New Year and Big Changes

Well, I'm a working woman again after seven long years. I am a preschool teacher, and it's just five minutes away from home. Downfall? It's a poorly run daycare, and I don't know how long I'm going to be able to last. Supplies are scarce, the kids are unruly, they're short-staffed more times than not, and well, really, the list could go on and on. I'm also getting paid minimum wage. Why am I working there, you might wonder? It's close to home, and I know that I don't really have to stay if it gets bad enough. I really wanted to be a good influence on the kids, give them a positive learning environment in the midst of chaos. I'll try my best, and it will be nice to have some extra money in the bank. Bills to pay, things to buy...we'll see how it goes. In the mean time, I'm going to be very very tired.

Out of the Blue

Well, I am a working woman again after a very very long hiatus. My gosh, seven years! I'm a preschool teacher and I work just five minutes from home. I Started on Tuesday, so it's put a little crimp in my blogging time. Right when I was getting back into it, too. Ah well, what can ya do? I can tell you right now, though, I an very very very tired. My body is in utter and complete shock too. Haha!

Christmas Rush

Well, I have been frantically planning out my Christmas dinner for this weekend. I am having it early so that my sister and her boyfriend can make it. Holiday Ham is on the menu, and I've been struggling with the sides to go with. I'm pretty sure I have it all figured out except for the bread choice, dessert, and a couple of apps to serve beforehand. Okay, so it's not all figured out, but I'm close. I plan on posting the menu on here after all has been said and done. In the mean time, here's an awesome cookie recipe from the great and wonderful Mrs. Fields that I made yesterday:

Cinnamon Sugar Butter Cookies

Topping:
3 Tbsp. white sugar
1 Tbsp. ground cinnamon

Cookies:
2 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
1/2 tsp. baking soda
1/4 tsp. salt
1 cup dark brown sugar, packed
1/2 cup salted butter, softened (I actually use Land O' Lakes unsalted)
2 large eggs
2 tsp. pure vanilla extract

yield: 3 dozen

Preheat oven to 300 degrees F.
In a small bowl, combine sugar and cinnamon for topping. Set aside.
In a medium bowl combine flour, soda, and salt. Mix well with a wire whisk and set aside.
In a large bowl blend sugars with an electric mixer set at medium speed. Add the butter, and mix to form a grainy paste. Scrape sides of bowl, then add the eggs and vanilla extract. Mix at medium speed until light and fluffy.
Add the flour mixture and blend at low speed just until combined. Do not overmix. Shape dough into 1-inch balls and roll each ball in cinnamon sugar topping.
Place onto ungreased cookie sheet, 2 inches apart. Bake for 18-20 minutes. Immediately transfer cookies with a spatula to a cool, flat surface.

Movie of the Week (12-5-10)

I loved this magical adventure flick. Nicholas Cage really seems to do well with Disney.

Where Have I Been?

That's a good question. Where the heck have I been? Wasting time I suppose. I haven't been doing anything truly productive, that's for sure. I keep the house clean, I take care of my family, but that's about it. Although, to be honest, I haven't exactly been doing a great job of that. Too many distractions and a terrible lack motivation. Blogging was supposed to be a cure for that, but apparently that didn't work out very well. It's all on me, though. I want to do better. Be better. I have to get my ass in gear, and stop making excuses. Of course right now I'm sick. I will wallow a little longer, and dwell on what needs to be done. I'll try to stay on top of this whole blogging thing. It makes me aware of who I am, and more importantly, it gets me writing.

Summer Solstice

Hello sticky nights, lightning bugs and swimming away the hot hot days. My landscaping in front needs some serious tlc, so that's what I'm heading out to do this morning. I'm running late, as I almost always do on Mondays. It's peach season, too, so tomorrow we're going to get some of that oh so sweet and juicy fruit. My son is desperate to head to the pool, so we absolutely must do that this week. Let the summery fun days commence!

Epitome

I have been working on my writing again, so I thought I would share any words I come across during my bouts of inspiration that I have trouble spelling or that I have just discovered. Today's word is:

Epitome- a typical or ideal example.

Almost Gone

Well, I started a new blog the other day, and decided I would delete this one. Of course, I've changed my mind since than. I don't know what made me think that I could just completely disregard a blog that I'd actually put some effort into. Not to mention the fact, that I actually had a few followers. So, I was happy to see that I could un-delete my blog, and here it is back in business. I doubt very much that this has affected anyone, but I do apologize for my rashness.

The wind chimes are making a gentle melody with the steady breeze, the curtains are fluttering in and out of the window, and a steady stream of clouds are rolling across the sky. A spring storm is approaching. The first of many this season I'm sure. I love it.

It's been a nice Easter day, with the temps in the 70's and yummy BBQ and chocolate sheet cake. Kyle enjoyed getting his Easter basket, though I think he would have preferred more toys. Of course, that is the way with happily spoiled children. We did the egg hunt, too, and a little bit of candy has been devoured.

The wind is starting to pick up. There's a sense of expectancy in the air. No lightening, no rumble of thunder, but it's coming.

Now it's time to read stories and get goodnight kisses. Tomorrow is back to the grind.

Evens Are Not Always Better

My creativity button is shot for now (has been for a while, really), so letting off a little steam and random thoughts are what's in store for this entry. Right, so, we're well into the new year now. 2010 has been kicking my butt on the stress level, though. Man! I have had some crazy news that has just blown me away, and stressful moments with my son crying before school. Things like that have been going on a lot since the middle of January. Luckily things have calmed a bit recently, though. Let me just pause here to knock on wood. Ok, back to blabbing. On a positive note, I did make contact with my brother after a 11 year or so hiatus. Wow! Yeah, I contacted him around New Year's actually, he called me, we talked, now we're Facebook buddies. Oh, the times, the times. It's funny how nowadays we judge how liked we are by how many Facebook friends we have. I know, I know, that's not how it is for everyone. It is a great way to keep in touch, but with all of the viruses and jerks stealing identities, it's making me miss the old days of talking on the phone or writing a letter. Even email is starting to go by the wayside. You either send a text, which I can't do (I don't have unlimited text and my hubby would kill me if I ran up the bill just to tell my sister what I'm watching on tv), or just post a comment on Facebook. My son has Spring Break now, so I've got to get to planning what we're going to do. I can't believe they're predicting snow for Sunday. I'm hoping that it will at least just be a dusting and not major coverage. Right now, my nose is stuffed up, my lips are a little raw, and my hubby is annoyed with me for not getting it on with him. It is really difficult to get in the mood, however, when your mouth has been hanging open all day. I did do a little nose spray earlier in the day which helped, but I don't like doing it too much. I don't want to completely singe my nostrils. Ah well, I suppose that's enough ranting for now.