Friday, March 30, 2007

Administrative Crap

I have been working on rearranging my evening staff for about two weeks now. I know that I will have an intern this summer and I wanted to add another teacher so that no one was over loaded working more than they really wanted. I have four interviews for 1 position. I talked to my boss this morning and we decided on a candidate, but I had the unfortunate task of calling the others. That was hard for me. They all were lovely people, and any one of them would be excellent here in our program, but the one we hired just stood out a little more. She sent a thank you note in the mail, the same day of her interview!

I'd much rather do the teaching than all of this administrative stuff. I do realize that it does give me excellent experience and that after working this job, teaching in a public school system again should be a breeze!

Thursday, March 29, 2007

Last Saturday

Ayron and I attend New Hope in Waterloo on Saturday nights. Nathan blogged about something exciting happening at church. I was all excited and let's just say that my excitement was justified. We had a violinist. A violinist. It was awesome! It was a young man, I'm guessing around 16 or 17ish. A violinist is rare, but a young male violinist is even rarer. It truly was a moving worship service. I loved watching the drama unfold, and while I know the drama (my husbands in it) I was still moved by watching the performance. I truly felt the presence of God in the building. It was just what I needed. I found myself getting lost in worship, and being truthful, that hasn't happened for me in a long time. It's when I get lost in worship that I truly listen to what God has to say to me and I'm open to receive His words.

The sermon was just as wonderful. I have an "undo" button and it is so awesome to truly realize that. I had felt like a major screw up lately, but later that night I found myself using my "undo" button during prayer with Him. It is truly refreshing to get lost in worship and then use your "undo" button.

I'm getting chills right now just thinking about the worship. I may just have to order a cd. It was truly awesome and I hope the violinist plays again this weekend.

I Love Froggy!

The local radio station, Froggy 106.7, has started a new thing called "Froggy on the Hop Prize Drop." They give clues as to where they will be. If you find them, you get a prize. I knew that they were going to be in Kendallville on Wednesday, so I drug Leah with me to Kendallville to eat lunch with Ayron. We listened to the radio and figured out that Chris Cord was in the Wal-Mart parking lot. Leah and I were the first ones there. We pulled up next to the Froggy car and Chris asked us what prize we wanted. We both got 2 tickets to see STOMP when it comes to Ft. Wayne in May! YEAH!!!!! We immediately called Ayron, and he pulled in. He got some Arby's food and 4 passes to a Wizards game.

I'm more excited about the STOMP tickets. I've seen it, but it was many years ago. I can't wait to take Ayron, Leah, and who ever Leah brings to the show. I can't wait till May 15 at 8pm. YEAH FOR ME!!!

Monday, March 26, 2007

Internal Monologue

It's a good thing that we have an internal monologue that no one else can hear. If it were made audible, I would stick my foot in my mouth on a daily basis, more so than I already do.

I have experienced failure in something I have been striving for, only to discover that a friend of mine has experienced success. While I am genuinely excited for my friend, I can't help but be hurt. I've struggled and failed, they hardly put forth any effort and have succeeded. It's frustrating. I don't know if the battle to succeed is more exhausting or if it is the battle to not be mad at those who have succeeded. It's not their fault they succeed the first time and I'll have to try again. It's just frustrating.

Friday, March 23, 2007

I'm So Far Behind

So I went over to my other office early today. I had an interview at 2, so I got there at 1:45. The office assistant started messing around with my new work phone. When I came out of my interview, I had discovered that she had transferred songs from her phone to mine. When I asked her how, that's when I discovered the power of bluetooth. So, thanks to Brooke, I have some new ring tones. So, if you have any songs or ring tones you wanna share, let me know!

Church Photos

So Ayron and I had our appointment to have our picture taken for the church directory. Just by having our picture taken we get a free 8x10 and a free directory. We sat and looked at our proofs and then listened to the speal the lady had about the different packages and what not. We were curious, so we asked. Just to have 3 additional 5 x 7's retouched was going to be $100! I tried not to act shocked, and we graciously said "No thank you." Was my shock uncalled for? Am I a cheapskate?

Thursday, March 22, 2007

Expanding Our Family Part II

@ Todd- No, I am not getting a tree sloth. Sorry.

@ Michael- No, it's not a reptile.

@ Natalee- No, it's not a cat. We can't have cats because Joellen is highly allergic to them.

Here are some more clues.

1.) He will only get to be about 5 lbs.
2.) He does have whiskers.
3.) He can't be shown because his ears are too far back on his head.

Wednesday, March 21, 2007

Nothing New

While I have nothing new to report, nor anything profound to write, I feel like writing. Maybe it's the English degree in me.

Work is just as stressful as ever, yet I'm not sure I'd like it any other way. It does make the day go by quickly.

I've been sticking to the "being healthier" goal fairly well. I had a pop today because I need it to unwind. Stupid reason, I know, but it did work. I am planning on going home and enjoying the wonderful sunshine by taking Scooter for a walk.

I've been fighting off the stomach flu for 4 days now. It is going through the program and the kids are constantly getting sick. My aide and I have joked around about adding on a vomitorium just for the sickos.

Spring break is drawing near and I'm just as antsy as the kids. I'm only taking Monday and Tuesday off, but I'm still looking forward to it.

Well, seeing as how I have nothing of real value to report, I guess I'll call it a day and head home.

Monday, March 19, 2007

Fun Weekend

It was a good weekend, despite my cold. I've been fighting this cold for a couple of days and thanks to some help from Zicam I thought I was ahead of it, but it seems to be kicking my butt again this morning.

I spent most of Saturday morning just being lazy and resting. Ayron had his first performance of the first third of his play at church. He did a great job and might I say that we have a cute daughter (he plays the father of a 10 year old girl)! Leah and Ayron's parents came with us to church and all three of them, plus one more, are coming back next Saturday! Yeah!! We were going to hang out with Ayron's parents after church, but they had us invite our group out to the house to watch the basketball tournament. It was cool! I don't think they'll ever admit it, but they like having a house full of chaos, and I'm sure Tom enjoyed having two little boys around.

I spent Sunday morning doing some light housework since my back had been hurting. We have a chiropractor appointment this Wednesday and I was trying not to push it, but I apparently did, because it is all I can do to sit up straight this morning. We took Scooter out to Phil and Nikki's in the afternoon for some puppy socializing. Brutus, their 100lb. St. Bernard loved playing with Scooter and getting all muddy. While they were playing, I did something I never thought I do. I went mudding. It was hilarious!!! Phil and Nikki just got two new 4 wheelers and the big one can go up to 85 mph. The back lot was muddy, and I knew what I was getting into, but I didn't think I'd get as muddy as I did! It was hilarious. We took turns doing rooster tails and coating each other in mud. The girls had fun racing Ayron and myself around the yard and over the hill. It was fun to do something as a family, and to watch JoEllen do her famous gasp and I gunned it and jumped the hill with McKenna on the back. Needless to say, it was a lot of messy fun!!

I also met Charlie Sunday night. Read the previous post and take a guess at who Charlie is.

Our Expanding Family (?)

I know what you're thinking, "She's pregnant!" Nope! Ayron and I will be expanding our family in about three weeks. His name is Charlie and he is very cute! I don't have a picture of him yet and I'm not going to tell you what he is. I think it would be funny to see what people guess. I will give you three clues.

1.) He has a brown mustache.
2.) His name actually describes his coloring.
3.) He is a "fader"

Friday, March 16, 2007

Former Church

Ayron and Michael have started a Bible study. We've decided to meet at the DCYC in Auburn. It is a central location and it's free. The DCYC is also where our former church meets. They met in a small room at the end of the hallway. Ayron and I got there plenty early and I was curious. So I spent some time just sitting in the room that I used to attend church in. I should correct myself. I was laying on the couch. Yes couch. They use a kitchen table, chairs, huge ottoman, and several couches for seating. If it works for them, great, but it doesn't work for me. I just laid there, starring at the ceiling. I finally realized that I was waiting. Waiting for God. I had been in a funk, and didn't even really want to go to Bible study. So I made myself lay there and reflect on the day. I literally muttered, "Ok God, I'm here and listening, talk." I laid in there for about 15 minutes (I had to get up to make it back to the room in time for Bible study). Funny thing is, He didn't talk. I didn't here a booming voice, I didn't see an angel fly through the room, I didn't have a warm feeling come over me. I grew angry, I thought, "I made the effort to be still and quiet and He didn't show." This morning I was reflecting on my thoughts from last night (and I still am as I write) and I became angry, not with Him, but with myself. God made his point last night. He didn't have to send an angel or make a noise. He made his point with silence. I fill my day with noise. Students, music, foot tapping, etc. God lead me to that room last night. He placed the urge in my heart for silence, for a brief amount of time to just be still, and wait. I'm not good at waiting, we all know that. But I waited last night. So while I didn't "hear" God, I did. His point came across loud and clear. Maybe I'm not making sense to anyone, but in my mind, I am. I realized that I've been filling my silent and still time (that I should be spending with God) with noise and action. I was laying on a couch being distant and God spoke to me without speaking at all.

Wednesday, March 14, 2007

Working for the Government...

...does have it's perks! Several of us in my department have been experiencing major problems with out work phones. We all had Razors. Yes, I carried two Razors. I had problems with my work phone since day one. I am just now starting to have problems with my person Razor. Anyway, back to my story. My boss calls me up and says, "I just talked to L (our account dude at Centennial) and we're gonna get new phones. " So I spent the afternoon in at Centennial (By the way, if you have to go to the Angola Centennial, ask for Candance!) having our phones changed out. We now have Motorola V361's. They are cool looking, and they came with some extra toys. It came with a memory card (a $75 value), headphones, and a USB cable. Now, will we ever use those toys, probably not. But it was fun sitting around the office like a bunch of kids at Christmas opening up our new phones.

You've Got To Be Kidding Me! Part II

Last week I blogged about the show "Primetime: Outsiders." They had a man claiming he was Jesus, and well, you can read the old blog. This week, the show was about stage parents. I have half way interested, half way asleep, so I decided to have in one while a friend of mine and I talked. Turns out, the whole "stage parents" thing was a crock! They were parents that were helping their daughter jump start her porn career. They approved of what she was doing, and even helped her sell herself. What kind of parenting is that? I was sickened. Then they introduced a lady who used to be in the porn industry, but she claims she is not a Christian. If she is what she claims, then good for her, but I question her claim. She was wearing a very low cut tank top that read "Holy Hottie." She goes to conventions and tries to minister to current porn stars. If she is genuine, fine, but I was a little confused by her clothing. Maybe that is me being old fashioned, but her top was way to tight and way to low cut.

Kung Fu Puppies!!

It looks like Ayron is making Peanut and Scooter Kung Fu Fight!!!

Tuesday, March 13, 2007

Lovely Day!!

It's a lovely day outside. The sun is out, the snow is melting, the birds are chirping. I had to drive back to Hamilton today to get more work for two of my students. I was lucky enough to take the Ford 500. I have fallen in love with that car I knew it had a high safety rating because Nikki was driving a 500 when her accident happened. But anyways, I had the windows down, the music up, and I was cruising. It was nice to enjoy the country side without all of the snow. Everyone's mood, at least here at work, has improved. The kids are actually awake and working. I have the windows open and I can't get enough fresh air into my lungs. It's amazing how God has designed this earth. Just when I can't stand another cold snap or snow storm, God grants us two days and beauty.

Monday, March 12, 2007

Has Spring Sprung??

The weather this past weekend has be gorgeous! It's raining now, but I'd rather have rain than snow! I'm feeling my yearly spring itch to start cleaning EVERYTHING! I've already started my list of things I want to do around the house, and I'm going to start a list for the house I work out of. Here are my lists, I'm hoping that if I "publish" them, it will hold me some what accountable for actually doing them.

Home:
1.) Put pictures in collage in living room
2.) Clean carpets
3.) Tear out front bushes
4.) Cut down raspberry bushes to proper height
5.) Paint garage door
6.) Organize guest bedroom closet
7.) Clean, organize, and "decorate" the 4-seasons room
8.) Organize the garage closet (yes, there's a closet in the garage)
9.) Trim trees

Work:
1.) Clean and organize office (done!)
2.) Clean and organize closet in the computer lab
3.) Clean the computer lab and bind lose cords together
4.) Scrub the bathroom
5.) Organize the kitchen cupboards
6.) Rearrange the "non-traditional" classroom
7.) Hang bulletin board in "non-traditional" classroom

Hopefully I'll have all of this stuff done before the kids come back from Spring Break!

Fuel to the Fire

We (by we I mean my family) is still dealing with the repercussions of the accident that seriously injured my sister-in-law. I'm sure we'll be dealing with it for some time. They have contacted an attorney and are taking all of the proper steps, but it seems like there is no end in sight. We spent Saturday evening with them and my oldest niece. Nikki showed me her file box of paperwork from the accident. She handed me a letter that the insurance agency of the trucking company sent her. Before I tell you what the letter said, here is a brief description of what happened the cause the accident. A woman disobeyed a stop sign and attempted to pull through an intersection. A semi tried to swerve to miss the woman. When he swerved, he crossed the center line he jack knifed the truck and hit my sister-in-law. She spent a total of a month in the hospital and is still battling physical problems. She was expected to die and the doctors can't explain why she survived or how she is doing so well. She took her drivers test last week and passed, but she still isn't driving. Anyway, now that you're up to speed here is what the letter said. I'm not quoting it, but it said something to the effect of : Our accident reconstruction team has reviewed the accident between your vehicle and our truck. They have concluded that the accident was SOLELY YOUR FAULT and you are now expected to pay $12,000 to repair the equipment YOU damaged. I laughed, and put the letter down, then I go mad. I didn't let it show because I didn't want to upset Nikki, but you've got to be kidding me right? You think she caused the accident? She was minding her own business on HER side of the road. She even tried to pull of the road into the ditch to avoid being hit and you claim it's her fault? Who do they have on their accident reconstruction team? 3 year olds playing with tonka trucks? They called the attorney and read him the letter, he laughed and said that he will use that against them when the time comes. They are not trying to get rich, just get back to the way things were before the accident. Sad thing is, none of us will be the same. Please pray for them, they are struggling emotionally and while they won't admit it, they are really hurting. They don't attend church, but I have a feeling they believe. Pray that their desire to know God will become so strong they will listen to our invitations to attend church with us.

Another Deadly Weekend

It seems like there has been an abundance of accidents lately, especially deadly ones. The recent bus crash which involved students from a local college, my sister-in-law's accident (that's another post), and now the crash of three former students. This weekend, in Garrett, three high school girls were involved in a single car crash. The passenger was killed, the driver has head trauma, and the back seat passenger has some leg injuries. While I didn't have these students in class, the names are really familiar to me. Ayron had a couple of them when he taught in the middle school. I knew every student's face at Garrett. I loved student teaching and getting to know the kids. While I didn't know any of the girls in the accident personally, the wreck still hit me, deep. It seems like the rate of accidents have increased while the age of the driver has decreased. I lost a classmate the summer before my senior year in a single car accident. When will law makers pass a bill that will raise the driving age? I know that kids would hate that, but wouldn't they hate losing their life, or their friends life more? Can't we make it mandatory to take some kind of actual driving course? I don't know if I can stand to hear another news report about a dead young driver.

Thursday, March 08, 2007

You Couldn't Pay Me Enough!

I've decided that after all of the drama today at work, you couldn't pay me enough to go back to high school. I have several teenage girls in my program right now and all of the drama and "that's not what I said"s prove my point. It's ridiculous. I want to look at them and scream, "In the long run, IT DOESN'T MATTER SO DROP IT!" But I don't. I merely told them that what ever problems they are having need to be solved on their own time and not to get worked up over the "he said, she said" business of life. I didn't hate high school, but still, there is not enough money in the world.

Blast From The Past

It seems as though the last month has been a blast from the past for me. I've reconnected with many people. L and I started talking and hanging out again after a year of not speaking to one another. K came over last night with her puppy and we sat and talked for 2 1/2 hours without skipping a beat. K and I haven't really talked since the middle of our senior year. I managed to track down my cousin, M, and we've started emailing this week, and have even thrown around the idea of her coming up here this summer to visit. My drive to Hamilton this morning was the icing on the cake. My grandmother lived in Hamilton and I spent a lot of time up there with her, especially in the summer. Last week I drove past her old house, literally, I missed it. The owners have resided it and done some cosmetic changes and I didn't recognize it. I whimpered a little sigh, and drove back to work. Today I had to drive back to Hamilton and when I drove past Harger's Meat Market. The memories of going there with Grandma to pick out the perfect slices of ham, bone in of course, for dinner. Then going home and her frying the ham, and then using the drippings to make gravy. Then, finally, being able to sit down and eat her ham, rice, and gravy dinner. You always had to add a ton of salt, but that is what makes the memory so special to me. I can still hear grandma say, "Dang, this is really bland, I thought I added enough salt" as she reached for the remote to turn on "Rescue 911." I almost stopped and got a ham steak for dinner, but I didn't. I didn't want to ruin my memory with grandma, by trying to make her gravy. Mine never turns out the way she did. Maybe I'll make bologna and cheese roll ups and pretend I'm sitting on the pier with my Snoopy fishing pole.

Wednesday, March 07, 2007

Gonna Do Better

So I've made a New Year's Resolution. I know, I know, it's a little late in the year. I've decided to do better by myself. I mean, take better care of myself and take time for myself. I've recently gotten back into doing puzzles and scrap booking. My goal is to make time for myself at least 3 times a week to work on something I enjoy. I decided that when Ayron plays playstation, I'll work on my puzzles or scrapbook. I've also decided to start walking more. I walk all over up here at work since all of my offices are spread out, but at home, I have become vegetative. I've decided to get out and actually walk the dog. He needs to walk and so do I. I had been taking him on short walks because he was so little and his stubby legs wore out quickly. Last night he and I walked from out house down to McIntyre. Not a long way for a normal human. But in the frigid cold, with no hat, and asthmat was good for me. Once it begins to warm up more, I want to take walks in the morning as well. I've decided that I'll start out at our house, and walk down to McIntyre, then turn around and walk up to 7th street, then turn around and come home. That should make a nice walk, and if I do that twice a day, hopefully my energy level will go up. I'd love to join gym, but money is tight, and right now so is time. I figure that once it gets nice enough out, I'll even walk on my lunch breaks.

I'm also going to start eating healthier. If you see me out, and I'm not eating healthy, feel free to point it out to me. I'm also cutting back on portions. I've been doing that for some time now, and I'm finally to the point where I'm not hungry all the time. I've stopped drinking pop, and have taken up the fine art of water, lots and lots of water. Which means, I've also taken up the fine art of constantly walking to the bathroom.

Hopefully I'll start to feel better soon and I'll be able to lose the winter weight I've put on and then some.

Something Funny

Here's something funny for all of you pet owners out there.

Excerpts from a Dog's Diary
8:00 am - Dog food! My favorite thing!
9:30 am - A car ride! My favorite thing!
9:40 am - A walk in the park! My favorite thing!
10:30 am - Got rubbed and petted! My favorite thing!
12:00 pm - Lunch! My favorite thing!
1:00 pm - Played in the yard! My favorite thing!
3:00 pm - Wagged my tail! My favorite thing!
5:00 pm - Milk bones! My favorite thing!
7:00 pm - Got to play ball! My favorite thing!
8:00 pm - Wow! Watched TV with the people! My favorite thing!
11:00 pm - Sleeping on the bed! My favorite thing!

Excerpts from a Cat's Diary
Day 983 of my captivity:
My captors continue to taunt me with bizarre little dangling objects
They dine lavishly on fresh meat, while the other inmates and I are fed hash or some sort of dry nuggets. Although I make my contempt for the rations perfectly clear, I nevertheless must eat something in order to keep up my strength. The only thing that keeps me going is my dream of escape. In an attempt to disgust them, I once again vomit on the carpet. Today I decapitated a mouse and dropped its headless body at their feet. I had hoped this would strike fear into their hearts, since it clearly demonstrates what I am capable of. However, they merely made condescending comments about what a "good little hunter" I am. Simpletons! There was some sort of assembly of their accomplices tonight. I was placed in solitary confinement for the duration of the event. However, I could hear the noises and smell the food. I overheard that my confinement was due to the power of "allergies." I must learn what this means, and how to use it to my advantage. Today I was almost successful in an attempt to assassinate one of my tormentors by weaving around his feet as he was walking. I must try this again tomorrow -- but at the top of the stairs. I am convinced that the other prisoners here are flunkies and snitches.
The dog receives special privileges. He is regularly released and seems to be more than willing to return. He is obviously stupid. The bird has got to be an informant. I observe him communicate with the guards regularly. I am certain that he reports my every move. My captors have arranged protective custody for him in an elevated cell, so he is safe. For now...

Tuesday, March 06, 2007

You've Got To Be Kidding Me!

So, I woke up early, took the dog for a walk, and settled on the couch to watch some "Good Morning America." Ayron was up with me and we were both appalled by what we saw. They did a short excerpt from something that is going to play on "Primetime: Outsiders." There is a guy in Texas claiming to be Jesus Christ. Sure, his names is Spanish for Jesus, but that doesn't make him THE Jesus. He is an ex con to add icing to the cupcake! He has a tattoo of the mark of the beast, and also wears it on his vest. He has convinced people he is Christ. How dumb is America that they believe him? Do they really think that Jesus would come back as an ex con wearing the mark of the beast, a Rolex, and driving around in a pathfinder? I am going to watch the episode of the show though. I'm curious as to what he is saying and how people are falling for it. I want to know what this guy is "feeding" his flock. Is anyone else bothered by this? I don't know what bugs me more, the fact that this guy tells people he is Jesus Christ, or the fact that ABC is going to devote a whole hour to his crap? I know that ABC would retort with some comment about, "Well, the show is called 'Outsiders' and we're merely trying to report on what is out there....blah blah blah." I'm just disguisded.

Monday, March 05, 2007

Totally Creeped Out!

As I was sleeping early Sunday morning, I had this feeling that something wasn't right and that I need to wake up. I opened my eyes to see Ayron leaning over me, about 4 inches from my face, eyes wide open, with a big grin on his face. I asked him if he as awake, to which he replied, "Yeah." I looked at the clock, it was 4:38. He just kept grinning at me, I asked him what was wrong, to which he replied, "Nothing." I told him, "It's 4:30, go back to sleep." When I asked him about our conversation the next morning, he couldn't remember a thing. I knew that he used to sleep walk, but that didn't occur to me until after we talked about it. Turns out he was asleep, but you could have fooled me. It was very creepy though! He was 4 inches from my face, just grinning! Can you imagine if I had found him walking around the house!

Friday, March 02, 2007

Feeling Broken

It's been one of those weeks, and as the clock slowly ticks closer and closer to 4, I'm feeling worse and worse. I feel very broken, very vulnerable, defeated, exhausted, and just plain grumpy. I just want to run. Not physically, cuz let's face it, I'm not physically fit. I want to run away for awhile. Let me clarify that, I want to temporarily leave, go some place far away and relaxing. It's not that I want to avoid the problems in my life, I just want some time away to gain clarity.

I was attempting to drive to a school to meet with the guidance counselor about a student. It had started to snow, and was calming. The calm turned to panic when I realized that outside of town the roads were a mess. I got about 1/4 of the way to my destination when I decided to turn around and admit defeat. I was tempted to take the left and head out of town, but I took the right turn and ended up back at work.

We were going to go bowling tonight with a group of friends from church, but Ayron is feeling ill so I think we're gonna stay at home. That won't do much for my "wanting to run" urge, but at least I won't be at work.

Am I crazy? Does anyone else experience these urges to leave adult life and all of it's responsibilities for a day or two? To be 5 again and not have a care in the world. To actually enjoy the snow instead of cursing at it while driving home. Maybe I'll go tanning and get some fake sun in my life.

Bypassing Crazy Going Straight To

INSANITY!! I think I've lost it. You wouldn't know it by looking at me, I appear calm, but if people could hear what I was thinking today.

I lost it on my "aide" who hasn't been an aide, just a bump by the laptop. I asked him to work on a grant. He flat out told me, "Well, with all of the students......." I tuned him out. I looked at him, stuck my hand out and said, "Fine, give me the grant to do and you start actually working with the kids." I think he got the point. When I had calmed down and ventured out of my office. He was glancing through the grant AND helping two students. Maybe he finally understood!

I still feel very frazzled and while I'm excited the weekend is here, it will not be long enough.

Something that has been cool lately is reconnecting with old friends. I had an old friend over for dinner last night, and we are getting back to normal. We sat on our new furniture (yeah me!) and talked for close to 3 hours while our dogs sniffed each others hind ends.

To top it off, I got an email from an old friend of mine (we haven't talked for about 5 years). She was surfing the web and googled my name. She read my blog, and emailed. It's cool to discover what's going on with her.

Well, the kids break time is almost up and I still need to finish planning next weeks work for 3 of the students.

Thursday, March 01, 2007

1st Thunderstorm

The first thunderstorm of the year is happening outside my office windows right now. What is odd, is that out one of my windows, I can hear the chirping of birds. It's an odd, yet cool thing. I was amazed on my drive to work. I watched the storm roll in from the West on my drive, and while storms scare the crap out of me, I was eerily calm. I'll admit that I am now not as calm. There is lightening and thunder and rain, OH MY! Well, I should get some work done before my meeting.