May 31, 2014

Happy Anniversary! 28 years ago today I made Don the happiest man on earth by marrying him...well, Ok....I was pretty happy too! I can't believe that it has been so long since we said "I do". We saw a wedding getting ready to start in the Rocky Mountain National Park today and I wanted to wish the bride and groom 28 years of happiness but I thought that might scare them off! If I wouldn't have had hat hair I would have also asked if we could have renewed our vows with them- but that probably wouldn't have gone over very well either. Oh well, I love you Don and here's to at least 28 more years...as long as you keep the toilet seat down, we may have a chance!

May 30, 2014

Over the river and through the woods. This evening we embarked on our first real maiden voyage with the new trailer. Of course when we left it was pouring rain so I felt like we were towing the ark with the two chosen canines aboard. We headed towards Estes Park and made our way up the St. Vrain canyon. I don't think we have ever been through there and it was gorgeous! The rain had stopped but the St. Vrain river was full of rushing grey water. Definitely not fishing water! We met up with my sisters and mom at the RV park and they had a delicious dinner waiting for us. As our friend Bill would say, "we're living better than the queen!"

Glamping at its finest:

May 29, 2014

Flower Power! My gardener has been hard at work. At our old house, I was always the gardener and was not very good at it. I blamed it on the shady yard, my inconsistent watering habits, and my lack of knowledge. My attempt at planting tulips was unsuccessful. Come to find out the pointy part does not go in first so if you are ever in China in the Spring, look for them..I'm sure they're beautiful! At the new house, however, Don has taken over and has an extremely green thumb. His flowers are always beautiful (can you say drip system?) and well cared for because he has researched and done his horticultural homework. I am perfectly happy with my new job of number one flower admirer and garden lounger. 

May 28, 2014

Parties! One perk about being at two schools is....two staff parties! It was a fun afternoon and evening..and night....celebrating the end of the school year with all my colleagues. We are so caught up in all that we need to accomplish during the school year, we rarely get together to socialize. But today,  I was reminded of what terrific - and fun -people I work with! If you think kids smile on the last day of school, you should see teachers! Pearly whites all around! 

May 27, 2014

First of the two Continuation ceremonies occurred tonight. This was the first group of sixth graders that I've known since Kindergarten. It was great to see the students all shined up and to celebrate their achievements with them. Tomorrow is the second Continuation ceremony at my other school...more smiles and cake!!

May 26, 2014

Teaser. Yes that is what Memorial Day weekend is..a teaser for summer vacation! After 3 days, my mind has entered vacationland and now in a short few hours, have to snap out of it and go back to work! But..on the positive side...I needed these past 3 days to re-energize in order to get through the next three busy days. After the teachers leave on Thursday, I can then putter around my two libraries for three more days and close up shop. That is when the true librarian comes out in me...I love spending time with the books without interruption...a luxury I don't get during the school year....then I will be on vacation! Yippee!!

May 25, 2014

Having a hail of a time! The weather made Day 2 with the new trailer mostly an inside day. The plus side of that was that I got everything put away and took the time to try the appliances. We got a lot of hail this afternoon but after looking at some Arvada pictures, we didn't get as much hail in Golden. It made me nervous but the hail stayed small and didn't do any damage. Haileluia! To top off the day, the weather cleared up enough to BBQ tonight so that gives us some hope that we will see that sun tomorrow!

May 24, 2014

It's here! We finally were handed the keys to our new trailer today! We ordered it in March so it has been a long wait. Before they let us drive away, we had to go through two hours of camping school to make sure we knew how to work everything and maintain it. Next came the paperwork and then the last stop was the shop to purchase anything we had missed during our two months of marathon Glamping purchasing. When both my children were born, I was not required to attend baby camp to learn how to care for or nuture this new baby. It would have also been helpful to cruise through Babies R Us on our way out of the hospital to make sure we had all the right equipment for this new bundle of responsibility. Come to think of it I don't think I even got an owner's manual or a warranty!

We drove all the way to an RV Park west of Golden ( we wanted to start small). We had just gotten everything hooked up when the storm hit. A torrential downpour accompanied by tornado sirens! After some debate, we decided to leave the trailer and head back to Arvada until the worst was over. Luckily the trailer was still standing when we returned! Hopefully the rest of our weekend will be less eventful. 

May 23, 2014

It happens every year. As we are winding down for summer vacation and have all the end of year parties for my News kids and library assistants, I realize how much I get attached to these students. Even though I'll see most of them in a couple months, it is always a bittersweet to say goodbye to the sixth graders moving on. Next week are the Continuation ceremonies for my schools and I usually need a tissue handy when I attend. It is always wonderful to see how much students grow, physically, emotionally, and academically throughout their years in elementary school. You can't help but be proud of each and every one of them!

May 22, 2014

Paramecium.  When I was in second grade - Mrs. Davis' class - we made a craft where we shaved crayons and then melted the shavings between two pieces of waxed paper with an iron. I think (hope) adults were in charge of the ironing part. Later on I started to refer to my 8 inch beloved piece of art as my "paramecium" because it closely resembles a protozoa. I insist on proudly displaying it on our Christmas tree every year. My children insist that it be hung on the back of the tree- oblivious to the true beauty of this creative piece. However,  today I received a little validation. It seems that in her Biology lab, Paige peered through a microscope and laid eyes on a real Paramecium! She now appreciates the true artistry and vision that her mother demonstrated at such a young age. It is my prediction that this special ornament will make its way to the front of the tree next year!

May 21, 2014

This morning we had a Senior Breakfast at one of my schools. My friend and I started this tradition seven years ago when our sons were graduating. Every year senior high school students who attended this elementary school get invited to the breakfast where they can revisit their grade school days and reconnect with their former teachers. All I can say is that I'm glad that they wore nametags because they sure changed between grade school and high school! It was fun to see how they turned out and where they are headed. Of course I always have to tease them about an overdue library book just to see that panic one last time.......

May 20, 2014

Time Consuming. There are many activities at work that consume my time. This summer I plan to look at what I spend most of my time doing and make sure that I have my priorities straight. However, there is one activity that eats up a lot of my time but I hope that I never have to stop doing.

The News show. At both of my schools I have two News teams of students who broadcast the school news once a week. I have been a staff sponsor of school news for six years and have enjoyed it every year (well 95% of the time!) I've worked with all types of students- each bringing their own perspectives and talents with them. Students who were shy about being in front of the camera but then try it and shine. Students who find that they have talent behind the camera or surprise themselves by mastering the sound board. We are conducting interviews now for next year's teams and I am always impressed by the responses that we get from the kids. I don't know that when I was in fifth grade that I could have sat in a room with five adults asking me questions and come up with anything coherent! One of my favorites so far is the student's response to the question about whether he would mind missing recess to do special reports. His answer, "I have many opportunities to have recess but but not many opportunities to work on the News show." Another student's response to the same question: "I've had six years of recess...I'm kind of over it." !!

May 19, 2014

Every time I think I'm getting used to this empty nest of mine, I get poked with a stick- well that's what it feels like anyway! I should be happy that my kids are being responsible and finding their way in life but every once in awhile I mope about it. The plus side is that it is a great joy when we get to see them - no yelling about cleaning their rooms or not doing their chores. Of course they still make messes when they're home but somehow they're not such a big deal anymore because it's only temporary. It's graduation week for many parents so if you are one of them, be strong and remember the quote below:

May 18, 2014

Dirty Laundry.  We all have it - no not the Don Henley kind- the real stinky sock kind! I don't mind doing it. Don't even mind folding it. But I hate putting it away. Also, the problem with laundry is that it never ends...it is infinite. I'm beginning to realize why people become nudists. Not to celebrate the human body and be natural but to be free of laundry! Contemplating this while folding t-shirts, I remembered the diaper service that I had in California when Alex was a baby. I will never forget the man who came weekly to pick up our dirty diapers. He was always whistling and had a spring in his step. I was always amazed that a person who literally had a crappy job could be so happy! From now on I'm going to try whistling while doing yet another load!

May 17, 2014

"Let's go fly a kite.." I have that song running through my head because we just watched Saving Mr. Banks. What a wonderful movie! I love Emma Thompson and Tom Hanks and they both did such a superb job with their characters. Every year when I was a child, Mary Poppins would be on TV and my family would watch it.  (Yes kids, it was a dark period of history where there were only about 5 channels and no cable or Netflix!) I enjoyed that movie and now it is great to know the story behind the author and the creation of the film. If you haven't seen the movie, I recommend it!

May 16, 2014

Boots on the Boulevard. This afternoon hundreds of teachers, parents, students, and community members populated the major intersections along Wadsworth Boulevard from 104th all the way south to Chatfield. The purpose was to make people aware of the dysfunction of our current school board and demonstrate our dedication to stand up for all kids. I joined our group late and got chills as I was driving along Wadsworth and saw so many people on the corners and all the honking of support! This outpouring of support gives me hope that our district will remain strong and do what is best for it's 86,000 students. 

May 15, 2014

News Junkie...that's what I am. I love watching the 10 o'clock news. I guess it's because I'm also just downright snoopy and need to know what 's going on, who's doing it, and of course, what the weather is going to be like so I know what to wear in the morning. Tonight I was all settled in to peer into current events from the comfort of my bed. Much to my dismay, the TV would not work! I was too tired to mess with it so I just pouted in my pillow. Then I remembered! I have a channel 9 News app on my iPad! Crisis averted! Too bad I fell asleep half way through and have no idea what ensemble to reach for in the morning!

May 14, 2014

Unplugged. This afternoon, the school office had to close early. This meant that the front door would be locked and I still had a half hour to go on my Book Fair. Being the optimist that I am, I decided that I would sit on the bench just inside the front door, ready to open it for the stream of customers that may decide to descend upon the fair. Unfortunately, my laptop was at the other school and my iPad and phone were in the car. Oh no! I was faced with sitting on the bench completely unplugged! The only librarian thing to do was to grab some books...wow...30 minutes of not checking email, creating spreadsheets, editing Google docs.....just reading.  Even though not one customer made an appearance, it was a bright spot in my day. I really need to detach that cord more often! 

May 13, 2014

Gatekeeper. Most of the time I am a optimistic about our youth but a little worried after today. This evening I was leaving school and saw two middle school boys that I didn't recognize standing with their bikes inside our playground fence at the gate. As I approached they smiled and kind of looked relieved. I walked around them and opened the gate by pulling it toward me. "0h.....", they both exclaimed, "That's how it works! We thought we were locked in!" Yikes! Surely they're from out of state! 

May 12, 2014

No snow day today! I was relieved that we didn't have a snow day today because we are almost at the end of the school year. A snow day would have meant one extra day of school and to me, this would have felt like having to run another mile to the finish line! I have never run a marathon but have run a few 5Ks ( I use the term "run" loosely!). There are so many things going on right now and so many things that I need to do before school is out that  I feel that I am at mile 2, trying to push through and finish strong. I'm hoping that any day now someone will throw some water at me, I'll get my second wind, burst through the tape and find myself at the snack table of summer vacation!

My running philosophy is, " the best part about running is stopping!

May 11, 2014

Happy Mothers Day! I had a fabulous Mothers Day even though I didn't get to see my daughter. For the last six years CSU has scheduled Finals to begin the day after Mothers Day weekend. So as with tradition that started with Alex when he was a student there, Paige got special compensation and was not required to have an audience with her mother today. We rescheduled for next weekend! Needless to say, Alex was busy picking up the slack. He and Don slaved away in the kitchen and made a delicious lunch for me, my mom, Don's mom, my sister, and my father-in-law. They even did the dishes! So even though the "weather outside was frightful", the company inside was delightful...pretty sad that I have to quote a Christmas carol in May but it was a great day!

May 10, 2014

Green and Gold! That was the color of the night. Don, Alex and I along with friends and Don's folks attended CSU's Green and Gold Gala in downtown Denver tonight. It was a benefit for CSU and the Metro Scholarship fund. There was a fun silent auction and great food. I even got Don out on the dance floor a few times! Go Rams!

    

May 9, 2014

Second school, second carnival...done! This time I wasn't on cotton candy detail-although word had spread about my spinning prowess and I was asked to help tonight's cotton candy volunteers get started. No, tonight I worked the Scholastic Book Fair. It was just me and my loyal paraprofessional because we promised the PTA that we wouldn't steal any volunteers away from the carnival. Boy were we busy! It was very heartwarming to see such a wonderful turnout by families tonight and at last week's carnival.Too often we get disillusioned by a few uninvolved parents and we forget that there are many parents who work hard to support their children in all they do.

May 8, 2014

Poke me I'm done! I spent my evening baking. This is not my best skill. Fortunately I have raised a child who is great at it but unfortunately, she is not here! I baked Mexican chocolate cookies and Margarita cake (no tequila involved) for the Fiesta Book Fair teacher preview tomorrow. If you ever want a teacher to show up at an event you feed them! Also my other school has their carnival tomorrow night so I made some brownies for the cake walk...they won't be the first item picked believe me! Oh well...I figure if you put enough sugar in something it will be tasty... And besides..it's the thought that counts!

May 7, 2014

Thunderstorms! I love thunderstorms! Let me clarify- I love thunderstorms if I am warm and safe inside - not on the golf course, in the swimming pool, or on a mountaintop! The very best scenario during a thunderstorm is on the couch with a blankie and good book. I was never terrified of nature's rumblings as a child probably because I was told that it was just the angels bowling. A particularly bad storm was just a terrific tournament! When I was a lifeguard at an outdoor pool, I developed a respectful fear of lightning and I'm sure we cleared the pool more times than we really needed to. Me and my fellow guards liked to error on the side of caution...and besides - we got to play cards while the pool was closed! I guess you could say that I love thunderstorms because of good books, soft blankies, bowling, and cards!

May 6, 2014

Donna' Day of Driving..Today I took the day off of work to help out with a fund raiser for one of my schools. This is the second time that I have participated in this fund raiser because it is a fun one! A local chain of car dealerships has a big used car sale twice a year at a big venue. This time it is at Sports Authority Field. Twelve of us reported to Sports Authority Field at 7:30am. There were many other groups there as well to raise money for their prospective organizations such as cheer, baseball, etc. Each group is given a passenger van to use for the day. Our mission..to go to an assigned dealership in the van and then eleven of us each drive a car back to Sports Authority Field for the sale...repeat....all day..The dealerships are all over the metro area and we each drove a total of eight cars today. Our school gets paid for each car we deliver (in one piece!). A little competition came into play as we barreled out of the van at each dealership to score the best car. They would show us the cars that needed to go and then we could pick what we wanted. My two best today were the Toyota Rav4 and the Hyundai Veloster. The worst was a Corolla whose previous owner must have been a two pack a day smoker. It was a fun day at the wheel!

May 5, 2014

I'm feeling like a bad peanut butter sandwich. Yes, I'm nutty and a little chunky but what I mean is I'm feeling spread too thin. I have many activities overlapping at work and in my personal life right now. But to be positive, there is not one thing that I'm juggling that I want to drop. I like everything that is pulling on my time and I am motivated to get everything done. So... I need to just put some jelly on it and quit whining! (Although everything is better with wine!)

May 4, 2014

What a beautiful spring-summer day! We have the deck and patio ready for the season! (I say "we" like I helped...I did put out some cushions..) We officially kicked off the outdoor season by cranking up the pizza oven tonight. Three years ago we visited my sister and family in Italy and my husband was intrigued with their pizza oven. When we got home, Don researched the possibilities and found that  we could indeed install one on our deck! Last Spring was our opening season as pizza oven proprietors and towards the end of the summer we had less black crust and more brown. I also found that I could buy pizza dough from local pizzerias which relieves a bowl full of stress for me! Tonight we made calzones and a stramboli. Delizioso!

Now I have to distract him from thinking more about the vineyard idea........

May 3, 2014

Where did the day go? Well, I did get off to a late start because sleeping in on Saturdays is kind of a hobby of mine. It was one of those days of puttering around the house, catching up on this and that and not having to be anywhere and not having to be in a hurry. Unfortunately, these slow paced days don't happen during the work week. However, I have hatched a plan to maybe slow things down a bit and buy myself some time. Every once in awhile I get an email at work from the Tech department notifying me that the district internet is having problems. This week I'm going borrow their wordage and send out the following email to the staff at both of my schools, "Donna is experiencing intermittent slowness and productivity issues. She is currently working on a solution." 

I'll let you know how it worked for me!

P.S. Someone who was working hard today at the Kentucky Derby was Johnny Weir! Love the hat!

May 2, 2014

Sticky. Tonight I helped at the PTA carnival at one of my schools. Because the PTA is very supportive  of me and my library programs, I like to help them when  I can so I signed up to help with the carnival. I was assigned to the cotton candy machine. I have eaten a lot of this sugary poof on a stick in my younger years but have never been on the creative side until tonight. Whoever invented cotton candy was a genius and probably living with diabetes on their own tropical island somewhere. All you do is pour a dry sugar mix into the machine and in a matter of seconds, the machine creates spun sugar. I felt like a sugar spinning princess waiting for Rumpelstiltskin to show up! Actually I had a long line of people wishing that I could spin it a little faster! From now on when I go to the circus, I will appreciate the well groomed cotton candy confections that I see because mine looked like a beehive hairdo in bad wind! Oh well, the kids seemed to enjoy it and I'm sure their dentists will enjoy the end results. 

May 1. 2014

It is late and I am still at the Board of Education meeting. The business portion of the meeting hasn't even started- we're still in public comment! The positive thing about all of this is the hundreds of teachers and parents who have shown up to support teachers and protect the reputation of our district. I arrived at 5:30 and joined over a hundred people having to wait in the lobby because the auditorium was packed. As I sit with my colleagues and listen to the parents , teachers, community members and students stand up and talk, I am blown away by the passion and dedication they have for education and the profession of being an educator. Several students kindergarten through high school; gifted and talented to students with ADHD; white students to students of color, have gotten up to speak tonight. They were awesome and a reminder of why we get up every day!