My New Girlfriend

Using hoarder stockpiled a few gift certificates, I sprung on buying my new first Coach bag.  I pick her up today!

Photo courtesy coach.com

It's funny because I have NEVER been one to spend money on purses.  However, since I need a new bag, in between clothing sizes and don't wear anything but flip-flops when it's warm out, I went for the bag.

I Get Around . . .

. . . at least I used to!  ;)  Create a map of the states you've visited here.

Borrowed/Stolen from my friend Mer.

All Mine

I have been getting my fingernails done for YEARS.  Even when I was young and poor, I was getting my nails done on a regular basis.  My fingernails have only been naturally long once because they always break.  In the past, I had a terrible nervous habit of scratching at the insides of my thumbs to death, so having acrylic nails always prevented that.  My nails have grown enough that I no longer need tips glued on, but I still keep on the acrylic overlays.

Well, this Saturday I made a change.  I am now sporting my OWN fingernails!  They have some gel "baked on" to keep them strong.  They are lovely and long enough to still use as the tools I require.  :)  And now, the obligatory (crappy) cell phone pic:

Steve's butt makes a great backdrop!

It's taking some getting used to because I've been used to my nails being much thicker.  Let's just hope I can keep them going!

ABCs of Me

I'm copying this from Rebecca (thanks, RB!) because school has us too busy to do anything that is blog-worthy!

Age: 42 years and 359 days

Bed size: King

Chore you hate: Mopping the floors

Dogs: YES!

Essential start to your day: cold bottle of water

Favorite color: depends - black, pink, white

Gold or silver: Silver or white gold

Height: 5'7"

Instruments you play: I played the alto saxophone for two years and the tenor saxophone for another year when I was in junior high.  Then I quit because I was the only tenor sax in the band, and my teenage self-esteem didn't like playing solo.

Job title: fourth grade teacher

Kids: Hopefully someday . . .

Live: Or is it Memorex?  Or did you mean live?  That answer would be in a house.

Mom’s name: Pat (Patricia)

Nicknames: my last name,my maiden name, Kris, kekis, others that probably aren't nice

Overnight hospital stays: One in high school after surgery

Pet peeve: People who are intentionally mean or cruel to those less fortunate

Quote from a movie: "I speak Jive."

Righty or lefty: Righty.

Siblings: Two younger brothers, two older sisters

Time you wake up: 6:00am

Underwear: I have some.

Vegetables you dislike: peas, cooked carrots, brussel sprouts, cauliflower

What makes you run late: My exceptional ability to procrastinate.

X-Rays: So many that it's surprising that I'm not radioactive

Yummy food that you make: My mom's husband swears by my chicken pot pie.  ha!
Zoo animal favorite: I always enjoy the monkeys/primates, but like anything not a bird or reptile.

101 in 1001

I have been so busy not working on my 101 in 1001 that I didn't even know it had ended. Well, I didn't too hot on ticking things off my list, but I always have good intentions!  Here is my final list:

From January 1, 2008, I had 1001 days to complete 101 things. Items in italics were activities in progress and those that are crossed out were completed!

1. Think of 101 things to do before 1001 days ends!

2. Get pregnant AND have a baby

3. Read more often - at least 4 books/year

4. Consistently walk the dogs 2-3x/week

5. Have a girls’ weekend with college friends

6. Clean out and organize the house

7. Paint & organize laundry room

8. Find a new teaching position or new job (well, I got sent back to 4th)

9. Set up a 403b

10. Clean out my closet - at least 1/2 must be donated

11. Get a new computer

12. Finish our wedding scrapbook

13. Send all of our photos for scanning at scanmyphotos.com

14. Share scanned photos with friends & family

15. Visit family & friends in Georgia

16. Vacation out of the country

17. Have an official date night with Todd at least 2x/month

18. Recarpet the bedrooms

19. Wood flooring in the formal living/dining

20. Buy new bedroom furniture

21. Lose weight

22. Try yoga

23. Build up savings

24. Switch AMEX to my married name

25. Watch "Gone With the Wind"

26. Sell items on "stuff to sell" list

27. Have wing back chairs reupholstered

28. Buy new dining room set

29. Learn Photoshop

30. Get a sewing machine (Mary gave me hers.)

31. Learn to sew (with my new machine)

32. Sew cases for throw pillows & make dog beds (bought some)

33. Finish cross-stitch quilt Never mind - the damn dogs ate it. :(

34. Make or buy curtains for den & living room

35. Keep my car clean (Car Spa!) at least 2x/yr

36. Work on my fear of heights Screw that. I'm going to die someday falling off the curb anyway.

37. Get a pedicure

38. Go on a scrapbook retreat This could become a habit!

39. Start a small garden on the west side of the house.

40. Finish painting the house (interior)

41. Have family/friends over for a nice dinner (w/ china, flatware & Waterford!)

42. Eat the food in the freezer or dump it

43. Buy entertainment center for the den

44. Landscape the front yard

45. Keep blog updated

46. Enter debits in checkbook and keep balanced on a regular basis (Forget it - learned I REALLY suck BAD at this)

47. See more movies - theater & home Thank you, Netflix!

48. Figure out what to put above the mantel

49. Work together to find "a place for everything" so everything will be in its place

50. Buy a new, tall plant for the den

51. Donate extra blankets & sheets to local animal shelter

52. Create a will & file with attorney

53. Mail in my organ donor registration card

54. Update my passport

55. Meet with a financial planner

56. Wash, dry, fold & put away laundry every 1-2 weeks

57. Get home computers networked

58. Setup a shared calendar on said network Bought a magnetic white board calendar for fridge.

59. Clean the weeks in between the maid's visits

60. Make our bed at least 3x/week (w/ Todd's help . . . or not)

61. Learn to like the Sonicare toothbrush (never will - makes my nose itch)

62. Complete one set of the Crest whitening strips in my cabinet

63. Take a few clothing items to consignment

64. Clean out & organize all linens

65. Re-register to vote

66. Learn more about the election process

67. See a dermatologist

68. Reorganize kitchen tools

69. Strip cabinet and use for storing serving pieces

70. Sell stuff on Craig's List

71. Put black shutters on front of house (paint existing or buy new)

72. Clean out under bathroom cabinets

73. Recycle magazines

74. Learn the dance to "Thriller" (Note: This was on my list before Michael Jackson's death.)

75. Convince Todd that he would enjoy learning the two-step (and take me dancing!)

76. Go boot scooting with friends (even if Todd won't go)

77. Paint & glaze kitchen cabinets

78. Replace lovely golden, laminate countertops in kitchen

79. Try one new recipe each month

80. Get finances merged

81. Encourage/bribe/force Todd to clean out his office

82. Assist Todd in cleaning out the garage

83. Plant flowers & keep them alive

84. Clean up & reupholster rocking chair for my classroom

85. Laminate & cut out all the Math crap I need for school

86. Get my laptop connected to network & printer

87. Use my mom's pool at least 2x/month each summer

88. Clean out entry closet

89. Socialize Stevie more so he won't be a jerk dog around other puppies

90. Schedule Steve's surgery :(

91. Paint/tile/replace countertop in middle bathroom

92. Clean all of the baseboards & chair railings in the house

93. Quilt my old sorority & fraternity t-shirts

94. Repair/replace windows, doors, and exterior siding/trim

95. Go to the eye doctor and get glasses and/or contacts since Lasik didn't work too well. I'm now a four-eyes!

96. Redecorate the guest room

97. Clean out guest room closet

98. Organize gift wrap, ribbons, etc.

99. Sell or get rid of king-size bed in guest room.

100. Figure out the date when all of this should be complete. I think my finish date is September 29, 2010.

Wow . . . time flies when you aren't accomplishing much!  Guess I got some of my goals accomplished, but not as many as I had planned to do.

An Unexpected Trip

On Wednesday (the 11th), I got to take an unexpected trip . . . to the Emergency Room.  It's kind of a long story and I don't know exactly how it all went down, but it went something like this:

I had training that morning for school after less than four hours of sleep.  Must get used to new schedule & soon!  Training got out early, so I went home to eat a lunch of leftover salad from the night before.  Around 3:30, I drove to the teacher's store to buy some supplies and dropped them off at school.  I stayed at school for all of ten minutes, went to the restroom, and drove down the street to meet some friends for dinner and drinks.

It's been so hot in Dallas lately.  We are on our 14th consecutive day of 100+ degree temps.  By the time I got to the restaurant, I was warm and fanning myself with a menu.  To help with the heat, I ordered a yummy frozen Bellini which I had one sip of while my friends and I were waiting on an appetizer.  As we were chatting, my stomach rumbled and I excused myself to the bathroom.  TMI: I had a little diarrhea, and as I washed my hands, I noticed my eyes were still red from that morning.  I was still warm and looking forward to that Bellini cooling me off some.  After I sat down, it hit me that I didn't feel too good and told my friends.  One friend said that my face looked a little swollen and asked if I needed to just go home.  I debated & told her that I probably should.  As I fumbled to get my credit card out of my wallet, I had to ask if they would pay for my drink and I'd pay them back the next time.  When they said it wasn't a problem, I then said I needed to go to the restroom first and asked one of them to walk me.

By the time I got to the ladies room, I was seeing stars and not well at all.  I had more bathroom issues and began pouring sweat.  I have never sweat so much in my life.  Very quickly, my hair was wet, the floor was wet, my clothes were wet . . . everything was soaked.  My friend went to get my purse and tell our other friend what was happening.  I asked her to find some Benadryl when she left the restroom, thinking I may be having an allergic reaction.

Everything gets pretty blurry from here.  I stayed in the bathroom stall for what seemed like forever.  My friends came in to check on me, bring me water, help me clip up my wet hair, hand me towels for my neck.  No matter what I did, I couldn't get comfortable and could not quit sweating.  Itchy spots behind my left ear and the back of my head started, so I knew the hives were taking over my skin.  After I had been alone for a while, I heard a voice say, "Ma'am, are you okay?"  Quickly telling her that I needed Benadryl, she (who I believe was a waitress) left to get a manager.  For legal reasons, they couldn't give me any medicine.  That's fine - just let me die here instead.

My friends returned to the restroom after again what seemed like forever, ready to drive me home.  They called Todd to let him know what was happening, and told them they'd be bringing me home.  As things got to the point where we should leave, I told my friends that I couldn't make it, and finally asked them to call 911.  I immediately stripped off my wedding ring and asked my friend to take care of it for me.  I didn't want it stuck on my finger or getting stolen along the way.

Not long after, I am dripping wet in a bathroom stall with a few strange men dressed as paramedics.  Apparently, this is when I pass out.  They get an IV in my arm, check my blood pressure (which had tanked), and prepare me for take off.  I was worried that I might get sick everywhere & tried to delay our departure as much as I could.  Finally, the lead EMT said, "Kristin, we HAVE to go."  I remember that shaking me up a bit, so with his help, I tried to stand up.

Well, keep in mind that I had been sweating profusely.  My clothing was soaked completely through.  Like an old pro, this former drunk sorority girl at a fun fraternity party wobbly stood up and stripped off my pants using my feet.  The poor EMT said, "Are you trying to take off your jeans?"  I confirmed that and he told me to hurry.  They then got me on a stretcher, covered me up, secured my IV line, and placed oxygen on me.  So during Wednesday night dinner service, my wet-rat, half-naked self was wheeled out of ladies room, through the restaurant, and into the ambulance.  In my altered state, I do remember hoping and praying and squeezing my eyes tightly closed in case any of my students or someone I might know happened to be witnessing this dinnertime disaster of mine.  As far as I know, I am in the clear from my adoring fans being traumatized by it all (well, other than my two friends and paramedics!).

A short time after we got into the ambulance, I began to come to a bit thanks to the three paramedics who were all working on me at once.  I remember looking up to the IV bag and noticing that it was about 75% emptied already.  My finger was pricked and blood sugars tested.  I continually tried to ask to which hospital I was being transported, but either they were ignoring me or couldn't hear/understand me.  They finally told me they were rushing me to the nearest hospital.  I was wishing that one of my friends was in the ambulance with us, but honestly, there wouldn't have been any room.  As soon as he noticed I was responding more, the lead medic said, "Well, it was a bit tight in that bathroom stall with you."  I responded, "

Well, to wrap this long story up soon, I got into the ER, got poked & prodded some more, and finally began to stabilize and feel a bit more coherent.  I was hoping my friends could come back, but they never did.  Not sure if they didn't want to or weren't allowed.  Todd arrived soon after that, and I felt awful that he had to rush across town to deal with me like this.  I asked him to go get my friends, but he said they wouldn't let them back.  I was so thankful for all they did, but told Todd they didn't need to wait around unless they just really had nothing better to do.  Not long after, my mom arrived.  Nothing like a gathering for the wet-headed.  It was nice having my mom the nurse there just in case.

After my blood pressure came up a bit (which sounds weird for me to say since I have high bp), my EKG was normal, the redness and swelling of my face and skin decreased, and my oxygen levels were up, I was finally released to go home.  So . . . with all of my pride, I had my amazing husband tie up the back of my hospital gown, gather my wet belongings, help me put on my flip flops, place my wedding ring back on my finger, and walk me to the car to head home.

Since Wednesday, I have been racking my brain trying to figure out what triggered this attack.  Nothing makes sense.  My next plan is to see an allergist/immunologist to see what exactly it is I'm allergic to now.  Until then, I am a member of the Benadryl-carrying club and both Todd and my work team know how to help me if (God forbid) it ever happens again.

Most of all I learned that my friends, Amie and Megan, are real troopers and true friends.  Without their help, I don't know what would have happened.  In fact, I don't even want to think about it.  Thanks, guys.  I owe you more than another happy hour.

A Long Two Months

It has been a long two months since I've updated our blog.   So much has happened that I don't quite know where to start.  I'll try to give it to you in a nutshell, but it is still going to be long.

APRIL

*Workworkworkwork - and more work.

That's all April is about for me. My fourth graders take the Reading & Math TAKS tests at the end of every April, and it was quite a task to fully prepare them this year.  Between teaching, planning, evaluating, communicating, reports, conferencing and meetings almost every day, April is tough.  April is also a lot of work for Todd, too, although he doesn't administer the actual TAKS test.

Good news though!  Todd's students did *awesome* on their EOC (end of course) exams.  His passing average was over 90% which is amazing!  I was so proud of him!  I learned at the end of May that my students did well on TAKS.  I was especially thrilled that 100% of my students passed the TAKS Writing test in April!  Over 1/3 of my class received perfect scores which thrilled me as well.

As far as next year, Todd will be teaching 8th grade Science.  This will be a positive move for him because the 7th graders he has this year will basically loop up to 8th grade with him.  I will continue teaching 4th grade, but I will only be teaching Math, Science & Social Studies.  This will be good for my workload, or at least I hope it will be!


MAY

May was tough - and that's putting it lightly.

* We lost my Grandma on May 6.  She had been on hospice since Christmas, and her health declined quickly.  She was a strong woman both emotionally and physically, and she could cook anything well.  Thankfully she shared her chicken salad recipe with me (from memory of course) several years ago, and I can now do one thing well that she could.  The matriarch of my Dad's side of the family is now gone, as is that entire generation.

A photo of us from ten years ago:

Grandma left behind four children, one preceded her in death just a month before, eighteen grandchildren, and even more great-grandchildren.  My Dad, Step-Mom, sister, and I traveled to Oklahoma for her funeral.  Here is a photo of a few of the grandchildren that were there:

* On May 8th, only two days after Grandma passed, our hearts were shattered.  I don't even know how to write this (and the tears begin), but we lost Mackey.  Our precious, cute, strange, goofy, sweet, boy had to be put to sleep.  It will be four weeks tomorrow, and Todd and I are still reeling from Mackey being gone.  Todd's best friend of 14.5 years is gone.  His ashes are home with us, where we wish he still was.  For being the calmest of our three dogs, it sure has been a quiet house without him.  The big dogs have felt the absence of his presence as well.  We are all still devastated and many tears have been, and surely will continue to be, shed.  It still doesn't seem real, and it seems like forever since he's been gone.

...............................................................................................................................................................

Now that I've dried my eyes (some), I'll continue.  May also brought us some proud moments and smiles.

* My sister, Cindy, was inducted into the Hall of Honor of the school district where she ran track and cross country in high school.  She was the first track star to be inducted.  Her beautiful and heartfelt speech had us all in tears.  A photo of her with a former teacher & coach:

Cindy, while giving her speech:

 

* I, along with my work team, took a bajillion (okay . . . maybe only 65) fourth graders to Austin for the day.  We met at te school at 6:00am, took chartered buses to Austin, toured the Capitol building, explored the Bob Bullock State Museum, and returned to the school about 8:30 that same night.  Talk about tired!

* Our niece, Whitney (a junior), went to prom. Luckily I was invited to take photos.  She was amazingly gorgeous, and I was so proud!  I can't believe how grown up she is now.  Man, I feel old.

With her date ("friend"), Alex:

A full-length view of her dress:

And with her double-chinned aunt:

* Todd finished his first semester of graduated school and did really well.  He is taking two other classes this summer, and has about a year until he graduated with his Master's Degree in Educational Administration.  I'm so proud of him!

* Our annual Memorial Weekend in Tyler with Todd's cousins was a wonderful time as always.  Although not everyone was able to join us, we still had family there from Boston to Colorado and all over Texas.  There were 24 of us, I believe; eight of whom were aged 10 and under!  Lots of fun, water, eating, drinking, and relaxing - just what we needed.





* And now, here we still are, in June of 2010.  Best of all, it is now SUMMER!  Ahead of us is work around the house (decorating, more landscaping, cleaning & organizing), relaxing, Todd's birthday, traveling to both coasts, and recuperating from a looonnnnggg school year.  For today, Steve sums it up for both of us :
 

 

Laziness Breeds Copying

I stole this from the blog of my longtime friend, Stephanie. Why? Because I'm lazy, and it's easier to steal something she stole from someone else than be creative myself. :)



1. Which is worse: a long, boring meeting or standing in a return/exchange line after Christmas?
I'd say boring meeting. At least while waiting in line I can people watch or use my phone for email, FB or whatever.

2. Except for maybe Rosie O’Donnell or Ann Coulter, nobody likes confrontation, yet we all have to deal with it. When you feel cornered and defensive, do you “bite back” or become passive aggressive?
Depends on who the agressor is in a given situation. I've been known to do both, and it's very easy to recognize which reaction I have at the time.

3. Do you know anything about your genealogical background? (What country, culture, ties to prominent historical figures, or other stuff.) I think I'm a mutt. I know I have Cherokee Indian and Scandinavian from my Dad's side. My mom's side is English, Scottish, and maybe some French or something. Author Mary Shelley is from my mom's side of the family.

4. What is the quickest way a person can endear him/herself to you?
Being open, honest, and sincere.


5. Cake, pie, cookies, or ice cream? (Note there is no “all of the above” option. You must choose one. Feel free to elaborate on flavor or memories tied to this dessert.) If you’d like, you can share a recipe, but you certainly don’t have to.
Pecan pie - with the pecans chopped (not whole) and Cool Whip on top - is my favorite. I don't really care for cake that much because I don't like icing. In fact, I asked Todd if we could have wedding pie instead of cake. (He obviously said no.) I love Blue Bell ice cream, but pie stays at the top of my list.

6. Females: Do you regularly change your handbag to coordinate with your outfit?
No, I don't really give a crap if my bag matches anything. All I care is that it carries all of my junk.

7. Are you task-oriented or relationship-oriented?
Definitely relationship-oriented. If you know me, you'd agree.

8. IHOP, Bob Evans or Cracker Barrel?
Guess I'd have to say IHOP because I have no clue who Bob Evans is & I've never been to a Cracker Barrel.


9. Have you ever left a movie in progress in a theater? Why?
No, but I should have since I've seen a few terrible films. I rarely go to the movies, so I'd hate to waste my money. Guess I'd prefer to be tortured by terrible movies instead.

10. What is one area of life in which you would like to develop more discipline or organization?
Just one?

11. Was middle school fun or painful?
A little of both. It was a tough time of life, but I was blessed with lots of friends.

12. What is your favorite Fall beverage?

I dunno. The same as any season I suppose - cold water or Dr. Pepper. I enjoy apple cider, but it is usually in the winter since Dallas isn't very cold until then.

I Pity the Fool . . . Who is Myself

Yesterday, Todd and I attended the wedding of a friend/colleague of mine. It was a lovely wedding for a sweet couple. We saw my friends from work, chatted, ate, drank, and danced. Yes, Todd even danced one slow dance with me. I had way too much wine & performed my typical Kristin-talks-knocks-over-wine-glass routine (shout out Cathy!).

I went to the ladies room to dry off my new (thankfully black) pants that I dumped a 1/4 of a glass of (thankfully white) wine on. I used the restroom, washed my hands, went to leave, and the door was locked. There was a woman in a stall who was spending way too much time in there, so I didn't want to say anything. I'm sure she was ready for me to leave, so she could do her thing in private. I tried to pick the lock, but the knob had a key lock. I lightly knocked, shook the door a bit, and repeated. The sitter was still holding out in her stall.

I tried not to panic, but I started wondering when someone would come rescue me/us. How in the hell had I locked myself (us) in the bathroom? Even worse, who in the hell locked me (us) in the bathroom? Would Todd come looking for me (us) eventually? Would anyone save me (us)? Would the lady ever come out of her stall and help me, or would she do her business and asphyxiate me (us) first?

I stuck a long, needing-to-be-cut-down fingernail into the keyhole, thinking I could jiggle it loose enough to unlock. I started knocking again. Before I began calling for help through the cracks of the door, I looked around to see if I was being Punk'd. That's when I saw it.

The door. The door behind me. The same door I came in. My drunk ass was trying to break into a locked closet.

I'm still laughing at myself today. In fact, I'm laughing/crying as I finish typing this. I pity the fool who is myself, but she makes for some great stories!! My grandmother, Mary, would be so proud. :)

Things I Love

I love . . .

the tufts of fur between the pads on Stevie's feet.

when my husband lets out a big, impromptu laugh.

wearing oversized t-shirts.

sleeping in.

Sprouts chicken.

organizing things.

when our dogs snore while sleeping.

watching stupid reality TV.

seeing photographs of people I love.

earthy-scented candles.

my laptop.

when Mindy cries "Mama!" when she wants something.

brownies for breakfast.

scoring a good deal while shopping.

cool weather.

Inside the Actors Studio - Ten Questions

If I were on Inside the Actors Studio these would be my responses to James Lipton’s ten questions:

1. What is your favorite word? supercalifragilisticexpialidocious (even though the sound of it is something quite atrocious)

2. What is your least favorite word? the "c" word (I can't even pretend spell it.)

3. What turns you on? kindness, a listening ear, complete attention, a nice, long, passionate kiss

4. What turns you off? rudeness, cruelty, being ignored

5. What sound do you love? the sound of a baby's belly laugh, my husband cracking up, my dogs snoring or having doggie dreams, my Mindy-cat saying "Mama", the sincere words of "I love you"

6. What sound do you hate? nails on a chalkboard, shrieking, a deep, gutteral cry of grief

7. What is your favorite curse word? Don't know if it's my favorite, but unfortunately I seem to use sh!t and f*ck more than I should.

8. What profession other than yours would you like to attempt? L&D nurse

9. What profession would you not like to do? anything that involves extreme heights (tightrope walker, window washer, etc.)

10. If heaven exists, what would you like to hear God say when you arrive at the pearly gates? Well done, my good and faithful servant. Welcome. Your loved ones are waiting for you.

THE SHACK

I just posted this on my other blog, so if you read both, you need to read this again so I can further prove my point. :)





I just finished reading The Shack and recommend it to EVERYONE. What an AMAZING book full of hope and working through the challenges that life and grief bring. I'm not an avid reader at all, but it is a goal of mine. However, when I find a book that I like, I will read it cover to cover as quickly as I can, as I did this book.

This book is not written for Christians. It is written for everyone no matter of their religious preference or level of faith they do or do not have. Please give yourself an amazing gift in 2009 and read this book! I would lend you my copy, but I am not letting it go. When you read it - which is very soon I hope - be sure to read the foreword. It will make the book fit together like the beautiful puzzle that it is.

The past two nights of reading "The Shack" have reformed my mind, my relationships, and my outlook on life. I feel a sense of purpose, comfort, purpose, and (*gulp* dare I say it?) . . . hope . . . that I haven't felt in a long time.

People are Talking . . .

. . . about this photo from prom my junior year of high school. What of it?


I'm sure my high school boyfriend (with whom I am still friends) would absolutely love that his photo is available for all the world to see. :) I'm even more sure that I would never post a picture of this caliber had Todd been standing next to me. I have to be married to the guy, ya know!

Tagged Again

I've done some of these, and I don't even remember which ones. I'm doing this one because Shanny Said So!


Here are the rules:

1. Link to the person who tagged you.

2. Share 7 random and/or weird facts about you.

3. Tag 7 random people at the end, and include links to their blog.


I'm sure there are more than 7 random and/or weird facts about me, but I'm just sticking with 7.

1. I never cared for animals - other than my cat Mindy - until I met Todd. I had pets when I was young, but I never took care of them or dealt with them well.

2. I am more than extremely scared (mortified?) of heights. I fell down two flights of stairs as a toddler, and have been afraid of high places since. According to my mom, as a young child, I would absolutely freak out just sitting on the doctor's table. Anything higher than a chair still freaks me out - especially catwalks, stairs with "holes" (gaps in between the steps) & escalators.

3. I have no septum in my nose. I used to, but after several nasal/sinus surgeries, it's basically gone. Sign me up for stupid human tricks.

4. I have two brothers and two sisters, but I am an only child. I am my parents' first and only child together.

5. At age nine, I was babysitting newborns. I babysat for multiple families in our neighborhood - anywhere from 1 to 4 children per family. As a teacher of 9 & 10 year olds, I cannot imagine leaving my baby with a such a young child. What were those people thinking?!

6. The veins atop my left foot form a "K". How convenient and strange, huh? Maybe God wanted me to remember my first initial when I'm barefoot.

7. Speaking of barefoot - I hate not wearing something on my feet. I am so tender-footed and HATE being without at least socks on my feet.

So . . . that's probably more weird than random . . . but that's me! And since I'm a rule breaker, I'm not tagging anyone. You can add this to your blog on your own accord!

Whatcha Doin'?

Joyce thinks she stole this from me, but I, in fact, stole it from her. :) Things I have done are in bold. It proves I haven't done much traveling, but I have done some living!

1. Started your own blog. Uh, yeah.
2. Slept under the stars. I have been camping before and slept in cars. Does that count?!
3. Played in a band. I played the saxophone for three years in junior high. I was pretty good, but quit in 8th grade after being switched to the only tenor sax in the band. You mess up = everyone looks at you = teenage angst
4. Visited Hawaii
5. Watched a meteor shower.
6. Given more than you can afford to charity.
7. Been to Disneyland/world. When I was young. There are photos to prove it. Sounds like torture now that I'm old.
8. Climbed a mountain. Depends on how high of a mountain, but I'm saying yes. No repeling off the sides & stuff though. Too scary.
9. Held a praying mantis. I've even seen them having sex. Luckily I wasn't holding them at the time.
10. Sang a solo. Not in front of people, though.
11. Bungee jumped. Never will unless someone ties my dead body to a rope and throws it off a ledge.
12. Visited Paris
13. Watched a lightning storm at sea.
14. Taught yourself an art from scratch. Some cooking and scrapbooking.
15. Adopted a child. Praying it won't come to that.
16. Had food poisoning. Oh Lord, yes.
17. Walked to the top of the Statue of Liberty. Scared of heights & stairs, so I don't anticipate this being a part of my future.
18. Grown your own vegetables. Tomatoes & strawberries. (Yes, I know strawberries are a fruit.)
19. Seen the Mona Lisa in France.
20. Slept on an overnight train.
21. Had a pillow fight. Yes, but I wasn't over 12 and I wasn't nekkid.
22. Hitch hiked.
23. Taken a sick day when you’re not ill. I agree w/ Joyce - those are called “mental health days”, everyone needs them. Mental illness is a disease, people.
24. Built a snow fort.
25. Held a lamb.
26. Gone skinny dipping. You didn't think I'd go into detail here, did you?
27. Run a Marathon. Nobody would chase me alive for 26.2 miles. Me being alive is the key word.
28. Ridden in a gondola in Venice.
29. Seen a total eclipse. I think I was in 5th grade. You know, before the world was truly created.
30. Watched a sunrise or sunset. Back in the day . . .
31. Hit a home run. ha!
32. Been on a cruise. No, but we both want to take one!
33. Seen Niagara Falls in person. Would love to. My parents honeymooned there in 1970.
34. Visited the birthplace of your ancestors. I'm such a mutt that I probably have & might not have known it.
35. Seen an Amish community.
36. Taught yourself a new language. My sister and I have a language we speak in front of the kids. Of course, she screwed it all up and told the kids what it was.
37. Had enough money to be truly satisfied. I'm a teacher folks . . .
38. Seen the Leaning Tower of Pisa in person.
39. Gone rock climbing. I climed Red Rock Canyon if that counts. I have pics to prove it. It wasn't on the sides of the cliffs though. It was rock climbing to me.
40. Seen Michelangelo’s David.
41. Sung karaoke. Uggghhhhh
42. Seen Old Faithful geyser erupt
43. Bought a stranger a meal at a restaurant
44. Visited Africa
45. Walked on a beach by moonlight. Yes, but it wasn't an all romantical thing.
46. Been transported in an ambulance. Both transported myself and rode with others.
47. Had your portrait painted. Caricature only. Does that count? My Dad had portraits done of us from photos - amazing.
48. Gone deep sea fishing. Do they drink beer for this? I'd be willing to go if they did. And if someone would bait my hook. And reel in my fish if I got thirsty. And take the fish off the hook. And help reapply my sunscreen. Sounds like a fun thing to do!
49. Seen the Sistine Chapel in person
50. Been to the top of the Eiffel Tower in Paris
51. Gone scuba diving or snorkeling. We snorkeled at Trunk Bay, St. John USVI during our honeymoon.
52. Kissed in the rain. I'm sure I have, but again, there wasn't some romantical moment. Yes, I like the word 'romantical'.
53. Played in the mud. What are china tea sets for when you're young?!
54. Gone to a drive-in theater. LOVE drive-ins! Wish we still had them. Our family went when we were young, and we went in high school (to drink & hang out).
55. Been in a movie. Only one for school stuff.
56. Visited the Great Wall of China.
57. Started a business. Yes, but I didn't put much into it. Therefore, I didn't get much out of it.
58. Taken a martial arts class
59. Visited Russia
60. Served at a soup kitchen
61. Sold Girl Scout Cookies. Girl Scout cookies & Camp Fire candy!
62. Gone whale watching
63. Got flowers for no reason. Yes. :)
64. Donated blood, platelets or plasma
65. Gone sky diving. That would be hell-to-the-no. Unless someone tied my dead body to a parachute & dropped it out of a plane.
66. Visited a Nazi Concentration Camp
67. Bounced a check.
68. Flown in a helicopter. No, but I flew in a plane with no doors/windows. Skeerey.
69. Saved a favorite childhood toy. My Pooh Bear, china sets, and a couple of small things.
70. Visited the Lincoln Memorial. Yes, by myself.
71. Eaten Caviar. Not alone but with something.
72. Pieced a quilt
73. Stood in Times Square
74. Toured the Everglades
75. Been fired from a job. What a blessing that was!!!
76. Seen the Changing of the Guards in London
77. Broken a bone. My leg - playing football. I was 30. My mom thought I was ridiculous.
78. Been on a speeding motorcycle. Yes - scared the crap out of me since I've had a couple of friends die in motorcycle accidents.
79. Seen the Grand Canyon in person.
80. Published a book
81. Visited the Vatican
82. Bought a brand new car. I typically only buy new. Guess I'm a snob like that, while Todd refuses to buy new. He's more practical than I am anyway.
83. Walked in Jerusalem
84. Had your picture in the newspaper. In college & our engagement and wedding announcements in the Dallas Morning News.
85. Read the entire Bible.
86. Visited the White House. Drove by during a tour!
87. Killed and prepared an animal for eating. Fish, but I didn't clean them so it doesn't really count. Did you see my deep sea fishing comments?!
88. Had chickenpox. Yes, atop a severe sunburn. It was awful!
89. Saved someone’s life.
90. Sat on a jury
91. Met someone famous. Depends on how famous we're talking about here. Local celebreties? Yes. Music stars? Yes.
92. Joined a book club
93. Lost a loved one. Unfortunately too many.
94. Had a baby. Well shit. Who wrote this quiz??
95. Seen the Alamo in person. Uh YEAH.
96. Swam in the Great Salt Lake
97. Been involved in a law suit. I joined a class action suit and got a $22 check in the mail recently. Sweet!
98. Owned a cell phone. Yes, since 1990. I used to have a permanently mounted one in my car. It had a short in it, so you had to bang the handle on the steering wheel to make it work. HAHA!
99. Been stung by a bee. When I was a kid.

Crazy Eights

8 TV Shows I Love to Watch:

1. All My Children
2. Brothers & Sisters
3. The Office
4. Biggest Loser
5. Lipstick Jungle
6. ER
7. Top Chef
8. Jon & Kate + 8
   

8 Favorite Restaraunts:

1. Blue Goose
2. The Oasis (Lake Travis, Austin)
3. Kirby's Steakhouse
4. Venezia Italian Grill
5. Buffalo Wild Wings
6. Thai Soon
7. My grandmother's house :)
   

8 Things that Happened Today:

1. I went to work
2. I didn't get evaluated
3. I cooked dinner
4. I let my husband clean up the kitchen
5. I took Steve for a walk
6. I surfed the internet
7. I labeled my labelmaker
8. I talked to my mom on the phone (3x)

8 Things I Look Forward To:

1. Pat & Linda visiting this weekend
2. My grandmother's holiday sale on Saturday
3. Taking my class swimming next week
4. Week off for Thanksgiving
5. Thanksgiving Day
6. Spending time with family and friends over the holidays
7. Giving the gifts I'm giving for Xmas
8. Scrapbook retreat in January

8 Things on My Wishlist:

1. Having a baby
2. New kitchen countertops
3. A new pair of sweats
4. New clothing
5. Health and happiness for us, our family, & friends
6. Rest and recuperation
7. Gift cards
8. Clean & organized house

I'm not tagging anyone, but entertain yourself & do it anyway. :)

Five Years Ago Today . . .

. . . Todd and I met for our first date. It's amazing that it's already been five years. Friday, November 11, 2003 --- what a night that was! There are a few hilarious stories that accompany that evening. I'll try to write about it in the future when I have time to get it all down. What I will tell you is when Todd called me the next day, I was smitten! There were only a few days a couple of weeks afterwards (when he was out of town for the holidays) that we didn't not talk. I'm so blessed to have such a kind, thoughtful, and respectful man as my husband.

In the past five years, we've grown to know, love, and care for one another like noone else. We have established not only our house but our home and the beginnings of our family. Since getting married almost two years ago, we have had even more wonderful times as well as some amazingly difficult times. No matter what though, we are committed to one another and to our marriage.

Here are a few of the first pictures of us as a couple:

Valentine's Day, 2004 - yes a big snowstorm came through that day!

March 5, 2004 - Bowling with friends on my birthday.March 6, 2004 at the Dallas Irish Festival:

I love you, Todd, and look forward to the next 5, 15, 20, 25, and more years with you! Thank you for being my blessing.

On another note, today is also Veterans' Day. Please take time to thank and pray for those who have fought for our country in the past as well as those who are doing the same today.

A Night of Recognition

Tonight my school district held its first Service Award Dinner, and it was much better than I expected. Employees - including teachers, auxiliary personnel, custodians, administrative staff, administration, & more - received $500 per five years of service (for 5, 10, 15 years, etc.). Over $335,000 were distributed to staff members at tonight's dinner. That dollar amount does not include employees who were not in attendance that have been with the district for five years. There was a man who received recognition for being with our district for 35 years. Wow.

One thing I did notice is that with all of the people there (over 250), there were only a couple of former employees from my building. I knew many others there, but they were from my time at another school, people I met in trainings, service personnel, etc. That alone showed me that our staff stays at my school for a reason, and the main reason we ever lose people is because they go on to bigger and better things.

With everything going on in today's economy and DISD, I feel very privileged to work for a district that truly values its employees. Tonight is one example that proved that to be true.

A picture of my assistant principal (in year 16), my principal (in year 15) & me (in year 11). A fun note: I graduated from high school w/ Lance (my principal)!

The only thing that would have made the evening better - wine with dinner. :) Guess goverment dollars don't pay for alcohol unless you're in the political arena!

RAGWEED

And I do NOT mean the Cross Canadian kind of ragweed that you hear on the radio. It's a quiet, little bastard that looks something like this:

Now keep in mind that I haven't seen any while driving down the road. Or in my classroom. Or while asleep. Or at my mom's house. Or in my car. Or in the shower. Or in our home. I saw ragweed on September 25 (hheellllllloooooo --- ten days ago) and it's still killing me.

I swear that I am going to die from the grips of ragweed. It has been YEARS since I've had fits of sneezing, running nose, itchy & watery eyes, wheezing, swelling & other deadly type stuff. Next year when we have to take the 4th graders to the Outdoor Learning Center, there will be three options: (1) I'm not going, (2) it will need to be schedule after a HUGE winter freeze, or (3) we'll have to go to an INdoor Learning Center.

I'm off to whine some more and scrape the corneas off of my eyes again . . .

More About Me

I took this meme from Joyce's Blog because I've gotten bad about blogging during the crazy weeks of school.

i am: a very caring person.
i think: with my heart more than my head.
i know: a little bit about a lot of different things.
i want: children.
i have: a freakish memory when it comes to certain things (people, phone numbers, dates, etc).
i wish: I could get pregnant & stay that way.
i hate: people who are cruel to those less fortunate (handicapped, animals, children, elderly, etc.).
i miss: sleeping in every day.
i fear: not ever having my own children, anything higher than a chair.
i feel: deeply.
i hear: Steve snoring & a boring Cowboys game.
i smell: when my nose isn't stuffed.
i crave: salty things like chips.
i search: for people I might know everywhere I go. (don't laugh Martha!)
i wonder: about random stuff & Todd's thinks I'm nuts sometimes.
i regret: that I stopped playing the saxophone in 8th grade.
i ache: when I think I could be a mom and I'm not.
i care: very deeply about my family & friends.
i always: sleep on my stomach or side.
i am not: overly concerned what people think of me & my social status (or lack thereof).
i believe: there is a reason to hope.
i dance: really well when I'm drunk.
i sing: to my animals.
i cry: often and everyone knows it except for my kids until the last day of school gets me.
i don’t always: share my true feelings like I should.
i fight: when I believe I am in the right and am being treated like crap.
i write: on my blogs more than I've ever journaled.
i never: mean to hurt others, even if I do sometimes.
i stole: Todd's heart. :)
i listen: to others.
i need: to pray more often.
i am happy about: getting a day off on October 13th.