Something great happened yesterday that tickled my brain.

The intern videotaped her lesson she delivered to the kids. We used the school's recorder, with a VHS tape. I operated the camera. At the end of the lesson the kids gathered around the camera and started to pretend they were news reporters, talking about the weather, and saying things like "11 Alive news" and "coverage you can count on"

With the kids having such an interest in this, I'm deciding to follow up on it. We're talking about what the jobs are in the news, how we can relate that to the school. Yesterday I picked up some kid size suit jackets and ties and jewelry at the thrift store. Today we'll start the process of composing what we want to say, writing sentences etc. We'll come up with a name for our news show. We'll discuss who what where and why questions. Maybe get some ideas of who they want to interview, or interview each other. Eventually this will go onto a dvd, and we can offer to sell it to parents.

I don't have any editing software or machines, so of course this will have to all be filmed as we go. Not professional by any means, but should be cute.

Wednesday Morning Musings

Today is the sort of day when I feel like I have nothing new to say. In the past, it's usually meant that I just need to start writing and see what comes out, so here I am.

Went to dinner with B last night. He took me out for sushi and thai food at our favorite spot. He's been missing me a lot, and stopped himself from going into detail about it. Said he didn't want to make me feel bad, or uncomfortable, or sad. I said hey, it was your choice to break up. He laughed and said not to remind him.

I'm looking forward to Saturday night, going to the Fox to see Avenue Q. It's supposed to be pretty funny in an irreverent way.

Work is ok. I feel behind in my coursework for the gifted and talented certification. I'll honestly be glad when it's completed and I won't have to check every week to see what I need to discuss and read and write about. I'm glad I've taken it though. I've learned a lot that I hope to apply to my kindergarten class next year.

The dog park is closed till further notice for construction. They're putting in a drainage pipe. This means that Rose doesn't get to expend all her energy, and I don't get the joy of watching her run with other dogs. Today she's going to doggie daycare, as I have an appointment after work. She always enjoys those days and comes home tired. Tomorrow she and I may venture out to Stone Mountain and see the dog park there.

I had a henna appointment yesterday, did a pregnant lady's belly. She chose a nice flowering Kim Brennan design, and I surprised myself and her by finishing everything in half the time I had originally estimated. So when it came time to pay, I asked for half the original quote.

I'm looking forward to Spring Break. I'll take Rose with me to Florida. I've been trying to find some dog friendly beaches, but none are too close. There is a dog park though that will be nearby. It'll be her first long car trip.

Tuesday

I woke up feeling much better this morning. I felt like I finally had a complete night's sleep. I even dreamed and remembered it when I woke up.

Today is picture day at school. Class pictures. Joy.

I have a henna appointment this afternoon to do a pregnant belly. I'm looking forward to that a lot.

Date went well this weekend. First date led to second which ended in a doorway kiss goodnight.

Currently I am under the influence of wine and pizza. Dog Park was closed today for construction. Not sure why I seek this kind of "carefree" release.

This Weekend

I have an interesting weekend ahead of me.

Tonight I'll have dinner with friends regarding the formation of a "Vitamin B Council". Some children are born with a deficiency in this vitamin, and can have seizures until they are treated with enough Vitamin B. The dinner is to brainstorm ways to promote the awareness of this problem, and share information. I don't know that I'll have a lot to add, but they wanted me to come since I work with children.

Saturday Rose will go to daycare again. I have a hair appointment at 9:30 and then at 1:30 I have a coffee date. I'm kinda excited to meet this guy. He's a collector of coins, die-cast toys, and has 2 parrots for pets. We've talked in email and on the phone. I'm looking forward to it.

Yesterday my grade level met to talk about changes for next year's report card and assessment. Over the past 3 years our county has been implementing the GA Performance Standards (GPS for short). The kindergarten requirements are much more rigorous than in the past. It wouldn't be far off to call it PF - Pre First Grade.

The exciting thing is that our API asked us to individually come up with our ideal kindergarten, in a way that would meet the standards. Not just daily schedule, although that was the most of her point, but since I'd brought up integrating science, social studies, and language arts, she wants me to create a plan for that too. I think she's mostly worried about proving that the students are meeting the language arts standards without having a set time frame "only" for language arts.

It's a huuuuge challenge, but one I know I'm capable of. The school I worked at 5 years ago had a 5 person kindergarten team that created just such a curriculum based on thematic units. Each unit listed the curriculum objectives it met, activities, and reading books on the topic. I don't have to have a pre-made plan of every detail, but I have to be able to do enough to prove that it's possible.

Students would still have to take the unit tests that they take now in math and language arts, tests that are tied to the county-bought textbooks. Why? Because my API has to turn in these scores to her supervisor, and at monthly meetings the results of such are posted up for all to see. Almost like they are taken to task if they don't have their work in. In and of itself, I think that's a harsh, sometimes idiotic method when it comes to kindergarten, but I can see how it's the main way to ensure that student test scores are going up- something we've focused a lot on since GW implemented No Child Left Behind.

I've also started my monthly cycle in the middle of the night. I'll deal with cramps and bathroom trips today, but at least my week of food craziness can end, and I can realize that some of the motivation behind my really bad food choices was hormonal.

Addiction

I am an addict. I'm addicted to sugar, and to simple carbs.

This time last month, I was still doing good with the Fat Flush plan. I need to reread it. Somewhere along the way I fell off the wagon and stayed off. I gave in to the chocolates at school, and then craved more. Over the course of a week, I depleted the vending machine of all the Almond Snickers bars.

That craving and the subsequent giving in, led me to giving in to other cravings. I am amazed that I have come full circle again, from being led by my cravings, to once upon a time being in control of my food intake, to now again being "pwned" by them.

I want to get back to what I had. I want the freedom to be able to say no. I've started keeping unsalted almonds at work. So that I can reach for them instead of vending machine junk. I actually said no to getting a package of cookies at the store yesterday, though I wanted them.

Last night I gave in and made the Hungry Jack biscuits I bought with the intent of them being the topping for a chicken pot pie that I have to take to a dinner Friday. I ate three of them, piping hot out of the oven. I had some wine with them.

Crazy, no?


Rose had her first day of Doggie Daycare yesterday. I had parent conferences yesterday, and had to stay at work till 5. Since I wanted Rose to have daycare when the cleaners come next time, I thought this would be a good time to do the trial.

Well, all I can say is she was one tired puppy last night. She didn't play, didn't chew, just slept. So tired that she didn't follow me into the other room when she was laying down. This morning she's still a bit tired, and I'm sure by afternoon when I come home, after a day of her sleeping in the crate, she'll be as wound up as ever. Daycare was a very good thing yesterday. It also rained here, so I couldn't have taken her to the dog park if I'd wanted to.

What a Weekend

For those of you watching news programs this weekend, yes, it was a tornado that hit downtown Atlanta and Cabbagetown. Thankfully my area wasn't hit, we didn't even lose power or have the street lights go on the blink.

Leah was over Friday night. We had an Indian night, watching Lagaan and eating Chicken Tikka Masala. About halfway through the movie, we heard a LOT of thunder. It hadn't started to rain yet, so I paused the movie and went out to my car to get her Pampered Chef order.

The atmosphere outside was weird. It was misty/foggy, cloudy overhead, with a ton of lightning up in the clouds. The kind that makes you think of Frankenstein movies. I was literally afraid of one of those bolts coming down and striking me.

Once back inside, I told Leah about how weird it was, and that I didn't blame her if she decided to leave early. Her two boys were home asleep with Xavier. Just then a huge boom of thunder shook the apartment, and she said that was her cue to leave. She'd just made it inside her car when the downpour started.

I watched the news, and listened as reports came in about the GA dome being damaged, the sound of glass breaking in the Omni hotel as people were being evacuated. I say listened, because in this day and age of global video, the technology was at the mercy of mother nature. People live on scene were calling in facts over their cell phones, it not being safe to transmit live. I think it made it more surreal, more scary because all one could do was listen, and imagine.

Saturday morning had me glued to the TV set for a couple of hours as the sun came up. Reporters now live on scene, with the visible damage in the background.

Later that morning I took Rose to 2 places. The first was a doggie daycare where I filled out paperwork and introduced her. They said because she's a rescue dog, her first day is comped. Wheeee! The lady there, after playing with Rose and wrestling with her on the ground, said she didn't think she was a terrier mix. That she looked more like Australian Cattle Dog- Red Heeler. These dogs herd cows and nip at their heels to make them "go".

The other place I took her to was a groomers. I wanted her to get a professional bath complete with ear cleaning and toenail clipping. One of the groomers there also said she looked like she had some Australian Cattle Dog in her. And they brought out a book with photos. I wasn't so sure just from those photos, but when I got home I did some research. I'm inclined to agree with them. Not just from some of the photos I found, but because she's nipped at me when I'm home from work, changing clothes, before taking her to the dog park- and obviously not moving fast enough for her.

Sunday morning Rose and I watched dog shows on Animal Planet. She was really paying attention to the dogs on the screen. I thought that was neat. Around 10 I took her to a friend's house for a play date with M's children and then went to church.

Sermon was on the cost of the Iraq War. Basically a summing up of all the monies spent, the alternatives that the money could have bought, and the price in human life and limb.

I would have rather stayed home, but it was my day to usher. Odd how "having" to do something makes me not want to do something. I enjoyed going to church when I was just going to go, not because I had to. I certainly won't renew the ushering after this year.

After church I did errands. Bought veggies at the farmers market, and recycled my glass, plastic, and aluminum. Did laundry. Got home to hear a message from M about could she drop Rose off early as something came up. I called but got the machine. An hour later, she's on the phone letting me know what happened, that everything's ok now, and yes Rose is fine but could I come get her? So I did.

We spent an hour and a half at the dog park, in incredible 68 degree sunny weather. Many many dogs were there, and Rose got to dig and run around. Apparently I miss the "crowd" time at the park during the week, since we get there about 4, and leave around 5. Most people don't get off work till 5, and then come over.

Talked again with Mr. Collector on the phone last night. He collects coins, die cast metal toys, art etc. We're going to meet for coffee next Saturday.

I found out that my cleaning service left the trash on my back porch AGAIN. I don't often go out my back door, or spend time back there. It wasn't until I was hanging laundry out to dry that I saw 5 bags stacked against the wall. Keep in mind, this is TWELVE days since they came.

All in all it was a wild weekend. I'm wishing for more sleep time this morning. Rose has taken to scratching at her kennel door at 3am. Still, it's better than being pounced on.

LOVE the Park

You woke me up for what?

Just got back from about 2 hours at the dog park with Rose. 70 degree weather, sunny, lovely. Think she got a lot of exercise too. She had fun playing tag with the other dogs. We investigated the creek behind the park, and she had no hesitation about getting paw deep in the water.

Here's some pics:Digging

Chasing


Making new friends

Resting

I had a fabulous day. I got the best night's sleep, got to sleep in a little late. Because I took a personal day to spend the morning with the gifted teacher at my school, I didn't have to go in till 8:15, and I left before noon. Went to Target and picked up a movie called "The Holiday" and watched it this afternoon and ate "lesser evil" popcorn. Then dog park.

Hopefully both Rose and I will sleep well tonight. I'm a bit fed up with the sinus infection I have, but it's not bad enough yet to make me want to go to the doc, you know?


I leave you with your moment of doggie zen:

Best

BEST night's sleep with Rose- EVER

(not perfect, she did whine enough twice to wake me up- but there was no puppy pounces)

Shell- I'll try to take some pics at the dog park today :D

Kennel

I purchased a kennel for Rose for my bedroom at the suggestion of a friend. There's enough room for her to stand and lay down in it, and it fits in my car as well for long trips.

I've also thrown out the humidifier with the useless cord. I don't want anymore chewing on copper for her.

Update

I had a great weekend.

B's birthday was Friday, so Saturday he took me out to a *really* nice place for dinner. It's called Nicolai's Roof, and has been at the Hilton rooftop since 1976. It's extremely expensive, and very good. Russian theme food, but with a French cuisine twist. We have caviar, wine, and a 6 course meal. All told it was about 3 hours, and they gave me a red rose at the end of the evening. First time I've ever been anywhere that special. Our table was right next to the glass wall/window and we had a spectacular view of the night city.

Last night I went to bed really early, like 7:40. I think the time change has me out of whack. I usually get up at 5am to get ready for school.

Rose woke me at 11pm to go out. She peed, so that was good. We had a brief tussle back in the bedroom with her wanting her chew toy on the hardwood floor, and me not wanting to hear clunk clunk every couple of seconds while I tried to return to sleep. At 3am she wakes me again, and I pretend not to get up, when I hear a new clunk sound. I turn on the lights, get up, and discover she CHEWED the end off the cord of the humidifier!!! Right through the metal and everything. She now had a 2 metal prong end in her mouth that she was playing with. I'm glad it wasn't plugged in when she started chewing. So now I have to make sure there are no cords at night for her to get to. (although my humidifer was new, maybe I should leave that out for her since it's ruined anyway)

I've had her a month now, and there are still times when I feel exasperated, and wonder if it was the best thing to adopt her. She gives me a lot of love, but it certainly seems like my world revolves around her now. I crate her during the day when I'm gone at work, so I don't feel it's fair to crate at night too.

TGIF

Today should be an excellent day at work. 8am our class goes to the library for a science "in school field trip" on weather. That lasts till 9:30, then we come back to the room to make butter, and pancakes and have center time. 10:40 is lunch in the room (joy- I just know something will be spilled hehe) then math then 12:00 the dance! till 1:35. Then go back to room, cleanup packup and head for home at 2:20.

I couldn't find Kongs at the store for Rose. I did get a bone that has a filling, for her to work on today. Her big beefhide chew bone is almost gone. I'll look again this afternoon.

Dirty Girl

I took Rose to the dog park this afternoon, figuring it'd wear her out more than me.

It's been a couple days since it rained, so I was thinking it wouldn't be so muddy. There were some mud spots, but could easily be avoided.

Rose played and romped with a couple of other dogs while I talked to their owners. Then they left. Then Rose played "digging to China" in a muddy part. Oh boy I thought, gonna have to clean those paws.

Then 2 more dogs came, one Very large, and one small that wasn't afraid of the big one (like Rose was). They chased each other a lot, while Rose just looked on, envious. She'd try to join in but would scamper back to me, a little scared.

After a bit the big dog decided that he'd rather be on his own. That opened up the field for Rose and Harriet (the small dog) to chase each other. And boy, did they! around and around in zippy circles, then back again the other way.

Finally Rose got tired and thirsty. Rather than drink the nice water I had for her, she went over to drink the muddy water. Then she back up, went to a damp muddy spot (but not soaking) and proceeded to lay down. Yes, she's that tired. Then she gets back up and chases some more... repeat. Then finally comes back over to where the muddy water is (none of my calling helps, so I'm glad the dog park is fenced in) and proceeds to LAY DOWN in the muddy water! I laughed so hard.

My dog was white when she came, and she's now black from the belly down. Like something out of 101 Dalmations.

Needless to say, she got a huge bath when we got home, and I'm very glad for the extra towels I keep in the trunk.

My Dog Saga continues....

I slept with my cpap all night, and am glad I did. I think my brain is better off for it today. I woke up though, realizing I'd missed the deadline for one of my online class assignments. Not the end of the world, but if I'm late on 2 more in this same course, I'll be dropped from the program- something I don't want to do now that I'm so far through it! I went to bed very early last night, around 7:40. I must have needed it. I don't recall tossing and turning much at all.

Rose did wake me up at 2:30 or 3, but since my door was closed she settled on my bed, not having a choice about her activities. At 4 I finally did get up for good. I came downstairs and did my assignment. Maybe my instructor won't notice the time stamp- or more likely, maybe she'll forgive it.

Yesterday I had Rose upstairs in the studio while the cleaners were here. Apparently it's right next to my neighbor's bedroom, and she pitched a barking fit. My neighbor came to me today to tell me she's started barking. Loud. 7am. Woke up both him and his roommate. That crying's one thing, but barking is worse he said.

I went inside and I got a sinking feeling in the pit of my stomach. One of those "omg what have I gotten into" hollow scared feelings. I don't want to give Rose back. I just want her happy and not barking enough to wake up neighbors at 7am. I had an image in my mind of having to move because of neighbor complaints.

She was really feisty this afternoon when I came home. Very wound up. Probably from the cleaning service being there during the day. I took her outside, she peed not pooped, and I came back inside. I started writing a note to a friend, and she wouldn't leave me alone. To the point of whining and once she even barked at me. So I took her out for a longer walk.

I got to talk to Mr. Beagles on the phone. He lives in Ohio, and has become a support of doggie information and laughter. He listened while I spoke of my concerns and gave some good advice, and made me laugh and in general feel calmer. He also sent me some links to check out.

I made a "throw can" the soda can with coins in it. I even used it once last night when Rose was in the crate. She was trying to "dig" under her bed in the crate. I jiggled the can to make noise, she stopped. I came over and praised her for stopping. Saturday I hope to be able to work on the "going out the door and use the throw can". I've ordered a citronella collar. I think next time the cleaning service is here I will have Rose in doggy daycare.

I wrote a letter of apology to my neighbor and emailed it to him this morning. Told him how I spent my evening and the steps I'd be taking to help alleviate the barking, and thanking him for his patience during Rose's time of adjustment.




I hope that all these things help. I really don't want to move.

We Are the Ones

Monday night

It's nearing the end of the day for me and I feel drained. It was a good day. Got a lot accomplished at school. Had 6 kids out sick too hehe. Henna club went well. Came home and found that Rose had been able to wait and not go in her crate (yay!) I took her to the dog park nearby here and let her run crazy. Boy she can run fast!

My mind tells me I shouldn't feel this drained, but then I realize it wasn't so long ago I had temps in the 100s. I still have crud to breathe through.

I had sunshine, laughter, and doglove today. It was a good day.

Stars Wars, ah my fav

Sunday Ramblings

Yesterday and Friday I had high fevers all day. B brought me 6 orders of Jewish Penicillin (matzo ball soup) and tylenol and tissues. He also took Rose for a really good walk. S came by and offered to take Rose for the night, something Rose was very excited by. The thought of uninterrupted sleep was agreeable to me too.

I had weird dreams last night. Mostly of my family. Me traveling, visiting my mom, and her telling me that next Christmas, she and Dad are going up to visit his mother, in Pendleton. This surprised me in the dream (not because she's dead in RL, which I didn't remember) because mom's never liked her, said she was a cold loveless woman etc. In the dream mom said that it must be hard to live as she does, used to talking to people all the time, and now no one ever calls on her- not even family. This is where it gets weird- cut to a scene where my grandma is talking to a man in a chair. The main is Scatman Caruthers. He's got all these electrodes and stuff coming from his head. The phone starts to ring, providing the charge or electricity for whatever it is that she's doing to him. His reaction is one of relief, that it'll finally end and he won't have to listen to her talk anymore. Once the transformation is over, he's not dead really, but he now looks like something from the campy Batman series of the 70s- dressed in a man-cat outfit, and talking like a gay black man. Grandma then laughs and tells him to call her Meowma.

I told you it was weird.

I woke up this morning w/o a fever, so that's good I guess. I used my cpap with higher humidity last night to help my nose and sinuses, but woke up with a cough this morning. Maybe it wasn't such a good idea. I spent about 10 minutes in bed having a pity party for myself, wishing I had someone to take care of me, and check on me, and love on me. I know though that's part of me not feeling great, and I've got the next best thing- friends who care enough to bring me things, entertain Rose for a night, and check on me through email.

The vet called yesterday. They did an analysis on the feces I'd brought in. Turns out Rose doesn't have tapeworms, but whipworms. And from reading about it, the contaminated area where her poops are, are still possible of contaminating others if they ingest stuff in that area. So that means when I'm feeling better, I've got to shovel off and replace all that soil area where I've been dumping her feces in addition to hay etc. great. The vet also wants me to come by for a different med, and I was like, you mean the meds I paid for are no good? Can I just bring in the rest of what I have and trade it in for the new ones?? They said I could. We shall see.

I'm all sweaty this morning. I guess that's a good thing.