Let it snow, let it snow, let it snow

Ah yes...the benefits of teaching. As we prepared to leave school yesterday...the students and teachers were paying close attention to the radio and weather. We all did our little prayers and rituals for the forthcoming day. My personal favorite is the ritualistic snow dance seen only performed in teacher's lounges and personal dwellings, which are done exclusively by those of us in the teaching profession. I must confess...I did mine. :o) I needed to sleep in so bad. But, I digress...teaching definately has it's fringe benefits....no Christmas bonus, or in office day care....but ahhh those snow days!

The Bird Flu

Barrowed this information from my friend HMB....thanks for letting us know the important symptoms.

The Center for Disease Control has released a list of symptoms of Bird Flu. If you experience any of the following, please seek medical treatment immediately:
1. High fever
2. Congestion
3. Nausea
4. Fatigue
5. Aching in the joints
6. An irresistible urge to crap on someone's windshield.

WOW....am I glad I don't have that last symptom ;o)

Song Lyrics and Early morning Driving

So I was on the way back from an MRI (which consequencely I had to get up at 5:30 AM for! GRRRR!) and these words came across the radio. It is a song by Chris Cagle, and it made me wonder in a million different directions. You know a good friend once told me, "that the problem with today's society is that we confuse love with feelings...because love really isn't a feeling...it's an action. Everyone wants to feel loved, but the only real love is that of God's love to each and every one of us. He is the only one that can fullfill the longing to be loved and cared for. Human love is so imperfect...but God's love is Perfect."

But back to this song...
The song tells a sort of story. It is like main character misses her so much, but doesn't tell why they aren't together. There had to be some reason...even if it was a stupid one. I know how it feels to lose someone you love and wish they would come back...in death...and in other areas of my life. It is hard to sleep at night, hard to focus on our daily grind activities, and our brain feels like it wants to explode. But God is always there waiting for us to come to him to be comforted, and sometimes that takes an eternity. However, as I was listening to the song, I wanted to think that the lyrics could be applied as God speaking to each of us...(minus the kitchen floor chorus...see lyrics... :oP). I know it is a strech...but it made me think. Hasn't God designed each of us to miss something in our lives...something only he can give us...Unchanging, unconditional, Love. We try to fill that void with all kinds of things...drugs, sex, rock n' roll, companionship, friends, toys, stuff! But it is never enough to make anyone truely satisfied...only God can do that and he calls to each of us to miss him and long for him...whether we know it or not.

And now...the lyrics:

Miss Me Baby
When You Hear Our Favorite Song Miss Me Baby
And When You Start To Sing Along
Think About All The Times That We Danced
In The Light To It All Night Long,
OhThen Miss Me Baby

And Want Me Honey
Like You Did The Night You Told Me That You Loved Me
We Couldn't Wait Anymore, Left The Keys In The Door
Took My Hand, Pulled Me Down On The Kitchen Floor
Yeah, We Were That Crazy
Miss Me Baby

Because When He's Holding You
Know That It's Killing Me
Let My Memory Be The Reason, Girl
That You Can't Sleep
And Every Time You Feel His Touch
I Pray To God It's Not Enough
And That I've Touched Your Heart So Deep
Girl, You Can't Shake Me
Cause I Love You, Yes I Need You
Miss Me Baby

Miss Me Baby
Until You Can't Take It No More

The First Church?

Ok for some reason I found this article very intriguing. They even interviewed the prisoners who dug up the thing!

The best Halloween Costumes EVER!!

If you want to see the absolute best Halloween Costumes ever created...then check them out :

Site #1

Site #2

Site #3

If I had the money I would be owning one of these no questions asked! I think I know what I am going to be working on between now and next year for Halloween...I so can make one of them!

The Big Let Down...

One of the biggest things I hate more than anything is losing! You can just ask anyone who knows me. I am competitive to a fault and I am very intense. I have lost at a lot of things, and been ticked off and disappointed and all that...but I never thought I would take losing a powderpuff game so hard. Maybe it was because they were seniors, and they should've won. Maybe it was because we lost 44-6 last year to the same coach. Unfortunately, we came up short once again....27-28. It was one of the best fought football games I have ever been a part of. Maybe that is why I took it so hard....

The reality is....those girls busted their butts, and it wasn't quite good enough. I feel like I let them down. They were so pumped up, and we just couldn't seem to score. As we walked off the field...and I huddled my team up. I looked into all their teary faces and let them know just how proud I was of them. I told them not to hang their heads, because they left it all on the field. I don't know if it made a difference...but I was proud of them.

The big Game

Tomarrow is a rematch of last years beating we took of 42-6 in powderpuff football. I think we actually have a chance....but we'll see. We are seniors now!

Joe Diffie

One of my favorite country singers for a ton of different reasons. One of which is the found memories his songs bring to my mind. When I was a kid just getting interested in country music, but knowing full well I liked it! I went to see him the other day and the concert was so cool...although I did pay for it the next day getting up early to teach! But it was so worth the tiredness. I got to watch the major country singer with the other hundred or so people who joined to watch him at the smallest venue I have ever been to for such a well known artist. I stood almost within reach of him and the rest of his band...it was totally cool! I forgot just how many of his songs I knew...what a good time.

As I listened and my memories ran wild, I felt some peace and quiet within. It was so nice. After the concert, I walked out and walked by his bus...and there he was...guarded by security. But me waved and told me to have a good night! WOW...what a nice guy. He didn't have to say anything...I am just some dumb country song fan pee-on...but he said hi anyways. What a good time!

Normal life?

I sat down the other night to ponder what exactly it meant to have a normal life. While it is true, mine as normal as you get from the outside...but inside it is a different story. What I mean is this: I have a good job, a house, fun stuff, friends, a loving family, etc. etc...but deep down non of that matters to me. I mean it does, but what I want out of life makes these things just buffers sometimes.

Serving God is most important to me, and growing in my faith...but lately I haven't felt like I have been doing much of that at all. I don't share my beliefs much with people around me because the "busy" word creeps in! I think that is Satan's way of distracting me from what God's goals are for me...if he can make me busy enough, then I won't want to read my bible, pray, or talk to other people. I hate when that happens...and it has been happening a lot lately. My focus has been on my own needs, and ignoring God's desires for my life. The most awesome person in the world reminded me of this by simply giving me a verse to ponder in my head. It was about who God is and whom he isn't. God is peace...not chaos...lately I have felt chaotic...that isn't of God. Time to refocus, time to reflect, and time to spend more "time" "Getting Right with the Man".

Random thoughts...

If you have to make a choice, but you can't find any peace in any of the options and there isn't any real peace in the situation....what do you do? Pray...yes....listen....yes.....wait....yes, but for how long? A week, a month, a year....I don't know. Interesting predicament.

For God is not a God of disorder but of peace.
~1 Corinth: 14:33

So if you find peace in a decision...after prayer...listening...and seeking God...then it is probably a good decision...right? Then why don't we make those kinds of decisions?

It's finally happened...

I have tried so hard not to sell any of my Transformer toys in the hopes that I might one day get married and have a son to play with them. But I have started the slow, painful, tedious process of selling my prized toy collection via ebay. I don't want to, but right now the money is more important than the toys...I am trying to get rid of any bills other than my school loans, house, and car. So...the easiest way to make some money is loose the toys. I am also thinking of selling the prized VW...haven't prayed long enough about that one though.

It is a sad day for me in a way...watching them go one by one to new homes...It is like the guy from 40 Year Old Virgin selling his action figures. I can totally relate to him freaking out after he realized he had sold them all off! Unfortunately I am not going to make 100 G's like he did, but hopefully it will be enough to get rid of some debt! Then in the spring I am thinking of selling the house. Wow....I might be crazy! Well it would be easier to move without the 20 large boxes of toys...and the sad thing is...that isn't an exaggeration!

Dear Secret Work Readers

So I found out that some of my friends at work know the inner workings of my life through my blog...BUStED! It was a little wierd because they knew things they shouldn't, because I hadn't told them...but it was because the "read" about my life. Good times had by all. It was actually interesting lunch room conversation. Thus anyone who might be reading this from Mason Public Schools...welcome. Hopefully you will find out a little more about what makes me tick so oddly and you can all give me strange glances at work! :oP

To those of you whom read on a daily or somewhat routinely basis....thanks and keep up the good work.

The Big Day is here

Ok First....super awesome news.....

I interviewed for the head Varsity Baseball Coaching job for Mason yesterday and I got it! Which means a variety of things. First, I have a gianormous responsibility to run an entire program. Second, I am going to be pretty busy for awhile. Third, if I ever get married and still wanna coach that person will need to either like baseball and kids, or just be super understanding. But those things aside....I am excited and hope that I can serve God with this new position and not lose track of the fact that he gave me everything I have...including baseball smarts :O)


Now on for this day.....
I was born on Sept. 16th at 12:15AM 1978. I was only a little over 5lbs. But that changed fast and my nick name was Chub dubs...my dad gave it to me....thankfully I outgrew that too! Today has been really cool so far...I got three sets of balloon bouquets from different friends and students...all of which arrived at the High School. I looked like a carnie coming out of school with my huge bundle of balloons! I was greated with the weather report this morning which I loved a lot and meant a great deal to me...thanks to those who shall remain anonomous! ;o) And the usual calls from parents, and friends. Kids at school were really cool too...made me cards and wished me happy birthday all day long. But now it is raining and close to party time....hopefully that stuff goes away. But regardless...I won't let it ruin the party or hanging out with me peoples! Hope those of you who can make do...and the rest of you....you will be missed....that is a promise!

Ok...Someone must get me this for B-day!

I really want this CD...it just makes me laugh like crazy!

New B-day bash ideas!

So I had it suggested to me that since we can't go see a baseball game maybe we should just have one....well better yet....maybe wiffle ball....anyone? Sounded kind of fun to me. Also, 621 sounds fun...but remember they have a cover fee$$. Not all of us have tons of extra loot with the gas prices around $3 a gallon. But I would be up for it for sure! I believe that we should do dinner in celebration of me, and then plan on going out. Say dinner around 6:30-7ish...then go out afterward to somewhere for a few cheap drinks....then to 621.

For those of you who really care...we could do some wiffle ball on the Varsity baseball field at Mason...prior to dinner with enough time to clean up for dinner. Nothing major, but I need to know who would be in for that...it would make me happy...especially if I get the Varsity Baseball position which I interview for the day before my birthday! Let me know peoples!

Birthday wish list

Ok...if anyone was wondering what to get me for my birthday I have some suggestions:

I really want an iPod...but no one except maybe my parents would get me one.
I also would like a new Mountain Bike...but again...mucho dinero!

Things people could get me that would be reasonable....

1) Gift certificates to Pet Supplies Plus, Preuss Animal house, Best Buy, Express, or anywhere else that is cool
2) Old school Nintendo....really wish I still had one...and an old school Atari! That would be sweet
3) I really don't have a big pot to make spagetti sauce in....
4) A cover for my grill
5) I also wish I had a good set of grill utensils
6) A fitted Lug Nuts hat...size would 7 3/8"....I lost my other one in Germany
7) A fitted Tigers Hat...old school style...dark navy with a white D
8) Anything cool for my puppies or kitty kats.
9) Lots of friends to hang out with and wish me a happy birthday.

So I was thinking it might be fun to go play some miniature golf...or go bowling...but definately do dinner somewhere cool...maybe Claddaugh's or Clara's. Since it is on a friday it would be fun to go out dancing somewhere...but most places are too meat marketie...but it is still fun. Any other fun birthday suggestions from my viewing public?

Really big fish tank

I bought this aquarium on ebay...not realizing the absolute enormity of the thing. It is a 180 gallon tank...but it is almost 6' tall with it's stand....24" wide and 24" deep. It is a gianormous! It is so big in fact that I have to build support in the basement so it doesn't fall through the floor. I am excited though...It is going to an awesome site once it is up and running. I am going to run a fresh water set up for now...maybe go to salt in the summer or if I move next year....which I am planning on doing. HMB thinks it is overkill...she may be right. She is known to be on occassion :op But regardless...I am excited.

T-minus ten days

So I will be getting closer to the 30 mark relatively soon. The 16th I turn the big 27...not too excited. Good news is that it will be on a Friday! I have some cool things to say, but I am tired right now....

However, my "strange" theater friend yelled at me for not posting on my blog...right Meg?!...so did miss Yeehaw! ;oP Love you guys! So this is somthing new to read...this post that is...but I promise, there will be some cooler stuff coming up tomarrow after school...so check back ;o)

First Day Jitters

Wow...the first day of school came and went. Kids don't arrive until Wednesday. I saw so many familiar faces and so many excited teachers. It was fun being back in school...I know I used the word fun. But I like my job and the people I work with most of the time. In fact, I have taught at almost every building in Mason....I know almost all the teachers. It is kind of cool. Everyone knows me, so I kind of feel important....even though I am just a High School art teacher. :o)

But it is like the first day of school..."so what did you do this summer?" The most common question from those that haven't seen you in three months. I talked about Germany and was surprised that so many people knew about it from other people...and wanted to hear all about it. It was so cool to see God working in the public schools. After the typical welcome back to school first day activities we broke down into buildings for school briefings and meetings. The high school teachers had an ice breaker that the principals made....it was a cross word puzzle that we had to complete in groups of five. Each person's last name was a word in the puzzle. The clue for each name was something that they had done over the summer....they had it down that I went on a mission trip to Germany....I was shocked that they remembered...and that was how they had described me. It got better when we left to our departments...because one of the principal's asked "so did you grow alot spiritually from the mission trip?...Did it make you have a closer relationship with God?...it is so good that I can talk about this with you at school" I couldn't believe it! How awesome!

Cleaning the House

For those of you that know me...you know that this is a big deal. First of all...I hate cleaning...at least by myself that is. When I was little, my sister and I use to the clean the house for my mom. It was how we made an allowance. We would dust, pick up stuff, clean the rooms, vaccum, take out the trash, mow the yard, clean up doggy doodoo...the whole nine yards. It was kind of fun when we did it. For some reason we would fight over who got to dust and vaccum...it was kind of wierd. I usually won being the oldest....I would con her into doing something else. Each chore was assigned a certain $$$ value and I would always try to take the high $$$ chores. I always cut the grass...because that paid ten dallors...I was daddy warbucks after I cut the grass...just rollin' in dough....of course it always took me several hours to do. She and I loved to clean for some reason.

Now it is different. I am by myself with four pets...and hard wood floors. The vaccum really only works upstairs, I have to use a regular broom. No one to share the chores with makes for a lot of work for me. I have had some help cleaning...thanks Yi. But what happened to the fun that it use to be when I was kid?