My name is Miss Bethie...

and I am an OPI-aholic.

It is true. I buy OPI polish, as overpriced as it may seem, as though I am investing in stocks and bonds.

I love the colors. I love the names. I love the way they wear.

Can a girl really have too many fun colors for their toes during sandal season? Can you pass on names like Kinky in Helsinki and My Auntie Drinks Chianti? When you don't need to repaint or touch up the toes until it is time to trim them again, can you not totally justify the $7.50 a bottle? And really, how long does a bottle last? A long time, which is why it is so ridiculous that I found my favorite discontinued colors and bought 2 bottles of each on eBay.

The only thing that may be sillier is that I am staying up to watch the X-Files on TNT when I have the entire series on DVD.

One Step Backward, Two Steps Forward

I had an interview for a near-perfect job for me, but I did not get it. I Found out while relaxing with a manicure/pedicure. I needed more than that after I retrieved my messages.

Laughs-a-lot is not longer "falling in love" with me, but rather is in love with me. Without hesitation this time, I told him I love him, too.

I have been having stommie trouble worrying about getting a job. I have butterflies when I am with Laughs-a-lot, or even just think of him.

Did I mention that he is the kind of guy who can say, "I love you" often and without acting like he is doing me a favor. He always says it looking deeply in my eyes and with total conviction behind it.

Per Marie's Request...

Here are the flowers from Laughs-A-Lot.
This was taken with my camera phone.
the camera I ordered is on back order. I hope that's a good sign! :)

Equine Update

So, Saturday I got to my equine therapy group, and immediately the instructor ran to me and hugged me and asked what the heck had happened the previous week.

I explained to her the happening that I told y'all about, and felt a little silly, as if I may be over reacting. I even told her as much.
"I was just stressed with wrapping up my school year, looking for a new job, and I didn't realize it at the time, but I had PMS."

"Oh, you aren't the first to complain, and it isn't just the volunteers!"

We kibitzed. Evidently, a participant's mother moved her to our other stable, even though it is further away, and changed nights to get away from this weirdo.
She's been trying to take over the foundation and run it her own way.
She set her sites on one of our favorite, and best volunteers, Cowboy Cal. The director told her repeatedly that Cal (who is probably old enough to be her father, or close to it) was happily married to a great woman.
Cal must have picked up on it and not been comfortable with it, because he brought his wife that week she stood in for us. Now I know why he did that!
When my e-mail was received, according to the instructor, the director stated that I am golden and the crazy lady must go. (Awwwww!)

The Saturday instructor has 3 weekend out of town this summer, but has two of them covered. She said that maybe they would have to ask the crazy horsey-lady. The volunteer coordinator said no way would she allow that, because if I wasn't happy, she would be unhappy, and no one can be happy with crazy horsey-woman. The director agreed and rearranged her schedule to work that weekend. (Awwwww!)

The director said she didn't realize just what a dynamic group we are until the crazy horsey-woman came around. She knew she had to get rid of crazy horsey-woman, but didn't know how to go about it.
Crazy horsey-woman's horsey senses must have picked up on it, because she suggested that she need not work for us.
There was much rejoicing at the stable.

The other weirdo who is a crazy-horsey-woman-in-training is nothing to worry about. As it happens, she works with another equine group, and is training with us because we are bigger and are known for our excellence. She might be with us this Saturday, but after that, she is done and goes back to her own equine therapy group.

While I felt relief in my heart, the instructor showed it in her face and voice.

Maybe I am a witch, not being accepting of these newbies, but at least I am in good company!

Laughs-A-Lot Does It Again!

We are at a point in our relationship where we call each other Sweetie, Babe, Hon, I call him Handsome and he calls me Beautiful.
It is great being with a guy who says what he feels, and isn't afraid if what he feels is romantic. That, along with Bubbles, are two things from his marriage that I am glad he has.

Today I got a dozen red roses. They are beautiful and have little purple flowers interspersed with them. He wrote a very personal message, and signed it "Love".

{SWOON}
He's so dreamy!

Birthday Bliss

My birthday was really not a big deal. There was no special dinner. There weren't any surprises or presents I was really looking forward to. I just asked for money so that I could do a little shopping on my own.

What did make it special was that Laughs-a-lot was going to be part of the small family celebration, and that my niece was old enough to do more than drool on my this year. (We are so close. She loves to look at me and kiss me. When mama-Miss-Bethie is watching her, as soon as I walk in the room, her loyalty changes over to me.)

L-A-L had chosen a present for me well ahead of time. He called his sister to make sure it was appropriate; not cheesy, not too big. She told him it was good.

L-A-L knew there were two things I needed--a new camera and a new DVD player. I knew my present was going to be one of these.

When he came over and I saw the box, I knew.

After dinner, right before gifts were open, I leaned over and whispered, "I bet I know what you got me."
"I bet you don't."
"A DVD player."
The look on his face--crestfallen. I felt guilty. He then tried to play it cool and said, "You don't know that."
"After that look, I do."
He laughed, of course.

I got money from everyone else. There were many family stories L-A-L got to hear and many laughs and smiles were passed around.

My niece helped me blow out candles and L-A-L said, "You're awfully good at that," when seeing me interact with her and keeping her content.

When it came to blowing out the candles, I felt like my wish had already come true. I had to come up with something new.
I can't tell you what that is, though.



I got a new digital camera with my birthday fund and the rebate I received on my cell phone.

Sir Laughs-A-Lot, My Knight in Shining Armor

My last two weeks of school are always stressful, but are even more so than usual because I had to pack up my classroom and get my crazy IEPs completed.

One day I was picking up some of my belongings from the elementary teacher I used to work with, and she mentioned an e-mail our special education director sent us saying that our paperwork was due a week earlier than usual. I hadn't read this e-mail, and flipped out. There was not possible way I could get it all done a week early, because the next day would have been that date.

After having a full-fledged panic attack that included shortness of breath and chest pains, I called Laughs-a-lot's cell and left a message saying I was having a meltdown.

I called in sick to my evening job and went home and chilled out, but 5 hours after having called L-A-L, he hadn't called me back. I thought that I had freaked him out and he was running for the hills as fast as he could. I called his home number to let him know I was back to my "normal" self and it was safe to call me.

About a half-hour after that, L-A-L calls me very concerned and apologetic. He hadn't taken his cell to work. His department finished a very large project, so the person who benefited the most took the department out for drinks. He felt horrible that he wasn't there for me when I needed him.
I assured him that it was fine and I was feeling better.
He then said that he never again wanted me to go through something and not be able to get a hold of him, because he wants to be the guy I run to. He gave me the direct line to his office and told me over and over to call him whenever I needed to talk to him. He was so concerned.

He wanted to help me to alleviate some of my stress. He couldn't really do any of the paperwork, but he has man-muscles and a big pick up truck and was willing to help me get my room packed and moved.

He offered countless times to take a day off and come to school to help me out. I really didn't want him to waste a day off for that. I told him I would rather him take a day off when I was out of school so we could have some fun.
He said he could do both.

I am happy to say that I did not need him to take a day off, although he did meet me at my storage unit to carry the heavy stuff. He told me he wanted to do more to help me out. He doesn't understand that just being there for me was all I needed.

When I am making my calls at my second job, if I tell L-A-L that a customer yelled at me, or that my coworker Fruit Loop is annoying me, he gets truly upset and wants to tell these people off. L-A-L doesn't want me to ever be unhappy. He wants to shelter me, and while that normally would make me feel exasperated, with him I adore it.

READ ABOUT MY FIRST TIME...

Making dinner for anyone. And not just anyone--Laughs-a-lot and Bubbles.
Seriously, I am 36 years old and have never made a complete, homemade dinner for anyone.
But, I was dog sitting for my aunt and uncle and had a great opportunity. Uncle is a butcher, so there was a freezer full of meat and a killer grill on my hands.

The meal went very well. I grilled some chicken breasts, and they were quite tasty. I also threw some corn on the grill, and nuked some bake potatoes (a little soggy, but the only miss of the meal--and not a glaring miss), broccoli-because that is Bubbles' favorite food, believe it or not, and a beautiful salad. My mom had sent me over brownies, and my aunt had left me cheesecake and strawberries in the fridge, so dessert was a snap.

One of the reasons I invited Laughs-a-lot and Bubbles over is to meet the dogs. I was watching a Rottweiler named Kobe, and a Bulldog named Bear. Both a strong, un-neutered males. Charming, I can assure you.

It used to be that when I watched the dogs, they were very, ummmm, affectionate with my legs, arms, whatever they could come in contact with. With the use of some dominance exercises and shock collars set to Beep, they were broken of that.

I assumed that it would be as easy to keep them off of my guests. You know what happens when you assume. Your guests get mounted by big dogs.

Bubbles is blissfully naive. She kept saying of Bear, "He sure likes me! He keeps hugging my leg!" Laughs-a-lot and I had a hard time not laughing. She has told everyone about this affectionate dog.

Why Laughs-a-lot is laughing, I don't know. Except that he laughs about everything, which is how he earned his name. Kobe had a fondness of him. He was easier to keep away, but it was even funnier.

While grilling the food on the deck, I kept the sliding doors open to make it easier to get in and out of the house while cooking. Once everything was prepared and we were ready to go inside to eat (it was unseasonably cold, so we could use the gorgeous patio) I closed the door. I want to keep out the cold air, pollen and bugs.
Bubbles, who had been following me back and forth as I cooked, decided while Laughs-a-lot and I were cleaning up dishes, to go out and see the dogs. We heard a loud thud, and Bubbles groan, "Owwww! That hurt!" I ran into the den to see her dancing around holding her forehead. Once I knew she wasn't seriously hurt, it took all I had not to let out a big ole belly laugh right in front of her. She went out and Laughs-a-lot and I cracked up.

Bear kept us entertained just by being a Bulldog with that cute, funny face and the antics of trying to run off with Bubbles' sweatshirt, constantly tripping over it as he took off. Watching that stout body trying to jump on the sofas and on top of us was like watching a cartoon come to life.

We concluded the evening with a couple of Bubbles' favorite tween movies--The Princess Diaries II and Are We There Yet? Bubbles wanted to spend the night, but the next day was Mother's Day, so it just wasn't feasible. But she hung out with me most of the night, and is always cooking some reason for me to hang out with her dad and herself. What a relief--and great feeling. Great kid, too, even if she is a little naive and klutzy.

Meet Laughs-A-Lot

We both hate having our picture taken, but still, not too bad.
We are no Angelina and Brad, but we are much more functional and exceptionally happy!

Big Time

Guess what, folks...
Last night Laughs-a-lot met my now former co-workers and we had a great time. Everyone said how nice he is, because he IS nice!

At the end of the night we went back to his place and watched a movie and just hung out, all cuddly on the super-sized-sofa.
And while all curled up, Laughs-a-lot looked deeply into my eyes and said, "You know, I am falling in love with you."
I hesitated, not because I was freaked or don't feel the same, but because I just melted. I told him I was falling for him, too.
Then we made out like a couple of teenagers.

I would hate to jinx anything, but...
He's the one.
And he was totally worth the wait!

Equine Swine

I LOVE my equine therapy group.
Fantastic kids on fantastic animals with fantastic instructors and volunteers.
I am one of the volunteers who often is asked to teach other volunteers. I have a red shirt.
What is the significance of the red shirt? It means I have 60 hours under my belt and that I am well qualified.
Admittedly, I am not a "horsey" person. I went on trails rides a lot as a child, and studied horses, but I wasn't raise around them, nor have I ever had one. But I am comfortable around them and feel like I am somewhat intuitive when it comes to animals.

Recently I went in early to train a girl on putting the tack on a horse and grooming. They have me lead Smokey. (Remember the story of the horse that ran down the street and nearly merged on the highway? Smokey.) Smokey and I have a strange rapport.

Three weeks ago we had an instructor in training. She was abrasive, but I thought she would soon have training done, and it would all be back to normal.

But, before I come off as bitchy, let me tell you why I found her abrasive. I was walking with Smokey on my right side. She wanted him on my left-side. By rights, that is normally what we do. I calmly explained that I was walking on my right side so as to block the traffic from his peripheral vision, because it makes him very edgy, and let's face it--we don't want to put disabled kids on edgy horses.
She seemed disgusted, so I asked the real instructor. She said that I know how to handle Smokey, and if I wanted him on the right side, that is fine.

Later we were trotting, and I was still in the lead. Instructor-in-training is helping out, because when we trot we need two sidewalkers. I supposed to make her point, she said, "I need you to cross over and walk him on your left."

"What?"
"I'm short and can't see what is going on. I need you to switch sides."
Now, I am called the leader, because I am, well, the leader of the horse and my sidewalkers are supposed to work around me, not the other way around. It is important that I have control of the horse. I tried to explain to her than I needed to have him on the right when we trot because he requires a strong hand, and that my left arm is basically just for decoration and so I am balanced. But she insisted, so I crossed over (though not to her liking) and guess what...the horse nearly got away from me twice and scared the kid!

The following Saturday, the charmer was there again. And so was an instructor who was observing because she was going to have to take over the lesson the following week, and wanted to see the kids, horses and volunteers. Admirable.
The annoying instructor-in-training was there, and at one point I did tell her to chill out. But, I love the "real" instructor and Smokey, while trying to drag me as we trotted (even with the stud chain) was in a groove for the other parts of the lessons. It was good!

Then this past Saturday came to fruition. And the other instructor was there. Rude, condescending and cold are the first adjectives that come to mine. I would also say that she is a horsey-person with no people skills, and that is as close to a compliment I can give her.

There was eye rolling, superior tones, and pouting...and not from the kids. The stand-in instructor was treacherous. She constantly asked me why I did certain things the way I did, and when I said it was the norm, she'd roll her eyes and tell the instructor-in-training, "They always do it that way. That is ridiculous. I'm not doing it that way."

I left feeling pissed off and like I'd been put through the ringer.

Imagine my gasp when next week's schedule comes out with the stand-in instructor was listed again. I quickly shot off an e-mail asking the volunteer coordinator if this change was going to be permanent.

Here is the exchange that happened:

No , that was only last week. Lori says she will be back
this week. How did it go last week! How was Joy with the riders? Would you want
to work with Joy again if you had a choice of instructors?

Honestly, no, I would not work with her. That is why I asked. Fine with the riders, but very condescending towards some of the
volunteers.
I would have finished out the session, but I would not have returned
if she were the full-time instructor there.
But then, when you are being compared to Lori, it is hard to fare
well, I think. :)

-- Thank you for your honesty. This is the only session she is doing.
We have had other complaints and truthfully we would rather keep you. You are special
to us & a great asset to the program.
Thank you, thank you,

Well that means a lot to me.
I had a rough week trying to wind up the school year and find a new job,
and thought maybe I was just being overly sensitive.
I love working with the program and hated the idea that the fun of it was
being sucked out. :)

--You mean a lot to us. PLEASE don't leave
thank you,

It really does mean a lot to me to hear that. With the job and not having luck finding a new one, I was starting to feel sorry for myself, and even a little worthless.
This made me feel back in the game.

Parting shot

Basically, the director of special ed. made me miserable and was a large reason why I left my jobby-job. She was hypocritical in that I would get reamed for things other teachers did constantly.

I have been avoiding her like the plague, but was forced to see her when I turned in my reports today. Yesterday I turned in files, but she wasn't in the office at that time. As soon as she heard I turned them in, though, she must have decided to make sure I did my job. Today she sent a lackey in tell me that Jane Doe's file was not turned in. I assured her it was.

Today I dropped off the last of my reports, only to have the director tell me there is a missing file. I assured her that when I got them gathered together, Jane Doe's file was there. I checked it off my list.

Supposedly both she and her secretary looked for it twice, to no avail.

I said I knew there were no more files at school, but I would happily check my computer desk to see if I had left it at home. I knew I hadn't, but what else could I say.

She had a flash in her eyes, as if to say, "Liar! You lost the file!" Instead, she verbalized, "You need to go to that box and locate it now before you go home."

Guess what...I walked right to where she put my files and pulled it out. Seriously. It was right there.

She was crestfallen.

I said, "Good bye," and left that district forever.

THREE MORE DAYS!!!

That is how many days in the pit of hell...errrr...school I have.

Remember I said that paperwork would be turned in as late as Friday. Ummmm...yeah...still not done. I am thinking Wednesday. MAYBE tomorrow.

Laughs-a-lot is still dreamy. He offered to take a vacation day to help me finish packing my classroom. His friends have told him he is obviously happier since meeting me--it is even in his voice.

I made dinner for him and Bubbles--went well--stories to follow.
I was dog-sitting last week--didn't go as well--stories to follow.

For now, though, I must get some work done.

Back among the living soon!

Mass Exodus

Have I mentioned that in my district FOURTEEN special education teachers are not returning?
14

Because of their faith in their staff, the special ed. teachers have to turn all of their work in a week early, because they are expecting us to either not do it, or schlock it together for the year's end.
Lovely.
I am supposed to turn all of my stuff in tomorrow, but it is totally out of the realm of possibility. I may turn it in Thursday, it could be as late as Friday.

I have a meeting Thursday after school with a parent that is supposed to be turned in tomorrow, even though I really have until Friday to hold the meeting.

Is it any wonder we are all burned out, feeling unappreciated and are having some anger issues?

When I get all of the CRAP squared away, I will be back with the stories I promised before.

Lost my snap...

I have been blogging for almost a year. I went back to revisit some of my old posts and stroll down memory lane.

I used to be sharp, and witty. What happened? I am quite sure I am still sharp and witty in my face-to-face daily encounters. Either that or a LOT of people are humoring me.

It makes me wonder...What is different now? Have I gotten boring, or merely bored. Will I be back to my old self when summer is here, (May 19th for me!), or am I funnier when I am not in a normal, healthy relationship? That can't be it, because I lost that snap long before Laughs-a-lot. Maybe it is the job situation? Possibly.

While I may not pinpoint the exact cause that my snap left me, I will do my best to find it again!

Still here!

I know, I know...I've been MIA for a week or so. I haven't even visited some of my favorite blogs! Sorry about that! Of course, I am sure the main reason is Laughs-A-Lot, but also it is the end of the school year, and I have sooooooo much to do! Still looking for a job, and just trying to keep my head above water.

Hopefully, sometime this week, I will send out updates on my birthday, Bubble's play, stories of his Ex, meeting his best friend, and our HUGE discussion last night.

Hope y'all check back later!

Miss Bethie