Ready for Rollercoasters

At our tournament this weekend another one of my students qualified for Nationals. It will be held in Dallas this summer and the open ceremony will be at six flags! That means I will get to ride some coasters this summer. I am very ready for a break though. I will be gone again this weekend. I'm going to Austin for the UIL state speech competition. I am not sure how I'm making it right now. My house is in such a state of disgust. I really need a couple of days off to get it clean. Luckily, there's only a few more weeks of school left. I am so ready for a break. Well, it's time to go to bed so I can go to work in the morning.

Prom Night

I arrived home just in time to take care of a minor problem with Josh's tux pants (hem had been taken out) and see him dressed all nicely and ready to leave for his first prom. I can't believe that my baby (he'd kill me if he heard me say that) is growing up so fast. It seems like yesterday that I was taking him to band rehearsals in his baby seat. I am feeling a bit old at the moment. Am I really old enough to have a fifteen year old son? A son that is in high school? A son that is going on dates?
I didn't even date when I was 15. If I went out, it was with a group of friends and I never had a steady boyfriend until my senior year in high school. The first was Marty. The second was William. The guy I went to my high school prom with. I'm not exactly sure why I ended up dating William. I thought that he was just a perverted boy because of the jokes he would crack. But at a special activity day for band at the local activity center, we ended up spending time together. I still am not sure why we started dating, but we did. This was shortly before our spring band trip and the prom. When we attended the spring band trip in Houston and Corpus Christi, I knew that things were wrong. And yet I was stupid and continued to hang on. You see, he didn't sit with me on the plane. I know. Obvious, but I tried to give him the benefit of the doubt. But it was that little red-headed flute player that butted into things. On the trip, he was giving her a lot of attention and I knew what was going on, but I just turned a blind eye for whatever reason. Perhaps I didn't want to go to prom without a date or something. I really don't remember why, but I stuck it out.
My prom was o.k. I loved my dress. It was a pretty pink dress with lace on top of taffeta. It fit like a glove. I was tiny back then (size 3). He picked my up at my aunt's house (which is the house I live in now). He brought me a corsage that was an orchid. It seemed kind of big, but was very pretty. We went to dinner with some other friends from band. It was the first time I had ever been to a Japanese steakhouse where they cook the meal in front of you. That was probably the best part of the evening. Good food and friends. The prom itself was typical - a dance with a d.j., but I just didn't have a good time. I knew things were not going well and I just couldn't enjoy myself. I think there were plans to go out afterwards, but I asked him to just go ahead and bring me home. The next day I went over to his house and he broke up with me. He wouldn't admit to it being because of the other girl, but they hooked up shortly afterwards. In fact at graduation, I couldn't go to a party with all my band friends (which were basically all my friends in h.s.) because it was at his house with his new flame - although she was just a sophomore. Graduation night I went to dinner with my friend Bret. We went to Bennigan's and had a very nice time. Although I had a crush on Bret forever, it was never meant to be. And since high school I have had my heart opened and broken many times. And I know that Josh will go through many of the same. We all have to. I just hope he enjoys this time in his life and has more fond memories of his prom(s) than I did.

On the road again, and again

I haven't updated much because I've just been so dang busy. Right now I am in Abilene. We are heading to our tournament shortly. I am thankful that hotels have wireless internet these days. I was worried about buying my laptop in March thinking I really didn't need it and the money could have gone to something else, but I really don't regret having it at all.
It's a short update for today. Perhaps I will share more later. Stay tuned.

Patrick's answers

Here are Patrick's answers since he requested it.

1. I'll respond with something random I like about you. Your intelligence.
2. I'll tell you what song/movie reminds me of you. Star Trek IV
3. I'll name something we should do together. Go to dinner (with Tiffany, of course)
4. I'll say something that only makes sense to you and me (or just me). Honestly, I can't think of anything that would only make sense to you and me. So something that only makes sense to me is the phrase "No, no. Uh-huh. Quit." - Not related to you... just something random to fill this space.
5. I'll tell you my first/clearest memory of you. Meeting you for the first time at Feldman's and realizing how tall you were.
6. I'll leave you a quote that is somehow appropriate to you. "I am enough of an artist to draw freely upon my imagination. Imagination is more important than knowledge. For knowledge is limited, whereas imagination embraces the entire world, stimulating progress, giving birth to evolution. -Albert Einstein"
7. I'll ask you something that I've always wondered about you. Are you still thinking about finding a church to get involved in or just to go to?
8. If I do this for you, you must post this on your journal so you can do the same for other people.

Weird facts meme

I was tagged by latibug so I am obliging her by posting some weird facts about myself.

Here are the rules:
Tag 6 people. List some Weird Facts about yourself. Leave a link of the blogs that you tagged so others can find them easily.

Here are the facts first. I listed 10 since that is what latibug did. I admit that these are generally taken from my 100 things list (which needs to be updated), but I offer more explanation here. Regular readers probably know most of these, but hopefully my new readers will learn something interesting (or not).

1. I hate most vegetables. I do enjoy salads, but when it comes to cooked vegetables, I only eat corn, potatoes, onions and sometimes bell peppers. I especially hate beans.

2. I don't always get the Sunday paper, but when I do I have to read it in a certain order and nobody can have parts of the paper until I am finished with them, including comics which I read last. I don't read the entire paper, but skim for things that I find interesting. And NOBODY is ever allowed to read over my shoulder. I hate it when I am reading something and I turn the page and they say "Wait, I'm not finished." Aaarrrggghhhh.

3. My son and I have the same birthday. He was born on my 21st birthday. Even more strange is the fact that I was born at 9:42 p.m. and he was born at 6:42 p.m.

4. I love to ride rollercoasters and have ridden 125 different coasters. I was a member of ACE but had to let my membership lapse due to financial issues which also include the fact that I haven't been able to ride much lately. My favorite kind of coasters are steel. I don't care much for wood coasters, but will still ride them at least once.

5. I have a "thing" about memorizing numbers and birthdays. I know social security numbers of myself, my son, and my ex-husband. I know my driver's license number as well as my mother's. I can remember all my phone numbers since 2nd grade. (except for my dorm year at college) I have probably 30+ birthdays in my head right now including people I knew in junior high.

6. I tried to be on The Price is Right once. I was in the audience and got "on camera" about four times, but never called to "Come on Down." It was a fun experience. I drove with my boyfriend at the time to California in a car with no air conditioning. That was March of 1992.

7. I leave my shoes out. This used to drive my husband crazy, but it is just who I am. Right now in the living room I count 5 pairs of shoes out. When I get into a cleaning binge I will put them away, but until then, they will stay.

8. I have never been stung by a flying insect like a wasp or a bee. I am very afraid of them and I really hope that I am never stung. Unfortunately some wasps are building a nest right outside my front door and I am trying to figure out how to deal with them without getting stung.

9. I don't like much change. I tend to order the same thing at restaurants. When I contemplated buying a new car, I was going to get the same kind I already had, just a new one. I wear favorite clothes until they fall apart or I don't fit in to them any more.

10. Athough I am not into a lot of change, I can be very spontaneous. I went to Michigan for a blind date. I once drove to San Marcos to surprise my ex (when we were dating) only to discover that he left early to come home to see me.


Here are the unlucky souls that I tagged.....if you have already been tagged, then I apologize!

Susan

Summer

Jonathon (sorry, no link as his new blog is anonymous)

Patrick & Tiffany

Bret

Richard

Home now

I got in shortly before 4:00 today. I was a little irritated when I got back though. The transportation people moved my car in the lot where cars are parked (understandable as they have to park their cars in certain spots etc.), but they left my key turned to the "on" position and it wore my battery down. I had to borrow jumper cables and luckily our bus driver helped me get my car started.
It was a long trip and I am tired now. I am going to go Mass at the student center this evening, but may need to take a nap beforehand. I tried napping on the bus, but it was difficult to get comfortable.
Sorry there isn't much more to tell. I have been tagged for a meme and will get to it when I can.

Going to State

Well, I wasn't sure if it would happen, but we have a student qualified for state competition. Actually the girl qualified in two events - prose and persuasive extemp. We also have two alternates that placed 5th in their events. I don't know yet if we will fly or drive. I guess it will depend on expenses etc. But the good thing is that the school pays for this rather than it coming out of our budget. I am really exhausted though. It has been a long day. I finished my book so I am not sure what I am going to do tomorrow... probably watch a DVD on the bus. I am going to miss Mass in the morning tomorrow. Luckily I can go to the Student Center on campus. They have an evening mass on Sundays. Now that I am fully Catholic, I really don't want to miss Mass!! Next week is going to be hectic. Luckily we have Monday off from school (snow make up day). I have to take Josh to get a vest/tie for his tux and order a corsage for his date. I also have to get caught up on laundry and stuff. We are leaving after school on Wednesday for another speech tournament. This time we will be coming back on Saturday instead of Sunday. We will be heading to Abilene this time. Then we'll get back and the following week, we will head to Austin for the state tournament on either Wed. or Thurs. depending on if we drive or fly. Luckily, after that things will slow down until mid-June when we have the nationals tournament which is in Dallas this year. (Big deal!)
Well, I am off to enjoy ice cream with the speech team before hitting the bed.

Another meme thing

Stolen from Patrick, who stole it from others.

If you comment:

1. I'll respond with something random I like about you.
2. I'll tell you what song/movie reminds me of you.
3. I'll name something we should do together.
4. I'll say something that only makes sense to you and me (or just me).
5. I'll tell you my first/clearest memory of you.
6. I'll leave you a quote that is somehow appropriate to you.
7. I'll ask you something that I've always wondered about you.
8. If I do this for you, you must post this on your journal so you can do the same for other people.

Quick Update

I am out of town right now. (Thank goodness for hotels with free wireless internet) I am in San Angelo for UIL regionals. TAKS testing is over (another blessing) and things will be busy again for a while. I am exhausted. We travelled 6 hours on a bus, but it is the cool activity bus so we are able to watch DVD's. We watched "I Walk the Line" today. It was good, but a little hard to hear while the bus is going down the road. I will probably enjoy it more when I can watch it at home. The hotel is nice. We are staying at the Comfort Suites. I have a nice king size bed all to myself.
I am sure that I will sleep well tonight. Tomorrow will be a long day. I brought a new book, but I am almost finished with it. I may have to get another one before heading home. Well, off to bed as it will be an early start tomorrow.

Nothing to update

I am just tired. I had a workday of sorts at school today, but didn't accomplish much. I was supposed to listen to some students practice today but they didn't show up. Tonight was the second to last RCIA class... well, it's my last class since I won't be able to go next week. My house is a mess. I have loads of laundry to do and I won't be home much at all... but that isn't anything new, now is it? Well, I am off to bed early tonight. Maybe I'll share something more interesting tomorrow.

Tuesday TAKS Testing

I really don't like testing days. I am not sure how I feel about standardized tests. I know they're a pain and that most teachers these days simply teach to the test which generally means that learning suffers. But again, if there weren't a standardization of what students learn, then teachers may get away with being poor teachers and not really covering things that they do need to know. The problem is that when kids fail these tests, the teacher is blamed for it. It is the teacher's fault that students don't learn. I understand school districts wanting to raise the test scores and get those higher ratings, but what happens when you have a large number of apathetic students that don't care about anything? I am really amazed that our principal sent a a copy of an article that talks about the fact that it just might be the student's fault for failure to learn. (Which I tend to agree with.) Sure there are some teachers that aren't doing their jobs and have grown as apathetic as the students. I was there at one point. That is why I got out of teaching. It wasn't fun any more. It caused a great deal of stress. That is why I was apprehensive about coming back. So far the year hasn't been terrible. There have been some great moments and some frustrating ones. Overall, I think the kids here are good. Sure, there's a few that still need an attitude adjustment, but for the most part, they are decent.
The education system certainly needs reform, but I am at a loss as to what needs to be done. But teaching is a field that is underpaid, underappreciated and has a high rate of turnover. Students have changed. As grand as technology has been, I think it has created a lot of issues with students. Take for example my nephew. He cares about nothing other than drinking cokes, playing video games and the guitar. He rarely goes to school and doesn't care if he graduates. As long as there is entertainment at home, who needs an education?

Ahhh Caffeine

My first coke yesterday was quite heavenly. After Mass, I went to Sonic and got a Route 44. I never get a coke that big, but I thought I could drink it all. And I pretty much did. I went to my friend Carol's house for dinner and then took Josh to the Methodist church to hang out with his friends that have a band. After that, I had pretty much finished the coke. I went home and took a nap which was a mistake. I guess the caffeine hadn't really started working at that points. But with a nap AND a whole lot of caffeine that my body wasn't used to (had another small coke with dinner), by the time it was 10:00 I wasn't tired. I made myself go to bed at 11:00 but was still awake at midnight. I got up and got online for a while and then tried to go back to bed around 1:00. I really don't remember sleeping at all. I am sure I did sleep some, but the alarm came much too early this morning. So now I just went and got myself another coke to help keep me going today. I think I'm going to have stop drinking caffeine by early evening or something. I should probably cut out cokes altogether because it has been good for me. I have slept better and I lost the weight I gained and am back down to 172 (from 180). But I just enjoy them so very much. I will try to limit myself to one a day. Gee, I am starting to sound like Prison Pete.

The end of my journey

Actually it really is only the beginning. But last night I was finally brought into full communion with the Catholic Church through the sacraments of confirmation and the Eucharist. It was an absolutely wonderful experience and I couldn't be happier. I wrote some things about it on my other blog.

It was a long night, but time really seemed to go by fast. I didn't even realize that I had gotten home so late around 12:00 a.m. I got a good night's sleep, but could probably use another hour. I have to get ready to go back to church this morning though. I am singing in the Easter choir and Josh is playing his clarinet again. After church, I have been invited by my sponsor and friend, Carol to have Easter dinner at her house.

The rosaries I have been making have been well received. One of the girls that was in our class introduced me to her little brother who wanted to meet the lady that made the cool rosaries. I asked him if he wanted one and he said yes. So I will go get more beads tomorrow. My dad gave me some money as a gift and I can't think of a better way to spend it. This girls family was there and now her mom has mentioned the possibility of being in the next RCIA class. I think that is so wonderful!

My sponsor gave me a beautiful crucifix as a gift. I absolutely love it. Now I have two! I also got another rosary from my friends Patrick and Tiffany. It is really beautiful. Two other girls in my class gave me small crosses as well. The blessings just don't stop!

My Cup Runneth Over

I can't believe the show of support I have had as I take my final steps into the Catholic faith. I sent out announcements to family and friends. I didn't expect them to shower me with gifts or anything; I just wanted them to know what an important step this is for me. But many have been very generous. My aunt sent me fifty dollars and a beautiful wooden crucifix. Then there is the other aunt that sent me a rose scented rosary along with a wonderful letter and card. My friend Norma (Marty's sister-in-law) gave me a box that holds photos and two rosaries made out of rope that are quite unique. I received a card from my former mother-in-law with a note that said she wasn't sure if she would make it, but hoped to be there. My sister sent me a beautiful boquet of flowers today. I am in awe of the outpouring of support I have received.

I wasn't sure what the reactions of people would be when the learned of my decision to join the Church. I didn't make a big deal out of it, but I casually let people know. Almost everyone that learned of my decision told me how wonderful they thought it was and congratulated me. My online friend Summer just sent me an email letting me know she was thinking of me. I didn't think my dad was going to come tonight because he said he would probably be gone camping, but he called last night and asked what time it started. I think my brother may be there and I have a couple of other friends that said they would come. I only received dissent from one person, my friend Bret, but that was expected. And truth be told, he has probably helped me grow the most in the faith aside from my sponsor.

Well, it is just a few hours away and I am still quite excited. I have to say that this is the best decision I have ever made. I know that not everyone can share or understand a religious zeal, but once you really experience God's grace, you can't help but be joyous.

Writing the old fashioned way

I took the time today to write a letter. I didn't type it. I used a pen and real stationery. It seems to be a forgotten art to write real letters any more. I wrote to my aunt that sent me the rosary yesterday. I had to be brief because I didn't have a lot of time, but I did want to thank her for the gift and give her some background on my decision to become Catholic. I really should write letters more often, but it just takes so much time. I have been a very bad pen pal to Prison Pete. Maybe I'll do better this summer when I can spend more time with it.

Although it is good to put pen to paper, I love blogging. It is easier to sit down and type a journal than it is to take the time to write, but sometimes you just need to let it out with pen and paper. Not all things are meant for the blogging world to read. I have poems that have never been finished, three or four journals that get written in randomly, and pages of unsent letters that just needed to be written. I still have my green notebook that held my meanderings from junior high and high school. I wrote a post once about blogging and journaling, how it is therapeutic and I still feel the same. I hate it when my thoughts are dry and I don't have anything major to share. I have found that what I think is my best writing comes from those times I am welled up with emotion. The words tend to just flow out and on to the page. Lately, though, I haven't gotten emotional one way or the other. I don't have a tragic love life to bemoan or frustrations to air. I guess if my writing suffers because I'm simply happy, that isn't necessarily a bad thing.

A few things to tell

First of all I want to say that the raspberry iced tea at Sonic is horrible. It has a funky kind of aftertaste that just isn't right. I don't know if they put diet flavoring or what, but I could not drink it today. Next, I am really, really craving a coke right now. Six weeks is really a long time.
Last night my son came up to me and said "Guess what?"
Normally, I don't have too much fear and trepidation when he says that because it's usually something minor like "We played such and such piece in band today." Last night he told me that he has a date for prom. Remember that my son is 15 and a freshman. And he's taking a junior to the PROM. I don't know if I should feel elated, excited for him, nervous, or if I am just feeling really old.
I still remember MY prom. I had a little pink dress with spaghetti straps. It was a size 3. My date was my boyfriend at the time. The evening was o.k. I can't say it was great. The best thing about it was dinner which was at a Japanese steakhouse. But I didn't really have fun and I knew that my boyfriend wouldn't be around much longer. Sure enough, the day after prom he dumped me for a red-headed flute player. I always regretted not going to prom with my friend Bret. (Yes, the one and the same that is the Baptist preacher in California) I'm not sure he would have asked me, but he went with an underclassmen that he barely knew. I think if we had gone as friends we would have had a blast! But oh well.
And now my son is going to the prom. I am happy for him, but I am also thinking how much is this going to cost? $150 for the tux, dinner, corsage....I hope she's worth it. I asked him if they were going as friends and he said yes. This girl is also one that has been getting him involved in going to some church activities at the Methodist church, so I think that is a plus.
And that reminds me of a joke I got in email the other day. I am paraphrasing and retelling this, so if I get the names or something wrong, don't sue me, o.k.?
A kindergarten class was having show and tell. They were supposed to bring something that represented their religion. So one little boy gets up and says, "I am Jewish and this is a Star of David." Another girl gets up and says "I'm Catholic and this is a rosary." Then little Timmy gets up and says, "I'm a Methodist and this is a casserole."

The Impossible

First let me say that I am glad that we are in the home stretch as far as school goes. It is almost over, thank goodness. But I am trying to figure out admist a week of testing and another 6 days that I will be gone from school (more speech tournaments) how I am supposed to get everything done that needs to be accomplished. I had the brilliant idea of going ahead and having students start working on their first speech. All would have been well had the schedule been that I would have all of my classes next week. As it turns out, I will meet with all my afternoon classes but only see my morning classes on Monday. So if my afternoon classes present speeches next week, then the morning classes will be behind. If I wait, I have to have something for the afternoon classes to do for a week. Also, if I wait, then I will have to drop the second speech I had planned for them and will have to figure out a way to fill time on some days and right now I had planned on several days of writing their speeches, but many are actually almost finished now. So I am not sure what to do the next few days. I am thinking about doing a movie next week that I can incorporate a kind of speech review covering the basics of what we've learned so far. But I am still at a loss as to my planning for the weeks after the testing. The kids will have finished writing their speeches this Thursday, but then it will be another week and a half before they present them. Oh, and there's a snow day thrown in there as well which throws things off even more. I can't have them present speeches while I'm gone, nor should I expect them to be presented right after a week of testing (where I've met with some, but not all my classes) and a three day weekend. I will have them two days before I have to leave for a district tournament. Aaarrrggghhhh. I'm getting a headache just thinking about it. I just need to figure out what to do with them tomorrow, I guess. Maybe I'll sleep on it and just figure it out in the morning.

Not quite a zombie

But I am feeling tired today. I hit the snooze on my alarm a few times this morning. I know that not drinking cokes during Lent has been a good thing for me and I may have lost a couple of pounds even, but I sure can tell that my energy is zapped when I don't have one.
I am trying to figure out what to do about teaching next week. We are involved in TAKS testing in the mornings and then will have all afternoon classes. So I will not see two of my classes all next week. They are working on speeches and if I have my other classes present them next week, then the other classes will be behind. I also have to keep in mind how much time we have left until school is out. So what do I do with the afternoon classes next week? Is it time to figure out some other fun communication games to play besides Taboo and Charades? Can I find a movie that will somehow relate to what I have been teaching them? Any suggestions?

A busy week ahead

This is going to a very busy, but very wonderful week. Tonight I had to take Josh for an instrumental practice for the Holy Week services. Then I had about 15 minutes to get food and eat it before I had to return to the church for choir practice. It lasted 2 1/2 hours. Now it's already bed time and I still haven't done laundry. I had to wear a dress today because I had nothing else to wear. Tomorrow I guess it will be the same. It will be a long day at school and then another instumental rehearsal at 7 p.m. Wednesday will be RCIA and Choir rehearsal. Then Thursday begins the Holy Week services. Luckily I have the day off on Friday. They are showing The Passion of the Christ at the church on Friday morning. I am not sure if I am going to go or not. It is such a powerful movie that I am not sure I can handle watching it in the presence of others. Afterwards there will be the stations of the cross. Friday is also a day of both abstinence and fasting. But the best part of my week will be Saturday. That is when I will finally be confirmed!!!! I am getting so excited!!!! Can you tell??? With all the exclamation points??!!!

Other than all the music and church stuff, my life is uneventful. You can imagine that my house is a mess again. And again, I have no time to clean. My car is acting a little weird and I am wondering how much longer it is going to last. I don't know how I'll be able to get another one, but I'm going to have to do something for next fall when Josh starts driving. And now I better head to bed or I will be a walking zombie tomorrow.

Birthday Event Meme

Stolen from Patrick who stole it from someone else...
Go to Wikipedia, key in your birthday (not the year), and post 3 events, 2 births, and 1 death. So, without further ado on November 10 these events occurred:

Events

• 1969 - National Educational Television (the predecessor to the Public Broadcasting Service) in the United States debuts the children's television program Sesame Street.
• 1775 - American Revolutionary War: The Continental Congress passes a resolution creating the Continental Marines (later renamed the United States Marine Corps) to serve as landing troops for the recently created Continental Navy.
• 1871 - Henry Morton Stanley locates missing explorer and missionary, Dr. David Livingstone in Ujiji, near Lake Tanganyika saying "Dr. Livingstone, I presume?"

Births

• 1483 - Martin Luther, German protestant reformer (d. 1546)
• 1925 - Richard Burton, Welsh actor (d. 1984)

Death

• 1549 - Pope Paul III (b. 1468)

Magic of Music

The Showcase of Music overall went pretty well last night. I didn't really mess up or have any issues like I have at times in the past. Last year a key got stuck in the middle and I had to stop playing for a minute or so. I felt kind of out out place though. I think I'm still trying to fit into a place where perhaps I don't belong any more. I hardly know anybody involved there other than a few of the music teachers that are still around. My talent has waned over the years because I play only a couple of times a year. I can't play anything too complex and I don't have to time to really practice much. I really felt like an outsider this year. Perhaps it's time to retire from participating in it and just go as a spectator from now on. It's just that I really miss playing in an ensemble and making music. I guess that's why I have joined the choir at church. Although I still am not a "singer", I love being in a music group again. I guess I can carry a tune of sorts, but I completely lack any kind of confidence when it comes to singing. But I still love it. And I am still able to play my clarinet. I am playing tomorrow at the Palm Sunday Mass and next week on Good Friday. Josh will be playing on Holy Thursday, Easter Vigil and on Easter Sunday.
Sometimes I wonder if I should have stuck it out as a music major. I quit because I didn't want to be a band director and I didn't like the business classes involved in music business. I couldn't think of anything else I could do in relation to music. Somebody asked me once what my dream job would be. I think I would love to be a music librarian. I still have the passion for music and I love being a part of that crowd. Problem is that jobs in that area are few and far between and the pay is minimal. But I still think I would love it.
I am still trying to figure out my path in this life. I think that I am where I am supposed to be right now. And maybe this is truly where I'll be staying. I don't know. I don't have to have all the answers right now. All I know is that I've missed music and I want it to be a part of my life in some way.

I must confess

that my confession went better than I thought. At one point yesterday I felt that I wasn't ready, that I had too much to tell and I was probably forgetting something major. But I finally got to a point where I placed all in God's hands and decided that He would lead me through it. I made a list to take with me. It was shorter than I thought. Some of it I really had to sum up because there is just too many individual things to cover. I feel as though my confession was as thorough as it should have been and that I am truly repentant. I only cried once briefly in the confession itself. It was a relief afterwards, but it really hit in a major way once I got home. I cried more tears of joy, remorse and relief. It was incredible. For the first time in my life I am completely in God's grace. It was a communal reconciliation service so the penance was given before the individual confessions. After my confession, I did my penance (Say the "Our Father" and pray for the parish community) and then visited with my sponsor. She was so wonderful to wait with me and pray for me. Confession is not easy. It takes a great deal of humility to say your sins and deep dark secrets out loud, but the healing that comes afterwards is SO worth it.

Maybe not what the doctor ordered

But I think getting some extra rest was much needed. I slept in until about 9:00 this morning. Of course I woke up intermittently throughout the night and morning, but I feel that I finally am getting caught up on rest. I am starting to feel better, but still not quite back to normal. I am sure that this wonderful wind today isn't helping though. I went to Michael's (the store) today and got some beads that I needed to make some more rosaries. I am hoping for some extra cash soon so I can perhaps get enough to make one for everybody that has been involved in the RCIA class. I also went to the Catholic book store so I could get another crucifix and two centers. I had a very nice conversation with a guy that I guess is one of the owners. He was pleased to learn that I am a convert.
I am still not very confident about my confession tonight. I tried to search my mind for all those things that I felt I really needed to put out there, but I feel as though I am missing many things. Twenty-seven years is a lot to remember.
I have a couple of hours now to practice my showcase music. I also have to make sure my excel worksheet is ready for the cheerleading tryouts. I should clean my house, but maybe this weekend I'll work on it. I have also promised to help my brother's new girlfriend with some graphic design stuff, so that's what I will probably be doing tonight after confession.

Thanks Garth!

For some strange reason I received a large number of hits on my blog today. I check my stats almost daily just so I have an idea of any kind of regular readers I may have. Today the following search words resulted in more than 40 hits to my blog: Garth Brooks Ex Kidnapped. I am sure you might be wondering why such words would bring people to my blog? I guess because I mentioned at one point that Garth Brooks is a favorite of mine. I have also mentioned my ex-husband on here from time to time. I also told a story about getting kidnapped for my birthday one year. So there you have it. It is so strange as to what can bring people to my blog sometimes. Take for example these search words that have also brought people here in the last few days.

how to win your lover back
spring break collage grils (<---- this one is a close favorite... but I still like the "naked girls in and around amarillo" the best.)

I do get a few hits from other blogs that have me listed on their page. I am truly grateful and flattered to be listed on someone else's site. If I am listed on your site and I have not returned the favor, do let me know. I need to update soon.

I have garnered a few new regular readers to date. I am thankful for you too. I have what I suppose is a new fan from Hereford that is reading regularly, but I am not certain who you are. Regardless, I appreciate anyone that finds what I have to say to be even remotely interesting. But even though we don't always have profound thoughts on here and much of the time it's simply reporting mundane tidbits, blogs are really addicting. When you get involved in reading about someone else's life, you just crave more... even if it's just that they went to the grocery store and bought a new pair of socks. (Jonathon-I am missing your regular postings, btw.) Blogging is I guess similar to the craze of reality shows. I find that blogs, perhaps, are more real. Most are written from the heart. They aren't written for show (well, the ones I read generally are not) but just because people feel the need to write something and throw it out into cyberspace. Through blogging we find our kindred spirits. Those that post regularly become a part of our lives. We are disappointed when a day goes by and they don't share at least a little something.

So all my fellow bloggers out there... thanks for sharing. Thanks for letting me into your lives. Keep updating and just tell it like it is. And those of you who are gracious enough to have me bookmarked, drop me a comment. Just say "hi" and let me know who you are!

Floating

That's the way my head feels right now. Last night was horrible. I had a terrible headache that didn't go away with aleve or tylenol. I finally took a benadryl before bedtime and it finally cleared my head by this morning. I took my other meds this morning, but I'm starting to feel stopped up again. I am doing better than yesterday, but still not quite myself. I think this darn time change has not been good. I really hate the time change because it takes me forever to get caught up on sleep. Not feeling good and not getting enough sleep cause major problems.

My brother has a new girlfriend. I chatted with her online last night. She is wanting some help with a school project. She is studying to be a nurse practitioner. He seems to be quite taken with her, but I haven't met her in person yet. Maybe soon.

I hope to be caught up with my grades by the end of today so I won't have to worry about it the rest of the week. One of the horrible things about teaching is all the grading. We have to somehow justify a student's grade, but it just seems to pile up somehow. I am still amazed that students can take an open note, open book test and still fail it.

Tonight I am going to RCIA and then I'm getting away for the evening. I have been needing some alone time and so I booked myself into a hotel in Amarillo so I can just get away. That's one of the reasons why I am taking Thursday off. I also needed the day to get some other personal things done. I am so ready for it! Josh will be gone Thurs-Saturday on his band trip. He will get back early, early on Sunday morning. I am supposed to play my clarinet during Palm Sunday's Mass so I really need to find time to practice. I also need to practice my clarinet ensemble music. I had great intentions this weekend, but didn't get to it since I was in bed the entire time.

I should be in bed

I figured having drugs would make me feel better. I do, but I don't. I am so not up to par today though. I feel drained, my nose is still running. My throat is a little better, but I really feel like I should be in bed right now. I also have to teach all day today. Maybe if I have my chicken noodle soup for lunch I will feel better.
Josh has a piano lesson today. I have to finish transposing music tonight. I also need to get some more beads. I am so glad I decided to take Thursday off. I probably should have taken today off though. I could really use a couch in my room. I would take a nap if I had one.
I am probably going to be a mean teacher today. I am making my kids take notes in an outline form today... with no fill in the blank notes. I know, I coddle them too much. To expect them to have paper and something to write with for class may just be asking too much.

Still Alive

I was going to avoid going to the doctor, but after making the mistake of going to work today, I figured I really needed to get some medicine. Sure, it might clear up on it's own, but maybe I could get some drugs to make it go a little faster. Since I had a 3 hour block of time, I decided to go ahead and do it. I called and got an appointment for 10:00. Usually I'm in and out within about 30 minutes, but I guess I got there after someone else that took forever. That is the good thing about my doctor, though. He doesn't just quickly examine you ask a few questions and throw a prescription at you. He takes his time and asks how you're doing and tries to be thorough. He seemed to think my problem was mostly sinus and allergy issues with all the gunk and smoke that's been in the air. He gave me some samples and four prescriptions and an injection in my derriere. (Thinking of you, Jonathon ;) I only had the antibiotic filled. It's getting to that point where money is really, really tight again. Josh leaves for his trip on Thursday, so I have to give him some money for some meals.
I'm feeling a little better, but still not 100%. I just have so much going on this week. I have to get grades finished, Josh has an early piano lesson, RCIA on Wednesday (I am supposed to have more rosaries to take as well), Thursday is going to be a personal day off for me. It will be my day of reflection as I prepare for my first reconciliation. I also have clarinet ensemble practice that day and cheerleading tryouts. Then Friday is the WT Showcase of Music. I also have a bunch of music to transpose for Holy Week services. I am also playing at Mass this Sunday which is Palm Sunday. This will basically mark a year that I have been attending Mass. So, Summer, no I guess it's not going to let up soon... but it's still a good kind of busy. I just wish I could breathe normally at this point.

Still Sick

I took some cold medicine last night that sort of knocked me out... one of those nights where you halfway sleep with strange dreams. I woke up around 7:00 and debated about going to mass. I decided I'd try for the 11:15 mass. I took a shower around 10:30 (after I realized the time change was this weekend). I took my temperature again and despite taking tylenol earlier it was going up. It was 99.6. I decided it probably wasn't a good idea to attempt to go to Church. So I stayed in bed. My throat hurts, my body aches and I just feel like crap. It's probably strep throat with my luck. If I don't feel better tomorrow, I'll go see my doctor during my break in the morning. I hope everybody's weekend is going better than mine.

Sick Saturday

I didn't sleep much last night and woke up feeling awful this morning. I think it's a combination flu/allergy thing. Whatever it is, I am miserable. I've pretty much stayed in bed or sat in a chair all day save for the shower I finally took this afternoon. I had promised Josh we'd go to Subway for dinner tonight. That was awful. It took a good 15 minutes to have two sandwiches made and rung up. My body aches, my eyes are watering and my nose won't stop running. I don't feel well enough to go get any more medicine so I have to make due with what I have. So no post today other than my whining.