Road Blocks

I’ve been thinking about my friend and fellow blogger, Andrew’s, comments he made in a previous post.  I am humbled by the fact that I’m still his favorite blogger, but I also agree that we’ve both been through a lot in the several years that we’ve been blogging and have managed to do well in spite of everything. 

I started blogging in May of 2004 thanks to my friend Patrick who I briefly dated around that time.  I was newly divorced and playing the field a bit in terms of dating.  It seems like such a long time ago.  I have had many ups and downs in that time in addition to facing several road blocks along the way.  I think, however, that as annoying, frustrating, or hurtful road blocks may seem at the time, sometimes they help us move in a better direction. 

The many dating fiascos I encountered in the last eight years have taught me to not settle, to know what is important in a relationship, and to trust my instincts.  If I hadn’t dated Marty, I probably wouldn’t have become Catholic and therefore, may not have ever met Matt.  Having kissed the few frogs along the way, I realize what a gem I’ve found in Matt.  He is definitely a keeper. 

If hadn’t needed health insurance, I wouldn’t have gone back to teaching.  If I hadn’t gone back to teaching, I would probably have not pursued my library degree.  In spite of the frustrations I found in teaching, it ultimately lead to the career that has been my calling. 

When the going got tough from time to time, I often fantasized about starting over in a new city – running away from home so to speak.  I never found the courage to actually go through with it.  But if the state budget cuts hadn’t taken away my plan to become the librarian back in Hereford, I never would have moved to San Antonio where I finally found the right job, the right city, and the right man. 

So perhaps Andrew is right that I’ve reinvented myself.  I started as a struggling single parent trying to figure out the rules of dating again and living the small town life.  Now, I’ve moved to a big city (though with a small town “feel”), changed careers, and finally found love the way it is supposed be.  Oh, and now I’m a basketball fan, too.  While life is not completely perfect here – I still haven’t really found a “home” church and it’s kind of tough financially right now, I have to say that life is pretty good overall.

Ugh Testing

This week is more testing.  This is the official state mandated test that make or break schools depending on the scores.  It is a long, boring day because as a test monitor we can’t do anything but monitor.  No reading of any kind.  We can walk around the room.  We can sit and watch students.  That’s it. 

So I finally read The Hunger Games.  I downloaded it on my Kindle sometime last year, but never got it read.  I started it once, but didn’t get into it.  With the movie and all the hype coming out, I figured I should give it another try.  Unfortunately, both books in my library were checked out.  But since I already purchased it for my kindle, I was able to read it on my iPhone.  Not ideal reading but it worked.  I enjoyed the story overall.  I still think Harry Potter is much better, but it was a good read. 

I have band rehearsal tonight, but I’m really tired.  I picked up fast food for dinner because I didn’t even want to cook.  I guess I’ll take a bit of a nap if I can before I have to head out.  I intended to write a longer post, but it will have to wait for another time.

Procrastination Reigns

I really need to be cleaning my house right now.  But I’m not.  I’m on the computer and watching t.v. and avoiding responsibility.  I suppose I’ll get to a little cleaning at some point, but I’m not in a rush.  My week at school continued to be full of dealing with misbehaving kids.  I wrote another referral on Thursday and kept a log for another student that was constantly out of class all day.  On Friday, I literally chased down another student that refused to go to class.  I finally got her to a principal that said she would deal with her.  Instead of processing books on Friday, I had to go all over the school and do a count of computers for a report that the principal has to submit. 

On Thursday at Scrabble practice I had a really good game against Matt.  I beat him with a score of 484 points.  I also had the high turn of the night with a 112 point play with a double-double bingo.  (I used all 7 tiles and built a word that covered two double word spots.)  Matt was a little discouraged, but I didn’t rub it in.  I think deep down he was impressed with how I played.  Of course I still lost three other games that night, but sometimes I do draw and play well. 

Last night Matt and I went to Red Lobster for dinner.  He has been wanting some lobster and I enjoyed the seaside shrimp trio.  I was pretty good in that I only ate half my meal and saved the rest for lunch today.  I’m really trying to cut back on my eating – especially when I eat out. 

Matt and I are going to go back to Canyon for Easter.  I haven’t been back there since I moved here in August.  I can’t wait to see some of my friends and eat at Taco Villa!  Well, I guess I’ve procrastinated long enough.  I need to take a shower and get ready to head uptown to see Matt.  We’re going to church and then will get his friend’s t.v. set up and then go to dinner. 

Call me the Enforcer

I’ve been on a roll lately at school.  It seems my job this week is to round up troublemakers at school.  On Monday, I caught two girls skipping their PE class and reported them to their gym teacher and the principal.  On Tuesday, I caught two other girls leaving class without permission twice.  I finally wrote a referral both of them – one especially because she told me to “Quit being so bossy.”  On Wednesday afternoon, I witnessed a fight and got it stopped and took one of the culprits to the office and got the name of the other student that was fighting.  Today, I witnessed a girl that tried to pull the fire alarm and then ran from me.  I ended up going the opposite direction and eventually caught up with her as she was talking to the assistant principal and the police officer.  I reported the incident to them and then had to write up a statement on it. 

On Monday, I was also subpoenaed as a witness to a student that vandalized the boy’s bathroom back in February.  It is the first time I’ve ever received a subpoena.  I spoke to the prosecuting attorney today to give my statement.  I probably won’t have to go to court, but am on stand-by if needed.  On top of all that, I got a jury duty notice in the mail yesterday.  Luckily it isn’t until April 2 which is after testing.  Unlike most summons I’ve received back in Canyon, I actually have to show up to court.  Usually Randall county had a number to call the day before to see if the jury session had be cancelled.  Oh well, I guess I’ll take a book to read.  I wouldn’t mind actually serving on a jury if the case was interesting.  

Matt came over for dinner tonight and then we watched American Idol.  After that we watched a British movie that was really slow and didn’t have much of a point to it.  It ended without any resolution.  It was pretty disappointing.  Well, I’m off to bed.  Luckily I got more coffee and creamer at the store so that I can have a pick me up in the morning.  I was dragging by this afternoon.  Tomorrow I’m locking myself in my office and processing books most of the day while the principals deal with a bigwig meeting in the library. 

The best girlfriend

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

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

Shopping Day 2

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

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

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

Back in the Big D

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

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

Collection Completed

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

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

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

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

Do nothing day

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

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

Got my coaster fix

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

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

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

The break

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

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

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

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

Vacation Time

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

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

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

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

Almost Spring Break

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

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

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

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

Road to Recovery

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

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

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

Sick of being sick

I would rather blog about something other than being sick, but until I’m well, I have no other blog fodder.  I debated with myself this morning as to whether I was going to stay home or go into work today.  After 3 alarm snoozes, I decided to stay home.  It was a wise decision.  I’m still feeling run down, still coughing off and on, and my ear is still plugged up.  I sent out an email to let the school know that the library would be closed today and then I went back to bed.  I didn’t really sleep much, but I’m at least resting some.  I got up around 10:30 and heated up some leftover breakfast burrito fixings.  I watched a little tv while sitting in bed.  I’ve moved to the couch after fixing a leftover burger for lunch.  The good news is that my eyes are almost back to normal.  The right eye is still a little bloodshot, but at least it’s not swollen. 

Matt’s birthday is coming up and I’ve had a hard time coming up with ideas as to what to get him.  I did finally decide on one thing which I ordered today.  I have one other idea but am open to suggestions.  I’m not going to orchestra rehearsal tonight.  I’m staying in my pajamas and am going to sit on the couch and do nothing. 

Is it Murphy’s Law?

Is it because I’m finally in a happy place in my personal life that my body starts to fall apart?  So I went from strep throat on Thursday to an eye infection on Saturday.  I got prescription eye drops and started using them Saturday afternoon.  By Saturday evening at dinner, the infection started to clear up in my left eye, but then spread to my right eye.  Along with that, I started developing a cough.  Somehow I made it through the night with the help of benadryl.  My right eye was still red and swollen this morning, but the left eye was almost normal.  Now my ears are clogging up.  The right ear is completely clogged.  I hope it clears up on its own.  I think my insurance company would balk at three trips to the doctor within a week.  My voice is hoarse and I’m coughing intermittently.  I think I just have a viral infection that will have to go away on its own.  If it were bacterial, the penicillin should have taken care of it.  My strep throat symptoms are gone thankfully.  No fever, aches, and swollen tonsils.  I just wish the other gunk I’m dealing with would go away.  Being sick sucks.  Maybe I should have stayed home on Friday and gotten more rest.  Maybe I should stay home tomorrow.  I guess I’ll play it by ear – ha ha. 

In other big news, Matt finally got a new t.v.  He had been hoping for one through Craig’s list, but the guy decided not to sell it.  So it decided on another one that got good reviews in Consumer Reports.  We found one at Best Buy on sale for $699 – down from $999.  The problem was that they didn’t have it in stock.  So he bought the floor model for $649.  We looked for t.v. stands tonight but didn’t find anything that he really wanted.  But he is happy with the t.v. choice and once he gets a stand, I’ll help him get everything set up.  He cooked burgers on the grill tonight which were really good.  We watched the movie Moneyball tonight.  I thought it was a really good movie.  Next he will get The Help.  I saw it in the theater, but Matt hasn’t seen it yet.  Surprisingly, I had seen several of the Oscar nominated films this year. 

I think I’ll take another benadryl and call it a night.  I really hope my ear gets unclogged soon.  This is getting really annoying. 

When it rains, it pours

As though it were not bad enough that I had to come down with strep throat this week, I now have an eye infection/irritation.  While I was sitting at the symphony last night, my left eye started bothering me.  By the end of the night my eyelid was swollen and my eye was all red.  I didn’t sleep well and my eye was watery and kind of matted all night.  So I made another trip to the medical clinic.  I got a prescription for some eye drops so hopefully it will go away soon.  Matt and I are still both sick – he called us a couple of sickos.  He is still coughing and has fluid buildup in his ears.  He is going to an ear doctor on Tuesday.  It would be nice if we could both get well.  It’s good that we like to share things, but perhaps not the germs.  I need to mow my yard again, but I think I’ll take it easy today and see if I can get my eye to appear somewhat normal. 

I’m picking up Matt a little after 5:00 tonight and we’ll go to church and then he is taking me to dinner at a Mexican restaurant.  Tomorrow he is going to cook burgers on the grill.  He said he would help me with the yard tomorrow.  I guess I will let him.  So I guess even though I’m a bit of a sicko right now – I’m still pretty lucky. 

I haven’t heard from Josh in a few days so I’ll probably call him later this afternoon once it is a decent hour down under.  I’m sure he is doing fine, but still have to hear from him every now and then.

Pain in the Butt

Literally.  Since I have yet to find a doctor here in San Antonio, I went to the urgent care clinic this morning.  It opened at 8:00 and I was there about 20 minutes before they opened the doors.  I was 4th to sign in and the process was relatively fast as far as doctor’s offices go.  I saw a doctor within about 30 minutes.  With my symptoms, he agreed I probably had strep throat.  He said he could run a strep test, but left it up to me.  I declined and decided to go with the assumption.  He offered a shot of penicillin or 10 days of pills.  I opted for the shot since I’m horrible at taking medication.  The shot really hurt though.  My butt is still sore.  Hopefully it will work fast though.  I’m starting to feel better in general, but not 100%.  I skipped Scrabble practice again tonight.  Everyone is probably wondering if I’ve abandoned it.  Luckily Matt has been very understanding.  He called to check on my during his lunch break today and again when he got home.  He said he would call me again after he got home from Scrabble practice.  I can’t remember having a boyfriend that was that attentive.  I really hope I’m feeling better tomorrow so that we can go to the symphony tomorrow night. 

Tonight I’m watching American Idol, taking it easy, and drinking lots of fluids.  I don’t like being sick, but I was glad to be home today.  The nice thing about being a librarian and being absent is that I don’t have to worry about having a substitute and leaving class work.  I didn’t sleep very well last night, but was able to nap a little bit today.  I read some of my book – I’m finally to Sue Grafton’s newest, V is for Vengeance.  I’m not sure what I’ll read when I’m done with it.  I have a library full of books that I should be reading though.