What if "the Hokey Pokey" is REALLY what it's all about?

I was very blessed to be able to spend a much needed day with my best friend, Yvette, yesterday. It was the last weekend of the month at Goodwill (everything is half price), and we scored some great clothes. I only spent $22 and got many items. (mostly shirts)
We have decided that we are going to be selfish about our Goodwill Saturdays.............. that is OUR time to catch up and see how each other is really doing. (We are already looking forward to our March trip.) She brought a box, we both contributed topics written on slips of paper, put them in the box, then took turns throughout the day drawing one out. It goes to show how much she and I are alike b/c we had 3 that were the same topic!!!! (As she says, It's a "God-thing") I feel so fortunate that we were able to spend that time together and share the burden of our worries. We bring perspective to issues, validate one another's feelings, and simply cry like there is no tomorrow. True friendship is such an awesome feeling!
I have been going through a bit of "soul searching" lately, for about a month. I feel that I have lost sight of ME. I jumped straight into the "sea of school" in January, with a life jacket that seems to be losing air. I didn't sit on the beach and dabble my toes, I dove straight in!!!! It has affected me in not- so- great ways. BUT, thanks to my therapist (and Yvette), I am realizing that things need to change. I have been able to see why I have been feeling the way I do. For those of you who know my story, I am okay! I have recognized what is going on and am attempting to trudge on in my life, ONE DAY AT A TIME!!! I have decisions to make and have been praying about making the right ones. My dilemmas involve career and all that it involves. I will not make any decisions in haste. I don't want to have regrets later in life. I will know in my heart what is best for ME, when the time is right! When I make those decisions, I will let you know.
Love and hugs to all............

Singles Awareness Week

Well, I have survived yet another Valentine's Day and lived to talk (or whine) about it. I realize that this commercial-based day is just that.......... another day. It is a day not only for those "in love", but for telling those around us how much they mean to us. For that I am grateful. I did receive a few gifts.

• I was given a mini-rose plant on Monday from 3 sweet girls at school. I just hope I don't kill the plant too soon. I am horticulturally challenged!!!!
• I was given a snow day for Weds. and Thurs. (yeah rah)
• When we went back to school on Friday, I was given assorted chocolate treats (you know, migranes waiting to happen) from various students.
• My sister, Anne, sang a lovely tune on my voice mail. (To the tune of "You are my Sunshine" ......... You are my Valentine, my lovely Valentine.......) You know you are singing along and will have the tune stuck in your head for the rest of the day!!
• My sister, Kathy, met me Thurs. and bought me a much needed manicure (My cuticles are still thanking her!) and then went to Walmart with me. I enjoyed spending that time with her. We had a ball in the Wally world, especially trying to find the make-up section, which is temporarily in the candy section due to a renovation of the store. Good times......
• My cheerleaders wrote me a poem and gave me a rose. It was sweet and I so needed it.
• My best friend, Yvette, gave me a card and miniature migraines wrapped in foil. We got the chance to spend some together when we went to school to get our paychecks. Her husband, Bill , aka Doug, gave me a bag of conversation migraines. He is so thoughtful.
• My friend, Tammy H, gave me some bath thingys from Avon that are stinkin cute. They are in a heart shaped pink container and stink (a good stink). They so match the Disney Princess Kleenex's that Kathy got me.

On Thursday, I had my ED support group at the nutritionist's office. I think we all needed the support that night. Everyone had something they were struggling with and feels better when we can get and give advice/support to each other, because we know how the others feel. In a sense, it validates our feelings. I felt better after leaving there. I did have to get home b/c unfortunately we had school on Friday and Yes.... I had stinkin bus duty!! There was a late bus for the afternoon, just my luck! The other bus was supposed to be there at 4:30 and did not arrive until 4:50!!! I was there with 8 juvenile detention candidates! They were awful and potty mouthed. I wanted to simply wipe the attitude right off of them, if you know what I mean.

The bright spot in my day was my cheerleaders (5 that are still getting along) coming over last nite for Mexican and going through some clothes from my friend, Beth. They had a great time going through everything and debating who would get what and who could borrow what they had. It was like being at a swap meet. They make me laugh and it was fun for me too, just to have them here. We took a few pictures so hopefully I will have them sent to me soon and then I can put them on here.

Cassie (the prom dress girl) got her drivers license yesterday. Of course she had to call me and let me know. I know she is very glad and it will make some things much easier on her and her dad. I hope he doesn't expect her to do more than she can handle. She was in my room every chance she could get this week, having me show different people her prom dress. She is so proud and so excited. She doesn't have date yet, so we are working on that.

It is official................................. Basketball season is OVER!!!!!!! Our boys lost their first round game on Thurs. , the girls won. The girls played tonite and lost. Now I get a break!!!! I am not sure if I want to do the cheerleading thing anymore. I may do it one more year. I am not going to make any decisions right now, but am praying and thinking about the pro's and con's of it. I did have 2 girls quit just this week. I did not stop them. I was (and am) over the drama.

I Hope everyone has a great week and thank you always for checking on me.

I LOVE YOU ALL!!!!!

Carol

Bonding and Prom Dresses

After a long week at school, one that consisted of 5 days (no snow days), I am exhausted!!! It seemed like the week would never end. On top of my awesome teaching, my evenings were busy too. Monday included my (After School) Expressions in Art class then therapy. Tuesday, we had an away basketball game. Wednesday I went to work with my boys (homebound) and finally got some things done around here. Thursday we had Parent-Teacher Conferences until 6:30 (I could have left at 4:30......I only had 4 parents!!) and I met a friend for dinner at 7. Friday nite was another (the last) away game. As far as my cheerleaders go, this week was better. After putting it all out there and pointing fingers last week, it seems to have helped. I simply told them if they were not going to smile and act like they were having a good time, to change, pay their admission and be on their way. I don't want to nor do I have any extra energy to deal with it any longer. I felt closer to the girls this past week b/c of the away games. We were being goofy and having a great time on the bus ride. They did well at both of the games!!

Today, I took one of my girls prom dress shopping and as you can see, we were successful. This was about the 6th dress she tried on and when she came out of the dressing room, she was glowing, literally. She said she felt like a princess and that "this is the one". She looks incredible in it and is very excited. I am so blessed and thankful she asked me to take her and share the day together. (Her mother passed away this past July.) We had a wonderful time!!!
I am worn out from the week and today and have another busy week ahead of me.

Hope everyone has a great week and thanks for checking on me.

Love and Hugs,

Carol

The Crazy Bunny Attacks

This week has been harder than usual. After suffering through the weekend, I called my doctor Monday morning to see what he could do for me. I had already called in for a sick day at school the night before but was blessed with yet another Snow Day. The doctor called me back and Yvette ended up driving me to the walk in side of his office. Readers Digest version: I was moved to see him directly, told my eustacian tube was blocked, sinus infection was no better, and given a new Rx for Levaquin and steroids. Yes, both of my co-pays are exhausted! Okay -- background on me and sickness..... very whiny and I cry at the drop of a hat....... Now for Tuesday: drama in the cheer world.....hopefully I have nipped it in the bud. Tough love is tough.
I am sure some of you are thinking, "What is up with the pictures?" My 8th grade Girls decided they would buy me 3 different Happy Bunny Packs from a school book order. In return, I had to wear my hair funky and sport my Happy Bunny robe at school. These are the pictures taken for the yearbook. I am the goofy one in the mist of the preteens. Posing for the picture was a bright spot in my yucky day! "Crazy doesn't even begin to cover it!"

Stress (both financial and general) + Drama = Breakdown........ Anne, Thanks for coming over last night! I feel better letting go of yet another portion of my emotions. I also enjoyed the opportunity to listen to You and your Starbuck (not decaf) high. To the moon and back again.....
Yvette.... what can I say? You are my rock and my Angel! The wind beneath my wings, The Co in my Pay, the empty frame on my end table. To the stars and back again.........
Mom and Dad...... again, what can I say? You are always here when I need you, when I want you, and even when I don't. Thank you for making my journey easier.
Kathy...... You're in my heart as always. If you ever need an organ transplant or need to borrow any of mine, I am there babe! Love and kisses.....

I am feeling better and blessed to have so many people that care about me and my recovery. I keep trying to believe the "One Day At A Time" motto, but sometimes it seems like I get quite a few at once. (Yeah for Snow Days and Antibiotics!!)