metamorphosis and marshmallow fluff

Wordless Wednesday (well almost)

2011-04-06T13:11:00.000-07:00

Story of my life lately. TAKS testing in school for the young un, job issues still haven't been 100% decided and wrestling with personal stuff. ugh.

Spring Breakin'

2011-03-16T19:57:00.000-07:00

Spring Break always seems like this constantly elusive time that ushers in the final countdown for the school year.Instead of a big vacation this year (we did just buy a house 5 months ago!) , we decided to play it low key with a visit to my parent's house in north Louisiana. We've also decided to pack as much fun as we could manage into our 11 days of Spring Break.

So far this week we've celebrated a birthday (Music Man is once again a whole year older than me!)

Rallied at the Capitol (saving our schools and teachers)

Enjoyed some nephew time (we practiced our surprise faces)

Re-learned to ride a bike (he's had a serious phobia ever since a bike wreck in kindergarten)

Enjoyed a little more nephew time (I mean, really, how can you not want to spend as much time with this cute little guy as possible?)

Played some redneck golf in the grandparent's front yard (No windows were hit)

And cheered on the ponies. (My favorite horse of the day? Iced Down Corona!)

It's only Wednesday and I'm already tired thinking of the rest of the week-- namely the 7 hour car trip we'll make back to Austin tomorrow!

You say it's your birthday?

2011-03-07T19:55:00.000-08:00

Well it was my birthday too...

A fun day at work, yummy dinner from cheesecake factory, and a surprise present from the Music Man made this a completely fabulous 33rd birthday!

Tell me something good...

2011-02-22T12:31:00.000-08:00

Looking back at New Year's, I know I've been a little spotty in my posting. I could pass it off on the fact that I spend all day on a computer and just don't want to be on one when I get home. Or I could say that we are constantly on the go, but it's actually calmed down a bit.
The truth is because I have a wall up when it comes to posting anything real. I can take a picture that captures that one moment in a random day and find a witty caption, but that's not a real idea of what's going on. And what's going on right now is nothing short of depression inducing.

Texas got word early this year that the budget deficit was miscalculated and education would be taking a harder hit than expected. My worst case scenario suddenly became a best case scenario. Know one knows exactly what will happen, but as neighboring districts begin to issue statements and make cuts, it's clear that something will. This year I stepped out of the classroom and into the role of Instructional Technology Specialist. Besides being on-campus tech support, I help teachers incorporate technology into their lessons and ensure that students gain the necessary skills to compete in a 21st century job market. Sadly, my department/position is on the chopping block. Not to reduce, but to eliminate. And it's all out of my hands. I'm not a patient person, so this has created more than the usual amount of stress. Adding to that is the fact that my husband teaches in a neighbor district (he's with fine arts) and they've been very tight lipped with their plans.

When I started teaching it never crossed my mind that there would come a time when teachers wouldn't be hired and would even be reduced in numbers. But here we stand at the threshold of that moment and I can't fathom what direction this will lead us. I'm not gonna lie, it's completely unnerving to not have any control over whether or not you'll have a job after May. I've written the letters, I've e-mailed, I've attended community meetings. But it looks like all I can really do is wait. And I suck at waiting. Waiting means I've eaten way more girl scout cookies than is humanly possible and in turn feel even worse.

So that's it. that's where I am right now. A perpetual state of job limbo. I'll try to snap out of it to post birthday pictures, a recap of Music Man's back issue and the best Oreo cookie recipe I've ever eaten. I just need a little time.

Six Word Saturday

2011-02-12T07:00:00.000-08:00

Husbands can make life more interesting.

After a week filled with back pain, immobility, pee in bottles, and finally some pain meds, I'm pretty sure my documenting it on twitter & facebook takes me out of the running for wife of the year.

Play along with Six Word Saturday hosted by Cate at Show My Face

Milestones

2011-02-07T19:44:00.000-08:00

It's been a week of milestones for us. On Friday, DS turned 11, and I survived an all boy slumber party (that's another post). Today, he got braces. Looks like my baby is turning into a young man.

Winner Winner Chciken Dinner

2011-02-03T06:36:00.000-08:00

Who won second place in his school science fair? That guy! And he credited his mom with letting him use her "sweet cricut machine". Way to go young un!

I'm still standing

2011-01-27T19:57:00.000-08:00

Ever have one of those weeks where you think if I can just make it to Saturday, I can breathe again? Well, I've had one of those every week since the year started. First it was the post holiday undecorating/organizing, then it was work/school commitments, now it's girl's craft night/science fair, followed by next week's birthday party-palooza. I just keep ticking off the days and wondering when it will slow down again.
I feel like such a slacker, but I haven't blogged because I haven't stopped long enough to type more than 140 characters. And most of those are done from my phone. As I type this, there are brownies baking in the oven, the last few winter decorations sitting on the table waiting to be wrapped and put away, birthday party favors scattered across the floor and an almost finished science fair project board propped against the walls. And the washing machine just reminded me I have clothes to put in the dryer. ugh!
Add to that the current fiscal crisis facing the state of Texas-- particularly education-- and you've got a less than stellar week. DH and I are both just praying we make it out of this with our jobs (he's in fine arts, which is up on the chopping block, I'm technology, which is also on the chopping block) Today I'm just trying to get through to the next hour. I'll accomplish what I can (and put anything I can't in the garage). Sorry to be a Debbie Downer, but it's just been an all around crappy day.
On a positive note, I am well stocked with girl scout cookies, thanks to this kid chasing down the cookie wagon on his skateboard.

Walking is bad for you

2011-01-19T20:35:00.000-08:00

After a very rainy and dreary weekend, yesterday's sunshine & mild temps were too good to pass up. I grabbed the young un and we set off for a walk around our new neighborhood. Shoes laced, ipod on, and we were off.

The young un was a trooper and when his rip stick couldn't make it up the hill, he grabbed it and trotted along. He did have a few overly-dramatic-out-of-control-straight-into-the-lawn moments.

No worries though, he'd seen someone on TV do it (My $$ is on America's Funniest Home Videos)

Aside from a few playlist snafus (Mariah Carey's Dreamlover can ruin a good pace!) we made good time and distance for our first major cardio since November. That feel good high came to a crashing halt this morning when allergies put me in a full on headlock. All I could hear from the young un's room was coughing and croaking and I know that's all that was coming from mine too. Add to that the sinus pressure on my eyes and the scratchy throat and I could have been an extra in zombieland.Small children just ran from the room screaming. I couldn't hear them cause of all the pressure on my ears.

But once I get the allergies under control I'll be back out there. Not because I particularly want to, but because I particularly want these:

Meal Plan Monday-- Take two

2011-01-10T18:40:00.000-08:00

So let's revisit last week's menu for a moment shall we?

Monday- Sloppy Joes made with ground turkey and baked fries. done. and enjoyed.
Tuesday- Spinach & Black Bean Lasagna forgot to get groceries & DH was working late so we had Chick-Fil-A
Wednesday- Slow Cooker Apricot BBQ chicken wings finally decided to go to grocery store, but was too hungry to wait till home so Whataburger cooked.
Thursday- Beef Stir Fry & fried rice Had groceries, but forgot to thaw beef. Had teriyaki ranch chicken instead.
Friday- Cheesy Meatball Subs Allergies got the best of me. Sandwiches were made.
Saturday- leftovers/ free choice

So that makes last week 1 for 5 on following the meal plan. Not a great start.

We've regrouped and armed with a shopping list and coupons, compiled this week's menu:
Monday- Pizza Pasta (I mixed venison with the sausage and used rice noodles)
Tuesday- Pork Stir Fry w/ fried rice
Wednesday- Quick & Crunchy Potato chip chicken
Thursday- Spinach & Black Bean lasagna
Friday - Cheesy Meatball subs
Saturday- leftovers/free choice

I'm linking up at

Six Word Saturday- clean up

2011-01-08T12:37:00.000-08:00

Now where do I put it?

The house has been un-decorated. but that's as far as I got. because putting all that back in the garage means I need to first clean/organize the garage. Which means I will google organizing blogs. Which leads to hours of wandering through the interwebz gathering ideas and buying more stuff to be more organized. And it starts a vicious cycle of cleaning/unpacking/organizing that makes me tired even thinking about it. So it will stay there for a few more days. And I'll still waste hours on the interwebz.

Wordless Wednesday-- I've got a stalker

2011-01-05T19:15:00.001-08:00

She's obsessed with me.

I'm linking up to Angry Julie's Wordless Wednesday Linky Party.

Meal Planning? Check. Meal Cooking? Not so much.

2011-01-03T17:45:00.000-08:00

Still fresh off an extreme couponing high, the Music Man made a resolution to stick to our newly revised budget. Newly revised because last week I paid off my car. His car has been paid off, and now we have the pink slips for both cars. That leaves student loans as the next debt to tackle. But I digress. After watching TLC's coupon divas, MM renewed his vow to make money using coupons. My contribution is to meal plan. Yeah, I know I said that last year and the year before. And I did meal plan. I just didn't meal cook. Cause I am not in my happy place when following recipes involving more than two steps. or those with measurements. or those requiring more than one bowl to mix ingredients. In fact by the time I'm mid way through a dinner entree, I either run out of some key ingredient (cornstarch) or mix up the tablespoon and teaspoon (not good when adding cayenne pepper) or burn/blacken all of the above. Pictures exist in cookbooks so I can identify what I've made for those about to consume it.

In spite of this I'm trucking along with the menu planing. Armed with internet resources, you tube videos, and yes, the Betty Crocker app, I chose these recipes for week one:

Monday- Sloppy Joes made with ground turkey and baked fries.
Tuesday- Spinach & Black Bean Lasagna
Wednesday- Slow Cooker Apricot BBQ chicken wings
Thursday- Beef Stir Fry & fried rice
Friday- Cheesy Meatball Subs
Saturday- leftovers/ free choice

We'll see how this goes. I'm linking up to :

10 from 2010

2011-01-01T17:33:00.000-08:00

This past year definitely embraced the metamorphosis part of my blog title. Chang in job, change in address, change in family, we've been through it all. I know I've neglected this blog as the succintness of Twitter and facebook statuses that I could update from my phone appealed to me more than sitting down and typing out blog entries. But as 2011 begins, I'm going to make an effort to express myself in more than 140 characters. What better way to look ahead than to look back at 10 highlights from 2010? Buckle up, it might be a bumpy ride:

10. My beloved Saints finally won a Superbowl (and I wore a Saints shirt every week to torment my 8th graders!)

9. My "baby" turned 10... and I cringed at the thought of the upcoming teenage years. (on a side note, 5th grade math is kicking my bootay!)

8. I traveled on a bus full of 5th graders to the Alamo for their class trip. During said class trip we experienced one sick chaperone and one bomb scare.

7. A freak snowstorm in March followed by Hermine's rains in the fall gave us a different look at mother nature.

6. Our first trip to the ocean (and first jellyfish sighting) made for some great memories. Bodyboarding was the young un's favorite way to pass the time.

5. Moving my parents into a new home (their first move in 30+ years) was a group effort. But the housewarming was even sweeter.

4. Throwing a shower for my brother and sister in law (from 300 miles away) was a challenge. Good thing they're baseball fans!

3. Changing jobs (and as a result, changing schools) meant leaving behind some fantastic friends and fellow teachers--not to mention a bad ass kickball team!
2. Becoming an aunt and holding my sweet little nephew. His older cousin was ecstatic about becoming his "big buddy".

1. Moving to a new house and watching a plot of land go from weeds to stone nearly got the better of us a couple of times. Building is NOT for the faint of heart. Spending the first night in a house that was truly ours totally made up for it. (Just don't look in the garage!)

So that's my recap. I'm hoping that 2011 will be a little smoother, a little calmer and a little less eventful. I won't resolve to post more, but I will resolve to post more meaningfully. Happy New Year interwebz!

I'm linking up to Domestic Fashionista's 10 in 2010 linky party.

Six Word Saturday

2010-10-30T15:51:00.000-07:00

I wish boxes would unpack themselves.

Moving is in full force. I hope to sit down and blog soon, as it is I'm borrowing internet from the local coffee place :)

Six Word Saturday

2010-10-16T11:43:00.000-07:00

Meeting my nephew for first time!

*These may be my most favorite six words ever! Isn't he just the most adorable little thing?

House Update-- Week 13

2010-10-03T15:29:00.000-07:00

Super excited to see this week's progress... we almost drove right past the house since it didn't look like a construction zone. Here's the comparison to last week:It's amazing the change a little sod can make in the appearance of the yard. Especially when you have a view of the 10th hole...

Noticeable additions: all appliances are installed, all tile work is finished, all carpet is installed and my lovely mantle has been installed. It looks like it's finishing touches, paint touch ups from here on out. So excited and overwhelmed by the idea of furnishing and decorating this place for the holidays! We've managed not to kill each other and we've even picked out one paint color together. There may be hope for this project :)

The one with the baby shower

2010-09-27T20:15:00.000-07:00

How in the world has it been 2 weeks since I blogged? I think I spend too much time fixing websites at work that when I'm faced with mine I just pretend it's going to post on its own. Oh well, I should probably blog about the other thing that's keeping me busy-- baby showers! Not for me, mind you, but hosted by me. Seems something is in the water in multiple locations and I have 3 friends/family members expecting.

The one baby I'm most excited about should be arriving any day, my nephew, Jackson Reid. I couldn't pass up the chance to throw a shin dig for my baby brother and his soon to be bundle of joy. As he and his wife are huge baseball fans (and the idea was to have a co-ed shower), we embraced the day at the ballpark theme.

Invites were inspired by Red Sox tickets

In lieu of a guest book, guests were invited to sign baseballs that will be used in the nursery decor.

We stuck with a red white and blue color palate and all the food you would find at a stadium. Pigs in a blanket, mini cupcakes, fruit and white chocolate dipped ritz crackers.
We also set up a nacho bar with all the toppings and an ice cream sundae station

Playing off the baseball theme, I made a name sign for Jackson's nursery. It worked perfectly above the nacho bar!

Popcorn and sunflower seeds served as decorations and appetizers :) Toss down a few baseball cards and a plastic base and it's a cheap cute centerpiece.

The bank loaned us a a popcorn machine that was a huge hit with the younger shower attendees, and the big boys as well.
Instead of playing shower games (my SIL isn't a fan) we turned on the games to keep the boys entertained.
The hostess crew and the mom-to-be.
The swag table... they have some seriously creative friends!

Diaper cake for the Red Sox fans. Super cute!It was such a fun shower and so easy to throw together! Most everything used in decorating was either edible or re-purposed into nursery decorations. I'm eagerly awaiting the arrival of this little slugger!

Wordless Wednesday- do you copy?

2010-09-15T18:29:00.001-07:00

It's all I can do not to quote Smokey and the Bandit all day at work. And that new appendage? It's like a GPS chip--- they can find me anywhere!

The Day it Rained Forever...

2010-09-09T17:19:00.000-07:00

or at least felt like it.

Nearly 30 hours of rain can not only make you want to curl up in bed and sleep the day away, it can cause some massive flash floods. As Hermine slowly winds her way northward, we are still trying to dry out in my neck of the woods.

Any time your morning commute looks like this, it's going to be a wild day.

This is the namesake Round Rock on a nice July day, with a wetter than normal summer.

This is the same creek on Wednesday morning.There's the rock peeking out from under the branch.

And bootcamp, I love you, but I just don't think we're gonna meet today. Those are handicap parking signs peeking above the water line.
Everyone here is fine, just a little water-logged and restless. But that's nothing a little Thursday night football won't fix, right?!

six word saturday fail

2010-09-05T21:30:00.000-07:00

I did not abandon my blog.

School has started, which means I am no longer in charge of my time. Since the new job has me dealing with computers all day long, I'm not exactly chomping at the bit to get on when I get home. Plus, I feel much wittier in the 140 characters I find time to type out during my day. But hang in there, I'm finding my balance and have so much to blog about.

wordless wednesday- testing my patience

2010-08-18T11:57:00.000-07:00

Linking up to Angry Julie's Wordless Wednesday!

Six Word Saturday

2010-08-14T07:31:00.000-07:00

Work has taken over my life.

I'm fairly sure I wasn't prepared for back to school, and finishing my first five day work week I've noticed that nothing else was accomplished this week. And the to-do lists at work? They multiply overnight.

I think I can, I think I can

2010-07-27T13:31:00.000-07:00

Yesterday was my first day at my new job. (Let me preface this with a quick recap- I've taught middle school for the last 5 years. I was on the edge of my sanity and applied for an Instructional Technology Specialist position within my district. I got the job.) I'm willing to be it will not be going down as one of my top 5. I showed up on my campus at 8:00 A.M. ready to dive in. I was the only person on campus except for the wonderful custodian who let me in. She showed me to my office/book storage room and then disappeared. Here's the fun part. They were waxing all the hallways yesterday, so I was trapped in my book room closet until they gave the ok to walk. I had no keys, no log in info, no lysol wipes to clean my office. My big accomplishment for the day was to take down the blue cotton curtains covered in smiley flower stickers and replace them with some grey twin sheets. (They make some fabulous no-sew curtains!)
And that's when my momentum came to a grinding halt. I ran out of energy. And tape for my label maker. And ideas. I'm used to throwing together bulletin boards and making cute binders, but not organizing an office inside of a closet. All of the text books are stored in here, so I'm limited to my desk and a table.

I'm open to any suggestions form the blog-o-sphere. How do you suggest I tackle this monstrosity of a mess?

I decompressed by working on a project for a very sweet little boy who will be joining my brother and sister in law in October, my nephew Jackson. I can't wait to post the whole project, but since I want his mom and dad to be surprised, all I can show is this little teaser.

House Update- Week 4

2010-07-26T06:51:00.000-07:00

I guess that chia house thing does work. Cause with a little cement, and a little rain, this week our frame appeared. It was like those little mushroom rings that spring up after the rain.

Not only do we have an outside, but this week we also have an inside. Yay! I can actually start to "see" where rooms will be.

House update week 3 :Foundation

2010-07-18T18:12:00.000-07:00

I've decided that there must be tiny elves that work on this house during the night, because I have yet to see a crew of workers actually on site when I drive by. But at least we have concrete, despite the fact that our builder swore we would see frames by the weekend. I'll give him a pass this time.
It definitely looks larger with the concrete poured, but I'm a horrible visualizer and can't picture they lay-out quite yet. We've also met the neighbors, who have no blinds on their windows and watched us "walk-thru" the house. My fingers are crossed for good weather and some serious construction this week!

6WS

2010-07-17T14:13:00.000-07:00

So many projects, so little time.

I start back to school in 9 days. I'm not quite ready. And I have a summer project list a mile long.

House update -week #2

2010-07-11T09:07:00.000-07:00

Last week's pile of dirt has turned into this week's body farm. Thanks to Hurricane Alex, last week saw a greater amount of rain than usual and put a halt on progress. Seems you can't pour concrete when it's raining :( This week's forecast promises to be a bit more cooperative, and may result in framing and *fingers crossed* maybe even a roof!

Does anyone else think "Poltergeist" when they see this picture?

6 word saturday

2010-07-10T08:53:00.000-07:00

My cat doesn't understand personal boundaries.

This is what I wake up to daily. and usually about 3:30 when she's ready to play. There have been times I wake up in the night feeling like Drew Barrymore in "Cat's Eye", but it's the cat sucking the breath from me. If I turn my head, she moves to that side. I sleep with half my body off the bed, just so she can't slither in beside me.

visit Cate to play along.

Dirty

2010-07-06T17:26:00.000-07:00

Last week I became the proud owner of a pile of dirt. A really big pile of dirt that we have big plans for. I then made a trek to Louisiana to celebrate the 4th of July with my parents and family. I really hoped to come back to a pile of concrete, but after checking my pile today, I still have dirt.

Do you think they make chia houses?

get off your "ath" let's do some Math!

2010-06-30T10:16:00.000-07:00

Math is a wonderful thing,
Math is a really cool thing.

Bonus points if you know what movie that's from :)

Today I ventured into the wide world of 3D shapes and all that it entails: volume, base, area, radius and pi. It's been a long time since I graced a math classroom, and we are not BFFs. I saved up all my "C" hours for my college math courses. I hated parabalas and graphing with a passion usually reserved for the Yankees. I am still waiting for the opportunity to use a proof in real life. Bottom line, it's just not my thing.

Which is why I held on to the teacher's manual for dear life and referred to my cheat sheet for every single question that arose. I can guarantee these kids will be able to find volume, but heaven help us if you ask them to justify their answers!

six word saturday

2010-06-26T09:44:00.000-07:00

Why can't I just do nothing?

Since coming home from vacation last Saturday, I have baked a gazillion cupcakes, packaged and mailed half those cupcakes, banished the sand from all vacation materials, started two 4th of July crafts, cleaned the pantry, cleaned the garage, and today I have promised young un a tie dye extravaganza. Why can't I just sit still and do nothing?

I wanna bake with somebody...

2010-06-24T16:52:00.000-07:00

While I was on vacation I took a break from the bloggy world to just relax on the beach. Which meant I had a plethora of posts to catch up on. Which means I quickly fall into some bloggy black hole, clicking through links at every stop.

On one of my late nights journey's I came across this recipe at Joy's Hope. It had everything I love: salted caramel, homemade butter cream and chocolate. *swoon* We were meant to be. I decided these cupcakes would be an excellent treat for my summer school co-workers. Apparently I thought summer school was staffed by an army. I really don't know why I thought I needed 672 cupcakes, but that's close to the number I ended with.

Big cupcakes, tiny cupcakes, cupcakes in a jar. I'm an equal opportunity cupcaker.

I tried to limit my samples to just the minis, and have spent much of the day delivering these little bites of deliciousness to everyone I've ever met. They do not need to spend anymore time in my house. I can not be responsible for the amount consumed if I'm left alone with them. They are that good.

So go ahead. Make some cupcakes. You know you want to.

On the beach you'll find them there...

2010-06-17T16:52:00.000-07:00

I'll be honest, my favorite thing about being a teacher is June & July. (Not August, cause that means back to work). But it takes a lot of rest/relaxation/adult beverages to clear my mind of the previous year's shenanigans.

This week, I traded my desk for a nice sandy beach.

kids running down the hall, for a kid running in the surf.

collecting homework papers for collecting sea shells.

juvenile behavior for, well, juvenile behavior.

And cheesy lectures for cheesy pictures.

These are the memories that get me through September and October and convince me I can survive another year. Now if you'll excuse me, I have a frozen drink calling my name and a mini golf championship to win.

Bring the beat back...

2010-06-06T12:14:00.000-07:00

I was a little worried when I caught myself singing this while folding laundry.

moving on up....

2010-05-25T11:54:00.000-07:00

For the past 2 weeks I have been anxiously awaiting word on a potential job change. Yesterday I got that word and it was YES! So after 5 years in my classroom, I am packing it all up to begin my new path as an ITS-- instructional technology specialist. I'm excited about the change in titles, and the new responsibilities that await me. Combining a love for educational strategies and lesson planning with a passion for technology has me truly ecstatic about the next school year. I'm always up for a challenge, and will admit that there will be a huge learning curve for me where the hardware aspect is concerned. But the campus I'll be placed at has a true desire to incorporate technology and that's what I'm sure will get me through all the times I want to pull out my hair.

For the first time in 8 years, I won't be walking into a classroom of my own. I won't have 123 names to learn and parents to contact. I won't have grades to post *shouts of joy* or attendance to track. And while there are parts of teaching I'll miss, I know that the parts I love will still be available to me-- creating engaging lessons, problem solving, creativity--and that will allow me to grow in my new position.

First order of business is packing away 5 years of memorabilia/materials/ supplies. It's a total mess and more than my organizational skills can handle. The next step will be turning my storage closet/book room of an office into a place that I can actually function in.

I'll post pictures next week and see what suggestions the blog-o-sphere has. My first training to teach? That would be beginner blogging :)

Six Word Saturday

2010-05-15T08:29:00.000-07:00

I can survive 10 more days.

Then school's out for summer!

I'm all right... Don"t nobody worry 'bout me

2010-05-11T20:04:00.000-07:00

mic check.... mic check... 1.....2...

In the words of Mark Twain, the reports of my (blog) death are greatly exaggerated. Sometimes when you least expect it, life just sneaks up on you. Perhaps it is best to start at the beginning... I think better in chronological order anyway :)

This past December I made the difficult decision to separate from my husband. It was a very emotional time and I retreated to find myself and restore relationships with friends and family.

We have since reconciled, and found ourselves in the midst of a new adventure together-- the building of a new house, our house. The process has just begun (we've bought land, settled on a plan & picked out tile) and I can already tell it will be one of those "what doesn't kill you makes you stronger" type situations.

Throw in state-mandated testing, fixing up the current house for re-sale, moving myself out, moving him out 4 months later, living in an apt filled with boxes, tennis lesson, 2 trips to Louisiana, my first craft bazaar and the end of the school year. I am just finding time to catch my breath. And to find words to write. Sometimes you've just got to step away from it all to gain perspective, and I think I'm ready to be back.

Somedays I just want to create something.
Somedays I just want to be silly with the young un.

Somedays I just want to sing (loudly!) & dance .

Somedays I just want to surround myself with the people that make me happy.
Somedays I just want to be left alone.

Somedays I just want to read a book.

But no matter what kind of day, I want to be open to the possibilities this blog presents. For creativity. For inspiration. For re-connecting. For tears. For laughter. For giving. For receiving. For forging new friendships. For finding me. And I invite you all to come along for the ride.

Six Word Saturday- late edition

2010-03-13T18:48:00.000-08:00

Spring Break is just in time.

It's about that time of the school year when I ask myself if I have enough energy to make it till May. Weather gets better, kids get crazy and I get tired of sitting in a classroom all day. Enter Spring Break--- 9 consecutive days without bells. It's gonna be just what I need.

Wordless Wednesday

2010-03-03T13:09:00.001-08:00

I want candy...

2010-03-02T20:15:00.000-08:00

At some point last week I got an e-mail from my son's homeroom mom about teacher appreciation week. My district does their own teacher appreciation without the seal of approval from Hallmark. I knew it was coming up and last night I had a panic attack because I couldn't find the e-mail anywhere and knew I signed up to treat the class teacher and music teacher. Smashed Peas and Carrots to the rescue! I had most of the stuff on hand to make these super delicious (and definitely not low cal) twix bars.

For her easy to follow recipe & pictures, go here. Seriously, go there now, they are that delicious! They weren't as hard to make as I thought (and I can make some huge errors in food prep) and they made great sweet treats for the teachers--- I even took them to my campus for some teacher lounge love!

In other news, I turn 32 in a few short hours and have no idea what my plans are... dinner? drinks? crafty time? making a new things to do list? Any suggestions for celebrating 30 the 3rd time?

The one with no snow day

2010-02-23T12:02:00.000-08:00

Today we awoke to sleet pellets. By the time we got to school they had turned into big fat snowflakes. And a few hours later it developed into a lovely winter wonderland. Check out the view from classroom. Yep, my classroom. Because I'm in school today.

Cause my district is cool like that and we're trapped in a middle school with snow on the ground and children in our classroom who rarely see snow. It's the perfect combination.

And so it goes, my life with no snow day :(

My Funny Valentine

2010-02-11T12:12:00.000-08:00

If you've ever shopped for Valentine's for your child's classmates, then you know that the manufacturers rely on the power of cheese. I have been informed that in 4th grade it's especially important not to give out cards that contain any type of statement which might result in your friends teasing you about girls.

So with that thought in mind, I was thrilled when I stumbled across a super cute and creative idea at 24-7-365. Alissa is a genius!

1 hour (thanks Walgreens!) and 20 minutes later, we have embarrassment-free Valentines!

Are you ready for some Football?

2010-02-07T11:36:00.000-08:00

Growing up in North Louisiana and Central Texas, I don't remember a time in my life when I didn't know football. And while pro-sports allegiances in the north part of the boot state were hard to come by, I've been a Saints fan for most of my life (I will admit to a brief fling with the Cowboys in the mid 80s). Yup, a brown-bag-wearing 'Aints fan.
Being a Saints fan as a kid was a lot like being a Cubs fans...if you set low expectations for them, they couldn't let you down. But today. Today is the day that the rest of the nation is invited to join the Who Dat Nation and learn what we've always known.

If you believe, it will happen.

Laissez les bons temps rouler boys!

Time is on My Side

2010-01-19T12:28:00.000-08:00

photo credit patrick hoff

As I looked back through the last year's worth of posts, and the ever looming birthday "to-do" list I realized that time seems to be a huge factor in my life. Shocking no? I'm always counting down to something, or rushing from one event to another or waiting for time to slow down. It's a vicious cycle that carries me from January to December.

Today, I opened an e-mail from a co-worker reminding me that there are 13 days left in January. 13 days to accomplish something this month. And that made me think, what if I set one goal each month to accomplish rather than a whole list of things? If I choose one project each month and set a goal for myself instead of starting half a dozen things and never completing them.

So that's what I've decided to do this year. Instead of making a thousand resolutions and wasting time, I'm going to set one goal at the start of each month (anything from weight loss to quilting to running a 5k) that will be my fait accompli.

My January goal is to organize my craft desk/space. It's become a little out of control after the holidays and is in desperate need of some decluttering before I embark on anything new for Valentine's Day.

What will you accomplish this month?

Six Word Saturday

2010-01-16T08:27:00.000-08:00

Feels like I can breathe again.

Second semester hit hard and fast, and so did the Cedar pollen. Thank goodness for a three day weekend and a rainstorm to help with both issues!

You say it's your birthday?

2010-01-14T09:19:00.001-08:00

Well, it's her birthday too...

Happy Birthday to my favorite jenga-playing sister in law!

It's been a wild and crazy ride for Sheila since she became a part of our family, but we're glad she's one of us :) Recently, Sheila & Marty answered the call to start on the path of international adoption. You can follow their adventures here.

Wordless Wednesday

2010-01-13T08:09:00.000-08:00

My job as an English teacher is safe.

Six Word Saturday

2009-12-26T16:02:00.000-08:00

It feels good to be home.

Even if it's the "other" home-- the one I grew up in, surrounded by family, scratching lottery tickets and playing jenga-- and even Santa knows where it is!

Just Breathe

2009-12-17T18:00:00.000-08:00

Christmas. is. in. 8. days.

Really, couldn't someone have warned me? I have been so focused on giving homemade gifts to everyone that I neglected to think of the amount of time needed to make said gifts.
After being overwhelmed by Hobby Lobby and their sale posters, I settled on ornaments for project # 1. I finally found time to sit down Tuesday night and whip out these lovelies for my co-workers and teacher gifts.

Then, as though the week before Christmas isn't crazy enough, the young un informs me that he has to build a mission by Thursday. It's a good thing he has a crafty momma!

Too bad he doesn't have a momma more in control of her glue gun.

It's a hard knock life

2009-12-11T18:49:00.001-08:00

Just when I start to think Christmas break is a cruel joke to torture teachers, the days begin to fly by. This week was no exception. And while I'm thrilled to only have 5 more days of the insanity that marks the end of the semester, I'm also a little worried that maybe I'm not as ready for Christmas as I thought.
I wish I had some glamorous events that have been requiring my attention, but alas, it has just been the little things we've been plugging away at:

Monday- Starting the week off with morning cafeteria duty, especially when its 36 degrees outside so all the kids come inside, can just about kill you.

Tuesday- I spent all day in training. And had a wonderful lunch with some amazing teachers at La Madeline. It always amazes me that we spend all day in the same building, but never have time to really hang out and catch up. I figured it was probably time to decorate the naked Christmas tree that has been sitting in the living room since Dec 1st.

Wednesday- Recovering from Crossfit's cleans & pull ups was made even less fun by the fact that Austin was colder than Detroit. I stand by the statement made previously. I am not made for cold weather.

Thursday- Just when the week seems to be getting into a rhythm, BOOM! A distracted driver comes along to rear end your car. Lots of crying and hysteria ensued, all of it on her part. I took the time to really appreciate the warmth of gloves and scarves and an emergency blanket while waiting for the police to arrive. We're all ok, though the young un was walking around like a little old man this morning while coming down the stairs.

Friday- Easily the longest day of my life. Prepping kids for their exams that start Monday, running to Dr appointments to have everyone checked out from the previous night's fender bender, going back to school to pick up forgotten homework and a run to Blockbuster in our PJs.

I would say it's been a long crazy week, but as I look at it, it seems pretty par for the course for us. I'm hitting a few Craft fairs tomorrow, shopping on Amazon tonight and am determined to have all gifts taken care of by Sunday night.

Six Word Saturday

2009-12-05T16:51:00.000-08:00

Yesterday I played in the snow!

For us Texans, that's a pretty exciting event, even if it only lasted for about an hour and then disappeared without a trace. So exciting an event that I let my students out of class a few minutes early and joined them on the blacktop. Join up with Six Word Saturday by visiting Cate.

P.S. Happy Birthday to my mother in law Lynn! We'll see you soon!

I'll be up in the gym just working on my fitness

2009-12-03T21:59:00.001-08:00

Or maybe I can do it in my own house, thanks to the fabulous Dipaola Momma at Chicken Nuggets of Wisdom I won the Jillian Michaels Fitness Ultimatum 2010 game for Wii. How excited am I?! I can't wait to get the burn going with Jillian (and maybe a fried s'more or two while I wait for it to arrive).

Another one bites the dust

2009-11-30T09:24:00.000-08:00

I'll admit it, I was one of those crazies at the mall at 3:30 a.m. shivering in the cold, with shopping ads in hand. That was me,along with my sister-in-law and mom, pushing my way through the doors for my free ornament/gift bag/gift card/candy bar. And yes, that was me making three trips to the vehicle before the sun came up (thanks to Penny's, Sear's, Belk, Kirklands and Old Navy) .

That was also me standing in a 37 person line at Bed Bath & Beyond in the hopes of using my 20% off entire purchase coupon before 10:00. What burning purchase would have me stand in a line that long? Why a microfiber dish towel and something equally as fabulous that I've already forgotten about. Ok, so I was really already standing in line with my mom and sis-in-law and just figured I might as well use the coupon.

Oh, and Target? Yep, that was us standing in a very "secure" line of 50 some odd people. Target was a bust for what I wanted to purchase, but I did pick up a couple of movies and cds for stocking stuffers.

Add in a quick run to Michaels (ribbon!), TJ Maxx(curtains!), Ross (more curtains!), Dollar Tree (ornaments) and Walgreens (BOGO 35. t lighted topiary!) followed by a 2nd breakfast at IHOP and you have some idea of our 14 hour shopping excursion. It takes stamina and fierce determination to shop like that, but in the end, there can be only one left standing.

And this time, it wasn't my sister-in-law.

525,600 minutes

2009-11-25T12:35:00.000-08:00

Last year at Thanksgiving, I was sitting in an ICU waiting room praying that my brother would come out of a coma brought about by a head-on collision with another vehicle. It was an accident that changed not only his life, but everyone that he's come in contact with.

Thanksgiving is a hard time to deal with tragedy, especially when the focus is on being thankful, for life and health, and family. Our family was there, aunts and uncles and cousins, bringing food, taking home laundry, opening their houses for showers or overnight guests. And through the days of sitting and waiting , we managed to find a few hours to enjoy the company of each other and to give thanks. Last Thanksgiving it wasn't about the banana pudding, or the fried turkey. It wasn't about the Black Friday sales or the Christmas lists. It was a time when we gave thanks for the friends and the family that banded together to ensure that every need was met, every mouth was fed, every tear wiped dry.

So this Thanksgiving, I am thankful for my family. For those I see everyday, and for those we keep connected with through the phone or Internet. I am thankful for the friends that prayed for us, fed us, called us, and just sat beside us. This Thanksgiving, "I thank God every time I remember you. In all my prayers for all of you, I always pray with joy." Philippians 1:3-4.

Everybody walk the dinosaur

2009-11-22T19:24:00.000-08:00

Open the door get on the floor, everybody walk the dinosaur...

Sorry, but that song has been stuck in my head since we bought the young un tickets to Walking with Dinosaurs. He's been eagerly awaiting the show, especially after seeing the haulers arrive and unload earlier this week. Tonight, for mom/son date night his wait was finally over. And just so you can share my experience, here's the young un's play by play:

Here are the brachiosauruses eating from a tree. The baby brachiousaurus is the one closest to the camera. Can you believe his size?! Just for a baby?

The battle of the two fierce long-horn torosauruses. The young male (the challenger) is on the left. The leader of the torosuarus tribe is on the right. After the young one wins, he eats some flowers and grass and then poops this huge massive ball of dung.
Intermission.

Giant bird swooping between the cracked lands(continents) over the newly formed Atlantic Ocean. It was the only thing that could travel between continents. It would struggle on land. The hungry predators of the early Cretaceous period, the Utah Raptor. The weakest of the three has to wait for it's meal, that's the tradition of eating.

Ankylosaurus and torosaurus versus baby t-rex. While it's cry is weak, it is still in danger, but you'll see what happened next.

Ankylosuarus and torosaurus versus baby T-rex and mama T-rex. First up in the arena we have mama T-rex and torosaurus. She's bringing her roar around with all she's got. Then she charges! But then ankylosaurus smashes her leg. She tries to bite him, but she misses. *Then for back-up baby T-rex comes around and bites ankylosuarus on the leg. Then BOOM! ankylosuarus is knocked out of the fight. Now it's baby T-rex and mama T-rex veres torosaurus. Mama T-rex charges, she means to miss, and baby bites torosaurus in the stomach, but torosaurus is still up fighting for his life. But then he goes down. Love of the two T-rexes; mother and son. It is the end of the late Cretaceous period. The battle is over, and they have won. But then, after the happy moment the comet comes. And they don't look too happy about it. And mama T-rex gets angry and roars and BOOM! it's the end of the dinosaurs... well not literally the end. Most are still with us today--they're birds. And that is the past of Walking with Dinosaurs.

So there you have it. I had my own personal commentary the entire show. And the * part wasn't in the show. He added it to "give it a little excitement."

Good intentions

2009-11-19T15:29:00.000-08:00

Last weekend I finally got all the Halloween items out of the house and back in storage where they belong. I also grabbed a few of the constantly multiplying Christmas bins. And that's about as far as they've made it. Sitting in a nice little stack in the living room because I can't quite part with my pumpkins and leaves. *sigh* There's always next weekend.

Shake ya Tail feather

2009-11-15T17:18:00.000-08:00

I have to admit, most of my crafty ideas come from someone else. A few years ago I discovered Family Fun magazine and it contained a plethora of inspiration for the young un and I. The turkey cookies in my header are one of those inspirations, and such an easy project. Here's my turkey tail feather tutorial:

First bake your cookies. You can do this with sugar cookies or peanut butter cookies. We used the slice and bake kind cause I'm not a baker.
You also need:
chocolate frosting
candy corn
mini chocolate chips
orange icing coloring
vanilla frosting (if you can find the orange icing writers, they work great!)
ziploc bags

Next slop a little chocolate frosting on the "top" of your cookie. It doesn't need to be super thick, just enough to give the candy corns staying power.
Apply your candy corns so they slightly overhang the edge of your cookie. I did single layers here, but for larger cookies you could double layer (see header). This is the part the young un loves to do-- usually because he snacks on the extra candy corn!

Now for the personality: spoon some orange vanilla frosting into a ziploc bag and carefully snip the very corner of the bag. This will allow you to draw your beaks and legs.
Next repeat with the chocolate frosting for the eyes of your turkeys. I also add mini cholocalte chips on some of them.Now step back and enjoy your gaggle of gobblers!If you're not a cookie person, Betty Crocker offers this cupcake alternative:

photo from Betty Crocker

Six Word Saturday

2009-11-14T06:56:00.000-08:00

photo from Armadillo Christmas

It's Christmas Craft Bazaar House Day!

6 houses, hundreds of crafty ideas & gifts waiting to be bought-- I am a happy woman today! It's like a crafting world series! And with any luck I'll be done with Christmas shopping when the dust clears. *Disclaimer- I've had both cough syrup and an inhaler this morning*

Thanks

2009-11-11T14:20:00.000-08:00

"As we express our gratitude, we must never forget that the highest appreciation is not to utter words, but to live by them." -John Fitzgerald Kennedy

Today I witnessed 300 8th graders pause in their cell phone dependent, 30 second attention span, drama saturated lives to pay tribute to the veterans of our armed forces. For an hour they sat quietly and listened while speeches were given, music was played, colors were presented and veteran's were recognized. I saw eyes tear up at the sound of Taps played by a trumpet ensemble of students. I watched them rise to their feet to salute the veteran's in attendance and shake hands with men in uniform on their way out. I heard them utter words of thanks. And for a moment I forgot they were 8th graders.

When the cloud of candy clears...

2009-11-02T18:15:00.000-08:00

I would be remiss if I did not post about our sugar fueled Halloween. So in the spirit of the night, and with my deepest apologies to Miley Cyrus, here goes:

I pulled to the curb at Tina's house, with my habit and my rosary.
Ninja son bolted from the backseat, glad to finally be free.
Grabbed all our treat bags, headed out into the twilight,
Eight kids in our group, try to keep them all in sight.

Then it got real crazy, drinks were making things hazy,
The kids start yelling, and they're getting pretty restless
Too much candy makes them hyper
So we turn the corner to go back home
and the Miley song came on.

and the Miley song came on,
and the Miley song came on,
and the Miley song came on.

So I kicked my shoes off, held my beads tight
started out with the running man.
nodding my head like "yeah, I'm scarring my son for life"
Got my habit on, doing the cabbage patch, flowing into the Kid N Play.
Yeeeeaaaaaah, It's a Party in the USA.
Yeeeeaaaaaah, It's a Party in the USA.

Six Word Saturday- Spookified

2009-10-31T08:10:00.000-07:00

Halloween+Middle School = Hairy Situations!

or
How much of it is really mine?

Houston, we have a problem.

2009-10-27T19:46:00.000-07:00

Dear Steve Jobs & Michael Dell,
I hold you responsible for my "honey-do' list never getting finished. Also I will be forwarding Dr's bills for eye strain and carpal tunnel to you respectively. As there is a mactop at his feet, I am holding you equally at fault for the addiction you have created.
Sincerely,
The PC Wife

Just another Manic Monday

2009-10-26T09:14:00.001-07:00

Yikes! I knew I'd been busy, but I didn't know it had been a week since I posted. Can't really say why I haven't, other than by the time I finally get to sit down at night I want to curl up with a book or watch some mindless tv. I haven't been entirely unproductive though:

I brought the "superstar spirit" to a district wide teacher pep rally.

I got the young un involved in a Halloween project for indoors and out.

I lost feeling in my appendages while the supporting the Mr at friday night Football.

I found inspiration (and more goodies than I can afford) garage sale-ing.

I caught up on my guilty pleasure.

I stocked up on crazy socks/hats/hair for Red Ribbon week.

What happens in the backseat...

2009-10-13T17:46:00.000-07:00

Especially when I had no idea he had even tried this little trick. I went into full panic mode when I saw this rash show up on his chin. We scrubbed, we alcohol swabbed, we lotion-ed. I'm pretty sure I sent him to bed thinking he had a fatal disease because it came up so quick and with no explanation. Fast forward to the morning commute when I spotted him in the backseat with a funnel stuck to his chin. Bruising explained.

Oh oh oh it's magic...

2009-10-11T21:44:00.000-07:00

This weekend's rain gave me lots of time to dig through Halloween decorations, and an excuse to try some projects I've had in the inspiration files. Last year I raided the dollar store Halloween items and armed myself with plenty of glitter and ribbon-- as if there's ever enough :) I try to mix in Halloween with my normal fall decor so I don't have to completely start over on November 1st.

One of my favorite inspiration sites is Family Fun Magazine. Last year the young un and I decided to make the CandleEyebra. Instructions can be found here, or you can take the Thrifty Decor Chick shortcut here.

If you haven't picked up the special Halloween edition, then you're in luck--- I have one copy to give away to a fabulous blog reader! All you have to do is leave me a comment telling me about your favorite Halloween costume. Mine was Velma (which you can see in my header) to compliment the young un's Scooby Doo obsession. I'll pick a winner Thursday morning at 7:00 A.M.

And with H1N1 season is full effect here in TX, a teacher can never have too much hand sanitizer. When I saw what Chris over on Just A Girl did for her co-teachers, I knew it would be the perfect October treat.
Whew! what a crafty weekend-- would you believe I did it all in my pajama pants? :) But, I feel productive and that's all that really matters right?

Six Word Saturday

2009-10-10T15:34:00.000-07:00

A pedicure makes all the difference.

And as an added bonus, I convinced the young un to get one too (no color!) so I didn't have to deal with his talon-like toes.

She's got Bette Davis eyes...

2009-10-06T13:00:00.000-07:00

Somedays it's all I can do to just get through the papers, the parent meetings, the questions, the papers, the e-mails, the announcements, the papers. On those days, even the diet coke doesn't help.

Six Word Saturday

2009-10-03T08:46:00.000-07:00

Where does it keep coming from?

Everytime I come in the door there's more clutter, and every weekend I keep clearing it all out. How long does this go on? ARRRRRGGGGGGGGGHHHH!

Embracing the cold front

2009-09-29T17:26:00.001-07:00

Last week in Austin we shed our 90+ temps for something a little closer to 70, and more rain than we've had since May. I took the cold front as a chance to break out the fall decor without feeling like a fake.

The candle rings were 50% off at Michael's, everything else was free :)

The coffee beans smell wonderful every time you walk upstairs, and they were a cheap filler.

The fabric leaves were an after season purchase last year and with a few glue dots, worked great on this flameless candle I had in my stash.

I spread a few more leaves on the lamp shade, just a few until I decide what I want to do, but it adds some color to the corner.

The front door needed something to replace the lime & cream daisy wreath, so I got busy on a design inspired by Living with Lindsay. Floral picks from Hob Lob, chipboard letter and scrapbook paper from my stash.

Six Word Saturday

2009-09-26T07:51:00.000-07:00

I'm even in school on Saturday.

I have been going non-stop the past 2 weeks- full days of teaching, parent meetings, flu shots, a "quick" trip to Louisiana for some college football. And yet here it is the weekend and instead of garage sale shopping or sleeping in, I'm sitting in class. *sigh* Maybe soon.... maybe soon.

Six Word Saturday

2009-09-12T06:53:00.000-07:00

Teachers have a wild side too.

After a short week at school, a couple of bottles of wine and some fabulous pepperoni dip, Bunco was just the right way to "unwind" last night. Much to the dismay of former student spotted lurking around the host house, teachers do indeed have a life outside of school.

P.S. Sorry I've been MIA this week, but I needed to shake the negativity surrounding the current school year. It's not rainbows and butterflies, but I think I'm gonna be ok.

Shake & Bake

2009-09-07T19:11:00.000-07:00

My kitchen help may have found his future calling. I think the spin move really adds to the flavor :)

Six Word Saturday

2009-09-05T09:52:00.000-07:00

Still trying to get in routine.

and then the three day weekend jumps in to mess it all up again :) I think it came just in time.

Join up with Six Word Saturday

I think this may be the one.

2009-09-03T19:56:00.000-07:00

I am a debbie downer. I admit it. It's exactly 9 days into the school year and I am ready to throw in the towel. I just don't know where I'm going to find the mental fortitude to plow through. This may just be the year that beats me.

My life is not my own

2009-08-31T19:05:00.000-07:00

The last two weeks of school and the first two weeks of school are the stuff anxiety attacks are made of. I am currently in the midst of the latter.

For a teacher, the first two weeks of school take on more of a secretarial aspect, collecting forms, sorting forms, issuing lockers, completing checklists to make sure all the correct forms have been turned in, and then delivering said forms to appropriate persons. Medical forms, registration forms, forms to join the PTA, forms to read certain books, forms to give your first born to the district. Then there are all the classroom things, like learning the names of 127 students. And just to make it easy I have a set of twins and at least 14 kids with some version of the name kayla/kalyn/kaleigh/kelsy. I'm thinking Gwyneth might have been on to something with Apple and Moses, cause I'd know those names by now.

I have a slightly different schedule this year, which takes some adjusting too, especially when it means a 1:00 lunch time. I may have to start bringing some snacks! I'm also pretty sure that I'm allergic to the combination of axe and old spice that seem to emanate from preteen boys. I am not used to eau de cafeteria or exhaust either.

As a parent, the first days of school mean getting everyone back on a sleep schedule. Making sure snacks are available and breakfast can be fixed quickly --and eaten in the car! Helping with homework and cooking dinner. Filling out forms :) It's just a little bit exhausting.

So please excuse my MIA status for the time being. I'm not a slacker, I'm just a teacher.

Six Word Saturday

2009-08-29T09:25:00.000-07:00

One week down, thirty-five to go.

To play along with six word Saturday, visit Cate.

Wordless Wednesday

2009-08-26T19:03:00.001-07:00

The first week of school is not fun :(

Six Word Saturday

2009-08-22T07:35:00.000-07:00

I think I can do it.

What a difference a week makes! Bulletin boards are up and decorated, first week papers have been typed and sent to copy shop, class blog is up and running, literature books are neatly stacked. Now if only it could stay this tidy for the next 36 weeks :)

Walk this way

2009-08-19T17:57:00.001-07:00

See these feet.

These feet are tired. These feet pounded the pavement to 20 houses for 2 hours in the 105 degree heat. All to welcome a group of 6th grade students to their new campus and enjoy the confusion on their face when I introduced myself as not their teacher.
Wrap your brains around that one. That's right, I spent 2 hours greeting kids I don't teach, and won't teach for another 2 years. And touchphobe that I am, I squirmed my way through every uncomfortable handshake (I'm too socially awkward to master the fist bump) sweat pooling on my brow and running down my back. I'm pretty sure the last house thought I'd run a marathon through their neighborhood.
So begins another year. So ends my vacation in sanity.

today

2009-08-18T17:54:00.000-07:00

6.5 hours of meetings.
2 hours of typing up materials.
20 minutes of ice cream bliss.

Paleo doesn't stand a chance :(

Six Word Saturday

2009-08-15T07:00:00.000-07:00

I'm just a little bit terrified.

For the past 4 years I taught US History, a subject I am completely and totally passionate about. It was a focus of study in college and I watch the History Channel till the wee hours of the morning. I can totally dork out with the constitution and election years make me giddy. But last week I made the decision to switch to Language Arts, a subject I've previously taught, and am (in my opinion) equally as passionate about. I am excited, yet at the same time, feeling so overwhelmed. I have 9 days to prep for the next school year and I don't even know where to start... ok so I know where to start, but I have yet to meet someone who can actually translate TEKS into usable language :)

So there's my big confession for Saturday. It's the little thought that's bouncing around behind my smiley face and "I know exactly what I'm doing" facade. 8th graders can be awfully intimidating.

Flashback Friday

2009-08-14T18:28:00.001-07:00

Trying out the Moon Shoes. 2006.

Made of Awesome

2009-08-11T08:07:00.000-07:00

In my daily blog perusal yesterday, I came across what could become one of my most favorite blogs in the history of ever. If you haven't checked out 1000 Awesome Things, you need to clear your afternoon and just click away. So many things to make you take joy in the simple things, like finding that Sonic card with just enough for a happy hour Vanilla Cherry limeade. Or finding a box of clothes that you packed away last fall and forgot about. Or jumping up in an elevator as it stops on your floor. Or putting on sunscreen in December just so you smell like the beach. Or finding no misspellings in your blog post :) Or finishing that final coat of paint on the kitchen cabinets. Awesome.

Frankie says Relax

2009-08-10T06:56:00.000-07:00

Massage.

Doesn't the word just send blissful waves of relaxation washing over you? For me it's a love hate relationship. I am one of those touch-phobic souls. I have a high level of regard for my personal space and can freak a bit if someone invades it, yes, even when it's well meaning family. I spend hours arranging my desk at school so that only I can be behind it. The thought of a student hoovering right over my shoulders is akin to nails scratching down a chalkboard. And don't even get me started on the close proximity talkers! Can. not. handle. it.

I am fine if I initiate the contact. Side hugs? Only if I approach you first. But when it's not my doing, I feel like I'm completely suffocating. There have been plenty of nights that I have to extricate myself from the Mr.'s arm after he's gone to sleep. Otherwise I lay there awake, feeling trapped for hours. It's a full on panic at reunions and social events (church- I'm talking to you!), and I'm not afraid to say I have come across as socially awkward on a few of those occasions. It's not the germ issue. I'm no Howie Mandel or Monk. It's the touching part.

Knowing that, you may ask how I could possibly handle an hour long massage session without completely loosing my mind. And the answer would be that I have to fight the urge to twitch for the first 20 minutes or so before I relax and fall asleep. Only that didn't happen yesterday. I think my first "red alert" moment came when my massage therapist came in wearing a sweatband on his head. I can only handle light pressure, anything more and I completely freak- giggling, jumping, wiggling, gnashing of teeth- the works. So working up a sweat during my session is probably not going to happen. This guy was serious about some massage. About 10 minutes in I was starting to find my "happy place" when I was jarred out of my near bliss-fullness by. a. Drill.

Seems the yogurt place next door is doing a little remodeling. And they are unaware that a drill and a tile cutter can drown out the relaxing sounds of waterfalls and birds in the woods. I was pretty much a goner from that point on, as construction interrupted at least 3 more times during the session. And it's hard to get the full benefit of a massage when you're tense and panicky. And I couldn't just sit up and walk out. OK, maybe I could, but there would have been some kind of indecent exposure laws violated. So I laid on the table and counted in my head and pretended like I was a normal person getting a normal massage and not secretly terrified of him touching my feet. Somewhere around 3,037 it was over.

Relaxing is hard work.

Six Word Saturday

2009-08-08T06:52:00.000-07:00

Farewell my carefree days of summer.

I have to go back to school in 6 days, the young un in 16. Bleck! I still have a million things to do before getting my mind back in teacher mode...

I should be painting

2009-08-06T17:03:00.001-07:00

But instead I couldn't pass up a little fabric/Goodwill/Dollar Store shopping. As for that tray, I have plans for it. And tomorrow, I promise I'll finish the cabinet doors!

When the parents come to town

2009-08-05T09:08:00.001-07:00

The kitchen is still in a state of "almost but not quite" done-ness. I did not make my parents work on this vacation, as tempting as it was to have 4 extra hands instead of my lonely 2. We took a few days to play tourist in our neck of the woods.

First stop was Inner Space Caverns, a place the young un knows well. It was a great escape from the heat to be 90ft underground, but the humidity was at 98% in there---whew!
Another day trip we took was to the tiny town of Bandera, TX, known as the Cowboy Capitol of Texas. You may remember it from Simple Life Season 2 when Nicole and Paris work at the ranch. Yeah, I didn't remember that either, but it seemed to make an impact on the owners of the General Store. My dad has been looking forward to this visit since we first moved to Austin.Throw in a lazy float down the Comal River, and a fabulous root beer float from the general store and we had a picture perfect tourist day!

This is the time when I just want to run away

2009-07-30T12:24:00.001-07:00

This kitchen makeover is taking every bit of "do it yourself-ness" that I've got. And my help keeps getting distracted by bugs and shiny things and the Disney channel. I don't know if this is ever going to be finished!

Drumroll please

2009-07-29T19:27:00.000-07:00

I tore Super Mario away from America's Funniest Home Videos long enough to draw a winner for the Pink in the Park T-shirt.
Congratulations!

Favorite Kid's Photo (Blog Hop)

2009-07-28T16:14:00.000-07:00

The Young Un enjoying a s'more and a visit with Shamu. (2007)

Stop by Barely Domestic Mama to join in this week's blog hop.

Bits & Pieces

2009-07-26T13:56:00.000-07:00

The days are starting to run together as summer vacation starts nearing the end, so we've been packing in as much fun as possible. Thursday night was Pink in the Park, a fundraiser for the Susan G Komen Foundation.
Our local minor league team donned pink jerseys and sweatbands, and even painted the bases pink to bring attention to breast cancer.
Their promo for the night was a fabulous t-shirt, and during the dot race, our section won pink rally towels. Always a fun night at the ball park.

*keep reading for a chance to win one of these shirts!*

Friday night the Mr & I attended a friend's wedding. Amy is a former co-worker of mine and the wedding was soooo much fun. Plus I got a chance to dress up :)

The reception meal was delicious, and I am a fan of the mashed potato bar! Party favors for the night were the best parting gifts ever: doughnuts!

Fueled by doughnuts, Saturday morning tasks featured my nemesis, paint. We have avoided the huge monstrosity of a wall for most of the summer, but as the Mr.'s band schedule starts back up, we had to tackle it. Think 22 ft ceilings and stairs.
Oh, yes, it was that much fun! 10 hours, 1 roll of duck tape and 2 ladders later, we officially banished all signs of builder beige from our house. It's a good thing I like this ole au lait!

Now here's where I share the fun: I have one extra Pink in the Park shirt that I'd love to send to one of you.
Entry is simple: leave me a comment.
Want an extra entry: Follow me.
I'll have the young un draw a name from a hat on Wednesday, after dinner. Let's say 8:00 Central? Sounds fabulous!

Six Word Saturday

2009-07-25T10:23:00.000-07:00

Some days I just feel old.

Like after a particularly intense crossfit workout. Or open bar at a friend's wedding. Or when watching NYC Prep.

Join Cate's SIx Word Saturday Linky Party:

I might have gone a little overboard

2009-07-24T14:48:00.000-07:00

The freezer paper stencil was so easy and so much fun that I just couldn't help myself. I raided the young un's closet, my closet and a rack at goodwill-- no t-shirts were safe!
After letting the young un choose his stencil designs (from this fabulous website), I set to work transferring them to freezer paper. The simpler the design the better!
In theory, you can print the design directly onto the freezer paper using your inkjet, but mine wouldn't cooperate and kept ripping it :( So we went old school!

I let the young un choose his paint colors, and set him to work while I finished cutting out his designs (each stencil only works one time).

It took some effort, but I managed to keep most of the negative images intact and tried out some color blocks on a few shirts. I used painters tape to mark of a square and centered my image in the square before ironing. It made for some neat effects.

All done, I made 6 shirts for the young and 2 for me. We still have 2 shirts blank, and a backpack, but I ran out of freezer paper, so we'll save it for the next rainy day.

A little late night crafting

2009-07-23T08:46:00.000-07:00

My living room is still not painted. I have 7 storage bins of crap to sort through in the garage. I have one piece of furniture to refinish. So I went to the pool. But then the rain that has been threatening for 3 days finally decide to fall, so I crafted instead.

I've seen a ton of freezer paper tutorials, and just happened to have some t-shirts from the young un's closet that would work for a quick try.

(*to keep the paint from bleeding through I put another piece of freezer paper inside the shirt.)

1 piece of freezer paper, and 15 minutes later (all while watching SYTYCD) and Tada!
I can't wait to make more!

Wordless Wednesday

2009-07-22T09:01:00.001-07:00

She only snuggles on her own terms.

Six Word Saturday

2009-07-18T06:15:00.000-07:00

I am too dependent on Twitter.

Seriously. I don't even remember the last time I watched the news (Colleen, pick your jaw up off the floor). I found out Michael Jackson died while tweeting about my Safeco field experience. I get my sports updates & scores while tweeting about my peeling forehead. I learned of Walter Kronkite passing amidst NKOTB webcast updates. If it can't be sent in 140 characters with butchered slang spelling, then it didn't happen. I feel like I live in this little bubble during the summer and have no idea what goes on outside of it. I feel like one of my 8th graders. Egads!

Summer Time and the living is E-Z

2009-07-16T14:31:00.000-07:00

I live in central Texas. Occasionally I have to remind myself of that fact. Like on those days when it feels like I live on the surface of the sun. Those face melting days when you burn just stepping out your front door, much less after 6 hours at the pool. Each morning watching the news, I'm pretty sure I'm getting the daily weather report for Hell.

Even the animals need a break from the heat, judging by our front porch visitors.

And I'll admit, there is only so much bejeweled I can play before my hands start cramping, and only so much reality TV I can stomach before I start planning an out of country move. (And I won't even mention the Hobby Lobby field trips!) So with that in mind, the young un and I traipsed off to the local library for some inspiration. Behold! The key to my summer sanity:

Until the sunburn heals, and the sidewalk isn't glistening with heat vapors, I'll be getting a head start on Christmas presents!

Too much of a good thing

2009-07-14T21:11:00.000-07:00

I was so excited to spend a whole day lounging by the pool, having adult conversation, and reading a book. And you know time flies when you're having fun... which may have been the reason I forgot to reapply the sunscreen. I figure by next week I'll have a nice molting effect.

It rains 9 months a year in Seattle

2009-07-11T21:42:00.000-07:00

But it didn't rain at all on our fabulous vacation to the Emerald City. It was a trip full of ER visits, baseball parks, crazy drivers, garlic, sewing and seagulls--all under the guidance of the wonderful Columbia Lily! We had a blast reuniting with old friends and even some "old" family, and seeing one of my absolute most favorite cities.