Wednesday Hodgepodge

1. As August draws to a close, share what's been your favorite weekend of the entire summer?

Would have to be June 20-22.  Hub and I celebrated our 33rd Wedding Anniversary on the 20th, and we took a mini-get-a-way!  Our love still grows everyday for each other.

2. Labor Day is marked in the US of A on Monday, September 1st.  What paying job have you held that you've loved the most? Liked the least?

I love teaching, and I love seeing the progress the kids make even if they do not pass the rigorous state testing-progress is progress and one day of testing should not measure it.

Least favorite job, would be a summer job my father got me while in college.  It was a factory job, very hot, no breaks, and lifting sheet rock boards-but the pay was great.  Just because my daddy worked there, didn't mean I had any breaks-I was treated like everyone else.

3. Does the new school year start before or after Labor Day where you live? When do you think it should begin? There is much discussion now about older students having later start times to their school day...your thoughts?

Our school year begins before Labor Day-August 22 was the first day for students, and teachers begin a week prior to them.  This year was the first in a long time we waited this long-usually begin around August 6th.  In my area, I believe all are ready to return in August.

4. What's something you've worked at recently that could be deemed a 'labor of love'?

My mind is drawing a blank....must be in school mode.

5.Which of the following work idioms can you most relate to right now...'A woman's work is never done.', 'All work and no play makes Jack a dull boy.' 'Many hands make light work.'

Most definitely 'A woman's work is never done'

6. Crab or lobster or thanks, but no thanks? Favorite way to have your choice prepared?Love, 

Love, love, love to have me some steam Maryland Crabs!!

7. Albert Einstein is quoted as saying, 'Three rules of work: Out of clutter find simplicity; From discord find harmony; In the middle of difficulty lies opportunity.' Which of the three do you consider to be the most important? Share one of your own 'rules of work'.

From discord find harmony-our world could use more of.   It takes a lot to get along with others, and it is not easy. It is something we all should want and strive for.
Not necessarily a 'rules of work'quote but one I tell my students: "Anyone who has never made a mistake has never tried anything new."

8.  Insert your own random thought here.

Weekend Rewind

First, I made it-for two days-(three -day week) of school without much of a problem.

Little man-aka-grandson spent the night with us on Monday.  He even came to Zumba class for the last half hour.  He had rode his bike to watch me Zumba-I must be pretty fascinating to watch-LOL! I woke him up early on Tuesday morning (I had to get to school) and I wanted him to be able to go to sleep easily since his first day of kindergarten was Wednesday.

 Still a little sleepy on Tuesday.

On Wednesday my mind kept thinking about him and wondering what he was doing. During my planning period while checking my e-mail I noticed I had gotten an e-mail from his teacher.  My stomach was dong flip-flops.  I opened the e-mail and this is the just of it-As little man was going through the lunch line, the lunch lady asked him if he wanted white milk or chocolate milk.  Little man replied very nicely-"No thank-you-I believe I would like to have a sweet tea, please."  His kindergarten teacher said at that moment she lost it.  I do believe I would have too.  Later that evening I watched him get off the bus at my school, and he had a skip in his step.  A sure sign it was a good day-tiring day but good.
He eats lunch very early, (Mammow always knows) and I had brought a snack for him to have in the afternoon.

He had to call Buddy, that is what he calls my hub and tell him all about his day.  I know I will soon blink my eyes and he will be walking across the stage receiving his diploma.

Like I said earlier, a three day week and I made it two without any problems.  Friday afternoon I heard this strange noise as I was grading papers.  I got up from my desk and was walking toward the noise-yuck-my air conditioning was leaking.  Water wall all over the place,  I called for the custodian and began mopping very quickly.  We turned the ac off and the maintenance men were called.  What a mess it was.  Luckily it happened before I left-I don't even want to imagine what my room would have looked like on Monday morning.

Spent the day Saturday catching up on house chores.  People say it is hard on children going back to school but let me tell you, it is just as hard on teachers trying to get back in the swing of things.  That afternoon little man came down to ride his truck and play with a friend.

Oh, the care-free days of summer are coming to an end.

Hub and I grilled out Saturday evening and sat outside until the wee hours of the morning just listening to nature.  I know there are not many nights and evenings like this left so I was soaking it all in.

Hub left Sunday to attend  a meeting.  Our church had a dinner, and I was glad I went.  Great food and fellowship for a lonely evening.  It seems like yesterday I was saying, I wish I had some time to myself and now I do and I don't like it one bit!  So be careful what you wish for.

Tomorrow begins a full week of school-hopefully I will make it and hopefully my ac will be working.

Have a great week and Enjoy Life!
Tammy

Weekend Rewind...

Weekend Rewind..


Summer is coming to an end  :(


I had to return to school on Wednesday for teacher in-service and work days.  Tuesday evening I was asking hub where had summer gone?  The older I get, the faster time goes by. Maybe I just pay more attention to time now a days.  Remembering when I had no care in the world and time just stood still-wishing I was older so I could do other things-wish now I was younger!
Seeing my colleagues and catching up on -what have you done this summer?  took up much of Wednesday's day.  Thursday our school had no electricity-changing an electric for a new business (now you think with the beginning of school-this could have been better coordinated?).  But we made do-in the dark!  Friday was another day of in-service and chit chatting.  I was rushing around at 6 that evening saying I hadn't gotten much accomplished in my room.  Panic mood struck-Monday is our Back To School Night and just look at the mess in my room, so much stuff, and how would I get it all put away by Monday night.  But you know what?  I will get it all done-that is just what teachers do.  
Students return to school on Wednesday, August 20th.  I won't get a wink of sleep on Tuesday!  Laying awake just thinking about the start of a new year.  After 32 years one would think I would change, but no-I am just excited as some of the students are.  I can't wait to hear the laughter/giggles coming down the hall and seeing how the students have changed over the summer.  Middle school students do change, you know.
The biggest change for me will be....

grandson, (little man) starting kindergarten!  Again, where has the time gone?

Weekend was filled up with  last minute school (teacher) shopping.  Has anyone tried the new blackboard contact paper?  A colleague had this in her room and I love it. Great idea to use! No such luck in finding this at my local teacher store-must need to order this on line.
On the way home, hub and I ate at a place called 'Political Dog' in Glade Spring, Va.  They are famous for their hot dogs of course.  The hot dogs were great-catching names like-The Darkhorse, The Governator, The Closed Session, The Pocket Veto, etc.  I had the Darkhorse and it was amazing.  The service was also great.  If anyone is in our neck of the woods stop by and give the place a try.

A couple of magnets and buttons were given to us, also.

Have a great week and Enjoy Life!
Tammy

Wednesday hodgepodge

1. The best part of waking up is___________________________________.My first thought--"The best part of waking up is Folgers in your cup."    Lately, I wake up all night, so the best part would be-thankful for another morning and I am still able to get out of bed.

2.  Given a choice, which animal interaction would you most like to experience (or for those non-adventurers...which would you dislike the least?)- Swim with the dolphins at one of several locations in the Florida Keys, a lion encounter ten minutes from Victoria Falls (Africa), or a day at a remote base camp high in the Big Sur wilderness via the Ventana Wildlife Society helping track California condors?

The one I would dislike the least (non adventurer) would be a lion encounter from Victoria Falls.

3. What is something you fear about 'old age'? What is something you look forward to?
Fear-not being able to see all the accomplishments of my daughters. On the other hand, looking  forward to seeing all of daughters'accomplishments.

4. Hot sauce...are you a fan? If you answered yes, what's something you make/eat that must have hot sauce? On a scale of 1-10 how hot is too hot?

I am a fan of hot sauce.  I like hot sauce on omelets, chicken, and just about any type of meat.  A 9 would be too hot for me.

5. It's been said that children learn what they live. What do you think children learn at your house?

Both daughters are grown (26 and 24 yr old) but I know they carry the values I have taught them.  Learning to put God first in all you do, trusting God when situations are out of your control, and thanking God for all he has given you.  Also respecting elders and having patience with the elderly.  When I see daughters exhibiting these characteristics, my heart melts and a smile is on my face.


6. What's your favorite movie with a number in it's title?

Fifty first Dates


and
Hundred and One Dalmatians


7. Saturday (August 16th) is National Tell a Joke Day...share one here.

It is August and the temps have been in the 50's and 60's and plenty of rain.  What happened to hot August nights?

8.  Insert your own random thought here.

So sad to hear the death of Robin Williams.

Weekend Rewind

Weekend Rewind...
How about a couple of weekend rewinds.....

Last weekend hub and I traveled to Myrtle Beach for a pharmacy trade show.  Plan was to leave shortly after 11 on Friday and that way we could arrive and enjoy some beach time before attending the trade show on Saturday.  My thinking was this-I would make an appearance at the trade show (you know what I mean by appearance) on Saturday and then head to the beach while hub was at the trade show.  We were able to leave town shortly after 11 on a rainy Friday , but we were headed to the beach so life was good.  I just needed some time to sink my toes in the sand and relax a little. About an hour into our trip, we came to a complete stop.  There was an accident and you know the rest of the story!  An hour and a half later, we were traveling again-in the rain.  Finally we arrived at the Sheraton Hotel Convention Center and the weather was cloudy but not raining.  We checked in and then headed to get something to eat.  I love seafood so no problem finding a place I like, but hub only eats a few seafood items so we had to drive around for awhile.  After having a late dinner, we walked on the beach.  The sand was so cool and I felt my entire body relax.  There is something about the ocean that makes me relax-makes me just want to stay and walk for hours and hours-which we did by the way.  Time had gotten away form us  (around 1am) and hub and I knew we had to head back to our room.  I kept dreaming about tomorrow and walking on the beach and enjoying the bright sunshine while hub attended the trade show.

Awoke Saturday morning to thunder and heavy rains.  As a matter of fact it was not only raining hard but strong stormy weather.  This was our view from the window on Saturday morning and it lasted all day and night.

Hub and I attended the trade show (sigh).  Before dinner I went back up to the room to freshen up while hub was still at the trade show.  When hub did return to our room, he was in dire pain!  He had twisted the wrong way and had  hurt his back.  He laid on the bed while I  massaged his back, but couldn't get up.  The only way he was able to get off the bed was to roll.  I begged him to stay in the room and I would go on down to dinner, but he wouldn't go for that.  I helped him (him leaning on me) to dinner.  We ate and listened to the Tams.  Hearing the music took his mind off the pain.  I knew he was hurting but he wouldn't admit to it.  Since we were at a pharmacy trade show there had to be someone there with something for his pain.  Yep, I found that person. Hub had some relief.

Sunday morning it was still stormy and raining. UGH!

Hub was in some what pain on Sunday.  He managed to smile and shake hands.  Thankfully the show ended at 12:00 and we could leave.
I told hub I would drive home, but he wanted to see if he could drive. The longer we drove, hub said this was helping holding on to the steering wheel.  Earlier I had phoned daughter who had gotten him a prescription and would be waiting on him when we got home.  Stopping only once was a killer for me, but not for hub.
Arriving home and having daughter help hub out of vehicle was a relief.  Hub took his medicine and went straight for bed.

Monday morning he said he felt better.  We were leaving for Pigeon Forge and taking grandson.  I attribute taking grandson was what made hub feel better.  Hub did not feel better-I knew it!!  I lugged all our belongings up two flights of stairs. UGH!! but I made it.

Hub was feeling better on Tuesday.  He and grandson went swimming.

The water was helping his back.

Tuesday we ventured to Dollywood Theme Park.  Later that evening we rode go carts.Grandson loved it and hub was feeling even better!

Grandson wanted to ride the 'big go carts' which he did.

I drove the single go cart.  I must say, go carts are not for me.  Maybe I just need more practice.

The following day, hub woke up feeling very nauseous and dizzy.  The pain meds were the culprit.  He stayed in the condo and rested/slept.  Little man and I ventured out.  He loves going to the arcade so....we went

and to see the horses at Dixie Stampede...

then the rain came again... 

Then it was time to take little man to meet his dad.  Not looking forward to this :(

Trying to smile and not cry is hard to do.

Little man did make our trip special.

Hub and I stayed for another night, and then headed home.

Hub's back is still somewhat hurting and sore.  Hopefully he will be his ole self soon.  I begin school on Wednesday-teachers only.  Looking forward to catching up with friends, but wondering how did summer go by so fast.

Wishing all a great week and Enjoy Life!