Monday, October 17, 2011

Keeping Dogs Off the Furniture

It's been over a month since my last post.

That is my bad, but life has been happening full speed -- much too much to update here!

First there is the transition at my job -- I took a job in a new classroom where I will teach all year round.  Hard decision, but ultimately the best for me.  My dad says I've never made a selfish decision in my life, and it was time to do something that was right and good for me, even if it hurt for a while.  I will still see my former students, but now I have more kids to love.  These kids I get to see more often, and keep all day/all year.  I will get to make even more of an impact.  And because I have them all day, I have only 15 students instead of 31.  We can be even closer because of that.  I have been in there just about two weeks now, and am looking forward to the new challenges and adventures.  But you can read more about that on my teaching blog. :)

There is also a new man in my life.  I will just be clear about one thing -- I wasn't looking.  For the first time in my life I was content with the idea that it was just my dogs and I, living a peaceful life in Small Town, USA.  Then he came along and rocked my world with his intelligence and love for learning...his laugh and quick wit...the things I knew he could teach me (like the ins and outs of  Hockey and Fantasy Hockey League)...his manly beard...and the sweet way he listens, and more importantly -- he remembers.  I can't tell you how much it means to me that someone finds what I say important and validates even my silliest thoughts.  And I think some bizarre things.  Every conversation with him is like Christmas.  It's surprising, and goes by so quickly even when it lasts for hours, and the joy of those moments linger in my smile even as I drift to sleep at night.  And there's never a turkey-induced hangover.  I'm happy.



Speaking of the pumpkin patch...my nephews came, and we took them.  A glorious, 80 degree day with a cranky four and six-year old.  Heaven, I tell you. ;)  Good thing I love my nephs! 



My home is coming along.  I have been rearranging the living room furniture -- to make it feel close, yet spacious.  That has been difficult, but I like the new setup!  





Now onto tackle the dining room...which WAS how I wanted it before I rearranged the living room...like dominoes, I tell you.

And -- the house got a much-needed paint job!  The trim will be painted in the spring, and now some windows are being replaced and the porch roof being fixed.  My landlords are great! 


I also adore the following two things:  the wooden features of this house, and my umbrella coat hook.



I bought this coat hook a few years ago with the intention of using it in my classroom -- but that never worked out because schools are picky about what goes on the wall. Ha.  So I brought it home and like it even more.  I waited and waited for it to go on sale, and when it went 50% off, I knew it should be mine.  I would have never paid $50 for something like that...even if I loved it.  Right now, it kind of sums up my life.  ID Badge and teacher bag -- the biggest part of my life.  Keys -- I feel like I'm always on the go, keeping the roads hot in between his house and mine.  Thrift store, dome-umbrella -- it's Fall, and I am most me this time of year.  And of course, "The Witch Is In/Out" sign I bought for a boss one year and then decided not to give her...haha!  It graces my coat hook because I don't want people to know if I'm home or not, and it makes me laugh so much.

Many smiles your way, and better luck keeping your dogs off than furniture than I have.

Goodnight, Moon.