Franklin & Other Thoughts

Beer is living proof that God loves us and wants us to be happy.- Benjamin Franklin

I said on my facebook page that I'd be taking mine in a glass of wine. I love beer too, but didn't feel like purchasing any at the end of the day. I had promised myself that I wouldn't be blogging about anything school related this year. Every school year, I come in with rose colored glasses. Probably too optimistic. In the world of special education you know you are going to be dealt a tough hand. I've also always worked around the "at-risk" population, so I really feel any amount of optimism is really a need; however, I've been thrown yet another curve ball and had to move my entire classroom today. They are turning it into another computer lab. This was very disappointing as I spent a couple of afternoons before contracted time putting everything together from yet another previous move. While I know I will never get back the precious time my paras and myself spent putting together the room, I know we are in the business for the kids. The kids are why we folks in education get up and go to our jobs in the morning. Therefore, although I am disappointed, I realized good instruction and services can occur in any setting. Yes, even a broom closet. My youngest sister told me last night that she will always be grateful for the support staff and pull out instruction she received as she would not be where she is today unless she would of had it. With these thoughts of good instruction, support, and a good glass of wine I can forgive the whole situation and move on.

What I Love About Kansas

So just the other day, I was ranting and raving to my work colleagues about how much I really strongly distaste living in Kansas. While I feel very blessed to have a lovely home, good friends, a great job, and not to mention a husband with a great job I often miss my friends and family back in Iowa. It is hard some days and my biggest fear is that when I do get pregnant, I will be all alone with no help. Just as hard as is it is for us to get back to Iowa, our families struggle with visiting us here in Kansas City. This weekend, however, my dad and his wife, Brenda, made the trip south and helped us cut down a nagging tree in our backyard. I got my firsthand experience with hedge trimmers and cleaned up our bushes. It was super cool and I felt like Edward Scissor Hands only electric. After some afternoon relaxation, we drove over to Lawrence, Kansas . If you've never been to Lawrence, I highly suggest you go. It is one of the things I love about Kansas. Nestled in the heart of ultra-conservative liquor laws and evangelism, is the uber liberal city of Lawrence, home to the University of Kansas. We gave my parents a tour of campus and then went to Massachusetts Street for dinner. Although Lawrence is never short of hippies, freaks, geeks, and punks we were lucky enough to witness even more of this mesh as there was some sort of a street fair. The other thing I love about Kansas is its history. I could go on and on about all the fantastic history here. One of the historical sights in Lawrence is a hotel with a lovely restaurant establishment called The Jayhawker. The hotel was burnt down twice during the horrific boarder war between Kansas, a free state during the Civil War days, and Missouri, which was a slave state. Above you can see the dedication to the hotel which resides in the lobby. Finally, I love the weather here most of the time. We could not have asked for a better weekend. The winters are a lot more mild and there is always more fall to enjoy. Really, I think it is probably about time I give living here a break and enjoy it already:) There is plenty to love!

Farmstead Stampede

Saturday, Justin and I got up bright and early to run in the Mayor's Farmstead Stampede at Deana Rose. Deana Rose is a petting zoo/ farm replica which has been featured on my blog before. I was very proud of my time finishing 22nd out of 41 for the 25-29 year old female category in 32 minutes and 40 seconds. Justin finished 28th out of 31 on runners for the 30-354 year old male category in 34 minutes and 52 seconds. This was our second 5k run and we both feel good about finishing another race.

Garage Sales

I had never been garage selling before, but it is a pretty good time. The idea struck us after we had gotten some coffee. Justin mentioned that there appeared to be a large assortment of sales around the neighborhood and said he'd come along if I wanted to go. So, we did and even ventured out to some of the more posh neighborhoods out west. There were some good ones with cheap furniture and some weird ones with a lady selling her sons' toys, happily selling away and smoking her cigarette. The day was a great success and I got a little stepping stool for $2. I've been looking for one for quite some time. I think this might have to become a monthly outing for us as Justin is really fun to go garage selling with.

Sweet Summer

Although the summer season is in gear for about another six weeks, my summer vacay is quickly coming to an end. Our school building opened for teachers to come in today. I plan on going in tomorrow to begin putting the classroom together. Really, there are just too many little things I need to get done at home in order to maintain life as we know it. It was funny because I was in Sam's Club yesterday afternoon and ran into our school psychologist. She said the same thing along with a few words of wisdom, "I just have to keep reminding myself that life doesn't end at home just because school is starting." And it's true, it doesn't; however, you all know how it is with putting little projects off till the weekend. Then, the weekend rolls around and you decide to put it off till later, and later, and later. For example, we have all these lovely picture frames we got as wedding gifts. Have I done anything with them? No. That is, not until yesterday. Hence, the trip to Sam's Club to finally print the pictures from years past and finally place them in our picture frames to remember all the sweet memories. Anyhow, so no memories get lost in digital photo wonderland on our computer, here are some of the good times we have relished in over the summer:

1. Friday nights on Larry and Lisa's patio. Larry and Lisa both work at city hall with Justin. This summer, we have spent many Friday nights on their patio enjoying the weather, good food, cocktails, and the pets. One night, Dan brought over his three dogs. It was a very enjoyable evening.

2. Baseball. Last night we went to a Royal's game with Jeff and Joe. Jeff and Joe are two engineer friends of Justin and are a riot to hang out with. We got to see Ken Griffey Jr. and all the new additions to Kauffman Stadium. It got me thinking…what song would you have playing when you go up to bat?

3. Weekends in Iowa. Last week, I traveled to Iowa to visit friends and family. At the end of the week, I traveled to Greenfield, IA for my sister in law's baby shower. Then, I headed down to Creston, IA to visit my good friends Jen & Joe Kenyon. I ate a ton of sweet corn and got to be there for Jen's body art. I am censoring the activity by stating it is body art, as Jen's mom and sister (who would not approve of such body markings) do not yet know about Jen's branding.

It has been a fabulous summer. Really, I have no complaints. It has been filled with all the good stuff summer is all about.