Christmas and other things

Christmas break so far has been nice and relaxing. Of course, the first few days of it were forced as I had a nasty cold that sent me to bed until Tuesday morning.

Tuesday morn brought the advent of my sister Angie and I commencing our annual Christmas bake fest. We made about 20 dozen cookies for gifting and of course our families consumption. This year, the new addition to the lineup, minty melts, are the favorite. A peppermint cookie dipped in chocolate, what is not to like?

Christmas Eve brought church with the family and then dinner and the traditional watching of the Mormon Tabernacle Choir Christmas performance. Christmas Eve was spent at mom and dads so I would be there Christmas morning. Christmas is low key at our house since its just the 4 of us, so we are able to do exactly what we wanted. The rest of the weekend has been spent relaxing and enjoying having my sister home.

Tomorrow begins the last week of holidays (teaching is good for vacations), but I have errands to run and stuff to do around the house, so the pleasure of lounging in my new PJ's under my new down comforter are over.

Happy New Year Blog World.

Prayer Request

I don't know how many people read this, but right now every little prayer helps this precious little girl. Her name is Elizabeth, she is ten years old and she lives in Valdosta, Georgia. Here is her story.

Several years ago, she defeated brain tumors. All was well until earlier this year when she was diagnosed with Leukemia. During testing, it was found that there were some other things occurring making it a miracle that she survived birth. Well, the Tuesday before Thanksgiving she had a bone marrow transplant and had been doing well. She was looking forward to getting out of the hospital in time for Christmas at home with her family. Sadly, over the past 48 hours things have turned worse. She developed memory issues which we were hoping and praying were "cabin fever delirium" as one doctor put it. But, scans of her brain and spine show tumors growing in both places. Her parents now have the hardest decision ANY parent should never have to make. Do we want quality of life versus quantity of life? Please be in prayer for this family, Mom, Dad, Elizabeth, and little sister Madeline. Please pray for guidance about what is best for Elizabeth, strength for the family this upcoming week and above all, a miracle from God that will completely heal Elizabeth.

What a strange day

Today was the strangest day I have had so far in teaching. It was scheduled to be the annual "Kids Yule Love" program benefitting a local charity. When I got to school this morning, there were no lights in my classroom AND NO HEAT!!!! It was 55 degress in my room and 29 outside. Baby, it was COLD in there.

The power was out in parts of the building. Unfortunately for me since my classroom is there, it was the oldest part. Thankfully the Athletic Complex had lights so the program could go on as scheduled. But, it was a MAJOR Georgia Power problem. The transformer for the middle of the school (the original building) went out this morning. Of course, it was 40 years old. It took GA Power all day to fix it because they had to bring in a crane to replace it and then hook it all back together. (the thing weighs 15,000 pounds). So, at the end of the assembly, Mr. Collins annouced that we got to leave at 12:00. We had to do that cause the lunchroom is in the original building and they could not cook. Of course the kids loved it. I did too cause I was freezing.

Lights and heat are back on so school will be in session Monday morning as usual for exam week. But the experience at the assembly this morning brought tears to my eyes.

The drama this year was the Grinch and the songs about what is Christmas really made me think. This was after we had presented a TSA Family with a check for 5800 dollars to help with medical expenses. That and seeing a nativity played out, the drama, and the gifts that the kids brought in , even in a recession, brought tears to my eyes and made me so proud to be a part of the Tattnall Family. I am now officially in the Christmas spirit!!! Tomorrow I have bell ringing for the Salvation Army with my Y-Club kids and then dinner with two girlfriends to celebrate finishing our masters degrees!!!!!

Finished

I am officially finished with graduate school. I sent the final drafts of my teacher work sample and portfolio off today. I had my exit interview on Monday and it went extremely well. In fact, my professor wants a copy of my portfolio!! So, I am now done and am so relaxed. I slept the best I have slept in almost 2 years Monday night. While I have been busy with other stuff this week, I am not stressed about anything.

The best part about being finished was getting to return to choir practice. I had to take a break while in school because it was simply too much. But, I can't wait for Sunday and the awesome new version of "Joy to the World" by Chris Tomlin. Go listen to it, its great! Then Sunday night, Sonic Flood is in concert at my church. All in all, a good weekend!!! Then only one more week of school and 4 of those 5 days are half days!!!!!

Life after Grad School

Yes, there is life after Graduate School. I am discovering that this weekend. I am the most relaxed I have been in two years thanks to being finished. I am so glad I presented on the first night and only have to sit in class for attendence purposes on Monday night. I am not even worried about my interview.

Yesterday I went to the local library, which I love by the way, and got a tote full of books to read. I am able to read as long and as much as I want without feeling guilty. My list of books I want to read is EXTREMELY long. After sleeping in a bit this morning, mom and I headed out into the frigid cold, yes 38 degrees in central Georgia is considered frigid. We had tons of errands to run since we are helping host a wedding shower on Thursday at school for one of our teachers. Had to get last minute things. Then, I managed to get some Christmas shopping done, mom you will love your gift I got today!!! Then, it was Wal-mart on a Saturday afternoon, not really my idea of fun. But, got it accomplished. After a stop at home to drop off packages, I went to mom and dads for dinner and to help put up the new Christmas tree. Mom got a pre lit tree this year and it only took one an a half hours to put up TOTALLY. No more day long process!!!!! Its really pretty, but will take some getting used to a smaller tree. Tomorrow is church and the conclusion of a restful weekend. Two more weeks and school is out for Christmas!!!

We Made It- Part 2

My Teacher Work Sample and Portfolio are both finished!!! Now, all I have left is a paper to finish, presentation Monday in class and interview before my committee. Then I will be OFFICIALLY FINISHED WITH GRAD SCHOOL!!!! This whole endeavor has been a lesson in patience and God teaching me that I can do anything I put my mind to, but I am glad it is almost behind me.

We also made it through the Black Friday madness with everything we wanted and no injuries. Props to our local Wal-Mart. They were so organized. I know, those two words (Wal-mart and organized) don't really sound right together, but they were. Angie and I got there at 3 and since our item we REALLY wanted was a special but not one of the huge ones, it was not shrink wrapped so we could put it in a cart when we got there. We just could not check out until 5. I wandered and people watched while she took the car down the street to get me a down comforter for Christmas at Kohl's. The Kitchen aide mixer from Wal-mart was for her! After we left Wal-mart we headed out in search of breakfast. We ended up at Waffle House, the only thing open. You would have thought the fast food restaurants would have opened early, but they did not.

We fortified ourselves with breakfast and headed to the Shoppes at River Crossing to meet mom. We spent time there getting things for everyone and I left them there at 8:45 as I headed home for a long nap.

Got my new cell phone this afternoon and have gotten familiar with it, so it is now off to mom and dads for dinner.

We made it

Well to Thanksgiving Break that is. Even being gone 2 days this month at a conference (more on that later) still had me worn out by the time the bell rang Friday afternoon AND we still had football that night. Football was great, but we lost at the VERY end of the game so it was tough losing in the state semi finals. But, the team can be proud because NO ONE though they would get this far.

Back to being gone 2 days. Mom and I attended the National Council for Social Studies teachers annual convention this year seeing how it was a quick drive up the road in Atlanta. WOW! I had so many options to choose from it was almost overwhelming, note I said almost! It was so worth it the very first day after I got to spend an afternoon "behind the scenes" at the Federal Reserve Bank in Atlanta. WOW what an opportunity. I hope to one day teach econ and take my students on a field trip there. On Friday, we went to many classes and seminars and then hit the exhibit hall. I was like a child in a toy shop the week before Christmas. I went up and down aisles meeting vendors and organizations and collecting everything I could get my hands on. Watch out kids cause I once I get my masters finished, I will have time to go through everything and all the stuff being shipped will be in!!! Needless to say though, the highpoint was Saturday morning when we heard the keynote speaker Greg Mortenson, author of the book, Three Cups of Tea. If you have not read this book, run do not walk to the nearest book store or library and get a copy.

He was simply amazing. He was ill at the time he was there but still gave an outstanding presentation and spoke for over an hour and a half. He then signed books for three hours. He loves what he does and he is changing the world one school at a time. His new book comes out December 1st.

I am almost done with my masters!!!!!! Whoo-Hoo! I am tentatively scheduled for my exit interview on December 8th. My Teacher Work Sample is being proofed and it is done. Now, I have to get finished with my portfolio and one last paper so I can enjoy the break and Angie being home. Back to work!!

Enjoy Thanksgiving with your friends and family. And remember this sign I saw tonight, "Don't have anything to be thankful for, check your pulse"







Happy Thanksgiving Blog World.

Life

I can not believe that October is half over. I want the world to stop spinning so I can get off. I feel like I am constantly on the go. I hope this feeling eases up when I am done with school.

I did just return from New Orleans with Angie. We were there for her to speak at a National Confrerence (go Angie!!). It was GREAT fun. We had good times, good food, and many laughs along the way. I even survived driving across Lake Ponchatrain with NO WARNING whatsoever that it was coming. All of a sudden you were driving across the water about 5 feet above it and on and on it went. At least this was not the 24 mile bridge, just the 4 mile one. Still, it was nervewracking for someone who doesn't like going across water.

The food and sights were amazing. I encourage anyone who has the chance to go to New Orleans. The city is still recovering, but many areas are back and they want visitors.

Kabal24 Book Review

Amazing. Simply put that is the best way to describe the book Kabul24. I remember in the late summer and fall of 2001, amidst the devastation of the attacks on the World Trade Center and the Pentagon, hearing of the kidnapping and imprisonment of the 2 American aid workers in Afghanistan. What I did not remember from this time was that there were 22 other people being held at the same time.

The book opens as the aid workers for Shelter Now International of SNI are working in Afghanistan. Reading about what these people do, and the love they have for the Afghan people really touched my heart and showed such a true image of the fulfillment of the Great Commission. These people were not paid exorbitant salaries, nor did they live in nice homes. They were simply there because of their love for the people and the answering of God's call to go.

The story of their kidnapping amidst the amazing miracles that God performed to get most of the team and their families out of harms way is breathtaking and page turning. Following the story of the leader of SNI, George, the reader is taken on a journey of despair but also of hope that God would come to their rescue in HIS timing.

As you read, you constantly see the hand of God moving and miracles being performed to keep the team of 8 and their 16 Afghan workers safe. At the end of the book, their is a list of all of the miracles that occured to make this story happen. As I finished the book, I was amazed that these people still have a desire for the Afghan people. It goes to show that the call of God is strong and forgiveness is even stronger. I recommend this book to anyone who questions whether or not God still performs miracles today, because these 24 people are living proof of it.

Happy Fall

I can not believe that September is almost over. What a month it has been. Started the month sick as a dog with my annual back to school sinus infection. What a way to spend Labor Day. But, I did manage some fun. My sister, Angie was home and we went furniture shopping for my den. I had exactly in my head what I wanted. Comfy, cushy, and RED. Well I found it for a great deal and have been enjoying my "reading couch" for several weeks.

While the calendar may say Fall, its still summer here in GA. My air conditioning went out last week. The repair man came and told me we would have to wait until the next day for the unit to cool off. So, Barney and I packed up and headed to mom and dads for the night. He loved the field trip. The next day the repair man came in the midst of a monsoon. I am talking Biblical type rains here. But he got it working. As he worked I watched the house across the street from me flood. That is how bad the rain was. And the rain continued. We have had almost 11 INCHES of rain this month and its raining right now. I feel like I should be growing webbed feet or at least live in Seattle.

School at TSA is going well. I love our new headmaster. It is like working in a different place and God is doing some awesome things in our midst. This week will be crazy cause its homecoming, but we will survive.

Grad school is ok. I am actually beginning to like my reading class. The teacher is really neat. My first observation is Monday, so please pray for that and pray that I find motivation to work on my portfolio.

Randomness

If you know me well, you know that I can sometimes be quite random. Tonight is one of those nights. It might have to do with the fact that there is so much going on in my brain, or the cold medicine I am taking thanks to the annual back to school sinus infection.

My mortgage company ceased operating in August. Now, how did I find this out? Not through a friendly letter or e-mail, I was LOCKED OUT of the online payment system. So after spending a total of 2 hours over three days of trying to get through, this afternoon I am told that the company was sold to Bank of America and here is the phone number. Thankfully, I got a very helpful (what a suprise) person on the phone who walked me through the whole process of getting a new online account set up. Of course, in the mail today was a letter from BOA telling me what had happened. It would have been nice to know about this say three weeks ago!!!!

School is going well. My history kids are so interactive in class and we are having a good time. They seem to love class and are learning alot. The fun is beginning though because my supervising teacher for my masters will start visiting soon. Cue sarcasm They have been threatened within an inch of their lives to be on their best behavior. We will PARTY in December when its all done!!!!!! I have PROMISED them that.

Grad school is a pain in my butt. I literally hate the thought of going to class. Only GCSU would do this. We are getting a new professor after Labor Day so for the first three weeks, we have had a sub. What craziness. But December is coming....

First week of School

I AM TIRED!!!

Somehow, I suspect its because I love it so much, but I forget every summer how tiring teaching is until school starts. I am WORN out. I know it will get better because it will calm down now that we are getting in the groove of things.

The first day was great. The kids looked so awesome in their uniforms. They even like them:) Mr. Collins, our new headmaster, challenged the kids to remember two words, Respect and Responsibility. He said that if they remembered those two words and lived by them, we would have a great year. We then headed off to our classes for 10 minutes each. Thursday brought the first "real" day of school. For the most part, it was smooth. My classes are going ok. I love my history kids. They are so much fun and engaging. I think we are going to have a great year together as we explore GA and Ancient Civilizations.

Today was another day of getting in the groove. Kids complaining about homework. Sounds like a normal weekend. I am spending the weekend recharging the batteries, cleaning house, and relaxing.

Tax Free Shopping

I have to question the intelligence of the Georgia Legislature. Of course, them being politicians, they most likely did not have much intelligence going in and being under the "gold dome" has sucked what sense they had left out.

Yesterday was the start of Georgia's annual "tax free" shopping for back to school. Under the plan, electronics (computers, etc), clothes (up to 100.o0 per item) and school supplies are tax free. Now, mom and I went shopping today and it seemed to us where we were that retailers had marked prices UP to compensate for losing the sales tax. I can understand that in today's economy. I don't necessarily agree with it, but being a capitalistic free market society, until Obama and the Democrats have their way, I see their point. Stores are all about making money. This brings me back to the lack of brilliance of Georgia legislators.

The state of Georgia is in the biggest budget crisis it has ever been in since at least the Great Depression. So, in an effort to "save" money, the governor cut school funding and furloughed teachers for three days. He did this LAST TUESDAY!!! Most school systems were forced to take the days during pre-planning so teachers do not get all the time that they deserve to plan. They were not even allowed in the buildings. Now, this does not effect me because I teach at a private school, but I have lots of friends who are public school teachers.

My question to the legislature is this: Why have you not taken pay cuts? Why has the governor and other top officials not been furloughed. What about the Board of Regents, the head football coaches at State Universities that play football. Why have these people not had to take a pay cut. I realize that they feel they are helping families with the savings on sales tax. But, when stores mark up the prices to mark them down, there is no real savings. Truth be told, the only people we are hurting are the children of the state of Georgia. No wonder we are 49th out of 50 in education. The lawmakers in this state need to remember that Teachers are a powerful voting bloc. We got rid of one governor who screwed up education. This one has a term limit but we sure can vote out the legislature.

Ok, that is my rant against the government for today. Tomorrow mom and I are going to the Office Depot Teacher Appreciation Day (always good for free stuff) and to relax before pre-planning starts. Only a few more days of summer left:(

Back to School

Well, Summer is almost over. School starts 2 weeks from today!! Of course, I have been working some in my room for the past several weeks to get ready.

This year seems to be shaping up to be interesting to say the least. We have lots of new families and students. As well as a new headmaster, administrators, and teachers. That is exciting. I am praying that our current students welcome the new students with open arms and are as accepting of them as they have been of new students in the past.

What I am teaching is interesting too. Right now, I know I am doing Study Skills and a section of 8th grade Georgia History/Ancient Civilizations. Late last week I was asked to consider doing a section of 5th grade history if needed. Of course I said yes. Now, I don't know anything about 5th graders except that it is between 4th and 6th, but I am sure that will change if needed. I hope I find out if I am teaching it though before pre planning starts. I would like a little time to prepare.

I am excited and can't wait to see what God has in store for TSA this year. I think its going to be a GREAT year!!

Annoyed

I am so annoyed right now. Much of my annoyance is directed at my former apartment complex and my Latin American professor. What is the purpose of a $500.oo pet deposit if not to clean the apartment after the pet moves out??? I got my statement from them today and they informed me that not only was I not getting ANY of my security deposit back, but I OWE THEM $25.00. Needless to say, I am ticked off. To top that off, I made a B in Latin American History. I know, its a B, but it ruins my 4.00 GPA. Plus, I feel that I learned NOTHING about Latin American History and am not prepared to teach it to my students. I could have taken the easy way out and dropped the course and picked up pedagogy this month, but no, I stuck it out and get rewarded with a B. I am really ticked about that one and I think a letter to the chair about all the crap this professor made us do is forthcoming.

I did enjoy Birmingham with my sister though. The food and company was great. It was awesome to see Wendy in the role of mom with baby Alex. I can't believe he is nine months old already. Such a cutie.

I got an interesting phone call today from a parent. The mom of the new Junior class president called to talk about prom. I am meeting with the moms on Monday night. Hopefully I can convince them to wait a few more months before we start planning. I don't even KNOW the date for prom yet!!! These ladies are more organized then I am. Could be an interesting year with them...

Finished

I finished the summer term on Thursday. I know I have an A in one class, and will be sweating it out till grades are posted on Wednesday about the other. Angie came home for the long weekend on Thursday and it has been fun just relaxing. Of course, last night I felt like I was in a war zone with all of the fireworks going off. I think I liked it better when they were illegal in Georgia. Of course, this is coming from someone who greatly dislikes being ANYWHERE NEAR fireworks. I love looking at them, I just don't want to be near them. Apparently, my neighbors have a different view. Thankfully, they stopped fairly early and Barney the wonder dog and I were able to go to sleep.

Tomorrow I am off to Birmingham for a few days of r and r by Angie's apartment swimming pool. That's the ONE thing I miss about my apartment. Then is back to Macon to meet with our Academic head on Thursday to find out my teaching schedule and get to work on stuff for fall. Hard to believe we go back in just over a month. But I am going to ENJOY this month with no schoolwork!!

Summer School

I feel that I have not updated in forever. Its not that I don't care, I am just so tired by the time I get home every day and done with studying the last thing I want to do is something with the computer. But, I can see the light at the end of the tunnel of summer school and its not a freight train that will run me over.

My to do list is getting shorter by the day. I had a presentation in my Modern Middle East class today, so now I have to write the paper to go with it. The paper and making the grad students go first with the presentations is the "extra" work that he assigned to make it a graduate level course. I am confident of an A in that class and I have loved the topic. Plus, he is letting me come to his office in July and "steal", a teachers favorite word, anything of his that I would like to use in my classroom this year or coming years!!! Since I am teaching World History now, that will be useful.

The other class though, on Latin America is getting on my nerves. I am so thankful that there is only one week left. He gave us our final today and told us we could get extra credit if we turned it in early. Now come on, I have a presentation to work on for him, plus a paper and final for my other class and he wants this in by Tuesday. Is he freakin kidding????? But I will try and get it done cause I need all the bonus points I can get if I want to pull an A.

Tonight though, I had fun. A friend hosted a Mary Kay party and we got to play in the makeup and goodies. I tried the makeup years ago and did not like it, however they have changed the formulas around and the skin care has done wonders for me and I really like their mineral foundation. Bare Essentials made me break out and this did not. So I am happy. I am really looking forward to this time next week and being done with school and then heading off to Birmingham after the 4th for some relaxation and catching up time with old friends who I have not seen in a while. I can't wait. Then its off to Chattanooga for the weekend, before getting back in the swing of things for the school year. I am really excited to see what God is going to do this year. Stay tuned!!

Update

Wow, its been almost a month since I posted. I promise to do better in the future. Life however has been crazy. I am all moved in and put away except for the last drapes to be hung and the missing bottles of perfume. I love love love my house. It is just me and wonderful. Barney loves it too. He will often ask out just to go play in the backyard. He has figured out that its his and he loves it!! The other dogs in the neighborhood don't bother him at all.

Once school was out, it was time for a quick trip to ATL for a conference at the High Museum of Art about how to teach Europe. Very informative with some European Consuls there and put on in conjunction with the SCIS and the EU. Got lots of free stuff AND got to tour the High's new exhibit before it opened. Three of Monet's "Water Lilies" which are on loan from the MOMA in New York. It was breathtaking. The very next day I started grad school again. One semester to go!!!! I am not enjoying the drive part, (74.5 miles rountrip) each day, but it does give me time to get out and look at God's creation as I am driving. I am loving one class and tolerating the other. The Middle East class is fascinating. AND the professor is going to come let me raid his office this summer for teaching resources that he no longer needs!!!!!! I am working hard for the next 3 weeks and then taking some needed time to myself before gearing up for a new school year. August will be here before we know it....

Shopping Nirvana

I went to one of my shrines of the retail industry today. IKEA at Atlantic Station. I was specifically looking for the coffee table that matches my entertainment center, but came away with a lot of other goodies as well. I have a weird shaped area in my kitchen where the old (1940s) hookup for the washing machine is. There is no counter there, so I have to improvise. I found a great butcher block stand that will go there and look great. I also got a neat mirror to go in my entry way and several other odds and ends that are needed. Of course no trip to IKEA would be complete without a cinnamon roll. Mom and I fortified ourselves for the mission by enjoying coffee and a cinnamon roll before the shopping commenced. At the end to reward ourselves for a job well done, and because we were threatened if we came home without them, we stopped in the food hall for ginger snap cookies for dad and hazelnut chocolate cookies for Angie. Angie, you get 2 rolls of them.

From there we took a roundabout way back to the interstate thanks to the ongoing DOT project that is I75 in Atlanta. Once on 75South, we stopped for lunch at Steak and Shake, Thanks mom for the milkshake. From there it was to Garden Ridge. This place has tons of stuff for your home and garden. I got 2 new pictures to hang and 3 new pillows for the love seat and couch. When we checked out, we had to go home cause I had spent all of my money. It was a perfect way to spend a Saturday since we could not paint due to the weather. Glad it did not rain yesterday for the baseball game. Thanks for going with me mom. One week to go and I will be moved. And yes Angie, I have started to pack. :)

Graduation Week

Its been an emotional week at TSA. Monday was the last "Real" day of school for the Seniors. We do something neat to let them have some fun. At 3:10, Mrs. Cheek announces "Teachers, please dismiss the Seniors". They then run through the halls yelling and screaming out to the front parking lot. Parents are there and all of the underclassmen line the halls cheering them on. On Wednesday morning, we had Senior Chapel. The seniors get to design the chapel service and speak on what God has laid on their hearts. It was neat to hear several of them speak. Thursday is the emotional roller coaster of a day. We begin the day with the Blessing of the Graduates. They play the Senior Video that follows the class from Kindergarten to Senior year. By then end, EVERYONE is laughing and crying. Then, comes a drama by the students. If the video did not get you crying, this will. Then the seniors line the walls of the auditorium and their parents go and stand with them and there is a prayer or blessing over them. Mom and I stood with a senior girl who is going through a lot in her life right now and her parents were not there to support her.

Then its over to the Athletic Complex for the Moving Up Ceremony. The seniors "Officially" become Alumni and each grade "moves up". Its really neat. The juniors salute the seniors and the seniors give a farewell address. College choices are announced and new class officers are announced. Its an emotional time for the seniors at the beginning, but then its fun. We end everything with them singing the "Alma Matar" one last time.

Sunday is Bacalaurette and Monday night is Graduation!! I am excited for these students to move on to the next phase of their lives, and also about next years Seniors. There is a chance I might teach a class of seniors next year, so that will be fun cause I love this class.

The house is coming along. I am moving NEXT WEEKEND!!! I can't believe it is almost here. I have some painting left to do and cleaning. Of course, I need to start packing. I have a Scarlet O' Hara mentality about that. Tomorrow is always another day!! Angie, I PROMISE to have packed by the time you get here to help move. Mom and I are going to IKEA tomorrow to pick some things up, and I just checked my Bed Bath and Beyond registery and noticed that someone bought something I had not registered for. FUN!!!! Its really cool looking pillow covers. I can't wait.

Sweat Equity

I am so sore and tired tonight. Mom, Dad, and I spent almost all day at my new house getting ready for me to move. I decided I wanted to paint 3 rooms. We want to get it done before I move in two weeks, so this weekend is painting weekend. Of course, I have to be difficult and go from a red kitchen to a light green kitchen. Two coats of primer and two(? not sure we are going to need 2 will find out tomorrow) coats of paint later, I have a green kitchen. It looks great if I do say so myself.

As I was taping off the den, I realized that I need stock in the masking tape companies. When buying an older home, and then painting, one realizes that there is trim, a LOT of trim work that has to be protected while the walls are getting painted. But, mom and I taped and conquered. Well at least until we ran out of tape. :) We will finish tomorrow. I met some of my neighbors today and I am really going to like it there.

I also got my grass cut today by a student of mine. He is coming back twice more this month to take care of my yard for me until I have time to do it myself. I also got a HUGE surprise from my parents. I had admired a bistro table and chairs at Lowes several weeks ago when mom and I were picking paint colors. When Dad got there today they made me come outside and they had bought me the set for my back patio. I was SO excited because it was totally unexpected, Mom said she would let other people get me the "practical" housewarming gifts for my shower, she wanted to get me something fun!! Thanks Mom and Dad, I love you!!!!!!

Drama, Drama, Drama

I need to borrow Mom's poster that says, "Save your drama for your Lama". There is so much drama going on surrounding prom, it is causing my head to hurt. Problems with limos, too many people in limos, where people are going to eat, pictures, dates, changing dates, etc. I don't understand the mentality of boys. One senior dumped his date 3 days before prom because someone who needed to get a date since her original one can't go asked him. That set off a tidal wave of changes and I hope and pray all of the date walls will be right. I have a feeling I will be making changes to the lead out script about 7:55 on Saturday night:(.... But I can have solace in the chocolate covered strawberries designed like tuxedos. Of course, I have to have willpower because they will be in my refrigerator on Friday night. All in all, save for this week, the planning and work has gone wonderfully well. My mothers have been the BEST moms that anyone could ask for. They have done the majority of the work. I have just signed off on things and accepted things when they were delivered. I can't wait to see it all come together. And while I love the senior class and loved working with them last year, this prom will be like none other that Tattnall has ever seen. I can't wait....

Spring

Why is Spring always SO busy? I always say I am not going to be as busy as the last year so I can enjoy spring, and it never happens. We officially have started summer here. The temperature today was close to 90 degrees. You were sweating in the shade. I miss cool temps, now I love wearing my crop pants and Capri pants, but I miss the cool evenings.

I had dinner tonight with a friend. El Sombreo... Yummy. We are both in grad school and even though we live one flight of stairs away from each other, we never seem to see each other. So, we went to dinner tonight and then I showed her the house. She happens to love my chandelier, so I might sell it to her.

God reminded me today how much he loves me and cares for me. I had to go to the dentist yesterday, yuck!! I love my dentist and his office staff, I just hate the process. Anyway, I have had a old filling fall out and have a cavity. :(. $350.oo to fix it since I don't have dental insurance. I called mom last night and told her and she told me not to worry about the money, we would find a way to take care of it. Well, I got home today and checked the mail and found my state income tax refund. You guessed it, it was enough to take care of the dental bill. God has a way of slapping me upside the head to remind me of His everlasting mercy and grace. I wish I could remember that every day.

This week will be busy as Prom is NEXT Saturday. I can't believe that it is almost here. We will be ready and I am just ready for it to be over. When it is over, that means class is almost over for grad school and I can start working on my house. One month from today and I will be living in my house. I can't wait!!!! Hope everyone has a wonderful Saturday and get outside and enjoy the pretty weather!!

It's REALLY MINE

So, I closed on the house this past Wednesday. Doing my little part to stimulate the economy. Of course, because of scheduling, I could not attend any of the Tax Day Tea Parties. I hated not being able to attend, but I did love watching the one from Atlanta on tv.

We amazingly closed on the house on the original date in the contract. No one involved thought it would happen that day, but God knew it would and he worked everything out. I went over on Thursday night and stood in the middle of my living room and screamed at the top of my lungs simply because I could and no one could hear me or complain!!! Now, I have lots of work to do before I move in. (Paint, yard work, ect.) There is motivation to get it done and unpacked and put away quick once I move because some dear friends of mine are giving me a housewarming party on May 30. So, I have to have everything put away so company can come and visit. My sister did give me my first housewarming gift this past weekend, a bucket of little odds and ends that I will need. Paint brushes, a hose nozzle, citronella candles, gardening gloves, etc. Thanks Angie, I love you bunches!!!

Grad school is beginning to wind down. I am done with the work for one class, I just have two more class sessions to attend. The other classes work is almost done. I can't wait for the month break from school that is coming. Prom planning is going great. We are in the last minute details stage now. The kids and parents have been awesome and its going to be an amazing prom. But, I will be glad when it is over.

I am heading to bed because I have still not recuperated from Gran Nite Friday night at Disney. I am too old to stay up all night anymore. Have a happy Monday!!

Spring Break

Well, Spring Break is almost over. We actually enjoyed a day of sunshine today. So, mom and I went to Milledgeville to see about my financial aid and we got that straightened out. I also tried to fight paying 300 extra dollars in fees simply because I have to go to Milledgeville this summer instead of Macon for classes. I don't think I should have to pay them since the university is the one that scheduled the classes there and not in Macon. But, to no avail, I pleaded my case and got nowhere. If I had more time and energy this spring, I might fight it, but I don't so I will suck it up and pay the extra money and get out of there in December. Just don't come calling me asking for alumni donations cause you won't be getting any. Samford REALLY spoiled me. This whole public university thing is a bunch of crap!!

Spring Break was fun although it rained cats and dogs for most of it. I am talking flash floods and flood warnings, people being rescued and all that. It has rained almost 10 inches in 10 days in Macon. We now officially have NO MORE DROUGHT!!! Mom and I postponed the planned trip to IKEA for May since I did not brave the storms and go to Milledgeville yesterday. But Wednesday, we did brave the elements, I felt like I needed webbed feet, and headed to Target, Bed Bath and Beyond, and Lowes to look for stuff for my house warming registery. I have not registered yet because we have not picked a date, I will keep you posted. I think mom had more fun than I did and who knew that there were so many choices for a front door light fixture???? I have most everything picked out, but I still have to decide on one final paint color and light fixtures. I can't decide on a shade of blue or what fixture I like for the dining room. The chadelier from the 70s has got to go. Its getting close now, 11 days and the house will be mine.

Ticked off

As if dealing with the appraiser was not bad enough, someone decided to help themselves to the things in my car last night. Now, being on spring break, I did not go out to my car until 4 this afternoon to go to class. Well, sometime between the time I got home last night and this afternoon, someone or someones let themselves into my car and helped themselves. Thankfully, my drivers door does not lock and they did not bust a window. That REALLY would have ticked me off because I have no spare money. The only thing they took was the 2-3 dollars I had in change in my ashtray. Apparently, they don't like Christian or Country music cause they left ALL of my cds. They did however go through EVERYTHING in my car. They found stuff I did not even know was in there. Needless to say, my car is a bigger wreck than normal. All of this because I had to park in East Buddha last night when I got home from class. I don't understand where all of these cars are coming from when there are empty apartments. I might just start parking in the handicap space. I can't wait to move and get my VERY OWN DRIVEWAY!!! I will always be able to park close to my house then. Only 2 weeks to go till its mine and 7 weeks till I move from this place.

Frustrated

I met with the man who did repairs on my house and with Gina today. Frustrated is the best word and the most politically correct term I can use tonight to describe my feelings. The appraiser, who by the way gets paid one way or another, will not sign off on my house. Now, I know its an FHA loan, but the only thing the government should and do really care about is that there is no lead based paint and that all of the windows open. Well, all of the windows open, and there are so many coats of paint on that house, it would take sandblasting to unearth any lead based paint. Besides, I am not going to be eating my house paint for dinner! Why won't he take a reading from a lead test kit from Lowes and be done with this. While we're at it, how can he be too BUSY to come meet Gina at the house and explain what exactly the nitpick things he wants done are!!!!!!!!! Can you tell I am frustrated?????? We are two weeks and a day from closing and this jerk, who thanks to appraiser's helping to get us into this housing mess, is trying to CYA at my expense. Please pray that he gets his head out of you know where and signs off on this so we can close on time.

Refuge and Spring Break

Refuge went really well this week. The devil was there trying to mess things up but our middle school has really stepped up and they are the leaders for Jesus at school. Its amazing to see this in kids so young that you would think were intimidated by the older students. An eighth grader, Conner stood up yesterday and spoke what Jesus had laid on his heart. It was amazing. We have a core group of students who are not afraid to live their lives for Jesus and God is going to work with that. We are also thinking about starting a student praise band for Chapel. We want them to feel like they have some ownership in Chapel and this will help. So, be in prayer for that.

Spring break starts tomorrow at 3:15!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!1 Can you tell I am excited??? This week has been draining for me and Debbie as term papers are in high gear and the kids are on each others nerves. To celebrate, my kids are getting to watch School House Rock tomorrow. I can't wait for Conjunction Junction, what's your function? and I'm Just a Bill, sittin on a Capital Hill. Of course, by seventh period tomorrow, I may have gone crazy from it. But for lunch tomorrow I get Pannera Bread!! Yum-O!!!!

And then on Saturday, mom and I are going to register for things for my house. A dear friend of mine and her mom are throwing me a house shower and told me to go register for stuff I want/need for the house. I am sooo excited and touched that they are sharing in this special time with me. I close in 20 days, I can't wait!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Worried

I feel like all I do on this blog is list prayer requests. Well, now I have a big one. A senior girl at my school has run away. Apparently, she had a fight with her parents and she has gone to North Carolina to meet up with a guy she met on the internet. Please pray for comfort and peace for the family as they search for her, and also for her safety. Please pray that she will realize that the only running she needs to do is into the waiting arms of Jesus. This is hard to deal with because tomorrow starts our week of Refuge (kinda like a mini church camp) before Spring Break.

Spring Fever and other things

I have absolutely NO motivation to do anything right now except sit on my porch, finish my book and enjoy the Spring weather.How many days until Spring Break?? Even though Spring doesn't get here for a few more days, it has arrived in Macon and right on time for the Cherry Blossom Festival. I do think that this town is about the prettiest place on earth when the Cherry trees start to bloom. I know Washington D.C is more famous for them, but we have more and I would take our winding mile after mile of trees planted in people's yards than the ones planted in D.C. Driving through some neighborhoods is like driving through a pink tunnel. If you have not experienced it, you don't know what you are missing!

For all those people out there praying for the house, it will officially be MINE on April 15th. I got a call at school yesterday and was told that underwriting had approved my loan. Talk about excitement. Now, Barney and I have to wait patiently until we can move.

More Prayer Request

This time its for my house. My financing contingency was up today. Its been 21 days since we signed the contract. Now, while my mortgage broker says I will be fine and she has been doing this for years and years, the underwriter has not said yes yet and they are the people that count. So, today we had to sign an extension to next Friday and hope and pray that the seller agrees and we get an answer NEXT WEEK!!!! Monday would be great, but we have to know something by next Friday or we are worried that the seller might walk. So, please be in prayer for that.

Also, prom workshop is tomorrow again. It is supposed to rain and that is not a good thing because we need to be outside some to work on projects. We are doing well and are staying UNDER budget which is great. It is going to be a beautiful prom once everything comes together. I can't wait for the seniors to see their invitations. Now, I am off to relax because grad school work for the weekend is done and I am tired. 2 weeks to go until Spring Break!!!!

Prayer Request

A student of mine is dealing with his father passing away. His dad was in a car wreck about 3 weeks ago and was in the hospital. He had surgery Thursday and passed away yesterday. This is the third death that my school is dealing with since Christmas. This is sadly the second death the senior class has dealt with in one month. At a time when they should be excited about graduation and all of the fun things coming up for them, they are dealing with things a child should never have too.

Busy

That is what life for me has been. I was gone from home last week all 5 nights. I am looking forward to no class tomorrow night and coming home from work and STAYING home. Plus I am tired from the time change. I HATE TIME CHANGES. Can't we just pick one and stay on it????

Prom workshop went really well Saturday. The kids did what we asked of them and we got a lot accomplished. Now, if only this trend will continue. Angie got to see the house yesterday and loves it. We then decided on paint colors. I originally thought I was just going to paint the kitchen, but as long as I am painting, I have decided to paint the den and the room I will be using as my home office. I figure why paint again once I have moved my stuff in. Paint now while its empty. Of course, I can't do anything until April 15th when it becomes mine. I have also looked at blinds for my windows and they are not going to be nearly as expensive as I had feared. I can get "faux" plantation blinds, (big wooden looking things) for about 300 dollars. I have to go with "faux" because I can't afford the real deal. Hopefully things will continue to move on and I will clear underwriting with the mortgage company this week.

Snow

So its actually snowing in Macon, Georgia!!!! Its been years since we have had measurable snow. There is about an inch on the ground and its still coming down. Now, my dog Barney is a southern dog. One would expect him to treat snow like rain, get me out of it, its wet and I don't like it. Oh no, snow he LIKES!! Dare say, he loves it. We just went out so he could take care of his business and his feet hit the snow covered lawn and he was off. He was running around in circles (I swear you could hear him laughing) and playing just like the kids were earlier. He is so funny. Of course, the minute we come in side, he wants to be toweled off and dry. Here's hoping for a snow day tomorrow, cause everyone knows Southerners can't drive when it snows!!!!

So its really going to be mine

We FINALLY got all of the details worked out about who is going to fix what and pay for what. We got everything settled about 2:30 this afternoon after spending a good part of the day on my cell phone with Gina.

This stress, plus the weather caused a migraine that I have had since yesterday afternoon. It is getting better. I want this storm to start so the weather will stabilize. Of course, snow over the weekend would be fun too.

In 46 days the house is MINE!!!!!

So I bought it...

I went by the house tonight to leave something in the mailbox for the real estate agent and the seller's agent has put a pending sale sign up. Of course, it was dark so I could not take a picture. I went and signed part of my life away today with my mortgage person. Major Prayer Request is that rates do not go up. The market goes crazy whenever our President opens his mouth, so we are praying rates stay the same or even go down. Right now I am at under 5 but can't lock in until at least Monday.

The inspection went ok. There is nothing to run from and not buy the house, but there are some things like cracked floor joices under the house that need to be taken care of. The inspector said that for its age, built in 1946, that its in great shape. Yesterday while I was waiting for him to finish up, I was mentally placing furniture in the rooms and deciding where all the stuff in my kitchen will go. I was also planning landscaping since I will have a nice front AND back yard.

Its crazy to think, but in 49 days, this house will legally be MINE!!!!! I can't wait!!

The Search is OVER!!!!!!

I signed a contract today to close on a house April 15 pending inspection and financing coming through. My Realtor and Mortgage broker do not think there will be any problems with the financing.
I am buying a 3 bedroom 1.5 bath home on Ridge Avenue. There is a living room, dining room, and den. Barney will be able to roam free in the fenced backyard and he will have neighbor dogs to talk to.
The seller was asking 115 for the house and I offered 94 and 4 in closing costs yesterday. He came back this morning at 106 and 4500 in closing costs, so I took it. I signed all the paperwork today.

I am really excited and amazed at how fast God has worked all of this out. I had a number that I would not go over for the house and I have to have closing costs paid because I don't have enough for a down payment and closing costs. God answered mine and many others prayers that he would show me an answer.

I promise pictures as soon as I can figure out my camera issues. :)

Update

I hate when things don't go the way I want them to. I wanted to meet with the mortgage banker today and was not able to, so we have pushed everything back a day. Come to find out, the seller has someone interested in renting the house I want to BUY!!!! We are trying to stall for a few days so I can get my financing lined up. Hopefully he would rather sell the house then rent. More to come once I have talked to the bank.

Has the search ended

Has my house search ended? I am meeting with the mortgage broker tomorrow to talk about a loan and with my Realtor on Wednesday to go over what we think is a fair offer. We are also getting a home inspection done. My prayer is that he will take my first offer since the house has been on the market since 2006 and two other offers have fallen apart. There has not been an offer on the house in over a year, so we can hope and pray that he wants to just get rid of it and will take what I offer. I promise pictures are coming, my computer is having a problem getting them to Kodak for people to see. I am working on that, stay tuned, more to come.

Valentine's Day

So, its another valentine's day. The day doesn't bother me being single. I had a great day today doing what I wanted when I wanted. I even bought myself some tulips (my favorite) at the grocery store.

The last week has been CRAZY, but one of the better in recent memory. We met our new head of school on Tuesday. I love him and think he will be a great addition to our school and a great person to work for. Balloon shop went really well. It was organized and we were done by 2:00. Of course, I dreamed about balloons last night, so I am glad it is over. It looks like we will make around 1200 dollars, so that is awesome. AND, there were no problems and everyone was happy.

Last night, Mom and I went to the region basketball tournament to watch the boys play for the championship. It was a close game the entire time, and we were down by 7 with about 2 minuets to go. One of our seniors, Taylor, put the team on his back along with another senior JB, and we WON!!!!! It was an amazing game and always great to beat a crosstown rival. We play in State next week!!

The house I looked at is really nice and a contender. Its on Ridge Avenue, which is a great area of town. It has the cutest backyard that Barney would love and more room than I really need, but a great house to grow in. I am talking to the Realtor tomorrow to see what my options are! I am excited about this one. It will be neat to see if God works everything out.

The Search Continues

The search for my dream home goes on...

Contender One, the house on Rogers was upon closer inspection going to be more than what I wanted. The floors needed refinishing, the paint was showing signs of wear and tear with three kids, and the yard while it has an awesome porch is not conducive to Barney and his needs. And, I have to keep him in consideration in all of this. He deserves a true backyard not some convoluted yard I put a fence around. All in all, with this house it was more money to fix it up then I want to spend. It helped having mom and dad look at it, and also for me to see it after having not seen it for 2 weeks.

I am going to see another house on Wednesday. This one is on Ridge Avenue, a street famous in Macon for all of the trick or treaters that it gets EVERY Halloween. Hopefully because the house is close to the end of the street, it would not be too bad. Its a cute 1946 house with 3 bedrooms and 1.5 bathrooms. There is a fenced backyard and its a corner lot so its a little bigger than most. There are supposed to be hardwoods throughout the house, so we shall see. Melissa, I will take pictures and try and post them. If not, look for them in email.

Off to bed cause this week will be a killer. I have class, a faculty meeting to meet the new head of school, a test in one class, see the house, meet and greet with families and said new head of school, Prom meeting with moms, AND Balloon Shop on Friday for the Y Club fundraiser. It made me tired to type all of this, so Good Night, Sleep Tight!!

I HATE Apartment Living

I am so ready for a house!!!! My next door neighbors and I do not see eye to eye on music taste, nor the level at which to play such selected music. You know its loud when your upstairs neighbor calls you to ask if you can hear the music. I can listen to their base beat and tap my toes in time to the beat OVER my television. Now, I know its only 9:30, but this teacher is tired and ready to go to bed and I get a lovely Latino base beat as my lullaby. Does anyone notice the sarcasm here?????

On the house front, I am still interested in one in particular. I think now that dad is mobile again after knee surgery, he and mom will go see it with me this weekend. We had a tree guy look at some trees that were a concern to my dad in a drive by tour of the house and he recommended leaving the trees where they are, so we shall see. I got the disclosure and everything looks ok, so its up to mom and dad to see the inside. Keep praying cause Barney and I think apartment life is getting old fast.

Have I found a Home?

I went looking at houses again today. It was more fun because my sister who is in town this weekend for her birthday came with me. So, I was able to have someone who knows my taste and what I like and don't like with me to offer opinions. We saw 4 more houses today and there was one that I fell in LOVE with. Its on Rogers Drive in Macon for those familiar with the area (kinda in Ingleside neighborhood). Its a 3 bedroom/1.5 bath that is MOVE IN READY!!!! I think all I would do is paint the dining room a different color. The thing that sold me on this one was the deck. While the backyard is steep, there is a great deck off the back of the house that is covered and would be so easy to make into a screened porch. Its like your looking off in the mountains if you did not know better. There is a side yard for Barney to play in, I would just have to figure a fence situation out. I am going to try and see it tomorrow and will post pictures of it if I can. Right now, this is my front runner. Its kinda exciting.

Day One of the Great House Hunt

Well, I did not find my dream house today, so we will keep looking. In fact, Gina, my Realtor has already sent me some new houses to look at. The first one we looked at this morning was "bank owned" and it showed. It would take ten thousand just to repair the holes in the walls and ceilings left behind by the previous owners. The second house needed a total kitchen renovation and I am just not into spending that much money. House three was one where I knew the owners and it would be too much updating for me. It screams 1970s. The fourth house we skipped because it had NO backyard. Barney would have hated it. The last house has potential. Its the smallest from today, but the least expensive. It needs some updating outside, but the inside it totally redone. I loved the kitchen!!! I am still looking though, so more to come once I have seen more houses.

House Hunter Update

I really feel like I am on the show "House Hunters" on HGTV. This process has really become exciting. I talked to a Realtor on Monday and she got started right away. Monday night when I got home from class, she had e-mailed me 5 properties to look at. I liked all 5 enough to go see them in person, so Monday, I will begin the search officially as I look at houses in person. Right now, they are all in my price range, or I think I can talk them down. Many have been on the market for quite a while and will be hopefully easy to get under asking price.

The houses are kinda spread out all over the area of town that I am looking. Two of them are super close to my school, I mean like it would take 2 minutes to get there. EXTRA SLEEP FOR ME!!!! Of course, one has pink rooms. Melissa, I don't mean pretty pink, I am talking PEPTO BISMAL PINK!!!! That would be the first thing to go. I would have to paint those before I moved in. Of course, it helps that I have some friends who would help as long as I feed them!!!

On to school. This semester is shaping up to be ok. Dare I say, easy. Both of my professors are laid back people and realize that we teach all day and do not want to be in class all night. In my research class, I think my Senior Thesis in undergraduate was more work than this research class will be. In the Exceptional Child class, I have done half of the work already because of what my job entails. We have to write observations of SST meetings, and I have those all the time, so I just have to write my notes up. Now, the challenge is finding something to take for summer. They are not offering ANY graduate level history classes during the summer. I e mailed a professor who is teaching History of Christianity and asked her to add some work and make it a grad level class. All she can say is no, so we shall see.

American Dream

I have taken the first step of fulfilling the "American Dream" of home ownership. I went to the bank today and found out that I can be approved for a mortgage. To keep my payments under what I want, I am looking at around $105,000 price range. There is a good inventory in Macon of houses for sale, so I just have to start looking. It is too cost prohibitive to break my apartment lease, so I can't close on a house until May. Hopefully mortgage rates will drop some more by then!!! That gives me plenty of time to find exactly what I am looking for. Now, I just have to find it...

On another note, my students continue to surprise me. I am in charge of Prom this year at the school that I teach at. We have another private school in the area that is in financial trouble. They did not even know if the school would open after Christmas. That junior class donated the money for their prom to the school to keep it open. Our junior and senior class officers decided that it would be a nice gesture to invite that schools junior and senior classes to our prom. They met with me this morning and then with their classmates this afternoon. It was an overwhelming "yes" to do this. Now, we are figuring out all of the details. We don't know if this school will accept the invitation, but it was nice to see our students being so open and caring about other kids. They realize that these students may not have a school next year and want them to have something memorable to remember. I was really impressed with my students today!! They made me proud.

Back at School

I had forgotten how hard teaching is. Its tough to get back into the game when you have been out for two weeks. But, alas school has started again. I do have a few more days of freedom before I start my classes again, so I am enjoying not having to do anything at night for a few more days. Maybe the real reason I am having such a hard time is the weather. It has been cloudy and HOT here for the past several days. Not really weather that you want to get out of bed in much less go to work in. A major storm is brewing. I wish it would come on and get it over with because my dog and kids are driving me crazy with the weather and barometric pressure changes.

If anyone out there is reading this, :) please pray for a clear answer from God for me. I am beginning to look at houses because I am tired of apartment living and Barney needs a backyard. My lease is up at the end of May, so I want a decision made by then. I need to figure out what I can afford and if this is what God wants me to do or if this is the devil telling me what I want to hear.

The next few weeks at school should be interesting. We are getting a new head of school for the upcoming school year and the final candidates will be on campus next week to meet with the students, parents, and faculty. It could be quite an interesting week as none of the candidates are from Georgia.

Barney is barking at something, I must go see what it is....

Happy New Year

Here is hoping that everyone out there in Blogger land has a happy, healthy New Year.

I have not made Resolutions, cause I can never keep them. I am however trying to eat right, thanks Mom and Dad for the new pots and pans for Christmas and am trying to save as much as I can to buy a house. I am tired or renting and if I can get a great deal and my mortgage payment be about the same as rent, I want a house. Also, it would be better for Barney to have a yard to play in.

So, those are my goals for the new year. Hope you have a great 2009!!