Update : Operation Death, Destruction, Gloom, and Doom

I posted Sunday about being completely, totally overrun with ants. Okay, "completely, totally overrun" is a bit dramatic. But I did have ants, and I wanted them gone.

I'm here to report that the Borax/jelly worked like a charm! I set the little baits out Sunday night, went out of town yesterday, and returned today to an ant-free home. Yay! I'm going to put out fresh ones tonight to kill any hardy little survivors, but I'm feeling pretty optimistic that this idea is a keeper. Thanks a bunch, Make It Do!

Death and destruction

I have ants in my kitchen. I don't want them in my kitchen, or in any spot in my little home. Enter: Operation Death, Destruction, Gloom, and Doom. They are industrious, admirable little boogers, but now that they've taken up in my home, they must die. I try really hard not to use toxic chemicals unless absolutely necessary, so I'm trying something natural.

I mixed strawberry jelly and Borax (which comes in WAY handy for cleaning...get some at your earliest convenience) and spread the poisoned goodness on pieces of an index card. Then I sat back and watched while this happened:

And then I did this:

Those ants are positively drunk on strawberry jelly right now. I hope I put in enough Borax and I'm not just providing them a super tasty strawberry dessert! I also hope that it doesn't attract any of those nastier, less industrious, more repulsive creatures whose name starts with an "r" and ends with an "oach". I'd rather keep the ants as pets if that's my other option.

I also spread a little line of Borax out on the counter in hopes that the ants will think it's sugar and will cart it back to their friends and families. Bwahahahahahahaha!

Oh, and I got the idea from Make It Do. She has a really, really great DIY blog if that's your cup of tea.

I'll keep you posted on Operation DDG&D...

A numbered list

When my brain thinks, it often thinks in numbered lists. Does anybody else's brain do that? I sure hope so.

1. I had a lovely birthday spent with my family. So blessed!

2. Everybody willingly ate my Whole30-friendly birthday supper. Thanks, fam!

3. One of my favorite parts of my birthday supper was my Bubba singing his own special, very high-pitched version of the birthday song while everybody else sang the normal version. Bless him. A priceless moment that still makes me giggle.

4. I wanted to take a family picture, so I propped my camera up on the TV and used the timer. The first picture was absolutely hideous. This one would be perfection, only it looks like it was taken in 1982. Not sure why my camera did that, but the picture makes me smile. I love these cool kids.

5. Every two years, the Olympics make my world go 'round. The Winter Olympics are always fun, but the Summer Olympics make me especially happy.

6. You know what's a bummer? When you're really, really excited about watching the USA women's gymnastics team compete in the team final, and you find out the results on facebook hours before the competition airs on TV. That makes me very grumpy. Anyway, I'm very proud of Team USA's gold medal!

7. I feel very sad for the athletes when they don't do well, especially on such a worldwide stage.

8. I used to want to be an Olympic gymnast. Or a figure skater...I would've been happy with either one. Don't mind the fact that I have no talent in either sport. I was gonna win that gold medal! Maybe it's not too late...

9. I went to tutor for the first time yesterday. I was very nervous about tutoring an adult versus teaching a child, but I loved it. Absolutely loved it!

10. I've got less than eleven more days of summertime left to my name. I'm determined to enjoy the stink out of every single one of them!

Just Darling...and various other drivel

*I've been hearing a song on my XM (the Highway channel) lately and am pretty hooked. I've never heard of Sarah Darling before this, but I love her voice. I hope she goes on to do something awesome!

*Today was Day 10 of my Whole30 adventure, and it went much, MUCH better than yesterday. Praise the Lord! I'll catch yall up tomorrow.

*I can safely say that this season of the Bachelorette was my all-time favorite. I didn't know if I'd like Emily at the beginning, but she was fabulous. It was nice to see a Bachelorette with morals, class, and good ol' common sense. I'm so excited she picked One F Jef!

*Yes, I'm also planning on watching Bachelor Pad. Yes, it's trash. No, I don't care :)

*I just finished reading Heaven Is for Real and LOVED it!! I remember the buzz when it came out a couple of years ago, but then I got busy and never got around to reading it. What an incredible story! I absolutely believe that little Colton went to Heaven, and his description made me even more excited about what's in store for us someday! I'm on the waiting list at the library for To Heaven and Back. I saw the author on the Today show the other day and am interested to read her account of her experience. Once I read it, I'll report back!

*My sweet friend Angie mentioned a blog on facebook at the beginning of the summer, and I started reading. And then I got hooked. And then I read four years' worth of posts, starting from his very first post in 2008. Yep. Four years. That's a lot of posts.  Matt Logelin and his wife Liz were excitedly expecting their first baby four years ago, and then Liz very suddenly died. Matt uses the blog as an outlet for his grief, and it was amazing seeing the life he;s made for himself and Madeline in the years since Liz died. He wrote a book not long ago, and it's on my birthday list. Check his blog out if you have several weeks to kill, 'cuz you'll probably be hooked.

*Seeing the Aurora movie theater shooter in court on TV today was a stop-me-in-my-tracks experience. Holy moly. There are some scary, scary people in our world.

*Do you consider 27 the end of the mid twenties or the beginning of the late twenties? I'll be there in a week, so this is need-to-know information. Please advise. Thanks.

A hodgepodge

Life has been really, really, super busy these days. I've been having the time of my life, but I'm not sad that I've got some wide-open, unscheduled days coming up. I love going and doing, but I also occasionally love not going anywhere and not doing anything!

*I finished my first jury duty adventure this week. My goal going in was to be the least desirable jury candidate ever, and I wasn't picked for a jury, so I consider that a success! I got called to go to a courtroom for jury selection on the first day and after sitting on a rock hard bench for a mind-numbing three hours, was among the 40 jury candidates not chosen. That was fine with me because the case was super boring. The next two days were spent sitting and waiting...and sitting...and waiting. I was in the group called to go to a criminal case Wednesday, but the defendant never showed up. He got a free trip to jail, and we got to go home :)

Overall, it wasn't a bad experience. If you've never served and one day get called, here's some advice. Bring a book (and a newspaper...and a magazine...and another book...and maybe a deck of cards or even Twister, to liven things up a bit). You will spend most (or maybe even all) of your time sitting and waiting. Along with a big bag of stuff to keep you busy, bring your patience. You'll need it, especially when the woman behind you talks on her cell phone for two hours without ceasing and then breathes her nasty peanut butter cracker breath over your shoulder. You'll really need your patience then.

*Have you watched Downton Abbey? I've heard lots of people talking about how great it is, so after being on the waiting list at the library for two months, I finally got my turn. It. Was. Awesome. I watched the entire first season in one day. I'm completely hooked and I dare say that you will be, too. I'm now #48 on the waiting list for Season 2, and I'm hoping that the 47 people in front of me watch it reallyreallyreally fast so that I can have my turn!

*I'm very excited about the Olympics. The opening ceremony is two weeks from today! I'm also really proud that my beloved alma mater, Auburn University, is sending 24 Olympians to London. It truly is great to be an Auburn Tiger!

*I've gotten kinda off track with my Whole30 this week. I didn't really set myself up for success with jury duty being this week. This plan is really tough to carry out while you're "on the go". Plus, there are only a few  food places near the courthouse downtown, and they're all sandwich/hamburger/hot dog kinda places. Not conducive to the Whole30! Bleh. So...I'm making myself restart my journey. I'm hoping that since I can be closer to home over the next few weeks, I'll be more successful. Think happy thoughts for me, and I'll keep ya posted!

Independence Day...with a bang

I had a lovely time celebrating America's birthday and our independence with my family. We had a fabulous lunch, shared lots of laughs, and enjoyed some time just chillin' and relaxing. What a delight!

One of the very best parts of the day, however, came early in the morning. The University of Alabama had made plans to implode the Rose Towers dorm building to make way for newer, more updated dorms. While it made me sad to think of Rose Towers not towering over the river anymore, I couldn't turn down the opportunity to see a building implode right in front of me. I'm all about experiencing new things and knew this one was a must-see.

*I will add: if this had been a building on Auburn's campus, where I spent four glorious years of my life, I certainly would not have been a spectator. That might actually break my heart into little bitty pieces. I had some sad friends on facebook today and it really made me feel for them. While it was just a building to me, it was home to them and the setting for fun college memories. I hope they don't think I'm insensitive by sharing this here. It's much easier and more fun to watch something like this if you have no attachment to it.*

I made a very early journey into Tuscaloosa so that we could make it to the viewing spot by 7:15. I had great company and enjoyed my time with some of the fam. We were all pumped. Grandad has decades of experience as a construction project manager, so he was little-kid-on-Christmas excited to see something that is directly opposite what he does on a daily basis.

{Mimi describing the details she'd read in the newspaper...I'm pretty sure she now knows enough to implode a building herself}

{I don't remember what they were talking about but I do know that this is one of my favorite pictures I've ever taken. Ever, ever. A keeper for sure.}

{one last shot}

Having never seen an implosion (other than on TV), I didn't quite have a feel for the logistics. There were firetrucks spraying the building to minimize the dust, I learned. Makes sense. I also learned that no charges were placed higher than the eighth floor to ensure that the building fell in on itself instead of exploding from the top. Good to know. Getting hit in the head with a brick-turned-missile would kinda put a damper on the Independence Day festivities. Super glad I'm not in charge of something like this.

We got a one minute warning so I set up my camera (on my tripod). I have a great action setting that enables you to press the shutter once and take 25 consecutive shots in 25 seconds...way faster than you could ever do it manually. I had big dreams of getting spectacular implosion shots.

However, I learned something else yesterday. When you hear the charges start sounding, and you immediately press the shutter on your camera, you've jumped the gun too quickly. You see, the building hovers for a few seconds after the charges fire. THEN it collapses. If you do what I did, you won't get a single picture of the collapse...which is exactly what happened. I have 25 consecutive pictures of the building standing completely upright just BEFORE it fell. Ha! I've laughed and laughed over that. Things like this happen specifically to keep us humble, right? Now that I've told you all this, if you need a photographer for a pivotal, life-changing event such as a wedding, graduation, or championship game, call me :)

Thankfully, I got to see the implosion with my eyeballs and was able to film with my phone. I debated not putting the video on here because, while the implosion is amazing, I sound like an absolute goober. I had no idea I would be that excited seeing such a thing, and it's all caught on video. Thanks for being my friend anyway. And if you have ideas for any suitable alternatives to the word "cool", please let me know ASAP. This is apparently something I need to work on.

Isn't that incredible? Just a poof of dust and an entire massive 12-story building is gone. I am absolutely fascinated by people whose brains think this way, because that is the COMPLETE opposite of how mine functions. I would, without a doubt, make the world's worst engineer. 

{Nothing left but a cloud of dust and a gigantic pile of rubble. Twenty seconds and DONE. Boggles the mind.}

I hope you and yours had a thrilling...or totally relaxing, because that's great too...day of celebration yesterday!

Stick a fork in me

I'm done. Done, done, done. My fifth year of teaching now resides in the history books. I've had the honor of teaching 128 wonderful little people over the course of my career, and I can't thank them enough for how they've helped me grow as a teacher and a person. I pray that I've taught them at least one teeny, tiny something during their time with me. To say that I was choked up seeing them walk away from me today is definitely an understatement.

Now, let the fun begin! This is going to be an incredible summer...I can feel it!

• finish packing up my classroom (far, far less than fun, but completely necessary for summer break to begin)
• farmers markets
• trip with Mom to Tunica
• trip with Kate to Charleston
• sewing projects
• quiet, lazy nights listening to the crickets chirp
• sleeping myself silly
• lounging under an umbrella at the pool reading a fabulous book (or twenty)
• trips to the library
• FriendshipFest 2012
• early morning walks before the world warms up
• the Olympics (LOVE the Olympics)
• a Whole30 adventure (to start after the Charleston journey and the 4th of July, of course...haha)
• anything I want, or nothing at all, or maybe both at the same time...I'll decide when I get there :)

Bring. It. On.

Resting and remembering

What. A. Week. More than three hours ago, I rolled into our little town with five other buses loaded down with fifth graders, parents, and teachers. We drove all night and we were beat, but it was so worth it. We just finished an amazing, memorable trip to Virginia and our nation's lovely capital. I was scared to say this too soon but now that the trip's over, I can come on out with it. This was hands-down the smoothest, most successful journey we've had in all three times I've gone. Our little Bus 3 family couldn't be beat, and I'm sad we won't all be together again. I've come to know and love D.C. over the last few years, and it's always exciting to get to share it with people. I'm off to rest up for a year, and then I'll hopefully be back for round 4!

As glad as I am to be home today, I can't help but remember that today marks the anniversary of the scariest day of my entire life. That day changed my life forever, and I can't believe a whole year has passed. April 27, 2011 will always be etched in my mind as the day the tornadoes came...the day I watched on TV as my hometown was devastated...the day we couldn't find my brother and his girlfriend for a sickeningly long time. I still can't watch footage of the tornado heading towards town, and I try to avoid thinking about that day. Thankfully, towns can be rebuilt, wounds heal, and life goes on. Praying for and remembering all those affected in those horrific tornadoes last year (and all the ones we've had so far this year).

Happy weekend, friends.

Be still, my heart

Thankful Thursday, from the bottom of my heart

Helicopters, chainsaws, and obliteration

Aftermath

Tidbits for your Wednesday evening

Ever feel like you've got a lot to say but none of it is remotely worthwhile? I'm there. Sorry for dragging yall down with me, but it's gotta be done.

*It seems that nearly everybody I know has recently birthed, is currently (as in today) birthing, or will (in the next few months) birth a new babe...holy baby boom! How fun it is to have lots of sweet babies to love on and then hand back over to their mamas :)

*When we return from spring break, there will be 41 schooldays left until summer break. Take out a week for the D.C. trip, a week for testing, a few days for end-of-the-year festivities...this whole thing just got reallllly doable.

*I'm thinking of starting myself a little sewing business this summer. I'm working right now to create a bit of an inventory. This makes me a bit nervous because what if I do all this sewing and then, um, nobody wants to buy my stuff? In that case, I guess I'd just have baby shower gifts for the next 11 years squared away!

*Spring break is awesome. I'm really good at it.

*I recently finished reading my newest library book, Bringing up Bebe. It was very, very fascinating. The author (an American woman raising three children in Paris) compares/contrasts French and American parenting styles. While I have no children of my own, as a teacher, I'm very interested in child rearing. I learned so much while reading it, and would consider it worth buying if I'm blessed with kids of my own someday. Have any of you read it? I'd be interested to hear your thoughts.

*Mimi took me to Cottontails at the beginning of the month. It's one of those crafty shows that Southern women so love. She treated me (and herself) to some lovely, all-natural skin care items and I'm now a really large fan. We met the lady who makes the products in her hometown of Enterprise, and she's got a really great philosophy (and gorgeous skin). Check it out at Boll Weevil Soap Company. Your skin will thank you.

*I've been drinking green smoothies every day since spring break started. I was very skeptical when I first heard of blending spinach up into a fruit smoothie but I promise...you can't tell it's there! So good, and it makes me feel like I'm giving my body some really good fuel. I'll share the "recipe" soon.

*Have you ever been to the National Holocaust Museum in D.C.? Another teacher and I were thinking of spending our time there while the other folks are otherwise occupied at the Smithsonian. The kids won't be going with us; just a few teachers. This day is mostly free time at the Smithsonian for the kids and their chaperones. After two trips in two years, we've seen just about every corner of the Smithsonian museums! Looking to do something different; just curious to see if anybody had any feedback.



Thanks for reading my silly little blog, friends. I really like writing, but sometimes having a blog devoted to your own life seems exceedingly self-important. That's something I wrestle with. Oh well. In the meantime, I enjoy writing and I'm glad some of you enjoy reading!

Dogtrot

I love old houses. Love, love, love, love them. I seek them out whenever I travel somewhere. I love to think about who lived there, what their lives were like, and what the area looked like when the house was first built.

This beauty is about 10 minutes from where I live, located on the road I take when I visit family in my hometown. I could take the interstate, but I choose not to. While the interstate is easy and efficient, it's ugly...plain and simple. I prefer pretty, thanks. That's why I choose to take the pretty back road with the pretty dogtrot house.

{The wisteria was pretty enough to make it into the picture. 'Cuz you know I'm all about pretty and all.}

{That ultra-crispy greenery left over from Christmas is kind of uglying up the pretty. Somebody should get right on that.}

I'm just crazy about this house, and have been for as long as I can remember. I wish I could see what this area, just a stone's throw from the interstate and surrounded by neighborhoods, looked like back in the day. Think of all that the residents of this little home must've seen! It was built only two decades after our fair state became a state, and was built a good two decades before the Civil War started. Oh, to go back in time...

Spring's done sprung

Even though the calendar doesn't back me up, I've decided to make it official. Spring has arrived! If the extra daylight, buds, blooms, and chirping birds weren't signal enough, my sinuses have made sure I know what season it is. I spent some time yesterday afternoon (one of the most glorious afternoons in the history of the world) taking in the springtime splendor...

{The color of sweet brand new baby leaves is my absolute favorite shade of green.}

{one of my favorite pictures I've taken in a very long time...just fyi :)}

With all of this springtime splendor bursting forth, I have a feeling my NetiPot and I are about to become close, personal friends again. It's about that time.

My new life motto

Some words of wisdom on this Saturday morning:

"When you are joyful, be joyful; when you are sad, be sad. If God has given you a sweet cup, don’t make it bitter; and if He has given you a bitter cup, don’t try and make it sweet; take things as they come."

-Oswald Chambers

Take things as they come, and see them for what they are...good or bad. What a brilliant idea! Along with the good comes some bad, and that's okay. That's just the way it is! Experience things. Even if it's something you weren't planning on, experience everything. Good and bad...just roll with it.

 

I'm working on that these days, and this quote has inspired me. I'll keep you posted on my progress. Enjoy your weekend, friends!

Things I learned today

I like to learn. I set a goal for myself every single day: learn at least one new thing. At least one, and it can be anything. Just has to be something I didn't know when I lay my head on my pillow the night before. Here's what I learned today:

1.) When you're zipping across the parking lot at Wal-Mart...you know, sideways, ignoring all the parking lot lanes and arrows...you have the right-of-way. What? You didn't know that? I didn't either. I didn't think anybody with a semi-functioning brain thought that. Thankfully, the unnecessarily angry woman in the unnecessarily large vehicle laid on her horn to show me (the silly one following the lanes and arrows and normal traffic rules) the error of my ways.

2.) The Wal-Mart where I live is one of the unhappiest places on Earth. I gave it up cold-turkey at one point; I need to get to that point again.

3.) If there's a used Band-Aid on the floor of a fifth grade classroom, and the teacher is imploring someone to pick it up, it doesn't belong to any of the aforementioned fifth graders. It must've come from a ghost, because it surely didn't come from any of the fifth graders.
 
4.) A little shake-up in the daily grind is very often a good thing. I ain't turnin' it down.
 
5.) A joke, shared with me by one of my fellow teachers, told to him by a student:
          Boy: Dad, I'm cold!
          Dad: Well, go stand in the corner.
          Boy: I don't want to stand in the corner!
          Dad: It'll help if you're feeling cold.
          Boy: How?
          Dad: It's 90 degrees.
 
Clever, huh?! It takes a true math nerd to appreciate a good geometry joke :)
 
6.) If the arch of one's foot is hurting, walking 3 miles on said arch isn't going to make it better. In fact, it makes it much worse.
 
7.) Local muscadine wine is a true delight.
 
8.) Just the knowledge that I'm getting my hair cut this week is enough to put a smile on this simpleton's face. Doesn't take much.
 
9.) Glass jars of spaghetti sauce don't bounce. In fact, they shatter rather spectacularly. I learned this lesson from a little knee-high darling at Wal-Mart (see #2) who was not being supervised in a thorough manner.
 
10.) Mudcats may be one of the best reality shows ever created. I can't even explain what about it speaks to me; it just...does.

You know what's awesome?

• glorious, blue-sky, sunny, 60 degree weather
• knowing you've got family and friends who've got your back no. matter. what.
• getting your lesson plans done before leaving school on Friday afternoon
• 10 more schooldays until spring break
• Bradford pear trees...their white blooms and bright green leaves are my favorite sign that spring is coming
  
  
• insight and clarity, no matter how long it takes to finally get through to you...knowing is a good, good thing
• a lazy Sunday
• officially being done making car payments...I felt like I'd gotten a raise when I got paid this month :)

• a Mudcats marathon
• a new supper club in the works
• a delightful Saturday afternoon spent with my Mimi
• a good new book from the library and two more on hold...oh, how I love the library

• three fun trips to look forward to in the next few months
• naps
• an absolutely delightful chicken noodle soup recipe...I've been working to perfect it for months now, and I'm almost ready to share it with the world...ready yourselves!

What's awesome in your world these days, friends?

It's about that time

We dismissed school at 12:15 today. Reason? Tornado weather. It's my very, very, very least favorite kind of weather. I'm not a member of the fan club. In fact, I'm a member of the "Everybody Hates Tornadoes" fan club. You knew something was "off" the minute you stepped outside. It was over 80 degrees today, which is never a good sign on the second day of March.

It's nearly springtime, and everybody 'round these parts knows what that means: James Spann has his sleeves rolled up. I never used to get worked up about tornadoes, but the events of April 27th changed all that for me. I don't brush off those sirens and radar images anymore.

I do think the 12:15 dismissal was serious overkill, but I guess that's why they don't pay me the big bucks. I'm not complaining about my afternoon off! Here's hoping the tornadoes realize they're the biggest losers around and stay up in the sky where they belong. Pray for those who have been affected in the multiple tornadoes that have already touched down in our fair state and across the country today.

Enjoy a (tornado-free) weekend, folks!

Wide open spaces

Do you ever remember your dreams? I don't often, but I've had several over the last month that I've remembered. They all involve one thing: wide open spaces. In my dreams, I'm standing in the middle of a prairie watching the sun rise or set over the horizon. I'm admiring the beauty of a completely natural, untouched landscape. I'm blissfully, ridiculously happy...and completely unburdened.

What does it all mean, man??

Maybe I need to start saving for a vacation. Until then, I'll just listen to my new favorite song on repeat...

Where were you?

I spend some time every year on September 11th talking with my students about the events of that day. They usually want to know where I was and what I remember, so I share that story with them. In the past, students have wanted to share what they remember about that day. Today, as I had my September 11th sit-down with them, I heard the following comments:

"I remember seeing all that on TV. [Yeah right, says the teacher.] My mom was feeding me in my highchair."
"My dad told me I started crawling that day."
"I wasn't even born for 3 more days!"

Wow. Time really does fly.

Back

I'm back. Been gone a while. I've been very busy and very "blah" at the same time. Does that even make sense? School has started and life is jam-packed, but I've been spending significantly less time on the computer, and thus have neglected the ol' blog. I haven't even read anybody else's blogs. Just. Not. Feelin' it. I've gotten a few emails and facebook messages asking where I've been, so those made me smile. Thanks so much, yall! I'll try to get back in the swing of things.

*I really like my new class. Very feisty, and very smart. This should be a fun year.

*I've got sinus troubles, which is (sadly) nothing new. Breathing is pretty fun, and I miss it. I'm rapidly losing my voice. Should make for an interesting day tomorrow.

*I've missed my blog buds. It may take me a while, but I'll get caught up again.

*I just want to sew and sleep this weekend. I hope I can make that happen.

*It's really, really bad hot here. I know we'll see 90s until October, but I'm so over it. Recess on a sunny playground at 1:00 is hellish.

*It's very dry here. I miss the rain. Maybe we'll have some again someday.

*Remember that time when payday seemed to get farther and farther away instead of closer? Yeah, I do.

*Yesterday was a day where the bad news just kept coming. If you're a praying person, I know some people who would really appreciate those prayers. As my wise friend Julie Conway Evans said...I know bad things existed when we were kids, but we were sheltered from them and life was easy. This grownup thing takes some getting used to. (Oh, and I'd put a link to Julie's blog here...but she doesn't have one. Shall we get on that, darling JCE??? Kidding! Kind of.)

*My fab cousin Jerry stopped to eat supper with us Sunday night on his way back to Atlanta. It was a small group, but a good one. Love my family, and love visiting with Jerry. Doesn't happen nearly often enough. Daddy made his world-famous enchiladas, which is always a good thing.

*I took my very last leftover enchilada for lunch today. I carried it on a glass plate. I took it out of the microwave. I immediately dropped it on the floor, watched the plate shatter, heard the screams of children, and saw my tasty enchilada ooze onto the floor. It was a sad moment. A billion thanks to Mrs. Brenda who made me get a school lunch so I wouldn't go hungry. At least it wasn't fish nugget day.

*Mimi, her friend Mrs. Linda, and I went and saw "The Help" on Saturday. From seeing the previews, I was expecting it to be wildly different from the book, and it wasn't. Overall, I loved it. Really, really great story. They took me to Waffle House afterward for lunch. The three of us have had some adventures together, and I'm glad to add our outing Saturday to the list.

*I'm hoping I'll be a better blog friend soon. Thank yall for loving me anyway.

Life these days

I haven't felt very "bloggy" these days, so if any of you are still with me, I apologize. I've had plenty to blog about, but I just haven't gotten around to sharing it. I will, hopefully someday soon. Life's just gotten a smidge busy lately.

1. I turned another year older. My family and friends really helped make my big day precious, and I love them for it. I'll share more about the commemoration of the day of my birth (fancier than "birthday") later. It was a good, good day.

2. Shark Week...always a highlight in my summer.

3. Work started back up. Meet the Teacher is tomorrow, and school starts Thursday. I'm excited to welcome a brand new batch of schoolbabies!

4. The movie based on "The Help" comes out Wednesday. I'm pumped to see it, but the previews almost make it look like a comedy. The book certainly was not. I just hope they stay true to the book and haven't made the movie too "cutesy".

5. I've spent somewhere around $378,211.59 on supplies to get my classroom ready and prepare for the new schoolyear. I always forget what an expensive month August is.

6. I went to renew my car tag last week. I live in a county that is trying desperately to avoid filing for bankruptcy, so all the satellite DMV offices have been closed in an effort to save money. One location for everybody...inefficient to the max. It was unpleasant, to say the least. I am, however, thankful to have the money to buy my new sticker and for a safe, reliable car on which to put a tag. I am blessed.

{I took this when I was only about halfway in the line. Excuse the hideous gray bar that cuts off 1/3 of the picture. I'm still trying to figure out my new phone.}

7. This sweet girl came to the big city, and we got to enjoy lunch together. I had so much fun getting to know her better. We should definitely do this again, and Lauren, let's make it lunch for three next time!

8. Tomorrow promises to be a really, reeeaaallly long day, so I'm going treat myself at Starbucks in the morning. My favorite: Iced Passion Tea (unsweetened). If you've never tried it, you need to find the nearest Starbucks location and take care of that ASAP. Report back.

9. The Bachelor Pad started tonight, and I've been pretty excited. I need some mind-rot TV to look forward to every week.

10. I'm way, super duper tired. Like, real bad. I'm going to bed, which I've wanted to do for two hours now. Just call me Grandma! Sweet dreams, and I'll be back soon!

Absolutely nothing

My apologies to you if you're expecting to read a thought-provoking post that makes your spirit soar and your heart sing. This ain't it. It's Monday, and although I have plenty to say, none of my thoughts are cohesive. I blame it on Monday.

1. I have 15 more days of summer break. The end of summer/beginning of the school year always bring such a weird mix of emotions for me. I've got all sorts of exciting "teacher" ideas swimming around in my head, but I certainly wouldn't turn down an extra week (or six) of summer break.

2. We're supposed to get some rain today, and that makes me happy. We need it in a large way. I like rainy days, unless it results in inside recess. Then the students start pouting, and their teacher pouts right along with them. I'm outside recess's #1 fan. Those babies need to run!

3. So far, I've read 15 books this summer. And yes, I've kept a list. Nerd.

4. Last fall, I started working on my masters degree. I haven't taken a class since. I just may not want to get my masters, at least right now. There are too many other things I want to do with my life these days. Does this make me unambitious?

5. I've said before that I think I have trouble remembering important, pertinent information because I have so much random junk floating around in my brain. I learned this week that my darling brother has the same issue. He couldn't remember something vital he was trying to tell me (I've already forgotten what it was...no surprise), but he remembered that our family flew on a Southwest Airlines plane when we went on our cruise 12 years ago. We're two peas in a weirdo pod.

6. I have these itty bitty, totally obnoxious, nearly impossible to kill little flying bugs in my kitchen. Gnats? Fruit flies? I have done everything imaginable to get rid of them. I've stopped keeping fruits and veggies on the counter. I've scrubbed my counters, sink, and floor. About 13 times, I've thought they were gone but then they show their nasty little bug faces again. Yesterday, in a moment of total desperation, I turned on the vacuum and ran around with the wand, sucking up as many as I could. And you know what they did? They flew back out of the hose when I turned the vacuum off. They are the current bane of my existence, and I want them dead. Any advice?

7. The Bachelorette comes on tonight, and as much as I don't want to like this show, I look forward to Monday nights. Tonight is the Fantasy Suite dates. I've always had mixed feelings about this stage of the show, and I've wondered before what I would do if I made it to the Fantasy Suite portion of the show. I think I would turn down the offer...no doubt. Would you "forgo your individual room"?

8. I love Wickles. Love, love, love them. They've kind of ruined other storebought pickles for me. I especially love that they're made here in Alabama, in the hometown of my darling friends Kira and Oliver. I once saw a jar of Wickled okra and passed it up, and I've regretted it ever since. I couldn't find it anywhere after that! I discovered a jar at Publix last week and nearly caused a scene. I've been eating Wickled okra like that's my true calling. Who knows? Maybe that is my true calling. (I found, upon further research, that the website calls it "Wicked Okra" and not "Wickled Okra". You know what? I like "Wickled Okra" better, so that's what it shall remain.)

9. On my flight to Texas, we flew through lots of rain and a few thunderstorms. We teach our 5th graders about the types of clouds and what they can tell us about weather, so I snapped some shots out the window to use in my lessons this year. Check out this thunderstorm:

 {I hope my new schoolbabies are as impressed by this one as I was.}

If you read all the way through this, you deserve a cash prize. Be checking your mailbox. Happy Monday, yall!