Okay. So now...T minus 12 hours until I meet with my principal tomorrow morning about my future at my school and the decision that Craig and I discussed this morning, I'm starting to get a little bit nervous.
The obvious and best choice is for me to leave my school and move to this other school in our feeder zone. And I can even back it up with reasons:
- Chance to break out from Beri and Craig's shadows. As much as I respect both of them AND all the guidance they have shown me in the past three years, I think it's going to be better for me professionally to move to another school where I'm not always associated with them. I'm a fairly ambitious person and I know that if I stay where I am, I will never be satistified with my status within the district.
- Start fresh with little to no expectations or ill-perceived notions about me. I love the staff at my school, but many of them have known me since I was a student teacher there which was almost four years ago. Many things in my life have changed since then and I have evolved into an adult in those years. I think it has been hard for me to bust the "youthful" impression I made on many staff members four years ago. I want people to see me as the capable adult that I am and not the misdirected youth that I was.
- The challenge of building a program. I was able to step into a very established and successful volleyball program at my current school. My second year, we had a fantastic group of hard working athletes that won the district championship. Through Beri's guidance, I have learned what it takes to run a successful program and inspire athletes to develop their skills, toughen their attitude and perform on the court. I also took a fledgling Cross Country program and grew it by leaps and bounds - I could count the number of drop-outs this year on one hand instead of the HALF of the program that quit a few years ago. In addition to growing the program I also got lucky with a very talented group of 7th grade runners that were able to win the District Championship by one point over our big middle school rival! Having said that, the school that I would be moving to used to be the cream of the crop as far as economic status goes and it was reflected in the strength of their program. In recent years though, the talent or maybe the interest has dropped off and the athletic program in general...is struggling. I could have the opportunity to inject new life and new ideas and not just INHERIT great work ethic, skills, and attitude...but develop from scratch. It won't be easy, but I think that it would be a great learning process for me as well as a personal Mt. Everest.
- It's a safe risk. Changing locations and jobs is always hard. I'm leaving behind everything that I have really ever known in a faculty, in a manner of running things and in students and parents. Moving will be difficult for any number of reasons, but the fact of the matter is that it's going to happen sooner or later. The truth is, within this economy there might not be any desirable positions available in the feeder zones that I want next year. I might have to revert back to my 30 minute commute or even worse...change districts. The idea of my job and my position being in purgatory drove me absolutely nuts this year and I am not even FORCED to leave this year. I can't imagine how stressed I will be at this time next year if I haven't found something that I want and I HAVE to leave. At least this way, I know the area, the general manner of students and parents as well as the high school "bosses" that I would be interacting with.
- I want to make it to March 13, 2010. If I were to stay at my current school, I would most likely move to the PE department and guess who is the head of the department? Craig. I would also stay coaching and guess who will most likely be the Girl's Coordinator at the school? Craig. We would be around each other eight class periods during the day and then come home to each other at night. As strong of a couple that we are, I just think that might be a little too much togetherness. I toyed with the possibility of NOT being around him all day and instead coming home to him, sitting at the dinner table and talking about how our days were. Right now we don't do that because at the end of the school day we really didn't have much else to talk about - we had already discussed stuff during the day. I think that it would be better for us to miss each other during the school day and then look forward to seeing one another during the evening.
I'm anticipating making these points to my principal tomorrow morning and I have a feeling he will probably support my decision. As sad as I'm sure he will be to see me leave, at the end of the day I have to do what is best for Craig and myself.
Monday, June 15, 2009
Change is in the Air
It's no secret as to how Craig and I met: we both coach at the same school. I coach girl's volleyball and he is the head girl's basketball coach. We were friends for several years before finally "officially" dating, but according to our friends, we were dating way before that. There are no rules in our district against co-workers dating...but when that couple gets engaged and finally married, that's when it gets a little dicey.
Here's the bottom line: we can both stay at our school through the 09-10 school year but at the end of next year, one of us has to go. And that person, unfortunately, will be me. Not because Craig is the boss of me but because he has a pretty sweet deal worked out with our principal regarding use of the gyms forhis select basketball practices and tournaments. Another principal might not be as permissive as our current one.
It's also not a secret as to how awfully I deal with change in my life. I don't like not knowing what is going to happen because then I can't mentally prepare myself. The past few months have been a little stressful regarding the job situation because I was resistant to changing schools, yet didn't necessarily want to wait until next year and be possibly out of luck. I would ultimately prefer to stay in my current feeder zone (one of the three middle schools that all feed into the same high school) because they are all close to my house and also because the Girl's Coordinator at the high school happens to be Craig's younger sister.
In order to make myself more marketable as a coach, I chose to get certified in Physical Eduaction by taking a TEXES exam last week. I got the results and I passed with about a 93% (you have to get at least an 80 to pass) on the test. Although I was extremely nervous taking the test, I wasn't surprised by my results...I'm a pretty good test taker. Anyways. Craig and I have talked about our future family plans and the general idea is for me to continue coaching until we have our first child. After that, I would look for strictly a classroom or PE position. Although I love coaching volleyball, raising a child with two coaches in the family would be incredibly difficult. I also have a feeling that, like my friend Beri, once I find out that I am pregnant the only priority in my life will be taking care of that baby and the transition out of coaching will be rather easy.
So. Tomorrow I have a meeting with my principal to discuss the plan for me for next school year. After a little bit of thought, a discussion with Craig and my mother and texting my friend Jennifer, I have decided that it would probably be in not only the best interest of my career but also in the best interest of my relationship and future marriage to move schools this year. Yes. It will be sad to not be right down the hall from Beri and Craig and the numerous other people I have grown to know and love...but at the end of the day I can't stay at a school because of other people. I have to make the best decision for me and my family.
Here's the bottom line: we can both stay at our school through the 09-10 school year but at the end of next year, one of us has to go. And that person, unfortunately, will be me. Not because Craig is the boss of me but because he has a pretty sweet deal worked out with our principal regarding use of the gyms forhis select basketball practices and tournaments. Another principal might not be as permissive as our current one.
It's also not a secret as to how awfully I deal with change in my life. I don't like not knowing what is going to happen because then I can't mentally prepare myself. The past few months have been a little stressful regarding the job situation because I was resistant to changing schools, yet didn't necessarily want to wait until next year and be possibly out of luck. I would ultimately prefer to stay in my current feeder zone (one of the three middle schools that all feed into the same high school) because they are all close to my house and also because the Girl's Coordinator at the high school happens to be Craig's younger sister.
In order to make myself more marketable as a coach, I chose to get certified in Physical Eduaction by taking a TEXES exam last week. I got the results and I passed with about a 93% (you have to get at least an 80 to pass) on the test. Although I was extremely nervous taking the test, I wasn't surprised by my results...I'm a pretty good test taker. Anyways. Craig and I have talked about our future family plans and the general idea is for me to continue coaching until we have our first child. After that, I would look for strictly a classroom or PE position. Although I love coaching volleyball, raising a child with two coaches in the family would be incredibly difficult. I also have a feeling that, like my friend Beri, once I find out that I am pregnant the only priority in my life will be taking care of that baby and the transition out of coaching will be rather easy.
So. Tomorrow I have a meeting with my principal to discuss the plan for me for next school year. After a little bit of thought, a discussion with Craig and my mother and texting my friend Jennifer, I have decided that it would probably be in not only the best interest of my career but also in the best interest of my relationship and future marriage to move schools this year. Yes. It will be sad to not be right down the hall from Beri and Craig and the numerous other people I have grown to know and love...but at the end of the day I can't stay at a school because of other people. I have to make the best decision for me and my family.
Saturday, June 13, 2009
Not Your Typical Bride
Craig and I had a small engagement party last night with our bridal party, a few mutual friends and our families. We went to the horse races in Grand Prairie and rented a suite for everyone to enjoy the races and then the Cross Canadian Ragweed concert afterwards. The only people that were missing was my middle brother Michael who lives in Maine and my Matron of Honor Amy who also lives in Maine (but not with my brother...that would be weird).
Although the evening turned out great - everyone had a fun time watching the races, talking with one another and eating the delicious food - I started out the day not too happy. At 3:30 I was still lying in bed without any make-up or even a shower telling Craig to go to our engagement party alone without me. I just had a great deal of anxiety about the whole situation. I'm not the type of girl that gets really excited and giddy about wedding planning or celebrating - I'm more meticulous and coordinated in my general approach to life and I'm more concerned about planning and making sure everything is right rather than excited about the whole process and being a "bride."
And surprisingly...it's very difficult for me to be the center of attention. My bridesmaid Kate provided a very funny anecdote about me last night upon seeing a picture of me about to go to my first dance class. In Kate's words "Laura was very precise and exact in her movements on stage, but you could tell she wasn't enjoying it." It made me giggle, but at the same time, I think it provides great insight into my personality. I was always so comfortable on the court playing sports in front of people, but not in a dance recital-type atmosphere. I guess it was the whole "seeing your audience staring back at you" thing that bothered me. During a basketball game, I was just one of ten players all mixed up on the court and I was too focused on playing the game than noticing the crowd.
I just don't want people to be disappointed in me as a bride. I'm not going to be the type that oohs and ahs over everything bridal and I'm also not going to do things according to what's considered proper. I have always been independent and done things my own way - regardless of the potential outcome, and I plan on creating our wedding with the same attitude.
I just want to be Craig's wife and at the end of the day, yes...I want it to be beautiful and memorable, but I also don't want to have the wedding run my life because if that's what happens, I won't focus on what happens AFTER the wedding - the marriage.
And by the way...at this time (9:19 pm) in nine months, Craig and I will be dancing, drinking and eating at our wedding!
BUT. Despite all my fears (that everyone wouldn't get along or have a good time) and my anxieties (about being the center of attention or a bad bride)...everything turned out great. Craig did a fantastic job of setting up a wonderful evening for our bridal party and families. I don't think any great fortunes were made, but hopefully it was a memorable evening otherwise. I think the funniest thing was when my five year old nephew was so intently cheering for a certain horse because if that horse "gets first, second or third my mommy wins money!" I don't think of it as teaching the wicked habit of gambling, but instead a proper lesson on chance and probablity. Perhaps the most delightful treat of the night was Craig's Uncle Tim, his dad's younger brother, driving into town from Abilene for the evening to take pictures of the event! Uncle Tim is a freelance photographer that lends his talent and skills to documenting local events around Abilene and is currently moving towards weddings and senior portraits. We were really blessed to have him there and also have such great records of our evening!
Although the evening turned out great - everyone had a fun time watching the races, talking with one another and eating the delicious food - I started out the day not too happy. At 3:30 I was still lying in bed without any make-up or even a shower telling Craig to go to our engagement party alone without me. I just had a great deal of anxiety about the whole situation. I'm not the type of girl that gets really excited and giddy about wedding planning or celebrating - I'm more meticulous and coordinated in my general approach to life and I'm more concerned about planning and making sure everything is right rather than excited about the whole process and being a "bride."
And surprisingly...it's very difficult for me to be the center of attention. My bridesmaid Kate provided a very funny anecdote about me last night upon seeing a picture of me about to go to my first dance class. In Kate's words "Laura was very precise and exact in her movements on stage, but you could tell she wasn't enjoying it." It made me giggle, but at the same time, I think it provides great insight into my personality. I was always so comfortable on the court playing sports in front of people, but not in a dance recital-type atmosphere. I guess it was the whole "seeing your audience staring back at you" thing that bothered me. During a basketball game, I was just one of ten players all mixed up on the court and I was too focused on playing the game than noticing the crowd.
I just don't want people to be disappointed in me as a bride. I'm not going to be the type that oohs and ahs over everything bridal and I'm also not going to do things according to what's considered proper. I have always been independent and done things my own way - regardless of the potential outcome, and I plan on creating our wedding with the same attitude.
I just want to be Craig's wife and at the end of the day, yes...I want it to be beautiful and memorable, but I also don't want to have the wedding run my life because if that's what happens, I won't focus on what happens AFTER the wedding - the marriage.
And by the way...at this time (9:19 pm) in nine months, Craig and I will be dancing, drinking and eating at our wedding!
BUT. Despite all my fears (that everyone wouldn't get along or have a good time) and my anxieties (about being the center of attention or a bad bride)...everything turned out great. Craig did a fantastic job of setting up a wonderful evening for our bridal party and families. I don't think any great fortunes were made, but hopefully it was a memorable evening otherwise. I think the funniest thing was when my five year old nephew was so intently cheering for a certain horse because if that horse "gets first, second or third my mommy wins money!" I don't think of it as teaching the wicked habit of gambling, but instead a proper lesson on chance and probablity. Perhaps the most delightful treat of the night was Craig's Uncle Tim, his dad's younger brother, driving into town from Abilene for the evening to take pictures of the event! Uncle Tim is a freelance photographer that lends his talent and skills to documenting local events around Abilene and is currently moving towards weddings and senior portraits. We were really blessed to have him there and also have such great records of our evening!
Thursday, June 11, 2009
Registry Fun
Somehow, I got Craig to go register at Target on Thursday night. I was a bit nervous just because it seems that every new experience makes me nervous these days. I had a list printed out from the Target website about all the things that I needed to buy for the house. We're in a tough spot with registering in general - I lived on my own for three years before we bought this house and since buying the house, we've been blessed financially to be able to fill the house with furniture and decorations. There aren't too many things in the stores that we really NEED. Now there is plenty stuff that we could WANT, but I have a hard time justifying asking people to buy me things that aren't absolutely necessary for us to survive. I could have registered for a bread maker, a vegetable steamer or a electric vegetable chopper...but I don't really anticipate any need for those in the future. My mother somehow managed to cook delicious and healthy meals for the 18 years that I lived at home without the help of any of these items. And also - I don't have any idea where I'm going to STORE all the stuff that I'm not going to use!
Having said that...there are a few things that we really do need like new silverware, serving platters, plates, towels and outdoor equipment. And there is one thing on my list that I have absolutely NO idea how I'm going to use it but I want to have it on display in my kitchen:
I really don't know what one does with a mixer like this, but it's in ice blue...and I love it.
I really don't know what one does with a mixer like this, but it's in ice blue...and I love it.
Our general colors in the house go as follows:
Formal Dining room: green walls with darn iron and glass table, chairs and hutch
Living Room: Dark brown furniture with cream couches and brown and light green accents
Kitchen: Dark brown cabinets with dishes, towels and accessories in chocolate brown and baby blue
Master Bedroom: Dark brown furniture with green bedding
Hmm...I'm starting to see a pattern. I guess the green is just really relaxing for me and that's what I want most out of my house. Craig was surprisingly a great help in choosing items such as curtains for the bedroom and living room. My first thought was chocolate brown in the living room, because that's what I had at my apartment. Craig said that since all our furniture is dark brown, maybe we should go for a coordinating color like the light green. And he was totally right. I just appreciated the fact that he understood that picking out things such as curtains is important to me and he was very supportive.
Our next step is to register at Crate and Barrel for items such as glasses, serving ware, fun decorative items, silverware and kitchen towels, napkins and placemats.
Tuesday, June 2, 2009
Year of the Chameleon
Teachers don't get the whole "New Year's Eve" thing. The anticipation of a fresh start? Beginning a new year with a new attitude? Wiping the slate clean?
Nope. We're knee deep in the trench that is public education at that point. We are trudging determindly with our helmets pulled down low, mud up to our waste while the air is littered around us with schrapnel. There is no fresh start, no new attitude and all slates show the remnants of a semester full of chalk writings.
Our New Year's celebration begins on the last day of school, which has been talked about, dreamt about and eagerly anticipated for approximately 180 school days. It's not that we don't enjoy our jobs, we just have to have a vacation from our job in order to appreciate it that much more.
Summer is quickly approaching and the endless hours at school spent watching anxious and squirrley sixth grade students work on reviews tends to leave me reflecting over my past school year...much one might do with the more traditional calendar year.
It has definitely been a year of changes - buying a house (without a ring!), moving, a tragic death in my family, first holidays with future in-laws, an engagement ring, two knee surgeries, uproars throughout the athletic department and currently, my concern over potential job changes.
Needless to say...I deserve a break. So what do I have planned for this summer? What are my "new year" goals?
First and foremost is the wedding planning. People that I know and love understand why we're waiting so long to get married. I need time to digest, reflect and perfect. I know what I want and it's just a matter of making it happen and hopefully this summer will provide ample time to knock a few more big things out of the way: flowers, cakes, invitations, menu, bridesmaid dresses to name a few.
Secondly are Craig's tournaments. (Well...I have a feeling these two top items might be flipped on his list of important tasks for the summer) He's got three in a row this June and then his two big national tournaments in July. Although I have relatively little to nothing to do with his weekend tourneys, I am the master of Excel spreadsheets and Craig "hires" me to put together all the NCAA coaches and general information books.
Third important on my list is tanning. Sounds a bit shallow when put that way, doesn't it? But when I say "tanning" what I really mean is lying by or in the pool and reading. I haven't really been able to slow my mind down enough to really engage myself into any sort of book in the past six months and I am looking forward to catching up on several books that have seemed to pile up. On my list is to first finish Goodbye Jimmy Choo by Annie Sanders, and then move onto The Art of Mending by Elizabeth Berg and Letter to My Daughter by Maya Angelou. With the seemingly endless stretch of summer vacation set out in front of me as well as a six day jaunt to the Bahamas, I should be able to really delve into these books and possibly many more!
Nope. We're knee deep in the trench that is public education at that point. We are trudging determindly with our helmets pulled down low, mud up to our waste while the air is littered around us with schrapnel. There is no fresh start, no new attitude and all slates show the remnants of a semester full of chalk writings.
Our New Year's celebration begins on the last day of school, which has been talked about, dreamt about and eagerly anticipated for approximately 180 school days. It's not that we don't enjoy our jobs, we just have to have a vacation from our job in order to appreciate it that much more.
Summer is quickly approaching and the endless hours at school spent watching anxious and squirrley sixth grade students work on reviews tends to leave me reflecting over my past school year...much one might do with the more traditional calendar year.
It has definitely been a year of changes - buying a house (without a ring!), moving, a tragic death in my family, first holidays with future in-laws, an engagement ring, two knee surgeries, uproars throughout the athletic department and currently, my concern over potential job changes.
Needless to say...I deserve a break. So what do I have planned for this summer? What are my "new year" goals?
First and foremost is the wedding planning. People that I know and love understand why we're waiting so long to get married. I need time to digest, reflect and perfect. I know what I want and it's just a matter of making it happen and hopefully this summer will provide ample time to knock a few more big things out of the way: flowers, cakes, invitations, menu, bridesmaid dresses to name a few.
Secondly are Craig's tournaments. (Well...I have a feeling these two top items might be flipped on his list of important tasks for the summer) He's got three in a row this June and then his two big national tournaments in July. Although I have relatively little to nothing to do with his weekend tourneys, I am the master of Excel spreadsheets and Craig "hires" me to put together all the NCAA coaches and general information books.
Third important on my list is tanning. Sounds a bit shallow when put that way, doesn't it? But when I say "tanning" what I really mean is lying by or in the pool and reading. I haven't really been able to slow my mind down enough to really engage myself into any sort of book in the past six months and I am looking forward to catching up on several books that have seemed to pile up. On my list is to first finish Goodbye Jimmy Choo by Annie Sanders, and then move onto The Art of Mending by Elizabeth Berg and Letter to My Daughter by Maya Angelou. With the seemingly endless stretch of summer vacation set out in front of me as well as a six day jaunt to the Bahamas, I should be able to really delve into these books and possibly many more!
Sunday, May 3, 2009
Hurray for...Swine Flu?
Week of: May 3 - May 9
First of all - how did last week turn out?
- It was TAKS testing week so I spent Tuesday and Wednesday practically locked in a room with 20 6th graders while I watched them take the Reading and Math tests. Thursday and Friday were much better since I was not testing all day and I was actually teaching my kids. We've been studying North America for a few weeks and last week we discussed, ironically enough...Mexico! So as part of our curriculum on Thursday and Friday I had my kids do a Swine Flu Statistics Analysis where they examined bits of data about the Swine Flu and related the data to geographical knowledge they've learned throughout the year. Most of them caught onto the fact that although there are (as of last Wednesday when I put this data together) many more cases reported in the United States, a higher percentage of people in Mexico have died from the flu. We discussed different reasons for this: access to healthcare, living conditions, sanitary conditions and accurate laboratory results...among other things. The kids thought it was pretty funny and I was quite proud of how I took advantage of this "epidemic" and turned it into a learning opportunity.
- On Friday afternoon as I walked into the gym, I saw Craig and another coach huddled around a computer. Upon arriving to the desk, I realized they were reading a very important email forwarded from our principal. YES!!! School is canceled for a week due to the dirty little piggy disease that is sweeping through the world! And...we get paid for it and don't have to make up the days. It's like a much deserved second Spring Break! And now when and if we return on May 11th - there will only be four weeks of school left and that includes Review and Finals weeks!!! Sigh. Best. News. Ever.
- Saturday morning, my friend Jennifer from Ft. Worth drove up and stayed the night with us. Jenn and I drove to a little shopping area near my house, but unfortunately our shopping trip got rained out pretty quickly. We headed back to the house and promptly fell asleep while watching The Devil Wears Prada. For dinner that night I made Jennifer's favorite dish of mine - homemade lasagna. We had a really great time sitting, eating, drinking wine and just catching up. Most of the time when we see each other our men are with us and we don't really get a chance to talk in-depth about everything that has been going on in our lives. Craig was not at home during all this - he had taken the day and gone to the horse races with his buddies and then to BWW to watch a basketball game. He came home around 8:00 and turned on the hot tub for us girls to relax in later. After all the storms passed through we were able to get in and talk some more about life...it was really relaxing. This morning we all got up and we treated Jennifer to some Babe's Chicken!! I know that her husband Zach is going to be so jealous - he missed out on lasagna, hot tub and fried chicken all in one weekend. Too bad buddy. :)
I am looking forward to...
- This whole week off!!! Duh!! Craig and I don't have too much planned for the next four days. We're going to go look at Tahoes, Yukons and maybe Escalades (used of course) tomorrow. Craig's tired of driving the leased Hummer and I think if we can get a deal that would make the payments less than what he is paying on his lease right now, we will get him a new car. When we were out looking around today he made a point of saying that I had to like the color too...after all, I would probably end up driving the SUV eventually once we had kids. After I picked up my jaw off the floor, I was much more interested in picking out a possible new ride for our household. Other than that...I think we might do some yardwork. We need to plant some flowers, fill in some areas of the yard where the grass isn't growing, as well as cleaning up the side flowerbed. The people before us really didn't do a very good job of taking care of the yard and it definitely needs some TLC. On Thursday night we are leaving for a weekend away in San Antonio on the River Walk. It was intentionally meant to be a break from the tournament circuit for Craig, but since the Swine Flu forced him to cancel this weekend's tourney...it's just going to be a nice vacation for the two of us. And the best part is that we could cancel our subs for this Friday. That's one more vacation day that I'll have if I need it for Craig's upcoming surgery. Which is also another reason I'm looking forward to this vacation...Craig's surgery will have him on crutches for quite some time. But that's all coming up in the next bit.
I wish I could fast forward through...
- Absolutely nothing for this week. I really want this week to go by as S...L...O...W...L...Y as possible. Who wouldn't?
- BUT unfortunately this week will eventually end and we will start next week which is the week that Craig will have his fourth and hopefully final surgery on his left knee. He definitely is for sure having the microfracture and the recovery will be quite arduous for that procedure. I think that although all surgeries are very unique, I feel like I will be better prepared to take care of Craig with this one. A few things I learned? Sleep when he sleeps. Nobody cares if the house is put together. Accept people's help graciously. Buy two jugs of apple juice.
Right now I'm obsessed with...
- Puppies, puppies, puppies. I absolutely love my parent's dogs Annabelle and Andy. Sometimes I go over to their house because I desperately need some puppy loving...don't tell my parents that they are sometimes second on my list. :) Jennifer brought her doggy Lacey with her this weekend and it felt so nice to have the little pitter patter of a puppy's paws following me around the house. I even found myself talking to her as I moved around and she followed me. Then this morning she and I had the best time playing around on the carpet of our bedroom. Unfortunately, Craig is not on the puppy train like I am. And when I say "puppy" I really mean a dog that is at least two years old. I just call all dogs "puppy"...Gigi was my puppy up until the last day of her 14 year life. Sigh...I just wish I could have her back. Craig would love her because although she was a taller dog she was so calm and loved to just sit and be petted. But she was also fiercely protective and would bark at my brothers when we would roughhouse together. By the way - Gigi was my mutt dog that my family had from when I was nine until she passed away a few years ago. Anyways. Craig said that we have to at least wait until this summer because he won't be able to take care of the dog at all until he is off the crutches. Some people tell us that we have to wait to get a dog until our lives aren't so hectic between all the coaching and stuff. But...if we wait until I'm done coaching to get a dog...that doesn't make much sense. I'm not quitting coaching until we start having kids and I just think it would be a horrible idea to get a baby and a dog at the same time! It makes much more sense to me to get a dog now and ease ourselves into the whole "responsibility" thing. But...whatever. In the end, it's our family and our house and our decision whether or not we feel like we're ready to take care of an animal. So there.
Question of the Week:
- If you could have dinner with any three people (alive or dead) who would it be? Mine would be President Obama, John Lennon and my Grandma. I would have them over and serve them lasagna.
First of all - how did last week turn out?
- It was TAKS testing week so I spent Tuesday and Wednesday practically locked in a room with 20 6th graders while I watched them take the Reading and Math tests. Thursday and Friday were much better since I was not testing all day and I was actually teaching my kids. We've been studying North America for a few weeks and last week we discussed, ironically enough...Mexico! So as part of our curriculum on Thursday and Friday I had my kids do a Swine Flu Statistics Analysis where they examined bits of data about the Swine Flu and related the data to geographical knowledge they've learned throughout the year. Most of them caught onto the fact that although there are (as of last Wednesday when I put this data together) many more cases reported in the United States, a higher percentage of people in Mexico have died from the flu. We discussed different reasons for this: access to healthcare, living conditions, sanitary conditions and accurate laboratory results...among other things. The kids thought it was pretty funny and I was quite proud of how I took advantage of this "epidemic" and turned it into a learning opportunity.
- On Friday afternoon as I walked into the gym, I saw Craig and another coach huddled around a computer. Upon arriving to the desk, I realized they were reading a very important email forwarded from our principal. YES!!! School is canceled for a week due to the dirty little piggy disease that is sweeping through the world! And...we get paid for it and don't have to make up the days. It's like a much deserved second Spring Break! And now when and if we return on May 11th - there will only be four weeks of school left and that includes Review and Finals weeks!!! Sigh. Best. News. Ever.
- Saturday morning, my friend Jennifer from Ft. Worth drove up and stayed the night with us. Jenn and I drove to a little shopping area near my house, but unfortunately our shopping trip got rained out pretty quickly. We headed back to the house and promptly fell asleep while watching The Devil Wears Prada. For dinner that night I made Jennifer's favorite dish of mine - homemade lasagna. We had a really great time sitting, eating, drinking wine and just catching up. Most of the time when we see each other our men are with us and we don't really get a chance to talk in-depth about everything that has been going on in our lives. Craig was not at home during all this - he had taken the day and gone to the horse races with his buddies and then to BWW to watch a basketball game. He came home around 8:00 and turned on the hot tub for us girls to relax in later. After all the storms passed through we were able to get in and talk some more about life...it was really relaxing. This morning we all got up and we treated Jennifer to some Babe's Chicken!! I know that her husband Zach is going to be so jealous - he missed out on lasagna, hot tub and fried chicken all in one weekend. Too bad buddy. :)
I am looking forward to...
- This whole week off!!! Duh!! Craig and I don't have too much planned for the next four days. We're going to go look at Tahoes, Yukons and maybe Escalades (used of course) tomorrow. Craig's tired of driving the leased Hummer and I think if we can get a deal that would make the payments less than what he is paying on his lease right now, we will get him a new car. When we were out looking around today he made a point of saying that I had to like the color too...after all, I would probably end up driving the SUV eventually once we had kids. After I picked up my jaw off the floor, I was much more interested in picking out a possible new ride for our household. Other than that...I think we might do some yardwork. We need to plant some flowers, fill in some areas of the yard where the grass isn't growing, as well as cleaning up the side flowerbed. The people before us really didn't do a very good job of taking care of the yard and it definitely needs some TLC. On Thursday night we are leaving for a weekend away in San Antonio on the River Walk. It was intentionally meant to be a break from the tournament circuit for Craig, but since the Swine Flu forced him to cancel this weekend's tourney...it's just going to be a nice vacation for the two of us. And the best part is that we could cancel our subs for this Friday. That's one more vacation day that I'll have if I need it for Craig's upcoming surgery. Which is also another reason I'm looking forward to this vacation...Craig's surgery will have him on crutches for quite some time. But that's all coming up in the next bit.
I wish I could fast forward through...
- Absolutely nothing for this week. I really want this week to go by as S...L...O...W...L...Y as possible. Who wouldn't?
- BUT unfortunately this week will eventually end and we will start next week which is the week that Craig will have his fourth and hopefully final surgery on his left knee. He definitely is for sure having the microfracture and the recovery will be quite arduous for that procedure. I think that although all surgeries are very unique, I feel like I will be better prepared to take care of Craig with this one. A few things I learned? Sleep when he sleeps. Nobody cares if the house is put together. Accept people's help graciously. Buy two jugs of apple juice.
Right now I'm obsessed with...
- Puppies, puppies, puppies. I absolutely love my parent's dogs Annabelle and Andy. Sometimes I go over to their house because I desperately need some puppy loving...don't tell my parents that they are sometimes second on my list. :) Jennifer brought her doggy Lacey with her this weekend and it felt so nice to have the little pitter patter of a puppy's paws following me around the house. I even found myself talking to her as I moved around and she followed me. Then this morning she and I had the best time playing around on the carpet of our bedroom. Unfortunately, Craig is not on the puppy train like I am. And when I say "puppy" I really mean a dog that is at least two years old. I just call all dogs "puppy"...Gigi was my puppy up until the last day of her 14 year life. Sigh...I just wish I could have her back. Craig would love her because although she was a taller dog she was so calm and loved to just sit and be petted. But she was also fiercely protective and would bark at my brothers when we would roughhouse together. By the way - Gigi was my mutt dog that my family had from when I was nine until she passed away a few years ago. Anyways. Craig said that we have to at least wait until this summer because he won't be able to take care of the dog at all until he is off the crutches. Some people tell us that we have to wait to get a dog until our lives aren't so hectic between all the coaching and stuff. But...if we wait until I'm done coaching to get a dog...that doesn't make much sense. I'm not quitting coaching until we start having kids and I just think it would be a horrible idea to get a baby and a dog at the same time! It makes much more sense to me to get a dog now and ease ourselves into the whole "responsibility" thing. But...whatever. In the end, it's our family and our house and our decision whether or not we feel like we're ready to take care of an animal. So there.
Question of the Week:
- If you could have dinner with any three people (alive or dead) who would it be? Mine would be President Obama, John Lennon and my Grandma. I would have them over and serve them lasagna.
Tuesday, April 28, 2009
Do, Re, Mi...
A cute, young counselor at my school once told me a phrase that describes and encompasses all teenage girls around the world:
"They are all starring in their own movies."
Very true my friend, very true. I can remember how the slightest pimple on your nose was cause to fake a cold and stay home from school because surely that little imperfection on your face was going to be hot gossip in the morning. All hopes of going with Josh the cute boy from Science class to the Fall Carnival? Dashed to shreds because what was lurking on your face could not be cured by Clearasil, nor covered up by Cover Girl. You walked the halls all day paranoid and listening to snippets of whispered conversations all around you. Waiting to hear those key words that would confirm your greatest fears that indeed yes...everyone had noticed and yes...everyone was grossed out. Your only respite was the bell ringing for the final time at the end of the school day when you could rush to your locker, haphazardly grab your books and then bolt to your mother's car waiting in the side parking lot. As you clambered into the car, blinking back tears behind your beloved Olsen-twin inspired sunglasses, you guiltily prayed the same complexion fate for the most popular girl in school. After all, what teenage girl doesn't like to see the mighty ones fall?
Living in the head of a teenage girl is like being a cast member on The Hills. You live your life like it is perpetually being filmed, only Zac Efron isn't dancing in the gym and nobody bursts out in unanimous song. Thankfully, the "life in movies" aspect of youth fades with time and is unfortunately replaced with cold and harsh reality of adulthood and leaving you...at times...peeking in the gym still looking for your dancing basketball team.
I wasn't a girl who saw her life enhanced on the big screen, but instead there was always a soundtrack playing along inside my head. Every dramatic outburst and every serene moment had it's own accompianment. From Eagle Eye Cherry's "Save Tonight" to Bush's "Glycerine" and Dixie Chick's "Fly" to TLC's "Scrub" in high school and more recently from Sia's "Breathe Me" to Candi Staton's "You Got To Love;" moments and events in my life are not chronicled in my mind by date and time...but by song and verse.
What was playing on the radio at that moment that encapsulated my feelings at the particular time? How did I use this music to express emotions in my head and heart that wouldn't have escaped otherwise? Without the ability to retreat into the CD collection of my youth and iTunes of today, I doubt that so many of my memories and emotions would be as clear to me as they are now.
When I envision the processional, recessional, first and last dances of our wedding I don't really picture my dress or his tux...I am invoking the emotions I want to have at that moment, as well as the emotions I want to convey to our guests. Having said this, it might be a little bit easier to understand why I am being so meticulous in my wedding music selection. The obvious songs have been thrown out and needless to say Canon in D will not be played at my wedding. But that leaves me at a conundrum - I have to choose several pieces of secular music that are meaningful to include in our ceremony and reception.
Here are my thoughts so far:
- My entrance to the wedding: Picture a cloudless sky on a beautiful March day in Texas. There is a slight breeze, just enough to keep me from sweating and blow my hair romantically a bit. My dad and I stand at the glass doors of the hotel from where I can see Craig standing nervously and uncomfortably in his borrowed suit, anxiously waiting to get the "show on the road." As the music starts, I take a deep breath and step out into the gently setting sunshine with my dad as the guests turn and stand to see us walk down the aisle. I am holding my head high and with confidence...my eyes focused only on Craig and the smile that is spreading across his face. I look to my right and see slight tears beginning to form in my daddy's eyes and I pat his arm - I know he'll be okay once he sits next to my mom. This is one of the biggest moments of a girl's life and I know that I will be confident and serene...after all, I am getting to be with my best friend forever so I have chosen a song that exudes that peacefulness as well as a hope for the future: "Somewhere Over the Rainbow" by Irael Kamakawiwo'ole.
- The Recessional: Same day as above, about thirty minutes later. Craig and I kiss triumphantly as everyone claps. This truly is a celebration of our lives and our love and what better way to start a joyous occasion than with "Beautiful Day" by U2. And yes. It also pays homage to Craig's beloved band.
- The First Dance: There are some songs that play on the Oldies station that, while driving in the car with my mom, will cause her to completely abandon the conversation and sing along softly with the most faraway look on her face. I dare not speak a word during these songs because I almost feel as if I would be uncomfortably invading something quite personal. After the song finishes and the DJ returns to the airwaves, she quickly snaps out of her daydream and automatically picks up the conversation where we left off. I've never asked what these songs mean to her not because I don't care...but because I know that it's something quite special for her and my dad. I cherish the fact that a simple song played on a radio station while running errands on any given day can remind my mother of how much she adores and loves my father. Our first dance will be this type of song...it has me pausing and reminiscing already and I haven't even married the guy yet. I've (well...WE'VE...but really I chose and he agreed) chosen U2's "All I Want Is You." Yes, I know...it's another U2 song - I told you they were an important band in our house. About a year ago at this time of the year, Craig was working like a dog all through the week and through the weekend to produce these basketball tournaments. I hated the fact that these tournaments took time away from me even though the payout was pretty fantastic. I finally sat him down and told him that I didn't care about the money the tourneys brought in. I would easily give up the trips, the dinners, the presents and the lifestyle that came with the time and effort he spent organizing and running these tournaments if it meant I would be able to be with him. At the end of the day, all that monetary stuff meant nothing to me...all I wanted was him by my side. So...one night last summer, I was driving in my car listening to U2's greatest hits of the 1980s and number 14 on the disc was "All I Want Is You." When I really listened to the lyrics, I nearly had a wreck. Bono was able to put every emotion I had for Craig into simple verses accompanied by gut-wrenchingly emotional guitar riffs courtesy of The Edge. Upon moving into our house, I reiterated my feelings to Craig and shortly thereafter, gave him the lyrics framed with pictures of us for Christmas. It now hangs in our bedroom.
- The Last Dance: During those angsty years of singledom, I would always listen to David Gray's "This Year's Love" on the way home from another purposeless night at the bar, trolling for guys. I longed for the love that the lyrics professed and I would pray that someday I would have not only "this year's love" but the love that would last the rest of my life. At that point in my life, I was very lost, lonely and cynical. I didn't think it would ever happen...and then Craig came along and showed me everything I always thought I didn't deserve. He's been the best thing to happen in my life and I know that his love isn't just for this year, but for every year of my life.
And let me clarify something...I have not and do not anticipate me being a "bridezilla" about much having to do with this wedding. Not about my dress, the colors, the date, the sight, the photographer, the flowers, the cake - NONE of it! But the music! Oh the music is going to be perfect...because when I look back at my wedding pictures I will have that soundtrack playing in my head and I will want to remember those wonderful emotions on the day I married Craig.
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