A spastic says what?

WHAT? I just spent the last couple of days up in Logan for work. I did a couple of little classes for some very nice teachers. I taught them how to use their digital cameras and what to do with all those pictures once they are loaded on the computer. It was fun.

I stayed at a new Hampton Inn while staying in Logan and had quite a "trip" when I first arrived. You see, I parked the lovely work van, locked the doors and headed towards the reception area inside the hotel. Here's where things get interesting. Somehow, I failed to register that there was a slight curb from the parking lot to the hotel sidewalk. My failure to register an extra step saved me that step, and landed me flat on the concrete. Yes, I fell down and I fell hard.

Luckily, I was in Logan and there was no one around to laugh or make fun of me...that I was aware of. I managed to check in, get to my room and then took a moment to view the damage. A scrape on my knee deep enough to have the fabric of my pants embedded into my skin and have some skin stuck on the inside of my pants.

My shoes were ruined, my pants stained with a little blood and I have some great bruises developing to prove how hard I fell. Luckily, I didn't really hurt myself, or more importantly rip my pants or my coat. I love my coat. Ripping it would have been really sad.

Just to prove how goofy I am...yes, I had a nice trip and I will see you next fall.

A glimpse into the life of a jr. high math teacher

My sister teaches in a junior high. I hope everyday that she makes it out sane and alive. The alive part is going well, but we're not so sure about the sane. The following is an e-mail she sent me this morning. Names have been changed to protect the innocent.

AAAaaaaaaaahahhhhhhhhhh. Help!!!!!!!!!

I'm trapped in my classroom and I can't get out. They are all psycho today. Michael Booger has Bronchitis. He's not on any medication. he hasn't been to a doctor. He doesn't like them. His Nanna diagnosed his bronchitis. He is coughing hysterically and then he wheezes like he's coughing up a hairball. His coughts sound totally fake, too. It's so loud, I can't even hear what the people on the front row are saying. I finally gave up and gave them their assignment and sat down. There are about 4 of them wh are acutally doing it. The rest think we are having a free day because they are stupid. Plus, Michael Booger keeps aksing to go wash his hands after he coughs in them.

It's only 10, but I think I need a coke!

HQ

The Work Party and Gift Fight

Today was the first time I have ever had a work party. As a teacher in a high school, no one wanted to socialize outside of work time...maybe because most of us didn't even know each other's names. We did have a luncheon in the principal's office each year, but I would usually take food back to my classroom and sit and eat smashed croissant ham sandwhiches in solitude.

This year I don't work in a school and got to particpate in a real office party. There was no booze at this party, it was during the day time, so I wasn't lucky enough to see anyone embarass themselves with lampshades or impromptu make-out sessions like the movies have always told me happens at work parties. Instead we ate a good lunch, and I shared a chocolate mousse torte with Vickie.

We did have a small gift exchange in which I was able to wrangle and secure (even though a lot of people wanted it...shazbut!) a magic 8 ball. My mom has one on the island in her kitchen and, once i take mine home, it can sit in my kitchen too. You never know when you will need a magic 8 ball to make those ever important life decisions.

R-R-R-Rock me Amadeus

Last night was the night of the Winter Piano Recital for the students of Haley. The recital was good, but my particular favorite was Wille. He did a good job and I am not just saying that because he is my brother. Travis did a good job, too. Here are some pictures from the big event. Willie and Haley played a chopsticks duet, Haley played Silent Night and another christmas song I don't know the name of, and Willie played Joy to the World and Midnight Blues. His best number was chopsticks though...maybe he needs to practice a little bit more.

Yesterday, I had a funny experience with my little brother as well. I was at home to meet him at the end of the school day and wasn't feeling so hot. I think that I might have an ear infections (though I am doing much better today, incase you were concerned). Anywhoo, because young Will is an expert in acquiring and suffering from ear infections I thought that I would seek his advice on the matter. So, Willie sat me down on his bed, pulled out his head lamp and pushed my hair aside so that he could get a better look into my ear. After several minutes of examination and careful consideration, Willie pronounced, "Annie, I'm just not a doctor, there really isn't anything I can do for you." I really appreciated his honesty, and humor on that one.

How long did it take you to get home in the snow?

2 HOURS! 2 bloody (almost literally because I was biting all the hang nails off my fingers) hours on the freeway driving under 20 miles an hour the entire way home.

I love winter!