The best girlfriend

That would be me.  Well, mostly.  But I have to admit I am pretty amazing from time to time.  Matt enjoyed his presents.  First, I got him this shirt from Threadless.  It was a big hit at the tournament.  I also got him some cologne, bath gel (which was free with the cologne purchase), some bathroom soap, and a new clock for his living room since his other one broke when we were setting up the t.v. stand.  But then there’s more!  Yesterday I picked up 84 mini cupcakes to share with all the Scrabble players.  I put them in the refrigerator in the hotel room and told Matt he had to stay away from it.  Surprisingly, he obliged.  When I finally let him look in there this morning, I already moved them.  They announced before the second to last game that there were cupcakes for his birthday in addition to another Scrabble player friend of his who has the same birth date, but 10 years apart.  As everyone finished their game and waited for the next set of postings, they came by to pick up cupcakes.  Everyone seemed to appreciate the gesture and thought I was a pretty good girlfriend. 

Matt didn’t do well at the tournament, but didn’t completely tank either.  He was frustrated from time to time, but he appreciated that I came with him and he enjoyed all the socialization that we did.  We had lunch with several other of his Scrabble friends and then dinner with another friend from his college days last night.  Overall it has been a pretty good trip and Matt and I seem to travel well together.  We may be heading back to the Panhandle for Easter if everything works out.  In the birthday card Matt’s mother sent him, she mentioned that she would like him to bring me up to St. Louis for Easter, but that would be too expensive I think.

Shopping Day 2

Today was more productive for me.  I had to get up early to take Matt and his friend to breakfast.  I’m not really used to eating three full meals a day.  It’s almost too much for me.  I’m sure I’ll pay for it later.  After breakfast, I came back to the hotel and slept for another hour or so.  I then got up and took a shower and headed back to the fancy mall for my hair cut.  I had her cut the back shorter so that it is more equal in length, but leave the sides alone while they grow out and catch up with the rest of the hair.  I also had her thin my hair since it gets thick in spots.  I love how soft and smooth it is after I get it cut.  After my hair cut, I headed back to the hotel to have lunch with Matt.  We went to In and Out Burger.  After lunch, I headed to a different mall where I finally decided on something else to get him for his birthday.  I also have something else planned but can’t mention it here just yet. 

After Matt was done for the day, we went to church and then went to meet a friend of his from college that he hadn’t seen in several years.  We went out to dinner at a Brazilian Steakhouse where they come around with skewers of meat and serve you constantly until you turn your disk upside down to ward off the servers.  It was really good and filling.  After dinner we went to a local ice cream place and I had some really yummy vanilla cinnamon ice cream.  We got back to the hotel just a little while ago and now Matt is watching basketball and I’m obviously blogging. 

We head back home tomorrow.  I can’t believe Spring Break is almost over.  I have decided, however, that it is good that I’ve had a week to get used to the time change.  It won’t seem so drastic when I have to go back to work on Monday. 

Back in the Big D

Matt and I got in around 11:00 last night.  We ended up avoiding I-35 in Austin by taking the loop.  It will cost me when I get the bill, but it was worth it for a clear highway.  The hotel is really nice – the rooms are all suites.  The decor is a little dated, but everything is well maintained.  The bed is comfortable so it is all good.  I went shopping today, but it was kind of depressing.  I think I’m going to have to make a concerted effort at losing weight soon.  At least the community pool is open again though it might still be a little cold for swimming just yet.  I tried to find some clothes for Matt since he needs a wardrobe update and I wanted to get him something else for his birthday.  I’ve got a few other ideas and will try another mall tomorrow. 

I’ve decided to get my hair cut.  I am going to grow it out, but it is getting to an unmanageable stage at this point.  I think I’m going to get the back cut and go with a bob or something while the sides grow out.  I need something that is easy to style and manage while it continues to grow.  It’s been a while since I’ve had somewhat long hair so I’m going to give it a shot again.  My hair grows relatively fast so we’ll see how long it takes before I can’t stand it again. 

Collection Completed

I finally got the second Harry Potter book in hardback so now my collection is complete.  I had the first three in paperback, but was able to find copies in hardback so now they are all in the same format.  I need to re-read them since I didn’t get a chance to do so last summer.  But now that spring break is halfway over, I don’t think I’ll have time.  Even though I’ve been buying my Jack Reacher series on my Kindle, I loaned it to Josh to take to Tasmania so I picked up two more of the books I hadn’t read in paperback.  I got everything at Half-Price Books and still had about $9.00 on the gift card that Matt got me for Christmas.  That way I’ll have books to read on our trip to Dallas. 

It took a while, but I finally got somewhat productive this afternoon.  I slept in this morning and eventually got up around 11:00.  I had some lunch, watched t.v., and then headed to the store.  I met my  ex-husband up north to give him a key to my house so that he can check on the animals while I’m gone.  I really need to make a few more friends that live closer that would be willing to house and pet sit for me.  I’ve done a few loads of laundry and was in the process of putting things away when I decided to procrastinate and write this blog. 

I still have to do dishes, vacuum, clean my car out and wash it.  I have an appointment tomorrow morning to have the tires rotated and balanced.  I’ll wash it after that is done tomorrow.  I’m picking Matt up around 5:15 tomorrow evening and then we’re heading up to Dallas.  I helped him get a really good deal for the hotel through hotwire.  I’ve gotten pretty good at being able to guess which hotel we’re going to get.  The normal rate was $86 a night.  The “official” rate for the tournament was $99 a night.  Matt got it through hotwire based on my guesswork for $44 a night. 

Well, I guess I’ve procrastinated long enough.  I should start putting up the laundry that has accumulated and start the dishwasher.  I also need to wrap Matt’s present.  I still want to get him something else, but I don’t know what.  I figure I’ll have time to do some shopping while in Dallas. 

Do nothing day

I didn’t do a thing today – unless you count watching t.v. and goofing off online.  I should have done some house cleaning.  Well, I did unload the dishwasher and started loading it.  I might start putting away some laundry if I feel up to it.  I stayed in my sweats all day.  I even took a nap.  I almost feel guilty.  But it’s my break and I think I can have a do nothing day if I want. 

Matt just called and wants me to come over and watch a movie.  I guess I now have plans for the evening.  This will have to be a short post for today.

Got my coaster fix

Matt and I went to Fiesta Texas today.  We got there right when it opened so we were able to ride Superman first.  We got a ride in the front row which is just awesome.  The wait wasn’t too bad most of the morning.  It got longer by the afternoon though.  We stayed until about 2:00 and then headed out since it was getting hotter and more crowded.  The weather was just perfect though with the temperature in the mid 70’s.  This is what spring break weather should be.  We stopped for lunch after the park and then I had to get to the bank to deposit money for Josh.  After that I came home and crashed.  Going to the park just really takes it out of me.  I guess I’m getting old.  But Matt had fun and he does like the coasters so that is a good thing.  It’s great that I finally found someone that will ride them with me.  Marty was never a fan and Michael was afraid of heights.  

We both got season passes which will com in handy this summer.  We’re planning a road trip that will involve going to see his mother and his 30 year college reunion at Marquette.  We’ll stop at several parks during the trip.  It should be a lot of fun.

I’m not sure what I will do tomorrow.  I still need to do my taxes.  I guess I could work on that.  I don’t think I’ll do as well this year in getting a refund.  I just hope I don’t have to pay. 

The break

Spring break is finally here.  Yesterday was still cold and rainy so it was a great day to sleep in and not do much of anything.  I slept until about noon and then I just watched t.v., read my book, and goofed off until I had to get ready to pick up Matt for church.  I picked him up at 5:15 and we headed to church.  After that, we went to eat Thai food.  It was ok, but not as good as My Thai back home.  After dinner we went bowling.  Matt beat me two out of three games.  He had a really good streak the second game and bowled a 144. 

I don’t know if the time change during spring break is good or bad.  Maybe I’ll be able to take a week to get used to it, but since I have no plans to get up early any day, it may be a shock when I go back to work next week.  Oh well.  I guess I’m going to be getting up a little early tomorrow.  Matt and I are going to breakfast and then heading to six flags.  I’m wondering if riding roller coasters will help unplug my ear.  Or I guess it could make it worse.  I’m willing to risk it though.  It is getting annoying.  Sometimes I think it is on the verge of opening up, but it doesn’t. 

Tonight I’m going over to Matt’s to watch “The Help” on his new t.v.  I helped him get it set up and get the cable channels to be recognized so he thinks I’m really smart.  I like the fact that he likes that I’m smart.  I’ll finally get to meet his friend Ira – a retired priest that lives in his apartment building. 

As for the rest of the week – I’m not sure what I’ll do on Tuesday and Wednesday.  I do need to do some house cleaning, but nothing that is totally pressing.  I will probably do some reading.  Matt and I leave for Dallas on Thursday night and will come back on Sunday.  He’s playing in the tournament, but I’m not so I will have to keep myself occupied.  I still need to find something for him for his birthday.  I did order one gift, but it isn’t much. 

Vacation Time

Spring break is finally here!  I’m looking forward to sleeping in every morning.  Of course with the time change happening this week, it will be difficult to get used to it before going back to school when the break is over.  Matt and I are going to Dallas on Thursday so he can compete in a Scrabble tournament.  I’m not going to compete though.  This tournament is mostly for the big dog players.  I will take it easy and find plenty of things to do.  I hope to get to Six Flags if I can. 

Today was very productive for me at school.  I finally got my desk area cleared of clutter and have all the excess papers and such either filed or thrown into the recycle bin.  It is amazing how a clean space can make one want to be even more productive.  I started on my office area and got a good start on it.  My focus for the next few weeks is to get my library and storage rooms in order. 

Matt is coming over shortly so we can go to dinner.  After dinner we are going to watch The Help on his new t.v.  It has been cold and rainy here today.  I hope it warms up soon.  I’d like to have some nice weather for spring break. 

I’m slowly feeling better, but my ear is still clogged.  I also had a headache today, but I think it is because I didn’t have any caffeine.  Though I gave up cokes, I usually have a cup of coffee in the morning or drink some tea during the day.  I fixed myself a cup of coffee when I got home today hoping that it will help.  I still don’t drink plain, black coffee, but I’m getting used to the fancy flavorful stuff with lots of cream and sugar. 

Almost Spring Break

The thing about spring break is that the teachers and staff want it to get here just as much (if not more) than the students.  Tomorrow is the last day of school before we get a week off.  I am so ready for it.  I am feeling a little better each day so hopefully by the end of spring break I’ll be back to normal.  My right ear still feels little clogged, but it isn’t as bad as it has been. 

It was another busy day at school.  I got a lot of filing done in between teaching sessions to teachers that missed an inservice in January.  After school I met Matt at Taco Cabana for dinner and then we went to Scrabble practice.  I lost all four games.  I just didn’t have it in me tonight. 

Josh told me that he is getting a really nice scholarship for next year.  The catch is that he is supposed to have a dress picture made for it by March 23 and he didn’t take any of his dress clothes with him to Tasmania.  I told him to look for the equivalent of a Good Will down there and see if he can find something used.

I’m going to head to bed and then get through the last day before vacation!  A cold front has come through here which means the temperature has dropped into the 50’s, but at least it’s not like some of the spring breaks I’ve had in the Panhandle where we had snowstorms during the break. 

Road to Recovery

I’m slowly getting better – I think.  Only cough every once in a while.  Right ear is still a little clogged, but not as bad as it has been.  Eyes are doing fine so far.  My voice is still a little hoarse, but hoping I will continue to improve. 

It was totally insane in the library today.  I had way too many students try to come before school.  I finally told several that they couldn’t come in and then kicked some other students out because they couldn’t behave.  I had to babysit a few classes again today in addition to having a science class in all afternoon and two other classes in the lab during two other periods today.  On top of that, I’ve been working on getting all the mass of papers that I’ve shoved in different corners sorted and filed.  I have several other things that I have to get done this week as well, but tomorrow is shot because I have to do training with teachers.  I have classes in all day on Friday so it will be a scramble to get everything done. 

So I went to help Matt with his t.v. stand last night but we didn’t get it finished.   We’re stuck on getting one end of it where it is supposed to go and since it was getting late, I had to head home.  I’m going back shortly to help him finish.  I know he is excited to get it going.