Counting Down

I am counting down to two events. The first is my trip to Phoenix. I am completing my packing list (yes, I cannot go anywhere without a list) and figuring out the how-tos of flying (getting boarding passes, what I can take on the plane, etc). I got some good advice yesterday so I think I understand what I need to do before the flight. I am so excited about the trip. I am trying to decide what to pack. It is funny; I thought there would be a huge difference in temperature but it will be almost the same temperature in Phoenix as here. I was hoping it would be a tad warmer but I am fine with no snow when we leave and clear skies. I will miss my guys but they need some guy time without Mama, I think. I plan on taking lots of pictures to share.

The second event I am planning is Team M&M's fourth trip to the autism walk. It is in September so I have plenty of time. I really hate asking people for money again but I will do whatever it takes to help my child. All of you parents know that is true.

I am looking forward to some pampering tomorrow. My husband got me a gift certificate for a manicure, pedicure and a massage for Christmas so I am going tomorrow so my nails look good for the trip. They are pitiful looking. They are broken and brittle so they need all of the help they can get. As for the massage, my neck is screaming for help. Stress just sits on my neck so I am looking forward to relaxing.

I hope you have a great weekend. My Phoenix adventure story coming soon!

Happy Valentine's Day!

My husband and I don't "do" Valentine's day. My hatred of Valentine's day started in high school. (You would have to attend the high school in the 80's to appreciate how ridiculous Valentine's day became. Flower shops had to set up tables in the gym. Insane!) Anyway, I have been with my Valentine since I was 15 and I just had my 46th birthday so I slowly realized that every day things mean so much more than flowers and candy one day a year. So, to my Valentine, I thank you for

-putting up with mood swings and PMS

-holding me and staying strong when the doctor said "autism"

-loving my family

-being a loving father to Michael

-working long hours to provide for us

-still saying I'm pretty (and acting like you mean it!)

-doing little things to make my life easier

-encouragement when I want to expand my education and career

-loving me no matter what

Candy and flowers? Yes, they're nice but a partner for life? That means SO much more.

Love you, Valentine.

Lazy Day After A Full Week

We just completed our first full week of school since December. Wow! It is amazing how much the snow affected our school calendar and our classes. I am so glad that my classes have gotten through Act II of Macbeth. I have a student teacher with me until the end of April. I am excited about her enthusiasm and I think she is going to be a great teacher. She will teach Act III and Act V. It is a little scary for me to give up control of my classes but I know they are in good hands. I will still be "in charge" until March and then she is in control until she leaves. I wonder what my students will think about the changes? Only time will tell! (I just hope they are not sad when I am back in charge!)

I am getting excited about my trip to Phoenix this month. When I first heard about the trip, I was a nervous wreck because the plans were up in the air about the details but now that I have my hotel and flight booked, I am ready for an adventure. I am truly grateful for the opportunity to represent my school system. I have only been west as far as Memphis so I am excited about seeing a part of our country that is new to me. The desert! Oh, I bet I will miss the hills of Tennessee! I will be sure to take lots of pictures to share.

Well, I will end here on a very lazy Saturday. Have a great weekend!

What A Beautiful January Day!

It is hard to believe that it is the end of January and 60 degrees outside. This has been the best day. Michael slept until 9 am-very unusual. We had some pancakes for breakfast and then I went to the new Goodwill store. Nice store. I ran into Lowes for some primer and paint brushes to finish the bathroom and them came back home and went for a walk. I have missed my walks! It does as much for my emotions as it does for my body. I put on my headphones and just relax. I need to walk even if it's cold. I got back, threw some clothes in the washer and went out to cut the rose bushes. My sweet neighbor came home and we stood in her drive for quite a while and caught up on everything that has been happening. While I was talking to her, my husband went to Wal-Mart for a few things and came back with some roses for me. I love "just because" roses! Now, we're just enjoying some quiet time together. You just can't beat days like this.

Keep Poking Along

Here we are again. Home on another snow day. We now have one snow day left. I think we have attended school eight days in January. That is so crazy! It is making me nervous because our snow usually comes in February. I know that several people are wondering why many of the teachers are so worried about snow days.

First, it is hard to get something going. I need to start teaching Shakespeare and it will take me three weeks at least. I have to get it finished before my trip because I will be gone a week. It is hard to get something started because we need to read and discuss the literature each day and students tend to forget things if we miss. Adding to that, I am blessed to have a student teacher with me this semester. She is fantastic and I trust her with my class. I want to ease her into teaching them before I turn my classes over to her completely. These snow days are making it hard on her as well. She is trying to get to know the kids and our school/classroom routines and we can't get enough time for her to get started.

Second, it is a fact of life that test scores are important. As a matter of fact, all teachers in the state will soon have to use their school's test scores for their evaluations. In other words, when we miss school, we miss instruction and test scores drop. We have to get so many standards covered before April and the state is going to test our children no matter how many days we miss. It is stressful for children and for the teachers, too.

Can we do anything about it? Of course not. Safety is the number one priority. I have to admit that going to school in June is not my idea of a great time. Oh well. I love my time home with Michael. I surely cannot complain about that.

Stay warm and be safe.

Another Snow Day - *Sigh*

Here we are at home again. Another snow day. Am I getting old or what?! I think I am worried about getting everything in at school. I am anxious to start a new lesson that will take at least three weeks and I need uninterrupted time. I know that I should never whine about getting to stay home where it is warm and spending time with Michael but when will this cycle end? My husband told me this morning that it just reminds us that we are not in control. I guess that is right! If the roads are clear tomorrow, we're headed to Murfreesboro. I need to take some Crocs I ordered back to Dillards. (I just love them but they are too big. Darn! I hope they have another size in stock.) We need to go to Sam's Club to stock up on paper towels and other things then I think I hear The Outback calling. All in all, I guess I don't have too much to whine about!
Have a great weekend and stay warm!

Can't Believe I'm Saying This - Go Away Snow!

I love snow days. Really. I do the snow dance and everything BUT seven days after our beautiful snow, this is our driveway. It is not snow. Oh, no. It is ice. Do you see where there is gravel? That is where we finally got out this weekend and chipped away the ice to get traction. Yes, we have been able to get out but we ordered a pizza Friday night and the poor pizza guy had to try eight times to back up our drive-really! In my memory, all 40-something years worth, I cannot remember the snow staying this long.

No, of course it is not a tragedy or anything, but if Michael stays at home one more day, I am afraid I will have to drag him screaming into school. He is loving being home a little too much. Also, I think we need to get some teaching done. Graduation will be here before we know it. Boy, I sound like such a grouch! The funny thing is that I will be looking for another snow day soon. Yes, I know, you just can't make some people happy. :)
Enjoy your week!