Bad blogger!!

I've been a bad, bad blogger. I blame pinterest. I spend hours surfing the bazillion crafty ideas and then spend more hours "crafting." My problem is, there are so many things I want to make - I have half a dozen projects going on at once. Not to mention cleaning techniques that I'm trying out. Oh yeah, and hairstyles. But, it keeps me busy!!!

So, here are some bullets to play catch up:

• I may ramble and repeat myself - so bear (bare?) with me!!
• I went for a fill November 7th. I really think I may have found my sweet spot with this one. My head hunger is still there - but I can't eat as much. (A child's cheeseburger - patty only - lasted me for three meals!!!)
• This whole work catastrophe, resigning from my dream job, career future up in the air may have actually been a blessing in disguise.
• I've been "working" a lot at my grandparents. Believe it or not, I'm actually making more money NOT teaching!!
• I got a letter in the mail yesterday detailing my final paycheck. Apparently, resigning is going to bring in some serious dinero. They have to pay me "out of my contract" and I don't pretend to understand all the mumbo jumbo...but I will definitely enjoy depositing that big old check!!
• I found out today that the principal of my former dream job is resigning at the end of the semester. And rumor has it that 8 others will be putting in their resignations soon. I guess I got out just in time. I don't think I could have handled another principal change.
• I'm excited about Thanksgiving - but probably for all the wrong reasons!!! For one, I actually get to sleep late on Thursday!!! And we will be leaving for the lake after dinner. Being away from civilization always makes me happy!!!
• With this little windfall coming our way, Christmas is going to be a happier time around our house!! I've even started dreaming about it a little bit. (For the first time in years I actually have a little Christmas wish list!!)

Ok, so that about sums it up. Life if chugging along, and I'm still breathing. Of course if you would have told me 2 months ago that I would be where I am now, I would have laughed in your face. But, qué será, será.

I will leave you with a quick question. Any of you ladies have "potty issues?" And if so, what have you found to remedy them?? Milk of Magnesia is apparently not the answer to my issues!!

Skinny Santa: Week 2

Week 1 Weight: 213.6
Week 2 Weight: 210.2
Loss of: 3.4

Thank you, challenge!!! And thank you fill!!! I'm thinking I may have found my sweet spot!!!




 Woo Hoo!!!
 
What else is new with me?? I've been a crafty little wench as of late. I'm being super frugal and making Christmas gifts this year!!! As soon as I get one project finished, I'll share!!!

Accountability and Skinny Santa Week 1

I decided to join in on the Skinny Santa Challenge to hold myself accountable. Accountable for the weight that I have gained since all the drama started in my life. Accountable for the fact that I have not exercised in weeks. Accountable for the tons of garbage I've eaten in the past 5 weeks. So, here goes nothing!!

Week 1 weigh in: 213.6 (ugh, that hurts)
My goal: To get back to onederland...where I landed after the Back to Basics challenge.

And of course, I plan on incorporating exercise!!! I have to get new bike tires...for the bicycle that has been sitting on my porch, untouched for three years!!!

My favorite places to shop??? Well, let's see...

Beall's/Palais Royale (Stage stores)
JC Penney's
Dillard's
Macy's
Amazon (cuz they have everything!!!)

I'm really excited about this challenge. I think it is just what I need to get back on track.

Overall, this week has been pretty mundane. I did finally get a trim Tuesday. Just half an inch makes my hair feel soo much better!!!

I currently have a head full of clippies...I'm telling you, pinterest is so addicting. I am trying out a styling technique I found this morning. I'm also dabbling in knitting!!! And I have a huge list of Christmas gift ideas...DIY crafting projects!!!

I'm just trying to keep my hands busy so I'm not shoving junk in my mouth.

I also got a fill this week!! (Thank goodness...otherwise, I would have had to posted a really ugly weight for my week one weigh-in). I currently have 8ccs in a 10cc band. I thought this seemed like a lot, but my surgeon informed me that with these larger bands it isn't uncommon to have up to 9ccs in the band. So far, so good. I've really had to go back to basics - now that I've moved up to whole foods I have to remind myself to take small bites and chew, chew, chew.

Now I'm off to see what kind of mess I've made with my hair!! And hopefully get a bit more housework done before Sanford gets back from the wilderness.

Let’s get to what we came here for! BYOC – Bring Your Own Crazy. A couple questions we answer to get to know each other better and to give our blogging brains a break. Copy and paste to your own blog if you wish! Enjoy!


Let’s do another themed BYOC…..this one will be called “What’s In/On Your….?”

1. What’s on your desk between your monitor and keyboard? (if it’s a laptop – what’s on your desk in general)



I'm so glad that I've been on a cleaning frenzy - so I don't have to be embarrassed!!! A stack of cds, a change jar, and my Rock Band keyboard (don't hate, I'm a gaming nerd!!!)


2. What’s on your mind right at this moment?

I need to get my butt in gear - I still have to go to town to get things ready for our trip to the lake this weekend!! It's the first time we've been since Memorial Day weekend.


3. What’s in or on your nightstand on your side of the bed?



A cute box of picture albums, my alarm clock, lamp, and the bow from Sanford's birthday gift (use your imagination on that one!!!!)


4. What’s on YOUR Christmas wish list (let’s assume you’d get what was on it)?



I never know what to ask for...world peace?? LOL.  I'd love, love, love new living room furniture!!!


5. Repeat question: Summarize your week in real life and in blog land.



Real life: well, I resigned from a job I once loved and lived for. BUT, it was Sanford's birthday week, so we enjoyed spending some good "quality" time together...and I'm headed to my safe haven for the weekend, so all's well that ends well, right??

Blogland: I, as usual, have the most amazing support group!! I really wish I wouldn't have waited a month to spill my guts about the drama in my life because you ladies always make me feel better!!! You are awesome!!

Waiting...

on the mail lady. Ugh. I'm impatient!!! I have been waiting on my paycheck to arrive all week. I have a million errands to run, and of course, that takes dinero!!

So, several of you asked why I resigned from a job I loved. Adored. Well, here's my confession. I broke the rules. I did something stupid - made a mistake. And that led me to the resignation. Let's just chalk it up to school politics and big brother - who is always watching. I'm not perfect, have never claimed to be. But, I am also one of those people who always gets caught if I break the rules. I guess I should have known better. Wait, there is no guessing to it.

Remember those little cheerleaders I had trouble with??? Well, turns out they are pretty vindictive little girls. Honestly, I can't say I miss it. I am just keeping my fingers crossed that I will be able to teach again - because that is where my passion is. My heart and soul.

I think I have learned an important lesson in all of this. Well, I've learned a lot of lessons, actually. But one thing I know for sure - if ever given the opportunity to teach again, I will not be teaching in such a small school.

For those of you that don't live in tiny towns - let me paint a picture for you. You see, in a small town, even one where you only work and don't live, everybody knows every body's grandma's business. And if they don't know your business, they will make something up. And here I thought I was just a little old nobody. An outsider that just went to work, did my job and drove the hour home every day. Little did I know that I was working in a fish bowl.

My list of "sins" go all the way back to last year. They brought up things that I did - out in the open, never trying to hide anything, because I had nothing to hide. And petty stuff, like letting students use my personal refrigerator...yeah. That's a huge issue...right?? Well, anyway.

There were also some things on that list that weren't so petty - and I place the blame on myself, for the stupid, stupid things I did - a lapse in judgement. A crazed moment in my life. That is why I am where I am in my life right now.

I've totally rambled all over the place in this post...but maybe that sheds a little light on why I chose to leave a job that I once was head over heals in love with. Love is blind.

I'm not going to tell you...

that I have rekindled my love affair for Kit Kat and Cheetos.

I'm not going to tell you that I've broken up with my scale.

I'm not going to tell you that I can't stop eating.

Argh. I blame boredom. Stress. Myself. Something. One more week until my fill. Thank goodness!!!

Of course, Sanford doesn't help at all. He just keeps gushing about how little I am, how bony, skinny, itty bitty etc etc. And here I am, eating like a hog, feeling like a hippo. And he keeps dishing out the compliments. I really do love that man!!

Today starts a new month. A new month means new goals, getting back to basics. Working this tool I have.

Today I also did something I never thought I would do. Ever. I resigned. Quit my job. Sigh. Now, I enter the world of the unemployed.

All of this extra time I've had on my hands for the past month has not been good for my munching. BUT, with a new month I'm taking a step back and starting over.

Irrational behavior

So, yesterday I said I needed to clean my floors. Here is a little insight into the way I clean...

I started out mopping the kitchen. Then I got annoyed at part of the floor that was messed up. It has been like that for several years. But yesterday I decided to rip up and replace the floor. Sanford almost flipped sh!t!! I called him asking where the skill saw was...needless to say he wasn't about to let me use any power tools that could cut off an arm without "adult supervision." Thankfully, his uncle - who lives across the street - was willing to cut the pieces I needed. By the time he got home from work I had replaced the flooring and cleaned up my mess. I even managed to get the rest of the floors done!!! Today, I am feeling the pain!!

You know what I love?? Demolition and Destruction!!! I can't wait until we are ready to replace the cabinets. Give me a sledge hammer and I'm one happy girl. But I think my next project will be repainting the bedroom. It's dark brown and I'm thinking I want to make it a happy robin's egg blue...

About a month ago I lost my driver's license. Ugh. I've looked and looked and finally got around to calling the bank today - I didn't leave it there. Now I have to go face the grumpy ladies at the DMV for a new one. The old one didn't really look like me anymore anyway, so I guess it was time for a new one anyway.

While I was hunting down my license I found my teacher ID from my first year of teaching. YIKES!!!

I never realized that I didn't have neck!! I can't tell you how many times I've worn that haircut. EEK. Never again!!! I still have that dress. I don't know why I've kept it. Momma bought it for me...and I guess I will keep it forever. Just like another maw maw dress hanging in my closet that my grandmother bought for me in 2000.

Here is my "yearbook" picture taken in September.

I am still working on growing my hair out. For years Sanford has preferred short hair...and I have sported some super short hair. My hair is naturally curly...like kinky to my scalp curly. Over the years - years of relaxers, flat irons, hot rollers, and other various forms of torture - it has gone from really curly to randomly curly, straight, frizzy - just really bad hair! Whenever I would get my hair cut super short my beautician would literally measure my hair to make sure I could still get the straightener on it!!! I've also sported some really cute flat iron hickeys!! Thankfully, Sanford is starting to like my hair longer. So, other than a trim - which I need really badly - no more drastic haircuts for this girl!

I'm seriously thinking about blowing that first picture up and plastering it on the fridge. That is motivation!!!

And lastly, an NSV: here in the past three weeks (you know, since I entered the gates of Hell) my sweet Sanford has taken to snuggling. For the first time since we we dated we actually snuggle on the couch while watching TV. Sanford has been pointing out all of my bones that have surfaced for the first time since...well probably since forever. Like my collarbone, hip bone, sternum, ribs, ankle bones...and my port. Boy howdy, that thing sticks out like crazy - it totally grosses Sanford out. I thought I got the low profile port, but I'm thinking I didn't. I kinda don't wanna think about what it will look like when I get down to goal. (Goal is still 180...why oh why is the last 20 pounds the hardest to lose??? And 180 is MY first goal - surgeon said 200 was a good weight, but I don't agree...and I wanted to be 160....but I'm shooting for 180, then go from there!!)

Now that I have rambled about nothing for days I'm off to do something productive - but no major projects today!!!

Back to the 21st Century

That's right, folks. I'm back in the land of technology. Internet. Thank God!!! And it only took 12 hours to figure out how to hook up this dongle thing. AND the reason my original broadband card quit working was because I deleted McAfee. Le sigh....a waste of $100 for this lovely dongle....

So, (Sanford says I start way too many conversations with "so"....it's just my fad of the moment) I want to thank all you ladies for all of your kind comments and words of encouragement. Right now, my life is craptastic and suck-o-licous. Upside down and inside out. But, I am trudging through.

I contracted a lovely stomach bug this weekend...maybe from the birds when I was in the woods?? So I spent Saturday evening and all day Sunday in the fetal position on the couch. All the while, Sanford is trying to shove things down my throat, cuz "You can't just not eat." Grr. I know he was trying his best to take care of me, but when I'm really sick all I want is my Momma!!! And she came to the rescue with some meds Sunday afternoon.

The scales loved my dehydrated state. Like monumental weight loss. But, it didn't stick, of course. Once I was rehydrated it made a lovely bounce back. And, my whole life after I've recovered from a stomach bug I've wanted pizza!! So, last night we had D0min0s. Well, I ate the tops...off of two pieces. And then I felt crummy. But it was yummy going in my mouth.

I really need to get motivated. Like, it's time to scrub the floors. Sanford tried to clean them Sunday, and I really wanted to give him guidance. But I didn't even have the energy to boss him around. That's just how sick I was!!!

So, (there that word is again) until I muster the energy, I will sit here and watch SVU. And catch up on blogs and comment. And be your basic sloth.

Still kicking.

My broadband card bit the bullet last week and I have been living in the stone ages. A new dongle thingy will be delivered Monday...who knew being without the internet would be so crippling?

Surfing the web and reading blogs from my phone is not as fun...and I can't comment :(

As I type I am sitting in the middle of the woods in a deer stand. I don't hunt - I just enjoy being in the quiet while Sanford hunts.

I finally got around to making a fill appointment - I am in bad need of one. My eating has been off the charts awful.  I blame the tons of stress. But I am thankful for my band - even with eating tons of crap I have only gained about 5 pounds.

Speaking of stress...I still can't (don't wanna ) talk about the cause of my stress. But, let's just say we have experienced some major lifestyle changes in our house in the past three weeks.

Three weeks ago my stomach was in knots due to cheer drama. Can't say I miss that. Not one bit. And the further out I get from it, the more I can breathe a sigh of relief.

And Sanford and I are closer now than we ever have been. I am so thankful for him and his forgiving heart. Without him and our parents I think I would have just packed a bag and joined the circus.

And with all this time I have on my hands I have been able to keep up with my house work. Now I just have to focus my energy on good food choices and working out. That's my goal.

Oh yeah, and I should probably lay off the wine ;)

Honey, if it ain't your tail, don't wag it.

"My life is like a lemon drop, I'm suckin' on the bitter to get to the sweet part. I know there are better days ahead." - Pistol Annies



I'm still in the middle of this chess game called my life. Waiting for the world to make the next move. I'm learning to adjust every single day. It's not fun, but I'm still breathing. And I still have a wonderfully supportive family.

In the meantime, I'm pretty sure it's time for a fill. I can't even begin to explain the amount of garbage I've consumed this week. Argh.

I'm pretty excited about one thing: My sweet hubby is taking me to see Casey Donahew Band in November!! Back in our glory days we were some serious honky tonky goers. We haven't been "out" since we've been married...but I really really want to go to this concert...so he has agreed to take me!! And maybe even like it!!! And I'm totally ordering me one of their new T-shirts. They are the bomb.com. IF you like Texas country. And if you don't, well that's just unAmerican. Or at least unTexan. And if you aren't from Texas - I'm sorry you were born anywhere else!!

So, I'm still alive. Still taking one day at a time. And I did get to see a bit of a silver lining to this big gray cloud that has been hanging over my head since last Tuesday...

Mosquito Moscato

Revelation: when life hands you a load of crap, start drinking!!! It makes EVERYTHING better.

Ok, so I must admit...I'm totally sloshed as I type. BUT, for the first time in days, I'm smiling. Whatever works, right??

But for reals, is my life any better? No. Have I solved my problems? No. Have I made good choices? A big NO!

Am I the person I have always wanted to be? not really. But, I'm smiling.

Is this catastrophic thing that is happening to me going to make me stop breathing....probably not.

After all, I still have my hubby, my parents and his parents. They love and support me no matter what stupid decisions I've made in my life.

And can I blame my band for what has happened to me. Well, that has yet to be determined. In the end, I am responsible for me. But, I'm pretty sure none of this would have been possible without my band. I'm still in love with my band....although I've eaten like a crazy person all weekend. I'm talking disgusting amounts of garbage have been piled into my pie hole.

Do I make any more sense when I'm drunk??? Probably not.

Walking cliche

Hindsight is 20-20.

What doesn't kill you makes you stronger.

This too shall pass.

People in glass houses shoulnd't throw stones.

I could go on. Maybe this will give you some insight into my life at the current moment. Maybe not.

Let me just say this: in reference to my "problem" in my last post, I had complete support from my principal.

But, now I have bigger fish to fry. And I can't talk about it. Probably won't even when I can.

I just want to say this: I love my husband with all of my heart and soul. He is my best friend and my soulmate. With him by my side, I feel that I can take on the world. I'm one lucky girl, to have found such a strong and caring man to take care of me when the world seems to be crashing down all around me.

So, even though this post is a rambling mess that makes no sense, I had to put something out there. Also, for those of you that hung on through this insanity...I am in need of unspoken prayer. Desperate need.

Nerves

So, let's see. My nerves are shot. This has been, by far, the worst weekend of my life. I am your basic basketcase. Why??

It started Friday, after halftime of the football game. (The one that we lost.) My girls didn't want to go to the other side to mingle with the other cheerleaders. It all came down to a bit of a blowout. I had to discipline two of my girls. Then it went downhill. FAST. Mommas went to the superintendent and principal. I still don't know what was said. I just have a feeling that tomorrow is going to be a bad bad day. I don't like to get into "trouble." And I don't like the not-knowing. Two long days to obssess. It's making me crazy.

I haven't even stepped on the scales in days. I'm just surviving at this point. Barely.

Final BOOBS Weigh-In

So, I had to climb down from the roof to post this blog. Yes, people, I was shouting from the rooftops!! Wanna know why?? Wanna hear the good news??? Like the totally awesome, great, wonderful, totally fabulous news????


I've entered....

ONDERLAND!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

So, what all have I accomplished during the Back to Basics Challenge??

• Um, my weight doesn't begin with a 2!!! (Yesterday the scale said 199.6...and I so wanted to blog, but I waited to see if it would stick around....so today makes it official!!!)
• I've lost exactly 29 pounds!!!
• I've gone down 1/2 a shoe size.
• I can no longer wear ANYTHING that has a W begin the size.
• I went down a cup size...(this happened yesterday, and I thought I was going to need to be medicated. I literally tried on 7 different bras hoping to stay in a D. I don't know...I miss my girls and really hope they don't continue to shrink.)
• I am happy. And healthier.

In other news, we won our game Friday night. And I totally rocked my new jeans. Got some cat calls and whistles from my cheer leaders....made me smile!!! I love those girls. Even though we butt heads and I haven't gotten them whipped into shape just yet!!!

I found out this week that I am in charge of the football/cheer float for the homecoming parade. In three weeks. On the same day that I am photographing a wedding.

And I really had a rough day Friday. Fridays are hectic anyway, with cheer and pep rallies and games and whatnot. Then I had a conference that left me really upset and in tears. Then one of my babies noticed I looked sad and made an extra effort to check on me. THAT is what makes my job worth it.

Also, I have a new addiction. Monster Rehab. They are the bomb!!! They aren't carbonated and only have 20 calories for the whole can. I can usually be seen with one in my hand all day!!!

Ok, now I'm off to skip around the house like a little school girl.

Oh yeah, I went shopping yesterday...2 pair of size 14 pants, 4 tops - all from the MISSES section!! All XL. AND the dreaded new bra...and new glasses....also smaller!!! And I finally got me a new pair of tennis shoes today....and some new undies!!! I feel shiny and new!!!!



Momma's got a new pair of jeans!!!

I splurged on myself today. I just couldn't bring myself to wear the size 18 jeans tomorrow night with the redneck belt. So I ventured into town on my only afternoon "off" and found me a pair of jeans. AND guess what?? I can no longer wear jeans with a W after the size!!! Total NSV.

So after a tornado of trying on jeans I finally found some I am happy with - for $14.99. I was sure that once I put on my Shox they wouldn't be too long...yeah, well I am still a midget!!

Oh, yeah!! Size 14. *regular*

Now I'm back to cutting music for the pep rally and working on the video. Cuz it's what I do!!!

Flippin' out

Guess what I did today!!!



A CARTWHEEL. or at least my version of an uncoordinated flippity-do-dah thing. Graceful? No. But, I did it!! In front of my entire squad. Fun times.

And yesterday I ran my mile, did my bleachers and then lifted weights!! We did squats, bench, leg curls and these awful ballet squats while holding 25 pound weights. I wasn't too sore this morning. I even ran my mile this afternoon. When I got home from cheer practice my legs were like jelly. But I loved it!!

And, once football season is over I will have my very own personal trainer!!! WOOT!!


So, a lot of you gave me some good advice last post - just let the nonsense in my brain out. I'm gonna give you the abridged version. Or something close to it.

So, here's the question. How do you ladies deal with attention from the opposite sex now that you are "new" people?? Specifically flirting. This is what I am dealing with. Innocent flirting. and i like it. Now, don't get me wrong. I love Sanford with my whole heart. I would never do anything to jeopardize our life. But, is the flirting wrong?

Manic Monday

Today was the Monday from HELL. Kids were snarky, I'm PMSy, melted down on my mother...you name it...argh!!!! AND you can not imagine the stuff I shoved in my pie hole. Cheetos...coconut M&Ms...bbq...crap, crap, crap.

And then there is this...thing...burning a whole in my brain. I really want to get it out. But I know it's best kept stashed way down deep in my head. Because I know as soon as it comes out it will sound stupid....crazy...stupid. INSANE. *sigh*

And I had my first...look...when I said that I've lost X amount of pounds and I've had lap band. I wanted to scream, yeah lady. Look at me like that. Let me tell you, it's more than just a quick fix. I've worked my butt off. Literally. Blah, blah, blah.

BUT, there was a silver lining. I zumba-ed my heart out. Sweating like a pig, I shook what my momma gave me like I'd never shook it before.

And tomorrow is a new day, right??

Now I have to try to decipher the "organization" that I have inherited as cheer coach. It's a big hot mess. And I am anal about organization. But first I must find the energy to shower, cuz I can smell myself!!

Oh yeah, one of my lovelies asked me today where my ta-tas went. Gee, thanks!!!

Oh yeah....

I thought I would share my other hobby with you guys. You know, what I like to do in all my free time!! Sanford is the one on the sidelines shooting the pics, but I edit them and make highlight videos for my kiddos to enjoy on Fridays. I finally uploaded the first two to the world wide web.

It's weigh-in day!!

Do you remember that to-do list from yesterday?? It's still staring at me. I've checked some things off...but not as many as I'd like. I am feeling quite sloth-like today. I am seriously contemplating taking a mental health day tomorrow. I really just need some me time. Super quiet, peace and relaxation.

ta-da!!

Oh, and I totally forgot to mention my redneck belt. You see, this is the longest month in history. We got paid early in August. We are getting paid LATE in September. So, I have no money for pants. AND I wore jeans to the ball game....size 18. Yeah, this is the same girl who is currently wearing a size 16...and trying every week (with no success) to shrink these 16s so the will fit. So, I'm pretty sure it's time to go down to a 14....but no money = baggy britches. Anywho...picture this: I'm on the sidelines, constantly holding my jeans because one wrong move and thousands of people are going to get a nice little strip show. One of my flag runners helped me fashion a belt out of rope. We just tied my belt loops together. It was classic. Wish we would have taken a pic!!!

Now I am off to do my very best impersonation of a vegetable...I'm thinking rutabaga.

Week 2 done.

Second football game at cheer sponsor - done!!! I swear, if I have any hair left at the end of football season, it will be a miracle.

I am slowly getting things organized and creating routines for my girls. They are beginning to understand my high expectations of them. They have seen a different side of Mrs. Campbell. The classroom "me" and the coach "me" are two totally different people. They now know that I am anal, controlling and OCD. They also know that I love them. The great thing is, they understand that even when I am melting down, yelling, and being witchy I am not trying to be mean. They know that I want what is best for them.

This week's pep rally was the "blackout" pep rally. The girls did a dance, stunt routine, and something called crumping. It's kind of like play fighting meets dance. I was thinking West Side Story - but I'm sure there's some new and hip movie or something where they got it from. (Not everyone loves WSS like me!!)

Our football game was the "game of the week" on the local news station. We haven't started district yet, so it doesn't count toward our road to the state championship. It was a nail biter. And we lost - 21-20. I have some seriously bummed kiddos. It is heartbreaking for them to have suffered a loss, but it's all part of playing the game, right?

My weekend consists of: editing pictures, writing my article, making the video, working on next week's pep rally, grading papers, doing housework, washing my truck, and working on Senior Ads for the program ...and resting as much as humanly possible.

Oh, and at the pep rally I was introduced as the new cheer sponsor and crowned. I really do love my job and my babies!!!

Delegating

I think my candle is about to meet in the middle. I am exhausted.

Yesterday Sanford had to be taken to the ER from work by ambulance. Heat exhaustion!! His whole body was cramping and drawn up. After some fluids he was feeling better. He is still tired and sore, but otherwise doing well.

So, my one night of the week that is "normal" was spent in the hospital.

Today we had cheer practice - or maybe it was world war 3?? I finally had to go "street rat crazy" to get them to calm down, listen to each other and work as a team.

And, I am working on the football sign for the gym. For the second time. We scrapped the first one.

Somewhere during my days I'm also finding time for teaching. Novel concept!!! Oh, and mediator for fighting bffs. High school drama. There's not enough money in the world for me to go back to high school!!

Tomorrow is JV game number two. I have to make a flying trip to Wal Mart before the game to get the supplies for our "emergency bag." It's going to be a long couple of days. I do, however, really enjoy being so busy.

My scale is being a jerk-face. I blame it on tummy issues. It's been days...days, I said!!! I will have to remedy that pretty soon...

I kicked our pre-practice workouts into overdrive today. Well, actually - mine. The girls still dawdled around on the track with grimaces on their faces. But I got a quick mile in - with three circuits of bleachers. I even got a couple of cheers when I got to the top of the bleachers. Sweating feels so good!!!

Since I've been home I had to upload the dance video to youtube so our girls can *hopefully* learn the dance for Friday's blackout pep rally.

I'm hoping for a good night's sleep...and a stress free day tomorrow. But, when dealing with teenagers, stress in inevitable.


Have I mentioned how much I love my job(s)???

Everyday I'm Shufflin'

I have survived week one as Cheer Sponsor!!! We had a successful practice Wednesday, a great JV game on Thursday. (I had happy cheerleader and even better, happy parents!) Friday I was a nervous wreck. First pep rally (after a slight sound system glitch and the fact that we were 5 minutes short) it was pretty good. Then I got the girls loaded on the bus and hit the road for the 90 minute ride to the game. The girls were peppy and excited and we won the game!!! I'm really enjoying these girls.

My JV ladies @ their first game!!

And, with all of this insanity in my life there is absolutely no time for snacking. My "menu" for Friday was pitiful. I had my yogurt for breakfast, probably a total of two or three bites of lettuce for lunch and two currly fries for supper. Smart? No. But my tummy was in knots all day. I was doing good to get that down. AND my scale sang me a happy tune for Sunday's weigh-in!!! I'm down to 206.6!!!

About half of my Varsity squad!!

I was a mean sponsor today!! We had an optional practice - mostly I just wanted my JV girls to have a little extra loving. BUT I made them warm-up. It was only about 95 degrees...so, I told them I wanted them to do two laps around the track. I didn't care how they did it. But, this meant I got half a workout in. (Total NSV - I wore shorts and ran IN PUBLIC...in front of my girls. And in front of the junior high and high school football teams and coaches!!) AND these little 14-17 girls could not keep up!! I ran the "longs" and walked the "shorts" and ran one circuit of bleachers. One of my kiddos said, "Wow, Campbell, now I see why your legs look like that!!" I think I will be doing this every afternoon - whether or not I have cheer practice!! It really pepped me up after a long day.

Speaking of long days, I was a total dipstick today. Being the mother hen that I am, I always help one of my kiddos mix his weight-gain shakes after workouts. So, today I put in the milk and the powder, screwed on the lid and proceed to shake what my momma gave me. Unfortunately I forgot to check the snap top lid. It wasn't closed. SO, I was wearing half a shake on my head, face, shirt, pants, etc. My hair looked like I'd put some serious gel in it. I was a hot mess.  I looked like a hobo for the rest of the day...the only thing I had to change into was a T-shirt from last year!!

A couple of compliments made my day worth it though. One kid informed me that I was "looking poor" - at first I thought he was talking about my dress pants and T-shirt. BUT he said I needed to eat a sandwich before my ribs started poking out!! And then one of my kids said my face was so skinny!! And one of my girlies thought I'd borrowed a football player's shirt....cuz she said it was more like a dress!!! (Maybe they are alll fishing for good grades....but I will take the compliments!!!!)

Tomorrow is a low-key day. No before or after school practice. What shall I do with myself??? Oh yeah, I will begin working on cleaning up the cheer room and working on the football sign for the gym. I love being busy.

Then Wednesday starts the marathon all over again!! I wouldn't have it any other way!!!

Who ya rootin' for?

I said no to being cheerleader sponsor. Reason: travel issues, messes up Friday night date night with the hubs, etc.

5 minutes before the end of the day (and before cheer practice began) I was re-propositioned. I would not have to ride with the girls to away games. They would be taken care of. All I would have to do is meet them at the games...the ones I go to anyway.

So, guess what?? Yep, a sucker is born every minute. I'm the new cheer sponsor. GO TEAM GO!!

AND guess when the first JV game is??? TOMORROW. How cute is this?? The sponsor and the JV squad have never participated in a game. I see great things happening here!!!

But, for reals...I am flattered and super excited. I think know that this is going to be fun.

But please forward all my mail to the nearest looney bend, just in case!!!

Sanford's response..."Do you get to wear a skirt?"

Working for the weekend!!

Is it Friday yet?? I am exhausted!! I came home from school today and took a nap!

Friday Night Lights!

Today I was asked to be the official Cheerleader sponsor. All by myself. At first I was flattered and excited. And then reality set in. I live 45 miles away from work. There are away games on Thursday nights. Sometimes there is a 2+ hour bus ride to and from these games. There is just no way that I would be able to survive. I was really disappointed and haven't officially declined the offer. I wish there was some way to work it out, but I don't think there is. I've stretched myself thin as it is. Plus, getting Sanford to the games on Friday nights would be impossible. AND, football season is kind of our thing. We enjoy being on the sidelines together taking pictures. I don't want to stop that. So...idk what is going to happen. I would love to help coordinate the cheerleaders but the travelling is a no-go.

Have any of you tried pomegranate Greek yogurt? I had some today...I liked it. But it had seeds in it!! Is that normal?? Do you eat the seeds?? I just spit mine out!!

I brought my running clothes to work. They are still in my cabinet - unused. I was just so exhausted this afternoon.

Productive??

I think I had a pretty productive weekend. I worked at my grandparents' all weekend. I was able to get all of my papers graded, gradebook organized, photos sorted, edited, video made, etc, etc. AND my sweet Sanford did all of the laundry!!!


I am really glad we had a three day weekend!!! Even though I "worked" I was able to relax most of the time. I didn't make it to the track today - but the weather is absolutely wonderful and I will be there tomorrow!! I am even thinking about bringing my shorts/tennis shoes with me to work and hitting the track as soon as school lets out. Yep, that is the plan!!!

I finally updated the old iPod so I shall be good to go. My new favorite song is You and I. Lady G is growing on me. If I just don't think about what she looks like...

My next project is to create a YouTube account so I can upload my football videos and share them with the world. (Not that the world is lined up and waiting for them...but anywho!!)

OMG...the A/C just kicked on and it sounded like a 747 landed in the hallway. The coils on the inside unit are completely frozen over. I thought it was soap suds...thank goodness temps are down in the 60's tonight!!!

And I was going to upload some pics...but the files are too big. And I'm too tired to go back and resave them...

I'm so tired that I don't even think this post had a point....so if you made it through, thanks!!!

No autographs, please!!

It's official. I'm published. Ok, so it's not ESPN or anything. Just the local radio website. But, to me, it's a big freaking deal. So, check it out!!!

YAY!!!

90 mph with no chance of slowing down.

That's what the radar gun tells me. Life in the fast lane. (how about that for an early morning earworm*??)

I'm loving every minute of it. Except for the fact that I can't seem to find the time to leisurely sit in front of the computer and read and blog and comment. BUT I shall be working that into my schedule. I gotta have some me time, right?

We won!! 44-19

So, week 2 is now under my belt. Fingers crossed, the school year is still going swimmingly. Maybe it will stay on this track. One can only hope.

Here's my weekly recap:

• On Monday morning: My job title: classroom Spanish teacher.
• By the end of the week:
• District translator
• Informative speaking coach
• Cheer leading co-sponsor
• Photo journalist
• Sports columnist
• As soon as my first article is published I will link it!!!
• Football tunnel hauler
• Homecoming parade float puller
• I'm sure I've forgotten something...
• I am loving the fact that in my third year at my wonderful school I am now being asked to "do stuff!" I guess that means that they trust me!! I love being involved in more that just classroom education. I mean, yes, that is very important. But it's not the only aspect of education.
• Oh yeah, add cosmetologist to the list. Yes, I do hair on the side. Need a funky side braid?? Come see me!!! Or need your "edge" fixed....yep, I'm the woman for the job!!!
• Good news, with being busy is there is not time for mindless snacking. Several times this week lunch was half of a lunchable. =)
• AND huge NSV: when shopping for a new Friday night football shirt I bought a LARGE!!! First time since probably late elementary, early middle school that I wore a T shirt that didn't have an X on the tag!!!
• Oh, and I wore shorts Friday. On the sidelines. In front of several thousand people.
• AND I got a text saying, "Hey girlfriend! I didn't even recognize you on the sidelines. Looking like Malibu Barbie!" **I love my former students!!**
• And, the scale showed an all-time low. I even entered a new decade, but unfortunately it didn't stick around for this morning's weigh-in.
• One negative thing for the week. Sanford has a little jealousy issue. It's really silly, IMO. When at football games I see a lot of former students. This year's recent graduates are a group I am especially close to. I had them for two years. So, it is natural for me to hug them when I see them. Sanford no likey. But you know what? I'm gonna hug my kiddos!!!

Add caption

Ok, so now that I've rambled your heads off...I promise I will be a better blogger!! Even if it's only a few words per day!!!

Oh, let me show you the latest craze. You know I'm that hip and cool that I can keep all of you ladies up to date on the latest trends. AND after you watch this video I totally expect to see pics and videos of these moves from Chicago!!

Imagine a group of big, bad football players doing this. EVERYWHERE...in class...in the hall...on the FIELD!!! Hilarious!! (And it is a shame that they are a generation that missed out on Weekend at Bernies!!)

AND my plan is to start back at the track this week. Oh, and did I tell you that my new BFF Zumba instructor/co worker is starting a class next week??? AND some of us teachers are going to start weight training after school??? WOOT!!

*Earworm: A song that sticks in your mind and won't leave no matter what.

Life's timing

Football season starts Friday. In 4 days. Yeah, I'm fanatical, obsessed, and crazy about football. And it is this week Mother Nature is going to give us relief from this drought?? Thursday and Friday to be exact?? Like, a tropical wave, possible depression, storm, or hurricane?? Come on!!! Give me a break!!!

I know we need the rain. And Sanford and I love weather...we live in podunk, doesn't take much to get us excited!!! But on week 1 of football season??? Our biggest rivalry game?? Boo. Hiss. Looks like I will be shopping for slicker suits and golf umbrellas instead of cute shorts for the game. IF there is a game.

Today was a great day at work. Complete success. No meltdowns. Actual teaching going on. I love these days. Even though I was informed I was wearing a "maw maw" shirt. I must admit, it was pretty granny-ish.

And tonight I relaxed in front of my computer. I love playing around in photo shop. I made the preliminary version of a Senior football program ad. And to think, at the beginning of summer I didn't know what to do with photo shop!!

I really had something else on my mind for blogging tonight, but IDK. It's almost time for me to turn into a pumpkin. Toodles!!!

It's Weigh In Day

I realized this morning as I hopped on the scale that I never posted last week's weigh in. I blame my painting marathon. So, picture one is last week.

8-21-11

And, for your morning handstand...today's weigh in.
Seriously, blogger?? Why you do that to me??

And, I totally forgot to tell you the best news. We have a new science teacher this year. She comes to us from the big city - Houston!! And Friday I found out that not only is she a certified Zumba instructor but also a personal trainer. Can I get a WHOOP??? H to the yeah!! I will be making a new BFF tomorrow morning. AND I will be getting the wheels turning for an after school Zumba class and begging her to be my trainer!!!

Oh, yeah...about the challenge....have we all been so bad that we are being punished??? Or have I missed the weekly updates??? I swear we haven't had one in weeks.

BYOC

BYOC – Bring Your Own Crazy – 5 little questions you can copy and paste to your own blog in an effort to get to know your fellow bloggers better and to give your blogging brain a break. Enjoy!




1. What is your blog theme and how did you pick your blog name?





After being overweight and battling, dieting, and failing over and over I made the decision to get banded. My 30th summer was the turning point for my life. I'm making changes and never going back to the old me.

Like a lot of you, my blog started out as a chronicle for weight loss, but as we all know, life happens.


2. Repeat question: I’m going to name a person not knowing anything about this person in your life or even if they exist and you need to try to describe them in five words/phrases.



Female neighbor two homes/doors down
"family"
loud
ocd
neat freak




3. Which do you hate more? Spiders or snakes. Elliptical or treadmill. Hannah Montana or Lindsay Lohan.

Snakes are attracted to me. I hate them. Will hurt myself if I see one. My toes automatically scrunch up and I start to hyperventilate. I can squish a spider, not so much with a snake!!

Since I am chronically uncoordinated, I'd have to say Elliptical. (Not a big fan of a treadmill, either!! Give me the great outdoors!!!)

At Lindsay Lohan can act. (I loved her in Freaky Friday and The Parent Trap.)

4. Completely selfish question…I need a dress for Chicago…keep in mind I live in Podunk so the options of physically going into a vast array of stores is VERY limited. (thank God for the Internet) When you need something fancy/a dress – what is your go to store and why?

I soooo don't do dresses. I finally wore a dress to work for the first time this past spring. I'm a department store girl: JC Penney's, Dillard's, Macy's




5. Repeat question: How was your week in blog land and in real life?
Blogland: I have been absent. But I have been reading from my phone at lunch if that counts!!!

In real life: Work, work, work. Classes are going well, football season starts next Friday. I said good-bye to a wonderful young woman this week. A life taken before it ever really got started. It's been difficult - especially for my dear husband. It really hit close to home.

Hey, remember me??

So, I survived the entire first week of school. Seriously, someone should pass out medals or those goofy little participation trophies they hand out at pageants.

I would like to thank all of the little people who made this possible.

The teaching part of the week was a success. Of course, the second day of school I had a lovely little child drop the F bomb. So, referral to the office numero uno is out of the way. I really don't have to write many referrals...but there are some things I don't tolerate - language and disrespect.

Oh, and then there was in the incident where I went street-rat crazy yesterday. Picture me storming into the coaches office ranting and raving like a lunatic. I'm pretty sure I scared most of them. BUT, I got my point across. And, the situation (I'm a weenie, scared if I go into too much detail I will be like that teacher on the news - fired for blogging!!) remedied itself. I even got an apology.  Campbell don't take no crap.

Being the serious hurricane veteran that I am, I am praying hard and heavy for all of you gals over on the East Coast. I know how scary it is. Especially if you are a hurricane virgin. Believe me, it's no picnic.

I remember about two, maybe three, hurricanes from my childhood. Two we didn't evacuate for (I think we got some rain from one) and one we did...no storm then either.

Then, lo and behold, I grow up, get married, have a house of my own to take care of and suddenly Southeast Texas has a billboard that screams, "Hit me!!!"

First, Katrina hits New Orleans/Mississippi Coast, scaring everyone to death. Less than a month later, Rita comes barreling straight up the Sabine River (which I live on). 7 hours to evacuate to the lake, which usually takes 2 hours and wasn't far enough.  We had 4 trees down on the house, in laws house was destroyed (they moved in with us for 6 months.), we were without power for 38 days, no water for two weeks. Hot as hell. Misery.

Then after that, it was just like they kept on coming. Big ones, small ones. We had Gustav and Humberto. Another one I don't remember. Or two. And then came Ike. We felt like veterans at this point and rode the sucker out. OMG. It was awful. We were outside in the middle of it moving cows and goats. We didn't get as much damage - but then again, we had NO TREES LEFT!!!

My advice, if they say evacuate, just do it!!!  But, really ladies, I am praying that all of you come through safely and have minimal damage.
I

Bittersweet:

Producing or expressing a mixture of pain and pleasure. That's how the dictionary describes it. It's my least favorite emotion.

I've been completely consumed by all things school since Friday...so I'm gonna do this bullet-style.

• Friday was a "work" day. Mission: unsuccessful. For the first time I walked out of school on the Friday before the first day of school with an incomplete classroom.
• Saturday morning dawned early - 8 am - and instantly started my painting projects. I stopped long enough to run in to town for more supplies.
• I concluded Saturday's festivities around midnight.
• I was out of bed at 4:30 Sunday morning and resumed my marathon.
• I left long enough to go to Mom's, print pictures, go back to town for more supplies and groceries.
• I finished my projects well after dark on Sunday evening. We then loaded my truck down - Sanford and Son style!!
• Then I had to work on "curriculum - stuff" and prepare myself for Monday morning (which included my fourth bath of the weekend...I was purple and green!!)
• I hopped...well, maybe not hopped...out of bed at 4:30 this morning, got all gussied up for the first day of school and was out the door at 5:40.
• On the drive to work I had to slam on my brakes to avoid hitting a dog napping in the highway - sending all of the furniture in the bed of my truck sliding around - joy.
• Arrived at work over an hour early. It was already a muggy 80 degrees. And I had on 3/4 sleeves. and pants. and sock. and shoes.
• I unloaded the truck. Even my fingernails were sweating!!! I longed for a pony tail, but I resisted. I haphazardly set up my classroom. I made copies. I had sidewalk duty.
• I made it through the day....my voice is barely intact. But, all-in-all, the "teaching" part of my day went well. My classes seem good (I've had 3/4 of them before...some for the third time.) I know we are still honeymooning, so I'm not counting my chickens.
• And then comes the bitter part of my day.

A coworker - middle school science teacher from the same town where I live - passed out at Open House yesterday. Blood sugar was 53. Rushed to ER, the brought her sugar levels up, sent her home. She was even posting on facebook last night.
Overnight she spiked a fever, 105. Husband took her back to ER. She had a panic attack, they sedated her and from the info I got she had to intubated.
She was life-flighted to a better hospital today. She was diagnosed with a septic infection (she had her spleen removed during childhood). Outlook was grim.
Shortly before 7pm this evening she passed away.
She was 26. Only 26 years old. She had a 3 year old son. Her whole life was before her and then snuffed out. Just like that.
During her very first year as a teacher - only 2 years ago - she received "Teacher of the Year." Then last year, she received another high honor.
This is something that has been so hard to absorb. She was my age. With a promising career and a family.
We were just joking last week about funny first day of school manicures. I just don't understand.

In the short time I've been in my school district we have suffered so much loss. Our Athletic Director last football season. A long time retired teacher in the fall. An elementary teacher shortly after. It's a very small district. We are all family. This loss is being felt by two communities I love - home and school.


I'm going to end on a better note. My eating has been superb. I've been too busy to graze and eat junk. The weather has been hot and miserable, so I've been tight. My lunch today was a bandster's dream: 3 thin slices of Cajun turkey, 4 cucumbers, 1 low fat string cheese and 13 Special K cracker chips. All counted out and packed last night. (And I sat next to a coworker who had bypass March of 2010 and watched her eat a foot long hot dog with chili and cheese, corn, peaches, and her daughter's Frito pie. Seriously? Thank GOD for my band.)

BYOC

It’s Friday so that means here in Draz Land it’s time for BYOC – Bring Your Own Crazy!

We answer just a few questions to get to know each other better and to give our blog brains a break!


Copy to your own blog if you wish and ENJOY!



1. How much makeup do you wear daily, how long does it take you and are you loyal to certain brands?
 Now that I've lost weight and have more self-confidence I love wearing makeup.
I am pretty brand-loyal...Base (Merle Norman), Blush (cover girl Soft Sable), Powder (Merle Norman translucent), Eye Liner (Depending on my mood....sometimes black, sometimes purple. Eyeliner will definitely be my first tattoo one of these days!!!) Mascara (cover girl...the pink with green lid) and eyeshadow (again, depends on my mood....but I do like pink chiffon the bestest). I'm not a lipstick person, but I do have a chapstick obsession...one in the truck, my purse, the house, my desk at school, and in the winter in my pocket!!!

It takes me about 5 minutes and I'm not someone who reapplies during the day.




2. Repeat question: I’m going to pick a person not knowing your relationship with them (or even if there is one) and you try to describe this person in 5 words/short sentences.



Your oldest paternal aunt



Control Freak
An idiot
Loves talking about her kids' and dog's allergies/ailments
Bought me my first Dooney (A key chain when I turned 16)
An idiot (Yeah, I said it twice. But for reals. MORON.)


3. Tell me about your first real kiss and how old you were.

It was a cool October night in 1995. I was 15 years old. I was on my second date with a senior boy who I'd gone to homecoming with. We were still in the "double-date" phase...so my best friend tagged along (with another friend - girl - bc she didn't have a date date) We went to play miniature golf and while the girls were in the bathroom my date asked me, "Can I kiss you?" Cheesy? Yes. But at the time I was all giggly and in lust and all that good teenager stuff!!!


4. If I gave you $1000.00 and told you that you had to give it to a charity – which charity would you choose and why?

I'd pick a charity that does meal programs for school-age children during the summer. Being very sheltered growing up, I never realized that there were kids who went hungry. I thought everyone had a "normal" home life, like me. But now, especially in the area where I work, school lunch is often the only meal these kids get every day.
It is heartbreaking.


5. Repeat question: Summarize your week in blog land and in real life.



In blog land I have been a slacker. I read and read (especially during boring inservice meetings, but never comment.) I'm still here though!!


Real life is chaotic. School has taken over my life and classes haven't even started yet. My classroom isn't ready, I'm not ready. I'm just going to run away. Maybe I will find a carnival. Yep, I'll become a carnie. Now I shall go and burn all of my bras!!!