Bullets

* Eleven days of school left - thank goodness! My students' behavior is deteriorating by the day. Not only do they have spring fever, they also have an unusually high interest in one another. Yuck! I hate pre-preteen flirting! I sent two of them to the office today. I am done with their shenanigans.

* I have talked my husband into starting an online bookstore. We'll be selling used books via Amazon. After school, I discovered the joy of shopping for books for our store at Goodwill. They had tons of books! Who knew? I found a couple of gems that I should be able to make quite a profit on, and several books that turned out to be worth far less than I hoped they would be, but it's a learning experience. I'm reading a couple books about the business, and I hope I'll get better at recognizing the valuable ones from the not-so-valuable ones as I learn more.

* Buffy bit my coworker yesterday. I still feel horrible about it. Michael came to pick me up after school (my car was at the dealer's), and he brought Buffy with him. My coworker made the mistake of looking Buffy in the eye and bending down to put her face in Buffy's face. Buffy tensed up and nipped C on the bridge of the nose - drawing blood! I could tell that Buffy was nervous, and I sensed she was going to do something a split second before she did, but I couldn't react quickly enough - especially since I wasn't holding her leash (Michael was). C has been very gracious about the whole thing and she says she should have known better, but that Buffy was just so cute. Friends, when you encounter a dog you don't know, take Cesar Millan's advice: No touch, no talk, no eye contact. Wait until the dog is calm and the dog approaches you, then you can let them smell you. Dogs can be unpredictable.

* Thank goodness tomorrow is Friday!

Some Gave All

What a Week!

The patriot's blood is the seed of Freedom's tree. ~Thomas Campbell

First, on this Memorial Day Weekend, let me acknowledge the ultimate sacrifice many men and women have made serving our country in times of war. I truly appreciate the freedom we live in because of their efforts. I had the opportunity to visit the American Cemetery and Memorial in Normandy, France three years ago this summer, and it was a truly an emotional experience to walk amongst those rows and rows of headstones. Next month, I will visit Pearl Harbor for the first time, and I expect it to be a very moving experience as well.

As for my week...

Wednesday night was Open House. The classroom was packed with students and their families. A couple of my "problem parents" were downright rude to me, and wanted to engage me in conversation about their children's particular issues right then and there. Just a little word of advice, Open House (and Back-to-School Night) are not the time to have a mini conference with your child's teacher. Do you really want everyone in the room to hear about your child's academic and/or behavior issues? Do you? The best thing to say to your child's teacher that night, even if you don't like him or her, is how nice the room looks and how hard everybody has worked to prepare for Open House. Say it with a smile and move on. But another one of my crazy parents was actually really nice and complimentary. I guess she was having a good day. Thank goodness, because she's one of the ones who yelled at me several months ago, and I get a knot in my stomach every time I see her. Sad to say, just like this school year in general, the difficult parents/students (because there are so many of them) have overshadowed the wonderful students and their equally wonderful parents in my perception of the evening. But it's done, and I've just got 14 days of school left.

We spent a very long day on a field trip at Knott's Berry Farm yesterday. The weather was unusual for this time of year, and so we were nearly shivering from the cold wind, and I had to put up my umbrella a couple of times. At the end of the day, our buses were 45 minutes late, and so we didn't get back to school until almost 5 o'clock. Not cool. Our tour guides had us out of the park by 3 o'clock, and the buses didn't arrive until 3:50. It is very hard to maintain control of 133 fourth graders on a curbside for that amount of time. By the time we did get back, it was raining steadily, and I had a headache. I am really glad that I don't have to do that field trip anymore.

Last night, I had an incredible massage. It was just the thing to end my demanding week. I felt like Jell-o when it was over and I slept very well last night. Seems like the more my husband travels, the more money I spend at my favorite day spa. When he's home, I am very well taken care of, but when he's gone I find my stress level increases. I think things get to me more when he's gone than when he's home. If he's not here, I just perseverate on my work days too much.

Today, I'm spending time with a friend. Tomorrow morning I'll pick Michael up at the airport. He wants to see a college baseball game tomorrow night. And on Monday, we'll head over to my parents' for a family barbecue. I hope the sun decides to shine.

Have a wonderful weekend!

Grump, grump, grump

Warning: This post isn't a cheerful or peppy one. If you're not in the mood for complaining, move on now.

This school year hasn't been my best. My class is extremely talkative. My students tattle on each other more so than other classes have before. Every recess concludes with several students tattling about some other kid who did something. I don't know what I'm supposed to do about all these petty complaints of theirs. We have talked about the difference between letting me know when someone else has done something seriously wrong and tattling, but they just don't get it. Are parents these days tolerating that kind of tattling about siblings at home? Why do these kids do this? What do they really think I can do about some of this stuff? Do they just want my empathy, or do they expect me to be punitive to the other kid? Do parents expect teachers to deal with every little complaint? Ack!

I have one very rude little boy who backtalks me several times a day. I have tried everything I know of to squelch this obnoxious behavior - to no avail. He is so arrogant and rude. I am so frustrated with his attitude and behavior choices.

I have another little boy who baby-talks and whines, and when he's angry or frustrated with his peers he steps on their feet or kicks them. When I talk to him about his behavior, he just becomes very shrill and blames everyone else. The sound of his voice make me crazy. He cannot be reasoned with.

I have a very tomboyish girl who roughs up the boys and nearly makes them cry. She does it with a smile on her face, though. At least she's cheerful, right?

I have another little girl who is late to class nearly everyday and does nothing at school. Still, she will be going on to the next grade level. Sigh...

I have been yelled at by two mothers this year - not at the same time, though. Thank goodness for that. I have had another mother in my room for 15-20 minutes everyday after school for months seeking my attention until my principal finally told her she wasn't allowed in my room without an appointment.

And then today, I was told that tomorrow I will receive another new student for a total of 33. That's the largest class I've ever had in 12 years of teaching. There was a time when 32 was the maximum number of students a 4th or 5th grade class could have, but in these days of declining enrollment, we don't turn any new student away. No, we just cram them into classrooms too small to comfortably accommodate a large number of students, and collect the ADA money for them. Thank you very much! I didn't even have a desk for this new student. The custodian brought one in late today. And what's the point of him starting at our school now with just 17 days remaining? What am I supposed to do with this kid while all my students are finishing up their final lessons and taking final tests over the next couple of weeks? I'll be babysitting him, that's what. It's just ridiculous.

I could go on, and on about everything that's irking me about my profession these days. But I won't. I've grumped enough for one day.

I hate to be so negative, but all this just saps the joy right out of teaching.

I sure hope next year is better.

Guh-ross

I woke up with one of these this morning:

I have never had one of these before, but I guess they are really common. Michael had one last year and it freaked me out. You should have seen some of the other images I found on Google. Oh, my goodness! Disgusting! I can handle the above illustration, but those other images are just disturbing to me.

I have an eye phobia thing - anything having to do with eyes (especially touching of the eyes) just gives me the heebie-jeebies. I'm a terrible patient at the opthamologist's. When she wants to test me for glaucoma, I just can't let her do it.

STAY

AWAY

FROM

MY

EYES

and nobody gets hurt...

Anyway, I noticed it when I was getting ready this morning. It made plucking my eyebrows and doing my eye makeup very difficult for me, because I just about grossed myself out whenever I saw my eye.

I guess I've got to learn to live with it though, because it will take 10-14 days for the blood to be absorbed back where it came from.

Guh-ross!!!

Soggy Doggy!

Okay, this isn't a picture of my pup, but it could be!
I didn't bring my camera with me yesterday, but I will next time.

I took Buffy to my parents' yesterday and we reintroduced her to the pool. I don't know how long it's been, but she was very unsure of the water at first and we really had to coax her into the pool. Actually, I got in the pool and I took her by the collar and my mom pushed her from behind into the water. The first few times we had her retrieve a tennis ball, but later on she was just interested in getting in the water to swim with my nieces, especially Rebecca. She was very concerned about the girls whenever they swam underwater. At first she would run around the pool watching them and whining, but once she got the hang of swimming, she just swam over to them and checked them out.

For a poor doggy who can't run and play like most dogs because she might blow out her other knee, swimming is a fun and healthy way for her to burn energy. She's been conked out ever since we got home last night. That's the way I used to feel as a kid when I'd spent the afternoon in the pool.

I think we'll spend a lot of time at Grammy's pool this summer.

Not Meant to Be

I was supposed to be spending my Saturday here:

Glen Ivy Hot Springs

But with temperatures for that area of the Southland predicted to be over 100 degrees, we canceled our plans. Waa!

This is the second time I was supposed to do this with my sister and my friend Teresa. The first time was back in October, and it was supposed to be my "Bachelorette Day". But Southern California was engulfed in flames that month and our plans went up in smoke. I'm not trying to be funny. It was just too smoky to spend a day outdoors.

This time, Teresa came all the way from San Francisco and we have to cancel again. I think she's okay with that, and it gives her another day to visit with her mother, but she said that the next time the weather is nice that Julie and I should just go. In other words, she's not going to make another trip down for Glen Ivy. I can appreciate that.

So, I'm thinking that Buffy and I will head down to my parents' for part of the day. They've just redone their backyard and pool, and now it's a tropical oasis. Should be a nice way to spend an unseasonably hot day.

I'm still skeptical, but...

I had my first appointment with the acupuncturist today. I think it went well. I left feeling pretty comfortable about continuing with this sort of treatment for a while. So that's good, I guess.

The doctor was really personable. He's probably in his thirties, well-spoken, and an unabashed Christian. The walls of the different rooms in the office had Bible verses either stenciled on them, or as part of some piece of art. He gives all credit to God for the healing he believes happens to his clients. All I can tell you was that he seemed so very sincere and just really sweet natured.

I was able to move forward in faith when I saw that the Bible verse on the wall behind his desk was one of my favorites:

"For I know the plans I have for you," declares the LORD, "plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future."

Jeremiah 29:11

That seemed to be a little sign to me. So, after our consultation, he asked me if I wanted to begin my acupuncture treatments today. I said yes, and he proceeded to give me an examination. It seemed a little hokus-pokus to me, but whatever. He had me hold a metal piece in my right hand that was connected to some machine he was using, and then he used another piece attached to the machine to touch the meridians (that's what he said!) on my body. Then he showed me on the computer how my organ functions were lower than the ideal ranges. Once again, it seemed a little different to me, but I am willing to give this a try. He also said I have a "cold uterus", and he recommended that I not drink chilled beverages or walk on cold floors.

He prescribed some herbal pills for me to take three times a day. All told, I will be taking 24 of these herbal pills on a daily basis. Lucky for me, they are small and easy to swallow. He also wants me to start charting my basal body temperature every morning.

The acupuncture session was a breeze. He put a couple of needles in both of my lower legs, one in my abdomen, and one in each of my upper arms. Then I laid there for twenty minutes. That was it!

I have another appointment on Monday. He wants me to give this a try for three months and see what happens. I think I'm up for that.

Sick Day

Ugh! I want my mommy!

(Just kidding Mom. I'll be okay.)

Mid-week Update

Today was Teacher Appreciation Day at my school. My students have been bringing me flowers, treats, and school supplies since Monday. I got some really nice things today, and the PTO hosted a luncheon for us after school. I like Teacher Appreciation Week!

My husband watches a lot of basketball...

I'm seeing an acupuncturist tomorrow afternoon. I'm ready to try this alternative approach to increase my chances of becoming pregnant. I've never done acupuncture before, but a friend recommended it, so I thought I'd check it out.

Michael leaves for another tour tomorrow morning. He won't be gone too long, but I don't think I've ovulated yet, so there goes another month. Oh, well... There's nothing I can do about it, so I'm not going to stress out. After this tour, we expect that he'll be home for two months. And, next month, he'll have his first "analysis" since his procedure and that will give us an idea of whether his fertility has increased. We're hoping for good numbers!

Is it Friday yet?

Updated:

One more thing...

Why do people say the things they do? I'm sure I've put my foot in my mouth before, so I'm including myself in this generalization. What makes me ask is that my husband's dental hygienist said something really dumb yesterday. She told him that she knows someone who knows... And that, no offense, but autism is caused by old sperm. Regardless of whether or not there's any validity to what she said, why do people have to say things like that to (ahem, older) people who are trying to get pregnant? We talked about it, and I don't think he took it too seriously. Thank goodness!

Six

We've been married six months today!

We leave for Hawaii six weeks from today!

Happy Mother's Day to all you moms, and especially to my mom!

We celebrated with the mothers in our family today. My sister and I hosted a beautiful brunch at her home. We toasted with champagne, and ate heartily of a zuchini fritatta, a peach French toast bake, and a gorgeous salad of fresh strawberries, raspberries, and blackberries. The food was so good, if I do say so myself! The only disappointment was that my brother-in-law wasn't feeling good, and so he stayed in bed and kept his germs to himself. We missed him.

I expected that this Mother's Day would be more emotionally difficult for me than it's turning out to be. After all, since last Mother's Day I have forfeited my adoption and am now dealing with infertility. This time last year, I was anticipating that I'd be having a baby this year. But, I have to say that I really feel peaceful about where I am in my journey right now. The novelty of being married has not worn off, and I am thoroughly enjoying this time of being still newly married. I'm sure that is a big reason why I feel very satisfied with my life right now. Furthermore, I am hopeful that our dreams of becoming pregnant will be realized some time this year, and if not, then God has some other path in mind for us. We're willing to do what we need to on our end, but ultimately it's in His hands and I'm okay with that.

I can only credit this sense of peace to spending time on an almost daily basis in prayer and bible study since February, because before then I was really sweating all this. I remember expressing my anxiety to my wonderful friend Stacey a few months ago, and she told me that God knew at what point in my life I would be having children, and that he knew just how many eggs I'd need. She said it with such love and confidence, and because I believe she has such a deep connection to the Holy Spirit, I have replayed that conversation in my head many times and been encouraged again and again.

So, if Mother's Day is a hard one for you, if you feel disappointed because it's taking so long to get where you want to be in your life, or if you have lost your mother, take heart. God is good, and he will do good things - amazing things - in your life. Try to hang on to that.

There's more to come: We continue to shout our praise even when we're hemmed in with troubles, because we know how troubles can develop passionate patience in us, and how that patience in turn forges the tempered steel of virtue, keeping us alert for whatever God will do next. In alert expectancy such as this, we're never left feeling shortchanged. Quite the contrary—we can't round up enough containers to hold everything God generously pours into our lives through the Holy Spirit!

Romans 5:3-5 (The Message)

Request Granted!

I just found out today that my request to move down to third grade has been approved by my principal. I am really excited about this. I will have at least 12 fewer students, a shorter instructional day, and I'll get to work with a really cohesive team of teachers. All good things!

I've spent 11 of my 12 years of teaching at fourth grade and I'm just so ready for a change. I was expecting that there would be retirements at the third grade level eventually, but I didn't think it would happen this year. Once a retirement was announced a couple months ago, I thought this might be a good chance to make a big change. I will miss a lot of things about fourth grade, and fourth graders, I'm sure, but the chance to have a new routine and work with new people should be invigorating.

Oh, and I don't even have to change classrooms! That's just the cherry on top, you know?

Mary Lou Heard Memorial Garden Tour 2008

I had the pleasure of touring several of the gardens on the tour this year with my mom and her girlfriends. We saw so many lovely things! I was inspired, as I knew I would be, and I hope to spend some time in my own garden this summer sprucing things up with new perennials and annuals to complement my roses. Michael is wanting to do some vegetable gardening, and I gleaned some ideas for how we might do that with some small raised beds in our yard.

Of all the beautiful gardens we were treated to, none was any more delightful than my own baby sister's! And wouldn't you know it, I haven't any pictures from hers. Shucks! Once we got going, I took dozens of pictures throughout the day. I guess I'll have to post pictures from her garden another time.

Enjoy!

You learn something new everyday...

...or at least I did today!

My mom helped me find the setting on my camera that takes super tight shots, and I was able to get some fairly good pictures of my engagement and wedding rings. I wanted to do that before and post them here, but I always got blurry pictures. Even these pictures don't do it justice, in my opinion. I'm not the best photographer, though.

So, without further ado, here is Shiny Goodness:

Hawaii, New and Improved!

Yesterday morning Michael received an email with some new tour dates that overlapped our plans to go to Hawaii. I was ticked off, big time! But, my sweet husband went into action right away. He got on the phone with the airlines and was able to reschedule our tickets in no time. You the man, baby!

The outcome is that we'll be going to Hawaii next month (next month!), and our trip will be nearly twice as long as our original trip was supposed to be. We'll be there for ten nights. Needless to say, I got over my hissy-fit pretty quickly. In fact, I'm just thrilled at this turn of events now.

Unfortunately, we were not able to reschedule our rental unit in Waimanalo, as they were already booked. So, I got back on VRBO and found a duplex I had considered before in Kailua. They still had the availability we needed at this late notice and I'm in the process of making that reservation final today. We also decided that we'd spend our first couple of nights on Waikiki Beach, and we're trying to make a reservation at the Hilton Hawaiian Village. One of Michael's brothers works for Hilton, so we may be able to get the family discount. That would be very nice!

The duplex we'll be staying in is 3 1/2 blocks from the beach, and it's on a canal. It looks small to me, but very nicely decorated. The property has a salt-water pool and beautiful landscaping. I think we'll be very comfortable there.

Here are some pictures for your viewing pleasure.


Nice, huh?

So, seven weeks from Sunday we'll be on our way to paradise.

I can't wait! And I hope the islands will bring us good luck baby-wise...

;-)

Three Random Things About Me

Shannon tagged me for this one. Consider yourself tagged, if you'd like to be!

First Random Thing:

Once upon a time, I was an aspiring country music singer and I had the opportunity to be the opening act for these groups at a couple of local venues.

Second Random Thing:

I was just crazy about Ronald Reagan when I was in high school - he was still president way back then! My friend Katie and I went to see him at a political rally at a nearby park once. It must have been 1984 when he was running for re-election. I couldn't vote yet, but I carried this picture in my wallet to show my admiration for the Gipper.

Third Random Thing:

I don't wear a watch except when I travel, and I can hardly stand wearing one then (but I don't want to miss my flights and such).


Incredibly, I manage to be a very punctual person despite my aversion for timepieces!