Ickiness

What a cruddy week. Hopefully I'll be feeling better and will stop whining soon. I'm just so tired of the prednisone and coughing. However, tomorrow will be an easy day at work, and then Teresa comes!

My face does look so much better now. I'm getting lots of compliments on the improvement, and I must say, its nice not to have Troy compare me to Quasimodo. (He really does love me...) Blinking is still very weak, and Troy told me today that I'm only blinking the eye when I put effort into it. When I just blink with normal force, its not closing.

On a really good note, I'd like to say that we are seeing fall foliage here. I really didn't think we would this year, after a drought and now temps in the upper seventies. The maples are pretty, and the tulip poplars have turned. I do love fall. Now if the temperatures would just drop by about twenty degrees...

Today I learned that I can actually do some stats. Not much, but a very little bit (variance and standard deviance- that's stats, right?)

Election Day

I voted in Virginia's gubernatorial race today. Its a pretty close race, and I'm interested in seeing who'll win. Voting was just one of several things I got around to doing today. I got all my new passport stuff together (for passport number four... man), went to the bank, had lunch with Meghan, and bought educational supplies. I relaxed this afternoon and stressed out a bit about my health.

I have developed a cough. This cough requires Dayquil and Nightquil. It makes my chest hurt and my ears pop. My cheeks are getting even more purple between the prednisone and coughing. Which reminds me... I'd better take my prednisone soon, or I'll forget.

My face has improved. I don't think I'm up to my contacts yet and my ear is still funky. However, I think most muscle movement is back and going well. Its much less noticeable, so I'm told.

On an interesting note, my friend Meghan and I got into religion a bit today. She refers to herself as a liberal, practicing Christian. She asked me today how I felt about death, considering that I think that when you die, that's it. I was a bit bothered that she doesn't really understand my religious beliefs. Its not that I don't believe in God and heaven and all that... I just don't know exactly what it is that I believe. I'm open to God or no God, heaven or no heaven, etc. I try to live my life in a manner that will get me into heaven if it exists. I just don't have a blind faith in one particular direction. I really wish I did, sometimes. It'd be nice to be able to believe for the sake of having a church to go to and a religion to call my own. I suppose one phrase sums up my beliefs right now- "We'll see."

Today I learned that its hard to spend a lot of money when you're trying to force yourself to spend a lot of money. Its when you don't have a lot that you want to spend a lot.

Exhaustion

What a day! It was so hard to get up when that alarm went off this morning. It didn't help that I didn't really know what to expect today. We get our weekly memos on Friday, so I didn't know if there were any surprise meetings today. There weren't any surprise ones, just an expected one that took over an hour.

After just an hour of being here, I was pooped. I stoically carried on, and the kids were good. The sub left good notes about the days I was out, which always makes a teacher really happy. We actually got some work done, and I got plans together for the rest of the week. The meeting that took forever was during my lunch time and past, so I ended up not seeing any students this afternoon. I had to leave the kids with their teachers so I could get some food in me. The meeting was bad because we couldn't agree with the parents about their child's disability. Mom firmly felt that he needed to continue services while we felt strongly that he didn't need them anymore. Plus, that little conference room got so hot! After I left, a little girl in my math class said, "Mrs. Mchenry, your cheeks are purple!" Sheesh. We think we worked out a compromise, but the next week or so could get pretty hairly around here.

I'm going to class this afternoon, even if I am tired. However, I may treat myself to a little frappacino on my way in. Something cold and sweet never hurt anyone, right?

Today I learned that special education law can really hurt feelings.

Plateau in Improvement

Bad Bell's Palsy, bad! This morning was the first morning since starting prednisone that I didn't notice any improvement. In fact, my eye bothered me a lot. I think an eye lash got loose and it took me too long to get it out. My blinking, although easier and requiring less effort to get the lid down, is still very weak. My ear is also still very sensitive. The only reason its really bothering me is that I have a cough, and coughing hurts my ear. Sorry to complain.

Tomorrow I'm going back in for a full day of work. I would probably try to do a half day, except that I have an important eligibility meeting at 12:30. That's past the half day mark, so there's not point in me going home before grad school. Maybe I'll take a nap in the clinic for an hour or so. I finished the rough draft of one of my grad school projects, which is a huge load off my shoulders. I just hope the prof likes it and doesn't want too much changed.

Henry has been just as cute as a button. I gave him a bath today since the weather was so nice (almost eighty degrees in November!), and he was pretty good about it. He hasn't had a bath in months. Since he stays indoors, he stays pretty clean. He's calming down some, but he's still got a lot of puppy in him.

Today I learned that lots of penguin chicks freeze to death in the Antarctic winter (we saw "March of the Penguins" this afternoon) and their stiff little bodies are quite depressing.

Yelling is not good for Bell's Palsy

As I discovered while quite angry at Troy. My ten minute tirade got me several hours in bed and a small set back. However, Troy says that he thinks I've improved by thirty to fourty percent. My left eyebrow actually moves a little bit all by itself! You can tell when I'm smiling and happy on both sides of my face. Pretty exciting, eh?

I've been working on a research project a lot today. I think I'm nearly done with it. I'm kind of glad that its just a "rough draft," although that means I'll have to do more work on it when it comes back with suggestions. I think I'd prefer to just turn the thing in when I think I'm done with it and have it come back graded. However, it is just one of three projects due toward the end of the semester. It is also the only one I've really started on.

I don't know what I'll find to occupy myself tomorrow. The laundry is done, reading is no fun with my glasses on (I did try my contacts today- no dice), I guess I'll have to play with Henry and actually talk to my husband. Hmmm...

Today I learned that public laws published on the Internet do not list authors.

Improvement Noted!

There is some minor improvement in my condition. My lip is able to smile a little bit, the muscles in my cheek are responding a teeny bit, and blinking is a little easier. The prednisone has given me chipmunk cheeks, but that's okay. I'd rather have chubby cheeks that move than thin cheeks that don't work right.

The pain is lessening some, as well. The hearing in my left ear is still terribly sensitive to loud sounds. I'm not sure how long that will last.

Henry has had a wonderful time staying home with me. However, he isn't too good at entertaining himself while I try to get some papers written (stupid grad school). So he's in his crate and out of my way for now.

Not much else to report. I'm in good spirits!

Today I learned that I think Jennifer Garner is a good actress. "13 Going on 30" was pretty cute.

More of the same.

That's about all there is to this. The pain is less today, thank goodness. My mouth is still funky, and I look pretty strange. However, I feel okay. I did lay down and take a forty-five minute nap in the clinic just to humor Mom. Its so much trouble to arrange for a sub. I'll just try to take it as easy as I can and still be here.

The assistant principal read aloud to my students to save my lips some work. After the conference and visiting with people today, my mouth is tired and I'm not ennunciating well.

Tonight was conference night, as is Thursday night. One parent signed up to talk to me, and they just left. It was pretty successful. I spent my extra time cleaning my room up. It looks pretty nice.

Tonight is also Henry's last night of obedience classes. Hopefully it will go well!

Today I learned that I have about a 48 hour tolerance for feeling crappy.

Watch for Falling Cheerios

The first part of this will be whining. My head hurts. My ear hurts. When Henry barks, it sounds like a gun firing by my left ear. When I chew or talk too much, the right side of my face works so hard that it pulls my nose and lips over, making my mouth very uncomfortable. There. I'm done.

No improvement today. Not that I expected it, but I laid in bed this morning taking an inventory. Eyebrows? Still going up unevenly. Lips? Still unable to whistle well or pull them over my teeth. Tongue? Still tingly. I had to wait until I took the eye thingy off to see that I'm still not blinking the left eye without a lot of effort.

While I was eating my breakfast, Cheerios kept falling out of the left side of my mouth.

School was okay. I stayed until 12:30. I was just really uncomfortable, so I came home and napped. I didn't want to miss my class this afternoon (reading comprehension week- woo hoo). Most people didn't notice that my face was funny; they just commented that I'm wearing my classes. Some people thought I looked sad. I said they just weren't looking at my good side.

When I came home from class at 6:30, the neighborhood was swarming with people. It was crazy. I can't even begin to guess how many people must've come through. I had to take Henry out for a walk, and he barked at all the kids in their costumes. I think he scared some people.

Today I learned that the doctor may not have given me prednisone because it can accelerate viral growth. (Thanks, Vicky!)

Damn You, Dr. Bell!

Maybe I shouldn't be so mad, after all, he didn't create this stupid paralysis, just described it first. The left side of my face isn't working so well, and it could take two weeks for it to even start to get better. In the meantime, no contacts, no normal smiles, and a really funny expression when I laugh. I have to remember- it could be worse. My normal functioning isn't impaired, and the only serious side effect to look for is an ulcer on my eye. I can avoid that with my super expensive eye drops.

I had a wonderful visit from Mom and Dad. We ate good food, watched good football (I think it was good football- I didn't really pay attention), and talked a lot. I wish they lived closer. Troy had a good time, too. Boy, he loves football.

I'm not excited about school tomorrow. First of all, I look a little odd. Second, its Halloween. That's a huge, crazy day for us. I hope I can maintain my sanity!

Today I learned that 60-70% of Bell's palsy cases are believed to be caused by the same virus that causes fever blisters. Thanks, Mom.

Oooh! Oooh!

I'm trying to wait as patiently as I can for Mom and Dad to get here. I spent most of the afternoon cleaning house, and then Troy and I went to dinner and ran errands. The house is clean, and we're ready for our company. I wish they lived closer. I think Troy's parents live farthest way that I'd want Mom and Dad- two and a half hours. You can go down and back in a day if you have to, and if you just go for the weekend, you don't feel like you spent the whole weekend driving.

Last year, I had to put out lots of fires with the students. This year, I feel like I'm dealing with a lot of conflict with the legal side of my job. I ruffled feathers when I went to the principal about being asked to baby-sit a fourth grade student. Its illegal unless its in his IEP, and the principal has to approve changing the IEP. Then, I have to deal with labeling kids with various disabilities and being pressured to give labels that I don't agree with. My kids are great. Its the adults that are starting to get on my nerves.

We don't have much planned this weekend. The school's big fundraiser, a carnival, is tomorrow. I'm going to take the 'rents so they can see my new classroom. I probably should've cleaned it up, by I was ready to sprint out of the building today. I didn't think I could deal with anymore time in that room. So they'll have to see it messy. We may also go look at bathtubs. Big time excitement!

Today I learned that iPod nano tubes (a case for the nano) are impossible to find in an actual store.

Much Better

I'm not nearly so cranky today. I feel like I got so much accomplished! I started testing on a student that had been absent for a long time. I had a good math class with my co-teacher (after a sit-down- she didn't like my "on the fly" criticism of her treatment of a student). We're very mature about handling our differences. I like that. I talked to my principal about an issue I'm having over "baby-sitting" a fourth grade student, and she was very receptive and dealt with things well. Plus, I get to go home and make sugar cookie hands for a project tomorrow.

Class last night was, again, a travesty. That guy can't stay on task to save his life! I realize that ADHD shouldn't be an excuse not to follow your dreams. However, this professor isn't a capable teacher. He's driving me crazy.

What else... Not much. Henry and I will practice for our last class on Tuesday. He's getting better about things. I don't think I'll enroll him for class in the spring, but I will keep working on him out of class. Maybe when grad school is over, we can go on.\

Today I learned that my principal thinks I'm too agreeable and that people are trying to take advantage of me. (I, however, think I know my boundaries and when to say no.)

Pessimistic Post

I am tired. Why, I'm not sure. I went to bed at 9:15 last night. I did get up and run two miles at six a.m., but you'd think that nearly nine hours of sleep should be enough.

I love the haircut. The second day is always the day of truth- never the day that you get it done. I haven't been "styling" my hair in several months, so it was weird to actually work at drying it. I've been just tipping my head upside down and blowing it till its mostly dry.

I have my crazy-professor class tonight. I will be so glad when this class is over. I'm not sure I can stand much more of this!!! However, we're over halfway to the end of the semester, and I think I'll survive. Maybe.

Today I learned that some people will only be nice to you when they want you to do them a big, inconvenient favor.

100th Post

Quite a milestone! Yesterday was a good day. I got back my test from my instructional strategies class- an A. I think it was the hardest A I've ever gotten.

Today hasn't been quite so spectacular. I did get up and exercise, which I had to work hard to convince myself to do- bed was so comfortable. I was a crab apple with my students, and I scratched my leg on the car door. Then Henry got excited and scratched my face. He barely missed my eye.

I got a hair cut, and I think it looks nice. We'll have to see how it looks tomorrow.

Today I learned that Henry is easily "stressed" by his surroundings (according to the obedience teachers).

A Happy Birthday Week

Today was the best day of my "birthday week." The speech-language pathologist and I found out that we won a $1,000 grant to do a reading project. Its a big deal- only about half the people who applied got a grant, and we got a pretty big one. Our principal was so excited for us!

The birthday weekend wasn't so bad either. We went to Richmond on Saturday, where we ate at Chipotle and I picked out my birthday present- the iPod nano. I never thought I'd want one, but now I'm so glad I have one. I have an aux input in the truck, and Troy already had the cord. So I've been able to listen to my iPod in the car without taking the dash apart and buying expensive cables. (Teresa- bring your iPod on our trip- better than CDs!) We also went to Sarah Christopherson Howes' going away party. She and her new husband are moving to Venezuela for several years. He works for the secret service. I'm kind of jealous- I don't know that I have enough adventure in my life. I guess you could call grad school an adventure, but not really.

Troy got me a birthday cake from Dairy Queen. I hardly ever eat ice cream anymore! It tasted really good. I did so many loads of laundry yesterday and tidied up a bit. Nothing too exciting.

Today (yesterday, actually) I learned that twenty-six candles can make a small cake look like a forest fire.

Sheesh

I have a friend with too much drama in her life. I'm afraid, that in my attempt to defuse some of the drama, I've been added to her list of things to be dramatic about. On the funny side, she raised a fuss about something and the principal told her, "Don't be a Marie." I think I should be offended that being a ruckus-raiser makes me somehow bad in my principal's eyes, but I'm not. I've always raised a stink about things. Its just how I am.

I need to get started on my projects for grad school. So far, I've done nothing on them, and they'll be due in a month or so. I want to try and get most things done before my trip to DC with Teresa. It'd be no fun to do projects on my trip or at the last minute.

I got observed today, and my principal focused on one thing the entire time: my screen saver. It shuffles through photos of the family, but mainly Henry. Some of the pictures are great. Every time I looked at her while I taught, though, she was looking at my computer screen. Maybe I need something less distracting when she comes in next time.

Today I learned that one of my students is really ticklish when you try to paint the bottom of his foot. We're talking REALLY giggly-wiggly ticklish.

I'm getting really unoriginal with my titles, so I'm leaving it out today. I'm so tired. I think my exam went well yesterday, and work was good today.

Henry had a fun playdate just before his class tonight. He ran around with Stitch the corgi, Freckles the hound, and Blue the... big dog. He was so worn out that he actually behaved himself rather well! He should sleep well tonight.

I finally made an appointment to get my hair cut. Vernelle, my neighbor, is going to do it. She asked if next Tuesday was good or if I wanted to wait. She nearly had a heart attack when I told her that I hadn't had anything done to it since January. And I have the nerve to make fun of my sister's shoes...

Today I learned that I need to be more careful when entering scores into the computer for the WIAT-II, or else students will end up looking really low when they're pretty smart. (I'll probably never forget as I rewrite my entire report tomorrow...)

Nerves

I am not sure I'll sleep a wink tonight. For some reason, I am SO worked up over my instructional strategies midterm tomorrow. Its my first exam with this professor, and I've been hearing about how hard he is for a year and a half now. I've tried to study, but I'm afraid that I'll forget something crucial for the test. I'm so worried that this class will break my "amazing grades" streak. (I'll just keep telling myself that a B isn't that bad.)

We did have a good weekend in Cary. We left Henry behind, which allowed us to sleep in without fighting over who would take him out when he started to fuss. He was so glad to see us. Friday night, we got to Will and Becky's house around 7:30. Grandma (Becky's mom), Jerry (Becky's brother), and Tina (Jerry's wife) were already there. We had dinner at Bonefish, which was delicious. Saturday we slept in, and Troy and the other guys went to a sports bar to watch football. I went to Southpoint mall to look around for awhile and have some quiet time. Then, Saturday night, we went out to dinner. Will and Becky wouldn't tell us where we were going, and we arrived at an old Victorian house called "Sirios: Culinary Events." This guy bought an old house and uses it to host events. So the seven of us had the whole house, a chef, and a waiter, to ourselves for the whole evening. Crabcakes, seared tuna, salads, filet mignon, lobster, chocolate fondue, creme brulee cheesecake... It was phenomenal. It was something only Will could coordinate. Today we had lunch at Brier Creek Country Club and looked through some of Raleigh's Parade of Homes entries. We really liked the second one- 2.7 million dollars. We drove home, and have been hanging out here ever since. Trying to study instead of wishing I was still having a weekend.
Today I learned that its not a good idea to look into the neighbor's basement when Henry is there unless its unlocked or you have the key.

Yippee!

Okay. So the bain of my existance is the Lynchburg City schools six weeks assessments. Every six weeks, I have to read four 30-40 question multiple choice tests to children in two grades. Invariably, someone is absent or gets sick or just doesn't care. However, I finished giving the reading test today, and five of my seven third grade students passed. The reason I'm so excited? If they keep passing, I'm not allowed to do the Virginia Grade Level Assessment (a portfolio assessment consisting of tons of work) for those students. Well, I guess I should also be excited because it means I actually taught these kids something. I'm really happy.

The weather here is still kind of icky, and tonight I have my research methods class. However, that means that the week is nearing its end, and I like that. Tomorrow I'll be going with the fourth graders to Monticello. I'm in charge of a little boy whose favorite phrase is f*&$ you. Lucky me. At least there'll be nice scenery, eh?

Henry did not do well at class last night. He was the example for "sometimes dogs regress at this point in their training." Wild man.

Today I learned that I may be underestimating what my students can do.

More Rain!

I'm not complaining. Its been so dry here. Plus, I'm kind of an oddball in that I actually like rainy days. For some reason, the sunlight always seems to drain away my cheerfulness. I'm happier when there are clouds. I know- I'm weird.

Henry and I have class tonight. We haven't been practicing as much as we should. He's really good at the long down/stay. He usually only has to be "put back" two or three times, and then he gets tired of fighting it. THey says its a great way to let dogs know you're in charge. I like using it when he gets too wound up and starts barking a lot. He'll settle down quickly.

School is going along well. I'm enjoying the group I teach. Grad school has me a little worried. I'm afraid I'm not really getting anything accomplished, and that I'll end up rushing to do things at the end of the semester. My research class especially is a little iffy. The professor is kind of strange. However, I keep reminding myself that the worst of grad school is over. I'll get through it soon enough!

Troy just has allergies and post nasal drip. Nothing terribly serious, but he slept a lot yesterday and last night.

Today I learned that Elmer's school glue doesn't hold pipe cleaners to foam shapes. Especially Halloween shapes with little googly eyes and glittering pompoms.

About a month behind...

I think fall might actually be here. Its was chilly today, and Troy isn't feeling well. I really hope its not strep throat. I don't want to get sick this early in the year.

Today has been really quiet without the kids. I didn't get as much done as I would've liked, but that's the way it always is. I'm ready for a presentation I have tonight at grad school, and I've gotten a lot of studying done for my midterm next Monday. Hopefully I'm working well enough ahead so that there isn't a need to panic. I went out to lunch with three of the four third grade teachers. It seems like an awfully grownup thing to do, going to lunch with a bunch of teacher. I still feel like I'm ten years old and pretending to be an adult.

Last night, Henry jumped up on the sofa in the sewing room (the one covered in Nana's old clothes) and fell right asleep. He looked so cute curled up amongst the garrish fabrics and strange textures. He was really happy, though. We don't let him on the bed anymore, so he has to get comfy where he can.

Today I learned that I'm too suseptible to the powers of suggestion. As soon as Troy said he wasn't feeling well (headache and sore throat), my head started to hurt.