Stress

A picture is worth a thousand words. This picture tells it all! This is what I felt like doing last week while I was trying to upload/download (I don't know which) MUSIC onto this blog. Ahhhhhhhh! No, I wasn't going to pull my cats' hair out, but MY OWN! Anyway, I have few diverse songs on my playlist which reflect my varied tastes in music and the different eras. "Brown Eyed Girl" was one of Chuck's favorite songs. Enjoy, the list is a work in progress.

Veteran's Day and Cupcakes

Now I know you are all wondering what Cupcakes have to do with Veteran's Day. You are, aren't you? Well, I'll tell you. Nothing, really, except that I have the day off from work because of Veteran's Day and I had to make 3 dozen cupcakes for my class "Cupcake Geology" science activity tomorrow. These cupcakes are no ordinary ones. They are representing the earth and its different layers. So I made up two yellow cake mixes and colored one part red, one part blue, and one part chocolate plus the left over yellow. That means I have four different layers I can combine into one cupcake. Tomorrow, I will talk about how scientists drill into the earth's crust and bring up a core sample which they can then analyze. Our core sampler tool is a clear straw which they drill down into their cupcake with. When they bring up the straw you can see all the layers of the cupcake. They then draw and color a picture of each core sample. It is one of the most fun and educational science activities I do all year. Of course, the kids get to eat their earth when the core samples have all been retrieved and documented.
Now back to Veteran's Day. This last week I had the son of one of our workroom aides come in and speak to the fourth grade about his experience at Marine boot camp in California. He wore his dress uniform but brought two of his camouflage uniforms and let the kids try them on. The boys and girls had some very thoughtful questions and were very interested in his infantry job. We also made cards for the Veteran's Hospital. One of my goals for my students this year is to help them appreciate and respect our Country and all those who serve us so that we can have the freedoms and rights that we have. We did Kids Voting at school and the whole student body got to vote, cast ballots, and get a sticker. It was neat.
Well, now you know what cupcakes and Veterans Day have to do with each other, at least on my planet. If you have the day off, enjoy, but remember you are getting the opportunity to rest and relax because there are now, and have been, men and women risking their lives for you to have the day off.
God Bless America!

VOTE

Hey, you all living in America! Don't forget to vote!!!! Vote so you will be able to vote next time. It is one right we can't afford to take lightly!

Trip to Louisville

Zane and Hailey in front of the Louisville Slugger baseball bat museum.

Rachael's home in Louisville Ky.

Zane, Hailey, Rachael, and Nathan at a covered bridge in Indiana. Falling leaves! So peaceful!

Whiteboard Follow-Up

I love my new whiteboard! It is so much fun to write on, and I purchased a package of Mr. Clean Magic Erasers and they work so well on the board. I decided to fore-go the blackboard paint and just put up fabric for another bulletin board. Anyway, I just thought you'd be really interested in one of my mundane things that have truly made my days brighter.

In With New and Out With The Old Part 2

Well, it happened today at about 2:45. My school blackboard went to the land of the retired blackboards. Remember last year I was lamenting whether I could change my blackboard for a clean, white, pristine whiteboard? During recess our custodian, Ben, came across the playground hauling a BIG box with the new whiteboard in it. "Is that one for Me?" I asked tentatively. "Yes," replied Ben with a huge smile. "Today?" I asked. "Yes," stated Ben, "Right now." "Oh, I don't know if I'm ready for the change!" I moaned. In 30 minutes my choice was determined and I had on my wall the new whiteboard. It will take some getting used to, but it was sure fun writing on it with dustless blue marker. It is smaller that my old chalkboard and so there is a three foot space on the side that Ben said he would paint with blackboard paint if I wanted, so I could have the best of both worlds.

Another Birthday

Well, yesterday was my birthday.I woke up kind of depressed because on my next year birthday I will be 60! So, I only have one more year to prepare for that milestone. You see how this all works? As you get older you have less time to prepare for the times you don't want to have happen! That philosophy could drive anyone to drink! It drove me right to my chocolate box and Dr. Pepper. I eat chocolate all the time but only have DP when I am really stressed!! Anyway, the day turned out amazing! Here is a list of all the things that happened today:
-phone calls and text messages
-flowers
-chocolate
-stuffed bears
-cards
-dinner
-movie
-silly string
-millipedes at school
-visitors at school
-lunch from Pei-Wei (Chinese)
-seeing old friends
-love
-hugs
-money
-letting go of fears

I am so blessed to have a rich and full life, one filled with good health and much love. Thanks to all who expressed "Happy Birthday" wishes to me in what ever form they took. I love you.