This is post 101! WOW!!! I can't believe I've had that much to say. Right now, I am in a state of misery...OOPS!! I should say I'm in the state of Missouri. HA HA. I'm visiting for the holidays. There isn't a lot going on. Dazee--the dog--is just as cute as can be, and the cows are all the same. I've read quite a bit of the second book in the Twilight series. I hope to have it finished tonight and start in on the next book...or maybe I'll start a different book. Either way, I've got some reading to do.
I wish everyone a safe and happy Christmas Eve and Christmas Day!!!!!!!!!
Hope Santa brings you all what you want and deserve!!!!!
HO HO HO!!!
Wednesday, December 24, 2008
Sunday, December 21, 2008
Winter Break
YEAH!!!! School is out for 2008. I am so thankful! Everyone needed the break...the kids, the adults, EVERYONE!!!
I have a ton of projects I have to complete before tomorrow and don't want to get started...Isn't that sad????
Well, I'll update you later on my accomplishments.
I have a ton of projects I have to complete before tomorrow and don't want to get started...Isn't that sad????
Well, I'll update you later on my accomplishments.
Wednesday, December 17, 2008
Happy Birthday Dad!!!!
Today, the 17th, is my dad's 75th birthday. He and I have always joked that we are going to have wheelchair races when he is 150 and I am 112. Just 75 more years!!!
Have a wonderful birthday! I love you lots!!!!!!
Christmas Cards....again
Well, I hope this is the last post on Christmas Cards. Yup, you guessed it...I haven't finished them yet. I'm a little further than I was last night. I'm at the get-your-behind-in-gear-and-get-it-done stage now. So...off I go. Hopefully this time tomorrow I can report that they are finished!!!!!! D O N E!!!!!
Tuesday, December 16, 2008
Christmas Cards
I should be working on them right now...I said that a week or two ago as well. They are almost ready. Just need to print the labels and sign them. I know, you are thinking...how is that almost ready? I created them myself. They are printed. The all-important list of who gets one is made. It's just the little parts now.
So, I'll go. And, work on them. Or not. I can't wait much longer!!!!
So, I'll go. And, work on them. Or not. I can't wait much longer!!!!
Monday, December 15, 2008
Stolen pfun....
I am stealing this from my "old" friend, who stole it from a "new" friend.
You highlight all of the items you have done. Well, I'm changing that. Things I've done are now in bold and things I want to do are italicized.
1. Started my own blog
2. Slept under the stars
3. Played in a band
4. Visited Hawaii
5. Watched a meteor shower
6. Given more than I can afford to charity
7. Been to Disneyland/world
8. Climbed a mountain
9. Held a praying mantis
10. Sung a solo at a try-out
11. Bungee jumped
12. Visited Paris
13. Watched lightening at sea
14. Taught myself an art from scratch
15. Adopted a child
16. Had food poisoning
17. Walked to the top of the Statue of Liberty (I wanted to, but it was closed due to the attacks on 9/11/01. I visited 7/1/02.)
18. Grown my own vegetables
19. Seen the Mona Lisa in France
20. Slept on an overnight train
21. Had a pillow fight
22. Hitchhiked
23. Taken a sick day when you’re not ill (I did have a doctor's appointment later in the day...but was coming in late from Las Vegas, too!)
24. Built a snow fort
25. Held a lamb
26. Gone skinny dipping
27. Run a Marathon
28. Ridden in a gondola in Venice (Does a gondola at the Venetian count????? We did almost tip it over.)
29. Seen a total eclipse
30. Watched a sunrise or sunset
31. Hit a home run
32. Been on a cruise
33. Seen Niagara Falls in person
34. Visited the birthplace of my ancestors
35. Seen an Amish community
36. Taught myself a new language (currently teaching myself Spanish)
37. Had enough money to be truly satisfied
38. Seen the Leaning Tower of Pisa in person
39. Gone rock climbing
40. Seen Michelangelo’s David
41. Sung karaoke
42. Seen Old Faithful geyser erupt
43. Bought a stranger a meal at a restaurant
44. Visited Africa
45. Walked on a beach by moonlight
46. Been transported in an ambulance
47. Had my portrait painted (does the caricature people count????)
48. Gone deep sea fishing
49. Seen the Sistine Chapel in person
50. Been to the top of the Eiffel Tower (I've been to the top at Paris Las Vegas?!?!?!?!)
51. Gone scuba diving or snorkeling
52. Kissed in the rain
53. Played in the mud
54. Gone to a drive-in theater
55. Been in a movie...Ok, so it was a movie for school. It's still a movie!!!! (people around the State of Texas have seen it...Every new teacher sees me!)
56. Visited the Great Wall of China
57. Started a business (Don't know what it will be though...)
58. Taken a martial arts class
59. Visited Russia
60. Served at a soup kitchen
61. Sold Girl Scout Cookies (I was a Campfire Girl! We sold candy.)
62. Gone whale watching
63. Got flowers for no reason
64. Donated blood, platelets or plasma
65. Gone sky diving
66. Visited a Nazi Concentration Camp
67. Bounced a check
68. Flown in a helicopter
69. Saved a favorite childhood toy
70. Visited the Lincoln Memorial...and cried!
71. Eaten Caviar
72. Pieced a quilt
73. Stood in Times Square
74. Toured the Everglades
75. Been fired from a job
76. Seen the Changing of the Guards in London
77. Broken a bone
78. Been on a speeding motorcycle (maybe...the first time I was on a bike, I didn't know if the person was speeding or not.)
79. Seen the Grand Canyon in person It was from the air, but I still saw it!
80. Published a book (I've been quoted in 2 books...does that count?)
81. Visited the Vatican
82. Bought a brand new car
83. Walked in Jerusalem
84. Had my picture in the newspaper
85. Read the entire Bible
86. Visited the White House
87. Killed and prepared an animal for eating
88. Had chickenpox
89. Saved someone’s life (I would like to say I have because that would be amazing, but I really don't want to. Does that make sense?????)
90. Sat on a jury
91. Met someone famous (Well, he is famous in this area!)
92. Joined a book club
93. Lost a loved one
94. Had a baby
95. Seen the Alamo in person
96. Swam in the Great Salt Lake
97. Been involved in a law suit
98. Owned a cell phone
99. Been stung by a bee
100. Rode an elephant
1. Started my own blog
2. Slept under the stars
3. Played in a band
4. Visited Hawaii
5. Watched a meteor shower
6. Given more than I can afford to charity
7. Been to Disneyland/world
8. Climbed a mountain
9. Held a praying mantis
10. Sung a solo at a try-out
11. Bungee jumped
12. Visited Paris
13. Watched lightening at sea
14. Taught myself an art from scratch
15. Adopted a child
16. Had food poisoning
17. Walked to the top of the Statue of Liberty (I wanted to, but it was closed due to the attacks on 9/11/01. I visited 7/1/02.)
18. Grown my own vegetables
19. Seen the Mona Lisa in France
20. Slept on an overnight train
21. Had a pillow fight
22. Hitchhiked
23. Taken a sick day when you’re not ill (I did have a doctor's appointment later in the day...but was coming in late from Las Vegas, too!)
24. Built a snow fort
25. Held a lamb
26. Gone skinny dipping
27. Run a Marathon
28. Ridden in a gondola in Venice (Does a gondola at the Venetian count????? We did almost tip it over.)
29. Seen a total eclipse
30. Watched a sunrise or sunset
31. Hit a home run
32. Been on a cruise
33. Seen Niagara Falls in person
34. Visited the birthplace of my ancestors
35. Seen an Amish community
36. Taught myself a new language (currently teaching myself Spanish)
37. Had enough money to be truly satisfied
38. Seen the Leaning Tower of Pisa in person
39. Gone rock climbing
40. Seen Michelangelo’s David
41. Sung karaoke
42. Seen Old Faithful geyser erupt
43. Bought a stranger a meal at a restaurant
44. Visited Africa
45. Walked on a beach by moonlight
46. Been transported in an ambulance
47. Had my portrait painted (does the caricature people count????)
48. Gone deep sea fishing
49. Seen the Sistine Chapel in person
50. Been to the top of the Eiffel Tower (I've been to the top at Paris Las Vegas?!?!?!?!)
51. Gone scuba diving or snorkeling
52. Kissed in the rain
53. Played in the mud
54. Gone to a drive-in theater
55. Been in a movie...Ok, so it was a movie for school. It's still a movie!!!! (people around the State of Texas have seen it...Every new teacher sees me!)
56. Visited the Great Wall of China
57. Started a business (Don't know what it will be though...)
58. Taken a martial arts class
59. Visited Russia
60. Served at a soup kitchen
61. Sold Girl Scout Cookies (I was a Campfire Girl! We sold candy.)
62. Gone whale watching
63. Got flowers for no reason
64. Donated blood, platelets or plasma
65. Gone sky diving
66. Visited a Nazi Concentration Camp
67. Bounced a check
68. Flown in a helicopter
69. Saved a favorite childhood toy
70. Visited the Lincoln Memorial...and cried!
71. Eaten Caviar
72. Pieced a quilt
73. Stood in Times Square
74. Toured the Everglades
75. Been fired from a job
76. Seen the Changing of the Guards in London
77. Broken a bone
78. Been on a speeding motorcycle (maybe...the first time I was on a bike, I didn't know if the person was speeding or not.)
79. Seen the Grand Canyon in person It was from the air, but I still saw it!
80. Published a book (I've been quoted in 2 books...does that count?)
81. Visited the Vatican
82. Bought a brand new car
83. Walked in Jerusalem
84. Had my picture in the newspaper
85. Read the entire Bible
86. Visited the White House
87. Killed and prepared an animal for eating
88. Had chickenpox
89. Saved someone’s life (I would like to say I have because that would be amazing, but I really don't want to. Does that make sense?????)
90. Sat on a jury
91. Met someone famous (Well, he is famous in this area!)
92. Joined a book club
93. Lost a loved one
94. Had a baby
95. Seen the Alamo in person
96. Swam in the Great Salt Lake
97. Been involved in a law suit
98. Owned a cell phone
99. Been stung by a bee
100. Rode an elephant
Movies...
I watched 3 movies yesterday. The Sisterhood of the Traveling Pants 2, Forgetting Sarah Marshall, and Must Love Dogs. I have read all four of the Sisterhood books and was a little disappointed with the movie. I don't think it captured everything that was important in the books. Sarah wasn't forgettable! It so wasn't what I was thinking it would be from the previews. And, Dogs is pretty close to the book as well.
After watching the movies, I found myself looking up different actors in Wikipedia. I was amazed at how many movies I have seen with John Cusack and Dermont Mulroney in them...not together, but total. Some of them are "classics" for my generation. (Sixteen Candles, My Best Friend's Wedding) But something interesting about these two actors jumped out at me. Cusack was born in Evanston, IL, and Mulroney attended college in Evanston, IL. Talk about 6 degrees of separation! (And, they were both in Must Love Dogs!)
After watching the movies, I found myself looking up different actors in Wikipedia. I was amazed at how many movies I have seen with John Cusack and Dermont Mulroney in them...not together, but total. Some of them are "classics" for my generation. (Sixteen Candles, My Best Friend's Wedding) But something interesting about these two actors jumped out at me. Cusack was born in Evanston, IL, and Mulroney attended college in Evanston, IL. Talk about 6 degrees of separation! (And, they were both in Must Love Dogs!)
Thursday, December 11, 2008
How far is too far????
Our local high school offers a class that provides "real life experiences." (Ok, so I don't know the real name of the class--it won't matter in a bit anyway.) One of the projects in this class is to take care of a "baby." When I was in high school, this meant an egg baby. I've heard of other schools using bags of flour. Now, they have the new-fangled electronic real-life looking babies. Tonight, I saw one up close and personal.
The brother of one of my cheerleaders--and he also was a former student of mine--is a "father." He was at driver's ed classes tonight, so his mom was babysitting at the basketball game. During half-time, I went to get a look. While talking to her, I was appalled!!!! I need your opinions on this situation.
About a week ago, J had to go to the store and purchase certain necessities such as clothes, a diaper bag and a blanket. He then had to carry the diaper bag around while waiting for his "child" to be born. He also had to create a birth certificate for his daughter. His daughter arrived today. Because he had one of the top 5 grade averages in his class, he got one of the sophisticated $500 babies. The other kids received the measly $200 babies.
Now, I totally understand having to care for a baby and all, BUT SHOULD THE FAMILY HAVE TO PAY FOR CLOTHES, A DIAPER BAG AND BLANKETS????????????? Especially now! (One of the biggest employers in the area just laidoff thousands of employees.)
This family was lucky enough to be able to afford it, but what about other families? And, just before Christmas. And, what will they do with it when they are finished with the project???? (This particular family has already decided to donate their items to a local women's center.)
Can't wait to hear other thoughts.
The brother of one of my cheerleaders--and he also was a former student of mine--is a "father." He was at driver's ed classes tonight, so his mom was babysitting at the basketball game. During half-time, I went to get a look. While talking to her, I was appalled!!!! I need your opinions on this situation.
About a week ago, J had to go to the store and purchase certain necessities such as clothes, a diaper bag and a blanket. He then had to carry the diaper bag around while waiting for his "child" to be born. He also had to create a birth certificate for his daughter. His daughter arrived today. Because he had one of the top 5 grade averages in his class, he got one of the sophisticated $500 babies. The other kids received the measly $200 babies.
Now, I totally understand having to care for a baby and all, BUT SHOULD THE FAMILY HAVE TO PAY FOR CLOTHES, A DIAPER BAG AND BLANKETS????????????? Especially now! (One of the biggest employers in the area just laidoff thousands of employees.)
This family was lucky enough to be able to afford it, but what about other families? And, just before Christmas. And, what will they do with it when they are finished with the project???? (This particular family has already decided to donate their items to a local women's center.)
Can't wait to hear other thoughts.
Well, I asked...
If you click back to this date, you will read that I asked "What Next?" Well, yesterday I found out!
SNOW!!!
Yup, you read correctly. We had snow. The Gulf Coast of Texas had SNOW! What is more incredible about this is that on Tuesday, the high for the day was 78. As I was driving home, the snow coming down was so pretty. The flakes were GIANT size! It was all gone this morning though.
What a year!!!! I'm not going to ask what next--I don't want to know!
SNOW!!!
Yup, you read correctly. We had snow. The Gulf Coast of Texas had SNOW! What is more incredible about this is that on Tuesday, the high for the day was 78. As I was driving home, the snow coming down was so pretty. The flakes were GIANT size! It was all gone this morning though.
What a year!!!! I'm not going to ask what next--I don't want to know!
Tuesday, December 9, 2008
Perfect Christmas Gift For The Hard To Buy For...
You gotta go here to find the perfect gift for that person who has everything....Or, the blonde in your life. (Or both...)
I LOVE IT!!!!!!! (I am kinda blonde at the moment.....)
I LOVE IT!!!!!!! (I am kinda blonde at the moment.....)
Illinois Politics
OH WOW!!!! I haven't laughed this hard in a long time. Thank you Rod Blagojevich!!
In the past, Illinois and Chicago have been the butt of jokes due to their politicians. EVERYONE knows dead people vote in Chicago!!! They have had 3 former Governors sent to prison in the last 35 years. Blago looks to make that 4!
If you have been under a rock today, Blagojevich was arrested today and charged with wire and mail fraud for trying to "auction" off the Senate seat being vacated by President-Elect Barack Obama. It was not your typical auction...he just was going to appoint the person who gave him the best bang for his appointment.
This is JUST WRONG!!! It's about time they were able to nail him for his bad politics. (And, the icing on the proverbial cake--they arrested him the day before his birthday. Happy Birthday, Rod!!!)
In the past, Illinois and Chicago have been the butt of jokes due to their politicians. EVERYONE knows dead people vote in Chicago!!! They have had 3 former Governors sent to prison in the last 35 years. Blago looks to make that 4!
If you have been under a rock today, Blagojevich was arrested today and charged with wire and mail fraud for trying to "auction" off the Senate seat being vacated by President-Elect Barack Obama. It was not your typical auction...he just was going to appoint the person who gave him the best bang for his appointment.
This is JUST WRONG!!! It's about time they were able to nail him for his bad politics. (And, the icing on the proverbial cake--they arrested him the day before his birthday. Happy Birthday, Rod!!!)
Monday, December 8, 2008
My Funny Story...well, one of them!
A couple of years ago, I was going to an Astros game after school. I headed into the rest room before leaving the school. I finish drying my hands and go to open the door. It won't open. I try it again. Still, nothing! I start to bang on the wall in hopes that someone will hear me. No luck. All I could think of was "I'm stuck in a stinking bathroom." (pun intended). I continued to bang on the wall with no luck. I was laughing to myself wondering how long it would take before someone found me. What if I missed the game? (I'm not sure, but I would bet the opposing team was my favorite Cubs.) Then, I start to panic. Luckily, the person I was going to the game with enter the teachers lounge and yelled out for me. I said I was stuck and together we got the door open. I avoided that bathroom for a long time!!!!!
Funny Story From a Friend...
My friend J, who lives in NYC, sent this to me over the weekend. I find it quite funny as it would have been my luck as well. (I've done some editing to protect the innocent....)
Yeah...this was my morning. Starting this past fall I arranged to work essentially 3/4 time. Enough extra $ to help ends meet (mostly) but with enough flexibility to keep work on the (dissertation) moving forward. Currently I'm working M-Th, and spending Friday in the library or computer lab, or, as is the case today, babysitting for my friend so she can have some time to do stuff without baby. So, I run a few quick errands this morning and then get on the A train with more than enough time to get to D's before 10:00. Now D lives at 207 street, the end of the line, so it's pretty much put on the headphones and read a book until the train stops moving and doesn't start again. 168...175...181...190...200.........hmmm, it seems like it's been a while since that last stop. So I look up and my eye catches the destination sign and it no longer says Inwood / 207 street, it now says Not in Service. Oops. Well, no big, I figure, the yard is at 210. I'll get out there it will be a laugh. In the mean time, I'll move through the train until I'm in the car with the conductor and just let him know I'm there. So I head to the end of the car and discover the car I'm in doesn't have pass through doors - I'm stuck where I am. Oops. And the train isn't stopping. Until it does...but not in the yard, just somewhere in a tunnel. No cell service...hmmmm. Check the doors again, nope, they haven't magically unlocked themselves. And the train starts moving again. Until it stops...again. And the lights go out. oooh-kaay. Check the phone - hey! a signal!! Call 311 - City info and help line. Cause this really isn't an emergency per se. I'm not hurt, I pretty much know where I am, and I'm not particularly upset, (actually I'm having a hard time not laughing as I wonder just how I'm going to explain this to anyone) I just need to be sure that someone knows I'm here and will eventually make sure I get out. Except that I get stuck in 'press one for x' HELL - being told repeatedly that all customer service agents are busy and given a menu-options none of which include 'stuck in an out of service subway car'. So, hang up on 311 and decide to go with 911, and the train starts moving again, out of the tunnel and into the yard, (hey! that explains the signal!) And I have another idea, pull on the emergency brake. While I doubt it will actually stop the train it will likely at least let someone somewhere on the train know that someone else is there. As I'm explaining the situation to 911 and apologizing for not being a "real" emergency here comes a train guy, who enters the car, laughs and says into his walkie talkie, "Yup, we've got a package." He was very friendly, and I think since I wasn't panicking and/or bitchy and upset we chat a bit and the adventure continues as I get a narrated tour of the train yard, including a trip through the subway car-wash, a drive-by (train-by?) the vintage trains being prepped for holiday tourist use, the out of service cars being loaded onto barges for a trip out to Long Island Sound (and other sites on the east coast) for artificial reef building, the brand spanking new cars being prepped for addition to the fleet, and an insiders view of the current financial situation of the MTA. And then we complete the big u-turn that is the outer track of the train yard and head back into the tunnels all I'm thinking is I wish I had my camera. My life, no fear of ever being ordinary.
Any of you have a crazy story?????? I'll share mine in a new post.
Yeah...this was my morning. Starting this past fall I arranged to work essentially 3/4 time. Enough extra $ to help ends meet (mostly) but with enough flexibility to keep work on the (dissertation) moving forward. Currently I'm working M-Th, and spending Friday in the library or computer lab, or, as is the case today, babysitting for my friend so she can have some time to do stuff without baby. So, I run a few quick errands this morning and then get on the A train with more than enough time to get to D's before 10:00. Now D lives at 207 street, the end of the line, so it's pretty much put on the headphones and read a book until the train stops moving and doesn't start again. 168...175...181...190...200.........hmmm, it seems like it's been a while since that last stop. So I look up and my eye catches the destination sign and it no longer says Inwood / 207 street, it now says Not in Service. Oops. Well, no big, I figure, the yard is at 210. I'll get out there it will be a laugh. In the mean time, I'll move through the train until I'm in the car with the conductor and just let him know I'm there. So I head to the end of the car and discover the car I'm in doesn't have pass through doors - I'm stuck where I am. Oops. And the train isn't stopping. Until it does...but not in the yard, just somewhere in a tunnel. No cell service...hmmmm. Check the doors again, nope, they haven't magically unlocked themselves. And the train starts moving again. Until it stops...again. And the lights go out. oooh-kaay. Check the phone - hey! a signal!! Call 311 - City info and help line. Cause this really isn't an emergency per se. I'm not hurt, I pretty much know where I am, and I'm not particularly upset, (actually I'm having a hard time not laughing as I wonder just how I'm going to explain this to anyone) I just need to be sure that someone knows I'm here and will eventually make sure I get out. Except that I get stuck in 'press one for x' HELL - being told repeatedly that all customer service agents are busy and given a menu-options none of which include 'stuck in an out of service subway car'. So, hang up on 311 and decide to go with 911, and the train starts moving again, out of the tunnel and into the yard, (hey! that explains the signal!) And I have another idea, pull on the emergency brake. While I doubt it will actually stop the train it will likely at least let someone somewhere on the train know that someone else is there. As I'm explaining the situation to 911 and apologizing for not being a "real" emergency here comes a train guy, who enters the car, laughs and says into his walkie talkie, "Yup, we've got a package." He was very friendly, and I think since I wasn't panicking and/or bitchy and upset we chat a bit and the adventure continues as I get a narrated tour of the train yard, including a trip through the subway car-wash, a drive-by (train-by?) the vintage trains being prepped for holiday tourist use, the out of service cars being loaded onto barges for a trip out to Long Island Sound (and other sites on the east coast) for artificial reef building, the brand spanking new cars being prepped for addition to the fleet, and an insiders view of the current financial situation of the MTA. And then we complete the big u-turn that is the outer track of the train yard and head back into the tunnels all I'm thinking is I wish I had my camera. My life, no fear of ever being ordinary.
Any of you have a crazy story?????? I'll share mine in a new post.
Sunday, December 7, 2008
Music
I received an email the other day titled Name That Tune. I skipped over it and decided to read it tonight. Am I glad I did! It provided me a topic for this post. The object is to click on this link and then type in the name of the song and artist for the song that was Number One on the charts the day you were born. You can look up the songs for ANY date you want.
So, here are the songs that were popular on specific birthdays of mine.
Day I was born (year I tell my students): Heartbreak Hotel, Elvis Presley
Day I was born (actual birth year): Want Ads, The Honey Cone
Day My Uncle was born (we share a birthday): Maria Elena, Jimmy Dorsey
Day Michael J. Fox was born (same birthday): Travelin' Man, Ricky Nelson
My 16th birthday: Always, Atlantic Star
My 18th birthday/Graduation from HS (Yup, same day): Wind Beneath My Wings, Bette Midler
My 21st birthday: Jump, Kris Kross
My last birthday: Lollipop, Lil Wayne featuring Static Major
Would love to hear the songs from your birth years--or important dates....
So, here are the songs that were popular on specific birthdays of mine.
Day I was born (year I tell my students): Heartbreak Hotel, Elvis Presley
Day I was born (actual birth year): Want Ads, The Honey Cone
Day My Uncle was born (we share a birthday): Maria Elena, Jimmy Dorsey
Day Michael J. Fox was born (same birthday): Travelin' Man, Ricky Nelson
My 16th birthday: Always, Atlantic Star
My 18th birthday/Graduation from HS (Yup, same day): Wind Beneath My Wings, Bette Midler
My 21st birthday: Jump, Kris Kross
My last birthday: Lollipop, Lil Wayne featuring Static Major
Would love to hear the songs from your birth years--or important dates....
Culture and Unculture
Let me start with the CULTURE--it's classier that way.
Tonight, I attended a local performance of the Christmas classic The Nutcracker Ballet. This was the first time I have seen this--in person or on TV. It was a semi-professional performance, and I was pleasantly surprised to see the children of a former co-worker (who I babysat for when they were little) in the cast. The performances of the cast weren't fabulous, but they were far from horrible. I felt sorry for several of the girls as they were doing the job of about 15 people--or so I was told. There were pauses in the performance so they could make costume changes--into costumes that didn't fit at that. To top that off, the lighting in the high school auditorium WAS HORRENDOUS!!!!!!!!!! The entire middle section of the stage was in the dark. I had the worst headache when we left.
Now, for the UNCULTURE--Our staff Christmas Party.
Yup, you guessed it, it was on the same night as the tickets I had to see The Nutcracker. I made an appearance after the show and was kinda shocked...You see, as far as fun get-togethers go, it was good, almost great. For a staff Christmas part, it was terrible!!! The party was held at a local bait shop. Yes, you read that correctly, a BAIT SHOP. (If you saw any news footage from Hurricane Ike, you probably saw the roof of the place in question--that's right, just the roof was visible...the rest was underwater.) We were told the place would be closed to the public for the private party. Yeah, that didn't happen. I guess before we arrived, total strangers were helping themselves to the food that our employees brought.
To give you an idea of what it was like, picture this....a wooden building with metal garage doors on several walls, looking out over the Intercoastal Canal. There is a small convenience store where you can purchase your choice of beverage. I walk in wearing black capri's, a nice black and white blouse, and black heels. I have to walk past about 5 or 6 men who are standing there in waders up to their waist or chest. I said "I think I'm a little overdressed and will be leaving smelling like fish." Well, no fish were around, but I did leave smelling like beer.
One of our teachers thought it would be funny to make our counselor chug her beer. Mind you, this woman is closer to 60 than to any other age ending in zero. The teacher hit the top of her bottle of beer causing it to foam up so she would have to chug. She didn't know what to do, and it overflowed to the floor, and my shoes. She was just worried that it was going into her Coach purse!
One highlight of the evening was running into a young man who I happened to teach my VERY first year. Luckily for me, he didn't remember me. However, he did make a comment that made me smile. He had given me a very hard time that year--but it helped me grow as a teacher. Tonight, he told a friend that all of his middle school teachers hated him...And, he said they had a right to because he was such a jerk. (Well, he didn't use the word jerk, but I want to keep this blog kind of family friendly!) That was nice to hear he felt he was less than the best student.
Well, that's all for now. I do have a funny story from a friend, but I think I will wait until tomorrow to share.
Sweet Dreams! (Or Happy Day if you are reading this during the day time....It's the middle of the night when I'm writing....)
Tonight, I attended a local performance of the Christmas classic The Nutcracker Ballet. This was the first time I have seen this--in person or on TV. It was a semi-professional performance, and I was pleasantly surprised to see the children of a former co-worker (who I babysat for when they were little) in the cast. The performances of the cast weren't fabulous, but they were far from horrible. I felt sorry for several of the girls as they were doing the job of about 15 people--or so I was told. There were pauses in the performance so they could make costume changes--into costumes that didn't fit at that. To top that off, the lighting in the high school auditorium WAS HORRENDOUS!!!!!!!!!! The entire middle section of the stage was in the dark. I had the worst headache when we left.
Now, for the UNCULTURE--Our staff Christmas Party.
Yup, you guessed it, it was on the same night as the tickets I had to see The Nutcracker. I made an appearance after the show and was kinda shocked...You see, as far as fun get-togethers go, it was good, almost great. For a staff Christmas part, it was terrible!!! The party was held at a local bait shop. Yes, you read that correctly, a BAIT SHOP. (If you saw any news footage from Hurricane Ike, you probably saw the roof of the place in question--that's right, just the roof was visible...the rest was underwater.) We were told the place would be closed to the public for the private party. Yeah, that didn't happen. I guess before we arrived, total strangers were helping themselves to the food that our employees brought.
To give you an idea of what it was like, picture this....a wooden building with metal garage doors on several walls, looking out over the Intercoastal Canal. There is a small convenience store where you can purchase your choice of beverage. I walk in wearing black capri's, a nice black and white blouse, and black heels. I have to walk past about 5 or 6 men who are standing there in waders up to their waist or chest. I said "I think I'm a little overdressed and will be leaving smelling like fish." Well, no fish were around, but I did leave smelling like beer.
One of our teachers thought it would be funny to make our counselor chug her beer. Mind you, this woman is closer to 60 than to any other age ending in zero. The teacher hit the top of her bottle of beer causing it to foam up so she would have to chug. She didn't know what to do, and it overflowed to the floor, and my shoes. She was just worried that it was going into her Coach purse!
One highlight of the evening was running into a young man who I happened to teach my VERY first year. Luckily for me, he didn't remember me. However, he did make a comment that made me smile. He had given me a very hard time that year--but it helped me grow as a teacher. Tonight, he told a friend that all of his middle school teachers hated him...And, he said they had a right to because he was such a jerk. (Well, he didn't use the word jerk, but I want to keep this blog kind of family friendly!) That was nice to hear he felt he was less than the best student.
Well, that's all for now. I do have a funny story from a friend, but I think I will wait until tomorrow to share.
Sweet Dreams! (Or Happy Day if you are reading this during the day time....It's the middle of the night when I'm writing....)
Wednesday, December 3, 2008
Hooey
Let me just say I'm very frustrated. I still haven't received my refund from a certain airline. I called again tonight and was told it would take up to two billing cycles for the money to appear in my account. That's right folks, TWO BILLING CYCLES. If you don't know what a billing cycle is, it is a MONTH. I may not get my refund until February! FEBRUARY!!!! That's nuts! It's a big load of hooey!!!!!!!
Tuesday, December 2, 2008
Today...
What a B-O-R-I-N-G day. We had a practice test day...SO BORING!!!!!!! I understand the reasoning for the test. I actually like the fact we do this. However, the day is BORING!!!!! We stare at the same 20 or so kids for the entire day. We don't talk. We don't read. We don't look at email. WE LOOK AT THE KIDS!!!!!!!!!! I would much rather take the test than give it.
After school, I went with a friend, J, to take rescued animals to another foster house. J works with an organization that works to find homes for stray animals. She has a bunch of her own and fosters some as well. (I love how she signs cards to me...J & G and The Zoo.) So, we picked up a dog from the local vet. This dog was very skinny, but SO WELL BEHAVED! The dog sat in the back seat and just rode with us. She never barked or tried to come up front. All of J's dogs like to lick your face or sit in your lap in the car--and they are good, well-behaved animals! I felt so sorry for this little dog. She is a blue pit bull. The people who took her to the vet were good Samaritans...they were driving behind someone when they THREW--that's right, THREW--the dog from the moving vehicle. HOW CAN YOU BE THAT INHUMANE???????????????? Poor thing. I hope she finds a good home to go to.
This brings me to another point. How bad is our society when a Wal-Mart employee gets trampled to death on "Black Friday." (By-the-way, that is such a morbid name for the day after Thanksgiving!!) I've tried to defend some of the people, but it's hard. I think back to college when there was a fire in the trash chute. Everybody that was home was trying to get out of the building using the two stairwells. If you stopped or slowed down, you were nudged by the people behind you--as they were being nudged themselves. I want to believe this is what happened in that store. People started pushing from the back and there was nothing anyone could do. If this is not the case, our society needs A LOT of help. AND, I MEAN A LOT!!!!!!!!!
A comment on the rambling post--It was pointed out to me by J that I used a wrong word when referring to the Chicago Bears loss to the Minnesota Vikings. The sentence should read : The defense couldn't plug a HOLE the size of Illinois....(Have to write it correctly since I'm a teacher, right????)
And my final babbling thought....please keep one of my students in your thoughts. He was at a deer lease with his family over the Thanksgiving holidays. He and his father were returning from the deer stand and were riding in a mule-like vehicle. The father drove over what appeared to be an innocent downed fence. Something went wrong and a piece of metal was driven through the bottom of the floor into my student's leg, pinning him into the vehicle. He was life-flighted to the nearest big city. He has been in the hospital since and will remain for at least another week. When he comes home, he will need to stay at home and recover for another 2 weeks minimum--with a vacuum like apparatus on his leg to help it heal. He has had to have a skin graft and there is something up with a nerve in his leg. The bone is also broken. He is a really good kid--even if he wasn't, I'd ask for your thoughts. I'll keep you posted. THANKS!!!!!!
Happy Day!
After school, I went with a friend, J, to take rescued animals to another foster house. J works with an organization that works to find homes for stray animals. She has a bunch of her own and fosters some as well. (I love how she signs cards to me...J & G and The Zoo.) So, we picked up a dog from the local vet. This dog was very skinny, but SO WELL BEHAVED! The dog sat in the back seat and just rode with us. She never barked or tried to come up front. All of J's dogs like to lick your face or sit in your lap in the car--and they are good, well-behaved animals! I felt so sorry for this little dog. She is a blue pit bull. The people who took her to the vet were good Samaritans...they were driving behind someone when they THREW--that's right, THREW--the dog from the moving vehicle. HOW CAN YOU BE THAT INHUMANE???????????????? Poor thing. I hope she finds a good home to go to.
This brings me to another point. How bad is our society when a Wal-Mart employee gets trampled to death on "Black Friday." (By-the-way, that is such a morbid name for the day after Thanksgiving!!) I've tried to defend some of the people, but it's hard. I think back to college when there was a fire in the trash chute. Everybody that was home was trying to get out of the building using the two stairwells. If you stopped or slowed down, you were nudged by the people behind you--as they were being nudged themselves. I want to believe this is what happened in that store. People started pushing from the back and there was nothing anyone could do. If this is not the case, our society needs A LOT of help. AND, I MEAN A LOT!!!!!!!!!
A comment on the rambling post--It was pointed out to me by J that I used a wrong word when referring to the Chicago Bears loss to the Minnesota Vikings. The sentence should read : The defense couldn't plug a HOLE the size of Illinois....(Have to write it correctly since I'm a teacher, right????)
And my final babbling thought....please keep one of my students in your thoughts. He was at a deer lease with his family over the Thanksgiving holidays. He and his father were returning from the deer stand and were riding in a mule-like vehicle. The father drove over what appeared to be an innocent downed fence. Something went wrong and a piece of metal was driven through the bottom of the floor into my student's leg, pinning him into the vehicle. He was life-flighted to the nearest big city. He has been in the hospital since and will remain for at least another week. When he comes home, he will need to stay at home and recover for another 2 weeks minimum--with a vacuum like apparatus on his leg to help it heal. He has had to have a skin graft and there is something up with a nerve in his leg. The bone is also broken. He is a really good kid--even if he wasn't, I'd ask for your thoughts. I'll keep you posted. THANKS!!!!!!
Happy Day!
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