School is OUT !

At least for two weeks, that is.  When my classroom door hit me on the _____ after the last student left, I was sooooo happy and relieved to be heading home for a couple of weeks.  A couple of hours later, Bill and I headed back to school to watch a basketball game (the second one in two nights).  How crazy is that?  I just bid farewell to all of my students, and then head back for more of them.  It's kind of funny, actually, since the majority of the players I either have right now in a class, or I've had them over the past two years.  You gotta love it.
I think I have all of my out-of-town gifts wrapped and sent out.  I sure hope they all get to their destinations in time for Christmas.  That is one of my big stressors every single year.  I will promise you, though, that next year this will not happen.  My plan is to purchase, make, wrap and package all of those out of town gifts way before December rolls around.  That way, I can actually enjoy the early part of the Christmas season.  This rambling seems a bit commercial, I know, but I do love to give gifts, especially to my grandkids. 
I'm planning on getting many, many pics over the next couple of weeks, so I can post some of them.  I love those Christmas morning, messy hair, no make-up look on everyone's face.  Yeah, even the guys.
I can't believe that one week from tonight is Christmas Eve.  Time really flies...even when you're not having fun.
Bill ran into his department chair today while on campus.  It looks like the whole mess with his job was actually a misunderstanding of an overheard conversation, that got to the Vice President of Academic Affairs (not Bill's favorite administrator at DSC).  This administrator took it upon herself to make  a hurried decision, and in the end, Bill was removed from his position.  Bill had a very good talk with his department chair, and it looks like things are not as gloomy as it appeared earlier this week.  He was told he will be teaching this summer and again in the fall.  It goes to show you what a little misspoken words can do.  We're relieved to say the least, and would like to thank any of you who remembered us in your prayers.  We are very thankful that he will continue teaching this summer.
See many of you in a few days.  Happy early birthday, Erin!!

Pressure, pressure, pressure

I only have about a week and a half left of school before the Christmas break, and under other circumstances, I'd be thrilled and couldn't wait for the time off.  However, starting tomorrow, I will have approximately 110 persuasive essays (written by 10th graders) to read and grade.  Oh, my headache has already begun to pound.  To top that off, I don't have my Christmas shopping done, much less the wrapping and sending off of those that go out of town.  Don't get me wrong, I love Christmastime, and all that it represents, but just getting there has been a bit of a struggle for me this year.  I thought I had it all under control...I even started my shopping early, and got a good chunk of it completed, but then I had my three eye surgeries and a great bout of strep throat.  In between that, Bill got the slap-in-your face lame notice that they won't be using him at DSC next semester (with the slight hint, they'll need him next fall).  I just need to deep breathe, plant my feet and get focused on what is important at this time of the year.  I'm grateful for my health, all my children and grandchildren (yay, grandkids!), my wonderful husband, my mother and siblings and friends and a firm and abiding faith in the Savior.  This should be a time of gratitude for what we have, and most importantly, we do have our faith to see us through trying times.
OK, I think I've just about talked myself out of all the pressure I've been feeling.  See what a lot of self-talk does? Which is not to say, it's a bit weird to see people going around talking to themselves.  That felt good!
Merry (early) Christmas!

Strep Throat!!!

I'm home sick today (and tomorrow) with a bit of strep throat.  After the rapid strep test, the doc said it was positive...duh, I knew that.  I can always tell when I get strep throat.  I asked the doc for the pennecillin,   (can't spell that word), and he told me I was getting a shot, instead...in the butt,  Love it.  Not only did I feel lousy, but the nurse had to poke me, as well. 
Can't say it's working yet, but I'm taking tomorrow off, as well, and I hope to be on the road to recovery sometime tomorrow. 

This blog was my pity party blog, so all of you out there just feel sorry for me.  I would do the same for you.

Have a great weekend!