Hey Stranger!

Well, after I was reminded of how badly I have been neglecting my blog (thanks Karen!), I figured it's time to do some updating. The thing is, not much has changed in the month that has passed since my last entry.

Work has been a bit crazy lately. I got two new students this past month. The first ended up being misplaced in my class, as he is much more independent than my students and more capable of more rigorous academic work. My district administrator ended up switching him to a different teacher's caseload; however, that teacher is only on campus one period each day to cover the overage in the other special education classes. So, while on paper this student is off my caseload, I have still been responsible for setting up meetings, conferencing with his parents, and figuring out his schedule which totally defeats the purpose of moving him from my caseload. But, by moving this kid from my caseload, the district can get away with adding another. The second new student I got this month is 6'5"! And, unlike the first student, he is absolutely in the appropriate classroom. I'm starting to learn my lesson about being too easy to work with. It really is a shame that, by doing the right thing and being professional, I'm now getting completely taken advantage of. (sigh) But, I love my job and I love my kids and I would not want to do anything else with my life than what I am doing right now.

School's been good. This semester is much more laid back than last semester. I have more assignments to do but each one is less intensive than the work I had to do last semester. It's crazy how fast time flies. I just keep plodding along, eventually it will all pay off.

The Dodgers have started Spring Training and Mark and I have planned an overnight trip to Phoenix to see a game at their new facility. We'll be there on St. Patty's Day when they play the Cubs. It'll be our first trip to AZ together since I've moved to L.A. so we're planning on cruising through Tempe to see where I lived and went to school and going by my dad's old house as well. I love the fact that I get "personal necessity" days to take as I please. It just so happens to please me to take a road trip with my hubby!

Mark will be moving to the new BJ's, right here in Downey, in mid-May and we're getting really excited about that. The new restaurant is being built and I swing by every few days to see the progress - it's only 1.3 miles from the house! He'll be the first manager on-site, working out of a trailer in the parking lot, hiring and training new staff. For the 7 weeks that he'll be doing that, he'll be working Monday through Friday or Tuesday through Saturday with his evenings off. We, obviously, can't wait! However, once the restaurant opens, in July, I won't see him for days at a time until they work out all of the kinks of a new restaurant.

Mark's buddy, Toby, just stayed with us for a few nights before he headed to New Zealand to make wine for three months. Having him with us was interesting, especially since we live in a studio and both Toby and Mark are complete night owls! But, we're both so thrilled for the adventure that he's on.

As far as weight loss goes, I haven't lost. We've been doing a lot of socializing, which means dining out and drinking. I've found that I'll have a couple of really good days but then comes our social excursions and they set me back. I haven't gained any weight either - I'm doing a great job of maintaining where I am. Too bad where I am isn't at all where I want to be. I did got to the gym yesterday which made me feel really good. I have some homework to do tonight but am thinking of going again after I finish up.

Speaking of homework, I should go get started on it. If I stay focused, I should be able to get it done in just a couple of hours.

I hope I didn't bore you too much with the monotony of my day-to-day happenings. I will try to keep my blog updated more often this month!