Friday Foto Finish 9.26

I was going through some old photos stored on a memory card and found this foto.  I thought it fitting for todays festivities over at Candid Carrie's Fx4.  Hope you like it.  

I don't know why, but I love fotos like this.  The contrast between the water on the windshield and blurry rainbow in the background.  Very cool!

Thanks for stopping by!

I miss blogging!

I feel aweful.  I haven't been able to blog as often as I would like.  I have been so busy between work and trying to finish the Twilight series so our lunch group can talk about it.  I have 50 pages to go in New Moon and will be starting Eclipse (hopefully) tomorrow.

My work week so far has constituted of 3 parent meetings, 5 staff meeting (& I missed 2 others so I could have one of the parent meetings)  helped discipline 3 students (two of which cried!), made several parent phone calls, got to play secretary for a few hours, got to drop an "F" bomb in the teachers lounge during lunch, grossed out my lunch group with my veggie corn dog smell, etc.  I have to leave my student teacher alone, so I get extra free time to do all kinds of worky, worky.

For the next two days I get to sit in a data training sessions!  It sucks to be a DINA, let alone a SINA5 status.  (For all you non teachers that is District In Need of Assistance, School In Need of Assistance.)  I get to do data analysis on why our school does so poorly.  Hey, at least I get away from my students for a couple of days.

With that said, I vow to be a better blogger.  I will post more often.  I will try to find more interesting topics.  

Shanti

Friday Foto Finish 9.19 - Showing some skin

Earlier this month  I wrote a post about my diverse family, one of which I proudly wear his artwork on my body.  I currently have 3 tattoos, and he is on commission to create one more.  A blossoming lotus I plan to put just below the base of my neck.  It will be painful and (maybe) my last.  I love the artwork, and I wear it with pride.

Thanks for visiting.  If you want to play along, stop by Candid Carries Fx4 and join in the phun!

Left Ankle, Hibiscus Flowers (age 29)

Right shoulder, moon with breeze and stars (this one was my first, age 25, and my own design)

Sun, spine, about a third of the way up my back. (age 27)

I missed the ones for my 31st and 33rd birthdays.  Oh yeah, these were all birthday gifts for myself.  I bought the first two, my hubby got me the third.  When I go get the next one, he is going in for his second.  

By the way, do you know how much street cred. I get with my students for having a visible tattoo?  Waaaaay too much!  I rock the black nail polish too sometimes.  I'm cool like that.

Thanks for stopping by, I look forward to your posts!

Is it Monday again?

OK, I had the weirdest day at work. Let tell ya why.

1. I get to work and discover someone TP'd the trees in front AND egged the school.

2. Work smelled like rotten eggs all day, especially when it heated up this afternoon.

3. Multiple, I repeat MULTIPLE, fights. At least two teachers were injured in the process of breaking them up.

4. I had a student try to tell me how to do MY JOB!

5. I had the same student tell me to "Shut the f*ck up and stop talking" to her.

6. I got called a devil by a student when I walked in the building (he didn't have his meds today)

7. Ohhh, we did have cheese pizza for lunch. Screw frozen dinners today, I had pizza and it was good.

8. Our lunch group is the quietest in the building and gets compliments all the time for their behavior.

9. I had to cover and teach a class for one of the injured teachers, and didn't get a break at all. (except the 2 bathroom breaks between classes)

10. Witnessed a student getting kicked out of class for yawning (it was pretty obnoxious though)

So, did I miss something today? Was there a full moon? Is it groundhogs day and I am doomed to have a repeat?

All I know is, I am going to keep on going. Tomorrow can't be that bad. I just need to get through tonight and finish making tombstones. 100+ to go. (it is actually for a pretty cool thing we are doing in language arts. We are laying to rest overused words. I get to make the graveyard. I think it will be cool.)

I think I need a mental health day!

But, I will never take it. I suck. I'm responsible. Go me and my stupid work ethic.

So, I finished Twilight last night

FINALLY!!!

I started it on vacation 8/4. I picked it up, put it down. Read a chapter here and there. Just couldn't get into the book.

Until Saturday night. I was really stuffed up (I mean gassy. Come on after 2 veggie corn dogs and black bean soup you would be too.) and decided to sleep in the guest bedroom so I wouldn't keep the hubby up with my random bodily noises. (I even took a mocha monkey with me, in case it got lonely) I started reading a little after midnight, and then got to the beginning of the chapter when he takes her to the meadow. AND..........

Dear lord, I couldn't put it down from that point on. I made myself go to sleep so I would remember all that I read the night before. (I sometimes forget if I am up really late reading)

So, my Sunday looked like this: (part of it is lame, I know)

9:00 wake up
9:30 watch The Soup I missed from Friday night
10:00-11:20 Went to Target and Office Max to get all I need for the week
11:20-11:35 put items away and fold laundry
11:35-3:00 READ TWILIGHT I started on page 230 by the way
3:00-3:15 Eat lunch
3:15-6:00 READ TWILIGHT (with a 10 minute cat nap when my eyes got tired)
6:00-6:20 Made cornbread to go with dinner (with honey butter, yummo!) reading the whole time it was in the oven
6:20-6:50 Eat, Shower, Get cleaned up, etc.
6:50 - 8:00 READ TWILIGHT
8:00-9:00 Watch Iron Chef (sorry, it is one of my favorites) Drank 2 beers (maybe three)
9:00-9:45 FINISHED TWILIGHT WHILE DRINKING 2 MORE BEERS. Come on people, I read 269 pages yesterday. I have never read that many pages in a day before.

Overall book review.... I had a hard time getting into it, but once I did I was hooked. I did feel like I was reading some soft core porn for a while, but it wasn't too bad. I really got tired of the word incredulous after reading all day. (It was waaaaaaaay overused.) I now must know what is going to happen to Bella and Edward and all the othe unanswered questions.

Today, I started the second book. I am taking the night off from reading (yeah, right) and plan to spend a good chunk of my next few afternoons with my nose buried in a book.

It got so bad that last night my charming hubby kept referring to me as 'nerdlinger'. I don't mind, I earned it yesterday. Now, I hope to finish this one by the end of the week so I can start the third over the weekend. We'll see. I did loan my copy to my niece. I better check to see if she's done. (Kelly, if you are reading this get on the monkey and read. Just kidding.... or am I?)

On a side note, I really need to finish Jodie Picoult's Change of Heart. I am half way through it and just can't do it. Too many unbelievable things. Give me some encouragement. I really should finish it.

Friday Foto Finish 9.12

Friday came fast this week.  Its time to play another round of Candid Carries Fx4.  

These are two of my phavorite new additions to our phish tank.  The first one is a Burmese Loach.  He lazes away the day laying on that leaf just hanging out.  He is pretty cool.  At least he comes out, and doesn't hide all day like our other loach.  I like the effect from the filtered water falling on him in the photo.

This guy is our male Kribenza.  He is really happy now because he now has a lady Krib to spend his days with.  As soon as we put her in the tank those two hit it off, changed colors and 'swim/spooned'.  They are so adorable.  I really hope we can get them to breed, but that involves the death of one of them after the fry hatches.

I will try to get a photo of the two of them spoon/swimming around the tank.  Thanks for stopping by.  I look forward to your entries this week as well.

I feel lazy!

I feel like I didn't do shit today at work.  I know that isn't true, but I really feel like I didn't do much.  Let me explain...

I have a student teacher this year for 8 weeks.  She is in a word, awesome.  I get to shape and mold her into a wonderful teacher.  We don't have the traditional teacher/student teacher relationship.  She gets to experience the wonderful world of weird ass me.  (It's funny, when people who don't know me well talk to me I am very frank and upfront.  She says "That's Just Jen, you get used to it.)  I figured I would give her a real world teaching experience and she is doing a great job.  She is taking over for me and I have to find other things to do from time to time.  Here's what I did today.

Followed a student around who refused to go to class.  He actually stopped for me, and told me what was wrong, but wouldn't go to the office with me.  He just made some bad choices and I handed it off to someone in charge.  That took 45 minutes.

I completed our Special Ed Roster (which means nothing to anyone who isn't a sped department head.  Oh yeah, I am the department head!) faxed and mailed it in.

Finished some paperwork and submitted it.

Escorted a student to lunch who can't seem to make it there and back without being a giant butt head in line.

Made two journal prompts notebooks for students who were absent.

Observed a teacher who is struggling with his classes and gave suggestions.

Did some lesson plans, then sent my student teacher to do them since she needs the practice.

Called Wyoming and balled someone out for not sending us records.

Scheduled an IEP meeting.

Helped a fellow teacher pick up cherries that were thrown in her window and hit her in the head.

Stood on the corner doing bus duty to make sure there were no fights.

Went home and blogged about my boring ass day!

For me, this is nothing.  I am an obsessive multi-tasker at work.  I don't have enough to do.  Maybe I will sit in the office tomorrow and help with discipline.  I love me a good parent phone call.  I haven't gotten an angry call yet.  Oh, maybe I can get called a bitch.  I love that.  I have a goal for tomorrow!

Hello, my name is Jen and I am an addict

What the hell are you talking about woman?  That title has us all worried about you.  Don't worry, I didn't finish.  I am addicted to many things, but I am not harming myself.  Read on and you will see.

Hello, my name is Jen and I am addicted to Sephora.  If you don't know what that is, click here.  It deals with all things beauty.  My mom is probably reading this going huh?!?  Tomboy Jen is addicted to..... makeup!  Oh, yes ladies and gents.  I love me some good make up.  Fancy Eyeliners, shadows, powders, blushes, lipsticks, mascara, you name it.  I have lip plumpers, glitter shadow, 6 kinds of mascara, heated eyelash curler.  My new favorite brand is Philosophy.  I got a big old shipment in today and have tried each and every new item out.  I may have to do an entire post to the amount of beauty products I have fallen in love with in the past couple of years.

Hello, my name is Jen and I am addicted to Yarn.  New shipment is arriving on Friday.  I am making a froggy for mama dawg and it just gave me an excuse to buy some fancy yarn and awesome discount prices.  When you are a crafter, you know who to go to for the best buys.  I actually hide my stash from my husband.  It is in 5 separate locations around the house so he has no idea the actual amount of yarn I have at any given time.  Actually, that goes for all of my craft projects.

Hello, my name is Jen and I am addicted to Office Supplies.  I think that is why I became a teacher.  The best gift I ever got was a gift card to Office Max.  It must be a teacher thing.

Hello, my name is Jen and I am addicted to monkeys.  If you have ever seen my other blog, you would know this is very true.

Hello, my name is Jen and I am addicted to beads.  I make and sell jewelry on the side and I can't go into a store that sells beads without spending way too much time looking through and purchasing new beads.  On last count I had over 50,000 beads in my stash.  It could be closer to 75,000.  I really need to make some more soon.

Hello, my name is Jen and I am addicted to cheese.  All kinds of cheese.  I love it all.  Not a day goes by where cheese is not in my diet.  Sad, I know.

Hello, my name is Jen and I am addicted to..... shit, fill in the blank.  If you are still reading this tell me your secret addictions.  I won't tell.  Or maybe I will make a big ass o'l blog post about our favorite addictions.  I won't put names, I promise.....

Three Day Weekend Fun & Realizations

I started this blog on Labor Day.  I kinda forgot that I left it as a draft.  I decided I needed to finish it and give myself a realization of what a great family structure I have.

Here we go on 9/1/08...

This past weekend we had a little family get together to wish our nephew well on his travels to Morocco as he is enters the Peace Corpse.  He will be missed, but he is helping to make this world a better place.  He will touch so many lives and who knows my not want to come back after his 27 months.  Good Luck N, we'll miss you.  I will think of you often and our last conversations about all kinds of inappropriateness. Two words.  Smooth t**nt!

But, I realized while sitting eating dinner the amazing family I have.  Growing up, there was just my folks, brother and myself.  Once I married, I gained 8 brothers/in-laws and sister in-laws, not to mention 6 nieces and nephews some of which have since married and the family has gotten bigger in these past 4 years.

What I really took notice of was the diversity of our family dynamic.  Within both sides of my family 3 branches of the military are represented.  We have Republicans, Democrats and Independents.  There are teachers, accountants, librarians, restaurant managers, web designers, yoga teachers, Thai massage therapists, yogis, yoginis, Catholics, Baptists, non believers, artists (one of which I am proud to display their artwork on my body), carnivores, vegetarians, all around foodies, readers, crafters, knitters, gamers, animal activists, farmers, comic book geeks (one of which is me), cancer survivor, actors, musicians, barista, mac addicts, bloggers, etc.

I am truly blessed by my diverse family. I couldn't ask for anything more.  We have our problems, as all families do.  Somehow we are able to get past the regular bull shit and live our lives harmoniously.  I really do appreciate what I have, but need to express that more to those who love me.  So to them I say "I love you and thank you for excepting me for who I am, my beliefs, and supporting the choices I have made."

I really hate being sappy, but sometimes you need to give a shout out to the ones you love and the ones who supply your support system.

Namaste

Peace

Shatni, shati, shanti

Friday Foto Finish 9.05

This week I am once again participating in Candid Carries Fx4.  You should play along, its lots of fun.  I have to wait until I get home from workey to check out your post, blogger be blocked. :(  Oh well, I can manage.

Now on to the festivities.  This week's entries are taken from a calendar I made for my mother in law for Christmas. Shhhhh, don't tell her.  Wait, she doesn't know about this blog.  I made it through lulu.com  It was so easy to make.  If you would like to purchase one, go to lulu and type in Connie's Garden.  Beautiful garden, beautiful photos.  Hope you enjoy!

OMG Hot Rock Treatment!

I just got back home after the best 90 minutes I have had recently.  A hot stone massage treatment down at Indigo Wellness in Moline, IL.  If you have never had one, I highly recommend it.

You get warm rocks between your toes, which should feel weird but is quite relaxing.  Then more warm stones placed strategically on your body. 

The BEST part was towards the end when the warmed rocks were used for the actual massage.  It melted away all of the knots in my back and has left me a gooey pile of happiness.

The best $75.00 I have ever spent.  Next time I go in, I am getting something called Thai Poultice.  Don't know what it is, but if it is half as good as the massage I got today, it will be well worth it.  I'll fill you in later in the month.

Now, I am going to lay down with a good book and probably fall asleep.  

Peace.