to the neighborhood church's block party/cookout. Yay!

Lilly's Plastic Purple Purse

I just got back from our middle school play of this beloved Kevin Henkes children's book. I was working back stage keeping the kids quiet, pinning mouse ears back on, and painting on noses and whiskers. I'm looking forward to the next performance where I'll actually get to watch- it sounded so cute!

Teacher Appreciation Week

Teacher appreciation week is pretty sweet.  We got water bottles filled with candy, lunch from Subway, cheesecake from The Cheesecake Factory, hanging baskets of flowers, and doughnuts for breakfast.  I'm feeling pretty appreciated.

Due

It's a busy day in Library Land.  All library books are due today so there are stacks and stacks of books everywhere waiting to be shelved.  Inventory starts Monday.

Softball Article

Our neighborhood was in the newspaper again.  Thought you might like to read about it.

Field Day

The gym is on the other side of the school and I can still hear the screams and shouts of the elementary students.  I am thankful to be a librarian on field day.

Ceiling Tile Painting Party!

I took down 8 ceiling tiles in the media center this morning so my top middle school readers can paint them after lunch.  Then I'll put them back up on Monday and- ta-da!- the media center will have 8 new pieces of art.  I hope that one day, I'll have the whole ceiling painted!

Anniversary

Today Nate and I have lived in our house for 3 years! We had margaritas with friends who had just helped us move in. What a wonderful memory.

New Folders

I've spent a good part of the afternoon organizing the items in My Documents from the last 2 years.  Tomorrow, I'm tackling the stack of papers that need to go in the filing cabinet.  Hopefully I'll be able to quickly find what I'm looking for in the future.

New Logo

The theme for the library next year is "Feed Your Mind" and here is the logo I've been pouring over for the last 2 weeks (sorry that the picture's not great).  What do you think?  I'm open to suggestions, comments, and over-the-top praise.

DFCS Training

Just got back from a foster parent training on discipline.
On the comment card it asked, "What new strategy will you implement today?"
I answered, "Since we don't currently have any kids in the house, I'm going to try out the simple request strategy when asking my husband the put away his laundry."

Star Wars Day

NPR just informed me that today is International Star Wars Day.

Star Wars

NPR is playing Star Wars music and it makes me think of my husband.

Old Clothes

After dressing this morning, it dawned on me that the capris I'm wearing today were once the pants I wore on the first day of high school.  This is kind of depressing because a) 9th grade was 12 years ago and b) I clearly need to purchase some new clothes.  At the same time, it is kind of impressive that I still wear the same size (though I did grow taller, hence the pants that had to be cut into capris).

Mosquito Bites

Suddenly, all the mosquito bites I got yesterday while working in the garden are itching like crazy! No idea why they would take a day and a half to start being itchy, but I want them to stop now!

Job Interview

I just got back from a job interview for a teacher position at the college's Learn 2 Serve camp. I think it went well, but there are only 4 positions. Please pray I get the job- I really want it!

2 Lefts

I went to put on my new shoes today only to discover they are both LEFT shoes.

1st Win

We won our first softball game today. I scored 2 runs (though they were both on walks), but, as usual, a good time was had by all.

Homecoming

Today is homecoming at our church. I'm singing in the choir and there's going to be a potluck lunch!

Buzz

Just gave Nate a buzz cut for the summer.

Grill

We're busting out the grill again tonight for some steaks with Marc. Yum!

Mom and Crafts

Off to spend the day with Mom helping her pack and the going to pick up some free crafts for the neighborhood summer camp. Coming home in time for dinner with Nate and Marc.

$1

We enjoyed another $1 Braves game and fireworks last night. This time, we even tailgated! I'm starting to think we're good luck for the Braves. Despite their poor season, they've won both times we've gone.