Well, it's been quite a week and a half (almost!) at home. I took my first red-eye flight for a looooong day of travel on Monday the 20th. I was, as usual, the girl making weird faces as I attempted to get my ears to pop throughout my flights. I also was, as usual, the girl who passed out on each plane. One fellow passenger even complimented me on my ability to sleep--"I wish I could sleep as well as you do on planes," said the kind stranger. It was a great feat indeed given the screaming baby behind me on my way from Dallas to Fort Myers...and the six-year old kicking my seat.
When my travels ended, however, I found myself in sunny Florida, and I was aching to get out of my boots! 70 degree weather? Yes, please! So I popped on some flip-flops and my sunnies and took care of one urgent task: Doing nothing. I don't even remember what I did on that first day here...I may or may not having taken a long nap--I don't recall and don't really care; all I know is that it was amazing.
The follow day I did leave the house with quite the goal: stock the pantry and fridge. Apart from the giant bottle of vodka, some orange juice, (I know what you're thinking: screwdrivers!...but my dad only drinks vodka straight), and the biggest box of Cheez-Its imaginable, our house had little in it. So I skipped into Publix, the grocery store around here, and looking completely out of place since I was wearing a color other than beige and I'm under the age of 60, and stocked a grocery cart with all kinds of good stuff. From my favorite Triscuits to pom juice to margarita mix of course, my cart was filled to the brim with excellent finds.
...alright...I started off eager to write...now, not so much. We're watching 24...and it is getting GOOD. Jack may or may not kill Nina in the next episode. My focus is split. More to (maybe) come later.
Wednesday, December 29, 2010
Sunday, December 12, 2010
Remember when...
What happens if you can't remember when...? I am SO excited to go home in a week to see my parents--I can't wait to be away from work, away from everything, away and ready to relax! As previous posts have explained, the past months have been absurd. I was looking through photos on my computer of past Christmases (is that how you pluralize Christmas?), and I realized I don't remember the last Christmas my mom remembers. That's just plain ol' weird. I don't have photos from it, and I don't remember it...
Now that I re-read that though, I'm aware of the fact that clearly there are no Christmases my mom currently remembers. I guess I should have clarified and said the last Christmas my mom remembered us/knew what was going on...it's been a while. I don't quite know where I'm going with this post, just thinking I guess...I miss you, Mom.
"Maybe you get Alzheimer's, maybe you do not. Just screw the odds, screw science. Let's just live. Whatever happens, happens."
In just a week, I will be sipping margaritas, poolside, in warm toasty Florida weather. I fully intend on eating carbolicious foods like Vapiano's and doing absolutely nothing. Winter break, here I come.
Now that I re-read that though, I'm aware of the fact that clearly there are no Christmases my mom currently remembers. I guess I should have clarified and said the last Christmas my mom remembered us/knew what was going on...it's been a while. I don't quite know where I'm going with this post, just thinking I guess...I miss you, Mom.
"Maybe you get Alzheimer's, maybe you do not. Just screw the odds, screw science. Let's just live. Whatever happens, happens."
In just a week, I will be sipping margaritas, poolside, in warm toasty Florida weather. I fully intend on eating carbolicious foods like Vapiano's and doing absolutely nothing. Winter break, here I come.
Thursday, December 9, 2010
"You're so wise, you should be an owl."
Tonight I was talking with my friend Julie when she said the aforementioned quote. "You're so wise, you should be an owl." Oh how I wish I were as wise as Julie thinks. However, I'll take it, and even more, I'll gladly take having an awesome friend like Julie. The past entire semester has been crazy, and she has been SO wonderful.
I noticed the other day I've been saying, "Wow, it's been a crazy start to the year." Then, I'm reminded that it's DECEMBER, and in just a week, I will start Christmas break! How did that happen, and how have I dealt with so much in such a short time? While I wish a blog were the appropriate place to recap all that has happened during the past several months, I know it certainly is not. Let me just say, that this year started interestingly...and continued to progress even more interestingly. I have had more than one co-teacher this year, and I've dealt with harassment. I know there's no age requirement for harassment, but I just really never thought at 24 I'd have to deal with it! However, one perk of both situations is that have I grown a lot. I've learned how to handle myself professionally when at times all I wanted to respond in the most unprofessional way. If I can make it through my first year and a half in the classroom, I have no doubt I can last much longer as a teacher.
As all the stress fades away, however, I find myself truly tired. Yes, I'm always stressed, and yes I'm always busy...and yes, I do often take my weekends to get at least 10 hours of sleep each night. It is rare, though, that I feel and look as tired as I do now (at least I think so!). I've come to the conclusion that now I am actually getting a GOOD night's rest, and so I am trying to make up for the past several months. Sure I got a decent amount of sleep, but even when it was enough or more than I needed by "numbers" (as in 7+ hours a night), I don't know that my body ever truly relaxed. Now, with all of this hopefully behind me, I can sleep and enjoy it.
Before I get to sleep now, I do have to mention that not only am I grateful for Julie, but I'm also very grateful for a few other people...ahem, Holly, Sarah, Kat, and Kristin. They make me feel sane about the craziness in my life. Holly hosted a wonderful Thanksgiving for me AND Chloe... Sarah is my new co-teacher (who just gave me a phenomenal Christmas present--there was Coffee Bean mix AND a holiday armadillo, so amazing)... Kat always reminds me of "normalcy"... and Kristin of course is my saving grace at school. I do not know how TFA knew to put us together (or if that was Paddy's doing), but I would not have survived this year without her. Plus, she is always up for Indian food.
Alright, my bed is way too comfy right now...and I actually can sleep without feeling stressed and anxious, so I'm going to take advantage of this wonderfulness.
I noticed the other day I've been saying, "Wow, it's been a crazy start to the year." Then, I'm reminded that it's DECEMBER, and in just a week, I will start Christmas break! How did that happen, and how have I dealt with so much in such a short time? While I wish a blog were the appropriate place to recap all that has happened during the past several months, I know it certainly is not. Let me just say, that this year started interestingly...and continued to progress even more interestingly. I have had more than one co-teacher this year, and I've dealt with harassment. I know there's no age requirement for harassment, but I just really never thought at 24 I'd have to deal with it! However, one perk of both situations is that have I grown a lot. I've learned how to handle myself professionally when at times all I wanted to respond in the most unprofessional way. If I can make it through my first year and a half in the classroom, I have no doubt I can last much longer as a teacher.
As all the stress fades away, however, I find myself truly tired. Yes, I'm always stressed, and yes I'm always busy...and yes, I do often take my weekends to get at least 10 hours of sleep each night. It is rare, though, that I feel and look as tired as I do now (at least I think so!). I've come to the conclusion that now I am actually getting a GOOD night's rest, and so I am trying to make up for the past several months. Sure I got a decent amount of sleep, but even when it was enough or more than I needed by "numbers" (as in 7+ hours a night), I don't know that my body ever truly relaxed. Now, with all of this hopefully behind me, I can sleep and enjoy it.
Before I get to sleep now, I do have to mention that not only am I grateful for Julie, but I'm also very grateful for a few other people...ahem, Holly, Sarah, Kat, and Kristin. They make me feel sane about the craziness in my life. Holly hosted a wonderful Thanksgiving for me AND Chloe... Sarah is my new co-teacher (who just gave me a phenomenal Christmas present--there was Coffee Bean mix AND a holiday armadillo, so amazing)... Kat always reminds me of "normalcy"... and Kristin of course is my saving grace at school. I do not know how TFA knew to put us together (or if that was Paddy's doing), but I would not have survived this year without her. Plus, she is always up for Indian food.
Alright, my bed is way too comfy right now...and I actually can sleep without feeling stressed and anxious, so I'm going to take advantage of this wonderfulness.
Saturday, December 4, 2010
What will 24 bring?
It's December...which means it's my birthday month...a month most know that I love.
As the dreaded 24 approaches (sarcasm marks, I realize I'm very young), I'm wondering what next year will bring...I seem to have this crazy idea in my head that my life can be normal for more than a week or two. False. Apparently, I don't do normal.
Allow me to take you on a walk down memory lane:
15: Lost on the way home from the airport. Rest stop phone call, "Can you come get us?" Freshman year of high school. Lots of "Magiera" calls in the hallway.
Actual 15th birthday? Spent in Disney World. Awesome. :)
16: "Dad thought he had a heart attack. It's okay though, he didn't. He's staying overnight at the hospital though, and I went to work, but I have to go now cause I'm making dinner and I have to make sure Jeff can still drive me to school tomorrow. Call me if you need anything--I just wanted you to know what's going on." I also had to call myself out of school when I was 16. That was a fun phone call...
me: "Hi, um I'm calling, because I'm not going to go to school today. My dad's in the hospital, and so I'm calling myself out."
office: "Can we talk to your mom?"
me: "Um, yes, but she won't have any idea what you're talking about...I can give you my dad's hospital room number though if you want.
I did eventually get my driver's license...and a Nissan Murano. Orange.
Actual 16th birthday? Spent in Disney World. I'm pretty sure this was the year Chris booked the German Pavilion for my birthday. The following years would prove to be much better planned.
17: "Dad, I broke my phone. I dropped it...cause Mom asked what my name was...and so now my phone is broken." Summer service trip to West Virginia.
Actual 17th birthday? Spent in Disney World.
18: Graduated from high school. Led a summer service trip back to West Virginia. Moved to California. Learned how to make my bed (thanks, Chris). Pepperdine. Sunburn. Sick. Often. That damn "stomach flu."
Actual 18th birthday? Spent in Disney World.
19: Still sick. Often. Nursing homes. DC. Cruise. Surgery. Fun.
Actual 19th birthday? Not sure. At home perhaps? This may have been the night we tried to go get steak for my birthday and failed. (My Favorite Inn was closed?) I do remember making everyone at my family celebration wear hats. Scooby Doo party hats.
20: Chemo. GREAT news...end of chemo. Health. Saw Matthew Perry in Ralph's. Got a MINI. Never knew how many options and choices there are when buying a car.
Actual 20th birthday? Twas fun, spending my 20th birthday in the hospital. I watched Friends. We brought cupcakes for the nurses. I told them it was the one day I would not be happy. Chris brought Panera to the hospital. It was nice.
21: A pretty tame year. Some Tri Delt drama, but let's be honest, life has been worse (see 20th birthday). Ooh, I also went trapezing. That was fun...and I got a dog.
Actual 21st birthday? Excellent. Ambiance. Chris, Dad, Megan, and me. Shots of jaeger. Fantastic steak. I approve.
22: Graduating from college. Learning how to teach kindergarteners. Moving all by myself. Vandalism to my car. Finances.
Actual 22nd birthday? Hm. Steak dinner? That's just a guess. I don't remember.
23: Finished my first year of teaching and my first year of grad school. Harassment. Lead kindergarten teacher-ness. Moved again.
Actual 23rd birthday? On my 23rd birthday, we woke up at 4 or 5 a.m. to call hospice. Fortunately by the time a nurse arrived, things were fine. It was an exciting day. We also went to a restaurant called Caribbean Breeze. A cute old couple brought cushions and lighted magnifying glasses to the restaurant. Hilariously awesome.
So, what could happen when I'm 24? I don't know. It should be fun.
Needless to say...HAPPY DECEMBER!
As the dreaded 24 approaches (sarcasm marks, I realize I'm very young), I'm wondering what next year will bring...I seem to have this crazy idea in my head that my life can be normal for more than a week or two. False. Apparently, I don't do normal.
Allow me to take you on a walk down memory lane:
15: Lost on the way home from the airport. Rest stop phone call, "Can you come get us?" Freshman year of high school. Lots of "Magiera" calls in the hallway.
Actual 15th birthday? Spent in Disney World. Awesome. :)
16: "Dad thought he had a heart attack. It's okay though, he didn't. He's staying overnight at the hospital though, and I went to work, but I have to go now cause I'm making dinner and I have to make sure Jeff can still drive me to school tomorrow. Call me if you need anything--I just wanted you to know what's going on." I also had to call myself out of school when I was 16. That was a fun phone call...
me: "Hi, um I'm calling, because I'm not going to go to school today. My dad's in the hospital, and so I'm calling myself out."
office: "Can we talk to your mom?"
me: "Um, yes, but she won't have any idea what you're talking about...I can give you my dad's hospital room number though if you want.
I did eventually get my driver's license...and a Nissan Murano. Orange.
Actual 16th birthday? Spent in Disney World. I'm pretty sure this was the year Chris booked the German Pavilion for my birthday. The following years would prove to be much better planned.
17: "Dad, I broke my phone. I dropped it...cause Mom asked what my name was...and so now my phone is broken." Summer service trip to West Virginia.
Actual 17th birthday? Spent in Disney World.
18: Graduated from high school. Led a summer service trip back to West Virginia. Moved to California. Learned how to make my bed (thanks, Chris). Pepperdine. Sunburn. Sick. Often. That damn "stomach flu."
Actual 18th birthday? Spent in Disney World.
19: Still sick. Often. Nursing homes. DC. Cruise. Surgery. Fun.
Actual 19th birthday? Not sure. At home perhaps? This may have been the night we tried to go get steak for my birthday and failed. (My Favorite Inn was closed?) I do remember making everyone at my family celebration wear hats. Scooby Doo party hats.
20: Chemo. GREAT news...end of chemo. Health. Saw Matthew Perry in Ralph's. Got a MINI. Never knew how many options and choices there are when buying a car.
Actual 20th birthday? Twas fun, spending my 20th birthday in the hospital. I watched Friends. We brought cupcakes for the nurses. I told them it was the one day I would not be happy. Chris brought Panera to the hospital. It was nice.
21: A pretty tame year. Some Tri Delt drama, but let's be honest, life has been worse (see 20th birthday). Ooh, I also went trapezing. That was fun...and I got a dog.
Actual 21st birthday? Excellent. Ambiance. Chris, Dad, Megan, and me. Shots of jaeger. Fantastic steak. I approve.
22: Graduating from college. Learning how to teach kindergarteners. Moving all by myself. Vandalism to my car. Finances.
Actual 22nd birthday? Hm. Steak dinner? That's just a guess. I don't remember.
23: Finished my first year of teaching and my first year of grad school. Harassment. Lead kindergarten teacher-ness. Moved again.
Actual 23rd birthday? On my 23rd birthday, we woke up at 4 or 5 a.m. to call hospice. Fortunately by the time a nurse arrived, things were fine. It was an exciting day. We also went to a restaurant called Caribbean Breeze. A cute old couple brought cushions and lighted magnifying glasses to the restaurant. Hilariously awesome.
So, what could happen when I'm 24? I don't know. It should be fun.
Needless to say...HAPPY DECEMBER!
Sunday, September 12, 2010
It's been forever...
...but I really only have time to share a couple quotes:
1. "So, kindergarten...that must be really easy, huh?"
2. "You're waiting for him to do something? He's the President of the United States. He could quit now, and he'd have done something. Waiting for him to do something...what have YOU done? YOU do something...."
3. "I don't think I could ever tweet.
But I should try.
I might learn not to blather!
You're never too old to learn, you know!"
4. "I don't want to be the person who tries to play the 'My life is tough' game with you..."
5. "Kristin, it's Alex. I know this will be funny tomorrow, but right now I'm about to burst into tears. The f***ing pedal of my bike just fell off. Can you come pick me up from Target please?"
Kristin and Julie heard me swear for the first time a couple weeks ago. Julie has known me for almost 5 years now...so that ought to give you a clue of how frequently I swear.
All that said, I LOVE LOVE LOVE my new class! I cannot even express how AMAZING they are. :)
Alrighty, time to get ready for tomorrow and the adventures that come with it!
1. "So, kindergarten...that must be really easy, huh?"
2. "You're waiting for him to do something? He's the President of the United States. He could quit now, and he'd have done something. Waiting for him to do something...what have YOU done? YOU do something...."
3. "I don't think I could ever tweet.
But I should try.
I might learn not to blather!
You're never too old to learn, you know!"
4. "I don't want to be the person who tries to play the 'My life is tough' game with you..."
5. "Kristin, it's Alex. I know this will be funny tomorrow, but right now I'm about to burst into tears. The f***ing pedal of my bike just fell off. Can you come pick me up from Target please?"
Kristin and Julie heard me swear for the first time a couple weeks ago. Julie has known me for almost 5 years now...so that ought to give you a clue of how frequently I swear.
All that said, I LOVE LOVE LOVE my new class! I cannot even express how AMAZING they are. :)
Alrighty, time to get ready for tomorrow and the adventures that come with it!
