2009 - How Did I Do?

You may or may not remember, but last NY's Day, I made 5 "Suggestions" for myself, rather than resolutions. I think it's time to check in and see how I did......

Suggestion #1: Increase my physical health - this includes exercising more and eating less. (Ed.'s note: Notice I don't say diet? I will surely fail if I do.) In addition, I will go to my regularly scheduled doctor wellness exams instead of waiting for something to be wrong with me to get medical attention. If our body is a temple, then my temple is in need of one massive Extreme Home Makeover and this is the year it's gonna happen.
Result: Tanked - I totally sucked at this one. Not even gonna try and sugar coat it.

Suggestion #2: Increase my mental/emotional health - this includes writing in my gratitude journal DAILY and not just when I'm drunk and in the "I love everyone" mode. Having good relationships with clear boundaries is also important. Making sure I don't sloth too much and interact with society (besides through the computer) will be a focus too.
Result: Not too shabby - I did work on my relationships and boundaries this year. I didn't sloth as much and I got out more. I worked my gratitude journal, maybe not daily, but most days.

Suggestion #3: Read for pleasure, knowledge, and growth - both personal and professional. My goal will be 50 books again this year and I hope to reach it.
Result: I ended up reading 41 books this year. Not as many as last year, but in my defense, I read many 400+ page books this year. I already have my stack developing for 2010 and with my Kindle, Amazon.com, and Barnes & Noble gift certificates, I will continue reading!

Suggestion #4: Instead of talking about it, do it. I've wanted to see Mount Rushmore and South Dakota, so I'm going. No more shouldas, wouldas, couldas... if it's possible, then I will work toward it.
Result: I did do a bit of travelling this year : Hot Springs, Summer Road Trip (OK, KS, NE, SD, WY, CO, NM), Austin, Salado/Gruene, NY/NJ. I saw more shows and kept doing new things. I've had a blast doing it!!

Suggestion #5: Quit bitching about my age. So what if I'm going to be 39 (gulp) this year? I don't think I look my age and I don't think I act my age. I'm going to embrace my age (gulp) and be grateful that I'm young, healthy and able to do what I want to do. So if you hear me talking about how old I am or bemoaning my upcoming birthday, please throw the bullshit flag on me.
Result: Slowly but surely, I got there. I'm excited to be turning 40 in June. I want a big party and lots of presents - I've earned it! I'm going to NYC with some girlfriends, it will be fun!! My 30's were a great time of growth and self-awareness, my 40's are going to be about me taking the world by the balls!! ;)

Also, as like a Suggestion #5, Part B.... I'm going to quit bitching about being single and alone. Who cares? Maybe I'm one of those people who will always be single? Maybe not..... maybe Mr. Right got lost and hasn't found me yet.... maybe not..... who knows? I'm a cool person and if it's supposed to happen, it will...
Result: Mixed success here. I'm more confident with being single and alone than before, but I'm also realizing that while I'm having a blast, it maybe could be just a bit better if I had someone to share it with.......

Tune in tomorrow for my new "suggestions" for 2010. I've got some new ideas and a renewed focus for the blog, so we'll see what 2010 brings!!

Be safe tonight!! Happy New Year's Eve!!

Sex and the City 2 Trailer is out there!!

As you know, I heart NY!! I was there at Thanksgiving and will be going again in June to celebrate my 40th birthday.

But the Friday before Memorial Day weekend (which is one month to the day before my 40th!), the second Sex and the City movie is coming out. I will be there opening night just like before. I can't wait to "get carried away!"

You Tube isn't allowing embedding, but click here to see the preview.

What are your thoughts?

I know this much, I WILL be doing the Sex and the City tour in June in NYC!!

I'm back!!!!

I know, I know... I haven't blogged in over a month. What's up with that? Life, I'll tell ya... and Facebook.

I've got a lot of stories to share, so one of my projects this weekend is to get to blogging.....

So hang in there, know I'll be back with that acerbic wit that you've come to expect!!

Happy Thanksgiving!!

Nothing like starting your Friday with a bang... crash.... traffic...

I love my job - but days like today remind me how much responsibility my job entails... and how sometimes, I wish I didn't have to have that responsibility.

Sigh Sister Betty is in town and was going to come to work with me today. We left a bit late, stopped at Sonic for drinks, then stopped to pick up a donut. As we turn on the street to my school, I say to her, "I'm never this late in the AM for school."

We move down the road a bit and cars are stopped. We sit for a second waiting. I pull my car around and head up to the stoppage. I can tell something is wrong. I see a bus and a SUV, it looks like maybe there has been a wreck. I don't have kids and I don't understand the maternal instinct, but this feeling forms in the pit of my stomach. What if kids are hurt? What if, God forbid, someone has died? How am I going to stay strong? I have to stay calm and be strong........

...... which takes me back to a place where almost 2 years ago to the day I had to tell a friend and co-worker that her husband had died. I'll never forgot sitting there, telling her, feeling that every time she saw me from then on, I'd be the person who gave her the news that changed her life forever.....

I push up to the front where there are police and the EMT. I tell them I'm the principal and I need to know what is going on. They tell me there has been a head-on collision but no one is hurt. I rush over to the kids and check on them. They seem fine. As I go back to my car, I fall into the mud. I get up and keep going -no mud is going to stop me!! The bus driver is shaken. I see my AP and immediately I feel better. My AP is a great person and has become a good friend, but one of her many strengths is her ability to stay calm. I'm the firecracker, she is the calming force.

The bus and the truck are totalled. We get the kids inside where there are a few teachers there to feed them breakfast and take care of them. Our Deputy Superintendent shows up to help coordinate efforts and supervise the details of this situation. Our nurse rushes up, we get her and her kids square so she can go medically assess the situation. Our other teachers as soon as they can get parked and get inside.... go to work..... some are unloading cars, some are in the cafe, they are everywhere and doing anything that needs to be done. My aunt takes over the front door greeting duty since my office staff is handling phone calls.

The next hour and half goes by in what seems like a minute. The scene is cleaned, the vehicles are towed to our front drive, we get traffic reflowing, kids dropped off, fed, and delivered to class. By 9:20 AM, you'd never known what had happened.

Unless you could hop in my brain. I'm exhausted, but so grateful for everyone to be safe and for us to continue the day on as if nothing happened. Thank God for my office staff - they just jump in it and hit it full force!! I'm blessed to have an AP who is awesome at her job and teachers that really have a "Whatever It Takes" attitude. And they do it without creating all of this drama.... they are truly the best of the best... no lip service at all!!

We had a great rest of the day, including our weekly Mustang Corral..... where we did a Red Ribbon Week fashion show where I looked like Uncle Sam meets John Wayne Gacy. I think that may have frightened more children than the morning events.......

Our New Season of Dallas Summer Musicals is revealed!!

I just got my renewal for my Dallas Summer Musical season tickets in the mail today. I can't wait!! So here's the new list:

1. The Phantom of the Opera - February 17-March 14 - This is the first one in our series and I'm surprised by how early it is. But I can't wait - I've seen the movie, but never the musical... I'm excited!!

2. Xanadu - April 6-18 - The last time I was in NYC in July 2007, I wanted to go and see Xanadu, but it didn't work out. So now I'll get to see it!! I'm so excited about this one!! Xanadu was one of my most favorite 80's movies!

3. Little House on the Prairie - May 11-23 - Melissa Gilbert is starring as Ma, but I think this will be the throwaway musical for this year (like Happy Days and Cash in the previous seasons). But who knows, maybe it'll be really good!! Maybe......

4. Wicked - May 26-June 27 - I've never seen Wicked, so I'm also very excited about this musical as well. It should be so much fun!

5. Dreamgirls - June 30-July 18 - Another one where I've seen the movie (and loved it), but haven't seen the show. I'm looking forward to this one as well!!

6. Shrek The Musical - Sept. 28-Oct. 16 - This is the State Fair one which is usually geared toward kiddos. I've never seen any of the Shrek movies, but I'm sure this will be a cute musical as well.

In addition, Rain is coming back! This is the Beatles tribute band, and one of my favorite shows from last season. I'm taking my Dad for his birthday because it's right around his birthday and I know he'll enjoy the music.

All in all, I'm very pleased by the upcoming season. This season had some highlights (Legally Blonde, The Wizard of Oz) and some disappointments (Happy Days, Chitty Chitty Bang Bang), but I think next year will be even stronger!! Woo hoo!!

Only 4 months until Phantom!!

What the fork!?!?!!?

Think back to when you were in junior high..... for me, it's 1982-84 and I'm at Forest Meadow Junior High..... what did you like to do late at night on weekends? Why, wrap houses of course! How many houses did you wrap? I wrapped many in my time. I also like the status that a few stray strands of TP high in the trees would bring to you, letting everyone know your house was the chosen house.

Flash forward about 27 years, it's Friday night, and you are bored.... so what do you do? Wrapping houses is too expensive, plus with the threat of rain, you don't want to make a huge mess.

You fork.

Forking is the art of using plastic cutlery to create festive yard art in the front yard. My two partners in crime and I forked 8 houses on Friday night. We started at 11 PM and ended about 2:15 AM. We forked in Denton County (Little Elm, Pilot Point) and Collin County (McKinney, Frisco). Some people got forked because they skipped a get together (MW and NG), some got forked because they wouldn't go with us forking (TK, CE, and HH), and some people got forked because we liked you, we knew where you lived, and we thought what the hell (S&MB, DM, and KR).

My mom tried to give me grief that a elementary principal shouldn't fork houses, but why not? I'm not a cloistered nun - I'm allowed to have fun. We didn't hurt anyone, we didn't do any damage, if anything... we aerated some yards for people!!!)

I haven't heard from all of the victims, but I'm not worried. Oh, they say payback is hell and all that.... whatever.....

Hit me with your best forkin' shot!!

Richardson Reads One Book..... and Mo goes first class!!

As you know, each year my sister and I enjoy going to Richardson Reads One Book, brought to us by the City of Richardson, which loves to celebrate literacy!! We've seen Jodi Picoult, Jannette Walls, and Chris Bohjalian. This year, we were excited to see David Oliver Relin, one of the authors of "Three Cups of Tea."

Tickets are released in August, so Sarah goes to get tickets and they are all given out!! This can't be!?!?! Sarah and I don't know what to do - they tell us that we can show up the day of the event, but there is no guarantee. That is not going to work for us, we are die hard Richardson Readers!!

So we learn that for a contribution of $50, we can get a sacred yellow ticket and have preferential seating and other special privileges. $25 to celebrate literacy is a small price to pay for Sarah and me, so she writes the check and gets us on the list. She's worried because she's not sure how well her request was processed, but we are optimistic for the event.

Our golden tickets allow us to go to the reception prior to the event to enjoy some food and drink. We go get a plate of food, rub elbows with the literacy lovers of Richardson, get our tickets, and then head back to Sarah's. Mike takes us to Richardson HS (we learned this last year after the second year we had to park soo far away), drops us off, and we wait for the doors to open. We are surrounded by people with pink and blue tickets, but Sarah and I proudly stand with our special tickets.

We get in, get a program and settle ourselves in the third row center with an amazing view of the podium and the stage. We check the programs and we are listed as donors!! The public will see our support of literacy - how exciting! We visit and my friend Diane from high school stops by to say hi.

David Oliver Relin spoke for almost 1.5 hours and his talk was amazing. We are able to dip out quickly after and get in line for book signing (another first for us!). We wait, get our books signed (mine says: For Martha, The real enemy is ignorance"), Mike picks us up, and we celebrate our success with a trip to Snuffer's. Literacy and cheese fries - could a better night be had?

I think Sarah and I agree that this is the only way to go to Richardson Reads from now on - total class and style, baby!! I can't wait for next year!!

Oh, Bill & Melinda Gates, may I please be your next beneficiary?

I'm glad that I went to Ursuline for high school..... it was a great experience. I've driven by since I've graduated in 1988, but today was the first time I've gone in the building in 21 years. Melinda French Gates ('82), wife of Bill Gates, is an alum of our great school. Obviously, they aren't hurting for money and donated money to build an incredible addition to the campus. Today they had an Open House for us to go and see the new Ursuline - trust me, this isn't the Ursuline I went to from '84-'88.

This is the new entrance, the perimeter is gated and they now have a security guard stationed to let you in and out. The old sign where our yearbook staff took our picture, is long gone.

Our class graduating picture in main hall. Each class has their picture up. It's cool to look and see the ladies who have attended this school. It's still hard for me to believe that in May, it'll be 22 years since I graduated from UA.

This is the new French Family Science, Math and Technology Center. It's amazing!! They tore down the old Brescia and Merici halls to build this. They are redoing the downstairs rooms of main hall and under the old library since they were the old science labs. The new labs in this building are absolutely amazing!

I took my sister Sarah (who did not go to Ursuline) with me. I walked around, in awe, at the new Ursuline. It's amazing. Of course, the price tag is amazing ($17K a year, it was $2-3K a year when I went there).

I know that Bill and Melinda are always looking for new endeavors to support. And I know they value and support education. So I'd like to let them know that I'm available for them to finance my Ph.D., send me around the world to look at schools and how they work, or just to finance my retirement. Where do I apply?

Meet Maude, the Conehead

Have I told you lately that I love my Maude? She is truly a great companion for me and while I'm having to learn how to be a puppy Mama, I'm getting better at it and we are finding our own little rhythm and way to live.

I boarded Maude right before school started as I knew I'd be working a lot of long hours and wouldn't be able to let her out, walk her, and keep her on a regular schedule. So I picked her up on Tuesday, the second day of school and she kept scratching her ear.

After a few days, she was scratching so bad that she scratched a raw spot on the top of her ear where it meets her head. I took her to the vet, got drops for her ears, and then she was supposed to be as good as new.

Well, after a week her ears were cleared up, but this spot on her head was getting bigger because she would scratch it every time it scabbed and it would reopen the wound. So I called the vet and they told me to get her a cone. So I go on the 14th and pick up the cone.


You can tell it's huge and she didn't like it. She would bump into things, she quit eating, and she refused to go to the bathroom. After a day, I'm panicking and freaking out, like any overprotective new mother.

My friend Donna recommends an inflatible collar - more comfortable than the cone. I go and by one.... we try it and it works for like two days. Maude is no dumb dog. She figures out if she lays this really weird way, then she can hold the collar down and still scratch. So I'm back to the drawing board.....

Enter the Comfy Cone. It's made of a comfortable material, like the inflatible collar, but more restrictive like the cone. I can fold it back so she can eat comfortably. It's easy to get on and off so when we walk, we can take it off. So the Comfy Cone goes into commission on September 17th.

You can see the Comfy Cone. We'll wear it for two weeks to allow the wound to heal and some of the hair to grow back.

Wish us luck!!

Shake Weight - my new exercise plan!!

I know I haven't blogged in a while, but I've been really busy getting school up and running.

I saw this on Ellen and I haven't stopped laughing. I'm so excited about the "Shake Weight" - it's only $19.95 and I'll get results after only using for 6 minutes a day. I'm so glad because I want to have shaped and toned arms. And it's designed specifically for women? Really?? It's unbreakable - thank goodness!!

And it comes with a DVD? Oh, I'm dying to see what else the DVD can show you!!

Who knew you could get all of those benefits? I can't wait to get my Shake Weight!!

I Survived the First Day of School!!

I did it - year two, day one is complete!! And it went really smooth! I'm so glad that it's over. I've been really worried about making sure that we have all of our bases covered and that we are ready for the new year.

I will tell you that this year has been somewhat easier since everything isn't created from scratch.....

It was great to see the kids and the teachers were awesome!! Only 179 more days to go until next summer!! Woo hoo!!

Happy Birthday, Sarah!!

Today is Sarah's 35th birthday!! Even though we won't be celebrating until next weekend, I hope that you have a wonderful day!!

Remember... 35 is the same distance to 20 as it is to 50!! hehe

Pour Some Sugar On Me.... 'cause It Ain't Nothing But a Good Time with Poison and Def Leppard!!

Last night was an incredible time of 80's music magic!! I just woke up and I barely have a voice due to my overenthusiastic enjoyment of the concert last night.

Laura and I stopped at Snookie's for a quick bite and a beer before we headed down to Fair Park.

We have reserved parking so we cruise right on in, get a great park and head into the concert. We get beverages and we are ready. Our seats are great, to the right of the stage, nice view, not too far back. It was hot, but not too hot. I only really got hot at the end of the evening... boy, was I glad I wasn't on the lawn. I'm too old for that!!

Cheap Trick comes on first..... didn't really do anything for me. I was antsy and ready to see Poison and Def Leppard. I did see many girls who looked like they could have been auditioning for 'Rock of Love 4: Skanks on a Bus' or some nonsense like that.

After much patience and some waiting, it was time for Poison. All I can say is that Bret looked good. Real good. In some tight jeans. He alternated with his cowboy hat and without. Big John came out and videoed the crowd a couple of times. CC DeVille really still can play a guitar, even though all I could think about was "Celebrity Rehab" or whatever VH1 show he was on. I heard all the songs I needed to hear except "Rock and Roll All Nite," but that wasn't necessarily true Poison. Did I tell you that Bret Michaels looked good?

Another break and then it was Def Leppard. They rocked. Like it was 1984. Or 1989. They played every song I love and some I had forgotten about. I had forgotten all about "Walk Away," so now that is getting heavy play in my car. I scream/sang for the entire 60+ minutes they performed. It was awesome!! Here's one of my favorite songs they did:



It was a great night, what a superb way to end the summer!! Thanks Laura, for another 1980's adventure!!

What are you doing next Friday night?

This week has been tiring..... not a bad week, just a tiring week. It's funny to see all of the teachers posting on Facebook that they can't believe summer is over, they aren't ready to go back to work.... blah, blah, blah..... I've been working for the past three weeks!!

Next week will be a rough week - lots of inservice, Meet the Teacher, and just getting everything ready for the first day of school. So that makes next Friday even more exciting!!

Laura and I will be at the Super Pages Amphitheater (aka Starplex, aka Smirnoff) to see Cheap Trick, Poison, and Def Leppard!!!

Last summer, we missed Cheap Trick trying to park... so I hope we make it in time to see them. I'm excited about Poison, but THRILLED about Def Leppard!!

As with every concert, there are certain songs I need to hear to feel I got my moneys worth. With Poison, those songs include: Unskinny Bop, Every Rose Has Its Thorn, Talk Dirty to Me, and Rock n Roll All Nite. I love me some Poison so much that my cover band, The Cougar Dolls, covered their Rock n Roll All Nite. I want to see Bret Michaels too..... Rock of Love, baby!!

For me to be happy with Def Leppard, I will need to hear: Photograph, Love Bites, Pour Some Sugar on Me, Armaggedon It, and Bringing on the Heartbreak. I don't this is an unreasonable request, Def Leppard, so make it happen!!

Here's some old school Def Leppard for you (Ed.'s note: You know it's old school because the drummer has BOTH arms):


What a great way to start the last official weekend of summer!! Woo hoo!!

PMS much, Hillary?

Dear Hillary,

I know you were a little upset in the Congo when he asked about what your husband thought. But you didn't have to rip him a new one. You could have been a little bit nicer. Are you upset because your favorite black suit was dirty and you had to wear the lilac one? Are you mad because more people like Bill than you? Or are you mad because you are only Secretary of State instead of President?

Thanks for making women in powerful positions look just a little more crazy!!
Mo

Not a typical Monday..........

Today was our Annual Administrative Team Retreat. Each August, we get together and usually go somewhere and spend the day together team building. Often, it's a surprise (and I hate surprises!!), but some years we know in advance.

So we get in our bus this AM and get on the road. We have ideas, but not for sure on any of them. So imagine our surprise when we arrive at the new Dallas Cowboy Stadium!! I'm excited, because the odds of me affording a game and going on my own are slim to none.

When we pull up, it's an amazing structure. Sooo cool!!
We go in and we are in a suite for the day. Breakfast and lunch are catered in (the food was DELICIOUS!) and we meet to talk about how we can continue doing what's best for kids. As we worked, I looked around the room and realized that I really like the people I work with. They have good hearts and are good people. They care about kids. We laugh a lot. It's a great place to work, I am BLESSED!!

At the conclusion of our meeting, we get to take a tour of the facility - AMAZING!! This is a picture of the huge scoreboard from the field. Yes, we were on the field level. And in the press box.... and in the locker room.... and everywhere!!

Here's a view of the field from the concourse - what an amazing place to play football. I bet concerts there wouldn't be too bad either!!

One of the many treats of our day was our tour guide, John. He was hysterical. He had this laugh that everytime he laughed, we would all laugh. His signature line? "We're walking.... we're walking......"

Here's a snippet of John The Tour Guide in action:

If you have the chance to tour the stadium, I highly recommend it. Of course, after our day in the suite, that's the only way to go to a game!!

RIP, John Hughes..... OR... A Reminder that We are Not Getting Younger!!

I was at work on Thursday, tying up a few ends before I headed home. My friend Doug sent me an instant message that John Hughes died. I was just devastated.

I was truly a child of the 80's: Espirit, Guess jeans, Duran Duran, The Police, INXS, and John Hughes movies. They are still some of my favorite movies today - when I am sick or am just down in the dumps, I pop one of those movies in and it makes me laugh. It makes me remember a simplier time in my life. It makes me remember that someone knew what being a teen in the '80's was all about. I've had his Ferris quote on my blog for a long time, because it's soo true.....

I work with some people who have no idea who John Hughes is. They are too young (or in some cases too old) to have really seen and understood his movies. I'm sure there are films that capture their youth, but no generation before or since has had someone like John Hughes.

While John Hughes either wrote or directed many great movies such as the Vacation franchise, Home Alone, She's Having a Baby, Uncle Buck, Weird Science, and Mr. Mom to name a few, I've picked the 5 that had the biggest influence on me to share with you. Indulge me as I share a few of my favorite movies:

5. Pretty In Pink (1986) - I liked this movie, but I wasn't a big fan of Andrew McCarthy, so Andrew as the romantic lead didn't do it for me. A classic story of you can't find love between social classes...... but my favorite was Duckie Dale. What girl wouldn't want a guy who's your best friend and is sooo in love with you, it's almost annoying?

4. Some Kind of Wonderful (1987) - Not one of his more popular movies, but I love this story! Eric Stoltz plays the nice guy who wants the popular girl instead of his best friend Watts (Mary Stuart Masterson) who is madly in love with him. Craig Sheffer plays such a bad ass as Hardy Jenns, I loved him (of course, I seem to gravitate toward the assholes!).

3. Sixteen Candles (1984) - I remember this movie coming out and being soo excited!! I soo loved it!! I loved Jake (Michael Schoeffling), Farmer Ted (Anthony Michael Hall), Long Duck Dong (Gedde Wattanbe)and of course, Samantha (Molly Ringwald). This movie also is one of John Cusack's first roles, though it's a small one. I have so many favorite scenes... from the dinner table ("you don't spell it, son, you eat it!") to the scene in the car in shop class ("fresh breath is a priority!") to the wedding ("it's a piece of cake!") and I could go on. If this is on TV, I stop what I'm doing to watch.

2. Ferris Bueller's Day Off (1986) - I loved Ferris!! And I so badly wanted to be his girlfriend. I love Cameron - he's such a mess! And his jealous sister (Jennifer Grey, pre nose surgery) is hysterical as the angry one. Charlie Sheen has a brief role in this film too. I think this movie single handedly gave everyone the guts to skip school - I know it did for me!! My favorite line: "It's a little childish and stupid, but then, so is high school."

1. Breakfast Club (1985) - I loved this movie so much, I had almost the entire movie memorized!! I can still recite chunks of it.... I loved the ending where Anthony Michael Hall reads the letter to Mr. Vernon. This movie also had a lot of great lines as well: "Did I stutter?", "Demented and sad, but social.", "Does Barry Manilow know you raid his wardrobe?", and I could go on and on and on. Like with Sixteen Candles and Ferris Bueller, I will stop what I'm doing to watch this movie when it's on TV. Who was your favorite Breakfast Clubber?

There are so many things out on You Tube right now, but I like this video as it shows pieces of a lot of John Hughes's movies:


Rest In Peace, John.... thanks for being there to make my teenage years a little easier.

World School

So, it's Sunday morning and I'm in bed, reading the Sunday paper and enjoying my trashy VH-1 reality shows when an article on the front page of the Dallas Morning News catches my eye. "A Year of Global Learning" is the title of the article.

To summarize, Sue Sandford, a single mother from University Park is taking their four children (and a male tutor) around the world. They left on Friday morning and they will be gone for 365 days and they will see every continent except Antarctica. Wow!! Each of the kids (ages 14, 13, 10, and 8) had a say in what would be a meaningful stop for them, including the Taj Mahal in India, Milan's Fashion Week in Italy, dancing with a school in St. Petersburg, Russia, and exploring the Cu Chi tunnels in Vietnam.

The family has created a website/blog to record their travels. Our World School has spaces for each of the kids, the tutor, and Mom to record their information from their trip of a lifetime. It also shows the itinerary - the site doesn't look completely up and running, but I hope that they get it going!

The family had to endure multiple vaccinations and numerous Visa applications. One of my questions is: Who is paying for all of this? All Sue will say is that she is paying for it from her savings and family support. She won't offer how much this trip costs.

Click here a video that I found on You Tube that tells a little bit more about World School and the family.

I'm anxious to follow this website and see the adventures they will have. I hope the kids have an amazing year. Does anyone want to sponsor me for a year to travel and see the world? I promise to blog religiously!!!

Extreme Home Makeover, Mo Edition

As you may remember, I worked hard to negotiate some changes for my apartment before I would renew my lease. I know I should buy a house, but I don't like yard work, I don't need more space, and I don't know if this is where I plan to be more than another year or two. I have commitment issues, but I'm okay with it.

The decorating process was a four part process. We have two down and two to go. Phase one was the counters. They were a dark green formica. It didn't look bad with my stuff, it just looked dated. So they redid them with an almond color with tan and brown flecks in it. It is supposed to look granite-like, but it looks more faux granite. But it looks better than it did, so I'm happy with it.

Phase two was the accent wall. Here is the wall before:

And here is the wall after with the green. It looks so much better!! It seems to make the room bigger and I really like it.

Phase three is getting a new ceiling fan in my guest room. The fan is here, but they are backlogged with AC issues and hopefully will get to it soon.

Finally, they are supposed to do a deep clean and stretch of my carpet. I was hoping that they would tear up the living room carpet and put in laminate floors, but to no avail. I will keep trying to get that.

So that is my home makeover. Simple, but an improvement.

"One Elle of a Time!!"

D and I headed back to the Dallas Summer Musicals to see "Legally Blonde - The Musical." I loved this movie and I've been very excited to see this show. It might be the show that I was most excited about seeing this season.

We head for a quick dinner at La Madeleine and then down to Fair Park. It's crowded and we get in and get settled. Roland and Sylvia are there and we visit and catch up quickly.

The show was great - the music was awesome and the cast was fabulous. I really enjoyed it and would have gone and see it again!!

Here's one of my favorite numbers:

Summer's Over!!!

Four weeks ago today, I began my summer break. It's been a short one, but I had a wonderful trip and some much needed time off.

I'm hoping that year two as a principal will be easier and I'm excited about the school year that lies ahead.

And today should be fairly easy, it's just me and my secretary - no teachers, no parents, no students. I can handle that!!

Have a good day!

Maude... Sick Pup or Attention Seeker?

As you know, while I was out seeing America, Maude stayed with her trainer. She loves Karen and she likes going and being around the other dogs. The other time she stayed with Karen it was only for 5 nights, this was for 14.

I figured she'd be mad at me when she got home, like she has before, but she came home, walked to her dog bed in my bedroom and crashed. She's been pretty lethargic, I have to make her go out and walk and do her business.

Last night, I had to go to a memorial service for a friend's brother, so I fed Maude and let her out before I went. I got home (it had been 4.5 hours since I'd left) and she had a poo AND a pee accident. She's NEVER done that. She was so sad, she slunk to her bed and wouldn't get out. I didn't make a big deal and just cleaned it up.

This morning, I woke up at 7:15 and had to wake her up. Usually, she's waking me up at 5 on work days and 6 on the weekends. I had to drag her to the bathroom.

I came in and got her food ready. Usually she's jumping and barking, she's very food agressive. This morning she was laying on the floor just looking at me. I put her food in her bowl, she walked up, ate about half and then went back to bed. I knew something was wrong.

I took her to the vet . She LOVES to ride in the car and today I had to lift her (heavy girl!) and put her in the seat. She seemed to perk up a little at the vet. They couldn't find any apparent issues (ear infection, respiratory infection, etc.) but they did a CBC and her WBC was 20.4 (should be between 5-16). So the doctor gave her an antibiotic.

By the time we left the doctors, she was playing a bit with the vet tech and took a treat. She was more like her normal car riding self on our way home. We came home and she went and finished the rest of the food in her bowl. Now she's napping. I'll take her out before I go to lunch - pray we have no accidents!!

Is she really sick or did she just need some attention? Or am I just a stupid parent?

Y'all Gonna Make Me Lose My Mind.......

So, I'm at the movies today with my friend Cathy - we went and saw "The Proposal" - cute movie if you haven't seen it.

We are watching previews and there is a preview for Fame: The Movie that opens in September. Ummm..... Fame opened in 1980 and the TV show was from 1982-1987. I loved that show!! Does anyone remember it?



I love Debbie Allen's speech: "You got big dreams, you want fame, well fame costs.... and right here (beating cane against floor) is where you start paying... in sweat!!"

The new Fame teachers: Frasier (Kelsey Grammar), Roc (Charles S. Dutton), and Karen from Will & Grace (Megan Mullally). Are you serious? I don't see Karen beating her cane and telling the kids that fame costs..... or if I do, she's got her Will & Grace voice on..... not real convincing like my girl Debbie.

Am I really old enough to have something from my childhood be remade ALREADY??

What about Footloose? Zac Efron is no Kevin Bacon and Julianne Hough is no Lori Singer (remember Lori Singer was also on the TV show Fame!). Why mess with a good thing?

90210? I tried to watch the new show, but I was only interested in what was happening with Kelly and Brenda - I didn't care about the other kids. I gave up and started watching old 90210 reruns on Soap Net.

And now.... Melrose Place? WTF? I'm not even gonna try to start watching it. Melrose was on from 1992-1999? It's barely been 10 years since it went off the air. I found this montage of opening montages from Melrose Place. Who will be the new Heather Locklear? I'd like to see that......



I'm pissed - please stop remaking all of my old shows!! How 'bout y'all think of an original show for a change??

Am I the only one who things this? C'mon, fellow children of the 80's, I'd like to hear what you think!!

A Chorus Line - A Singular Sensation!!

Last night, it was back to the Dallas Summer Musicals for "A Chorus Line!" And what a great musical it is!!

D and I decided to splurge and eat at the buffet at the Musical Hall. It was $22 a head, but the food was delicious and we filled ourselves with salad, shrimp, fruit, squash, potatoes, broccoli, carrots, stuffed pork tenderloin, and delicious desserts. I'm surprised that I didn't go into a food coma prior to the show.

We got settled in our seats... alas, Roland and Sylvia were a no-show for this show. They must have traded nights or had some other obligation. And I think I've just accepted that the gay commentary duo are no longer there with us.

The show was fabulous! There was no intermission, but it seemed like it flew by! Of course, I love when they do "One" at the end and they are all dressed up - it's so fabulous!

Next up, "Legally Blonde" on July 28 - this is one of the shows that I am DYING to see!! Can't wait!

Day 9: I'm Home!!

Total Miles Today: 336 miles
Total Miles for Trip: 3007 miles

9 Days, 8 States, 3007 miles!

I am home!! We got in about 4:15 today after one of the most boring drives EVER!!

I've posted some of my many pictures over on Facebook - will get some on here soon.

What a great adventure - but what's even better? Sleeping in my own bed.... and sleeping late!! I can't wait!!

Thanks for all of your comments and for following my blog on my road trip adventure.

I only have 2 more weeks of summer before I return to work on July 23, so I plan to get things done around the house, chill, and play with Maude.

Now the fun begins... unpacking and laundry!! Woo hoo!!

Day 8: Colorado Springs, CO to Amarillo, TX

Total Miles Today: 383 miles
Total Miles for Trip: 2671 miles

We got up this AM and had a yummy breakfast before we cruised around Colorado Springs. We went by and visited the Broadmoor before we left.
We drove through Pueblo, stopping at Cracker Barrell for some candy. As we were heading south on I-25, we get rerouted off the freeway because of construction. We end up in this small town, Walsenburg. So we get out and explore- I found a beautiful hand painted glass heart Christmas ornament.

Back on the road, we realize we can't make the whole trip home today. We cross over into Texas and stop for dinner in Dalhart. We head on to Amarillo and call it a night.

We'll head home tomorrow. What an amazing trip it has been! I've seen a lot of our great country and I'm grateful for that. I have wonderful memories to last a lifetime!! But I'm glad to be coming home!!

(Ed.'s Note: I'm laying in bed watching the ABC channel in Amarillo. It's like amateur news night and I've got a horrific case of the giggles. It reminds me of news in Tallahassee!)


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Day 7: Cheyenne, WY to Colorado Springs, CO

Total Miles Today: 169 miles
Total Miles for Trip: 2288 miles

We just weren't feeling it today. We got our own rooms last night in Cheyenne and we really enjoyed sleeping in today. We didn't check out until noon and then got on the road. We stopped in Ft. Collins and had a great lunch and then got back on the road again. By Denver, we realized that we were tired.

So we got to Colorado Springs and got a room. We took a nap and then enjoyed the complimentary happy hour at the hotel. Now we are watching TV.

We'll go to bed early, get up early, see a few things, then get on the road and see how far we can go.

I think we've been going nonstop for 7 days and we just needed a down day.

More adventures tomorrow!!

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Day 6: Deadwood, Belle Fourche, and Wyoming

From Yesterday:
Total Miles Sunday: 148 miles
Total Miles for Trip: 1748 miles

For Today:
Total Miles Today: 371 miles
Total Miles for Trip: 2119 miles

We started our morning off in Deadwood, visiting Mt. Moriah - where Wild Bill Hickok and Calamity Jane are buried. It was a cool cemetery. We then went into town and saw Adams Museum. I learned a lot about the history of Deadwood, including Deadwood had a Chinatown and that brothels were still in business as late as 1980. We then cruised Main Street, stopping in at Kevin Costner's casino, The Midnight Star.

We stopped in Belle Fourche, which is the geographic center of the US (when you include all states or something like that).

We spent the next 5 hours driving. We stopped in Gillette and I got a cool Bono bag at Walmart (who knew?). We stopped in Chugwater for dinner- I love that name!! We got to our hotel about 9 and I'm typing this so I can crash. I'm whipped!!

Wyoming is beautiful!! We circled around a storm and saw some amazing rainbows and a beautiful sunset. People are scattered far apart, I would love to talk to someone about how they live here.

Tomorrow we head to Colorado and one state closer to home.

Until tomorrow....
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Day 5: Mt. Rushmore, Crazy Horse, Custer State Park, Keystone, then Mt. Rushmore again!

Total Miles Today:
Total Miles Trip:


After a great night's sleep, we head off to Mt. Rushmore. It was amazing to see. We had lunch on the patio overlooking it. I bought a couple of great books from there (and a t-shirt too!).

We left Mt. Rushmore and moved on to Crazy Horse. It was really cool to see it and learn the history.

On our way back to Keystone, we went through part of Custer State Park. We did this drive that was steep and curly, but had fabulous views of the Black Hills.

We got back to Keystone in the afternoon and did some shopping. We stopped and a couple of beers while we sat and people watched. Norma went to get some chips and salsa and they looked at her like she was crazy! (Ed.'s Note: Guess we really aren't in Texas anymore!)

We went back to Rushmore for the lighting ceremony. Powerful stuff!! We started out saying the pledge and doing presidential trivia. Jacob from Maryland knew his presidents!! The ranger did a talk, we watched a video and then the monument was lit. We sang the national anthem and then recognized about 50 vets who were in the audience. It was very patriotic and very moving!

Now we are heading back to Deadwood for the night. As I type, it is 51 degrees outside. I'm chilly and it's July!!!

Tomorrow we are exploring Deadwood and probably gonna try to make it to Wyoming.


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Day 4: Badlands, Wall Drug, and Circle B Chuckwagon Supper

Total Miles Today: 262 miles
Total Miles Trip: 1600 miles

This morning, we decided to head out and see the Badlands and Wall's Drug Store. We hop in the car for the 70 mile drive. It was cool and sprinkling outside. As we got close, we stopped at Prairie Homestead to look at how people lived in South Dakota in the early 1900's.

We got to the Badlands and started driving through them. Amazing and breathtaking doesn't even describe it. I took some amazing shots.

Our drive ended us at Wall Drug Store. Their claim to fame is that they would give free ice water to travelers. We had a yummy lunch and shopped in the many specialty areas of the store. It has grown a lot since 1931.

We drove back and checked into our hotel in Deadwood and took a rest. We then went to the Circle B Chuckwagon Dinner. I ate buffalo, chicken, beans, baked potato, applesauce, biscuit, and spice cake. We had lemonade and sarsaparilla to drink. The food (especially the buffalo) was delicious- I couldn't finish it all!! After dinner, we enjoyed some cowboy singing- great fun!!

We came back to the hotel and went to the casino for a beer and some gambling- yeah, I lost $15 and I was done!!

Tomorrow, it's Rushmore, Crazy Horse, and Keystone!


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Day 3: Sidney, NE to Rapid City, SD

Total Miles Today: 311 miles
Total Miles Trip: 1338 miles

We made it!! We are in South Dakota! The weather here is gorgeous!

We slept in and then hit Walmart and had a quick lunch in the booming metropolis of Sidney. We start to head north and as we are driving, we realize we need proof of our time in Nebraska.

I consult the map and voila! Our prayers are answered! We are going to Carhenge (touted as Nebraska's answer to Stonehenge). We get there and it's hysterical! I have great pictures to share!

A bad storm is blowing through, so we wait it out at Dairy Queen! Then we continue our track north and enter South Dakota. We drive through Keystone, SD. It's the cutest little town at the base of Mt. Rushmore. We drive around a bit and then went to get a hotel room.

After our room, we head back to Keystone and get a great parking spot with a view of Mt. Rushmore so we can watch the fireworks. Well, it clouds over so we aren't able to see the fireworks!!

We head back to the room and crash!

Our next adventure? Wall's Drug Store and the Badlands!


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Day Two: Salina, KS to Sidney, NE

Total Miles Today: 614 miles
Total Miles Trip: 1027 miles

Sorry I didn't post last night, but we didn't make it to a hotel until 11 PM (midnight Dallas time), so we just crashed!

Yesterday morning we got up, cleaned up, packed up, then headed downstairs for breakfast. Delicious food and great service (which should have been our first clue). We are eating and chatting until the waitress asks if this will be one ot two checks? Huh? It's not free? I had to run upstairs and get money. $20 later......

We hit the Salina mothership (aka Walmart) for a few provisions and then we decide to go east to Wamego to see the Wizard of Oz museum. What a cute town and what a neat museum. We hit the Oz Winery and stock up. Then we find a cute shop and buy purses, sunglasses, and jewelry.

As we head back to Salina, we stop for lunch in Junction City and the Eisenhower Presidential Library in Abilene. We make it back to Salina around 5 PM.

So we start to drive. Denver is our goal. As we drive through very boring parts of Kansas, we start talking that we should go ahead and hit Nebraska and Montana while we are here. So we drive into Colorado and instead of hitting Denver, we hit Burlington and go north into Nebraska. We drove for 6 hours yesterday once we left Celina for the 2nd time.

So now it's morning and we are in Sidney, NE. We are moving slow since we only have 200 miles to go today.

South Dakota, here we come!! Mt. Rushmore, see ya on the 4th!


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Day 1- Frisco, TX to Salina, KS

Total miles today: 413 miles
Total for trip: 413 miles

I'm chilling at the Marriott Courtyard in Salina, Kansas, watching the news. It's good to be in my birthstate!!

Norma and I left about 10:30 this AM.
Despite popular belief, we did NOT stop at Winstar. Maybe on the way back..... ;)

We stopped in Norman and had a quick lunch at Red Lobster. Then we headed to Oklahoma City and the Murrah Memorial. We get there about 2:30- it's hot!! We walk the grounds and then hit the museum. It's sad, touching, inspiring... a barage of emotions. I remember I was teaching 6th grade when it happened- it seems so recent, not 14 years ago.

We leave Oklahoma City and move on to Guthrie. Guthrie has a ton of buildings on the Historic Register. We drove around, it was too hot to walk. We see what we think is an old time soda counter, we get excited, park, and go in. It's not what we thought, but we get a treat and do a bit of walking. We met an overeager store clerk and we decide it's time to get back on the road.

We drive for a few hours until we get to Newton, KS. We stop at Applebee's (Ed. 's note: Kansas people love them some Applebees!) for a quick bite. Great people watching opportunity... As I try to get my bearings, I talk with a waitress.

Mo: Where am I?
Teen Waitress: Newton, KS
Mo: Is this a suburb of Wichita?
TW: Uh, I dunno. (calls out to another waitress) Are we a suburb of Wichita?
TW2: Wichita? Suburb? I don't know, I don't think so.

I'm proud of the land of my birth!!

We hop back in the car and notice all of the burned land and fires burning along the sides of the road. There were a couple of serious fires, but no people around.... what's up with that?

And that brings me here to my comfy bed in Salina. I'm tired and ready for some sleep....

We'll see where we end up tomorrow.....


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Blogging By Phone

I've got my phone set to e-mail my blog. We'll see how it works!!

South Dakota, here we come!!!

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Mo Drives a Hard Bargain!!

Okay, let me preface this by saying...... I'm a renter!! Yes, I don't own a home. I have commitment issues. Plus, as a single gal, it sure is nice to call the leasing office and complain and when I get home from work, everything is fixed. Like today, my sink was clogged up and my outside light fixture had burned out bulbs. I stop by the office and by the time I get home at 4, it is all fixed.

But, being a renter, you are limited in what you can do decorating wise. My apartment has the older decorating scheme, which was cute, but has grown tiresome. My carpet was jacked up when I moved in, and after 3 years, it's a bit worse, so it's embarrassing to have people over. They think that Maude isn't potty trained or something when they see the floor.

So today, I stop by the office to pay rent and complain about the above issues. I ask if there is another apartment with my floorplan that might be available when my lease is up in December. I need a change. They tell me there is an apartment that is available July 30, with hardwoods and the new scheme. Do I want it?

As I run my other errands, I consult my sister. After talking to her, I realize that I'll be paying movers, hook up fees, etc. And it means that after I get home from my trip, I've got to start organizing my move, including packing, etc. I treasure my break and time off more right now than moving.

As I finish my errands, I stop back by the leasing office to let them know my decision. They try to sweeten the deal (they can hold it until September 1, etc), but I realize the last thing I want to do is move. So I stand firm.

I walk out of the leasing office with them agreeing to paint an accent wall in my living room, add a ceiling fan in my second bedroom, redo my kitchen and two bathroom counters. They are going to have a carpet person come and look at the carpet. If they can't refurb it, they will pull it up and put in hardwoods. So when I get back from South Dakota, it'll almost be like coming to a new apartment.

Isn't that cool?

I'll let you know how it works out.........

A Most Excellent Birthday!!

Today was my 39th Birthday!! Happy Birthday to me!! I guess now is the big countdown until I turn 40! I was surprised that I wasn't upset or feeling funky about this year's birthday. Actually, I was more like "Bring 40 on - I'm ready!"

My sister Sarah and her hubby Mike took me for a most unusual birthday meal. We went to the House of Blues for their Gospel Brunch. All I can say is that I highly recommend it! Ever since living in Tallahassee, I've had a thing for gospel music. I'm sure working in a predominantly black school had something to do with that.

So we brave the heat and head down to the House of Blues. While waiting, we enjoy a quick cocktail and then head inside. Sarah got us fabulous seats - right along the front. Great view!

The food was phenomenal! Waffles, eggs, hash browns, fruit, fried chicken, mac'n'cheese, desserts... the list could go on! I was worried about how my recovering stomach might handle everything! (Ed.'s note: No colon blows happened as a result of this lunch.) So we sat and ate for a while, then the music began!

These people could sing! It was awesome! For the last song, they called up the birthday people, so I got to go up there. They gave me a necklace and a bag of goodies, then we had to sing and dance with them. Sarah got pulled from the audience and so she was up on stage with me! It was so much fun!

What a great way to remember my 39th B-Day!!

Being Sick Sucks........

So it's my last day at work... summer is so close, I can almost taste it!!

Our network goes down, which makes me panic at first, but then I'm okay with it. I clean out the drawers in my office and get some paperwork done that I've been lollygagging on, so I'm feeling good about productivity.

My friend Melissa comes to have lunch with me and to see the school. She brings Subway. The same sandwich I get every time I go to Subway. No big deal, right? Melissa and I eat and catch up - we used to work together and I just miss her personality. She's a great person, so it was a lot of fun to visit.

I wrap up the day and then head home before going to the foot doctor for another injection for my jacked up foot. I go the doctor, get my shot, and head home.

I'm really hot and feeling kinda puny, but I think it's because of this oppressive heat. I lay down in my dark bedroom under the cool fan, thinking a few minutes here will make everything feel better.

Yeah, right.........

For the next 5 hours, I vomit, I do the other end.... it was awful..... Maude was scared and wouldn't come near me.... probably because I looked like the Excorcist! Finally, around 10, I stop the insanity and pass out. Friday, I wake up and I still feel horrible.

I have a hair appointment... come hell, high water, or food poisoning, I'm going. Afterwards, I spent the rest of the day in bed, sick. I have a horrible headache, I just feel awful. As the night wears on, it gets worse. I decide maybe I need to go to the doctor, so I go to Primacare and it's closed. So I decide I'm just gonna go to the ER. I head to the hospital, and I'm able to get in. They hook me up to an IV for two bags of fluids and send me home. I take some Ibuprofen and get some Gatorade.

I hope that I get well enough for my b-day and my trip to South Dakota......

Vacation Time is Almost Here!!

I only have two more days of work!! I'm so excited, then I have 3.5 weeks off for summer! When I became principal, my summer got cut in half, but that's okay.... when I have too much time off, I tend to make bad choices.

On Tuesday, Norma and I are leaving for our road trip to South Dakota. Why South Dakota? Why not? On my bucket list, I've always wanted to go to Mount Rushmore on the 4th of July. I think it would be majestic. It's a part of the country I've never seen.

Originally, Sigh Sister Betty and I were going to do this trip. But, it didn't work out and I was beginning to think I'd go by myself when Norma told me she'd always wanted to go! So now I have a travelling buddy - woo hoo!!

I don't know how long we'll be gone - I capped it at two weeks because I don't want Maude boarded for longer than that. So we'll either go till we run out of time, money, or room in the car for our junk!

I've been trying to find neat places to see, things to do, places to eat, and places to stay. So at least we'll have a list if we want/need it while we are on the road.

I'm contemplating taking my computer and blogging from the road. At the very least, I'll update my Facebook and let people know where we are and what's next for us.

But here's the best part of the trip. The highs this week in South Dakota? 70's!! And the lows? Upper 50's? Doesn't that sound divine?????

Watch out Middle America - here comes Norma and Mo!!

Time to Rename my Blog!!

Next Sunday, I am no longer 38 and absolutely fabulous!! I'll be 39!! So that means I need to change the title of my blog......

To the right, I've made a poll of possible titles to change it to. I've also left "Other" as a choice. If you pick "other," please leave a comment here with your recommendations......

The new blog title will be revealed next Sunday, June 28th. Happy Birthday to me!! :)

My Jacked Up Feet........

(Ed.'s note: This is my foot. You can see where I got the shot. This foot has the lesser developed bunion. But I still have my sausage toes and Fred Flintstone drive with my bare feet feet.)

I'd like to start this blog by giving a shout out to all the Werners, Dugans, Huckenbecks, and Eckelcamps for passing down to me my jacked up feet. While I've been spared some of the less savory family traits, this foot thing is pissing me off!! Apparently us Germans are great drinkers, but have some serious foot issues!!

Let me take you for a quick walk down memory lane. September 2007, my feet were killing me. I go to the foot doctor. He tells me I have plantar fasciitis and gives me some anti-inflammatory drugs and some exercises to try. I get told to quit wearing flip flops and buy some sensible shoes. About two weeks later, I can't walk. My right foot is so painful! I go back to the doctor. X-ray, nothing. They sent me for an MRI. Results? 3 cracks in my heel. Guess what my prize is? A month in a boot! But, after the time in the boot, my foot does feel better.

Flash forward to February 2009. My left foot hurts. I go to the doctor again. I'm not walking right and I'm misplacing weight on my foot which is causing the pain. I have the beginnings of bunions on both feet. I need physical therapy to work on my walking and surgery to clean out my ankle, which is why I'm walking weird to avoid pain in my ankle. So they set me up for arthroscopic surgery in July because I refuse to take the time off of work (Remember my AP was out on maternity leave?? It's not like I could just take off!). The doctor tells me to quit wearing flip flops and buy some sensible shoes. I do some PT and my foot starts to feel better - it only hurts if I'm on it alot.

Which brings us to yesterday.......... My left foot hurt so bad I couldn't walk. I felt like the oldest 38 year old EVER! I was in training yesterday and as the day wore on, it just got worse and worse. I called the doctor and got in for a 5 PM appointment. Thank goodness!! I get there and he x-rays my foot. I'm thinking I've broken something again.

Turns out I didn't break anything, but let me see if I can explain this. You have a ligament that connects your toes. Under it, is a nerve. Because of my bunion that's developing and the weird weight distribution, my ligament is irritating my nerve. In turn, my nerve is swollen and infected. This is creating the incredible pain. Lovely. Treatment? Injections into my foot. That hurt. With a really big needle.

What are you going to do? I take the shot. With the really big needle. That hurts. But my foot stops hurting right afterwards. When I walk, I can feel pressure, but not pain. I'm thrilled. I able to go have sushi with Melisa afterwards. My doctor reminds me to not wear flip flops and buy some sensible shoes.

Today, I kind of over do it. Secretary Misty and I decorate our Staff Development room to show our new theme for the upcoming year.... which will be unveiled during Tuesday's staff development. By the time we leave school to hit Walmart and Hobby Lobby, I can barely walk. The pain is back.

I go back to the doctor next Thursday for another injection. With a really big needle. That hurts.

And I hope it lasts for more than a day.

The Return of Roland and Sylvia..... oh, and The Wizard of Oz.....

So it was time for our second trip to the Dallas Summer Musicals yesterday. D and I were excited about seeing "The Wizard of Oz." I had to work, then rush home to take care of Maude. D picked me up and we stopped for a quick bit at Uncle Julio's before heading downtown.

We had brought our tickets to "Chitty Chitty Bang Bang" which is our next musical on June 30th. I will be out of town, but I still had no interest in seeing it, neither did D. So we were going to trade them for another show or see if we could upgrade our seats for one of the upcoming shows. No such luck. Our options were to try and sell back, change dates, or lose the money. We decided that since we did not want to see the show, D would give the tickets to her sister-in-law who sounded kind of excited about the show. Enjoy the tickets, Ellie - maybe you won't hate me so much since I've done something kind!

We get inside and get to our seats, and who do I see.... Roland and Sylvia!! I'm just so excited to see them after 8 months. They had to trade nights for Happy Days and that's why we didn't get to see them that night. But they are back!! It was great catching up and we realized that we have some friends in common.

I felt bad for D. The Gay Sarcastic Commentary Duo were nowhere to be found. I'm wondering if they gave up their seats - I'll be sad because I really enjoyed them. They made me laugh. If you don't mind, say a prayer that they will show up for the next show.

The musical was really good!! The special effects (especially the tornado) were pretty incredible for a stage show. The cast was great and it was an enjoyable show. I would highly recommend it (especially if you have kids) and I would go see it again in a heartbeat.

On the way home, we listened to the new Black-Eyed Peas CD. I absolutely loved it!! (Ed.'s note: My birthday is June 28 and this would make a fabulous gift. I'm just saying is all.)

Since we bailed on the Chitty Bang, our next show will be July 14th - "A Chorus Line!!!!" I'm so excited about this one - takes me back to my Ursuline days when our drill team performed "One" - we were so awesome!!

School's Out For Summer!!

Well, I did it!! I survived my first year as principal!! School ended today at 11:30 for the kids - the teachers had the afternoon to start tying up their loose ends so they can head home for the summer.

In retrospect, it was a great year. We faced many challenges, but our kids succeeded and our teachers excelled. I'm proud of everyone involved.

It was nice to go to Happy Hour today with some teachers - it had been too long since I had done that. Good to have a Coke and laugh with your co-workers.

Monday is the teachers' last day. Then I leave Tuesday to spend the week in Austin at TEPSA. After that, I'll work through June 30th, but it'll be quiet with just Misty and me.

Happy Summer, everyone!!

Happy Days - The Musical

So, it's time for my Dallas Summer Musicals season to begin! I'm so excited! As you know, last year I had season tickets by myself; but I had many friends that came for many shows, so I wasn't alone much. Plus, I made friends with Roland and Sylvia and the Gay Commentary Duo, so it really wasn't like I was alone.

This year, my friend D is joining me for the season. Last summer, she was in the middle of finishing grad school and planning her wedding, so she wasn't able to do it. But I am excited to have a partner to do this with.

Even though it's the last week of school and we are exhausted, we are excited to go to Fair Park. We decide that we'll stop at Snookie's on the Tollway for a quick bite before we head downtown. After some chips and queso, we are ready to head south.

We get there, park, get in and get seated. I'm hoping to see Roland and Sylvia and the Gay Commentary Duo. However, another couple is seated next to me. I'm confused. Where are my friends? Have I pissed them off? Did they switch nights? Or did they just ditch this particular show? I'm hoping I'll see them at the next musical.

The show was okay. It was not my favorite show, the music was good, but the story was kind of lame. Fonzie sounded like John Travolta. The highlight was that Arnold was played by Barry Pearl. Do you know who Barry Pearl is? He was Doody (Frenchie's boyfriend) in Grease! That was cool!

Our next show is the Wizard of Oz on June 16th. I'm hoping that my friends will be there, but if not, D and I will have a blast!!

Let the Dallas Summer Musicals season begin!!

Random Thoughts from the end of May!

Okay, so I'm lagging behind again on my blog - but the end of the year is BUSY. So I'm going to highlight some key issues/comments/news from the end of May and hopefully in June I'll do a better job of blogging!!

1. Dad - earlier in May my Dad went into the hospital with a blood and bone infection. He spent 9 days in the hospital and it was an awful experience. Do not go to Trinity Medical Center in Carrollton - the staff was awful, the service was awful, the food was awful, and my Dad's medical care was awful. He's been home since May 18th and he is doing a LOT better. It's hard to see the roles reverse and you start to have to worry and take care of your parents. I don't like it one bit!!
2. On May 18th, I had some skin cancer removed from my leg. It wasn't bad, they got it the first cut, then I was able to go spend time with my Dad while he waited to get discharged from the hospital. I had to go to the School Board meeting that night, and I rear ended a receptionist from another school. Lovely, huh?
3. You saw from an earlier post how much I love Rent, right? Well, my speech path Mindy's cousin Toby was touring with the company. She had heard me gush about my love for Rent and got her cousin on getting the entire cast to sign a Playbill. Her cousin left the Playbill in the hotel when they left Dallas - damn!! But Mindy is persistent, the tour went to Austin and she had already planned to go there to see him again. This time, she got a Playbill signed by the whole cast (except Adam Pascal, jerk!) and she framed it in a shadowbox for me! It's hanging in my office and I love it!! Thank you, Mindy, for a very unique and special gift!!
4. On May 20, our school district participated in the Special Olympics - we've hosted it for the past several years and it's an exciting time. My campus has 12 students participate in Special Olympics, so it's very important to me and my staff. I had the honor of running the last leg of the torch with a student and one my teachers. We had the last leg, we took it to our superintendent, Mr. Murray, who then went to light it. It was an awesome experience. Our 4th graders came to cheer our kids on and they did such a great job! It was an amazing day!!
5. TAKS scores came in and we look like we will be exemplary! We have one group that didn't meet the standard, but we meet it through TPM (too long to explain). I think this is quite an accomplishment for a first year campus, especially with all the trials we've been through this year. I'm so proud of my students and teachers for their hard work!

You know you can't always go back to the way it was......

Yesterday, was Mother's Day. Sarah and I took Mom out to a nice lunch at Cafe R&D in the Park Cities - yummy lunch!! Afterwards, we drop Mom off and Sarah and I decide to cruise Lake Highlands, our childhood stomping ground. It started with wanting to see the house we spent most of our childhood in and the changes they've done - then we went by Merriman Park Elementary (where I went for 4th-6th grades). Next thing I know we are heading back to "good ole days".......

We start off at Mr. Pittman's house - where many Lake Highlands kiddos took swimming lessons. I remember him and his mean wife pulling us back by our ankles if we didn't do a good job of swimming.

We headed over to our first house we lived in and we passed the infamous "White Rock Skate Center." Many nights were spent here skating. I remember doing the Limbo, ordering a "suicide" at the snack bar (bonus points if you can remember what a suicide is), and skating with my Luv-It jeans with the comb in my back pocket. I was some hot stuff. For 1982.

Look, I think this is the original signage - but the prices have gone up. It's still a value for parents. ;)

After we leave there, we drive past the house we lived in on Longmont. We cruise by Lake Highlands Elementary (where I spent kinder and 1st grade) and then to St. Patrick's (home of CCD and Vacation Bible School). We went in the church and it seemed so small - I remember when it first opened, I thought it was HUGE. I guess to a kid it was.

Our next stop is LHHS (Sarah went there, I didn't) - but it looks different. Then we drive to the Audelia Road Branch Library. I love this library. Or should I say, I LOVED this library. First of all, there is playground out front. People are too lazy to head over to Northlake to play? I mean, you go to the library to play on the playground? What about reading?? Well, the playground made more sense when I went inside. It looks nothing like a library. It looked like a Starbucks. No moldy old book library smell. No card catalog. I HATED it!! The only thing that looked the same was the one corner of tables where the windows overlooked Church Road. I spent a lot of time "studying" at those tables (and I use that term LOOSELY) in high school.

(Ed.'s note: It has to say "Library" otherwise you'd have no idea where the hell you are.)

We leave the library and head over to Moss Haven (where I spent 2nd and 3rd grade) and then to Forest Meadow (aka Forest Ghetto, Home of the Chargers). It looks the same, windowless, but now they have this gate where kids can be held hostage between the main building and the gym/band hall. Does anyone remember on the last day of 8th grade when there was the big fight after school?

After FMJH, it's time to leave Lake Highlands. It's sad, 20 years has definitely changed the neighborhood. But the memories are just as vivid in 2009 as they were in 1984. I can honestly say Lake Highlands was a great place to grow up!!

Maude Update

Many of you are enjoying my adventures with Maude the Basset Hound. She is so sweet and loving, but she can be a stubborn bitch when she wants to be. Examples:

• The morning I'm running late, she runs out of the house and chases rabbits and I'm chasing her.
• The day she tries to eat a lab puppy thinking it's a rabbit.
• The time she peed on the floor because I shut the bathroom door and she didn't like it.

I was convinced that perhaps I'm not a dog person, my poor assistant principal and friend Misty (who calls herself a dog whisperer) keeps telling me to give it time and patience. Well, she was right. I've had Maude almost 2 months and I honestly can't imagine life without her. I love her so much, I can't wait to get home to see her!!
Now.... she's expensive..... more than I thought...... Examples:

• Puppy nanny - $15 visit, at least 2 visits a week if I'm working late
• Puppy spa - $45 a visit, once a month, Maude goes to get a bath, dip, teeth brush, nails done, and furminator (she sheds like a mo-fo!!)
• Puppy training - $75/lesson, we've had 2, we'll have at least 2 more to deal with her leash training and aggression with other dogs

Speaking of puppy training, I hired the same lady that my sister and mom have used with their dogs. She comes and we start with the choke collar. Maude doesn't respond. It takes 35 times to get her to sit. We have to use the pinch collar - she yelps every time I use it. I feel bad, but she's stubborn. After Karen left, I was really worried that I was the worst dog owner and I had a crazy dog..... I cried.....

After a couple of weeks, Karen came back and I'm pretty sure that Maude and I floored her with our dazzling abilities. She learned three things this lesson and did great on them! We are hoping to move from pinch collar to choke collar at her next lesson. I'll keep you posted - say a prayer for Maude (and me!!)!!

Dallas Summer Musicals Return - Kicking it Off with Rent!!

After a seven month break, my Dallas Summer Musicals season begins!! Actually, Rent is in addition to my season - my season begins on June 2nd with "Happy Days - The Musical."

I LOVE Rent!! It's the only show I've seen on Broadway and I just thought it was amazing. I loved the movie when it came out and now own it. But I was most excited to see that Adam Pascal and Anthony Rapp were going to be in this tour - since they were the original Roger and Mark!! Woo hoo!!

I head downtown after getting a late start. The free parking is almost full and a long walk. Since I'm alone, I'm not really comfortable with that, so I pay $15 to valet. I am literally right by the front door. They put me in the VIP Valet, so I was in the first row of cars, facing out, so when the show was over I could run out, jump in my car, and go. They even gave me my keys back so I wouldn't have to wait for them to retrieve my car. What a deal!!

I get inside and get settled. I'm sitting in my usual season ticket seat and I've got a couple of older ladies next to me. The place is PACKED - it is Opening Night after all!!

It's about 7:55 and it's almost time. A younger lady is going down the aisle, her foot gives out, and she busts ass. Serious ass. While her friend that is with her never gets off of her cell phone. Luckily, since her friend is so busy, one of the ushers brings her an icepack and offers help. The good news is that Grace (my name for her) didn't spill a drop of her Crown and Coke. Amen!! There is a God! Grace and her friend left at intermission and we never saw them again!!

The show was 2 1/2 hours of song and great memories. At the beginning of the second act, when they sing "525, 600 minutes" - I just got all choked up! If you haven't had the chance to see Rent, you should go!! It was an incredible night!!

Now I'm just counting down to June 2nd - I can't wait to be reunited with Roland, Sylvia, and the Sarcastic Commentary Gay Couple!!

Swine Flu - can't decide what to think just yet......

This swine flu has me fit to be tied. I can't make up my mind if I'm mad, jealous, or just plan irritated by it.

It's the flu. You can treat it with drugs. The flu is contagious. None of this is new information - then why the hysteria???

Mad: Entire school districts are getting shut down. Why? Kids may have it. So keep the sick kids home, clean the school, and keep running school. Are we going to react to every contagious illness like this?

What really makes me mad is that schools are not having to make up days. Then TEA says that if a school isn't able to take TAKS, the state will work with the school regarding their accountability rating. Well, what about my school? We stayed in school and took TAKS. Are you going to be flexible with my accountability rating?

Jealous: Two of my neighboring school districts are shut down for the week. Hell, I'd like a week off - this time of year is brutal. Teachers are cranky, kids are unruly, parents are impatient, a week off would be lovely. Especially a week off that doesn't have to be made up. It's not fair - I work and my friends in other districts don't work and we both get paid.

Irritated: I'm sick of the new coverage. I'm sick of the complaining. Jeez, get the sick people some meds and let life continue on.

So what are your feelings about the swine flu?

RIP, Bea Arthur!!

Bea Arthur has died!! I'm very sad!! She was an incredibly talented woman who I admired greatly. I loved her show Maude so much I named my dog after her.

In honor of Bea, I have some of my favorite clips to share:



This is Bea doing a "Sex and the City" spoof that is hysterical - the sound is bad, so turn it up!!



Bea and Rock Hudson singing.......

I haven't been able to find the Maude theme song clip again... I will keep looking!!

Rest in Peace, Bea - you will be missed!!

Rats in the Land of Milk and Honey..... ah, the blasphemy!!!

I live in Frisco - where almost everything is less than 10 years old. It's nice to have so many new clean places to go. But apparently there's a price to pay for this newness......

RATS!!

Let me explain..... last December, I had to get a new radiator for my car - while working on it, they noticed some rodent droppings in the engine and said it's common for that to happen in the cold winter months. I was totally grossed out!!

So yesterday morning, I wake up and do my morning routine. I leave for work, get in my car, and am greeted with the most FOUL smell!! Something has died in my car, I have determined...... I drive to work, knowing I'll stop by the car place on the way home.

I leave work and head to the car place, explaining my situation and my concern. They take my car and look under the hood and check it out. Here is the conversation that ensued:

Billy Bob (missing teeth, but has one hot handlebar mustache): You park your car near a pee-can tree?

Mo: Yes, why?

BB: Looky here what I found under your hood! (holding up pecan shells)

Mo: How the hell did they get into there?

BB: Well, it appears that there was a rat living between your transmission and your engine. There's droppings and these here pee-can shells as evidence. He's not there now, he probably fell out when you started driving and his hair singed on the engine. You know that rats don't smell too good, dontcha?

Mo: Gross - I'm so disgusted by that!!

BB: It's real common here in Frisco - them are rats everywhere. They done ate the wiring under my hood while I parked my truck here at work. Everyone thinks Frisco is all nice and new, but them are rats everywhere!

Mo: So what do I do? Do my wires look chewed up?

BB: I checked all of your wiring and everything looks good. Well, you got you a dog?

Mo: Yes?

BB: Wear some knee high pantyhose for several days and don't wash them. Then collect some of your dog hair and put it in the hose. Tie it up, bring it here to me, and I'll put it under your hood. Them rats won't come near here if they smell dog.

Mo: Okay, uh, great... thanks! But what about the smell?

BB: You just gonna have to wait until the hair burns off and the smell goes away. It'll take a day or so, but if you smell it real bad, come right here, we might catch the rat in the engine.

Mo: Lovely.

So today as I'm driving to work, I almost wreck my car because I'm watching in the rear view mirror to see if a rat is gonna fall out! But the smell is almost gone, so I'm hoping that my rat adventure is over..... for now.......

Beware, fellow Frisco neighbors....