I used to have a copy of a cartoon posted in my classroom when I was a teacher. It said "God put me on this earth to accomplish so many things. I'm so far behind, I will never die." I'm feeling like that at the moment. I don't think I'll ever catch up but at least as a librarian, it's not a tragedy when I don't get something finished for the most part. Last week I focused on getting ready for the escape room at the comic-con, which was a bit of a bust. The crowd was very small this year. We only made about $48. I should have just made a donation to the club and not do all the work I did. This week's focus is getting another 200 students to complete a technology survey by the end of the week. I thought that I was behind, but it turns out our school has the highest percentage of completion so far. I'm going to shoot for 95% and will be satisfied if I get there. Hopefully, it will be closer to 100%.
Monday, August 26, 2019
Thursday, August 22, 2019
My Apologies
Sorry for the delay in posting. Too many things going on and too many nights that I've done other things and have come home exhausted. On the good news front, the air conditioning in my library has been fixed so it's much more comfortable now and I've been getting more stuff done. I was going to go back to Amarillo part of this week because my friend's mother just passed away and her memorial service was today. I made plans to come, emailed my principal, checked to see if I could stay with my brother and then on Monday morning I realized that there was an event that I'm involved in at my high school this weekend and I wouldn't be able to get it all done. A local public digital library is hosting a Comic-Con on our campus. My Harry Potter club will be having an Escape Room as a fundraiser. Tomorrow will probably be a fairly late night in getting everything set up. Luckily, I've already created this escape room. We had it for a spring fundraiser so it is just a matter of getting everything set up again and set.
I may try to go back to the Panhandle sometime in September but it just wasn't feasible this week. Next week doesn't look like it's going to slow down. I have to make sure all 1227 students have completed a survey about their Internet service. Sprint is going to provide either cell phones or hotspots to any students that do not have reliable internet. I'm the lucky one that will deal with the distribution and upkeep of all of this. I also have to get a book order placed. A former teacher from our school passed away in May this past year and his obituary noted that in lieu of flowers, he requested that books be donated to the school library. Since then I've received several books and about $1000 in donations.
Well, it's 1/2 hour past my bedtime so I better get to sleep. TGIF
I may try to go back to the Panhandle sometime in September but it just wasn't feasible this week. Next week doesn't look like it's going to slow down. I have to make sure all 1227 students have completed a survey about their Internet service. Sprint is going to provide either cell phones or hotspots to any students that do not have reliable internet. I'm the lucky one that will deal with the distribution and upkeep of all of this. I also have to get a book order placed. A former teacher from our school passed away in May this past year and his obituary noted that in lieu of flowers, he requested that books be donated to the school library. Since then I've received several books and about $1000 in donations.
Well, it's 1/2 hour past my bedtime so I better get to sleep. TGIF
Wednesday, August 14, 2019
No Air Conditioning
Our district has made the local news because many of our campuses have air conditioning problems. At my school, several classes had to be moved to the gym or other locations because of the heat. They finally fixed part of the school yesterday, but my library still has no air. It hasn't been too unbearable because the upstairs area does have air and I guess some of it trickles down, but I have to sit with two fans blowing on me to make it somewhat bearable. My area was a different problem that wasn't a priority. I guess it will eventually get fixed but it's hard to stay busy when it's hot. I did make some progress today but then found out that we must have all 1250 of our students complete a brief online survey by the end of next week. I'm hoping that I'll be able to see my principal tomorrow to get the plan worked out. I can only usually see him by appointment so the secretary tried to squeeze me in.
On the plus side, I had several teachers come after school for a training I presented on creating seating charts using Google Drawings. Next week I'll be doing a session on setting up their web pages.
No daily three today - I'm just too tired and my brain isn't functioning very well. Thankfully I do have air conditioning at home.
On the plus side, I had several teachers come after school for a training I presented on creating seating charts using Google Drawings. Next week I'll be doing a session on setting up their web pages.
No daily three today - I'm just too tired and my brain isn't functioning very well. Thankfully I do have air conditioning at home.
Monday, August 12, 2019
First Day of School
Today was the first day of school and it was a little rougher than some. I still wasn't feeling 100% today. Didn't sleep well and then discovered that the air wasn't working in my library. I pulled two fans and put them around my desk. I did not feel the least bit guilty about doing that in spite of the many parents and kids who were in the library waiting to register them for school. Most of them should have done that in April or at the very least over the summer. I spent most of the day at my desk working on my Library Newsletter and Library Resources page. When I felt a little better, I did start some work on some computer carts that I have to deal with. My to-do list seems never-ending but at least there's always something to get done. I did cut some vinyl on the Cricut machine last night to use on some surfaces in the library. I have a slender stand with three shelves that you can stand up books in for a display. I moved it right in front of my desk and labeled it with three categories. Today's daily three are my categories:
1. Fabulous Fiction
2. Best Sellers
3. Compelling Nonfiction
Maybe some of the titles will be tempting enough to check out. I wasn't able to open the library at lunch because there was still quite a few parents in here for registration. I wasn't too upset since I was quite up to par today anyway. I may have to keep it closed tomorrow, but hopefully, by Wednesday, the library will be open for the school year.
1. Fabulous Fiction
2. Best Sellers
3. Compelling Nonfiction
Maybe some of the titles will be tempting enough to check out. I wasn't able to open the library at lunch because there was still quite a few parents in here for registration. I wasn't too upset since I was quite up to par today anyway. I may have to keep it closed tomorrow, but hopefully, by Wednesday, the library will be open for the school year.
Sunday, August 11, 2019
Busy Week
Sorry I haven't posted in several days. It's been a very busy week in getting ready for starting the new school year. Students come back tomorrow. My library is mostly ready though there's still much to do. It's at least presentable. Last night I starting feeling achy and miserable and wasn't sure why. I didn't have any other symptoms like a sore throat, coughing, or sneezing. Maybe my body was just telling me I've been doing too much and it's time to settle down. I took 2 Aleve PM and went straight to bed after getting home from dinner. Wasn't 100% today but feeling a little better but still pretty tired. I'm just now getting to my computer to get some work done before tomorrow. Here are three things I've got to get done tonight:
1. Create a Google Classroom for Student Assistants
2. Create my first Library monthly newsletter for this year
3. Create a library policy and procedure guide for new teachers.
I'm going to get started on the most important one first and see how it goes. It won't be terrible if I don't get everything done, but I'd certainly like to get at least the first one done.
1. Create a Google Classroom for Student Assistants
2. Create my first Library monthly newsletter for this year
3. Create a library policy and procedure guide for new teachers.
I'm going to get started on the most important one first and see how it goes. It won't be terrible if I don't get everything done, but I'd certainly like to get at least the first one done.
Wednesday, August 07, 2019
Daily 3 - Library Changes
I finally got to be somewhat productive in my library today - in spite of the huge waste of time this morning that was convocation. It's a giant pep rally for the district that doesn't really inspire me. If they had decent speakers that might be something, but hearing a student, teacher, and the superintendent speak is the same old thing. Todays 3 are the changes I'm making to my library this year:
1. Table arrangments - I moved the group of tables that fits a class to another area where there is a blank wall that I can use to project on. Where the tables were before, I had to pull out a portable screen which was a pain. If I left the screen up, it blocked some of the shelves in the fiction section.
2. New side tables for comfy chairs. I bought either side tables or baskets to place books on/in near the comfy chairs in my library - hopefully to encourage students to pick up and read.
3. Office/Craft Room organization - I turned my office into a craft room of sorts last year, but the table I put in there was too big. I swapped it out for a smaller desk and table and then today I reorganized the shelves with the crafting materials. It's a work in progress but should be done by the end of the week.
Last year the big change in my library consisted of the addition of comfortable seating and reorganizing the nonfiction section to be more bookstore-like.
1. Table arrangments - I moved the group of tables that fits a class to another area where there is a blank wall that I can use to project on. Where the tables were before, I had to pull out a portable screen which was a pain. If I left the screen up, it blocked some of the shelves in the fiction section.
2. New side tables for comfy chairs. I bought either side tables or baskets to place books on/in near the comfy chairs in my library - hopefully to encourage students to pick up and read.
3. Office/Craft Room organization - I turned my office into a craft room of sorts last year, but the table I put in there was too big. I swapped it out for a smaller desk and table and then today I reorganized the shelves with the crafting materials. It's a work in progress but should be done by the end of the week.
Last year the big change in my library consisted of the addition of comfortable seating and reorganizing the nonfiction section to be more bookstore-like.
Monday, August 05, 2019
Daily 3 - Food & Drink
Today's daily 3 are food and drinks that I didn't consume until I was an adult:
1. Shrimp - I tried it as a kid and didn't like the texture of it. I found later that I liked shrimp flavored ramen so I tried it as an adult and found it was actually quite tasty - especially in fettuccine alfredo.
2. Margaritas - I tried a virgin strawberry margarita around the age of 20 and I didn't like it at all. It wasn't until Richard introduced me to a well-made margarita with good tequila that I discovered they were quite yummy (and potent).
3. Bratwurst - I seemed to equate this with liverwurst for a long time and I knew that I didn't like it. It wasn't until Matt cooked them on the grill that I discovered how yummy they are.
1. Shrimp - I tried it as a kid and didn't like the texture of it. I found later that I liked shrimp flavored ramen so I tried it as an adult and found it was actually quite tasty - especially in fettuccine alfredo.
2. Margaritas - I tried a virgin strawberry margarita around the age of 20 and I didn't like it at all. It wasn't until Richard introduced me to a well-made margarita with good tequila that I discovered they were quite yummy (and potent).
3. Bratwurst - I seemed to equate this with liverwurst for a long time and I knew that I didn't like it. It wasn't until Matt cooked them on the grill that I discovered how yummy they are.
Sunday, August 04, 2019
A Sad State
So I went to church today by myself because Matt is out of town at the convention. I found myself choosing to sit in a pew that was relatively close to an exit door - you know just in case some crackpot decided to come in with guns blaring. After church, I had to go to Walmart because I was out of cat food and there would have been a feline uprising if I came home empty-handed. Before I went into the store, I sat in my car and made a list on my phone so I could get in and out without the usual aisle wandering, lest I find myself under attack in a public place. It's a sad state to be in when your thinking isn't about your grocery list or the to-do items for the day, but rather, what would I do if I found myself in a situation with an active shooter. At school, we have twice-yearly lockdown drills - just in case. My mind will be on high alert for the next few days and then when things calm down I probably won't be looking for the closest exits every time a go out. And in a few weeks or what now seems like hours another event will happen. I used to be proud of this country but now I'm ashamed that we've allowed these things to happen. I don't know what the solution is, but I think it is going to have to start at the polls. Thoughts and prayers are not the solution. It's not to say that I don't have the victims in my thoughts and prayers, but it's going to take something more.
Thursday, August 01, 2019
Daily 3 - Activities
Today was my first official day back to work. I made it by 8:10 this morning. Here are three things that I accomplished today:
1. Got more than a dozen laptop computers ready for the new teachers to our campus.
2. Taught my principal how to create a newsletter on Smore.
3. Informed my friend Mariah who is a new librarian in our district that her bookshelves were moveable. This was very exciting news for her.
1. Got more than a dozen laptop computers ready for the new teachers to our campus.
2. Taught my principal how to create a newsletter on Smore.
3. Informed my friend Mariah who is a new librarian in our district that her bookshelves were moveable. This was very exciting news for her.
Tuesday, July 30, 2019
Daily 3 - To Do List
Sorry I haven't posted in a few days. Been busy with workshops and final judging of a book award thing. (Will write more on that later.) Here are 3 things on my to-do list for tomorrow:
1. Get a haircut - I've gotten completely lazy about doing my hair which is why I've kept it fairly short for a while now. I grew out the pixie cut I had two years ago and for the first time in about 25 years I've also grown my bangs out. My hair seems to have gotten curlier in the last few years so I have a short chin-length bob and just let the curls/waves do their thing. I think I want to go with a more angled A-line bob where it's longer in the front and shorter in the back.
2. Put together the rest of my IKEA stuff at school. I went up to school after my workshop today and put together a couple of things but I have a few more items that I need to work on.
3. Clean out and organize the library office/craft room. I basically turned my office into a craft room last year but I had a giant table in there that was really too big for the space. I took it out and put in a smaller table and desk and now it's open in the middle. I need to sort through and organize my shelves and make it a workable craft area for teachers and students wanting to use our new cricut machine.
This all of course is AFTER I sleep in tomorrow. Wednesday is my last day before I officially report back to work so I'm not going to rush going in tomorrow.
1. Get a haircut - I've gotten completely lazy about doing my hair which is why I've kept it fairly short for a while now. I grew out the pixie cut I had two years ago and for the first time in about 25 years I've also grown my bangs out. My hair seems to have gotten curlier in the last few years so I have a short chin-length bob and just let the curls/waves do their thing. I think I want to go with a more angled A-line bob where it's longer in the front and shorter in the back.
2. Put together the rest of my IKEA stuff at school. I went up to school after my workshop today and put together a couple of things but I have a few more items that I need to work on.
3. Clean out and organize the library office/craft room. I basically turned my office into a craft room last year but I had a giant table in there that was really too big for the space. I took it out and put in a smaller table and desk and now it's open in the middle. I need to sort through and organize my shelves and make it a workable craft area for teachers and students wanting to use our new cricut machine.
This all of course is AFTER I sleep in tomorrow. Wednesday is my last day before I officially report back to work so I'm not going to rush going in tomorrow.
Saturday, July 27, 2019
Daily 3 - Back to School Shopping
After paying bills I found that I had some extra money so I headed out to do some back to school shopping today. These are the three stores I went to:
1. IKEA (Again) - After putting all my other stuff together, I realized that there were a few more things I wanted so I headed back this morning and again bought too much stuff. Luckily I had a coupon for $20 off when spending over $150. Hopefully I'm done with that store for a while.
2. Ross Dress for Less - I mostly did a cursory walk of the store. No clothing interested me so I checked out the furniture. I'm looking for some smaller side tables or magazine racks but everything I saw was more than I wanted to spend. I did, however, find something I had to have. It's two sided chalkboard sign like you might see outside of a cafe noting today's specials. Since I have a coffee bar in my library, I thought it would be a nice addition and it was only $30. When I compared that to online prices, most were $70 or more so I think it was a good deal.
3. Kohl's - I did pretty well only buying three tops, a pair of black pants, and jacket (which was on sale for $4.80). I had a 20% off coupon which saved me about $20.
I also stopped at Walmart on the way home (for more cat food and some other items). The only other store that I really need to go to before school starts is Skechers.
1. IKEA (Again) - After putting all my other stuff together, I realized that there were a few more things I wanted so I headed back this morning and again bought too much stuff. Luckily I had a coupon for $20 off when spending over $150. Hopefully I'm done with that store for a while.
2. Ross Dress for Less - I mostly did a cursory walk of the store. No clothing interested me so I checked out the furniture. I'm looking for some smaller side tables or magazine racks but everything I saw was more than I wanted to spend. I did, however, find something I had to have. It's two sided chalkboard sign like you might see outside of a cafe noting today's specials. Since I have a coffee bar in my library, I thought it would be a nice addition and it was only $30. When I compared that to online prices, most were $70 or more so I think it was a good deal.
3. Kohl's - I did pretty well only buying three tops, a pair of black pants, and jacket (which was on sale for $4.80). I had a 20% off coupon which saved me about $20.
I also stopped at Walmart on the way home (for more cat food and some other items). The only other store that I really need to go to before school starts is Skechers.
Wednesday, July 24, 2019
Daily 3 - Best Friends
So I've never been one to have a lot of close friends. It was easier in high school but as an adult, I've found that becoming close friends with someone is more difficult - especially after moving to a brand new city. I developed many acquaintances but no really close friends that I call up and shoot the breeze with. One of my Scrabble friends, however, just moved from Austin to San Antonio and we've been doing stuff together so there's a closer friendship in the making. Today's daily three are my three closest and longest friends.
1. Kirsten - I've known Kirsten since we were probably toddlers. My aunt and uncle were friends of her parents. I spent many summers visiting my aunt and got to know Kirsten. Starting in 7th grade we were in the same school and have been friends ever since. She is a music professor in Nacogdoches and probably the smartest person I know.
2. Kim - Kim and I met in the 9th grade at Valleyview Junior High. She commented on my suspenders I was wearing and just started talking. She was also in band so we became fast friends. She moved away after (or maybe during) our sophomore year, but we stayed in touch through letters and phone. I visited her in Mississippi during college and was in her wedding. She was in both of my weddings.
3. Pam - We met while working my first teaching job at Valleyview. She sent me a very nice thank you note for something at school and we chatted after school in the teacher's lounge one day. We commiserated with each other about relationships, raising kids, teaching, etc. She left Valleyview the next year but I encouraged her to take a job at another middle school doing yearbook and speech (which is what I taught) - she has been there ever since. She's had a rough life - her daughter had cystic fibrosis and died several years ago. Her dad died in a car accident before then and she had a nephew that was killed in a work accident. I don't know how she has gotten through it all but I've tried to be there for her.
All three of these ladies were in both of my weddings along with my cousin, Amanda. The only person that was also in my first wedding was my former best friend Robin. I wrote a post about that several years ago. Still never figured out what went wrong there, but I've moved on from it.
1. Kirsten - I've known Kirsten since we were probably toddlers. My aunt and uncle were friends of her parents. I spent many summers visiting my aunt and got to know Kirsten. Starting in 7th grade we were in the same school and have been friends ever since. She is a music professor in Nacogdoches and probably the smartest person I know.
2. Kim - Kim and I met in the 9th grade at Valleyview Junior High. She commented on my suspenders I was wearing and just started talking. She was also in band so we became fast friends. She moved away after (or maybe during) our sophomore year, but we stayed in touch through letters and phone. I visited her in Mississippi during college and was in her wedding. She was in both of my weddings.
3. Pam - We met while working my first teaching job at Valleyview. She sent me a very nice thank you note for something at school and we chatted after school in the teacher's lounge one day. We commiserated with each other about relationships, raising kids, teaching, etc. She left Valleyview the next year but I encouraged her to take a job at another middle school doing yearbook and speech (which is what I taught) - she has been there ever since. She's had a rough life - her daughter had cystic fibrosis and died several years ago. Her dad died in a car accident before then and she had a nephew that was killed in a work accident. I don't know how she has gotten through it all but I've tried to be there for her.
All three of these ladies were in both of my weddings along with my cousin, Amanda. The only person that was also in my first wedding was my former best friend Robin. I wrote a post about that several years ago. Still never figured out what went wrong there, but I've moved on from it.
Tuesday, July 23, 2019
Daily 3 - IKEA
Yesterday I spent about an hour and a half at IKEA getting stuff for my library this year. I'm hoping that I'll be better organized this year and won't get buried under paperwork and stuff. Here are three things I got at IKEA to help me in this process:
1. Three shelf drawer unit - Planning on using this to store printer paper under my side desk so it's easily accessible but also out of the way.
2. Storage Boxes - I found a variety of boxes that I can use to store dry erase markers, pencils, and other items as needed.
3. Side tables - Not so much for organization but to put in my seating areas near my comfy chairs where I can put books that students might pick up and read.
1. Three shelf drawer unit - Planning on using this to store printer paper under my side desk so it's easily accessible but also out of the way.
2. Storage Boxes - I found a variety of boxes that I can use to store dry erase markers, pencils, and other items as needed.
3. Side tables - Not so much for organization but to put in my seating areas near my comfy chairs where I can put books that students might pick up and read.
Sunday, July 21, 2019
Daily 3 - Three Days
Sorry I've bailed for a few days. Josh and his girlfriend have been here and just let today. Today's daily three will be three things I've done the last three days.
1. Thursday - I met with my district library coordinator to plan a digital breakout to do at our upcoming back to school library meeting. I then went to my campus and created the breakout and did some work that was actually productive.
2. Friday - Dropped Matt off for a liver biopsy. He's potentially participating in a research study for his fatty liver and had to have a biopsy done. I then did laundry and house cleaning in preparation for Josh and his girlfriend coming.
3. Saturday - Went to Six Flags Fiesta Texas and rode roller coasters with Josh and Emmalee. It was hot and some of the line waits were long. We got six rides in before we called it a day. We took them to dinner at a local Italian restaurant.
Josh and Emmalee headed back today so hopefully, I'll get back on schedule with blogging and other stuff I need to get done.
1. Thursday - I met with my district library coordinator to plan a digital breakout to do at our upcoming back to school library meeting. I then went to my campus and created the breakout and did some work that was actually productive.
2. Friday - Dropped Matt off for a liver biopsy. He's potentially participating in a research study for his fatty liver and had to have a biopsy done. I then did laundry and house cleaning in preparation for Josh and his girlfriend coming.
3. Saturday - Went to Six Flags Fiesta Texas and rode roller coasters with Josh and Emmalee. It was hot and some of the line waits were long. We got six rides in before we called it a day. We took them to dinner at a local Italian restaurant.
Josh and Emmalee headed back today so hopefully, I'll get back on schedule with blogging and other stuff I need to get done.
Wednesday, July 17, 2019
Daily 3 - Jobs
I've been a librarian for 8 years now. It's one of the best decisions I've ever made. I actually enjoy my job and am looking forward to going back to work in a few weeks. Today's daily three are other jobs I've had:
1. Hostess at Denny's Restaurant - This was my very first job ever. My sister was a waitress at this restaurant and suggested me for the hostess job. I basically sat people dining in and ran the cash register. I only worked the job for a few months - it was a summer gig after my first year in college.
2. Snackbar Cashier at Walmart - This was my second official job that I worked briefly while in college. I made sandwiches, popped popcorn, and sold various snack bar items. I happened to get pregnant while I was employed there (no, not AT the store, just during that time period). I had pretty bad morning (afternoon, and evening) sickness for several months and I don't think the smells of the snack bar (like the BBQ or taco meat) really helped.
3. Yearbook Sales Associate - I did this after teaching for 5 years. I had enough of the students and wanted something different. My yearbook rep at the time was looking to hire an assistant and I got the job. I traveled to about 35 schools in the Panhandle and helped them in the creation of their yearbooks. I designed covers, pages, installed printers, etc. I developed a lot of my technology skills through this job. I did this job for five years until I had to return to teaching in order to get health insurance and benefits after getting divorced.
1. Hostess at Denny's Restaurant - This was my very first job ever. My sister was a waitress at this restaurant and suggested me for the hostess job. I basically sat people dining in and ran the cash register. I only worked the job for a few months - it was a summer gig after my first year in college.
2. Snackbar Cashier at Walmart - This was my second official job that I worked briefly while in college. I made sandwiches, popped popcorn, and sold various snack bar items. I happened to get pregnant while I was employed there (no, not AT the store, just during that time period). I had pretty bad morning (afternoon, and evening) sickness for several months and I don't think the smells of the snack bar (like the BBQ or taco meat) really helped.
3. Yearbook Sales Associate - I did this after teaching for 5 years. I had enough of the students and wanted something different. My yearbook rep at the time was looking to hire an assistant and I got the job. I traveled to about 35 schools in the Panhandle and helped them in the creation of their yearbooks. I designed covers, pages, installed printers, etc. I developed a lot of my technology skills through this job. I did this job for five years until I had to return to teaching in order to get health insurance and benefits after getting divorced.
Tuesday, July 16, 2019
Daily 3 - College Classes
I started college in the Fall of 1988 as a music business major. I tried accounting twice before I decided that the "business" part was not for me. I didn't want to be a band director and I didn't have the drive to practice and be a performance major. I got pregnant with Josh early 1990 and after having him I decided to switch majors to speech education with a minor in English. It took longer to graduate because of all of this but I did graduate Summa Cum Laude in May 1995. These were some of my favorite classes:
1. Band - even though I dropped music as my major, I stayed in band all 7 years (my last year was technically an internship). I'm still and will always be a band geek. I still play in a community band here in San Antonio.
2. Persuasion - This was one of my speech classes that I really enjoyed. We had to do a bit of persuasive speaking, but I enjoyed learning about the psychological aspects involved in persuasion.
3. Debate - I was dreading this class when I first signed up for it because I had never understood how debate works and didn't think I would do well with it. The first time I nailed someone during cross-examination, I was hooked. I loved the logic of debate. I think if I hadn't become a teacher I might have considered getting involved in law. It's hard to win an argument with me if you don't have evidence (or good logic) to back up your claims.
1. Band - even though I dropped music as my major, I stayed in band all 7 years (my last year was technically an internship). I'm still and will always be a band geek. I still play in a community band here in San Antonio.
2. Persuasion - This was one of my speech classes that I really enjoyed. We had to do a bit of persuasive speaking, but I enjoyed learning about the psychological aspects involved in persuasion.
3. Debate - I was dreading this class when I first signed up for it because I had never understood how debate works and didn't think I would do well with it. The first time I nailed someone during cross-examination, I was hooked. I loved the logic of debate. I think if I hadn't become a teacher I might have considered getting involved in law. It's hard to win an argument with me if you don't have evidence (or good logic) to back up your claims.
Sunday, July 14, 2019
Daily 3 - Moving
So yesterday Matt and I went to dinner for our anniversary with some friends of ours that just bought a house. We went over to see the house after dinner and didn't get back until really late so I didn't have time to post a daily 3 as I pretty much just fell into bed and went to sleep. We are going over there shortly to help them with unpacking. Having moved a few times in the past 8 years, today's daily three are the best things I paid for in moving:
1. Moving guys and a truck. When I bought the house I'm in, I had planned to borrow a trailer from a fellow teacher but of course, it would RAIN the weekend I'm moving. I rented a U-Haul truck at the last minute. When I discovered that big guys (Matt and his friend Jason) don't necessarily equal strength, I called to see if I could get a couple of moving guys. They were by far the best money I ever spent. Even though I was only moving a couple of blocks away, they loaded up all the big stuff and my boxes and unloaded them in 2 hours.
2. Installing a pet door. I actually had to buy a door and the pet door and have both installed. The door to the back yard had a big pane of glass in the middle of it.
3. Garage door opener. I've been spoiled by being able to park my car in the garage. (Note that only 1/2 of the garage is clean) I don't really have to deal with frosty/icy mornings anymore, but it's nice to enter and exit via the garage.
1. Moving guys and a truck. When I bought the house I'm in, I had planned to borrow a trailer from a fellow teacher but of course, it would RAIN the weekend I'm moving. I rented a U-Haul truck at the last minute. When I discovered that big guys (Matt and his friend Jason) don't necessarily equal strength, I called to see if I could get a couple of moving guys. They were by far the best money I ever spent. Even though I was only moving a couple of blocks away, they loaded up all the big stuff and my boxes and unloaded them in 2 hours.
2. Installing a pet door. I actually had to buy a door and the pet door and have both installed. The door to the back yard had a big pane of glass in the middle of it.
3. Garage door opener. I've been spoiled by being able to park my car in the garage. (Note that only 1/2 of the garage is clean) I don't really have to deal with frosty/icy mornings anymore, but it's nice to enter and exit via the garage.
Friday, July 12, 2019
Daily 3 - Happy Anniversary
Today is my anniversary. Matt and I have been married 5 years now. It's not quite a milestone yet. Richard and I were married for a little over 5 years. I'm certain that this marriage will last quite a lot longer than my previous one. Tonight we went out for pizza as part of a social gathering with Matt's work. The problem was that the restaurant couldn't sit everyone together so we mostly just had a table to ourselves. It was crowded and took quite a while but pizza is Matt's favorite food. I don't really like crowds and waiting but that is part of my introverted status. Tomorrow we are going to a fancier restaurant for our celebratory dinner. We're going with two Scrabble friends of ours. They got engaged about 6 months ago and they just closed on a house today.
Today's daily 3 are things I love about Matt:
1. He's smart. He is an intelligent man and likes to read. He also likes that I'm smart which is a relief. I think that my brain was intimidating to other men I've dated.
2. He likes to play Scrabble and ride roller coasters. We actually met because of this. He had a profile on CatholicMatch.com that mentioned he liked to play Scrabble and go to theme parks. That intrigued me so I contacted him. He wrote back and then we emailed for a few weeks before he asked me out on a date.
3. He's oblivious to other women. Matt is basically the antithesis of my ex-husband. Richard seemed to need constant validation and ego boosts. He liked women that needed his help. He always had his eye elsewhere. It took Matt 2 months to kiss me. He is oblivious to other women and doesn't have a jealous bone in my body. I have no reason to be jealous of him or question his whereabouts. He has no interest in strip clubs, dirty magazines, or porn site. It's quite a relief.
Today's daily 3 are things I love about Matt:
1. He's smart. He is an intelligent man and likes to read. He also likes that I'm smart which is a relief. I think that my brain was intimidating to other men I've dated.
2. He likes to play Scrabble and ride roller coasters. We actually met because of this. He had a profile on CatholicMatch.com that mentioned he liked to play Scrabble and go to theme parks. That intrigued me so I contacted him. He wrote back and then we emailed for a few weeks before he asked me out on a date.
3. He's oblivious to other women. Matt is basically the antithesis of my ex-husband. Richard seemed to need constant validation and ego boosts. He liked women that needed his help. He always had his eye elsewhere. It took Matt 2 months to kiss me. He is oblivious to other women and doesn't have a jealous bone in my body. I have no reason to be jealous of him or question his whereabouts. He has no interest in strip clubs, dirty magazines, or porn site. It's quite a relief.
Thursday, July 11, 2019
Daily 3 - My Library
Sorry I haven't posted in a couple of days. I left on Tuesday morning to drive up to Austin to attend a short library conference. I attended a meeting at 11:00, went to lunch with some people from SA, then found out my session after lunch had been canceled. I booked a hotel via Priceline so I headed up there to check in. I had dinner with Marty. (Yes, THAT Marty - ex-boyfriend, Marty) We had a nice time catching up and he even paid for dinner. Yes, I told my husband that I was having dinner with him and he was perfectly fine about it. On Wednesday, I attended two other sessions and was able to leave early and get back to SA by 2:30 or so. I woke up early that day so I ended up taking a nap.
This morning I headed up to my school to work in my library. I've been thinking about rearranging it (again) and wanted to get that worked out. Last year, I ditched the Dewey Decimal system and genrefied my entire collection. It's mostly bookstore-like now. If you want books on War, there's a section for that.
I spent a few hours there and today's daily three are the three things I love about my library:
1. It's spacious. There's a lot of room for a high school library with about 12,500 books, 15 tables, comfy chairs, and more.
2. My new comfy chairs. I got a grant last year for comfortable seating in the library. It was called "Seating for Reading" in hopes that it would encourage more students to curl up with a book. I got 16 new chairs in the grant and they are spread out in the library. Last year I had to be the "Chair Police" and kick students out of the chairs if they weren't reading. Now that I've submitted my grant results, I'll let them use them as needed.
3. Games. I have multiple games available for check out in the library. Some I bought with my own money, several came from a Donor's Choose grant. Students love to play games during lunch and I check out the games so it helps with my circulation statistics.
This morning I headed up to my school to work in my library. I've been thinking about rearranging it (again) and wanted to get that worked out. Last year, I ditched the Dewey Decimal system and genrefied my entire collection. It's mostly bookstore-like now. If you want books on War, there's a section for that.
I spent a few hours there and today's daily three are the three things I love about my library:
1. It's spacious. There's a lot of room for a high school library with about 12,500 books, 15 tables, comfy chairs, and more.
2. My new comfy chairs. I got a grant last year for comfortable seating in the library. It was called "Seating for Reading" in hopes that it would encourage more students to curl up with a book. I got 16 new chairs in the grant and they are spread out in the library. Last year I had to be the "Chair Police" and kick students out of the chairs if they weren't reading. Now that I've submitted my grant results, I'll let them use them as needed.
3. Games. I have multiple games available for check out in the library. Some I bought with my own money, several came from a Donor's Choose grant. Students love to play games during lunch and I check out the games so it helps with my circulation statistics.
Monday, July 08, 2019
Daily 3 - Series Books
I'm a big fan of series books - especially those that are still being written and I can usually expect a new book at least once a year. I like the character development over the course of a series. Here are my top 3 favorites (with some honorable mentions).
1. Harry Potter Series - Still a favorite and I reread the series every year. I read the first book when Josh was in 3rd grade. He was reading one of the books and I started it and then had him check out the other books for me. I now have a Harry Potter Club at my high school library.
2. Sue Grafton's Alphabet Series - It was a great loss when she passed away before getting to "Z" but I still love this series and have reread them a couple of times.
3. Lee Child's Jack Reacher Series - I happened on this series around 2010 or so because I randomly had the book from a book club I once joined and was intrigued after reading. It was because of this series that I got my first Kindle because I looked at my bookshelves and decided if I was going to commit to another series that I really didn't have room for more books. I got Matt hooked on the books as well and now he buys me the books for my birthday since they are usually released in November.
Honorable mentions:
Miranda James Cat in the Stacks Mystery - this is a series I happened upon a couple of years ago that features a librarian as the main character who has a Maine Coon cat as his sidekick. It's a cute series.
David Baldacci's Memory Man series - I'm not sure how David Baldacci writes so many books so fast, but I've enjoyed this particular series by him.
Rick Riordan's Tres Navarre series - You might not know this, but Rick Riordan (known for the Percy Jackson YA series) used to live in San Antonio. He taught at a middle school here and at one of the universities as well. Before he began the Percy Jackson series, he wrote a series about a San Antonio PI named Tres Navarre. It's kind of cool to read a mystery about places I've become more familiar with.
1. Harry Potter Series - Still a favorite and I reread the series every year. I read the first book when Josh was in 3rd grade. He was reading one of the books and I started it and then had him check out the other books for me. I now have a Harry Potter Club at my high school library.
2. Sue Grafton's Alphabet Series - It was a great loss when she passed away before getting to "Z" but I still love this series and have reread them a couple of times.
3. Lee Child's Jack Reacher Series - I happened on this series around 2010 or so because I randomly had the book from a book club I once joined and was intrigued after reading. It was because of this series that I got my first Kindle because I looked at my bookshelves and decided if I was going to commit to another series that I really didn't have room for more books. I got Matt hooked on the books as well and now he buys me the books for my birthday since they are usually released in November.
Honorable mentions:
Miranda James Cat in the Stacks Mystery - this is a series I happened upon a couple of years ago that features a librarian as the main character who has a Maine Coon cat as his sidekick. It's a cute series.
David Baldacci's Memory Man series - I'm not sure how David Baldacci writes so many books so fast, but I've enjoyed this particular series by him.
Rick Riordan's Tres Navarre series - You might not know this, but Rick Riordan (known for the Percy Jackson YA series) used to live in San Antonio. He taught at a middle school here and at one of the universities as well. Before he began the Percy Jackson series, he wrote a series about a San Antonio PI named Tres Navarre. It's kind of cool to read a mystery about places I've become more familiar with.
Saturday, July 06, 2019
Daily 3 - Places I've lived
I've lived in San Antonio for almost 8 years now. I bought my current house almost 7 years ago for $139,000. I'm currently working on my case for protesting my property tax appraisal. They are estimating it is worth over $192,000 or around $81 per square foot. That would be great if it were in truly sellable condition, but it's not. I bought it as a foreclosure and my pets have since ruined the carpet and my fence is falling down. After comparing other properties in the area, I think I'll be able to get it down significantly, at least I hope. My hearing is on Monday morning and this time I'm going in better prepared. Last time, they agreed that they overestimated my property value and reduced it by $10,000 without argument. This time, I'm going to argue my case and have pictures supporting it.
Today's daily three will focus on three places I've lived in my life:
1. Perryton, TX - This is where I was born in 1969 and lived until I was 5. We moved after my kindergarten year.
2. Amarillo, TX - We lived here (but in 5 different places) from 1975 until I left for college in 1988.
3. Canyon, TX - I lived here pretty much from the time I went to college in 1988 until I moved to San Antonio in 2011. I lived in the dorm, 4 rental houses, and 2 owned houses (one that I lost to foreclosure after getting divorced in 2004).
Today's daily three will focus on three places I've lived in my life:
1. Perryton, TX - This is where I was born in 1969 and lived until I was 5. We moved after my kindergarten year.
2. Amarillo, TX - We lived here (but in 5 different places) from 1975 until I left for college in 1988.
3. Canyon, TX - I lived here pretty much from the time I went to college in 1988 until I moved to San Antonio in 2011. I lived in the dorm, 4 rental houses, and 2 owned houses (one that I lost to foreclosure after getting divorced in 2004).
Friday, July 05, 2019
Daily 3 - Fireworks
Growing up in a small town, the 4th of July and the fireworks show was a big deal. I remember shooting off our own small fireworks in the back yard on a brick patio - mild ones like small cones, smoke bombs, sparklers, a tank that moved and shot sparks and the chicken that laid eggs. From my aunt's house (and later my parents and then my house) we had a great view of the fireworks that were shot off from the park that was just down the street. When the trees got too tall, we would take lawn chairs to the church parking lot across the street and watch them from there. During my teenage years, I would watch them with my friends - sometimes from their backyard (and rooftop) that was even closer to the park. We ended up making up names for some of the fireworks so here's three of them for your pleasure:
1. Bill Fred - these represent the gigantic fireworks that fill the sky completely. They are the most impressive of the fireworks.
2. Pooters - these are the tiny fireworks that are hardly worth our while.
3. Spermies - these are the fireworks that after exploding, several smaller bursts of wiggling sparks move through the air (like sperm).
In case you were wondering - there are actually real names of fireworks you can see here.
1. Bill Fred - these represent the gigantic fireworks that fill the sky completely. They are the most impressive of the fireworks.
2. Pooters - these are the tiny fireworks that are hardly worth our while.
3. Spermies - these are the fireworks that after exploding, several smaller bursts of wiggling sparks move through the air (like sperm).
In case you were wondering - there are actually real names of fireworks you can see here.
Wednesday, July 03, 2019
Daily 3 - Facebook Groups
Today's Daily 3 will be some Facebook Groups that I follow:
1. Future Ready Librarians - this is a group for Librarians that often share ideas, ask for advice, and such. It currently has over 21,000 members.
2. North American Scrabble Players Association (NASPA) - this is the official group for the competitive Scrabble group that Matt and I compete in. They make announcements about Scrabble-related business and people will post about game scenarios or ask Scrabble-related questions.
3. UPS Dogs - This one is just fluff to make me smile. It features UPS drivers interacting with dogs (and other animals) as they make deliveries. It's cute pictures of dogs - what more could you ask for?
1. Future Ready Librarians - this is a group for Librarians that often share ideas, ask for advice, and such. It currently has over 21,000 members.
2. North American Scrabble Players Association (NASPA) - this is the official group for the competitive Scrabble group that Matt and I compete in. They make announcements about Scrabble-related business and people will post about game scenarios or ask Scrabble-related questions.
3. UPS Dogs - This one is just fluff to make me smile. It features UPS drivers interacting with dogs (and other animals) as they make deliveries. It's cute pictures of dogs - what more could you ask for?
Tuesday, July 02, 2019
Daily 3 - TV Shows
I'm struggling to think of a topic for today. Since I'm currently watching TV before bed, I figure I can list 3 shows that I typically watch - even when it's just reruns.
1. Big Bang Theory - I didn't start watching this until about Season 4 but it has been a favorite of mine and I'm glad I have a DVR that was able to record the last season for me.
2. House Hunters - Yeah, it's formulaic but it's interesting to compare what houses go for in other cities. It usually makes me feel better about what I paid for my house.
3. Friends - When there's nothing else on and I need something mindless, I usually have this on in the background.
1. Big Bang Theory - I didn't start watching this until about Season 4 but it has been a favorite of mine and I'm glad I have a DVR that was able to record the last season for me.
2. House Hunters - Yeah, it's formulaic but it's interesting to compare what houses go for in other cities. It usually makes me feel better about what I paid for my house.
3. Friends - When there's nothing else on and I need something mindless, I usually have this on in the background.
Monday, July 01, 2019
Daily 3 - Things You Don't See Much Any More
So today was our last day of travel and it feels really good to be home other than the fact that I'm either getting a cold or my allergies have been unleashed. We had an 8 hour drive today but I'm thankful to see my pets and to sleep in my own bed tonight. Today's daily three are those things you don't see much of anymore when traveling.
1. Stuckey's - these roadside convenience stores used to be everywhere. Now they are few and far between. I only saw two of them on our 3500 mile road trip.
2. Gulf Stations - Maybe these are more prevalent in other areas, but I can't say that I've seen any in Texas in a long while and only saw two on our trip.
3. Volkswagon Beetles - Remember the Slug Bug game? You hit your friend in the car when you were the first to see a VW Beetle? If your friend was a jerk, they made sure to hit you as hard as they can? I think I only saw one of these (and it was one of the newer models) on our trip.
1. Stuckey's - these roadside convenience stores used to be everywhere. Now they are few and far between. I only saw two of them on our 3500 mile road trip.
2. Gulf Stations - Maybe these are more prevalent in other areas, but I can't say that I've seen any in Texas in a long while and only saw two on our trip.
3. Volkswagon Beetles - Remember the Slug Bug game? You hit your friend in the car when you were the first to see a VW Beetle? If your friend was a jerk, they made sure to hit you as hard as they can? I think I only saw one of these (and it was one of the newer models) on our trip.
Sunday, June 30, 2019
Daily 3 - Three More Food Locales
Sorry I didn't get to post again yesterday. We had a short day at the park because most of the coasters were closed. (Boooooo...) We did have a very nice dinner at a fancy Italian restaurant on The Hill in St. Louis. The Hill is a place where many Italian immigrants settled and it has turned into a place where several great Italian restaurants and delis can be found. We are leaving St. Louis today but before we go, here are three other local food place we ate at:
1. Imo's Pizza - This is a local pizza place that uses a special kind of cheese called Provel. It was different but good.
2. Ted Drewes - This is a frozen custard place that makes a wide variety of concretes and sundaes.
3. Lion's Choice - This is a sandwich place that makes Roast Beef sandwiches. It's like a local version of Arby's but the roast beef has some special seasonings and they have their own sauce bar.
1. Imo's Pizza - This is a local pizza place that uses a special kind of cheese called Provel. It was different but good.
2. Ted Drewes - This is a frozen custard place that makes a wide variety of concretes and sundaes.
3. Lion's Choice - This is a sandwich place that makes Roast Beef sandwiches. It's like a local version of Arby's but the roast beef has some special seasonings and they have their own sauce bar.
Friday, June 28, 2019
Daily 3 - Three More States
Today was another long travel day through three more states on our midwest road trip.
1. Ohio - While most people know that the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame is located in Cleveland, you may not know that the term "rock and roll" was actually coined by a DJ named Alan Freed in Cleveland.
2. Indiana - The movie A Christmas Story is set in Hammond, IN (which is also where my parents grew up). Much of it was filmed in Cleveland, OH, but the stories are based on events in Hammond (including Warren G Harding Elementary which we passed by on a short jaunt through town).
3. Illinois - Chicago has more lines of railroad track radiating out from it than any other city. My parents told stories about how they were always dealing with delays from trains running through Hammond (IN).
1. Ohio - While most people know that the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame is located in Cleveland, you may not know that the term "rock and roll" was actually coined by a DJ named Alan Freed in Cleveland.
2. Indiana - The movie A Christmas Story is set in Hammond, IN (which is also where my parents grew up). Much of it was filmed in Cleveland, OH, but the stories are based on events in Hammond (including Warren G Harding Elementary which we passed by on a short jaunt through town).
3. Illinois - Chicago has more lines of railroad track radiating out from it than any other city. My parents told stories about how they were always dealing with delays from trains running through Hammond (IN).
Thursday, June 27, 2019
Daily 3 - Making the most of your theme park visit
I've been to a few theme parks since I started actively riding about 19 years ago. Since then, I've learned a few things to make the visits more enjoyable.
1. Comfortable shoes - this is non-negotiable. Even the most comfortable shoes are uncomfortable by the end of the day after walking multiple miles and excessive standing in lines. Shoes should NOT be flip flops.
2. Take very little with you. No purses, cameras, backpacks, etc. Only take what you can carry in your pockets so you don't have to worry about it when riding rides. You might have to wear cargo shorts with more pockets, but make it so that you can hop on rides without much effort.
3. For plus size ladies or those that have chafing issues - the right underwear and deodorant goes a long way. I found special underwear that wicks away moisture and some deodorant on your thighs helps with the chafing.
Bonus tip: Visit when temperatures are moderate - 76-80 degrees is just about perfect. Still hot in the heat of the afternoon, but manageable.
1. Comfortable shoes - this is non-negotiable. Even the most comfortable shoes are uncomfortable by the end of the day after walking multiple miles and excessive standing in lines. Shoes should NOT be flip flops.
2. Take very little with you. No purses, cameras, backpacks, etc. Only take what you can carry in your pockets so you don't have to worry about it when riding rides. You might have to wear cargo shorts with more pockets, but make it so that you can hop on rides without much effort.
3. For plus size ladies or those that have chafing issues - the right underwear and deodorant goes a long way. I found special underwear that wicks away moisture and some deodorant on your thighs helps with the chafing.
Bonus tip: Visit when temperatures are moderate - 76-80 degrees is just about perfect. Still hot in the heat of the afternoon, but manageable.
Wednesday, June 26, 2019
Daily 3 - Midwest Eats
Today's daily 3 will be three places I've eaten in the Midwest that I've never eaten at before and we don't have in Texas:
1. Maid-Rite - This is a burger place that would probably be the equivalent of Whataburger in Texas. Their specialty is a Maid Rite burger that is just crumbled ground beef with ketchup, mustard, pickles, and onions. It was ok but it doesn't compare to Whataburger.
2. Cousins Sub Sandwiches - We ate here after touring Marquette. It's your basic sandwich shop similar to Subway or Pot Belly.
3. Whitey's - This is an ice cream place in Moline. It was good but nothing to write home about. Serving was pretty large even for a small. I couldn't finish mine. They have a wide variety of flavors.
1. Maid-Rite - This is a burger place that would probably be the equivalent of Whataburger in Texas. Their specialty is a Maid Rite burger that is just crumbled ground beef with ketchup, mustard, pickles, and onions. It was ok but it doesn't compare to Whataburger.
2. Cousins Sub Sandwiches - We ate here after touring Marquette. It's your basic sandwich shop similar to Subway or Pot Belly.
3. Whitey's - This is an ice cream place in Moline. It was good but nothing to write home about. Serving was pretty large even for a small. I couldn't finish mine. They have a wide variety of flavors.
Daily 3 - Coasters
Sorry I didn’t get to post yesterday. After spending all day at the park, I pretty much got to the hotel and passed out. I’ll make up for it by posting twice today.
Today’s Daily 3 will be the three best coasters I rode at Six Flags Great America yesterday.
1. Raging Bull - This one I got to ride the last time I came here in 2004. It is still a great ride with lots of airtime.
2. Goliath - this is a fairly new one that is a hybrid coaster that has a wood frame and a steel track. It is similar to Iron Rattler at Firsts Texas. It was a nice smooth ride with a lot of inversions and steep drops.
3. X-Flight - We were in line for this with just two groups ahead of us when it was shut down due to weather. A hefty storm passed through a few minutes later but we waited it out and got to ride it after it reopened. It was a fun ride - first time I’d ridden that type of coaster.
Today’s Daily 3 will be the three best coasters I rode at Six Flags Great America yesterday.
1. Raging Bull - This one I got to ride the last time I came here in 2004. It is still a great ride with lots of airtime.
2. Goliath - this is a fairly new one that is a hybrid coaster that has a wood frame and a steel track. It is similar to Iron Rattler at Firsts Texas. It was a nice smooth ride with a lot of inversions and steep drops.
3. X-Flight - We were in line for this with just two groups ahead of us when it was shut down due to weather. A hefty storm passed through a few minutes later but we waited it out and got to ride it after it reopened. It was a fun ride - first time I’d ridden that type of coaster.
Monday, June 24, 2019
Daily 3 - Breakfast
I'm not much of a breakfast person in general. I'm usually just not hungry in the mornings so I usually don't each anything at home most normal work days. When I have company I might cook something or sometimes Matt will pick up breakfast burritos (brisket, no egg) on weekends. Since we're traveling and Matt is more of a breakfast person, we have been eating at restaurants. Today's daily three are the things I usually order:
1. Bacon - My favorite breakfast meat, followed closely by good (not spicy) sausage. Not over cooked, but some crispiness.
2. Hashbrowns - With ketchup and pepper. I don't like them too greasy, but they should have some flavor to them.
3. Toast with Butter and Jelly - Preferably strawberry or mixed fruit jelly. Grape is not my favorite.
Bonus: Sometimes if I'm really hungry I'll have french toast, but usually the order is so huge I can't finish it so I usually don't order it. I only like waffles if they are somewhat crispy. I do not like pancakes at all.
Sunday, June 23, 2019
Daily 3 - Three Words
Today's daily three are three words that I should have played, challenged, and not challenged.
1. Solated - I talked myself out of playing this word because I misremembered it as a phony. If I had played it, I probably would have won that game. I played off the L and O and ended up with a Bingo that I couldn't find (and couldn't have played anyway)
2. Erratas - I challenged this word and shouldn't have. I was thinking it was already plural and didn't take an "S". Technically, I'm right, but officially there is a little-used form in which it does take an S. I still won that game but lost some extra points I would have gotten from my lost turn.
3. Dataries - I challenged this and lost a turn and although I was probably going to lose anyway at this point, it might have changed the game a bit and not be as big of a loss. I might have been able to draw better after being able to make a play.
Bonus:
Cooth - I should have challenged this as it was a 54 point non-bingo play. I was pretty sure it should have been couth, but I had previously lost a challenge (erratas) and had bingo counter play and didn't want to risk losing it.
1. Solated - I talked myself out of playing this word because I misremembered it as a phony. If I had played it, I probably would have won that game. I played off the L and O and ended up with a Bingo that I couldn't find (and couldn't have played anyway)
2. Erratas - I challenged this word and shouldn't have. I was thinking it was already plural and didn't take an "S". Technically, I'm right, but officially there is a little-used form in which it does take an S. I still won that game but lost some extra points I would have gotten from my lost turn.
3. Dataries - I challenged this and lost a turn and although I was probably going to lose anyway at this point, it might have changed the game a bit and not be as big of a loss. I might have been able to draw better after being able to make a play.
Bonus:
Cooth - I should have challenged this as it was a 54 point non-bingo play. I was pretty sure it should have been couth, but I had previously lost a challenge (erratas) and had bingo counter play and didn't want to risk losing it.
Saturday, June 22, 2019
Daily 3 - Three Restaurants
Today was the first day of the Scrabble tournament here in Ankeny, Iowa. I thought about doing a Scrabble post of unusual words I played today, but most words were fairly ordinary. I ended up splitting my day going 4-4. Now for today's post - three restaurants we ate at today (that I've never been to before).
1. Perkins Restaurant - For breakfast. I had hash browns, bacon, toast, and coffee. Matt wanted a Blueberry Muffin but they were out.
2. Wig and Pen Pizza Pub - For lunch. I had a salad and cup of French Onion soup. Matt had the Union Jack pizza. Salad was ok, but the soup was delicious.
3. Zombie Burgers and Shakes - I had the Planet Terror burger and a Rootbeer Float. Matt had the Flamethrower and we shared some fries. It was fine though the BBQ sauce was a little spicy for me.
1. Perkins Restaurant - For breakfast. I had hash browns, bacon, toast, and coffee. Matt wanted a Blueberry Muffin but they were out.
2. Wig and Pen Pizza Pub - For lunch. I had a salad and cup of French Onion soup. Matt had the Union Jack pizza. Salad was ok, but the soup was delicious.
3. Zombie Burgers and Shakes - I had the Planet Terror burger and a Rootbeer Float. Matt had the Flamethrower and we shared some fries. It was fine though the BBQ sauce was a little spicy for me.
Friday, June 21, 2019
Daily 3 - Three States
For today's daily 3, I'll list three states we drove through (besides Texas) and an interesting fact about each state.
1. Oklahoma - Because of the frequent sightings, there is an annual Big Foot Festival in eastern Oklahoma.
Source: http://mentalfloss.com/article/59115/15-things-you-might-not-know-about-oklahoma
2. Kansas - Since 1950 until 2012 Kansas has averaged 61 tornados a year. Between 2003 and 2012, that average was actually 112 a year.
Source: http://mentalfloss.com/article/71618/25-homespun-facts-about-kansas
3. Missouri - It is called the cave state because it has more than 6300 known caves.
Source: http://mentalfloss.com/article/72079/25-facts-about-missouri-show-me
1. Oklahoma - Because of the frequent sightings, there is an annual Big Foot Festival in eastern Oklahoma.
Source: http://mentalfloss.com/article/59115/15-things-you-might-not-know-about-oklahoma
2. Kansas - Since 1950 until 2012 Kansas has averaged 61 tornados a year. Between 2003 and 2012, that average was actually 112 a year.
Source: http://mentalfloss.com/article/71618/25-homespun-facts-about-kansas
3. Missouri - It is called the cave state because it has more than 6300 known caves.
Source: http://mentalfloss.com/article/72079/25-facts-about-missouri-show-me
Thursday, June 20, 2019
Daily 3 - Vacation highlights
Well it’s 22 minutes before midnight here in Texas so I guess I’ll make today’s post deadline. We started the first leg of our trip this evening leaving San Antonio around 6 pm. We are staying overnight in Ft. Worth and will head to Iowa tomorrow. Here’s 3 things I’m looking forward to on our trip.
1. Playing Scrabble (probably) - it’s always hit or miss it seems. Hopefully the tiles will be in my favor this weekend. We are playing new people that we have probably never played so it’s a bit of a guessing game. I’ve gotten to know some of the Texas players I play regularly and kind of know who is more prone to play phonies. I’m currently ranked 8th out of 12 in my division.
2. Riding roller coasters - duh. I’ve been to all the parks we are going to before but there will be several new coasters to ride and a lot of old favorites.
3. Meeting some of Matt’s family. I’ve met his uncle who we are staying with in Moline and he is one of the nicest men I’ve ever met. I’ll get to meet a few more of his cousins as well. I was hoping I’d finally get to meet his mom since we are stopping in St. Louis, but that’s not going to happen it seems. Long story - will have to wait for another post.
1. Playing Scrabble (probably) - it’s always hit or miss it seems. Hopefully the tiles will be in my favor this weekend. We are playing new people that we have probably never played so it’s a bit of a guessing game. I’ve gotten to know some of the Texas players I play regularly and kind of know who is more prone to play phonies. I’m currently ranked 8th out of 12 in my division.
2. Riding roller coasters - duh. I’ve been to all the parks we are going to before but there will be several new coasters to ride and a lot of old favorites.
3. Meeting some of Matt’s family. I’ve met his uncle who we are staying with in Moline and he is one of the nicest men I’ve ever met. I’ll get to meet a few more of his cousins as well. I was hoping I’d finally get to meet his mom since we are stopping in St. Louis, but that’s not going to happen it seems. Long story - will have to wait for another post.
Wednesday, June 19, 2019
Daily 3 - Three Things I'm Going to Miss
Matt and I leave for our first extended vacation tomorrow. We'll be traveling the midwest for 10 days. We are heading up to Iowa first for a Scrabble tournament this weekend. After that we'll visit some family and then ride coasters in Chicago, Cedar Point, and St. Louis.
Although I'm looking forward to the trip, I will miss some things while gone:
1. My Pets. My cat, Lucy, is now 20 years and seems to be doing pretty well for her age. She still has a good appetite but she likes to nibble throughout the day so I will be worried about her when I'm gone. Fatniss Everdeen is my other cat and if you can't tell by her name, she could stand to lose some weight. I'm not as worried about her. Our dog Angie will be fine, but I will miss her. We lost our dog, Mollie, back in December shortly before Christmas. Part of our fence fell down and she got out and we never found her in spite of trips to the pound, signs, and online postings.
2. My own bed. It's not anything fancy, but it does have a nice memory foam topper that I love and I never quite sleep as well in hotels and other strange beds.
3. My money. Although we saved our tax refund and some extra money I got from being an assistant Academic Decathlon coach, we'll have to spend a bit of money for meals and especially gas! It's going to be about 3500+ miles round trip. Luckily we're taking my Rav 4 Hybrid but that's a lot of miles.
Thankfully my cousin who has been staying with us for the past few months is going to take care of the animals. We're only taking the trip since he is here at home taking care of them, otherwise, we probably wouldn't be gone so long. He's going through a divorce and had been living in his car for about a month when he called to tell me what was going on and asked if he could stay with us. It has been great because he is much handier than Matt and I. He has fixed several things for us at the house so he's earned his keep. I couldn't afford the cost of hiring a pet sitter for 10 days so it has worked out well.
Although I'm looking forward to the trip, I will miss some things while gone:
1. My Pets. My cat, Lucy, is now 20 years and seems to be doing pretty well for her age. She still has a good appetite but she likes to nibble throughout the day so I will be worried about her when I'm gone. Fatniss Everdeen is my other cat and if you can't tell by her name, she could stand to lose some weight. I'm not as worried about her. Our dog Angie will be fine, but I will miss her. We lost our dog, Mollie, back in December shortly before Christmas. Part of our fence fell down and she got out and we never found her in spite of trips to the pound, signs, and online postings.
2. My own bed. It's not anything fancy, but it does have a nice memory foam topper that I love and I never quite sleep as well in hotels and other strange beds.
3. My money. Although we saved our tax refund and some extra money I got from being an assistant Academic Decathlon coach, we'll have to spend a bit of money for meals and especially gas! It's going to be about 3500+ miles round trip. Luckily we're taking my Rav 4 Hybrid but that's a lot of miles.
Thankfully my cousin who has been staying with us for the past few months is going to take care of the animals. We're only taking the trip since he is here at home taking care of them, otherwise, we probably wouldn't be gone so long. He's going through a divorce and had been living in his car for about a month when he called to tell me what was going on and asked if he could stay with us. It has been great because he is much handier than Matt and I. He has fixed several things for us at the house so he's earned his keep. I couldn't afford the cost of hiring a pet sitter for 10 days so it has worked out well.
Tuesday, June 18, 2019
Daily 3 - Observations about 4th, 5th & 6th graders
So I've been teaching a class to 4th, 5th and 6th graders this week. They are learning to create their own comic books. After being at a high school for the last three years, I did make a few observations today:
1. They have not yet started cussing like sailors. It seems every other word that comes out of a HS student's mouth is the F-word or something similar. The kids I have this week have been pretty tame in that regard.
2. They enjoy telling your stories. Whether it's their character's background story or that their birthday is in 8 days, they like to talk to adults.
3. They are more easily entertained. They don't groan at brain break games and enjoy playing the board games I brought from my school.
1. They have not yet started cussing like sailors. It seems every other word that comes out of a HS student's mouth is the F-word or something similar. The kids I have this week have been pretty tame in that regard.
2. They enjoy telling your stories. Whether it's their character's background story or that their birthday is in 8 days, they like to talk to adults.
3. They are more easily entertained. They don't groan at brain break games and enjoy playing the board games I brought from my school.
Monday, June 17, 2019
Daily Three - Things I Could Not Find at Target
Matt and I are heading on a road trip this weekend so I was needing to get a few things. I went to Target because I needed makeup and unlike Walmart, you can find what you need without someone having to unlock a sliding door. While I was there, however, I couldn't find 3 things that I was shopping for:
1. Underwear - I was looking for a specific brand and style and they didn't have it in stock.
2. Sports Bra that fits - I found one that I kind of liked but the only one in my size had stains on it. I didn't think the rest would provide the support needed. I did, however, find two other regular bras that seem to fit ok. Since we are going to be going to some theme parks and walking out in the sun for hours, I wanted something that would help with sweating.
3. Stationery - I know that letter writing is a lost art these days but I was needing to actually write a letter (by hand) and the stationery I've had since the mid-80's was a bit faded and dusty. The only thing Target had was some blank cardstock cards but no actual stationery sets.
1. Underwear - I was looking for a specific brand and style and they didn't have it in stock.
2. Sports Bra that fits - I found one that I kind of liked but the only one in my size had stains on it. I didn't think the rest would provide the support needed. I did, however, find two other regular bras that seem to fit ok. Since we are going to be going to some theme parks and walking out in the sun for hours, I wanted something that would help with sweating.
3. Stationery - I know that letter writing is a lost art these days but I was needing to actually write a letter (by hand) and the stationery I've had since the mid-80's was a bit faded and dusty. The only thing Target had was some blank cardstock cards but no actual stationery sets.
Sunday, June 16, 2019
Daily 3 - Things I Loved About Andrew
Today's Daily Three will be three things I loved and miss about Andrew:
1. How good he was at fixing, building, and maintaining computers. I wish I had him around when I needed help with my systems.
2. Posting his Helen Friday meals. Being a picky eater, I probably wouldn't always eat everything but her cooking always looked so good!
3. How much he loved Maggie. I love how he doted on her constantly and she was always by his side. I'm so glad he found her and I hope she goes to a good home.
1. How good he was at fixing, building, and maintaining computers. I wish I had him around when I needed help with my systems.
2. Posting his Helen Friday meals. Being a picky eater, I probably wouldn't always eat everything but her cooking always looked so good!
3. How much he loved Maggie. I love how he doted on her constantly and she was always by his side. I'm so glad he found her and I hope she goes to a good home.
Saturday, June 15, 2019
Gone too Soon
I heard about Andrew's passing on Wednesday. I've needed a few days to process it. I am truly heartbroken and devastated. He has been my good online blog friend since I first started blogging in 2004. Of course, I haven't really blogged in a while. I do feel guilty about that because Andrew always told me that my blog was his favorite. He enjoyed reading about my mundane life. I think that when I started blogging, it was my form of therapy that I needed post-divorce. When I moved to San Antonio, life took a different turn and my blogging became much more infrequent. I didn't even read other blogs as much but I would always catch up with Andrew every few weeks. There was just something about his writing that drew me in. I loved how he was not shy about sharing. He would write about his embarrassing moments so nonchalantly. I was always afraid to be as completely forthcoming. I loved the many characters he encountered and wrote about. Rosa, George, Charlie, Horsefly, his mom and dad... the list can go on. I am so sad that I will no longer be able to read his writings.
It started with Prison Pete's blog. (I just now tried going back to it and it sends you to a spam site.) I stumbled on it in my early blogging days, recommended it to blogger as a "Blog of Note", it got noted and then tons of people who started reading it also found my blog. Andrew was one of those but he didn't post a comment for several months afterward. I also found several other blog friends like Summer, Cheryl, Leann, and Janet who I'm also friends with on Facebook. Most of us have stopped blogging and mostly post on Facebook these days (if that), but Andrew was able to keep up with blogging for some reason. I wonder if it was a step out of loneliness for him. Whatever it was, I appreciated him, his life, and his many stories. He will be greatly missed by me and his many readers.
Though it's too late for me to do this for Andrew, I'm going to give blogging another try. A Scrabble acquaintance of mine on Facebook has been posting a "Daily Three". Though I can't always take the time to post a lengthy blog, I figure I might be able to at least do a Daily Three. We'll see how it goes. Maybe blogging is old school these days, but it was a big part of my life for many years and it helped me get through some tough times. I may be writing for an empty audience, but at least I'll be writing again.
It started with Prison Pete's blog. (I just now tried going back to it and it sends you to a spam site.) I stumbled on it in my early blogging days, recommended it to blogger as a "Blog of Note", it got noted and then tons of people who started reading it also found my blog. Andrew was one of those but he didn't post a comment for several months afterward. I also found several other blog friends like Summer, Cheryl, Leann, and Janet who I'm also friends with on Facebook. Most of us have stopped blogging and mostly post on Facebook these days (if that), but Andrew was able to keep up with blogging for some reason. I wonder if it was a step out of loneliness for him. Whatever it was, I appreciated him, his life, and his many stories. He will be greatly missed by me and his many readers.
Though it's too late for me to do this for Andrew, I'm going to give blogging another try. A Scrabble acquaintance of mine on Facebook has been posting a "Daily Three". Though I can't always take the time to post a lengthy blog, I figure I might be able to at least do a Daily Three. We'll see how it goes. Maybe blogging is old school these days, but it was a big part of my life for many years and it helped me get through some tough times. I may be writing for an empty audience, but at least I'll be writing again.
Tuesday, January 01, 2019
2018 Year in Review
Well, here's my yearly blog post. I guess I should eventually just archive this blog since I haven't been actively blogging in several years. I don't know what it is... I've found that I rarely share anything these days - even on Facebook.
11. What was the best thing you bought?
12. Whose behavior merited celebration?
13. Whose behavior made you appalled and depressed?
19. What do you wish you'd done less of?
27. Whom did you miss?
1. What did you do in 2018 that you'd never done before?
Honestly can't think of anything new at this time - other than getting the flu for the first time in a very long time. (On New Year's Eve, no less.)
2. Did you keep your new years' resolutions, and will you make more for next year?
Still don't really make resolutions though I did do another Goodreads goal. I read 45 books (though I did have to change it from 50 as I ran out of time)
3. Did anyone close to you give birth?
Nope - most people I know are too old.
4. Did anyone close to you die?
4. Did anyone close to you die?
My uncle Dave died just a week and half after Matt and I saw him in September.
5. What countries did you visit?
Still no countries and didn't really travel very far this year. I did get to Albuquerque for a training session and back to Amarillo for my high school reunion this summer.
6. What would you like to have in 2018 that you lacked in 2018?
6. What would you like to have in 2018 that you lacked in 2018?
Same as always ... More time, more energy, more money.
7. What date from 2018 will remain etched upon your memory, and why?
7. What date from 2018 will remain etched upon your memory, and why?
Friday, December 21 - they day that Mollie got out of the yard and ran away. Don't know if she got killed or dognapped, but nobody has called to say they've found her for more than a week now.
8. What was your biggest achievement of the year?
8. What was your biggest achievement of the year?
Genrefying my entire library and winning my first Scrabble tournament (first time to come in first).
9. What was your biggest failure?
9. What was your biggest failure?
No major failures that I can remember.
10. Did you suffer illness or injury?
10. Did you suffer illness or injury?
Got the flu (right now)
11. What was the best thing you bought?
I had custom Scrabble tile bags made for both Matt and I for Christmas. Mine is a Harry Potter bag and his is a Spurs bag.
12. Whose behavior merited celebration?
Nobody really stood out - Matt is still a great husband.
13. Whose behavior made you appalled and depressed?
Still Delores Umbridge (code name for someone in our district that I do not care for)
14. Where did most of your money go?
Same as last year: Bills, Scrabble tournaments, eating out
15. What did you get really, really, really excited about?
15. What did you get really, really, really excited about?
Being Gibsonized and winning my first Scrabble tournament.
16. What song will always remind you of 2018?
16. What song will always remind you of 2018?
Wake Me Up (When It's All Over)
17. Compared to this time last year, are you:
17. Compared to this time last year, are you:
happier or sadder? About the same as last year – generally happy.
- richer or poorer? About the same – got a standard raise and an extra stipend this year for helping with Academic Decathlon
- thinner or fatter? About the same.
18. What do you wish you'd done more of?
- richer or poorer? About the same – got a standard raise and an extra stipend this year for helping with Academic Decathlon
- thinner or fatter? About the same.
18. What do you wish you'd done more of?
Studying Scrabble, reading
19. What do you wish you'd done less of?
Procrastinating
20. How did you spend the holidays?
20. How did you spend the holidays?
New Years (2017) – don't remember - didn't post on Facebook
Valentine’s Day – Matt had to work so I think we celebrated early.
Valentine’s Day – Matt had to work so I think we celebrated early.
Easter – with Matt - probably went to our regular church for Mass.
4th of July – with Matt – had dinner at Chili's and then stayed in. It was a rainy 4th.
4th of July – with Matt – had dinner at Chili's and then stayed in. It was a rainy 4th.
Thanksgiving –Went back to Amarillo to spend Thanksgiving with my brother and family.
Christmas – stayed home. Josh and his girlfriend arrived on the 22nd. We did an Escape Room and went to see some Christmas lights. Did a lot of cooking (more than I normally do at list)
New Year's Eve (today) – stayed home in bed with the flu.
21. Did you fall in love in 2018?
21. Did you fall in love in 2018?
Still in love with Matt.
22. How many one-night stands?
22. How many one-night stands?
Oh please.... I really should just delete this question.
23. What was your favorite TV program?
23. What was your favorite TV program?
Still like Big Bang Theory and also enjoying Young Sheldon.
24. Do you hate anyone now that you didn't hate this time last year?
24. Do you hate anyone now that you didn't hate this time last year?
Hate is a strong word. I still dislike Delores Umbridge.
25. What was the best book you read?
25. What was the best book you read?
Notable books: The Damage Done by PJ Parrish, The FallenT by David Baldacci, and Past Tense by Lee Child. You can see my list of books here:
26. What was your favorite film of this year?
Even though it differed quite a bit from the book, I enjoyed Ready Player One.
27. Whom did you miss?
My dog Mollie that got out of the yard and ran away on Dec. 21.
27. Who was the best new person you met?
27. Who was the best new person you met?
Can't think of anyone that really stands out. Always meet some new Scrabble players and teachers every year.
29. Tell us a valuable life lesson you learned in 2018.
29. Tell us a valuable life lesson you learned in 2018.
Some years are simply going to be better than others. Overall this year wasn't really that bad until the end of the year. Don't judge your year on one or two bad moments.
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