That will be both a pain and a relief. It will take forever to get my substitute plans done, but at least I'll get to spend three days in San Antonio. I had intentions to go up to school this weekend, but it fell through. Yesterday was wasted after waiting for the lunch "date." Today I went to church and then my brother listened to Josh's car which was making a squealing noise when it started. I had to wait for him to get to the shop this afternoon so I could take it to him to tighten. Luckily it was an easy fix. By the time that was done, I needed to go to the grocery store. Believe it or not, I got away with spending under $60. I got a few things to get by the next few days and some stuff for Josh to cook while I'm gone. I needed to do laundry this weekend, but I didn't. I'll start it tomorrow and start packing.
I started crocheting again. It is nice and calming. I figured that I would need to make a lot of my Christmas presents this year since money will be tight. Scarves for everyone! It will keep me busy on the plane and during down times at convention. I have some puzzle books to take and I've been re-reading some of my Sue Grafton books. I have a ton of papers to grade so I'll probably take those as well, but I'm sure they will just go along for the ride. I did realize some good news this weekend. Monday Oct. 8 was listed in the school calendar as an inservice day for teachers, but it is actually a comp day for those of us that attended a workshop during the summer. That means I get the day off as well. That is awesome.
Well, there's not much more to report here. It's been another dull weekend. I should enjoy it while I can. Next weekend I'll be traveling back from San Antonio. The weekend after that is marching contest. The next weekend is both a speech tournament and Josh's musical. The last weekend is another tournament. Well, I should try to go to bed, but I'm not sure that I'll be able to sleep any time soon. I made the mistake of having a coke this afternoon. It will probably keep me up for a while. We'll see how it goes. I think my cat that sleeps with me is ready for bed. She has been sleeping with me for the last few weeks now. She stay in my room until about 5:30 in the morning which is when she always wants out. I hope for more pleasant dreams tonight. I had some not so nice ones last night.
Sunday, September 30, 2007
Saturday, September 29, 2007
Oh it gets better
Now this guy that stood me up a 4th or 5th time... I'm losing count... wants to set me up with this guy he met last week. He thinks that I might be interested in him. He says that this guy just opened a recording studio in Amarillo and he met him at some event in which he pulls up in a Ferrari. There's some red flags right there. It's not that I don't think I'm deserving of a guy that drives a Ferrari, but I'm fairly certain that someone like that simply wouldn't be my type. He goes into this big spiel about him and how all these women were practically throwing themselves at him and he just brushed them off. He says that guy was looking for someone he could trust so the online guy thinks of me. Woo hoo. So he talks him up to me and tells me I should contact him. I tell him no thanks. It's not my style. If a guy contacts me, fine, but I'm not going to go talk to a random guy like that. Well, he gets the guy to send me an IM and I realize that I've already chatted with him before. I wasn't impressed then and I wasn't impressed today. The guy is a snob and I had no interest in him. He made a point to tell me that he had a lot more money now. Big deal.
Abbagirl... I'd love for someone I know and trust to set me up with someone because honestly, I don't have any more faith in myself. I am obviously not good at choosing men to date. Problem is that there are no decent, single men my age, in this area that are left. I've had some fellow speech teachers talk of setting me up, but nothing has ever come of it. It's always one of those passing conversations that I just avoid now. At this point, I really don't care. Sure, I hate being alone, but I think it's better than any alternatives right now.
I'm just going to make do with what I have and keep myself busy. If Prince Decent happens to pop up out of the blue... well hip-hip-hooray. (I'm not interested in Prince Charming.) In the meantime, I am certainly not looking for him any more. Maybe I'm just too socially phobic like Andrew. I'm not good at striking up conversations or maintaining them. I have few relationships and the ones I do have took years to develop. So there we are. No use mulling over it. Perhaps I am simply getting old and bitter.
Abbagirl... I'd love for someone I know and trust to set me up with someone because honestly, I don't have any more faith in myself. I am obviously not good at choosing men to date. Problem is that there are no decent, single men my age, in this area that are left. I've had some fellow speech teachers talk of setting me up, but nothing has ever come of it. It's always one of those passing conversations that I just avoid now. At this point, I really don't care. Sure, I hate being alone, but I think it's better than any alternatives right now.
I'm just going to make do with what I have and keep myself busy. If Prince Decent happens to pop up out of the blue... well hip-hip-hooray. (I'm not interested in Prince Charming.) In the meantime, I am certainly not looking for him any more. Maybe I'm just too socially phobic like Andrew. I'm not good at striking up conversations or maintaining them. I have few relationships and the ones I do have took years to develop. So there we are. No use mulling over it. Perhaps I am simply getting old and bitter.
So much for a lunch date
I didn't consider it a date. This guy is not my idea of a date. But I've talked to him online for about 4 years and he did mow my lawn. I thought I'd give him another chance to meet in person and let him take me to lunch. I was hungry at 11:30 and I caught him online and his message was "give me a few." I thought that meant we'd be going shortly thereafter. So I finish getting ready and nothing happens. 12:00, 12:30, 1:00, and 1:30 comes and goes. By this time, I've decided that I'm getting stood up by him... again. (Happened the first time I was going to meet him a few years ago.) Well, shortly after 1:30 he contacts me with yet another excuse. This time it is the fact that his mother and her boyfriend had just arrived to pick up stuff from his garage. He had been waiting for them and they were supposed to come this morning. Whatever. His mother was an excuse the first time as well.
I think I need to steer clear of guys that still allow their mothers to dictate their schedules to them. Maybe I just don't get it. Yes, a guy should be their for their mothers, but when they allow their mothers to control their schedules, it is concerning. Now, I don't think it is always the mother's fault, but I think that if a guy is in his 30's and it's not a life or death situation, that they can plan their schedules a little better. My ex-husband canceled our first date because his mother was coming over to his house so he could use her vacuum cleaner. Now, I adore his mother. She is a very sweet person and we're still friends. I am fairly certain that if he had called her to let her know that it was a bad time for cleaning because he had a date, that she would have understood. (Or maybe not.. considering some of the women he dated before me.) I almost didn't give him a second chance... but obviously I did since we did meet and I married him.
Maybe it's just me, but if my dad was supposed to come over for something in the morning and I had other plans in the afternoon and he didn't make it, then I'd let him know that I wouldn't be here and he'd have to come another time... or he can do what he needs without me here. Maybe it isn't as simple as that, but my dad (or my mom) wouldn't throw a fit over it.
Well, my late lunch is ready so I better go take it out of the oven.
I think I need to steer clear of guys that still allow their mothers to dictate their schedules to them. Maybe I just don't get it. Yes, a guy should be their for their mothers, but when they allow their mothers to control their schedules, it is concerning. Now, I don't think it is always the mother's fault, but I think that if a guy is in his 30's and it's not a life or death situation, that they can plan their schedules a little better. My ex-husband canceled our first date because his mother was coming over to his house so he could use her vacuum cleaner. Now, I adore his mother. She is a very sweet person and we're still friends. I am fairly certain that if he had called her to let her know that it was a bad time for cleaning because he had a date, that she would have understood. (Or maybe not.. considering some of the women he dated before me.) I almost didn't give him a second chance... but obviously I did since we did meet and I married him.
Maybe it's just me, but if my dad was supposed to come over for something in the morning and I had other plans in the afternoon and he didn't make it, then I'd let him know that I wouldn't be here and he'd have to come another time... or he can do what he needs without me here. Maybe it isn't as simple as that, but my dad (or my mom) wouldn't throw a fit over it.
Well, my late lunch is ready so I better go take it out of the oven.
Friday, September 28, 2007
As bad as expected
I hate football games. I especially hate homecoming night. It was very crowded. I don't know what it is, but kids today seem to think it's o.k. to horse around in the middle of a walkway and shove each other. It's also o.k. to run up and down the stairs and around people. It's also o.k. to blow on noisy horns while the bands are performing their half time shows.
I don't even watch the game when I'm there. I just people watch. I watch and listen to the band. I sit there contemplating and feeling sorry for myself that I have no friends to sit with. Oh, sure, I know people. And sometimes I talk to them. But I don't have any friends as you all well know. Well, I have you... my wonderful online friends.... but I don't have much in the way of people that you know... live around here. Patrick & Tiffany are close by, but they have busy lives themselves. Susan is somewhat close being an hour and a half away, but not close enough to just hang out with. (But she is still so kind to come judge at my tournament every year... so I at least see her then!)
After halftime, I was walking back down and I heard someone call my name. This guy that I went to high school with and also goes to my church called me. I sat by him at the game last year. So I spent the 2nd half of the game talking to him. At least I wasn't feeling awkward. He introduced me to another woman that was there that also goes to our church so I visited with her as well.
I left when there was five minutes on the clock left. I ran by McDonald's because I hadn't eaten dinner. (Immediately after school I took my car to my brother to replace the back brake pads) I gave McDonald's another chance after my last lousy trip, and they did a better job. I did go to their website and complain about my experience that I had the last time and I did get an email back apologizing and they said they forwarded my complaint to the store itself since they are independently operated. Yeah, I'm sure something is going to happen there.
Well, I'm tired and I'm going to go to bed. I think I'm going to lunch tomorrow with the guy that mowed my yard. Don't worry... I'm going to move out of my pity party soon. It's not that bad right now, I think I'm going to blame it on PMS or something.
I don't even watch the game when I'm there. I just people watch. I watch and listen to the band. I sit there contemplating and feeling sorry for myself that I have no friends to sit with. Oh, sure, I know people. And sometimes I talk to them. But I don't have any friends as you all well know. Well, I have you... my wonderful online friends.... but I don't have much in the way of people that you know... live around here. Patrick & Tiffany are close by, but they have busy lives themselves. Susan is somewhat close being an hour and a half away, but not close enough to just hang out with. (But she is still so kind to come judge at my tournament every year... so I at least see her then!)
After halftime, I was walking back down and I heard someone call my name. This guy that I went to high school with and also goes to my church called me. I sat by him at the game last year. So I spent the 2nd half of the game talking to him. At least I wasn't feeling awkward. He introduced me to another woman that was there that also goes to our church so I visited with her as well.
I left when there was five minutes on the clock left. I ran by McDonald's because I hadn't eaten dinner. (Immediately after school I took my car to my brother to replace the back brake pads) I gave McDonald's another chance after my last lousy trip, and they did a better job. I did go to their website and complain about my experience that I had the last time and I did get an email back apologizing and they said they forwarded my complaint to the store itself since they are independently operated. Yeah, I'm sure something is going to happen there.
Well, I'm tired and I'm going to go to bed. I think I'm going to lunch tomorrow with the guy that mowed my yard. Don't worry... I'm going to move out of my pity party soon. It's not that bad right now, I think I'm going to blame it on PMS or something.
Simply Irritated
Students are aggravating me today. Not my students in particular, but I have little patience for noises and childish behavior. Today a student in the hall slammed my door shut which knocked my clock off the wall and broke it. At the beginning of 3rd period a student in the driver's ed class (which is in my room) was making a high pitched squealing sound. Maybe it's just hormonal, but I'd rather not be here today. I finally just had to get out of here so I took some things to be printed over to the printing room and then went to sonic and got a large coke with lime and some tator tots.
I'm not sure if I'm going to make it at the game tonight. It's homecoming so the stands will be packed and the mongrels will be running up and down the stands, up and down, down and up, squealing, pushing, yelling, and screaming. They will come in all ages, shapes, sizes, and colors. I will probably just do my usual routine. Stay for the band's performance and then hightail it out of there. I'm simply tired of dealing with kids right now.
I'm going round and round with our counselors which is annoying me as well. At the end of last year another speech teacher asked us to have our classes fill out a survey to help her with her graduate thesis. I graciously complied and about 7 of my students participated in it. The teacher needed a copy of the student's transcript they had their parents sign a form stating it was o.k. to release the information. I made copies of those forms last year, gave them to the counselors and asked them for the transcripts. I only got them from one of the counselors. (We have 4 of them.) I figured it was a bad time at the end of the year so I went ahead and sent what I had on to the teacher and told her that I would try over the summer. Didn't get anything in the summer. She told me she still needed them this year, so I tried once again to get them. I got no response. After the 5th email request, I finally forwarded a copy of it to my principal. Low and behold I get a response. First they tell me that registrar person can get them for me. Then they state that they had them ready for me last year, but that I never picked them up. (I was never notified that they were to be picked up or ready. One of the counselors just put them in my box.) Now they can't find them. So I ask for them to be printed again. I'm then told that they can't release them without parent permission or a student can pick them up themselves. (Three of the students are now graduated.) I told them that they had copies of the parent permission slips. They said that they never had them. If that is the case, then why did they have them "ready for me" last year? So now I've emailed the teacher that needs these and I've asked her to fax me the copies of the parent permission letters and maybe, just maybe I can get the stinking transcripts.
So that's my day thus far today. I hope this mood passes soon. It's really annoying me.
I'm not sure if I'm going to make it at the game tonight. It's homecoming so the stands will be packed and the mongrels will be running up and down the stands, up and down, down and up, squealing, pushing, yelling, and screaming. They will come in all ages, shapes, sizes, and colors. I will probably just do my usual routine. Stay for the band's performance and then hightail it out of there. I'm simply tired of dealing with kids right now.
I'm going round and round with our counselors which is annoying me as well. At the end of last year another speech teacher asked us to have our classes fill out a survey to help her with her graduate thesis. I graciously complied and about 7 of my students participated in it. The teacher needed a copy of the student's transcript they had their parents sign a form stating it was o.k. to release the information. I made copies of those forms last year, gave them to the counselors and asked them for the transcripts. I only got them from one of the counselors. (We have 4 of them.) I figured it was a bad time at the end of the year so I went ahead and sent what I had on to the teacher and told her that I would try over the summer. Didn't get anything in the summer. She told me she still needed them this year, so I tried once again to get them. I got no response. After the 5th email request, I finally forwarded a copy of it to my principal. Low and behold I get a response. First they tell me that registrar person can get them for me. Then they state that they had them ready for me last year, but that I never picked them up. (I was never notified that they were to be picked up or ready. One of the counselors just put them in my box.) Now they can't find them. So I ask for them to be printed again. I'm then told that they can't release them without parent permission or a student can pick them up themselves. (Three of the students are now graduated.) I told them that they had copies of the parent permission slips. They said that they never had them. If that is the case, then why did they have them "ready for me" last year? So now I've emailed the teacher that needs these and I've asked her to fax me the copies of the parent permission letters and maybe, just maybe I can get the stinking transcripts.
So that's my day thus far today. I hope this mood passes soon. It's really annoying me.
Thursday, September 27, 2007
I just have to say it...
William Peterson is damn fine. If you want to know my type, there you go. Older, smart, and loves roller coasters. What more could a girl ask for? O.k. it would be good if he were single and Catholic.
What day is it?
For some reason I kept thinking today was Friday at school. It felt like a Friday, I guess. I'm disappointed that I have to go back tomorrow. I'm making up things as I go along which I tend to do quite a bit. Today in debate the classes searched car information so they could understand the concept between a criterion and a value. (If safety is a value in a car, then a criterion might be a car's crash test ratings.)
I am slowly getting caught up. I stayed after school today to get several things ready to be printed. I needed to make sure I had the stuff I needed for my presentation at convention next week. I finally heard from one of the other presenters so I didn't have to put together the whole thing which is good. I'm just responsible for my part. I'm getting excited about going. It's going to be a pain to plan for a substitute but I should get some great information and ideas while I'm there.
I have this "friend" that I talk to online. It's the guy that had the opportunity to meet me three times, but always had something come up. A long time ago (before Marty) we flirted a bit, but after a while it got old. I changed quite a bit since then and I know that he is definitely not my "type." I won't go into details as to what my "type" is but I consider him a friend of sorts although we've never met in person. Yesterday he asked if my lawn needed mowing. (Which of course it does.) He knows where I live and he offered to mow it for me. He's offered before but has never actually done it. When he offered last night I told him that if he did that I would let him take me out to dinner. Low and behold, he mowed my lawn while I was at work today. I guess I'm going to have to let him take me to dinner.
I feel like I'm getting sick. It's one of those "feelings" you just get. Where you feel something in your throat, but it's not anything major, but you can tell that something is coming on. Of course I've said this before and then it just goes away... which I hope is the case. I just felt kind of off today so I'm expecting something to hit me. I hope that if I do get sick that it comes and goes quickly this weekend and I'm not sick next week when I head to San Antonio.
Well, I'm going to eat dinner and wait for the season opener of CSI to come on. Sorry for not posting yesterday. I just didn't have much to say and I did some work last night before heading to bed.
I am slowly getting caught up. I stayed after school today to get several things ready to be printed. I needed to make sure I had the stuff I needed for my presentation at convention next week. I finally heard from one of the other presenters so I didn't have to put together the whole thing which is good. I'm just responsible for my part. I'm getting excited about going. It's going to be a pain to plan for a substitute but I should get some great information and ideas while I'm there.
I have this "friend" that I talk to online. It's the guy that had the opportunity to meet me three times, but always had something come up. A long time ago (before Marty) we flirted a bit, but after a while it got old. I changed quite a bit since then and I know that he is definitely not my "type." I won't go into details as to what my "type" is but I consider him a friend of sorts although we've never met in person. Yesterday he asked if my lawn needed mowing. (Which of course it does.) He knows where I live and he offered to mow it for me. He's offered before but has never actually done it. When he offered last night I told him that if he did that I would let him take me out to dinner. Low and behold, he mowed my lawn while I was at work today. I guess I'm going to have to let him take me to dinner.
I feel like I'm getting sick. It's one of those "feelings" you just get. Where you feel something in your throat, but it's not anything major, but you can tell that something is coming on. Of course I've said this before and then it just goes away... which I hope is the case. I just felt kind of off today so I'm expecting something to hit me. I hope that if I do get sick that it comes and goes quickly this weekend and I'm not sick next week when I head to San Antonio.
Well, I'm going to eat dinner and wait for the season opener of CSI to come on. Sorry for not posting yesterday. I just didn't have much to say and I did some work last night before heading to bed.
Tuesday, September 25, 2007
Self-Medicating
I had a drink for the first time in I don't know how long. It was just one of those days. I know some people might not understand how a flat tire is a tragedy. Maybe it was just one of those things that ends up being the tip of the ice berg. It wasn't so much the tire itself, but the fact that I hate being single and having nobody to call on. It's also the fact that today I spent almost $500 on tires and new brake pads and I have no idea how to pay for it. It's the fact that I asked Josh to pay for some of his expenses this month because of being short on money and I felt bad about it. It's because my house is a mess and I have no energy when I get home from school. It's because I feel as though I'm not accomplishing anything at school.
As I cooked dinner tonight, I had a bloody mary. So sue me. I haven't drank in months. I came home in a bit of a foul mood. I thought I was getting docked a full day for being gone even though I only needed a substitute 1st & 2nd period today. I got back to school by 12:30, which was 30 minutes before my next class. If I were going to be docked a full day, I would have just stayed home and worked there. I asked my principal about it and luckily he said that I only needed to take 1/2 a day. I was relieved.
Now I have to figure out which bills to pay this month. I also need to tidy up the house since the cable guy is coming out to fix our internet issue of not accessing certain pages. I hope it gets fixed. I have to make some substitute plans for tomorrow afternoon since I have to go to CPR training at noon tomorrow.
I'm sure I'll be going to bed early tonight. Of course I always say that and end up going to bed later than planned. Tonight, however, I'm already pretty tired. Well, that's all the updates for today. Back to regularly scheduled boring days tomorrow.
As I cooked dinner tonight, I had a bloody mary. So sue me. I haven't drank in months. I came home in a bit of a foul mood. I thought I was getting docked a full day for being gone even though I only needed a substitute 1st & 2nd period today. I got back to school by 12:30, which was 30 minutes before my next class. If I were going to be docked a full day, I would have just stayed home and worked there. I asked my principal about it and luckily he said that I only needed to take 1/2 a day. I was relieved.
Now I have to figure out which bills to pay this month. I also need to tidy up the house since the cable guy is coming out to fix our internet issue of not accessing certain pages. I hope it gets fixed. I have to make some substitute plans for tomorrow afternoon since I have to go to CPR training at noon tomorrow.
I'm sure I'll be going to bed early tonight. Of course I always say that and end up going to bed later than planned. Tonight, however, I'm already pretty tired. Well, that's all the updates for today. Back to regularly scheduled boring days tomorrow.
Feeling helpless
I know you're amazed to see a post in the middle of the afternoon on a school day when I should be at work and so busy with everything that I couldn't possibly post. That would be in a perfect world. I am, in fact, sitting in my recliner right now and thinking about going back to work. But first, let me tell you of my wonderful morning. (Yes, I know you're bracing yourselves for some horrendous tragedy... it's really not that bad, unless you're me.)
I left for work around 7:15 which is when I absolutely had to leave to get to school on time to meet my students that needed to come in for tutorials. I got on the highway to Hereford trolling along until all of a sudden my car is driving very weird. I pull over. Sure enough, my luck, I have a massive flat tire. Not just a tire that went flat, a tire that looks like it exploded. Wonderful. I have a trunk full of extemp files that I have to move into my backseat. I get out the tire changing tools and my spare. I kept thinking, that surely someone would see a helpless woman doing this on the side of the road. No such luck. I get the car jacked up and try to remove the lug nuts when I remember that I should have loosened them before I jacked the car up. I put the car down. I try to loosen the lug nuts. I kept reminding myself "Righty-tighty, Lefty-loosey" but I wasn't making progress in either direction. I called my brother to confirm that in fact I needed to turn the lug wrench to the left. He said yes and I said it wasn't budging and he said I needed to put more effort into it. (As though I wasn't straining every bit of muscle I had.) I tried the other lug wrench that was in my trunk (the kind with four ends in a big "X") and I finally get two of the lug nuts off. Keep in mind that I've been doing this for about 10 minutes now. (It just seems faster reading about it.) I am wondering why there are no good Samaritans left in the world, when suddenly a very nice guy shows up. I want to cry. (O.k. so maybe I did a little bit... I was feeling a bit overwhelmed.) He quickly got the rest of the lug nuts off and had my tire changed in 5 minutes. I am quite certain that I could have accomplished it, but it probably would have taking me about 20 minutes. I thank the man and exclaim what a lifesaver he was.
I get in my car and then the tears just come. I hate feeling helpless. It sucks. I decide that it might not be a good idea to drive on my dinky spare all the way to Hereford and then back today. I compose myself enough to call the school and tell them I need a sub for 1st and 2nd period. I then come home and send a quick email regarding what the classes should do. I then head to Amarillo to buy new tires. (Yes, all tires were in horrible shape.) I spend way more money than I really have right now so I'm going to have to do some very creative bill paying this month. I don't know if I was taken advantage of but I felt like I spent far more than I needed to. The problem is that when you are crunched for time, you don't have a lot of options to shop around. I went to the place that I always go because in general I think they've been fair and I like the warranty with their tires. It took over an hour and a half for my tires to be replaced because they had to pick up tires from the downtown warehouse and then they picked up the wrong ones. I finally headed back home stopping to pick up rear brake pads for my car as well.
I hate this kind of stuff. I know it's part of the joys of car ownership, but I hate dealing with it. I'm supposed to have my tires rotated every 6000 miles. As though I have the time to deal with that. I had to take 1/2 a day off just for today's fiasco. I wonder how real people live. Do people just generally have money and time for these kinds of things? I have heard over and over that you shouldn't live beyond your means, but I live within what I have and nothing more. I have enough to pay my bills every month. I live in a hand-me-down house, with hand-me-down furniture, and drive a hand-me-down car. I feel guilty when I buy something for myself or do something like get a hair cut because that money could have gone to something more important, I'm sure. O.k. so I'm having my own little pity party. I'll get over it. I am thankful for what I have; sometimes I just wish that some things were easier.
I left for work around 7:15 which is when I absolutely had to leave to get to school on time to meet my students that needed to come in for tutorials. I got on the highway to Hereford trolling along until all of a sudden my car is driving very weird. I pull over. Sure enough, my luck, I have a massive flat tire. Not just a tire that went flat, a tire that looks like it exploded. Wonderful. I have a trunk full of extemp files that I have to move into my backseat. I get out the tire changing tools and my spare. I kept thinking, that surely someone would see a helpless woman doing this on the side of the road. No such luck. I get the car jacked up and try to remove the lug nuts when I remember that I should have loosened them before I jacked the car up. I put the car down. I try to loosen the lug nuts. I kept reminding myself "Righty-tighty, Lefty-loosey" but I wasn't making progress in either direction. I called my brother to confirm that in fact I needed to turn the lug wrench to the left. He said yes and I said it wasn't budging and he said I needed to put more effort into it. (As though I wasn't straining every bit of muscle I had.) I tried the other lug wrench that was in my trunk (the kind with four ends in a big "X") and I finally get two of the lug nuts off. Keep in mind that I've been doing this for about 10 minutes now. (It just seems faster reading about it.) I am wondering why there are no good Samaritans left in the world, when suddenly a very nice guy shows up. I want to cry. (O.k. so maybe I did a little bit... I was feeling a bit overwhelmed.) He quickly got the rest of the lug nuts off and had my tire changed in 5 minutes. I am quite certain that I could have accomplished it, but it probably would have taking me about 20 minutes. I thank the man and exclaim what a lifesaver he was.
I get in my car and then the tears just come. I hate feeling helpless. It sucks. I decide that it might not be a good idea to drive on my dinky spare all the way to Hereford and then back today. I compose myself enough to call the school and tell them I need a sub for 1st and 2nd period. I then come home and send a quick email regarding what the classes should do. I then head to Amarillo to buy new tires. (Yes, all tires were in horrible shape.) I spend way more money than I really have right now so I'm going to have to do some very creative bill paying this month. I don't know if I was taken advantage of but I felt like I spent far more than I needed to. The problem is that when you are crunched for time, you don't have a lot of options to shop around. I went to the place that I always go because in general I think they've been fair and I like the warranty with their tires. It took over an hour and a half for my tires to be replaced because they had to pick up tires from the downtown warehouse and then they picked up the wrong ones. I finally headed back home stopping to pick up rear brake pads for my car as well.
I hate this kind of stuff. I know it's part of the joys of car ownership, but I hate dealing with it. I'm supposed to have my tires rotated every 6000 miles. As though I have the time to deal with that. I had to take 1/2 a day off just for today's fiasco. I wonder how real people live. Do people just generally have money and time for these kinds of things? I have heard over and over that you shouldn't live beyond your means, but I live within what I have and nothing more. I have enough to pay my bills every month. I live in a hand-me-down house, with hand-me-down furniture, and drive a hand-me-down car. I feel guilty when I buy something for myself or do something like get a hair cut because that money could have gone to something more important, I'm sure. O.k. so I'm having my own little pity party. I'll get over it. I am thankful for what I have; sometimes I just wish that some things were easier.
Monday, September 24, 2007
Unsolvable problems
My refrigerator is still having issues. I spent time this evening defrosting it once again. This time I pulled out the big guns (i.e. hair dryer). I hope it lasts longer than a week this time. I also have computer issues. There are certain websites that both Josh and my computers will not access. One of them is crucial for Josh as he needs it for his dual credit history class. I finally called suddenlink to have the issue dealt with and all they did was schedule someone to come by on Wednesday. I tried to access their support online, but even that page wouldn't load. I've tried everything else I know to try. I disabled my firewall, I deleted cookies, I've scanned my computer and ran spybot. I guess I'll have to wait until the technician comes out. I hope he is able to fix the problem. I would think it's an issue perhaps with our IP address or something regarding the modem. But what do I know?
Today was a typical day at school. My interp classes finished their posters. My debate classes are still working on value definitions. I gave notes in comm. app. class. Tomorrow, we'll be playing with legos in that class. I have to plan for a sub half a day on Wednesday and go to CPR training. The following week I'll be off on my trip to San Antonio. I'm still not caught up with anything, but I slowly get a few things accomplished today.
I guess I need to clean the house some before the technician comes over. I'll get to that tomorrow hopefully. It's been a long day. I went to bed around 10:30 last night but didn't fall asleep until after 11:00. I woke up before six and couldn't go back to sleep so I went ahead and got up and got ready. I left for school a little after 6:30. It was a good thing since I had a lot to do this morning. My printer wouldn't print so I went to another lab and printed what I needed. It's been a bit of pain this year.
I made spaghetti for supper tonight. I think I need a little something for dessert. I still have some ice cream so I think I'll have some of that. I'm going to go to bed earlier tonight. I shouldn't have sleeping issues tonight. At least I hope not.
It's not a very exciting day... just the same old stuff.
Today was a typical day at school. My interp classes finished their posters. My debate classes are still working on value definitions. I gave notes in comm. app. class. Tomorrow, we'll be playing with legos in that class. I have to plan for a sub half a day on Wednesday and go to CPR training. The following week I'll be off on my trip to San Antonio. I'm still not caught up with anything, but I slowly get a few things accomplished today.
I guess I need to clean the house some before the technician comes over. I'll get to that tomorrow hopefully. It's been a long day. I went to bed around 10:30 last night but didn't fall asleep until after 11:00. I woke up before six and couldn't go back to sleep so I went ahead and got up and got ready. I left for school a little after 6:30. It was a good thing since I had a lot to do this morning. My printer wouldn't print so I went to another lab and printed what I needed. It's been a bit of pain this year.
I made spaghetti for supper tonight. I think I need a little something for dessert. I still have some ice cream so I think I'll have some of that. I'm going to go to bed earlier tonight. I shouldn't have sleeping issues tonight. At least I hope not.
It's not a very exciting day... just the same old stuff.
Sunday, September 23, 2007
Where did the weekend go?
Saturday morning I got up at 4:30 a.m. I left for Hereford at 5:00 and we were on the road a little after 6:00 (because a student was late.) We got to the tournament about 15 minutes late, but it hadn't quite started yet. Some of my kids got off to a slow start, but they did better later on. I wasn't sure we'd get a sweepstakes trophy. We ended up getting 2nd place. I had one student that was pretty upset that she didn't make it to finals. She was crying when we went to Braum's and refused to eat. I know she worked hard on cutting her selection, but I don't think she has got the interp thing down. I think she's more of a speaker, but if I tell her that, she won't want to hear it. I'll try to talk to her on Monday. If I said anything to her at Braum's she would have just gotten more upset. Sometimes you have to pick your battles and battle places.
We got home around 10:30 and I was back home a little after 11:00. I was thoroughly exhausted. I scanned the blogs I missed, but I didn't read them in detail. I went to bed and immediately fell asleep. I didn't hear when Josh got home. I woke up a little after 8:00 this morning. I went to church and then came home. I made some lunch and watched the Monk marathon until I was too tired again. I took a nap and then got up and did a little bit of cleaning. Josh got home from orchestra rehearsal around 5:00 and we went to the store to get groceries.
We got home and I made supper. I haven't graded a single paper, but I should be able to get to them on Monday. I should be in bed by 10:00 tonight. At that's it. The weekend went by fast.
We got home around 10:30 and I was back home a little after 11:00. I was thoroughly exhausted. I scanned the blogs I missed, but I didn't read them in detail. I went to bed and immediately fell asleep. I didn't hear when Josh got home. I woke up a little after 8:00 this morning. I went to church and then came home. I made some lunch and watched the Monk marathon until I was too tired again. I took a nap and then got up and did a little bit of cleaning. Josh got home from orchestra rehearsal around 5:00 and we went to the store to get groceries.
We got home and I made supper. I haven't graded a single paper, but I should be able to get to them on Monday. I should be in bed by 10:00 tonight. At that's it. The weekend went by fast.
Friday, September 21, 2007
Early to bed
Tonight I have to go to bed early as I will have to leave here by 5:00 a.m. It will be a long day tomorrow. I hope my kids are ready. I heard all of them, but some were not quite where they needed to be. This will probably be more of a practice tournament since the entry numbers are low. Unfortunately, they won't get TFA points in most events.
I actually left school by 4:15 today. Can you believe it? I had to take the extemp files out myself. Usually I have students do it, but we ran out of time since they debated during 7th today. Several hadn't turned in their permission slips yet. I've told them that they can't get on the bus in the morning without it.
Josh isn't home yet. I don't know what we're going to do about dinner tonight. I don't know if I really want to cook, but I really shouldn't be spending more money on meals out. Josh has several things that have to be paid for this month. $30 musical fee, $20 for his dual credit history class, $75 for half his symphony tuition, $18 in lessons, $219 for a class ring. He may have to wait for the class ring. Is there a time when your children actually get less expensive? I know his senior year will be even worse.
Well, I need to figure out what to do about supper. I can't get a hold of Josh and I'm wondering if he went ahead and went to the game this weekend. It was optional, but he told me that he wasn't planning to go.
I probably won't be able to update again until Sunday... just an FYI. I expect we'll get back late tomorrow night.
I actually left school by 4:15 today. Can you believe it? I had to take the extemp files out myself. Usually I have students do it, but we ran out of time since they debated during 7th today. Several hadn't turned in their permission slips yet. I've told them that they can't get on the bus in the morning without it.
Josh isn't home yet. I don't know what we're going to do about dinner tonight. I don't know if I really want to cook, but I really shouldn't be spending more money on meals out. Josh has several things that have to be paid for this month. $30 musical fee, $20 for his dual credit history class, $75 for half his symphony tuition, $18 in lessons, $219 for a class ring. He may have to wait for the class ring. Is there a time when your children actually get less expensive? I know his senior year will be even worse.
Well, I need to figure out what to do about supper. I can't get a hold of Josh and I'm wondering if he went ahead and went to the game this weekend. It was optional, but he told me that he wasn't planning to go.
I probably won't be able to update again until Sunday... just an FYI. I expect we'll get back late tomorrow night.
Thursday, September 20, 2007
Disappointment
I got home late again this evening after staying at school to work with students. I hadn't gone to the store so I didn't have much to fix for dinner and I decided to run by McDonald's. I ordered a filet-o-fish, medium fries and a side salad. I come to expect a wait any time I order the fish sandwich. But at least it's usually hot when I get it because it's been freshly prepared. I was asked once again to pull forward to wait for my dinner. It took them nine minutes before it was brought out to me. On top of that, the food was luke warm and I didn't even get a receipt. Maybe I'm just hormonal, but that really perturbed me. So tonight I went to the McDonald's website and sent them my complaint. I don't know if anything will be done about it, but I feel better for sending it.
I'm in a funky mood today. It's one of those days where I'm wondering what the heck I'm doing. I don't feel like I'm a very good teacher sometimes. Although students generally like me and they do well enough in my classes, I still feel as though I'm just not doing whatever it is I'm called to do. Problem is that I have no idea what that is.
I'm supposed to be part of a presentation at my upcoming convention. I'm getting a little disconcerted about it, however. I'm not worried about what I'm presenting. I'm fine with that. The problem is that there's supposed to be three other presenters and only one of them has responded back regarding the presentation. I have a feeling that I'm going to have to put together most of the presentation myself.
And now to top it all off, I have to defrost my refrigerator again. I seem to have to do it about once a week now. It's never ending it seems. At least I didn't bring homework home tonight. Last night I took a benadryl and I zoned out in the middle of correcting their letters. I was in bed by 9:00. I was still tired this morning.
I don't know how Saturday is going to go. I have to leave here by 5:00 a.m. It will be a very long day. I just hope to get through tomorrow.
Well, that's all that's going on in my world. Hopefully I'll be out of my funky mood by this weekend.
I'm in a funky mood today. It's one of those days where I'm wondering what the heck I'm doing. I don't feel like I'm a very good teacher sometimes. Although students generally like me and they do well enough in my classes, I still feel as though I'm just not doing whatever it is I'm called to do. Problem is that I have no idea what that is.
I'm supposed to be part of a presentation at my upcoming convention. I'm getting a little disconcerted about it, however. I'm not worried about what I'm presenting. I'm fine with that. The problem is that there's supposed to be three other presenters and only one of them has responded back regarding the presentation. I have a feeling that I'm going to have to put together most of the presentation myself.
And now to top it all off, I have to defrost my refrigerator again. I seem to have to do it about once a week now. It's never ending it seems. At least I didn't bring homework home tonight. Last night I took a benadryl and I zoned out in the middle of correcting their letters. I was in bed by 9:00. I was still tired this morning.
I don't know how Saturday is going to go. I have to leave here by 5:00 a.m. It will be a very long day. I just hope to get through tomorrow.
Well, that's all that's going on in my world. Hopefully I'll be out of my funky mood by this weekend.
Wednesday, September 19, 2007
Catching Up
I stayed after school until 5:45 today. I headed home and drove through a torrential rain storm. Since it was payday, I decided to pick up supper. I picked up some Wendy's, came home and plopped myself in my chair. After I ate, I updated the band website. Now I'm watching some t.v. and trying to talk myself into grading papers.
I cleaned my office after school and I hope to get caught up on lessons and paperwork by the end of the week. I want to get my coaching speech website up and going before I go to convention in October. I'll be heading to San Antonio for four days on October 3.
Our first speech tournament is coming up quickly. I don't think any of my students will get qualifications points, however. It's just too early for them to be ready.
I'm still tired. I could go to bed now if I'd let myself. I'm going to try to get to bed before 10:00 tonight so that maybe I can get up a little early tomorrow.
I cleaned my office after school and I hope to get caught up on lessons and paperwork by the end of the week. I want to get my coaching speech website up and going before I go to convention in October. I'll be heading to San Antonio for four days on October 3.
Our first speech tournament is coming up quickly. I don't think any of my students will get qualifications points, however. It's just too early for them to be ready.
I'm still tired. I could go to bed now if I'd let myself. I'm going to try to get to bed before 10:00 tonight so that maybe I can get up a little early tomorrow.
Tuesday, September 18, 2007
I'm tired of thinking of blog titles
How do you create a unique title every day when you blog every day and it's mostly the same old thing?
I left home at 7:10 this morning and didn't get home until almost 7:00 p.m. tonight. I made some dinner for myself since Josh had already left for musical rehearsal. I updated the band website. I completed some Harris Poll surveys. I needed to grade some papers, but I'm tired. I don't have that many to grade since I was able to get a lot done after school while students were prepping for speeches.
I don't have anything else to report. It's another night of not cleaning house. I have yet to really get ahead at school. Right now I'm trying to stay slightly ahead. I forgot to turn in my lesson plans today, but that's nothing new.
Well, I wish I had more to share. It's just another night of waiting until bed time.
I left home at 7:10 this morning and didn't get home until almost 7:00 p.m. tonight. I made some dinner for myself since Josh had already left for musical rehearsal. I updated the band website. I completed some Harris Poll surveys. I needed to grade some papers, but I'm tired. I don't have that many to grade since I was able to get a lot done after school while students were prepping for speeches.
I don't have anything else to report. It's another night of not cleaning house. I have yet to really get ahead at school. Right now I'm trying to stay slightly ahead. I forgot to turn in my lesson plans today, but that's nothing new.
Well, I wish I had more to share. It's just another night of waiting until bed time.
Monday, September 17, 2007
Satiated and not
Dinner was good. I had the petite sirloin (6 oz.) with corn and a loaded baked potato. I also had a salad. I was glad I didn't have to cook. I remembered just before going to dinner that tonight was open house at Josh's school. I went there after dinner and met all but one of his teachers. They all said that Josh was doing well in their classes. Now I'm full and I don't have any homework to do. I'm relaxing in my easy chair and watching t.v. Sure, I should be cleaning my house, but if you've read my blog for any length of time, you know that I'm not going to. I really hate cleaning. I don't mind deep cleaning, but I just don't have time to go there. I don't see the point in trying to tidy up when it's not going to last. I think I'll make a small compromise and at least start the dishwasher tonight.
I love it when my friend Andrew comments. O.k. I like it when anyone comments, but Andrew always seems to make my day. I'm glad that he is such a faithful reader and enjoys this boring blog of mine. He likes my "normal" life. It's funny because I don't often think I have a "normal" life. My version of that would have me married with a husband around to help with all those annoying things that I hate dealing with... like inspections stickers, the yard, and fixing things. Yeah - I work, I come home, rest, etc... but often it's just routine. I guess we're never satisfied with the lives we have, huh? We always seem to want something more or different.
I like my job, but I don't love it. I try to do a good job as a teacher, but I don't always put absolutely everything into it. I try to stay ahead of the game and be prepared, but I can't say it's my passion. I got into it because I honestly didn't know what else I could do. I started out as a music business major. I couldn't handle the business classes and I didn't want to be a band director. I wasn't really talented enough to make it as a professional musician so I decided to change majors. I got my degree in teaching and managed teaching junior high for five years before I'd had enough. I liked my job as a yearbook associate for the most part except for the sales part and the salary. I liked being creative. I went back to teaching out of necessity and so far it's been good. Overall I like the school that I'm at. The kids are good and for the most part they're appreciative which is nice.
I still am not sure that this is what I want to do for the rest of my life. Maybe I'm just restless. I still think about getting my master's degree in library science, but I haven't gone beyond thinking about it. I don't know if I'm putting up my own road blocks or not. The thing is that our current librarian at the school is going to retire in another two years or so. If I went ahead and started my degree I would almost be guaranteed a job. She seems to like me and I could somewhat "intern" there as I work on my degree. My problem is the time and money right now. Do I really want to add more on my plate?
I don't know. I guess I'll just keep thinking about it for now. I do a lot of that. Lots of thinking. I guess I should start more doing.
I love it when my friend Andrew comments. O.k. I like it when anyone comments, but Andrew always seems to make my day. I'm glad that he is such a faithful reader and enjoys this boring blog of mine. He likes my "normal" life. It's funny because I don't often think I have a "normal" life. My version of that would have me married with a husband around to help with all those annoying things that I hate dealing with... like inspections stickers, the yard, and fixing things. Yeah - I work, I come home, rest, etc... but often it's just routine. I guess we're never satisfied with the lives we have, huh? We always seem to want something more or different.
I like my job, but I don't love it. I try to do a good job as a teacher, but I don't always put absolutely everything into it. I try to stay ahead of the game and be prepared, but I can't say it's my passion. I got into it because I honestly didn't know what else I could do. I started out as a music business major. I couldn't handle the business classes and I didn't want to be a band director. I wasn't really talented enough to make it as a professional musician so I decided to change majors. I got my degree in teaching and managed teaching junior high for five years before I'd had enough. I liked my job as a yearbook associate for the most part except for the sales part and the salary. I liked being creative. I went back to teaching out of necessity and so far it's been good. Overall I like the school that I'm at. The kids are good and for the most part they're appreciative which is nice.
I still am not sure that this is what I want to do for the rest of my life. Maybe I'm just restless. I still think about getting my master's degree in library science, but I haven't gone beyond thinking about it. I don't know if I'm putting up my own road blocks or not. The thing is that our current librarian at the school is going to retire in another two years or so. If I went ahead and started my degree I would almost be guaranteed a job. She seems to like me and I could somewhat "intern" there as I work on my degree. My problem is the time and money right now. Do I really want to add more on my plate?
I don't know. I guess I'll just keep thinking about it for now. I do a lot of that. Lots of thinking. I guess I should start more doing.
Another long day
Mondays hit pretty hard. I guess it is having to get up early again and working a long day when you've been a bum most of Sunday. I still feel perpetually behind at school. I FINALLY got my printer hooked up so I can print to it and wouldn't you know... my toner starts to run out. I decide that I need to put in an order for toner cartridges and it seems to be a big deal about me wanting to save some money and order through Amazon. I can get the cartridges for around $60 through amazon when they cost $83 if I let the secretary order it for me. I think that if it comes out of my budget, I should be allowed to order from wherever I want. I finally got the o.k. on it because they don't keep my particular cartridge in stock in their warehouse.
I got a lot of compliments from my students regarding my hair cut today. They seemed to like it. I'll try to post a picture of it soon. My camera is at school and I keep forgetting to bring it home.
I left immediately after school to go to Amarillo to get the tags renewed on my car. It was a pain due to some construction going on and for about 3 or 4 miles we crawled along at 5 mph. I finally got there and got the tags taken care of. I headed back home and now I'm waiting to go to the restaurant for dinner. We're meeting my dad at 6:00. I'm glad that I don't have to cook tonight. I'd love to take a nap right now, but that would be a bad idea as I'd never get to sleep tonight. Luckily I don't have homework to do tonight. I figured since I had to go to Amarillo and then go to dinner that I wouldn't have time to mess with it. I'll just play catch up tomorrow. (as always)
We have our first speech tournament coming up this weekend. I don't know if my kids are even close to being ready, but at least it's good practice for them. Well, I'm going to get ready to go out. Hope you are having a good night.
I got a lot of compliments from my students regarding my hair cut today. They seemed to like it. I'll try to post a picture of it soon. My camera is at school and I keep forgetting to bring it home.
I left immediately after school to go to Amarillo to get the tags renewed on my car. It was a pain due to some construction going on and for about 3 or 4 miles we crawled along at 5 mph. I finally got there and got the tags taken care of. I headed back home and now I'm waiting to go to the restaurant for dinner. We're meeting my dad at 6:00. I'm glad that I don't have to cook tonight. I'd love to take a nap right now, but that would be a bad idea as I'd never get to sleep tonight. Luckily I don't have homework to do tonight. I figured since I had to go to Amarillo and then go to dinner that I wouldn't have time to mess with it. I'll just play catch up tomorrow. (as always)
We have our first speech tournament coming up this weekend. I don't know if my kids are even close to being ready, but at least it's good practice for them. Well, I'm going to get ready to go out. Hope you are having a good night.
Sunday, September 16, 2007
Taking it easy
I should be getting work done right now, but I'm not. Last night we didn't get home until around 1:30 a.m. I went to bed and slept until my cat started whining around 6:30 a.m. At some point I got up to feed the screaming animal and tried to go back to bed. I had to be up at 9:00 to get ready for church. I took a shower and washed all the gunk out of my hair. I got to church by 10:00 and went to adult faith formation class. I had to leave early to practice singing. I went to Mass and did the singing and then came home. I drew a map for Josh to be able to get to the school where his symphony practice is today. By then I was both hungry and tired, but tired won out so I took a nap. I got up a couple of hours later as the phone was ringing. My dad called and wanted to know how Josh's car was doing. I told him it was fine as it seems to be running o.k. He's going to take us out to dinner tomorrow.
I still haven't eaten except for a small bag of chips. Josh will be home soon so I might as well wait for dinner. I need to get some lesson plans ready for tomorrow. I'm going to try to start LD debate in my debate classes tomorrow. I need to get some laundry done and go to the store since we're out of milk. I guess that means I need to get dressed. Well, I better get out before it gets too late.
I still haven't eaten except for a small bag of chips. Josh will be home soon so I might as well wait for dinner. I need to get some lesson plans ready for tomorrow. I'm going to try to start LD debate in my debate classes tomorrow. I need to get some laundry done and go to the store since we're out of milk. I guess that means I need to get dressed. Well, I better get out before it gets too late.
Saturday, September 15, 2007
When you least expect it...
...a blessing just comes out of the blue. Josh called me today as I was at Sonic picking up lunch. He said that his clarinet teacher called and told him that they have an anonymous donor that is willing to pay for my clarinet to be overhauled. That is something that would cost 300+ dollars.
I have a Buffet R13 clarinet which is top of the line. My parents got it for me when I was in the 8th grade and got a special deal on it because I had an uncle that worked at the college music department. They paid around $800 for it back then when it normally would have cost around $1200-$1500. Today, a new R13 would be around $2700. I've wanted to get Josh one for a long time but it's just too much money right now as I'm trying to get out of debt. He hasn't liked playing my clarinet much as he's used to his. His horn, however, is a basic student model and isn't a Buffet. Mine still plays, but has never been worked on (other than fixing a crack in it at one point) in the past 24 years. I have a side key that gets stuck, cork and pads that need to be replace and loose joints that should be tightened. By getting it overhauled, Josh can play it which would improve his tone quality immensely. I will still use it when I play in church, but this way Josh can have a really good instrument. Hopefully some day I can buy him his own clarinet, but for now, this is a great blessing.
In other news today.... I got my hair cut! Woo hoo! It feels so much better. It is quite a bit shorter, but I like it. She thinned it and layered it and I think it's going to be great. Now I need to get ready for the band trip. I'll take some of my school work to do and maybe I can find one of my unread books around here that perhaps I can get "into" again.
As promised, I wanted to give you the link to the audio files of the "This I Believe" essays. Here's your chance to hear my voice, if you've never heard it before. (I did an audio blog once upon a time so a few of you know what I sound like.) You can hear some of my students as well. Some did a really good job... others... well, at least they tried. I hope you enjoy them.
This is the last post for today since I'm going to the game and won't be back until late tonight.
I have a Buffet R13 clarinet which is top of the line. My parents got it for me when I was in the 8th grade and got a special deal on it because I had an uncle that worked at the college music department. They paid around $800 for it back then when it normally would have cost around $1200-$1500. Today, a new R13 would be around $2700. I've wanted to get Josh one for a long time but it's just too much money right now as I'm trying to get out of debt. He hasn't liked playing my clarinet much as he's used to his. His horn, however, is a basic student model and isn't a Buffet. Mine still plays, but has never been worked on (other than fixing a crack in it at one point) in the past 24 years. I have a side key that gets stuck, cork and pads that need to be replace and loose joints that should be tightened. By getting it overhauled, Josh can play it which would improve his tone quality immensely. I will still use it when I play in church, but this way Josh can have a really good instrument. Hopefully some day I can buy him his own clarinet, but for now, this is a great blessing.
In other news today.... I got my hair cut! Woo hoo! It feels so much better. It is quite a bit shorter, but I like it. She thinned it and layered it and I think it's going to be great. Now I need to get ready for the band trip. I'll take some of my school work to do and maybe I can find one of my unread books around here that perhaps I can get "into" again.
As promised, I wanted to give you the link to the audio files of the "This I Believe" essays. Here's your chance to hear my voice, if you've never heard it before. (I did an audio blog once upon a time so a few of you know what I sound like.) You can hear some of my students as well. Some did a really good job... others... well, at least they tried. I hope you enjoy them.
This is the last post for today since I'm going to the game and won't be back until late tonight.
Friday, September 14, 2007
On My Lunch Break
Normally I work through my lunches. I actually spent the first ten minutes working on updating webpages. I finally decided I needed food especially since I didn't eat last night. I just finished a turkey club sandwich from Stouffer's. It was pretty good.
I didn't really update yesterday, so here's my full day from yesterday. I got to school on time around 7:45. I did work in my room until the bell at 8:20. I had a full day of classes. My debate students started recording their This I Believe essays. I'll post a link to them later when they're all finished. My speech students took a test and almost everyone passed which is a nice surprise. Once I hand them back, they should all pass because I let them correct them and give them half credit back. I finally made a list of all the things I needed to get done but I'm not even close. I am accomplishing things, but as I get one thing done, three more things pop up. I am trying to prioritize, but it seems that everything needs to be done first. We had a speech team meeting after school and then I stayed to work with some students and some just stayed to get some work done. I left school at 6:15 and rushed home. I changed into jeans and then immediately headed to the church for choir rehearsal.
I've missed singing with the women's ensemble. It's been a long time since I've done it since we take a break from it in the summer and the last several times, I've played my clarinet instead of sing. I enjoyed it even though I still contend that I can't really sing... I just like it. I was at rehearsal from 7:00 until 9:20. I came home and decided it was too late to fix something to eat so I just didn't eat. I went to bed shortly after 10:00 and I was awake by 5:00 for whatever reason. I tried to go back to sleep, but I gave up at 5:45. It was a good thing because I needed to copy a bunch of poems for my interp class and I remembered that I have to do morning duty on Fridays. I left home around 6:45 this morning and got to school by 7:20. I got the poems copied and then did my duty in the cafeteria.
Now I'm feeling a little guilty that I've spent this time blogging instead of working. But not too guilty. Tonight I'll take it easy (hopefully) and then tomorrow I hope I can get a hair cut. I'm going with the band to the football game in Lubbock tomorrow starting around 3:00. I need to find some books or something to read on the bus. Well, I better get back to work.
I didn't really update yesterday, so here's my full day from yesterday. I got to school on time around 7:45. I did work in my room until the bell at 8:20. I had a full day of classes. My debate students started recording their This I Believe essays. I'll post a link to them later when they're all finished. My speech students took a test and almost everyone passed which is a nice surprise. Once I hand them back, they should all pass because I let them correct them and give them half credit back. I finally made a list of all the things I needed to get done but I'm not even close. I am accomplishing things, but as I get one thing done, three more things pop up. I am trying to prioritize, but it seems that everything needs to be done first. We had a speech team meeting after school and then I stayed to work with some students and some just stayed to get some work done. I left school at 6:15 and rushed home. I changed into jeans and then immediately headed to the church for choir rehearsal.
I've missed singing with the women's ensemble. It's been a long time since I've done it since we take a break from it in the summer and the last several times, I've played my clarinet instead of sing. I enjoyed it even though I still contend that I can't really sing... I just like it. I was at rehearsal from 7:00 until 9:20. I came home and decided it was too late to fix something to eat so I just didn't eat. I went to bed shortly after 10:00 and I was awake by 5:00 for whatever reason. I tried to go back to sleep, but I gave up at 5:45. It was a good thing because I needed to copy a bunch of poems for my interp class and I remembered that I have to do morning duty on Fridays. I left home around 6:45 this morning and got to school by 7:20. I got the poems copied and then did my duty in the cafeteria.
Now I'm feeling a little guilty that I've spent this time blogging instead of working. But not too guilty. Tonight I'll take it easy (hopefully) and then tomorrow I hope I can get a hair cut. I'm going with the band to the football game in Lubbock tomorrow starting around 3:00. I need to find some books or something to read on the bus. Well, I better get back to work.
Thursday, September 13, 2007
This I Believe
This is my essay that I did along with my students. In a few days (hopefully) I will have them on a website as audio files and you can listen to them.
We make choices every day. Sometimes they are the mundane things like deciding what to eat for lunch. Sometimes we have more important ones that can affect our future. Sometimes they are life changing. I believe in the power of choice because it is an essential part of who we become. The choices we make often define who we are. Most people have a basic understanding of right and wrong, good or bad, moral or immoral. Lines often blur in some areas but generally we have basics down like murder is wrong or stealing is bad. I know it doesn’t mean that people always abide by the things they know to be right and wrong. Murders happen and people steal. But it comes down to a choice one makes. Some choices aren’t a clear cut good or bad, right or wrong, but the choice we make can have a huge impact in our lives.
In the spring of 1990 I was a sophomore in college and I found out that I was pregnant. I was unmarried with no plans to marry the father of my child. I had to make a choice about the future. I figured that I had three options. An abortion – which could be a quick, but maybe not an easy fix. Adoption was another choice. I could have the child and give it do a deserving couple that might be able to raise it better than I could as a single parent. The third option was to have the baby and struggle with raising it on my own.
After considering the options, I decided that I needed to take on the responsibility of raising my child. I didn’t know how I would do it, but I knew that I couldn’t give the baby up. That choice changed the course of my life. I knew that I had to make something of myself in order to survive. I had to make other choices along the way like getting on welfare. But in making that choice, I also decided that I would not become a statistic of someone who lives off the system. I decided it was temporary until I could graduate.
Raising a child on your own while being a full time college student isn’t easy. For me it was a matter of simply survival most days. I realize now, that it was an essential part of my character development. I wanted to be able to prove to others that I could be a success despite the hardships I faced. I had to focus and choose my career. I made more effort in my classes because I knew my grades could show a potential employer that I was worth hiring. I did everything I could to move out of the system of welfare and into mainstream society. I thought that once I achieved that, I could consider myself a success. But what I’ve learned since then is that success isn’t defined by how much you accomplish, it is often how you respond to the choices with which you are presented.
The choice between giving my child up for adoption was not a clear cut choice regarding one being right and the other wrong, but because I made the choice to take responsibility, it made me a more responsible person. It made me face some of my fears. It made me grow up. It made me the person that I am. Sometimes I think that if I had made another choice, I might be in a very different place. I might not have finished my education because being a single parent afforded me the opportunity to receive grants and finish my education. But regardless, I know it was the right choice because I can’t imagine life without my son in it.
We are faced with choices every day. It’s difficult to know in a single moment if a choice we make can change our lives. But there will be a time when you have no doubt about it… although we usually see it in hindsight. My decision to be a single parent wasn’t easy, but it strengthened my character and that is why I believe in the power of choice.
We make choices every day. Sometimes they are the mundane things like deciding what to eat for lunch. Sometimes we have more important ones that can affect our future. Sometimes they are life changing. I believe in the power of choice because it is an essential part of who we become. The choices we make often define who we are. Most people have a basic understanding of right and wrong, good or bad, moral or immoral. Lines often blur in some areas but generally we have basics down like murder is wrong or stealing is bad. I know it doesn’t mean that people always abide by the things they know to be right and wrong. Murders happen and people steal. But it comes down to a choice one makes. Some choices aren’t a clear cut good or bad, right or wrong, but the choice we make can have a huge impact in our lives.
In the spring of 1990 I was a sophomore in college and I found out that I was pregnant. I was unmarried with no plans to marry the father of my child. I had to make a choice about the future. I figured that I had three options. An abortion – which could be a quick, but maybe not an easy fix. Adoption was another choice. I could have the child and give it do a deserving couple that might be able to raise it better than I could as a single parent. The third option was to have the baby and struggle with raising it on my own.
After considering the options, I decided that I needed to take on the responsibility of raising my child. I didn’t know how I would do it, but I knew that I couldn’t give the baby up. That choice changed the course of my life. I knew that I had to make something of myself in order to survive. I had to make other choices along the way like getting on welfare. But in making that choice, I also decided that I would not become a statistic of someone who lives off the system. I decided it was temporary until I could graduate.
Raising a child on your own while being a full time college student isn’t easy. For me it was a matter of simply survival most days. I realize now, that it was an essential part of my character development. I wanted to be able to prove to others that I could be a success despite the hardships I faced. I had to focus and choose my career. I made more effort in my classes because I knew my grades could show a potential employer that I was worth hiring. I did everything I could to move out of the system of welfare and into mainstream society. I thought that once I achieved that, I could consider myself a success. But what I’ve learned since then is that success isn’t defined by how much you accomplish, it is often how you respond to the choices with which you are presented.
The choice between giving my child up for adoption was not a clear cut choice regarding one being right and the other wrong, but because I made the choice to take responsibility, it made me a more responsible person. It made me face some of my fears. It made me grow up. It made me the person that I am. Sometimes I think that if I had made another choice, I might be in a very different place. I might not have finished my education because being a single parent afforded me the opportunity to receive grants and finish my education. But regardless, I know it was the right choice because I can’t imagine life without my son in it.
We are faced with choices every day. It’s difficult to know in a single moment if a choice we make can change our lives. But there will be a time when you have no doubt about it… although we usually see it in hindsight. My decision to be a single parent wasn’t easy, but it strengthened my character and that is why I believe in the power of choice.
Wednesday, September 12, 2007
At last we're halfway there
There's still not enough hours in the day. It was a pretty good day, however. I had lunch with my speech team officers today. Although they were rushed a bit since our order was taken last, it was nice to have that time with them. We made some decisions for the year. I didn't rush my lunch since I have the period after lunch off as well. Today my students presented essays they wrote based on a lesson plan from the "This I Believe" site. I was really impressed by them. I hope to get them recorded and put on the web as podcasts. I wrote my own essay as well and I will post it tomorrow. It is on my computer at school so I'll have to wait until then to post it. Ahh... something to look forward to!
We didn't get Josh's car last night as it was too late by the time he got home. We went as soon as I got home today and then got the inspection sticker for it so he is good to go. I'm sure he's excited to have it back. I picked up Thai Kitchen for dinner since I didn't have time to cook.
I thought about going to the first RCIA class tonight, but I didn't get home until 15 minutes before it started. I didn't even finish my dinner by then. I still have homework to do. I decided to not start debate until next week so that gives me some more time. I'm going to have the students work on the extemp files instead this week. Hopefully, they will also record their essays. I have to figure out the rest of my lessons in interp class and get their project printed. Comm. App. class has a test tomorrow and then they have to start thinking about someone they will write their request letters to. This is a project I do every year that can yield some good results. Sometimes they write to celebrities or other famous people and sometimes they get cool stuff back. They've gotten autographed pictures from people like Tiger Woods, Jerry Springer, and George Lopez. Authors have written back and one Reggaeton artist sent a collection of CD's and a DVD to a student.
I finally caught up on my blog reading for today. When I got home I had 18 updates to read. I usually try to read at lunch, but I was gone today. Well, I'm going to try to get some work done and call it an early night.
We didn't get Josh's car last night as it was too late by the time he got home. We went as soon as I got home today and then got the inspection sticker for it so he is good to go. I'm sure he's excited to have it back. I picked up Thai Kitchen for dinner since I didn't have time to cook.
I thought about going to the first RCIA class tonight, but I didn't get home until 15 minutes before it started. I didn't even finish my dinner by then. I still have homework to do. I decided to not start debate until next week so that gives me some more time. I'm going to have the students work on the extemp files instead this week. Hopefully, they will also record their essays. I have to figure out the rest of my lessons in interp class and get their project printed. Comm. App. class has a test tomorrow and then they have to start thinking about someone they will write their request letters to. This is a project I do every year that can yield some good results. Sometimes they write to celebrities or other famous people and sometimes they get cool stuff back. They've gotten autographed pictures from people like Tiger Woods, Jerry Springer, and George Lopez. Authors have written back and one Reggaeton artist sent a collection of CD's and a DVD to a student.
I finally caught up on my blog reading for today. When I got home I had 18 updates to read. I usually try to read at lunch, but I was gone today. Well, I'm going to try to get some work done and call it an early night.
Tuesday, September 11, 2007
The neverending week
I felt like I never left school really. I got home last night and went to bed about an hour and fifteen minutes later. I slept well - good enough that I didn't even hear Josh when he came in which I usually do - or I stay awake until he gets home. We had our first chill in the air last night. Yesterday a rainstorm came through late in the afternoon and it cooled things down. This morning was fairly chilly. It warmed up nicely by this afternoon, however. I'm frustrated with my room situation at school. I feel like I can't get anything done. I have a hard time really focusing during my conference period because of the class going on in my room. Since my desk is in my office area, I can't work in there during my own classes. I have a million things that need to be done, and I can't seem to get any one of them finished. This is my second year teaching interp and debate so I'm constantly tweaking lesson plans because I never got them the way I wanted them last year. I couldn't stay too late after school today because I needed to be home to make supper before Josh had to go to rehearsal.
I made a quick supper (but not quick enough for Josh) although he was able to scarf it down. Since then, I've been sitting in my recliner and working on my lesson plans for tomorrow. It's a never ending process. Maybe it's because I'm never satisfied with anything. I have stuff, but I don't feel it's complete and I would like it to be better organized. Maybe some day... like the day before I retire.
After Josh gets home from rehearsal we have to go out to the shop and get his car. It's finally ready. That will be a relief, but yet another long night. I may have to get to school early to finish my lesson plans.
I should learn to say no. Now I've committed myself to be a sponsor on the band trip to the game this weekend. There goes my Saturday. But at least I might be able to get some pictures and the information I need for the website.
Well, I think Josh will be back soon, so I better get off here and try to get more stuff done on my lessons. Andrew-thanks for the comment today. I appreciated it.
I made a quick supper (but not quick enough for Josh) although he was able to scarf it down. Since then, I've been sitting in my recliner and working on my lesson plans for tomorrow. It's a never ending process. Maybe it's because I'm never satisfied with anything. I have stuff, but I don't feel it's complete and I would like it to be better organized. Maybe some day... like the day before I retire.
After Josh gets home from rehearsal we have to go out to the shop and get his car. It's finally ready. That will be a relief, but yet another long night. I may have to get to school early to finish my lesson plans.
I should learn to say no. Now I've committed myself to be a sponsor on the band trip to the game this weekend. There goes my Saturday. But at least I might be able to get some pictures and the information I need for the website.
Well, I think Josh will be back soon, so I better get off here and try to get more stuff done on my lessons. Andrew-thanks for the comment today. I appreciated it.
Monday, September 10, 2007
The end of a very long day
I put in 12+ hours today and I'm tired. I got to school at 7:35 and stayed until 8:00 p.m. It was open house night from 6-8 where parents come by and sign in and leave. I shook a few hands, introduced myself to some parents, but for the most part the kids brought their parents in order to earn an hour lunch. It's too early in the year to have gotten to know the kids so when they ask how things are going, I respond with "It's early and there's not much to tell."
I didn't get a chance to eat dinner before open house. I spent time working in my room. By the time I got back home, I was starving. I ran by McDonald's and picked up supper since I didn't want to cook. I came home and scarfed the food down. (I chewed a little.) I did about 15 minutes of work on an essay I'm writing for school but now I'm really tired and I'm going to bed. Thanks Andrew and Abbagirl for posting your interview answers. I enjoyed reading them. I'm sure Terri is busy right now and she'll get to them when she can. Well, I'm off to bed.
I didn't get a chance to eat dinner before open house. I spent time working in my room. By the time I got back home, I was starving. I ran by McDonald's and picked up supper since I didn't want to cook. I came home and scarfed the food down. (I chewed a little.) I did about 15 minutes of work on an essay I'm writing for school but now I'm really tired and I'm going to bed. Thanks Andrew and Abbagirl for posting your interview answers. I enjoyed reading them. I'm sure Terri is busy right now and she'll get to them when she can. Well, I'm off to bed.
Sunday, September 09, 2007
Interviews are Ready
Andrew, Terri, and Abbagirl - I've posted your interview questions in a comment on your blog.
Today has been uneventful. I got up to go to Church. We didn't have class, but instead prayed the rosary and did a blessing for all the teachers. Then I stayed for Mass. I came home around 12:45 and Josh needed to print some of his transcribed music. Unfortunately, once again, my printer is out of ink. Luckily I was able to come to the rescue. I remembered that I had bought ink for my second printer (among about 4 that I have but actually works) because I was going to give it to Josh. I was able to get it set up, installed, and print the music in less than 15 minutes. It still needs some additional ink, but unlike my printer, it will print even though another color might be out.
Josh left for his symphony rehearsal shortly after that. I made some lunch and watched t.v. Then I took a nap. It was lovely except for a weird dream about playing my clarinet while getting sprayed with water at the same time. I got up and unloaded the dishwasher and then I got on the computer. I came up with my interview questions - obviously. Now I'm going to continue working on my new website. You can check it out if you want, but it's very blank right now. I'm trying to figure out how to put drop down menus on the pages where I'll have activities and such for the teachers.
I've got to go to the store (again) as we're out of milk and getting low on cat food. (Story of my life) I have no idea what I am going to make for dinner. I also need to do some laundry. Tomorrow is back to school night so I'll have to stay for that and look nice. Well, I better get busy.
Today has been uneventful. I got up to go to Church. We didn't have class, but instead prayed the rosary and did a blessing for all the teachers. Then I stayed for Mass. I came home around 12:45 and Josh needed to print some of his transcribed music. Unfortunately, once again, my printer is out of ink. Luckily I was able to come to the rescue. I remembered that I had bought ink for my second printer (among about 4 that I have but actually works) because I was going to give it to Josh. I was able to get it set up, installed, and print the music in less than 15 minutes. It still needs some additional ink, but unlike my printer, it will print even though another color might be out.
Josh left for his symphony rehearsal shortly after that. I made some lunch and watched t.v. Then I took a nap. It was lovely except for a weird dream about playing my clarinet while getting sprayed with water at the same time. I got up and unloaded the dishwasher and then I got on the computer. I came up with my interview questions - obviously. Now I'm going to continue working on my new website. You can check it out if you want, but it's very blank right now. I'm trying to figure out how to put drop down menus on the pages where I'll have activities and such for the teachers.
I've got to go to the store (again) as we're out of milk and getting low on cat food. (Story of my life) I have no idea what I am going to make for dinner. I also need to do some laundry. Tomorrow is back to school night so I'll have to stay for that and look nice. Well, I better get busy.
Saturday, September 08, 2007
working from the easy chair
I have barely moved from my recliner all day. I've actually been working though. I'm creating a new website. I can only get so much done because I'm waiting for my hosting serving to install the front page extensions. Oooo... don't I sound so smart? I'm slowly figuring this stuff out. Of course I'm probably taking on more than I need to, but I'm still an overachiever. I'm thinking of questions for Andrew & Terri's interview. I'll try to post those by tomorrow.
Josh got me up this morning earlier than I wanted. I had to sign his form for the youth symphony. After that, I couldn't go back to sleep. I've been working on web stuff most of the day. I created my own button links in photoshop. I got basic pages set up, but I can't upload anything yet. Josh didn't make it back in time to go to the game. I made dinner around 5:30 and now I'm just taking it easy.
Josh got me up this morning earlier than I wanted. I had to sign his form for the youth symphony. After that, I couldn't go back to sleep. I've been working on web stuff most of the day. I created my own button links in photoshop. I got basic pages set up, but I can't upload anything yet. Josh didn't make it back in time to go to the game. I made dinner around 5:30 and now I'm just taking it easy.
Friday, September 07, 2007
Summer's Interview
These are the questions that Summer asked of me. If you want to be interviewed, let me know.
- Do you like your name, your first and middle? If you changed it, what would it be? Would you be worried that it would upset your dad?
Yes, I like my name even though it was the most popular girl name the year I was born. I was almost going to be a “Michelle” but my mom changed her mind and I became Jennifer. I don’t think I am a “Michelle.” My middle name is the same as my mother’s middle name. It is a simple name but it is also the patron saint of my church so I thought that was interesting.
I have no idea what I’d change my name to. I have a hard time imagining myself as anything else. I did choose the online persona of Annabel Lee. I’m impressed by people that know the origin of that.
I don’t think my dad would be upset if I changed my name. I think I’m more worried about marrying somebody with a really weird last name. But then again that would mean I actually went out on a date or something.
- Considering the phrase, "If you build it, they will come." What would you build?
- In your perfect world, what flower would you want blooming around your house all the time?
- If you found a magic lamp sitting on your doorstep one morning on the way to work, would you rub it right away or contemplate what to ask the genie before rubbing it?
- If you could have a celebrity date, who would you pick?
Here's the rules.............
Interview Rules:1) Leave me a comment saying "interview me" along with your email address.2) I will respond by emailing you five questions. I get to pick the questions.
3) You will update your blog with a post containing your answers to the questions.4) You will include this explanation and an offer to interview someone else in the same post. 5) When others comment asking to be interviewed you will ask them five questions.
Safe at Home
I guess we made the big time being on the weather channel and all. I stayed at school until around 5:30 and decided to head home. There was still water in some places, but for the most part it receded. I think on my street it got above the curb, but it didn't make it up my driveway and into my garage. It was dry. My backyard however does still have some standing water in it as it slopes down to the ally.
In the county south of us there was a tornado warning but I don't think an actual tornado touched down. The football game was canceled tonight and rescheduled for tomorrow.
Regardless, Josh and I are fine. He was able to get a ride home. I made supper and now I'm having one of those wonderful IM conversations with someone that thinks they can enrich my life by getting to know them. Monk is on and will be followed by Psych. I think it might have been a good thing to have the game canceled - at least I can watch my favorite shows.
In the county south of us there was a tornado warning but I don't think an actual tornado touched down. The football game was canceled tonight and rescheduled for tomorrow.
Regardless, Josh and I are fine. He was able to get a ride home. I made supper and now I'm having one of those wonderful IM conversations with someone that thinks they can enrich my life by getting to know them. Monk is on and will be followed by Psych. I think it might have been a good thing to have the game canceled - at least I can watch my favorite shows.
Stranded
My phone rang in the middle of class which is unusual. Most people that have my number would know that I would be in class. I didn't answer it figuring it couldn't be that important. I then went to the pep rally and when I came back it was ringing again. I didn't get to it in time but saw that it was Josh calling. I called him back and he told me that Canyon was flooding. He said that the kids at school could not be released because some areas could not be safely passed. I called a neighbor in town and she said the same thing and that Canyon had gotten 5 inches in less than two hours. So now I'm stuck here at school for the time being. I don't know when and if I can get home. Part of the highway that takes me home is supposedly shut down as well. What concerns me is the fact that the street that is a block away from my house is one of the major streets that can flood. It turns into a river because that is where most of the water in Canyon flows down to a river bed on the south side of town. I hope that my house is o.k.
Josh just called me back and students have been released to go home. I-27 is closed and the football game has been moved to tomorrow. I think I'll stick it out here for a little while. If Josh gets home, he'll call me and let me know what the situation is and if I can make it to the house. So that is the exciting update for today.
Josh just called me back and students have been released to go home. I-27 is closed and the football game has been moved to tomorrow. I think I'll stick it out here for a little while. If Josh gets home, he'll call me and let me know what the situation is and if I can make it to the house. So that is the exciting update for today.
Thursday, September 06, 2007
Only time for a brief update
A full day of work. I did get my desk cleaned so that was progress. Most of my students in debate failed their first test. I'm disappointed in that... especially with so many of them returning. I stayed after school for 2 hours doing more work. I still feel as though I'm constantly behind. Monday I will have to stay up there for open house.
I got a nice surprise in the mail today. My aunt sent Josh and I some money. Now I can pay for my car tags. Nothing else is going on today. I'm heading to bed now.
I got a nice surprise in the mail today. My aunt sent Josh and I some money. Now I can pay for my car tags. Nothing else is going on today. I'm heading to bed now.
Wednesday, September 05, 2007
I guess I'm a little bit Nerdy
Maybe that's why I'm attracted to Nerds. I'm disappointed by the dumb/dork/awkward score, however. I'd like to think I'm not that bad off. Maybe I'm fooling myself.
**Update** If you dream about html codes, doesn't that make you a little more of a heavy-weight nerd?
**Update** If you dream about html codes, doesn't that make you a little more of a heavy-weight nerd?
Playing Hooky
Not exactly, but it was a nice day today. My meeting started at 10:00. I couldn't find decent parking so I had to walk a bit. We met in regards to our UIL district tournament this year. Then we visited. We complained about our schedules and class sizes. I had the nerve to complain about having 20 in one class when another teacher has 42. That's unheard of. We had lunch around 11:30. Then we visited some more. I think I left around 1:30. I came home for a bit then I headed to Amarillo in search of brown shoes. (To go with my brown pants and my khaki's) I didn't find anything at the mall. I did, however, get another cheap table cloth in order to make curtains for my office. Buying the table cloth is much cheaper than getting the material. From there I headed to Target. I finally found some shoes I could live with. It took some digging. I wasn't sure if they'd work since they were a size 8 and I usually wear a size 7 1/2. But shoes are strange and sometimes an 8 is small. They seemed to fit with thin socks which is what I'll wear with them so I got them. They are soft and comfortable which is a must.
After that, I headed back home. Josh called me to let me know that he got the part of Maurice in the school musical (Beauty & the Beast) this year. I think he's happy with it. Now I'm tired. I didn't do much today, but I feel worn out. I think it's because I haven't had my coke. I always have one coke at lunch. Today all I had was a small glass of tea. Josh is staying late at school and may have something going on this evening so I may be on my own for dinner. Well, I guess I'll see what's on t.v. since I don't have any school work.
After that, I headed back home. Josh called me to let me know that he got the part of Maurice in the school musical (Beauty & the Beast) this year. I think he's happy with it. Now I'm tired. I didn't do much today, but I feel worn out. I think it's because I haven't had my coke. I always have one coke at lunch. Today all I had was a small glass of tea. Josh is staying late at school and may have something going on this evening so I may be on my own for dinner. Well, I guess I'll see what's on t.v. since I don't have any school work.
Tuesday, September 04, 2007
A short week
Yesterday was relatively nice. I never did get around to making the test. I did finish on my conference period today, however. We played "trash can basketball" as a review game in my interp and debate classes today. In comm. app, I gave notes. It was a long day of teaching. I spent the full 2 1/2 hours of my conference & lunch working as well. I had to get ready for a sub tomorrow which is always a pain. I spent 2 1/2 hours after school doing that. Sometimes it's not worth it to have a substitute. Luckily, I get to sleep in a little bit tomorrow. I have a meeting in the morning, but it's in town and not until 10.
I got a nice surprise today. I got my rebate card in the mail. I now have $30 I didn't plan on having. I think I'll used it to buy my shoes that I've been needing. I decided I'd have to put it off until payday, but with the card, I should be able to find something I want.
I finally heard from the band director. He likes the site and sent me some files to update some of it. I spent some time working out some of it's kinks yesterday...a few cosmetic things and missing links. Now I need to get busy updating it again. Now that I have the basic site up, it shouldn't be a problem upkeeping it. Well, I'm going to work on that this evening and then call it an early night.
I got a nice surprise today. I got my rebate card in the mail. I now have $30 I didn't plan on having. I think I'll used it to buy my shoes that I've been needing. I decided I'd have to put it off until payday, but with the card, I should be able to find something I want.
I finally heard from the band director. He likes the site and sent me some files to update some of it. I spent some time working out some of it's kinks yesterday...a few cosmetic things and missing links. Now I need to get busy updating it again. Now that I have the basic site up, it shouldn't be a problem upkeeping it. Well, I'm going to work on that this evening and then call it an early night.
Monday, September 03, 2007
A boring day
I guess it was good to have the day off. I did enjoy sleeping in. But I haven't done anything much today. Josh took the car to go in to work. I sat in front of the t.v. with my computer. I'm disappointed in the lack of blog posts. I watched Design Star for several hours. I played word yahtzee. I unloaded the dishwasher. I started loading it. I made dinner. I'm going to take a shower in a bit and then head back to the store for the things I forgot yesterday. I haven't made my test yet. I'll work on that when I get back.
And that's it. Nothing much to tell you.
And that's it. Nothing much to tell you.
Sunday, September 02, 2007
Where is everyone?
Nobody is updating their blogs today. I guess I'm part of that group. I went to church at the 11:15 service. I saw my brother and his family there. We chatted for a bit after church. I came home for a bit and then I went to the store. I came home and got on the computer and around 3:00 I realized that I hadn't eaten and that I was hungry. I had a bite to eat and then I took a nap. I got up and watched some t.v. I got around to making supper around 6:30. Now I'm thoroughly bored. I wish I had some blogs to read. Andrew hasn't updated in a couple of days. I hope everything is o.k. with him. I know that he's probably upset over an anonymous comment he got the other day. I wish he could learn to take those things with a grain of salt.
I have the day off tomorrow. Woo hoo! I've got to make plans for a substitute on Wednesday. I have a meeting in Canyon. I've got to make a test for my debate students. I haven't heard from the band director. I guess he doesn't check his school email on weekends. Well, I don't have anything else to add. It's been a dull day around here.
I have the day off tomorrow. Woo hoo! I've got to make plans for a substitute on Wednesday. I have a meeting in Canyon. I've got to make a test for my debate students. I haven't heard from the band director. I guess he doesn't check his school email on weekends. Well, I don't have anything else to add. It's been a dull day around here.
Saturday, September 01, 2007
You win some and you lose some
I finally managed to get the website to work. I spent all afternoon on it. It's not anything amazing and dynamic, but I'm still a beginner of sorts. I am very proud of the slide show that I was able to put on the main page. I had to find a script and copy into the html code. Then I had to figure out how to put the pictures in it. I'm starting to figure out the tables and cells on a site. I've emailed the band director so I'm waiting for feedback from him so that I can fill in some of the missing items.
I got a call from my brother. Josh's car is running again. He still has some work to do on it before it will be ready. He said that it also will need new tires as well as new brakes. I guess Josh is going to have start trying to get some work in. He is costing me a fortune these days. Well, I'm going to call it a night. I'm going to play some word yahtzee, watch t.v. and head to bed early. I haven't decided which church service I'll be going to. It will depend on when I wake up.
I got a call from my brother. Josh's car is running again. He still has some work to do on it before it will be ready. He said that it also will need new tires as well as new brakes. I guess Josh is going to have start trying to get some work in. He is costing me a fortune these days. Well, I'm going to call it a night. I'm going to play some word yahtzee, watch t.v. and head to bed early. I haven't decided which church service I'll be going to. It will depend on when I wake up.
Do you ever want to throw your computer against the wall?
It's not the computer's fault. I'm generally happy with my laptop. Most of the time the programs and such work. Rarely does it ever randomly freak out. Right now, it's the internet and my web hosting service causing my angst, but since I can't throw the internet around, I'd rather chunk my laptop. O.k. not really. I love my laptop despite the battery being absolutely pitiful right now.
As you know, I've undertaken the task to create a website for the band. I was approached by the booster president about it and then visited the director. They are very excited about it and it was even announced last week that the band was going to have a website!! I decided I better get busy on it. (Despite the complete and total exhaustion I felt after my first week at school.) I checked around different hosting sites and decided on one because the price was reasonable and it showed all the GREAT THINGS YOU CAN DO WITH OUR PROGRAM! I recognized the name and thought I'd give it a try. I have to say that it has NOT been user friendly at all. I admit, I'm not one that truly understands everything involved in the website creation world. I do understand basics and I've been able to create some basic sites for my speech team and a personal one for myself. Nothing fancy, but it serves my purposes. I've even dabbled in editing some of the html code. I don't understand all of it, but I'm able to get the gist of it and by looking at it, I can generally find elements of my pages. I understand the concept of needing a domain name and then having a server that will host my site. What I didn't bargain for is that every time I finally figure something out on trying to get the site going, it takes about 24 hours for "something" to be processed. I started this stuff on Wednesday and I still don't have a page up. I tried the sites "easy website creation" program and honestly, it sucked. It offered no flexibility and once I put an element on my page, I couldn't resize it or delete it. I decided to try a different route. (But then it took another day before I could sign up for their other "free" hosting applications) I did that. It took another day. I tried an application. I couldn't figure out to create a web page from it. I then decided to give all that up and just use front page. I understand the basics of front page but I was hoping to have something more dynamic than what I could come up with on my own... but I decided to go with what I know. I put together a basic design with some extra pages. I follow the procedures for publishing my site using front page. It doesn't work. I then find out that I have to install the front page extensions. That is another "pending" process.
So instead I go to another site that will create buttons for me. I fill in the lengthy choices and tell it to make my button and I get the following message: "Server too busy. Try again in a few seconds." It seems I can't win today.
Luckily I was able to talk Josh into going and getting donuts this morning. I know have my maple donut and small milk and I'm going to enjoy them before I dig in again. Wish me luck.
As you know, I've undertaken the task to create a website for the band. I was approached by the booster president about it and then visited the director. They are very excited about it and it was even announced last week that the band was going to have a website!! I decided I better get busy on it. (Despite the complete and total exhaustion I felt after my first week at school.) I checked around different hosting sites and decided on one because the price was reasonable and it showed all the GREAT THINGS YOU CAN DO WITH OUR PROGRAM! I recognized the name and thought I'd give it a try. I have to say that it has NOT been user friendly at all. I admit, I'm not one that truly understands everything involved in the website creation world. I do understand basics and I've been able to create some basic sites for my speech team and a personal one for myself. Nothing fancy, but it serves my purposes. I've even dabbled in editing some of the html code. I don't understand all of it, but I'm able to get the gist of it and by looking at it, I can generally find elements of my pages. I understand the concept of needing a domain name and then having a server that will host my site. What I didn't bargain for is that every time I finally figure something out on trying to get the site going, it takes about 24 hours for "something" to be processed. I started this stuff on Wednesday and I still don't have a page up. I tried the sites "easy website creation" program and honestly, it sucked. It offered no flexibility and once I put an element on my page, I couldn't resize it or delete it. I decided to try a different route. (But then it took another day before I could sign up for their other "free" hosting applications) I did that. It took another day. I tried an application. I couldn't figure out to create a web page from it. I then decided to give all that up and just use front page. I understand the basics of front page but I was hoping to have something more dynamic than what I could come up with on my own... but I decided to go with what I know. I put together a basic design with some extra pages. I follow the procedures for publishing my site using front page. It doesn't work. I then find out that I have to install the front page extensions. That is another "pending" process.
So instead I go to another site that will create buttons for me. I fill in the lengthy choices and tell it to make my button and I get the following message: "Server too busy. Try again in a few seconds." It seems I can't win today.
Luckily I was able to talk Josh into going and getting donuts this morning. I know have my maple donut and small milk and I'm going to enjoy them before I dig in again. Wish me luck.
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