Have a safe New Year's Eve !

Here is to a happy and healthy New Year!

Advice for those who work in customer service....

Today's advice: If you have a job in the restaurant business, your job is to provide a service to a customer. That service DOES INCLUDE asking the customer if they want more water, if they need anything else, and if they are satisfied.

Your job DOES NOT INCLUDE being rude because I am using a coupon. It also does not include treating me like I am cheap b/c I only order water. I happen to usually only drink water or coffee everyday! DO NOT assume I am a bad tipper b/c I have a coupon. Maybe that 4.00 will be put towards your tip. I will give you a good tip if YOU DO YOUR JOB!! Honestly, the times I have left a bad tip can be counted on my ONE hand!! DO NOT give me a smaller portion b/c I have a coupon either. If I ask for a dinner portion, make sure that is what I get because that is that is what am paying for and what I want!

Just a little advice for those who work in customer service. You choose to punch in... so then DO YOUR JOB! Please check your attitude and assumptions at the door when you come to work!

*** Please note: I have worked in customer service since I was 16. I have worked in food service, at a customer service desk, and in retail. I am purposely nice to those in this field because I have observed rude people in many scenarios! If you are not a people person please so us a favor and get out of this profession!

Happy Vacation!

I worked my crazy shift today at my part time job! I had to get up at 4:30AM... YUCKY! I never sleep well when I have to wake up that early. I worry that I will be late so I toss and turn and never get a good sleep. I was prepared for a full day and expected to work until 1:45. However my shift was changed and I ended up leaving at 12:15. What a perk!

I am now enjoying my vacation!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! I do not teach, tutor, or work again until Friday! WOO HOO!

I love breaks from my busy, busy schedule. Even better is the fact that the DH is on vacation! We may go to lunch and see a movie this week or we may do absolutely nothing. LOL

Happy Vacation to all those who are enjoying theirs!

Merry Christmas !

"The First Noel"

Word of the King’s arrival
Soon spread very fast,
The Angels told Shepherds
That a Savior was born at last.

A bright star lit the heavens,
To light the Magi's way,
To the baby in the manger
Who was born on Christmas day.


Merry Christmas to All!!!!!!!!!
Have a joyous day with your family and friends!

Where Have I Been ?

I have been slacking on my blog writing! I did not even remember to make my weekly Sunday post! I think once I was done with writing those last two grad school papers, I was not in the mood to write much of anything!

I am now on winter break. I am done with my grad class, I am on vacation from school, and from tutoring. I have been doing a lot of web surfing and playing random games online. I am enjoying my slacking.

Of course, I still have my retail job, but that is a small amount of time compared to everything that I was doing. It is nice to have this time to myself..... I hope it does not fly by too quickly!

YAY for ME !

I just checked my grades online for my class. I must say I worked my tail off in this class. I also learned a lot about reading education.

Now I feel all my hard work ( the stress, the complaining, the report rewriting) REALLY PAID OFF.

I EARNED an A! My final grade was a 95%............ WOO HOO!

YAY ME!

Are people really that clueless ??

Something happened to me today............ TWICE!!!!!!!!

All I want to know is: Are people really that clueless?? or Are people really that rude??

I was standing in an OBVIOUS line at a card store today. There were two cashiers. The store was busy. Well, this Beyotch walked in front of the LONG line, looked at us.. and then stood behind the cashier to my left. In my head, I am think " WTF, lady! Do you NOT see the line?" The best part is when the cashier see this happen and do NOTHING! I work in retail and when I see people do this... I will say (in a rather snotty voice) "There was ONE line."

Then tonight the DH and I are at Kohl's doing some last minute holiday shopping. Again there is one line and it is CLEARLY MARKED. A woman looks at us and the people behind us. Then she totally just cuts everyone! I was so annoyed that I said out loud, " Are you kidding me? There is ONE line. Are people really that clueless?" Of course this BEYOTCH ignores me and the cashier says NOTHING!

Seriously!!!!!!!!

I am not sure if it cluelessness or rudeness.... But it really PISSES ME OFF!!

It's Sunday Night !

Five Things I am Happy About Right Now:


1. Making a yummy dinner for DH Mom, & Step Dad!

2. Finding a great deal at JCP for a B-Day gift for DH. (It is two weeks after Christmas so I always look for a nice sale during the holiday season!)

3. Hearing my boss say this AM.... You can leave early! WOO HOO!

4. Being told my holiday decorations look like nice by my Mom... Her house always looks like it could be in a House&Garden or Martha Stewart!

5. Knowing that Grad School is over and tomorrow I can so whatever I want in the evening! WOO HOO!

What are you happy about?

SNOW DAY !!!!!!!

No School for the kidos today.


No school for me either !


I will be making some cookies today and relaxing!
Happy Snow Day to all !

Five Things I am Happy About Right Now:

1. I JUST finished my final paper for grad school. One final reread tomorrow before I print and go to my LAST CLASS of the semester!

2. I wrapped some of the DH's holiday gifts. WOO HOO!

3. Pizza for dinner = A NO COOKING SUNDAY

4. Two more weeks of substitute teaching and then vacation time!

5. The smell of holiday cookies... so good!

I keep laughing about this............

During Thanksgiving weekend DH and I played my favorite game with my family. It is called "Balderdash" It is basically a game of lying. There are dates, words, initials, and movie titles. Everyone writes a fake definition or fact. Then everyone guesses which one is the correct one.

Anyway, there was one round where it was initials. A.S.O.S.B.
DH wrote "American Society of Sophisticated Bitches"

We were all laughing so hard and had no idea he was the one who made it up. He is a quiet person, but so much more hilarious than a lot of people know! LOL!

All week, I have been saying.... well I can't help that I am a member if ASOSB.... LOL

On another random note:

Tomorrow is Friday. WOO HOO !

Snow is on its way....... I hope less comes than what the weatherman is predicting! I was spoiled with no snow in November!

Happy December !

It's time for peace and good will towards men - and well women too! LOL !

December is here
I am full of good cheer!

Happy Holidays !
Hope we all remember the true gift of Christmas!

It's Sunday Night!

It's Sunday ! My long Thanksgiving weekend went by too quick! It is true that time flies when you are having fun!

The Five Things I am Happy About Right Now!

1. Most of my Holiday shopping is done. Thank you free coupons and Black Friday Deals!

2. My Christmas tree is up and the lights are on the tree.... now on to those ornaments!

3. I still have some leftover pumpkin pie in the fridge!

4. Four work days this week for substitute teaching. I love when my days are planned ahead!

5. There are 26 Days until Christmas. WOO HOO!

What are you happy about ?

Happy Black Friday!

My Mom and I had a fun and successful Black Friday shopping day!

We each bought Christmas presents (the DH will be happy!) and a few presents for ourselves... Hee! Hee! I found a nice cute black scarf from Express that was originally 39.50 and I paid 14.82 for it. I can't wait to wear it! I also bought a new black Nine West purse that was on sale and I had an extra 10.00 coupon for it so it was 23.15!!!! I love a good bargain!

We did not have any problems with parking, cranky shoppers, or items that were already scarfed up by previous shoppers. Then we enjoyed our annual lunch at T.G.I.Friday's. It was so yummy and we enjoyed our female bonding time!

Overall a wonderful day! Hope everyone's Black Friady dreams came true!

Happy Turkey Day !

It is my favorite weekend of the year.

I just love all the family traditions of this weekend! Today is Turkey Day. WOO HOO. DH and I always visit our families and we eat at my Mom's. It is so fun!


Tomorrow I will go out with my Mom for some fun shopping and our annual lunch! We always have a blast spending time together and watching all those crazy shoppers!


Friday night I put the lights on the tree that the DH puts up for me while I am in shopping heaven! This year we are also going to dinner with his Mom because it is her birthday!


I am so thankful for my family, my friends, my health, my home, and all the little things that make me happy from week to week!


Happy Thanksgiving Everyone!

GRRRR !!!!!!!!!!!

I am a perfectionist. I blame my Type A parents ... and .. well my own type A personality.

I had a huge paper due last week in my grad class. It was difficult. I worked on it for two weeks. Well, last night a few of us were asked to stay after class to discuss our papers.

GRRR.......... I now have the joy of revising my paper when I should be relaxing on this Thanksgiving long holiday weekend!

I was SO stressed about it and now I have to revise whole sections. Stress affects me in a lot of ways, but the worse part is my brain goes into over load. Then I can't sleep. I was up last night tossing and turning... then I finally got out of bed and turned on the pc and started revising my paper.
One hour later I was still wide awake.

I finally headed back to bed for an hour before I had to get up and go teach. Luckily it was a light day. I tutored after work and also did make it to the gym.

I am hopeful that I will sleep tonight... and it will be restful!

Quote of the Day!

The DH tells me I am Lucy all the time. The other day he was on the web looking at random websites and found a quote he said was just "perfect" for me. If you noticed, my background info says I have WAY TOO MANY opinions for my own good. I think DH is getting use to me... it has been five years of marriage.. so I hope he is... LOL


So here it is... Not sure if I should say " Thanks DH!! " LOL !


I don't always know I'm right, I just find it hard to operate under the opposite assumption.

It's Sunday Night!

Five Things I am Happy About Right Now:

1. Thanksgiving Week is HERE! This is my favorite time of the year!

2. A warm sunny day. A Super perk for my neck of the woods this late in November!

3. A new purple button down for myself!

4. Three more grad school classes!

5. New green earrings made by one of my besties!

It's SO nice to be happy!

I missed my weekly Sunday Post....

I had a HUGE paper due Monday and spent most of my free time analyzing data and writing the results!

I was so tired and relieved at 10:30 on Sunday when I was done, I just went to bed. LOL !

So, here I am...
Five Things I Am Happy About Right Now:

1. Turkey Day is next week!

2. Turkey Day means Black Friday Shopping with Mom the next day!

3. One More Paper to go!

4. Found two holiday gifts on Ebay ... One more person done!

5. Also found two holiday gifts for the DH today at Target ( and a gift for myself - hee hee!)

I Am Vaccinated !

I have been vaccinated with the H1N1 vaccine.

I was nervous about it. As an adult I have never had a flu shot. I also have asthma. I get sick twice a year. I usually get a respiratory infection. (I did late week!) Well, I have heard some scary stories about women my age getting this flu and having major complications because they, too, have asthma.

Well, the DH heard about this clinic and honestly, I did not want to go. Well, a friend of mine has PH and she found out about the clinic and she wanted to go. I did not have any substitute teacher calls. I felt like the universe was telling me something. Plus, I really did not want my friend to stand alone!

So I went. we arrived about 50 minute early and there were already over 100 people in line. We took our spots in line and waited. The line was really fast once the doors opened. We had our shot by 12:30.

I did this for my DH. I went for my friend. I am still nervous I will have some side effects over the next two days, but I am glad I had both of those people to "force" me into the decision..... because I also did this for myself!

WOO HOO !

I took my test yesterday for my grad class. I was nervous about it for two weeks. I had to make it up b/c of begin soooo ill last week.

Well, I am THRILLED. My professor e-mailed me and my grade is a 92 !

WOO HOO!

Four more weeks.... two papers......... then I AM DONE !

It's Sunday Night!

Five Things I am Happy About Right Now:

1. The wonderful sunny fall day! Love days like this!

2. I FINALLY feel like myself again.

3. Last night Mom took me to a few stores and I bought two more Christmas gifts. WOO HOO.

4. A middle of the week day off. This will be a nice perk b/c I am meeting friends for coffee! (Although after not working last week, I would rather have a day of work!)

5. One more month of my grad class........... WOO HOO!!

All in all a great weekend of relaxing and spending time with the DH!

TGIF !!

I am glad it is Friday. I have been sick all week. It was not enjoyable! I feel feel about 85% of myself!

I did not work all week. This does not make me happy because I do not get sick days. I work per diem. It can be a blessing and a curse. I guess my body decided it needed a break. I have been working way too much.

I have the weekend off and to myself, so I am going to enjoy it.... I know next week, it is back to craziness for awhile!

Still Sick !

It happens every year...

Pretty much the same time every year...

I am sick.....

I am tired from all this coughing ....

Hopefully the doctor will have some good medicine for me to take so I can get back to my old self again!

It's Sunday Night!

I am sick today and was on the couch all day. I napped in between watching football. I also studied. I have a quiz tomorrow in school. Hopefully I will not have a fever and I can make it to class at least to take my quiz and turn in my homework!

SO... on that note....

Five Things I Am Happy About Right Now:

1. DH doing chores today since I was too sick to do them!

2. Extra Halloween candy to snack on (even though I REALLY do not need it)

3. Six more weeks of grad school - yes I have two papers, but I am almost there!

4. My extra hour of sleep this AM b/c of Fall Back!

5. Hot tea with lemon sooths my cough and sore throat.

Here's to Happiness!

Happy Halloween!

I was robbed!

I spent the whole night waiting for the Great Pumpkin, when I could have been out for tricks or treats. Halloween is over, and I missed it! You blockhead.

You kept me up all night waiting for the Great Pumpkin, and all that came was a beagle. I didn't get a chance to go out for tricks or treats. And it was all your fault. I'll sue! What a fool I was! I could have had candy apples and gum and cookies and money and all sorts of things, but no, I had to listen to you. You blockhead. What a fool I was.

Trick or treats come only once a year. And I missed it by sitting in a pumpkin patch with a blockhead.

YOU OWE ME RESTITUTION!

Happy Halloween !

It's Beggar's Night !

One More Day until the ghost and goblins are at my door yelling, "TRICK OR TREAT!" It is fun to see all the kids dressed up!

Looking forward to a ghoulish Saturday!

YIKES ! LOOK at the calendar. It is TWO MONTHS until Christmas!

Let the Holiday shopping begin!

It's Sunday Night!

It's that time again.

Lately, this has been hard for me. There is a lot going on in my life that has been a struggle and I have been feeling very stressed. This is difficult because I am annoyed right now with a family member. GRRR!

Here I go:

1. A sunny Sunday!

2. Four days of work at the same school. I will be tired, but the check will be worth it!

3. A week off from tutoring.

4. I picked up a skirt I had hemmed and it look awesome!

5. Drinking some hot fresh apple cider.

TGIF !!

Another busy week down! I have a Friday night to relax! Then it is back to work tomorrow.... LOL

Well, a night on the couch seems pretty good to me! Plus, there is always Sunday!

Nice and Relaxing !

Today's Advice:


Take the day off so you have a real two day weekend!


So I did take the day off !!! I am enjoying my coffee and watching the Today Show. They are asking the eternal question : Do children make women happy?


Hmmm....... this is a loaded question! I am a woman... a wife.... a teacher. I love kids, but am I made to be a Mom............ Who knows ?

It's Sunday Night!

Five Things I am happy About Right Now:

1. Sunny Sunday!

2. A new sweater on sale!

3. Half Way through my grad school class!

4. A Sunday to myself ! This was a perk..... I worked the past 7 days in a row! WHEW!

5. Hot Apple Cider......... Yummy!



This was tough...... my football lost and it is difficult to be happy ! LOL

TGIF !!

I had another busy week. I am working way too much this fall. I say this not because I am complaining, but more out of personal concern that I am going to get warn down and get sick. I am taking extra zinc just in case. LOL

Here is a breakdown of my CRAZY schedule:

M - F : Substitute Teach during the day ( This has been pretty consistent for the last four weeks ) !

M night: Grad Class 7:00 to 9:45
W & S : Tutor for an hour!
Fri. or Sat. : work a shift at my part time job!

I also have been trying to fit in 3 days of spinning at the gym. Plus the DH and I do a 30 minute walk every Wed night!

This does not even include trying to have a life and spend time with the DH!

So here is to a Friday night relaxing! I need it!

It's Sunday !

I had a rough week............ so it is going to be difficult for me to come up with a "happy list" today. I will try my best! LOL !

Five Things I Am Happy About Right Now:

1. I am taking the DH out to lunch in a few at Panera. Yummy!

2. I bought a new blue top at Kohl's for only 7.00 and wore it Friday night. It looked very nice!

3. I just was a little bold and ordered a brick red crew neck sweater from Victoria's Secret because I had a ten dollar coupon. I never wear red, but I looked through my fall & winter clothes today and I have WAY TOO MUCH black, brown and grey! I need to add some color to my life ( besides purple....... LOL )

4. I will be working for the next week between subbing, my part time job, and tutoring - I will not have to wait by the phone this week for last minute calls.... ALWAYS A PERK!

5. I may be tutoring tomorrow in the AM, but I am looking forward to having some me time tomorrow afternoon before I go to grad class. I really need it!

So.... I guess I was able to come up with something after all! Sometimes it is the little things!

TGIF !!

I am SOOOO glad that tomorrow is Friday!

I have had a week. I blame the full moon. I blame too much work and not enough fun! It is nice that tomorrow I will have some free time b/c the schools have staff development. I plan to treat myself to a pumpkin spice latte and maybe a little shopping after I tutor. I work my part time job at night, but I have the day to myself!

Ahhh... time to relax ..... before I have to do it all again next week. LOL !

Terrible Tuesday !

For the record, I hate today !

It's Sunday Night!

Five Things I Am Happy About Right Now:

1. Work is done for the day ( It was mad busy!) for me)!

2. I found an AWESOME Halloween Snoopy flag for $5.00 yesterday ( and DH bought it for me)!

3. I have two teaching days pre-booked and I also have and extra shift at my part time job. That means some extra money. (I need to start my holiday shopping!)

4. Pizza tonight = No cooking on Sunday ! WOO HOO!

5. Looking froward to a long weekend. Thank you Columbus!

Happy October !

Happy October!


It's time for pumpkin spice lattes, colorful leaves, sweaters, and pumpkins!


Oh, yes ... and looking forward to having extra Halloween candy in the house!

It's Hump Day !

On Sunday night I was feeling a sense of dread for the week. I wanted it to be over quickly because I have so much happening this week. Well, here it is already Wednesday and I am feeling pretty happy about how the week has gone so far.

I have been busy with work, school and trying to have somewhat of some "me time"!

Right now I should be studying for a quiz I have on Monday night for my grad class. I am making a study guide for it and hope to study during all my breaks the next two days of work! I do not like tests! As a teacher I have given them from time to time, but I have also done partner tests! (mostly in spelling because I was never a good speller and would have loved a partner to take them!) I have two tests this semester and I will be happy when they are both out of the way!

Other than that I am looking forward to Sat. when I can just relax and go meet a friend for coffee!

WOW... September really has flown by!

It's Sunday Night!

Five Things I am Happy About Right Now:

1. JETS are 3 and 0 ... WOO HOO!

2. Chores done and the house looks nice and clean... at least for a day or two! I even put out my Halloween decorations!

3. Yummy Lunch at Olive Garden... and oh the delicious pumpkin cheesecake.

4. I am scheduled to sub two days this week... keep those days coming!

5. Life is good!

TGIF !

I had a strange week. It will be even stranger next week for a lot of reasons I am not going to go into right now. Yes, that sounds cryptic. It isn't really. I just don't want to jinx anything that is coming up!

All I know is I hope I can explain this post with a happy post soon!

On a lighter note. I am glad to have a Friday to relax. I have been busy with work, school, trying to fit my workouts in, and have a life. I forgot how busy I used to be when I was in school. My grad class is tough, but I am learning a lot! I just seem to feel more sleepy by 10:00.

I know I have said this before, but I miss the energy of my twenties.... LOL

HMMMM

I have been very busy already teaching (which is good for me as a substitute b/c Sept. is usually very slow). I worked 4 days last week and I am working three days this week! I have been enjoying the classes because right now they are still learning.

Yesterday, I had a day off so I went window shopping and to Barnes and Nobles (a.k.a. my happy place). I was looking at Halloween books and thinking to myself, "Boy I sure wish I had my own classroom!"

So I ask all you cyber readers.... Please send me job dust. I really want a full time job.

It's Sunday !

Five Things I am Happy About Right Now:

1. Football Sunday (of course!)

2. Sunshine!

3. Going to a football party in about an hour!

4. A day trip yesterday made me realize that only an hour away is a nice "country like" area. Who knew? I have lived here for years and years and need to venture out more!

5. Four days of work last week - Two days already scheduled this week for substitute teaching. Life is good today!

What are you happy about today ?

It's Sunday Night !

It is Sunday Night!!

Five Things I am Happy About Right Now:

1. FOOTBALL is BACK !!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

2. JETS won!!!!!!!

3. Pumpkin Spice Latte - Delicious!

4. Nice evening walks with the DH

5. A week away from my part time job. (I will miss the extra cash, but not the work!)

All I need now is for the sub calls to start and then a random surprise interview and a teaching job... and Life will be ALL GOOD!

Back to School

I am sitting in my DH's office procrastinating. I am thinking about those lucky teachers who are in their classrooms right now.... on their first day back!

It makes me a little sad..... I am not on of them and I so want to be one of them! I miss teaching full time. Now I get to play " wait by the phone for a sub call " It is not fun. I do not like it anymore!

I should be doing my homework... but here I sit.. writing in my blog... dreaming aboout the day I will be back in school with my own kids!

It's Sunday Night !

This little smiling bee represents how I am feeling right now!

I have been a busy bee this weekend. I did have time to watch how my flowers have been making the bumble bees happy all weekend long! I love watching how these huge bumble bees are content to fly from cosmo to cosmo. I get lost in their beautiful buzz as I gaze at them.

On that note, here are five things I am happy about right now:

1. A LONG weekend with sunshine everyday!

2. Evening walks with the DH!

3. A "mini vacation" from tutoring.

4. FOOTBALL season starts on Thursday night.

5. Saving 15.00 at the grocery store thanks to coupons!

What are you happy about ?

Sweet Sunny September !

I am so happy that the sunshine has decided to stay around for the Labor Day weekend!

I enjoyed some pool time yesterday while my teacher friends went back to work. Now on the one hand I would have loved to been walking into my own classroom yesterday, but on the other hand it was nice to have some extra time to myself.

I know once grad school is into full swing and I am tutoring, working my part time job and subbing .. I will be VERY, VERY busy!! But for today, I can go have some end of the summer fun in the sun!

Happy September !

September 1, 2009

Wow.. How did you arrive so quickly?

Wasn't it just summer time fun and poolside relaxation?

How quickly you sneak up on me, oh dear September!

I am happy for football, apple cider, beautiful colorful leaves, and pumpkin pie......... but alas dear September.. I do wish you would not find me so quickly!

Hopefully, I still have a few pool days left.. I do not plan on having to go teach for at least two weeks.

Happy September Everyone!

It's Sunday Night !

The weeks goes by way too fast. I cannot believe it is Sunday night already!

Five Things I Am Happy About Right Now :

1. Fall is coming. It's my favorite season!

2. Football

3. My grad class starts tomorrow - in 15 weeks I will be a reading teacher!

4. A dinner date this week with my teacher friends!

5. Awesome deals with my teacher discount at Office Depot today! I love to save!

Sweet Saturday!

I am have a sweet Saturday!
Here is why:

1. I worked an early shift at my part time job and have the rest of the day to myself!

2. DH and I went to an early dinner of yummy pasta!

3. I am now surfing the web, relaxing on the couch, and watching football!

4. I found a great deal on a cute sweater at Old Navy! They are having an awesome Fall sale this weekend!

I love days like this!

Hump Day !

I cannot believe it is the middle of the week. What is worse is I keep thinking it is a different day. I woke up to a gloomy, raining day and I am feeling a little down.

I really love the Fall and I have always loved this time of year. I loved being a student and loved back to school. I guess that is why I became a teacher. Setting up my classroom and getting ready for a new class was always exciting for me.

Since I have been subbing the last few years, this time of the year always gets me a little down because I do not have my own classroom. I am feeling a little down today.

I will be happier when grad school is back in session and I am very busy.

After all: This too shall pass!

I Forgot Sunday's Weekly Post!

I have been caught up in reading the second book in the Twilight series, that I just forgot my weekly post. LOL ! Well, here it is:

Five Things I am Happy About Right Now:

1. Having the Internet to compare book prices and then finding cheap textbooks on amazon.com. WOO HOO!

2. A Sunday of reading & relaxing!

3. Knowing that FOOTBALL season is right around the corner!

4. Seeing the tutoring I have been doing all summer has paid off. I love when I give my student an assessment test, and there are sections where she scored 100%!

5. A week ahead to relax and de-clutter around the house!

TGIF !

It has been a LONG week. I have worked everyday since Sunday. I worked my part time job three days and my usual tutoring three days. I guess the reason why it seemed so long was because I had very early shifts this week! I am still so much on summer mode and the early hours just tucker me out! I actually took a nap yesterday b/c I was so sleepy!

I have been busy. I went to a dedication on Tuesday right after work (which I made it to in the nick of time - my relief never showed up at work!) I also went out to dinner last night with some girlfriends. We had fun!

The week has be HOT, HOT, HOT!!! I guess the dog days of summer arrived in August! It was nice to be able to swim Sunday, Monday, and Tuesday! Wednesday, I did some chores around the house and went through some boxes in the basement. I ask you, " How does one acquire so much stuff and then NEVER use it!" I am sure I could throw out more stuff next week, but will I??

All I can say is : TGIF! I do not work at all this weekend. I am getting a pedicure and going shopping with Mom Sat.! Sunday is one chore ( the chore I hate : THE BATHROOM - YUCK!). Then the day is mine!

AHHH.... Time to RELAX!

Sunday Night !

Five Things I am Happy About Right Now:

1. A sunny weekend with 90 degree days which means more pool time for me!

2. A surprise free ticket to go see a preseason football game! WOO HOO! I LOVE football season!

3. I have three days at my part time job, which means extra money! (I need it - I have some books to buy for my fall grad class!)

4. The part for our washer is FINALLY in.. no more carting wash to my Mom's... LOL

5. Two weeks of reading of whatever book I want before I start my grad class. Hmmm.. where should I start?

NYC - How I Love Thee....

I have returned from my weekend getaway! It was wonderful and I must say there is a small part of me that could live in NYC (if it wasn't for the fact that it is so expensive!) The DH and I really enjoyed ourselves and can't wait to go back!

My Five Things I Am Happy About Right Now (in picture form):

Hanging Out with my Starbucks at Rockefeller Plaza

Great Food !

Central Park

The Empire State Building at Night!

We walked all over (and only found our selves lost twice), we ate delicious food, we went to The Met, and we rode the Gray Line tour bus so we could see all of Manhattan. We shopped on Canal Street where I bought some wonderful pashminas I cannot wait to wear this fall! We went to the Empire State Building at night and it was amazing. We also went to Times Square at Night and I cannot even imagine the electric bill. LOL !

Our weekend getaway was TOO QUICK, but sooooo amazing!

NYC, these are the reasons why I LOVE THEE ! DH and I can't wait to go back!

WOO HOO !

Tomorrow at this time I will be in Times Square, having a weekend getaway!

I can't wait. I will have to post my Sunday night happiness on Monday. I am sure it will about my little trip!

I just love NYC! The people, the buildings, the shopping, the diversity, the excitement are just some of the wonderful things about NYC!

YAY!!!

Today was bittersweet! It was the last day of my summer grad class.

I have really enjoyed it. I love taking summer classes. They are busy, interesting, quick, and a LOT OF WORK.... But soooo worth it!! The lesson I was worried about went well and our group did get an A on it! YAY! I turned in my final paper today and felt a sense of accomplishment and relief too. It is nice to have a little break. (I must also admit I am sitting her wondering what the heck I will do with this extra time for three weeks - LOL)

If I could get paid to go to school, I would do it! I love being a student and learning new things.

I have three weeks of freedom before I go back for another class! I am not sure what I will do with this extra free time... maybe some more POOL TIME!

It's Sunday Night !

It has been a relaxing Sunday. I should have been writing my final paper, but I was web surfing and procrastinating instead.

I have been too excited about my NYC trip with the DHto think about my paper. LOL We will be there Friday night. I will be in Times Square & at the Empire State building on Friday night... OH I CAN'T WAIT!

So.. Here are my "Five Things to be Happy About Right Now"

1. Lazy Sundays!

2. Sunny days by the pool.

3. A sense of accomplishment now that my grad class is almost over.

4. Discovering carmel macchiato creamer while food shopping! I REALLY enjoyed my coffee & Sunday paper today!

5. I have made it to body sculpt 4 weeks in a row. I hope to keep it up. I wanted to add to my workout.. and weights once a week seems the way to go!

What are you happy about right now?

August............. Already!!!!

Where the heck did July go?

Today is August 1st! I cannot believe it.

For a teacher, like me, that means that summer vacation is half over!

What the heck happened?

I blame the rainy month of July. I was spending my Tuesdays writing papers for grad class. Working & tutoring (which I did not do last summer) kept me busy. These are all wonderful things, but where oh where has July gone?

I have NOT had enough pool time. I hope that changes for August! Summer is just too darn short, after all!

Worried Wednesday !

I am a little worried and nervous right now.

Now I have been a teacher for ten years. I also have been a substitute teacher for the past four years. I also have my masters degree, but I am taking a summer grad class to add to my teacher certification

Yet.... I still get nervous when I have to TEACH MY PEERS!

I am doing a group lesson this evening in my grad class. I much prefer to teach children then my peers. I have been getting supplies ready for the lesson and we are meeting early to make sure everything is ready.

Yet, I am worried that something will not flow and something could go wrong!

So wish me luck.
Send me some " smooth lesson " vibes!

It's Sunday Night !

That's right! Not my normal Sunday night picture, but I am putting my weekly post up! (Then you will understand the cake picture.)

Five Things I am Happy About Right Now:

1. My brother's surprise party was a hit! He really was surprised!

2. I finished my homework (which was making a blog related to teaching) a day early!

3. Two more weeks until the DH and I take a mini-vacation!

4. It was nice and sunny today! We have had way TOO MUCH rain this July!

5. Someone asked me if I have been losing weight b/c I looked skinny... I LOVE THAT!


What are you happy about right now?

Happy Hump Day !

I am giving myself a GOLD STAR today! Here is why:

1. I found some awesome reading websites to pass along to my reading student that I tutor!

2. I finished up my homework early and I have had some play time on the computer.

3. I have been going to the gym without my gym partner... and sometimes it is difficult to go there when I would rather sit in the sun, take a nap, go to Barnes and Nobles and read magazines!

4. I decided NOT to go buy this really cute jean jacket I saw at work on Saturday night. Instead I am saving my money for something I may really need!

5. I have been really trying to see the good in a negative situation that happened two weeks ago.

6. I am trying to listen more... even though my brother told me on Sunday I never stop talking! (MEANIE!)

Anyone out in cyber land have something to brag about? Why do you deserve a gold star ??

It's Sunday Night !

Five Things I Am Happy About Right Now:

1. Today is my brother's 40th birthday! We has a lot of fun. It was great considering one year ago he was going through chemo treatments.

2. I did not have to cook dinner the last two nights - LOL.

3. I finished my grad school work in time to watch my favorite reality t.c. show - Big Brother ( Yes, I am addicted)

4. I did all my tutoring plans for the week so I can relax when I have free time!

5. I am going to a tea house on Tuesday. I can't wait!

What are you happy about this week?

Thoughtful Thursday !

I am having a relaxing Thursday!

My brain is filled with thoughts about tutoring and my grad class. I should be working, but I am doing a little procrastinating, a little web searching, and watching an item on ebay (hee hee).

I had an interesting day yesterday. I went to tutor in the AM and it was very productive! I was happy to hear her sounding out blends as I gave her the word study assessment. She also read 5 pages from the more difficult book aloud with success. I hope by next week, the book is even easier for her.

I had class yesterday and I am now trying to think of a "zine" idea. We have to create our own zine. I am creative, but not artistic, so I am on my way to look for some clip art online.... LOL

On a more postive note, after mt spinning class this AM I wandered around the dollar store. I could easily spend 20.00 in there. I just love the teaching and stationery aisle. LOL

It is nice an sunny today.. and I hope it stays that way for the whole weekend!

I just love summer!

Tutoring !

I went to tutor today. My student took some getting back into the swing of things because she had a fun weekend and wanted to talk about it. LOL! After she settled down, we got to work.

She is ready for her assessment for word study, so I will do that on Wed. We also worked with sight words and I added three more to her list which she will practice. We did a sight word worksheet where I talk about the pictures first before we read the sentences and fill in the blanks. I think all the scaffolding I have been doing really helps.

We began a new book this week. It is difficult reading for her level. I did a lot of reading repetition with the word cards and a picture walk. Then, I had her read the easier text, while I read the more difficult text. and I think I am going to add some picture clues to the story words she struggles with today. We read the story together and will practice it more all week. I also think I will work with the story on Monday so she has it for a whole week.

We ended the session by playing a reading game I made. There are three reading tasks we do as we make our way though the game board. I am going to add some more questions for when we play it on Friday. I also think after this week, I will make a new game, too.

Today she did try to sound out words. This is a good skill, however with the English language after a while this skill harms an older reader when content is more difficult. I think with more reading repetition her reading will become more automatic (as it should

So... Until next time!

It's Sunday Night!!

Five Things I am Happy About Right Now~

1. Big Brother is Back! Yes, I am addicted to this t.v. show! I love the twists and turns. Plus, I keep telling my friends one day I will go on the show. LOL

2. A nice summer walk!

3. Finding letters to help me tutor in the 1.00 bins at Target!

4. Going to our annual taste and eating a chambord canoli ( SO DARN GOOD!)

5. Hearing about a friend's NYC trip which makes me excited about my trip to NYC in August!


What are you happy about tight now?