And I helped

John and I have been painting this holiday vacation. Actually, if truth be told, John has been doing "house" painting and I've been doing craft painting. Since we're off this week, we decided to take advantage of the time and do a few home improvements and I am working on some craft things that I just never seem to have time for during the school week.

Well, yesterday John and I both were outside painting. We put a piece of plywood overtop a few outdoor end tables to fashion a table to work on while painting. Needless to say, if we're outside, so is Shae. And, well, she likes to help. So Shae helped daddy paint the boards white. If you look closely, you will see that my black dog now has a white tail.

It's a little hard to see against the white floor, but her tail is white and so is the underside of her tail.

I thought it was quite nice of her to help. John got mad because the board he was painting now had white paint smudges with black dog hair.

All she wanted to do was be close and be involved. So now when you come to my house and look at the shelves John was painting, Shae will tell you..."and I helped"!

Only 30 shopping days til Christmas!

Today was day two of my vacation and it was also day two of attempting to Christmas shop. Neither day has been very successful I'm afraid to report. Although, I've found quite a few cute things for my new great nephew! It seems like any store I go in to, I gravitate to "baby" stuff and just can't seem to resist. Ok, so when you go into Babies R Us, it's hard NOT to gravitate to baby stuff, but you know what I mean. Yesterday, the most successful gift purchased was for the only person who won't even be around for another 3 months!

I was bound and determine to buy gifts for those outside the uterus today. Paula and I went to the mall and I found some cute little things for the grandkids of my partner at work. I also stopped at Bath & Body Works (I love the smell of that store) and picked up a few things for myself and a few gifts for others. Finally, we were off to Macy's. Two Christmas's ago, one of my students gave me a gift card to this store. Well, since I don't get to the mall much, let alone Macy's, I figured I'd better use it before it cancels itself out.

Once inside Macy's, I realized I'm gonna need so much more than the gift card! The card was only for $25 which, when shopping at Macy's, isn't enough to buy much of anything! I thought I'd buy a nice new bra. Nope...not paying $51 for a bra! Then I thought I'd buy a nightshirt. Nope, not paying $67 for a nightshirt. Cologne? Forget it! Purse? Nu-uh, not gonna happen. Socks? Not even socks! I was about to give up all hope when I happened across the baby department. Ooooo

Believe it or not, the baby clothes prices weren't terrible. They weren't good either, but $25 could go a lot further in the baby department. Looked and looked and looked...nothing. Until I saw it! It was the perfect gift! And, it was only $25!! And I knew "Jack" would love...eventually. Until then, I'd love it for him!

So once again, people in utero-one present; everybody else, still looking. At this rate, I don't think I'll ever be done! Only 30 more shopping days til Christmas!

Global warming? I don't think so

For those of you who think I'm crazy every time I say it's cold down here, I'm putting my money where my mouth is. Just take a look at this!

This is my backyard this morning. Notice how white the grass is? That's frost! And, by the way, that only happens when it's cold!

So the next time you feel like giggling under your breath when I say it's cold, or you roll your eyes and say "yeah, sure, cold in Florida", remember this picture.

You may have taken this girl out of the cold north but the cold north has followed this girl south!

Global warming? I don't think so!

It's a boy!

Meet Willy-the latest branch on the family tree.
My oldest brother, Mark, and his wife, Barbara, recently lost their beloved dog Reagan. He was a good dog and it was very sad to hear that he was ill and not doing well. He passed in September and Mark and Barb had been going back and forth trying to decide whether or not to get another dog. They're just dog-people and they need to have a dog to share the joys of life with.

In comes Willy.

He's a 3 months old Shih Tzu. Cute little thing. Sure looks like he'll be fun to cuddle with. They've only had him about a week so it's too soon to tell but I'm willing to bet he's going to be a little rascal too! At least he's just a little guy...that should make it easy to travel with him.

So break out the milkbones and celebrate because it's a boy!

Random thoughts

John saw the lowest gas price we've seen anywhere in awhile today. $1.87 per gallon. Wow!

The kids at school are driving me nuts! (Not my homeroom, but the other class.)

I NEED a vacation! And I'll have one in 3 more days!

Christmas is only 37 days away!

It's been cold here. I know you northerners are saying "you don't know what cold is", but I do. And it is. But I kinda like it. At least there isn't any snow.

Sometimes my dog just puts her head on my lap for no apparent reason.

Did I mention...only 3 more days until I'm on vacation????

I had my car professionally cleaned inside and out the other day. It looks so pretty in the sunshine...sparkly!

John accidently dropped a bottle of my perfume on the floor and it shattered. The smell lasted for a week! (Good thing the bottle was about half empty.) It was a pretty smell.

I have a little tiny hole on my left temple. Do you?

I wonder what George Bush will do with all his free time once he is no longer the president.

I signed up for two workshops today (both starting in January). One is a book study on teaching vocabulary. The other is Intermediate Spanish. Yo quiero taco bell!

Three days equals VACATION. (It's the new math)

If I could, I would. But I can't so I won't.

I'm going Christmas shopping next week. I have no idea what to buy or where to buy it, but I'm gonna finish it in one day if it kills me!

My Christmas cactuses have blossoms on them.

I have so many papers in my bag to correct, and I don't feel like doing a darn thing!

I bought my favorite Christmas movie the other..."Miracle on 34th Street". The original version with Natalie Wood as the little girl. I love that movie!

I'm going to share that movie with my kids on the last day of school before winter break. (Have to be politically correct and not call it Christmas vacation even though it occurs at that same time of year every year. You think the "bah humbugs" have figured that out yet??)

I'm wearing a flannel nightgown and my legs are still cold. What up with that?

Tomorrow is Wednesday and that means early dismissal. Woohoo!

Only 36 more shopping days until Christmas! Did you get my gift yet?

In 3 days, I'll be ON VACATION! I think I'm ready!

Beer & wings

About three months ago, Paula and I started a new tradition. We were going to get together every month (on a payday week of course) and go for happy hour. Even though we live basically around the block from each other, we don't get to see each much. Work and life just seem to get into the way too often. Well, yesterday was our November get-together.

Each time we go, we try to find a different bar to go to. Since we've moved down here so many years ago, neither one of us really go out so we really have no idea where a good place is to go. Our first happy hour we went to a local place called Gators. It's a decent place...clean, friendly, reasonably safe (as safe as bars can be anyway), good food. We'd been there several times in the past so we knew we'd be ok there.

Last month we went to a wings & beer food chain called "Buffalo Wild Wings". Paula had not been there before, but both John and I had been several times. It's a nice place. They have lots of TV's inside so sports are a big draw plus they have controllers that they pass out to guests who would like to play games like Poker or Trivia with other guests at this location and other locations around the US. The food is good too if you are a wings kind of person. Lots of sauce varieties and temperatures (from "is there anything on this mild" to "omg my mouth is on fire hot") to choose from and please everyone in your group. But if you're thinking of going here, I have an even better suggestion for you!

Last night we tried another place called "Buffalo Wings & Rings". It's reasonably new here (they just opened in September) and there are franchises all over the US. If you have to choose between this or Buffalo Wild Wings, I highly recommend you pick this place! You wouldn't think there'd be much difference...wings is wings, right? NOT!

We tried a sauce called "Crazy" which is a mix of roasted garlic and sweet BBQ. Our temperature choice was "medium"--not too mild, not too "melt my fillings" hot. They were AWESOME! The flavor was great and it didn't burn my mouth! Plus, the size of these wings, well, let's just say someone out there is raising very large chickens! These drummets (I think that's what they're called) and wings were at least twice the size of what we consider "normal". They were delicious and very meaty. They were so big, we couldn't eat our order of 25 wings. We ate what we could and each took 7 wings home with us.

Also, unlike most places anymore, we got celery and ranch automatically with our order! Seems like anywhere else we've gone, you have to order celery and carrots separate for a fee. This place, celery included...no extra cost! It wasn't a huge order...maybe there were about 15 thin sliced celery sticks...but still, we got em.

They also have the TV's and interactive games that you can play. And there prices are no worse than any other wings and beer bar/restaurant.

As a special bonus, we got to watch the space rocket launch as we sat at our table outside. Now that's what I call entertainment! (The little dot of light at the top is the rocket. The bigger dot of light below it is the moon. The biggest dot of light below the moon is the parking lot light.) Oh, and that's the back of Paula's head at the very forefront of the picture.

So if you're looking for a new beer and wings place that you can get excited about and enjoy good food at a good price, look to see where you might have a local Buffalo Wings & Rings. I guarantee you'll like it!

Gas prices update

Just a quick update on gas prices in lovely central Florida. Depending on what side of town you're on, the prices range from $1.99 to $2.13 gallon. Of course, I live and work on the $2.13 side of town, but John works on the $2.09 side of town. If we're willing to travel a little (and buy a $50.00 membership to BJ's) we could be paying $1.99 per gallon. Might be worth the membership just for the cheaper gas!

Telemarketers

You know what the problem is with telemarketers? Well, I know there's many problems, but a big one is that they don't accept the answer "No". I try to be polite when I say no, but they just keep pushing.

Tonight I was called by the benevolent order of police. Now, I'm all for the cops. Theirs is a job that I would never want and I give kudos to those who are willing to stick their necks out to protect others. You can't get much nobler than that.

I realize that many police officers are underpaid. I can totally relate to that. I'm a teacher. I'm at the top of the list when you talk about professionals that are underpaid for their job. However, I knew that going into the profession. It was a downside, but I was willing to try to do my part to make the world a better place and went into the field anyway.

The police (who, by the way are not the only civil servants that do this on a regular basis) contract a telemarketing firm to cold call people to make donations to their fund saying that it benefits the families of the fallen and those that are no longer able to serve. Heart strings sufficiently tugged, thank you. However, I can't help them. I too am an underpaid professional who is not receiving a pay increase this year due to poor economic conditions. I too have to pay for my hospital and medical insurance at a higher rate this year.

"But we're only asking for a $50 donation, ma'am". Uh huh. I understand that. However, I have my own insurance and doctor bills to pay. "Well, then maybe you'd be more comfortable with a Silver level donation of $25". Uh, no. I have a $400 electric bill to pay and I need to get to the grocery store yet. Sorry, can't do it.

So now, after they realize that this isn't going too well, "We're sorry to hear that you are having such difficulties, but perhaps you could still donate. No amount is too small. How about $10 and you'd still qualify for the sticker?" Ummm, as much as I appreciate what the police do, (and I think that sticker for my car window is totally bitchin!) I cannot help you at this time. No. No. No. No means no. Sorry.

"Well, fine then."

Yep, that's right. The guy got so pissed at me, he hung up on me.

Maybe I'll contract a telemarketing firm to collect donations for teachers. As a bonus for their donation, they can receive a sticker for their car window of a little kid with a drippy nose, empty book bag, dirty clothes, broken lunch box, and a clock with whacked out arms that says "Teachers support your kids. It's time to support them".

So don't be surprised if your phone rings and it's a telemarketer asking for your help. Give til it hurts, because after all, your kids getting the money!

Pillows make me happy

Earlier this week I bought new pillows for my bed. I have this thing about pillows. I like em...a lot! Lots of pillows make me happy.

I need a lot of pillows when I sleep. I usually steal them all and leave John with one while I have four or five. But our old pillows were flat and lifeless and in need of change. So I bought new ones. And boy, do they make a difference!

I bought two king size pillows. Now we have a queen size bed, but I like pillows so I bought 2 that were king size. Then I bought 4 standard/queen. That gives us a total of 6 pillows on the bed. And they're firm. Not hard as a rock firm, but I really hate a pillow that you head sinks into. I like them a little bouncy. (That must go back to my childhood as a couch bouncer!)

Normally, I buy the cheaper pillows. You know the ones...they cost $5.99 each or 2/$10. Well, I haven't had much luck with those pillows so this time I stepped up a bit. I paid $15 per pillow. The kings were a little bit more. I know, you're wondering how I could spend so much on pillows! Did I mention I like pillows? Plus I figure I spend so much time sleeping I might as well spend that little extra to make sure I'm comfy. Not to mention the fact that I end up replacing the cheap ones quite often so I probably spend more buying the cheapies then I did buy a better quality pillow. (But I said I wouldn't mention that!)

So I've had these pillows on my bed since Sunday. If you could see me now, you'd see I'm smiling. I love going to bed and sleeping with my new pillows. And yes, I miss them when I'm gone and think about the time I get to go back to them. I've been sleeping great! And they're so fluffy/full that I don't have to steal John's pillows anymore and he has more than one pillow to sleep on so he's sleeping better too.

I guess my message today is...if you want to be happy and well rested, get some nice new pillows. Your head and body with thank you for it!

Things that make you smile

Yesterday, I bought gas. Not an exciting story, I know. But wait...there's more. I stopped at the gas station that I pass every day on my way home from work. It was time to fill the tank since I had less than 1/2, but more than a 1/4, of a tank. So I pulled into my friendly, neighborhood Hess station to take care of it.

Guess what??? A little over 1/2 a tank of gas went in and only $18.27 came out of my bank account! Can you believe it? It cost me under $20 to fill my tank! Under $20? Heck, it cost me under $40 to fill my tank!!! Gas at that station was $2.19 a gallon.

Driving home from work today, their price on gas was $2.16.

This is an example of "things that make you smile".

A movie and dinner - that's a date!

What a great night! This afternoon John asked me to dinner and a movie. How exciting! Here it was Saturday night and I had a date!

We went to see "Eagle Eye" with Shia LaBeouf. What an awesome movie! I don't want to spoil it for you if you are planning to see it, but if you're a fan of Jason Bourne movies then you should love this movie. Lots of action. Fast paced...never a dull moment. And Shia LaBeouf...oooh la la! If only I was younger, and thinner, and singler (yeah, it could be a word) and lived in California, and, and, and...he's such a hottie--for a baby.

After the movie, we went to Books-A-Million. I bought a couple of things, one of which is a Christmas present for John. After spending some of my money there, we went to dinner and home. Ok, dinner was KFC/Taco Bell...not quite a romantic gesture, but John was paying and I didn't have to cook.

That's it. A great night on a date with my husband. Life doesn't get any better than that!

Been awhile but I'm back

Been awhile since I've written. I've been pretty busy with school stuff and my own classes that I just haven't had the chance to write. Not to mention that I'm so dead tired by the time I get home from school, it's all I can do to stay awake long enough for dinner. But, I said I wouldn't mention that.

We've made it through the first report card period at school. Time is just flying by! Anyway, report cards went home October 30th and I received no requests for conferences, no threatening phone calls, and the principal hasn't called me in for any conferences. That is a wonderful thing. Probably because I have a great class this year. They're bright, motivated, willing to work, etc. I'm thrilled! My only complaint, if any, is that they talk too much. They do like to chatter at the most inopportune times and that causes them to miss some instruction, but not to the point of hurting their academics.

Now I understand that talking at this age is normal. They are becoming very "social" beings in 4th and 5th so talking is a natural part of that growth. However, they need to learn to control it. It's ok to talk at certain times, but not at others. It's ok to talk to ask a question, or to say something that you are just dying to say, but then get back to work. It's the latter part they have the most difficulty with as the "talking" part they've all mastered! In time they'll improve.

These are some pictures of my babies with their "babies". We have made friends with a Kindergarten class and meet with them once a week. During that time, my kids are helping the Kindergarteners with their reading skills. They read books together with the 5th graders acting as "teachers" for their little friends. They love doing this and this is the first time I have a class that actually can handle it and whose behavior is good enough to take out to another classroom. I want to use these pictures to put together a book for both classrooms. I'm hoping to get it done by Christmas so I best get started on it!

Well, that's it for now. I will try to do better with blogging. I know my millions of fans are counting on me (roflmbo). Until the next time...