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Showing posts with label Currently. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Currently. Show all posts

Thursday, December 3, 2015

Currently December

Have I really not blogged anything since November? Yep! There's this BABY in my house these days! I don't know where the day goes, but it's GONE! I have PLANS to blog for y'all! I have some more freebies that are my gift to you for Christmas- but I have a BABY with PLANS of his own! Plans to eat, and not sleep. Plans to poop and plans to cry! This is the hardest job in the world and I absolutely love that I get to be his mommy!

So.... Currently he is sleeping!

But that could all change at any moment!

Going to try and finish this blog post before he changes my PLANS!  


Listening: My husband got home from work (I'm on maternity leave still) and praise GOD he swoops in and takes my little one from me!  I welcome break.  They are both currently taking a nap on the couch! 

Loving: I would love time to just be still! Sip some tea (lactation tea of course)- but still- it sounds heavenly! 

Thinking: As I said above... any time I have to do something else... I wonder how long I'll actually have to do it! What a different 10 seconds can make these days.  They say to sleep when your baby is sleeping and that is certainly good advice- but I don't sleep on command! I'm not tired when he's sleeping. I'm tired when he's up and fussy and crying!!!! Of course!

Wanting: When I say make dinner- I mean heat up dinner that friends made for us! :) 

Needing: My husband's sisters are coming into town tomorrow. I had wanted to have my tree up... that's not going to happen.  Alas... 

Real or Fake: I grew up with a fake tree. Married my husband and he is a real tree kind of guy.  But some years, my husband is gone, so I don't have a tree at all. This year- it's gonna be real- if I can ever get him to go get it with me!


There you have it folks! If you don't hear from me again this month- Merry Christmas!!!! It may be NEW YEAR gifts/freebies I give you! :)
Melissa

Thursday, November 12, 2015

Currently November

November... I've been waiting 9 months for November and it is finally here! Also finally here is Baby Leach! Or should I say, Wyatt Douglas Leach! Douglas is my maiden name, and Wyatt is a perfect QB name or bull rider eh? He's perfect y'all! And like the Carrie Underwood song says, he's "everything I never knew I always wanted!" 




















I am getting the hang of this motherhood thing and I am in HEAVEN!

So it's November... and I haven't done a currently in months!  So... here goes!


Listening: I have a BABY y'all! He is 13 days old! He's sleeping and I am constantly hearing him cry when he is not. So I am listening very intently to the baby monitor to make sure he's really crying before I go in there. I've gone in there a few times just to make sure he's breathing! #firsttimemom

Loving:  So I didn't just bring a baby home from the hospital- I brought home a DADDY! And such a good Daddy at that!  He is so hands-on. I've even called him a baby hog!  He is the swaddling expert, the sleeping expert, the diapering expert...if I wasn't breastfeeding- I fear I'd never get to hold him! Kidding! Well... kind of not!

Thinking: I've heard it, sleep when he sleeps, but you can't just SLEEP on demand. I am NOT doing laundry, or sweeping the floor or other stuff like that, but I might be eating, or showering, or doing a blog post. OK maybe that is not a good use of my waking time with a newborn- but it does makes me feel human.  He's fixing to go down in a few minutes and I'll be sleeping!  I know that I should... and I do... but not every time!

Wanting: I've never been someone who takes a lot of naps- I SLEEP for 8-10 hours! Well....that's not happening. The most I've been able to get is 3 hours! (Make that 3.5- thanks to last night)

Needing: My big outing today is to run to Target and get some "stuff" that we need.  Add to the list- every day there is something else that we add to the list not knowing that we would! :)  So.... he just went down for a nap... and I'm going to nap so I have energy for Target!

Yummy: I make a KILLER pecan pie!  Just writing about it makes me hungry. I think I need a snack before I take a nap.... bye y'all!
Melissa

Wednesday, July 1, 2015

It's JULY Y'all!

WOO HOO! July! July is summer... July is HOT... July is the 4th! July is family and friends and a roller-coaster of professional development and travel for Leach's Literacy Training.  I'm on vacation right now, but in 13 days I will be hitting the ground non-stop until teachers go back to school! I'm getting my REST now!

So it's time to blog for Farley's Currently.  All the bloggers are getting excited about the big conference in Vegas. I worked that conference for five years in a row.  I don't go anymore... but hearing everyone gearing up and packing certainly makes me miss it!  Have fun y'all!



Listening: There's this girl on HGTV who is from Detroit- accent and all- and she likes to bring old houses back to their original beauty. They are usually houses about to be condemned or torn down and I just love her show! That's what's on the TV, but the TV is right by the door to the porch, which is open (screen door closed) and the birds are making all kinds of noises at the feeders.

Loving: July means a lot of things and it also means a trip HOME TO MY MICHIGAN. Affectionately called the Mitten!  Oh Michigan!  The cooler temps! The green grass! All the trees! The sounds, smells, events, of my childhood. Every summer brings a trip home and I couldn't be more in love with my sweet state!

Thinking: So.... I'm pregnant! Yep!  Due early November! When I sit still (which isn't very often) but is happening now, that's when I feel him move (which only started a few days ago) and it is just amazing.  I'll be seeing some of you this summer and I will be big as a house! Just wait!

Wanting: So for the reason above (so much to do before November) and because I'm on vacation- time just needs to slow down!

Needing: I have a bunch of material to prepare for my summer trainings on Literacy Work Stations for teachers across the state of Texas... I have the files ready... I just need to print... but there is nowhere to print in this town! I'm in a small town Up North in Michigan... I have time to do it later... but I just want to do it NOW and have it off the to-do list.  Oh well.  I will just have to wait.

All STAR:  It is so hard to think of things I'm good at and could post without y'all thinking I'm full of myself.  I guess I could say that I'm good at laughing!  I love to laugh! And it's LOUD y'all! If you get embarrassed easily- I wouldn't hang out with me- or my laugh!

Melissa

Sunday, May 3, 2015

Currently May

Thanks Farley for another month with Currently! Another month! Another month closer to SUMMER! I'm so looking forward to summer this year! Can't wait to meet new teachers with Leach's Literacy Training! I will be out there... and traveling all over the place!


Listening: It's one of the few things my husband and I can agree on. I'd really love to be vegging out with this season of Scandal... as I haven't seen a single show... but he hasn't gone out to mow the grass yes so I am "watching" diy while I work on my computer. 

Loving: Oh the weather is so beautiful.  Mid 80s... sunny! It's heaven!  

Thinking: I worked Saturday morning, so that made the weekend go by way too quickly if you ask me.  Trying to figure out how to make the most of the few hours I have left. 

Wanting: So my husband was supposed to be gone with work until mid May, so we thought this would be a good time to have the boat get some work done.  BUT... husband didn't go away. And the weather is gorgeous. If the boat wasn't in the shop we'd be in the water. 

Needing:  I have a STACK of books I want to read! I just can't bring myself to start! 

Summer: So excited to be going home to Michigan this summer. We always go, but this year we'll be there for almost THREE WEEKS!  Woo hoo!   I have a work trip to Hawaii that I am hoping works out.  And, the husband and I know we want to move, and I'm really dreaming that this summer (or like September) will be when the move actually happens?! One can dream....


Melissa

Thursday, April 2, 2015

April Currently

It is APRIL y'all. I was so caught up on the April FOOLS part of it that I forgot all about the Currently side of things.  I did spend the night making some cool new freebies for my blog! Be on the lookout in April...
Vocabulary Work Station
Poetry Pals Work Station
Book Pic of the Week

Now I digress. The reason I'm here is to post a currently... not tease you with FREE things that will be coming.  

Here goes...


Listening: This song is my theme song this week. I may listen to it 20 times today.  "I smile, even though I hurt, see, I smile. I know God is working, so I smile!"   

Loving: It is SPRING in Texas! You know what that means? If you are a Texan you do! It means Bluebonnets! Everywhere! It's truly beautiful to see these wildflowers.  If they grown in your yard, on the highway, wherever, people don't mow! Can't wait for pictures again this year. Happy SPRING Texans!

Thinking: We are moving into research in our curriculum, so I need to do some research on research for my teachers.  My goal is that they teach the specificity of the standards for research, not just research- there is a BIG difference.  

Wanting: For many reasons, that I can't go into on this blog, July 1st cannot get here soon enough! NO- it's not a due date for those of you always trying to hear that from me! HA!

Needing: Don't I say that every month on these blog posts? Sigh.  

EGGS-plain:My maiden name is Douglas.  It's a strong name! And God love my husband, and his family, but Leach... well... it's not as great as Douglas! But, in the blogging world, it did allow me a very cute blog name... LEACHTEACH.  

Melissa

Monday, March 2, 2015

March Currently

It's that time again.  I'm linking up with Farley! This may be one of her cutest designs yet. I'm always thankful for the opportunity to link up at the FIRST OF THE MONTH and for a GUARANTEED REASON TO BLOG!


Listening:I love this Pandora channel! Do you know it? It's often popular music, but usually instrumental!  I have told my upper elementary teachers and middle school teachers about it! They love it too. It allows me to stay focused, but also have some jams while I work.

Loving:  My husband gets a bad rap- cause I'm usually talking about him when he's not on my good list. But let it be known- I married a really good guy! And he puts up with SO MUCH from me! So I'm loving on him tonight!

Thinking: Oh it's bad y'all.  I was going to clean this weekend and I wasn't feeling well on Sunday... so there is still dust... still dog hair... and that bathroom counter... yeah... well... hoping some cleaning happens soon!

Wanting: Oh man! Ice cream is my weakness! But going to GET it is not something I am wanting. They really should deliver. I'd pay twice the price if it could just show up at my door...

Needing: Ugh. Don't remind me!

Spring Break Plans:  I'm so excited. I'm able to mix business with pleasure. Two days in a district near LA. It will be my first time there. Then the hubby and I are packing up the car to drive to New Mexico! We haven't been skiing in over 5 years.. and I can't wait to fall in love with him all over again-on the slopes!

Have a great March y'all! I need to believe that spring is coming.  I'm ready for time on the boat. Longer days and no more tights! I hate wearing tights!

Happy spring! Speaking of spring- it's time to change over my blog design too!

Melissa

Sunday, February 1, 2015

Currently February

It's that time again.  Thankful to my friend Farley who gives so many of us a REMINDER to blog at least once a month...


Listening: I just love this movie! Always have. Totally reminds me of my sweetheart. We watched it together several times in high school when we were dating and also in Alabama when he was in flight school.  It's a TOP TEN in my book! Next up... Officer and a Gentleman for this girl this Sunday.

Loving: AHHHH! I took the weekend to go to a retreat. It is a craft retreat- don't make fun of me- it is a "do whatever you want" and "relax however you like" kind of place!  It was fuel for my SOUL!
It was also the gift I gave to myself for my 35th birthday!  35 is going to be a great year!

Thinking: So on the flip side,  I can't help but feel guilty.  My husband leaves in a week for two weeks "in the field".  I probably should have been home spending time with him.... but whatever... I needed this. This is where I continue to talk myself out of feeling guilty... does is sound like it's working?  Oh well. I'm home now and ready spend QT watching the SUPER BOWL? :)

Wanting: I'm dressed and ready for a workout and am hoping I can do my workout outside today rather than at the gym. Hoping the weather cooperates with me. There is a lot of wind, but we call that resistance! #noexcuses

Needing: So much to do for Leach's Literacy Training this week and next week.  Not to mention all the work during tax season. Alas, breathe, and take it one task at a time, right?

Pageant Title: I'm sure if you ask my husband he could come up with a good one. Sadly, I cannot. Nor do I have the energy to sit and think on it! See needing above!


Melissa

Wednesday, December 31, 2014

Curently January

It's January (almost)!  We are in Michigan with family and have settled in for a rocking New Year's party- which will consist of watching the ball drop in our PJs!   We've never been big "go out on New Year's" people and this year will be no different.

I'm hooking up with Farley for her monthly Currently! Some months it's the only time I blog!


LISTENING: It is switching between the news and football! I will admit, I don't watch enough news- so the "year in review" show is really helpful! #that'sembarassingtoadmit

LOVING: We've had two weeks off work- two- glorious- fun-long-weeks home in Michigan! When we were leaving town, I made it a point to enjoy the time away! I even deleted work email from my phone! Being with my family has been wonderful! We spent the first half of the vacation with my in-laws and the second half with my parents.  I even got to see my BFF! Life has been good on vacation!

THINKING: Everyone knows that traveling is fun, but going home is always good! We will get a few days at home and still on vacation and I can use that time to unpack, put Christmas away, do the laundry, and just enjoy the remaining hours of this amazing vacation.  Have I told you I got two weeks off?  Sunday is going to be very depressing!

WANTING: So I got a new car for Christmas- and we took that car home with us to Michigan. Granted, it saved gas money, is much more comfortable than my husband's truck and it is better equipped to ride in the elements that Michigan presents... but it was a BRAND NEW CAR! And now it has dog hair in it... and snow in it... and it's just dirty! Thank goodness the husband promised me he would clean it if I allowed us to take it!  So that is what HE will be doing on Sunday!

NEEDING: This is about the time of a vacation where I start to think about the things I need to do when I get home. But I'm going to try not to think about it and will just enjoy some more time to sit in a chair and read a book! I did a lot of reading this vacation! Yay!

YES, MAYBE, I WISH: Pretty sure we have a ski trip planned for Spring break... and we are talking about taking our boat to the Bahamas again... in a dream world... I'd go back to Europe! Anywhere in Europe would be fine with me!

It's going to be a blessed New Year! Full of blogging... full of Leach's Literacy Training... and full of fun!

Wishing you a wonderful New Year! How do you celebrate?
Melissa

Sunday, August 3, 2014

Currently August

Another month has slipped by- and another month of summer is almost over! It's back to SCHOOL month! I spent the month of July with great teachers in Killeen ISD. We had fun learning about Balanced Literacy and the TEKS Resource System.
Woo Hoo!

So it's the 1st (or the 3rd) of the month and it's time for my August Currently- thanks be to Farley!


Listening: I don't really watch TV. If the TV is on, I'm usually doing something on my computer. Unless it's terrible reality TV and then I watch it like a train wreck! But without fail, my husband will be on the couch with me, while I'm on my computer and he'll think I'm paying attention. Bless his heart. Maybe one of these days I'll be able to put my computer down and watch bad movies. But alas, last night, I was NOT in fact watching.

Loving: San Antonio in August! HOT, HOT, HOT! This year may be a slight bit cooler? Regardless it will be full of teachers looking for some great ideas for their classroom at the State Curriculum conference. Fire up Texas teachers!

Thinking:  I have been in graduate school for the last three years! I've been fitting the work of it all into the nooks and crannies of my life, but not anymore! I am officially D-O-N-E!  It is such a relief! I can't wait to have some weekends where I don't have anything to do! Sleeping IN instead of getting up to write a paper!  Oh my goodness that sounds amazing.

Wanting:  There is just always so much to get done over the weekend. See above? Sometimes it all just hits me! Saturday was one of those days! I was so overwhelmed and had so much to do. I learned a good lesson though. If I ask my husband, if I give him specific things to do (sweep the floors and dust the living room), he will do it! Just knowing he is working (cleaning) while I am too, makes me feel so much better.  #TEAMWORK

Needing: I am taping my first Webinar!  I am not a fan of my voice recorded or my mug on camera! I am hoping to just get it over with. Notice I am procrastinating this with my Currently right now...
This also means that I have to get dressed and put on makeup this morning- and put on work clothes- and brush my teeth- a lot sooner than I would otherwise be doing!

1st Days: I am starting my new job next week on the 4th! So much to learn. So much to uncover. I'm excited, but as with any new job, I'll be in an overwhelmed state for a while I'm sure. Reminiscent about my time in DC and the "back to school" PD week we pulled off at Wilson High School in 2014! God keeps designing my path and the 2014-2015 school year will be another exciting journey of His design!

Thanks for reading! Wishing you a great August full of things you said you would get done this summer along with some sweet time to relax and prepare for the children who will be coming into your care for SY 14-15!

Cheers!
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Thursday, July 3, 2014

July Currently

It's July! It's my last month before I start full time work again! I wish I would have known how fast my laid back "summer off" was going to pass by me, because I would have made sure to enjoy it more!


Listening: I'm at my mom and dad's house in Michigan. They are retired and as much as I make fun of them for "watching the birds", it really is a nice sound! They have about 15 feeders, that they spend their retirement money filling up every 3-4 days. And those birds come in from sun up to sun down.  Right now, there's a yellow finch, two cardinals, and three woodpeckers! My parents are also experts at identifying birds these days! It's pretty cute. 

Loving: It starts off a little chilly- I will admit! I was wrapped in a blanket sitting on the back porch with my coffee this morning.  Brrr! But, the sun is out and there are big puffy clouds and for a holiday weekend in Michigan that is a big deal!  Mom and I just went on a bike ride! We got hot enough we had to take off our sweatshirts! 

Thinking: I love it here! Michigan in the summertime is just the best. Car windows down... sleeping with the windows open! It's just heaven.  I appreciate it more of course now that I don't live here. I love seeing my parents house (their dream house they built just before retirement), but I just hate leaving! Bought my mom a sign that says "You are my favorite hello and my hardest goodbye" and it is so true when it comes to my parents.  But now we will head "Down Below" as it's called when you are "Up North" in Michigan and see his side of the family. I get to play with kids and hug sister in laws.  It will be a good time!  My last few days of vacation because then I will be with Killeen ISD teachers the whole month of July! Get excited KISD!

Wanting: Yep! I'm a sucker for a good garage sale- notice I said good! I've been known to drive by the garage sale and decide not to get out of the car. We did that for 2, but we stopped at 3. I bought a box of Barbie furniture for my BFF and her twin baby girls who just got a Barbie Dream House for some summer play at their summer cottage.  Let's face it, my BFF is more excited about the Dream House than they are, and I'm more excited about the new furniture than they will be! #livingvicariously 

Needing: I sigh, and roll my eyes, because he won't do it! Don't get me wrong, I love my husband, but he doesn't do things I ask him to! And they are simple things! I think sometimes he doesn't do it just because I asked him to! Yes, these are the sad, stupid games we play! Shaking my head! 

4th Plans: We are stopping off to buy our fireworks tonight. We put on a pretty big show in the front yard at my in-laws' place.  There will be good garage sales there too! I took out cash from the bank just for that reason.  #dealstobehad  I'm hopeful I'll find some quiet time to read a book and relax in the hammock.  

Just looked at the clock... countdown to when I have to leave my mom has begun. 
I just hate this part of visits home! 

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Monday, June 2, 2014

Currently June

Hey Y'all!

What an overwhelming and fun time of year! So much to do- only a few more days to have to do it! Right? You can make it! And you'll rest enough this summer you'll be ready to do it all over again!

I'm back to a commitment to Write About it Wednesdays this summer! I am back to being an independent consultant- and I thought that would mean a lot more time on my hands to blog among a long list of other things, but sadly, I'm still so stinking busy! I have NO idea where the month of April and May went! Alas here we are- June. SO it's time for Currently.


Listening: I love bad television... and I mean BAD television! It's Toddlers and Tiaras right now. Later tonight I'll be soaking in every minute of The Bachelorette! I mean it! Bad TV! I can do other things with bad TV playing in the background. So I watch a lot of it, because I am usually on the computer. This is the episode with Honey Boo Boo! Oh my! It is so terrible. Alas, you don't see me turning it off! 

Loving: I had plans at a friend's house to watch Bachelorette tonight- but she is feeling ill. So I have the whole night to myself now. J is at work tonight too- which makes this an even better SURPRISE... the house to myself! Not like I have any big plans. I will probably be in bed early. But as an only child, I do appreciate my "me time" for sure! 

Thinking: I got a lot done today! This is my first week for several weeks to be truly "off" and not traveling to a district.  Every day this week is a day at home to spend getting back in control of my life. The house is clean, the laundry is done, and the to-do list is getting shorter and shorter.  I swear I can get more done in 4 hours than my husband could even imagine doing in a week! Cracks me up! It's hard being me! :) I'm sure many of you out there can understand what I'm talking about! 

Wanting: So as we mentioned above, I have a surprise night alone. My friend and I usually have wine and pizza for our dinner dates.  While wine is still on the menu tonight (shocking I know) I can't decide what I want to eat. Typically it has to be something that J doesn't like to eat. Chinese food perhaps? Thai? Sadly we don't live somewhere with a lot of ethnic options. I'd kill for Indian from my little place back in VA tonight. Bummer. 

Needing: I'm trying to let it cool down out there before I go for a run.  It is steamy still.  I have a nice trail around a park near where I live. It even goes by a horse barn. PS- That is me trying to make myself want to actually go! 

Summer Bucket List:  I'm already on a roll with the first- read, read read. My "summer" kind of started in April. Since my summer months are my crazy time I took advantage of a slower April and May. I have already read 9 books and I have a stack of books still to be read! This may be the summer of the most reading- I can't complain about that!  
Next up is going to be crafting. I just got back from a HUGE flea market in Texas and saw a bunch of cute stuff which gave me a lot of new ideas! Not to mention the many Pinterest ideas I've found.  Made it Mondays- maybe I need to participate in those too! Uh oh- my calendar is getting pretty full.  
Finally, Enjoy is on the list! I want to float the river! I want to go to water parks! I want to be on the boat! It's going to be a summer of enjoyment! 
Woo-Hoo! 

Happy summer to everyone reading this! 

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Saturday, May 3, 2014

Currently May

I am currently on a plane (I really do love being able to blog from 30,000 feet and it seems to be the only time I have TIME to blog these days!). I am flying home to Texas from my final days in DC.  We had another successful district wide Professional Development day with over 700 DC teachers, coaches, and principals.  So many familiar and kind faces! Thanks DC! Now get out there and get your Running Records teaching on! They are interviewing for someone else to step into the role of Small Group Literacy Professional Learning Designer- and he/she will be fantastic! I have no fear that Small Group Literacy instruction will be alive and well in DC Public Schools for years to come and it was an honor and an immense privilege (that still amazes me) to have been a part of y'alls learning and journey with Guided Reading this school year. One thing I do know for sure. MORE Guided Reading is happening in DC now than it was two years ago and that means MORE students are getting what they need to be successful in years to come!

It is also Currently time to LINK UP! Thanks as always to Farley for keeping us blogging- sometimes its the only blog post we make each month, but we still do it!


Listening: I just love Zac Brown Band. Their music represents summer for me. Knee Deep was my favorite song our last summer in Texas. Island Song (another awesome one) was my favorite song the summer we went to the Bahamas.  Free... Settle Me Down... so many good ones! 

Loving: Spring is finally here in Texas! Jeff made me a new patio to sit on (took out the old deck and put down pavers). It's so pretty and I treated myself to a new patio set. I am pretty sure he will have it all set up for me so I can drink my coffee and do some work (writing Guided Reading lesson plans) on the patio in the morning before our day out on the boat.

Thinking: Usually April/May is NOT a busy time in my line of work (Educational Consulting). However, this year, it is non-stop! I had a couple of weeks off in April, and then the fury started. I keep reminding myself that I only have two more trips and then I can have a two week break.  

Wanting: I love teaching Guided Reading- but I don't always enjoy preparing to teach Guided Reading.  I have to do it- I know I have to do it. The only way to ensure a good Guided Reading lesson is to preview the text, and make good instructional decisions for each book/text/reader.  I am however, dragging my feet getting started. I have a feeling it will be happening on the patio tomorrow morning.  

Needing: I am in desperate need of a day on the boat (not so much looking forward to my bathing suit) but I desperately want a day floating on our anchor line at the sandbar! I want to be out there just after lunchtime and make dinner and come back in my the glow of the moon! I need a day/night on the boat.  

Surprise: My friend Kathy is part of the Educational Consulting world with me. We don't see each other as often as we should, but we have some of the best conversations via text messages and of course we read each other's blogs.  Check out her blog here


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Saturday, April 5, 2014

Currently April

So once again, I am amazed that it is time for Currently again, and sadly there have been very few Blog posts (if any) since my last Currently post, but I have a real excuse this time! I moved across the country- yep- you heard me! I am back living in the GREAT STATE of TEXAS!  Many cherished memories of DC, but Texas is HOME! We have two homes, Michigan (our childhood home) and Texas (our adult life home).  So I'm a little late with Currently, because we just got Internet (and cable, and phones, and electricity) hooked up a few days ago!

So... let's get to it! Thanks Farley for this new Currently.


Listening: Ft. Hood is our post. Ft. Hood is where Jeff works. Ft. Hood is the post we moved back to from DC! And a few days after our arrival- there is another shooting. I say another, because there was a terrorist shooting in 2009 at Ft. Hood when we lived here before.  It is horrible! It is horrible that my husband can't go to work and be safe and in fact is just as at risk on his Army post than when deployed to Iraq or Afghanistan. There is no excuse. This is not a gun rights issue. It's not a mental health debate and it's not a concealed weapons conversation.  It's just sad and I am sick of people who have personal agendas weighing in on the situation.  Prayers for the families, prayers for the community, and prayers for the soldiers who won't talk about how very much this bothers them.

Loving: If there were awards among Army Wives for the fastest unpack- I think I would get it! It does help that we have moved back into a house we have lived in before- but I had this bad boy unpacked in less than a week. There is not a single box remaining in my house. The garage is another story, but that's Jeff's gig.  I've even taken all of the boxes to the recycling drop off center. If feels good, but now there is nothing to stop me from doing all the other work that is waiting for me. See NEEDING below.

Thinking: There are of course little things still on the list of "to-dos", but I don't want to do them. I went through such a period of industrial work- 6AM-11PM days of unpacking and now I think I'm being lazy.  It's such an odd feeling for me, but it's not the end of the world.

Wanting: So most of you know, Jeff and I have a boat. That boat has a slip at a marina, but has been parked in front of our house (the neighbors LOVE us) since we arrived in the state because it has been too stinking windy to launch it! Every day we check the forecast, and every day we say, maybe tomorrow! Sorry neighbors. And sorry for us, if it's not in the water, we can't be on it, which means we can't be at the sandbar, and I really WANT to be at the sandbar.

Needing: SO much I need to do. BOO! Again, see above, I'm in a lazy mode! Monday- on Monday I'll start being a hard worker again!

Hours and Last Day: I used to love the hours of my school day when I was a teacher.  I was there early- and still out in time to run some errands before dinner time! Or go participate in Happy Hour with my friends.  Once school lets out for the summer, I start my BUSY season! So... no rush summer. I'm going to enjoy my April and May, thanks!

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Sunday, March 2, 2014

Currently March

It's March! Praise the LORD it's March! It's time to move March! It's time to get this party started March! It's finally time to stop talking about moving and actually move!

I could go on and on, but instead I will go ahead and link up with Farley- and take a short "time-out" from my packing life to do my March Currently.


Listening: I had plans to go to Richmond for the Academy Awards. My sweet friend from high school lives there and we were going to watch the Academy Awards together. But they are calling for yet another SNOW STORM to hit DC. Starting overnight and into the day tomorrow. I don't want to get stranded in Richmond- so alas- here I sit on my couch alone.   I'm going to be really irritated if there is no snow when it's all said and done!

Loving: I talked about this a little above! In the Army there's such a LONG amount of time spent talking about what is going to happen! You talk about deployment two months before they actually deploy. You talk about coming home months before they actually do. And you talk about moving for months before the bubble wrap and boxes are in your home! I'm ready! I'm ready for packers.  and more so- I'm ready to be unpacking in our house in Texas! I'm just ready. And I'm so glad it is finally MARCH!

Thinking: There really is so much to do before packers come to pack your house. My husband has been making fun of me, but he doesn't get it! The more you do before they come to pack your house- the less you have to do on the other end when you unpack your house! Problem is- I can't do some of the things I want to do- because we still have two weeks to LIVE in the house!  It's all going to be great. I'll keep saying it- It's all going to be great!

Wanting: Typically my husband builds the fires in this house. I took his skill for granted. Who knew it is such a talent? I tried to build one the other day- and clearly I did not get my Girl Scout badge in fire building. All my fire did was smoke... boo!  I'm going to give it ONE more try tonight though- so wish me luck.

Needing: So... I love to read! Of course I love to read! When I have a book I'm reading, I can't put it down! But, I have a bad habit of going months sometimes in between books. I have a hard time getting started or motivated to start a new book. So it has been a month since I've had a book to read. AND I'm tired of reading "so-so" books. I need an amazing, wonderful, page turning, book.  If you have a book like that- please leave the title in a comment! PLEASE!

????????: Can you guess? They are both foods I HATE!!!!! I like things that taste like banana- but I can't put one in my mouth! And tomatoes- I've tried to like them- but their guts and seeds make me want to throw up!  Yet I can eat tomatoes in soup, and salsa! Crazy right?

Thanks for reading- if you made it this far! Hope you are having a lazy Sunday night. Perhaps you too are watching the Academy Awards. Perhaps you are facing a storm where you are! Hope you all have a great month of MARCH!

Cheers!
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Saturday, February 8, 2014

February Currently

Whoop! It's February! I don't know why that excites me, maybe because March is around the corner and that means warmer weather and easier work load? Regardless... bring it February!

I'm linking up with Farley this month. I just love this REASON to blog each month. I promise I am going to get better at blogging. I found out there actually ARE people who read it. ("Hi" teacher at Watkins Elementary on Reading Day).  So... let's get to it.

Currently....


Listening: I got to SEE Alabama in concert back in September in Detroit! Amazing! I grew up with this music and a friend of mine brought it back into my life back in 2002. I had forgotten about 80's country. If you don't own their new Essential Alabama album- go! go! go! buy it! 

Loving: Oh what a MESS traveling was on Thursday night. A couple of inches of snow and DFW shuts down. Maybe there was a little bit of ice too? But... nothing this Michigan girl can't handle. Ha! Funny... now it's sunny and 70 degrees as I catch my plane home! 

Thinking: Truly, things are so busy right now. It's always how it is right? Some weeks are just way worse than others, and this week is tough! I am taking it one thing at a time- checking things off the list. Actually, writing the list makes me anxious, so I have not put it to paper, but rather am crossing it off the list in my mind. 

Wanting: I got enough time at DFW... because that flight was delayed too! If you have never had dinner at the Pappadeaux in terminal A- it's a real treat! It's down in the basement. If you don't know it's there, you would walk right past it! I seek it out every time I'm there and I made it on Thursday night! Yum! Debating if I should go again tonight? Hmmm... 

Needing: I am eating, breathing, and sleeping (sometimes nightmares) about Feb PD Day in the city! Who has PD day on VALENTINE'S Day? I digress... 
So much work goes into such a short three hours for so many teachers!  I have a work PHONE that will stay charged all day compared to my iPhone, but I have a work computer that only lasts me about an HOUR! Grrrr! 

2 Truths and a Fib:  I DID go to a club! It was a first for me- a big bar- in a big city! I saw dance moves, I've never seen in my life! Watch out ladies- I've learned a thing or two! #epic

Sister? I don't have a sister. Anyone who knows me will not be surprised to hear that I am an only child! I have friends who are like sisters, but I grew up with more toys, and more clothes and no one who stole them out of my closet.  

My parents are here for a MONTH! It is awesome. Jeff is out of town for work, so it is just the three of us.  Mom makes dinner, and packs my lunch and cleans my house and does the laundry... Dad has done yard work and cleaned my dryer (lint) and fixed my dishwasher. The older my parents get (Mom just turned 68 and Dad turns 70 in a few months) the more I cherish time with them. There are so many little things that I love about them and I am so thankful to be able to have this special time together- just the three of us. We are riding a double-decker bus in the city next week! #playingtourist

Wishing all of you a fabulous February!
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Monday, April 1, 2013

April Currently

It's APRIL already? Really? I love that it is closer to summer which is closer to boating season, but I feel like March just FLEW right by me! I need things to slow down so I can catch up!

I'm LINKING up with Farley again for her April Currently. Thanks Oh Boy Fourth Grade!

Listening:
My mom is trying to take a nap and her time here on her visit is winding down, so I am sitting next to her while she tries to sleep. I just want time with my momma!
Loving:
Funny how other people might come to visit their daughter in the DC area and want to be tourists- you know- see the city.  My parents want to see my LIFE! My house, my work, my grocery store! Seriously! It is so nice. They don't want razzle-dazzle, they just want to be with me and my husband! It has been a nice relaxing week of just being together.
Thinking: 
I have about a thousand things I could do right now. But sitting next to my mom is what I am going to do instead!
Wanting: 
Ug! Today was a MISS when it comes to shopping.  We tried, and we were beyond unsuccessful! Bummer! I even HAD money to spend. That's always how it happens.
Needing:
I refuse to talk about this, I'll just eat another brownie.  Ug!
Advice:
Start a list on your phone of things that could be posts some day. Then you'll never be stuck thinking, "I have nothing to write about!"  and if you are like me, you need a DAY to tell yourself you'll BLOG! I used to have Write About it Wednesdays, but when I went back to full time work Monday- Friday, I had to move that to Saturdays.  I still skip my Saturdays a lot, every now and then, but setting the DAY worked for me in the beginning.

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Wednesday, March 6, 2013

March Currently

I'm a few days late, but I needed a SNOW DAY to get this done evidently. Thank you Mother Nature for the Winter Wonderland this Wednesday.

Here is my March Currently from Oh' Boy 4th Grade!


















Listening: I have so much stuff on my DVR I am running out of space! Uh oh! I need DAYS to catch up. Right now, I'm trying to catch up on Idol. I gotta be honest, these girls don't sound very good if you ask me.
Loving: Snowmageddon hit us in DC! Or at least they SAID it was going to hit so we got a snow day. I haven't seen too much snow in the city on the news so far. We have this wet mixture in our back yard in Alexandria. Great packing snow for sure. The dogs don't know what to make of it- but I took pics of their cute footprints in the snow.  I'm still in my PJs. Seriously... still in my PJs and it is 3:00 in the afternoon!  I should go unpack my suitcases from my trip to South Carolina- but I don't want to.  What a gift to come home from travel to a day off.
Thinking: This girl on Idol right now really can't sing. Another girl is singing now and she is bad too! Yikes! These are the finals. How did they get this far?
Wanting: Just remembered I have some Ben and Jerry's in the deep freezer in the basement. Is it bad that I hide the "good stuff" from my husband down there? He would never walk down there to see what's in the freezer! SCORE!
Needing: There is ALWAYS laundry at this house! I don't mind washing it or drying it, but when it comes out of the dryer it just sits in baskets. I HATE folding laundry. I need to do it- I just really don't want to.
Like/Love/Hate: I really do love Motown music. What's not to like about Motown?! :) My husband is pretty awesome. He is letting me just have this day to myself and I think he's proud of me for being so lazy. I'm NOT a sit around kind of girl, but today I am.  Mean people... just smile. It's not that hard! Seriously.
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