It's sweater weather....

Today is the last day of November AND a Thursday, so what better way to end National Blog Posting Month than with a "Half-Naked Thursday" picture?

The point of this picture was to show you my new sweater. But, oops, it slipped a little....



It's a pity you can't tell from this shot how cold I was...(grin)




Happy Half-Naked Thursday, y'all.

NaBloPoMo - er's UNITE!!! WE DID IT!!!

On the downhill slide.....

Only 2 days left in the NaBloPoMo.....I am going to make it! I have really enjoyed the challenge, but it WILL be nice to put up a post and maybe let it ride for a couple of days.

What have these past 30 days brought to my blog?
Well, we had my trip through the Haunted Woods with Aaron...
the "Story of My Life, Part 1" (to which there is no Part 2...yet)....
the controversial "Why Target is Better Than Wal-Mart" post....
my first "Half-Naked Thursday"....
the really good "Musical Memories" post...
the infamous naked feet "Half-Naked Thursday".....
my 100th post (yay!)....
the not-so-famous Naked Turkey...
and "6 Weird Things About Me"....
as well as a bunch of other hoo-hah.

Tomorrow is the last day of November AND a Thursday, so I will be ending the month with a bang.....

Stay tuned.

ADDENDUM: Today was a much-better day at school. Thank God.

The Colors of My Life.......

Okay, I am cutting it close. It is 9:25 on Tuesday, but this close to the end of November, I am NOT going to drop the ball on this "blog every day" thing.

I got this from Redneck Nerdboy:

THE COLORS OF MY LIFE:

RED

1. Closest red thing to you?
My hand-held Sudoku game.

2. Have you ever cheated in a relationship?
No, not really. I have flirted and talked to others, but I have never touched.

3. Last thing to make you angry?
My principal at school today. Big time.

4. Are you a fan of romance?
I love romance. The mushier the better.

5. Have you ever been in love?
Yes. I am now.

GREEN

1. Closest green thing to you?
A green highlighter.

2. Do you care about the environment?
Yes.

3. Are you jealous of anyone right now?
Yes. I am jealous of people with financial resources that I don't have. Sorry, but it's true.

4. Do you like being outdoors?
I love it. I miss my outdoor time during the school year.

5. Are you Irish?
Nope.

PURPLE

1. Last purple thing you saw?
A slide on a playground.

2. Like being treated to expensive things?
Yes, but only every once in awhile. I'm used to living on the basics.

3. Favorite type of chocolate?
All!

4. Ever met anyone in royalty?
No.

5. Are you lonely?
Sometimes, even though the kids are here and keep me busy all the time, I wish I had more adult company. I wish I had more of Baron's time.

YELLOW

1. Closest yellow thing to you?
Yellow silk roses.

2. Favorite holiday?
Christmas.

3. Are you a coward?
I don't think so. I've faced down the birth of 4 kids and 2 divorces.And I teach kids with emotional and behavior disorders. Nope, no cowards here.

4. Do you want children?
Do you mean I can change my mind? (grin) No, wait, of course I want kids. 2. Which two I want changes from day to day, sometimes from hour to hour.

5. What makes you feel warm and safe?
Hugs, my robe, being with someone I love.

BLUE

1. Closest blue thing to you?
My jeans.

2. Are you good at calming people down?
Sometimes. I'm good at calming my students and my kids.

3. Do you like the sea?
Yes.

4. What was the last thing to make you cry?
Frustration at work today.

5. Can you sleep easily?
Usually.

PINK

1. Closest pink thing to you?
My bra.

2. Do you like sweet things?
Yes, but I especially like it when people are sweet to me.

3. Do you like punk music?
Nope.

4. What is your favorite flower?
Roses and sunflowers.

5. Does someone have a crush on you?
Yes.

ORANGE

1. Closest orange thing to you?
Daniel's football.

2. Do you like to burn things?
No, but I seem to be quite good at burning microwave popcorn lately.

3. Dress up for Halloween?
Yes, I was a pumpkin.

4. Do you prefer the single life or the security of a relationship?
Security, honesty, and trust.

5. What would your superpower be?
The ability to tell when people are lying.

WHITE

1. Closest white thing to you?
School directory.

2. How do you imagine your wedding?
If I have another wedding, I would like it to be in a church, something simple, just family and a few friends. I imagine it to be at night, and there are lots of candles, and tears in our eyes.

3. Do you like to play in the snow?
Yes, with the kids.

4. Are you afraid of going to the doctor or dentist?
Not the doctor, but definitely the dentist.

5. Do you have Attention Deficit Disorder?
No, but I know tons of kids who do.

BLACK

1. Closest black thing to you?
The computer, of course.

2. Ever enjoy hurting people?
No. I hate it.

3. Are you sophisticated or silly?
I am WAY TOO silly.

4. Would you like to go to space?
No, way too high.

5. Do you have a lot of secrets?
Not really. Nothing that great.

Shew, that was a long one!
Enjoy!
J.

Count to 10 REAL SLOW.......

I am having a meltdown. I am stressed and panicked. Here's why:

1. I am getting a new student tomorrow who apparently is quite a handful. Great. As if my room wasn't rockin' enough as it is.

2. There is less than a month until Christmas and I have bought nothing. Stress!

3. I'm not exactly sure how I'm going to pull off Christmas this year. I have no credit cards and a little savings. I only have 1 extra paycheck. I think it will work. I hope it will.

4. I have no money until Wednesday, and we're out of cereal. Zero. Zip. Nada. I guess I'll be making eggs or muffins in the morning.

5. I feel like I owe the world money. If I owe you money, get in the back of the line. WAY in the back.

6. My own children are behaving like idiots tonight.

7. My ex is being absolutely horrible. Of course, he always is.

8. There is a huge pile of laundry waiting to be folded, put away, given away, something, and I never have time to get to it.

9. I thought I had gotten rid of the fleas on the cats. Apparently not. More expensive products and/or an exterminator. Less Christmas money.

10. The shower is broken. We can still take baths, but not showers, until I PAY A PLUMBER. Even less Christmas money. (He'll be stopping by after the exterminator) This is not a good thing in a house with 5 people and 1 bathroom.

Okay, I'm done with my meltdown. Thank you for listening.

J.

Silly (and Secret...shhhhh) Quiz Sunday....

I have found the mother of all quizzes. On Yahoo News this morning I found THIS story: CIA applicants can take personality quiz. So, I went to the CIA website and took the quiz.


Here are my results:
According to your responses, you are a: Innovative Pioneer.

Possible outcomes are Daring Thrill-Seeker, Curious Adventurer, Thoughtful Observer, Impressive Mastermind, or Innovative Pioneer. I had to copy all this down and type it in myself. For some reason, it would not copy and paste (too secret, no doubt) nor do they conveniently offer HTML code to copy and paste to your blog. Hmmmm...
Anyway, to take the quiz yourself, go here and take the quiz yourself.

Next up, The Chocolate Personality Quiz:
Here are my results (I picked 3 Musketeers):






Your Quiz Results:
You are adventurous, love new ideas, are a champion of underdogs and a slayer of dragons. When tempers flare up, you whip out your saber.
This quiz has been taken 15 times. Your personality type matches 20.00% of the people who have taken this quiz.

Shoot, I should have picked Almond Joy:
Sexy, always ready to give and receive, very energetic, and really likes to get into life. The opposite sex is always attracted to you.

Go HERE to take the quiz. You have to scroll down a bit to find it.



Next, a fun one: How's Your Pixar Movie Expertise?


My results: You have potential. You got 7 out of 10.




Click HERE to try your luck. This one is fun, especially if you have kids and have watched all of these movies a hundred times, like I have.

Finally, Do You Know Your Movie Cars?

My results:
You scored 5 out of a possible 10
Old banger. Perhaps it's because you stick to historical dramas and costume romances, but you don't seem to have any idea about cars in the movies. Don't feel too smug about your arthouse credentials, either; Iranian maestro Abbas Kiarostami set his last film entirely in the front of a taxi.

I think the only ones I got right had to do with Chitty Chitty Bang Bang or Herbie the Love Bug! Oh well.
Click HERE to try it.

Weekend thoughts....

Weather: Sunny and 60's. Great day for working in the yard, and putting up the Christmas lights, even the icicle ones.

Listening to: George Strait Christmas Collection. Classic and good. This choice of music would make some people crazy, but I find it so relaxing. His voice is so mellow.

Thinking about: my kids, what I want for Christmas, cleaning the house, finishing my school work.


Seeing all the great Thanksgiving photos on different blogs (if I have time, I'll come back and put in the links to some of the best), I have decided what I want for Christmas: a digital camera. I try every year to get something for the whole family and I think this would be the best choice. I was thinking about a portable DVD player for the car, but I think everyone would use the camera more. If I have enough money somehow, I'll get both.

Last year was a good Christmas for me. I was revisiting some memories with a friend today, of a crazy fun shopping trip to Mall St. Matthews, where the two of us just set out and made a day of it. And exchanging gifts with the same friend in front of a beautiful all-white Christmas tree. I wish I had room in my house for a "theme" tree. We just have the one, all-purpose, multi-color tree, in the living room, filled with every ornament we've ever owned or made. That white tree was so beautiful, and there was a fireplace nearby. I wish I had a picture of it. But I will say, that even though I had good times with that friend, it takes more than a couple of great memories to make a long-term friendship. Although I am still friends with that friend, I am looking for more than "Hallmark" moments.

Finally, something to make you laugh:

PMS SURVIVAL TIPS



This is how I've been acting lately. Anyone having much to do with me in recent weeks could use this video! Let's hope December will be more fun and relaxing than the last few months.

Another Friday Post....

Little Big Town - Bring It On Home (Live)


This is one of my favorite groups, and one of my favorite songs.....Very mellow.
Enjoy!
J.

6 Weird Things About Me......

I've been tagged by Redneck Nerdboy, AGAIN. But he's so cute, I don't mind......

Here are the rules:

Each player of this game starts with the “6 weird things about you”. People who get tagged need to write a blog of their own 6 weird things as well as state this rule clearly. In the end, you need to choose 6 people to be tagged and list their names. Don’t forget to leave a comment that says “you are tagged” in their comments and tell them to read your blog.

SIX WEIRD THINGS ABOUT ME:

1. I don't like potato salad. You know, the staple at summer picnics, the classic American picnic food. Not me. Never have, never will. Uck.

2. I read the same series of books over, at least once a year. It's "The Mitford Series" by Jan Karon and begins with AT HOME IN MITFORD. I used to read all of "The Chronicles of Narnia" over every year (there are 7 of them), or I would read all of "The Lord of the Rings" series, way before the movies were out. I also read LITTLE WOMEN every year.

3. I can't watch anyone brush his/her teeth. It totally grosses me out. I have to look away while "helping" my 6 yr. old.

4. I have never owned a female toy. You know, the kind that requires batteries. Yes, I've seen them, I've played with one once or twice, but I have never had a personal "friend". But I DID put my name into a drawing from a co-worker's "toy" party, so maybe I'll get lucky. (in more ways than one, hee, hee) I'll let you know. That will be a post in and of itself! (grin)

5. I drove my ex-husband's tractor 3 times and totally loved it. I would do it again in a heartbeat. It was fun. I even like just riding on a tractor.













6. I listen to the soundtrack from "A Charlie Brown Christmas" all year long. I love that Vince Guaraldi jazz.





"Hark the Herald Angels Sing...."





I tag Sayre, Captain Corky, Birdman 33, Sunshine, RWA, Amy, Dazed, Mia (although she didn't play along last time), Finding Heart, Heels, Island Girl, Stephanie, Kristi, KaraMia, Kentucky Girl, Nancy, Jazzy, Princess, Steve Novak, Hale, and my sweetie, Baron. And yes, I know that's way more than 6, but I want to see how many people I can get to do it~
Have fun! Let's see how weird you all are!
J.

ADDENDUM: The next time I think it's so cute to tag 20 people for a silly little meme, remind me that it takes a hell of a long time to insert all those links AND visit everyone to tell them they're tagged! Serves me right!

A Happy "Half-Naked" Thanksgiving!

Okay, so I cheated.
I just wanted to make you all laugh!

Happy Turkey Day!
J.


Will you ever look at a turkey the same way again?

My Thanksgiving Wish for all of you....

My Wish


Rascal Flatts: "My Wish" Lyrics
I hope the days come easy and moments pass slow,
and each road leads you where you want to go,
and if you're faced with a choice, and you have to choose,
I hope you choose the one that means the most to you.
And if one door opens to another door closed,
I hope you keep on walkin' till you find the window,
if it's cold outside, show the world the warmth of your smile,

But more than anything, more than anything,
My wish, for you, is that this life becomes all that you want it to,
your dreams stay big, your worries stay small,
You never need to carry more than you can hold,
and while you're out there getting where you're getting to,
I hope you know somebody loves you, and wants the same things too,
Yeah, this, is my wish.

I hope you never look back, but you never forget,
all the ones who love you, and the place you left,
I hope you always forgive, and you never regret,
and you help somebody every chance you get,
Oh, you find God's grace, in every mistake,
and always give more than you take.

But More than anything, Yeah, more than anything,
My wish, for you, is that this life becomes all that you want it to,
your dreams stay big, your worries stay small,
You never need to carry more than you can hold,
and while you're out there getting where you're getting to,
I hope you know somebody loves you, and wants the same things too,
Yeah, this, is my wish. Yeah.

My wish, for you, is that this life becomes all that you want it to,
your dreams stay big, your worries stay small,
You never need to carry more than you can hold,
and while you're out there getting where you're getting to,
I hope you know somebody loves you, and wants the same things too,
Yeah, this, is my wish.

Everyone who knows me knows I LOVE the country group Rascal Flatts. I have seen them in concert three times! This song, "My Wish", is one of my favorites. I searched YouTube for a good performance video of this song, but the sound wasn't very good on any of them, so I settled for this homemade video with great sound quality. Take the sentiment with a grain of salt.
I am thankful for many things this year: my kids, my parents, my brother, my sister and her family, Baron and his girls, my home, my job, lots of things. But I am also thankful for my blogging buddies, who read what I write, give me advice, and post upbeat comments when I'm feeling down. Thanks to all of you.

Have a Happy Thankgiving.
Jodi

A Classic.....

Charlie Brown Thanksgiving

I love Charlie Brown! (I should warn you that this video "clip" is actually 20 minutes long and is supposedly the whole show. And the sound is off-sync with the lips. But still...it's a classic!)
Enjoy!
Happy Thanksgiving!
J.


PS. Today was MUCH better than yesterday. Thanks to several good friends who "listened" to me via e-mail and lent me a sympathetic e-ear! I am now off for 5 DAYS!!!! Yeah! Since I will have the whole day tomorrow to do what I want, expect a more profound Thanksgiving post than a You-Tube clip! Seriously, I am probably going to go over to school during the day because my kids are in school tomorrow and it's a chance to get my lesson plans prepared and get caught up on paperwork in peace and quiet, so I don't have to bring anything home for the long weekend. More tomorrow.
J.

Follow-up to Silly Quiz Sunday....

I don't believe in Tarot cards, but I thought this was cool...
See my "real" Monday post below this one:

You are The High Priestess

Science, Wisdom, Knowledge, Education.

The High Priestess is the card of knowledge, instinctual, supernatural, secret knowledge. She holds scrolls of arcane information that she might, or might not reveal to you. The moon crown on her head as well as the crescent by her foot indicates her willingness to illuminate what you otherwise might not see, reveal the secrets you need to know. The High Priestess is also associated with the moon however and can also indicate change or fluxuation, particularily when it comes to your moods.

What Tarot Card are You?
Take the Test to Find Out.

Okay, people, back to your regularly scheduled Monday.....

Happy Feet Review...and more!

I took 2 of my sons to see the movie "Happy Feet" the other night. It was great! The music was amazing, and the tap dancing was good, even for animated penguins. The "mexican" penguins (with Robin Williams as their leader) were hysterical. And although I have read some reviews that criticize the movie for trying to impart a political message, I thought the moral of "Don't be afraid to try to make a difference in the world" was a good one. I highly recommend it.


I have added some new names to my blogroll, finally. There's Island Girl, who I linked to through "Finding Heart". There's Dazed, who is a fellow Hoosier. Of course, there's my new buddy Mia, who has dazzled the world on "Half Naked Thursdays". Her blog is called "Fairy Tales". From Tense Teacher's comment threads, I have linked to "Naughty Voyeur". I don't know how Birdman and Corky found me, but they have left great comments on my posts. Check them out at "The Birdman33" and "Corky's Log". And from Redneck Nerdboy's many followers, I have linked to Shora and to Nerdboy's "The_____,but______wife".
Check them out!

Aaron and I had a very good time at Baron's brother's house for early Thanksgiving yesterday. The food was good, the company was fun, and Baron's girls were great to be with, as usual. Baron's brother is so nice, and it was great to meet his sister-in-law and his oldest niece. All good people.


Have a great Monday everyone!
J.

Silly Quiz Sunday....

Happy Sunday all....
Welcome to a very short Silly Quiz Sunday....

First up, from Redneck Nerdboy's wife's blog,
What is your Celtic horoscope?
Here are my results:

You Are An Apple Tree

You are quiet and shy at times, but you have lots of charm and appeal. You are quite attractive: your pleasant attitude, flirtatious smile, and adventurous spirit draw people in. Sensitive and loyal in love, you want to love and be loved. You are a faithful and tender partner - who is generous in sharing your many talents. You love children, and you need an affectionate partner.

What's Your Celtic Horoscope?

Next, something we all need to know:
What is your Thanksgiving Horoscope? These are my results, which are totally wrong. My signature dish is sweet potato casserole, and my signature dessert is Derby pie! Hmmmph!

Thanksgiving Horoscope for Cancer

You're the sign most likely to both dread and look forward to Thanksgiving. Your signature dish: Mashed potatoes Your signature dessert: Pecan pie This holiday: Don't let crazy family members get you down. Maintain your tough outer shell!

What's Your Thanksgiving Horoscope?

Finally, a fun one for all us teachers...and the rest of you as well!
How's Your Vocabulary?

Here are my results:

Your Vocabulary Score: A-

Congratulations on your multifarious vocabulary! You must be quite an erudite person.

How's Your Vocabulary?

Have a great day.
J.

Follow-up to "Half-Naked" Thursday....

"Toot-toot-tootsie goodbye!"










In a hilarious sidenote to all the foot pictures: my 6 year old wandered into the bedroom the other night around 8:00, where Baron and I were taking all my sexy foot shots.
Aaron - "What are you doing?"
Me - "Taking silly pictures."
Aaron - "I want to do it, too"
Me - "Well, Baron can take your picture if you want him to."
Aaron - "Not my face, my feet! Like you, Mom."
Me - "Okay....." (laughing behind my hand)

So, here you go, Redneck Nerdboy. Hopefully NOT a fantasy or a fetish of yours (or anyone's!), but definitely a cause for a smile: chubby six year old toes!


In other news, Baron and I went shoe shopping last night. His birthday is coming up, so I treated him to a new pair of black tennis shoes. I wanted to spend more, he wanted to spend less, we compromised somewhere in the middle. The shoes look great. We stopped by my favorite coffee shop afterwards, where an acoustic guitar player was supposed to be performing. Well, he was, but he had no microphone, it was overcrowded, and clearly Baron and I need to find a coffee shop for Friday nights that caters to...ahem....an older crowd. Most of the people there were under 30.(sigh) Maybe in the yuppy part of Louisville.....

My Christmas shopping has been stalled by a couple of weeks, because the promised "extra Saturday teaching" pay was delayed by one paycheck. I was disappointed. My Christmas list is fairly simple: Joseph wants money (typical for a 16 yr.old boy), Rachael wants money and/or a DanceDance Revolution game for Gamecube, Daniel wants a Nintendo Wii, which he will need to pool all his holiday gifts(money) to get, which leaves only Aaron, who wants everything! Basically, I only need to "shop" for Aaron.

And then, of course, there are my nephews, Baron's girls, my students, my parents, and Baron. What to get Baron, and how much to spend is a whole separate topic. What I want for Christmas is complicated. I have my "fantasy" list, and my realistic list. Why do I always expect this magical, romantic, amazing surprise type Christmas? That has never happened! Maybe that's why I keep hoping for it. (sigh)

Aaron and I are headed to see "Happy Feet" tonight. I will be sure to give you a review. Have a great Saturday!
J.

#100 is here! Yahoo!

If you had 100 stones....










or one hundred cats and dogs....


















Or maybe one hundred dollars, or read one hundred blogs....



Or perhaps one hundred roses,










which were for one hundred wishes...


Then you might have dreamt one hundred dreams....










and gave 100 kisses!














Yes, this is my 100th post. Hard to believe. Here's a look back:

June 17, 2006 - First post.

THE MEMES:
If you want to know a ton of trivia about me, flashback to all of these-
July 20 - (Long)Meme #1, August 6 - (Long) Meme #2, August 20 - (Long) Meme #3, September 14 - (Long)Meme #4, October 3 - (Long) Meme #5, October 13 - (Short)Meme #6, November 7 - Meme #7. I've done 7 of those things!

SIGNIFICANT MOMENTS IN HISTORY:
June 18 - Larry's cancer.
July 8 - The vacation pictures.
July 23 - Rachael's first Live Performance.
August 17 - First Day of School.
September 3 - Football pictures.
September 9 - "8 Things You Don't Know About Me" meme: 1st time the tattoo is made public!!! (shocking, I know!)
September 20, 21 - The Camping Trip.
October 9 - Tyler's baptism
October 16 - Joseph's friend.
October 22 - Rachael's 15th birthday.
November 1 - The start of NaBloPoMo!
November 9 - My very first "Half-Naked Thursday"!

POSTS I'M PROUD OF:
July 10 - "Meet my Family #1 - Daniel".
July 28 - "10 Things I Love".
August 13 - "What if?"
September 28 - The famous "Yellow Frogs" post on greed.
October 23 - My blog review!
November 4 - "The Story of My Life, Part 1".
November 13 - "Musical Memories".

THE SERIES':
July 10 - "Meet My Family" - um, there's only one so far. I need to do something about that. (embarrassed smile)
September 24 - "Silly Quiz Sunday" - I've kept up with these, most Sundays, silly as they are.
November 9 - "Half-Naked Thursday" - Yes, I intend to continue with this one.(salicious grin)

Thanks to all the people out there in the world who read my ramblings, and make posting so much fun. Thanks to my sweetie, Baron, who got me hooked on blogging to start with. Here's to all we will learn about each other in the next 100! Have a good weekend!

You knock my socks off, baby....

Happy Half-Naked Thursday, y'all! Thanks to Baron, who frequently knocks my socks off, for being my photographer...
These photos are playfully dedicated to Redneck Nerdboy! Enjoy!

Turkey Tales....

There is no great point to this post, except that Thanksgiving is coming! Yay!









I get to have 3 Thanksgivings. I am going with Baron to Owensboro and have turkey dinner with him, his girls, his brother and family. It's a "have the family meet the girlfriend" day. My kids are spending actual Thanksgiving Day with their dad in Indianapolis and will be back on Friday, so I'm going to split my day. First off, I am having dinner with my parents, my brother, my sister and her family. After I am completely stuffed, I am going to roll my way over to Baron's house and visit with him and his girls. It will be weird without the kids, but I gave them a choice: Wednesday through Friday with their dad, or Friday through Sunday. They chose the former, so they could be back in time to hang out with friends for the weekend.

Anyway, I know this is brief, but I'm getting ready for Half-Naked Thursday! (grin)
Happy Hump Day!

I wanna hold your hand.....

My left hand and my left shoulder hurt.





There are a couple of people who claim they don't read my blog, but if they do I'm sure they are going to think this is hilariously ironic. But oh well, so it goes.

Yesterday I got bit. Not accidentally, like Baron's little girl, and definitely not as traumatically, but deliberately. One of my students, in the midst of one of her anger episodes, bit my left hand and broke the skin. For the record, she also hit me in the face and kicked me, in the course of this outburst. It isn't the first time I've been hit or kicked, but it IS the first time I've been bit.

As my reward, I was sent after school to Occupational Health downtown, where I was treated, courtesy of the Board of Education, to a blood test, a tetanus shot, and the first in a series of 3 Hepatitis B shots.

Less than a half hour after the episode, my little dear was compliant and cooperative. I had no more problems from her the rest of the day, and I had little problem with her today.

((DEEP SIGH))

But my upper arm is still extremely sore. When I wrestled with a different student today, I felt it. My hand is bothering me and I'm tired.


Why am I doing this job????!!!

SIDENOTE:

Stay tuned Thursday for a "high-steppin'" Half-Naked Thursday! It will knock your socks off! (small smile)

Music with Memories....

Let me just preface this by saying that this post is very important to me. It didn't start out to be anything much, but it really means a lot to me. I spent a lot of time on it, and it is like a musical scrapbook of the significant relationships of my life. I know it's long, but I think it's worth it.Thanks for reading.

The other day I posted my first YouTube video, a song I like called "Bad Day" by Daniel Powter. Finding Heart commented that this was a hard song for him to hear, because of the memories it brought back of time with his wife. It got me thinking about what music reminds me of former loves in my life. Here is a musical retrospective of my love life:


This song was popular in the 80's, when I first met my first husband. It is the only song that definitively reminds me of him, although it's not painful to hear. God, I used to love "America"!
America - You can do magic


After my divorce, I didn't date for almost a year. I met Ricky on the Internet and at first refused to go out with him because he was a smoker. But we stayed in touch via e-mail, and only after I dinged my van and was lamenting over the damage, did we arrange a meeting, because he was a friend and he said he would help. Turns out he was a lot cuter in person than the pic he had posted on his profile, and I was in serious crush. He made two lasting impacts on my life: he introduced me to country music, and he was the first boyfriend to break my heart. This song was popular when we were together and the line that will always remind me of him is "Every time our eyes meet, this feeling inside me, is almost more than I can bear". Good or bad, right or wrong, when he looked in my eyes, my stomach did somersaults. It WAS "amazing".

Amazed


I've written quite a bit here about Larry, my second husband. We didn't have much of a marriage, but we DID have a very romantic courtship. He used to sing this song to me when we would wake up in the morning together, and I still have trouble hearing it.

Steve Holy - Good Morning Beautiful



When Larry and I got married, we just had a small ceremony at his house. My sister's husband, Joe, made us a video and he put this song to it. As I listened to it just now, I realized that it applies much more to the love I have with Baron than it did to Larry. But it is a part of our history together. I can't hear this song without thinking of that video, and remembering my wedding day. We were so full of hope back then, for a new life for both of us.(rueful smile)

When you say nothing at all



After Larry and I separated, we didn't file for divorce right away. He was having health problems and was going to need by-pass surgery. My health insurance through the school system was much better than anything he had available, so he was on my work policy. If we had divorced, he would have had to be dropped, so we stayed legally married for 8 months after separating so he could have his surgery covered, and all the post-surgery needs. AND, I was still in love with him. I was still hoping for a reconciliation. So I didn't date anyone seriously for over a year.

When I did venture out into the world again, now with 2 divorces behind me, the first man I met who gave me that "this one has real possibilities" tingle was Irvin. I know, geeky name, but he was very attractive and a successful businessman. We were quite the item for a couple of months, and this song was OUR song. To this day, I think of him when I hear Sara Evans.

Sara Evans - A real fine place to start


After Irvin, I took another long break from the dating scene...then ventured back to the personals sites. Last November, I met Steve. I was the very first date he had, post-divorce, and we fell into a serious crush almost immediately. I was concerned that he hadn't dated at all, and in the end that was what pulled us apart. Even though things didn't work out with him, I still think God introduced us for a reason. I learned a lot from the time we were "in love", and I am glad we met. And because things were not working out with him, I was advised to get back out there in the world and stay "busy". Because of that advice, I met the love of my life, Baron! This is the song that reminds me of Steve:

Bless the Broken Road


If Baron and I have a song, it's one of these two. A few months back, we were part of a webgroup that followed a book of themed days. One of the days was "Serenade Someone". I made a big deal out of it, saying that he probably wouldn't serenade me without a six pack of beer! He surprised me by singing THIS song to me. The video portion isn't good, but at least you can hear the song.

All I know


One of the joys of my relationship with Baron is the comforting snuggling. Baron has sung this one to me a couple of times, and it reminds me oh-so-much of the wonderful feeling I get when we are snuggled in bed together, my head on his shoulder.(smile)

Paul Anka Put your Head On my shoulder


Thanks for taking a musical trip through my love life.

Silly Quiz Sunday. Again.

Yes, folks, it's that time again. It's time for (drumroll) Silly Quiz Sunday....

First up, the Name Analysis - Meaning of your Name.
Here are my results for my first name, which has been shortened to protect the innocent:

Your First Name of: "J."

Although the name "J." creates the urge to be reliable and responsible, we emphasize that it causes procrastination, lack of confidence, and the inability to realize your goals and ambitions.

This name, when combined with the last name, can frustrate happiness, contentment, and success, as well as cause health weaknesses in the fluid systems, and worry or mental tension.

As "J." you are rather serious-minded, responsible, and stable.

You have the gift of tact and diplomacy, and possess a charming, easy-going nature which endears you to others.

You have a serious desire to understand the heart and mind of everyone, and could be very effective in a career or in volunteer work where you are handling people and serving in a humanitarian way.

This name also gives you a love of home and family, and as a parent you would likely be fair and understanding.

Link to this quiz HERE.

Okay, I'll go with some of that. I like the positive stuff.

Second, the "Seven Deadly Sins" Quiz. Here are my results:

Your Sins are Revealed, Your Fate is Sealed:
Your sin has been measured. You have committed many sins, but Lust is the mortal sin that has done you in. Just below, discover your full sinful breakdown and learn what it is about you that codemns you to hell.

Greed:	High
Gluttony:	Low
Wrath:	Low
Sloth:	Low
Envy:	Medium
Lust:	High
Pride:	Medium

Take the Seven Deadly Sins Quiz

Alright! Lust! Yeah! At least if I'm going to hell, I'm going to have some fun before I go! Greed? Pride? Me? Nahhhh.....

Next, something we all need to know: Are you an Idiot?

Are you an idiot? Your Result: You have some brains... You're not the sharpest knife in the drawer. You take some things for granted and just assume you're right. Over all you're not that bad but pay more attention
You are an idiot
You're good!
Are you an idiot? Create MySpace Quizzes

There are some people who don't even need to take the quiz. It's a given. A certain brown-eyed, not-so-handsome man comes to mind....

Finally, one I took for a laugh, but I'm disappointed in the results. I know I'm not 100% perfect, but 67%? Shoot, that's not even a passing grade!
Are You a Perfect Girlfriend?

You are 67% perfect as a girlfriend!

Congrats, you're doing some things right. There's plenty room for improvement, but keep it up, you're doing good.

Are you the perfect girlfriend?
Create MySpace Quizzes

I invite any and all of you to disagree with any of the negative results on this page. Have fun quizzing yourself.
J.

Sleepy Saturday....

I have just figured out how to post videos from YouTube. My daughter showed me this one, although I have seen it on a couple of other blogs as well. I like this song. It makes me feel better when I have "had a bad day". Enjoy.

Bad Day - Daniel Powter


Here are the lyrics:
Daniel Powter
Bad Day
Where is the moment we needed the most
You kick up the leaves and the magic is lost
They tell me your blue skies fade to gray
They tell me your passion's gone away
And I don't need no carryin' on

You stand in the line just to hit a new low
You're faking a smile with the coffee you go
You tell me your life's been way off line
You're falling to pieces every time
And I don't need no carryin' on

Because you had a bad day
You're taking one down
You sing a sad song just to turn it around
You say you don't know
You tell me don't lie
You work at a smile and you go for a ride
You had a bad day
The camera don't lie
You're coming back down and you really don't mind
You had a bad day
You had a bad day

Will you need a blue sky holiday?
The point is they laugh at what you say
And I don't need no carryin' on

You had a bad day
You're taking one down
You sing a sad song just to turn it around
You say you don't know
You tell me don't lie
You work at a smile and you go for a ride
You had a bad day
The camera don't lie
You're coming back down and you really don't mind
You had a bad day

(Oooh.. a holiday..)

Sometimes the system goes on the blink
And the whole thing turns out wrong
You might not make it back and you know
That you could be well oh that strong
And I'm not wrong

(yeah...)

So where is the passion when you need it the most
Oh you and I
You kick up the leaves and the magic is lost

Cause you had a bad day
You're taking one down
You sing a sad song just to turn it around
You say you don't know
You tell me don't lie
You work at a smile and you go for a ride
You had a bad day
You've seen what you like
And how does it feel for one more time
You had a bad day
You had a bad day

Here's hoping all our bad days turn to better ones...
J.

Life is a Highway.....

"....I'm gonna ride it all night long!"

I LOVE this movie!

I pre-ordered "CARS" way back and it finally came in!! I took it to school and let my students watch the first half for "Fun Friday". They get to see the second half next Friday (we only watch a video on Friday afternoon). The kids and I are going to watch it tonight, with popcorn! I can't wait to see Mater and Lightning McQueen tipping tractors again!


As for all the "Half Naked" fun, I guess I'm going to have to post pics of my backside every week....I got 15 comments on that post! Gee! I'm going to get Baron to help take something interesting for next week. Although, I have to say, the BEST part of Half-Naked Thursday was the picture of Redneck Nerdboy. If he weren't married and I wasn't in love with Baron and he didn't live about 3000 miles away and I wasn't older than he is and he didn't like icky beer and.......well, I think you know where I'm going with this....let's just leave it at "What a hunk!"

In other news, I got a new student today. He's an adorable little 6 yr. old kindergartner, with a lot of problems and a sad family history. He was taken away from his natural parents when his mother abandoned his baby sister in a parking lot 2 years ago. He lives with his grandparents now, but recently his mother has been granted supervised visitation. He had a good day today, but of course we're in the "honeymoon" period. The transition was more difficult for my 2 other boys than it was for him. What a Friday!

Good news here - Rachael got her I-Pod Nano yesterday. She already has almost 300 songs on it. It holds 1000. She got it in pale blue and she absolutely loves it! She's so cute, walking around the house, oblivious to the rest of us...wait, she was like that before the I-Pod!

Things are good with Baron. We've had a couple of good evenings together this week and lots of good talks. I love talking to him. He has to work tonight, but we have a date for tomorrow night!

That's about it for this Friday!

Half-Naked Thursday....

Okay, this is it. This is all I've got for now. I was considering another shot that Baron took of me on our camping trip, but until he has time to locate it on his many picture files, this will have to do. I have put this up before, I think, but I know some of my "new" Blogger friends, such as Redneck Nerdboy and Mia, have not seen it.

THIS (see above) is my tattoo. I got it on my 41st birthday. I was going to get a little heart, right on my behind, but when I got there and saw this pic of the sunflowers, I knew I had to get it. My 2nd ex, Larry, and I were still seeing each other, post-divorce, and he had volunteered to go with me and hold my hand. It hurt a lot more than I expected, but I thought I was doing okay....until about halfway through I started to feel kind of hot and light-headed. I heard Larry say something to the tattoo guy (a young, funny kid, by the way, who had a good sense of humor about looking at my backside for almost an hour) and the tattoo guy answered, and suddenly he stopped. They had decided that I was looking "pale" and insisted I have some water until I felt a little better. Apparently I was about to pass out. But then the color came back into my face, I bent back over, and he finished up.

I'm not sorry I did it. I don't give a sh-t about what I will look like in the nursing home when I'm 90. If I'm so bad off that I'm in a nursing home at 90, will I really care what the teeny-bopper nurses aides think of my sagging butt? I don't think so. Every guy I've been with since I got it has said he thinks it's sexy. It's a view only a select few have seen in person.

So there you go, ladies and gentleman. My first Half-Naked Thursday, for your viewing pleasure. Enjoy.

Bits and Pieces

Happy Hump Day everyone! This was a wild, but not too stressful day. My oldest son is in Indianapolis tonight with a select group of students singing for a huge $100 a plate fundraiser, in front of 1200 people! I wish I could be there! My daughter has just informed me that she is booked ALL weekend. I heard her sing in Italian last night....so beautiful. Daniel's weekend is also filling up, much to his delight: Henry's birthday sleepover on Friday night, Levi's house on Saturday, and a football team cookout on Sunday afternoon. Aaron is...well, luckily Aaron is only 6 and has only a simple soccer game on Saturday. It's getting busy, folks. Baron and I have been trying to coordinate our holiday schedules. It's tough with 7 kids and 2 ex's to consider.

I was looking at my blog post count and this is post #92...I think. What should I do for #100? I am taking all ideas and suggestions. Please submit your ideas in writing...har, har.

While I was looking through the list of past posts, I found some bits and pieces that I was saving for future posts. Here is some interesting "Jeopardy" trivia that I found:

111,111,111 x 111,111,111 = 12,345,678,987,654,321

Average life span of a major league baseball: 7 pitches.

David Prowse was the guy in the Darth Vader suit in Star Wars. He spoke all of Vader's lines, and didn't know his voice was going to be dubbed over by James Earl Jones until he saw the screening of the movie.

If you have three quarters, four dimes, and four pennies, you have $1.19. You also have the largest amount of money in coins without being able to make change for a dollar.

Banging your head against a wall uses 150 calories an hour.

Right-handed people live, on average, nine years longer than left-handed people do.

The first couple to be shown in bed together on prime time television were Fred and Wilma Flintstone.

The nursery rhyme Ring Around the Rosey is a rhyme about the bubonic plague. Infected people with the plague would get red circular sores (Ring around the Rosey...). These sores would smell very bad so people would hide flowers on their bodies in an attempt to mask the smell ("pocket full of posies..."). People who died from the plague would be burned to reduce the spread of the disease ("ashes, ashes, we all fall down").

Oak trees do not produce acorns until they are fifty years of age or older.

Earthworms have five hearts.

Leonardo Da Vinci invented the scissors.

If the population of China walked past you in single file, the line would never end because of the rate of reproduction.

The "sixth sick sheik's sixth sheep's sick" is said to be the toughest tongue twister in the English language.

23% of all photocopier faults worldwide are caused by people sitting on them and photocopying their buttocks.

"Typewriter" is the longest word that can be made using the letters only on one row of the keyboard.

All of the clocks in the movie "Pulp Fiction" are stuck on 4:20.

Winston Churchill was born in a ladies' room during a dance.

No word in the English language rhymes with month, orange, silver or purple.

There are only four words in the English language which end in "-dous": tremendous, horrendous, stupendous, and hazardous.


Here are the kids' birthday counters that I was saving.....Now you know exactly how old everyone is:






That's about it for tonight. Thanks to my S.O., Baron, for playing along with my meme, as well as everyone else who has tried it.
The weekend is coming, folks!

SOMETHING TO MAKE YOU LAUGH:

Turkey Day is coming!
J.

Another Meme...read if you dare!

HAPPY TUESDAY EVERYONE!!!

Yes, today was much better than yesterday, although I am still struggling with some things. Hopefully it will all shake out by the end of the week. Today's post is a meme that Tense Teacher put up on October 30. I liked it so much that I saved it, intending to do it myself, but never got around to it. So, I did it for you tonight. Here goes:

1. Explain what ended your last relationship.
Before Baron, I dated a guy named Steve. I was literally the first person he had dated since his divorce. He wasn't ready. That pretty much ended it. That, and a really long, tiring drive home from Wisconsin.

2. When was the last time you shaved?
It's been awhile. And my legs need it bad.

3. What were you doing this morning at 8 a.m.?
Driving to a really boring science training and talking to my friend Nancy on my cell phone.

4. What were you doing 15 minutes ago?
Talking to Rachael's voice coach about what a beautiful voice she has.

5. Are you any good at math?
I used to be. Now I can only do about as complicated as the 5th grade math book. But I'm getting better at Sudoku, if that counts for anything.

6. Your prom night?
I went with a guy I had only been out with a couple of times. What a geek. We had a picnic afterwards with some friends, then made out in his car. eh.

7. Do you have any famous ancestors?
I don't think so. But my maiden name was Stiller, like Ben Stiller. Maybe we're related, and I don't know it.

8. Have you had to take a loan out for school?
Only for my Masters'degree, thank God. Still paying on it.

9. Do you know the words to the song on your Myspace profile?
No Myspace for me!

10. Last thing received in the mail?
Bills and junk mail. The last good thing - a package from a friend.

11. How many different beverages have you had today?
Just coffee and Diet Coke, but plenty of both. Oh, and a glass of milk with breakfast. So, 3.

12. Do you ever leave messages on people's answering machine?
Yes.

13. Whom did you lose your CONCERT virginity to?
The Osmonds. But if you're talking rock concerts, STYX! Now THAT was a concert!

14. Do you draw your name in the sand when you go to the beach?
Yes. But I haven't been to the beach in a long time.

15. What was the most painful dental procedure you have had?
I had 2 teeth pulled in April. Ick and ugh.

16. What is out your back door?
The deck, the backyard - complete with swing set and bikes, a falling down garage and carport.

17. Any plans for Friday night?
I don't know yet, but I hope so. Baron may have to work.

18. Do you like what the ocean does to your hair?
Yes. It makes it curly. But again, the beach is a long way from Indiana.

19. Have you ever received one of those big tins of 3 different popcorns?
Yes, tons of them. It's a favorite teacher gift.

20. Have you ever been to a planetarium?
Yes, there is a cool one in Louisville. I would like to go again soon.

21. Do you re-use towels after you shower?
Yes, usually. The laundry load around here is large enough without being towel fanatics.

22. Some things you are excited about?
Christmas, spending time with Baron, getting out of debt, the possibility of a vacation next summer.

23. What is your favorite flavor of JELLO?
Strawberry.

24. Describe your keychain(s).
I have a Snoopy keychain that Baron gave me.

25. Where do you keep your change?
3 places: in a coin purse in the front pocket of my purse, in my car, and in the coin jar on the top of the entertainment center in my bedroom.

26. What kind of winter coat do you own?
I have 2. A tan, wool, old lady coat for when it's really cold and I don't care what I look like I just want to be warm, and a prettier, burgundy coat that I wear most of the time.

27. What was the weather like on your graduation day?
High school I don't remember. College, it was bright and sunny.

28. Do you sleep with the door to your room open or closed?
If Baron is visiting, closed. Otherwise, open.

I tag Redneck Nerdboy, Sunshine, Tricia, RWA, Yorksdevil,
EatMisery, FindingHeart, Princess, and Mia. And anyone else who wants to play along!

Somewhere over the rainbow.....

I promised I would blog every day, so here I am. It is been a tough weekend, and a difficult day. Things are strained between Baron and I, and I feel responsible. Things at work are tense, and I am WAY behind in my paperwork. I forgot to pay the phone bill on time, so the phone was turned off today for about 3 hours, until I realized my mistake and ran to pay it. Report cards are due tomorrow and I've barely started. One of my students got pee on my jeans today at school (long story -not all that terrible, but still a gross end-result).

Help!

(Music playing...Judy Garland sings: "Somewhere over the rainbow, bluebirds fly....")

10 Reasons Why Target is Better Than Wal-mart.....

This is not my post....I linked to it sometime in the last month and bookmarked it because I liked it so much. Here's the original link:
10 Reasons Target is Better than Wal-Mart by Steve Olson.
I completely agree with this guy's opinions. I don't shop at Wal-Mart. They don't pay competitive wages, they don't give their employees adequate health benefits, and they spend a suspicious amount of money convincing us how much they care about us.
Here's the post:


I feel ill visiting Wal-Mart – Am I alone? Target doesn’t have this effect on me. I feel great in Target stores. 10 reasons why…

Crime:
Why did the 911 hijackers buy their box cutters at Wal-Mart? Why do serial killers featured on Court TV buy duct tape and rope at Wal-Mart? Because they feel comfortable there. They’re with their people. Did you know (according to this study) the average Wal-Mart has almost 450% more police calls than the average Target store?

Target Doesn’t Destroy Small Towns:
My parents live in the lake country of Northern Minnesota. It’s beautiful; please visit sometime. They live near Park Rapids (pop 3,300) and Wadena (pop 4,200), two quaint small towns about 30 miles apart. Wal-Mart is building a box store in each town. These cities have vibrant downtowns with ice cream confectionaries, candy shops, coffee shops, theaters, dime stores, bookstores, restaurants, and hardware stores. We know what happens when a box store opens on the edge of town, the downtown dies. Economists say that the little shops in town are economic dinosaurs. Maybe the economists are right, but I will still grieve the loss of these special places.

Target doesn’t build stores in towns with populations of 4,200 or 3,300 and it isn’t on their agenda (as far as I know).

Target’s Prices are Competitive:
See the Cockeyed.com Comparison

I’ve Never Seen Anyone Wearing a NASCAR Shirt, Purple Sweat Pants, and Pink Fluffy Slippers at Target

Employees: (An Anecdote)
Sunday Sep 10th 10:00 AM
Wal-Mart: I smiled at the people greeter. She didn’t greet me or anyone else. She stood there like a zombie looking straight ahead scowling.

After spending 15 minutes looking for a lunch box, I asked an employee where the lunch boxes were. She led us aimlessly around the store with no idea where they were. Eventually she asked another employee working at the jewelry counter, “Hey ya know where the lunch boxes are?”

She looked up from the phone, chewing her gum, said “Nope”, and returned to her telephone.

We didn’t find a lunch box.

As I left, I saw 25 checkout lanes. Two were open. The lines were 15 deep. After 60 minutes, I walked out empty handed and nauseous.

Sunday Sep 10th 11:15 AM
Target: The people greeter smiled and asked, “Can I help you?”

“Where are the lunch boxes?” I asked.

She whispered something into a microphone on her chest, paused, and said, “Behind aisle 8 against the back wall.”

Target had ten lanes open and two with no line. In less than ten minutes, I found what I wanted and left with a smile on my face.

I don’t know if Target offers higher pay or better benefits but I can tell that they attract different employees; employees that care. Wal-Mart employees appear indifferent.

Happy Customers:
At the Target store near my home, I see energetic customers smiling, visiting, and laughing.

At Wal-Mart I see people moping around with frowns, yelling at their kids, and everyone looks depressed.

Cleanliness:
In my experience, the difference in cleanliness between the two chains is dramatic, especially the bathrooms. I brought my son into the bathroom at Wal-Mart and it was so nasty I’ll never bring him there again.

Better Parking Lots:
Wal-Mart: One way, narrow, and angled. I’d show you how bad it is but Wal-Mart could sue me if I post a picture of their store. Yet another reason to love ‘em.

Did you know that most Wal-Marts allow people to camp in their parking lots? Is that safe?

Target: Square, two way, parking lots which are safer and easier to navigate.

Positive Atmosphere:
Wal-Mart’s atmosphere is cheap and crass.

Target’s atmosphere exudes progress and style.

Go to each store and soak in the whole scene and you’ll know what I mean.

Wider Aisles:
Wal-Mart: I’d show you how narrow, crowded, and disorganized their aisles are but…Wal-Mart could sue me if I post a picture of their store.

Target: Wide spacious aisles

I have both a Wal-Mart and a Target five minutes from my house. There is no comparison in the shopping experience.

My first priority in life right now is to maintain a positive mental state. I’ve found it nearly impossible to maintain a positive mental state inside a Wal-Mart store. The place oozes negativity.

When I leave Wal-Mart I feel like I should go home and shower, like I’ve just visited a seedy porn shop or something.

When I leave Target, I feel energetic and I want to return.

Positive thinking tip:
Visit Target frequently and stay out of Wal-Mart.

I wholeheartedly agree.
J.

The Story of My Life, Part 1.....

Hi, my name is Hoosier Girl.
This is the story of my life, at least the first half. So, grab a comfy chair, settle in, and let me introduce myself:

I was born in a small town in Southern Indiana, just across the Ohio River from Louisville, Kentucky, where I still live. My parents still live in the house they lived in when they brought me home from the hospital 42 years ago. My dad was a high school teacher back then, and he later became a high school guidance counselor. My mom was a stay-at-home mom, but she also kept the books for the very small school system credit union, which later grew into a full-time job when I was older. I have a brother, who lives nearby. He's not married, and no, he's not gay. I have a sister, who IS married to her husband Joe, and has 2 sons, my nephews Will and Tyler.

I went to a small Catholic grade school. The street I grew up on was a dead-end street and most of the kids went to the same school. I wasn't "popular" but I wasn't unpopular either. I was somewhere in the middle. I got good grades and did well in school. My favorite teacher was my 4th grade teacher, Sr. Marian. She was young and pretty and had really long hair under her habit. She played the guitar and sang and reminded me of Maria Von Trapp. She taught me to play the guitar when I had her in the 4th grade. My grandmother (my mother's mother) was a teacher, too, in Louisville, and I used to visit her classroom when my school was out. She helped me do all my school projects. It wasn't until I was a lot older that I found out that everyone's grandmas didn't drill them in their multiplication facts when they went for a visit.

In the 7th grade I went to a public Jr./Sr. high school, the one where my dad worked. Yes, I was a "teacher's kid." I was a good student, took all the advanced classes. I was in plays, in the choir, and in National Junior Honor Society. I only got in trouble twice in high school - once when I got caught kissing in the lockers, and once when I skipped half a day of school on "Senior Skip Day". I know, a real rebel. My first boyfriend was in the 10th grade, his name was David. He was a shop geek. My next boyfriend was from a neighboring high school - Greg. But the best boyfriend I had in high school was Bill. He was tall, cool, and popular, and he played in the pep band. We were nominated for King and Queen of the Valentine Dance our Senior year, but he broke up with me before the prom. It was my first heartbreak. I ended up going to both my junior and senior proms with guy "friends". Yuck.

After high school, I went to Ball State University, which is in Muncie, Indiana. Muncie is home to Garfield the cat, and David Letterman. There is literally nothing there except the university, but it was a fun place to go to college. I was in the elementary education program. I know, big surprise there. My freshman year one of my professors tried to convince me to switch my major to English, but my dad talked me out of it. He said it wasn't practical. There have been a lot of times when I wish I hadn't listened to him. I always wanted to be an English teacher, or a writer at a newspaper. Oh well, I DO like teaching.

In the spring of my freshman year, I met J., who later became my first husband. We dated all through college, although we broke up briefly my senior year. ( I know, I know, I HAD my chance!) I did date a couple of other guys here and there, but mostly it was just him. After college, I started teaching in South Bend, which is in Northern Indiana. It was a fun place to be single with a salary - my best girlfriend and I went into Chicago all the time. I miss those pizzas, and the shopping!

A year after college, I got married. Big mistake. I thought I was supposed to get married. I thought I was a failure if I didn't follow the traditional timeline. Hindsight is 20/20, isn't it? I can't say that it was bad in the beginning. I suppose I DID love him, although it's hard to remember now. We both wanted the same things - a house, a family, but we were more like brother and sister to me. We moved several times for his work and finally ended up here, back in my hometown.

Of course, me and my immature traditional timeline coupled with my love of babies required that we start a family as soon as possible. Unfortunately, God had other plans. My first 2 pregnancies were miscarriages. The first time I was stunned. The second time I was heartbroken. Finally, after 3 years of marriage, we had Joseph. It had taken what seemed like such a long time to get him, that I insisted we start trying right away for another one, so there wouldn't be a huge gap between our children. There wasn't. I got pregnant right away, and Rachael was born 19 months later.

So there I was with 2 children under 2. I had been teaching part-time since Joseph was born, but after Rachael was born, I quit completely. We couldn't really afford for me to quit, but we had our house, so I babysat one or two kids during the day to make ends meet. It was a good time in my life. I loved being home with the kids. We joined a playgroup, we went to story hour at the library, we were home every afternoon for nap time. I decided that if we were going to have any more kids, we should just go ahead and have another one, so he/she would be close in age to the other two. Joseph was 4 1/2 and Rachael was almost 3, when Daniel arrived. What a houseful I had!

For several years, I babysat kids and stayed home with mine. When Daniel was 2, I got pregnant again, which ended in another miscarriage, so I figured we were finished. When the kids were 8, 6, and 4, I started substitute teaching part-time to "get back in the swing of things". We planned for me to go back to full-time teaching and a salary when Daniel went to kindergarten. But, surprise, surprise, when I was 35 and the kids were 9, 7, and 5, I found out I was pregnant again. Aaron was born on Valentine's Day, 2000.

Looking back, I can divide my life into 3 parts: before 30, after 30, and after the divorce. Before 30, I was having and raising babies, being a stay-at-home mom, kind of oblivious to the world around me. When I was 30, something happened to me that changed my focus quite a bit (a story for another time, perhaps) and I started to grow up. I was still home with the kids, focused on the house and family, but my perception of the world and my place in it was changing. I always said that it was at that point that I started to grow up and my ex-husband didn't. This is why I am in awe of some of the people I know who are in the late 20's or early 30's and they are so responsible and aware. I didn't come to that kind of maturity until much later.

This is where I'm going to stop Part 1. Part 2 will tell about life with 4 kids, me going back to teaching, and life up to, during, and after the divorce. Much more interesting stuff. Thanks for reading along. More later.

The Dating Game.....

Okay, I totally stole this from Redneck Nerdboy. It's "The Dating Game" questions....he answered them with his online cohort, "The Professor". Check out their answers. She actually attempted to answer them...Nerdboy put his own spin, as usual, on things. I am going to answer these for my S.O. - the Baron. Hopefully, I will be able to persuade him to pop on later and let you all know how I did:

How does he/she take his/hers coffee?
He takes it straight, with a little milk.

2) Is he/she a morning person or a night person?
Ha! The man is NOT a morning person. Definitely a night owl.

3) What kind of car does he/she drive?
White minivan. Good for hauling ladders, phone equipment, and his girls.

4) Does he/she adhere to the speed limit?
Sometimes. Definitely not in the mountains of West Virginia.

5) How long does he/she take in the shower?
Showers are quick and to the point. He prefers baths.

6) What is his/her favorite food...favorite drink?
Favorite foods - grilled chicken,Little Caesar's Pizza, mushroom and swiss from Rally's, and Quizno's. Favorite drinks - Diet Big K (ha, ha!), occasionally beer, and every morning- coffee!

7) What kind of soap does he/she use?
Plain ol' bar soap, as far as I know.

8) What kind of shampoo?
Suave. Whatever is on sale.

9) What would he/she say is the thing the he/she likes the most about you?
I'm going to go naughty-and-nice on this one: Naughty - my hooters.














Nice - my smile.

10) What would he/she say is the thing that annoys her/him most about you?
My alarm clock. My way of getting off the phone when he's on the computer.

11) If you guys really met in person the first time, how would you have met?
We met for the first time, face-to-face, on January 10. But we had been talking online and on the phone since December.

12) If you guys really dated...tell me about your first date with each other?
Our first date was dinner at Applebee's. About halfway through dinner, I took his hand and smiled at him, and he gave me a dazzling smile back. It was a break-through moment. We kissed in the parking lot!

13) Where does he/she hides his/her stash ...and what kind of stash is it?
Um, if he had a stash, it would be in his top dresser drawer. But there is no stash, that I know of. I think. (grin)

14) Is he/she a saver or a spender?
Saver. With a capital "S".

15) What would he/she do with a $10,000?
Probably pay off the wicked witch, and use the rest for the girls' Christmas. Very practical guy. Maybe buy something for me? (she writes hopefully...) Nah!

16) What is the one possession of his/hers that you absolutely detest but he/she would kill you if you threw it away?
Everything in the top dresser drawer. Everything.

17) Who wears the pants in the house?
He does. Until I get them off him....(grin)

18) What is his/her ultimate weakness?
Hotwheels, Quiznos, and a nice rack. See picture above.

19) How would he/she describe you?
He would describe me as "his girl", pretty, sexy, and a good mom.

20) How will you spend the holidays (if you were spending it together as a married couple)?
Um, I'm not allowed to mention the "m" word, so no hypothesizing in that department...but we are spending some time together this holiday season with all our kids.

Have a good weekend, all!

A trip through the Haunted Woods....

Last Saturday Aaron and I went on an outing with his Tiger Cub troop. We took a hike in "the Haunted Woods", with about 6 other parents (mostly dads) and about 6 boys, all first graders. "The Haunted Woods" was really a nice walk through Tunnel Mill Boy Scout Camp, with several of the cabins set up as haunted huts, and older boy scouts in costume along the way. It was a perfect day for a walk in the woods, and Aaron had a great time. From the top, Aaron and his friends looking at the creek, which was roaring due to a lot of rain; Aaron wearing his scary vampire teeth, that he got at one of the stops; Aaron and I by the dam; and lastly, obviously, Aaron giving a big grin for the camera.

Aaron is significantly younger than his siblings. He is almost exactly 10 years younger than Joseph, 8 years younger than Rachael, and 6 years younger than Daniel. He was, as they say, "a little surprise from heaven". I was 35 when I found out he was on the way. I was surprised, to say the least. My then-husband and I had been through a rough patch in the year before, and had just experienced a revival in our sex life. I found out later that he wanted me to get pregnant. He thought a baby would "help". (Guess what? it didn't!) I thought, at the time, it was just an "oops". But I love kids, and although I wasn't really planning on having another baby, once I got over the shock, I was okay with it.

Aaron is a joy and a challenge. Our lives have been very different since he was born. He was only 1 1/2 when his dad decided to leave the family. He doesn't remember living with him here at this house. He was growing up through my second marriage fiasco, but is still close to my 2nd ex-husband. For a long time, he was closer to Larry than he was to his own father. Luckily, he only has fond memories of that part of his childhood. He still remembers to pray for Larry (my 2nd ex) and Matthew (his ex-stepbrother). Aaron is the only one of my children to be overweight, something we continue to work on. He is the only child to get in trouble at school, mostly last year in kindergarten. He is both an angel and a rascal. There have been times, in the last 6 years, when I have thought about how much easier my life would be without a young child in my life....but honestly I am so glad I have him. He is funny. He keeps me guessing. And hopefully, he will keep me in a good nursing home when I am old! (har, har) And he gives the BEST hugs!

The Day After....

Today is November 1st, the first day of NaBloPoMo - National Blog Posting Month, where brave participants attempt to post to their blogs every day of November! I have a long list of ideas....I just hope I can find the time to post every day. I feel like the Little Engine That Could - "I think I can, I think I can!" I had planned to start off the very first day of the month with a post I've been working on entitled "The Story of My Life, Part 1". But it's not quite ready AND I'm very tired. See below:

Today was also the day after Halloween. I expected things to be rough at school, but I had no idea. I swear, next year I am taking the day after Halloween off! Arrrgh! Every single one of my students had a problem today. A couple of them, no biggie. A couple others had bad mornings, but we got it turned around and they had decent afternoons. The fifth one -- he went off all day, kicked my assistant, and is now suspended for 2 days. And before everyone starts commenting on how awful it is to punish the emotionally needy child, let me just say that not only did he intentionally kick her, but it is standard procedure at our school and throughout the school corporation to suspend for acts of physical agression.

I feel so sorry for all kids the day after Halloween. So many of them are tired and grouchy, their little bodies off-kilter from a very mixed diet of candy and junk. Why are some parents so hell-bent on "fun" that they tromp their kids all over creation, to get them a bag of candy they don't need? I mean, I love trick-or-treating - we had fun last night! But 7-10 houses is plenty. How many mini Snickers does one kid need? Okay, I'm done with the rant. It's been a long day.

So, welcome to Day 1. More excitement to come, I promise!