12.30.07

On Friday evening I went to the acupuncturist for the first time. I was stuck with 6 skinny needles in each leg and one in each arm. A few were uncomfortable, but it was never painful. About a half hour later I was gone and armed with some herbal remedies (see picture). There are two different kinds, but they look very much the same. The acupuncurist also taped tiny metal balls in my ear for some pressure point relief. When my side hurts, I am supposed to press firmly on these areas to relieve the discomfort. Hmmmm....

Yesterday, Handyman Richard worked on the truck. He did work/switched out the radiator, water pump, a hose of some sort, etc etc. He sure enjoyed working in the garage and out of the elements. Last night we ventured out of the house to the community college. We went to see Suessical the Musical. It was fantastic! My friend, Terry, played Horton the Elephant. He was amazing as well as the other performers.

I am going to my school today to work on a display for the district board room. I am anxious to see how the carpet looks!

12/27/07

I will be back to work in one week! Yipes! Today was pretty productive as far as getting things done. I went to the doc to get a flu shot which was recommended after I was diagnosed with asthmatic bronchitis last week. I am feeling better as far as coughing, but now my arm hurts from the shot. If it's not one thing, it's the other! I also did my blood work for my gall bladder surgery. It needed to be within 30 days of the surgery (scheduled 1/14). On my way home from my ventures, I got a call from the surgery center and they have to re-schedule my surgery for February! (Which means I will probably have to do the blood work AGAIN!) Funny how things work. I have scheduled an acupuncture appointment for tomorrow. I am dreading and looking forward to the experience. Perhaps is will relieve some of the discomfort that I am experiencing or just gross me out!

There is a vehicle in our garage

We spent a few hours yesterday and today working in the garage. The challenge was to stack up the piles of junk on one side so that we could get the truck into the other side. We need the truck in the garage so that engine repairs can be made. We have not had a vehicle in our garage for about 18 months. It's a great accomplishment for us! As soon as the truck is running again, we will be using it to haul some of this "great stuff" to a new home.

Christmas Day 2007

Christmas Eve was sweet and simple. Richard surprised me with a diamond necklace. He had me thinking it had something to do with my i-pod...yeah right. We made pillows for dinner last night. Even though it was late, they were OH so good. We made both potato and cheese.

This morning is slow starting just as we planned. I made buttermilk pancakes which we smothered with Marilyn's homemade strawberry jam she sent us. Mmmmm, they were tasty. We have downed our first pot of coffee as well. Overall, a great start to a relaxing day. Later, I will put in the ham for dinner (evening meal) and the special potatoes. Everything is made, so it is a matter of sticking it in the oven.

Merry Christmas!

Christmas Eve 2007

April's fancy new diamond necklace




Richard's new gadgets

The Jackson Two

Winter Break 2007

Winter Break started yesterday (Dec. 20th) and I am already worried that I won't get everthing done by the start of 2008! Yipes! On Wednesday, I had to move everything out of my classroom because during the break they will be installing carpet on the lower level. Thank goodness. What a great treat to go back to school to a much quieter atmosphere.

My list of things to do between now and January 2, 2008.... at least the things I recall now.

• complete yet another Master's project, this time poetry
• get a massage (right)
• try acupuncture to relieve gall bladder pain
• get a flu shot...it's not too late!
• start printing pictures for a memory book
• clean my office
• organize the kitchen....pots, pans, too many utensils crammed in the drawers
• purchase a bed frame (we have been sleeping on the mattress on the box spring since last July)
• assist Richard with properties in Tacoma
• relax
• visit friends I haven't seen in quite some time

Deep Clicker

We got a new laptop tonight. It has been on order from Dell for a few weeks and this week we have tried to chase down the deliver man with no success. Finally, tonight I marched myself to the delivery warehouse and picked it up myself. So far, so good. The big difference from our last laptop to this one is the deep clicker. You know, the built in mouse feature. When you right or left click, it seems as if you are going to press through the keypad. This seems like a big issue, but I think we can work with it. They just don't make clickers like they used to.

Officially in the Blog Business

As far I can tell, this blog is up and running. I wish someone would have told me how easy it was to get started. Better late than never, right? Just what I need is one more entree on my plate of things to do, but it is a great way to keep in touch.

I am currently teaching second grade. I have an amazing class this year. This is my fifth year of teaching in Washington. I tell everyone that I go to school for my entertainment. Kids are full of surprises and at this age, they are soaking up so much information. I am half way done with my Master's program. I am going through Lesley University and will be obtaining my Master's in Education with an emphasis in Integrating Arts in the Curriculum. I go to class once a month, Friday night, all day Saturday and all day Sunday. It is intense, but just right for me. I love the social aspect and don't think I would be as successful in an online program. Even though I am enjoying it, I will be THRILLED to be done in July. In fact, right now I am procrastinating... I have homework due this Friday and still have several small projects to complete. :)