Merry Christmas

Merry to all

Off to midnight mass at the Mission at Santa Clara to enjoy the music and come out blessed ro the misty morn and appreciate the silent night and the lights...a spiritual momentthen I have an invitation to Caro's for dinner.

I'm making scallaped potatoes, macarroni and cheese and ham with pineapple in brown sugar and butter; along with yeast rolls. YUM!

Twas the night before Christmas

I need a lanyard for my glasses and the remote control.

Monterey

Caro and I drove down to Monterey about an hour 's drive s. It was clear and a nice day. It sure was dark by 5 though. Dinner was nothing spectacular.
Iy was a beautiful clear night.

We stopped in at Goodwill. It depressed me. Caro found some bargins including a platter from Italy.

For dinner Caro had lamb with fingerling potatoes. I had scallops and risotto. She had a gran manier souffle for dessert and I had creme brulee. She started with crab cakes and I got something....

What I remember is the great Cosmopolitan. Thank you Michael and Bob.

We walked afterwards on the pier. They couldn't five away their clab chowder the place was dead.

I am so glad I am not traveling in the snow and weather. I wanted to be there but given the delays this is not a good week.

I got my retirement papers. On my birthday I hit the magic number. In June I will be vested. It's nice to know you get a certain amount per month for life.

Baking

At the potluck no one ate my cake. Maybe it was the persimmons vs. carrots. I didn't want to make it. There was not the same type of good this time as around Halloween. Every one's too busy and too tired. Too many sweets.

Someone gives a gift and you feel obligated to bake something for them. Why? I appreciate getting the chocolate camel bark with nuts from Ann but I don't want to bake for her and the secretaries and so forth....

I think the kuds stole the candy when they cleaned out my car along with some money.
Do they want that sugar? There is cranberry bread....but cranberries are out of season. i made 2 more more for me on New Year/s morning.


I thought to make lemon bars, a recipe from a blog I follow from Spain..the problem is the measurements need to be converted.
Tomorrow I'm at a conference all day.

My aide played hooky on his 6th day of work and called in sick on a day when he had a meeting to do training to work on his school assignments. I think.

I'm off tomorrow to the DRC to work on the District library plan. I have a sub.

I'm on it off I go to bake...again.

I got a refund today

Not all of my Teen Read Week Books have been refunded, but over 6-700.00 which is a start.

I still haven't turned the heat on and I didn't last year either but it's been so cold that it kicks on at 55. I'm wrapped under a king size down comforter from the moment I come home and wear a fleece jacket over my nightgown. I've got bed sock's and slippers.

Tomorrow is a potluck at school. I think I'm making something with permissons or pomigranetes. or this salad I like a lot with Romaine, blue cheese crutons, pine nuts, and cranberries dried on top.

Happy Birthday to me

The kids are out cleaning out my car which means I will have everything in boxes and never know where anything is. But at least they wanted to do something or get out of being my TA for a period.
Yesterday was too rainy to drive all the way to Monterey for dinner so we put it off for another day and today I'm feeling left out and put off. Mary Helen sent me a card as she always does and Marilyn sent me a scarf and hat she either knit or crocheted. I can't tell the difference.

I decided I'm doing to pack up a poncho Mom knit, a suit and send them to Gwen. I'm not sure they will fit her but they did me for awhile when I was size 8. I wish I still had her knitting bag, There were counters and patterns and needles galore. I used to want her to knit me Navy blue sweaters and she did royal blue and gold and a navy ear cover and mittens. Little did I appreciate how difficult it is to see the little stuff at 55! I used to laugh when she wanted me to thread a needle. I also have a sweater I bought for Gwen in Italy to send on to Clare. That's my playing it forward.

A good thing happened this morning even though I left the raspberries and blueberries on the counter, I found my glasses. I heard a clunk around 6:30 before Lacey and I unsnuggled. I figured it was my glasses that were on the pillow. I couldn't find them this morning once I started looking so I started going through glass cases and found my lost glasses hanging out in a case. I don't remember putting them there. Good news. The old prescription wasn't doing it for me.

I think I'll stop by Il Fornaio tonight on the way home to pick up some risotto. It's cold and rainy out.

What was happenening in 1953...
Eisenhower was President
GE promised to fire all Communist employees!
Here to Eternity was the best film
Audrey Hepburn won Best Actress for Roman Holiday
a gallon of milk was .94 not 3.83!
a gallon of gas was.22 I remember .29! and now is 1.70
A new auto $1,850.00 not 23,225 or more...
a new house was 17,400.00 now it's 500,00.00 and falling
lets not talk about the dow jones....

Cold here means 40's....but dropping this week. My blood has thinned.

so cold

I had a hat and gloves on at the farmer's market. I must get the down too.. fleese isn't enought today. With the rain moisture in the it it penetrates. Burrrrrrr!!

Time to make my carrot birthday cake.

The Christmas party

At 4 or so I drove over to Eric's house and as he prepped the outside fire pit I talked with 2 of the English teachers. One just got married. It turns out they are all related sorta. Carl married Jill's sister. Susan just married someones brother in law...too close. The all work in the sa,e school and live close to one another.
They were amazed I was here with all my family ON the East coast.

With staff dues we paid for 2 guys to cook and prepare tacos. Now these are authentic. grilled carne asada, pork and chicken. then grilled chicken and onions, tiny grilled tortillas and add lime, cilantro, onion, salsa or salsa verde... too hot for me, and radishes. There was rice and beans too. Yum. There were lots of left overs since I helped clean up, and I got to take some home which fed me today..along with sour svream and avocado. There were tortilla chips, salsa and guacamole, veggies and dip. Afterwards, there were 2 trays of cookies. 400 dollars

No potluck yeah!

The white elephant was fun. There was a color printer and a foot soaker and I got a girls gone wild t shirt. There was this huge coconut size fruit prickly that smells and tastes terrible. Like last year I was no. 1.

I stayed about 4 hrs.

It was cold. The doors were open. Outside there was a firepit. There were 34-40 people there.

U got home by 9 or so and slept in till 1

The heater kicked on no more 20 dollar gas bills. One that came today was 19. gas and 12 electric. Mt heat doesn't go on till it drops to 55 inside. I've been under a down comforter with Lacey on top of me all day. I finished my book and napped.

Lacey on my lap is a new behavior for her.

Holiday party

It was warm 40 -69 today...

This afternoon, starting at 4 our Christmas party starts. I forgot the candle and the food for the food barrel and am stopping at Safeway to get a live crab and will shread newspaper and put it in a cardboard box. I almost forgot the whole thing like I did bowling night.

The kids are flocking in to get books and I am really glad because I need those circulation numbers up. Next year I'll write a grant so the teachers can read the books over summer vacation. Teen read week can then be held before Thanksgiving.

Things I'm Thankful for:

I got my new library assistant Ramses on Wed.
Teen Read Week is over and the kids are coming in to get books and are excited.
My circ. statistics are up.
I have a parent volunteer! She is great! They both are Spanish speakers.
I'm defrosting the refrigerator in the library.
I made butternut squash ravoli with Alfredo sauce last nice and shrimp scampi.
Lacey snuggles
Carolina
Marilyn
Kim

I can see my breath in the morning

Not that I've ever burned anything but a gas log in 30 years but...The Bay Area Air District has issued a Winter Spare the Air Alert for Wednesday, December 10, which bans wood burning both indoors and outdoors through noon tomorrow.

Air quality in the Bay Area is forecast to be unhealthy. It is illegal for Bay Area residents and businesses to burn wood in fireplaces, wood stoves and inserts, pellet stoves, and outdoor fire-pits. This wood-burning ban will be in effect for Alameda, Contra Costa, Marin, Napa, San Francisco, San Mateo, Santa Clara, southern Sonoma and southwestern Solano Counties.

Winter air pollution is mainly caused by small particle pollution or particulate matter (PM) from wood smoke. Smoke from wood-burning fires is linked to illnesses such as asthma, bronchitis and lung disease, and is especially harmful for children and the elderly.

For more information about the wood burning rule, or to check before you burn, visit www.sparetheair.org or call 1-877-4-NO-BURN. Any one else experiencing this in their area?

It's 39 in the morning and 60 in the afternoon. I hear VA is in the &)'s today. What crazy weather. This weekend it's suposted to be rainy and cold. My least favorite type of weather.

I'm on my way to the district give away and then at 7 a PTA meeting...my first to ask for help on my book sale in Jan.

Raindrops on roses and whiskers on kittens...

I sendt off my musical Christmas cards to Clare with Dora saying Feliz Navidad and Merry Christmas and Sesame Street Elmo for Wesley talking and giggling enough to make Gwen and Mario cringe. I even bought a few Christmas stamps but that's the end of Christmas puerchasing and mailing. Fa La La La LA LA la la LA.

Mary Helen send me this parable:

The following was written by Ben Stein and recited by him on CBS Sunday Morning Commentary.

My confession :

I am a Jew, and every single one of my ancestors was Jewish. And it does not bother me even a little bit when people call those beautiful lit up, bejeweled trees, Christmas trees. I don't feel threatened. I don't feel discriminated against. That's what they are: Christmas trees.

It doesn't bother me a bit when people say, 'Merry Christmas' to me. I don't think they are slighting me or getting ready to put me in a ghetto. In fact, I kind of like it. It shows that we are all brothers and sisters celebrating this happy time of year. It doesn't bother me at all that there is a manger scene on display at a key intersection near my beach house in Malibu If people want a crèche, it's just as fine with me as is the Menorah a few hundred yards away.

I don't like getting pushed around for being a Jew, and I don't think Christians like getting pushed around for being Christians. I think people who believe in God are sick and tired of getting pushed around, period. I have no idea where the concept came from that America is an explicitly atheist country. I can't find it in the Constitution and I don't like it being shoved down my throat.

Or maybe I can put it another way: where did the idea come from that we should worship celebrities and we aren't allowed to worship God as we understand Him? I guess that's a sign that I'm getting old, too. But there are a lot of us who are wondering where these celebrities came from and where the America we knew went to.

In light of the many jokes we send to one another for a laugh, this is a little different: This is not intended to be a joke; it's not funny, it's intended to get you thinking.

Billy Graham's daughter was interviewed on the Early Show and Jane Clayson asked her 'How could God let something like this happen?' (regarding Katrina) Anne Graham gave an extremely profound and insightful response. She said, 'I believe God is deeply saddened by this, just as we are, but for years we've been telling God to get out of our schools, to get out of our government and to get out of our lives. And being the gentleman He is, I believe He has calmly backed out. How can we expect God to give us His blessing and His protection if we demand He leave us alone?'

In light of recent events... terrorists attack, school shootings, etc. I think it started when Madeleine Murray O'Hare (she was murdered, her body found a few years ago) complained she didn't want prayer in our schools, and we said OK. Then someone said you better not read the Bible in school. The Bible says thou shalt not kill, thou shalt not steal, and love your neighbor as yourself. And we said OK.

Then Dr. Benjamin Spock said we shouldn't spank our children when they misbehave because their little personalities would be warped and we might damage their self-esteem (Dr Spock's son committed suicide). We said an expert should know what he's talking about. And we said OK.

Now we're asking ourselves why our children have no conscience, why they don't know right from wrong, and why it doesn't bother them to kill strangers, their classmates, and themselves.

Probably, if we think about it long and hard enough, we can figure it out. I think it has a great deal to do with 'WE REAP WHAT WE SOW.'

Funny how simple it is for people to trash God and then wonder why the world's going to hell. Funny how we believe what the newspapers say, but question what the Bible says. Funny how you can send 'jokes' through e-mail and they spread like wildfire but when you start sending messages regarding the Lord, people think twice about sharing. Funny how lewd, crude, vulgar and obscene articles pass freely through cyberspace, but public discussion of God is suppressed in the school and workplace.

Are you laughing yet?

Funny how when you forward this message, you will not send it to many on your address list because you're not sure what they believe, or what they will think of you for sending it.

Funny how we can be more worried about what other people think of us than what God thinks of us.

Pass it on if you think it has merit. If not then just discard it... no one will know you did. But, if you discard this thought process, don't sit back and complain about what bad shape the world is in.


My Best Regards, Honestly and respectfully,


Ben Stein


=

Today I went to the back docror

The leaves are falling...it's shirt and sweater weather. The mornings are cool.

She ordered another MRI and suggested perhaps I have a lower disc problem.

It was a more laid back day, Last week was so busy.

I took my Bar Mitzvah outfit back to the store. The mall didn't seem too crowded.

I want to stay out of it. No more shopping for me. It's a meager year.

I need to scan some documents into the computer this week. It requires me going over to the tech center and getting some help. Let me put it under thinhs I need to do cut don't want to....another one.

I made stuffed peppers. The red peppers were sweet. I can see why people take the skin off but I can't be bothered and it doesn't make that much difference to me.

Caro and I are going to see Christmas in the park and driving down to Monterey on Sunday for dinner to Fresh Cream. see freshcream.com

Pearl Harbor Day

I remember taking a launch out to the Pearl Harbor Memorial. You couldn't help but be moved. There was still oil seeping out...eerie... Now its 55 years later.

Living in HI Christmas trees and groceries were expensive. For the past 2 years I had a tiny one. This year I don't think so. I had the little ones in my room and 2 times I cut a limb off my blue spruce in the front yard and had my designer version.

Sift surroundings sends me a 20 dollar birthday coupon that needs to be used by 12/31 so I bought another pair of tencel pants...black this time. I just can't find my other pair of jeans and they were a major part of my wardrobe. They also have these bed socks I love. I do well with this company. I did send back a sweater and a pair of white silk pants. You can see through then. The black I have are fine.

I have 2 wreaths up and 2 baskets out, but that's it.

I got the Patricia Cornwell book

Scarpetta

.

I filled up for 11.00 today.

I go to the back dr. tomorrow.

Cat snuggle

Lacey, my cat snuggles up next to me for warmth but doesn't like to be picked ip pr held and takes off of she see's you coming. I wanted to pick her up when she decided to walk on my laptop keyboard. Like covers, she dug her keys in and popped the u and i key off the keyboard. i found them this morning.
I managed to put the i key back on. Now to repeat when I find the u key again.
I only type on my stomach in my bed. So it's got to be nearby.

I got up at 9 and made breakfast, then came back to bed to bed and read napping until 4.

My bills are doe for all the presents i bought for me. While shipping was still free I got a nightgown from Land's end. I also got some pants, olive tencel and a cream warm snugly sweater from soft surroundings.com. I got 2 blouses from them too one rose and one green tencel and another blue and a denim skirt from coldwatercreek.com.

I need to return the skirt and top I bought for the Jan Bar mitzvah in Charlotte. I can't afford to go. The flights cost 50k miles and i only have 32.

I really wanted to go to the progressive supper in Charleston on the 23rd too. In all the old inn's there were appetizers then a carriage ride to the inn for a 3 course dinner and another ride for dessert and tea. I love these old buildings like in Alexandria in candlelight.

I went to Christmas in the Adobes here in Monterey. It was foggy which added to the ambiance of the old inn's and the decents in period costumes. Thank goodness there was hor cider and hot chocolate.
One year I WENT TO ALL THE BED AND BREAKFAST Victorians. I like PACIFIC Grove.

On my almost birthday, my friend Caro are going for dinner to a place there called sweet cream. yum.................

oops... I forgot Lacey's shots. oh well next week........she won't mind.

It's been a hard week.

Books are still arriving. Ir's been hard to do it all without an assistant,

Now I'm missing 2 keys on my laptop.

I'm glad gas is below 190.

I paid my property tax...1500.

I hung wreaths on the doors tonight.

Teen Read Week in progress

I am so tired. I got everyone scheduled and have given so many book talks I am dead on my feet.

The mayor, other librarians, superintendent, city librarian and the real author of Vampire High, a guy I worked with at biblioteca came.

He was super. He usually charges 3400. a visit.

Kids are checking out books. If they don't go up, I go.

It doesn't help that the books came late.

Make a birthday cake for one of my TA's last night.

I went for an eye exam today. My prescription hasn't changed since last year. I can't find my latest pair of 450 dollar glasses and new frames don't get covered until Oct.

I could get contacts.

I don't have the patience.

HDTV

After 2 week on the floor and 2 tries on the 3rd try I got the new tv working.
Now to get rid of the other one. I can barely lift it.

The turkey and rolls are gone. I read 5 books.

I have a very busy week planned. Teen Read Week is packed with classes, the mayor and teachers.

I just want it over and to be reimbursed.

Today when I was out someone ripped off the cash box and over 150, is gone.

The police were called and I thought I was the only one that had the combination.

They assumed I must have done it..... as if!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Friday was the enf of a really bad week.

Happy Thanksgiving to all

Things I am Thankful for:
I'm not in Bombay India as a hostage
It's so nice to have 5 days off.
public libraries are free
my health
Lacey
my home
my friends and family


I'm reading Belson DeMille's The Gate House.

Slept for 16 hrs

Gas is dowm to 220. if you pay cash

I stopped on the way back from the hospital. I was not happy to pay a co pay and have my dermatologist say she needed to see me then say there was nothing else to be done. They could change medication and that was it. Why did I even go in for her 5 minute look see? I sent her a picture, she could have said the same thing my email or phone.

My back is acting up.

I'm really tired. I have a aculty meeting and then a school site council meeting starting at 5.

I just want to go home and sleep. My stomach is still queeze and having cheese broccoli soup didn't help.

I got 1 top and pant and a blouse I really like, and 3 things I didn't. They go back then I could get these bed socks they have.

on the way to work

after my swim I experienced 3 bouts of projectile vomiting, The first all over me the 2nd and 3rd out the door, Then even though there was just water you shake,

I started about going home for a block then turned around and went to work falling asleep every 4 min. while driving. Then, got to work remarkably without an accident and told the secretary....

I dried off and still falling asleep decided to go home. I almost crashed and weaved all the way there and slept from 10-8.

I had gained 2 lbs back. The purging should help. Glad my stomach was empty. Scared to eat anything the whole day; finally I had a poached egg.

Hacked my lungs out all day

It sounds like I have fluid in them. Took some codeine when I got home and napped.
I was up at 5 but was leery of emersing myself in the cold air with this cold.


I got my first issur of O magazine tofay. Thank yoyu Michael.

It was 82 again again today. I should have stayed home I dozed, had a hard time concentrating and didn't feel like working. I didn't feel like I could with no one else here.

I interview assistants in a week. There are 10.

Took my first picture of Lacey today.

Bought a mouse and signed in kids.

Gas ia 2:23

Time to fill up. I noticed when I drove across town to the larger farmer's market. It goes on for 5 blocks, filled with persimmons and pomegranates, celery peppers, apples, grapes and food galore. I got yellow and black mile with tortillas and went for the chicken curry m Indian, with Nan, a savory whole wheat crepe with spinach, feta and tomatoes. I got fresh squeezed O.J. to feed my cold and a pumpernickel bagel along with some fresco sea scallops.

I needed to take my camera. I really don't know how to use it.

I stopped to get some cold pills. I have been infer the weather and slept a lot. I stopped at the library to drop off some books.

I went home for a nap. I read and slept for 3 hrs. I for up closed the doors and made the scallops.

My ear is still messed up. It hurts.

I'm sick

I slept for 12 hrs. then took a nap after reading. I finishes a new book and finished the other one. Time to move on to another,

U have a ton to take to the library tomorrow. After I went to all the effort to get the books for a teacher she brought them all back to me.

I'm trying to finalize some travel plans and explore accommodations in St Augustine. I wonder what to pack.

I got a new outfit. I want to go to a BBQ place in Charlotte for dinner. It seems like Stephen is having the main formal Bar mit in NY and only family in NC. They haven't been there as long.

Why go?

I" ;ooking forward to a progressive supper in Charleston not ostracisism and exclusion.

The dentist said all was well

The alarm went off at 2. I reset the clock and alarm and it went off correctly at 4:59. I got to the pool by 5:50 and planned to swim to 6:30. Somehow I forgot the reason I was there so early and swam until 6:50. I left at 7:30 so much for the meeting....I swam 24 laps.
My ear is still hurting.

I have an IEP next week at 7:45.

I had a mom come in and volunteer all day she got a lot done. She was interested in the job but it closed yesterday. There are 20 applicants.

I have a derm apt on the 19th.

A lot more books came today. I got them all unpacked and stamped and tattle taped and var coded. Now onto cataloging.Then the magazines, teaching classes, handling kids, taking fines, running overdue notices....

Then home for a nap.

Mom's 90th birthday!

I keep hearing about elderly parents in dementia and perhaps they were fortunate to pass without too much pain

What a lady, I miss her every day. She dealt with politics too.

My books are pouring in and I was trying to cover them. I finally realized you needed to put the spine label under the cover. I don't cover well anyway. What a pain to process books, stamp, put in tattle tape, put on bar code protector. Time consuming. Then there are the magazines.

I'm using child labor. Then I have to ship them out to the district resource center for their cataloging.

I went swimming. It really helped my back. I was in knots. The alarm didn't go off again so I was late in the pool at 6:30.

Tomorrow I have a Faculty council meeting for all department heads, so I need to swim 5:30-6:3- then the meeting is at 7:30.

Misplaced my latest glasses and have been wearing the old pair. Each pair cost 500.or more. These really don't
have the progressive part or if they are it's not strong enough. I had an apt. today at the eye dr. but canceled because the Dr. I prefer is semi retired and canceled asking me to see another Dr. I rescheduled. She is my age. I'll get a pair and put it on my flex bucks,

I found my sunglasses. The bag was on the drivers floor and sunglasses on the passenger seat.

I made fish and risotto for dinner.

My R ear hurts, like I have water in it. I need ear plugs like I had made in HI.

Wish I could find Mom's knitting needles to give to Gwen.

Frustration

First ny alarm that I set early didn't go off. I woke at 6:30.

Next with Rupert gone I was very busy. Every time I'd go baxk in my book room I found rirles kids had thrown in the wrong place. I picked up 15 in one aisle. Then to teach. I found more stuff on the shelves and pulled that.

Next my Amazon orders began to come in and I had to process books.

Then, the bookeeper told me my Principal had not approved my order and she could not reimburse ME.

There is something that runs me raw interacting with her. I avoid it until impossible.

I took myself off to the shopping center for 2 truffles from Godiva with my coupon but wanted the peanut butter cup and left that.

Bought a pretzel. bad! 420 calories!

I think someone broke into my car and stole my black bag and sun glasses. They are Coach and in the making 3 pair were taken. I saw a Coach store in the mall. That explains why the kids recognize them.

Breakfast with friends

This morning I got up really early like a crazy person on Veteran's Day, and went to swim. I swam 23 laps. My longest yet.

Then I meet my friends, Lisa, Janice and Peggy for breakfast in a new place. It was so cool.

The restaurant used to be down near the Water District when I worked there.
I never got to it and had heard it was good. It is called City Diner and is filled with memorabilia from the 50's from a whole car on the wall to Marilin Monroe, James Dean on the walls with film shots and posters of movies.
The menu mimics the names in their specials. It was really good. I wanted eggs Benedict but got the special, Marilyn Monroe, hash browns with wheat toast, 2 poached eggs and a sausage with tea. Better than my other 2 choices, a Monte Christo or eggs and cheese and hash brown potatoes.
We had a lovely time as always catching up,getting advice and enjoying long friendships.... You can have a piece of toast or beg a potato or eat the remainder of some one's potatoes when she's done and leaving them as Janice did to Peggy's without anybody thinking anything strange about it.
Peggy left early and we stayed another hour or so finishing at 11. A 2 and a half hour brunch heavenly even minus the calories.

Then I went to circuit city and got mouse for school, a t.v. which I can't connect; a camera and a new bedroom phone which I did connect.
The young man said all you have to do is plug it in. So I moved this enormous 19 inch t.v. and put this flat screen 19 in open box Toshiba special deal one on the dresser. No signal. Then I called the help desk they said to connect the antenna. No signal. At that point I put the other back up until I have a wrench to take the cable off my attic antenna and attach it to the new TV again. Frustration!

Flat screens are so cool and light. A huge difference in weight between the one I have and the new one. Technology really moved a long way since I last bought a t.v. I considered one with a DVD in it but passed.

I couldn't believe I couldn't order this mouse through school. The bookkeeper said to go buy one so I did now if she says 19. is too expensive, too bad, it's not worth my gas, time and frustration.

Cameras need a memory card, then and case and now for Christmas I'm asking for the adaptor to connect it to my laptop. Gee... any way to make a dime.
They are like cell phones, first the phone then the case then the car recharger then the plan. Yikes.
Not to mention computer connection plans and cable t.v.

I just need to learn how to use the camera. So far I know how to put in the memory card and the battery, take a picture and delete them.

Then I stopped and got some more Thai coconut lemon grass corn soup, green garlic and sauce, tried the garlic chicken and fish and got some more yellow curry. Yum!

I read a little took a nap, moved the alarm earlier so I can get more laps in in the morning.

Lost another lb. today.

Now I'll make my plane reservation stopping on Sat, 12/20 at Dulles at 9 p.M. and on Sat and again on Sun. 1/4 at 11 a.m. so I can visit with Karen coming or going I hope.

I went to the dentist Monday to fill a cavity on a front tooth. No shot!

I'm reading John Stanford's Heat lighting with Dewey to follow.

I better fix the latch on my back door so all this doesn't walk out.

Happy Veteran's Day!

Today was Rupert's last day

Fortunately tomorrow is a day off. I hope we find someone soon. The sub I had read her bible all day! Yikes!

My hours are so strange. I waited until 3 to sleep last night and napped from 5 to 11:30 then had dinner. All weekend I worked on my book order until the wee hours. Then I expected my weary body to get up 2 hours later and go swim or zumba....

Tomorrow I am meeting 3 ladies from the library for breakfast. They called on Columbus day , but I didn't have it off. We all used to work at biblioteca. 2 still do. The third, Lisa, is a super clerk. She runs the place. I'll go swim first.
Our birthday club"

I went to swim this morning at 6"3- and got one lap in before the swim team descended. I hate them taking the whole place over. I returned home after a shower and got the flowers I forgot for the secretary. i got her some beautiful sunflowers at the farmers market. They were turning the vase water pink. I got to enjoy them for a little while.

I trimmed the roses back on Sun. and cut the last one. The lemon and orange trees got cut too and the oranges are starting to drop.


I need to buy a camera and t.v. and phone. I cant call out on my bedroom phone.

I still haven't made my reservation to Charlotte. I wanted to stop over to see my friend Karen on Sat. the 20th.

I'm also waiting for my ff miles to post.

Turns out I got 30 k miles for my purchases on this new Visa

Chase kept cutting me off today. At the grocery store I had to call them. Then again they saved my butt on buying miles. Even as a transfer its 35 dollars and a dollar a mile. Then you can only give 15k a year. You can buy up to 60k but it's expensive, So much for free. Instead of 700 it would have cost 400. This is turning out to be an expensive ticket. The Chase person said to buy my ticket and when the miles post they will help me get a ticket...yeah right.

Went to Zomba. I'm getting better. The I swam I didn't get there till 7:30 because I was up till 3:30 ordering books. Then Chase declined them and I had to go back this afternoon and do them again. i had 2 hrs sleep and kept nodding off.

I went to the farmers market and got a pumpkin creme brulee, a cranberry orange scone which I topped with blueberries and some spinach and mushroom quiche. I have pork tamales and fish for later.

I can't decide if I want to go to Trinidad for Thanksgiving. Yes I want to be there. I just don't want to drive 12 hrs. I'll cook in advance and drive up Wed. and back Sun.?

I also napped from 5 to 11 and ate dinner from thai left overs.

Then I got on line to reserve books from the library for my teachers so the books I bought can be canceled. They should get here before the books ordered.

Grand plans

I'm down 21 lbs.

I'm exploring great plans. I'd I had known I could have gotten a ff flight at 2ok miles now it will "cost" 2x that if available. I'll ask Marilyn if she will donate 20k to me for my and and Christmas present.

I'll leave here on Fri. eve. arrive early sat. in no Va and visit w/ Karen.

Then off to NC and on the 23rd a progressive supper in Charleston, They have a hostel there.

Then to Savannah for a Christmas foodie tour.

and on to SSI and nearby island and back to Charlotte for the Bar Mitzvah.

I need to get a camera and a tv and a phone.

I hope I don't have to spend 700 on this airline ticket. I could buy them.

I kust spent 1000. on Amazon finishing my book order. That should get me a few points.

Teen Read Week

My principal said he doesn't read and will not be presenting a book for teen read week. I told him he had an obligation to lead my example and to present. Then I took 2 comics, aka graphic novels up to his office for him to choose from. I haven't heard back. That is incomprehensible to me. The superintendent is presenting.

He can't tell the kids he doesn't like to read.

I got gas this morning at 3.25. Then I went swimming and got in 16 laps or 1/2 mile.
Tomorrow I'll have more time for a mile then my aqua aerobics class and yoga. Then I have to hit the library.

My aide was out. It was busy. I didn't get time to do any selections. I did get some books I ordered and have been up past midnight the last 2 nights ordering from Amazon.

With Steven's Bar Mitzvah in Jan. I think I'll come E in Dec and revisit Savannah, Charleston and SSI. I wanted to go diving in Belize but the flights are full. If I had known I could have planned.

New Year's

Steven is having his Bar Mitzvah on 1/3 in Charlotte. I tought I'd be in school but mt vacation lasts until the 4th. Now I'll check on connections. I'd like to see Karen and still have some time in NC and VA and Savannah. Sounds like a week of a trip or more. Flying takes a day each way.

I got an early birthday present a subscription to O magazine. Thant you Michael.

Thank You! I got a notice it's coming !

busy day I got to the gym at 5:50 and in the pool by 6. I went to fill up with with election day gas but it was blocked off. Now it goes back up??

My assistant was out.

Hope he is there tomorrow when I'm at my book conference.

I'm worried about getting my books. My teachers are asking for them and tey are not here. I'm trying to cover by getting them copies at the public library.

I finally started ordering myself from Amazon on 11/3. The district and a P.O. takes too long.

Even with an early release day I still didn't get back to mt ordering. I brought it home rather than stay later. Mt back was protesting.

I have 1 book shipping from Amazon. It took only 2 days. I also got a shipment of 50 books from the catalog lady processed. I had the kids put spine labels on. It was not well done.

I lost a lb today and swam 20 laps! My best so far...ever increasing.

Obama Won!

WOW! History..1865 to 1963 to 2009 moments of critical racial change.
I thought we would have a woman first

I never thought a black man would be voted in. Are we finally color blind? I hope so.

Now to become blind to sexism too.

Almost went to my conference on the wrong day. It's Thurs not tomorrow.

Went to swim this morning. I need to get there earlier at 5:30.

Gas is down to 3.29. I need to fill up.

I need another 5 more hours in my work day un interupted. I'll bring stuff home but I need the computers there with the faster speed and multiple screens I can have open.

Swimming

This morning I took 34 dollars of groceries back to Lucky's. I'll get the soup etc. at Savemart. I refuse to pay that much more.

The Moosewood organic mac and cheese was no great shakes. It was a bit cold by the time I got to it.

I'm now cooking Sheppard's pie by Amy with organic veggies. It had few calories though,I'd prefer some meat too.

I wanted to get a Marie Callendar's for pie and even though I don't eat the crust and it was over 1000 calories.

It's raining.

Gas is down to 2.75.

I got a sub for my conference today. Now to get the money, I'd like to put it on my credit card but this school system makes it tough.

The sub, an Indian woman, has library experience. Hope she applies for the opening. She didn't come but another one did.

I had some flan yesterday.

I was going to bring some work home but I left it on my desk.

I put a flannel sheet on the bed last night. Only the top one. The down comforter was too hot.

I swam, but there was swim team. They threw me out. I was running late anyway so I only did a bit. It's hard to swim when you scrape bottom.

Hate Conan O/

All St. Day was yesterday

Even with daylight savings time and staying up till 2 to watch MC Cain on SN:Got to the gym at 6:30 swam but had to share the lane w 3 boys and their dad who kept wandering over to my 1/2 and kicking me. Then I went to zumba. I got my towel. Now just 20k more points for a t shirt.

Things I bring to the gym:

1 bathing suit
3 bras
2 underpants
one pant
2 t shirts
1 shorts
2 washcloths
5 towels
2 pareos
shampoo,conditioner,soap,face soap, razor, deodorant, comb,id card, wallet,cream for my face
my jacket
too much to carry in two tote bags
keys


Then to the farmers market
I got 5 kinds of apples, tangelos, brussle sprouts, red peppers, tamales w pork, green beans and eggplant. I got some quiche: spinach and mushroom, pumpkin creme brulee and a cranberry scone.

Afterwards, off to the grocery. The grill was going for ribs and tritip and chicken.
I got another electric toothbrush. This one not like sonic care is oral b and runs on batteries.

I'm so obsessive. I'm going to return some staples to lucky because they cost more than at savemart. Orthotics were 10 at savemart and 15 at lucky, the crest battery toothbrush was more too so back it goes along with 3 cans of soup and some mashed potatoes which is far cheaper not at lucky. I know better than t o shop there. My 3 items became 118 dollars.

then they give you this stupid coupon to hook you for the next time...if you spend 180 dollars...; Safeway is 100 and savemart gave me a 9 dollars off coupon if...
How many people are careful enough to track these?

I made some chicken salad with shredded chicken, apple, celery, dressing, almonds, grey chutney.

I'm making butternut squash soup. I got one at the farmers market. I made some before and it was o.k. but needed a lot to improve it's flavor. I had some of Wolfgang pucks organic while recovering and couldn't open my mouth past a spoon. His was good. I'm sure it has too much sodium. That's why it tasted good.

The price of gas fell again. I better fill up before the election.

I want a subscription to Oprah magazine. I got my first issue of Vegetarian Times and was underwhelmed. I was however, unaware of the impurity of the products out there.

I did it!

I won myself a hand towel for my 10,000 hours or points. I went to water aerobics today and got some swimming in. Amazing that I can feel the difference in m y swimming stamina. Meant to get there an hour earlier. Tomorrow even with daylight savings time I;ll help them open the door at 6:30 then go to my zumba class at 7:30, treadmill next, Off to the farmers market.

I went to the grocery store for 3 things and spent 118. My SKINNY COW IS BACK UP TO 4 A BOX NOW THAT WE ARE ALL ADDICTED.
i ALSO DISCOVERED MOOSEWOOD 3 CHEESE VEGETARIAN MACARONI AND CHEESE AND SOY BASED NO GLUTEN STIR FRY THAI AND SHEPPARD'S PIE NY AMY OR MORNING Star.
Asparagus was on sale and fresh OJ too.

Do we have to mention 1/2 price Halloween candy. I got a bag of M and M's for the candy jar at school 2.00 1/2 price. My favorite is bit of honey, then jelly bellies,reeces p b cups, frozen milky way.

Then I went to the library to get some more books for a teacher this time on poverty, illness and homelessness. One of my holds was there on working dogs. I have 7 things on hold and that's in San Jose. The Santa Clara city library is also sending some things. Their teen librarian is coming to my Teen Read Week in Dec.

I also got some graphics novels for the kids to read and add to our collection.

I'm scheduling all my readers.
I think I have a helper.

I'm watching world dance champeons. They are great...samba,salsa,chacha. Maybe I can get the salsa down but the samba? It's faster and more difficult.


It's soup weather and raining but with a zepher, a light, warm wind.

Gas is doen to 3.75.

Happy Halloween!

I got up at 6 to get to Caro's by 740 to pick up her clown costume. I had it ion for 20 min and thought I'd roast. Hot flash...turned on the fan.

LEFTOVERS WERE SPARSE BUT VEGGGIES FOR THE 1ST TIME WENT BY MY TOOTH The waterpic helps and I have this syringe thing to flush with too.

I go back in two weeks.

There was a lunch parade. We have aviators, football players, Dracula, mustached boys, witches, flappers, mummies, princesses, pirates, iphone, barcode, dow jones average, hot dog, a salad in a cargo net, a computers, bumblebees, cheerleaders, death eater from Harry Potter, electric workers than had been electrocuted, a construction guy, Pocahontas, a vamp girl, and so on.
It's started...a pumpkin was smashed on the street... I saw that on the way back from the p.o. and the library.

I walked in this morning with my pumpkin to give to the winner of the Halloween coloring contest and one of my habitual offenders had thrown an egg into the back seam of one of the arm chairs. It was cracked and goop and had run in the crack to the cushions and been spread on another chair too.

I ran over to the library to get a teacher a audio reading of Poe's stories. E. Vincent Peal does a really good one of the Raven. She'll follow with the Simpson's video version. I have a tape I got the other day of Poe's life and it was dry this summer and dry yesterday when shown to 6th graders.

I did two classes of 6th graders for instruction and am pooped. I'm not used to wearing shoes or being on my feet this much. I need to get some more SAS and insoles.

It rained

No trick ur treaters.

Potluck

My school really goes all our for the Halloween potluck. There is a woman who decorates it all. All the tables were decorated and people signed up and brought salads, desserts and main dishes including tortilla soup. Surprisingly some made a dish along with cheese galore, crackers, cream, cookies, cake...which were there too. There were chicken wings, chicken casserole, many salads, rice, quionoa and cookies.

It felt like someone cared.

It was nice. I went early got a plate and ate at 2, 3 hrs. later. I'm still unable to eat a meatball. The jaw just can't yawn or open wide enough.

I had a Poe program, scary story of the Headless horseman, makeup video, music... I forgot the story and it's too long to read with ole Ichabold Crane.

A busy day. Today I voted. It was also the first rain of the season. It always smells so good.

It made my hot flashes go away.

I can't find the umbrella. Lot's more rain coming.

Samba

We do a little in my zumba class and also in aqua aerobics. I like the beat.

I worked till 4 then hit the library and worked for a teacher on a next week assignment.

After I got home I pulled a chair over and stood on top to get some pasta doen. Unfortunately it has wheels and it went one way and I landed on my butt. Better than my knee on the cement between the car and the wall in the garage, which still hurts.

For my next trick I stood on the bottom shelf to get the casserole dish down and wnt flying across the kitchen into the counter.

A lot of effort for a pot luck at work.

I made penne, with feta, fresh basil and fresh grape and tomatoes with roasted pine nuts.

Gas is 2.91

What a difference.

He told my principal I was a good librarian and it sounded like the writing is on the wall already about me having a job next year.

gee I want to work harder now

My dentist broke mt jaw no wonder it was so swollen and painful.

Not enough good drugs

Where is the ice pack?

I've been swollen up like a pumpkin. I couldn't open my mouth enough to eat toast and it was too hard.
Took two days off after my principal put me in tears by telling me it was unexeptable to email I would be in late when I couldn't talk. SoB.

Got my wisdom tooth out

My dentist wanted me to pull both remaining. This lower r was easier than the last one. That had the dentist pr surgeon on the chair with a hammer. This one came out wasier. At a thousand dollars a pop. I'll wait.

Ha! if I only knew what was to come.

Fortunately insurance was 80/20. Still that's 1000. I owe 100.

I got my grant for Teen Read Week today. Since the library was closed for hearing tests, I spent the day spending the money selecting 100 titles.

Pool was closed

sINCE i DRAGGED MY PROTESTING BODY OUT OF BED THAT EARLY. I used the treadmill. Something was better than not at all.

Wisdom Teeth

Make an appt. with the oral surgeon to have another wisdom tooth taken out. My dentist wants me to do 2 but one is fine with me, That will be 3. I made him earn his money last time, he was sweating and I was coming out of the chair, I had him give me the tooth. It had long roots. He said I had good bones. Usually they take then out when younger and one root broke off. It was twisted subdermally NO Fun.

I got the swim suit I ordered. It fits on the r side but the left boob needs more support. It really had so go back.

Got to do the time

Spent Sunday finishing the book

Hot Mahogany

by Stone. and going to swim at 6:30 and then at 7:30 to Zumba class. I'm getting better. I recognize the music. I like the Latin beat.

I am worried that my L leg is numb all Sunday after I finished the workout I noticed it. While I was shaving it was numb. After the farmer's market and grocery store I put it up and the numbness moved all the way up to the groin. I have been feeling it in my calf most days. I always thought it was just not warmed up. Clearly that is not it.

I emailed my doctor. Since my blood sugar fasting number was 112 consistent with pre diabetes, I need to knock off the sugar and sodium, processed food and stick to the fruits and vegetables. I do that anyway but not enough and I have be be religious about the swimming.

It was cold this morning. I had the heater under my desk on. The afternoon was glorious though.

I have the treats for the librarian's meeting this week. I got 3 colors and typed of grapes from the farmers markets. Kettle corn. water, carrots, celery, cauliflower, tomatoes, broccoli, zucchini bread and I will make some apple bread. That should do them. If I'm really inspired I'll bake oatmeal raisin cookies too.

I'm not feeling too nice towards them.

I lost 2 of the 3 lbs I gained. See what exercise will do for you. It helps to stay away from fast food too.

I got a lot of sleep over the weekend but it is getting colder and I still slept in this morning and I went to bed at 9 last night.

I am reading

Nothing to Loose

by Lee Child.

I had a blanket fall apart so I put it outside for the cats and put my comforter and duvet on the bed. Until last week the windows were still open.

Back to it

Went to water aerobics this morning. I was up but with the weather colder wanted to stay in bed.
I felt better afterwards. I had a really bad emotionally triggered eating day yesterday and it showed as I was up 3 lbs from no exercise this week. How depressing. All that fast food got me. I'm an emotional eater.

I'll go swim tomorrow and to the zumba class.

I am concerned that my r leg is numb. for weeks the calf had been. I thought it was not warmed up but it feels that way every morning. After class I noticed it was numb as i was shaving in the shower...totally.

I came home and readmy book rich mahogany and elevated it and it is still numb and that had spread to the knee and now to the groin.

Time to call the advise nurse.

I may put the remodel off

After talking with Caro last night I decided not to go to Direct Buy. They charge a membership fee, want at least 10k and even with counters and sink, oven, faucet I may not be close enough.

I got up early to go to faculty council this morning. I got here by 7:20. What a waste of time and air. Nothing was decided upon. We meet again next week.

I had my review this morning. I got reamed that the library wasn't the hub of the school, that my statistics on circ. are down, that the shelves are messy, that the computers are broken, the mice are missing, on and on.

The good news is I got a check today for retroactive money. Gee, I needed it. Couldn't figure it out why I was getting the check. It comes at a good time.

I'm no longer confident enough to go ahead with my kitchen remodel. I may do the ovens and the cabinet.

I still didn't go swim this morning. For the last two mornings I've been getting up at 5 without an alarm. The mornings are colder now. I stopped to get a taco on the way home...more fast food and noticed I needed a jacket.

I'm glad that this is Friday. I want to get out of here.

I have kids helping with the barcoding of our history books and am so angry when they screw up.

I am sad that I can't count on them to do work.

My library assitant didn't get the gob and still is without benefits. God for me, bad for him.

We are not off for Columbus day. Too bad.

My review

I wrote it up in about an hour after being reminded. I was shorter than last year and didn't even read it through before turning it in. I missed the 10: appointment time and wrote it then instead. Having all these books dumped on me took a bit of my time.

This has been a buzy month.

Tonight I'm suposted to go to best buy and see what they have at 7:30. Bob set me up. There is a membership fee. They want you to spend over 10k and maybe countertops and sinks and faucets may be there along with my double oven. Sounds too wierd.
Stay tuned for the report.

Up till 3:30

Finally took a sleeping pill. Turned off the 5:30 alarm. Missed 3 days swimming. That, combined with fast food should have undone all my good work,

Today 2 pallets of new replacement books came in. I used child labor and got them all unpacked during lunch and moved out of the lobby and into the conference room.
It was controlled chaos with all the boys showing off their macho selves and a couple girls pretending to be strong to be involved.

I'm reading

Nothing to Loose

my Lee Child.

Bob sent me a referral to a Direct Buy showroom so I'm going to look fir a new double oven.

I hope to swim in the morning. On Fri I have a 7:30 mtg. I'd have to swim 5:30-6:30.
Up at 5. Less and less sleep.

I'm going to sponsor the literary magazine again this year.

The estimate for my cabinet refinishing came in at 11k. Time to lok at Home depot too.

New babies

So nice to welcome new babies to the family.

I'm extremely reluctant to spend money I have in this economy.

Sept. was a long mo. and I already spent my paycheck and here it is Oct. 8. I don't like getting paid once a month. I started the mo. with a 2k "loan" for overdrafts which I paid off. I should have reduced 2 other payments but I didn't. I also got my oil changed and 2 filters changed and it was over 100.??

I was off email for a week at work and missed two events, an in-service pm Wed. and bowling and burgers on Fri.. I'm pissed.

I've been sleeping in.


Back to the swim in the morning.
It was 86.

Off to the dentist

No one likes to go to the dentist and I need to have the lower l wisdom tooth pulled. It has a cavity. The last one was no fun. She told me to get both done. I said no. I also noticed only pictures that my teeth are yellow. Who cares? I said that a year or two ago. Now I noticed in the photo and she will whiten them for 500. I told her she was mechugnagh. (crazy) I could do it for 250.

I also have another cavity in my front tooth. Unfortunately, there is not a tooth in my head without cavities. But as I remember from the last time he ripped one out her said I have good bones. I think that was last year.
A parent came in today and she had no front teeth.

I guess I'm lucky they are not in a glass.

My aide went for a job interview today. It's a cut in pay but a has benefits and lets him run a library.

My Teen read week is going to be the first week in Dec. I need to get the money and on the stick ordering.

I slept in this morning. I needed the rest but felt guilty. When the alarm went off at 5:30 I turned it off and kept the 1.5 houris for myself under the covers. I felt guilty.

I made raspberry yesterday. Looks good. Tastes better. I took the other 6 or 7 quart's in to school froze them in single layers then put them in a container for the winter. I like them in oatmeal especially when they are few and far between. The price goes up so high. Strawberries are not the same.

I still need to write my goals. I will go swim in the morning. I have a long way to go and every time I get naked in front of the mirror I am reminded.

Crazy workout

Was up at 5:30, stopped for gas, stopped at the grocery, was in the pool by 6:40, swam 13 crawl and 1 backstroke. Jumped into the shower to rinse, jumped into clothes to go to the zumba class. Water is easier. My r calf has been burning like it's not warmed up for about a week now. I dragged those weary parts up and down and legs where ever to the Congo and Samba and was pooped. I showered, dressed and went to the farmers market. I cut out the beloved cinnamon roll. Got some quiche, peppers, tamales and this was the last week for nectarines. Then I hit the other grocery for regular stuff.

I came home and made some eggplant parm. yummy I was going to the kitcgen desugn center. took a nap instead.

Happy Roshashana everyone.

Tina gave us a new cousin with Denzel and Brandon, an 8lb girl,Gabriella. Good job Tina! Welcome Gabby.

I'm reading

Quicksand

by Iris Johansen. Finished

Coming Home

by Danielle Steele.

Acting as my own general contractor again

This time will involve no permits

I have a cabinet maker, electrician, plumber I like now i need to pick the cam lights the double oven, and counter tops and get someone to do the drywall on the ceiling and do the counter tops.

I got 4 quotes. I feel like red riding hood the first one was too high, the next too... and the next just right.
Clearly the more you do the less it costs.
Frankly I'd rather be lazy, not make the decisions, do the work and pay more. I'm gonna have to pick out the lights, oven, sink, counters and stain anyway.
Where do you get dry wall anyway? How do you put in a new ceiling ? then drop the lights and paint? blah! How do ypu cut it, tape it in slap goop then paint it. cut out recsses for the cam lights.
hassle

Kitchenworks was too high, Kitchen..was lower, hated the guy, contractor A I liked, my cabinet guy I know does good work.

it would be a lot more convenient to have it all done in one fell swoop 4 weeks done. no decision block off kitchen , empty cabinets, have someone come cover floors, do all and only live amidst the mess for a month and be done.

it rained

Those automatic checkout machines

I don't like them. It takes too long.

I scan my credit card and it won't accept it and when I went at 6 I was the only one there and still I needed help them he couldn't get it done. I didn't get to the gym and in the water until 6:30. I made a cake for one of my TA's birthday and needed frosting. I almost left out the water.
I had to stir it in after it was in the pan. I forgot to put it in with the eggs and oil.

I lost another TA today, :-( she transferred to another teacher. This one I'll miss.

I must have hit the snooze bar on the alarm because it was near 6 by the time I got um, cut the cake off the pan and headed out the door. I cleaned the back seat out of recycle canvas bags filled two boxes and put them into the truck, I still didn't find my bathing suit. So, I'm still swimming in the revealing one with the spaghetti straps that just don't have enough strength to hold the load and a t shirt to cover the mass.

I showered and ran out of the gym to school with hair wet and barely combed. No wonder I'm still sneezing and coughing.

My assistant is getting married to his baby mama and taking time off to go to Marine world a day before and 2 days after for a honeymoon. Can you imagine?

Different strokes for different folks. He had a coupon, I'd go to Pacific Grove or to a b and b.

We're getting new/ replacement history books. Our last year one's were so poorly bound that they fell apart so the company is bringing us new ones. A lot of work plus I have to write my goals and everything else.

I must have read the scale wrong the other day instead of 10 today it showed more of what I would have expected, 3 lbs for the week.


The TA's ate Jens b.d. cake almost before she got there.


Nectarines are in their last and cauliflower and zucchini are bolting. Green beans are too big and not hercot verte.

Am I crazy to be remodeling in this economy?

Lost my bathing suit

Searched the cat 4 times, twice last night and 2x this morning...no suit? I wore an old one w. a T shirt. It show too much cleavage. I figured I'd popp out without the support.

Why is the L breast always bigger? Because it's where your heart is?

I'm down 10lbs.

Between being sick and swimming and trying to keep the calories to 1000 or a a bit above 1500 I surprised myself on the scale before my swim with suit and croc's on at being down that much. Before that it was 1 lb.

Swam this morning but yesterday I bagged it to sleep in. Last night I met this this real cool surfer boy from Kitchen Works who wants to redo my kitchen for 30k.

I think I can go less than that but it's been interesting and yesterday I met with another contractor who I assume will come in lower. I forgot to tell him the bar needs to be done too or does it?

Today the last kitchen person comes then on Thursday my original pantry maker comes to tell me about the rest. Essentially now that my learning curve is higher.
I need to hit the Expo center. Pick out counter tops. I tend to go with the white maybe a little speckle granite like but stronger. Then red oak cabinets. I found out my pantry is veneer. Looks fine to me. I need the lights and electric done and double opens, a sink, garbage disposal and faucet. I may move the cabinet over the refrigerator out too. Only one outlet needs to be added because my range top is electronic. Who needs it?

A lot. I'm glad I did the floor, windows and the other appliances.

It costs more but it's a lot easier and less hassle to let someone else take care of it.


I have a large galley kitchen and the top is a T and the bottom is a eating area for a table. The family room is attached on the other side of the kitchen counter cooktop. My dining room is on the other side of the eating area thru a door.

It's another warm day. There was a fight on campus and the hormones are raging in teenagers.

I'm running a bookmark contest.

The designer today quoted lower and had a harder push. I liked him the least. He agreed to meet any quote and lower by 25.00.

Got my new school pictures

I wore better clothes but like the one from last year as bad at it was better. Let's face it. It does as much as possible with the subject. I liked my new hair cut till the photo's.

It is easier to dry after swimming and unlike last year I don't have anyone to please but myself. I thought I looked better. It's always sobering. I have never given out any of the 4 sets of photos that I got.

I went swimming this morning despite the fact that I'm still not 100 percent. I swam o.k. but with less energy. I only did one back stroke. I can't stay centered in the lane and hit the wall but a lady in the pool told me to look up at the ceilings and watch the lines and that will keep me straight. I'll try that tomorrow.

I have 2 weeks to do my Evaluation Exploratory Gal-Setting Work Plan for the year. Then my principal evaluates it and me and me sit down to review it.

Last year I thought I was going above and beyond by retyping the whole thing; then when I got in there he told me I did it wrong. Maybe the form is on the Intranet.

Well the good thing is I have no appetite. The bad thing is my head is clogged along with the sinuses and I need those Kleenex that have lotion on them. After a box of rubbing my nose it's sore.

Since I've been washing my hair every day one of the days I just rinse and just put conditioner on, Wash the rest of my and my suit, put on lotion blow my hair and I'm off.

Up my 5:30, dressed in my suit helps, in the pool by 6:15, out by 6:45, out of the locker room by 7:25, onto the freeway and at school by 7:50. Welcome to my morning.

Mess with the kids till 8:20. settle in with email them and we're off. I get lunch at 11 but after cereal at 8:30 I'm not interested so I sneak it in around 2.

Sent my first trade into Kingtrade. At 4.99 a trade. The told me Watchovia had suspended sale of stock. What does that mean? Why? tried to buy 25 shares last night, but I had no money in. Then I sent the money by check this morning. Even etrades take 7 days, and cost.

I want a way to transfer money that's free.

I guess cuz they got bought by Chase. Eaten like a guppy.

A contractor came today to discus the light replacement, counter resurface, electric, sick,disposal, fauet, new granite and ovens. I thought about putting track lightinh in the family roo, too. He sugested taking je popcorn off the ceiling. messy job. You have to make it wet then scrape it off.

He was from Kitchen Works and quoted 31k.

sick

After hacking and blowing my nose sucking lemon and water and taking a box of sudaphed every 4 hrs all night long I finally got some sleep around 4. Consequently I slept till 9 ish and got to the gym and the market and the store by 10. My throat is less sore but the headache and clogged head and nose are still there.

IT will be fun trying to swim on that.

It's another hot day here.

I got a large yellow and bronze mum to put out front.

I got a large container of OJ to feed my cold.

Tried to take a nap need 5 and woke up choking on my cough drop from sleeping on my back. I need to get sugar free. I see my dentist next week.

Today I could swallow so I deviated to have a piece of spinach and mushroom quiche to go with my cantaloupe. I've decided to pass on the cinnamon rolls and scones. Just too many calories by the time I add the berries and butter. If I could just stick to the blueberries or raspberries or strawberries being added that would be o.k. w/ tea.

I got the skinny Cow mini's today and discovered they have branched into drumsticks, mint and all sorts of others. Of course to lure you in they are 2 dollars off. I didn't look too closely.

Safeway has a product I like, mini carrots packaged 20 to a package w/ ranch dressing.

My cleaning lady cleaned out the frig and filled ip and wntire garbafe can with stuff including some I had just bought. It's nice to have it clean though. I have room. Or did.

I'm going to make this salad with orzo, feta, green onions, 2 c cherry tomatoes, pine nuts toasted...

Got some heirloom salsa.

Cantaloupes are nice and ripe. Nectarines, peaches are at the end of their season. Grapes are here and apples.

Opened 2 discount brokerage accounts with scottrade and tradeking. Last night logging into the latter forwarded and flipped me to the former. BAD

I got referrals today GOOD

Had some clam chowder for dinner thought it might break up the gunk but milk won;t.

Parl Neuman will be missed

Sad Paul Neuman died yesterday at 83. If you live long enough Cancer gets everyone. He was going to direct Of

Mice and Men

this fall.

My toilet has no water. I heard some strange shift last night while on the pot but that toilet in the new bath always shifts a bit this morning it barely flushed and not not at all. I'll fill it with water from the tub tap but what's the deal? I went to fill the tank and it was full?

It's such a beautiful day. My throat is really sore. I spent the afternoon and night sucking on lousenges some sometimes swallowing them depending upon which of my 3 positions I was sleeping in. I could not swallow a Triscuit last night--too scratchy almost made me choke. I slept in to 8:30. I need mint tea with lemon.

It hurts to swallow tea and eat which might be a good thing. Toast was too hard. Eggs were OK and I threw in a handful of zucchini pulverized too.

I'm making zucchini bread for school to use up 2 large "gifts". I have 2 loves done cooked some for dinner cuz it was soft too. Now that I've run it thru the Cuisinart I should freeze the remaining one along with blueberries for winter baking. My freezer is full though.

I'm on my second cyle of Sudafed. I'm all runny and ate only soft for dinner cuz it hurt to get the second cup of tea down. Yogurt and Skinny cow pops feel cool.

I gave myself the day off. It's 99 out.

I may go to the Frieda Kahlo show in S.F. it closes tomorrow.

It was already warm out when I went out to the mailbox and to turn on the sprinklers. My red peppers are getting bigger and the tomatoes may get another crop, but I doubt I'll see any more Roma tomatoes. The ones at the market are better though. I like the cherry ones v the grape.

It's fire season until we get 3 inches of rain in Nov.

Decided to go swim later. or not. There is an 8 a.m. water aerobics class I like on Sat. though. It just works better for me to go without thought in the morning. Then I ho, swim, hit the store on the way home. I also log my workouts at the Y. Someone analyzes them and sends me messages and sometimes email. I need a lock.


I also need one of those fancy swim caps.

Increased my laps

I have a sore throat.

I look forward to not having to get up at 5:30 to get my laps in. The weekend is here. Gas is 3.63 and I am on fumes. The light is blinking and the alarm spoke to me telling me to add fuel. I hope I can get to the gas station near home before it runs out.

I made it to the station on prayers and fumes and put my 25 dollars in. Then went to the library to pick uo 3 books and return 1.

I'm reading Tribute by Nora Roberts.

My commute took longer today. For some reason yesterday I was a wee bit earlier and got here 15 min. early. Today, I was later and the line to get on to the freeway was longer so I was 5 min. behind.

I added one more lap today a backstroke and am all over the lane so I drove my lane partner out of the lane. I don't want to hit the walls and I need to go down the middle not to do that.

It's hot and humid and will be 90 again today.

I may do the literary magazine again this year.

I discovered that keeping a food and ecercise log on a regular computer is a lot easier than on a laptop.
I think after all the time I discovered it's a 2 weel free trial.

I spend a lot of time and in 1/2 an hour after school yesterday at a higher band width, or modem speed, I got as much done as it took me an hour or 2 last night.

I gues I'm tired of dial up. The price is right though.

I'm having 3 estimates for kitchen remodel next week.

Took a nap.

Starting to smell like chlorine again

I started at 6:15 and knocked off all 12 laps free style without stopping. Time to increase the number and on weekend vary the strokes. I found out 12 laps is not a mile but only a 1/2 mile unlike HI. ther pool is not as big. oops popped my balloween o.k. I'll work for 24.

I learned that my alarm is not set properly for 5:30. I got up but was running late then I couldn't find my suit in the car and was convinced the kids took it.

It was so hot yesterday that the towels, my pareo and suit all dried in the car during the day until I left at 6:30.

I looked in the car when I got home at 7 but it was too dark and I didn't turn on the extra light. I went out to look for it this morning.

I started this log of food and exercise that Michael turned me on to yesterday. I keep a log at the Y o they will track me and give me gifts as motivation but this was something new. It took forever to enter the food. I may just set up a spread sheet do my entries and email them weekly to my friend Marilyn who is a Nutritionist.

Weighed in this morning I'm going down. Not like Karen but slowly. Michael's program said that to hit my goal it would be 3 lbs a week and too fast so we'll see.

I wrote a grant to the Santa Clara School Foundation asking for money for our Teen Read Week to purchase Books. That in addition to School Site Council may get us some money. I certainly don't have enough money to put this on with out their help. I need to boost the circ. statistics.

I've been messing with the library web page. It's scary to have that power. All I want to do is add a list but I don't want to take the rest down like I did the first time.

Gas is 3.65. and it was 91 today and hot when I left at 4.

I'm good

Got up at 5:30 sorta and got to the gym by 6:10 and in the pool swimming my 12 laps 10 free style and 2 backstroke straight till 6:50. Off to school at 7:30 at here by 8. It was tight. I was reluctant to go to sleep even with my nap because my book was getting interesting.

Today in the faculty meeting I get to present my proposal for Teen Read Week in Nov. when we present books to classes all week long at the rate of 2 per class period. Each presentor does a book for 10-15 min. and I buy 3-4 copies of the books. The principal, superintentent, mayor teachers etc. I need to ask the teachers if they would be willing to support this where we close the library for 1 week and each teacher offers to give up a prep period and do a presentation or more. It cost about 5k.

I'm disapointed at my faculty. 3 said no 26 said yes and they would present the others said yes have it but they would not present.

After I get their approval I will present to Parents at School Side Council where I ask the parents for their support and their money. I want 2500. Another Middle school got that last year.

We'll see what happens. I officially changed my alarm clock so I can swim before school. I feel so much better.
It's another really warm day in the upper 80's. I just changed from my pants to shorts and still have on my croc flip flops. I'll change back to pants for the parents meeting.

Got home at 7 a long day. Finished my book.

I tracked down the pumpkin nabbers

The usual suspects nabbed it during lunch then were tossing it in the cafeteria until it smashed. They are going to replace it and have lunch detention with me tomorrow.

My cleaning lady came this morning. I'm looking forward to going home to a clean house.

It's another really warm day. There was a meeting in here for the classified employees so again I got no lunch. My aide unknown by me sat and did nothing all period. I thought she was skipping.

I ate 1/2 a cantaloupe and had a scone with cranerries and orange and fresh strawberries on it for breakfast with tea.

I got up at 7 to meet with the maid so I can get up at 6 to go swim in the morning.
I was up every 15 min. watching the clock all night it seemed. Her husband is my gardner and he brought her at 7 then left and she works at Pollo Loco after from 4 to 8. They are from San Salvador and have been here for 30 years.

The first day of fall

It is very hot. Hot Hot Hot. It may reach 81 from a low of 54. I am so spoiled.
October and September are the best months in CA along with April and May. So lucky to live here.

I guess I should have prepared a bit more.

I took a pumpkin to school. I put it on the table in the lobby. I thought it might get ripped off. It lasted till lunch. I'm ticked. I went to add a black cat and it was gone.
I called the secretary to moan and she said she's make an announcement.

Why try to do something nice for these kids? Most of them appreciate it. I realize some of them want pumpkins and can't afford one and I was going to make it a prize in a contest anyway but gee whiz! The usual the bad apples ruin the bunch.

I finally got out to lunch today and went to the public library. I've had no lunch time since school started and I really appreciated not being on call.
I got my book and tapes returned and they were 6.75 in fines. I'm going to take it out of library fines. If I ever got an email notice I would have taken the time to renew these things until I could get over there. I don't remember receiving one.

I thought about swimming today and almost put my suit in the car. To get up at 6 just didn't happen. Even though I got up at 7 rested that was enough. I read until midnight and napped a lot yesterday.

Yesterday was beach clean up day. A teacher I work with picked up 70 lbs. by herself mostly dog poop. Then she went home and came back an hour later and there was more. Pick up your dog's poop. I don't like changing litter boxes but I do and scoop the poop for Lacey.

I did a strange thing

I was feeling guilty for using 1/2 and 1/2 on my cereal so I bought 1 percent and mixed them together. Things I ponder...Math us never my strong suit but does that make it 2 percent or 1/2 and 1/2 and 1/2?

I discovered some great clam chowder, Ivers, from Seattle's Pike Place market that I love that is carried in the grocery fish station. It beats Red Lobster. It can be dozen or in frig and you add milk.

I have myself a manicure as well as a pedicure. It's rare that I do my finder nails but I usually have my toe nails painted. Tried that sand paper tonight and think even the fine was too rough or I have a split and an owie.

I want this pedicure thing from bed bath and beyond, as seem on t.v. called the pedegg. Looks cool. I need to put some sandpaper on a hand sander block with fine sand paper and go at my heels. I've been adding lotion but they are really rough. Wearing nothing but croc flip flops every day since June hasn't helped.

I'm off to swim, get more chowder, hit the farmers market and the water store.

More reading and Juniper bushes trimming are on the agenda for today. I need to wash the windows too.

I have either a tooth ache or an ear ache. Feels like an ear ache but earlier this summer I was sure it was a tooth ache. I called the advice nurse. She said to try heat and swimmers ear and a bulb thing and warm mixture of saline. The nurse called and set an appr for me but I hadn't gotten back from the market yet.

Remember that folk remedy from Bolivia Gloria did for me where she lit a cone of newspaper that was inserted in my ear and she lit it on fire? That helped pull moisture out. Do not try this alone.

See I hadn't thought about checking them online. They were 500. for the dining room now I'll compare. They are custom made and installed. Looks like some of the offers online are too. I did my floors that way.

I still need to do the living room floor. Clearly the brown carpet has to go. Then wood then a Berber carpet or area rugs. I's also time to re-do the fireplace front.

I got the front Juniper bushes cut back today. They look much better. It only took 6 hrs.

Gas is down to 3.69.

My fasting glucose is up from May by a bit. :-(

So proud of myself

Well I got up near 7 and on my time went swimming then did a water aerobics class.

I feel so good.

I was out by 9:30 and off to the store.

I got my pumpkin for the top of my wall.

It does clash with my red trim and door.

I have discovered these skinny cow frozen mini bars for 50 cal. They have a regular size fudge cycles (sic) for 90 cal.

I went to the hosp. for a fasting glucose. I was shaking. Needed to eat.

I'm reading Robin Cook's

Foreign Body

.

The weather here is ABSOLUTELY beautiful. There was no fog and at 9;30 it was perfect. Next week, the first week of fall, it is supposed to be in the 90;s

I went to the library. I ended up translating for someone who had a Spanish question.
Then since she couldn't answer he came back to me and I ended up having him follow me to the corner am PM and using the phone there since the one in front of the library was gone. Calls are 75 cents for 3 min! Then I had to give him directions and speak to the woman on the phone in English and translate to him in Spanish. He was about 70.

My neighbor came over and asked me if I wanted him to cut my juniper's I said sure, Then he said because they were overgrowing the sidewalk and you couldn't walk by. Interesting way to tell me. He's strange.

We've been neighbor's for 28 years. I walk with his wife and step daughter.

He is an accountant CPA, doesn't work, is a master Gardner,frequently fills their driveway with mushroom compost.

Then his dog peed on my foot.

Guess we're even.

I'll have them cut tomorrow.

Lacy is curled up on the deck looking so content in the sun and I am going to read.

Read and napped ate and read some more. Let Lacy in she cried and spoke and I didn't understand so she nipped me and led me in the bed room and jumped up on the bed where her trained human got a clue and gave her a treat for biting me? Why?

Now I've grown to like my plantation shutters in the dining room and am thinking of getting 2 more for the 2 of 3 living room windows as well.

Gas is 3.71.

Such spectacular weather

What in the world is going on in this economy. Federal rescue plan Bah Humbug. Is this what it was like in 29?

I got this weird letter today appeared to be handwritten asking of I wanted to sell my house and signed by a

Mary

who, I can't imagine. I'll pass it on to a woman on my street who is trying to sell. The one house that was empty from the lady who died got cleaned up, My neighbor changed realtor's and I saw someone looking yesterday. Took a week or so. The one on the next block is still sitting. Another next to it is for rent.

What is it about stealing copper and the cit of gold?

My aide had an interview today. I wrote him a really good letter of recommendation. Then they called for another job too.

He decided the library job doesn't pay enough, only 32K so he's looking at other things in the district. He wants to be in a High School.

He wants school v public cuz of all the holidays and weekends off.

He's about my height and 300 lbs. His girlfriend 100 lbs pregnant and 5'2. She doesnt work.

I may do computer lab after school for 40 an hour.

This bail out is making me nervious.

Beautiful weather

Gas is 3.71 a gal. and I need a tankful every 2 weeks.

I napped 6-11 read till 3 took a sleeping pill up at 7 asleep and up at 7:20 rushing to get to school by 8. Made it by 8:15. Meetings till 6:30 including one with the librarians from 3:30- till 5:30. I met with the principal and introduced teen read week, Next week I'll introduce it to the faculty then afterwards present it to a parent group and ask for some money.

I almost got to lunch today not breakfast either.

Rupert,my asst.. is interviewing for a full time position. He has a baby on the way and is getting married and I understand he needs health benefits for his girlfriend.

They live with his mom but still even with no rent there are expenses.

I read a really good book

Trunk Music

by Michael Connelly.

I've started Faye Kellerman's

Mercedes Coffin

It kept me up late last night.

I talked to my friend Caro. We're going to see the play House on Mango Street, in Spanish. I read it last summer. I arranged tickets for one Ell class to go see it on a field trip.

I was too late to get 150 tickets for the whole 1/2 of 7th grade.

Fall is here

I woke up this morning shivering. Got up chanhed nightgowns to flannel, put on my slippers, dragged out my down comforter closed a window and went back to bed and finally to sleep.

During the say the mornings are cool and foggy by 11-12 it burns off and the afternoons are beautiful with a slight breeze.

I get busy all day move books, turn on my fans in my office and in the library.

Today I proposed teen read week to the English and History and 6th grade teachers. Seemed to go over well. I want to do it in Nov before Thanksgiving. Every 1/2 an hour class comes in and a person gives a book talk for 15 min then another and the group can check out books. I need to get my circ. statistics up.

I lost a TA today. He transfered out. I worked him too hard and he took his ADD self out. At least he could shelve when so inclined.

One other TA an autistic girl in 8th grade was put in a mental institution lockdown for 3 days for safety and observation after writing about her harassment and thoughts of suicide. Sweet innocent out of place socially inept girl, Doesn't bother anyone and she gets so hassled and bullied.