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?

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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

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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

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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.

Going Without

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I have to be honest- I would hate to go without my laptop (my access to internet service) for one day.  I have come to consider my computer part of my lifeline to the world.  When I was in the hospital for four days last April I asked for my laptop to be brought to me as quickly as possible.  My computer offers peace when I am upset, it offers knowledge through news websites and blogs, and it allows me to connect with people when I feel isolated or lonely.

When I was admitted to the hospital my husband was able to let my friends and family know with one quick post on Facebook.  With the family network in place, even my relatives who do not connect to Facebook knew I was sick within a day.  I didn't have to worry about my husband and children being supported because I was able to see Facebook comments offering Daniel help with the girls, food, or a friendly ear if he needed to talk.

My blog became my best friend for the four months I spent recovering from shingles when I couldn't be out and about with the rest of my family.  While they were at school and work I processed my feelings by sharing my fears with the world.  I met some great people and was able to offer the same type of encouragement I was getting to others.  

I read about how the computer and social media is making us a society of hermits and causing us to be disconnected.  I strongly disagree.  It's all in the way people choose to use the internet.  I seek out rich conversations and material that will increase my knowledge and understanding of the world around me.  I never had a lot of friends that I hung around with in real life, anyway, so nothing has changed for me.  In my opinion the internet has enriched my life in a way that has allowed me to grow.

Sunday Social- July 15

Best trip you've ever been on
As I write this, I realize I haven't been on too many trips.  I think my favorite memory is the trip Daniel and I took to Las Vegas for his 21st birthday.  It turned out neither of us were into gambling, and though we both drank a bit we weren't into the bar scene.  We walked up and down the strip a bit, then we decided to go to Wal-Mart for orange juice, vodka, and a couple board games.  We hung out in our hotel room, had a couple drinks, played games, and watched a movie.  Early the next morning we headed back home.  


Best idea for a girls' weekend trip
I have never been away for a girls' weekend, but it actually sounds like fun.  I would love to do something that mixes relaxation and exercise.  I'd like to take some hikes, do some yoga, then get a great massage.  Hanging out chatting and eating with girlfriends and/ or my mom sounds like a nice get away that would bring me home refreshed and ready to take on the world again.  Oh, I can't forget some time to sit and read during the weekend, too!


Best idea for a couples trip

If Daniel and I were to get away, I think it would be fun to go somewhere we can have time to talk and remember what it was like to hang out before we had children.  I'm don't have a burning desire to get away from the girls, though.  A vacation with Daniel right now would look much the same as our trip to Las Vegas (see above), but I would love to be near the beach this time.

Best vacation on the cheap
I LOVE the stay-cation Daniel and I did for our honeymoon.  We plan to do something similar during Christmas break this year.  It's amazing how many things can be found near home with just a little research.


Place you most want to visit
I don't have an extreme desire to travel.  I like my routines and the comfort of my home too much.  If I did ever get out of my comfort zone, though, I'd like to do it big.  I would love to go to Australia.


Vacation/Travel necessities
My thyroid medication is a necessity, even on an overnight trip
Plenty of clothes and underclothes
Hygiene products of all sorts
A good book!

Misconception

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I'm really not sure what people think of me, so I'm not sure about misconceptions in general.  There is one that students have had.  They think since I insist on having an orderly classroom that I am not fun and don't enjoy fun activities.  That is actually FAR from the truth!

Summer school was a perfect example.  I had such great, hands-on, team projects planned.  I quickly had to scrap the idea, though, when the class was so out of control that I had to focus on behavior.  I have a strong belief that we need to have the basics down first.  The students need to understand that when I give an instruction it is to be followed.  This is for their safety above all else.  It is also because learning doesn't happen in the midst of chaos.  Once the children understand the routines and procedures I am all about making learning enjoyable.

For the last year I have not been able to use the creative lesson plans the way I have wanted to.  I have so many good ideas, and I hate teaching out of the textbook as much as the students hate learning out of the textbook.  I promise I am not the wicked witch of teaching.  I WILL expect my class to be engaged in the activities, to treat each other, themselves, and me with respect, and to make a real effort to think creatively and critically.  I AM strict about these things, but that does not equate to being mean.

Vacationing Without Children

The other day on Facebook I got involved in a conversation about vacationing.  We were discussing how we felt about taking a trip without our children.  I was surprised at how strongly I felt once I started talking about my views.

Before I share how I feel, I want to say that I don't judge other people for their choices.  I don't think there is a right or wrong when it comes to this subject.  There is a right and wrong for ME and for my family only.

I personally would not choose to go on vacation without my girls at this point in our lives.  Daniel and I have always included the girls in our activities, and I just couldn't imagine leaving them at home and actually enjoying the time away.  I'm sure that will change as the girls grow up, and I will definitely plan to take a vacation once they are adults in their own homes.

There are a few reasons why I wouldn't leave my children when I go on vacation, and the biggest one is the sense of responsibility I feel.  I don't mind getting a babysitter for a little while, a whole day, or even for an overnight break.  I do, however, feel the girls are my responsibility (along with Daniel) and don't feel I should expect someone else to care for them long-term.  Another reason I wouldn't want to leave them behind is that we have never had the opportunity to take a family vacation, so I would really miss them.  Finally, I really enjoy spending time with my girls and want to experience new and different things with them before they grow up and go on to live their own lives.

I definitely don't think the kids should be included in EVERYTHING Daniel and I do, and I do see benefit to having someone else watch them for short periods of time.  A year ago I would have told you that I would NEVER allow them to be gone for a whole weekend "just because."  However, with the struggles we have faced in the past couple months, it was a huge blessing when a friend basically told me she was kidnapping the girls from Friday night through Sunday afternoon.  Daniel and I had a lot of time to talk and sort things out.  We didn't do anything different than our normal routine, but we had the time to let down our guard, speak freely, and not worry about what the girls were hearing.

Couples DO need to spend time with only each other, and they do need to put an emphasis on connecting with each other.  For me, though, this can be done at home, in short bursts.  I'll take my child-free vacationing days after the girls are grown and I don't have children at home to worry about.  I'll be able to enjoy my time away that way, too.

Tailbone Update

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When I left the doctor's office last Thursday it was with a diagnosis of a dislocated tailbone.  The doctor was hoping he was wrong and that the swelling was just pushing the bone out of place.  He was was wrong.  Unfortunately it was worse than he was hoping for.  My tailbone is, in fact, broken.  The part the doctor thought could be a dislocation is actually the break.  The bones that should be fused (the tailbone is made up of five bones fused together) are now separated to a slight degree.

There is nothing anyone can do for a broken tailbone.  Over the next several weeks the swelling will reduce and the pain will start subsiding.  Until then I am living on ibuprohin and the pain killers the doctor prescribed.  Fortunately the pain is going down quickly.  I have been able to sit through training this week with minimal discomfort.  At night, as long as I am done with my homework, I have been able to take pain killers to be comfortable.  I'll be just fine to start teaching in two weeks when school starts as standing has already become much more comfortable than it was in the first couple days after I fell.  

Life is Short

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I think this is a lesson we learn again and again.  We get reminders of just how short life is, then we forget.  When another event happens that illustrates how quickly our lives can end, it's like a blow all over again.

The first time I realized how short life can be was when I was 19 years old.  My best friend then was Kevin, and I was dating his brother David.  We hung out CONSTANTLY!  One day David and I arrived home to find Kevin and our other friend, Clay, dead on the floor.  Clay had killed Kevin, then turned the gun on himself.  I knew that day that my life would never be the same.  And... it hasn't been!  I really grew up over night.  My perspective on life really evolved, and I started to become the person I was meant to be. 

When I was sick with the shingles and everything that came with that, I got another wake-up call.  Daniel says that was a life-changing time for him, too.  We honestly didn't know at some points if I was going to recover or if the disease would eventually take my life.  The day I asked Daniel if I was going to die and he couldn't give me a straight answer was one of the scariest days ever.  

Quotable Bits- July 10

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It's always amazing to me that I think I know what I want.  When it doesn't happen, I'm devastated.  Then something new comes along, and it's better.  We don't know what is waiting, just around the next bend.  

In May I assumed I was getting a contract with the school I was teaching at, and I didn't make plans to look for another job.  I was sure I knew exactly what I wanted.  Two weeks before school ended I was shocked when I was told the school didn't have the funding to make my job full-time as I had been led to believe since August.  It felt like my life was crashing down around me.  

Now, however, I am preparing for the next chapter of my life.  After a frantic search that seemed to take forever (in reality it was about six weeks), I got hired with a school that seems to be perfect for me.  I am in training now to learn about specific teaching methods they use, and school starts at the end of this month.  Wow, how quickly things can change!

Rescued

Share a story about a stray you took in or an animal you once rescued

Most readers on my blog know that our family was, at one time, very involved in dog rescue groups.  We have volunteered with Arizona Retriever Rescue, Arizona Golden Retriever Rescue, and Arizona Beagle Rescue.  Through the three organizations we have had over 100 dogs come through our door.  Some stayed for only hours, some stayed for close to a year.  
Fostering dogs is one experience I would definitely rank near the top of favorite experiences in my life.  It is really neat to know we were making a difference, and at the same time we got to have an honorary pet.  This is GREAT for anyone who is unsure they are ready for a dog.  If it turns out to be too much, you are not committed to an animal for its lifetime.  If you are going on vacation or need a break, you just let the coordinator know, and you don't have to worry about finding a pet sitter or boarding your dog.  
The best part of fostering dogs is being a part of finding the perfect family for an animal.  With each of the organizations, we were responsible for filling out information about the dogs' habits, personality, and quirks.  Some of the dogs were better off with older kids, some needed to be the only pet, some demanded special attention during thunder storms or loud holidays.  It was so rewarding to know that each dog would be going with a family who knew this about the dog and were willing to work with it.  
I would recommend this experience to anyone who has a passion for animals.  It doesn't have to be dogs, either. There are cat rescue groups, and in my area there is even one for rats.  There is no more of a win-win situation than providing a temporary home for a pet.

Sunday Social- July 8

Favorite TV show of the past
In the 1980s and 1990s I loved ER, Life Goes On, and 7th Heaven.  I enjoy watching old episodes of all when I can find them.  I also introduced by children to ALF because I had such a good time watching it as a child.


Favorite TV show currently
Again, I have a few I really like.  I can't pick a favorite.  Our weekly line-up includes Grey's Anatomy, Private Practice, Switched at Birth, Rookie Blue, and Modern Family.


Which Reality Show would you NEVER do?
The Bachlorette.  The idea of picking a husband based on some kind of game is annoying.  I'd be more in favor of arranged marriage than making a mockery of it on television.


Which Reality Show would you LOVE to do?
I think I would enjoy doing The Biggest Loser.  I don't have the 85 pounds to lose required for the show, and I would never be able to commit to leaving my family for five months, but the idea of the show itself is appealing.  I would love to work out with Bob and/ or Dolvett.


TV personality/character that you feel is most like you?
Outside of her seeming obsession with sex, I think I'm a lot like Meredith Grey on Grey's Anatomy.  She is confident on the outside but always questioning herself on the inside.  Meredith cares deeply and wants to do the best as often as she can.  There are times she knows the right thing to do but just can't bring herself to do it because she knows the "wrong" thing will help people.  


TV character you'd want to date?
I think I've been married way too dang long- I can't think of anyone I'd want to date!

Follow Friday- July 6

This week’s statements:

1.       I like to wear pajamas as often as possible.  Okay, here's the thing:  I lived in jeans and t-shirts for way too many years.  Now that I have to dress professionally for work it feels way too stuffy and restrictive.  As soon as we are home for the evening, I'm in my pajamas.  Ahhh, comfort!

2.     I have had a lot of frustrations and set-backs in life.  I don't let that stop me if I can avoid it!

3.     Public speaking makes me uncomfortable.  I know, strange for a teacher.  I'm great with the students, it's just people my age I have a hard time with.

4.     My car always has an audio book in it because I hate to drive.  What do those two have to do with each other?  Well, listening to a book takes my mind off the dreaded chore of getting myself from one place to another.  Right now I am listening to the "The Wolves of Mercy Falls" series by Maggie Stiefvater.  I really enjoy listening to Young Adult books because they don't take a lot of concentration while I am attempting to pay attention to the road, and because it will give me something to discuss with my students once my "Recommended Reading" bulletin board goes up in my classroom.  This series, though popular with my 5th and 6th graders last year, will not be recommended by me.  It's just a little too adult themed in some areas.  I am, however, letting Andrea read the books and am still trying to decide if I will include them in my classroom library.

Dislocated Tailbone

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I get the award for the strangest injury!  I swear, if something can go wrong with me that makes people say "huh?" it will.  First it was shingles at half the age that is common, and now I have potentially dislocated my tailbone.  Enough already!

The picture above is an illustration of a tailbone that is alignment.  Do you see how it is in segments?  The tailbone is actually five bones that are together.  The second to last piece is the part my doctor is concerned about.  Do you see how there is a nice curve there?  Well, mine is kind of jutting out.  Imagine if this picture showed that second to last piece sticking up toward the top of the picture.  That's what my x-showed.  

Doctor Sunny is sending the x-ray to the radiologist to be read, and he is hoping he is wrong.  He is hoping my x-ray is still in the normal range or that there may be some compaction that will resolve itself as the swelling goes down.  He said he is on the hopeful side, but he also told me that there is nothing that can be done even if his first hunch is correct.  

The best case scenario:  There is no dislocation and as the swelling goes down the pain will also subside.  

The worst case scenario:  There is a dislocation, the pain will decrease, but there will always be some discomfort.  

For now I have some pain killers that the doctor said, "You NEED."  It wasn't really much of a choice, and I had to agree since the whole reason I went to see him in the first place was that the pain was getting worse by the hour.  It's a mix of pain killer and anti-inflammatory, so I should be feeling pretty comfortable in the next couple of days.  

Freeway Driving

Photo Credit

Anyone who knows me well can tell you that I HATE driving on the freeway- ESPECIALLY if it looks like this!  I really don't like driving in general, but I have come to find some positives in a decent commute to work.  (Mostly that I can get a LOT of audio book reading in, or I can let off some steam by singing along to my favorite songs.  I love this day and age of technology that allows one to make a mix CD.)  This scene, though, is definitely not my cup of tea.

Throughout the month of June I got lots of practice driving in rush hour conditions on the freeway.  Summer school was located in the city as opposed to the suburbs I'm used to.  That meant I got to be one of "those people" who headed in to work like ants to a picnic.  Ug!  Fortunately I know the side streets pretty well so I was able to navigate if the freeway got too backed up.

There were a few things I realized REALLY bothered me about freeway drivers, though:

1.  An acceleration ramp is meant for that exact purpose.  Seriously.  Trying to merge into traffic that is moving at 60 miles per hour is really difficult when the guy in front of you decides he is still only going to drive at 40 mph when he hits the end of the ramp.  Pick up the pace!

2.  If you don't need your brakes, stay off them!  I realize that when traffic slows down there is a lot of stop-and-go.  It drives me crazy, though, to be behind someone who is tapping the brakes over and over again, only to find out that the nearest vehicle is six car-lengths ahead.  Do people not realize brake lights are a way of letting the driver behind know what is happening?  It's like the boy who called wolf over and over again.  At some point I am not going to realize you are actually trying to stop or slow down.   


3.  Freeway driving is fast.  If you are afraid of it, stay off the freeway!  I HATE freeway driving with a passion, and it scares me.  I don't, however, slow down to 20 miles UNDER the speed limit, causing dangerous situations for all around me.  If you are not a person who can at least pretend to go with the flow, stay on the side roads.


Okay, thank you for listening to my rants about freeway driving.  Starting next month I will be driving to and from work every day on the freeway going the opposite direction of heavy traffic, and I am thankful for that.  I also get much better scenery, as I will be driving toward the mountains instead of watching the city build up around me.  I definitely can't complain about that!

Monday Quiz About Me- July 2

This week's questions:

1. What is your favorite thing to BBQ?

I don't BBQ, and neither does my husband.  We are both TERRIBLE at it and burn everything to a crisp.  When we go to someone's house that does BBQ, though, I LOVE ribs!

2. What is your favorite thing to do on a holiday long weekend in the summer?

We usually don't recognize long holiday weekends during the summer.  Our entire family does much better with routine, and Daniel doesn't like to take time off during the summer because it's hard to catch up with the properties.  Generally I use this time to catch up with house work or to play on the computer.

3. Who was the last person you ate out with? Where did you go? What was the occasion?

Ah, this one is easy!  Daniel and I went out on our anniversary (June 24) to our favorite Mexican restaurant.  

4. Do you recycle?

Please don't throw things at me, but not really.  I do throw recycle items in the blue bin provided by the city when I think about it, but I don't worry if it goes in the trash, either.  part of this is laziness.  A lot of it is that after doing my own research I'm not convinced that recycling is really any better for the environment than throwing things away.

Quotable Bits- July 3

This reminds me of the saying, "There are three sides to every story- yours, mine, and the truth."  The fact is, our attitudes, preconceived notions, and perception of life in general changes how we see things.  To try to deny that would be ridiculous, in my opinion.

I just finished teaching a month of summer school.  The group of students I had were less than wonderful.  They were difficult and frustrating.  Throughout the whole month I found myself saying I didn't teach them a thing- the month was a waste of time.  That is when I view summer school through the lenses of who I am- a perfectionist with grand ideas, hopes, and dreams for both my class and myself.

When I step back, however, I taught the children a lot.  I taught them how to stand in line and walk through the halls of the school like a respectful and respectable group of people.  I got so many compliments on how well-behaved my class was when in the public areas of the school!  I taught this group how to take turns, to raise their hands when they wish to speak, and to have pride in their achievements.  In essence, I taught them what it is to be a good student.

I may not have gotten very far teaching math and language arts, though I suspect more sunk in than I am willing to take credit for.  I did, however, make a difference for these kids for next year.  I hope they will walk into their next classroom remembering the lessons they learned.  The truth is, no learning will take place effectively until the students have mastered the basics of sitting in their seats, not talking when it is not their turn, and active listening.  When I view things as they really are, rather than through my "too-high hopes" lenses, summer school was pretty successful!

Sunday Social- July 1

What is your favorite store to shop at?
It's a toss-up between Target and Goodwill, depending on what I'm going after.  I love the adventure of Goodwill, because I never know what I am going to find.  I have gotten a TON of books and games that I normally wouldn't have been able to afford by shopping at the thrift stores, so I guess I lean toward thrift store shopping as my favorite.

If you could afford anything and everything, which designer brand would you covet?
I honestly don't give a rat's behind about designer anything.  Just having the ability to buy clothing that fits nicely and that I really like would be wonderful.  I would like to have some Pfaltzgraff dishes, though.

"Must have" closet staple?
Athletic shoes in various colors.  I pretty much only wear running shoes to work in, so I like to have different colors to choose from to match my outfit of the day.  

Favorite kind of shoes? (brand or type)
See above.  Since the nerve damage in my feet I MUST wear comfortable shoes, and my doctor and chiropractor both recommended I stick with running shoes, especially for the classroom.  I really like my New Balance brand, and the Asics aren't too far behind.

Best clothing deal you've ever gotten? (sale or amazing find)
I really can't say too much in this area since I don't care for clothes a whole lot.  I've definitely gotten some nice name-brand items at a good price by shopping at thrift stores.

Style you'd love to try?
I don't really have a style I'd like to try.  I pretty much wear what I like- jeans and t-shirts on the weekends, and clothes that I'm comfortable in for work.  

Reception

My husband and I had a very unconventional wedding and reception.  Today is not our wedding anniversary, but it IS the anniversary of our wedding reception.  We got to celebrate our marriage for an entire week!

Daniel and I got married at The Grand Canyon Deer Farm on June 24, 2000.  It was a small wedding with my brother as the best man, his sister as my maid of honor, and his parents and grandparents as guests.  Our foster son was included in the wedding as well.   My parents were planning to attend, but their car broke down on the way and they couldn't make it on time.  Daniel and I said our vows under a beautiful pine tree with the deer eating my bouquet.  It was awesome!  After the ceremony, which lasted all of about 15 minutes, we fed the deer, walked around the park for a bit, then had lunch at a little place in Flagstaff called "Granny's Closet."  They had the BEST salad bar with shrimp cocktail at no extra charge.

A week later, on July 1, we had a wedding reception in the back yard of Daniel's parents' house.  There were a good 60-75 people there.  We danced, visited with friends and family, and ate a buffet dinner and cake.

What did we do during the week between the two?  Well, that was our "honeymoon."  We did a stay-cation long before that was even a word, and we had a blast!  For my bridal shower I had asked for gift certificates for all sorts of entertainment we usually wouldn't pay for.  Each day of the week we did something different.  One day we had lunch out, one day we caught a movie, and one day we went to Out of Africa Wildlife park.  It was the most enjoyable week, and we got to sleep in our own beds each night.

The Monday following our reception Daniel headed back to work.  I think we were both ready for life to get back to a normal routine by then, but the memories lived on.  I wouldn't change a thing about our wedding and reception, except for my parents joining us.  The great news is that my parents are a part of our marriage, which is more important than attending the actual event.  They are a source of support as well as being a role model to Daniel and I when the going gets tough.

I feel lucky to have two special days to celebrate and a fantastic week in between to remember.  We could have taken a grand vacation, but that just wasn't our style.  When I was young I always said I was going to get married in jeans and a t-shirt, in a park, and have a picnic lunch.  I guess we came pretty close!