My last post was the morning of the first day of school, way back in August. I thought it only appropriate that the next post be after the last day of school here in May.
All I have to say is that I survived! It was a long, difficult year but I survived. I'm already looking forward to next year and everyone says the second year is much better than the first year.
I plan to spend some time this summer getting the house in order, stitching, reading, quilting, working on lessons, sleeping, playing with the grandsons, and whatever else suits me. It's been 3 years since I've had a summer off and I'm really, really looking forward to it!
I'm happy to be blogging again, look for more posts to come...
Friday, May 30, 2008
Monday, August 27, 2007
1st Day of School
Today is the first day of school. I have a really sick feeling in my stomach. Can I call in sick?
I slept relatively well last night. Not good but much better than I thought I would. That is, until right before I woke up at 5:30. Can we say nightmare?
I was dreaming that it was the first day of school. When my kids came into the room, most of them were the size of 5th graders and a couple of them were as big as me. I didn't have my overhead projector set up so I was trying to get it right (it wasn't cooperating) while the kids were just milling around the room talking, moving desks and writing on the board. Of course, once you loose control of them like that, there's no getting it back, at least for that day and if you do get it back, it's very difficult. I finally gave up on the projector but that was how I was doing my warm up so I was having to go to Plan B. Since the kids were already out of control, every time I passed a student in my travels around the room, they would be up writing on the board or moving their desk. I put the desks back in order more than once. I had to leave the room a couple of times and each time, when I got back, the room was a shambles. Once, the ceiling (it was a chalkboard) was completely covered with writing. I finally resorted to yelling and pounding desks, the worst thing to do. At one point, the elementary principal came in, looked around my room, apologized and said there was nothing that could be done, they were all like that.
At some point, it occurred to me that I had rearranged my room to accommodate the overhead projector and I no longer have an inner loop to work so I need to go in early and redo the room. Since I was awake at 5:30, that should be no problem.
The day has to be better than my dream...doesn't it??
I slept relatively well last night. Not good but much better than I thought I would. That is, until right before I woke up at 5:30. Can we say nightmare?
I was dreaming that it was the first day of school. When my kids came into the room, most of them were the size of 5th graders and a couple of them were as big as me. I didn't have my overhead projector set up so I was trying to get it right (it wasn't cooperating) while the kids were just milling around the room talking, moving desks and writing on the board. Of course, once you loose control of them like that, there's no getting it back, at least for that day and if you do get it back, it's very difficult. I finally gave up on the projector but that was how I was doing my warm up so I was having to go to Plan B. Since the kids were already out of control, every time I passed a student in my travels around the room, they would be up writing on the board or moving their desk. I put the desks back in order more than once. I had to leave the room a couple of times and each time, when I got back, the room was a shambles. Once, the ceiling (it was a chalkboard) was completely covered with writing. I finally resorted to yelling and pounding desks, the worst thing to do. At one point, the elementary principal came in, looked around my room, apologized and said there was nothing that could be done, they were all like that.
At some point, it occurred to me that I had rearranged my room to accommodate the overhead projector and I no longer have an inner loop to work so I need to go in early and redo the room. Since I was awake at 5:30, that should be no problem.
The day has to be better than my dream...doesn't it??
Saturday, August 25, 2007
Yikes!
We were out and about today and Steven tried to pull a hair off my chin. Ummm, it was attached. I HAVE A CHIN HAIR!!!! I think this means I'm getting old....
Friday, August 24, 2007
Meet the Teacher
Today is my first Meet the Teacher.
I did sleep some even though I was sure I wouldn't sleep at all. It wasn't good sleep but it was sleep, much better than the alternative. :) My stomach is already churning and I'm really stressed out.
The good thing is that the 3 (I'm in a tripod) of us are talking to parents together and I don't have to talk first!! I don't have any problem getting up in front of kids and talking, peers don't bother me much any more but talking in front of a group of parents terrifies me. I know it will be fine but I'm really, really ready for 11:00 to arrive so it will all be over.
*UPDATE*
Of course it wasn't as bad as I'd worked it up to be. The 3 of us met together and each of us took 2 topics to talk about. I did fine - no throwing up or even stuttering. :) It helped that I have connections with several of the students that are in the 3 classes. Let's see if I can remember all of them:
I did sleep some even though I was sure I wouldn't sleep at all. It wasn't good sleep but it was sleep, much better than the alternative. :) My stomach is already churning and I'm really stressed out.
The good thing is that the 3 (I'm in a tripod) of us are talking to parents together and I don't have to talk first!! I don't have any problem getting up in front of kids and talking, peers don't bother me much any more but talking in front of a group of parents terrifies me. I know it will be fine but I'm really, really ready for 11:00 to arrive so it will all be over.
*UPDATE*
Of course it wasn't as bad as I'd worked it up to be. The 3 of us met together and each of us took 2 topics to talk about. I did fine - no throwing up or even stuttering. :) It helped that I have connections with several of the students that are in the 3 classes. Let's see if I can remember all of them:
- One girl is the cousin of one of Jennifer's friends. I remember when she was born. I was working in the office when her grandmother called to say she was coming to get her children because their sister was having her baby.
- One girl is the daughter of a girl Chris went to homecoming with one year. Her great-grandmother was one of my 5th grade teachers. I know her entire family.
- One girl is the cousin of one of my favorite male students and her great-aunt is one of my favorite people.
- One boy is the nephew of a guy in my class.
- One girl is part of the Bedias Smith clan.
- One girl is the sister of another of my favorite students. (I've been working with kids for 10 years now so I have lots of favorites)
- There were several that I've taught computer to their siblings.
- One boy is the son of a guy I gave recorder lessons to when I was a teenager.
Sunday, August 19, 2007
Empty Nest
At 5:29 this afternoon, we walked out of Rachael's dorm and officially became empty nesters.
I was excited because after almost 28 years of parenting, I'm tired. After leaving though, I was sad because it's all over. Well, not over but the day-to-day parenting is over.
The good:
The TV and radio will stay on the channel (station) I put it on.
Any mess will be mine.
I don't have to share the truck or computer.
I only have me to worry about.
I don't have to worry until Rachael gets home at night.
The bad:
The dogs are all my responsibility.
The trash is all my responsibility.
I have to get the mail every day.
I'll find out how much of a slob I really am.
I think I can handle this...
I was excited because after almost 28 years of parenting, I'm tired. After leaving though, I was sad because it's all over. Well, not over but the day-to-day parenting is over.
The good:
The TV and radio will stay on the channel (station) I put it on.
Any mess will be mine.
I don't have to share the truck or computer.
I only have me to worry about.
I don't have to worry until Rachael gets home at night.
The bad:
The dogs are all my responsibility.
The trash is all my responsibility.
I have to get the mail every day.
I'll find out how much of a slob I really am.
I think I can handle this...
I Guess I Really Was Tired
I worked late every night last week, till 10 two nights and almost that late the other 2 nights. I'm also officially at the "I can't turn my brain off and go to sleep" stage so I wasn't sleeping well even after I got into bed.
Steven came to help me do a couple of things in my room when he got home and I had some other things to do but was so tired I just left about 4:30. I was able to stay up until 6:00 and went to bed. Steven rubbed my back and feet and I was asleep well before 7:00. I got up at 8:30 to go to the bathroom; up again at 8:30 am for the same thing and then back to bed. I finally got up at 10:30.
I think I was tired. I don't think I'll work that late this week since it's in-service and I have to be up and at 'em early every morning.
Steven came to help me do a couple of things in my room when he got home and I had some other things to do but was so tired I just left about 4:30. I was able to stay up until 6:00 and went to bed. Steven rubbed my back and feet and I was asleep well before 7:00. I got up at 8:30 to go to the bathroom; up again at 8:30 am for the same thing and then back to bed. I finally got up at 10:30.
I think I was tired. I don't think I'll work that late this week since it's in-service and I have to be up and at 'em early every morning.
Monday, August 13, 2007
One Word
- Where is your Cellphone? - pocket
- Relationship? - married
- Your Hair? - brown
- Work? - teaching
- Your sister? - none
- Your favorite thing? - grandchildren
- Your dream last night? - none
- Your favorite drink? - water
- Your dream car? - Jaguar
- The room you’re in? - office
- Your shoes? - Asics
- Your fears? - darkness
- What do you want to be in 10 years? - retired
- Who did you hang out with this weekend? - husband
- What are you not good at? - waiting
- Muffin? - blueberry
- One of your wish list items? - house
- Where you grew up? - Texas
- Last thing you did? - worked
- What are you wearing? - clothes
- What aren’t you wearing? - makeup
- Your pet? - dogs
- Your computer? - laptop
- Your life? - changing
- Your mood? - tired
- Missing? - kids
- What are you thinking about right now? - sleep
- Your car? - truck
- Your kitchen? - wreck
- Your summer? - hot
- Your favorite color? - blue
- Last time you laughed? - today
- Last time you cried? - dunno
- School? - graduated!
- Love? - unconditionally
Sunday, August 12, 2007
Adios Motel 6
We stayed at Motel 6 for the very last time this weekend. It has served us well over the years but it's now time to say adios.
Now that I'll be making more money, we'll upgrade to Super 8 or something.
Now that I'll be making more money, we'll upgrade to Super 8 or something.
What were we thinking?
I told Steven that I wanted to go somewhere for the weekend, just us to celebrate the end of college. We needed to wait until after I got my summer school pay at the end of July but I still wanted to go. Originally, we planned to go to Alabama to see Birdie but that trip is so hard to make in a weekend (we couldn't afford to fly) and I wanted it to be relaxing and I wanted Steven to plan it.
He decided on Tyler, to see the Rose Gardens. A perfect trip for us. We love to do things like that and the distance is good. Not too far but somewhere we've never been together (Steven spent a year at Tyler Junior College). There was no rain forecast so we decided to ride the bike. We had a nice ride there, a little warm but not unbearable. Saturday we went to the cross stitch shop and the mall after we got up. So far so good. Today was a totally different story. Somehow we didn't think about having to check out of the hotel at noon and walk around the Rose Garden in the heat of August. Dumb, dumb, dumb.
We did the nostalgic drive through TJC for Steven and went to eat. I don't handle the heat well and by this time I was not feeling well. We decided to come on home and go back in the fall for the Rose Garden.
The ride to Palestine was miserable, to say the least. We'd planned on a break there and another one in Crockett. We downed 3 bottles of water in Palestine's Wal-Mart and spent about 30 minutes wandering and cooling off. We thought about seeing a movie to kill some time and let it cool off but decided we'd rather just get on home.
About 10 miles before we got to Crockett, it had rained so it was much cooler and the ride became bearable. It stayed that way until almost Midway where the heat came back with a vengeance.
It was a long, miserable ride home and put a bad ending to good weekend. Oh well, it will be a trip we'll always remember.
He decided on Tyler, to see the Rose Gardens. A perfect trip for us. We love to do things like that and the distance is good. Not too far but somewhere we've never been together (Steven spent a year at Tyler Junior College). There was no rain forecast so we decided to ride the bike. We had a nice ride there, a little warm but not unbearable. Saturday we went to the cross stitch shop and the mall after we got up. So far so good. Today was a totally different story. Somehow we didn't think about having to check out of the hotel at noon and walk around the Rose Garden in the heat of August. Dumb, dumb, dumb.
We did the nostalgic drive through TJC for Steven and went to eat. I don't handle the heat well and by this time I was not feeling well. We decided to come on home and go back in the fall for the Rose Garden.
The ride to Palestine was miserable, to say the least. We'd planned on a break there and another one in Crockett. We downed 3 bottles of water in Palestine's Wal-Mart and spent about 30 minutes wandering and cooling off. We thought about seeing a movie to kill some time and let it cool off but decided we'd rather just get on home.
About 10 miles before we got to Crockett, it had rained so it was much cooler and the ride became bearable. It stayed that way until almost Midway where the heat came back with a vengeance.
It was a long, miserable ride home and put a bad ending to good weekend. Oh well, it will be a trip we'll always remember.
I can't KLUV my oldies anymore. :(
I *LOVE* music from the 50s and 60s. Terry introduced me to it well over 20 years ago and I've loved it ever since. One of the best things about going to Houston, Dallas, San Antonio or Austin was getting to listen to an oldies radio station. Not anymore. Quite awhile ago, the Houston and Austin stations both switched formats and now play 70s music. Not the good stuff like disco(that I also *love*) but the 70s music I don't like.
I went to Six Flags on Wednesday and was devastated to learn that KLUV has also switched to the 70s music format. There were occasional good songs thrown in but overall, it stunk.
I guess I'm going to have to break down and do the CD thing. I don't like CDs, I like the radio. I like that you never know what song is going to play next and you sometimes get to hear obscure songs you love. Those obscure songs as well as your favorite songs remain special and exciting when you only hear them occasionally rather than having them become mundane by hearing them regularly.
If I had a 5 CD changer in my truck so I could burn all my favorite songs and have them randomly play, I might be OK with CDs but as it is, I'll just be sad that all my oldies stations are now gone.
We were in Tyler this weekend and they had a pretty good oldies station there but we never go that direction so that doesn't help my quandary much.
I went to Six Flags on Wednesday and was devastated to learn that KLUV has also switched to the 70s music format. There were occasional good songs thrown in but overall, it stunk.
I guess I'm going to have to break down and do the CD thing. I don't like CDs, I like the radio. I like that you never know what song is going to play next and you sometimes get to hear obscure songs you love. Those obscure songs as well as your favorite songs remain special and exciting when you only hear them occasionally rather than having them become mundane by hearing them regularly.
If I had a 5 CD changer in my truck so I could burn all my favorite songs and have them randomly play, I might be OK with CDs but as it is, I'll just be sad that all my oldies stations are now gone.
We were in Tyler this weekend and they had a pretty good oldies station there but we never go that direction so that doesn't help my quandary much.
Monday, July 30, 2007
Getting Started
I went and worked in my room today for 5 hours. I got quite a bit accomplished but still have soooo much left to do! I moved my desk back to the hallway side of the room. I think it's staying there because I'm sick of moving it back and forth. Not to mention that once I get the bulletin board up, I'll pretty much have to leave it there.
It's getting closer and closer...
It's getting closer and closer...
Friday, July 27, 2007
Don't I Feel Special?
I got my hair cut Wednesday. 3-4 inches shorter and layers so it has more body. I also had highlights done to help with my increasing number of grey hairs. Subtle highlights but highlights none the less.
Today is Friday. Rachael still hasn't noticed. Yesterday I went shopping with 7 other people and no one noticed. This morning I went to school and 3 other people didn't notice. Steven's been home 30 minutes and he hasn't noticed.
Guess the change wasn't drastic enough.
I'm going back next week and have her work on it again. It's longer in the front than in the back and I'm not liking that very much. I hate having to find a new hairstylist! I'm going to give her a couple of times before I try someone else.
*Update*
3 1/2 hours after he got home, Steven finally noticed. He was beating on my back and was about to stop before he finally noticed...
Today is Friday. Rachael still hasn't noticed. Yesterday I went shopping with 7 other people and no one noticed. This morning I went to school and 3 other people didn't notice. Steven's been home 30 minutes and he hasn't noticed.
Guess the change wasn't drastic enough.
I'm going back next week and have her work on it again. It's longer in the front than in the back and I'm not liking that very much. I hate having to find a new hairstylist! I'm going to give her a couple of times before I try someone else.
*Update*
3 1/2 hours after he got home, Steven finally noticed. He was beating on my back and was about to stop before he finally noticed...
Tuesday, July 24, 2007
Shop Till You Drop
There are big changes in our family that are requiring lots of shopping. I have to get my classroom ready, upgrade my wardrobe some and get Rachael ready for the dorm so there's been lots of shopping going on. I worked Summer School so we would have money to do all this shopping without all the money anxiety.
Hopefully I'm about done with my classroom shopping. I'm going to Houston Thursday with a group of teachers and will pick up some things there and may have to order some racing stuff (our theme this year is Racing For Success) online but other than that I should be finished. I still need to do a little bit of clothes shopping but if I don't get that done, I'll be OK.
Rachael and I shopped for her yesterday and got everything she needs except for a few things she needs to talk to her roommate about so we don't have duplicates. Rachael's favorite purchase was her *cool* tool kit. She was excited that she got to open it and use it before we even got home to put the lock on her bike so we could keep shopping.
The living room is a disaster. Her stuff is on the loveseat because her room is a disaster from SonPower and mission trip. My stuff is on the couch because I can't get into my classroom until after Thursday. There are also tubs of books everywhere that need to go to my classroom. I'll be really glad to get all this school stuff out of the house!
Hopefully I'm about done with my classroom shopping. I'm going to Houston Thursday with a group of teachers and will pick up some things there and may have to order some racing stuff (our theme this year is Racing For Success) online but other than that I should be finished. I still need to do a little bit of clothes shopping but if I don't get that done, I'll be OK.
Rachael and I shopped for her yesterday and got everything she needs except for a few things she needs to talk to her roommate about so we don't have duplicates. Rachael's favorite purchase was her *cool* tool kit. She was excited that she got to open it and use it before we even got home to put the lock on her bike so we could keep shopping.
The living room is a disaster. Her stuff is on the loveseat because her room is a disaster from SonPower and mission trip. My stuff is on the couch because I can't get into my classroom until after Thursday. There are also tubs of books everywhere that need to go to my classroom. I'll be really glad to get all this school stuff out of the house!
Wednesday, July 11, 2007
So Frustrated
First of all, I take horrible pictures. Always have, that's why I don't like my picture taken or maybe I really do look that bad and I'm just kidding myself. Anyway...
College graduation is a big deal and I wanted my pictures. I wanted some receiving my diploma and some with my cords because I'm really proud of that accomplishment.
Do you have any idea how expensive those stinking pictures are?!? So, I really don't know how many and what sizes I want and really can't decide. I scroll to the bottom of the page and lo and behold, there's a digital option. I call to find out if it's all three poses or just one. Of course, you have to pay for each pose. Since the package I was looking at costs $58 and the digital image is $65, I choose the digital image so I'll have it and can make prints of whatever size I want, for whoever wants one (probably no one except me but that's OK). I order a couple of actual prints with the cords, just for me.
Today I go and actually look at the digital image (receiving my diploma) and am sick at my stomach and very frustrated. The proofs they sent out didn't show that *MY FREAKIN' EYES ARE CLOSED!!!!!*. I paid $65 (non-refundable) for a digital picture of me receiving my diploma and MY EYES ARE CLOSED!!! Won't that look good hanging on my wall?!?
Oh well, there are worse tragedies but right now it's really frustrating me...
College graduation is a big deal and I wanted my pictures. I wanted some receiving my diploma and some with my cords because I'm really proud of that accomplishment.
Do you have any idea how expensive those stinking pictures are?!? So, I really don't know how many and what sizes I want and really can't decide. I scroll to the bottom of the page and lo and behold, there's a digital option. I call to find out if it's all three poses or just one. Of course, you have to pay for each pose. Since the package I was looking at costs $58 and the digital image is $65, I choose the digital image so I'll have it and can make prints of whatever size I want, for whoever wants one (probably no one except me but that's OK). I order a couple of actual prints with the cords, just for me.
Today I go and actually look at the digital image (receiving my diploma) and am sick at my stomach and very frustrated. The proofs they sent out didn't show that *MY FREAKIN' EYES ARE CLOSED!!!!!*. I paid $65 (non-refundable) for a digital picture of me receiving my diploma and MY EYES ARE CLOSED!!! Won't that look good hanging on my wall?!?
Oh well, there are worse tragedies but right now it's really frustrating me...
Tuesday, July 10, 2007
Are You Sitting Down?
The dogs are just about out of food (Steven was sick so I didn't stop at Wal-Mart on the way home from Louisiana). At W-M here, it's $17 something. In Huntsville, it's $13 something. Normally I would just ride to Huntsville and get it and do some grocery shopping while I was there.
Instead, I paid the $17 something here. I decided that with gas being $3 a gallon, my time and the wear and tear on the truck it was actually cheaper to buy it here. Not to mention that I would have spent lots more money in Huntsville.
It was really tough for me to do that but I did and I'm really proud of myself for getting past that *hump*
Instead, I paid the $17 something here. I decided that with gas being $3 a gallon, my time and the wear and tear on the truck it was actually cheaper to buy it here. Not to mention that I would have spent lots more money in Huntsville.
It was really tough for me to do that but I did and I'm really proud of myself for getting past that *hump*
Thursday, July 05, 2007
4th of July
Since the 4th was on Wednesday and Steven only gets off for the one day, Bailey and I went to Austin to spend the day with him so he wouldn't have to make the drive and be exhausted or spend the day alone.
We went up Tuesday after we got up and got ready. It rained off and on the entire trip and was supposed to rain all week. Steven got off work early so by the time we got there, he was at the trailer already and I didn't go to Ginger's (shucks!). I did need to go to a bigger teacher supply store than the one in CS so we did that and went to Hobby Lobby and grocery shopping. By that time it was time to eat and settle in for the night.
Wednesday morning, Steven had promised me breakfast at Waffle House (Mmmm...). There's one right across the street from the trailer park but the line was to the door. We drove over (in the rain) to the one on 290 but the line was to the door there also. We went back did something (can't remember what) and then went back to the one by the park. There was a table available so we got to eat. It was lunch time by now but it doesn't matter, we always get the same thing. :) Bailey ate 3 pieces of sausage and a grilled cheese. I didn't think he was ever going to get full!
Since it was raining and the trailer is so small, we decided to head to the mall to walk. Bailey had the best time just riding the escalators and looking in all the windows and walking around. I did some teacher clothes shopping at Penny's (they had a great sale).
We wanted to go to the Botanical Gardens but they were closed. :( We went to the complex where Steven's office is and fed the ducks and fish. Bailey didn't like the geese, he said they were too loud. He loved the fish though, they would swarm when we threw food. After we ran out of food and were just walking, it appeared that they were following us, it was really cool! We climbed the stairs through the "jungle" to the actual building where Steven works. There are some cow sculptures there and Bailey "rode" one of them. Then we had to follow the path of the water to the fountain until we found the beginning. Then it was time to head back down the path. Since it had been raining, the path was slippery. Bailey had a "fake" fall and grandma had a real fall. Nothing hurt though.
After that, we headed over to the Nature Conservatory. We hiked forever it seemed. It says there are 2.5 miles of trails but it sure seemed like we did more than that. we went up and down hills and did lots of what Bailey called "exploring". We saw a rabbit and a deer and a waterfall. Bailey says that rabbits aren't aminals (his pronouncation). Only things like tigers and elephants are aminals. The reindeer (Bailey's word) that we saw stood and looked at us for the longest time. She was absolutely beautiful with huge brown eyes. She was about the distance from our house to about 3/4 the way to the street from us. After we watched her for the longest time, Bailey and I crept torwards her until she ran off. Bailey said she was going to her little boy down the hill. By the time we found the waterfall and started back, dusk was coming and we were hungry. We were also sweating like pigs and grandma and grandpa were tired. It was really tough making that last climb!
We went back to the trailer and grilled steaks and had shells and cheese and asparagus with some watermelon. It was delicious! We headed to the fireworks. Originally we were going to stop somewhere on Riverside Drive and watch them from a parking lot so we didn't have to deal with the crowds and traffic. That didn't really work so we headed closer. We crossed the river and exited. I saw a good vantage point so we parked and headed off. We had a great view at the Mexican American Cultural Center. There were only about 4 families there so no crowds and we missed all the traffic. Bailey didn't want to hear the loud noise and we didn't except for some people lighting Black Cats close by.
We had a wonderful day and didn't spend a penny except for some drinks and gas. Bailey had a great time (he wants to go explore some more) and so did we.
I wanted to take him to the capitol building today before we left but it was raining and we wouldn't have been able to see the statues out front so we'll save that for another trip. (I know, you're all groaning but I love the capitol building and can't wait to introduce to another generation).
Bailey goes home tomorrow. :( We had a wonderful visit and I can't wait until he gets to come again (hopefully Christmas break).
We went up Tuesday after we got up and got ready. It rained off and on the entire trip and was supposed to rain all week. Steven got off work early so by the time we got there, he was at the trailer already and I didn't go to Ginger's (shucks!). I did need to go to a bigger teacher supply store than the one in CS so we did that and went to Hobby Lobby and grocery shopping. By that time it was time to eat and settle in for the night.
Wednesday morning, Steven had promised me breakfast at Waffle House (Mmmm...). There's one right across the street from the trailer park but the line was to the door. We drove over (in the rain) to the one on 290 but the line was to the door there also. We went back did something (can't remember what) and then went back to the one by the park. There was a table available so we got to eat. It was lunch time by now but it doesn't matter, we always get the same thing. :) Bailey ate 3 pieces of sausage and a grilled cheese. I didn't think he was ever going to get full!
Since it was raining and the trailer is so small, we decided to head to the mall to walk. Bailey had the best time just riding the escalators and looking in all the windows and walking around. I did some teacher clothes shopping at Penny's (they had a great sale).
We wanted to go to the Botanical Gardens but they were closed. :( We went to the complex where Steven's office is and fed the ducks and fish. Bailey didn't like the geese, he said they were too loud. He loved the fish though, they would swarm when we threw food. After we ran out of food and were just walking, it appeared that they were following us, it was really cool! We climbed the stairs through the "jungle" to the actual building where Steven works. There are some cow sculptures there and Bailey "rode" one of them. Then we had to follow the path of the water to the fountain until we found the beginning. Then it was time to head back down the path. Since it had been raining, the path was slippery. Bailey had a "fake" fall and grandma had a real fall. Nothing hurt though.
After that, we headed over to the Nature Conservatory. We hiked forever it seemed. It says there are 2.5 miles of trails but it sure seemed like we did more than that. we went up and down hills and did lots of what Bailey called "exploring". We saw a rabbit and a deer and a waterfall. Bailey says that rabbits aren't aminals (his pronouncation). Only things like tigers and elephants are aminals. The reindeer (Bailey's word) that we saw stood and looked at us for the longest time. She was absolutely beautiful with huge brown eyes. She was about the distance from our house to about 3/4 the way to the street from us. After we watched her for the longest time, Bailey and I crept torwards her until she ran off. Bailey said she was going to her little boy down the hill. By the time we found the waterfall and started back, dusk was coming and we were hungry. We were also sweating like pigs and grandma and grandpa were tired. It was really tough making that last climb!
We went back to the trailer and grilled steaks and had shells and cheese and asparagus with some watermelon. It was delicious! We headed to the fireworks. Originally we were going to stop somewhere on Riverside Drive and watch them from a parking lot so we didn't have to deal with the crowds and traffic. That didn't really work so we headed closer. We crossed the river and exited. I saw a good vantage point so we parked and headed off. We had a great view at the Mexican American Cultural Center. There were only about 4 families there so no crowds and we missed all the traffic. Bailey didn't want to hear the loud noise and we didn't except for some people lighting Black Cats close by.
We had a wonderful day and didn't spend a penny except for some drinks and gas. Bailey had a great time (he wants to go explore some more) and so did we.
I wanted to take him to the capitol building today before we left but it was raining and we wouldn't have been able to see the statues out front so we'll save that for another trip. (I know, you're all groaning but I love the capitol building and can't wait to introduce to another generation).
Bailey goes home tomorrow. :( We had a wonderful visit and I can't wait until he gets to come again (hopefully Christmas break).
Austin
Have I mentioned recently that I love Austin? If not, well, I do! There are so many things to do there that don't cost a penny (details in the 4th of July entry).
Austin is absolutely beautiful. The hills, the trees, the rivers, Zilker Park, the Botanical Gardens, the Pfluger Bridge, the houses (the old ones, not the new ones). Ginger's is there and there are awesome thrift stores and a great Goodwill.
The one thing I don't like is the panhandlers that seem to be on almost every street corner. One last night had a sign that said "Why lie? I need a beer". I guess he gets points for honesty but he sure didn't get any of my money.
I wish we could afford to live in Austin but right now we just can't. I also don't think I'm real crazy about teaching in Austin for the same reasons I didn't want my kids to go to school there: crime, drugs and gangs. I know we have those things here but not as bad as there.
Austin is absolutely beautiful. The hills, the trees, the rivers, Zilker Park, the Botanical Gardens, the Pfluger Bridge, the houses (the old ones, not the new ones). Ginger's is there and there are awesome thrift stores and a great Goodwill.
The one thing I don't like is the panhandlers that seem to be on almost every street corner. One last night had a sign that said "Why lie? I need a beer". I guess he gets points for honesty but he sure didn't get any of my money.
I wish we could afford to live in Austin but right now we just can't. I also don't think I'm real crazy about teaching in Austin for the same reasons I didn't want my kids to go to school there: crime, drugs and gangs. I know we have those things here but not as bad as there.
Sunday, June 10, 2007
Hog Heaven
Yesterday was the Corley family reunion. I look forward to this weekend every year; food family and fellowship -what could be better? This year was especially wonderful. Layne came for the first time ever, Shane came for the first time in awhile (can't believe he'll be a senior next year) Cheryl came for the first time since the 90s and Judy came for the first time in many years. (If you don't know these people, come to the family reunion every year and get to know them like I did! )
We had some people missing also. Lynda had a sick child, Johnhy Wayne's Linda was sick, Wesley and Linda were not there again, Johnny Wayne's daughter and son (their names are escaping me right now) weren't there, Grace had planned to come and didn't get to and Beth died last year. I'm so glad she made the trip to Texas last year and came to the reunion.
Judy brought pictures, lots of pictures. She has Aunt Margrace's photo albums and shared pictures from there. Aunt Margrace was meticulous about writing names on the backs of pictures so we knew who they were. I was able to identify pictures that I have as well as getting lots more family pictures. She also brought and gave me old tax notices, insurance policies, my great grandfather's eulogy and some other things I don't remember off the top of my head. There were also some things of Aunt Margrace's (she didn't have children) that I got including perfume Uncle W.A. brought her from France after the war and her makeup case that is in perfect condition. I was so thrilled to be looking at all this stuff that I pretty much ignored the people at the reunion. Shame on me.
I love all things old, especially if they belonged to family. I told Judy that anything she didn't want, I did. I have unofficially become the official keeper of the family legacy and that thrills me. I'm so glad I'll have some time now. I want to do something with some of these things. I know I'm going to frame my grandmother's high school diploma (she graduated 75 years ago last month) and I'll either do a scrapbook or put things in sheet protectors for some of the other things.
I also did my annual trek to the Bedias Baptist Cemetary. It was especially tough to visit Steven's grave because his daughter Miranda just turned 18 and graduated from high school. He would be so proud of her, she's a wonderful young lady.
I found out some more family connections so I was able to find a couple more graves that belong to our family and that was exciting. I always visit each and every family member's gravesite when I go. I want to remember where they all are in hopes that one day one of my children will be interested in the family history and it won't be lost forever. I usually also go to the Methodist cemetary but didn't yestereday because I had jello pudding cake in the truck and didn't think I needed to have it out that long in the heat. It's been several years since I went to the Zion Methodist Cemetary in Iola, I need to do that and I need to write down directions to the cemetary where Ardis is buried so I can get back there when my mother is no longer here to give me directions. :)
Anyway, it was a wonderful day filled with things I love, my family, good food, pictures and a trip to the cemetary.
We had some people missing also. Lynda had a sick child, Johnhy Wayne's Linda was sick, Wesley and Linda were not there again, Johnny Wayne's daughter and son (their names are escaping me right now) weren't there, Grace had planned to come and didn't get to and Beth died last year. I'm so glad she made the trip to Texas last year and came to the reunion.
Judy brought pictures, lots of pictures. She has Aunt Margrace's photo albums and shared pictures from there. Aunt Margrace was meticulous about writing names on the backs of pictures so we knew who they were. I was able to identify pictures that I have as well as getting lots more family pictures. She also brought and gave me old tax notices, insurance policies, my great grandfather's eulogy and some other things I don't remember off the top of my head. There were also some things of Aunt Margrace's (she didn't have children) that I got including perfume Uncle W.A. brought her from France after the war and her makeup case that is in perfect condition. I was so thrilled to be looking at all this stuff that I pretty much ignored the people at the reunion. Shame on me.
I love all things old, especially if they belonged to family. I told Judy that anything she didn't want, I did. I have unofficially become the official keeper of the family legacy and that thrills me. I'm so glad I'll have some time now. I want to do something with some of these things. I know I'm going to frame my grandmother's high school diploma (she graduated 75 years ago last month) and I'll either do a scrapbook or put things in sheet protectors for some of the other things.
I also did my annual trek to the Bedias Baptist Cemetary. It was especially tough to visit Steven's grave because his daughter Miranda just turned 18 and graduated from high school. He would be so proud of her, she's a wonderful young lady.
I found out some more family connections so I was able to find a couple more graves that belong to our family and that was exciting. I always visit each and every family member's gravesite when I go. I want to remember where they all are in hopes that one day one of my children will be interested in the family history and it won't be lost forever. I usually also go to the Methodist cemetary but didn't yestereday because I had jello pudding cake in the truck and didn't think I needed to have it out that long in the heat. It's been several years since I went to the Zion Methodist Cemetary in Iola, I need to do that and I need to write down directions to the cemetary where Ardis is buried so I can get back there when my mother is no longer here to give me directions. :)
Anyway, it was a wonderful day filled with things I love, my family, good food, pictures and a trip to the cemetary.
Monday, June 04, 2007
Oh My Goodness
On Steven's 50th birthday in 2003, a lady ran into me in Bryan. I was driving down the street and she was turning left, right in front of Wal-Mart. I was on my way to meet Steven at Stephanie's to take her the car. We had a big day planned the next day for Steven's surprise 50th birthday celebration. The wreck but an end to those plans. Stephanie had to find another way to Houston and we had to go in the car. Me, Steven, Rachael, David and David's friend (anyone else remember his friend? :) in that little bitty car all the way to Houston. It was horrible!
Anyway, when the officer got there, she only had her liscense in her hand and I knew immediately that she had no insurance. Since I was not at fault, we only had to pay half our deductible. The insurnace company assured us they would get the deductible from the lady but we just wrote it off.
Fast forward to today. There's a letter in the mail from State Farm Insurance. It says:
We are pleased to refund the full deductible you incurred as the result of your loss of October 2, 2003. Payment is enclosed.
There was sure enough a check enclosed for the amount of half our deductible. Even better, we changed insurance companies a couple of years ago so State Farm isn't even our insurance company. Almost 4 years later and we get a check from a company that's not even ours any more; I'm impressed!
Anyway, when the officer got there, she only had her liscense in her hand and I knew immediately that she had no insurance. Since I was not at fault, we only had to pay half our deductible. The insurnace company assured us they would get the deductible from the lady but we just wrote it off.
Fast forward to today. There's a letter in the mail from State Farm Insurance. It says:
We are pleased to refund the full deductible you incurred as the result of your loss of October 2, 2003. Payment is enclosed.
There was sure enough a check enclosed for the amount of half our deductible. Even better, we changed insurance companies a couple of years ago so State Farm isn't even our insurance company. Almost 4 years later and we get a check from a company that's not even ours any more; I'm impressed!
Thursday, May 31, 2007
I'm so damned aggravated!!
Yes, I cursed.
I just went to get the mail. There was a stiff cardboard envelope with Do Not Bend in big, orange letters. Of course, it was bent into my mailbox. It was my diploma. My diploma is curled and has a crease on one side from being bent in my mailbox all day.
Guess where I'll be as soon as I get up and get going tomorrow?
*Update*
I just called the university and they told me to send it back and they'd send me another one. I'm going to be there this afternoon so I'll just drop it by and have them hold it for me to pick up. I'm still going to talk to the postmaster though.
I just went to get the mail. There was a stiff cardboard envelope with Do Not Bend in big, orange letters. Of course, it was bent into my mailbox. It was my diploma. My diploma is curled and has a crease on one side from being bent in my mailbox all day.
Guess where I'll be as soon as I get up and get going tomorrow?
*Update*
I just called the university and they told me to send it back and they'd send me another one. I'm going to be there this afternoon so I'll just drop it by and have them hold it for me to pick up. I'm still going to talk to the postmaster though.
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)