The World According to Leslie

Happy Valentine's Day!  OR as the Princess informed me this morning.... "Happy Singles Awareness Day!!" Either way, I hope your day is happy!! Today is my last day to be 38 years old. At 2:45am tomorrow morning, I will be 39! I will be starting my final year of my 30s!  OH MY!  Where did the time go? This year has been interesting!  At home, I have been able to do more. I've cooked more (and everyone survived!)!! I've gotten outside more--and consequently sneezed more! I even coached the Princess's rec league softball team last Spring!  I've been happier, mostly! At church, I've been more active. I'm working in Children's church. I'm singing on the Praise Team (in rotation). :) I'm heading up VBS this year. (That will technically be when I'm 39,  but I've started plans already.) I'm helping head up the 500 stockings for families this year. (That will also be when I'm 39.... but still!) At work, I'...

Although I haven’t written anything in about 2 months here, I did not fall off the face of the earth. I have, however, sat at the computer wanting to write. Some days it just doesn’t happen.    I have a writing job for the summer—$8/article and I can write at least 2 an hour.   That’s more than I make teaching!  No!  I’m not kidding!  lol  (It’s sad!)   I get to go back to work in just a couple of weeks.  Actually…..  two weeks from today!  WOW!  Same school! More kids.  This year, I’m teaching regular Freshman English and Mythology.  I’ll have about 35 kids in each class!  (I know, right?!)   We went to Gatlinburg/Pigeon Forge on Vacation last month.  We took Mom and Dad with us!  We love going there. We went to a few shows.  Maybe… just maybe…. I’ll do a post about that!    I am now a CRIMINAL MINDS fanatic!  I love this show!  I had never watched an entir...

As of today, there are only 24 days of school left for the kids. That means that I have 26 days of work left.   Updates:   1. In February, my Principal told me that my job may be on the line. The class I currently teach is funded by a Federal grant that runs out in June. (There are 5 of me—one at each High school in the district. Each of us was in the same boat.) There was only one difference.  Each of the other teachers (at the other schools) had been hired as an English teacher. So, they had higher rank in their departments because I was hired FOR the grant position.  A couple of days before Spring Break, my Principal came to me to let me know that they added some sections for next year, and I get to keep my job.  It was awesome!   2. In March, Tony and I got a letter that we were going to owe $1600 to the IRS for something that was on our taxes in 2012. (YES! TWO years ago!) So, our tax lady (my awesome sister in law) did some research for us...

Today begins that last quarter for the school year.  I’m kind of excited!  Actually…. I’m really excited.  With all the snow days and, therefore, snow make up days, we haven’t had a break since February.  It gets kind of tiring for the teachers and the students.  But, now, we are in the home stretch.  If we can survive 9 more weeks, we will make it until Summer Break!   This weekend, the Softball Fairies were not on our side. We didn’t get to start the season as planned. We are hoping that there will be no rain this coming weekend so we can get the season started!  Our team is starting to shape up very well, I think.  I know that we are going to have some tough games, but we are going to have a good time doing it.   Countdown Update: 6 days (counting today) until Softball Opening Day 14 school days (counting today) until Spring Break 9 weeks until Summer Break

Many of the countdowns in my world are slowly getting smaller and smaller.  It’s exciting.  This time next week, I will be able to say that we have SINGLE DIGIT weeks left in school.    This week, we have a snow make-up day.  We were supposed to be out of school on Friday, but we are having a snow make-up day instead.  The best part is that it is only a HALF day!     What is 1025??  That is the number of boxes of cookies that the Princess ended up selling.  She earned her iPad mini!  She will get it at the beginning of May (supposedly) at the celebration for kids who sold more than 500 boxes of cookies!  We are excited!  For us, it will be the first (personally owned) i-anything in the house.  We are Android people, except for Tony’s work phone.      Our softball team is pretty cool.  We have a couple of girls who have never played before, but that comes with any rec team.  This ye...

Yesterday, I couldn’t get my Windows Live Writer to work.  I tried in the morning and last night.   Yesterday, March 12, was a morbid anniversary. On March 12, 1997, my Grandfather died….my mom’s dad.   I was a freshman at Appalachian State University. I was about 2 hours from home, and it was the first time I had ever been away from home that long.    That morning, mom called to wake me up, as usual. I went to all my classes, but I couldn’t get ahold of mom during the day. It was before cell phones were so readily available, and not everyone had one.  So, I would use payphones on campus to call collect. I tried a million times—or so it seems.   As I was getting ready to head out to my concert band class for the night, my phone rang. My dad told me to come downstairs and let him in. When I got downstairs to let him in, I saw our pastor with him. I knew something was wrong because as soon as I saw mom’s face, I could tell she was crying....

It seems as though we may be in for a “normal” week here in NC.   I haven’t listened this morning, but I don’t think we are expecting any of that strange white precipitation (snow) to fall this week.    The Princess should be getting her softball info this week.  We should know (for sure) the coaches and the team name.  My brother should be one of the coaches, but we never know until after the draft.    Girl Scout cookies (and booths) are in full force.  I feel as though my world is surrounded by them!  And…that could be because they are in 2 of the main rooms of my house—living room and dining room.   I have a couple of meetings this week, so that makes it even more normal.   The countdown for everything is still on.  As soon as we get our softball schedule, we will get to add more things to it… like first practice and first game!    As long as we keep doing what we are doing right now, this w...

Saturday, the Princess had a double header. It was freezing at 8am. They finally won (after scoring 12 runs in the final inning) by 1 run. They won the second game by 1 run in the final inning also.   They are now in 1st place so they will play ONE game this weekend for the championship!   My sister got two new foster kids last week. So the Princess is hanging out with one of them for Halloween. (Considering the situation, I can’t share names or anything, but it is a girl who is around the Princess’s age.)   Sunday was the first day since the end of September that Tony did not have to work.  So we all went to church together and cleaned the house.  With me working full time, Tony working over 30 straight days, and the Princess having softball, the house kind of got neglected!  So…. the living room actually has furniture and carpet!  (They were hidden under mail and laundry!)  lol   Tomorrow, I’m supposed to have my first offic...

We did a lot of NOTHING yesterday!   It was nice.   There was no softball for us.  So we didn’t have to get up AS early!   Tony is still working weekends. This is the 4th one….I think. I lost count. He has until the beginning of Nov. to work every weekend.   The Princess and I went to check out a couple of locations for a party we are helping to plan. One place is fabulous, bring in your own food and everything. The other place is pretty, but in order to be there you must use their catering service.  (From what I have heard, their caterers charge the equivalent of a small down payment on a house for the number of people we are going to be serving that night.)  So….  we are still looking, but we need to get something nailed down soon!    300-400 people is A LOT, but it will be worth it when it all comes together!

As if Mondays were not packed enough, let’s throw in a Girl Scout leaders’ meeting and Open House (to see what the kids have been doing) at the Princess’s school.   While she is at softball practice tonight, I will be at the Girl Scout leaders’ meeting. I guess we will miss out on the Open House.   Tomorrow after work, I am meeting with someone to try to get a very special party planned. (More details to come!)   Wednesday, I have a PTC meeting to work on planning the end-of-year Gala for the Princess’s school.   Thursday is Girl Scouts.   Friday…. wait? Do I honestly not have anything on Friday? HOLY COW!!   Saturday we don’t have anything either. No softball.  Tony just has to work!   Sunday…Sunday is always church, homework, laundry, grocery shopping.   This is definitely shaping up to be a very busy week.

I have always hated making decisions.   Last night, I made a great one!   After being broken-hearted that I could not make it to scrapbooking, Tony actually got off work in time that I could go. However, after going by my Papaw’s how to get my mom… (She takes his car to him on Fridays.  That’s another story. )…I decided that I would not go scrapbooking. I could have made it for a couple of hours. I decided to spend time with my family.   We haven’t done that in a while. So, we went to the Chinese buffet. After dinner, we went to watch part of the race that is in town this weekend on my dad’s huge TV. My brother and two nephews were there. We stayed until about 9:30pm. Then we left and came home to get some rest.   I wrote my article about my Interpreting career. (When it is posted, I will link it here.)   Then we were all in bed by 11pm.   Now, Tony is already at work.   The Princess is eating breakfast and getting ready...

I have a writing assignment due today. It’s about my career. When it is posted online, I will let you know.     Today is “Favorite NFL Team” day at the Princess’s school.  I had to get her a shirt. It matches one that Tony got for Christmas. Now, they have two shirts that are exactly the same. They dress alike without even knowing it!  lol    I finished reading another book yesterday. If you get a chance, read The Invention of Hugo Cabret . It’s an easy read because much of the story is told in pictures, but it is a great story.    I’m so tired. I feel like I never get any sleep.   Last night we had 11 girls at Girl Scouts again. That STILL wasn’t everyone!   I’m supposed to go scrapbook tonight, but I’m sure I won’t make it. Tony has been getting home late all week. Then I’d have to leave early to get home to sleep so that I can have a 6am alarm tomorrow morning. (These double headers are killing me!)  BUT….no g...

Is it just me, or do you think it’s rude for someone to hand you an invitation to a birthday party a few hours before the start time?   At the softball game this morning, the Princess came to me and handed me the invitation to a party that starts in just a few minutes. Of course she wants to go! She also wants to get the girl something for her birthday.   I’m sorry. I don’t know this kid all that well.  We will go to the party, but I don’t know what to get her. So, we are going empty handed. (Really, showing up is asking a lot of me on a Saturday…..especially since I have only been home long enough to SLEEP all week!)   Note: They won the first game, but lost the 2nd. (If we had not let girls that were just learning to pitch do the pitching, we would have won it too! But…this league is about learning all the positions. So, we lost by only 4!  Not bad!)

We are starting to settle into our routine over here.  Today we have softball practice. I hope the girls saw on Saturday how important practice is. They won because of the things that the coaches taught them on Monday night.     Tomorrow I don’t think we have anything.   Wednesday, I have a Girl Scout recruitment. I need a few more girls for the troop so that we can do activities and stuff.    Thursday and Friday I have training at work. I have to get my sub plans together. These are days #3 and #4 of 5 training days I have to do. Day #5 is next Thursday!   So I will only see my kids for 3 days this week, 4 days next week, and 4 days the next. (I am supposed to have another training on Sept. 25th!)  Required trainings that are interesting are not bad. I just wish we could have spaced them all out instead of putting most of them in a 3 week period at the beginning of the semester/year!  LOL  But… we are hoping to get the sam...

This is my 600th post. I have been waiting for the right thing to write, and I think this is it!   Today, the Princess starts at a brand new school. She has her backpack and supplies all ready. Her uniforms are laid out and waiting. She is always excited about school, but this year it seems even more so.   She’s going into the 5th grade. Like I said, it’s a BRAND NEW school. They just finished building it in July. The teachers are still working to make the rooms perfect….even yesterday!    I am heading into a new school year. I am excited for the things that await me this year. In reality, I only have plans for today finished. I worked really hard on everything else this past week, and I attended a million and one meetings (or so it seems)! So, today during my planning period, I will be PLANNING!  I’m glad to be at a school that will allow me to do that. Other schools have things for the teachers to do every day during their planning periods. ...

WOW! I can’t believe that I first posted on this blog on October 25, 2008. That seems like so long ago, but it really isn’t.   6 short years.   In six years, the Princess has started school. She has been a dancer, gymnast, Girl Scout, and wonderful daughter.   In six years, I have started and completed my Master’s degree. Taught for two years and starting my third year next week. Began writing as a freelance writer and getting paid for it.   In six years, Tony has been at the same job the entire time. He has moved up the ladder as far as positions go, and pay, but he has been stable with the same company. That is a blessing!   In six years, we have only moved once, but we stopped renting to become homeowners. We are still unpacking because it is hard to move and work and have a family at the same time.   In six years, I have watched my family get closer as my parents have gotten weaker. Don’t get me wrong! They are still kicking, bu...

I haven’t written in a few days again. I really hope that when I get back to work next week, I will get back to writing here every day.   Yes! I go back to work next week. I’m excited and scared. It’s the same thing I did last year at the same school. I’m not scared, just anxious. New kids. New co-workers. New boss.     I have open house at for my kids on Thursday evening. The Princess has Open House at her new school next Thursday also. We are going to have to work that one out.     Monday and Tuesday of this week, I did not feel well. I was so dizzy on Monday that I had to have the Princess to take care of me. I slept for almost 2 hours and felt better. Tuesday I felt much better….just a little residual dizziness. It happens sometimes. I’m afraid to tell my doc because the meds they are suggesting will take me away from driving for 6 months. That means that I won’t be able to get to work.   That’s not good.    I have gotten into ...

I guess I technically did not write on Friday.   I’m trying not to slip into the habit of not writing.  It keeps my mind clear even if I feel like I am writing the same things every day.   I just (like 20 minutes ago) finished the articles.  He decided to only have me write 15 instead of 20 since some of the titles were so close to the same.  That worked out well.    Pay was lowered, of course, but I can live with that.   In just a few short hours, we are going to watch the Princess play in the championship game.  I can’t believe it’s a week later than it was supposed to be.    Right now, I’m saying “good night” because I’m going to bed.  But… I should be saying “Good morning” because it is after midnight.    So….Good TIMES!!   I’m going to bed and will hopefully have something wonderful to write about tomorrow.

Wow!  I can’t believe I went two days without writing.  I have gotten in such a habit that now it just feels strange.   There isn’t much going on in these parts right now. 1. Saturday—Softball was cancelled, but they are rescheduling for THIS Saturday.  8:30am!  (Hooray for waking up early on Saturdays!)   2. Sunday—We officially told our pastor and his wife that we are leaving the church.  They tried really hard to get us to stay, but we aren’t leaving because of them.  It’s the other stuff (some other people) that are killing our church.  Unfortunately, it’s really the only church the Princess has ever known.  We started attending there in June 2003.  She was born in August 2003.  10 years!  A decade!!   3. Monday—I took my dad to get his hearing aid fixed.  Simple enough… the filter was clogged.  He had already cleaned it.  But…. still clogged.  New filter—no charge—now he can hear...

Today was supposed to be busy.   Softball at 9am. Graduation (for work) at 10:45am. Home to clean/work 12:30pm.   This morning, we got the email that all games were cancelled.  Left me with no softball.     Went to work graduation.  Finished. Came home.   Fell asleep on the couch for 2 (almost 3) hours.  I must have been tired.  I don’t remember anything other than falling asleep!!    Now, it’s almost 10pm.  We are finally going to eat supper. Then we are going to crash.   Tomorrow is SUNDAY FUNDAY.  We have church at the park.  Then I’m going to be telling the pastor that we are leaving the church.  It’s time.  I have a long story to go with that…. lots of them actually.  However, I am keeping those.  (Some things just don’t need to be said!)  So we are in the market for a new church…  I’m sure we will try out a couple old ones (i.e. where I grew up) for ...