Well ladies just a quick note to let you know that I made it through the rest of my day. I went to Curves and worked out before going over to the relay for life. I walked for 1/2 hour. Then I worked the tent for a little bit. I did walk some more laps and passed out free trial membership cards to some of the ladies. So when I came home at 11:30, my dh asked me where I had been. I guess he sat at home waiting on me to come home so we could go do something. I told him that I had been at the relay enjoying the activities. He was not happy that he sat at home waiting on me to get home. But I really don't feel bad since that is how my whole summer has been like. Now that it is getting close to school starting he wants to spend time with me and do things with me. Sorry I really don't have the time for him if he doesn't speak up and say anything until after the fact. Well I am tired so I think I will head off to bed. Talk to you all tomorrow, before I jet set off to my sister's for an over night visit.
Have a wonderful day!
Kerry

Well, all...
I think I've mentioned before that I'm a volunteer for the Red Cross. I do disaster services. I'm not allowed to go to local fires anymore, because of my ankle; most of the row homes around here have lots of stairs, and I have too many issues with stairs to be comfortable in the dark after a fire. So, I dispatch. That means I sit at home and the answering service pages me and I send out teams to the local fires.
I also do national response, and I'm a mass care specialist there. I usually do shelters, but lately they've been using me back at the administrative location for the job because of my computer skills. I've also been known to do family services casework, and administrative stuff (more computer work). I used to do communications, but I never did learn how to run a phone line. And while I have computer skills, they're almost all software related: I can't pull cable and run lines, so I don't do computer operations for them.
Anyhoo... I'm a jinx. When we had the blizzard in Baltimore in 2003, I was dispatcher that weekend. If something WEIRD is going to happen, it'll happen while I'm dispatching. Last night, we had a call where the clients turned out to be transvestites. When Hurricane Isabel hit, I was scheduled to be dispatcher, and did dispatch for a bit that weekend/evening, but I was also a shelter manager at two different shelters before National came in and I was assigned to that job.
This weekend, it appears Charley is going to come visit. My weather alert keeps going off with Hurricane Local Statements... we currently have 9 active national weather service alerts for my zip code. Mostly flood warnings, flash flood watches, and now 2 Hurricane statements. And boy, am I being TEASED by our local team coordinator! ;)
;)
I was going to try and sneak out to the gym with the pager: I figured I could lift weights and do some bike even though I can't swim because I can't have the pager in the pool! Guess not... its going to be a busy weekend!!! I'm going to try and go downstairs to the gym in our building later tonight (when its assuredly empty, as the only people who seem to use the gym in my building are the police officers or the neat, fit women!).
:mouse:

Morning Ladies,
I just wanted to stop in and say Good Morning! I am getting ready to go to my sister's for a day. I will be back sometime tomorrow afternoon. I hope you all have a wonderful weekend! Savor these next few days off, because soon we will be back in the thick of things at school. :)
Take care,
Kerry

Hello everyone! What an icky Saturday THIS has been! Rain, rain, and more rain! Kids going bonkers! Me trying to clean, do school work, make bracelets....and watch the storm and olympics! I've managed to accomplish nearly NOTHING! ARGHH! Did manage to eat cookies after lunch.... for some DUMB reason! ....and they weren't even THAT good!

Hope everyone had a better and more productive day than I did.......
take care!

Glad you missed all of Charley but the rain, Robyn! My day was decidedly unproductive. All I accomplished was answering the pager. Everytime I tried to do something else, it went off... Oh, and I stood on a street corner in Baltimore City too! ;) Some volunteers ran out of paperwork, and they had to go past my apartment building to get where they needed to be, so they stopped and grabbed it from me on the way. That was fun! I'm definitely the wrong sex and the wrong everything to be standing on a street corner in MY part of Baltimore City! ;)
One lady told me I was "gonna be 'rrested because yous standin' in front of the stablishment, and don't ya see that sign!!!!!!" She was trying to pick a fight, I think, because she got in it with somebody else a bit farther up the block. Another guy called me sweetheart and told me I was beautiful. O:-)
I never made it to my gym, and both times I ventured out of the apartment I was paged back inside within moments for something... so I didn't get to the gym on the 2nd floor here either. Do you suppose standing on a street corner counts as exercise???? At least I didn't have time to eat!!!!

:mouse:

Robyn, I'm glad you weren't too affected by Charley. Watching the path he was taking, it looked like you were gonna be hammered. Our only excitement from Charley was a neighbor's tree that ended up lying across both lanes of our road, so the cops had to divert traffic until it was taken care of.

Yesterday morning it was sunny, so I decided to go on with the BBQ. As the day went on, it was still sunny, but people started calling and cancelling left and right. At 3pm, when it was supposed to begin, it started to rain! About 20 minutes later, our first guests arrived. By 4pm, it had stopped raining, so I dried off the furniture, lit the torches and candles, and put out the cushions and placemats. The kids ended up being able to swim. We had a great time. We were really enjoying the couple because they were really down to earth. Then they told us that he has been offered a job in England, and will probably be moving. :( It seems that whenever we really like a family and connect with them, they move. The same old stuck-up a**holes never go anywhere! Anyway, all was going well, then another family arrived 3 hours late. The little girl is a real brat, and got all the kids upset. There went that. The rest of the night kind of sucked. The people we really like left, and the rude ones stayed and wouldn't leave!

The weather is still pretty bad, so I will probably take DD to the movies.

Kerry, I really like your new attitude. It is very entertaining. How does it feel to be empowered?

Mousie, transvestites huh? I have a friend who is a counselor with a rape crisis center and gets called to meet victims at the hospital. She sees things that most people would never imagine.

Hi Ginny!

Hi!
Just a quick hello- Dd's boyfriend is due here soon....and Ds is complaining cause of all the stuff we had to buy last nite for his sister's college attendance......they think it grows on trees.....hope they aren't complainin' cause I took on 4 hours of work on Wednesday to help pay all these bills (freshman orientation, some of the regulars can't make it, so I am substituting).

Anyway.....
Kerry- hope your visit is pleasant and refreshing!!!!! Guess you went by yourself.
Come back safely and renewed!

Mouse- well,you crack me up with the transvestite story. Some people have a knack for getting in those binds, and I am one of them also. Just ask my family..... Hugs to you for being a volunteer.

Summer- too bad about the BBQ. Stinks that you connected with that family only to find out they were short timers. (had that happen to me too! for a while all my friends upped and moved away.....felt like typhoid Mary!). Sorry about the bratty kiddies and that the day went downhill. Keep the good memories of the earlier part, when it was fun. Have you gotten used to your hair? We love you no matter what color your hair is, and I am sure that your family does too.

Robyn- glad that Charley was not too bad where you live. You were in my thoughts a lot yesterday and I was concerned for your welfare. Glad you are ok!! Well, welcome to the database of fingerprints. Here in NY (land of the regulation) all school employees and regular volunteers are fingerprinted and in a national registry with the FBI. How exciting is that?????!!! How you are feeling better after the backache.

My eating is all messed up.......just can't seem to stay OP. I am also retaining water, my buddy TOM is just around the corner. Joy of joys. Kids are getting bored and with the wonderful weather that Charlie has left us, going outside is not an option.
Fortunately, Dh is in a pretty good mood- and actually apologized for being Attila the Hun the other morning. We snuck off this am and went to the early church service alone........it was such a treat.
Guess I'd better go.....Sorry to be short......probably tomorrow I will be going to the surgeon with my Dm for the basal cell on her head. My sister is east- mom does not want her accompanying her (she is not the most stable of individuals).
Gotta go! Hope everyone is having a good weekend.......only a few days before the merry go round begins.
Ginny

Yes, all, transvestites. None of my other calls so far today were quite as interesting. Lots and lots of inquiry requests for family members who were in Florida or Georgia. I think that the disaster chair (paid staff) finally took them because the answering service was sick of paging me for them. I didn't mind getting them, but it was much quieter today without them.
Had a few minor issues with volunteer teams running out of necessary paperwork: I'm going to have to go over to the chapter tomorrow to deal with that one. We use forms that are like blank checks. The clients use those to get the emergency supplies that they need... food, clothing, temporary housing. But, because they are like checks, they are signed out to specific people and guarded closely. I'm sure I'll hear about it tomorrow because I gave my forms to a volunteer yesterday... and another volunteer gave hers to a team today! Oh well!
And because of all this, I missed the gym AGAIN. I might still make it to the one in our building but I really need to get going on those voc eval reports. I still have 13 to do and said I'd be done by Monday. I put off doing them last week because I needed some time off from work, but figured I'd be stuck inside all weekend and get them done, and didn't.

:mouse:

Yet another rainy rainy rainy day! But we are very thankful to not be living what is going on in Florida right now! Thanks for all the good wishes and prayers! The rain will eventually stop! No court tomorrow! :) I have plans for finishing moving the last of the boxes to the new room....RAIN or shine!

Mousie, maybe they weren't REALLY transvestites at all.... maybe they were patients of that doctor's who you called .... you know the one.... where they were going to treat you for a disorder that has caused you to grow a P&N!s!!!!! Maybe THAT is what has caused those girls to appear to be "sweet transvestites in TranselBaltimoreee"! I hope you could hear the FrankenFurter voice I used to sing that! I am glad that your life on the street corner was a success....and that you have been reformed and have returned your beautiful self back to the protection of your apartment! :) Get those reports done, girlie! How's the hand?!

Ginny ~ You got an apology?! :) Gotta love THAT! My dh has FINALLY (underline that!) put up the boards in that bathroom that I painted (above the tub enclosure....) He actually had the nerve to tell me to go to Lowe's to get something (it is 20 minutes away!) to finish the job. I told him that it had waited THIS long.... that I'd stop tomorrow when I go up that way and finish the job tomorrow night.... ARGHH! Let me jump right up and into the car and RUN to get what he wants. Hang in there with the eating and TOM fun! All of this junk will pass! :)

Summer ~ Glad that you got your BBQ in.... BUT sorry to hear that the good time was was ruined by the TardyFamily! (Don't invite them over anymore if they don't have enough sense to leave when it is over OR control their monster kid!) How's the hair?! Once you get used to seeing it dark, it will be ok.... I spend wayyyy too much money on my hair upkeep....and I'm with you.... It would HAVE to be the FIRST thing cut from the checkbook if need be! (((hugs))) and *sighs* right along with you! (Is your favorite color something that you can maintain at home by yourself? (just an idea!) (I can't ......what a disaster I'd make it!) I might have missed it....but I was wondering how your husband's health is since his earlier summer problems?! Did he get ok?!

Kerry ~ Hope that you've enjoyed your visit with your sister! I'm soooo glad that you got to your concert finally! :) AND I *LOVED* that your dh was sitting home waiting for you for a change (when you were at Relay for Life)! I'm so mean, aren't I?!

WELL.... my dh is leaning over my shoulder wanting to know what 3fatchicks is....and why I'm talking about transvestites.... I'd better go before he asks for his own nickname! LOL Now I've got those stupid RHPictureShow songs stuck in my head!

....it's just a jump to the left!......
take care!

Okay... I've stopped laughing long enough to respond to Robyn! ROFL! ROFL! :giggle:
And yes, I'm sure the entire city of Baltimore is greatful that I've retired from my life of ill-repute. At least for a brief while! ;)
The hand is fine, though that little brat tried to add another injury to the first one when I wouldn't let him play with with the cords to my earphones.

Oh... no... no... I hear more fire engines. I'm throwing the pager out the window! There is a whole bunch of them.

:mouse:

Morning Ladies,
I am glad to be home with you all again. I had a wonderful visit with my sister. We went to see Suessical the Musical on Saturday evening. It was wonderful! Even the parts in the show, where three males danced around the stage in black leather tight pants and black leather vests. I never associated black leather outfits with a Dr. Suess book before. Yesterday I went to church with my sister and then we sat around and talked for awhile. Then her friend came over and we all went out for a late lunch/dinner. Came back to her apartment and talked some more. When I was getting ready to leave, the phone rang. It was my dh asking where I was and letting me know he didn't want me to be driving in the dark on Rt. 35. It is a two lane highway in WV, traveled by a lot of semis and it is cuvry in spots. So I came home to him in a good mood. We had a nice relaxing evening together. I guess it makes up for the comment he made to me on Saturday at lunch before I went to my sister's. I just loved it how he made plans for us to do something with his one cousin and his family on Thursday evening and I had to tell him that was fine but I wasn't going to be able to go with them. I am teaching VBS all of this week in the evenings. So I am going to have another busy week.
Sounds like we all had a busy but nice weekend. I will come back and be more personal in my next post. I have to go workout now. Talk to you all later.
Have a wonderful day!
Kerry

Oh, Kerry! I'm so jealous! I love Seussical! I was going to go see it in Baltimore, but found out about way too late to get tickets. They just don't advertise these things very well! They are starting to, though, because of the new Hippodrome Theatre.
I have the CD. I interned at a camp for kids who use voice-output to communicate (they can't talk with their mouths), and the theme for the closing ceremonies that year was Broadway... My group did Suessical, and used their devices to read bits of the books to the audience. We had a really young group, about 6 years old, so that was pretty good... I think we combined One Fish, Two Fish, and Green Eggs and Ham... then wrote other rhymes to cover the combinations. :) It was kinda fun.
The reading specialist at my last school really liked it too. I'm not sure if she ever saw the musical or not. In fact, I was just listening to some of the songs on my computer... I have iTunes, and have lots of my CDs on my harddrive.
:mouse:

Hi ! I tried to sneak on here this am.....but had some errands to run.

Robyn-you had me howling too......love your sick sense of humor. Have you ever seen Muppets Treasure Island???? Tim Curry is in that too.....he plays a rather fruity pirate and it is an adorable movie. All 3 of my kids (even the teenagers) love watching it. But of course, me with the sicko mind, all I can see is him strutting his stuff as that sweet transexual. Oh well, on to a healthier topic. Done moving now, I hope????? Does the new classroom feel like "home" yet? When is your big return to the Citizen of the year role?????

Mouse- throw the pager out.....or at least stuff it under your mattress!!!! Glad to hear that your hand is improving. I sure to hope that you can crank out those last reports.....gosh, don't you hate stuff like that! Almost as bad as getting ready for income taxes. Do you think you will be able to get some swimming/workout time in???

Kerry- I hope you got your workout in!!!!!! Sounds as though you had a much deserved break from routine/getaway! I am so happy for you. And then to have to face VBS this week? My church does VBS in the evening too...and then when you finally get home it is 9pm (or later) and the kids are all hyped up, rebounding off the walls and sleep is the last thing on their minds. Hope you have a good week with that. What age group are you teaching?
I am glad to hear that Dh was concerned about your safety on the trip home.That must have made you feel good.

Ran up to Sam's this am for an assortment of things- some college supplies- other general stuff and a box of Air Heads for me to hand out on the trip home for the first day of school. I have decided to draft a short welcome to/welcome back letter to my kids parents. I have no opportunity to speak to most of them (kind of tough to do as I can't leave my seat on the bus!) and feel that if I start the year out with a friendly hello and explanantion of some of the rules that it might make the year go easier......that is if anyone reads that stuff! (one biggie is that here in NY it is mandatory for me to drive at least 5 mph slower during any inclement road conditions, even a drizzle and I do get tired of the mom's who are glancing at their watches as I pull up in the pm a few minutes late because of crummy roads). Think anyone will read a short note if I write it???
No walk for me yet.....hopefully I will get one in after dinner. Kind of tired right now so I guess it is time for another cup of tea!
I think I'd better go do something productive. Hope everyone is having a good day. Summer- how are you doing?? It seems strange not seeing a post from you!
Ginny

La de da de da........... I'm singin' in the rain......just singin' in the rain...... :dizzy: Ok, its just me in one of my wacky moods....been hanging out with the cat too much- or maybe not enough!

Been a strange afternoon. Dd has been blowing hot and cold....typical hormonal teenager. One minute strangulation seems a good alternative, the next minute she is lovable and charming...... Can you tell I did not get out for a walk yet???? :lol: (the rain stopped, so I will be donning those shoes soon). Dh has a tummy ache.......but is snoozing on the couch so at least he is pleasant. My mom went to the surgeon this afternoon- who is insisting that she go for an xray of her head, his concern is that the basil cell has spread (it is not known for doing so, but she really let this go too long).
She and my sister and nephew (18) are probably coming up to visit tomorrow. My sister lives in Ohio- I get to see her once a year. We are not terribly close- no biggie to either of us- just different interests/different people. Tomorrow is her bday......so I guess I'll have to run out in the am and pick up a gift for her. We usually just exchange cards.

Well enough of me babbling!OHHHHHHHHHH!!!!!! Before I forget- Dd went to go into the pool this afternoon...only to find........drum roll...........a dead bird!!! (Was it Kerry or Summer who had the same thing happen???)
Please get back to me about what the board of health said. Of course, I disposed of it- and am half inclined to drain the pool and call it quits for the summer. Does "shocking" the water kill all the organisms???? So, it has been one of those days....when the going gets tough, the tough get walking- so I am out of here.! See ya later.
Ginny

The hand is still looking good. Its mostly healed except the deeper part where his fang went in. I think I mentioned the monster tried to get me again last night when I put on the earphones to work on those reports! And... speaking of reports... I'm down to 4. Once those last 4 are done, I'm going to cut and paste them all into one document, make sure they're all the same font and same font size, add a table of contents and zap into a PDF file.
I didn't get exercise in this weekend, but I made up for it today... I hit the gym at 2:30, and didn't leave till 6! The towel attendants told me I'd been there long enough when I dropped off my locker key, and I needed to go home! ;) I exercised MOST of that time, though I did spend 30 minutes chatting with a friend who is a swim instructor there. She and I try to do email, but she has AOL and AOL won't let me send her email the normal way. I have to use one of my web-mail accounts.
So, a total of 35 minutes lifting weights, 10 minutes on the bike (did .85 miles today in two sessions!), and 90 minutes swimming.
I actually had a pleasant conversation with my father on the telephone: that's pretty rare, he and I haven't gotten along very well since my parents divorced when I was 16. I'm trying to talk him into joining a gym. He is REALLY REALLY REALLY overweight and gets ZERO exercise. So, I looked up a gym that was a member of the same program my gym is. Found one, and told him that if he joins, when I come up on weekends I'll go with him to the gym. I can use any gym that is part of that network as long as I pay the guest fee because my gym pays dues to the network.
That gym has more aquatic options than my gym does, and more pools... but I think its just 2 small ones and one lap pool. My gym could really use another pool or a larger one; it gets SOOOO crowded, and nobody wants to share lanes. They especially hate sharing with me because I'm so slow.
Okay.. I took my meds an hour ago and haven't eaten much of my dinner so I need to wrap this up and go eat!

:mouse:

Evening ladies,
I had a nice time at VBS tonight. I only had two preschoolers in my class tonight. So I might have a few more tomorrow. If not, these two are more than enough to keep me on my toes. Especially the little boy who kept asking if I would hold him up to touch the fire coming out of our volcano. So I did a nice quicky talk about we told play with fire before I could go on with the bible lesson. Then I came home and went for a walk with my dh.
Mouse, I loved Suessical. It was very entertaining! I might have to look about buying the cd and playing it for my kids at school. Sounds like you were busy today working on your reports and also going to the gym. I think you made up for not getting to workout this weekend. So are your reports done yet?
Ginny, I sure did enjoy my visit with my sister. It was nice to get away from everything and just relax for a change. What part of Ohio does your sister live? I hope you can get along well enough to make it an enjoyable visit. I think the welcome letters sounds like a great idea. Plus that way you would have proof that you let the parents and kids know your rules on the bus.
Robyn how is the room coming along? When does your school start anyway? My school starts next Tuesday. So I have to really kick my butt in gear to get everything ready for the school year to start this week. I plan on going in tomorrow for a while and doing some work. So how is the bathroom coming along? Glad to hear that you told your dh to wait a little while longer to get the stuff to finish the bathroom. Why is it when you are in the middle of a project they can never be bothered to go get what you need, but they feel that you need to stop everything and run right out for them. Glad to hear that you just got some rain and not a lot of damage from Charley.
Summer how are you? Recovering from the letdown of the nice family that is moving on you. The perfect family is out there somewhere just waiting on you to find them to become friends. You don't have to socialize with the late rude family.
Well ladies, I think I am going to go read for a little while and then go to bed. Talk to you all tomorrow.
Have a wonderful evening
Kerry

Left the house at 8:15am and returned at 8:45 pm......
spent the day moving stuff and arranging and topped it off with BoyScouts.......
spent nearly 2 hours tonight cleaning up after our ancient cat and her bathrooming issues.... ahem. I love her dearly..... but DARRRNNNN!

I'm heading to bed..... tomorrow I move ABSOLUTELY THE LAST of the junk in.... and finish MOVING the furniture. I start school (meetings) officially next Monday. Returning teachers return on the 30th. Students return on the 7th. There is already a grandparent ranting about her kiddo getting the new teacher! (That would be me.... ha! ME...the NEW teacher!)

Cat is pacing around the litter box again....ARGGGHHH! gonna run and pace her in the correct direction..... I love this cat. I love this cat. I love this cat. arggghh...

take care
Did you know that TimCurry is Nigel Thornberry?
WHAT song/story in the Suess musical had the guys dancing in leather??? ( I may not ever be able to think of Horton again in the same way! hehehe!)

Just a quick hello- got lots to do this am before my house is invaded. The biggest "problem" with my sister visiting?????? We do get along just fine- there is no hostility (at least not on my end!)- just that if you can picture a pendulum swinging....well she is at one end and I am at the other......in many realms....she is borderline atheist, by now you know that I have a firm faith and study the Bible regularly, her version of weight control is to eat whenever, whatever she likes so what if she is heavy (5'7" and most likely 250-260#) and just enjoy eating, we support opposing political views, oh my gosh the list goes on and on. But we do get along ok- there are just a ton of subjects that we steer clear of. Our kids however......could not be more different. Sometimes it is trying getting them to just accept each other as they are. Oh, well.

Mouse- you workout queen!!!!!! Making up for lost time- good for you. Bet all that gym time felt SO good. How sweet of you being an inspiration for your Dd. No matter what he decides to do, you did the right thing maintaining communication lines and trying to get him to take care of himself. Glad to hear that hand is slowly getting better- my neighbors wrist (cat bite) is still not "normal" in appearance- and her bite happened before yours. Bad kitty for going after you again.........

Robyn- bet you were pooped after yesterday!!!! Just reading about it made me tired.
Someday they are going to make "depends" for kitties..........I had one of them too, my kids still joke about him!

Kerry- how nice that Dh went for a walk with you. (I'm jealous....) VBS sounds like fun, even if your two charges are challenging!!!!! Hope you get some time today to regroup before tonight.

I'd better go get something done here.......Got 3 hours before they get here.
See ya later!
Ginny

(BTW, the pool drained last nite all by itself, so we are packing it up for the winter......and I do not have to deal with the dead bird issue)

Morning Ladies,
I am off to work in my classroom once again. I think if my aide and I can stay on task and work really hard we can get it all done today. Then all I will have to worry about is getting my lesson plans ready for next week. So that is my major task for the day. Plus I have to teach VBS again tonight. So I hope to accomplish a lot today. But that could all change at the drop of a hat. Plus I would like to do a walking video or ride my bike this afternoon.
As for the black leather boys, they were portraying the three Wickersham Brothers. Plus when they came out to dance on stage during the bathtub scene, they were decked out in lovely fancy leotards and their female parts were dressed in dull ones.
Well I best be moving my fanny to get to school and work for a while.
Talk to you all later.
Kerry

ARRRGH! I was going to post that I was up all night because I was sore by the time I finally went to bed because of the work-out... but it seems to have suddenly, magically gone away. I am, however, tired because I was up late and brat-cat woke me up. I tend to keep his new bags of food in the trunk of the car because he has been known to open cupboard doors and get into the food. He won't eat crumbs, you see, and I want his bowl EMPTY before I put the new food inside. He has a self-feeder, and he won't eat wet food... he can't stand it. He won't even eat Tender Vittles. So I let him have his dry food whenever he wants it... And he's not a small kitty...10 pounds!
I have 4 more reports to do; and I want to start working on making the stuff for my certificate students work-boxes. Workboxes is a vocational task analysis program, and we divided it up by the 4 industries we have at school... Retail, Hospitality, Info Tech and Construction... to teach the kids sorting, packaging, filing, etc... all those "sheltered workshop skills" that they'll need to have. I may use it with some of my lower functioning diploma kids too, I'm not sure yet.
But, money being tight, I'm having to make a lot of it myself. And I'm NOT a craft-type person! I can't cut or paste or draw a line... Thank goodness for things like Boardmaker and shipping labels!!!! :)
Oh, and speaking of which, I swear that when I renewed my application in the various Pennsylvania recruitment areas, I said I didn't want the 4 inner city districts near my hometown to have access to my application. I've DONE the inner city thing, already... did it for 4 years. And I own lots and lots and lots of nice life-skills materials because they never gave me anything to teach with. I've got boxes of them in my closet and one on my floor in my living room! Edmark reading curriculum, Indoor/Outdoor sign sets, bingo games, etc. At one point, I owed Citibank $4000 that was mostly classroom supplies. I like teaching the inner city students, but I don't like the districts that the kids go to... my school right now is largely low-income and inner city students, so its a good fit. I can't see myself going back to an inner city, out of compliance district... I just can't. And of course, who calls me? One of the districts that I allegedly blocked my application from. :sigh:
This is the same district that, 6 years ago wouldn't hire me because it would have made the district I was with then (leaving them namelesss to protect the NOT so innocent twits that run the place!) mad. Yes, you read that correctly... it would have made my out of compliance district that almost cost the entire state their special education funding MAD. The district that was so out of compliance and the building that I was in was so out of compliance that they were target-monitored by the Office of Special Education Programs EIGHT TIMES in the 3 years that I was there. The district that had the last two superintendents ARRESTED or drummed out of office for improper use of district funds. Yes... that district. :rolleyes:
But now, they're falling all over themselves to ask me questions, and I'm too stupid to not return their TWO phone calls!
:mouse:

Summer is over for me...officially. Even though I don't have to report for duty till Tuesday, I am in deep already. Going into school now isn't just to set up my room. Now I have to deal with all the a**holes who waited until the last possible minute to register their children for preschool. I do all my own registrations so I am constantly being interrupted to deal with them. Half of these people don't speak English, and our translators aren't available till school begins, just to add to the frustrations. Then of course are all the reunions with all the teachers I haven't seen since June. Everybody has to chat and catch up. Sorry to sound *****y, but I can't help it. Normally, I am really friendly, a regular social butterfly. But this isn't the time for that. I'M RUNNING OUT OF TIME!!! I wish I had put in more time last week and the week before instead of just a couple of days, cause now I can't get a thing done. Remind me...NEXT YEAR, I WILL SET UP MY ROOM TWO WEEKS BEFORE SCHOOL STARTS AND STAY HOME THE WEEK BEFORE. That way I can work in peace.

I sincerely wish I had time to read and answer all your posts, but I can't right now. I'm sorry! I will catch up with all of you as soon as I can!

Love ya all!

Hey you guys! YET another exhausting day at my new school. I officially start on Monday. But today marked the 1 week working in the room. OK.... now you must remember that I am changing classrooms, schools, districts, FRIENDS.... for the first time in 17 years! I have NEVER EVER put in this kind of time into a class prior to the beginning of school..... AND I have YET to put the first thing on the wall. BUT.... it will be done by Friday.... I am hoping!

Summer, I'm so sorry that your summer has come to a crashing END. We've been missing you! I know NO one at this new school.........but remember EXACTLY what you're talking about re:the "welcome home" from all the teachers! (Maybe next year I will experience it again! :sigh: (Don't get me wrong.... the new school staff has been very friendly....but... they aren't my SCHOOL BUDS..... I'm missing my old friends!) NEXT year I will NOT be putting this type of time into this classroom! ARGHH!
I thought of you this evening as my hair was returned to its "winter" color.... the blonde highlights were REALLY faded to nearly white....and looking REALLY dry.... my stylist recommended that we go ahead and change it now..... a few months early....
SOOOO.... I am sorta jumping at the sight of the stranger who is looking at me in the mirror! It is MUCH darker than it was this morning! ....it is also MUCH shorter! She used a photo of Ashley Judd.... (hehehe) I love the cut....and well, a little lipstick goes a LONG way with this dark hair! I'm hoping that you're adjusting to yours!

This cat is gonna drive me insane! Returned home after 7:45 tonight to 2 piles of puke and a BIG huge puddle right beside all the pads, litterboxes, plastic, etc.... BESIDES. I wouldn't kill off Grandma just cause she wets her pants....but.... I've actually looked at this BRAT sideways tonight! I've actually wondered about a little kittly depends.... THIS is getting OLD quick....Quick.ha...that is sorta funny considering that the poor pud is 17 nearly 18..... and has JUST been having "issues" since early summer..... I need to shut up and deal with the mess....

tomorrow I go to payroll and do paper work and then head BACK to the classroom.... I just want to get the JUNK in the desk drawers tomorrow!

Enjoy these last few days... weeks! Summer, hang in there!

(((hugs to all))) take care!

Good morning!!
Got up this morning......had to drive in to take students in for freshman orientation- they won't need me to take them home, which is just fine by me!
So I have the rest of the day off- at least until I go to the cardiologist this afternoon.

Summer- hugs to you!!!! Hang in there......I feel bad for you. Sorry about the last minute morons and all the hassles you are facing. Not a pleasant way to start off the year!! Close your eyes......take a deep breath and bring back a favorite memory from Disney World.......Hope today goes better for you.

Robyn- good for you getting your classroom set up...I can imagine this must be awkward in a new setting. With your great disposition, you will have new "buds" in no time.....and I am sure you are still in touch with the teachers from your former school. Sorry about kitty, a true senior citizen. Hope this does not become a major problem for you once the school year starts. I love my kitties, but hate it when they get that way. Glad you like the "new you!!". Great way to start a new school year.

Mouse-now what state is this wacko district from?????? The humor of this situation has to make you laugh- hope springs eternal- in terms of them wanting you. Hope you get those last 4 reports done. (you'll be so happy!).
And as far as brat cat......gee they sure are odd balls to live with! Yesterday (which was my Ds's bday) I ran into a gift shop (praying the whole time that I would find at least a passable gift for her, I have no idea how she decorates/lives and our tastes are so different so this appeared to be overwhelming) and took a quick scan......hoping to find something remotely appropriate. I stumbled upon (in less than 3 minutes) an adorable picture frame with paw prints on it and a text. Above the picture it read "Purrfect kitty", below "Spoiled Rotten!". Knew I had a winner........got it gift wrapped.
My sister loved it! Sounds as though you could use one too!!! :lol: Ever wonder why we put up with these darned felines? I know, sucker for a furry face- and they are so cute. BTW- happy crafting.....(dont' hate me for that one).
Kerry- I hope you can get everything done today that you want to. VBS must be wiping you out (it would me!). Did you get any additional students?

Guess I'd better quit blabbering.......have to go check on Dd who woke up with a tummy ache last night. Then some outside work.....and take down the pool. Stinks- I did not get as much done this summer as I wanted to, had no idea that getting Dd ready for college was going to be as time consuming as it was. I'll let you know how it goes with the cardiologist. Also, Dm is going for an xray of that basil cell patch today, she is a nervous wreck over it.
See ya later- have a great day.
Ginny

Cardiologist appt went well, after a 2 1/2 hour wait!!!!!!!!!! But he told me I was "normal'! Hey- someone thinks I am normal!!!!!!!! :) :lol: .
Now Miss Piggy, aka as the cat is throwing up......I needed this????? Out to buy hairball meds, I suspect that is what it is. See ya later! (probably with a glass of wine in my hand too......been one of those days.) And of course it is PMS time.......
Ginny

Hi, all. I'm still here. I went into the Red Cross chapter to do some welfare inquiries today. I love the ones where they haven't talked to the relative they're seeking in 2-3-4 years!
I have exchanged two more phone messages with the guy from PA. Its in York... so near enough to Lancaster to make me happy. I could live in Lancaster and be just fine.
But, its still an urban district. I told the gentleman that I wasn't sure that I was interested in going back into the inner city districts... And so he pulled out all the stops... Its a high school (I don't do little kids, sorry!) life-skills position. Life-skills is my specialty. I LOVE doing it... its all about vocational education, independent living skills. You do cooking and take the kids to the community... He says, "You have what I'm looking for; you have the technology experience and the community instruction experience that I'm looking for, you could really shake this program up!"
Oooooo! Magic words to my maverick ears... You guys know the song from Guys and Dolls,"Sit Down You're Rocking the Boat"... yea, okay... I'm overboard.
But its a INNER CITY DISTRICT! They lie. They cheat. They steal. I don't know of ANY good inner city districts! He could tell me everything I want to hear, and I go in there and find out I've got a closet with no supplies again!
And bluntly, assistive technology and community instruction cost money. That's why so few places do it, or if they say they do, its not done correctly. They call field trips community instruction or say that stuffing envelopes for the front office is a vocational program.
Okay... on other news: I swam 1.25 miles, walked 1 mile in the water, and rode 1.25 miles on the bike today. I also lifted weights for 35 minutes.
And I weighed... first time in the 2 weeks... and I've been going to the gym about 2.5 hours a day... and haven't LOST ANY WEIGHT! I haven't gained any, but I haven't LOST any. :( :( If I sit up straight, you can see that my stomach is flatter (above the whole pannus-endocrine thingy), and my arms and legs are definitely more muscular (people are commenting, people I dont even know), and my face is thinner... but I haven't LOST any WEIGHT!
:mouse:

Evening Ladies,
Sorry I have been missing in action. I went into school yesterday for a few hours and got tons of work done. I came home to eat lunch and then jump in the shower. But those plans got put on hold for a few hours when my old next door neighbor called to say they were passing through the area and stopped in for a visit. They left in time for me to jump in the shower, run over to my TOPS meeting to get weighed in (lost the pound I gained last week), run home to eat and then off to teach VBS. Then today I had an all day staff meeting from 8:30-3. Came home long enough to chat with dh and kids and then changed clothes and went to workout at Cuvres. Came home took another shower, eat dinner and was off to church again. Needless to say my brain is fried and in desperate need of rest and relaxation. But I need to go out to school again tomorrow morning for a little while. Then maybe go get a few new school clothes since I don't have any that fit properly. Then teach VBS again tomorrow night. Then on Friday, I will probably go out to school for a little bit again just to get last minute things done. Then we have the kids for the weekend. Plus a family reunion on Sunday. So I am not really going to get any rest until after school starts. But I did tell my dh tonight that I was going to be working at school for the after school program on M and W until 6:30 and on T and Th until 4:30. That way we can have a little extra money to pay off a few bills and be able to maybe go visit my family with the kids. But I am also doing it so I don't have to come home from school and do all the kids homework with them. Since we will be babysitting them when they get off school until their mom comes to pick them up after she gets off work. I just feel that my dh has to take a more active role in their education other than passing the buck off to me since I am a teacher. Does that make sense to you? Enough about my little rant.
Summer I know what you mean about the summer coming to a sudden halt. It just doesn't seem like we have really had any time off. I have tried very hard to only socialize with my coworkers after I have put a major dent in my classroom for the day. Keep working at it and you will be ready for the first day!
Robyn with your charm and wit, you wouldn't have any problems making new friends at your new school. It sounds like you have a wonderful plan to get your room ready by Friday. You can do it!
Mouse sounds like you are really shaking up your workout routine. Keep it up! As for not losing any weight, your body is probably converting into muslce. I think you said the right thing to the man from York. If you were not happy there a few years ago, I am sure they haven't really changed a whole lot to make it a different new and improved experience for you.
Ginny, Sounds like you had a nice visit with your sister yesterday. What part of Ohio is she from? Glad to hear that your cadiologist visist went well also. So you have another week before your dd goes off to college. Just think you will be an old pro at this by the time your other two go off to college.
Well I am going to stop babbling and get ready for bed. I am trying to get up early each day so I can get use to getting into that routine again. Talk to you all tomorrow.
Hugs to all,
Kerry

Hi!

Kerry- take some time in the next few days to at least have a cuppa :coffee: and take a deep breath!!!!!!! Good for you (and congrats on the 1# loss!) on getting to TOPS. Where is your family?? Must be some distance from Ohio. And that is probably tough on you. I had to laugh reading that you figure you will get some " rest" until after school starts!!!!! What were you thinking? :lol: I understand- there is at least a change in how life goes- you can somewhat leave the child entertainment mode once they are in school and sometimes steal a moment or two for yourself.
And I totally understand how taking on more work can force Dh into taking an additional role in helping with his kids. I did the same thing when I took on my current job. Previously, I was self employed at home, had no set hours, not counting the day I was onsite- and my Dh and family considered me "on duty" all the time. So I did all the stay at home mom stuff......left the house for one 6-8 hour day onsite, and then put in a ton of hours on the computer after everyone was in bed. No set schedule, I was considered available for all and everything. Finally I put my foot down- and left- and at least now I cannot be dragged into everything and Dh has stepped up to the plate to fill in some of the kid sports needs because I have set hours. DOn't know if all this babbling makes any sense........but I do understand your strategy. Hope it works!!! BTW, my sister lives in Euclid. They left this am from my Dm's.

Mouse- you've heard it a million times before, muscle burns more than fat.
And I am no physical trainer, but I would think that it might take a few weeks for that to pay off. ALSO- that you did not gain is great- muscle weighs more than fat! So the long and short of it is you lost fat. :D And that is good news. Keep those workouts up- you are doing great. Congrats on the flatter tummy too!! I've read your post a few times- and maybe I am missing the point here. Are you still entertaining going to that inner city school? Gosh what a tough decision......plusses and minuses on both sides.
I don't know what/how I would decide on that! But, being the wise person you are- I know you will make the right choice for you.

Going out in a bit to shop for Dh's birthday, which is tomorrow. He took today and tomorrow off from work- so that we can spend the day together out for his Bday. I hope the weather is ok, otherwise he will be a crab.
The cat spent most of the evening not doing too well.......every so often she would cry in pain...then throw up. At some point she had to poop- guess she could not make it to the litter pan (which is downstairs) so she went in the bathroom, next to the toilet! (the little critter ain't as dumb as I thought she was). At least it was an easy place to have to clean up from- non porous tile floor. Today she is low key, but seems better and is eating a bit.
According to the web page I visited cats do get stomach bugs......if she is not better tomorrow or Saturday I guess we will be off to Charlie Brown's.....yup, that is really the name of my vet.
It sort of looks as though I might not get to WW at all this week......just too darned much going on. There is a chance that I will sneak in to the 8 am meeting in Middletown, which is a 30 minute drive from here. And I am going to take Kerry's advice and start getting up early to get used to it again. Oh how I dread getting up at 4:45.....but those early am walks are wonderful. And if I do that, then maybe I can get a bit more accomplished here if I do not fall asleep!!!!!!!
BTW, I did get a draft written for the welcome back letter- I have to give a copy to my supervisor to make sure that it meets her approval. Hey, Mouse- did you get those last 4 reports done?????

Nuff of me!!!!!!!!! Hope SUmmer and Robyn are doing fine. Have a great day.
Ginny

Well then...phew! I'm beat!

Mousie, I don't have to tell you that you have gained muscle which is heavier than fat. Forget about the scale and concentrate on your measurements. I'm so ready to toss my scale out the window. It doesn't matter where you go, every friggin scale is different anyway. Don't sweat this! You know how hard you are working and how successful you are.

Kerry, DH has a good argument that since you are the teacher you should work with the kids. However, you need to stand your ground and expect him to pitch in...if for no other reason than for the sake of his relationships with his kids.

Ginny, Happy Birthday to your man. I hope he has good weather. The weather in CT has sucked ever since Charley made his presence known. We've had one good day. I hope your kitty gets better soon.

Robyn, hey girl.

Well now I know school is upon me...once parents start screaming at me again, it is back to the old routine! A parent spoke with the principal earlier today and asked about transportation for pre-k. The principal told her we don't provide buses for pre-k. The woman went off on the principal. Well, then she comes in to yell at me, "Why you not have buses for you class?!" (Nice.) I don't know, maybe it has to do with the fact that you are getting free pre-k and there is no money left for transportation...you all know I paid $8000 a year for DD's pre-k program, and it galls me that people who are already getting it for free expect transportation too!!! AAAAHHHHH!!!!! I just wanted to tell her to get a f*cking job, but I held my tongue, smiled and explained that we didn't have the funding for buses. I recommended some programs that do provide transportation, but you have to pay tuition. She looked at me like I was nuts to think she would pay for anything. :p

ISN'T IT FUN THAT WE GET TO LEAVE THE SUMMER BEHIND AND GO BACK TO SCHOOL?!!!! :mad: :mad: :mad: :mad: :mad: :mad: :mad: :mad: :mad:

Afternoon Ladies,
Ginny I totally understood what you meant. It is nice to know that there is at least one other person who thinks like me about issues regarding dh's and kids. I have put too much on hold for myself and this is the year that I am going to focus on me (weight wise and mental health wise). I have been able to take mini moments today to read a few pages and enjoy a glass of iced tea. Tomorrow afternoon I am going with one of my friends to go school clothes shopping. As for where my family lives, they all live in the Youngstown area. So it makes it hard sometimes to travel the 4 hours to get there for a visit at times. But I have managed so far. Hope your cat is doing better today. Hope you are able to squeeze in a WW meeting this week. :)
Mouse how are the reports and the workout going? I forgot to comment on your flatter tummy. Way to go! Keep up the good work. Do I hear six-pack abs in the making here? LOL :)
Summer and Robyn I assume you both are busy getting your rooms set up. Hope you will find the time to relax and regroup before school offically starts next week. :) :)
Well off to check my email and then to read a few pages in my novel before starting to do more school work or chores around the house before VBS tonight. Only 1 more night after tonight. Yeah!!! One of the little one's in my class has a virus in her mouth. I have been around her for the last three nights and I just found out last night about this virus. I hope it is not contiguous. Just what I would need the first week or so of school.
Have a wonderful afternoon!
Kerry

Just a quicky check in.

Summer- guess you get the award for being the group cheerleader here!!!!!! Sorry for such a rude awakening to the new school year. There are some parents that I hope would have another child.....get a job....do something so that they might wake up and realize that the rest of us are just doing the best we can! I had a parent chew me out because her daughter was put on the bus (her normal route) when she was supposed to be picked up that day. It was the offices fault.......I was supposed to know this??????? Anyway- you meet all kinds.....hang in there Hon!!! The first week or so, until the bugs get out is usually the worst.

Kerry- hope you can scare off that virus! Aw, we are all going to be exposed to every germ God ever created in a few short days~ but I can understand that you would not want to get sick now. Cherish those mini moments!!!!!! Are you school clothes shopping for you???? Hope so! Enjoy it and the time with your friend.

Well, the way I saw it, this cat was not eating, and tomorrow Dh will want NOTHING to do with the cat- so I took her to see Charlie Brown. He gave her some fluids (she was a bit dehydrated) and a shot to encourage fatto to eat......which she did when we got home. Plus some high calorie/easy to digest food....and he took some blood.
Maybe I jumped the gun, but I knew that tomorrow she would get no attention- and could really go downhill if I waited till Saturday. Her exam was normal and we will see if she ate anything poisonous (shows up on a blood test). The good part is that my fat cat did lose a # from last year. He liked that......2# to go if she is ok.

Gotta go make dinner.........have a great nite!
Ginny

Well, all... I did another 2.5 hours at the gym tonight: weights, water aerobics class, and laps. I got out just in time for them to close the pool for a storm... On my way out, past the front desk, another member said, "Oh, you didn't feel like waiting for them to reopen the pool?" And the lifeguard was out there (checking with security on the storm), and the person at the front desk who checked me in at 5:15... looked at me, looked at the woman and said, "She's been here too long already!" To which I said, "yea, well, I've already been here 2.5 hours. I went upstairs (weights), did the class, and swam laps. Its time I went home." I walked out to her stunned look.
I mostly get disbelieving looks when I tell people how long I exercise, but when I say it at the gym, I get stunned looks.

Now, about that inner city school... I talked with the guy today. He told me that I have what he wants. He's willing (and did) go to HR to see if he can hire me directly. HR phoned me today and told me about their benefits and the pay. The pay is equal to what I'd make if I went back to Fairfax County if they accept all my years of experience... There is a question if they'd accept my 2 years at my private, non-public. Private schools don't require certification in PA, and don't count toward tenure or anything else. And so the public school systems don't allow that to count toward step on the salary scale. But, in MAryland, they do the county system, and don't do the Intermediate Units,a nd they do center placements for special ed... PA does none ofthat, so my school is a gray area. We're not a true private school, because you can't place your child with us and pay tuition.
But then I talked to my supervisor at my current position: I'm nothing if not honest (most of the time!). I told him about the job, that I was interested, but waiting to hear about salary and benefits. He asked me to ask them if they'd consider a transition plan... because we now have teacher openings at the high school. I didn't think we had many at all when we ended summer session. That means some teachers left since then. I can only think of 2 openings that we had...
So I'm going to ask the guy if we can hold the position for next year. I'm going to ask for an in-person meeting if he agrees to that, and show him what I can do for him and his program. I should be able to know by looking at his face, and also by visiting the program during the year if the support for what he wants and what I can give them is there. If not, I'm not going to do it. The salary isn't worth it... As much as I love teaching inner city kids, I'm tired of them getting short shrift BECAUSE their inner city kids. It drives me nuts.

:mouse:

Hello all....

I've spent the better part of today in tears. One of my dear friends at my old school has been diagnosed with cervical cancer.....another begins chemo after a double mastectomy on Monday.... it was also announced that my old school did not make AYP and will face state mandated changes...... and I've left them all.... after 17 years....

I've left my friends..... and I'm so sad. I don't question that the change is what is best for my family and even for me (professionally) ......but...... I've become so overwhelmed thinking of everyone (and all the junk) that I've left behind. (Yes, I know that I am a big girl and can maintain (and WILL!) friendships from a distance. I know that I'm being a big baby for being sad and letting the tears fall. BUT I also know that I am now an outsider.... that it will never be the same again.... I'm outside the trenches.... I also know that I will meet new friends......

Who knew at 39 that I'd get THAT feeling again in my stomach.... Remember the one you felt when you were little and alone in the dark? Remember how you felt at the end of middle school? Remember how you felt at the end of HS?

I don't belong anymore.... and I don't belong yet.... and I sure miss the confidence that I have always felt returning to school..... It will all be ok again..... eventually....

Be careful what you wish for.... sometimes the wishes come true....and leave you crying for days.....

Robyn, let those tears flow girl. They need to come out. If they don't come out, you might cope in a less healthy way. You are essentially in mourning. No, nobody died, but you are suffering a loss...loss of the sense of security you had, loss of daily contact with special friends, and loss of the old routine and predictable. On top of that two of your friends (that you happen to be leaving behind...STOP FEELING SO GUILTY) are experiencing traumatic health crises, and you won't be right there with them to help. You will however be available by phone, email, and on the weekends & vacations, you can visit them. You have a right to feel what you are feeling in your tummy. I've been there. When I switched careers in 2001, going from a group home assistant manager with a lovely office in an affluent community to a classroom teacher in the worst school in the inner city, I had diarrhea every morning. I had to see a gastroenterologist and was diagnosed with irritable bowel syndrome, acid reflux disease, a hiatal hernia, and the beginnings of an ulcer. I also developed asthma. Was I stressed out?! You betcha! I wish I had cried, then maybe I wouldn't have developed all these other ailments. I have faith in you. You are such a friendly and outgoing person. You will make friends, and they will be so happy to have you on board at your new school. And if it takes them a year or so to accept you, don't give up on them. Because when they are willing to give the newbie a chance, they will discover just how much you have to offer. They will love you. Take care of yourself, and give yourself permission to let your emotions out. I will be praying for you and your friends, old and new alike!

Mousie, I'm sorry that people are surprised by the exercise you put in. Chalk it up to ignorance. At least you have a circle of people in your life who do know about your health situation and how hard you are trying. Don't give up, and I know you will get what you want and need. Best of luck with the job offer. If he wants you badly enough, he will accomodate you for the year.

Finally the weekend is here, just in time for me to catch up on household chores. I couldn't keep up since I spent so much time at school. But, it has paid off. I only have to put up my bulletin board and do some last minute preparations. Yesterday was the first day that almost everybody decided to show their faces. As you know, I've been popping in for a couple of weeks, a day or two here and there, and this week has been daily. Honestly, I would much rather do this and be ready, than stretch out my summer sitting on the beach worrying that I won't be ready. Then again, I think those people who don't come in early just don't give a sh*t. So, they probably don't worry!

Have a wonderful weekend one and all!

Summer, thank you very much for your wonderfully compassionate and supportive note. Thank you for understanding!

I have just gotten off the phone with an "oldschool" friend who has told me that another "osfriend" won't be returning to work as she has finally given in and "retired" due to her battle with liver cancer. She is too weak to talk on the phone. She is not doing well at all from what I've been told. I send her cards every so often.... I think I will "up" that to every week. Her husband says that she gets much enjoyment out of the cards and notes that we send.

EEEK..... enough........ or I will have red eyes again for the day!

Thanks again for the note of support! It helped me more than you will ever understand! I *do* feel so guilty! I *KNOW* how hard those gals work! I *KNOW* how hard those kids and parents are to "deal with". I *KNOW* that those state sactions are going to be a #$%#@ to deal with....and that those gals deserve better!
I *KNOW* what kind (none) of support you get from the admin..... and I know that those gals deserve better! You know... it is sorta like soldiers.... after being in a war they have a bond! :)

Anyway.... enough........ do you think this could be PMS????
Someone hum Pacabell's "Cannon in D" for me while I cry! :D

My new school is the complete opposite of my old school! It will be nice after all these years to be in a "sunshine" place as opposed to the "dark cloud" place that I've called home for so long!

OKEY....I'm leaving before I go further :dizzy:

:grouphug:
take care!

Oh, Robyn, I'm sorry! I have been there, too, although I haven't stayed anywhere long enough to become truly attached... I've left friends behind. I keep in touch with most of them, and since I'm not even in the same state anymore, I usually have people to visit when I leave Maryland! IM is wonderful and so is email. Its okay to cry and be nervous, but you seem like a very friendly person (much moreso than I am! I tend more toward nervous and shy!), and should do fine. I have to admit one of the harder things about where I am now is that I haven't made friends with any of the staff for the most part. A lot of them are younger than me, and into the bar scene. I don't drink or smoke. They always have the staff parties in bars, so I don't go (well, and they always seem to have them when I'm scheduled as dispatcher!). :shrug:
I bought a blazer/jacket thingy (its long, but not long enough to be a duster at Hecht's today for the interview. I also bought an aventurine and silver filigree necklace/earring set. I'm going to wear black pants (dress cargo pants: silk pockets and buckles), cream silk shell and the new blazer with the necklace and earrings. I was so proud: its been a long while since I could go into a regular department store and find something that fit. I even almost bought a pair of suede pants and jacket. But the pants were a bit too tight.
I cheated on the housecleaning too... when I had my cast on, I had two women who came in to do it, and did a fantastic job... and so I treated myself to an apartment cleaning. :) They do such a nice job and my apartment is nearly sterile.
:mouse:

No time for a big post.......Robyn, hugs to you......you are a blessing to all no matter where you are. It is tough leaving after such a long time- I worked at the same place for almost 20 years before retiring to bus driving. I'll pray for you....Not only that, because you bring a fresh perspective to those friends of yours who are not well (new stories of your new experiences) that can be an additional blessing. What you are feeling now is normal....and just proof that you are a warm, loving person.
Mouse, Summer and Kerry- hope you are ok......sorry to be short. take care.
Ginny

Took the pool down today......or I should say finished to job. Someone please tell me that this is NOT the end of summer!!!!!!!! NOOOOOOOOOOO!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Both older kids are out tonight and won't be home (sleepovers) so it is just Dh and Dd (8). We are taking her out to see the new Benji movie, which I read is wonderful.
Ah, a sane night......no teenaged hormones......is this possible? This week is crunch week......how to try to live out the last week of no school.
Better sign off, hope everyone is ok!
Take care.
Ginny

Thanks for all of the support! Tomorrow I officially go....for the official beginning of the school year for me. The returning staff don't report until NEXT Monday and the kidlets don't arrive until the 7th of September. BUT, for me.... as if the week sitting on the jury and the two weeks of moving and unpacking and stuff was a WONDERFUL vacation.... today is the official end of my summer. Complete with a case of the "End of Summer Blues" as IF I didn't already have enough emotional CRAPPPP going on!!!! Sigh!

Today while trying to finish "THEBATHROOMPROJECTTHATWOULDN'TDIEEEEE", I fell .... off a stool, onto and then off of a wooden bench, with a razor cutting tool in my hand, yanked down the new shower curtain...onto my oldest kid who was holding a glass who got the shower curtain bar in the face and his mother complete with razor on his legs... Neither of us got seriously injured... altho he does have a scratch on his face.... and I have ONE HECK of a bruised nearly everything! Many (elbows, fanny, heel, chest) painful areas.... I am, um, gonna not be finished with that darn bathroom EVERRRRRR...... Poor kid.... I scared him to DEATH! I was just so worried about hurting him.... We both were in tears trying to figure out how hurt the other was! Anyway..... my right elbow/arm/fingers are throbbing....but I don't think that they are seriously hurt....and my dh is NOT sympathetic at all since he had told me not more than 3 minutes earlier that I was going to fall!......kabooom! Anyway..... old fat women are NOT meant to fall! :)

Type to you later!
take care!

Robyn, there have been moments that I read your postings and feel like you and I are twins separated at birth! God girl! Are you okay?! You poor thing...and nothing like a "know it all" DH to make you feel even worse. Been there, done that. I don't even want to go into detail and bring back more bad memories. I hope you feel okay. Ice what needs to be iced and take some motrin. Feel a hug from someone who knows how you feel more often than not. :grouphug: Oh, and I start officially on Tuesday, so I am right behind you.

Ginny, our pool got algae in it, so I figured DH would throw in the towel and close the pool. However, he spent the better part of the day a Par Pool buying chemicals and treating the pool. So, apparently, our pool will remain up until it gets too cold to swim. Not a bad idea since it doesn't really get chilly here until mid October.

Mouse, congrats on the new clothes, purchased in a regular department store no less!!! Oh, and great idea getting your apartment cleaned as a treat. If I ever dig my way out of debt, I might consider doing that once in a while.

I spent the day cleaning. Tomorrow, I'm going to "Once Upon A Child" to sell some of DD's clothes that no longer fit. I used to make some good money doing that back when she outgrew her clothes before getting them dirty. But now that her growth rate has slowed down, she wears her clothes out. Hopefully I will get some cash that I can turn around and use on some new things for school. We used to shop a lot. We stopped abruptly so we could save money. She has noticed. I guess it is good that she is still pretty young. Maybe I can get her into a healthier pattern of not constantly spending money.

I will also go into school tomorrow to work on my bulletin board. I will only stay a half day, since the next day is the BEGINNING OF SCHOOL. :p

I think I'm gonna start a new thread. So, look out for it.

I'm going to respond here, but maybe we should close this thread so other responses go to the new thread? Just an idea.

I'm off to the interview in about 45 minutes. I'm dressed: nearly had a fit because I couldn't find the cream shell... I could only find the black one! I had visions of wearing all black to the job interview for a brief moment, and I have black hair as well! I would've looked like a goth! :) But, then I found it! I also found a scarf that is the same color, so I might put it around the collar of the blazer-thingy (yes, that is its official title. My mother thinks its hilarious!). The necklace was WAY to short, it must've been designed for Twiggy or something. I got it around my neck, but it was a choker... so I swapped its chain for a longer one that I have from another necklace.
I need to go brush out my hair with the hopes that it will do what it is supposed to do today: I gelled it, and that generally makes it wavy or spiky/curly... I can feel that it curled the way it was supposed to as it dried, so we'll see what happens when I brush it. I also put on MAKE-UP! oooo!! I don't wear make-up because I'm apparently allergic to talc. Or at least my face is! I even did the whole make-over thing (one of my closest friends took me and paid for it last February and made me get my nails done then too!), and my eyes teared for HOURS after they tried blush and eye-shadow on me. So, for me, wearing make-up is just cover-up and foundation with a touch of lipstick which doesn't do a whole lot and as a result, most times I don't bother. I did find some make-up that doesn't have talc, but its SOOOOO expensive!!!!!
The cargo pants I bought last fall (I was really super proud of these pants, because they were 22s) are now also big on me. They have a draw-string at the waist though, with another silk tie, so I made them fit! But they were snug (not tight, or I wouldn't have bought them!) last fall. Its freaking me out because I really haven't lost ANY weight since June... and most of that was from not eating/throwing up.
I love my apartment after its cleaned: it looks so nice... and she does a fantastic job. I just don't have time to clean it between teaching full-time, grad school part-time, volunteer stuff... and the gym. I'd rather go to the gym then clean! Even though cleaning is exercise.
Okay... time to pack all the stuff up. I'm taking the computer with me so they can see my cute little Power Point of all my pictures from the last 5 years of my kids doing stuff in the community.
:mouse: