My Latest Obsession

A few months ago Lo introduced me to the Twilight series. There are 4 books in this series: Twilight, New Moon,Eclipse & Breaking Dawn. So far I have read 3 of them. (Thank you Lo and Brooke for letting me borrow them.) I am waiting until Lo finishes the 4th book. I am dying to read it, but no rush Lo!

When I first heard about these books I was a bit skeptical just as I was with the Harry Potter books. If it wasn't for the required reading in my Children's Literature class I probably would have never understood what all the hype was about Harry. Honestly,I really don't get into the sci-fi, mystical, or magical story lines. But, after a few pages of the first book, Twilight, I was hooked on all of Bella's adventures.

If you don't know or haven't heard, these books follow the main character Bella, who moves to Washington State to live with her father and falls in love with Edward who turns out to be a vampire. Yes, I know, I know. Just from that description, I would have never tossed a second glance at the book either. But, just take my word for it. You will find yourself lost in the story and thinking it perfectly normal to be reading about vampires and werewolves.

I'm so excited because this weekend the movie based on the first book will be opening in theaters. Even though he hasn't read the books, Clint has promised to take me to see it. What a good husband he is because I'm sure that is the last movie he wants to watch! We will probably be in the theater surrounded by mostly middle-high school age girls.

These books are a huge hit with the preteen-teenage girl population. (And a few of us older gals!) I was finishing up the third book one day while subbing in high school and few of the girls noticed what I was reading. They instantly came over to me and asked how I liked the book. You would have thought we were talking about real life events the way we got into it all. I have had a few other times when students have asked me if I've heard about the books. When I tell them I've read most of them, they first looks confused/suprised (like why would I be reading these books) and then they get excited because they have someone else to talk about it.

So, if your up for a light read...I highly recommend these books!

Love my Blue Raiders!

This past weekend I got the chance to spend some girl time with two of my favorite gals (Sarah & Bridget) and cheer on my Alma mater to a victory. (At least one of my teams is having a winning season!) On Friday I made my way down to Knoxville and swung by Jessica Vance's house for a couple of hours. So good to see her and catch up. Vance, we must do this more often.

I then stayed the night with Sarah. We got up early Saturday morning to drive to Cleveland to pick up Bridget. We left early so that we could make it to Murfreesboro in time for the morning Homecoming parade. After some lunch at Toot's we did some tailgating before the game. We were all glad to see some of our sorority sisters. (FYI Adpi alums--we are going to organize a tailgating tent for next year. Be on the look out for details!)

It was perfect football weather as we watched the Blue Raiders make the Alumni proud! It was great to be back on campus and see all the changes that have taken place in such a short time. I have to say, it was all very nostalgic. And always a fun time with my girls!

Chloe was so happy I was back home!

Trick-or-Treat

Happy Halloween! I know it's been a little while since my last post. I have been substitute teaching most days of the week now, so I'm staying pretty busy. Yesterday and Weds. I had 5th graders. A bit different from subbing in high school where I can kick back and read my book all day! The teacher found out I was certified and asked if I would mind teaching a lesson to them. So, between that, an unexpected fire drill (every substitutes worse nightmare) and their anticipation for Halloween, it was a CRAZY day. Clint and I did manage to carve our pumpkins last night. We have been so busy this week and almost forgot! We went really simple and turns out that both our jack-o-lanterns look goofy. But, I think that is how we were feeling since it took longer than we thought and it was getting late! I'm not sure if we will get any trick-or-treaters at this house. But if we do, Chloe will be back in her chicken outfit and ready to greet them!

We were too tired to pose with our pumkins. Since it was Chloe's first Halloween, we let her.

Looks like she is leaning towards her favorite...mine!

Clint's goofy guy. I was impressed he free-handed this one!

Survival of the Substitute

After today, I have a huge appreciation for all the substitute teachers I had over the years...especially during high school. While I'm on the job search, I signed up to substitute teach to bring in a little income (and I mean little). It's a great side job because I can always decline to work that day if I have a job interview.
I have been waiting for my background check to come back so that I would be added to the sub roster. I had planned on putting in a call to the central office today to follow-up with the process. Well, no need! At 6:50 a.m. I got a wake up call from a high school asking if I could come in and sub. Somehow I stumbled out a "sure" in my half asleep state. (I had trouble sleeping last night and didn't go to bed until after 1 a.m.) I was then given a choice between music and spanish. I was thinking "well, if I have to pick..." I chose Espanol. (I ended up in both since they still couldn't find a sub for music.) Before I hung up, she told me what school and said I needed to be there at 7:30 a.m. Sure, sure, no problem. Except for the fact that when I stumbled out of bed, I noticed the time! And when I looked up the school on the computer I realized that it was in a town (Jonesborough) that was 30 minutes away. Ahh! Needless to say, no shower, no washing of the face and no breakfast. I had time to jump into clothes, trample all over a dazed Chloe and swipe the toothbrush over my teeth.
When I was asked what age I wanted to sub for I had said middle school or high school. Was I crazy? Well, it really wasn't that bad. But, I do kinda feel sorry for the student looking back on it. I was very strict and made them do their work. (Not my experience with the subs back in my day.) I felt like I was on them all day. I'm sure the teacher will appreciate it but I remember the feeling of walking into a class and finding out a sub was there for the day. The equation pretty much went like this: No Teacher+ Substitute= Free Day! I know they were highly disappointed after about 5 minutes into the class. I defiantly didn't win "cool sub of the day" award. But, my mind doesn't think that way with my teacher background. I was operating under the mode of, this is my class and trying to have some classroom management. I have now decided that I'm not getting paid to teach them. I'm really there to just make sure they are quiet and don't get into trouble. So, I'm going to go to adhere to that philosophy. Still, I'm not going to let them pull one over on me. And believe me I got so many excuses and had a few try some pretty clever things. (Were we that devious in HS?) I think the school is desperate for subs because I had only been there 10 minutes when the French teacher knocked on the door to ask if I was available for Weds. Before I left I was asked to come in tomorrow for Driver's Ed. Ha! This should be an experience to say the least. (And no, I already asked, thankfully I will not have to get in the car with any kid behind the wheel!)

Learning a new script

Since I have a little time off, I decided to do something I've always wanted to do: take a calligraphy class. Most of you know my love for stationary, office supplies and note cards. I have always enjoyed sending cards and letters in the mail. I think, especially in today's world with technology, nothing is more personal than a handwritten note. While I do love e-mail, there is something to be said about opening your real mailbox and getting that good old fashion snail mail!

A few years ago I purchased a calligraphy pen with the hopes of teaching myself. Nice thought! After printing off a "how to" guide, I set forth to try my hand at this craft. One problem, I couldn't figure out how to get the dang ink working with the pen. After one ink stained shirt and two ink soaked hands, I gave up.

Fast-forward to a few months ago before my cousin Tom's wedding. While visiting my family in Jackson, my aunt asked me if I would address Tom's rehearsal dinner invitations. The request sparked an idea. If I could learn calligraphy, I just might be able to do this as a side hobby. I decided I would try again to learn. One difference...I would not try to undertake this myself. After moving here, I began looking for a calligraphy class. To my luck, I found a beginners class offered at the local Hobby Lobby (I love that place)!

I quickly realized having an instructor was a smart move. It really is like learning to write your letters all over again. I remember in 3rd grade having to practice our cursive letters everyday. That is just the kind of practice you need for calligraphy. I took the intermediate class today. I had a wonderful instructor who really had a heart for teaching. I feel so much more equipped to learn this art from her instruction.We'll see how it turns out. So far I'm really enjoying it!

Happy Halloween

Chloe really didn't have a say in what she was going to be this year for Halloween. If she did, I'm sure she wouldn't have picked to be a chicken. But hey, it was on sale and I thought it was cute!

Vote for Chloe in Caption Splash Halloween contest:

http://captionsplash.mylifetime.com/captions/chicken-dog

Welcome to the World

Reagan Elizabeth Rice

Yesterday, at 10:15 a.m. our good friends Joey and Amanda had their little girl. Reagan Elizabeth Rice surprised everyone by coming 5 weeks early! Amanda hadn't even had her baby shower yet. I can already tell this is a little girl who likes to get her way...my kind of gal! Both Amanda and Reagan are doing good. And Joey certainly is a proud dad. Clint and I are anxious to see and hold her. Congrats Joey and Amanda!