Monday, October 26

And The Golden Dustpan Goes To.......

.....Mrs. James' class for the cleanest classroom!

We proudly hung our dustpan up on the front board to display for the week.
I can already see that it's going to be hard to give it up to next week's winner.


That's right- my class won the prestigious Golden Dustpan Award for having the tidiest classroom! This was the second week they gave out the award and I won! I hate that I wasn't the very first teacher to receive it (you know how competitive I am), but I'm happy none the less. My kids all started applauding when they announced the winner! They were so proud of themselves.... as well they should be! Every afternoon my designated 'helpers' clean and tidy up the classroom. I bet you've already guessed by this point that I'm just as 'anal' about my classroom as I am about my house.


Some say that cleanliness is next to godliness. I'm not too sure about that- but I know cleanliness is a high priority for me.

So- congrats to all of my sweet peas for doing such a great job of keeping our pea pod spic-n-span!

Sunday, October 25

Aaaahhhhhh - Chooooo

Once again I'm sick. Thursday I awoke with a scratchy throat and a slight case of the sniffles. Friday morning I awoke with the same symptoms. By Friday afternoon I was dizzy, having chills and body aches, had a SEVERE headache, sinus congestion, and cough. I've never gotten so sick so fast. I came home and was in the bed asleep by 5:30. I didn't get up until after 10 Saturday morning. I spent the entire day on the couch with the heated blanket. The worst part about this cold is the headache I've had. It's killing me!

Today I'm even more congested and instead of a dry aggravating cough- my chest now burns and all sorts of yuckies are coming up.

Just great.

If I'm not any better by tomorrow I'm heading to the doctor after work. I hope I can get over this before next weekend. The hubby and I are having a romantic weekend away in Vicksburg at a Bed and Breakfast. Not to mention that Wednesday is our first field trip of the year- to the pumpkin patch- so I will need all my strength to survive the day.

The only thing I hate about working with children is that I'm always sick. Veteran teachers tell me that it gets better with time - as my immune system builds up it defenses. I hope they're right! I worked in a hospital for almost 2 years and only caught 2 colds. I guess people are right when they say kid's germs are different.

Precautions I've Been Taking To Avoid Sickness:

1.Germ X. I've Germ X'ed my hands, and my students hands, so much that they're peeling! I've found I prefer the apple scent.2. Clorox Wipes. Every afternoon I give every student a clorox wipe and we clean the room trying to kill the 'yuckies'.
3. Airborne. This stuff was created by a teacher. You take it to help boost your immune system to avoid catching colds. I take it daily but to no avail. I prefer the Lemon-Lime Flavor

4.Good Ole' Vitamin C. I take one large vitamin C tablet every morning- religously!

5.Hand Washing. Again, same thing with the Germ X. We're washing our hands so much they stay 'pruned'!

If anyone has any other suggestions that I could add to my daily defense plan please let me know. I need all the help I can get!

Thursday, October 22

Mr. Gucci


Yesterday one of my sweet peas said the funniest thing. That's one of my favorite things about teaching kindergarten- the silly things kids say!

I had to speak to one little girl in paticular, whom I'll call Toots (as in short for Tootsie) about talking during naptime. She immediately responded by saying "Please don't move my stick Mrs. James because I really don't want to have to see Mr. Gucci." I said "Who's Mr. Gucci?" She quickly informed me that "Mr. Gucci is my daddy's belt."

I laughed until I hurt! I'll admit, being blonde, it did take me a minute to figure out that Mr. Gucci was a Gucci belt. But once it clicked in my head it was toooo funny! I told her mom what she said and she just laughed and laughed!

So, when I have children and they act up, if 'time out' doesn't work then I'm going to purchase my own Mr. Gucci!

Hilarious!

The Obsession Continues

So, not only do I love the Twilight saga, but I also love the Twilight soundtrack. I downloaded onto my iPod a few months ago and LOVE it! The song I blogged about previously, Supermassive Black Hole by Muse, is one of the songs from the soundtrack. A few of my other favorites are 'Eyes on Fire', 'I Caught Myself', 'Never Thinks', and 'Full Moon'. I added these songs, as well as a few others such as Older, Magic, and some Anna Nalick songs to my player below.

Speaking of Older by Colbie Caillat - It's the best song describing my emotions these days.... Along with her song Circle.

I keep saying that "This Too Shall Pass" but I'm beginning to wonder just when it will pass. I'm beginning to become quite fond of my friend sadness, which I've found is often accompanied by quiteness and seclusion. Then again, I think that's just my depression speaking.

Sunday, October 11

UPDATE

Today I blogged about several things: my girls trip to Mobile, a difficult time I'm going through, my first kindergarten crud cold, and the Twilight Saga. So, please scroll on down to view all of my new posts. I back dated them for the sake of my journal.

So, scroll on down and enjoy!

*Update* 1/8/10

Because I've decided that I'm ready to take my blog off of private I chose to 'hide' several of my posts discussing my 'dry season'. Those of you who had invites when it was private will know what I'm going through. I would still prefer for those insights to be kept a private matter. When I'm ready to bring them to light, I'll re-post them for everyone to read. Until then, your discretion is appreciated.

Thanks for understanding!

Twilight Saga

Last night I finished reading the last book of the Twilight saga. This was such a good saga! I'm so disappointed that it's over! I woke up this morning wanting to read more about the characters lives but then I remembered that I'd finished the book....... sigh.... I really miss the storyline. I guess now I can look forward to the New Moon movie coming out in November.... and then Eclipse coming out sometime next Summer. Also, I'm really hoping that Stephanie finishes writing Midnight Sun - Edward Cullen's side of the story. The rough draft was leaked and thus discouraged Stephanie from finishing the project. However, the latest update on her website stated that she is planning on finishing the book...


Stephanie- please finish Midnight Sun because I'm already going through withdrawals! Also, why not write a book for Reneesme, that would be nice! Thanks!

I highly, highly recommend this series. It's not just some silly book for teenagers. It's a really great story that readers of every age will enjoy! This saga is now my all time favorite story, even beating Redeeming Love by Francine Rivers. I love, love, love this book!

I'm currently reading How Full Is Your Bucket. I'll blog about it once I'm finished.

Tuesday, September 22

It's The Most Wonderful Time of the Year

Happy Fall! I'm so excited that it's finally officially Autumn! Just a few more days until October =) The early signs of Autumn are beginning to show- hopefully the cool weather will soon arrive!

I had a great artsy weekend getaway and was sooooo thrilled to be in a big city with lots of stores! Needless to say, I snagged lots of cute fall-ish outfits! Fall is my favorite season for fashion!

To me this really is the most wonderful time of the year!




(I still haven't forgotten about posting pictures of my classroom 'mystery' changes! ;) And I'm going to blog about my getaway weekend soon. Stay tuned! )

Monday, September 21

Gotta Get Away

WARNING
This post is really long! Continue at your own risk!



*I'm a bit late blogging about this, so I'm backdating it*

Since our last artistic outing last October, my kindred spirit, T, and I have been trying to find the time to get away again. It took us almost a year, but we finally escaped! We have been dying to get together and paint again, but just couldn't work our schedules out right. Finally, we were able to get away to Mobile for a charity art event this past weeked. Last year we came back the same night, and it was REALLY late when we finally arrived home. This time we decided to stay the night. So, here is an overview of our fabulous get away!


I picked up T early Saturday morning. We wanted to get to Mobile early enough to do some shopping before the charity event that evening at 6. I think my favorite part of the trip was the girl talk we had on the way down there and back! (T, I think you'll agree with me on that one!) Our first priority of business was to find a hotel. T and I are so much alike- we both are extremely picky about where we stay (blame it on our OCD). So, before we would commit to a hotel we had to check out the room for cleanliness, smell, decor, etc.... We were dressed alike in black shirts, jeans, and black flats (not intentionally, but great minds do think alike!). I swear the front desk workers at the hotels must have thought we were lesbians! They made some comments to suggest we had other intentions besides just 'looking' at the room. It was hilarious! We finally settled on the Hilton and quickly unloaded the car to go shopping. Our room was really sweet!


We ate lunch at the Picadilly cafe and then did some serious shopping! =) We had so much fun! I don't think Bel Air mall was ready for the two of us! My goal was to buy a new Fall wardrobe. I succeeded but the only catch was the boots. I wanted to find some cute black boots and brown boots to wear with my skirts and dresses during Fall. I had a few pairs already, but wanted a different style. However, I decided that since the weather would not cool off for another month at least, there was no point in buying boots then. So, I decided on some cute brown flats and some gorgeous black suede wedges. (I did end up buying boots the following weekend after a cold snap hit! haha). I ended up with several new accessories, purses, dresses, tops and skirts. New wardrobe for Fall- check!

After shopping to our hearts content, we headed out to the charity event. This was a blast! All of the proceeds went towards Ginger Woe's father who is suffering from cancer. Ginger Woe is a local artist who worked with us on our last artistic outing last October. There was wine, champagne, food, and a silent art auction. Here are some pics of our time.....

*Note: The number of fingers I'm holding up indicates how many drinks I've had..... T was my designated driver! Thanks T!


My blank canvas!



Getting Started on my painting- "Java Blues"


Almost done!


Adding the highlights.....

T's pears..... I love them! =)



Loved the flower next to me! Pretty! =)


Number 2....


Number 3....

Yay- I won a door prize!



T and I - number 4....


"Java Blues" by Sylvi G


They had some gorgeous art by local artists at the silent auction. I fell in love with a sunflower... and a biding war ensued. I gave up once I reached my limit..... oh well.... I found another nice piece of art a few weeks later to put in my office.


The Sunflower that I bid on... so cute!


Haha, love it!


Loved this piece by Ginger Woe... so pretty! This was also one of the auction pieces.


Another auction piece....


A Picasso interpretation by a local artist.... auction piece.


LOVED this auction piece also!


Another Picasso interpretation. Going by my mood lately, this melancholy piece is what I should have painted. I think I will paint this at home on my own.

After the charity event, we went back to the hotel. We ended up going to grab pancakes around midnight. It was so nice to eat when I wanted, sleep when I wanted, go where I wanted.... and not have to worry about time or work or the rest of the world! We slept in late Sunday morning and headed back to Target, Bel Air Mall, and Michael's. We made it back home around 8ish Sunday night. We had so much fun! I cannot wait until we do it again! Hopefully we can plan another trip in November to do some Christmas shopping.

T- I had such a great time! I cannot wait until we do it again! =)


Here is the piece I fell in love a few weeks later. I ended up buying it for my office.

Sunday, September 6

Not My Style

I cannot get this song, Supermassive Black Hole, out of my head! I downloaded it onto my iPod and it's now my pump it song when I'm running. Let's just say this song is totally out of character for me- and I kinda like that!


Uhhh..... LOVE it!

Monday, August 31

Third Day Curse

I'm cursed when it comes to the third day of school.

Last year one the third day of school I had a student throw up on me.

Today- the third day- I had a student pee on me..... Yep, you read correctly. A student urinated on me.

I knew I had to change clothes but was faced with three dilemmas.
  1. I carpool with someone and today she drove- so I did not have my car.
  2. I live an hour away so going home/getting someone to bring me clothes was out of the questions.
  3. This month our check was not direct deposited... so I had not gotten paid and had $8.47 in my checking account. Hardly enough to buy new clothes. (People who get paid only once a month can relate!)
Thank goodness for my dear carpool friend! (I'll have to come up with a pseudonym for her later). She let me drive her car to the mall. I was petrified! She just bought a brand new car... and the way my luck was going today I just knew this would be the time I would have an accident. Thankfully I made it back with her car in one piece! She also let me use her debit card to get some clothes- and I would pay her back once I cashed my paycheck.

Well, I get to the mall at 9:30 and discover that the stores do not open until 10. Big problem considering the entire front of my pants/shirt is covered in urine... and I smelled really bad! I stood outside the gate of NY&Co watching the sales associates prepare for the day.

I was able to convince a very pregnant lady to hear me out for just a minute.... after hearing my story she slipped me into the store. I ran straight to the dressing room and stripped down. She then passed me some wet wipes.... and when I say I bathed in wet wipes, I mean I literally bathed in them! The lady asked me what I wanted to wear and I said "I'm wearing brown shoes so anything that matches them will be fine". She tossed me some pants and a shirt and I was off to check out.... still wearing the tags on my clothes!

I got the name of the sales associate and I plan on sending her a nice thank-you gift! She was really very sweet! I also owe my carpool friend more than just money! She was a life saver!

Lesson I learned in school today: Next year, call in on the third day of school!

As if the peepee story is bad enough, when I left my classroom this afternoon the toilet in my classroom bathroom was over flowing.... YUCK! I left it for the janitors to deal with! I'd had enough 'stuff' for the day! =)

Thursday, August 27

Inspirations

I was browsing the web this evening for inspiring teacher quotes! I had a great first day of school! I have a very bright and sweet group of kindergarten kiddos! I'm excited to see how far they go- the sky's the limit!

Quote of the Week:
"We all have 24 hours in a day."
Ms. Hoppa- you'll get that one! ;)

Here's what I found...

I'm thinking of printing this out and framing it to go in my classroom.... I LOVE this one!

Unity
By Cleo V. Swarat (thanks to Dan for correcting our info!)

I dreamed I stood in a studio
And watched two sculptors there,
The clay they used was a young child’s mind
And they fashioned it with care.

One was a teacher:
the tools she used were books and music and art;
One was a parent
With a guiding hand and gentle loving heart.

And when at last their work was done,
They were proud of what they had wrought.
For the things they had worked into the child
Could never be sold or bought!

And each agreed she would have failed
if she had worked alone.
For behind the parent stood the school,
and behind the teacher stood the home!



Teacher's Prayer
Author Unknown

Lord, Please help me,
To strengthen their voices,
bodies and minds,
To express their feelings and
control them sometimes,
To explore what's near
and venture afar,
But most important to love
who they are.


This one was just plain cute!

Two More Days Till School
By: Leslie Kimmelman

I'm finally going to school this year,
and now the big day's almost here.
I'll learn to write and count and read--
Only two more days till school.

I got new pants and shirts and socks,
a brand-new red and blue lunch box;
I'll paint and sing and dance and play--
Only one more day fill school.

My hair is washed, my sneakers squeak,
I'm so excited, I can hardly speak!
New things to do, new friends to meet--
Hooray! It's the first day of school!



Tuesday, August 25

Meet Mandy

Look what was waiting on me when I arrived home from class tonight......

My new TomTom..... or Mandy as I've named her. The voice/preference I selected was Mandy... but it was a tough decision as I also liked Lori and Bonnie!

I've programmed in a few favorite places - including work, I know I'm a dork- and I can't wait to see if Mandy has a better sense of direction than I do! This thing has it all- it will even look up gas stations, restaurants, stores, etc... in your vicinity! Pretty neat!

I feel so hip and tech savvy! ;)

This is the free GPS I received for buying new tires.... discussed in this post.

*I apologize for the picture being so dark and blurry. I took this with my camera phone (my camera's batteries are dead). I'm just excited that I was able to FINALLY figure out how to get my pictures onto my computer..... one word - EMAIL! haha