Short and Semi-sweet

Those of you who know me know that I keep a Christmas scrapbook full of pages dating back from 1996, the first Christmas Todd and I were together as a dating couple. This was also my very first Christmas on my own, meaning I was out of the house and didn't have to ask Mom or Dad for money to buy Christmas presents. This year, 2008, may be a shortened Christmas scrapbook page in the book. Todd and his parents came over to the house tonight to spend "our" Christmas together. Since I am leaving tomorrow morning (weather-willing) to spend Christmas with my family down in Springfield, they wanted to come early to give me my gifts and so Todd could get his from Mom. Well, dinner was great thanks to a delicious cheesy potato soup that Todd's mom made. After dinner, we opened our gifts and that's where things became a little fuzzy. Of course, I did get Todd two small gifts because it was Christmas. He, in turn, did the same for me. Once the presents had been opened, we sat around and talked about anything just to make conversation move on. When it came time for them to leave, it was really awkward. I gave each of Todd's parents a hug and thanked them for their generous gifts--my fave? A new leather wallet with $100 inside! Thanks!!! Todd then leaned in to give me a hug as well. I hugged him back. What was I to say? No, I don't want to hug you? That's not me. I didn't mind the hug at all. Everyone needs to be hugged! Then he said, "I love you." I didn't know what to say in response to that. I just said bye as he was walking out the door. My heart and my head are definitely in conflict over this. My heart says that it no longer loves Todd like that because it's been hurt WAY too much to go back to that situation. My head, however, says two things--1) wouldn't life be so much easier and less painful with him back in it? and 2) we are no longer the same people from two months ago and it just wouldn't work. Who would you listen to? Even if I do listen to my head, it's giving me mixed signals! This is definitely not something I want to send to Todd either. Well, this turned out to be not as short as I originally planned, but oh well. I'm off to Springfield in the morning to visit with family and hopefully to make a stop at my old stomping grounds-Kickapoo High. Have a wonderful and very Merry Christmas!!!

Christmas Tag--I'm it!

Christmas Question Tag courtesy of my friend Haley

The rules:
1. Post the rules on your blog.
2. Fill out the questions below.
3. Tag 5-7 people at the end of your post.
4. Pass on the tag. Have FUN!!

1.Egg Nog or Hot Chocolate?
I can't stand egg nog. I'm not sure what's in it, but the idea of raw eggs in my drink make me nauseated. I love hot chocolate if it's made with milk--no watery stuff for me!

2.Does Santa wrap presents or just sit them under the tree?
When I was little, he did both. He'd wrap the smaller presents but leave the one big gift each year for me to see when I walked (or ran) into the room. Now he wraps all gifts.

3. Colored lights on tree/house or white?
Now it depends on the tree--in the living room and around the front porch, the lights are colored. The tree in the kitchen is done with white lights. The colored lights would definitely clash!

4. Do you hang mistletoe?
I never have had the real thing, but when I had a faux mistletoe, I hung it over the door. No need to do that this year...

5. When do you put your decorations up?
Normally they are put up the weekend after Thanksgiving, but this year, they were up the next week. Todd even came over to help me. Good thing too because I don't think I could have carried the tree upstairs by myself.

6. What is your favorite holiday dish (excluding dessert)?
Umm...there are too many to choose from! I love mom's stuffing in the giant army-sized trough, Todd's mom's plate of goodies, plus I can't forget about just the regular stuff I eat all season long!

7. Favorite holiday memory as a child?
I remember getting a ballerina set when I was 7 or 8 years old. I walked into the room and the box was calling my name! Dad installed the bar in my bedroom and I pretended I was a ballerina for at least a year! I don't think I ever had a tutu, but I would just wear my bathing suit over a pair of tights. Good thing there aren't any pictures of that--thanks Mom!

8. Do you open a gift on Christmas Eve?
I don't remember doing this when I was little, but as I turned older, I think I was able to open one small gift on Christmas Eve. Todd and I always celebrated with his family on this night, then went to Mom's for Christmas Day. This year, Todd and his parents are coming over Monday night to spend some time at my house.

9. How do you decorate your Christmas Tree?
I have the usual tree in the living room that now looks smaller than usual thanks to the high ceiling. That tree is decorated with mostly Disney ornaments, with a few other random ones thrown in for good measure. My new tree in the kitchen is my new favorite! It's decorated only in red, white, and black to match the kitchen/dining decor.

10. Can you ice skate?
I only remember doing this once for my 9th birthday down in Little Rock. My parents took a friend of mine along for the occasion, and while I remember loving the experience, I haven't done it since. I'm not sure I'd make it very far now!

11. Do you remember your favorite gift?
Well, I don't know if she counts as a gift, but we bought Soze during the Christmas season, and she has been the best dog a girl could ask for!

12. What is your favorite Holiday Dessert?
Mmmm...how can I choose one? Mom's pecan pie, Connie's plate of sin, etc. It's all good...

13. What is your favorite holiday tradition?
Taking turns opening one present at a time rather than all just diving in. When I was little, we used to dive in together, and presents would only take about 5 minutes to open. Now we have come to our senses and open one at a time.

14. What tops your tree?
The Disney tree is, of course, topped by Mickey Mouse. The new tree has a cute little glittery silver star that I'm sure will spread its cheer over everything in the box when I pack it away.

15. Which do you prefer giving or receiving?
While I do love to be on the receiving end of a great gift, I much more prefer to give a gift and see the person's face as he or she opens it. It doesn't have to be the most extravagent present, but I want the person to know that I chose this particular item just for them.

16. What is your favorite Christmas Song?
Once Thanksgiving arrives, I indulge myself in Christmas music 24/7. That's all I listen to in the car and on the radio at school during my plan time. I have several I like--Straight No Chaser's version of "12 Days of Christmas" (if you haven't Youtubed it yet, check it out!), "The Christmas Song," "Mary, Did You Know?,"but my all-time favorite is "O Holy Night."

17. Candy Canes! Yuck or Yum?
I usually only have one for the season. That's about it. Not really a big fan of those--give me chocolate instead!

18. What do you want for Christmas?
My wants have changed over the last few weeks. Now I want an ipod so I can listen to music when I work out at the gym. I also want a new chair for my classroom, a heater for downstairs so I can scrapbook in the winter, and a Bodybugg.

19. Do you attend an annual Christmas Party?
I don't think I've ever been to an "annual" party, but I did go to the school party yesterday. While I didn't win anything (do I ever?), I did have a really good time both there and at the afterparty.

20. Do you dress up on Christmas or wear PJs?
We dress comfy but you've got to be prepared and presentable for pictures. I used to wear something "Christmas"-y, but now I have come to my senses and realize that I'm only 30--not 65!

21. Do you own a santa hat?
I do but only wear it on special occasions. Come to think of it, I haven't worn it ever!

22. Who do you normally spend Christmas with?
This year, I'm spending Christmas day with my mom, brother Cliff and his wife Terri. My grandma and Uncle Bryan will probably be there too. I'll miss seeing my two nephews, Adam and Jon. Then the next week, I'm off to Memphis to spend some time with my stepmom's family.

I tag Kodi, Bonnie, Mom (you can post a reply you know!), and Terri. Who else wants to play?

24 hour fitness and Bodybugg

After deciding that I wanted to join the land of the living (my new catch phrase) once again, I joined another group as well--the 24-hour Fitness club just 10 minutes from my house. I figured I needed to get my butt off of the couch and do something about my 1) fat and 2) ZERO energy level. Literally, I could come home every day from school and just go to bed. I am only 30 years old people! How terrible is that?? I now have no excuse for not going to work out at least 3 days a week. I drive by the fitness club on my way home from work if get off at the first exit instead of the last one. I've been three times so far and I do enjoy myself while I'm there. I'm not terribly adept at running any of the machines so far, but I'm hoping when I meet with Shelly, my personal trainer, again on Friday, she will show me the ropes. We met today for the first time, and she went through my personal program with me. I logged on to the myapex.com website and set up a username and password. According to my body numbers, I need to take in 1500 calories a day and burn an average of 1000 calories a day to equal a 2 pound weight loss each week. Sounds tough? I thought so! One of my thoughts today as I was walking up an imaginary hill on the treadmill was, "at least I am getting my butt off of the couch and burning more calories here than sitting in front of the TV." My goal is to go on Mondays, Wednesdays, and Saturday mornings, plus do one class a week. They offer some pretty cool classes--water aerobics (I may be the youngest in the group!), spinning (sounds really hard!), 24SETS (steps and weights), and my personal favorite, Zumba. Zumba is offered on Thursday nights and it's supposed to be a latin dance class. I may try this next week after Survivor is over. I know, I know, I am supposed to be getting off of the couch, but come on! It's the final week and I figure I need to start slow.

One thing I REALLY want is the Bodybugg. This is the little gadget that all of the contestants on "The Biggest Loser" wear on their arms.

This thing tracks every calorie burned while you have it on. The only time you take it off is when you get wet and when you are sleeping. My trainer was telling me about it today--you track your calories eaten on the website, plug in the numbers from the Bodybugg as calories burned, and Viola! You can see if you have a surplus or hopefully a deficit. Now here's the catch--this little thing costs $199. Once you buy it, it comes with a 6-month web access to do all of the uploading, etc., then you have to purchase additional time. I think it's $99 for a year. It sounds steep, but it may be worth it to physically see how much you are burning vs. taking in. I would totally wear it, but the hard part will be tracking my food online. I have hard enough time getting online every day to check my email, blog, etc. Now I'd have one more thing to add to the mix. My hope is that once I start exercising in a routine, my energy level will boost and I'll actually feel like staying up that extra 10-15 minutes to do what I need to do on here.

I know I sound like I'm rambling, but I'll close with a a plea. If anyone wants to donate to the "April wants a Bodybugg" fund, feel free!

Confirmation of the "right" thing

This may be a long one or if I can figure out how to separate these into separate blogs, I will. There's a lot that needs to be said because 1) this is my blog and I am trying to use this as a public journal, which is very scary for me and 2) I actually have pictures and a few stories to share!

I'll start with the title of this blog--Confirmation of the "right" thing. Todd came over last Tuesday to help me put up my Christmas decorations. I'm glad he did because there is no way I would have been able to do all of it in one night. Plus, he was able to carry the tree up from the basement, another huge undertaking. So for that, I am grateful. While he was here, we just kept up a endless string of "let's not talk about us" conversation. Neither one of us wanted to go down that road at that time. We watched "The Biggest Loser" while we decorated and Todd did seem genuinely interested in the show for the first time in his life. (Note--I remember this for a specific reason.) He even brought over a pizza for us to eat for dinner. For some reason, it didn't feel strange that he was here. It just felt like a friend was over to help me out. Both of us knew our 10th wedding anniversary was coming up on Friday, and we both knew we weren't going to celebrate. I had to work our school speech/debate tournament last night, so we weren't going to celebrate it then anyway. Todd did, however, ask me to go to dinner with him tonight (Saturday). I said yes, not to give him the wrong impression that we were getting back together, but I said yes nonetheless. I guess I thought it would be way to at least honor our 10 years together or at least honor the memory of our 10 years together.

He came by today to finish putting the final touches on the outside lights before we went out to dinner. We ended up going to the Cheesecake Factory on the Plaza, one of my favorite places up here, to eat. We had to wait about 45 minutes or so for a table, and during this time, we both kept up the "let's not talk about us" charade. We talked about me joining 24-hour Fitness (another story), his baptism tomorrow, the importance of the OK/MO football game and how it could totally screw up the BSC again this year, what's been going at school and his work, etc. We basically talked about anything and everything but us. Once we sat down and began eating our dinner, conversation turned to the important relationship stuff. He said he felt like he was on a date and didn't know what to say or do to not seem so nervous. Todd just began talking--he told me about his renewed spiritual fire that he has burning within him, how much he has changed over the past month, how he and his mom don't butt heads like they used to, and how he is willing to do anything to show me how he has changed. He said he was willing to watch reality shows (I remembered his interest in "The Biggest Loser"), listen to country music, give up all of his video games, go to chick flicks with me, whatever it took to prove to me how he is a different person. My response? I told him that I too am a different person than I was even a month ago. I feel like I have had to grow up and deal with adult situations like never before. I don't want to be with someone who feels like they have to change who they are to be around me. I want someone who is genuinely interested, not because they feel they have to prove something to me, but because they share the same enthusiasm as I do. I told Todd I saw a future for myself that included him as a friend, someone I can be myself around, someone who I can go to a Nebraska or Chiefs game with, someone I don't have to put up walls of defense to be around. This person would be my friend but not my husband. I told him that even as I sat across from him at the table, I knew we were both moving on with our lives. For me, it means getting my butt off of the couch and joining the land of the living again. I have not forgiven Todd for what happened, but in a way, I thanked him tonight. Without this enormous, earthquake of emotional shakedown, we would both be stuck in the same old crap we were in a month ago. Without this, he would not have had this spiritual rebirth with God, and I would not feel this sudden weight lifted off of my shoulders. I can't explain it, but tonight's dinner "date" with Todd just confirmed that I was making the right decision for my life. He will always be a part of my life. We spent 10 years together as husband and wife, and those memories of the good times will not fade. As part of our time together, Todd gave me a necklace tonight that I did not want to accept. He told me to keep it and think of it as a gesture, not of bribery and begging to come back, but instead of the past 10 years. He told me I didn't have to wear it because he knew it would only make people ask questions. I could lock it away in my jewelry box, and when I did get it out, I could think of us and our 10 years. I think at this point, it is sinking in to Todd that he needs to move on with his life because I have to move on with mine. He seemed different and I could tell that he truly has changed for the better. I want him to change for him, not for me or for us. There hasn't been an "us" since November 13th, and that is a fact that cannot be changed. However, we can move on as friends. I truly want to believe that.

Had enough of that?? Okay, moving backwards to Thanksgiving. I had a great Thanksgiving, given the circumstances. I went down and spent some quality time with my mom, whom I hadn't seen since October. I also got to see a very good high school and college roommate, Angie, whom I hadn't seen or talked to since our high school reunion back in 2006. We met at McAlister's and I got to have some of that good ol' McAlister's sweet tea. Nothing beats a sweet tea from there! After seeing Angie, I drove over to Kodi and Trai's house and spent a Thanksgiving Friday night with them and their sweet little girl, Emmarie. Below is a picture of the two us after she dressed me up in her jewelry (and learned my name--I was Daniel for a little while!).

I had such a good time over at their house. Dinner was DELICIOUS, and we watched "Forgetting Sarah Marshall" once Emmarie went to bed. (How cute is this? Emmarie invited me to sleep over in her bed before Trai tucked her in.) That movie was funny! It was one I hadn't seen yet, and it was good. I don't know if I'll own it, but it's one I'd watch again for sure. Before I left that night, I made sure Trai took a picture of Kodi and me. Last time we were together up here, she got away without a picture--and we call ourselves scrapbookers?? This time, I got the picture! Kodi, I miss you!

I want leave with two pictures--both of Christmas trees. I now have two trees up in my house. The big one is in the living room and it the regular tree with Disney and other general ornaments hanging from it. This is the one that Todd put up and worked on. While he was doing that, I put up the second tree. I was inspired while I was in Springfield to put up a small tree in the kitchen. This tree would be decorated in nothing but red, silver, and black to match the kitchen, and I do say that I LOVE how this tree turned out! This are the end results: (sorry for bad photos--I was using the point-and-shoot and I don't know how to take quality photos with this camera, especially without the flash!)

Well, I need to go to bed now. I have a stack of papers to grade tomorrow that is about a foot high. Who knows how long that will take me? I want to finish before tomorrow night because I have a chance to see the KC Symphony and would love to see them for a Christmas show!

New day

Well, I know it's been a while since I've last posted and some of you are beginning to worry about me due to the last blog topic. Things haven't changed much--Todd's still at his parents and Soze and I are here at home. I have talked to Todd a few times and we even met for lunch yesterday to discuss "us". However, at this time, we are still moving forward with our separation. I know it is the best thing for me. We both made our own decisions and must live the consequences. Yes, I've had my good days and bad days. My emotions are definitely are on the rollercoaster path--up one day, down the next. Even though this is my blog and I can say whatever I want, I will say that I am trying my best to edit myself. I don't want Todd to be hurt by something I might say. Yes, I know, I am being nice. That's me! That's also the reason my blogs may be a little cryptic--I'm trying to say what I need to say without hurting anyone in the process.

On to a better topic--I went with some other teachers to see "Twilight" on Friday afternoon. Since I have read the book, or more appropriately, been obsessed with the book, I thought it was really good. Every time Edward was on the screen, my heart pitter-pattered in harmony with his stone heart. Even Jacob, whom I didn't really care for that much in the books, was FINE!! I am curious to see how his character is played in future movies. I will definitely be owning this movie, maybe not for the Oscar-winning performances, but for the eye candy!

Like my friend Kodi, I cannot believe Thanksgiving is here already! We go to school two days this week, then I am off to Springfield to spend some much-needed time with my mom. While I am down there, I am also having a homemade Thanksgiving at Kodi's house. Kodi, I am ready for that Paula Deen apple pie!

**Note: Soze does NOT like me on the computer right now. She is trying her hardest to get me to get out of the chair. She has even tried climbing in my lap for attention! She has de-gutted a mouse toy and wants to me to throw it in the air so she can catch it. Since she's old, her energy level never last very long--a few throws and she's done. I think she knows something is up and will not let me out of her sight. If I'm in the office, she's in the office. If I'm sitting on the couch, she's laying beside me on the couch. I love her for it!!!

I haven't taken pictures of much lately, so I'll close by saying that I plan on having pictures for my next blog after Thanksgiving.

Change...again

Do you remember me saying back in January that my new word for this year would be "change"? Well, my life is changing again. On Saturday, my world was turned upside down, and yesterday it was flipped inside out. There is just no easy way to say this, so I am just going to bite the big one and say it: Todd and I are getting a divorce. Divorce. This word is one that I never thought would enter my own vocabulary, yet here I am. I have no idea what I am going to do next. Will I be able to afford our brand new house? Will I move back to Springfield? I have no earthly idea. I told Todd I was not going to badmouth him all over town, and I guess that includes on here too. We both know what happened and there is nothing that can be done to take it back now.

Right now I am more saddened than anything. Not at me really, but at this whole situation. I know what I will be missing out on as a divorced woman. I'll miss having someone to go out to eat, go to a football game, watch movies, and when I think of all of the scrapbooks filled with memories, it saddens me even more. Todd was my best friend--not just my husband but my best friend. He was someone I could tell anything and everything to. What the hell happened? Whatever it was is gone. How did my life become this...this what I don't know. I'm sorry if it looks like I'm rambling. I probably am just to get all of this out there.

I have only cried twice really over this mess, which is very unusual for me. I am a crier. I cried once last night for about two minutes, letting myself dwell in the moment, then I was done. Then I cried this morning when I told my friend Lindsey at school. She couldn't believe that I was even at school today. I knew if I sat at home, I would think of nothing else all day long. At least at school, my kiddos take my mind off of the "real world".

I also slept pretty well last night, suprisingly. I didn't think I would, but maybe that's a sign that this is going to be okay. I will be fine. I will make it through whatever God has in store for me. Let me end by saying thank you for allowing me to get this off of my chest and out of my mind at least for the moment. It won't last forever, and I know that. I am not bitter. I am not hateful. I am just saddened and ready to move on with my life.

ETA: Okay, I lied. I think the shock is b.e.g.i.n.n.i.n.g. to wear off of what has become my life, and it is affecting me more than I knew. I just think that the finality of my decision to divorce is hitting me, not that our marriage hadn't already ended. It had. I have been so hurt, and maybe I was oblivious to what was happening right in front of me, but I do know I don't deserve this. Damn it! I don't deserve this!! What makes us do the things we do? While I can't answer that for Todd, I can answer part of it for me. I am doing this for myself. I will not live the rest of my life and marriage always wondering "what's going on?". I will not do that to myself. I am a much stronger and independent woman than I was when I married Todd at 20. I respect myself too much and I know I will learn so much more about myself as I go through this process. I am learning already that it will be a process. This is not something that I can flip on/off like a switch. My marriage is over. I am moving on for myself, not for anyone else.

One year ago...

On this date, one year ago, my life changed. My dad left this world to be with his Heavenly Father. This news bit me today as I was walking out of the school building. I hadn't even thought of today's date because I was at school all day long in a pull-out session for grading our common assessment. When I walked outside, I checked my watch and noticed the date read "6". November 6th...why does this date sound familiar? Then it hit me--my dad has been dead for a year. A YEAR?!? I still can't believe it has been this long, and I have done no scrapbooking yet about this event. I just can't bring myself to do it. I know I made my brother one for Christmas, but it was a gift to him. For some reason, I don't want to make one for me. I mean I do, I just don't want to. Does that make sense? I know the pictures are downstairs waiting for me, and I know I will do it eventually, but.... Needless to say, since I haven't scrapbooked this "stuff" yet, I have also put on hold any events that have taken place since then--no Thanksgiving of last year, Christmas, my birthday, whatever. To close, I'll add a picture of my dad that always makes me laugh. I know he's up in Heaven, fishing with Angie (my sister). Here's to you, Dad!

Books galore

Since my last post, quite a bit has gone on, but nothing that I thought deserved a MAIN post because who really wants to read about school? It seems that's the only thing in my life right now. Let's see... since my last post, my mom has come to visit. We had a great time shopping and eating! Of course, she loved seeing and spending time with her granddog, Soze, more than she actually did us. That's okay--anything to get her up here!

I have read three (and almost four!) books in the last month. My reading seems to go in shifts. I will go forever without really reading an entire book, but since I force my kids to read on a regular schedule, it also forces me to read with them. I have read Eat Pray Love, a book about finding yourself when all hope is gone.

This memoir by Elizabeth Gilbert was beautifully written, although to me, the middle dragged a bit. It's a true story of her year-long purge after a divorce. She travels to Italy (EAT), then to India and lives in an ashram (PRAY), and finally makes her way to Ubud, Bali where she meets the man who becomes her husband (LOVE). Like I said, this book was fantastic and I know the author has been on Oprah. I need to search Youtube and find the clip! When I went to the author's website for a picture of the book, I noticed it said that the movie rights had been sold for a film to star Julia Roberts. I thought I was going to fall out of my chair when I read that! The entire time I was reading this book, the woman in my mind looked just like Julia! I'm still in shock--those things never work out!

My next literary venture was the newest Nicholas Sparks novel, The Lucky One. Those that know me know that Sparks is my all-time favorite "chug down a book" guy. He's one that I can read in a weekend and be totally satisfied. This newest book did not dissappoint. I'll admit that this was the first one that did not make me cry, but I think it was because I had cried so much seeing "Nights in Rodanthe", his newest movie, that I was all cried out. Plus, this book held so much more action at the end than his usual ones do that I was surprised by the ending. This one was totally unpredictable for me!

Once I finished The Lucky One, I finally got my hands on Twilight. OH MY GOD!!!! I know the kids, mostly girls, have been reading this series like crazy, and I used to think, "eh, how good can it be? It's about VAMPIRES, for crying out loud!" Well, the Twilight craze has caught up to me. Once I started reading about Bella and Edward, which by the way, Isabella is now my new favorite baby girl name, I just couldn't stop. I literally could not put the book down! I was reading in class while the kids were reading, I was reading in the car while I was stopped at a red light, and I read it home until I finished. I think I read the book in 3 days. Now I have started New Moon and will continue this series until I'm spent. It is killing me to know what happens!!!! Funny as it may sound for those who haven't read it yet, I totally want the chick to become a vampire just so the two who were MEANT to be together can actually be together. I know--this is what my life has become! I'm rooting for vampires!! Not only that, but I have told Todd (I gave him no options on this one--thanks Hon!) that he and I will be at the movie theater when "Twilight" opens November 21st. No ifs, ands, or buts. I have only seen the trailer once, but I don't care. I will be there, and I just hope that the powers that be have done the book justice. I'm sure I'll blog more about my addiction to this series as I read. If not, I'll wait until I'm finished and then give you the low-down. I plan to be finished with the series by the movie's release. I don't think that will be too difficult considering it's been 4 days now, and I'm in the middle of book two.

Victory and Defeat

Last Sunday Todd and I, along with his good friend Jeff from Springfield, went to our very first pro football game. As you can tell from the picture above, our seats were WAY up in the top section, but they actually turned out to be pretty good. Aside from the people sitting around us, the seats were great! We could see all of the action, and with the use of our zoom lens, were able to get some decent shots. This is a picture of the two of us near the end of the game. I had told Todd to get us tickets for a game when it wouldn't be too cold, and I think God took me too literally in that request. It was HOT!!! We were all sweating and melting into each other by the end!

The Chiefs had been on a losing streak since oh...December of LAST year (I'm not sure it's been that bad, but it has been pretty dang sad.). Guess what?? The game we see--the Chiefs WIN!!! I told Todd maybe we needed to go see every home game to ensure they win every time. I don't think he bought it.

I just had to take this next picture for Todd's friend Jeff. The Chiefs were playing the Denver Broncos and Jeff is a HUGE Broncos fan! I thought this guy was just too funny to pass up.

During the game, we also had some entertainment besides the plays on the field. We were sitting directly in front of a row of Denver fans, and of course, directly behind them was a guy who is a poster-child for contraceptives and alcohol-free events. This guy kept egging on the Denver fans, but he just wouldn't ever quit. It got so bad at one point that someone called the security on him. He left but was let back in. Not two seconds after he came back, the real security police came by and escorted him out. We clapped as he was leaving! See ya!

Todd and I both really enjoyed having Jeff up here as a houseguest. We'll take all of you someday (just not all at once!).On a different note, I have spent the last 3 days at home sick. It started Tuesday or Wednesday with just slight sinus trouble, but by Wednesday night, I couldn't breathe, lay down without coughing, and on top of it all, I had a fever. I didn't want to miss work because I know I don't have many sick days since I am new to the district, but there was no way I was going to be able to function. I spent Thursday and Friday laying on the couch, watching TV and sleeping. I did end up going to Urgent Care for meds yesterday, but so far, they have not really kicked in. Today I woke up to even more trouble with coughing so hard that I threw up--TWICE. Not fun in the least! I am desperately hoping to be better tomorrow and I'm sure I'll be better by Monday. Hopefully the meds will do their job by then! I'm sure you all had a better week than I did. I'm hoping next week will be better for me!

Comedy Club Central

Last night Todd and I experienced our very first comedy club. Man, what have we be missing?? I use the word experienced because it truly was just that. We didn't "go" to a comedy club; we didn't "attend" a comedy club; it was definitely an "experience." Todd won tickets to the show from JACK FM radio station, and since we had wanted to go for a while, we thought it would make a great evening. It was a FABULOUS evening--I laughed so hard at some points that tears were streaming down my face! Craig Gass was the headliner comedien, and he was freakin' awesome!
Craig has done so many national stuff--he's roasted Gene Simmons and Tommy Lee on Comedy Central, co-hosted Howard Stern (he's still the sound guy on Howard Stern), does so many impressions, but I know him mainly as Miranda's Weight Watcher-donut-loving boyfriend in an episode of "Sex and the City."

Craig's show is DEFINITELY R-rated and is not suitable for children of any age or adults who easily get offended. His impressions were uncanny--Al Pacino, Sam Kinison, Adam Sandler, Christopher Walken (the best I think), and Tracey Morgan.

I gotta run because we are meeting Todd's parents for dinner, but if you ever get a chance to see this guy in action, go do it. Just leave your children and morals at home!

Basement Part 1

When I looked at the last date I had updated this blog, I couldn't believe it!! Has it really been three weeks? I've been in school now for three weeks and yes, reality is kicking my butt. I'm at school from 6:50 or so in the morning until 4:30 or 5:00 in the evening. I come home, eat dinner, veg, and go to bed by 9:00. That's not a life I'm used to by any means. Where did my summer go? I miss those days...The only time now I'm even on the computer is on the weekend. When I check my email now, instead of having 15 messages to scroll through, I have 136. I have a week of reading through my Soapzone message board, plus reading all the blog updates from my friends. Who knew reality would be so cruel?? :)

My mom came up to see us last weekend. I was so happy she was able to make it before her original visit date in October. She had not seen our house since it was empty, and we spent the weekend painting way back even before we moved in. Now our upstairs is 99% finished, and the basement is 50% finished. We (including Todd's parents) worked extremely hard to get Todd's "man cave" and my scrapbook room finished before Mom came to see us. I wanted to surprise her with it. These are pictures of my scrapbook room. It's decorated completely in Disney, of course, and the only real thing missing from it right now is a small TV that I want mounted on on of the walls. Christmas Mom???

The black file against the wall is my 12x12 paper holder. It's one of the best things I have purchased for my scrapbook room for organization. Each color or theme has its own slot. When I want paper, it's just a reach away!

The table is usually not so cluttered. I have to be able to spread out, right?? For now, anything that doesn't have an exact place is just laying on the table. I'll fix that when I start working down there.
This white shelf contains all of my scrapbooking magazines for ideas, paper towels for clean up (those darn stamps!), my stock of CM scrapbook pages (I still have one more CM album to finish.), plus my current pictures to put in albums.

The bottom white drawers hold bulk pictures/memorabilia that I either need to put in albums or extras that have already been finished. The red shelf is mainly for Disney decorations, but I do have my sticker supply on the bottom shelf. Since I don't use those as much anymore, it'll do.

I love the quote Todd put on my scrapbooking walls in red vinyl: "I only hope we don't lose of one thing--that it was all started by a mouse." --Walt Disney

These are pictures of Todd's Man Cave. I love how we did the Red/White/Black sections on each wall. I'm sure you all know where these colors came from--Nebraska Huskers!!

We just bought a coffee table yesterday at Target for this room. I think it will be really cool--it's square with holes in the middle for baskets. We bought two red baskets to put in it, and Todd will fill the other spaces with his sports books and video game magazines.

Well, hopefully I will get back on here before another three weeks are up. If not, you'll know why!

Back to life...back to reality

During my commute to school this morning, I kept singing one line from a late 80s/early 90s song, "Back to life...back to reality...." That's it! Those are the only lines I remember, but I thought it was fitting since today was the first day of school for me and the thousands of others up here in KC. Technically, I have been back to work for two weeks now due to new teacher meetings and then all staff meetings. I have to say that I am LOVING my new school here! No offense to KHS because I do miss that school and most of all my friends at that school. However, here's a list of the things at WCHS I do enjoy:

1. Even though we start at earlier at 7:25, I am out of school at 2:11!! I would still have 50 minutes to go at KHS.

2. *Most* of my classes are much smaller than they were last year. My largest class is 26, and my English III classes are tiny at 13 and 18.

3. Power of I--this is such a cool concept!! As a "Power of I" (Incomplete) teacher, my students do not earn Ds or Fs. If their grade is below a 70%, they have an I in the class. This I never changes to an F--it stays Incomplete until they make up the work. What does this mean for me? I don't collect pidly daily assignments--I group them together. Students are REQUIRED to do EVERY assignment for the class. There is NO such thing as NOT doing an assignment. WOW! What a concept!! These kids are well-trained! They stay after school for mandatory tutoring if their grade becomes an I, and the parents support it.

4. This school has BEAR time--Become Excited About Reading. Every M/T/F during the first 15 minutes of 5th block, the entire school stops and reads. PE, music, science, etc. They all do it! You know I am loving that!!

Now for the not-so-cool stuff:

1. I hate my parking spot. I love the idea that everyone is assigned a spot, but I have to parallel park for mine!! YIKES! I'm just hoping that I'm the first one in my line to arrive every day so I can just pull on through.

2. My room (Yes, I did get my own room!!) is BLAZING HOT!! The air is on and it's 80+ in my room. I've been told it only gets worse when the heat is turned on. Today I bought a personal fan to sit at my desk or file cabinet. We'll see if that helps.

3. I'm teaching six classes--two each of English I, III, and IV. The classes went incredibly fast today because the first day was only a half day, but I know it will take a while to adjust to this new bell schedule. I thought KHS's bells were weird--WCHS's are even weirder. M/T/F we have 7 classes, W is 1, 3, 5, 7 and R is 2, 4, Focus (like Chief Time), 6 with an early release for teacher collaboration. SO, what does this mean for me? My conference time is 4th block. Notice there is no 4th block on Wednesdays. Wednesdays will be an incredibly LONG day for me with no break at all except the 21-minute lunch!

I'll leave you will pictures of my room--both Before and After shots.

Mamma Mia!

For my final "free" day before the school meetings begin on Monday, I treated myself to a movie--"Mamma Mia!". I have not seen the musical live on stage, so I have nothing in which to compare this movie. However, if the stage version is anything like the movie version, I HAVE to see it!! The movie was so good--great characters (powerful voices), AWESOME ABBA songs, meaningful conversations, and a lesson learned by Sophie, the daughter. When I was watching the movie by myself, I just kept thinking that I needed to see this with my Mom. This would have been the perfect mother/daughter movie, and I wish I could have spent this day with her.

One of the lessons Sophie tries to learn in the movie comes from finding out who her father really is. She desperately wants to learn his identity and thinks that by finding out who her dad is, she will then learn who she really is. Towards the end of the movie, this message began to hit me--my dad lived long enough to walk me down the aisle, see me graduate from college, but he won't be around for all of the other big stuff in my life. He won't be around to witness the birth of a future grandchild, and in turn, his future grandchildren won't know him. I don't know why, but I was really missing him while I was watching Sophie up on the big screen interact with her would-be dads. I guess the pain will go away, but hopefully my memories of the good times with my dad won't.

On a COMPLETELY different note, I found out yesterday (and it was confirmed today) that I will have my own classroom for this school year! I had resigned myself to the fact that I would be sharing a room and traveling to different rooms to teach. I had even set up a mini-classroom in the garage to house all of my stuff that I will need this year but wouldn't be taking with me. NOW I have to pack all of that stuff back up, find boxes, and haul all of it to school with me next week. If I had known this, I would have done all of that this week! Yikes! It doesn't look like my room will be perfect for the first day of school--there is no way I can do all of that between now and when school actually begins. Wish me luck!!

Four days left of my summer

That's right...only four days to go before I head back to school for meeting, more meetings, and just possibly more meetings. I have two weeks of meetings before school even begins on August 18th. Where has my time gone? Why are there so many meetings???

In honor of going back to school, I went shopping for my usual "back to school" outfit (or two), plus I did a little something to my hair. I've wanted to color it for a while now but didn't really know what I wanted. So yesterday I took the plunge. I still didn't know what I wanted until the hairdresser and I just started talking. She showed me different colors and talked me through the process. Once she started, I was ready to roll! After two hours, I walked out looking like a rock star!! I don't think these pictures do my hair any justice--it was late, we'd been painting all night, and I was tired!

On a sadder note, I received word this morning that my good friend Kodi and her husband Trai had to put down their dog, Max, last night. I cried when I heard the news, and I cried again when I read her blog dedicated to her buddy Max. I know how much that dog meant to her family (they gave him a home when no one else would), and I cannot imagine the pain they are in today. Apparently, his stomach turned inside out and upside down and sideways due to "bloat." They put him down and buried him in the backyard underneath his favorite tree. To Max! I love you Kodi!

Disney memories

While Todd and his dad work on our basement, I wanted to get a new blog out today. You might want to sit back and relax because this may turn out to be a LONG blog. I just finished scrapbooking our Disney World trip from LAST summer (bummer we didn't go anywhere this summer...) this weekend, so I wanted to show off some of my favorite pages from the album. This is my first album of completely no Creative Memories materials, with the exception of some paper, adhesive, and a few (very few) stickers. I am trying out a whole new world of scrapbooking, complete with chipboard, stamping, brads, eyelets, etc. This album even became an ABC album, even if a few letters were represented more than once!

Creating this album really made me miss my Disney World, and when Todd and I talk about going back, our faces just light up like we are two little kids. So...we've decided we are going back next summer for our 10-year anniversary, staying on-site in a nicer hotel in which we've stayed in the past. Todd is going to work his butt off to make enough commission so we don't have to pay for any of it out of our own money. Can it be done? If Todd has anything to say about it, he will work, work, work.

Sorry about the picture quality--I'm not quite sure how to take GOOD pictures of my pages yet.

This is the intro page to the album:

The second page is one titled "You Know You're Obsessed With Disney..." and includes several items like "when you have a Mickey Mouse tattoo and want more."These pages are part of a two-page spread for our dinner out to Chef Mickey's. I included the receipt because I wanted to remember that we paid $60.00 for two dinner buffets!

I am particularly proud of my Epcot page because it is my first true attempt at sewing on a scrapbook page. Thanks to Kodi (Thanks Kodi!!), I know how to draw my stitching first, and then sew on top of it!

I "scraplifted" this idea for the Everest rollercoaster page from one of my magazines. I don't remember who/what magazine it came from, but I loved the idea!

Over the course of our vacation, we found 27 "hidden" Mickeys out of several hundred! I know we will be on the lookout from now on when we visit, but for now, these will have to do.

I tried my sewing technique on this page, but I'm thinking after completing this one over a course of a FEW days, I won't be trying it again any time soon. It was a cute idea, but it took FOREVER to finish!! I wanted to it to look like it had been done sloppily on a machine instead of painstakingly by hand. Did I accomplish my goal?

I love these two pages simply because they are all about the castle! I don't care how many pictures of Cinderella's castle I already have, I will continue to take pictures of it every time we go! (That's also one of my "You know you're obsessed..." items too.)

When Lisa and I went to Disney World last summer for the Reading conference (Thanks Springfield School District!), we watched Mickey's show at Magic Kingdom. Todd did not want to stop and watch it, so luckily for me, I'd already taken several pictures!

For some reason, I just love these two pages of Nemo -n- Company. The colors just popped out at me, both in the pictures and characters. (It doesn't hurt that Finding Nemo is one my favorite Disney movies either!)

I love this page because when we rode "Pirates of the Carribbean" I took a nice picture of Johnny Depp's character, Jack Sparrow. Another nice touch is the Pirate Mickey!

Another sewing job on Mary Poppin's page--this time I used the stitching as my journaling lines. I was/am proud of myself on this one because the idea came from my own head!

I wanted to include the Tower of Terror page just because of the picture. If you can click on the picture to make it bigger, look at the woman in the second row! Classic!

Probably like most people, we had random pictures of different spots at Epcot. I made a collage with five pictures and surrounded them with flags of different countries. Although it's one of the busiest pages in the album because there's no white space, I liked the contrast to other pages.

Our last page in the album is a "Top 11 Things We Learned on Vacation" list. Hopefully you can click on the page to read the list.

I hope you enjoyed seeing some of our Disney scrapbook pages. I guess now it's time to move on to the family album. I'm so far behind in it that I haven't scrapbooked anything since Dad's funeral. Yikes! Maybe if we can get my scrapbook room downstairs finished, I'll get some more work done.