Wow! What a week so far! Monday was the last day of classes, but school technically was in session through Wednesday. So, instead of 'school' we went to 6-Flags down in Denver on Tuesday (not even HALF as good as Ceder Point!) and then spent the day at the sand dunes and the mineral pools yesterday. I never want to get on a bus that often, for that long EVER again! 
It was a ton of fun though and for the most part the kids were fairly well behaved. But man am I TIRED!
I just finished getting my grades finalized, so for the rest of today and tomorrow I'm 'cleaning house' so to speak! I have to remember a CD player for tomorrow though, it is way too quiet in here without the kids running around. It feels so good to be done teaching for the next three months. It'll be nice to have a full three day weekend without worrying about having to grade papers and how long I can get away with working on a Monday morning before students figure out I'm in.
This also marks a period during which I won't have a ton of time to update my blog as often as I have been since I refuse to pay for the internet at home. Since I live so far out of town I can only get dial-up, and that's so darn expensive I figure I can put the money to better use somewhere else. I promise to log in at least once a week though and keep everyone updated on my summer adventures with the Forest Service, fires, and Rodeo. I also plan on keeping a daily log while in Greece at least. We leave next Thursday (June 1st) so make sure you check out my adventures overseas!
Thursday, May 25, 2006
Exhausted!
Monday, May 22, 2006
Too Much to Take in...
Though in retrospect this weekend was largely uneventful, it was a bit overwhelming. Since I danced at the college this weekend I crashed at Chris' Friday night since I'm broke and couldn't afford to keep driving back and forth. All the shows went very well, and I loved seeing some of the younger students in the school involved with other extra-curricular activities in the valley. I also was paid some very nice compliments from the owner/director of the dance studio who used to be a New York dancer. Yeah for me!
I spent ALL day yesterday in mud up to my knees putting in irrigation fence in the ditches to flood my fields. There was a lot of rock moving to weigh down the edges and a lot of splashing around with the dogs who were living it up in the water. Once the fences were in correctly the ditches backed up with very cold, very clear mountain water that felt great too cool off in! It was a super hot day out and surprisingly very humid for what we term desert conditions, so it was the perfect job for the weather. Maverick isn't so sure about the swimming bit yet, but he'll warm up to the idea I'm sure! He was so funny trying to take flying leaps across the ditch after the other dogs and landing smack in the middle of them. So my fields are flooding, The Boss is happy and I got to work on my tan while 'working' all day yesterday!
On a bit of an overwhelming note, my uncle Jim is back in hospital. A little over a year ago he had some major heart surgery and some complications with it to top it all off. Though he seems to have been getting somewhat steadily better, yesterday he had what the doctors think was a stroke. My dad left me a message and I talked to my mom last night but they didn't know anything for certain yet. That's what seems so hard about living out here...being so far from those I love. So please put a prayer out that everything turns out alright. It's a bit much for me from 1500 miles away.
Wednesday, May 17, 2006
Miscellaneous Information and Rantings of a Wednesday Morning...
First off...vote of the week: How many of you out there think you can base the start of a possible relationship off with only being able to see each other at completely random times because you both work crazy hours? Wait, there's more: and when you do get to see each other, it's to crash in front of the tv to watch the news or a movie where you both usually fall asleep because you're exhausted. I'm just curious, and frustrated. I just feel like it's hard to get to know someone in such a 'controlled' situation. Do you think I should bring this up as a possible conversation between us, because I think I'd really like to get to know this person a lot better.
GO COWBOYS!
We took our Cheer and Dance pictures a few weeks ago and I just got them back. Sorry they're in B&W, but I' m too busy to scan the color copy and this is all I have. For you Packer fans, our colors are Packer Green and Gold...go figure! Big squad eh? But big enough for a manager! Had some issues with coaching this team this year. The biggest one was lack of discipline and self-motivation. Sound familiar? They didn't want to keep their grades up or practice. So I made them do homework instead of practice until they hated that so much the grades stayed up and we had practice instead. Reverse psychology does seem to work occasionally...
One of the reasons I'm so crazy busy this week is that I'm dancing in the production of Cinderella at the college this weekend. I'm more or less living in Alamosa until Saturday night because of it. Though I'm no longer a ballerina, I do still enjoy jazz and tap. Love it actually, though it doesn't replace figure skating. Just wish the studio was closer to my house so I could afford to dance more than once a week. Though I'm by far not the oldest dancer at the academy, I do have class with quite a few high schoolers who get a hoot out of the fact that I'm a HS teacher here in the valley. Occasionally this make me feel somewhat ancient, but usually I feel much younger 'cause this old maid is kicking their butts on a regular basis! What I don't understand is why these girls aren't in better shape? When I was in high school I was in the best shape of my life!
BORED AT WORK?
Cool web site with some really fun links to games and puzzles to kill time with. My students use this site all the time and I'd rather have them challenging their minds with games such as these than cruising through MySpace. I also have visited during my planning periods when I just feel burnt out from grading papers or way long days... ;)
'SAFER' HIGH?
We've had some issues here at my school and in the valley concerning the misuse of 'legal' drugs. This is dealing with the distribution of prescription pain killers, over the counter items, as well as the abuse of drugs used to control depression, ADD, ADHA, and so on... Despite having a few meetings about this issue and dealing with the students in question, I continue to see this as a possible problem. Surprisingly enough, I ran across an article concerning the exact same problems our school systems up here have been dealing with. So this seems to be more widespread than even I thought, and is actually becoming a nation-wide problem. Is this anything else anybody has heard of? Check out the article and pass on your comments. What worries me is there is some serious mixing of these drugs with alcohol out here. What seems to be a 'safe' high to these students could actually cause some serious liver, kidney and heart problems, not to mention whatever else could occur when you mix drugs...
Monday, May 15, 2006
Finding Romance...
Dating, or even finding a date to begin with, has become a rather difficult thing nowadays. Following up with Heather's blog earlier about internet dating I ran into an article dealing with the strange ways people find true love, and why this occurs. It sort of goes along with my whole soapbox of not selling yourself short when it comes to meeting 'significant others', and the scientific aspect of it all. Hence to every rhyme, there is in fact, a reason...quite interesting really and highly recommendable!
Who knew? Crazy love facts
Wait till you hear the fascinating facts scientists have uncovered about how and why we humans fall in love.
So Far, So Good!
Mondays usually are a bit of a disaster for me, but so far this one seems to be running fairly smoothly. I'm attributing this to the fact that I have bribed my students with the promise of watching movies for the rest of the week if the entire class has caught up with their work, or at least is on their way...Despite the fact that our computer administrator cannot seem to ever keep anything working for a full day at a time, and there are bunches of things that need to be printed out and the printers are not working...I'm keeping a pretty positive attitude!
Interesting weekend as usual. Though I would have killed to be in NY with all you ladies for the bachalorette parties, I imagined it to be quite an interesting time! One the home front: I managed to wash my truck, and it rained. Fortunately I see this as a good omen and I'm going to wash my truck more often since we need the moisture out here! I had my next to last calf...1 more to go! Finally! And I put my mare, Rumba, in with the stud so I should be expecting by next Spring!
Question of the Day: What's worse than a fat, drunk guy following me around asking me to dance every 2 seconds?
Answer: A fat, drunk lesbian following me around asking me to dance every 2 seconds. Ahhhhhhhhh! Ahhhhhhhhhh!
Only in the San Luis Valley do all the teachers get together to go to the bar and watch their superintendent and 2nd grade teacher play in a band and then get hit on by a lesbian. To top it off they had the gig in what I'm carefully terming, 'a bar that is usually frequented by a significant amount of immigrants from another country....' So our theme song was, 'Play That Funky Music White Boy', and I actually got out of there without getting my butt kicked two nights in a row...speaking of which...yours truly DID actually get into a bit of a rumble Saturday night at the country bar when some big 'ol dude smacked my rear end...more than once...he was warned and then just about got his butt kicked after he did it again. I was a bit too small to do much damage though. Full moon so maybe that's why some really strange things were happening...Needless to say I'd be more comfortable if things like that didn't happen.
Thursday, May 11, 2006
Murder in the First
My new mantra: School needs to be done, school needs to be done, school needs to be done...
So I think school needs to get out sooner than later because I'm going crazy. I'm not really having a problem with the energy going on right now with my students since I want out as much as they do (and bribes work), but I am having a problem with letting loose my seniors in this world. And I don't mean this in a good way. First off, I believe the problem stems from them having had 4 different English teachers in 4 years. I've had them for the last year and a half and have been trying to teach them literally everything they should have learned since 8th grade but haven't. Talk about a challenge. The wall I've run up against is that they don't care. They really don't care and almost all of them are going to college and they don't even know how to cite work correctly because they'd rather except a bad grade from me than re-work it into something acceptable. Because they're LAZY. Capital L-A-Z-Y! I suppose I have a very hard time relating to accepting 'just good enough'. I talk about pride, I use examples, I mention integrity, but there is just no getting through to a couple of them in particular. And this makes me feel like a failure in that department, especially when I know what they will be up against next year. It's not worth the fight with their mouths when I have brought it up, or the murderous rage that comes over me when these 'lovely young adults' (yeah, right!) can't refrain from calling me names when they begin to question why they are failing my class. As if it's my fault for them not doing the work. Like I tell 'em...I already graduated, it's not my grade!
The only thing making me feel better is I'm not the only teacher in the school with this opinion. In fact, I seem to have less trouble than even they do.
On much happier notes:
1) It's 'Friday' for me and the weather seems to be lookin' good for the weekend!
2) My friend's band is playing in Alamosa on both Friday and Saturday night.
3) It's teacher appreciation week and I got both fresh cherry pie AND strawberry shortcake this week! Not to mention all the other goodies left in the lounge for us...
4) 1 more full week of school! Woohoo!
Mother Knows Best
Remember growing up and mom had lots to say about your dating life? Well, mom still has lots to say about my dating life, and the older I get guess what? I keep finding out she's right. I'm a big advocate about not selling yourself short, and hence have become a bit picky about whom I'm dating. Surprisingly enough, once I've upped my standards I've met some really, really great guys. While reading the 'news' today I ran across a great article for gals and guys alike about dating advice. For once somebody got it right. EVERYONE single (and even those of you who aren't) check it out!
Mother Knows Best
Tuesday, May 09, 2006
Not So Smart Marketing Ideas
I Just ran across this article today concerning solutions to dog anxiety. Actually, Maverick's been doing just fine at home, but has gone on a chewing kick so he's no longer allowed to stay in the bathroom anymore and has to be kenneled while I'm at work. He's free all night though and has done great so far and wakes me up to go outside. My little boy's so smart! Anyway, so I ran into this article and couldn't help but think what crazy ideas people come up with! It starts out alright and the picture seems appropriate, until you find out it's the cover art...
Many dog owners are bedeviled by their pooches' symptoms of separation anxiety:Ripped couches, mangled shoes, or even more disgusting acts apparently aimed at retribution for leaving Fido home alone all day.
Now one Atlanta based company has the solution for your spiteful Spot — designed to be "a play date for your dog." The video, fetchingly titled The Dog Tales, is "designed to entertain today's pampered pooches while their owners are away." The Dog Tales DVD features a myriad of mutts yapping and yelping. Thank goodness you're not home to hear it. Buyers even have the ability to record their own voice to help soothe the distressed dog.
Ok, crazy idea, but I've seen worse. I mean, they have doggy day care, so why not a video for your mutt at home to keep him company?...despite the possibility of driving your neighbors' crazy...plus how long does this video run? Doesn't seem feasible for those who work all day. But the next line is where it lost me. Like I'm going to sit down and watch TV with my dog,
for my dog:
The $21.95 DVDs are subtitled "in human" for "those of us who don't speak bark."
No word if the disc also comes with behind-the-doghouse commentary.
I say, invest the money in a few chew toys, or better yet, save up and get a decent run outside so the dog has a lot of things to pay attention to while you're gone. Brings a whole new option to curling up to watch a movie on a Saturday night though doesn't it? I can see it now..."honey, why don't you come over and watch this great new video Maverick and Dixie picked out?" LOL
Monday, May 08, 2006
25 SIGNS YOU HAVE GROWN UP
I thought some of you could possibly relate to some of these, know someone who could or at least get a good laugh like I did (and yes, I can relate also). Surprisingly enough it was sent to me from another MTU graduate. Go figure.
1. Your houseplants are alive, and you can't smoke any of them.
2. Having sex in a twin bed is out of the question.
3. You keep more food than beer in the fridge.
4. 6:00 AM is when you get up, not when you go to bed.
5. You hear your favorite song in an elevator.
6. You watch the Weather Channel.
7. Your friends marry and divorce instead of "hook up" and "break up."
8. You go from 130 days of vacation time to 14.
9. Jeans and a sweater no longer qualify as "dressed up."
10. You're the one calling the police because those %&@.. kids next door won't turn down the stereo.
11. Older relatives feel comfortable telling sex jokes around you.
12. You don't know what time Taco Bell closes anymore.
13. Your car insurance goes down and your car payments go up.
14. You feed your dog Science Diet instead of McDonald's leftovers.
15. Sleeping on the couch makes your back hurt.
16. You take naps.
17. Dinner and a movie is the whole date instead of the beginning of one.
18. Eating a basket of chicken wings at 3 AM would severely upset,
rather than settle, your stomach.
19. You go to the drug store for ibuprofen and antacid, not condoms and pregnancy tests.
20. A $4.00 bottle of wine is no longer "pretty good shit."
21. You actually eat breakfast food at breakfast time.
22. "I just can't drink the way I used to" replaces "I'm never going to drink that much again."
23. 90% of the time you spend in front of a computer is for real work.
24. You drink at home to save money before going to a bar.
25. When you find out your friend is pregnant you congratulate them instead of asking "Oh shit what the hell happened?"
Supercat!
My little Manx jumped up on the counter this morning and hid inside the Walmart bag I had there. Unfortunately she tried to crawl out the wrong way and morphed into supercat! I finally took pity on her and took it off after she ran around the house with it chasing her for awhile. It was like a parachute when she jumped off the counter.
Great weekend! Went shopping Friday and found another dress, so now I'm all set for Greece! Went down to Pueblo Saturday morning to watch my friend Kelly at a wild horse racing clinic. Took some pictures, drank some beer and soaked up some sun. Had a ton of fun and met some great people. Can't wait to meet up and party with them again! Kelly thinks I should be a rider so I'm thinking maybe I'll learn. I miss rodeo and would love to get out doing it regularly again. I stick a horse pretty good so I figure why not?
Coming home Sunday I drove through the Canyon River Gorge where some of the best white- water rafting can be found in Colorado. Definitely need to be doing that this summer. Anyway, while driving I heard this loud 'thump' and
lo and behold just below the road on next to the river were a bunch of Mountain Goats. Luckily my camera was available! The two rams on the left were going at it and the noise they made echoed through the whole canyon. It was way cool!
Thursday, May 04, 2006
Jealousy
Yup, we've all been there. Jealous of your man (or woman) out with their friends, doing something without you that you wished you'd been asked to do, or you're simply cranky pants and need to vent on something...and an otherwise nonjealous moment seems like a good opportunity. Jealous of friends? Occasionally I go there, but usually it's in a good way. The way I figure it, life's just way too darn short to get worked up over stuff concerning significant others or friends. If you don't trust the person, why be associated with them?
This is stemming from a couple of things I've noticed this week with various acquaintances and my response to a few things. I started with a blog the other day making a comment about living the single life, and how unhappy many people seem to be unless they are permanently attatched to somebody else. Of course I'd love to have some serious relationship going again if the circumstances were right, but why complain? So I'm making the best of what I've got in the now, and I'm happy! Jealousy? Let's start with myself first...if I had to say I was jealous of anything at the moment, it's my friends who live close to town, or in larger towns and are either making comments to get my rear-end out of here and somewhere closer to a city while their having a grand 'ol time in a bar somewhere, or to come on down and visit with them. Occasionally this is doable, but 8 or so times out of 10 I really can't afford to be traipsing back and forth into town just to be social. This does have it's pros though: I don't spend much money on social situations for a start. So I'm just calling this jealousy a good test for my determination to stay on track money wise, and make the best of it all when I do get out. Other jealousies? The beautiful children you all seem to be popping out! But that's a good thing!
An observation I made earlier this week concerns a close friend of mine who can never seem to make a decision about doing much of anything without running it by her boyfriend first. This is a great, beautiful chicka who is a ton of fun to get out with, but since that hardly happens I've quite asking her to join me on the weekends as much as I used to. She can't seem to go more than 10 minutes without talking to that boy and he'll call if she isn't calling him. Needless to say, makes for a difficult conversation. Love? I think not. Possessiveness is more like it. How can you NOT trust the person you supposedly love? to me, keeping tabs on someone is not only a waste of time, but how BORING! I mean, wouldn't you all get tired of wondering, worrying, arguing...I mean, how much anxiety is that! Let's die young over 'love'? Maybe I need to get her to consider what she thinks 'love' really is...
Another situation I was a bit involved with that got me quite angry actually...I have a friend who lives down in the city who was quite interested in me last fall. Despite enjoying talking with him and e-mailing back and forth, I never really felt he and I would make much of a good couple, especially after considering our very different lifestyles. Since we were only friends I casually mentioned hooking him up with a friend of mine since I felt he was a great guy, albeit not for me. His response, "I'm interested in you, not some friend and wouldn't appreciate being passed around your social circle." Hmmmm...ego? So we lost contact for awhile 'cause I thought that was just silly since I thought I was paying him a compliment. Anyway, we get back in touch a few months later, I make a few comments about how great of friends we could be if he quits with the constant flirting, and we continue on with the friendship. I'm assuming this is just fine, but he pops in the other day with a totally unacceptable, somewhat jealous comment (by my standards) about something he read on my blog. It wasn't funny, or teasing and hit a pretty sore note with me. I mention this, and how it wasn't funny; his reply? He just tore me apart and said something pretty nasty. My God! I wasn't asking for an apology, though it would have been nice; simply asked him to consider how others may interpret what he says. So I guess he quite hasn't given up thinking we could be more than friends-which I'm pretty sure I don't even want to put any effort into anymore. What a waste.
Chew Toys
Despite having a BILLION toys for my dogs to play with (they even have their own toy box), Maverick is insistent that I am his favorite chew toy. If he can't grab hold of an article of clothing I am wearing, my ankles, wrists or ears are a good supplement. I've told my vet he's done too good of a job in fixing him. Other than that, he is the perfect little puppy and I'm chalking up the biting to the fact he's teething and this stage WILL go away sooner than later. He sleeps through most of the night, he heels and sits already, he doesn't care about the livestock and most importantly, he knows how to ask to go outside to potty and I don't have to watch him to make sure he doesn't wander off, he just comes back up on the deck and hits the bells have out there to ask to be let back in. As an update, I took his stitches out last night and he's gained 4.5 pounds since Sunday!
It was a blessing in disguise that yesterday's plans fell through and my evening was looking to be really lousy. I did almost all my laundry (though I haven't put it away yet), got totally immersed in a great book AND caught up on the sleep I lost the night before. Since it's the end of the week perhaps I will go make up for it tonight? Plus I need to celebrate the fact my long-lost reimbursment check from Wildfire College, held back in January, has been found! Woohoo! Plus I'm a Margarita...which is somewhat ironic...
| You Are a Margarita |
 You aren't just the life of the party, you are the party! You mix a good drink, bust out some great music, and know how to get down. |
Wednesday, May 03, 2006
Bummer!
My plans have been nixed for the evening and my day is NOT wrapping up well! Why is it that plans never seem to work out with me? It's not my changes that are occuring; maybe I'm surrounding myself with the wrong people. See blog on Neuroticism!?! from last month, maybe I was on to something there...
Life Theme
I am definitely having too much fun with this blogthings site. Dance went great last night. We have a recital coming up put on by the academy in the valley, and I'm doing hip-hop and jazz for them. I'm also getting sweet talked into volunteering my time to help out with the little kids and play a walk on part. Since I can't figure skate out here (no rinks), and I was going crazy I decided to get back into dance. Now I drive 50 miles one way, once a week for class. I would love to dance every night, but can't afford the gas. I'm jonesin to get skates back on my feet and start coaching again, but my hands are sort of tied in that category. I figure dance is the next best thang!
Against my better judgment I hung out with Chris after class last night and tried staying awake through a movie with him and his roomy and her boyfriend. Needless to say I'm way tired now and should have probably headed home for a decent night's sleep. Oh well. Hindsite is always 20/20. Live it up right?!
| Born to Be Wild |
 "I like smoke and lightning Heavy metal thunder Racin' with the wind And the feelin' that I'm under" A total independent spirit, you can't be held down or fenced in. You crave the feeling of wind on your face... and totally freedom. |
Tuesday, May 02, 2006
Making me Happy Today
Inspired by Heather S. to think positive...
The things making me happy today:
Went for a ride on Chris' Harley last night and must admit after this last weekend I think I may have a bit of a crush on him now (and if you're reading this, you're a dork!).
After first hour (the class from hell) everything has run smoothly and the kids have been very positive and polite.
My drama class is watching 'School of Rock' and Jack Black Rocks!
I have Jazz tonight and thus have to drive into Alamosa, and get to see Chris again...
Maverick is definitely bouncing back from his surgery and loves his mommy!
We had enchiladas for lunch!
I LOVE Gala apples and just ate one.
Stealing Blog Ideas
So Heather found the fun blogsite I've been wasting mucho time on...and now I know exactly what rock star, pop princess and muppet I should be...go figure. More fun facts about my life to come!
| You Are Sheryl Crow! |
 Down to earth with tons of creative energy When you talk, everyone can relate to you "Life springs eternal On a gaudy neon street Not that I care at all" |
| You Are Miss Piggy |
 A total princess and diva, you're totally in charge - even if people don't know it. You want to be loved, adored, and worshiped. And you won't settle for anything less. You're going to be a total star, and you won't let any of the "little people" get in your way. Just remember, piggy, never eat more than you can lift! |
| Your Inner Pop Princess Is Shakira |
 "Baby I would climb the Andes solely To count the freckles on your body Never could imagine there were only Too many ways to love somebody" You're more a poet than a pop star. |
Monday, May 01, 2006
The Single Life
I can't help but notice how many people out there are so discontent being single. Ladies, LIVE IT UP! Seriously! I've had my fair share of 'serious' relationships, and what it all came down to...I'm NOT selling myself short...hence I refuse to settle. Honestly, it's not so bad. Think it over. You can date whomever you want, whenever you want. I have no lack of dates and don't have to answer to ANYONE! Isn't it wonderful?! No, "honey, what are you doing, where are you now, why aren't you here..."
Take a survey of the guys you know and ask them how many gals they know that are independent, self-sufficient women. Trust me, they won't know many. Be one of them and LOVE IT! No, I'm not some crazy feminist. I want to get married, I want kids, I want a traditional household and someone to come home to, or have come home to me...yes, sometimes it gets lonely and I do make a lot of fun when trying to meet guys, but knowing I don't NEED somebody in order to be me, is a great feeling. Think it over.
And for those of you happily married, having babies, enjoying your 'significant other'...I am way jealous in such a good way for you all. Yet another reason not to EVER sell yourself short!
April Showers?
Right Now: Headache, still?!
Red Wings: Don't ask
Maverick: Home and making up for lost time. I caught him eating the bathroom door this morning and he seems to feel the need to chew on anything and everything that grabs his attention...such as my ankles as I walk by.
Yet another crazy weekend out here. Seems I'm starting to pile them up. Friday started out overcast and gray, making me hope we'd be getting some of that desperately needed moisture. Well, you know the saying, 'be careful what you wish for?' I was at a friends house and when I came out there was at least 4 inches of snow on the ground, more coming, and I'm in flip-flops. More snow than we've had all winter...and it's spring...Then I pulled into the drive I found these poor confused elk wondering at what was going on with the weather in my field. Was supposed to go see a friend's band play in Monte Vista, but everyone backed out on me due to the wet roads (despite that it was over 40 degrees out) and I got stuck sitting home in the dark 'cause my power went out. Could have been romantic...COULD HAVE!
Anyway, Saturday was beautiful, went up to Buena Vista with Wayne, dropped off some work he needed done on a truck, went to the rock shop and spent money on jewlrey I HAD TO HAVE, stopped for lunch in Salida and discovered downtown is this cute, artsy little place! Never knew it! So I went shopping and found a dress just like #11 (which seems the most popular) but in better, brighter colors for a LOT less. Sorry no pics, was in a boutique. So I'm still lookin' for at least one more.
Went in search of my lost social life again Saturday night in Alamosa. I actually had dinner made for me...with wine...which may have been the start of my problems for the night...definitely was fun though!
