Working on a life less ordinary...

Friends

2010-10-09T11:59:00.003-04:00

So school has been going well. I love my class and I have great parents. It's been weird because as much as I love teaching, I really felt like I was supposed to go into administration, and that just isn't happening . I know i have to be patient and things will work out in God's time, so that's what I'm trying to do. T's job is going well too- we both just still really wish he could find a job here instead of commuting so far.

Life's been weird lately, but good at the same time. I've learned some hard lessons about friendship that I was pretty sure I had already learned years and years ago, but apparently, I'm always learning. You know that saying about friends coming into your life for a reason, season, or lifetime? Well, it's funny how friends you think are only going to be there for a reason, end up being in your life for a season or a lifetime. And friends you think are lifetime friends, actually turn out to be otherwise. Sigh. But, being a forever optimist, I look for the positives. I drew my husband even closer to me, and count my true friends as even bigger blessings. One day, someone will look back and realize the mistakes they made, but it will be too late. Friends just don't come that easily. Not real ones anyway.

Kids are doing great and make me so proud everyday. They are so smart, cute, outgoing, lovable, energetic, fun kids..... :-)

It's time...or is it?

2010-08-11T14:23:00.002-04:00

After 17 years, I believe it's time to put my sweet kitty to sleep. For the last 2 months or so, she has been forgetting where the litter box is. She will wander around and meow until I pick her up and take her to it. Last week, she started sneezing blood. I already have to give her pills twice a day for her thyroid, so it just seems like her quality of life is declining. I'm so sad about it, and just very torn about whether this is the right decision. With people, this is not an issue, so I am left wondering why I am given the power to make this decision with my pet. Shouldn't she just go naturally as well? Am I assuming a power that God should have? I'm just so torn and sad.......

Let's try again....

2010-07-31T21:08:00.002-04:00

I blink and six months has gone by. I'm not sure how that happens. I don't like it! I try to be one of those people that lives in the moment and enjoys every day, but still somehow, the days disappear.

So, tomorrow is my 2 year anniversary. Thought it would be a good time to update.

I am still teaching, although this year, I'm taking the leap from first grade to 2nd grade. I'm looping with my class, keeping all of the same students. I truly loved my class and was super sad (for about 5 minutes) on the last day of school. As much as I love the lazier days of summer, I am looking forward to seeing them all again. Many of their parents have become friends, so I've gotten to see many of them over the summer, but I miss them all the same. I would still love to get an AP job someday, but I know that has to happen in someone else's timeframe, not mine, so I'm trying to be patient.

Tony is still working in DC, still getting up at 3 am every day. I miss him so much over the summer when I'm home. I love keeping things straight and going around here though so he can rest when he's at home. During the school year, he definitely doesn't get to do that enough. He works so hard and I'm so thankful and blessed.

We are celebrating our two year anniversary tomorrow! We aren't going to do much though because we are currently planning (and paying for) a trip to Dallas in December. We are going to see the Cowboys play in their new stadium, and have 10 others going with us. I'm soooo excited!

Kids are awesome- they both just finished a 4 day run of a play, a musical adaptation of Pinocchio. Mason was Gepetto and Abbie played a child and a donkey.
:-) They did an amazing job and I got all teary every time I watched it. I can't believe Abbie is starting 5th grade, her last year at work with me! :-( She is into soccer and about to start flag football, but don't let that fool you- she's as girly as they come. Nails, hair, and anything girly--- loves it all. Mason is still in band, and is the only bari sax player in his band. He made all-district band, first chair, and loves theatre as well. He's really social these days...I guess that's what being a teenager is all about. He's always got a friend over, or he's at a friend's house. Lots of fun, and never a dull moment.

All in all, life is just really good. Sure, we have our stressers day to day, but at the end of the day, I am just truly blessed.

Gosh time flies!

2010-01-17T22:00:00.002-05:00

It's been so long since I updated. One day recently, I wrote an update on everyone, and when I hit "publish", it disappeared! I couldn't bring myself to type it all again. So, I'll attempt it again now!

Tony is still working in DC, and I'd be lying if I said it hasn't been a strain on our family. He gets very little sleep, as he gets up at 3 am every day to go to work. He gets home about 5:30 or 6 pm, and after dinner, and time with the kids, a little time for me, and a little time for himself, he's rarely in bed before 11. More than anything, I wish (and he wishes) he could find a job here, but there is no market here at the moment for what he does. DC is where all the jobs are, and his phone is ringing every day with job offers for up there! I offered to move to Fredericksburg and have done so repeatedly, but he just doesn't want to. I am hoping that 2010 will be the year he can find something here. He has a lot to look forward to this year- he will graduate in May from VCU with his Masters, and is going to Poland for a week before that to culminate his program. I am very happy for him, and proud of how hard he works to provide for us.

I am plugging along. With the recent budget announced, I am glad that I didn't get one of those AP jobs I applied for, as it looks like the last 4 APs hired may lose their jobs. I have more free time now than I have ever had, and am looking for the "next thing" I want to work on or accomplish. For right now, it's exercise, specifically running. I am trying very hard to get back into it as I would love to lose about 20 lbs. I really need to do it.

Mason is doing great in school and likes it more than he did last year. He auditioned for the school play and didn't get a great part, but he's happy to have gotten a part at all. He is so smart and I'm so proud of him. He is doing great on the sax and his teacher tells me all the time how talented he is. He is very excited about a Spring trip to Tennessee for a competition.

Abbie is also doing well....she just got contacts and looks so much older to me. I call her my shadow because she is around me all of the time. I love it. I keep telling myself she won't do so for much longer! She is all signed up for soccer and can't wait to play again. She's also very into music right now and art and can draw just about anything!

I'm hoping this is going to be a great year. We are going to the beach for a week in the Spring, and hopefully getting back out to Vegas at some point. Tony has a big birthday this year (30!!!) too so that will be fun to plan for.

SO that's where we are in a nutshell. Hopefully it won't be 6 months before I update again!

Where has the time gone???

2009-12-10T20:48:00.002-05:00

I can't believe I haven't written anything on here since July 29th. Where did the time go? I guess I post my updates on Facebook now instead. I also wonder sometimes since very few people read this, why do I even write it? It's not like I don't know what's goin on in my own life! :-) But, I'll do it anyway. Maybe one day I will want to look back and this and remember what was going on.

Kids are great. They are both doing really well in school. They are learning a lot and getting good grades. I have to say, I've been pleasantly surprised by the middle school. I've discovered it gets a bad "rep", I think mainly because it's not as new and shiny as the other middle schools, but we've had a good experience. I worry ALL THE TIME about Mason and his grades though. He always ends up with As or Bs, but man, it's a fight. He's so forgetful and unorganized, and at his age, I feel like I can't hand hold so much anymore. I know parents that still do, but I feel like he is smart enough to know what to do and how to do it, and he has to want to get the grades, and realize the consequences if he doesn't. It's super stressful though. Abbie is just my little social butterfly, happy as she can be, and smart as well. She's doing great, and seems to have a lot of friends. She's still a vegetarian, which I've gotten used to, but it's frustrating because she's also super picky about veggies. We are running out of options. I am having to force her to try a lot of new things, with not much success.

Tony is still working on his Masters- one semester to go- which culminates in May with a trip to Poland, which I'm not allowed to go on. I wish I could- what an opportunity. He is working in DC and I won't lie- it's super stressful on our family. He gets up at 3 am, and gets home about 5:30, very, very tired. WIth me working too, it's tough. I try my hardest to manage as much of the housework and kids stuff as possible, and sometimes I feel like a single mom again. He tries very hard to pitch in, but I know he's tired. He would love a job here, but there is just no market here for what he does. I totally envision us moving to the DC area once the kids are out of high school or in college. One day.....

I'm good- trying desperately to motivate myself to get back in the gym. I have managed to gain back all 10 pounds I had lost. I haven't been running, and football season means lots of beer and munchies for us, and all day on Sundays watching football. I have definitely brought this on myself, but it is really surprising to me sometimes how down I can get on myself over 10 lbs. I have less energy and find myself just really sad about how I look. But then I don't work out. So I feel like I can't complain. I made it 2 times this week to the gym to run, so that's a start. Hopefully I can keep it up. Work is going great- good class- excellent class actually.

I am hoping to get back here again.....soon!

2009-07-29T22:53:00.003-04:00

Well, it's been almost a year. This time last year, I was actually pretty relaxed. Everything was pretty much done and I was just waiting!I was 2 days away from the rehearsal dinner and 3 days from the wedding. I soooo wish I could do it again. I loved it so much more this time around. I did things exactly how I wanted, regardless of what anyone else thought or what I "should" have done.

Also this time last year, we were getting ready for a trip to Jamaica. We were going to go to Jamaica again this year, but the economy kept us from going, and the 3-4 other couples cancelled as well. I'm ok with that. I LOVED Jamaica, but if I'm going to travel out of the country, I'd like to go somewhere I haven't been. Instead, we took the money we had put down as a deposit and got the entire trip to Vegas instead. Tony's never been, so I'm excited to share that with him. We paid for it awhile back, thankfully, because otherwise, we probably wouldn't be going. We are hoping to rent a car while we are there and just ride around- I want to show him Red Rock Canyon and Hoover Dam and a few things to see other than the casinos.

It's been a year of ups and downs, but I'd marry that man all over again. He makes me very happy and I love the family we've made together. I'm sure we have many adventures ahead.

A few notes on a few Richmond sites...

2009-07-21T15:32:00.002-04:00

So, the other night, my friend and I decide to have a girls night out. It was quite eventful, and speaks volumes to some of the reasons why Shockoe Bottom is nosediving. At the end of the night, i was chatting with one of the bartenders, and telling him my comments, and at his suggestion, I'm putting it out there in blog form!

We started our night right here by our houses. Except for the good ol Riverbound Cafe, there really isn't anywhere to go. And as great as RBC is, they aren't known for their happy hours. It's really a more family kind of place. So, we decided to venture downtown.

We started at The Hard Shell. Great place to start because they validate parking and parking is a major issue down there. We had a glass of wine and a few appetizers. Everything was amazing, except for the service was a little.....hmmmm..... unpersonable? The guy was there to take our order, write it down, turn it in, and deliver it. That was it. No small talk. No witty comments.

We left and headed up to Tobacco Company. YUCK. Cheesy music playing (live) and smoke so thick you can't breathe. And it's still early. I can only imagine what it would have been like later. Seriously, I know it's the "tobacco" company, but that doesn't mean the place has to smell like an ashtray. We were in, and out, and never sat down.

Walk back down the cobblestones to Cha Cha's Cantina. I've been here many times and always had fun, but I haven't been there in a year or so. We go in and instantly feel like we are in Mexico, but not in a good way. Either the AC was broken, or they were seriously going for the Mexican feel. It was soooo hot. We decided to sit at the bar and have a drink, just to cool down from the walk from Tobacco. Granted, I know we were at a Mexican place, so we probably should have had tequila/margaritas, or a Corona, but we wanted wine. They had it on the menu, so figured we should be safe. We both order a Pinot Grigio, and as I take my 2nd sip, I see that there is some nasty dried brown stuff all over the stem and base of the glass. I'm guessing it was refried beans??? vomit. I point it out to the bartender chick, and she says "Oh it's just from hitting the sdfih asdf (don't know what that word was)... and it's fine". Fine for you maybe. I'm not drinking out of that. So, I tell her I don't want it, and she says ok, and hands us the check. The check?! Are you kidding me? Despite feeling like I definitely shouldn't pay for that, we do, and we leave.

We go next to Stool Pigeons. Another place I really used to like. We walk in, lots of AC going, and have a seat at the bar under their really cool fans. We even tell the bartender what just happened. We order Pinot again, and ask him if we can just get a bottle. He pours one glass, and goes off to ask if he can sell us a bottle. Apparently this is not a place where people order bottles as opposed to glasses. While he's gone, I go to take a sip of wine, and smell cheeseburgers. I pause and look around to see if the people around me ordered cheeseburgers, but there is no one around! I put the glass back up to my lips and again smell cheeseburgers. I quickly realized it is the wine, but for some reason, took a sip anyway. If my manners were not what they are, I would have spit it back in the glass. It was sooo disgusting. I swallowed it, just as my friend was taking her glass to her lips. I didn't stop her in time, and she just about got sick. Who knows how long this wine had been open, but lets just say it had taken in just about every food smell possible. About this time, the bartender comes back to tell us he can sell us the bottle, to which he ends up saying to our backs as we walk out. It was so disgusting, and I am not sure I can ever step foot in there. What kind of bar manager doesn't keep an eye on things like that?

We decide that we are going back to Hard Shell, but before we do, decide to try one last place, The Lucky Buddha. I'm so glad we did. Not only was the food great, but the wine was freshly opened for us to sample. The bartender (Jimmy) was full of personality and took care of us all night, even as the restaurant turned into a club, complete with an awesome dj. We spent the evening chatting and having a great time. I highly recommend this place if you are into that type of food. (Sushi, asian, etc)

It will be awhile before another girls night, but we'll likely end up there again!

I'm so not ready....

2009-07-19T17:17:00.002-04:00

My son asked a girl to go to Busch Gardens with us tomorrow. I'm so not ready!!!

My Orlando Trip

2009-07-14T16:28:00.003-04:00

So, I'm home. I'm soooo glad to be home. I feel like Dorothy..."There's no place like home".

When I travel, I always try to picture myself living in that place. Look at some neighborhoods. Check out teacher salaries. That kind of thing. When we went to Chicago, I decided I could live there, but it's way too cold. I may be able to get over that though. Savannah? Could definitely live there. Valencia, CA? Loved it. Waikiki? We both seriously loved it and were ready to move. But Orlando? No offense to anyone that lives there, but there is NO WAY I could live there. It was tooooo hot, too humid, too rainy. The people outside of Disney were not that nice. Traffic was horrible. I kept trying, really hard, to find something awesome about it, and I just couldn't! And the huge monopoly Disney seems to have on everything really started to bug me. I couldn't even find a Starbucks in the immediate area.

Anyway, the conference was AWESOME and I learned so much. I can't wait to put it to practice. I am soooo thankful for the award that I won that let me go!

I met a very interesting girl while there named Stephanie, and got to see first hand, how foolish some people look when they are toasted. She tried to pay her bar tab 3 times and the cute bartender (Marco) was super sweet when explaining that she had already paid it, and tried to pay it again multiple times. She was totally sloshed and it was so hilarious. It's not nearly as funny typing it as it was experiencing it.

My family joined me on Thursday and I was sooooo ready for them to come. I had been there since Sunday night by myself. As much as I enjoyed the book I read at night and the "me" time, it was kinda boring after a few days. I watched a lot of "judge" shows (People's court, Judy Judy, etc) which I LOVE. LOL I spent my evenings having dinner at the bar with my book in hand, and I did a lot of shopping for Kagan stuff, which I'm anxiously awaiting the delivery of. (My award also paid for all of this- even better- shopping with someone else's money!) Sadly, i was ready again for some "me" time by the time we got home. I know this doesn't make me mother of the year, but I lost that title 11 years ago, so I'm good! :-)

Shopping

2009-07-03T10:04:00.002-04:00

I thought I'd write about something MUCH lighter today. :-)

I've been gearing up for this trip to Orlando for awhile now, and realized early on that I have NO shorts. Since I gained this extra 20 lbs or so over the last few years, I just stopped wearing them. I'll wear capris or skirts but shorts just look hideous on me. They are either too short or too expensive or just don't look good on me. Well, I realized I can't go to Orlando with no shorts. Thankfully, my friend Jenny brought over a bag of clothes she didn't want anymore and there were two pairs of shorts in there that actually fit me, and I didn't hate them! (Thanks Jenny!!!) So, this led me to go out and try to find some.
I went to Williamsburg the other day and looked at the outlets and didn't find a single pair. Tried Target. Nothing. I saw a sign in Old Navy's window, so went in there, and found 3 pairs for $10 each! SCORE! I NEVER shop there because the last time I did, nothing fit me right, but this time, they worked out! Must be that extra 20 pounds. So, at least I have 4-5 pairs to take with me.

I'm so ready to go! I feel bad, but I'm excited to be alone! I love my kids and husband SOOOOOOO much, but I have to admit that the thought of sitting by the pool with a book and drink, all by myself, for as long as I want, sounds heavenly. Granted, I have to get through a day of class before I can get outside, but I'm just so excited. Pangs of guilt enter my mind now and then, but I have managed to brush them away. The kids will be at my dad's having a blast, and I know my husband is looking forward to being a bachelor for a week- xbox, takeout, and sitting around in his underwear. :-)

Judging

2009-07-02T12:58:00.002-04:00

I rarely (if ever) toot my own horn. It's just not something I do. I love nice things, probably to a fault, and love being a woman, but seriously put my family and friends before myself. But, in the last few days, I have realized something about myself that I am very proud of. I have realized that I am not judgemental of people that I don't know or know anything about. I don't criticize people for their life choices, etc.

This Michael Jackson stuff has really thrown me for a loop. I had NO idea that there were so many people out there that think they are really "in the know" about his life. I mean, I was a fan of him my entire life, and I would NEVER go on the record to say "he was innocent" or "he was guilty". Never. Why? Because the media is not a reliable source of information, and money makes people do some very strange things. It boggles my mind that people are so convinced to the point of judging the man. Wishing a dead person to "rot in hell" for something that he may or may not have done. He may very well have abused some children. Maybe he didn't. I don't know, and will never know, so why spend time being negative and spewing hate? I'd rather focus on his music, and how it makes me feel happy, and the laughter that ensues when my husband imitates his dancing, and my kids newfound excitement over the music that I enjoyed at their age. It makes me much happier than the alternative.

Anyway, it makes me happy that despite some of the things that my parents did wrong with me, they managed to raise a person that is an independent thinker and open-minded, and non-judgemental. Maybe it's because I'm so imperfect myself. I just can't bring myself to assume I know all the facts about a person's private life. I guess I can cast those stones when I get myself sin-free.

Waiting.........

2009-06-04T22:13:00.002-04:00

Well, I got an interview. I had that yesterday. Today was so.....weird. I knew they were interviewing people allllllllll day, and while I was working, I kept thinking about the other interviews and wondering how they were going. I don't wish anyone else bad luck, but geez.... I have to admit I was hoping no one did that well. :-) I really hope I hear something tomorrow. I hope they let me know either way, but I just want to hear good news. I want to get a call back. I know if they liked me, there is one, and quite possibly two, more interviews.

I've played this out both ways. I know if I get it, I'm just gonna be on cloud 9, and although the job won't start for quite awhile, I will want to start tomorrow! If I don't get it, I'm going to be very, very sad. I've been praying and just asking God to help me be accepting of whatever His will is, and I've asked my closest friends to pray for me as well. So, thank you friends. I want to be one of those people that is just still, quiet, and patient. I'm a work in progress for sure.

On an unrelated note, my hubby and I have been doing this book called "the Love Dare". Although we already had a strong marriage, this has been so fun to do. We are both so busy that sometimes it is hard to find time to "connect" and this has been really cool. Basically, you get a challenge every day that you have to complete. Although we know what the other is doing for the day, it's still been fun to see how it plays out. It's definitely kept us close in a very stressful time.

One more week of school........ so bittersweet!!! I have such nice kids this year. I look at them sometimes and think "this could be my last class if I get this job!". What an odd thought. I love them.... Such a joy to be able to spend my days with them.

Wow, I did it.

2009-05-18T21:37:00.003-04:00

I applied for a new job today. Crazy. I was sick to my stomach turning in the application packet. Now I get to hold my breath and wait. I have about 10-12 days to wait for any idea of feedback I'm guessing. It's a long shot, but I felt my heart telling me I needed to apply. Fifteen years in one place is a very long time, and I'm ready to be challenged in a new way. We shall see!!

Mothers Day

2009-05-10T17:38:00.003-04:00

Today is Mothers Day, and it's been such a nice day. I woke up very briefly this morning as our live in alarm clock, Abbie, tiptoed in about 7 to wake up my husband. Apparently this was pre-planned. He got up, donned his G-town baseball cap and track pants to head to Starbucks. He came home with coffee, a Sunday paper, and two big bouquets of tulips - one for Mason to give me, and one for Abbie to give me. The kids then made b'fast with Tony's help- and it was so yummy. Bacon, eggs, biscuits, waffles, oj. YUM.

I stayed in bed and caught up with my Tivo- Oprah from all week- and then showered. We went to the cemetary to see my mom and the nicest man that worked there came up to us and gave me a flower. So sweet. We left there and went to hit golf balls, then out for ice cream. As I type, Tony is grilling yummy steaks for dinner. It couldn't have been a better day, unless I could have had my mom around. I've missed her a lot lately. If she was here, we would have gone by her house to give her her gift, which would have been something to use around the pool or yard this summer. I miss her so much. I seriously can't put into words how much I miss her. I talked to my sister, like I usually do on holidays, and we talked about what she'd be doing if she was here. We laughed about a few funny stories and ended with a sigh because we both know the other knows exactly how we feel. I thank God I have her because if I didn't, no one would truly get how I feel.

I hope all my mom friends had a fabulous day, full of love, children's laughter and smiles, and a few indulgences.

Where have I been?

2009-04-23T20:58:00.003-04:00

Wow. It's been a long time since I posted. Where in the world have I been and what have I been doing? Where did the time go???

Today was a tough day for a few reasons. None of them are worth going into really. One was my husbands fault, and he apologized early in the day (he's a smart man. The other was just sort of a smack in the face, and in the long run, it made me ponder a few things, which isn't always a bad thing. Anyway, I came home, did homework with Abbie, waited for Mason, went for my first run in 3 weeks, and it made me feel so much better.

Nothing much is going on. We cancelled our trip to Jamaica. Everyone else we were going with backed out, so we decided rather than go back to Jamaica, we will pick somewhere we've never been instead. I'm supposed to go to that Kagan thing in July, so it will be a busy summer! I haven't had time to sit down and research where we wanna go. All I know is sand. hot. drinks. sunsets. rest. In no particular order.

Dorsey is retiring. That has been hard to come to terms with. He's been a part of my life for 10 years. Yes, I'm that old. LOL I will miss him so much. Since the wedding, we have gotten so close, and I feel like I am actually getting to know him. It will be hard to see him go. I think we will stay in touch, especially as I go down this administration road.

Kids are good- they are soooo ready for summer, as am I! Abbie is into soccer right now and is having so much fun with it. Mason is playing the mandolin now, which is pretty cool. My dad gave him an old mandolin of his, and mason is teaching himself. He's so smart with music.

Tony is loving his masters program, and I'm loving that I'm almost done with mine. I'm ready for the next challenge. Do I want to work on a doctorate?? I have always said no,but if the right program came along, I just may.... shhhhh don't tell my husband. LOL

College?

2009-03-24T21:46:00.002-04:00

Yikes.
My son is in 6th grade, and we spent almost a hour tonight talking about colleges, his career choices, looking at websites of colleges, and talking about how important it is to get the best grades he can, make good choices, be a good citizen, and make sure he can live with the consequences of every one of his choices throughout high school!
(How's that for a long, run-on sentence??)

So, after our discussion, he has decided to look at (in no particular order):
MIT
Georgia Tech
Embry Riddle

I hope the boy gets some scholarships. I'm just sayin.........

An update on our chaos

2009-03-23T19:38:00.002-04:00

I started to update, and sat here for a minute thinking "what can i say?". Life hasn't changed much from my last update, so I guess I'll just basically repeat the same stuff!
1. Annie is over.... it was soooo cute and the kids did an amazing job. I think Mason is happy for some down time, and I know I'd like some!

2. Abbie's play is this weekend. She has "tech week", AKA "Hell week" in adult circles because of the late night practices until they get it right. It's in Petersburg, 45 minutes away, so needless to say, it's a strain sometimes. But it will be so worth it! I'm so excited to see her on the stage. This will be her first play. I think she got jealous of big brother getting all the "acting" attention!

3. Tony's classes are underway and he is LOVING it. This is such a change because he really DID NOT enjoy his undergrad classes. He is really bonding with the guys in his group and is loving the learning! He talks about it all the time and I'm really seeing professional growth in him. I can't wait to see what professional opportunities this brings him. It all culminates with a international trip, and I've already told him I'm SOOO going with him! He amazes me how he gets up at 3 am everyday, goes to work in DC, gets home at 5:30 or so, and then manages to take Abbie to play practice.

4. I am LOVING my internship. I love teaching, but this stuff is just so exciting! I guess it's just so cool to me to be doing this stuff after 15 years in the classroom. I seriously love every bit of it, even the boring paperwork. It's a lot of work and it's very, very challenging mentally for me. I really feel challenged and it makes the day go by so quickly. Again, I'm very excited to see what the future holds for me professionally!

5. I am super excited about April being pregnant. I found out today if she is having a girl, she wants to name her Evelyn, which just makes me teary to think about.

6. And on a side note, I can't wait for spring break so I can deeeeeep clean my house. With all of the above going on, the house is getting cleaned, but not de-cluttered. Watch out kiddos and hubby- if you want to keep it, you better find a place for it, because I'm about to attack. Goodwill and AmVets are gonna love me.

What a great song....

2009-03-07T10:38:00.003-05:00

I just found my all-time favorite Christian song on YouTube. I wasn't an AI follower last season, so I never knew they did this....but it's a great performance. This song was my "go to" song the entire time I was going through my cancer. I remember just going to the grocery store, to Target, or anywhere....just to be alone and blast this song in my car. It ALWAYS made me feel better......

www.youtube.com/watch?v=i6G0U8Vg6nY

Off to look for more.....

Finally Friday....

2009-03-06T16:30:00.002-05:00

Why did this seem like such a long week, when I only worked 1 1/2 days? Seriously. Any teacher can tell you that half days feel longer than regular days. I guess that's what it was. I am plum worn out. Looking forward to dinner out tonight. It's a teacher from school's b'day and she asked us to join them for dinner.... it'll be nice to go somewhere different than we usually go and just relax.

Tomorrow, I'm getting my hair cut and highlighted. I always get nervous right before a haircut. Inevitably, I start to hate my hair, thus I make an appt. Then, right before the haircut, I start liking the way it looks or the way it's doing, and I have this appt that I feel compelled to keep. So, hopefully, it'll turn out well and I'll still like it afterwards. :-) I want to have the nerve to do something a little more drastic with the highlights- we shall see! If you don't see me for awhile, you'll know I hate it. :-)

I am so excited about the warm weather this weekend. The doctor told me this week that I have a Vitamin D defieciency. I think I just need some more sun time..... maybe I should go back to Hawaii. Couldn't hurt, right???

My quiet spot....

2009-03-03T09:50:00.002-05:00

We are on snow day number 2. They have been fun, relaxing, and have allowed me to get some closets cleaned out and tackle some tasks I probably wouldn't have until Spring Break! That being said, I'm a dork, and I'm bummed that I missed a few meetings and administration stuff that I was going to take care of yesterday and today. How sad is that????

I got up early this morning, fixed myself a cup of coffee, and sat in my living room, and looked out the window. Over the years, this has become my favorite spot to just "be". The small room is filled with furniture....I'm sure some decorator person would tell me it's too full.....and it is..... but I love it. Every piece in there was my mom's. Her formal sofa, her piano, her end tables, her chair, her coffee table, and her pictures. The sofa needs to be reupholstered to really "go" with the room, but I don't want to do it. It still sort of smells like her house, and it brings me great comfort and peace to sit there, and look out the window, and just be still. My mom's life was never "rush, rush"....she spent a lot of time just being, and looking out the window, talking to friends over coffee or over the phone, and talking to us kids. I feel more like her when I allow myself those moments. It's hard for me to do it for long periods of time because inevitably my husband or a child comes and joins me, but that's ok too. Still very peaceful. If my mom could sit there with me, it'd be perfect.

A long lost update

2009-03-01T12:41:00.002-05:00

Ok, so I'm taking this technology class now, which I really hate. But it's online, which is good. I can't say that I've taken a lot from the class, other than what I already knew....there is tons of technology out there that I don't know anything about, and I don't use enough technology in my classroom. BUT, I did learn about Google Reader in class, and I LOVE IT. Instead of clicking through all the blogs I follow, I can just log into Reader and see at a glance which ones have updates. This is such a time-saver.

Anyway, I haven't updated lately because I've been so darn busy. I am sooooo loving my internship. I love all the meetings and all the face to face time with parents. I know I probably wouldn't love it if I did them all day every day, but for now, I really like it. What I don't love is giving up all of my planning times and time after school for the meetings, because I'm having to bring work home. But oh well....

Kids are busy. Abbie auditioned for a play and got 2 parts. The play is Anasi the Spider and it runs the weekend of March 27th at the Lee Playhouse at Ft Lee. It's an "all kids" production. Should be really cute. Mason is busy with Annie, and that runs the weekend of March 20 at Stonewall. Tony started his Masters program which meets every other Friday and Saturday. Luckily, we all thrive on business! (Well, Tony, not so much....but he is hanging in there!)

We are all so ready for Spring. Tony wants to work int he yard, and I'm ready to Spring clean-out the house! Abbie is going to play soccer and Mason just wants to be able to "hang out" with his friends outside. Aaahhh the joys of almost-teens!

So freaking funny

2009-02-14T17:43:00.002-05:00

So, I'm sitting at a red light the other night and I see this sticker on the car in front of me. I laughed so hard I almost cried. I really wish I could put this on my car. I really do. But I can't.

Happy Anniversary- bah humbug

2009-02-01T09:55:00.002-05:00

Yes, I know it's only a 6 month anniversary, but still......

1. When you ask your husband 1 week before your anniversary if he wants to do anything, and he responds with "You know that Super Bowl is that day, right?"
and

2. You start your day using a wet, hot dryer sheet to get gum out of your dryer while he sleeps......

I think you deserve a piece of jewelry, a spa treatment, or something.
I'm just saying.....
Right??

Why do I watch Oprah?

2009-01-27T08:39:00.002-05:00

So, my darling husband gets up at 3:30 for work. Yes, 3:30 AM. Love that man.
He must love us because why else would he get up at 3:30 in the morning to drive to DC for work everyday. But I digress....

So, I check the tv for a snow closing update. Nothing. But it's 3:30 in the morning. I go back to sleep and wake up at 6 to find out we have a 2 hour delay. YIPPEE!! I'm so freakin excited. I go turn off the kiddos alarm clocks, get back in bed, snuggle down under the comforter....and..... can't sleep. I'm too awake and excited. Great-- perfect quiet time to catch up on my Tivo. I turn on Oprah because Tony can't stand it and rolls his eyes when he is around and I'm watching it.

It's about teenagers with weight problems. Oh my goodness. I was bawling. Not just a few little tears. I was really crying. I feel so badly for these children. And the one girl says that not just kids pick on her, but her teachers. And it got me to thinking. How many people, including myself, make comments about fat kids, or fat adults. I should know from having a sister that was really overweight (until she had lapband surgery) that not every fat person is fat because of just eating too much. There is a pain there from goodness knows what....these kids shared some really painful, personal things, and it just broke my heart. Finally, with 15 minutes left in the show, I had to turn it off.

So, to those random strangers that are really overweight that I have made comments about or thought bad things about, I am really, really sorry. :-(

Shopping

2009-01-24T16:51:00.003-05:00

I slept til 10 am today. Can you believe that??? I can't. Late sleeping for me is usually like 8 am. Crazy. Granted, I didn't go to bed until 2 am, but still. I always wake up early.

Then, I went shopping with Keene...had a great time. Warm weather, and we were talking and catching up like you just can't do at work. I was determined to find something cute for myself. That was my entire reason for going- to be purely selfish and buy something (or things) for myself. What did I come home with?

1. A Hanna Andersson coat for abbie.
2. 2 Tommy Bahama shirts for Tony.
3. A coat for Tony's niece
4. a t-shirt for me.

That's it. A tshirt.
I tried on jeans at True Religion because I have a serious jeans fetish. I loved them, and they were a great price. (Although my husband would seriously disagree!) But anyone that knows me knows that I often get buyers remorse after an expensive purchase. I went up to pay for them and the lady says "All sales are final". I'm taking that to mean no returns, exchanges only. But nope. Not even exchanges. I had tried them on, but still....you just never know! I just found that to be so unfriendly and such poor customer care that I told her I didn't want them. Now I'm sad cuz I really wanted those jeans. But not enough to sacrifice my beliefs about customer service! :-)

Anyway..... just wasnt my shopping day. Maybe I'll drag Tony to Potomac Mills sometime soon!

Not me....

2009-01-23T16:18:00.002-05:00

Ok, so I'm on a roll today. I love this idea. I read it on someone else's blog. "Not me" Fridays.

I did not put on two different color boots yesterday as I was leaving for work. One black and one brown. If I did, I would have noticed it just as I was getting in the car, already late for work.

I did not tell a white lie and tell someone I couldn't make an appt because my daughter was sick when she wasn't. That would just be bad karma.

I did not get stared at at the gym, on the treadmill, because someone realized I was singing out loud to my Ipod. That would be so embarassing. Even if it was a realllllllllllly good song. Especially since I can't carry a tune in a bucket.

I did not ignore school work to watch 3 episodes back to back of The Real Housewives of Orange County. Such trashy tv.

I did not tell my son to practice his saxaphone for 2 hours straight since he forgot all week to practice. He is supposed to play for 120 minutes a week, and of course, I only encourage him to play for 20 minutes 6 days a week like he is supposed to.

Nope, not me.

Best.Invention.Ever.

2009-01-23T16:11:00.003-05:00

Seriously. Check out their site. http://www.poopourri.net/
And go buy this stuff.
If you have a stinky man in your house, and I know that you do, this stuff is AMAZING. You know what I'm talking about. If you have to tell your husband to go use the upstairs bathroom just in case someone comes over, you need this. If you can't go in your own bathroom for at least an hour afterwards, you need this. It will change your life. For real.

Their slogan? "Spray the bowl before you go, and no one else will ever know".

This stuff has changed my life. And Tony's.
I'm just sayin.....go buy it. Don't even think twice about the cost. It's worth it's weight in gold.

I'm a big mush

2009-01-23T15:29:00.002-05:00

I'm such a big mush! I have been wanting to write about the Inauguration, the speeches, the follow ups on tv....just haven't found the words! (or the time!)

I guess I never really realized I was patriotic. But looking at the mall that day got to me more than the speeches themselves. To see so many people, black,white, asian, hispanic, young, old.... all together....all so excited.... was just too much for me. I was teary all day long. And then I heard that there were NO arrests that day, which I thought was just pretty amazing.

The inaugural address just gave me chills. Some of my favorite parts:
On this day, we gather because we have chosen hope over fear, unity of purpose over conflict and discord.....We remain a young nation, but in the words of Scripture, the time has come to set aside childish things. The time has come to reaffirm our enduring spirit; to choose our better history; to carry forward that precious gift, that noble idea, passed on from generation to generation: the God-given promise that all are equal, all are free, and all deserve a chance to pursue their full measure of happiness.

For we know that our patchwork heritage is a strength, not a weakness. We are a nation of Christians and Muslims, Jews and Hindus — and non-believers. We are shaped by every language and culture, drawn from every end of this Earth; and because we have tasted the bitter swill of civil war and segregation, and emerged from that dark chapter stronger and more united, we cannot help but believe that the old hatreds shall someday pass; that the lines of tribe shall soon dissolve; that as the world grows smaller, our common humanity shall reveal itself; and that America must play its role in ushering in a new era of peace.

and lastly:
For as much as government can do and must do, it is ultimately the faith and determination of the American people upon which this nation relies. It is the kindness to take in a stranger when the levees break, the selflessness of workers who would rather cut their hours than see a friend lose their job which sees us through our darkest hours. It is the firefighter's courage to storm a stairway filled with smoke, but also a parent's willingness to nurture a child, that finally decides our fate.

I guess more than anything I'm just so inspired by this new-found feeling of "we are all in this together". I love that people are feeling inspired to do things for others, to think of service, and the idea of pulling ourselves up by our bootstraps.

And on a much lighter note, I love the white-ish dress Michelle wore to the balls. And listening to Beyonce sing "At Last" (which is the song I originally wanted Tony and I to dance to) made me cry. It's one of my all time favorite love songs.

Anyway....life is good. Exams are over for Mason, report cards are almost done for me, I have a date with my husband tonight, I lost 3.6 lbs this week, and it was nice, and warm, and sunny today. Off to the gym before I go eat something disgustingly fattening tonight.....

Running, or trying to....

2009-01-17T09:51:00.002-05:00

So, last year I decided to run the Race for the Cure. I made it just past mile one, and had to stop. Ran on and off for the rest of the race. I'd say I ended up running about half the time. Not what I planned on. BUT, I know what my mistake was. One, I had never run on hills- ever. My neighborhood is pretty flat, and the one big hill around, i always walked it or avoided it completely. So the up and down of the asphalt really hurt me. Secondly, I always run with music. Always. I was running with someone else that day, which I had never done before, and I thought it would rude to have my Ipod on. Little did I know, he was bringing his, and turned it on at the very beginning!

So, this year, I'm going to plan ahead! My goal is to start training now and be able to run the whole time. I know 5K is not very far. Most people who "train" are training for a marathon or at least a 10K, but for me, it's a huge deal. I've never run over 2 miles, that those 2 miles are painful for me. So, today, I started a training program I found that is meant specifically for a 5K. Todays workout only took about 30 minutes. I love that it was short! I have tomorrow off, and hopefully can get in Monday to do it again. We will see. I really need to do it.... one, to get in shape and be healthy, and two, to relieve some stress!

Maybe since I wrote it here, I'll stick to it. Maybe.

Housework

2009-01-12T18:24:00.002-05:00

I want honesty.

Seriously.

I look around my house sometimes and I don't like what I see. But, I have no clue how to fix it.

Do you have "stuff" laying around? I see ends of envelopes, pen tops, kids pieces of toys..... I don't mean "everywhere" but in random little places where they shouldn't be. Seriously- how does one walk up the stairs and see an Uno card laying there and not pick it up? It happens here. If I don't pick it up, or tell someone to pick it up, it will stay there and grow into the carpet. The house is clean.... that's not the issue. It's just "cluttered".

I've tried different things. I've tried picking it all up, and making a "stack" for everyone on the steps and made them pick it all up. I have thrown it all in trash bags and waited a week to see if anyone looks for any of the items. If they don't, I pitch em.

I guess I feel like I'm fighting this losing battle. I look at the pottery barn catalog or whatever catalog comes that day and I want my house to look like that. But maybe it's not realistic. I'm hoping "real" people's houses just don't look like that all the time. Maybe they just look like that when people come over, and the rest of the time, they look like mine.

At least I hope so.

Hawaii

2009-01-10T17:02:00.008-05:00

So we are back from Hawaii.

Amazing trip.

A few random thoughts:

1. I had no idea jet lag was as hard as it was. For three days, I was up at 6 or so, and wanting to go to bed at like 8 pm. I resisted, but it was tough.

2. I had no idea that Hawaii was so different historically than the rest of the US. Did you know it was run by a king and a queen right up until the US took it over?? They lived here:It was so pretty.

3. I had no idea there were going to be so many Japanese people there. Everything was in English and Japanese. It was pretty cool. The Japanese people there were very "trendy". Fashion I've never seen around here, that's for sure. I wish I had taken some pictures, but I guess that would have been rude, huh?

4. My favorite day was when we rented a car and drove the entire island of Oahu. We went to Pearl Harbor, which was one of those things you "have" to do if you go. It was very sad. After that we drove to the North Shore, went to Haleiwa, which is where Barack Obama used to "shave ice" when he was a kid. It's called the surfing capital of the world, and is tiny, very remote, and beautiful. We drove all day, and went in the mountains, Sandy's beach, around Diamond Head, and even stopped for pictures at some of the places "50 First Dates" was filmed.

5. Spam. It's all over Hawaii. Even at 7-11, in the little hot dog case, they have spam stuff. I did not try it. I ate it as a kid and had enough. Seriously. What is Spam? I'm not sure I want to know.

6. Sunsets. Absolutely amazing. Every.Single.Night. Well except for the one night we went on a sunset dinner cruise. Figures.
7. I also had no idea that Waikiki was so "busy". Beach town with massive skyscrapers on one side. Louis Vuitton, Coach, Kate Spade.....seriously. There was a Coach store on just about every block. And people were buying! The sunset picture and the picture below were taken on opposing sides of our hotel. Our balcony looked out on the beach and the city....depending on which way you looked. Crazy.

8. I missed my children terribly. I couldn't wait to get back to them, after about the first three days. I won't lie. The break was good. But 9 days was way too long. Mason wanted a Hard Rock Tshirt from Honolulu, and we found that. I also got him a really cool Obama shirt that says "OBAMA SURFS" since Obama is from there. They are very proud of the future president! Abbie wanted a snow globe- not easy to find in Hawaii believe it or not. But we found one. We also brought them chocolate covered pineapple from the actual Dole plantation, some shell necklaces from the luau we went to, and a few other random shirts.

9. Yes, I want to go back. I actually think I could live there. BUT, the 10 hour straight flight from Atlanta, not being able to move, my feet falling asleep, freezing or being hot, and then being stuck in between Tony and another guy on the way home will definitely keep me from going back for quite some time. We originally were going to take the kids. Thank goodness we didn't. I was whiny and miserable and cranky. I can only imagine how they would have felt. Awful. Just awful.

10. We both got sick while we were there. Can you believe it? The morning after the dinner cruise where we ate salmon, steak, and lobster, I woke up with a "rash" on my wrist. The rash became full blown, head to toe hives within a hour or so, and 2 days later, I was at the dr getting a shot. It looked awful. It's never a good sign when the dr is looking very puzzled and tells me he's not sure what to do- meds or a shot. I made the decision for him. :-) Tony, on the other hand, started with a cold, and for 2 days didn't leave the room at all. Luckily, this was why I was at the conference. For two more days, he was miserable, but mustered the strength to at least sit by the pool bar with me. We also went to see an illusionist that trained with David Copperfield....that was awesome, even though Tony felt bad. He would not go to the dr. I don't get that about men....but that's another post entirely.

Anyway, we had a great time, and enjoyed a part of the country that I have to say was even more beautiful than the Caribbean. I feel certain we will go back someday.

All cleaned up and ready to go.

2008-12-30T15:34:00.003-05:00

I am so excited about our trip to Hawaii. I wish the kids were going, but I know we are going to have a great time regardless. My romantical husband has already picked out some hot spots to visit. I love that we both love to travel the same way- with no plan in place. We have some highlights that we want to hit (Pearl Harbor, Chinatown, Barack Obama's childhood home) but we both want to just kind of wander and see what the day brings. Of course, I'll be in workshops for 4 days, but I'm even excited about those!
I'm ready for some vitamins in the form of sunshine and warmth, and the sandy beach. And it doesn't hurt my feelings to miss some work in the process. Hee Hee......

Christmas is all done and cleaned up. I loved Christmas and I loved all the family time, but I'm always so ready to pack it up and vacuum! We had such a good time and the kids have been so good and fun.

I hope that everyone has a wonderful New Years, and don't forget to eat your black eyed peas and stewed tomatoes. :-)

Holiday music

2008-12-23T21:42:00.003-05:00

For your listening pleasure.....
Abbie sings a solo on the 2nd verse of "Go Tell It On the Mountain".
Mama's proud. :-)
http://www.citysingerschildrenschoirs.org/concerts/monumental_church/flashmp3player.html

Christmas spirit

2008-12-23T21:30:00.003-05:00

I miss my mom.
Don't get me wrong. I love being "the mom". I love my kids with all my heart. But, tonight, as I laid in bed with Abbie, snuggling her, kissing her sweet little face, I thought about how much I, even at my age, would love to snuggle up with my mom. I would love to call her and make plans for tomorrow and Christmas day.

This year is going to be different for us. I'm dreading it in some ways, and in other ways, I'm very excited. We did Christmas with my dad and Jean on Sunday, and we will see Tony's parents on Saturday. I will see my sister tomorrow, and maybe late on Christmas day. But, Christmas morning, it will just be the four of us. Creme brulee french toast, Christmas music, mimosas for us and OJ for the kiddos. Presents, and just hunkering in for the day. It sounds wonderful, and I know it will be. I'm going non-traditional and making a huge pot of chili since we just finished up our T-giving leftovers and we had Christmas dinner on Sunday.
I know the kids are going to love everything Santa brings, and I can't wait to just hang out with them.

I just wish I didn't have to try so hard to get excited about Christmas. I know that morning it will come really easily, but right now, I'm having to work at it. :-( And I don't like feeling that way.....

life is good

2008-12-19T17:55:00.001-05:00

I made it!!!!!!
Life is good.
We are home. The kids are making a Snoopy gingerbread house, which is very, very cute.
I'm making cookies.
Dinner is in the oven.
They don't go back to school for two full weeks.
I don't go back to work for three full weeks.
Could life be better??

Finally, an update....

2008-12-09T16:14:00.002-05:00

It's been a crazy couple of weeks!
First off.... been kind of stressful. A good friend of mine was dating another good friend of mine. No! I did NOT set them up! Can you believe it?? Anyway.... it didn't work out, and I'm so sad. I know I need to let it go. I guess what makes it even harder was that they'd really make an awesome couple. One of them reallllly wants to make it work, and the odd thing is, they broke things off because of a COMPLETE misunderstanding. One of them is just being ridiculously stubborn.... grrr..... I'm still holding out hope, but it's looking doubtful.

Mason got a part in the SJMS play! I'm so excited for him. They are doing "ANNIE", one of my childhood favorites. He got the part of Drake, Daddy Warbuck's assistant. They start working on it in January. I'm so proud of my little actor!

We are all booked for Hawaii, and I'm working really hard on booking the second leg in Disney. I got the hotel booked. Tony and the kids can't come for the whole time, so we are trying to work that out- what part of the trip are they coming for, etc. I think I'm going to fly down alone (YIKES) and they'll come mid-trip and we'll all fly home together. We'll see. I feel guilty about going and leaving them here. I know I shouldn't- it's work stuff- and Tony does work stuff all the time. But I still feel badly.

What else is going on......
Well, we worked all weekend decorating the house. We had a great time and spent some well-needed and wanted family time together. I'm in the process of working on Christmas cards- trying to get one ordered- but I may not get to it. So, if you don't get one, don't take it personally. Just know that I didn't get my act together in time. :-)

gotta get moving- choir, school board meeting, and lots of work to do!

Thankful

2008-11-24T18:34:00.002-05:00

Me- Have you made a list for Santa?
Abbie- No, not yet. I guess I will.
Me- What do you mean you "guess you will".
Abbie- I don't know. I really don't need anything.

I had the same conversation shortly after with Mason. I thought this was huge. Who has ever heard a kid say they don't need anything from Santa?!?!? I was impressed.
However, makes gift buying a little difficult.

Update

2008-11-22T07:25:00.002-05:00

Sorry for no update. Honestly, sometimes I forget that anyone reads this!

Lots of exciting stuff going on!

First, I found the gift card. WHEW! Thank goodness! I am hopefully going to try to run out to Macy's today and use a little of it on the kids. Mason, poor child, has 2 pairs of jeans and about 4 shirts. Literally. He is growing so much I can't keep him in clothes. And he hates to shop. And he is starting to get picky. Put all of those factors together, and he doesn't get much. Ever. Add to that, I had to get him new shoes last weekend, and for the first time,he actually cared and wanted to participate in the process! No Target. We ended up at Foot Locker which I hadn't set foot in since..... maybe never..... and walked out with $94 tennis shoes! AAARRRGHHH!

Secondly, I won the REB award. I was completely shocked. Seriously. I was so nervous that night. I thought they were going to call us in alphabetical order, and I was the 2nd one called. I won the full amount. (They had said they may scale some of them back, and had asked me specifically about scaling mine back to about half.) I ended up winning enough money to do 9 nights in Honululu for the International Conference on Education, and almost 2 weeks in Disney World in July for the Kagan Summer Academy. We leave Dec 31 for Hawaii, and when we get back, I will start working on the other trip. The only "situation" we had was that I really wanted to take the kids to Hawaii with us, and Tony really didn't. He didn't think they are old enough to really appreciate it, and didn't think they should miss that much school. (They'd miss a week.) So, after much discussion, and a promise from him that we can go back and take them another time, we are going alone. A second honeymoon he calls it. I laughed- a second honeymoon? We've only been married not even 4 months- not sure we need that yet. But, regardless, we're excited. I have to go to the conference, which looks amazing, and he wants to golf. We are going to Pearl Harbor for sure, and the rest of the "free" time, we may just wander around.

Third.... I'm starting my internship hours, officially. I love it. I love looking at teaching "tasks" from a different angle. I'm not sure what, if anything, will come of this degree, but I'm excited about at least having another option.

I think that's about it. We are heading to DC today to see his parents, and go to a function at their church. We got a really cool hotel for the night, with an indoor pool, and the kids are super excited. Tomorrow we are going to some museums, and I want to pick up some Barack memorbilia while I'm up there. It's not looking too promising that we will be able to get tickets for the Inauguration, so we are going to take the kids to where it will be at least so they'll recognize it on tv.

Off to shower and start the day.....

It's a Wonderful Life

2008-11-09T10:20:00.003-05:00

We went to see Mason's play again last night. (3rd time for me) I enjoyed it just as much last night as the first time I saw it. I love the part at the end when George is surrounded by friends as he kneels to pray about ending his life. He has gotten a glimpse of how life would have been different had he not been around. It was interesting to think about.

I know how much I personally would have missed out on- my kids, my husband, my friends, etc. But it's interesting to think how other people 's lives would be different. What if my mom had only had 3 kids instead of 4? Would the lives of my friends be any different? Interesting to think about.
.......................................................................................
On a completely different, and must lighter note, I seem to have misplaced a gift card. Not just any gift card mind you, but a really large one. I can't find it anywhere. It's completely stressing me out. Please send "I hope you find it" vibes my way.

Election 2008

2008-11-06T21:32:00.002-05:00

Before you read (if anyone is reading)-
I have to warn you that this is about Barack Obama. If you don't like him, I'm sorry. You may not want to read any further. I certainly don't want to offend anyone. My hope is that we, as a country, can move on TOGETHER. I have certainly not always liked our presidents, but I have always respected them and tried my best to move on in a positive light. But, honestly, this campaign and election have changed me and changed my life, so I want to document how I feel.

This election was so amazing for me. I was literally so excited Monday night that I couldn't sleep. I wasn't feeling well, so I really needed to sleep, but everytime I did, I woke up wondering if it was time to go vote yet. I was so excited that after waiting for a few minutes in line to vote, they handed me my little card and I walked up to the booth. All I had to do was color in 3 bubbles. I picked up the pen and got ready to color in the bubble for Barack Obama, and I didn't want to do it! I just wanted to stand there and look at it on the card for awhile. I wish I could have whipped out my cell phone and taken a picture, and I almost did, but then I thought I may get kicked out of there without voting, and that would have destroyed me. I showed the card to Abbie and talked to her about what a huge deal this vote was. I'm sure the people behind me were thinking "HURRY UP" but it was important to me that she remember this moment for the rest of her life!

So, I casted my vote and we left. We had a little get together that night, and I have to say there were both McCain and Obama fans there, and the energy was so exciting. Everyone there was watching and cheering and talking about the future, and as dorky as it sounds, I felt hopeful for the first time in so long, since before 9/11.

I am so overwhelmed that we have such a well-educated, respected, Christian man and family going into the White House. He's no movie star, he's not cheating on his wife (that we know of), he's not just plain stupid.... he and his wife and children remind me of people that could live right here in my neighborhood and send their kiddos to my school and fit in just fine.

I am so excited about his views on education, NCLB, early intervention, health care, Iraq, taxes, our relationships with other countries, and our future in general. It was so cool to me to see people all over the world celebrating with and for us.

I watched his speech and sat there and cried. I'll admit it. My favorite parts:

It's the answer told by lines that stretched around schools and churches in numbers this nation has never seen, by people who waited three hours and four hours, many for the first time in their lives, because they believed that this time must be different, that their voices could be that difference.
It's the answer spoken by young and old, rich and poor, Democrat and Republican, black, white, Hispanic, Asian, Native American, gay, straight, disabled and not disabled. Americans who sent a message to the world that we have never been just a collection of individuals or a collection of red states and blue states.
We are, and always will be, the United States of America.

And I would not be standing here tonight without the unyielding support of my best friend for the last 16 years... ... the rock of our family, the love of my life, the nation's next first lady...

Let us remember that, if this financial crisis taught us anything, it's that we cannot have a thriving Wall Street while Main Street suffers.

As Lincoln said to a nation far more divided than ours, we are not enemies but friends. Though passion may have strained, it must not break our bonds of affection.
And to those Americans whose support I have yet to earn, I may not have won your vote tonight, but I hear your voices. I need your help. And I will be your president, too.

I am so happy that people didn't just vote for him because of the color of his skin. I know there are people out there that did vote for him because of his skin, and there are people out there that voted for McCain simply because they couldn't vote for a black man. But the fact that he got more of the white vote, more of the asian vote, more of the hispanic vote, more of the young vote, more of the black vote.....speaks volumes. I am full of respect for John McCain, and 8 years ago, I would have voted for him, instead of voting for GWB like I did.... but now, the timing was wrong and it was time for a new chapter. I would be thrilled if McCain was offered a cabinet position.... we shall see I guess.

We are going to try and take the kids to the Inauguration. We really want them to write this down in their memory bank as a great time in their lives. I know going up there will make it more real. I just hope we can do it.

Time to relax!!

2008-10-24T21:55:00.001-04:00

It's been CrAzY lately! Finally, a night with NOTHING to do, and a relaxing Saturday ahead too.

Let's see.... what's new....

Well, Mason is in a play at Ft Lee, "It's a Wonderful Life". It opens Halloween night, and runs almost up to Thanksgiving. He only has 4 lines, but he is so cute doing them. He had to cut his hair, which he willingly agreed to, as long as he could grow it back after the play. He insisted he didn't like the cut, until he went to school and the girl he has had a crush on forever said it was "cute". Now he likes it and thinks he'll leave it. Sigh. The power of another woman. hee hee
I can't wait to see the play.

Abbie....my energizer bunny. Wants to get back into dancing and also into soccer. Not sure how we are going to fit that in with brownies and all the other activities, but we are going to try to do at least one of them. She is still into Hannah Montana and is very, very artsy. She broke it to me the other day that she thinks she "might like boys" when she is Mason's age as opposed to "waiting til she's 30" like I've always told her.

Tony is taking three classes online and still getting up at 3 am every day to go to work in DC. He is doing an amazing job, and just got a promotion to project manager. I'm super proud of him. These 3 classes are his last and he will graduate in December, we think. He has already gotten info on a grad program at UVA, and will probably go right into that.

NOT ME.... I am starting my internship in January and I should finish up my classes in June or July. I'm so ready! I have really enjoyed them all, except two, but I'm ready to be home a few nights a week instead of always going to class or doing school work. I think I'm almost ready to look into some AP jobs, not this year, but next. I can't believe I'm saying that because I really love the classroom, but I think I'm ready for some new challenges. Some of my friends are thinking of the doctoral program, and I'm sure I'll go to the interest meeting,but I want to think I'm almost done with school!

I'm so excited for this election. I can't wait to go vote. We want to have a little get together election night if we can get our act together, and Tony has already informed me that we are going to the Inauguration, no matter what. History in the making. I hate the idea of that crowd, but love the idea of taking the kids to experience it.

Nothing else going on really..... just settling into married life and continuing to get the house straight and organized more. We just got a new fridge and new Miele dishwasher, which I love, which is pretty pathetic. The fridge is soooo cool....french doors and freezer at the bottom. The dishwasher is pretty cool too, with a slide out tray for silverware instead of a basket. Tony actually picked it out...he saw it and had to have it. Too funny. Let's see how often he empties it!

I think that's it for now....nothing too exciting!

Breast cancer is a blessing

2008-10-05T12:27:00.003-04:00

Almost 8 years ago, I was diagnosed with breast cancer.It was awful, to say the least. I knew when the phone rang that day that it was going to be the doctor. I knew what he was going to say. It didn't matter that for a month, he'd been telling me it was nothing, and to relax. Some things you just "know", you know? So, in light of breast cancer awareness month, and my friends and sisters that have been through it or are going through it now, I thought I would summarize a few thoughts on the topic.

Yes, it really is a blessing. Does it seem that way all the time? Hell no! But, in time, every single person I know that has been down this road has said the same thing. Here are just a few of the blessings I got from it.

My dad found God, and was saved. I would do it all again for that result.
I lost a friend that really wasn't a good friend to start with, but I thought she was. Friends that I was out of touch with really became my angels. You truly find out who are your true friends.
I met so many wonderful people that I may have just had conversations with for an instant or a few moments, but they really changed my life.
I got involved in the Young Survivor Coaliton http://youngsurvival.org/ at a time when I felt so alone and had no one to talk to. Talk about empowerment. Sitting amongst 500 women, all generally my age, really gave me hope about the future.

2. You learn very quickly that you can't be Superwoman like you strived to be before, but more importantly, you learn that you don't want to be anyway! Seriously, does it matter that your bed covers are perfectly straight all the time? Does it matter that your shoes are downstairs in the hall when you go to bed at night? (I say this because I used to not be able to sleep if I remembered that I left my shoes out. Weird, I know.) Does it matter if your kids eat boxed Chicken Nuggets and a can of corn from time to time instead of made from scratch meals? It doesn't. You don't have the time or energy to pull off Martha Stewart anymore, and after cancer, you realize that stuff really didn't matter.

3. I learned that I often overlooked small things that now I try really hard not to overlook.... a smile, a really pretty flower, the feel of the sun on my face. Sometimes it is perfectly ok to stop your life, lay down, and look at clouds in the sky.

4. Housework can wait. Friends, family, children, and having fun shouldn't.

5. Confession- I don't do self breast exams every month. I do them "now and then". However, I think everyone should know how to do them, and do them frequently.

6. You can't believe that all doctors are all knowing. Seriously. I've had many, many doctors over my years, and I can really only think of 2 that I would almost completely trust. You have to educate yourself about your hormones, your breasts, your choices. Don't believe for ONE SECOND that the dr is always right, or the insurance company is always right. If I believed my first dr, I'd be dead now. It's completely true. YOU know your body better than anyone, and God has given us an incredible gift called intuition. USE IT! Advocate for yourself. No one else will.

7. Educate yourself about MRIs of the breast, ultrasounds of the breast, mammogram and the different types. Ask questions.

8. Over 70% of women that get breast cancer have no family history. There is a false sense of security out there that if you don't have a history, you won't get it. Don't succumb to that.

9. In the same vein, don't live in fear either. Just live educated and aware.

10. If someone you know is going through breast cancer, don't worry about what you are going to say or do. Just ask "what can I do for you?" and don't let them say "Nothing". There is always something. They don't want to ask you. Offer to do laundry, get groceries, take their kids to do something really fun. If nothing else, stop by with some mindless magazines, a new movie, and some snacks. Keep doing it. They like it, even if they say they don't need it. Send a funny card. Offer to go to chemo with them. Get them some goodies to take the chemo nurses (our angels) Just don't look at them all sad and pitiful and look like you are going to cry. We do enough crying and being sad.

11. Recognize and celebrate with them their little milestones. One month in, 2 treatments to go, making it a week without being sick....whatever it is they have set as a goal.

12. And just on a personal note, when all the "pink" stuff comes out in October, it's really nice. I like a lot of it. But please, before you buy, look to see what (if any) of the proceeds are actually being donated. I won't buy it if it's not being donated. Some companies do 100%, some do 2%. I hate the idea of companies making a buck off of people who think they are buying something for a cause when it's not at all for the cause.

Whew...I'm long winded. But this is a topic I could go on and on and on about. I'll probably add more later. But, for now, I'm ignoring the 4 (yes, 4) overflowing baskets of laundry waiting to be folded in order to spend the rest of the day hanging out with my husband and watching football. I have my priorities straight. :-)

A good week!

2008-10-02T15:52:00.003-04:00

What a nice week it's been!
My company left on Monday. We had such a great time, and it was so nice to slow down, hang out, and just relax. Of course, we did manage to go out and do a little booty-shakin on Saturday. That was tons of fun.

Sunday brought the dreadful Cowboys Redskins game. I do not know how that team does it....they could lose 10 games in a row, and the one game they are sure to win will be against US! BOOOO! Oh well..... we are going to kick them in the butt in DC. And next season, we are going to the new stadium to see them play! My hubby already promised! I can't wait.

Monday and Wednesday were "no break" days. Anyone who is a teacher or has been a teacher knows those days are twice as long as the others. Luckily my kids were really good. Last night, Tony and I took the kids to the fair. We had such a great time. No lines, and awesome weather. We had corn dogs, pizza, cheese fries, and of course, Tony had a huge turkey leg that made me want to puke! I love the fair, and I love fair food. We saw tons of animals, and just had a great time.

This weekend....should be a nice, slow weekend. Tony and I are going on a "date" while the kids are at their dad's. Not sure what it is going to be yet.... but I'm sure it will be fun!

Oh, and I almost forgot.... last week I had my interview for my REB award. I think it went really well. I don't think they will fund the whole thing, and I may not win at all....but I was happy with the interview. It was a great opportunity to really think, once again, about why I do what I do. Hurry up November 10th!!! If things go well, Tony and I could be going to Hawaii!! (It would only pay for me, but we've been planning on him going if I win....) His work trips to Japan and Germany will be the only thing that will hold him back from going. Hopefully the schedule will work out so that if I win, he can go. We may even try to take the kids, but I'm not saying anything to them just yet, just in case. It's a longshot that I'll even win.....

Shopping

2008-09-27T19:26:00.003-04:00

I went shopping today. I wanted to buy clothes. I've been trying to do this for weeks now. I can't find anything I like. Everything I do like costs waaaaay more than I'll spend on clothes for myself. However, I did manage to spend $200 on MAC makeup that I didn't even know I needed. I have been saying I wanted to try it for awhile, but still. Buyers remorse in overdrive. Most of that is going back. I was feeling pressured. I liked it all, and there it was ....all laying out on the counter. All shiny and new. And a line forming behind me of people waiting to get "made over". I just got it all. I figured I can decide later in the comfort of my own bathroom. :-)

Abbie got some cute stuff. She's really into shopping now, which is fun for me. The best part is she's pretty cost conscious. She picked up this one shirt today and told me she liked it. I liked it too, but I didn't like the $39.50 price tag. I said "Abbie! That shirt is $40!" and she made a scary face and said "It's not worth THAT!" and quickly put it down. My little bargain shopper. Perhaps I should have let her pick out my make up!!

Regardless of who you are voting for....

2008-09-14T19:35:00.002-04:00

This was a great speech. I think all parents and educators, regardless of who they are voting for, could read this in transcript form and agree with it all.
Of course, the haters will rule it all out simply because of the speaker, but I can honestly say, if McCain held these beliefs, I'd say the same thing. As a public school teacher, I can't afford NOT to vote for Obama. I love his beliefs on early education and early intervention. I have a niece that simply can't afford preschool. I think sometimes we forget that everyone doesn't have that luxury, and they start out behind. I love that he wants to give a $4000 tax credit for kids to attend public colleges. Anyway, I could go on, but my daughter is downstairs, not eating her butterbeans, and I must go enforce the eating rules.... ha ha

Hey --
I just watched Barack Obama deliver a major speech on education, and he has a plan to bring real change to our schools and our nation.
Watch Barack's speech on education and share it with your friends:
http://my.barackobama.com/OhioEdSpeech
Thanks

Just call me Annie Oakley...

2008-09-14T19:27:00.000-04:00

I went to my sisters house today and my brother in law taught me how to handle and shoot three different guns. Crazy, I know. It's always been one of those things on my list of things to do before I die. It was really fun, and scary at the same time. I really liked the 22 the best. It was lightweight and easier to handle. The other two had too much kick back for me. I think it could be a hobby for me! My sister said they are building an indoor range nearby, so I think that'd be pretty cool! I dont' have any plans to buy one- I hate the idea of having one in the house- but it was really exciting to do.

Check one more thing off......

Random Thoughts

2008-09-09T19:40:00.002-04:00

1. I really need to start running again. Really bad.

2. This week has been so crazy. Monday night- class and Mason's Back to School Night. Tonight- Abbie's choir followed by a parent meeting, and Mason's boy scouts. Tomorrow- Abbie's check up, class for me.
Thursday- Brownies. Friday- Nothing. Absolutely nothing and I can't wait.

3. I hate having to work full time, then come home and do laundry, dishes, and other housework. It's seriously two full time jobs.

4. If one more person asks me when we are having kids, I may explode. Do they not realize we have two already?!?! Isn't that enough? I know they mean well. I do understand that. It's just the sheer number of those that ask.

5. I'm going shooting this weekend. Never shot a gun before. I'm excited to learn. I'm going to be totally safe of course and learn from a pro in a safe environment. And no, I'll never have a gun in my house.

6. I wish Kerr's maternity leave would hurry up and end.

7. My kids are doing so great adjusting to school. I'm so proud of them.

8. My issue at school was a non-issue today. I needed that today. Thank you sweet child.

9. I want to dump out my closet and start all over again. In my dreams.

10. I can't stand Palin.

School days

2008-09-03T21:22:00.001-04:00

Well, my middle schooler has made it through a full "A" day and a full "B" day and has had great days both days! I'm so proud of him. He isn't nervous at all, at least that's what he says. I've talked to several parents who told me their kids came home still nervous, and Mason is doing great. He seems very excited, and although it's only day 2, he is doing great so far with his organization!

Abbie is also having a great time. Both days, she has said things went well. She claims she's been a little bored, but that's just her personality. It takes a lot to get her to say anything except that she was bored. She has seemed happy when I've seen her.

I had a great first day, and a not so good second day. Yesterday, I was loving my job, and today I'm looking at monster.com for another one. I have a child I really worried about having, and he had a very hard afternoon. I'm worried. I'm worried about handling it the right way, and I want him to feel happy and be successful. Only time will tell I guess.....

2 more days?!?!

2008-08-30T20:34:00.002-04:00

For real? Is that all that's left of summer? That just doesn't seem right. How can that be? I just got into "relax" mode a few weeks ago! Someone has been messing with the calendar.

It's been a busy, busy week. I've been back at work, which in some ways, has been nice. I always feel so productive. We are doing a few things very differently this year, and I'm excited about it. I like to constantly be analyzing what I'm doing, looking for a better way to do it. I guess it was the whole National Board process that did that to me. I'm changing my behavior system in my class, and we are all revamping the way we teach math. I really expect to see some major results. I hope I'm right.

I worked today for about 4 hours and got a lot done. It's amazing how much more I can get done on a Saturday than I can during the week. After that, I took the kiddos shopping. Whew. What a different experience that was than normal back to school shopping. For one, Mason actually has an opinion now about his clothes. He didn't complain about trying anything on, and he picked it all out himself. No more Gap and Target for him.... he's into Aeropostale and American Eagle now. And Abbie.... oh Lord.... help me. Children's Place is too "baby" now. She didn't mind Target and actually got a few things there. The rest came from Limited Too. Not that she got much-- she totally understands cost and realized she got a lot more from Target than she could at Limited Too. But still..... $40 for a skirt for her?? I don't think so. She settled for some basics from there. I know what she can ask PawPaw and Gramma Jean for for Christmas from now on....gift cards!

Tomorrow.... Tony INSISTS that I leave the house, all alone, and "do something for myself". I told him I don't have anything to do, and he insists that I "find something". Get a massage, go shopping, or just go get coffee somewhere.... he is a sweetheart. Insists that I've been working too hard and I need to let him hold things down and get away. Not sure yet what I'll do. (I was gonna take the kids to the pool!) Anyway, it's sweet all the same.

He's a keeper.

Middle school and American History

2008-08-28T07:34:00.002-04:00

Tonight, Mason has his open house at Stonewall. I cannot believe that is possible. Where has the last 11 years gone? I know I need to step back and allow his this freedom. I swear, this is the hardest part of parenting I've experienced. Teach them everything, and then stand back and let go a little and see if they "got it". I'm going to be a mess every.single.day. No fun, for me at least.

I'm so excited about the DNC tonight. I know, I'm a dork. But, anyone that really knows me will tell you that my favorite American to read about, learn about, and teach about is Martin Luther King, Jr. What an amazing man. And tonight, Barack Obama will accept the DNC's nomination on the 45th anniversary of the "I have a dream" speech. I think it's so cool that history is being made, and I will be a part of it. I'm so honored to be driving the nomination that I not only believe in with my heart and soul, but the one that will make American history, even if he loses in the long run.

Nothing else much going on. I am pretty much ready for Open House tonight, not so much ready for school on Tuesday. That's another story.

A new school year....

2008-08-25T13:47:00.002-04:00

And they'll know we are Christians by our love, by our love They will know we are Christians by our love............

So we had our back to school faculty meeting this morning. It wasn't so bad. It was nice to see everyone, and my principal was very nice to announce to everyone that I got married this summer. We talked about safety, odds and ends, blood-borne pathogens....you know, all that good stuff.

Well, he ended our meeting by sharing that he heard the hymn "They will know we are Christians", which I've always loved, yesterday at church and it made him think. He said it reminded him of teachers and their students. He wanted to remind us of how important it is to make a good impression, and to let our parents know that we truly love and care about their children. They will have faith and confidence in us and support what we do if they know that we love their children. It was really a good message he delivered, much more eloquently than I can type. I've always felt that way. Especially when it comes to "that kid"....the one that drives you bonkers every.single.day. I try to remember that someone loves that kid, despite all of their issues, and it's important that I show to the parents that I will love them too, even though it's hard sometimes.

Anyway, I'm finding myself a little excited about the new school year. As much as I say I'd like to not have to go back, I think I'd be a little bored, unless I had an endless shopping budget, which isn't the case. :-) I want to start off being organized and prepared. That's my mission. Wish me luck.

Attitudes

2008-08-21T21:46:00.004-04:00

I had a pretty good day, until this afternoon. I had someone cop an attitude with me and act just really shitty. Excuse my language, but there is no other way to describe it. It really made me sooo angry- so angry I had to excuse myself and get away from the situation, or I was going to really lose my temper. The thing is, this person will likely never apologize, and will see themselves as totally justified. Have you ever known someone like that? Someone that will never allow the words "I'm sorry" to cross their lips? It just infuriates me because I did nothing to deserve the treatment I got. I am staying totally clear of this person as long as I can because I'm so irritated. I get that everyone has stress in their life, or their job, or their homelife....but don't use that as an excuse to take it out on other people. Our paths should probably cross this weekend, but I'm going to do everything I can to make sure that doesn't happen.

I met Michael and Scott for a beer tonight, and it was so refreshing to just be out. Tony worked late in DC, and won't be home for awhile unfortunately, but he told me today that he is off every Friday now, so that's exciting news! I'm sure I'll be jealous when I'm back at work and he's home sleeping in on Fridays! Payback for the summer I guess! :-)

I'm copying...

2008-08-20T20:56:00.004-04:00

I'm copying Jenny because I loved her "100 things" post. I am going to post 50ish now because that's all I can think of!

1. I have an obsession with counting the letters in names. My name has 5 letters, and I wanted my kids names to have 5 letters too. Abigail had to become "Abbie" to fit my 5 letter rule.

2. My lucky number is 17.

3. I hate hair. Seriously. I gag cleaning out hair brushes or seeing it in sinks. In my food, forget it. I'm done.

4. I could never own a dog again, even though I grew up with several.

5. I miss my mom every day and sometimes, just for seconds, forget she's gone.

6. Although they love me, I don't think I'm what my inlaws imagined for their son.

7. I hate that I got married so young and never lived on my own.

8. I check my email and myspace probably 20 times a day.

9. I don't exercise enough.

10. I drink more frequently than I should.

11. I love getting pampered- massages, nails, pedicures....you name it.

12. I would love to have a housekeeper come every day.

13. I want to move, but don't want to pack.

14. I can't stand my neighbors for what they did to me.

15. I wish the above neighbors would apologize.

16. I love hearing my kids laugh.

17. I miss going to church.

18. My wedding was perfect.

19. I feel blessed to have the friends I have.

20. I wish my mom would come to me in my dreams.

21. I wish I made more money.

22. I have been to every state except Alaska, Hawaii, and Maine.

23. I've only been out of the country twice- both times to Jamaica.

24. I've been to a strip club, both male and female.

25. I got cancer at 29.

26. I've been cancer free for almost 8 years.

27. I've taught first grade for 14 years.

28. I have no grandparents.

29. I don't have a relationship with any aunts or uncles.

30. I love blue cheese.

31. I don't drink enough water, ever.

32. I wish every day I was skinnier.

33. My favorite book ever is "She's Come Undone" by Wally Lamb.

34. I always thought I'd have three kids- all boys.

35. I check on my kids 2-3 times every night.

36. I love Christmas day more than any other day, followed by my birthday.

37. I love football. Go Cowboys!

38. I wish Tony and I liked the same team. We'd have so much fun.

39. Tony and I have traveled together to Los Angeles, Philadelphia, Chicago, Dallas, and Orlando.

40. I do laundry every day.

41. I talk on my cell phone way too much.

42. I love Starbucks and want to work there some day.

43. I wish I had the courage to jump out of a plane.

44. I'm afraid of heights.

45. I love reality tv.

46. I love to give people gifts.

47. I stink at remembering peoples names.

48. I love the beach more than anywhere else.

49. I often buy stuff, then have buyers remorse and take it back.

50. I hate yard work.

51. I have lived in VA my whole life.

52. I went to Kindergarten in Bridgewater, VA and lived next door to a couple that was Mennonite. We drank Postem and made iced oatmeal cookies every week. Her name was Mary.

53. I teach in the same county I grew up going to school in.

54. My first job was at "Rave", now known as a "slut store". It was preppy back then.

55. My second job was at Bob-A-Lou's Music Zoo. I worked there for 9 years, selling CDs, Tshirts, cassettes.

56. I have caught probably 30 shoplifters.

57. I survived a car accident I probably shouldn't have.

58. I've only gotten one speeding ticket, in my neighborhood, at 6:15 in the morning, going 35 in a 25.

59. My favorite all time song is "I want you to want me" by Cheap Trick.

60. I graduated from Longwood University in 3.5 years, with honors.

Happy Birthday to Meeeee!

2008-08-19T09:33:00.003-04:00

Today is my birthday. 37 years old. Crazy, huh? I don't mind. In fact, I love my birthday. I love that I'm alive. I love that people guess my age at 27, and when I was 27, people thought I was older! I definitely feel younger now than I did then.

So, instead of New Year's resolutions, I thought I'd make birthday resolutions. Seems like a good time. Birthday, new husband, school starting....

1) Exercise! I was doing so well. And fell off the wagon. Football season is starting and that is our favorite time of year sports wise, so it will be a challenge. We both love Sundays with friends or at home, watching games, camping out at Bdubs, making pots of chili and munchies and wearing our jerseys and yelling for our teams. But, I have to do all of the above in moderation and get my fat butt or (phat butt as my husband would say) back in the gym or start pounding the pavement again.

2) Reading-- I love reading during the summer, and once school starts (my night classes- not my day job)-- I tend to not read. It is a huge stress reliever for me. I need to keep a book beside my bed and read at night for a few minutes.

3) Money- I'm taking over all of our finances and I have some definite goals where they are concerned. We are cutting back on eating out, paying off the wedding, and saving for the future.

4) Homework- I'm going to stay more on top of Abbie's homework and studying. I tend to stay on top of Mason b/c he needs it more, but I want to stay on top of hers too.

5) Family- I want to try to make a better effort to stay more connected with my sisters. Maybe even try to get out to Seattle to see Theresa.

Lofty goals..... wanna take bets on which ones I stick to and which ones i never even start?!?!?!

2008-08-15T09:47:00.004-04:00

Well, we are all booked for another trip to Jamaica. I'm so excited. And it's a year away! So long! It's me and Tony, Kerr and Ronnie, Keene and Paul, Audra and Dave, and Ronnie's sister and her husband. Should be a really good time. Something to look forward to anyway.....

Today is the day my mom went into the hospital, 3 years ago. Seems like yesterday sometimes, and then other times it seems like forever ago. I found myself several times on the honeymoon doing something and it would flash into my head that I needed to call her. Then a second later, I would remember i CAN'T call her. Crazy how the brain works. I pulled out her wedding album the other day when i was putting some wedding stuff away. There were some really good pictures of her in there, and some of she and I together. I wish I had thought of displaying some of those at my wedding. Mason was already so emotional that day though....crying during our dance b/c he missed my mom and wished she was there....not sure he could have taken more pictures! He is such a sweet kid.

One more week of freedom....but it's so full of "stuff" to do already. I have probably 10 errands I need to run. I need to go to the school board office, meet with my team, go to the dentist, abbie has camp, I'll probably have some company at the end of the week, my birthday....lots and lots to do. Luckily I like being busy. :-)

And for my thankful for list today:
1) my precious kids
2) Nights like last night- warm, but breezy-- sittin on the back deck just hanging with my husband

3) new school supplies

4) good doctor visits

5) a clean house thanks to Georgia!

thankful for today....

2008-08-13T20:48:00.002-04:00

1. unlikely friends - friends you become friends with thru unusual circumstances

2. pinot grigio

3. my crackberry

4. quiet nights with the husband

5. new sheets

Water parks

2008-08-13T08:03:00.002-04:00

Am I the only one who thinks they are gross?
Abbie is going here http://www.cobblestonespark.com/ today for a b'day party. I just think water parks are so nasty. You know people pee in that water. It just totally grosses me out. I'm letting her go, but she will be going straight from there into the tub. Blech.

Birthdays, trips, and stuff to be thankful for

2008-08-12T19:05:00.003-04:00

Spent most of the day today doing laundry- joy- and going through wedding presents. We got so many very thoughtful gifts, and cards. We are lucky to have such wonderful friends and family. It's nice to be able to see most of my living room floor again!

Now the countdown is on to my birthday! I love my birthday- everything about it. I love the cards, seeing the kids excited, of course the gifts....and just spending time with family and friends. Tony was going to be in Germany for work, but he rearranged his trip so he wouldn't miss my birthday b/c he knows it's my favorite day of the year next to Christmas! After he returns from Germany he is going to turn around and head to Japan.... I wish I could go! Too bad I have to work......

Not sure what we're going to do. Originally I thought he was going to be out of town. Kerr mentioned dinner with she, Keene, and Cyndee-- I think the three of them talked and felt bad he was going to be gone. Cristin said she may come down to see me so I wouldn't be alone. But I really would have been ok-- we would have just celebrated at a different time. I kinda wish we were doing our party again this year and combine it with my b'day-- but my house is a disaster zone. I should be folding the 4 loads of laundry lurking in my bedroom right now, but instead I'm sittin here rambling!

On a completely unrelated note, another blogger I read (Thanks Kimmber!) does a list every day of 5 things she is thankful for....and I decided today when I was feeling overwhelmed that I should do the same thing! So here's my Thankful list for today!

1) the yummy dinner I made tonight- it made my family happy! (London Broil on the grill, homemade mashed potatoes, and broccoli)

2) the quiet of my house right now

3) my husband who insists we are still on our honeymoon

4)My luggage being delivered to my house, safe and sound

5) Friends who worry about me for my birthday! :-)

We are home!

2008-08-11T20:09:00.003-04:00

I don't know where to start, and when I started thinking about writing all of this down, I realized there is NO WAY I could put into words how perfectly everything went, from start to finish. It was truly magical. Tony and I have waited so long for our wedding day, and been through so much, and it was just such a wonderful, amazing day. The flowers, the cake, the music, time with everyone, the toasts....everything was so meaningful to me. Even the photographer told me it was the first wedding he's ever done where he got choked up behind the camera. He's such a sweetie.

When we were dancing our last dance, I stopped for a minute to take it all in. I'm so glad I did. I know (from experience) that you have to stop and take it in because it's over so fast. I looked around at all our friends and family and just everyone dancing and singing around us and I swear you could actually feel the love and support in the room. That picture will forever stay with me.

The honeymoon was also amazing. Sleeping in, going to breakfast, or breakfast in bed, lazy days at the pool and swim up bar, or just hanging out in the Caribbean waters. It was so amazing that we booked another trip for next August, the same week. Two other couples are going to go too, and I can't wait.

And I'm so happy to be Mrs. Susan Pereira.

another long slooooooooooooow day

2008-07-29T16:02:00.001-04:00

Well the days are still crawling by at a snails pace. What is up with that? Next week will fly in double time I'm sure.

Today I went to see Kim. Ouch. Why do we wax? I love it afterwards but man oh man I was hating it at the time. At least I won't have to think about it for a month or more.

Then, I went to the bank. Fun. All the money I don't have thanks to this wedding. Tony reassures me that "everything will be fine" when we get back and life gets back to normal. Our new "normal" is going to be going nowhere and doing nothing for quite awhile. I'm up for that REB award (which is unlikely that I'll win) and if I happen to win it, I'm going to Hawaii in January and I'd love to have the money for he and the kids to go too. Christmas will need to be waaaaay scaled back, but I think we can do it. If I don't win the big award, I'll still get $750 in cash which would be welcomed right about now!

Then, I went to talk to the wine guy at Kroger. I really like him and I talk to him enough that he knows my taste. He made a couple of suggestions and now it's up to Tony and Michael. They are going to take care of all that tomorrow night.

Then, Mason and I went to Target while Abbie is at a friends. Just kinda meandered around there. I love that place. Picked up odds and ends and managed to drop more money in there.
How does that happen?? All of a sudden, you go in for one thing and you end up with 10 things you needed and forgot you needed, right?

Going to the airport to pick up Cyndee later. Can't wait to see her. She's been in Orlando since last Wednesday.

Off to nap and maybe catch up on some TiVo.

Thanks, Jenny!

2008-07-28T20:50:00.001-04:00

My friend Jenny showed me this blog. Please read it. Support this woman in her fight for her life. Trust me....stuff like this really does make a difference. What an amazing support system we can be for this woman.

http://thesnydernews.blogspot.com/

Wedding week!

2008-07-27T22:36:00.003-04:00

Can I just tell you how much I love this man?? Good thing since I'm marrying him on Friday. We have had just the most amazing weekend. Friday was his birthday. We just went to Riverbound with Keene and Paul and the kids, and of course, Michael was there. Keene and Paul came back to the house with us and we sat out back and shared a bottle of wine, and talked about the wedding mostly. Saturday, Keene, Michael and I went shopping down in Williamsburg and Tony hung out with the kiddos and I got him a new bathing suit for the honeymoon. (He's so very into Tommy Bahama right now...lol) Today we stayed at home all day and just hung out and watched tv and hung out with the kids. Everything is done. Life is good. Just waiting. I cannot wait to see him Friday waiting at the other end of the aisle. I can't wait to hear Dorsey say that we are married. I can't wait to kiss my husband. I can't wait to celebrate and dance and laugh with our friends and family. I can't wait to spend a romantic week away at Sandals- a whole entire place dedicated to romance and just being together. I remember the last time I was there thinking that one day I was going to come back there with someone that I wanted to be over the top romantic with....now I get to do that. What more could a girl ask for??? I know....this kinda talk makes people wanna puke. But seriously.... I've waited so long, and while I've had so many blessings in my life, I've been through some pretty crappy stuff too. I'm so excited to start our new family together officially. I feel so very blessed. I really couldn't ask for anything else.

I do wish more than anything that my mom could be there. When she was literally lying on her deathbed, I remember she asked for Tony. My sisters and I were all gathered around her bed, and I got up and went to the waiting room to get him. She told him that she loved him, and he promised her he would take care of me. He got down on one knee, in her hospital room and proposed to me. That was 3 years ago, August 20. He kept his promise to her. I know that she will be there. It will take her being there to get me down the aisle without falling apart. Never in my life did I think I would be doing this without her, and it will be her spirit there that gets me through the day. I know she loves Tony, loves me, and blesses our union. She would be so happy.

I just want to savor the next few days, take it all in, write about it, think about it, and remember this feeling so i can recount it for years to come.

Could it be?

2008-07-23T10:58:00.002-04:00

Could it be that we are really done with getting stuff ready for the wedding? I think we really are....minus a few last minute things we can't do now anyway.
I'm on the hunt for an ivory or white-ish formal purse. I think that may be my last thing. I need to get abbie and mason something to wear to the rehearsal dinner. I need to get on that asap b/c I know he is going to be hard to fit.
Getting hair cut and highlighted today.
Hitting the eye dr on Friday.
Working on my final exam that's due monday.
Straightening the house up so we don't leave it a disaster.
Making piles of what needs to go where for the rehearsal, reception, wedding.....

It's coming together nicely.

What a weekend!

2008-07-21T14:00:00.002-04:00

I had soooo much fun at my bachelorette party! I am still so exhausted, but it was really really fun.

Thursday- What was supposed to be a 4 hour drive up turned into a 6-hour trip. Despite getting turned around looking for a bathroom and almost ending up in a game warden station that looked like it was out of Deliverance, we had a great time listening to music. We got settled about 8, and three of us went to South Street, had dinner, and went to a few bars. We got to see some very funny karaoke and my friends had a great time getting very ugly guys to come up to me. Thanks friends!

Friday- Three of us got up and worked out and ran. A real shock I know. We went for coffee, and then came back and got showered and went out to venture. We went shopping on Chestnut and Walnut and I bought a cute top and earrings for Friday night. We went to Tiffany and just looked at everything. We trekked in the heat to see the Liberty Bell, and then stopped at a bar on the way back for a few drinks. I got home to see that two friends had decorated our door with penis balloons, penis bubbles, and yellow caution tape. Hilarious!!! It was sooo funny. That afternoon we met up with some NY cops and went to a great bar with an ice luge and great music. We went back home and got all dolled up for our trip to "The Cave". It was..... interesting. LOL I won't elaborate except to say that I had a private dance and it was nothing I've ever experienced. I laughed so hard. The dancer was very, very hot in appearance and probably not very hot temperature-wise b/c of his lack of clothing. LOL

Saturday- Recovered from Friday, laid around, watched a movie.
Saturday night- The big night! After a rocky start, and dinner in a restaurant with no a/c, I was given a ride in a bmw covertible driven by a hottie to a club called McFaddens. We had an open bar there, and my oh-so-wonderful friends not only arranged for me to dance on a bartop, but also to get a body shot on the bar. Oh MY! Just what I wanted- my fat stomach exposed to the bar. Seriously- it was mild, and very fun. We got a comped bottle of champagne there and just had a blast. We left there and our 2nd limo of the night was there. (Our first was a complete disaster and the nasty driver ended up leaving us stranded at the restaurant.) This limo was fully stocked, and beautiful, and cold, and our driver was super nice. We went to a club called Cuba Libre and it was so fun to see the people dancing that actually knew how to dance salsa. My cutie pie ushers tried to teach me.... and ended up telling me to just dance how I wanted to. What can I say.... I'm not a salsa dancer. We had open bar there too- table service-- and somehow the 12 of us managed to go thru at least 4 bottles of Absolut.

We left there and went to the club next door- don't even know what it was called- but it was a hip hop club. We danced and danced until it was time to go home. Had a blast and was actually not that hung over the next day. I guess b/c of all the dancing.

I had such a blast dancing and partying. However, there was never a more welcome sight than my wonderful fiance waiting for me when I got home. I told him as much fun as i had, I couldn't wait to marry him. It was a great celebration and party for the end of being single, and a celebration of what's to come.

Random

2008-07-15T07:34:00.002-04:00

Our bachelor/bachelorette parties are this weekend! I'm so excited. I can't wait to get away and relax a little. We have some really fun things planned...or I should say, Cyndee has some fun things planned. She's done an amazing job staying on top of all this. I love Philly, and I'm excited about being there with just girls. Tony's weekend is this weekend too- in Myrtle Beach. I know he's going to have fun.... 3 rounds of golf in 3 days. Sounds like my own personal hell.

So I have this one friend that apparently bailed this morning, over email, to the organizer. Nothing to me at all. And nothing to the organizer until she emailed HER about it. I guess she would have just not let anyone know. It really bugs me. Not that we were all that close anyway, but people have tried to convince me about her, and I've always given her the benefit of the doubt. Why do I do that? Anyway...now everything is going to cost everyone else more money b/c we had already committed a certain number of people. Sometimes I think I'm this great judge of character, and other times, not so much.

The kids were in the paper Sunday for their lemonade stand. It was so cute. The reporter emailed me yesterday and said they are going to send me the original copy. Michael said he wants to hang it at the restaurant. I was so proud of them!!

Another busy day today.... I am going to take Mason to camp, go by Starbucks, and Kohls, and hallmark. Go to the bank. I need to do laundry. Clean up a little. Work on my paper....(the big one, due in just over a week, that I haven't even started!) Tonight I get to babysit Mackinley. Super excited about that!!!

Eight years ago...

2008-07-12T14:23:00.002-04:00

http://www.slide.com/r/ALhoiInJsD_TRQUmdTCG18TzN-Wmzm1V?previous_view=mscd_embedded_url&view=original

I made that awhile back for my girl. I can't believe that EIGHT years ago today I was at the hospital, holding my sweet, tiny baby girl. So happy she made me. She still does. I was in the car today, taking her to her birthday party at All Fired Up. Hannah Montana was blaring and she and her friend were singing along. It was the best sound I've heard in a long time. Tony and I just sat there, holding hands, both smiling and trying to listen without her really knowing. She has the prettiest voice, and just makes me warm and smiley just looking at her.

Happy Birthday sweet girl!!!

Am I going to look like an idiot?

2008-07-11T08:52:00.002-04:00

A few weeks ago, I was looking for someone to marry us. The pastor had suddenly cancelled. I asked my principal to do it. He and I have always been close, he has helped me through some of the toughest times in my life, AND he's an ordained minister. I asked him, he said he'd be honored! Well, in communicating that to my oldest sister, she let me know right away that I had hurt her feelings. Why didn't I ask her? (She performs weddings, but did not go to seminary or anything, as does my ex husband.....) Anyway, I was completely honest and told her several things:
1. I feel more comfortable with a man marrying us. All of the religious figureheads in my life have always been men. I know and appreciate that women can do it too, but I just personally prefer a woman, right or wrong. (She let me know that was wrong, btw.)
2. I wanted someone that has my religious beliefs. Even though we don't go to church every Sunday, I pray to God every single day. I am deeply driven by my faith in God. I know to most, I don't have the bible-toting, bible-verse quoting appearance....because I don't. But my faith is what gets me through my life. My faith in God. I believe God plays a huge role in keeping marriage together, and it's important to me that someone that shares that exact belief marries us. He does, she doesn't. She told me that I don't even know her religious beliefs, and I told her she's right (which I should if it was a driving force in her life), but I did know that she had dabbled in Buddism. Again, she was mad at me.

It was at this point where she let me know that the reason she refused my offer for her to be in the wedding was that she thought it was "stupid" for "older women" to have weddings. She thought it was dumb for my mom to do it. She thinks it's dumb for me to do it. I told her I'm not "older"...that a lot of women get married for the first time at my age, and Tony has never been married, so I thought it was fine. She said "older women" look tacky up there wearing bridesmaids dresses. (including my other sister, and one of my best friends that are both over 50 and doing it!)

I guess now, 3 weeks before the wedding, I'm starting to panic. How many people are going to look at me and think I look ridiculous? How many people are going to judge me and say "she shouldn't be doing this again?". I just think it's not fair to Tony. He wanted all this. He wants to celebrate our journey with friends and family. And even if I have had it before, this is so different, and it's been 15 years..... don't I have the right to be happy and celebrate? Is there a limit to the number of "happy events" one can have in their life?

Thursday

2008-07-10T07:59:00.002-04:00

So James left PA yesterday. I talked to Mason, and he is doing much better. He says he loves it there now, and wants to go back next year. I was so happy to hear his happy voice. I can't wait until he gets home. I'm still a little worried about how Tony is going to deal with this. He is still just so disappointed for a couple of reasons. One, he is upset with himself that he misjudged how Mason would be at camp. He really thought all of the "scouting" activities he has helped him with would have better prepared him mentally. Secondly, he is just so disappointed in Mason in general....he thinks he could have dealt with all this on his own instead of depending on dad. I'm torn. I do think he overreacted a bit, but the mom side of me says "he's 11". I don't know.

We went to see the SATC movie last night. I had seen it, but he hadn't, and I wanted him to. He liked it....thought it was realllllly long. It did feel long last night for some reason. He thought it was mostly Carrie's fault b/c she didn't have her phone and hear his messages and if they had talked ahead of time, she could have reassured him again. My thought is that he shouldn't have needed reassurance. She had done that the night before!! I found myself still crying at the same parts I cried at the first time.

Just looked at all of Shannon's wedding pictures. Question after looking at them.... why didn't my daughter smile? She is halfway smiling in one. None in the rest. That's her "thing" now...not to smile. GRRRRRRRRR

Drama

2008-07-09T10:47:00.000-04:00

I.hate.girl.drama.

I hate all drama, but girl drama is the worst. Seriously. Before you freak out about something and make it such a huge deal, think. Think. Is this going to matter in 2 hours? 2 weeks? a year?

Girl drama is the absolute worst. I love being a woman. I love everything, well, almost everything, about it. But why do we as women seem to perpetuate drama. Guys don't do it. They just don't. I know all that stuff about women being more emotional, etc....but face it, we are also very rational and logical problem solvers. Most of us are. There is no reason why we can't head off some of this drama before it happens.

Anyway...just had to get that off my chest. I need coffee. Heading to Starbucks.

My Homesick Boy

2008-07-07T08:30:00.002-04:00

So Mason left Saturday for boy scout camp. He was sooooo excited. We worked all last week getting his stuff together. Then, he and Tony worked for about 1 1/2 hours, rolling it all, packing it in plastic bags, and getting it all in his bag. He left Saturday morning at 6:15 am, a little nervous, but excited.

The first call came about 9 am, still excited.
The second call came about noon, a little less excited.
The third call came at 6:30 am Sunday. Tears.
The 4th-10th calls came throughout the day yesterday. Tears. Come get me. I hate this.

He hasn't even been there a full, normal day yet. They were just registering and getting settled yesterday, but he hates the latrine, the bugs, the sleeping conditions (not in a tent), and he's homesick. It absolutely broke my heart. Tony, on the other hand, thinks he needs to get himself together, suck it up, and stick it out. I wanted to get in the car right then and go get him. We've agreed he needs to stick it out today. Then, we'll see.

He's also using the cell phone I let him take as a crutch. I never thought he'd call that much though. I asked his friend's dad to take the phone and hold it for him and only let him use it once a day. I can't take it more than that. :-(

I feel awful for him. I'm hoping he'll stick it out today, get used to it, relax, and have the time of his life and not want to come home at the end of the week. Well, maybe not that part. I still want him to want to come home.

Oh...good news.... I found a Wii Fit finally!!! I signed up for Wii Alerts and they sent me a text telling me Toys R Us online had them. I logged in immediately and ordered it by 8 am this morning!! Woooohoooo!!

One thing done...a million more to do

2008-07-05T17:10:00.002-04:00

One of my parents nominated me for an REB award. While I was very honored, it meant a lot of work. Add to this, it's due while we are on our honeymoon, so I have to turn it in before the wedding. Basically, I could ask to go anywhere, do anything.... as long as it pertains to my teaching and will impact kids. Sounds like it'd be pretty easy, but you wouldn't believe how I have agonized over this. I wanted to pick somewhere to go that I've been dying to go to....Abu Dhabi for example, or Europe....but the more I read, I couldn't really find anything "educationally speaking" that would help me in the classroom.

SO...after much research, I wrote it today. I picked the "9th annual international conference on education" being held in January in Honolulu, Hawaii. I also added in 10 days of intense training on Kagan strategies being held in Disney World. The grant would only pay for me to go, but I thought we could save up for Tony and the kids to go as well. I'd have my airfare and hotel for all of us paid for anyway.

The bad news is that I have to turn this in very soon....but won't find out until November if I won. That sucks. And to make matters worse, anyone that knows me knows that I'm really not a fan of certain kinds of surprises. Like this. I have to go to a dinner. Dorsey will be there, Dr. Roberson will be there, the woman that nominated me will be there. None of us will know if I won until they call my name, or not. That stresses me out big time. At least if I lose, I still get $750 for being a finalist. I'm happy with that.

Anyway, it's done. All I have to do now is turn it in....and wait.

One month to go!

2008-06-30T10:17:00.002-04:00

One month from tomorrow. I'll be married again. That is just so strange to me. I can't believe it's almost here, and I won't be single anymore! (not that I really am now!)
I have thoroughly enjoyed being single, besides the financial aspects. I have changed and grown in so many ways. Before, I thought I'd just die if I was alone. I wasn't sure I could do it. But I did it. House repairs, yard work, bills, managing the kids.... I did it all, and I think I did it well. I have learned that I absolutely CAN stand on my own two feet, and can take care of myself. Sure, it will be wonderful to be fully committed to someone to help with all of that, and allow him to take care of me as well, but it feels great to know that I've done it. I'm not the same person. I like to think I'm more confident, more of a problem solver, and more conscientious about what really matters in life.

All that being said, I'm very excited about the wedding. Shannon's wedding was Saturday, and it just brought my own wedding more to light. It's all so real now. Very, very exciting. I can't wait to look down the aisle, see Tony at the end of it, and be surrounded by all of our friends and family. Such a comforting thought.

"Knot Just Yet" bachelorette parties- DO NOT USE THEM

2008-06-24T22:22:00.003-04:00

I have had a HORRIBLE experience with this company. Do not use them. EVER EVER EVER.
The person I used, Eddie, lied to me over the phone over and over, his latest lie being that he will refund me $500. I was supposed to have it by June 20. It's now the 24th, and guess what....he's "unreachable". I spent almost 2K with this jerk for Shannon's party, and got a service worth about $300, plus a limo. I'm sure the limo was $400 or so, but what happened to the rest of the money?? This company is awful. I have filed with the Better Business Bureau and want to take him to court. What a complete waste of money.

Remember what I wanted?

2008-06-24T22:15:00.002-04:00

I wanted to stand on a beach somewhere. Nice long flowy dress. Rent a beach house for a week or two. Have everyone there. Hear the ocean in the background. Get married at dusk.
Tony wanted a big wedding. "If we have a big wedding, I'll help do everything 50-50".
Ummmm remember that?
Suddenly, "helping" is making a payment here and there, and giving opinions about things after they've been decided. When asked, it's "you know I really don't care" until later.

Tonight, he tells me he wants the groomsmen in a particular order-- his two brothers have to stand next to each other. Doesn't matter how tall they are. Doesn't matter how it'll look from the pews. I've asked him before who he wanted to walk with whom and he said he didn't care.
It's so frustrating. Seriously. I told him fine- to call Zhan (who is writing a program and running the show that day) and tell him...get involved. He won't. That's my job apparently. GRRRRRRRRR

2008-06-10T14:59:00.002-04:00

We have gotten 10 replies back so far for our wedding RSVPs. It's so exciting! I love rushing home every day to check the mail. So far, all "yes" but I guess no one would rush to mail in a "no".

I can't wait til this school year is over. I still need to copy my report cards, organize all of my cumulative files, and finish cleaning up my room. I want to be checking out of there by 10 am on Friday! Then I can move on to the fun stuff.

Think about me.... I'm still a big wreck thinking about Mason's graduation Wednesday night, and the infamous walk down the hall. I don't want to cry hysterically and have everyone looking at me, and embarass Mason, but I can't even talk about it without crying. Not sure how I'm going to get thru it without falling apart. I keep telling myself it's really silly- he's not going to middle school tomorrow or anything. He will be with me all summer, and every morning next year he will catch the bus from BPES to get to Stonewall. I guess it will just be so strange not seeing him throughout the day next school year. Time for my baby to stretch his wings and enjoy some independence. Doesn't mean I have to like it though.

Crazy crazy busy....

2008-06-07T22:54:00.006-04:00

Life lately has been so..... hectic and stressful.
1. The weekend away in DC was eye-opening in many ways. I won't elaborate here, but suffice to say there was some drama. It's all taken care of now, but it just wasn't fun for a little while. I loved being away though, relaxing, dancing a little- just being me instead of mom, bride-to-be, teacher, etc. A nice change of pace. I'm so excited about my own weekend in Philly. I can't wait to go back to where we were engaged. I just love that city. I have so many wonderful memories there.

2. My classes are killing me. They are both kind of boring, but I LOVE one of the professors, so I enjoy hearing her talk. The other is so boring, so dry, and the professor is just very....intense. The assignments are a pain in the you know what, and a complete waste of time. But, I still work really hard because I want an A. Come June 19th, this class will be done, and I can just concentrate on the one I like until July 28.

3. Wedding...I'm super super excited. The invites went out thursday, and I can't wait to start getting those little cards back. The invitations were simply beautiful if I do say so myself. I thought they were just perfect. We are down to just odds and ends to take care of. I'm just so excited. I wish it was next weekend. I can't wait to stand up there, in front of everyone, and pour my heart out. Don't get me wrong...my wedding was really pretty the first time, but this time, I'm so much more sure of what I want and what I have in a partner. I'm also more confident, more outspoken, and I can't wait to publicly express how I feel about Tony. I hope it's just beautiful.

4. Tony started a new job this week. It's in DC, so he's getting up at 3 every morning, leaving the house at 3:40 AM to catch the vanshare at 4 am! He sleeps all the way up (2 hours) and then catches it back to Richmond about 3 pm. He's home by 5 or 5:30. He absolutely loves the job, and says he is "in his element". I still see a move for us in the future, although he says no- that he doesn't mind the commute. We will see I guess...only time (and money) will tell!

5. Mason's musical. It's been soooo much work for him. Twice a week, 2 hours each time. They performed Tuesday, Wednesday, Thursday night, Friday night, and tonight. 5 performances. He danced (one of 4 boys chosen) a waltz with the sweet little girl he has a crush on. I swear, I've seen this dance probably 10 times now, and I get teary every.single.time I watch it, on video and in person! I am going to have to survive this upcoming week on xanax. He also sang a solo of "The Twist" and did such an amazing job. Now if I can just get thru graduation on Wednesday. It will definitely be a tear-fest for me. And that hall-walk on Thursday. Oh my gosh. I'm just going to be a puddle.

50 things I love about Tony...

2008-05-19T21:44:00.002-04:00

I love his strong arms.
I love that he loves my children as his own.
I love when he gets me water at night.
I love it when I catch his eye across a room in a crowd.
I love it when he orders for me at dinner.
I love how he insists on opening doors for me- the car, the house, whatever.
I love it when he stops for Starbucks.
I love his random text messages and emails.
I love that he's insistent on what we dance to at the wedding.
I love how involved he's wanted to be on everything.
I love that he's romantic and mushy sometimes.
I love his cologne.
I love that he can't sleep without touching me....my foot, my leg, whatever.
I love that he tucks the kids in every night.
I love what he has helped Mason become.
I love that he acts like a kid sometimes.
I love that he makes me laugh every single day.
I love playing Phase 10 with him. (even though he hates that I win every time)
I love sitting on the deck drinking wine and listening to music.
I love that he will dance in the kitchen with me.
I love his kisses.
I love when he gets me a clean towel.
I love that I'm the only girl he's ever taken home to mom.
I love how planned out our engagement was.
I love his Michael Jackson impression.
I love singing in the car with him.
I love going to clubs with him.
I love that we love the same movies- When Harry Met Sally, 50 First Dates
I love watching "our" shows together: Nip/Tuck, Desperate Housewives, and yes, Rock of Love when it was on.
I love that he loves my friends.
I love that he is protective of me.
I love that he gets "a little jealous" sometimes.
I love when he scratches my back.
I love that he loves my body, faults and all.
I love that he likes doing homework with the kids.
I love that he never forgets the anniversary of my breast cancer dx.
I love watching football with him.
I love hearing him talk about football....he really knows his stuff!
I love watching him when he gets to hang out with Will.
I love watching him interact with his brothers.
I love the way his mom looks at him. You can tell she is so proud.
I love his smell right out of the shower.
I love it when he plays with my hair.
I love how he looks when he dresses up, especially in a suit and tie.
I love when he does chores. :-)
I love when he comes to school to have lunch with me.
I love it when he smiles.
I love that he lets me cry whenever I am sad about my mom.
I love that he doesn't let me cry when I'm stressed- he always talks me out of it or makes me realize things aren't so bad after all.
I love that he lets me be who I am.

Bring on Summer!

2008-05-13T18:07:00.002-04:00

Nice day today... I'm just soooo ready for the rush of school to be over. The funny part is, it's not my job in particular that stresses me out. It's my kids school work. It's the tests, the quizzes, the SOL tests, the lunches and lunch money, sign this, return that, read this....it never ends. I'm so looking forward to the slower pace of summer. Even though I'm going to have class three nights a week this summer, my days will be free. I just want to slooooooooooow down. Read a book. Go to the pool. Take naps. I'm ready for choir and boy scouts and brownies to be done for awhile. All the driving and dinner rush and bedtimes.

And then, at some point, hopefully after my honeymoon, I'll start to want to go back to work. Funny how that is.

Bachelor parties and other nonsense...

2008-05-12T21:03:00.002-04:00

A good friend's fiance just returned from his bachelor party. Another good friend's husband also just returned from a similar event. Of course, the boys had to be boys, and go to your friendly neighborhood strip club. What is up with strip clubs??? I've been to one, actually several, with Tony. The first time was....hmmmm.... interesting. I had to keep reminding myself not to gawk and to shut my mouth. After that, it just became boring.

So what is it about men and strip clubs? Why is that just "what you do" on a bachelor party? I know men are visual and all that BS, but don't you think they should feel awkward about some strange girl that gets paid to rub her ta tas all over them? It's a J O B to them....not a D A T E.

I keep telling myself I'm not going to care if he goes to one. I know he's not going to kiss her or anything like that....but I hate the thought of another woman rubbing her body all over him. Does that make me jealous? Does that make me a woman who isn't confident enough about her relationship? Do the women that say "I don't care if he goes" really mean it?

Thoughts??

Save the Drama for your mama

2008-05-08T19:55:00.001-04:00

Drama with a capital D. That was my day today. Seriously. Over hotel rooms. And who is going to stay with who for my bachelorette party.

I'm at home, happily enjoying my 2nd glass of wine. I may have a 3rd. And maybe a 4th.

China or Plastic?

2008-04-22T18:19:00.002-04:00

So last night, Tony and I sat down to firm up our budget for the rest of the wedding. Still lots to do, lots to buy.
At the moment, the current debate comes down to plates, glasses, and silverware. So, i ask you.... does it matter? It will cost us about an additional $600 to rent china, silver, and a bajillion different kinds of glasses. OR, the caterer will provide clear plastic plates and plastic everything else for FREE. Tacky? Maybe. Cheaper? Definitely. Worth $600? This is where I struggle. Will the people that come to the wedding stand off to the side saying "Oh my Gosh- can you believe they spent all this for a wedding and we are eating off of plastic?". I really don't know. I know that I would never go to a wedding and say that. But I don't know about anyone else. I have two or three people that feel it is critical we get the china. A few others that say it doesnt' matter. Thoughts?

Wedding Rings

2008-04-10T15:40:00.002-04:00

What a week! Recovered from Shannon's bridal shower, which I hope she loved. I thought it was nice. Monday night, I skipped class. I was way too tired. Last night I had class and then we went to run errands. We went to T-Mobile and priced the new phones we want and will need soon. Both our phones are falling apart. Then, we went to David's and picked up the bridesmaids dresses. They are really pretty. Not totally what I envisioned for them, but very pretty.

Then, we went and picked out our wedding bands! That, of course, was the best part! I was expecting to put them on layaway or something, but we ended up leaving with them. Tony doesn't trust me not to keep trying it on- I can't imagine why! So, he made me take it to school and give it to Keene to keep with my dress. It's really pretty. I like his too. He told me he wanted diamonds on his. BLECH. I kept trying to tell him he was going to look like A. an old man or B. a pimp. It wasn't until I said "oh ok...go ahead...get whatever it is you like. You are the one that has to wear it" and he tried them on....then he says "ugh. You are right. That looks ridiculous!". UM....really?!?!? So, he got a pretty simple band...kind of beveled. I like it.

Today is soooo pretty. I just wish I had been home today getting my house clean- it's been a wreck since the shower. I had an appt for 4 pm today at the gym, but I cancelled it. It's just too pretty out. I'm going to go running after dinner instead. I need to get my big butt used to running. We are going to try to run the Race for the Cure this year. :-)

First day back to work

2008-03-31T15:30:00.002-04:00

I got the wedding invitations today. OMG they are sooooo pretty. I wish I had done the brown ink on them instead of black, but they are beautiful all the same!! I can't wait to send them out!

It was so hard to go back to work today, but having my student teacher made it tolerable. She is doing such a good job! I was able to observe her teaching reading this morning, and then get a lot of wedding stuff done. I booked The Hard Shell for the rehearsal. We'd been on the fence for quite some time, but we are very excited about having it there, and decided to just spend the extra money to do it there. I think it will be really good.

I also spent quite awhile looking for favors. I still can't find anything affordable that I really like. I need to keep hunting for those.

I came home just for a bit, then it's off to class tonight. I dread it more than you can imagine. What was I thinking going back to school!?!?!!

2008-03-28T12:01:00.002-04:00

Spring Break is over!

2008-03-28T11:48:00.005-04:00

Spring Break is over. I'm distraught. What a great week! We didn't do anything all that exciting- no trips to the beach, no Busch Gardens, no girl time, no me time, no shopping. (Sounds pretty crappy now that I type it all out!) But, it was actually nice. I cleaned out every closet in the house with the exception of Tony's. (His closet is very, very scary and I won't go there. I don't know how he lives with it like that, but that's another blog.) I gathered 12 bags of clothes, books, and toys, and another 2-3 boxes of dishes and had AmVets come pick it all up on Thursday morning. I feel productive. The weather has been awesome. We went to the park yesterday and just hung out.

Better yet, I've exercised (at the gym, or running) every day this week! YEAH ME! I worked out with Dave the Trainer yesterday, and then went on a 2 mile run last night- which was a first for me; never two things on the same day! I'm going today to have my measurements done, AGAIN. There's nothing scarier than standing in front of my hottie trainer while he pinches and measures and calculates body fat. I know right away when he gives me a look....it's either a "YOU GO GIRL look" or a "YOU REALLY NEED TO GET SERIOUS" look. I'm anxious to see what look I get today.

Today I am going to go sit on my deck and try to get some sun. I'm so freaking pasty white, which really doesn't help my cause. At least stretch marked cellulite looks better tan than white, right?

Mason is going on a camping trip this weekend. I'm sad. Tony is going with him tonight, but the rest of the weekend, he will be parent-less. I can't believe he's old enough to do that. I said something like that today, and he said "Mom, it's part of being a scout. I have to be self-sufficient". WHAT?!?! What happened to my little man???

(I tried to put those pics at the bottom- don't know how to move them....)

A funny....

2008-03-26T14:11:00.003-04:00

I was just having a conversation the other day about men measuring their "men". LOL
I came home and asked Tony if he'd ever done it. He laughed and said yes...."every guy has at some point in their life". At least he's honest, right?

Then I read this online on another blog I read, Greek Tragedy.

compact cars and shafts
"I want it to be as compact as possible when I'm not using it." It's true of your cell phone, a pocket knife, or a contractible beach bag, even. But Phil feels this way about his man bits. The growers vs. showers debate unfolded in the following manner:
"I get these emails all the time," Phil says as he looks up from his laptop. "I just got one that says 'Be 10 inches when flaccid.' Who would want to be ten inches when they're not even doing anything with it?""You've been sampling the punch again, haven't you?""No, really, what's the point? I mean, it's not like it's in service or anything.""Well, I for one think it's quite nice--are you kidding?!--a nice third leg hanging down mid-thigh...""Nah, who wants that? I want it to be that way hard, not soft.""You want a collapsible travel cup.""Who needs all that excess to just get in the way?""A radio antenna.""Huh?""You basically want a space-saver penis.""This isn't that pyramid show.""Baby, the wheels of an aircraft are supposed to be retractable, not your dick." He shrugs. "How big is yours, I mean technically?""I don't know." Lie numero uno."Oh, come on. Every guy knows, or at least has a general idea." When I say "general" I really mean they've accounted for the weather when measuring their instruments. Marked by exactness, penile particulars are never relayed in shrugs of "I don't know." Males assess their assets from all possible angles, treating their calculations as if they're SAT results, only considering the best combination of scores. If he admits to only having a "general idea," it means he's all but tried to weigh the thing."I've never measured it." Dos."You mean never this year, or never since we've been married or something, right?""No, never." "Then there's something wrong with you." I get that it's not a practice of grown men, but I cannot imagine a pubescent boy trapped up in bathrooms with his mother's lingerie catalog, or even a dated J.C. Penny's circular, and believe, even for a moment, that he never once measured his manifesto."It's true. I haven't." Tres and quatro: two counts for adamantly declaring it a truth. Next he'll say he never once sampled the fruit of its labor. "Besides," he adds, "all that's important is that it's big when it's in use, but otherwise, small as possible works.""You'd never survive as a gay man."

I think that is so freakin funny.

Grumpy vent

2008-03-24T14:38:00.002-04:00

Today is the first day of Spring Break. A few random thoughts before I go to the gym:

1. I am up to 147 lbs. I am so mad at myself. I can't get a grip on why I am gaining weight. I'm working out. I'm trying to eat right. I just want lipo. I hate my big stomach and I hate my fat legs. :(

2. Why did I start cleaning out? My room looks great...and 4 bags to go to Goodwill. But Mason's room is a complete wreck, and from the looks of it, it's going to take a good, full day to get it in some kind of order.

3. I wanted to do some stuff with the kids this week, but I am flat broke. I hate that too.

4. I just put a bunch of stuff on ebay. I hope it sells. Badly.

JINX!!!

2008-03-19T08:00:00.002-04:00

I was walking down the hall at work the other day telling someone how I LOVED this warm weather. I then went on to say how lucky we had been this winter. None of us got sick. Not a sniffle. No doctor visits. No copays. Nothing.

Well, sure enough, Abbie gets a little sniffle on Saturday morning, and a full fledged fever by Saturday night. A trip to Patient First. a strep test, and a flu test yields nothing- "It's a virus". Well, she went to school Monday, but came home looking like a truck ran over her. A trip to the doctor (the real doctor, the pediatrician) yields a positive flu test! ARRRRGH! And it's too late for Tamiflu, so we just have to suffer thru it.

Why did I have to open my mouth?!?!?!

Slacker

2008-03-17T15:25:00.002-04:00

An oh-so-sweet friend recently reminded me that I'm being a slacker on this blog thing. I find myself thinking of writing something all the time, then I come in here to do it, and get distracted, usually by wedding stuff. Imagine that.

I have a student teacher. I'm so excited. She started last week and she did a great job. I think she's going to be the best one I've ever had. She is already teaching everything except reading, and doing it well. By her third day, she started teaching Math. The kids love her and she is making my life much easier. I have to do some observing and give her feedback, but I've been left with much more time to do other stuff too. I kinda like it. I think I should have her for the rest of the year, don't ya think?

Had my second (and last) fitting for my dress on Friday night. They did a great job with the alterations. Now I just need to make an appt with David for a portrait, and then make an appt for hair and makeup for after that. I guess I'll do it on a Saturday. I'm wondering if it could wait til June when school is out. At least then I'd have some sort of tan, maybe. I hope.

Nothing else going on really.... still going to school...only 7 more Monday night classes and 7 more Wednesday night classes, then 3 weeks off before I start again. I can't wait to be done with these two. I hate them both. No fun at all.

Off to get a snack for the youngest and then back to school to pick up the oldest from play practice.

2008-02-21T19:58:00.002-05:00

Can I just say how totally excited I am to finally have a real Starbucks in the Ville??? And I'm so happy and excited for my very good friend Michelle who is the manager. I went tonight for their "soft" opening and it is amazing!!!

Can I also say how much I am hoping for a snow day tomorrow?!?! Pleeeeeeeaaaassseeee????

Get this...

2008-02-19T20:52:00.002-05:00

Ok, so about 2 years ago, my nephew has a poker party. Long story very short, Tony went to this said poker party, and my nephews girlfriend hit on him! It was CrAzY! She said some very sexually suggestive things to him, which he came home and told me about. I never mentioned it to my nephew until much later when he brought it up, kind of joking, and said she had just told him about it- almost a year later! Of course, she wasn't totally truthful about what she said.

Fast forward....my sister and niece are having an engagement party for us in March. They went yesterday and got the invites and all that. She emails me today over myspace and says my nephews skanky girlfriend wants to co-host it with them and did i mind?!?! Seriously. I haven't spoken 2 words to this girl since this all went down. And now she wants to co-host a party for us? Whatever. I told her I didn't care, and maybe this was her way of "apologizing". Who knows. I just find it really unbelievable.

Cake and Flowers and Dresses- oh my

2008-02-09T20:52:00.000-05:00

Sorry,I couldn't resist. :-)

Today, Tony's mom, Tony, and I went to design the wedding cake. It was lots of fun, and we ate way too much cake while trying to decide! We ended up with a 3 layer cake, done in mocha, dark brown, and tiffany blue. I hope it's not "weird" looking. It's hard when you can't see it - you just have to imagine it.

Then, we went to do the flowers. It seemed to go wayyyy to easily. We'll see. I can't wait to see the estimate! (NOT)

Then, tonight I met Donna to order her dress. She has lost 43 lbs and is still losing! I also made the appt for my alterations. I need to make an appt with Dave for our pictures. We are going to do a family portrait- our first one with us and the kids- and not show anyone until the reception. I'm going to do one of just me too. I think I'll wait til May to do that one- my too-short hair needs to grow out!

Count your blessings

2008-02-07T20:15:00.000-05:00

Today we found out at school that one of our bus drivers just recently found out she has leukemia. She has two children at my school. She is not going to make it. She is unconscious now, and although her children (Kindy and 2nd I think) know she is ill, they did not know the extent. It just breaks my heart. I can't imagine leaving my precious babies and I can't imagine what her children will go through. It is just so, so sad. It makes me want to cuddle up with my kids and never let go. I know sad things happen to people every single day, yet we as humans are resilient. We think about them, pray about them, mourn and cry with them, and then slowly but surely, life goes on. I just want to take some time and pray for those children and her family. I feel guilt for not being more praiseful ALL THE TIME for the blessings I have.

A sweet a-ha moment

2008-02-03T17:42:00.000-05:00

I just had a moment...one of those moments that really aren't much in the scheme of things, but in isolation, at that very moment, mean a lot.

I was upstairs and I heard the pre-game show on downstairs. I heard Alicia Keyes singing "No One" which I love.... I ran downstairs and Tony was laying across a chair watching. Hat on backwards. Shorts and a t-shirt. I was just standing there in front of the tv, kinda dancing, kinda singing....just watching. I glanced down at him, and he's staring at me with this huge smile on his face. He says nothing, just kinda scoots up, pats the cushion between his legs, and makes a spot for me. I sat down, and we finished watching her together. It was just one of those moments where I looked at him and thought "he is so damn cute and I'm so damn lucky".

Sigh.... now he's into the football game again.

Wedding Central

2008-01-27T08:16:00.001-05:00

Oh my gosh I was so tired last night. But I felt so excited at the same time. We got so much wedding stuff done yesterday!

I met Kerr and Braden at 1:30. We picked out a flower girl dress for Braden. She looks so pretty in it. Then we got Kerr's dress fitted and ordered, which was a challenge considering her pregnant tummy! Hard to guess what size she'll be then, but if I know her, she'll be right back at whatever size it is she wants to be within no time.

Then, I met Tony over on the tux side, and he picked out his tuxes. So sweet. I had to deploy my womanly-ways to convince him not to use the Tiffany blue color in the vests or ties. He loves that color. I love it too....but not in a tux. Makes me think of junior prom or something. It was no help that the manager there seemed to like it. He ended up going with something much better.

Then, we left and went to the mall. I was exhausted at that point anyway- it was already 4:30 or so. We went to Firebirds, had a nice but quick dinner and a few drinks, and then, off to REGISTER! We went to Pottery Barn and Crate and Barrel, and lastly, Macy's. By the time we got to Macy's, we were so hot and tired that I have no idea what all we picked. I'll probably need to go in and edit that one! :-) It was a lot of fun though. The last time I registered (a loooooooooooonnnnnng time ago) there was no scanner....you had to write it all down on paper! The little scanner thing was fun! Tony controlled it, and I just picked out what I wanted. It was like a shopping spree....but free! And of course, we didn't get to take anything home! But I got my fix of retail therapy.

We came home, and I relaxed in a very full, hot bath. We watched a little tv, and went to sleep pretty early. I was exhausted and grumpy by bed time, but today I feel so good because we got so much done!!!

Progress....

2008-01-21T21:19:00.000-05:00

Well it was a very productive weekend. Yesterday, I met Shannon and got myself measured for her wedding. Then, we took Abbie and got her all measured and ordered her dress for her role as flower girl in Shannon's wedding. She looked sooooo beautiful.
Today, I went to David's Bridals with 5 pictures in hand that I had printed off their website. Four of them were very non-traditional bridesmaids dresses, and one was pretty traditional. I ended up going with the one that was pretty traditional, or "classic" may be a better word for it. It's short, right above the knee, satin, boat neckline, and I ordered it in "truffle" a deep, dark brown. I also ordered a "peek a boo" skirt, which is basically a slip with a colored edge that sticks out in "pool", AKA Tiffany Blue. I also added a sash of the same color of Tiffany Blue. I really like it. I feel like it's a traditional dress made a little less traditional with the blue. I'm excited now that we have narrowed down a color and can move on to other things.

We are going this weekend to register. At first, I felt a little funny about it since I've been married before, we live together, and obviously already have a lot of "stuff". BUT, as Tony reminds me, this is his first wedding, and hopefully his only wedding, so he doesn't think he should get cheated on doing this stuff because of me. It would be nice to have some things that are "ours" instead of "mine", so I'm following his lead on this one. Worst case scenario, we do it for nothing and no one buys anything, but it's ok.... we will have fun picking stuff out. Who wouldn't???

In other non-wedding news, my dad is moving to Abu Dhabi in the middle east for 2 months!! CRAZY! His company from which he retired, wants him to go as a consultant! Apparently it's very safe, and he's looking forward to it. I'd be scared to death, but at 72, he's excited!! They leave February 1st.

Off to do some school work for my class tomorrow night.

Weddings and snow

2008-01-16T21:23:00.000-05:00

Wedding plans.... everytime someone asks me if we have been working on wedding plans, it stresses me out. We've done the "big stuff"- church, reception site, dj, food, photographer. But NONE of the small stuff. None. We keep saying we are going to do it. But we don't. Between kids, school, work, boy scouts, brownies, homework....you get the picture. My friend Zhan keeps telling me he is going to be my "coordinator" but his schedule is so busy at work that it's frustrating me. I want to be able to say "Hey, let's go Saturday and get this done", but with him, you have to schedule it out like a month or more ahead of time. So, needless to say, nothing has gotten done. I wish I was rich and could hire a coordinator that would just ask me what I want, and then go do it for me.

I've done this before. I know the wedding isn't what makes a marriage. Sure, I want it to be nice. I want it to be fun. But I won't lie.... I want it to be CHEAP. We are paying for this ourselves, and we are selfish...we want to go on a super nice, romantic honeymoon. We don't want to start our marriage in debt because of a party. But, on the flip side, we are blessed to have so many friends that have been so wonderfully supportive of our relationship, and I want them to come and have a great time. I want to thank them for all their love and support and give them a fun night to celebrate with us.

I am reallllllllllllllllllly hoping for a snow day tomorrow so I can spend some substantial time making phone calls and getting some ideas down on paper for this wedding. Note to self: sleep with pajamas inside out and backwards, say prayers for snow... watch the weather before going to bed..... set alarm early so I can lay in bed and listen for snow closings on the radio......

Tuesday

2008-01-15T22:39:00.000-05:00

Well after spending over 40 minutes reading the blogs of people I don't even know, I decided to start one myself. Not really start one, but start one here. I have tried over the years to maintain a site at xanga, and I still have it, but it has turned into the place where I go to write when I'm mad at my wonderful fiance. I figured I'd keep that one for that, and start a newer, happier me here.

Well..... let's see. Where to start. I'm a 36 year old mom of two. I have a super smart and funny boy named Mason who is 10, and a brilliant, shiny girl named Abbie who is 7. They are the lights of my life and it scares me how much I love them. I am happily engaged and have been for 3 months now! We are planning an August 1, 2008 wedding, and I realllllly need to get busy planning. My fiance Tony is my rock and the four years (this Thursday) we've been together have changed me in so many ways as we figure out life together with our anything-but-conventional family. Lastly, I'm a teacher by day to 21 wonderful little bright spots. I'm lucky to love what I do (most days) and work 2 minutes from my house. I'm currently in school and maybe I might get out of teaching in a few years.....but who knows. Maybe I'll stay put.

I titled my blog "working on a life less ordinary" because I love that Carbon Leaf song, and I really try to keep my life anything but ordinary. Don't get me wrong- it gets that way from time to time, and then I start to get grumpy. I love to have fun, try to think outside of the box, and keep perspective about what's important. Lately, I'm interested in weddings, my classes I'm taking at night, my son's transition to middle school, Barack Obama, working out and losing weight, and the idea of moving someday. Ask me in a week, and I may tell you something different.