Pink is my Signature Color

2009-07-01T17:39:00.001-04:00

We now have blue shutters!!!! YAY!!
*m*

2009-06-13T14:14:00.001-04:00

mmmmm Frosted Orange
*m*

2009-06-09T22:58:00.001-04:00

such a hard life
*m*

2009-06-07T19:32:00.000-04:00

exhausted
*m*

FWD:

2009-06-07T12:51:00.001-04:00

happy to be going to Gamma's
*m*

2009-05-20T22:31:00.002-04:00

Scene: Science Classroom
Topic: Natural Selection, Artificial Selection, Hybrids

Teacher: "So what do you get when you mix a horse with a donkey...?"
Student: excitedly "A HONKEY!!!"

Yes, a honkey people.
I love my job!

I So WANT a KITTY!!

2009-05-20T19:31:00.001-04:00

See more funny videos and Cute Animals Videos at Today's Big Thing.

2009-05-11T18:19:00.000-04:00

samson in tow
*m*

2009-05-09T19:50:00.000-04:00

from Miss Reese, such a sweet girl :)
*m*

2009-04-29T19:05:00.001-04:00

the pollen really sucks this year :(
*m*

2009-04-28T21:25:00.000-04:00

comfy time with Dancing with the Stars...it's been a good season :)
*m*

2009-04-28T11:42:00.000-04:00

Totally stoked that my photos are uploading now!!!
YAY!!

2009-04-27T19:55:00.001-04:00

*m*

Surgery

2009-04-20T14:15:00.002-04:00

So Daddy had his surgery today.
Went in around 7ish this morning, he was content, not too worried.
Didn't have any whitecoat syndrom, his blood pressure was lower than normal.
I downloaded all his favorite cds to my Ipod so he was in his happy place.
Uncle D & Aunt T showed up...love that Aunt T works at the hospital; we all felt more at ease.

Dad went back around 10ish, we went into waiting.
Surgery began around 10:50 & perfect Dad, he asked to not be sedated until he got into the OR...he wanted to see the robot that was performing surgery on him :)

The operation was complicated. The Doc said it was definitely an expert level surgery & had he done this surgery as one of his first 100, it would have lasted 5 hours easy; it lasted only about 2. He lost about 75 ccs of blood, the prostate was HUGE...even larger than the doc expected, apple compared to a walnut. Had some issues with mesh from past hernia surgery & lots of little struggles but it all came through. The Doc said all his functions should be alright & he should be able to go home tomorrow :) Let's HOPE!!

Also, Doc said the cancer is slow-spreading, so we just have to maintain the PSA tests to check the antigen levels. If they elevate, they'll have to probably do radiation...but that's IF.

So far so good.
Keep Daddy in your thoughts.
Drink a beer, listen to some Jimmy Buffett...it's 5 o'clock somewhere!!!

Saturday Snippet

2009-03-14T13:43:00.003-04:00

Nasty day leaves little for motivation.
I'm hunkered down in the Sun room with Reese curled up in the chair next to me.
Might be going out tonight for some St Patty's fun.

Cleaned up a bit, but I truly believe that I should not sweep, mop & vacuum while the weather is nasty. Why clean when the shit from outside is going to be tracked in? I will clean later. I did organize & such.

I'm pretty frustrated because I've lost my camera bag as well. I have my camera but my bag with my cords & battery charger is MIA. This sucks hard. Gamma, did I leave it in the van or at the house??? I'm starting to obsess over it.

Going to head to NC tomorrow to see the cousins while they are in town. Reese & I need to get out of the house. Plus, that puts me away while the Mr is doing all the papers & such he has due this next week. I don't want to be anywhere near the house during that!

Later...

Some people are such dumbasses...

2009-03-13T16:13:00.001-04:00

Some people are such dumbasses...

So I'm trying to mobile

2009-03-07T13:21:00.001-05:00

So I'm trying to mobile blog...works with text but not pics. Anyone have some insight??

2009-03-07T12:19:00.002-05:00

SO it's a beautiful day outside. I'm hoping the random snow storm on Tuesday was the last little hoo-rah for winter. But you never know.

This is a procrastination post.
I need to clean the house & do my Home Blessing. I know at this point I'm not going to get any help from the Mr. considering he was still up @ 5am :(
I want to take Miss Reese & wander around the neighborhood & I think I'm about to do that. I love the look on her face when she's walking, pure bliss!

I fell asleep @ 11 on a Friday night. This school year is really affecting me. Didn't sleep too well last night, had horrible dreams & didn't wake up too hot either.

Mama Jane took me to a couple of consignment shops this morning too. She's looking for a table for our front foyer & I think we found one we like. There are advantages to marrying an only child :)

Ok, time to get off the ass & move.

:)

2009-03-01T22:10:00.002-05:00

It snowed tonight about 3-5 inches. It started with rain & now it's just getting slushy. The Mr. & I took that as a night to hibernate. Over the course of the last 5 hours we've built a fire, made pizzas, made strawberry shortcake, made sausage & pancakes. The dogs are all chillin, passed out from running & eating & chasing each other in the snow.

To top off a great night, the added bonus of no school tomorrow!
I love it when that happens!

Peace out, I'm cozying up & re-reading some Twilight.

2009-02-28T19:40:00.001-05:00

Visit delayed due to horrible weather.
True raincheck...2 weeks we're on again!

woo hoo

2009-02-28T12:22:00.004-05:00

FYI: I am shitty at updating my blog, but I've noticed everyone around me is pretty damn bad at it too, so I don't feel THAT bad.

Excited about this weekend.
My long-ago friend is coming down for the night from Timberlake, NC. The Latham clan would remember Ms. Jaffe Nye. We hooked back up this past year since I googled her name; I always wondered where she was, what she was doing. Well I found her & thanks to email & the all-mighty facebook we've reconnected.

If I think about it, we met when I was about 6. We're fast friends, then she moved away in 6th grade. So I haven't seen her since I was 11 & now we are hooking back up at the ripe ol' age of 30. LOVE IT!

She's driving down today (4 hours), we're going to dinner, then out to cruise G-vegas. Totally stoked, now I just have to clean my house*! That should be interesting considering I have 3 dogs this weekend, not just the one.

Later peeps...

*Side note on cleaning: I've been doing much better, but some weeks are better than others...this past week is one of the "others"

Good Day, so far...

2009-01-17T18:14:00.002-05:00

I passed out last night, HARD!! I really think I was out before 9pm. I'm guessing it was a long week, HA! So I ended up waking up at 9:30 this morning, which was actually quite awesome! I had time to myself before Brad got home (he took Squeak to the airport in Charlotte) then I did my Weekly Home Blessing. I believe this was meant for me. I love the concept of 10 minutes per task, it really helps the house & I actually enjoy doing it. Plus, it's give or take, an HOUR! I can't complain about a clean house in an hour.

Also, the girls & I headed to the movies to see Bride Wars. Very funny! Molly & Bess seem to think I'm a combination of both brides. I laughed my ass off, I so needed that!

The Hubby is napping since he woke up so early. I'm about to go wake his ass up so we can have some dinner & such.

All in all, good day! YAY!

2009-01-10T11:05:00.003-05:00

Since I inherited a gene that severely affects my ability to follow through on things, I've marked 2009 as the YEAR OF FOLLOW THROUGH. I'm taking steps to establish routines around the house & with my health. I have to start small & work myself up because I will overwhelm myself & as I determined during my wedding, I get easily overwhelmed when it comes to certain things. I never thought that about myself but I've admitted I have a problem...that is the first step, right??!?!?!

So, goals for myself for 2009 & life in general:
1. Lose the wedding/marriage weight I gained
2. Be more effective around the house, ie. clean more!
3. DO the projects I want to do around the house, well those that require the least
amount of $$ since we have NONE! These include:
stripping the wallpaper & painting front bathroom
painting garage
sanding & painting garage door
painting shutters
painting paneling in living room
cleaning out one certain cabinet in kitchen
THE WEDDING ROOM!!!
pulling the acubas & replanting along fenceline
laying big tile where acubas once were to extend outdoor patio
pull boxwoods that I HATE from front of house (eventually put in hydrangeas)

I will post progress as it occurs...wish me luck, I need some encouragement, maybe I'll get some help too!! Hey, a girl can dream!!!

2009-01-08T12:48:00.001-05:00

My kids are driving me nuts today.
I've had words in each class, I'm in my 3rd right now.
It's a long day!!!

2008-12-24T22:09:00.002-05:00

Merry Christmas to all!!
I really miss everyone, compromise is the key to marriage, right?
It's always hard to be away from everyone, but you know I love you!!

Numa Numa

2008-11-23T21:45:00.001-05:00

Another One....It's Addictive!

2008-11-23T19:12:00.001-05:00

Send your own ElfYourself eCards

HAHAHAHAHAHA!!!

2008-11-20T23:05:00.000-05:00

Send your own ElfYourself eCards

Ends & Beginnings

2008-11-20T21:45:00.002-05:00

So, Saturday is the last day of Gerard's. Bittersweet, to say the least. Chef has totally lost his passion & the Mr's glad this phase is over.

It's been a bit stressful, all the wondering about new job, holidays, one income.

But we're all good.

The Mr went in for a meeting today & he got hired. His wonderful talent of schmoozing & totally being the man, paid off. His reputation precedes him in the restaurant industry in G'vegas. SO he's now the service director & marketing consultant for a nice little restaurant. I'm proud of him. He really works his ass off & goes way above & beyond, it's paying off!

So YAY!!!

Raul Midon

2008-11-01T13:44:00.002-04:00

The Mr. & I took a trip Thursday night & went to Brevard...a great little town right over the mountain from us in NC. It's a nostalgic trip over there because it's the same trek to Caesar's Head & the Camp Greenville area (which I'm pretty sure is where Camp Burgess Glen was???).

We went to the MOST AMAZING CONCERT!!! Raul Midon is an amazing musician. He was born blind & he plays the best guitar I've EVER seen, sings perfectly, & adds tones from the horn using his mouth, nothing else. I was in awe all night!!

There were maybe 100 people there. It was amazing to be in such an intimate setting. Him, a mic, & his guitar...crazy!

It was also cool to hear that he has a twin brother, also born blind, but he's not a musician...he just works for NASA!!! What an amazing family dynamic, dontcha think?!??!?

Just watch...find more on YouTube...I can't say enough!!!

Get Ready

2008-10-27T21:41:00.002-04:00

ROCK BAND is addictive! Holy shit!
Love it!
I totally rocked singing Eye of the Tiger last night...awesome!
We played for 4 hours, alternating all 3 instruments.
So very cool.

You know you wanna rock!!!

Vampire Mouse

2008-10-18T23:19:00.003-04:00

So, Teen Read Week is this next week & the theme is something like, "Take a bite out of reading"...nonetheless, the kids for the morning show volunteered me to be a vampire for a skit. Well, when I saw the props they had for being a vampire (a graduation robe as a cape & florescent fangs), I made the executive decision to get my own damn props, good ones.

Molly & I headed to the mall. Found fangs at Hot Topic that were perfect...the moldable, reusable kind. Then we headed to Spencer's. I hadn't planned on the wig, but it was perfect, especially with the big black sunglasses. So yeah, we had fun!

Come Thursday am, Molly & I went & got me ready...fangs, wig, cornstarch to add pastiness...it turned out pretty cool. The segment we filmed will be HORRIBLE but no worries...it was so much fun to play vampire dress up!!!

OH YEAH!!!

2008-10-04T10:36:00.002-04:00

I am #1!!!
Woot Woot!!
#1 in 8th grade science, #1 in the entire school in science.

That feels damn good!!
I know that standardized tests aren't an accurate measure, but hell, when it comes back that 88.6% of your students scored Basic or Above...that rocks!

Now, are the results going to be the same this year...I dunno.
I cross my fingers I can get some knowledge to stick!!!

2008-09-20T13:50:00.002-04:00

So I haven't posted in a while. Life got hectic with school starting & it seems grading papers & living the teacher life takes over a bit.

The Mr is really never home...we rarely see each other, which makes the situation pretty shitty. This should be the last year of this considering it's his last year of school & he'll be finding a job with normal hours. The restaurant manager life is not one he or I desire...it pretty much sucks ass.

The dynamic at school is different this year too. We have 1st period planning which I really don't like at all. The kids are much more immature than we normally have...it takes a bit more energy to get through the day. I've already been contacting parents 4 weeks in, a bit early. We're hoping things change over the course of the year & they mature some.

I feel more drained than normal. I've lost some of my energy & I don't seem to have the time I need to get stuff done. It's probably just getting back into the swing of school after the craziness of this past summer. I just feel like my domestic life is suffering & I hate that.

Overall, I'm feeling pretty blah...hopefully the upswing comes soon...I so need it!!!

Bull Ridin Part II

2008-08-30T13:47:00.002-04:00

Friday was Bessie's birthday & she wanted a night out with some bull riding. We decided to go out on Thursday night since the Blind Horse is not packed with people, it's ladies night so there's no cover, & the beer is $1 a bottle. We were tired as hell on Friday but it was so worth it!!! The Birthday Girl!!!
Molly & Me
The pic of Bess is awesome!! I love that smile!!!
Total action shot...he started me out easy then, he got pretty rough on me but I maintained. It helped that I didn't have a whole liter of Goldschlager in my system...
Molly & her size 2 ass...

It was a fun night out with the girls!!!

Nothing Like Some Tongue

2008-08-24T14:23:00.001-04:00

Shots from all the disposable cameras...

TomTom Breakin It Down

2008-08-24T11:33:00.001-04:00

No Words Necessary...

2008-08-24T11:28:00.000-04:00

Shots from the Disposable Cameras

2008-08-24T10:24:00.000-04:00

2008-08-23T13:37:00.001-04:00

Sorry

It's been a while

School started

Going to upload some pics now

Dedicated to Molly!!!

2008-08-16T18:05:00.001-04:00

Mamma Mia!

2008-08-15T21:45:00.001-04:00

Great!! I love spontaneously breaking into song especially if it is perfectly integrated within the movie. Nothing like some ABBA!!!

2008-08-12T17:39:00.003-04:00

Work officially begins again tomorrow. I'm looking forward to this year -- the first year teaching with nothing else on the brain. Totally loving that!!

Did spend the day at work today trying to get organized so I'm not so scattered. All is well, I think this year is going to rock -- even if it doesn't, I totally have an upbeat feeling to start it with.

Wahoo -- let's begin Teacher Year #3!!!!

The Change

2008-08-04T22:00:00.004-04:00

I am officially

with the government and with my job,

almost completely,

Mariana Kay Rouse.

It's a strange reality right now,

but I'm liking it.

The Key Lime Martini

2008-08-01T00:35:00.002-04:00

The Mr's highly requested recipe...

Line rim of glass with lime juice & rim with sugar in the raw/turbinado

Combine & shake with ice:
2 oz vodka (preferably Lime Vodka)
.5 oz sweetened Lime juice (Rose's)
.5 oz triple sec or Cointreau
1 Tbsp Nelly & Joe's Key Lime Juice
Splash of cream

Shake well & strain
Garnish with lime or lime zest

damn

2008-07-31T03:16:00.001-04:00

stop making that ridonkulous sound!!!

2008-07-31T03:11:00.002-04:00

Hmmm, 3rd bottle almost gone.

Come to the realization that men are helpless without us wonderful women to direct them as to what they should do.

Exception being LuLu who is somewhere trapped in the middle...trannies & what not.
Totally love our gays.

Birds are now twirping...it's way late...maybe early...Hoolie is snorting like a stuffed pig & I'm braying like a donkey.

This wine is damn good/effective/needed.

Yeah

Having a Girlie Night

2008-07-31T00:31:00.002-04:00

So I'm sitting on Hoolie's (aka Julie, Tori, etc) porch playing on her laptop as she talks with her long distance man. We're going through bottles of wine left over from the wedding (since there's plenty...what 7 CASES!!!!) & watching girlie stuff & just talking girl.

I SO NEEDED THIS!!!

We watched The Other Boleyn Sister which was pretty damn good but makes you loathe men.
Watched snippets of the Friends episode where Monica gets the Porsche. Now Sex & the City is playing in the background.

This is totally random due to the fact that Hoolie has wine glasses that hold a half bottle each!!

Ok, my mind is now blank so I guess I should end this before it gets KRAZY!!!
:P

FYI

2008-07-29T19:03:00.002-04:00

Just a warning to those with pups, be careful walking on the pavement lately with the heat. Even though the pavement doesn't seem hot, it really affects the pooch's feet.

Reese's pad-skin on her back 2 paws has peeled off -- just like a blister. The poor girl is pathetic! It's hard to walk when the bottoms of your feet have no skin!!!

Just be careful!!

2008-07-27T11:34:00.001-04:00

I'm SERIOUS!! NO, REALLY, I AM SERIOUS!!
SERIOUSLY DRUNK!!!

HAHA!!!

I love these pics!!!

2008-07-22T23:33:00.000-04:00

2008-07-22T23:29:00.000-04:00

2008-07-22T23:25:00.001-04:00

2008-07-22T23:20:00.002-04:00

Some thoughts

2008-07-22T23:01:00.005-04:00

It's been a week and a half since the wedding and I'm sitting down and reflecting on the whole experience. Above all, I couldn't have done a thing without my sisters, my parents, Anna, Mamaof2girls, meme, Maddie's godfadder, all my sister's attendants (aka: the adopted sisters), everyone. I truly felt like Adrian Grenier on Entourage and it was amazing!!! There aren't enough ways to convey how lucky I am to have such a wonderful group of people who love and take care of me and my family.

THANK YOU!!! THANK YOU!!!! THANK YOU!!!

There were times of bitchiness (duh!), craziness, nervousness, chaos, and above all else, overwhelmedness. I learned something about myself over the course of the wedding week...I get overwhelmed very easily when it comes to large numbers of people within my living space. My house is pretty decent sized and can hold people but I just get spazzed out...at least I know this now. It's good to know my faults. But no worries, nothing that a little mini-bottle can't fix...Miss Lucia was my saving grace on the overwhelmedness..."you need a shot"..."YES, YES I DO!!"

Overall, it was such a great day. The wedding was short,sweet, beautiful...totally love that we decided against a long mass. The reception kicked major ass...I had a blast. I just kept thinking, "I'm going to enjoy this. You wanna talk to me...come to me!!" Hell, it's not like I was hard to find considering the big white dress & veil!!! I have to say that for the day that supposed to be the best day of your life -- I had a beautifully perfect day!

Thank you Mom & Dad for my dream wedding!! Thank you Loud & Mariposa for being such wonderful big sisters and loving me even though I am a little shit. Thank you Mamaof2girls for still being my friend & knowing me so well. Thank you Meme for your constant source of support & AngryMean&Selfish for all the comic relief. Thank you 2.718, kneecoal, & Lucia for being such wonderful sister attendants and also for being such wonderful big sisters as well. I am such a lucky girl to have such wonderful people around me -- I wouldn't have been able to do this without ya'll.

WAHOO!!! The Mouse Rouse is official now...HOLY SHIT!!

Wise Words from ETK

2008-06-28T16:36:00.002-04:00

I am personally going to use these words within my classroom. ETK puts it perfectly into words what I always want to relay to my students...personal responsibility & accountability.

So - the point here is personal responsibility. To me that means taking responsibility for your actions. What you do is not the fault of your parents, boss, financial situation, time limits etc. You are in charge of how you react to those things. You get to make a decision for every action you take. You get to choose to do what's right or wrong. You are in the driver's seat of your very own life.

Thank you ETK!!!

Random Pics from the Month of May

2008-06-17T12:42:00.004-04:00

WE FINALLY GOT IT!!!

2008-05-28T21:59:00.005-04:00

WAHOO!!!

2006 Mazda 6 -- it's HOT!!!

Big Daddy & Pops went car shopping today

& it was between this & a Sentra...

totally glad they got this!!!

Very sporty, has a sleek yet aggressive look.

Love everything about it!!!

YAY!!!

Still doesn't have a name, that always comes with time!!!

Spring is DEFINITELY Here!!!

2008-05-14T19:36:00.002-04:00

Quick post b/c I'm running out the door -- our house is surrounded by babies!!! Bird's nest with 6 eggs in the fern on the front patio & Reese discovered a bunny nest in the backyard. Too cute!!! The bunnies seem to be alright...not going to worry too much...just going to keep an eye out just in case. I did some research so I'm going to be the Bunny Watcher for the next little while to make sure our babies are ok!!! Too precious!!!

Sorry for the blurry pic...it's from the cell...

Schtuff

2008-04-26T23:08:00.002-04:00

Just a random post for you.
Have a long weekend this weekend, so I'm spending time focusing on the wedding and such.
I feel like things are getting accomplished but there's still so much!!!

Mama came into town & we went to the church to figure out the music. I have to admit...I teared up when the organist started playing music for the recessional. I'm just getting so excited about it all. Big Daddy & I have so much on our plate but we every so often we sit back & just think about it -- husband & wife. It's such an amazing feeling!!

I'm going on Tuesday to play with my hair for my portrait/wedding day. We scheduled the portrait for like 3 weeks from now & I feel crunched about looking right & toning up, but I'm me & Big Daddy loves me for me -- no stressing!!

I'm debating getting contacts for the wedding day though. I know for a fact that glasses will distract from it all & the pictures won't be as good because of the glare. I'm going to make an appointment & see what my options are...

I need to crunch on the invites -- I have a lot done but I just need to sit down & do them. I know I need to mail them out by 5/12; it's crazy how close everything is!!!

Oh & I'm having to get a new car to add to all the stress in our lives. The Jeep is parked in the driveway & won't move until it goes to the lot to trade it in. Hopefully, I'll be getting something this week...we'll see!!

That's my randomness for the day!!!

David Cook Rocked!!!

2008-04-16T21:51:00.001-04:00

Totally loved this -- going to download the studio version 2mro.

SCATTERGORIES

2008-04-15T19:03:00.004-04:00

Copy and paste & add your own words.

*Use the 1st letter of your name to answer each of the following...they have to be real places, names, things...nothing madeup! Try to use different answers if the person in front of you had the same 1st initial. You CAN'T use your name for the boy/girl name question. You're up!! It's not as easy as you think!!!

What is your name?: Mouse
A four letter word : Mane...edited due to brain fart moment
Name a vehicle : Mercedes
Name a city : Montreal
A boy's name: Micheal
A girl's name : Madelyn
A drink : Madras
Name a celebrity : Marilyn Monroe
A reason for being late: Maniac drivers
Something you shout: "Mothereffer"
Dessert: Marshmallows
Name a song: "Monday, Monday"

HOLY SHIT!!

2008-04-12T13:51:00.001-04:00

Exactly 3 months from TODAY!!!

OMG!!! It's getting SOOOO close!

I hope I'm doing everything I need to.

Whatever. I'm not going to stress!!

WAHOO!! I'M GETTING MARRIED IN 3 MONTHS!!!!

So Much Stuff...

2008-04-09T18:13:00.002-04:00

A lot has been accomplished over the last couple weeks.

School stuff -- I got all my paperwork in & I've officially passed all the evaluation stuff for the year. I got "Proficient" on all of the Performance Standards except one. I got "Exemplary" when it comes to Instructional Delivery. I love that considering they say new teachers typically do not receive these...very cool!

Wedding Stuff --
Bridesmaids dresses are in. My dress' alterations are almost complete, just need to check it over before the final alterations are made. FINALLY I got in touch with the music man at the church & I'm going in a couple weeks to lay out the whole ceremony. Laid out the menu at Saffron's & figured out all the reception schtuff. About to start the wonderful process of addressing all the invites. It's all coming together.

8 Weeks Left

2008-04-05T01:42:00.002-04:00

School's out in 8 weeks. The countdown has begun. We have a couple days off here & there but there's 40 days left...hell yeah!!! It's been a wild week. The kids are crazy, I've been making up for lost time after being out for 3 days, crazy hectic. I'm pretty much caught up which helps my sanity. Big Rouse is having a late night tonight so I ended up taking a long nap & finished grading some quizzes.

I found out that school's having a shower for me in the beginning of May, which ROCKS!! They wanted to focus on a certain area in the house so I told them to go for the bedrooms. I need more sheets & blankets for those beds especially with the influx that's about to begin.

Wedding Updates:
We meet with the reception place on Monday to work on the menu...totally stoked! The music director from the church has yet to get back to me, which irks me. My dress is getting hemmed & bustled, getting it back in late April. Need to schedule my portrait session. Created a large list of music for the dj. Finally insured the ring...yes, I know it took me long enough.

Suggestions Anyone??

2008-03-29T01:16:00.002-04:00

I am compiling a spreadsheet of songs for the reception. I want some input because I might be missing something. I love everything, there will definitely be a mixture of oldies & goodies. But help me out here & give me some suggestions for music so I can add to my list. I can have 75 MUST HAVES, 50 MAYBE HAVES, and a list of DEFINITE NOS!!

HELP!!

2 Days In

2008-03-25T18:23:00.002-04:00

Spring Break is here & I am sick. You have to love how that works. I've spent the first 2 days of my Spring Break in bed...it's cool b/c I am relaxing & not overdoing it. Got some appointments made today so I'm doing alright. It's just ironic that I actually have time off and I'm not doing too much with it -- whatever...it's better than having to actually use my sick days.

A Bittersweet Week

2008-03-19T15:34:00.006-04:00

It's been a whirlwind this week. After our wonderful Engaged Encounters weekend through the Catholic church (that's another post in itself), Granny L took a major turn for the worst. I talked to Mama & Daddy throughout the day on Monday & talked to school to let them know the situation.

I ended up heading up to NC to be with my parents & Granny after school Monday. I got to the nursing home around 6pm and didn't know what to expect...Granny was in a coma, breathing was labored...it was hard to see at first but I made peace with it and I sat with her along with Mama, Daddy & Uncle D (Aunt T came later, Cousin J too). We all held her hand told her in our own ways how much we loved her & that it was okay to go. We talked and told stories about her life. All the nurses came in and told us stories of Granny's escapades around the home -- sitting in on staff meetings, sleeping in ANY bed she deemed comfortable, making new friends who gave her all the desserts she wanted...it was such a bittersweet night. I made sure to talk to her about her granddaughters & her 2 wonderful great grandchildren, I even sang her a couple of songs...she loved to sing.

Mama & I noticed she started fading; it's amazing how some people can just know that. She passed around 11:30pm on Monday night. Mama & Aunt T held her hands, I was with Daddy next to her as well. You never truly think you are going to watch someone fade & take their last breath. It's a moment I will never forget...I'm glad I was there with my parents, I'm glad I was there for my sisters, I'm glad I was there for Granny L.

We will miss the spunky lady that knew no strangers!
In Loving Memory of Evelyn Duncan Latham

August 6, 1915
March 17, 2008

The Shower

2008-03-12T18:15:00.006-04:00

It was a real nice day with all the ladies. Julie came up & met me there, which was awesome. I didn't know what to expect really but they had the whole Club House decorated with a huge spread of food. There was even a towel cake centerpiece -- WOW! I was really floored by the whole thing! I was amazed by the presents too!!

Carla, a cousin from the Cantey side, showed up and surprised Mom & I both -- it was amazing! All in all, there were 26 women there, or something like that. I did miss that the sisters & all the "maids" couldn't be there but the bachelorette party will make up for that!!!

This one's for you Loud, you know I have wonderful timing when it comes to pictures!!

I laid all the presents out on the dining room table to start "showcasing" them the way Mama Jane wanted.

I even got my first place setting of china -- which is GORGEOUS!!!

Big Daddy was amazed -- "I so underestimated this whole present thing".

This is totally cool!!

Sex Ed

2008-03-12T18:06:00.003-04:00

is driving me crazy!! I have had this nonsense for the last 8 days & I'm so glad that it's almost over. Last year, I had the wonderful experience of teaching all girls, that's not so bad! This year, it has all changed -- I have boys!!! OH MY GOD!!! This is craziness...

"can you masturbate too much?" Yes, you go cross eyed & your hands grow hair
"is 15 times a day too much?"
"is porn bad?" refer to question 2
"what is popping the cherry?" nothing you need to worry about any time soon
"is an erection an emotion?"

Today was abstinence & group dating. Tomorrow I get to scare the crap out of them with STDs & such. YAY!!

I WANT THIS OVER NOW!!! THIS SUX!!!

Tid Bit of Info

2008-03-09T11:33:00.002-04:00

I haven't updated in a bit. It's been a crazy hectic week & I'll tell you all about it when I get back from my first shower. This is the NC shower. Heading up with Mama Jane, Aunt Ruth & Cindy (Brad's cousin). Wahoo, first shower!! Will take pics & post about it all.

I know you're going to be especially interested in my first week teaching Sex Ed to 8th grade boys!!! I've never had so many questions on masturbation, MY LORD!!

Later!!

I've Been Meme'd!!!

2008-03-02T13:00:00.003-05:00

THANKS ETK!!!!

It’s the "My Post" Meme!

**The Rules**
1. Post about the meme and link back to the person who tagged you.
2. Go back through your archives and link to your five favorite posts.

*Link One: must be about family.
*Link Two: must be about friends
*Link Three: must be about yourself
*Link Four: must be about something you love
*Link Five: can be anything you choose.

Tag 5 other people (2 being people you would like to get to know better)

Here goes:

One: My Family -- it's hard to narrow this one down to just one post considering I now have 2 sides to my family so I'm giving you one from each -- Latham Ladies Living and the Rouse House; but I can't leave out my Daddy!!!!

Two: My Friends -- when I think back, I don't really post about my friends much, maybe I need more friends, hehe. Nonetheless, these ladies have been my friends the longest...

Three: Me, Me, Me -- all this still holds true, plus it's an old Meme from forever ago...

Four: My Love(s): My Man & His Ass, My Dog, My JayBird, that sums it all up!!

Five: Anything....it's hard to leave out the IoP trip from last summer. We had an absolute ball, and we drank TOOO much beer!!!

Tag 5 Other People:
1. Lucia -- to get to know better
2. Mariposa -- sister, sister
3. Mamaof2Girls -- you've been slacking woman!!!
4. 2.718 -- because I love me some NiNa & I miss her posts!!!
5. 11 Frogs -- to get to know better

It's Over

2008-02-23T12:46:00.003-05:00

My evaluations are all done & officially entered into the system, so no more worries.
From everything I can tell, I passed with flying colors. The last eval (V-Day) was the scariest but everything turned out perfectly!!! I just got my feedback & there is nothing but wonderful things to say -- WAHOO!!! I did it! I am a good teacher! I hate it when people make you doubt yourself...whatever, that's over.

Oh & on more school news, we took our Step Team to their first official step show last night & blew the roof of the building. We rocked it. We have a crew of 34 girls...that's a huge squad & they performed their asses off. We were so proud & to see the look on their faces when they won, priceless!! I have to admit that some days it's hard staying after school so much for the step team, but it's so worth it!! I love doing this. Plus, a lot of these girls need strong women in their lives that are going to push them to do more. We even seen all the girls grades go substantially up considering they can get kicked off the squad for any grade lower than a C -- it's such a great motivator for these girls!!! Wahoo!!! It's been a good couple of days.

I'm hungry...later!

FYI

2008-02-19T19:41:00.004-05:00

Just a reminder,

tomorrow night (Wed night, 2/20) is a

Total Lunar Eclipse!!!

The process begins with a partial @ 8:43pm EST

Total begins 10:01pm & ends at 10:51pm.

Remember this is EST

so you CST people need to follow

THIS LINK

to know what's going on in your neck of the woods.

PEACE.

ENJOY.

ETK, maybe you can catch some good shots??!?!?

My New Bud

2008-02-18T18:49:00.003-05:00

I bought the mother plant, a zamia, when I was a junior at LSU. I always went to the Horticulture sales since they had great, cheap plants & hell, we were an A&M school...there are damn good plants!!! I always wanted low maintenance plants since I have a tendency to forget sometimes so it was key that my plants needed to be really hard to kill.
So, the mother plant got real big over the last 7 years; I divided it into 2 different plants & they both got big. Then we moved.
When we moved, I put all my plants outside to bask in the fresh air instead of their normal apartment conditions. They stayed out a long time, deep into fall, then I brought all of them in. But some of them I forgot about, don't ask me how, I just did.
The mother plant died after the first real freeze. But I had a little bit of her left. I had one bulb with a small stem coming off. So I planted it...it got broken in half. The stem was maybe 4 inches & I knew that was the end of that plant. There was no way I was getting any type of regrowth.
But I was wrong.
I left the pot where it was...next to the fireplace. And just forgot about it (seems like a common trend with me). Yesterday, I was watering all my plants (which are thriving in their new abode with the am Southern light) & happened to look at the single pot...and there was a new growth.
YAY!! I didn't completely kill it. Ok, I know I'm thrilled about a damn plant but hey, the simple, small pleasures thrill me the most.

The Invites

2008-02-17T21:44:00.002-05:00

I scanned one in so you can see a rough look at it. I really like it, simple, classic, & the border is REALLY similar to our china pattern. It's coming together.

Happy Dead President's Day

2008-02-17T20:38:00.003-05:00

Saw that line on one of BD & I's favorite hole-in-the-wall "meat & 3" places & loved it. You know why I'm truly happy because this 3-day weekend couldn't be more welcomed by me. I am exhausted. For the last 2 weeks my body just wants sleep. I can't gather enough energy for normal functioning...even my students have noticed a difference. With the recent crazy epidemic going around all around me, I'm listening to my body...if it wants rest, I give it to her.

We went up to BD's parents' house. They've both been real sick this week so we went up & made them some steak & potatoes. They hadn't had a hot meal all week b/c they've had no appetite so it was nice to cook them a good meal to feed their blood & give them some good protein.

Since I have the day off tomorrow, I'm spending my time tying off loose ends when it comes to the wedding. Picking up the swatch for the bridesmaids' dresses, chewing out the Hilton, paying the deposit on the tuxes, getting my ring appraised (yes I know I should have done that months ago), you know, the usual tedious errands. Wahoo...it's a 4 day week!!

Yes I Am...

2008-02-16T11:24:00.003-05:00

better today. Have to run pick our wedding invites that came in, so I'm excited about that. And the swatch of fabric from the bridesmaids' dresses came in to which will be cool to see. Got my shoes. Took off a personal day in 2 weeks to go to Chucktown to pick up my dress. It's coming together. Wahoo.

2008-02-15T16:33:00.004-05:00

The last 24 hours have totally sucked.

I'm ready to throw in the towel.

Am I a bad person?

Do I deserve this?

Is karma coming and kicking me in the ass?

I'm breaking down & it's quite obvious to anyone who has seen me in these last 24 hours.

I really wish I had my sisters close to me so we could drink ourselves into an idiotic stupor & I could truly vent about all the issues I'm having within all aspects of my life.

I'm freaking out with no outlet.

And yes, I am PMS, but I could care less.

PMS or no, this same shit would be swallowing me.

I'm going to curl up with a bottle of wine, chocolate cake, my comfortable hound dog,

and try to forget the last 24 hours even existed.

I'm glad it's a 3 day weekend.

FYI:

It's nothing like the wedding is off either, we're still good on that. It's just the weight of my world on my shoulders is getting a little bit too heavy to hold.

No more emotions from here on out.

Just so you know...

2008-02-09T21:33:00.000-05:00

MY DRESS CAME IN!!!

I think I am excited!!

It's coming together...dress, headpiece, shoes.

Gamma's making the veil.

Wahoo!!! Only about 5 months left!!

HOLY SHIT!!!

Following the Lead

2008-02-04T21:34:00.001-05:00

I need advice...I just need a low heel, max 2.5 inches. I want to dye them the same light blue as the bridesmaids' dresses. I put them in the order I like the best. I really love this shoe, & I can see it being comfortable for a good period of time...

ADVICE PLEASE??!!?

Yes, It's Been A Bit

2008-02-04T20:50:00.000-05:00

I once was on a blogging kick...that kick seems to have ceased. I still have tons going on, but I'm actively trying to sit down and not have my laptop in my lap. This is a hard task considering the multiple spreadsheets I've created to control/organize my life. Hell, it's working though.

Wedding stuff is good. Big Daddy & I are stressing a lot because we don't have much money. Well, that's exaggerating...we have no money. It's hard to think about a new car for me (which is a definite MUST), a honeymoon & even our rings. So yeah, we're very stressed to think about it all. It sucks, but hey, we knew this was going to be a real rough year.

So, I'm sitting home alone, with the laptop in my lap, thinking of all the things I should be doing. As of tonight, Big Daddy is out skiing, so I'm off for the evening. I've ironed his shirts, adjusted the budget, taken out the trash, I'm done for the evening. No mas para mi. I am actively doing NOTHING tonight. I actually think I'm going to start searching for my shoes for the wedding. I finally found my headpiece...it's simple, classic...not a tiara, that's so not me!

Blah. Later peeps...

Heath Ledger

2008-01-22T18:48:00.000-05:00

10 Things I Hate About You -- one of the best teen movies EVER. I can't believe Heath is no longer around...the man who uttered the perfect lines like...

"What is it with this chick? She have beer-flavored nipples?"

"It's not everyday you find a girl who'll flash someone to get you out of detention."

"Who needs affection when I have blind hatred?"

"Well maybe you're not afraid of me but I'm sure you've thought about me naked, huh?"

I love this movie...LOVE LOVE LOVE!!!
Heath Ledger is dead...no more Patrick! He was my age...found in a bed full of sleeping pills, buck naked, accidental death?? Who knows? It's a sad day for fans of a classic teen movie.

Update

2008-01-22T16:27:00.001-05:00

1.I've lost another half pound...that's good considering the long weekend, snows days, Menstrual-ness...no worries.

2. Got the tuxes picked...it was a collaboration between the 2 of us. There was some tweaking on my part but nonetheless, they'll look hot. It's more of a European cut tux with a gray/silver vest & tie. TomTom will be in the exact same tux, just smaller & cheaper!! They are at Savvi's Formalwear.

3. Got a jacuzzi suite for the wedding night...WAHOO!!!

I think that's it for now...

Register -- DONE!!

2008-01-21T21:23:00.000-05:00

The Latham-Rouse wedding is now entered into the system at 2 locations.
Target & Macy's -- there's a mix of stuff here & there. We're going to go to Lowe's too but we decided to make that trip another day after 7 hours of scanning & discussions of "do you like this?"

WAHOO!!
Some stuff needs to be added, for some reason, our formal china isn't in the registry yet but should get entered in soon. If you wanna look, it's Mikasa Venetian Lace. If it's not in the system soon, I'm going to manually enter in everything.

THIS ROCKS!!

Boredom Cupcakes

2008-01-19T21:27:00.000-05:00

1. I shouldn't be making uber-delicious cupcakes considering my fat ass situation

2. I'm bored & have already accomplished the cleaning I wanted to

3. I needed something Mardi Gras around me so, why not the colors???

4. I wanted to

5. Perfect planning, since I now have a truckload of people heading to my house...I knew I needed to bake for a reason.

Footprints

2008-01-18T17:08:00.000-05:00

The Old Snowy Mill

2008-01-18T16:51:00.000-05:00

Mouse-Rouse

2008-01-18T16:48:00.001-05:00

Snow at The Old Mill

2008-01-18T16:29:00.000-05:00

Here's some video of the front yard after a couple hours of snow.

Reese had a blast!!

WHAM!!

2008-01-18T16:22:00.000-05:00

Perfect Shot!!

Jackpot!!

SNOW!!!

2008-01-16T20:26:00.000-05:00

IT'S SNOWING!!!

THE FIRST SNOW IN OUR HOUSE

THIS ROCKS!

Reese is walking around eating the snow as it falls.

I just built a fire.

I'm wondering if I'll have school tomorrow...I would love to have at least a 2 hour delay so I can sleep in a bit more than usual.

Nonetheless,

IT'S SNOWING!!!!!

2008-01-16T17:08:00.000-05:00

Middle Cousin came into town last night & we had a great time. It was nice to sit down & deflate with him. He's leaving Friday for the Marine Corps & we wanted to get together before he headed out. He's heading straight to Quantico for OCS then moving on from there. I have faith that all will go well -- he's ready, he's wanted this for so long & finally, it's happening for him. It's nice to see that he's trying to find his place -- he was in limbo for so long after he graduated from USC that it's nice to see him working towards something. I'm proud of him.

Loud & Mariposa, MiddleC is going to send me his address as soon as he has one so we can send care packages. He sends his love ya'lls way...

Invitations -- In Progress!!!

2008-01-16T17:06:00.001-05:00

Made an appointment with my friend's cousin to look at invites. Supposedly going to get 15% off too...we'll see on that. Gamma & Poppy are going to head down to go as well.

YAY!! I'm loving getting stuff accomplished!!!

DJ -- DONE!!

2008-01-15T21:25:00.000-05:00

Booked the DJ today -- Jumpin' Jukebox

Very cool guy, down to earth, actually booked with the guy who will be our DJ.
Favorite part of the whole thing...they are set up on the internet so you can go on the site & search for songs & add them to the playlist. I love this!!!! This is so perfect for me since I live with a computer in front of me. Plus, I hear a song I want, I just go add it to the playlist online.

If you have suggestions for songs, just drop a line...especially the FamilyL. I want input.

I'm knocking off those things to do pretty damn quickly -- WAHOO!!!

Week 1 Weigh In

2008-01-15T21:24:00.000-05:00

Lost 3.5 lbs, which is about 2.2%...cool.

Hotel Rooms --- DONE!!!

2008-01-14T19:44:00.000-05:00

Alright the official Mouse-Rouse wedding block is at:

Greenville Hilton Hotel

Right off I-385 on Haywood Rd.,

Perfectly, centrally located between the wedding & the reception

Yes, there is a pool!

There are rooms available from Monday, July 7 -- Sunday, July 13.

There's a 2nd shift Friday, July 11 -- Thursday, July 17;

(some of Big Daddy's family is coming for the week after...)

Mention the Latham-Rouse Wedding

Rate: $119/night

There's an alternative reservation at the

Greer Holiday Inn

Out of the hustle of Greenville, nice location on the side of town where I live & the church is.

Real easy to get to reception as well

Cheaper. Pool here too.

Once again, mention the Latham-Rouse Wedding; blocked from 7/7 - 7/13

Rate: $79/night

More expensive if you wanna rock the Jacuzzi Suite ($119) or "Big" Suite ($169)

PASS THIS ON TO THOSE YOU THINK WILL WANT THIS INFO!!!

Kicking My Own Fat Ass

2008-01-12T16:24:00.000-05:00

My life is now calories. I am obsessed with the website Mariposa sent out to help with maintaining your food intake -- www.fitday.com It's an amazing site that lets you log in all the food & drink you have in a day so you can manage your calorie intake. I went to another website to 1. calculate my BMR, 2. determine the calorie intake for maintaining my weight by using the Harris Benedict Formula, & 3. determine the levels of calorie intake to lose weight.

I've set up a spreadsheet to chart my progress through the weeks. We're doing a shrinkdown thing at school so I'm using those weights within my chart since they are on the nurse's scale & consistent.

I've been pretty consistent so far with my calories. Yesterday was Snacks after school so I went a bit over my limit but I still logged in all my food. Typically I enter my food throughout the day & I also keep a record of it with me just in case I have to log it in later. This is a big thing for me, because I need to be held accountable, you know??

I've also added new activities to my life. Considering my activity level was pretty damn low, I'm started slow & moving up -- I don't want to burn out, which I do pretty easily, I admit. I've added a 20 minute session of yoga to my routine. I now DVR Namaste Yoga on FitTv which comes on every weekday at 6pm so I can do that each night. I also started recording Shimmy, the belly dancing show. I took belly dancing for a year when I was up in VT & LOVED it so I'm incorporating that back in. I'm doing my reps of crunches & push-ups & gradually working my way up to more reps. I'm walking as much as I can...taking advantage of the track at school for that. Just small things to kick it all back in. Hopefully, the gym opening next to us will be opening soon so I can start my circuit training (which I LOVE!!!).

THis is a lifestyle change not a crazy fling. I have to start taking better care of myself which I've slacked on & it shows on me & within me. Wahoo 2008!!!

2008-01-08T21:14:00.000-05:00

FYI: I want more posts people!! I'm bored!!

I am "Miranda Hobbes"

2008-01-05T23:50:00.000-05:00

Your tough exterior is a test to all who dare take it. You don't give your heart to just anyone out of the gate; they have to earn it. There's probably a cynical lawyer trapped inside you. Once someone does get through your thick shell, they find the inner you: a wonderful, caring, practical friend. You tell all who are close to you exactly how it is, and those who don't appreciate it aren't worth your time anyway.

Yeah, that's me...