Life of the Party

      Wow, it's Halloween, a full week, and I teach middle school. You want to know what all these things have in common, ME! All these things equal... one tired teacher and one messy classroom. I'm exhausted and this week has completely took me out.   Maybe it's this cold damp weather, or maybe it's the excitement of Halloween?      The costumes today were on POINT! We had everything from cartoon characters to dooms day death doctors. I was amazed at how many students made their customs this year. The creativity was beyond what was expected. I joined in on the fun and dressed up as a hip witch with a massive oversized had and high heel boots. I didn't fit in, but the kids got a kick out of it.      Candy sugar highs filled our days with enjoyment and laughter. Bring on the weekend!

Let's talk about a great listen! Here it is ladies and gentlemen the moment of pure entertainment we have been antispating. I was completely caught up in the story cover to cover. This was a rather quick listen, but the impact and excitement more than makes up for the short length. The cast of characters also made the overall effect beyond entertaining. I didn't realize until listening to this book that there is a whole world of true crime junkies. This book led me down a brief research rabbit hole and I loved every second of it.      What's next? Personally, I would love to see this become a short film or a full length movie. I'd pay to go watch it without a doubt. So many married women are often sidelined by jobs, other women, and disinterest from their husbands. It was believable that a wife could possibly fall in love with a man who calls her constantly and checks in! 5 out of 5 stars!!! Fantastic book.   

      With all the advancements in technology a massive amount of our curriculum has an online base, which isn't always a blessing. Sometimes it can truly be a hinderance and/or annoyance for the teacher when the wifi fails. Today was one of the those days and I did not have a complete meltdown. Thankfully I became a teacher before the world of one to one computers.      We got out the old textbooks and had a day of retro learning. My overall impression was that the students didn't have the extra distraction of their computers, extra tabs, and plugs to get them off task. Today we accomplished more than what could be expected. I might start having complete technology free days in my room. It was like a breath of fresh air. Here's to kicking it old school and opening a book! PS  One of my students stated she had never used a textbook. Ugh... Man times have changed. 

      Well... I finally finished my college CEU courses and passed! The success on my part was very sought after. I worked really hard to finish and finish strong. I scored a 92, which is by no means perfect, but I FINISHED. I will never underestimate a working mother's ambition to succeed. In the next foreseeable future I will not be taking on additional classes.         I'm content with my 92. To be honest it is more than I deserve to have. I had to redo two assignments to get it that high. I'm thankful for the  opportunity, but I'm thrilled it is finally over. My final paper was 18 pages fully typed, edited, and submitted. The sheer research was overly strenuous! 

      My birthday was yesterday... time moves by so fast. I cannot believe I'm 36. Yesterday was so depressing and lonely. I'm not entitled to being celebrated, but it would have been nice to at least be took out to dinner or some nice gesture. Moms are always in the background.     Year 35 was here and gone in the blink of an eye. I didn't even have time to truly appreciate it any of this past year and it passed by without so much as a wave hello. Year 35 brought many struggles and challenges into my life. My journey into motherhood has not be an easy one. Being in my mid thirties with  a toddler has also been a massive challenge and curveball. I struggle daily with juggling work, home, and motherhood.      I have learned: 1. You cannot control everything. Let things go... 2. People will always come and go out of your life. No one is permanent.  3. Toddlers are going to meltdown. (Learn to deal with it) 4. Do the damn thing! If you trul...

      Young adult novels usually lose my interest, but this one has really shocked me. I loved the way the author interweaves the characters. It was refreshing to not be bombarded with steamy sexual content. Sometimes those senes ruin a book for me.      My favorite character was Throne. His woodsmen elf character was marvelously crafted. His complete moral dilemma of falling in love with a mortal was so  complex and passionate that I was hooked. The fact that he can turn into a bear is awesome too! The main character, however, really irritates me. Her stupidity knows no bounds and she is constantly whining around. I prefer strong female leads, not weak female characters.      Amy London also did an amazing job narrating this series. Her voice for Throne was incredible! I love when a narrator has the vocal strength to do multiple characters. I would rate the narrator a 5 out of 5, as for the book itself... My rating is a 3.9 out of 5 due...

      Some of my fellow friends are already planning ahead for Christmas and I'm also a planner too! One can never have enough lists to follow. In my opinion, the holidays are stressful enough without having to worry about financial strain. Planning ahead may ease the discomfort of paying out money for gifts.      In all honesty, don't buy gifts if you cannot afford them. I'm perfectly happy with your presence. Showing up to family events is more meaningful to me. I have went ahead and bought Taylor two books to satisfy my something to read rule. Books aren't overly priced, so it's always my go to item. I will also be buying her something to wear as well. My mom always spoils her, so I know she will have plenty of toys and junk like that.      I think experiences are important as well. We might ride the train this year once I see what the prices of the tickets are. The Polar Express would be her main gift from me, if we decide to go. Of ...

      Sometimes you just need to disconnect and relax. This weekend, I shut off my phone and wifi router and spent some time just being me. I was able to reconnect to being just a mom and have some quality time with Taylor. The leaves are changing and a joy ride was exactly what I needed.      It rained nearly all day on Sunday, but Saturday was beyond gorgeous. We spent our early morning at a local eatery ran out of an old house. The musky smell was something that seemed off,  but the food was incredible! The homestyle southern breakfast was exactly what I needed after a long week of activities. The strangeness of converting a house into a place of business was something that still perplexes me. They even left the old framed photos on the walls up. I used to clean that house as a teen, and nothing has changed but the random tables everywhere. Nothing matches, including the plates and cups.      After a much needed meal we continued our ...

      What an extraordinary harrowing tale of a serial killer and his daughter. With each chapter came new insight to what our main characters experienced. At one point I had to put the book down. Denzil rocks at writing a story that will keep you guessing to the end. I still wonder if the daughter really did kill those teen girls.      I have fostered, but I don't know if I could take in my captor's child who help entrap me into his barn of death. If you're interested in a "what would I do book" this is for you! Dark twisted lies of deception that leaves you utterly anticipating the next chapter. The "then" and "now" sequencing is also something that I want to rave about. Going between the past and present was also something that really hooked me into reading this book.  Maddie's character alone will keep you on the edge of your set. Will she ever really learn how to express emotion? Can Zoe, the "mom," help guide her into adulth...

    It's not often that I get delayed by a train, but when I do it's awesome! These monstrous moving bricks have always fascinated me to the point of awe. I rolled all the windows down in my car so my toddler could hear its horn as it crossed the road. The loud motor along with the rumbling of his sheer weight against metal is something to really take in.      I usually just forget about the train because in the last thirteen years, I have only been delay by it maybe six times in total. The little thirteen minuet interlude was more than worth my time. When Taylor gets older I will purchase us some tickets to ride. The open railway cars seem to be the best seats in the house. Any  suggestions?      I should have taken better/ clearer images. My windshield is really dirty and my phone camera isn't the best. I hope I instill my love for trains in Taylor, but maybe she will at least enjoy a few rides on one whiles she's still little.