My Christmas list

So, I love Christmas. One of my favorite things is giving gifts to everyone I know. Unfortunately, this year I am not in the financial position to give any a gift. Except, maybe a plate of cookies.

While I love giving at Christmas, I really suck at receiving gifts. I always feel greedy and icky when people ask me what I want.

In my family, there are a lot of us. I have lots and lots of cousins and aunts and uncles. It used to be a tradition to draw names and do a gift exchange/secret santa because buying for all would be impossible to afford. In this secret santa, one person was always in charge of organizing everything. That person knew who had who and also compiled the lists. The list was my favorite part to get in the mail. Everyone in the family would write down everything they wanted and send it to the gift exchange organizer. The organizer would then compile them all and copy them to send out to each family. That way you had a good idea of what your person wanted.
So this year, I thought I would compile my list. This is partly for me. When I actually sit down and write what I want/need, I see how much I do have and how much I really don't need. Remember, this is a wish list, not a list of things I expect to ever get.

Here goes:
1. A new silicone spatula (my favorite one broke last weekend)
2. more pairs of SmartWool socks (they keep my frozen toes warm)
3. A Honeymoon
4. new toys for Charlotte
5. A new car

Crazy Dog Lady

I am a crazy dog lady. My dog is my child. I realized the extent of my psychosis today when I spent a half hour going through holiday collars for Charlotte. Good thing we got Charlotte a pig ear to make up for all the stuff we do with/to her. She has since hoarded it under her pillows next to the couch. Yes, her pillows. They are so she is not on the couch. But, she really only sleeps on them when I am taking up the whole couch. Right now Charlotte is sleeping on my lap. Can you really argue with the droopy face of a bulldog? Same thing with the poodles. Genevieve, the poodle at my parent's house might be one of the world's most spoiled dogs. But we love them sooo much.



On the other side of my life, I have now made a whole heap of hats. anyone need a hat? I will sell them for cheap.

Post Turkey Day Haze

I love Thanksgiving. Everything about it. I love the food, family, and general thankful attitude. I love Thanksgiving because it is one day that reminds us to look at the things in life that are good and to remind us of the good. Because of this, I decided that I would lift some of the things I am thankful for this year. Especially since I have been so grumpy and unthankful lately.

Things I am thankful for this year.
1. Kyle and our marriage
2. Charlotte
3. My parents, grandparents, and sibling and their constant support
4. Close friends who listen
5. Having a job that I enjoy

Please don't be nice to me right now

Ever get to the point where you are so overwhelmed by something going on in your life that you have inappropriate emotional responses? I am there right now. I am stressed. Very stressed. Lots of things contribute to this. I also am not the best at dealing with stress. Never have been.

So in the middle of my meeting with my principal I nearly lost it. This was not about something bad. Actually, it was the principal telling me how wonderful I am doing. I almost could not handle nice comments.

I have been reduced to tears when family members express concern about me or ask how I am.

so, while I don't think I can handle someone being mean, nice is not working either. I need neutral. Or maybe a lobotomy. Or a vacation.

want a cookie?

So I am in a baking mood. But, I can't possibly eat all the things I bake. Anyone want something? I will send cookies, cupcakes, etc. if you send postage with the return of the container.

Please Comment

So, I have recently installed a counter here and noticed a huge amount of hits in the last week. This makes we wonder who is reading this blog. I am just curious to if it is friends or my boss who are reading my thoughts.
Schmanks!

report card time is a happy time

I love getting angry parent emails. Especially the ones that keep emailing me about my inability to be a good teacher. I now think they are pretty funny. Granted, there have been ones that have gotten me very upset. I guess it also helps that i usually get much more positive feedback than angry emails. Last year, I had an ongoing train of email from a parent who did not understand why I could not take time out of my class to have their child sing me solos and then give private lessons and coaching. Even after pointing out the district policy on tutoring. (I can't tutor students from my building.)

I guess if I ever have children I might change the way I think about lots of things. But, I really don't think I will ever go after a teacher for giving a grade that is less than favorable. Especially if the teacher gives a detailed response and data to back up the student's work.