Graphic Design

Every time I do a bulletin board or display, I wish I had a degree in graphic design.  I know this could look so much better, but I don't know how to fix it!

March Madness

Setting up brackets for my "March Madness: Battle of the Books" display.  I hope the kids get into it!

Library Angel

My retired librarian friend must have ESP.  She told me yesterday she was going to come this morning to help me.  Then my assistant calls in sick this morning.  I would never have been able to get through the day without her help!

OCD

Korra does not like to have her hands dirty.  She also likes to pretend she's washing her hands.  She says, "Tea-ah, tea-ah" (translation: clean hands, clean hands) while she rubs her hands together.  She also likes to touch the top of the shampoo bottle and then say, "Wash-a-wash-a" while she rubs her hands on her belly. The girl is a little obsessed with cleanliness.

More New Dinner Recipes

Last night we had Chicken Yakisoba and tonight we had Cheesy Vegetable Chowder and Sweet Potato Biscuits.  Once again, they were good, but not amazing.  So far, I think our favorite this week has been the veggie chowder.

No Subs

Today has not been especially fun.  They pulled my assistant to cover a class all day and made me cover a class for the first 2 blocks.  Here's hoping they find enough subs tomorrow.

Work-Release

My AP brought me a student from ISS to help build my shelves.  It felt a bit like the prison work-release program.  I did not mention this to the student (who was helpful and respectful as almost all the kids are when you get them one-on-one).

More Shelves!

Nothing motivates me more than figuring out a solution to a problem.  I was trying to figure out where to put all our new comic books/graphic novels and then I found some disassembled bookshelves in the back of a closet.  Problem solved!  And now I feel energized enough to shift some nonfiction books!

New Tent

Just gave in and bought this new tent...

The optional room dividers sold me.  That and the thought of the poles on our current tent snapping with Korra inside it.

New Dinner Recipes

Last night we had Drunk Pinto Beans and homemade tortillas (pintos cooked in beer!).
Tonight we had the Italian Wonderpot (pasta cooks IN the sauce!).
Both were good, but not amazing.

Korra's Baby

Korra has begin pretend play recently.  She has a doll she calls "Baby" who she carries around everywhere (usually by its leg), she pretends to feed it (including putting it in her highchair, putting a bib on it, and repeatedly going to the fridge for "more"), puts diapers on it, puts it in the stroller, and talks to it all day long (we can only understand about half of what she says).  It's so much fun to watch her imitate the things Nate and I do for her.  I really love this age!

Impromptu Birthday Party

Todd came over for cake and ice cream and unexpectedly brought along 6 friends.  Good thing we had plenty of cake!

Bike Trailer

Tried out the bike trailer for the second time (the first time was in September).  Korra liked it much better this time.  Good thing since we're going to be using it a lot when we camp in a couple weeks.

Another Beautiful Day!

Grocery shopping with Korra, washing all our blankets and then hanging them on the line, a trip to the park with some neighbors, and baking a cake for my brother's birthday.  Maybe a bike ride or a walk this afternoon?  I love this pretty weather!

Pizza

I mentioned to Nate that I'd like pizza for dinner.  Korra immediately begins yelling, "pizza!  pizza!"  A girl after my own heart.   Thank goodness for our BOGO Domino's card.

Tent

We put up our tent in the backyard this afternoon.  We wanted to make sure it was still in good shape (it's been 2 years since we've used it).  Still debating if it might be time to get a new one.  This one is 9 years old, is pretty roomy, has been used only 6 times, has 3 broken poles that are being held together by duct tape, and has one small rip.  What do you think?

Appa

Korra has a big stuffed animal (Appa) that she carries around the living room to use as a step stool to climb up onto the couch and chair.  Also, if you are in her way, she'll say, "Puuuuuush!" and push you where she wants you to go.  She is one busy girl.

Webinar

Doing another "Web 2.0" webinar.  This one is for the advanced class.  Today we're talking about Pintrest.  Not kidding.

One Week of Weather

Today it was 75 degrees and sunny.  A week ago they canceled school because of an ice storm.  Georgia weather is crazy.

A Long Post about Overhead Projectors

I had a teacher confront me about her overhead projector.  Here's the backstory:  A little over 5 years ago, the former media specialist purchased 8 new overhead projectors.  Then she did a drawing to see who would "win" them.  These teachers became incredibly attached to said overhead projectors.  They are, after all, new and much prettier than the 25+ year old projectors that we have and of course, there's the whole, "I won this" mentality.  But in the past 5 years, those new overheads, while still pretty, have turned out to be pieces of crap.  They break easily and blow bulbs quickly.  As those bulbs are $12 a piece, it's draining my budget to keep them in circulation, so I've been putting them out of commission and giving these teachers some of the old dinosaur projectors that are ugly as hell, but work better than their newer counterparts.  

Anyway, this teacher comes down and insists I give her back her new projector.  I explained why I took it in the first place and when she still insists that she wants it, I tell her she can have it only if she agrees to pay for any bulbs it blows.  She refuses and gets even more upset.  I try to diffuse the situation but part of me just wants to yell, "It's a damn overhead projector!  A piece of thoroughly outdated technology!" but I don't.  Thankfully another teacher walks in, senses the tension, and immediately changes the subject.  I'm sure I haven't heard the last of this.

Apology Letters

A teacher made students write apology letters for their behavior in the library last Friday.  Many were illegible and said things like, "I'm sorry that some people was talking, but it wasn't me."

But this one is by far my favorite (I'm sure you'll see why!)

Dear Mrs. B

I know I was not the one who made the class leave the library BUT I am so sorry and embaresed of those who did.  you are the sweetest librarian I ever had my other librarian was stricket and mean! I am so so so so so so so so sorry for you!  can you pleassssssssssee forgive us.  I did talk to Amanda twice.  I'm so sorry.  you are so nice.  can you please forgive me.

PS: you are the nicest librarian ever.  I love you so much.  everyday you look buetiful.

Sloppy Cheesy Chicken Bake

I made a version of this for dinner tonight and though it doesn't have a very appetizing name, it was really tasty!

Nosy Nelly

Just found out I can access the birthdates of everyone I work with.

Shopping Day

Went to Opelika today to do a bit of shopping and enjoy some pizza for lunch.  Got Korra some sandals and a bucket and spade for our trip to Jekyll Island in a few weeks!

Dirty Girl

Korra played in the leaves and the dirt while Nate and I raked.  I have blisters on my hands and sore shoulders, but Korra seems to have enjoyed herself.  She's filthy.

Wet Face

Korra's eyes are watering, her nose is running like a faucet, and she's drooling because she can't breathe through her nose.  Poor baby keeps running away from me every time I come near her with a tissue.

Rocked to Sleep

Korra is not  big snuggler, but with a stuffy nose she can't suck her thumb and was therefore in need of comfort from me tonight.  I rocked her to sleep for the first time since she was a newborn.

Bossypants

Korra spends a good part of her day following around the cats and telling them, "no!"

My Valentine

This is the result of trying to get a photo of Korra in her Valentine's Day outfit.

Valentine's Dinner

Nate's grilling steaks and sauteing squash and mushrooms for our dinner.

Crazy Not Fun Day

We've been out for 2 days.  Today is Valentine's Day (in a middle school!  Oh the drama!).  We're out for the next 3 days.  There are 8 subs in the building.  They pulled my assistant to cover classes all day.  I'm seeing 4 classes (about 100 kids) each period.  And the internet (except for our email) is down.

Snow Day #6?

I can't remember how many snow days we've had now.  Today I made waffles for breakfast, finished taking in one of Nate's dress shirts, built a fort (which Korra enjoyed!), had another play date, and Skyped with more family members.  I guess I'm ready for one day back at school before 3 more days off (yes, you read that right, we have Monday off because of Presidents' Day).

Sleet

Started sleeting about 2:00 yesterday.  It was pretty icy and icky last night, but today everything is melting nicely.

Winter Storm Update

It's been raining on and off since last night but it's still just above freezing here so no ice... yet.  Already baked pretzels, painted my toenails, and had Korra play while sitting bare-butt on the potty chair for part of the morning (no real potty training yet, but I figured it couldn't hurt to get her more comfortable with sitting on it naked).

A List Helps

While I'm happy to have some extra time at home with Korra and Nate, I'm not exactly excited about being stuck inside for 2 days.  So I made a list of things to do:

• build a fort (I'm not sure if Korra is old enough to enjoy it yet, but we'll give it a try)
• bake pretzels
• Skype with some family members
• call about our new life insurance policies (since I'll be 30 soon!)
• paint my toenails
• take another stab at tailoring Nate's dress shirts
• make edible finger paint for Korra
• make waffles for breakfast

No School

Add 2 more snow days to the growing total.  School has been canceled for tomorrow and Thursday!

Weather, Weather, Whether

All people are talking about is the weather.  And whether they'll cancel school.

Oratorical Contest

The Girls' Oratorical Contest is taking place in the library today so I'm cataloging books in the conference room between the 6th grade research lessons I'm teaching.

Missed Yoga

Totally forgot yoga tonight.  Feeling bummed.

Peanut Butter Hair

I was just about to suggest to Nate that we only give Korra a bath every other day when she rubbed peanut butter in her hair.  Ewwwww.

Which Is Worse?

Trying to decide which is worse: not posting at all today or a post about my incredibly mundane day (watching a movie, doing laundry, taking a walk, taking a nap, making dinner).  What do you think?

Book for Mormon Was Amazing

Really.  It was fantastic.  So glad we went!

Busted Lip

Forgot to buckle Korra into her highchair at lunch, so when I removed the tray and went to get the washcloth, she leaned forward and fell facefirst to the ground.  When I realized her little lip was bleeding, I felt so terrible.  Poor baby!

Book of Mormon

Nate and I are leaving Korra with our neighbors and heading up to Atlanta with 2 friends to see BOOK OF MORMON!  But first, we'll eat dinner at THE MELTING POT!  Super excited about today.  (Though I am a little sad about leaving Korra for the longest we've ever left her- probably 14 hours)

8th Grade Book Club

An hour with 10 8th grade girls gushing (loudly) about their favorite literary crushes.  Fun, but intense and a little overwhelming.

Baby Clothes

With the exception of a couple of special items, I've given away all of Korra's old baby clothes!  Thankful for the generosity of others that allowed us to use them and I'm happy that I can help someone else and their new baby.

Fault in Our Stars movie trailer

Finally got around to watching this... I was just so scared they wouldn't do this fantastic novel justice but it looks like they did!


Looking forward to the movie!

Time-Out

We've started putting Korra in Time-Out.  When we ask her to pick up her toys before her bath, she yells, "No!" and then throws whatever toy she's holding.  We just put her in the corner, say, "Time-Out" and then ignore her.  She usually just lays in the spot crying.  We'll ask every 30 seconds or so if she's ready to clean up her toys.  She usually yells, "No!" again until after a minute or two, she just gets up and starts picking up her toys.  Here's hoping the battles will get easier (though I highly doubt it!)

Taxes Complete!

Seriously, I love how easy TaxACT Online makes doing my taxes.  It saves all my info from year-to-year so it only took me about an hour total.  Hurry to my bank account, sweet refund!

Stir-Crazy

Popped some popcorn for an afternoon snack for Korra and myself- and for the first time Korra really enjoyed watching it pop in the Stir-Crazy.  Glad I get to share my love of popcorn with my girl.

Call Number Brothers

Was putting up books and noticed that the biography of Soulja Boy and John Philip Sousa have the same call numbers (921 SOU).  Weird.

Awesome Husband

Today Nate went to the grocery store, called the insurance company, swept the floor, unloaded the dishwasher, made a doctor's appointment, and still managed to take good care of Korra all day.  I enjoy Nate's productivity almost as much as my own!

Warning: I'm Going to Brag

Obviously, I think Korra is the smartest, cutest little girl in the world.  I understand that I may be a tad biased.  Anyway, I read that a typical 18 month old has a vocabulary of 20-50 words.  So on a whim, I started listing Korra's vocabulary and... 91 words.  Yeah, I'm pretty proud.

Mystery Mysteries

Spent part of my morning wrapping mystery books in butcher paper.  It's for a display I'm calling "Mystery Mysteries."  Get it?  Cause the genre is mystery and also you don't know what you're getting because it's wrapped up!  I hope the kids get it...

Full Day

I'm very tired.  Probably because I only worked 2 half days last week.  Having a hard time adjusting to working a full day.

Lots of Babies

With 6 ladies at school and 7 close friends who are pregnant, it got me thinking about my own pregnancy.  I went back and read about my first trimester on my "secret" blog.  It made me 1) glad that I blog so that I can remember all the little things about my life and 2) glad that I'm not pregnant (I spent a lot of time throwing up!)

Super Bowl Cake

Went over to watch the Super Bowl with some neighbors (and for me, watching means sitting in the kitchen, eating, and talking).  I made a chocolate cake (it's called Crazy Cake and it doesn't use any eggs!), my favorite whipped frosting, and then topped it all with crushed pieces of pecan brittle (Thanks, Ron!).  So delicious!

Amen

Korra's newest word: Amen
She said it several times during church and has started saying it when we finish every book (instead of "Beep, Beep, Beep").

Book Reviews

Finished reading these 2 books over my "Snow Break."

Speak is about a slave girl during the Revolutionary War.  Really well written historical fiction from a perspective you don't usually get on this time period.  While some of the historical details dragged a bit for me, it's clear why this book won so many awards.

The Different Girl fell totally flat.  Since I don't recommend you bother reading it, I don't feel bad about spoiling the "big twist."  There are these 4 "girls" that live on a deserted island with a man and a woman and there are hints that help you eventually realize the "girls" are actually robots.  The author abstractly hints about why they have to keep the girls hidden from the world but never gets there.  If I hadn't been snowed in, I wouldn't have finished it.

Tea Time

Thanks to Google Hangouts, I was able to have a "Tea Time" with 4 of my favorite ladies from college.  Technology really is amazing when I can video chat with people from LaGrange, Carrollton, Tennessee, and Scotland all at the same time!

Narcissism

I was going to call this post "Facebook Stalking" but Nate says it's actually narcissism.  I'll let you decide.

I've been checking my own Facebook page every few minutes to see how many more people commented on and liked a super adorable photo of Korra that I posted.
Just in case you were wondering: 52 likes and 19 comments in less than 3 hours.  She's practically an internet phenomenon.

Faker

Korra started laying her head down and making snoring sounds until one of us says, "I think Korra's asleep."  At which point she jumps up laughing.  Silly little girl.

Cinnamon Breakfast Biscuits

I love making breakfast foods, but as Nate rarely eats breakfast, I rarely make anything other than scrambled eggs or french toast for myself.  But since we had overnight guests, I made Cinnamon Breakfast Biscuits with an orange glaze this morning and they were yummy.  I used part wheat flour and wheat germ (as the recipe suggested) but I think it made the dough too dry and dense.  Next time, I'll use all white flour (and there will be a next time!)