Friday, December 30, 2011

Top 10 of 2011


I've seen on all the fancy, well- followed blogs, a Top 10 List for the year. I am by no means a "big name" on the blog scene, but I wanted to follow along and make one also. I'm sure the fancy bloggers have some sort of mechanism that does the dirty work for them, but me...I made the list myself according to which page had the most views. (I do have a stat-counter thank you very much.....movin' on up!)  For all you dedicated followers of mine, here are the top 10 most viewed pages of 2011. We can reflect together. The results surprised me. (Remember, you can click on the hi-lited title and it will take you back to the original post.) So without further adieu:

#10:  Pinterest

#9 When Things Go Better Than Planned

#8 My Dream House

#7 Caroline Time

#6 My Fitness Pal

#5 Ode to Cathlin

#4 Zumba

#3 Coming Home

#2 Here We Go

#1 Kyle

And for the record, I love hearing from you when you've read my blog. It makes me feel all warm and fuzzy inside. When I started writing in February, I never realized how many people would actually take the time to read my little insignificant posts. But thank you! Really, thank you. It always brightens my day when I get a comment on my blog or in real life!

What was your favorite post this year??

Caroline


Saturday, December 24, 2011

Thursday, December 22, 2011

Updating

Welcome to our kitchen, still stuck in the late-80's. That's some fine wallpaper right there. And its coming down this Christmas break. I've finally had enough!




So here begins the process. I borrowed this little gem from my neighbor: the ULTRA Steam Shark. Me and the shark have been best friends for the past 2 days, but I feel like I'm starting to get tired of him already. He does his job nicely, but it's slow-goin!


 See? this is all I've accomplished after putting in about 4 solid hours. Two measly pieces of walls. I won't even show you how much more I have to go. I figured if I blogged about it, then maybe it would keep my motivation going to get the job done.  Usually I blast my music and therapeutically peel away with the help of my Eddie Bauer ice scraper. (Clearly never used for scraping ice- its Savannah.) I've found that it goes lot faster if I have someone to talk to though. Any takers? Come on by! And bring and extra steamer.


Also, I'm kinda new at the whole "taking down wallpaper" bit- so advice is welcomed from all you DIY-ers. Remind me why, again, did I start this feat?



Desperately,
Caroline

Monday, December 19, 2011

My Dad

Ahhh, the first official day of Christmas break. Monday's don't seem so bad right now. This morning, somehow I pulled myself out of my cozy, warm bed. Complete with red flannel sheets. I did some lovely, hot yoga and now I have gloriously returned to my bed. Possibly the best feeling in the world.

This is also a special day in the history books because it's Jack Wilson's birthday!  I'm the luckiest daughter in the world to have him as my dad. Poor guy has had to live with 3 girls for the better part of his life and not a complaint comes out of his mouth. His patient and gentle spirit exceeds them all. He may be a man of few words, but he always knows just what to say.

Awhile ago, I read a book called God Came Near by Max Lucado. This passage stood out to me because it reminded me so much of my dad. It's more of a Father's Day tribute, but I'm going to use it as birthday tribute this time.

"His achievements, though admirable, were nothing extraordinary. Summer vacation, homecoming dates, algebra, first car, driveway basketball- they all had one thing in common: his presence. And because he was there, life went smoothly. The car always ran, the bills got paid, the lawn stayed mowed. Because he was there, the laughter was fresh and the future was secure. Because he was there, my growing up was what God intended growing up to be; a storybook scamper through the magic and mystery of the world. Because he was there, we kids never worried about things like income tax, savings accounts, monthly bills, or mortgages. Those were the things on Daddy's desk. We have lots of family pictures without him. Not because he wasn't there, but because he was always the one behind the camera"
-Max Lucado, God Came Near

So Dad, I hope you enjoy your special day. You are loved by many! Most especially, me!

Caroline

Tuesday, December 6, 2011

Unwrapping My Tuesday

I read a blog today (Chatting at the Sky) that inspired me to write about "Tuesday's Unwrapped." I'll go ahead and tell you straight up that I do not promise to make this a regular Tuesday night affair, but this Tuesday night it seemed fitting. This blogger urged her readers to write about the gifts they were given TODAY. Not this year, not this week, just this moment. Honestly, my head is spinning right now as I try to decide on just one.

 Maybe I'll write about all of it. What the heck.

1) Rising early for hot yoga is a gift I give myself quite often. I dragged my butt out of bed at 5:20 this morning because I'm addicted to that hot room where I can lay on my mat and sink into the floor, barely awake. I'm addicted to the China Gel that the teacher rubs on my lower back when I'm in child's pose.....it kinda feels like my back ate a peppermint. Tingly and fresh! I'm addicted to the space that is created in my spine and my relaxed muscles when I leave. I walked out in a trance...like I just got off a massage table.

2) A little girl in my class bought all the teachers in the room a present at the Secret Santa Shoppe at school today and couldn't wait until Christmas to give it to us. So sweet...her little face lit up when she fished that crumpled red, paper gift bag out of her backpack to give to me. Melts my heart.

3) I'm making reindeer cookies tonight. My excuse is to make them for the class, but deep down, its just because I wanted to eat huge little hunks of the cookie dough between batches.



4) Today I got paid for babysitting many long hours over the weekend. Amen. The cash makes up for the entire box of honey nut cheerios being dumped onto the living room floor 30 minutes after I got there. But, they're only 4 and 6.....it happens.


5) My best friend calling on the way home from work, just to chat. It feels good to be thought of on someone's ride home from a hectic day....that I am the one they want to call.....I am the one to catch the venting. And the silent moments don't have to be filled. Its comfortable and familiar. Its a gift.


Now tell me about your gifts from today!

Caroline

Wednesday, November 30, 2011

Being Thrifty

Here I am for a random Wednesday night blog. Holla! I'm armed with my squirt bottle to keep the devil incarnate ( aka, Whelan) from mauling my arms and legs. Pretty sure he needs more toys because right now my limbs are being thrashed. Don't let this sweet face fool you.


So about my newest hobby, thrifting. I'm always one for a bargain- especially when it comes to clothing.  So, consignment shops and Goodwill it is! (Does that gross you out? Obviously it doesn't bother me too much.) And I think I'm finally coming into my own when it comes to fashion. The moment of clarity for me was when I was getting dressed to go out with my sister one night and I realized..."I'm such a teacher- all I wear is cardigans." There she was, looking like she stepped right out of InStyle, and I looked...matronly. Since then, its been a slow progression to work on changing this tradgedy. I'm still drawn to the ever faithful cardigan, but I've been experimenting lately with layering and trying to let go of the matchy- matchy look. A bit rebellious for me, but I like it. Piecing together outfits is my newest thrill. Tomorrow at work, watch out....I'm throwing in a blue scarf with an otherwise brown/yellow outfit. Is it bad that I put this much effort into what I'm going to wear to work? Maybe I have too much time on my hands. Not complaining :)

Have a nice last night of November! Tomorrow is December 1 and the Christmas season will be in full swing. Fa- ra -ra -ra- ra...ra -ra- ra- ra!
(to the tune of Deck the Halls at the Chinese restaurant on A Christmas Story)



Caroline




Saturday, November 26, 2011

Thanksgiving

Oh how quickly it comes and goes. Poor Thanksgiving rarely gets the credit it is due as Christmas rushes in behind and before. I have a hard time saying goodbye so soon! My pumpkin is still on the front porch. Christmas shopping is yet to have begun. I'm still soaking in the thankful part! Though I may not have voiced it or shown it enough, I have been richly blessed and I have so much for which to be thankful.

For starters, I had an entire week off for Thanksgiving Break this year. Who else gets that much time off for Thanksgiving? Gotta love the perks of teaching.

I kicked it off with lunch at The Exchange with Grama, then a shopping spree at Sam's for cat food and litter. Grama's treat. Love when she buys me the essentials. Its like a mini-Christmas. I'm now stocked up with 48 days worth of cat food for Whelan and a 50 pound bag of cat litter. Try carrying that out of the store.

The highlight of Tuesday was Green Truck for lunch with mom and Cath. Never a disappointment there, except that we had to wait outside in the blaring sun for 30 minutes: note the squinty eyes. The rest of my day consisted of bargain hunting for clothes (my newest hobby which should be a blog in itself) and then meeting up with Ashley at Driftaway for a couple glasses (or bottles) of wine.

On Thanksgiving day I made a corn casserole and headed to see dad's side of of the family in Statesboro. Squeezed in the backseat of mom and dad's car with Cathlin and her boyfriend, it was then that I was re-introduced to Words With Friends (iphone Scrabble) and have been glued to my phone ever since. So far I've only been victorious over Cathlin, but I'm working on my skills. Here is our Statesboro family pic that we worked so hard to position away from the sun and out of the shadows. It took a few tries- thats for sure. Little Cole (front left) made sure that we all said "CHEESE!" every time.


Later when I got back home, I made an impromptu trip to Sandfly Bar and Grill to meet up with my friend, Jarred, who I never get to see anymore because he moved to the Atlanta & got a big boy job. I then proceeded to run into another old friend from highschool & was reminded that our 10 year reunion is coming up. Pretty excited, not gonna lie.

Yesterday I stayed in bed literally until 4:30 pm, getting up only to eat pumpkin chocolate chip cake with cool whip on top. Yep, that's right. And maybe I washed a load of clothes or two in the mean time. But, I found this cool website where you can put your blog into book form and have it mailed to your house as a hard back book. Ofcourse I got sucked into that project and spent most of the day cropping pictures and playing with fonts. All the while I was cozied up next to my kitten who purrs far louder and more often than what I'm used to. And I love it. He also has the softest little tummy in the world and he lets me give him sweet kisses without any protest. I know I've spent far too many hours feeling his warm little paw pads and listening to him purr in my ear.



Another wonderful part of this break has been the chance to go to yoga every day at whatever time I want. Normally I have to squeeze it in at 6:00 am before work. Not this week! No waking up at 5:20 for me! I went last night and was introduced to some Mumford and Sons music during shavasana (rest time at the end). I'm hooked. Specifically the song Timshel.

Today was my second Thanksiving with mom's side of the family at our house. Lots of games were going on. For starters, the GA/GA Tech game was on TV, but I was obviously more concerned with the Scattegories board game we had going. Much more my speed.

Looking forward to church tomorrow....and then, as dad says, "back to the ol' grind."

Caroline



Saturday, November 19, 2011

Whelan

Last weekend I became the accidental owner of an 8 week old kitten who had been roaming around behind Whelan's furniture store. Name, done. Whelan it is.  I went through my head listing all the reasons why I shouldn't take this kitten home, but deep down I knew he was mine. I've always vowed not to go out and buy pets, but if they find me then I will take them. I like removing the element of control. Fate is much more fun.


So this new little bundle of joy has found his way into my home & now my bathroom will never be the same. Kitty litter= everywhere. He hasn't quite mastered the art of keeping things neat and tidy. I vaccuum atleast twice a day at this rate. My sleep schedule= doomed. Saturday morning sleeping in is out of the question. He's hungry at 7 am no matter what and Saturday doesn't mean a thing to him. Lately, at 3 am I've been waking up to his paws on my head/face as he's trying to get comfy. Its all about you buddy- as long as YOU'RE comfortable. Using my lap top in bed= constant interupption. The screen keeps being minimized and maximized, darkened and lightened, as he unapologetically makes his way right over the keys. He also enjoys pouncing on my fingers as I type. Its like a game to see how much I can write before he goes in for the kill. My skin= scratched intermingled with teeth marks. My hands are his favorite toy. (But thats kind of my fault for letting him play rough.) The curtains in my room= forget it. Before I can clap my hands to stop him, he has scaled his way almost to the top, looking like spiderman. The screen on the door is his latest victim. Makes for a good climbing wall :(



But hey, no good thing comes without a price, right? I can sacrifice the strewn kitty litter, claw marks on my hands and curtains, and interuppted sleep for the way he purrs when I hold him and cuddles and pounces and plays with wreckless abandon. When he chases his tail, wiggles his little hiney right before he pounces, and falls asleep with squinty eyes, it makes all the madness seem not so bad. Everything is new to him and his curiousity reminds me that life can be that way for me too, if I choose to look. 

Here I go again sounding like a crazy cat lady.


Caroline

Saturday, November 5, 2011

My 1st Half Marathon


As I sit laid up in my bed, with Biofreeze on both knees, I will share my reflections on the longest run of my life.

It all started back in March when I heard about the Rock N' Roll Marathon coming to Savannah. The perfect thing to scratch off my bucket list. I've always enjoyed running, but 3 miles was about my limit. So, the training began for a half-marathon (13.1 miles). I started out by printing off an on-line training schedule and followed it pretty closely all through the grueling heat-stroke days of the summer. My gym membership had expired so outside was my only option. Saturdays were saved for my "long runs" and I felt so accomplished when I finally made it 6 miles, running in circles around Forsyth. I stick with places I know! Circles worked for me- can't get lost that way, right?

Then the school year started. That's when training stopped. I had already given myself a stress fracture on the top of my foot from running, so I was forced to take a break anyway. Then came the dreaded "ant bite" on the bottom of my foot which landed me at a doc- in- a- box one Saturday afternoon. A round of antibiotics and almost a week of hobbling around later, I realized that my 1/2 marathon wasn't gonna be pretty. I had about a month until it was go- time and I had been out of commission for awhile.

As race time approached I figured I'd give the race a shot anyway since I had already paid for it. So yesterday I spent an hour in bumper to bumper traffic going over the bridge to pick up my packet. The expo made it well worth the trip cause I got some pretty cool gear!

Here is my Hippie Belt to hold my phone, keys, ID, etc.





I found some wicking compression socks I decided would be beneficial after I listened to the guy's sales pitch.

A moisture wicking headband (bandana-like)


Sport Beans & GU, all new to me, but sounded like I might need it if I was really going to trek it for 13 miles.

Later I decided a Wal-Mart trip was in order for a cheap sweatshirt and gloves that I didn't mind chunking on the road during the run once I warmed up (thank you Vicki Bradley for this idea....I'm new at this...not a clue)

Fast forward to this morning. At 4:30 AM my alarm clock chirped (Literally. I have cricket sounds as the alarm tone on my phone- its peaceful). By 5:45 I was on the Savannah Mall shuttle heading out to the races. Thank goodness for not having to deal with driving downtown- it would've been impossible. Once I got to the drop off on Bay Street I stood around trying to find warmth behind trees but my extremeties froze by the minute. Miserable.

Somehow through the sea of people, I bumped into my sister's friend Courtney and we decided to be running buddies. My dilemma was: Do I blow it out and see how far I can run without stopping? Or do I pace myself and run intervals so that I don't burn myself out and have to drop out of the race. Courtney decided she was going to "cruise" slowly and try to run without stopping, so I just followed suit.

On mile 1, I could not feel my feet. No exaggeration. My toes were so frozen that I had to watch where my feet landed beacuse they were numb & I didnt want to step in a hole and break my ankle. Around mile 3 I finally started to feel my feet again and Courtney and I realized that we were feeling pretty good for having just completed a 5k.

People were still fired up, hooting and hollering at mile 4, then around 6 or 7 it got a little more intense. Not so much laughter, just breathing. I was feeling extra excited because 6 miles had been my personal farthest. Mile 8 was the Gu station, so I told myslef I could make it
that far. (GU= you squirt it in your mouth for energy...and it's just that. GOO). Somehow I kept on trucking through mile 9...then ...10. I told myself- only 3 more miles from here!!! Then came mile 11 and thats when it really started to suck. I pushed through 11 & was overjoyed to see 12. I had run 12 miles without stopping. Amazing!!!! Surely I could go one more, right?

Mile 12 was the absolute worst. Imagine your quad muscle being stretched like a rubberband that is almost to it's breaking point. So tight!!! My legs just couldn't keep the pace so I had to alternate walking & running for that last mile. So close, yet so far away! I ran the last part through the finish line ending at 2 hours and 22 minutes. Praise God from whom all blessings flow.

The rest is a blur of crowds, and medals, and water, and fruit, and energy bars. They were giving out big plastic trash bag type things to block the wind and keep our muscles warm. I wrapped one around me, found myself a spot in the sun and just....sat...and sat.....and sat.... loving the ground. The worst pain was afterwards by far. My legs have never felt that kind of pain before. I now understand why runners stretch afterwards. It was the only thing that brought relief.

At the end, Brian was kind enough to fight the mad traffic, come pick me up from downtown and carry me on his back 7 blocks to the car. I was worthless.

So as of now, I'm not sure that I will ever do another half marathon again. My body hurts too much to think of that. I can say that I've done it & that is good enough for me!

Caroline

Sunday, October 23, 2011

Halloween Tour De Home


Just a few of my favorite Halloween decorations for your viewing pleasure!

1. Halloween Plaque courtesy of Suzanne from Just Another Hang Up! I make one for each month.

2. Black Tulle Wreath (Pinterest Project, done!)


3. Fabric Pumpkins. Does the green one look familiar? If you've been with me for awhile, I bet you saw it this summer. The season has finally approached for him to sit on the mantle.


4. Mosaic Jack-O-Lanterns. Quite possibly my favorite decoration for the month of October.


5. Pumpkin Pie Candle: Handmade by Julie and me at our craft day last weekend.


5. Front porch complete with yellow mum, over-priced pumpkin and wreath.


Happy Fall Y'all!
Caroline

Saturday, October 22, 2011

A Kindred Spirit


Right now I'm reading Angie Smith's book, I Will Carry You, and I would highly recommend it if you're into the whole Christian women's book scene. Brief synopsis: its about the loss of her daughter, Audrey Caroline, and "the sacred dance of greif and joy." I heard Angie speak at the Women of Faith conference in Atlanta over the summer and I fell in love with her. I felt like I could relate to her from the second she walked up onto stage. Her exact words were: "those were the hardest 7 steps I've had to take." {about having up walk up on stage in front of the crowd} She shared about how she had struggled with living in fear for most of her life. One of her greatest fears was public speaking. HELLO....me too.

I just finished a chapter of her book where she tells of being rushed to the hospital when she was 4 years old because she battled with such overwhelming anxiety. Well, for those of you who know me...that's become something I struggle with as well. She talked about how her dad would have to walk her around the house every night before bed so she could make sure the doors were locked, the stove was turned off, and her sister was breathing in her crib. To some of you I'm sure that sounds absolutley absurd, but it struck such a cord with me.

I was a worrier as a kid too. I think mine came from watching too many episodes of Rescue 911. William Shatner's voice still makes me uneasy to this day. I would dream up every possible scenario that could go wrong and play it out in my head. Well- not much has changed. Sometimes my dad would have to go to work at night when I was younger and I would look at the clock and worry myself sick if he wasn't home by the time I had alotted in my head for his arrival back to the house. I would convince myself that he had gotten into a car wreck. Then, I would proceed to "page" him on his beeper (back when those were still around) or call him on his car phone (prehistoric reference again) just to make sure he was okay.

In the same chapter, Angie talked about her trip to Disney World as a kid. When she went into a little shop with stuffed animals she felt guilty for picking out just one because she was so worried about the other stuffed animals who didn't get chosen. Then she cried all the way home because she felt sorry for them. Once again- I can relate.

Much like the guilt over the stuffed animals, mine had to do with the school lunches my dad would pack. I distinctly remember NOT throwing away my empty ziplock baggies because I wanted my dad to see that I had eaten what he packed me. I felt like his feelings would be hurt if I threw away something he carefully selected to go in my lunch. If I had a half-eaten peanut butter and jelly sandwich, it would go back home so he could see that I ate some of it, maybe couldn't quite finish the rest, but was appreciative that he thought to pack me the sandwich. I'm not sure that I could describe it in those words when I was in elemetary school, but that was my thought process. It wasn't that I was trying to show him what a good eater I was, but rather, I felt that he would be hurt if I didnt' eat what he so thoughtfully packed. Looking back- I doubt that was the case, but that's how my little brain worked back then.

Another freak worry of mine was that someone was going to abduct my little sister when she was outside playing. If I thought about it hard enough, I'd have to walk out to the yard and call for her or walk a lap around the neighborhood just to make sure I saw her. Such a little mother hen I was. Oh, and I was also afraid of the garbage man. Laugh it up, Blair and mom. I know y'all remember that.

These days my worries have turned to more adult issues, but they are still there. I am still an anxious worrier. So...in a nutshell, this blog is for those of you who can relate. I know you're out there!

So here's to taking a few deep breaths, remembering that God is in control, and knowing that He wants us to lean on him when our troubles become too much to bear. I've been doing alot of leaning these days :) Trying to atleast.

Caroline

Wednesday, October 12, 2011

Leftover Spaghetti & Chocolate Chips from the Bag

Yeah, its been that kind of day. A day when re-heated spaghetti and chocolate chips straight from the bag soothe my soul. I wore killer heels at work today. Apparently my feet were not used to being at such and angle for 8+ hours, so I'm paying for it now. My large glass of red wine seems to be helping matters.


So I've been reflecting lately and realizing how much blogging has helped me to notice things in life that would clearly be overlooked if not for my sweet blog, awaiting its next entry. Some days its spaghetti that I have to write about...other days its the grandness of a major revelation. Most days its the spaghetti though. I've always been a journaler, so why not share it with the world? When I was babysitting over the weekend, I ran across this book stashed away on the mom's shelf called: The Happiness Project. The theme ran true to every other book I've ever read on the subject (and that's a lot of books): Find what is FUN to YOU. Simple enough, right? A lot of my friends like to mix and mingle...to be social....to tailgate...to have cocktails...to read magazines about fashion and Kate Middleton...to watch the news....to listen to the latest songs on the radio...to know what happened on Grey's Anatomy last night. I think I'm an old soul. I'm not a "crowd" person. And 3 is a crowd in my book. I'm a one-on-one, let's sit in a booth and talk kind of person. Big T-shirts and crafts and baking are how I prefer to spend my weekend nights. I am fascinated by someone who can march to the beat of their own drum (possibly why I became a special education teacher). Life without a TV is appealing to me. Adoption is on my bucket list. Christian music is my favorite. Yeah- I said it. I love when it rains outside because it gives me an excuse to stay buried up in my room with my books.

I can play the part and be "cool" on the outside, but on the inside, I'm far from cool. Isn't it refreshing to meet someone who is passionate about something other than the cookie cutter makings of life. Some of the most interesting people I know have chosen to hang with what makes them tick, even if it is completely off the grid. So, you read instruction and repair manuals for enjoyment? I can appreciate that.

A bit of a rabbit trail there, but...back to what I was originally talking about: The Happiness Project book. One of the suggestions- # 8: Start a blog. I couldn't agree more. The hardest part, I admit, is being exposed to the world, however, I think that's what a good writer does. No one wants to hear about my perfection, they want to know that I have flaws, too.

"I myself am made entirely of flaws, stitched together with good intentions." ~Augusten Burroughs

I read on a blogger friend's website about doing a 30 day theme for writing. For example, "30 days of Letting Go" (that was her topic). I strongly considered taking on the challenge, but I realized this would require me to write EVERY DAY for 30 days. Once a week has been more of my pattern, so I didn't want to put stipulations on my blogging habits and scare myself away! I blog as the inspiration strikes. The idea is still lurking though, so maybe next month.

What is fun to YOU?

Caroline


Friday, September 30, 2011

Friday Night Football

Tonight I turned off the air conditioner in my house. The most wonderful thing ever. I know its Fall because I have the screen door to my bedroom open, the breeze is blowing in, and I can hear the football game from across the river.

Now, I know you are thinking that I am posting this because of how much love football, but sadly that is not the case. Confession: I am not a very big football fan. Sacrilege, I know! However, there is something about the announcer's voice over the loudspeaker that gives me chills. I can hear his muffled voice right now, getting very excited over some play that I certainly will never understand, but his excitement makes me excited. Then the band kicks in and I can hear the crowd cheering over them. This is my favorite way to participate in football...from my room, relaxing in my bed, computer in my lap, listening to the sounds of the game as my curtains gently ripple from the breeze. What a loser.

Whenever I go to a football game, I tend to find myself people watching throughout the crowd rather than paying attention to the game. Then, I'm startled when a REAL fan breaks out into a cheer- so I clap along like I know what's going on. The commeraderie is great, the weather is nice, but I wish I could love the game like 99.9% of everyone else I know. This is my confession. I hope we can still be friends.

Caroline

Wednesday, September 28, 2011

Ty

At the risk of sounding like a crazy cat lady, this blog is about my cat, Ty. You have my blessing to stop reading now if you are not a cat fan. I understand its annoying to hear about someone else's pet. That being said- I am lonely for my Ty tonight.You see, when I moved out on my own, he continued to live with my mom and dad. So, he's really my mom's cat now. I'm pretty sure he hissed at me last time I tried to pick him up.

Meet Ty Coots. My family and I found him as a 4 week old furball trying to cross the highway in Jacksonville. We were on our way to Miami to board our first cruise ship ever. Thank goodness the traffic was slow moving due to roadwork or else he woud've been a pancake. He ran out in front of us & on instinct, my dad hopped out and scooped him up. Then..... we were stuck with a kitten....and we were on our way to Jamaica. All the humane societies were either "full" or used the "he's too small for us to take care of" excuse. What?? You are a HUMANE society! We finally found a saint named Debbie from PetSmart. She took him home with her for a week, making us sign in blood that we would come back for him when we returned from our cruise. She already had something like 9 cats at home and didn't need another.

Sure enough, we came back for him. On the car ride home we
relived all the good times from the cruise. It seemed that every story we recounted from the trip had something to do with the boy we met from Fyffe, Alabama....Ty Coots. Everything was funny about him, right down to his name. One of those boys who got the braids in his hair in the Bahamas, got busted for under-aged drinking, had a thick Alabama accent and said things like..."Let me smell of it" (when trying to figure out if a drink had liquor in it or not.) It was then we decided that our kitten would carry on his name.

Hard to believe its been 4 years since then. Ty Cootsie has brought us more laughter than we ever intended. He is fat and spoiled rotten, just how cats are supposed to be.

He wants to be in your presence, but do not dare act like you see him or care that he is in the room...or else you will get the evil eye.


He loves to play peek-a-boo, but only on his time. Not when you want to. Oh, and clean sheets are his thing.

Birdwatching is his favorite hobby. He chirps at them and swishes his tail back and forth. If it weren't for the window, he would pounce.
His rabbit feet are my very favorite. Sometime he will let me rub his little paw pads if he is sleepy enough.

How can you not love this face?

Caroline









Thursday, September 22, 2011

20 Questions


Allow me to paint a picture of the setting.

First grade classroom. 2:30pm. We've just eaten snack, teachers are exhausted. Now it's center time where the kids can play at different stations throughout the room. Children are scattered in noisy clusters, drawing, putting together legos, painting, playing on the computer, or.....fighting their dinosaurs and dragons and snakes. A very inquisitive 1st grade boy, dinosaur in hand, approaches a new visitor in our room. Resting up against my desk sits a 7th grade girl who is totally disinterested in life & sitting in our room for in- house suspension.

1st grade boy approaches 7th grade girl with his opening line...never fails: What's your name?

7th grade girl: <we'll call her Sally> Sally

boy: Why are you here?

girl: I'm in trouble

boy: What did you do?

girl: Got in trouble with my teacher

boy: What do you do when you get in trouble?

girl: I have to go to another classrooom

boy: Do you get in trouble at home?

girl: Sometimes...I guess..

boy:What do you do when you get in trouble at home?

girl: I go to my room..

boy: Do you get a spanking?

girl: ...no...

boy: Do you play with toys in your room?

girl:...sometimes?

boy: what kind of toys do you have?

girl: ...i don't know...

boy: where do you live?

girl: (tells address)

boy: Is that far away ?

girl: no, its right around the corner

boy: umm......(nervously looking around the room, searching for another question) What's your mom's name?

girl: Debbie

boy: What color is she?

girl: white....

Lights flick on and off & a teacher intervenes: "Time to clean up!" Poor girl was saved. This was just two minutes worth of his questions. On a more regular basis when there is no one new to interview, he mostly makes his rounds with one of the three teachers in the room asking "What are we gonna do next?" "Do we have a fire alarm today?" "Where are we gonna go?" As long as you answer, he will keep asking. Gotta love him.

So, how was your day at work? As drained as I am after every day, I still wouldn't trade it for the world!

Caroline


Monday, September 19, 2011

A Rainy Night In


I love when it rains and I have no where to be. So here I sit in my bed, with my sister beside me painting her nails, listening to my new Woodwick Candle burning away. Ever tried one of those candles? The wick is wood, so it crackles like a fire as it burns. Walmart: $8. You should try it.
Tonight we cooked Shrimp Fried Rice....well, I cooked, she cleaned. Then I drank my favorite new treat: Ovaltine. (Thank you Ashley Blaine- we can be dorky together.) It takes chocolate milk to a whole new level.

The main reason Cathlin came over tonight was for me to help her with an online test, but she has decided to spend the night, yipee!! We are having a week-night slumber party. The best kind. It adds a little something special to an otherwise uneventful Monday night. No more Bachelor until January, so we entertained ourselves by.....
THIS nonsense. Somehow this never gets old.