Fat Fingers

With the heat and walking of the past few days, my ring got really tight.  I soaked my hand in ice water and pried it off.  My hands are back to normal now, but I think I'm going to pick out a cheap replacement ring.  I don't really like being without one.

26 Weeks

FuPu is 14 inches long and weighs in at almost 2 pounds.  I can feel him/her moving all the time now- and when I lay down at night, I can actually see my belly twitch, bump, and roll with the movements!  New pregnancy side effects include an itchy rash that moves to different parts of my body from day to day and, of course, the lovely swelling of my feet and ankles (the long stretches in the car seem to be the main cause).

DC- Day 3

Today we went to the American History Museum, the Natural History Museum, the sculpture garden, walked past the White House, and went to some fun book shops on Dupont Circle.  For dinner we ate at a local brewery and then played some more board games with Margaret and Caleb.  Coolest things we saw today: the exhibit on first ladies' dresses, the hat Lincoln wore when he was assassinated, and dinosaur bones.  Tomorrow we'll head home earlier than expected (leave here 7 AM- drive 12 hours) since we won't be stopping in Chapel Hill since Laura is sick :(

DC Day 3

We started our day with a trip to the National Zoo which we both really enjoyed.  Then we had lunch on one of the squares from a food truck (Dangerously Delicious Pies- YUM) and headed over to the Library of Congress which was AMAZINGLY cool.  Tomorrow, I think we'll try for the American HIstory Museum and a little wandering around DuPont Circle.

DC- Day 1

We arrived in DC around 1:00 and have already been able to see quite a bit!  We went to the Smithsonian Art Museum and saw the Art of Video Games exhibit, walked to the capitol, toured the National Cathedral, had pizza and milkshakes, and still had time for board games.  On tomorrow's agenda: the National Zoo!

On to DC

Nate and I are headed out of Chapel Hill today and on to Washington DC!

Soda Shoppe

Despite the rather disappointing trip to the zoo, we still had fun yesterday- first a visit to the super cool S & T Soda Shoppe for milkshakes and then Laura and I watched Date Night in our PJs and were both asleep by 9:30.  Fantastic!

NC Zoo

We went to the North Carolina Zoo today which turned out to be not such a great idea.  1) it was super hot, 2) there were a million people there, and 3) the dino exhibit was disappointing.  Ah well.  There's always the National Zoo in DC later in the week.

Air Mattress

Most nights, I wake up 4 times a night because my hips ache- no matter how many pillows I add to the bed.  But not last night.  I'm not sure if it was that I was SO tired, or if there's some magic in Laura's air mattress, but I slept really well!

Road Trip!

Yes, even though I've already spent 14 hours in the car just since Saturday, we're headed to North Carolina to see my sister and brother-in-law today!  (making my total for the week 21 hours!)

Annoying

Nate wants to listen to some podcasts in the car tomorrow that I find super annoying.  

Me: Why would anyone choose to be annoyed for 2 hours?

Nate: Isn't that why you married me?

Jumanji

While I put my feet up (and tried to fold laundry- FAIL), AL and I watched Jumanji.  Turns out she's never seen it before!

25 Weeks

FuPu is 13.5 inches long and weighs in at a 1.5 pounds (only 1/10th of the weight I've gained!)  New as of today- swollen feet and ankles (ewwww).

Paine Visit

Our visit to Paine College went really well.  AL had a good time and is excited about going off to college and I'm glad to have a lot more information.

Off to Augusta

Taking AL up to her doctor's appointment and then we're heading to Augusta to spend the night and visit Paine College in the morning.

First Day of Summer

Celebrating the first day of summer break with 2 doctor's appointments.  I have my glucose test today and then I'm taking AL up to Atlanta to the vocal center at Emory.

Turning in my Keys

Turning in my keys was really upsetting.  Walking out of the building for the last time was even more so.  I can't believe that I've closed the door on this chapter of my life.

Baby Shower!

The staff had a baby shower for me at lunch today and were SO generous!  Somehow having a bunch of stuff for FuPu makes it a bit more real...

Really The End

Today's my last day at school.  I'll turn in my key and walk out for the last time.  I can't believe it.

What a Mess

The media center at my new school is a disaster area.  Guess next year is going to be an exercise in letting go of the things that don't matter.

Moving Day

Today with the help of a coworker and his truck, I'll be moving my stuff over to my new school.

Warrior Dash

Watching the boys jump over fire and then swim under barbed wire through a mud pit was pretty fun!  Both Nate and Ben enjoyed themselves, though I'm sure they could have done without the scraped up arms and knees.  

AL's Graduation

AL is an official high school graduate!  Now it's time to get packed and head out to the cabin- Nate and our neighbor Ben are running in the Warrior Dash tomorrow.

More About Yesterday

Listened to a former student (graduating high school today) give an amazing speech.  Numerous kids walked to the buses sobbing.  Commiserated with teachers (and former teachers) of our school.  Was reminded that the school will live on in the way we've changed those children's lives.  Did not cry once.

Graduation Gown

I'm ironing a graduation gown.  Tomorrow morning, AL will graduate!

Emotional Roller Coaster

These last few months of working at this school have been an emotional roller coaster.  I'm ready to get off.

Sneaky, Sneaky

The last day of watching students walk down the halls of this fine arts magnet school is here.  It completely caught me off guard.

24 Weeks

FuPu weighs 1.5 pounds now and has a developed inner ear (so he/she can tell if he/she is upside down).

Crisis of Conscious

I have a lot of paper, cardboard, and magazines to discard.  Do I let the custodians take them to the trash or do I load them in my car and take them to the recycling center across town?

Travelling Gnome

Copying all the pictures of my traveling library gnome onto a jump drive and remembering how jealous I am of where he's been!  Galapagos, Hawaii, Grand Canyon, Iraq, Bangladesh, New York City, London, Paris, Korea...

Locusts

I offered up a box of tshirts and buttons I found to students and they have descended like a plague.  These poor parents.  They have no idea the junk I'm sending home with their kids!

Minorities?

Can you still call a group of people "minorities" if they now make up the majority?

In The Next 7 Days

2 days left with the kids.  A weekend filled with AL's graduation and a trip to the cabin for Warrior Dash.  2 more work-days.  2 doctors appointments (in one day).  A trip to Augusta to visit AL's college.

I Am Useless

I have stacks of boxes to go to my new school, Goodwill, the recycling center, the local history museum, and the women's shelter, but I can't carry any of them to my car (stupid big tummy and weight restrictions) and even if I get them to my car, I can't get them out when I get to those places.

Moving Library Stuff

I hate moving.  It's overwhelming.  And it's even harder when it's not really your stuff.  

Progression

Thanks to my wonderful friend and neighbor Laura, I thought I'd share with you the progression of the belly!

That's Better

My media mentor helped me get a good start on the inventory and make some decisions.  Then I got Chick-fil-a lunch from the band director for helping with the concert last night and finally I just had a visit from some of my favorite former students.  Today is going much better than I hoped.

Media Mama

My media mentor/mama is coming to the library this morning.  I'm at that overwhelmed point when I can't figure out where to start.  She'll give me direction, advice, and get me moving through this last week.  One more week.

New Pillow

Yesterday I made a maternity pillow (similar to the Boppy Prenatal Cuddle Pillow) because the body pillow was a) not really helping and b) taking up way too much space in bed.  While I still woke up often (getting used to a new weirdly shaped pillow), my hips didn't hurt this morning and I didn't push Nate out of the bed, so maybe it did the trick.  

Subconscious Speaks (Loudly)

I keep having dreams where I run into friends, whom I haven't spoken to in years, and they listen to me vent about my school situation while being completely sympathetic and occasionally hold my hand and give me big warm hugs.

PJs All Day

After I took a shower this morning, I put my PJs back on.  Stayed in them all day.

Nate's Graduation

Nate's graduation was perfect- a whole pew of our family, a chuckle from the audience as he walked across the stage in his purple Crocs, and a pleasant surprise as he won the award for "most outstanding church history student."  The rain stopped long enough to dry everything out AND stayed away for a full 2 hours of back-yard partying.  We had a wonderful time celebrating with our family and friends.

Rain Plans?!?

Where are we going to host 30+ people if it keeps raining all afternoon?!

"Plain" Beer

The baccalaureate service was wonderful.  The wait for a table at Brickstore Pub was difficult.  The moment when Nate's grandpa asked for a "plain beer- a Budweiser" (when they have a 300+ beer menu) was hilarious.  Now if we could just get this rain to stop...

I Feel Sticky

2 ice cream parties down.  Now it's time run home and change and then it's off to baccalaureate!  

Daily Winners

Yesterday, Nate won the day by not only mowing the yard, but also sweeping the porches, vacuuming, and putting away his laundry (usually doesn't get done until I need the laundry basket again).

Today, Genevieve wins because she's at my house making potato salad, marinating the chicken, and she's coming to the school to help me with ice cream parties.

If anyone wants to win tomorrow, you'll have a lot of competition!

Phone Message

A conversation between me and my library assistant (we'll call him Joe).

Joe:  Someone called on the phone while you were out.

Me:  Oh, who was that?

Joe:  Some lady.

Me:  Did she say her name or what she was calling about?

Joe:  I think so, but I'm not sure.

Me:  Did she say she'd call back.

Joe:  I don't know.

Me:  Ok, thanks, Joe.

Good thing he's really good at book repairs and inventory...

Here We Go!

From now until tomorrow night, it's non-stop graduation time!  Right after school we're leaving for Nate's baccalaureate service, then out to dinner at Brickstore, then back home (probably really late).  Bright and early (7AM) back up for graduation and then it's time for the graduation party!  Whew!

Waiting for G

I thought I'd stay up and wait for Genevieve.  Partly to greet her... partly to show her all the stuff I want her to do tomorrow while I'm at school.  Family is the best.

23 Weeks

One website I read said that at 23 weeks, the baby is the length and weight of a Harry Potter book (11.5 inches long and weighing a bit more than a pound).  While I think this comparison is way cooler than a piece of produce, as I librarian and Harry Potter fan, I'd really like to know which Harry Potter book?

Things Are Not Good

There's a going on at school (unreasonable demands, conferences administrators, etc) but I don't feel like I can blog about it.  Things have never been so bad that I've been afraid to speak my mind, but we're at that point.  Seriously, I thank God they are changing the locks on May 23rd so I am forced to put this all behind me.

G!!!!!!!!!!

Genevieve will be here tonight!  Yippee!

Gone with the Wind

For the past 7 years, I've shown Gone with the Wind for the 8th grade during the last few weeks of school, but I've never seen more than 10 minutes of the movie at a time.

Good School News

1) I got a small raise for having more years of teaching experience

2) If I get a note from my doctor stating that I am not physically able to return to work, I can use my sick days for my whole maternity leave.

Grocery Store Purchase

I just purchased the oddest (and most unhealthy) assortment and quantity of items at the grocery store for our AR parties...

6 gallons of ice cream, 2 boxes of ice cream sandwiches, 3 boxes of popsicles, 5 12-packs of Coke, 3 big boxes of microwave popcorn, 3 boxes of pancake mix, 2 bottles of syrup, 4 bottles of chocolate syrup, and 6 bags of candy toppings.  Can anyone say childhood diabetes?  

Clothing Compliments

I get SO many compliments on my maternity clothes, so I have to give a shout out to Courtney, Rachel, Laura, and Sarah for letting me borrow such cute, stylish clothes.  Not only did they save me a bunch of money, they've helped me to feel cute and pretty.

Grad Party

Feeling a bit overwhelmed about Nate's graduation party when I realized that there will be more than 30 people here.  So much to do before Friday when all the festivities start!

Outie

My belly button is now officially an outie.  As I still have 4 months to go, this makes me a bit worried...

More Things I Like

Time to refocus again (this job just gets suckier every day).

I like... 

• my new slip-on turquoise shoes from Target (that were on sale for $9).
• all the fresh strawberries I've been enjoying lately
• listening to upbeat songs on my iPod (no kids in the library to be bothered by it)

Liar, Liar

After catching a child in a whole web of lies, she lies to her mother about the situation (in front of me), and then her mom came back to school an hour later because the child accused me of calling her names.

Teacher Appreciation

PTO brought us lunch from a really great little Southern-style restaurant (Katie's for those of you from here).  Paired with duty-free lunch for the teachers, it made for one super enjoyable lunch.

Overflow

Since I heard they were closing us, I didn't do the weeding I usually would do.  And then I bought a lot of books.  Now that they've all come back in, we have them stacked on top of every shelf.  Part of me thinks, not my problem.  Part of me wishes it still was.

Things I Like

I'm finding it really hard to go back to school today.  When I was super upset on Friday, it helped to focus on things that I like and am grateful for (instead of all the things that I was hating/dreading).  So we'll try the same this morning...

• feeling the baby move around
• my summer job that's coming up
• a lot of my coworkers
• Nate is graduating on Saturday
• we'll get to see lots of family this weekend

That helped.  Now to keep that focus.

Sunday Update

I read the book My Darling, My Hamburger.  I can't remember where someone referenced it, but I felt like I'd missed out on an essential part of teen-girlhood by not reading it, so I did.  I wasn't missing much.

I went to see The Avengers and it was just as enjoyable as Nate promised it would be.

I tried a new prenatal fitness video and it was great- the lady wasn't annoying, it wasn't too easy, and it wasn't too repetitive.  I'll definitely be doing it often.

5 Years of Home

5 years ago today, with the help of some amazing friends, we moved into our house and then celebrated with some chips, salsa, and margaritas.  So thankful for those friends and this home.

Feeling FuPu Move

Nate was just able to feel FuPu move for the first time!  (Glad to know the movement's not in my head!)

Are You Kidding Me?

The person I am most irritated with at school says to me DURING the talent show, WHILE I'm running the sound system, "Are we ok?"  No.  We're not ok.  But you know what?  I'm doing more of that job you seem to forget I have so I can't talk about it with you now.

On a brighter note, the talent show went really smoothly and now I have big plans to watch numerous Harry Potter movies while drinking smoothies (without any veggies in them).

Express Anger

Damn pregnancy hormones!  I cannot effectively articulate my anger without crying and blubbering!

F- This

On today of all days- I have to give TWO make up tests for the CRCT.  Unbelievable. 

14 Hour Day Ahead

After yesterday, I'm having trouble mustering the courage to face today.  All books are due today, AR ends, AND tonight's the school talent show.  Tomorrow, I plan to spend the day in a coma.

Top It Off

Add to my long day a "miscommunication" with AL's mom about where/when I'm supposed to take her for their visit and I'm about to lose it.

Nate's Last Day

I just remembered, today is Nate's last day of seminary!!!

Stress Induced Labor

If the next 2 weeks continue to be this stressful, and if in fact stress can cause pre-term labor, then I'd better watch out.  While a 1 lb baby would be easier to deliver, I think it'll be better if he/she stays in for a bit longer.

Kick in the Nutts

The cure for sadness and nostalgia over leaving behind this school?  Being forced to watch someone else's classes for half the day, even though I have to take inventory, just because some people don't value (or understand) what I do.

22 Weeks

I'm 5 months pregnant.  FuPu weighs a full pound and is 11 inches long from head to heel.  He/She is developing her/his sense of touch.  A new thought I had: there's something in my body that isn't me.  My heart, my stomach, my skin; they're all me.  This baby... it's a whole other person- an independent entity living inside me.

Saying Goodbye

I'm feeling really sad about leaving my school.

Pet Peeve

If I ask a number of questions in an email, please don't send me a reply that answers only one.  That's very annoying.

Last 3 Weeks

School is kicking my butt.  Every day is super busy and the only end in sight is the last teacher work day on May 24th.

Returning Calls

Why don't people return phone calls?  I've left messages with a bank, the technical college, the museum and no one calls me back.  Isn't that part of their job?

Walk with AL

Went on a really nice 2 mile walk with AL yesterday evening.  It's amazing how much you can get teenagers to talk when there's no computer to distract them.

Up Here

You know how sometimes (in movies) a man will be staring at a woman's chest and she'll say, "Hello?  I'm up here."  Yeah, I feel like that about my belly.

Photobook Update

All 6 of the photobooks are created (with at least 2 pictures of each student) AND I've had 80 ordered.  Glad this project is almost over!

6 Weeks?!

I was just told by HR that even though I have over 12 weeks of sick leave accumulated and I'm allowed to take 12 weeks of maternity leave, I'm only allowed to use my sick leave for 6 of those weeks- the other 6 will have to be UNPAID.  Even though I have enough sick leave to cover the other half.  This is complete BS.