Now its crunch time. I am one week and a day until I return to work. I swear I am just like the kids in school. I feel sad, nervous, happy, disgusted, anxious, and everything in between. Each year I get to this point and ask why I'm going back another year. I guess the answer is that, just like a kid, I love my toys and I love to play, so that's the reason. I had held out hope that I would have had another puppy by now and I dream of the day when I can help Bruiser start a faily but I guess it just wasn't meant to be. At least it gives me something to look forward to and upon which to dream.
As if I wasn't upset enough about starting back to work I realized that Christmas is only 4 months away. Oh dear God save me...............
Sunday, August 24, 2008
Saturday, August 16, 2008
I always knew it....
For today's post I am simply pasting in something I got in my email today from a dear friend. Read it till the end and you will know why. My own personal commentary on is this: there has to be a reason why God spelled backwards is dog. Here is the email.
A man and his dog were walking along a road. The man was enjoying the scenery, when it suddenly occurred to him that he was dead.
He remembered dying, and that the dog walking beside him had been dead for years. He wondered where the road was leading them.
After a while, they came to a high, white stone wall along one side of the road. It looked like fine marble. At the top of a long hill, it was broken by a tall arch that glowed in the sunlight.
When he was standing before it he saw a magnificent gate in the arch that looked like mother-of-pearl, and the street that led to the gate looked like pure gold. He and the dog walked toward the gate, and as he got closer, he saw a man at a desk to one side.
When he was close enough, he called out, 'Excuse me, where are we?'
'This is Heaven, sir,' the man answered.
'Wow! Would you happen to have some water?' the man asked.
'Of course, sir. Come right in, and I'll have some ice water brought right up.'
The man gestured, and the gate began to open.
'Can my friend,' gesturing toward his dog, 'come in, too?' the traveler asked.
'I'm sorry, sir, but we don't accept pets.'
The man thought a moment and then turned back toward the road and continued the way he had been going with his dog.
After another long walk, and at the top of another long hill, he came to a dirt road leading through a farm gate that looked as if it had never been closed There was no fence.
As he approached the gate, he saw a man inside, leaning against a tree and reading a book.
'Excuse me!' he called to the man. 'Do you have any water?'
'Yeah, sure, there's a pump over there, come on in.'
'How about my friend here?' the traveler gestured to the dog.
'There should be a bowl by the pump.'
They went through the gate, and sure enough, there was an old-fashioned hand pump with a bowl beside it.
The traveler filled the water bowl and took a long drink himself, then he gave some to the dog.
When they were full, he and the dog walked back toward the man who was standing by the tree.
'What do you call this place?' the traveler asked.
'This is Heaven,' he answered.
'Well, that's confusing,' the traveler said. 'The man down the road said that was Heaven, too.'
'Oh, you mean the place with the gold street and pearly gates? Nope. That's hell.'
'Doesn't it make you mad for them to use your name like that?'
'No, we're just happy that they screen out the folks who would leave their best friends behind.'
Soooo ...
Sometimes, we wonder why friends keep forwarding jokes to us without writing a word.
Maybe this will explain.
When you are very busy, but still want to keep in touch, guess what you do? You forward jokes.
When you have nothing to say, but still want to keep contact, you forward jokes.
When you have something to say, but don't know what, and don't know how, you forward jokes.
Also to let you know that you are still remembered , you are still important , you are still loved , you are still cared for, guess what you get?
A forwarded joke.
So, next time if you get a joke, don't think that you've been sent just another forwarded joke, but that you've been thought of today and your friend on the other end of your computer wanted to send you a smile.
You are all welcome @ my water bowl
A man and his dog were walking along a road. The man was enjoying the scenery, when it suddenly occurred to him that he was dead.
He remembered dying, and that the dog walking beside him had been dead for years. He wondered where the road was leading them.
After a while, they came to a high, white stone wall along one side of the road. It looked like fine marble. At the top of a long hill, it was broken by a tall arch that glowed in the sunlight.
When he was standing before it he saw a magnificent gate in the arch that looked like mother-of-pearl, and the street that led to the gate looked like pure gold. He and the dog walked toward the gate, and as he got closer, he saw a man at a desk to one side.
When he was close enough, he called out, 'Excuse me, where are we?'
'This is Heaven, sir,' the man answered.
'Wow! Would you happen to have some water?' the man asked.
'Of course, sir. Come right in, and I'll have some ice water brought right up.'
The man gestured, and the gate began to open.
'Can my friend,' gesturing toward his dog, 'come in, too?' the traveler asked.
'I'm sorry, sir, but we don't accept pets.'
The man thought a moment and then turned back toward the road and continued the way he had been going with his dog.
After another long walk, and at the top of another long hill, he came to a dirt road leading through a farm gate that looked as if it had never been closed There was no fence.
As he approached the gate, he saw a man inside, leaning against a tree and reading a book.
'Excuse me!' he called to the man. 'Do you have any water?'
'Yeah, sure, there's a pump over there, come on in.'
'How about my friend here?' the traveler gestured to the dog.
'There should be a bowl by the pump.'
They went through the gate, and sure enough, there was an old-fashioned hand pump with a bowl beside it.
The traveler filled the water bowl and took a long drink himself, then he gave some to the dog.
When they were full, he and the dog walked back toward the man who was standing by the tree.
'What do you call this place?' the traveler asked.
'This is Heaven,' he answered.
'Well, that's confusing,' the traveler said. 'The man down the road said that was Heaven, too.'
'Oh, you mean the place with the gold street and pearly gates? Nope. That's hell.'
'Doesn't it make you mad for them to use your name like that?'
'No, we're just happy that they screen out the folks who would leave their best friends behind.'
Soooo ...
Sometimes, we wonder why friends keep forwarding jokes to us without writing a word.
Maybe this will explain.
When you are very busy, but still want to keep in touch, guess what you do? You forward jokes.
When you have nothing to say, but still want to keep contact, you forward jokes.
When you have something to say, but don't know what, and don't know how, you forward jokes.
Also to let you know that you are still remembered , you are still important , you are still loved , you are still cared for, guess what you get?
A forwarded joke.
So, next time if you get a joke, don't think that you've been sent just another forwarded joke, but that you've been thought of today and your friend on the other end of your computer wanted to send you a smile.
You are all welcome @ my water bowl
Thursday, August 14, 2008
Oh The Fun Of It!
I don't want to make light of anyone's misery but I've never been anyone to walk away from a joke either. How could I walk away from the situation I'm about to write about when you hear what it is? My husband was scheduled for a routine endoscopy and a colonoscopy, Now on the surface, neither one of these procedures are funny or anything to write home about. However, none of you have my husband for a husband. Let's just say the family name continues thanks to the good sense that God made woman the sex that carries children. Now, the procedures themselves were not what gave my husband concern. It was the preamble to the procedures that had him in dire straits. You see for a day prior to the work being done, he had to limit his diet to Jello, clear broth, water, and black coffee or tea. If you knew my husband you would already know why this last sentence would strike fear in my heart.
The day before the procedures, I, by his request, made a homemade pot of chicken soup and one of beef soup. I took care to leave the vegetables and the meat whole so they wouldn't contaminate the broth. I also made a variety of Jello so he would have choices. Of course, coffee and tea is always available. You have to realize how important food is to my husband! I think if he were given a choice, he would have chosen giving up a limb rather than giving up food. At any rate....he started his day with a Jello. This was followed by several more Jellos and almost an entire pot of chicken soup. He did not stop once. Throughout all of this sipping and slurping he lamented continuously about how hungry he was. Myself and my kids hid in corners to eat morsels of bread, taking care not to call attention to ourselves as we were eating. Finally, by dinner time, he crawled to the table in exhausted hunger to begin polishing off the beef soup. At around 11 in the evening I went to bed but only to wake up to all the empty Jello bowls surrounding the kitchen. Thank heavens it was the morning of the procedure. His spirits were high as he anticipated what he could eat in just a few short hours. Should he start with a meatball wedge? Maybe a deli sandwich? He was now able to recite every commercial on TV that had anything remotely to do with food. This says a lot for product placement! Even as I was dropping him off at the hospital annex he was reminding me about how I should pick up Chinese food and exactly what he wanted.
Pleased to report that everything came back fine. The patient had the bad news of realizing that the Chinese restaurant was not yet open so I had to forestall his hunger with scrambled eggs, toast, coffee, and a peanut butter and jelly sandwich. Thank the Lord above a half hour after this, the restaurant did open and he feasted on chicken with vegetables, egg rolls, and pork friend rice. At least it gave me a little time to relax before late lunch time. Whew, I don't think I could survive these damn tests again! I'm tired.
The day before the procedures, I, by his request, made a homemade pot of chicken soup and one of beef soup. I took care to leave the vegetables and the meat whole so they wouldn't contaminate the broth. I also made a variety of Jello so he would have choices. Of course, coffee and tea is always available. You have to realize how important food is to my husband! I think if he were given a choice, he would have chosen giving up a limb rather than giving up food. At any rate....he started his day with a Jello. This was followed by several more Jellos and almost an entire pot of chicken soup. He did not stop once. Throughout all of this sipping and slurping he lamented continuously about how hungry he was. Myself and my kids hid in corners to eat morsels of bread, taking care not to call attention to ourselves as we were eating. Finally, by dinner time, he crawled to the table in exhausted hunger to begin polishing off the beef soup. At around 11 in the evening I went to bed but only to wake up to all the empty Jello bowls surrounding the kitchen. Thank heavens it was the morning of the procedure. His spirits were high as he anticipated what he could eat in just a few short hours. Should he start with a meatball wedge? Maybe a deli sandwich? He was now able to recite every commercial on TV that had anything remotely to do with food. This says a lot for product placement! Even as I was dropping him off at the hospital annex he was reminding me about how I should pick up Chinese food and exactly what he wanted.
Pleased to report that everything came back fine. The patient had the bad news of realizing that the Chinese restaurant was not yet open so I had to forestall his hunger with scrambled eggs, toast, coffee, and a peanut butter and jelly sandwich. Thank the Lord above a half hour after this, the restaurant did open and he feasted on chicken with vegetables, egg rolls, and pork friend rice. At least it gave me a little time to relax before late lunch time. Whew, I don't think I could survive these damn tests again! I'm tired.
Friday, August 8, 2008
Bruiser's Prize
In yesterday's mail we received Bruiser's custom made collar tie that he won. He won another one in a bingo game, I just have to pick the fabric. You have no idea how adorable this thing is! This weekend I want to take his picture and I'll post it on this blog. These collars are the cutest, funniest, most adorable things I have ever seen. Even if you have a dog who isn't into dressing up, these things are perfect. I'll write more later as someone else has to use the computer.
Thursday, August 7, 2008
Happy Thursday
Today I began the day writing a little poetry. This followed the way I ended my evening last night. I'm not ready to share but I do love to write. I am seriously thinking of researching a few popular dog breeds and writing a few poems featuring that breeds features. If I were sent a picture of the actual dog I could print the words over a faded background of that particular pet. I'm tossing this idea around in my head as it involves writing which I was born knowing how to do and involves dogs, my passion. I've also started to make a lot of friends over at Dogster and I notice they sell a lot of things. If anyone reads this, I would be interested in any feedback. I guess that's it for today or at least right now.
Wednesday, August 6, 2008
And we have another winner
My dear Bruiser won again. He is the proud winner of yet another custom made collar. He won this one by winning the most (free) bingo games over at Pawsitively Bosylicious, a board on Dogster.com. He is also that board's dog of the week. I can't believe the social networking that goes on at this site. If you really want to promote your dog and get any kind of word out, this is the place. I can't say enough good things.
There will be new pictures soon, I just can't find the linking cable! One of these days I'm going to write a book about where crap disappears to. I think this might be the answer to world peace but I'm not sure. I'll keep you posted.
There will be new pictures soon, I just can't find the linking cable! One of these days I'm going to write a book about where crap disappears to. I think this might be the answer to world peace but I'm not sure. I'll keep you posted.
Sunday, August 3, 2008
Life can get serious
Ok so today I need to use this blog to vent. It has been a very rough last few days but the icing on the cake came this morning. First off, its been rough these last few days because Bruiser has been acting like an obnoxious teen age boy with out of control hormones. For myself, I don't care, but just let's say the Sandy hasn't had a moments peace. Bruiser has a different kind of piece on his mind. Last night, I had to go to a party so I couldn't go out and play yesterday. I guess this wasn't so bad as the day was really lousy. And then came this morning. Are you ready? Are you sure?
My kids suddenly notice this beautiful Mercedes parked in the middle of my street in front of my house. They're thinking we are Publisher Clearing House winners. I knew this was impossible. It was two of my husband's best friends driving him home. It seems while out for coffee, he fell asleep several times while they were talking to him. Unfortunately, this is not a shock to me. I have been begging him to go back to the sleep center and wear the mask for sleeping. Alas, I know nothing, as usual. This is the real reason I can't take anything resembling a full-fledged vacation back to my beloved Myrtle Beach. We would be taking our lives in our hands. Anyway he comes in, I tell him of my concerns, and his reply, "I'll be in jail someday." This implying he'd like to kill me.
Sorry for the tirade but I needed to vent. Such is my life. That's why I often get lost in bulldog land. At times, like us all, my life can be "ruff."
My kids suddenly notice this beautiful Mercedes parked in the middle of my street in front of my house. They're thinking we are Publisher Clearing House winners. I knew this was impossible. It was two of my husband's best friends driving him home. It seems while out for coffee, he fell asleep several times while they were talking to him. Unfortunately, this is not a shock to me. I have been begging him to go back to the sleep center and wear the mask for sleeping. Alas, I know nothing, as usual. This is the real reason I can't take anything resembling a full-fledged vacation back to my beloved Myrtle Beach. We would be taking our lives in our hands. Anyway he comes in, I tell him of my concerns, and his reply, "I'll be in jail someday." This implying he'd like to kill me.
Sorry for the tirade but I needed to vent. Such is my life. That's why I often get lost in bulldog land. At times, like us all, my life can be "ruff."
Friday, August 1, 2008
Gangsta Stroll
Hi everybody,
I still don't know if Bruiser won the Gansta Stroll but he did win a prize from a friend on Dogster. He won a custom made collar with shirt flaps attached and an Air Force tie. I can't wait to receive it! I really love this Dogster thing. Its a lot like myspace for pets. The only difference is that because it is very kid friendly, everything must be suitable for a 7 year old. I love it because I can talk about my dog and still act like a child. Now isn't that what summer is all about?
I still don't know if Bruiser won the Gansta Stroll but he did win a prize from a friend on Dogster. He won a custom made collar with shirt flaps attached and an Air Force tie. I can't wait to receive it! I really love this Dogster thing. Its a lot like myspace for pets. The only difference is that because it is very kid friendly, everything must be suitable for a 7 year old. I love it because I can talk about my dog and still act like a child. Now isn't that what summer is all about?
Friday, July 25, 2008
Bruiser's in a Contest
Hi everybody,
I'm not sure if that last link worked. I wanted to say that Bruiser is in a contest on Dogster for the best Gangsta. My trusted confident and son, Joseph helped me out and the picture is in this blog. I sure hope my Bruisie wins. The first prize is a vest from Critterbling, 2nd is a toy, and 3rd is a rosette from Dogster. I'm not really sure if anybody checks this blog out anymore but Bruiser is Gangsta for Life!
Thursday, July 24, 2008
Construction
Ok, I have been under construction, so to speak, because I am having my house sided. Of course, this being a production of mine, it has put the domino syndrome into effect. I just wanted 2 lights on either side of my entrance way. This, it seems, is leading to big production. Of course, we have now had 2 straight days of torrential rain and the guys can't finish. I'm not sure if this is a good or a bad thing. Whenever they are here working, Bruiser spends the day pacing, barking, screaming, and generally being the biggest baby bulldog this side of the Mississippi. I just want to be done. I won't even discuss what has happened to all my plants that I raised from babyhood all around my property! To think of it makes me sick. I guess there is always next summer.
Friday, July 18, 2008
The Greatest American Dog
I LOVE the show, The Greatest American Dog!" I can't stop thinking about this program. To me, if you are a dog lover of any kind, this is the show for you. It is not about foo-foo pets or show dogs. This is about the bond between a dog and it's person. I know how special that is. I can't forget it, ever. Check out Bruiser's page on dogster.com. I'll be adding more soon.
Join the Dogster community.
Join the Dogster community.
Wednesday, July 16, 2008
Just a quick note....
A very dear ffellow blogger, preppymama, has suggested this blog. Anyone reading this should check it out for the cutest monogramed things. There is even a contest going on every Wednesday. Check out preppymonogrammedgifts.blogspot.com
Oh the excitement!
Today I woke up feeling in a joyous mood. Don't ask me why, but I just feel that way. My daughter who is an art director at a camp is in a summer show this weekend, her first one. That means after this weekend, its OVER!!!!! Her summer courses are already over, I've thrown my annual big summer party, and second son will be done in a week and a half with his summer courses. This shouldn't affect me as much as it does but it did. Sue me. Now if I can get the siding people to show up, life would be totally grand. Still the weather is beautiful, my bulldog is sweet, I don't have work, and I've shaken that headache I woke up with. Hallelujah!! I think I will also have the house to myself for the whole afternoon. Sweet, sweet, sweet.
Bruiser has made a lot of friends over at Dogster. com. He has even been invited to join a playgroup. I love him, can't help it. Natalie if you are reading this, its time for a girl. Something mostly white if she is available and just as sweet as Bruiser. I'm hoping and wishing.
Bruiser has made a lot of friends over at Dogster. com. He has even been invited to join a playgroup. I love him, can't help it. Natalie if you are reading this, its time for a girl. Something mostly white if she is available and just as sweet as Bruiser. I'm hoping and wishing.
Monday, July 14, 2008
The day after, Dogster, etc.
Yesterday, I had a nice size party for family and friends. I hope everyone enjoyed themselves. Sad to say I was expecting a very special guest of honor but circumstances that were unforeseen made it impossible for that friend to attend. This guest is extra-special to me because it was the person that I purchased my beloved Bruiser from, my breeder! Nat is more than my breeder she is my dear friend and she was going to bring the adorable Zeus as her date. He is an exceptional bulldog, by my standards and I can't wait to see him again. Nat and Zeus, I missed you dearly.
On another note, I have been watching the Greatest American Dog on CBS on Thrsday evenings. Of course there is a bulldog, Tillman, competing and I hope he wins. I say this not just because he is a bulldog but because of his special relationship between himself and his Dad. Dad is a true bulldog fan. In an effort to vote for Tillman, I found Dogster.com. This is a great site and a lot of fun. If you have a chance waddle on over to dogster and check out Bruiser's page. It is a lot like facebook or myspace for dogs. There is a catster.com too but I'm not discussing that.
On another note, I have been watching the Greatest American Dog on CBS on Thrsday evenings. Of course there is a bulldog, Tillman, competing and I hope he wins. I say this not just because he is a bulldog but because of his special relationship between himself and his Dad. Dad is a true bulldog fan. In an effort to vote for Tillman, I found Dogster.com. This is a great site and a lot of fun. If you have a chance waddle on over to dogster and check out Bruiser's page. It is a lot like facebook or myspace for dogs. There is a catster.com too but I'm not discussing that.
Saturday, June 28, 2008
I'm back!!!
Summer vacation is here so have more time for blogging. I hope to be back in the swing of things real soon. I'm still searching for that perfect female bulldog for a mate for my darling Bruiser. I can't wait.
I'll be back to full blogging soon!
Happy Summer!
I'll be back to full blogging soon!
Happy Summer!
Monday, April 7, 2008
The ordeal
Its been a long ordeal for my niece who is recovering from brain surgery. She suffered for a great many years with Chiari Malformation. Some of you who watch Extreme HomeMakeover on ABC may have caught the episode where a house was redone for a woman involved with Chiari Malformation. At any rate, my niece elected to have the surgery (an excellent choice) to relieve her pain. She has come through the surgery fine and is now home recuperating. I met my sister-in-law, another niece and this one in the hospital early that morning. I wanted to give moral support and a shoulder to lean on. Its a tough thing to do to see you child walk off to surgery. I've done it myself and its no walk in the park. At any rate, that is where my thoughts and prayers have been. Maybe anyone reading this blog can say a prayer for her too. I believe in angels and the power of prayer. Pain killers are a wonderful thing too!
well it wouldn't be me if I didn't pass at least one wise remark.
Love to all.
well it wouldn't be me if I didn't pass at least one wise remark.
Love to all.
Tuesday, April 1, 2008
Insanity is in the air
I know I've posted about crazy things at my job before but today was another priceless example. In this part of the country, the news reported that it was going to be a partly cloudy day with warmer weather. Our building principal must have listened to this report with a great deal of attention. That's wonderful but she forgot to look out the damn window. Yes, you guessed it. Every grade level from kindergarten through 5th grade had outdoor recess. This as the damp air chilled our bones and the misty rain pelted our faces and curled our hair. I actually had kids come up and ask me, "Do you know its raining?" I mean, come on. Give me a break. Talk about feeling like a second class citizen or feeling sorry for the kids! Mine is a job that has to be experienced to be believed. Mere words cannot do it justice.
Then, after this part of my day was over, I returned to the quiet upheaval that is known as kindergarten. After a few brief moments, I was treated to yet another job perk. A five year old, while coloring a picture that had to do with spring, announced in a rather loud voice, "I screwed somebody once." This was shocking to even the kids at his table and they all asked him to repeat it. He once again announced, "I screwed somebody once," and then laughed a dirty laugh. The other teacher and I looked at one another. I quickly turned around because I thought I was going to burst. As soon as a regained my composure, I called the boy over and asked him what he said. He wouldn't dare repeat it so I asked him if he knew what he said and what it meant. He told me he didn't so we agreed that anytime we don't understand the real meaning of a word, we won't use it in school.
Ah my job....and you thought I was in it for the money.
Then, after this part of my day was over, I returned to the quiet upheaval that is known as kindergarten. After a few brief moments, I was treated to yet another job perk. A five year old, while coloring a picture that had to do with spring, announced in a rather loud voice, "I screwed somebody once." This was shocking to even the kids at his table and they all asked him to repeat it. He once again announced, "I screwed somebody once," and then laughed a dirty laugh. The other teacher and I looked at one another. I quickly turned around because I thought I was going to burst. As soon as a regained my composure, I called the boy over and asked him what he said. He wouldn't dare repeat it so I asked him if he knew what he said and what it meant. He told me he didn't so we agreed that anytime we don't understand the real meaning of a word, we won't use it in school.
Ah my job....and you thought I was in it for the money.
Sunday, March 30, 2008
Love is in the eye of the pup
So here it is Sunday morning and the day seems to be beautiful. As I write this Bruiser is looking at Sandy (our over 10 year old Cocker Spaniel) with a great deal of lust and romance in his eyes. She has fought off his advances more times than I care to mention. He, in true man form, refuses to take no for an answer. He is sitting at my feet now whining like a little baby because she would rather sleep than have him smell her constantly. I know this may sound crazy, but you have to wonder if the animal world gets it right. Think about it, here he is a young, virile, exciting, physically fit bulldog interested in the one who taught him about going outside, not barking in the night, she looked in on him constantly when he was a baby. Does he see an old bag, who has been spayed, and is way past her prime? No way! He sees someone to rest his giant chin on, to snuggle up with. Do you think this is what Ashton sees in Demi? I mean, come on. Doggie on doggie, they don't care what color the other dog's hair is, if they have overly big bone structure, who has the longer tail, etc. They just see a warm body and someone to communicate with. I think with dogs, you never age. I think its a beautiful thing!
Tuesday, March 25, 2008
Easter, kids, dogs, and ramblings
First off, a happy belated Easter to everyone. I had a wonderful afternoon with my family and extended family. The low key aspect really made the dinner, which I prepared (who else?), the company, just everything about the day honestly very nice. It was an extra nice touch to have Easter Monday off from work. It was only a four day weekend but it was enough to recharge the batteries.
Then I returned to work today. This morning seemed as though it lasted as long as the four day weekend. It just dragged! The afternoon breezed by and was over in a blink. I did have time today to evaluate some of the children and there is one that is some enigma. He is right on the edge of being identified as special ed then just when you think you have him figured out, he snaps out of his funk and you have to wonder if its a maturity issue or a disability. This is something that is quite a concern and you have to walk a very thin line before alarming a parent. Would you want to know about a potential problem or would you rather wait it all out and see if it is a maturity thing? I honestly see both sides.
And then there is Bruiser. I've come to the decision that I am going to look around for a vintage skateboard. He is just the right age to begin boarding. Apparently, from my reading, skateboarding and bulldogs go together like cream and sugar. It seems to be a natural phenomenon that they are able to ride. If Bruiser can master this, I have to admit I will be proud. Silly I know but there are days I feel as though Bruiser is all I have. He is my pet, my child, my grandchild, my love, my friend, my heart. You would have to own a bulldog to know that this pretty much describes the breed. All dogs are great but bulldogs are something very different.
I may not be blogging anymore or if I do it will surely be on a whim. I really write for only me and maybe I can channel that energy into poems(my first love). Could be the mood I'm in, I'm not sure.
For now, on with life.
Then I returned to work today. This morning seemed as though it lasted as long as the four day weekend. It just dragged! The afternoon breezed by and was over in a blink. I did have time today to evaluate some of the children and there is one that is some enigma. He is right on the edge of being identified as special ed then just when you think you have him figured out, he snaps out of his funk and you have to wonder if its a maturity issue or a disability. This is something that is quite a concern and you have to walk a very thin line before alarming a parent. Would you want to know about a potential problem or would you rather wait it all out and see if it is a maturity thing? I honestly see both sides.
And then there is Bruiser. I've come to the decision that I am going to look around for a vintage skateboard. He is just the right age to begin boarding. Apparently, from my reading, skateboarding and bulldogs go together like cream and sugar. It seems to be a natural phenomenon that they are able to ride. If Bruiser can master this, I have to admit I will be proud. Silly I know but there are days I feel as though Bruiser is all I have. He is my pet, my child, my grandchild, my love, my friend, my heart. You would have to own a bulldog to know that this pretty much describes the breed. All dogs are great but bulldogs are something very different.
I may not be blogging anymore or if I do it will surely be on a whim. I really write for only me and maybe I can channel that energy into poems(my first love). Could be the mood I'm in, I'm not sure.
For now, on with life.
Tuesday, March 18, 2008
A Thinking Thing
I only have a few minutes to post today. I just got finished cooking dinner and cleaning up the kitchen and now I have to start tomorrow night's dinner. I'm going to use the crock pot and put a stew in as I'm praying that winter will have its last gasp and I can retire my crock pot to baked beans. Its unbelievable how cold the afternoon recess times can be. I keep wishing and hoping that spring will arrive but the weather is telling me something different. Where is this global warming that I keep hearing about on the news? I wonder how much these "pressing news" issues truly are. Are they put up propaganda by the media or are they real problems? I'm not one to really worry about the future of the world. That's a funny point as I worry a lot about my personal future but the bigger picture is another thing. Oh well, that's all the time I have. So I think I'll tag this blog as something upon which one can think. There we go, and I didn't have to end the sentence in a preposition.
Monday, March 17, 2008
Friday, March 14, 2008
Can you believe it?
I can't believe that this Sunday is Palm Sunday! I can't believe the Monday is St. Pat's Day, and that next Sunday is Easter! I don't know about anyone else, but I wish Easter were a standard date every year like Christmas and Halloween. From a decorating standpoint, St. Pat's Day and Easter so close is a nightmare. As far as spacing out time and actually enjoying the holidays it stinks also. I just don;t know why, if we can change daylight savings time, we can't make Easter a mandatory date. I'm voting for the second Sunday in April. This way it can herald spring in a true way. The cold weather should be out of here by then and spring will surely have entered the picture. From a school celebration March can be dedicated to the green and April can be queen of the bunny hatch. Passover can play by its own rules, I don't mind sharing April with Passover. I know its probably a stupid thing to think about but so are so many tings in the rest of the world. How about it world? Let's start a movement.
Thursday, March 13, 2008
What a nightmare!
I have not posted in quite some time. Some of this was due to the fact that I was very busy but mostly it was due to computer problems. Then, last week there was a fatal outcome. My beloved computer, while I was surfing Google Earth, went to black and could not be revived. I kid you not, I thought my life was leaving my body. I searched high and low and over and out for my recovery disc but it was not to be found. So I did what any loyal lover would do. I contacted a witch doctor to revive my friend. Oh I was promised that nothing would be lost. I was promised my old friend would be better than ever. Just a mere $300 later my pal is back. I lost everything!!! I lost poems, pictures, letters, favorites, etc. I have not been able to really look at the computer until just now. I feel betrayed, raped...I can't describe it. At last now I know how to back my thing up so this doesn't happen again. I think I remember a Sex in the City that was vaguely about Carrie losing everything (not in a good way). I'll get over this I know but I won't have Carrie's shoes to make me feel better. I guess that's a good thing because if I did, I'd use them to kick myself for my stupidity.
I must also give a giant shout-out to my sister-in-law and brother-in-law, (you know who you are) because I forgot their anniversary again. I forgot it again!!!!!!!!!! This may be the 5th time I've forgotten it. I am pleading with anyone who may read this thing, please next March remind me. I have come to the conclusion I have a mental block with this event. Anyway, Happy Anniversary and may you both have many happy times together for a very long time. Mia cuppa, Mia cuppa.
I must also give a giant shout-out to my sister-in-law and brother-in-law, (you know who you are) because I forgot their anniversary again. I forgot it again!!!!!!!!!! This may be the 5th time I've forgotten it. I am pleading with anyone who may read this thing, please next March remind me. I have come to the conclusion I have a mental block with this event. Anyway, Happy Anniversary and may you both have many happy times together for a very long time. Mia cuppa, Mia cuppa.
Sunday, March 2, 2008
The birthday, the gardening, and my kind of man
Here I sit in front of my computer trying to come up with ideas as to what I should get my daughter for her birthday on Thursday. Usually, we go shopping together and I buy her some things she would like. This year, her competition season is upon us as is mid-terms and she truly has no time to shop with me. Still, I want her to have a few things to open on her big day. I just can't seem to come up with anything. If anyone has any thoughts, I'd appreciate a holler!
The weather here seems to be breaking and I can't wait to get outside. I purchased some bulbs to put in the ground as soon a s I can work it and the gardening catalogs are coming by the dozens. This is now driving me crazy. In my own mind, I've spent countless amounts of money on plants. Thank God its only in my mind! I'm running out of places to plant. It (gardening) just clears my head the way nothing else can. Here's hoping that Mr. Bruiser doesn't share my love of planting. He was so little last season, that I would sneak out and garden while he was napping. I hope I have the same good luck to do that again this year. He won't rest until he knows I'm settled and follows me from room to room. Bruiser is the husband, child, companion, whatever that everyone should have. He loves me unconditionally. I never say the wrong thing in front of him. His devotion is unsurpassed. He'll eat whatever I put in front of him. He doesn't hog the covers, gets up when I want to, and he lets me control the remote. I don't know...why did I get married and have children? What? Why?
The weather here seems to be breaking and I can't wait to get outside. I purchased some bulbs to put in the ground as soon a s I can work it and the gardening catalogs are coming by the dozens. This is now driving me crazy. In my own mind, I've spent countless amounts of money on plants. Thank God its only in my mind! I'm running out of places to plant. It (gardening) just clears my head the way nothing else can. Here's hoping that Mr. Bruiser doesn't share my love of planting. He was so little last season, that I would sneak out and garden while he was napping. I hope I have the same good luck to do that again this year. He won't rest until he knows I'm settled and follows me from room to room. Bruiser is the husband, child, companion, whatever that everyone should have. He loves me unconditionally. I never say the wrong thing in front of him. His devotion is unsurpassed. He'll eat whatever I put in front of him. He doesn't hog the covers, gets up when I want to, and he lets me control the remote. I don't know...why did I get married and have children? What? Why?
Friday, February 29, 2008
75 Days to Go!!!
This post is for anyone counting down the days to the end of school. OK, this post is for me. There are approximately (at least in my district) 75 days of school left. Can you believe it? Spring is sure to be in the air soon, gardening is right around the corner, and no more kids to worry about. Just the thought of this is enough to lift the world off my shoulders. I love my job, honestly. What I can't stand is the nonsense that goes along with it, some of the adults, and all the gossiping and the fact that others never do their job and still get rewarded. I HATE the standing outside in the bitter cold and the deep heat. I do LOVE the innocence of the children, the belief in Santa and the Tooth Fairy, and watching them go from lumps that can't function on their own into real elementary school kids. Seeing them recognize letters and start to read will always be exciting to me. Just knowing that giving them a hug is enough to cure all the troubles in the world renews my faith in the human race every single day. I want everyone to know that the book, Everything I Need to Know I Learned in Kindergarten, is completely true. Its just a shame that almost right after kindergarten you forget that pureness and openness and learn hatred, nastiness, and what I like to call--loud mouthiness. I think this is the cruelness of the world.
I know this post was not about bulldogs but for some reason I felt the need to vent. Oh well, Happy thoughts to all and remember its all down hill from here.
I know this post was not about bulldogs but for some reason I felt the need to vent. Oh well, Happy thoughts to all and remember its all down hill from here.
Thursday, February 28, 2008
Just a short check in
So the first week back at work is almost at a close. I must say its been better than I thought. The kids made a good transition between teachers and we are all adjusting quite well. Bruiser is busy planning for St. Patrick's Day and thinking about his costume to commemorate the day. Today, through my husband and my daughter, I've unearthed two other people near me who own bulldogs. One is a male and the other is a female. I still don't know if she has been fixed. I would love for Bruiser to settle down with a lovely little female and raise some pups. This is something I've wanted to do for quite sometime. He has brought such complete joy to me that I can't wait to experience that over and over. I know bulldog raising is not an easy thing (You have to help nature along) but I feel like I'm up for the challenge.
Well, we'll see!
Well, we'll see!
Sunday, February 24, 2008
Week off, snowstorm, gardening, and I don't know
I took the week off from blogging as it was winter break. Don't ask me why I bothered not to blog as I did absolutely nothing of importance during the week. The weather was dull and that only led to the horrible snow storm that we were hit with here on Friday. I guess I satisfied my creativity by doing a little poetry writing and cooking. I LOVE to cook. I see it as an extension of my creative abilities and I love to try new recipes. My husband was away for the weekend and I took the opportunity to make some homemade pizzas and calzone. I can only do this while he is away as he believes that pizza is not truly a dinner. He would also drive the most saintly tea totaler into the deep despair of alcoholism over how a pizza should cook, taste, be prepared, served, etc. It has become for me a forbidden food and I crave it always. If I were to be given a death sentence and had to choose a last meal, it would be cheese pizza with coke, cheesecake and fudge nut brownie ice cream for dessert. If this were to be a date, throw in a movie (any kind) and I'm good to go. I'm such a cheap date, I swear!
Today I had the extreme pleasure of purchasing gladiola bulbs at our local Christmas Tree shop. You just don't know what this does for me. There is about a foot of frozen snow on the ground but all I can think of is how much later the sun stays up and soon I can plant. I imagine my flowers and plants and just can't wait to see them again. I've already placed an order for more green things from one of the gardening catalogs. I love the feel of the sun on my back while I'm planting and working the soil. Then the real payback is when everything blooms again and the butterflies put on their show. Last summer I was lucky enough to actually have a hummingbird in attendance for a little bit. Oh I can't wait.......
And then there is back to school tomorrow. At least I can look forward to the 100th day. Its all downhill now! Yeah right, just humor me.
Today I had the extreme pleasure of purchasing gladiola bulbs at our local Christmas Tree shop. You just don't know what this does for me. There is about a foot of frozen snow on the ground but all I can think of is how much later the sun stays up and soon I can plant. I imagine my flowers and plants and just can't wait to see them again. I've already placed an order for more green things from one of the gardening catalogs. I love the feel of the sun on my back while I'm planting and working the soil. Then the real payback is when everything blooms again and the butterflies put on their show. Last summer I was lucky enough to actually have a hummingbird in attendance for a little bit. Oh I can't wait.......
And then there is back to school tomorrow. At least I can look forward to the 100th day. Its all downhill now! Yeah right, just humor me.
Sunday, February 17, 2008
Now even I know I've lost it.
So I'm off from work for a week and thought I would sit down and look up some plants that I would like to add to my garden this year. As soon as those catalogs start coming in, I get itchy to run outside and start to dig some dirt. Honest to God, I don't know how it happened but I somehow fell into a link on topiaries and bulldogs. Oh My God!!!! I am now obsessed with this thought. Anyone that knows me, knows this will consume me. Just imagine, for me, I LOVE my bulldog, and I LOVE my gardening. Now my two favorite passions can marry and take root in my home! I can't stand it. When the moss dies, I can string white lights and leave it as a lighted sculpture in front of the house. I can dress it in a witch hat for Halloween or a wooly hat and scarf for Christmas, Easter bunny ears, a flag shirt----my head is going to explode. Yes, as you can guess it is pricey and I DO have lots of other things I can spend my money on, so I won't really be purchasing it. I did send the link to my oldest son though in case he can't come up with a gift for me for any occassion. You know I'm going to be thinking of it. For anyone interested, here is the link: http://www.dogstuff.com/bulldog-b-38.html?sort=2a&max_display=186
Dear Lord give me strength.
Dear Lord give me strength.
Friday, February 15, 2008
Winter Break is here!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Winter break is finally here! I can't scream this enough. I only hope that I actually get to do something exciting while I'm on this break. For me, other than going out somewhere, this break is exciting because when I return to work, we will be very close to the 100th day of school. That means it is all down hill from there. Hopefully the weather will warm up, the delivery of gardening catalogs will increase, spring will be in the air, and I can look towards June. I LOVE June. June is my birthday. June symbolizes the end of the school year and the start of pool and outdoor time. I don't even mind going to work during June. I pray to God I'll have another bulldog in June, too.
Still, I'll do my best to focus on this week and have a good time. I'd like to rest up, catch up on cleaning and sleep and just relax. I know just the warm body I want to cuddle up to--a handsome young man, with red hair streaked with brindle black, with a melody to his snore that would soothe the fussiest baby. I'm sure you know of whom I write!
Still, I'll do my best to focus on this week and have a good time. I'd like to rest up, catch up on cleaning and sleep and just relax. I know just the warm body I want to cuddle up to--a handsome young man, with red hair streaked with brindle black, with a melody to his snore that would soothe the fussiest baby. I'm sure you know of whom I write!
Thursday, February 14, 2008
Oh the excitement......
My world traveling daughter received the sweetest Valentine's Day gift from her friend in Italy. He sent her a beautiful Tiffany ring with three diamonds, long stem roses, an adorable teddy bear, and a solid heart of chocolate! The thought of it all just makes me want to swoon. I tend to get "intoxicated" by the way he thinks of her and treats her. She stays level-headed and tells me and him she won't commit to anything. This guy truly had me at hello.
I received a nice bouguet of flowers from my husband, and a beautiful arrangement of roses and lillies from my first born son with a nice box of candy. Very, very thoughtful. He has the charm that my oldest brother was born with and believe me, that can be scary! The gifts from the kids in my class were absolutely adorable and totally unexpected. Their hand-written cards are the best. They are a hoot and a half.
Dissappointingly, Mr. Bruiser did not give me anything out of the ordinary for Valentine's Day. He does give me his undying love, warmth, and true companionship. For that, I will be eternally grateful. His picture at work was a huge hit. I wrote out Valentine's with candy and the cards, of course, had bulldogs on them. They firmly believe that Bruiser picked out the cards and candy himself. Oh how I love kindergarteners. They keep you forever young.
Anyone reading this, please enjoy the rest of the day and remember this, love is love no matter where it comes from, may your life be filled with it, even if those kisses are wet sloppy ones accompanied by drool!
I received a nice bouguet of flowers from my husband, and a beautiful arrangement of roses and lillies from my first born son with a nice box of candy. Very, very thoughtful. He has the charm that my oldest brother was born with and believe me, that can be scary! The gifts from the kids in my class were absolutely adorable and totally unexpected. Their hand-written cards are the best. They are a hoot and a half.
Dissappointingly, Mr. Bruiser did not give me anything out of the ordinary for Valentine's Day. He does give me his undying love, warmth, and true companionship. For that, I will be eternally grateful. His picture at work was a huge hit. I wrote out Valentine's with candy and the cards, of course, had bulldogs on them. They firmly believe that Bruiser picked out the cards and candy himself. Oh how I love kindergarteners. They keep you forever young.
Anyone reading this, please enjoy the rest of the day and remember this, love is love no matter where it comes from, may your life be filled with it, even if those kisses are wet sloppy ones accompanied by drool!
Wednesday, February 13, 2008
Happy Valentine's Day!!!!!!!!!!!!
Happy Valentine's Day everybody. As promised to those that know me I could not let this day go by without posting Bruiser's official Valentine's Day picture. So without further delay, here it is. Enjoy the day.
Tuesday, February 12, 2008
Pink Eye or Not
My right eye has been bothering me for some time now. Ususally I'm fine at home but the second I entered my workplace it itches, I stick my finger in to scratch it, and the reddness immediately appears. Lately though I've been getting up out of bed and seems like only one side of my face actually wakes up. I can accept getting older and not looking like I once did. What I can't accept is having only one half of my face age! My right eye has a swollen ball underneath it and it makes my eye look like its sinking into the abyss known as my face. It sucks big time. Well today I woke up looking like I've looked for the last few days but I forged on through to work. Huge mistake on my part. Now I felt like I had to show up at work because I had to take an emergency day off yesterday due to a sewer back up (just fun, fun, fun!) and I couldn't go in as I had to move "crap" from one side of the basement to the other. As the day wore on at work today, my eye got redder and redder and it also had a lovely accompanying pain. After work I went in to see my doctor and he asked me a whole series of questions. I got there feeling angry as every person (adult) that I saw felt the expressed need to tell me my eye was red. This to them was a revealation. To me, after the first 100 times you hear this, it made me want to kick people in their eyes or much much lower. My doctor then completely examined my eyes. Yes I got them both examined! Guess what? No conjunctivitis, no pink eye. Just as I knew. He did prescribe some steroidal drops and said my eye was inflamed. I think the eye is enraged, not inflamed but I guess I'm splitting hairs. I have to put these drops in my eye every four hours and rest my eye. I have an eye patch I can wear to work so as not to contaminate my eye. I can hardly wait to get there. Oh the questions. I think I'll be telling people that I'm running off with a bunch of pirates and I'm trying to get in the mood. Or maybe I'll tell them that I'm trying out a new disguise and to see me in a week for the big reveal. I just can't stand the fact that people feel the need to comment on every component of my life. Trust me, I don't peruse their appearances with the same fine tooth comb that they put me under. Jesus it can give a girl a complex! Just for my own sake let me repeat: I DO NOT HAVE PINK EYE! I am suffering from exhaustion and a complete distaste for the stupidity of people.
On another note, while I was home yesterday I looked up the Westminster Dog Show and found that you can upload your own dog's photo to their million dog mosaic. For uploading your photo and agreeing to have your dog be part of this, Pedigree will donate one dollar to shelter dogs for each uploaded photo. Its a good cause and one you may want to check out. I believe that most dogs do not care if your eyes are pink. Pink eyes are completely acceptable in the bulldog world (actually expected) and among bunnies they can be deemed attractive. This leads me to my next thought. Anyone reading, listening to me--if you know my family at all and anyone should ask what I want as a gift for any occassion--the answer is a female bulldog. I would rather breed than work outside my home any day of the week even if I have to get up at all hours and dropper feed the pups myself. That's it. I'm done. Ahhhh, all better now.
On another note, while I was home yesterday I looked up the Westminster Dog Show and found that you can upload your own dog's photo to their million dog mosaic. For uploading your photo and agreeing to have your dog be part of this, Pedigree will donate one dollar to shelter dogs for each uploaded photo. Its a good cause and one you may want to check out. I believe that most dogs do not care if your eyes are pink. Pink eyes are completely acceptable in the bulldog world (actually expected) and among bunnies they can be deemed attractive. This leads me to my next thought. Anyone reading, listening to me--if you know my family at all and anyone should ask what I want as a gift for any occassion--the answer is a female bulldog. I would rather breed than work outside my home any day of the week even if I have to get up at all hours and dropper feed the pups myself. That's it. I'm done. Ahhhh, all better now.
Sunday, February 10, 2008
I'm Back!!!!!!!!!!
Well I haven't posted in a few days as I have had a few things that I had to take care of and had no time. My job has taken up a lot of my time in a weird sort of way. The woman I work with is expecting her first child and will be leaving soon. A co-worker and I threw her a surprise baby shower with the kids this last Friday and I had a little creative lying that I had to do. I figure since it was for a good cause I will be forgiven. The kids were absolutely adorable when they saw the gifts in the basket. So sweet and so innocent. Just adorable!
The other thing that took my concentration was my coffee table and end table dilema. I had firmly decided after the holidays that I HAD to replace my end and coffee tables. They were these faux stone bases with glass tops. Since I became a great-aunt and new puppy owner I came to realize just how deadly these tables were. So in the interest of family unity I seriously needed to get rid of these things. Now if you know me at all, you know of my love for stone, granite, marble, you name it. I give true and accurate meaning to the term, "etched in stone." Also, if you know me at all you know I'm a huge internet investigator and shopper. So----of course, I purchased my new tables online. Of course, this being me, and if not for bad luck I would have no luck at all, there was a problem. The company clearly stated that upon delivery, I would have to open the boxes, inspect the furniture, and then sign for the furniture. Makes sense, right? Well, the stuff arrived in two seperate shipments and both were left at my door with no inspection and no one home to sign for anything. Not a problem until I opened the coffee table top to find it chipped. I immediately called the company and while they were gracious, they moved rather slowly. They also frightened the crap out of me as they offered me, at first, money off to keep the damaged top. I went email crazy and basically ripped my "friend" Kevin at the furniture place a new one. Lickety split a new table top was shipped out and they told me to keep the old one also. I think the new additions look lovely and I have my stone top tables. My reputation as the goddess of stone remains intact. My mother used to tease me that my house was like the Flintstones because of my love of rock. I say long live Mr. Slate. All hail Wilma Flintstone!
The other thing that took my concentration was my coffee table and end table dilema. I had firmly decided after the holidays that I HAD to replace my end and coffee tables. They were these faux stone bases with glass tops. Since I became a great-aunt and new puppy owner I came to realize just how deadly these tables were. So in the interest of family unity I seriously needed to get rid of these things. Now if you know me at all, you know of my love for stone, granite, marble, you name it. I give true and accurate meaning to the term, "etched in stone." Also, if you know me at all you know I'm a huge internet investigator and shopper. So----of course, I purchased my new tables online. Of course, this being me, and if not for bad luck I would have no luck at all, there was a problem. The company clearly stated that upon delivery, I would have to open the boxes, inspect the furniture, and then sign for the furniture. Makes sense, right? Well, the stuff arrived in two seperate shipments and both were left at my door with no inspection and no one home to sign for anything. Not a problem until I opened the coffee table top to find it chipped. I immediately called the company and while they were gracious, they moved rather slowly. They also frightened the crap out of me as they offered me, at first, money off to keep the damaged top. I went email crazy and basically ripped my "friend" Kevin at the furniture place a new one. Lickety split a new table top was shipped out and they told me to keep the old one also. I think the new additions look lovely and I have my stone top tables. My reputation as the goddess of stone remains intact. My mother used to tease me that my house was like the Flintstones because of my love of rock. I say long live Mr. Slate. All hail Wilma Flintstone!
Sunday, February 3, 2008
Super Bowl, Super Sunday, Super Shopping
So its half-time and the Super Bowl is half over. Yes folks its Super Sunday for all the sports fans, food fans, and beer drinkers everywhere. I say ladies, those not interested in the sport, why not make it a Super Sunday of shopping? I went shopping today and except for sport orientated stores, the shopping was great. I got some great buys on clothes and the dressing rooms were empty. I'm surprised some big chain retailer hasn't used the Super Bowl as the anti-men mantra that it can be and start a sale blitz to drive other women like myself to the stores. I can think of the ads now. Get the guys all together, fill them with crap food, beer and whatever else. Then bother the daylights out of them just before the game. Check books, credit cards, and cash will be offered up in any attempt to get the "womenfolk" quiet. Next scene would be a bunch of women who pile into a van, shop till they drop, and then toast the day with a white zinfandel. Come on ad men, can't you just see it? I can even imagine an ad for Lysol toilet bowl cleaner. Just show a woman cleaning up the bathroom after her husband hjosted the Super Bowl party. Tell me she wouldn't need a real Super Bowl cleaner. Come on people lets move that economy. Ok that's it for the lame comments. I guess I must be of the same mind as the people that booked Tom Petty for the half-time show. Why don't they just run a full half-time of commercials it has to be more entertaining. Please!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!1
Thursday, January 31, 2008
Oh What a Day!!!!!!!!!!
Ok, we all have a bad day at work. I didn't have a bad day at work, I had an odd one. Let me set the stage. The teacher that I work with is expecting her first child at the end of February. Funny thing about being pregnant, its something you can't hide. Therefore, unless you are totally clueless you have to know that a substitute is going to be needed. This woman only has two weeks left until she needs to go out on well-deserved maternity leave. Now I may not be the sharpest tool in the shed but I think we should know who the replacement is by now. Well I guess this week and next are open audition weeks. Nothing wrong with that except anyone wishing an audition seems to think that this woman herself has to plan the lesson. Call me old-fashioned but if you are going to be responsible for a class, I think you should be able to plan your own lesson. Anyway, back to my day.
At 9 this morning I had to cover a class. I was a little excited about this because I knew most of the children from last year. This was a well-behaved 1st grade and it was great to see how the kids progressed. I was left a lesson to do with them that was timed perfectly. I was told a "specials" teacher would be in to take over and I would assist her. What do you know? The lesson went smoothly but Ms. Special ws 10 minutes late. Have you ever entertained 20 first graders with no work to do? It can get messy. Survived that and returned to my kindergarten class. When I got there one of the auditioners was already there worrying about rearranging furniture and sticking letters to a blackboard. I guess this auditioner wanted the teacher herself to do this but since I was already covering a class, somebody actually had to teach the class. The joke of this was that she was there a good 45 minutes before she was to audition. This is not Broadway, its kindergarten! I can't tell you what a disruption it was to the kids (me too!). They were all off schedule. In the middle of all this preparation, the plumber comes in to fix the toilet bowl. If you have ever had 25 five and six year old kids in one room that needed a toilet and there wasn't one to use then you understand the fear that could put into someones heart and soul. Once again, the possibilities are not pretty! This in itself is really not that bad but the plumber, he was no ordinary plumber. Oh no. This plumber was the guy who gave me my first grown-up Valentine card when we were in school. He has had a crush on me as long as I could remember. I hadn't seen him in a few years but today was the day. Guess what? Of curse I looked like crap and I'm fighting a cold. Not that it matters but this could only happen to me. Now even after all of this, and here is the best part, the audition was postponed. That's right. We have to go through all of this again tomorrow and possibly next week. And to add insult to injury, my plumber still hasn't fixed the toilet bowl. Don't ask me what he did with his "snake" but it wasn't fixing the bowl. Thank God tomorrow is Friday!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Well, that's it for today. It's 5 o'closk somewhere and I'm gonna toast myself, except I actually use toast. Oh the weight gain! Goodnight.
At 9 this morning I had to cover a class. I was a little excited about this because I knew most of the children from last year. This was a well-behaved 1st grade and it was great to see how the kids progressed. I was left a lesson to do with them that was timed perfectly. I was told a "specials" teacher would be in to take over and I would assist her. What do you know? The lesson went smoothly but Ms. Special ws 10 minutes late. Have you ever entertained 20 first graders with no work to do? It can get messy. Survived that and returned to my kindergarten class. When I got there one of the auditioners was already there worrying about rearranging furniture and sticking letters to a blackboard. I guess this auditioner wanted the teacher herself to do this but since I was already covering a class, somebody actually had to teach the class. The joke of this was that she was there a good 45 minutes before she was to audition. This is not Broadway, its kindergarten! I can't tell you what a disruption it was to the kids (me too!). They were all off schedule. In the middle of all this preparation, the plumber comes in to fix the toilet bowl. If you have ever had 25 five and six year old kids in one room that needed a toilet and there wasn't one to use then you understand the fear that could put into someones heart and soul. Once again, the possibilities are not pretty! This in itself is really not that bad but the plumber, he was no ordinary plumber. Oh no. This plumber was the guy who gave me my first grown-up Valentine card when we were in school. He has had a crush on me as long as I could remember. I hadn't seen him in a few years but today was the day. Guess what? Of curse I looked like crap and I'm fighting a cold. Not that it matters but this could only happen to me. Now even after all of this, and here is the best part, the audition was postponed. That's right. We have to go through all of this again tomorrow and possibly next week. And to add insult to injury, my plumber still hasn't fixed the toilet bowl. Don't ask me what he did with his "snake" but it wasn't fixing the bowl. Thank God tomorrow is Friday!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Well, that's it for today. It's 5 o'closk somewhere and I'm gonna toast myself, except I actually use toast. Oh the weight gain! Goodnight.
Wednesday, January 30, 2008
Tuesday, January 29, 2008
Bruiser and my friends
Ok, I haven't blogged in awhile. I was very busy preparing and then celebrating the birthday (actual) of Bruiser and the birthday (made-up) of Sandy. I shared some lollipops and bulldog cookies with some friends at work n addition to my kindergartners. I guess it threw my co-workers for a loop! They returned the favor by surprising me with some gifts for my Bruiser. They made some homemade cards too. I know it sounds crazy but I'll treasure those memories and those cards forever. Just the acknowledgement that they realize how much he means to me, says it all. As soon as his birthday portrait is done, I'll post it and also enclose t in thank you notes to my friends. I never really had a lot of friends growing up, and it takes me some time to get close to people even today. I hate to sound like Sally Field when she accepted her Oscar but "They like me, they really like me." I'm the type of person that needs that reassurance, its a character flaw in me. Still, they made my day and Bruiser makes me happy every day.
well, off to finish cooking dinner.
well, off to finish cooking dinner.
Saturday, January 26, 2008
The big day
Bruiser celebrated his big birthday yesterday. I can't tell you what a joy it was to explain to 25 kindergartners about how Bruiser knows all about them from my talking about them at home, and how he wanted to celebrate his birthday with them. They were thrilled with the bulldog head lollipops I made. The innocence of childhood is so invigorating. They so believed that Bruiser can talk and that he truly likes them because I know who they are. So sweet. I think that losing that innocence is the sadness of adult hood. What if we could, if even just for a minute, look at something through a child's eyes? Suppose, just once, you attacked a problem like a kid would? You have a fight in the playground, you stick your tongue out at somebody, the adult comes over tells you to knock it off, you both shake hands and its forgotten before you turn around. Or how about handling a problem the way dogs do? The one that gets to the food dish first, eats first. No discussion, no problem. You're still up for a good butt sniffing no matter what. Let's not forget that a nice ear rubbing can solve any problem too.
For me, for today, I'm sticking with the ankle biters and the furry set. I'll be a grown-up on Monday. Enjoy the weekend!
For me, for today, I'm sticking with the ankle biters and the furry set. I'll be a grown-up on Monday. Enjoy the weekend!
Thursday, January 24, 2008
Birthday Preparation
I've taken a day off from blogging because I was just feeling so tired. Thank heavens, today after work, I came home with a little energy left to devote to my Bruiser. Tomorrow, January 25th, Bruiser turns one. I know he is a dog but I waited so long for him that, to me, he is much more than just a dog. I've taken his birthday portrait and when I get a little help from my kids, I'll post it. Today, I've made some bulldog shaped chocolate lollipops that I may take to school and share with my kids. They all know about Bruiser and feel as though they know him. If I could, I would take Bruiser in for a visit but I don't want some of the kids to get frightened. He is gentle as a lamb but he is young and his look can be deceiving. Yesterday, I went out and purchased some doggie presents. Tomorrow after work I'll make him a special cake that is vet and doggie approved. Tonight after dinner, if I get the chance, I may make bulldog shaped cookies. God bless ebay for selling anything you can think of. I would be lost without it!
My wish for everyone today is that you all find joy wherever you can. Find joy in the little things. Find joy in your family, your job....especially in your pets. I find joy in Bruiser and may you all be as lucky.
My wish for everyone today is that you all find joy wherever you can. Find joy in the little things. Find joy in your family, your job....especially in your pets. I find joy in Bruiser and may you all be as lucky.
Tuesday, January 22, 2008
Little Sick Boy
First off, I hope anyone reading this enjoyed the three day weekend. Mine was very hectic, as usual but that's life!
Poor little Bruiser went to the vet yesterday and my suspicions were correct. He has an ear infection. This is his second infection. He got his first ear infection over the summer and the vet thought it was because he was getting water in his ear when he would splash around in his kiddie pool. Because this is his second one, the vet took a culture and I'll get the results on Thursday. Bruiser was your typical little boy at the vet. He was terrified when he went in, I had to hold his paw the whole time, and he slept all the way home in the car. It's amazing how fast he was feeling up to his old self after just one dose of the antibiotic. I hate to leave him at home today while I'm at work, but I'm hoping the day passes quickly. Funny, as a child never remember our beloved bulldog needing my father as much as Bruiser needs me but I could have been caught up in being a child. My little guy follows my every step.
Friday is Bruiser's big first birthday. Since we really don't know when Sandy (my cocker spaniel) was born since we adopted her, we are making it her birthday also. We have to guess at the age. I'm sure they'll be pictures and you know I'll post them.
Happy Tuesday!
Poor little Bruiser went to the vet yesterday and my suspicions were correct. He has an ear infection. This is his second infection. He got his first ear infection over the summer and the vet thought it was because he was getting water in his ear when he would splash around in his kiddie pool. Because this is his second one, the vet took a culture and I'll get the results on Thursday. Bruiser was your typical little boy at the vet. He was terrified when he went in, I had to hold his paw the whole time, and he slept all the way home in the car. It's amazing how fast he was feeling up to his old self after just one dose of the antibiotic. I hate to leave him at home today while I'm at work, but I'm hoping the day passes quickly. Funny, as a child never remember our beloved bulldog needing my father as much as Bruiser needs me but I could have been caught up in being a child. My little guy follows my every step.
Friday is Bruiser's big first birthday. Since we really don't know when Sandy (my cocker spaniel) was born since we adopted her, we are making it her birthday also. We have to guess at the age. I'm sure they'll be pictures and you know I'll post them.
Happy Tuesday!
Friday, January 18, 2008
Today's post is going to be strictly about bulldogs and if anyone owns one that would like to comment I would appreciate it. Bruiser has been having a skin issue as of late. Now skin issues in bulldogs are quite common. In fact, one of the cutest (I know its not really funny) is the fact that they get acne sometimes. We have already been through that phase! He seems to have an itch behind his ear that is truly driving him nuts. I believe it to be a patch of dry skin and I will take him to the vet to confirm it. I was just wondering if anyone has any thoughts or suggestions for keeping him the soft, supple, love puppy that he is. Should he be having a certain supplement? I'd like to give him vitamin E but I would like some opinions first. Doctors and vets are not always keen on homeopathic remedies although I swear by them. So how about it bulldog lovers everywhere? Any pointers?
Thursday, January 17, 2008
Ah Romance
Anyone that reads this blog knows that I agonized over my daughter going to Italy to see her friend that was once her boyfriend. It will always be the greatest thing that I was able to let her go away through the holidays. Today, waiting at home was the sweetest thing. My daughter received a pajama gram. What a wonderful gift! I highly recommend this to anyone that wants to send a thoughtful, memorable, truly fantastic gift. You can choose from a variety of pajamas and they come in all sizes from xs to 3xl. Check out www.pajamagram.com.
I almost forgot. Yes, the pajamas were from her Air Force guy stationed in Italy. She has been smiling ever since. I'm a little thrilled myself. This gets me thinking about how much I love getting packages in the mail. Even when I know whats inside, I still thrill at the sight of the UPS truck. As a craft person I even love the packing "peanuts." Good item for the kindergarten set.
Tonight I'll put on my old, ratty head nightgown but my dreams will be of romance. Daughters can be trying but daughters keep you young. Sweet dreams.
I almost forgot. Yes, the pajamas were from her Air Force guy stationed in Italy. She has been smiling ever since. I'm a little thrilled myself. This gets me thinking about how much I love getting packages in the mail. Even when I know whats inside, I still thrill at the sight of the UPS truck. As a craft person I even love the packing "peanuts." Good item for the kindergarten set.
Tonight I'll put on my old, ratty head nightgown but my dreams will be of romance. Daughters can be trying but daughters keep you young. Sweet dreams.
Wednesday, January 16, 2008
This just in......
While eating dinner tonight I had CBS Channel 2 news on for our dining pleasure. To my most delighted surprise there was a story about the top 10, I'm guessing most popular, dogs. For the very first time, the beloved bulldog cracked the top 10. Coming in at number 10, but top 10 nonetheless, the wrinkly, gorgeous, natural clown...the English Bulldog. The pups they showed were adora-bull too.
They will always be numero uno in my heart!
They will always be numero uno in my heart!
Decorating for Valentine's Day!
Well today I came home from work and quickly made myself a cup of coffee. Sometimes, there is nothing so heart-warming, so welcoming, and oh so delicious as a simple cup of coffee. This one cup of Joe made me feel like a million bucks. Therefore, feeling so inspired I decided to start my Valentine's Day decorating. I don't put up too much stuff but I like to herald each holiday with a little something. I have these over sized heart shaped lights that I hang in my bay window that is in my living room. Bruiser found these light to be particularly fascinating. He kept cocking his head to one side and watching me as I adjusted and readjusted the lights to get them just right. I swear to you, he was smiling. Of course I immediately put up my Zelda Wisdom figure about chocolates being akin to love. I can't wait to dress Bruiser in his Valentine's Day outfit and take some pictures. When I do, I'll be sure to post them. I admit to being crazy but he is such a love to me. Truly he is my salvation. Ok, I know, I need grandchildren. However, I can happily wait and enjoy my Bruiser in the meantime!
Tuesday, January 15, 2008
When did 5th graders get to be so old?
Today I had the disgusting honor of having a 5th grade class all afternoon. Mind you, I watch 4th and 5th grade for half an hour each day during their recess but the classroom is a totally different thing. I now firmly believe that no 5th grade should be attached to an elementary school. They are middle schoolers all the way and that's where they should be housed. or should I say, institutionalized. It really is funny to see the kids play "stop it, I like it." This game where girls complain that the boys are after them but love every minute of it. I am a mother of 2 grown "boy" and I always hated this sexist, stupid excuse for flirting. You can't believe how many times they try to meet up in the bathroom and how many times I have had to (during indoor recess) demand them out of closets together. Please don't take me out of kindergarten!!!!!!!!!! I want to stay where Santa and the Tooth Fairy are real. Where the biggest problem, is you don't like cranberry apple juice and that is what is for snack.
You may be wondering what this has to do with bulldogs. well,each day I work makes me want to breed Bruiser more and more. Give me the furry set any day of the week. Today left me in a "Growl" of a mood.
You may be wondering what this has to do with bulldogs. well,each day I work makes me want to breed Bruiser more and more. Give me the furry set any day of the week. Today left me in a "Growl" of a mood.
Saturday, January 12, 2008
It's Almost Officially Over
It's almost officially over....Christmas in this house that is. Anyone who knows me personally knows that I take the whole decorating for Christmas thing to an insane level. It's the one part of the holiday that I like and to which I look forward. Oh but how I hate the take-down. I have this thing in my head that you don't dare touch one decoration until January 6th has passed. Therefore, the take down has to happen after I have already returned to work. I've managed to get it all down except for the tree which I hope to finish tonight. Bruiser, for his part, hated every minute of the decorations going up, got used to them being a part of the house, and now hates every box that has come out of the attic so I can keep them. I caught him the other day sniffing my antique Santa doll that resembles my brother. I thought he was going to go in for the kill. My kids were cheering him on as they find the doll scary but it means something to me as does each individual ornament and decoration. In hind sight the whole thing was pretty funny but at the time, I was not amused.
Anyway, hopefully I'll complete this task shortly, toast the end of another holiday season, and look forward to putting up my valentine's Day decorations. My favorite season is truly Easter for it heralds spring. Oh my......thank heavens for gardening catalogs!!!!
Anyway, hopefully I'll complete this task shortly, toast the end of another holiday season, and look forward to putting up my valentine's Day decorations. My favorite season is truly Easter for it heralds spring. Oh my......thank heavens for gardening catalogs!!!!
Thursday, January 10, 2008
I Can't Take It Anymore!!!!!!
So here I am at the computer, reading mail, blogging, shopping, and doing this all with the TV on mindlessly in the background. What am I subjected to every few minutes as I enjoy myself on this machine? Another blurb about Britney Spears. Mind you, I am listening to a news channel. Is it me? Does anyone really give two craps about Britney Spears? Does she have a mother at all? Does Dr. Phil of Crap think he is her mother? What a Shylock Doctor is he to jump on the nearly dead bones of a washed up celebrity. What does that say about him? Seriously, I feel sorry for Britney, the poster child of washed up trailer park trash that she is. I could kick her crack whore mother's behind from here to Tennessee. Honestly lady, your boob job and plastic surgeries are all courtesy of you pimping out your first born girl. I wish I could tell you that I would change the channel and the Britney crap would disappear but its on almost every channel. Now Donald Trump is on the band wagon. Dear Lord spare (not Spear) us all. This teaches people everywhere that bizarre behavior is the way to go. The way to go if you want attention, want to be famous, want to be known. Oh how I long for the days when news actually had content. Maybe it was only on for a half an hour a day but that half hour was full instead of full of crap. Oh Britney......God help you. Please heal, live life and GO AWAY.
Bruiser the insistent puppy
I know it's been a while since I last posted. Believe it or not it's also been a while since I have even been on the computer. I have been noticing the strangest thing lately when I sit down to "compute." Bruiser, I believe, is now jealous of my time with this machine. Our compter is located in the den very near to his den bed and the couch. Each time I log on, unless he is in a sound sleep, he sits up and barks continuously until I finally get so frustrated I log off. Now I have raised three children, ran a household around the clock, and I've always been one of those people that has multi-tasked, yet I can't seem to find a few minutes for myself without Bruiser. Ok, I know this sounds sick. It is sick, but anyone who may stumble upon this blog, please offer your suggestions. Oh I yell at him and tell him to be quiet but he is persistent. He'll pull at my clothes, jump up in an attempt to get on my lap, (he is about 60 lbs. now) and run into my chair. I ADORE him but I do miss my time. Same thing applies if I think I'm going to take a nap. Not without him. Anyone who actually owns a bulldog may know what I mean. Anyone without a child and wanting to know what it is like to have a kid may want to love a bulldog first. They are perpetually toddlers. You should see him napping like a baby down for his sleepy time right now. He actually gets me up every morning. I haven't used an alarm clock since he moved in, and he is consistent, more reliable, and never fails during a power outage. Oh well, I guess you can tell I love him.
Off to work!
Off to work!
Friday, January 4, 2008
Nothing much
Hi everyone,
Today Bruiser has been acting a little funny. Everyone here has been nursing the stomach bug that has been going around, and I think Bruiser is suffering from a touch of the bug also. He is extra clingy, even for him. I thought we would plan our Valentine's Day picture, but Mr.Bruiser is not up to it yet. By his standards, he believes I should be in bed already and he should be snuggling up close to me. He forgets I have a little housework to complete before I can call it a day.
I'm not really in the mood to write tonight so I think I'll just leave it at this. My week at work has been horrible and my personal life has been a complete roller coaster so I bid thee all a fond goodnight with a wish for a brighter tomorrow.
Ciao!
Today Bruiser has been acting a little funny. Everyone here has been nursing the stomach bug that has been going around, and I think Bruiser is suffering from a touch of the bug also. He is extra clingy, even for him. I thought we would plan our Valentine's Day picture, but Mr.Bruiser is not up to it yet. By his standards, he believes I should be in bed already and he should be snuggling up close to me. He forgets I have a little housework to complete before I can call it a day.
I'm not really in the mood to write tonight so I think I'll just leave it at this. My week at work has been horrible and my personal life has been a complete roller coaster so I bid thee all a fond goodnight with a wish for a brighter tomorrow.
Ciao!
Tuesday, January 1, 2008
Happy New Year
Happy New Year everyone. I haven't posted in a while as I have been very busy finally celebrating Christmas, catching up with my daughter, and trying to get my mind around returning to work. My daughter and the girl she was with volunteered to be bumped from their flight arriving at one airport to fly into an airport closer to where we live. They were promised a free flight voucher good for one year, food vouchers, and a hotel voucher. Long story short, their luggage arrived at the original airport, they arrived much later with no vouchers, and I spent that first night of her being home not sleeping because I was so aggravated I could spit. Its all straightened out now, the luggage was delivered to my door before nine am the next morning and the girls did get their free flight vouchers, I can't help thinking that they were taken advantage of because they were two young girls travelling alone. Just disgusting!
Today I can't even summon the energy to get dressed. The thought of returning to work is really getting me down. I know I'll be fine once I get there but its the getting there that is so difficult. Okay, I'm a baby. Just let me wallow but I'm sick of this all. Don't misunderstand, I'd find plenty to keep me busy at home but I'm not sure there really is anything for me at home anymore. Its a dark day here as far as the weather is concerned and I swear I am one of those people that suffers from Seasonal Attitude Disorder or SAD for short. Its how I feel anyway.
Maybe 2008 will be a better year. I can tell you I have now (I know ha, ha I must be crazy) begun to thoroughly believe in angels. These last few weeks I have felt the manifestation of angels around me. Its something I can't explain but its real to me. So dear people my New Year's wish for you is to always feel the warmth of angels wings surrounding you, even if those "wings" are the arms of close friends and family. Here's to a wonderful 2008!
Today I can't even summon the energy to get dressed. The thought of returning to work is really getting me down. I know I'll be fine once I get there but its the getting there that is so difficult. Okay, I'm a baby. Just let me wallow but I'm sick of this all. Don't misunderstand, I'd find plenty to keep me busy at home but I'm not sure there really is anything for me at home anymore. Its a dark day here as far as the weather is concerned and I swear I am one of those people that suffers from Seasonal Attitude Disorder or SAD for short. Its how I feel anyway.
Maybe 2008 will be a better year. I can tell you I have now (I know ha, ha I must be crazy) begun to thoroughly believe in angels. These last few weeks I have felt the manifestation of angels around me. Its something I can't explain but its real to me. So dear people my New Year's wish for you is to always feel the warmth of angels wings surrounding you, even if those "wings" are the arms of close friends and family. Here's to a wonderful 2008!
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