TMI

Me: Do you  have any brothers or sisters?

Little Guy: Yes! I have one bwotha and one sistew.

Me: Do they both live with you?

Little Guy: No, my bwotha is in jail. He's a naughty boy.

Me: (open mouth, insert foot) Uh.. oh. Um..

Little Guy: Yeah, my mommy says he be baaaaaaad all da time and if I don't stop bein' baaaaad, I'ma go to jail, too.

Confessions..

I've been keeping some things from you, my dear readers. Things that I haven't known how to share or didn't want to share prematurely. And actually, most of it was because I didn't want anyone to judge me. How silly of me because you are all really awesome bloggy friends (and real-life friends) who wouldn't judge. That being said, if you're the judging kind, please find someone else to judge because that's not how we roll in these parts.

First off, I'm no longer a vegetarian. For many, many different reasons, I've had to make some lifestyle changes and no meat in my diet was not healthy for me. That being said, I'm still very aware of where my meat is coming from and LOVE my veggies!

The next big thing, I'm dating someone. He's a wonderful man who treats me well and has taught me the value of stressing less and living life more.

My how I feel better now that I've gotten that off my chest! Anyone else have secrets they want to share?

Anon.

Dear "Anonymous"...

I cannot stand you. You leave me comments (which I usually love, when they are from someone with an actual comment) in a different language. You clog my inbox with your comments and make me feel like someone actually reads and comments. But no, you're a spammer. You even take the time to enter the secret code, which I thought kept spammers out. Apparently I was wrong.

Please go away.

Thanks,
Lori



**Edited to Add: I have disabled comments from anonymous users in the hope that they will go stalk someone else. I apologize to anyone who wants to comment anonymously, but the spammers ruined it for everyone. Blame them. **

Hot Mess

I walked in to school today (keep in mind I'm the one in charge..) and noticed my shirt was itching my neck. Care to know why?

 

It was on BACKWARDS!

 

I mean, who is going to trust a woman with a shirt on backwards? I wouldn't.

 

On top of that, I have a little on who has lice. I feel like her lice are crawling on me and I keep scratching my head, making my hair stand up even more. I really am a hot mess.

Tired.

Traveled to Pittsburgh this weekend, so Zoey went to stay with some friends. She ADORES these friends and their dogs, so it was a great time for her, I'm sure. Because I have so much to say, but can't really talk about here in bloggy-land,  I'm going to go ahead and do some math for you. Ya'll KNOW how much I love me some math!

Fenced in yard + 2 other dogs + tons of fun smells = one tired dog

one tired dog + one tired doggy mama = cuddling in bed

How is tomorrow Monday, and why am I going back to school in 3 weeks?

Cuddle time!

Look who joined me for a nap. Anyone else have pups who insist on using a pillow?

The Day Little Girls Dread...

The day has come. The day every little girl dreads. The day you sound more like your mother than you do yourself. I suppose that means I'm turning into my mother. Apparently it only gets worse when you have kids.

Good thing I like my mother. And I'm not just saying that because she reads. Really, I like my mom. Pinky swear. Even if I do sound just like her.

Mommy WOW...

...I'm a BIG girl now!

 

I put on my big girl panties and picked out a pair of glasses on my own. I didn't even ask anyone in the store. All.by.myself. Yeah, I know. I'm closer to 30 than 20, I should be a big girl by now. But, I haven't been.

 

Yeah, I'm awesome.

O.M.G.

I just spilled spaghetti-o's on my beige carpet at 9:00 at night. We're talking all.over.the.place red tomato sauce stains. It was all I could do to not cry right then and there. You know I was frazzled when I didn't even bat an eyelash when Zoey (who NEVER gets human food, ever) was eating the noodles while I was trying to clean it all up. I actually appreciated her getting the noodles out of my way so I could do damage control.

On top of that? I didn't have chemicals for the spot bot carpet cleaner AND I hadn't eaten dinner or lunch. So I ran to Tar-jay in my pajama's to get chemicals for the stupid spaghetti-o mess and I hadn't even eaten all day. If you know me in real life, you know I'm one big cranky pants when I haven't eaten.

I want to throw something right now.

And Zoey? She has tomato sauce on her back, her head, and her nose. Is it bad that I don't care enough to clean it up? I've already worked so hard on the carpets.. I can't clean anymore.

The Teacher Look

If you're a teacher (or mom!) you know what look I'm talking about. The look that says, "Don't you dare or you'll have to deal with the consequences". We use it to encourage kids to make good choices and often it works. Of course, we all know of plenty of times it didn't work.

I walked into a situation in summer school where a little one was not making good choices. In fact, she was making some pretty rotten choices (read: pulling the hair of an adult, hitting an adult, and cursing). When I got wind of it, I walked down to check it out, as I'm the director and that's my job. Plus, I really enjoy naughty kids (I'll explain that later..). When I walked through the door I simply gave the child "the look". The screaming stopped, she ran to her desk, and quickly apologized to the teacher.

I've never had that reaction before, but I'll take it! I'm sure it has something to do with the teacher explaining, in a previous classroom visit, that I'm the principal and I make the rules in the school. Of course, I'm not the principal, but it's easier to explain to little ones with cognitive impairments.

To explain my statement of enjoying naughty kids, I'll make it simple. I love a challenge. Kids with challenging behaviors have reasons for their behaviors and I love problem-solving. I love looking for an antecedent to a behavior (what happened before the behavior occurred) and examining ways to change the behavior. I love trying to find ways to replace a negative behavior with a positive one. I enjoy reflecting on my reaction to the behavior and how I can improve my reactions to improve the behavior. Plus, I can ignore with the best of them.

People-watching...

The metro station is by far the best place to people-watch. Some of Maryland's finest are walking in and out. Oh and the tourists. They are quite entertaining. The floppy hats and fanny packs are my favorite.

2 AM thoughts...

Couldn't sleep last night, so I was doing some thinking while watching "Keeping Up With the Kardashians". I know, really educational and insightful television. What can I say? It was 2 AM.

How strange is it that two people who named all their kids with the same first letter end up together? Kris' kids are all K's and Bruce's kids are all B's. And then, how did they decide to continue with the K's? Why not start a new letter? Weird. I'll bet Bruce was all, "Whatever you want honey." because that's kind of how he is on the show. But not me. I would have stood up and demanded my letter or a new letter. I guess I'm kind of a brat.

Another thing. Seriously, how dramatic is Kim? She totally lives up to the middle child stereotype.

While I was doing some of my best thinking, I remembered a conversation with my friend. He claims I'm high-maintenance. I like to think I'm just particular. I'll let you be the judge..

I have all white towels for the bathroom. I really like white towels. A lot. I can beat them up, bleach them, and life is good again. Until I accidentally washed one white towel with the beach towels that hadn't been washed yet. Said white towel is now a beautiful shade of off white. Totally doesn't match. I quietly said, "I guess I'll just have to run and get a new one." He claimed I was being high-maintenance because my towels didn't match. But seriously, EVERYTHING in my bathroom is white. An off-white towel would totally draw attention to itself. Right?

There are plenty of other stories I could tell you that might point out I am high maintenance, but I really truly believe that I'm just particular. I like things a certain way and if it's not that way, I'll fix it. I don't whine about it or demand things of others, I just fix it the way I want it. I'm not hurtful to others. I'm just slightly neurotic.

Scaredy-dog

That's Zoey keeping a watchful eye on the dryer. She thinks it exists only as a torture device, plotting her demise. Whenever I do a load of laundry she paces, shakes, and stares. I think it's hysterical. She's such a wimp. Normally she follows me from room to room (with the exception of the bathroom- the tub is also a torture device) but when the dryer is going, she runs by it as quickly as possible, keeping a watchful eye.

It's the little things in life that make me laugh!

Random...

Lately I've been having some really weird dreams. We're talking Zoey turning into a transformer, running from a man with a bazooka, and playing in Willy Wonka's chocolate river only to be told by a munchkin that I was too tall for the chocolate river.

I mean, who tells someone they are too tall for a chocolate river?

Also, a source of contention with one of my friends is my complete horror at watching a movie more than once (this also pertains to books, but he can't doesn't read). Please tell me there is someone else out there who can't stand to watch a movie twice? I feel like it's a complete waste of my time if I already know the plot. We're talking two hours of my life I can't ever get back. I know, I know.. everyone claims that some movies are better the second or third time around, but I just can't do it.

Anyone else out there who can empathize with me?

Put Down

Best put-down ever...

"I'm going to DELETE you!"

Even better if said in a slightly robotic tone and acting out pressing the delete button on the keyboard.

I do have the best.job.ever.

Awesome-ness

Allison, over at My Steadfast Spirit is hosting this lovely giveaway that I need and you don't. So, don't you dare go messing with my chances at winning this, folks!

Not only is she giving away this awesome handmade (by her!) pouch....

She's also giving away a copy of Dave Ramsey's book! So head on over there and check it out!

Weird..

Went back to check on my "blog-a-versary" and was reading a few of my earlier posts. (My blog-a-versary has passed. I've been blogging for 2 years. Wow!)

It was really strange to read my early writings. It brought some emotions to the forefront. A few I wasn't really interested in reading ever again, mainly dealing with the ex. Even though it's been amicable, it's still weird to read those memories, re-live the emotions. I smiled a bit, cried a bit, and even laughed a time or two. It's all part of the journey, I suppose.

And..  I wasn't nearly as funny as I am now. Just sayin'.

Spoiled?

Nah. Not her.

ABC's of ME!

Stolen from Ashley, but she invited others to play along so it's all good.

A- My AIR CONDITIONER is set on: Either high or low. It's a wall unit in my living room and bedroom, so whatever I turn it to.
B- My BEDROOM theme is: Very Earthy. Browns, greens, white, and a large picture with pears on it.

C- The CAR in the driveway is: A 2005 Ford Escape. White, of course.

D- My DESK looks: like someone has some work to do. I have lots of piles because it's not really my space (I'm in a different school for the summer) so I can't put anything "away".

E- The EXACT time I wake up daily is: 6:00.. I'm an early riser. Don't know why. I can't stand getting to work on time. I must be early. Makes me feel better AND I get things accomplished before others can interrupt.

F- The FIRST thing I wash in the shower is: my hair.

G- My GARAGE is filled with: garage? What garage? I live in Maryland. Only million dollar homes have garages.

H- My HOUSE is: a cute little condo.

I- If you peeked INSIDE my bedroom you'd see: a freshly made bed and everything put away.

J- My favorite JUICE is: V8 splash or white grape juice.

K- The best part of my KITCHEN is: my Kitchenaid mixer. It was a gift from my grandmother and I cherish it.

L- The LAST person who visited my home was: the Mom's (mom and her BFF), Joyce, and Auntie Em. Love those ladies.

M- The last piece of MAIL for me was: a bridal shower invite (Yay! Jess is getting married!)

N- My NEIGHBORS think I'm: crazy?! I talk to Zoey no less than 938 times a day.

O- If you OPENED my fridge you'd see: fruit, veggies, milk, and butter.

P- My last house PARTY was: Umm.. never? My place is too small to host gatherings.

Q- A QUICK meal I like to fix is: homemade macaroni and cheese. Mmmm. Shout out to Miss Lizzie for teaching me how to make it just right.

R- My favorite ROOM of the house is: the kitchen. I enjoy cooking.

S- The SHAMPOO brand I use is: Pantene frizz control. Daddy blessed me with some outrageous little curly q's right around the edges. It's awesome to try and control. Not.

T- My largest TELEVISION is: who knows? I certainly don't.

U- UNDER my bed you will find: nothing! My IKEA bed is a low profile bed, so there's no room under the box spring.

V- The last time I VACUUMED was: last week. Don't tell my mother. She'd think I was gross.

W- Looking out my WINDOW I see: branches and a parking lot. I prefer the branches.

X- I wish I had X-TRA: money. Don't we all, though?

Y- My YARD is: non-existent. Although, I do have a courtyard to walk Miss Zobo in.

Z- ZZZZZZZ My bedtime is: around 10:30 or 11 in the summer and 10:00 during the school year.

Play along with me! I want to know the ABC's of YOU!



Let me know if you do this! I'd love to see your answers! :)

Summer? What Summer?

You know how everyone always says, "Oh! You're a teacher, you must LOVE having summer off! Must be nice to only work half of the year." And it's always in that tone that shouts "you're not really a professional.. I'm better than you.. you hang out with kids all day and just paint and watch movies, I know what you really do."

 

Newsflash! Teachers don't paint all day, movies are rarely played unless, of course, it relates directly to the curriculum, and we don't really work just half the year. In fact, most of us have summer jobs that usually involve something geared towards education. And if we aren't teaching, we're taking classes to become better teachers or we're doing work over the summer to prepare for the upcoming school year.

 

This summer? I was determined to take the summer off. I've taught summer school for 5 summers and haven't had a summer break, yet. Some of those summers I was taking classes and tutoring on top of teaching daily. I was SO looking forward to a summer off. I could see the beach, pool, or any other way to soak up the rays on a daily basis. Instead? I'm a director for special ed summer school. Don't get me wrong, it's a great gig. I'm the leader of the teachers, a role I would someday like to hold on a daily basis (ie- principal/assistant principal).

 

However, mornings like this make it tough to remember that I really do love my job. I had to scramble to find something to wear for red, white, and blue day.. spilled my frappuccino in the car, then couldn't get the lid off when I could actualy enjoy it. And, I keep being reminded of the fun vacations my friends are taking this summer.

 

Please, if you're a teacher.. don't tell me about the fun vacation you're taking or going to take. I'll be super jealous and might just want to punch you.

Teacher of the Year and Mother of the Year

Before you go reading too much into that title, the recipients are two different people. I, of course, win the Teacher of the Year Award and some other mama wins Mother of the Year.

While in summer school today, I overhear a little boy say turn to his mom and say, "Mom! Mom! I know her. She's a teacher at my school. She hits kids." The mom, without missing a beat says, "Well then you better be nice and don't make her hit you!".

Wow. Apparently other kids think I hit students. Let me defend myself before you all go thinking I abuse kids. I work with students with severe emotional and behavioral disorders. We're talking the cream of the crop. The naughtier the better. I get the kids who are unsuccessful at their previous school. I have kids who have punched adults (and caused an emergency room visit, no less), screamed obscene comments at adults and kids, and made numerous threats involving explosives, or other weapons. I have some pretty tough kids. As a result, I sometimes have to manage their behaviors with a hands on approach (I'm certified, don't worry) and it's always a last resort and only when the kid is a danger to themselves or others. So, yes.. it may look like I'm abusing them. I assure you, I am not. But, in the eyes of a 6 year old, it may look like I"m hurting them.

Thankfully, the mom laughed it off and turned to me and said, "I assume he has his story a little off. Don't you work with the ED kids? I can only imagine what was really happening!" and laughed again (with a little pity in her voice).

So.. I win Teacher of the Year for "hitting" kids and she wins Mother of the Year for being so cool.

On another note, not Mother of the Year? Letting your kids play in a public play place without shoes on. Seriously, do you know what could be lurking on the bottom of others' shoes? Wow. Let's just hope little Jimmy doesn't go wiping his feet, then his face, then your face. Because the likelihood that I stepped in dog doo before walking on those floors? Pretty high. Now you're stuck with dog doo feet little kids who might stick their fingers in your face. Sucks to be you.