Sunday Is Good.

This morning was very crispy! I love it when the air gets just a nip in it. It is one of the prettiest days I've seen in quite some time. I went to early (8:45 a.m.) church, so I got the bite of the cool air. It was SO nice.

Then I went to Wal*Mart to do what had to be done. Then I came home and worked on the preview for midterms for my classes. After that, I went to BodyPump. Wow, the workout was SO good. I don't know if it was because I hadn't worked out in a while or if the workout was just extra-good.

Then I came back home and got back to work. I am now done with two of my classes. Whew, just one more to go. I think I'll get the bulk of this done in the morning during the tests I'm giving first and second blocks.

Well, here's to a good week for you and yours!

Rant Alert!!!

I downloaded an AWESOME CD which promptly was added to my ipod, then I made a CD for school. The title of that CD? Well, it's "Italia" by Chris Botti. It is so, well, no better word than dreamy. I enjoy EVERY song. The prettiest, "Deborah's Theme" and "Gabriel's Oboe," are composed by Ennio Moriccone (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ennio_Morricone). Based on the bit of research I did on him, he worked with Sergio Leone in the "spaghetti westerns" and that is primarily what he seems to be known for, but he does lovely work. This is the best, mostly instrumental CD I have. (You should really check out W.G. "Snuffy" Walden if you like instrumentals. He's a favorite as well, but he's more guitarish. Also he's the dude who came up with the presidential theme for The West Wing. And if you're close to 40, you'll remember 30something, which featured his music.) Be sure to get the deluxe edition. The songs that are bonuses really are bonuses for once, not just some crap they add to make you feel as if you're getting your money's worth.

Today has been pretty constructive. I've almost got my midterms completed for my classes. They are on Wednesday and Thursday!?! This is unprecedented and clearly something that is a pleasant surprise. I've also essentially got grades for one class done. I'll just add a few things from this week and the midterm. If tomorrow is as productive, I may not be losing my mind at the end of a nine weeks for once. I'm going to set that as my goal.

Well, I must sleep if I want to be productive tomorrow, which it already is now. . .

Another Week Done!

We are almost at the end of the first nine-weeks of the year. I remember lamenting going back to school. And next week we'll have mid-terms. I am so lucky to have this job!

Next week is homecoming, so madness will ensue as dress-up days mesh with mid-terms on Wednesday and Thursday. Monday is flashback day, Tuesday is twin day, Wednesday is wacky-tacky Wednesday, and Thursday is black and gold day. Great! Will I dress up? I'm not quite sure. I've got Tuesday, Wednesday, and Thursday on lock down. Not too sure about Monday. I know that I've got some 80's or 70's ensemble in my closet just waiting to be put together, but I'm not really feeling that. I may come up with the lame-o "I'm flashing back to last week" which students use repeatedly.

We have a work day on Friday and will be expected to help get floats ready for the parade that afternoon. But then, oh how sweet it will be, we have Monday and Tuesday of the next week off to enjoy the spoils of the awesome COLUMBUS DAY. Thanks Chris, for getting on Queen Isabella's good side and making the trek over this way. (The part of me that is Native American has, however, nothing but disdain for you and your ilk!)

Hippy Chick, Here It Is

Tonight, my dear friend, hairstylist, and waxer extraordinaire, Hippy Chick and I had a mad night on the town at Chic Filet (a.k.a. Chick-fil-A, right?). During the conversation I brought up a topic that Mrs. C. had told me about.


She said that to be nauseous you had to be making someone feel nauseated. However, it seems as if Merriam-Webster says differently--


Main Entry: nau·seous Pronunciation: 'no-sh&s, 'no-zE-&sFunction: adjective1 : causing nausea or disgust : NAUSEATING2 : affected with nausea or disgust - nau·seous·ly adverb - nau·seous·ness nounusage Those who insist that nauseous can properly be used only in sense 1 and that in sense 2 it is an error for nauseated are mistaken. Current evidence shows these facts: nauseous is most frequently used to mean physically affected with nausea, usually after a linking verb such as feel or become; figurative use is quite a bit less frequent. Use of nauseous in sense 1 is much more often figurative than literal, and this use appears to be losing ground to nauseating. Nauseated is used more widely than nauseous in sense 2.

So, Hippy, that whole diatribe is crap. Funny. I'll let Mrs. C. know she's misinformed. She said that Miss (Insert School Teacher's Name Here) was very adamant about the proper usage of this word. Now M-W disagrees.

Hmmmmm...

I've Got to Get It Together

Okay, I am tired all the time. I know why, yet I do nothing about it. My nutrition is crap. I have gone totally off the wagon or is it on the wagon? Anyway, it's not good.

I've got to get reacquainted with my gym. I'm such a sluggard lately. Ugh.

I think I'll do a challenge from "Dare to Tri" and start a revolution in my gym time and add to that some proper nutrition.

Hmmmm. . . let me think about that.

I Am Happy and Tired

Today we had another cross-country meet. We have the nicest kids on the team. It was funny because when we went into the Dairy Queen, we were closely followed by one of the other teams. The other team screamed, hollered, and shoved their collective way into the DQ because it was a really small one. I looked at Snoopy and said, "I'm so glad that our kids are nice." To which she responded, "Me too." I know, what electrifying conversationalists we are. But that's beside the point, we're talking about high school kids here. BTW, as I'm fond of saying, our boys came in third and our girls came in second.

Also, I have to give a big long explanation about something stupid, but I can't NOT comment. My sister, Supermom, has a list, the Travolta list, on which she puts celebrities who SEEMED okay at one time, but have proven to be good 'uns. For example, last week because he wouldn't speak to Elizabeth Hasselbeck, Barry Manilow earned a spot on the Travolta list. (Did I mention how John Travolta earned his spot? He really doesn't acknowledge his son's situation which seems to be autistic-like because Scientology doesn't recognize those types of problems. If you notice Travolta and wife RARELY appear in public with Jett. http://www.hollywoodinterrupted.com/archives/a_plea_from_hollywood_john_travolta_open_your_heart.phtml
You'll see them with Ella Bleu at premieres, etc., but never with Jett.) I am not a subscriber to the list, although I was disappointed in Barry {Oh, how I love the Copa, don't fall in love!}. Really, I understand the whole Rose O'Donnell debacle and all, but she's not going to scratch his eyes out or something. Okay. All that. ANYWAY, it's about Kevin Spacey. Why, in the wide world of sports is he going down to Venezuela to see that guy? I don't understand. If anyone out there has an idea, please let me know. I've actually worked with some successful business people from Venezuela and they all think that Chavez is Rancho Cucamonga. Why Kevin, why? Keyser Soze? The GENIUS of geniuses in American Beauty. Ugh!

Have I said lately how much I love my job? I SO do. So, that's what I wish for you, that you are happy to get up and go to work every day.

Wow, I'm Glad to Be Home

Hey!







I am really glad to be back home. I was in Savannah both Wednesday and Thursday nights. It's not that far, but it was still tiring.

On Wednesday, Hot Pants (a business teacher at my school) and I went to the SCAD-sponsored deal for Frank Warren who does the Post Secret website and books. (You can see him in the picture above.) His talk was very good. It was kind of cute. He's very nonchalant, kind of like, "This is what I go down in my basement and do as a hobby." But you can tell he's MUCH more into it than that. He's very interesting. He talks in a very low voice, as if he's only talking to you. He showed a slide show of the anonymously sent-in postcards. It was enthralling. Hot Pants and I couldn't decided whether we love this so much because we're concerned or because we're nosy. We settled on concerned. Also, we stopped by a Starbuck's. I had no idea, and people had told me so, but their Pumpkin Spice Latte will CHANGE YOUR LIFE. Just be careful at the end or you'll wind up with a mouthful of what seems like dirt, but is actually spice. Or our barista hated us and actually put dirt in the latte?!?

Then on Thursday I went with Big Hair (also a business teacher at my school) to see her son, who attends a local private school, play his middle school football game. He was the quarterback and had a very good game. He is in the eighth grade. The bad thing was a) the game started at 7, b) a poor boy on their team got hit and was out on the field being attended to for quite some time, c) I had a bad case of GERD from eating at Carabba's, and d) it was raining. Incidentally, the young man was taken to the hospital and he only had a stinger, but it was horrifying to see that child lain-out on the field as the emergency personnel tried to decide the plan of action. There were some medical professionals in the crowd who went down to give assistance. Because of the delay, I got home after 11, and if you've read this blog before, you know I love my sleep.

On Friday, I worked a little late, and then went over to Senora's house just for a little while. After that I returned home for the fun of doing laundry. Oh, how I love doing laundry! Actually, the doing of the laundry isn't my issue; it's the putting up of the clean clothes that for some reason is an insurmountable task for me. UGH!

So, Saturday I got up at the crack of dawn to run up to Grandmamma & Bubba, Sr.'s house. I met up with Supermom and Wonder Child also. We all piled in one car, drove to just above Macon, where I exited the cram-mobile and got in my sister-in-law's new Lexus. Nice. Anyway, we went up to my aunt's house for my only remaining grandparent's birthday. She is eighty something and has lived quite a difficult life. She has six children, one of whom has died, and a passel of grandchildren and great-grandchildren of whom Wonder Child is the current #1. She's very moody and stays in constant argument with my daddy (her son). I was arguing with him yesterday and he accused me of being like her until he realized that he's always said I'm like my mamma's mother. Then he started in on that. Well, long story even longer, I saw relatives I'd not seen in a while. I enjoyed the visit A LOT more than I'd expected.

So, I've actually had a brilliant few days here. I plan on watching Ken Burns & Lynn Novak's The War tonight on PBS. I LOVE Ken Burns. I do have a backup plan, though. If I am too sleepy, I'm going to watch it on DVR, as I am DVRing all 15 hours of it. I heard a critic on Fresh Air say how good it is. http://www.npr.org/templates/story/story.php?storyId=14591797

Warning: Geek Out Forthcoming

Tomorrow, Hot Pants and I are going to venture to Savannah. More importantly, we are going to see Frank of Post Secret fame! He's gonna be at SCAD (Savannah College of Art and Design). Then, maybe, to Bella's for dinner? Could it be? I've arranged my day so that students are doing seat-work (Oh, no! Sometimes, it can be productive.) I am going to be giddy on Thursday, though delirious from lack of sleep. If you haven't you've GOTTA check out the site. http://postsecret.blogspot.com/

That's pretty much all, except for Bob Harper is awesome and Jillian is UNBELIEVABLE on The Biggest Loser. Why did they vote that girl off and let old girl who was SO scheme-y stay?

Well, I'll let you know tomorrow night or Thursday about my foray into the S-A-V.

Peace out, you winners!

How Much I Love Rick and Bubba

Okay, I LOVE Rick and Bubba. They are number one with me. They have a morning show on the radio that is out of Birmingham (Alabama, not England). They are just two guys talking about their lives and whatever happens to be going on. The radio station they are on has a webcast (and it's not a bad country radio station the rest of the day). They look for the best, usually. They keep it clean, usually. Also, they are very family oriented. They do have a tendency to lean to the right politically, which is just fine by me. The entertainment level always seems right up there. They are big hunters, so they have a bit on Tuesday mornings that includes identifying calls of animals. http://www.rickandbubba.com/ is where they can be found. I don't think you'll be disappointed.

Today was a very good day. A gentleman who lived through the Twin Towers tragedy on 9/11 spoke at our school today. All I know is that his name was SuJo something. He spoke for exactly the right amount of time. The student body was overall very good. He is speaking at a community revival this evening. I am hoping to get a tape from someone, because he was really good.

How about the weather today was AWESOME. I went out for before-school duty and was glad I had my jacket. My toes got a little chilly in my sandals. I love this time of year. Actually, fall and spring are my favorite times of year. And they are so pretty here!

I hope that your week is stellar.

Check this out. It's pretty cool. http://dm.lcc.gatech.edu/~osamanci/ozgescomics/april2007/12april2007.htm

Among Other Things

Hey. I went with Dude to see Superbad yesterday afternoon. It had lulls, but overall, it was a really funny movie. I don't think any law enforcement liked this movie. They are mocked severely. But the thoughts, deeds, and wants of the guys in the movie are dead-on based on my daily exposure to high-school boys. It was CRASS, yet still a very sweet movie. Seth Rogan is undeniably a genius, having written this as a 13-year old or something like that. And McLovin? Just priceless.

I am watching NFL highlights. My retinas were just burned by the utter repulsiveness of Pittsburgh's throw-back unis. Oh, how U-G-L-Y, you ain't got no alibi, you ugly.

I've had a splendid day. I went to the 8:45 service at a new (to me) church. Then did the Wal*Mart and Walgreens run and bought gas. This month, money-wise, has been unbelievably long. I think payday should be around Wednesday. Unfortunately, it's twelve days away. Ugh. After the shopping, came home, made cinnamon rolls, went into a sugar-induced coma, slept for almost four hours and have piddled around on the internet ever since I got up. Totally scrapped the plans for the gym. I've gotta get that bag packed and ready to go at least three days this week. I'm starting to feel Jabba the Hutt-ish.

Well, I guess it's time to get to work while I watch some television or listen to Rick and Bubba X-treme Club!

Have an excellent week, all!

Saturday, I'm Baaaaaack!

Well, this week has been a total challenge, both personally and workly (okay, not a word, but I couldn't think of an appropriate one). I have just not been feeling right. It's not that I've been sick or anything specific. I've just been extremely tired and wanted to sleep for several days. I cried all the way home from work on Wednesday. I was trying to get my lesson plans done, but had stayed so late that mentally, I was exhausted. It was out of anguish; I just don't like to let something whip me. I'm much better now, though.

Part of my invigoration I watched The Biggest Loser on Thursday (via DVR) and I was renewed. I SO love Bob Harper, it's not funny. When the 62-year old grandpa ran to him, he became my favorite. I am also excited about Jillian returning. Is it wrong that I'm really pulling for the lady who hasn't been to her husband's Christmas party because her wedding pictures are so good she's embarrassed of how she looks now? But Pa-paw is my favorite (He's also got an AWESOME head of hair also.). Thirty-one pounds? Are you kidding me? I only wish that they'd give some kind of statistics breakdown for how much time they worked out and what they did. It would help people appreciate how much goes into such big weight losses.

It's been since Sunday that I've worked out. I'll go back tomorrow, but I've got to do a better job of getting to the gym. My heel started hurting again. I guess it's going to hurt if it's used or not. This year I'm sitting down much less while teaching, so I guess it stays aggravated. I suppose a little elliptical machine usage won't hurt it too much more. I've tried to stretch it out as per the websites that lead me to believe it's plantar fasciitis. I'm not going to the foot people unless it gets much worse. I've got enough medical worries right now.

We're watching the Georgia Southern/Coastal Carolina game. The Coastal Carolina mascot is the Chanticleer. Wow, what is that, you ask? Well, inquiring minds had to know. According to their website it's a very beautiful, cocky (no pun intended) rooster. It's taken from the Nun's Preist Tale in the Canterbury Tales. (Please see the logo above. I couldn't figure out how to move it.)

I'm going to grade some papers. What an electrifying evening for me, huh? I got two sets graded last night while listening to the football game on the radio at Snoopy's. I want to continue the magic and get my backlog cleared out so this week is better. I hope to sleep a little as well. I'm also planning on trying a new church in the morning. I have decided that even if I don't make it to the early service, I'll go to the later one. I may write again tomorrow. I KNOW it won't be a week this time.

I Am Still Tired

It's bad when you're working a sleep deficit on Tuesday, which is what I did. So, when I got home last night after the football game, I had to ramble around a little, since I can't just come home and flop into bed. It was about 11:30 and slept until 8ish. Then I got up to watch The Child eat breakfast. I had to go back to be about 9 a.m. because I couldn't keep my eyes open. I slept from then until noonish, when Bubba and Grandmamma showed up.

We had a lovely Chick-fil-A lunch. Grandmamma and I were glad to see the Krystal being built. There is a magic that happens when those square buns, onion sweat, and 2mm burger get together that no other burger joint can duplicate.

I'm just about to go into a slight mourning. Georgia is about to lose to that annoying, visor-slinging Steve Spurrier. ESPN came up with the AWESOME stat the "The Old Ball Coach" is the most hated by Georgia fans. That took a real Einstein to come up with. Nobody else is even close. Phil Fulmer (of Tennessee) was next in line, but a distant second. These side-line and stat people kill me with the way they restate the obvious. I guess they have to have something to do.

Georgia Tech had a great day, but how could they not?!? They played little Samford. That should not be an option. I am all about some GT, but come on. I know that Notre Dame was supposed to be a big game. Who knew that ND would be in a slump, that Fred Flintstone's crew would be so slow out of the gate? Regardless, I'm tired of these HUGE schools playing directional schools. Play somebody that'll give you a game. I know I was hoo-ha-ing last week about App State, but that was an anomaly. Most of these are complete routs. Just today, there was Clemson whipping up on Louisiana-Monroe, West Virginia and Marshall, and Florida and Troy. I know that every week can't be full of Georgia vs. South Carolinas, but come on.

I just went to bed and promptly got back up. I thought I'd be smart and go to bed at 9. I immediately became WIDE awake. Why does that happen? I think I'm gonna go give it another go.

'night all!

Whew!

I didn't know a four-day week could be so tiring. Well, I guess since I stayed at school forever yesterday, I should've expected to be tired. Today's been #1 also. I broke my key off in the lock of my school-room door. America's Got Talent?!? I've got talent to do that. Luckily it was so that I could get back in my room with a little elbow grease. I had left my bag and keys in the room. Nice!

Tomorrow is our first home football game. I am hesitant at best. It's the second year for our coach, but our boys are pretty small on average and most have two years' max experience. I guess I shouldn't draw any conclusions yet. Two words: App. State! Who knew that Oregon would be wanting their tape from the Michigan game!?! So, for now I'll be somewhat optimistic.

How about old Freddy declaring his intention to run for President of the United States of America? I am interested in finding out more about him. Sorry dems! Donk donk! (Poor attempt at writing the sound made on Law and Order!) Who doesn't want to vote for that D.A.? I know, tons of people. But anyway!

I'm wishing all of you a happy and productive weekend. I'll probably be by to tell you how awesome Sunday Morning was!

Later. . .

A Little Labor for the Day

Today was somewhat productive. I got up rather early and went to school to take care of a few things. Then, returned for a lunch with Mrs. C. We wanted to go to the regular "wrap" spot. It was closed. Bwaaaah. I guess those people deserve to not labor today also. It's so good and my mouth was all set for the teriyaki salmon wrap. We went to the local Longhorn instead. It was okay, but is it just me or is their service taking a nose-dive? Supermom went there recently and had a less than stellar experience. Mrs. C. and I experienced the same. (P.S. Thanks, Mrs. C. for the lunch.)

Also, last night Hippy Chick and I Wal*Marted to find athletic clothes for her. That went well. I am now barred for the week. Is it wrong to not mind that most of my meals are some type of bar? I feel very Jetson-ish about the whole thing. It seems a little heavy on the pre-packaged nutrients, but it helps me get the stuff in I need.

This week should be very fun for me, as far as TV watching goes. The Biggest Loser starts tomorrow night. I SO love that show. Bob Harper, I love you! Jillian is going to be back as well. So excited!!!! Also, on Thursday, Tim Gunn's Guide to Style premieres. I love him too. I hope it's as entertaining as it can be.

My sister and I watched some of Fat March tonight. Ugh. I got nothing out of that. It's no Biggest Loser nor is it a Celebrity Fit Club.

I'm tired and my website that I normally get my info for my lesson plans from is DOWN, so I sent them an angry e-mail and I've got a TON to do early AM tomorrow.

Have a good week, fellow Labor Day enjoyers!

Sunday Funday

Sorry to quote from "Manic Monday," but it has been. I lazed around, watched the Sunday Morning program, and had a small breakfast. Plans were to go this evening and see a movie and then eat out, so I was trying to save some calories. I wound up meeting Hippy Chick at the gym for some ellipticizing. It wasn't as bad as I had remembered. Actually, I am amazed at how awesome backwards ellipticizing is for lower abs. It felt great. Now, when we started the squat portion of BodyPump, boy, did that hurt!?! I actually burned more calories on the elliptical machine (in 40 minutes) than I would have running (for 50 minutes). I don't know how this works, I guess it's bringing in the arms? Regardless, it was a pretty good workout.

Afterwards, Hippy Chick and I went to a little coffee place in town and each had a lovely salad. I had a field greens, Granny Smith apple, and feta with raspberry vinaigrette and Hippy had an antipasti salad. Both were divine.

I'm still going nuts over the upset of Michigan by little ol' Appalachian State. Wow, was that awesome or what?!? And at Ann Arbor, wow! A friend had texted me that Ap State was ahead, so I loaded up the ESPN Gametracker. Supermom and I were on the verge of hysterics. To do that at Ann Arbor, AMAZING! And the coach for Ap State couldn't have been more aw-shucks about it. Precious!

Snoopy has been injured. She's taken a golf ball to the head. I have been lead to believe that she's okay. We'll keep that as a thought.

Saturday Morning

Hi, kids. It's Saturday morning. I'm well-rested. I also decided that I needed to add to the music of my Wal*Marting purchase last night. I just downloaded "Jersey Boys." I'm waiting for the touring company to come near here. 2009? I don't know. I've never been to New York City (actually, I'm a little scared of the idea and the prices up there). I really like The Four Seasons.

Yesterday my purchase included my FAVORITE EVER, Lyle Lovett and His Large Band with their offering "It's Not Big It's Large." I love his dabbling somewhere in the realm of Texas-swing, jazzy jazz, and bluesiness. He never fails to enthrall me with his inventiveness. He's a truly under-appreciated genius. I also bought "Rumours" by Fleetwood Mac. I know, how could I not have that? I don't know. Anything from 1976 forward is music I've paid a modicum of attention to, so how did I miss this? Pure genius. I know, everybody already knows this. I just listened to the entire album last night for the first time. The third one I bought last night was "Pure Bill Monroe." I LOVE most bluegrass music. Mrs. C. and I mostly go to bluegrass concerts. It's got all the basics on it: "Blue Moon of Kentucky," "Orange Blossom Special," "and my favorite, "Uncle Pen."

I think I'm going to watch High School Musical 2 from the DVR tonight. It's really gloomy here today, although I'm NOT complaining about that. It's SO nice NOT to be slapped in the face by the 100+ degree swelter. But, after a gloomy day, I think HSM2 is just what the doctor ordered. Maybe I'll watch The Godfather instead. We'll see.

Since The Child is not here this weekend, Grandmamma and Bubba aren't visiting. Supermom is back in her bedroom enjoying her former life of sleeping as late as she wants on Satuday. She's actually always been a pretty good late-sleeper. Not that I'm a slouch at that, but if I go to bed before 1 a.m., I'm gonna be up by 9 at the latest. I guess I'm showing my age.

I guess I'll go run a few errands and maybe go to the gym. I'm going to try the elliptical machine. I don't like the idea. The way the machine goes is very uncomfortable to me. I think I need a circular machine. Regardless, I'll let y'all know how the ellipting goes.