SUMMER!!

It's officially summer break for me.  And my summer is already off to a lovely start. We only had students until about 9:30 and then I was off for a very special mission to deliver this:

But to explain why, I need to tell you a story.  On Wednesday, I took some 3rd and 4th graders over to another grade school for a track meet.  The meet is run by one of my childhood friends (we've literally known each other all of our lives) which is pretty much the only thing that could get me to agree to take 16 grade schoolers to a track meet on the last official day of school.  Well, when we got there, my friend met me at the bus and escorted us inside the building, explaining that the district was on lockdown and we would need to go inside and wait until the all clear was given.  Now, thankfully, the issue was not involving anything or anyone at the school we were at, but something had happened with another school in the district and no one was taking any chances.  While we waited to see what would happen next, the third grade teacher took me, my 16 kiddos and parent into her classroom and had the kids play games and watch a movie and basically made us as comfortable as possible considering.  Thankfully, everything was fine, but we didn't get to have the track meet, and I took my kids back to enjoy the rest of play day.  However, the teachers and principal at the district we visited were so awesome, I wanted to say thanks for everything.  So, I took this basket over to them because they still have a little more school and who doesn't love a snack.  They were very appreciative!

While I was in that direction with some time on my hands, I decided to so a little shopping.  I know JC Penney is in the middle of a major rebranding, but I hadn't seen that Jonathan Adler was doing a line (called Happy Chic) for them!  This stuff was so cute and I was in love with the bookends.  I really loved the apples or the owls, but they were a little pricey for my taste, so I bought a new purse instead.  But isn't it pretty??

And it's not a trip if I don't go visit my friend Laurie's antique store, so I braved the rain to go downtown.  And I was so glad I did, because I got to add this little gem to my antique camera collection.  I loved all the little knobs and whatnot (this is a Art Deco Revere Eight) and even got a pretty good deal on it, because Laurie was in the shop.  That brings my total up to six!  (And it already looks great in the cabinet next to the Annie Oakley lunch box!)

And before I go, here's another quick pic from my day.  The rose bush is in bloom again.  The water droplets from the rain caught my attention on my way to the car this morning, so here's your bonus picture!

Wednesday Hodgepodge - 5/15

1. May is National Blood Pressure Month...what sends yours soaring, either literally or figuratively? What calms you down? When did you last have your bp checked?

I used to be a lot easier to get riled up than I am now.  But if you say something negative about my family, particularly my sister, it's on.  What calms me down these days is spending time with the Divine Miss M, my niece, or having a glass of wine.  I probably last had my bp checked when I went to the doctor for a sinus infection in the fall.


2. You just found $1-what do you spend it on? How about 10$ 100?

One dollar - a sweet tea from the convenience store
Ten dollars - a DVD of some movie only I would love
One hundred dollars - right now, I would totally spend it on my bathroom renovation that I keep trying to start.


3. Mandatory labeling of genetically engineered (GE) food has been proposed, but not enacted in the US. How much attention do you give food labels before you buy? Are you in favor of labeling if it means an increase in food prices? Is this an issue you've been following and feel strongly about, or is this the first you've heard of the controversy?

I've heard of the controversy, but I am probably not as educated as I should be on the subject.  We used to talk about it a lot in a science class I had in college.  I do try to pay attention to what I eat, but that doesn't always stop me from eating things that they tell us we aren't supposed to.  I hoping to really take advantage of some of the local farmer's markets this summer, and I know that they label their products according to the process used to raise them.


4. May 15th marks the birthdate of Frank Baum, author of The Wizard of Oz. At this point in time, are you more in need of brains, courage, heart, or a trip back home? Explain.

I think I am currently in need of a little courage.  


5. "There's no place like home" is an oft repeated line from Baum's book. When was the last time you felt the truth of that statement?

I'm lucky that I live in the same region in which I was raised.  I think I feel that way the most when I've been on an extended trip (NYC comes to mind).  I'm always glad to go somewhere, but it's so nice to get back to the people and place that are familiar too.


6.  Steak...yes please or no thank you? What cut do you prefer and how do you like yours cooked? Sauce or no sauce? Besides your own kitchen, where's a place you like to go to get a great steak? 

Yes, please!  I'm not terribly picky about the cut, usually the sirloin or filet.  I like it well or medium-well, depending on who is cooking.  I don't want it blackened, but I also don't want it too pink.  I love A1 on my steak.  I like the steaks at Outback or Longhorn, I rarely go anywhere fancy to get them.


7. When was the last time you were in a genuine hurry?

I feel like I am in a hurry all time, but I was in a genuine one just last night, when I was trying to book it between my second job and 8th grade graduation!  It was a little crazy, but I got it all done!


8.  Insert your own random thought here.

Grades are turned in.  My room is almost completely packed.  Come Friday, summer is officially here.  Of course, I have lots of plans for my "time off," most of which include planning for next school year.  But don't worry, I have some fun scheduled, too!  And lots of blogging!

The Truth of the Matter

Since I make it a practice not to lie to you, my wonderful people on the interwebs, I am just going to admit that lately, I've been struggling.  Okay, if we are being honest, I've been struggling for a lot longer than lately, but I think it's just that I've recently come to terms with the where I was and where I want to be of it all.  At almost 32, I kind of, almost, sort of feel like I have a handle on my day-to-day life.  Until I feel like I don't. And in those moments, all bets are off.

I've come to terms with the fact that I have a genetic predisposition for depression.  I didn't realize just how deep that really was until a few years ago, but it's there.  I haven't taken medicine for it at this point, because I haven't really felt that I needed it.  But I wouldn't be opposed to it if the need arose.  When I really started writing this blog, it was after what was one of the hardest times of my life.  I had "dropped my basket" and this blog was my therapy.  It still is, even though I don't get time to blog as often as I once did.  You wonderful people, most of whom I've never met, have become my army of encouragers and that's a gift that I don't take lightly.  I am so thankful for each and every one of you.

Some days are still hard.  I still don't do sudden change well.  (As evidenced by a little crying jag I had just this morning over something I can neither change nor control.)  I still have to work hard not to let my triggers control me.  Things that are very simple for some people are not simple for me. I'm not where I want to be, but I'm also not where I was.  And there's something so beautiful in the grace of that.

Wednesday Hodgepodge - 5/8

1. When the children of today grow up, what do you think they'll say about this period in time? What do you most hope they remember?

I hope that they are able to remember at least some good things.  Because good things happen every day, too, we just forget to talk about them.  They will probably also say that their cell phones were huge and once they had to log on to a computer not just wave their hand in the air or whatever technology has cooked up in the meantime.

2. National Teacher's Day is celebrated in the US of A on the first Tuesday in May, this year May 7th...share how a particular teacher positively impacted you.

I have been blessed with some amazing teachers over the years. One that I have always felt particularly sentimental about is Mrs. Cross.  She was my second grade teacher and she just taught us so many amazing things.  I still have a blue ribbon that she gave those of us who read 100 books.  It hangs in my classroom.  She passed away when I was in college after a long battle with breast cancer, and I wasn't able to make her funeral because I was on a trip to New York.  But I think of her all the time.  

3. What's a dish your mama made, that if set in front of you today would whisk you right back to childhood?                                                                      

My mama is a good cook, but the dish that always takes me back is grilled cheese.  We would have them a lot on Saturdays for lunch.  Always brings back happy memories, even when one side inevitably got a little more done than the other.

4. Mother May I was a game we played when I was growing up...no pieces, parts, or plugs required. What games from childhood do you remember loving that were also pieces, parts, and plug-free?

I remember playing Red Rover, which was apparently really bad because kids could dislocate shoulders and stuff.  I also remember square dancing in PE, which is equal parts hilarious and disturbing.

5. Besides your own mother, tell us about a woman who influenced you as a child?

This one's easy.  My godmother, Linda, was one of the sweetest, most wonderful women I've ever known.  She was my First Communion instructor and just a guiding light in my walk with God.  She had the best laugh and the most unmistakable voice.  I think about her all the time, but especially today.  Cancer took her from us three years ago on May 8.  I sang at her funeral, because I know she would have wanted me to, but it was one of the hardest things I've ever done.  

6. Mamma Mia! What's the best play or musical you've ever seen? 

Ooo...you know how I love my musicals.  I think the best I've seen as far as costuming would be The Lion King.  When the "animals" take the stage in the opening, it's just breathtaking.  Talent-wise, I think I would have to go with Aida.  Heather Headley's voice is unlike any other and when she sings songs like "The Gods Love Nubia", you feel every single note.  I haven't been to theatre in a long time.  I should really do something about that!

7. What are three smells that make you feel nostalgic?

My grandma's farmhouse, cookies baking, and corn fresh out of the fields.


8.  Insert your own random thought here.

Only one more week of school for me.  And I am ready!  I love my job, but I need to come up for air and then get to work on planning next year.

Since I've Been Gone

Just because I haven't been around here doesn't mean I have had things I've wanted to discuss.  Here's a quick(ish) review of some of the hot topics running around in my head:

• Students called to "fat meeting" --  I saw this story this morning on my local ABC affiliate, and couldn't believe the way the school bungled this situation.  To summarize, in the interest of student health, the school called all of the obese or potentially obese students out of class into a meeting to offer them an option of a nutrition class.  Where do I even begin with my problems with this?  First of all, if they wanted to do this, perhaps the school shouldn't have called them all out of class together.  Secondly, why not offer this class to all students?  Use it as a chance to address all eating disorders, healthy choices, etc.  In the interview I watched, several of the parents said their children were athletes and had been to the doctor and were found to be very healthy.  The principal did issue a somewhat lame apology, but this whole situation could have been avoided.

• Amanda Knox speaks -- I watched the interview, like millions of other people.  I had read and heard about the story over the years, but I was anxious to see what she would have to say.  And to me, she came across as odd.  Someone on Twitter said something to the effect of "I don't think she did it, but I wouldn't want her to have been my friend or roommate."  And that's about where the interview left me.  If someone I lived with was killed in our apartment, I would still feel sadness.  I realize it's been more than four years, but I still expected to see a lot more emotion than she showed.  I would love to hear your thoughts about this if you have some.  

• Scandal (the TV show) -- I've loved this show since the beginning.  Shonda Rimes has outdone herself with the twists and turns of this season!  And I don't think we are anywhere close to the end of the story yet.  I love all of the Gladiators (especially Huck--how heartbreaking was last week's origin story?), but I especially love Mellie, played by the exceeding excellent Bellamy Young.  She plays the First Lady with enough evil to make her an antagonist, but with enough heart that you don't loathe her presence.  In fact, I usually am anxious to see what she does next!  Are you watching?

• Reese Witherspoon got arrested -- Even beloved, usually normal celebrities make bad choices.  The good news is that when the rest of us make a poor choice, it's not blasted across the national news.  I feel bad for her to a point, but if you pull the "don't you know who I am?" card, you forfeit a certain amount of sympathy.  However, I think she is handling the aftermath with a great deal of class. You can hear more of what she had to say for herself here.

• TV Renewals - Parenthood got renewed for a 22 episode fifth season last week!  That was big happy news for this fan!  Also, Hart of Dixie, my CW guilty pleasure (which is a sweet little show), was also renewed.  I don't think the same is going to happen for Smash, after an uneven season at best, but the last few episodes have been pretty great.  (Particularly this duet of "That's Life".)

Think that's about it for now!  Let's discuss!

Wednesday Hodgepodge - 5/1

1.  This week's Hodgepodge is Volume 123.  What's something you've done recently that was as easy as 1-2-3? 

I just finished reading Silver Linings Playbook and read it in two sittings (probably could have done it in one, but I was sleepy).  It was so good, a very easy read, and now I really want to see the movie.  (Jennifer Lawrence is quickly climbing my list of favorite actresses.  She's just so real!)


2.  The Wednesday Hodgepodge also happens to fall on the first day of May ...what is something you may do this month? 

This month I will start summer vacation, so I may go on some random adventures with my sister, mother, or assorted friends.  I may also spend more time hanging with my niece, since this seeing her once every couple of weeks is just not working for this auntie!


3. The Englishman Horace Walpole is credited as saying, "The world is a tragedy to those who feel, but a comedy to those who think"  How do you see it?

Life is often funny.  Not in a "ha ha" way, but in an odd, ironic way.  And I think if you go around feeling everything, it can also be pretty intense.  That said, I don't know that I totally agree with old Horace's statement.  I think that it's rare for someone to go around only feeling or only thinking.  Most people are a combination of both.  Perhaps, I'm thinking too much about this whole thing...


4.  May is National Hamburger Month...how often do you eat a burger? What are your must-haves when it comes to burgers?  I assume you vegetarians won't be celebrating so tell us what you'd like instead? 

I love a good burger, but I don't eat them very often.  No real reason other than that raw meat grosses me out to no end.  So, if I have one, it's usually one someone else fixed.  I would make a terrible vegetarian, because I do really like beef.  (Perhaps it's the farm girl in me.)


5. Pansies, petunias, geraniums, impatiens...of the four mentioned, which is your favorite in a patio pot? Will there be pots on your patio this spring? (Or whenever spring comes to your part of the globe?) Who does the gardening at your house?

I have always really like pansies.  However, I have terrible luck with things that flower, so I tend to stick to my leafy plants.  If there's any gardening to be done at my house, I'm certainly the one that has to do it. Other than cutting the grass, which mercifully, my father does.


6. When did you last (literally or figuratively) shout "Mayday, Mayday!"

For as independent as I try to be, I often end up being a damsel in distress.  One of the most recent times that comes to mind was when I was trying to de-ice my car and ended up running into a very scared mouse, who also scared me.  Long story short, I had to run next door and get one of my neighbors to deal with the furry little problem.  You can read the whole story here.


7.  Say farewell to your April in ten words or less. 

I will miss your track meets most of all.


8.  Insert your own random thought here. 

I'm officially back to at least semi-regular blogging!   I still have a couple weeks left of school, but am going to try to pick up my posting around here, including announcing a very special event for June that I hope you will all consider being a part of!  

Blog Break!

I'm in the middle of my busiest weeks at work.  There are days that I don't even get a breath until long after the final bell.  We have field trips and track meets and end-of-the-year meetings and I'm just meeting myself coming and going.  So, until May, unless I really have something to say and some time to say it, I'm taking a blog break.

I love all of you super cool party people and I hope you will all come back here when there's something to read again!  (And in the meantime, I promise that I will try to sneak in some time to at least stay up on what is happening on your blog!)