Expanding my horizons

Thanks to my awesome partner, he has expanded my horizons, and we are discussing a Christmas Euro vacation. It saddens me I may not be with fmaily, but the thought of spending Christmas in a cute little German or French village sounds amazing and quaint.

I also would love to be en Espana durante that time.



I listen to this song about a dozen times a year - even when it is not Christmas. I'm on round 3 of it so far tonight.

Spanish Harlem

It wasn't until I heard Frankie Valli sing it that I appreciated and began to love the song.

And it wasn't until I heard Frankie Valli sing it that I knew "Spanish Harlem" was a place... and I want to visit it... I have only been up in Harlem once, and it was by accident. I also want to visit up by Columbia... haha

RIP Ben E. King

Did you know Spanish Harlem was written by Phil Spector?






Oh, and speaking of Frankie Valli, I bawled in Jersey Boys, the movie, when his daughter died. I was on the plane headed to NYC.

Oh, and on another tangent I would be the person going through Spanish Harlem playing this song as I did. And when I go to NY the ubiquitous song I have to play on my iPhone before I arrive is "Empire State of Mind"E



And anytime I am leaving on a jetplane I have to play this song.

Down 7

I've been doing cardio 3-4 times a week at the gym. Guess it is paying off. I'm down 7 pounds. From 171, which was my absolute highest weight ever, to 164. I vowed I will not let 171 show ever again. Down to 164 and dropping.

BDay Weekend

Spent the weekend in San Clemente for my partner's birthday. Asked him what he wanted to do and where he wanted to go. San Clemente was where he decided. We lvoe going there for a weekend getaway. Small town, fun shops, good restaurants. Lots of margaritas and wine. Lots of flirting. Went down to Oceanside after and then headed home. Great weekend.

Birthday Card

Sent The Guy a birthday card and have yet to hear from him. And I don't expect to.

I have posted a couple of comments to things he posted on facebook and don't get a reply when other people do. Oh well. I tried.

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...