Happy Christmas!!!!

This Christmas was awesome. We got to spend some time with family, ate some good food and spread some cheer. Some of the highlights were some homemade wassail, pickle lights, surprises, and some juicy sordid stories from cousins and mother in laws of cousins. Long story. I won't get into that one here.

My mom is an awesome gift wrapper. Her presents always look like little pieces of art. I like to think I inherited some of that from her. If I'd had more time this year, I would have liked to wrap all your presents for you. Seriously. That's how much I like it.

My dad is a unique gift wrapper. By unique I mean that he doesn't really care about looking "nice" per se. He is all about functionality. He is resourceful. So when we opened family presents on Christmas Eve, he had to run around a little bit beforehand. When I opened up his present, I first had to get through the tissue on top of the bag. Yes, tissue. Singular. Not tissue paper. He just threw a tissue on top of the small bag to cover the present. I know. Then Cody is opening his little gift with the tissue on top, and notices it says "Lacey" on it. He thought he had the wrong gift. Dad assured us that it was the correct gift. Then I looked at my bag. It said "Uncle Don" on it. It dawned on me what he had done. He had taken the bags from the gifts that we had opened not a few hours earlier from other family members. We all laughed and thought how lucky he was that our family members had put our gifts in bags. If not, what would he have done? Used yesterday's newspaper? Classic. Cody wraps presents like my dad. Sometimes I wrap his presents for him like a good big sister.

My mom is a great gift giver. She follows directions well and always goes above and beyond. She has such a generous spirit. She knows exactly what someone will like. I always cherish the gifts she gets us. Like this year she got me a necklace, earrings, and anklet that orphans in Uganda made. Man, she really knows me. So thoughtful, right??

My dad is also a great gift giver. He is very practical--as dads are. He gives gifts like flashlights (not just any flashlight--a Maglite!), emergency car escape kits complete with window hammers and seat belt cutters, and buck knives. Yes, these are all gifts I have gotten. I will say that the gifts my dad gets me are truly unique and I treasure them. Especially this Christmas.

This Christmas he got my mom and his two sisters Snuggies. He thought they were perfect gifts for them. Actually, they are. He got them several weeks ago. Just in case he thought I wanted one, I made sure to set him straight. I would NOT like a Snuggie this year, thanks dad. I thought I was safe. Yesterday under the tree were four leopard print Snuggies. There are four people in our family. He got everyone a Snuggie. Cody was less than enthused. He got Cody a Snuggie. HE GOT CODY A SNUGGIE! A LEOPARD PRINT SNUGGIE! It was awesome. There was some hesitation on my part, but after I tried mom's Snuggie on, I was a Snuggie convert. What was once viewed as an "idiot blanket" now has a home at my house. Really, it's ingenious! Cody's Snuggie, on the other hand, will have to find a new forever home. Shocker, right?






Pickle lights. Actually they're cactus lights. Cody said they look like pickles with mittens and a hat.




God bless us, every one!
Here's Tiny Tim. "Please sir, can you spare some crumbs?" Actually it's Lucky watching us eat Christmas dinner. Pitiful.



Hope your Christmas was awesome and that you got everything you asked for, Snuggie or not.

Do not, under any circumstance, sneak to see your presents!!

This time of the year is about family, friends and good times. Oh, and don't forget the presents. I love to be surprised. I don't understand why people wouldn't want to be surprised about their gifts!! Please, and I speak from experience on this, don't go looking for your presents. It will only end up with disappointment, and no one is that great of an actor. One year I accidentally (at least I remember it being an accident!) found a Dallas Cowboys jacket that I really wanted. As soon as I found it I was bummed out. No more surprise for me. So, my tip is to wait it out. I mean really, how many surprises are there anymore?

Interesting tidbits from our Christmas Affair

Okay. So it wasnt'a Christmas Affair so much as a "Winter Breakfast" in our classroom yesterday. Here are some interesting things I wanted to share.

1. I had one parent come. A wonderful mom of one of my best students. He is so smart, respectful and really has a good heart. Of course his mom is awesome too, that's how you get awesome kids. We talk and she's asking all sorts of personal stuff about me. Then as she's leaving her and I (a little awkward) take a picture together that her son takes. I forget about it. As she's leaving, she proceeds to tell me how she's going to share the picture with her son, who's in college, the picture of how pretty so-and-so's teacher is. I was like: a) Oh my. If that isn't an awkward situation I don't know what is. b) I'm thinking that college-age is my cut off. Not into keg stands, part-time jobs or homework. At least not anymore and c) A date would most likely involve drinking, and is that really the message I want to send to the kids? Don't think so.

I was flattered, though.

2. Another teacher came up to me at the end of the day and told me "You're going to have a new student. (At this point I'm thinking, great. I just got a new kid this week. Awesome.) "Her name is Miracle." I shit you not.

I go through the whole spiel, "Blah, blah blah, Ms. M, blah, blah, blah." And then I tell her what an awesome name she has.

It is a Christmas Miracle! Or rather, a New Year Miracle since she won't start till January.

Last appearance of the Master Batters

So. Last week we played in the play offs. Before you get all impressed, everybody plays in the playoffs. We had 2 games. One at 7:00, then if we won, we played at 9:00. If we lost, we played at 10:00. If we lost both, then the season was over. The first game is pretty much a shut out. We did manage to get on the scoreboard. Thank God. We couldn't have our second to last game be a total embarrassment!

Now we play at 10:00. After some food and hot chocolate at McDonald's, we were ready to try our best. Have I mentioned yet that the temperature is hovering around freezing? That's 32 degrees Fahrenheit (0 degrees Celsius for all you metric people). Well, it was. Like, it felt as if you caught the ball your hand might crack and fall into pieces. We played awesome in the second game. We were hitting, fielding and all that jazz. I actually had some good hits and plays, if you don't count that crazy throw to third, with nobody on third. We all had great plays and hits. But it wasn't enough. We lost the game 14-16. While we were bummed the season was over, we were glad we didn't have play in Arctic-like weather again.

It's safe to say a winter league is out of the question.


3 Badasses at McDonald's drinking hot cocoa

B-day karaoke continued...ha ha!

Today we went to see Mama, where she proceeded to cry after we told her it was my birthday. Then she asked, "Now, listen. When am I getting out of here?" a couple of times during the visit. Like we were planning a prison break and she half expected to find a knife in the cake. Except we didn't bring any cake.

Then it was off to Hyde Park Grill and opening of presents. And guess what? I got a karaoke machine. Check out the awesome pictures.

Cody is the sound guy.

Dad isn't really into karaoke, but it was right up Mom's alley. Now all we need is some Patsy Cline and she's set.

My precious family.

I am so lucky to have such a great family and friends. I really am blessed to have so many awesome people and so much love in my life. Smile.

Loud and proud

We celebrated my birthday yesterday with some karaoke. We went to a little place called Austin Karaoke. You ask them for a room, and boom! You have your very own privada karaoke party. It was a blast! Truly a spectacle. Here are some pics of the finer points.

Cody and Anne Marie

Amy, Desiree, me

Breo

Sing it!


Awesome Japanese videos

Feelin' it


Pop Goes our Hearts

When life gives you lemons, you make lemonade...totally

On Monday after a week off, one of my students comes up to class with a spring in his step and a brown paper bag in his hand. He just hands it to me and says, "Here!". So I open it, and see what I think are four huge oranges. "Cool! Oranges. I love oranges!", I say with excitement, although I was a pleasantly surprised to be getting the fruit. "Nooooo. They're lemons...(long silence followed by my confused face)...to make lemonade!! We got them from my grandparents' trees."

Now if that isn't the sweetest thing you ever heard, then you're dead inside. It doesn't hurt that this kid is one of my faves. He's just so sweet and happy. A truly precious kid. I think the message here is: sometimes someone will really hand you lemons, so you get some water and splenda and make some damn lemonade. I took that message to heart.

A Cracker Barrel Birthday

Today is my mom's birthday. Happy b-day mom!! First we headed to Cracker Barrel for some chicken fried steaks, then to Wal-Mart for some Paula Deen cookware, y'all, and then went home to enjoy each other's company. Here are just a few of the things I adore about that little lady:

1. The accent, it's awesome.
2. Everything I have ever done, she has been involved in. From piano lessons to softball to band.
3. The way she cares for her mom. I know it's not easy.
4. How she always waited until after my birthday to put up Christmas decorations. I always had my day, then Christmas.
5. She's the only other person I know that I can share shoes with.


When Cody and I were little we HATED to go shopping. My mom would drag us to Weiner's for some clothes shopping. Remember Weiner's? Anyways, we had to entertain ourselves. Kids are so good at that. So, we would hide from her in the middle of the circular clothes racks. We would run in and out, chase each other and hide. I know what you're thinking...'Where can I find this Weiner's store?' You're out of luck--they're not around anymore. My mom would get soooo embarrassed. Hee hee. She still brings it up to this day. Today at Wal-Mart we were tempted to hide from her but we couldn't find any racks tall enough. Love ya mom!!

Takin' it back a decade...or two

My mom is a gamer. Yes, she likes playing her Gameboy Color. Although the only game she plays is Tetris. She even has a light that helps light up the screen. She is serious, this one. Cody noticed on Thanksgiving her old one wasn't working as well as it used to. It has lasted around a decade. Today we took a trip down memory lane, or actually that street by Home Depot, to a gaming store that only sells old school gaming systems and accessories. He got her a brand new-to-her, used lime green Gameboy. It was great to be reminded of what video games used to be like. Just an A and B button, select, start and arrows. Ahhh, the simple life. There were power pads, original Super Mario Brothers, the Duck Hunt gun among other nostalgic surprises. I was tempted to blow on the old Nintendo games, for old times' sake.

Happy Thanksgiving ya morons!!

This is how we roll at my house. My dad, brother and I can be wildly immature and love a good word play as well as corny jokes. Like when Cowboys kicker Nick Folk attempted to kick a field goal, I said, "Don't Folk it up." Cody said it was a good one and I concurred. Then my dad says, "Meet the Folkers." I come back with, "I've known you since you were a little Folker." His name is Folk, not Folker, but that makes it even funnier. We all have a good laugh. All that comedy reminded me of a little trick I like to play on kids and adults. You ask someone, "What were you eating under there?" Hopefully they say, "Under where?" To which you respond, "Ewwwww! You were eating underwear?!?!" Side note-third graders love this. So of course I was all, "I'm gonna ask mom when she gets back! I'm gonna ask mom when she gets back!!"

The plan worked perfectly...she said 'Under Where?' right off the bat (most times it doesn't work out so smoothly!). Hee hee. So we all start laughing and saying 'Ewwwwww. Gross. You were eating underwear!?!?' She responds, in her best Texas accent, "Y'all are morons.", and doesn't even skip a beat watching the rest of the Cowboys game.

I am totally thankful for my family, friends and all the laughter in my life. Really, laughter makes me happy. There's nothing I'd rather do than laugh till it hurts with someone I love by my side! :)


Happy Thanksgiving y'all!!

Rehab Part Deux

Today when we went to see Mama we were greeted with..."God damn. I'm so proud ya'll are here." Then there were tears. If only all of my entrances in life could be so enthusiastic. Going to the bank..."God damn! We never thought you'd come back!! Thank God you're here." The classroom..."We're so proud you're here. We really appreciate all it took for you to come teach us!" Walking through the automatic doors of Target..."Yay! You're here. We thought you forget about us!!" Can you even imagine? I can and it's pretty amazing.

After that greeting it was all downhill. First she wants to get up, then she wants to lay down. She wants to go eat, but fights us the whole time and won't eat. She wants to go back to her bed and go to sleep, but then in bed she only wants to get up. Then when we want to leave because she's not behaving, she wants to go home with us. And she will not go quietly. She screams as if we're abusing her. "Pleeeeeeze don't leave me here! Lacey Renee don't you leave me here!!" And then, you guessed it--the tears. First my mom and I found it kind of comical--her will of steel. Then it's just hard to deal with. My mom comes from the old school of 'quityerbitchin and deal with it'. So, when she wouldn't listen, my mom just said, "Ok. Then we're leaving." So she finally agreed to sit at the dinner table after multiple nurses told her she had to be up for at least 30 minutes. She scarfed her dessert--of course!! Then I put some sugar in her tea and we left. There were tears again, but we just had to. She is hell bent on running things in that hospital. We thought it best to leave it to the professionals (or at least strangers she won't test--yet!!).

It must be pretty hard. Giving up all control. But who knew she had this in her. At least she hasn't lost her zest for life--if that's what we can call it! My cousin's little girl can also be very stubborn. She's in 1st grade. At least we know she gets it honestly. And, who are we kidding--so do I.

She is being moved on Wednesday to another rehab nursing home. I will keep you posted on the next installment of "Grandma Rehab". God love her soul. :)

A whole new me

So the last two days have been pretty unbearable with just how sore I am from boot camp (although our drill sergeant, ahem-trainer Anne, doesn't like to call it boot camp). I mean I have been sore before. Actually I'm sore almost everyday. Between boot camp and softball, this body is taking a beating. But the last two days have been brutal. My aching quads and butt are keeping me from moving around at any speed other than 80-year-old. I literally say "Ohmygod. Ohmygod. Ohmygod." every time I get up. You know it's bad when you use children as objects to push off of so you can stand upright. I have also decided that eating and drinking once I'm already sitting down just aren't worth it. First there's the getting up, then the walking, then the sitting back down. So not gonna happen. It has also affected my sleeping habits. Like, once I commit to a position, that's it. There is no rolling over, flipping or stretching.

I'm planning to go walking in a little bit. Partly because I just had a breakfast taco and coke, partly because I won't have boot camp for one whole week, and partly because I'm hoping some of these muscles will have no choice but to loosen up. I also have a massage later today, not sure if it's a good or bad thing. Hope the therapist doesn't offend easily. I plan to use the Lord's name in vain plenty of times. Oh. My. God.

Thiiis is how we doooo it...

Today we had a softball tournament. Started at 9:00 am! That's running, hitting, yelling, and throwing at 9:00 am!! Here's how it went down:

Game 1--We won! We won! AND we came from behind. No, not like that--get your mind out of the gutter. We were losing, then we got some more runs!

Breakfast taco time.

Game 2--We lost. To the losers bracket we go. Was a little frustrating because we were just as good, if not better than the other team. Our fielding was awesome. We just couldn't score the runs we needed to win the game. You see, that's how the game works. Get some runs, win the game. Didn't do it that time.

Sausage wrap time! Hydrate!!

Game 3--We won! Played the same team we played in Game 2. That's a weird coincidence. Oh well. THIS time we did hit and our fielding was good too. It really works out if your team is good at batting AND hitting and you do both well in the same game. Yay for us! If we would have lost, that would have been it.

Only had a 15 minute break this time.

Game 4--Semifinals. We lost. The other team was just better. That's it. No finals for us.

We did try our best. I was really proud of our team!! I did say on the way home that I wished we would have gotten some stickers or something for coming in 3rd. Just a little something for our effort.

THIS is how you educate and inspire

Today for our writing fluency practice we did a quick write on the following prompt "Write a story about young people that get lost in a cave."

Only in my class would the following happen. Kid you not, two stories from my class, I'm paraphrasing of course.

Story #1: Ms. Marwitz and her friends were walking in a cave one day. They all got separated. Then Ms. Marwitz was walking on her own. When, out of nowhere Michael Jackson jumped out. She was very happy because she is a big fan. Then they started dancing together, she always wanted to dance with Michael Jackson! They did the Thriller dance. Later on when she told her friends, they were all jealous because they were all fans too.


Story # 2: Some young kids were walking in a cave. They came to two tunnels. They decided to take the left tunnel. Michael Jackson was dancing to Thriller in that tunnel. They got so scared they ran out!


Side note: I promise that I am not starting a Michael Jackson cult. I just teach them the Thriller dance, but only if they want to learn it. And it's not tied in any way to their grades. Sometimes we dance to his music on Fridays or when we get rewards. I also do not grade them on their dancing skills. Thankfully.

Menace to Society

I have to share what's going on with my grandma. Last Friday, she fell and broke her let. Her leg! When you're 83, and you fall and break your leg it's kind of a big deal. Not like a little stress fracture from doing I-don't-know-what or stepping off a sidewalk and spraining your ankle. When you're 83, your bones just break. Snap! We saw a demonstration about it on The Doctors on Monday. They were talking about Osteoporosis.

Well, Mama is STUBBORN! Apparently in the hospital the first night they caught her trying to get out of her bed and she was gonna leave. Go where? Who knows. She hasn't even driven in decades and I'm pretty sure buying a bus pass is out of the question. So now she has to be restrained. She doesn't follow directions and the poor lady has straps on her wrists tying her to the bed so she doesn't escape. Today she is moving to a rehab hospital for several weeks of rehab. I hope in rehab they have her on a shorter leash or restraints. Plus, PLUS, she is a chain smoker. Can you even imagine what she's going through? No smokes? Whoa. That may or may not be the definition of hell. I'll let you be the judge of that.

I just hope she has a speedy recovery and gives 'em hell in rehab. Ha!

Uranus, my second favorite planet

So today we started learning about the order of the planets. I didn't just tell them the order. No, that would be too easy!! What would NASA say? I tell you what they'd say, they'd say "Challenge these kids! Make them think so we can have them come work for us and maybe send them to space!" And my response would be..."Ok. But do I get to pick who goes? I got a few I would like to go today." I know this because we had a videoconference with NASA. They did not say that, but I bet they would have if we had some more time to chat. They did however, set us straight on the proper pronunciation of Uranus.

Today they had to figure out the order of planets from the sun by looking at the distance from the sun in kilometers. Then they had to order them nearest to farthest from the sun. Sounds easy, but we don't learn the billions or millions place value. And some of these planets are faaaa-aaaar. So you see how important it is to hand pick the groups I put them in, so at least someone in the group has a clue what's going on. As we're reflecting on what they did, the topic of Uranus comes up as it always does in "space talk". Way back in my elementary days I learned "your anus". Totally appropriate "space talk". Well, nowadays you say "your uh nus". So I'm open. I'm with it. I'll call it "your uh nus" if you want me to, NASA. So as I'm writing it on the board, there are snickers and whisper talk of "your anus". They don't know how to spell "because" but they know what an anus is? I know. Beyond me.

After writing Uranus, I say (in my best 3rd grade nanny nanny boo boo voice), "Nuh uh, it's "your uh nus". That's what NASA says."

So to NASA I say this, that which we call a Uranus by any other name would smell as sweet.

Once upon a time, there were three tricks.

They decided to go camping one weekend, out in the wilderness, of course. These three tricks were very different, but got along really well.

One trick was named "Ridiculous Trick". She got her name for her uncanny ability to point out the ridiculousness of situations or behavior. When the two other tricks got so freaked about an animal that grazed their campsite, swearing it was walking on two legs (maybe the chupacabra?!) do you know what she said? You guessed it! "Ya'll are ridiculous!!".


The second trick was named "Boss Trick". She got this name by being able to "handle it". Anything that comes her way, she's right on top of that Rose! She's the trick you go to when you want to get shit done. She was in charge of the drinks on their camping trip. She's also in charge of the social committee at her school.


The third trick was named "Thriller Trick". She got her name because she loved Michael Jackson. Some would say that she may have even had a crush on him when she was little. She knows the Thriller dance and will perform it if you ask. She has also been known to practice her moonwalk in her kitchen.


These three tricks had a great time camping. There were drinks, dancing (thriller and the jive!), and lots of laughs. And they lived happily ever after...






Love ya tricks!!

You try to scream...

and terror takes the sound before you make it.

Here are some pictures from "Thrill the World" put on by the Alamo Drafthouse. We were trying to break the record for the most people dancing thriller at one time. It's a big MJ party, complete with zombie costumes, authentic look alikes and a sing/dance along. They taught us the dance, and we did our best!! It was crazy fun and difficult to learn.


Don't worry. It's only make up. We're not really dead. And we won't try to eat you.


Hee heeeee.


Here we are at the House of Torment. Scary. And apparently earrings come off really easily there and you lose them forever.


The stuff of nightmares.

Don't judge a girl by her debit card transactions

Sometimes I think that my bank might judge me. They do see all the transactions fit to print. And this is what I think they're saying, "Really Lacey? McDonald's? Even after all that work you put in at boot camp? Not to mention the amount you pay for it! You know we know how much you pay. Have you no self control lady?????"

To my bank I say this, "You don't know me. Step off."

Okay, maybe I'm being a little paranoid. I am judging me. I know I shouldn't be eating McDonald's.

Might I make a suggestion?

My new favorite thing to do? I'm glad you asked. Like to hear it? Here it goes: Get in my night-nights and read a book with my fancy ass book light (Lori knows what I'm talking about!). That's it. Nothing crazy. Just my night-nights, a book, my night guard and said book light. It's like, duh! How did I ever read before this book light? Like I actually had the overhead light on? When you're done, you just turn off the light and set your book down. Or if you're me, you stick the book/book light combo under your pillow only to be discovered in the wee hours of the morning. If you like to read, know how to read, or find yourself reading at night with an overhead spotlight on, get yourself one!

Neat-o.

Buddhism Part Two

Today I went to another center. A Meditation Center. Unlike my last visit to the Buddhist Center, this was an instruction on meditation. We sat in a small room (we meaning me and two other dudes) while Lynne instructed us very calmly and patiently how to meditate the Shambhala way. Apparently there are many types of meditation. You are free to meditate however you like, but they prefer you not mix the types, as then they may not know how to instruct or help you. So in this type, you sit on a tall foam block, instead of a small pillow. It was a little easier for me to sit this way. Your eyes are open. You are not looking at anything, but kind of focusing 2-3 feet in from of you. You acknowledge your thoughts and label them "thinking". This is good for me since I like to categorize and organize things. Your thoughts are just that: thinking. You concentrate on your breath. Feel it. Hear it. Live it. So we practice, then we talk about it. Then we practice again. Then Lynne gives us the ins and outs of the center and etiquette, etc. After that, she asks if we would like to sit in on the last part of the public meditation. "Sure!", I say. I'm game.

So we go into the public meditation room where meditation is already in progress. We go sit down and start to meditate. Easy enough right? Wrong. Of course I am consumed with thoughts, and try to label them "thinking". Then that sends my thoughts on another tangent. Much like the Bing commercials about search overload. Goes a little something like this. "This guy is breathing heavy. Wait, that's thinking. Yup, I'm thinking. Is it Saturday or Sunday? It's Sunday. I think. Man! I'm thinking again. Breathe. In. Out. Do they have the windows open in here? That dude totally has a mosquito on his arm. I hope it doesn't come over here to me and bite me on the face. Great. Now I'm itching. Is it a mosquito or am I just paranoid?! Why would they have the windows open and let mosquitoes in here when they know everyone is trying to concentrate. Who can concentrate with mosquitoes biting them? Not me. That's for sure. Wait. Where's the Buddha statue? What's that brush thing? Looks Native American. I wonder why they have so much rice in the bowls. Dude, that's thinking AGAIN!" At that moment I hear the familiar sounds of the singing bowl and someone says we'll now start the closing chants. Ok, I say. Not so bad. Maybe got 1-2 good seconds of meditation in there somewhere. That counts for something.

And now...

I wait. I have placed in the mailbox my signed contract stating that I won't break an international teaching contract-or pay loads of money, along with my fee for my application to teach abroad. Now I just wait. I'm sure the offers will be rolling in. I am so excited for the opportunity and really have no idea what's going to happen. Ready for the adventure...or at least for the check to clear.

In my next life...

or maybe later in this one, this is what I'll be:

1. Hip hop dancer, like in Step Up 2. If you don't know what I'm talking about, then you're missing out. Check it out.
2. Broadway star. I like to sing and dance. But I don't do either that well. That can be a problem.
3. Friends with Jennifer Aniston. Still plenty of time for this one!
4. Inventor of the iphone.
5. Taller. Not plenty of time for this one. Bummer.
6. More accepting. Working on this one every day.
7. Softball star. Getting closer every Wednesday!! Ha!
8. Writer. I guess blogging is writing. But how can I do it and get paid??

Day 3

Well, less rain. In fact, no rain. But more mud. I mean muuuuuudddddy. I wore my flip flops for about 5 minutes, then they were off the entire day. I was walking around without any shoes. Totally hippie style. Saw the Toadies, some jazz band that kicked ass, Matt Morris, and of course Pearl Jam. Met some new friends. Learned to appreciate my own toilet (as if I didn't already!) and having shoes appropriate for the activity (didn't find any rain boots--EVERYONE was sold out!) Soooo glad to be home and that I took today off. :)

In conclusion:

Toadies rocked


Cody enjoying the Toadies


Me enjoying the Toadies


Matt Morris


Pearl Jam

Day Two

Bad news: Got escorted out by the cops.

Good news: We were already on the way out.

Here are the details. ACL has really missed the boat on bathrooms this year. Waiting in line for over 30 minutes is just unacceptable, no matter who you are or who you ask. Really. After seven years you would expect a little more. But, whatever. So, on the way out we stop by the port-a-potties. Cody just could not hold it. And who am I to judge? I almost went in my pants earlier in the day just to avoid the whole situation. I thought no one would notice, we were getting soaked anyway.

So, as he was waiting in the line everybody starts cheering. Apparently some dude had decided to pee beside the bathrooms and forget waiting in line. So, Cody goes to do the same thing. Unfortunately all the commotion had caught the attention of the cops. Busted. The cop was really cool and decided not to give him a ticket and just escort us out. We didn't tell him, but we were headed that direction after Cody peed. The police escort actually helped speed things along--people sure cleared out of the way. Plus Cody got to drink his beer as long as he finished it before we left the premises. They were really nice and I get that they have a job to do. Uphold the rules, keep the peace, and all. But here's what I suggest to ACL--more fucking bathrooms. Why are you holding out?

On another note, the grass that they spent $2 million on (learned this fact from our new cop friend), is totally ruined due to the rain. It was like one big, crazy, fun mud pit. I was literally kicking mud on my back from my flip flops. Even though I spent most of the day in the bathroom line, it was fun. We saw Flogging Molly, Mos Def, And You Will Know Us by the Trail of the Dead among others. Here are some more pictures for your viewing pleasure.


Pre drowned rat.


Ruh Roh


Are we having fun yet?


Couldn't wait to shower.

Day One

ACL is in October. What a difference a week or two makes! It was so pleasant last night. Plus, they planted new grass so it won't be another Dust Bowl this year. Saw some good bands, ate some good food, and drank some big beers. Off to day 2, which includes bad allergies and rain. Here are some pics for your viewing pleasure.



And so it begins


$8 a pop


Kings of Leon

MB Update

That's Master Batters for short. Wednesday night we lost. It actually looked as if we let the other team win. We were up 16-0. Then they scored one run. Then we sort of let them run away for one winning. They caught up and scored 13. And we held them. Then they scored five more. Such a shame. The good news? I did get a good hit. I've been struggling with batting since the Bruisers' season started. I can hit all day in practice, then at the game I get nervous. I guess I forget how! Well, last night I jokingly meditated for a short bit before I stepped up to the plate. BAM! A solid grounder right between first and second base. I think the lesson we have learned here, is don't knock the power of meditation. Even if it is a half ass attempt so that you can get a hit in a competitive sport and temporary feel the power of winning.

Just a small town girl, livin' in a loooonely world

You know what makes my heart sing? Singing and dancing with my class. Today we sang and danced to Glee's remake of "Don't Stop Believin'". I know what you're thinking. What? When? Huh? How do you have time to teach the TEKS, TAKS and asses when you're dancing and singing in your classroom????? In my defense, they earned their right to dance today. We dance on Fridays, but that's to celebrate a week of hard work-that's a given. Well, we have started a "Manners chart". So every time I hear them using please, thank you, ma'am, my pleasure, etc. I make a tally mark. Once we have ten, we have a special class game or dancing at the end of the day. Before you think they've got this in the bag, let me introduce you to the flip side. If I hear ANY negative talk or rudeness, I erase tallies one at a time. Then, if someone complains or is ugly to the person that lost the tally mark, I erase ALL of them. Hello flip side. This hasn't happened yet. Welcome to my ship. I run it pretty tightly.

Today we got ten. Only took us one day. It. Was. Awesome. Had loads of fun. Nice to just let loose! I think that manners and respect are just as important as Math and Reading. People aren't born knowing how to act and be tolerant, they learn it. So, this is my contribution to society. It may be small, but it is significant. Plus, we get to sneak in a little fun in when nobody's looking. :)

Wordless Wednesday

Shirt debut

And my super power would be...playing the piano.

As I was downloading some music for my classroom (Canon in D to be precise--one of my absolute faves!!), I remembered that I used to play the piano. Took lessons and everything! We have a piano at my parents' house that my brother and I spent countless hours practicing on. Okay, so maybe I didn't spend THAT many hours practicing, but you get the point. We did spend lots of minutes playing together perfecting "heart and soul". I actually didn't like to practice. Cody didn't either. I can vividly remember one time getting chewed out by my teacher because I didn't practice. I sucked just as bad as I did the week before when I was there and she wasn't having it. Made me cry and everything. The nerve!! Well, now as a teacher, I get it.

It's funny how you can totally forget something like that! Like it took some serious piano music to remind me of that little part of myself. I also remember how my dad just loved to listen to us. He was so encouraging and would endure all the wrong notes, frustrated sighs and bitching we did. Mom would too of course, but dad would say, "I just love to listen. Play more!". My mom always wanted to take lessons and I often think of buying her lessons from our same teacher. She lives two houses down from us. Wonder if she still teaches and if mom would still like that?!

My grandparent's also had a baby grand piano at their farm house. My Aunt Pam played the piano too. I can remember going to visit and having to take my piano books. I was like, "UGGGHHH! I can't even believe you're making me practice at Mema and Papa's house!! I want to have fun and you want me to play the piiiiiiaaaaano?????" So I would sometimes play "chopsticks", "heart and soul", and "I dropped my dolly in the dirt..." instead of my regular music. Mema didn't know the difference. What a rebel I was.

Now I am struck with the sudden urge to go to my parents' house, find my old music (probably something from the Karate Kid--Part 1, since that was around my prime piano playing days) and tickle the ivories. That's musician talk for playing the piano-fyi. Ya picking up what I'm laying down??


Heart and Soul? Can't even tell you how much Cody and I wanted this!!!

Special Olympics--more than just special

This year I have two Life Skills students in my class. One of them comes into the room for morning work and Science. The other one only comes by in the morning to say "hi!" and then goes back to his room. I will be completely honest in saying that before the year started I was super nervous to have these kids in my class. I don't have any experience or training (not real training at least!) in special education or high needs students. They have really exceeded my expectations and are so much fun to have in class.

So today I went to the Special Olympics swimming competition. One student in my class along with several other students from our school and district were in the competition. If you've never been to an event like this, you should! It was amazing to see these kids and adults competing who wouldn't otherwise get a chance to show what they can do. They live in a world where they're constantly reminded of what they can't do and how they're different. There they are safe with so many people cheering them on and helping them. Even though my student got in the water, only to decide he didn't want to race, he still got a ribbon for trying. And really, isn't that half the battle?? Trying. Sure there was disappointment, but he is ready for the bowling competition later in the year and could care less about the swimming. When asked if he would try the swimming again later that day, he responded, "I don't want to take another swimming test!" We'll take that as a no.

The scene

Action shot. A student from our school.

Corpse pose

I love, love, love savasana. That's the corpse pose at the end of yoga class. Nothing like it. You're already so relaxed and have stretched, then you get to just lay down and relax more. It's like an event. You can use props like a bolster or blocks, lay or cover up with a blanket if you like, or use nothing. You spend some time making yourself comfortable, the lights are dimmed and sometimes my friends, there is music. It might be on cd or if you go to Mark's class, you might even get some live music. If you haven't tried it, I highly suggest you run out, go to the nearest yoga class and give it a shot. Seriously.

Namaste.

Serenity now

The last two days have been good. I have had some fun and managed to keep things from really bothering me (especially getting called out at work!). I attribute this success to meditating. That's the only thing that I've changed. Meditating the last two nights. So, I plan to keep it up. Consider it a research project, if you will. I will keep you posted. Also, while talking at lunch I said out loud how I'm trying to decipher between the things that I can control (me and very few other things) and everything else (work stuff--'nuff said). I'm trying not to focus my energy on the things I have no control over and re focus my energy on what I can control and make better. I think the alcoholics have some prayer. Like..."God (Buddha, Allah, baby Jesus), please grant me the serenity to accept the things I cannot change-like assessments and lesson plans, the courage to change the things I can-like you-know-who's behavior, the wisdom to know the difference, and the ability to not shoot my mouth off at work and get fired. Thanks, dude."

I added a little bit to it. Don't think God minds at all. It's all about differentiation.

PS-You know what else helps? Drinking. Lots of drinking.

In with the new...

Our new team is called, (are you ready for this?), the Master Batters. Oh, I know. We're getting our new shirts today. Now we play on Wednesday nights in San Marcos. Our first game was last week. At 10 pm!! Well, we won. 17-4. Yeaayuh!!

What happened to the Bruisers you ask? Well, we won 3 games this season and have been asked to play in the tournament. Technically they asked everyone to play, but I like to think we got invited. We play with our hearts. Awwwww. No really, when you don't win very many games you really start to appreciate winning and especially moral victories like not getting killed by teams with awesome college-scholarship-type-skills. Cody says that's what losers always say. But whatever. The Bruisers are lots of fun and we became like a little (sometimes dysfunctional) softball family. As long as we are winning, the Bruisers will continue to play on Tuesday nights. Fingers crossed!!!!

Kind of like losing your car keys, but worse

I'm trying not to search for my happiness. I understand (sort of) that it's not so much where you find it, but within you all the time. I have not had it within for about, um...4 weeks now. You figure it out.

I don't like the person or teacher I am this year. I am stressed and not handling it well. I would really like to be more laid back and let things go. I have a really hard time with this. I want to do a good job. People are depending on me. I want to get it all done. With teaching, you can't. Everyone knows that. So why is this so hard? Why am I working so late? I really can't go on like this. Any pearls of wisdom are welcome!

I have let one thing go this year...I have no calendar up in my room. I don't feel bad about it. It wasn't a priority. Hell, I write the date on the board for them every day, who needs a calendar?

If you have any ideas where my happiness has gone, or how I can locate it again, please let me know. I miss it.

Wordless Wednesday

More costume changes...

than a Britney Spears concert. Seriously. My new life involves me changing clothes lots of times and getting sweaty. This is how I roll now. And, I got to say, I love it! Started boot camp at school three weeks ago. Three days a week I get to work out with my friends after school--AT MY WORK!! So, there's no excuse. Then, on Tuesdays we have softball. Now on Wednesdays we also have softball in another league. So I go to work in my "business casual" outfit, change into my "sweat your ass off in the gym outfit", then on Tuesdays change again into my "team uniform", and of course when I get home change into my "night nights". I always wanted to be active and not necessarily just "work out". Mission accomplished. Now if this damn work thing didn't get in the way!! Also, I am already seeing progress. I'm less winded while running the bases and can squat a little lower while playing in the field. Yes, squatting a little lower will come in handy. Not sure just yet how.

PS--we lost our game tonight. Next week starts tournament play. Everybody gets to play in the tournament and it's double elimination. Stay tuned folks!!

Raise your hand if...

you're ready for the weekend!!! (I'm raising both my hands.)

Ya know how I know summer's over?

It's official. Summer is over. Always a hard fact to face for teachers. And you think kids don't want to go back?? Summer is way cooler when you're a grown up and have a paycheck. Anyways--here's my top ten list of how I know summer's really over.

10. I have forgotten the daytime line up. Does the Dr.'s come on at 3 or 4? Like it really matters anymore.
9. My house looks like crap, there are dishes piling up in the sink and who knows the last time I got the mail.
8. Conversations inevitably go back to the "t" word.
7. Every time I want to scream or pull my hair out, I magically get calmer. It has taken 5 years to perfect this.
6. Yellow school buses. Talk about sloooow.
5. My blogs are teacher centered (not learner centered-ha!)
4. Five words. BEEP! BEEP! BEEP! BEEP! BEEP!
3. TGIF isn't just a tv line up on Friday nights.
2. I feel like a new parent. All. I. Want. To. Do. Is. Sleep.
1. Someone is literally sticking their tongue out at me daily.

At least they spelled all the words right

So today I got my second, count them--second!, "I hate you" note. But today all the words were spelled correctly. That's progress.

Here's the story on the original note. Quite comical.

So I have a kid with some behavior issues. Pretty severe behavior issues. Enough said about that. Well, it was suggested that instead of redirecting verbally, I try to give this student choices on a post-it. Ok, I'm game. First post-it read:
1. Do your work now.
2. Do your work at recess.

Pretty reasonable I think--but what do I know!! So this child proceeds to crumble it up and throw it in the trash can. So, of course I ignore the behavior. Pick your battles, and all that. Not a few moments later, he has found his Math problem from earlier (also written on a post-it) and written his own little message. This is how I'm imagining it going down in his head, "Oh really? We're using post-its now? This is how we're rolling? Ok. Watch this." So as I'm sitting in my desk, talking with my co-teacher that helps me stay sane, he comes up and shows me his post-it. You guessed it! Except it reads, "I hite you."

The second note I got today was written on a tiny piece of paper and "hate" was spelled correctly. At least this kid is learning from his mistakes AND saving the rain forest.

Don't worry about me folks, I'm not letting this kid in my bubble. It's like a super bubble that's made out of duct tape, but the kind you can see through. Maybe like packing tape? Yup! Not letting you in my bubble. Can't bother me. Now if I could only do the same thing with all the other crap that is piling up on me I'd be good to go.

Good karma

Saving that turtle on the way to our softball game must have set some good things in motion. Boys and girls--we won our second game in a row. I believe that's what they call a winning streak. Only one more game next week, then the end-of-the-season-tournament-but-not-sure-how-you-play-a-tournament-on-Tuesday-night-but-whatever games.

Yes, I made Desiree pull a driver switch in the middle of the road so we could save a little turtle that was trying to cross the street. As I picked him up, I think he hissed at me! I set him way back away from the street and pointed him in the direction of the open field, not the concrete suicide mission. Let's hope he stayed the course and didn't decide to go for it again.

PS-Turtles are heavier than they look

Sometimes you wanna go...

where everybody does NOT know your name. Desperately in need of a vacation. Again.

Wouldn't it be nice?

The Beach Boys still got it. No, they didn't come out in wheelchairs. Here are some pics from the concert. Totally worth being exhausted on Friday for work. Hearing, and of course singing along with, Kokomo will go down as one of my favorite memories of all time. Waiting patiently for the boys to come out Rockin' out Beach Boy


Can't take pictures

Wordless Wednesday

Two words...

Fucken awesome. Yes, I know I misspelled the f-bomb. But it was for dramatic effect. Our softball game tonight was fucken awesome. First of all, it was in the 90's instead of 100's. Great--that's like fall weather around here. Second, almost all of our team showed up. Third, we really brought the energy again. We are all yelling for each other, being positive and such. You really would have thought we were playing for the championship-that's how we roll. We were like that last week and it rocked--even though we didn't win. Anyway, we ended the game with some lightning round type stuff. Since we were tied and time was up, it went to one pitch softball. You get one pitch, it's either: a ball-you walk, a strike-you're out, a hit-you hope you get on base, or a foul-you're out. Talk about your crazy pressure! We were home so we were in the field first. We held them. So, all we had to do was score one run. So we bat and it's going ok. And it all ends, are you ready for this?, with a classic case of monkey in the middle-fielders trying to tag out a runner from third to home. A teammate had decided to run from third to home on an overthrow. But, as they threw home, the damn catcher caught it. So as he's almost home, he decided to go back to third, causing them to throw the ball back to third, and at one point we thought he would fall, but he recovered and somehow manages to make it home before they throw it back to home! Oh my god. Are you totally stoked yet? Because I haven't even told you how our whole team ran out screaming to greet him on the field. It was insane. No other teams are quite excited like us. Guess what? We don't care either. We have so much fun and play with our hearts that this victory might as well have been an olympic gold. And it is our 2nd win of 9 games. Do you feel me now?

Boo-yah boot camp

And so it begins. Boot camp, that is. Today was our first day. I figured that a trainer that's coming to my school, for 3 days a week, with my friends also working out wasn't a bad deal. I need a jump start to get me motivated. It wasn't too bad, but tomorrow will be "real" boot camp. Apparently today was more like a warm up. We did baseline assessments (that's teacher talk) to see just how out of shape we are. Ha! We had 3 minutes to complete each task and see how we roll. Here's how I stack up: sit ups (the real ones!)-30, squats-80, push-ups (the girl ones!)-16. Not bad for a day's work. Or whatever. It's obvious all my strength is in my legs. I plan to use that to my advantage, not sure how yet. I'll keep you posted.

Anyways, should be very interesting!! It was fun, good to get away from work (even if it is only to the gym at our school) and be with some good peeps. Looking forward to tomorrow, even though we have a 6:30 game. By the way, this is not our best time slot. That-game-we-shall-never-speak-of-again happened at that time slot. Maybe boot camp will be our answer--loosen us up, ya know? We shall see. I'll keep you posted on that too. Unless it's bad, in which case I'll skim over the score part and look away if you ask too many details.

Fly on the wall

Things overheard on our Friday of the first week of school:


1. I only listen to kids who raise their hands.
2. Can you play "Beat it"? That's the only song I know how to dance to. (A kid after my own heart.)
3. What are you doing? What SHOULD you be doing? (I say this ALL. DAY. LONG.)
4. He's playing with your balls!



Have a great weekend y'all!!

Wordless Wednesday

Softball. Ouchy.

Precious moments

You know how 3rd graders are really 2nd graders (meaning they're still so small!)...well I forget sometimes that they can only handle so much. At some point today we were putting labels on our "Take Home Folders". It took about 5 minutes to pass out the labels and have them put them ON TOP and IN THE CENTER of their folder and write their name in permanent marker, BUT ONLY WRITE ON YOUR FOLDER, IT'S PERMANENT MARKER! We're almost done with the whole scene when one of my students holds up his spirals (or composition books, or journals, or notebooks as I've already explained the fifteen times, each kid insisting on calling them a different name) and asks "What do we do with the spirals??" Oh my. I can't even tell you the conversations we had about spirals earlier. We barely made it out alive. I'm all..."Are we talking about spirals now?" And of course his response, "Oh. no." To which I answer in a slightly higher pitched voice, "Then put the spirals away. Now. And nobody gets hurt." Organizing supplies when you overestimate how many directions 8 year olds can take at a time can be a real mess.

Another funny thing was little Johnny. He's a literal type of guy. Takes everything at face value. Gotta love him. He comes up to the lunch line out of breath. So, of course I ask him if he was running. He looks at me for a while, and I can tell that he's really thinking, "Man! Do I lie or tell the truth. Lie or tell the truth, man!?" While this battle is going on inside his head, I'm waiting patiently. He finally responds and tells me he was actually jogging. As if he was getting a quick workout in before lunch. I smiled, told him this was his warning, there is no jogging in the cafeteria, hugged him and told him I appreciated his honesty.

Back to School Bonanza

Tomorrow is the first day of school. I think I am ready. It's my 5th year of teaching, and I'm not nervous yet. Trying to adopt a new attitude. Let things come and go as they may. Don't sweat the small stuff. Que sera, sera. This too shall pass. You know. All those cliche sayings.

And now a little story about my 2nd grade teacher. Her name was Miss A-hole. I have changed her name to protect her identity. But it rhymes with hole and starts with a "c". I digress. I remember that year because she was a very scary teacher. She was a large lady. If we got in trouble she would say, "You're in my doghouse!" This explains my aversion to doghouses-but that's neither here nor there. I can remember like it was yesterday talking to one of my friends on the first day asking her if we had to know our times tables in 2nd grade. I didn't know them and I guess I was afraid we would have some sort of test on them the first day. Ridiculous, I know. But I was nervous about that nonetheless.

That year I misplaced my spelling book (actually it was stolen by somebody at daycare--you know who you are!). I was terrified to tell Miss A-Hole. My parents thought I was ridiculous. So, my dad took me to school to explain that we misplaced it (code for it was stolen at daycare). To my surprise she didn't put me in a doghouse and the book actually turned up at daycare in the next few days. Whew. That was a close one. On another occasion we were learning our spelling words. I could not remember if the "u" or "i" came first in the word "building". She got so frustrated with me and was very short. As if having a "u" really makes any sense. If you ask me, it should be spelled "bilding". Well out of fear I learned the word and can still spell it today. Despite her, I actually turned out to be a good speller. All my friends would study their spelling words and I wouldn't. I could still ace the tests. Think they were jealous. Ha!

On yet another sad occasion in 2nd grade, my friend Katie and I were arguing one day over who got to go first in line. In a very dramatic way, Miss A-Hole came over and snatched my Honor Badge (which you had to earn by being respectful and responsible and in turn could go play outside after you finished your lunch) off of my shirt. It all happened in slow motion. To me it was like she had run over my dog. With a doghouse. Even at 7 years old I thought that was a little over the top. Didn't I at least deserve a warning? I was in no way a problem child. I barely even spoke! And, AND if she had given her class a number order in line, this could have all been avoided.

Here's a little story about my 3rd grade teacher, Mrs. Staton. I didn't change her name. :) She was so loving, patient, quiet and calm. She taught us cursive. Her and my mom have the most amazing cursive handwriting ever. She would write sweet notes to us. One day when I was sick she insisted that I go to the nurse. You see, I was shy and didn't like any attention, so I tried to tough it out. I know--hard to believe I was shy. Nothing like I am now! We also had a 3rd grade play "Goin' Buggy". I was a firefly. I don't remember the particulars of that year like I remember in 2nd grade. But I do remember how she made me feel. I was special, smart, and loved. She made me feel good about myself.

I tell these stories not to evoke sympathy from you, my readers. But to point out that I learned a valuable lesson in all of this. Love the kids. Even if you don't really love them, find something to love in all of them. Every word, every action should be analyzed. You never know how the little ones will take it. Now, I'm not saying that I'm perfect. I mess up sometimes. And if I do, I acknowledge it, apologize and move on. We are only human. But I want to be a human that my kids know loves them and that they feel it.

Here is my teaching philosophy: love 'em. I kind of stole that one from my mom. But I believe teaching is about relationships. That's when you get real learning. I want to have fun with my kids and laugh. I tell them all kinds of things about me and share my true self. I know all kinds of things about them--maybe stuff their parents don't even know. I have to remember all of this when it gets hard. And it is a hard job. We put in countless hours and more importantly we put in our hearts. At night when I'm trying to sleep, sometimes little faces pop into my head. That never happened when I worked at the law firm. I forgot about it as soon as I left. Teachers worry that we're not doing a good job or that this or that didn't get done. t's easy to get wrapped up in the day to day that we forget just how important a job it is. We have the power to make or break children. Like the Shamu Show at Seaworld says, "Believe!".

Have a great year teachers (and kids)!!!!

Aruba, Jamaica oooh I want to take you...

As I'm watching an awesome episode of "Full House", texting Lori about how Jesse and the Rippers are in Japan singing "Forever", I'm reminded that we are going to see the Beach Boys in September. I can't even tell you how excited we are! After we bought our tickets we had to YouTube the episode when Uncle Jesse plays with the Boys. It was awesome to relive it. The Beach Boys rock! Cody is a little worried they may come out...and be in wheelchairs. Let's hope not! But I'm sure they'll bring it, even in the wheelchairs.

I can remember being in elementary school, in the top bunk of our bunk bed, with my grey jambox, listening to hours of tapes of the Beach Boys. Such simpler times!

To show my love of the Beach Boys, I thought I'd post a picture of our cat, Kokomo. Yes, I named her Kokomo. The song was veeeery popular when she was born.

Wordless Wednesday

night night

Bruisers pull off moral victory

Well folks. After game 1 of our double header tonight, it looked like we may be getting worse! It was like the Bad News Bears. The ones from the 70's, not that remake b.s. Seriously. 6:30 games are just not cutting it for us. The 100 plus degree heat literally sucks the life out of you. I mean, I don't even want to walk to my car in the heat, much less move my body around chasing a ball or run to the bases (if I should happen to get a hit!). It was bruuuutaaaaal. The mistakes were infinite and it seemed that the game would never end. But it did. And I have to be honest here...I wanted to go home! I was in no hurry to have a repeat of the first game. That would just be too much to handle. Too much heartbreak. Especially when next we were playing the undefeated team. Quite possibly one of the best teams in our league.

But, in true baseball fashion showing that it is anybody's game, we managed to play well in our 2nd game! We looked like a real team. And I don't just mean because we all have matching shirts. We were actually making plays and getting outs. Then we were hitting better. We were really giving them a run for their money. The other team was rattled. They didn't expect to get hustled (ok--not hustled, but I think they thought they would cream us!) Well, they didn't cream us. They did win, but damnit we didn't give up and came back from an embarrassing loss to keep up with them and even led at some point.

Way to go Bruisers!

I choose to...

go to work tomorrow. I choose to go to work tomorrow. I choose to go to work tomorrow.

It's not working!!

Happy B-day Dad!! (it's a big one!)

Today is my dad's birthday. I'm lucky enough not to be in school, along with my mom, so us 3 could celebrate his special day. First we went out to eat. Then we went to get my parents their passports--I was so proud of them. Then we went to Shepler's so he could get some new ostrich cowboy boots.

My dad is an absolute original. I think most dads are. He is a little crazy, very traditional, a true Texan, country, vocal, loves to make corny jokes and says things like "hotter than the hinges of hell" and "speed on brother, hell ain't half full". He is the most calm, patient person I know (most of the time). One of my favorite stories about him, that my mom still tells, is how when I was three I was home alone with my dad. Well, he needed to go to the hardware store. So, he got me dressed and let me wear my cowgirl boots with shorts. He saw nothing wrong with that. Of course when we were at the store, we saw someone we knew. Later on when my mom discovered I had been out in public like that and someone we knew actually witnessed it, she was mortified. It's awesome that dads don't think of stuff like that. It makes me smile that he didn't care what it looked like. Why not wear your boots with shorts?

Well, as dad was getting his boots today, I decided to get something at the store too. I haven't had cowgirl boots in years. I can't wait to wear them! And no, I won't be wearing them with shorts. Well, probably not.


Tonight we'll conclude the festivities by watching "An Inconvenient Truth" with Cody when he gets off work. Tomorrow we are off to celebrate by eating some big, juicy steaks at the Hoffbrau. And Sunday we are going to see my aunt so she can take her little brother out to eat.

That's just wrong

Yesterday while it was raining, (yes--it rained on TWO separate occasions yesterday!!) I couldn't help but think of a Jack Handy quote:

“If a kid asks where rain comes from, I think a cute thing to tell him is "God is crying." And if he asks why God is crying, another cute thing to tell him is "Probably because of something you did."”


Here's another one that made me laugh out loud.

"If you think a weakness can be turned into a strength, I hate to tell you this, but that's another weakness."

That guy is profound! His voice really drives the point home.

Deep Thoughts--can you handle it?

Wordless Wednesday

Oh yes I did.