It has been a wild ride!!!!

The past few weeks have been absolutely crazy. Ups and downs like a roller coaster. Sometimes I'm not sure where I am or what I am doing.

It started with the passing of my Grandfather. A man who has been a rock in my life. For the longest time, he was the father figure in my life. I really did not think I would take it as hard as I did being that I had not had a whole lot of contact with him since I moved to NC. I would send cards, pictures, letters but the last time I saw him was this summer at a family get together at my sister Kim's house. It is hard to put into words my feelings and it has been three or four weeks since his passing. Love you Grandpa, miss you tremendously.

Then work....oh work. Since I spent a week in NY with my family after Grandpa's death, I had one week, or should I say 5 days, to prepare our school for the Magnet Fair. This was our first magnet fair and we found out only two weeks prior to the fair that we were actually participating. Well, we did a wonderful job! (My main worry was looking like an idiot, I think I fooled them.)

But things did not calm down from there. Nope, Sarah and Chad welcomed their newest member of the family, Griffin David. So as I was still mourning the loss of my Grandfather, I was becoming a grandmother yet again. He is special little man, all 7 pounds and 15 ounces of him. Bradley is getting use to being a big brother. He likes to kiss the new little man.

That Friday, National Board scores were released. This was my last year to certify or should I say last year to bank my scores. I would have to redo the whole process if I did not certify this year. I found out the Thursday morning, (Nov. 8) that results would be released Nov. 9th. Much earlier than I expected, usually they came out the Friday before Thanksgiving or last year, the middle of December. I was uncertain whether I was going to check my scores at school. I had already set my mind to it that I would miss by one point. After all the first year I missed by 5, second year missed by 3, isn't there a pattern beginning there???? But, I checked them at work knowing the staff had supported me in the process and I need to share the joy or the agony with them. I certified!!! It was great seeing the "Congratulations" and not the "Thank you for completing the process" on the web page. Now I'm debating, do I start looking at doctorate degrees???

Well I think I'm up to date now. What I really need is a nice rest. Thanksgiving is in four days and Andy and Jessica will be here. Then I'm heading north to visit friends in VA. So as the ride continues, I'm just going to hold on and scream!

~Robin

Canes Fan in the Making

 
 
Took Bradley to his first Canes game last night. He had a ball. I was so surprised he did so well. We stayed for the whole game, left when it went into overtime. Of course Nanny had to get him a Jersey and a Zamboni. His favorite part of the game was the Zamboni. They would come out and he would point, yell and go "BmBmBmBmBm". Boy do I love that little man. What am I going to do when I have 2 more this fall?

Where does the time go???

Seems as if I have been working my tail off since the start of school. No fun stuff...even having trouble getting to Comedy Worx practices. But I know what my students have felt like coming into school at the beginning of the year. The difficulty learning new things and putting them all in context. Then having something new thrown at you again. Then something else, and something else.

I really just want to sit down with a bunch of friends and enjoy some good conversation.

Ok...all for now. Again..Time limits my writing ability. I'm headed to Comedy Worx to do my support for the team.

Until next time.....

Heat Wave

Its been hot!! Really hot!!! Temperature in the pool rose 10 degrees in one day. I guess a couple of 100 dergree+ days will do that.

Bradley has enjoyed playing in the pool. He loves water. I love spoiling him. Last night we ate pizza after the swim. Our neighbor sent up some leftover German chocolate cake, and I shared my piece with him. I told Chad and Sarah, Bradley will love coming to my house if I have to feed him cake every time he comes over.

The heat is just giving me bad dreams. I dreamed they loaded my house up on a truck and hauled it away. I was still in it! I got my gun out of the drawer and shot the tires out of the the trucks that were in the convoy. Finally, Chad and I got control of the truck carrying the house and headed back home but there was a tornado, weird shaped clouds that also attacked us. All the while this was happening I was yelling "I'm hallucinating....better get me to the hospital..something is wrong" only to end at a race track with helicopter shooting at us. I was so deep in this dream...I couldn't wake myself up. When I did I was trying to figure out just where I was...after all...a truck had loaded up my house and driven it away.

Wonder what tonights 8 hours of sleep will bring???

So....for now, I'm just trying to stay cool. Sit reading a good book in the air conditioning with a fan circulating the air.

Day after Potter

Well I finished Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows yesterday. I would have finished it Sunday but enjoyed the grandbaby, Bradley, instead. Check out all the things he has learned in the video. He can clap his hands and copies his Pap-Pap. All that hand flailing was him trying to copy Dave making animal noises.

Back to Harry. I was a little disappointed in the ending. A little too Warm Fuzzies considering the rest of the series. I guess after all Harry's been through, he deserved a happy ending. But so many questions still in my mind. Maybe JK Rowling wanted to leave it that way.


Enjoy watching Little Man.

HP~Day 2

Wow.......anyone else reading it????

Harry Potter Mania....

Ohhh....I can't believe it!!! We are at the end of the series. Its almost depressing. These characters have been a part of my life for so long now.

I had planned on getting my book at 12AM this morning. But went to a concert with Chad and Sarah last night and could not convince Chad to stop at Walmart. When we reached my house, I had all intentions of loading the Bear and Tara into the van and heading to Wally World. But I was exhausted. Especially considering I had a late night on Thursday and woke up with at between 4-5 on Friday with a mysteriously injured hand. Either a sprain or tendinitis...Urgent care dr. didn't know (are you surprised. So no sleep, pain meds and 5 hours at the concert, I decided to hit the bed....but.....


6am.....I had dogs in van heading to buy my copy of Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows.....

Now my dilemma...do I read straight through...or slowly digest each and every page? I want to know what happens...but I fear ending my relationship with Harry and his friends. And after reading the dedication....I am even more apprehensive.

Anyways...enough of my rambling...I have a book to read.

Thanks Chris

You Are Curling

What you lack in athleticism, you make up for in concentration. And while curling isn't much more of a sport than bowling, you *can* win a gold medal for it!

What Winter Sport Are You?

Family Picnic 2007

I'm back from NY were I spent the week with my sister, Kim, and celebrated our parents 25th anniversary (my mom and stepdad)

Ok, let me introduce you, from left to right, front row: My mom (Cindy), My grandpa (Grandpa) and my step dad (Don).

Back row, Me (the heifer), Marchal, Kim, Becky, Kris, Bocie (Robert) and Julie. Missing was my sister Kathy.

We had fun. It was nice to see everyone though I did not get a chance to talk to everyone. My Uncle Duane and his daughter were there. My mom's cousin, Doreen, was there and told me I was like her little sister growing up. It was so nice seeing everyone. Kim thinks the party should be at my house next year....BRING IT ON.

I will update more later. Especially after I get the house cleaned...hehehe Take care...Until next time.

Oh...Life....

Life goes on....a lot to write about...but tonight...Just sitting back, wallowing in my "depression".

Got Pink eye this week. First time in my life I have ever had pink eye...not fun...the joys of being a teacher.

Because I have pink eye, can't babysit Brad tonight.....

My friends/family have abandoned me.....Monica and Jessica have both called, last minute, to cancel our Trace Adkins concert adventure tomorrow.

So I sit back with an adult beverage, drowning my sorrows.

Until happier days.....

And then......

I open my pantry and it is full of food. Why doesn't someone cook??? Oh I know why, either working, playing (improv or hunting), or doing odd jobs. NO one is ever home.

I'm training to be on the associate team at Comedy Worx. Yes, its my play time. I love it. Gives me a good release after working all day. I was even able to drag Dave to a show last night.

Dave starts a new job Monday. That will be new for him. He has been at his old job since we moved to North Carolina 10 years ago.

Andy and Jess are expecting their first child. I'm going to have a red headed, curly haired grandbaby. That will make three. Damn I look good for a granny!!!! That is what happens when you have your kids young!!!

Sorry no pic this time. Bradley was here Sunday and I didn't take any pictures. I must be slacking off.

Until next time.....

Little Man

Wow!!! Its been I while since I posted. Check out little man, Bradley, crawling (albeit the Army Crawl, keep you head down kid) and tearing my house up. He loves books. See him ripping them off the book shelf. He really wanted that Shakespeare Anthology but settled for my Thesis and I believe, The Hobbit.

Chad and Sarah are expecting again. In November Bradley will become a big brother. Won't that be nice. I'm torn between wanting them to have a girl and wanting another boy. I love boys. My boys are the light of my life. I will always love them more than words can describe. But having a little grandbaby girl, someone to dress up and buy Barbies for. Then again, those "I.G. Joes" set up for war in my livingroom will always make me smile.

Andy and Jess are doing fine. Andy has been transferred to a Recon unit. That means he is now deployable. Scares me to death that another one of my sons could end up in the Middle East. I was relieved when Jessica called and said she wasn't going to Iraq. Now that one worry is gone, another takes its place.

I've been taking Improv classes at a local comedy club, I guess you would call it. I love it!! I've been wondering why I hadn't done it ten years ago. I guess it appeals to my inner child. I can act as foolish as I want and its appreciated. My mother didn't appreciate it much though when I stayed with her and practices my puns. That is something I'm not good at so practice makes perfect...right???

Baseball season has started (as the Hockey season for my beloved Canes comes to and end). I begin my 14 hour days next week. Leaving here at 7 and getting home at 9. No sense in coming home from school to go back to work at the baseball field. Might as well stay at school and correct papers and write lesson plans. Especially since my great lesson plan writer has a job way too important to do it for me (Gotcha Chris).

Dave has started hunting. Its turkey season. Anyone want a wild turkey, just let me know. I've never cooked one...I've just mastered the art of cooking venison.

Until next time.

Been a While....

I guess that happens when life happens.

I've had a birthday. So has my other baby, who is now 25 years old. How that happened I would never know since I am only 29 (cough cough). Decided to have my mid-life crisis and take improv classes. They are a riot. I love going to see improv...maybe I'll have a mid-life career change.....

I"m going to be a grandma, again. Chad and Sarah are expecting their second child in November.

I kept the little man, Bradley, yesterday. He is so sweet. Poor honey has a cold. I'm glad I didn't take him to Chris and Kerry's yesterday. He just wanted to cuddle with his Nanny all day. Wouldn't play, wouldn't sleep. It was quite difficult to go to the restroom carrying a nine month old, but that is just the kind of day he was having. I need to enjoy those cuddling times...they go away too fast.

Dave's mid-life crisis is a little bigger than mine. He bought himself a motorcycle this week. He says its because gas cost so much in his truck (well he drives all over 1/2 of God's creation everyday after work instead of coming home.) I guess any excuse is better than none. Now I wonder if I can get a flat panel monitor for my computer??? Maybe a TV receiver???

Ya'll have fun now, ya hear....See ya at the Worx!

Update, February 1, 2007

Wow....Today my baby (not cute little grandbaby, Brad in this picture, but my baby, Andy) is 23 years old. I have no idea how that happened, I am certainly not old enough to have a 23 year old child and a grandbaby (no comments about my age!!!)

Here is a picture of Brad, the angelic grandbaby, couldn't you just eat him up? He is sure getting big and looks just like his nanny, especially with that tongue hanging out.

Well, I interviewed last week for a job that would take me out of the classroom. I was told I would know one way or the other this week. I come home every day looking for my "sucks to be you" letter in the mailbox. Though 2 of the women who interviewed me were conducting a workshop I was at on Tuesday. They were very cordial and one even came up to me to talk to me. I couldn't read their actions. Was this a "I can't wait to work with you" approach or "poor thing has a sucks to be you letter coming in the mail." I had really hoped to know by yesterday. I had to apply to retake any portion of my national boards by the 31st of January. If I do get this position, I will not be paid the National Board pay raise because I would not be working directly with students. But, hearing nothing positive, I paid my $350 to redo the reading assessment. I have already figured I will score 2 more points and end my third year not obtaining certification by 1 point.

Jessica (my new daughter in law) is back from California and recovered from her bought of meningitis. Now the Marines are talking about sending her to Iraq in June. If she passes her physical, she will go. I told her to get pregnant...that way they can't send her. Especially since I had dinner with Sarah and Brad on Sunday. Sarah tells me Chad is certain he is going back to Iraq in October. Now the Doctor has increased my anti-depressants, but not sure I can handle one of them going let alone both of them going.

Tonight I will be the North Carolina Educational Lottery and Carolina Hurricanes Educator of the game. Whooo Hooo. I won 2 free tickets in this contest. Chad and I are going together. I called him and told him since we have a snow day today (yeehaa...kids did put PJ's on inside out and sleep with spoons under their pillows) to come early and we will go to dinner first. I'm excited....trying to decide if I should purchase my Cam Ward jersey tonight....hehehehe

NO other news at this time. Just life going on as is...and on ... and on...and more papers to correct...and correct ... and correct.....

As I told another teacher yesterday, its a shame when you wish your life away....

Is it June yet??? Is it June yet???

Growing up???

Even though Andy has not "lived" in my house in over four years, the act of actually moving his "stuff" to his and Jessica's first apartment has had an effect on me. My baby is moving out. I felt a little melancholy when Chad moved out, both times, but having my baby move out is different. Officially, both my boys are adults and on their own. They have grown up. Now, can mom?

What a week!!

Its hard enough to deal with family illness when you are close to home, but imagine being on different coasts.

Our newest daughter-in-law, Jessica, was hospitalized this week with viral meningitis. She is currently stationed in California at 29 Palms. She had been really sick and Tuesday she was finally taken to the hosptital where a spinal tap confirmed meningitis. Poor Jessica had no one near her, no family I should say. Her nearest family, her mom, was 7 hours away. Well, mom hopped a bus and was there for her baby while Andy tried to handle things here, including getting ready to move into their first apartment.

Jessica is on her way "home" tonight. They are sending her home from the hospital and arrangements are being made for her to go to her mom' s to recover for the next 10 days. The Marine Corps is investigating detaching her from her unit and sending her back to NC early. (She is not suppose to come back until March).

I just want to say thanks to all those who prayed and send well wishes and called/emailed to check on her.

New Year's Resolution.

Do you make one???

I use to. Every year I would make a new resolution to try to improve myself, my life, my health. Everything! Even the capitalists of the year expect us to make New Year's resolutions. I am beginning to think our economy thrives on them.

First of all, how many weight loss commercials have you seen since Jan. 1st? I had just gotten use to seeing Kirsty Ally going on about Jenny Craig, now we have the "Counselors" trying to get us to come on in and give it a try. They are even offering a free entree. I'm running right out for my free tasteless lunch. I figure my weight loss resolutions usually lasted until lunch time on Jan. 1st.

Have you checked out the advertisements in the newspaper? WE all must have made a resolution to get organized. You can buy any type of plactic container, storage container, even space age storage bags to assist you in this resolution. The only thing you see more of in the advertisements is exercise equipment.

Have you made the promise to exercise more yourself? Me either. Do I need to? When was the last time you saw me??? Of course I need to! Don't we all? (Except for Chris who runs more than I sit upright.) But making a resolution doesn't make it happen. I evidently haven't found a reason to make it happen. Now don't get me wrong, I love to do aerobics, step, and walking, but that means I have to get up and get dressed. That in itself is a chore.

So...here are my resolutions for 2007. And I think I can stick to them:
1. Take a nap every afternoon.
2. Eat more chocolate.
3. Enjoy the company of my friends and family.
4. Enjoy corny jokes.
5. Pass on meaningful emails.
6. Ride the fourwheeler.
7. Go for long rides with the window open and the radio blaring.
8. Take a bubble bath and read a good book.
9. Solve Sudoku puzzles.
10. Pet my animals.

I think these would be easy to keep these resolutions. I have made them a part of my life. Enjoy the things that make you happy. Do I need to do those other things? Yes. But until I'm ready, I'll stick with what I know best.

Tagged...

Ok Chris has too much time on his hands and sent me this chain letter to blog about. So, I need to tell 5 things most people do not know about me.

1. The first album (yes I said album) I purchased was Barry Manilow. Don't remember the name but believed it had "Mandy" on it.

2. My first job at the age of 16 was an activities aide in a Day Opportunity Center. Way too much fun!!!! It was then I decided to become a psychiatric nurse (what??? teaching fourth grade is not psychiatric nursing???)

3. My nick name is..... Nope can't post that...ask my grandpa, he'll tell you. He still calls me by that once in a while.

4. Over Christmas break 2006, I went to sheriff's office, was locked in the detention center, fingerprinted then sent to the Mental Health Clinic. Ok, I'll admit, I was applying for my concealed carry permit. But it sounds like so much more fun when I don't add that last piece of information.

5. I use to skip school, hang out in the public library, and read every book I could get my hands on. Yes, I was always a nerd, probably will always be a nerd, but then again, nerds rule the world. (All hail Bill Gates.)

Ok...is that enough??? I'm suppose to tag 5 other bloggers. Well, all the bloggers I know have tagged me....(Ok...Chris is it....I have to admit) so I will tag some myspacers. That means both of you, Sarah and Michele.