Time.....Flies

Where does the time go???  Is it because we now have more

daylight hours or what?  Just a few minutes ago, I could have

swore it was only 7p.m, but looked at the clock and

it is after 9?  What happened to the two

hours?  I don't know. I sure didn't accomplish

anything.

I just sat down and then-bam I lost two hours?

Maybe I don't use my time wisely.  I see teachers

leaving school empty handy and I lug my book bag

with papers to grade home.  Hum...what did

I do during my planning time?  Another moment

of time I have lost or can't remember

what I did.

Remember the saying..

Time will tell...

Well time is now telling me

to get busy and finish my grading.

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Wednesday's Hodgepodge

1. April rolls in at the end of this week and in celebration of that infamous date (April 1st) answer this question-What is something foolish you've done?

What is the definition of foolish?  Could it be something 'stupid'?  A few years ago, we lived in the country.  My husband changes houses every 5 to 7 years!!!  Anyway we had this van-which I prefer to drive small vehicles, that's beside the point.  The girls and I were headed out and running behind as usual, so you can imagine the hurry up scene.  As I was backing out of the garage, I hit the garage with the side mirrors on the van and knocked the side mirrors off.  The girls just laughed and I went on our way.  Driving through town, still running late, a black truck was parked on the side of the road, in MY way-you guessed it-I hit the mirrors on the side of the truck and kept on going.  I told the girls not to tell Daddy that Mom would take care of it-no big deal.  Yep, you guessed it-quick as they saw their father-they blurted out-"Dad, Mom just hit a truck and kept on going."  Now my husband use to own (sold the company 2 yrs. ago) an insurance agency-so can you imagine the scene???  Which wasn't as bad as the time I hit the freezer in the garage and knocked it through the wall and my husband asked-"What happened'?  I said, "I don't know".  I knew he knew what happened, I just didn't want to admit it!!!  On a brighter note, I do foolish things daily-just a couple of days ago (Sunday as a matter of fact), I fell out of my chair.  My husband said he heard a thump but didn't know what it was.   Some days are very exciting around hear-Never a dull moment.  Did I mention I have dyed my hair WHITE!!!  no joke--again never a dull moment.




2. With April comes Easter and that classic edible treat known as Peeps...so tell me...what's your favorite way to fix/eat chicken? That wasn't what you were expecting, was it? I 'fooled' you. teehee.
Chicken--anyway YOU want to fix it is fine with me!!!!!



3. What's the best museum you've ever visited? Or your favorite? Or the one you'd most like to visit?

Smithsonian is my favorite museum.  I would love to visit the Holocaust Museum.  My husband hates to travel; he is so content staying in Smyth County.  Last year we went to D.C. only because daughter #2 was playing basketball there!!  I was thrilled-I figured in-between games, I could visit the Holocaust Museum.  My husband had other plans.  Seeing he had never been to D.C., he wanted to see other places like the White House, Lincoln Memorial, Vietnam Memorial, etc. :(  I had seen these-jeez.  Being the 'good wife' I obliged and toured these with him.  The Holocaust will have to wait for another time.


4. You know what they say about April showers...what's your preference-a shower or a bath?
Eye opener for me would have to be a shower.  I cannot get awake in the mornings without it.  There are times when I want to wallow in a tub of warm, soapy, water.  Relax with music on as I soak away my thoughts.  When the girls were younger, it was difficult finding time for this 'me' moment.  Now with my step-grandson, the baths are also fewer.




5. "Absence makes the heart grow fonder"...fact or fiction? Why?
In my 'dating years' I would most definitely agree with absence makes the heart grow fonder.  There were times when I was in college, that I thought a week seemed like an eternity.  Now, I long to get home-just home from a trip-my own bed, my own bathroom, etc.  I miss my husband when away, but the little things I take for granted I also miss.  I do miss my husband!!!-just saying......


6. What's your favorite product made/grown in your home state/province?

Virginia  is known for its country hams!!!  Yum, Yum.  I love ham!!!!  The best ham is Smithfield Country Ham!!  Gotta try it.  We are also known for peanuts.


7. What is going on in the world today that affects you the most?
The situation in Japan.  I can't keep thinking about all the turmoil the people are facing daily.
Now I am going to vent--People or should I say students being disrespectful bothers me.  Just today I had a student (8th) grader tell me "No"!!  Now come on-what gives a student the privilege/right to say "no".  When I was in the 8th grade I never dreamed of telling a teacher 'no'.  Students have no respect and they say what they are thinking.  I mean it is okay to think something but you shouldn't say what you always think!!! Plus the student used the 'f word---and what discipline was given......just a smack on the hand!!!!Jeez!!!!! Then my hub want to know why I am in a tinsy when I get home!  As a society we need to instill in our younger generation the common values -respect!!!  Wouldn't the world be a nicer place if we did!



8. Insert your own random thought here.

Took a walk after dinner to clear the head-a cool breeze helped !!  Have a nice week!!!!!
The weather was warmer then predicted so my husband grilled out-which was nice!!!


Thanks for stopping by!!!

Rainy night inChilhowie.......Spring has left us

After enjoying temperatures in the 70's, it is now cold and raining ---AGAIN!!!  So I figure better write something-been awhile.........
Both daughters have already had spring break-not at the same time of course-different weeks, so on a Saturday before daughter #1 had to leave we decided to go out and eat....healthy!!!


healthy right??????



It was not exactly healthy, but good!!!!!  We enjoyed the talking and laughter with one another.  Then it was time for her to leave and of course her fellow had to come by and say goodbye.

Ready to go back to pharmacy school and study!!!!

We had a Mardi Gras Dance at school and had a lot of fun.  Well, the teachers did!!



Daughter #2 came home from spring break.  Weather was warm on her break.  She was chosen to be on the Mid South All American Basketball Team--Hey that's why you are in college-get an education--Proud of her.

Flowers started blooming and spring was in the air!!!!!

Then it snowed!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Okay-spring where did you go?  Pleas hurry back soon!!!!  Please, Please!!!!!



Almost forgot----my mother-in-law- who is 75 and weighs probably 75lbs. dripping wet----had a mouse in her house last night.  She called for us to come over-and she was scared too death--probably frightened the mouse!!!  I have to admit, I am very, very scared of a mouse also, but being the brave person I am for her, I stood on a chair with a broom and tried to scare the mouse out from her hutch, but no luck.  So we sat traps and she came to stay in our apartment.  Haven't caught the mouse yet-I wonder if there was one????  She says now, she thought it could have been her curtain moving!!!
So.....enjoy life!!!!!

Obstacles keep getting in the way!!

A couple of weeks ago, I made a promise with myself

to really watch my tongue.  In order to watch my tongue

I had to watch my thoughts.  I have a very loose tongue-something I am not proud of. When I

become angry, I say swear words that I regret later on.  So I had decided to

watch my tongue.  Harder than I imagine.  Now I don't use the harsh

words, but is one word harsher than the others?

Watch my tongue!!!



The week started off rough!!!!  Everytime I tried to get ahead, something

came up-too many meetings, interruptions, etc.

So, my thoughts started racing and my tongue lashed out!!!!  Regret later on and

sigh-nothing much accomplished.  I have now (just now thought of) is to take a deep

breath and breathe, breathe, breathe, before I say a word!!!!  Patience is the key to

stop swearing so much.

I was doing pretty good until.......

this morning and when I walked in to work...yep

it started-to many things to get done and only me

to do it so........

I thought and thought and the words came out-Some people cry, but

I swear to myself-under my breath.  Now I will breathe because

I am still working on this and

I will succeed!!!!!!!

1. Sunday was the first day of spring. So they say. Ahem.


What is your favorite outdoor springtime activity?
Two favorite activities: I love to sit in the sun with a good book and a good drink.  When I get too hot, (which happens more often now) I move to a shade and continue reading and drinking.  Second outdoor activity, is a spur of the moment thrown together cookout and then a game of volleyball played with a beach ball or my grandson's toy ball.  Let's have a cookout and play volleyball right now!!!






2. Who would you want to come into your kitchen to cook dinner for you?
Since I am known for not being a chef in my house, I really don't care who cooks.  I will clean the entire kitchen if you will cook.  Is that a deal?




3. When did you last fly a kite?
Many "moons" ago.  My girls were still in elementary school and I remember going to buy kites -the latest styles of course, and having fun.  Come to think of it, even when they got older and our trips to the beach, we didn't fly kites.  By this time, the girls were in to sun bathing and boy watching!




4. What topic puts you to sleep faster than anything?
Topic-hummmm....how about a TV program?  A TV program/show that puts me to sleep is watching baseball or golf. 




5. Which flowers do you associate with specific people, places, or events?
Event--the flowers would have to be daffodils.  When I see daffodils blooming, I think of spring.  Sorry Joyce you haven't experienced spring yet!  Roses and daisies remind me of weddings.  Carnations remind me of a cemetery.  I once thought carnations were referred to as "flowers of the dead."  Don't quite know if that is true...just saying that's what I thought.  I love fresh flowers in my house.  Even in the dread, dark days of winter, flowers can bring sunshine to a room. 






6. What significant historical events took place during your elementary school days?
I remember protests against the Vietnam War.  Seeing what I use to refer to as "hippies" standing on the street carrying protests signs.  The two biggest events I remember are the assassinations of Dr. Martin Luther King and Robert F. Kennedy.  As a matter of fact, my dear aunt and I clipped out news articles for a scrap book.  I still have the scrapbooks.




7. Do you swear? Do you pseudo-swear? (You know crap, shoot, friggin'?)
Swearing-something I am not proud of-ashamed of is more like it.  My loose tongue gets the best of me in certain situations.  A couple of weeks ago, I made a promise to myself to control my thoughts-this way I can control my tongue.  I bought a magnet, which is on the refrigerator that says "God keep your arm around my shoulder and your hand over my mouth."  Every morning I repeat this saying as I walk out the door.  Think before your blurt out words, Tammy!!!!  As for pseudo-swear-Nope not me.




8. Insert your own random thought here
Loving this spring time weather-not too hot nor too cold.  Perfect temperatures:  75 degrees!!!  Woohoo!!!On a sadder note a a dear, dear teacher friend, who retired last year, left this week to live in Florida. Now that I have reached a year over the half century mark, it seems my close friends are venturing out and I am left behind. I truly miss her, but am happy for her at the same time.  I try to look on the bright side-now I have a reason to go to Florida. 
Hope all have a good week and a fabulous weekend!!!!!  Until then......Enjoy Life!

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Wednesday's Hodgepodge    joyce-fromthissideofthepond.blogspot.com/

1. What would you do if you found a pot of gold? Let's pretend this pot of gold is worth exactly $1500 (which would actually be more like a cup of gold at current values). Anyway, let's also pretend you have to spend it as opposed to making a donation someplace. Now tell me what you would do with that cup pot of gold?
I would use $750 of the money to help purchase college books-for two daughters.  Then I would give $375 to each of my daughters-hoping they would reply "Aw, Mom you keep it." 

2. Do you celebrate St. Patrick's Day in any way, shape, or form?



NO.  I wear green to school so the students won't say-"Mrs. Doane you don't have green on."  That's as far as I go to celebrating the day.




3. Have you been bitten by the Spring Cleaning bug? What spring cleaning job most needs doing at your house? What spring cleaning job are you most dreading?
Yes, especially on Saturday when the sun was brightly shining and I saw all the dust bunnies.  Yard work would be the most job needed right now.  With all the limbs still in the yard from the ice storm -the more I pick up, the more I see. This is one job I don't mind doing.  Working outside to me is better than working indoors.  The job I dread the most is cleaning the blinds in the house.I don't know an easy way to do this.  Does anyone have any suggestions?  Please let me know.  It takes me hours to clean them!!



4. lime-shamrock-sage-forest...your favorite shade of green?

Definitely lime!!!



5. Thomas Jefferson once said, "I'm a great believer in luck, and I find the harder I work, the more I have of it." So...do you believe in luck or do you believe we make our own luck?
I call pleasant coincidence 'good luck' and unpleasant coincidence 'bad luck.'  Random circumstances happen and sometimes they will be in your favor and sometimes they won't. 
Good luck is a result from being prepared; bad luck is a result from not being prepared.  I do believe there is an invisible hand involved when experiencing good luck (good results from tests, etc) you cannot explain.







6. Monday (3/14) was Pi Day. Get it? Pi =3.14. Those math types are so clever aren't they? Since I'm not one of them tell me what's your favorite piE (the edible kind).

My favorite is Kentucky Derby Pecan Pie!!!!



7. That same date (3/14) happens to be the birthdate of the late physicist Albert Einstein. I bet he knew the value of Pi. So...what do you think is more important and or valuable in life... intelligence or common sense?
A very interesting question.  Intelligence is something you are born with.  It is a mental exercise-studying to pass a test, being an expert in a certain field--food, wine, etc.  There are many different forms of intelligence and common sense is one of them.  Common sense is the ability we develop over time, through our intelligence.  Now, what is more important of the two?  Intelligence enables us to manage our lives and common sense helps us see the overall picture.  With that being said.....I think they are equally important.

8.  Random thoughts:  What a Sunday--my youngest daughter was
 heading back to college after her spring break.  My oldest daughter, who is in pharmacy school called and there had been a shooting close to where she lives.  My heart stopped!!!  She was told to go in her apartment, dead bolt the door, close the blinds, and stay inside.  The suspect the state police was searching for had killed two deputies and wounded two others.  Of course, we couldn't get to her-so we kept calling and texting.  It was a very long night.  I went to see her yesterday--I just had to see for myself she was okay.  The suspect was caught and killed.What a scary night I had.  I don't understand the crazy people living in our world today.  But I am so thankful for the police who protect us daily.

Have you ever tried to get ahead of the game only to learn you forgot?? 

Let me explain myself.  March and April are busy months for special education teachers.  A ton of paperwork is required by the first of May.  So not only do I have a ton of paperwork to do, I also teach 5 inclusion classes-which requires preparing for lessons and grading papers.

More paperwork!!!

Today, I decided to get a jump start and begin.  After getting home from school, I explained to my husband I had a lot of work to start on.  No big deal-we will have sandwiches for dinner!!  That was fine with me.  I began grading papers before dinner.  Now that this was finished, I started dinner-fast, quick dinner.  After dinner, I headed back to my desk to begin.  I felt pretty good about myself-getting a head start on the work-and why not??? it was raining outside so no better night to begin.  I sat down and began on the first section-wrote two paragraphs and then began looking for other test scores--hmmm which pile are they in??? I searched my first book bag, not there-so I looked in the other book bag not there-so I did what we all should do---took a break and had a cup of McDonald's tea.  I figured I would need the caffeine boast later on.

Kept searching and searching and searching and.....

all at once I remembered!!!!!

I had left the important scores on my desk at school!!!! So much on my plan of getting a head start.  Right?? But now that I have had my tea-the night is still young!!!! VERY YOUNG for me.

I think I will finish the book I am reading and then who knows...Maybe do a little house cleaning....No not really!!

1.  I do not participate in the season of Lent.  :(



2. Traditionally pancakes are eaten on the day known as Shrove Tuesday which is the last day before Lent (March 8th this year). So....butter and syrup? Blueberry? Chocolate chip? ewww, no thanks!! What's your pleasure when it comes to eating pancakes?
Blueberry pancakes are my favorite with just a little butter and of course blueberry syrup!!!!  Yum Yum!!!
Sometimes I have blueberry pancakes for dinner. 

3. Spring is coming. (It is coming, right?) What's your favorite springtime flower and do you suffer from seasonal allergies? Two questions I know, but they're lightweights.
I have two very old dogwood trees and when they begin to bloom, it is breathtaking!!!! pink and white!!!
Like I have mentioned before, my husband and I bought an older house three years ago (parts of the house is 100 years old) and the lady who lived here before had a beautiful flower bed.  I remember walking in the afternoons and she would be out working in the flower bed.  I still don't know all the flowers in it, but she planted flowers that come up periodically-when one group dies, another one blooms-it is amazing.  My favorite is the iris-colors of pink, purple, yellow, red, lavender, orange, white, fuchsia, etc.  Now people walk by and admire my flower bed and I admit I didn't plant anything and then tell the story.  When they begin to bloom, I will post pictures.





4. "Our opinion of people depends less upon what we see in them than upon what they make us see in ourselves." Author unknown. Agree or Disagree? Why?
Deep thought---So I am going to say our personality changes when around different people and different situations.  Didn't answer question, did I?  However, I can't wait to read other responses.




5. Since it's "March" and also the season of Mardi Gras....have you ever been in a parade? What's the best parade you've seen?
I love a parade!!!!!  In high school was in the band and of course in parades!!!!  When my daughters were in elementary school I was  in parades with them.  In Chilhowie, we have the Apple Festival Parade in September.  Chilhowie was once known for apple orchards which no longer exists :(.  Anyway. the town still celebrates with a parade in September.  This year, my husband and I fixed breakfast for anyone who wanted to stop by-country ham biscuits on the grill and sausage biscuits-nothing fancy.  Then we all went to the parade-which consists of bands and floats.  Later that night, we bulid a fire and make smores.
The best parade I have ever seen is the parade my daughters were in while in high school-Daughter #1 was drum major and daughter #2 played the trumpet-parades in Florida and Chicago.





6. You would jump up and down and shout for joy right now if someone told you___________?
My husband was cancer-free.  He was diagnosed with colon cancer in January of 2010-no symptoms just a check-up.  He went for a CT scan and an ultrasound on his liver on Monday, but we don't know the results-waiting is the hard part.......  He had a colonoscopy in December of 2010 and removed seven polyps that were not cancerous-now concerned with liver function- Our emotions seem to be on a roller coaster ride.  But I do know with God he does not put anymore on us than we can handle.




7. How clean is your car on the outside? Inside? Is there junk in your trunk?
I keep a clean vehicle.  My car is very neat with everything in its place.  I can't stand 'stuff' just laying in seats.  My trunk is spotless--with a few blankets just in case I break down in the cold weather.

8.  Random thoughts
Today I finished the first part of the Standards of Learning Test for Writing 8-multiple choice.  Tomorrow is the writing prompt-I am just as nervous as the students and I pretend I am not.  Sometimes instead of being a teacher, I think I am an actor.  Daughter #2 is home for spring break and it snowed Sunday!!  So we stalked up on nutritious food--doughnuts, ice cream, potato chips, cookies, and candy-Gotta Love Her!!!!
Daughter#1 had to leave in the snow Sunday to head back to pharmacy school-miss her and hated to see her leave.  Why do weeks go by too fast when my daughters are in??

joyce-fromthissideofthepond.blogspot.com/"

So when you have a G-R-E-A-T at work

what happens at home?

Getting home early from school-

I consider anytime before 5 early

for me- I sat outside

and basted in the warm

sunshine.  The sun felt

awesome on my face and

I was feeling pretty good.

Daughter #1 tried to get

in her appointments (you all know

how you try to get in all

doctor appointments when

home).  So first stop

was eye doctor and

of course new prescriptions

and a cost of $450 !!!

Now off to get a new hairstyle--which I think made her

look very professional.

Don't you??????

Well, being in a good mood, I thought why don't we go
out for dinner....I wanted Mexican food

but no one else did..so I ended up cooking dinner.
Now the night is winding down and my feeling of being
in a good mood has ended and I keep thinking
where has the mood gone......

Ring, ring, ring--daughter #2 calling
spring break starts for her tomorrow
I hear--"Mom I need doctor appointment scheduled, and
by the way a new hair cut with highlights."

Shew....here I go again---

I know I need to enjoy this....but sometimes I honestly
believe it was easier and less expensive when the

loves of my life were younger.

 

!
1. March 2nd is Dr. Seuss's birthday so I'm wondering...do you like green eggs and ham? Okay-how about this instead...how do you like your eggs? Or don't you?
I love the book by Dr. Suess!  Scrambled eggs with cheese and milk are my favorite. 






2. Is March coming in like a lion or something less ferocious where you live?
Is there any truth to the saying...."If March comes in like a lion, it will go out like a lamb?"  March is a changeable month-we can see warm spring-like temperatures or late snow.  I can only hope this isn't the case where I live.  We had temperatures in the low 60's today and I have tulips coming up.  So...will I expect snow later on....I surely hope not.

3. Do you work better or worse under pressure?

Definitely work better under pressure.  First let me say, I run on a schedule.  I write the dates when a project is due at least two weeks in advance.  However, I also procrastinate sometimes.  My brains goes into overdrive and I stay awake all night to finish something.  Of course, I eat all night too!!!  I think the food gives my brain the energy it needs.  



Did I mention I have eight calendars!!!!!!



                                                                      

4. March Madness-are you a fan? It's college basketball in case you're wondering. And if you're outside the USA tell us-is there any sort of 'madness' taking place during March in your part of the world?

Not a huge fan of March Madness. 

5. Under what circumstances do you do your best thinking?
Tough question for me.  I usually do my best thinking in the shower.  Sometimes the answer to a problem or problems come to me in the shower and I am not a singer in the shower.  While listening to music-not classical or country, but rock music is also when I do my best thinking.




6. What item of clothing from your wardrobe do you wear most often?

Okay-another tough one for me.  During the week it is 'school clothes'- dress or slacks, but as soon as I get home-it is time for sweat pants and a sweat shirt.  On the weekend-bluejeans.  I really don't have an item of clothing I wear the most.

7. Do you use sarcasm?

I probably have at some point which I am not proud of.  Sarcasm to me is harsh and bitter.  It is a way of using words that is causing flesh wounds.  It allows a person to state his/her feelings without getting into  too much trouble.  I know that sarcasm is found in humor, but ultimately it is blaming/attacking even when met with laughter. 

8.  Random thoughts.

I have enjoyed daughter #1 home for spring break.  Daughter #2 arrives Sunday when daughter #1 leaves.   Basketball is now over for daughter #2 -they lost in the tournament and our weekend travels have now come to an end-that is spending Saturdays in a gym. 

:(  Now what will I do on Saturdays???????????? 

In honor of Dr.Seuss...my favorite Seussism....Be who you are, say what you feel because those who mind don't matter and those who matter don't mind.

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