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!!