If you read my last post you know I was feeling sentimental, profound, thankful, and kind. WhatEVER! The weekend totally busted that feel good feeling. I argued all weekend with EVERYBODY. Alas, I am not perfect. This revelation has come as quite the blow to my ego. I must find a way to get back my mojo. It is gone. Gone. Gone.
I did manage to salvage Memorial Day atleast. Did the standard cooking out and that's about it. Plenty of leftovers. Still eating them today. :)
I have been hauling B to basketball camp at Lee all week. She does love it so it makes it easier on me. I feel already like I no longer belong there. But I did remind Mr. Billy that I am on contract until June 30th. Why I felt the need to point that crap out I will never know. I have enjoyed working on my new online Spanish class for those hours I am down there. I am looking forward to learning the language. Especially when I can freak the staff out at Don Jose's or somewhere when I totally bust them out for talking about people in Spanish. Which we all know they do. That really irritates me. Especially when I go to Escape Salon for a pedicure and they talk Chinese the WHOLE time. You know they are dogging out my feet and gosh knows what else. I really don't like it when they do that. And I like it EVEN LESS when people text other people while trying to have a conversation with me. RUDE! And it's not just kids. Put down the crackberry and have a real friggin' conversation will ya???
I am totally into the spinning bike at the gym. I have been a total of SIX times in EIGHT days! I LOVE it! I sweat like a hog the entire time but I am can do the entire 30 minute routine and my legs (I think) look better! The only drawback is I am so hungry. I think I'm just working my bod more and it's telling me OK, but you have got to feed ME for energy. I have not stepped on a scale but I did try on bathing suits ALL day yesterday and was not completely horrified by the image. LOL Others may have been though!
Well, I cannot tell you how much I enjoy blogging. I really like reading my old posts. I crack myself up. I hope you are entertained just a little bit. If not, I am truly sorry. I am going to try and blog more so stay tuned. Later....
Thursday, May 28, 2009
Saturday, May 23, 2009
The Inequities of Life plus the good stuff
I have a really good friend I worked with for years at DHS I'll call LF. We have remained close and talk often. Yesterday I got a phone call from another "old DHS friend" who was worried. She thought something might have happened, like death, in LF's family. I had just spoken to her on Thursday so I was naturally concerned. When I finally got a hold of her, it was not a death in her family but her best friend's husband (who turned 40 in April) just suddenly and unexpectedly died. They had been to the emergency room and had come home with a diagnosis of acid reflux. He still wasn't feeling well and his wife wanted to take him back but ofcourse he wanted to give the medicine from the ER time to work. In a matter of minutes he was dead. His wife performed CPR on him until paramedics arrived. EMT's did the same until the hospital but it was no use. He left behind his wife and two small children. I did not know this family but I have friends other than LF that do. It's a small world.
It has made me reflect on life. Maybe it's because of his age or the closeness I have with my friend but this has really got me thinking. Life is so short. You truly never know what's around the next corner. Death is inevitable. I don't want to be depressing because I know death is not the end BUT the fact remains that a mom and her two kids are forever changed. Tragedy. It has made me appreciate all those around me (the good, bad, and the ugly:)) and has even given me a new perspective. I am going to slow down a little and smell the roses for a change. It makes you think. The sad part is something like this should not have to happen to make you think. We are human, though. So this weekend say a prayer for the Teddy Patterson family from Conway please. They so need it.
Also, this weekend is not just the unofficial start of summer but also Memorial Day. As an avid history buff I would like to remind you to remember those who gave all so we could be free. It's often forgotten and should never be.
On a lighter note, I went to the gym this morning and did the whole 30 minute spinning class. I am hooked! I sweated and sweated and sweated! Ofcourse after that I had to go to Wally World which wasn't as bad as it could've been. I got to see a couple of folks I haven't seen in FORever so it was nice to visit in the aisles. And to treat myself I got a mexican pizza from Taco Bell. This probably nullified my whole spinning routine but it was sooooo worth it! LOL
I am signing up for Beginning Spanish online this summer. I am probably the only person in the world that is actually excited about re-learning Espanol! I can hardly wait! Seriously!
I think I am going to go ahead and try to start on my Master's this fall. I don't think I can do NOTHING all fall. Even if I deer hunt everyday...which I will not because my better half would not take me.....I would be so bored.
Well, I hope I wasn't to "Debbie Downer" (credit to Jake). I didn't mean to be I just wanted to share my feelings. Hope all have a wonderful weekend! Later.....
It has made me reflect on life. Maybe it's because of his age or the closeness I have with my friend but this has really got me thinking. Life is so short. You truly never know what's around the next corner. Death is inevitable. I don't want to be depressing because I know death is not the end BUT the fact remains that a mom and her two kids are forever changed. Tragedy. It has made me appreciate all those around me (the good, bad, and the ugly:)) and has even given me a new perspective. I am going to slow down a little and smell the roses for a change. It makes you think. The sad part is something like this should not have to happen to make you think. We are human, though. So this weekend say a prayer for the Teddy Patterson family from Conway please. They so need it.
Also, this weekend is not just the unofficial start of summer but also Memorial Day. As an avid history buff I would like to remind you to remember those who gave all so we could be free. It's often forgotten and should never be.
On a lighter note, I went to the gym this morning and did the whole 30 minute spinning class. I am hooked! I sweated and sweated and sweated! Ofcourse after that I had to go to Wally World which wasn't as bad as it could've been. I got to see a couple of folks I haven't seen in FORever so it was nice to visit in the aisles. And to treat myself I got a mexican pizza from Taco Bell. This probably nullified my whole spinning routine but it was sooooo worth it! LOL
I am signing up for Beginning Spanish online this summer. I am probably the only person in the world that is actually excited about re-learning Espanol! I can hardly wait! Seriously!
I think I am going to go ahead and try to start on my Master's this fall. I don't think I can do NOTHING all fall. Even if I deer hunt everyday...which I will not because my better half would not take me.....I would be so bored.
Well, I hope I wasn't to "Debbie Downer" (credit to Jake). I didn't mean to be I just wanted to share my feelings. Hope all have a wonderful weekend! Later.....
Tuesday, May 19, 2009
Last Day and Idol
Well, I am officially unemployed and it feels WEIRD! Good but weird. I had a great day today. I finished everything because I am a tad OCD and a multi-tasker. I enjoyed my last day and I so appreciated all that told me goodbye personally. It meant alot.
I watched American Idol and I think Adam sucked. I don't know why but he seems to have been way better in the beginning. Kris Allen is the one who SHOULD win! We shall see.
Tomorrow I am going to the gym early to try out the spinning bike. Then I'm getting a massage. Then I am going to start to organize this house! Should take me about a week....then what to do....what to do...
I hope all my teacher buds still remember me. I hate that I'm not going to have that daily relationship. We shall see. Later.....
I watched American Idol and I think Adam sucked. I don't know why but he seems to have been way better in the beginning. Kris Allen is the one who SHOULD win! We shall see.
Tomorrow I am going to the gym early to try out the spinning bike. Then I'm getting a massage. Then I am going to start to organize this house! Should take me about a week....then what to do....what to do...
I hope all my teacher buds still remember me. I hate that I'm not going to have that daily relationship. We shall see. Later.....
Monday, May 18, 2009
Follow up post re: Lee
I just kind of wanted to follow up on a few things. Although my last post may have seemed a tad melodramatic or negative, I did not intend for it to be. Truth is sometimes hard to hear. With that said, I thought I would highlight some positive things about Lee:
1. It is the safest place to be. No need to worry about your kid here. Everybody looks out for everybody else. No full-time police officer here and none needed.
2. The teachers, particularly on the high school end, work hard and NEVER get any credit for it. You have good days and bad days but for the most part we want your child to learn but we can't make them.
3. It's hard teaching a class of 30 but we do it. And unlike public school (which I'm not knocking) we can be creative in our teaching. We don't teach to the test.
4. Discipline is an option here. Yes we have some parents that think they should be called or have a problem with corporal punishment, but I'm all for it and very supportive. I'm not with my kid all day and last time I checked kids usually don't tell the "whole" story. I wish we could go back to when we were in school...you get in trouble at school you get in trouble at home. If you didn't get "along" with a teacher and they "picked" on you...get over it. They were the teacher and they were right. Tough it out. Sit there, be quiet, and do your work. Period.
These are just a few of the things I like about Lee. There will be problems anywhere you go. No place has been perfect since the Garden of Eden and that's what I know for sure. Later....
1. It is the safest place to be. No need to worry about your kid here. Everybody looks out for everybody else. No full-time police officer here and none needed.
2. The teachers, particularly on the high school end, work hard and NEVER get any credit for it. You have good days and bad days but for the most part we want your child to learn but we can't make them.
3. It's hard teaching a class of 30 but we do it. And unlike public school (which I'm not knocking) we can be creative in our teaching. We don't teach to the test.
4. Discipline is an option here. Yes we have some parents that think they should be called or have a problem with corporal punishment, but I'm all for it and very supportive. I'm not with my kid all day and last time I checked kids usually don't tell the "whole" story. I wish we could go back to when we were in school...you get in trouble at school you get in trouble at home. If you didn't get "along" with a teacher and they "picked" on you...get over it. They were the teacher and they were right. Tough it out. Sit there, be quiet, and do your work. Period.
These are just a few of the things I like about Lee. There will be problems anywhere you go. No place has been perfect since the Garden of Eden and that's what I know for sure. Later....
Sunday, May 17, 2009
Nice Surprise
This weekend was a combined 1984-85-86 Forrest City High School Class reunion. It was last night at the Rendezvous from 6-9. I actually had paid my money for me to go because usually Anthony is so busy this time of year. Well, it has rained soooo much that I thought maybe he would be off. It was our 12th wedding (actually elopement) anniversary and I knew he wouldn't want to spend it with a bunch of people who knew me. I love him way more than any of the people I would see at the reunion so I decided to just hang out with him.
Well, he had other plans and it was a wonderful surprise. We own a Beechcraft Bonanza airplane. He flew us to Gaston's Trout resort where we had a wonderful anniversary dinner and just chillaxed as Blakely would say. We got up this morning and enjoyed an even better breakfast. A class reunion could never top being with the one you love and I am thankful I chose not to attend. I will see most of the people anyways on Facebook. :)
Tomorrow begins my final week at Lee. It should go by quickly and I am fast making plans to attend summer classes at EACC and to organize this house. Well hope all have a wonderful week. Later........
Well, he had other plans and it was a wonderful surprise. We own a Beechcraft Bonanza airplane. He flew us to Gaston's Trout resort where we had a wonderful anniversary dinner and just chillaxed as Blakely would say. We got up this morning and enjoyed an even better breakfast. A class reunion could never top being with the one you love and I am thankful I chose not to attend. I will see most of the people anyways on Facebook. :)
Tomorrow begins my final week at Lee. It should go by quickly and I am fast making plans to attend summer classes at EACC and to organize this house. Well hope all have a wonderful week. Later........
Friday, May 15, 2009
Infinite Possibilities
This post will be kind of different. I am unsure how to start but here it goes...
This is my last Friday at school. It is bittersweet. Not in a regret kind of way but in a disconnected kind of way. I am leaving on what I consider to be good terms but others sort of ostracize me. To date there is one teacher who has not even acknowledged that I am leaving. Ofcourse this is really nothing new. I am so disappointed on so many levels about how this school could be. It's a great place but right now it's a little directionally challenged. Lots of questions but no answers. I am leaving because I have managed to lose two close friends in two years. Granted this is their problem but it is difficult. It is the reason I am leaving. I don't want to place myself in a position to teach their kid next year. It's not worth it to me. I am tired of playing defense..and offense is not worth it. I would love to teach part-time or a couple of classes but doubt that is a viable option. It's just a weird place to be in right now. I'm a say what you mean and mean what you say kind of person. Not a passive/aggressive bone in my body. If I am your friend..I am your friend all the time. Not when it's convenient or when I'm moody. I dislike indecision and I don't like someone to talk out of both sides of their mouth. I like conviction and compassion. I like to make something the very best it can be not just slide by. I like accountability. I like consequences. I like change. I like an underdog. I understand teenagers. I am not their friend....never have been never will be. They are not my peers. No regrets. I wish those who know me best the best of luck next year.
Okay, now for the lighter side. I am so excited about American Idol. I can hardly wait to see what Adam and Kris come up with next week. I am soooo pulling for Kris and not just because he is a fellow Arkansan.
This weekend I am supposed to attend a joint FCHS class reunion (1984-86) in Memphis at the Rendezvous. However, because of all this weather I am thinking I will not be attending. My husband may whisk me away in our Beechcraft Bonanza for an anniversary celebration. Tomorrow we will be married for 12 years. And they said it wouldn't last. LOL
I hope all have a wonderful weekend! Later....
This is my last Friday at school. It is bittersweet. Not in a regret kind of way but in a disconnected kind of way. I am leaving on what I consider to be good terms but others sort of ostracize me. To date there is one teacher who has not even acknowledged that I am leaving. Ofcourse this is really nothing new. I am so disappointed on so many levels about how this school could be. It's a great place but right now it's a little directionally challenged. Lots of questions but no answers. I am leaving because I have managed to lose two close friends in two years. Granted this is their problem but it is difficult. It is the reason I am leaving. I don't want to place myself in a position to teach their kid next year. It's not worth it to me. I am tired of playing defense..and offense is not worth it. I would love to teach part-time or a couple of classes but doubt that is a viable option. It's just a weird place to be in right now. I'm a say what you mean and mean what you say kind of person. Not a passive/aggressive bone in my body. If I am your friend..I am your friend all the time. Not when it's convenient or when I'm moody. I dislike indecision and I don't like someone to talk out of both sides of their mouth. I like conviction and compassion. I like to make something the very best it can be not just slide by. I like accountability. I like consequences. I like change. I like an underdog. I understand teenagers. I am not their friend....never have been never will be. They are not my peers. No regrets. I wish those who know me best the best of luck next year.
Okay, now for the lighter side. I am so excited about American Idol. I can hardly wait to see what Adam and Kris come up with next week. I am soooo pulling for Kris and not just because he is a fellow Arkansan.
This weekend I am supposed to attend a joint FCHS class reunion (1984-86) in Memphis at the Rendezvous. However, because of all this weather I am thinking I will not be attending. My husband may whisk me away in our Beechcraft Bonanza for an anniversary celebration. Tomorrow we will be married for 12 years. And they said it wouldn't last. LOL
I hope all have a wonderful weekend! Later....
Monday, May 11, 2009
Graduation and my final week
Wow. Graduation was Friday night and it was absolutely wonderful. I was so proud of all my seniors. They were so excited! Ofcourse, I took lots of pics and only cried a little.
The Valedictorian and Salutatorian speeches were great! As their speech teacher, I must say I was uber proud. The mic wasn't where it should be but they really didn't know what to do about that.
I did manage to make it to the after party at Brent's. I showed up at 905 and left by 915. Seriously, I am uncomfortable partying with kids. Graduates or not. Plus it makes THEM uncomfortable as well. I just wanted to make an appearance which I did. I am fairly sure a very good time was had by all! LOL I sure will miss these guys.
This week starts my final full week of work at Lee. I am really starting to get excited! I have so many things I want to do. I am looking forward to the unknown.
Mother's Day yesterday was great! My baby gave me a wonderfully thoughtful gift that she bought with her own money and a really funny card. Anthony cooked steak out on the grill. I laid around ALL day (after Sunday School) and even took a 2 hours power nap. It couldn't get much better.
I got my Mom tickets to see Wicked at the Orpheum this summer. I got three tickets. One for mom and Blakely and the other is her choice which is ME. LOL I saw this in St. Louis and it is one of the BEST by FAR I have ever seen! I can hardly wait.
Well, I am kind of not feeling the creative juices right now so I am going to cut this short. Hopefully I will become inspired by the next post. Forgive me. Later.....
The Valedictorian and Salutatorian speeches were great! As their speech teacher, I must say I was uber proud. The mic wasn't where it should be but they really didn't know what to do about that.
I did manage to make it to the after party at Brent's. I showed up at 905 and left by 915. Seriously, I am uncomfortable partying with kids. Graduates or not. Plus it makes THEM uncomfortable as well. I just wanted to make an appearance which I did. I am fairly sure a very good time was had by all! LOL I sure will miss these guys.
This week starts my final full week of work at Lee. I am really starting to get excited! I have so many things I want to do. I am looking forward to the unknown.
Mother's Day yesterday was great! My baby gave me a wonderfully thoughtful gift that she bought with her own money and a really funny card. Anthony cooked steak out on the grill. I laid around ALL day (after Sunday School) and even took a 2 hours power nap. It couldn't get much better.
I got my Mom tickets to see Wicked at the Orpheum this summer. I got three tickets. One for mom and Blakely and the other is her choice which is ME. LOL I saw this in St. Louis and it is one of the BEST by FAR I have ever seen! I can hardly wait.
Well, I am kind of not feeling the creative juices right now so I am going to cut this short. Hopefully I will become inspired by the next post. Forgive me. Later.....
Monday, May 4, 2009
What was I thinking?
This morning I did my next to last crappy morning duty. It is truly the one thing I literally LOATHE. I had no more sat down at my desk when my kid comes into my room. Her ear hurts. I am thinking drainage it's fine. I send her back.
I finish packing up my room and haul whatever is necessary down to the bookstore. I even manage to clean up my room a little. It is a pretty bittersweet experience. I have the first two periods of the day free because the seniors are gone. Although this may initially seem like an awesome thing (and it is but...) it makes for a LONG day. I have always been a multi-tasking overachiever. What takes most people days to do takes me hours. I am not bragging. I just get crap done. So now I'm kind of getting bored. Either way May 22nd can't get her fast enough.
My kid comes back to my room with more earache. I take her more seriously now because she never complains really and rarely gets sick. I sent her to the nurse for a tylenol to see if that would help.
Now it's lunch and I usually don't eat lunch but today we had a catered lunch for all teachers. And it was sort of a goodbye dinner for me, both coaches, and two elementary teachers. It was really good and I really enjoyed myself. After lunch I have another free period. Yippee. But it quickly ends because my kid is now full on earache. I get a sub for my 6th period class and head to FC to the DR. Now let me just say (and I know how this is going to sound) but I don't know how health care providers work in this area. I don't know how they do it. Seriously. I have never heard so many cell phones and cell phone conversations in my life. One wouldn't even get off the phone when the nurse called her back. She had her to WAIT. I would have snapped I tell ya! And if you are for some reason thinking she was black...you are wrong. Both races were represented and I have to say the black patient acted wayyyyy better than any of the others. It just boggles my mind. Where is the home training?? I just don't understand. My mom would've beaten me senseless if I acted that way to persons in positions of authority...heck to anybody actually. I know I am from the Delta and it will always be "home" but "home" ain't what it used to be. Sorry. And for those thinking there are problems everywhere...yes that may very well be so but I am in the market for some "new" problems. One never knows . Anyhoo, one ear infection and antibiotic later and we are on our way.
I get home and Anthony actually is home as well. I am ready for the gym. I go and think maybe I'll try the kickboxing class. It's ONLY 30 minutes. OMGoodness!!!!! I will not be able to walk tomorrow and am fairly sure I may have had a mini heart attack during the hellish bootcamp. LOL I am going back on Wednesday though for sheer sadism alone. I have let my "paunch" get a little over the belt if ya know what I mean and MUST do something NOW. I'll keep ya posted.
Well I'm done so I hope all have a wonderful week. Later......
I finish packing up my room and haul whatever is necessary down to the bookstore. I even manage to clean up my room a little. It is a pretty bittersweet experience. I have the first two periods of the day free because the seniors are gone. Although this may initially seem like an awesome thing (and it is but...) it makes for a LONG day. I have always been a multi-tasking overachiever. What takes most people days to do takes me hours. I am not bragging. I just get crap done. So now I'm kind of getting bored. Either way May 22nd can't get her fast enough.
My kid comes back to my room with more earache. I take her more seriously now because she never complains really and rarely gets sick. I sent her to the nurse for a tylenol to see if that would help.
Now it's lunch and I usually don't eat lunch but today we had a catered lunch for all teachers. And it was sort of a goodbye dinner for me, both coaches, and two elementary teachers. It was really good and I really enjoyed myself. After lunch I have another free period. Yippee. But it quickly ends because my kid is now full on earache. I get a sub for my 6th period class and head to FC to the DR. Now let me just say (and I know how this is going to sound) but I don't know how health care providers work in this area. I don't know how they do it. Seriously. I have never heard so many cell phones and cell phone conversations in my life. One wouldn't even get off the phone when the nurse called her back. She had her to WAIT. I would have snapped I tell ya! And if you are for some reason thinking she was black...you are wrong. Both races were represented and I have to say the black patient acted wayyyyy better than any of the others. It just boggles my mind. Where is the home training?? I just don't understand. My mom would've beaten me senseless if I acted that way to persons in positions of authority...heck to anybody actually. I know I am from the Delta and it will always be "home" but "home" ain't what it used to be. Sorry. And for those thinking there are problems everywhere...yes that may very well be so but I am in the market for some "new" problems. One never knows . Anyhoo, one ear infection and antibiotic later and we are on our way.
I get home and Anthony actually is home as well. I am ready for the gym. I go and think maybe I'll try the kickboxing class. It's ONLY 30 minutes. OMGoodness!!!!! I will not be able to walk tomorrow and am fairly sure I may have had a mini heart attack during the hellish bootcamp. LOL I am going back on Wednesday though for sheer sadism alone. I have let my "paunch" get a little over the belt if ya know what I mean and MUST do something NOW. I'll keep ya posted.
Well I'm done so I hope all have a wonderful week. Later......
Friday, May 1, 2009
Freaky Friday
Today was the Class of 2009's Class Day. It's a really neat day where the senior class gets to strut their stuff. They all participate to share the class history, song, flower, motto, will to juniors, and the 10 year prophecy. It's always emotional for me but this year it was especially emotional. I am very attached to this year's class. They are special. I absolutely adore each and every one of them. They are all different but manage to get along better than previous classes to me. They catfight and all but can usually keep it down to a dull roar. I just love them. I can really say this now since I no longer have them in class. LOL
Anyhoo, every year the senior class picks a teacher of the year. I really didn't expect to receive this award. I wanted it ofcourse...who wouldn't? But I really didn't think they would choose me. Not for any reason... I just figured they would skip it. But they did pick me. I cried like a baby. A few of them cried like a baby and they even gave me a standing ovation! That was pretty cool! They were so proud of themselves. I think they were just tickled they made me cry. They were extremely complimentary and I will always cherish each and every word they said. Wow.
It was particularly bittersweet because I have decided to no longer teach at Lee. I will miss it but I AM glad I had the experience. I am even happier that I get to leave with a class I enjoyed each and every day with. That's not to say that we didn't have our "moments" but honestly, there were few and far between. This is a great group of kids.
I am still crying tears of sadness and joy off and on. I expect this to continue until after they graduate. It's been a wild ride. Later.....
Anyhoo, every year the senior class picks a teacher of the year. I really didn't expect to receive this award. I wanted it ofcourse...who wouldn't? But I really didn't think they would choose me. Not for any reason... I just figured they would skip it. But they did pick me. I cried like a baby. A few of them cried like a baby and they even gave me a standing ovation! That was pretty cool! They were so proud of themselves. I think they were just tickled they made me cry. They were extremely complimentary and I will always cherish each and every word they said. Wow.
It was particularly bittersweet because I have decided to no longer teach at Lee. I will miss it but I AM glad I had the experience. I am even happier that I get to leave with a class I enjoyed each and every day with. That's not to say that we didn't have our "moments" but honestly, there were few and far between. This is a great group of kids.
I am still crying tears of sadness and joy off and on. I expect this to continue until after they graduate. It's been a wild ride. Later.....
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