March 22, 2009 by samantha.

One week until Spring Break and I have come down with Spring Fever. I think it is in part to me running around and not having the stress of worrying about being pinked. Yup, March 13 rolled around and I did not receive a pink slip. I thought for sure I would get one and that it would be rescinded. I still think I am in a bit of shock. I have gotten so used to worrying about it, that I do not know how to not worry. I feel horrible for my co-workers that did get pinked. I wish I could do something for them, but what can I do? I did not have long to celebrate because the following Sunday I was off to a union workshop in Newport Beach. The workshop was okay. The highlight was driving a friend’s Prius. I have decided that the 2010 Prius will be mine. I am so excited! On Thursday I chopped off my hair. At the time I thought it was a dramatic change. Now that I am used to it, it does not feel much different.

Friday was exciting. Some friends and I went into LA to see my favorite author, Jodi Picoult. I brought about 8 books for her to sign and sign them all she did!! Of course, I picked up the Jodi Picoult’s new book. I think it save it to read over my break. After seeing the author, we went to El Coyote for dinner. I heard so much about the place and I was excited to go. It was horrible. The service was poor, the food was awful, and the drinks were so bad they had to be sent back. Thank goodness I was in good company. Of course, driving a friend’s Mercedes did not hurt either.

Yesterday was a lazy day. I did some schoolwork and read. Last night, I did head out to the movies to see Duplicity. It was horrible. I was so bored. I was playing on the Internet and sending text messages during the movie. I should have stayed home and finished my book.

Today was the highlight of my weekend. Some girlfriends and I attempted to go for a hike. It rained this morning and we thought it was over. Val was thrilled. We began our hike, up the hill, enjoying the cool air. We did not even make it a mile when the rain began to come down. We decided to turn around. Of course it was too late. We got soaked. Still the little hike we took was fun. I took a couple of pictures. Enjoy!

A wild sunflower that we saw on our hike

I love trees. This one I thought was beautiful. Too bad someone decided to tag it. And do you see Val in the corner?

This is the hill we attempted to hike up.

Posted in School, Friends, California, Val, Movies, Weekends, Rants | 1 Comment »

February 22, 2009 by samantha.

I am in a sour mood. I had a fantastic time in Portland. I would like to think that I will be moving up there in a few years. The weather in Portland was almost perfect. I visited Voodoo Doughnuts and in a moment of bravery I tried a Maple Bacon bar. Yep, I had bacon on my doughnut.

As odd as it sounds, I do not like doughnuts or bacon but the doughnut was not that bad. It was nice to spend time with my cousins. We talked about nothing and yet the trip flew by. I am hoping to maybe go up in July. I have already looked up tickets and they are cheap! How could I pass up a cheap ticket!?!?!?

Of course, the trip depends mostly on if I keep my job. Right before break I heard that the district had plans to let 66 teachers go. I am 61 on the list. Not a good place to be! I am not too worried. I think I will be okay. I know some teachers will not be asked back and some teachers are taking early retirement. School has to open in August and parents will flip if their are kids crammed into a classroom. If I do lose my job, I have a few ideas to keep me busy and the money flowing in. Getting a new job will be difficult and I do not think I can qualify for unemployment. What stinks the most is that I will most likely be pink slipped. The district is supposed to vote on the new budget with the changes this Tuesday. It may be postponed since California finally voted on a budget.

This weekend was a quiet one. I played with friends, went to the movies twice, and tried some new restaurants. Most importantly, I made sure Val was happy. She has been very lovable lately. Usually, she says hi to me when I walk in the door and checks on me throughout the day. She used to spend most of her time in the backyard or on her couch. Now she follows me around the house and wants to be in the same room with me.

I have no complaints. I like sharing the couch with her. Maybe age is catching up with her and she realizes that being in separate rooms is boring! Getting scratched behind your ears makes it all worth it! Maybe she just really likes the new couch!

Tomorrow I have to return to school. I always like getting back into the everyday routine. Too bad everything it so tense. Teachers are worried about their jobs. The students are stressed. I think they have it worse. They have the stress from their parents worries and then the stress from their teachers. No wonder behavior problems are at an all time high this year. Next year I am sure it will be worse. Parents will probably will be more stressed and classrooms will be crowded due to less teachers.

Posted in California, School, Val, Weekends, Travels, Rants | 1 Comment »

February 1, 2009 by samantha.

I have survived my first cold of the year and it knocked me on my butt. I still have some sniffles and a raspy voice, but the worst of it is over. I have to credit Zicam for helping through it.

Zicam Intense Sinus Relief is the worst thing you will probably ever put up your nose, but it is worth the discomfort twice a day. I highly recommend it. Get the one with the cooling menthol and eucalyptus.

My weekend was fairly uneventful. I slept a majority of it away. I had some fantastic plans that had to be postponed. At the time I did not care, but now I regret that I stayed home. I know it was better to rest. Oh well! I did see Milk with Sean Penn. It was awesome. I really enjoyed it. I thought it was better than Slumdog Millionaire. The movies are completely different, but the message is the same. Both are inspiring in their own way and remind you that giving up should never be an option.

I have a busy week ahead, so I should take it easy again today. In 41 days I will find out if I will have a job next year. I am not too worried. Still, the threat and worry hang over my head. Every one is worried and stressed. I think I am okay, but I will not know until March 13. All I can do now is pretend that everything will be okay. It could always be worse. I hate when people say that!

Posted in School, Weekends, Movies, Rants | 3 Comments »

January 28, 2009 by samantha.

I have my first cold of the year and of the school year. How I made it this long without getting a cold, I do not know. My sinuses are killing me. The pain is ridiculous, but I have had worse. My throat is sore and yet I keep talking. My nose is a little bit runny. Overall it is a mild cold at best. Since I have not had a cold in about a year, I forgot how annoying they are. It just happens to be worse at night. That makes sense. I am laying down then. I guess I am just complaining and I want some sympathy. Do I expect some? Nope! I know my friends better than that!

Who suffers most when I am not in top shape? Vallie!! She did not have her walk this morning and she was not happy. She gives me the glare and makes me feel like the worst person in the world. I try to explain to her. Still, I am in big trouble. Not that I blame her. She is stuck in the backyard all day and a walk is her daily outing to see the neighborhood. And she is such a good puppy that she deserves her daily walk. I just hope that tomorrow morning I will feel good enough to take her for a walk. If I do not, I think she may just eat me alive!

If you have not figured it out, I do not have a lot to share. I still have hot water. The new couches are still wonderful. Things at school are tense. I am hoping that I get to keep my job. I will know my job status no later than March 13. That date is looming over me. I am not too worried about my job. I think I am okay. On an ironic note, March 13 happens to be a Friday. In Europe Friday the 13 is a lucky day. People go and buy lottery tickets! I am hoping my European side brings me luck! I have been good to it!!

In closing, I have two questions that I need to ask. Why is it that if someone goes on Oprah to apologize, then all is forgiven? How do I get on Oprah so that I can be forgiven for all my sins?

Posted in Friends, School, Val, Rants | No Comments »

January 20, 2009 by samantha.

My first experience as a potential juror was boring and uneventful. I got to the courthouse early and ended up waiting for two hours before anything happened. I was finally ushered into a courtroom. I got to sit in the jury box! I saw the defendants- two gentlemen that were being charged with robbery. Of course they claimed innocence and pleaded not guilty. The judge started to explain the duties and rights of the jury. The judge estimated that the case would take about six weeks. I immediately began to panic. I could not be away from my class for that long and I have travel plans in February! The judge asked if anyone had any reason for not being able to be part of the jury. I raised my hand, told him of my travel plans, he told me to send a postcard, and that I could leave. It was too easy!

The downside is that I may be recalled since I was excused. I will have to make sure to have more travel plans. The upside is that I still was able to watch the inauguration. I had some interesting conversations. I cried as the new President was sworn in.

Now, the day will be complete if I get hot water today. The part from Whirlpool has not arrived, but the plumber is not scheduled to come until 6pm. I am getting tired of taking cold showers. Which reminds me, I want to thank everyone who offered his or her hot water to me. I may be taking you up on it!!!

Posted in Friends, School, House, Travels, Rants | 1 Comment »

January 17, 2009 by samantha.

Lo and behold, I am frustrated again! I started to have issues with my water heater on Wednesday. I thought the problem was fixed. Nope! I tried relighting the pilot light a few times and each time I got a false sense of hope. The pilot light would relight for a few hours and I was happy. Now the pilot light will not light at all and I have no hot water!!! The water heater is just over a year old and should be working great. I called the gas company and hoped they would be my knight in shining armor. No such luck. I called the toll free number on the water heater and talked to people on the other side of the world. They were very nice and tried to help me, but they have no idea what is going on! I want someone that is standing in my garage and able to fix my problem. They informed me that my water heater needed some parts replaced! ARGGG!!!! I have to order the parts, that will not be here until TUESDAY!!!! Why do I have to order the parts? Because it seems that no one carries them. Whirlpool has all the toys and is not sharing! I called Lowe’s (where we purchased the water heater) and a zillion plumbers. They all said that I would have to order the parts. Of course, all the plumbers are more than willing to come over on Tuesday.

Would my troubles end there? Since this is me we are talking about, the answer is no. I may be called in for jury duty on Tuesday. I will not know until Monday night if I have to show up. I already was not looking forward to my showing up, but now I really want to stay home to get the water heater fixed! I never knew how dependent I was on hot water. I cannot shower, do laundry, steam clean the floor, anything that I feel like doing. Honestly, how often does anyone feel like cleaning the floor?

What is the silver lining to this whole fiasco? I actually have two. First, one of the plumbers I called may be able to fix my water heater today. I am not getting my high hopes up, but I am asking everyone to think happy thoughts for me. My second ray of light is probably the best and most important one. Just like most people in these troubled times, I am in fear of losing my job. Well, I just found that the half year I worked (my hire date was January 23, 2006), will work in my favor. Talk about a sigh of relief! I was crying I was so happy.

Is it greedy for me to still ask for hot water today? Probably. But I really want to take a hot shower this weekend!

Posted in School, House, Rants | 2 Comments »

January 4, 2009 by samantha.

Tomorrow I must return to work. This break has seemed to last forever and I think I forgot what my classroom looks like. I have enjoyed my vacation, but I think it is time to return to the normal routine. Of course, the routine will not get back to normal until my parents leave. It seems like they have been here forever and on Saturday they will finally head back to Florida. They decided to stay a bit longer so that one of my best Christmas, a shower door, could be installed. I am so excited and I hope to be able to use it by this weekend. Keep your fingers crossed!

Yesterday, I made a large and much needed purchase. I bought myself a new couch, loveseat, coffee table, and end tables. My current couch and loveseat have been used and abused. They will be turned over to Val and put in her room. My coffee table and end tables come from Tallahassee. I never cared for them, but they have done a great job. These too will be moved to Val’s room. The new furniture will be delivered on Thursday and I am sure you will all check back to see pictures.

Now I am going to enjoy my last few hours of freedom and digest my mom’s tacos. For a Frenchie, she makes the best damn tacos. I requested them tonight and they never disappoint!

Posted in School, House, Val, Family, Rants | 2 Comments »

October 26, 2008 by samantha.

I just have to start this post by saying I had a great time this weekend! As you may or may not know, I am a site rep at my school for the local teacher’s union. Since I am a new rep, I had to attend a training conference so that I was educated for any case that may come my way.

Since the conference was held in Anaheim and it did not start until 6pm, it seemed only natural that I skip school on Friday and go to Disneyland. I was excited to see the park decorated for Halloween. It never fails to amaze me the job that Disney does with its decorating. They take holidays seriously!

Saturday was filled with classes that I found very enjoyable and informative. The trainers were excellent and really knew their stuff. It was nice to know that most of them were former teachers and site reps. I always find it frustrating when someone who has no idea of what I go through on a daily basis, tries to train me.

Saturday was party night. We all went out for dinner and had a fantastic time. It was nice to get to sit down with our board members. We picked their brains and get to know them. And did we ever live it up. I was out way past my bedtime and could have cared less.

Sunday was all about one thing. Getting through the final class, eating brunch, and getting home! Then again, the highlight of my weekend happened on Sunday. I won, not one, but two Barnes and Noble gift cards! I am so excited! So since I am playing hooky again tomorrow, I think I will spend my day at the bookstore! What a great way to spend a day!

Posted in School, California, Weekends, Travels, Books | No Comments »

October 19, 2008 by samantha.

I know that I have no right to complain. I have a pretty plush life. But I am in a complaining mood. I have a headache (tension and sinus). The kitchen sink is clogged again. Work is so overwhelming that it is no longer fun. And that is just to name a few things. As much as I love to complain, I tend to dwell and obsess over the issues in my life. I know! People who know me are shocked to hear that I obsess over EVERYTHING!

Okay, now I feel a bit better than I have complained out loud. Now we can move on to something more interesting.

Saturday, I went to a Halloween party. I did not know a lot of people there and I was not in the mood to mingle. And the party was way past my bedtime! I am too old to stay out after the sun goes down!!! But still I had a good time. I laughed and met new people. The food was good and I tried some interesting drinks. Almost everyone was dressed in cute costumes. I put on a witch shirt and called it a day.

Today I saw The Secret Life of Bees with a friend and I loved it. I read the book a few years ago and was moved by it. I was nervous about seeing the movie, since I had such fond memories of the book. The movie does not disappoint. I loved the characters and the story. It was wonderful. And after the movie, we went to the bookstore and for sushi. It was almost a perfect day!

I have exciting plans for election night. I am going to Disneyland on Friday, attending a conference this weekend, and I am sick (sniff…cough…sniff), next Monday. I think I have plans for Halloween. And I have to go an order my new shower door and maybe a new kitchen sink. I am heading to France in about six weeks. All is good.

Still, I have some complaining to do. Complaining makes the world go round.

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September 6, 2008 by samantha.

When will I learn that 9 out of 10 trainings are boring? This morning I went to a voluntary training that my district was offering. I had high hopes for it. I was hoping to learn about a program that we are using at school. It was about as fun and informative as going to the dentist. Actually, the dentist is a lot more fun. Thank goodness I did not have to get up early to be there.

The high point of the past few days is that I finished reading The Year of Fog by Michelle Richmond. My mom recommended the book to me. She raved about how great it was and how she could not put it down. Unfortunately I did not have the exact same problem. I had no problem putting the book down, but I had to keep reading it to see what happened. The story follows Abby and the search for her fiancée’s kidnapped daughter, Emma. I cannot explain what I did not like about the book. It was slow at times and I had a hard time liking Jake, Emma’s dad. Then again, I wanted to keep reading it. I had to know what happened to Emma. I had my suspects of who kidnapped her, but still I was surprised by the twist at the end. It was interesting and I was familiar with some of the locations that it made the book a little more enjoyable to read.

Posted in School, Weekends, Books | No Comments »