2009 Rewind

At school, copying from someone else is considered bad.  In blogworld, copying from someone else is accepted AND encouraged.  So, as we watch Polar Express for the last time this holiday season, I answer questions copied from Kate, who copied it from All and Sundry. Apparently, I am supposed to link my answers to the original so I suppose I'll figure HOW to do that later.   
1. What did you do in 2009 that you’d never done before?

I used my voice at work to defend myself and tell my boss that I deserved a job that he later gave to someone else.  I normally don't run the risk of going for something that I don't think I get so I was truly hurt when I didn't get the job offer.  Plus, defending myself is very out of character because I think action should speak louder than words.  To this day, I still believe I deserved that job and believe I did the right and everything I could by using my voice.

Oh, I also completed two half-marathons.  One in March and the second in November.   I found that I enjoyed these activities and plan to challenge myself with further fitness challenges (triathalon, anyone?).  I suppose you could say I also started a blog for myself.  And I joined Facebook.  With Fort Knox security.
 
2. Did you keep your new year’s resolutions, and will you make more for next year?

I'm pretty sure I broke as many as I kept.  Never have understood the purpose of the activity but I make the resolutions every year, without fail.

3. Did anyone close to you give birth?

Babies are always being born around us!  But I'm REALLY looking forward to meeting Baby Rose and Baby Schoolcraft in 2010!

4. Did anyone close to you die?

Baby H (not our baby, for those wondering).  Worst day ever.  Ever. 

5. What countries did you visit?

With a toddler in our home, we were lucky to get out of our city this year.

6. What would you like to have in 2010 that you lacked in 2009?

 Travel.  More date nights with hubby.  Finding trust to have a babysitter come into our home.

7. What dates from 2009 will remain etched upon your memory, and why?

March - going away for a weekend with Eric to celebrate our 12 year anniversary.  I love him.
May/June- being glad a terrible school year was ending.  Enough said about that.
June - going my best friends ultrasound to find out the gender of the baby.  But instead of shopping for baby clothes, I spent the afternoon consoling her and telling family and friends that she was going to lose the baby.  That day absolutely broke my heart.  Still does.
August - my 20th high school reunion.  I am confident, secure, and totally happy with where I
am in life and it showed.  It was never awkward or uncomfortable to see classmates and I would do that weekend again, in a heartbeat.
September - finding out Dad was going on kidney dialysis.  Enough said.
October - finding out Fidelia and Casey were expecting a baby
December - Christmas through a child's eyes is incredible.

8. What was your biggest achievement of the year?

Choosing to leave a job that fulfilled my soul but I couldn't continue because dealing with my evil, manipulative, passive aggressive co-worker was destroying me. 

9. What was your biggest failure?

I wish I could say I haven't failed at anything but that wouldn't be real, would it?  I should have been a better wife and mom.  Next year, I need to do my best so I can't say I failed.  If I do my best, I won't fail.

10. Did you suffer illness or injury?

No

11. What was the best thing you bought?

The super cute dress I wore to my 20th high school reunion.  We're on a tight budget, people!

12. Whose behavior merited celebration?

Everyone I choose to put in my life merits celebration, in one way or another. Otherwise, I don't suppose I would choose them.

13. Whose behavior made you appalled and depressed?

My evil co-worker (see #8) .

14. Where did most of your money go?

Bills, bills, and more bills.  Next year, it will all go to a house remodel.

15. What did you get really excited about?

Being home all summer with my boys.  We may not have gone anywhere or done anything spectacular but we spent every day together as a family.  And in 2 years or 20 years, those memories will be priceless to me.
And we remodeled my parents kitchen. 

16. What song will always remind you of 2009?

Reel Big Fish - "Your Guts (I Hate 'Em) - After every battle with my evil co-worker, I would go in my office, play this song REALLY loud, and just feel better.  Totally not appropriate but SO worth it.  And better to listen to this song than take it out on the kids.

17. Compared to this time last year, are you:

– happier or sadder?  Happier.
– thinner or fatter?  19 inches thinner but frustrated that it is not reflected by the number on the scale!
– richer or poorer? Financially poorer but infinitely richer for all I have around me

18. What do you wish you’d done more of?

Date nights with my husband.  Put down the dishes or the laundry and played on the floor with my son

19. What do you wish you’d done less of?

Been unhappy at work

20. How did you spend Christmas?

Christmas Eve at my Grandma's, Christmas morning with my boys, Christmas Day with my family

21. Did you fall in love in 2009?

I honestly think I fell more in love with my boys, than anything else.

22. What was your favorite TV program?

Since we only watch cartoons, I can't say I have a favorite (does Mickey Mouse Clubhouse count?).  But we did renew Netflix so I can watch more of what I have missed (The Closer, Dexter, 24, etc) in the past 3 years!

24. What was the best book you read?

Oh, man.  Just ONE?!  I loved the Outlander series.  And right now, I'm totally enthralled with the Wheel of Time series.  Three Cups of Tea and The Book Thief mesmerized me.  Bill O'Reilly and Craig Ferguson entertained me.  I read the Twilight series this summer and was humored.  And the Parenting Magazine saved me.  

25. What was your greatest musical discovery?

I discovered that I will never lose my love of long haired rock bands.  Or going to concerts with Kelli

26. What did you want and get?

Even though I didn't know that this was what I wanted until just recently, I realize that more time at home with my boys was the best gift of 2009

27. What did you want and not get?

The ASB job at work.

28. What was your favorite film of this year?

We only saw one movie in the theater this year - Star Trek.  And it wasn't my favorite. At all
 
29. What did you do on your birthday, and how old were you?

I turned 38 this year.  My dear friend Jen drove up and spent the day with us.  It was awesome to reconnect with her.  Then she joined Jodie and Zak, Fidelia and Casey, Gypsy and Jeff and Eric and I for appetizers and wine at a local joint.  I don't plan to do anything big for my birthday until the 4-0.  When that day comes, WATCH OUT!  Think Vegas, Baby!

30. What one thing would have made your year immeasurably more satisfying?

I used to think it was the ASB job at work.  I used to think it was more money.  Now, I think it would be starting the house remodel so Eric would have projects again and I'd finally have a bedroom with walls.

31. How would you describe your personal fashion concept in 2009?

Interesting question.  I'd say I'm coming alive to fashion again.  After 9 months of maternity clothes and 3 years of "fat girl" clothing, I'm just now venturing to the mall and finding my fashion concept.  I can't say I've totally found it but, with the help of Jodie and Fidelia, it's coming alive!  Right now, I love the sweaters.  With leggings.  And boots. 

32. What kept you sane?
 
My husband.  And the captain.
 
33. Which celebrity/public figure did you fancy the most?
 
Can't say I fancied anyone.
 
34. What political issue stirred you the most?
 
The presidential election.  I was fascinating by my students who were engaged, enthralled and educated by the ENTIRE process.  Plus, I had Kemper to keep me entertained with his Democratic rantings.
 
35. Who did you miss?
 
I miss having close friends at work.   Jen, Andrea, and Kemper.
 
36. Who was the best new person you met?
 
Me.  And I loved reconnecting with high school friends.
 
37. Tell us a valuable life lesson you learned in 2009.


  I may never understand God's timing of bringing home His children but I look forward to the day when I am greeted by the babies at the gates.  Especially one sweet baby girl who makes my heart ache because she isn't here.

38. Quote a song lyric that sums up your year.


Hot Dog, Hot Dog, Hot Diggidity Dog.

Happy New Year!!

TA-DA!!

After much fussing, my blog design is done and just in time for the new year!  After a frustrating 2 mile run today (damn side-ache that felt like knives in my ribcage), I started searching the web for backgrounds and banners. I've spent the past several hours, hunched over my laptop, texting Kate, and trying to figure out the right look for my bloggy.  I had no idea how many backgrounds and banners were out there!  Of course, all the sites are now bookmarked in my browser but it turns out all I needed thecutestblogsontheblock.com and Voila!  A new look that I adore.  As my cousin Jodie would say, "its high maintenance but with the illusion of low maintenance".  And it is all about me.

Next up...a fun signature!

Blog Under Construction

With the help of my good friend Kate, the blog is going through another design change. 

I changed the background (what do you think?) and hopefully, Kate can change the banner.

Any suggestions for the banner? 

Elephant versus Gazelle

A few years ago, right before I became pregnant, I discovered that I like to run.  Well, let me clarify.  I like the RESULTS that come from running so therefore, I like running.  Get it?   Almost four years later, I am rediscovering my inner athlete.  Ok, I admit I am a mediocre athlete, at best.  And definitely less than a mediocre runner.  The very thought of running along side someone makes me cringe. When one watches me run, I suspect they think, "giant lumbering elephant-like runner girl" rather than "graceful gazelle-like runner girl".  I have to have music so loud that I don't hear my panting.  I know my stride is all wrong since pain shoots through my ankles with each step.  And don't get me started about all the parts of me that wiggle and jiggle as I jog.  Ugh. 

Naturally, this graceful gazelle wanna-be needed to add a few running accessories to her Christmas list.  Every girl knows that accessories can make any outfit or event better, right?

A headband to keep my ears warm during the winter months?  Check.

A wallet/carrying case for my arm so I can take the cell phone, ID and my music while keeping my hands free to wipe the tears running down my face as I face wind and rain?  Check.

A new hoodie that is a longer length to hide the aforementioned parts that wiggle and jiggle?  And has a cool hood?  Check.

And, as an added bonus, I bought myself a new ipod nano since my old ipod mini bit the dust, despite Eric's valiant efforts to Macgyver it back to life.

I gathered up all my new little toys and went for a run today.  Before all was said and done, this lumbering giant of a girl finished 5 miles in an hour.  Not gracefully.  Not quickly.  Not all of it was running. But she finished it.  And she can't wait to go again tomorrow.

If she can get out of bed in the morning.

Life Is Better Because...

I have chosen these wonderful girlfriends to surround me with love, laughter, and lots of red wine.

18 years ago, I fell in love with a boy.  3 years ago, I fell in love again.

My wonderful family.  They were VERY generous this Christmas season.

I can't think of two people who make Papa happier than this sweet boy and girl.

my sis and I

my  mom
(my favorite co-worker too!)

 my bro and I .  my bro and sister-in-law live in Florida and we missed them on Christmas Day.  A lot.

I have a cousin named Jodie who called me at 10PM with a brilliant idea for an obnoxious White Elephant gift. A White Elephant gift that only a grandmother can love.

Fidelia and Jodie.

We laugh.  We dance. 
We love Skinny Pirates.
We take a lot of photos.  Of us.
And we love the baby girl in Fidelia's belly.  A lot.

Who do you surround yourself with to make your life better?

True Story Tuesday

It's 8:15AM and both my boys are STILL asleep.  I'm drinking coffee, playing on the computer, and embracing the silence.

True Story.

Last night, a girlfriend received an incredible gift and was asked to pay it forward when the time was right for her.  I can't wait to see how this moment transforms her because I'm certain she is no longer the same person she was before that envelope arrived at her desk.

True Story.

Last year, at this time, there was several feet of snow on the ground.  We were homebound for 10 full days and my dad had to pick us up with chains on his car so we could enjoy Christmas as a family.  Despite that snow, everyone in the family made it to Grandma's for Christmas Eve.  The power of family is much stronger than the power of Mother Nature.  I must admit, I'd like a white Christmas...but just a dusting this year!

True Story.

It's day two of my vacation and I already want it to slow down. Thankfully, all the Christmas shopping is done.  When we were at the mall yesterday, watching all the stressed out shoppers run around, my sweet husband looked at me and thanked me for the years of Christmas shopping that I have done for us.  It made my heart happy to hear him acknowledge that I've done all the shopping in our almost thirteen year marriage.  It is a rare year when he has to go out and buy something.  The pleasure of shopping really is all mine!

True Story.

I love Christmas.  Everything about it.  Yesterday, we took Alexander to the mall to see Santa.  He was a champ and talked to Santa for a full 10 minutes about wanting a "woowoo train" and "mama home".  When we were leaving, he grabbed our hands and said, "wuv you Santa" and swung from his parents hands, with the trust that a toddler has that someone will hold him up when he lifts his feet off the ground.

May you be surrounded and loved this holiday season by those who hold you up.


True Story.

Cuddling

It's rare when my son cuddles up with me.

So, I take it when I can.

 

Oh, how I love being home.

7 hours and counting...

...until winter break! 
I'm looking forward to...

Napping
Reading
A date wth Eric to see a movie (thanks to Grrma and Ho-Ho Papa!)
Obnoxious family events with people I adore
Holiday parties
Being Mom
Being Michelle

Disconnected

For the first time in my teaching career, I feel completely disconnected from being a teacher.  Being Ms M has been my identity for fifteen years.  I have been the teacher students turn to when issues of relationships, drugs/alcohol, or teen pregnancy enter their lives.  Or if they have a new car, get accepted to college, or if it is their birthday.  I am the adult they talk with when they can't talk to their parents.  And I love that role because that is the reason I entered teaching.  I have always been less concerned with teaching content and more about helping the individual student.

This year, I am finding it hard to be patient and listen to students. The hurt I feel from the lack of loyalty from my administration is trickling into my daily teaching.  I don't want to be close to co-workers. I don't want to be close to students.  Most days, I'm 15 minutes late to work, I don't leave my office until it is time to teach, and I've been known to beat the busses out of the parking lot at the end of the day.  I don't want to care because when I did care and gave all that Ms. M had, it broke my heart.  I'm not ready to give my heart again.   The three closest friends I have had have left in the last two years.  I'm not ready to show my loyalty and care about co-workers who are going to leave.  I haven't had a favorite class since 2006 graduated and love when they come home from college so I can laugh again.  It isn't like me to go through the motions, yet that's exactly what I am doing.  Students still confide in me but I'm finding it to be more of a burden than anything else (not that they would ever notice, though).

In my head, I know that teaching is just a job and I should have no problem disconnecting from it. 

My heart hasn't figured that part out.

True Story Tuesday

Alexander has a cold.  Eric woke up with a sore throat.  I woke up with sinus pressure and a sore throat.  We have a house full of sickies.  Bah Humbug!

True Story.

There is a holiday party on Saturday with our group of friends.  I would hate for any of us to miss it due to this winter cold.

True Story.

I'm trying to create a written assignment for my Fitness class so we can go to library.  The heating/cooling system in our building isn't working and it must be about 100 degrees in the gym.  Hot Yoga is one thing but add 45 students and it becomes Gross Yoga.  Trust me.

True Story.

This time last year, my winter break began four days early due to a foot of snow and school closures.  Looks like rain is forecasted and I'm putting in a full work week.  Only three more days!

True Story.

I'm SO ready for two weeks at home with my boys.  Sick or not.

True Story.

Monday Mini Moments

No one really likes a Monday.  So, in keeping with that theory, I decided to start Monday Mini Moments.  Moments to embrace to help kick start a week.

I love, love, love hearing Christmas music 24-7.  I'm going to play it in the locker room all week (until a student complains).

I stepped on the scale this morning and didn't gain a lb!  This is a BIG accomplishment since I self-sabotage on weekends.

There are only 5 work days remaining until I'm home for two FULL WEEKS!

All my Christmas cards/letters were mailed today.  All 95 of them. 

My Christmas shopping is DONE!

Happy week to you!

What a Handsome Date

When the doctor confirmed that we were having a boy (for the record, I never thought otherwise), my mind instantly flash forward to the relationship my son and I would build together.  Most specifically, "date nights" that find mother and son spending quality time together.  I've been waiting and waiting and waiting...

Date #1 - Saturday night!

Someone was VERY done with pictures

Alexander and I went to see Disney's Imagination Movers Live Tour.  We dressed up, drove downtown, and enjoyed the first of a life time of mother and son dates.  He may not remember it. 
But I will.

TGIF!

Yay for the weekend!

And herein lies the the first true test of whether I'm going to stick to my new healthy plan. I can be plenty good during the week - stay within my points, work out 5 straight days, and avoid junk food.  Within 48 hours, I can sabotage any well laid plan. 

ESPECIALLY with that bottle of wine staring me straight in the eye...

People I can't live without...

It goes, without mention, that I can't live without the amazing family and friends who surround me during the daily grind (although, I could probably live without a few co-workers).  So, let me clarify that this blog entry is about OTHER people in my life who will devastate my world when/if they retire.

My hairdresser, Suzy. 
She and I have been together for almost 13 years now.  I first met her at Gene Juarez.  When she left the salon she decided to travel to people's home.  I used to pull in 5 or 6 family/friends to have hair done at the same time and I'm pretty sure we paid her mortgage during that chapter of life.  Now, I travel to her home.  And if you shoud know anything about me, it is that I do not leave my city if I don't have to.  Everything I need is close at hand so why put the extra miles on my truck?  Except my hairdresser.  So, I drive the 20 minutes every 6-8 weeks..  I love the time we spend catching up, sharing child-rearing stories, and updating lives as she cleans up the dark roots (not a true blonde?!) and trims the length. 

My dentist, Dr. M.
I may not travel to Arkansas for a dentist appt (like the aforementioned hairdresser does) but whenever I call and give my name, the receptionist instantly remember who I am, my son's name and can instantly recall how long since my last visit!  And she doesn't even make me feel badly for my absence.  Anyhow, it feels like family in my dentist office and makes the visits bearable.  Alexander is going to see the children's dentist in the same office.  Funny story - when I was pregnant and Eric and I were debating names for our son, I had a dentist appointment.  The dental hygeniest was telling me a story about her 2 boys, one named Alexander.  Of course, I IMMEDIATELY fell in love with the name and it jumped to the top of our non-existent short list.  So, J the dental hygeniest, thanks for the name suggestion.  It's a good thing Dr. M has two boys to put through college because I don't know what I will do when he retires.

My OB/GYN, Dr. G
When I had my first appointment with her, I told her she was going to deliver my children.  I was 20.  She delivered Alexander.  I was 35.  When I called her during labor and demanded the epidural, she spoke to the nurse and it was done.  Need I say more? 

 Who would you follow?

What a difference...

...a new playlist on my IPod makes!  Wow!  Tried out the new running playlist today and I'm a fan!  It made the time fly by and before I knew it, the run was over.

Here are a few songs I added from the Itunes store: 

1. This Ain't a Scene, It's an Arms Race - Fall Out Boy
2. Liar (It takes one to know one) - Taking Back Sunday
3. I Don't Wanna be in Love - Power Music Workout
4. First Time (workout remix) - Power Music Workout
5. No One (workout remix) - Power Music Workout
6. Stronger (workout remix) - Power Music Workout
7. Crush (workout remix) - Junior Torrey
8. Love Drunk - Boys Like Girls
   

I'd love to hear what songs keep you going during a workout!  I'm always looking for new ideas.

10, 11, 12...

So, here's the thing.  It's truth time.  Cold, hard truth.  I figure if I put it into words and out into the blogworld, I will have to hold myself accountable.  Clearly, I can't do this by myself so blogword (friends and family), it time for you to start kicking my arse!

I haven't exactly been...uh, committed to a healthy lifestyle.. I've been saying for the past six months that I want to lose the last 5 lbs of pregnancy weight.  If I'm completely honest, it's more like 10...11...12 lbs that need to go before I'm back at pre-pregnancy weight.  Ugh. When did that happen?  I should know better than to allow myself to carry that extra weight.  I'm a PE teacher, for crying out loud!  It is embarrassing to be so big when I'm in a job that is all about health and fitness.

How hard can it be to lose 12 lbs and get myself back into shape?  I did it in 2000 and kept that weight off for six years.  I know exactly what to do, how to do it, why I should do it, and yet, I'm choosing to be lazy and make excuses.  I have always struggled with body image. I imagine I always will.  But I hate carrying this extra weight and I want it over.

I am running but no more than 3 times a week.  And I haven't been to Curves in two months (I did work out at Curves today and was measured for the first time in 2 months.  The numbers are not good - not good AT ALL.).  How embarassing to admit that I'm the woman paying for a gym membership but never goes! 

My Goal:  Work out 5 days a week for 30 minutes a day.

• Continue running on my prep, every other day, for 20-30 minutes.  This will vary from 2 - 3 times a day.  
• Run/walk with a friend once a weekend
• Alternate days at Curves with my running days
  

After I work out, I do this crazy thing with my mind and convince myself I can consume more calories.  These calories are usually in the form of alcohol empty calories.  Since I don't eat after six, that gives me about two hours in the evening and apparently, I fill the 120 minutes with eating and/or drinking.  And, as it turns out, those calories are turning to fat (duh) and I'm packing on the inches (duh). 

My Goal:  Reinstate Weight Watchers program since it works for me

• Write down every, single thing that I eat during a day
  
• Drink a full 32 oz water bottle before I leave school at 2:30.
• Do not eat after 6 PM.
• NO MORE SNACKING (damn near impossible with Eric and toddler but will do my best)
  

I imagine you are wondering why I would rededicate myself during the holiday season.  The answer is simple.  I stick to a routine better when I'm home. I always do better during the breaks than at school, where I become easy distracted.  Since winter break is coming up, I will have the time to focus and fall into a strong routine for the new year.  I can count points on Weight Watchers and plan ahead to meals.  I can avoid snacking by preoccupying myself with Alexander.  Instead of running during winter break, I'm taking borrowing my parents Wii to do Wii Fit each day and plan to go to Curves every morning after Eric wakes up.

Realistically, if I lose 1-2 lbs a week, I should have this done in six to eight weeks...just in time for our trip to Arizona/Disneyland! 

Wish me luck...and be prepared to call me out when I grab the junk food give me much needed support because I can't do this alone!

True Story Tuesday

Last night, I downloaded about a dozen songs for my running playlist.  Now I need to go running to find out if I made the right choices or not.
True Story.

Every morning I check the daily bulletin to see which teachers are absent.  And then I try to figure out if they are legitimately sick or taking a day off.  And then I get really jealous that they are home and I'm not.

True Story.

This weekend, I'm taking Alexander to see the Imagination Movers Live Tour with Mika and Evan. Everytime the Disney Channel shows the tour commercial, Alexander jumps up and down and says, "MAMA AND ME, MAMA AND ME, MAMA AND ME".  How can I not be excited to take him?  Must. Take. Camera.

True Story.

I was reading Bill O'Reilly's book last night and read a line that went something like "when one lacks goals and goals and challenges, life becomes tedious".  This is not a direct quote; I didn't think to bring the book to work.  However, this statement really hit home.  I have no goals or challenges at work, thus my job is tedious and boring.  I wonder if the next chapter will teach me how to find the motivation to set goals and find challenges in a job that is so boring.  Shoot.  Should have brought that book to work...at least, I would have something to do.

True Story.

I have a craving for chips and salsa.  At 8AM.

True Story.

Holiday season

Oh boy.  I'm starting to feel it.  The spirit of giving.  The house is decorated.  Bright lights on houses that fascinate a three year old and brings giggles from the back seat. Most of the shopping is done.  Christmas cards are beginning to trickle in.  All the holiday treats that beg me to eat them. 
Yep, it's officially the holiday season!

Of course, this also means I'm starting to feel anxious to be on winter break. 

And that doesn't happen until the 18th.

Sigh. 

Worlds collide

There have been many moments in my teaching career from the last 7 years, when memories of the past collide with moments of the present.  First day as a teacher in this school, walking into the gym...and having a former teacher come in to wish me luck and to carry on the traditions of our building.  Students personalities that are so similar to those I graduated with that it is like ghosts walking the hallways.  Working with the student leaders to create spirit and pride in this building has been, what I think, to be my greatest contribution back to this community (I suppose that is why it is so hard to not be a part of student leadership this year).  The school has been remodeled since I left but the feelings of being a student in the halls remain.  I truly loved being in high school, was involved in just about every activity, and I'm pretty sure blue, green, and silver run in my veins. 

Teaching at my old high school, where my mom is the librarian, my dad is the football announcer, my former teachers are now friends, and my cheer coach is the head secretary, is always where I dreamed of teaching.   There are three alums that now teach here so you can imagine the strong sense of community we have.  When I was looking for jobs out of college, I chose to teach at the middle school level to develop my teaching skills, classroom management and avoid being asked to Prom since I was so close to high school students ages because I graduated from college at 22. Plus, I knew the PE teacher at my school would eventually retire.  She did and here I am.  7 years later.  . 

21 years ago, I was a senior in high school and our football team went to state.  The boys I adored and grew up with won a state championship and as a cheer leader, I was on the sideline.  I can VIVIDLY remember, looking into the stands and seeing the sea of blue, green and silver.  Parents.  Grandparents.  Cousins.  Alumni.  Parents of alumni.  And friends.  So many friends in support of this little school who had made it to the big dance.  That night's energy and confidence bled into the remainder of our senior year and more athletic teams played in state tournaments that year than any year since.

So, now it's December 4, 2009.  Tonight, my students will be playing in a football state game.  The students I adore are filled with the same excitement, confidence and pride that my friends and I felt all those years ago.  I have received many texts and emails from my high school friends who are going to the game.  It will be very fun to see them but you know what?  My eyes will be watching the students.  Watching their faces light up and create memories that they will carry with them of this magical school year.  Watching the senior football players who have been playing together since middle school play with all they have and leave their hearts on the field to create something that only they will experience.  Watching parents cheer on their children and friends support their loved ones. 

As I watch this community that I adore support and cheer each other on tonight, faces from the past and the present will surround me. I have no doubt the ghosts and memories of '88 will flood through me.  But oh, how I am looking forward to the memories created tonight.

Go Patriots!

True Story Tuesday

By 11AM, I had called 911 for a top 10 PE injury.  Freshman + Jumping over a net = Broken nose, split eyebrow, and instant blood.  At least the paramedics were cute.

True Story.

I'm super excited to put Christmas up this weekend.  The big rule is I have to wait until Eric's birthday (3rd) so that means I only have 4 days to go! YAY!!  Ihope we can figure out a way to put lights on the house outside. 

True Story.

I'm terrible at picking games in a college/nfl football pool.  If you want to be in last place, ask my advice.  I think they only let me play so they can take my money.

True Story.

My Christmas letter is written and I'm waiting for the cards to be printed and sent to me.  I'm so excited about this years card!  Who knew that a Christmas card could bring me so much excitement.

True Story.

The football team in the high school where I teach is playing in the state tournament this weekend.  The last time this school played (and won) in the state game was when I was a senior in high school  and cheered on the sideline - 21 years ago (I teach where I went to school, remember?)!    GO PATRIOTS!
And no, I will not be wearing my cheer uniform this time around.

True Story.