Is it really that bad?

Confession: I like to cook. I don't cook often because of a huge lack of time. I try to cook at least 2 meals each weekend so I can have leftovers for dinner throughout the week. I can't do anything fancy, but do pretty well on the basics. Every time I cook my dog goes crazy, he runs around, barks and tries to get out of the house. He usually will refuse to come back in until the house has had time to air out.

When he was a puppy (4 years ago), I made a grilled cheese sandwich and somehow the sandwich caught on fire and made the house really stinky. I know, I know. You are asking how I was able to set fire to a sandwich. I still can't explain that. But, I have come a long way in 4 years!
Anyways, my dog must have flashbacks every time I cook, because he goes nuts every time I cook. Tonight's dinner was delicious though! Homemade mashed potatoes, grilled chicken, salad, and sauteed mushrooms.

My class

I forgot to talk about this in my last post, so you get it today! Yea you!

Last year, when I would miss school for a meeting, or for being sick, my kids would sometimes tell me that they missed me, but it really was not big deal to them.
THIS year, I was practically tackled in the hall 19 different times by my sweet children who just wanted to tell me that they missed me. It was so funny, because all day long, I would get random hugs from my kiddos and they would ask me if I was ever going to leave them for that long again. Generally speaking, I do have a very affectionate class. They love giving and receiving hugs, but yesterday, they were giving me 3 days worth all in one day! I always love my classes, but this year, I can honestly say that they are a perfect class!

This group works well together, and has a deep bond. Yesterday, while some of my kids were working in the writing center, I overheard a conversation that was so "adult" for 6 year olds. They were discussing next year, and one bright little child told the others that I might not be their teacher. That's when all the whispering began on how to make me be their teacher next year. Funny, how their little conversation has me already thinking towards next year, and how super hard it will be to say goodbye at the end of the year to this special little group.

How early is too early?

This has been a very good, but very busy week. I attended a conference for work that began on Sunday. The conference was in downtown Dallas, and luckily I live pretty close to a lot of my co-workers and we were able to carpool.
I learned SO much this week. I came back from the conference with so much valuable information to implement into my classroom. I also, learned about my co-workers! "WOW!" what a group! Once again, we had the most fun/most productive group there! We had 4 days full of learning, stalking nice boys with incredible southern accents, stealing lunches, and discovering nicknames for people. Here is my shout out to sugar britches!
Anyhoo..... The conference really drained me. It was one of those times where you are trying to soak it all in, but there is just SO much that you walk away physically and mentally drained. On Wednesday, the conference was over early, and I was home by 2ish. By 3:o0, I was in bed ready to take a well-deserved nap. I only wanted to sleep or 2 hours. Well, I woke up at 6:00 am still tired! I only needed 15 hours to recover from my crazy busy week! My question for my blogger buddies is: "How early is too early to go to bed?"

Lil' Slow Poke

I am good at many things. Keeping up with car stuff is not one of my talents. Every 5,000 miles I am asked the dreaded question: " What kind of oil do you want?" My standard reply is " Um, I don't know, the black kind?" Usually, the sometimes patient car person will just write down something and get me on my way.

I noticed last week that one of my stickers on the car was about to expire at the end of the month. So, today I drove to a car place and up to the little garage. This is always super awkward when there isn't a little guy telling you where to pull your car. Do you just pick a lane? Do you stay in your car? Do you get out and just walk up? So much pressure! But, I digress, the oil changer man soon walked over to me and asked what I needed. The conversation went something like this:
Oil Man: "What can we help you with?"
Me: "I need my car inspected"
Oil Man: " Why?"
Me: "Because it needs to be done, and this is the only free time I have had this month, and there are only 3 days left in September, and I don't think I will have time to come back later."
Oil Man: "Your car doesn't need to be inspected until October, you need to get your car registration before the end of the month."
Me: Is that the thing I got in the mail, and is in my purse?

So, I can never go back to that oil change place because I clearly made a fool of myself rambling about my busy schedule, and my mail.
Moral of my story: Read the stickers on your car before going to the car place and don't ramble to strangers. They laugh at you.

Another ramble:
My car's name is Lil' Slow Poke, hence the title of the blog. See, I used to have a fast little sporty car, but then I got this car, and it just doesn't go as fast BUT it is very reliable. :)

Survey

My friend Bethe, posted this survey on her blog. I am a copy cat and decided to fill it out as well!

What were you doing at ten last night?
Sitting in my bed, writing sub plans for Monday, Tuesday and Wednesday. I had just finished watching Grey's Anatomy. ahhhhh I love that show!

Are you good at giving directions?
No way! I call Michelle, Audra and Ashley ALL the time to ask for directions. I agree with my friend Bethe, when she answered that it is a disablitlty!

Last time you cried really hard?
Today at work.

What is your favorite thing to eat with peanut butter?
Smuckers Strawberry Jelly

When did you get in your last argument?
I’m not confrontational, so I pretty much just take it all in and then unload it all on a friend who isn't close to the situation who can give objective feedback.

Do you prefer hot or cold weather?
I love hot weather because I can spend my day in the pool and getting a tan.

Could you go out in public looking like you do now?
I could, but people might laugh! My hair is wet, no makeup, and my pink Flip flop pajama shorts and a lime green Kindergarten field trip shirt.

If you could go any place in the world where would you go?
Currently I wish I could be home at my mom's house in Abilene, but that's just because I am stressed. My real choice would be to go back to St. Thomas!

Have you ever made someone so mad that they broke something?
Nope, not yet!

What is your favorite color?
My favorite color to wear is brown. My favorite color combo for my house is black and red. My fave. color to look at is pink.

If you could go back in time, how far back would you go?
Hmmmmm.....I have had so much fun in the past, especially in college, but I don't know if I would choose to go back. I like where I am because the best is always yet to come!

When is your bedtime?
I am a weirdo and require at least 10 hours of sleep to function. I should go to bed at 8:00 each night. I am usually in bed by 10:30 and asleep by 11:30.(I like watching Friends at 11:00.

Are you quiet?
I always have a lot to say unless I am in a new situation.

Have you ever collapsed on the bathroom floor?
I became great friends with the bathroom floor in St. Thomas because of a stupid virus. I also slipped and fell one time. Talk about embarrassing!

Do you like your music loud ?
YES! If I am driving, I love to sing to the radio!

Would you rather stay home all day, or be out and about?
I could be content staying home all day, but after a while I would be super duper bored!

Last thing you purchased?
Gas and food for a luncheon this morning.

What's your worst habit?
I hate shoes and take them off as soon as I can. I usually have shoes laying around my house in every room

Plans for the upcoming weekend?
This weekend is pretty boring: Working on some assignments for my class, studying for a quiz, grocery shopping, church, and subbing for a friend in the baby class.

I can't wait for NEXT weekend! I have some friends coming over for dinner, movie and just hanging out! I am counting down the days until that little get together!

Where do you see yourself in 5 years?
Well, I will be 32, most likely still working in a school, but hopefully as a school counselor.

Where are you at noon every day?
In my classroom, sitting in my chair reading a chapter from a fun book that the kids picked.

How many speeding tickets have you gotten in the last 5 years?
Hmmmm........probably just 2.

Do you keep your closet organized?
Of course. It is sad how freakishly organized it is.

What movie are you waiting to see in theaters?
SO MANY!!!!!!!!! I can't wait for Nights in Rodanthe, also the one with Leonardo DiCaprio, and Kate winslet. YEA movies!

What is your favorite drink?
Diet Dr. Pepper with Vanilla or a Cherry Coke

Lucky Duck

I spent most of the weekend at a meeting. Most people would walk away from the meeting frustrated that it took up most of their time off. I on the other hand actually enjoyed the meeting because of my co-workers. I know, I know, I have rambled in past blogs about my great co-workers, but they really are a great group!
There were about 5 other schools attending this meeting, and I can honestly say, that we were the most fun school. We have a great group of teachers who will work really hard on the task at hand, but will have fun in the process. (Makes the day go by much faster).
After the meeting, I had big plans to run errands, work on some school work, bathe my puppy and then meet some friends for dinner. However, I came home and slept for 3 hours, after this well-deserved nap, I woke up with a nasty headache, and what I call a "1-900" voice. Not that I know what that would sound like, but Tippett told me that on Friday. :)
Favorite Quote of the Day:
"Respect the Weed"

Wahoo!

I felt like I was rushing around today, and just pushing things around, and not making any real strides in accomplishing anything. On top of my daily "stuff" to take care of at work, I had a presentation and a test tonight at school. I had hoped to sneak 10 minutes of my conference time to look over the test material, but of course was too busy to even look up!
Thankfully, I have a very calming team-mate who really encouraged me before I left to go to class. I am usually pretty good at handling stress, and deadlines, but sometimes, it just gets overwhelming and you need that little voice of sanity to put things back into perspective.
I made a 100% on my presentation and another 100% on a paper! YEA!!!! Maybe I CAN do this grad. school stuff!