"ready, ready, ready, ready, ready TO RUN!"

Well, friends. It's that time. I've been training since January 1st for this half marathon and it's here! As of right now, I've completed the last run in my training, and I'm packing my things for Nashville! I'm off work tomorrow, and Mom and I are heading out in the morning. I can't wait to see you, Shannon!

The next time you hear from me, you'll probably be seeing what I'm sure will be lovely pictures of me from the run. Oh, and if you're awake at 4:30 am on Saturday, think of me---I'll be waking up about that time! Yikes!

Have a great weekend and wish me luck!

Totally inappropriate (and a little scary too!)

The Burger King guy really freaks me out. I will probably be one of those over protective parents, but I just don't think I'd want my small children watching this one...

a MUST READ for all you teachers out there!

My dear Claire emailed this to me earlier and I thought it was priceless (and more true than you realize...unless you're a teacher!)....

After being interviewed by the school administration, the teaching prospect said, "Let me see if I've got this right: You want me to go into that room with all those kids,

1. correct their disruptive behavior,

2. observe them for signs of abuse,

3. monitor their dress habits,

4. censor their T-shirt messages,

5. and instill in them a love for learning.

You want me to..

6 - check their backpacks for weapons,

7 - wage war on drugs and sexually transmitted diseases,

8 - raise their sense of self esteem and personal pride.

You want me to...

9 - teach them patriotism and good citizenship, sportsmanship and fair play, and

10 - how to register to vote,

11 - balance a checkbook, and

12 - apply for a job.

You want me to...

13 - check their heads for lice,

14 - recognize signs of anti-social behavior, and

15 - make sure that they all pass the state exams.

You also want me to...

16 - provide them with an equal education regardless of their handicaps, and

17 - communicate regularly with their parents in English and Spanish by letter, telephone, conferences, email, homework hotline, web page, midterm, newsletters, and report card.

You want me to do all this with a piece of chalk, a blackboard, a bulletin board, a few books, a big smile, and a starting salary that qualifies me for food stamps. You want me to do all this and then you tell me......

"I CAN'T PRAY?"

Are you nuts?!"

Jake, Zac, and Darius...just to name a few!

I love country music. If you're a reader then this definitely isn't new news for you. I like all kinds of music, but there's no doubt that my heart belongs to country. No question about it.

Anyway, for those of you share this love, I have a question for you. Is it just me or does it seem like there are so so many new amazing country artists out there right now?

As you know, I just got a new computer, so I had to re-download Itunes, transfer all of my download purchases to the new computer, AND recopy a lot of my CDs to my computer. All that to say, I've spent a lot of time getting my music the way I want it, and I've just added some really fabulous songs. I thought I'd do you a favor and share some new favorites with you. Oh, and for those of you who don't like country music (particularly BOTH of my sisters!) , don't be turned off. You really may like some of these. Just wait and see.

First of all, allow me to introduce Jake Owen to you. Not only is this guy a little hottie, but he's also a very talented hottie. I especially like "Don't Think I Can't Love You." I mean--I love it.

Secondly, you may have heard of the Zac Brown Band. They've got a couple of really good ones out right now, but my favorite is "Whatever It Is." Their music is definitely worth downloading!
And of course you know Darius Rucker (aka Hootie!)....yep...that's right! He switched over to country and what a smart move it was! I like "Don't Think I Don't Think About It," but I really like "It Won't Be Like This For Long." If you're a parent, it might even put a tear in your eye (after all--isn't that what country music all about?).

Now, do you have any download suggestions for me? I'm open-minded and want some new music!!

It looks like it's time for you to start downloading.

I need American Idol right now.

PS...you need to check out the new feature added to the blog. Look right above my blog list. I found a jewel of a website earlier. You'll have to click here and check it out yourself, and if you're a TV fan at all, you'll love it. Trust me. Have I ever let you down before?

TWO birthday shout outs!

I think April is one of the busiest birthday months on my calendar year.

I love the month of April and I love celebrating birthdays so I guess it only makes sense!

ANYWAY, 2 very important men in my life celebrate birthdays! Yesterday was my Uncle Bobby's (50th!!!) birthday and today is my dad's big day. My dad was 6 when Bobby was born, and since that day, they've basically shared every birthday together!

They are complete opposites of each other, but they're very close and enjoy spending time with each other. In fact, they take an annual golf trip with friends and it's this weekend. Listening to them talk about this every year is like listening to 2 kids talk about Santa. Seriously. And last night, while opening their birthday presents, they would have to stop and admire every single golf ball they received. It's also quite amusing to listen to them talk about the "snacks" they're going to pack for the car. Pitiful really. :)(notice a resemblance at all? :) )

HAPPY BIRTHDAY TO BOTH!

(....not that either of them actually reads my blog!...)

500 on the 500th!

So, this is it. My 500th blog post. Don't believe me? Go back and count them. I promise you'll get 500.

Perhaps you were expecting something big for this post. Maybe you were thinking I was going to compile a list of "500 things...." I may have a few free minutes a day, I don't have THAT kind of time.

In my opinion though, this is much more exciting than anything else I could have come up with for the 500th post!

If you keep up with the blog, you not only know that I've been training for the half marathon (6 more days, people!), but you also probably know that during the entire training period, I've been raising money for the Leukemia and Lymphoma Society. Well, I'm thrilled to say that I've collected OVER $500! It makes me so happy to know that in less than a week, I will not only be achieving a major goal of mine, but also helping out (a little!) with the many people around our country who have Leukemia or Lymphoma.

So....cheers to my 500th blog post AND for the $500+ that was raised! Thanks to all of you who contributed!

(I guess now I need to start thinking about what I'll do for the 1,000th post...)

Greetings from the couch; Day 3

I think I've taken more naps this week than I have in my entire life combined. In case I haven't mentioned it before, I hate being sick. I'm just not good at it. I don't like being forced to rest, eat soup, and take meds. I spent a lot of time this week thinking about people (children specifically) who are terminally ill and have to LIVE like that all of the time. It made my heart hurt. Anytime I found myself complaining about not being able to exercise, clean my house, run errands, go to work, etc., I thought about these innocent children. (And to think: I've only been sick for THREE DAYS!). Bless their little souls.

I did attempt to go to school this morning. I know it's hard to catch up at work no matter what your job is, but it's a total PAIN to miss school when you're a teacher. There are papers to grade, plans to make, neverending paperwork, etc., most of which I was able to get done this morning thank goodness. I felt a little "out of it," totally unable to focus and concentrate on what I was supposed to be doing. When I realized that there really was no point in me being there, I left work and came home to...sleep of course. I made it half a day though, so at least I tried.

I always like being at school the first day back after being sick. Those sweet students are so happy to see me. I've never felt more missed by anybody in my life. And the look on their faces when I told them I was leaving right before lunch? You would have thought their lives were about to end. Precious ones... most of the time.

I am feeling so very very much better today though. Z Packs are totally the way to go when you have the same crud I've had. Other than being weak and a little fatigued, I feel like a totally different person than I did yesterday.

Claire is on her way here, so I'm trying to get a little cleaning done, and perhaps I'll even be out of my pjs before she gets here. It's a good thing I don't have to impress her!

Happy Super Bulldog Weekend to all! And, if you're not a bulldog fan, well, I feel sorry for you.

Oh, and have I told you how much I'm loving my new computer? LOVE.IT.

NOW I see what all the fuss is about.

Mom was the first to mention this to me, and once I searched for the video on Youtube, I saw that it was everywhere! If you haven't watched it, click here and you'll see why it's become so popular. (I was unable to get the actual video embedded on my blog--it must be restricted or something). I think I kinda want to be this Susan person!

On a side note, I'm home sick from school for the 2nd day. I'm planning on trying to go back tomorrow, mainly because I have a lot to get done and I don't want to show up Monday morning feeling behind.

I don't know what's going on, but I'm just not a fan of all this mess. The half marathon is next weekend, and I must admit that I'm a little nervous about losing some of my strength before then. Hopefully this will all be behind me this weekend, and I'll have next week to get some energy back!

Here's to hoping that your Thursday has been better than mine! :)

Happy Birthday to you!!!!

HAPPY BIRTHDAY SHANNON!!!!

Today marks the 27th birthday of one of my dearest, Shannon.

We went to the same elementary school, but her family moved to Nashville right before she started Junior High. We've remained best of friends even after all of these years!

Below, you will see a lovely photo taken of us in '93, not too many years after our friendship began. I am about 12 in the picture and she's probably 11. Did anybody else love those booths as much as us? Wow.

Don't hate me for posting this, Shan, but I came across it recently and just HAD to share it! HA! I've also posted a picture taken of us last summer. I just wanted you know that despite our big bangs and bushy eyebrows, we did turn out ok. :)

(I'm very thankful that you can't see my hair very well in the above pics. It was before I "discovered" that my hair was indeed curly. I wore it as just one big frizzy mess.)I've also copied MSKS's alphabet game to tell you a little bit more about my sweet Shannon.
Amazing friend

Beaches

Chippy and Dippy. People just wouldn't understand.

"Don't Speak"
Escalator. That's all I'm going to say about that.
Fresh Prince. Don't ask her to sing the song unless you're prepared to see her dance too!
Graduations (she came to my highschool AND college graduations!)
Has an older sister and a younger sister--just like me!
Italian food--her favorite.
Junk food-OUR favorite thing.
Kind. So very very kind.
Listener/Advice-Giver/Counselor/Friend. She's all of these.
Mickey Mouse watches
Nashville. Her hometown and one of my favorite places to visit!
One of my favorite people. EVER.
Puppy chow. Extra peanut butter, please.
Quiet? HA! I think not.
Roadtrips. I hope they never end!
Sid the Sloth

Twenty-seven today!
Ultimate 4-wheeler driver. :)
Very fun to be around.
Wine
eXample of a Christian woman.
Year younger than me. Poo on her.
Zestful (I used the dictionary for this one. Sorry it's not very good!) :)

I hope it's the best birthday yet, Shannon! I love you and can't wait to see you NEXT WEEKEND!

WOO HOO!

Easter weekend and a NEW COMPUTER!

I spent Easter Sunday in Clinton with my family. I hope your Easter was as wonderful and relaxing as mine!


I also bought a new computer today! After several weeks of shopping around (and nagging others about what I should buy!), I did it. I went to Best Buy by myself and I'm proud of myself for making a decision about what to get, although I have to admit, it was quite overwhelming! Despite the fact that about 75% of you recommended that I get a MAC, it just wasn't the most practical laptop for me to buy. The MAC is a good bit more than I was able to spend, so I decided to go with something else. Sweet Sam Hardin (who, I might add, is a NEW DADDY!), did some researching for me after I told him what I'd need a computer for and what I was willing to pay for it. He sent me the link to several computers and I actually purchased one of HIS recommendations. Thanks, Sam!

It's a Sony Vaio much like the one here:

So, hopefully my blogging will start to pick up again! Get excited! :)

Mr. Belding

Well. I did it. I met Mr. B. The pictures (and sweet video) basically speak for themselves. I'm also quite positive the Em will do a complete recap of the night, so you need to be sure to check out her blog. For those of you unfortunate souls who have never had the opportunity to meet Mr. B, let me tell you that you're truly missing out. What a comedy act he is indeed. My only complaint: He didn't do karaoke.

Oh, here's Em...she went on stage for some SBTB trivia and OF COURSE she knocked everyone's socks off. Duh. Here she is after receiving her free autographed copy of the cast. Those competitors didn't know who they were dealing with.

...look at the excitement on her face. And of course...how could I resist my very own autographed copy? I will keep this in a very safe lock box to ensure that nothing ever happens to it.

Here's to my last day of school before a nice looong weekend! Happy Thursday!

The BIG BAG sale...

I love my "other" job--working at MINT! I don't get much working time there during the school year, but I'm looking forward to spending some time there this summer! Last weekend was the semi-annual Bag Sale at MINT, and needless to say, it was very successful (as you can see in the pics here!). If you've never shopped at MINT, you're really missing out! Oh, and get excited, because as you may already know, Emily is opening up a MINT store for your HOME in just a few weeks!

So...guess what I'M doing tonight...

click here and you'll see.

Oh, and it's OK to be jealous.

tshirt design...

I appreciate your patience on my lack of blogging, as I am computer-less. I'm shopping around and hopefully this issue will be solved shortly. :)

I wanted to show off my new creation. I decided to design a t-shirt to wear in the half-marathon instead of going out and buying a cute "running outfit" (which I don't think even look cute on me anyway!).

Here's what I came up with. I thought the finished product turned out pretty good! I'm excited about wearing it in a few weekends!

What do you think? (front)

(back)

Happy Monday!

a sad day in the life of the Dell...

Perhaps you've noticed a lack of blogging on my part this past week. Want to know why? Well, it appears as though my 5 year old laptop has officially kicked the bucket. He has given me a few scares before, but he always managed to pull through. This time I'm not so sure. Now, we all know that I can't live without a computer, so it looks like I'm going to start computer shopping! I want a nice one of course, but I obviously can't afford the best of the best. What do you suggest? I NEED YOUR HELP FRIENDS!

R.I.P., Dell. You've been good to me and you will be greatly missed.

Until next time, readers, which hopefully won't be too long. I hate not blogging.

my favorite.

...a birthday present given to me by Mom and Dad...I LOVE IT.

TGIF!

quiz answers...

So...there were 117 views of the quiz I posted the other day, but only 20 people were brave enough to take it! I thought I needed to prove to you all, that every single question on that quiz has been touched on at some point during the lifespan of my blog. So, if you took it and didn't score perfectly, or if you're one of the curious ones that just looked at the questions, here are the answers (along with a link to the post in which the answer can be found!):

Question #1
Which of the following was NOT a New Year's Resolution for me this year?
Drink less diet coke (click HERE)

Question #2
What is my favorite Easter candy?
Cadbury mini eggs (click HERE)

Question #3
Which of the following fruits do I DESPISE?
Watermelon (click HERE and look at "U")

Question #4
Which of the following states have I never visited?
California (click HERE and look at #9, click HERE, click HERE, AND click HERE.)

Question #5
What is my "other" job besides teaching?
Salesman at a boutique (click HERE).

Question#6
What have I given up for Lent this year?
Sweets (click HERE).

Question #7
Which of the following cities have I NEVER lived in? (this one was TRICKY!)
Columbus (click HERE).

Question #8
What color was my very first car?
White (click HERE).

Question #9
What is my favorite flower?
Tulip (click HERE).

Question #10
How old am I going to be on March 23?
28 (click HERE and do the math).

See?? :)