Have a creative eye?

MCP Actions is giving away a $500 gift card to one lucky winner, who will get to choose his/her ways to spend.  I myself, would love to upgrade my Olympus digital camera that I bought on clearance more than 6 years ago.  It still works for the most part, but as we travel more, and as we are nearing the point in talks of starting a family, I would love to be able to capture moments with a better camera.  (Adorama has a Canon on special now, for just over $500...TOTALLY worth the extra cash, in my opinion.)


You can enter to win, too!

There are so many fabulous things that come this season, and with Christmas.  I look forward to 2 weeks off work, and our annual Christmas party, usually around my birthday.  In the hustle and bustle of all things associated with the holidays- the shopping, the traffic (my impatience with the traffic), the lines, the wonderful parties, the fellowship with family and friends, the pretty lights decorating trees and houses, let us remember the true meaning of Christmas, and WHY we celebrate this time of year in the first place.

Luke 2:1-20 (New International Version, ©2010)

Luke 2

The Birth of Jesus

 ¹ In those days Caesar Augustus issued a decree that a census should be taken of the entire Roman world. ² (This was the first census that took place while^[a] Quirinius was governor of Syria.) ³ And everyone went to their own town to register. ⁴ So Joseph also went up from the town of Nazareth in Galilee to Judea, to Bethlehem the town of David, because he belonged to the house and line of David. ⁵ He went there to register with Mary, who was pledged to be married to him and was expecting a child. ⁶ While they were there, the time came for the baby to be born, ⁷ and she gave birth to her firstborn, a son. She wrapped him in cloths and placed him in a manger, because there was no guest room available for them.
 ⁸ And there were shepherds living out in the fields nearby, keeping watch over their flocks at night. ⁹ An angel of the Lord appeared to them, and the glory of the Lord shone around them, and they were terrified. ¹⁰ But the angel said to them, “Do not be afraid. I bring you good news that will cause great joy for all the people. ¹¹ Today in the town of David a Savior has been born to you; he is the Messiah, the Lord. ¹² This will be a sign to you: You will find a baby wrapped in cloths and lying in a manger.”
 ¹³ Suddenly a great company of the heavenly host appeared with the angel, praising God and saying,
 ¹⁴ “Glory to God in the highest heaven,
   and on earth peace to those on whom his favor rests.”
 ¹⁵ When the angels had left them and gone into heaven, the shepherds said to one another, “Let’s go to Bethlehem and see this thing that has happened, which the Lord has told us about.”
 ¹⁶ So they hurried off and found Mary and Joseph, and the baby, who was lying in the manger. ¹⁷ When they had seen him, they spread the word concerning what had been told them about this child, ¹⁸ and all who heard it were amazed at what the shepherds said to them. ¹⁹ But Mary treasured up all these things and pondered them in her heart. ²⁰ The shepherds returned, glorifying and praising God for all the things they had heard and seen, which were just as they had been told.

Be Thankful

I am thankful that today's errands were successful.  Successful in that everyone came out alive.  Here is what happened.  It was Powder's turn to go to the vet.  Need I say more?  It took 2 vet assistants plus the vet to give him 1 shot, and he was hollering the entire time.  I literally thought he might die.  When we got home, he proceeded to eat the rest of the treats that I forgot I left out.  He's fine now.

We welcomed a new bundle of joy to our lives.  Presenting, Ghirardelli!

Jer wanted to name her after a specific Giant, since they won the World Series, and, she is black and tan and orange and white, after all.  I didn't like any of his suggestions, and he didn't like mine.  So, we compromised.  Ghirardelli is a chocolate company founded in San Francisco, where the Giants call home.  We think she about 2 months.  So far, she is exactly like a human baby- I found her in the fireplace, she rolled down the stairs, she bellyflops on Powder (who is doing surprisingly well with her, so far), and cries when she is hungry, tired, or wants to play, and gets in to EVERYTHING.

In other news, I have a week off for the Thanksgiving holidays, so I've been running errands- 2 vet trips, my own doctors appointments, groceries, online Christmas shopping, and my car's emissions test TBA.  In addition, I have 1.5 more papers to write- including a research paper on a gifted curriculum model.  Yikes.

Jeremy mentioned a while ago about writing a holiday letter with pictures- just to give an update about our lives.  I told him that I keep up with just about everyone I would want to keep up with, but he still thinks that distant family and friends would enjoy reading a little something about us.  So...thanks to Shutterfly, we can do THIS for free!

In case you didn't hear...

The Giants won the World Series.  Jeremy didn't know what to do with himself.  We were so fortunate in getting to go to the Braves v Giants game in Atlanta- Bobby Cox's last game.

I took a personal day today to observe gifted instruction at a local school, as well as to take a hot air balloon ride for our anniversary.  Well, the ride got cancelled due to strong winds, so now I'm home, cleaning, lounging, and you better believe I'm in my jamas.

Fall is in the air!

Sometimes, life gets ahead of me and I wonder where it's gone.  Well, here is an update:

Jeremy and I celebrated our 3 year anniversary last Wednesday, October 20.  We did the Provinos thing, and spent quality time together.  Our real trip will be a hot air balloon ride next Friday.  We will go over the Tennessee River and some mountains.  :)  I am absolutely, without a doubt, terrified.   BUT, it is on my bucket list, and I would hate to not do something because of a fear of heights, falling, or small spaces, lack of control, etc.

Work is work, for both of us.  As with any job, there are good days and bad days.  Jer is starting to ref again, since the season is opening.

If you've never been to smartbargains.com, you should look.  We just got some flannel sheets (for our king bed and for our new queen Aerobed, also new from this site), and they feel soooo nice, and we saved 70%.  So now, we are prepared for multiple guests, should they come.  We know Zach is coming for Christmas, and Chris said he may be able to.

If you are in a financial position to give about $20 and a shoe box, then I would suggest making a contribution to Samaritan's Purse's 'Operation Christmas Child' charity event.  All you do is check out the website for a list of items to put in a shoe box, suitable for the gender and age of child you choose.  I went to the Dollar Store, and spent $8 on my box, and used some leftovers from last year's things.  For example, last year, I bought a 6 pack of white tshirts, but only 3 would fit in the box, so I used half, and saved the others for this year's box.  The boxes go to a different country, and are delivered to children in desperate need of basic necessities, little toy trinkets, and the Word of God.  If you are unable to participate, then perhaps making a box with a friend might be a better idea for you.  Typically, the deadline to submit boxes is late November, and many churches are collecting sites.  You can find a site nearest you by searching your zip code locations at Samaritan's Purse website.  If you are interested in this, you may appreciate learning that while EVERY age and gender group is needed, typically the older boy boxes get the least donations.  In my box, I put some tshirts, toiletries, bouncy balls, peppermints, a puzzle, and some school/art supplies, and geared it for a 10-14 yr. old boy.

Day Book

Outside my window: It's only a little after 7:00, but the sun has already begun to set.  I love fall.

I'm thinking: About my busy weekend ahead of me: Renee's birthday party tomorrow night, dinner/mentor planning with Becky Saturday night, and visiting Beth and her little babies Sunday afternoon.  Busy, but wonderful. I love friends.  In all this business, I will rarely get to see Jer, since he is working so much lately.  Idaho...

I'm thankful for: Jer working hard to pay the bills, my dad working hard for the arbor over our deck, our house becoming a home, all the wonderful people I have the pleasure working with, Powder, friends, stars, and the upcoming and much needed rain heading our way next week.

From the kitchen: Our oven refused to turn off last night.  We're not sure why.  It baked my macaroni w/ yellow garden tomatoes just perfectly, I pushed the off button, I heard the "beep" signaling that it turned off, but it never turned off.  Jer had to flip the breaker switch to turn it off.  Strangest thing...

I'm wearing: My gray t-shirt with black basketball shorts

I'm creating: A whole lot of nothing- I would love to have a rustic looking headboard- like from old shutters or barn doors or something, but things just didn't work out for that plan...

I'm reading: Comprehensive Curriculum for Gifted Learners, 3rd Ed.  (I'm getting my gifted endorsement, and I don't really have time to read for pleasure at the moment.  When I do, I would like to continue rereading the classics- The Great Gatsby, etc., as well as In Defense of Food.)

I'm hoping: to keep my motivation high for finishing my endorsement strong, and my positive attitude positive with my class.

I'm hearing: The washer wash the towels and the dryer dry the clothes.

Around the house: A few chores- cleaned the kitchen, couple loads of laundry, recycling

One of my favorite things: Girls' Nights!!!  I treasure my friends; it amazes me sometimes- the fact that we are all so completely different, yet mesh so well and have remained close friends through college and since.  I am blessed.  Also, date night with the hubby- he is due for a rematch in Ski Ball.

A few plans for the week: Sleeping in this weekend, maybe catching up on some paper writing and visiting with friends, then next week will be a busy week at work as far as daily lessons and changes in schedules.

1.  I love my kids.  I am passionate about education in all its forms, but with all the issues teachers are having lately about commenting (even positively) about their professional lives, I am trying to keep it at a minimum.  I will say, I love my kids, and I love my profession.

2.  Our house is getting some updates, thanks to my dad and his friend Dale.  We are getting some sort of thing over our deck, which will add value, and shade.  I am most excited about adding hanging baskets, and perhaps getting a chaise lounge chair with foot rest to read a good book out there.  Jeremy is most excited about adding more plants and vines around it.  There are drawings and everything.  It's the little things.

3.  I think my favorite season is the season between summer and fall- those few days when summer is fleeting and fall is in the air but not quite ripe yet.  I'm looking forward to it.  Atlanta got a taste of it last weekend, and we kept the windows open.  Now, it is back in the mid 90s again.

4.  I am going to try to teach my kiddos how to play lacrosse.  (I'm not counting this as talking about them, because it is more so talking about me.)  I'm excited.  I can even link it to AKS because it originated with the Iroquios.

5.  I think I have a fever.

Jer's Bday (Belated)

To celebrate Jeremy's 27th birthday, we spent the weekend in the mountains of North Carolina.  That Saturday was raining cats and dogs, but we got out once or twice anyway.  Sunday was just beautiful!  It was nice to see Pretty Place, the chapel where we got married in 2007.

For your viewing pleasure...

Above, Jer in the rain.  Below, me in the rain.  (I promise, I am wearing shorts.  I don't have a rain coat, so I wore Jer's.)

Above, us at Looking Glass Falls. Below, me at the cliff just beyond the "stage" at Pretty Place Chapel.

Below, Jer sliding down Turtle Back Falls.  (I love this one!)

Things Are Moving Along

The new school year started Monday, and things have really picked up.  So far, I LOVE my class.  For the most part, they all get along, and are all actually friends and play together with organized games and such- a far cry from my last two classes.  Granted, we just finished the third day of school, and I do have 2-3 exceptions to that statement, but still.  Similarly, instead of 27 students, which was what my roster said I should have, I only have 22.  I expect that I might reach 25 by December, just with kids transferring in, but that is only 1-2 more than I had for the most part of last year.  It's amazing what a difference 1 or 2 students makes in a cramped classroom.

My degree from VSU arrived this week.  In a cardboard tube.  I had a Facebook status that read, "I spent $15,000 for a piece of paper in a cardboard tube." Ha.  I will pay myself back over the course of 2 years.  I have 1 more class to take to finish my gifted endorsement, which starts next week I believe.

Jeremy and I had the pleasure of hanging out with some college friends at the Braves game last weekend.  Naturally, the Braves beat the Giants.  :)  (Poor Jer.)

According to VSU, I officially know more things now.

Well, you are now reading a post from a lady with a Master's degree in Accomplished Teaching!  I finished on Monday, around 11:00 p.m. to be precise.  My diploma will be mailed to me.  I had to the option to walk at graduation, but the combination of no one really wanting to take the 4 hour drive down there, and it being on a Friday evening, helped me decide to just have it mailed.  In mid-August I begin my last class for my gifted endorsement.  I am REALLY excited to be so close to finishing this endorsement, but now I kind of want to get a reading endorsement.  Or math.  Or science...

I have about a week and a half before I go back to work.  This week, until today that is, I was in Literacy Institute, which was basically lectures and small group classes about literacy instruction.  I learned a lot, and have big plans for my class this year, which is why I decided to go to my classroom on Monday to start the physical part of organizing everything, since they furloughed us during the first 2 days of preplanning.  I've already enlisted my little sister and Jeremy to cut out laminated file folder centers.  This will set my mind at ease, and I am actually excited about it.

This weekend and next week I will be organizing our office some more (I already did the filing cabinet), and the closets.  I am also experimenting with some new recipes from Allrecipes.com.  If you haven't ever looked at this site, it is really handy.  It is free, and you can set up an account so you can search for recipes based on how healthy or user ratings, and save them to your "recipe box."  This week my plan is a vegetarian chili, bison pot roast, and low fat vegetarian "chicken" pot pie.  I also plan to sit around and do nothing (other than doing some gardening, seeing friends, etc.), seeing as how my summer started last night around 6 when I got back from Literacy Institute, and will end on August 4, when I go back (officially) for preplanning.

Jeremy has been really doing a great job working towards his goals- he gets up early- I'm talking 4-5 a.m., so he can work out and prep for officiating in the Fall, have some God time, eat a healthy breakfast, and get to work early so he can leave early.  I'm really proud of him.  :)  He likes the people he works with both at his office job and at Ted's, which is nice.  He typically has a few hours off each day, and then a few full afternoons/nights off each week.

Oh!  I saw a flea on Powder last week.  Jer immediately bathed him, and I was the photographer.  This was taken about 5 minutes after.

Last weekend, I was so blessed to be able to hang out with my cousins from the midwest, who I haven't seen since, we believe, early high school, though possibly earlier.  Now that we're all grown up, we have a lot more in common, and didn't really want to leave each other.  It was a very nice visit.  (They were down in Sandersville visiting Granddad and Marilyn, so we went down there to visit the whole bunch.)

Happy Father's Day!

Jeremy, Lindsay, and I took my dad to the Atlanta Botanical Gardens this afternoon for his Father's Day treat.  If you know my dad at all, you know this was pretty much heaven for him.  To say he loves plants is an understatement.  (Ryan and Mom were supposed to come, but Ryan had a diabetic issue this morning that needed monitoring, so Mom had to stay back.  Just as well...she would have gotten a major migraine from the heat had she come, not that we didn't miss them both.)  Here are some pictures to remember the day:

Lindsay, Dad, and I on the Canopy Bridge, which actually wasn't very high or very long, but still neat.

Dad, Me, and Jeremy on one of the trails.

The 4 of us

I wanted an updated picture of me and Murphy, the family golden retriever (well, since 9th grade)

If you ever have an opportunity to go to the gardens, I would highly recommend it.  It is only $15 for adults, and you can easily spend all morning or afternoon there.  They have a rose garden, edible garden, tons of hydrangeas, bogs, just beautiful trees, a few greenhouses for special plants, a children's garden (with a water fountain, so have the kiddos wear swimsuits), and tons more.

Our life group is beginning a study on Romans chapter 12.  This just so happens to be my favorite chapter of Romans, and Romans is one of my favorite books of the Bible, so you can imagine my excitement.  We are focusing on 1-2 verses per week, so we are really diving into meanings.  To supplement our study, we are reading Chip Ingram's "Living on the Edge," also known as "r12."  How did I not know about this book?  I feel slightly ashamed (Since I love Romans) but mostly excited.  Romans 12:11 is my birthday verse- since high school.  :)  Has anyone else read this book?

In other news, Jeremy and I had granite counter tops installed in our kitchen!  (Silent/Aloud cheer here, please.)  We didn't think we'd be able to afford granite, so we went browsing Home Depot's Corian.  Jeremy's keen eye spotted granite on sale, which just so happen to match our white cabinets nicely, and was the same price as Corian.  Since granite adds more value to our home, we opted for it rather than the Corian.   The downside is that our kitchen sink plumbing and cooktop wiring won't be hooked up until Tuesday, so we've been eating, dare I say it, microwave meals for the last few days.  We did splurge and try a new Mexican restaurant and a new pizza place since the installation last week, so we have had some leftover. Here are some pictures of the granite:

A close-up of the cutting board the installation guys made from the sink cut-out

View of the granite with the cooktop stove

Last week I was able to visit an old friend and her newborn!  Anjaly and Nolan live about 20 minutes from me, which is nice, and I plan on visiting them more now that I know that.  Her family is just so precious, and I fell in love with Noah, the family pet, while I was there.  It was great catching up.   This week, I plan on buckling down and finishing some of this darn papers for my grad. portfolio, AND visiting with Anslee, who is coming to town from Austin.  I think I will also assemble a book case I just purchased from the World Market, pending Jeremy's approval.  (He wasn't there when I bought it, and I am not even going to try to lug that think out of my car before he sees the picture online, just in case I need to return it.)  That said, it looks just beautiful, distressed wood, 4 shelves with a drawer on the bottom, and I got it on sale and the cashier let me use her coupon.  I love it, and I am pretty certain Jer will also, since he has been mentioning book cases lately, and I know his taste for the most part.

Also, Powder fell in the toilet the other night.  Yes, Powder, our cat, fell in the toilet.  He was sitting on it watching me brush my teeth, and when I turned the water back on, it apparently startled him, and in he went; his whole back half.  It took him only half a second to get out but quite some time to recuperate.  

Shannon and I went to Dick's Creek Falls yesterday, which was nice.  She took her dog, Peeko.  Turns out, he is not AT ALL a water dog.  

The falls

Me and the falls

My Very 1st Invention

Garlic Lovers White Cheddar Macaroni Casserole

You only need: 
whole wheat macaroni
skim milk 
block of white cheddar cheese (I found this at Whole Foods.)
block of fontina cheese (in the fancy cheese section of your local grocer)
2 eggs (slightly beaten)
1 chopped red bell pepper
dash of paprika, dash of pepper, dash of parsley
2 large garlic cloves (minced)
Optional: Add chopped onions, ham, sausage, sun dried tomatoes, or fresh chopped tomatoes


Preheat oven to 365.


Prepare noodles, drain, and return to pot. Add about a cup-1.5 cups of milk, garlic, half block of white cheddar cheese, and block of fontina, and spices. Heat on low until cheese is mostly melted, and stir every few minutes. While you're waiting, slice the rest of the cheddar. You will layer these on top of the casserole right before baking. Add slightly beaten eggs and peppers at last minute (so they don't bake while in pot), and fold in with pasta. Pour in 9x13 baking dish, and cover with sliced white cheddar slices. Bake at 375 for 25 minutes. Makes 12-16 servings.

I encourage everyone to check this organization out: Project Zimzala

Essentially, an old friend (and neighbor, Matt Harrison) is a co creator of this non profit organization that creates events in which proceeds go to charities benefitting the Atlanta area.  They are completely local, and have hearts and minds in the right places, and are hoping to make Atlanta a better and safer place.  You can help them get started by voting once per day in June Here, and the top 10 ideas will receive $50,000 each.  You can browse their business plan and goals, and just learn more about them.  They are a legitimate organization, and need support.

You can also find their pages on Facebook and Twitter.

Spring Cleaning the Blog

After reading several friends' blogs, and realizing theirs' look much prettier than mine, I decided to figure out just how to revamp it.  If you don't have Photo Shop, which I don't, then Foto Flexer is the site for you.  It helps you layer and create out the wazoo, and best of all, it's all free!

Jeremy and I went to Life Group this morning.  For those of you Old School folks, that is the newest term for Sunday School.  It was interesting, and I'm excited to go back.  While there, I learned that I am not the only one who invented Homeless Goody Bags, or at least the concept.  After the lesson, I told the instructor about my idea of just searching for free samples online and reusing grocery bags, as opposed to spending $5 per bag.  He was thrilled I told him.  :)

3 Days.  3 Days.  3 Days until I am rid of students for 2 months.  If that doesn't deserve a "Hallelujah," I don't know what does.  This year has been so trying, and I am glad it's over.  I'm glad I went through it, but I am glad it's over.

Just So You Know...

1. I have 11 more school days left, 15 if you count weekends. Why is it that each day, week, and month, seem to slowly creep by, yet the school year goes by so quickly? I've learned so much about myself as a professional, and as a normal person. First, I grew some spine over the last several months. Second, I need to grow some more spine. I am so blessed to be learning from my teammates- I think many of them have the strength and confidence as a teacher that I admire. I think that in any job, you learn your lessons, sometimes the hard way, but it makes you a better worker/person when you make those tweaks for the future.

2. Gwinnett County is up for a million dollar scholarship fund (that's right...a million dollars!), and the folks who make this gigantic decision are coming to research my school tomorrow. It is supposed to be a nationwide size of a big deal, so you may want to watch the news tomorrow night. Hopefully, you won't see me, but you will see my school.

3. Mother's Day went well. We all went to my parents' house for a cookout lunch. I must say, I made a mean roasted potatoes dish.

4. This evening, while eating dinner (turkey and dressing leftovers my lovely husband brought home from work last night), I made the mistake of leaving the container on the kitchen island for all of 4 minutes. When I peered in from the living room, I saw Powder. On the island. Licking the lid. That cat can smell turkey from a mile a way, I tell you. After his brief feast, he napped for about an hour on my lap, all curled up in a ball.

What. A. Week.

Brace yourselves for laughter, I fell down the garage stairs. There are only 4 of them, but they're wooden, and as gravity became more successful, I dropped my cereal bowls, water bottle, and purse. I skinned my shins and knees, and I was able to see 2 toes turning black without my glasses. My ankle was swollen, and I have a welt on my knee. That said, I am fairly certain that if someone recorded this and was on America's Funniest Videos, I would have fallen off the couch laughing, because I'm sure it was quite a sight. My loving husband who thrives on his first aid skills studied my injuries that night, said, "Whoa," and suggested he bandage me up. All my injuries have improved, and I can now walk somewhat normally. What a blessing that, A) I didn't break any bones or hit my face, B) I didn't fall on any garden tools or the car, and C) I was still able to get to work, since my injuries were mostly on my left leg/foot.

Finally, I completed my second to last semester of graduate school, and made all As. It was a little stressful trying to finish all my final papers, but am really proud of myself for submitting everything early and doing a good job. (Insert silent cheer here.) Every time I make an A, I get to buy myself a reward. After not purchasing any kind of shoes in the last 7 years, with the exception of a pair of flip flops from Old Navy 3 years ago for $2, I caved, and went to DSW for shoes. I found some excellent deals, and came in under budget. I replaced some shoes that were grimy and kind of too small, and I invested in a pair my fashionista friends would applaud me for- Yellow strappy heels that I don't look too clumsy walking in. (I made sure to get my walk approved by a coworker I ran in to while there.)

So, in light of such a chaotic week at school and home, I had some moments when I thought I might just lose it. BUT, I remembered to "praise God in this storm," and found things within these chaotic moments to be thankful for, and thankful that I was able to learn something about myself in these lessons. For example, I learned that when I am being verbally attacked to the extreme, I go through some mental stages- shock, surprise, shyness, anger, and lastly self defense. I learned that when someone questions me or my actions, I automatically assume I am wrong, which isn't right. I learned that my quietness in these moments has been such a good thing in the past, as it has allowed me to not say something I will regret, but that my consistent quietness has made me say nothing at all, which is wrong. I can say my opinion, or confront someone, with respect- I know how to do that, I just have chosen not to. I hope this changes.

God plans and allows times like this week for his children to teach us lessons about ourselves, but more importantly, about Him. He never leaves us, and wants us to offer prayer and praise through these lessons. Being Miss Negativity early this week didn't help me one bit, and once I gave it to God, all that negativity was lifted. Try it next time you have a time like this week was for me.

Friends. Gilmore Girls. Glee. In that order, and Glee is moving on up to at least tie with Gilmore Girls.

I've been blasting Rent and Glee songs a lot lately, and even my sister Lindsay (musical chick that she is...truly) said I was correctly hitting those high notes. It makes me wish I had the confidence to actually sing in public. To say I have stage fright is an understatement. I was in my school's talent show last year, and had to write my 6 words on my hand. And in high school, I was in my church's teen singing group, which we all had to audition for. I even made a solo once, and (thankfully) the girl who always got the solos suggested we sing together with another girl as a trio. The other girl was upset, I was relieved, but wished I was upset. Then, in college, a good friend was pursuing a music career, and asked me to sing with her on her demo. I agreed, and the guy said we sounded really good. I, naturally, flipped out, and was thankful my friend ultimately decided (rather her parents decided) to change goals.

I wish I was kidding on all of these examples.

In other news, the CRCT is almost over! Hooray! I find it incredibly boring, and I am more nervous about the scores than my students are. It doesn't help that half of them keep falling asleep. After testing, I will have 4.5 weeks of teaching...not sure...since we covered everything prior to testing. Post your ideas.

It's Spring! (officially) Jeremy and I have BIG plans:

- Dream, Plan, Plant our garden

- Visit family in Michigan (we leave earrrrly Saturday morning)

- I have a few doctors visits

- Jeremy just started a job at Ted's Montana Grill near the Mall of GA. It's great, because it is paying the bills, is closer to home, and it closes at 10, which means I get to see him more than 2-3 times a week. :)

I got my first real hair cut in a real salon. It wasn't just any hair cut. I was razored. :) And I did it for Pantene's Beautiful Lengths. Some of you may have donated to Locks of Love, and I have in the past as well, but have since learned that they sell 80% of their donations. They claim it's because they receive so many donations. They spend the money on research, salaries, and financial aid for the kiddos. That's all well and good, I suppose. I mean, the employees need to eat, too, right? If that was it, then that's it, except it's not. To be eligible for a wig, the child must write an essay explaining why he/she deserves it. THEN, the family has to prove that they need financial assistance, which I can sort of understand. (I mean, I wouldn't want to give a millionaire a free wig, ya know?) For me, it all just seems too fishy. This is why I chose Pantene. Now- they create wigs specifically designed for the individual, so that he/she can grow into it, swim, play, braid each other's hair at slumber parties, etc. They also donate to children and adults, with much less hassle.

If you don't dye your hair, and it's not all gray, you can donate, too! You need 8 inches for Pantene, and 10 inches for Locks of Love. Tons of places will cut and style your hair for free, give a discount, and/or mail your donation for you.

Jeremy has been in a yard work kick, which I like. He mowed the front lawn a few days ago. I think 95% of our yard is weeds, but they are green, so it makes it look nice, since the little grass we have is still yellow. I mowed half the back yard, but the mower broke. I looked everywhere, but I couldn't find the bolts to save my life.

I am finishing up my second to last semester of grad. school. The last day of classes is April 30th, I believe, and I am ahead on my assignments, and have planned the rest of my assignments enough to turn them all in early. Yesterday, I briefly (for all of 20 minutes) considered getting my Specialist degree in teaching, only for the pay increase. I did the math, and after 25 years of teaching, I would make $60,000 more than I would with just my Masters degree. Sooooo, I looked at a few online programs' websites, rapidly losing excitement/motivation because I hated all of the class requirements, plus being in school another 2 years. I 99% dismissed it entirely, and told my friend Suzy about it in the hallway. She then reminded me that I wouldn't get the pay increase, since Perdue's newest "idea" on education means that teachers won't get higher pay for professional development degrees. I then became 100% confident in my decision to not get a higher degree.

Jer and I will be joining our neighborhood's swim and tennis association. This means I will be taking water aerobics 3 days a week this summer! (wahoo!) This also means that, hopefully, the pool and tennis courts won't be paved over due to a decrease in membership, due to the economy, which in turn means that the home values in the neighborhood will increase.

I'm still selling Tupperware. Please let me know if you are interested in hosting a party and earning free Tupperware products. (Tupperware doesn't have to be the focus.)

It's official! We are going to Ann Arbor, MI during my spring break- April 4-8. I was do disappointed in myself that I missed the online discounted tickets for Air Tran. Really, I told Jer about it and the time frame, and forgot to follow up. Because of this, we just decided to drive, but then while my kids were taking the benchmark tests on Monday, I decided to just check again. Sure enough, they went back on sale for the same price as before. We leave Easter morning, come back Thursday afternoon. I'm excited to see the family up there, as well as eat at Afternoon Delight. Hopefully, if the weather cooperates with our plans, we can also go to camp where Jer and his family all went.

I've been motivated to get grad. school assignments finished, which is nice...though I'm not sure what to do with myself now that things are finished...having less stress is making me a little stressed. :)

I am so proud of Jer! He's been getting championship basketball games to ref, which means that someone high up thinks he's terrific at his work. Maybe next year he will get more and more games.

I'm ready for spring. I'm ready for planting sweat peas and forgetmenots.

Long time, No post

Well, well, well. What's new, you ask? Jeremy and I had the flu for a while, then yesterday I had some sort of stomach virus...here's to hoping it is only a 24 hour thing. We are both feeling much better.

Chris, Jeremy's dad, came to visit for a few days, which was pleasant. We went bowling, hiking, out to Provinos (naturally), and they went to the High and some other places. If you haven't been, I highly suggest hiking around Tallulah Gorge...very worth it, even in the cold.

Grad. school is my Everest.

I am really tired of my kids, and some of their parents. What teachers do in school means nothing if parents treat us as a free baby-sitting service, and nothing more. Because of this, and some other professional issues, I feel it will be much easier to leave the school sooner rather than later. I am learning a lot- something everyday- from fellow teachers and about myself. I feel like I know my strengths and weaknesses, and I feel supported by my team. That said, I've had some disagreements with some folks, and think it may be best to leave after next year. I was really hoping to stay 5 years at that school, and still may, but I can only take so much of the drama. I wanted to teach in a certain community to know that I'm making a difference, but have lately felt that I'm not. And I don't know how to fix it. Well...I know...but it's illegal. :) (Kick those parents in the knees, among other tactics.)

In other news, Powder has been especially affectionate. It's sweet. He'll curl up next to me, follow me around, jump in my arms, and give kitty kisses.

Tupperware Sales

The flyer below lists items currently on sale from Tupperware.

The flyer above lists hosts' free gifts, if you decide you'd like to host a party.

H1N1

I can truthfully say that the flu is not fun. I miss my kids, and am genuinely sad I can't be there to help them with their fraction exhibits. That said, Jer and I are blessed- when he is feeling bad, I am usually feeling better, and can help him and get small things done, and when I am feeling bad, he does the same. I love him!

Lessons learned:

Don't rush. (I thought I was feeling close to 100% (maybe 85%), and decided I could take the trash and recycling to the street. WRONG. I came back winded, weak, sweating, and nauseous.

I love peanut butter saltines, but not with fruit punch Gatorade.

A person really needs a medium-large surfaced nightstand when sick. Plan ahead, and accordingly. (Enough room to hold a box of tissues, large water bottle, Gatorade, medicine, sleeve of saltines, small bowl of applesauce, and cell phone.)

Getting out of breath when getting out of bed really stinks. I took advantage of this prior to the flu.

I am aware of many, MANY, joints, muscles, and bones now. I can't remember/know of a time when my body ached that much.

When the doctor says, "You can't return to work for 5 days," don't question her. On Wednesday early afternoon, and after my flu was confirmed, I asked if I could give my presentation on problem solving to some faculty members on Thursday after school if I was feeling better, and wore a mask. She looked at me as if I'd just seriously tried to convince her I was an alien from Neptune.

Daytime T.V. is nonsense, until the mid-late afternoon when the cooking shows are on. Today, since I was feeling better and my eyes could focus, I learned how to make Best Black Beans, frozen yogurt, and got some good ideas on different spices and rubs to add to chicken and veggies. I also am inspired to try to make vegetarian and chicken chili. (I've never made chili before, but first time for everything, right?)

In conclusion, yes, Jeremy and I are both feeling better. We still have some bouts of feeling quite ill, and he will likely have pneumonia for a while, since it takes weeks to overcome completely, but we are still very blessed and fortunate that the doctors caught everything when they did, no one was hospitalized, and we are improving quite quickly.

Ice, Not Snow

Well, as many of you know, we had a snow day on Friday. It should be said that it was more of an ice day, since roads were blanketed with ice, not snow. I read some discussion boards (kind of on accident, while looking up the weather), and some idiots were saying how people in the South are stupid for closing schools because of snow. I wanted to post something in response, but didn't.

1. Schools never close for snow. Schools close for icy roads, WHICH NO ONE CAN DRIVE ON. (I'm speaking to certain people who claim we are idiots.)

2. Yes, if you live in New York, for example, you get tons of snow, and we all know you still have school. SNOW, people! NOT, ice! You get snow all the time, so it makes sense that your state would pay the millions of dollars it takes to pay for snow blowers, salt, and workers, etc. WE, on the other hand, get ice once or twice a year, so it doesn't make sense for a state to spend all that money on 2 days worth of ice. It just doesn't.