Computer Issues and news

I was doing so good about posting more often, and then whap!! I stop. There are reasons behind this, though, so bear with me. First of all, last week was the leadership workshop, two nights of work, dinner out with friends, and date night with husband. So, I rarely was online except to check email. On Thursday, after work, I found out that our second line was not working (again. . .happened a few months ago). After discussing with hubby, we decided it was time to go for the com**cast net connection, and have phone, net and TV through them. Instead of calling to get the 2nd line looked at (outside trouble if it was like the last time), we registered for the new connection, cancelled the 2nd line, and ordered a new laptop from MAC. However, for some reason, we are unable to connect to our primary phone line easily with the borrowed laptop I have at home right now. So computer use has been sporadic and not so good.
The good news is that as of July 7th, we will have our com**cast connection up and running AND the new laptop that is OURS and not borrowed from school will be hooked up to it. I have been online at my Mom's, work, and even at the hotel in State College where we were for 2 days for my DUI Instructor workshop. We are home now, and I am getting ready to leave school for home, and thought I wanted to leave a note.

I accomplished so much today to prep for next year, and to wrap up some of last year's stuff. I love when I have a workday like this when I can and feel like I actually got something done.

Random thoughts

**Summer vacation officially started on Wednesday after a lunch with the faculty. I wasn't overly keen on going since I was a bit miffed at some of the others who:
**had students who failed but didn't notify either me or AP so we could get letters out sooner. Ended up doing a rush job on Wednesday.
**had problems with grades online, and didn't realize it until they were already given out, so then phone calls abound.
**look at me like I am crazy when I ask if I can reach them if I have questions on grades/schedules over summer. Hey, I am union too but some of my work doesn't get done until everyone else's is done. *sucks I know*
**grouchy and demanding attitudes. That says it all.

Anyway, I went in Thursday briefly but have leadership workshop next week so I managed to avoid the place on Friday except to take my nephew in to meet our secretary. We went to the pool then. He is a cutie and talks like crazy. . .funny kid, but aren't they all to some extent.

We are having a gathering here today so we have been prepping food, the house, the outside, etc. Its hot, but at least there is no rain. Its supposed to be humid and very hot this week. . .of course, I have workshops from 10-2 each day. I am hoping to get to the pool after Monday/Wednesday even if I have to sneak myself out. After all, it is my summer vacation too. I am getting a little more protective of my time. As I said, I am union, and I should be off all summer. But due to the way things are with records, schedules, etc. I do have to go in. I try to keep it to the mornings and not on Fridays. So far, so good.
Enjoy the day.

Monday, Monday

We had a fun weekend for our anniversary, and the weather was blue skies, sunshine, and gorgeous all the way. After a semi-early trip to the strip district for some veggie buying and perusing the cultural stores, we headed to the shops at the waterfront where we had fun exploring, listening to some music, and enjoying the day. We finally ate at P*F* Chang's where we were supposed to go for my birthday and it was delicious. We also spent some time playing games at Dave ***and Buster's where I was able to shoot at dinosaurs and criminals. It must bring out my aggressive side to do this. Yesterday, we headed out to a park for Keith's great-nieces grad party. We seem to miss alot of his family get-togethers so I am glad it worked out for Sunday.

Now, on to more important thoughts. (Are you kidding me?) The question of the day is: Are you a one bottle at a time bath gel person, or do you have many that you choose from on any given morning. I am the latter, and usually have at least 5 or 6 bottles of gel/lotion going at the same time. I guess I just can't make up my mind on any given morning, so I need to have choices. And since I have a (too) big stockpile of gels and lotions, I can do this. Currently, the faves are: Strawberry from the Body Shop, Tropical Passionfruit from BBW, and Iced Tea Twister from BBW. (And that is only 3 of the 6 I have in the shower at the same time. . . its a good thing only 2 of us have to share the shower!!)

More later, I want to get on the road to do my paperwork for job #2.

Is it really 6 years?

This Saturday, Keith and I will have been married for 6 years. That is amazing to me on so many levels. One is the complete quickness of passing time, but more than that is the fact that I had put marriage in a "back" area of my head prior to meeting him. At 35, there was no steady man, or even one that was tempting me into marriage. I was happy with my job, my friends, and the world I was living in. Later the year I turned 35, and thought about where I was, I was coerced into a blind date by a former student. It was his supervisor, and we were meeting at a local bar on a Sunday night. I almost didn't go, but was called and told "I had to", so I gave in. (Never did have much backbone!!)
I met him, and within a month we were dating seriously, and got engaged when I had a leap-year birthday and turned 36. Next year is another leap year. . .and I will be 44. Where does the time go? Keith and I have always felt like we've known each other forever, but also have enough differences to keep us from being boring. He likes that I have friends to go out with for theater; he gets to watch sports on TV. He likes that I plan alot; he goes along for the adventure. We find we can finish each other's thoughts, but weirder still, we sometimes find we are simultaneously thinking of something that is similar without ever speaking of it before.
So, 6 years. . .and odd number to celebrate, but we are. Life is too short not to take the time to enjoy each other.

We are spending the day together (which means by the end, we will be happy to have some time apart!!). I want to go to the strip for some early morning produce/specialty store shopping (its a fun place in Pittsburgh) to the Arts Festival, out to dinner, and wherever our Jeep takes us for the day. It may rain, but we have umbrellas. Just a chance to get out and enjoy the anniversary of our day. . .and the end of my school year with students.

Now, to remember what the 6th anniversary is? Anybody know?

Over and gone

Graduation is over, and I slept last night. For the past week, I have slept in only one hour increments which really interferes with sleep stages and REM. I tried to "relax" as everyone at school said, but the racing thoughts didn't help me get the sleep I needed. But, today, I feel better since I did sleep.

Things went well, although we did have a bit of drama before when a student who was not able to walk showed up. There is still a tuition balance of significant amount and the rule is they cannot walk or receive the diploma. It is hard to have this happen, but we have to follow rules. Things were handled, she left and the ceremonies went off very well, and I was home by 9:15 pm.

Today, the sun is shining and I am hoping to sit poolside to get some sun on my pale legs and enjoy the company of either friends or a good book. I am not even sure what is left on my reading list cause I haven't read a book in over a month. Hard to believe MAY flew by and its June. But, it always seems to be that way. I have many late birthday cards to send, so I want to work on that tonight. Life begins to resume its regular pace, and we have only 5 days left with kids and then 3 teacher days the next week. I am looking forward to mid-June weekend cause my brother Doug and nephew Adam are coming in for a visit. Doug is going to the Open, so Mom and I get to keep Adam occupied all day. A three year old. . .tiring but fun. And we never get to see him that often.

Bye for now, and don't fall off your chair with 2 posts in two days. I am returning.

Ramblings

There is something about a clean piece of paper or a clean area to blog. It gives me a chance to write about whatever is on my mind. Currently, its racing around fiendishly. It has been the month from hell that May always is, but this time, I really did try to make it easier for me by starting with "stuff" early, and it worked. However, those around me failed to co-operate, and I ended up in tears a few times.

Teachers were told grades were due on 22nd by 9, and I didn't get some until after 3 that day. They were told that debts of seniors were due by the 23rd, and I got some after we had already had rehearsal on the 29th. We didn't judge the time well enough for our Senior class day program, wanted to send the kids to either go to homeroom or 4th period and teachers gave us attitude. Awards on my part were started in late April, and the day before I was still being given awards and needed to get certificates made.

I know it doesn't sound rough but there are parts I don't want to go into here. The worst part was last Friday. I was sort of "in charge" of the day since both our principal and asst. had to be out. As we tried to move on after the senior activity, I got attitude as I said, but worse was that after the kids were all gone, the 2 people I am fairly good friends with left with 2 other teachers, and went to lunch. OK, so I don't know this for sure, but when I entered the office as they were all gathering, the looked at each other and then waited until I turned my back for 2 minutes to leave together. Maybe its paranoia, but I doubt it. Anyway, it hurt and I cried. And as I cried, I thought about the people I feel (or felt) closest to in this world besides my husband. And cried more. Wendy, my sisterinlaw, lives in CA, and has a baby so we don't talk as much as we did and she is far away. Yet, I wish I could be closer almost daily. Another friend and I are sometimes hit or miss, but its my fault for not being in touch over the past 2 months. And I still miss the friendship I had that ended with another soul. She may have lived far, but we talked almost daily, and I miss that and her unique love of life. It still hurts that I haven't heard from her in over a year. I guess I wasn't the friend I thought I was.

OK, so this is not a pity party, but it was an emotional night. Keith and I ended up going out to dinner and shopping. (for me~~) I got some Bath and bodyworks stuff, some books, and some gifts for Dad for father's day. Saturday morning, I cleaned out the gels and lotions I had, the candles I didn't want and took them to school for freebies. And all but one candle out of about 12 were taken. It felt good to give them away, and while I am trying to forgive, its not so easy to forget.

Tonight is graduation. Its been a rough two weeks, like it seems to always be, but this year was more personal than just stress. However, today we got pics of a party with drinking and had to deal with that before we left. I am currently in my graduation dress with hair done and ready to leave about 4:45. I like to be there first to enjoy the silence and to double check what I was supposed to do. And after 9 pm, I will be home to enjoy my weekend.

Things at school have many ups and downs and I am not sure why. I feel that a few of our teachers feel more "entitled" when it comes to things. Morale seems low to me, or maybe its just mine. I do have support and a comrade in our asstprin., but its frustrating to feel like I do right now. I want to get out of it, but maybe I just need to feel appreciated instead of "dumped on" (for lack of a better way of saying it).

On a more positive note, we are going to Disneyworld on December 15th for a week, and it will be a way to escape from reality. We also will be in Phoenix and San Diego for 2 weeks this summer to see the nephews, and I hope we can head to Brooklyn in the fall to see my niece and her new baby sister (due in July)

I want to write more. I need to write more. So, let's hope I can use this space wisely.

Reading

Through the Callapidder Days, I found another fun place to go and find me-mes for Thursday. . .its called Booking Through Thursday, and had a great question up for all readers this week. I know its Friday, and I dislike being late but here it goes:

Where is your favorite reading spot? Where do you most of your reading?

My favorite places are at the public pool in the summer, where I can cool off by hopping in the water, grab a snack, and enjoy the sunshine while reading off my long summer list. I also enjoy reading on my front porch, which I intend to do more of this year. However, I probably do most of my reading on my couch, in the evening since in Western PA, the pool weather only lasts from May-early September.

Fun with Reading

There is a fun thing going on over at Callapidder Days organized and hosted by Katrina.
I signed up and then tried to list my books, and blogger would not let me in yesterday. So, I took the list to work to do after school, but forgot to do it, and then left it there.
Excuses galore, I know, but here is the start of my list:

1. The Edge of Winter by Luanne Rice ***finished

2. Sisters by Danielle Steele ***finished

3. Alphabet Weekends by Elizabeth Noble ***finished

4. Step on a Crack by James Patterson

5. Forever in Blue: Fourth Summer of the Sisterhood by Anne Brashears

6. Nineteen Minutes by Jodi Picoult ***finished

7. Light from Heaven by Jan Karon

8. Family Tree by Barbara Delinsky ***finished

9. Me & Emma by Elizabeth Flock

10. The Coffin Quilt by Ann Rinaldi ***finished

11. Fifty Acres and a Poodle by Jeanne Marie Laskas

12. Re-reading James Patterson's 1st to Die series in preparation for #6 which is coming out in April

***Updated and complete, although I could surpass this depending on how I spend my time on the weekends, and over Easter break. However, since I have a logbook to complete, 2 watches to bead, and papers to grade, I think that 12+ books is all I am going to be able to read!! Summer list begins after this one ends though, so keep checking in!!

100 things

Its been a while (old blog) since I did this, and wanted to see what came to my mind. I will have to add them a bit at a time, though, cause 100 at once may overtax my brain.

1. I love my job.
2. I may complain about parts of it to my husband, but I can't imagine doing anything else.
3. I love to read, and spend most of my summer break at the pool reading all the books that have had to wait until I had "time".
4. I consider myself to be somewhat shy, but most people laugh when I say that. They don't know what it takes sometimes to speak out.
5. I can't see anything without my glasses unless its two inches from my face.
6. I love to travel and explore out of the way places even in my home state.
7. I applied to Notre Dame on a dare, and am happy I did cause going to school there was a growing experience for me.
8. I didn't get married until I was 37
9. My husband is 16 years older than I am.
10. I am the oldest of 4 children, and the only girl
11. I desperately wanted a sister when I was younger, and feel lucky I have great sister-in-laws.
12. My brothers all live in other states so I miss having family gatherings with them.
13. My parents divorced after 30 years of marriage.
14. I went to Catholic schools, including college, all my life.
15. I am still a practicing Catholic
16. I work in a Catholic high school.
17. I have a tattoo on my thigh.
18. I prefer wearing skirts over pants, but in winter its too cold.
19. I am an adult who loves Disneyworld, but not for the "thrill" rides.
20. If I had to only have one TV channel, I would seriously consider the FoodNetwork.
21. I am a Law and Order junkie.
22. I usually only listen to country music.
23. I love musicals--old and new.
24. I have fallen down steps 4 times in the past 6 years.
25. I can be overly emotional.
26. My hair is naturally curly which I like now but hated for many many years.
27. I get my nails polished or repaired every week.
28. I want to be on a game show, but am not sure which one I could do the best on.
29. Notre Dame football is the only team I really cheer for. . .ever.
30. I make beaded jewelry as gifts and for myself, but wish I could make it a business.
31. I had breast reduction surgery in 1998 after years of back pain and feeling out of place.
32. I love to shop.
33. Making sure that I remember people's birthdays is very important to me.
34. I never went to Disney World until I was 38, and now its one of my favorite places to vacation.
35. I love the ocean, but don't like to be "in" it.
36. I live in the same small town I grew up in, more by coincidence than actual choice.
37. I have never had a child, but I have 2 stepchildren, a stepgrandchild, and a stepstep grandchild. (She is the stepdaughter of said stepdaughter.)
38. In high school, I wanted to be a doctor, and majored in pre-med before I realized I didn't have the intensity.
39. I truly believe that working with teenagers can be rewarding.
40. I also believe it can cause premature grey hair.
41. I have worked in the drug and alcohol education field for over 17 years as a DUI instructor.
42. I lay out in the sun every summer.
43. I know I will pay for this someday.
44. I am a type 2 diabetic, but have a hard time being as good as I should with my diet.
45. I am one of the very few people I know who doesn't drink coffee, nor ever did.
46. I am a list maker.
47. I do it so I can cross things off lists.
48. I have met people I met on the internet.
49. It was through a children's book message board (Trixie Belden)
50. I feel I have improved my "style" by watching shows like "How do I look?" and "What not to Wear".

Only one post in February

I can't believe I only posted once in February. I guess I just needed a break in some ways, but also the month flew by. (It does only have 28 days!!) Ending the month with my birthday was good. I had a fairly good day but it was hampered by cramps which is just not fair when you want to go out to eat. So we stayed home, and plan on visiting PF Changs another evening. We had a fun weekend as well. . .celebrating a friend's 50th birthday at a hotel near downtown Pittsburgh. We got home, and have been resting. Church tonight and back to work. . .where do the weekends go?

I just will be happy to have my energy back. Cramps, tired, irritable, you name it, I felt it over the past few days, and to make matters worse, it all started early for me. Well, more like last month, I was just late, so it put me off schedule somehow. Hope things get back to regular again.

We are searching for flights for San Diego this summer, but need to wait until I find the dates for a workshop I need to attend. Of course, my supervisor at the DUI program thought they would be posted by beginning of March, and I am still waiting. It just seems to be the way. . .when you really need something, it doesn't happen as you plan.

Sorry about the disjointed post. Too many thoughts running through my mind I guess. I have more to say, but want to update my list of books. I want to keep track of books I have read this year as I saw on a few blogs I read.

A few of my favorite things

Yeah, so I am not O*prah, and ready to buy everyone the favorite things I have here, but I can hear the song from Sound of Music playing in my head as I think of these things. I don't want to be a commercial; I just have these random things in my thoughts, and wanted to tell anyone reading about them. I think it stemmed from last night telling a fellow club member about some of them.
So, here you go, in no particular order. . .

1. Almond Oil Intensive Hand Treatment from the Body Shop. . .my hands and elbows feel like sandpaper some days, and I have found that I can put this on repeatedly throughout the day have a noticeable difference within about 24 hours. Not a strong smell, but very rich and not greasy.

2. Sugar free Cappuccino from Ron and Franks (www.ronandfranks.com) which is delicious on a cold morning, and you can take it with you without having to stop for it at a store!! Shipping is only $1 if you spend $24, and they also have cold drink mixes in both sugar-free and regular, and hotchocolate.

3. Ever heard of Pajama Gram. . .it is an affiliate of Vermont Teddy Bear. They have a great selection of both cotton and flannel pjs as well as others. They can be a bit pricey but their "boyfriend" style jammies are great for winter mornings and evenings when you just want to be comfy at home.

4. Spearmint mentha lip shine from Bath and Bodyworks!! Smells like Wrigley's spearmint gum, and works to keep winter lips soft. Added bonus is it helps keep breath fresher (or at least fools you into thinking so).

5. Purity by Philosophy One Step Facial Cleanser. I bought the biggest size I could find. Need I say more? No drying but my face feels clean each morning and evening (when I remember to wash off the day---I am very neglectful of my skin.)

6. Food Saver---This was a Christmas gift from hubby about 3 years ago, and although I do like to cook, hubby does much more of it than I. This however, was one of the best non-jewelry gifts (cause really nothing beats that) he ever got me. We can buy meat on sale and freeze in smaller packages for us, we can keep it frozen longer without freezer burn, and we can even use it for cookies, muffins, etc since we have a "pulse" setting which won't crush our food. Fantastic investment if you want to buy in bulk or on sale, and have room in a freezer.

7. Finally, have you ever heard of or used Zappos.com? Its an online shoe store with free shipping BOTH WAYS. While the shoes are not on sale, you can find many brands, styles, and colors. . .Try them on at home, if you like them. . .great. If you need to return, you print out a UPS label and just drop off at a UPS site which you can also find from their site. I have found some really great shoes that are comfy for standing all day in.

So, there you have them. My favorite thing thoughts for this Friday. Enjoy!!

Notes on the week

*It has gotten much colder here, and on Friday we had a school delay due to the frigid temps where the kids would have waited for buses outside too long. It made for a nice beginning to the weekend.

*I had only one thing this week in the evening. . .work at D*UI on Monday so I got a chance to get grading done, be comfy all evening, and catch up with a friend.

*I spent a few hours today bumming around the mall with my Mom and got some great deals on fun earrings. For $2.50, or $5 these are the ones you don't wear often, but like to have for evenings out. I also got 2 very lightweight and cute sweaters with my gift card from Keith.

*We went to church and then dinner so tomorrow can be a late in bed or late to get ourselves dressed kind of day.

*I feel like my whole life becomes one big schedule sometimes when I have things for work, D*UI job, Juniors, and trying to find time for date night. But, I would rather have things be planned than not have time for anything cause I never plan. I am just a left-brained kind of girl.

*This week should be relatively calm as well, but I might have some appointments at job#2. .I never know until that day.

*I can't believe that February begins this week. It seemed like Christmas break just ended.

How's life in your corner?

Another week goes by. . .

And I wish I could just get myself in a routine to blog a little each day when I think of what I want to say, and not after a week or so when I can't remember all the "important things" I have to write about.

So, let's start with the . . I have some kind of winter nesting or organization illness. I have cleaned out clothes closets, bookshelves, kitchen and dining room cupboards, underneath sinks, storage closets and everything else in between. I have become the "garbage queen" once again to my hubby as I toss expired foods, toiletries and things I don't know why I have them. I have filled 2 boxes and one large shopping bag for the Vietnam Vets who collects alot of that stuff and uses it for helping fire, flood and homeless victims in our area. You just need to call and they pick it up off of your porch, and we also have a few household lamps and such to donate. I just keep thinking of organizing hints and looking for storage solutions to help me (or us) out. Part of it also is due to the simplify way of life that we all need to think about.

I have stacks of books I want to read, but also stacks of papers to grade and post by Tuesday night. I think I may be able to make a dent tonight since hubby wants to watch playoff football, so I can use that time to read, correct and grade. I really am happy I am a guidance counselor fulltime and just teach the 2 sections of psych. I went to Borders (again!!) and picked up a few new paperbacks I decided I wanted to add to my collection. . . for now. I may end up selling or swapping but I need to see how I feel about the author and the series. Its Laurell Hamilton's Merry Gentry series which is supernatural and a bit different.

My biggest accomplishment of the past week though, has to be designing and completing 4 necklaces and 4 pair of earrings. I have my beads out, but didn't feel much like creating over Christmas. Since then, I have finished up 2 necklaces for me, 1 for a gift, and one to be auctioned off at our banquet (with a pair of earrings too). I also made 2 pair of earrings for a friend from college, and one for Keith's daughter. I use the hoops that you can use to make "wine charms" from, but they make a nice size hoop with beads and dangles. I have already started 2 more for me, and I want to post pics.

However, that brings me to the fact that I need to download the information for our new camera onto this computer. One never knows how long that may take me. Some jobs just get done easier and quicker. But for those interested, I hope to take pics of my beading work and post them. . . if there is anyone left reading here!!

Another Week

I can't believe I fell away from the blogging thing after I said I was going to do better cause I wanted to. After 3 days at work, last weekend was kind of blah. We were supposed to head to my aunt's on Saturday night but I felt flu symptoms coming. I never did "get sick" so we caught up with family on Sunday at a brunch in memory of my grandparents.

A full week at work wore me out though. I had to work Tuesday night, meeting Thursday and cancelled our plans for Friday due to fatigue. We were just going to head out to an RV show, but I would rather go to the car show in Pittsburgh since we are looking to get one come March or April. Today we spent money at Wally's, Sam's and I used gift cards, personal shopping day and found sales at Borders. We mainly bought long term foods, like meat, but also found new lamps we both liked and really needed since both of them were either flickering and hissing or would go out after a slight bump to the table. Yeah for good buys and finding what you want.

I do have more to say, but dinner is getting cold. . .get a beverage and snack. I hope to be back.

Late night

Tonight is going to be a late night, and while I really don't want to stay up past my work bedtime, I have to at least wait to see how my beloved Irish team plays in the beginning of the 2nd half. It could be a bad morning tomorrow. What was the BCS thinking when they put bowl games on nights when people have to go to work. Yeah if you are on the west coast, it works, but not here.
The Irish are playing in New Orleans which is where we spent Easter 2005. It was pre-Katrina, and we had a good time. There is a lot of history there, and while I enjoyed the markets, the shops, the food, and seeing the buildings and cemetaries there, the best thing on the trip was the plantation tour we went on. We went to Laura and to the Oaks. Both were amazing tours and I learned alot, but Laura moved me in many ways. I could feel the emotion welling up inside as we learned about the slaves and the world that the family lived in. It was Good Friday, and I think that added to my feeling of spirituality as we visited this home. I don't know if I will ever go back, but being there was very interesting and we able to see the Garden District, downtown, Magazine street, Tulane, and ride all of the trolleys and even a bus. We stayed in the business district, so we were central and really got a good glimpse of the city in 5 days.

Going back to work today was good for my routine. Now I just need to get on some kind of "better" eating routine as well. I had a busy day sorting mail and answering phone calls. Tomorrow I have 2 letters of rec to write for a competitive program, and review grades for our 8th grade scholarships. I also have some type of eye test, and have to work for a few hours in the evening. Is it Friday yet?

Happy New Year

Well, we made it to 2007; I wonder what this year will bring to all of us?

I decided I needed a little change for the new year, and since I have no skills at all when it comes to blog looks, I have to stick with what blogger offers. Maybe someday I can get a new look that is fresher.

We had a nice evening with family playing games and having pizza. My sister-in-law is pregnant, and many foods make her ill, so the pizza was something she could handle. We managed to last until midnight, kissed in the new year, and went to bed. I am very thankful to have tomorrow off though, to get back into some routine of bed and wake-up.

A shout out to Karen. . I tried to comment on your blog last night but we had to leave and it wouldn't go through. I will email soon though!!

Did you have a great Christmas?

We had a very nice holiday here in the H home. Keith spoiled me for sure (again). He surprised me with a diamond journey pendant on Christmas eve and then I had DVDs of Charmed and West Wing, CDs of Carrie Underwood, Mamma Mia, Toby Keith and Leanne Womack to open. He bought "us" a new TV for the kitchen, a new crockpot, and me some pajamas, books, and the newest American Girl mini doll. **I am really just a kid at heart**. We spent Christmas day with my Mom and Bill, and then had both Tuesday and Thursday to ourselves. Yesterday, my brother Greg and his family made it to PA for the wedding today. I am taking it easy this am since I got my hair put up into a "do", and don't want to mess it up.

Not sure of our plans for NY eve yet, although we have been invited to a party. We might just see my brother, wife and niece and then come home to be together. As Christmas break nears its end, I am thinking I want to just enjoy my home and my husband.

Fun test

I always liked to test my vocab knowledge . . .

Your Vocabulary Score: A-

Congratulations on your multifarious vocabulary! You must be quite an erudite person.

How's Your Vocabulary?

A Holiday MeMe

I don't usually do these but with Christmas less than a week away, I saw this while blog surfing, copied it, and now want to share for anyone who still stops by. . .And if you do, I think you should add this to your blog!!

1. Egg Nog or Hot Chocolate? Hot Chocolate although I try not to have it too much due to the sugar

2. Does Santa wrap presents or just set them under the tree? No kids, but I wrap all gifts. When I was a kid, my parents wrapped them all, so I would too.

3. Colored lights on tree or white? Many many colored

4. Do you hang mistletoe? No

5. When do you put your decorations up? It depends on what is going on. Last year it was over Thanksgiving weekend but this year it was from December 9-16th!! I think it was due to the fact that we were out of town till after Thanksgiving, and it was early this year.

6. What is your favorite holiday dish (excluding dessert)? Ham sandwiches and cookies!!

7. Favorite Holiday memory as a child? Probably going to midnight mass with my parents and brothers. And then watching them get so excited over gifts on Christmas morning when I was old enough to "know" about Santa

8. When and how did you learn the truth about Santa? I was in 5th or 6th grade I think

9. Do you open a gift on Christmas Eve? As kids, we always opened our exchange with each other, and now hubby and I open one gift before bed.

10. How do you decorate your Christmas tree? Colored lights, and the ornaments are ones that have meaning for me. Many were mine growing up, and when my parents split up, I "inherited" many of the glass ornaments. Since then, Keith and I add a few each year.

11. Snow! Do you like it or Dread it? I am OK with it, but I hate to driving in it.

12. Can you ice skate? No

13. Do you remember your favorite gift? I think it would be the hope chest my husband got me the first year we were married.

14. What is your favorite Holiday Dessert? nutrolls

15. What is your favorite holiday tradition? We have a traditional Christmas eve dinner with my dad's family, go to midnight mass, and the open gifts Christmas morning. After that we go to my Mom's for brunch and see her family.

16. What tops your tree? A star with lights in it. . .we used to have the one that was on my family's tree but it has seen better days, so this is the first year we have a new one.

17. Which do you prefer Giving or Receiving? I love both, but my favorite is giving, there's something about watching the other person open the presents, I just love it.

18. What is your favorite Christmas Song? O Holy Night

19. Candy Canes yuck or yum? ick

20. Fruitcake? No way.

So much to tell

There has been much going on and movement since you last read about my somewhat boring life. We left for San Diego on November 18th, and had a wonderful time being warm, and meeting our nephew and godson Carson for the first time. The christening was on Sunday, and it was a very nice event with family and friends. We were able to spend time playing with Adam (my other nephew) on Saturday, and Mila too. I was babysitter for Adam on Monday afternoon, and then we hit the SD zoo on Tuesday with everyone which was fun. Doug and Adam, and my dad left Tuesday evening so Wednesday was "our" day. . .Keith and I went on the SD trolley tour so we could shop and enjoy the day. We arrived home early Friday morning, napped, and then Keith left for hunting.

I shopped, watched football, attended a party and got my nails done while he was gone. Besides that, I did clean a bit but didn't put up any Christmas decorations like I did last year. So, its the 9th and there are none up yet, but I go on break from school on the 15th. Yeah, yeah, its a great one!! We have 18 days off and I deserve them all. I had to test 8th graders today, and we had 57 show up which is a good amount for our small school.

Last year, I did most of my shopping at stores, and this year, a large amount has been done online for various reasons. One is that I got alot of free shipping, and the other is that certain gifts were only available or easier to find via the internet. Most of it is done, but it does leave the decorating, wrapping, hardtack candy making and card sending left to do. However, I am in more of the spirit this year than last although it will be the first year without my grandmother.

She really did instill in me the fun in giving, and for years I wrapped all of her gifts which were high in number until she discovered gift cards. It will be sad missing her this year. We have a wedding on the 30th, and Greg, Reggie and MIla will be in to visit over that weekend so we will be able to give her gifts instead of mail them. I wish Adam would be here too cause Christmas is more fun when you see your nephews and niece open gifts. Carson won't realize it this year, but the next few would be fun. Maybe some year all of us will be able to be together. (Or Keith and I will win the lottery and fly from home to home over the 3-4 days to play Santa!!) yeah, here's hoping.

Well, we are off. Last week we spent alot of time at home, so we are heading out for some shopping and dinner. Its cold but sunny so we should appreciate these days.