Adoption

Whew! I have been on busy busy dwarf. I just received approval from the Hague for my adoption. Now the paperwork makes its way to New Delhi in India and goes through their approval process. If all goes well I will be traveling the week before Christmas. I am required to stay in country for one week, we shall see if I can get this process speed along.

Sorry for the brief post but I am in a training for school and I am multitasking.

Here are some recent pics of Yamini. (Still not settled on a name)

Running on empty

It seems that the more I work on organizing my time and try to maintain a healthy balance of eating, sleeping, and working something always changes. But change is good right?

After a series of events and a difficult decision I am the lone resident on Kendalia. Terence has moved out perminently and hopefully he will take responsibility for himself and his actions. Thats all im gonna say on that.

Now a funny story that happened on Thursday night; lets me start with some background info. I recently posted an update to my FB page and asked for suggestions for a Halloween costume that would incorporate jeans. (My ultra-conservative school district does not permit teachers wearing jeans UNLESS you contribute to a "worthy cause of their choosing"). I was given many suggestions and thanked everyone. I ended up going as a benchwarmer for the Spurs in very comfortable track pants and a jersey. But here is the funny story. On Thursday night I had a brilliant idea to go with a Hawaiian themed costume complete with a grass skirt. I remembered I had a grass skirt, Hawaiian print shirt, and other pieces either in my front room (formly known as the sewing room) and the back room (formly known as my bedroom and Terence's room); so I took my flashlight because the light in the sewing room and in the closet in the back room does not work. I searched and searched both rooms vigorously by movin boxes (Frank's stuff has infilterated into those rooms). I was unsuccessful i.e the benchwarmer activity. After a good 15 minute search I went back to the living room to watch some TV when there was a knock at the door. (Having no clue and hoping it was Terence coming to pick up the rest of his stuff.) It wasn't.. It was the cops asking if I was ok. After confirming that I was the cops informed me they received a report of a suspicious person in the neighborhood. To ease the cops mind I pushed my front door wide opened and there were my 4 babies chewing on a treat. Seamus and Riley looked up and gave a huge bark. The cops stepped back and then told me the true reason that someone had called and reported seeing a flashlight movin around in my house and was concerned..I was very touched that my neighbors whom I rarely chat with or even see cared enough to care.

On top of that November is a very busy month and quite possibility a new beginning for me we shall see..

Another one bites the dust..

And so it happened.. Last night I was walking to my favorite spot on the couch, (with my dinner), that has been quite lonely lately, shouldering my cell phone (because I was on it with a parent). When it happened.. Yes, another cell phone bites the dust.. It fell into a bowl of ranch dressing.. and there you have it.. So, I have made the call to replace it today and I have my old one.. But when you have something you are comfortable with it is never easy to go back; like VHS tapes.. Once you have several DVDs its not so easy to watch a VHS tape.. Or HD tv.. I have one of those and I love it.. Watching "regular" tv is just not the same anymore..

Oh well.. Ill be ok.. I should have my phone by tomorrow or if not when I get back from Temple. (Yes, Im a comin tree hugger!)

and life will be ok..

New school year

Yesterday began another school year in Uvalde, and each morning I dread working here but once I am here I can't imagine any where else. (Im sure if I was teaching in SA I would say the same).. I have 22 students and Sid has 25, thank you attrition.. Yesterday, went by so quickly I can barely remember what I did with the exception of the intro question. Last year my students were not quite sure what to expect or make of me because of my stature. I asked them what made me different compared to other teachers. I got answers like: you wear a hat, you are cool, nice, and the best.. You like dogs, (that tells me they were listening) and finally one student said you have a platform (why I asked), because you are short. Then began why I am short conversation and a dialogue about being different but the same. This year was no exception.. Same polite responses until one student was brave enough to say I was "different in my size but not how I teach", (nominate that kid for GT!!)... I am enjoying my homeroom class this year so far.. Check back with me in a few months. My other class is bigger with more personalities and no spec ed kids so it comes to me with a different level of understanding and needs but I am like them..

I am planning a school year with a car pool plan from San Antonio, a back up place in Del Rio (thanks Marina), and now today a place to stay here with another teacher; so, it looks good.. I just need to keep up with time management and getting here on time I am 2 for 2 so far this year.. WHOO-HOO!

On a different note. Frank is in Corpus and his house has sold. I took some stuff to Del Rio yesterday that he sold but I had already taken with me back to SA and checked on several plants that a nice neighbor is caring for..

My niece Emily started her academic journey yesterday as well and from my sister she liked it.. Anthony is in high school and it said it was crazy..

My dogs are doing well.. Dakota has not adjusted well with me not being home.. She demonstrated that by chewing and tearing up some linoleum in the bathroom. (Guess I will start the remodel early).. Dilan is growing by leaps and bounds.. She is so tall and lanky.. She reminds me of a giraffe, but she is so so sweet and precious..

I gotta run.. My kids are at PE and I need to go find some chocolate and make copies..

Still breathing..

Retrospective

I have previously blogged about my driving journey to Uvalde and the many unfortunate "encounters" my box has had with wildlife in southwest Texas. To recap, I have bumped a deer and a coyote. I have hit a roadrunner (aren't they supposed to run fast? I remember that they did in the cartoons), several lizards and frogs, a sparrow, a cardinal, a possum, a raccoon, a snake, a skunk (yuck)!, a couple of jack rabbits (sorry earthmama :(), 3 armadillos, and 1 prairie dog.. After a year of driving every day to and from I was bound to hit a variety of wildlife but last week I topped even that. I was on my way home from summer school and I was behind a large industrial produce truck. I ran over several ears of corn, 2 heads of cabbage (now coleslaw on highway 90), a couple of onions, and some carrots. I couldn't believe it myself. But, hey if I take one of the animals I hit before as a protein I could cook up some southwest Texas soup... (sounds yummy)..

Still breathing..

Maybe next year on my journey to work I will encounter something new (hope not but at least I have something to look forward too)..

Showing

I just want to put it out there that Frank has a showing today for his house in DR. I am excited for Frank. He, on the other hand is stressed, anxious, and nervous about the whole process. He is on a deadline and needs to sell his house quickly so, he can start in CC. I have faith that his house will sell for what he is asking, which is a steal. We,(we does not include Marinara; she somehow got out of it each time), put in a tremendous amount of work into his house and I hope it pays off for him BIG..

On another front I have begun to show my age. I forgot or maybe even lost my cell phone and wallet back in DR. I had planned to go home today after school. (I hvnt been home in 2 days and my squishy is getting bitchy), but not tonight unless I can or someone can find my shit and bring it to me here.. I will NOT drive to DR and then turn around and drive to SA>> that's crazy!

Looking forward to a relaxing weekend with my sister, niece, and nephew. Planning on a early morning zoo trip, Witte museum or movie, our favorite lunch spot, and then a trip to my favorite place Half Price books.

Still breathing, sadly without my cell or wallet :(

putting it out there

Lately, I have been really busy in Del Rio and I have neglected my house, my job hunt, my dogs, my family, and myself. To try and play catch up I am just going to put it all out there and hope and pray my life gets back in order (not to say it is not, but i have been a little frantic lately). First in line is my house, i would like the dust bunnies and dog hair to find somewhere else to co-habitat, laundry (which I secretly enjoy doing but not putting it away), needs to make its way into my dresser and closet and the grocery shopping (who needs to eat).
Next, my job. I have put applications in six different districts and went to 3 different job fairs and 2 interviews but the job market is very tight and competitive in San Antonio. 10 teachers are applying for 1 job. I have the experience, skills, and the certifications but I wonder if I have been blacklisted. So, I am asking and praying to find a job closer to San Antonio. I DO NOT want another year of commuting to and from Uvalde. Do not get me wrong, I love my job at Flores but not the drive. Now, onto my dogs. They smell horrible and my littlest one has several fleas, she is still too young for any flea treatment available. I have tried bathing her in apple cidar vinegar and it is effective for a while. My dogs need a break from the backyard and I need the motivation to take them to a park where they can enjoy themselves and nature. When it comes to my family I have to say I miss them but I am cautiously taking my time to see them. I am putting it out there that I would like my sister to come over without an invite. Lastly, myself. I need a massage and a pedicure. My feet are rough and calloused. I would like a good night sleep in my bed and a good steak dinner (and I do not want to cook it or buy one).. That's all for now. So, it is out there and I will see what happens next.

Pass the Aleve Please!!

Oh boy! What a weekend I have had. I spent it in Del Rio again with Frank helping him paint, landscape, pack, clean, and organize. We were ambitious Friday night when we both arrived from San Antonio with a three page list itemized by each room in his house and the things that needed to get done. We, (and that's all there was), his roommate worked all weekend, Marinara was out of town, and my ex and his partner had plans, so it was just he and I the entire weekend. I had my doubts we would be able to keep our personalities in check especially towards the end of the day when we were both tired and frustrated but somehow we did. I learned a tremendous amount of DIY project info this weekend; installing laminate and ceramic tile floors, landscaping, constructing shelves, and some electrical..I must say it was fun, we both enjoyed trial and error of each project. At the end of Saturday we finished landscape, painting (outside) and cleaning the front and back yard, packing 5 boxes for my return trip home and organized his "great room" for upcoming post pictures today. We were both so tired Saturday night that we were nipping at each other. But, I must say that he has softened quite bit and after he stepped on my big toe (only had socks on)and he had tennis shoes, he immediately blamed me for laying on the kitchen floor while we were cooking (I was in the way), but I was putting together a parson chair for the kitchen. He walked out and came in and apologized which is a big step for him. Sunday we slept in a little did some more planting and painting his patio (last minute decision the night before), we cleaned and packed one bedroom, the master bedroom, the great room was staged and ready, and the media room and the closet was staged, cleaned, and packed. All in all we finished 2 1/2 of the 3 pages and left the laundry room floor, touch up painting in the bathroom and cleaning the tub, touch up painted and grout the kitchen counters. I am pleased with what we accomplished physically and emotionally. We have been friends for over 20 years and with that have seen each other through many life changes. My body aches all over, (did I mention I fell off a ladder Saturday while painting), I am tired, and my box is full once again with more stuff but Aleve can fix it..

Last night when we were both delirious from being tired and smelly(we both stank horribly),we came up with our own mastercard priceless commerical..

paint supplies, cleaning items, and aleve $100 on mastercard

landscaping materials, boxes, and a trip to the Wal-mart for more Aleve, $200

surviving a weekend with a good friend priceless...

Come on down

I took a break from summer school to attend a couple of job fairs and interviews on T and W. Both went well. Job fairs are like cattle calls, not very productive and much face time but at least I was able to put a face with a resume and lets face it I am hard to forget.. (lucky me).. I also cleaned my house completely, finding all the dust bunny hiding places which were many and somehow with Squishy we were able to eradicate the demonic dust bunnies and DOG hair which co-habitated with the bunnies from every corner, shelf, electronics, and furniture.. We even power washed the entire exterior of the house which desperately needed it.. It felt good to get all that cleaning done. I must admit that the dog hair is a never ending story.. I can clean relentlessly and then bring them in and it starts all over again..

On top of all my cleaning and traveling to visit my Temple family (which I had a splendid time and I wished I could have done more to help out), my sister called me and we have since talked.. She is going through something now and needs someone to lean on. I am glad she called..

Well I have a few more hours of work today and I am off for the weekend. I think Frank and I are going to finally finish his house, the laundry room remains left to be floored and his house needs to be staged. I hope he can sell and make a good profit for all the hard work that has been done..

Light bulb

Have you ever had a moment where you are totally confused and then ah-ha moment comes? My students had one today all at the same time. Edison would be proud. I am enjoying summer school but the mornings are still not so much fun, but keeping in mind that I am getting an extra paycheck puts a smile on my face as I pass the 78 cows, 36 fields of green, and countless goats (they never stay in one place to count)

Heavy heart

I am tired.. I spent the weekend helping my DR friend clean, renovate, and pack his house only to come home to my puppy Savannah sick with Parvo. I sadly had to put her down this evening. Its hard to say good bye to someone who hasnt been around very long and it hurts a lot. I cried on my way back home from the emergency vet where I left her. I asked myself and GOD why her.. Time passed then my DR friend called and asked me to join him at Bill Millers (his favorite place) where he tried his best to comfort me (which was incredibly sweet because that is something he is not accustomed to but it helped).

I guess there are no answers as to why it just happens and we must grieve, enjoy the time we had with the loved one, and move on.

I will post a pic of her soon, maybe tomorrow. I am not working I have an interview here in SA (fingers crossed).

Still breathing

Last DAY of School

What I have consumed thus far is 2 breakfast tacos from a student, 1 cupcake from another, a Starbucks caramel iced coffee from me, several pieces of candy, 1 half apple with peanut butter, pizza, caramel brownies (OMG YUMMY!!), rice crispy treats, a piece of strawberry cake(4 layers high), 3 tamales with chili and cheese, the best hamburger with cheese I have ever eaten, (I stayed away from the chips and dips), and water..

What I have received from my students: flowers, many cards, 3 stuffed animals (dogs), and many many hugs..

What I have learned and gained this year in Uvalde: many, many, many, more miles on my box, my contribution to the nitrogen cycle, laughs from my kids and my partner, experience of teaching general education in math and science, amazing science TAKS scores and hopefully math (find out in another week), collaboration among experienced staff that has allowed me to grow (professionally but not physically) and the partnership with an amazing teacher. I do not know if I could have done it without him. He covered for me when I was late, which was quite a bit in the fall semester, he took care of paperwork that I had no clue what or when to get it done, and our partnership was very flexible and giving on both parts. All in all I enjoyed my work here a lot.. I am not sure if I am going to be back, I can not do another year of commuting. We shall see where my next chapter will be in August.

Unfortunate mishaps

As I drove to work this morning I was recalling the unfortunate creatures that have met their demise by me and my box. So far, this year my box and I have ended 5 squirrels, many frogs, 2 snakes, 3 horny toads (at least that's I what I think they were), 1 skunk(OMG it was horrible and the smell stayed inside my box for a week), several birds who played chicken in the road and lost. Today, I hit a deer.. I was playing with fate each cold morning I drove in and lost this morning.. I bumped it actually on the right hind side and fortunately, I dont have too much damage but I was late this morning by 15 minutes. As I drove in my principal was in the parking lot looking at her watch.. What can I do?

I have several leads in San Antonio for some jobs. I am hoping I get something there.. I cant spend another year communting back and forth AND FM is looking really good for a job in CC, TX. I used his place as a back up.

Last day of school is tomorrow.. HOORAY.. I am done packing, cleaning, and sorting through my room. I have a couple of things to do for Saturday (yes, I have to work on Saturday) it sucks!! And on Monday summer school starts which is another mishap because I signed up for science camp where I had hoped to teach a PLUNGE curriculum and scuba dive but NO>> I have to teach math summer school which from what I hear is horrible... Great more commuting and more pain in the butt kids.. Only 16 days of summer school and an extra pay check is what I am keeping on the top of my head.. Bells gonna ring soon.. Another day down and more one to go.

Problem solving..

I have a quick thing to share. I informed my kids to work on a Memorial Day packet quietly at their desk. They asked if they could talk and I told them only if I can't hear them, (whispering is not an option for kids).. One of my favorite kids asked me, "if we come up with a way to talk without you hearing us will you let us?" I thought for a minute and tried to think like a fifth grader and said sure..

After 15 minutes of quiet time from my kids I looked up from my computer to a classroom full of cups/cans connected to strings. Students were trying various ways to make them work.. It was nice, I was able to take that and turn it into a teachable moment. Fortunately, it was a group of the "good" kids (kids that work well together and follow directions)..

Now it is PE time and I must depart I have tons of paperwork to begin..

Wandering mind

I am sitting here in my classroom monitoring my students who are actually working through several science experiments I thought of on my way to work and set it up moments before the bell rang. Trying to come up with engaging activities while I find my desk is not as easy as it seems. But, today is done and I have cleaned 1/4th of my desk but I have since lost motivation so I figured I would get a quick blog in.

I was reviewing my previous blogs and realized I did not publish a draft from March, so if you have time scrolled down and enjoy..

Lunch is almost here.

Countdown

On the final countdown to the last day of school. Tomorrow is the last TAKS of the school year and it is Math. Hopefully, several of my students will pass and avoid summer school. Most of them have worked hard and are ready for it. I am anxious and ready for tomorrow to be over with. These kids have had a total of 13 teaching days to reinforce what they are lacking unlike reading who has 31 days before the 2nd administration. In a state where students are behind in Math based on US norms and worldwide averages I do not understand why Texas hasnt provided more time for reinforcement and small group instruction. I had to be creative this year and hand off 10 of my students who missed more than 10 questions to pass so I can concentrate on those that missed it by 9 or less, (supposedly they have more hope to pass.) But what am I really saying to them? They are not as important? Their scores nor effort do not matter? They will pass because of their age and not their scores or because they have already failed once before? I do not know. What I do know is that this year I have learned that standardize testing is not measure to use for determining knowledge and skills obtained this year.

Okay the bell has rung and I have duty to go to..

And now there's ONE

After a long weekend of dog sitting Anya, Savannah, and Charley. I have finally given away Charley a.k.a. Shepard for the devil, the last of my little ones pups, Charley went to her new home many miles away in Boston, MA. Anya went back to her home with my ex. Charley's new home is a friend of my exs had her bachelorette party here in TX. Once she arrived she came over right off the plane and fell in love with her. I spent the weekend with three pups again + rain, HOORAY for RAIN, and my 3 bigs with all their wetness.. Spending time with my 3 bigs and now my little little one Savannah, I had realized having large dogs is quite a chore and I am at my limit with 4. I had originally wanted 6 but my pocketbook nor my bed could support that many.

My house is clean, my laundry is done, my dogs have been bathed, and finally my bed has been changed. I had a weekend of clarity and I feel better. School is almost over 2 weeks but another month of science camp (June). Hopefully, God will help find me a job in San Antonio. Well, I am going to finish watching some TV and head for bed.

Sisters

I havent spoken to my sister in 3 weeks. Of course, it is over something petty like money and her lack of responsibility. Going into the details is irrelevant now. I am sadden by it but at the same time tired of trying and trying, giving and giving, saving and saving. When is it going to be enough? Probably never. Is that what I am supposed to do as the BIG sister? I don't know. What I do know is that she uses my niece and nephew as pawns and that is upsetting. My nephew's birthday and middle school graduation is coming up in a few weeks. I wonder if by then she will need me again? Who knows. I know this what I have learned is that she needs to take care of her family first and be more diligent on her finances and I need to stop being an enabler and let her fall so she can get up on her own.

Difference

I spent the entire weekend in San Antonio at my house where I cleaned, organized, and moved around clothing. With it being 104 in Uvalde (with the heat index), it is time to bring down the cooler clothes. I thought about this year and how much my life has changed. I remembered that at this time last year I prayed and prayed to God for a teaching job. I wasn't specific I just wanted a teaching job and I got one albeit in Uvalde, but I wasn't specific with him. I thought about how I have changed coping with the distance, driving, and extra duties and wondered what would my mom do if she were me. I learned that I have become a bit more grouchy and easily angered due to the frustration I have trying to keep up with everything here in San Antonio and in Uvalde. Unfortunately, my friend Squishy has received the grunt of all my grouchiness some duly deserved and some not. Another fluffy friend confirmed my thought through his observations and told me to go on a vacation and unplug. I wonder if that would make a difference? I only have a few more weeks of school and with the 2nd round of Math Taks next Tuesday the year is just about gone. But, I did sign up for summer school (a science camp actually), I get to teach gas laws and go scuba diving several times which is fun and a definite change. After June I will have some time to decompress. I think I will begin to pray for a teaching job in the San Antonio area and see what happens. I do like teaching out here but I am not sure I can keep burning at both ends.

Field Day

Today was field day at school. I have not participated in field day since I was in primary school. My partner and I walked our 35 students (luckily several students were absent) 6 blocks to the high school football field, set up a zone of proximity/boundaries for the kids and then cheered as each one of our kids participated in one of 6 events.

When we began the temperature was almost nice (small breeze), but as the events and time passed so did the breeze and the heat began to creep in. Add 75% humidity and by lunch time I was slowly burning the first layer of skin. Yes, I did apply sunscreen several time but with the sun bouncing off metal bleachers it didn't seem to provide much relief. My fellow colleagues are very competitive and at the end of each heat/event there was a berat of "loser" we are beating you.

I am happy to say that my guys came through at the shotput, discs, and long jump. We scored 1st and 2nd in each event!! My partner scored 3rd in all three. So, at the end of a very long morning Berry's class was victorious over Sagemuehl class. Which is important because they needed to be taken down a peg.. I must say that after a year here my competitive nature has come to the surface..

We made it back to school @ 1:30 where we let the kids have some time while I put grades in, cleaned and organized my room and had a chance to write this blog..

Tired, sore, burned, and a little smelly

New Additions

I know I know its been a while since my last post but life has just kicked into high gear with the 1st round of TAKS tests, countdown to the Math and Science test in high gear, applying at districts in San Antonio (wish me luck please), cleaning and re-organizing my house again (never seems to end), spending time with my ex-husband/friend who has recently moved back to Texas, spending lots of time shopping at flea markets with Frank, forging a new relationship as a lesbian (wow! I typed that without even thinking twice), and finally dealing with and caring for my little black lab (Dakota) who got pregnant from Seamus (good boy!) and watching her give birth the 4 live puppies! 1 black female lab, 2 chocolate female labs, and 1 male block head chocolate lab (like his dad).

Oh! I also completed all my assignments for 1 class and I am almost done with my Internet course so UTSA is almost done. Whoo-hoo..

I will post some pics of the pups. I got a new camera and will sit down soon and post them. They are very cute in a purple medium size pool crawling around whining and grunting. Dakota is doing great! She is a very good mama..

Well, that's all I have to present a poster I created with a group so I will sign off now. Thanks for reading..

Half full

Today is supposed to be a special day filled with many wishes from friends and family; thus far it has. My partner teacher and our kids surprised me this morning with birthday wishes. I nearly came out of my skin when I opened the door to a barge of Happy Birthday. Very loud @ 7:45 in the morning without any caffeine. Several students bought me bake goods always a plus, a six pack of McPibb (bonus), and lots of cards.

I am hoping that my this add year will be much better than even. We shall see.

Well, I am going to sign off and finish the day on an up note.

Paddle

Is it me or are there days where you feel like you are swimming or canoeing upstream without any sort of tool to assist you on your journey for that day. I often find myself looking for a branch, book, bottle, shoe or cell phone to help me get through the day.

Life goes on and you are able to inch along.

Meditating

Life seems to throw you a curve ball when you least expect it. I have finally begun to settle down and live again when life kicked me in that ass. I wasn't sure what to do so I went to my shower (which is where I can pray without any distractions) and asked God what He thought about it. Well you know, I'm Catholic and God doesn't speak to me audibly. But I prayed awhile and then I just shut up. That's very hard for me. Listening is a whole lot harder than talking. But I stood there in silence and I think the Lord spoke to my heart and said, "Juliana, you have such resilience and strength I know you can handle what is heading your way. Have faith and all will be answered."

So, after reflecting on that and inhaling my newly clean body I did and I feel better. Thanks GOD!

Dream realized

I am at work today listening how to disaggregated my data, all the while I am reading the Martin Luther King speech online and thinking about Obama and the inauguration tomorrow. As I read MLK's speech, I tear up at the velvet words that are humming in my head. I could actually hear his lyrical voice speak the words as I read them.

Martin Luther King asked those that day,"When will you be satisfied?" He defined satisfaction in the terms of gaining access, mobility, and rights. Since his speech, all has been satisfied, African and Americans gained the right of lodging, mobility, and the right to vote through many trials and tribulations. As a nation I wonder if we are satisfied? I wonder if Dr. King would have been satisfied with the election of the first African American to our (his) nation's highest and most powerful job in the world. As an American I am deeply proud, humble, elated about the future for the first time in my voting career.

I have often dreamed of one day will a human will be a human and not be judged on affiliation, color, or race. MLK asked, "Let us not wallow in the valley of despair," by let us sing in the valley of hope.
I had a dream that today every town, city, and state will be raised up with one voice of hope and prosperity. Rejoined by a common purpose to create and rebuild our nation of brotherhood.
I had a dream that one man of color has been risen up from diversity to lead a new nation of hope. A nation who has realized the dream of Dr. Martin Luther King where with faith we are able to work together, pray together, struggle together, go to jail together, and stand up for freedom together. Knowing that we as a nation are free today.



Divided by Fear
United by Hope