Anniversary Number Two

Exactly two years ago today, John and I were probably having our first dance as husband and wife. Either that or we were eating that delicious fried chicken I still have dreams about.

Anyway, it's just incredible. Every piece of it, every part of our lives, the good and the bad that brought us together and made us perfect for each other. All the manipulating, meandering and crying I used to do about who I wanted and when and where and why, to just know that the whole time God had a plan that was far better than anything I could have imagined.

Sometimes, especially when John does things like do the grocery shopping and pick up my messes, finish the laundry that I forgot about or remind me not to forget my cell phone, make coffee for me every single morning, scrambled eggs on Sundays, etc. etc....I just wonder, "Where did this guy come from?" I certainly never dreamed up a guy like that, one that could do those things PLUS everything else I could have asked for.

And what do I do for him? I think my biggest contribution to his life could be pure entertainment. Though I'm not funny enough to be a comedian, talented enough to be a singer, artist, or writer, for that matter, I do make a pretty interesting wife. That's for sure.

Christmas Cards

So, would you guys like a card with a picture of John, Rosa and me, or just a regular old card? One of our friends is a photographer and she wants us to get our picture taken. But I think you guys would think that was stupid.

Crap, crap, crap.

The past two days have been nightmarish. Literally and figuratively.

Monday was a teacher planning day, scheduled for teachers so that we have time to enter grades for report cards and write report card comments. These days should be relaxing and, besides, what a nice change to be able to go to the bathroom whenever I please.

But the day was lonely and I went home feeling tired, unaccomplished, unsatisfied. I missed Lilly complaining about the hole in her gums where she lost her tooth last week. I missed Roberto obsessively grabbing, tapping, pulling, pushing. I just missed them.

Today after school I conducted my very own Faculty Advisory Committee meeting of which I am the chairperson. This means that I get to bring up a whole bunch of complaints, stir up conflict, and try to resolve issues pertaining to our school with a group of eight or so other teachers. I have to tell teachers to basically stop complaining and move on at times, and other times know when to say something official such as, "This is a direct violation of our contract according to section IIA item 3."

It's really horrible. I feel like all the teachers at these meetings hate me, walk to their classrooms and bash me to their friends. Sure, Amanda, as if they have nothing better to do. Sure, Amanda, and now it's time to move on to adulthood and leave your egocentrism behind you.

Nightmares. I had a horrible nightmare lastnight about being stalked by two scrawny old men and I can't stop thinking about it. I have no idea where in my subconscious this dream came from, making it all the more disturbing. I also have no idea why I have suddenly become so self-conscious as if I have reverted back to being 17 years old.

I forgot to tell you!

YOU ABSOLUTELY MUST TRY THIS STUFF!

Please go right now to your local pharmacy or drug store and look in the traditional medicines section or sore throat section for this tea called "Throat Coat." It's made by a company called Traditional Medicinals (www.traditionalmedicinals.com) and buy it so it's ready for the next time you have a sore throat.

It tastes a little bit like black licorice, but it's worth it. I hate black licorice and yet this stuff is to die for. It works much better than any cough drops, cough medicine, etc. that I've ever used. Please, please try it.

If only teachers could really leave at 3:00.

Yesterday I got home at 3:30. How nice is that? Usually I'm at work until 6:30 on Fridays, but my computer wasn't working so I left in a huff. I think it was meant to be. I came home and, because I'm an afternoon person, got most of the big cleaning stuff done for the weekend. Now the weekend is mine. Well, it's mine to grade papers, do lesson plans and grade cards, that is. Shoot. I guess I better get started.

New books!

I ordered three new books on Amazon.com last night.



Digging to America by Anne Tyler

The Emperor's Children by I Forget Who

New Moon by Stephenie Meyer



Hootie hoo, I am so excited. :)



Cathy! Thanks for the leaves! My students loved them. You are amazing. Now I just need homemade noodles, Christmas cookies, and um...a scarecrow. Haha.

Boring Life

Some would think my life must be boring. I don't have much to write. In fact, a fourteen year old, who knows everything, of course, told me on Saturday that my life must really suck. It must suck because my pay is so low (it's not), we don't have an entertainment stand (who cares?), and I'm a first grade teacher (which I love).

But I could look this hard headed teenager in the eyes and say, "I love my life. I love my husband, my family, my friends, my home, and my job." And what percentage of the world can really say that? Not her, for sure.

You know what? So what if I can't tell you about my latest trip across the US in a beat up Chevy, or the late night I spent flirting around downtown? I spend my days singing songs about pumpkins, reading books about Siamese who pretend to be chihuahuas, and making applesauce with the help of 17 little pairs of hands.

I'm getting tired of negativity. From myself and especially from others when I'm feeling good.