I like making lists.

I started cleaning out my closet in my classroom yesterday afternoon.  It was weird.  I thought I’d be here a lot longer.  No sense in getting behind though, I want to take care of as much as I can right away.  I’m sure I’ll be carting stuff home tonight. 

Last night, Ben and I had just gotten done watching LOST and he showed me this camera he had been looking at.  It was the highest rated camera of it’s kind in our price range, and had over 100 5 star reviews.  Here’s our conversation:

Me: That camera looks AWESOME!  That could be my bday present.

Ben: Yeah, good idea.

(5 minutes pass)

Ben (giving me a kiss): Happy birthday, it’ll be here on Thursday!

Me: AHHHH!!!!!!!

It’s gonna be awesome!

I talked to my sister-in-law last night about college/jobs/car stuff last night.  I’m going to try and get her a job at the daycare I worked at when I was in college if she’s interested.  She is going to be talking to her parents about taking over our car loan (if that’s possible through USAA).  It is the perfect situation.  She gets a car that’s reliable for college, and we get rid of it before Japan.  It’s PERFECT.  I really hope it works out. 

Got a good night’s sleep last night.  Not sure how with everything that’s racing through my brain, but I really didn’t have any trouble falling asleep. I did wake up in the middle of the night in a panic, I remember…something was on the TV that was freaking me out.  I don’t remember now, of course, and ended up just turning the TV off and going back to sleep.  At least it wasn’t one of my buggy dreams.  I haven’t had one of those in a few months now.  For some reason, I’d wake up and think something like:

1.  There was a bug/spider crawling across my chest

2.  There were bugs/spiders falling from the ceiling either inside the room or in the hallway

3.  There was some kind of giant bug above our dresser on the wall

4.  The walls were covered in tiny black bugs, so many in fact, that you couldn’t see the whites of the walls

I’d usually wake Ben up in a panic and he’d try to convince me that what I was “seeing” (because I was half awake) wasn’t actually there and to go back to sleep.  At one point, I looked up bug dreams in a dream dictionary and it said that literally, something was bugging me in life.  I’m sure glad it’s been over for a while now.

YAY! NEW CAMERA!

On Thursday, you will be mine.

I honestly cannot bear the thought of not taking the babies to Japan with us.  It will kill me. 

I do not know if I can do it.  I truly hope we will not have to.

Another day of testing testing testing.  I feel bad for these kids, but we all went through it being in school.  It’s such a stupid system.  It shouldn’t be how you hold kids and teachers accountable.  There has got to be a better way.  There are kids here that were kidnapped and taken to Mexico for 5 years with no schooling and no English.  Yes, they have to take the test.  There are kids who have disabilities who get no extra help with the test.  The language and the way things are worded in some of the questions is so bizarre!  It’s a wonder that teachers and students both don’t lose their mind during this time, especially because the weather is nice.

Reasons why I want to live on-base in Japan, at least for a year:

1.  Most places off-base are apartments.  Without knowing the culture or how to communicate effectively right away will be a huge stress.

2.  While we are getting acclimated to the culture, it will be nice to live around other people who are getting used to it too. 

3.  It feels like it would be a transition into living in Japan instead of just throwing ourselves into it and hoping we’ll do all right.

4.   If we live on base, I will be able to get where I need to go quickly without a car.

5.  There is a chance we could get a yard.

6.  I don’t want to go house/apartment hunting in a foreign country while I’m in the US.  I want to be able to see and walk around in the house/apartment.

7.  We could bring our pets right away and not have to board them at the vet.

That’s all I can think of right now, and I think those are valid reasons for wanting to live on-base.  I’m afraid that Ben is just listening to other people who were over there instead of how I’m feeling. 

Ben and I realized last night that neither one of us has gotten a good night’s sleep since we found out that we are moving.  I figured that it’s just going to get worse once everything starts rolling.  Thank GOODNESS I am a teacher and have the summer off to prepare for it all.  I know that’s going to help Ben a lot with me being able to take care of stuff at home. 

I miss my friends back home.

Today has been an interesting day here at work.  It’s statewide testing time, so everyone gets involved in it.  I get a sub in my classroom for 2 weeks while I test a group of 5 SPED or ESL kids in a separate room.  Luckily, the kids that I’m testing are hard workers and don’t visit.  They sit quietly once they’re done.  It makes for a really dull day, especially being used to teaching first grade where you RARELY get a chance to sit down and relax.  If you’re sitting, you’re still doing something, whether it’s small groups, grading, lesson planning, organizing, copying, or making models. 

The life of a teacher.

I’m really going to miss this place.  I have made some really valuable friends here, and it’s going to be hard to leave.  It hasn’t fully sunk in that later on in the year, I’m going to be in another country halfway across the world.  Nope, even typing it didn’t feel real.  It’s like some story that I’m telling.  Doesn’t feel like it’s happening to me. 

Last night, Ben told me that there might be a chance that the dogs may not come with us right away.  This absolutely broke my heart.  I will do ANYTHING to take the dogs with us.  It all depends on whether or not we get a house on base or off base.  Off base, we’d have to quarantine the animals for a period of time at the vet’s office, and that can be pricey.  If we get a house on base, we could quarantine them at our own home. 

I cried and cried when he was telling me this.  He told me that we weren’t getting rid of them, that they may just have to stay with one of our friends or family members for a while.  When we got Rilo, I made Ben promise to me that if we were going to do this, get a pet, that this was going to be for her lifetime.  We weren’t going to get rid of her or find a new home for her…we would have to do everything in our power to keep us all together.  I’ve had to say good-bye to too many pets in my lifetime, and I wasn’t going to do it anymore.  He pinky promised.  Last night when we were talking about this, he told me that he was keeping the promise, and that he knew how important the animals were to me.  I’m going to try and work out any possible way to keep them with us.

Chip already said he would take Otis in a heartbeat, and I know my mom has said before that Rilo could stay with her.  Doesn’t make it any less hard.  When I look into their eyes, there is nothing but unconditional love from them to me and vice versa.  I am their mommy, and I don’t think I could stand being away from them.  They look to me for everything, and to put them somewhere, even for just a while, makes me sick to my stomach.  Who else can rub Rilo’s neck when she’s having a hard time breathing?  What about when Otis wants Mommy cuddle time? 

Thinking about this makes me want to cry, and in fact, I’m crying right now.  I don’t know how people can just be fine with finding new homes for their animals when they move.  I don’t understand it.  Otis and Rilo are a part of my family, and will always be, even once they’ve passed. 

Last night, after we talked, I went back to the bedroom to put away laundry and just cried the entire time.  I started thinking up things to sell and getting a job over the summer to help pay for the pets to come over.  When I told Ben this, he smiled at me and told me that there was no way I was going to get a job over the summer because he loved having me home and there was going to be a lot to take care of.  I told him that I’d take care of everything AND work.  He said I didn’t have to do that.  I told him I would sell some of my things that I didn’t need.  I told him that I would just ask for money for my birthday and use that to pay for them to come over. (Can you see my sense of desperation?)  He assured me that bringing the pets wasn’t about the money, it was about the housing and what we could get.  He told me that he knew I was already thinking about not buying things for myself to save money for them to come over and to not do that. (How well does he know me?  I was totally thinking that.) 

My husband loves me and takes care of me.  What more could a person ask for?  He is willing to make sacrifices for me to be happy, as I am to him as well. 

Now that I’ve made myself sad, I think it’s time for a list of things to make myself smile.  (Not that thinking about how great Ben is didn’t do that, but after such a long and sad post, more is the best option)

Things that I’m happy about today 3/29/10

1.         The sun is out.

2.         It’s not super windy.

3.         Ben is working days so we’ll both get home around the same time and spend the night together.

4.         My salsa was a hit at lunch today with the other teachers.

5.         I may have someone interested in my Pontiac (the sooner we get rid of it, the better!).

6.         I was coloring earlier and it was quite fun.

7.         I’ve decided to paint one more ceiling tile before I leave Cameo.

8.         I look super cute in the shirt I’m wearing today.

That’s all for now, and I do feel quite a bit better.

Life Changes in an Instant

My friend got some really terrible news today. 

We were on our way to IHOP with his wife and received a call that his dad had been in a dirt bike accident and that they needed to go to Houston tonight.  About 5 minutes later, he calls me again sobbing and told us his dad had died.

I get this sick feeling in my stomach every time I think about it.  I handed the phone to Alexis and she just started saying, "No, no, no..." 

We took her back home, I went to the store to get some food for Ben, and when I got back, Alexis texted me and asked me if I could come and watch her son while she packed.  I put the groceries on the counter and just left. 

When I got over there, she was running around trying to get everything ready because they had to leave to catch their flight in one hour.  I fed Liam, got him cleaned up, changed, dressed, gave him some snacks, made Brandon some food, cleaned up the kitchen, and just tried to help as much as I could.  Alexis was trying to pack for her, Liam, and Brandon, so I just wanted to do everything that I could to help her out.  I watched Brandon walk around the house in a daze...he couldn't focus on anything, understandably.  I didn't know what else to do. 

As they were rushing around the house and rushing out the door, Alexis was trying to call one of our friends to see if he'd just stay at their house while they were gone since she is expecting lots of packages and they have a dog.  I told her I'd call and ask, and to just go. 

I can't imagine what they're going through right now, and all I can do for them now is just pray.

Thursday-A better day, and the day our lives took a new turn

Thursday was so much better than Wednesday. 

After working 9 hours, I got home, cleaned, cooked dinner, and took the dogs for a walk.  When I got home, Ben called and told me that he needed me to do something for him.  My first thought was *Ugh, what now?*

"Get a passport."

WHAT??? 

Yes, folks, we will be moving to Yokota Air Base in Japan in September/October. 

Ok, Wednesday, you were a huge jerk.

Had a super crappy day, and here's why:

1. A certain person who sucks up HARD CORE and tells me about all of her problems over and over and over again...
2. The problem with our window is a bigger problem than we originally thought and is going to cost about $400 unless I can find someone who can give me a better deal.
3. I'm all PMSy, so these first 2 problems seemed WAY worse.
4. Land Before Time was on for indoor recess today and I had to be in the room during the sad scene.  That movie ALWAYS makes me cry, but #3 did not help at all.

Here's why I'm going to be OK:
1. I will be spending 2 weeks away from #1.
2. As Ben said, "It's just money.  We can afford it."  Yeah, I know we can, it's just frustrating when I get the run around and when things can't be taken care of right away.
3. Only 4 more days.
4. I will not watch that movie again for a super long time.

Alright, I'm ok.

WOOOO

A few things this evening. 

1. I really hate people who can't accept that others have differing opinions...especially when they become rude assholes about it, and don't use valid reasoning in the debate.  Name-calling and hypocrisy happens so much, and it seems to come from a lot of my liberal "friends".  I'm so thankful for the people that respect me and my beliefs enough to not badger me about it.

2. 

3.

4.




I'm so irritated right now, I can't even think of the words I want to say.  I'd REALLY like to sink down to a low level, but I have integrity and respect for myself, so I won't.

The ingredients to a great night:

Yum yum yum

Homemade salsa

And of course, a handsome man.

Decided to stay home tonight and skip out on ladies' night. I just didn't have the energy to go.

Tonight, I hated Clovis. We went to Hastings and it sucks there SO bad. Everything is out of order and the employees know nothing about what they're doing. I know that if I'm grumpy there, that I should just stay home with Ben and enjoy myself instead of going out.
We grabbed dinner and headed back with the intentions of drinking beer and watching terrible movies on Netflix. First we started with "Teenage Cat Women in Heat". We would have kept watching, but you could hardly see anything because the movie was shot so poorly. We turned it to Ben's choice, "Time Barbarians".
I'm pretty sure that when they thought of this movie they were thinking, "What movie could we make where everyone is half naked, we can play with swords, get girls topless, have fights, go to the future, have a wizard, and talk like we're in a Shakespearean play? Ahhh yes, Time Barbarians!"
It was really bad.

Then we busted out scrabble. I only lost by 16 points, which isn't bad at all!

Being a military wife

Being a military wife is a game, at least where I live right now. It's a game that took me a few months to learn, but I think I'm getting the hang of it. It's all about appearances, hidden meanings, and material possessions...all of which I either do not care about or do not care to participate in.
I know that when I do not choose to hang out with "the girls", things will be said about me. (Now, please keep in mind, I do not mean ALL the wives are like this, just a select few). As much as people proclaim that they do not talk about people, they do. She who gossips to you will gossip of you. It's really that simple. So then the question arises: Should I go and hang out and not really have fun, or should I do what I want to do and risk being gossiped about? I choose the latter 99% of the time.

When I first moved here, I probably chose the former more often so I wouldn't rock the boat and make things uneasy for Ben with some of the husbands. Well, pretty much everyone likes me with the exception of a couple, so I really have nothing to worry about!

People gossip out of jealousy. Well, at least that's what I've seen out here. It may be money, looks, relationships, or something else, but it's always about jealousy. Here's the thing though, I'm not jealous of anyone, which is why the only time I say anything about anybody is out of annoyance. I have a great relationship, we don't have money problems, I like how I look, and there's really nothing else.

I can see why some of them gossip though. I have not seen too many healthy relationships in this town. I see a lot of one-sided relationships where it's obvious that one person is not happy at all. I see a lot of discouraging remarks made from one side of the relationship to the other that I would never ever stand for, and yet these people do.

I see a lot of money problems out here, but it's never because people don't make enough, it's because of greed and laziness. If you do not have a child, there is no excuse for you to stay at home and mooch off of your husband. Stop buying designer purses/jeans/etc...and just buy something inexpensive and cute. Your purses/jeans/etc...are ugly, and you're paying an exorbitant amount for them. There's nothing wrong with buying nice things, but there comes a point when you have to stop wasting money.

I also see a lot of flirting. It's weird to flirt with someone in front of your husband of x amount of years and all of his friends. I have come to the realization that maybe it's not just about liking the person you're flirting with, but wanting to be labeled as "the hot wife". OK, that's fine, but your reputation and character suffer with that title, and no one sees these people that way. There's a desperation with that kind of attitude, one that all the men see, and the observant women (like myself) see as well. Listen, here's my advice. Be comfortable with yourself, be yourself, and love your family. That's what makes people like you (unless you have a vile personality, and then I can't help you at all).

So my advice to military wives:
1. Do not gossip about those that are not around. They will find out, and you will no longer have a good reputation.
2. Always stick up for your friends. If you don't, you will lose valuable ones in favor of others who will turn on you in time.
3. Pick your battles.
4. Don't be a sloppy drunk.
5. Be yourself.
6. Don't flirt with your husband's friends or coworkers. (that should be a given, right?)
7. Don't spread rumors, especially if you do not have all the facts or were not there.
8. Do not start internet drama.
9. Do favors for those around you, they will be returned 10 fold.
10. Make judgments few and far between. We are all different, and your attitude may turn people away if you're not careful.

Saturday

So here's the new bedding. It's silky on top, and has a regular blanket feel underneath. Came with 8 pillow cases, 2 fitted sheets, 2 regular sheets, a bed skirt, comforter, and 4 decorative pillows. Only $160! I'm pretty thrilled. It was one of the last ones we looked at too!

It has been apparent for some time now, but I'm going to address something. Right now, the cool thing to do is to lump all Christians into one group and proclaim that they hate everyone.

What confuses me, is that all of the Christians that I know profess love for their fellow man. There is a disagreement about certain subjects which have turned political like gay marriage, but isn't it a person's right to disagree or agree and speak their mind about it? Isn't it hypocritical for people to preach/scream about tolerance and acceptance and then shun and attack those who don't agree with them?

I have been called all kinds of names because I'm a Christian. Never once have I attacked someone because they don't agree with me. I have, however, voiced my opinion and stood up for my beliefs. I will not let people trample on what I believe in, but I don't attack those that have differing opinions.

Who is right? Who is wrong? I know in my heart what is right, what is true, but I know that I won't convince the other (hostile) side of this.

It pains me to no end to watch the hypocrisy and the violence suffered at the hands of some of these people using (and I quote) "liberal ideals" as an excuse. They want non-violence, acceptance of everyone, and the same rights for everyone...except for Christians or people that don't agree with them. They won't come right out and say that last part, but the behavior expressed is exactly that.

You can't say that you want equality and world peace if you're unwilling to treat a group of people with respect just because they don't agree with you. That's the exact opposite of what you claim to want.

Success!

Today was a success!

Drove to the heart doctor...had to wait for the pacemaker guys to get there, but everything is good! They adjusted my settings so that I would be able to continue on my Couch to 5K course. Dr. Jewel came in and felt along the incision and told me that everything looked and felt good! I'm pretty thankful. I've been worried and praying about it since before my surgery. That whole situation made me very fearful that I may not live long. I mean, I had a strong chance of dying during my surgery, and it made me look at life a lot differently. I was so afraid of the possibility of leaving Ben, my mom, and all my friends. I've never really talked about it, and now I know I'm OK and I'm going to be OK.



We went to Bed Bath and Beyond and got a picture for our room, a trash can for our bathroom, and a brand new bedding set complete with decorative pillows. Got everything with a coupon and the bedding was on sale on top of that! I'd post a picture, but my dear husband is sleeping right now, and I don't want to wake him. He got about 2 hours of sleep before he went with me to Amarillo.

Went to PetSmart too. I love that store and could probably blow a paycheck in there. Almost went home with a really nice cat tree, but we're just not sure where to put it, so we held off. Got Otis a taller feeder, and he took right to it. Got them another rope too. It's one of the few toys that takes them a long time to destroy. Terriers have some strong teeth and jaws!


This will help his digestion/food intake and will prevent Rilo from eating his leftovers!

Didn't get anything at Target. Didn't have the dress I wanted, didn't have any color tights except black and gray (and the gray looked like sweat pants material), and we didn't need any more bathroom stuff because we got it all in Roswell!

Went to Olive Garden for lunch. Some of the LAZIEST hostesses I've ever seen. It was like someone had pressed a remote and put them on slow motion. The manager was up there a couple times and was completely obvious in showing his infatuation of the (way too young for him) hostess. Ben's comment about this: "But, she's not even that pretty..." Yeah, but maybe he's just old and wants someone young. Ew. Anyway, finally got seated and got our food quickly. At first, our waitress wasn't too friendly, but the Ward charm finally wore her down and she was smiling by the end of the transaction.

Now we're home and I'm just chillin' on the couch with all the pets. Somehow, with all their beds scattered around the house, blankets in every room, and ample other furniture to lay on, they find their way to my legs and stomach. It's ok though, I'm not complaining. I love them to pieces.




Yes, Rilo is under there somewhere. She's a burrower.




Margot abandoned my neck to go cuddle with her favorite pit bull. I think it's presh.

My goal for tomorrow is to make another dent in painting the zombie hand/brain.

What are your goals for tomorrow?

Amarillo

I will be visiting each of these stores today. DO NOT DISAPPOINT ME, OR ELSE!

Heart doctor appointment first. Makes sense that I would get a sunburn on my chest the day before I have to be attached to machines that use sticky pads on me....fml. Oh well, live and learn.

The sun is shining in my eyes, but it's really chilly outside! Weird.

Most fun Doggie Playdate!

http://www.facebook.com/album.php?aid=2128719&id=57003373&l=c5c3c15e97

There's my album of pictures from our doggie play date. Otis made LOTS of new friends including a pit bull, west highland terrier, lab mix, golden retriever, lab, and Rilo. It was a blast!

Had dinner out at Jalisco with Ben, Alexis, and Brandon. Got $100 back from spaying Margot, and now I'm at home chilling after cleaning up a bit. I'm pretty tired.

Have a pacemaker check up in the morn in Amarillo, and then we're going shopping!

Coffee

Drank 2 cups of coffee today and now I'm all jittery. I hope it wears off soon, and I'm sure I'll feel better once I start walking.

I'm about to take the dogs up to the field to meet up with about 10 other dogs for playtime. The weather is beautiful, and I can't wait!

Pictures soon!

Erin Go Braugh!

All is well in my house.

Spent the day with Alexis.

Got lunch.
Went to Lowes.
Went to Pet Sense and got Rilo a new tag.
Went to Hobby Lobby and got more canvases.
Went to Albertsons to get cheese and sour cream for Ben.
Came home, changed all rabies tags for all pets.
Took dogs to field. Well, tried to, there was an unfriendly man there...here's the story:

Alexis and I were walking our dogs to the field (like we normally do), and there were a couple people in there. As we got closer, they left the field and got into the truck that was parked there. Well, we went in, and they pulled their truck into the middle of the field and got out. I went over and...
Me: Hey, are you guys gonna do something with this field?
Unfriendly Man: Yeah, we're using it for Youth Center stuff. It's for the kids to play in.
M: Oh, I was just wondering because I take my dogs up here all the time, and I know a bunch of other people do too.
UM: (as he tips his body towards my face) Well guess what! Soon, there will be signs up that say NO DOGS.
M: Oh. Ok. I didn't know. I took my dogs here all last summer and never saw anyone besides people with dogs in it.
UM: Well, there are a lot more people here now who want to do sports.
M: *Looks around at the unused field space around the ONE area that's fenced in.* OK.

So I walk away, and tell Alexis. We leave, and I guess he felt bad, because as he drove by us, he said, "We won't be back for 2 weeks."

I guess that gives me time to try and organize something...I'd like to get one of the many open areas in our neighborhood fenced in so that we can have a dog park of some kind. I mean, I know tons of people use that old baseball field for their dogs because our yards are so small. I'm about to go make some emails.

*Continuing from before:
Walked the dogs.
Went to Alexis's house and painted.
Came home, made dinner.
Watched Mad Men.
Blogged.

All in all, I'd say it was quite a successful day.

http://weheartit.com/lucy_inthesky

Finished 2 paintings yesterday. The top one is for my mom. It's based off of an embroidery project she did.
The second one is for my friend Alexis who LOVES owls.
I had a lot of fun and am quite proud of them!

Day 2 of running went really well. It was actually easier than yesterday. I'm sure I'll be sore tomorrow, but I'm going to push on. I may wait and do it on Saturday, that way I won't be going without running Friday, Saturday, and Sunday. I wanted to do it every other day, but Monday just didn't work out for me, and Friday I have a doctor's appointment in the am.

I'm going to do a nintendo collage for my brother-in-law, Josiah. Ben told me that he made something for me last night, so I want to make something for him!

Starting a project. (or 2)

Before.

Couch to 5K day 1:

Woke up around 8:30 and went running.

The first week's workout is:
5 minute warm up walk
20 minutes of jogging for 60 seconds, walking for 90 seconds.

I feel quite successful.

I just want to stay on track and do this!

More things I like:

1. Zombies

2. The number 3

3. Things involving fairy tales

4. Shoes

5. Paper Mario

Stinky rain.

So, I was going to start my Couch to 5K today, but the weather outside was determined on delaying me. It was sprinkling ALL day, not to mention it was quite chilly and windy. If the weather stays the way it is, I am just going to go to the gym tomorrow. Ben will be sleeping (he works 11pm-7am this week), so I won't really have much to do since the house will need to be quiet. Plus, I think sitting in the sauna sounds quite nice right now.

I painted tonight. Here's my new shower curtain:

Our old bathroom wall art didn't match, so I came up with something of my own:



First finished painting on canvas.

I want these shoes sooooo very badly.

Running

After years of not being able to do running for any sort of reasonable amount of time, I have decided to do the Couch to 5K program.

I have always hated running, and dreaded any kind of sport/activity where I'd have to run more than a base line because I had such a hard time doing it in elementary school. I had PE teachers who didn't believe me that I had a heart condition that made it difficult for me to run. It took me at least 5 more minutes to complete the mile as my other classmates. I always felt like something was wrong with me, not just my heart, but WHY COULDN'T I DO THIS? People would laugh and tease, and I grew to hate it.

With my pacemaker, I know my inability to run is in my head now. That's a hard roadblock to get past. Years of not being able to do something doesn't make it easy for someone to say, "Hey, I think I'll do this thing that I have never been able to do successfully and got made fun of for most of my life." I saw the program though, and have decided to give it a shot.

I can do this.

Stuff I like, part 1:

1. Licking my fingers after eating chips.

2. Having someone tickle my back.

3. Being crafty.

4. Walking on carpet that's just been vacuumed.

5. Making flower chains.

6. Smelling a campfire.

7. Cooking.

8. Organizing.

9. Having someone tell me I smell nice.

10. Sleepytime tea.

11. Banjo Kazooie/Banjo Tooie/Paper Mario.

12. Garlic.

13. Waking up and realizing I still have a couple hours of sleep left.

14. When I find something random that I had been looking for a long time ago.

15. Sitting in a sauna.

16. Smores.

17. Making lists.

18. Writing in my journal.

19. Getting/receiving letters or cards in the mail.

20. New shoes.


Today is going to be a good day, I can feel it. Had a delicious cup of coffee, playing around on the internet, dogs are playing outside in the backyard, Ben's playing a video game, I smell nice, having a good hair day, and one of my favorite episodes of Supernatural got recorded.

St. Patty's Day party tonight. Hopefully no one gets pinched...
I won't. I look great in green.

Things to do this summer:

1. Go to Missouri and visit all of the coolest people ever.

2. Lake trip.

3. Go to Red River, NM.

4. Lots of BBQs.

5. Kickball games.

6. Learn how to swim underwater.


Ok, that's all FOR NOW, but there shall be more.

I'm so tired.

I have done way too much this week.

Grocery shopping.
Working 8-9 hour days.
Getting cat from vet.
Getting taxes done.
Getting car worked on.
Making dinner/taking it to husband.
Cleaning the house every night.
Taking care of pets.
Getting grade cards ready.

I'm tired.

Also, I haven't painted in like a month. I think my feelings were hurt, and I just haven't picked up my brush.

Things that bug me: post #1

1. Texting/talking during a movie.

Here's why you definitely shouldn't do these things. I'll break it down for you.

Texting: Ok, so you go to a movie to catch the story...and not just the audio, but the visual as well. How are you supposed to be seeing everything (that you paid 8-10 bucks for) if you've got your phone in your hand texting someone? Also, the glaring light of your damn phone distracts me (and I paid my 8-10 bucks too), and I'm not even making the dumb choice to text. I'm sure what you're saying to the person isn't important enough to interrupt your movie experience, or for those around you. The person will still be there afterwards. I really hope you're not texting the person next to you, that would just be ridiculous.
Being at your house and doing this is one thing. You are around people that you know, watching the movie is less expensive, and you can always pause and rewind.

Talking: This is what really gets me. I'm 24 years old, and I know ettiquite in public. I know you're supposed to hold the door open for people, give up your seat on the bus to the elderly/pregnant, say "please" and "thank you" and "excuse me"...and I also know that the movie theater is not the place to hold a conversation, nor is it the time to discuss what you're watching/what just happened on screen. Think about it, hold it in your head, and talk about it afterwards. Not only are you missing crucial moments of the movie, you're making me miss them too. When I hear someone talking, I'm filled with a rage that just keeps building the more people talk.
Why repeat what just happened? We all just saw it, so you don't need to mimic the movie. I don't want to know about stuff in your personal life, so leave it at the double doors as you enter in the movie theater.
I actually had to tell 2 adults (old enough to be my parents) off at a movie. I gave them the benefit of the doubt, but after about 10 minutes of them talking about innane bullshit during the movie, Ben and I were done. We got up, and he walked off. Before I left, I turned to them and said, "You two are really old enough to know better than to talk during a movie. Shame on you!"

Anyway, that's something that bugs me, post #1.

I honestly don't understand it...

If I have to spend another day around this teacher before spring break, I may crack. No, I'm not going to crack...I may crack her.
She is completely oblivious to what's going on, and distracted my kids while they were doing the district testing. Didn't care. Then, looked at my list of scores without asking my permission first. MY things, so ask before you touch them. UGH.

Anyway...

I was quite busy today.

Worked (8 hours).
Got our taxes done (1 hour).
Grocery shopped (1 hour).
Picked up Margot (15 minutes)
Cooked dinner/cleaned up the kitchen/put groceries away (30 minutes).
Took care of the pets (15 minutes).

11.5 hours of my day was spent running around like a crazy person. I think I deserve a day off or something.

Oh wait! I'm getting one soon, my spring break is in T-minus 3 days!

PS. Weekends should definitely be longer.

Out of Clovis for a weekend does me a world of good...

End of the night. I'm TIRED.

Poor Kinkead.

Ben and German Tony

He's gonna come visit us soon!

See how my pinky is out? That's class.

My love.

This weekend was a BLAST.

Also, can I just make it known that I'm not going to have sex with anyone except for my HUSBAND? There's been some confusion with some people lately, so I thought I'd clear that up.