Michelle's Messages

Monkey Bed

2012-01-23T22:21:00.000-08:00

A few weeks ago I refernced the cat's favorite spot. So, here is the Monkey Bed post I promised.

Patches got a new bed for Christmas.

She stayed in it for the first 8 hours it was in our house.

She loves it is an understatement.

It is the coziest place in the whole world to her.

She can see everything from the Monkey Bed.

She likes to look out the window.

But, before you know it, she is back in the Monkey Bed. She even bathes there.

Iphone pictures can be so blurry when you zoom in!

She sits there.

Oh, Monkey Bed, nothing is better than you!

What a Week!

2012-01-15T05:55:00.000-08:00

It's been interesting around here!

We've had snow, that didn't stick!

I had my last observation of the teacher evaluation model for public schools Tuesday. All is well with my teaching according to this new model! I think we all knew it was even without all the paperwork, but it's what has to be done.

Our student teacher(resident, as they are now called) is beginning to teach more and more subjects. I feel a little lost at times. I'm not used to having someone else share the joys of my classroom!

I have a weird hip pain thing going on. Not sure what it is, but it's been around for 2 weeks now. I want it to go away. It only hurts when I sit down. So, I haven't been sitting down much.

I lost 5.8 pounds last week, thanks to the Biggest Loser competition we are having at school. Fun times!

My sister and her husband were on a cruise with my older nephew and his girlfriend this week. My younger nephew stayed with my parents. We visited on Wednesday night. Had a great dinner, laughed, and I wriggled around in pain with this silly hip.

Friday I met up with 7 other folks at Firebirds. Our friend Rajan was in town from Washington D.C. He transferred there a little over a year ago. It's always nice to catch up with him. Friebirds isn't vegan friendly though. I had some salmon with potatoes and spinach. It was delicious. The salad was too. Not too bad for my healthy choices. I wish they had grilled portobella mushrooms for an entree.

Trash Talk

2012-01-08T10:56:00.000-08:00

One thing I want to do this year is reduce the amount of trash I make. I throw away a lot of stuff. I've looked closely at what I waste and I think it can be reduced. I'm starting with lunches and breakfasts on the go. I usually have a Clif Bar and water for breakfast. That equals a wrapper and a plastic water bottle that I don't recycle usually. I have a salad at lunch. That equals a plastic salad container, a plastic container for the fruit, another for the croutons, and the wrappers on the saltiness. There is more plastic if I use a salad dressing packet. Then the paper napkins and plastic forks are also thrown out. All of that is served on a styrofoam tray. There about 1,000 people eating lunch in our cafeteria daily using about the same amount of trash as I do. That's a lot of waste.

So I am trying an experiment! Can I be trash-free? I have reduced a lot in one week. Is it possible?

I'll keep you posted!

Back to Reality

2012-01-07T16:14:00.000-08:00

It didnt take long to get into the swing of things again at work! We had in-service Monday. Then before you know it, it was like Christmas Break hadn't even happened. Afternoon meetings, early duty, and mentoring kicked right back in ASAP. Good times. I don't think I even took one picture of anything this week.

Pickles

2012-01-06T16:15:00.000-08:00

These are one of my favorite snacks!

When I was in school, I would spend time with my Gram and Paps in the summer. They had a huge garden and grew lots of cucumbers. I helped make pickles and tomato juice and sauce. Those are some of my favorite memories.

I'm even fond of pickle flavored chips!

Goals for 2012

2012-01-02T19:19:00.000-08:00

There are a few things I want to work on, but hopefully it won't just be for now. I hope these stick!

1. To be less connected to technology and be more fully present in person. Example: have actual conversations face to face or ear to ear.

2. Be a better listener.

3. Continue making heart healthy choices and continue being mostly vegan for optimum health.

4. Keep drinking only water and hot tea! Being soda free isn't all that bad.

5. Workout on most days.

6. Complete a mini triathlon.

7. Reduce the amount of trash I make.

2012-01-01T19:07:00.000-08:00

Blogs I Read

2011-12-31T19:03:00.000-08:00

A list of blogs I read is on the sidebar to the right. I have recently found some new ones that I enjoy reading instead of doing the laundry, dusting, or a sundry of other chores that I let wait a day or two!

Molly's Musings
Java Chick's Blog
Livin' the Yeh Life
Sreelun Tasty Travels
Nauga Bike
Carrol Farm
Walking on Sunshine

Happy New Year Everyone!

Movies

2011-12-30T18:51:00.000-08:00

I'm a movie nut.

I have always loved a good story. I thought I'd share some of my favorites. This is todays' list! Tomorrow it might change!!!!

I'm watching The Chronicles of Narnia as I type this! It's a beautifully filmed movie.

Great books often make great movies!!

Bringing Up Baby

Katharine Hepburn is in a category of her own. I think I've seen every movie she ever made. This is a great one!

Harry Potter

I read all the books before I saw the movies!

Mama Mia

This might be the only movie I like better than the Broadway show!

Our family got HBO when I was like 9 or 10. This movie came on so often I learned all the words! My favorite part is when the kids drives the boat on the lake! My family's favorite part was the end of the movie because I stopped saying the lines with the actors.

I don't know why this one is on the list. I just love it.

Another flick that I can recite. Its annoying, actually! Confession-I actually participated in a Movie Quiz on Pioneer Woman's blog and got every question right, and I was sad that I was not the first because I didn't win the prize. Really, Michelle? Internet movie quizzes? Get a life!!

Christmas In 50 Words

2011-12-29T17:34:00.000-08:00

I thought this was beautiful and wanted to share. I know it's a little past December 25, but don't we need to remember this everyday?

Big Bang Theory

2011-12-29T17:22:00.000-08:00

Here is my Sheldon Bobblehead!

It was a gift, that me me laugh hysterically!

(Photo taken with phone)

My phone takes great pictures in natural light, but inside pictures with lightbulbs disappoint in quality.

Perfection

2011-12-28T20:13:00.000-08:00

Oh, chips and salsa,

and guacamole,

why do I love you so?

Favorite Holiday Movies

2011-12-27T01:39:00.000-08:00

Emmit Otters Jugband Christmas

Its A Wonderful Life

Die Hard-KIDDING

Home Alone

A Christmas Story

The Grinch Who Stole Christmas

Christmas Vacation

The Muppets' A Christmas Carol

The Polar Express

Elf

If You Need Me.....

2011-12-26T16:52:00.000-08:00

I'm probably....

reading The Hunger Games trilogy....so good

trying to install the driver for my printer on this computer

writing a lesson plan or two

trying to switch all my itunes stuff onto one itunes account without

wiping out all my purchases

importing pictures from my phone

shopping the 2012 models of Hondas

watching a holiday movie

learning to knit something besides a scarf...its the best of my repertoire

looking at the Christmas tree and drinking some hot tea

SMILING because it is Christmas break!!

Christmas Flash Mob by Journey of Faith at South Bay Galleria - official...

2011-12-25T17:45:00.000-08:00

Merry Christmas

2011-12-25T00:22:00.000-08:00

I really wanted to have a nice picture of the cat by the tree to post on Christmas Day. (Humor me!! I don't have a child and she is a great poser!)

I brought it up to Patches, and she looked at me like this. I knew she was thinking, "What, get out of my warm Monkey Bed for a photo shoot?"
I grabbed her and removed her from the beloved Monkey Bed. It will get a post all of its own one day!

I tied a red ribbon around her neck. Because you know, it's Christmas.

She chose to run off and scratch her cheek on my socked foot.

Then she just ran off. At least we are in the general vacinity of the picture setting though!

The ribbon made her itch. I obeyed and took it off.

I had an idea. I had a wonderful idea! Lure her in with a moving ribbon. She can't resist, no matter how cranky she is!

Ribbon playing last about 2 seconds. She went searching for her present.

At last, some cuteness!!

Merry Christmas!

P.S. She went back to bed after her work there was done!

A Kids View of the Christmas Story

2011-12-24T08:00:00.000-08:00

Life List

2011-12-24T07:57:00.000-08:00

This morning I was thinking about what would be on my Bucket List, if I had one.
So I made one, but it's my Life List. Life is much more positive!

Here we go.

Visit as many national parks as I can. I've already started and have seen 12.
Stand at the top of what used to be called The Sears Tower in Chicago.
White water rafting in the Colorado River. I've rafted in the Ocoee in TN. FUN.
See Mt. McKinley in Alaska.
Milk a cow.
Drive a motorcycle. I think.
Copilot a small airplane.
Skydive.
Cut down a real Christmas tree.
Take a cake decorating class.
Fly fish in Maine.
Walk around the Mall of America in Minneapolis.
See where the Mississippii River begins.
Go to Coney Island.
Pick grapes in a vineyard in Northern California.
Run a half marathon. I've already walked one, but would love to be able to jog the whole thing.
Finish a Sprint Triathlon. I'm training now!
Sheer a sheep.
Visit Pennsylvania Amish country.
Learn to play at least one song on the guitar.
Ride an Amtrak train.
Ride in a helicopter.
See Mt. Rushmore.
See the Price is Right live.
Eat at one of Bobby Flay's restaurants.
Eat a lobster roll in Maine.
See the Mormon Temple and Gardens in Salt Lake City.
Build a gingerbread house.
Go to Astoria, OR where The Goonies was filmed.
Walk around Boston gardens-the setting for Make Way for Ducklings.
Take a boat ride on each of the Great Lakes.
Watch a pro football game in person.
Watch an NBA game in person.
Watch an Olympic competition.
See Old Faithful.
Sled in White Sands, New Mexico.
Go to London, Paris, Amesterdam.
See Greece.
Go to Austria.
Scuba dive in the ocean. I have only snorkeled.

It's Rector Road-Not Constantinople

2011-12-23T04:05:00.000-08:00

Yesterday morning I awoke with a burst of energy. I worked out, deep cleaned every room, laundered all clothes, and wrapped presents before 9 a.m. This is Christmas vacation. What is going on? Nothing is supposed to happen before 9 a.m. My internal alarm clock is still in full force, even though the one on my nightstand hasn't been touched in days.

After such an eventful morning, I went with Pete and Nana (aka my parents) to visit relatives in Arkansas. Picture this: Memphis, 2011. It was a rainy day. Pete was driving on the interstate eating some lunch while it rained with Nana in the front seat and his prone-to-pop-a-Dramamine daughter in the back. Oh, and pop a Dramamine she did! It was a roller coaster of a ride in the back seat of the Ford truck. Thank goodness for the tea I had gotten at lunch! After making it through the the racetrack of the expressway with only a few one-way conversations with inept truckdrivers, we finally crossed the Mississippi River into The Land of Opportunity.

I'm thinking of all the possible opportunities Arkansas has to offer and can't decide on which to share here. It seems that Razorback football would be noteworthy-Woo Pig....Sooie! Also the lakes are great for looking at ---because I'm not one to fish nor will I swim in a lake if I have to touch the bottom with my feet uncovered, but boating I love!!! For me, the best opportunity is spending time with people I love - because my people are Arkansans. Mom and Dad are transplants, so my sis and I are the only outcasts in the whole bunch. But our people don't judge and don't care that we are Memphians, well, at least they don't show it if they do. They love to come to the city for visits, well, some of them don't actually drive in "The Big City". Which totally cracks me up, because there are TONS more wrecks in their small town than here. And they seem to all have been in wrecks a lot more than any of us have which totally supports my fear of driving in "The Small Town"!!! Oh, the irony! One of the topics of conversation at dinner was how my cousin was in a wreck on Wednesday, and another was how my aunt's friend at work couldn't help her set up their work Christmas party that day because she was in the hospital due to a crash on her way home. Case in point. Give me "big city" driving ANYDAY!!!

Before we met everyone for dinner, Mom, Dad, and I drove around looking for old trucks. This was after an emergency stop to switch seat placements because apprently even Dramamine isn't enough to tackle the backroads of Greene County, Arkansas from the backseat of a pickup truck! AND after several conversations about the status of Dad's cell phone that he is relentlessly committed to....cracked display and all. He proudly shares the fact that his phone only makes and receives calls. I told him Santa can bring him a new phone. His reply was, "I hope he leaves the receipt cause I'll have to return it!" If Santa doesn't bring him a phone maybe he'll leave him a ticket to the 21st century of technology! We can dream, right?

I read the map(that happens to be on my Smart Phone that Dad asks me to use a lot but he doesn't want one for himself ha ha) while he scoped out old cars. He can spot a rusted out Buick like a hawk can spot a field mouse. After cruising the "wrong side of the tracks" of town for minutes that seemed like hours, we finally asked a policeman to help us find a street. He called into headquarters and found out the street we are looking for has a common name and a post office name. 8th Avenue is acutally Rector Road. But the street signs all say Rector but your mail is delivered to 8th Avenue-even though it's the same place. Confused yet? We were too! We finally find the man's house and he had sold the old trucks Dad wanted to see. But if you need a glass-half-full-moment, we now know that 8th is now Rector, not Constantinople!(Does anyone even know what that means? There's song about Istanbul, not Constantinople-because the name changed. Oh well.)

We journeyed on to see my great Aunt Jean. She is 85, lovely, smart, funny, and oh so cute! Her house was hot, like Africa hot, but it was decked out in Christmas! She has a ceramic cat for a pet that sits on a pillow on the floor. She had a live poinsettia. There are pictures of her grandchildren in frames and she chit chats so eloquently! Love me some Aunt Jean! Her white hair was flawless, as usual. I hope and pray that I am as independent and able as she is at 85. She still drives. Like- I knew she was home because I noticed her car was warm and there were raindrops all over it when I was walking to the door. Everyone says she goes and goes and goes! She frequents "The Wal-Mart" because there were Great Value bags of snacks on the counters! She is adorable.

My family knows nothing says Christmas like some chips and salsa at a Mexican restaurant. So all 13 of us met for dinner. It was so good. Even the vegetarian here loved the place. It was great seeing everyone and so fun to laugh and visit!

Although our venue is different, and the group is a little smaller, our family stays the same. Gram and Paps aren't with us in body, but their spirits endure!

Merry Christmas!

These Are a Few of My Favorite Things

2011-12-22T06:06:00.000-08:00

unexpected packages in the mail

Christmas coffee drinks at Starbucks

peppermint

rainy mornings at home

finishing an organizing project

Christmas movies

Christmas music

wrapping presents

purses

laughing with friends

meeting new people

getting my teeth cleaned

Sheldon on The Big Bang Theory

MY SHELDON BOBBLEHEAD THAT I UNEXPECTEDLY GOT IN THE MAIL FOR CHRISTMAS!

Elf the movie: Santa Announcement

2011-12-21T16:02:00.000-08:00

Santa Dances to Breakbot - "Baby I'm Yours"

2011-12-20T15:30:00.000-08:00

Christmas Time is Here....

2011-12-16T15:48:00.001-08:00

Christmas Break!!!!! No school! No alarm clock! No stress for a few days!!

A New Love

2011-12-04T17:49:00.000-08:00

Yogurt Shops....
and all those toppings for my diary free yogurt!

Artsy

2011-11-29T18:17:00.000-08:00

It started with sisters going to a class.

A blank canvas

turned into Hooty!

Then friends tried it solo one weekend.
Success!
WE HAD SO MUCH FUN!!

A Day in the Life of the Cat

2011-11-28T08:35:00.000-08:00

A little light reading starts the day.

Ordering a meal is a cinch. It is also known as staring down the waitstaff until you get what you want.

On to some much needed string chasing.

Then mvoing on to string retrieval.

Which leads to string chewing.

Sunshine napping is essential.

The roll over yawn is an admirable skill.

Staring into the sofa is so meditative.

A cat's work is exhaustive.

Baking

2011-11-27T07:30:00.000-08:00

On Tuesday, before Thanksgiving, I spent the day going to the market and baking desserts for our Thanksgiving Feast!

Grocery Run for Ingredients

I enjoy baking so much that sometimes, I wish I had a bakery.

Measuring Drawer

Then I begin to think about the people who complain about everything and are hard to please. Hmmm.

Pumpkin Gooey Butter Cake, Chocolate Sheet Cake, Pumpkin Pie

After that, I think about how once you start HAVING to do something, it isn't nearly as much fun as before, when you just baked because you wanted a tasty treat.

Pumpkin Pie

Finally, I think about how it is fun to make one batch of cookies, but I'm not so sure baking 20 batches of cookies after getting up at 4 a.m. would be that much fun.

Apple Pie

So, I think I'll just stay a teacher and bake because life is just so good, and sometimes tasty and sweet!

Camouflage

2011-11-26T07:24:00.000-08:00

Can you see the man in this picture? Look closely!

He paints himself to blend into the background!

Happy Birthday

2011-11-25T07:27:00.000-08:00

Happy Birthday, Momma!

Happy Thanksgiving

2011-11-24T07:14:00.000-08:00

Happy Thanksgiving, everyone!

Thanksgiving Break

2011-11-23T07:13:00.000-08:00

This is Thanksgiving Break for us at school. We get the entire week to enjoy our families and prepare for the holidays! I began my break by reading a great book, Jodi Piccoult's House Rules. Such a good story about a teen with Asperger's Syndrome, a disorder on the Autism spectrum, and his family. The book describes the struggles of a child growing up with social difficulties and illustrates the strains on the relationships of the people around him.

Lately, Around Here.....

2011-11-13T16:11:00.000-08:00

I had a birthday! So much fun! Mom and Dad threw a party. The family was there. We ate cake vegan style. Was fantastic.

Mom and Dad went to Panama City the next day. I went to the doctor the next day. STREP. Yuck. I missed a day and a half of work. My throat hurt, I had fever, and antibiotics make my stomach hurt. Whine Whine Whine.

That's what has been happening around here.

Well, I've Never...

2011-10-30T16:57:00.000-07:00

1. Left North America.
I've traveled around continent quite a bit. I've been to Canada, Mexico, and even Hawaii, but never have I left our great land mass of North America territories. Maybe one day...

2. Snow Skied

3. Been to The Windy City.

I would love to see the building formerly known as The Sears Tower. Ferris Bueller made it look so fun.

4. Seen Mount Rushmore in Person.

5. Been Married. But one can dream!!!!

Hodge Podge of Happenings

2011-10-08T05:19:00.000-07:00

Early mornings are becoming one of my favorite things. It is quiet....so I do quiet things. Read, fold laundry, drink hot tea, think. Sometimes I get up early on Saturdays. Like I did this morning.

School is going really well. It is challenging keeping everyone motivated, interested, and diligent. What's new? There is a resident teacher in my class this whole year. Resident teachers are what were formerly known as student teachers. The new program is a year long. There are many advantages to being in a classroom a whole year. A few concerns also have emerged about the year-long placement, but mainly because I think the residents get antsy about having their own classroom!! What a blessing to have another adult in the class to teach, reteach, assist, and problem-solve with because sometimes you just need another perspective!

My sprint triathlon training is moving right along. I have met my biking distance, no problem. I love my bike, the rides, all things bike are golden! I can walk the 5K and have even started running some of it. My nemesis is the swimming. Oh, the swimming!! My shoulders are changing their appearance. I have more muscles in that area, which is a total surprise. I never really thought about how swimming could change my body shape. I'm not complaining AT ALL! It's a nice surprise. The distance of the swimming would not be such a problem if I could fine tune some smaller issues, like breathing. Which really isn't a smaller issue. It is a HUGE issue. Also the length of my swim strokes. Who would have thought there would be so much to consider swimming a length of a pool! It is challenging. I accept and embrace the challenge.

My sister went with me to an art class. It's the kind of art class where you bring snacks and beverages and listen to great music while an artsy person talks you through a painting that everyone copies. It was a blast! We had a great time and I painted an owl! Even though we were all given the same instructions, all the paintings were incredibly unique. We have plans of going back. I have plans of getting my own table top easle to do some creating on my own at home!

Fall Break is coming up this week. Fall decorations are gorgeous so I'll be getting out the fall box and transforming my quaint little home into a haven of harvest goodies! Can't wait to get the scarecrows and pumpkins out. That means Thanksgiving is not too too far way! And neither is a birthday!!!

Almost Fall

2011-10-02T05:32:00.001-07:00

It is here! My favorite time of the year!

Happy

Fall,

Ya'll!!!

These Are A Few of My Favorite Things

2011-10-01T05:33:00.000-07:00

pumpkins

45 degree mornings

open windows

blue skies behind orange leaves

sweatshirts

shorts

Saturday football

scarecrows

apples

Halloween candy

wearing a jacket while riding a bike

2011-09-08T05:33:00.000-07:00

My plan for being healthier sounds simple.
1. Eat a healthy diet-no animal products, no processed food, no fast food, no food made in a factory.
2. Move myself every day.

So far it is working, but slowly. I've lost nearly 50 pounds. Lately I find myself a little discouraged because I'm losing at a snail's pace. I have not increased on weeks that I have not lost so I guess that is positive.

Last week I started a Couch to Tri schedule. Ummm, yeah that Tri means triathlon.

Oh My! It's Been Over A Month!

2011-08-21T07:25:00.000-07:00

Where to begin?!?
Since I last blogged I have:
gone to camp
visited Glacier National Park
hiked up a mountain
sat behind a famous hockey player on a plane
watched animals at the Memphis Zoo
walked around The Children's Museum
socialized with friends and family
organized my house
learned to breathe and swim laps correctly
organized my classroom
met new students
gone back to work
taken an art class
attended several in-services
kept a vegan diet
lost 45 pounds total
quit drinking soda cold turkey-only water now

These are a Few of My Favorite Things

2011-06-24T07:24:00.000-07:00

bean burritos

salsa

diet root beer

Vera Bradley

bookstores

pink toolboxes

time with friends and family

lunch at Panera Bread

frozen lemonade

getting the internet fixed

phone conversations with friends

Spot, my sister's family's dog

floating around in the pool

NEARLY Wordless Wednesday on Thursday

2011-06-23T20:50:00.000-07:00

I have internet service again! Hoo Rah! So, I'm going to backtrack a bit to Wordless Wednesday! Here is a sign that I saw and thought was hilarious! These men were slow so they want you to be too!

Reading Swimming and Trials

2011-06-22T07:28:00.000-07:00

Tuesday was going to be the day where I post about all the magazines I love reading. My modem went out. I'm blogging by phone. So this will be short and sweet. I like to read Real Simple, Better Home and Gardens, Food Network, and Cuisine at Home.
I've been swimming for exercise. Fun in this hot weather!! My television ends up on the Casey Anthony trial more and more. Its horrible, but forensic science is fascinating.
Have a great day!

Monday's Menu

2011-06-20T03:40:00.000-07:00

Well, I wish I could say that I have a wonderful new recipe that I tried over the weekend. I did make a really great summer dessert-the Strawberry Shortcake recipe I posted here. Mom and Dad came over for an afternoon snack and present opening for Daddy!

(Happy Father's Day to my wonderful wonderful dad! My parents are amazing people. I am so blessed!)

So, I didn't make this recipe this weekend, but I did make it last week when one of my friends that I teach with came over for lunch. Here goes!

Marinated Mushroom Burgers
2 very large portabella mushrooms, cleaned
bottled Italian dressing or balsamic vinegar with herbs
olive oil
your favorite grilling seasoning blend
whole wheat hamburger buns
your favorite burger toppings

Clean the mushrooms. Place them in a large Ziploc bag with the Italian dressing. Marinate for one hour if you have time. If you are rushed, 15-30 minutes will work too. Remove the mushrooms from the marinade and bag. Place mushrooms on a well oiled grill pan or BBQ grill. Grill for 5-8 minutes on each side. Add your favorite seasonings. I really like Greek seasoning blends, or Mural of Flavor from Penzey's Spices. The mushrooms will look like burger patties. Place on a bun and top it with some avocado, tomato, romaine lettuce, pickles, onions, mustard, ketchup....whatever you like! They are great served with some sweet potato fries!

(I could do a whole blog post on Penzey's! We are lucky enough to have a retail store in town, but you can order from their catalog or website too.)

Sunday's Video-Father's Day Edition

2011-06-19T06:42:00.000-07:00

Scenes From A Phone

2011-06-18T05:09:00.000-07:00

Dentist Office Waiting Room

New, old bed

Burning the Fields

Dad

Dad and I were staining furniture.

New shoes

Funny Sign

Look at the clouds I saw while driving!

I was headed straight into that storm.

These Are a Few of My Favorite Things

2011-06-17T04:42:00.000-07:00

Aloe Vera

Aspirin

(it cures a sunburn, who knew!)

Friends that know aspirins cure sunburns

Working on a project with my dad

Running errands with my mom

Words With Friends

Floating around in the pool

My bike

New sandals

Teva flip flops

Rice noodles

Sonic runs during summer

Running around town seeing someone I know at every stop

Thirsty Thursday

2011-06-16T19:37:00.000-07:00

I have a problem. I am so totally addicted to diet sodas. I try and try to quit and only have water, but I am WEAK!

I am drinking a soda every day. Sad, I tell you, sad.

I used to only have Diet Coke. Then I switched to Diet Dr. Pepper, which I triple love. I'm not opposed to Coke Zero either!

This week Walgreens was having a sale so I got some of this.

It is soooo good. Very summery!

Wordless Wednesday

2011-06-15T14:18:00.001-07:00

Tuesday's Read

2011-06-14T13:38:00.000-07:00

Frankenstein by Mary Shelley

If Brandy or Jessie are reading this, I need to apologize to them. Last summer on one of my treks to Northwest Arkansas-Southwest Missouri, we all went to Barnes and Noble. We all got a copy of this book. We were all going to read it and have a book club on Facebook. Then school started. Then I got off Facebook. Then life went on and this book sat on the shelf. I never read it. So, I am now. Brandy's sister-in-law is an English professor and recommended this book to Jessie. So, it must be good, right? RIGHT! I am really only into the first few chapters, but I have to say I am enjoying it!

I wonder how this guy will be represented! I'm kidding!!!

Monday's Menu

2011-06-13T16:29:00.000-07:00

Here is a quick and easy summer dessert recipe. It is not vegan, but I made it for some friends over Memorial Day.

Strawberry Shortcake
2 boxes of strawberries, washed and capped, sliced
1/2 cup sugar
1 tub Cool Whip
1 8 oz box cream cheese
1 can Eagle Brand milk
1 angel food cake, baked-I buy the ones already made. You can use any prepared, unfrosted cake.

Combine strawberries and sugar in a bowl. Stir. Let them stand while mixing the cream.
In another large bowl, whip the cream cheese with a mixer. Add Eagle Brand milk to cheese. Blend with mixer. Fold in Cool Whip.
Slice the angel food cake.
Serve the cake with cream mixture and berries on top.

Sunday's Video

2011-06-11T20:40:00.000-07:00

Scenes from a Phone

2011-06-11T19:58:00.000-07:00

Cat Yawn or Cat Yell?

I laugh every time I see this!

Helping with Laundry

Sebastian, the Ariel

Poor Excuse for the Best Food Ever

Very Vera

Look Closely, You'll See 4 Pizza Delivery Cars in a Row

Domino's, Papa John's, Domino's, and Papa John's-Respectively

Horrified!

Photo Outtake

Trying a Self-Portrait While Watching Swamp People

These Are a Few of My Favorite Things

2011-06-10T07:34:00.000-07:00

Fresh Fruit: Cherries, Blueberries, Lemons, Watermelons

Days Hanging Out With Friends

Movie Theaters

Swimming

Riding a Bike

Lakes

Calico Cats

Antique Beds

Turquoise

Winning a Game of Words with Friends

My Clean Home

Having All the Laundry Done

Prayers

Classic Books

Mushrooms

The Smell of Sunscreen

What's Been Going On

2011-06-05T19:26:00.000-07:00

I finally synched my iPhone. There were tons of new pictures on there!

Here are my Granny pillows. They are my favorite thing in the living room at this point.

My friend gave me this salad recipe. We were at a sushi restaurant. I only took a picture and I can't read the ingredients. So, I make up new ingredients every time I try to make it.

Patches looks like this during tornado warnings. Everyone should have a safe spot during tornadoes. Sleeping upstairs under the bed is not safe to me. So she goes in her suitcase and sleeps there until the sirens stop.

This was me on the last day of school. Yes, I was in the car. No, noone was hurt during the making of this photograph. Yes, I know better than to take pictures while in the driver's seat. No, I wasn't in motion.

This was some flooding we had here due to the Mississippi River expanding and not letting the Wolf River do its thing!

MORE RECENTLY

It is HOT. The temps are near 100. And by near 100, I mean 99 degrees. On my bike ride Saturday, I drank a whole bottle of water, sweated through my clothes, and continued to sweat for an hour after I left the park. Good. Grief. And, get this my friends, it was only in the 80s that early in the morning. YIKES.

Really, I do have more to say that is NOT about weather. I think I moved my age straight from the 30's to the 80's in a blink of an eye. I talk about the weather, I am discouraged by how much things have changed "since I was a kid", discuss fiber content of foods, and would love to have a powered scooter to move around "The Wal-mart". And I have a cat and love to knit.

Keep cool!

Is it still May?

2011-05-31T18:09:00.001-07:00

This school year has flown by. It sounds cliche, but how else do you describe it being October one minute and May the next.

I loved work this year. LOVED it. I am going to miss my students. Like real bad. Real real bad. They were funny, smart, respectful to others, and just all around awesome.

I'm still VEGAN! Can you believe it? It is not hard and I have lost 27 pounds. Who would have thought that eliminating dairy, meat, and other animal products could make a person feel so good! This is week 12 and it doesn't seem like a diet. Loving the results and the challenge of meal planning and the fun of finding great recipes to try!

Looking forward to the pool, the sun, the books, the bicycling(yes, I bought a bike), and all other things SUMMER! I hope you are too!

Spring!

2011-04-07T15:16:00.000-07:00

It's here! Spring flowers, spring clothes, spring decorations, and finally spring temperatures have arrived! I've left school before 4 each day this week to drink in the sunshine! I love driving home when the sun is out and I can roll down the windows.
This time of year puts me in the best mood.

School is WOUND UP! Well, I should say the students are at least! We are full energy and excitement! They are having a good time. My job is never boring!

Veganism is still a-go! I've really had some fun with meal-planning. Who knew you could do so much with vegetables! I do need to add that I don't think I could be doing this without BOCA burgers and BOCA crumbles. They are meat substitutes that taste delicious. I add them to spaghetti, chili, and tacos. YUM! I also use black beans in place of meat. So tasty when you spice them up!

Hope you are enjoying Spring as much as I am!

APRIL

2011-04-02T07:25:00.000-07:00

Happy April, everyone!

It's still chilly out.

We still haven't had Spring Break.

We are still gearing up for standardized testing at school.

I'm still vegan! Or at least pretending to be at mealtime! Let me explain, I'm vegan for health reasons. I understand most vegans choose an entire lifestyle of plant-based living for animal rights, ethical standards, and other environmental reasons. I don't dismiss any of those lightly, but I think this vegan thing is healthy! I choose to eat this way, but I still want to wear leather shoes and wrap up in a wool blanket and have honey in my tea. Animals should not be mistreated at all, don't get me wrong, but I'm not opposed to eating meat, cheese, or other "comes from animals" food. But, it was time for a change. How does the saying go? If you keep doing what you've always done, you'll always get what you've always gotten. OR something very close. So, I'm doing something I've never done before. It's kind of fun!! This is week 4. I feel fantastic! I have tons more energy. I sleep better. I exercise more. And other people have noticed a change! Who knew what replacing meat with soy and bean products would do for you!!!!

So, try something different! Doesn't have to be drastic. Change is the spice of life!

Have a great day!

I've Flipped!

2011-03-27T21:08:00.000-07:00

I got a Flip! Love it! It is so easy to record a video and put on the computer. The camcorder has a USB built in and the whole camera is smaller than my digital camera. Easy Peasy!

Catching My Breath

2011-03-27T08:03:00.000-07:00

What a whirlwind March has been so far.

To start, we celebrated my sister Stacey's birthday!

Our school went through an accreditation review at the beginning of the month. We were re accredited, but not without effort! We analyzed what we do and how effective we are at doing it! The team of reviewers were impressed and we were TIRED! Our Leadership team met often, rewrote our document, and we were so glad our efforts didn't go unnoticed! What a relief!

I got tonsillitis and went to a minor med with complaints of a sore throat and swollen glands in my neck and shoulder. Shoulder? Well, the medical experts thought the same thing. I ended up having all sorts of x-rays, mammograms, and ultrasounds to find out that I am fine. But, it didn't come without a little worry and soul searching until I knew everything was benign.

Then it was time for Dad's birthday party! What fun!

My primary care physician reassured me everything was good and I am healthy. But, I need to be healthier. So I started a vegan (plant-based) diet. I LOVE IT! It's fun doing meal planning and it has been easy so far. I have replaced meat with Boca, beans, and tofu. Not all at the same time! Oh, and walking is back. So is the gym. My floorboard shows the proof.

My school focus shifted to making sure everything is taught before standardized testing, which happens next month! I feel like I should put up a cot in my classroom and just sleep there! Spring Fever has hit! Baseball has started, temperatures got warmer, and kiddos just want to go outside! And that makes conjunctions, pronouns, antecedents, and The Great Depression just not seem so important to them! It's like me vs. spring!

My grandmother passed away last weekend. This was the 4th grandparent funeral in nine months. It's been so much for us, especially Mom and Dad.

So, this weekend, it rained, which cancelled some plans I made for Saturday. I took time to breathe. and do laundry. and read a book. and spend some long overdue time with friends at Bangkok Alley. and just enjoyed being there in that moment at that place laughing. LOVING EVERY MINUTE.

It turned cooler so I am still wearing winter clothes, but I LONG to get the spring colors out!

On my way home one day, I met this lovely lady. She was trying to eat the green vine on the fence!

The grass is always greener!
Enjoy your Sunday!

These Are a Few of My Favorite Things

2011-02-20T05:58:00.000-08:00

Food Network Magazine

60 Degree Weather

Aleve

A Wireless Computer Mouse

Quilts

Black Bean and Corn Salad

Old Movies on Saturday Afternoon

Costumes

Redecorated Classrooms

An Organized Home

My Job

Dove Dark Chocolate

Planning a Road Trip

Answered Prayers

Freed-Hardeman University

2011-02-19T05:48:00.000-08:00

Kelly's Korner Blog is hosting Alma Mater Day.
I am excited to share my alma mater, Freed-Hardeman University!

It is a small Christian university in Henderson, TN. Students go to chapel every day, take Bible classes every semester, and "learn how to live and how to make a living".

There are co-ed social clubs. PHI KAPPA ALPHA(WOOT - WOOT) is where I made some of my life-long friends! The basketball, baseball, and tennis teams were fun to watch. Intramural sports also kept us entertained. Classes were challenging and I felt prepared for work after I graduated and got a REAL job.

I encourage everyone to go away to school if they are ready. I lived in a beautiful old dorm (Hall- Roland Hall) with real wood trimmed windows and doors. The walls were made of sheet rock and it was cozy! Phi Kappa girls made up the majority of the residents and we had a blast!

The teachers were incredible. The profesoors called us by our first names. Our professors went to the churches we went to and were available if we needed them. It is such a special place for people to be and learn what they want from life.

I also went to graduate school there. They have several masters programs and even offer post masters programs.

In December, there is a benefit dinner that hosts celebrity speakers. In February, the Bible Lectureship is held. In April, Makin' Music, a social club musical/singing/choreogrphing competition, takes the main stage in Loyd Auditorium. Some of my favorite memories are of Makin' Music!!

Go Lions!

These Are A Few of My Favorite Things

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

Moroccan Oil Hair Syling Creme

Eucerin Original Lotion

Neutrogena Make Up Remover Cleansing Cloths

L'Oreal Bare Naturals Minerals Makeup

and Concealer

Cover Girl Lash Blast Volume Mascara
Orange Tube-Very Black

Oil of Olay Moisturizer

(Some may call it Oil of Old LADY- but I have always loved it!)

Burt's Bees Tinted Lip Balm

Neosporin Overnight Renewal Therapy Lip Balm

AND

WATER!

Drink plenty of water for beautiful skin!

What? Snow Again? Why, Yes, Ma'am!!!

2011-02-09T15:00:00.000-08:00

Here in Southwest Tennessee, snow doesn't happen everyday. Or does it? We've seen our fair share of the white stuff and I'm not complaining! It's beautiful! I think if I lived in Alaska I would never get over the beauty of a snowfall. It never gets old. And that's a good thing here lately. We've seen some amount of snow almost every week of 2011. Gorgeous! I love my leopard print hat and gloves, my ruffly gray scarf, and my big astronaut suit of a puffy black jacket! I ventured out for a walk with my camera. Here are a few of my perspectives!

Someone was snug as a bug in a rug while watching me out the window!

Here are the hooks Dad put up in my foyer! Love them.

Here is Patches again. This time she was exploring my school bag.

I had a snack when I came back inside!

Have you tried these? Oh my goodness. Oh my goodness.

I read a while.

Then I watched the news to see if there will be school tomorrow.

I still don't know the answer to that, but I'm guessing I'll get a chance to finish my book and probably start another one after that!

I played a few games of this on my phone. ADDICTIVE.

Those angry birds tickle me!

Enjoy your evening! Stay warm!

Again, Snow

2011-02-07T19:25:00.000-08:00

Today we went home early because of snow. Don't get me wrong, it was beautiful. Those thick, billowy flakes collected on everything from tree branches to street signs. But, we've had SO MUCH SNOW! Gorgeous! I think this is the most snow of any winter season I have ever seen. Even when I lived in Missouri we didn't have so many snow adventures. More is in the forecast and I am looking forward to it! I love a good snow, but the temperatures are supposed to be cold, way cold! I'm going to get some coffee going, heat up the teapot, and save a good book for Wednesday because I doubt we'll be at school. How will you spend your day?

Happenings

2011-01-29T15:09:00.000-08:00

This blog is just so exciting lately! Weather? Seriously, Michelle! The weather has been the main idea of the last few posts I've written. Well, keeping with the pattern, I do have a weather update....It's 72 degrees outside right now. We haven't been in school 5 days in a row since Christmas. Yes, there was more snow Tuesday night so Wednesday was a stay-home-and-read kind of day!!! Today, we are wearing shorts. Guess what, snow is in the forecast for Tuesday and Wednesday again in the coming week. Loving winter weather patterns, but the extremes are hilarious to me! Don't like the weather? Stick around a day or two and it'll change!

In other news, work is great. Love teaching! It is challenging, but those little brains are learning new stuff!!! The TCAP Writing Assessment is this week! Think good thoughts of writing for us!

Went out for birthdays last night. Jim's Place was the location and hats were the favors! TOO FUNNY! The birthday people brought fun hats for everyone! Not little paper cone hats, no. A huge pirate fluffy hat, a purple afro clown hat, a black plastic cop hat, an Asian field hat full with ponytail, and mine was a pink leopard print with purple fur! HILARIOUS! Our servers were great!

Saw Black Swan today. Disturbing. That's all I have to say about that. YIKES.

Enjoy your Saturday!

More Snow

2011-01-22T10:55:00.000-08:00

Well, the last few days have been beautiful!

We've had more snow lately than I can remember ever have in one winter. November 30 had a few flurries at school. It flurried most of the day on Christmas day. Jan. 9 we had several inches. Again, we had snow and a little ice this past Thursday. Since Christmas, we have had 9 1/2 days of school. We were out for 2 days last week and 1 1/2 this week. With in-service and the MLK holiday, we should be all rested and raring to go for the first 5 day week of the new calendar year!!! There was snow in the forecast again for Sunday night and Monday, but I think it will be rain! It will be so nice to have a regular schedule again, but, I have to admit, I love the snow!

SNOW DAY

2011-01-10T08:11:00.000-08:00

I'll post pictures later, but we had a Southern snow storm last night!! How rare! Snow days are the best! Warm at home with hot tea, stew in the oven, and my walk was BEAUTIFUL this morning!

HAPPY NEW YEAR

2011-01-01T09:25:00.000-08:00

After writing yesterday's post, I went and looked at my blog for this time last year. I did indeed not make resolutions, rather I called them "Home Improvement Projects"! I was taking care of my home, my physical home and the body I live in. It was a good idea!

I wish everyone health and happiness in this new year. May we all strive to be our best selves and make the best decisions in the moment, help others, don't worry about things of the past or the future, and to just live for NOW! Enjoy each moment. Make the most of what we are given! Enjoy the present(now), it's our PRESENT(gift)!

Will you call this year twenty eleven or two thousand eleven? I haven't chosen yet, but I'm leaning toward two thousand eleven!

Resolutions

2010-12-31T12:21:00.000-08:00

Last December 31, I'm not sure I made any resolutions. I could go back and check the blog to see, but if my memory serves accurately, I decided not to put a label on the growth I expected from myself. I think I made better choices in some areas in 2010 and neglected other things. I organized my surroundings. I moved to a new home and lived to tell about it! I found peace and made the decision to live happily-even on rough days!

So, hopefully I am resolved to continue with those choices and make even more healthy decisions in the coming year. AND I hope to not neglect those other things that I seemed to ignore last year!

Happy 2011, everyone!

It's Beginning To Look A Lot Like Christmas

2010-12-23T13:14:00.000-08:00

It's about time right? Besides being super busy enjoying the holiday preps, I have really been enjoying holiday specials, Christmas carols, Christmas movies and all things JOYOUS, except here on the blog. I decided it's time to do the Christmas decorations post-weeks after the work was done!

Snowman Tree

Santa Tree

Twelve Days of Christmas Tree

Snug As A Bug in A Rug

These Are A Few of My Favorite Christmas Things

2010-12-22T07:52:00.000-08:00

Time With Family

Saying Merry Christmas to People in Stores

Stocking Stuffers

Listening To and Singing Christmas Carols

Sleeping In

Shoppping Without Weekend Crowds

Christmas Candy

Morning News Shows About Holiday Stuff

Wrapping Gifts

Cooking

Holiday Movies

Parties

Red and Green Dishes

Walgreens

Miracle on 34th Street

Hershey's Kisses Commercials

Overview

2010-12-21T19:28:00.000-08:00

Here's what's been going on:
Last week, SICK. Yuck. Right here at the holidays, busiest time of the school year for me in regards to after school time, I get sick. Blah.
I missed Monday and Tuesday.
Went back to school for Wed.-Fri.
Wednesday night I had to run to the store to buy clipboards for my students' gifts in addition to all the other Wednesday night things I do. AND grades for the semester were due on Thursday. AND I was still sick, with fever.
Thursday was busy at school. I stayed late. I decorated the clipboards and prepared for our party after I got home.
Friday morning I was up way early and took medicine to help me get through the day. Got to school. Had a crazy busy 4 hours of partying, cleaning, de-Christmasing, and visiting with the students on one of the most fun days of the year! I finished up paperwork and left school, with fever, and congestion, and an overall terrible sick feeling.
After work, I drove to Mom and Dad's to help with their pre-party preps. My sister graduated nursing school that night downtown. After graduation, we went to dinner with the family. I was home late and STILL SICK.
On Saturday I woke up feeling HORRIBLE. I went to Mom and Dad's for the lunch and party. It was great seeing everyone, but I could have had a better time without the congestion!!! We went shopping and I took some Sudafed and a Diet Dr. Pepper. AMAZING! I was better. I got home about 9 and felt like a new woman!
Sunday was restful with light shopping and dinner with friends.
Monday-early laundry, dentist at 9, finished shopping, lunch, nap, cleaning, and a great night of The Sing Off.
Today. NOTHING. Not. A. Thing. LOVELY.
That's what I've been up to. What about you?

Santa Video

2010-12-17T01:42:00.000-08:00

I saw this on Big Mama's Blog and had to share!
Merry Christmas, y'all!

Cute Cat Video

2010-12-14T11:04:00.000-08:00

2010-11-30T22:34:00.000-08:00

Happy December!
Here are a few of my favorite December things!

Candy Canes or anything made with Candy Canes!

The Grinch! I love his story!

Russell Stover Chocolate-Covered Marshmallow Santas! We go WAY back!

Favorites

2010-11-14T07:45:00.000-08:00

Namtok Beef Salad

Chai Lattes

Banangrams

This Time of The Year

Potato Soup

SEC Football

Finishing the Laundry

Completing a Project

Making Lists

Weekend Nights With Friends

Movies-Netflix

Caramel Popcorn

Buying Chrstmas Gifts

What's Been Going on Around Here

2010-11-06T06:56:00.000-07:00

Costume Making

Halloween Party Planning

Halloween Partying

Fall Decorating

Lesson Planning

Holiday Shopping

Meal Planning

Sleeping in Short Increments Due to a Fussy Cat and a Visiting Skunk

Digging Out Warmer Clothes

Reading

Teaching

Birthday Celebrating

These Are a Few of My Favorite Things

2010-10-24T18:54:00.000-07:00

Diet Sunkist

Rainy Sunday Afternoons

Jack-O-Lanterns

New Prescriptions for Eyeglasses

No Pain While Walking

New Diets

Cute Orange and Black Halloween Decorations

Costumes

Caramel Apples

Shopping at Target

Thirsty Thursday

2010-10-21T00:41:00.000-07:00

I need to admit something. I am a hoarder of hot tea ingredients! This is half of a shelf in my pantry. And, yes, it is full of tea. It is my favorite fall/winter beverage!

These are the new additions.

Help me, please, to stay away from the tea aisle at any store I may venture into!

Wordless Wednesday

2010-10-20T00:38:00.000-07:00

Fit Tuesday

2010-10-19T18:42:00.000-07:00

~~Fat~~ Fit Tuesday is the sharing of my "Healthy Chelle Plan" activities, struggles, and successes!

In my attempt to be healthier, I have increased the exercise! Yea!!! But, as a result, I have an injury in my foot. The orthopedic surgeon has given me meds, exercise, stretches, orthotics, and advice to not continue the walking program until further notice.

To keep up my endurance and stay motivated, I need NO IMPACT AEROBIC exercise. He suggested a stationary bike. Boring was the first thing that came to mind when he told me that.

And this is where you come in.

Do you have any thoughts on other forms of aeorbic exercise that has no impact? If so, just leave me a hint in the comments! I welcome any alternatives to biking my heart out to get nowhere!!!

Meatless Monday

2010-10-18T20:18:00.000-07:00

Yummy Pasta Stuff

So, as always, I am trying to cook healthy meals. This is one I made up today. It was so yummy!

Cook a high fiber/whole wheat pasta. I like the smart choice in the purple box. It is healthy and not gritty.

Add black olives, mushrooms, bell peppers, and onions to a skillet with a little olive oil. Cook the veggies until the onions are brown.

Add veggies to the drained pasta. Add 1/4 cup low-fat ranch dressing and 1 cup pasta sauce. Mix together. Add parmesan cheese on top.

You could add cooked chicken, but then I'd need to call this post "Not So Meatless Monday!!"

Sunday's Funny Video

2010-10-17T16:03:00.000-07:00

I love a guy with a guitar! And this one made me laugh so hard!!!!
Enjoy.

These Are A Few of My Favorite Things

2010-10-16T14:43:00.000-07:00

Nicholas Sparks books

Roast, Carrots, and Potatoes for supper

SEC football on Saturdays

Long sleeved t-shirts

Good news from the orthopedic surgeon

New outlooks on old problems

Anti-inflammatory medications

Blue skies and orange leaves

A rainy day, which I am still waiting for!

Thirsty Thursday

2010-10-14T22:19:00.000-07:00

My thirsty treat of the week is Starbuck's Pumpkin Spice Frappuccino Light no whipped cream! Try one!

Pioneer Woman's Enchiladas

2010-10-13T15:54:00.000-07:00

Oh. My! I made these enchiladas and they were WONDERFUL! Thank you, Ree!

Almost Wordless Wednesday

2010-10-13T07:48:00.000-07:00

This little fella lives in the flowers by my parents' front door. And sometimes he hangs out ON the front door!

2010-10-12T20:29:00.000-07:00

First of all, HI!!! I am here and fine! Things just got really crazy for a few weeks!

I got barstools! I'm so happy! I put them together all by myself.

Well, almost all by myself. Someone had to keep the instructions warm, right?

The seat was first.

Then the cushion went on next.

The legs were last. If you look really close you can see I put the swivel part on upside down. No worries! I fixed it!

Lastly, the pieces fit all together! I really like them!

Here's a glimpse at the little bit of autumn on my bar!

Happy Fall!

Meatless Monday

2010-10-11T07:37:00.000-07:00

Southwest Black Beans and Rice

2 cups cooked black beans(you can use canned, just drain and spice them up!)
2 cups cooked rice
Taco Seasoning
1 onion chopped
1 bell pepper chopped
red pepper flakes(optional)
salt and pepper

Brown the onion and bell pepper in olive oil. Drain the black beans and add to onion/bell pepper mixture. Stir in the taco seasoning packet and follow the directions as if the beans were meat. Stir in the cooked rice, red pepper flakes, salt, and pepper. Muy bueno!

It's On Its Way!

2010-09-26T06:31:00.000-07:00

These Are A Few Of My Favorite Things

2010-09-25T03:49:00.000-07:00

The Color Orange

Fall Leaves

Pumpkins

Mums

Apple Cider

Apple Orchards

Candy Corn

(Is there a theme here?)

Cool Mornings

Happy Fall!

2010-09-24T03:39:00.000-07:00

I love it! My favorite time of the year is here! It doesn't feel like it yet. There'll be no frost on the pumpkins any time soon, but, y'all, it's coming! Highs in the 70's! I might have to put on a coat! Welcome, autumn!

Oh, and

Happy Birthday, Brandy!

Not only was she my college roommate, she is a life-long friend!

All Sorts of Busy

2010-09-23T01:02:00.000-07:00

I really love what I do! I get to go to work every day and watch young people become aware of their surroundings, abilities, and interests! They really keep me on my toes! The days seem to just fly by!

Here's what's been going on away from school lately:

1. I got my hair cut. Short. I told Delores, my fabulous hair stylist, that I wanted my hair at my shoulders or a little above. AND SHE LISTENED TO ME! Me, the no-idea-how-to -do-anything-with-my-hair-except-wash-and-dry-it girl!She actually did what
I said and did a great job, but oh my word is it short, like Dutch Boy paint guy short! The good thing about hair is that it will grow back!!!!

2. It's officially fall and 100 degrees outside. I'm not exaggerating. 100. In September. I had to turn up the air conditioner while I put out my fall decorations just to get a chill in the air. Pumpkins thrive on chills in the air, even fake ones inside! Tomorrow I might crank it up again and put on a sweatshirt. It's fall for crying out loud!!

3. Patches, the cat, may or may not have a mental illness. I think she is hallucinating. If she isn't running from invisible attackers, she is swatting invisible bugs in the window sill. If she isn't meowing like crazy, then I think something is wrong, because her new norm is meowing like crazy! Also, she snores. A lot. Even when she is awake and pretending to sleep. When I pretend to sleep she demands I get up and do something like open a can of food for her. She always knows if I am faking. But she won't budge when she fake naps. Double standards.

4. Fall break is around the corner and I have no plans. It's not exciting news and hardly worth mentioning!

5. I am going to an orthopedic doctor for my foot. Something is wrong inside different from plantar facitis. It hurts when I walk, when I sit, and when I stand. It hurts always. I have been trying to get on the bandwagon for the half marathon but the pain is stopping my progress. Not to mention my procrastination!!! But, we'll see what is going on inside the foot. I am hoping for a real medical reason for my being a SLACKER with the training!! Not really, it just helps me stay delusional!!

6. New t.v. is on and I have seen a few great shows already! Glee's season opener was super! Mike and Mollie was cute. And I can't wait for Thursday's BIG BANG THEORY! I don't know how I went from no t.v. to having favorites. But I've ventured down the cable path and there's no looking back!!!

Have a terrific Tuesday everyone!

These Are A Few Things That Bother Me

2010-09-19T17:17:00.000-07:00

The Hoarders Shows

Dust

Scattered Papers

Negative Comments

Eye Surgery on Television

Dirty Litter Boxes

These Are A Few of My Favortie Things

2010-09-18T17:09:00.000-07:00

Pizza Night

New Haircut

Flavor Ice Posicles

Fall Decorations

Clean Garages

Scarecrows

Throw Pillows

Blanket Throws

Jeans and a T-shirt

Singing with My iPod

Formula 409

Lunch After Church

Purses

Saturday Night Live

"Sunshine on a Stick"

2010-09-16T20:35:00.000-07:00

Time for Timer: Hanker for a Hunk of Cheese

2010-09-16T20:33:00.000-07:00

Schoolhouse Rock! The Preamble

2010-09-16T20:26:00.000-07:00

Schoolhouse Rock! Interplanet Janet

2010-09-16T20:25:00.000-07:00

300th Post

2010-09-14T19:58:00.000-07:00

This is my 300th post!!! I never thought I would have this much to say! I'm so excited to have continued my journey of sharing and documenting things for so long! May there be 300 more posts, hopefully each will be more interesting than the last!

Theses Are a Few of My Favorite Things

2010-09-11T07:25:00.000-07:00

Chili's Curbside Takeout

Secret Pals

Watching Patches Play With A New Toy

Laughing With My Students

Grading Papers And Everyone Does Well

Zyrtec

Hot Tea

Diet Pepsi (WHAT? Who knew!!!!)

Being Productive

The Feeling Of THINKING I'm Caught Up At Work

(because teachers aren't really ever caught up until May!)

An Organized/Clean Car

Have I said Zyrtec Yet? Because I really Love The Stuff!