On the cusp of something good

I've blogged about my coworkers several times before. I have to say I put in so much less work than at my previous school, but I know I am still effective. I have implemented the new standards effortlessly, have been sent to several trainings, have been asked to take new leadership roles on campus (one of the lead testing teachers for the new state testing, lead staff development, and more). I was just elected to that state committee. Now I am receiving a district honor in a few days. I recently also just applied for a technology grant and am receiving thousands of dollars for my classroom to go completely paperless. I am starting my admin credential - not because I want to be a principal, I have no want. I want to just have it to use for maybe something related to curriculum. But in the meantime I have no want - I like where I'm at - I don't work real hard, but I work efficiently, and am rewarded. I like that I have the respect of students and admin. But I feel something amazing, some incredible opportunity may be around the corner for me with all the successes I've had this year at this school. Its hard to describe this feeling - like when you know you're onto something, and you feel good, that's how I feel. Like when you know you are about to rewarded for your success...

Adnauseum post about cars

You guys know I keep talking about buying a car... or wanting a car... its a dead horse with me

I have a former coworker who wants to buy my car - he will give me KBB or greater for it. I could get about $5,500-6,500 for my car. It is a 2008 with 103,000 miles.

I like my car - I get about 30mpg, its a compact, it has bluetooth, no-key ignition, and more. It has a few problems - some paint is chipping and missing from an unfortunate tire incident.

But sometimes I see car deals and am tempted.

I like the idea of a lot of leases right now - $129 a month, $900 down for 24 or 36 months, $169 a month and $0 drive off. Lots of deals. I dislike the idea of not owning something, a little higher insurance because of a lease, and the chance of any damage that may occur that I may have to pay for.

My partner is encouraging me to sell my car if I can get that much for it. He has 3 cars, and says I can drive any 1 of those. My everyday car would become an older model SUV. I like the idea - I would save money - unless gas prices go up anymore ($3.00 costs $50.00 to fill the SUV up). The thing is my car is my freedom, and I have a hard time giving that up, though there is no reason not to...

I'm unsure if I want to lease or buy. I know if I want to buy I want to wait...

Retro TV Shows

Just came across a bunch of TV shows and other things I used to watch on youtube...


The Wuzzles. Rhinokie


Kids Incorporated


Under the Umbrella Tree. Gloria and Holly were great. Jacob was a spaz.


Where in the World is Carmen San Diego?
Had many friends appear on that.


Pound Puppies
Cooler was my favorite. He was so cool.


Just the Ten of Us
Loved the Lubbock Babes. And Marie was my favorite.


Alf
I would watch for hours on end. Have almost every episode memorized word for word still to this day.

Summer Questionnaire

Memorial Day Weekend

1. Memorial Day is a day of remembrance but it also signifies the "Official" start of summer. What are your plans for the weekend?

I will be in Tampa/Orlando departing on a 7 day cruise with my partner and some friends.


2. What is your most and least favorite thing about summer?

Relaxing and traveling are among my favorites, as well as no schedule. 
Least favorite things include wearing shorts - I think shorts don't look as complete as pants, and I feel naked wearing them. 
Oh, and sweating sucks. Hyperhydrosis. Ick. I have sweaty hands and feet especially int he summer.
3. What do you think of when I say "Bar-B-Que"?

Lucille's. Google it. 

4. What is your favorite summer food?

Taco Salad

5. Are you in swim suit shape yet?

Nope... got about 10 pounds to lose. Damn me for not losing 10 pounds in this past month by not eating. 


6. Given the choice, which do you prefer: ocean, lake or pool?

Do I have to choose? Who wants a pool? Maintenance. And water. Ick. Ocean... sand... and sand is bad. And lake... well, walking around it isn't bad. I guess. 


7. Which summer blockbuster movie are you most looking forward to seeing?

None - not a fan of going to the movie theater

8. Summer reading - What? Recommendations?

gay erotica, cheap reads on amazon's kindle site
Biographies - Currently reading Carole King's bio


9. Vacation Plans? If you can't, what would you do if you could?

Cruise this weekend, Vegas hopefully a few times (fingers crossed), a road trip to Salt Lake hopefully

10. Did you ever have to go to summer school?

Yes... got a D+ in Algebra II because I sucked at math, and Carlos was a horrible teacher. 


Bonus - Sex on the Beach?

Every happy hour.

Does size really matter?

Quiz from  bySean of Just a Jeep Guy.   
  1. How big is your TV screen?  - The TV I had at my parents that I bought from The Guy was 46.'' With my partner we have a 47'', 42'', and 13''. 
  
  2. How big is your hard drive? - 500GB, 1 TB external
  3. How big is your home? Is it too big or too small?  - My parents house was 888 square feet, which for 4 people was too small. My house with my partner is just right for the 2 of us at 2,100 square feet. It was truly moving on up.
 4. How big is your waistline? Is it too big or too small?  - Too big. 30'' right now. I was 29'' for over 2 1/2 years, and would like to go back to that. It sure as hell not get bigger.
5. How big are your pets? - The cats are all fully grown, except for the kitten. 
6. How big is your car?  - Compact, a Sentra
7. How big are your biceps?  - There's some muscle there, thank you.
8. How big is your ego? - Ask my students at work, and they'd say big. The world revolves around me. Cry me a river and get over it. Outside of work, it's small.
9. Who's currently the biggest ass?- The students at work
10. Who's currently the biggest loser? - Me. My stomach hurts right now - it is in a knot over work drama. 
11. How big is your bank account? - There's currently $167 in it. You tell me... By the end of this weekend it will pretty much be gone since we are going away, food will probably be about $100, then I need to fill the gas tank on my car, so that's about $40, and I'm sure something will come up. 

 BONUS

How big is your sexual organ?    7'' cut, long and skinny
Is it big enough?  Yes, but bigger is better. Wanna see? hahah 
How do you like your partner to be sized?  Can it be too big/small?  YAs long as it is not super small, 5 1/2'' or better will suffice. I'm not being fucked by a really large one, say 7'' or better.
Does size really matter?   Yes, I like looking at big dicks.

Laugh Laugh

Over at Sean's blog, Just a Jeep Guy, he posted a survey, and I decided to do it to relax and calm down after a week of hell.

 1. Do you have a good laugh? Do you like it?

It has gotten better, and I'm ok with it. 

 2. Do you have a sense of humor? What kind?

My sense of humor is dry and campy at times. 

 3. How important is a sense of humor in a mate?

It is very important. My man has a great sense of humor, much like mine, yet different.

 4. Are you attracted to one type of humor over another?

Dry humor. 

People who state the obvious in a funny way like Chelsea Handler

 5. Can being really funny make an "unfortunate looking" person sexy and attractive to you?

Yes, some people are over the top.

 6. Fart jokes are_______! 

My favorite. Potty humor makes me laugh constantly. Joke time. Here's the kind of jokes I like.

Q= What was William Shakespeare's greatest decision he had to make as a baby?

A= To pee or not to pee.

LMAO.

 7. Do you embarrass easily?

Yes. Sometimes

 8. Do you tend to wear silly t-shirts? Do you have a favorite? 
Nope. I wear pretty conservative t-shirts.

 9. Do you make faces or strike a pose when having your picture taken? 
I put on a nice smile because I have some really horrid photos where I didn't smile or tried to make a bad pose.

10. Which is the funniest movie you've seen? 
Ummm... I don't know.

11. Do clowns scare you or make you laugh?
Laugh? I don't know, nothing wrong with them.

BONUS

What's the funniest thing to happen to you while having sex?

Passing gas when being fucked?

iPhone 5

1. What kind of smart phone do you have?
the new iPhone 5

2. Necessity, accessory or my right arm?
Necessity and accessory - I like to stay in contact, I like to be in the know with news, etc... and who can't resist a sexy iPhone in their hand, and a white one at that?

3. Top three favorite apps?
Pandora, Facebook, Yelp

4. How much do you use your smart phone for calling, texting and data (email, games, movies)?
WWF is a daily thing. 
Calling is important too. 
Texting - not a fan, but you send me one and I'll send you one back
And internet right in your hands? Sign me up.

5. Phone sex? Sextxting? Hookup apps?
Uh... no.

6. Has your smart phone replaced your camera?
Nope, only when I don't have one nearby

Bonus
It's 3 am. You're in trouble. What's the trouble and who do you call?
My BF or The Guy, then my parents. 

TMI Thursday: Drink! Drink! Drink!

TMI Thursday: DRINK! DRINK! DRINK!

1.  Are you a cheap date?

Nope. I like Jack and Coke, or sapphire and tonic. Don't try to skimp me on cheap whiskey. It has to be jack, Black velvet is ok, or Lord Calvert. Southern Comfort doesn't cut it.  Expensive drinks. 

2. What is your favorite drink? (you can have different ones for different occasions)

A night with friends at a nice dinner or the one I love: wine, especially red in the winter

A night out with friends: sapphire and tonic or jack and coke

At a Mexican restaurant: a margarita

A night out where I'm getting tipsy: jack and cokes with a sapphire

Always open to try new things

A romantic night out, a night at a steakhouse: a Manhattan... call me old fashioned

3. Worst experience?

This. No rum. EVER. Mimosas are nasty. Rum and coke is horrible. 

4. Beer goggles?

Sure...

5. What's the funniest thing you've done while drinking?

I get very touchy and hit everyone/everything. I love a good bulge in a guy's pants.

Bonus

Ever drunk dial?

Nope... only texted...

Buy a house?

My life took a turn I never thought it would - I am about to move in with a guy. I had been setting a personal timeline in my mind to move out by the time I am at the end of the 2nd year of my job. Housing prices are crazy here in California, so I figured I would be moving into an apartment for a short time.

I have been looking at houses recently on a website and eyeing a particular neighborhood, an older neighborhood, built post WWII and the houses in the area range from 1946-60. The houses range from 1,000 to 1,600 square feet. The houses are all well kept and almost all have redone kitchens and bathrooms. The costs range from $140-180k.

I don't plan to be moving into one of these as I'm about to move into a nice modern house with my BF, but I have been encouraged by our friends J&B to have a house as a rental. Mike says it should be local so I don't have the problems J&B do.

Being a teacher I can qualify for some special programs for low down payments etc. I have been playing around with some statistics and seeing what I can afford using online mortgage calculators.

Sample
$165,900 house
$15,000 down (9%)
Loan left is $150,900
Interest rate about 2.75-3%
Term - 30 years
Monthly payment would be about $616.04
Property tax rate about 1.25% to be about $2,100 a year
Insurance about $1,000 a year
Monthly payment about $872 including taxes/insurance

The house could be a good investment, a place to move into if things were to not work out... Would be nice to rent out because I am local and can keep an eye on it - not like J&B who have investment properties all over.

I know that no more than 1/4 to 1/3 at most should be dedicated to your house payment, and that would be a little less than 1/3 of my income.

Should I save for a larger down payment and more expensive house?

Thoughts? I'm sure this won't be in the next couple months, but something I think about over the next several months. There is one house though, that I REALLY like at the moment and has a Palm Springs look and feel to it with modern updates and this funky Victorian bathroom. The bathroom would need help.

Useless random babble

I think I need an iPod touch to go next to my bed so I can stream pandora radio. I often fall asleep listening to the radio or TV.

I just recently learned how to use the sleep function on the TV.

I can fall asleep without those vices, but there are nights my mind wanders.

I want to go line dancing.

I need new t-shirts. I buy tons every year only to dislike them after wearing them a couple times.

Tshirts just seem to wear out.

I went to Nordstrom Rack the other day and found several 7 Diamonds shirts I wanted for only $34 (regular $75-100), but they were all smalls.

I went to the Rack closest to my house - 30 miles close - and they had none. Pobrecito.

My dad thinks I should hyphenate my last name. I've always gone by my last name, as my mom, and sister. He says given my interest in Spanish culture I should do it. I already think I have the coolest last name, so that would be really uncool doing that. FYI in Spanish culture it is the father's last name + the mother's last name.

I had a convo with my bf about last names the other day and he said it would have to be his last name and then mine because of the flow. He wasn't too keen on my last name though, but it is awesome sauce, so I don't know what he's talking about.

I loathe hot weather.

I am so grateful I have an awesome car dealer who did some "warranty work" for me on my car even though it is out of warranty.

TV Land seems to be putting jingles on all their shows, and while they're harsh, I like the thought.

Oh, and I love the new ABC 7 Eyewitness News iPhone alarm app. Alysha, Garth, Phillip, and Leslie are waking me up every morning.

You mean to tell me?

I know its no secret so many foods contain bugs. Many breads contain human hair, etc. But my favorite Starbucks drink, really?! At least I'm pretty damn good at making them at a fraction of the calories and more of a strawberry taste...

Radio Nerd

I am a radio nerd as if you didn't know. Love the radio. Love the DJs. Love the variety of music. Love well programmed stations. One of my newest favorite things is the RadioPup or iHeart Radio apps. I love to get in the car, select a radio station from another part of the country, and imagine I'm there as I drive.

Guys wearing rings

Do you wear a ring?

I did for many years - I had even as a kid from practically the day I was born. I had a neighbor who was from South Africa and said it was a tradition and sign of good luck. She always made sure I had a ring. I wore one up until at least high school I'd say, and then again in junior year when I got my class ring. I stopped around the end of high school, but have been again recently. I found my class ring a few weeks back, had it resized, and it fits. I know I graduated several years ago and it isn't current - I don't have a college ring, but I have a beautiful white gold ring with a blue sapphire stone that is very different from the traditional rings, and the topic of guys wearing rings/class rings came up in one of my classes when a kid asked what they were. I told, and promised to wear mine. The kids think it's the coolest thing... next to my watches...

Maybe I need a new ring... like a ring on my finger... lol.

I've seen so many guys, guys I know who are not engaged, married, just wearing rings. Is it in? Have they been doing it all along?

I feel like I should update

I'm just getting back into the swing of things after vacation. Work is going really well, but it has been a stressful week. I've been at school until nearly 5pm each day as my partner teacher told me Sunday night to discard whatever lessons I was planning on teaching and to follow her lessons. I looked at them, but didn't understand them due to her technology issues. She gave me the information 5 minutes before class started Monday morning, so I muddled through it- consequently I was at school until nearly 5 preparing for the next day. I was at school until 3:30 on Tuesday - I left early only because I had an appointment. On Wednesday I was winging it from period to period because I realized her lessons didn't work for my students. Every minute of my prep period was spent preparing for my final periods of the day. I was at school until nearly 5 again. Today I was much more prepared and prepared a bunch of handouts for today that made my job 1000x easier. Partner teacher loved the handouts I created and was insistent to get her hands on them. I had been planning to do this regardless of whether it was her lesson or mine, because we were both eventually doing the same thing. The next 2 months will probably be this stressful and it isn't for a lack of preparation, it is the nature of the unit we are studying, where you can do the best job trying to anticipate what will happen, but due to unforseen issues like technology, slower learners, and the many different behaviors I am just doing my best.I know the end results from this unit will be amazing. I am looking forward to the end result and going through this process with partner teacher.

I was in bed at 7:30 on Wednesday night - I was that tired.

Radio Post

I <3 iHeartRadio, radiopup, and Radio.com apps for my iPhone that let me listen to other stations across the country, and here's a few observations.

Many midwest country stations are much better programmed than KFRG or KKGO here in the LA metropolitan area as many play 80s, 90s, and today. I found one station in Montana playing Chris Ledoux, Patti Loveless, and others I grew up listening to when at my grandma's house.

Best programmed stations in my opinion:

Jersey 101.5 - Jersey's talk station, but in the late night hours they go to a classic hits format with a lot of Frankie Valli and the 4 Seasons and Grassroots mixed in.

WSOC 103.7 Charlotte - Interesting DJs and an excellent mix of country songs have had me listening in the early morning hours out here in Cali

Z100 NY - I like their song previews prior to every commercial break and frequent traffic reports make me feel like I'm in NYC even if I'm not. Elvis Duran's show has a lot of callers and is fast paced, which I like- the topics discussed also interest me. A nice mix of old hits sprinkled in... A nice alternative to KIIS FM en Los Angeles

KCBS 880 - One of my other favorite late night listens that make me feel like I'm in the Bay Area with their frequent traffic updates.

Star 94.1 and Star 101.3 in San Diego and the Bay Area area are KBIG 104's sister stations and much better programmed in my opinion as there is much more variety. KBIG has been trying with a few flashback hits, but there's still a long ways to go for the repetition.

Many of the stations I've listened to in Chicago, Florida, and Phoenix, and Vegas sound very current and not a lot of variety regardless of genre.

Birthday Thoughts

My birthday is coming up, and I'm super excited. I have the day off work, it is on a weekend, and I will be getting to spend time with good friends/family. It is so nice!!!

Little could be better than last year's birthday that was so nice...

Unlike last year, I know what I want to do. I would like a little bit of surprise mixed in...

One thing I would like to do would be to:
- Do dinner with my good friends like Darla, Gonzo, The Guy, his boyfriend, JO Buddy, and his boyfriend - and no qualms this year because Mike has met all of them with the exception of Darla and Gonzo --- this will probably happen the weekend after my birthday

- I do know the boyfriend gets an invite with my family whatever restaurant I decide. Right now I'm deciding between Spanish and Italian.

Regardless, I'm anxious and looking forward to a day of surprises and spending time with those I love.

Because I was a kid of the 90s...

I had to think about what the top toys of the 90s were prior to reading this story. 5-6 came to mind and here's my list:

1. Tomagotchi's/Nano's
2. Furbies - 1998
3. Pogs -1st grade for me
4. Tickle Me Elmos- 1996
5. Beanie Babies
6. Nintendo 64, Sega, Playstation
7. Gameboys

... And here's what the "researchers" said... I got several correct, but no Furby? No Tickle Me Elmo?

Press Your Luck/Whammy

Does anyone remember this 80s game show? I just found out you can play it online and it is so addicting!!!

Jabbing Keith

I run into Keith 2-3 times a week at the gym. I ran into him Tuesday night as I was working on the bicep machine that looks across to the bikes he was sitting, and waved at me. I ignored him and turned my head. I walked by him later and he went out of his way to wave and put his hand in my face- I mean about a foot from my face and put his body forward to make sure I saw him. I just smiled.

I ran into him again Wednesday night in the parking lot. He said "what's up Mr. Mike-eeeee?" I said, "nothing." Then this is how the conversation went... OBVIOUSLY NOT WORD FOR WORD... BUT GENERAL IDEA
Keith: What's new with you?
Me: Nothing.
Keith: You always seem so busy and preoccupied. I tried to say hi to you last night.
Me: Oh, I didn't notice. I was thinking about something.
Keith: Durrrr.
Me: Is there some law that said I had to notice Keith? I guess I see you 2-3 times a week and it is getting hard to ignore you.
Keith: Someone's got a tude tonight.
Me: Damn right.
Keith: Well, I've been busy. Work has been slow, but I have 2-3 good projects coming up that will supplement my income... it's so hard being self employed you know...
Me: And here we go again, all about Keith. Is it ever about Mike?
Keith: Well, how are you?
Me: Fine.
Keith: What is new with you?
Me: Nothing.
Keith: Well that's good.
Me: I guess I'll come clean and tell you what it is that is bothering me. It started back in probably November or December when we went to dinner and you stuck me with a bill after you said that you would pay after spending the afternoon with you working on a project.
Keith: Yes, oh, that, you could afford it.
Me: No, not when I was in the middle of my student teaching, not when I hadn't been paid in 2-3 months, not when I was saving for things like Christmas, etc., and was relying on my parents.
Keith: Oh, you should have just asked me later and I would have paid it after.
Me: Like come back to you a week or two after this? What does that mean? What the hell does it mean?
Keith: Well, I don't want to lose your friendship over dinner. I'm so glad you are telling me this. It is not a big deal. It already happened. I can take you out for drinks.
Me: It was more than that. It was that I was being used- your ride home from the airport after Christmas, you being so particular on splitting the bill when we went and got drinks at Islands, when you asked me to dog sit and didn't really bother to thank me like you said you would.
Keith: Well, thank you.
Me: Um. OK?
Keith: Well I don't want to lose your friendship over this.
Me: Oh. Um. Well, I don't mind.
Keith: I look at it as favors. I do a favor for you, you do one for me. Friendship is all about favors.
Me: And being used.
Keith: Well, why didn't you just tell me this in the beginning?
Me: I can hold grudges. I don't forget. It seemed like a good idea. I'm still not forgiving. I was deeply hurt and am bothered.
Keith: Do I need to take you out for drinks? Dinner? Lend you money? You name it.
Me: And so you can just use me later? And are you actually going to pay?
Keith: Well, yes, I'm doing a favor, and that's what friends do.
Me: Oh. That's nice. I'm usually pretty busy.
Keith: I know. Well I'm in a relationship now, I'm preparing for the AIDS Life Cycle, I'm training with Eddie, and he's training me, and what's funny is he can run long distances, but I can out bike him.
Me: Oh.
Keith: I thought at the gym you were just preoccupied.
Me: It's so easy to ignore you, and felt so good, especially after what you did to me.
Keith: I thought you were in a new relationship and were being quiet because you couldn't hang out with me.
Me: I'm in a relationship where there is a guy controlling me? Please. No.
Keith: Well, I figured you could be in a relationship and I was hoping you just didn't need me anymore.
Me: It doesn't take me being in a relationship to see that I don't need you.
Keith: Well, I'm glad we talked.
Me: Oh. Ok...
Keith: Let's hug. Let's make up.
Me: Uh... no.
Keith: Ok... well that's splendipity. I'm so gee golly darn excited now to have talked.
Me: And I'm excited I can go home. We may have talked, but it doesn't mean I'm forgiving.
Keith: Well, now we know the problem wasn't that big...
Me: Bye.
We part ways.

He texts me about 20 minutes later saying how glad he was that we talked. I didn't reply.

I hate finding visible spelling errors on well-known websites

Notice "LIttle Rock"

Shame.