Prompt: Holiday

suggested by Egyptian Home

"Are you looking forward to the next holiday? Why or why not?"

I AM looking forward to the next holiday.  Tomorrow will be Thanksgiving.  This has become my favorite holiday.  There are no gifts to exchange, there is no pressure to do things "just right," and for our family there is not a lot of people.  We have sort of made it a tradition to hang out with my parents on Thanksgiving, at their house with just the six of us.  We prepare a ham since my mom is allergic to poultry, but we also have turkey.  I'd even be okay with skipping the turkey.

Oh, and before you ask.... NO, I am NOT participating in Black Friday shopping.  Not on Thanksgiving afternoon, as many of the stores are promoting, and not on Friday, either.  I'm staying home and relaxing!

Homeless

Prompt:  You meet a homeless person on the street. Do you give them money? Why?

I cannot bring myself to give somewhat money straight out.  I do, however, help homeless people as often as I can.  Unfortunately I just don't trust that the money I give will help the homeless person directly.  Maybe I have just come to understand that some people just aren't honest.  Either way, if I do help the homeless it is either to buy them food directly or to take them something they need like a blanket or clothing.  I am generous, but my own financial situation being what it is, I just can't afford to give money.

Room Mom

I'm so excited.  I have an official room mom for my classroom now!  At the beginning of the year we had to choose a room mom, and I had a couple of volunteers.  The one I picked, though, wasn't very involved.  Being a fairly new teacher I didn't really want to tell her that I needed more, and I really didn't know what she was supposed to do, anyway.

Last week I got a new student, and the mom said she had always been involved in the daughter's classroom, often as the room mom.  She asked if I needed any help, especially with the holidays coming up. Do I ever!  The first task I set my new room mom to was updating our bulletin board.  We are supposed to put up a new board monthly, and my November bulletin board was a bit behind.  I explained what I wanted, and our room mom went straight to work.  Wow!  It looks like a professional came in and put together our board, titled, "We Are Thankful For the Seven Habits."  I will share pictures soon.

This week the sixth grade teachers are putting together a Thanksgiving feast for our students.  We had asked for children to bring in dishes to pass, but we needed dinner rolls to make turkey sandwiches.  We got only a couple packages pledged, and I always worry that food won't show up when parents sign up.  I asked my room mom to call parents and see if we can get sixty rolls more (about ten packages) so each student and volunteer can have a sandwich.  She said not to worry- she will pick up the rolls.  I can't believe her generosity, as I know this will cost about $30.  I don't know how to thank her enough.

Our new room mom is already talking about the Christmas party for our classroom, and I definitely have no worries.  I can be completely hands-off and focus on lessons between now and then.  What a wonderful relief for a teacher.  I know my students will be taken care of, AND I can put my attention and effort where I need to.  I love having an official room mom!

School

I may possibly be the worst teacher-mom in the world.  As a teacher, I know there are certain things I "should" be doing for my daughters, but I don't.  Call me lazy, call me busy, call me what you will, but to be honest I just don't place the same value on certain school activities that others do.

Parent/ teacher conference time rolled around, and I simply didn't want to go.  I didn't want to rush from my teaching job to go into a meeting to hear that the girls were doing great and their teachers love them.  It's the same thing year after year, and frankly I know what it feels like from the other side, too.  "Here is a sample of the work your child is producing, I really have no concerns, let's move on."  Seriously, in this day and age of on-line grade books there is not much left to say face to face.  I see the homework the girls are doing, and I can see how they are progressing when I ask questions about what they are doing in school.  So, I checked the box that said, "No conference needed at this time" rather than scheduling an appointment.

Curriculum night was the same.  I know what should be and is covered in fourth and sixth grades.  I was somewhat interested in attending the sixth grade session so I could steal ideas of how Andrea's school is handling book reports, reading requirements, math differentiation, etc. so I could use the ideas in my own classroom.  I figured I'll see all of it as Andrea brings it home, though, so I again decided not to fly from my job to their school.  We did, however, attend the science camp meeting that same night so Andrea would be prepared for her experience.

I know I should be requiring the girls to practice math facts every night for at least five minutes, study their spelling words, and study for tests.  But I don't.  After they get home from school at 4 pm, do their assigned homework, and eat dinner, it is usually approaching 6:00.  They go to bed at 8:00 and have 30 minutes of reading to do once they crawl into bed.  I really have a hard time asking them to tack 30 minutes onto their requirements, on top of the chores they need to get done as well.   They need time to be kids.  Besides, I like playing Just Dance 4 with them.  The sooner they can get to the fun, the better.

Lies

I recently read the following question:  "Is it possible to lie without saying a word?"  I really thought about it, though I instictively knew the answer was ABSOLUTELY.  Why, then, did I have to think?  Well, I thought about what I lie about without saying anything.  I think we all do it at some point or another.

What is it that I lie about?  I don't stand up for what I truly believe in.  I don't speak out when I see something that I know is against my personal opinion in the name of playing nice.  I don't want to hurt other people's feelings or get in an arguement that may damage a relationship.  So I don't always share how I feel about topics, especially regarding religion and politics.

I am aware of this, but to be honest I'm not willing to change it.  On certain things I have my own thought processes, and I will continue to keep them mostly to myself.  Maybe it's because I don't want to be judged, or maybe it's because I'm not willing to explain my position.  I don't really know the reason.

So there you have it.  I am not honest 100% of the time on political or religious views.  I will ride the fence if I have to in order to avoid an awkward conversation.  I hope I haven't offended anyone in my effort to not be offensive!

Prompt: Proud

Question:  What have you done that you are truly proud of?

I think we all know how proud I am of going back to school to get my degree in education and starting my career in teaching.  That is a personal accomplishment I am proud of.  There is, however, something I am even more proud of, but it is not something I can claim on my own.

Together with Daniel I have built an incredible family.  Our daughters are amazing!  They are smart, funny, and beautiful. They are kind and caring.  Our lives have not been perfect.  Many times I would say it has been a struggle.  Through it all, though, the girls have never stopped being an inspiration.  I am truly proud that our family has stuck together and we are happy.

Citizenship Test

I found this floating around Facebook on the 4th of July, and I just had to share it with you.  Can you pass this test?  I think it's amazing that we expect incoming citizens to know so much more than what we expect of our graduating high school or college students.  Go ahead, give it a try!

Prompt: I Changed My Mind

Question:  What's something you changed your mind about when you grew older?

As most readers know, I graduated from college when I was 36-years-old.  If you had asked me ten years before what I would be doing in 2011, it certainly wouldn't have been student teaching and preparing for a career in education.  Frankly, when I married Daniel I thought I would be quite content being a stay-at-home mom and a housewife.  

As both of my girls were getting ready to be in school full-time I realized I was pretty bored at home.  I would never have done well staying at home without a purpose.  Please don't get me wrong, I'm not saying that anyone who stays at home with children in school is lacking purpose.  For ME, though, it didn't feel right.  When I ran into a teacher of mine from junior high, I knew what it was I wanted to do with my life.

Moving On

This past weekend I was on Facebook, and I was getting so frustrated.  See, I've joined a lot of mental health sites, and on some of them I get valuable information.  For the most part, though, I've come to get frustrated with the posts I see.  People write in to ask questions that just seem silly to me.  It seems like they are looking for attention or are intentionally heading down a path of self-destruction.

Then it hit me:  I am so fed up with the sites because I'm ready to move on.  I have taken all I can from the information, and have done all the processing needed.  I talked to Daniel about it, and he said he felt the same.  We have learned as much as we can about bipolar.  We have set up routines and a lifestyle that works for us.  We have put support systems and backup plans into place.  Most of all, we have come to rely on each other and to accept the reality of our lives together.  We are no longer afraid.

I guess this is yet another example of how Daniel and I have coped with life changes since the time we got together.  We process a problem, find out what we have to do to face it, then start taking the steps necessary to make life work.  Once we can figure out how to make the best out of life with the situation we have, we stop worrying about it.  It took nine months for us to figure this one out, but we are here.

We are incredibly fortunate that Daniel has come so far so quickly.  We realize that there will be speed bumps along the road.  The medications that are working great right now will not be so effective in a couple of months or years.  We don't know when that might be.  We'll worry about it at the time, though.  Yes, life has its crappy parts, but for now bipolar is under control.

Prompt: No Plans

Question:  What's your favorite thing to do when you have no plans?

It is very rare that we don't have plans, but when we find ourselves with nothing to do I love sitting in our living room with my family.  We each find our own things to do, yet we are together.  I may be playing on one computer, while Daniel plays on the other.  The girls might be playing the Wii or watching a show on Netflix.  One of us might be reading or playing with the dogs.  No matter what we each find to do, it is nice to unwind and relax.  Eventually we all come together, either playing a board game or the Wii, watching a movie, or cleaning the house.  Family time doesn't have to be forced togetherness.  It just kind of happens for us.

Happy Birthday Daniel!

Today is Daniel's 34th birthday.  I can't believe we got together when he was only 20.  I don't feel like we've changed a whole lot until I look back on pictures of our first year together.  Man, have we gotten old!

Life has certainly changed since Daniel's last birthday.  Daniel started a new business.  He is partnering with a friend of his to offer landscape services and handyman services.  The two of them work together on all the jobs.  It keeps them company, they encourage each other, and they can bounce business ideas off each other.  I wasn't sure how I felt about the partnership at first, but I am slowly coming around to it.

Daniel's bipolar diagnosis in March has made a world of difference in our lives.  Even though the first few months were hell, the doctor seems to have the medication issue under control for the moment.  I think there will always be adjustments and changes, but for the most part I am able to recognize patters and encourage Daniel to call the doctor and find out what can be done.  We don't let things spiral out of control to the point they seem like something we can't handle.

I don't know where we will be another year from now, but I'm looking forward to finding out.  Happy Birthday Daniel!

My Little Girl Turns 10

As usual with my posting, this is coming a bit late, but that's okay.  It just means that we've been busy living life, and I haven't had as much time to play on the computer and write as I have in the past.  That's actually good news!

On Monday my youngest daughter turned ten years old.  I don't know where the time has gone.  Some days it seems like it was just yesterday we brought that girl home.  I can still remember standing in the driveway arguing with Daniel about boys names just minutes before leaving for the hospital.  "You better hope this is a girl, or we might be coming home with a child with no name!"  Other days it seems like it should have been twenty years ago already.  We've gone through so much as a family.

Ten years ago Daniel stood over Amber's bassinet in the delivery room urging her to breathe.  At thirty seconds old she had not yet cried, worrying the doctor and her anxious parents.  At one minute, she finally decided she was going to join us in life and let out her first holler.  Now, when I can't get her to stop shouting, I remember how happy I was to hear that sound in a different context.  I try to remember to be thankful for all the ups and downs in her life, because it means she HAS life.

That wasn't the end of Amber's breathing problems, either.  At three months old she was panting like a dog.  Doctor after doctor couldn't figure out what was happening, and our pediatrician spent hours on the phone with doctors across the country.  We took Amber to visit my brother in California, and she suddenly stopped doing her funny breathing and never did it again.  When we visited the pediatrician he said he was glad, because to be honest all he was coming up with was a fatal disease.  Yet another example of Amber's determination.

Today our girl is healthy and strong.  Her main love is karate, and she loves to cook.  My parents got her a dancing gorilla that plays "Kung Fu Fighting" for her birthday.  She says it is her new best friend.  I wish I saw Amber with more human friends, but I think that will come in time.  Daniel and I got Amber some cooking gadgets, a couple of cookbooks for kids (thanks again Mira!), and a homemade cookbook with recipes I found online and from other sources.  For her birthday dinner, Daniel handed her the ingredients for tacos and told her to go for it.  That night she said she was so happy she could cry.  She hand washed all her gadgets and cleaned up the kitchen, saying she had a great birthday.  I sure wouldn't be happy if I had to make my own birthday dinner, but to each their own!

I wonder where life will take us in the next ten years.  I can't believe my youngest daughter is more than half-way to adulthood.

Prompt: Qualities of a Friend

Prompt:  What are the top three qualities you look for in a friend?

I have to tell you that I don't really sit and think about this too much when I am forming relationships.  It either happens or it doesn't.  Maybe I'm strange and need to be more selective.  I prefer to think that the world will just sort itself out in time.  I will pretty much hang around anyone.  If I find I don't care for that person the relationship fizzles and we stop seeing each other.  Others I may not see for weeks or months, but when we do get together it's like we just saw each other the day before.  Some of my friends, though, I talk to either by text, Facebook, or in person just about daily.  I can't really say one is better than the other, just different.

In my mind, the same is true for qualities in a friend.  I could tell you I look for someone with a sense of humor.  That's not necessarily true, though.  Some of my friends are very serious, some are hilarious.  Each fill a different need at various times.  I could go on and on about the qualities my friends have.  The bottom line is that they each care about me and I care about them.  That is really the most important aspect of a person I call friend.

Disc Golf

Photo Credit

I have found a new love, a new hobby, a new interest.  Call it what you will, my eyes have been opened to a whole new world.  Disc golf- just like you would imagine by the name, people try to put a flying disc into a bucket.  It's a combination of Frisbee and golf.  

When my brother was here visiting he took Daniel and I out to play.  What great way to pass some time!  Disc golf was a fantastic way to enjoy the fresh air together.  It is a sport that allows people to talk and interact while competing or sharing a friendly game.  This is one thing I really enjoyed about the game.

Some benefits from playing disc golf include a full-body workout, time away from the TV and couch, and a relatively inexpensive experience.  I was amazed at how sore I was after playing the game.  It's not just the throwing arm that gets used.  Disc golf includes walking and bending as well.  The nice part, though, is that this can be taken at your own pace. Arthritic joints don't have to be stressed by quick movements.  The sport can be leisurely or fast-paced.

Fred, my brother, also took my parents out to play.  They enjoyed the game as well.  This Christmas the "big" gift for the girls will be a set of disks so the six of us can play golf together.  I'm looking forward to having something fun to play and to be active outdoors.  I think the girls will be frustrated with the game at first, but once they get the hang of it I can see us playing often.  In our area there are several courses, so we definitely have a lot to explore!

What is a new game, activity, or sport that you have discovered lately?

Prompt: Never Say Never

Question:  What's something you said you'd never do, but have since done?

Never say never.  This is definitely some sage advice.  I really try not to make generalizations anymore.  I know that there are always circumstances that could change my mind.  There are reasons people do things that I may not understand, but maybe it's better that I don't.  To walk in someone else's shoes and see why they do certain things may be too painful.  

I know there are things Daniel and I do that people don't understand.   Like days on end of eating fast food because life is piling up on us too quickly.  "But preparing food at home isn't that difficult," the health blogs say.  True.  Very true- for many people in most situations.  Sometimes for us, though, just getting food of any sort on the table can be a challenge when the two of us are dealing with stress coming from a combination of mental illness, physical pains, and stress.  

What have I done I thought I never would?  I had sworn I would never again open myself up to be hurt the way I was ten years ago when I told someone something wasn't right with my husband and my marriage.  I was made to feel inferior and that there was something wrong with me.  I was never again going to tell a living soul that I was going through hell with ups and downs my husband experienced and  I didn't understand.  I'm glad that by Daniel taking a risk and seeking treatment I was forced to share with SOMEONE and that I also opened up in the blogging world.  I never thought I could find support like I have.

Prompt: Worth It While It Lasted

Question:  What didn't last forever, but was still worth your while?

I pretty much believe that everything I do is worth my while.  I don't have regrets.  Have I always made the wisest choices?  No, but even those decisions were worth my time because I learned from them.  It's all in how you look at making mistakes and being confident in moving forward in life.

A few of the bigger lessons I learned:

1.  Don't move in with your boyfriend at age 18 if your family is saying there is something weird about him.
2.  No matter how much you love someone, don't follow him or her down a path you know is not allowing you to be the best you can be.

3.  If, within the first twelve hours of being married (husband #1; not Daniel) you know it is a mistake, go for the annulment, no matter how embarrassed you will be.
4.  Don't wait for "the perfect time" for anything.  There never is a perfect time.  If you dream it, go for it!
5.  Life your life for you.  NO ONE else has to walk in your shoes.  No one else knows how the events in your life have shaped you.  In the end, YOU are the one you have to please!

Promt: Message

Question:  If you had the opportunity to get a message across to a large group of people, what would your message be?

There are a couple messages that I work on spreading, but I guess they all fall under one general concept:  Stop hating each other, stop judging what you don't know, and work on being kind.  Really, it makes me sick to see how selfish our society has become.  I read an article not too long ago that said we are 40% less compassionate than we were a couple decades ago.  I'm not sure how they measured that, but frankly that's a pretty scary statistic, even if you cut that percentage in half.

People seem to feel the need to shove their religion, their opinions, and their thoughts down the throats of others.  If you don't agree with me, the thinking goes, you are wrong and don't deserve to be in this world.  What happened to tolerating differences, and trying to understand where others are coming from?  I honestly think if we would stop trying to make everyone the same this world would be much better off.

Who Are You? Part 2

Continued from Who Are You?  

8. To which social class do you belong? 
Um.... the VERY, VERY, VERY lower middle class, I guess.  Are there even social classes left in America?  Really, you either have enough to support you and three other families, or you struggle, it seems.

9. Do you have any allergies, diseases, or other physical weaknesses?
Well, this list could just go on and on. 

I have what some doctors refer to as seasonal asthma.  Really I just have terrible seasonal allergies and tend to get sick twice a year as the weather changes.  Funny, though, I haven't really had that problem since having shingles.  Daniel and I have both noticed that I will have some of the symptoms I had when I had the shingles, but on a much lesser scale, but not the allergy symptoms.  Hmmmmm.....

I have endometriosis and hypothyroidism to name a few diseases.  I've had both of those so long that when I'm feeling miserable I don't even think to attribute my weaknesses to those two issues.  They both do cause a lot of trouble, though.  I just don't think about it.

As far as physical weaknesses, I am definitely not at 100% after having shingles, and by now I know I never will be.  I've come to accept that.  Now I have a healed fracture in my tailbone and one in my elbow to add to the list.  I'll work around those, though.  I only hope I will be able to lift weights again at the gym soon.  I don't want to lose strength in that arm permanently.  My new goal is to be using my arm as if nothing ever happened by the end of the year.

10. Are you right- or left-handed?
I am right-handed.  My left hand is pretty useless.  Since breaking my arm, though, I hope to change that.  I am going to take advantage of this opportunity to really strengthen that side of my body since I have to be working during torture sessions anyway.

11. What does your voice sound like?
I have no idea.  You tell me.  I know I can't STAND my voice when I hear it on a recording.  It sounds squeeky and whiny, which doesn't match my personality at all.  Daniel likes to listen to me talk when I'm sick with a cold and get that husky voice.  

12. What words and/or phrases do you use very frequently? 
Seriously?  
Straight and silent (when my class is in a line)
I'm sure there are a few that I use often, but I really can't think of any right now.

13. What do you have in your pockets?
I am sitting in my pajamas right now, so I don't have pockets.  I generally don't stick too much in there, though, except for my cell phone.

14. Do you have any quirks, strange mannerisms, annoying habits, or other defining characteristics?
Of course; we all do.  I pick at my fingernails, though I don't bite them so much anymore.  I fold my hands when I am nervous or don't have anything else to do with them.  I'm sure there are a bunch more, too.

Prompt: I Disagree

Prompt:  What's something a lot of people do that you disagree with?

For the most part I try not to judge people and their choices.  Sure, there are things that really bother me, but I really do attempt to keep my opinion to myself.  Well, okay.... I do discuss it with Daniel, too.  It does offer a good measurement of how I am conducting my own life, though.  The choices that I agree with encourage me to continue down the same path.  Those I disagree with lead me to reexamine what I am doing to be sure I am not making the same mistakes.

There is one thing that I absolutely CANNOT understand that I see a lot of people do- letting their kids their kids run wild in a grocery store, library, or other public place.  I know parenting is difficult.  I know that there are times when the kids have been cooped up, the parents have a lot on their minds, and their are a lot of other distractions.  The point of childhood, though, is to learn to be appropriate adults.

Teaching children concepts such as using an inside voice, saying excuse me when they run into someone, or walking rather than running seem to be uncommon.  I've noticed this inside the schools, too.  Children walk right past trash on the floor without even considering picking it up, push past each other without regard for the other person, and run through the halls like their hair is on fire, screaming at the top of their lungs.  Many teachers don't even stop to say anything anymore.  I am considered the strict teacher who will ask students to behave appropriately in the hallways.  I don't understand this and remind everyone who questions me that the school belongs to all of us.  Each of us has a right to a clean, safe environment, just as we do in public.

Prompt: It's All Mine

Prompt:  What is one thing no one can take away from you?

There is one thing that absolutely no one can take away from me.  It is all mine no matter what else happens in this lifetime.  That is my education.  In 1997 I graduated from Mesa Community College with an Associate's degree in Administration of Justice.  Although I was proud of the accomplishment, it didn't really have the effect my Bachelor's degree, thirteen years later, did.

When I returned to college at age 33 I was a wife, mother, and business owner.  For about a year I took classes part-time to get into the habit of being a student.  When I could no longer take courses at the community college level I realized that I had to take the plunge into adding full-time student to my list of hats I wore.  

Although my family was incredibly supportive, and we all had to make adjustments, the truth is that I was the only one in charge of getting to class, studying, and getting my homework done.  I made the commitment to getting straight A's, and I was the one who decided to take classes year-round so I could finish as quickly as possible and move on to building a career.  When I walked across the stage at my graduation, I knew this was one accomplishment that no one could ever take away.

Scared Stiff

Well, we've finally had one tantrum too many.  Every day is chaos in our home, never knowing when the screaming, yelling, and fighting will happen.  Today we had both had enough, and we decided to do something about it.

From before Daniel was diagnosed with bipolar, we wondered if Amber might have an issue.  There are times she is the sweetest girl on the block.  When she is angry, though..... watch out!  It seems lately the angry side is coming out more and more.  Not just angry, but a little "off."  It's sad, and it's scary.

So many of the arguments with Amber are child-versions of the arguments I had with Daniel over the years.  She doesn't remember us telling her to do something, she doesn't remember a conversation we had about something that occurred the day before, she won't help around the house... the list goes on.  I think I am overly frustrated because I've seen this same issues before and wasn't able to solve the problems then.  Daniel is frustrated, it seems, because Amber is just a bit too much like him.  Essentially we are saying the same thing.  We are both worried Amber has bipolar disorder.

Once we made the decision for Amber to be seen by a doctor, we knew we wanted her to be seen as soon as possible.  I know; it seems goofy to have waited so long only to be in a rush.  But now it's that silly waiting game that I don't do well with.  Just tell me what the problem is and how to fix it already!  The appointment is less than a week away; next Wednesday.  I'll let you know how it goes.

Prompt: More Time

Prompt:  What do you need to spend more time doing?

I need to spend more time playing with my girls.  That answer definitely did not take much time to come up with.  The last year has been packed with events that have forced us to just get by in life.  We are busy doing this or doing that, it seems like we don't slow down often enough.  My hope for the next year, now that things are starting to settle, is that we will be able to hang out more often doing activities we all enjoy.

Daniel and I actually spend a lot of time with the girls, but it is always task focused.  We're running Amber to karate or running errands together.  We are cooking dinner or working on homework and chores.  I want to play games, watch movies, and eat fun foods.  These are things we used to do before life got crazy.  I miss those boring routines we used to follow.

Part of that is simply that the girls are growing up.  They want more time away from the house, so they have a more condensed time frame to take care of their responsibilities.  Part of it is that Daniel and I are both working so there isn't a stay-at-home parent to pick up the bulk of the responsibility.  We all have to pitch in when we are together.  Part of it is that we follow a strict bedtime and sleeping schedule now, so there is no late-night cramming.  I wish we could add a few more hours to the day.  Then again, don't we all?

Happy Halloween!

Well, my husband pointed out this weekend that what used to be one of my favorite holidays is now a dreaded event to be ignored.  Teaching will do that to a person, I think.  I REALLY, REALLY don't like Halloween anymore.  I loved it when the kids were little and we could spend the whole day letting them run around in their costumes.  I especially love my memories of when Alex lived with us and Daniel and I took him to the pumpkin festival and Schneff Farms.  Oh, and the day we went to the parade at the library.  Now, however, Halloween has lost its magic.

This year my brother is in town visiting.  We had planned to go trick-or-treating with him, and on Saturday we went in search of costumes because our original home-made plans weren't working out so well.  We went to Goodwill because the price of costumes in the stores is enough to turn me as white as a Halloween ghost.  We spent close to an hour in Goodwill, looking through the costumes and talking about what we wanted to do.  Before long we had $30 worth of costume in the cart.  What?!  Why in the world does it have to cost so much for two kids to run around collecting candy that they really don't need?

After walking around the store for a few more minutes I finally looked at the girls and asked if they were really excited about trick-or-treating this year.  Andrea flat out said no.  She wasn't interested.  Amber, always holding out for what might be better, wondered what the catch was.  I pitched my idea of baking cookies with Uncle Fred instead of walking around the neighborhood.  I even threw in a bag of candy of the girls' choosing so they wouldn't miss out.  Andrea jumped on the idea.  Amber countered with the provision that she gets to pass out the candy to the trick-or-treaters who come to the door.  Deal!

So, we are starting a different tradition of staying home and hanging around with family.  We are not spending money on costumes that will be worn for a night and forgotten.  Somehow we keep finding more and more ways to do family activities rather than follow the traditions of the season.  I wonder if this is because the girls are growing up or if it has more to do with Daniel and I not being thrilled about holidays.  Either way, we are making the days ours, doing what works for us, and that feels much better than doing what is expected just to fit in.

Oh, and from a teacher's perspective.... the day AFTER Halloween is the WORST!  The kids have been up late, they have eaten way too much candy, and they want to sneakily eat more during class.  This year I took  today and tomorrow off to visit with my brother.  I think this may have to be a yearly tradition!  There's always SOMEONE I can visit with on those days.  *Grin*  Enjoy your Halloween, no matter how you choose to celebrate!

Who Are You?

Sunday Stealing: The Who Are You Meme
  
1. What is your biggest pet peeve?
My biggest pet peeve is when stores advertise something for .99 cents.  Mathematically this is 99/100 of a penny, or not quite one cent.  What they really mean is $.99, which is 99/100 of a dollar or 99 cents.  I have actually called a few stores on it and asked for my not-quite a penny item.  Some stores have been frustrated and given me the items for free, some just didn't understand what I was trying to say.  One manager actually told me "everyone is advertising this way now" because this is what the general public understands.  And we wonder why our country just keeps getting stupider and stupider.  Instead of explaining to people how the math works, we just change the math for the people.  

2. Where and when were you born?
I just celebrated my 38th birthday.  I was born in a small town in Northern Illinois.

3. Where did your parents meet?
My parents met when my dad came to do some work on my step-grandfather's motorcycle, I think.

4. Do you have any siblings? What are/were they like in four words?
I have one brother.  He is smart, loving, and good looking.

5. Where do you live now, and with whom?
I live in Central Arizona with my husband and two daughters.

6. What is your occupation? 
I am a 6th grade elementary school teacher.

7. Write a full description of yourself. 
Wow, for someone who blogs, you would think this question would be easy.  That's all I do is talk about myself on here.  But, with the "spotlight" on, it's pretty tough.  Okay, I am short and fat, and my hair is starting to get gray.  I like to wear my hair in a ponytail, so it is on the longer side, though I found that when it gets too long it becomes too heavy.  I love to talk to people one-on-one, but I don't like large crowds.  I am fairly blunt in the fact that I tell things the way I see them, especially if asked.  

I hope you've enjoyed getting to know a little more about me.  Watch for Part 2 coming soon!

Prompt: What Could Society Do Without?

In my opinion, the biggest thing society could do without is the judgement and hatred we spread.  It is so frustrating to me to see how many people are hurt by ideas that are set in stone.  "X" is a bad action, so "Y" must be a bad person.  Why?  What happened to (borrowing from a religious view) "Hate the sin, love the sinner?"

The biggest example I have of this is the gay marriage debate.  I don't talk about it often, but I support gay marriage.  I don't for one fraction of one second believe that someone else being married makes any difference to my marriage.  It does not make my marriage any less important.  What DOES make me sick about marriage is the celebrities who get married, spending hundreds of thousands of dollars, then get divorced weeks or months later.   Marriage is not a game!  

This is only one example of many in which we can't seem to stop hating each other in this society.  We are allowed to disagree.  That is for sure.  But spitting on people, telling them they are going to go to hell if they disagree with you, and shoving our own views down the throats of others isn't going to help.  We really do need to work together for this world to work.  Why not accept each other's differences and move on?  

I think a quote I saw recently sums it up best:  "Promote what you love instead of bashing what you hate."  Unfortunately I have no idea who to credit for that quote.  By promoting what we love we are putting our thoughts and ideas out there for others to learn from.  I'll admit that I've changed my mind a few times based on a really well developed support.  Bashing, on the other hand, turns people away and makes them immediately defensive.  That is no way to have a conversation or to try to change the world.  Let's think about how we can spread encouragement and hope rather than negativity and disgust.

Broken Arm

In an earlier post I promised to tell you about my broken arm.  Ug, what an experience!  Compared to breaking my arm, my tailbone was nothing.  The arm hurts much worse and is taking so much longer to heal.

I was at work (who would have thought teaching is a dangerous job, right?) when I went to step between the grass and the basketball court.  My foot caught the edge of the cement, and I went down hard and fast.  I caught myself with my left arm, bounced a bit, then caught myself again.  A couple teachers came rushing over right away to make sure I was okay and to help me up, but I asked them to let me sit for just a moment.

My ankle hurt immediately, so I honestly thought I had done damage to my ankle.  However, the pain there quickly went away.  My arm was bothering me, though, so rather than allowing any of the teachers to assist me I got up from the ground on my own so no one would touch me.  That should have been my first indication that something was really wrong.

By the time I had walked to my classroom, I knew I needed to see a doctor.  I was holding my arm as close to my body as I could, and every movement was painful.  I went to the office to notify my supervisor, and she told me we actually have an EMT that works as an instructional aide at our school so she would send him over to take a look at me.  I think he was actually sent to distract me while they decided where I was going to go (hospital or urgent care) as it was already decided that I needed medical attention.  The aide said I needed to see the doctor right away, and it was decided the principal of the school was going to drive me to urgent care rather than waiting for my husband who was an hour or more away.  That was a fun ride!

I actually enjoyed my time with the principal, truth be told.  We got to chat on an entirely different level, both on the ride to the urgent care and in the waiting room.  When Daniel showed up, though, I was definitely ready to lean on my husband who has always taken care of me, though, and the principal went back to school.

It turned out I have a radial head fracture.  One of the bones that leads into your elbow has a ball at the end of it.  At the top of that ball I have a break, and I have actual compressed the bone by a couple of millimeters.  I was sent to see an arm specialist to make sure I didn't need surgery.  Fortunately he said I do not.  I AM, however, subjected to torture sessions (physical therapy) twice each week.  I have to admit, I went from not using my arm at all three weeks ago when I started torture to using it at about 75% normally, so I can't complain.  I can't wait until I can start lifting weights at the gym!

Prompt: What Do You Want to Remember Forever?

I, of course, want to remember the same things every mother wants to remember:  the days my children were born, their first days of Kindergarten, and special moments in their lives.  As they get older I hope to remember their first dates, their high school graduations, and their weddings.

As a wife, I want to remember the first months of my relationship with Daniel.  They were definitely unique compared to the dating experiences of most people.  I hope to remember the joy we shared when we decided to get married, our wedding and wedding receptions, and all the moments that are special as we grow old together.

Monday Quiz- October 22

I've missed the link-up, and it is WAY past Monday, but I wanted to share this with you anyway.  I love these for getting to know each other.  Here are some things you may not have known about me.

1. How often do you shop for groceries? Do you shop in one place or many?
Daniel and I are definitely creatures of habit and like to get right to the point.  Therefore, we shop at the same grocery store every week, with an occasional week off to go to Super Target if we don't need meat.  We shop once every weekend, shooting for Saturday. 

2. How old were you when you had your first taste of alcohol?
I was 18 when I had my first taste of alcohol.  I had a couple of beers before the legal drinking age, but for the most part I didn't care for drinking.  If my mom asks, though..... I was 21.  I'm kidding.  We all did stupid stuff when we were younger.

3. How much TV do you watch? 
I don't watch a whole lot of TV.  There are about five shows I like to follow, and we usually watch them on Hulu either after work or during the weekends.  I almost never watch live TV unless it is the news.

4. How do you relieve stress?
I enjoy playing on my computer.  In the morning before work it allows me to give myself the gift of "me time." In the evenings it allows me to turn off teacher mode and again offers some time to relax.  I think my computer has been my stress reliever since I was sick with shingles and couldn't do much more.  I am, however, starting to get to the gym to work out occasionally.

Catching Up

So, what's been happening since I've been gone?  Well, the short version is that there have not been any huge events.  That, in many ways is good.

I have finished my first quarter of school, and the girls have just finished their Fall Break which marks the end of the first quarter for them as well.  There were a few large ups and downs with my school, mostly due to me learning what the school stands for and them learning who I am as a person and a teacher.  I think everything will be okay.  I still have a positive outlook on the school, and I do believe they stand for all they said they do.  That was a huge fear of mine when I first got hired.  I do think, though, that my idea of high expectations is a little different than just about anyone else's in the known universe.  I still can't figure that part out and will have to do some soul searching.

Daniel is doing well with his treatment.  We discovered he had a very large issue with anxiety, and the doctor got him started on some medication for that.  What an amazing change there!  We did have an argument a little more than a week ago because I was starting to see some old patterns and symptoms.  I finally told Daniel that he needed to call the doctor; it wasn't a suggestion anymore.  The doctor zeroed in on the fact that Daniel wasn't getting eight hours of sleep each night and said those symptoms were probably due to that.    He increased one of Daniel's medications that help him sleep.  Sure enough, the symptoms are fading as Daniel starts to get a solid night of sleep.  It is incredible what a difference sleep can make.  The BIG problem now is Daniel's snoring.  I'll write about that soon.  Let's just say that after three nights on the couch I'm ready to invest in some ear plugs.  Any suggestions?

Amber just got her purple belt in karate.  I can't believe she has been practicing for a year and a half now.  That really is a long time to stick with something for a girl her age.

Andrea is loving drama club and has asked to attend a performing arts charter school near us.  We are actually considering it since a friend of ours has enrolled her daughter.  I was worried the performing arts part would overshadow academics, but in the school "regular" subjects come first.  Our friend's daughter has had an amazing boost in self esteem and attitude toward school.  It might just be the thing for Andrea.

I'll write more about each of these subjects soon.  I'm so glad to be back to blogging.  I can't wait to catch up with all of you!

Prompt: What I've Learned About Me

I recently learned that I am much stronger than I would have given myself credit for.  In the past year I have had a few blows- both physical and emotional.  Each of these instances showed me that I can get through just about anything with hard work, determination, and most importantly, taking things days by day.

First I had shingles that were the worst case any of my doctors had seen.  I spent four days in the hospital, had a terrible fight with the medication I was put on, and recovered with just enough time to get a job before the school year started.  It took four months to recover to the point I was ready to work, and I am still struggling with some aspects of the recovery more than a year and a half later.

In March we found out Daniel has bipolar disorder.  Once I finally said something about wanting him to seek treatment because I suspected this to be an issue in our marriage, life became a whirlwind.  Every moment I wasn't working seemed to be focused on getting Daniel stable and learning to live life differently.  I am so glad Daniel got diagnosed and has started treatment.  I wouldn't say we had a terrible life or marriage before this, but being able to see how much better it can be (and is becoming) is really eye-opening.

In July I slipped on a rug and dislocated my tailbone.  That was even more painful than the shingles.  The pain is intense, and with the shingles I was able to stay fairly still and allow the pain to subside.  You would not believe how much you use your tailbone area!  Even lifting my laptop could bring a shock of pain.  

Finally, in August I broke my arm (oh, yeah... I'll tell you about that soon).  Holy cow has that been an experience!  I have three physical therapy sessions left, but I'm still not rotating my arm properly, and I'm not using it naturally.  More than likely I'll be sent to a few more torture sessions before being released from the doctor's care.  

All of these challenges have proven to me that I am no wimp!  I used to get frustrated when people would tell me how strong I am.  I'm starting to understand, though.  These ARE tough issues I've faced, and I do handle them much better than I could.  I may break down from time to time, but I still get up and face the next day.

It's Been a Very Long Time

It has been so long since I've posted, and I really don't know what to write about.  I think I've gotten back into that thought process that nobody really cares about my everyday life.  That's terrible thinking, though.  I know people do want to hear about it.  I think part of my fear is that I feel I need to censor myself in case the parents of my students read this blog.  I'm kind of tired of hiding, though.  I had this blog before I became a teacher, and honestly this is who I am.  I wonder if sometimes we don't try to keep our professional and personal lives TOO separated.

Speaking of separating professional and personal lives, this week I did decide to blend the two.  My Fall Break was the first two weeks of October.  My daughters have their Fall Break this week.  Each of the girls wanted to spend a day with me to see what my school is like and what I am like as a teacher.

Andrea came with me on Tuesday, and she had a blast!  She couldn't stop talking about the students in my class, and she had some great things to say about the culture of our school.  One thing I hadn't noticed before she mentioned it is that there really doesn't seem to be that "popular crowd" you find in other schools. Our campus is certainly big enough to have the divisions.  We have three sixth grade classes, so there are plenty of students to form groups.  We have small groups of friends, but the are all welcoming to new faces.  I think that is really impressive!

My daughter pointed out that I was strict in the morning, but as the day went on she called me "laid back."  I really thought about that, and I think it's true.  We have almost all of our direct instruction in the morning blocks.  In the afternoon my students work more independently and generally self-paced.  During instruction I do expect for there to be no interruptions or problems.  During independent work, though, the atmosphere is a little lighter and I can tolerate a little less structure.  The students know that there is a line that cannot be crossed, though, or I will ask them for silence during this block.  It also helps that during this time students have been given a packet to work on that is due Friday.  If they don't get it done, they don't participate in the learning games.  They have these build in incentives, and I am very much the type to allow them to learn about self control by failing in this area.  If a student chooses to talk rather than work, he or she will not be allowed to participate in the fun on Friday.  I'm trying to remember to step out of the way and allow natural consequences to do their jobs.

Today is Amber's day to join me.  I'm a little nervous since she is only in 4th grade, but she will be spending the day with me in my 6th grade classroom.  She is not quite as outgoing as Andrea, so I worry she will be nervous and uncomfortable.  I assigned her a really great companion from my class, though, so I think she will be okay.  I'll let you know how it goes!

I Just Couldn't Do It

As the deadline to make my decision drew near, I just couldn't do it.  I couldn't allow my blog to die.  There was too much here that was precious to me.  Too many stories, too many comments, too many times where people had wrapped their arms around me and supported me in my journey.  I've traveled a rough road since starting this blog, and I just couldn't say goodbye permanently.  I hope at least some of my previous readers will be back to continue sharing my adventures, and I am looking forward to making new friends along the way!

Monday Quiz About Me- July 23

This is coming out REALLY late this week, but I finally got it done!


1. Finish this sentence - The thing I dislike most about shopping is....
finding something I like.  I really don't care for the styles of the last several years.  Clothing has become too revealing and too tight as a rule.  It's also much too thin, like the manufacturers are trying to save money on making shirts, or they are trying to force customers to buy another shirt via layering.  I love the layered look, but sometimes it just gets to be too hot and the layers can make it hard to move.  Shoes are all high heels or flip-flops, both of which I can't wear. 

2. What is your favorite flavor of jello?
I really don't eat jello too often.  I don't have a favorite.

3. If you could trade places with anyone in the world for one day who would you be and why?
This question has been asked over and over since I was in elementary school, and my answer has always been the same.  I wouldn't trade places with anyone when it comes right down to it.  It's confusing enough living my own life, much less trying to figure out someone else's problems!

4. Who changes the lightbulbs at your house?
If it's a bulb I can reach without too much trouble and it needs to be done, I'll do it.  If it requires a ladder, it goes on the "honey do" list.

When?

Photo Credit

I have decided that there is one thing I really do want to do.  I want to take a vacation.  What is holding me back?  Frankly, the money.  We've never before been in a situation where spending money on memories has been an option to us.  I am thinking that might be different soon, though.  With me working full time and getting paid on a 12 month cycle, this is the first time we can really plan to get away.  Over Christmas break I want to go on a day trip for sure.  I'm thinking I'd like to go to Tuscon to the Arizona- Sonora Desert Museum or to the Reid Park Zoo.  I'm also thinking the Ostrich Ranch would be fun.  

No matter what we choose the idea is to get away and do something different.  There are so many things to see and do right in Arizona that we could fill several years of vacations.  I do, someday, want to go to Sea World with the girls, though, so we'll plan that for a time after we get used to doing some day trips.

Sunday Stealing on Tuesday

1. You have 10 dollars and need to buy snacks at a gas station. What do you get?
Beef jerkey!  This has always been a favorite for both Daniel and me.  Anytime we are taking a long or stressful car ride we stop and get beef jerky. 

2. What do you order when you’re at IHOP?
I really like any of the skillet meals.  For the most part, though, we only go to IHOP when they have something new I want to try, so I guess I would say any of their new creations being advertised at the time.

3. Last book you read?
The last book I finished was "The Leader in Me" by Steven Covey.  Right now I am in the middle of the new Jodi Picoult novel she wrote with her daughter.

4. Describe your mood.
Lately I would say excitedly stressed.  Training and starting a new school year is always a little nerve wrecking.  Just a few more days until school starts!

5. Describe the last time you were injured.
Ha!  You've all heard about my broken tailbone.  If, for some reason you have not, please read about it here.

6. Favorite soda?
I only drink soda rarely, and of those times it's almost always at my parents' house.  I just found a new flavor I love, though, and I actually bought a bottle.  Pepsi Next Paradise Mango.  Yum!

7. Look to your left, what do you see?
My daughter Andrea is sitting at the laptop cart we have in the corner of the living room.

8. Do you untie your shoes when you take them off?
Most of the time.

9. Favorite toy as a child?
Books

10. Do you buy your own groceries?
Um...... yes.  Who else would buy them for me?

11. What’s your favorite fruit?
This changes depending on the season and what is relatively inexpensive. 

One Book I'll Never Read

What’s the ONE super-hyped book you’ll NEVER read?


I feel like I am the only woman in the world who is not interested in reading the "50 Shades of Gray" book series.  I know from reading other blogs that this is not true, but it feels like everyone around me is obsessed with this book.  To me, though, it seems like thinly veiled pornography.  For some people that is great, but it just isn't for me.  

Recycled Post

Recycle a favorite post from July of any year that you have been blogging.

This week's writing prompt is to recycle a post from July of any year I have been blogging.  This is a perfect prompt for me, as I have the perfect post to share.  Please go to "I Am a Real Teacher" and take a look at where I was exactly a year ago.  

It's funny that when I read this post I see all the errors in grammar and the typos I made, but I'm still proud of that post.  A year ago today I accepted my first teaching position.  Today I am preparing for my full-time position with a different school district, and I am just as excited by this new journey.

July must be my month for change and excitement.  I have a long way to go still on the healing from shingles, and I've actually come to accept that I will never be perfectly "whole" again.  I just admitted to Daniel days ago that my brain doesn't work the way it did before I got sick.  I'm a little slower than I used to be, and attention and focus can be a challenge, especially when I'm overwhelmed.  But I'm here, I'm able to keep up with my peers, and most of all, I am capable of providing my students with a quality education that will build critical thinking skills while building character, all well learning state standards.  I must say... looking back, I am pretty darn amazing!

Just for fun I went back and found a favorite post from July 2010.  Please see "I Am So Proud Of... ME!"  In many ways this post makes me sad.  I felt like I was on the top of the world in July 2010.  It's amazing what a difference a year can make.  I truly miss running, testing my physical ability, and competing against myself.  I do hope that in the next year I can find some form of exercise that I can honestly feel good about that will give me the same kind of rush running did.

If you are a blog writer, I encourage you to do this writing prompt.  I got lost in so many of my old posts finding the ones to share here, and it was amazing to see just how much I have experienced in two years.  I hope you've enjoyed this glimpse at my past blog posts!

Bipolar Update

It has been three and a half months since my husband Daniel was diagnosed with bipolar disorder.  In many ways I can't believe it has been that long.  In some ways it seems like we just started this journey yesterday.

I have to admit that this has been frustrating and exhausting.  Just about the time we think things are under control something changes.  Daniel has increased his medication several times.  I really want some stability, but I know this can be a long road.  The doctor said it usually takes six to twelve months to really get there.  Ug!  I'm not complaining, and I don't blame Daniel.  I just wish I knew that we ARE going to be able to move on some day without worrying that anxiety, depression, or elevation was going to be a factor in every decision we make.

It's kind of funny.  As I reread the above paragraph it sounds like our lives are terrible.  They are not.  It's just a tiring way of living.  I thrive on routines, and with bipolar sometimes life has to be too flexible for my tastes.  Just about the time I get used to one thing, it changes.

The truth is, I'm very lucky.  Daniel has a heart of gold, and he knows how his illness affects the rest of us.  He works very hard to keep the girls and me happy.  He really doesn't have to do this, but it really is nice to know he cares enough to work so hard.

The latest change came in the last week.  Daniel recognized that anxiety is a BIG factor for him, and he called the doctor to let him know this was really affecting his quality of life.  The doctor tried first one anti-anxiety medicine that was for "as needed" use, and when that worked well he switched Daniel to a daily medication so that part can become stabilized.  The medicine is supposed to take up to 30 days to really start working to keep the anxiety level under control, but until then he can use the "as needed" medication, well.... as needed.

I hope things continue to get better, and I am sure they will.  I'm not going to lie, though... this journey is really tough.  I don't wish it on anyone.  We WILL come out of this better and stronger than ever, though!

Smile

Photo Credit

I think the day I got offered the sixth grade teaching position is a pretty good memory.  It felt pretty darn good to have two principals telling me they wanted to hire me, and having them fight over which was going to add me to their team.  In the end, I got the sixth grade position over the fourth because that was my preference.  In many ways I got to pick my job.  The salary is more than I expected, and the school has already been incredible to work with.  Only a few more days until I meet my class!

Confrontation

Photo Credit

I can honestly say I don't think there are any issues I am avoiding at the moment.  I do know what it is like to  not confront problems, though.  I did that for years.  I'm not really that great with confrontation and will try to skate around it as often as possible, especially if I'm expected to face it in a calm manner.  Generally I wait until something is really bothering me, then I have the courage to bring it up.  Unfortunately that usually leaves me in an extremely emotional state, having to deal with both the problem and my frustration.  That doesn't go over well.

For more than ten years I avoided an issue with my husband, and in many ways I beat myself up for not facing it sooner.  He says, though, that he was never ready to listen until now, so it wouldn't have mattered anyway.  I did my fighting in my own way, and I tried to confront the issue, but it wasn't successful until it was brought out into the open in a way that simply couldn't be taken back.

Most of my readers know that my husband Daniel has recently been diagnosed with bipolar disorder.  This is the issue I danced around for years.  I knew deep down that there was something wrong.  Daniel is usually a VERY loving, generous, and thoughtful man.  There were times, however, when his demeanor would change.  He would become selfish and seemingly uncaring.  He just wasn't present in our family life.  Sure, he would physically be there (most of the time), but mentally I could tell he just wasn't with us.

After over a decade of going through the ups and downs, never quite sure which side of my husband I was going to see and DEFINITELY knowing I had to stand up for myself in any argument, I got the nerve to tell him to get his bipolar checked out.  Okay, I didn't so much tell him as scream at him at the top of my lungs.  But I did it.  The only issue hanging over my head that has held me back from living the life I believe I deserve.  Surprisingly, Daniel's reaction wasn't one of anger but one of relief.  "Do you think that could be true?" he asked.  Within a week he had seen a psychologist and was getting set up to see a psychiatrist.  I had been correct, and we were on our way to a diagnosis and treatment.

I can definitely be an ostrich at times, but there wasn't any time left to keep ignoring this issue.  Again, I wish we had confronted the issue earlier, but I'm not sure the outcome would have been as positive.  From now on, though, I really do hope I am able to take care of issues as they come up.  It is a much more free feeling to not have anything hanging over my head.

Marriage

It's funny how negatively many people talk about marriage.  I, on the other hand, LOVE being married.  It occurred to me the other day just how secure I feel in our relationship.  I definitely don't agree with the ball-and-chain analogy.

I went to leave work a couple weeks ago, and my car wouldn't start.  I immediately knew it was the battery by the way the car was acting, and in Arizona it's pretty typical for batteries to conk out in the summer.  In fact, I have never gone longer than two years without changing the battery in my current car, so I should have known this would happen any time now.  The last time I was stuck was the first week of student teaching.  Talk about stressful!

Anyway, I, of course, called Daniel right away.  He was home and decided he would just pick up a battery on the way since my summer school job is in an area unfamiliar to us, and we both just wanted to get it done and get home.  It was 110 degrees outside, and the people with keys to the school would be leaving in a little over an hour.  I didn't want to be stuck not being able to get indoors, so I agreed that Daniel's plan was worth the extra money we would pay for not exchanging the battery at the store it was originally purchased.  Hey, I've got to be honest- when it comes to my comfort this penny-pincher's wallet suddenly opens up.

Daniel got to school, replaced the battery, and we headed home.  He stopped at Auto Zone and got the core charge back when he turned in the dead battery, and we both cooled off with a Gatorade, pleased we were both home and safe after a long, hot day.

I never once questioned whether Daniel would come to help me.  I never once thought that he might be busy with something he would rather be doing.  As long as he was available by phone, I knew Daniel would drop whatever it was he was working on and come help me.  This is the part of being married that I love.  I would do the same for him.  We don't have to wonder if there is someone to "rescue" us.

We may have our own set of problems, and it may be hard to get along once in awhile.  One thing that is true, though, is that I know Daniel is always there to help me.  Even in our worst times, I know he cares.  

Monday Quiz About Me- July 16

1. If you could be on a reality tv show which one would you want to be a part of?
I really wouldn't want to be on any reality tv show.  I have enough drama in my life without purposely adding more.

2. You have the power to create one law, what would it be?
I think this is exactly why I don't get involved in politics.  I really don't have a driving desire to create laws.  Sure, there are things I would change about our country, but I don't think I feel strongly enough about any one thing to create a new law about it.  I guess if push came to shove I would make gay marriage legal.

3. How's your weather today?
Ug, it's Arizona during Monsoon season.  What is there to say?  The humidity is high, the heat is high, it's gross outside.  I'm hoping for a great big storm with thunder and lightning, just like every day during July and August.

4. Other than the country you currently live in, where would you want to live?
I don't think I'd like to live anywhere else.  I don't know enough about other countries to make that determination.  I'm comfortable here in America where I understand my rights, privileges, and responsibilities.