Christmas at the Rouse's

It was Reese's first Christmas and she had a blast. Toys, treats, food, food and more food.

She was a blast to watch all day, a pure ball of energy, playing with toy after toy, messing with Maggie (the resident Rouse dog), running laps in the muddy backyard resulting in a towel bath from her Mama and Grandma -- too funny!!
Big Daddy Rouse and I seem to take this same picture every Christmas at the Rouse's.

The Rouse Family -- Mr. Roger, Mama Jane, Big Daddy and Maggie

The Mouse-Rouse Family Pic

Christmas was different this year -- we woke up at 10:00am, it was crazy!!

I missed everyone immensely but I had a good day nonetheless.

Ate some improvised Shrimp & Grits for breakfast.

Spent the morning opening some presents -- a vest jacket, some cool socks, wine, jewelry

and some much needed spending money for my upcoming visit to Wisconsin.

And of course, we watched A Christmas Story - Fa Ra Ra Ra Ra Ra Ra Ra Ra.

Biltmore on Christmas Eve

Brad and I woke up early to leave for Asheville and head to Biltmore with his parents. I can't ever remember going in the past, so it was wonderful for me. It was completely amazing to walk around this house and see how the Vanderbilts lived.

My future child will marry a Vanderbilt, I am willing this to come true. Mama Jane and I doing the classic picture pose.

A great Rouse family picture!!

In perfect Mouse-tourist-fashion,
I had to rub the cherub belly.

I had a wonderful day!!
MERRY CHRISTMAS EVE EVERYONE!!!

I LOVE YOU!!!

I MISS YOU!!!

It's a crazy feeling -- I have 2 weeks off and I'm getting paid and not taking sick leave or vacation, it's just part of the gig. That's just amazing to me. Last night, it felt like a Friday because I knew I didn't have to wake up at the butt-crack of dawn to head to school. It's was an awkward feeling really.

In general

So life is alright lately. I realize that I never just post random thoughts -- mainly that's because I feel like I have nothing to say. Overall, my life is actually boring but that's alright I do love my boring life.

I've spent the day trying to relay to my students the notion that if they want to bring their grade up -- they have to TRY!!! Today, progress reports went out and students kept wandering up to me -- "Miss Latham, what can I do to bring up my grade??!!" Hmm, let me think -- "DO YOUR WORK & STUDY". Amazing concept, don't ya think??!!

Also, I've begun my first blanket. I'm really loving this crocheting stuff. I'm planning the blanket size out, figuring out my pattern, how many granny squares in what color -- what has happened to me?? But really I can't say that, I really do like this. It's the first time I've really had a true hobby...it took me long enough to find one! What I like about it is working with a logical routine and seeing progress -- that's biggie for me. Thanks Gamma for teaching me!!!

Happy Halloween

My Recipe

How to make a Mouse

Ingredients: 5 parts mercy 5 parts self-sufficiency 3 parts joy

Method: Stir together in a glass tumbler with a salted rim. Add a little cocktail umbrella and a dash of emotion

Username:

Personality cocktail
From Go-Quiz.com

Good Thing I'm a Science Teacher...

Your Dominant Intelligence is Logical-Mathematical Intelligence

You are great at finding patterns and relationships between things. Always curious about how things work, you love to set up experiments. You need for the world to make sense - and are good at making sense of it. You have a head for numbers and math ... and you can solve almost any logic puzzle. You would make a great scientist, engineer, computer programmer, researcher, accountant, or mathematician.

What Kind of Intelligence Do You Have?

You Belong in Paris

You enjoy all that life has to offer, and you can appreciate the fine tastes and sites of Paris. You're the perfect person to wander the streets of Paris aimlessly, enjoying architecture and a crepe.

What European City Do You Belong In?

9 Months Old

Today is Reese's 9-month birthday and she has had one hell of a day. When Big Daddy left for work, Reese and I headed out to the new dog park. The idea of an enclosed area where Reese can feel free to run and play and interact with other dogs is awesome!!! This was her first time going but she did so well. At first she was a little scared because the first dogs she encountered were 3 huge Great Danes, but she eased in and eventually was running full speed with a pack of dogs. We ended up being there for 2 hours and she formed a good friendship with a pit bull named Brody and a deaf Great Dane, Jewel. It was so cool. Dog parks are wonderful things...

After the dog park, I decided to bring her to PetSmart to look for her birthday toy. I was looking for something new, considering she has successfully accomplished unraveling any rope toy she comes into contact with -- she's a toy-destroyer!! So we finally decided on the highly durable, supposedly indestructible, yet-to-be-named snake. This picture is a perfect portrait of Miss Reese passed out in the bed with her new toy after a full day of fun.

Teach Update

So it's been a bit since I posted, I know. Life in general kicks ass. I'm still loving my teaching life -- I have one class that forces me to raise my voice on a daily basis but hey, it's nice to know who's in charge.

Tonight is Open House for the 8th grade. It's definitely going to be interesting considering they planned it on the same day that progress reports went out. I wonder how many parents are going to show up just to discuss why their child has failed my class. If only I could be truly honest -- "your child is a lazy fool, that's why he's failing". I ended up with 16 failures out of 130 kids -- not too bad, but I hate to see kids failing. But hey, I'm not going to loose any sleep over it.

Overall, I have no complaints lately. I have a career that doesn't feel like a "job", I'm getting paid regularly, don't have to worry about paying the bills every month, and I have health insurance -- for me, the real world is a pretty nice place to be.

So McKinley did teach me something...

I know how to break up fights. I broke up my first fight yesterday between three girls in my lunch period. I knew it was coming, these girls have been brewing for awhile. So yeah, Ms. Latham beats the principal and vice principal (who were actually closer) to the girls and handles the situation. Yeah I'm good.

Now the 8th grade class is like, "don't mess with Ms. Latham". Ha, it's so funny!!

The principal called me in his office today -- yes it's still nerve-racking when you are called to the principal's office over the system, even when you are the teacher. I didn't know what it was about but it turned out he wanted to let me know he was impressed with how well I handled everything with the girl fight.

You know, I'm glad I've finally found my place in this world. It may be exhausting but everyday these kids just make me smile.

Mariana -- [adjective]: Visually addictive 'How will you be defined in the dictionary?' at QuizGalaxy.com

I Am Responsible for 129 Kids

The picture does not accurately depict how large this room is.
I have 16 lab desks within the room with storage everywhere.
Brand new desktop and laptop -- very cool.
The process of room decoration is a slow process but I'm going to recruit some students to help.
A little overwhelmed, but I'm confident.
Today was Open House -- I met some of my students and it was awesome.
So yes, Mouse has her first real-world, grown-up career.

The End of Summer

I start work on Monday.
One last trip out on Lake Lure.
It was a great day out with Poppy and Reese.

Up, Up, and Away

The Mouse-Rouse family tries to fit in at least one new thing when we go on vacation. So this time around we decided on the helicopter ride in Gatlinburg. We started the flight in the outskirts of Sevierville and got to fly over Douglas Lake. Just the experience of being in a helicopter was so cool.

Trip to the Smokies

Just a couple of pics from the trip to Gatlinburg.
Good fun with the family and of course, the children were pure entertainment.
Wished I could have stayed longer...

Your Superhero Profile

Your Superhero Name is The Freedom Vision Your Superpower is Kissing Your Weakness is Frogs Your Weapon is Your Turbo Bombs Your Mode of Transportation is Capsule

What's your Superhero Name?

The Devil Was Fabulous

Got off work last night at 6:40pm -- that never happens, especially on a Saturday. So with a night free I decided to hit up the movies with Melody, Brad's best friend's girlfriend (got that?). Since we always miss out on the "chick flicks" -- the choice was obvious, The Devil Wears Prada. I haven't read the book, so I can't give a comparison but I can say "very cool movie".

Anne Hathaway always plays the "transformation" role well and Adrian Grenier was a hottie.
Meryl Streep was awesome; I love to watch her in any role -- there's a reason she's one of the top Oscar-nominated actresses of all time.

So yes, I loved it!!! Go see it and enjoy. Plus, I loved all the fashion!!!

Following the Leaders

1. FIRST NAME? Yak
2. WERE YOU NAMED AFTER ANYONE? My paternal great-grandmother
3. WHEN DID YOU LAST CRY? Movie last night brought tears to my eyes -- I'm pathetic that way
4. DO YOU LIKE YOUR HANDWRITING? yes all of them
5. WHAT IS YOUR FAVORITE LUNCHMEAT? Turkey or Roast Beast
6. KIDS? one, Reese the hound
7. IF YOU WERE ANOTHER PERSON WOULD YOU BE FRIENDS WITH YOURSELF? Yup yup, I"m pretty cool at times
8. DO YOU HAVE A JOURNAL? Is a blog considered a journal??
9. DO YOU USE SARCASM A LOT? Never, not me
10. DO YOU STILL HAVE YOUR TONSILS? Nope -- lost them in like 4th grade
11. WOULD YOU BUNGEE JUMP? Hell yeah!!!
12. WHAT IS YOUR FAVORITE CEREAL? As of right now, Kashi with Blueberry clusters -- it's wonderful!!!
13. DO YOU UNTIE YOUR SHOES WHEN YOU TAKE THEM OFF? No, but I know I should
14. DO YOU THINK YOU ARE STRONG? depends on the situation
15. WHAT IS YOUR FAVORITE ICE CREAM? Breyer's Almond Joy; Baskins & Robbins Peanut Butter and Chocolate
16. SHOE SIZE? 8.5
17. RED OR PINK? Pink, of course
18. WHAT IS THE LEAST FAVORITE THING ABOUT YOURSELF? I lack motivation sometimes
19. WHO DO YOU MISS THE MOST? Janis
20. DO YOU WANT EVERYONE TO SEND THIS BACK TO YOU? well it wasn't actually sent so...
21. WHAT COLOR PANTS AND SHOES YOU ARE WEARING? army green SWAT t-shirt from Bobbles, purple pj pants, no shoes
22. WHAT DID YOU EAT LAST? 1/2 Philly cheesesteak and 1/4 BBQ Ranch burger at work
23. WHAT ARE YOU LISTENING TO RIGHT NOW? Father of the Bride Part II and Reese breathing
25. FAVORITE SMELL? Honeysuckle, Polo Sport, Orange Blossom, Sweet Olive
26. WHO WAS THE LAST PERSON YOU TALKED TO ON THE PHONE? Brad
27. THE FIRST THING YOU NOTICE ABOUT PEOPLE YOU ARE ATTRACTED TO? Sense of humor
28. DO YOU LIKE THE PERSON WHO SENT THIS TO YOU? well it wasn't sent but posted, and both of them are awesome
29. FAVORITE DRINK? Sweet Tea, Dr. Pepper, Water
30. FAVORITE SPORT? Football and Baseball
31. HAIR COLOR? Like a golden brown, the sun is giving it natural highlights
32. EYE COLOR? Greenish-bluish
33. DO YOU WEAR CONTACTS? No they hurt too much
34. WHAT IS YOUR FAVORITE FOOD? chocolate,
35. SCARY MOVIE OR HAPPY ENDING? definitely happy
36. LAST MOVIE YOU WATCHED? Practical Magic
38. SUMMER OR WINTER? Summer, but today the 99 degree heat did suck...
39. HUGS OR KISSES? yes please!!!
40. FAVORITE DESSERT? German chocolate cake
42. LEAST LIKELY TO RESPOND? Can you really respond to this...
43. WHAT BOOKS ARE YOU READING? The Courage to Teach by: Parker Palmer
44. WHAT'S ON YOUR MOUSE PAD? Don’t have one.
45. WHAT DID YOU WATCH LAST NIGHT ON TV? Mythbusters
46. WHAT ARE YOUR FAVORITE SOUNDS? Tom Tom and Maddie Cat saying "Mouse!"
47. STONE OR BEATLES? Beatles but the Stones rock too
48. THE FURTHEST YOU BEEN FROM HOME? either Alaska or Paris
49. HAVE A SPECIAL TALENT? dancing like Carlton
50.WHERE WERE YOU BORN? Baton Rouge, LA

A Day on the Lake

Today was wonderful. My good friend, Julie, and I headed up to NC to spend the day with Gamma and Poppy and go to Lake Lure. We both needed a break from the norm and wanted to lounge on the pontoon boat -- it was awesome!!! The Grannys came with us and it was a good outing for everyone -- even Granny L. got a little color on her face. We had a great day to say the least...we needed girl time, sun time, water time.

The Term "Lazy Hound" Comes To Mind

Laid back...

So it's been a little while since I've posted. I got a call from Crazy to say that I haven't posted so here it is -- it won't be that interesting really. Here's my life update --

Janis is now back home -- she was cremated and now we have her safely back at the apartment. I'm glad she's here, it makes me feel more at ease. Yes I know, she was just a cat. But she was my cat, my cat for 10 years, she helped me through so much, to me she will never be just a cat -- she was my Jaybird. Last night I had a little moment. I know it sounds crazy but I can't help but feel her around me. I was sitting on the couch, with Reese begging me for food and I swear Janis ran around the corner. I know it's just me being crazy but when you have a companion for 10 years it's hard not to see her out the corner of your eye sometimes.

Moving on from cat ghosts -- Reese got fixed this week. She was pretty damn pathetic and I couldn't help but have some sympathy pains (PMS, really) for the girl. Overall she's done well and she came out with three new toys -- Henrietta the Hippo, a new rope toy, and a chewy bone from her friend, Divo. Yes, I know she is spoiled.

Otherwise, life is pretty simple. Working Th-Sun nights at Chili's and enjoying the days. I like being able to enjoy summer. I can definitely get used to this. I'm going to start heading to Hillcrest next week to start figuring things out for the classroom. I need to get so many things to keep organized -- that's one key to success when it comes to teaching, just keep organized.

I'm looking forward to the next couple weeks. Next week, I'm staying with my friend Julie while her man is on a fishing trip -- we need some girl time together. Then the munchkins are coming!!! I'm so excited to see them and spend some time with them, yay!!!! After that, Coon Dog Day with Reese and then heading to Gatlinburg. (FYI -- there was a 3.1 magnitude earthquake today in the Smoky Mountains close to Gatlinburg -- very cool.)

So there, a boring little update -- Reese is now spazzing around the apartment, chasing her tail full speed and then falling over because she's dizzy. Now re-arranging the couch cushions to her liking and nose-diving her new hippo toy and hitting me with it. I could go on and on -- she provides so much entertainment.

More when something interesting happens...

Rest in Peace

The Jaybird is gone. She went peacefully and I will always love her.
She helped me grow up...I miss her.

Our Big Girl

Truly a Tiger Girl

I did it, I graduated. I have my Master's degree and one of my life goals has been checked off the list. It's very cool to know I am starting the rest of my life. I missed everyone immensely but I still had a great time.

Thank you everyone!!! I love ya'll!!!

Thank you Michele!

I can't put into words how much I laughed at this...

The Evolution of Dance

IT'S OVER!!!

It's now officially over -- I'm done with grad school!!!!!
Today was my last day -- I did my Poppy-inspired final presentation:

Teacher as Adapt, Improvise and Overcome

It was a success and the weight of everything has finally lifted.

Tomorrow, I do all the official paperwork with Greenville County -- you know, insurance, retirement plans; it's all so crazy!!! I'm a real teacher!!!

She's Growing Like a Weed

Reese has been growing and growing. She's now about 22 lbs and full speed. Her favorite toy is Louie the Lamb and she gets cuter every day.

We Love You Ripley!!

August 14, 1991 - April 14, 2006

Good Friday

Good Friday has been a good Friday.

Got to sleep in. Progress is being made with Reese. Ate Mexican for lunch and have been enjoying the 80 degree beautiful weather. Spring Break has been nice.

Work is going to kick my butt these next couple of days, but it's worth it in the long run. My friend Julie broke her foot so I'm taking over all her shifts -- the money-making shifts. I need the extra boost before graduation and the summer hit.

Next week is my last week at League but it looks like I'll only be there 2 days. I have to spend Monday and Friday at Clemson doing school stuff and I've just been asked to step in and chaperone an 8th grade field trip to Charleston on Tuesday (way cool!). So only two days will be spent within the classroom. No matter, everything is coming to a close and it feels so good to have some weight off my shoulders. I'm going to cash in the massage I got for Valentine's Day.
I'm excited about graduation and starting life "in the real world".

Overextended

So the head of my Master Program has asked me to present a poster I designed for our program at two different conferences at Clemson. As I'm trying to get things organized as the semester is coming to a close, I'm realizing that I have a LOT to do in a very short period of time.

** I have two binders to compile:

1. An ADEPT portfolio that outlines 10 Performance Dimensions on how capable I am at performing all the required functions of a teacher. This is the design that the Department of Education uses when evaluating new teachers. Basically a lot of crap.
2. Student Teaching Binder that organizes my whole life as a student teacher this past semester. Also includes other random evaluations and reflections. Another load of crap.

** I have to study for the PLT (Principles of Learning and Teaching) Exam which is a requirement for graduation.
** I have to put together a Capstone project with a tri-fold display discussing my teaching experience and following the chosen metaphor of "Teacher as Adapt, Improvise and Overcome."
** I have to find a cap, gown, and hood for graduation.

I'm beginning to stress a wee bit.

I'm a Science Teacher

So, now it is official. I am officially employed by Greenville County as an 8th grade science teacher at Hillcrest Middle. The school is actually in Simpsonville, which is about 15 miles from my house, but the drive is not bad at all; I actually like a drive in the morning to drink some coffee and clear my head before the day begins.

Hillcrest is a larger (1100 students), public middle school based on traditional studies. The school is on the outskirts of the metro area so it's a more rural community. Really, I couldn't have asked for a better position right off. The school is great, the students are great and the principal is awesome.

So yeah, my life will now be filled with 8th graders and lots of Earth Science. I'm gonna love this!!!

Not Officially Official

This Friday, I am accepting a job offer at Hillcrest Middle School.
Very excited about everything!!
More to come when it all becomes "official"

New Bill Passed in the House

Today the State House of South Carolina passed a new bill concerning an important issue in my life. The bill is heading to the Senate where hopefully they will decide in favor of the boiled peanut. Yes, the boiled peanut.

This new bill officially declares the State Snack Food of South Carolina to be the boiled peanut.
Oh, Happy Day!!!
I love South Carolina!!!

Reese "Muppet" Rouse

Attention Ladies

The Schick Intuition is the best razor EVER! I can stand up in the shower and shave -- I've never been able to do that.

Just wanted to pass on the new product and a customer rating of 10 .

Progress: Movement, as toward a goal

A principal who is a fan of me (his words "impressive") called today to say, don't accept any job offers, he's working something out for me. Going to see him early next week. Sounds promising I must say.

Another principal e-mailed, and I have an interview on Tuesday.

I love Progress.

Boring yet Lovely

So it's been awhile, I know. It's been a hectic week, so here's the life update.

Shining Stars (the Job Fair) was on Friday, and things went well. I spoke to multiple principals who were interested and it felt wonderful to know that I'm doing all this for the right reason.

I'm teaching my full load right now, and feeling more energized than normal. I plan the lessons out every morning before I begin to teach and it feels so great to see those lessons follow through and my kids are learning. I mean how do you really reach kids when you're talking about ferns and mosses -- it's definitely a stretch, but I think my energy and enjoyment help out the whole situation.

Reese is finally comfortable in the apartment. She's running around, taunting Janis, and knows the sound of the closet door -- to her, it's the treat-food-toy door. The other day I heard muffled barking and followed it to find Reese under the bed barking at Janis, it was awesome! And last night, she started the "wild hair up ass" running circles around the recliner. She provides so much entertainment, I might not need Tivo; nah, that's going a little too far.

So yeah that's the gist of life in the Mouse-Rouse House for this past week.
Not much, but enough to keep a smile on my face.

The New Addition

So a random cardboard box shows up next to my parents' house containing 3 little puppies, all girls.
Of course, Gamma and Poppy aren't going to just leave them there -- hello!!! So they take them in.

All three are little hound mixes -- Poppy's dream, so one got immediately adopted and after many conversations, the Mouse-Rouse household has decided to adopt one as well. We were looking to adopt around the time I graduate, but this dropped into our lap.

So yes, we have a new puppy -- Reese Rouse, to be exact.
She looks like a hound/beagle mix -- whatever she is, she's cute!!
In the pic, she's the one on the right.

Oh, and the conference in Myrtle Beach went well -- felt good to have some time to deflate with friends.

A Tostitos Moment

So, I'm sitting in class today and realize something,
groupwork sucks sometimes.

Me and my colleagues within my graduate program are presenting at this huge conference this weekend and they are not doing a damn thing. The whole presentation has come together because of myself and my friend, Crystal. Today when we were going through things and discussing who will talk about what -- 2 people out of 6 volunteered (guess who they are??), everyone else didn't care, didn't want to talk, didn't want to do a damn thing. Now, why are you going to put your name on something and not do anything.

The kicker is that everyone within the group is getting financial compensation through a grant for this. So, Crystal and I do it all and actually care that this goes well, and everyone else sits back and gets money for nothing. This so pisses me off right now.

All I can think about is that Tostitos commercial where the men are watching from a boardroom above at the guys on the street working. They comment on how one man is doing all the work while everyone else is standing back and watching. Then it spans to the woman sitting with her laptop and working in the boardroom where all the men are commenting on the situation in the street. Turns out they are doing the same thing to her and don't realize it.

That's my little vent for today. I needed to jot that down.

Let Lent Begin

It's so different being away from Louisiana during this time of the year. I know I haven't lived there in almost 4 years, but it's still home. I miss Mardi Gras -- no beads, no wondering through the French Quarter, no Bacchus, no Endymion, no Catholic craziness.

They try to capture the experience here, but really, how do you think Mardi Gras goes over in the Bible Belt?? Yeah, not even close.

I can't wait until I can come home to Mardi Gras, enjoy the parades with my niece and nephew, my sisters, my family. I think some nostalgia is kicking in.

Is this what happens when you start to grow up and put things into perspective??
I might live in South Carolina, but Louisiana will always share my heart when it comes to home.

Let's Try Something New

So last night I was grading papers and was noticing one common trend -- the F.
I hate that letter, I want to throw it away and never see it again, but last night, it was staring me in the face with every quiz I graded. Really, I've never seen that many F's.

My resolution -- BINGO, well actually CELLS, to be exact. The kids today got to play Vocabulary BINGO since they couldn't seem to grasp the information on the quiz. It worked well, kids were interested and therefore, quiet and engaged. They wanted to win, they worked for it, and they were actually learning something.
It was a nice change of pace and it was AWESOME!!

It's amazing when you can see the changes in students after you do something different. I love how a little game of Vocabulary BINGO can rock their world.
I know this is what I want, I love these students. I just want to know they are actually learning something and taking something, anything from science.

Am I weird that this has become my passion???
I hope not.

I'm looking forward to this weekend. Myrtle Beach with friends, education stuff, some time away. I need this, I feel drained.

The Current State of Science Education

http://www.csicop.org/si/9611/cartoon-evolution.gif

The Infamous Fruit Cobbler

The New York Trip to Surprise Mama on Good Morning America. Nothing beats Sister's Night Out in NYC, meeting Emeril, being on National Television to surprise my mother, and actually keeping a huge secret from my Mama (that's a huge achievement!!).


I really do love this picture. Nothing like three sisters in New York for one night. I'll never forget it!!!!

Mouse and Rouse