Spring Break 2007 Top Ten

10) Watching two entire movies without falling asleep or grading papers

9) Trying on dresses at the Ann Taylor Factory Store in Vegas. In general, spending money on myself. I got a haircut, a makeover, and bought makeup and clothes this week. Lots of frou-frou, but I surprisingly enjoyed it.

8) Taking naps and getting enough sleep for an entire week

7) Running a staff meeting for the upcoming session of coaching. It was good to see everyone at the pool. I was showing my new staff how to use the emergency phone and accidentally called 911.

6) Picking up Mom, Lucas and Courtney at the airport (they stayed in Vegas longer than I). Lucas was smiling and calling my name when I pulled up.

5) Playing golf with Dad, Mom, and Dave... even though I had goose bumps the whole time. I got to see Dad at work at the golf course with the widest smile on his face.

4) Spending some relaxing time with Dave. We had a dinner out in Vegas, and just genuine couple-time over the entire week and a half.

3) Following Lucas as he was crawling up and down the airport terminal in blue-striped pajamas.

2) Waking up in the morning and reading in bed to start the day.

1) Feeling content, refreshed, and able tonight. I think I can focus on the "now" instead of the to-do list a little better.

Promised Pictures

I started a reading blog!

Also, here are the pictures as promised. First, we have the new walkway. Then, Lucas and my mom, Lucas and Dave in the pool, and finally, the 5th grade first-place science fair winner.

**When I came back to my blog, I saw that there were no pictures! So they are out of order now, but I'm trying again.

Another Vacation Heard From

I have the toughest time coming up with titles for my entries. At school, I make my students come up with ten title ideas for their writing. I don't remember where I read that, but after the kids write down the four or five basic boring titles, they really have to stretch themselves creatively and numbers 6-8 are usually stellar. It has helped liven up their titles tremendously. I tried it today, and lucky title #7 (my favorite number) was the winner.

I'm going to list my title choices, since I will hopefully be using this blog to help me in the classroom:
1) Update
2) Time to Update
3) Long Time, No Write
4) Another Country Heard From
5) Lots to Say
6) Another State Heard From
7) Another Vacation Heard From
8) Las Vegas
9) Gambling with the Family (Yes, I am reaching at this point! I doubt I'd use this in the classroom...)
10) Family Time in Las Vegas

At school last week, the subject of blogs came up. Another teacher said, "You know, I just don't understand it. All those people who are so self-absorbed and write about the details of their lives for other people to read." Of course, I didn't admit that I had started a blog. What I should have said was, "Well, I don't write for other people, I write for myself. I have never had any luck keeping a journal or a diary. At this point, I have written more and for longer than I ever have before. I also find it a great way to keep up with people that I don't talk to as often as I should." I didn't write for a few days, in part because of her comment. I didn't have anything interesting enough to post and keep others entertained with. Then, of course, I remembered that I am posting for myself, not other people.

I have pictures to update with as well- of the front walk, the vacation, and Science Fair. I'll be on again later today or tomorrow. I love vacations!

More Laughs... and other notes.

So now I hear that my father wants to trade in his Corvette and his truck and get... a Hummer H3. His house is down the street from the dealership in Vegas.

***

Science Fair this week has gone wonderfully. Most of the kids have done a wonderful job of being scientists and doing an experiment. It was hard to get families to avoid doing projects (make a volcano...). Pictures to follow.

***

We took out our old cement walkway this weekend and added a beautiful, brick, curvy one with the help of Dave's parents. The old one collected water and the dirt around it was eroding.