tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-81335208489768175082024-03-13T13:54:06.137-07:00Monica's MusingsMonicahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18025766014034809750noreply@blogger.comBlogger51125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8133520848976817508.post-90603343480702920712009-09-17T19:33:00.001-07:002009-09-17T19:42:24.355-07:00Yep. Still here.Summer almost killed me. Whoever says teachers don't work in the summer is on crack. I spent a week at NFL nationals, 4 weeks teaching summer school, 1 week at a leadership conference and 1 week at Nikki's softball nationals which may have been on the beach but was really more work than play.<br /><br />School may kill me. It's September and it feels like November. My team rocks this year. I smell more than one going to nationals this year! Yep, I'm calling it in September.<br /><br />Now the big news. 4 weeks ago we put our house on the market as we decided to build a house in Wylie. In fact, it's in the process of being built...well, when it's not raining. So, we busted our buns doing a few last-minute tweaks around here and now we have to keep it clean "just in case" it is being shown...which lately is at an increasing rate, thank God! The new house is the perfect floorplan for us and Stephen and I would love to retire there closer to the lakes. Wish us luck.<br /><br />Homecoming next week. I'll post pics of Nikki and her date. They're just friends so she should actually have a drama-free night this year. Now that will be a switch!<br /><br />Catch me on Facebook. I find I check it often because I can on my iPhone...my pity gift to myself back in June!<br /><br />Later Friends!Monicahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18025766014034809750noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8133520848976817508.post-63772823267152066142009-06-17T18:21:00.000-07:002009-06-17T18:24:50.411-07:00I am a starWell, that's what I was told. You see, the "Stars Fell on Alabama" NFL national competition is in Birmingham and so am I. I can't begin to tell you what my rear felt like after 9...yes, NINE...straight hours of driving after a day of 6 straight hours of driving.<br /><br />I have a TON of pics to post, but you'll have to wait until I get home. Trust me, they'll be worth the wait. Some are on my camera and some on others so it may take some time. Have no fear...they will be posted.<br /><br />I taught my kids to spit watermelon seeds, bait a hook and eat at Fausto's.<br /><br />They may never stop thanking me!Monicahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18025766014034809750noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8133520848976817508.post-68884077132347245652009-06-08T15:04:00.000-07:002009-06-08T15:05:48.334-07:00I Will Still Wear Purple and Gold!Well, my dream job is just that...a dream evaporating into nothingness. So sad. I think I'll go shopping!Monicahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18025766014034809750noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8133520848976817508.post-13563328531243301782009-06-05T18:17:00.000-07:002009-06-05T18:19:26.038-07:00Still waiting...and waiting and waiting and ....well, you get the picture. <br /><br />I did find out that I was tops in the first interview. No one has a clue what they are waiting for to pull the trigger on this. So, do I pack up my room for storage...or to move out? Make plans for the time off in the summer...or will I be working? Summer school or not? Pumpkin's nationals...again, or not?<br /><br />God is trying patiently to teach me patience...and I am a slow learner. Can I get an IEP for that?Monicahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18025766014034809750noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8133520848976817508.post-43355657815376866502009-06-02T18:07:00.000-07:002009-06-02T18:09:28.003-07:00She's Number 1! She's Number 1!That's my Pumpkin!<br /><br />Who's daughter is the Distrist 9 5A First Team All-District Centerfielder?<br /><br />That would be me! Yep, she did it in spite of my genes. Pumpkin was so proud of herself she spent an hour on the phone calling all the grandparents and uncles and anyone else who would listen.<br /><br />If only getting an A would mean that much to her...<br /><br />P.S. Still waiting on the results of my second interview.Monicahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18025766014034809750noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8133520848976817508.post-50451542775944338012009-05-30T17:54:00.000-07:002009-05-30T17:56:14.259-07:00Sorry for the delay...The interview on Tuesday went really well so I stressed the whole rest of the week worrying about whether or not I'd get called back. Thursday evening they called and I go Monday at 9:30 for the second interview.<br /><br />I want this so badly! I've let myself get excited so a letdown could get ugly.<br /><br />What should my six words for today be????<br /><br />I had better get that job!Monicahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18025766014034809750noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8133520848976817508.post-2790100681173924952009-05-21T13:37:00.001-07:002009-05-21T13:39:13.572-07:00It's On....High Noon TuesdayThe challenge has been set. At noon on Tuesday I interview for my dream job. Will they like me? Should I buy a new suit? Will I trip if I wear heels? What if I don't get it?<br /><br />And I have a cold and lost my voice. Um, that could present a problem, you know?<br /><br />3-day weekend...I love you!Monicahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18025766014034809750noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8133520848976817508.post-18377490203372163542009-05-15T08:32:00.000-07:002009-05-15T08:39:02.857-07:00Where does the time go?Two weeks since my last post? Really?<br /><br />Blame it on TAKS. Blame it on progress reports being due. Blame it on the rain that was falling, falling. Whoops. I slipped a little.<br /><br />I'm still waiting on an interview. Ah, the wheels of public education do not turn at a rate I can relate to!<br /><br />Pumpkin didn't go to prom. Returned the dress. Yep, he wouldn't let her pay her way and he had to pay for a soccer trip to Colorado. Hello? Plan ahead? She wasn't that upset. Now, she's just trying to decide between R and freedom. Hmmmm.<br /><br />Pumpkin got a job for the summer. She will babysit Monday through Thursday from 7:30 AM to 11:00 AM for pay. And she got her permit on the first try. Go Pumpkin. She drives me to school every day and on most errands. I've weaned myself off the valium for those trips. ; )<br /><br />Honey has drained the pool to do maintenance and repairs. I'll put pics of the progress up later. He's actually documenting this venture. The persistent rain has not helped at all.<br /><br />I got my 10-year service award last night...after 20 years of teaching. I've really got to stay in one place!<br /><br />I got a new do...to ease the pain of turning &*%$ this year! Flag Day, for those of you who might care. Yep, I'm a Gemini...not exactly a shocker! MOODY!<br /><br />Now, you're up to date! My goals are not being met, but I still feel good about having them.Monicahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18025766014034809750noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8133520848976817508.post-80628594200295283142009-04-28T12:32:00.000-07:002009-04-28T12:36:31.317-07:00A Brilliant Bust, I Must SayWell, it's not off to Austin for us, but our trip to Waco for UIL Regionals was a huge success. Let me explain.<br /><br />Our two debaters each went 2-1. The only reason they didn't break was due to speaker points. Now, let me tell you how I feel about that. If all contestants have the same cycle of judges, it's completely fair; however, in this case, they did not. So, my debaters were lucky enough to have a judge that likes to low-ball speaker points which prevented them from breaking.<br /><br />And to add insult to injury....my boys beat finalists! Geez.<br /><br />P.S. Turned in my app today!Monicahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18025766014034809750noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8133520848976817508.post-42910217446696013092009-04-24T07:44:00.000-07:002009-04-24T07:48:21.515-07:00We're off to see the wizard,The wonderful wizard of debate.<br /><br />Yep, it's Baylor, here we come at high noon today. My assistant coach and I will haul 4 loquacious and argumentative boys along with suits, extemp tubs and enough bottled water to save Ethiopia to Waco for 2 days. Good times.<br /><br />How will I survive? As luck would have it, rather nicely. We're staying at a place with a wonderful breakfast, but no waffle maker, my fave. And, no one competes tomorrow until 11 so it's a morning to sleep in. Yee Haw!Monicahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18025766014034809750noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8133520848976817508.post-86125709190157863172009-04-20T12:46:00.000-07:002009-04-20T12:59:19.300-07:00Jumping off ledges...I haven't really had time to post because I'm spending all my time prepping for the job that hasn't been posted yet but that I desperately want. That means a new CV, new letter of interest AND finishing the projects for that department that I've already been charged with. It makes me think back to when Colleen blogged about her change in career and how exciting and nerve-wracking it was. Wish me luck!<br />I'm afraid I don't have much else to blog about. Am I jinxing it by even mentioning it here? Should I knock on wood? Cross my fingers? Throw some salt over my shoulder? Or do those only prevent bad luck and there's no way to undo a jinx?<br />Oh, my. What have I done?Monicahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18025766014034809750noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8133520848976817508.post-75306284096397554502009-04-13T19:22:00.001-07:002009-04-20T12:45:41.503-07:00Where does the time go?<div><span style="color:#ff0000;">Here are the pics...only took me a week. Now, let's see if I can learn to catch up.</span></div><br /><div></div><br /><div>I can't believe I've been such a slacker. How did so much time go by and I didn't post? So much for my promises for the year of self-improvement.<br />Anyway, let me get everyone up to speed since spring break:<br /><br />1. UIL District was April 4 and we qualified 3 students and 6 alternates. One alternate is already going. Oh, yeah. That's where some of my time went...getting the contest done, arranging hotel rooms for Waco, getting a rental, etc...<br />2. I burned myself. Yep, I should never cook. I splattered hot water on my left arm and it's pretty freaky looking. It's healing nicely and so now I just use it for sympathy. That was April 5.<br />3. April 6 was opening day at the Ballpark in Arlington and WE HAD TICKETS! Keep in mind that I slept with an ice pack on my arm the night before. And it was cold. And windy. And I had on four layers of clothes and I was still cold. Until we got in the park and watched our beloved Rangers dominate the Indians. Good times!<br />4. Pumpkin was asked to PROM! No, she's not allowed to date seniors, but she was asked by a junior usher and so far, he's a doll. We bought the dress this weekend. It is amazing on her and no alterations needed. <img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 240px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 320px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5326862027755113570" border="0" alt="" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/__0h2L2B0TfA/SezQypPcTGI/AAAAAAAAAJc/00TSVt7BD1k/s320/P1000975.JPG" /><br />5. And a job that could be my dream job is open. Dare I? Could I? Will I?<br /><br />Stay tuned! >>>Pictures will be added tomorrow!<<<</div>Monicahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18025766014034809750noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8133520848976817508.post-53933819567063539022009-03-27T13:39:00.000-07:002009-03-27T13:44:53.130-07:00Day SEVEN, EIGHT and NINE!<div align="center">We did it. We bought the car. It's a 1999 BMW 528i...which probably doesn't mean much to most of you. Here's what I know...it's SAFE! It has so many airbags and these steel beams in the doors so Pumpkin is safer than in a smaller or older car without those features. It even has a CD changer in the trunk...remember when they put them there? There's a cassette player. Yep, that should get a lot of use. We tinted the windows. We DO live in Dallas. How the previous owners did without, I'll never know.</div><br /><div align="center"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/__0h2L2B0TfA/Sc05625u72I/AAAAAAAAAJU/hb7R0e_HWUA/s1600-h/P1000886.JPG"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 240px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 320px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5317970418327285602" border="0" alt="" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/__0h2L2B0TfA/Sc05625u72I/AAAAAAAAAJU/hb7R0e_HWUA/s320/P1000886.JPG" /></a> We surprised Pumpkin as her dad brought her home. She was afraid to ask who this new car belonged to since it was parked in front of our house. She said she didn't want to seem too forward. ; )<br /><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/__0h2L2B0TfA/Sc056GOWrnI/AAAAAAAAAJM/2Kk4Ex3sqQs/s1600-h/P1000885.JPG"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 240px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5317970405260439154" border="0" alt="" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/__0h2L2B0TfA/Sc056GOWrnI/AAAAAAAAAJM/2Kk4Ex3sqQs/s320/P1000885.JPG" /></a> Yea, now she just needs a license...and a job! That insurance isn't going to pay itself!!! So, until then, it's the passenger side for her.<br /><br /><div><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/__0h2L2B0TfA/Sc055klzwDI/AAAAAAAAAJE/uVQhCBgSRJY/s1600-h/P1000884.JPG"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 240px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5317970396232007730" border="0" alt="" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/__0h2L2B0TfA/Sc055klzwDI/AAAAAAAAAJE/uVQhCBgSRJY/s320/P1000884.JPG" /></a><br /><br /><br /><div></div></div><br /></div>Monicahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18025766014034809750noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8133520848976817508.post-30009594439979536522009-03-27T13:28:00.001-07:002009-03-27T13:38:44.365-07:00Day Five AND Six!<div align="center"><br /></div><div align="center">Not too eventful on Day Five. I went SHOPPING, of course. Scored a couple of cute blouses and a skirt from JCPenney and then some cute shoes from Payless. Then I went to Hobby Lobby and tried to be creative like my friend Just Say Julie. Well, it's a start.</div><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 240px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5317968582213688626" border="0" alt="" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/__0h2L2B0TfA/Sc04P-2I3TI/AAAAAAAAAI8/mnitRV7ss-A/s320/P1000854.JPG" /><br /><div align="center"></div><p align="center">Then it was a day to be spent with a dear friend and her daughter, M. We went to the Galleria and she played on this amazing playground of soft climbables. She LOVES this place.<br /><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 240px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 320px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5317967407278398514" border="0" alt="" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/__0h2L2B0TfA/Sc03Ll3vHDI/AAAAAAAAAIk/8OEItbbJPvI/s320/P1000859.JPG" /> And then it was "Facebook Picture" time. I've really got to figure out how to get on my Facebook and do something with it. There are a lot of people out there who think I don't want to be their friend when really I just don't know how to accept.<br /><br /><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/__0h2L2B0TfA/Sc03rNoeYkI/AAAAAAAAAIs/EcVpwIje2HQ/s1600-h/P1000870.JPG"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 240px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5317967950527750722" border="0" alt="" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/__0h2L2B0TfA/Sc03rNoeYkI/AAAAAAAAAIs/EcVpwIje2HQ/s320/P1000870.JPG" /></a><br />When I got home, Honey had found some cars on Craigslist for the Pumpkin. Here is the delimma we've been facing. Get a new car. Hmmm. Car note AND expensive insurance BUT it's safer than an old car. Get her an old car. Hmmm. Can afford insurance BUT it's not as safe. Something in between? Doesn't exist. So, here we are at a used car place trying to determine if this car he's found is "the one" to "let her drive" which basically means so she won't use our cars!<br />Yep, I'm pretty happy right now.<br /><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 240px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5317967954174910514" border="0" alt="" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/__0h2L2B0TfA/Sc03rbOBoDI/AAAAAAAAAI0/NeoQIULcDzs/s320/P1000874.JPG" /> </p>Monicahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18025766014034809750noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8133520848976817508.post-41243844142857505482009-03-23T14:55:00.001-07:002009-03-23T15:02:31.530-07:00Day FOUR!<div align="center"> The honeymoon is over. No more fun for me. It's time for Honey the Slavedriver to get that yard in order. We did get the front and side mostly done before I quit. I could hardly move by dark. Things don't look any better for tomorrow.<br /></div><br /><br /><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/__0h2L2B0TfA/ScgF-2Ob7TI/AAAAAAAAAIU/ZRure6GFKZY/s1600-h/P1000857.JPG"><img style="MARGIN: 0px 0px 10px 10px; WIDTH: 200px; FLOAT: right; HEIGHT: 150px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5316505937376963890" border="0" alt="" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/__0h2L2B0TfA/ScgF-2Ob7TI/AAAAAAAAAIU/ZRure6GFKZY/s200/P1000857.JPG" /></a><br /><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/__0h2L2B0TfA/ScgF37pRjmI/AAAAAAAAAIM/wAPTgGdJNys/s1600-h/P1000856.JPG"><img style="MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; WIDTH: 200px; FLOAT: left; HEIGHT: 150px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5316505818572623458" border="0" alt="" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/__0h2L2B0TfA/ScgF37pRjmI/AAAAAAAAAIM/wAPTgGdJNys/s200/P1000856.JPG" /></a> <img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 200px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 150px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5316505675716209458" border="0" alt="" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/__0h2L2B0TfA/ScgFvndpqzI/AAAAAAAAAIE/iN4essIFMeg/s200/P1000855.JPG" />Monicahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18025766014034809750noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8133520848976817508.post-26599632416891866142009-03-23T14:48:00.001-07:002009-03-23T14:55:01.104-07:00Day THREE!<div align="center"> Time to tour the great metroplex of DeQuincy. Here's where I spent years and years of Friday nights enjoying football.<br /></div><div align="center"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/__0h2L2B0TfA/ScgEMD9tSEI/AAAAAAAAAH0/f3VFWeVpFe0/s1600-h/P1000807.JPG"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 240px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5316503965379938370" border="0" alt="" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/__0h2L2B0TfA/ScgEMD9tSEI/AAAAAAAAAH0/f3VFWeVpFe0/s320/P1000807.JPG" /></a> Here's where the Pumpkin played her first softball game...and look at her now.<br /><br /><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/__0h2L2B0TfA/ScgEEQNVuNI/AAAAAAAAAHs/GIBCCWfGMCE/s1600-h/P1000793.JPG"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 240px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5316503831227775186" border="0" alt="" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/__0h2L2B0TfA/ScgEEQNVuNI/AAAAAAAAAHs/GIBCCWfGMCE/s320/P1000793.JPG" /></a>And no trip could happen without my trip to Fausto's Fried Chicken for a chicken leg and onion rings. Honey is not so into it, but it's a must for me.<br /><br /><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/__0h2L2B0TfA/ScgDxNnRboI/AAAAAAAAAHc/b_ZywnMoBaQ/s1600-h/P1000746.JPG"><img style="MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; WIDTH: 320px; FLOAT: left; HEIGHT: 240px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5316503504113725058" border="0" alt="" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/__0h2L2B0TfA/ScgDxNnRboI/AAAAAAAAAHc/b_ZywnMoBaQ/s320/P1000746.JPG" /></a><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/__0h2L2B0TfA/ScgD4F24R8I/AAAAAAAAAHk/LVSVZE5eiv8/s1600-h/P1000751.JPG"><img style="MARGIN: 0px 0px 10px 10px; WIDTH: 240px; FLOAT: right; HEIGHT: 320px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5316503622290786242" border="0" alt="" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/__0h2L2B0TfA/ScgD4F24R8I/AAAAAAAAAHk/LVSVZE5eiv8/s320/P1000751.JPG" /></a><br /><div><br /><br /><br /><br /><div><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><div> </div><div> </div><div> </div><div> </div><div> </div><div> </div><div> </div><div> </div><div> </div><div>And then it was time to say goodbye to Spears Hill. I have to say it was one of the best trips I've had there. I really miss my family and all the benefits of living in a small town, but I have to say I wouldn't trade my life now. God has truly blessed me!</div><div> </div><div><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 240px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5316504125376351442" border="0" alt="" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/__0h2L2B0TfA/ScgEVX_0zNI/AAAAAAAAAH8/6j0CbS2_JJc/s320/P1000843.JPG" /></div></div></div><br /></div>Monicahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18025766014034809750noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8133520848976817508.post-3488644299708363582009-03-23T09:43:00.001-07:002009-03-23T09:52:24.672-07:00Day TWO!<div align="center">DAY TWO began with church so we all got on our pretty clothes and, of course, took more pictures. Aren't they adorable?<br /></div><div align="center"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/__0h2L2B0TfA/Sce8vjB3O2I/AAAAAAAAAHM/WFfIdHaCDtc/s1600-h/P1000751.JPG"></a><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 240px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5316425577643690978" border="0" alt="" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/__0h2L2B0TfA/Sce85S5Ay-I/AAAAAAAAAHU/poeOxtPHbnE/s320/P1000732.JPG" />We're adorable, too!<br /><br /><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/__0h2L2B0TfA/Sce8T1Jxx2I/AAAAAAAAAG8/rZKTN0KsaGA/s1600-h/P1000734.JPG"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 240px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5316424934005786466" border="0" alt="" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/__0h2L2B0TfA/Sce8T1Jxx2I/AAAAAAAAAG8/rZKTN0KsaGA/s320/P1000734.JPG" /></a>After church, we went for a dinner at my aunt's house to meet and greet the preacher trying out. They surprised Dad with a birthday cake and a rendition of Happy Birthday. It was pretty cool.<br /><br /><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 240px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 320px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5316425093831844162" border="0" alt="" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/__0h2L2B0TfA/Sce8dIjR4UI/AAAAAAAAAHE/6wzH3sPMtmc/s320/P1000736.JPG" />The day concluded with another trip to church and the leftover crawfish made into amazing etouffee...yee haw. Note to self: plan a starvation diet upon arriving back at home!<br /><div></div><br /></div>Monicahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18025766014034809750noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8133520848976817508.post-48539938163591687792009-03-23T08:38:00.000-07:002009-03-23T09:43:15.943-07:00Spring Break Almost Broke Me!I truly intended to blog all during spring break but I had problems getting my trusty laptop online at home and that's where the pictures were, so I think today I'll do a marathon of posts to catch everyone up.<br /><div><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 240px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5316408952810698802" border="0" alt="" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/__0h2L2B0TfA/Scetxmj8-DI/AAAAAAAAAF8/5ZHr3hdgP1s/s320/P1000697.JPG" /><br /><div>Spring break was a BLAST! It started with a trip to Louisiana to visit "Pops" and "Nana" and the Pumpkin enjoyed giving "Pops" his birthday present (not the t-shirt in the picture...that was from the softball team for cutting out the softball circles).<img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 240px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5316409052538559762" border="0" alt="" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/__0h2L2B0TfA/Scet3aE7XRI/AAAAAAAAAGE/TGwMrTozXGE/s320/P1000689.JPG" /></div></div><br />Daddy got me boiled crawfish! A visit would not have been complete without it! I can't even wait to get to the table before I'm munching down.<br /><br /><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 240px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 320px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5316416720732022322" border="0" alt="" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/__0h2L2B0TfA/Sce01wUt5jI/AAAAAAAAAGs/Pdpbpksw3O0/s320/P1000717.JPG" />Followed by a little goofing off for the camera by us all!<br /><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 240px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5316417399742702898" border="0" alt="" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/__0h2L2B0TfA/Sce1dR1epTI/AAAAAAAAAG0/cM5iYJeNjvE/s320/P1000712.JPG" />And then taking the nieces and nephew out for ice cream at the local Dairy Queen. They've all decided a trip to Aunt Monica's house is a must for this summer. Who knew kids could like me?<br /><p><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/__0h2L2B0TfA/Scey-ubmptI/AAAAAAAAAGU/D4kh9VpVhuA/s1600-h/P1000731.JPG"><img style="MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; WIDTH: 320px; FLOAT: left; HEIGHT: 240px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5316414675819603666" border="0" alt="" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/__0h2L2B0TfA/Scey-ubmptI/AAAAAAAAAGU/D4kh9VpVhuA/s320/P1000731.JPG" /></a></p><br /><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/__0h2L2B0TfA/ScezFsePgII/AAAAAAAAAGc/RzW7qTi48v4/s1600-h/P1000730.JPG"><img style="MARGIN: 0px 0px 10px 10px; WIDTH: 320px; FLOAT: right; HEIGHT: 240px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5316414795552882818" border="0" alt="" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/__0h2L2B0TfA/ScezFsePgII/AAAAAAAAAGc/RzW7qTi48v4/s320/P1000730.JPG" /></a><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><p><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/__0h2L2B0TfA/Scey-ubmptI/AAAAAAAAAGU/D4kh9VpVhuA/s1600-h/P1000731.JPG"></a></p><br /><p><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/__0h2L2B0TfA/Scey-ubmptI/AAAAAAAAAGU/D4kh9VpVhuA/s1600-h/P1000731.JPG"></a></p><br /><p><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/__0h2L2B0TfA/Scey-ubmptI/AAAAAAAAAGU/D4kh9VpVhuA/s1600-h/P1000731.JPG"></a></p>And that concluded DAY ONE! Tune in for DAY TWO!Monicahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18025766014034809750noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8133520848976817508.post-37906644605052269632009-03-12T06:48:00.000-07:002009-03-12T06:54:15.763-07:00Yes, Wii Can!Ah, a weekend almost off, losing an hour of sleep, and a surly teenager. What to do? What to do? <div><div></div><br /><div>Ah, I know. Wii can have a party!<img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 240px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5312298208094676850" border="0" alt="" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/__0h2L2B0TfA/SbkTExJtZ3I/AAAAAAAAAFs/VR4Is2sPw5g/s320/P1000637.JPG" /></div><div></div><div>Just look at my form! Yep, we're bowling and I'm determined to win.</div><div><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 240px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5312298492620756258" border="0" alt="" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/__0h2L2B0TfA/SbkTVVGA1SI/AAAAAAAAAF0/q-ZnQVZw2Jk/s320/P1000666.JPG" />And I do! Wii had so much fun with our friends and before Wii knew it Wii had stayed up until after 2 AM. Um, that's 3 AM with the lost hour.</div></div><br /><p>I need a nap...still!</p>Monicahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18025766014034809750noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8133520848976817508.post-620316303368462852009-03-05T14:02:00.000-08:002009-03-09T09:34:52.469-07:00My Version of Arts and CraftsI saw these at some of the "wealthier" schools last year and decided we HAD to have them this year. So, in the true spirit of being an adult, I called my daddy and asked him to cut them out. Then another set of parents did the painting and hanging.<br /><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 240px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 320px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5311227212712310994" border="0" alt="" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/__0h2L2B0TfA/SbVFAoca-NI/AAAAAAAAAFk/EeIiiQ6Ue-Q/s320/P1000620.JPG" /><br /><div>Not bad for me, though, don't you think?</div>Monicahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18025766014034809750noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8133520848976817508.post-61851511360386785372009-03-03T19:32:00.000-08:002009-03-03T19:35:00.272-08:00My Home Run Honey!The Pumpkin did it. She hit her first home run. Well, sort of.<br /><br />The high school team she plays for was in a tournament this past weekend and I made it back just in time from NFL to see the last game and get frost bite and wind burns. But I digress.<br /><br />Anyway, she hit a ripper right up the middle and center field missed the ball. This is one quick runner so she made it all the way around.<br /><br />So, technically, it was a home run.<br /><br />I think I owe her ice cream!Monicahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18025766014034809750noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8133520848976817508.post-75033424515935436262009-03-02T12:25:00.000-08:002009-03-02T12:29:55.007-08:00I Survived!After a 10-day bout with the non-flu (which is still causing me problems), I spent 3 days with my team at NFL district. For those of you who don't know, it's an intense competition to determine who qualifies for nationals in different speaking events.<br /><br />AND WE DID IT! We qualified a student in US Extemp and had alternates in Student Congress (2) and LD Debate (2) and Original Oratory (1).<br /><br />Birmingham, AL, here we come.<br /><br />Here is a picture of me and my assistant coach along with a dear friend who came along to drive the third van! We're pretty happy it's almost over.<br /><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 240px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5308690055920274642" border="0" alt="" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/__0h2L2B0TfA/SaxBeq3GzNI/AAAAAAAAAFc/-acc92ZtMOo/s320/P1000577.JPG" />Monicahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18025766014034809750noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8133520848976817508.post-65763367526138933972009-02-17T04:57:00.001-08:002009-02-17T14:05:36.099-08:00V-Day...and then it's just downhillWell, who was my valentine? Try 16 teenagers at a debate tournament ALL weekend. Darn those kids. They kept winning. And they didn't have enough judges so I had to judge EVERY round...including one round of CX. I hate CX! I'd rather poke pens in my eyes. I thought about doing that because then I couldn't write out the ballot so I wouldn't have to judge, but they said they were so short of judges I'd have to judge anyway.<br /><br />I took Pumpkin with me as punishment for being on her phone too late one night. That'll teach her...NOT! But she got to throw her softball around with the driver who is an ump. She spent the whole day texting a SENIOR...and I don't mean citizen. Those are NOT allowed in my house. I mean, she's not even 16!<br /><br />And then by the time I got home my dear Honey had planned a nice steak dinner...at a restaurant with a 2.5 hour wait. Um, no thank you.<br /><br />We finally end up at our fave burger joint where the food is AMAZING and the fries really are made from fresh-cut potatoes. I was in heaven.<br /><br />My gift? A Starbuck giftcard so I could treat myself tucked neatly into a great card. OK, things look pretty good.<br /><br />And then I wake up Monday and my head feels like a bowling ball the day after a pro tournament. Every joint in my body hurts. My HAIR hurts. But I must educate!<br /><br />To top it off, I have duty this week and as I'm sitting in the cold hall shivering from what must have been a fever, one of the district people for whom I was going to do my dream job next year walks up and tells me to take a breath. Uh oh. This can't be good. So, she's resigning. Now, I won't get into the why or how, but I'll tell you that now my dream is on hold until "they" decide what "they" want to do.<br /><br />And Nikki still likes that senior boy.<br /><br />Anyone have any suggestions on how to run him off? I'm all ears!Monicahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18025766014034809750noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8133520848976817508.post-41162670282702503222009-02-12T17:15:00.000-08:002009-02-12T17:21:25.999-08:00I Failed a Test?????For those of you who know me, this must come as a shock. Not because I'm some super brain, but because I'm a perfectionistic nerd.<br /><br />But let me explain. Our school had a blood drive. For the first time in my life, I am healthy enough, I weigh enough (that's also another blog) and I am brave enough. Brave means I had students come in and guilt me into it.<br /><br />You see, I have very small veins and when I have my blood drawn every year, the poor little girl has to find some children's needle before I become a human pin cushion. It always happens. I try to warn them, but they always give me that "I am the medical professional and you are just the hysterical patient" look. You know the one.<br /><br />Anyway, I fill out the paperwork, read the brochure, and head for the guy who screens you. I see these little needle-like things and think he's going to "get it started" before I get to lounge in the chair and get my free cookies and Gatorade. Nope. He's going to check my iron. No biggie. Except he pricked my finger and squeezed and squeezed and squeezed. Done? Nope, again. He wipes it off!!!!!! Couldn't he have used it? No again! He repeats this THREE times. Puts it in a machine and then tells me I've failed.<br /><br />I'm sorry. What? How do you FAIL a test like that? Evidently I was 11.7 and you have to be 12.5 to donate blood. Again, WHAT? I slink over to the snack center just to be seen by the kids so they know I didn't chicken out and SCORE! They offer me double cookies!<br /><br />I didn't get a shirt. It would have been my first.<br /><br />I'm a charitable failure.Monicahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18025766014034809750noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8133520848976817508.post-81239108429791393212009-02-10T11:19:00.000-08:002009-02-10T13:38:26.208-08:00Don't Break My Pumpkin's HeartWhat have those boys done to my Pumpkin?<br /><br /><div></div><div>After that last breakup, she is so sad. Not so much about thte boy specifically, but more of the hurt in general.</div><div></div><br /><div>So, what does this have to do with me? Have you ever heard the phrase, "Hell hath no fury like a woman scorned?" I propose that even if that is the case, "hell" would have nothing on that woman's mother.</div><div></div><br /><div>I would do anything to protect Pumpkin from hurt of any kind, but is that what is best for her? How will she ever learn to problem solve or what she really wants in life if she doesn't experience any pain?</div><div></div><br /><div>That's a tough one for me.</div><br /><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 200px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 150px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5301286107223341362" border="0" alt="" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/__0h2L2B0TfA/SZHzoInCuTI/AAAAAAAAAFU/StmesxAda48/s200/P1000432.JPG" /> <div></div><div>So, here's to Pumpkin. Good luck to all you guys out there trying your best to woo her. First you have to put up with her and then you have to put up with me.</div><div></div><br /><div>That'll teach you.</div>Monicahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18025766014034809750noreply@blogger.com1