Life of the Party

      Oh, yeah I also forgot to mention that we have already begun to prep for the upcoming winter season. Gathering and hoarding hay, winterizing areas of need, and rehoming animals that didn't make the cute before our winter season begins.      Most of my nanny goats are currently expecting babies, so our winter kidding season could start anytime in the next few weeks. Their milk has dropped and their back bellies have lowered. I'm excited to see what our new billy brings to the herd. His mother was jet black and gorgeous, so he could throw any shade of color. I'm glad we decided to bring back more Kinko blood into our small herd. Dozer is parasite resistant and I have only had to treat him one time in the last 6 months. The farm we purchased him from as a young goat stated that they "do not treat for anything. If they die they die." He has doubled in size and would currently be larger than any goat they owned. He came from a herd of 85, so he his growth ...

      Goodness to gracious it has been some week for my husband. He is moving around a lot better, but the burning sensation is driving him insane alone with the constant bleeding from his rectum. I wouldn't suggest anyone have this surgery done.      Battling the pain alone has completely wiped out my husband. He cannot stand to walk any distance or ride in a car. Sitting straight up is out of the question and showering seems to be the only a relief he can get. I hate seeing him suffer. Picking up ALL of the slack has been a challenge for me. I'm usually doing 16 hour days once everything is said and done. I'm holding down the fort and working a full time job. I get home around 5:00 and start all of the outside chores followed by cooking supper and tending to Taylor.      Did I mention that my car broke down??? Yeah, on top of everything else, I have had to deal with missing a day from work because my car decided SHE didn't want to run. Bein...

    I have mixed feelings about this series. I secretly love the undying plot, but I value a book that I cannot predict. Young just hasn't mastered the second part, but I will finish this series out of pure curiosity. You can have a romance book without all the smut. I skip multiple pages every few chapters due to the fact that I don't really enjoy reading over that. It's almost like the soaps my Gran used to watch when I was a small child. If As the World Turns had a spin off this would be it.      All joking aside.. I would still rate this book a 3.5.   

      Well...     Here we are a few days out from surgery and I think my husband is absolutely dying. The sheer  amount of blood loss has me terrified to no end, but is he going to go to the ER... NO! Being stubborn must be built into his blood, because he cannot seem to take any type of direction.      Other news. Having to do all the chores solo is hard, tiring, and painful. I spent two hours digging a new water way for the little girl goat pen. I hope these next three weeks of healing pass by fast, because I don't know how I'm going to hold up at this rate. Housework or  formwork that is the question. 

      Man.... the last 24 hours has been an adventure I do not want to endure again. My poor husband had surgery this morning and he is in the worst pain I have ever seen him. He is such a strong individual and to see him broken down really makes me cringe. The bleeding and nausea alone has been more that we bargained for.      Along with pain he had the worst anesthesiologist possible that basically dismissed any questions that we had before surgery. His self centered answers were absolutely ridiculous. "I assure you... it won't be hard to wake him up." We sat in recovery for four hours in total, so don't come at me with that crap.      The added stress has been beyond what I had expected. I truly think men are the weaker species. I had a C-section and was up moving in the same day. Even after my gallbladder removal I was up doing light chores four hours post surgery. He hasn't moved since we got home. At this point, I think I should just lo...

      Well, it goes without saying that we battle our water source each and every year. The system that we have used for the last twenty years failed miserably Saturday morning. There was a cracked dry rotted hose along with our holding tank that was leaking as  well.      Did I see this coming? Ummmmm, to be honest, I'm surprised it hasn't happened already. We didn't see the issue until late Saturday night, so our entire Sunday was lost to trying to piece together a semi decent workable system. I'm beyond tired and I have blisters to show for it. I ran the new piping down the thicket, which is hard due to the fact that it has over grown in the last 20 or so years. I'm covered head to toe with dirt and grime.      Let's cross our fingers that the holding tank can fill overnight, so I can take a proper shower in the morning.   Farm life is slowly kidding my tail!

           I guess I'm just in my feels today. Wanna come join my pity party? I think you should go out and celebrate your birthday every year. It's a goal to age an additional year! Why not embrace it? Honestly, birthdays are super important to me.      Well... I came home to basically nothing. My husband did order me a cake, which was beyond thoughtful. I appreciate it more than he will ever truly know, but man.... I spent my afternoon basically by myself with my toddler. I asked mom if she wanted to go out to eat tonight for my birthday, so I could somewhat celebrate. She said, "No, just fix something for you and Taylor to eat at home." It's pretty depressing when your own mother doesn't even want to celebrate you. I wasn't petty or anything. I did however fix supper for us and enjoyed my cake.      I just felt uncelebrated at home...        Every year I go out of my way to make their days perfect wi...

 Well, I did listen to this book on Audible. I don't really have a strong opinion on its content. I would like to finish the series, but honestly, I've lost interest. It seems like the female leads are somewhat overly dramatic. I can just about bet a person who doesn't know anything about the South wrote this.      It started out as such a good series and to loose this much stamina in a matter of six chapters is a shame. Should I finish the series? Can this author redeem themselves or is it all over for this fairytale ghetto love story?      Rating.... 2.5 out of 5 stars.   

      Today, I realized that I cannot do it all. I have so much on my plate that it is tipping over and I'm ill and cranky all the time. Getting around four hours of sleep per night is slowly draining me. Mom told me Taylor didn't choose to come into this world, but honestly I didn't pick to do this basically alone either. I have no family unit to help with anything. Somedays... I wish I could disappear just for a moment to take a breather. Do other moms feel burned out too? Is this normal? I cannot even go to therapy because I have no one to watch her during my sessions. I haven't been since I battled PPD like my life depended on it.      Somedays... I just want more. More family, more friends, more connection beyond my four walls. All I have is my 30 minute reading sessions at night. It doesn't always do the trick. I'll be talking to my doctor about all of this next week, if I can get someone to watch Taylor. If not, she will be going with me. I'm not mis...

    I usually shy away from books like this, but I'm glad I took a chance out on it. This twisted story will literally keep you on your toes and the unexpected ending was written to perfection. With all the stress of motherhood, reading has been my one safe haven in this storm of life. I'm glad there are books out there that completely captivate me cover to cover. Are names even really all that  important? You'll have to read to get comment.      My grandfather had a few butterflies in glass, but this book will completely turn you against that hobby. I wonder where the  author got her inspiration? Without saying... I would rate this book a 5 out of 5 stars and highly recommend you add this to your personal reading list.   

I'm unsure where to begin with this review. I'm even unsure if I like this book as a novella addition to the series. I'm sure it did add to the story, but Avery's character is absolutely driving me insane. The narrator is terrible and cannot really distinguish between the characters. Thank goodness, I can always hit rewind to figure out what character is actually speaking.     I was a little lost in how this progresses the story. I feel like every character is caught up in their own thoughts, and honestly that creates havoc on the overall plot. All the unnecessary sex scenes also takes away from the series. I don't want to read and/or listen to that many sex scenes. Like get a room and move on. Have some class!     Overall, I would give this book a 2.5 out of 5 star rating due to the constant bombardment of sex. The author must me going  through something to have added all this extra smut.   

      I understand that tourism brings in a bunch of revenue for our small community. Sometimes, especially during this time of year, I become instantly annoyed that I cannot move or get to places within a reasonable time because of people visiting our area to see the foliage change. I understand that where they're from they may not get the fall leaf effect. What usually takes 15 minutes to commute from work up to where I pick my daughter up from my husband in the afternoons... took 45 minutes this afternoon.     From own liquor, stopping to take full length videos of the elk two people who blatantly stopped in the middle of the road and got out of their cars to take family fun photos. Where is the decency? Some of us live this year around and have jobs and children to get to. I'm just not a fan of the Florida tags I see everywhere. The speed limits are posted, but you can expect those tags to be going 10 and under or stopped everywhere to take photos. I even tr...

      October is by far one of my favorite months, but man... she cannot decide if it's going to be Fall or Summer. May this season is somewhat bipolar. That isn't an insensitive comment. I'm having to dress for three different seasons each day. I'm freezing my tail off in the morning and dying of a heat stroke in the afternoon.      Where do I see myself? I'm going crazy at the moment due to the weather changes throughout each day. I cannot seem to find the correct wardrobe to wear to work each morning. Nothing seems to be working right for me. Currently, I even carrying a coat and extra  deodorant just in case I start to overly sweat.      Teaching is a VERY stressful job. I'm not complaining, but the general public doesn't understand that we have lives too. I get so tired of people  saying, "oh, you get all your holidays off." Well, honestly, I'm using that time to regulate my system again. It takes me three to four days just to ...

 Have you ever just needed a book that totally took you away from your current reality? This is your book if you are wanting a romance story that will sweep you off your feet. Honestly Jackson is the best male character with a southern draw to have ever existed. I just needed this book in my life. There is nothing like the love of a true southern man.      Life has been so hectic lately that reading has been my only way to just chill out. This is a massive shout out to Young for this fine piece of literature! Honestly, we all struggle, so reading a book where our female main character is basically worshipped was on the menu. I switched between reading and listening to this novel. As I was completing farm chores, I would listen to the audio version of it. I think even the goats enjoyed their snippet of the story. :)      Obviously, I'm gonna write this book a five out of five stars. I did not like the over usage of spicy scenes, but that comes with the ...

  Sometimes we read books for fun, and sometime we read them to find out the "why." Today's book was the "why." I'm left speechless by the ending. So much is left unsaid or untold. Is there a second book to clear up all of my questions? I feel as if this could be a whole series. I want Abigail and Daniel to get their revenge. Did his new legs really work or did he die of infection?       Shiloh, our main character, has left me questioning everything I know about personal choices. Would you save a loved one if it meant that their spare parts were from a live donor who didn't have a choice? Could you make the decision to sacrifice one for the other? I sat here and really put some epic thought into this. It's not everyday that a book really makes me think!      I would rate this book a solid 5 out of 5 stars. The deeper meaning and thoughts that this book provided was beyond my expectations!   

      With this weather front that is moving through, I have stress that is slowly building up. It brings back so many memories of Helene. We didn't get hit like our surrounding counties, but I can remember the sheer devastation that occurred.      I was so stressed out that I did a little prepping. I bought up livestock feed, water for us, extra batteries, gas, easy foods to fix, Colman fuel, and our medications. I don't want to ever be as unprepared as we were last time. The  chain of supplies broke down with flooding and it took days to get essentials.      Even my goats acted strange all day. They stayed extra close and seemed to cling to me as I left the lower field. I hope everyone is safe as this hurricane passes through. The coastal towns got hit hard. 

I was pleasantly surprised at how well my toddler handled Dollywood yesterday. She loved every minute of it. Apparently, Brittany Spears was also at the park yesterday too! That would account for the VERY large crowd of people that came at the end of the day.   Taylor's favorite part was Wings of Prey. My child sat and watched the entire show without having a meltdown. Now, don't come at me about wasting money. All I had to pay was parking. Taylor got in for free.  I'm usually the one who takes up all the permission slips, so I usually get a season pass for free via the school.   I was humbled though. My weight didn't prevent me from riding anything thing, but it was a tight fit on three of the rides for the smaller kids. Taylor had to have someone ride with her, so I did. I will be working on living a healthier life. My child needs someone there to ride everything with.   Taylor didn't like the overcrowding. There should be a cut off as to how many pe...

      Today was Taylor's first appointment and meeting with the speech therapist. They want her to go in by herself, but I'm very apprehensive about letting my three  year old go in without me. She isn't verbal enough to really tell me if anything went astray. I don't really know how to voice this yet, but I will be saying something next week. I wouldn't let her go in today without me. Behind closed doors I don't know what could go on.      Do any of you guys have the same feelings? I don't want a complete stranger dealing with my child without me. I don't know these people, and I'm NOT a trusting person. It's strange to ask this of parents and children right? I cannot be the only parent who has had this issue. Any suggestions?      She fully participated and was willingly answering all of her questions. Taylor played and named all the flash cards. She is missing most of her hard beginning sounds: T, R, W, K, and Ds seemed to be the toug...

 Did I expect to love this book as much as I did? No, way! I didn't see the ending coming. Who would have thought there were two killers and both had been victims of bullying. I did enjoy this audiobook, but something was missing. Overall, I just needed more connection with the characters. Hannah is the only character that I was able to build a list of character traits for.      The story was impressive, so I would rate this book a 3.25 out of 5 stars. Imagery is something else that really takes me in as a reader. This book really lacked in this department as well, although the plot took up for this!   

     Where do I begin? My cultural book club I joined at school picked this book for the month of September. It is a young adult novel that truly lets its audience know about Navajo culture. From the first chapter, you learned that our main character, Derek is beyond smart and has achieved enough accolades to qualify for a prestigious boarding school. Indigenous populations for many years were forced into religious based boarding schools so this creates quite a divide in his family. As he learns more about his grandmother and great grandmother's experiences at boarding school, he understands why they are stressed for him to willingly go.     Each chapter starts with the Navajo language. One insight that I purely enjoyed was that every older woman in your life as an auntie or grandmother. It was reiterated that family is more than just blood ties. I was overcome with emotion as he was telling his story about what school was like with all the white kids at the boa...

    I'll wait for this month every year. Honestly, it's like my Christmas and I cannot wait to celebrate it with my toddler. Do I have current plans for this month? Do you even need to ask? You know I do, girl!  1. Are we pumpkin patch ready? Yes we are and I totally have a time in place already picked out.  2. Am I paying for professional photos to be done with my child and her costume this year? Girl I saved up for those photos months ago, and I have already prepaid for them. I want my child to have photos to remember everything because I did not have that. 3. Are we gonna have traditions? Oh, you bet we are. Along with the pumpkin patch visit we will also be adding in Dollywood this year. You know I'm all about saving money. So do not judge me when I say I already have free tickets. Who can afford to buy those tickets in today's society with our current financial decline? 4. Who will be taking her child to trunk or treating? Me, of course. I already have our whole...

Have you ever just needed a book to take you away down a dark twisted tunnel? If you haven, then this is your book! I absolutely enjoyed every minute of this book and would gladly recommend that you add it to your list. Ivy's character especially makes my momma heart burst.      Betrayal runs rampant in most modern books, but this one cuts deeper. Is blood thicker than water or is our main character in some serious trouble? Can Ivy marry a man who she now knows his dark secret? You will have to read or listen to find out!     I kept thinking about my own wedding day or lack there of. We had went to the court house and avoided all the drama tied to getting our families in order. Maybe that proved to be a wise decision, but in this book an actual wedding is what saves it all.   

 I am a list person. My whole life revolves around various lists that keep me organized and focused throughout the day. The following are lessons that I have recently learned:  1. Not everyone is your friend. #hatersclub.   Yeah, I said what I said. Some people are never going to see past the flaws they have created for you. It should be more like #Girlgrowup.  Let stuff from five years ago stay in the past, worry about yourself... I'm trying to survive over here and you should do the same. 2. Stay in your own lane. If they do not ask, don't take time to explain.  3. Even snakes have kind eyes. That fake mask is see through and we all know it. This is not targeted at anyone specific.  4. Do your job. Go to work, complete work tasks, and then clock out and go home. Work is not your life. What is at home outweighs anything at work. Family should and will always come first.  5. Look over dumb people's comments. Just move on and don't feel the need to add ...

      My toddler is still not potty trained. Don't come at me with your advice. I have tried just about everything, and nothing has worked thus far. My child is feral I guess. Today, at the playground she pulled down her diaper and peed in the grass. I was so embarrassed that I tripped over my own feet.      The meltdowns are real at this age and  so are the tantrums. What do you mean... you can't eat cake right before bed time? That was our latest incident where my child pitched a fit for over an hour. What else do I do? Her new pediatrician stated that he is not going to rule out  autism, but at this time we are not going to label her. I don't know if I want a label, but man some pointers would be nice.      Working with some peers that don't have children absolutely drives me bananas. We don't get to go home and "turn off" the teacher mode. If anything we switch it on to the "mom" role and keep going. You got perfect attendance? ...

      Let's be blunt and honest all at the same time. Feelings hurt? Now is not the time to dwell with those endless thoughts about anxiety of social situations.      I'm currently battling life. Everyone has their own fights and things to worry about, but currently it seems relentless for us. My husband is waiting on his oncology report from his rather long stay in the hospital. That alone has me on pins and needles. Now, I just found out my child has lost most of her hearing in both ears. She has OT, ENT, and speech therapy appointments in her near future. I don't know if I can handle much more on my plate.      I caught a KID messing around with our animals last night. So now that is yet another issue we are having. I cannot even go to sleep  without some sort of stressing smacking me in the face.  The stress list:  1. Will work eventually become angry for me missing all these days? 2. My husband's oncology report (He alread...

Well, didn't this book just wonder into my life at just the right moment. It is a lengthy read, but so worth your time. I hate when an author leaves their audience on a cliff hanger, but we all know there is a new book being written. I'm just smitten with this whole series. This is just what I need to escape my hectic day to day stress. I get lost in the world of dragons and love.      Violet is still one of my all time favorite characters, but sometimes I wish she would think with her head and not her heart. Will Xadin ever change? I don't know the answer and I'm sure Yarros will tell is more as the next book gets here. I will buy the novella that gets released here in a few days. I do long to read about Liam and explore this world further. Will she bring dead characters back to life?      -Can I have my own wing leader? Just asking for a friend... Read the book if you do not get my reference.      5 out of 5 stars is my rating and I do...

      Oh, yes things can change in an instant here at the farm. One minute I'm just worried about work and the next... I'm single parenting for the remainder of the week. Can I juggle it all or will it topple over any minute?      My husband is currently in the hospital yet  again... here I am having to manage it all again as per the usual. He cannot help the circumstances he has been handed. I understand that, but man the timing is way off and it's already hectic here. Without the aid of my mother I wouldn't make it most days. I'm unsure how to navigate this week. Currently, I'm waiting on a call to see when he will go into surgery. 2.5 hours away and I can't do anything to help. I cannot go to him either because of our  comments here.  Stress List 1. Work (lack of planning) 2. Childcare this week 3. After school meetings that I will probably have to miss 4. Friendly "reminder" emails that are annoying me to death.  5. All farm chores w...

      I always have a secret laugh every time I read over the title of my blog. The party has been out of my life for a very long time. Motherhood and late thirties have taken their pound of flesh. These days my life consists of surviving.      Who can really get ahead in our current economy? I know that I work well over 40 hours per week and we barely break even. My husband works 40 hours and takes on extra just to be able to have breathing room. It shouldn't be like this.      The life of my party is my sassy outspoken three  year old who couldn't be quiet if her life depended upon it. The late nights and early morning snuggles is as close to a party as I can get. ABCs in the car and marshmallow fights fill my afternoons with nonstop noise. It all goes by so fast.  For those of you who still like to party.... Grow up, get a job, and do something with your life. 

    Well, honestly this is one of the best books I've had the pleasure of reading in a while. It had everything from a coming of age, war, love, loss, and family strains combined to make one heck of book. It took me a little over a month to read it, but it was well worth my time. The main character Jason French was phenomenal and the loyalty of brotherhood knows no bounds.      This was my first Hart book and I hope to read more by this author. I usually loath books about war vets because they usually romanize them. This book truly captured the heartlessness of what our men and  women to have to go through. I would love to just read a book about X and his life. Hopefully, that is what Hart's other books are about.      With no doubt.... this is a 5 out of 5 star book! I highly recommend that you take the time and check this book out. 

      I think I should update you all on my current life... I'm working, but it's only to pay bills. Living paycheck to paycheck is tiring and I haven't even saved up for this year's land taxes. Just when I think I might break even something else comes along and wipes it all away.      Life is hard, but so is all choices that we make. I drive an older paid off vehicle that I'm slowly waiting for it to die. I have used the same iPhone for the last seven years and there isn't an upgrade in sight. Currently, I'm budgeting on the basics like food and necessities. My medicine has to come second if other things need the money first. It shouldn't be like that though. I work 40 plus hours a week and I'm barely treading water. 

      Our cultural book club through my school system started back up this month with the above book. This is the first book that was chosen for our club that I absolutely did not like. I think the author forgot her main plot midway through the book and ramble on into other areas. When Emerson did seem to follow her plot line, the book was amazing.  Positives: - I loved the grandmother character, because she reminded me so much of my own grandmother.  - Her carefree best friend was super amazing too - The whole idea that she could see dead people      Overall, I can say I was not impressed with the style of writing or the character development. I did like the insight into Navajo culture. I had never heard about photographs, stealing the souls of people. Something is just missing from the book. I cannot put my finger on it. The book club meet tomorrow night and has their discussion. I fear that my opinion of the book will not be respected, so I wil...

      This August has been one for the books, literally. I've been so busy that it has all been a blur and to say I'm going to miss it would be a bald faced lie. One down, eight to go. I can get through this year. Juggling home life, work, and farm life has run me ragged.      It's currently, 7:42 and I've still got around an hour's worth of work to complete for tomorrow. I'm giving it my best and can honestly say... around 92%. The other 8% is lost in thought and translated as moments to myself. The guilt of working full time and being is mom is real. The world wants you to act and work like you're single with not other obligations, but in reality you have a family. Working outside of hours is impossible for me. I try to carve out an hour here and there to just get through the day.      Without my audiobooks my drive to work would be filled with stress and anticipation for the day. I'm thankful enough that I was gifted a membership. Mom knew...

          Warning... this may end up as a rant post. I'm exhausted and most of the time I just want silence and a good book to sooth the hectic workweek out of my memory. The constant input from surrounding family concerning my child is tiring as well. Lord, just give me a break and keep your comments to yourself. Yes, I know I look tired as heck, but bringing it up constantly is also tiring.      Let me rest on my days off. I wish to goodness my husband would understand this as well. Give me a solid 45 minutes of uninterrupted silence on Saturday and I'd be a happy camper. I cannot even go to the restroom without someone barging in. I'm snappy because I cannot sleep. No one else gets up with our toddler throughout the night. I love her, but man I wish she would just sleep. On average I get 4 to 4.5 hours per night and it just isn't enough while working full time.      The burn out is currently real and alive. I tried to sit down tw...

           Sometimes I wish I could roll back time and make different decisions. Redoing everything that led me up to this point in life. There are somedays that I just need a reset button. Today was strange and honestly I wish I could go back four years and change.      Change the decision I helped my husband support. Change how I saw the world in that very miserable moment in life. To simply think beyond myself and think about unintended intentions. Sometimes, I think about not marrying my husband and what life would have been like. I would never change having Taylor, but I do wish he still had his own son in his life. I see it in his eyes when someone asks about him and he simply has nothing to comment on.      My husband deserves better and maybe if I wasn't in the picture he would get to see his other kid. Maybe it was me all along? Sometimes, I wish I could see what the alternate future would have been like if I would hav...

 Uh... Sigh...     It's been a Monday all around. My husband is currently sick and cannot really help with any of the chores, so everything has to fall on me to pick up the slack. My afternoon was busy to say the least. Feeding and watering takes time. I was able to finish all my rings on my Apple Watch though, so that's a positive in itself.      I didn't have a planning period this morning, so I winged most of my lessons today. I'm so glad we prepped lesson plans all last school year, because it comes in handy when  you're in a time crunch. I lost my keys several times today as well. Guess where they were? Around my neck. I didn't get much sleep because Josh was up and down all night. Each time he left the bed I awoke.  I'm running on fumes at the moment. Wish me good luck tomorrow as we do this all again. 

    And what have I been reading in my spare time? Sarah J. Maas's Court of ... series. I just finished the last that has been currently published and let me tell you it has been a wild ride since Mother's Day. My husband bought me the entire series and I have slowly been reading a few chapters each day. I need this escape from my busy life and Maas has provided that and more.      The fact  that this last book is written somewhat in Nesta's perspective has been even better. I think every woman wants a mating bond like the one she has with Cassian. I'm thankful for this author and cannot wait unit October! Bring on the next book! 5 out of 5 stars.   

            It was so weird not going to work on a Friday. I'm glad I was able to go to my appointment though, and I was somewhat thankful to have a break.  Stats: Weight: 221.5 A1C: 6.5      He seemed over all pleased with me today. I was however beyond exhausted and disappointed that I didn't have a lower A1C. My goal next time is to have a 6.4 or lower. I can do this! 

      Well, as always the first few weeks are an adjustment  period. This year is no exception to that rule, but this teacher is tired and can barely hold her eyes open. This week... -Planned and implemented lessons each day -Called 14 parents -Checked/ answered 102 emails -Hand wrote notes for parents (4) -Gave my first silent lunch -Got 6 gifts from previous students -Had 19 previous students stop in to say hi -Learned 128 names (yes I know all my students first names now) -Picked up an extra Cherokee word  -Graded 205 papers (did not enter them in the computer yet) -Walked on average 11,230 steps per day -Average sleep 4.8 hours (according to my smart watch) -Wore blisters on my foot again -Wormed 22 goats solo -Shot at one coyote  -Killed one snake -Harvested cantaloupe 

      This book had so much potential to be fantastic, but the rambling of the narrator completely ruined my whole experience with it. My very long drive to work really does give me time to think and listen to a few books along the way. I was not impressed with pacing of this novel. I also needed some additional character development in order to connect with the story. Why have someone read an Asian character that has a Southern accent? Weird?      The beginning of this book was amazing and I was totally into it, but then the main character's energy was abruptly absurd and nothing was really revealed to show any insight to why the plot existed in the first place. I only finished the book after the author decided it was important for the audience to actually see some of the "reasons" as to why she was in her friend's cabin to take a break. This short story missed the mark of excellence.      I would rate this book a 2.5 out of 5 stars. I would...

     Well, this book was very odd. I’m not so sure if I liked the book or not due to the fact that I felt like a lot of the narration seemed as if it was battling. Did she get her ultimate revenge and humiliate her attacker? The man who abused her as a child ends up, dying at the end of the book by the hands of his wife. This said wife actually admit to knowing what her husband had done the whole time. To me that makes her just as guilty, even though she killed him in the end.        I feel like this is an overused plot outline, and it was just poorly planned.  But it may have just been the narration that done it for me. I might have had a different opinion that I read the book myself and instead of listening to it on my way to and from work. I would give this book a five out of five star rating. I would not recommend that you waste your time listening to it unless you’re really just into revenge that ends in death.  I think he needed to suff...

      One week down.... I forgot how many more to go. Honestly, I'm dead tired and cannot moved. My feet are sore and swelled to pop. My poor bladder has to retrain itself to go during class changes, and I did not make progress on that this week. Are next week's plans in place? No, and I don' t think they will be until Sunday night.      The first week back with students is always an adjustment. I have fully grasped about 82 names out of the 125 or more that circulate through my room. I kept up with all the stats.  -Past students who visited (91) -Daily average step count 10,312 steps -Daily stand: 16 hours  -Emails  answered: 210 -School texts answered 314 -Phone calls home 2 -Student check ins (4)     My forever goal is to always have every student's name memorized by the end of week two. I have yet to fail at meeting this. Wish me luck!

       I may have to stop posting so often. I keep having difficulties uploading images. The error code says it's something about cookies, but I have fixed that multiple times and it still doesn't work. I look forward to my small blooger moments in the late afternoons. It sure would be a shame to simply stop. Hopefully Google will work out their kinks soon!

      There is nothing like teacher tired. The first few days really takes its toll and our recovery time is short lived. 5 AM mornings followed by 8 plus hour workdays. Most teachers are also parents, so we have double duty. Add in my farm life and it makes for an exhausting first week back.      Today was the kid's first day, and I'm dragging tail. Currently, I'm stationed on the couch finishing grading our first pretest to see where my students fall. I came home fed, cooked supper, and then baked cookies with my little one. I don't know if I'm going to be able to make this adjustment. Send good vibes my way! 

      2026 book challenge was well worth the effort. This is my 66 book of this fiscal year and it was beyond what I had anticipated. Yarros has created a world that I never want to leave. We all strive for an unbreakable protective love that Xaden portrays! The adventures and love story of Violet and Xanden is timeless, perfection, and passionate.              The love of a mother really rings true in this second book. I will NOT be a book spoiler, but nothing is never as it seems. I have always enjoyed a book that keeps me guessing until the end. My heart was shattered the last few chapters. Hopefully, Yarros redeems herself in the third book. There are not many books that I have actually cried with. A mother's love knows no bounds! I threw the book across the room followed by frantically finding it to finish the book.      I would have never imagined that a book could be so spell binding and magical at the sam...

      Unfortunately, I had to go back to work. That was a phrase that I would commonly use in the past as summer wrapped up and school began. This year is  different. I have a new classroom, new admin, and mostly new team. This is going to be my year I just know it. I already have this positive vibe that we are going to be a massive difference this year.      I have missed Taylor these past few days, but it's so good to get back to my routine. I need an outlet and my job fulfills that need. I have got over my goal in steps each day, which has then a real confidence booster to start the school you're off with. My new classroom is brand new, new paint, new desk, new everything. The plus side of being in a brand new building is getting to start from scratch. The downside of being in a brand new building is that we cannot put any decorations on the wall yet. I feel like my classroom, lacks personality, but I plan to figure out how to overcome tha...

       Living on the border, Tennessee makes it completely easy to go over a state just to benefit from their tax free weekend. Tax free weekend is for school supplies. Each item has to be less than $100. I would like to go on the Friday that it starts due to the fact that most supplies are bought out mid Saturday before the source can restock.     This year was just a little bit different though. As I walked into Walmart in Maryville, I noticed that their school supply aisles were not fully stocked to begin with. By the way, I got there really early this morning too. I think they have hardly stocked so they wouldn't sell all their stuff over this weekend. The exact same thing can be said about the Target in Maryville.  Did I save enough from not paying taxes to make the trip worth my time? Why yes I did.  I bought supplies for my classroom, my personal wardrobe, my child's back to school clothes, along with various things in my household that I n...

      Where should I begin? This book is divided into two perspectives, one is Colby and the other is Beverly. Honestly, Colby's perspective is more like Nicholas Sparks original books. Fall in love with the ocean and come back to North Carolina, have some sort of tragic event that occurs, and then they made in the end for a happy ending.  But this book was different.     I love when an author takes the time to really do his research when covering mental illnesses. Having a book that really puts that on display is worthwhile. I am a massive Nicholas Sparks fan. I did however get a little annoyed at the pacing. I am also not a book spoiler, so I will try my best not to give everything away. Beverly's story was so disjointed, manic, and random that when it would get to her sections, I literally just wanted to put the book down. But I'm glad he wrapped everything up in the end. If you read the book you will understand why Beverly's character is so haphazard. E...

      Farmers have to defend their livestock and sometimes that doesn't always look pretty. Stray dogs, coyotes, raccoons, feral hogs, and sometimes things you would never expect. This hog has been running my goats along the fence lines for days, but not again tomorrow. There is a small herd of feral hogs that like the help themselves to our animals, neighbor's smalls dogs/ cats, and whatever else they can muster up to eat. My neighbor has been missing her small cat for a few days now. I'm 95% sure one of these took her out. I missed my chance to shoot it the other day. I only had my pistol with me and that was certainly a rifle range.      Feral hogs are dangerous and can become aggressive when startled. I have had my fair share of run ins with them. Once, when I was 15 I had one chase me all the way up to the truck and continued to ram dad's Dodge in hopes that I would fall off. In my youth, my father and grandfather would hunt them using hounds. The...

                     At work, this is all the rage with the older women who are in my reading circle (LUNCH BUNCH). Oh, and this reading circle is a separate one than the book a month crew that I'm a part of through the school year. These books would not align with the type of material that we read in order to gain CEU credits. I joined a reading group that met during my lunch time. Hearing their conversation, absolutely sparked my interest. Honestly, I was afraid that it was going to be too bland. Now, I think otherwise and I have completely different ideas about the older women that I work with. These grandmas knew exactly the type of book I needed to download and read on my Kindle. Some scenes might even make you blush. My next goal in life is to become the grandmother that sits and reads books like this.       This was so much more than what I ever expected. The excitement, action, romance, and spicy sce...

      Mission Hospital in Asheville, NC has got to be one of the most depressing places to be. It sucked the entire week of visiting my husband. As it turns out, his GI bleed was not fixed and he is STILL passing blood to the point that he will more than likely end up back on his same hospital floor. Why would you release him with the amount of blood he is still passing (bright RED)? "We will do a follow up with an outpatient  procedure at a later date." Yeah, why not go ahead and do both surgeries while you had him under the first time? Clearly, you didn't fix the problem with your little metal clips.      I hate this hospital... my twins didn't both get to see the NICU and even walking in that place gives me flashbacks. Taylor spent weeks in the NICU and I more or less stayed at the hospital, ate in that cafeteria, and wondered back and forth from the dreaded parking deck. I didn't come home during her entire stay, so I got to really experience what ...

         Sometimes you just have to read one of your student's recommendations. This heart felt story of Chinese to American adoption will simply make your day. I was actually enthusiastic the entire short book. I think this would be appropriate for a fifth grader, but I would consider it a high interest low level Lexile book. Our main character is adopted and desperately seeks a family for her best friend while in America. It progresses through her adventure of finding a family, assimilating to American culture, school, English, and self identity. I would rate this book a 4.5 out of 5 stars. 

  Well, this is going to be a very mixed review. The sheer craziness of this book really took me for a roll coaster ride. I honestly didn't see the end coming, and I ALWAYS enjoy books that can do this. JD Kirk has done an exceptional job at keeping his audience on the edge of their seat.      Negatives: I was so confused for most of the book due to the ramblings of the main character. I almost stopped listening to the book via Audible twice. I don't want a point A to point B book, but I would like there to be some sort of rolling plot to guide me.            Positives: I LOVED the ending and honestly I didn't even expect the outcome. The narrator's accent almost threw me for a loop. I think his accent overall gave the book more genuine quality. Kirk has the amazing ability to really set the scene. It was like I was in the story as it was unfolding.     I would write this book a 3.5. I know that rating seems kind of low an...

      I'll be in and out for the next few days. My husband has taken ill and is currently in the hospital, so there probably will not be many updates. It's always challenging when your spouse is hospitalized. You don't realize how much you rely on their companionship until they are not around.      One surgery down and possibly one more to go! I've got all the farm chores on me, plus driving 2.5 hours each way to visit him. I've got this! 

      So, yes... Here were are months later, still trying to potty train my child. We started when she was 18 months old, she is currently 3. I'm at my wits end and don't know where to go from here. Any suggestions?  We've tried:     1. Positive  reinforcement (lots and lots of praise)     2. Rewards (stickers)      3. Cloth "big girl" undies      4. A toddler potty and one that you place over the regular one      5. 30min check ins (I escort her to the restroom to "try" to use the potty)     6. Watching cartoons about going to the potty          Have I mentioned that she can hold it all night, but chooses to use it on herself during the day? I think I need some fresh ideas. I'm trying to tackle this before school starts and I'm failing miserably. 

 I'm a sucker for a Nicholas Sparks book and this is by no means an exception. I was taken away in a story of Colin and Maria. The unlikely pair end up having a thriller relationship. Calling with his anger issues in Maria with her stalkers from her past/ current job as a lawyer. There was moments in this book. I was absolutely on the edge of my seat. Most of his books are just epic love stories, but this one holds a true note of something more. I would love to see this book become a movie, but the characters in my head could never be fabricated into a movie. I highly recommend if you are a Nicholas Sparks fan to pick up this book and read it. I enjoyed it this time on my Kindle as always. I look forward to reading more books by the author. This review comes with the obvious five out of five star rating for me.  I think this is just the perfect mix of romance, mystery, thriller, and overall well written material.  

      It has been a solid month since we've had any really major flare ups with any of our neighbors. My hot headed husband doesn't really help matters much. I really wish things could settle down for a while and back the heck off. We spent a majority of our Sunday moving a rather large tree. No, we did NOT ask for help. I have to be able to get in and out.      On top of dealing with my child (no medical insurance issues), we now have issues once again with the driveway. I don't care. It's passable and I don't have money to waste on gravel. My medicine alone is nearly $345 a month. I cannot cough up any more cash at the moment. We move the trees and I'm happy with that.  Dear goodness, I drive a low Kia Soul and it makes it up the driveway just fine. Go slow and you will not drag.      I hate confrontation in any form. Just when I think I'm getting out of debt, here comes people left and right with their hands out. Can I ignore it long ...

      We've all been  there... Life kicks us in the butt right in the moment when everything else is falling apart. Girt is what gets you through moments like that, and grit is what sustains a leveled mindset. Life happens for a reason. Every decision you make comes with a consequence. It can either be a good or negative impact. Choose wisely!      Life happens...     Today, started like any other ordinary day until it wasn't. Sometimes we do the best we can possibly imagine and still fail. I will elaborate in the days to come. 

      Every year I have this same debate. Why post and start back to school shopping so early? It's still three weeks away and I'm already getting back to school news from work as well. I still need these three weeks. Every hour, minute, and second.  I'm not exaggerating this one bit.     I'm just now getting where I can sleep in past 6:30 AM. My body had adjusted to getting up before five every day that getting to sleep in is a rare occurrence for me. I am also being able to fully enjoy myself and read a few books this summer. I don't know if I'm ready to go back and hit the grind 100%. Sometimes I think the mental break of summer really does benefit me.       What am I going to miss most about summer? I'm gonna miss my kid. I only get 4 to 5 hours with her every afternoon if I'm lucky on an average school day. Every adult has to work so I know everyone has to go through this. I'm just so overwhelmed with the thought that I won't get to see ...

      Ummmm. Yes, please. This was the perfect place for my toddler to play while I sipped coffee. There were kind of slow today, so I didn't have to be right with her as she worked her way through the maze. You can see straight through the netting. At no time was she unsupervised (before you judge). There was only one other child in the playground.      It isn't a big place, but the air conditioning was amazing in this 90 degree temperature. We haven't been going to our local playground due to the humidity in high temperatures. Once it gets above 82 I'm done with having playgrounds out in the direct heat.      Coffee?     Yes, coffee! I was pleasantly surprised by the variety of refreshers, coffee, snack, bake goods, and ice cream that they had to offer. My cold brew as well worth the $4.95. I would pay it again and probably will if we are up that way again. 

    Where do I begin with this book? Hummmm, well, it's a completely captivating book cover to cover. The reader is left with questions as to what will happen next. James could totally write an additional book on the main characters to see if the "killer" plot happens again with an additional wife.      I loved every second of this novel and look forward to more books written by Jane James. She truly has a knack for writing thriller mysteries that will keep you on your toes. Will Adie kill this wife too? I hope we will get a second book to find out.      Obviously, I will be rating this book a 5 out of 5 stars. The plot, characters, theme, and pacing was superb. I'm glad I gave this book a chance and ignored Goodreads advise. What were those readers talking about?  Honest Moment: I might have been more intrigued in this book due to the fact that I'm not my spouse's first wife  either. There are things we will never know, but f...