Ten Things Thursday

                                       

I have about thirty minutes to share ten pieces of random information with you before it's time for me to start getting ready for work.  It's been a long time since I've done a Ten Things Thursday post, and it's always been pretty difficult for me to get out that many tidbits... but we'll see how we do today.

1.  It's going to be late nights for me both tonight and tomorrow night.  Tonight I'm working the concession stand, along with my 4th grade team, at a basketball game.  Tomorrow, it's Family Night and all teachers are required to attend.  Both events will put me home between 8-9PM.  That makes for very long work days.

2.  Today and tomorrow I also need to get sub plans written for Monday.  I have a common core training I'm attending on Monday, so I have to make sure that everything is taken care of and I have all my ducks in a row before I head out tomorrow night.  Thankfully, being that I have to be at work until the game and Family Night both start, I don't see too much of a problem getting that done.

3.  I HATE having a sub on Monday.  Hate is a strong word, but being gone on Monday is THE worst day to be gone.  It's the day our team does all of our weekly pretests.  Then we always grade them together as a class, so that the kids are fully aware of what information/spelling words/skills they need to hone in on throughout the week.  The kids usually fill out their spelling contracts on Monday, and it's where I usually do all of the introductions to the week's learning.  Leaving that responsibility to someone else just never works out for me.  It won't be the sub's fault, by any means, but it just makes me very nervous to be gone on a Monday.

4.  There's a chance for more winter weather to move in to our area on Sunday and in to Monday morning.  Right now, the weather people are saying there's a good chance of an ice storm. That could mean no school on Monday.  Being out of school because of bad weather would take care of my whole not liking to be gone on Monday situation, but then it would mean another day out of school and another day behind.  But, as the meteorologists keep reminding me, the system is still several days out and a LOT could change between now and then.  Guess it's just going to be another waiting game to see what is in store for us next week.

5.  I am a person that LOVES cold weather, but even I have to admit that after 17 snow days this year, I'm kinda ready for it to warm up a little.  I'm getting a little antsy for spring to get here.  There's pros and cons to that statement.  Spring getting here would mean nicer weather, finally being able to start working on my little flower garden, possibly getting out to walk more, and maybe losing all this winter blubber I've been continuously adding to.  But, spring also means the start of allergy season and me being miserable from seasonal allergies.  Spring is the time of year I most want to be outside, and it's the time of year I should definitely avoid being outside.  Not a great situation to be in.  Summer is always too hot, and hot makes me miserable.  I like warm.  Warm is fine.  But warm with runny nose, coughing, wheezing from the chest, and watery eyes is NOT fine.

6.  My team and I figured out yesterday that we only have twelve more weeks of school.  TWELVE.  That's insane.  Even with all the snow days, we're getting out on May 24th.  That means that our MAP test is only about nine weeks away.  That's not very much time AT ALL.  And a little nerve-wracking.  There's still so much to do.  

7.  My team also came up with a great idea for a new way of teaching science and social studies that I'm really excited about.  The norm up to this point is to teach science and social studies each day.  It's basically what our afternoon consists of.  About 45 minutes for each lesson.  The problem is, the afternoons are pretty hectic times.  We have a computer lab class one afternoon a week, we have kids pulled out four afternoons a week for extra help, I have kids pulled out on Mondays and Wednesday afternoons for speech therapy.  So, we spend a lot of time trying to cram as much in as we can throughout the week to ensure that ALL the students are getting SOME science and social studies.  Well, now we've decided to have a go at teaching only science for a couple of weeks and then switching off to social studies for a couple of weeks.  That would mean we get double the amount of time to just focus on one or the other.  The pull-out kids would get a lot more, the kids that stay would get a lot more, and the teachers would get a lot more.  We have so many great resources such as educational videos, experiments, projects, and such we'd love to do with the kids, but we never usually have the time.  By teaching science and social studies in alternating units, we'd have a lot more opportunity to really broaden the lessons and be a lot more creative with them.  I'm very excited about it.

8.  This weekend, I really need to stay home and get some cleaning done.  I've been pretty busy the last couple of weekends, and my house has been neglected.  I really need to clean, clean, clean and get my house back to the condition I like it.  Being that there's a chance for bad weather on Sunday, we'll probably do our grocery shopping on Saturday, but then I just want to stay inside for the rest of the time.  My house can get some attention, and then my couch can get some attention as I rest and relax.  Plus, I've been working on crocheting the same scarf all week, and it's time to get that finished so I can move on to something else.

9.  I'm thinking that this weekend might be the time I buy a new laptop.  I have a laptop, but the battery is shot and it's about 7 years old.  The screen is also completely messed up, so it will only work when plugged in to a computer monitor.  So, it's kinda just become a place I store all my photos and back up my phone and iPad.  I also use it to pay bills once a month.  When I work, I bring home my laptop from school.  That's also a pain cause the thing is heavy and I don't like carrying it back and forth.  I'd really like a new laptop that I can actually use as a laptop.  Something that's light, can be carried around easily, and something I can sit in the living room with and take care of my work.  I'm also a cheap skate, though, and won't spend a ton of money on a laptop being that I have a sort of functioning laptop and a work laptop.  So, we'll see how my hunt goes.  If I can find a cheapish, decent laptop, I might just buy it.

10.  I actually managed to get out ten things in the thirty minutes I had.  Not exactly the most exciting stuff to read, but when I'm pressed for time and don't really have a whole lot on my mind that I care to write about, it is what it is.  

And what it is is time for me to go and get ready.

Let's Try a Ten Things Thursday

It's been well over a month since I wrote a Ten Things Thursday.  Just 10 random things I throw together in one blog post about current goings on in my life.

1.  Jelly is graduating from Pre-K tomorrow night.  How awesome is that?  And sad.  My little baby will be starting kindergarten in August...and it just doesn't seem possible.  All three kids in school.  SIGH.  But, before that happens, she gets to have a special ceremony with a gown, and speaking lines, and family there watching, and lots of pictures.  I'm even taking her for a special pre-graduation dinner before we go.

2.  I am officially done with paying daycare costs!  Now that's awesome.  I remember the day I didn't have to buy any more diapers and danced around like a crazy woman.  Now, the $300-$400 a month I was spending on daycare gets to stay right in the bank...or go to other uses.  As much as I love Jelly's preschool, the staff, and the education they are providing my daughter... I will love not having to spend so much money each month.

3.  I get to sit down this weekend and plan the last week's worth of lesson plans for the school year.  Well, fill in the gaps that I haven't planned already, or the team as a whole hasn't planned.  And that's not very many gaps.  The kids are all really surprised that we're still doing math and reading and science and social studies - even though the test is over with.  

4.  I've gotten my students to buckle down and focus on doing work by telling them that these last couple of weeks before summer are 5th grade prep classes.  I've told them that now the test is over, they have to start preparing for 5th grade - and so we're learning some stuff that will help the transition easier.  They seem excited by that...so I'm running with it.

5.  We had 1 1/2 days of nice weather, and the rain came back.  It's supposed to rain again today.  April is over, and so should the rain be.  I like taking my kids out for recess!  I like to be able to give them extra recess when they've worked hard all day.  Can't do that when it's raining.   Again.  

6.  Peanut won an iPod Nano at school yesterday.  She was one of three students that won one for having perfect attendance during testing.  How cool is that?  It's light blue and very nice looking.  I think it will make a great tool to have while working out, being outside, and not having to worry about carrying her iPod Touch around...or my iPhone if I decide to borrow it.  If she'll let me. 

7.  Butter has a field trip tomorrow to a conservation center where he'll get to dabble around in the river and learn about nature and wildlife.  Right up his alley... being he loves to be outdoors so much.  I just hope the weather is nice for them, because I don't think it would be so much fun in the rain.

8.  I was on and off the phone all day yesterday trying to get some definitive answers about my big reveal.  The good news is that all of the information I was waiting on has arrived with the people that were waiting on it.  The bad news is, I still can't say anything until I've received all of the information.  They are thinking that it should be tomorrow... but being so close to a weekend, not definitely.  So, either way...I know now that I will be revealing GREAT news, not devastating news because it all fell through.  Just not sure if it will be Saturday that I'm revealing it or Tuesday.  BUT IT WILL BE ONE OF THOSE DAYS!! For real this time.

9.  The light bulb went out in my office.  Now I'm typing by lamp light.  So, let's add the light bulb to the broken AC, the leaking windows, the broken dishwasher, the hole in the roof, the mold that's probably completely covering every inch of the walls and ceiling, and the broken ice maker on the refrigerator.  Yep.  I'm now convinced that much longer in this house, and I might as well pitch a tent in the back yard... because it will be safer and just about as comfortable.

10.  This has to be a record for the the fastest I've ever written a Ten Things Thursday.  Of course, you have no idea how long it took me to write it... but it took 15 minutes.  I can sit for an entire hour sometimes trying to write a post like this.  Guess it helps when I don't write one for over a month.

Now, I have twenty minutes to go and read other blogs before I have to get ready for work.  I've been reading blogs here and there, but really haven't had much time to comment on many.  Maybe I'll be able to this morning.

Ten Things Thursday

1.  I'm getting a new student today.  Not sure why I get so nervous when I hear I'm getting a new student.  I'm not sure if it's because I'm worried if he'll like me, if he'll fit in with our class, or just because he's new - and new is sometimes nerve wrecking.  I can't wait to meet him, though.

2.  I just discovered that one of my old friends is going to be on Extreme Makeover: Weight Loss Edition.  How freakin' awesome is that?  I guess Chris Powell has decided to take on a married couple, because both my friend Rachel AND her husband will be on the show.  They have a Facebook page and everything.  How awesome is it to see a friend get an opportunity like this AND watch them on TV and can say "Hey, I know those people"?

3.  This week has been crazy freakin' busy, and I'm so ready for the weekend.  On the plus side, the week has flown by.  On the negative side, I haven't got a thing done in terms of paper work stuff...and it all has to be done by tomorrow.  Looks like I'll be staying after school for a while today.

4.  I've been having a really hard time staying away from carbs since this past weekend.  Not sure if it's because I ate carbs over the weekend, and now my body is refusing to let me get back to my success, but I don't like it.  I do great all day long, and then get the overwhelming cravings in the evening.  Thankfully, I haven't gone nutso with it or anything.  I ate half a cup of rice on Tuesday, and a small piece of bread last night.. but that's still too much.  I might not be eating enough during the day...not sure... but my scale isn't going to be very nice to me on Monday if I keep this nonsense up.

5.  I'm about sick and tired of the dump heap my kids are keeping as bedrooms.  I take stuff away to make them clean, then not even two days later - right back to being a dump.  All three of them are as bad as each other.  The mess is always clothes.  Everywhere.  Jelly has them strung all over the house.  Peanut has piles of them all over her bedroom floor.  And Butter washes his clothes and then they end up all over his room.  It makes me crazy!  I think a nice long week of no gadgets or gizmos is coming FAST!  Followed by an additional week every time it gets messy again.

6.  Butter was sent home from school on Tuesday because he was running a low grade fever.  He had to stay home yesterday, too.  I was really worried he was coming down with the flu - but it looks as though it's not.  He's fine.  Was fine yesterday.  And that's good - because I just couldn't take one more sickness!!

7.  I'm taking Peanut out this weekend to get a formal-ish dress for her formal dance coming up at the end of this month.  It's one of those moments I've been waiting for since I first gave birth to the girl 12 years ago... but now that it's here?  I feel like it came too quickly.  I can't believe my little pre-teen (for another 2 months) is already doing stuff like formal dances, and thinking about if a boy will ask her to go, or if she'll get anything for Valentine's Day.  She has just 5 years until she's 18!!  Holy Bat Crap!!

8.  I've had a really hard time, lately, finding my blog humor.  I consider myself to be a pretty funny person... used to be a pretty funny blogger... but taking a few minutes to look back over my recent stuff, and I'm wondering where that funny person went.  Just look at today, for example.  A shopping list of this and that.. Kinda dry, right?  You would think, with so much going on in my life, I'd have some funny stories to share.  Geez.

9.  I have real proof that bribery and/or taking away fun stuff can totally work to get kids to perform at their best.  Whether it's wrong or not.  For the past several chapters in science, most of my kids have been failing their OPEN BOOK science tests.  I've tried everything from giving them the page numbers for where they can find the answers to making them write down the pages they find the answers to sending notes home to parents...and?  Still fail.  I know that taking tests aren't fun, but they are a part of school.  Period.  So?  I decided to totally threaten my kids yesterday...and bribe them.  If they failed the test?  Automatic elimination from Fun Friday.  If they passed?  CANDY!!  I only had one kid fail the test - and he'd already lost his privileges to Fun Friday.  And the majority of the rest of the grades were As and Bs.  If I have to bribe and threaten in order for them to show me that they can do something? So be it.  Totally not above me.

10.  It only took me 30 minutes to write ten things.  Well, 9... because this one doesn't really count.  I'm making progress!  Although I really have to work on trying to lighten my stuff up.  It's like drinking sand around here.  SO DRY!!  I need to tap in to some of the funny I experience at work every day... that's writing gold!  Something to think about for next time, I suppose.

First Ten Things Thursday of 2013

Writing a Ten Things Thursday post has always been pretty difficult for me.  Sometimes it's just hard coming up with ten random tidbits of information.  It's one of my quasi resolutions to do one at least once a month - and it not be so hard.

1.  I'm excited about getting back in to my classroom today and seeing all of my kiddos' faces.  As much as I love spending time with my own kids, it's amazing how much I miss those 18 little rugrats I have in my class.  I'm curious to see if they'll all be happy to be back, or cranky and tired.  I'm guessing the latter - but I'm going to be optimistic.

2.  I'm so nervous about Jelly going back to school today.  She's still not 100%, but I really feel like she's not getting better because - in a weird way - she doesn't know how to.  I really think that sleeping and not eating and just laying on the couch and having me take care of her is what she feels like she has to do while she's still not feeling well.  I'm hoping that getting her back to school - in a more upbeat environment - will shake her out of her funk and start getting her on the road to recovery.  I can only hope, anyways. 

3.  It was actually a lot of fun getting to spend the day with my fellow teachers yesterday.  We heard from an amazing speaker in the morning.  Got to have a long lunch and just catch up and talk about our break.  And then spent the afternoon talking about the new things that are coming our way this semester and moving in to next year.  I really think it was what I needed to recharge my batteries for coming up with some great ideas for teaching.

4.  I am avoiding commenting on all the blog posts I've seen recently from resolution haters.  Nothing personal to them, and I can totally agree with almost everything they say, but I don't want to squash my positive hopes for my year by people that continually tell me that resolutions are a bunch of crap and a waste of my time.  Everyone has to start somewhere.  Not everyone picks January 1st to make changes in their lives - but the people that have had successful change picked a day to change and it worked for them.  Just because I'm stuck to a cliche of it being the first day of a new year doesn't make it impossible for me to succeed.  

5.  I'm pretty sure that one of my cats is waiting for some kind of reward for catching a mouse that had already been caught in a mouse trap.  I hate mice.  HATE THEM.  And last night, one of my cats got in to a cabinet - after hearing a trap go off - and brought me the nasty little sucker as if it were a present.  I've heard of cats doing this - just didn't realize that there were lazy cats out there that waited for the traps to do all the work, and would then try and steal the credit as if they killed the mouse themselves.  It was either that, or all three of my cats made wagers on how quickly I'd run and scream at seeing the nasty little thing.  Call me crazy, but I'm pretty sure I heard my oldest cat giggle and high five the other cats when I took off running for the kitchen.

6.  I'm in the process of making my first crocheted tote bag - and quickly realizing that purses and bags may be my "thing" for my future crocheting endeavors.  It makes total sense.  I am a purse hoarder - have collected them for the past ten years of my life.  I'm pretty sure the only type of purse I don't own is a crocheted one.  I know there are other crazy women out there like me that will buy a purse just because she doesn't own one like it - whether she likes it or not.  Especially if I can customize the style and color choices.  Now I just have to come up with a catchy name to plant on them.  Hey, it worked for Louis Vuitton and Coach.

7.  Last night, I finished up the last episode of Army Wives until the next season starts sometime this year.  And you know what?  I totally cried.  Not because of the horrible way the show ended and is now going to torture me while I wait for the next season - but because it's over.  I've enjoyed watching the show so much these past couple of weeks, that I'm sad that it's over. 

8.  I just did a quick search for Army Wives and have found out that there's no specific time line for when season 7 will start.  AND some of the wives won't be returning, but are being replaced with new wives.  I'm just not sure what I think of this.  I'm in the midst of a new love affair - and may be having some of my favorite people yanked from my life.  SO NOT FAIR!

9.  I've written the first eight things pretty easily...a lot easier than in the past. That's a good sign.  Maybe I'll have better luck with this Ten Thing Thursday thing after all.

10.  It's now time for me to go and get ready for work.  I'm ready... a little nervous...and a lot excited.  I don't want to think about there only being 32 school days until my next long weekend.  I'm more focused on getting through these first two days - and then having two days off.  I'm just praying that Jelly makes it through today without me getting a phone call...and that this is the quick fix to her getting better.  And yes, I'm fully aware that my number 10 sounds very much like my numbers 1 and 2.  You got 8 things out of me this morning without any problems...that's improvement.  Focus on the positive, people!

Ten Things Thursday

1.  Getting an email stating that your student's Christmas presents are on back order and probably won't be delivered until after Christmas SUCKS!  It's enough to completely ruin a day.  I was so looking forward to giving them something other than a pencil and an eraser for Christmas.  BLAH!

2.  Somehow, going to work an hour later than I should makes the day seem ten times longer.  No joke.  Yesterday, I was absolutely EXHAUSTED by the end of the day...for no reason whatsoever!  I guess an extra hour of sleep got to me, put me all out of whack, and made the day drag.

3.  I'm in crochet crazy mode right now.  The temperatures have dropped in to "winter range" and now all I want to do is sit on the couch and crochet.  I'm LOVING the challenge of making infinity scarves...and I've had several people at work approach me about making stuff for them.  I just really wish I had started this a couple of months ago.  I might have been able to make some extra Christmas money had I really buckled down on it back then.

4.  Pre-teen relationships boggle my mind.  When I was in 7th grade, I had boyfriends.  I remember being pretty boy crazy.  I don't remember being so stressed out having a boyfriend, deciding he's probably not right for me, breaking up with him, and then wondering if I'd made a terrible mistake and taking him back... over and over and over.  It makes for one grumpy, moody, and depressing pre-teen. 

5.  I was actually asked by my administration, yesterday, what they could do for me to ensure that I stay with them at the end of the year.  I had to laugh.  Seriously.  Two people that took a chance on a complete stranger and offered them a job when she started to think there wasn't a school out there that would do that, asking me what they could do to keep me?  Urm, give me another contract for next year?  After what I went through to find a job there just wasn't words for me to tell them how crazy of a question that was to ask me.  Besides, I'm pretty sure my kids would disown me if I even thought about trying to find a job in another school.  

6.  Not only is my job proving to be the best fit for me - but it may appear it's also going to help me get back in shape.  My assistant principal is a fitness guru - of sorts - and he's started perking my interest to try the program he does.  

7.  Yes, I'm thinking about getting back in to the weight loss game as soon as Christmas is over.  I know all the weight loss people out there will cringe when they see that I'm waiting until after Christmas... but I am.  There will be weight loss, working out, and the works once I get through this holiday.

8.  I'm ready for Christmas break!  Big time!

9.  I wish I had a helper from the North Pole to help me with the wrapping.  I love it at first, but then I soon get bored with it.  I wish someone would come and do it for me.

10.  I better go and get ready for school.  I'm hoping that today goes by WAY faster than the past few days.  I'm ready for the weekend!!

Ten Things Thursday

That picture only serves as a visual reminder to me as I'm writing my ten things this morning.  Cause, you know how the other day I promised myself I wasn't going to complain and whine about stuff?  Remember?  Yeah, well, I'm finding that very difficult at this point in time.

1.  This has been the longest week EVA!  Seriously, yesterday I really thought it was Friday... cause that's just how long this week has seemed.  Not because anything bad has happened, but because there's just so much that's already gone on...there's just no way I've fit it all in to three days.  Monday night I didn't get home until after 7pm because Peanut had band practice until 6pm.  Tuesday, I went the kids' county Christmas concert and didn't get home until after 9pm.  Yesterday was Jelly's birthday, and I went and had cupcakes with her at school.  Then, I got a text from Peanut's boyfriend's mom asking if I'd drive him home because she was at a training and wouldn't be back until late.  Finally got home around 5:15pm and spent the evening directing phone calls to Jelly, getting cake ready for her to blow out candles, and snuggling with her on the couch.  I am exhausted!

2.  The next week isn't going to be any better in terms of the busy factor.  Tonight I have tutoring, Saturday is the Christmas parade for the town I work in.  Peanut is marching in the parade, Jelly is singing in the choir, and Santa is going to be there on a big Christmas train.  It's going to be a long day.  Then, Sunday it's Jelly's birthday lunch at P-Momma's house.  Monday, band practice.  Tuesday, school Christmas concert.  Thursday, tutoring.  And then?  I should be done with the crazy long days. *Fingers crossed*

3.  Despite the crazy that's going on in my life right now, I have to say that I'm having a wonderful time at work.  I've really held on to my mantra of finishing the year with a positive attitude, and forcing it on to the kids.  We've laughed, joked around, and had a great time.  We're still working hard and learning lots... but I've taken a much more light-hearted approach to everything.  And you know what I've discovered?  The kids are learning A LOT more doing it the way I am right now.  Ssshhh, don't tell.  But apparently, kids learn more while they're having fun.  It's a secret I will protect with my life.

4.  So, I jinxed myself with getting excited about the possibility for some winter weather next week.  It's going to be cold... really cold... but that's about it.  No snow for me.  Maybe with the weather being so cold, I'll actually get some stuff crocheted - like I keep saying I'm going to.

5.  I was shocked, last night, when Jelly actually cried because I didn't buy her a pony for her birthday.  Seriously.  She even looked at me with those big, tear filled blue eyes, and said "You could have got me a fake pony, that would have been OK".  I reminded her of the recliner we got her, the trip to the zoo, the giant stuffed monkey I bought her at the zoo, the cupcakes, and the birthday cake, but it didn't do any good.  Normally I would have been a little upset that she was acting so ungrateful - but my heart still melted and made me hate myself for not getting her a pony.  Apparently the three gazillion stuffed animals she already owns just isn't enough.  Which, in her defense, doesn't include a pony.

6.  One of my kids at school made my heart melt yesterday, when I read her journal.  Rather than make them write a letter to Santa asking for stuff, I challenged them to write a journal with the beginning "If I could buy one thing for someone it would be...".  I had some really great stuff to read, but one paper really perked my interest.  One of my students wants to buy me a diamond bracelet because I'm such a great teacher.  She went on about how fun it is to be in my class, how I make them work hard but always reward them, and how funny I am.  I had to swallow a lump in my throat because of it.  My kids sure know how to shock the bejeezus out of me.

7.  Another funny kid from school story... A kid asked me what I wanted for Christmas yesterday. Another kid, without skipping a beat, matter-of-factly stated that I would be getting a fork.  I looked at him, rather puzzled and he said "You always say 'stick a fork in me, I'm done' so I figure you need a fork to stick in you".  I haven't laughed that hard in a long time.  It sure amazes me how quickly kids pick up on stuff I say.  That goes right along with the fact that almost every kid in my class now responds to a question with "I know, right?"  Which is something I say WAY too much. 

8.  I had a thousand things racing through my head this morning, which is why I chose to do a "Ten Things Thursday" post... but now, for the life of me, I can't think of much more to talk about.  It just goes to show that writing can really lift my spirits and make me forget all the negativity that's coursing around me.  

9.  There's only ten days of school left before Christmas break.  It's all down hill from here, right?  Only, I expected to be able to fill at least the last five days of school with fun Christmassy type activities.  Yeah, that hasn't happened.  I have full plans - full of normal school stuff - until the very last day.  Most people would just throw their hands up in the air and run with it.  You think I'm going to do that?  Oh no.  That just means I'm going to have to really get creative and find a way to include some really fun stuff in to my normal learning stuff.  I can do it.  I know I can.

10.  If you haven't picked up on it... cause I know that I've kept it to myself... but the wait between December 1st and Christmas day is excruciating!  I don't know why I get so freakin' excited about Christmas.  It drives me nuts!  I'm ancy, unfocused, and just ready for it to be here.  Just 18 more days.  I can do it.  I can do it.  I CAN DO IT!

Ten Things Thursday

Yeah, I know I complained about this last week - about how difficult it was to come up with ten things to randomly talk about.  But, I'm going to try it again.  I'm a "If at first you don't succeed..." kinda gal.  So, I'm gonna try, try again...

1.  I woke up in a perfectly good mood, but it has taken me 30 minutes to get my computer started up and to this page in order for me to write my blog...which has caused my blood pressure to raise just a little.  The power went out last night for a minute causing my computer to shut down.  It then took 30 minutes to get through the downloading updates, loading the screen, and pulling up my browser just to let me type.  I so need a new laptop!  Or maybe I should shut my computer down more and install updates when I'm supposed to.  Yeah.  No.  I need a new laptop.

2.  Why is it so difficult for children to do what they are supposed to do?  It was Butter's turn to wash the dishes last night.  I must have told him about 15 times that if there wasn't enough room in the dishwasher, that he needed to hand wash what was left.  I get up this morning to discover dishes all over the counters.  UGH!  Peanut's just as bad.  I've been getting on to her for weeks about her room.  It's still not clean.  Why do they insist on making me ground them?  I don't ask a lot of them, but I sure can't get them to do the little things I ask them to do.  So.  Frustrating.  And, I know full well that Butter will be all ticked off when he finds out his grounded today.  He'll get mad and sulk around the house all day blaming the world about how unfair his life is.  One day I plan on getting through to my kids that they have it better than so many kids out there, and it's not too much to ask for them to clean the dishes a couple of times a week.

3.  I'm actually excited about going to work completely alone this morning.  I'll be able to control the radio, listen to what I want to listen to, and none of it will include children bickering in the back seat.  Pure paradise, I'm telling you!

4.  I think I'm going to take the opportunity to stay at work a little longer today and get some much needed work done.  It will be quiet.  I'll have everything I need right in front of me.  So, there's no reason to bring tons of work home with me... I just need to get it done before I leave so I can actually enjoy the rest of my time off.  Did I mention that there won't be any children bickering through it all?  If you haven't noticed, I've been dealing with the kids fighting a lot lately... as if I didn't make that obvious enough.

5.  I don't care what anyone says, but the cutest thing in the world is a 4 year old when she first wakes up.  It's an image that doesn't last long, but a 4 year old wakes up with the cutest face and loveable attitude.  They want snuggles and hugs.  Then, they fully wake up and they fall right in to that normal, mode where they are still cute - but not near as loveable.  And then the "Can I have..." starts up, and I'm wishing she'd just go back to sleep.  Oi, I am in a mood this morning.  Stupid computer!  It's all your fault.

6.  Is it just me, or does writing look a lot more fun to read when it's brightly colored?  Now, I just have to focus on the pretty colors.  Negative breath in, positive breath out.   

7.  There's only 61 days until Christmas.  That excites the beejezus out of me.  Last year, Christmas seemed to fly by in the blink of an eye.  I'm going to make it a point this year to soak up every bit of Christmas - starting with the trimming of the tree on Thanksgiving night, to weekend Christmas movies and hot chocolate, to dragging out the gifts being unwrapped on Christmas morning. 

8.  I just realized that I missed the deadline to decline this month's movie from the Disney Movie Club - and so now I've been charged $30 for a movie I don't want.  Why does that never happen when it's a movie I actually want?  Those clubs always seem to get me somehow.  I don't know why I ever signed up for the thing.  Oh, wait.  Yes I do.  I got 10 movies for $1.99, and thought that was a great deal.  Now I'm just realizing that I'm going to buy 4 movies at regular price - which is about double what I'd pay in the store.  I never seem to get it when I'm being duped.  

9.  Ten things Thursday is a lot easier to write when I'm a little grumpy. It's so easy to find things to complain about.  There's something wrong with that statement.  I really need to work on finding more things to be happy about.  But, I guess I can look at it that I'm writing out all of grumbles and leaving them here.  I don't want to let out the good things that keep me going.  Those are the things I want to hold on to. 

10.  I'm going to end with saying that I'm very happy I get an extra day off this weekend.  Thanks, Fall Break!  I just caught a bit of the weather forecast for this weekend, and it's supposed to be much colder than it's been the past week.  We had temps back up in the high 70s.  Now, the temps are going back down in to the 50s and 60s.  Perfect weather for cleaning my house, snuggling on the couch, and maybe getting out for a little while.  I don't know why I'm such a fan of cold weather - but I am.  It excites me and makes me happy.  If you think I'm happy with temps down in the 50s, just wait and see what happens when the temps go down in to the 30s!

Wow, I zoomed through my 10 things this morning.  Now, I have to go and get all dressed up for my half day of doing parent-teacher conferences.  I hope they are as fun as the Tuesday night conferences were.  Yes, I like doing conferences.  I know, I'm a dork.  And I'm perfectly happy about that!

Ten Things Thursday

I haven't done this in a long time.  It's not my idea.  Along time ago, I stole borrowed this fun little Thursday activity from my buddy, Drazil.  I do that a lot, because one day I want to be a writer as funny and talented as she is.  That's why I steal borrow all of her ideas.  HA!

1.  I complain about Facebook a lot, yet I just can't seem to even fathom the idea of just letting it go.  I received a great comment on my post, yesterday, about how happy the commenter was about giving up on Facebook.  The thought of myself deleting my Facebook page entered my mind for 3.2 seconds before the idea was gone.  Why do we hold on to things that bother us so much?  Beats me.  But, I just can't do it.

2.  To go right along with the Facebook complaining, I have to mention the ignorance I witnessed last night.  Someone made the post that said something along the lines of "I'm a Romney fan, but why can't I say that and not be harassed and insulted on my opinion?  I have the right to vote for whichever candidate I feel like voting for without being insulted for it."  I was going to comment about how I'd written a blog post that went right along those lines... until I read some of the person's further comments.  Other people had commented, but one person had posted something about supporting Obama and feeling the same way.  That same person who had written the original comment posted something along the lines of "Obama supporters will be the death of this country".  No, dear.  Close minded, hypocritical people like you will be the death of our country.  Geez!

3.  The copier went out at work on Tuesday.  Teachers without a copier is like a bird without a branch to land on.  Until I wasn't able to copy something, I realized how heavily I rely on a copy machine.  I had to rewrite my reading plans for yesterday, because I hadn't already made the copies I needed for the day.  The take-away lesson I should have gotten from that is to always plan ahead and make the necessary copies at the beginning of the week.  What did I end up taking away from it?  I prefer the lessons I write on the spot - and so do the kids - much better.  We spent 90 minutes reading, talking, and digging deep in to some of the stuff we've been covering.  Great stuff, right there!

4.  Do you realize the we are only 5 weeks away from Thanksgiving?  That means we're only 9 and 1/2 weeks away from Christmas!  This paycheck I'm going to start my Christmas shopping.  Maybe.  Probably.  As much as I love Christmas, it's getting harder and harder to buy for my kids each year.  My kids are cursed with a mother who HATES buying clothes for Christmas.  What kids like opening clothes for Christmas?  Apparently mine - who have asked for clothes.  Does that mean I haven't provided them with the necessary clothes they need or does that mean that they are so spoiled they have nothing else to ask for?  Either way, it's not good.  I like to think that it's neither and my kids just want to give my checking account a break and ask for simple stuff.  Yeah.  That has to be it.

5.  So, with the cooler weather we've had the past couple of weeks, I've noticed that the plague of grasshoppers have disappeared.  Thank goodness!  But, I'd like to know where they went.  I mean, I know they probably got killed off - especially since we had a couple of days with temps down in to the 30s.  But, shouldn't I see thousands and thousands of grasshopper carcasses laying around my front yard?   How can that many grasshoppers just suddenly disappear without a trace?  Something to think about.

6.  Oh, and now that the grasshoppers are all gone, what's up with the sudden onset of hundreds of caterpillars everywhere?  I thought caterpillars came out in the spring to turn in to beautiful butterflies.  My front porch looks like Grand Central Station for caterpillars.  They are EVERYWHERE.  I know it doesn't help living right in the woods - but come on!  Oh, and the Daddy Long Legs that have taken up residence on my porch need to find a new home, too.  I really don't like having to sprint up on my porch and in the front door with the hopes that nothing crawled on me.

7.  Why is it so hard for a person that spends every morning writing random crap to come up with ten mini random crap paragraphs?

8.  Do you guys believe in doppelgangers?  I never did, until I started working in my new school.  Before I started there, Peanut was always called the "mini-me".  She looks just like me.  But, after our first week, people constantly asked her if she was the child of another new teacher who started working there this year.  Since that time, I've become very good friends with my look-alike and we have the strangest things in common.  We both met our significant others in the same way.  We have both gone through the same weight loss struggles (hers being a lot more successful than mine).  We both teach, and our significant others work for the same company.  We delivered our last child in the same hospital.  And the list can go on and on.  I'd post a picture of us both for you to see the resemblance, but I haven't asked her permission - so I won't.  But, I have to admit, it's pretty freaky.  Oh, and did I mention that she is the mother of Peanut's boyfriend?  

9.  I have to send out letters this week for my first class party.  It didn't hit me until yesterday how excited I am about doing it.  All of these firsts that I get to check off my list:  Parent/Teacher Conferences and Fall Party being two of them.  It's weird to me that these things are something I've been waiting years to do.  

10.  Phew.  Made it.  Without a minute to spare.  Now I remember why I had to stop writing Ten Things Thursday - because it was so dang hard.  And nobody pay attention to the fact that I've already pointed this out and technically this last item shouldn't count because I've already talked about it.

Buh-Bye!