Working Harder...

I love my job. Teaching is awesome!!! I say this often and I really think that sometimes people do not believe me. I really and truly think I have a fantastic job and I cannot imagine myself doing anything else.

However, lately I have been..........well..............lazy.

I find myself doing a half-ass job at lessons and grading and other school related stuff.....I'm not really doing everything I can to reach my students or to make what I'm teaching interesting and relevant to them. Which for me, personally, is totally fine but the problem is that I am doing a disservice to/for the kids I am teaching. And since I got into teaching for the kids, well....that makes my laziness NOT fine for me or my students or my school or my district or my state or the future! :-)

Please do not get me wrong.....I am doing an okay job (and sadly, my okayness is better than lots of other teachers....I am a good teacher....). But I am not sure why, for the past few months, I have been fine with the 'okay' part. If my doctor or dentist or tax accountant did an 'okay' job, would I be alright with that? Hell no! This morning I was talking with another one of my teacher friends and as we were talking I realized that I have got to get my act together. Why continue to be just 'okay' or just 'good?' Why continue to be content with average? See, my friend is a great teacher...the kids know it, other teachers know it, adminstration knows it, everyone knows she is a great teacher. And all those same people know that I am a good teacher...should I be fine with that? Am I fine with that?

Not anymore.

So get ready, 'cuz I'm going to start working towards greatness.

And once I get there, I'll be hard to live with.

:-)

Too bad it's over....

One of the SWEET parts of my job is that I still get a spring break! Wahoo!!!! Sadly, this year's spring break is at an end...I'm not gonna lie to you, I'm sad! So as a way to remember the break of '08 I thought I would post a blog about it. In order to do the break justice, it's gonna have two parts: what I didn't do and what I did do...I know you're excited...you don't have to lie! And I'm not gonna lie to you either.....

this one is gonna be long! :-) :-)

Top 10 Things I Did Not Do During Spring Break of '08

*****a quick disclaimer....these are in no particular order & just 'cuz I'm listing them doesn't mean they are 'bad' or that I'm upset............

I just didn't do this stuff!*****

1) I didn't make it to San Diego.
Heading in to spring break, that was the plan...but things change, people get sick, life gets in the way. And so we didn't go to S.D. Honestly, at first I was not happy. I wasn't really mad, I just really wanted to go to San Diego! But the unhappiness did not last long and truly my spring break was nice with nothing really to do....it was awesomely relaxing!

2) I didn't go to any movies even though I tried...
Here's the thing.....I haven't been to an actual movie at an actual theater in.....um.....FOREVER!!!! And I thought spring break would be a great time to go. So even though people kept telling me things like "I totally want to see that movie too!" or "yeah, we should go to the movies" or "let's see _______________ (fill in the blank with a movie of your choice) 'cuz it's supposed to be really good!" when it actually came time to go to the movies......no one wanted to go or no one could go or no one would go or whatever. So I still haven't been to the movies in FOR-EV-ER!!!

3) I didn't make it to Disneyland.
After learning that my San Diego trip wasn't happening, my sister Callie called and said, "Hey....you wanna go to Disneyland?" To which I replied, "Heck yeah!!!" I love, love, LOVE Disneyland and literally could go all the time so when Callie and I were talking at 10pm about leaving early the next morning, this was not really a problem for me. The problem did come when Callie and I talked about how poor we were and how we really needed at least one more person to go with us to split the cost of the hotel and gas. I think between the two of us we called at least 20 people.....no one could go. Everybody had legit reasons, but it totally sucked that we couldn't find anyone to go with us!!!! We gave up on the trip this week, but we are planning one for the near future.....I'm excited. I love Disney!!! :-)
4) I didn't go out on another date with John.
I posted a blog about my first "date" with him....and thought I would give the guy another chance.....I'm not really sure what I was thinking 'cuz I didn't really want to pay for myself again, nor did I want to hear all about his ex. So after talking with my friends and my cousin, I realized it would've been stupid, lame, and a little demeaning....so I canceled, which means I'm still looking for a husband! Hook me up! :-)

5) I didn't go to the gym.
I'm lazy. That really is the ONLY reason why I did not even one time go to workout. Now, of course, I'm annoyed with myself because I was doing so well there for awhile and going just about every other day, but I will get back into the swing of things. I will be going back to the gym....yay.
6) I didn't go to Germany, Austria, France, Vegas, or Rocky Point.
All places I've been on my last 5 spring breaks....oh well, I guess every break can't be an adventure or a vacation or awesome experience of a lifetime...... But I'm not gonna lie, I sure would love to be in Normandy or Salzburg or Paris again........sigh......like I was last year..........sigh............

7) I didn't grade the papers & tests I brought home with me.
I know, I know, I know....can you even believe I brought them home at all?!?!?!

8) I didn't establish a new favorite flavor of Tropical Smoothie.

Tropical Smoothie has to be one of the best places in the world! I love it! My favorite flavor is Sunny Day. I never order anything else. But it occurred to me that maybe I should broaden my horizons and try something new, I mean who knows? Maybe another flavor is better, right? Wrong. I did indeed try several other flavors over the last week...5 that I can think of but maybe there were more....dang.....who knew I was going to T.S. that much?!?!?!? {But thanks to ALL my girls for going with me! :-)} Anyway....I tried to broaden my horizons, but when I go to T.S. on Monday (yep, we already have plans for the next trip) I will be getting a delicious, yummy, amazing Sunny Day.

9) I didn't get a new tattoo.
People were soooooooooooooo right when they said tattoos were addicting. Really....they are and I can't wait to get another one! So why didn't I? Well there are only two reasons..........1) I cannot decide what exactly I want to get....I have a few ideas, but nothing that I look at and think "that's the one I want!" and 2) I cannot decide where to get it.......you know I have that balance thing I have to keep in mind (one on the right, one on the left as of today!) so I really don't know where to put the 3rd tatt......... So, I'm open for suggestions. Let me know what you think I should get and where you think I should get it...seriously.
10) I didn't get invited to the party.
What can I say???? How about......."I'll forgive but I won't forget." Or maybe "Karma is a b-i-t-c-h!!!" Or what about "I thought we were friends?" "Not a big deal...whatever...." sounds good too. And so does "I understand why....just wish you would have had the guts to say it to my face." Perhaps it's my fault and I should ask "What did I do that caused me to get moved out of the 'cool group?" Lots of things running through my mind, lots of excuses and arguments and reasons why......Let's be honest though, shall we? What will I really say to you when I see you? Nothing. And what will you say to me when you see me? Nothing. Wait....what's that???? Am I bitter or angry? Nope. Am I hurt? Yeah...I am...more than you will ever know.

Top 10 Things I Did Do During Spring Break of '08

*****a quick disclaimer...these are in no particular order....just random stuff I did*****

1) I did have a great lunch at Olive Garden, where I ate killer food!
Lunch was great, even though mine had onions in it, 'cuz I love hangin' out with Becca and Marta. We always laugh a ton and they are so awesome and positive and cool...I love 'em! But yes, my lunch had a crapload of onions in it...I should've just sent it back like Becca told me to, but I feel bad when I do that 'cuz I feel like it's complaining and my co-dependency issues kick in and I worry that the people will be mad at me and I worry they will spit in my food...so I don't send stuff back....even when it has the potential to kill me! :-)
2) I did catch up on my reading.
So I read a lot....really....I love reading! And I tend to start books and then leave them in a stack by my bed. So when spring break started, I made a promise to myself that I would finish some of the books taking up space by my night stand. I finished 7 of them (don't worry, there are still tons more there!). And while the goal was to make the stack smaller....well....um....I actually started 3 new ones (but I'll finish one of those in a few minutes when I go to bed!). The point to this.......I did accomplish a goal and finish some of my books! YAY!
3) I did drink a beer or two (dozen)........and some wine....plus a shot or two....did I mention the champagne?
I know what you're thinking...."Dang, Katie might have a problem...." but I promise you that I didn't drink all of that in one night! That would be craziness! Okay....but honestly, I normally don't drink that much in the course of one week. Really. It just happened that my cousin was home (yep...I'm totally blaming her!) and her work week was crazy and me, well I was bored and depressed so........why not drink?!?! LOL But you guys know me....I love (LOVE!!!) Bud Light and so I had a couple of those. I'm on a new wine kick....Chardonnay is yummy! The shots happened accidentally and the champagne...well, that's just 'cuz I was craving some Red Bull & champagne....who knew it was sooooooooooo dang tasty when you mixed 'em?!?!? :-)
4) I did watch TV...just a little bit............
Um........okay, I promised you I wouldn't lie......I watched more than a little bit..........

5) I did remember how much I friggin' LOVED Nutella!!!!! So good.
If you don't know what Nutella is then you are lame. Nutella is "the original creamy, chocolaty hazelnut spread." I had it one time many years ago at a friend's house but kinda forgot about it until last year in France. While in France, my favorite way to eat a crepe was with Nutella and bananas...so dang delicious! Then I came home and bought some Nutella, which I realized is fantastic all by itself...but after awhile I stopped buying it (it's kinda expensive!). However, for some random reason the Friday school got out when I was at the grocery store I bought some more.....it is fantastic....I am not even gonna tell you how much I've eaten over the break! But I will tell you that I'm going to save this blog right now and go have some!!!! :-)
6) I did sleep in every day during the week!
If you don't know me, let me tell you this little fact......I LOVE to sleep in. Seriously....there is something about sleeping and sleeping and sleeping that is so awesome to me! I love it. I can wake up, look at the clock, get up and get something to eat or drink, go to the bathroom, talk on the phone....whatever....and then roll over and go back to sleep. It's an awesome talent of mine! LOL I think this week's winning time was 12:47. Yep.......... Wednesday I slept until after lunch!

7) I did ice my shoulder a ton!
For those of you who don't know, something is wrong with my right shoulder.....I'm in the process of doctor visits, MRIs, ultrasounds, etc.....and it looks like a problem with my rotator cuff and upper bicep.....both things that are not good and will require surgery to fix. But I'm not a fan of doctors and don't really want to to have surgery so I keep putting stuff off....which is lame 'cuz I'm in pain and I keep doing stupid stuff that bothers my shoulder and makes it worse. Anyway, between stuff that I did Sat, Sun, and Mon, well....I've been pretty much in serious, constant pain. I have drugs (Codine + generic Vicadin), but it makes me GROGGY, so I only take 'em at night before bed. So during the day, the option is......ICE!!! Actually, ice sucks....I use frozen peas.
8) I did spend quality time with the fam........
So Callie was home from U of A on her spring break as well. I love when she's home!!! Even though I don't see her a ton while she's here, it just is nice to have her close! :-) Anyway, we all hung out the first weekend she was home. Mom made some fantastic lasgna & garlic bread (I love bread!). And then of course we all were together for Easter as well. I love when everyone goes to church together 'cuz it's like when we were little....in fact, Mom still feels the need to remind us girls to "listen!".....which we do, she just thinks we're not.....Easter brunch included all the grandparents, my aunt & uncle, and my cousin so it's fun when we all get together. The food was so yummy! Unfortunately, Sunday ended with my parents having to take Callie back down to school....it's cool though 'cuz her finals are the beginning of May so she'll be home for the summer in like 5 - 6 weeks!

9) I did inhale some paint fumes.........
I was lucky enough to play 'nanny/au-pair' for Becca and Joe while they were painting. It probably was the best day of the whole break (no offense to anyone else!). I literally was able to hang out all day with Keane, who just happens to be my favorite kid in the entire world! Keane and I played, ate some great food, worked on our crawling....mostly just hung out! It was awesome.

10) I did have an awesome spring break!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Yay for being a teacher and getting a week off in the middle of the year! Even though this year's break wasn't exactly what I was hoping for, it still was fun! I was able to hang out with the people I love the most. I caught up with some old friends (thank goodness for free long distance and cell phone chargers!). But mostly I totally relaxed and enjoyed doing nothing. I think that now I can make it through these last few crazy months of school! In fact, I think I'm actually a little excited to get back into the swing of things....don't think it will last, but for now........I'm ready!

Spring Break '08!!! Wahoo!!!!!

Typing

I stole this from becca. :-) when i finished the first 'page' i just sat there for like 2 or 3 seconds....i thought i was done! oh no....i had to hit enter (or spacebar i learned later!).....but fun to know how awesome i am! LOL LOL LOL


70 words

http://speedtest.10-fast-fingers.com">Speed test

quick blog

so i changed my layout (in case you didn't know) and now all the stuff i had on it from before is gone! i had pics on the side....links to other people's blogs (becca's and souto's)....some favorite lists....some quotes.....and now it's all gone!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! and i don't want to re-do it all 'cuz i am too lazy and i spent time on it before and now i'm annoyed! becca....can you redo it for me?!?!?! Please!!!!!!!!!!!!!! :-)

This is Jeopardy!

I have always been a fan of the show. I mean, let's face it...it is the ultimate trivia show. When I feel like I want to prove how smart I am, I just watch Jeopardy. Okay, so the show often proves to me just how smart I am NOT, but sometimes I get a question or two right! So anyway, recently two things have made Jeopardy even better. First.......DVR!!!! This means that I never miss an episode (and can fast forward the commercials so an entire episode really is only like 18 minutes!!!) and being able to watch the returning champ each day....it's awesome! Second, and most important, is the fact that my cousin/roommate, Heather, also loves the show! So we watch it together...it has become a weekday ritual for us. Sometimes we are cheering for the returning champ to lose....or we cheer for people 'cuz we like their names or where they are from.....But mostly we watch it 'cuz we are geniuses. You are laughing....I know you are, but it's okay because Jeopardy is awesome!!!!!!!!!

"This is Jeopardy!" That's what the announcer guy is saying right at this moment! And yep...this is the view from my couch!

So this is one of the categories from yesterdays show....notice the quotations around 'au,' well, you know what that means! Actually, these quote categories are in every episode at least once or twice and I hate them...not because I suck at the category (oh no! I actually am pretty dang good at these!), but I'm not a fan of the quote categories because Alex Trebek says the lamest stuff when these appear! And it really and truly, almost always, sounds something like "notice the quotations....you know what those mean!" It's annoying. Seriously.

AAHHHH.......the Daily Doubles. First, let me admit to the fact that Heather and I are a little lame. When the Daily Double pops up, we have this little sound we make (good thing this site doesn't have sound or you would have to listen to me right now! LOL). Second, I tend to give awesome advice to contestants like "bet it all, stupid!" or I give great answers like "what is I have no idea what-so-ever and this is the lamest category ever?" That's never been an answer though.

So 'member how I said earlier that mostly Heather and I do okay at Jeopardy? Well there are a few categories where we tend to totally suck. Presidents would be one of them....so Heather bought this awesome book. We read it....sometimes....but I am not sure if it has helped us yet.

The other category we suck at is geography (okay, so we also stink at the Bible categories and often the science categories too, unless it's anatomy stuff 'cuz Heather totally rocks that!). Anyway....geography sucks! So...yep, you guessed it! Heather bought us a map...only it was supposed to be a world map. It's not. But we look at it. Sometimes. I can tell you where the Yukon River is now! Didn't know that before the map! And we know a whole lot about Oklahoma too!!! LOL Yah for maps!

Anyway...because Jeopardy is such a huge part of my life, I just felt the need to share it with you.

Spring Break '08

Okay....so my spring break so far has been great! I have been totally and completely 100% lazy. And it has been fantastic! I'm posting this to let everyone know (okay, to let Becca know) that I am going to post this week....I promise....I have a couple of things in mind, plus some awesome pics of my day of being an au-pair (yay Keane!) but right now I am loving the fact that I can lay on the couch in my pajamas, read a book (or 4 so far this break!), watch stupid shows on TV, drink Mountain Dew, and randomly check out mySpace. I admit, I was sad that I wasn't going to San Diego or Disneyland, but honestly....this has been an okay spring break....can only get better from here, right? Oh - commercial is over....back to the couch I go! :-)

Why I don't date......

I met this guy (let's just call the guy John....oh, wait.....his name is John!). John works with my cousin, Heather, and he gets my phone number from her and calls me, we chat, he asks me out. I'm kinda nervous to go, but mostly excited 'cuz let's be honest, it's been FOREVER since I've been on a real date.

We go to P.F. Chang's and before I go on to say the......um......strange parts of the date, let me say this...honestly, John was very nice. He's cute, has an okay body, nice eyes. He was funny, friendly, seems fairly smart, motivated....and mostly I had an okay time. There were just a few things that made me think to myself, "here is why I am still single...."

First, before we have even ordered (so we're talking less than 5 minutes into the date), John tells me that.....a) I look like his ex-girlfriend, b) the house that he is living in right now he and his ex purchased together and her name is still on the mortgage, and c) if it had been his decision he would have married the ex and would be married right now (she didn't want to get married). Now literally, while he is telling me all this I am thinking to myself, "If things don't change in the next 5 minutes I am OUT of here!" But, things do change and for the rest of dinner he mostly does not bring up his ex.

Then the bill comes. Our waitress sets down the bill in that leather foldy-thing and John picks it up, looks at it for like 15-20 seconds and then says to me, "So your half of the bill is................" and he tells me how much I owe!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! My jaw dropped and all I could do was stare at the guy! I swear, I sat there for about 10 seconds with my mouth hanging wide open and could not for the life of me think of a single word to say. I finally stutter out something like, "Okay.....well......um.......I'll have to put it on my credit card....." I mean seriously people, I was shocked!!!! John asked ME out! If I had asked him, I would pay for the whole thing! And in my mind, especially on a first date, it means he should pay! The rest of the date (less than 20 minutes by the time we paid and he very politely walked me to my car!) was kinda strained mostly due to my serious shock of having to pay for my dinner. And, while I'm rambling, let me say that if I had known I was going to pay I would not have been okay with P.F. Chang's, I would not have had wine (he ordered a bottle, which he split the cost of with me), I would have had chicken instead of shrimp, and I sure the heck would not have had dessert (which I only ordered because when the waitress brought the dessert tray by, John said, "I'm going to have that one. Which one do you want?"). Oh, and did I mention that the guy easily makes at least double what I make? Honestly....I don't understand this at all!

Needless to say..........I'm not sure about this guy. Who knows? Maybe he will not call me again and the problem will be solved............but if he does, well, I guess I gotta be honest and tell him the ex-girlfriend stuff bothered me and then use a line my friend, Gabbi, gave me....."I'm sorry John, but I really can't afford to go out with you." LOL

The point to this story.......I'm still looking for my Mr. Right! Crap, at this rate I would even take Mr. Okay.....or Mr. Half-Way-Decent! :-) Hook me people....I know you got some some single friends!

Blogging could be fun....

but the problem is I feel like the only people who read it are Becca & Keane! :-) And not that it's a problem, but I talk to Becca just about every day....about EVERYTHING......so the stuff I would/do post....she already nows!!!!!!! Okay, I think sometimes Souto reads it.....but no one else I know really has a blog and even though I tell everyone about my blog and that they should check it out.......they don't. Any suggestions? I guess I'm asking you Becca (or Keane) 'cuz ain't no one else out there listening to me! :-) LOL