Getting Something Off My Chest

I am Christian. Not the in-your-face, if you don't believe what I believe you're going to hell type. But I do believe in God, I go to church regularly, I pray, and, if it seems appropriate, I am happy to talk about my faith. (And yes, I think you can be religious and still believe in Evolution, the Big Bang, and other scientific ideas. In fact, I find that religion supports them.)

So I pray. Let's be clear that I pray with purpose. I recognize and am grateful that I have lots of wonderful things in my life, but there are things I still long for. For the past year, I've been praying that our family could grow. Yes, I specifically prayed for a baby. Just like Hannah and Sarah. Guess what? I still don't have one. I don't think that means I'm praying wrong. I don't think that means God doesn't love me. That does mean that sometimes I'm angry about it, but I still believe God loves me even when I feel that way.

I just thought I would clarify that little tidbit. You can ask for EXACTLY what you want and still not get it.

Giveaway

I haven't posted about any bloggy giveaways lately because, well, there haven't really been any that interested me. However, Alyssa linked me to one today!

Stephany is giving away cute return address labels. Check it out. While the ones she is offering are adorable, I have a different favorite.

These!


So yeah, you should go enter.

How can you complain when this is how your volunteer shift starts on Saturday morning? So cute! (Yes, he's sleeping ON the desk.)

Three Stories: Two Dog and One Cat

Ginger had her one-year vet appointment. Her weight is "perfect. The vet said she could feel her ribs but not see them. This is a new development as she really just put on quite a bit of weight in the last six weeks or so. The only worrisome thing is her teeth. She's got quite a bit of tartar, more than the two year old, and we suspect it has to do with her rough start. Because she's still a level 1, we're going to try denta stix and t/d food as treats to see if it gets better. The vet thinks there is a good chance of that fixing it without having to do a full cleaning. As a patient though, she was so so good.

The other story has to do with Doc, the 18 year old Shih Tzu mix. Well, at that age, his sight is getting worse, and depth perception is particularly bad. A was taking a load of laundry down to the basement this morning and Doc tried to follow. He missed the first step, hit the third step with his back legs, did a flip in the air, and A had to catch him in the laundry basket! OMG! Can you imagine if he had been trying to go down those stairs on his own? He would have been seriously hurt. We'll have to make sure that door is closed when we're not at home.

The cat is also experiencing some age issues. He's losing weight despite having food available at all times. His claws are also getting really thick. He doesn't sharpen them anymore, and this makes clipping harder. Because of his weight loss, he's also cold a lot. We tried putting a fleece hoodie that we bought for our foster dog on him. He really loves it and seems much happier.



Pets getting older is so sad. :(

On My Playlist Now

My Friday!

Ok, so today is Thursday, but there is no school tomorrow, so it's kind of like Friday.

My students take their AP on Monday, so that class (2 sections) is basically over. I'll do one more small project with them that won't take outside grading, but really, that's it. Woohoo!

I'm covering my last unit in Anatomy too. In other words, I really only have one more test to grade this year. Phew.

I'm helping organize a charity event for Stray Rescue tomorrow night. A is going to help too since it's at an antique gallery. This will be his first event! I'm also making bandanas for all the adoptable dogs who will be there. Here are my dogs modeling the first couple. Henry is not happy he's wearing one for girls. :)



(Yuck, you can see the gross linoleum floor in our kitchen. Blech.)



Who knows what the rest of the weekend will bring, but I'm feeling light and free. Next week will be easy, they weather seems to finally be turning, and, well, life is just good right now. And I still feel hopeful. Do I need to start being cranky again? I have few enough readers as it is. Can you imagine if I have nothing to complain about?

Open Letter

Dear Work,

If you constantly emphasize how we need to use technology in class, then you need to give us a stable network. My kids are supposed to turn in electronic assignments, access electronic study materials, and I am expected to monitor them using electronic technologies in the classroom. This spring has been ridiculous.

Thank you,

A frustrated teacher