Well, I'm on a Roll for a Monday

Well, I got up before six and met Hippy at the gym today. I'm glad we'd prearranged this yesterday or I certainly don't think I'd have gotten out of bed. The CrackBerry woke me up at 5:30.

Then I went to see what wondermousness was available at the local WalMart. I can't remember the last time I actually went and bought a bunch of groceries. I bought some salmon burgers. What is that really? I'll be sure to alert y'all, because I feel as if that's something that needs to get out there. Actually, I was wanting salmon and that's what I found. The fish market deal wasn't open yet. I thought it was interesting enough to try. I also stocked up on healthier things as well as some interesting peanut butter, or should it be peanut better? It has ground flax seeds, flax oil, and is sweetened with cane sugar and honey. I got out for less than $100. BONUS!

Yesterday my sister went to our local Lowe's. She was getting a storage cabinet. (Sidebar: She was first cussed (no, not cursed) for taking a parking space. The guy had no blinker on nor any other indication of his intention of pulling in the space. She got out and then APOLOGIZED. The guy told her, "Shut the f*#$ up." Did I mention that she had just come from church? Did I mention this dude was also in his Sunday finery?!? What WOULD Jesus do? I don't think he'd tell people to shut the f*#$ up. I don't mean to step out or anything, but I feel pretty safe in saying that.) Well anyway, she survived that lovely guy and went in, found her item of choice, bought it, and then took it to her car. Realizing it was going to be too big to fit in the car in the way it was boxed, she opened it up and part of it was broken. Well, as you might imagine, she loaded it back up in the box and took it back in. Since it wasn't her fault, she suggested that they go get another one for her or give her back her money. The cashier guy looked at her and just processed her refund! Not I'm sorry, not let me call somebody, NOTHING. Well, I'm sure this one transaction isn't going to bring down Lowe's or anything, but for crying out loud! What a loser. She then went to K-Mart and purchased two items for even less. Wonder why the economy is bad? Maybe one of the reasons is that people working at retail don't give a rat's a$$ about anything. I'm glad that a person of this ilk is at the cashier stand at Lowe's and not at a hospital or something, but come on!

How about I'm going to the school today and tomorrow to try and get things in order for the new semester? I'm secretly very excited. My classes, unless something has changed, will be calculus, Algebra II, and trig. That's the best schedule I think I've ever had. I'm geeked out and very fortunate. I have planning at third block, so three out of four weeks of the month, I get an additional thirty minutes a day because it's the lunch period. Did I say I'm geeked out?

Well, I probably will go drop in on Snoopy after doing a little work.

Happy Monday!

Edit: 8:41 p.m. The Lowe's thing is apparently policy. For Lowe's to get credit for the bad piece of shiz, they have to run it as a refund. Too bad the person couldn't be more forward-thinking and said, "I'll process the refund, it's our policy. Then I'll call Joe and see if he can go get you another one." Am I crazy? Well, customer service being what it is, I guess I. My sister had the opportunity to talk to a former Lowe's employee to get the low-down.

Merry Christmas!

This is what excitement looks like. The Child is running to see what Santa brought him. Santa did not disappoint.

I am thankful for such a good day! We have enjoyed a lovely day. The Child got his three gifts. Supermom said that if three gifts were sufficient for Jesus, then they're good for The Child. Of course three gifts with all of the accouterments probably was actually ninety-nine items.

We have managed to eat a HUGE lunch of oven chicken and rice, broccoli, baked sweet potatoes, ham, field peas, crescent rolls, deviled eggs, cranberry sauce (complete with ribs from the can), and a delicious chocolate delight. Talk about full as a tick.

I also managed to get a pretty slow, but good run in before lunch. It was a balmy seventy degrees here in Georgia with 100% humidity, since it had just rained. It was a good run, but the humidity was kind of breath-taking, since it hasn't been as humid, especially inside!

We then had to take The Child to meet up with his dad's people. I rode in the backseat with The Child on the way and since they needed the car seat (score), I got to lie down and nap on the way home. My sister declared that I was a horrible traveling buddy and she's 100% correct.

It was weird going through town and everything being closed. EVERYTHING. It happens once a year, and I'm waiting for it to not be the case anymore. It's kind of refreshing, actually.

Well, there's some baking about to occur, so I think I'm going to go get in on that. Happy Christmas to all.

It Really Is A Wonderful Life

Well, I realized last night that I didn't have everything that I needed. I got up this morning around six and made my way to town. WalMart was totally kickin' when I got there to get some rechargeable AA batteries, hair gel, and a new overnight bag. I inadvertently stole a bag someone had put in the overnight bag. I thought, "Wow, I got a bonus bag. Cool!" Then I realized, "Not cool. This has an SKU on it. It wasn't a bonus." I haven't taken it back yet, but I will. The tote bag has wheels, so I did self check-out and rolled it out, I guess under the radar.

Then I went back to Belk. I found my sister THE BEST necklace. It's silver and very dainty. There are tiny colored stones stationed all around it. She'll be able to wear it with almost anything. I also got Mrs. C. a mug and gift card from Starbuck's. They put the cable-knit sweater looking mugs on sale. They are so pretty. I bought one for me, too! I know I'm going to enjoy my evening hot tea in it.

The Child put out reindeer food for, duh, the reindeer. He is about to BURST with excitement. There have been random shouts throughout the day, "Santa's Claus is coming!" That alternates with a "Mer-ray Chris-mus!"

Well, as Santa is on his way and I'm watching Clarence show George that his life really has made a difference, I'm singing off and wishing a merry Christmas to one and all.

My Favorite Things

Here are some of my favorite things. The good news is there are no $900 pashminas. More good news is that most are readily available in my relatively small town.

This is the BEST body wash. It's cheap. It's not harsh. My sister told me that the guy on The Doctors said not to use bar soaps on your body. Let me introduce you to Johnson's.

These two books are really good. They not only entertain you, but they make you think.
The amazing Nine West bag. It's on sale at the local Belk. If you're lucky, you can find one like it! They also come in an unusual corally-red and a lovely green.
This is one of those recycling bags. I got it at World Market in the SAV. It was a whopping $1.99. I've gotten lots of compliments on it. It's very sturdy for what it is. I like it.
These Clark's shoes were on sale. They are perfect kicks for teachers. So soft and comfy.
This smells so fresh and so clean.
This sideways (I wish I knew why it did that!) picture is what I received from Fiona for my birthday. I actually didn't think I'd like it, but I SO do.
I'm new to these, but I actually feel very Al Gore for using this. I actually am using a boom box in my car, since the radio is dead and it's a Saab deal that I have to have a Saab replacement for. Boo on that. Regardless, I have to use eight batteries in the aforementioned boom box, so I've been trying to use these. I bought another one on Saturday so that I can charge the two groups of four simultaneously. With two of these going, is that really helping the environment or is the net against it? Oh well, I like it.
These are MY FAVORITE favorites. Burt's Bees Radiance Day Creme, Burt's Bees Radiance Night Creme, and Burt's Bees Radiance Eye Creme. I actually got them in a trial pack of some Burt's products. THEY ARE THE BUZZING BOMB (and I mean this in a good way). I really like them. My skin is oily, but these just make my skin feel nourished, but not greasy.
I like the Burt's Bees Blemish Stick also. It's a roll-on and it seems to be VERY harsh if you have sensitive skin, BUT it does the job for me and any renegade zits that come my way.

What are YOUR favorite things?

The Diner I LOVE

Okay, you've noticed, if you've visited on weekends, that I frequent a local diner. It is in a shopping center. It's actually a former Subway location. But it's OH, so much better.

This is an Egg Beater omelette with veggies. It includes broccoli, mushrooms, zucchini, and onions. Also, I have been enjoying grits without anything but salt. The corn taste really comes through.

The folks at the place are SUPER friendly. The only complaint that I have is that the coffee could be better. It's good, but I'm totally addicted to the Burger King coffee. I enjoy what I call the "fo' realz" coffee, but the BK is really good for a fast food establishment and more affordable.

I have appointed my room with a new comforter. I also went to Big Lots and got some fluffy pillows to go with my new stuff. New 300 thread-count sheets were also purchased. The textile-engineer part of me was completely geeking out. Oh well.

I get a haircut tomorrow. Then a brunch. Then lunch with other friends. Then check by school to get some textbook counting done. It's going to be a long, but enjoyable day.

Night.

Fun and Frolic

Welcome to my friends' lovely garage. They didn't know if it was going to be warm (It was.) or cold. So they took the party in their garage. The spread was like this:

My friend Fiona crafted a LOVELY Rice Krispies Treats wreath. I was a bit concerned when she kept pouring in the green food coloring, but it didn't have weird food-coloring taste at all. As a matter of fact, it was DELICIOUS.
THIS was my favorite dish. You can see I was not alone in my liking of this. It was enjoyed by all, since this picture is from the beginning of the party and it had already been replenished. OMG, it is SO tasty. It's the fabulous Buffalo chicken dip. It's so hot it burnt my lip, but then again, anything is hot to my delicate palate. (Actually, I don't usually eat hot stuff.) It was GOOD. Nice chicken, Buffalo sauce, and cream cheese. How can you go wrong with that? Talk about some GERD.
I also got a lovely smelling candle in the Dirty Santa trade, but only one person took something from somebody else. Nobody dared take my candle from me. It smells REALLY good, but I think that Borat would use it for "sexy times."
Well, I'm off to the local diner for my veggie omelette. I'm taking one of my new Malcolm Gladwell books with me. I'll post more about it later, if I feel like it!

I'm Awarding Myself

I am giving this to myself. Here. Thank myself. What is it for, you ask? Why, it's for getting all the shopping done that I need to get done prior to Christmas. All gifts were tasteful, but not too much. Unfortunately, I chose two sweatshirts for my diddy, so he may never get to wear them. While (or whilst, which I actually prefer) the North is completely snowed under with no signs of relief, I'm sweating my *insert body part you like to use in this expression* off. We actually switched to AC earlier today. But I scooted out at 7 a.m. and did all my shopping locally, but mostly with chains. Regardless, I'm through. I'm quite relieved because I was a little worried if I'd get the "right" stuff. I just got stuff I thought they'd like that was relatively low-priced. I decided on about a $30 limit for family members. $20ish for friends.

I'm off to a "Night Before Christmas" themed party tonight. We're supposed to wear our pajamas. I'm going to sweat my *same as above* off. I have really cute flannel pajamas. I'm gonna wear them anyway. I'll just wear a t-shirt with them. My friends hosting the party are TOO excited. I'm actually excited too. There will be sugar cookies and spinach dip. I wouldn't recommend mixing these two items, but I'm looking forward to each in its own merit. Yum-o. Wait, can I revoke that? I am boycotting Rachel Ray. Talk about overkill. Replace the yum-o with "wowsers!"

I am looking forward to a hair cut on Monday and dinner with this chica. There are quite a few REALLY good restaurants that have come to our area. We are planning on patronizing one of them. There's one that has an AMAZING mushroom ravioli with a pesto cream sauce. That is what my gluttonous tum-tum is thinking of.

Well, I've got to get ready to go to PJ Mania 2008. I'll let you know how awesome it was. And it WILL be awesome.

Hugs and finished shopping celebrations!

Miscellaneous Saturday Stuff

1) Hero/Heroine (Tom Lord-Alge Remix) - Boys Like Girls
2) Burnin' Up - Jonas Brothers (I realize that liking this is a character flaw, but I don't care! JB RULE!)
3) 100% Pure Love - Crystal Waters
4) Love Runs Deeper - Lindsey Buckingham
5) Dear Maria, Count Me In - All Time Low
6) Glamorous - Fergie
7) Temperature - Sean Paul
8) Let It Rock (Radio Edit) - Kevin Rudolph & Lil Wayne (Lil Wayne creeps me out, but the beat is good.)
9) What You Got (Main) - Colby O'Donis & Akon
10) Check Yes Juliet - We the Kings
11) Release - Timbaland featuring Justin Timberlake
12) Get Up - Ciara featuring Chamillionaire
13) She Loves Everybody - Chester French (The words are a little oogey, but the beat is good.)
14) Just Dance - Lady Gaga (Completely and totally infectious!)
15) My Love - Justin Timberlake

This was the list that my i-pod chose for me during my run this evening with a couple that I overruled. It was a chilly/brisk evening at around 48 degrees. (I realize this is pretty hilarious to anybody north of Tennessee.) It was a good run.

I have basically vegged today. Weighed in at a +0.8 lbs. Boo. I just can't get all my pots on the stove cooking like I like it. We went to our regular Saturday breakfast spot. In an effort to be more awesome in food selection I chose a veggie omelette. And I had my recent discovery that is unbuttered grits. They are SO tasty. I realize I could not be more boring. But I'm very happy with my stone ground corn!

Then we went to the local Big Lots store to pick up some bargains. I got some books for Toys for Tots. I know that books aren't technically toys, but I am buying them for a colleague. We do a gift exchange in which you are to buy something "for" someone, but wind up giving it to Toys for Tots. It's entertaining and a win-win all the way around!

Upon returning home, I found it necessary to get online for several hours, take a nap, then run. I really have had a good day.

I hope that all of you are having a good day as well!

Just Another Manic Monday!

Lesson plans were late (actually still not done), kids were crazy (think school is ALREADY finished for the year), and it seemed as if it was dark BEFORE I knew it! I did get the fundraiser sent off (whew).

I just got back from the routine of my nephew. He was asking his mom for something, so I told him he needed to use the magic word. He happily proclaimed, "Meeska, mooseka, Mickey Mouse!" I thought I would roll. This, for those of you not having contact with a preschooler, is what Mickey says to make the clubhouse appear on Mickey Mouse Clubhouse. I then went into a description of what the magic word actually is.

I'm having to give a state-mandated test tomorrow, so the day should go relatively quickly. I'm very excited about getting it done so we can start preparing for the next test!

I'm signing off to go to the gym. I hope my favorite treadmill is empty!

I Ran the Bridge!

This is a picture of the Talmadge Bridge. I got it from here. We left the Savannah International Trade & Convention Center at around 8:30. The picture came from here. There was a little distance to go from the convention center to the start. They had good music and the running crowd is always a good one. People were dressed in Christmas regalia. (Snoopy, Fiona, nor I did.) I wore the trusty thick sweatshirt, yoga pants, a t-shirt, and the run's shirt tied around my waist. Oh yeah, THAT was a good look. My shoes were amazing! We finished up the run at the Savannah Civic Center.



Well, I ran the 5K in 45:48. I don't think it's my best, but it was WAY fun. I can't wait to do it again next year.

We've slated the Shamrock Run, which is an evening run on March 6. Click here if you're interested. And, I am ECSTATIC to report we will be participating in the Susan G. Komen Run for the Cure in Savannah. It'll be on April 18th, which is a Saturday. I'm going to try to get some others to run/walk as well. Consider this your invitation to participate with us on any of these with us. At least Snoopy, Fiona, and I will be participating. Supermom may be doing the Komen also.

This past week was crazy. The only day I didn't have a mania was Wednesday and I got outta school late, so it was a handle anyway. This week should (operative word being should) be much less hectic. THEN, the last week of the semester! I'll really miss SOME of my students. Others, I will be happy NOT to see anymore.

Have you been to World Market lately? We went yesterday after the run and after a luxurious breakfast at Burger King. It was tasty. World Market has CRAZY good ornaments and gift wrap, bags, and gift card holders for 50% off. Maybe that ended today, not sure. Regardless, I got one of my BEST friends, whom I'll call PeeWee Herman, two GORGEOUS ornaments. I found some for gifts for a brunch I'll attend and a gift for the hostess. After World Market, we went to Best Buy where I got The Child a Thomas the Tank Engine DVD. I got myself new earbuds and Smokey and the Bandit, parts 1, 2, and 3. Then we came back and I went to the school gym and worked in the concession stand from about 2:30 to 9:30. Needless to say, since I sat down on the way to and from to Savannah, and that's all for the entire day, my feet were TIRED. Fortunately, I wore my running shoes to do the concession stand duty. This made my dogs bark a little less loudly.

Well, I'm looking forward to fun this week, although I don't know what it'll be. I do know that Fiona will be cooking dinner for Snoopy, her husband, and me on Wednesday, so that'll be fun.

I wish each of you a week that is full of getting things accomplished and less stress than last week!

This Week Has Been Quick

Wow, I've come up for air and it's Wednesday. It's been good, but it's been fast.

Tomorrow and then the Bridge Run on Saturday. Due to lack of training, I'm not sure if it'll be a run or a walk. Either way it'll be fun.

I'll put more in this weekend . . . she claimed.