Friday, April 30, 2010

Rain

I've heard it said that in order to get the rainbows, you must endure the rain. I say, in order to appreciate the smiles, you must shed some tears.

A student at our school found out this evening that her father had died suddenly today. Her world will forever be changed. I pray that after the tears, she remembers how to smile.

Thursday, April 29, 2010

Glow

We've had the longest full moon on record this week. I'm tired. And I'm tired of parents who cuss. If I can't cuss at them, they shouldn't be allowed to cuss at me. Besides, it makes them look like the imbeciles they are.

The decanter (it was shamefully empty) glowed in the last of the sunlight. If I drank it, would I be walking on sunshine?

Wednesday, April 28, 2010

Lettuce Flare

The last of the winter lettuce from the garden...

Tuesday, April 27, 2010

Fanny Fatigue

Meetings with the superintendent... meetings with the personnel director... meetings about the budget (and math is hard!)... meetings about next year's calendar... called board meeting with all of the above... I now have some serious fanny fatigue (not to mention my brain refuses to let me form any more big words).

As if those weren't enough meetings today, I'm off to a banquet. Ugh! Some school days feel like they last so long.

Monday, April 26, 2010

Day 116 ~ Once, Twice, Three Times the Luck

What a day! All the jaws in my school system are a-flappin! Today, I found out who will be my Assistant Principal for next year and it will be a man (yay for more testosterone in the elementary school). Also, found out about all the other changes in administration in the system. All I can say about the fruit basket turnover is, "Wowzer!"

I'm very happy to be right where I am in my little school.

This evening, as I was talking to another elementary school principal on the phone, I looked down by the walkway in the backyard and spotted these three 4-leafed clovers. I feel like a lucky girl!

Sunday, April 25, 2010

Kerplunk!

After waking up to a thunderstorm (my favorite weather for a Sunday at home), we lounged around and ate a leisurely breakfast. As soon as the rain stopped, I noticed how full the bird bath was. It gave me the idea to try a splash picture. I'm not exactly thrilled with it but it will have to do for now given the fullness of the day. It was a great weekend. I just wish it had been longer.

Saturday, April 24, 2010

A moment to pause

At my grandfather's family reunion, we explored an old cemetery - including several graves of family members who are deceased. There were tombstones that dated back before the American Civil War. One set of tombstones gave us pause as it appeared to be a father and his two young daughters who had all died on the same day in 1941. Was it a car wreck? A fire? Later, a Google search informed us that the two girls were swimming in the nearby river when they got pulled into a whirlpool. Their uncle dove in to help. All three drowned.

Just another reminder of how uncertain life can be.

Friday, April 23, 2010

In one drop of water are found all the secrets of the oceans. ~ Kahlil Gibran

Yay for Fridays! We finished up the big, bad, state-mandated testing this week. I think the teachers are just as excited as the students.

While trying to take a macro of some yellow flowers, the sprinkler came on - so, you'll have to settle for water drops in the fennel plant.

Thursday, April 22, 2010

Test Drive

My husband bought a new truck while I was out of town earlier this week. Tonight, we took it for a drive. While my husband isn't ready to admit it, the truck is clearly a girl since she led us straight to dessert. All I need now is a good name for her.

I'm thinking Jo. Or maybe Maxine.

Off into the sunset

We watched the sunset, yesterday, while waiting for our last flight home. It has been an amazing (and exhausting) week and I am excited for the opportunities that await my son.

It is true what they say: "There is no place like home!"

Tuesday, April 20, 2010

Fallen flowers

As I walked around New Haven, I noticed these flowers (are they cherry blossoms?) on the sidewalk. Oddly enough, they were resting on some random glass pieces. For some reason, that just intrigued me (probably not as much as I apparently intrigued the locals who gave me some awkward stares).

I love taking pictures during the warm light of sunset. Everything seems just a little more beautiful.

Tomorrow, we head back to Georgia. I miss my husband!

Who knew windowless could be so cool?

Yesterday, we toured the Yale campus. The weather was fantastic and I'm in love with all the architecture. The most fascinating building had to be the Beinecke Library which houses rare books. It is a windowless building; however, sunlight (but not UV rays) can penetrate the marble. The amazing glow while inside is just breathtaking.

Monday, April 19, 2010

Rushed

Yesterday, my son and I got up at 3 a.m. to head to the airport. After a 3 hour layover in Atlanta, we finally made it to JFK. Got to see my favorite niece and spend some time with her in Brooklyn. Then, after pulling our luggage all over Manhattan (did you see us?), we got on a train at Grand Central to head to New Haven. After checking into the hotel and grabbing a bite to eat, I zonked out.

It was a great day!

Saturday, April 17, 2010

Prom Night

It was prom night for Mr. Funny and his high school friends. My husband and I fixed dinner for the prom dates and another couple. We ended the meal with chocolate fondue and a huge spread for dipping.

Now, I'm off to pack because we are leaving (on a jet plane) early tomorrow morning for orientation to Mr. Funny's university for the fall. First on the list to pack is the caffeine pills.

P.S. I tried to pack Mr. Funny's girlfriend. She is beautiful. She is smart. And we just might keep her!

Friday, April 16, 2010

At least I was warned

Went out this evening with a bunch of family and friends (13 in all) for a celebratory dinner in honor of the youngest son's awesome scholarship offer. I imbibed just a little. :)

Thursday, April 15, 2010

Lime of Love

If I didn't know better, I'd swear my husband was having a love affair with his kaffir lime tree. He closely inspects her every day. Her tiny blooms are adorable and produce the funkiest, brainiest-looking limes.

I'm totally okay with him loving this tree so much just as long as he never tries to slip a few leaves into any of his cooking. It may be a popular flavor in some cultures but me thinks it tastes like an awful medicine. Ick!

Wednesday, April 14, 2010

Special Delivery

Sealed with a kiss! :)

Tuesday, April 13, 2010

How about a harvest of some luck?

Just a weird random thought I had to pretend the wishbone was growing in a plant. If I could harvest that luck, I'd give it to our local Sheriff Department to catch the robber that caused us to be on a school lock down all day today. Even with the assistance of dogs and helicopters, the robber eluded the cops.

Ever spun your tires in the mud? Yup! That was the feeling I had today. So much to do... not able to do anything but guard the door.

On a positive note, helicopters with big guns flying over the school was rather cool!

Monday, April 12, 2010

Texture

Long day! Started with a stint on the radio (every administrator has to have a turn each year and it was my turn) with a DJ who is obviously struggling with latent school issues (maybe somebody picked on him in the bathroom one too many times). Still, he wasn't able to get much in the way of controversy out of me.

Once I was at school, it was all smooth sailing. Apparently, the kids were half asleep because they were still in spring break mode.

After school, had to head over to a school board meeting. The good news is that the school system is not going to have to lose as many jobs as originally feared. Keeping my fingers crossed that no one from my school ends up on The List.

Sunday, April 11, 2010

It was a bright, bright, bright sunshiny day

Today is bittersweet as it marks the end of my spring break. It has been busy this past week: we cleaned out closets, we worked in the yard, and we played with family and friends. Yesterday, I got to take my youngest son's girlfriend shopping for shoes and accessories to get her ready for next weekend's prom. They even hung out with us for the evening (are we suddenly cool?... or are they growing up?). Today, my oldest son went on a 3.5 mile run with me. The time flew by because we talked the whole time.

I absolutely adore who my kids are. They've grown up to be such amazing people.

Saturday, April 10, 2010

Memories of a miracle

Two years ago this month, Mili (aka Miss Poopy) woke up one morning and was totally paralyzed from her mid-back down. We rushed her to the vet and then to a pet neurologist (aka Miracle Worker). Given Mili's young age (she was only three), we pursued the surgery ~ despite the 50-50 odds of her ever walking again.

So, Mili is now a walking, barking miracle (who loves to leave us puddles and trails of turds to remind us of said miracle). If I could do it over again, I would do it just the same.

As for the picture, I found Mili's coat this morning and made her pose (aka Tortured Her). She was well rewarded with some cheese.

Friday, April 9, 2010

Sometimes the picture of the day is so hard to choose

I only took 185 pictures today. It was a day filled with breakfast with friends (including powdered donuts for a three year old), a trip to the herb farm, an encounter with baby possums, flowers, laughter, and tears. In the end, I chose this picture of Ray from the herb farm. He was playing with a dog named Rufus (I think I might love all dogs named Rufus).

It was an amazing day. Now, it's time to go celebrate my mother and step-father's anniversary. They've been together for 33 years now.

Thursday, April 8, 2010

Jumping for no real reason

I've been inspired by several people who have awesome jumping shots. I'll admit thought, it is a LOT harder than it looks. Particularly if you aren't wearing the right kind of shoes.

It took 12 tries before I got this one which, coincidentally, occurred right when the rain drops started falling. After a quick conference with the dog, we agreed this would suffice for now (I think she was worried that I was going to be embarrassed by having to explain how I broke my ankle...). I'd like to try this again, but, of course, with different shoes.

Wednesday, April 7, 2010

Fiesta time leads to siesta time

After a day of hanging out in the yard (I even have a little bit of sunburn... I'm so excited!), my husband and I went with some friends for some Mexican food. Libations may or may not have been served.

It is after 9 p.m. and I'm ready for a nap.

Tuesday, April 6, 2010

Take time to play

My friend, Ray, spent the morning with me so his mother could have some alone time. I was in big need of some play time. There were so many things he said that just made me laugh.

In this picture, he was telling me that you had to be 10 in order to be a grown up. Then he went on to explain that you had to be 11 to stand up on the swing because that was very dangerous.

He just cracks me up!

Monday, April 5, 2010

I've noticed when I'm with you, the sun shines brighter

This beautiful day was spent with my sweet husband cleaning out closets and working in the yard.

Sunday, April 4, 2010

Alligator Day

The sun has warmed up the south enough that my husband and I went on an excursion to a nearby swamp. We got to see a few alligators swimming along.

Saturday, April 3, 2010

Azalea Love

Azalea blooms are spectacular!

Friday, April 2, 2010

A two shower day

Today was Field Day and it was AWESOME! For some reason, I'm a little tired now but I'm so darn excited that this upcoming week is Spring Break. YAY!

A week long break is the perfect ending to the day where a parent dropped the big 'ol f-bomb on me before hanging up the phone. Some adults are just lovely.

Thursday, April 1, 2010

If you have to ask what jazz is, you'll never know.

~ Louis Armstrong

I just can't quit smiling. My youngest son had an amazing performance at a jazz concert tonight. Earlier today, we found out he was accepted into Yale!

Life seems surreal at the moment.