I'm Back!

Well... I'm back!

I've been blogging on an alternate site for a class I was working on, but now that the class is over, I'll be back here. For a bit. Until I figure out how to make my "other" site work... long story.

Anyway, it's the day after Christmas. I braved the local outlet mall today. Yeah right. I drove around looking for a parking place for about 20 minutes before completely giving up. It took me another 20 minutes just to get out of the stinkin parking lot. Oh well. As I was about to turn out onto the service road, I found a spot on the back side of the storefronts - just sitting there, open, all alone with no one around. I nabbed it quick!

I went into The Children's Place to check it out. I think this will be my new favorite place to shop for O. There jeans are at LEAST 3" longer there than her current 3T jeans. Rockin!

The little crazy kid finally sacked out, just now, at 10:30pm. She didn't even get a nap today - unless you call snoozing in the stroller for the 20 minutes we were in the store a nap. She was tired at 6:30. I don't know why she wouldn't go to sleep!! She's just so busy!!

(Notice how everything in my life apparently occurs in 20 minute increments?)

Anyway, I am now going to attempt to get her from the couch into her bed. Wish me luck.

Day 2 is over, and I'm done. Ding.

Ok. I'm tired. I'm not just tired, I'm exhausted. Wait. Should that have been a semicolon, or dash, or something?

"I'm not just tired; I'm exhausted." Nahhh... no fun.

"I'm not just tired - I'm exhausted." Hmmm....

"I'm not just tired..... I'm EXHAUSTED!!" Yup, that's it.

I'm working my not-so-little tuchus off. You would be proud of me though. It's 11:08 pm and I really REALLY have to get to bed. Because I'll be up tomorrow around 5am so I can do my hair. First of all, you should be proud because I'm planning to be at work an hour early (as in, not LATE to work by 5 minutes), and because I'm going to DO MY HAIR. Yes, I said "do my hair". I know, hair, it's been a while since I gave you any attention, but I'm working on it, ok? I'm a mom of a 2 year old, and now I am in charge of 90-someodd freshman (who all really still look and act like 8th graders for the most part) and 36 juniors/seniors (who are a wonderful group of kids). Two of whom are mothers. (And since teachers become parent-like figures to their students, does that make me sort of an honorary grandmother? Eeek! I'm not old enough for that!)

In any case, I am immersed in the inner workings of the human body, and I'm ready for bed, lest I start spouting words that sound like big long latin-esque body-part names. Good night!

New Job Update

So.... inservice started today. Well, the 4th - 8th we did curriculum training, then the 13th and 14th were for people new to the district, then the 15th (today) was an extra day just for my campus so we could have some other day off in February or something, so inservice REALLY starts on Monday. But inservice started today. Fortunately, I got to get to know some others in my department during our TAKS tutorials July 14th-something... and during our science week (the 4th-8th) and it already feels like family. In my previous teaching career, I always felt like an outcast - because there was just one of me - ONE person in my content area, and only three in my whole department-and they were band geeks... sorry guys. But now, there are 22 of us (including a helper teacher! Who woulda thunkit?) and it's like I have 10 brothers and sisters, and a quartet of crazy aunts and uncles. It's pretty hilarious, actually. And some of them are actually more nerdy than me. (hah!)

Anyway, the whole point of this update is to say that despite a LARGE number of lesson plans yet to be written, posters to be laminated, and dead things to be ordered, things are going quite well. I'm enjoying myself immensely, and I actually can't wait for school to start. :)

The Information Desk

Background info: For those of you that don't know, I am about 6 hours out from my MBA, and I can't make up my mind what to be when I grow up. I just decided to take a few classes to make up some of the science deficiencies in my transcript, just in case I decide to become a doctor someday. (No, I'm not kidding.)

Today, we went to the local community college to get J registered for his GIS certification. We went last week to inquire about the certification program, and when we approached the info desk, we were met with a bit of frustration. The conversation last week went something like this:
"Hi, I am interested in the GIS certification program. I'd like to ask an advisor some questions."
Clerk: "Ok, are you a student here?"
J: "I was in the past, but I am not now."
Clerk: "Well, you'll need to fill out an application before you can register for classes. You'll find them right over there."
J: "I'm not ready to register yet, I just want to get some information."
Clerk: "Well, before you can talk to an advisor, you'll have to fill out this application and be accepted. They can't enroll you until you're accepted."
J: "But I don't want to enroll today. I just want some information."
Clerk: "Well, you can talk to an advisor if you want to, but they won't be able to put you in classes. You can't just say, OK, sign me up! You'll have to fill out an application...."
Me: "Where is the advising office?"

ARRRRR!!!!

So, today, we know in advance to steer clear of the guy at the info desk. We walk in the door, and lo and behold, there he is. We just breeze right by. I picked up an application to fill out.
I hear this, coming from the info desk, "Uh.. Ma'am? Ma'am!" I turn, and look. Sure enough, here comes the guy from the info desk.
"Ma'am, I need to give you some info about that application."
Here we go.
Clerk: "Did you graduate from high school?"
Me: "Yes, but 10 years ago."
Clerk: "Ok, well we need to know about that. We'll need your TASP scores too."
Me: "I already have a bachelor's degree, and I have completed a good bit of masters' coursework. I just want to do some prerequisites."
Clerk: "So, you graduated from high school then?"
Me: (impatiently) "Yes."
Clerk: "Was it in Texas?"
Me: "Yes."
Clerk: "Well, then, on page two, you'll have to answer YES to question number one. And then you can skip to question three."
Me: "Ok."
Clerk: "When you're finished, bring the application back here."

I am looking at this application. There is very clear, BOLD print, explaining this detail. I'm wondering, at this point, why I need my application read to me. But whatever.

We sit down at a table so I can fill out my app. J's is already filled out (hence why I knew why he was asking about high school...) and we find out we have to fill out a demographics survey. This should be interesting. We notice it has to be filled out in pencil. We don't have a pencil.

J approaches the info desk.
J: "Excuse me, where might I find a pencil?"
Clerk: "Here is a pen. You'll need pen for the application."
(really??? seriously???)
J: "I know, we have a pen. We just need a pencil for the demographics survey."
Clerk: "But you will have to fill out the application in pen."
J: "Thank you."

He returns to the table with a pencil (the golf kind with no eraser).

We discuss what to do once I've filled out the application. He clearly told us to bring it back to him. We have a nearly five minute long discussion on what to do. I have no desire to interact with this person. Ever.

Me: "Let's just wait and see what that girl does when she's finished."
We wait.... a nice young lady steps up to the counter. We watch as she hands him the application. After reading each page, he says, "Did you sign the last page?" She nods. He tells her that she'll have to stand in line at the admissions desk, then stand in line at the advising desk where they'll register her for classes, then stand in line at financial aid, then stand in line at the cash office, then visit the bookstore upstairs.... AAAAAAAAAAHHHHH!!!!!!
We have discovered that, in fact, we do NOT have to take the app back to him.

Me: "Let's go." I make a quick move. J follows me in his usual "What the hell are you doing?" fashion. (because I sometimes just do things and he's good at just following faithfully without question. Good boy.)

**I also need to mention that J often follows faithfully even though he knows I am wrong. This just tells me how much he loves me. He is always so sweet when things go horribly wrong and he says, "It's ok, honey. I still love you." I should probably listen to him more often... but you know.**

We dash out of sight behind a sign. I hear in the distance, "Ma'am?? Ma'am!! I need to look over your application!" I just ignore it. After a 40 minute stint in line at the admissions desk (with an extremely competent, very nice, black man who sounds JUST like Morgan Freeman) we are informed that we get to register online. No more lines.

Phew. Man, that was exhausting.

Death of a Starbucks

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Originally uploaded by violabee918

You've all heard by now about Starbucks closing 600 stores nationwide... well, it's unfortunate, but the one that J just happens to work at will be closing. The employees were assured that they would have 30 days notice. We had no reason to believe that they won't give the notice, until today. The original prognosis was "we don't know anything." Then we were told "sometime in the next nine months," and now the story is "we're releasing a list at the beginning of each month. If your store is on the list, you'll get more information." Last week, a random construction worker told a friend of mine that he is on the crew that is scheduled to "demo" J's store - next month. Next month is August. August 1st is a week from yesterday. There was originally no cause for alarm, until this showed up.

It's a dumpster. A large, blue, dumpster. Why on earth would there be a dumpster in the parking lot of Starbucks? Oh, wait. This is a construction dumpster. The kind they use when they're gonna throw away a LOT of stuff. There is a sandwich shop about to go in next door. Maybe they'll use it for the buildout of that shop. But somehow, since there is no lumber, no raw material, no paint, not even a sign of anything about to start being built inside the other space... I seriously doubt it's for the sandwich shop. I think it's for the soon-to-be demise of J's Starbucks. Somehow, I don't think it's common practice to rent a ginormous dumpster and just leave it sitting in a parking lot for a month. I'm hoping they will remember the 30-day notice promise. I could go on and on about how J will probably get screwed out of any kind of severance package (that they also promised - either that or a comparable job at a store within 10 miles... but they didn't guarantee 40 hours per week).. but I'll try not to. I'd rather just wait and see what happens. In fact, that's been my mantra this whole time since we found out about the closings. "Let's just wait and see. They will take care of us." Oops. I hope they will take care of us.
It would be really nice if the upper management would let us know what the heck is going on. Oh wait. They "don't know anything" either.

I'll update more as I know more. Monday should be interesting, to say the least. I hope I'm wrong about all this and I'll just say "I'm sorry! I was wrong! Forgive me!" I hope I get to say that.

Antibiotics.

Oh the joy of having a horribly sore throat, and being told I need to take these little blue/green pills. On one hand, I know they will kill whatever little microbes are making my throat hurt oh-so-bad, but at the same time, I know that they will make me have all kinds of other issues. And so it begins... my stomach is churning and I don't feel like eating. My throat STILL hurts so badly that swallowing is just not an option. Talking not so much either. I have had sore throats before, but this is a constant pain - not just the kind that hurts when you're using it for eating or talking. I have only taken three of my Omnicef so far, but they have already taken their toll. I sure hope they help my throat soon. Sorry for being so whiney. My normally 'whatever' attitude about things is dampened by the dull ache in my larynx. Blah.

So, not Physics

Well, it's been a bit since I last blogged - mainly because things have been pretty busy! I've been teaching TAKS tutorials at my new school (fun! or.. should I say "phun")

Since the last time I posted, I have been informed that I'll actually be teaching Biology and Anatomy & Physiology. I am actually fine with this, since this is what I wanted to teach from the get-go. I was expecting to have ALL bio I classes and not get to teach any upper-level anything, so I'm excited that I'll have the A&P sections (2 of them!) also. The most recent issue is whether or not we'll be dissecting Mink or Cat. Ha! If Christina and Russell were reading this... they'd be laughing hysterically!

Anyway... I'm really looking forward to this coming school year. Should be lots of fun. I'm glad to be getting back into teaching, and I'm excited about science in any shape or form!

Babywearing!

Even though Olivia is getting older and does not enjoy being carried as much, we still use a sling or baby carrier whenever she is tired and/or fussy and wants to be held. It is super convenient!! I just found out about a contest that this great babywearing store is having - Along for the Ride...
Win the Essential Babywearing Stash from Along for the Ride (one Beco Butterfly, one Hotsling baby pouch, one BabyHawk Mei Tai, one Zolowear Ring Sling, and one Gypsy Mama Wrap)

I have a ssc (soft structured carrier) like a Beco, a pouch (different brand), a Mei Tai, a Ring Sling, and I also have a fantastic Gypsy Mama Wrap... I can attest that having one of each of these is the ultimate stash!! :)

Good luck!

Physics...

Does it look like me? I need to get a different haircut, and probably some really boring suits and maybe a pocket protector (do they make those for girls?) because I'll be teaching physics this fall! God grant me the serenity to .. uh.. calculate .. uh... aww crap. I knew I should have taken Calculus.

The Job Search

Both J and I are in search of new jobs for the coming school year. I am probably a little more anxious than usual because every time I have had to do this, we were taken care of before spring break! Here it is, May 27 - wait!! 28 and we're not quite there yet... I've left no stone unturned.. and as a soon-to-be science teacher, you'd think they'd be beating down my door. Oh well... I've submitted applications and emailed principals until I'm blue in the face. Maybe next week, during final exams for most of the world, someone will want to interview me. Maybe?

Grumpy.

That pretty much describes it, doesn't it?
Grumpy, TWO, and ill-cooperative.
But still beautiful!!

My wonderful friend, Emily, took this photo yesterday morning, and several more, of my beautiful yet grumpy child. She is a fantastic photographer, and she's also very patient! We're going to try again in the afternoon and indoors on another day.

Birthday Fun!

Today was Olivia's birthday party! We had such a fun time with all her little (boy) friends! Apparently, Olivia's friends are mostly boys, since we only had one little girl over today! A few pics from today's festivities....

Coloring fun!



Fun with balloons!!





Swimming Pool Fun!



Blowing out her candles!



Princess Olivia opening her presents!





She is totally exhausted! Phew, what a day!

Bree in the kitchen...

Some of you know that there could be a serious tragedy happen around my house in the next few minutes.... but I'm in the kitchen.

I am attempting 10 minute Sesame Chicken. I thought, just for your amusement tonight, I'd give you a play by play. I'll be back later with pics. But I gotta go now before I burn the place down!

**And we're back! (No fire alarms!)
I will chronicle this dinner with photos, just for your viewing pleasure. Disclaimer: I am using a Kodak digital camera that I didn't pay very much for, and I have ZERO photography skills.



Here is what the inside of the package looks like. I'm thinking this is doable. I see a packet of rice, some sauce, and a bunch of veggies with some sparse bits of chicken.

After successfully putting the packet of rice into a bowl (wow, that was rough) and setting it aside, I added 1 TBSP of vegetable oil to my skillet. It told me to add 1 TBSP but since I couldn't find my TBSP measurer, I just poured "some" oil in. Yeah. Probably too much, but whatever. SURELY this wouldn't be a problem.

The instructions called for me to heat the oil on high heat for one minute, and then add the contents of the veggie/sparse chicken mixture. So, I turned on the heat. And waited. And then I waited some more. I couldn't tell if we were really getting any heat, and the only thing I could think of was to stick my finger on the bottom of the pan.
So I did...... it was cold. (phew! The last time I tried this method of checking, things didn't go so well.)
After determining that my burner wasn't working, I switched to a different one. Finally, heat!


Cook it for 8 minutes (or until it's almost burned because Olivia had to go potty)..
Now for some sauce (read: open packet of pre-made sauce and dump in.)



Perfectly microwaved rice (somehow, I didn't burn this either!)


And here it is, on my plate, read to eat!!


And some for the munchkin!


We polished it off! I can't believe it! I made a pre-made 10-minute dinner in 20 minutes! For my next cooking experiment, I'll use REAL ingredients (you know, like fresh veggies?)

Argh, Gasoline.

Well, since gasoline is doing nothing but getting worse, J and I have started to think of ways to save. I'm thinking of investing in a jogging stroller (or ahem, "borrowing" one from my wonderful parents!) and walking to grocery shop. Why not? It's only a few blocks. Yes, maybe more than a few blocks, but it wouldn't hurt me to get some exercise. And with a nice sunshade for the munchkin, a long walk wouldn't be bad for me at all!

After thinking about that, I'm wondering what else could be walked to - like, the post office, school, work, etc. Maybe J can transfer to the Starbucks just down the road... hmmmm...

Broken.

J has just called me, after a long visit with our doctor. After spending our evening last night with J practically miserable, with severe lower back pain and nausea, he decided to go in. He has broken his coccyx(tailbone), and has a bulging disk. J will need to stay off his rear end for a while, which means his is not to sit, but only to either lie down or stand up. Fun. He is also going to be taking some supplements to help with stress, and some painkillers! More fun!

My dear daughter is doing well, other than an ear infection. Of course, what would life be like without ear infections? We toured a local Montessori school today and fell in love! As long as we are able to reserve her spot, she'll be attending in the fall! Hooray! I'm very excited for her, because she really enjoyed the visit this morning, and because the woman who will be her teacher was fantastic! Plus, she gets to wear a super cute uniform! (not that that matters, but it is CUTE!)

Progress with the 2 year old!

Olivia and I went to the Post Office to pick up our mail. She wanted to do the key in the mailbox, so I let her. I showed her how it worked, and even showed her that the key wouldn't work in several other boxes, only ours. When it was time to go, she threw herself on the floor and started kicking and screaming. (ugh.)

I picked her up and left, and immediately, she started pinching me, over and over, harder and harder. I ignored it until I couldn't anymore, and I said, OUCH Olivia, don't pinch mommy. She continued to pinch. So, I said, "Olivia, give me the keys." And she said "NO!". And I took them. I told her she couldn't have the keys if she was going to pinch mommy. So then we get in the car, and she is crying. Then she says "tunes?" and I say "No tunes. You have been a naughty girl so you don't get to listen to music." She cried more. A few minutes later, she said "I sorry mommy"

A-HA!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! PROGRESS. :)

Weight Watchers

I decided to go back to weight watchers! I have needed to do this for a while now, but just didn't feel like I had the energy to do it. So, here we go! :)

Sleep Issues

Olivia has decided the last several nights that she does NOT want to go to bed. She screams and cries. I am not sure what the deal is... because everything was just fine, and she would even go upstairs and put herself to bed, but all of a sudden, not happening!

So, this makes for a TIRED mommy and daddy. We're both sort of dragging... How did I ever make it through the newborn period? Haha! I guess we got really spoiled with her sleeping through the night!

Jason finished all of his coursework to finally graduate with his Bachelor of Arts in Business... I'm SO excited!!! He is really happy too! Jason is getting his degree from Ashford University, which is in Iowa. (He did attend UNT and a community college before that, before we found out we were pregnant with Olivia). He did the coursework online, so his assignments are usually due on Thursdays and Mondays. We had a Thursday night without homework. I'm not sure how long it's been since that happened! It was sort of nice. In any case, we'll be having a big celebration for him soon!