Wednesday, January 02, 2008
It has been a long time!
I moved into the apartment in January and married the guy across the hall ten months later...wow. I really didn't think I would get married again, but, like he claims, we are "soul mates". It sounded good so I said okay, lol. So, husband number five appears to be a keeper. We've been married two years now, (yeah, it has been awhile since I've blogged) he followed me into foster parenting, we adopted two teenage sisters and now have five daughters between the two of us. There's another WOW! I told him I wanted a total of twenty kids. If we had met earlier in life we would have had twenty kids by now. The neat guy that he is...he has agreed to adopt while we are foster parenting! WOOHOO! What a man!
So now we live on a 6 acre horse farm outside of Chattanooga, I'm still teaching and trying to finish a master's degree. He has quit his job as a corrections officer and is going into the teaching field. He thinks he wants to work with special ed kids. He saw a lot of inmates at the corrections facility who couldn't read or write (thanks NCLB). He is feeling the call to teach. I said, "you go boy!" In the meantime, he is going into substitute teaching and/or in-school suspension teacher, whichever comes first. This should be interesting.
He spoils me rotten. He cooks, he cleans, oh yeah, he cleans. Let me talk about that one. When I first went into his apartment when the spark flared between us, I told him immediately, we have a problem. His apartment was IMMACULATE! I USED to be like that, but after I started teaching, I really didn't see the point. Now my place was clean, but I didn't recommend eating off the floors....you could eat off his floor. :{ I've NEVER known a man to be that clean. I was really concerned about this. My guy said don't worry about it. He was going to take me as I came...a slight bit of a mess, but smelled good!
Since we have been together for the past 2 years and 10 + months, he has said "don't worry about it" a lot. Bless his heart and God love him. I think he deserves a medal since he has come into my life. It took a lot for this ol' independent gal to learn how to SHARE and CONFER and GIVE IN GRACEFULLY and SHARE and PAY MY BILLS ON TIME and don't spring any surprises. I really hate taking time to pay bills...ugh. Oh yeah, did I say he spoils me rotten? NOW, he pays the bills and I just give him my share. :} I'm a happy camper!
We have a shared vision of loving each other forever, talking to each other (do itall the time), sharing, spending time together...he really likes working with me and helping (super handy around the farm and house). I have to mention that it's like sleeping with a toaster, in the summer time we sleep NOT touching, but in the winter, when my feet are ICEBURGS, he never ever complains when I snuggle practically up under him almost off the bed trying to get warm. Have I said WHAT A MAN?
He has yet to complain when I don't shave my legs, lol. Not that it's a problem when it's time...something about getting older? I'm a lucky woman and fortunate that we have found each other...something that neither of us thought would ever happen. Neat.
Comments-[ comments.]
I moved into the apartment in January and married the guy across the hall ten months later...wow. I really didn't think I would get married again, but, like he claims, we are "soul mates". It sounded good so I said okay, lol. So, husband number five appears to be a keeper. We've been married two years now, (yeah, it has been awhile since I've blogged) he followed me into foster parenting, we adopted two teenage sisters and now have five daughters between the two of us. There's another WOW! I told him I wanted a total of twenty kids. If we had met earlier in life we would have had twenty kids by now. The neat guy that he is...he has agreed to adopt while we are foster parenting! WOOHOO! What a man!
So now we live on a 6 acre horse farm outside of Chattanooga, I'm still teaching and trying to finish a master's degree. He has quit his job as a corrections officer and is going into the teaching field. He thinks he wants to work with special ed kids. He saw a lot of inmates at the corrections facility who couldn't read or write (thanks NCLB). He is feeling the call to teach. I said, "you go boy!" In the meantime, he is going into substitute teaching and/or in-school suspension teacher, whichever comes first. This should be interesting.
He spoils me rotten. He cooks, he cleans, oh yeah, he cleans. Let me talk about that one. When I first went into his apartment when the spark flared between us, I told him immediately, we have a problem. His apartment was IMMACULATE! I USED to be like that, but after I started teaching, I really didn't see the point. Now my place was clean, but I didn't recommend eating off the floors....you could eat off his floor. :{ I've NEVER known a man to be that clean. I was really concerned about this. My guy said don't worry about it. He was going to take me as I came...a slight bit of a mess, but smelled good!
Since we have been together for the past 2 years and 10 + months, he has said "don't worry about it" a lot. Bless his heart and God love him. I think he deserves a medal since he has come into my life. It took a lot for this ol' independent gal to learn how to SHARE and CONFER and GIVE IN GRACEFULLY and SHARE and PAY MY BILLS ON TIME and don't spring any surprises. I really hate taking time to pay bills...ugh. Oh yeah, did I say he spoils me rotten? NOW, he pays the bills and I just give him my share. :} I'm a happy camper!
We have a shared vision of loving each other forever, talking to each other (do itall the time), sharing, spending time together...he really likes working with me and helping (super handy around the farm and house). I have to mention that it's like sleeping with a toaster, in the summer time we sleep NOT touching, but in the winter, when my feet are ICEBURGS, he never ever complains when I snuggle practically up under him almost off the bed trying to get warm. Have I said WHAT A MAN?
He has yet to complain when I don't shave my legs, lol. Not that it's a problem when it's time...something about getting older? I'm a lucky woman and fortunate that we have found each other...something that neither of us thought would ever happen. Neat.
Labels: He's the one.
Sunday, January 30, 2005
Moved Out!
as some of you know, i moved into the mother-in-law apartment of daughter & son-in-law's new home last august. it started out as a great idea since this grandmother was very involved with a new grandson. however, as time went by, i realized that "grandma" didn't have any personal time. not to mention PRIVACY! i really enjoyed my time with the baby, i took him to daycare every morning, sometimes picked him up after work, helped his mother feed him in the evenings so she could cook dinner, sleep overs with grandma...i had fun and enjoyed my time with the baby, but something was missing in my life.
i realized after awhile that i didn't have much free time for myself. i was too available for daughter to send grandson to me, especially since i lived in the back above the pool house. then again, son-in-law's sister was living below me and i felt uncomfortable asking my guy friend over for a visit.
so, i turned in my "notice to vacate", lol...and moved into a really neat 2 bedroom, 2 full bath apartment just up the road. i'm still conveniently close by for grandson, just not as accessible. the apartment has an enclosed patio that i've put my potter's wheel on.
i plan to get into pottery making mode, ESPECIALLY since my accountant used my pottery business that has been on hold for a LONG time as part of my income tax return.i'm going to have to write reciepts everytime i sell something. i hate paperwork! well, on the bright side, maybe i'll have so much pottery business that i can afford to let him keep up with all the paperwork, LOL.
i've been in the apartment for almost four weeks, still have unpacked boxes everywhere...one of these days i'll get caught up. in the meantime, grandson has spent the nite with me and it's time to get up and get breakfast. little tummies are hungry!
Comments-[ comments.]
as some of you know, i moved into the mother-in-law apartment of daughter & son-in-law's new home last august. it started out as a great idea since this grandmother was very involved with a new grandson. however, as time went by, i realized that "grandma" didn't have any personal time. not to mention PRIVACY! i really enjoyed my time with the baby, i took him to daycare every morning, sometimes picked him up after work, helped his mother feed him in the evenings so she could cook dinner, sleep overs with grandma...i had fun and enjoyed my time with the baby, but something was missing in my life.
i realized after awhile that i didn't have much free time for myself. i was too available for daughter to send grandson to me, especially since i lived in the back above the pool house. then again, son-in-law's sister was living below me and i felt uncomfortable asking my guy friend over for a visit.
so, i turned in my "notice to vacate", lol...and moved into a really neat 2 bedroom, 2 full bath apartment just up the road. i'm still conveniently close by for grandson, just not as accessible. the apartment has an enclosed patio that i've put my potter's wheel on.
i plan to get into pottery making mode, ESPECIALLY since my accountant used my pottery business that has been on hold for a LONG time as part of my income tax return.
i've been in the apartment for almost four weeks, still have unpacked boxes everywhere...one of these days i'll get caught up. in the meantime, grandson has spent the nite with me and it's time to get up and get breakfast. little tummies are hungry!
Saturday, November 27, 2004
Thanksgiving
The usual family members came to DeAnne's house for Thanksgiving dinner. I had invited Marie's ex husband to come and eat with us. Marie really enjoyed the time with Van. She thought it felt like the old times. So, we remember the past and look forward to the future surrounded by our little ones, children and grandchildren and we hope the best for the older ones. Life looks good and I hope it gets better with time.
Comments-[ comments.]
The usual family members came to DeAnne's house for Thanksgiving dinner. I had invited Marie's ex husband to come and eat with us. Marie really enjoyed the time with Van. She thought it felt like the old times. So, we remember the past and look forward to the future surrounded by our little ones, children and grandchildren and we hope the best for the older ones. Life looks good and I hope it gets better with time.
Saturday, October 09, 2004
Hamilton County Budget Crunch
This past summer found educators wondering if there would even be a first day of school for August! June, July, and the beginning of August had principals wearing perpetual frowns and answering questions with short single syllable words.
My summer reading program was cancelled due to lack of funds. That killed my trip to Reno, Nevada for Labor Day weekend. New textbook purchases were the next to go. Then my school lost four teaching positions, one was a retiree, one did not meet the teaching requirements in the time frame he was given, two were asked to move to other schools. THAT turned into a fiasco. So, all four postions were not filled for the new school year. What a summer!
School started on time amid the "Budget Crisis", according to the newspaper. The Board of Education is pointing fingers at the County Commissioners and vice versa. Then the Commissioners decided that the Superintendent of Education needed to leave. Now that is still an on-going battle, no telling how that is going to end and it has opened a BIG can of worms.
Life at school is a daily adjustment. No money, no new textbooks, short handed, short on patience, children with needs, when does it all end? When will government put Education first?
Well, I need white paint for the class, time to pull out my checkbook.
Comments-[ comments.]
This past summer found educators wondering if there would even be a first day of school for August! June, July, and the beginning of August had principals wearing perpetual frowns and answering questions with short single syllable words.
My summer reading program was cancelled due to lack of funds. That killed my trip to Reno, Nevada for Labor Day weekend. New textbook purchases were the next to go. Then my school lost four teaching positions, one was a retiree, one did not meet the teaching requirements in the time frame he was given, two were asked to move to other schools. THAT turned into a fiasco. So, all four postions were not filled for the new school year. What a summer!
School started on time amid the "Budget Crisis", according to the newspaper. The Board of Education is pointing fingers at the County Commissioners and vice versa. Then the Commissioners decided that the Superintendent of Education needed to leave. Now that is still an on-going battle, no telling how that is going to end and it has opened a BIG can of worms.
Life at school is a daily adjustment. No money, no new textbooks, short handed, short on patience, children with needs, when does it all end? When will government put Education first?
Well, I need white paint for the class, time to pull out my checkbook.
Monday, May 31, 2004
Politics
as some of you know, i make it a policy to not talk politics. no one ever wins the conversation, no one ever changes their mind, and there is a lot of waste of time and effort talking politics...however...
as i was lurking around on the net, killing a rainy day in chattanooga and waiting for sebastian (grandson) to wake up, i went to http://baylink.pitas.com to do a little reading from the tampa bay area. there i found an article about bush and his accomplishments. the article can be found at http://www.thousandreasons.org/resume.html
i was totally amazed at the things bush has done to the U.S. some of the things listed were government deficit, kicked off united nations committees, kicked of world committees, flagrant violations of the sunshine law, the list just went on and on.
after finishing reading the article, i wondered who wrote the article and who had verified these allegations. then, while moving around on the article another link opened and there was a campaign solicitation for john kerry making reference to the article. so, it is my humble belief that most of the article is probably true. if they weren't, it would be too easy for bush to make kerry look like a liar and an idiot. i just really had no idea that bush had done all the things that were listed in that article. it is down right scary what he has been allowed to get away with. it is a shame that his father has covered up for him.
as we move on in time and into the future, is this how our federal government will continue, following the example of g.bush? what will it take to clean up the white house? clinton put a bad taste for democrats in everyone's mouth, not to mention putting a bad stain in the white house. i'm not saying kerry is the man either to save the day. i'm just wondering, we appear to have a divided nation, we are not respected by the world governments, we are acting worse than juvenile delinquents, worse than big brother, are we becoming a mafia? taking over, using force...this is a white house that i am not proud of right now.
i don't want to see a LONG list of dirty laundry posted on the internet about the president of the U.S. i want to see someone in office who is clean, forthright, no, i want a president who is squeaky clean! well, that is it for my political soapbox. what do you think?
Comments-[ comments.]
as some of you know, i make it a policy to not talk politics. no one ever wins the conversation, no one ever changes their mind, and there is a lot of waste of time and effort talking politics...however...
as i was lurking around on the net, killing a rainy day in chattanooga and waiting for sebastian (grandson) to wake up, i went to http://baylink.pitas.com to do a little reading from the tampa bay area. there i found an article about bush and his accomplishments. the article can be found at http://www.thousandreasons.org/resume.html
i was totally amazed at the things bush has done to the U.S. some of the things listed were government deficit, kicked off united nations committees, kicked of world committees, flagrant violations of the sunshine law, the list just went on and on.
after finishing reading the article, i wondered who wrote the article and who had verified these allegations. then, while moving around on the article another link opened and there was a campaign solicitation for john kerry making reference to the article. so, it is my humble belief that most of the article is probably true. if they weren't, it would be too easy for bush to make kerry look like a liar and an idiot. i just really had no idea that bush had done all the things that were listed in that article. it is down right scary what he has been allowed to get away with. it is a shame that his father has covered up for him.
as we move on in time and into the future, is this how our federal government will continue, following the example of g.bush? what will it take to clean up the white house? clinton put a bad taste for democrats in everyone's mouth, not to mention putting a bad stain in the white house. i'm not saying kerry is the man either to save the day. i'm just wondering, we appear to have a divided nation, we are not respected by the world governments, we are acting worse than juvenile delinquents, worse than big brother, are we becoming a mafia? taking over, using force...this is a white house that i am not proud of right now.
i don't want to see a LONG list of dirty laundry posted on the internet about the president of the U.S. i want to see someone in office who is clean, forthright, no, i want a president who is squeaky clean! well, that is it for my political soapbox. what do you think?
Sunday, May 30, 2004
Tennessee Arts Academy
this is what i will be doing this summer, always working to improve my performance as an art teacher. work, work, work!
This article was posted on the Chattanoogan.com
May 30, 2004
19 Hamilton County Educators Selected For Arts Academy
posted May 20, 2004
Nineteen educators from Hamilton County Schools have been chosen to attend the 2004 Tennessee Arts Academy this summer. A nationally recognized flagship program for teachers and school administrators, the academy features intensive training in art, music and dance/theatre.
The arts academy will take place June 6-11 (elementary) and June 13-18 (secondary) on the campus of Belmont University in Nashville. Participants will receive more than 30 hours of instruction each week. Training sessions will focus on administration, art, drama/theatre, general music, choral music and instrumental music. The educators will also enjoy several performances sponsored by the Tennessee Arts Commission and other special events.
Local teachers and administrators selected to attend the Tennessee Arts Academy are:
„h Barbara Burrow, Howard Elementary (general music)
„h Crystal Carroccio, East Side Elementary (general music)
„h Melody Clinton, Bess T. Shepherd Elementary (general music)
„h Marcella Duke, Loftis Middle (art)
„h William Fain Jr., Barger Academy of Fine Arts (administration)
„h Susie Frazier, Hixson High (drama/theatre)
„h Betty Julian, Thrasher Elementary (general music)
„h Jessica Laliberte, Chattanooga Center for Creative Arts (drama/theatre)
„h Mike Lees, Chattanooga School for the Arts and Sciences (choral music)
„h Juanita McClarty, Barger Academy (administration)
„h Dana Mulligan, East Ridge High (art)
„h Deborah Neighbors, Big Ridge Elementary (drama/theatre)
„h Melanie Piccolo, Battle Academy for Teaching and Learning (drama/theatre)
„h Jillian Ratti, Center for Creative Arts (drama/theatre)
„h Kay Schwieger, Hixson High (drama/theatre)
„h Vicki Sewell, Snow Hill Elementary (drama/theatre)
„h Pauline Smith, Orchard Knob Middle (art)
„h Hollie Steele, Battle Academy (drama/theatre)
„h LaFrederick Thirkill, Battle Academy (general music)
Academy officials say the aim of the 17-year-old arts initiative is to present concepts, skills and materials to educators to enhance the teaching of art, drama and music in the classroom. The state Department of Education¡¦s arts education program sponsors the academy.
i am so excited about this opportunity! i'll let you know, dear reader, how it went.
Comments-[ comments.]
this is what i will be doing this summer, always working to improve my performance as an art teacher. work, work, work!
This article was posted on the Chattanoogan.com
May 30, 2004
19 Hamilton County Educators Selected For Arts Academy
posted May 20, 2004
Nineteen educators from Hamilton County Schools have been chosen to attend the 2004 Tennessee Arts Academy this summer. A nationally recognized flagship program for teachers and school administrators, the academy features intensive training in art, music and dance/theatre.
The arts academy will take place June 6-11 (elementary) and June 13-18 (secondary) on the campus of Belmont University in Nashville. Participants will receive more than 30 hours of instruction each week. Training sessions will focus on administration, art, drama/theatre, general music, choral music and instrumental music. The educators will also enjoy several performances sponsored by the Tennessee Arts Commission and other special events.
Local teachers and administrators selected to attend the Tennessee Arts Academy are:
„h Barbara Burrow, Howard Elementary (general music)
„h Crystal Carroccio, East Side Elementary (general music)
„h Melody Clinton, Bess T. Shepherd Elementary (general music)
„h Marcella Duke, Loftis Middle (art)
„h William Fain Jr., Barger Academy of Fine Arts (administration)
„h Susie Frazier, Hixson High (drama/theatre)
„h Betty Julian, Thrasher Elementary (general music)
„h Jessica Laliberte, Chattanooga Center for Creative Arts (drama/theatre)
„h Mike Lees, Chattanooga School for the Arts and Sciences (choral music)
„h Juanita McClarty, Barger Academy (administration)
„h Dana Mulligan, East Ridge High (art)
„h Deborah Neighbors, Big Ridge Elementary (drama/theatre)
„h Melanie Piccolo, Battle Academy for Teaching and Learning (drama/theatre)
„h Jillian Ratti, Center for Creative Arts (drama/theatre)
„h Kay Schwieger, Hixson High (drama/theatre)
„h Vicki Sewell, Snow Hill Elementary (drama/theatre)
„h Pauline Smith, Orchard Knob Middle (art)
„h Hollie Steele, Battle Academy (drama/theatre)
„h LaFrederick Thirkill, Battle Academy (general music)
Academy officials say the aim of the 17-year-old arts initiative is to present concepts, skills and materials to educators to enhance the teaching of art, drama and music in the classroom. The state Department of Education¡¦s arts education program sponsors the academy.
i am so excited about this opportunity! i'll let you know, dear reader, how it went.
Tuesday, May 11, 2004
LEAF
i spent last weekend at the lake eden art festival in black mountain, north carolina. i met up with some contra dancing friends to share a cabin with. it was so much fun!
school paid my way since there was art, poetry, poetry workshops, kid art, music, it was considered a professional development for me! what a great way to go. i got to take friday off with pay. i plan to do this again may 2005. i hope i can get the girls to go with me. i saw a lot of babies and little ones with their parents. sebastian would have loved the color and noise!
i met several potters, talked to them about their glazes and took lots of pictures. i did some serious shopping on friday and a little on saturday. the kids market was a great source of ideas to take back to the classroom. i was a little disappointed with the excessive wire jewelry and earrings. these are crafts that would not work well in my classrooms. requires small tools that i wouldn't trust my students with.
the music was so alive and loud. there was a lot of celtic, reggae, folk music and singing. i got to contra dance a couple of times. my ankle wasn't being very cooperative. the doctor said i have tendonitis in the ankle...major pain and keeps me from dancing all nite. maybe next year i can dance all nite :)
the food was interesting, a lot of gourmet/ethnic and spicey stuff. the bratwerst stand had regular hotdogs so i ate one of those. the other booths i had to pass on. there was beer and wine but i didn't bother, i was having too much fun just looking at everything.
it was a productive weekend, but i missed the baby terribly. by saturday afternoon i was showing off the "grandma" pictures of sebastian. i came back early sunday so i could get my grandma fix, lol. this is definitely an experience to do again!
Comments-[ comments.]
i spent last weekend at the lake eden art festival in black mountain, north carolina. i met up with some contra dancing friends to share a cabin with. it was so much fun!
school paid my way since there was art, poetry, poetry workshops, kid art, music, it was considered a professional development for me! what a great way to go. i got to take friday off with pay. i plan to do this again may 2005. i hope i can get the girls to go with me. i saw a lot of babies and little ones with their parents. sebastian would have loved the color and noise!
i met several potters, talked to them about their glazes and took lots of pictures. i did some serious shopping on friday and a little on saturday. the kids market was a great source of ideas to take back to the classroom. i was a little disappointed with the excessive wire jewelry and earrings. these are crafts that would not work well in my classrooms. requires small tools that i wouldn't trust my students with.
the music was so alive and loud. there was a lot of celtic, reggae, folk music and singing. i got to contra dance a couple of times. my ankle wasn't being very cooperative. the doctor said i have tendonitis in the ankle...major pain and keeps me from dancing all nite. maybe next year i can dance all nite :)
the food was interesting, a lot of gourmet/ethnic and spicey stuff. the bratwerst stand had regular hotdogs so i ate one of those. the other booths i had to pass on. there was beer and wine but i didn't bother, i was having too much fun just looking at everything.
it was a productive weekend, but i missed the baby terribly. by saturday afternoon i was showing off the "grandma" pictures of sebastian. i came back early sunday so i could get my grandma fix, lol. this is definitely an experience to do again!
