Wednesday, October 31, 2007

Happy Halloween!

     Yeah, I snuck in a walk this morning. It's so weird to walk when it is as dark as it is in the morning because it feels like I am walking at night.
     I am so excited for Halloween tonight! I know I am going to have to buy like 15 bags of candy now that I live in the trick-or-treating hot spot of Okanogan!
     I can't wait to see all the kids! When my step-daughter arrives to my house, rather than go out again, we are going to have her help hand out candy, which should be fun, too!
     I love our pumpkins! We carve ours the old school way, with no fancy patters or scoopers. We had tons of fun making them, and I love it when it's all dark and they are lit up.
     I have been thinking a lot just the past few days about fitness and diet. I need to get into somewhere and weigh, so I can figure out where I even am in that department. My clothes all fit, and are actually a bit loose, so I have a general idea of where I am.
     When we return from our trip to San Diego, I plan on notching exercise up! I am hoping I can get Cody to kick my butt!! LOL.
     So for now, stay safe and warm tonight!

Monday, October 29, 2007

This weekend was a TREAT!

     Sleepy, dreamy, relaxed. Could it be? Yup, that's me the past couple of days!
     Friday was spent not knowing what to do...no kids, no Friday night football.
     Rick and I invited a friend over and we BBQed and watched a movie on tv and then one we rented. It was nice and relaxed (and warm, especially compared to football games!).
     Saturday and Sunday were all about sleeping in!! How nice, what a TREAT!
     Both days were pretty lazy, too. Saturday Rick went to run boats, and I didn't go for two reasons.
     First, I wanted to go to my step-daughter's preschool carnival, both to see her and take pictures for the yearbook we are making for them.
     And, as silly as this sounds, I know Cody will be calling soon, and I don't want to miss his phone call because I am in a place that doesn't have cell service!
     Unfortunately he did not call :( I imagine it will happen some time this week, hopefully, but the bright side of things is that I will be seeing him one week from tomorrow!
     We are leaving this Saturday for San Diego, and I can't believe it's HERE!
     Back to our lazy Sunday, we hung out at my house with a nice fire going, and I made my yummy chicken noodle soup (seems to be a once a month Sunday dinner).
     It was just so nice and relaxing and LAZY.
     Then this morning I went for a walk!! It was SUPER cold, but very refreshing! I like it!
     I know this will be a good week, somewhat hectic, but I am recharged from the weekend and ready to go!

Friday, October 26, 2007

What day is it?

     It feels like I have lived a month in one week! Seriously, when I look back to this week...SIGH.
     We know that last week was Homecoming...ending with the dance on Saturday night. (BUSY)
     Let's take a look at since then. Sunday I drove to Wenatchee and flew to Seattle, and then my sister came and visited with me at the hotel. We sat in the sauna (very relaxing) and trotted down memory lane :)
     Monday and Tuesday I spent working at a conference. I sit on a statewide writing assessment team of teachers, administrators, TOSAS, instructional coaches, etc. We work hard, and I learn tons, which enables me to be a better teacher.
     Then, Tuesday I flew back to Wenatchee and drove home to Oak Town. Long day.
     Wednesday was a somewhat normal day, as normal as it can be after being gone from the classroom for two days. It always feels like I play catch-up all day!
     Thursday...we left right after school last night to head to the football game in Leavenworth. This was a fun trip, as we stopped on the way at Starbucks!
      We returned home last night at around 11:30. The cheerleader bus made it home much earlier than the football team bus, so I was glad to be home as early as we were.
     The trip to Leavenworth is always one of mixed feelings. The field we played on last night is our old home field. Cody played his middle school through freshmen years of football there.
     Even more special to me is that our old house sits right next to the football field, right on the river.
     I saw my best friends last night and their kiddos. SIGH. I miss them all so much. It's pretty amazing how you can go for long periods of time of not seeing people you love, and then when you do finally see them, it's like there was never any absence.
      Now with football season over, I plan on going back up to L-town for a weekend visit, probably some time in December (considering how much is going on in the next couple of weeks). I can't wait.
     Fall, football, friends...Friday.

Monday, October 22, 2007

Just how ya see it!

     The weekend felt like a whirlwind, and it just zipped by, at least to me. The funny thing is that Jordie feels like it was a really (albeit good) LONG weekend.
     This was the first year in four that Rick and I didn't go to the Loup Loup ski auction. We even had tickets given to us, but we normally go with our good friends every year, and they had HOMECOMING central at their house, so we all decided to not go this year.
     It actually ended up being a nice break in what would've been an even more hectic weekend.
     Last night my baby sister and I hooked up, and we had such a SUPER time!! We laughed and laughed and told cute stories about my boys when they were little.
     That reminds me! I had no idea that there is some reality show about findng the next Elvira. I happened to catch a bit of it, and it is not something even me, MS. Queen Reality, will watch again.
     But, now here is the story...my sister dressed my boys and their friend up when they were very little. Cody was dressed as Elvira, dress and make-up and all!! LOL
     Speaking of Cody, I read an interesting quotation yesterday (sorry, I can't remember who said it). "War is God's way of teaching us geography." That made me go: Hmmmmmm...
     Regardless of your faith and belief, the gist of this quotation is so true. To even know where Qatar is, would we if it wasn't for the war? Hmmmmm.
     Enough of that heavy stuff. So, even though my weekend felt like a blink, it was a good one! Happy Monday!

Sunday, October 21, 2007

SURVIVED!

     Somehow we survived HOMECOMING week!! It was truly tons of fun, just very exhausting!
     Friday was a bit emotional for me...And, I don't know if that was because I was super tired (probably had a lot to do with it) or what it was.
     At our pep assembly Aaron Nickelson performed a Lone Star song, Not a Day Goes By. And, I didn't expect it, but I just started bawling because I miss Cody so much.
     I looked for Jordie in the crowd, we met eyes, and I could see how much he misses his brother, too.
     When the song ended, a couple of my cheer girls ran over to hug me. I am really lucky to work with such caring kids!
     Then we had a BLAST at the assembly(the cheerleaders looked and performed SUPER), and the parade, as always, ROCKED!!
     The game was still fun, although we lost. Senior night, half-time Homecoming activities, cheerleaders' stomp routine, etc. And, my cheerleaders surprised me with a thank you and special recognition. (Again, an emotional moment.)
     We only have one more game. I can hardly believe the season is almost over. CRAZY!
     At the end of the game, Jordie suffered a concussion. SIGH. He is thankfully doing much better today, but Friday night was a bit scary.
      Yesterday was spent getting ready for the dance (picking up the flower), dealing with wrinkles in clothes, and chauffeuring to the restauarant and dance.
      Jordie and Becca looked perfect!! They both had a yummy dinner and fun dance.
     In between all of that, we fired up the barbie at Rick's and watched Transformers, which was a great action flick that I wished we would've watched in the movie theaters!
     Now this morning I am enjoying a cup of Starbucks (Thanks to my cheer girls...they know me TOO well!), and preparing for another semi-busy week.
     SO, to recap the week for my exercise: I did go for one walk early on a rainy and dark morning. I can't believe how dark it is when I am up now!
     Eating: Not bad at all. I watched my portions. Water: Need to improve!
     Well, I am looking forward to the next couple of weeks! Although I have not been focused on my health the way I would like to be really since school started, I have maintained (and, not gained).
     There ya have it...I survived!

Wednesday, October 17, 2007

WHAT a FuN day!!


     I had so much fun today! The kids were all excited, and our school was so colorful!
     I love it when new traditions start, and they are SUPER successful! The volleyball and football games were a HUGE hit!
     Go SOPHOMORE boys for dominating and taking first in Macho Volleyball. I was proud as an advisor, and even more as a MOM, when Jordie served for 12 straight points!
     All the boys from all the grades played well, and the same with the girls (SENIORS won) in football!
     I just love all of the creativity of this week. Again, the sophomores have topped my list with two of their ideas!
     First, their shirts say OXYMORON to the tenth power. This is clever and witty, as they are the class of 10 and they are sophomores (thus the tenth power), and then sophomore derives from Greek, meaning WISE FOOL, definitely an oxymoron!! Very fun!
     Then some of the sophomore girls dressed up for famous pair day. This was supposed to be like Brad and Angelina, Salt and Pepper, Bonnie and Clyde, etc.
     Well, these girls came as PEARS!!!! LOL!!!! I love my job!!
     So, to explain the pic...I corralled my hair into a tie dye bandana, and sported my sophomore shirt to show some love to my class during the activities tonight!

Tie Dye WEDNESDAY


     Three weeks from today CODY graduates from boot camp! I can't believe how time can both go slowly and quickly at the same time. I can't wait to see him!!!!
     And, one of the reasons time is going so quickly is that we are busy!! I love this week, and I feel like I am lucky to celebrate it every year!! Most people only have 4 years, but since I teach I have MANY more!
     Today is the middle of Homecoming week, and I am VERY excited for tonight's activities: Macho Volleyball and Powder Puff Football.
     Today is also my FAVORITE dress-up day, as it is the class color day which is absolutely CRAZY :)
     Our staff is in our third year of tie dye, and I have the perfect dress for today!! And, my hair, let's just say HUGE. LOL
      Last night Rick and I watched The Biggest Loser, which I always find inspiring.
     My favorite part, of course, is how after they vote someone off, they show how they have continued to do...last night's transformation ROCKED.
     A little update on the sicky icky cold I was trying to have. I think I shrugged it off!! Thanks to the water, vitamins, and Zicam! YES! That's one for me and a big fat zero for Mr. Cold!
     Well, I am off to enjoy the day, and I hope you do the same!

Tuesday, October 16, 2007

On a roll...

     Something to think about...
     On Sunday night Rick and I watched Evan Almighty for the first time; we missed it in the theaters.
     We both love the two main actors, Morgan Freeman and Steve Carell, and we both love comedy movies.
     Although the plot was ridiculously predictable, I still enjoyed watching the movie and listening to all of the messages.
     My favorite lesson from the entire movie is when God (played by Morgan) tells Ethan/Moses that when someone asks him (God) for courage, he does not give that person courage, but rather he gives that person an opportunity to be courageous.
     He went on to also use the example of patience. Rather than bestowing patience, he creates a situation in which the person asking can then show his/her patience.
     I loved the idea of this. Regardless of your beliefs, you can still understand that when your life lesson is let's say...PATIENCE, that you will then be given many opportunities in this life to practice and work on patience.
     I can relate to this entirely. I know that my two life lessons in life right now are 1) PATIENCE, and 2) You can't please everyone, so you need to do what you believe in your heart to be right.
     And, it certainly feels that in the last six months, I have been given AMPLE opportunities to practice those! Sometimes those are HARD lessons to learn :)

Monday, October 15, 2007

I see a pattern here

     I am so busy that I don't even feel like I have time to dedicate to this blog at this moment. Sheesh, I don't want to let anybody down either.
     I can hardly believe that we only have two football games left, and then cheer season is over. I won't quite know what to do with my time for the rest of the year. (I imagine I will blog more!!!)
     Why does it always feel like life is SUPER busy or super not? Seriously, I am amazed at how much has been going on or will be in just the months between September and November!
     Then...slow down, just in time for the holidays! HA!
     I am very excited about our trip at the beginning of November to San Diego!!! I CANNOT believe Cody will graduate from basic training! I am so proud of that little fart.
     He sends letters often, and he has accomplished some major things already! He is a squad leader, and he received the highest level for his marksmanship training!! This is good especially since he wants to be a sniper with recon!
     We are going to have such a great trip to San Diego, and I hope the weather is nice. Sea World and San Diego Zoo...here we come!!! Of course, our highlight will be to proudly watch our son march in his dress uniform and receive his diploma and orders.
     Now for life here and right now. We are experiencing Homecoming this week which means REALLY long days and lots of chaos. I am tired, and it's only Monday.
     But, along with the long hours, we have LOTS of laughs! The Powder Puff football(girls playing football) and the Macho Volleyball (boys playing volleyball) practices have been hysterical! I have very much enjoyed the frustration of the "coaches" (fellow sophomores) who just can't understand why nobody listens!?!? LOL
     Tonight we had double practice, tomorrow night we are going to the Omak vs. Okanogan volleyball match, then Wednesday night Macho Volleyball and Powder Puff games, Thursday...well, looks open after cheer practice, and Friday the big football game, parade, assembly, etc. Capped off with Saturday night Homecoming dance!
     Just writing the list makes me happy and tired.
     I have not exercised in I don't know how long...I am not eating bad, which is a plus, and I have been drinking lots of fluid because I am fighting off a nasty cold.
     This cold reared its ugly head on Friday, really icky on Saturday, and seems to be simmering since Sunday. I am hoping I am holding it at bay.
     So, there you have it in one GIANT nutshell...

Thursday, October 11, 2007

Is it THURSDAY already???

     Hello, old friend!
     Yes, it has been far too long since I have last blogged, and I appreciate all of my faithful readers who keep coming back and checking.
     Life is just a whirlwind. I am guessing that my sporadic blogs will continue until cheerleading is over, which is surprisingly, just around the corner.
     I can hardly believe that we are almost in the middle of October! This Friday night is only one of three (maybe four, if we play a cross-over) games left in our season.
     It will, no doubt, be strange when cheer is over, as right now it is certainly all time consuming. I will have some much extra time that I won't know what to do with myself!
     So, hang in there...I promise I will be back in full force once life slows down just a tad.
     Everything has been busy, but good. Our airline tickets are purchased for San Diego, and I CANNOT wait to see Cody!! Less than a month to go.
     My eating has been mostly good, with a few slip ups here and there, but really I have been concentrating on eating healthy and on portion control.
     Exercising is spotty (sort of like this blog). I have gone for walks in the morning, and worked on my wood pile in the past week, but I haven't worked out every single day.
     This week and next are particularly NUTSO, with Homecoming on the horizon. We have had planning and prepping activities this week, and then next week...well, I probably won't know my name :)
     What's fun for me is that I get to relive Homecoming every year, and this one I am a sophomore class advisor, so I am helping lots.
     This weekend we are going to Wenatchee to hit up Goodwill and buy all of our dress-up clothes.
     Well, I miss you. Life is well. I hope it is for you, too.

Thursday, October 4, 2007

THANK you Power

      The act of saying thank you, of appreciating all that should be appreciated, of realizing how fortunate we all really are.
     I read an article today online about "Thank You Power" that resonated with me.
     Of course, it makes sense that a natural link exists between optimists and people who live the ideals of Thank You Power. This is all completely connected to my life right now.
     My 10th grade English classes are reading Stuck in Neutral, which actually a local guy (Spokane), Terry Trueman, wrote.
     One of the main messages in the book revolves around optimism, staying positive, and hope.
     Side note: Terry Trueman is coming to our school next Friday to meet with my students, and I am totally thrilled!
     The message in his book, in the articles that I read today is one that I am trying to live each day.
     Remember to say thank you. Remember to appreciate those around you. Remember to FORGIVE. Remember to look for solutions.
     I have resolved myself to remembering. Sometimes I think that we bog down in all the little details and miss out on the big picture. Thankfully, right now that picture's clarity is one of splendid focus.
     Life is busy, and you know what? I am thankful for the opportunity to be busy :)
     On a physical note...I have focused well on eating this past week, but not on water consumption or exercising.
     I have one month until we head down to see Cody at his graduation. I can't wait to see him. I know he will look/act so much differently.
     I need to kick myself in the butt, and workout hard for 30 days!
     We have a fun weekend ahead of us: football game with the junior cheer camp, soccer game on Saturday, wood gathering sometime over the weekend, and I am bound and determined to finish unpacking my classroom this weekend!
     I can do it! Thank you!

Monday, October 1, 2007

What a weekend REALLY should be...



CAPTION:
The above pic I took of the mirror as we were driving down the snowy road. I have this thing for reflective pics. My baby brother says that this pic looks like I am in a snow globe! As you can see, I like it so much that it is now my profile pic!


CAPTION:
Still green with a coat of white...



CAPTION:
Lots of snow up on Mutton Ridge on the LAST day of September!



CAPTION:
A mirror pic, shocking, I know!





      So much too say, so little time to say it all.
     I played like a kid this past weekend. It was ABSOLUTELY wonderful. I really am proud of myself of just letting go of all the control of all the things that in reality I cannot. (Serenity)
     We had the football game on Friday night, which it was disappointing that we lost, but it was a good game. The OK boys played hard, and there small numbers in the end really made the difference.
     I am sooooo proud of those young players, my son included! What heart.
     I was also excited about something new this year for the BIG rivalry. The cheerleaders practiced together on Thursday night, and then performed together at the game.
     Kudos to Coach Andy and his girls. What an amazing show of sportsmanship on their part. Kudos to my girls. AND, KUDOS to the Okanogan fans who warmly received the Omak cheerleaders and applauded their performance with our girls.
     I am reminded over and over why I am proud to be a BULLDOG!
     On Saturday, Ricky, our friend Kirkes, and I went on the road. We knew we eventually wanted to end up in Wenatchee, but that was about it for the trip plan.
     In reality this is how it went: Chelan, hydroraces, remote control hydro races, casino, Starbucks, Wenatchee, Chinese Buffet, Lowe's (what is the deal with men and tile???), Wal*Mart (I know, I know...don't we have one of those in our own backyard?), back to Chelan, Wal*Mart (OK, 2 Wal*Marts in one night...there is a story behind it), back to Omak, to the movie theater for the LATE show (Kingdom - GREAT movie by the way), drop off Kirkes, and crash at Rick's after midnight! What a day!
     All I can really say is that we just laughed and laughed all day long. Those boys were silly, and honestly, it is one of the BEST days I have had in a LONG time!!!
     How could Sunday possibly be any better? Well, take two people out for a random drive searching for snow...that's right. We headed up to Mutton Ridge and found lots of the white stuff! We took tons of pics, as both Rick and I are budding photographers! By the way the pic at the bottom of this page, I took as well!
     Then we headed back to my house, made a fire in the fireplace (VERY nice), and I made homemade chicken noodle soup!
     I can just say that there were tons of things I SHOULD have done this weekend, but I am glad for everything that I did do.