Random thoughts on the school day...

The difference a door stop makes...
I thought people were ignoring me this year, but this week I put a door stop in my classroom door and I am getting visitors in droves--kids and teachers--it is really fun!

Am I an adult yet?
I have recieved 5 group e-mails today reminding us to update our homework on the website. I updated my page on Sunday for the week- can we stop with the groups e-mails, please? Does this happen in other lines of work, too?

Back to grades and comments...

Every 10 years this happens...

...according to LPP Dad; however, ten years ago I was not heavily invested in mutual funds and a retirement plan. I can't believe the impact just a couple of weeks has made to my accounts. Maybe I should buy some more shares... can I deal with no new clothes for fall/ winter and buy some stocks?

Wait, I didn't quit...

I have loads of things to update everyone on, but I have been over my head in the "first month of school." My classes are good, the field hockey team is having a decent season, my dorm is finally starting to learn some of the rules, I bought new skis, and I even went on a date last Sunday (AND he called me again on Wednesday and the following Sunday). We will get together next weekend. Stay tuned...

Game Night

I have been like Cinderella all day on my hands and knees scrubbing my apartment. I  just love the feeling of a clean apartment.  This is all in preparation for game night with some people who are around on campus and new faculty.  It is so fun to see all these fresh new faces!  It is going to be a great year.  

Country Club Casual?

I was invited to a "Country Club Casual" party. Does this mean I break out my Lilly in full force even though it is on the Thursday after Labor Day?

No Internet + Olympics= Hiatus

My Internet has been broken for the last 2+ weeks and I have been glued to the Olympics. I am now at the Honda dealership for my 45,000 mile maintenance appointment. I am crossing my fingers nothing is wrong. The last few weeks have been wonderful--2 trips to NYC, an amazing day on the Jersey shore, shopping, hiking, yoga, pilates, cycling, and catching up with friends. I am back to my regularly scheduled programming.

Olympics!

I LOVE the Olympics... I love hearing stories about individuals that worked hard and are able to achieve a level of performance that is world class.  I love how the whole world is on stage.  I love how the host country displays their culture!

I was in the midst of a hectic first year teaching in 2004 and in my first year of college for the 2000 games.  I am psyched to be able to watch more of these Olympics as they happen.  

I just got back to PA and am watching the Opening Ceremonies- amazing!  I will go to NYC this weekend to meet up with college friends for the weekend... the fun never ends!

Maineward bound...

I am DONE!!! My papers and projects are handed in and I am satisfied with what was a very intellectually stimulating set of summer courses. I am off to Boston to have lunch with a friend and then to...

Maine!

You know you are grown up when...

You have lunch with your 4th grade teacher you have not seen for 17(!!!) years! She had such an influence on me, I have always meant to get together with her. I e-mailed her from the school website, and, today was the big lunch date!

You are excited to go home to use the special handwash cycle on Mom's fancy washing machine. Cashmere sweater was just washed and other things are in line.

You are too tired to pull an all nighter to get papers/ projects done... which is what I have to do now to avoid the thought of an all nighter or sleeping through my last day of classes tomorrow!

Still alive...

The taking three graduate classes was a great idea... for the first four weeks. The last week and the upcoming week I am doing more work than I know what to do with! The good news is that Thursday by 8:30PM I am DONE with everything and off to MAINE!

Bra la la?

I drove my mother to Nordstroms to go bra shopping. She told me about this bra that was amazing and wanted to buy more of them today. She walks in to the store and asks the saleswoman: Do you have any Bra la las? The woman politely smiled and knew what she was talking about... the Spanx Bra-llelujah! Very funny, or at least I thought so!

Fall 2008 Lilly

Surprisingly, I do not have an overwhelming wish-list for Fall 2008 Lilly (not yet anyways). I really liked this skirt:
It would look cute with a navy cardigan and some navy ballet flats. The pattern also comes in a pair of capris. There are a couple other pieces I will keep my eye on, but I will begin to anticipate the Spring Collection coming out... However, some of their looks for girls were so cute... can those things come in my size?

Halfway there!

I am halfway done with my graduate school program for the summer- yeah! I am loving every minute of it and cannot decide which class is my favorite because each one is so interesting and makes me think about things in new ways. However, it is a good feeling knowing that I have made it through half of it and there is hope that I will push through to the end!

I went out with one of my classmates from previous summers tonight. She teaches at a small school in Eastern CT. She gave me a tour of the school and we had dinner here. It was such a beautiful night to sit down, catch up on each other's lives, and sip some of this!

Must finish writing a paper...

Preppy Beer Pong Table

Some of my friends threw a "tea partay" over Memorial Day Weekend that I was unable to attend; however, I did manage to get a picture of their beer pong table despite missing out on the pink and green cups.

Happy 4th!

Here's to pink and green fireworks... and, of course, an American Government teacher reminding you that between bites of hamburgers, sips of beer, and lightings of sparklers take a moment to remember your founding fathers AND the women that kept them in line!