Things I Don't Understand...

...and am thus NOT thankful for.

(See how I tied that in to November and the What-I'm-Thankful-For posts?)

Sneaky. I know.

In no particular order:

1. Kale- I mean, it just sounds nasty.
2. Kim Kardashian- and anyone else in her family. I mean why people? There is NO talent there.
3. Reality Shows- especially ones that follow families around. WHO CARES! I have enough drama in my own life-- I sure as hell don't want anyone else's!
4. How to french braid-- this is one that I need to learn! Stupid Elsa making my 4 yr old want a braid everyday! 
5. Basketball-- UGH! Does this sport ever end?
6. This.
7. Toe Socks-- maybe it's just because I have short toes and thus they never worked for me... maybe I'm jealous. Nah... They look ridiculous.
8. Cranberry Sauce-- ok I will be honest here-- not sure I have ever even TRIED cranberry sauce. But I still don't get it. 
9. Minecraft-- What is that nonsense anyway?
10. Why ANY stores (other than maybe gas stations) are open on Thanksgiving. Give it a rest! All that junk will still be there on Friday. Seriously. 

Thanks Y'all!

So every year I do the typical "What-I'm-Thankful-For" daily posts... except that I always get behind and usually end up doing 3 or 4 entries with multiple days. Add to the fact that I am fairly certain that I name the same things EVERY year... so what's the point?

Of course I am thankful for friends and family, and awesome co-workers... and the fact I have a job (though some days I wish I didn't...) I appreciate my life, my education, and all the amazing opportunities I have had.

So this year I am not posting daily-- but whenever the mood strikes. And I am aiming my appreciation at the less obvious choices.

• Today I am thankful for wind. It's like a cyclone out there right now and I LOVE it! I love to listen to it whistle and to watch all the leaves swirling around. Wind provides great comedy as well. It is the funniest of all weather options really. Look at people's hair blowing all over the place! And people's facial expressions as they walk facing the wind-- it's like they ate an entire truckload of lemons or something... all squished up. C'mon people. Hilarious.
• I am also thankful for photographs. They help remind me of all the awesome things I do. Seriously- I need them. My memory is shit lately.

That's it for today... this week, as with most, has made my brain feel mushy... 

Weekend musings

• I'd like to think that once upon a time I would never go out without brushing my hair. But I'm thinking this would be a lie. And oh yeah, it happened again Saturday.
• I really hope the lady at Walmart is wearing her costume for Halloween. And I am assuming her "costume" this year is that of a prostitute. (sidenote: as it's Walmart, it's probably not a costume)
• Miss Priss singing along to "Kiss the Girl" totally said "Piss the girl"-- I added the word "off". Even at 4 she has men figured out.  ;)
• Josh Dobbs (QB for UT) is a funny looking spud
  
• What am I going to do when Halloween is over and Miss Priss still insists on wearing her costume EVERYWHERE? It took me 20 minutes to convince her she couldn't wear it to school today. (sidenote: Today was hillbilly day at school-- her costume is a princess)-- we compromised by her wearing her princess necklace with her hillbilly attire.

Thank you, Thank you very much!

Today started off rough-- but I find that sometimes this helps me MORE appreciate the good things.

What I am grateful for today:

(1) The moon-- Miss Priss LOVES the moon! Everytime we go outside she says, "Moon! Moon!" and points at the sky. If it's daytime I say, "No, not time for the moon." To which Maddie says, "Sun!" Ah, she's SO smart! Lately we've had a lot of clouds-- and thus Mr. Moon has not been visible. BUT-- tonight-- crystal clear and a full moon present. Maddie was SO happy! And thus, Mommy was happy.

(2) Maddie singing-- As a small baby, Maddie was not much on rocking. But since she hit 18 months, it has been a requirement before bed. "Chair! Chair!" she says as we enter her room for bedtime. This has become one of my favorite times. The last week or so she has started humming, and even "singing"-- Tonight it sounded like she was making up songs-- including the word "Mommy"-- melted my heart. Man I love that kid!

(3) Red, Red Wine Makes me Feel So Fine! Especially after the aforementioned bad start to the day.

English Escapades 2011: vol. 2 (Pros & Cons)

Over the last week I have been making a list of pros and cons about England in my head... Before I begin, let me re-iterate that I LOVE it over here! I also LOVE back home... So as one of my students said this year, "Don't get your panties in a wad!" (actually, he asked me what that phrase meant, which is possibly the best question I have ever been asked by a student)-- my lists are not meant to offend peoples from either nation, I just thought this would be a fun exercise. Please feel free to add your own ideas to the list! (Mine are in no particular order)


Pros about England
1. Public transportation-- be it the Underground in London, or trains, taxis, and buses all over the country, it certainly makes travel- long or short distances- much easier for those of us that cannot drive a manual car on the right side of the car while on the left side of the road. (BRAIN OVERLOAD!)

Waiting for the bus

2. Fish & Chips-- To Americans this is the most British meal there is. (I think to people of England, a nice curry is as British as it gets...) I have just this past year been able to eat fish-- certain kinds anyway... So I decided to give this meal a shot the other day. I am proud to report I ate the entire piece-- while Maddie took care of the mushy peas! (Sorry British Buds-- I just can bring myself to eat THOSE just yet!)

3. Accents-- Yes yes, let's just get this one out of the way. Any normal American will tell you that we DO love a good British accent. I will say, I've been a bit irked on this trip because a huge deal has been made about the firing of Cheryl Cole on the US X Factor because Americans could not understand her. While I have never watched this show, I have heard clips of Ms. Cole speaking, and I can honestly say I have NO trouble understanding her, nor do I think would most Americans. I believe there is a deeper issue here. I almost called a radio station here that was going ON AND ON about this, and essentially bashing Americans for their inability to recognize different dialects among the British accents. I wanted to challenge this fool ass announcer to tell me what region of the US I am from. While I can certainly turn on an amazingly southern accent, my normal dialect is not that strong. I think Americans do realize (sorry, realise) there are different sounding English accents, and yes, they would be hard pressed to tell you where specific ones are from... but I think this goes both ways.

Off my soap box now.

4. Pubs-- they just have a different feeling about them than our bars and restaurants back home. Matt would add that the real ale here is much better than most of what we can get back home. In many cases, I agree. While I do love my Coors Light on a hot day, it is awesome to get a pint of a nice stout (with a 6.5% AV I might add)... Not to mention, the drunken old men in pubs are way less obnoxious and creepy than our drunken men in bars back home.

5. TV Programmes-- Again, most English people will cringe and roll their eyes when I say that I love a good episode of The Jeremy Kyle Show and Midsomer Murders. And yes, both are a bit cheesy and ridiculous (how can ANYONE be left alive in Midsomer anyway?), but I like them--so there! I did notice while reading through my mother-in-law's TV guide that a LOT of the shows here are American shows (House, CSI, Glee...) Aside from a brief viewing of CSI Miami last night (which, coincidentally I do not even watch back home) I try to steer clear of US TV shows while here. Long live Graham Norton! VIVA Are you Being Served! Bring on Have I Got News for You! Go Gavin & Stacey! I could go on and on...

6. Cadbury's-- Yes, we have Cadbury's back home, but it is NOT the same. Ours is made by Hershey and thus tastes differently. And while I do love Cadbury's back home also, it is SOOOOOOOO much better here! Plus you have different varieties and more selection in England.

7. Cheese & Onion sandwiches-- MMMMMMMmmmmmmmmmmmmm! I had a great one at the BCA yesterday. Best C&O I have had was probably at the Crooked House. The Black Country Museum does a good one too!

8. Walker's Crisps-- very similar to our Lay's brand back home-- but with some crazy flavours here. My favs are perhaps a bit boring: salt & vinegar and cheese& onion (are you sensing a theme?) Matt likes the prawn ones-- no thanks!

9. 80s Fashion-- While I do not feel that I could pull off a lot of the outfits I see here (both on people and in the shops), I do have a deep appreciation for the retro-feel of the clothing.

10. FUN hair colours-- Lots of bright reds, blue, purple, and pink... on men and women. It really brightens ones day.

11. Students in school uniforms-- I LOVE to watch the kids walk to school (Yes, I said WALK to school) in their uniforms. I think it just looks classier. Of course, when you see them walking home in the afternoon, ties are askew, shirts unbuttoned, pants sagging... but still...

12. Houses with names-- I love how, while walking down the street, you notice that some houses have names. And I don't mean big, posh, fancy houses... Some look rather dumpy, but when given names like Elm Cottage or Daffodil Manor it seems to spruce it up a bit.

13. Roses-- Seems like the roses, and most other flowers really, are bigger, more vivid, and just better here.

14. Liberalism-- Americans may claim to be a fairly liberal country, but to this I say PISH POSH! England is MUCH more laid back about most things. Cursing on TV... nudity on TV.... the way people speak to each other in general. And, as I have discovered in both Pelsall and Wales, with their toilet seats! You heard me! A couple of years ago I encountered a shiny, sparkly, glittery toilet seat in Wales. Well, not to be outdone, the Pelsall Labour Club ladies room has some pretty shiny, mirror-esque seats. (I just happened to have my camera in my pocket today-- I didn't specifically take it in there, but since I had it, thought What the hell?!)

Cons
1. No Diet Dr. Pepper-- I cannot understand this one! England has diet drinks, and they have Dr. Pepper-- so why not my beverage of choice? Seriously people of England, you need to get on this one!

2. Wind and Cold temps-- in late May/ early June! Actually, I have been here many times during this part of the season, and often it is much cooler than home, which really, I am fine with! (I much prefer the 60s to the 90s)... but this trip has been REALLY chilly-- mainly due to the crazy wind I think. It wouldn't be so bad except for Maddie. She doesn't really have clothes that fit appropriate for this weather-- and the last thing I want is for her to get sick while here. And ironically, we can't seem to find long sleeve things for her-- stores all have summer stuff out! We did manage to get her a fantastic hat-- maybe not Royal Wedding attire, but she certainly likes it!

3. Tiny Showers-- I've run into this issue at many hotels here too. We are staying with our buddy Pete who recently had his bathroom made over. It looks great! And really, I don't have a problem with the shower or it's size except when trying to shave. Have you ever tried to shave your legs in Dr. Who's time machine?

4. Beans-- why must they be poured on everything? Well, that is perhaps a BIT of an exaggeration-- but I am not a fan of them period, and especially do not want them on my breakfast, or my bangers & mash. ICK!

5. Coke products in the UK-- just don't taste the same, especially Diet Coke. And, as mentioned before, Diet Dr. Pepper is not an option.

6. Different electric current-- within 5 minutes of being at Pete's house this trip, my adapter broke off in his socket. Matt had to ultimately replace the entire socket, and I had to find a new adapter. It's just a pain in the ass. Of course, as Phil pointed out to me today, it is the same for them when they travel.

7. No cell phone-- Not that I like TALKING to people, but I do miss my text conversations and funny pictures. Plus, I like to have the OPTION of calling someone if I wanted.

8. No Soccer Taco/ mexican food-- it's my fav! I miss my chips, salsa, margaritas, and of course, Uncle Erick!

OK, that is all I can think of/ remember at the moment. I may update this one if more spring to mind.
Again, feel free to chime in with your comments, thoughts, opinions....

Home Sweet Home

Hubby and I had a great trip to Vegas with Justy & Matt-- but boy was I glad to get home! (Of course, I ESPECIALLY missed Miss Maddie!)

That said, man did I need a vacation! I didn't even realize just how much! Although this has been a short week for me-- since I came back Tuesday, I only worked Weds-Fri, I feel like I have actually TAUGHT for the first time in I don't know when!

We are now 2 weeks away from the "all important" standardized tests... Since I took 6 weeks off at the beginning of the year, I feel like I am 6 weeks behind. We are zipping through decades in Social Studies, racing through various concepts in Science, and frantically reviewing in math & language arts. And while I have been EXHAUSTED (from my vacation ironically), I feel like we have really worked hard and been successful this week.

WOO!!!

Enjoyed a nice HH outing this evening. Maddie was fantastic-- but really tired at the end. She crashed on the way home

Fingers crossed for a productive weekend!

You Asked For It!

Well, since Mary INSISTS that I post MORE pictures of the World's CUTEST Baby.... I will oblige!

Here is your daily dose--

I certainly needed a smile today myself. It was 10 years ago that I lost my mother. I can't believe it! A whole decade! It seems to really hit me harder this year, I think because of Maddie. My mom would have been NUTS over her! I hate, more than anything, that my mom never got the chance to be a grandmother-- especially to this sweet baby girl! The only solace I have is that I know Maddie has a very special guardian angel watching her always.

It is one of my main goals to make sure that Maddie knows all about her grandmother, and what a terrific person she was. I can't wait until she is old enough to enjoy all the crazy tales of my mother. For now, I rest assured that she would have been very proud of me, and of Maddie!

Hanging On....

(Said in my best teacher voice):

4  DAYS 'TIL SPRING BREAK!

I am BEYOND ready for a break! My brain is mush. My body is tired. And my heart just isn't in it right now. The school system took our 2 days (one was a holiday, one was a professional development day-- both involved NO STUDENTS) because of snow days. We still have some snow days left, but they were worried b/c we have used so many before standardized tests. If we don't use these days, we are supposed to get them back at the end of the year. That's all fine and well-- but I really could have used those 2 days for my sanity in February.

Once we return after spring break, we only have 2 weeks till the dreaded tests. EEK! Pretty sure I have 8 decades to get through in SS. (I am doing 2 decades this week-- HOLD ON!)

But after tests, it's pretty much all down hill-- only 6 weeks left... BRING IT!

In the meantime, this keeps me smiling--

Winter Blues

So yesterday or today (I've heard differing reports) is supposed to be the saddest day of the year. This is due to BLAH weather, short daylight hours, and credit card bills rolling in from Christmas. While I don't feel particularly depressed, certainly not more so than usual, it did make me think about things that cheer me up or keep me sane on a daily basis.

First of all, this face:

I have also enjoyed reading more lately-- something I have made a priority. Currently I am reading The Help by Kathryn Stockett. More on that over at Two Pelicans Book Club.

Today on the way home from school I heard two songs that made me smile. One was new, or at least new to me. It's called Jar of Hearts by Christina Perri. If you haven't heard this song-- I suggest you try to find it somewhere and give it a listen.

**I found it for you :)




Second,  heard Sexy Back by Justin Timberlake. I haven't heard this in ages! It always makes me want to DANCE! (Plus I always laugh at the background vocal "YEAH!" that occurs throughout the song b/c my friend's husband pointed out it sounds like a parrot).

One of the main things that made me happy today is that it was not a total circus at school. As we have been off for 6 days due to snow, there was every chance it would be. The kids actually worked harder and behaved better than usual. Then I found out there is a full moon. Aha!

Oh yeah, and the bag of peanut M&Ms that my TA brought me didn't hurt either!

So what about you guys? What makes you happy during these bleak days of winter?

Snow Days Give Me Time to Post...

6 months old

Face of Horror

MMMmmmm....

Olive Oil scalp treatment for cradle cap

1/10/11
5 inches

Oh, Hi Carl!

Have you seen all this snow??

We meet again!

One day... I will PULL that tail!

I Resolve...

Every year I try to come up with a theme for my new year. Within this theme lie my resolutions. A couple of years ago my theme was to be FEARLESS! That was the year I got married... and pregnant... SUCCESS!

This year I have deemed the YEAR OF GETTING MYSELF TOGETHER! This is a more multifaceted theme than most. Not only do I want to get my physical self in better shape, but also my emotional self. Last year WAS a roller coaster afterall! Of course, I firmly believe that by getting my physical self shaped up, that will in turn help a lot of my emotional stress.

Yes, I admit, I am resolving to lose weight. This, I feel, is possibly THE most unoriginal resolution. But alas! It must happen. I have decided to stagger my goals as far as this is concerned.

GOAL #1: Lose 10 lbs by Spring Break! This gives me approximately 9 wks. I'd like to be a bit more fit before VEGAS!

GOAL #2: Run another 1/2 marathon! (I swear I must be CRAZY!) I ran one a couple of years ago-- the YEAR OF BEING FEARLESS, actually-- and I did it! Of course, every step of the 13.1 miles I reminded myself that I hate running. However, truthfully, it wasn't as bad as I had envisioned. Plus I figure the training for this will help with Goal #1. And there is certainly a mental/ emotional component to pushing your body 13.1 miles. (Did I mention it was 13.1 miles?!)

GOAL #3: Be more positive at school! This is one of my major emotional issues. I am burnt out! TOAST! I really feel I need a change, and I have discussed this with my princi, but of course there is not much I can do before next school year. In the meantime, I need to suck it up and stop complaining about THIS year.

GOAL #4: Purge the house! I have done this several times in the last couple of years, but somehow I still have a TON of stuff! And now that I have hubby here-- and he HATES the clutter!-- PLUS a bunch of baby stuff-- I really need to SERIOUSLY cut the clutter! And I need to ORGANIZE what I have. Oy! Luckily my school is planning a rummage sale this spring-- I could provide enough stuff on my own! I really am looking forward to getting this goal accomplished!

GOAL #5: Become more financially saavy! Hubby has helped with this a LOT... as has refinancing the mortgage. I still suck at bills and balancing budgets-- but I vow to at least try harder!

So there it is! Now that it's out there, I hope I will feel more pressure to get these accomplished! Feel free to bug me from time to time on how I am doing.

Monkey Business

I admit, I was NOT looking forward to today. Not. At. All.

Today is the first day back at school with the kids here. I'm seriously ready to retire. (sigh)

A fellow teacher and good friend of mine stopped me in the hall this morning, and what she had to say TOTALLY turned my day around. This friend of mine is a kindergarten teacher-- something I could NEVER do. This year she has a blind student in her classroom-- talk about adding an EXTRA challenge to an already tough job! (UTMOST respect I have for her!)

Another student in her class came in today with a Build-A-Bear box. Inside was an ADORABLE monkey that he had made at the Build-A-Bear store over the break. But unlike the typical 5 yr old kid, this boy had made the monkey for his friend, the blind student. When squeezed, the monkey plays the message, "Hello _________. I really hope you like this monkey from your best friend _________."

I admit, tough old, cranky me MELTED! I was SO impressed with this kid's generosity and caring! I even wrote him a card telling him what an awesome kid I think he is.

I get so bogged down day to day with the irritating shenanigans of the kids, that I often forget about the sweethearts that we DO have.

I sincerely hope my daughter grows up to be like this kid!

Day Late, Dollar Short

1. What is the most interesting thing you've done in the last year?


Um... HAVE A BABY!! Yep, definitely think that wins...

2. What is your most meaningful family heirloom?


Anything that was my mom's I guess... not sure I could narrow it down... I love things that make me remember funny stories or specific times with her. I look forward to telling Miss Priss all about her Grandma G...

3. What food festival would you most like to attend? If you're not sure click here to see a list of possibilities.


I've got to agree with From This Side of the Pond on this one--


-the Epernay Christmas Champagne Market...champagne sipped in France...two of my favorite things

4. Snow...do you love it or is it considered a four letter word where you live?


If it's got to be bitterly cold-- then there should be snow! My favorite snow is that which gets me OUT OF SCHOOL! There is nothing so wonderful as seeing your school district name scroll across the TV early in the AM, turning OFF your alarm, and then rolling back over to sleep some more... I do love to just sit and watch it snow. However, when it starts to melt and gets all muddy-- I find that terribly depressing.


5. Can you ski? Do you ski? Are you any good?


No & no... Tried once, couldn't stop, had to throw myself down on the ground. After someone skiid over my head, I was done. Meet you in the lodge with a tasty beverage by the fire, thanks!


6. What quality in your spouse or best friend are you most thankful for?


Well, the Hubby has packed up, moved across the pond, had to adjust to a new country AND being a new dad... He's done a damn good job! It's been a big year, people!
7. Describe the coziest spot in your home.


Currently the living room... I LOVE CHRISTMAS LIGHTS! I love sitting in the glow of all the Christmas trees (3 big ones, 3 small ones, plus lights on the piano) in the living room. Put White Christmas on the TV and I am in heaven!
8. Insert your own random thought here.

11 Days left of school til break. Yes, teachers countdown too!

Pet Peeve of the Day

People that pronounce "Tennessee" as though it ended with an "ay"

i.e. TennessAY

Post-It Note Tuesday: Weekly Planning

Make sure and LINK UP if you play!!

Merci!

Therapy Time! Make sure to LINK UP at The Daily Dribbles if you play....

• To a so-called "good friend"-- REALLY?! Do you honestly think that I am SO stupid that I don't know you are lying to me left and right? See the problem with lying is, once you tell one, you have to tell another, and then another to cover your tracks. And Einstein-- when you tell me one thing, then all our mutual friends the complete opposite-- do you REALLY think I won't hear about it? Do you want to be found out or are you just that bad at lying? I have gone OUT OF MY WAY for you over the last several years-- and for what? To be treated this way? I realize you are in some sort of identity-crisis-can't-find-myself phase of life-- but here's some advice from someone older and MUCH wiser-- DO NOT piss off every friend you have-- every person who has ever been there for you when no one else was... Beacause soon (VERY SOON) you will need those people and guess what? They won't be there this time because you have treated them like SHIT! Do NOT come crying to me next time-- because honestly, I am done! I do NOT care! This is the choice YOU made-- you have to learn for yourself. But in order to do that, I suggest you get your head out of your egotistical ass (not EVERYTHING is about you, by the way-- other people have stress and drama to deal with in theor own lives-- you would know this if you ever took 5 minutes to ask someone how THEY are instead of instantly dumping all YOUR problems on them...) and take a look around-- it's starting to look like a lonely place for you.

Whoa... that felt good!

• To myself-- Why in the heck did you let the closet get so out of control? You seriously have to do better about this!
• To the HEAT-- really? Is this necessary? mid-eighties to 90s... You're killing me! I absolutely DREAD the thought of waddling across the parking lot at the Dr today... HUMPH!
• To the kitchen counter-- why must you always be cluttered? Why? Same goes for you Mr. Dresser! and Dust-- WTF?! GO AWAY!

Heartburn, Peanut Butter, and a Soapbox Rant

First of all... 8 mo. preggers + Mexican Food + Criminal Minds = HEARTBURN and CRAZY dreams! Luckily I am pretty sure the team from the BAU saved the day every time!

This of course led to me being wide awake at 5:30am... woof. I will HAVE to have a nap later... before the big baby shower party at King Tut's!

Yesterday was a good day-- certainly better than Thursday! No emotional breakdowns... No crazy ass-hot weather... and NO WALMART!  :)  Lacy and I accomplished a LOT on our day of errands... well, I accomplished a lot-- poor Lacy was just kind of there for heavy lifting and support. I finally got some new glasses-- after carrying the prescription around for a month or so... This was quite a feat-- after awhile all the glasses started to look the same... (Hubby got new glasses yesterday too-- and said the same thing-- "Sometimes you can have too much choice, like peanut butter!"-- the first time he was here in the grocery store with me, he was AMAZED at the selection and varieties of peanut butter we have-- "Who could ever need THAT many kinds of peanut butter? Crazy Americans!")

Also got some more shorts, eye make-up, & cell phone cover... plus Lacy and I got rid of a bunch of books at the used bookstore... YAY for decluttering the classroom... a little, anyway...

Speaking of classroom... YES, I know it's summer break, but I came across this article--

How to Handle a Problem Teacher

Needless to say the title intrigued me.Yes, yours truly has been that PROBLEM TEACHER a few times... Including this year (you're shocked, I know...)  Decent advice for the most part... wish some of my parents had read this...



Something else to ask yourself, "Is everything my child saying COMPLETELY TRUTHFUL?" No parent wants to think their kid is a liar-- but how many times have we all exaggerated a teacher's behavior? I've been accused of craziness and things that don't remotely make sense... and if the parents stopped to think about it, they would have seen this too.

And bypassing the teacher and going straight to the principal-- first of all, YES, it blindsides the teacher-- which let me tell you does nothing really but piss them off. But it also usually irritates the principal as well. This happened to me this year-- and my princi was MAD-- not at me, but at the parent. When you think about it-- this is something we teach the kids at school-- conflict resolution! We encourage students to try to work out problems on their own-- before running and tattling to the teacher. It's the same in real life-- when you have a problem at work with someone, do you instantly run to the boss? Do you get mommy and daddy to call your boss and solve the problem for you?

THIS behavior is going to lead to a lot of problems for several kids I know-- yes another reason I can't wait for them to get to middle school and high school. Those principals and teachers won't allow parents to intervene as much as in elementary school. It's called growing up-- look in to it!


Just sayin'...

Thank You Very Much

I have intentionally NOT done this for several weeks now, mainly because my anger and frustration has been at a boiling point... and I am supposed to be trying to keep the BP down... but as I have been even more furious today, I figured, What the heck?

• To the US Embassy in London... SERIOUSLY?! Could you PLEASE take a little longer to send hubby's passport back? It's not like I am over 8 mo. pregnant and in desperate need of my husband for various reasons.
• To the OBSCENE heat wave we are having-- 90 degrees in April  and May?!! Take that idiots that say global warming is a farce! I wish all those idiots could be pregnant and dealing with this heat and humidity.
• To the kid I called an idiot at Walmart today-- yeah, I meant that.
• To all the other people at Walmart today-- yeah, I pretty much think you all are idiots too-- I just didn't have the energy to tell each and every one of you. I used all my spare energy telling the kid.
• To gestational diabetes-- I F***ing HATE you!! All I want is frickin' donut! or a Frosty! or a Blizzard! Why must you make these days more miserable for me??  (By the way Oreo and Chips Ahoy commercials-- you better get the &$%^@ off my TV now!!)
• To neighbor across the street-- I still hate your ugly, 1980s blue Camaro-- GET RID OF IT! It's not cool. It's not classic. It's trashy.
• To Cleo-- I know you can't help it, but PLEASE stop yakking around the house! How many hairballs can one cat have?

OK... I will stop... Here's to hoping tomorrow is a better day.

Got someone to thank? Go to The Daily Dribbles and link up!

I've Been Out of Control & Missing in Action...

Sorry to have been MIA all week on here... It's been a doozie!

I admit, I like to have control of most situations. Sure, there are times when I can go with the flow and just see what happens, but for the most part I don't like the out of control feeling. It's like riding the tea-cup ride at Disney World... I feel like at any moment I will be slung off into the universe.

Maybe that is why this whole immigration thing is so frustrating and uncomfortable. I have NO control over any aspect of it now. I have done my part, filled out stacks of paperwork, written several checks, copied and mailed all important documents and "evidence." Right now we are waiting on, perhaps RELYING on is a better phrase, Matt's Dr. to send a report to the embassy Dr. All the Embassy Dr. wants is 3 details-- it's really NOT hard. But for some reason, this is over the other Dr.'s head. Really?! You went to school for how long? People's lives rest in your hands daily, and yet you can't seem to get one simple letter written correctly? Furthermore, it's not like he writes it anyway, the secretary does. All he has to do is get her the info. Hell, I can write the stupid thing and get it to the Dr. in London (FROM THE US, no less) faster than this guy seems able to.

Needless to say, Matt will not give me the Dr.'s # so that I may call and, ahem, explain the urgency of the situation a little clearer. Apparently Matt is concerned that I will offend the man. PSHAW! I love that Americans have a reputation for abrasiveness... Whatever, we get things done! No stopping for a cup of tea for us!

School has been another out of control issue. This has been a challenging year. I am constantly shocked and saddened by some of the issues that  kids in elementary school face. I think back to those years-- fun, carefree... I certainly wasn't worried about taking care of younger siblings, or my parents! I was not neglected-- I had food, clean clothes, I was bathed... My parents cared about my education, made sure I did my work, instilled in me the VALUE of a good education. So what has happened?

If I spoke to adults, or acted the way some students today act... even now in my 30's-- my dad would STILL yank me up. And for some it is a game-- they know there are no consequences at home, and consequences they care anything about at school. Take my recess? Fine. Suspend me? Even better! I'll play video games all day! Kids like this go out of their way to drive teachers crazy for fun! And they win EVERYDAY!

Not only are my nerves frazzled, my blood pressure high, and my head throbbing... but now I feel like a failure because I can't get control over an 11 yr old! The thing is, NO ONE can... No teacher they have ever had... not their parents... no one! So what happens to these kids. If they act like this, and are this apathetic at 11... think what they will be like in high school... when they are 20... 30...

Here are some interesting recent articles from England:

Beaten boy was 'leading light of class trouble'

and the follow up:

Teacher Cleared Of Attempting To Murder Pupil

Now, I am not saying teachers should beat down unruly students. But teachers are human beings- and I am glad, for once, that a jury listened to the teacher. And what about the students' behavior? It will probably go unpunished (aside from a cracked skull)... but maybe other students will think twice before tormenting a teacher.

Thursday was one of the worst days. I had been out Wednesday... Two of my darlings had been in trouble with the sub-- so they were sent to other rooms for the day. That's how our "inschool suspension" works. Thursday, same two in trouble again. It's not always THESE two... but there is never a day that at least one of about 5 don't stir something up. I have not had one uninterupted day. And the school system wonders why test scores go down? It's not all books and learning-- there has to be some discipline-- and that discipline has to start, and carry on AT HOME. 

Teachers get blamed for everything-- if a child has low grades, it's our fault-- never mind the kid probably had no food at home for breakfast, is coming in dirty clothes, with dirty hair, face, and hands... Chances are the kid got themself (and sometimes siblings AND parents) up that morning... No one makes them follow directions at home, so why should they at school? Kids that see nothing but anger and fighting at home-- that is the norm-- so why not yell and fight everyone at school? "Multiplication? Who needs that? My daddy says that's a waste of time!"

OK, soapbox over... It's just that is what we are dealing with day after day... then we are told we can lose our jobs if scores don't go up. Parents come in and complain about ME if their child isn't doing their work. Well, newsflash: I have my OWN life. I cannot possibly go home with every student and sit with them until they do their work each night. I give my class LOTS of time IN CLASS... if they CHOOSE to use their time poorly-- well, that my friends is a life lesson. I'm a teacher, not Superwoman.

So on top of THAT stress on Thursday, my Dr.'s office calls to inform me that I have failed the 2nd glucose test. This was the 3 hr long one where blood was drawn 4 times. (I was technically poked 5 times if you could the last one when she couldn't get a vein in one arm). Great. Gestational Diabetes. And yes, I am aware that this is quite common. But it is ONE MORE thing, on top of all the other crap I am dealing with. Add this worry to all my worries about immigration, school, family, stuff at home, etc...

And did I mention I LOVE bread and all things carbs? I am already miserable. All I want this AM is some cereal... Nope, sorry... No can do... I can have an egg. Ever mention I really do NOT like eggs at all? I don't like the smell, the taste. the texture. Oh well.

I will go now, and fix an egg for breakfast, before I get too whiney...

ME Time

I got this from Mass Hole Mommy... If you wish to participate in this meme, fill it out and link up at Keely's page.


1. If you could star in any movie genre..what would it be..romance..horror..comedy..suspense or action?


I'd say comedy would be my forte there...


2. Do you recycle?


Yes... Both at school and at home.

3. Have you ever been to a strip club?


Just Chippendales... Though I did sit in the parking lot at one once... Right PETE?!!!


4. Do you have a nickname?


Several... I'd say the kids at school have some for me as well...

5. What's a name you can't stand to be called?


Little lady... Especially by men in predominantly men-infested areas-- like hardware stores, mechanics @ garages, car salesmen, etc.
6. What are your Summer staples?


Tank tops, shorts, flip flops.... I like to stay cool. Especially THIS summer!


7. What was the last thing you bought for yourself?


Other than food, probably a book or an audiobook... This week I plan to treat myself to a MUCH needed pedicure...

8. Are you happy with your boob size?
 
Yes...Though for obvious reasons they have gotten bigger this year... I will be glad when they go back down.