What Goes Around Comes Around

You should know that. 
What goes around comes around, Yeahhh… 

My Mamaw used to say, “What goes around comes around.” (She also said, “If you can’t say anything nice don’t say anything at all”, which I chose to ignore because I was afraid I’d never be able to utter a word!)

What does it mean? Basically it means that the things you do (to others) will come back to you. It ties into do unto others, we reap what we sow, karma. Apparently, with all the quotes addressing the situation, it used to be more important or at least in more people’s thoughts than today.

In this case it was really a form of bullying. Almost everyone has experienced bullying at one time or another. If you weren’t the bully maybe you were a participant, as an onlooker. And if you weren’t the bully or the observer then you were most likely a victim.

Bullying is a hot topic lately. There are many tragic stories of young people being bullied and the dire actions sometimes taken to end the torment. Sadly, adults are not immune. Bullies exist in the workplace, just as they did throughout the 12 or so years of school. They may not be quite as obvious as they were then, but they are definitely there.

I’m not one to wish ill will on people. However, there are times when I think it’s acceptable to want people to get what’s coming to them. It was pure luck that I was able to witness this first hand. And I enjoyed every second. Do I feel guilty for being happy? Not a bit. Do I feel guilty that a couple of us went out and actually toasted to the event? Well, maybe a little.

Things are back to normal now. Well, it’s better than normal, for me anyway. And hopefully it will stay that way. But the old bullies are replaced by new ones. And I see the fresh victims and know they pretty much just have to grin and bear it. And my heart hurts for them.

Don't wanna talk about it (uh) 
I'm just so sick about it...

I really intended that this year would be different, in blogging anyway. I thought I’d set up a schedule and post more frequently. Alas, life happens and maybe I did heed my Mamaw’s advice. If I don’t have anything to say I don’t say anything at all!

My DS brought me roses for Valentine's Day. Sweet! And the best present of course is our sweet Belle who turned 5 years old!

Red roses for mom!

Belle in her poncho and hat that WE like! ha ha

Getting back in the swing of things is harder than it sounds! And I’ll try to post more often. And knit more often! Here’s a picture of a scarf for a friend. She bought the yarn and asked me to make her something. I don’t usually do that, unless I like you, and I happened to like her and it was a pattern I wanted to try, so it was a win win.

Pretty picture, much better than mine!

I also did some simple little hearts to get into the spirit of Valentines. Somebody liked them so I gave her a strand. Something so simple and she said it really made her day! And who knows? It can always come back around!

Hearts everywhere!

What goes around, goes around, goes around, comes all the way back around. 
Yeah.

Holiday

Before I run far away 

I need to take a holiday.  

Maybe it's a fall from grace, 

I gotta find a new place... 

It was spring break, and because both my husband and I are employed in the field of education, we got a vacation. For the first time, my office actually closed. In the past, I took vacation to be off when my kids were. And for once my husband also had the full week off. Usually, his staff, even though the entire school is closed, is on duty for a few days. This year too, which isn’t always the norm, 80% or so of the state had the same week off for their spring break. The kids are grown and gone but that meant Evan didn’t have to go to school either!

So we loaded the truck, and with a startling resemblance to the Beverly Hillbillies, except for the rocking chair on top, headed out. I know you’re probably thinking I’ve exaggerated when I said we looked like the Beverly Hillbillies. But I assure you, I wasn’t kidding! We were already packed, with me and everything else in the back seat, because it was looking a bit rainy and the truck is, well, a truck, so anything outside might get wet, and an extra passenger. All was snug and we hadn’t yet added two car-seats, at least two more suitcases, assorted necessities, like toys, cookies, pillows, blankets, and of course, three littles. We stopped to gather them and finally, with ‘stuff’ piled in every possible place, everyone strapped in, three in front and three in back, we were really off. It was cozy. Let the break (?) begin!

And they loaded up the truck...

The trip to the mountain house in New Mexico, from our house in Texas, is about 300 miles. It takes about six hours and that’s with very few detours. We only stopped to drop our extra passenger off where everybody refreshed and we were on the road again. The littles are fairly good travelers. You learn to be when you live out here in the middle of nowhere.

I’m not sure what time we got to the house but it was snowing. Not just a little, either. It was really snowing. We unloaded and Alan went down the hill for supplies. One thing about the location of the mountain house; if the weather is bad there’s a really big possibility after going down you won’t be able to get back up the mountain. That is, if you can get down! Slipping and sliding, he made it down and back. I put some soup on and we settled in for the night.

Me in the snow

About 7 inches of snow.

What a view!

Pork 'n Bean soup...recipe on Family Flavorites Tab

The snow was beautiful. There was about 7 inches at the house. We made snow ice-cream the next day. The kids were going to make a snowman but it was really too cold! They went out and looked around then came back in for hot chocolate. I found a blanket, a book, and some knitting, and settled in on the couch! I was reading Mary Higgins Clark, “I’ll Walk Alone”. It deals with identity theft and kept me interested from the start until the end. By late afternoon the roads were clear enough to wander around and the temperature was starting to rise.

Reading and knitting...Mary Higgins Clark...one of my favorite authors.

I had a birthday while we were there. Alan made me a cake. He baked it in a 9x9 square pan. I asked if he knew there was a 9x13 pan. I asked if he followed the high altitude directions. I got a blank stare so I guessed he didn’t! He and the kids took me to eat then we came back to the house for cake. I had a little help with the candles!

The birthday cake!

We had a good time, relaxing and just taking it easy. It’s nice to be away from the everyday stress of life!

Where's the snow?

Where the deer and the antelope play...

A new start 

I've broken too many hearts 

And I don't have any clue where to go 

I don't know 

But maybe I'll be back someday after my holiday 

I saw a cool thing on Pinterest. It was weaving on an old CD. I had a bunch so I gathered some yarn and took some CDs and the littles gave it a try. Evan really liked it. Belle could do it too and chanted, “Over, under, over, under” the whole time. Caleb did about two rounds and he was finished. He’d much rather play dinosaurs! But they turned out cute, don’t you think? Oh, and to show how behind I am...they didn't know what a CD was. It's a DVD Mamye!

Evan weaving...over, under, over, under

The little's projects! Here's more creative ideas!

A holiday.
I'll set off on a new chase.
I gotta see a new face.
I need to take a holiday...

May The Bird Of Paradise Fly Up Your Nose

I heard him say as I made my retreat, 

"May the bird of paradise fly up your nose…” 

Would you be suspicious if someone who doesn’t speak to you suddenly comes by and chats you up for about ten or more minutes? Yeah, me too. And I don’t know where it came from, but after it was over I had an overwhelming urge to say, “May the bird of paradise fly up your nose!” I didn’t. But I thought it. And I also thought that it would probably be most painful if a bird flew up your nose. And if it did happen I’d much rather it is someone else’s nose than mine.

There’s a funny thing about birds. They can do all sorts of things. They can tell secrets. When I did something that wasn’t quite on the up and up, some dumb little birdie always told my mom. But that’s to be suspected when they have that bird’s eye view of things going on. And all the while I thought I was free as a bird turned out I was just a sitting duck with some stool pigeon reporting all my moves. I never did figure out who it was. However, after she got over being mad as a wet hen she’d let me fly the coop. As I got older I realized she really was a wise old owl.

Check our Our Creative Spaces for all kinds of inspiration!

My grandmother always told me she ate like a bird. That is, until I told her that birds eat constantly and sometimes eat up to twice their weight in food, daily. I guess she didn’t want to know that as she gave me the old eagle eye the rest of that day. To prove a point, (I suppose anyway), there weren’t any snacks that day until supper. As my stomach growled, I really felt liked I’d cooked my own goose!

Speaking of grandmother, I guess my sister and I weren’t always good little girls at her house. Grandmother insisted on being called Grandmother. She wasn’t a mam or a nanny or even a grandma type person. But one thing she definitely hated was to be called granny. Granny was what they called my great grandmother, my granddaddy’s mother, or her mother-in-law. Now, I can understand. Anyway, my sister and I, sitting naked as jay birds in the bathtub, would call for her when we were ready to get out. I don’t know why we had to wait for her. Seems like she was afraid we’d fall or maybe she wanted to make sure we’d washed with soap. Whatever the reason, we would call out, “Granny, we’re done!” Well, maybe it was just me who’d call out while my sister giggled. There would be no answer. Birds of a feather that we were, we (or I) would try again. In a voice sweet as a nightingale I’d cry out, “Granny, we’re done!” Nothing. Finally, shriveled and shivering in the cold bathwater, one of us would call, “Grandmother, we’re done!” Quick as that old roadrunner, she’d dash in, grab us up with a towel and all was well. Meep Meep. She was a sly old bird!

I may just start saying “may the bird of paradise fly up your nose.” I kind of like the sound of it! I can have a “Pretty Woman” plan in the eaves. You know, I almost peed my pants, Pirates of Penzance. Most people just ask how you’re doing to say something when you pass each other in the hall or on the street. They don’t listen and they most likely really don’t care. So if I answer with “may the bird of paradise fly up your nose”, would they even notice? Probably not, but in case they did and asked what I’d just said, I could say, “hey, I really like your clothes.” Or maybe “you’ve got something on your nose.” Or how about “that’s just the way the day goes,” or “good, except for the run in my hose.” And I can just smile, like the cat that swallowed the canary. Yes, think I’ve got it covered!

May the bird of paradise fly up your nose… 

May an elephant caress you with his toes. 

May your wife be plagued with runners in her hose. 

May the bird of paradise fly up your nose. 

I’m on the downside of a pretty powerful cold or something. It zapped every bit of energy I had. I didn’t miss work, except for one day, but by the time I got home I didn’t want to do anything. Two full weekends were spent sleeping or just laying around. I didn’t even want to knit. I still have the cough but I feel okay so it’s time to dig out. I did get the shawl sent off. I didn’t have daylight to take a picture of it after the blocking but maybe my sister will send one. I made some more of those cute little hearts but now that I’ve missed Valentines, I guess I’ll just keep them for later.

Being the bird brain I am, now I have birds on my mind. I have a stained sweater I saved to make an owl. The plans are in my head so there’s a big chance that the finished product won’t look anything like my mental picture!

And I ran across this cute little bird pattern, on Attic 24’s blog. I want to make some of them too.

Birdie decoration. DIY on Attic 24's blog.

Valentine’s day is sweet Belle’s birthday. We went over to help her celebrate. She was in a poofy pink dress and told me I had to call her princess because today was her birthday and she was four. She’s so funny.

My princess on her birthday.

The princess and her pinata.

Finally! Candy!!!

 We lucked out and got some Sweet Sugar Belle cookies for Valentines! We even shared with co-workers. Funny, the people I gifted don’t want to eat them. They say they are too pretty! All I can say is the love bird, or bluebird of happiness, your choice, tasted mighty fine to me!

Valentine cookies from my daughter, Sweet Sugar Belle.

I heard him sayin' as I turned to go, 

"May the bird of paradise fly up your nose"

My Special Angel

You are my special angel 

Sent from up above. 

The Lord smiled down on me 

And sent an angel to love… 

My precious first grandson recently turned 8 years old. It hardly seems possible that he can be that age already. Just the other day we were all in the delivery room. My daughter’s husband was in the Navy so her dad had agreed to go in the delivery room with her. He does that farm/ranch type stuff so giving birth would not gross him out or anything. I, on the other hand, was prepared to stay in the waiting room. I’d packed a bag of yarn and had some knitting needles and was content to build a nest in the sitting area and wait til all was done. I’d waited with them in the labor room and the doctor came and they were moving her to another room. I gathered my knitting and was walking the other way and the doctor said, "This way mom." Wait. What? This way? As in the delivery room? I don’t think so. He said, "Yes, you too."

The smiling birthday boy!

The delivery room was nothing like I’d experienced when I’d had her. This was an ordinary ‘hospital’ room. Maybe they called it a birthing room. I’m not sure. But there was a TV and the bed, a vanity type thing and a chair. I put my knitting in the chair and squashed myself against the wall. I was fairly sure this wasn’t something I wanted to witness.

I remember Law and Order was on and the Doctor and my husband were taking turns watching the television and comforting/tending to Callye. I was still back out of the way, as much as I could be since we were all in the same room, when suddenly things began to happen. I moved a bit so I couldn’t see anything I didn’t want to see. Push, push and he was here!

The doctor did his thing, let Callye have a look, gave E to the nurse and she wrapped him in a blanket and in turn handed him to me. Yes, here he was. My firstborn’s firstborn, fresh out of the oven!

Sweet baby boy!

I don’t know if that’s the reason or if it’s just because he was the first but we have a bond. Don’t get me wrong. All of the littles are special. Unique and delightful individuals, they are all happy to see us when we go over or they come here. The other two love the visit but are ready to go when mom and dad come. But if given a choice I think E would just as soon stay here permanently!

Frogs and snails and puppy dog tails...

Of course he’s not always an angel. He’s a typical little boy, mischievous and full of energy. Even though he’s getting to that stage little boys get to when they don’t want you to hug or kiss them, he still has a hug for me every time I see him. I know that probably sooner than later there will be a time when he will want to be ‘cool’ and not have his Mamye cuddle him in public! I have a feeling it might still be okay when it’s just us. Until that time comes though, I’ll hug him when I can and let him know I love him always.

The smile from your lips brings the summer sunshine. 

Tears from your eyes bring the rain. I

I feel your touch, your warm embrace, 

And I'm in heaven again… 

I finished the shawl except for (surprise) blocking! That’s this weekend for sure because I have to get it in the mail. Of course I saw something that doesn’t look quite right to me. I don’t think it’s a mistake, just a little loose in one spot. I think I can fix it and nobody will notice.

I had a request for another rainbow scarf, just like the one I made at Christmas. Easy enough, so I got started. I ran into a problem though. I forgot which yarns I used! It’s a scarf where I gather different textures and colors. I started it but it didn’t look right. It was pretty but it was too dark or something so I took it apart.

What it is supposed to look like...and what it looked like.

But I needed something for TV knitting so I made a quick colorful cowl out of some self striping sock yarn I had. It’s not very big but I like it and it can be folded over and pinned if I needed it to be warmer. While that was going on I gathered yarn that I think will make a close copy of the original rainbow. I hope anyway!

Quick and easy.

A little self striping sock yarn and a little cowl!

It’s back into the routine (or drag) at work so there’s little time (or energy) for things I want to do. I think about it but I’ve not been very productive. Good thing I didn’t make any resolutions!

We’ll see the littles in a week or two. That’s something to look forward to!

You are my special angel,

Through eternity.

I'll have my special angel,

Here to watch over me...

Shut Up

Shut up. Just shut up. 

We try to take it slow, 

But we're still losing control. 

And we try to make it work, 

But it still ends up the worst. 

Every profession has its own jargon. The terminology associated with a subject, the acronyms comprising a vocabulary of alphabet soup and of course, the buzzwords, create a language only those privy of the knowledge can comprehend.

Educationese is the language educators (a.k.a. teachers) speak, usually on a daily basis. In fact, in order to become a teacher an educator, certain requirements must be met, including taking an ordinary, everyday activity and turning it into a multi-syllable word or sentence, or better yet, an acronym. Why? Teachers are smart, you know. So everything they say has to sound impressive.

The Columbia Guide to Standard American English defines educationese (or teacherese) as the name sometimes given to the jargon too frequently employed by some of those who train our schoolteachers. It is characterized typically by its humorlessly abstract, Latinate, and polysyllabic diction and its convoluted, rambling, and frequently passive syntax. Fights are never “fights” and rarely even “quarrels.” Instead, fights are “conflict situations.” At its worst, instead of correcting imprecision and ignorance, Teacherese tries to conceal learning activities, frequently from teachers themselves.

A child interacting with manipulatives in order to increase fine motor skills and critical thinking is probably just playing with blocks. If he should engage in low-organized physical education or consumer awareness, he was most likely playing outside until his mother asked him to escort her to the grocery store.

Every year there seems to be an abundance of overused buzzwords. "Thinking outside the box creates a new paradigm that authenticates assessment to meet the objectives of lifelong learning and college readiness". Sometimes they are just ordinary words, twisted and combined to sound important. I’ve heard comprehensive support, expectation, and building capacity run together in sentences that don’t even make sense. “The expectation is that the expectations will be met with the objective being that the expectations of the expectation occur in a timely manner that is conducive to the expectation of the expectations in order to build capacity to ensure comprehensive support.” Uh…right.

A few years back when Palm was still popular I had a game called BS Bingo. You could enter all the buzzwords at that particular time then during a meeting you could mark them off as they were said. It was quite entertaining (to me) and helped me get through a boring meeting or two. I should check to see if there is an Android app that is comparable. Now, I just keep a tally to see how many times certain terms are repeated. It just takes one time for it to be said then every speaker from there on out repeats the word, adding their own bit of emphasis.

It’s not that I’ve built capacity. It’s more like I’m filled to capacity. And the expectation is that I remain attentive until time to go. I’d hate for my accountability to be damaged so I’ll hide my attention deficit disorder while I continue with my authentic learning so I can pretend to be engaged in a collaborative experience. Oh…that’s five for expectation.  

Let's forget the past 

And let's start this new plan. 

Why? 'cause it's the same old routine. 

And then next week I hear them scream.  

Shut up.

Just shut up.

Hard to believe but my firstborn grandson had a birthday this week. That’s not the hard to believe part. What's unbelievable is that he’s 8 years old. It seems like just yesterday we were anxiously awaiting his arrival.

He wanted a specific toy, but I wanted something special for him. I decided we’d give him some money and his mom and dad could take him to find that toy. And I made him a coupon book, good for different things.

Cover for the Bday coupon book

I cheated, because of time, and edited a printable I found on the Internet. I altered the text and changed pictures and made coupons with things we wanted him to have. And after seeing how easy it was I’m sure I can make my own from scratch next time. We brainstormed and he had coupons for spending the night with us, breakfast in bed, lunch with us, candy, a new shirt, a movie date, driving the bobcat (a little tractor thing that occupies a lot of my husband’s time), a trip to the ranch, a new toy and any other thing we could think of he might like. He ended up with about 15 coupons. My husband printed them in color; I cut them out and made a cover. It was kind of cute.

Printed coupons

We met at Mr. Gatti’s, a pizza place with games. I put the coupon book and a couple of other little things in a bag for him to open. He had a friend with him and his brother and sister and all were anxious to get to the games. He looked the book over, but was more excited with the other little prizes in the bag at the moment.

Lots of coupon fun!

I do know that once he settles down and looks at the book he’ll realize what he can do with it! He can’t have breakfast in bed unless he’s at our house. So, if he uses that coupon it’s a night or weekend with us. He can’t very well have lunch with us unless it’s at our house. So that’s another night/weekend over. He’ll figure it out pretty quickly! In the meantime, I’ll be glad for a visit from him, anytime.

Lunch coupon means overnight stay!

It’s a lot of fun when they come over, whether it’s all of them or just one or two. We play, watch movies, have picnics and just enjoy the time together. And sometimes, if we need to, we all just shut up and rest! It’s all good.  

Stop the talking baby, 

Or I start walking baby. 

Is that all there is? 

Shut it up, just shut up. 

Shut up, 

Just shut up.

When I’m Sixty-Four

When I get older, losing my hair, many years from now,

Will you still be sending me a valentine, birthday greetings, bottle of wine?

If I'd been out 'til quarter to three, would you lock the door?

Will you still need me, will you still feed me when I'm sixty-four?

When my dad called and said it was a girl I was devastated. There was no way I was having a sister. I didn’t want her. I begged them to take her back. Where was the brother they promised? My mamaw was staying with me and I remember she rocked me and told me it would be okay. They named the thing Judi and she told me that I would like Judi once they brought her home. As usual, she was right.

I was still mad when they came home but when they walked in with that tiny bundle I started to get over it pretty quick. What an anomaly! It was a tiny little person! It had little feet and hands and tiny fingers and toes on those miniature appendages! It cried, and loudly. And it didn’t smell very good.

She was always a tiny girl. She’s now tall and skinny. I wasn’t a tiny girl and still am not. And I’m not tall either. She has perfectly straight hair. Mine is naturally curly and I have to go to a lot of trouble to make it straight. Her hair and her eyes are brown. I looked like my parents with green eyes and dark hair. I’m pretty sure I told her more than once she was adopted.

When she was pretty young, maybe around two, she had to be in the hospital. Someone, either grandmother or my mom, or both, had read to us. She memorized the books and all the people in the hospital thought she was so smart because she could read at such a young age.

I remember one set of class pictures. First of all, neither of us were beauties because my mom had cut our bangs. When that happened, you often ended up with a half inch or so fringe at the top of your forehead because she would try to even things up and end up cutting all your bangs off. We had our hair rolled and curled. Mine would last ‘til the next washing. Judi’s fell out after a couple of hours. We had new hot pink dresses with white collars. We thought we looked pretty good despite the bad hair day. When we got the pictures back though, poor Judi had a little extra on her nose. Well, under to be exact. Of course, I found it hilarious! But really we should have all been outraged. Those teachers and picture people look at you, or should, before the ‘portrait’. Thank goodness there were no yearbooks at that time! But I know those pictures are still floating around somewhere!

When we stayed at grandmother’s house in the summer we had to help do the dishes. It never failed that as soon as we ate poor little Judi got a stomach ache or some such illness so she didn’t have to help. I had to help with the dishes regardless. She’d be playing and I swear she’d look at me with a grin like she’d won. And she had. She stands by that story today!

I could tell lots more stuff because I am the big sister and I know. And I’m mean like that. But I won’t. I can tell you though, that over the years Judi and I have become friends. There’s nobody dearer to me and I’d do anything for her.

Here we are and she has bangs!

Today is Judi’s birthday. And it might be a big one! But I’ll never tell. Well, maybe not. If I told how old she is she might tell how old I am! So happy birthday dear Judi! And when I’m sixty-four and you’re only…you may have your chance to get even for all those things I had to do as the elder sibling. Just don’t forget to feed me and don’t forget to need me. I’m smiling because you’re my sister. And I’m laughing because there is not a thing you can do about it!

I could be handy, mending a fuse when your lights have gone.

You can knit a sweater by the fireside, Sunday mornings, go for a ride.

Doing the garden, digging the weeds, who could ask for more?

Will you still need me, will you still feed me when I'm sixty-four?

Knitayear is winding down. Now I’m wondering what I’ll do in its place, if anything! I will keep blogging. And I will keep knitting.

Birthday knitting for a friend. Blocking.

Close up of same.

Day 354, March 20, and I’m still recovering. Why do I feel the need to sit when all I’ve done is sit? It’s different when you can stretch out or move around I guess. Alan has to go back to Houston tomorrow. Yucko! I have to get a haircut so I didn’t offer to go with him! Ha ha. First things first I guess. I chose variegated turquoise cotton for the day. Day 355, Monday, March 21, is just another Monday. I will be adding some new job duties to what I already do. Funding issues for education have everyone nervous and just plain scared. I do get that haircut and feel so much better. I met a friend for Thai food. All in all it was a good day. Rosie was on the bed with me so I got to sleep until 3:45 before they wanted out. I picked a green and purple feather yarn. Day 356 is my sister’s birthday! It’s March 22 and she was born on this day 49, 50, several years ago! I hope she has a good day. It’s her turn! I choose a turquoise boucle for the day. Sometimes I imagine us in some kind of Golden Girls scenario. I wonder if we could do it? Sure we could, as long as she stays on her side of the house!

You'll be older too.

Ah, and if you say the word, I could stay with you.

Will you still need me, will you still feed me when I'm sixty-four?

You Say It's Your Birthday…

It's my birthday too—yeah!

They say it's your birthday,

We're gonna have a good time!

I'm glad it's your birthday,

Happy birthday to you!

Yes, it is my birthday today. Me, Myself and I were sitting here, drinking coffee when Myself decided she wanted to know more about this birthday. She wanted to have a guest interview on the blog. Since it’s her blog too, it’s probably fine. The idea probably came to her because we were watching the Today show and there were a lot of interviews going on. Otherwise,she might have just left things alone.

Myself: Is there anyone famous born on this day?

Me: You mean besides Me? Okay, don’t look at me like that. Lawrence Welk was born on this day. You know, the orchestra guy. With the bubbles. Well, then how about Flaco Jimenez. Texas Tornados? Well then, there was a nice man here in this little town that shared my birthday. Mr. Harold Wright was his name. And the lady across from me at work has the same birthday. Oh and this is kind of cool. My first grade boyfriend, Daniel Bandel, has the same birthday as me. It’s Dan Bandel, now. He's famous! People thought we were twins back then!

I: Do you like fish?

Me: What kind of question is that?

I: A fishy question?

Me: Yes, I like fish because I’m a Pisces. You should too.

I want to make this! Cecilia1's fish blanket from Ravelry. Isn't it great?

I really want to make one some day. Blanket by Melidomi on Ravelry.

Myself: Do you remember your first grade teacher’s name?

Me: Duh. We had the same teacher. Mrs. Martha Robertson was her name and she had a loud gravelly voice and scared me really bad at first. But it turned out she was the sweetest, nicest, lady. She was the perfect person for a first grader, or for me anyway. She’s the reason I always liked school. And, funny thing, my sister and brother both had her too. I was her first year and my brother was her last, at that school anyway.

I: Is that why you decided to be a teacher?

Me: No. I never wanted to be a teacher. I wanted to be an advertising executive and live in a big city. Remember? But small towns and marriage change things. And I’m glad that I did go into education. I think that’s what I was meant to do.

Myself: Where do you live?

Me: I live right here with y’all.

I: Are you getting a cake today?

Me: You sure hope we do, right? I don’t know. I know we get some cookies! And that’s okay by me cause you can’t have your cake and eat it too.

http://sweetsugarbelle.blogspot.com Birthday cookies

Yarn and knitting cookies. http://sweetsugarbelle.blogspot.com

Myself: That was lame. So what makes you smile?

Me: The littles can almost always make me smile. Yarn makes me smile. Nice people make me smile.

I: What’s your favorite movie?

Me: It would have to be “Pretty Woman” because it’s such a nice fairy tale. Then "Planes, Trains and Automobiles" because I’ve sort of lived that! Besides, I think the underwear and socks in the sink scene is hilarious.

Myself: Do you have any secrets you wouldn't mind everyone knowing?

Me: They are called "secrets" for a reason. If I wanted people to know, then they wouldn't be secret, right?

I: Do you have any special plans for today?

Me: There’s a party planned. A sleepover party! I’ll have three littles shoving and pushing to see who gets to be next to Mamye. Great warm fuzzies!

I: Do you feel old?

Me: I feel one day older than I was yesterday. Hey, I need some more coffee.

Myself and I: Oh, okay. Thank you for sharing your time this morning. Happy birthday to us!

You say it's your birthday!

We're gonna have a good time!

I'm glad it's your birthday,

Happy birthday to you!

Wow, I got an awesome March present from my sister! She beaded it. It’s really pretty. I still have to come up with something for her March present.

Beaded pendant necklace.

March Bling from Judi!

Oh no! Something ate one of my favorite scarves. It’s the first or second (I forget) Clapotis I made and I really like it. I have a tiny bit of this yarn leftover. Just have to find it and I think I can fix it, at least enough to wear it. It might not look good but it will be okay.

An early Clapotis

What's the dealio? Something ate the whole thread.

Day 342, March 8, and I met a friend for a birthday supper. It was good and I had a free dessert coupon to top it off. Then I got to go to the dollar store and look around. All was good til I got one of those McDonald’s coffee things that was wonderful. But it didn’t set well and I was up half the night. I guess that’s what I get for being a glutton and wanting everything good in one night! I chose a fat green yarn cause it looks like I feel! Day 343, March 9, and I have a couple of stops before work. Stomach is still acting up but I’m taking Pepto pills and that’s my cure-all for the stomach! I head to work and have a blow out. I don’t know what my problem with cars is lately! Alan saves the day but I have to drive the truck again. I even left early because my stomach still hurt. I chose pink boucle, not Pepto pink, but close. Day 344 is March 10. I stayed home from work and just kind of lay around all day. I need to get things together for Sunday and I do manage to do a little. I’m feeling better by afternoon and fix a good supper. I chose a gold yarn with a purple thread twisted through it. Well, day 345 is March 11. It’s the B-day! I’m looking forward to tonight, the slumber party at Callye’s house with the littles. I picked a multicolor mixed with white. It’s going to be a good time. They can make me smile. Then I won’t feel so old!

Yes we're going to a party party!

Yes we're going to a party party!

Yes we're going to a party party!

Happy birthday to you!