Another Summer

Well, school ended on June 12th with an incredible graduation. Nikki Giovanni was our commencement speaker and she was the perfect choice. She kept the crowd captivated and delivered a message that provided our students with inspiration to discover new worlds.

I actually had to go back to school on June 15th to finish the checkout process and get ready for my summer program. Yes, I know I swore I was done with the program after last summer. Well, when no one had been hired or a job announcement had not even been posted in January, I realized the program was in real danger. So, I pulled it out one more time. I have to say that may have been a good idea on one hand (the money is incredible) but a horrible idea on the other hand. I have had nothing but problems ever since I started with this summer's planning. I had no assistance with anyone on the NASA/NIA side. Everyone pretty much bailed out and left me hanging and placing students on my own. Considering I was located in Petersburg and I needed to be on the center to make placements, I had a mess on my hands. I thought I was finally good once I had the placements for the students. WRONG! One of the mentors bailed on two of my kids at the absolute last minute. So, crisis for me. Got that one fixed and then the fun began when I got to the program. One thing after another has kept my stomach in knots. The kids are great as always ... the RAs are wonderful. But, I am a ball of nerves. I have never been looking so forward to the end of this program as I am this year.

Needless to say, since I have had such a negative attitude, I have avoided posting. I was waiting until the storm started to clear. Unfortunately, it hasn't cleared and I wanted my friends to know that I am still here.

Love to you all.

Whew! I can breathe ...

Whew! I have had a rough couple of months. Between the class I am taking (and almost done with), work, my summer program, and issues with my goddaughter ... I feel like I have been gone forever. I have been under so much pressure that I haven't been able to even think about posting on my blog. But, I'm hoping to get back in the swing of things.

I'm working on some journaling exercises and am going to post some of those as we go through the next month or so. I'm looking forward to this project, because I have been trying to do this for a very long time.

Here's my first entry to my journal ... The ABCs of Me

A - advocate for children
B - blunt
C - caring
D - dedicated, dog-lover
E - engineer
F - friend
G - godmother
H - hardworking, hates housework, HOKIE
I - introvert, independent
J - just has no tolerance for stupid people
K - kindhearted
L - loyal, loving, lonely at times
M - misses having a significant other
N - not sure of my future career plans
O - overachiever, outspoken
P - puts others before myself
Q - quick to jump to my friends' and kids' defense
R - ready for change in my life
S - stressed, sensitive, stubborn, shy
T - teacher, tired, thoughtful
U - unsure of myself at times
V - voracious reader
W - waiting for that "right job"
X - eXtremely ready for a vacation
Y - yes, I love good food
Z - zealous

Have you ever ...

Have you ever had one of those days where you just want to crawl in bed and pull the covers over your head? And while you're in bed, you want to have a half gallon of your favorite ice cream. Then, you'll get out of bed to take a shower and put on fresh pajamas and crawl back into bed. You get up long enough to find something sinfully bad to eat but so good to taste. You pop in that movie that you have wanted to watch but haven't put aside the time to watch it. You cut the ringer off the house phone and put the cell phone on silent.

Yeah, that's the kind of day I would like to have. Instead, I'm stuck at school teaching ... something I normally love. But, right now I just resent the fact that I'm trapped inside this building and not able to do what I want. I am tired. I am frustrated. I just want a "me" day.

Just Plain Tired

I've been doing a lot of thinking lately. I'm not sure that's a good thing or a bad thing. The jury is out on that one. What I have realized is that I am tired of allowing people walk all over me. I am tired of being the one that always gives and rarely receives. I am tired of being angry. I am tired of being frustrated. I am tired of waiting. I am tired of being tired.

Now, the question becomes "What will I do about it?" That's the problem. I'm not sure. I am making progess in some areas, but in others I feel like I'm spinning my wheels. I am acknowledging my personal role in these issues. I have no problem taking responsibility for the part I have played in allowing things to get out of control.

So, what's next? I honestly do not know. I'm sure I'll be back here writing more in the next few weeks as I try to process what I'm working through. Right now I'm just trying to deal with it head on and not avoid the issues at hand.

I'm trying to take care of me right now. And, if that means that I have to be selfish ... oh well.

A New Day

The end of January is nearing and I realize that I have not even considered goals for 2009. I'm not sure I have been ready to even think about that before now. I have been in such a dark place that I hadn't wanted to think about the future. It was depressing to me. I'm still not sure that I have a clear picture of where I want to go in 2009, but I am in a better place and believe I can begin to think about 2009 in a more positive way.

I realize that I have some really good friends ... many of them I have met through going to scrapbooking crops and others through message boards. Then, I have my tried and true friends that I have met through work and others that I have known for years. What is amazing to me is the strength of character that so many of these women possess and display on a daily basis. They are strong on the inside and are able to let that strength shine through.

I am grateful for these friends ... particularly those that don't judge me when I rant and rave and struggle with some of the stupid people in my life. Instead, they tell me like it is, give me a hug, and let me know they understand how hard my struggle is and are there for me. Right now I can't handle harsh criticism. I break down in tears, which is unusual for me ... at least in this area of my life. I feel at a low that I haven't felt in a really long time.

But, this too shall pass. I will make it through by the grace of God and through the strength of those around me. I simply need to be strong enough to lean on them until I feel strong enough on my own.

So, to my friends ... in real life and virtual ... I love you and thank you.

A New Year

A good friend reminded me that I hadn't blogged in a while. She was right. I've avoided blogging, because I felt I was in such a bad place emotionally that I didn't want to burden people with my negativity and pain. Then, I re-read some of my earlier posts ... particularly my letter to Baby Virginia Ruth. I realized something at that moment.

This blog is mine. It's ultimately for me. It's not to entertain the general public. It's there to help me get things out, so my blood pressure doesn't stay up. It's there to help me sort things out, so I can make informed decisions about my life. It's there to share my thoughts with my friends, so they know where I am right now ... emotionally, mentally, and physically. It's there for me to have a showcase for my scrapping and photos.

So, for those that read my blog, I hope you'll stick with me through this rocky road I'm traveling right now. I need some help and my friend helped me realize that this may be the place to find it. My posting may be sporadic but know that my intention is to be back here on this blog. Know that I don't want you to feel that you have to comment or respond, but know that I do appreciate the comments. Even the simplest one gives me hope and smiles.

I think part of my problem is I don't like the templates for this blog, so I'm in the process of trying to learn how to modify and create my own. So, you might see a different look each time you visit ... at least until I feel I've found my style and niche. Anybody have ideas for a book I could get that will help me, please share!!!

I'll be back soon!!! Hugs to you all!

A brief check in

I just thought I'd write a brief note to give people an update. I'm doing better. It's been a hard week. There will be a Rite of Passage Ceremony for Virginia Ruth on August 23rd. I'll be able to see my friends then. I know I'll feel much better once I can hug my friends. It's been hard being on one side of the state while they're on the other side. But, I know it's important for them to have their time as well.

A special thanks to my good friend Aimeslee. She gave me an award and it really brought a smile to my face. Here's the award she gave me:



School starts soon and I'm far from where I hoped to be. I'm having a bout with depression right now and it's hard to motivate myself. Most of my friends have been so supportive and i love them for that. I just have to find a way to crawl out of the hole I've dug for myself.

I'll be back soon with some more upbeat news, I'm sure. But thank you to those friends that stick with me through the good and bad.

Letter to Baby Virginia Ruth

Dear Baby Virginia,

Your mom and dad are two of my closest friends … more like family, really. They have been there for me at my lowest moments and have supported me through it all. Now, it’s my turn.

I remember the day your mom and dad came into my classroom when they got back from their France trip. They made me close my eyes and hold out my hand. When I opened my eyes, your mom had placed her ‘positive’ pregnancy test (in a Ziploc bag, of course) in my hand. I glanced down and saw the line indicated a ‘positive’ pregnancy. I immediately burst into tears of joy. At that moment, you must have felt the love and joy that consumed the room at that time. I was so happy for your mom and dad. There were never any two more deserving people. I have never seen them so happy!

I have always known what strong people they are and what good parents they will be. I have watched them with other’s children. I have watched them in the classroom. Their compassion was evident in every situation in which they found themselves. As such, we were all so glad that they would have you in their lives. We knew that their child would be special.

The pride they felt for you was evident anytime they spoke about you. They were looking for the best for you. Unfortunately, life sometimes throws us curve balls. Sometimes they smack us straight in the face, as this one did. Never in our wildest nightmares would we have imagined that you would come into this world at 22.5 weeks. Never in our wildest dreams would we have imagined that you would be strong enough to give your mom and dad the best gift you could … through your life.

You are a miracle baby. You are our miracle baby and for that, you will always have a special place in our hearts. You are your parents’ firstborn and will never be forgotten. Instead, you will be remembered with love.

On one hand, I am so angry that this has happened. But, on the other hand, I feel so blessed to have had you in my life for such a short time. You brought me great joy and, for that, I will always be grateful

I need you to know how much I love you and how much everyone else loves you. I want you to know that you are part of our family and will be in our hearts forever. You are a special little girl who means the world to a whole host of people. You are our miracle baby.

Baby Virginia, you came into this world such a small being. But, in the short time you were here, you showed such strength. You gave your mom and dad the opportunity to love you, hold you, and say goodbye. With this small life, you have given us strength. You have given us the resolve to stay united as a family … blood relatives and extended family. You have strengthened our faith in the unknown. You have made us believe in small miracles.

You have made me realize that the small things in life are just as important as the large ones. My only regret is that I didn’t get to see you before you moved on. I can only imagine how beautiful you were. But, I will live those memories through your mom and dad and will know that you are an angel watching out for us.

As I sit writing this letter to you, I realize that you will never get to read this in person. But, I still feel that I need to put pen to paper and express to you how much you mean to me. Always remember that you have been loved from the moment you were conceived. And, that love will continue after your death. You are our miracle baby and our own private little angel. The world will be a safer place with you on our shoulders.

I love you, Baby Virginia!

Hugs and kisses!
Auntie CC

Graduation Gift

I made this mini-album for a graduating senior. Kelsey is going to be an English major and has been the editor of her high school's literary magazine. I wanted to give her a special gift that would allow her to incorporate her journaling and/or photos into this mini-album. I included rub-ons that highlighted key words and sayings that I believe will be beneficial to her as she moves forward in her career.

Back on Track

Hello all!
I'm sure many of you were wondering if I had dropped off the planet. I haven't. I didn't realize that life had taken control for this long. Here's a bulleted update of all that's been going on with me.

* I finished my spring grad course and got an A+. I was so pleased with the outcome of the course and when it was all said and done, it was well worth the work i put into it. I'm hoping to work with my professor on an article and maybe do some consulting work with her in the fall.

* Graduation went well. It about put me under the table while I was trying to manage the end of school, a new grad class, and problems with my summer program. It was a beautiful ceremony. It occurred on Friday, June 13th and, in true Friday the 13th form, the panic alarm went off in the building three different times prior to the ceremony. The IT director finally cut the wire to the alarm system. Apparently, someone had pushed panic buttons on three different floors and the system was confused to the point that the security company couldn't reset it. But, in the end, it was wonderful.

* My summer program was filled with problems from the beginning. In the middle of May at orientation I realized my point of contact had not been doing his job. The majority of the students had not been placed with mentors. I was a wreck, because this is the one part of my summer mentorship program of which I have no control. And, you know how much I hate to be out of control. I had to go over his head and just pray. In the end all of the kids have been placed. I'm midway through the program and all is going well. It's an excellent group of kids and I love having them here.

* I started a new online grad course toward the end of May. It was on special education. I love the online class process, but a summer school class was not what I should have been doing when I was consumed with so many other things. I pushed through it and finished it with an A+. I wasn't as pleased with the content and rigor of this course, but one more course off my checklist toward my supervision and administration endorsement.

That's about the bulk of the update. I'm still at my summer program and will be here till July 19th. Then I head to Charlottesville for a few days. I'll get to see Daughtry in an acoustic concert. I can't wait for that. Chris Daughtry is from Fluvanna county and does a concert in Charlottesville each year. I'm just glad we got tickets. At the end of July, I'll be headed to Camp Hill, PA for a four-day scrapbooking weekend. I can't wait for that. I'll get to see a lot of friends I only get to see once a year.

I hope everyone is doing well and I look forward to hearing from you.

I'd just like to give a couple of shout outs to a couple of friends:
* Congrats to Jill for making the callback to the Chatterbox design team.
* Congrats to Kate for her new business in Digg Deeper mini books kit club.
I wish you both the best of luck!!!!

Very Quick Update

Okay, I wrote a long post. Blogger deleted it and I'm angry ... actually royally ticked off is a better description. I'll try and get it written again today. If not, I'll check in later this week.

You Make My Day Award

I thought I'd take the time to shoot some people an award:

I have been a lurker and reader of various blogs and want these individuals to know how much I enjoy reading and sharing in their lives and artwork.

So, I award the "You Make My Day" award to:

Aimeslee
Jill
Kate
Leah
Jane
Lainey
Michele & Lisa
Rosa
Staci
Virginia
The Pioneeer Woman

Each of you have made me smile and/or cry. Each of you has such a different voice and I appreciate each and every one of you. The courage you show in sharing your life and artwork with others gave me the inspiration to start my own blog and I thank you for that.

Have a great weekend!! Hugs!

What a weekend!

Well, Saturday was a whirlwind. I attended a bridal shower for one of my former students from the Class of 2003. Here's a picture of the bride-to-be and two of her bridesmaids, also students from her graduating class. It was a lot of fun catching up with the girls and seeing how happy the bride-to-be was with all of her gifts. I'm actually looking forward to attending this wedding (a lot of my friends understand that weddings are not my favorite thing to attend).

After the bridal shower, I went to a benefits gala at our school. It was a wonderful collection of artists from our school and the community.

Then, before I knew it, it was time to head back to school. This week marks the ending of my grad class this semester. I have an in-class exam ... something I haven't had since I was in undergrad, so I'm a bit antsy about this and will be glad when it's over.

Have a great week!

Sample Chatterbooks

I thought I would share some of the mini-albums I have been working on. Each of these is a TLC Chatterbook. They're so easy to put together and make such nice canvases on which to work. I used Glossy Accents on each of the letters to help make the letters pop. I plan on using the "Adore" album for my godchildren. I just haven't had time to get pictures together to fill up this album. Then, the "Friends" album is also for me. I haven't decided how I plan to structure that album yet.

Enjoy!

Remembering -- A Year Later

I spent a good part of April 16th re-reading the articles that were written right after the Virginia Tech shootings last year. One year later the feelings are still as raw as if the shootings happened yesterday. I couldn't bring myself to watch the ceremonies on-line. I could only watch the recaps on the news.

The one picture that immediately brought tears to my eyes was one related to the handgun protests being held in various cities. I was watching a Chicago news report when they showed 32 people lying on the ground. These people not only represented the victims from the Virginia Tech shootings but they also represented the 32 people that are killed each day from handguns. Talk about a powerful image.

I did read some of the news articles on the ceremonies from yesterday, and one thing is clear. The Hokie spirit will prevail regardless of the pain that we all still feel from last year's events. We have learned and we have grown from this experience. And, I can only hope we have learned enough to help prevent history from repeating itself. My thoughts and prayers are with all that have been affected by the April 16, 2007 shootings at Virginia Tech.

And, as all Hokies will say: LET'S GO HOKIES!!!!

Update

I just wanted you all to know I appreciate the well wishes and I did survive my dental appointment on the 14th. I got my wisdom tooth extracted. It is definitely not something I want to repeat anytime soon. I did not realize how deep my fear of dentists was until I went to the oral surgeon on Monday. My blood pressure went through the roof and my anxiety level was incredibly high. Thank goodness for nitrous oxide. The pain was minimal, but the anxiety was too much for me.

My friend Kim came to the oral surgeon to check on me and she was waiting for me when I got out of the office. She will never know how much that meant to me. I feel like a big baby but I was SOOO glad that Kim was there. I went home, took my pain meds, and went to bed.

The first evening was okay, but the second day was rough. The swelling hit about 3 a.m. and woke me up. I grabbed an ice pack and went back to bed. So, I spent the second day in and out of bed, on and off the ice pack. By evening, I was feeling more like my old self. I spent yesterday trying to get back in the swing of a regular day. I tried to use minimal pain meds, since I knew I would be returning to school on Thursday.

Now, I'm back at school. It looks like it was a pretty calm time while I was gone. It appears as if my students did what they were supposed to do. I'm sure there will be little problems I have to deal with along the way, but right now all is well.

Can I Fast Forward Time?

Okay, I am just tired. I am tired of drama. I am tired of not feeling well. I am tired of all the little trials and tribulations of daily life.

In addition to the work stuff I've been talking about, I hit a deer (or the rear end of a deer) the week before Spring Break. Luckily, no major body damage. It's fixed now, but I have lived in the country for about 12 years and have never hit a deer. Go less than six months with a new car and wham!!!! ARGHHH! On a positive note, loved the body shop I went to.

Then, I get my car back and about a week later, on my way home, a couple of rocks came out of nowhere and nicked my windshield. Can someone please tell me where the bulls-eye is on my car so I can wash it off????? I am so frustrated.

This past week, I discover I have a wisdom tooth that is broken. Not only is it broken but it is half gone. Friday afternoon, a pain shot through me like you wouldn't believe. Now, if you don't know me, you don't understand that this is a TRAUMATIC experience for me. I am TERRIFIED of dentists ... not the general "I don't like shots" phobia that people have with doctors. I have a FEAR of dentists ... to the point where my blood pressure shoots up and I feel as if I am going to break out into hives. But, I was in so much pain, I got my school secretary to call her dentist to get an emergency appointment. Unfortunately, not much he could do but refer me to the oral surgeon. He gave me pain killers and antibiotics to get through the weekend. I went to the oral surgeon today and he confirmed the tooth would have to be extracted. Then, he broke the news that my insurance would not pay for the sedative!!! Oh my goodness! Talk about being ready to break into tears. Then, he says that if he extracts all four of my wisdom teeth, the insurance will cover it. Uhhhh.... NO THANK YOU!!!! I am going to get the oral surgeon to use nitrous oxide and I will have to pay for it, but I know I will not be able to survive without some type of sedative. So, Monday at 2:15 pray for me. I am simply hoping not to go into a full-blown panic attack. Honestly, just talking about it now makes me nervous.

Okay, I feel better now. All of my demons are out of the closet. I hope that things will get better. That's why I felt the need to ask if I could fast forward time.

P.S. Aimeslee, you're the best. I really needed that "You make my day" award. You have to tell me how to put that image on my blog so I can award it to some others.

P.P.S. Jennifer, if you're reading this, I want you to know how much I miss and love you!!! Hugs to you!!!

Change is Hard

I am really struggling with a lot of issues right now, a lot of them related to my job. For my close friends, they probably are tired of hearing about the daily trials and tribulations. I have been in my current job since 1999, when our school first opened its doors. In those early days, we wore many hats ... teacher, counselor, administrator ... pretty much whatever was needed. Those days have gotten better, but the list of responsibilities is still quite long. We're a small school with limited funds, so we often have to do a great deal with few resources. I'm okay with that. I'm even good at that. I also love the fact I have grown my program and built it exactly the way I feel it should be run. I am starting to reap the benefits of the hard work.

But, I am soooo tired of dealing with people that don't seem to take their job seriously. I'm so tired of dealing with an assistant administrator that has no interpersonal skills, does not learn from mistakes, and passes the buck. I am tired of cleaning up messes. I am tired of throwing the life preserver. And, I am going to stop.

Now, the question is whether I have the energy to make the change in my own life. The question right now is whether I continue on my path to my administrative endorsement and try to gain an administrative position within my school. The downside of this possibility is taking the chance that are director will leave us in the hands of someone who is totally incompetent. I have general faith that he won't, but there are days when I'm not so sure.

Then, I have the job position opportunity that I posted about previously. It's scary. It's hard for me to make changes. I analyze. I analyze some more. I then over-analyze. Make a decision. Then, change my mind and go back through the process. All the while I am creating a major ball of stress in my stomach.

I know that change is good. Shoot. I'm an engineer and that is the foundation of what I do. It's just easier to apply it in other circumstances rather than something that is too close to home. I'm sure I will update my resumé and put in for the job. The sad part is that there is a part of me that hopes nothing comes of the application. I know that's the part of me that hates the thought of change.

I'll keep you all updated and let you know how things are going.

Lots to Chat About

Well, I was trying to be diligent in posting messages on my blog, and I did okay in the beginning. Then, life sort of took control and threw me some curve balls that left me struggling, trying to keep my head above water. Now I'm ready to get back in the game and see if I can keep on track.

I just got back to school yesterday after spring break. Spring break wasn't really what I had planned. I had hit a deer coming to school the week before spring break, so I had to get that damage fixed. Luckily, there was no major body damage and the deer kept right on going. I have lived in the country for over 12 years and have never hit a deer. I have a new car for less than six months and WHAM! Such is life.

I had planned to go to Charlottesville to visit friends and my godson. That didn't happen as planned thanks to the unexpected car repairs. And, as it turns out I ended up spending the first half of spring break in bed with a nasty sinus infection. It never fails that I get sick during winter and spring breaks. It's as if my body is telling me that it's okay to be sick since I'm not at school ... it can ruin my fun and free time, but heaven forbid I get sick while I'm at school.

Then, I spent time trying to get some things accomplished for my summer program. I went to the National Institute for Aerospace to help the project director select students for the summer NASA mentorship. I also went to the Virginia Institute of Marine Science to get the same information for the VIMS mentorship. We've picked an excellent group of kids, so I'm hopeful this summer will be extremely productive.

I did go visit some scrapping friends at a crop on Friday. It was so weird for me to just stop by, eat lunch, and leave. It was actually a bit depressing. I enjoy my crop weekends so much. But, on the bright side, I did get a Sizzix machine for $10. Mine had cracked and wasn't cutting chipboard as well as it had been. I have been looking for a replacement for a while with no luck. I also got to eat dinner with another friend before I came back home. All in all, it was a good day.

I did have my Evaluation of Instruction class during spring break. I enjoy the class and am learning quite a bit, but the workload is insane. Every time I turn around additional work (not on the syllabus) is added to our plates. I don't mind doing the work, but it's difficult to know what the professor wants when she doesn't provide us with a rubric or assignment sheet. All of the assignments are given orally. We also rarely get an exemplar against which we can compare our work. That's difficult, particularly since we don't always get timely feedback.

Oh, I forgot to mention that the Director of NIA printed an employment opportunity for me from their website. It's a Program Director's position for managing new educational TV programming that NIA is undertaking. These TV segments will be created for elementary, middle, and high school classrooms. It's an incredible position, but it's also scary to think about applying for such a high level job. I have to believe the Director believes I'm qualified, because I didn't even know about the job until I went to visit him on a totally unrelated topic. I am going to update my resumé and submit it for review. What's the worst that can happen? I don't get the job. Oh well. I don't have it now either.

I always believe things happen for a reason, so I am hoping this job opportunity has presented itself to me, if for no other reason, to show me that there is something else out there for me. I do want to stay in an educationally-based field, but I'm tired. I know it's time to move out of the classroom and on to a more administrative role. That's why I'm taking my endorsement level courses right now. And, if things work out as I've planned, I could potentially have my endorsement by Spring 2009. The question is whether I want to stay where I am or move on to other pastures. I'm going to have to take that one day at a time.

I am working like crazy at school. The end of the third quarter is right around the corner. I have grading to complete. I also am trying to keep my seniors from losing their minds. They're receiving their college acceptance (or rejection) letters and are starting to panic. So, they have been distracted. I have to keep them on track and what a challenge that is becoming. I also need to start planning graduation. June 13th will be here before I know it. Oh my.

Well, with all of that said, I need to sign off for now. I'm hoping to update more frequently and I do appreciate all of you that check in on me here at my blog. I look forward to chatting soon!!!

Hugs and have a great day!

Spring is Just Around the Corner

Spring is just around the corner and I absolutely can't wait. I am so happy that the sun is out when I get up in the morning and is still up when I get ready to come home from school. This winter was really hard on me with respect to the seasonal depression. I was working some longer hours at school and felt as if I never got to see sunlight. This weekend we "spring forward" and it will stay light longer. I can't wait. Soccer and tennis seasons have started at school and I'm hoping to make it to a few games and matches.

Spring break is just a couple of weeks away but it can't get here soon enough. Of course I'm already thinking about things I want to do and my calendar seems to be filling up more quickly than I need it to. We'll see what happens this week before I make my final plans for spring break. I may need to take a step back and just stay close to home and rest. I need to get a boost of energy to complete the school year.

I'm gearing up to start major planning for my summer program. I hate dealing with new people in housing at the university. I have to fight battles I have fought in previous years. Seems like a total waste of time. I have a lot of new people in the picture this year, so I need to make sure I stay on top of the details. The next couple of weeks are critical in planning. Then, things will lighten up a bit.

I think I understand why I dropped all extra-curricular activities in the past. I have so much on my plate in the classroom as well as the added administrative responsibilities I have that I have little time for these activities. I definitely need to reassess that for the fall.

Okay, I'm going to take a lead from one of my friends and make a "to do" list here. I'm hoping it might encourage me to get my rear in gear and take care of a lot of these activities that need to be completed.

I hope everyone is having a great day!!!