Presidential Speech

Most of the time, when the President gives a prime time speech, I channel surf trying to find one that his face isn't on! It's not that I don't like the guy (I voted for him, I admit it!) or that I don't want to hear what he has to say, I do. However, when you live in a household that has opposing political parties, many speeches turn into debates and then full out arguments. It's happened more then once!

Tonight, however, we both actually listened to the President's speech about Iraq. For the first five minutes, the President thanked the troops and praised their performance in Iraq. I have mixed emotions about speeches like this from anyway, let alone the President. I guarantee more then half the country doesn't appreciate the fact that more then 100,000 families are without a loved one tonight. Or that they go about their business worrying about trivial things, while families worry about whether they will see their loved one again. I've posted this before, but I think it's worth posting again.

"The US Military is at war. America is at the mall."

It's true. Sadly. I was also not surprised when he announced he was sending more troops to Afghanistan. It was only a matter of time. I don't think that anyone, unless they have someone in the military, fully appreciates what the troops and their families go through, or the burden they bear. Even when the President says it in a speech, I don't know if people in America, non-military appreciate it. Meanwhile, when I hear that 44 members of a brigade gave their lives, my heart sinks and I get tears in my eyes because I was one of the lucky ones.

Even though I know it doens't happen, I hope that at least one person tonight actually LISTENED and maybe had a clearer understanding and appreciation for our military. Just one.

Back to School, Back to School

Today was our first staff inservice day! I got to meet my fellow 4th grade teachers for a great lunch, then sit through boring meetings! YAY! But seriously, I did get a lot of work done in my classroom, and am thankful that we have all day in there tomorrow. I think my Mom is even coming in to help so that will be great.

Our hockey team is still coming together. We lost quite a bit of talent and I am afraid it is going to be a long year, but I hope I am proved wrong!

You will find me running around like crazy trying to get everything ready for my 21 students for the next week and a half. Wish me luck!

Exhausted!

Sorry for the lack of posting. Between practice at 7, getting up at 6, and work at night, this girl is exhausted! No practice for two days though, however I do work! At least there won't be an early morning wake up!

School starts next Wednesday, and I just got my class list. It looks like I am going to have a great year, with at least 5 students being little brothers and sisters of previous students. 11 boys and 10 girls, pretty even! I can't wait to get in my classroom and get it all set up.

Until then, however, I will be practicing, napping and working! BIG things happening around here!

Oh My!

I can't believe today is August 15th, and TOMORROW I begin coaching hockey again! It is amazing how time flies! The coaches haven't been able to meet ahead of time, so guess what time we have to meet tomorrow......



6


AM

That's right. Practice starts at 7, and I have no idea how I am going to get up at 5:30. The head coach sent an email to us saying she will be there at 5:30, and we could meet then. Ummm, no thank you! 6 is early enough! Is the sun even up then?

Work at the restaurant is winding down, and I am thankful! I just got off of a double yesterday, and have another today. The money is amazing, but I will be happy to have my weekends back with my husband.

This is also our last full week of vacation! Teachers go back next Wednesday. I am anxious to get the list of my new class of 4th graders. All of the students have their placements, but I have yet to receive mine! I feel like a little kid waiting to find out who their teacher is! I love starting fresh with a class. Seeing the new folders and pencils, and name without eraser or pencil marks everywhere is somehow refreshing. Even though I do love summer, I am ready to start teaching again!

However, until then, you can bet I will enjoy my last days of summer. In between getting up at 6, and then working at night, of course!

Cleaning Queen

Well we got news today that our house is going to be showed again tomorrow, so my cleaning side has kicked into high gear! This will only be the third time we are showing it after listing in March! We still love this house, and aren't really in a rush since if we wait a year to start building we save around $9,000 in taxes! I don't mind waiting! However, if we sell we could save even more money! I'm not getting my hopes up, but say a little prayer anyway!

Happy Anniversary!

My parents have been married 33 years today! I really admire their relationship. They help one another and respect each other. Now don't get me wrong. I'm not one of those children who thinks their parents marriage has been perfect - it's not. But they have worked through their hard times and gained more love and respect for one another. Something everyone can admire.
Mom would hate me for putting this picture up but I can't find another! SORRY!

Another One

Today, Michael and I attended another deployment ceremony for one of our friends. He will be leaving shortly for a year in Afghanistan, and we both pray that he stays safe and comes home to his family. He and Michael have known each other for awhile, and he was there when Michael came home for Iraq. My husband never shows any emotion, and while he may not say anything I am sure he worries in the back of his mind. I, on the other hand, have no problems showing emotions, but was able to hold it together today, thank goodness!

Singh, stay safe and come home soon! We still have to go that steakhouse!

Singh and Michael at Michael's homecoming ceremony.

When can I go to a homecoming ceremony instead?

August Already?

Last year I was so excited for August because my husband was going to be home the NEXT month! This summer however, it just means the end of summer is drawing closer. We will be back to school in exactly three weeks, and hockey starts in one and a half. Oh my!

Meanwhile my sleep schedule is completely thrown off! I have been falling asleep around 12 and sleeping until 10. Not only will that not be beneficial in three weeks, but my poor husband who gets up around 6 has been going to bed way too late! He is exhausted. I need to start forcing myself to start getting up around 8 so my schedule won't be so bad when school starts. Of course hockey will help with this because we practice at 7! I know, crazy!

I really would like to get some day trips in within the next week or so, just the husband and I. Our work schedules won't be cooperating with that though. I am still working until Labor day, even if it's just weekends once school starts, and Michael is still on orders until he starts coaching football. Oh well. As long as I get to see him for more then 30 minutes I will be ok!

What are your plans for the rest of the summer? Are you ready for fall?