Ok....it's been awhile since I've blogged. I've been busier than a squirrel gathering nuts for winter. Lots of stuff going on.
I do believe that when my son is raised that I should have an honorary law degree at the most prestigious university in the world. My son can seriously find any loophole in any possible rule there is to be had. He's done it in school, at home, with his dad, and with countless others. Lucky for him he's so dang cute because there are days when I'd like to give him to the nearest band of gypsies taking new members.
This week he's taken 3 times the time it would take to do his homework and used that time to try to get out of his homework. Tuesday his resource teacher came and got me to tell me that he had stuffed himself in to his locker because he didn't want to take notes for science. Apparently he was mad in there but wasn't causing problems so they decided to let him stay for the remaining 40 minutes of the day. When I finished with my last class I walked up to his classroom and looked inside the locker. I approached with my most caring self to see what was bothering him. He had refused to do his work in class and refused to go to chorus; which is totally unlike him. I found out he was having girl problems! GIRL PROBLEMS....IN THE 6th GRADE FOR PETE'S SAKE!!! I talked to him until school was out and he seemed to be calmed down.
I asked his science teacher for her notes so we could make a copy of them and he could copy them. When he is in one of his moods I have to be careful about how to approach things. I allowed him to still go to the library but for a shortened amount of time after school. He loves to go to the library after school and hang with his friends along with gaining some independence. I like having time to unwind after work too so it's cool that he goes there.
Before letting him go to the library I told him I'd let him go but he had to do all of his homework plus copy the notes with no complaint before I'd agree he could walk to the library. He agreed, even though he didn't want to. He'd agree to anything as long as he could go to the library.
When he got back he did all of his homework without complaint........until I brought up the notes. His response to me telling him he needs to copy the notes he didn't do in class is that I made a copy of them so he really doesn't need to copy them because there is already a copy there. My simple reply was, "Nice try. Now go to your room and copy those notes."
Seriously, 5 hours later he was finally finished copying down 2 pages, front only, of notes for science. EGADS!!! At the end of the night he was whining and crying that he was sooooooooooooooooooooooo lonely and needed company and a shower and a snack and a hug and all the things he usually enjoys. However I told him that when his homework was finished he could have all those things as long as he was done at a reasonable time.
So he brought me his notes, and he's a smart one. He had copied every other fact down, thinking I wouldn't check them. When I noticed and stated that he missed some very important stuff, his shoulders slumped because he knew he'd been busted. He was sent back to his room to finish the notes and began wailing in utter agony. Finally at 11:00 p.m. the notes were completed to my satisfaction and he was allowed to go to bed. He wasn't even hungry by that time, just exhausted. I snuggled with him for a little bit then left him to sleep.
Today his teacher caught me and told me that it must have worked because there was more of the same to do. I had told her the other day he was up until 11:00 P.M. getting them done. She told me he copied every note perfectly and with no mistakes and no complaints. We both smiled at each other knowingly and agreed that it must have worked, at least for the time being. Hahaha. That kid is something else. He constantly keeps me on my toes.
Then we got to school and I joined my 3rd graders for reading\spelling class. They had been writing story leads all week (like the first sentence of a story and that sentence is supposed to catch the reader's attention). It's been a blast. I love writing and I love helping teach writing. I try to make it fun for the kids and so does their teacher and the other helper besides me. So the leads were finished yesterday and today they were all on 3 sheets of paper. The kids were told they had to pick out their very favorite story lead and circle that one so they can start on a story with that lead tomorrow. One of the boys said, "What if I don't like any of them?" I piped up and said, "Well Caden, if that happens then I'll pick one for you and I already know which one it is!!" He was being a brat so I decided to be a brat too. haha. So of course he asked which one and I said, "It's the one that says, I love my best friend _________________ because she is sweet and kind." Well everyone erupted in to giggles including him, but then he decided that's the one he wants to use about his "girlfriend". We all cracked up laughing at him and the entire class chuckled about his reaction for at least 2 minutes.
I really think all the kids really enjoy writing class even though they would never admit it. It's a very creative class and I love to read their stories. They know that so they show me a lot of the stories they write.
Also, in my school they do a Christmas and winter craft night. Several staff members, including myself, are on a committee to plan this night. I have one craft I made up and there's one craft that was kind of forced upon me. Both are going to be just fine. I was figuring out how much ribbon I was going to need for these necklaces that the kids will be making. Well I have 112 plastic M&M's (this is the project I did not pick), all the beads I will need but I was figuring out the other day how much ribbon I was going to need. So I figured, 112 M&M's and each necklace will need about 21 inches of ribbon to complete the necklace. 112x21=2352. So I wrote down 2352 feet instead of inches! OOOOOPS!!! Can you see where I'm going with this? So the head of the committee went out shopping for stuff last night and asked me this morning about this number. I said, "OH MY!! You're right, I don't know what I was thinking!!!" She chuckled and said, "I think you gave me inches instead of feet." Of course I felt really stupid and then started laughing...we laughed and laughed and then when I caught my breath I said, "Now do you see why I teach special ed? I'd never make it as a regular ed math teacher!" We laughed even harder and both had smiles on our faces to start the day. Now the mistake has been fixed and I am officially ready for craft night on December 5. It's a ton of people that come for crafts but it's so fun!! I can't wait.
I hope all have a good night.
Thursday, November 20, 2008
Sunday, November 9, 2008
Dipping My Toes In
Having been out of the dating world for such a long time, I find that dipping my toes back in the dating pool and getting serious about perhaps finding a new relationship after so many years has proven to be an interesting experience.
After the end of my latest relationship, which was nearly 4 years ago, I made the decision to do lots and lots of work on myself. I discovered that the only commonality between all of my breakups was me. I needed to figure out why I chose the men I did for myself.
At first I wanted to get right back on the dating wagon, mostly so I could have some affirmations that I was still attractive and loveable. However, at some point I realized that the only way I would be attractive and loveable was to find a way to find myself attractive and loveable. That step in my life has been the most important and biggest turning point since becoming an adult.
Once the commitment was made that self-discovery was not only wanted but imperative for my happiness, the steps to improving the life journey for myself became a winding, fascinating path of so many different branches of what humanity means.
At some point in this journey I became disinterested in dating or any kind of romantic or sexual contact with men outside of platonic friendship. I paid attention to friends in happy marriages and noted some of the similarities they had, the traits their husbands possessed, and the things I found I might want for myself when I decided I was ready to start dating again.
Here I am, just about 4 years later and I find myself longing for companionship now. The nice thing is that since I am confident in myself and tell myself that I deserve nothing less than what I want, it's so much more difficult to settle for the bullshit that so many men deal to women. It's funny, because all too late the man will realize what he's lost and come groveling. What an enlightening experience to look at a man you once really cared about and wonder why you settled. I'm sure men do the same.
In the past year of dating experiences I've met several men. Some were good men, some were turds, some were clueless, some were over-aware. However, none of them were right for me.
I've pretty much given up on the process of online dating simply because it's a process that I have begun to despise. I've found that it's really difficult to maintain any kind of healthy boundaries, open up to each other far too fast and create a false sense of intimacy. In online dating I also believe there is the "Kid in the Candy Store" syndrome. People are judged solely on their picture about 90% of the time. I'm just as guilty of that as any man is of this phenomenon.
Lately I've gone back to the "traditional" way of meeting people. Out on walks, or bike rides, or the grocery store, or through friends of my son. My dating life has slowed way down from what it would be if I were online. However, I find it's so much more satisfying to have a real-life conversation where you don't lose so much in the translation of the written word.
Recently a dear friend of mine broke off a 5 year relationship and she decided she wanted to start up a group of people who could just hang out and do fun things together without the stigma of it being a "singles" group yet you don't have to go it alone out there. Several of us have known each other for many years, but several new people joined the group and it has been such a great experience. The women are outstanding women and the men from what I've seen are all pretty good eggs.
Anyway, I really look forward to getting to know the new people even better. It has been an enlightening experience finally getting to know some guys I would probably never talk to otherwise for various reasons, mostly my own insecurities.
We all get together every few weeks for board games and what a great way it is to get to know other people.
After the end of my latest relationship, which was nearly 4 years ago, I made the decision to do lots and lots of work on myself. I discovered that the only commonality between all of my breakups was me. I needed to figure out why I chose the men I did for myself.
At first I wanted to get right back on the dating wagon, mostly so I could have some affirmations that I was still attractive and loveable. However, at some point I realized that the only way I would be attractive and loveable was to find a way to find myself attractive and loveable. That step in my life has been the most important and biggest turning point since becoming an adult.
Once the commitment was made that self-discovery was not only wanted but imperative for my happiness, the steps to improving the life journey for myself became a winding, fascinating path of so many different branches of what humanity means.
At some point in this journey I became disinterested in dating or any kind of romantic or sexual contact with men outside of platonic friendship. I paid attention to friends in happy marriages and noted some of the similarities they had, the traits their husbands possessed, and the things I found I might want for myself when I decided I was ready to start dating again.
Here I am, just about 4 years later and I find myself longing for companionship now. The nice thing is that since I am confident in myself and tell myself that I deserve nothing less than what I want, it's so much more difficult to settle for the bullshit that so many men deal to women. It's funny, because all too late the man will realize what he's lost and come groveling. What an enlightening experience to look at a man you once really cared about and wonder why you settled. I'm sure men do the same.
In the past year of dating experiences I've met several men. Some were good men, some were turds, some were clueless, some were over-aware. However, none of them were right for me.
I've pretty much given up on the process of online dating simply because it's a process that I have begun to despise. I've found that it's really difficult to maintain any kind of healthy boundaries, open up to each other far too fast and create a false sense of intimacy. In online dating I also believe there is the "Kid in the Candy Store" syndrome. People are judged solely on their picture about 90% of the time. I'm just as guilty of that as any man is of this phenomenon.
Lately I've gone back to the "traditional" way of meeting people. Out on walks, or bike rides, or the grocery store, or through friends of my son. My dating life has slowed way down from what it would be if I were online. However, I find it's so much more satisfying to have a real-life conversation where you don't lose so much in the translation of the written word.
Recently a dear friend of mine broke off a 5 year relationship and she decided she wanted to start up a group of people who could just hang out and do fun things together without the stigma of it being a "singles" group yet you don't have to go it alone out there. Several of us have known each other for many years, but several new people joined the group and it has been such a great experience. The women are outstanding women and the men from what I've seen are all pretty good eggs.
Anyway, I really look forward to getting to know the new people even better. It has been an enlightening experience finally getting to know some guys I would probably never talk to otherwise for various reasons, mostly my own insecurities.
We all get together every few weeks for board games and what a great way it is to get to know other people.
Sunday, November 2, 2008
Ahhh an extra hour
I love when the time goes back to standard time in the fall. It just doesn't seem to be as difficult to get used to as when the time jumps ahead. I feel refreshed and ready to face the day right now.
Gregory came in this morning and wanted to wrestle. I don't know why his dad won't wrestle with him to get some of that out of him but he won't so I get to. The only thing is that he's just about matched me in strength at the age of 11. I think I've taught him to fight all too well. He took one whack at me and put me out of commission for about 5 minutes this morning. He felt horrible and I lamented that next time I won't teach him how to slap so well. I've taught him some pressure points, how to slap and where to punch so it will count. Punching is strictly off limits though.
Most of the time wrestling matches become fits of tickling and giggling so we both just sit there and laugh afterward. Today we played bloody knuckles and slaps. I taught him some new strategies. When that was done I was in the supine position and he wanted to arm wrestle. An old canoeing injury in my right arm got my instant, direct and undivided attention as soon as I braced to wrestle him. I didn't break that arm when I injured it but I did major damage to it considering it was the color of red grapes from my elbow almost to my wrist for about a month and then varying rainbow colors as it healed. I don't know what's going on in there now but it's not good. I guess I'll have to break down and go see the doctor about it if the pain persists. I'm surprised that it's back. Thankfully it's not as bad as it was when the canoe accident first happened.
Today I am going for another walk with a friend, then G and I will be going to the grocery store to plan out meals for an upcoming Boyscouts camping trip where he has to be the cook, make dinner and make sure he gets his homework done. I also need to get my room cleaned. It's hideous.
I bought a new scale last night and I hate it. I liked the weight the other scale showed me much better. It must surely be wrong. LOL. That's what I'll tell myself.
Anyway, I need to go hang some clothes up. Happy Sunday!
Gregory came in this morning and wanted to wrestle. I don't know why his dad won't wrestle with him to get some of that out of him but he won't so I get to. The only thing is that he's just about matched me in strength at the age of 11. I think I've taught him to fight all too well. He took one whack at me and put me out of commission for about 5 minutes this morning. He felt horrible and I lamented that next time I won't teach him how to slap so well. I've taught him some pressure points, how to slap and where to punch so it will count. Punching is strictly off limits though.
Most of the time wrestling matches become fits of tickling and giggling so we both just sit there and laugh afterward. Today we played bloody knuckles and slaps. I taught him some new strategies. When that was done I was in the supine position and he wanted to arm wrestle. An old canoeing injury in my right arm got my instant, direct and undivided attention as soon as I braced to wrestle him. I didn't break that arm when I injured it but I did major damage to it considering it was the color of red grapes from my elbow almost to my wrist for about a month and then varying rainbow colors as it healed. I don't know what's going on in there now but it's not good. I guess I'll have to break down and go see the doctor about it if the pain persists. I'm surprised that it's back. Thankfully it's not as bad as it was when the canoe accident first happened.
Today I am going for another walk with a friend, then G and I will be going to the grocery store to plan out meals for an upcoming Boyscouts camping trip where he has to be the cook, make dinner and make sure he gets his homework done. I also need to get my room cleaned. It's hideous.
I bought a new scale last night and I hate it. I liked the weight the other scale showed me much better. It must surely be wrong. LOL. That's what I'll tell myself.
Anyway, I need to go hang some clothes up. Happy Sunday!
Saturday, November 1, 2008
Halloween Hangover
We made it through Halloween just fine. The celebrating kicked off with a Halloween parade at work\school. It's one of my favorite holidays because I love to see how creative the costumes are each year.
While in reading\writing class one of my students asked what I was dressing up as. I told him I was going to be a big, tall, mean, scary teacher that growls. The eyes of the collective group grew bigger for a split second then they all burst out laughing. I said, "Ok, fine I'm not dressing up NOW." They laughed more. I love third graders.
Anyway, the school saves costumes from year to year for students who either forget or don't have the money to buy a costume for Halloween. When the helper lady came in to our classroom to see if anyone in there needed a costume, Caden raises his hand and says, "Hey can you see what you can find in there for Ms. C? Being the quick witted woman she is, she said, "I'll see what I can throw together for her." That kid cracks me up.
One of my students didn't have a costume so I let him borrow one of Gman's old costumes, which happens to be an Elvis wig, sparkly cape and shirt that I spent hours and hours making a couple of years ago. It made me really happy to be able to let someone else borrow the costume because of all the work that was put in to it.
Here's a pic of Gman when he wore it.
The parade immediately went in to the end of the day Halloween parties for the kids. They all seemed to have a blast and I had fun getting pictures of the SPED kids.
After work I had a couple of hours of down time while Gman went trick or treating with his dad, step-mom and little brother. I took advantage of that time and took a little nap. Once he got home, we went out to start trick or treating. I started talking with the lady across the street and he asked if he could go down the block and start trick or treating. While he was out he ran in to one of his little friends who he doesn't get to see very often anymore since the friend is in middle school this year. They wanted to trick or treat together up and down the blocks close to here. *sigh* I wanted to take him but even more, I want him to have buddies he can do things with and he doesn't have many buddies so I let them go together with the stipulation that he needed to take his cell phone, answer it when I called to check in every 15 minutes and told him he needed to be home before 8:30 p.m. His friend said, "My mom said I can stay out until 9:00 p.m. can he stay out until that time?" Well the friend is pretty responsible so I said it would be fine. Strangely enough Gman was home shortly after 8:30 p.m. and that made me happy. We could go trick or treat for a half hour together. YAY! We went to a few houses and had a nice time doing that.
We came home, ordered pizza (which ended up taking nearly 3 hours to show up....but that's another blog) and then sunk happily in to bed. It was nice not to have to be anywhere this morning until 11.
This morning I dropped Gman off at ballroom lessons and met a friend at the nearby park for a walk. It was so amazingly beautiful that it almost felt like I was in heaven for a little while. The fall colors are amazing this year. I need to remember to take my camera on the walk tomorrow. On our way back, we found 2 checks made out to some lady who was obviously going to be missing a nice chunk of change when she got home. I did a little sleuth work, found a phone number through directory assistance and called them to let them know the checks were in good hands. I was really hoping for permission to sign them and use them but no such luck. haha. The happy lady came and claimed her checks less than an hour later and thanked me profusely. It feels good to do good. Use your powers for good, not evil...it's good karma.
Gman and I were going to go to a movie tonight but when I checked the listings for tonight, I realized the movie was only showing in the afternoons, so we had to put our plans on hold until tomorrow. However we did do some shopping and went out to dinner together.
I needed a new scale in the worst way. My old scale is not only analog but it's nearing 20 years old if it's not 20 years old. I don't remember exactly when I bought it for my hope chest. Remember hope chests girls? Mine was loaded when I moved out. I purchased a nice digital scale and about had a stroke when I weighed myself tonight. Damn I had no idea I weighed THAT much. Criminy! The store I went to was having some awesome sales. I found a much needed fall coat, a scarf, hat and mittens that I could wear in the fall and the winter while out at recess duty. I also found some nicer walking pants for the walks. Capris yoga pants aren't going to cut it much longer.
I looked for something sexy to wear out next Friday night to impress the hottie cop since he's only ever seen me in either my workout clothes and a ponytail, my old security guard uniform or my second job work clothes which are SO not flattering. If he likes me in that stuff he'll LOVE me when I'm dressed nicely. I didn't have any luck though. I thought all the clothes were ugly in there so I'll have to look somewhere else and see what I can find. I do have some nice standbys but it's nice to get something new once in awhile.
So here I sit, blogging when I should be cleaning and hoping the cleaning fairy comes to visit sometime soon. It wouldn't be so hard to clean everything, it's just a matter of getting started. *sigh*
I hope all are having a wonderful weekend so far. I know I am. Tomorrow is going to be a busy but fun-filled day. We will be out enjoying the weather to its fullest potential. I can't believe it's in the 70's in November!!
While in reading\writing class one of my students asked what I was dressing up as. I told him I was going to be a big, tall, mean, scary teacher that growls. The eyes of the collective group grew bigger for a split second then they all burst out laughing. I said, "Ok, fine I'm not dressing up NOW." They laughed more. I love third graders.
Anyway, the school saves costumes from year to year for students who either forget or don't have the money to buy a costume for Halloween. When the helper lady came in to our classroom to see if anyone in there needed a costume, Caden raises his hand and says, "Hey can you see what you can find in there for Ms. C? Being the quick witted woman she is, she said, "I'll see what I can throw together for her." That kid cracks me up.
One of my students didn't have a costume so I let him borrow one of Gman's old costumes, which happens to be an Elvis wig, sparkly cape and shirt that I spent hours and hours making a couple of years ago. It made me really happy to be able to let someone else borrow the costume because of all the work that was put in to it.
Here's a pic of Gman when he wore it.
The parade immediately went in to the end of the day Halloween parties for the kids. They all seemed to have a blast and I had fun getting pictures of the SPED kids.
After work I had a couple of hours of down time while Gman went trick or treating with his dad, step-mom and little brother. I took advantage of that time and took a little nap. Once he got home, we went out to start trick or treating. I started talking with the lady across the street and he asked if he could go down the block and start trick or treating. While he was out he ran in to one of his little friends who he doesn't get to see very often anymore since the friend is in middle school this year. They wanted to trick or treat together up and down the blocks close to here. *sigh* I wanted to take him but even more, I want him to have buddies he can do things with and he doesn't have many buddies so I let them go together with the stipulation that he needed to take his cell phone, answer it when I called to check in every 15 minutes and told him he needed to be home before 8:30 p.m. His friend said, "My mom said I can stay out until 9:00 p.m. can he stay out until that time?" Well the friend is pretty responsible so I said it would be fine. Strangely enough Gman was home shortly after 8:30 p.m. and that made me happy. We could go trick or treat for a half hour together. YAY! We went to a few houses and had a nice time doing that.
We came home, ordered pizza (which ended up taking nearly 3 hours to show up....but that's another blog) and then sunk happily in to bed. It was nice not to have to be anywhere this morning until 11.
This morning I dropped Gman off at ballroom lessons and met a friend at the nearby park for a walk. It was so amazingly beautiful that it almost felt like I was in heaven for a little while. The fall colors are amazing this year. I need to remember to take my camera on the walk tomorrow. On our way back, we found 2 checks made out to some lady who was obviously going to be missing a nice chunk of change when she got home. I did a little sleuth work, found a phone number through directory assistance and called them to let them know the checks were in good hands. I was really hoping for permission to sign them and use them but no such luck. haha. The happy lady came and claimed her checks less than an hour later and thanked me profusely. It feels good to do good. Use your powers for good, not evil...it's good karma.
Gman and I were going to go to a movie tonight but when I checked the listings for tonight, I realized the movie was only showing in the afternoons, so we had to put our plans on hold until tomorrow. However we did do some shopping and went out to dinner together.
I needed a new scale in the worst way. My old scale is not only analog but it's nearing 20 years old if it's not 20 years old. I don't remember exactly when I bought it for my hope chest. Remember hope chests girls? Mine was loaded when I moved out. I purchased a nice digital scale and about had a stroke when I weighed myself tonight. Damn I had no idea I weighed THAT much. Criminy! The store I went to was having some awesome sales. I found a much needed fall coat, a scarf, hat and mittens that I could wear in the fall and the winter while out at recess duty. I also found some nicer walking pants for the walks. Capris yoga pants aren't going to cut it much longer.
I looked for something sexy to wear out next Friday night to impress the hottie cop since he's only ever seen me in either my workout clothes and a ponytail, my old security guard uniform or my second job work clothes which are SO not flattering. If he likes me in that stuff he'll LOVE me when I'm dressed nicely. I didn't have any luck though. I thought all the clothes were ugly in there so I'll have to look somewhere else and see what I can find. I do have some nice standbys but it's nice to get something new once in awhile.
So here I sit, blogging when I should be cleaning and hoping the cleaning fairy comes to visit sometime soon. It wouldn't be so hard to clean everything, it's just a matter of getting started. *sigh*
I hope all are having a wonderful weekend so far. I know I am. Tomorrow is going to be a busy but fun-filled day. We will be out enjoying the weather to its fullest potential. I can't believe it's in the 70's in November!!
Thursday, October 30, 2008
It's So Good I Had To Check My Horoscope
What a great day it's been. It's been uplifting to say the least. This afternoon as I was on my way to lunch I ran in to a mom at school who has been fighting breast cancer. I spoke with her back in mid-September about her cancer and shared some of the things that my mother has been going through as well. I wanted to support her and let her know we are all on her side in her fight. Unfortunately, even though she's young, the prognosis for the kind of cancer she has isn't very good. However she's fighting the good fight, she looks strong and despite her illness she seems like she's doing pretty well. She underwent a double-mastectomy 3 weeks ago today.
We had a nice chat and she remembered about my mom. She asked how my mom is. I gave her the latest news I have and she asked me to tell my mom that she's in this lady's prayers as well. One of these days I want to cook a meal for their family and take it over there for them. I know when I had my surgery, that was a life saver for me.
Anyway, our conversation left me feeling highly emotional and missing my mom. I teared up and did a little crying with this mom and on my way home I just felt like crying instead of eating. As I approached the last intersection before home, there was a man and his manly dog approaching the street as well. I waved them through the intersection and like any polite person, he smiled and waved. I smiled and waved back....not before noticing he was pretty good looking. As they were crossing the street, I was admiring the scenery walking past my car. As I was getting ready to pull out, he did a full body turn, smiled a big dimply smile and waved again. I swear my heart stopped. I'm pretty used to going largely unnoticed, so I was shocked and oh so pleasantly surprised. As I drove in to the driveway at least a minute later my heart was still pumping hard. Unfortunately his dad was pooping down the block so I didn't get to take another gander at him. In just that one little moment, my day was made so much brighter. I think he was my happiness angel for the day. He was simply radiant...I can't really explain it.
Anyway, the rest of my day was pretty good. After school we went to the store and picked up pumpkins to carve tonight. We also picked up a few odds and ends groceries from the store as well. We went home, I started Gman on his homework and then a little later on I went for a walk with a friend of mine. I've been making a point to get out and work out at least 3 or 4 times a week. It's so much easier to walk for an hour with a friend and good conversation. Plus you can gauge your breath easier when you walk with a friend. We walked for a little over an hour and the endorphins were running high and increasing my happy mood.
On my way home I realized a couple of other things I needed to get at the store so I ran back, grabbed Gman, and headed to the grocery store just a couple of blocks away....also where my police officer crush works.
I haven't seen my crush since early September despite many failed attempts at going to that store to see if he was working. Tonight he was working!!!! Of course it's not the night I'm in a skirt and heels. Oh no, it's the night that I'm in my yoga pants, I haven't showered since yesterday morning and my hair is not only in a pony tail..not my most flattering style but also it's greasy and my back was damp with sweat from the brisk walk I had just taken.
I skirted around him because I was embarrassed about my appearance and probably smell. However as I came from an aisle, there he was, walking by. So I had to say hello. I was so happy to see his handsome smile and glittering eyes. He said hi and touched my elbow. Wow. That part of the store was incredibly congested so I said, "Let's move out of the way so we don't get run over." When we stopped he gave me the biggest hug. YUM! We chatted for just a bit and he was on his way to do something so he said he'd meet me at the checkout to chat more when he was done doing his errand.
I was done shopping so I picked the absolute longest grocery line I could..which at 6:15 at night isn't difficult. He came up shortly after I was finished paying and we chatted again, another hug and *sigh* I was a big ole puddle of melted butter.
We went about our merry way and went home. I fixed dinner and realized I hadn't gotten my students any Halloween treats for tomorrow. OOPS, darn I have to go back to the store where my crush works. Bummer.......ok just kidding. I was thrilled.
When I got there he was gone. How sad. I went and got treats then went to the zip loc bag aisle to get a box of bags to put treats in. Who should I run in to coming out of that aisle but the officer? It's my lucky day!
So I made some silly comment about not really being a stalker. He laughed, we chatted some more. More arm touching. *swoon* Then I decided before I lost my nerve to invite him to a singles gathering, which is really more of a friends gathering but we are all single and co-ed so I figured it was a low risk invite. He asked me when and where and immediately pulled out his Blackberry. Hehehehe. As I was telling him info he was typing it in and we were joking a little back and forth. He expressed concern about changes of plans and how disappointed he'd be if he showed up there and nobody was there. I assured him there would be no change of plans but I could give him my number...only if he wanted it. Well he didn't turn it down. He handed his phone to me, showed me how to type in the numbers and got my number that way.
It was kind of funny though. He asked if it was my real number. I couldn't resist saying, "No, it's my ex husband's phone number, I hope you don't mind." Then chuckled a little before saying it is my real number. He said it sounds like fun and he'd plan to be there. YAY!!!!
So I guess it's an unofficial date. I hope he uses my number before that night because I didn't ask for his number back. No need to feel tempted to call him if I don't have his number.
I came home, we ate dinner and carved pumpkins. It was a splendid day and tomorrow will be a fun day as well with Halloween.
I'm especially looking forward to the Halloween parade with the kids. I am lending Gman's old handmade Elvis Preseley costume from a couple of years ago to this little boy. He's hispanic and speaks very little English so for the last 2 days, we've been trying to teach him "Thank ya......thank ya verah much!!!" I think he almost has it down. :o) I can't wait until tomorrow.
Gman is going to be the spooky Grim Reaper and since he can't take his scythe to school(because it's a toy weapon) he has brilliantly thought of being the Guitar Hero Grim Reaper with a scythe shaped "guitar" that he has created. I can't even begin to tell you how much I love the creativity that little boy has!!
Well that's enough. I'm exhausted and still have greasy, grimy pumpkin guts to clean up.
Happy Halloween Everyone!!
We had a nice chat and she remembered about my mom. She asked how my mom is. I gave her the latest news I have and she asked me to tell my mom that she's in this lady's prayers as well. One of these days I want to cook a meal for their family and take it over there for them. I know when I had my surgery, that was a life saver for me.
Anyway, our conversation left me feeling highly emotional and missing my mom. I teared up and did a little crying with this mom and on my way home I just felt like crying instead of eating. As I approached the last intersection before home, there was a man and his manly dog approaching the street as well. I waved them through the intersection and like any polite person, he smiled and waved. I smiled and waved back....not before noticing he was pretty good looking. As they were crossing the street, I was admiring the scenery walking past my car. As I was getting ready to pull out, he did a full body turn, smiled a big dimply smile and waved again. I swear my heart stopped. I'm pretty used to going largely unnoticed, so I was shocked and oh so pleasantly surprised. As I drove in to the driveway at least a minute later my heart was still pumping hard. Unfortunately his dad was pooping down the block so I didn't get to take another gander at him. In just that one little moment, my day was made so much brighter. I think he was my happiness angel for the day. He was simply radiant...I can't really explain it.
Anyway, the rest of my day was pretty good. After school we went to the store and picked up pumpkins to carve tonight. We also picked up a few odds and ends groceries from the store as well. We went home, I started Gman on his homework and then a little later on I went for a walk with a friend of mine. I've been making a point to get out and work out at least 3 or 4 times a week. It's so much easier to walk for an hour with a friend and good conversation. Plus you can gauge your breath easier when you walk with a friend. We walked for a little over an hour and the endorphins were running high and increasing my happy mood.
On my way home I realized a couple of other things I needed to get at the store so I ran back, grabbed Gman, and headed to the grocery store just a couple of blocks away....also where my police officer crush works.
I haven't seen my crush since early September despite many failed attempts at going to that store to see if he was working. Tonight he was working!!!! Of course it's not the night I'm in a skirt and heels. Oh no, it's the night that I'm in my yoga pants, I haven't showered since yesterday morning and my hair is not only in a pony tail..not my most flattering style but also it's greasy and my back was damp with sweat from the brisk walk I had just taken.
I skirted around him because I was embarrassed about my appearance and probably smell. However as I came from an aisle, there he was, walking by. So I had to say hello. I was so happy to see his handsome smile and glittering eyes. He said hi and touched my elbow. Wow. That part of the store was incredibly congested so I said, "Let's move out of the way so we don't get run over." When we stopped he gave me the biggest hug. YUM! We chatted for just a bit and he was on his way to do something so he said he'd meet me at the checkout to chat more when he was done doing his errand.
I was done shopping so I picked the absolute longest grocery line I could..which at 6:15 at night isn't difficult. He came up shortly after I was finished paying and we chatted again, another hug and *sigh* I was a big ole puddle of melted butter.
We went about our merry way and went home. I fixed dinner and realized I hadn't gotten my students any Halloween treats for tomorrow. OOPS, darn I have to go back to the store where my crush works. Bummer.......ok just kidding. I was thrilled.
When I got there he was gone. How sad. I went and got treats then went to the zip loc bag aisle to get a box of bags to put treats in. Who should I run in to coming out of that aisle but the officer? It's my lucky day!
So I made some silly comment about not really being a stalker. He laughed, we chatted some more. More arm touching. *swoon* Then I decided before I lost my nerve to invite him to a singles gathering, which is really more of a friends gathering but we are all single and co-ed so I figured it was a low risk invite. He asked me when and where and immediately pulled out his Blackberry. Hehehehe. As I was telling him info he was typing it in and we were joking a little back and forth. He expressed concern about changes of plans and how disappointed he'd be if he showed up there and nobody was there. I assured him there would be no change of plans but I could give him my number...only if he wanted it. Well he didn't turn it down. He handed his phone to me, showed me how to type in the numbers and got my number that way.
It was kind of funny though. He asked if it was my real number. I couldn't resist saying, "No, it's my ex husband's phone number, I hope you don't mind." Then chuckled a little before saying it is my real number. He said it sounds like fun and he'd plan to be there. YAY!!!!
So I guess it's an unofficial date. I hope he uses my number before that night because I didn't ask for his number back. No need to feel tempted to call him if I don't have his number.
I came home, we ate dinner and carved pumpkins. It was a splendid day and tomorrow will be a fun day as well with Halloween.
I'm especially looking forward to the Halloween parade with the kids. I am lending Gman's old handmade Elvis Preseley costume from a couple of years ago to this little boy. He's hispanic and speaks very little English so for the last 2 days, we've been trying to teach him "Thank ya......thank ya verah much!!!" I think he almost has it down. :o) I can't wait until tomorrow.
Gman is going to be the spooky Grim Reaper and since he can't take his scythe to school(because it's a toy weapon) he has brilliantly thought of being the Guitar Hero Grim Reaper with a scythe shaped "guitar" that he has created. I can't even begin to tell you how much I love the creativity that little boy has!!
Well that's enough. I'm exhausted and still have greasy, grimy pumpkin guts to clean up.
Happy Halloween Everyone!!
Bliss
Lately due to incredible amounts of stress, my normally sunshiny mood has been transformed to a big black cloud. If I could erase the first half of last week from my time here on earth, I would. However, since there are no do-overs in the game of life, I decided to try to make the best out of the week that I could.
I searched myself long and hard for some good things I could pull out of the dismal days of last week that would make for good pocket tools going forward. Thursday night was the height of the stress but fortunately it was all resolved and I celebrated by meeting one of my most fun girlfriends for karaoke and some of our favorite brew. Two other friends were also there and the whole group is a riot to be around. It was just what the doctor ordered for Thursday. We ended the night earlier than we usually do when we get together and kept our promises to ourselves. That felt good.
Friday was a much needed day off from work. Earlier in the week I had decided that I needed to do some good things for myself. I used to do at least one nice thing for myself each week, but recently I've gotten away from being good to myself and it makes a huge difference in life. If you aren't good to yourself, who can you always rely on to be good to you? I think it's ok to pamper yourself once in awhile. Give yourself permission people! You only live once.
Friday I did a little cleaning, showered and then left the house for the first of my two pampering sessions of the day. I was going to a retreat Friday evening. I didn't want to have to spend my entire evening and half the morning on Saturday trying to wind down so I decided to go get a pedicure. I think the last time I got one of those was 6 or 7 years ago when I cashed in a gift certificate I had gotten. Most of the time it's hard for me to justify that kind of money for something I can do by myself. However it feels so good to have your feet soak in a bubbly tub of warm water, have crunchy exfolient rubbed in to my legs then lotion slathered all over my legs and feet. It feels good to have that caring touch when you don't get it on a regular basis. Even if you have to pay for it. (prostitutes and jiggalos don't apply in this writing segment even though they can give you that caring touch too...haha)
Anyway, when my toes were all done they were so pretty that I asked her if she had time to do my nails too. She did so I gave her the go ahead and loved the color so much that I bought myself the bottle of that color fingernail polish so I could paint my nails with that color after this. My toenails and fingernails looked so pretty when I left.
I had a massage scheduled for just the right amount of time to drive from the nails place to the massage school when I had an hour scheduled. I left the massage school feeling like a piece of rubber.
After the massage I drove home, packed my backpack with necessities for the retreat and drove out there. I have to admit that walking in to a place full of strangers was mildly anxiety producing for me, but the group was very welcoming and friendly. The dinner conversation was nice and after that we all congregated around the bonfire our host had prepared for us. After doing our thing around the fire I decided to get in the hot tub. I felt a little weird about that because I had to bring my old suit. I have no idea what I did with my new one. (*mental note to self...find new bathing suit before you go on another retreat*) I quickly ran from the inside of the house and hopped in the hot tub before anyone could notice that I had to wear a tank top under the suit so the sagginess of the old suit wouldn't expose my chest area.
I stayed in the hot tub until bedtime. Elapsed time was 3 hours turning myself in to a human raisin in a tub of hot, bubbly water. It was bliss!! When I went to bed I felt more relaxed than I have in as long as I can remember. It was just what I needed and deserved.
My roomie was a tosser and turner but she didn't keep me up too long. When I fell asleep I slept like a baby. I woke up feeling refreshed and stress pain free for the first time in a long time too. It felt good to be alive. The best part was waking up, looking out the window overlooking the crystal blue pool and wooded gully and seeing the sun glistening through the dew on the trees.
The morning was filled with organic breakfast and silence. About 2 hours of yoga and meditation(extremely relaxing and blissful...I didn't want it to end) then a ceremony to honor the goddess within each of us women at the retreat.
I left there feeling graceful, cleansed, relaxed and all around happy.
It was a little spendy to do all of this stuff for myself, however it was the best way I could have spent my money to get myself balanced and centered again so I could be my happy, fun self again. My batteries feel fully recharged now and I will definately be doing another goddess retreat when I get the first chance financially.
If you don't take the time out of your busy life to really treat yourself once in awhile, I'd highly suggest it. Your inner child and outer adult will thank you with top performance and bliss that takes a long time to wear off because your self is so happy you took care of it instead of others for once.
Single moms especially need to take time out and do this at least once a year. Maybe more.
Soon the polish will chip off my nails....oh yeah it already is. The cuticles will grow back, the knots will form between my shoulders and the wonderful things about the retreat will fade in my mind, but when I need to be reminded again, that will be when I decide to take another retreat just for me. I know I've noticed the change in my demeanor since getting home yesterday afternoon and I have a feeling people will notice that inner glow shining from the inside out to them. My flame has been fanned.
I searched myself long and hard for some good things I could pull out of the dismal days of last week that would make for good pocket tools going forward. Thursday night was the height of the stress but fortunately it was all resolved and I celebrated by meeting one of my most fun girlfriends for karaoke and some of our favorite brew. Two other friends were also there and the whole group is a riot to be around. It was just what the doctor ordered for Thursday. We ended the night earlier than we usually do when we get together and kept our promises to ourselves. That felt good.
Friday was a much needed day off from work. Earlier in the week I had decided that I needed to do some good things for myself. I used to do at least one nice thing for myself each week, but recently I've gotten away from being good to myself and it makes a huge difference in life. If you aren't good to yourself, who can you always rely on to be good to you? I think it's ok to pamper yourself once in awhile. Give yourself permission people! You only live once.
Friday I did a little cleaning, showered and then left the house for the first of my two pampering sessions of the day. I was going to a retreat Friday evening. I didn't want to have to spend my entire evening and half the morning on Saturday trying to wind down so I decided to go get a pedicure. I think the last time I got one of those was 6 or 7 years ago when I cashed in a gift certificate I had gotten. Most of the time it's hard for me to justify that kind of money for something I can do by myself. However it feels so good to have your feet soak in a bubbly tub of warm water, have crunchy exfolient rubbed in to my legs then lotion slathered all over my legs and feet. It feels good to have that caring touch when you don't get it on a regular basis. Even if you have to pay for it. (prostitutes and jiggalos don't apply in this writing segment even though they can give you that caring touch too...haha)
Anyway, when my toes were all done they were so pretty that I asked her if she had time to do my nails too. She did so I gave her the go ahead and loved the color so much that I bought myself the bottle of that color fingernail polish so I could paint my nails with that color after this. My toenails and fingernails looked so pretty when I left.
I had a massage scheduled for just the right amount of time to drive from the nails place to the massage school when I had an hour scheduled. I left the massage school feeling like a piece of rubber.
After the massage I drove home, packed my backpack with necessities for the retreat and drove out there. I have to admit that walking in to a place full of strangers was mildly anxiety producing for me, but the group was very welcoming and friendly. The dinner conversation was nice and after that we all congregated around the bonfire our host had prepared for us. After doing our thing around the fire I decided to get in the hot tub. I felt a little weird about that because I had to bring my old suit. I have no idea what I did with my new one. (*mental note to self...find new bathing suit before you go on another retreat*) I quickly ran from the inside of the house and hopped in the hot tub before anyone could notice that I had to wear a tank top under the suit so the sagginess of the old suit wouldn't expose my chest area.
I stayed in the hot tub until bedtime. Elapsed time was 3 hours turning myself in to a human raisin in a tub of hot, bubbly water. It was bliss!! When I went to bed I felt more relaxed than I have in as long as I can remember. It was just what I needed and deserved.
My roomie was a tosser and turner but she didn't keep me up too long. When I fell asleep I slept like a baby. I woke up feeling refreshed and stress pain free for the first time in a long time too. It felt good to be alive. The best part was waking up, looking out the window overlooking the crystal blue pool and wooded gully and seeing the sun glistening through the dew on the trees.
The morning was filled with organic breakfast and silence. About 2 hours of yoga and meditation(extremely relaxing and blissful...I didn't want it to end) then a ceremony to honor the goddess within each of us women at the retreat.
I left there feeling graceful, cleansed, relaxed and all around happy.
It was a little spendy to do all of this stuff for myself, however it was the best way I could have spent my money to get myself balanced and centered again so I could be my happy, fun self again. My batteries feel fully recharged now and I will definately be doing another goddess retreat when I get the first chance financially.
If you don't take the time out of your busy life to really treat yourself once in awhile, I'd highly suggest it. Your inner child and outer adult will thank you with top performance and bliss that takes a long time to wear off because your self is so happy you took care of it instead of others for once.
Single moms especially need to take time out and do this at least once a year. Maybe more.
Soon the polish will chip off my nails....oh yeah it already is. The cuticles will grow back, the knots will form between my shoulders and the wonderful things about the retreat will fade in my mind, but when I need to be reminded again, that will be when I decide to take another retreat just for me. I know I've noticed the change in my demeanor since getting home yesterday afternoon and I have a feeling people will notice that inner glow shining from the inside out to them. My flame has been fanned.
Saturday, October 4, 2008
Catching Up
My gosh, I haven't blogged in so long. It's almost embarrassing, considering that I like to blog pretty much every day. I guess I've been pre-occupied with work, Gman and life in general.
Lately I've been feeling.....hmmmmm.....centered but a little left of center. Gman is testing in school again and trying to manipulate all of his teachers, his dad and me. I busted him and figured out his game, much to his chagrin. lol I met with all 3 of his teachers this week to let them know what's going on and discuss some methods of solving the problem.
One of the meetings I was really dreading because he strikes me as a beer drinking, football loving, T.V. watching egomaniac. He has this "better than you" attitude and it's a little intimidating to me. I like to think of all my co-workers as peers but this teacher........I dunno. As a co-worker I don't have much respect for him. But that's another story. I'm just glad that we got everything fixed and are on the right track again. It will be interesting to see if this teacher follows the problem solving steps we set up at the meeting.
On a funnier note. Gman hates being boxed in because then he knows he can't lie his way out of homework and all that good stuff. It makes me laugh because every year he seems so surprised that he's gotten busted, but he's been doing this since kindergarten. He gets busted every year and we clamp it down on him then he gets in to doing what he is supposed to do. It kind of makes me laugh. He gets so mad when I say, let's see the assignment notebook and let's see the completed homework. Now I've made those things his ticket to fun at night. No assignment notebook, no friends, no going out for awhile, no T.V., desert, or gameboy. hahahaha He cracks me up. Once that happens he never forgets anything. Go figure. Selective memory.
Dating lately has been a fiasco as usual. I don't know if I'm just afraid to commit to someone or if they are really as bad as I think they are. For some reason, every guy I go out with thinks I want to have sex on the first date. Is that what women in the online dating world are doing to get attention? It's just not my style to jump in to bed with some guy I just met...no matter how attractive he is. Then, there must still be this idea of "no means yes" for guys. I met a guy a few weeks ago that I really liked but he was just too damned pushy and wouldn't take no for an answer on the first date. He did a few inappropriate things and the night ended. That in and of itself was a strike but I decided to give him more of a chance. The clincher was that he'd invite me over to his place almost every night for the next week instead of asking me out on a date. Do ya think I'm a desperate floozy dude? I gave him the boot via email. I didn't think he deserved a phone call after treating me like that.
I don't know if guys think that because I'm a big girl, I have trouble finding dates and I'm desperate. However that is very much not the case. I haven't ever really had a hard time finding guys to go out with and now that I realize that I can thumb my nose at the guys who have less than desirable character flaws.
On a brighter dating note. I've been at the grocery store almost every day looking for the hottie cop that works there sometimes. A little back history. His first job is that he's a sherriff's deputy. I met him 4 years ago or maybe even longer ago when I was a security officer for an apartment complex that was being built. Mr. Hottie Cop would come to the complex to do his morning paperwork and one morning we got talking. We became fast friends. There was some flirting but he was married and I was in a serious relationship so the flirting remained innocent.
Somewhere around a year ago we ran in to each other at his moonlighting job as an off duty officer at the grocery store a few blocks from my apartment. Yippeee. I reintroduced myself to him and he remembered me. There was lots of flirting and the chemistry was still there. I thought he was still married so I didn't do any touching back.
A few weeks ago I found out he has been divorced for 4 years. YAYYYY! He did some overt flirting which I was oblivious to until I got in my car and was driving and then did the whole DUHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHH thing. Now, just about every day I think of something I need to buy at that grocery store and I look for him. However he hasn't been there when I have been. So after an entire month of this, I finally did what any stalker worth her salt would do. I called the store and asked when he is working again. Apparently he had worked that day....the one day I didn't go in, and she told me he's working again today. Double YAYYYY! I'm nervous and excited to see him again. A guy friend gave me a pointer of what to do to let him know I'm interested since I totally blew it with him last time. I fully intend to let him know I'm interested today. :o)
After my grocery shopping adventure, Gman and I are going to go camping overnight. He's invited a school buddy along. I like it when he brings friends because it's a great social practice experience for him. When it's still in the upper 70's in October we take advantage of it. I hope the winter is as mild. That will make recess duty so much more pleasant.
The job is going well right now. I really love my schedule this year and I really love the kids that I have in the low reading group. They are all just really great kids. It's funny...not one of them annoy me on a daily basis. They are an interesting group. They are either all angels on a particular day or they are all acting up on a particular day. It's kind of weird. Yesterday was a challenging day. They were all talkative and squirrelly. It was pretty cool though because a couple of girls in a higher reading class told me they wished they were in my reading group. awwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwww. I always try to make them feel good that they are with their teacher by telling them I'm mean but they never believe me. lol
It feels so good that I am doing what I love and what God intended for me to do in my life. My only regret is that I've fought it for so long because of the lack of money you make. The thing I didn't realize before is that it's not all about the money. It's about loving your job and your job not seeming like work. There's no amount of money that can make up for loving what you do.
I remember being at a weekend seminar at school a few years ago and the guy saying that going to work should be like going out for a Saturday night. If you don't LOVE what you do, then why are you there? I couldn't agree with him more. When I was in the corporate world I was miserable. It wasn't for me. I'm too dang social to sit at a cubicle and work all day long. I'm much better at talking to students, helping them excel, giving compliments, talking to teachers, and socializing all day. I often find myself thinking...."I can't believe I get paid to do this!" That is the ultimate in satisfaction. (even though the pay isn't so great)
Hmmm, what else should I write about? I guess since the writing isn't flowing, I'll close for now. I need to get some laundry and dishes done anyway.
Lately I've been feeling.....hmmmmm.....centered but a little left of center. Gman is testing in school again and trying to manipulate all of his teachers, his dad and me. I busted him and figured out his game, much to his chagrin. lol I met with all 3 of his teachers this week to let them know what's going on and discuss some methods of solving the problem.
One of the meetings I was really dreading because he strikes me as a beer drinking, football loving, T.V. watching egomaniac. He has this "better than you" attitude and it's a little intimidating to me. I like to think of all my co-workers as peers but this teacher........I dunno. As a co-worker I don't have much respect for him. But that's another story. I'm just glad that we got everything fixed and are on the right track again. It will be interesting to see if this teacher follows the problem solving steps we set up at the meeting.
On a funnier note. Gman hates being boxed in because then he knows he can't lie his way out of homework and all that good stuff. It makes me laugh because every year he seems so surprised that he's gotten busted, but he's been doing this since kindergarten. He gets busted every year and we clamp it down on him then he gets in to doing what he is supposed to do. It kind of makes me laugh. He gets so mad when I say, let's see the assignment notebook and let's see the completed homework. Now I've made those things his ticket to fun at night. No assignment notebook, no friends, no going out for awhile, no T.V., desert, or gameboy. hahahaha He cracks me up. Once that happens he never forgets anything. Go figure. Selective memory.
Dating lately has been a fiasco as usual. I don't know if I'm just afraid to commit to someone or if they are really as bad as I think they are. For some reason, every guy I go out with thinks I want to have sex on the first date. Is that what women in the online dating world are doing to get attention? It's just not my style to jump in to bed with some guy I just met...no matter how attractive he is. Then, there must still be this idea of "no means yes" for guys. I met a guy a few weeks ago that I really liked but he was just too damned pushy and wouldn't take no for an answer on the first date. He did a few inappropriate things and the night ended. That in and of itself was a strike but I decided to give him more of a chance. The clincher was that he'd invite me over to his place almost every night for the next week instead of asking me out on a date. Do ya think I'm a desperate floozy dude? I gave him the boot via email. I didn't think he deserved a phone call after treating me like that.
I don't know if guys think that because I'm a big girl, I have trouble finding dates and I'm desperate. However that is very much not the case. I haven't ever really had a hard time finding guys to go out with and now that I realize that I can thumb my nose at the guys who have less than desirable character flaws.
On a brighter dating note. I've been at the grocery store almost every day looking for the hottie cop that works there sometimes. A little back history. His first job is that he's a sherriff's deputy. I met him 4 years ago or maybe even longer ago when I was a security officer for an apartment complex that was being built. Mr. Hottie Cop would come to the complex to do his morning paperwork and one morning we got talking. We became fast friends. There was some flirting but he was married and I was in a serious relationship so the flirting remained innocent.
Somewhere around a year ago we ran in to each other at his moonlighting job as an off duty officer at the grocery store a few blocks from my apartment. Yippeee. I reintroduced myself to him and he remembered me. There was lots of flirting and the chemistry was still there. I thought he was still married so I didn't do any touching back.
A few weeks ago I found out he has been divorced for 4 years. YAYYYY! He did some overt flirting which I was oblivious to until I got in my car and was driving and then did the whole DUHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHH thing. Now, just about every day I think of something I need to buy at that grocery store and I look for him. However he hasn't been there when I have been. So after an entire month of this, I finally did what any stalker worth her salt would do. I called the store and asked when he is working again. Apparently he had worked that day....the one day I didn't go in, and she told me he's working again today. Double YAYYYY! I'm nervous and excited to see him again. A guy friend gave me a pointer of what to do to let him know I'm interested since I totally blew it with him last time. I fully intend to let him know I'm interested today. :o)
After my grocery shopping adventure, Gman and I are going to go camping overnight. He's invited a school buddy along. I like it when he brings friends because it's a great social practice experience for him. When it's still in the upper 70's in October we take advantage of it. I hope the winter is as mild. That will make recess duty so much more pleasant.
The job is going well right now. I really love my schedule this year and I really love the kids that I have in the low reading group. They are all just really great kids. It's funny...not one of them annoy me on a daily basis. They are an interesting group. They are either all angels on a particular day or they are all acting up on a particular day. It's kind of weird. Yesterday was a challenging day. They were all talkative and squirrelly. It was pretty cool though because a couple of girls in a higher reading class told me they wished they were in my reading group. awwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwww. I always try to make them feel good that they are with their teacher by telling them I'm mean but they never believe me. lol
It feels so good that I am doing what I love and what God intended for me to do in my life. My only regret is that I've fought it for so long because of the lack of money you make. The thing I didn't realize before is that it's not all about the money. It's about loving your job and your job not seeming like work. There's no amount of money that can make up for loving what you do.
I remember being at a weekend seminar at school a few years ago and the guy saying that going to work should be like going out for a Saturday night. If you don't LOVE what you do, then why are you there? I couldn't agree with him more. When I was in the corporate world I was miserable. It wasn't for me. I'm too dang social to sit at a cubicle and work all day long. I'm much better at talking to students, helping them excel, giving compliments, talking to teachers, and socializing all day. I often find myself thinking...."I can't believe I get paid to do this!" That is the ultimate in satisfaction. (even though the pay isn't so great)
Hmmm, what else should I write about? I guess since the writing isn't flowing, I'll close for now. I need to get some laundry and dishes done anyway.
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