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.

Afternoon Snack

Quaker Caramel Nut chocolate dipped granola bars are super delicious. They're pretty much Snickers bars, but since it say GRANOLA on the box, I can enjoy my afternoon snack guilt-free.

Behind the Times

I offered up a bunch of VHS tapes that I was going to discard (we got the DVDs) to the other media specialists in our district.  Within 10 minutes, I had 6 emails asking for the lot.  It's kind of sad that school libraries are excited to get a box full of VHS tapes in 2010.

Day 2

So far, today has been quiet and very productive.

Car

I'm majorly stressing over the new car dilemma. They dropped the price of the Yaris we went to look at on Saturday, but not quite to what we wanted. Should we get it? Will another, better car deal come along?

Accomplishments

I hooked up a DVD player, laptop, and microphone to our new sound system in the gym (without training) AND I got all the elementary students entered into both computer programs.  Add an impromtu meet-and-greet with the new 3rd graders (so cute!) and I'm feeling pretty good about the first day of school.

Never

After watching what my administrators have to do on the first day of school (and what they did to just to get ready for the first day of school) I never want to be an administrator.

Let's Go!

Trying to get a 12 year old ready for the first day of school is proving to be much more difficult than I anticipated.

The Night Before

As a student and a teacher, I've always been so nervous/excited that I've had trouble sleeping on the night before the first day of school. Thanks to an exhausting day of preplanning, I don't think that will be the case tonight.

Helpful

I've been working for 3 hours and have yet to do a single thing for myself.  Part of my job is helping the teachers and I usually enjoy it, but today, when I have so much to do, it's getting a little frustrating.

One Last Day

Today is the last day of pre-planning. Just one more day to get everything done.

Humidity

It feels like it will never be below 80% humidity again. Does it have to be sticky when I go outside?

Wiped Out

A full day of greeting kids and running around the school and I am pooped.

My Principal

I am so thankful for my principal today.  Even though she is super busy with registration, she called central office and got the confirmation that NA will be here at my school.  Yay!

Registration Day

Today I have to work from 8 AM to 7 PM doing registration at school. Also, it appears that I will have to register NA at a middle school he will probably not actually attend. They're too busy in the Office of Student Assignment dealing with kindergarteners to tell me for sure if NA's got the spot at my school. Very frustrating, but there's really nothing I can do.

Walking

I just got back from a 2.5 mile walk with a friend who I've known for years but am just now really getting to know. Exercise and great conversation puts me in a great mood!

Changes

I spent the last 20 minutes picking out a new template, background, font, etc for my blog and then at the last minute chickened out and left it the way it is. I was worried you wouldn't like it.

Momma G's

After a delicious lunch at Momma Goldberg's, Mom and Dad headed back to NC. Now to rest and get myself psyched up for registration day tomorrow.

Block Party?

Our neighbors are playing music and talking over a PA system in their front yard. I called the police and they said our neighbors have a block party permit. They have permission (though not from their neighbors) to play their music as loud and as late as they want.

Real Adults

We went to look at a car this afternoon and I was so nervous someone would take advantage of us. Even though we ended up walking away from a great car, I am really proud of how we set our price and stuck to it.

Brother

My little brother's moving back to college today! I'm really looking forward to spending some time with him and my parents today and tomorrow!

Itchy Eyes

On today's to-do list: give the cats a bath. My eyes have been itching so that means Nobby and Mrs. will soon be clean and miserable.

Motivational Video

During one of my meetings today, they showed this video- basically quoting every motivational poster you've ever seen. I'm glad I turned to my right to comment on its cheesiness because a moment later I heard the woman on my left comment about how she loves it- I'm sure she thinks I have a heart of stone.

Date Night

Tonight Nate and I are going out on our first date since the arrival of NA. We're going to see Scott Pilgrim and go out to eat at our favorite Chinese restaurant! But first, I have to get through several boring meetings.

Have Patience

As I wait, wait, wait for the homeroom lists (I can't do anything without them!) I am reminded of the Music Machine song. Thanks, Dad, for letting us play that record over and over again. It's actually helping to sing... "Have patience, have patience, don't be in such a hurry. When you get impatient you only start to worry. Remember, remember, that God is patient too. Just think of all the times that others had to wait for you."

Teeth

I had a dream where all my teeth were falling out. I hate that dream.

2.2 Miles

I just got back from walking with some ladies in the neighborhood. Enjoyed the conversation so much, it didn't feel at all like we walked over 2 miles!

Bad Blogger

I know. You thought I was dead. But really, sitting in meetings all day is so boring, there's NOTHING I can write. Except that I have bruises on my butt from sitting in a wooden chair for 8 hours yesterday almost 5 hours today.

Hopeful

Thanks to an optimistic attitude and a generous supply of homemade cookies from my principal, I'm feeling really hopeful about the upcoming school year.

Offically Over

Today is the first teacher work day. Summer is officially over.

Last Nap

I just got up from my last nap of the summer. Tomorrow I start working until 4 every day.

Hold Up

I need to get some things done at school, but I can't do them until someone else does something for me.  But they're in a meeting.  And then they're too busy.  And then I get frustrated because I can't do what I need to do.  And then I want to throw a temper tantrum.

Suburba

I have listened to the new House of Heroes album about two dozen times over the past week. I can't get the songs out of my head! It is amazing and I highly recommend you get it. (only $8 on Amazon!)

Laura

I am thoroughly enjoying the time I get to spend with my sister this weekend.

Poor Baby

Nate stumbled home from the marathon at 3:30 AM with a 101 degree fever. He immediately threw up and then fell into bed. He stayed the full time (39 hours) even though he was that sick.

Addicted

I just left the apartment where they're doing their marathon, but as soon as I get home, I log on to watch them. There's just something addictive about watching these nerdy guys play computer games and talk about nothing.

Good Wife

I baked a veggie ring (homemade bread filled with veggies, cheese, and herbs) and cookies for the guys- they need a little sustenance to keep the marathon going.

DFCS time

One of the most frustrating things about being a foster parent is waiting. It seems that 90% of all appointments, meetings, and pick-ups are at least half an hour late. But you can't be late because there's always that 10% chance that they'll be on time. I am not good at waiting.

Farmers' Market

Going to the Farmers' Market with some friends and neighbors. I hear the early bird gets the worm when it comes to the Farmers' Market.

Donate Now!

If you want to see Nate get REALLY sleepy, you should donate money to WoW4CURE right now. The more you donate, the longer they have to play. They need another $100 in the next hour in order to keep playing and raising money.

Open Windows!

Thanks to the rain it's actually cool enough to open the windows tonight!

Awesome Mom

I just told NA that if he didn't finish his chocolate chip pancakes, he couldn't have any dessert.

Look! Look!

Go here to watch Nate and a bunch of other boys begin their World of Warcraft marathon!

Sickly

It's the big day, the beginning of WoW4CURE and Nate is sick. Staying up for 48 hours just got more difficult.

Grocery Shopping Xtreme

This morning I'm hitting 3 grocery stores with my pockets full of lists and coupons followed by a trip to Walmart after lunch to get school supplies.

Bedtime

We've been moving NA's bedtime up by half an hour each week, easing him out of his summer schedule and into one more appropriate for the school year. I'm thinking about doing the same for myself.

Neighborhood Camp

We had 15 kids at camp today, which was about average for this summer. Now that it's over, I definitely say it was a huge success. I love being a part of the great things God is doing in this neighborhood!

Waterballoons

Now it's time to fill but a few dozen water balloons for our last day of camp. Water games, here we come!

Sister

My sister (who I haven't seen since Christmas) will be here this afternoon!

In The Market

Looks like we're in the market for a new car. Because of the way the dash is built on the Taurus, fixing the AC would cost us nearly $1,000 (we had the same issue with the heater last winter). We're going to try a short-term fix and then start looking for a new car before next summer.

Success

Several successful converstations with someone who has previously been difficult to communitcate with makes me feel very hopeful for the new school year.

New Bike

We bought NA a bike so we can ride to school together. Today is our inaugural ride.

WoW for CURE

My husband is amazing. He and some of his friends are doing a fundraiser this weekend for CURE, a research organization for childhood cancer. Of course, there's a nerdy twist. They are playing World of Warcraft (a computer game, in case you don't know) all weekend based on how much money they raise. You can donate money and watch them play here starting this Friday.

Recipe Fail

I made Thai Peanut Noodles for dinner tonight. The recipe looked so good and had some many good reviews, but it ended up with the consistency of spaghetti covered in peanut butter. Fail.

Blood Blister

I got a blood blister on my right middle finger today while cutting out laminating. It is seriously impeding my ability to right click.

PB&J

I hate, hate, hate sticky children. I thought, surely NA is old enough to not get PB&J everywhere. But no. It's all over the plate, his hands, and the table. Thank goodness he's old enough to clean up the mess. There's a reason "sticky" is mostly "icky."

Post Office

NA's boy scout troop is taking a tour of the post office this morning. I hope it'll be long enough for me to run to the grocery store and back as I have very little interest in the inner workings of the postal system.

Tween

You know you're the parent of a tween when "weird" or "boring" are words that describe just about everything.

Reason #58

Today my friend Bisa sent me yet another reason why I should move to Colorado. The Ladies' Fancywork Society- a street art group who "bombs" streets with crocheted artwork from flowers on fences to legwarmers on statues.

Teacher's Helper

Every year about this time, I become jealous of teachers with kids. Kid who make deliveries, cut, glue, staple, and make copies to help their moms get ready for the new school year. But no this year. This year I have my very own helper. Another parental perk- child labor.

Back To School

Today I'm starting to go back to work. Only half days this week, but still. Summer is pretty much over.

G-chat

Because NA repeats nearly everything we say, Nate and I have the majority of our conversations over gmail chat- while sitting in the same room.

Monkey Hat

Now that I've given this present away, I can post a picture! I made this monkey hat for a friend who's having a baby in January. You can find the pattern here.

Tubing Recap

We usually go tubing in the beginning of summer. Now I know why. It was really, really crowded and the water level was so low we could only go on the short run. Then right after we changed into dry clothes, it began to pour and we got soaked. Good thing my family is awesome- we still managed to have a great time.