Day 292, Happy Memorial Day

Hats off to all our soldiers....then and now. I, for one, never plan to take the price of freedom for granted.

That's really all I've got today....Tomorrow I begin my new duties. I have no idea what's in store for me. Oddly enough, I'm okay with that. For now.

Day 291, The end of a chapter

Today I was released from my calling as RS President.

I don't think there are words to adequately describe my emotions.

And so, a door closes..... which normally means that a window is about to open somewhere.

Today I miss Raechel.

Day 290, Ten Little Indians

Yep... Ten little Indians.... That's how many I put through college today in my latest donation to the perpetual "help educate the Native Americans by 'gaming' in their casinos" fund. Ah... I do my part. It's a tough job.

Tomorrow should be a bittersweet and emotional day for me, as the mantle will officially pass; I am going to miss many parts of my calling, but the timing is right. It has become noticeably more difficult to remain focused. I know our new RS President will do a fantastic job. I will be her biggest fan :)

I only have 3 minutes left to post, so I guess I better shut her down for the night. Did I tell you the bug story yet?

Day 289, Ugh! Ugh!!! and Oh my UGH!!!

I'm not sure, but I think every bone, muscle, and joint in my body are staging a mutiny. Today I spent all day packing up my classroom. I submit that nobody should have that much "STUFF" in their classroom. You don't realize how much you've got until you have to box it up.

RAKs? Yes.... today I did do something nice for others; I gave gift certificates for pedicures to the ladies in the front office. But,,, the biggest RAK of the day was Jennifer coming to help me pack up my classroom. She was a great help.... Imagine, a teenager spending their day off doing over 8 hours of hard labor... just out of the kindness of their heart. Wow.. that was really cool.

Hey,,, barely gonna get this posted before midnight.

Bought a couple swimsuits for Hawaii!!! Man,, I can't wait for that trip :)

Still working on those 20 pounds.... At least, the scales are finally tipping.

Day 288, Are we there yet????

There are many meanings to that title.... Is school over? Am I released from my calling? Has it been 365 days? Well..... there is one word that sums up the answer perfectly..... ALMOST.

Who says "Almost only counts in horseshoes?"

Looking forward to the four day weekend... even if I have to spend one of those days doing something I absolutely dread..... cleaning and packing my classroom. Heck.. I can't even clean my closet....Doing an entire classroom is just torture :) Oh well.... each box I pack puts me one step closer to summer vacation. Who can complain about that?

Getting antsy to begin working on my sequel... I mean,,, really working on it. I miss writing. I really do.

Day 287, Another wacky Wednesday!

Oh my.... the fun never stops when I'm the administrator.... Oh wait.... was that sarcasm I heard? Of course not.... that would be so unlike me. Who doesn't enjoy utter chaos in their day? Who doesn't long to have an angry parent hang up on them? Who doesn't dream of finding weapons in a child's backpack? Who doesn't wish for a stack of girl drama incident reports? All this.... and more.... can be yours for the low price of admission. Today.... we add a new chapter to our book---"The Case of the Missing Potato Peeler." You'll have to buy the book to learn more about that one :)

RAK's? I stayed late and helped Patricia put together some expulsion packets. Small, seemingly insignificant, but it counts nonetheless.

Now... I'm going to read another chapter of my latest Patricia Cornwell novel.... and call it a night.

Day 286, And the fun begins...

Today was my last official day of teaching ... for who knows how long. I will miss my classes this year... they are so awesome. But I am leaving them in good hands....Mr. Reilly has already made quite a splash with the crew. I began boxing up my stuff today... that is going to be a pretty tedious process.... but at the same time, it is cleansing. Fortunately, our custodian has done me a great favor; he has given me access to a storeroom for all my things. That is a great relief :)

Tomorrow I am in the office again....Wonder if there will be another chapter to add to my book?

RAK's  Today it was my students who did the RAKs. They wrote me nice letters, gave me chocolate, flowers, and gift card to Starbucks. Okay,,,, really,,,, how cool is that?

Day 285, Only 80 days left

Wow... 80 days until I reach my goal of 365 blogs in 365 days. I feel sort of like Jerry Seinfeld....minus the ability to tell jokes and make millions of dollars. But his show was a show about nothing.... and my blog is sort of a blog about nothing.... so in that way, we have something in common. I wonder if my blog could be turned into a sit com? It could if I told you what was REALLY happening every day ;)

RAK? I took Ron's cell phone to him during lunch...because he left it at home this morning. Just happens that I was visiting other sites today, so I got to take a real lunch,,,as opposed to the mad dash that usually translates to lunch when I'm teaching. So,,, was there anything in that RAK for me? Sort of. He also forgot to kiss me goodbye this morning---so I was determined to collect---with interest. Hmmm. That might wipe out my RAK, huh?

Tomorrow is my last official day as the teacher in my classroom. I can write those words...I can say those words...I can think those words..... but I cannot imagine the reality of them. It is definitely going to be a change for me.

Day 284, Got Lost?

I'm watching the last episode of Lost.... with the rest of the world. Any possible chance by the end of the episode we will no longer be lost? Hmmm.

Tonight we finally broke down and watched Avatar. I was pleasantly surprised,,, even though it is a story that has been told a thousand times before----okay, that's hyperbole, but you get my point. All I gotta say is,,, I have GOT to get me one of those flying dragons!!!

Taught Relief Society today---all about acquiring spiritual guidance. I think it went well. Bottom line? Fear is never the right choice. Faith. Faith is the right choice. Always.

I guess you can say that when you have faith,,, you are never LOST. Hahahaha... get it?

Day 283, Days of our lives...

Our day actually began last night....or rather, early this morning... around midnight. Ron and I had some uninvited visitors who donated to our year's supply of toilet paper. They got us pretty good, I must admit. So, there we were, pulling toilet paper out of our grass, bushes, and trees under the umbrella of a moonlit sky. Ah, how romantic ;)

We had a great visit with Jane, who, we discovered, loves to laugh at people in pain :) What a cutie.

Tonight, we attended Jesse and Brittney's wedding reception. How cool was that? They are such a cute couple....and so young!! The reception was really nice... and oh man... those cream-filled cupcakes were to die for. Eeh gads.... that won't help my weight loss program.

I'm such a whiner!

Day 282, Are we there yet?

It's Finally Friday.... but there is so much going on this weekend that rest seems to be out of the question. It's all good stuff..... there's just a lot of it... Go, go, go.....Do you think I'll get to the point where obligations and responsibilities will no longer dictate how I spend my free time? I know,,,, I'm whining.... Truth is, I got no one to blame but myself.

Tonight was our Scout's dinner and auction. I spent $20 on a bag full of homemade carmels... OH MY,,, they are sooooo good! WON'T help me lose those 20 pounds before Hawaii. .... So I guess I'll have to give some of them away. We also bought a rum cake---two of them actually. Yeah... I'm thinking spin class and wiring my mouth shut are in my future,,, ya think?

RAK? Today I brought Michelle a birthday cake so we could celebrate at lunch. You see, Facebook definitely has its advantages----It was Facebook that reminded me that it was her birthday. Cool, eh?

Planet M--Today I started the daunting task of taking my room apart. I will need to go into ZEN mode for that. Can't believe summer vacation is nearly upon us.... I am soooo ready! For some reason, even though I have had the absolute greatest year ever...and the most awesomest students...I am dead dog tired this year.

Tomorrow we get to babysit Jane for a little while :)

Day 281, Fancy a Friday?

How cute is that? Jane is happy to be home! Check out those toes ;) She's ready to be a ballerina.

Today at school was like taking a trip back to the 70's...in Rialto. Turned out to be a drug deal gone bad. No one believes me when I tell them that this stuff goes on in middle school, but who would make this stuff up eh? 

RAK's? Hey, I haven't reported any for a while...Ron went to the store and bought me milk last night, just so I could have cereal this morning. I went to Henry's last night and bought Ron a dark chocolate candy bar with orange spices in it. Ellen made my lunch for me on Monday. Patricia brought me a sandwich today. They're all small acts,,, but that is the point, isn't it? I wonder if I'm getting any better at them?

Tomorrow is Friday. That makes me happy.

Day 280, It keeps going...and going....and going

Today I was the assistant principal again....and the referrals were like a revolving door...they just kept coming. Everytime I cleared the box, I would turn around and there would be more referrals in there....It's like they were reproducing on their own :) And that doesn't count the students that were sent up throughout the day. I daresay it kept me on my toes ;) On the bright side, it kept me from snacking ;) Then after school I walked with Michelle and Patricia. I love how I feel when I am walking outdoors (of course, that's when the weather is nice.) I've been good so far this week..... okay, maybe not good, but better. I am determined to look good when I go to Hawaii.

Strange, but I only have 3 more days of actual teaching left. It's hard to imagine not being in the classroom after all these years. I wonder how it will feel when I report to my "cubicle" on June 1st? Found out today that they definitely do NOT allow denim at the district office. Uh oh. Looks like I'm going to have to go shopping.... and that can only mean one thing...... Macy's and my Macy's charge card. Oh my!!!

Day 279, Let's give "Tuesdays" a fair shake!

You see, there's nothing wrong with Tuesday, really. It's just been placed in the wrong spot of the week. I actually feel sorry for Tuesday. I mean, how would you like to be the day that follows Monday? Especially when Monday is a holiday. On a normal week, Tuesday is a filler. We know that Wednesday is hump day, and Thursday is in the lucky spot of being the day before Friday. It's on Thursday night that you begin your wind down process for the weekend. You stay up a little later, feel a little freer,,,, and in short feel happier because you know the next day is Friday. But Tuesday? It's in a losing spot. Therefore, I say we do something special every Tuesday... just to even things up a bit. How does that sound? Let's give it some thought, and see if we can come up with something to make Tuesday something to look forward to.

Day 278, And a one-a, and a two-a...

Here she is.... the big girl! Unbelievable that six days ago she underwent open heart surgery.... and now she is home. How amazing is that? In this picture, she almost looks like she is warning them to just TRY and take her back to that hospital!!! Ah, nice going baby girl :) We love you.

Guess what? In the world of PLANET M... I am FINALLY..... yay!!!! all caught up on my grading. Only took me until the end of the school year to manage it,, but what the heck. It doesn't matter how long it takes us to cross the finish line, right? Just get there. I am in clean up mode now.... Time to get ready to pack up and move 'em on out.

I walked today, and did weight drills. Probably burned off just enough calories to counter that diet rootbeer float I had after dinner. I'm pathetic,,, I know this.

Oh,, and,,, I finished Poison Study. ... and I finished satisfied. That's a good thing. Last night,,, I was frustrated. Took too long for the romance to arrive. When it did, it REALLY did. It's an interesting book, and the ending in many ways is very similar to the ending of my book. Who knew?

Speaking of my book, during my walk today, another scene opened in my mind. I can't wait to start writing the scenes that are popping into play. I just feel like before I begin, I need to complete that marketing questionnaire for the publisher. With the chaos at school finally settled, I will be able to focus better. I was able to begin work on the packet tonight and actually got a lot done. I am looking forward to this next year. It looks like it will be year to learn new things. I like that.

Day 277, Sleepy Sunday

This was one of those days where all I wanted to do was sleep.... I dragged myself from bed at 9:40 this morning, and nearly fell asleep in church, took a nap in my car during Sunday School, feel alseep while reading my book, and now, here it is.... FINALLY, time for bed. Guess the strain of the past couple weeks has finally caught up to me.

I hope I'm not this sleepy tomorrow.

Enjoying my book,,, but it's taking waaaaay too long for satisfaction!

Day 276, Ahhh, Sweet Spring Saturday

Always independent (and stubborn), Jane decided she didn't need the oxygen tubes anymore and that she can feed herself just fine thank you very much. We drove down to see her again this afternoon. They had to put the oxygen tube back in (she hates it,) but she is doing really well. I got to hold her today... all the IV's and tubes are gone, except for the oxygen tube. It is so amazing to see her so strong and independent just 4 days after open heart surgery! WOW!

Ron spent the day standing in line at the OUCH clinic so Ellen could have her physical for sports next year. That was fun ;) Just ask him, he'll tell you!

Got to visit with Wes and Safa for a few minutes today, and get caught up on all that's happening in their neck of the woods.

Oh guess what? I exercised today,,,woohoooo! AND,,, I even did a RAK....At least, I'm counting it as such. I visited with my neighbor for an hour and a half this morning. He tells me there are ghosts in his house.... ghosts that open and shut cabinet doors, make noises, and move things around. Niiiiiice! Just another day in the neighborhood ;)

Day 275, Getting trunky...in more way than one

This has certainly been an interesting week for my family. In the space of one week, my parents got new La-Z-Boy chairs, I got a call from my son in Peru, a visit from my son in the desert, Ellen took her first AP exam, Raechel got a raise, Jane had heart surgery, I got offered a new position for next year, and Ron I went to see Jane...and she recognized him...and reached for him.

Yes. It's been a good week for the Morgans.... Yup. Dot's a goot one. :)

Now I begin the challenge of boxing up my classroom before the end of the school year, and getting my things into a storage for a year. New challenges often come with a price tag...this is one of them. Weird to think I won't be in a classroom next year.... But when I sit and write sub plans for 12 days, I have to admit, I'm glad that won't be part of the job description next year.

Hmmmm 12 days of sub plans.... I think I feel a song coming on..... I'll have to work on that :)

Day 274, When you come to a fork in the road.... Take it.

When common sense says go right, Mindy goes left. Looks like I will be taking a leap into the unknown.... and venturing off in a new direction. Don't know where it will lead, but I suppose the joy is in the journey, not the destination. Today I was offered the TOSA lead, and although I was prepared to decline, I decided to go for it. The way it was presented to me,,, it's a no-brainer. Looks like Planet "M" is going to be put on hold for a year.

This could be a good thing.

I hope.

Got to see Jane tonight.... Bless her little disfunctional heart! She is a fighter---"Mad Dog Morgan," as Jen calls her. The minute she saw Ron, she reached for his face and just kept touching him. She knows her Grandpa.... It was very sweet. We love that little girl!

Friday is almost here!

Day 273, Is it June 12th yet?

Today I was the assistant principal. It was a relatively mild day...compared to the usual craziness. A few racial slurs, a fight, girl drama, excessive tardies, defiance, angry parents who don't understand WHY their kid got suspended. What more could I hope for?

And yet... It never fails... people ask me if I'm sure that I want to be an administrator. Believe it or not, it just feels natural. I can't explain why or how.

Baby Jane is recovering....and just as amazing as ever. Can't wait to go see her tomorrow.

Day 272, Thoughts and Prayers; thoughts and prayers

Today baby Jane went in for her second surgery. Tonight, she is in recovery. The surgery went as well as could be expected, now we wait. It's so hard to see her hooked up to all the tubes. She is an amazing baby... and I don't say that just because she's our granddaughter! Really.

Speaking of grandchildren.... looks like Kaden is destined to become a baseball legend. He's 6 years old, and has been chosen for Murfreesbro Travel Club. The kid is an amazing baseball player....Let's face it, he takes after his grandpa :) Then there's Marshall.... he just qualified for the next level of Spectrum. That's the program for gifted students in Tennessee. If you ask me, Marshall got that from me. Okay,,, who cares that scientifically speaking that would be impossible... I think I will claim the credit anyway... Why not? I'm 48. I can do what I want :)

RAK? Ron brought me lunch today. That was nice. I made a couple phone calls....and did a lot of listening. I think that counts, regardless of the motive :)

Tomorrow I'm the Principal. Sigh. Any chance it will be a slow, stress-free day? One can hope.

Nothing new to report on the novel yet.

Here's a call out to Raechel... Mom loves you! Hang in there!

Day 271, That which makes you stronger!

Here is little Jane getting prepped for her next surgery. She goes in tomorrow for another six-hours of open-heart surgery. Please keep our little granddaughter in your thoughts and prayers. She is such a doll.

Drove my mom to Riverside for eye surgery today. So far, all is well.

Five more weeks of school.

I think there is Panda on the menu one day this week---and another trip to the Pala buffet.

Oh yeah, and then there are those 20 pounds I have to lose before Hawaii :) I AM DETERMINED to be more consistent with exercise. After all, what good would losing the weight do, if my skin flaps in the wind? Ew! That is just sick!

Things that make you go, "Eeeeewwwwwwwww!!!!"

Day 270, Happy Mother's Day!

These are Sedona roses from our rose garden. Aren't they beautiful? I cut five vases full of roses on Saturday, and there are still gobs of roses left on the bushes. They are amazing this year!

Mother's Day was a treat. Started off with homemade breakfast, compliments of  Elly Belly. She made eggs, waffles topped with fresh berries, and bacon. Yum. Then she and Taylor gave me beautiful cards and an I-Tunes gift card. Nice. Ron got me a Swarovski membership and necklace. It's stunning. He out did himself his year :) Raechel sent me the amazing bouquet of chocolate covered strawberries and the sweetest card on the planet. She's such a great girl!!! And the strawberries are fantabulous! Andrew called from Peru, and we got to talk for almost 2 hours. It's so cool to hear his voice. I cannot wait until he comes home in September. We brought dinner to my mom and dad tonight.... We had tri-tip, baked potatoes, yummy salad, cherry pie, pumpkin pie.... ah man... it was all so good! All in all, it was a very nice day for me. I am very blessed.

Now, tonight? It's Dr. Who,,, and the freakishly frightening statue people. Ooooh! Scary :)

Day 269, Super Saturday

I have 4 minutes to get this blog posted! I was all ready to go climb into my comfy bed---and I realized I had not posted. Well that just sucks. Sorry.

Today was a good day. Ron and I went to the gym, I cut five vases full of roses from our garden, we helped move furniture around at my mom and dad's house [how cute is this.... they are 90 and 86 years old, and the just bought new La-Z-Boy chairs. Did I already mention that?], my dad now how his thrown right in the middle of the formal living room. It's a crack up. Then I bought new lamps for the living room, and Ron made an amazing dinner---bar-b-que chicken with homemade sauce. Oh man,,, it was yummy! Then, for dessert, I ate a bunch of chocolate covered strawberries......thanks to Raechel for the very tasty Mother's Day present.

Now.....I can go to bed :)

Day 268, Fabulous Friday

Is there any other kind of Friday? I love Friday. Tonight, Ron took me to the PALA buffet. YUM! I had creme brule'.... ooh, be still my tongue!!

Guess what? I did two RAK's today :) I gave Mother's Day roses to Donna and Kelly. Lovely! We have the most beautiful roses in our garden this year. Gorgeous.

Hard to believe there are only five weeks left of school.

Day 267, Are we done yet?

I think I'm getting a bit trunky. 98 days left of blogging.... and then I can just blog for fun. Eh, not that this hasn't been fun,,,, it has certainly been a challenge, and after all, who doesn't enjoy a challenge now and then?

Three days of sub plans for next week. Good grief! This is insanity. It's mad I tell ya!!!! Mad!!!

Day 266, 99 Bottles of Coke on the wall :)

I don't want to update my blog tonight. I mean let's face it... There were no RAK's today---unless you count me cooking dinner for a change. There is no profound story or inspirational quote to share. Why? Because I'm lazy. Oh wait, here's a quick one---"When Satan reminds you of your past, you remind him of his future." I love that one.

Guess what? My mom and dad bought two new La-Z-Boy chairs today. How cute is that? He's 90, and she's 86. I think that is hysterical ;)

Went for a walk today, and just like that, inspiration began to flow for my sequel. Unfortunately, I have to keep walking in order to remember it. Does anyone see the problem with that?

Day 265, 100 to go!

Hey, look at that....Only one hundred more days until I meet my blog-a-day for a year goal. Wow. I can do it :) When I get a little energy (ha ha) I will start putting in my daily quotes, Planet "M" updates, and RAKs again. But hey, meanwhile, I'll leave you with this:

RAK? Yup. Today I cut some gorgeous roses from my garden and took them to Patricia. ... And there is nothing in there for me (at least, I don't think???) Anyhow, she has a ton on her plate these days. I hope getting flowers gave her a little boost.

Planet "M" update--- CST Testing has officially begun. Now we find out if all the hard work has paid off. Go kids!! Test your best :) We are watching Remember the Titans during Advisement. I love that movie :)

All's quiet on the book front. ... ... ... Thinking about the sequel. ... ... ... Still thinking...

"....If ye have faith, ye hope for things which are not seen, which are true." Alma  32:21.

Do you have faith?

Day 264, A message from Peru

Here's a cool message from Andrew:  "In Japan they go far distances to catch fish. When they return, the fish are no longer fresh and they lose quality. Then, they built a tank and kept the fish in the tank in the boat, hoping the fish would stay fresher, but the fish didn´t do anything in the tank, therefore, they still would not come out fresh, because they had lost the enthuism of life. Finally, the Japanese decided to put a little shark in the tank, which kept the fish going, so that at the time of arrival they were fresh and delicious. I have learned to always have a shark in my life keeping me going so that I may live and be fresh."

I love this message... and I believe I will share it with my students tomorrow---appropriate especially since they begin their state testing tomorrow.

Today, I made the monthly Costco trip. Needless to say, I am ready for my La-Z-Boy chair in the worst way.

Guess what? Ron went to work without kissing me goodbye.... I KNOW,,, that's what I said! I had to get a Jamba juice with a special protein boost to make up for it :) Naturally, everything pales in comparison. Next time, I will have to track him down on the road and make him anty-up!!

Day 263, Back in the saddle

Had so much fun with baby Jane this morning :) What a little doll! She slept through the night, pretty much, and woke up happy. She played all morning and then went out for a walk in Grandpa's garden. Can I just say that she is so very smart!! I'm amazed at her ability to reason at such a young age. I hope we can have lots more nights with her---mom and dad need a break every once in a while,,, don't you think?

Tomorrow it's back to work...seems like a very long time since I've been with my students; They won't know what to do with me there all five days this week. I'm looking forward to a quieter week---I hope I didn't just jinx it :)

Took an hour-long nap today. Nice! I love my La-Z-Boy :)

Day 262, Home again, home again, jiggity jig jig

I am glad to be home....but I will miss Raechel.

I am sitting in my La-Z-Boy chair :)

Need I say more?

Oh, how about this.... We are babysitting Jane for the night. :) Yay :)