Need or Want?

Question... Is money a need or a want? My class is studying needs and wants and at the end of our little discussion a child asked about money. The class was split. 8 thinking it is a want, and 11 saying that it is a need. My first impulse was to say that it is a need. You need money to pay your bills, get groceries, and provide for your basic needs. Thankfully, I waited before I shared my thoughts. I had the kids choose if it was a want or a need and then sit on opposite sides of our carpet. We had a little mini debate. Each child sharing why they thought it was a need or a want. I must say my little 6 year olds are quite persuasive!
I learned so much from my kids! I learned that if you need something, a anything, ask one of my kids. They will pretty much give you whatever you need no questions asked. One child even went as far as telling us that homeless people who only own a box and a backpack don't need money. They can get free food from people, and clothes from the clothes closet at a church. Have I mentioned lately how cool my little kiddos are? It was so mesmerising to see them actually debating the topic and backing up their opinions!
Moral of this story: Before you speak your opinion, listen to a kid opinion.
My question for my blogger buddies is what do you think? Is money a need or a want?

Grad. school

I started a new class this week. The class has a many of the same people from my first class, so it should be fun. This professor seems to really know her stuff. Next week, I am teaching an hour long presentation over ch. 4 for the class. YIKES!!!!! This happens to fall on the same day as my morning tutoring group, my appraisal at work, and my afternoon team planning day. I believe in cramming as many important events as I can into one day. ( I hope you can hear my sarcasm!) I am def. going to need some Starbucks on that day, and the day after.
I think the presentation will be easy as long as I really know my stuff. She said, that she wants the counselor answers, not the text book answers. Hmmm.... better start reading and studying now.
My job this week ( I have been putting this off since August) is to sign up for the GRE. I am soooo super scared of this test! I am a TERRIBLE test taker! I knew that I would have to take it after 6 hours but I was kind of hoping they would forget that I needed it.

Know your policy!

This summer, I took my first "out of country" trip without my mom. A friend and I went to St. Thomas and had a wonderful time, but I became very sick on one of my last days there. Of course, the Dr. didn't take state insurance, so I just put it on my credit card, and planned on filing a claim when I got home.
If you are ever going on a trip, make sure you know your insurance policy and coverage on out of country claims. When you get sick out of the country do not use the hotel doctor that can see you immediately.
Instead, call BCBS, wait on hold for 10 minutes, ask where you are allowed to go, get the phone book, look for that place, get a taxi, explain where you need to go, and then go to the ER across the island and wait to be seen.
I filed my claim 9 weeks ago, and was never notified of any decisions made by BCBS. Then, the mean BCBS hung up on me when I asked how long they have known they were not going to pay the claim. Thankfully when I called back I got a nice person who really helped and answered all my questions.
Moral of the story: Know what your policy covers when you travel, and where you can go for medical help if needed!
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I am sooooo ready to go back to work, and be with real people! I am all for taking a day off, but it really stinks when you have to use your sick days for actually being sick.
I have been productive from my couch / bed though! I made "at a glance" objectives for all remaining 6 weeks, finished lesson plans for this week, started next weeks plans, called BCBS, Paid some bills, read my book and have taken a nap between each thing I have done.

Survey Time because I am stuck at home

So many people with surveys, I have to complete one too!
10 years ago:
I was 17 and a senior in high school. I drove the coolest '88 Dodge Omni EVER!!! They are only made in white and blue.
Things on my to-do list today:
Vote, Get my car inspected, Volunteer at the school carnival, Go to the Doctor, Go to Wal-Mart, Sleep, Update blog, Read!
What would I do if I were suddenly made a billionaire:
If I were a billionaire, I would pay off my house, and get a new car! Probably move to a bigger house. I would take all of my friends on a fun trip somewhere like Europe, or to a remote island all first class! I would donate some to my school, church, and pick a charity. Then, I might do something responsible like save for retirement.
Three of my bad habits:
1. I love staying up really late, and then sleeping in REALLY late!
2. I like to drive without my shoes on
3. I love to stay super busy
Five jobs I have had:
1. Working at Southcliff child Development Center 2. Working as a pre school afternoon teacher at TCA. 3. Manager of Dippin Dots! Yaa, that's right, I said manager. :) 4. Teacher 5. Hopefully one day I will be a school counselor!
Five things people don't know about me:

1. I sleep diagonally across my bed surrounded by 8 pillows with my feet sticking out of the covers 2. I am super freak about cleaning, but I hate making my bed. 3. I love blogging! 4. I love shopping for other people 5. I hate saying no to people.

Do you like blue cheese? no
Have you ever smoked? NO WAY!
Do you own a gun? Nope
What flavor Kool Aid was your favorite? grape
Do you get nervous before doctor appointments? yes
What do you think of hot dogs? I try not to give it too much thought. I do love turkey dogs with chili and cheese
What is your favorite Christmas Movie?
Your's Mine and Ours SUCH a GREAT MOVIE!
What do you prefer to drink in the morning?
green tea or water
Can you do push ups? the girly kind
What's your favorite piece of jewelry? 3 things: My James Avery butterfly necklace, my shooting star ring that my grandmother gave me, and my pearl necklace
Favorite hobby? Reading and Kickboxing
Do you have A.D.D.? sometimes I think so!
What's one trait you dislike about yourself? I stress over the minor stuff
. Middle name? Ruth
5. Name 3 thoughts at this exact moment...
1. Can I take more medicine now? 2. I am sleepy 3. YEA! MY car is now paid off!
Name 3 drinks you regularly drink? 1. Water 2. Raspberry Green Tea 3. Diet Dr. Pepper
Current worry? Will I be better by Monday because I have sooo much to do!
Current hate right now? being sick
Favorite place to be? My mom's house
How did you bring in the New Year? At a party at Audra's house
Where would you like to go? Back to St. Thomas!
Name three people who will complete these questions? Sarah, Hmm. I can't think of anyone else who hasn't already1
Do you own slippers? Yes, but I only wear them in the winter
What color shirt are you wearing right now? black
Do you like sleeping on satin sheets? NO! They are hot, and make you slide around
Can you whistle? yes
Favorite color? Black and Pink
Would you be a pirate? Arrrrr! No, Matey!
DO YOU SING in the shower? Wouldn't you like to know!
Favorite Girl's Name? Emily
Favorite boy's name? Brodie
What's in your pocket right now? Pajama shorts = no pockets
Last thing that made you laugh? Saturday night Live
Best bed sheets as a child? Strawberry Shortcake
Worst injury you've ever had? Hmm... I try to be injury free. I did break a finger playing basketball, a collar bone hanging upside down from a pole, 27 stitches in my leg from skating, I would say that they were all equally painful
Do you love where you live? YES!!! I love my house!
How many TVs do you have in your house? 2
Who is your loudest friend? Jana
How many dogs do you have? one My sweet little Copper
Does someone have a crush on you? does a 6 year-old count?
What is your favorite book? Ramona books!
What is your favorite candy? Reese's peanut butter cups
Favorite Sports Team? Mavs
What song do you want played at your funeral? When We All Get To Heaven, Homesick by Mercy Me, Live Like You were Dying by Tim McGraw, and then something funny and upbeat

THAT is the last question? EW! how morbid! I am adding in my own last question:
Favorite way to spend Saturday?
I love sleeping in really late, going to the gym, and then going out with friends!

Shout out to Sarah!

Last night I had my Sunday School class over. We had a lazy, night with snacks, and a movie. I absolutely love having friends over!

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Today I started my day early for me, and went to vote, get my car inspected, and attend my school's carnival. The carnival was fun! Some volunteers from the high school came to run the class booths, which allowed the teachers to just 'hang out' with our kids and families.

Sarah, Katie, and Me @ the carnival! Notice Sarah's way cute shirt! Shout out to Sarah! :) Speaking of cute shirts, Katie's is pretty snazzy because it has her picture on it!

Jana and Stefanie! *************************************************I haven't been feeling well for the last several days. I finally broke down and went to the Dr. today. I HATE going to the Dr and especially hate going when I am sick. The last thing you feel like doing is sitting in a waiting room for 3o minutes, shuffled to another room only to wait for 30 more minutes, see the doctor, and then wait an hour for a prescription to be filled.

Today I tried Minute Clinic. Let me tell you...much better than a doctor's office or Care Now. It is run by nurse practitioners, and I was the only patient. 2 nurses were waiting for me to finish the paperwork, and then they both worked together to get me the correct prescriptions.

Bronchitis + Sinus Infection = NO Fun! Basically, I have to stay home for 2 days rest and take one of 4prescriptions every 4 - 6 hours. I am all for resting, but 2 days??????

Updates on Feline Biggest Looser!

I promised to update about the Feline Biggest Looser and am proud to show off the slimmer Punkin! I have not had time to take him in to be weighed, but I think the picture shows off his trimmer tummy.

Punkin is laying on my dresser which is the home of his treats. THAt is the only drawer he can't open. I have tried keeping the treats in various places, only to find that my big boy can pretty much open any door and climb as high as he needs to reach the treats. He gets one treat at bedtime, and he hangs out on the dresser every night starting around 7:00 just in case I should decide to go to bed early.

Here is a picture of Copper, just because he is so cute!

"No, I 'll Check YOU out!"

Here is a funny from yesterday:
Yesterday, during my reading time, I opened a cabinet to get something only to have a BIG, GIGANTIC bug staring back at me. I quickly closed the cabinet, and went on with my day pulling reading groups. A little girl plopped down at the table. The air from her plop was just enough to move a marker off the table and into my lap. Except I didn't see the marker rolling, I just felt it plop in my lap. I gasped, and kinda scooted back in my chair a little. Ok. So that wasn't really a funny story. HOWEVER, the reaction of the little girl was priceless. I wished I could have recorded her re-telling the story to her friends. She has only been in our country for a year, and has really grown in her use of the English language this year. She just laughed and laughed about it! She kept saying, " Miss Shipley thought it was a bug, but it was NOT a bug, it was me! And then Miss Shipley said AAAAAA!"
Too cute!
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Tonight I had dinner with some friends. We had a really fun waiter who joked with us all throughout our meal. At the end of dinner, he brought the check and said, "I will check you out later" To which my quick witted friend replied, "No, we will check YOU out later!" Ok. Not as funny when it is written, but trust me, it provided laughs for hours!