Still alive

For all of you who have been supportive of my blog, I want you to know I'm still alive and kicking! The last few weeks have been a whirlwind of activity, so of course I have a lot to write about. The problem is, I'm taking a test tomorrow, and I've self-imposed limitations on myself as to computer time until that test is done!!

Next week, I start a two week long class, so I'm not sure how much of my time that will consumer, but I hope to be blogging again soon!

My Day Has Been Made

Not sure which is sweeter.....an email from a parent that says, "I want to thank both of you ladies for going far and beyond in order to help...." or that student hugging me and saying, "Thank you" on a Friday afternoon!!!!

Life is good, tomorrow is my 6th wedding anniversary....Sunday is Mother's Day!!!! Happy Mother's Day, all!

Proud Parent

Wow, the last week has been eventful for my daughter. She is an aspiring artist, and a brilliant one at that. I don't just say that because I'm her mom, I say it because it's true. Sometimes her OCD gets out of whack and she expects too much of herself (I wonder where she gets that?!?!!?!) However, all of this is paying off big time!

Anyway, Garland ISD had their advanced art show, in which Ash had 5 pieces entered. She got 2nd place on one, and honorable mention on two. We went to the opening reception Thursday night! It was amazing to see her work displayed and people's reactions to the art. Then, she got a letter telling her that her art had been selected as a finalist in the Goss-Michael Foundation's "Ready, Set, Go!" student art competition at a local gallery downtown. So, Saturday, we went to the Pop Up 310 Gallery near downtown Dallas. She didn't win, but to be selected as a finalist was such an honor. Then, two days ago, she got an email that she had been accepted at the Nasher Summer Institute for Teens, " an intensive five-day art curriculum for teacher-nominated high school students in grades 10-12". Enrollment is limited to 30 students, and is based on recommendations on teacher recommendations. I am pretty much swelled up with pride for my baby girl!

I find it amazing that my daughter has so much artistic talent, while I can barely draw recognizable stick figures. Not a day goes by that I don't thank God for the gift he has given me through this wonderful, delightful young lady. Sometimes the teen monster rears its ugly head, but 99.9% of the time, she's pretty darn perfect.

This week, she took her final TAKS tests (Math, Science, Social Studies). What a relief this is. She has two AP tests next week and one the following week, so when you have a moment, please say a prayer that all goes well for her and she doesn't stress out too much!

Teaching is FUN

Ok, so in the last few days, the kids have become accustomed to me and my rules. More importantly, I see them responding more than they ever have. I'm so excited.

Additionally....I've made a decision. My degree is in Accounting/Economics. I got burned out on the business world several years ago, so was teaching part time so I'd have some "free time". I have applied to an alternative certification program; sent my transcripts in; starting to study for the TeXes test....on my way to being a "real" teacher :) YIPPEE!!!!

Satisfaction

For the last 6 years, I have been working as a substitute teacher. I get asked all the time, "Miss, why aren't you a REAL teacher?" I explain (as patiently as I can) that I am a REAL teacher, I just choose to do it part-time.

Each spring I help get 6th, 7th and 8th graders ready for the state-mandated Math TAKS test.

Last week, a dear teacher friend of mine got ill....went to the ER...went to the hospital.....got admitted....had surgery.....stayed a few days...had more surgery....she'll be out the rest of the year.

So, I'm teaching beginning ESL and 7th grade reading for the rest of the year. I'm fortunate that I've been teaching most of these kids math, so they all know me and know what I expect. Even with that, they are pushing the limits since I'm not the "regular" teacher.

SO, there are a lot of adjustments going on around here and I'll likely be blogging less than I thought I would. I imagine this means I'll lose (or perhaps fail to attract) followers. I'll still be around reading...and will post when I have time.

What a Beautiful Sight!

My face in the mirror
Isn't wrinkled or drawn.
My house isn't dirty.
The cobwebs are gone.
My garden looks lovely
And so does my lawn.
I think I might never

Put my glasses back on.

Family of the four-legged variety

Aren't these just the cutest babies ever??? (The correct answer to that question is YES!)

Let me introduce you to my two four-legged kiddos.

This is Ladybug, more formally known as "Ash's Little Princess Ladybug"

She is a full of energy, loyal, loving and highly opinionated. She is a miniature dachshund who weighs about 9 1/2 pounds. She thinks she's a pit bull and pretty much in charge of the universe. On the flip side, she is the sweetest, most loving and loyal animal ever. She is OCD and has some pretty big hangups (which can be quite entertaining!). AND (party bonus), she's a "Momma's girl!". Her favorite place to be is in my lap, which is perfectly all right with me! When the rest of the world gets angry with me, I know my baby girl will be right there with a kiss and some love for mom!

This is Oscar, more formally known as "Ash's Little Man Oscar"

Oscar is in many ways the polar opposite of Ladybug: he's laid back, rarely says much, and pretty much down right lazy. He, too, is a "mini" dachshund (although at 18 pounds, he outgrew his breed). He's not fat (really), just big boned....probably bordering on the standard dachshund range (though he'd be a small standard). His favorite place to be is in Daddy's lap (probably due largely in part to the fact that Daddy will rub his belly endlessly). Oscar is registered as a piebald, which means he's white with spots. Those spots happen to be of the "silver dapple variety". The dapple hits one of his eyes (so he has one blue eye/one brown eye). He's quite an unusual little fellow.

I'm not sure if you can tell by the look on her face in this photo, Ladybug is not at all fond of the snow....

Oscar says, "awww, piss on it!"

As you might be able to tell, I think a whole lot of these two little semi-humans. As you get to know me, you will also get to know them. Oscar will be 8 in May; Ladybug will be 9 in July. As they age, sometimes I worry about what life will be without them. But for now, I'll just enjoy my life with them in it!

"Reason, Season, Lifetime"

I was talking to a friend about different "types" of friendship the other day and made reference to this poem. Sometimes things just need to be shared, and this is one of those things.

“Reason, Season, Lifetime” by Aleksandra Lachut People come into your life for a reason, a season or a lifetime. When you figure out which one it is, you will know what to do for each person. When someone is in your life for a REASON, it is usually to meet a need you have expressed. They have come to assist you through a difficulty; to provide you with guidance and support; to aid you physically, emotionally or spiritually. They may seem like a godsend, and they are. They are there for the reason you need them to be. Then, without any wrongdoing on your part or at an inconvenient time, this person will say or do something to bring the relationship to an end. Sometimes they die. Sometimes they walk away. Sometimes they act up and force you to take a stand. What we must realize is that our need has been met, our desire fulfilled; their work is done. The prayer you sent up has been answered and now it is time to move on. Some people come into your life for a SEASON, because your turn has come to share, grow or learn. They bring you an experience of peace or make you laugh. They may teach you something you have never done. They usually give you an unbelievable amount of joy. Believe it. It is real. But only for a season. LIFETIME relationships teach you lifetime lessons; things you must build upon in order to have a solid emotional foundation. Your job is to accept the lesson, love the person, and put what you have learned to use in all other relationships and areas of your life. It is said that love is blind but friendship is clairvoyant. Thank you for being a part of my life, whether you were a reason, a season or a lifetime.

Why My Third Husband Will Be A Dog: The Amazing Adventures of an Ordinary Woman by Lisa Scottoline

It occurred to me that as much as I read, it might be a good idea to share thoughts about the books I read with my blogging buddies.

I just finished this book yesterday, but was recommending to my friends and colleagues after 38 pages. Not that it took me 38 pages to decide I liked the book, but I was 38 pages into the book before I saw anyone other than my hubby, daughter and dogs to whom I could recommend the book.

I mentioned this to Coffey last night, and mentioned that the author describes it as "chick wit". His immediate response was, "Oh, great, a male bashing book". I assured him that is not the case.

To those of you that read mysteries, you may be familiar with Ms. Scottoline's name as a wonderful mystery writer. What I learned when I read this book, is that she also writes a "chick wit" column for the Philadelphia Inquirer and those columns are the basis for this book.

Her anecdotal humor takes us through different stages and relationships in her life, focusing mostly on her mom, her daughter, her brother, and her many pets. She speaks frankly about being a woman "of a certain age" (namely in her early 50s) and though she mentions her two ex husbands (Thing 1 and Thing 2), she doesn't focus on tearing them down as part of her humor. She addresses things such as panty lines, bralessness, hot flashes with humor, while throwing in some pretty astute thoughts about live and love along the way.

Each snippet is about 3-5 pages long, and they can all stand-alone, so this is a good book to be able to pick up and put down when you just have a few minutes here and there.

I'd highly recommend this book and would give it 4.8 out of 5 stars.

P.S. There is no grading rubric for my book reviews. It's purely subjective on my part. Feel free to agree or disagree as you will.

Figuring it all out--Cry for help!

So, now that I've created this blog, my husband has asked me at least 43 times if I've blogged yet. I tend to be a LOT OCD and a little (sometimes a lot) unable to concentrate on one thing at a time. I told my friend John last night that I can multi-task, just not at the same time. As a result, when I start thinking of things about which I could or would want to write, I think harder about the fact that my profile is lacking, and I want more information on my page as I see others have.

Then I visit my friends' blogs, and I feel even more inadequate. I see this wonderful 9 question blog on my friend Ace's page. I think, dang, I'd like to answer those questions and share with the world, but at the same time, I am plagued by indecision. Is that one of those "chain email" type posts where I'm supposed to copy and paste and change the answers? Or would that be taboo in the blogging world?

What I'm left with is a crossroads with signs pointing in all directions, and I'm not sure which to follow. Where oh where is the instruction manual for these things?

As a side note (another of those thoughts racing through my mind). I am very well aware that there are rules one must follow for grammar and punctuation. I'm a teacher. I spend my life trying to make sure 6th through 8th graders do and say the right thing in the right way. With that said, I'm not getting a grade on this...and I am not stopping to think about run-on sentences and the like...I'm just trying to get my thoughts out there for now....and, by the way....I tend to overuse ellipses....so beware!

My First Blog, aka WTF am I doing?

OK, so I've been thinking of blogging for a while and have some great inspirations for doing so. That also means I have some big shoes to fill. With that said, my motto in life is generally, "If you don't like what you see, look the other way!"

I'm so OCD, that getting this all just "right" has almost worn me out. I'm not sure I have the energy or inspiration to be creative tonight. But, here I am. And here this is. And hopefully, soon, here you all will be with me.

xoxoxxoxo