Day 2 of being trapped inside from the ice. I've gotta say, I'd much rather be trapped inside than braving 15 degree (3 with the windchill) weather. I hate the cold, so I am glad to be in my pajamas inside. However, cabin fever is setting in and I'm running out of things to do. You always think that if you had a few days to just sit and do nothing that your life would improve exponentially. This is not true. I don't think it's natural for anyone to be this lazy/unproductive. Yes, it was good to clean up my apartment, organize my closet, take care of business that I've been meaning to do for a month, and of course, catch up on DVR. But now that everything is caught up, this situation is very lackluster.
It has made me realize something very serious...our dependence on technology. The rolling blackouts that they're doing to conserve energy leave you with no electronics whatsoever. My life is dependent on technology. I have lots of books here that I could read, yet I still would rather check facebook, email, twitter, people.com, repeat cycle. Makes me realize why kids are bored so easily. Once they've used a piece of technology a couple of times, they are over it. There are so many changing components to our society, due to our technological abundance that our focus on one thing doesn't have to be long. This may be why nobody can focus anymore; everyone seems to have some sort of attention issue because we are constantly changing states and attracted to new stimuli. It's hard to remember a time when life wasn't like this, but it wasn't so long ago. I remember getting on AOL in 7th grade and thinking 'Wow!' but still didn't know what to do with the internet other than instant messaging.
I'm hoping we will go back to work tomorrow so I can get some instructional days in this week. We are quickly approaching TAKS and we've got to get some math going! It will definitely be a short week that's for sure. Hopefully some of the ice will clear up so that we can get in to work. Though with highs in the 20s, I'm not sure how realistic that is. Certainly a crazy week!
Until then, I guess I will just relish in hanging out in fleece pants and a sweatshirt all day, watching TV shows that I used to watch to pass the time in college. How I was so unproductive everyday in college, I will never know.
Wednesday, February 2, 2011
Tuesday, November 23, 2010
Holidays are here!
Thanksgiving is just around the corner! Hard to believe that summer (& fall!) has come and gone so quickly. Where does the time go? It's so easy to get caught up in the daily stresses and events that we sometimes forget to stop and reflect on everything that we have to be thankful for. Since I make my students make lists and reflect on what they are thankful for, I figured I should probably do the same. So, here goes...my list of things that I'm continually thankful for:
-Family. Those near & far. My dad's side of the family will be spending this Thanksgiving with us. It doesn't happen often so I am so happy to see them.
-Friends. Let's be honest...when #1 on the list starts to get on your last nerve, it's good to have your friends there. My friends are family to me, so I could have included them in the first section.
-A job that I love. Some days it's the reason for my tears and stress, but through all the mess I feel so lucky to have 40 little friends in my life every single day. The little quirks that they have and funny things that they say remind me that sometimes it's OK not to take life too seriously. They are sunshine in my life each day.
-Good health. I feel so blessed that myself, friends, and family are all in good health and spirits. How fortunate we all are.
-The ability to travel & get away from the daily grind.
-Pretty weather. Blue skies & sunshine.
-Changing seasons. I love the changing of the leaves, the crispness in the air, and the Dallas snow that sometimes graces us :)
-my cute family dog, Beau :)
-Wine. Sometimes all you need is a glass of wine to clean up the mess that comes your way. Seems silly, but this year it's been especially true!
-A nice place to live, equipped with electricity. A 'power-free' lifestyle would bore me to tears.
-Technology. It makes everything easier. I'm addicted.
-The written word. Good books, quotes, magazines. Very relaxing!
-Laughter!
-Continuing education--still workin on that master's degree! Thankful to have the ability to do so.
I've got lots to be thankful for...some silly, some serious. But it's nice to stop every now and then remember that life is truly a wonderful gift.
-Family. Those near & far. My dad's side of the family will be spending this Thanksgiving with us. It doesn't happen often so I am so happy to see them.
-Friends. Let's be honest...when #1 on the list starts to get on your last nerve, it's good to have your friends there. My friends are family to me, so I could have included them in the first section.
-A job that I love. Some days it's the reason for my tears and stress, but through all the mess I feel so lucky to have 40 little friends in my life every single day. The little quirks that they have and funny things that they say remind me that sometimes it's OK not to take life too seriously. They are sunshine in my life each day.
-Good health. I feel so blessed that myself, friends, and family are all in good health and spirits. How fortunate we all are.
-The ability to travel & get away from the daily grind.
-Pretty weather. Blue skies & sunshine.
-Changing seasons. I love the changing of the leaves, the crispness in the air, and the Dallas snow that sometimes graces us :)
-my cute family dog, Beau :)
-Wine. Sometimes all you need is a glass of wine to clean up the mess that comes your way. Seems silly, but this year it's been especially true!
-A nice place to live, equipped with electricity. A 'power-free' lifestyle would bore me to tears.
-Technology. It makes everything easier. I'm addicted.
-The written word. Good books, quotes, magazines. Very relaxing!
-Laughter!
-Continuing education--still workin on that master's degree! Thankful to have the ability to do so.
I've got lots to be thankful for...some silly, some serious. But it's nice to stop every now and then remember that life is truly a wonderful gift.
Monday, November 1, 2010
Vegas Vacation
I took Friday last week and Monday (today) off of work to venture out to Vegas with friends. Kris & I flew out Friday morning at 11 and met up with Tiffany, Hunter, Greg, Jen, and Mark in Vegas around 12:30. We had a great time walking around the city, checking out all the sights, sounds, hotels/casinos that day. It ended up with the guys gambling a hella stash of cash away and the girls sitting at the penny slots and gossiping while we waited for them to finish. Friday night Tiffany made reservations for us to eat dinner at Tao in the Venetian. The food was amazing and it was a lot of fun. My only complaint was that the food came out about 5 minutes after we ordered-a la El Fenix style. You would think that a fancy Vegas restaurant would have more of an ambiance and experience style than a wham-bam-thank-you-maam feel. But, the food was still great, so whether they unwrapped a package, microwaved it, or just prepare it hours in advance, it's working for them so far!
We went to the Beatles Love Cirque de Soleil show at the Mirage and it was AMAZING. I can't even begin to describe it, but everyone needs to see it. The acts were mind-blowing and it was another great way to start our trip.
Being Halloween weekend, everywhere was crazy busy so we opted to come back to Tao that night to go out. (If you eat dinner at the restaurant, you get stamped to come back for free.) The inside of Tao was really cool and we felt special since we got to cut in front of the line & Kim Kardashian went there for her bday-obvi. But, it was PACKED inside as well and not surprisingly, drink prices were astronomical. After 1 drink, Greg & Jen being annoyed by the crowd, Hunter being too drunk causing him and Tiffany to leave, and losing Mark, Kris and I decided that 2 of us in a pack of strangers with $15 drinks was not the optimal location so we bailed. Plus, my feet had taken a beating from the miles of walking in heels. Someone really should put out a warning that places on the strip are "walking distance in flats." So, we headed back to the hotel to hang out at some local places. Greg was adamant about eating the $5.99 steak & eggs which was sketchy to say the least. But, the comments regarding steak and eggs made me laugh.
On Saturday, we toured the strip some more, saw the lions at the MGM Grand, checked out New York New York, gambled a little, walked through the Bellagio, and went into Planet Hollywood. We got to watch the Rangers and college football games at a sports bar in Bally's. It was fun just to hang out and enjoy some time together. Saturday night we all dressed up and went to a piano bar in New York New York. Our trip had been pretty smooth--no weird stories, occurrences, or any chinks in the vacay chain.
But then there was Sunday, about 15 minutes before we're supposed to leave for the airport. I start digging through my purse, only to realize I have no clue where my car/apt keys are. I freak out (in typical 'me' fashion) and head back to the hotel to see if I left them in there. I wait in line, Kris has to come in to show an ID for the room, and we sprint up to the room to tear it apart to find the keys. No such luck. Meanwhile, Tiffany and Mark are waiting in the cab line and we were supposed to leave for the airport about 20 minutes ago. We hop in, keys not found, and head to the airport. In typical 'me' fashion, I continue to freak out for the next 6 hours on the trip. When we get back to Kris' where my car is, I dump out my suitcase, only to find my keys in the very first pocket that I unzip. Oops. The good news is, I found them! The bad news, I may have potentially scarred my friends from traveling with me :)
Cute lions!
Dinner @ Tao
Mark Senior as the "blue barracuda" from Legends of the Hidden Temple! Greatness
Right before I told him that if he didn't stop "being in character" that I wouldn't take any more pictures :) dressed as cops (or CSI as everyone called us) for Halloween.
Spandex. Superman. Enough said.
We went to the Beatles Love Cirque de Soleil show at the Mirage and it was AMAZING. I can't even begin to describe it, but everyone needs to see it. The acts were mind-blowing and it was another great way to start our trip.
Being Halloween weekend, everywhere was crazy busy so we opted to come back to Tao that night to go out. (If you eat dinner at the restaurant, you get stamped to come back for free.) The inside of Tao was really cool and we felt special since we got to cut in front of the line & Kim Kardashian went there for her bday-obvi. But, it was PACKED inside as well and not surprisingly, drink prices were astronomical. After 1 drink, Greg & Jen being annoyed by the crowd, Hunter being too drunk causing him and Tiffany to leave, and losing Mark, Kris and I decided that 2 of us in a pack of strangers with $15 drinks was not the optimal location so we bailed. Plus, my feet had taken a beating from the miles of walking in heels. Someone really should put out a warning that places on the strip are "walking distance in flats." So, we headed back to the hotel to hang out at some local places. Greg was adamant about eating the $5.99 steak & eggs which was sketchy to say the least. But, the comments regarding steak and eggs made me laugh.
On Saturday, we toured the strip some more, saw the lions at the MGM Grand, checked out New York New York, gambled a little, walked through the Bellagio, and went into Planet Hollywood. We got to watch the Rangers and college football games at a sports bar in Bally's. It was fun just to hang out and enjoy some time together. Saturday night we all dressed up and went to a piano bar in New York New York. Our trip had been pretty smooth--no weird stories, occurrences, or any chinks in the vacay chain.
But then there was Sunday, about 15 minutes before we're supposed to leave for the airport. I start digging through my purse, only to realize I have no clue where my car/apt keys are. I freak out (in typical 'me' fashion) and head back to the hotel to see if I left them in there. I wait in line, Kris has to come in to show an ID for the room, and we sprint up to the room to tear it apart to find the keys. No such luck. Meanwhile, Tiffany and Mark are waiting in the cab line and we were supposed to leave for the airport about 20 minutes ago. We hop in, keys not found, and head to the airport. In typical 'me' fashion, I continue to freak out for the next 6 hours on the trip. When we get back to Kris' where my car is, I dump out my suitcase, only to find my keys in the very first pocket that I unzip. Oops. The good news is, I found them! The bad news, I may have potentially scarred my friends from traveling with me :)
Cute lions!
Dinner @ Tao
Mark Senior as the "blue barracuda" from Legends of the Hidden Temple! Greatness
Right before I told him that if he didn't stop "being in character" that I wouldn't take any more pictures :) dressed as cops (or CSI as everyone called us) for Halloween.
Spandex. Superman. Enough said.
Sunday, October 10, 2010
Many thanks to Columbus
This long weekend has been AMAZING. It's incredible what an extra couple of days can do for the soul. It has been a long ride so far this year so I am thankful for a couple of days to recharge and prepare to hit the ground running again. This past week started the month-long trend of 4-day weeks for me. Sounds like the perfect month to me!
After an early day on Friday of parent-teacher conferences, I went to the State Fair of Texas with Kris. We had such a blast. We didn't eat nearly as much as I thought we would, but I decided when you're surrounded by all sorts of fried stuff, it's difficult to figure out what to eat. So, I settled on mostly drinking and threw in a corn dog for good measure. We watched the pig races with Tiff & Hujo, saw some fireworks, marveled at the "exotic birds of the world" that flew out of the Ferris wheel, paddled around on a swan, and even tackled the Ferris wheel itself. Riding the Ferris wheel was probably the big feat of the night, or year. Kris and I are both terrified of heights, which leads me to wonder why did we even contemplate doing it in the first place? I thought we were going to be super awkward the whole time throughout the ride and not talk due to fear and anxiety, but it ended up being a pleasant experience. Plus, the view of the fair at nighttime was so pretty! Overall it was a great time.
Carnies + signs = spelling fail
Trying not to look scared! Also, the man taking this picture apparently has never used a camera because he blocked half the flash leaving an awkward shadow. But, the important part is we have evidence of riding.
Hope everyone had an enjoyable, low-key weekend!
After an early day on Friday of parent-teacher conferences, I went to the State Fair of Texas with Kris. We had such a blast. We didn't eat nearly as much as I thought we would, but I decided when you're surrounded by all sorts of fried stuff, it's difficult to figure out what to eat. So, I settled on mostly drinking and threw in a corn dog for good measure. We watched the pig races with Tiff & Hujo, saw some fireworks, marveled at the "exotic birds of the world" that flew out of the Ferris wheel, paddled around on a swan, and even tackled the Ferris wheel itself. Riding the Ferris wheel was probably the big feat of the night, or year. Kris and I are both terrified of heights, which leads me to wonder why did we even contemplate doing it in the first place? I thought we were going to be super awkward the whole time throughout the ride and not talk due to fear and anxiety, but it ended up being a pleasant experience. Plus, the view of the fair at nighttime was so pretty! Overall it was a great time.
Carnies + signs = spelling fail
Trying not to look scared! Also, the man taking this picture apparently has never used a camera because he blocked half the flash leaving an awkward shadow. But, the important part is we have evidence of riding.
Hope everyone had an enjoyable, low-key weekend!
Wednesday, September 29, 2010
Counting down
Yes, I'm already counting down to my next vacation. I don't know which is closer...the amount of time past since the first day of school, or the amount of time until my next vacation. Sad? Yes. True? Absolutely. But you know, the things I experience day-to-day this year just make me shake my head, cry a little inside, and try to conceal the bags under my eyes. I think for the first time, I can truly appreciate a vacation, a mental break, a re-boot.
This weekend is OU/tx. It's always such a fun weekend, yet somewhat depressing. OU/tx when you're in college is much different than when you're out. And it's scary to think that it's been 3 years since we experienced a "college ou/tx." But, it's still a blast and fun to re-connect with college friends and relive a weekend of debauchery that you can no longer recover from. Yes, the days of the brutal hangover are here to stay, my friends. Let's all take a moment of silence to mourn the days of hangover-free insanity.
On that note, it's a good thing that the following work week will be a 4-day week because I will need the time to recover. I'm looking forward to the game this weekend, Eli Young concert on Saturday after the game, and going to the fair the following week. Then it's only a couple of short weeks until VEGAS. Hopefully something fun/funny will occur sometime in the next month so I'll actually have a reason to stop slacking on the blog. Writing about the complaints of the daily grind gets kinda old, if ya know what I mean.
Get outside and enjoy the fall weather while it lasts! I'm holding on to every last bit of cool weather and sunny days before the heat strikes again or the bitter cold sets in. This is the perfect time of year...lovin life!
This weekend is OU/tx. It's always such a fun weekend, yet somewhat depressing. OU/tx when you're in college is much different than when you're out. And it's scary to think that it's been 3 years since we experienced a "college ou/tx." But, it's still a blast and fun to re-connect with college friends and relive a weekend of debauchery that you can no longer recover from. Yes, the days of the brutal hangover are here to stay, my friends. Let's all take a moment of silence to mourn the days of hangover-free insanity.
On that note, it's a good thing that the following work week will be a 4-day week because I will need the time to recover. I'm looking forward to the game this weekend, Eli Young concert on Saturday after the game, and going to the fair the following week. Then it's only a couple of short weeks until VEGAS. Hopefully something fun/funny will occur sometime in the next month so I'll actually have a reason to stop slacking on the blog. Writing about the complaints of the daily grind gets kinda old, if ya know what I mean.
Get outside and enjoy the fall weather while it lasts! I'm holding on to every last bit of cool weather and sunny days before the heat strikes again or the bitter cold sets in. This is the perfect time of year...lovin life!
Wednesday, August 25, 2010
the funny farm
The first day of school has come and gone (thank goodness). I forgot how chaotic and weird the first day of school is. Don't get me wrong, I love getting to see all of the kids! But, having to teach, and re-teach, and re-teach energizer-bunny-style routines and procedures, I am ready for these kids to read my thoughts. You forget how trained and intuitive the class before this one was. Especially after having them for 2 years...some of those kids knew my thoughts before I did. I know it will come with time, and I have to say that I am super impressed with their progress already. After 3 short days, they are already improving leaps and bounds from where we started.
One thing is for sure though...I've definitely got a few friends from the funny farm this year. Oh mercy. A dozen awkward comments a day, a kid who looks up your dress/skirt, and a handful of meltdowns (mostly the kids :) ), I think we have shown that we truly are a unique bunch. Certainly will make things entertaining.
The best part so far might be the student who asked if it was acceptable to bring his Axe body spray and deodorant to class each day because he doesn't like to smell after recess. I told him that personal hygiene was welcomed and encouraged and that I wouldn't be opposed to him peer pressuring his friends to do the same.
Tomorrow commences our first science experiment...say a quick prayer for us. I'll be busy getting out the fire extinguisher.
One thing is for sure though...I've definitely got a few friends from the funny farm this year. Oh mercy. A dozen awkward comments a day, a kid who looks up your dress/skirt, and a handful of meltdowns (mostly the kids :) ), I think we have shown that we truly are a unique bunch. Certainly will make things entertaining.
The best part so far might be the student who asked if it was acceptable to bring his Axe body spray and deodorant to class each day because he doesn't like to smell after recess. I told him that personal hygiene was welcomed and encouraged and that I wouldn't be opposed to him peer pressuring his friends to do the same.
Tomorrow commences our first science experiment...say a quick prayer for us. I'll be busy getting out the fire extinguisher.
Sunday, August 22, 2010
"You have boyfriend?"
Being the last official day of my summer vacation and the first day of school tomorrow, I figured that I should take care of the pool-worn pedicure and manicure that I was still sporting. Plus, who doesn't love some pampering and relaxation before a stressful week begins? Decked in my weekend's finest (i.e. workout clothes) I decided I was going to enjoy my last day of summer doing everything I love to do: mani/pedi, shopping, lounging, and wearing casual clothes and rubber flip-flops.
When I sat down in the chair, a young girl comes up and starts on my nails. I get the eerie feeling that she's looking me up and down, sizing me up. "This is awkward," I think to myself so I get out my phone to play Words with Friends to pass the time. Then, she drops bomb #1 on me, "you still in high school?" I look up and look around thinking surely she's not talking to me. "Oh no, not in high school or college, I graduated 3 years ago." She immediately gets a disgusted look on her face. "You look so young. Probably because you wear no makeup." Bomb #2. "...and your hair is in a ponytail." Bomb #3. "...and well, you in these clothes." Bomb #4. Now, I get that the Nike running shorts are all the rage at the high school level and could be considered a school uniform, but cmon. They aren't the only people that own these. And after all, it's Sunday. If someone walked up in workout clothes, no makeup, and a ponytail, I wouldn't assume they were 16, I'd assume they were running errands or going to the gym. I wasn't wearing any silly bands on my arms, smiling with a mouth full of braces, or surrounded by a crowd of tweens. But, in an effort to laugh it off, I tell her that my mom still gets carded and she's 55. Nail-girl stares at me awkwardly. Ooook, back to my WWF.
She's quiet for about 3 minutes and then drops bomb #5: "So, if you at least 25, you married?" "Oh no, I'm not married yet." "Well, you have boyfriend?" "....no. No boyfriend." Then, quickly comes bomb #6. "Honey, you not getting any younger. You need find boyfriend. Men don't like ol' woman." "Yeah, but I'm far from being an old woman, so I figure I have plenty of time." "Well, you certainly not young anymore."
Let me get this straight...5 minutes ago, I looked like a teeny-bopper and suddenly I am too old to not be married, or at least have a boyfriend? My self-esteem at this point is starting to go down just a hair. I figure that reasoning with this woman would probably be about as effective as reasoning with my house plant so, I go back to WWF.
My peaceful silence is interrupted again. "You have such long eyelashes." AH-ha! A compliment! (and the affirmation that she is indeed looking me up and down.) "But, you be so much more pretty if you have black hair." Bomb #7. Not only am I cringing at the poor grammar (more pretty), but I am floored that this woman is now insinuating that I dye my hair to her liking. I explain to her that having some premature gray hair leaves that option out. I want her to know that I'm not tolerating this nonsense anymore. "Ah, see, not getting any younger. Better find boyfriend." Bomb #8. REALLY? Were you hoping for a tip after this session?! Because I think you're down to about 15 cents.
I think it's safe to say that the flared nostrils and raised eyebrow I gave her at this point made it clear that I was no longer open to "constructive criticism" over my appearance. We sat in silence for the rest of the time. I was relieved to get up, pay my bill, and go ahead and leave. When I saw the "tip" line on the bill, I was so tempted to just write, "while we're sharing self-improvement tips, go ahead and burn those overalls and scrunchie." But, I decided to maintain some tact (which is now gone since I verbalized that thought) and just give her the normal tip. Needless to say, there is 1 tip I got from that appointment: never go into the nail salon without putting yourself together. Grr.
At least my nails look better...
When I sat down in the chair, a young girl comes up and starts on my nails. I get the eerie feeling that she's looking me up and down, sizing me up. "This is awkward," I think to myself so I get out my phone to play Words with Friends to pass the time. Then, she drops bomb #1 on me, "you still in high school?" I look up and look around thinking surely she's not talking to me. "Oh no, not in high school or college, I graduated 3 years ago." She immediately gets a disgusted look on her face. "You look so young. Probably because you wear no makeup." Bomb #2. "...and your hair is in a ponytail." Bomb #3. "...and well, you in these clothes." Bomb #4. Now, I get that the Nike running shorts are all the rage at the high school level and could be considered a school uniform, but cmon. They aren't the only people that own these. And after all, it's Sunday. If someone walked up in workout clothes, no makeup, and a ponytail, I wouldn't assume they were 16, I'd assume they were running errands or going to the gym. I wasn't wearing any silly bands on my arms, smiling with a mouth full of braces, or surrounded by a crowd of tweens. But, in an effort to laugh it off, I tell her that my mom still gets carded and she's 55. Nail-girl stares at me awkwardly. Ooook, back to my WWF.
She's quiet for about 3 minutes and then drops bomb #5: "So, if you at least 25, you married?" "Oh no, I'm not married yet." "Well, you have boyfriend?" "....no. No boyfriend." Then, quickly comes bomb #6. "Honey, you not getting any younger. You need find boyfriend. Men don't like ol' woman." "Yeah, but I'm far from being an old woman, so I figure I have plenty of time." "Well, you certainly not young anymore."
Let me get this straight...5 minutes ago, I looked like a teeny-bopper and suddenly I am too old to not be married, or at least have a boyfriend? My self-esteem at this point is starting to go down just a hair. I figure that reasoning with this woman would probably be about as effective as reasoning with my house plant so, I go back to WWF.
My peaceful silence is interrupted again. "You have such long eyelashes." AH-ha! A compliment! (and the affirmation that she is indeed looking me up and down.) "But, you be so much more pretty if you have black hair." Bomb #7. Not only am I cringing at the poor grammar (more pretty), but I am floored that this woman is now insinuating that I dye my hair to her liking. I explain to her that having some premature gray hair leaves that option out. I want her to know that I'm not tolerating this nonsense anymore. "Ah, see, not getting any younger. Better find boyfriend." Bomb #8. REALLY? Were you hoping for a tip after this session?! Because I think you're down to about 15 cents.
I think it's safe to say that the flared nostrils and raised eyebrow I gave her at this point made it clear that I was no longer open to "constructive criticism" over my appearance. We sat in silence for the rest of the time. I was relieved to get up, pay my bill, and go ahead and leave. When I saw the "tip" line on the bill, I was so tempted to just write, "while we're sharing self-improvement tips, go ahead and burn those overalls and scrunchie." But, I decided to maintain some tact (which is now gone since I verbalized that thought) and just give her the normal tip. Needless to say, there is 1 tip I got from that appointment: never go into the nail salon without putting yourself together. Grr.
At least my nails look better...
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