It's a Wonder...

... that my students have learned anything at all this year!

This has been one of the most hectic, chaotic and crazy years I have had since I began teaching. I have been to more workshops and meetings than ever throughout the school days. We have had two weather days already this year. I have had the flu once and for the second time, as we speak, strep. Not to mention all of the days off with Chris' surgery and appointments. I do not think I have had a full 5 day week since we came back after Christmas.

I think if I combined the previous years' days off, this year has doubled those. I HATE being out. I HATE having subs. Normally it was because I did not trust anyone else with my students. Now it is because it is harder to plan for and recover after having a sub. I HATE having to readjust and replan. But that comes with the territory, I guess.

I am blessed to have such a terrific and bright group. A little talkative, yes, but very smart and understanding. If we have to up and change, they stick right with me. We are "flexible". Insert bending index finger here. So like I previously said, it's a wonder they've learned anything this year at all.

Hopefully these last few months can slow down and prove productive for us all. Here's to wishful thinking!

Rose Thorns

Bret Michael says that every rose has its thorns... I never thought too much about it until the last few days.

My wonderful husband decided that for Valentine's, he was going to get me a massage for taking care of him and his bum knee lately. I'm not complaining. I love a good massage and it had been awhile since one.

It was set for 2:00 on Saturday at the Renaissance Spa downtown (I highly recommend!). At 1:10, I go to my car and realize that the battery is dead. I could just take the other car, but it's with Chris. At work. I frantically call and he speeds home. Cautiously as to not get a ticket. I drive him back to work and head downtown. I make it there just in the nick of time.

I enter the parking garage and see that I have $3 cash. If I stay longer than 2 hours, I don't have enough money. But, kind, nice attendant informs me that they do take a card. Great.

This spa is one of the nicest ones I have seen. Seeing that I love a good massage, I have had several in my lifetime. I was relaxed, enjoying the atmosphere, and truly enjoyed my massage. It was one of the best ever.

Until Sunday morning.

I am sitting in church and see that I have itchy red dots all over my arms. Not totally unbearable, but not pleasant either. After getting home, I discover they are on my legs as well. When I woke up from my nap, they had grown in size and number.

By the time I went to bed, I had taken as cold a shower as possible and prepped for a long night. Going to school this morning proved a little challenging, since I couldn't figure out which long sleeve shirt would cover it but not be too hot. And my poor kids froze. Luckily, I made it through the day.

A quick visit to the doctor determines that I have probably reacted to whatever they used during the massage. A few days of exfoliating and some cream and I should be good. Too bad they look hideous in the meantime!

So, sad to say, this might have bumped my massage experience down a notch or too. Still up there, but I don't know if it can contend for the best now.

I'll just have to check and see what they used, so I can keep it from happening again. All in all, this rose might have had its thorn, but was definitely worth every minute of it!

Sidenote: The attendants were not there when I left, so I did not have to pay anything at all!

Life in the Fast Lane

As I typed the title, the theme song ran through my head. No, this is not another episode of Cops ( I think that's it, but a very sleepy Chris cannot verify it for me at this time). This is my life and everything in it. Though I don't have pictures to accompany it, I'll try my best to paint the picture in your minds...

We'll start with the New Year. The month of January was crazy at school, getting back into the swing of things. Thrown into the mix of the new year was out first weather day the Friday we came back. Three day week there. The next week, we had a leak at school and they had to dig through the middle of the main hallway. Another day out. Chris had surgery that week as well (more to come in a second). Three day week number two. The next week was MLK day, so a four day week there. Had a followup appointment later on. Another 4 day week. I have just now finished my first 5 day week since being back. Except for the writing workshop I had to attend for 1/2 a day. Counts, right? We'll just say that I am EXTREMELY blessed to have a group of students that can roll right along with me!

Chris' surgery. I do not think that either one of us was completely prepared for or aware of what this would require of us. He had a lateral release on his right knee that had dislocated last fall and would not stay in place. Little did I realize that I would become primary care giver for these next weeks. After two nights, I decided I never wanted to have kids. This was after getting up every 2 hours or so to give medicines or to help him back in bed. Three nights and I was done! Things have improved so much over these last three weeks, though. Rehab is going well. He is able to do more each time he goes. We are no longer using crutches at all! He still needs help with a few things only because he can't reach, but has come so far. We're staying positive as we count down the weeks. He still cannot drive for at least another three weeks. This is one area that we were concerned about, but are SO thankful for some great friends who have stepped up and helped us out more than we could ever imagine or think to repay. David takes him to and from work each day and Paige and the boys take him to rehab three days a week after they get out of school. I couldn't do this without them! Thank you so much for everyone's prayers!

So, seeing that I am a teacher, home health nurse, maid and chauffeur, my life has not yet stopped! This is the first time I have had a chance to update, so is definitely a good sign that I have a little free time. But now, it's time to ice a knee and get ready for bed.

Until I get the energy, strength and time to update, my life will continue to be in this fast lane!