HAPPY BIRTHDAY MOM!

Today is my mom's birthday. She is 29 and holding...if you figure I'm 31-she had to be not yet born to have me!

When I was younger, I always knew my mom's age as she was 20 when she had me. Well she kept trying to tell me that she was 29-every year. Being the smarty pants that I am, I would always tell her she was wrong and that couldn't be. I used to think nothing was wrong with telling your age. But as I'm getting older, I see why she wanted to remain 29.

So Happy 29th Birthday Mom!
(not that she'll see this as she doesn't know about the blog)

Also Happy Birthday Gracie!

I am on a roll...

And it's not even 9:45 yet!
This morning Peanut and I were dumping her garbage from her walk :) and we found a wallet in the alley. I picked it up and looked to see who the owner was...then decided to call the police so they can drop it off to the owner since he didn't live in the safest of neighborhoods. Since I had to wait for the officer to pick it up, I decided not to go back to sleep but rather start laundry...then washed the dishes, loaded the trunk of my car with things to take to the shelter, and just now dismantled my old computer in the back room to take to the dump...it is no longer working so is of no use to a school or shelter...so off to the dump we will go...

But I realized that my wireless router needed to connect to something for my laptop to work...uh oh! Don't tell me I need to reconnect the computer and now will have to keep it! UGH!!! Well, I checked out the cords and I don't need to keep it!!! YIPPEE!!! It works and I thought I'd blog to test it out too.

So, now I'm headed to the shower, and off to the dump and shelter to unload my car! I feel so free of the junk!!! I'm also taking a TV that no longer works to the dump so I am cleaning house!! When I'm done, I need to head up to my mom's to drop off part of her birthday present-a large plant. When I'm done, I'm planning on doing my homework and take a nap!

Oh-by the way-I LOVE MY NEW SCHOOL AND PRINCIPAL!!! More about that later!

I'm beat!

So Saturday was Tim's birthday-my brother. He turned 18 and we all went to dinner to celebrate. One day last week, we were discussing where we were going to eat when my mom and Tim tell me that the family was going to Universal Studios and did I want to go. Apparantly teachers get in free for a limited time and can bring guests for only $40 each. So I said sure, but then I realized I have a dog to worry about...where would my sweet girl go? (They were going to leave on Sunday evening and stay in a hotel and then go to US on Monday) I didn't want to take her to the dog sitter as I want to be able to have her when I go away for longer periods of time, not just for the night. Then I thought about putting her in the kennel-which I just hate to do, but sometimes is necessary. But, she would have to stay for Sunday, Monday and Tuesday as we wouldn't be back in time for me to get her on Monday night and Tuesday I have training so I'd have to get her after that. So I'd be charged $60 for the kennel-not exactly a free trip to Universal... so I declined. Then when we were at dinner, I got the guilt trip, puppy dog eyes from Tim that this will be the last time that we will all hang out as a family since he leaves for college soon. Boy did I fell the guilt set in. Those boys sure know where to hit me!

So my mom called my aunt, who lives in Orlando and has dogs and asked if we could stay with her for the night and leave my girl with her while we are at US-she's a teacher and is out for the summer. She said sure and not problem about Peanut. She is a dog person and understands the needs of a dog. So off we went.

She tried to make friends with Peanut from the get go and Peanut actually didn't mind her. Her dogs didn't mind her either and Peanut couldn't get enough of them. She didn't sleep that night because she knew there were dogs in the house and she wanted to play.

We had a blast at Universal. I felt like a kid again. It was fun to ride the coasters with my brothers and some of the rides the whole family went on. We went on some a few times. We went to both Universal Studios and Islands of Adventures. (We got in free to both) It was fun, fun, fun!!! But, man we were tired!!! I slept great last night and was supposed to go to that training today, but I just couldn't get out of bed. I was looking forward to go to the training too. So, here I am. Home, not at the training, and wondering what I should do today. I think I may go to the new Whim's and see what it's like and then organize more school stuff. That's my plan for the day. Peanut is already napping. If you are a teacher, and want to go to Universal for free, let me know and I'll get you address to get your free coupon.

Productive Research

I was trying to catch up on my homework last night but was not having any luck. So this morning I headed to the Library for some help. I am so glad I did. I am caught up on homework and now have a better understanding of how to find research articles. I got a surprise while I was in the Library. A parking ticket. I guess I spent too much time in the Library-3 hours...and only had 2 1/2 hours in the meters...oh well.

So on tomorrow's agenda:
pay bills
wash sheets
start going through the piles and piles and piles of things I brought home from my class
call around for renter's/homeowners insurance
start on my next homework assignment
clean up scraproom
make a card for my brother
buy Peanut a new toy
and the most important-get a pedicure

We'll see how many of those things I actually get done.

I am soooo glad I am on vacation!!! It is so nice!

Tag-I'm it!

Robin tagged me on her blog.... to play this game!! The game is SCATTERGORIES...it's harder than it looks! Here are the rules: Use the 1st letter of your name to answer each of the following. They MUST be real places, names, things...NOTHING made up! If you can't think of anything, skip it. Try to use different answers if the person before you had the same 1st initial. You CAN'T use your name.

Your Name: Amy
1. Famous Singer/Band: Aerosmith
2. 4 letter word: also
3. Street: Abbey Road
4. Color: Auburn
5. Gifts/Presents: antique items
6. Vehicle: Altima
7. Things in a Souvenir Shop: angels
8. Boy Name: Andrew
9. Girl Name: Ansley
10. Movie Title: Ace Ventura
11.Drink: Apple Cider
12. Occupation: Author
13. Flower: amaryllis
14. Celebrity: Angelina Jolie
15. Magazine: Audubon
16. U.S. City: Atlanta
17. Pro Sports Teams: Athletics
18. Fruit: apple
19. Reason for Being Late for Work: aches
20. Something You Throw Away: ads in the mail
21. Things You Shout: AGH!!!
22. Cartoon Character: Ariel

And now I'm supposed to tag someone...I tag Roz. Roz are you reading this?? Your turn...

Whose idea was it anyway?

I don't think it was mine, but if it was, I must have been on drugs or something. Only kidding, but seriously, why did I decide to take 2 Research classes this summer????

OH MY GOODNESS!!!! One is really kicking my butt. I have 4-5 different (in depth and difficult) assignments due every 3-4 days. So if you don't see me, you know what I'll be doing. Good thing I'm not working this summer, and no I didn't want to go to the beach every once in a while or just be a bum a little but this summer...oh well. As for the other class, I can handle it, but it's still a tough one!

On a side note, did I tell you how very excited I am about going to the other school??!!! I am SOOOOO excited!!!!

Had a fun, relaxing weekend-good thing since I'll be spending the rest of the summer on the computer or at the Library doing research.
Saturday, we went on a friends' boat and it was just a nice time.
Sunday, we went to the beach-again very relaxing. Sunday night I decided to be a bum on the couch in my comfy clothes instead of going out and getting all dressed up.
Today, I went up to my mom's for a cookout. Then home to do homework-UGH!!!
Tomorrow I will be back to my classroom to get the last remaining items. On Friday, I took 3 truckloads to the new school and one truckload of things home to go through and get organized.
I'll be setting the turtle free tomorrow in the pond at the school. I'll be sad to let it go, but glad to know it can continue it's life in a nice (roomy) place. (And don't tell it-but I'll be glad to not have to clean it's tank every few weeks!)

Well, I have caught you up on my OH SO FUN SUMMER-not.
I'll try to get out of the house every so often and let you know what I do.

Where have you been?

So sorry about the MAJOR delay in blogging!

Been kinda busy...
My intern was finishing up so you know who had to take over teaching...

Let's see, then I went on a cruise...had a blast!!! It was soo relaxing...here's some pictures... Oh and I got strep throat right before I left so I was on antibiotics.

Still made sure I had fun though!!!

Here's the boat when we were in Nassau, Bahamas.
And here's the view of the water from Half Moon Cay-the private island we spent the day at. We just floated in the water all day. I am still peeling...

When we got back from the island, a few of us treated ourselves to a Do it Herself Spa Night...We laughed sooo hard. Here's Kip, Linda, Jayne, Me and Robin as we are preparing to spoil ourselves.
And here we are after we oiled ourselves up before festering in the Sauna...don't we look attractive!?

It was so nice to relax! Linda, when are we going on the next cruise? Sign me up!!

Then we got back on dry land and I got a call for an interview at a Fundamental School.

The interview was this past Thursday and I was a nervous wreck! But, Friday morning, they called and offered me the position. I was so excited. Of course I said yes, and then it hit me. The tears came, the overwhelming job of packing up 9 years of teaching materials, and the last day of school for the kids. But, I made it through the day and at the end of the day, I realized that I couldn't watch this group of kids grow up, like I'd done for the other little ones I'd had. Then the tears flowed a little more. But, I am very excited about the change I am making. I'm ready for something new! I will miss everyone at my school now, but look forward to the new experience.

I made my volunteers some end of the year gifts and they loved them! I really liked how they turned out too! Here's some pictures:

I took photos of each of their children during the year and put them on the cube and added embellishments, and such...

Ok well, I'm off to my brother's graduation party.

I hope I have given you a little something to hold you over until the next time I blog! I'll try not to wait so long next time!

Have a great day!

It's been a while...

Yes I know-the cobwebs are quite thick.

I had a very busy weekend.
My mom's cousin-my 2nd cousin-got married this weekend. He is 26 and we usually see him at Thanksgiving every so often. Anywho-we drove up to Jacksonville to get my brother and then drove down to St. Augustine where the wedding was to be held.
He is my grandma's nephew so she had many of her sisters in town-it was nice to see/meet them all again. I hadn't seen a lot of them in many years. They all look and sound alike. All of them are quite loud and talk over the other-it's kind of like when all my aunts get together.

So we walked around downtown St. Augustine for a while on Friday night. What a cute little town. Then we all came back and had a porch party. 3 of my mom's sisters were there too and their children so we had several rooms right next to each other.
Saturday we woke up and got ready for the noon wedding. It was very nice. Then we took a trolley to the reception but since we were early, we hung out downstairs at the brewery. They had some really yummy beers on tap. Finally it was time to head upstairs for the reception-again very nice-yummy food, etc...
They rented trolleys to take us from the church to the reception and vice versa but the trolley wouldn't be leaving for the church until 6pm and we had eaten our meals, had cake, etc and it was only 4pm...so we walked back to the church (only a few blocks) and got the car to go back to the hotel.
There was an after wedding party/luau at the beach at 8pm so a nap was in order. After my nap, we all headed to the luau. It was ok-lots of young kids (listen to me-as if I'm old) mostly the bride and grooms friends in their early 20's. We didn't stay too long as it was really windy and rainy so back to the hotel we went. We were planning on another porch party, but my cousin (8 years old) had sand thrown in his face at the luau by another kid so my aunt and uncle had to take him to the ER to get checked out as some sand got in his eyes. He did have a scratch on his eye so they gave him some meds.
Sunday we woke up and went to the shrine across the street from our hotel-(a shrine for mothers I think-can't remember the exact name of it) then headed over to the fountain of youth. I drank the water there so should be getting younger as we speak (or type) hehe!!
It was a loooonnnnnnngggggggggggggggg drive back home. We had to drop Pat back off in Jax and of course buy him some groceries and get some dinner, so we made it back to Clearwater at 8:00pm.
I picked up Peanut and made it home just in time to watch Desperate Housewives.

I was beat today! I did not want to get out of bed, but I did.
So that was my weekend. I'll post some pictures soon of some of the highlights.

This week's agenda:
*register for summer classes-going to take 2-yikes!!!
*grocery shop
*laundry
*get my homework done for my class

I think that's it...don't want to overdo it...but Robin keeps telling me to
SAVE FOR THE CRUISE, SAVE FOR THE CRUISE, SAVE FOR THE CRUISE.
So I can't do any shopping and I must stay busy here at home!
Enjoy your week!

Coming to an end...

Spring Break that is.

I had a really good week!

Monday a bunch of girls went to the beach.

Tuesday some of us walked on the beach.

Wednesday a few of us went kayaking. That was really fun! We saw a ton of Sting rays! I'm not too sore so that's good too! Just nice and relaxing!

Thursday I took Peanut to the dog beach (she needs to get some sun too) with a friend and her dog. Peanut wasn't really feeling it! She stayed on the sand and dug a hole since it was hot. I took her in the water a few times to cool off and she had to swim out. She's such a cutie. The other dog would chase the wake made from the boats. I was hoping Peanut would catch on but she didn't.

Friday was another beach day. You'd think I'd be tired of the sun, but no! I sat under the umbrella and just chatted with the girls.

I managed to get some good sun (as if getting sun is good for you) and wore sunscreen each day. And now I'm ready for the CRUISE!!!! I can't wait! We will have soo much fun-right girls?!! Robin-Kip, Jules, Linda, and Michele?!!

Other news to note: Tim-my brother (the on in HS) got accepted to FSU so he is really excited. Pat-my other brother (the one in college) is looking to transfer (remember the girlfriend situation-well they broke up) and got accepted at USF so he may go there-he's still hoping for FSU-but he needs his ACT/SAT scores to go up by a few more points and that's really hard to do...so looks like USF it will be!

I planned on sleeping in each day this week, but between getting blood drawn on Monday early morning (going to a new dr) and then the dr apppointment on Wednesday early morning, and then wanting to get umbrellas at the beach, sleeping in was not so easy. Not sure why I scheduled a dr apt in the early morning during Spring Break-but I did...then yesterday and today, I was woken up by the race cars at the Grand Prix. Wish I could go, but I'm headed to Orlando today for my friend's wedding. Should be fun!

Tomorrow I will be relaxing, cleaning/straightening up my house, grocery shopping, laundry, etc. Have a great weekend! Here's some pictures from kayaking...

Here's Beth and I...It was her first time kayaking.

Here's Candy and I...she brought the drinks...

Here's Candy and Tonya...

Spring Break

I know there are more cobwebs...

Here's what I've been up to:

Beach
Sleep In
Play with Peanut
Beach
Sleep In
Play with Peanut
Tomorrow here's what's going on...
Dr in the morning then Kayaking with the girls...
Then nap
Then out with the girls...
Thursday and Friday-not sure yet-maybe dinner with Robin.
Saturday I'll be heading over to Orlando to go to my friend Heather's wedding.

If anything exciting happens I'll be sure to let you all know-I'll try to bring the camera tomorrow on the kayak trip so I'll have some pictures I hope.

Sorry this was a boring post, but currently I've been in a blah mood-yes it's spring break, but same old crap going on...
:-(

Sunny Sunday!

I just got back from taking a long walk along the water. I ran a little too...

I'll be heading to the grocery store in a few minutes and then relaxing at home.

Later today I'll be heading up to my parents. We are going to dinner for my step-dad's dad's birthday. I'm not really what I'll eat, we are going to a seafood place and since I shouldn't really eat shellfish, and I'm not a big fish eater...I'll try to find something.

Last night I went to Kim's party that she had. Yummy food!!! And lots of it too!! I was going to meet up with Phil afterwards but decided my bed sounded much better! Shhh don't tell him that though! He was at a party that someone from his work was having, I made an appearance before I went to Kim's so that should be ok.

Ok-well, I think I'll get moving, since I've got all this energy. Hope you have a great Sunday!

St. Patrick's Day Fun!

Your Irish Name Is...

Ella Flynn

What's your Irish Name?

AND...

Your Leprechaun Name Is:

Fluffy Ettercap

What's Your Leprechaun Name?

Update...

I decided to be the bigger person in this whole situation and talked to the guy.

I spoke to the prez and told him how I thought we ought to have some sort of mediation, but first wanted to talk to the guy about it so I can be the bigger person. I saw him last night and he was alone, so I told him that I wasn't trying to be confrontational, just trying to ask you all to stop making the noise since it was after the time. He tried to tell me that it was only 10:30 (which I came back and said again that the time is 10:00 quiet time) and that he didn't think he was being loud and that his blinds needed to be put up since the nieghbors just moved in and can see through...(I think they moved in a few weeks ago-I guess he's not too bright) He "apologized" I let him talk and then I told him that I didn't appreciate getting yelled at by your gf. He told me that he heard a lot of yelling from both sides. I told him that she was doing pretty much all of it and that I don't feel that I deserved that. He tells me "Well, that's between you guys." I told him I guess it's her because I don't have a problem with her (not until now.) Then I told him that I was trying to just come up and ask you guys to stop and wasn't trying to get into a fight, and that I am just trying to live my life here and get along peacefully. He pretty much was done hearing what I had to say so he left...

I told the prez that I did that and we'll see what happens next. If it happens again...look out!!!

Anyway...I went for walk #4 this week at the park. Peanut didn't come yesterday or today since she was holding me back on Tuesday. I'm hoping to continue this weekend...

Plans for St. Patty's Day...
Going to a party at a friends. Laura (pool girl) will be in town so we are getting together for food, drinks and fun times...It's all girls so no Phil-besides he's going to a party that a guy from work is having... We may meet up after, or maybe I'll be having too much fun and not leave the party!

If you read this far-thanks! I'm sorry for the boring blow by blow above...

UGH!!! SHE IS A BI#%@!!!!!!

Well, last night I went to bed a little after 10pm and around 10:30 I am just getting relaxed when I hear hammering noises coming from above yet again...I wait and try to will them to stop. But nooooo! They keep doing it and then start moving around furniture too! So I recall from a conversation that I had with the prez that the next time I have a problem with them to speak to them in a calm manner....ok Amy, take a deep breath!!! So I get out of bed, take some deep breaths so I am calm and knock on their door. The *&%$# answers the door and I (very calmly) say I am trying to work with you guys on the floor thing, but the tapping and moving of furniture has got to stop. She proceeds to call me every name in the book, well mostly that I am now the BI*&% and she threw in the f bomb and told me that she was f-ing tired of me being a b*&%$. I said (trying once again to remain calm) it is not the time to be making these noises. Again a few more lovely words came out of my mouth so seeing no resolution coming I tell her that I will be talking to the prez and she tells me go ahead you f-ing b&#$%! Then slams the door in my face....I proceeded to call her one back before she slammed it. I just cannot believe how RUDE she is and what a BI&*% she is. I was trying to be neighborly and ask them to stop so that I could sleep but, wow-she really showed her ugly side-(she is too.)

I have decided that I need to talk to the guy-the only one on the lease-and again be calm and see that these noises not occur during sleep hours... Keep in mind this is now the 2nd time they have done this and the first time, the prez talked to them...
Now they are just blatantly disregarding the rules that they agreed to live by.

I don't know how much longer I can remain calm about this!!!!!!!

It's Tuesday

and that means it's American Idol night! You know what I'm doing then!

So the weather here has been absolutely gorgeous lately! Peanut and I took a long walk yesterday along the water and then again today. I had to drag her some of the way and then pick her up...poor thing! She was beat! I'll give her a rest tomorrow and go on my own.

My intern has been sick the past few days and so I've been teaching again...Loving It! I really have missed the kids and getting them to smile and see them learn! It's very rewarding!

Nothing really exciting to update you all on. The time change has really been hard to get used to in the morning, but I love the daylight later in the evening!

I'm sorry there's nothing more to tell you! I'll try to go out and do something to be blog worthy!

I am sooo disappointed!

Sabrina and Sundance should be in the top 12!!!! Sanjaya and Haley should have been the other 2 that were sent home!!! I can not believe it!! The voters had it wrong!

I feel much better now that I got that off my chest!

I get to teach tomorrow as my intern has to go to a seminar all day. I'm kind of looking forward to it! I've missed my kids and doing all the fun little things we do each day.

Also tomorrow is Prom for my brother Tim. His senior year is coming to an end and I just can't believe it! Nearly 18 years ago he was on his way into the world and now...oh my...I just can't believe that they are all grown up!

There are previews out right now for the Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles movie and way back, when my brothers were little, that was their favorite! There were a few Halloweens that they were dressed as a TMNJ character...not to mention the many action figures and sheets and pj's...I had to watch the movie several times back then.

Ok I better end this before I start to cry.

Idol Watchers...

I think Blake is so cute...there is something about his way of singing that I really like. At first the bebopping was a little wierd, but I think his personality shines in his singing.
The rest of the guys pretty much stink...It'll be a girl for sure this season!

Anywho-so I went to a Poetry class tonight-on how to teach my kids how to write poetry...I know what you are thinking. I was thinking it too! Kindergarteners write poetry...yep! I have faith that they can do it...I may have no more hair afterwards, but they will have poems!! Mark my words!

We had to practice writing some poems of our own tonight in class and I am a true poet! I think I should quit my day job and publish my anthology of poems! Hehehe!!

Here's a sample:

Dreams

Peanut runs
She dreams.
Peanut wags
She dreams.
Peanut barks
She dreams.
Peanut snores
She dreams.
Zzzzzzzzzz.
-Amy



Whatch think???? I'm good aren't I?!! I'll be signing a copy of my poems at your local Barnes and Noble before you know it!

That's all for tonight-Don't let the bed bugs bite.
-Amy
Oh-I may not be able to claim that one...

PS-My TV in my bedroom died. I hate not being able to watch before bed or while I'm getting dressed in the morning.

So Sorry

I was notified by a dear friend that my blog had cobwebs on it. I'm here to dust them off.

What have I been up to? Not much, hence the lag in the blogging.

This Allergy season has been a killer! I have had really bad headaches, stuffy, just all around crappy feeling. It was either the allergies or the flu...I had one boy out all week. He went home early one day the week before and just returned to school today. Poor thing! Oh and I have a child with Staph infection too. Fun, fun, fun!

So resting is what I've done. I had to drive over to Tampa on Thursday and man...that drive is horrible! I left my house at 3:50 and did get to my advisors office until after 5:00. I sat on the bridge for nearly 30 minutes. Did not pass Dale Mabry until after 4:40...I know because I had to call her to tell her I didn't think I'd make our 5:00 appointment. Well, I was only a few minutes late...I signed my plan of coursework. 33 hours and then I'm done. So I think I'll start taking 2 classes each semester and then I can be done by the end of '08. 3 hours down (well almost) and 30 more to go...so 10 classes after this one.

I was supposed to go to Orlando for my friend Heather's bachellorette party, but since I was feeling lousy all week, I didn't make it. I hope they had a good time. I can't wait to hear all the stories and see the pictures.

On the agenda this week: Work, work , work, work, 4 days left...um...I have a workshop tomorrow night for 3 hours, going to do some homework and work on my project a little, um...I think that might be it for this week. If something exciting happens I'll be sure to let you all know!

Here I am!

I'm watching American Idol and just love BLAKE!!! He's the blond bebopper. The song he sang last week and his performance tonight were both just great! I just had to pass that along. :-)

So my mom bought me the "Secret" DVD that has become so popular. Oprah had a show about it and that's where she saw it. It's the secret to getting what you want in life. I started watching it earlier, but fell asleep. (I had to teach today as my intern was out and I was exhausted!! Plus I haven't been feeling the greatest for a few days-allergies.) Don't tell her that. I'll try to watch it again tomorrow. I do remember some of it-that I need to emit the energy of what I want and then I'll get it...maybe I can emit the "I want my neighbors to move!!!!!" energy and then they'll do it!!!! One can wish right?!

I'm doing homework tonight and it's a little tough, so I had to take a break since AI is on and Blake did so good!

Saturday I went scrapbooking...hung out with Robin, and Kip and the rest of the gang. Didn't get too much work done. Forgot some pictures at home that I wanted to scrap. But I did start on my cruise pictures from last year. Looking forward to this year's cruise in May!!!
Sunday, Phil and I went to the beach...we froze our butts off! We met some other friends out there and we ended up going inside since it was sooo windy! It was still fun.

So, back to AI and homework...Are you watching? Who do you like? Oh and I like the shaved head guy named Phil too. He's got a great name and I am ooooohhhhh soooooo attracted to bald men!!!!!!! It's so sexy!!!! Ooh and he sings good too! Ok take care all!

It's been a while!

I know!! I've just been busy.
The house sold. :-(
We've decided to wait a little while until we look into buying a house again, need to get some money saved.
School is same old, same old. I have an intern so I haven't been teaching. Kinda miss the kids! I am still in the room, but let her do everything. She's doing fine. Monday we have an early release day so in the afternoon I am going to work on report cards. FUN!! (not really!) But I have to remember that this is their first report card and this is what the parents look forward to.
I watched the Daytona 500 today-I know many of you are thinking-"Amy-watch a Nascar race." Yes and I only fell asleep for a little bit of it. It got exciting there at the end.

So, I'm cooking a chicken in the crock pot overnight for dinner tomorrow-no Lisa-not the chicken from the shower-that will come soon though. For the rest of you-I'll explain that chicken when I decide to make it.
So, that's really it. I think I'll be scrapping on Saturday...looking forward to that!
Have a good week!