Beauty seen as a child vs. adult

Blog Prompt: How have your ideas of what is beautiful changed since you were a child?

When I was a child, I thought only store bought clothes were beautiful. At the time, my mother made most of my clothes. Other kids had name brand fancy clothes but not me. I used to tell my mother about some of them and she would try her best to make the same things for me. I even used to cut out pictures from magazines or store flyers to show her. Even though the home made clothes were close, they were not the same. Now that I look back as an adult, I see beauty in the love of my mother in trying to give me what I wanted. I realize now that we couldn't afford all of those clothes and how much time and sacrifices my parents made so that I could have what I did have. That love for me is what I think beautiful is now.

I also thought curly hair was the most beautiful hair ever, especially hair that was as dark as mine. I was the only Chinese girl in any of my classes and since I was the oddball, I was made fun of most of the time. Now as an adult, I see things much differently. Years ago I lost all of my hair and told it would never grow back (but they were wrong). Now I just appreciate having hair and I don't care if it is curly or straight or even what color it is. I don't mind now that I'm the different one in a crowd because I am proud of my heritage.

Favorite Patriotic Song

Blog Prompt: Do you have a favorite patriotic song? Share it with us...we'd love to hear it!

I think my favorite patriotic song is Lee Greenwood's God Bless the USA. When we went to China 7 years ago for a month tour, I really missed the US and that song ran through my head a lot. China was a great place to visit but there was no place like home. We take so much for granted in our country while people in other countries don't have the freedoms and quality of life that we have. It made me look at my own country with different eyes and I truly feel lucky to live here. I have tried to share this with my students and hope that someday they will come to appreciate the US the way that I do. So whenever I hear this song, I get kind of misty eyed and choked up but it is my favorite patriotic song.

Definition of Beauty

Blog Prompt: Define the idea of beauty -- physical, artistic, natural, whatever...just talk about what you think is beautiful.

"Beauty is in the eye of the beholder." This saying first appeared in the 3rd century BC in Greek.The person who is widely credited with coining the saying in its current form is Margaret Wolfe Hungerford (née Hamilton), who wrote many books, often under the pseudonym of 'The Duchess'. In Molly Bawn, 1878, there's the line "Beauty is in the eye of the beholder."

This is definitely true in my house because my hubby and I have the hardest time agreeing on what would look beautiful in our home. You can count the decorations in our house and know how many times we've agreed on that. Nothing goes up that we both don't agree on so this can cause some heated discussion on the definition of beauty.

I love to see the natural beauty of our earth when I go hiking. It seems like everything around me is a miracle and I have such a small part in the big scheme of things. Sometimes when I hike I will come upon a magnificent view that will just take my breath away. It might be a mountain, or a blooming flower or a waterfall. I think even watching a bee at work is beautiful. I love to see the earth after a soft warm rain. Everything looks so shiny and fresh. We have so much beauty that surrounds us and many people don't take the time to look around them and enjoy life.

UFOs

Blog Prompt: Today is World UFO day. What do you think UFOs are? Do you believe in little green men?

I'm not sure that I know or that anyone knows. I'm sure there are unidentified flying objects but it could be atmospheric or government stuff. I don't think I believe in little green men but I like to wonder if there are other universes out there with living beings. Are they bigger or smaller than us? Are they like us or strange creatures like in the movies? I remember seeing movies back when I was young about the future and thought many things were impossible. I can't believe how much of that future has happened in my lifetime. Surely the people who make up this stuff have a foundation somewhere like a hint of the truth or knowledge of things in the wroks. Who would have thought computers would be in almost every household? Who would have imagined that cars would be able to park themselves? Who would have thought phones could be cell phones and show pictures? But then again, I even wonder what insects think about us or what do birds think when they watch us? I know, I'm just loony! I don't have any answers but I sure do have lots of questions!

My High School

Blog Prompt: What were your high school colors? Team names? Clubs you belong too? Did you graduate? What do you remember most about your graduation day?

I graduated from West Islip High School on Long Island, NY. Our colors were blue and gold and we were the Lions. I really don't remember this but I went to the school website and looked it up. High School sports didn't have as big a following on Long Island as they do down here in South Carolina. I belonged to the drama club and every year we put on about 3 productions. I really loved the musicals! I helped a lot making the sets, finding props, being an extra (I was one of the dancers in Romeo and Juliet) and turning the piano player's music. My favorite musical was Damn Yankees. The only thing about graduation day that I remember is that it took place in our football stadium (I didn't even know we had a football team!) and after about 1000 people graduated and we hurried inside the school, it poured down rain!

Teenage Meals

Blog Prompt: What typical evening meals did you eat as a teenager? Did your mother or father prepare them or did you? What was your favorite? Least favorite?

My dad was the one who cooked dinner every day and it was usually ready within 30 min. after I got home from school. We all ate together and then my dad had to leave for work. My sister cooked on Tuesdays when my dad went into work at 10am and came home early that night. She usually cooked macaroni and cheese every week! I'm not sure I had a favorite but we usually had Chinese food every night except on Tuesdays. On special holidays though my parents might cook lamb and I detested lamb. I still hate it to this day. I remember they served it with mint jelly that was bright green and I never understood why we ate something that tasted so bad you had to disguise it with this disgusting green jelly!

Teenage Music

Blog Prompt: Did you listen to a lot of music as a teenager? Did you have a stereo, radio, cd player or reel to reel? Who was your favorite music artist? Favorite song? Which one still moves you today?

The radio was my friend and music was part of my life (CD players didn't exist back then and cassette tapes were just coming into fashion)! I had been playing an accordion since I was 4 years old so this was my way of keeping in touch with what I considered "real" music. Let's face it: you couldn't play rock and roll or country music just right on an accordion! So, I taught myself how to play my sister's old guitar and my parents finally bought me a 12 string guitar. I was throroughly enthralled with John Denver! I loved all of his songs and played a lot of them on the guitar. My prom date even looked like John Denver! I was really upset when he died and I didn't realize how different his real life was compared to the imaginary life I pictured him having. I still like to listen to John Denver songs!

Childhood Television

Blog Prompt: Television.... Where would we be without television? Seriously though. Did you have a tv set while you were growing up? If not, did your neighbors or friends? If you did, what were some of the shows that were on and what were your favorites?

I remember watching TV when I was little just when color was introduced. The NBC peacock would have colorful feathers and my whole family loved to watch it (it didn't take much to amuse us!). I remember watching Lawrence Welk, Bonanza, and Walt Disney. I usually had to go to bed after Walt Disney. I didn't watch a lot of TV because if you had time to watch TV, then you had time to clean house.

After School Job

Blog Prompt: Did you have an after school job as a teenager? What kind of job was it? What were you paid? What is your best and worst memory of the job?

As soon as I was old enough, it was expected that I would work in the Chinese restaurant where my father was the maitre'd. Both of my older sisters worked there and so would I. Of course both of them understood Chinese and I didn't understand a word. I remember my middle sister even dating some of the waiters and I was so afraid my dad would fix me up with a guy who didn't speak English. I worked as a cashier and had real life training in giving change. There was no calculator that figured out the change and you had to count backwards to the amount given. Of course this went to the waiter who would catch any mistakes I made. I probably got paid an even number right above minimum wage because I believe I was paid in cash each night (which was probably under the table but what did I care at the time). I felt very awkward and had no self confidence so I truly hated the job every day I worked there, which I did 2 nights a week for 2 years. I even worked there the first summer I was home from college which was the motivation to get my own summer job 800 miles away near my college so I wouldn't have to do this every summer. I remember a cute guy coming in to pick up his take-out order and he asked me what time did I get off work. At that moment my dad was right there and said she gets off work when I tell her to and she goes home with me! Ahh, so much for romance.

My First Car

Blog Prompt: Did you have your own car as a teenager or did you have to use the family car? What kind was it? If a family car, were you responsible to pay for the gas when you used it? How often were you allowed to use it? What restrictions, if any, were on it? If your own, did you purchase it yourself or was it a gift? How much did it cost and who paid the insurance on it?

My sister bought a red four door Chevy Malibu, brand new in 1970. My sister died when I started tenth grade and my dad drove her car until I got my driver's license. My parents paid the insurance on it and I drove my mom around in it. In my senior year, I was allowed to drive my car sometimes but I hated to use gas because I knew how hard my dad worked and hated to be a burden on him. My mom would visit friends at night and I drove her there and picked her up when she was ready to come home but I was a homebody and didn't go out at night. I also wasn't allowed out after dark unless it was a church function. When I was in my second year of college, I was allowed to have a car on campus and my parents gave me that car. Sometime during college I had to have the engine rebuilt but other than that it was in perfect shape. I had that car when I got married in 1982 and we drove it for about 6 years after that before we ever bought a new car. That car was built like a tank and had a lot of sentimental value to me. It was really hard for me to sell it but after 18 years, it was time to move on.

Learning to Drive

Blog Prompt: Did you learn to drive when you were a teenager? Who taught you? If at school, what kind of driver's ed was it? If a friend or parent, where did you go to learn? What was the worse part about learning to drive?

I learned to drive when I was in 11th grade and my father taught me. My mother was the one that I drove around for practice but that was after my father taught me the basics. Even though my mother kept renewing her license, she never drove. I never saw her drive when she was alive. My parents did pay for a driving school to teach me how to parallel park because their nerves couldn't handle it. Then I took driver's ed my senior year because it gave us a discount on our insurance but I hated that class. My teacher always made me nervous and ridiculed me because I had my license already and he thought I would act like I knew everything. I hated driving and still do so if I can get out of it I do. My husband drives most of the time when we are together unless we are on a trip and I have to give him a rest. Of course I drive to work, the grocery store, library etc. but when I'm hiking with a group, I usually carpool.

The worst part about learning to drive was when I had a learner's permit at the same time I really liked this guy. He came home with me after school and then my mom and I drove him home later. As I was backing out of his driveway, he was waving to me (or so I thought) so I waved back just as I backed into a parked cement truck. Obviously he was not "waving to me" but instead was frantically trying to get me to stop. I was so embarrassed and never had much to do with him again.

High School Best Friend

Blog Prompt: Did you have a lot of friends in high school or just one or two very close friends? What did you and your friends do for fun? Are you still in contact with any of them?

I had some friends, but only one Best Friend. Her name was Bunny and we still exchange Christmas cards once a year. Even though I couldn't attend her wedding because I was in my first year of college, my mother and sister helped Bunny make her wedding gown. Bunny drove a purple volkswagon bug and helped me learn to be happy with myself. She didn't worry about what other people thought and just worked on making herself proud of herself. Bunny lived with her divorced mother, younger brother, and single uncle. Bunny accepted me for who I was and with all the craziness in my life. At the time, my older sister had just passed away and my parents were extremely overprotective of me. We even double dated for the prom which made my parents feel better. I dont' know how I would have survived high school without Bunny.

Teenage Achievements/Mistakes

Blog Prompt: Moving on in life, as a teenager what do you feel were your greatest achievements and worse mistakes? Have these achievements and/or mistakes helped to make you a better person? Or did they hinder you as you proceeded into adulthood?

The greatest achievement I made (as I look back now, not as I saw it then) was being a good friend to others. I was always there to listen and be there for others. At the time I was lonely because I wasn't allowed to date and my parents were strict but as I look back now, I was the shoulder for both guys and girls to cry on, lean on when they needed help, or someone to depend on. I'm glad that I was there for them. I feel I was even instrumental in keeping a friend from committing suicide (which I didn't find out until 30 years later).

The biggest mistake I made was for always wishing for tomorrow to come. I always thought the future would be better than the here and now. I wish I had enjoyed the present at the time I was experiencing it. I try to tell teenagers today that same thing but like me, they weren't willing to believe that. I think this mistake though helped me achieve my goal of teaching. I was always striving hard to get good grades because I knew that without scholarships, I would never be able to go to college.

Childhood Pet

Blog Prompt: As a child did you have any exotic (i.e. those not indigenous to your area) or unusual pets? If not, did you have any pets at all? What kind? Did you give them standard pet names or come up with unusual and unique names?

My parents raised German Shepherds so we didn't have any exotic pets. The only thing exotic about them was their names (or it sounded like it to me). The oldest was Duchess, her daughter was Princess, and then our albino German Shepherd was Empress. Empress and I grew up together and Empress was always stealing my ice cream cone!

Chores

Blog Prompt: Did you have specified chores as a child? If so, what were they? Were you given an allowance for completing them? How much? What chores did you feel were unfair? Which ones did you enjoy the most?

I remember that I had to make my bed and clean my room before I could go play. As I got older, it was my job to wash the dinner dishes, take out the trash, and feed the dog. Keep in mind that when I was teenager, I was the only child in the house so I got stuck with it all. I also had to walk the dog in the morning, when I got home from school, after dinner, and before I went to bed. On Saturdays I had to clean the bathroom, vaccuum and mop the basement, and dust all the furniture. When it snowed in the winter, I had to help shovel the driveway (boy, I don't miss that in South Carolina!). I didn't get an allowance but if I ever wanted anything or needed anything, my parents pretty much got me whatever it was. I learned early not to take advantage of this because I worried about how hard my dad worked. My older sisters would get me things if my parents could not afford to get it for me.

I hated doing all the chores and used to think I was like Cinderella. I used to think I was being abused and used as slave labor. I had to do all those chores before I could play with my friends or go anywhere and I thought that was not fair (until I had my own kids)! Obviously I did not enjoy any of them! I still hate cleaning the house!

12 years ago I hired a maid to clean my house every other week and just recently cancelled it because I retired. My house is much messier and dirtier than it ever was!

Childhood Collection

Blog Prompt: Did you collect anything as a child? Why or why not? What was the significance of your collection and where did you procure it? Do you still have any or all of the collection now?

I believe the only things I collected as a child were books. Books were my escape to worlds that I thought I would never get to see. Both of my parents valued education and I was expected to make all As with no excuses. My father worked in a Chinese restaurant and my mother never worked a day in her life. She didn't even know how to pay bills or drive a car but she loved to read. She was a clean freak so clutter was not encouraged but collecting books was allowed. My father had one day off each week and that day was spent grocery shopping and mowing the lawn or whatever else needed to be done so there was no money for extras but I had found the public library as a small child and this was my favorite place. When I was also allowed to join the book clubs at school, I thought I had hit the jackpot and my collection grew. When I went away to college, my parents sold the house and I have no idea what happened to the books. After I got married, I found out my hubby collects books too and we have boxes and boxes of books as well as shelves of books practically in every room except the kitchen and dining room. Maybe one day I will open a used book store!

How Prices Have Changed!

Blog Prompt: How about we start out this week with a little research by finding the cost of a week's subscription to a newspaper, a loaf of bread, a gallon of milk, a pound of chicken or ground beef, a gallon of gasoline, the average cost of a house, the average cost of an automobile and one item of your choosing when you were born, as well as at ages 3, 5, 10 and now.

1959
Newspaper:
Bread:$.20
Gallon of milk:$1.01
Lb. of ground beef:
Gallon of gas: $.25
House: $30,000
Car:$2,132
Postage stamp: $.04

1962
Newspaper:
Bread:$.20
Gallon of Milk:$.49
Lb. of ground beef:$.35
Gallon of gas: $.31
House: $18,200
Car:$2,500
Postal stamp: $.04

1964
Newspaper:
Bread:
Gallon of Milk:$.95
Lb. of ground beef:
Gallon of gas: $.30
House: $20,500
Car:
Postal stamp: $.05

1969
Newspaper:
Bread:
Gallon of Milk: $1.10
Lb. of ground beef:
Gallon of gas: $.35
House:$27,900
Car:
Postal stamp: $.06

2007
Newspaper: $.50
Bread: $2.29
Gallon of Milk: $2.99
Lb. of ground beef: $1. 93
Gallon of gas:$2.71
House: $150,000
Car: $25,000
Postal stamp: $.41

Those were the good old days!

Weekend news: We had a wonderful weekend in the Smokies! We went to see the synchronous fireflies which happens once a year and only 2 places in the US. Then on Friday we did a 10 mile round trip hike up Mt. LeConte (so I could get a new tshirt from the lodge and its only sold there so I have to go up there to get it!). On Saturday we were just lazy and had a cookout by the river and played in the river (aka wash the stink off!). I woke up very early Sunday morning and for an hour sat on a rock in the middle of the river and enjoyed the solitude and beauty of God's wonderful garden.

Childhood Bedroom

As a child did you have your own bedroom or did you have to share? What was it like? Did you spend a lot of time playing in there or was it reserved for sleeping?

Since I was the baby of 3 girls, I was always the odd man out. I remember my mother telling me about how at one point I had a room all to myself but I cried so much that I was moved in with one of my sisters. After that I was fine. Even when my middle sister got married, my oldest sister and I shared a room. I didn't have my own room until my oldest sister died. I remember playing a lot in my bedroom (and basement and backyard). I pretty much had the run of the house but as I've said before, I was pretty spoiled.

Transportation

You are between 5 and 10. You are going on vacation (or moving). What form of transportation was used to get there? Did it take long? And what did you do to entertain yourself while traveling?

Every summer we would go on vacation to visit my relatives in South Carolina. My dad worked in a Chinese restaurant in New York and only got one week off a year. We would pack up our car and head to the sunny south. As soon as I was able to read, I remember reading in the car. Whenever I had a book, I could get lost in fantasyland. In fact, I still am that way now and love reading whenever I'm in a car, plane, boat, or train. If I could figure out how to read and ride a bicycle at the same time I would do it!

Embarrassing Baby Story

Blog Prompt: We all have had stories told to us about our younger years. Fun, silly or embarassing things we have done. So today, think about a story that you were told about yourself that happened before you were 3 years old.

First of all, I'm glad you didn't say before you were 10 because that would have been even more embarrassing! I know my family still talks about how spoiled I was as a baby (in fact, at 47 I think I'm still spoiled!). My mother thought I wouldn't ever learn to walk or talk because my sister's carried me everywhere and I never wanted for anything. When I was little I was a daddy's girl (and I still am) but my father worked in a restaurant from 3 in the afternoon to 2 in the morning. When it was bed time, I would scream and cry and refuse to go to sleep. My sisters would walk me and rock me and do all they could to shut me up. My mother would escape to the next door neighbor's house (but she could still hear me!). They said that I was a poster child for justified child abuse. I would continue until my father came home and then I would fall asleep. They did all they could to get me tired during the day, not let me nap, everything they could think of but nothing worked.

Childhood Memory

Blog Prompt: What was your first memory as a child and why do you think it stands out in your mind?

This was hard because a few things came to mind and then I would think of another. Which one came first? I thought that my dad trying to teach me to ride a bike was the earliest but then I just remembered another one. I remember sitting in the car in the middle of the back seat between both older sisters. They both complained that I was sitting right on top of them. I guess at that age I was a cuddler and I loved to sit really close to them. Since they were 10 and 12 years older than me, I guess they wanted a little space! The other thing I remember is being on King St. with my dad running beside my little red bike trying to teach me to balance and ride solo. I'm not sure when I actually learned but I really hated when he let go. Of course that little red bike was HUGE at that time.

Something Made Me Smile

Blog Prompt: Since today is Teriffic Thursday, we need something for a positive attitude today. Tell about something that made you smile yesterday or today.

It seems like I am always behind a day with my blog lately but I hope to do better once I'm done working. Yesterday was the high school graduation. It wasn't just any graduation but it was my last graduation I would have to attend. Now, that made me smile! In fact, everyone was laughing about how happy I seeemed to be. This was my last batch of seniors and I have to admit that some of the kids were really special to me. 2 of the mentally disabled students double dated with my hubby and me last year. An autistic girl decided at the last minute not to walk at graduation because it was too much for her (and I'm proud of her for being a self advocate and making a decision that worked best for her even though it was hard to do this). Another girl, who is learning disabled, worked as an intern in my husband's court last year. They are all so appreciative of everything I have done for them these past 4 years which of course only made me want to do more for them. But it is time for all of us to grow up and move on to new adventures.

About myself

This is a layout about myself that I did last August. This is for a challenge made by Karen. Check it out on Karen's Blog.

If I were a child / I Wish I Could Learn...

Blog Prompt: If you could be child for one day, how old would you be and what would you do?

If I could be a child, I would be around 5 years old. I remember being the center of attention and loving my family so much. I didn't seem to have any worries or concerns because I was well cared for and loved. I was also very spoiled (so they tell me!) and I never wanted for anything. I would go on vacation with my parents and my 2 sisters because we very rarely got to do that. My dad worked 6 days a week in a Chinese restaurant and so we never went away except one week a year for a vacation. We usually drove to SC (from NY) to visit my aunt. I loved being with my family!

Blog Prompt: I wish I could learn..... because.....

I wish I could learn Cantonese before my dad dies. I am the only one who can not speak Chinese in my family. My parents and my sisters, who were 10 and 12 years older than me, all spoke Cantonese. When I started kindegarden, the teachers told my parents that my broken English was unacceptable and that they needed to stop speaking Chinese to me. Of course my parents trusted these educated people and so I'm the only one who can't speak Chinese. Whenever we visited relatives as I grew up, they laughed at me for not knowing what they said. I always had to have everything translated to me. It was bad enough that I was the only Chinese student in school which made me different and a target for bullying but then to be made fun of when I was with relatives was really hard for me. This caused me to resent being Chinese and I tried to be as American as I could. Now that I'm older and wiser, I embrace my uniqueness. I have more confidence and self esteem than I did growing up and I would like to find my roots. In 2000 I went to China for the first time to see the country where my father and sisters were born. It was a really wonderful feeling for me because for the first time in my life, I wasn't different! Now I want to learn the language of my father before he dies so we could have a conversation in it like I never did as a child.

Memorial Day

Blog Prompt: How does your city celebrate this day or do you do anything special? Do you know anyone who has served in the military? If so, let us know so that we can honor all of those who serve their country.

For the first time, our neighboring town is hosting Freedom Weekend Aloft which is a hot air ball festival with rides, food, and concerts. We haven't gone yet but I'm hoping to talk my hubby into going. They expect around 50,000 people and he hates traffic, so I don't know if we will get to go.

This weekend we went to Bryson City, NC camping with 18 other friends. We did some hiking and sitting around the campfire. It was a wonderful way to celebrate the weekend. The weather was perfect too which is unusual for us since there are usually rain showers when we go there.

My father was in the Army and my father in law was in the Air Force during WWII, my cousin and brother in law were in the Army during the Vietnam War, and my husband was in the Navy during the Vietnam War. During the war my father in law was shot down and severely injured but survived. He lived for about 50 years with major things missing in his abdomen area and the doctors were never sure how he was still alive. I guess he just had a stubborn will to live. At least I know where my husband got his stubborness!

I Wish

Blog Prompt: I wish I could see...... because.....

I wish I could see my mother and sister because I didn't tell them enough that I loved them. In my heart I know they knew that I loved them but now I'm older and wiser and would love to see them face to face and tell them. I was only 14 when my sister died at 27. I was young, spoiled, and pretty self centered at the time but I was very close to her. I think that is why I don't remember much of my high school years (besides that it was 34 years ago! lol) but I think I grieved for her and worried about my parents coping. I look back now at all the sacrifices that my mother made for me and I never really appreciated it until she was gone. After I was married I told her thank you for many things but I don't think I ever really told her thanks for all of the things she taught me, gave up fore me, and caring for me as I grew up. It's been almost 18 years since she passed away but I still miss at.

The Best Teacher

Blog Prompt: Describe the best teacher you ever had.

The best teacher I've ever had was Lesley Wheatley (now Lesley Quast), a professor at Furman University. She saw things in me that I didn't know was there. I was pretty shy and had very little confidence. Growing up sheltered and spoiled, I felt that I really wasn't capable of doing much but I always dreamed of being a teacher and was determined to achieve this dream. I loved every class she taught. She was so calm and assured that I wanted to model myself after her. By encouraging me to observe other teachers and have hands on experiences, it was her gentle way of teaching me. I was always in awe of her knowledge and never felt confident enough to have in depth conversations with her so I remember standing apart from the crowd that always surrounded her. Yet, she never gave up on me and always included me whenever she could. In my senior year of college, I almost gave up my dream but she would not let me and now I'm actually getting ready to retire from teaching. We still keep in touch which is amazing to me and now I'm able to talk to her with more confidence. In fact, she sent an email letting me know how far I've come since way back then and it really warmed my heart! I have won some teaching awards over the years and I have tried to thank her for all that she has done, but I'm not sure I will ever be able to show my appreciation for the chances that she has given me. All I can say is: Thank You Dr. Quast!

Yucky Food

Blog Prompt: I wish I didn't have to eat...... I don't like this food because.....

I wish I didn't have to eat pasta. I don't like this food because I LOVE this food! But it makes me gain weight. I could eat pasta 3 times a day every day of the week. I love it in any way, shape, or form. I like it cold or hot. It can be covered in sauce or mixed in a salad. I should have been born Italian instead of Chinese! If we go out to eat and there is something with pasta on the menu (and it doesn't cost an arm and a leg), I will probably order that dish. My hubby says I'm so predictable. For some reason, the calories go straight to the stomach! Now that I've written this stuff I'm hungry for pasta and it's only 5:35am!

Falling Asleep

Blog Prompt: What do you think about when you can't fall asleep?

When I have trouble falling asleep, usually my thoughts are all in a jumble. I start making lists of things I need to do, lists of things I want to do, lists of things I DON'T want to do, lists of things I want other people to do! I guess you get the picture. But if something has upset me earlier in the day, I start having pretend conversations and rehearsing things I want to say. Of course this just makes me even more upset. When I try to force myself not to think of these thoughts, I try to count backwards from 1000. But I usually get sidetracked and find myself going back to the other thoughts. I hate when this happens!

Free Entertainment

Blog Prompt: Tell about something you do for entertainment that doesn't cost any money.

1. Hiking and camping! Since I bought my hiking boots 10 years ago, and my daypack about 15 years ago and my tent about 8 years ago, I don't consider that as spending any money. Of course we do use gas to get us to the trailhead but other than that we don't spend any money. AND since I have a new car that gets 50 miles to the gallon, I don't think I will count that cost.
2. I love to garden. For me it is instant gratification because I can see the progress I have made when I weed or if I plant things. I always feel so proud when I get compliments on my garden.
3. Playing with my worms. I have 2 huge compost bins full of worms. I feed them food scraps and shredded paper. Then when I have time, I separate the compost (worm poop) and spread it around my flowers.
4. I love to sit in my "play room" and look through the window as the birds play in my water garden.
5. I love to go to the library and check out books at least twice a week.
6. My hubby and I walk about 3 miles in the local park each day. We have no phone, no computer, no TV, and no interruptions. This is 100% quality time together.
7. I love to read. I read at breakfast, in the evenings, and I have to read before I go to sleep or I can't sleep.
8. Listen to free podcasts that I download from Itunes.

Wonderful Weekend

If you DID want to be famous, what would you like to be famous for doing?

If I was famous, I would love to be famous for being a master gardener. I'm still an amateur and learning and making lots of mistakes every day. I love to look at all these famous gardens and wish that mine could look like that. Of course I don't have a whole crew getting paid megabucks and unlimited resources to buy plants. Instead I'm doing all of this myself.

But...I had a wonderful weekend!

Saturday morning I went out and spread about 10 bales of pine needles after breakfast. When I came in for a drink, my hubby actually volunteered to trim some of the bushes for me. Then he even got the hand saw and trim dozens of limbs for me that I couldn't cut with my hand pruner. Of course there was a wedding going on across the street so I couldn't drag ethe debris to the street but that was okay. Then we took a break and went to lunch where one of my students was working and he was thrilled. After lunch I scrapped 3 pages that I've been thinking about for a couple of days and then worked on my afghan. I watched the Nascar race with my hubby in the evening (well, kind of. I read a book and crocheted at the same time).

Sunday morning I went out at 6:30am and dragged all that debris to the road. Around 7:45 I dragged my hubby out of the bed to take me to breakfast. After breakfast I went out and worked in the jungle...I mean garden for a couple of more hours. By then it had gotten too hot to do any more so I think I'm done for the weekend. This afternoon we are going to a pig roast with my hiking club at one of the hiker's homes. I learned how to make this easy-to-make great spicy dip (VERY easy or I wouldn't do it!) that I'm bringing to the party with the Frito scoops.

I love the feeling that I've accomplished things and can actually see it. I have a feeling this will be a great week and I'm in such a good mood. Not to mention that I will be retired in 11 more work days! (Had to slip that in. In fact I try to slip the number in every conversation I'm having! I'm probably getting obnoxious about it but I don't care! lol)

Money, Power, or Fame

Blog Prompt: Which is least important to you--money, power, fame--and why?

Fame is the least important to me. I guess I'm kind of shy which is why I love the internet. I don't have to come face to face with people and can just be myself. When I'm around people I worry that I'm talking to much or I look stupid or I sound stupid. (You get the picture.) Money is important because I like to eat and travel and read and play on my computer. Without money I couldn't do those things. Power in the way of control is important to me. I'm a control freak and I have to plan in detail about things. I have lists to make sure I do the things that need to be done. I have to know the plan before hand or I go crazy so when my husband wants to do things spur of the moment, I get antsy. Since I will never be famous, I'm happy that fame is the least important to me.

This Week's Good Thing

Blog Prompt: Tell about something that made you feel good this week.

I was feeling whine-y yesterday and grumping about my bad day on Tuesday to my assistant early before school started. I was worried about what kind of day it would be when my friend came in to say good morning. All of a sudden she puts a gift bag on my desk and a card. She just decided to give me a gift and thank me for being her friend. Inside was a glass jar full of ...chocolate kisses! Now folks, you can't beat a load of chocolate kisses when you are feeling blah! I ate them all day long! Can you believe how sweet she is? All year long she is dropping little gifts on my desk and I just don't think she knows how much they mean to me. She is always so thoughtful and caring and I wish I could be that way. I want to be and think about giving little gifts like that but I never actually do it. She is always giving little gifts and getting cards for people to make their day brighter. I'm so thankful that God brought her into my circle of friends!

5 Annoying Things

Blog Prompt: List the 5 things that annoy you the most. If you are like me, this can change from day to day, but tell me the recent annoyances that have just gotten on your nerves.

1. People who don't show up on time. I was told to expect the pine needle delivery truck between 2 and 4 pm so I got off from work early and waited for them. At 4:30, I called the boss who apologized and said they were on their way. At 5pm, I called again and asked from what state were they leaving from. He said they would be there in ten minutes. At 5:30, I called and said that they could keep them, but I was tired of waiting. The boss insisted they were nearby and would be there in about ten minutes. Finally at 5:50 they showed up. I could barely speak to the person who of course blamed it on the boss.
2. Inconsiderate people in parking lots. As I drive down the aisle to look for a parking space, there are usually people who walk right down the middle of the aisle blocking your car.
3. People who pee on public toilet seats without cleaning it up. Enough said.
4. Litter bugs. I have seen people throw trash on the ground without even thinking of picking it up and throwing it away.
5. TV commercial volume. The commercials come on between shows so you have to lower the volume. Then when the show comes back on you have to raise the volume.

Friend Qualities

Blog Prompt: What is most important to you in a friend--loyalty, generosity, honesty--why?

I think honesty is most important to me. If I know my friend is honest, this leads to trust which is extremely important to me. I think that is why the only person I really trust with my whole heart is my husband. He is also my best friend. I know that he will be honest with me, even if it hurts. I can always count on him to be there for me. I know he will not lie or cheat on me. We have both been let down by people and agree that honesty is what makes our marriage so wonderful (going on 25 years this June). I think loyalty and generosity comes after honesty because honesty has to be established first, at least for me.

Foolish Thing

Blog Prompt: What do you think is the most foolish thing you’ve done in your life?

This was hard because I've done so many foolish things in my life! My hubby and I were actually debating this yesterday when we were hiking. It's amazing how different our views were on this. I think the most foolish thing we've done was many years ago we went on a tour in Thailand with complete strangers. I found this ad in a paper that said this company would take us to the Bridge Over the River Kwai for a really cheap price. (I know, you get what you pay for!). This lady we met and the two of us get in van with 3 young people we didn't know. They barely spoke English and we didn't speak any Thai. So, they took us to a couple of stores we didn't want to go and finally took us to the Bridge. On the way back, they took us to a couple of more stores we didn't want to shop at. Finally they took us back to the hotel. Now that I look back, I think how stupid it was to get in a van with complete strangers in a foreign country with no one knowing where we were going or who we were with. The hotel saw us arrive back and then warned us about doing this because some women at the time were being kidnapped and being sold into slavery. The only thing that saved us was that maybe we were old and fat and ugly. LOL

Above is a layout:

( http://www.digitalscrapbookplace.com/gallery/showphoto.php?photo=187799&cat=500&ppuser=40723)

about what I did yesterday for Mother's Day. It was a glorious wonderful day!

Dreaming of the Mountains

Blog Prompt: Where would you prefer to be right now--mountains, desert, beach--and why?

Right now I would love to be in the mountains hiking. I am not a beach or desert person because I can't take the heat. I don't sweat very much and just get overheated, red faced, and almost pass out. I'm not a sun worshipper. Lupus runs in the family and the doctors recommended that I stay out of the sun as much as possible. Of course I garden, so I get my share of the sun.

It has been a stressful week and I don't see things getting any better. I only have 17 more work days until I retire but they are chock full of "stuff I gotta do"! I have final exams coming up so I also need to make the exams and review sheets. On top of that, my students don't want to be here and behavior is not the best. I also have to pack up 28 years of teaching and find a place to store the "stuff" (not junk, as my hubby calls it). So, I'm thinking of escaping to the beautiful mountains in my mind.

I would love to be in the mountains no matter what the weather is. On sunny days, everything looks so wonderful and fresh in the spring. New buds are starting and the earth's rebirth is all around. I feel so alive and in awe of God's creation. None of my trivial problems seem important when I look at all that God has done. I believe if he can perform all these miracles in nature, I know he is taking good care of me and I just need to trust him enough to let it happen, his way and not my way.

My Mom

Blog Prompt: Describe your relationship with your mom or a mother figure.

Growing up, I didn't like my mother. I loved her but I didn't like her. She was stricter than all my friend's moms. She was older than the other moms too. I didn't think she was beautiful like the other younger moms either. She yelled at me when I did wrong. She was home when I got home from school and knew everything I did and who I was with. All of the other kids in high school were drinking, smoking, dating since they were 12, having sex (so they said), and just having fun! I wasn't allowed to do any of those things. Can you imagine!

I was excited about going 800 miles away to college and getting away from my mom. I ended up writing to her almost every day for the four years I was in college and she saved all of those letters. I also called home every weekend for all four years too.

When I got married, my mother made my wedding gown and it was beautiful. I then found myself going to my mom for all sorts of advice. She helped me when I was angry with my children or when I was upset about life. I counted on all of the knowledge that I resented as a young girl.

When she passed away in 1989, I was devastated. I hope she knew how much I loved her. I didn't tell her enough or tell how much and wish I did. Even though we ended each phone call with saying I Love You, I wonder why I didn't say or do more. I hope everyone who has a mother doesn't just say the words but really show you mean it while you can.

TV Mothers

Blog Prompt: Since Mother's Day is approaching, who do you think was the best TV mom and why?

1. Donna Reed
2. Caroline on Little House on the Prairie
3. Mother on Father Knows Best
4. Mother on Happy Days
5. Mother on the Partridge Family
6. Mother on Family Ties
   
   Those are the mothers I enjoyed watching on TV. I am having a hard time picking the best but I remember wishing my mom was one of those. Since my father was 40 when I was born, people would think my parents were my grandparents. I wanted a young mother like my friends had. If I had to choose one, I would pick the mother of the Partridge Family. She always seemed like one of the kids but still the adult. I thought she was cool and would be a lot of fun to be around.

What Makes Me Feel Safe

Blog Prompt: What Makes You Feel Safe?

1. My husband. Whenever I am with him, I feel loved and secure. He encourages me to do the things I want to do even if I’m feeling too scared to do it. His unconditional love gives me the strength to enjoy life to the fullest.
2. Light. Some of you know that I am scared of the dark if I’m alone. As long as I’m with someone, I don’t mind the dark as much.
3. Financial Stability. I have to be able to pay my bills and not worry about this. I had to do too much of this early in our marriage and maybe this worry is for young people. I’m getting too old to have to deal with this worry.
4. Knowledge. I can’t stand not knowing what is going to happen. I am such a type “A” personality that I can’t stand not knowing what to expect. I have to have organization or I feel off balanced.

Blog Prompt: What do you think about ghosts?

I believe that there are spirits that tend to make themselves known at different times in my life.

My sister passed away when I started 10th grade and we were very close even though she was 12 years older than me. At the time I remember a very sickly hospital smell that I only associate with her death. I have never smelled in again in the hospital or any medical center. During important events in my life (high school graduation, college graduation, wedding etc. ) I have had that smell appear again and I'm the only one who can smell it. When I was younger, it scared me but now it doesn't. I believe my sister was there to share in these special times.

I believe there is a spirit attached to my house (the former owner died of cancer in my house). I have been awakened to someone's breath on my left cheek as I lay in bed even though my hubby sleeps on my right side. Things get missing and then we find them in an unlikely place and I'm sure the mischievous spirit is messing with my mind. We think the spirit protected us from up-to-no-good kitchen painters. All of the bulbs in the lights dimmed to where the orange element was the only thing glowing. In the livingroom the lights were so bright you couldn't stand in there. Immediately we called an electrician who came out to check so we wouldn't have a fire but he said this was impossible because a 60 watt bulb can only burn 60 watts. It scared the painters so bad that they left and wouldn't return. Right after they left the house, all the bulbs returned to normal and this hasn't ever happened again. That was about 8 years ago. I'm not scared though because if he wanted to hurt us, he would have a long time ago. We've lived in this house for almost 12 years.

Favorite Cartoon/Comic Strip Character

Blog Prompt: Who are your 5 Favorite Comic/Cartoon characters?

1. Casper the Friendly Ghost - since I'm afraid of the dark, I always hoped there was a Casper out there to take care of me
2. Charlie Brown - I always felt sorry for him
3. Garfield - I love his attitude!
4. Ziggy - I'm a sucker for a sad story.
5. Cathy - I can relate to a lot of her situations.

5 Dishes

Blog Prompt: You have heard that the President and his wife of an obscure country is coming to visit and picked you (and your family if you want) to have dinner with. You can decide to cook for them or order in or take them out. What 5 dishes would you want them to taste? They can be any part of a meal (appetizers, main dish, vegetables, salads, desserts) or all of one type (all deserts for example).

I am not a good cook, in fact I'm not much of a cook at all. I don't enjoy cooking but can if I have to. That being said, I would definitely take them out for dinner or order in for the main dishes. The 5 dishes I would want them to taste would be:

1. Pasta salad (I use tri colored rotini, cucumbers, tomatoes, green onions, olives, oregano, basil, red cider vinegar, salt)
2. Fried Green Tomatoes (I never had them before I married my hubby but I love them! These would have to be cooked by someone else.)
3. Baked Ziti or Lasagna with lots of cheese (Have be cooked by someone else!)
4. Kentucky Fried Chicken Hot Wings that are freshly cooked.
5. Ice Cream Banana Split (Baskin Robbins with the following ice cream: Cherry Jubilee, Jamoca, Butter Pecan)

Okay, now I have to go to work and I just finished a bowl of cereal but I'm SO hungry all of a sudden!

Important Occupations

Blog Prompt: You have been appointed the head of the Department of Labor and plan to set salaries according to how important an occupation is. What do you think are the top 5 most important occupations?

1. Dentist/Doctor - if you ever had a toothache or backache, you would agree!
2. Police - Every world needs law and order.
3. Sanitation Workers - Definite must!
4. Farmers - I like to eat even more than I like hiking!
5. Comedians (Life isn't worth anything if you can't laugh about it, right?)

5 Must See Places

Blog Prompt: You won the travel lotto! You will get an all expense paid trip for you and your family to 5 places anywhere in the world. List the 5 "Must See" places in the world you would go see.

1. A month-long tour of China. I went in 2000 and went to Beijing, Shanghai, 7 day cruise down the Yangtze river and the new dam (before it all was filled with water), Xian, and Hong Kong. It was fantastic and I would do it again in a heart beat!
2. Macchu Picchu in Peru. I would love to hike up the Inca Trail
3. A tour of Greece - it looks magical and I've never been there. I'd love to see all the ruins that I've studied about it college.
4. Ireland and Scotland - I love the accents; I love looking at pictures of the scenery; I want to see the castles; and I love bagpipes!
5. New Zealand - I loved Lord of the Rings; I heard they don't have poisonous snakes; it looks magical; and it is as far away from home as I can get without leaving the earth.

Best Dressed

Blog Prompt: You are in charge of giving out a major award to the 5 Best Dressed People of the Year. Who are they?

1. My assistant principal, Elizabeth: she always looks good no matter what kind of day she is having.
2. Ben Affleck: he looks great in a suit!
3. Matt Damon: he looks great in anything!
4. Kate Hudson: she dresses so much better than her mother, Goldie Hawn
5. Oprah: she dresses very nice especially when she is having her "thin" days.

Success

Blog Prompt: What is your definition of 'success'? Do you know any 'successful' people who inspire you?

Success to me means achieving your goals that enable you to be independent without doing harm to others. I feel I have been very successful in my career and in my personal life. That doesn't mean I haven't had my ups and downs but more ups than downs. I believe that you have to constantly work on your life and not take it for granted or think that things work out for themselves.

I have known many successful people and try to surround myself with successful people. I like to watch and see what they do that makes them successful so I can try the same techniques. I think their positive attitudes and outlook on life is contagious. There are so many people at DSP that I feel are successful and I love to read the blogs of my many successful friends. This has me feeling good so I can work on my own life.

A Poem

Blog Prompt: Let's write a poem. Try a haiku, rhyming, or any other style you like.

Approaching Retirement

As I get ready for retirement
I look all around.
I think about what I’m leaving
For adventures that will abound.

It’s sad to leave my career of teaching,
And worry that memories will fade.
It’s sad to leave my students
And miss all the progress they’ve made.

I hope that I’ve been able
To touch many lives
And hope I’ll continue to do so
When a new challenge arrives.

I don’t know where I’m headed
And if I’ll know when I reach it.
But I know I’ll enjoy trying
And have fun every minute.

My Favorite Cookie

Blog Prompt: What's your favorite cookie? Do you make it? Does someone else? Do you buy it?

I actually have 2 favorite cookies depending on what mood I'm in. I love chocolate chip cookies and pecan sandies. Chips Ahoy chocolate chip cookies and Keebler Pecan Sandies are my favorite store bought cookies. Homemade chocolate chip cookies are the best! I don't usually make any because I'm a terrible cook/baker. I tried one time to make chocolate chip cookies for a meeting I had the next day. I used the Tollhouse recipe on the back of the chocolate chip bag but they all burnt on the cookie sheet. I went, in tears, across the street to my neighbor who came over to help me make another batch. She has made "millions" because she loves to cook and bake. Again we followed the recipe on the back of the bag. Again they burned! She began to back away from me thinking I was cursed by the Kitchen God! She said that this has never happened to her before and now that I think about it, I don't think she ever walked in my kitchen again before she moved.

Daily Routine

Blog Prompt: What is the most tedious or boring part of your daily routine/job? What is the most creative?

The most boring part of my job is running off copies on the copy machine. Thank goodness I have a full time assistant who runs off my papers. I hate when she is absent and I have to actually work the "monster." I like my papers to be front and back and I don't have the patience to figure out how to get it run off the way I want.

The most boring part of my daily routine is whenever it gets dark. I hate darkness and night. It seems like nighttime goes on forever. The only good thing about nighttime is that daylight will be here next! I get antsy because I wish it was light enough to do more gardening. I could do more hiking if it didn't get dark (I'm NOT a moonlight hiker!)

The most creative time of day for me is the mornings. I do my best thinking and working in the morning. I get up at 4:45 am and walk on my treadmill for 30 min. I do my best problem solving at that time. I check my email and answer necessary things before 6am. I love to do scrapping and gardening before 9am (ooooh, I can't wait for retirement!). I get to work by 7:15 and have until 8:15 before students arrive in my classroom. I do most of my planning and preparation during that time.

Favorite Color

Blog Prompt: What's your favorite color? Describe it. Has it always been your favorite? Why is it your favorite?

I have 2 favorite colors: blue and purple. Blue has always been my favorite. I like the way I look in blue and it seems like everything goes with blue. My stepmother loves blue too so it is fun how we look for blue things together. My livingroom and bedroom have blue in it. I love to wear blue jeans (wooo hooo! retirement - here I come. I will live in blue jeans!).

My other color is purple which is my alma mater (Furman Univ. ) school color. When I got married, my wedding party wore lavendar and we were married at the bell tower on the lake at Furman. I tend to gravitate towards purple because it is a bright and cheerful color to me.

Combination

Teachcareable: I am a teacher who is caring and lovable. I may think of more later in the day but that is the best I could come up with this morning. I don't know how I will define myself when I stop teaching though because it has defined me for 26 years. It's times like this that makes me stop and think about retirement.

(I'm in Indiana today and spent my first night ever in Indiana. We plan to go to the Falls of the Ohio State Park and then off to Louisville for my meetings. If any of you have relatives and friends at Virginia Tech, please know you, your family, and all of those at Virginia Tech and their families are in my thoughts and prayers!)

Disappointment

I'm having to deal with disappointment and thought it would help if I wrote about it and then I wouldn't feel so bad.

I have a conference in Kentucky this coming Tues. through Sun. so we decided to drive up there from SC last night and do some camping and hiking. I was so pumped up about this trip. I had the car packed up on Thursday night with little odds and ends to finish on Friday. I had lists of things I needed to remember to bring and lists of things I needed to do before I left. Well, last night I packed up the remainder of things and was all set to go, when we looked at the weather report.

Since it would rain on Friday night and Saturday, we decided not to leave Friday night and leave in the morning instead. We would travel on Saturday and it should clear out on Sunday so we could go hiking and camping. So I unpacked the essentials from the car and planned on leaving in the morning.

This morning I got up early and watered all my plants (I forgot to do that yesterday) and prepared to leave. I put all the essentials back in the car. My husband meanwhile watched the weather report which changed overnight and it is going to rain all weekend. So now we decide not to leave until tomorrow (Sunday) and hike on Monday. Camping will be out since we have to be in Louisville on Tuesday. So I go out and unpack all the camping gear and the essentials.

This is turning out to be a bummer weekend. I did go out and weed the front flowerbed to help get rid of some of my frustration and disappointment. Now I will go do some scrapping to help lift my spirits. I hate whining but I couldn't help it. Thanks for listening and letting me unload!

Friday the 13th

Blog Prompt: Are you superstitious? Does the thought of 'Friday the 13th' make you nervous?

I don't really think I'm superstitious but I don't mind hedging my bets. I don't think that walking under a ladder will hurt me, but I don't tempt fate. I knock on wood just to be safe. Little things like that. As for Friday the 13th, for some reason, it usually is a good day for me. I don't know if that is because everyone else is freaked out and I'm calmer but I look forward to this day. I also consider the number 13 lucky because most others don't like it and I feel sorry for the underdog. Have a happy Friday the 13th!

Four

Blog Prompt:

Four jobs I've had: camp counselor, knitting factory worker, chinese restaurant cashier, teacher

Four movies I've watched over and over: To Kill a Mockingbird, Dirty Dancing, Pretty Woman, Sound of Music

Four places I've lived: House in Long Island, New York; college campus in Greenville,SC ; apartment complex in Greenville, SC; house in Greenville, South Carolina

Four tv shows I like(d) to watch: Grey's Anatomy, the Unit, Criminal Minds, CSI

Four places I've been on vacation: Caribbean, China, Italy, France

Four of my favorite foods: Chocolate, Pizza, Ice Cream, Italian food

Sibling Day

In honor of Sibling's Day, talk about your relationship with your siblings. If you don't have any, tell us how you feel about that.

My oldest sister, who was 12 years older than me, died from lupus when I was in 10th grade. We were very close so that was a traumatic time for me. My middle sister, who is 10 years older than me, still lives in NY so we don't see each other much at all. Thanks to the computer, we do instant message each other a lot and we both have Verizon so calls don't cost anything. When I went away to college and during the early years of my marriage, we drifted apart. I have to admit, during those days I was pretty self centered. I had 2 small daughters, a new career, and was trying to make ends meet. Connecting with family was not high on my priority list. Since we both got computers, we have gotten much closer, almost like when I was growing up. I didn't realize how much I had missed this closeness until I had it again. I hope I never let her get far away emotionally from me again.

Free Advertising

Free Advertising!! Are there three products in your life that you just love (favorite scrapping designer? a cleaning product that does what it claims? or your favorite restaurant?)? Tell us about them! (Add links and maybe we'll decide we can't live without them either )

1. Well of course, I would have to push Digital Scrapbook Place! (www.digitalscrapbookplace.com). I think I practically spend every minute outside of checking my email there. I love the freebies and the kits as well as a plethora (just love to use that word!) of challenges to choose from. I look forward to my blog prompt each day and reading everyone else's. At first I was trying to do as many challenges as I could and finally learned that I had to limit myself to about 3 a week or I'd go crazy! I also had to limit myself to $12 per week or I'd go bankrupt!
2. Toyota Prius (http://www.toyota.com/Prius/)- my new hybrid car. I've had it for a little over a month and I still love it. We've taken it on a couple of long trips and it is very comfortable. I average about 45-50 miles per gallon so it is very economical too.
3. Council for Exceptional Children (www.cec.sped.org) - the largest professional organization for special education teachers. I was just elected to a second term on the Board of Directors on the national level. There are state and local chapters that you belong to once you join. I've been a member since 1978 and I really feel it has helped me be a better teacher.

Spring Growth

Spring always means change or growth. Any changes or growth going on in your life?

Spring is bringing about lots of changes for me and it is only the beginning. I'm preparing for my retirement as of June 6. This means I have to do lots of paperwork for my health insurance and finalizing "stuff". I am also going to have to begin packing and sorting and throwing out stuff that I've accumulated after 26 years of teaching. A lot of my stuff is so out of date that I don't know why I still have it. Do any of you remember those old mimeograph sheets (the blue stuff that smelled so good?). I have lots of those things and I can't even use them anymore.

I will also begin to teach my first college course so I've been spending a lot of time writing my syllabus, preparing powerpoint presentations, planning lessons, gathering material, and reading the textbook. When I slow down to think of what I'm doing I feel so overwhelmed, unworthy, and just plain scared to death!

So as you can tell, spring is a time of rebirth and growth for me. I feel like I've hit adolescence again. I want to grow up but I'm scared and want things to remain the same. Gee, doesn't that sound so familiar!

Spread Too Thin

Blog Prompt: What do you do when you find yourself overbooked? Are you someone that pushes through and collapses at the end? Cancel out selectively and give yourself breathing room? Or maybe curl up in the fetal position and cry?

I am the world's worst at telling people "No." Years ago, my hubby wanted me to practice looking in the mirror and saying no over and over. Now he says I'm good at telling him no but not everyone else. I always feel bad for people or feel that I'm not doing enough or not doing my share so I am always in the middle of doing things for other people. I spend the entire time worrying about getting something done until I finish it and then I swear to myself that I won't do this again (until the next time of course). I usually end up finishing something at the last minute and put myself through all sorts of stress. I've gotten better about saying no just because I know that I will have to face my hubby (he is sort of my conscience and my better half). I now tell people that I will think about it and come home and talk to my hubby first. If he can't come up with a good reason for not doing something or he can't talk me out of it, I will end up doing it. That is why he is my "better half!"

"A" words

Argyle, antsy, acupuncture, aunt, attention, apple, abracadabra, accurate, afford, aggravate, alleviate, ambush, and, amber, achilles, arrow, astound, aviate, aviary, aviator, away, absolutely, awesome.

I am supposed to be on my Easter break and we left yesterday morning for the Smokies. Yesterday we did a couple of hikes (total only about 7 miles) and today we did a couple more (only about 6 miles). After a wonderful night camping, we heard that bad storms were coming so we packed up and came home. I'm feeling a little lazy right now because I had a relaxing shower and couldn't wait to get on my computer to check out DSP. My brain had trouble thinking of A words! Maybe because I'm on vacation!
Tomorrow we hope to head down to Atlanta and Callaway Gardens after the rain goes away. I am just enjoying the time off!

Childhood Birthdays

Blog Prompt: Describe one of your childhood birthdays. Compare it to your current birthday celebrations, what has stayed the same over time?

When I was little, I remember that birthday parties were a big thing. We wore fancy dresses and played Pin the Tail on the Donkey. All of the neighborhood kids were invited along with everyone in my class. I always had an ice cream cake too and we had lots of fun. I don't remember when I was too old for them but as I got older, birthdays were more quiet and just for family.

Now, we pretty much celebrate my birthday as any other day. My sister and parents call me up to wish me a happy birthday and my hubby sends me emails all day long. I don't usually get any presents because hubby buys me whatever I want whenever I want it so we don't wait for birthdays. I'm just grateful to be alive another year because my older sister died when she was 27 and my mother died at 59 so I tend to appreciate life a lot. We try to eat healthy and exercise a lot so we will have many more birthdays!

Party Girl

Blog Prompt: Are you the partying type? Write about a party you've had or attended. Ever wanted to be the recipient of a surprise party? Now is your chance to let your family know!

I love having my annual Chinese New Years Party. Everyone brings a dish to share and whatever they drink for themselves. I supply the paper plates, forks, napkins, and cups. There is always enough food and everyone seems to have a good time. Usually around 40 - 50 people show up. It lasts around 3 hours and by 11pm, everyone is gone and there isn't a lot to clean up since people take their dishes home. My daughter and her husband come and she usually makes sure the trash is constantly put outside and she usually stays to help me wash some dishes and straighten up before she leaves (why couldn't she have been this wonderful as a teenager!).

I like to go to parties but my hubby doesn't really enjoy them so we compromise and go to a couple a year but that's it. I'm hoping when we retire, he won't mind going so much.

I do not like surprise parties at all. I had one right before I left for college and it was fun but I think planning and arranging is part of the fun. Being excited that the party is nearing is a great feeling. So, no surprise parties for me, please!

A Birthday Story

Blog Prompt: What's the most peculiar gift you've ever received? Describe the scene when you opened it and your reaction.

The most peculiar gift I've ever received was my pickup truck fully decorated in honor of my birthday. I had just been at my new job for about a month (I'm a teacher at a high school) and it was the end of the day. My truck was covered in soap writing and had balloons and cans tied to the outside. In addition to all that, the inside was full of balloons (not helium) so when I opened up the door, they didn't go anywhere. I pulled some out and they just landed on the ground around me so I knew I couldn't litter my new job site with these balloons and had to do something. By now, I'm totally embarrassed when one of my new colleagues comes out and looks at the sight. I'm hopping around trying to pop the balloons with my feet so I can pick up the "dead" remains so I'm sure I was fun entertainment. Instead of walking away, she stayed and helped me pop the rest of the balloons. We have been friends ever since. We couldn't untie the knots in the string with the cans so I had to leave the parking lot dragging the cans. What an embarrassing sight all the way home! I did find out that all of this was complimentary of my husband and his staff. Now on my birthday, I hide my vehicle and ask a friend to pick me up at the hide-out site.

Names

Blog Prompt: Is the name you have now the same name that's on your birth certificate? If not, what's changed? If you could change your name (first or middle, no last names for safety please!), what would it be? Why were you named what you were? (Is there a story behind it? Who specifically was responsible for naming you?) Are there any names you really hate or love? What are they and why?

The only change I made was when I got married. I dropped my middle name (Ruth after my grandmother) and use my maiden name and then my married name. As for my nickname, I was called Loony all through school and college so I'm pretty comfortable with it. My parents almost named me Gail but then changed it to Patricia. Over the years I've written my name Patty, Patti, Pattie, Patricia, and Pat (seemed more grown up). When I ran for public office (County Soil and Water Commissioner) I went by Pat in case some people were prejudiced against women. I did win the office with over 60,000 votes so I guess it worked. I'm really not fond of the name Debbie because that was my hubby's ex-wife's name. You wouldn't believe how many Debbies I've run into over the years. I guess that is God's way of a little humor.

Behind the Scenes

Behind the scenes:Expose a funny or interesting "behind the scenes" story from your job or home. What really happens when no one else is around that we wouldn't expect? (Or maybe we would expect it, so you can confirm it for us!)

I am going to tell you an "awful" story that went on at lunch the other day. Please do not judge me (or my friends) harshly or think I'm a bad person, but in my field, we have to laugh sometimes to make it through the day. I teach high school special ed students and I'm head of the special ed department (which is one of the largest departments in my school).

Every day a bunch of us teachers and paraprofessionals eat lunch together and on this particular day, Mr. H. (a parapro) was really upset. He told me that he might as well turn in his resignation and quit that day. When we asked what happened, he said that he "ran over" the blind student in the hallway. Mr. H. was in a hurry and walking fast down the hall and this student was coming down the other hallway with his white cane. When they both reached the corner, Mr. H. almost knocked him down. Mr. H. was so embarrassed and his face was so red. You would think he committed the ultimate sin! When our lunch bunch heard this, we all howled with laughter. I asked Mr. H. " What happened? Could you not "see" him?" and another teacher said, " No, he was in a blind spot!" We all couldn't stop laughing. We weren't making fun of the student but of Mr. H. and I know if anyone heard us they would think we were awful. But we couldn't help ourselves!

Weekend

I had a glorious weekend! The weather was perfect for this relaxing weekend.

On Saturday we got up early and went to the flea market (my hubby's big thrill!) and he found some more treasures. Then we came home to get ready for my friend's wedding. Of course, it was a beautiful wedding at this beautiful mansion. The ceremony was very personalized and sweet. I took a bunch of pictures before my battery died on my camera but I haven't had a chance to look at the pictures yet. I hope I got some good ones to scrap. When we came home, I got some weeding done before I had this awful headache. So, to help the headache, we went out and had banana splits at Baskin Robbins. It didn't help the headache but it was wonderful! I came home and took a 2 hour nap which did away with my headache. Then we watched TV and I played on the computer until bedtime.

Today we got up early and went to another flea market in NC (which my hubby loves!) and he found more treasures. After that we went up to Pisgah Forest and hiked for about 6 miles. It was only a short hike but it was beautiful. We walked along the river and then up a mountain with fantastic views all around. It got up to about 90 today at home so I was glad we were in the mountains. It is still hot and it's 7:30pm.

I couldn't ask for a better weekend!

G Words

Blog Prompt: write or draw as many G-words as she could think of. Let's use G-words as our prompt. garbage, gate, goat, girl, green, giraffe, guitar...... Add your own and start writing!

great, gigantic, glad, grouchy, Gandalf, greedy, gloat, gibberish, guard, glimpse, gaunt, gallant, gabby, guest, gerbil, gecko, golf, gag, gift, gamut, gap, garden, gas, gondola, gem, gender, giddyup, gill, gimmick, gizmo

Veggie Tales

Blog Prompt: Did you, or did you not, eat your vegetables as a youngster? What sorts of veggies will and won't you eat nowadays? Home garden grown, organic only, or anything goes?

As a youngster, I had to eat what was put on my plate or I was not allowed to get up from the table. Being spoiled and the youngest, I pushed the limits on this. When I was little, I pictured myself with gray hair and wrinkles and still sitting at the dinner table. So, that said, I ate my vegetables and anything else that was given to me because you know - there are starving children in China. AND being Chinese, I would think in my little bitty mind - well, then, give them my food!

I am allergic to everything so growing up, I was highly allergic to eggs and spinach and seafood. So I was never expected to eat spinach when I was young. Now I love spinach and eat it sparingly. I also eat eggs and seafood the same way. I HATE brussel sprouts. I have always hated brussel sprouts, still hate brussel sprouts, and will forever in the future hate brussel sprouts. Also being a yankee, and my hubby is a southerner, I have never learned to like turnip greens or collard greens. I also grew up on fresh or frozen vegetables and hubby prefers canned vegetables (yuck!) so it depends on which one we have as to what I will eat. I don't care if it is homegrown or not but I really like fresh vegetables.

Descriptive Writing Skills

Blog Prompt: Let's practice our descriptive writing skills. Write out, in detail, what you did for the last five minutes before you sat down at the computer. Now write a second paragraph about the same five minutes, but try to include even more details. Ambitious? Do it again, with more!

This is easy because for the past 30 minutes I've been walking on the treadmill. I have a set routine that I do on Monday, Wednesdays, and Fridays. I splice in some exercises with walking. On Tuesdays and Thursdays, I just walk for 30 minutes. I used to hate the exercise days but now I hate the "just walking" days because they are boring and 30 min. takes forever.

This is easy because for the past 30 minutes I've been walking on the treadmill. I turn the TV on so I can see the news but I put my headphones on so I can hear my morning radio with music. I read somewhere that music gets those endorphins going so you get healthier. I am also reading a book at the same time. I have a set routine that I do on Monday, Wednesdays, and Fridays. I splice in some exercises with walking which makes the time go faster. I walk at 3.3 mph for 10 min., increase to 3.7 mph for 1 min. and then I do 60 stand up crunches. I walk for 4 more minutes at 3.3 mph. , increase to 3.7 mph for 1 min. and then I do 30 back leg lifts. I walk for 4 more minutes at 3.3 mph., increase to 3.7 mph for 1 min. and then do some arm lifts with 5 lb. weights. Again, I walk for 4 more min. at 3.3 mph, increase to 3.7 mph for 1 min. and do 60 twists. Finally I walk for 4 more min. at 3.3 mph, increase to 3.7 mph for 1 min. and do 60 side bends. I walk the last 3 minutes at 3.3 mph to total 30 min. walking time. On Tuedays and Thursdays, i just walk for 30 minutes. I used to hate the exercise days but now I hate the "just walking" days because they are boring and 30 min. takes forever. I have been doing this for over a year now and I guess I'm addicted. If I don't walk, I have no energy that day and I feel guilty.

Home Improvement Shows

Blog Prompt:
--Home What's the one thing your dream home must have?
--Improvement What's the one thing you would change about your current home? New bed, couch? New carpet or wallpaper? Or something major like an addition?
--Shows Do you ever watch home improvement shows?

Home: My dream home must have a live in housekeeper who will pay all my bills for me.

Improvement: I would love to have a 2 story garage with an apartment in the upstairs complete with kitchenette and bathroom. My hubby can set up his trains or junk or whatever and get it out of my house. His "junk" clutters up his office and looks terrible. Then when we get too old to take care of ourselves, I can hire a college student who needs room and board to help us.

Shows: I like the gardening shows on HGTV and I love Tim the Tool Man on Home Improvement (does that count?).

My Motto

Blog Prompt: What would your motto would be for the place you're at in your life right now? Is it different than it would have been five years ago? 10? 20?
mot·to (n.) pl. mot·toes or mot·tos 1. A brief statement used to express a principle, goal, or ideal. A short, suggestive expression of a guiding principle. 2. A sentence, phrase, or word of appropriate character inscribed on or attached to an object. 3. A maxim adopted as a guide to one's conduct.

I am a born winner.

That has been my motto and the motto I have used in my classroom for over 20 years. I tend to be very critical of myself and I use it to remind myself that God doesn't make mistakes which helps me through the tough times in my life. I was very overprotected when I was growing up and made (not intentionally) to feel that I was incapable of doing many things ("You can't cook, you're the baby of the family." "You are spoiled, we can't expect much of you. " "You are the brain of the family, but you have no common sense." "You are so klutzy and your head is in the clouds, we can't trust you to do things alone.") Many times I've berated myself for stupid decisions I've made or made excuses for my stupid decisions. This motto helps me pull myself up, dust myself off, get realistic, make adjustments (not excuses) and get on with my life.

My students have to write that on every paper they turn in for a grade. No motto, no grade, no credit for work - they are not allowed to go on to the next assignment. My students have such low self esteem because they are disabled that this motto has become important in my classroom. Parents have accused them of being lazy and peers make fun of them for being "dumb". By this self affirmation, they realize, like I did, that God doesn't make mistakes. There is a reason that we may not know about but we need to be the best that we can be. When my seniors graduate, I ask them to evaluate me and usually all of them say writing this motto over and over for 4 years really helped them.

A Green Theme

I was trying to think of how green has touched me today so here it is:

1. I spent green money for breakfast this morning.
2. I spent the morning updating the Mount Rogers Appalachian Trail Club website (I am the webmaster and this is my volunteer work since I can't get to Virginia in order to do trail maintenance.) By doing this, I dreamed of hiking and seeing all the green coming out in the forest.
3. I believe in cultural diversity so in honor of the Irish, this Chinese woman wore a green shirt and took her hubby to a Mexican restaurant for lunch.
4. I went out and did some weeding in my garden, which I've put off for a couple of weeks. I pulled up a LOT of green weeds.
5. I trimmed my Eucalyptus bush and cut some beautiful camellias to put some green and pink color in my playroom.

A Million Dollars

Blog Prompt: Who do you call first? What is the first thing you buy for yourself? What is the first thing you buy for someone else? Do you give any away? If yes, to whom? Do you invest any? If so, how?

1. The first person I would call is my hubby!
2. The first thing I would buy myself is full time live in housekeeper who cleans my house, cooks when I need it, and pays all my bills.
3. I would set up some educational scholarships for students who have medium high grades (due to holding down jobs in order to pay for college) and plan to go into teaching. They would also need to qualify for the scholarships given to people who could not pay for college on their own (Like the BEOG and SEOG). They would need to agree to teach at least for 5 years and I would supplement their first year of teaching with six months of rent and utilities.
4. I would also have another scholarship to pay for students who want to take the GED. I would pay for them to take one cycle of remedial courses and if they successfully pass the GED, I would give them money to pay for their first year of training in a field of their choice.
5. The scholarships would be given from the 40% interest off the principal. 60% of the interest would go back into the principal to keep the scholarship going each year.

This is so funny because last weekend while we were hiking, hubby and I had a long discussion about this very topic. Meg, were you hiding behind the trees?

5 Rules I Break Regularly

Blog Prompt: Write about 5 "rules" you break with some regularity.

1. We have this rule in our house: If you have nothing nice to say, don't say anything at all. Unfortunately I wish I could say I do this religiously, but I don't. Especially at this time of year which is my busiest in special ed paperwork and I'm under a lot of stress. I feel grumpy and out of sorts and bad things are alway on the tip of my tongue.
2. I'm going to watch what I eat and eat less carbs and fats. I think that but I don't do that. I love ramen noodles which are cheap and quick so that is what I eat for lunch most days at school. They are full of carbs, fat, and sodium (yumm!)
3. I will not spend all my free time at my computer and DSP. Once I get started, I get "lost" and lose track of time.
4. I will balance my checkbook regularly. The thought is there but I can promise you that it doesn't happen that often.
5. I will fold clothes as soon as I get them out of the dryer. 3 loads later, the laundry basket is so full it is almost as tall as me. We went walking yesterday and my hubby needed a Tshirt and looked his dresser. I told him to wait and I'd get him one from the basket because that meant that was one less shirt I had to fold.

Being sick

Blog Prompt:
Which is worse, being sick or having sick kids/loved ones?
Which is worse, throwing up or having sick kids/loved ones throwing up upon you?
Which is worse, being up all night because you're sick, or being up all night because someone else is sick?

First of all, let me remind you that I'm a teacher, and not a nurse. There is a major reason God made me a teacher and not a nurse, and that is because I'm a terrible caregiver. As the youngest child, I was always cared for and was terribly spoiled. Thank goodness that my hubby was a hospital corpsman in the navy and could take care of our kids when they were growing up.

I would much rather be sick than having sick loved ones. Hubby is really sweet to me when I am sick and fusses and hovers over me as if he thinks I'm dying.
I would rather throw up because I can't clean up after someone else. My hubby is worse than I am about this so my poor kids had to take off their yucky bedsheets and toss them in a corner until they were well enough to put them in the washer. I could put clean sheets on their beds but couldn't see, touch, smell the yucky ones!
I would rather be up all night sick because I feel so helpless when it is someone else and I can't make them feel better. I'm afraid I should know how to do something and didn't which could cause them to get worse. I have the fear of not knowing or not being in control. At least if I'm sick, I am in control of me and not have to worry about anyone else.

Boy, do I sound so selfish! I can't help it. Thank goodness my family survived my selfishness!

Out of the Loop

Blog Prompt: Out of the Loop
Out-- Are you getting out and about lately? ...or is school/the weather/work/illness keeping you cooped up inside?
of the-- Blue? Does the Winter season 'get to you'? ...or do you handle it as well as you do Summer?
Loop-- Hey, Spring is coming; do you have a loop you drive or walk to check out the scenery? What do you see when you're out and about?

It is starting to get warm outside now so we are like little birds and leaving the nest little by little. This past weekend was beautiful so we went to the flea market and then hiking both days. We went to 3 waterfalls which are better in the spring because there is a lot more water flowing in the spring than the rest of the year.
I don't handle winter as well as summer because I hate cold weather (of course I whine about the hot weather when I get too hot). My classroom has no windows so I have a wallpaper mural of a landscape with the sun shining on it so it is always sunny in my room even in the winter!
Speaking of spring, yesterday when my hubby got home from work, we drove to the nearby park and walked 2 miles around the park. We did this every night until it started to get cold so I'm glad it is warming up. We have a great time talking about the day and future plans so I feel a lot closer to him when we do our daily walk. I like to see the trees start to bud and the flowers peeking out of the ground. It fills me with lots of hope for good things to come.

Bad Inventions

Blog Prompt: What are three things you wish were never invented?

1. Pool Tables - my hubby just had to have one in our new playroom when we got it built. Now it is used about once a year when we have a party. I use it as a folding table for my laundry now.
2. Boom Boxes in cars - I don't really know what it is called but when the bass is up, you can hear the boom boom boom of the car next to you which is driven by some out of control teenager.
3. Cigarettes - I see too many teenagers wasting their health on these just to look cool. My hubby started to smoke when he was about 13 and smoked for 32 years before was able to stop. He says he hasn't quit; he just hadn't had one in over 10 years (hey, whatever works for him is good enough for me).

Saturday Hiking

Last night we saw on the news that it was going to rain all weekend, so we decided not to go hiking on Saturday. Well, this morning we got up and it was cloudy but pretty comfortable in temperature when we went out for breakfast. After breakfast we went to the flea market (which is my hubby's favorite thing to do next to watching TV) and he found some great treasures for next to nothing. The temperature got warmer and the sun came out so we went home, threw our gear in the car and headed up to the mountains. It turned out to be a beautiful day after all. We hiked to 2 different waterfalls (yes, I got some great pictures!). We saw beautiful scenery and got exercise too! Not to mention that we got 50 miles per gallon in our new car!!! I love days like this!

I wish someone told me...

Blog Prompt: Begin your entry with "I wish someone had told me..."

I wish someone had told me...

• that making a marriage work is hard work even if my parents made it look so easy (people shouldn't take it for granted).
• you can have your cake and eat it too if you find a career that you love.
• that you need to think about retirement at least 20 years before you retire (I learned the hard way!)
• hiking was so much fun (I had to learn this on my own when I was able to make my own decisions).
• how lucky I was to be an American (I learned this especially when I visited China 7 years ago).
• sometimes people will try to put you down but you can't let them do that if you really want to achieve your goals (I was told so many times about the things I wasn't capable of doing so I never tried).
• life isn't always fair (how many times did we think this when we are little?).
• not everyone will like me and that is okay (for so long I wanted to be liked by everyone).
• you can't please everyone all the time (that is why I lost all my hair due to stress).
• that your life turns out to be what you make of it (I have learned more about having a good attitude each morning from my hubby, who is the happiest person I know because he chooses to be!)

Sinking Cruise Ship

Blog Prompt: Your cruise ship is sinking and the one and only small lifeboat only holds 5 people. This life boat will take you to a deserted island with no hope of rescue. On the cruise ship there are people of all different professions. What professions would you want in the boat with you in order of priority? If you and your spouse on in the life boat, you can only bring 3 other people. If you are single, you can bring 4.

Along with my hubby and me would be a doctor (to take care of us), a carpenter (to build shelter and other things), and a botanist (to save seeds and grow us food). Unfortunately hubby and I would probably be totally useless because he is a judge and I'm just a teacher! I guess as hikers, we could hike around the island and try to find the best place to settle!

I want to thank everyone for joining me this week while I filled in for Meg. Even though I messed up on Monday, y'all stuck in there with me! I've enjoyed it!

Name Acrostic

Blog Prompt: Using each letter in your name as the beginning of the sentence or phrase, write sentences or phrases that describe you.
P - passionate about teaching
A - able to multi-task (play on computer, talk on cell phone, watch TV, chat with sister on instant messenger)
T - takes lots of time to travel and hike
R - really loves to camp
I - is in love with hubby
C - counts the days until retirement (July 1)
I - is looking forward to new adventures after retirement
A - anxious about leaving behind students when I retire

Can you tell I have ambivalent feelings about retiring this year?

New Job

Blog Prompt: If you had the opportunity for a day, to have a different job (and was totally qualified, trained and capable for that one day), what job would you like to do and why?

If I could be anything for a day, I would like to be a park ranger. Now keep in mind that my dream job changes daily depending on what kind of mood I'm in. Right now I'm wanting warmer weather so bad I can't stand it! When it gets warmer we will do camping and more hiking (hubby hates to camp and hike when it is too cold or too hot). I would love to be out on the trails helping people who need help, looking at the flowers begin to bloom, and just enjoying the outdoors. As a ranger, I would know my way around and not worry about getting lost (which is a constant danger for me because I have no sense of direction). I would be able to do ranger led activities and share my love of the outdoors with others. I could explain to young children about how to care for their environment and their parks so that it will be here for their children. Oh well, now I have to go get ready to teach school instead.

Important "C" things

Blog Prompt: Name at least 5 things in your life that are important to you that begin with the same letter.

1. Crazy lovable hubby (who is the love of my life!)
2. Computer (to do my scrapbooking on)
3. Car (new Toyota Prius which hopefully will get about 50 miles per gallon)
4. Camera (to take many photos for scrapbooking)
5. Camping and hiking (which gives me lots of opportunities for photos)

Super Power

Blog Prompt: If you could have any super power, flying, transportation, invisibiliity, etc..., what would you want to have?

If I could have any super power, I would like to have the power of strength. Iwould clean out my utility shed, which I've wanted to do for 2 years but it takes 2 people because some of the stuff is too heavy for me to lift. I would be able to organize the attic alone because again, it takes 2 people to move some of the boxes that are there. If I do it alone, I have to unpack each box in order to move it and it will take twice as long. So instead, I don't do it at all and it is never done! All my life I've had puny arms and very little arm strength. If I was hanging off a mountain, I'd be better off hanging on with my legs which have a lot of strength from all my hiking, than my arms. If I depended my life on my arms today, well, the funeral would be tomorrow!

Update about weekend: Yesterday I planned to get up early and do some gardening but instead hubby asked me to go out to breakfast. Then we went to a flea market (which no one was at because it was too dang cold!). Then we ended up at a car lot and 8 hours later, came home with a new car! We bought a Toyota Prius which is supposed to get 51/60 miles to the gallon. This is the first new car that I get to drive to work. All of the other new cars have been my hubby's car but this one is mine! Wooo Hooo! With gas prices going up again, we had to do something. Especially with us planning on retiring and wanting to travel. Nothing like impulse buying to make a weekend a happy one!

What Vehicle Would I Be?

Blog Prompt: If you were magically turned into a vehicle, what vehicle would you be and why?

I think I would be a volkswagon bug, not the new sleek models but more the old one. I'm short but I'm reliable and can move about the day in and out without complaining. I'm not made up very complicated but just the basics. I serve my purpose but I don't have a lot of frills. My interior would not be very colorful but my outside would be a bright red because I like reds. I think I might have a little rust on me too because I'm feeling my age every once in awhile. Of course I could pass vehicle inspection because all the necessities work just fine!

Inspiration

Blog Prompt: At what age did you feel most inspired?

Amazingly, I was most inspired 6 years ago when I took a teaching position at a new school. It had been 11 years since I started new again so this was a big step for me, especially at 41 years old. The older I get, the harder it is to start over. The school was twice the size of my old school and I was teaching a program I never taught before but wanted to for years. I wanted to go for National Board Certification but wasn't sure since I was starting a new job.

My new principal encouraged me to go for National Board and even offered to give me leave time and/or extra supports to succeed. I was always aware of his appreciation for my contributions to the school. He also asked my opinion a lot about what would work best in my program and in my department. By including me in some upper level decision making, he was showing he trusted my knowledge and expertise in my field. I had never been treated this way before in any other school that I had taught at for the past 20 years. Since that year, I've felt more confident and sure of myself than I had ever been before. This trust and encouragement helped me grow as a teacher, which led to my being chosen Teacher of the Year this year.

Even though he is no longer the principal of my school, I will forever be grateful to him for allowing me to be the best teacher that I could. Whatever school he chooses to be at should thank their lucky stars that he is their leader!