The Scarlet Pimpernel...

Ah, sink me! "They seek him here, they seek him there, those Frenchies seek him everywhere...Is he in heaven? Or is he in (shh!) hell? That damned, elusive, Pimpernel..."

This evening I had the wonderful opportunity to be reintroduced to one of my favorite stories--The Scarlet Pimpernel. A favorite local theater, the Glendale Centre Theatre, has an ongoing production running through April. It was so good!

I first became acquainted with the story of The Scarlet Pimpernel back in college, when, in my junior year, a roommate rented it from the local video store. I fell in love with the story and that particular film version immediately. Shortly after, it was on TV and I taped it, later showed it to my family, who also loved it. It quickly became a family favorite and still is.

The Scarlet Pimpernel is based on a book by Baroness Orczy, and it tells of a seemingly foppish British Lord named Sir Percival Blakeney. In public he plays the fool, but he is also, secretly, the heroic Scarlet Pimpernel who, with his small band of trusted friends, sneak back and forth to France during the revolution, rescuing imprisoned aristocrats and saving them from "Madam Guillotine." Percy and his friends use everything at their disposal: tricks, make-up, disguises, and a lot of humor.

When Percy falls in love with the French actress, Margarite St. Just, his life seems as charmed as ever. However, at his wedding, he learns that Margarite may be responsible for the deaths of an entire aristocrat family. What he doesn't know, is that the Chief Agent of National Security--Paul Chauvlin--has named her as informer, and also plans to use her again to discover the identity of the Scarlet Pimpernel.

The whole story is full of wit, intrigue, and the ongoing cat-and-mouse game between Sir Percy and Chauvlin. The very best film version, in my opinion, is the one with Anthony Andrews as Percy, Jane Seymour as Margarite, and Ian McKellan as Chauvlin. I could watch that movie again and again, and I have!

The musical is also very good. I had the good fortune to see it at the Ahmanson Theater in Los Angeles 2 times around 10 years ago. Douglas Sills was wonderful as Percy. And tonight's less extravagant show at the GCT was also excellent. Tonight, though, the scene-stealer was definitely Kelby Thwaits, who played Chauvlin. Oh my gosh--that guy has the most amazing voice, and quite a presence too. I've seen him in other productions there and he is always excellent, but I think he's outdone himself there.

And that is my "ode" to the Scarlet Pimpernel. Love it! And the book is great too.

Here are some great videos I found, thanks to You Tube:

A great song, Into the Fire, from the National cast. Douglas Sills is so awesome!


A great scene from the movie, that shows when Percy and Margarite meet. It doesn't give away "too much" of the story--which I would recommend to anyone.

I haven't been a very good blogger lately!

What can I say? Things have been busy.

At school I'm just trying to get through each day and not think about impending layoffs. It's all I can do until the district decides how they're going to deal with their huge budget cuts. I go to work, try to stay positive and do my job.

On the home front, my late grandma's only surviving sister had a stroke about 2 weeks ago. It is very similar to my grandma's first stroke and, although, she seems to be recovering, the progress is slow. We're all hoping that it isn't the precursor to something more serious in the future. Again--trying to stay positive!

And, back to school news, tomorrow is an event that many of the teachers, including myself, don't like too much. It is a patriotic parade aimed at linking to the community. All with good intentions, of course, but I operate under the policy that anything that takes me and the kids out of the classroom is...well...annoying! Plus it is LOUD, CROWDED, and BUSY--3 of my least favorite things. We have to do a banner. Most teachers reuse the same banner year to year. I don't know why I haven't done that. This year's theme is "Yes We Can!" I had my kids print up pictures of famous people who have accomplished a lot, they colored them nice and bright, we glued them onto construction paper and taped them onto their rulers. On the banner I wrote "Yes, They Did!" in big red letters.

The kids like the parade, but it is one of those big hulabaloos that I'll be grateful when it's over!

That's the news!

But 2 recent songs I recorded. Have a listen. Click on the song titles to hear them:

I KNOW WHO HOLDS TOMORROW

YOU AND I

Bye, Bye Socks

Socks, the Clinton's cat, has gone to kitty heaven. Rest in Peace, Socks! She reminds me of my first cat.

Paintings, Singing, and Facebooking...

It has been an eventful last few days...

Things are looking more positive on the job front and I'm really hoping and praying that everything works out OK. There is a very good possibility that my job will be secure. Thank goodness. There are so many people out of work right now.

It's also been raining cats and dogs in So. CA lately! We're in the middle of our second storm system, and I think another is headed in our direction by the end of the week. Rainy days at school--fun! At least it should be dry by this Friday when I've got tickets for Phantom of the Opera at the Pantages. Can't wait!

And we're still working on cleaning out the grandparents' house. It's a slow process, but we're all getting better at it. The main thing is to be fair, methodical, and respectful, and my family. An ongoing thing has been to pick paintings done by my grandma. There are about 31. We decided to take pictures of them, post the link on Photobucket, and take turns--by age--down the line of kids and grandkids. I'm the oldest grandkid and #5 in line and yesterday I got to take my turn. This is the one I picked:

Isn't it pretty? I've always liked this one a lot, and even more so now that we found my grandma's sketch book and she had labeled the 3 girls as my 2 cousins and me. Very special. It is now hanging in my bedroom.

And can I just say how much fun I've been having on Facebook lately? What a great place to keep in touch with people! My "friends list" now includes, family, friends, co-workers, college roommates, high school/middle school/elementary school friends, and a couple of close friends that I've met online. 99% are people from 3-dimensional world, many of whom are scattered around the country. It is a really fun site to pop into and chat or leave little messages.

Speaking of roommates, I'm very excited that a reunion is really in the works for this summer. Everyone has been tracked down and everyone wants to go--7 of us total. And, because it will be in Utah, there are at least 4 other friends to visit along the way. I am really, reall looking forward to it.

And, of course, I've been adding more song recordings, which anyone reading this is welcome to visit. I'm very happy with the Celine Dion song I did yesterday (after 2 hours laboring through take after take after take...)

Here's a sample of some recent ones. Click on the song titles to go to the site and refresh as necessary.

HAVE YOU EVER BEEN IN LOVE (Lots of work!)

BROKEN VOW

PUT A LITTLE LOVE IN YOUR HEART

There are a couple of others, but, you know...it is all in fun!

At that's the news (and weather) for what's going on around here. I'm still fighting a cold and sore throat (currently on Day 8,) but I'll be the first to admit that I haven't been taking great care of myself. Word of advice? Sleep is important in getting rid of a cold. :-)

Everyone's sick...my laptop, me, my nephew, and my district...

Believe me when I tell you that my laptop has already shown signs that it needs to be repaired again. An update on Sunday required that I restart the computer and, when I did, the same old thing happened again, where the screen display was all stretched out. Of course, I knew this would happen eventually since the Geek Squad admitted that they had only run tests but had not done repairs.

My first instinct was to pack it up, get in my car, and go bowling for Geek Squadders, but cooler thoughts prevailed and I decided that, as long as the recent "work" is still under warranty and restarting the computer again solves the problem, I'm going to hang onto the laptop for a little while longer before I take it back in for another look.

The rest of the weekend was restful, if uneventful. I've been having a lot of fun reconnecting with more people on Facebook and making use of their live chat feature. The only thing I wish is that you could see who was online and be "offline" at the same time. Sometimes it is helpful to be incognito, if you know what I mean...

And my family is continuing to systematically empty out my grandparents' house. Everything has been divided up very fairly, but now, noticeable pieces of furniture have been taken, and it is kind of depressing. To think that when you die, your stuff just becomes "stuff." If that doesn't make one less materialistic, nothing will. I'm thrilled to have a couple of my grandma's pretty decorative tables in my house now, but it still feels kind of strange and wrong.

Yesterday was spent fighting an aggressive sore throat. It began on Sunday night and traces of it are still lingering today. Fortunately (if you could call it that,) it has been raining so much that yesterday the weather made me not want to go anywhere. On the plus side, my nephew was at my mom's house for several hours, but on the minus side, the little guy is experiencing his first cold. I guess not all firsts can be happy ones.

In other news, I found out today that my district is holding a meeting tomorrow for people who may be laid off. A friend who works on the district newsletter told me. But the administration didn't tell me and my union reps didn't tell me. I'm beginning to wonder if they even know. There are clearly some communication problems here. Still, I don't think I'm going to go even if I hear more about it. I'm still trying to stay optimistic that my hiring year won't be included, and the more I hear about the lay offs, the more stressed I get. And the truth is...no one knows what's going to happen yet, but I have to survive each day and not let my stress affect me in the classroom. So I'm operating under the "Ignorance is Bliss" policy. For now, that's working.

Scaling Some Musical Everests...

Have I mentioned today how ecstatic I am to have my laptop back? I don't think I have...

What a difference.

So, I don't know if it the enthusiasm from having my laptop back, or knowing that this is a 3-day weekend, or reconnecting with a few of my best friends from childhood all in one week, but I gained the confidence to attempt to record some extremely difficult songs.

Last night I stayed up until 2:30am: singing, emailing, writing, chatting with friends online, uploading pictures...doing all of the things that I've been denied for the past 2 weeks while my computer was in the hospital.

But I have really made up for lost time in the singing department. Since last night I've recorded 15 songs! Only 2 are videos--which is fine with me. I think I sing better when I'm not making a video. But of those 15, 4 of them are special triumphs, because they are songs I've tried in the past and could not do. 1 Celine Dion song, 2 Michael Bolton songs, and 1 by Kelly Clarkson.

So here they are. Click on the titles to hear them. I think I'm most proud of A Moment Like This, by Kelly Clarkson. I don't know where I got the breath to survive these, but it happened!

A MOMENT LIKE THIS

HOW AM I SUPPOSED TO LIVE WITHOUT YOU?

WHEN I'M BACK ON MY FEET AGAIN

IT'S ALL COMING BACK TO ME NOW

Kristie and Her Laptop are in the Same Room Again!

Time for the Dance of Joy!! (busting a move, busting a move...)

After 12 days, 24 back and forths with the school computer, 2 irate but controlled phone calls, and 1 land-speed record-breaking drive to Best Buy this afternoon...

I FINALLY have my laptop back. Yes, it's sad that we, OK, I, am so dependent on my laptop, but I don't care about pride today. I'm just happy to have it back.

The frustrating thing? The Best Buy Geeks Squad and their Service Center Geeks couldn't find the source of the problem. (The display on the screen was all stretched out and no amount of restarting was fixing the problem...)

The good news is that (1) it didn't cost me a penny and (2) my warranty starts again today. And you can bet your bottom dollar that I'll be back over there if the problem happens again. And next time...Geeky heads are going to roll....

But for now, I'm just glad to have it back. I don't have to reinstall anything. I just have to be hopeful (and maybe find a new place for possible future problems. Suggestions are welcome.)

Still, I'm trying to be grateful for small things.

Movie Review: Vicky Cristina Barcelona

Am I the only one who feels left out when watching some the awards shows? They announce all of these movies and I'll be lucky if I've seen one of them. Sad, too, because I think I have pretty good taste in films.

So a couple of days ago I added Vicky Cristina Barcelona to my Netflix queue. And, despite the fact that it said "long wait" next to the title, it arrived fairly quickly.

The title and the movie poster are a little misleading. Vicky (Rebecca Hall) and Cristina (Scarlett Johanson) go to Barcelona and meet a charming painter named Juan Antonio (Javier Bardem.) So this is not about a girl named "Vicky Cristina Barcelona." But the fact that their lives and relationships become intertwined is a possible explanation of why Woody Allen came up with that title.

I'll be honest, I'm not a huge Woody Allen fan. I findly him strangely overrated. I know that when I watch a Woody Allen film I'm going to see a movie with a lot of dialogue, and this film was no different. The only thing I found refreshing was Juan Antonio's honesty. Yes, he's a Spanish guy who is attracted to pretty much any decent-looking woman, but he makes no secret of it. Although the practical-minded Vicky gets thrown by his forthrightness.

Penelope Cruz plays Juan Antonio's dramatic ex-wife, who is part sage and part Tasmanian devil. I have to say that she really is an excellent, excellent actress. I can see why she was nominated for an Academy Award for this role.

My review feels kind of like this movie. There really isn't much of a point to it. No one really learns anything. No one really ends up happy. No one ends up with who you want them to end up with. There's no real depth to it. Yes, those are spoilers, I guess you could say, but I'm just letting you know what you're in for if you decide to watch it.

It kind of reminds me of that show 30 Rock, which leaves me thinking, "What is the point?"

It does have some redeeming qualities. For one thing, the "Narrator." Imagine listening to a book on tape of 2 young women going to Barcelona while watching it at the same time, and that is this movie. And, I'll admit, some of the dialogue was entertaining and I can't say I was bored. It had a very "slice of life" feeling about it. You don't know anything about these characters previous to the film and you have no idea what is going to happen to them once it is over. But the thing is, you don't really care, and that may be this film's problem. I

I would give it and 8 out of 10. If you see it, you'll be entertained, but it won't knock your socks off.

Movie Review: Waitress

Yes, I'm still without my laptop and yes, I miss it...

But I'm making do with the little Mac. That's its name.

Last night I finally watched the DVD of Waitress, which has been languishing on my table for about 3 weeks. I knew it was about a frustrated wife and I wanted to wait until I wasn't as frustrated with things so that I could watch it objectively.

Keri Russell is a delight and so pretty. Seriously, if we could pick who we could look like, I'd pick her. She plays Jenna Hunterton, a waitress in a small Southern town who discovers that she's pregnant after a drunken night with her oppressive husband, Earl. I know, why are they always named Earl? It reminds me of the Dixie Chicks song.

Despite living a miserable life with Earl (Jeremy Sisto,) Jenna is resourceful and smart. She's also close to her fellow waitresses Becky and Dawn (Cheryl Hines and Adrienne Shelley) and kindly tolerant to the diner's owner Old Joe (Andy Griffith.)

But more than anything or anyone else, the thing that brings Jenna joy is creating new recipes for pies. It is her outlet, her release, and the one thing that she knows she can make that everyone appreciates. Her pies' names are almost as creative as their ingredients, like "Lonely Chicago Pie," "I Wish I Wasn't Having Earl's Baby Pie," and "Spanish Dancer Pie." Baking makes her feel centered, nostalgic for her mother, and in control amidst her out of control life.

She is loved and appreciated by everyone around her except for the one who is most important, her husband. And when the new doctor (Nathan Fillion) takes notice of her, he and Jenna begin a friendly affair. Friendly, because she finally has a man who listens to her and values her.

The dialogue is smart, the story is sweet, and the characters--with the exception of Earl and Cal, the diner's manager--are instantly likable. Yes, Earl is awful, but it is obvious that he's also a bit loopy. Still, you stay optimistic and hope that things will work out for Jenna in the end. Without giving anything away, it is worth seeing it through to the end.

Waitress was a great little film. I can see why it won rave reviews. It is so simple and yet so good, without the need of special effects, bad language, sex and violence. Written and directed by Adrienne Shelley, who plays Dawn in the movie, it is also a bittersweet ode to its creator, who was killed before the film was released. I for one, however, can attest that she created something both endearing and enduring.

I highly recommend this film.

Loopy Laptop...

A quick note to my little handful of loyal readers:

My laptop is in the shop again. I should have it back by the end of the week (so they say.) This explains my lack of entries. I'm using the ramshackle little Mac from school.

So thanks for visiting and come back again soon!

TGIF!

What a difficult 2 weeks! There has been so much stress and negativity! I'm so glad that today is Friday.

Today I was feeling a lot better about my future thanks to a very helpful pep talk I received yesterday. I'm not going to go into detail about it, but suffice to say, I feel better and that's what counts.

We were on rainy day schedule for the 2nd day in a row. That's always tough. The teachers get hardly any breaks and our lunch is shortened by 15 minutes. I worked right through my lunch today.

I guess the discouraging part today was that my kids were writing original stories, which is always hard, and I was appalled by some of their subject matter. Again, I won't go into details, but it saddens me to think of what some of my students have been exposed to.

The good news, in my opinion--I've been listening to NPR all week (National Public Radio) and I'm just amazed at the positive steps our government is already taking in foreign relations, science (stem cell research,) and other issues. Granted, they are all sticky issues that get batted back and forth between the parties, but since I support our new president's ideas, I find them all to be good things.

These little rays of hope are important.

Here in Capistrano...7 hours later...

Back from a few hours of walking around..

It was hot here today. Much hotter than I anticipated. We piled in the car and turned a different direction out of the hotel only to discover that there really isn't that much to see here in San Juan Capistrano!

The hubbub around the mission is the main hubbub, Bub.

Still, we got something cool over at Starbucks and Bailey got plenty of attention as we browed around the Old Barn Antique Mall. Lots of great stuff, but nothing really essential. Still, it is fun to look.

We got some food at Pedro's Tacos. That place has great food, low prices, and a patio where we can take the pooch. 3 good things. My mom and I sat and talked there for quite a while, then browsed at a lovely jewelry store (I think I found my future engagement ring if that day should arrive someday) and then drove back to the hotel.

It's only 6:30pm, but dark. I wouldn't mind going back to Starbucks and taking advantage of their wi-fi there, but we'll see.

Tomorrow I'm determined to get an earlier start out of the hotel because it is our last day here. Back to the grind on Tuesday. The good news is that we get to watch Obama be sworn in on Tuesday. I know the poor man has such pressure to fix the multitude of problems he's inheriting, but he's just got to help our struggling country!

Here in Capistrano...

We're finally here. My mom, me, and Bailey, the dog. Thank goodness for this decently-priced Best Western that accepts dogs.

The plan was to get here around 4pm yesterday, but, like everything else this week, obstacles arose. I started not feeling well around 11am--a combo of nerves, tiredness, and other stuff, and we ended up not even leaving home until around 5pm. We got into San Juan Capistrano at 6:30 and checked into our room. First floor, 2 queen-sized beds and a little private patio. Not bad for $85 a night.

We couldn't do anything but unpack and get some dinner and we were both tired. We drove down Ortega Highway to Pedro's Tacos and got some take-out to bring back to the room. Then we took turns checking email on my computer and watching a replay of the Golden Globes, which I didn't have a chance to see last week because I was at dinner at the neighbors' house. I'm glad Kate Winslet won twice. She's great.

I slept like a rock until Bailey woke me up at 4:30am to go outside. It took me until 5:30 to get back to sleep and then I slept like a rock again until 8:30. My body is desperate for some rest and relaxation. This has been a hard week: the anticipation for those visits, the visits themselves, and then the scary news on Thursday.

I'll be honest. Thursday's news feels like a cloud hanging over me. I'm nervous and touchy and I feel like I can't completely enjoy anything. This morning my mom said something that set me off and the tears came again. I was talking to a colleague on Friday who is in the same position as me and I was amazed at her attitude. She was like, "Well, if it happens, it happens. Maybe it just means that teaching it not the career for me." I was dumbfounded. Granted, she's a lot younger than me, but she also has a house to think about holding onto. I don't know where she gets the strength to be so upbeat because I know I'm struggling right now.

So right now I'm in the hotel room about to take Bailey for a walk. My mom is at Denny's taking her turn with breakfast. I wish I felt better. I wish I wasn't so sensitive right now. I wish I could be more positive. I wish a lot of things.

The one thing I'm holding onto right now is that usually I'm pretty intuitive and my gut tells me that everything will work out OK. Despite all of the near-misses on seniority issues at work, things have always worked out. I'm trying to hold onto that fact. But it is the uncertainty that keeps on creeping back in and messing me up. What I wouldn't give to just fast forward in time and know what's going to happen.

This is what you get when you Google the words "time machine..."

Getting Through Today...

I don't want this blog to suddenly be about the recent layoff news at my district, but I've had a lot of support and questions in the last day, so I'll bring you up to date.

First of all, let me just say a big thank you to the many people who have sent notes of support. I really appreciate it. Really. Today at school my coworkers were their normally great selves and one of them even sent a quick hand-written note of encouragement first thing this morning.

As expected, the first letter that we were told about yesterday arrived in our boxes today. It has my hiring date and the kind of credential I hold, my address, and everything needs to be verified so that the information can be used for the tough decisions ahead.

I have to say, my kids were great. I told them everything. They're old enough to know and I feel like kids respect you more when you're upfront with them about these kinds of things. I also told them because if they see me stressed or having a rough day, they'll know why. They were really great the rest of the day.

After school I got a phone call from my mom encouraging me to go and use one of the gift certificates she'd given me for a mani/pedi. Our manicurist had some free time this afternoon. You know how in Legally Blond Elle always goes for a manicure when she's depressed. It really does help to get a little bit of pampering. It helps even more when it's free. I haven't been in ages, so it was time.

So I got through Day 1 after yesterday's news. It's still hard, it's still uncertain, and it is definitely still scary. I guess one day at a time is all I can do. Thanks again to everyone who has taken it upon themselves to give me a little lift. Hugs to you all...

Layoffs in my school district...

Well, the thing that they told us not to worry about has begun.

Today after school I was asked to go into the office. Never a good thing. But when I saw the other people there--all of whom have similar seniority to mine, I knew what this was about.

The district has to layoff some teachers. The number has yet to be determined. They are alerting everyone who was hired in 2003 up until recently. A meeting with one of the union people was going to be in an hour and we were being advised to go.

How much should we panic? We don't know.

Should we start looking for another job? We don't know.

I walked back to my classroom shaking, thinking about my house, my co-workers, the uncertainty of the next several weeks and months, went in and shut the door and started crying.

Then I did what I always do in times of crisis. I called my mom.

She encouraged me and tried to look on the bright side, that they always alert more people than will eventually be laid off, that she would do everything possible to help me not lose my house if I were laid off, etc.

I went to the meeting. The lady who ran it was very knowledgeable. I took 5 pages of notes. It is about 50% bad news and 50% good news. I'm trying to focus on the positive, but it sure it hard. And the hard thing is that we won't know for sure until May. That's a lot of waiting around and stewing over what could happen.

There will be several rounds of letters, starting with the first one to verify everyone's information, like credential status, hiring dates, degrees, etc.

The next round of letters will be around March 15th, which will inform people that there is a possibility that they could be laid off. If you don't receive that letter, then your job is safe. If you do, then you have some options to take with the union regarding a hearing to make sure that everything is being done correctly. Still, it does not guarantee anything.

In May the final notices go out.

I'm numb, worn out with the shock and worry of the news, and having a hard time holding the tears back. "Single woman with a mortgage" are the words that keep coming to mind.

Naturally, this upcoming 3-day weekend will be affected. My mom and I are still going to San Juan Capistrano--it's too late to cancel our reservations--but we'll be vacationing a lot more frugally than we would have before this awful news.

And yes, I keep telling myself that there are plenty of others that were hired after me, that I may be doing all this worrying for nothing, but without a 100% guarantee, I can't help but worry.

The uncertainty is the hardest part.

I never, not in a million years, would've thought that the economy could be so bad that my job as an elementary school teacher would be in jeopardy. It's a horrible feeling...

Catch Up...

It is only Wednesday, but it has been a busy few days...

The weekend flew by. I spent several hours pursuing a purchase order transaction at Big 5 Sporting Goods, only to come home empty handed. It got sorted out on Monday once all of the offices were open.

On Sunday I spent an hour putting together a new toy for Alexander. A neighbor is CFO at Hotwheels, which is part of Fisher Price, and he was able to get my mom a great deal--$40 for a $100 toy. It is a doorway, with a door that opens and shuts, and lots of other lights, music, and colorful things to engage a young child. Alexander has loved it. Of course he first went for some little colored balls that didn't need any assembly. Naturally!

On Sunday night I had kind of a blind date. The neighbors 2 doors down wanted me to meet the husband's best friend. We had a great Japanese dinner and the friend was very nice and impressive. Whether I hear back from him remains to be seen, but I had a nice time.

Yesterday was exhausting. We had district visitors who went to every classroom. The 2 people who came to my room were very intimidating. They didn't even return a "hello." I found it very stressful. This is supposed to help our teaching? I don't see how. I was in knots all day and I know it translated into my teaching. I arrived home simply worn out.

I even watched both hours of the new American Idol, which I haven't done in several seasons. I like the new judge, Kara DioGuardi. She actually has some constructive things to say. A few talented people were chosen--Bikini Girl is NOT one of them!

Today was much easier. Although the visitors were still at our school, my visit was scheduled during the grade level meeting. Only one lady came in, she stayed for 10 minutes and was not as unfriendly as yesterday's visitors. A little warmth and friendliness goes a long way. I was very offended by the people yesterday. Even the kids noticed how frosty they were.

And now it feels like the week is ending and we have a nice 3-day weekend to look forward to. Dinner at Claim Jumper on Friday to celebrate a co-worker's birthday and 2 nights in San Juan Capistrano relaxing and antique shopping will be nice distractions.

All caught up!

The Good Outweighs...

Ah...Thursday. I love Thursdays. It is the first day where we have an early dismissal for the week. We have usually really found our groove for what we're supposed to be doing in the classroom. Best part? Knowing that the next day is Friday.

I did have a harrowing experience on the freeway this morning, though. I was cruising down the freeway and was suddenly forced to screech to a stop to avoid hitting the car ahead of me, which had screeched to stop to avoid a very recent accident. The smashed car was in the middle of the freeway with cars going quickly all around it, but no police or ambulance. The back end of the car was very smashed but the driver appeared to be OK, although I must admit that I was so shook up from my own scary experience that I really didn't pay much attention. Another car was also stopped. All I know is that it happened in the blink of an eye and all of my things (purse, lunchbox, a Lakeshore bag) were thrown forward. That could've been me if it wasn't for the seatbelt.

I arrived at my school heart thumping, knuckles white, and a little shooken up. Fortunately, today was very smooth and it helped me recover quickly.

Throughout the day I found myself constantly looking at the classroom from an "observer's" POV, since I'll be getting my share of observers on Tuesday and Wednesday of next week. I redid the room arrangement, changed the kids' seats, picked new "table captains," and did some organizing in some neglected areas. Luckily, though, my room usually looks pretty good because of my natural need for order. The school will be open for 4 hours on Saturday, but I won't be there.

We also lost a kid-my most recent kid--who moved away. I hadn't seen him all week, so I had a feeling. Must be hard to be the new kid all the time. I didn't have to deal with that when I was young. The only problem with losing a kid is that now I have a vacancy and you never know who will fill that spot. I'm staying optimistic and putting happy thoughts out into the universe...

We had a good math lesson today too on a concept that I must admit I did not remember how to do--diving by decimals. It turned out great and I learned right along with the kids.

After school I did some more picking up in the classroom. I could get a better perspective with the kids gone. Then I came home and recorded 3 more songs. I know. I've been on a roll this week. What I REALLY need to do is take down Christmas stuff! I've been saying that for 5 days. That's next, I promise!

SECRET LOVE

YESTERDAY ONCE MORE

VINCENT

Some relaxation!

Well, the last 2 days have gone pretty smoothly at school. Today was better than yesterday. Yesterday the kids were drowsy and not all there, but today you could tell that they were back on schedule and we got a lot done.

A faculty meeting after school was on the shorter side compared to normal. The main subject was to tell us "not to worry" that we're having 6 visitors next week who could visit our rooms up to 3 times in a day. And "don't worry" that our district has to cut millions of dollars from the budget over the next two years because they will only give out pink slips (layoffs) as a last resort.

Well...as long as don't have to worry... (are you kidding me?)

So I came home and tried to put those things behind me. I found Bailey (the dog) sitting in the back yard where he is supposed to be despite the fact that the electric gate had opened on its own. That dog is amazing and I'm very spoiled! He loves to roam around in the neighbors' front yards, but he knows he's supposed to stay behind that gate when I'm not home--so he does! Incredible!

Then I made my way over to the MySpace karaoke site and chose 2 incredibly difficult songs to record. Lover's Concerto took so many takes that I eventually lost count. That is a hard song! Click on the titles to hear them...I mean me.

THE WAY WE WERE

A LOVER'S CONCERTO

Vacation is nearly over...

Well, this is it! I can't believe I have to go back to work tomorrow. It has been so nice to enjoy the freedom of setting my own schedule each day.

Today I was determined that I wouldn't be a slug like yesterday. I even set my alarm (which I reset for a later time) and got up a little earlier than I have been, although I've never been one to sleep in too late. I promised myself that I would be somewhat productive and I have been.

Last night I did my market errands for the upcoming week and had the extra treat of watching the floats from the Rose Parade being pulled down Huntington Drive in San Marino. On my way to my first stop I only saw 2 floats, but on the way back I saw about 20 or more.

This morning I stuck to my guns and stayed busy: dishes, laundry, linens, and bills. It feels good to have those things done. The rest of the day was mine and I could enjoy it a lot more knowing those things were done. I've continued to enjoy that Roku player from Netflix and relaxed in front of a pleasant movie with Christopher Reeve that must have been made very close to his horse-riding accident.

The one thing that I haven't done is take down Christmas stuff. I don't feel like tackling that job quite yet, and I certainly don't want to spend hours and hours of my last vacation day doing that. So, I'll take it down the way I put it up, a little at a time over the next few days. My goal is to get it all down by Friday. Let's see how I do...

And now I'm just trying to keep good thoughts about the upcoming weeks. Next week we're having some important and intimidating visitors to the school. That's always fun--not. All I can do is go one day at a time. That's all any of us can do, right?

Some Swan Songs...

OK, I'm a total hypocrite. I've done absolutely nothing noteworthy or productive today except wash some dishes. The only cool thing I've done is find several people from elementary school on good ol' Facebook and have a 20 minute IM session with a childhood friend I've known since I was 2. (Shout out to Kari--that was fun!)

And, in the middle of reconnecting with old friends, I recorded several songs. These are the ones I think turned out the best:

HOPELESSLY DEVOTED TO YOU

LET IT BE

IN MY LIFE

So I guess tomorrow will *have* to be a productive day. I think I'll set my alarm just to train myself to get up really early for Monday. At least it will make the day seem longer!