Is it cheating?

Is it cheating if I am on the internet while in my hotel in Dallas? I really got on just to find a close Walmart or Target since I left my hair brush at home. But one thing leads to another, of course, and I had to read some of my blogs. I finally got to talk to Andrew last night. It was wonderful to hear his voice. I'm sure I'll call him every once in a while now that I have his number. I meant to put it in my phone, but forgot... but luckily, I have it memorized now I think.

The trip was uneventful. We had a good time coming down. Josh played his music on his iPod. I didn't use mine, but love having it. We are going to leave in a few minutes to go to Target, then to register, and then to eat.

I do feel kind of guilty about being on the internet, but I'm getting by on a technicality. I did decide that I would give up internet at home, and I'm not a home. Maybe I should say a few "Hail, Mary's" just in case.

I'm a hit

I was worried about teaching my workshop yesterday. I wasn't sure if I was ready. There were more things I wanted to be able to do in it, but went in and presented what I had. I had three different powerpoints I went through. I showed them different kinds of cameras, gave them web sites to use in research, went over some photography tips and then gave them ideas for the classroom. I used up the 2 hours and the camera door prize was a hit.

So today, I've received three emails regarding the workshop from people telling me how much they enjoyed it. I also heard from a couple of other teachers at school that had heard about it. I found out that the assistant superintendent had raved about it (she came and sat in on it for a while) and now I've been asked if I would be interested in teaching a photography class at the high school. Wow. I didn't think I was that amazing.

I'm getting ready to leave for TFA state. I still need to get my substitute book put together. I still have no idea what I'm going to have my debate students do while I'm gone. I hope I can find a particular movie at Best Buy tonight and leave it for them. My Comm. App. class did not get a good report while I was gone last week so I'm going to have to get on to them today.

Last night I actually forced myself to clean. I shampooed the carpet where the dog has been peeing and then put down pee pads so she wouldn't keep messing the carpet up. I somewhat mopped the kitchen floor and ran the dishwasher. I still have a lot to do, but I didn't want to leave the house in a disgusting mess. I have a friend of Josh's coming by to feed the dogs while I'm gone.

Today I have to go to the bank and get the check cashed for meals on the trip. I also want to run up to Best Buy and maybe get the mp3 player that I've somewhat decided on. I need to clean the house more when I get home and get laundry done and pack. I hope my students do well at state. I don't think they'll make it to finals as the competition is really tough, but I would like them to perhaps get to some out rounds.

Well, that's about it for now. I don't know if I'll post while I'm gone or not. Technically I won't be at home... but the point is limit my internet access. Maybe I can post if it's during the school day at the tournament and I can get access. We'll see. I do check my email daily so if you want to send me a message, it would be very welcomed!

Still Alive... Barely

Sorry I haven't updated. Not using the computer at home is really reaking havoc on my life. I still think it was the right thing to give up for Lent, because I am VERY aware of how much I miss it and use it. I am going to have to make some exceptions I realize as I use it for paying bills which need to be paid ASAP.

Well the tournament this weekend was quite interesting. I find myself in a bit of a quandry because I refuse to get (pardon the term) bitchy like many of the other coaches. There is quite a soap opera drama going on and my co-teacher really wants me to make waves which I don't really feel comfortable doing. There were some very wrong things that happened and I think one of my students got the short end of the stick because of it, butI don't think ruffling feathers is the best idea at this point. I really hate being in the middle of things and it's burdensome.

But on to the good news. I have two students qualified for Nationals. One of them is actually triple qualified as he qualified in three events although he can only go in one which will be dramatic interpretation. The other qualified in oratory. His speech was on how society would be better if we all lived according to the code of the Jedi. It's pretty creative. Unfortunately, he won't be able to go to Nationals because of a conflict. I also have two students that are first alternates for Nationals. One is a girl in extemporaneous speaking and the other is a boy in humorous interpretation.

I am working up at the school today trying to finalize everything for my workshop tomorrow. I have the powerpoints done and I'm trying to get a handout ready. But I decided to take a break and update my blog since I hadn't in a while. My dad called me yesterday and wanted Josh and I to go out to eat with him and my brother & his girlfriend/wife/mother of his child tonight. We're going to Outback steakhouse... YUM! It's a good thing it's not Friday so I can eat meat although I had steak last night so I probably won't order it.

There is so much to get done that I don't have any idea how I can possibly manage it. I need to get my house picked up, laundry done and get repacked for the trip to Dallas this week. I'll be gone Wednesday - Sunday for TFA State. What fun! At least I have some books to read and hopefully I will have a new mp3 player to take with me if I can just decide on which one I want!

Well, I gotta get finished with my workshop stuff. I will post again at least on Tuesday before going to TFA. Hope ya'll are having a good weekend. I gotta go read some blogs to catch up!

Will update soon

Well, no post yesterday because I didn't have time at school and I couldn't at home. I will probably at least post on Sunday as I will be coming up to the school to finish my powerpoint presentation on digital cameras.
I played at Mass yesterday and realized that I should practice more. Although I realize it, I know I won't. My mouth was worn out after just playing a couple of songs. It was a very lovely service. I enjoyed Father's homily very much and even took notes.
I'm having a quick lunch right now waiting for my students to get out of class and then we're leaving for Lubbock.
Well, I'm going to try to catch up on a few blogs before lunch is over.

Calm before the storm

and it isn't even that calm. Testing was o.k. today but I didn't get a conference period. I got about a 25 minute break and that's it. We did get an hour lunch so I worked through it. I don't know how I'm going to get everything done. Tomorrow I am going to focus on my digital camera presentation. I also have to get my substitute plans done and I have no idea what I'm going to have my classes work on. Next week I will only have one day with my classes.
I came home today and Josh had some friends over which isn't a big deal other than the fact that I am mortified by the state of my house. I picked up a bit and decided it just didn't matter. I tried to lay down and rest for a bit, but they were a bit loud and since Josh's room is next to mine and the sound carries through the vent, it was useless to try to get any sleep or rest. They finally left shortly before six. I decided to not cook so I went to Feldman's for dinner. Josh declined to go. After dinner I went to the Church to rehearse for the Ash Wednesday services. My mouth is not in shape and I was worn out by the time we finished. Now I'm home and planning to go to bed very soon. It will be a long, busy day at school tomorrow and I have a million things to get done before going to yet another tournament. This time we are leaving at 1:00 on Thursday and won't get back until some time on Saturday.

Tomorrow is Ash Wednesday and it's time for practicing penance. I know that giving up the internet at home will not be easy. In fact, I'm certain that it will be very, very difficult. But I also feel it is the thing I should be giving up because it is probably the most distracting vice of sorts that I have right now. I don't drink much any more. I don't indulge too often in desserts. I have about one coke a day. Maybe next year I will give up t.v. - which would probably be easier than internet but I'm not sure.
I will still blog when I can at school, but no promises. There also won't be blogs on weekends or during spring break. (That is what is going to really, really hurt right there.) I will probably still write and just post later. I can use my laptop, just not the internet. Andrew, I may have to get your phone number from you because I'm not sure that I can go a whole week without reading your blog.

Well, that's it for now. Writing will be scarce for a while since I won't be at school after Thursday at 1:00. I wish I had something more meaningful to share right now, but that's it.

Manic Monday

I don't know why I used that title. I wouldn't call it quite manic, but it's been busy as usual. I got to school around 7:40 this morning and starting working on the stacks on my desk. I have a dilemma regarding my entry for the UIL contest. I have all my entries planned except for prose. I can't decide on two freshmen students as to which should get the last spot and which should be the alternate. One of them has gone to more tournaments and has had some minor success at two of them. The other went to the prep tournament this weekend and made it finals beating the other girl out. So now I have to figure out who should get the spot.

I have to finish getting my presentation for next Monday. I will be teaching my class on digital cameras three different times. There is just so much to do and so little time. And unfortunately, I'm planning on giving up the internet for Lent. O.k. not completely, because I do have to use it at work, but I'm giving it up at home. I will allow myself to check my email once a day and I can use the internet at work with some limitations. It was the only thing I really felt would be difficult to give up and would serve the purpose of Lent for me. I'm also planning on devoting more time to prayer and participating in things like adoration and Stations of the Cross.

Tomorrow is TAKS testing which is going to be a joy... NOT. I have to deal with freshman all morning long. Ugh. I haven't done anything with my mentor students all semester. (We were assigned 3 sophomore students at the beginning of the year to be encouraging to them about the TAKS test - yet I only know one of them) So tomorrow, I am giving them TAKS survival kits with snacks and other goodies in it.

I have to rehearse tomorrow for the Ash Wendnesday service. I am playing my clarinet at the 7 p.m. Mass. I will be leaving Thursday at 1:00 to take students to Lubbock for NFL District competition. I won't get back until sometime on Saturday. Then on Monday we have inservice where I'm teaching the digital photography classes. I'll be in school on Tuesday and then leave Wednesday for TFA state in Dallas. I'll be gone until Sunday then. After that, believe it or not, I will have some time off. I have no plans for spring break. Our next competition won't be until March 23. Boy am I ready for a break!

Tonight I'm going to go to bed early and get to school early to get ready for the test. Luckily it's not all day and we'll be done with it by noon. We'll have regular classes in the afternoon. And just so my faithful readers don't worry too much... I will still blog during Lent... but only when time permits during my lunch break at school... that's one my limitations for myself.

San Antonio, Car Batteries, and MP3 players

My trip to San Antonio was pretty uneventful which is good since last year was horrible coming home with the stomach flu. I meant to leave directly from Hereford after school, but I thought that I had left my heater on in my bedroom (which I did) so I wanted to make sure it was off before I left. I left around 4:30 and got to Brady, TX around 10:30. I checked into the hotel and immediately went to bed. I didn't sleep just great because I was awake by 5:30 and couldn't really go back to sleep. I got up at 6:30 and got ready. I left by 7:30 and made it to San Antonio by 10:00. By the time I found parking (luckily I there was a $5 lot directly behind the theatre), I got inside the theatre at 10:15. The seats were already starting to fill up. I was lucky to find a seat between two other "saved" seats. I had to wait 45 for the concert and didn't bring anything to read with me. The concert started and it was very nice. Josh was 2nd chair in the concert band. After his concert I left and paid for the CD for him. I then saw my friend Kirsten and Josh's band director. I was supposed to meet my ex-husband, Richard, for lunch, but he decided it was too cold for him to make a bike ride into town. So instead I went with Kirsten and we went over to the mall for a bit and then had a buffet lunch at a nearby hotel. I'm not sure, but I think it is the first time I have ever had veal. It was o.k., but nothing to write home about. After lunch, I started the long trip back. You might call me crazy for driving 17 hours round trip for a 30 minute concert, but I think Josh is worth it. My parents rarely ever made it to one of my concerts so I want to make sure I can go to as many as his as possible. There are a few that I have missed because of speech things, but I do go to most of them. I was tired when I got back which was 10:45 last night. Josh called me shortly after I got in and said that his car wouldn't start. Once again, he left his lights on. I went and picked him up since I didn't have jumper cables.

After church today, I took Josh to the auto store and we got some jumper cables. We took them over to his car and read the directions on the back. I figured it couldn't be too complex - you match red (positive) with red (positve) on each car and then the black (negative) on black (negative). Well, the instructions tell us to not put the black on on the negative terminal but to instead connect it to the engine block. I don't even know what the engine block is or looks like but it also warns to keep it away from tubing, the carburator, and fuel line. I see plenty of tubes and wires and I wouldn't know the carburator or fuel line from anything else. (But I do know a few things... I can add oil, washer fluid and antifreeze in the right places. I have also replaced the air filter and headlight bulbs - so I'm not completely helpless) So we didn't know how to connect (or not connect) the darn thing. We made a guess that was wrong. I thought maybe that the battery was just deader than a doornail and would have to get another one. I forgot my cell phone so we had to come back to the house so I could call my brother for help. Tim (my brother) said he would be glad to help, but he was in New Mexico at the moment on his way back. He did tell me to ignore the instructions and just hook the clamps to all the terminals. So we went back and did that and sure enough, the car started right up.

After that exciting experience I went up to Amarillo. I have been thinking about buying myself something that is completely selfish. I think I want to get an MP3 player. I had one that I bought a few years ago, but it was stolen from my desk drawer. I know, I shouldn't have left it in there, but I simply forgot about it and sure enough when I remembered, it was gone. I don't know exactly what I want, but I have some extra money after judging the debate tournament week before last. So I went to Best Buy to get some ideas. I really want something that I can store all my music on and play in my car. I'm finding out that this might get a bit expensive. They players I looked at range from $149-$199 which isn't bad and about the amount I planned to spend. But that's just the player. To play through the car's radio, you have to get an extra tuner which will run from $40 (on sale) to around $70. If you want accessory cases, they start around $16 and average around $30. I think I've narrowed it down to a couple of choices and now I'm going to research them and make a decision. I hardly ever buy anything on impulse... especially electronics. I tend to research and search for the best possible price.

Well, that's the excitement of my weekend. I am going back to church at 5:00 for dinner. Luckily I don't have to cook tonight.

Just a long day

I had to get to school a little early to meet the many students that I gave detentions to. Most of them showed up. Most of the students have brought their grades above passing. I've been quite generous. Immediately after school I had to go pick up checks from the administration building and then I stayed so students could finish up work in my room. I was there until 7:00. I came home and made some rice and heated up the left over chili. It was yummy. I watched CSI & Shark (and recorded it for Josh). I remembered that I needed to pack and get some clothes washed for tomorrow. I got some in the washer and pulled the knob and nothing. I checked the outside pipe which was clear, but water in the hose leading to wash inside the garage was frozen. I had to get my hair dryer out and defrost it. I finally got the load started and now it's bed time. It's actually past what has usually been my bed time lately. I have to be ready to leave in the morning since I'm heading down to San Antonio directly after school and won't be coming back through Canyon.
I finally heard from Josh this morning and he made 2nd chair in the concert band. I wished he had made symphonic, but he still did a chair better than last year. He said he found a clarinet that he liked and it was only $4000. Yeah... ONLY $4000. Maybe a rich benefactor will read my blog and take pity on me and send me a check. And maybe pigs will fly.
Well, I'm crashing so I better get to bed. I don't know if I'll get to report again until I get back. I'll take my laptop with me, but I'm not sure about getting connected.

So Not True

Your Candy Heart Says "Cutie Pie"

You always seem to have a hot date, even though you never try to meet anyone. A total charmer, you have a natural appeal that keeps you in high demand. Your ideal Valentine's Day date: multiple dates with multiple people Your flirting style: 100% natural What turns you off: serious relationship talks Why you're hot: you're totally addicting

What Does Your Candy Heart Say?

A Non-romantic dinner for one

I don't know if Happy Valentine's Day is the right sentiment for everyone, but if it is, I hope yours is just grand. Mine has been uneventful and pretty much just another day. I did deliver flowers to Josh's girlfriend and she seemed to like them. I handed out about 10 detentions in class today to students that were missing assignments.

We did get the snow. I am still tired of it. It's not a lot, maybe 2 inches, but it's still annoying. I came home and went by the bank to get some temporary checks. I ran out of checks months ago and tried to get by without ordering more and have actually been pretty successful. But I'm discovering that there are still a few things here and there where I still need checks. I have to send in a check as a judge's bond for the state tournament. They hold it until I've met my entire judging obligation for the tournament. I really don't have to judge because I'm working in the tab room.

After the bank, I went to the grocery store (which is always packed when it snows) and picked up fixings for chili. It's the kind of night that calls for a bowl of chili (no beans) and rice. I think I'll put a log in the fireplace and curl up with a blanket and watch the Psych marathon that is on the Sci-Fi channel. I am finally learning that it's really quite o.k. to be alone. I have been over Marty for a long while. (Have you noticed I hardly ever mention him any more?) I'm learning that I really need to just deal with myself and my busy schedule and such before I give any more thought to relationships. There are those small things I miss, but right now, life is pretty good. (Knocking loudly on wood.)

So if you have someone special this Valentine's Day, I hope you have a wonderful evening together. If not, celebrate yourself instead.

Unnecessarily Freaked

I got an email this morning from the transportation director at the school telling me that there was not a Suburban available for our trip to Dallas for TFA state. This is despite my request that I put in at the beginning of January - we weren't going far enough I guess because the priority is dependent on distance and number of people going. He said we could either take two cars or a mini bus with a driver. Neither of those scenarios were acceptable as we are taking 7 (or 8) students plus two sponsors in addition to luggage and extemp files. We couldn't take a mini bus and driver because we already had our hotel rooms reserved and there was no additional rooms. We also need the flexibility of having two vehicles since the competition would be taking place in three different locations. So I panic and tell the other teacher and we figure out what it would cost to rent a minivan and then I send a frantic email to the principal trying to justify the cost of the minivan etc. Almost the moment I sent the email, my office phone rings and it's the transportation director telling me that a coach cancelled a trip and that the surburban was now available. So that was a brief headache this morning.

I am still dismayed at the number of students failing my debate class. I still have students that haven't turned in any work for the past six weeks. I am amazed. And yet there are those that have done everything and have a 100 average. I guess I just don't get it. I wonder if I'm being too hard, but if so, why do I have those that are getting the work done?

I took Josh to the florist to pick out flowers for his girlfriend. They are so dang expensive these days. He/we spent $33 for a fairly small bouquet of mixed flowers with a single red rose. I'm sure she will love them, but dang.

Josh leaves tomorrow for All-state band. I'll be home alone for the next couple of days. We have an 80% chance of snow tonight. I'm so sick of snow. I know it could be worse like that place in New York that has gotten 141 inches in 7 days, but we generally don't get this much and I'm tired of it!

A long week ahead

I actually have a full week at school ahead. I am leaving straight from school on Friday to start driving towards San Antonio. I will stop about 2 1/2 hours away and stay the night. My goal is to get to the theatre where the concert will be held by 10:00 a.m. Last year I barely made it and barely got a seat because of a very problematic check-out line at the hotel.

My students performed at the senior citizen center in Hereford today. I thought they did a pretty good job, but I could tell they hadn't worked on their pieces in a while. I did get to see my former mother-in-law which was very nice. I wish I could have stayed to visit longer, but I had to rush back to get to class.

Josh has been asked by his girlfriend to go to a retreat this Sunday. I don't know if he'll go (I am kind of doubting that he will) but at least he's thinking about it. I told him what I thought it might be like although I've only been to one myself. I did tell him that it shouldn't be like the thing he went to at the Baptist Church. No offense to any Baptists out there, but around here they tend to be a bit pushy and shoving the "you need to get saved or you'll go to hell" down kids throats isn't the best idea. I know that not all Baptist churches are like that, but that's pretty much what it was last time Josh went from what he tells me.

My haircut seems to be a good success. Most of my students seemed to like it and I heard that from one of them that Josh liked it too. I think it looks a little better now than it did in the picture. I'll try to post another one soon.

Well, that's all the exciting news in my world. Still need to do laundry and such. I actually need to force myself to get some school work done tonight. Hopefully it will happen but don't hold your breath.

Day of Rest

Well, that is what Sunday is supposed to be, but since I did absolutely nothing yesterday, I had to get some work done today. I've done two loads of dishes and some laundry. I cleared off my bathroom counter and vacuumed and picked up the living room. It's not enough, but it's a start. I should have enjoyed my weekend more, but there wasn't anything for me to do other than clean. I did go to the Adult Faith formation class today and then to Mass and sang in the choir (if you call four people a choir). I finally watched one of the episodes of Monk that I missed two weeks ago. Now I have to watch Psych and then last week's shows. I should be working on stuff for school, but I know that's not going to happen. I have more laundry to do, but am waiting for the dishes to finish.

I'm contemplating what I should give up for Lent as it is fast approaching and there's not much that I indulge in that I could really give up. I guess I could give up blogging, but it's one of the few things that keeps me sane and the only friends I seem to have these days are my blogging friends. I have several acquaintances in real life, but very few actual "friends." Even if I wanted to go out and do something, there's nobody to do it with. It does make me feel a bit lonesome, but such is life. I don't even care about a relationship any more. I've come to the conclusion and realization that I'm not ready for one at the moment. I don't care that Valentine's is coming up. For me it's just another day. Right now what I miss is having a real life friend. Someone you call up from time to time...go out or go shopping.

My blog friends are very dear to me and if we all didn't live 100's or 1000's of miles away, I'm sure we'd get together often. I guess it's easier for people to get to know me through my blog than in real life. I don't know what it is, but I'm still kind of a loner it seems. Well, no use sitting here complaining about it. Just an observation on my part.

Ta da!

Well here it is. The hair cut. This is without any styling other than putting my bangs to the side. I think I like it. It feels better for one thing - without the heavy mound of hair that I had before. Yes, long hair is pretty, but it's still hard to maintain and style. I think this will be an easy wash and go style. The cut brought out a lot more curl/wave which is nice. I think I can also curl/style it as desired or straighten it. But what do you think?

Anxious

I'm being bad. I'm posting during class time. I'm so ready to go home. I don't know what it is, but I just don't want to be in school any more. Only five more minutes.
Aaarrrrggghhhh!

Flying off the handle

O.k. maybe that's an exaggeration but I was in a sour mood just before bed last night which is strange because before that I had gone to choir practice which I really enjoyed. I'm going to blame it on many other things... hormones, the state of my house, the animals, my lost wallet (that is no longer lost, thankfully). I had to go to bed by 9:30 because I was just fed up for some reason. I know I have too many stressors going on in my life right now, but I just don't know what to do about it so I'll just vent here.

First, the good news. This weekend is absolutely free. No tournaments. Nothing going on with Josh.

I'm getting my hair cut tomorrow. I have an appointment for 10:30. I have appreciated and enjoyed all the comments and suggestions. I have some ideas now and we'll see what happens. I'll try to post pictures of the finished result.

My house is a wreck still. It's maybe not the worst it's ever been, but it is still pretty bad. I hope to get it cleaned up this weekend. I just don't know if there will be enough time in two days to do it all.

I have to find something to do about the new dog. She's driving me crazy. She is much too hyper for me and really needs a place that has kids or other dogs that will play with her and wear her out. Our dogs are a little too laid back for her and I have to do something because I still can't afford to keep her but I don't know what else to do. I may just try another add and see if anyone will take her. I just want it to be a good home. I can't take her to the pound because I couldn't stand it if she didn't get adopted and was put to sleep. She is very sweet and eager to please. I think she could easily be trained, I just don't have the time.

I've given up on the concept of having all my laundry done. I wash on an as needed basis.

Financially I am actually doing o.k. despite the $500 insurance bill last month. I have a good amount in savings thanks to my tax refund. I'm hoping I don't have to spend it on Josh's car, but I'll have to wait and see what the insurance company figures out in regard to the damage.
I have enough money to make my trip to San Antonio next week and last until next pay day. After that, we'll see.

I am actually caught up on grading for the moment, but many of my debate students are failing. I've finally waded through all the paperwork for upcoming trips and now just have to wait for them to happen. I did get news that the district will pay for the Bus Safety trip to Austin which is a relief.

I freaked out about not being able to find my wallet again last night. I don't know what it is, but lately I can't seem to keep up with it. I searched the house and just couldn't find it. Luckily it was exactly where I thought it might be, but I couldn't really remember why it was there... which was in my bag that I had left at school. I don't carry a purse because it's cumbersome, and I like the small size of my wallet, but I may have to get something big and neon so I don't keep losing it.

It's lunch time here at school and I really don't like what I brought for lunch. I decided to go on a limb and try a new flavor of my frozen micro-wave meals, and it just isn't doing it for me. I think I may run down to Sonic and get something there.

Well, I've rambled enough, hopefully this makes up for no post yesterday.

A Hairy Dilemma

First let me apologize by telling you that this is me at the end of a long day of juding 4 CX Debate rounds. I didn't have the strength to deal with contacts today. But on to my dilemma. My hair. I just don't know what to do with it any more. The reason why it is currently long is because I just have been too lazy and haven't really had the time to do anything about it. The last time I got it cut was some time in 2005. I did trim it myself about a month ago and cut about an inch and a half off of it. I also trim my bangs (badly), but enough to keep me sane. I'm getting to the point that I feel something has to be done with my hair. Although I do like the long look and I especially like the way it looks when it's straightened, I rarely ever take to time straighten or even style it. I honestly can't remember the last time I wore it straight. The problem is that I don't really do anything with it. I don't take the time to style it and there's just not much that can be done. The look I'm sporting today is my typical wash and go but I did add some gel this morning to lock in a little more of the curl/wave. I really need something that is a wash and go style or takes very little work to style. I just am not going to take 30 or even 15 minutes in the morning to deal with my hair. My current routine is about 1 minute of drying my bangs and putting a quick curl in them with the curling iron. Oh sometimes I pull it back with combs or barrettes, but that's it. I do sometimes curl the ends, but I just don't know what else to do with it. Sure, I could french braid it, but that look just doesn't quite go for me.
I have worn my hair in all sorts of lengths, from very short, to pretty long. I just don't know what might look good on me with my fairly round (fat) face that I hear is called a squoval (not quite square, not quite oval). I need something that will work with my natural wave. It's not curl... it's just wavy hair that generally doesn't cooperate when you need it to flip in a certain direction. I am more adept at using a curling iron (I grew up the 80's) and I'm not very patient with using a hair dryer. I don't really care about the length, I just need something easy to manage and maintain. Just to give you some ideas of previous lengths and styles... here are some more pictures.











So your challenge... should you choose to accept it: Tell me what you like and don't like. Give me suggestions on what I should do. Keep it long, grow it longer, get it cut - and styles you might suggest. Send me pictures or give me links to things to consider. Keep in mind a couple of things:

I will not spend a lot of time on my hair. Anything too complex is out.
I probably won't straighten it often. It needs to be something that will look o.k. straight or with my waviness.
I will not grow my bangs out. I cannot stand anything in my eyes and right now they are very borderline for me.
Length is not an issue for me. I just don't want to look fatter than I already do.

Time Flies When Your Busy

Sorry about not posting yesterday. I just didn't have much to say... not that I do today either. I've managed to finally get all the money and travel arrangements sorted and get all the appropriate forms printed and turned in. I'm glad I decided to not go to the tournament this weekend. That way I can maybe get some needed rest. I can also sing in the choir at church this Sunday. I'm ready to get back to a somewhat normal life. (Yeah, right) My house is in shambles right now and I don't have the strength to mess with it. It is to that point where I feel like I couldn't even make a dent if I started so why bother? Maybe this weekend I'll get somewhere with it.

Oh, Josh has a girlfriend. He's dating the girl from my speech team that is a senior. As far as girls go, he has pretty good taste. She's a sweet girl.

I've actually started working on my workshop presentation that is coming up on the 26th. Yes, as if I didn't have enough to do, I signed up to do a workshop on digital cameras for a technology inservice day. At least it's something I already know quite a bit about and I already have a lot of the information. It also means that I don't have to attend two other pointless workshops. It also looks good in the eyes of the administration which doesn't hurt.

Well, I should use this time for more productive things like grading papers instead of blogging.

Superbowl Sunday

I can't remember the last time I watched a Superbowl. I don't think I've ever actually sat down and watched an entire game. Once in a while the t.v. is just while the game is airing, but rarely do I take the time to actually watch it. Yeah, some of the commericals are funny, but many of them just seem crass these days. It seems advertisers mostly think that it's only sex that sells. It gets old really fast. I've never been invited to or had a superbowl party... not that I would go or have one, but an invitation might be nice. So I'm here, home alone, and actually have the game blaring in the background. Josh has been invited to a party by a student that is on my speech team. I'm not sure what is going on there, but I think it's at least some mild flirtation or something going on. She's a nice girl, so I'm not worried about it. He is driving to Hereford right now, however and I still worry about him driving by himself. It's just a parent thing, I guess.

The tournament on Friday and Saturday went pretty well. It was a large tournament with some tough competition. One of my students finally got the last point he needed to qualify in Humorous interpretation. I wasn't sure if we'd get a sweepstakes trophy as there were only five events from Hereford in finals. But Tascosa always gives out sweepstakes trophies to the top five schools, so we made it home with yet another one. I made the decision to not go to another tournament next weekend. I really need the break and it's not going to be affordable to go.

I made a hotel reservation for my trip down to San Antonio. I decided to not take a day off from school since I'm taking one next week to judge a debate tournament. I normally don't like to judge CX but I'll do it when I get paid to do it. For the San Antonio trip, I'm going to leave immediately after school and drive about 6 hours. That way I only have about 2 1/2 hours on Saturday morning. Josh's concert is at 11:00 and I learned last year, that it's a good idea to get to the theatre well in advance. I'm not sure if I'm going to stay the night in San Antonio that Saturday or just turn around and head back home. I just hope the trip is better than last year. I may try to visit my ex-husband while down there, but it will just depend on if he's available. You might think it's strange to be friends with an ex, but that's just the way I've always been. I've never had a bad break-up where I've had bad feelings for someone. Sure, I was a little bitter after my divorce, but not enough to hold the grudge. Marty and I are still friends though we hardly talk much. I talk to my ex-husband probably once or twice a month. I guess I don't see the point in staying bitter and angry because it doesn't affect anyone but yourself. Usually the other person as moved on and if you're the one holding a grudge, you're holding it alone and just making yourself miserable. O.k. enough soap box preaching.

Well, I guess I need to get some laundry done so I can appear decent tomorrow. My cold is better, but I'm still coughing a bit today. I'll probably take some tylenol p.m. early tonight and just try to get some extra sleep.

Very quick recap

I've been gone to a tournament the past two days. I also have a fairly miserable cold. My kids did pretty well for a very competitive tournament. We came home with a top five sweepstakes trophy. (They give them to the top five schools in random order)
I'm very, very tired and must go to bed now. I'll try to update sometime tomorrow.

Almost Friday

I'd say that I'm ready for the weekend, but that just means that I'm going to be at a speech tournament. I am ready to be out of school, however. I think I'm getting spring fever. Have I mentioned how much I hate the cold? Well, in case you missed it - I HATE BEING COLD! O.k. Now I feel better. Tomorrow I have to have a half day sub which is really kind of ridiculous because I really only need it for the last class period of the day, but since there's has to be a sub, I might as well make the most of it and take the other two periods off beforehand. I'm not sure what I'm going to do, but I'll have from 10:30 until about 2:00 off. Maybe I can come home and take a nap.

I'm still kind of sick. Yeah, I've been kind of sick a lot, but it's not ever really, really sick. I haven't gotten to the point where I can't get out of bed because I'm so miserable - but really it's the feeling ever so slightly bad and a tad bit miserable, but not enough to call in sick or go to the doctor. It's just that kind of blah, weak, feeling with a slightly scratchy throat. I guess I should be glad and grateful it's not more than that, but I'd just rather feel fine and dandy thank you very much.

I'm finally getting all the travel arrangements and such figured out. I still need to make some hotel reservations but will take care of that on Monday. I'm close to getting grades done for at least one of my classes. Just four more to go! Well, I think I'll rest a bit before tackling dinner.