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.

Here it is! Bruiser's official 1st birthday picture. I'm sure you can tell he was one happy boy. He enjoyed a special gourmet dinner, delicious dog bone shaped cookies and toys, toys, toys. He is one very sweet boy. Enjoy!!!!!!!!!!!

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.

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!

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.

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!

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?

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.

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!

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!

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.

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!!!!

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!

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!

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!