Resolutions

I am one of those people who actually make "resolutions" for the new year. I like the idea of new beginnings. I know that each and every day is a new beginning, but I especially enjoy that one year is over and a new one is beginning. I love (and fear) the mystery of a new year and the joys (and possibly griefs) it will bring with it.

This year I have quite a few "resolutions". I don't know that I will accomplish each one successfully, but there is something about putting them in writing that makes me at least think about them once in a while. If we don't set some types of goals for ourselves and reach for them, we will never go anywhere.

1. I resolve to be more aware of my health. (this is the easy way to say I should be watching what I eat, exercising, ending bad habits that contribute to poor health, etc.)
2. I resolve to be a better mom. (I'm not bad now, but there is always room for improvement)
3. I resolve to TRY to be more organized. (I can organize a party or activity...but if you look at my desk at school and the PILES of papers, books, etc on the floor surrounding my desk, you would never believe that I can even spell "organize")
4. I resolve to "not sweat the small stuff". (This one also covers a magnitude of issues. )
5. I resolve to love unconditionally.
6. I resolve to live daily in a way that people recognize Christ in me without my having to actually say so. (There's really something to be said when you tell someone you're a Christian and they look at you with a surprised look on their face. )
7. I resolve to be more positive. (I come from a long line of complainers, whiners and "the glass is half empty" kind of people. It's REALLY NOT hereditary!)
8. I resolve to not be broke a week before payday. (I resolved that as I looked at my EMPTY bank account and wallet this morning.)
9. I resolve to think about myself once in a while. (I have a tendency to take care of everyone around me, expecting the same in return...sometimes, you just have to think about yourself.)
10. I resolve to do something this year that I've never done before. (don't know what that will be, but can't wait to find out)


OK, there are a few dozen more goals that I would like to achieve, but I'll stop there.

Happy New Year!

Where Have I Been?

I am going to assume that all of my faithful readers (at least 3 of them) have completely given up on me and will not even be checking anymore to see if I EVER continue blogging again. I've been "gone" quite a while.

I need to get back to it. Blogging is cathartic in so many ways. So, here I am...two days left in the year...but still so much to do.

December was a CRAZY month! That's all I can truly say. We were supposed to move on Dec. 1, then December 8 and finally we actually DID move on December 15. Can you imagine what that did to my December schedule? Well, let me just say that my Christmas cards and annual Christmas letter are still sitting in a bag, the cards not even opened. I still plan on sending them out. I figure it will be a treat for those who thought the holidays were finally over.

My Christmas decorations are all up (and beautiful, if I say so myself)...but we still don't know where the box is with clean socks. I keep thinking I'm going to get to that "room" with all the boxes...but just keep walking past it. School break is almost over and I still have about 45 research papers to grade AND lesson plans to plan. Zack has spent most of the break with his Dad...wish I could say that went well...but it is Ex's purpose in life to make sure that everyone is just as miserable as he is. I know Zack is glad to be home right now.

Now that it's all over (except for the 'taking down of the decorations'), I realize that once again I got too caught up in all the trimmings of Christmas and didn't take enough time to think fully about the true purpose of the season. I have this wonderful son and wonderful friends and a new "old" house to live in...I am teaching full time for the first time in many years, etc. I have so much to be thankful for and to reflect on. Yet, I know that I have put God on the backburner once again.

I hope that all of you had a wonderful holiday and I wish the new year to bring you all of the joy and peace you can handle.

Merry Christmas!

The Turkey Has Landed

Hope everyone had a great Thanksgiving. I enjoyed cooking and eating. This has been a busy weekend and still have a lot left to do before it is over.

I was planning on posting all the things I am thankful for this morning. (and there really are a lot of things)...but the "turkey" landed on us last night.

Ex and I have an "every other year" parenting plan for holidays. This is Ex's year. However, a couple of weeks ago he called and said that he had decided to go to Vegas over the holiday and Zack could stay home. He flew back into town yesterday. Anyway, Zack and I didn't think as we made our plans for the weekend that Ex would be having him at his house for the rest of the weekend. Zack has had basketball practice every day (except Thursday) and was planning on going again this morning. They have their first game on Tuesday. (For those of you who don't know, he made 1st string on the JV team.) Well, we couldn't have a completely nice weekend now, could we?

Ex called last night at about 10 pm. He set us up with a test and we didn't pass. He asked what Zack was doing today. I told him he had practice and then was going to come home and help me do some things and then had plans with friends tonight. WRONG ANSWER! Ex flipped out...said this was his weekend and it was "nice" that I made plans for Zack without even checking with him. The phone calls kept up until about 1:00 am. He was ranting and raving about the fact that Zack didn't even call him to wish him a Happy Thanksgiving. He doesn't take into account that HE gave up his time with Zack to go to Vegas. Anyway, long story short...not much sleep last night AND he showed up here at 7:30 am to pick Zack up and make sure that he DIDN'T get to go to practice this morning. Zack is now fearing that he won't get to play on Tuesday because he missed a practice.

This is the time I kick myself for ever bringing Zack out here to live. We came here so that he could have a relationship with his Dad. I was hoping Ex would be a better father than husband. Nope, as a matter of fact, he's a worse father than husband. I was an adult and though it took me awhile, I eventually realized that it was his problems and not really mine. I don't know if Zack is getting that yet. I know he's in pain and I feel responsible.

As he left this morning I hugged him and whispered in his ear, "don't let him win". Say a quick prayer for him this morning. I know he could use it.

Day beforeThanksgiving

5 days OFF! Gee, what will I do with all that time? Hmmmm, lesson plans? Yeah. Grading papers? Yeah. Packing and getting ready to move? Yeah. Cooking a small Thanksgiving dinner to go with the room-mates' prime rib? Yeah. Laundry? Yeah. Getting Zack back and forth to basketball practice? Yeah.

OK, well, I really do have 5 days off. I have a lot to do...but when I'm "off" I can do it when I want to. My goal is not to save 90% of it to do until Sunday afternoon and evening.

This morning I'm off to Goodwill, Value Village, and a couple other thrift stores...I don't think I'll find beds, but still need an entertainment center and a living room chair or love seat. I'm not ashamed to shop there...if someone were to ask my decorating style, I would say "early Grandma's attic". I like old things. They can't be dirty to too damaged...they have to have character. I get excited when I find something really cheap, yet with character and little need for repair. They built things better in the old days!

Later today I will post my "annual" Thanksgiving thanks list. *This will actually be the FIRST annual since I didn't have a blog last year....just wanted to set the anticipatory mood.

Gotta get going and get the shopping adventure underway!

Turkey vs. Prime Rib

I love Thanksgiving. I love the whole process of cooking Thanksgiving dinner. I haven't been able to do that for a couple of years now. Guess it will be another year before I get the pleasure.

Room-mate doesn't have her kids this year. For 2 weeks she has been talking about her and boyfriend (who does have his son) going out to eat. I kept saying that since they weren't cooking here, I was going to be making a big, traditional Thanksgiving dinner (crazy me, I still like tradition) and instead of going out to eat, they should just have dinner with us. I've had the menu and the grocery list made up for a week, and was really looking forward to my day in the kitchen.

So, last night, right before they went to bed room-mate calls me. (Yeah, she was in her bedroom about 90 feet away and she called me.) They have decided they are going to have dinner here, but boyfriend wants prime rib. (FOR THANKSGIVING???) She said that if I want to cook a small turkey earlier in the day, they will allow time for that and that boyfriend will make the stuffing/dressing because he has a great recipe for cornbread dressing.

Well, turkey poop! It wasn't about cooking a turkey. We've had invitations to traditional dinners that we've turned down. I'm sure we could call up and re-invite ourselves, but I really need the day to get moving stuff done and just want to be able to spend the day at home working on things that I need to work on. So, I guess we'll be eating prime rib.

And again, God teaches me things through these little frustrations. I can't spend the week pouting and whining. I will get the things done that I need to get done and eat the prime rib and will cook a Thanksgiving dinner soon after we get moved into our own place. I have to accept that I can't control these things.

We don't always have control over situations, God wants us to let go of our control and give it back to Him. I've never considered myself a real controlling person, but I like things to go the way I plan them (guess that makes me a somewhat controlling person)...sometimes God has other plans. We want "turkey" and He wants to give us "prime rib".

Quit whining and enjoy the prime rib.

I'm running out of catchy titles

Wow! Thanksgiving is NEXT WEEK! How can that be? I promise, sometime between now and then I'll tell you all that I am thankful for.

We've had a rather interesting few days here at the homefront. I love being a mother...most of the time, but there's not a book out there with everything you need to know (besides the Bible, of course). After all the years I've worked with teenagers, I often look at my own and know that we all need help sometimes. Can't go into details, but the final outcome of this past weekend is that Zack no longer has computer or cell phone privileges. He is going through WITHDRAWAL. I also want to warn anyone who's kid is on Myspace...there are places they can hide what they are doing. I have had access to his Myspace since we allowed him to use it...but stuff was hidden somehow. His Dad (who always seems to expect the worst) put spyware on his computer and ...well, that's all I will say on the subject. (Except that I must add, I HATE when he's right.) But I went through a weekend of feeling like I'm not passing this course (parenthood) with flying colors. Opened up a lot of great conversation and a bit of pouting here and there...but that's to be expected. Discipline is never easy for any of us...the givers, the receivers, etc.

One day he will realize he was truly loved and protected...of course, I'll be 80 years old by then. (smile)

I reminded him that no matter what, I love him and God loves him. In reminding him of this I was reminded that no matter what...my ability to whine and complain about everything, my lack of discipline (eating, smoking, etc.), my lack of faith, etc....God still loves me too.

During all of that "stuff", room-mate's 10 year old and 8 year old had a birthday party sleepover. 8 little boys above my head most of the weekend. It wasn't too bad until the bat flew into the living room through the chimney. I was sleeping, but the blood curdling screams woke me up. (the screams came from room-mate's boyfriend). She chased the bat out of the front window with a broom while he held up a towel (mostly around his head) so that the bat wouldn't fly down the hall. (yeah, right) It was funny.

Moving day is coming quickly...YIKES!

What's my combination?

Remember the dream about being "underclothed" and standing in the hall at high school trying to remember your combination? The more you turn the dial...the further away from the real combination you are. Your heart is pounding, your palms are sweating...the bell is about to ring and you are standing there in the hall in your birthday suit or granny underwear. Aaaugh!

This is the time of year I start getting that feeling... all the time. I guess it's the stress of the upcoming holidays. They are supposed to be a time of family and fun and love and instead they are a time of: no money, Thanksgiving dinner, Christmas cards--no one knows my address, no money, gifts, mailing gifts, no money, decorations, tree, holiday activities, no money....

So, add to that...moving in three weeks...and creating lesson plans, grading papers, doing laundry (how do 2 people use that many clothes?), figuring out meals, making lunches..I think you are getting my drift.

The good news, I don't need meditation or medication...just need to stay in prayer and keep things fresh with God. He'll get me through, help me find the JOY and keep those creative juices flowing. He'll help me remember the combination if I keep trusting Him.

Have a great day!

The Theme of my year

It's funny, when I chose the name of my blog I really didn't realize it would become a theme. I mean, I know that as a Christian, I am always still in the planning stages of my life. I'm always preparing for the next test, or for the next person whom I can help through the "wisdom of my own experience", etc. Anyway, the theme just keeps on.

I went to see the new house. Now, in case you don't know this about me, I have always been the person who can look at the lump of coal and see the diamond inside. (Diamonds and coal really don't have anything to do with each other, do they?) I saw this in my ex-husband...and married the lump of coal anyway (should have waited for the diamond to make an appearance)...Anyway, the house is similar to a lump of coal. It was built in the 1920's and I don't think the lawn has had anything done to it since then. Right now there does not appear to be grass surrounding the house, but instead briers, weeds, and possibly wheat. The inside of the house is in several stages of work. The basement is large and has a work area (with w/d hook-up), an extra room, and a separate pantry area. However, it is missing several windows (which the owner says will be replaced) and vines have grown through the open spaces and into the area. I'm also wondering what types of small (or large) animals may have come through those same holes. The kitchen is small, but will serve it's purpose...just as soon as they replace the track lighting for regular lights. The attic (which will be Zack's room) was stripped to the bare wood...but the owner was working on that when we got there the other night. It will be a nice space for Zack (my friends who will help move will hate me though when we start moving things up through those tiny stairs.) The two bedrooms downstairs...well, my bed will fit in one...the smaller one will serve as a closet/office. I'm not even going to venture a guess as to why there are 3 large hooks hanging in what will be my bedroom. I will merely find some cool lamps and plants to hang from them.

The point is...I see a gem there. I see the potential in what it will look like with a chair here, a rug there, a flower bed under the picture window. It's got character...cute little fireplace and mantle in the living room...walls curve into the ceiling (everything is stucco). I'm excited about living there (though to be honest, dreading moving again). The house will be up for sale after the first of the year. It could go in a month...or it could take a year.

The point is...the house and my life are still in the planning stages. I don't know what the final product will look like, but it's exciting trusting God through the whole process.

Boo

Scared you, right? I'm like a ghost these days when it comes to blogging. See what a difference a real job makes? I started blogging when I was working in an office and I spent about an hour a day working and the rest of the day answering the phone. That tends to leave a lot of time on your hands. That's something I really NEVER seem to have anymore. I keep thinking it will get better, but so far that doesn't seem to be happening.

I'm definitely NOT complaining. I love, love, love, love, LOVE being a teacher. I am still having so much fun. But, some days I feel like the hampster on the wheel...running, running, running and just when I think I might slow down a little, I have to start running again.

Let me fill you in on the latest news about the housing conditions. I have been praying for the miracle. We still don't have to be out of here for a little while, but December 1 was my goal. Well, on Monday I mentioned our need for a place at our staff prayer time and on Tuesday morning(yesterday) one of the other teachers came in and said, "I have a house if you want it." Seems she and her husband were trying the "flip this house" thing...it worked well the first time, so the 2nd time her husband bought two houses and then the market flipped instead of the houses. So, they have this one house sitting empty...they really haven't done a lot of work to it yet, but she offered it to us for $800 a month. No down payment, no deposit, no credit check (after all, she knows where I work and now she'll know where I live!) The catch is that they will eventually put it up on the market so we need to keep it "ready to show" (motivation to keep the house really clean and neat) and then if it sells we have to be ready to move.

I can live with that. God knows what's ahead, I don't have to worry about it. That's the whole joy of being part of the "planning stages".

Have a great Halloween!

Time Flies

They say time flies when you are having fun! I guess so. I can't believe it's been so long since I've blogged. Things have gotten so busy, I barely have time to check my e-mail these days.

I am having a blast! I love being a teacher. There are moments when it's a "job"...just like any job. Things you have to do that you don't really care for. But, for the most part, I do love my job. Besides regular classroom activities, I am the Jr. class advisor and we are getting ready for the big Jr.-Sr. banquet in May. (no dancing at our school) This is our equivalent to Prom. So, it's a big deal. Last year the Juniors (now Seniors) hosted the event on a nice harbor cruise. My Juniors were worried that we wouldn't be able to top that. Last Saturday, I spent the day with 4 kids, running around Seattle looking at all kinds of beautiful venues...none of which we would be able to afford. Finally we found the perfect place, in our price range and we are beginning to plan a night no one will forget for a long time. I love this part of the job too!

Yesterday and today, the kids are out of school while we (the staff) are attending a conference sponsored by the Association of Christian Schools. It's nice to be doing something a little different (though sleeping in would be even nicer). Even through this, God is teaching me some important lessons.

I went to a Baptist church when I was young. As soon as I was old enough to choose for myself, I left that church and I will honestly say that it left a bad taste in my mouth. We never learned about an "abundant" Christian life...seems like all we ever heard was "THOU SHALT NOT..." As teens we weren't allowed to dance, listen to rock and roll music, play cards, wear the clothes everyone else was wearing, go to movies, etc. etc. etc. It appears that the Association of Christian Schools is leaning towards that type of belief system. So, yesterday I could feel the rebellious teenager rising up within me. I really had to pray about my attitude and I started calming down a little.

God makes us all differently. Maybe part of my purpose is to help balance things out. It's all part of His plan, right? I am learning to listen with an open mind and then state my own feelings without stepping on too many toes. (at least I hope I am)

Never Mind

Remember the "old days" of Saturday Night Live? Gilda Radner played a character who would come onto the news and discuss social issues...except she was older and always got them wrong. Example: She did a long diatribe about violins in school. Why shouldn't children learn to play the violin? Yada Yada Yada....Then Chevy Chase would say, "That's Violence in schools, not violins!" And she would look at the camera and say, "Never mind."

Well, I'm looking at the camera...turns out if something is too good to be true, then it's probably too good to be true. We are now looking for a place to live. The free rent house fell through. So, now we are looking and waiting for another miracle. I don't know all the details, just know that plans changed.

This may slow down the process somewhat. I was hoping to move by the end of this month, but this may change things until the 1st of December. Have to have time to put away some money. I'm still trying to figure out where to find some money to put away. LOL

You know what though? It all goes back to the planning stages...even with the new job (which is a miracle and I still love every minute of it)...it doesn't mean that God is done teaching us lessons. I still have to be open to what He's showing me and where He's leading me. It will be exciting and fun to see where we end up.

Casual Day

Why is it that the wearing of jeans to work is SUCH an exciting thing? Seriously, last Friday we (the staff at school) found out that we may wear jeans on Fridays (can't wear my 'holey' jeans...even if I do work at a Christian school). This morning, when the alarm went off, I nearly jumped out of bed!

The older I get the more I realize that jeans are like good friends. (1) You have to look long and hard to find jeans that fit just right...not too tight, not too lose...just right. (2) The more you wear them, the more you love them. (3) Good jeans are always comfortable. (4) My jeans make me feel less stressed. I can just be me when wearing them...don't have to pretend to be 'Miss Professional'. (5) I can go anywhere I love going in my jeans. (6) As they grow older, they are even better...softer, better color, even more comfortable. (7) I keep good jeans around for YEARS! I do whatever it takes to make them last.

Alright, the day is beginning...gotta get my jeans moving!

October 1

Can it really be October already?

I don't get sick too often, but whatever I had this past week, knocked ME OUT! I went to bed early Friday night and slept through the night. Spent most of Saturday in bed. Wish I could say I got lots of sleep...but room-mate and her boyfriend decided that whatever needed to be pounded would be pounded on Saturday. Then there were her two boys and his one up above me on the hardwood floor. Even in socks, they sounded like a herd of elephants as they chased each other from the living room, through the dining room, through the kitchen and back into the living room. And by noon I was ready to get up and give ALL of them lessons in closing a door without slamming it. The topper was when her bf decided to mow the lawn while it wasn't raining. Seems the very small patch of grass right by my bedroom window must have been the grassiest in the entire yard. He was mowing by my window for at least 45 minutes.

Since I was so well rested after Saturday, I was still really sick on Sunday...so didn't make it too church and actually slept for a few extra hours in peace. I did finally have to get up because ex must have called me 25 times in 2 hours. He and Zack were shopping because Zack has his first big dance this coming weekend. It would have just been easier for me to go shopping with them.

Something good did come out of the weekend though. Ex has some really good friends who are snowbirds (not that it really snows much here). They have a 5th wheel that is bigger than most apartments and they get in it around the end of October and don't come back until mid-April. They usually have their daughter come to their house once a day while they are gone to take care of their cat. Well, they have generously offered to let Zack and I stay there for 5 months while they are gone. That's my September miracle! They offered the house for FREE! I insisted that we at least pay the electric, seeing that they aren't going to be there to use any of it. It's about 5 miles closer to school...but further away from Zack's friends. However, after he got a look at the house, he doesn't seem to mind. (I think the wide screen got him.)

The other problem is that "cat" is old and they are worried that contact with a dog would cause a heart attack. So, we are in the process of looking for a place for Sammi to stay while we live there. I love Sammi, she's part of the family...but this is an opportunity that we really can't give up. Don't have to come up with first, last, and deposit...can put money away to be prepared for a nice little house in April, and still have some left over for groceries and much needed car repairs.
(My car is a blog unto itself.)

Anyway, here I am, ready to start a new month. And seeing that I spent 45 minutes this morning trying to get into Zack's locked room...another blog, another time...I guess I better get moving!

Catching up

I really never thought I'd get this far behind on my blogging. Seeing that it's been so long since I last blogged, don't even really know where to start.

I'm staying busy, busy, busy. There are always lessons to plan, papers to grade, meetings to attend, places to get Zack to, places to get myself to...and somewhere in there, I need to find time to sleep. This past week it seemed to all catch up to me and just felt like I was running on a treadmill. Couldn't quite get to where I needed to get to, but kept running anyway. I overslept THREE days in a row...still made it to school on time, but I'm not a morning person. I don't like to start out in a rush...have to e-a-s-e my way into the day. When that doesn't happen, it seems like I never do get the day in control. Then on top of that, started sneezing Wednesday...felt the lightness in my head, the congestion building in the chest...and sure enough by Thursday had a full out head cold. I probably should have spent Thursday and maybe even Friday in bed...but it's too early in the year to start taking sick days. I like to save them for the spring when I can actually enjoy them. :)

Anyway, all of this is a sign to me that I need to slow down and get caught up. I can't be super teacher...super mom...super church volunteer...I just have to do what I can do and do it well. I came home from school yesterday (after the two hour round trip to drop Zack off at his Dad's)...took some cold medicine and went to bed. I woke up about 3 hours later, had a bowl of soup and went back to bed. I didn't sleep the whole time and must admit to watching "The Biggest Loser" (which I had taped during the week) while eating a 2 lb. bag of M&M's. I am obviously not vying for the BL crown.

So, today and tomorrow are going to be slow down days. I have some lessons to plan...need to do some housework...but whatever doesn't get done isn't going to kill me or anyone else. I have to realize that I'm human (and one that's getting older, and hopefully wiser). I have to learn to set a pace that I can live with.

It's still early...so think I will start out with another cup of coffee and my recording of the first episode of "Ugly Betty".

Gangsta boy--Part II

We have to move...I think I ended on that note.

This is another opportunity for a miracle. August was full of them (job, financial stuff, etc.) and I claimed more for the rest of the year...but you know, when you don't need a miracle, you tend to forget to look for them. Maybe this is just God's way of reminding me that He's around and He's going to continue taking care of things.

We don't have to be out until January 1st. However, I have NO intention of moving during Christmas break. It takes me a week to get my decorations fully out and where I want them, then another week (or sometimes two because I'm more resistant in taking them down) to un-decorate. I don't want to be doing both and moving...and no way I'm going through Christmas without all of my decorations up and around. So, my plan is to move by December 1st. (sooner, if possible)

Now, that gives us a couple of months, so should be no problem, right? Oh, I wish that were true. But as wise and insightful as I may sound on my blog (ok, that's what I'm usually going for anyway)...my financial life is really a total mess.

I have been broke since a few days after I graduated from college. Ok, maybe not the whole time. But I've never made a lot of money and usually when I've made a good salary, it's been a monthly pay check and by the time the end of the month rolls around, the whole thing goes to pay for what we need and what we owe.

I do have a savings account. I use it to hold my money so that I don't spend it while it's in my physical possession. I struggle to make it last from one pay check to another. I used to spend frivolously. I haven't been able to do that for a while. For the past 5 years, my income has barely covered my out-go.

My point there is to say it's not like I have first month, last month and deposit stuck away somewhere. And before I even need that, I have to pass a credit check. (Ha, with that 5 figured number that I still owe for my Master's Degree.)

So, here's the requirements (or wish list) for my next miracle: (1) house (not apartment, condo or townhouse),(2) pets ok, (can't get rid of Sammi--she's family), (3)no credit check, (4) water, sewage included, (5) close to where we are now (that's Zack's wish since his bff lives within bicycle distance) and (6) CHEAP. If you don't live on the west coast, you don't know just how expensive the cost of living is here. I'm now bringing home about $1800 a month. I'm praying for $900 a month or under for rent...that would be a miracle.

Parts of the miracle have begun already...my ex has volunteered to pay whatever it takes to get us into a place. How nice, you may be saying...and yes, I suppose it is...however, that means no child support payments for a few months because we would be getting it all in one lump sum for that time period. If that's what it takes, we'll manage that.

I'll keep you up to date with all the details. In the meantime...off to school!

Gangsta thief boy

Every morning I spend some time reading from the Bible and then writing in my journal. I don't write anything profound (maybe after I'm dead someone will think so)...just have always been the type of person who needs to talk things out and journaling lets me talk to myself. Anyway, I'm getting off track. A couple of days ago I was noticing that when I'm in "need" I seem to write more. Well, I think my writing is about to increase again.

Room-mate and I found each other on Craigslist. We were both single moms looking for a way to live in a house rather than an apartment. She has 2 boys (7 and 10), while I have Zack (14). She moved to this particular street because this is the street where her boys live with their dad and his 3rd wife and her 2 boys (4 and 6). Her ex is similar to mine in that he is very controlling and likes to wreak havoc whenever possible. The big difference is mine doesn't work and hers is an attorney. I don't know the whole story, but when she left, she was working nights so gave him custody until she could get "on her feet". The plan when she moved to our street was to share them half and half.

OK, enter my very normal 14 year old son. I'm a mom. I think I'm pretty realistic about behavior both good and bad. I know my son has a little of both. (Some days a LOT of one or the other.) But, all in all, he's a very good kid. He rolls his eyes on cue and even gets disrespectful at times...but never to the point of utter defiance. Anyway...that's the set up, here's the situation.

Room-mate's ex has told her that there is "no way in hell" she will get her kids more than once a week and every other weekend as long as that "juvenile delinquent" lives in her home. Now let me back that up with what he's seen.

Strike #1 Q, the then 9 year old son of Roomie, was hanging out playing x-box with Zack and 2 of his teenaged buddies. Someone didn't use their common sense and change the conversation while Q was in the room. Sometime during the game, making out was discussed. I'm sure the teens didn't think a thing about what they were saying...However her X (I will refer to him as X for the purpose of this story) was not impressed when Q explained to X the difference between kissing and making out. (Seems making out involves hands). Zack doesn't even remember having that conversation with his friends...and even if he did, would he admit that to his mom? However, when X asked where he learned that, Q said "Zack".

Strike #2 Zack went down the street to a public bb court which happens to be right across the street from Q and C's house. The boys came out to play bb with Zack. That led to riding their bikes around the house and "jumping" over obstacles in the woody area behind the house. Q said they should move one of the jumpy things to the front yard, but it was too big for him to carry alone. So Zack helped him move it. When they were done jumping Q suggested it should be put in the garage so Zack helped him move it in there. X finds it in the garage and knows it is not from their property, confronts Q and Q says "Zack wanted to bring it in here". Turns out, it belongs to the backyard neighbor. In Zack's defense...there are no fences and he didn't know where the property line was. Anyway, after that incident, Zack was now a sex crazed thief.

Strike #3 Zack had a horrible year in school last year. I think he was trying to show his dad just how low he could go. The big thing was his grades and lack of even trying...plus as all of his teachers stated more than once...he's very social. (In other words, wouldn't shut up long enough to do any work.) Anyway, towards the end of the year, we had a parent/teacher conference and I had a copy of the written comments (written by the highly medicated guidance counselor). All of the teachers had something good to say..."Zack's a great kid", "Zack's got such a winning personality", etc...but all he cared to write down was..."Can't get Zack to stay in his seat" "Zack talks constantly" and my favorite..."Zack is interrupting the educational progress of others" (This from a teacher who NEVER sent him from the room, NEVER gave a detention and called me ONCE to tell me that he was 'frontal hugging' girls). Anyway, this sheet somehow got mixed in Q's school papers. X found the paper, sent it back AFTER making copies for his file, and told room-mate that he questioned her parenting abilities since she felt no fear of having this "evil influence" over her two sons.

She talked to Zack, told him that he had to be on his best...couldn't give X any more fuel for his fire. Turns out Strike #4 happened while we were in the midst of moving. Zack wanted to paint "graffiti" on his bedroom wall, so I bought some spray paint and he and Q were out in the front yard practicing graffiti on some big paper we had. Turns out at that time Zack showed Q how to paint gang signs. Now, I'm going to guess that Zack doesn't know any gang signs...and he has a cool way he writes his name...so probably in trying to be a "big all-knowing man" in front of Q, he made up some. Well, turns out Q went home and decided to teach his younger brothers all about gang signs...That's all she wrote.

Room-mate told me Sunday night (through her 2nd bottle of wine tears) that her purpose in moving here was to get her boys every other week and now X is saying that as long as we live here with her, he is considering cutting out all visitation. He can't believe that even after he warned her, she continues living with and allowing her sons to be influenced by this "sex crazed, gangsta thief". I don't know that that's exactly what was said...but it comes down to this...now that we finally got all of our boxes unpacked...we have to move as soon as we can.

I have to get to work...still more on this story...will finish up tomorrow

A Teacher's Weekend

When I tell people I'm a teacher one of the most common responses is..."you're so lucky! You get weekends, holidays and summers off!" I wish some of those people could have spent this past weekend with me.

I spent 6 straight hours Saturday and at least 8 hours yesterday working on lesson plans...and those will get me through this week! I'm not complaining...just stating a fact. Granted, this year will contain a lot of those kind of weekends. The good news is, if I continue keeping things organized (if you know me, don't laugh)...all these lesson plans will be good for next year. (as long as I am teaching the same courses) I am saving them all in a notebook with sheet protectors so that I can use most of the same plans when I teach these classes again.

That's just part of being a teacher. You can't just read the history book and then stand in front of the class and tell them what you read. You have to present it in a way that will interest them, entertain them and let them actually have the opportunity to learn. That opportunity comes in the way of creative , hands-on lessons...activities that they can take part in and learn from what they are doing. If I can come up with something fun and entertaining, they don't even know they are learning.

I think that's a good way to explain how God teaches us. He's given us the Bible for guidance, then he gives us people to explain, teach, and share lessons in a creative and (often) entertaining way...but most importantly He gives us life experiences so that we can actually learn. What good would it be if we just heard the facts and they had no experience or activity to really take in the lesson?

I have to admit, there have been some lessons that I would have been happy to just suck into my brain without experiencing...but then I know I wouldn't have really learned the lesson. I've got another big one (life lesson) coming up...but will share the details of that in my next blog. Right now, I'm off to share some of my knowledge with 100 unsuspecting students.

Zack's birthday

How does it happen? It really doesn't seem like that long ago when I was working full time, going to college to get my master's degree full time, all the while raising a child. I was so lucky that my Mom and Dad were there during the hours I wasn't. I would get home in the evening and I would hear a loud squeal as I walked through their door. Zack would come running through the house screaming, "My Mommy's home! My Mommy's home!"

He turned 14 on Saturday. He doesn't run squealing when I come in the door anymore. Mostly, he spends a lot of times rolling his eyes at me and I can almost see him mentally turning off the volume when I begin nagging or lecturing. Our going to school together has been a good thing. I feel like we are communicating more. I also have gotten several compliments from him about being a good teacher. (That's huge coming from the kid who thought he would have to get into fights to defend me if kids said bad things about me...as if he KNEW that would happen.)

I will say...he's definitely a teenager...but he's also a very good kid. I've had several people lately tell me how nice it is to talk to a teenager and actually have him look them in the eye and carry on an actual adult conversation. I can't take all the credit. I have had lots of help along the way, but I have made a point of letting him know just how proud I am of him and how much I love the young man he is becoming.

Of course, watching him grow fills me with dread. Time goes so quickly. If he's actually 14 this quickly...how soon will he be going off to college? or getting married? or having children of his own? I can't think of all that right now...I'm too busy hearing him counting the days...

"Hey Mom, 362 days until I can start drivers ed.!"


AAUGH!!!!

First Week

I can't believe it's been so long since I blogged...time flies when you're having fun!

So, the first week is under my belt and today we begin week two. I am having a BLAST! I love being a teacher. I don't know if it's having a (truly) captive audience, holding all that power in my hot little hands, or just getting paid to talk all day. Just kidding! I love the kids. And I love seeing them get excited and having fun with Social Studies. I love to see them thinking.

I'm teaching a mix of ages. I have everyone but 8th graders in my classes. I must admit, the 7th graders scared me at first...that is my last class of the day and it includes 16 boys and 4 girls. I wouldn't want to teach middle school all the time, but (so far) they have been a lot of fun. My seniors barely fit in the desks and here are the 7th graders with their legs dangling. And turns out they are all drummers! (That's when I could really use a sedative.) They are constantly drumming or pecking something. It really gets maddening at times. I'm trying to quit smoking and by that time of the day the eyes are already starting to roll from the lack of nicotene...add to that 20 kids all drumming different beats...it's not pretty.

Zack is fitting in and has made new friends already. I keep hearing from his other teachers what a great kid he is. It was pretty weird that first day when he entered my classroom and sat down. Neither one of us really knew quite how to act. Every time I made a joke (which is quite often those first couple of days), he would cover his face with his hands. Must admit, that put me a little on edge...I think I'm pretty funny, for the most part. However, he did tell me later that he was covering his face to laugh...he got the jokes and didn't want everyone to think he was on crack. I think that was meant to be a compliment.

Speaking of crack...that's how the ice was broken in his class. I was asking geography trivia questions and one question was about "gauchos". No one knew the answer so I explained to them that gauchos are cowboys from Argentina. Then I added that they were also an 80's fashion that were not meant for short girls with big butts. When a teacher acknowledges that her posterior may be a little on the large side...students never really know how to react...so there were just questioning looks coming my way. Then I read the next question..."Where is the largest crack on earth, so large it can be seen from space?" I don't remember the answer, just know that at that point everyone started laughing out loud....augh, 9th grade humor!

Labor Day

Labor Day weekend was just that for me...labor. No, don't get excited, I didn't give birth to a baby. However, guess you could say I "gave birth" to a classroom.

Last week when I stepped into what was going to become my classroom, I was a little overwhelmed. It was a major job, but it got done. All the excess stuff has been moved out and the floors have been swept, desks set up, posters hung, and AV equipment all plugged in and ready to go. Thanks to Tom and Vi, who stopped in Saturday and Monday and spent several hours (both days) helping me out.

The finishing touches will be added today...the students. I'm excited about meeting them and getting to know them over the next few weeks. They probably aren't as excited as I am. They are excited about seeing their friends and making new friends...showing off their new school clothes...talking about their great summer vacations. You know, they are excited about the important stuff.

But, there is another important milestone taking place in my house today. My son is starting high school! I've been so caught up in getting the job and getting the room and lesson plans done, that I really haven't given that a lot of thought.

I remember the first day I got him ready for kindergarten...he was so excited. He had new clothes and a backpack that was almost as big as he was. He never cried, as a matter of fact, he couldn't wait for me to let go of his hand everyday. He would run into the classroom and never look back. I was the one who cried. I cried at kindergarten graduation (they looked SO cute in those little caps and gowns). I cried at 6th grade graduation. I also cried at 7th grade orientation. (jr. high seemed so daunting to me) And, ok, I'll admit it...I'm crying a little as I write this.

My baby is going to high school!

Miracle Month

I began this month declaring it a month of miracles and they have just kept coming.

During the last 5 years, God has never failed to take care of our needs. We didn't always have room for a lot of "wants"...but as I've said before, we've never been hungry or without a home and friends. And the giving continues.

I was a little concerned about the fact that September was going to be long month without a pay check. I was told yesterday that this school actually pays twice a month (very unusual for education). I will actually begin receiving pay on September 5th!

Teachers have to supply a lot of their own classroom supplies...that's why school needs lists have grown so much over the years. (Yeah, remember when we just had to show up with pencil and paper?) I knew I was coming in with a few supplies, but still had a lot of supplies that were needed. First, my friend Jimi, (boss at mortgage company) told me that she wanted to do something special for me for some extra work I did a few weekends ago. She told me to order some supplies from Office Express and those come in today. Then I came into a classroom with not one, but two, retired teachers' leftovers. Now, I had to throw away a lot...but ended up with staplers, tape, paper clips, colored paper, white paper, markers, pencils, pens, bulletin board supplies, etc. I looked around yesterday and realized that I really don't need anything else for a while.

Zack's laptop broke. It was pretty old, but I knew I wouldn't be able to replace it. Yesterday, room-mate told me that she has an account with Walmart-online that is empty and told me if I would like, I could order a laptop for Zack and make the payments (I can't get credit of any kind). So, Zack is getting a new laptop for his birthday! (14 on Sept. 8...that's another blog for another day)

OK, so the Red Sea hasn't parted...but I know those are miracles straight from God!

I can't tell you how I am truly feeling right now. This time of year has been very difficult for me for the last few years. I love teaching! It has been so tough to watch the school year start and know that I wasn't invited to the party. This year I am going to the party!

I have decided that this month of miracles has been so successful, I am going to extend it. (with God's help, of course) I am believing that September is going to be another month of miracles...I have a couple of friends with cancer...I'm looking for some big ones...but I have a GREAT BIG GOD!

Let the miracles continue!

I'm still here

Sorry all, I have been soooo busy! Obviously I had a lot more time on my hands at the mortgage company.

This week has been a whirlwind and will continue to be such. The school is in the last stages of renovation, so everything is a huge mess. I look at it and once again am amazed at the thought that it will be all done by Tuesday when the kids start filling up the hallways and the classrooms.
My room just happens to be the room where the construction workers store all of their supplies, so I haven't really been able to get up any bulletin boards or decorations yet. Also, the teacher who occupied the room previously must have left in a huge hurry. The desk and all the file cabinets were completely full of stuff. Then another teacher who was retiring had all of his stuff "shipped" to my room...desk, files and about 20 boxes of miscellaneous books. He too, must have left in a hurry because his desk and file cabinets were completely full too. So, I spent Monday and Tuesday hauling trash. Tuesday afternoon I actually got a couple of hours to start filling up my desk and file cabinets and got a dolly and started hauling stuff up and out of there. I have been working hard.

Then I come home in the afternoons and continue working on lesson plans. Since I am teaching 4 different subjects (8th grade US History, 11th grade US History, 9th grade Geography and 12th grade Contemporary World Issues) I have a lot of planning to do. I want to get far enough ahead that I don't feel constantly overwhelmed. The good news is, once I get the original plans done they are good for years to come....just have to tweak a few things here and there.

I wish I could explain to you how much fun I am having. It's hard work and I'm definitely tired when my head hits the pillow...but it's SO MUCH BETTER knowing that I'm where I want to be and doing something that I know I love and am really good at. (I would want me for a teacher anyway.)

Hang in there. My posts may not be as frequent for a while...but I'll get back to it on a regular basis as soon as possible.

Perfect Ending

On the day I began working here (at the mortgage office), my friend Jimi (owner) gave me a gift. It's "Bedside Blessings" by Charles Swindoll. I never took it home. I just left it here and each morning I made coffee, changed my calendar page and read the daily message. So many days the message has been exactly what I needed to read that day. (Isn't God great?!)

Today is my last day here. Here is a piece of today's reading: "(God promises us hope.) So if you want to smile through your tears, if you want to rejoice through times of suffering, just keep reminding yourself that, as a Christian, what you're going through isn't the end of the story...it's simply the rough journey that leads to the right destination."

How very true! These past years I had that hope to hold on to. I got depressed and discouraged and enraged and sad...yet I always believed that God had a destination for me and I just had to keep believing in what He has promised. That's what made me hold on to my sanity, knowing that God has a plan. (thus the title of my blog)

I'm not "there" yet. I know that. I am going into a new phase of life with my new teaching job...but I'm still a progress in work. (some days not much "work" gets done)

This life is still in the planning stages.

Being Significant

I'm going to blow off a little steam here...but it's another good life lesson. (Sorry it's long.)

I took the day off yesterday. As excited as I am about my upcoming teaching job, I know that there will be no more days off for quite a while. Oh sure, there are the weekends...but those don't always count as there is house cleaning, laundry, errands, shopping, and until the year gets really going...lesson plans, grading papers, reading, etc. So, I just wanted a day to do whatever I wanted to do. The first goal was to sleep in. I haven't laid in bed past 8 am for so long...just wanted to lay there for awhile.

However, since I told room-mate and her boyfriend about my day off plans as they were opening their second bottle of wine, I guess they didn't hear me. At 7:30 am room-mate knocked on my door...afraid I had slept in. I probably could have gone back to sleep, but Sammi (our dog) was up then and obviously needed a desparate run to the back yard. I'll admit, I stood there wondering why I told two adult people that I would be sleeping in...and wasn't heard.

Then I went to get my hair cut. It was way past time. I'm seriously NOT kidding about the chia pet thing...it was a mess. Hair cuts never cease to be traumatic experiences and again, it happened. I went to the local hair academy. They are inexpensive and the young stylists still seem to care about doing things correctly. Well, I explained what I wanted (she didn't even know what I meant by "shag...not mullet".) Anyway, the instructor came over and brought several students to see my head. She wanted them to see the example of several types of hair on one head. Then, even though I stated SEVERAL times that I didn't want it too short, but I wanted to have a nice style to it...they proceeded to cut. They cut it dry and as they kept clipping I kept saying, "don't forget...it shrinks another half inch or so"....I almost laughed when the instructor said, "wow, look how much it shrinks" as they were washing it out. Needless to say, I'm pretending to LOVE my hair...but...again left wondering, "why don't they ever hear what I want?"

This morning iced the cake. I realize that I only have 2 more days here...but while I was gone yesterday, someone TOTALLY rearranged my desk. They took my calendar and pictures and stuck them in a drawer....put everything in different places...ate my wheat things...I'M NOT GONE YET PEOPLE!

I had an eye-opening moment during the first year I was a teacher. I had asked the students to answer some "get to know you" questions. One question was: If you had 3 wishes, what would they be?" As I was reading their responses I came upon one that made me cry. George was a tall, lanky boy with very long black hair. He didn't have a lot of friends and early in the semester my impression was that he was not thrilled about being at school...or anywhere for that matter. His first 2 responses were pretty normal for a 9th grader...#1 to be an NBA star, #2 to own a car...but #3 made a lasting impression...he wrote..."I wish that I was not insignificant."

That moment (ok, after a few minutes of sobbing)...I decided that never would one of my students feel insignificant as long as they were in my classroom. I don't know if George realized this or not...but for the next 3 years everytime I saw him I would call out a hello or stop him to ask how he was. It was almost funny because sometimes he would appear to be annoyed that I was stopping him in the hallway to talk to him. I have tried to apply this to my everyday life too. I want people I come in contact with to feel like I hear them and I care about what is going on with them.

I am so lucky to know that I am significant to God...even when I don't feel like anyone else is listening. I know that He listens to me each and every day and He cares about what I am saying.

Make sure those around you know that they are significant!

Went Camping

I didn't grow up in a camping family. As a matter of fact, the first time that I went camping with my family, I was 16 years old. We went for 1 week that year and 2 weeks the 2nd year. The first year we were in tents, the 2nd my parents had found a used camper. It's amazing after those two summers that I ever wanted to go again. My mother made camping more work than staying at home and doing spring cleaning. First there were the meals...breakfast was never cereal or a doughnut (I'm obviously not health conscious.) My mother would fry eggs and bacon, make pancakes or french toast...never using paper plates. It took an hour to make breakfast and at least an hour to clean up. We would get done just in time to start on lunch. Supper would roll around and again, no hot dogs on a stick...instead we had spaghetti, or some other NON-CAMP-TYPE meal. Then there was the condition of the tent (or camper). Everything had to be folded neatly and put in a specific place...well, I think you get the idea. Not much time left over for fun.

While in college I decided to become a camp counselor during the summers. I did this for 8 years. The last camp I worked in was the one that really brought about my love for camping and the outdoors. I worked at a wilderness camp in Northern Ontario. The kids were usually sent by the courts and were there for the entire summer. We would bring a bus up to a small fishing village (Missanabie, Ontario) and canoe nine miles across Dog Lake to our camp. We usually didn't see any other humans until the end of the summer. There was no electricity, running water meant running to the lake and running back. We took showers in home made showers right outside our cabin. You would wash with one hand and bat mosquitoes with the other. As rough as it was, I fell in love with the woods.

When Zack and I started travelling back and forth between South Carolina and Washington, we camped all the way across the US and back again--three times. We found KOA our first summer and did most of our camping at KOA's--mostly because being a single mom with her small son, I felt safer there. We have had some of our BEST times together at a campground.

I am a simple camper. I don't need a camper, I enjoy the tent...though as I get older I find I need something more than a sleeping bag between me and the ground. I don't cook gourmet foods...we do hot dogs on a stick, or our campfire pizzas (made in our campfire sandwich irons). I love sitting around the fire at night, telling stories, roasting marshmallows, laughing, crying, just relaxing. I like to take walks (notice I did not say hikes), I like smelling the woods, hearing the sounds in the woods, (unless it's a deep growl). The whole thing really relaxes me and gives me the feeling of a closeness to God that I find hard to describe.

This weekend I decided 2 things...I love my friends, but I really find more peace when I camp alone with Zack and #2...never again will I go camping with a 4 year old. Need I say more?

Going camping

I won't be around for a couple of days...we're going camping. We're not really roughing it this time (though I do love the real kind of camping). We're going to a KOA and sleeping in a cabin. Here in the Pacific Northwest, you're never really sure what the weather will be like...we decided not to take the chance this time.

Yesterday I went to the school and picked up some books so that I can start working on lesson plans. If you have never been inside a school during the summer, you shouldn't. There is some major "fixing up" going on at our school this summer. As I walked through the halls and looked around I couldn't imagine that the work will actually be done in 3 weeks...but I know it will. I got to see my classroom. The walls are empty and waiting for my maps and posters...student work, etc. It's an exciting work in progress.

I will be teaching 9th graders (a quarter of Pac.Northwest Hist, a quarter of Geography), 11th graders--US History, 7th graders, US History (I think), and 12th graders--Current World Problems. Second semester I will trade the 9th graders for 12th graders and will teach 12th graders--Civics. Some of you are yawning...I am THRILLED.

OK, still have to pack some clothes and grab the making for s'mores. Have a great weekend!

The Countdown

Twelve days until I start being a teacher again. Hallelujah! and pass the biscuits! (That's something my Grandma used to say everytime something good happened.)

I have 6 actual days left here at the mortgage office. It would be 7, but a camping trip has already been planned for this coming weekend. Anyway, it appears that they are going to be 6 VERY LONG DAYS. I'm not complaining...ok, yes I am...but the last two days it has been like a day-care here. I'm all for "bring your kid to work day"...but enough is enough already! The boss (my good friend) has a 13 year old daughter that has been working here all summer. We get along well. She helps me out (not that I have that much to do)...but she has helped with a couple of big things we have done this summer. She also has an "unrequited" crush on my son and has to talk about that at least a couple of times a day. There's another loan officer that brings her 10 year old daughter...so I have 2 of them standing around my desk bickering at each other. (the older can't take too much of the younger just following her around) Then there's the wife of another LO who comes in once in a while. She's been here twice today ( just walked in the door as I'm writing this) . She has one in a stroller and a 4 year old boy. He has the loudest voice I have ever heard come such a little kid. (He also has BIG, GEORGOUS eyes and his name is Romeo.) But I'm grouchy right now, so that's beside the point.

On top of the kiddie factor today, "EX" has had to call me 20 plus times. (He doesn't understand what it means to actually work for a living.) There was the argument about Zack's haircut for school (he wants shorter, I want to find a balance we can all--including Zack, be happy with), then there was the argument about whether or not Zack would come home tonight...and on, and on, and on...the man needs a life. Oh, then he called to get a copy of the our divorce. We got that 4 years ago...WHY would he think I had a copy of it with me at work???? (The crazy thing is, I actually did.) I told him he had a copy, but he insisited that he didn't. I know he does. After he finally got the fax (which he called about another 13 times) he called me again to tell me he already has that paperwork. Duh, Really? Mr. Smart guy didn't know that a "dissolution of marriage" is the same as a divorce. (No wonder we're divorced.)

Don't people understand that I am trying to read blogs!!!! I can't concentrate!

Uh, oh, gotta go...my boss just IM'd me and asked if I could quiet the kids down. (Are you kidding me?)

Month of Miracles

I just got off the phone with the principal of the high school where I'm supposed to have an interview tomorrow morning...I had to tell them I wouldn't be there because: I GOT THE JOB!!!!

I will be teaching Social Studies (of all kinds, it seems) at North Sound Christian High School! I just found out at 8:00 am and I am still floating! Thanks to all of you for your prayers and kind thoughts. This has seriously been a long time coming.

Learning is never easy. It's sometimes downright scary. I have been learning my whole life, but seems like God wanted to teach me some particular lessons these past 5 years. The biggest lesson of all is to TRUST HIM...believe that He has a plan and it is my privilege to follow that plan...even when I don't feel like it's going the way I want it to. These past few years when school started and I wasn't teaching, my heart broke each year. Yet, I kept believing (or at least trying hard to) that God had a plan and I just had to be patient and keep praying. If I had taken one of those other jobs, I wouldn't be where I am going to be...in a Christian school with smaller classes, a great supportive staff, and the ability to share my faith. It's also an opportunity for Zack because he will attend school there. I know he will have a much better education because a private school can afford that.

There have been so many more lessons along the way...and many more to come. I thank God for His faithfulness and for the support, love and prayers of my friends and family.

I told you August was going to be a Month of Miracles...can't wait to see what happens next!

Woo Hoo

No, don't get excited...I didn't get the job...YET! I'm "woo hoo"-ing about the "miraculous month of August"!

So, had pre-interview yesterday. It went well. I had actually applied for this same job three years ago. As we were talking, the principal said that he really wanted whomever he hired to have an understanding of the job (it's activities coordinator--Student Body or Council Advisor). He said that they had had to fill it every year for the last three years. Well, I looked at him with a straight face and said, "If you had hired me when I interviewed for it 3 years ago, I'd still be here and you wouldn't have to be having this head-ache." (For those of you who don't know me, I have a sense of humor and I use it everywhere I go.) He busted out laughing and said, "I knew you looked familiar."

He called again this morning for interview #2...#2 happens with students. I will meet with them on Tuesday (the 14th).

Bad news--this is NOT a full time job. It is a little more than half -time, enough to get benefits, BUT it's a foot in the door. Still not my first choice.

SO THAT BRINGS ME TO MIRACLE #4...North Sound Christian School called today. They would like me to come in for an interview on Monday (the 13th). THIS is my first choice. It is full time. Small classes. Great atmosphere! And Zack would go there FREE! He could really use the structure of a private school.

If you've just started reading this blog...I actually had my first interview with this school in APRIL. Then 2 weeks after my interview, the principal left the school. So, had my 2nd interview at the end of May with an interim principal. I was the only one who had applied for the job so he said he felt he should interview more people. (ok, that's understandable). Anyway, then I heard that he wasn't going to be principal and so they had to interview and hire a principal before they could hire teachers...etc.etc.etc. Well, he is the principal after all and I had about given up on this job. I call at least once a week and the secretary wants to hire me just so I'll quit calling her.

I'M FEELING IT PEOPLE! I AM GOING TO BE A TEACHER (again)!

WOO HOO!

They've Begun

I have to make this quick, have to leave for a "pre-interview" in 10 minutes.

So, the "miracles" have begun.

#1--Aunt and Uncle coming in from NC, on their way to Victoria, BC...stopping here for the night...hmmm, what to do for feeding them on a VERY tight budget. Got an e-mail from Uncle yesterday, "Don't plan anything for dinner, we want to take you and Zack out...our treat."

#2--Very tight budget anyway...and payday still 7 days away...got a birthday gift yesterday. Nice journal, dishtowel (running joke), and my very own CHIA-LIKE PET...PLUS c-a-s-h...enough to get us through the week. (Thanks T&V, for letting God use you the way He does.)

#3--Pre-interview (Does that mean, 'let us get a look and if we like what we see, we'll REALLY interview you'?) Call came in yesterday, responded today, he asked if I could come in this morning. HEY! IT's a start!

I told you this would be a month of miracles...I'm believing!

Just Believe

"Faith is just believing what God says He will do. He will never fail us, His promises are true." These are the words to a song I used to sing at church when I was a little girl. Faith always seemed such an easy thing as a child. If I lost a tooth, I never went to bed worried that the Tooth Fairy would forget about me. I never doubted that Santa Claus would show up sometime after I went to bed on Christmas Eve. I never wondered whether or not there would be a meal on the table when dinner time rolled around. I KNEW these things would happen.

When did I grow out of that? Why is it that after a LIFETIME of God always coming through for me, I still have to work hard at believing? It doesn't just come naturally anymore. He has proven Himself to me in so many ways over the years. There were times that I seriously didn't know where our food and gas would come from for the rest of the week. Miraculously...there was always a gift from someone...or a check would come through that I didn't know I was going to get. Some would call that coincidence, but I have always known when it was from God.

This month I am going to try to be childlike when it comes to faith again. I'm just believing! I have a little sign on my bathroom mirror that says, "Just Believe"...that is exactly what I'm going to do.

Hmmmmm...in the process of writing this blog, I checked phone messages at home...a principal called to see if I was still interested in a position at his high school. It's not one I have interviewed for yet...so it will at least be an interview.

JUST BELIEVE!!!

A month for a MIRACLE

I am expecting a miracle. This month I AM going to find out I have a teaching job. Now, to some, that may not seem such a miracle. If you have known me for the last 5 years... you know it would be a HUGE miracle!

Between the ages of 21-38, I was a social worker/counselor. I worked in adolescent treatment centers, camps, DCFS and a child abuse prevention agency. I enjoyed all of the jobs that I did. When Zack came along, I actually worked for the first 6 months, but suddenly discovered that I really just wanted to be home with my baby. I quit my job and three weeks later my "ex" decided he didn't want to be married anymore. He moved out and there I was without a job.

That turned into a good thing. (in more ways than ten) I knew I needed to go back to school for a master's degree and went to the local college to check out social work programs. It turns out, the nearest SW Master's program was 90 miles away. I would have to commute! Then some sweet lady who was standing there asked if I liked working with kids so much, had I ever given any thought to being a teacher? Turns out, I actually started out in elementary education but after my first education class (after being forced to make a "Haiku" bulletin board)...I decided that I really didn't want to do that forever. Anyway, at this lady's suggestion, I checked the MAT (Master's in the Art of Teaching High School Social Studies) and realized that in 2-3 years I could have a teaching degree. So, I signed up that day...I figured I could quit after the first semester if I really didn't like it.

Turns out, I LOVED IT! During my second year, I met an assistant principal and she asked me if I would like to be a substitute teacher. I ended up doing a long term sub position (3 semesters), did my student teaching, and got my first contract at her school. After getting my degree, I was at Stratford for 3 years before deciding to move to Washington.

I never even imagined that I wouldn't be able to get a teaching position. There are teacher shortages all over the United States...apparently, NOT in Washington. Oh, they need Science and Math...but hey, any COACH can teach a Social Studies class. (LOL) Just kidding coaches. I'm not really sure what is happening, but around here, there are very few SS openings and I very rarely get called even for an interview. Since moving here I have interviewed less than 10 times (for teaching positions). I actually got one job, but it was non-continuing and did another long-term sub position from Sept. to Feb. of this last school year.

This year, I want a permanent...no more searching, no more interviewing, no more waiting for the phone to ring...teaching job. I want next summer off. Zack is getting older, but not yet old enough to be on his own. I want to be able to be home with him. I want to travel. I want to NOT be sitting in an office doing a job I just really don't like doing.

I want to be a teacher! So, join in with me this month...I have faith and believe that the MIRACLE is going to happen!

Birthdays

Tomorrow I will be 52 years old...and I don't care what Oprah says...50 is NOT the new 30's! Maybe if you have a personal trainer, a bazillion dollars, 3 houses, a personal chef...etc.etc.etc. (I AM not jealous.) As of this minute, there are no big celebrations planned. I will most likely spend the day de-boxing. (that is what one does after one moves from one house to another) However, in thinking about birthdays, I began thinking of some that will "always be remembered".

BD #9--Mom got up early and baked me a beautiful birthday cake, then proceeded to go into labor and at 10:00 PM had the audacity to give birth to a BROTHER! (I distinctly asked for a little sister!) McDonald's wasn't around back then, so if I remember right, whoever was babysitting fixed PB&J for my BD dinner and I didn't want to eat the cake until Mom and Dad were there. Eddie turned out to be one of the BEST birthday gifts ever!

BD #16--Mom decided to have a SURPRISE party for me. It was really more of a SHOCK! Mom (love her anyway) always thought I could "do better"...choice of friends, clothes, jobs, etc.etc.etc. So, instead of inviting just my friends or asking them who she should invite...she went through my HS yearbook and picked out people that she thought looked like people I should be friends with. The crazy thing is that they actually came. To this day, I'm still not sure why...curiousity? end of summer and in need of a good party? boredom? Anyway, there they were when I walked in...people I went to school with, yet didn't know. Preps, nerds, jocks, "hoods"...she had chosen from just about every category. I don't know what they came expecting...but I'm sure it WASN'T actually playing "pin the tail", musical chairs, Twister, and a number of other 'party' games. Oh, forgot to mention, there were about ten 7 year olds there too...all running around like banchees. I was totally humiliated...as only a 16 year old can be. The funny thing is, even now at HS reunions, people will come up to me and say "remember your bd party?" They seem to remember it fondly, and I have to give Mom credit for trying.

BD #18--I was packing for college. Didn't even have a clue how wonderful the next four years would prove to be.

BD#20--I was a camp counselor and very naive and innocent (really, I was). We all had to do laundry together at a laundromat on the weekends. I always went to the far side of the laundromat because I didn't want the male counselors seeing my "undergarments" (I dressed in a closet all 4 years of college.) Anyway, right at the end of laundry night, the guys came in dressed in dark suits and carrying violin cases...they stuck a pillowcase over my head and "kidnapped" me. (If that kind of thing happened today, someone would call a SWAT team to rescue me, but back then you could get away with fun stuff like that.) They all (all the camp staff) took me out for a great bd pizza and then we went back to camp where the kitchen staff had baked a great bd cake. Then I got gifts...everyone on staff had bought me the wildest pair of bikini underpants they could find...I was totally embarrassed...but we all had a great time.

BD#21--Was in Florida with my Mom and 3 friends...note to readers...DON'T travel with Mom and 3 friends...doesn't always work out well. On this particular day we went to Disney World. Mom slapped a rude lady while we were having lunch in the Main Snack Bar. I should clarify, she didn't just slap her...she slapped in rythm as she shouted out, "You are rude and Un-American!" We spent the rest of the day waiting to be arrested and/or thrown out of Disney. Later in the evening (much later) Mom abandoned me and my friends at a truck stop we had stopped at for supper. (She had finally had enough of my friend Brenda correcting everyone.) She did come back, after about 2 hours, during which we were all counting our money and trying to figure out how in God's name we would get back to Ohio. None of us felt it would be safe to hitchhike.

BD#27--I was working at a camp in Northern Ontario. My girls and I had spent the day cutting trail through Canadian wilderness. As adventurous as this sounds...it really wasn't fun...it was hard labor with machetes and mosquitoes big enough to carry you away. On the 2 mile hike back to our campsite, I was feeling that I could not take another step. Then we got between a mama bear and her cubs...she chased us for about 1/2 a mile and I found the energy to make my feet move!

BD#28 & 29--I don't remember specifics, but was in the Dominican Republic and know that they were spent with wonderful friends...eating and dancing.

BD#30--Spent the day with good friends...still in the Dom. Rep. Had lost Eddie (my 9th BD gift) to suicide just five months before so didn't feel like a celebration since it would have been his 21st birthday. However, felt loved and secure and cared about all day!

Since 30, I'm sure I've had some good and some bad birthdays...nothing sticks out in my head right now...last year I took Zack to Applebee's for my birthday dinner and he snuck away and told the waitress it was my birthday. She brought balloons and free dessert (most of which he ate)...but I loved that he thought of that.

Anyway, it's been a good 52 years...with some bad thrown in here and there for growth. I am looking forward to what this next year brings.

Happy Birthday to me!

Stuck between a rock and a hard place

As a Christian, I'm supposed to love and pray for my "enemies". My home group has been doing a study on forgiveness and one of the most difficult things I read from the book is that we should actually be praying for blessings in their lives!

My "ex" is on my 'enemy' list today (as well as many other days). He is a hard-hearted, self-centered, controlling...well, I think you get the drift. I can forgive him for the things he has done to me, but it is very hard to forgive him for what he does to our son.

Zack is a month away from turning 14. He called me today in tears. He is at his Dad's house for the week (as is stated in our court ordered parenting plan). His Dad constantly belittles him, calls him names, makes him work constantly and then makes him do it over because he doesn't do it right the first time. Zack isn't allowed to spend any time alone in his room (except when he's sleeping). He's not really allowed to do what he wants to do. I'm not kidding when I say "ex" is a control freak. Today when he called, his Dad had just left and had given Zack a list of chores to do. Zack told me he "really can't take it anymore".

This isn't just an adolescent not getting his way. "Ex" treats his son the same as he did his wife and several ex-girlfriends. He does everything in his power to take away your self-confidence and self-worth. You begin believing you aren't good enough for anyone or anything. You're as stupid as he says you are. Now he's doing the same thing to his own son. I don't know what to do. I can go to court and try to get the parenting plan changed, but I know how courts are with adolescents (past experience as DCFS social worker)...emotional abuse leaves no bruises. Courts won't change parenting plans without bruises.

I could pack up the car and Zack and head for the East Coast...but that would take money and I would be in contempt of court and Zack doesn't want to leave the area...he just doesn't want to be around his dad.

I'm sitting here with a sick stomach...praying to God for answers...trying to pray that God will somehow soften "ex's" heart so that he will at least be able to love his son.

Keep Zack in your prayers.

Chia Pet

Just a warning...after reading this post, you will be singing the "ch-ch-ch-chia" jingle ALL DAY LONG! Don't hate me cuz I'm beautiful.

My hair has been the bane of my existence. I was born with natural curly hair (and I swear I'll growl at the first one who tells me how "lucky" I am). My mother loved the curls and wanted it even curlier...so I remember her putting my hair up in bobby pin curls at night...tight little curls, bobby pins criss-crossed and stuck into my poor, tender scalp I would wake up with scabs where the pins actually stuck in my head...(ok, don't call DCFS...I may be stretching it a little, the bobby pins usually had little rubber tips so that they didn't really stick into my head). She also used rag curls...actual pieces of cloth wrapped up and tied in my hair. Untying them invariably meant pulling out a lot of hair. And of course, I ALWAYS had to eat the crust of my bread because someone told my mom that crust makes your hair curlier. (My mother also thought you could get VD from door knobs.)

As I grew older it got worse for me...I grew up in the 60's and 70's...long, straight, parted in the middle, hair was what ALL the girls wore...well, obviously not all the girls. While most of my friends had hair like Cher, I looked more like Angela Davis (an African American militant). Oh, I tried...juice cans as rollers (which, by the way, was MUCH more uncomfortable than the bobby pins), Dippity-Doo slathered onto my head and my hair wrapped very tightly around my head and taped or pinned down...of course, then I had to sleep with my head actually hanging off of the side of the bed so as not to mess up the "doo" job. I would wake up to straight hair. That would last all of about 30 seconds once I walked outside...maybe if I had grown up close to a very dry desert.

Oh, and I forgot to mention, it's not just curly...right above my temples is what I call my "birthmark"...surely somewhere in my family tree, there actually is some type of ethnic blood...tight, frizzy, coarse hair...different in texture than the rest of my head.

And now, I have the head of a Chia pet. My hair doesn't grow longer, it just grows bushier. When I get hot and actually sweat (as I did while moving this weekend), you can actually see it shrinking up off of my collar and growing rounder and rounder.

I am a walking, breathing, Chia pet...ch-ch-ch-chia!

The Age of Reality

This blog is NOT about reality tv (though I am an addict and could surely blog about it). This blog is about a point in life where we actually face the reality of our age.

I have a birthday coming up (in 6 days actually) and according to my mother and my birth certificate, I will be 52 years old. In my mind, I am no more than 32. At least, that's what my mind thought until this last weekend.

As you already know if you keep up with my blogs, we moved this past weekend. I really haven't physically worked that hard in a very long time. First there was the wallpaper...don't even get me started. Then the painting, which after 2 coats turned out very nicely...even Zack's "graffiti" wall. Packing is really not very strenuous. I spent one whole day unpacking and repacking my boxes so as to deplete the number. I did do that...but obviously not enough. I was up at 7:00 am Saturday morning (after going to bed at 1:30 am). I finished up some packing that still needed done. Our 'helpers' (THANK YOU!) came at 9:00 am to help with the big stuff. They were gone by noon...I didn't finish hauling boxes until 2:00 AM! HOW DO TWO PEOPLE ACCUMULATE THAT MUCH STUFF!!!!!?

So, what does this have to do with the reality of age? My body is sore from the lifting and bending and climbing...but it would be sore even if I were 32. The reality of my age starts as soon as my body quits
moving. The last 2 nights I have almost overdosed on Ibuprofen. As soon as I lay down and get relaxed...the aching begins. It's like a toothache from the waist down. And lucky me, I wake up about every 10 minutes just to realize that, 'yep, it still hurts'. This morning at 3:00 am I woke up, took a couple more Ibuprofen and spent about 20 minutes walking and rubbing my legs. I'm not getting charley horses (thank goodness)...but just a horrible, constant aching. I didn't "pull" anything...it's not a particular muscle...it's the whole thing...even my shins ached!

This, my friend, is age...the aging process...getting older...looking at life from the downhill side...heading into the horizon...(don't worry I'm not 'running to the light' yet)...the reality of age.

Role Models

OK, before you read on, understand that I GET EMOTIONALLY INVOLVED...not just in the lives of my friends and family...but in fictional characters, celebrities, politicians and often just random 'people on the streets'. This probably could have been nipped in the bud early on...but my parents thought it was cute.

When I was around 3 years old, my mother heard me crying one day and came into the living room to find out what was wrong. I looked up at her with tear-stained cheeks and said, "Mommy, can Casper come live with us? He doesn't have any friends and I love him." (AKA--Casper the Friendly Ghost) I'm sure at that point that Mom tried to explain the difference between reality and fiction...but somehow I never got it.

Right now I am angry, sad, heartsick and want to hop in my car and head off to Hollywood. Why have we let these beautiful talented CHILDREN become crazy, raving, drunken, drugged lunatics?!!? Why has no one sent undercover cops along behind them to close down some of the clubs they frequent...I know that Lindsay and Brittney are "of age" now...but they weren't when this all started. It was going on back when Drew Barrymore was a little girl. Where is the law? Where are their parents? Why are we as a public "devouring" all the press and publicity and yet not CRYING OUT in RAGE!!!???!!! Where are all those people who are so obsessively worried about polar bears and trees? Why aren't they as worried about our children?

I've seen the little first and second grade girls walking around looking like Britt and Fergie (the singer, not the former princess)...why do moms think that is cute OR appropriate?

Why are children allowed on the computer at all hours of the day? (I'm smacking my own hand on that one...I do try to check on where he is and what he's doing...but MUST begin limiting time spent on the machine.)

Why are we allowing professional athletes to continue playing when they've been arrested for DUI's, public intoxication, drug possession, etc? Do we really have no other alternatives? Is having a winning team all that important? especially when it is affecting our kids?

We give them excuse after excuse after excuse ... ADHD, ADD, etc. etc. etc. (I am NOT saying that doesn't exist...I just think we hand out labels and medication much too quickly.)

Let's rise up and set some standards. Let's find some political role models who don't think it's really ok to cheat on your wife, or lie or steal. Let's find some sports figures who believe in practice and exercise and taking care of the talented bodies they have. Let's find some entertainers who don't need to be drunk or on something to have a good time. Let's let our kids know that they can have a good time WITHOUT anything more than a good slice of pizza and an icy Coke.

Let's get our families back to church and let our kids know the stories of Jesus.

Let's find some new role models!

Wallpaper

So, someone said, "wouldn't it be nice to have to have lovely patterns all over the wall?...maybe some nice mallard ducks" and they invented wallpaper. I want to hurt that person.

The big move is coming. The upstairs of the house (Carol and her boys' rooms, living room, dining room) have all had fresh coats of paint, new carpet, hard wood floors will be in in the next couple of weeks, etc. Zack and I have 2 large rooms in the basement and Carol said we could use whatever left over paint there might be (there's plenty), but she wanted the wall paper to come down first. No problem! She gave me a jug of DIF...wipe it on and peel it off...'you can have it all down in 2 hours'. Well, I DIF-ed and peeled and pulled and scraped for about 8 hours Saturday...2 walls done...2 to go. (My room is going to be painted-over wallpaper...not even gonna go there again.) At about HOUR 4, when I was thinking Zack really could have lived with Noah's Ark, I started praying for a better attitude. I continued praying and thinking as I worked and of course, there really is another life lesson here. (Probably several.)

Thank God for His patience and kindness. Humans come 'wallpapered'...maybe not mallard ducks, maybe gossip or gambling or lying, cheating, stealing...you get where I'm going. I'm sure I have several layers. But God doesn't look at me and say 'just paint over it'...he puts on the goop and starts peeling, and peeling, and peeling, and ... I'm sure you get the point. It's not easy...sometimes the peeling hurts...we don't want to let go of some of our "stuff". Again, God doesn't give up on us. He can see what the final product is going to be. He sees the beauty behind all the years of layering.

Construction

Ok, if you don't know it by now, I can be a negative thinker. Example: My glass is half empty...that's the first thing I notice. I start to take a drink and think, 'wait a minute, I'm supposed to think the glass is half full...not empty'...so I correct myself and am very thankful for what I've just had to drink. Whether it was half full or half empty, the contents were what I needed to quench my thirst. Hmmmmmm.

So, what does that have to do with construction? A few months ago, a small plot of land (across the street from our house) that was covered with weeds and bushes started getting cleared. This did not appear to be a large area, and I couldn't imagine what was going to be built there. Then the construction started. The whole time it's been going up I've watched the progress with wonder and amazement. When it was just a frame, I couldn't see nor make any sense of what the final outcome would be. Well, it turned into a very large, magnificent house. It's really beautiful and again, I remember back to when I wondered what could go on that little plot of land (obviously not as little as I thought).

The point of this illustration? My life is like a construction site...sometimes nothing seems to be fitting where it should...sometimes I look around me and can't figure out what in the world the finished product is going to be.

But, I know the Master Carpenter. He hasn't built a bad house yet. He knows what He is doing. I have to trust Him and follow His directions.

Brings to mind a very old song called "Kids Under Construction"...the only line I can remember from the whole song is "God isn't done with me yet".

Ok God...keep building.

Change

I have never really liked change. Sometimes it feels like everything is changing around me, whether I like it or not.

We're in the midst of moving. My room-mate bought the house next door. So, we aren't moving too far...but it doesn't matter, all the boxes STILL have to be packed and moved. Both houses have to be cleaned, the new one has to be painted amongst other MAJOR repairs that she and her boyfriend are doing.

She's in charge of the new house, I'm in charge of the old house. So, these past couple of days I have been going through boxes that have been sitting in the garage for over a year...trying to deplete them as much as possible. If it's been there a year without use, how important could it be.

So, I'm seeing pictures of Zack as a little boy, and reading cards he wrote to me, papers he did in school...he was so sweet and innocent. In the midst of that sorting I get a call from his Dad. He had just checked Zack's text messages and wanted to read one that he had found that Zack was sending to a girl. OUCH! I wouldn't dream of repeating what it said, needless to say, it was really disappointing. I am not naive. I know what all the other kids are doing. OK, so I am naive...I don't want to believe that my baby talks that way.

He lost his phone privileges for a week (at least) and he and I had a long conversation on the phone. He has also lost some trust and that takes awhile to build back up. I don't want that innocent little boy (the one in the photographs) to be like everyone else.

Being a parent is hard. I don't like change.

Harry Potter

Call me crazy! Tuesday night I picked Zack up (from his Dad's house) and we went to the nearby theater to stand in line 2 hours so we would have good seats for the 12:05 AM showing of the latest "Harry Potter" movie. We have gone to the opening day of the movie since they began 4 years ago. I finally got home at about 3:00 AM and had to get up and come to work yesterday morning...needless to say I was tired and groggy most of yesterday.

The movie was GREAT! I love the "Harry Potter" series...can't wait until the last book comes out next week. Someone commented to me about my enthusiasm over something so "un-Christian". I've heard the arguments and debates, but I honestly think that those who argue against it haven't read the books.

Yes, Harry is a "warlock" and yes, the story is about witches and ghouls and goblins...but come on people, IT IS FICTION. And it's about so much more: good vs. evil, prejudice and tolerance, the importance of friends and love...it's about a boy, who after years of feeling unloved and unimportant, suddenly finds that he has "gifts" and that he is special. I'm excited to get the next book, but disappointed because it is probably the end of the series. I know it will be a group of books (and movies) that I will re-read and re-watch for many years to come.

I was reading a blog the other day written by a mother who had to explain to her 8 year old daughter that Hogwarts is pretend. The daughter was so disappointed because she had been hoping to talk her mom into letting her go to school there. I know just how she feels...I want to be a teacher there!

I did a bad thing yesterday. I was thinking negative thoughts. Once I get started, they breed. Maybe it was because it was Monday, maybe because I had a rough weekend...I don't know why, but it grew after I blogged my "pet peeves". I couldn't get my mind off of them...the list kept growing and growing. I finally realized how bad it had gotten when I began wondering how much damage a walker would do to my car if I ran over it (had to do with my pet peeve of people who start walking in the cross walk RIGHT before the light changes).

OK, I really wasn't thinking about running over someone with a walker...just wanted to make a point. That's NOT how God wants us to be. Oh sure, we will all have pet peeves, and people or things that annoy us...but our mind should be dwelling on God and all the good things in life...not the bad things.

So today I will correct what I did yesterday:

THINGS THAT MAKE ME SMILE:

A baby laughing. That contagious, sounds like they just swallowed a balloon full of helium, belly laughs.
A movie that makes you laugh, cry, and then laugh some more. "Steel Magnolias" comes to mind.
My son (Zack) telling me he loves me.
Getting thanked for something I didn't even know I did.
Flowers, flowers, flowers.
Seeing a ferry cross the Puget Sound, snowcapped mountains in the background.
Music.
Ice Cream. Pralines and Cream, YUM!
The Grand Canyon and Mt. Rainier. And other grand displays of God's handiwork.
Sunshine.
Watching people greet each other at the airport. You don't want to see me watching people say goodbye.
A good cup of coffee. Remember I'm still a transplant to the Pacific Northwest...so I still think Folgers makes
a pretty darn good cup of coffee.
Small surprises.
Making someone happy with a gift.
Old couples still holding hands.
My dog trying to bite waves.
Zack sleeping. Not that I don't love him just as much when he's awake...but when he's asleep I can still
pretend that he's my baby.
Friends.
KNOWING THAT GOD LOVES ME IN SPITE OF MYSELF.


What makes you smile? Do it a lot today.

Pet Peeves

What is a peeve? Thought I would share some of mine with you today.

• People who wait an extra 10 seconds when the light turns green. Are you waiting for another shade of green?
• People who are chronically late. Once in a while it can't be helped...but every single time? Come on.
• Car stereos so loud it vibrates my car. I'm pretty sure you wouldn't want to hear my music so what makes you think I want to hear yours?
• People talking on "hand-less" cell phones. I can't begin to tell you how many conversations I have had with people who WEREN'T talking to me! And I'm the one who feels like an idiot!
• People who feel that it is ok to talk loudly on cell phones in public. Truthfully, I don't want to hear you conversation while I'm eating, shopping, standing in line...turn that thing off and talk to people around you. Are you really so important that someone must be able to reach you at ALL times?
  
• Popping gum. I don't need to say more.
• People who complain all the time. I could be dangerously close to that category myself...but (not naming names here)...2 people very close to me complain about aches and pains ALL THE TIME (I'm not a nurse) and the same 2 people could go to a 4 star restaurant and STILL find something wrong with their meal.
• People who don't listen. Again, no names...but at least ask me once or twice during the conversation how I am.
• Saggy pants. I don't want to see anyone's underwear...if they saw themselves on tape would they be able to see that they are walking funny to keep their pants from falling down. Whatever happened to the good old days when you could actually see the outline of a guys "tush"?
• Saying "and, yeah" in the middle of a sentence. This is a kid thing, like, come on, like does "and, yeah" even fit like in the middle of your sentence? Like, use good grammar already!

Enough for today. What are your pet peeves? (please don't say 'people who have too many pet peeves'.)