First Campout

CH & I had our dry-run with our new trailer Saturday night.  He wanted to go someplace close to home for our first time.  So, we went to Cades Cove, which is in the Great Smoky Mountains National Park.  We left the 2 "old" dogs with YS, and took Laika with us.  I had never stayed in the campground before:  I've picnicked plenty of times in the picnic area, but never stayed overnight.  The campground is somewhat "primitive":  no water or electricity hook-ups, but there are bathrooms with flushing toilets.  There's also no internet or cell coverage.

CH was suppose to transfer some money into YS' account so he could get some dinner, but didn't think about it until we were in the park.  So, after he set everything up, he drove back into town and went to a friend's house to use their internet.  While he was gone, Laika & I went for a long walk around the campground.  As soon as we got back to the site, I sat down and thought, "uh-oh.  I wonder if CH remembered to get the burgers out of the freezer before we left."  I knew he hadn't, and I sure hadn't remembered.  As soon as he got back, I asked him if he had gotten my message (sent telepathically, of course!).  He didn't think it was too funny that I had forgotten the hamburgers, so he handed me the keys and it was my turn to take a trek into town.
(CH & his "camping dog")
That evening, our friends (who live just before you get into the Park) rode in to have hamburgers with us.  It was nice to talk over burgers cooked over a charcoal grill (there's nothing like a Cove burger!), followed by talking over a campfire.
(The moon...it was really dark out there!)
Our first night went great.  We had the windows and the roof vent open, and had the fan going for part of the night.  I woke up cold at one point, so I snuggled up to CH for some warmth.  I was a little alarmed when I realized he wasn't snoring (he's a definite snorer!), and for a brief second thought about if I should try to wake him up (to make sure he was still breathing), or wait and take my chances in the morning.  He felt warm, and then he moved his leg, so I breathed a sigh of relief!  I pulled the comforter down after that, and things were nice and snuggly.
(We had the back closed during the night!)
(Plenty of room for us to sleep)
After we woke up, CH cooked omelets.  I would've loved to have coffee, but somebody forgot to bring the pot to boil water.  He said that he had it, but he didn't want me to have coffee since I forgot the burgers.  (We're pretty mature like that!)  We broke down camp after that and came home.
Small Town High School played Rival High School on ESPN2 yesterday at 12:00.  It was a good game...until the last quarter.  STHS just ran out of steam and made costly mistakes.  We have a lot of players that play offense & defense, and some of those players also play on special teams; Rival HS has the luxury of not having to do that.  When YS came home, it said it was unreal how hot it was on the turf: one of the majorettes got sick on the field during their performance, and a couple of our cheerleaders passed out...one of Rival HS' cheerleaders passed out, too.  As far as August days go, it wasn't too hot or too humid of a day, but they don't usually play in the middle of the day.  The team looked good, so we're looking forward to an exciting year.
I definitely learned a good lesson over the weekend:  Make a list and check it twice!  We also realized that there were some things we didn't have that would be good to have (like better bug spray!), and some things that we would do a little differently.  Guess the dry run was a good idea.

Wednesday Hodgepodge

1. Aloha! On August 21, 1959 Hawaii officially became a US state. Have you ever been? Upon arrival would you prefer an orchid or a hibiscus to tuck behind your ear?
I've never been, and it's not high on my "places to visit" list.  I'll take a hibiscus, though!

2. Since we're talking tropical...what's your favorite food or beverage made with pineapple?
I like pineapple straight up, but if I had to pick one (which I'm sure Joyce is expecting), a fruity cocktail highlighting the pineapple will do just fine!

3. Do you believe in soul mates? Explain.
If you're talking about having a person who knows what you're thinking and feeling without you having to say anything, then yes.  I do believe some couples have that connection.

4. Share a memory about the house you grew up in.
Oh, so many memories to choose from!  My parents still live in the house where we grew up.  We moved into that house when I was 9 months old; before that we lived in a 3 bedroom, 1 bathroom house that is actually around the corner from where I now live.  I'm the 8th child, so I'm sure it was just a tad bit crowded.  
I guess I'll go with the time that my oldest sister was going to have a party (I think it was her, anyway), and my sister Tina & I somehow volunteered to clean up the "Rec Room".  My parents were out for the night, and our oldest sister was babysitting.  Tina had to go to the bathroom, and since we were always scared to be down there by ourselves, we went together.  The light switch is behind the door, so Tina would push the door back to make sure no one was back there.  So...she pushed, but the door wouldn't go back all the way, so she turns around and starts screaming as she's running upstairs, and what do I do?  I go back into the rec room, push the door closed, and start screaming.  (I must've only been around 8 or 9, but I must've thought I was really strong to keep someone from busting through the door!)  My sister comes out of the upstairs bathroom pulling up her pants, and calls our next door neighbor, who comes over with his shotgun.  As it turns out, my 2nd oldest sister had left her tennis shoe behind the bathroom door, keeping it from opening all the way.  Oh, and all this happened on a Friday the 13th.

5. Are you comfortable with silence?
No.  Growing up in a household with 10 kids, there wasn't much silence to be had.  I have to have some noise on at all time...the tv or the radio.

6. You spot a giant spider on your bedroom wall...what's your next move? (all spiders are giant, right?)
Swat that dang thing!

7. My idea of fun does NOT include ______________.
My idea of fun does NOT include sitting in a high school football stadium with 10-15 thousand (yes, THOUSAND) people on a warm Sunday afternoon.  The big rivalry game between Small Town High and Rival High will be played at 12:00 this Sunday.  You may or may not be able to catch it on national tv.  AND, you may or may not be able to catch a glimpse of YS if they happen to show the band.
Personally, I think this rivalry game is getting WAAAAY out of hand.  Rival School is about 4 times larger than Small Town, and it's ridiculous that people will start lining up at the gate 4-5 hours before the gate opens (which is 2 hours before kick-off) just so they can get a seat.  Even the band has to get there early or else people will take their seats.  And when it's hot, it's HOT.  I've seen mothers bring their infant/toddler babies to the game and get there that early, so by the start of the game, the little ones are cranky and tired already.  Ridiculous.  I will be sitting in my living room watching.  I feel a little bad that I won't be there to watch YS, but I'll make it up by going to band contests.

8. Insert your own random thought here.
We've had some sadness here in the Small Town.  One of our police officers passed away on Saturday morning at the age of 45 of an apparent heart attack.  His daughter graduated with MS.  He used to work the football games, so for most of them he would end up by the concession stand at some point of the night and we would chat.  He was very well liked in the community, and will be missed.  He and his daughter were extremely close; he was divorced and she lived with him when she was in school.  I can only imagine how alone she must feel, being an only child and being so close to him.  He will be laid to rest this morning.

Weekend Wrap-Up

Stephani at A Defined Life is taking a little break.  Don't we all need one every now and then?  Meme or not, I'm doing a weekend wrap-up, especially since we had a pretty eventful weekend.

Saturday morning, CH & I left the house around 5:30 a.m. to take a little drive.  It was actually about a 3 hour drive.  I didn't think I was going to be able to go with him, because I thought I was scheduled to work for the middle school football game.  The middle school played a make-up game before a high school double-header.  Ever since our second year here, the Small Town High School has had to travel to find someone who would play the football team.  We went to Ky. for 3 years (the first year was a complete disaster!), and then travel several hours for teams that would play us.  Last year was the first year we participated in a "Kick-Off Classic" with our rival school.  They played WHS, we played CHS; then this year we switched and we played WHS, and they played CHS.
I realized Friday night that I really wasn't on the schedule, so I was free to go with CH to pick up our his new toy:

It's a "toy hauler":  a small camper that you can haul your "toy" (aka motorcycle).  We originally looked at the "tear drop" campers, but then CH started looking on the internet and found these.  We want to do some camping together, but I have standards when I camp.  I need to have air conditioning; I don't do well in the heat anymore.  Here's what the inside looks like:

The benches in the top picture can be expanded so that it makes a bed, or they can be folded up against the walls to make room for the motorcycle.  In the bottom picture (left to right) you have a microwave, air conditioner, 2 burner stove, and refrigerator.  At first I was a little bummed that it didn't have a sink, but then CH reminded me that there wouldn't be anything that had to be done to winterize it without the sink.  And, he's thinking about buying this:
When we went in to finish the paperwork, we caught this little girl taking a nap:
She was a pretty cat, as far as cats go!  She really had some beautiful light green eyes; unusual for a cat.

We got home just to have to head up for the Rival High School's game.  CH runs the chains, so he had to do double duty.  Rival HS won their game, then it was time for the first look of the Small Town's football team:
Even though I don't have someone on the football team, it's still exciting to see the boys come out for their pregame tradition.  It was a long day, but a good day, topped off by a 14-7 win!
Sunday was a day to sleep in, do laundry, and do some paperwork for the meetings I have this week.  CH had some more "alone time" for dinner at our favorite Mexican Restaurant:
We topped that off with a quick trip to the grocery store.  As we walked back to the car, we saw this:
Oh, yeah...it's a Kia Soul parade!  I am still loving my car!  I'm especially loving the gas mileage, and being able to fill the tank for a little more than $30!
The weekend was busy, but good, and this week is going to be another crazy week!  I'm looking forward to things slowing down!

Stressed out Frags

Mommy's Idea

~  It's been over a week since I last posted.  I think I'm officially in a blogging funk.  

~  Things at work are unreal crazy.  Trying to figure out what's happened in a school that had 3 different SLPs last year isn't helping the stress level any.  Add 7 Kindergarten referrals at my other school, and you've got all kinds of crazy.

~ AND on top of all that, every single one of my forms is gone.  Missing.  Nowhere to be seen.  The central office guy tapped into my computer to fix it and wiped out the forms that I had put back on.  Luckily I had most of the forms on a thumbdrive.  I'm finding forms that I've created that I need, but aren't on the thumbdrive.  Thankfully I had sent them to other SLPs, so all I had to do is email them. 

~ Oh, but that's not all.  At my mountain school, we have no classrooom phones and have been told not to expect them until after fall break, which is the first week in October.  That wouldn't be such a big deal, but we also don't have our wireless working.  I've plugged my laptop into the outlet the "old-fashioned" way.  About 60% of the time, when I try to save a form, I get an error message.  

~  I can't be all negative:  it was really great to see some of my students at my mountain school who made all kinds of progress over the summer!  I just love it when that happens.

~  The craziness isn't just for weekdays:  we're going to a have a ridiculously crazy Saturday.  A high school double header has turned into a triple-header with the Small Town Middle School playing a make-up game before a "kick-off classic" at our field.  That means concessions, which means the band boosters will be working.  All. Day. Long.  I really hadn't planned on being up there all day; maybe I'll have the chance to sneak off (but I doubt it).  Can it really be time for another high school football season?

I'm participating in Friday Fragments, hosted by Mrs. 4444.  

Wednesday Hodgepodge


Another Wednesday, another Hodgepodge!  I'm not sure how Joyce does it, but she's come up with more original questions!

1. In an effort to combat obesity, the mayor of NYC has plans to ban the sale of large sugary drinks (anything over 16 oz.), initially in restaurants, movie theatres, and street carts. Corner stores would also be affected if they are defined as food service establishments. You can read more here . Your thoughts?
Crazy.  If people don't want to drink them, then they won't drink them.  But, they shouldn't be denied the right to drink it if they want it.  We've all been educated about the effects; we should have that choice.

2. Art festival, music festival, food festival...which would you most like to attend?
Music.  As long as it's inside (in the air conditioning) and not too crazy.

3. What are you irrational about?
Oh, I'm irrational about a lot of things, especially right now.  (Can you say "hormonal"?)  I tend to fly off the handle about some things, and can't seem to let some things go!

4. Do you feel confident you'll have a comfortable retirement?
I'm confident that CH will make sure we have a comfortable retirement.  I just hope I'm still young enough to enjoy it!

5. What's been your favorite Olympic moment so far?
(Not ever, just in the 2012 Summer games)
Beach Volleyball.  Aren't Kerri & Misty just amazing?? Here's hoping they can win gold this one last time before Misty retires.
USA!  USA!   

6. What would you label as the messiest room in your house?
Right now, everything is pretty messy.  It's been a busy week, which equals a messy house!

7. Do you follow your heart or your head?
My heart.  I don't like to think too much!

8. Insert your own random thought here.
YS' school had open house last night.  His drum major uniform came in, so we got to see it.  We also met with the German teacher and got additional information about our trip next summer. I.Can.Not.Wait!

Definitely a Monday

Yesterday was definitely a Monday.  I had to be at work at 7:00 (it was the first day of school), which meant I needed to leave the house by 6:30.  I had to do my Weekend Wrap-up post before I got ready for work, and I guess it took a little longer than I had anticipated.  I had about 35 minutes to get ready.  I showered (and shaved my legs), ate some yogurt, dried my hair, and then prepped my teeth for brushing.  I had my rubber-tip (aka:  gum stimulator) and paid careful attention to this one tooth.  I guess I paid too much attention to it, because the crown kind of came loose.  For the 2nd time in as many months.  I pushed it back down and made a mental note to call the dentist as soon as he opened.  It just didn't feel right, and I was afraid to eat anything for fear of it coming all the way off.  I don't think that would actually happen; it's wedged in there pretty tightly.
I called the dentist and talked to one of the assistants...they can't get me in until Thursday.  I really, really need for this crown to stay on until the end of September when I have some oral surgery scheduled.  I'm just a little worried that my dentist will tell me to bump up the surgery, which I can't do because of insurance.
At least I wasn't the only person whose day started off rough:  the librarian at my new school said that her husband had packed her a nice little lunch which she left on the kitchen counter.  And, one of the kindergarten teachers said she got no sleep the night before.  It's funny how even the teachers get excited/nervous about the first day of school.
It was a busy day:  finding out whose rooms my students are in, actually locating those rooms, getting requests for schedules out, and I had to test a student whose IEP meeting is Thursday.  There's no sliding back into it for me!
I certainly hope your Monday was better than mine!

Weekend Wrap-up



Weekend Wrap-up at a Defined Life
I'm trying hard to get back into the swing of things...including keeping my blog up to date!  That includes participating in Weekend Wrap-up; hosted by Stephani @ A Defined Life.  Feel free to join in!
Friday evening was Open House at my new school, so we worked from 12:00-7:00.  Things are feeling a little more comfortable there.  I completely forgot to take a picture of the school as I was leaving.
I got home & OS & GF (girlfriend) were there.  Luckily I didn't have to entertain there, because I was exhausted!
Saturday was busy for us. It started with some "Danish Pancakes" (which are really just crepes with peanut butter, nutella, and syrup):
I spent that morning doing some last minute shopping for OS, who moved out on Saturday.
This picture is courtesy of CH; I wasn't home when he left because I was doing my civic duty at WalMart, volunteering for "Stuff the Bus".  Stuff the Bus happens during tax-free weekend; it was our job to hand out lists of school supplies to people entering the store so they could buy a few things on the list and bring it back to us.  The supplies are then divided up and delivered to the schools to help out those students who can't afford supplies.
Back to OS:  He starts his new "grownup" job today, and a new chapter in his life.  Grownup job, grownup responsibilities.  He's moving to a neighboring state and will help manufacture kayaks.  Hopefully he'll eventual do something with his degree, which is Marketing.  My hope is that he'll learn the company, and move up to put that degree to use!
That afternoon, YS escorted a young lady to a "Teenboard" Reception in the big city:
Teen Board is similar to an Old Southern Presentation Ball, but the students have to have completed 50 hours of volunteer work.  The young ladies wear white dresses; her "court" wears pastel.  Teen Board was started by a woman whose daughter was killed by a drunk driver, and, even though it is described as a kind of a "debutante" ball, it is more about the community services.  The lady over the Teen Board was quoted in the paper as saying that most of the students have over 100 hours.
With the house to ourselves, CH & I had a quick dinner at a local restaurant, then we went back to the house.  Guess this will be our life in a few short months!
Sunday, we went bed shopping.  Since OS is now officially out of the house, we can have a "guest bedroom".  We found a bed at the second place we looked; now we CH just has to go back and buy it.  Furniture shopping was followed by grocery shopping and laundry.
And that was the end to our weekend.  Busy, but nice.  Seeing OS moving his stuff out really didn't bother me as much as I thought it would.  He's landed a good job in an "up and coming" city that is very close to hiking, camping, snowboarding, and rafting/kayaking, so it's an incredibly good fit for him.  He found a house to rent (that came with roommates already intact) that is within walking distance to downtown, and within 15-20 minutes of work.  I'm so excited for him as he begins this new chapter!
Don't forget to visit A Defined Life and link up with your weekend wrap-up!

Friday Fragments

Mommy's Idea

~  Today marks the end of our "PD" week.  Kids come back on Monday.  I'm trying not to be overwhelmed by everything that has to be done before Fall Break.  Apparently August/September were big months for my new school to place students, because my calendar is already filled with tentative meeting dates.

~  The drive to my new school is absolutely gorgeous...almost as pretty as the one to my "mountain school".  I thought about taking some pictures on Wed. morning...I will definitely do that at some point.  

~  It's tough starting over at a new school when you don't know anyone there.  Everyone that I've talked to so far seems nice enough, but I haven't talked to very many people yet.  

~  Laika has done great with being in the crate during the day.  MS came home mid-day yesterday before a dentist appointment and let her out, but he forgot to put her back in.  She went 4 hours in the house and didn't tear anything up or have any accidents.  She did, however, have a big accident after I got home, and I caught her having another one after CH got home.  The last one ended up not being very big since she stopped when I yelled.  

~  On the election ballot yesterday, I saw "Park Overall".  I thought it was a joke.  You may remember her from the tv show "Empty Nest".  I had no idea she was from a town an hour away from me.  She didn't win, by the way.

~  The sales tax increase passed...by a lot.  Guess scare tactics work.  That's all I'm going to say.

Quick Post

Obviously I've taken an unscheduled break this week!  I'm trying to get back into the swing of things with the new school year, and not having a lot of luck.  So, my blog is what suffers.
Today is local election day; I still don't know how I'm going to vote on the sales tax increase.  Guess I'll decide how I feel once I get in the booth.  We got a couple more fliers in the mail with the same incorrect message:  If the sales tax increase doesn't pass, our property taxes will go up.  I feel pretty sure it's going to pass with or without my vote.
I hope to have a longer post later; hopefully within the next few days.

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