Realization Station Vacation

I've realized some things in the past 1.5 weeks...

*I am a wuss when it comes to going out late at night...whether with friends or family. The whole bar situation? A big big failure. Didn't go.

*I can't go more than I'd say a week of doing not much (vacation) without turning into Crabby Carol.

* I am even WORSE if I don't get my workout in over vacation. I feel like my students...I need stability in my life and my workout is that element, much like an agenda in the classroom. If I don't get it I go stir-crazy.

*Ghiradelli (another word that has evidently kicked my butt) brownies are not kidding around. Wowzahs they are good.

*Ice cream is still better than anything in the world.

*Muddy Buddies are also called Puppy Chow but a new name I have never heard is White Trash...not sure how I feel about that. Didn't come from me. 

*Muddy buddies are up there in my top awesomely awesome foods with ice cream and buffalo chicken dip.

*Caution was thrown to the wind during vacation. Brownies, muddy buddies, ice cream, oh my.

*I still despise Polly Pocket. LOVE the girl that wants me to play with Polly and her gals, can't stand Polly and her gals.

*To put my foot down when my precious cherub niece wants to play Polly. Or hide-and-seek. Or play outside.

*Can't seem to NOT feel guilty when I do so.

*Flannel sheets are really hard to find in department stores. And then when you DO find them, they must run out of twin size real quick.

*Jewelry boxes have the potential to be a really good Christmas present.

*A way debt can be paid back slowly but surely? Hand the 100-dollar bill immediately back to your mother when you open it Christmas morning. And return the flannel sheets and jewelry box and give that money back to your mother as well. I swear I didn't have that intention from the beginning. Thank goodness Arabella is understanding and an all-around gem.

*It's hard to vacuum out your car in the winter weather. The metal part gets really cold. 

*I'm a champ because my car is vacuumed anyway.

*Bread machine bread ROCKS.

*I need to trade coffee in for tea. I'll tell you right now, it's not gonna happen. Even though I AM trying to resolute like a resolutin' FOOL.

This doesn't even skim the surface. But I also realize there's no way.

Goodnight.

My Grown Up Christmas List...Gag Me.

You know that "classic" christmas song "Grown-Up Christmas List"? I think I first heard it on Amy Grant's amazing christmas CD and then I realized it was sometimes amazing (Mary's Song? I mean com'n), but other times not. Sorry if you like it, but I can't stand that song. I think it's cheesy, cheesy, and also cheesy.

Yet, I enjoy the idea of the song. And as a young woman, if I do say so myself (except of course, in my social activity life I am older but if I talked more about that, I would be repetitive and you would stop reading my blog due to boredom), I can appreciate the truly important things about Christmas.

It absolutely totally used to be about the stuff. One of my all-time favorite gifts was a doll that I fed and it came out the butt into a diaper. I think I wrote about this gem in an earlier blog but that's how awesome it was...worthy of being mentioned in two very separate blogs. And of course the whole idea of Christmas Eve, and the excitement, and everyone being together that night and listening to my father read "The Night Before Christmas". 

Whether or not I was ready for it, I was forced to experience change. Buck moved away and got married and had (the most precious pie) kids, Phebe got married and went to her husband's family's house for part of the holiday. And then there was me, 9 and 11 years younger than my siblings, trying my hardest to enjoy the holidays in a different way. With my parents. I ADORE my parents. I don't adore change in something that is so exciting and important as Christmas traditions, though. Oh well. 

So this past year was the weirdest Christmas Eve. Siblings were not around and I went to a Lutheran church with my mother kind of hesitantly. It was okay; I wanted to be at East Gloucester the whole time. When we got back my dad was watching TV and my mother and I took over Office style. That is, we replaced my siblings with Michael, Dwight, Jim, Pam, Stanley, Phyllis...you get the drift. Every now and then I remembered that it was Christmas Eve and everytime I thought it was so weird. 

This blog is boreder than bored (I don't care; it's break; I can be grammatically incorrect if I want). Sorry. In any event, I did NOT end up going to the bar with my sister etc. She was so disappointed and tried everything to make me go but the couch and fireplace were calling me. And okay fine, we had to finish up the Office season. I found out that I would NOT have had a good time; it wasn't like Phebe had thought it would be.  Pat pat pat. Sorry, that was me patting myself on the back for a decision well-made.

After being home for more than a week now, I am overwhelmed with free time and at the same time, if this is possible, overwhelmed with how much I should do and haven't done. I'm heading back earlier than I had originally thought. By the time my vacation ends, there will be an imprint of my butt on a chair in Panera. I have so much to do. Ugh.

Happy holidays, my friends! You are all on my grown-up christmas list, whether you are my closest friends or once called yourself my "stalker"! Congratulations!!!!

Ma! Look What I Can Do!

It continues to be reitterated to me how similar to an old woman I am. When I think about it, I can pinpoint the exact time it was decided that I was only pretending to be a girl.

When I was in elementary school, the school would hold a fundraiser every year called the Williston Fun Fair. With a name like that, it's gotta be good right? Indeed it was. There were all sorts of games, a maze made out of huge mats, good food, and the most popular, the cake walk. You'd pay for tickets and each game would be a certain amount, blah blah blah. You'd get something worthless as a prize, like a bouncy ball, or a pencil eraser, tootsie pop, etc. That's why the cake walk was so awesome. Would you rather win a plastic ring or a homemade cake? ...So did everyone else. But my first couple of years scoping out what my options were every year, I realized where my true home was. Every year, in the home ec. room across the cafeteria you know what they played alllll night long?

Bingo. Whether you take that as the literal answer, or you guessed that before you read it, and take that as a, "you're right," both apply. I. Love. Bingo.

For my 18th birthday party, while most kids were holding those crazy parties (and we're not talking the guess-how-many-gumballs-in-the-jar parties, ladies and gents...), I held a party during which we played Bingo. We played for a really long time, too. The saddest part? I organized the whole thing. I went to Walmart and got the stupid prizes, I called out the B14s and N33s, and after awhile, before the prizes ran out, my "friends" made excuses and left the party earlier than what was planned. I think they enjoyed themselves for a little bit, but they weren't die-hard like I was. I learned a lesson that night. Don't hold Bingo-themed birthday parties when you turn 18. Luckily, I never turned 18 again. This is when I actually turned from 17 to 45.

And then after this, every time I turned down going out late at night so I could read, and every time I put together a jigsaw puzzle rather than "going downtown" with people my (pretend) age, I turned another year older.

So, today, Christmas Eve 2008...my skin is clear, my heart beats healthily, I have rock hard abs (that's not a lie...but that is...), but I'm actually 78 years old. In 2 years, I have a big birthday, the big 1-0-0. Because between now and then, I will turn down more nights out on the town, and put together more jigsaw puzzles, and maybe even play some more Bingo.

This is when my beloved sister swoops in to rescue me. I don't need rescuing, mind you. I am 100% content getting sore fingertips from putting together the Normal Rockwell puzzle presently. No lie. I stayed up til 1:15am last night doing it, after doing it for about 4 hours. Would you ever see me downtown til 1:15am? Are you CRAZY!?!? I just worked on it for another 3 hours this morning, but I think that in order to have the energy to do more later, I should blog about it and workout. Hence my blogging right now.

The other night a work friend texted me asking if I wanted to "do something tonight to celebrate break." After thanking the Lord that I had the genuine excuse of no longer being in Mass., I texted her back. She said "we should do something when you are back." Now, I could be wrong, but I don't think "do something tonight" means come and help me with my jigsaw puzzle, or do variety puzzle books side by side, while drinking hot chocolate and listening to Amy Grant sing her Christmas gems. How do I know this? Because kids these days! Why, when I was their age, I walked 5 miles to and from school. Generations are a-changin'.

So I said, without hesitation because she might forget, "yeah that'll be fun." But...what if she follows through and asks me when I get back? What do you do when you go to bars?

Let me get back to when Phebe comes in, what a precious gem. I was telling her my worries and doubts, as this 78-year-old body can't do these childish activities. She told me I should go out with her Saturday night, because a bunch of people we know will be downtown and I should go with her and see what it's like. She said I should drive separately and if I hate it, can leave.

Oh and we are certainly sisters. We're definitely not NOT sisters. I told her I wasn't sure how to go to a bar. What is it like? What do I do? How does one get through a night downtown at the bars? She gave me a play by play:

"You drive downtown, you show them your license, they let you in, and then...you talk to people. It's like my wedding, where you talk to people, it's just not at the reception place. It's in a bar."

Really? I could probably handle that.

So, I think I'm actually going to try it Saturday night. Do you think I'll be uncool if I ask Phebe to hold my hand the whole night? Probably? Hm.

Well, who knows. Maybe I'll gain a couple of years from this experience. I'm not talking a decade, let's take it night by night. I have to say, though, the time of night is a little intimidating. She told me it starts at 9. NINE!?!? But I'm usually just putting the border to my puzzle together at that time! Or maybe I'm reading my book in bed at that time! That's so late! She told me to suck it up.

Will I meet a man? I'm not interested in men who hang out in bars. Dang.
Will I drink alcohol? I'm about as interested in alcohol as I am men who hang out in bars. Dang.

I can rest in the fact that my book, jigsaw puzzle, and warm beverage will always be waiting for me at 59 Plateau Road.

Direct quote from my mother: "I caught up on all your blogs last night and Debby Downer was the funniest thing I've ever read!"

Writing the funniest thing ever read: check.

I am currently at 59 Plateau. So happy to be here. Add that to things that never get old. The first time I enter the door of 59 Plateau. NEVER gets old; I'm always SO happy to enter it. Because I LOVE my family, I LOVE my fireplace, I LOVE not working, and I LOVE my house. But mostly I LOVE my family.

My house has continued to be pimped; I arrived to a very white kitchen. I mentioned earlier that my kitchen was being made over and the kitchen cabinets would be painted white. And painted white they were indeed. And I feel suddenly like I'm in a very magazine-worthy kitchen. Well, not that good, I guess, but it's up there.

I was supposed to have a half-day of school today, which was so very ridiculous to begin with, but it was cancelled. I was on the fence as to how to feel about that. I didn't even get to sport my awesome but ugly sweater at school, complete with my very motherly white turtleneck and wreath earrings. DANGIT. But not I don't feel so bad about not making or buying any of my co-workers anything. Phew. I DID enjoy sleeping in. And Ellen. I think Ellen is Elleneriffic. (Too much...too much...). She just is awesome. She is SO funny and very young-looking to be 50. Did you know she's 50? Whilst I watched Ellen I joined my most awesome roommate in working on our 1000 piece puzzle we started the night before.

That brings me to yesterday. Probably one of the greatest snow days ever. It wasn't so much, technically a snow day, though, because it was Sunday. And church was still on. Amy and I decided that the treacherous weather would NOT keep us from experiencing the last Sunday before church at East Gloucester. We went to church--which was amazing--and then had lunch, read, bundled up and took a long walk down the snowy, quite road of 1A. Our destination was CVS. Mission? Find a puzzle. We got really scared upon entering CVS and looking around for about 2 minutes. We could not believe that CVS would not be carrying a puzzle. We weren't even going in with the expectation that it would be a challenging one. Of course we wanted it to be, but if 100 pieces was all CVS had to offer, then so be it. We looked and looked.

Toy section? No puzzles.
Stationary section? No puzzles.
End of a random aisle? No puzzles.
Candy/decorations? Nope.
Food? Nope.
Medications aisle? Obviously we had a sudden feeling of panic slash urgency.

I was about to ask the teenage worker boy with a little bit of humiliation where they carried their jigsaw puzzles (how embarassing; I should be doing something cooler on a snow day like jammin' or watching TV or reading or SOMETHING other than doing what grandmas do best) when HARK!!! I saw a small box camoflauged by the random "AS SEEN ON TV!" boxes surrounding it. You know what I mean, all those machines and knick knacks and doo dads that no one would ever think up but then when you see them you wonder why you didn't think of that idea first. And then you think about it more and realize life would NOT be any better with it in your life. For example: a remote control that is the Goliath of all remote controls. It would kick my normal-sized remote control any day (why didn't I think of that?...oh yeah because it's completely ridiculous).

So anyway, although there were only 3 puzzles to choose from we were like kids in a candy store when we found those puzzles. It was actually more like we were kids in an abandoned candy store with 3 lonesome smarties up for grabs. But still, kids in a candy store is my point. We were psyched. But of course, I played it cool, real cool, when I went up to buy the jigsaw puzzle, as if I were picking this up for my 10-year-old sister (that I don't have) or my aging grandmother who can't move much so keeps herself occupied in these priceless ways (also...don't have). I definitely didn't act like I felt: giddy, relieved, anxious to start, let's say it together, "like a kid in a candy store."

So we trudged back down Wenham's Main Street and set up puzzle room for the night. We brought the kitchen table into the living room, we figured out which GEMS would be showing on Falalala Lifetime, made some hot chocolate, and dove in.

Six hours later we had watched 3 Falalala Lifetime glories and had jigsawed approximately 800 pieces. And had consumed chips, ice cream, hot chocolate, and a little salad to balance it out :)

Snow day (but-not-really-because-it-was-Sunday) perfection.

Commemorative Equals Crappy Update

So in a past blog I mentioned a reception I was going to for people who ran in the YMCA-sponsored road race series runs over the summer and into the late calendar year. Well, I was happy with the commemorative gift, but included in my things was a random picture of a lighthouse in Gloucester and it was all black and white except for a boat that was red and something else, I forget what, was blue. And it was a 4x6 picture. It was matted, and on it said Jacqueline Hubbard 3rd place overall. I might be ungrateful, but it want straight into the trash. I entered my named, spelled correctly, mind you, a total of 9 times. Get it right people.

The commemorative gift part of it was cool; a long sleeve "technical" red shirt for running and doing active things like that. You know the material I'm talking about...Well, "technically", it's an awesome shirt.  Also I received a free month membership to the Y. That's like handing me $45. Iiiiii'llllll take it. That is all.

Default Face

I'm an extremely happy person for the most part. I got friends, I got family, I have an amazingly blessed life, and shoot, I got a Savior to boot. Yeah, I have those moments when I'm pretty grouchy (my dad would say, "snap out of it." Point taken, but I hate it when he says that...probably because I know he's right; I'm being stupid), but for the most part, I'm great.

This is where the problem of my default face comes in. "Default face" is exactly what it sounds like. When I'm not interacting with people, or singing, or doing something with my face/mouth, my face goes, well, default. And I have this crinkle above my left eye and it gets deeper and deeper the more I concentrate. If I'm by myself and walking in the mall (which I do a lot; my friends don't understand why I prefer shopping by myself but that might be the 3rd VERY youngest child coming through), or looking at a computer, or reading a book, my default face is on. Case in point, I just thought about my face presently and my MacBook probably thinks I want to kill it. Well, actually, I'd have to say my concentrated default face is much more intense than my plain old default face. Because my brows are even more furrowed and my crinkle is deeper.

So this said, there are times when I remember that I have this perceived "I-want-to-kill-you" face and try really hard to hide it by pursing my lips together, or biting my lip, or trying to smile when there's nothing that actually made me smile. Sometimes it's quite a stress in my life, actually. Another thing about me, I don't laugh aloud at movies a lot and sometimes if my friends think the movie is funny and laugh aloud they'll look at me to see how funny I think it is and will NOT be satisfied to see me not only not laughing aloud, but even scowling at the movie. But I swear I'm having a good time. I just have a default face on.

Sometimes I think my default face got in the way of my making more friends in college. No, wait, it was being on the basketball team that got in the way. Oh yeah. Well, a little of both maybe. But I need to think about the present. I work in a school and I meet with kids all over the school during the day, therefore, I walk from place to place and pass lots of people. I think it's okay that kids see my default face as they walk by me, because they need to see that I'm all business (yeah, yeah, low bun is on), but when prospective Landmark teacher friends pass me and see that I'm giving him/her a dirty, I bet I'm not a friend they want to make anytime soon. 

Sometimes, though, it works in my favor. For example, yesterday I was doing some shopping (NOT a successful trip for the most part) and as I was leaving there were 3 hoodlum-type boys (I might be generalizing...my bad) in front of me and the last one held the door open for me and glanced back. I was beat, feeling unsuccessful, and the important one: concentrated. And again, I was shopping by myself. Put all these things together and you get...

BEAT + UNSUCCESSFUL + CONCENTRATED + ALONE = DEFAULT FACE TO THE MAX.

So as that kid was walking away with his crew, he says, "Yo, that girl just scowled at me." Why is this to my favor? Well not like it was in this exact case, but I don't think anyone wants to deal with a girl whose crinkle above her left eye is deeper than really very deep. Be it kid, teacher, friend, stranger, hoodlum, burglar....don't mess with the face. The default face.

But to anyone out there who has seen the default face and is friendly and has judged me from that intense face I get, please excuse me. Let's be friends. But don't be sad when I don't laugh aloud at movies. I save the good LOLs for blogs.

LOL.

Snow Day Bliss

We were told this morning at 9:45 that we have a snow day tomorrow. Ah the joy of working at a school where some kids drive one hour plus to school:)

Also I got out of school today at 1:30. Ah the joy of having 8th period as my prep. period:)

I started reading Marley and Me an hour ago because it's coming out in theaters soon and I wanted to read the book before watching the movie. Ah the joy of reading a book before the movie.

Tomorrow night, if it's safe to drive, I am taking my "little sister" to High School Musical 2 at the North Shore Music Theater...for free. Ah the joy of being able to get free tickets to things cuz I'm with the Big Brother/Big Sister program.

Today was glorious glorious glorious because my math class went to an assembly rather than math. AH the freaking joy of not having math class.

Right now I am sitting under my awesomely warm blanket, blogging, but about to continue reading Marley and Me and listening to Christmas jams...Amy Grant is jammin' Mary's Song presently. Ah the joy of having time to do things such as that.

And omigoodness God has been pouring blessings down on me...would it be correct to use pelting? Can God pelt blessings at me? Cuz I feel like they're hitting so hard? Is He doing it underhand or overhand? Chest pass, bounce pass, overhead pass? Tossing or hurtling? He's like a batting cage machine gone haywire, with baseballs whipping out one after the other, only leaving me to do the only thing I can do--protect my head. Only because they're blessings I'm like BRING IT ON. Like Adam Sandler style in Happy Gilmore.  Well, anyway, I was having money problems but little by little He has been like, "Here ya go" and "Oh why don't you take this here" and "Here's a reimbursement for ya, my precious pie". Do you think God uses the term "precious pie?" No? Just my mom and all my friends because they've adopted it?Funny when most people are questioning God I think of really intense ones, like "why do bad things happen to good people," and here I am wondering what style throw he has and what endearing terms He uses. Deep thought in this blog entry....CHECK.

Ah the joy of being annoying (but kind of funny, no?) because I end most paragraphs with "ah the joy." No, you're not annoyed? Just me?

LOL.

P.S. Do you think people would understand if I wrote in Christmas cards this year, "May your holiday season be similar to being trapped in a batting cage gone haywire."

I Pretend to be a Writer

Last year I went through a short (but really awesome...wish it didn't stop) phase as a writer. I feel like it's pretend though, like I don't really know what I'm doing, but it is what it is. Some of you have already heard this.

But Christmas is coming, so I thought sharing this would be so very relevant. I wrote this as a Christmas piece but also was overwhelmed by His use of anyone. We may want one thing but God may use us for another thing.  If we are not ready for whatever that may be, God prepares us in His way.  I'm not explaining this well, but you catch my drift. Anyway, sometimes when I write I pretend to be creative but it just comes out as cheesy. Sometimes cheesy is good though. Big advocate of cheesy right here:)

My trunk stands sturdy and straight.

My branches are many, and with grace they mark their territory.

My leaves are a green never seen, brilliantly bright and shaped uniquely--each and every one.

The days that bring mighty winds are my favorite.

With pride I show off the splendid work He has made in me.

My branches sway left, right, up, down. There is nowhere they can't turn.

The leaves twirl with the utmost joy, more than willing to allow the strongest of winds to lead them in a whistling, rustling, breath-taking dance.

But, yet, I am happy in the most still of nights. To be a resting place to a wide-awake owl, to be one which a slithery snake twists around in its slumber. A beam for the honey bees to hang their home, which beholds their hard work's worth of sweet golden honey.

And then it happens. Pain, agony. I try to remain strong, to stay sturdy and continue to dance in the wind. But there is none. Everything is eerily still and although the sun is shining its brilliant light, it feels darker than any night.  I am no longer kept company by owls, snakes, or bees.

There can be no explanation.  My tall, majestic trunk, my outstretched branches, my active leaves.  They are no more. I find myself, instead, in pieces.  How can this be? What I had thought is not.

Something is done to me--something I do not understand.  Someone is working on me--working in me.  I find myself to be in the small, humble shape of a manger.  Still, an explanation doesn't come.

In a place called Bethlehem, I am in the company of smelly animals--puffy sheep, spotty cows, loud donkeys, even a tall camel.  A woman moans uncontrollable as the man watches, prays, anticipates.  I sit empty and curious, still puzzled and even bitter.  

If only I were dancing in the wind.

I regret my bitterness immediately.  My branches have turned to boards that form a manger and they are filled with warmth.  Every board--every grain--warmth. Joy. Fulfillment. Peace.

This baby that I hold, I wish I could cover it as well.  His tiny hands will soon create miracles. His tiny feet will walk thousands of miles with the sole purpose to bring people joy. 

His tiny lips will soon form words that no one has ever heard, and those words will touch the very hearts and souls of humans. And those eyes, oh, those beautiful baby blue eyes. There is pure, unconditional love in those eyes.

I am holding a King. I am holding THE King.

It all becomes clear.  The agony, the confusion, the loneliness. I suffered so that His kingdom may grow, thrive.  As a once-strong tower turned into a tiny, dirty manger, I was blessed. I helped further His kingdom. I held Jesus!

The man and woman are resting, the animals are eating their fill.  

"Jesus," I whisper, "Thank You for taking me and using me, despite my doubt. Despite my meekness, my frailty.  You can use anything, You can use anybody."

Blogging Craziness

I'm in Panera again. I love it here. Have I mentioned this?

I have been in some bad moods recently and I have no idea where it's coming from. Very obnoxious. I have a feeling I won't be in bad moods for another long long while though. I have the 2 last periods off tomorrow and then basketball practice, where we will work on skills that will get us to the imaginary 'ship. ANNNDDDDD the best thing about tomorrow!?!? NO MATH CLASSSSS!!! Seriously, tomorrow might as well be heaven. I despise math class. Hate to say it, but it's 100% true.  Then Friday again, I have the last 2 periods off AND the period before that I have off too because my tu-dee will be gone. So...I have 4 class periods rather than 7. YEAH.

Tonight I might be going to the YMCA road race series reception, for people who ran the YMCA races. Might I say that I WAS a champ this summer as I ran ran RAN in 9 of the 11 races. In other words, I spent a year's salary on them (they really add up!). And got some crappy t-shirts, some good post-race food, and all-around good times in return. I guess I can't complain. And because I was such a race freak, I came in 3rd place. I honestly am not even sure what that means, but whatever. I'll take it. We're supposed to get what was phrased a "commemorative gift". This can mean so many different things. But the first thing that comes to mind when I hear "commemorative gift" is something crappy. Is anyone with me? I'm probably going to get some ugly plaque that will end up in the back of my closet, or yet another crappy t-shirt, or a wooden sculpture of a Y, standing for YMCA. Maybe I'll get a trophy. I have no idea what it will be but it's 97% guaranteed to be crappy. I'll let you know when I find out. In conclusion though, "commemorative" equals "crappy".

Minty Mayhem....thoughts? I might have already entered it. No one knows. Except for Stride people. I wonder what it would take to be a Stride person. I bet I would be a good Stride person. I wonder if part of their job is to experiment the gum and see just how long the flavor lasts.  When I was either a junior or senior in college they were hiring people to do a gum experiment and paying $25 for an hour of your time. Needless to say I was SO ANNOYED that I had to babysit during that specific time. I was born to get paid $25/hr to chew gum.

My apartmentmate had to rescue the dish of christmas chocolates from the closet again. It's not my fault that I don't have willpower and if it's there, it might as well be in my mouth. Well, maybe it is actually 100% my fault. No, wait, ...yep it is.

Last night was the Biggest Loser finale. And I was watching it with such bittersweetness. Until, of course, it was announced that the next season was going to begin January 6th, three weeks from the day. The bitter was taken away and it was just sweetness. Sweet, sweet, sweetness (I probably had a piece of freaking chocolate in my mouth, so that probably helped the feeling of pure sweetness a bit).

There is a 4-year-old boy with a pacifier in his mouth across the way. What is it with parents. Again, I could write the Nanny Diaries sequel. 

I should do reports now. Ugh.

Welp, seeya later!

Mental Health Day Success!

Sometimes my title has nothing to do with my blog. This one just came to mind. I took a mental health day today. And as ALWAYS, it was a success. Relevancy: check.

So last night (or should I say yesterday afternoon...it's middle school) was Landmark's first game since I think 2 weeks ago and BAM! My co-coach and I had a goal to score in the double digits. Well we might as well scored in the triple-digits. Twenty-four points later, our team put our hands in the middle of the circle and chanted, "Good game Tower School; thank you officials". Remember that CLASSIC chant after our recreational games? Either that one or the usual, "2, 4, 6, 8, who do we appreciate?...." Yeah. I'm back there again.  So the score was 24-18 and the Landmark Vikings freaking PICKED IT UP! We are scrappy and I'd be so annoyed if I was on the other team. But I'm not, I'm on this one, so that's a beautiful thing. We had only one practice between that game and our other games, so I'm pretty excited. Aubrey (co-coach) and I introduced (hopefully it was review for most but it was definitely introduction for many) boxing out. I have been talking to one girl in particular about flashing to the ball, and we've been working as a team on attacking the basket, driving in, anything but dribbling immediately and looking down, only to get trapped around the perimeter.

Anyway, Landmark Vikings, if there were a 'ship, would be going to the 'ship. I can feel it.

Also, I have a master's class final exam in 40 minutes. Drat. But it's open book, the professor is really nice, and I've done well (think of that....sure doesn't reflect my confidence and knowledge in the material...shhh...don't tell) with everything else, so I'm just gonna go and do what I do. 

Yeah, so mental health days. So good to me. I was thinking it was about time. I haven't missed one day ever since I started with them mid-June and thought to my self, "Self, your health of the mental kind needs a break." So I listened and called in last night. There's nothing like that feeling after you've called in at night. No worries for a whole 24 hours (unless you have a master's exam).  

This past weekend I went to a cookie swap party and obviously sported my awesome but ugly sweater. I walked in with a platter of delicious cookies (which, I must share, won "best presentation"..but that's only because no one knew that was a category so there were a lot of tupperware containers and I happened to bake my cookies AT a cookie baking/decorating party, so I was all set there) and one of the hosts said, "What'd you bring?" And without hesitation I responded, "I'll tell you what I brought...." And I took my coat off to show off my sweater. Amongst all the oohs and aahs (they were jealous) I added, "Oh and I brought cookies too" as though that's not what was originally asked about. Muahah.  We played Scene It the game and I didn't love it only because I thought I'd be more familiar with the movies than I was. 

I will say, however, that the cookie swap was more enjoyable than the community group part-tay I went to the next night. I, again, sported my sweater, recycled the cookies I had taken home from the cookie swap and brought those too.  This group is new to me but I gotta be honest, I didn't feel all that welcome by most. The majority of the people there are a different breed than me. A lot of them are couples from the seminary, the guys are "cool" and "hip" and their wives look like they belong on MTV's "The Hills". You know the type, really pretty, made up, sporting the Uggs and if not Uggs then some other type o' long boot. Their hair is perfect and their faces are pretty. They all have accents cuz they're from the south. And I am the polar opposite. I can pretend for a couple of nights, probably, to be like that, and wear cute clothes, and straighten my hair. Maybe sneak in a "ya'll" here and there, but that's not me. Sunday nights are my last chance to wear a high bun and wear sneakers and hooded sweatshirts and jeans before I transform to a low bun, button up collar, and lip-glossed look. Sigh.

I have come up with some more gum flavors, but they all blend together after awhile, so I'm not sure I can report any. Recently, though, the thesaurus and I have become quite close. 

I need to go. Quite an agenda....examin' it, spinnin' it, chicken kabobin' it (I think), then absolutely 100% BIGGEST LOSER FINALE-IN' it!!! GO MICHELE!!!!

Anyway, as my facebook profile picture hopefully gets across, word by word, "may your hearts be filled with love, joy, life, and giggles during this tender and wondrous holiday season."

Minty Mecca

Today I am sitting in Panera. Now what I just spent the last half hour doing and what I planned on doing in the last half hour changed drastically. I came in with high expectations for myself. I was going to work on reports for work. Instead, I've been sitting here thinking of creative names for gum. 

Mystic Mint.

Let me back up a bit. Today Amy gave me a new flavor of Stride gum called Nonstop Mint. There are 2 brands of gum that I adore: Stride and Orbit. Well actually I take that back. I love those 2 brands unless the gum is fruity. Fruity gum just doesn't work for me UNLESS it's Bubblicious or Bubble Yum. Because it's expected and more accepted to throw the gum out after chewing it for a short while. You get a sugar high, blow some impressive bubbles, sometimes get gum on your face and in your hair, and THAT is a successful stick of gum. Or cube of gum, considering I mentioned Bubblicious and Bubble Yum.  For me personally, I have high expectations for my mint gum. It better give me fresh breath for a real long time. If I feel like I have to throw it out within 8 minutes of putting it in, it's no good in my book. Take Cinnamon, for example. Not a fan. Because it belongs in the trash about 5 minutes after it's chewed.

Melodious Mint.

So back to Nonstop Mint. I put a piece in my mouth and HARK! I saw that they were having a contest to see who could come up with the best name for the gum. Because I didn't have to tell them myself that Nonstop Mint is NOT Nonstop Fun. In other words, Nonstop Mint is Stop Fun. No one, I don't care who you are or how gross your breath is, wants to chew a gum entitled Stop Mint. Am I making sense?

Minty Marvel.

So I went onto Stridegum.com (if I find out that any of you have done this as well because it just makes sense, and you win over me, I get a slice of the prize) and whipped out about 20 awesome titles for Stride's newest gum flavor. I think my vocation as a teacher who spends hours and hours teaching kids suffixes and common endings and long words in general is HUGELY beneficial in this endeavor. Because alliteration is my middle name. I mean, com'n, Sedentary Sally? Who can beat it? Well anyway, before I dig myself into a deeper hole entitled, "Jaq Has a Big Head", let me tell you the good news that I didn't even realize. The winner gets 10,000 dolla dolla bills ya'll. And any reader of my recent blogs just knows how glorious that would be.

Majestic Mint.

Well anyway, I originally thought I was just coming up with a name to do a service to Stride and be a good person since I'm really good at them and my middle name is alliteration...seriously....(I was supposed to be digging myself OUT of that hole, not deeper into it) and then the added bonus was the possible money. I think that I have proven myself as a true gum advocate and again, Stride is one of my 2 favorite brands. I think they should take that into consideration. There was no box for comments, though. I should put that in the suggestion box. A comment box.

Miraculously Mint.

The great news about this contest is that you can make as many entries as you want. So presently the window is actually minimized and whenever I come up with another name I maximize...

Mint to the Max.

...it and put it in.  June 1st I'll be let known if I'm in the top 10. I feel pretty confident. Don't I deserve it though? Here are the reasons I think I have a good chance, if I haven't been clear so far...

-Teacher who teaches words and suffixes and alliterations, etc.

-I love gum more than you do. 

-Stride is one of my 2 favorite kinds.

-I am ALWAYS chewing gum. I even know how to eat food at the same time. Just kidding. That's gross, who do you think I am?

-Sometimes I DO brush my teeth then chew gum. Defeats the purpose, my (non-existent at the time) dentist would hate me...but then again, who is willing to give me 10,000 dollars, Stride or my dentist?

-I blogged about gum even before I knew about this contest, and gave a hollah to Stride even before I knew.

-I actively look for a new , unfamiliar color of Stride gum when I'm waiting in line, just because I love finding a new flavor of theirs that much.

-Because if they gave me the money I would spend 5% of it on Stride gum. I'd never have to buy gum ever again (actually, that secretly makes me a little sad to think about...I'd have to rethink that deal).

Magically Mint.

So, that's my deal. If you have ideas for a Stride flavor names, comment. I will give you a piece of the pie if it wins. Or should I say, a stick of the pack. Or, since I'll probably get a lifetime of free Stride gum, I'll give you a whole package. 

Refreshmint.

Also, we got a soda at Panera with free refills and we have taken full advantage. In fact, there's no way we could take any more advantage. Unless we stick our mouths directly under the spicket. But we wouldn't actually be re-filling because we didn't start out filling our mouths. Wow. Anyway, I feel like I've had a Big Gulp worth of Dr. Pepper....to make up for all the cookies I've consumed in the past 36 hours. And all the crap I will eat at the party tonight. Perfect. 

I should probably just put a stick of Minty Mecca in my mouth.

Some Bits of News

-Happy Friday everybody. I have some bits of news.

1. It's Friday. Not to be repetitive. But it deserves to be said multiple times.

2. The YMCA presented me with my bag 2 nights ago...they found it the morning after. My pants were soaked but other than that, everything was in great shape. Thank You Jesus!

3. I hid the dish of Christmas-cheery chocolates that sit so nicely and evil-y on our dining room table in the closet. Because I don't understand how anyone else can sit there and not eat any. They ARE pretty. But they are also from the devil. No? Yes. Maybe. A little bit they are.

4. Two people told me I looked like a elf today at school. I had a green and white striped shirt on. I don't see it, but I am a big fan of Will Ferrell and the toys and cookies that they make, so I'll take it.

5. Speaking of cookies it's that time of year. I have 2 parties this weekend and 1 party and other yay Christmas things next weekend. I'm already looking forward to licking the bowl. And saving some Muddy Buddies (one of the top 3 sweets in the world on my list) for my very own self.

6. I am listening to my iTunes right now and Thriller just came on. Ah the beauty of having enough music to last me a full 16 days. I never remember what I have on here til it comes on to grace my ears with its presence. My music includes gems such as Michael, Britney, some random soundtrack brilliances, and obviously JillandKate's new EP, which for those of you do NOT know, stands for Extended Play. I know. Wicked smart.

7. I am PSYCHED because today I was able to get a lot of the programs from Landmark onto my computer that we couldn't have before. So now, I can write reports at home (or Panera, of course) and make materials and fun (ha) things like that. I feel like a new woman. 

8. The laugh at the end of Thriller genuinely scares me. It just ended. Eek.

9. I have spent ZERO dollah dollah bills ya'll that are unnecessary. It's weird to go onto my account and see that the screen isn't even full of statement activities. That's what happens, I guess, when you have none to spend. I DO officially have a semi-heart attack every time I check it, just because recently I've gotten so used to seeing a tiny but very significant and equally STUPID minus sign to the left of some number. No minus signs in the past 3 weeks or so. Just call me mature.

10. Also, it's Friday. The weekend has just begun. Have good ones. Don't eat too much chocolate. Put it out of sight if needed. Download JillandKate's new EXTENDED PLAY. Eat some muddy buddies. And then, if needed, chuck the rest into the closet. 

Inspired by Debby Downer

As I shut my eyes, about to go to sleep, I realized that I wasn't tired. I wasn't sore from a workout (I skipped it today) and I had been in the apartment for 5 straight hours doing nothing much, and I thought to myself, "Just call me Sedentary Sally." I guess I am pretty funny even if there's no one around. 

But then I thought, "Thank you Debby Downer for the inspiration to create alliterations for how one can act in certain situations. Have you ever seen that skit on Saturday Night Live? Debby Downer is a character that, whatever the situation, heck it could be the best thing that's ever happened, can make it into a not-so-great situation. She pessimistic and not fun to be around. Hence, the "Downer" part of her name. 

Then I thought, I'm not very tired. So here I am, again, blogging. Looking at the computer screen rather than getting the sleep that I need to teach these cuh-razy kids everyday. And to yell at the kids that cut through my practices. And I thought....

Today I have been many names. 

-This morning I was Anxious Annie when I saw that my car insurance took a heck of a lot more money out of my account than they usually do (WHAT THE HECK IS EVERYONE'S PROBLEM WITH MY MONEY THESE DAYS!?!? LEAVE A GIRL ALONE!!!!), leaving me with just enough to not go overdrawn, unless some other equally stupid business wants to mess with me. Hugs and high fives, I can't reiterate it enough...

-When I was packing for school, and practice, and a workout I became Overwhelmed Ollie because it's just hard to think about all those things. 

-Then I was Wishful Wendy, thinking about how great it would be to call in a "mental-health" day and just do nothing but get things done. 

-During the school's "milkbreak" (instead of snack time it's called milk break...it's a Landmark thing) I was Zany Zelda because I was so overwhelmed and rushed to get a lot of things done but I was due to class and a case manager was trying to talk to me. Actually, I was Zany Zelda lots today...busy day.

-Third period I turned into Frustrated Francie because I was getting impatient waiting for my precious pie to process the directions I had given him. Over and over and over, like a broken record.

-At lunch I was Where-To-Draw-The-Line Winifred (shout out to my grandmother..heeyyyyy...who doesn't read this...thank goodness. I think she'd be shocked) because I know it's important to take time for myself and eat lunch in a calm fashion, but then I just want to shove food down my throat and go plan. So I was trying to remind myself to slow down and not look so much like a garbage disposal.

-During eighth period I was Charge-Ahead Charlie because there was so much I could do but at the same time had to think about practice, and was just in a spot where I didn't know what to do. But I could have easily sat there and cried, overwhelmed with work. But I didn't. I did what my name is.

-During practice, as I hope you all know since you read it already, I was No-Nonsense Nancy. See my last blog if you don't know what I'm talking about. You could also go with Hollering Henrietta, Red-in-the-Face Rudy, Fuhgettaboutit-Freddi, or maybe The-*^#%$@-You're-NOT-Going-Through-My-Practice *^@(#$^#&. I don't know how you would pronounce that one though, so you can have your pick of any of the others.

-When I was getting out of my car and only then realizing that I had left my beloved iPod at school so I was going to have to workout without music, I became, without hesitation, Going-Home-Without-Feeling-Bad-Because-I-Deserve-It Glenda.

-Putting on my light blue Vermont sweatpants and fuzzy crocs, I was Comfy-Cozy Carol.

-When I took out the rest of my gallon of Breyer's vanilla ice cream I was Bittersweet Betty, because I was psyched, but at the same time REALLY sad it was almost all gone.

-All night (5 hours straight) I was Technology Theresa, because again, as I mentioned in my last blog, it sometimes takes over my life. Like right now, for example.

-And now, friends, I find myself regretting being the likes of Sedentary Sally. Because I'm not sure how long it will take me to fall asleep but I don't have a hard workout or an active mind from the night to thank for an easy time falling asleep.

I dare you to be a Comment Connie. DARE YOU.

A DIFFERENT TITLE!!

Does anyone know what I mean when I say that I almost come to despise the title of a friend's last blog if it's up there for what seems like 23 months? Well this time around I think that "Attached to the Hip" could've been hated by friends near and far. I'm sorry. I have been tired/lazy. Too lazy to be creative after work.

Christmas has been stressing me out. Usually, I have some odds and ends for family and friends by now but this year? Thus far? Nothing. I have done nothing. And I'm freaking out. And I'm all for, "it's not about the presents" but then you wonder if the person/people you get presents for usually think that way as well.  My mom tells me "I don't need anything" but I mean, com'n. That's silly. It's lovely of her, but silly, too. In my utopia hugs and high fives would solve everything, including christmas presents.

I have started a very, very, very bad habit. Technology is taking over my life. Every night when I get home I want nothing to do with thinking and everything to do with eating dinner and watching mindless television. I know that this is common. I'm one of millions. But how many of those people have mastered being on their computer at the same time that they watch television and eat dinner? And the worst, most typically American part (born and raised), is that a lot of times there is at least one other person in the room. Who am I!? I'm TERRIBLE! And I'm totally fine with continuing the habit. That's no good. It's Facebook's fault, as well as all my blogging friends' faults. Thanks a lot. I love you all:)

I've got some Christmas par-tays comin' up. For Saturday night I'm cooking up some Christmas cookies for a swap. I've never been part of one and I'm pretty excited. Any suggestions for a good cookie to make? One that will be swapped like MAD cuz' they're so awesome? I think cookie swaps are amazing because, well, personally, I can't just eat one. Anyone with me? But my biggest problem is that if I see a tray of different cookies, or a table, or a mack truck, I literally am not able to only take one. I HAVE to try one of each. And that, my friends, is what gets me in trouble. Especially when we're dealing with a mack truck filled with different kinds. Mack trucks are the worst. And then you start wondering what people are thinking of the girl eating all the cookies (right, who cares what they think but com'n, people, we all worry about that). But if everyone is EXPECTED to take at least one of each, or one of each favorite, no one is singled out. It's like kids with learning disabilities...they don't like being singled out and unfortunately they have been often. I don't like being singled out for liking to eat and it's been noticed before. A cookie swap is like differentiated instruction. That parallel is dedicated for all the teachers out there. LOL.

Sunday night is my very new, like new right out of the box, community group's party. I joined at the most excellent time because since I've been there once, they know me, and knew to invite me. Perfection. I will be making something else for that party. Actually, I think I will be using my candy thermometer that I got for a crazy expensive 20 bucks from Williams-Sonoma and haven't taken out of the package yet. Yay.

Next Saturday is my friends' annual party. And by annual I mean for the second time. Love these girls, love the food, love the ugly Christmas sweater photo shoot. Will I be wearing this sweater ONLY to this party? Why the heck would I put the sweater to waste? I will absolutely be sporting it at all these events, along with the just-as-important-and-essential-to-the-whole-ugly-sweater-outfit white turtleneck.

Know what I love and appreciate? Popcorn. And you. Random thought. Relevant? No. That's why it's awesome.

So today we had our first practice since our first two games last week Tuesday and Wednesday. And there were only 6 girls there. So is this a fair justification for why we have lost both games terribly, 22-5 and 14-3? Yep. Well, depending on who you are, and what environment you know me in, you may or may not think it's possible for me to be a really strict and "mean" coach/teacher. It's more possible than possible.

I've been getting so tired of other kids from other teams interrupting our practices by walking in the middle (I KNOW!), or watching from outside and being too loud. May I remind you that these kids have language based learning disabilities, so any outside distractions can be a distraction times infinity. So today, finally, I had had it. During lay-ups, my other coach was talking and while this was happening, 2 boys started walking in between her and the girls. 

Me: Excuse me, we're having practice here, you need to go around. (Said strictly)

Boys: (Shrugging shoulders) Haha...

Me: Did you hear what I said? You need to go around. We are having practice.

*At this point, one of the kids stops, turns around, and walks around. The other boy keeps going.

Me: Excuse me! Did you hear what I said? I'm telling you to turn around and show me how to walk around my practice.

Boy: Are you kidding me? I have to go!

Me: (Pretty much yelling now; face was getting red...I'm telling you, I had HAD it) STOP! Show me how you will walk around my practices from now on!

Finally he does, but not without attitude and words said under his breath. And this, my friends, is why I can't stand high school. I give mad props for those who teach or coach or interact with high school kids like this. NO PATIENCE!

I mean, I have patience for those students (tartar sauce) who have sllllooooowwww processing skills where I have to repeat myself over and over and get nearly nothing done, but that's not behavior/attitude. That's tartar sauce.

So note to all of you, if you EVER walk into my gym when I am having my practices, go around. If you don't, we will no longer be friends. And I will yell at you and get red-faced.

LOL.

Attached to the Hip

Attached to the hip consists of items that I couldn't live life without. Here they are, in no particular order....

-Chapstick. My favorite kind, and has been for 2+ years now, is made by Trader Joe's although the name on the green stick is Trader Johann's. Okay what is it with Trader Joe's? Is Joe a guy that trades his goods for money (should be hugs and high fives in my book...put that in the suggestion box) but these goods might not necessarily be made by Joe himself? Like Johann is a guy (or a girl, I'm not quite sure...kind of like a Pat) who is in charge of the chapstick department, and Julianne is in charge of the frozen casserole department, etc etc, and each thing gets the different name on it? I don't get it. But anyway, since I was in the collecting Lip Smackers phase, I've always had a stick or tube or container of lip stuff on me. And if I realize I don't have any with me, I FUH-REAK OUT. One time I bought 5 boxes of Trader Johann (he/she is one amazing chapstick creater) chapsticks, holding 3 sticks each, at one time. I think I'm finishing the last one now. Sad. But back to Lip Smackers, remember those? They had Dr. Pepper flavor, Strawberry Kiwi, and then they tried to outdo themselves and made sticks with fake gems on the caps. And then made them into necklaces and key chains. I hesitantly made the bold move from Lip Smackers to mature chapsticks like Blistex and Softlips. It's just, I can't be a mature teacher and pull out a bright pink tube with multi-colored letters saying LipSmackers, and a pink gem on the cap. So I retired the wacky watermelon for good ol' Johann.

-Gum. This is another item that, when I realize I am without, I FUH-REAK OUT. I am one that adores food. I like having something in my mouth. Gum is a big big trickster and makes my mouth think that it's eating. And also I think bad breath is one of the worst things there ever was. Well okay actually, I just really like having something in my mouth at all times. I will be blognerable. If I am with kids that I adore and who think bubbles are grand, then my choice is Bubblicious, but only for about 10 minutes. Then it starts tasting like a pencil eraser. If I just want mint, which is 97% of the time, then my top choices are Orbit and Stride. I am not a big fan of fruity flavors or cinnamon. So the citrus or strawberry, rasberry, etc gum is nast. Yeah. Nast. Gum is good.

-Earrings. I kick myself whenever I am on my way to work and realize I am without. It is absolutely the last piece to a perfect puzzle. It just brings the outfit together. And you KNOW how important outfits are for a mature job. If they fired me because I didn't have earrings in, I'd probably understand; I wouldn't put up much of a fight. I even like to wear earrings when I'm working out. Call me a girly girl, I can take it. When I spin or run, though, my earrings of choice are either diamond studs or pearls. All real, of course. JK. Fake pearls, I have only realized recently, are one of the greatest things. WHY would anyone want real pearls when fake earrings, the ones I can get for 10 bucks at Kohls, look just like real ones and don't even turn my ears green, or make my ears grow or anything weird like that? It's as though having earrings in when I'm working out is what keeps me feeling like I don't look like crap. I may be sweating puddles, my hair may be greased back, my clothes might be soaking, I might stink, my face might be red as a rose, but you know what? That's okay. Because I have pearls in.

Some others that I really really like, although I wouldn't freak out if I didn't have it on my person....

-iPod

-hooded sweatshirt

-my flower ring

So in conclusion, I would be lost without chapstick, gum, and earrings. Thank you and goodnight.

And a special holla to my new friend Susie, who I do not know but she reads my blog anyway. Now you're officially not stalking. Keep reading, my newfound friend:)

Some I-Lead-A-Normal-Life Events of Today

Things that happened today...

-I woke up at 7:02 because I had forgotten to set my alarm. This is 1.5 hours after I usually wake up, which needless to say caused chaos in my heart, mind, and soul. Luckily I had showered the night before so all I had to do was the essential morning things (which obviously includes accessorizing...don't think for a second that I meant I didn't do jewelry). The whole healthy breakfast went out the window along with my 1.5 hours of planning time. But every bite of my bagel with cream cheese was DYNAMITE.

-I had planned on observing a teacher who has my "precious pie" student in his class so I could watch how he manages his behavior. By "precious pie" I'm actually totally pretending that he's not a pain in my arse. Yeah that's right. I said arse. Well this pain showed up late, so I thought he was actually absent, which through off my dis-combobulated (how the heck do you spell that word!?) morning even more. So I didn't end up observing him and this was confusing and now I have to set up another observation. Whew. My heart, mind, and soul had some mighty big ups and downs what with all the chaotic nonsense this morning.

-I ate some Landmark-provided avocado. You see, at Landmark, well, it's just that you all want to work there. Because of many reasons but one reason is because breakfast and lunch are provided. I try to stay away from the breakfast because I would eat a bagel and cream cheese every morning if I did, but lunch offers some pretty amazing and healthy foods. The chef who cooks is awesome and he does a really good job. Well you know how it's funny when you say, "you should put that in the suggestion box" when you want to suggest something, and it's funny because there isn't any box? Like let me give you an example....How 'bout you step in a wad of gum and are really annoyed that you have gum on your shoe. You might say, "I should really put something in the suggestion box" Or what if you are about to upload a virus on your computer by accident (oh boy I was so close), you might say "I should really put something in the suggest box". Get it? Well this avocado is not that case because there actually really is one. So bummer. But anyway... I suggested that the chef provide avocado in his already-amazing salad bar. And BAM today was the first day after a long time waiting. And I sat down at the table with teachers and one by one they said, "is that avocado?" and got up to get some. I'm just saying, I am an amazing suggestion-boxist.

-I got out of school at 1:30. Because I had 2 free periods at the end of the day rather than just one. Beautiful.

-Went to the library to get some new (new to me; not new new) Christmas album jams. And gave up after I got tired of turning my head to a 45 degree angle to see the titles of the albums. It just wasn't working for me at this juncture.

-Was doing some lesson planning (to make up for the fact that I left before the school day actually ends...but it still feels nicer because it just does) at Panera when a guy comes up to me (stop it, stop it, he's married dangit) and gives me that look like, I know you. And while this is happening, I kind of recognize him but not really truly. And the whole thing was very awkward but I pretty much told him I didn't know who he was even though I recognized him. He knew I was Jaq and had to tell me he was Matt. Welp he was at the community group I joined as of 1.5 weeks ago. And he was a guy there that I really really liked...in fact we made a pact to both show up at the community group's Christmas party in some awesome but ugly sweaters together. He's from North Carolina, is funny (he came over and saw that I had kids chapter books and colored markers with me and asked me if I was coloring...pitter patter and haha), has an accent, is studying at the seminary. Oh and also he's married to a beautiful beautiful girl. Aren't they all. And after he left I started thinking about the other guy I had a huge crush on, not because of his looks but because of who he was, and then he got married. And then I wondered when I'd actually catch my own. Not to sound like I'm fishing, but am I kind of? Sometimes I get the tackle box out and throw out the line, but sometimes I reel it back in, find some sort of old boot of the other end, and call it a day.

-I thought about Breyer's vanilla ice cream and how I'm going to get some and watch a movie tonight. And do it proudly.

-I got annoyed with high schoolers and then thanked Jesus that I'm no longer in high school but instead have "found who I am" and am happy and yay.

IN conclusion, I lead a normal life. I sleep in because I forget to do those small things at night that can make a huge different in the morning. I have altogether dis-combobulated mornings. I have a hard time spelling words (although I must say I do better in this area than the average joe).  I make really good suggestions. I love starting my weekends as early as possible. I don't like having my head in uncomfortable angles. I would really really really like to meet a man (I should put it in the suggestion box). And I feel sorry for myself for not catching certain men. And I relate men to fish. I really like ice cream and get very excited about it. That's actually an understatement. Obviously. I get annoyed.

LOL.

Essential Parts of a Successful "Coach"

In college when I played ball, I swore that I would never coach. Well, maybe 1st graders, but I'd put a limit on that age. Because they don't know that I don't know (Friends, anyone?...One of my favorite episodes for sure) what the heck I'm doing. See, I played basketball. I did NOT coach basketball. Welp, I find myself coaching 6th-8th grade girl's basketball at school this year and you're as surprised as I am with my decision.

We had our first game today. Before I am blognerable, let me tell you that in defense of the Landmark Vikings and their coaches, we have only had 2.5 practices. I say .5 because that day they had to get their uniforms and also we didn't get to the high school gym on time. It's crazy I tell you, we spend 20 precious minutes in the mini-bus (don't worry about it I'm certified) traveling from the middle school to the high school. Maybe my co-coach (who graduated from Endicott last year; she was point guard...crazy huh) and I could do some sort of practice while we're traveling. Lane slides down the aisle? Agility work jumping over the seats? Work on game face? 

Blognerable definition: To share in blogging form that one's team lost 5-22.

So we lost. We also only shot about 10 times. We also spent WAAAYYYY too much time dribbling and looking down. And I know, it's all about the kids, they are our future, blah blah. 

But let me tell you about how awesome I was...

Again, I have no idea what I'm doing. Maybe it's one of those cases where I'm doing fine, I just don't have confidence. But then again, maybe it's not that type of case. But another case. Hm. I wonder what kind of case. 

I didn't wear my Landmark Athletics coaching shirt today, so I can wear it tomorrow for pictures. So I just wore my school clothes, you might call it my Wednesday best. Tomorrow my Thursday best will probably be the shirt and some khaki pants. See how that works?

So essential parts of a successful "coach".....

-Landmark Athletics coaching shirt. If unavailable, (insert day of week here) best.

-One of those bball court dry erase clipboard thingies. Preferably with writing on it (X's and the sign for setting a screen always a good idea), so it looks like coach knows what is going on.

-A firm handshake for the referees and other coaches. And a smile.

-Standing up every now and then during the game and yelling something (obviously related to basketball, not something like, "you kiss yo' mamma with that mouth", or "what are you having for dinner tonight?" ) to a girl so it looks like you're 100% into it. Even though you really want to be watching the 2nd grader cheering squad in the corner of the gym:)

- One should probably yell "time-out!" when a girl is on the ground trying not to get the ball stolen. Yep. DEFINITELY best coaching strategy I used this afternoon. What, it's just elementary age, you say? Shut-up, I don't mess around. 

-A whistle.

Tomorrow is another game. Do I think we'll win it? Welp, I will have my coaching shirt, a bball court dry erase board thingy, some pretend instructive comments, and a whistle. Well I'll tell you one thing, we're definitely scoring at LEAST 6 points.

Really Happy Happenings...

So I was thinking as I was reading my blog (yes I do read my own blog) that WOW I was Debby Downer when I last wrote. And I apologize. No one deserves to listen to my complaining. I shall now make up for that in right now's blog. Hence, the title. Some great things that happened today...

-I appreciated how awesome and cute my "tartar sauce" tutee is again. He really is precious and I'm sad that I only get to spend 47 minutes a day with him.

-I found out that YAYYYY! I am covered in the car insurance department even though I haven't sent in some sort of confirmation. So it turns out I will NOT have to fork over dolla dolla bills ya'll. Thank you Jesus. Maybe this was Jesus' way of giving me hugs and high fives.

-Probably THE highlight of the day was today around 10:15ish I found out that my grad class was cancelled. The one that takes up 3 hours of my precious life every Tuesday afternoon. And we don't even have to make it up!

-There's a girl on my team named Jessa and today I found out that I am jealous of her name.

Me: Hey Jessa?

Jessa: Yessa?

Me: Whoa whoa whoa, did you just say yessa?....because it rhymes with Jessa?

Jessa: Yeah.

Me: Do you do this a lot or was this a one-time deal sort of thing?

Jessa: Yeah I do it often.

Me: Fantastic. I am officially jealous of your name.

-Biggest Loser was on. Enough said.

-Okay so this is so backwards but I'm glad my bag was stolen from me tonight.  I definitely see God working in all this that has happened recently. On the way to spinning tonight I was actually thinking about how negative I've been about being overdrawn, hitting a car, blah blah. And then I thought that I needed to be more optimistic and look for the good things in the seemingly stupid stupid things. And BAM if something stupid didn't happen a half an hour later!? During spinning someone stole my bag from the cubbies at the YMCA. Now, it seems as though it has really been a long string of things recently and it should just stop. I KNOW God was working in me because when I found out my bag had been stolen I immediately thought about it in a positive way. For example, the only things in the bag were a pair of sweatpants and my running shoes. In other words, no iPod, no wallet, no money, no cell phone, no car keys. Shoes and pants. That's it. I think about losing my iPod and it makes me want to go find the nearest ditch and just sit there. Or....something...(?) I thought about friend Meggo and how she once told me she doesn't care about her car being stolen, just her iPod. So that's why she always takes her iPod out of her car when she gets out. Perfect illustration of how I feel about my iPod. Take my car; my credit cards, heck, throw me in a van and take me. Just don't take my iPod! Is that messed up? Well, there you go, I love my iPod.

So would I have a glass-half-full attitude if my iPod was in that bag? Honestly, no. My glass would be empty and I'd be sitting in that ditch all alone. So I still have some work to do. But again, God was totally in the situation tonight.

First bball game tomorrow as coach....that's so funny, right!?

-

Case of the Mondays

I don't like Mondays. Not only do they represent the 1st of 5 weekdays in a row (therefore, represent totally not appropriate term here), but Mondays are the busiest for me. I always have "duty" on Mondays, which means I have to watch the kids during the milk break (which is half an hour long), and then during lunch (another half hour). Now that it's basketball season, I always have basketball practice afterward, and I especially get stressed out when we have practices at the high school, because that only means I have to use my newly trained self to drive a mini-bus full of dependent, trusting female individuals. Little do they know that I am still at the place where I am freaking out inside, thinking I'm going to kill them all by accident. That, or make a fool of myself backing the thing back into a parking spot. Oy.

Every Monday I have a meeting and I do grocery shopping as well because my meeting is near the grocery store; it just makes sense. AND on top of that my masters class is Tuesdays, so I usually find myself rushing to get a paper on special ed law done, or reading the law in preparation for class. 

Today there has been a special beginning to my week. And at 6 in the morning, no less.  You see, my desire for using hugs and high fives for currency only quadrupled when on my desk, I noticed laying ever so gently but deceivingly hatefully, a piece of paper from Electric Insurance. It was a sheet asking for my signature confirming my new car insurance policy. In other words, I still do not have car insurance and need some. In other words, I will have to pay out of my pocket for backing into my neighbor's car in our parking lot last week because she parked unusually and I couldn't see out my back window because of the frost.

And the week has officially begun. Lord be with me this week. Oy indeed.