Tis The Season

For me, some years are easier than others to get into the Christmas spirit. This year... it was a bit of a struggle. But, on the day that was supposed to be designated for relaxation, I got some energy to do some decorating. It was a now or never type thing.

I must admit, I did downgrade a few things. Didn't put as many ornaments on the tree. Didn't put as many decorations outside. But it's better than nothing. After all, no one likes a Scrooge.

From Moses to Mabel

In one day, we lost Moses to his forever family and gained Mabel. She's our new foster. Picked up from a puppy mill, she was overbred, and at 5-years old, she's no longer "valuable." Her last "contribution" will be the tax write-off the puppy mill owner will claim because giving up Mabel is considered a "donation." Sickening.

Anyway, Mabel is sweet, scared, anxious, loving, and all other sorts of contradictions. She wants to play but doesn't know how. She reminds me of a wild animal who doesn't quite trust humans but really wants to. She's quickly learning that her new place is good. She ate a little this morning and LOVED being outside in the fenced-in backyard. She loves to run, which is good for her, since she's quite hefty (you know, puppy mill cages don't allow for much exercise). She's been over bred and has sores on her legs and elbows from laying down on the hard wire crates. So, after a call to the vet on Monday and a whole slew of procedures that are coming her way, she'll be a new woman.

Without further ado... Mabel.

Joaquin Phoenix says "Happy Halloween."

From the side...

The real one. Pretty good, eh?

tatts + hair glue = school spirit

This whole week at school was dress-up week in celebration of being drug free. The slogan was "Being drug free rocks!" and on Friday, everyone was encouraged to dress like rock stars. At first, I grumbled about it. How does a rock star dress? Oh, right... probably pretty inappropriate for school. SO, how does an appropriate-for-school-and-drug-free rock star dress? No flippin' clue. And yes, I think it's quite ironic how we're promoting being free of drugs when dressed up as rock stars... you know, the people who have coined the phrase "sex, drugs, and rock and roll."

But I gave it a go... considering I am the new employee and want to look like I'm putting in the extra effort. So, after spending $8 on tattoo sleeves and lots (and lots and lots) of hair glue goop, I became a rock star.

At least I wasn't the only one...

It was a fun day had by all. And it's amazing how many people really thought my tattoo sleeves were real. Just for the record, I did not get sleeve tattoos..............yet. :)

Where do I sign?

My school has officially accepted the new proposed contract. That means that I can officially work for the district... and I can officially get paid more. Score!

I went to my first union meeting where the negotiation team disclosed the proposed contract items, and things got a little heated (especially over a mandated direct deposit... who knew that was a hot button?). But, in the end, the vote came down to 91% acceptance rate. No strike. Hooray.

I'm excited to get my retroactive pay from August... and now, I have to go plan my outfit for tomorrow's crazy sock day. Gotta love workin' in an elementary building.

Finally fall

After weeks of looking for the first hint of fall color on the trees, I finally found it. The trees are beginning to turn here. It seemed to happen over night, and now that the colors have begun to emerge, they are turning so rapidly! It's a lot of waiting to see a burst of color; before you know it, it'll be gone. Such a great time of year.

Weekend Fun

Everyone loves a 3-day weekend. Now that I work at a school, I get them more than usual. Because of the longer weekend, my parents got to come down to visit us. And we had quite the eventful weekend. Saturday was Randy's gig. Sunday was a football game for my Dad and Randy, and my mom and I took a trip to the Missouri Botanical Garden. So beautiful. After two full days of downpour, we were happy to have a weekend of sun.