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...