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A Perfect Saturday

Posted on April 24, 2016 by auburnchick

Saturdays are simply wonderful, don’t you think?

I purposely don’t plan a lot because after a whole week of teaching, I’m exhausted.

The Mr. and I had loosely made some plans, but we had not exactly firmed them up.  As such, when he got up, I asked if he wanted to still go, and he half-heartedly said yes.

We loaded up the towels, sunscreen, and the Yeti cooler he’d purchased last year and headed out.

Our destination?

The beach!

Y’all, we really do have some of the prettiest beaches in the world.  They are light colored and debris-free.

We stopped for ice, gave half of the bag to a nice lady in the parking lot who only needed a little bit for her own adventure with her kids, and headed out.

We found the BEST spot…fairly close to the water…not too close to kids who could kick sand onto our little oasis…not too far from the restrooms.

This is the beach I grew up going to on vacation.

It is home.

It didn’t take me long to settle in.

My new bathing suit…one of four the Mr. bought me for this summer season…fit perfectly.  My new beach body, courtesy of the two Beach Body programs I’ve completed since September, had me wearing the suit confidently.

We were careful and reapplied sunscreen every hour after trips to the water to cool off.

I got in a lot of reading time.  In between chapters, the Mr. and I exchanged small bits of conversation.  The day was so relaxing.

People watching was about as much fun as anything else.  Watching college guys try to pick up four girls seated not too far from us made us chuckle.  Oh, to be young again, eh?  Not really though.  😉

We stayed until 4pm.  I took one last photo of the beach.  So pretty.

Before we headed home, we ate at a little indoor/outdoor restaurant on the beach.  We’d visited it last year and had enjoyed the food.  My vegetable tacos (salsa, rice and beans, and lettuce) were divine.

As we left, Chicky called.  My heart seriously soared.  I had not talked to her in over a week, much longer than the allotted amount of time.  ❤

When we got home, we had a letter from Rooster waiting in the mail.  He’s doing so well in basic training…really stepping up to the plate.  Missing him is so hard, but hearing that he’s adjusted to a new routine makes things a little easier to bear.  ❤

Saturday was the perfect day.

Filed under: children | Tagged: , , , | 1 Comment »

A Day of Whimsical Fun

Posted on May 17, 2014 by auburnchick

Let us all take a moment to enjoy the sound of me NOT MAKING LESSON PLANS!!!

Yes, folks, that’s right.

My lesson plans for the rest of the school year are finished, as are tests and rubrics.

All remaining assignments have been entered into the computer as placeholders for the grades that will follow over the course of the next fourteen days.

And yes, you read that right…FOURTEEN DAYS!!!!

Thus it was that my day began with guilt-free fun…a bit of pampering.

After looking around on Pinterest, I decided to let my inner child have some fun…

The picture on Pinterest had minions on all ten nails.

Because I’m not quite the poster child for a Walmart shopper…*ahem…I decided to stay Redneck Classy and went with a signature finger on each hand.

My nail tech added polka dots for additional flair.

:::Like I need more flair in my life, eh?!:::

Here’s a closeup of the nails…

Those aren’t stickers.  My nail tech is that fabulous.

When I got home, the Mr. and I ran to the mall at the beach.  I have been wanting a pair of white pants, and I’d seen that Old Navy had them starting at $15.

I didn’t find the pants, but I did find a couple of dresses that fit me perfectly.  After the $5 coupon I got for trying on a pair of shorts (a special deal this weekend), I was set to go…

The next dress is simply lovely on.  The pictures do not do it justice.

I had a bit of trouble getting it zipped up and thought that, perhaps, I was a little too big for the small size I’d chosen; however, the dressing room attendant got the zipper up, and I discovered that the ribcage area is very fitted and almost acts as a support.  It is a VERY flattering dress.

I took a closeup of the lace pattern…

After trying on ten dresses, I was pooped, so the Mr. and I headed home where I got comfy on the couch for a nap.

My phone rang a few minutes later.  It was my friend, Heather.

She’s Scentsy enabler.  The new warmer I’d ordered had come in.  She offered to bring it to my house.

After we hung up, I decided I really wanted the pedicure I’d been thinking of all day, so I called, and my sweet gals told me to come on in.  I called Heather back, and she met me there.

Isn’t this one of the prettiest warmers you’ve ever seen?

She gave me a thank you gift…a free bar of some heavenly smelling wax…her appreciation for referring another friend to her.  This friend has quickly become addicted to Scentsy and has made a few purchases and had a couple of parties.

After Heather left, my nail tech finished my pedicure…

It was a day I needed so desperately.

Despite there only being fourteen days of school left, I have many, many things planned for my kids and will need to be especially flexible as schedules get crazy with Geometry EOCs (End of Course Exams) and a strange Senior Exam schedule (their exams affect EVERYONE at school, regardless of the grade).

 

 

Filed under: Teaching | Tagged: , , , | 2 Comments »

A Spring Time Hodgepodge

Posted on March 19, 2014 by auburnchick

I have been a bad blogger.  The time change kicked my rear last week, and I’m working really hard to get prepped for the week following Spring Break, which I am fortunate to have next week.  I don’t want to work during Spring Break, so I’m putting in the work now.  This is crunch time for teachers in Florida as we prep our students for the FCAT test they will take during April.  Talk about stress!

So, let’s cut to the chase and make our way through Joyce’s questions!

1.  Thursday marks the first day of spring…to celebrate would you rather plant a garden or go for a walk in the woods? Would either of those activities be possible on Thursday where you live?

Oh, I’m going to say neither.  To plant a garden would require energy that I don’t have right now, and walking in the woods calls to mind bugs and all things creepy crawly.  Can I opt to sit on my back porch and read?

2.  When did someone last spring something on you? (or when did you last spring something on someone?)

Honestly, I can’t remember the last time I surprised anyone or anyone surprised me.  I lead a fairly boring life outside of my classroom.

3.  We often think of spring as a time for new beginnings. What’s something you’d like to start doing this spring?

I think I’d like to start going on daily walks around my neighborhood…or perhaps quick bike rides around it.  I have a good bicycle that I paid a lot of money for a number of years ago.  I think a quick trip around the neighborhood would bring a refreshing lift to each crazy day.

4.  Where do you like to sit in a movie theatre? When did you last sit there, and what were you watching?

When I go to the theater, I like to sit about halfway up but near the end.  Hubby needs a quick exit to the restroom because of his Crohn’s, and I don’t really like being boxed in.  I haven’t been to a movie in a long time, because I don’t like the cursing or sexual stuff that directors seem to think is necessary to sell a story.  I am hoping to see Divergent though.  I read the series and loved the books!

5.  When you meet someone for the very first time, what do you want them to think about you?

When I meet someone for the first time, I want them to know I’m a Christian.  I am usually very shy when I meet new people, but I hope that my faith shines through in the way I conduct myself…and that it’s quickly apparent to people when they first meet me.

6.  March is frozen food month (yes, really!). Besides ice cream (gotta make you think a little) what’s your most often purchased frozen food item?

Lately, I’ve been buying frozen pizzas for Rooster to munch on.  I’ve been on a non-cooking streak of late thanks to my over-achieving, over-planning self.  My work is leaving me too exhausted or disinterested in cooking.  Hence, the pizzas.

7.  What’s something you avoid?

I only get to list one thing, Joyce?  Surely you jest!

Things I avoid:

Social situations (whenever possible)
Non-vegan food
Work drama
Movies with sex and cursing
Music about sex
Inappropriate clothing
My mom (sorry for the honesty, but it’s true)

8.  My Random Though

Paydays always equal pampering.  Take a look at the creativity of my nail tech…

I am blessed to be treated so well by a group of sweet gals.  They always make sure I’m comfortable, put up with my rambling, and ensure that I leave them each week as a happy customer.  I ❤ them a lot.

Filed under: This-n-That | Tagged: , | 6 Comments »

Puppy Pampering

Posted on November 16, 2013 by auburnchick

I feel the need to apologize for not writing much of late.

I’ve been incredibly busy with teaching, lesson planning, and grading.  I come home exhausted and without any brain cells left to write with!

I have been teaching my students to write…something I am passionate about…so at least I’ve got an outlet.  Still, I’m missing my blog and my readers!

On Tuesday, students in my district had to write essays based on grade-level responses.

These essays had to be graded.

Guess who got selected to help with this task?

Yep.

I had a half-day sub on Friday and must have graded over 100 essays in two and a half hours.

Although I had dreaded the work, it wound up being a little fun.  Students are simply amazing, and I heard their voices through their written prose.

Afterward, my brain was fried beyond repair, so I headed to my nail salon where I went for something a little wild…a suggestion made by one of my students earlier that day…

It’s my tech’s version of cheetah nails.  I like them a lot!

Today, Gambit got me up early (Rooster is spending the weekend in Auburn for the big game against Georgia).  I was glad, though, because I was able to get stuff for school finished.  I have my first of two observations on Tuesday.  Although I already had my lesson plans finished, everybody knows that we have turn things up a bit when administrators come in.  Truth be told, the observations are good for me, because they make me analyze my plans and incorporate more engaging activities and student reflection opportunities…things I need to be doing EVERY time I teach but sometimes get too tired or lazy (ahem) to do.

I took a break and ran errands.  While at Sams, I found a little something for my fur babies.  I couldn’t wait to get home and surprise them.

Yes, I am a sad creature, am I not?  With my non-furry babies grown and one of them out of the house living on her own, I pour my attention on my dogs.

Take a look at how they responded to the new, PoochPlanet ThermaLuxe (I’m not getting paid to mention the name) dog bed…

A bit of wistfulness entered my heart as I thought about how much Aubie would have loved this.  Sure wish I’d found one like it when she was still here.  I miss her so.  😦

Meanwhile, Gambit took a turn on it…

I don’t think he likes it.

Not one bit.

Pele returned to it early this evening.  He is one of the sweetest, gentlest giants of a dog.  The look on his face is priceless.  That is one happy dog!

I don’t know about you, but pampering my dogs brings a smile to my face when I see their human-like reactions.

Filed under: Pets | Tagged: , , | Leave a comment »

College Gameday

Posted on August 31, 2013 by auburnchick

I have always loved to watch football.

When I was a youngster and had a TV in my room, I would hole up on Sundays and cheer on the Broncos and the Redskins…my favorite teams.  How I selected them, I have no idea (except for the Broncos because I lived in Colorado until I was nine years old).

Growing up in Alabama, you have to choose sides quickly, or if you’re born in Alabama, the choice is made for you according to your parental units’ leanings.  Because I moved to Alabama when I was nine, I got to choose for myself.

I chose wisely.

WAR EAGLE.

It wasn’t long before I got sucked into the Iron Bowl rivalry that was talked about for weeks at school.

This is how I started watching college football.

The Mr. is a hardcore college football fan, and when we got married, there was the unspoken (and sometimes spoken) expectation that I would spend Saturdays glued to the TV, cheering on SEC teams…except for the OTHER school in Alabama, as well.

So I do…quite willingly…for I do love competition and respect athleticism.

With this being the first Saturday of college football this season, I thought I would celebrate accordingly…

Filed under: This-n-That | Tagged: , , | Leave a comment »

School Spirit

Posted on August 18, 2013 by auburnchick

Friday night, I stayed up until 2am working on documents that I will use all year to keep track of everything from attendance to FCAT scores to birthdays.

I also sent a couple of emails to parents, disproving the long-held assumption that high school teachers don’t communicate with parents.

After a mere seven hours of sleep, I got up Saturday morning and headed back to my classroom…but not before eating a piece of pie for breakfast. I woke up thinking about this pie, let me tell you.  It’s THAT delicious (recipe in the book Vegan Pie in the Sky).

I braved very bad weather on my way to school.  We have had so much rain that if God had not promised that He would never destroy the earth with a flood again, I’d think we were experiencing the end times…

You should have seen the pictures my friends were posting.  Trust me.  You were safer where you were.

I pulled right onto our school walkway, under the awning, so I wouldn’t get wet on my way to my building…

You can see the corner of Barb’s car just ahead.  She’s a glutton for punishment too.

Actually, she was waiting for our newest reading teacher to arrive so she could let her into the building to begin the difficult work of getting her classroom settled…with three days left before school begins on Tuesday (the teacher got hired late Thursday/early Friday).

I worked until 3pm and headed home.

To say it’s been a busy few days would be an understatement, which is why I needed some “me” time…in the form of nail treatment.

I met my friends, Barb and Blythe, at our favorite salon.

I took a plate of lemon bars to share with the nail techs.  They are very sweet gals who take great care with their craft.

Barb and I played on Pinterest before settling on our nail designs.

Here is what I got…colors that speak of my love for the school I teach at…

My toes had to match, so I got a polish change and a bit of artwork on them as well…

With my nails all prettied up, I think I can finally begin the task of committing my lesson plans to paper, in electronic format.  Once I get that done, I’ll be ready to welcome my new charges into my room.

Filed under: Teaching, This-n-That | Tagged: , | 1 Comment »

I Feel Pretty

Posted on June 17, 2013 by auburnchick

Boy do I know how to kick off summer vacation!

The last couple of days have been all about pampering.

On Friday, Barb and I had our nails done.  We had spent the evening before texting pictures of nail art back and forth to one another.

I wound up breaking three nails before my appointment the next day, so I opted for a new set of tips.  Although I usually keep my nails a little shorter because of all of the typing I have to do during the school year, I decided to keep them longer this time around.  Plus, keeping my nails longer would allow for a larger “canvas” for my nail tech to do her thing.

Boy did she do her thing!  Lookie…

Oh.  You might have noticed the ring.

Yeah.

It’s Sorrelli…Midnight Moon…to match the necklace, bracelet, and earrings I purchased on Thursday.

:::cough:::

Please take a moment to admire the fine details…

Sigh.

I do love pretty things…especially when there’s sparkle involved.

Here’s a closeup of the nails…

Pretty, eh?

My toes were still sporting red polish from my last trip to the salon.

That simply would not do.  I am of the firm opinion that fingernails MUST match with toenails.

I made an appointment for a pedicure and took Chicky with me to give her some pampering time as well.

Linda, the sweet gal who did my nails the day before, was working again, and she expertly matched my toes with her masterpiece from the day before…

Oh yes, I think the following song sums up my feelings at the moment…

Filed under: This-n-That | Tagged: , , , , , | 1 Comment »

If You Give a Mouse a Cookie…or a Sorrelli Necklace…

Posted on June 14, 2013 by auburnchick

Ever read the book, If You Give a Mouse a Cookie?

Well, I felt a little like the mouse yesterday when I was out and about running errands.

After dropping off some paperwork and picking up my summer pay stubs at school, I decided to stop by a cute boutique one street over.

This boutique is known for its jewelry…its Sorrelli jewelry.

I was on a mission.

I usually am.

I’d discovered a surprise in my paycheck…my Reading Endorsement pay incentive.

It was more than enough to treat myself to something nice plus have money left over to take care of a couple of household things.

I’d been wanting one more set of bling for a while.

I love the Running Water that the Mr. had started me off on…

He’d also bought the matching earrings.

In February, I purchased the necklace after receiving my Fred Jones training money…

I also have Auburn-themed Sorrelli…

Now, though, I wanted a color scheme that would go with the school-themed colors…red, black, and white.

Being an Auburn fan, I could not purchase jewelry with red in it.  Just wasn’t going to happen if I didn’t want the Mr. to change the locks on me.

I walked into the shop and tried on three different colors.

Snow Bunny was the first one, but I didn’t want a pastel stone in the mix since Running Water already has pastels.

I also tried on White Bridal, which was lovely but did not look good up against my skin.

When I put on Midnight Moon, I was in love…

The necklace was shorter and much lighter than the others I’d tried on.  The color, black, with the clear stones looked good against my skin.

Of course, I couldn’t stop with the necklace, so I perused the bracelets…

As I walked to the register, I realized I was forgetting something.

We went back to the counter, and the young gal pulled out a bucket full of earrings!  I tried on quite a few pairs before setting on these…

I was nervous when I thought about what my total would be, so I was surprised when the girl told me that I would get a 15% discount for purchasing three pieces!  I would up saving $37.50, which covered most of the cost of the earrings!

I wore the jewelry out of the store…that’s how pleased I was.

I’m happy because now I have bling to wear with any outfit I select, and I do like to sparkle when I go out.  That’s one thing I’ve picked up from my friends, Barb and Maegan.

Filed under: Teaching, This-n-That | Tagged: , , , , | 3 Comments »

How to Fix Curve Balls

Posted on March 3, 2012 by auburnchick

My week…

Busy, to say the least.

After my observation and post-observation meeting, I got thrown curve balls.

Working so hard had left me so tired that I overslept.  Thanks to a God-led prompt to call home, Chicky woke me up in the nick of time!  Rushing out the door, I had no idea I’d done the following…

Yeah…wearing two different earrings was an accident.

I tried to use the picture as an object lesson for making inferences.

My students, upon looking at it and being asked to tell me what they observed, responded, “Someone old!!”

Curve ball #1.

A friend on Facebook suggested that I wasn’t wearing lipstick in the picture.

I never wear lipstick.

Curve ball #2.

For the record, I’m making a purposeful effort to look younger (can you say Botox?  Just kidding.).  I am, however, trying to remember to wear lipstick.

New technology is on the way, which is requiring the temporary “rearranging” of the furniture in my room…

Though we’d been warned, I was surprised when a gentleman appeared after school and told me that my white board was coming down that afternoon.

My much-loved white board with loads of stuff written on it for the next day…

It’s all for the greater good though, so no complaints here.  Still, it was a curve ball I had to deal with…especially the next morning when I got to school and saw my icky wall…

It kind of looks like a toddler had a bit of fun painting the wall with something sort of nasty (like stuff from a diaper).

My students were a wee bit grossed out, but surprisingly, they managed to function somewhat normally despite everything being moved to the center of the classroom.

That’s because I was breathing deeply to get through the curve balls being thrown my way.

Oh, and let’s not forget Mother Nature unexpectedly showing up.

Sigh.

I’m really ready for menopause.

Curve ball #1,059.

Despite the strange week, my students had been good…especially fourth period.  I rewarded them with these…

They loved the Spiderman rings!

By the end of the week, I was pooped and decided I needed some pampering.

Barb and I headed out to do just that…

Pedicures, fill in’s…it was a great way to cap off a week that was crazy, had unexpected moments, but was overall GREAT!

Filed under: Teaching | Tagged: , | 4 Comments »

Holiday Pampering

Posted on December 18, 2011 by auburnchick

What does a mama do while she waits for her Chickie to get home from college?

Hmmm…it sure didn’t take me long to find something to keep me occupied…

It was even more fun when my friend, Barb, came with me. We had a wonderful time…ate lunch before heading to the nail salon.

She chose to get her toes done.

Mine were not in good shape, so I opted for the fingernails…asking the sweet little girl to add a decoration…

The polish is “Dear Santa” by OPI.  It has sparkles in it.  It’s no surprise that Barb quickly gravitated to it!

Yes, you’re also seeing a jewel in the middle.

Look at me and my fancy self.

Don’t be a hater.

Go pamper YOURSELF before indulging in other holiday fun.

Filed under: This-n-That | Tagged: , , | Leave a comment »

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