Live, love, eat!

Monday, November 21, 2011

I am thoroughly excited that Thanksgiving is three days away! It is my favorite holiday of the year, although Christmas does come in close second! Seriously though, I love Thanksgiving for many reasons. I love to eat, I love to spend time with my family, and I love to eat. Oh, I already said that? Well.

I really enjoy the quality time I get to spend with my entire family without the pressures of purchasing the "perfect gift." I know that's not what Christmas is supposed to be about, but inevitably it always is. Thanksgiving, however, comes without paying that price - figuratively and literally! I also really like the opportunity, or reminder rather, to reflect upon what I'm thankful for. Let's take a looksies.

This year I am thankful for...
My husband. Nathan has been an incredible support system for me in the storms I've weathered this past year. And he still decided to marry me through all of my tantrums so I'm very thankful for that! Really though, he is amazing, and I'm thankful he is in my life; thankful I get to call him my husband. Take a moment and let that sentimental mush soak in... and we're moving on!

My family. I really am fortunate to have the family I have. I love each member and am able to recognize the unique qualities they add to my life. I am incomplete without them! I have a pretty outstanding relationship with my parents, and my relationships with my brother and sister are quite superb. This year, I am especially thankful for my mother and her courage and strength. She truly is second to none an I can only aspire to be half the mom she has been to me! I love ya, Mom!

My fur children - Gisele and Atlas. Yes, they drive me crazy but I love them to pieces. Gisele has been my steady girl since she was four weeks old, and she's currently sneaking in the door to her seventh year. Atlas has been an endearing mess these past few months, but he is definitely my comic relief! I have grown to love him to the moon and back! Together, they are hell on padded feet but we wouldn't have it any other way.


My job. I know that I am very fortunate to have a job in this economy, and I was lucky to jump into a career-type position directly out of college. I am thankful that I am able to do something I love for a living! Continuing on that track...

My class! Man, do I love the kids I get to spend eight hours a day with! Sometimes they can drive me bonkers, but when they give me the random hugs my heart.literally.melts. Seriously. I really wouldn't trade my kiddos for anything in the world, and I'm thankful I have the bunch I do.

Macaroni and cheese. Without you, Velveeta individual cups of deliciousness, I would not have lunch 75 percent of the time. I am thankful for your nourishment!

Pinterest / Blog world. I am thankful for the Internet and such to help fuel the creativity I sometimes am lucky enough to have course through my veins. Haha!

Ok, I could really go on forever about everything I'm thankful for (like the warm, fuzzy slipper socks keeping my feet toasty right now, and my XM radio, and mountain dew!), but I think I'll stop the list there.
Bottom line? I'm thankful for a lot. How about you?

A serious post

Thursday, September 8, 2011

It's been approximately two and a half weeks since E-Day and our community is still slowly trying to find its balance. The school I teach at has been very fortunate that there was little to no structural damage done to the building, but other schools were not so lucky. Because of the movement, students have yet to resume school, but a return is slated for this upcoming Monday. Fingers, toes, and eyeballs crossed for a relatively easy transition - both for them and me!

Anyway, enough of that and on to more uplifting stories. Because it's been a few weeks - and frightening ones as that - our school had its second open house tonight. I called it "Open House v2.0." I didn't quite have the attendance I would have liked BUT I did have a surprising visitor that totally made my night.

Right as open house was supposed to be ending, I heard a family in the hallway discussing which rooms were third grade rooms. I didn't pay the conversation much attention until I heard someone ask another person in the hallway, "Where is Ms. Vaughan's room?" This piqued my interest because a)I was curious to know who was looking for me who didn't already know where to find me and b)this person used my maiden name. The answerer of the question directed the family into my room, and when they entered I was completely blown away. In walks this little girl who was in the kindergarten class I student taught in two years ago. I'd like to point out this school is a few counties over in a suburban area. I immediately recognized her, and she I, and she literally ran across the room and jumped in my arms. It turns out this little girl saw me at school on E-Day and recognized me "by my hair" (which she assured me, was a good thing, thank goodness) and was determined to find me tonight.

The simple fact that she remembered who I was AND my name, and had such an ecstatic reaction to me really gives me chills. I mean, this girl was a six year old kindergartner in another county the last time I saw her two years ago, and she was able to place and name me out of context. Wow... Just wow.

I'll admit. This year has already been somewhat of a struggle for me as I try to find my footing as my own teacher. I don't have college lesson plan formats or intern supervisors evaluating every idea I have or even a collaborative teacher to oversee my thoughts and guide my processing. I've always had an idea of the type of teacher I want to be, but bringing that teacher to life has been challenging. And while I know it will continue to be a challenge - and maybe always will be - the interaction I had tonight with a former student was so refreshing. Clearly, I must have done something right.

5.9

Tuesday, August 23, 2011

Today has been an interesting and eventful day to say the least.

It started out as any normal Tuesday (I hate Tuesdays, by the way. They are the most awful day of the week). I woke up late, left the house late, and arrived at work later than I like to. My students and I worked diligently through the lessons and made it to our favorite time of the day - lunch, followed directly by recess!

I love afternoon recess. For one, it's generally a beautiful time of the day. Today was no exception. It was gorgeous and sunny out, even though the weather was just a tad on the hot side. I sat at my self-assigned spot on the red bench in front of the playground - prime view of children - and talked to my colleague, Tiffany, as she sat facing the opposite direction. Someone has to supervise the blacktop, you know. While watching students, we were making small talk about how hot it was outside and her son's upcoming birthday.

All of a sudden (and I do mean all of a sudden), we heard this loud rumble and everything started to shake. It was as though someone picked up my world and started shaking it up like a snow globe. And the noise... I don't think I can accurately describe how deafening it was. The rumbling seemed to last forever, even though I know it was probably only tens of seconds.

Now, those of you who know me well, know that I am not good in a crisis situation. I tend to panic, overreact, yada, yada, yada. Today, however, being responsible for 21 third graders made something in me click. As the kids were screaming and getting off the playground as quickly as thier little bodies would let them, I switched into super-teacher mode and lined them up on the blacktop, away from any potential falling objects. At that point, I didn't have any idea what was going on. Growing up in Louisa, I've always been aware of the danger that the North Anna Power Plant presents. I'm not going to lie... my first thought was that the Power Plant had blown up. I have been through two other earthquakes, both in Louisa, and those were absolutely NOTHING compared to this.

Because we were at recess, the third grade team didn't have anything. I didn't have a phone, my emergency bag, a pen... I had no idea what time it was, I couldn't let my husband and family know I was safe, I couldn't find out if they were safe. It was truly a gut-wrenching situation. So, we had the students lined up on the blacktop, and had them sit. Aftershocks kept rolling through, and with each one I, myself, started to panic more and more. But I did my best to not let it show to the students. I comforted the ones who were upset and scared with hugs and stories about other earthquakes I've been in and how during those times all of my family and friends made it out safely, just like I know they did this time. I reminded them that we could actually be LEARNING at that point and we should look at this like an extended recess and enjoy the sun. I tried to keep their minds preoccupied with other fun ideas and thoughts, and I promised them I would not go home until I knew each and every one of them was safe with their families.

We were finally told that the buses would be arriving shortly to take sudents home, and some parents were coming to pick their students up. Students in my class were anxiously watching for any sign of someone they knew to take them home to safety. Parents would come and give us pieces of information of what they'd seen - "The Mineral Post Office collapsed." or "I hope your house is in better shape than mine." We learned that phones weren't working, the town of Louisa was a disaster, and the earthquake could be felt in Canada and the Domincan Republic.

We continued to wait outside for what seemed like an eternity for the buses to get there, and when they finally did, we put students on the buses with just the clothes on their backs. We were literally not able to go back inside to get anything.

After we made sure the students were safely on their way home, the faculty and staff had to wait outside. We were hot. We were thirsty. Like the students, we weren't able to go back inside. That meant we couldn't leave, as our keys and licenses were in our purses inside our classrooms. Our Administration let us know they would tell us when we were able to retrieve our belongings, so we were left to do what we seemed to have perfected this afternoon - wait. Finally, we were asked to make a list of where our stuff could be located in our rooms. Although we were unable to go inside, our Administration would retrieve our belongings so we could go home to our own families.

When I finally got my phone, I was overwhelmed by the number of people who had textes/called/emailed me to see if my students and I were ok. I still couldn't place a phone call, but I could send text messages out so I considered myself lucky. When I made it to my house I was scared of what I would find. My first priority was to make sure Gisele and Atlas were safe. Gisele was outside, and didn't seem to be effected at all. She was normal Gisele. I let myself in my house to get Atlas and began the initial inspection of our stuff. We actually didn't fare as badly as I thought we might have. We had a handful of picture frames down, some broken glass in the bedroom, and our back blinds had fallen. You could definitely tell things were out of place, but nothing had fallen from our cabinets, from shelves, etc. Still, we were without power and I was without my husband, so I scooped Atlas up and gave him a big hug (which he affectionately returned with some loving wimpers), and head off to my parents house.

Once at my parents house, I was able to sit down and watch news coverage of what actually happened. I was super shocked to discover that Mineral had been the epicenter of a 5.8 earthquake that rocked the east coast. I was astonished at pictures of the local Food Lion that made national news. It was just overwhelming.

Not too long ago, we received a phone call from our Superintendent telling us that students will not be returning to school until Tuesday, September 6. Teachers will not be returning until at least this Friday. That call coincided with a 4.2 magnitude aftershock. I think they made a good decision.

So. To sum it all up, here are the lessons I learned today:
1. Always carry your cell phone and purse. You never know when you'll need it.
2. If you're a teacher, always carry your emergency bag.
3. Keep a case of water and Mountain Dew in your car in case you're stranded outside and get thirsty.
4. Throw a bag of sunscreen in your purse. :) This blogger is one fried fox after spending hours in the sun.
5. Be thankful. It could have been worse.

A Monster Named Atlas

Friday, August 12, 2011

It's hard to believe that when I last wrote we were anticipating the arrival of our puppy, Atlas. Well, Atlas certainly arrived and has left no moment since untouched.

The super clumsy, timid "little" (I use the word little loosely... he was 17 pounds at 7 weeks) puppy we brought home nearly two weeks ago is now a 20+ pound 9 week old... with an attitude. In the words of Lady Gaga, he's our little monster. Of course, we have probably set him up to be that way. In fact, I know we have. On the second night, the poor fella wailed and tried so frantically to get out of his kennel that he ripped a staple in his ear. I pulled him out to examine him further and set him on the bed, where he promptly curled up with Nathan and fell asleep. Nathan looked at me and said, "Just let him stay." So stay I let him, and he slept through the night. A welcomed instant relief to sleep-deprivation. Sadly, in the nights to follow we found ourselves so spoiled by the instantaneous fix to a shrieking dog (seriously. He shrieks. There's no other word to describe it.) in a kennel that we allowed him to stay on the bed. In reality it wasn't the best idea. Now that he's grown so much and is basically as long as a small human - i.e., me - it doesn't make for comfortable sleeping arrangement. Add in the fact that he's become more restless at night and is constantly trying to figure out a way to leap out of the old elevated bed we have, and we're back to square one with a loss of sleep.

Nathan and I began compiling a list of ways we could break him of his kennel-crying. We do kennel him during the day when we're both at work, but neither of us are here to hear the commotion. A friend told Nay that she literally had to sleep in the floor with the dog in the kennel. So, the other night when we decided Atlas could no longer sleep in the bed with us, Nathan moved to the floor. Voila. No more crying. Could it really have been that easy? Apparently so. While it was only three nights ago that we tempted fate with this little trick he has gone in his kennel willingly and with the exception of a small whimper or two, has gone straight to bed without yelling at us. Hooray!

Although I will say that being in such close proximity to him while he slept allowed me to learn a few adorable quirks about him. For instance, he dreams all the time and he literally runs. He sleeps with his eyes half open, and when he was first with us, he would start suckling in his sleep.

So since we have, at this time, conquered the kennel, our next step is house training. Good luck with that one, right?

Our other dog, Gisele, couldn't have made us more proud with her acceptance of Atlas into our family. Gisele has always been a little leery of new dogs, and has been an "only child" for over six years. Nathan and I were both very apprehensive of their first meeting, but it went exceptionally well, and has gone that way since. For the most part. Gisele lets Atlas eat her food with her, pounce all over her when they're playing, and lets him have all of her toys. She does not tolerate him, however, when he bites her ears or her tail and quickly paw-slaps him into place, though he usually attempts it again immediately after crying.

Nathan and I are both very excited about Atlas and love having him in our family. We can't wait to watch him as he grows into his HUGE bear paws. I'll probably rave/rant about him in future posts, but I promise to try to not make him the center of every one. :)

Jumping the Gun

Tuesday, August 2, 2011

Ok, ok. I admit it. I've already lied and this is my very first blog post! But let me explain. If you read my current "About Me" section, I've already told you that my husband, Nathan, and I live with our two dogs, Gisele and Atlas. Well, it's very true we live with Gisele, a long, white fluffy-haired creature that often roots in the trash can and sleeps on her back. It is not true, however, that we currently live with Atlas. That's because today, or tonight rather, is the eve of the long-awaited pick up of our Great Dane puppy. So yes, I am jumping the gun in saying that we all live happily together in our little cape, but I have great faith that in less than 24 hours that statement will be true.
See? Gisele is spoiled.

Nathan and I have always longed for a Great Dane to add to our family, but with our recent, and AWESOME, wedding, we had neither the time nor the money to add to our canine brood. Alas, since we are wed we have more of both requirements! Actually, in all honesty we decided to purchase Atlas the week of the wedding. We had been leisurely browsing for Danes, if you can even do such a thing, when we stumbled upon a breeder from North Carolina who was expecting a litter a little before the wedding. We casually asked about her expected pups but nothing really came of it. Then, a couple of weeks later a boredom-induced browsing session lead us back to the website. Behold! The puppies had been born! Cuddly Danes, already the size of human newborn, filled our screen with their adorableness. And to add to the lust, one of the puppies was exactly what we wanted. Or rather, what Nathan wanted. He's so picky. One male Dane with a little white mark on his chest (and toes) laid sprawled across the rest of the litter. Nathan and I both thought, "There's no WAY that dog could be still available." Nevertheless, I e-mailed on a whim, and we were both surprised when he was still available... and in our price range. It turns out that the white markings on his chest and toes means that he is not capable of being a show dog since he's not pure black. To be honest, that works for me. Between grading papers, lesson planning, and entertaining Gisele and Nathan, I don't have much time to run circles in a ring and be judged. Plus, his "pet standard" means that he was half the price. Win. Win.

That was back in June. It is now August, and we are more than ready to pick up our baby tomorrow. We have been receiving weekly updates on our little porker in both word and picture form. At last count, he was 14.5 pounds on Monday at seven weeks old. When it's all said and done, Atlas will probably be between 150 - 200 pounds.

A big dog means more to love. I can't wait to start this journey tomorrow.