Major Duh!

I brought my camera with me to Maine but forgot to take pictures and I left my camera in the car. Bad M-Dawg! :-(

Had a nice visit with Susie and her family. Her and her husband Wayne have twin boys, Walt and Will. They are four years old and are such cutie pies! Full of energy and life! Wayne's sister, Karen, lives in Wells, Maine and spent the day with us too.

We drove over to Kennebunkport for lunch at Federal Jack's Restaurant. I had a delicious lobster roll -it's been forever since I've had lobster and it was yummy!

One of boys got sick after we ate lunch - I felt so bad for the little guy! :-(

Afterwards, we walked around some of the quaint shops and stores. I window shopped! :-)

We spent a nice day together and caught up. It's been over four years since we've seen each other.

Oh, the countdown for the last day of second job is two more days!! Wahoooo!!!!! :-)

Major brain fart - I forgot my camera! :-(

Ughy! Yesterday as I was driving down to school, I realized I forgot my camera to take pictures of my classroom. Oops! :-(

I was able to get some work accomplished yesterday. I hung up most of my posters and cleaned out my desk. I put together my Russia bulletin board. It looks good! I also hooked up my computer but I couldn't access the school system for some reason. As far as I know, I still have the same sign in and password. I'll ask our tech dude on Tuesday. :-)

I also got my hair cut and highlighted yesterday. I had about four inches cut off and my hair is now layered. I just felt like I needed a change. Seems to be the theme around here. :-)

The plan for today is for me to drive up to Maine to meet my friend Susie and her family and spend the day together. Susie and I have been friends since college. I haven't seen her since she was pregnant with the twins! Should be a fun day! And, I WILL NOT forget my camera! :-)

Saturday is my last day at Paws. It's been sorta a strange working environment. It's going to be so strange not working on weekends and having a life again. What is a gal to do in her free time????? :-)

Finally! The Russians are doing something!

I don't know if any of you were aware of this BUT since Russia has been under the leadership of Putin, a lot of Russian journalists have been killed. And, the majority of these murders have never been solved. Anna Politkovskaya was a journalist that was very critical of Putin and the Chechnya conflict. She was murdered on October 7, 2006 (also Putin's birthday). Until now, no one has ever been blamed for her death.

So, a huge step has been made recently. Read all about here.

The U.S.-based Committee to Protect Journalists state 13 journalists have been killed in contract-style murders since Putin took office in 2000. Others say that there have been more journalists (numbers as high as over 100) that have been killed for writing against the Putin government.

I just purchased this book a few weeks ago. I haven't started reading it yet but it looked good. Check it out here.

Let's hope that justice will FINALLY be served!

Getting ready for a new school year!

It's that time of the year again. Time for M-Dawg to go back to school.

I'm actually looking forward to going back and seeing the kids and teaching. It's also nice to have a regular schedule again.

I've been working hard the past few weeks on the curriculum I'm co-writing for that new course that I'll be teaching in the spring semester called Current World Affairs. My colleague will be actually teaching the course the fall semester so hopefully she's get the kinks out it before I get to it in the spring. The course sign ups for the course are high - I hope that means that the course didn't become a dumping ground for students to fill their schedules. This new course has a lot of potential to be an educational elective course for our department so I hope it works out OK.

However, I'm a little stressed about this new class I'll be teaching called Salem in History. I don't have a lot of teaching materials for the class and with the exception of the Witch Trials, I don't know much about the local history in the area. I have a textbook for the class but there is only so much you can do with a textbook. I'm sure it will work out but I can't help but feel a little anxious about teaching a new class.

I've been bad with preparing for my World Studies classes too. I'm hoping to get some work done this week. Every summer, I always have these huge to do lists of how I'm going to go through each of my binders and clean them out and organize them. I also like to re-type some of my old files and put them on my computer so I have copies of them. That SO didn't happen this summer. The other three 9th grade World History teachers were supposed to finish (or should I say start) the curriculum for the class. I have this sneaky suspicion that they didn't write it. I really wanted to help write it but with my being away for most of the summer, it wasn't really fair for me or them.

One of my goals for this week is to go into school for a few hours (maybe on Tuesday morning) and try and set up my classroom a bit. I did go in twice already but it was just cleaning and moving desks around and lugging boxes and books. I'll try and remember to take before and after photos so you can see (hopefully) the improvement. Being I'm out in the modular, my classroom isn't that bad. I have A/C and heat which I can control. The space is actually rather nice in comparison to the classrooms in the main building - we are in construction so they building looks like a bomb went off inside. We (the freshman house) are supposed to be in the modular until the end of the school year and then we move back into the main building.

So, my goal for the week is to try and get my room organized, type up my first day handouts for my classes, and finish up the Current World Affairs curriculum. I'm aiming for a restful Labor Day weekend of not worrying about school work. :-)

My host family in Vladimir, Russia and Problems in the World

This is a picture of me and my host Dad, Andrei, and host Mom, Natalia at their flat in Vladimir.

I just received an email from Yana, my host daughter. She's been wonderful about keeping in touch with me since I've been home. Yana is the inspiration of this post tonight.

My visit with them was so nice and wonderful. They were so kind and good to me. It amazed me how complete strangers could be so kind to a stranger - especially an American! :-)

In my travels over the past few years (Europe), a lot of people in these places don't like Americans. It's really sad when you think about it. A lot of it has to do with our government - mainly our idiot of a President.

When I was in Russia, I spoke with people that always asked me my opinion of President Bush and the war in Iraq. Of course, there is a belief that ALL Americans voted for him (NOT ME!) and that ALL Americans want our troops in Iraq (I support our men and women serving - I don't support our American gov't trying to control the world and push democracy on folks that don't want it!).

My host family asked me if America planned on taking over the world. How do I respond to that? How do I tell them that our government makes decisions that the majority of the American public don't agree? I tried to explain to them I hope that America doesn't have the plan to control the world. Yes, we are a world power (I question for HOW much longer) but that America needs to work with other countries (such as Russia) to make the world a better place, politically, socially, and economically. The focus should be on Darfur or how about this - problems that are going on here in the United States such as education, poverty, Katrina victims, etc. I also pointed out that before Bush was elected, the world didn't hate us as much as they do now. Thanks to our involvement in Iraq and the idiotic decisions that have been made over the past four years by our government, the United States has officially pissed off the majority of the Islamic world and isolated the United States from everyone else. Not a smart move.

So, why did Yana's email motivate me to rattle on these topics here? I don't know. I just get so frustrated with our government. At least here in the United States, we have freedom of speech (or do we?) and freedom of ideas. I'm fearful of where America is heading the next ten years. There are so many other problems in the world that need to be dealt with - global warming, North Korea, poverty and world hunger, etc. Oil is NOT the answer to our problems - we need to find other alternative forms of fuel sources.

While living in Russia for a month, I appreciate the little things in life. Good quality toilet paper. Hot water for a shower whenever I want it. No mystery meat - I know from what animal my meat comes from. Unlimited Internet. No smoking laws. If I get pick pocketed here, the police won't say to me, "Stupid American!" Electricity that stays on most of the time. Cars that have to pass emissions tests to drive on the road. Not seeing piles and piles of trash and litter everywhere in a state or national park. Being harassed by drunk Russian men (in a bad way). Food that has flavor and some taste.

I am proud to be an American. I just don't always agree with how America chooses to do things within its government and the world.

Hang tough folks - we only have 512 more days of a Republican President! :-)

M-Dawg is one busy gal!

I've been a busy lady lately. Not that I'm knocking being busy. Busy is good. Between working at my second job and doing school work, I haven't had a lot of down time.

*I've been working on curriculum for a new course that is being offered in my department called Current World Affairs. I'm working on it with another colleague of mine and thank goodness she's on top of everything and keeps us focused and on task. We've been meeting once a week for at least five to six hours at a time plus the time we put into the curriculum on our own at home. I guess I should point out that we are only getting paid for 10 hours. Oh well. We want this done right and good and are willing to do whatever it takes to make it work.

*I'm also teaching a new course called Salem in History (a local history course). So, I'm trying to brush up on my readings for the class. I really want to do some field trips with my students. Today, I met with one of my colleagues that is also teaching a section of the course at the PEM for the afternoon. We are trying to coordinate field trips with her kids and my kids.

*I need to do a lesson plan on my trip to Russia. I haven't even started it yet. I'm doing something on Czar Nicholas II and his family but I haven't figured out WHAT exactly I'm going it on.

*I'm on officer for my local Delta Kappa Gamma chapter so we've been working on some community service projects and planning meetings for the year.

*And, of course, I'm still working at my second job. My last day will be August 31st. I looked at the schedule and on a few of the days that I'm scheduled to work, there is no one else scheduled to come in! For example, this Saturday, I'm on the schedule 9-3. Well, the store closes at 10:00 pm! I'm NOT working all those hours! Especially on a busy Saturday when the store is really busy! And, I already have plans for the evening. I wasn't originally scheduled on Saturday but to help out, I said that I would work the shift. That's what I get for being too nice. The stress level at the store is still high with all the employees. I hope it gets better for them. They are a really nice group of ladies and I wish them the best. The owner is still dealing with her personal stuff and is not in the store a lot which is causing all sorts of problems. When you own your own business, you need to put your personal stuff aside and RUN your business. That is not happening and it's making everyone on edge right now. I do feel badly for what she is going through HOWEVER, it's no reason to take out your emotions on your employees. Especially when we try our best every single day.

So, that is the life of a busy M-Dawg! Wheh! :-)

Happy Birthday Jacob!!!!

This picture is of Jacob in his baseball uniform.

Happy Birthday Jacob!!!!!

Enjoy the day with Mom, Dad, and Corey. Eat lots of b-day cake and make sure they take you out for some ice cream!

Lots of hugs kiddo!!!! :-)

I finally gave two weeks notice at my second job!

I did it! Finally!

Part of me wanted to give my notice in person. Part of me wanted to do it on the phone.

I went into work yesterday and the owner of the store was there. She didn't even say hi to me when I came in (there were two other employees in the store and they both said hi to me). I think the owner had some idea that I was going to give my notice. Maybe she found this blog. Oh well. I don't know and I don't care anymore.

The owner was in another one of her "moods" and she didn't stay very long anyway for me to chat with her. I had already had it in my head that I was going to give notice on Friday come hell or high water.

I chickened out and told her on the phone that evening when I had to call to give her the totals of the day. She didn't ask why. She didn't really say anything. She didn't beg me to stay like she did the others so apparently I'm not a good worker to keep around. I told her that I'm dealing with some personal issues and I need to take care of myself. I explained to her that it's not fair to the customers, the employees, her, or myself to stay when I'm not happy. I know it wasn't professional to give notice over the phone but to be honest, I really didn't want to deal with anymore drama that there already was in that store. All the employees are unhappy. I'm sorta sick of being unhappy at a second job that I really don't need anymore. I will miss the frequent puppies that come into that store. :-(

Friday, August 31st is my last day. That Saturday, Sunday, and Monday, there is a festival in Newburyport. Sucks to be them!!!!!!!!

However, this will be the first Labor Day weekend in over two years that I won't have to work! Yeah!!!!!!!!

Thanks to all my buds for the words of support - love ya's!!!!! :-)

Happy Birthday Shout-outs - Aunt Jenence and Sherri!

I have no recent photos of Aunt Jenence or my friend Sherri from high school! :-(

Happy Birthday Aunt Jenence! Wishing much love on your extra special day! Hope Uncle A takes ya out for a nice dinner!

Happy Birthday Sherri! I met Sherri my freshman year in high school - such a goofy girl! Always the life of the party! Some of funniest memories from high school are linked to this girl! Mooner - thanks for the memories! Enjoy your day kiddo!

Hugs and love to you both!!!! :-)

Random Thoughts for the Day - school related!

Thanks for the comments about my second job. I'll keep everyone posted about what happens when I call her. Joy!

It's that time of the year again. Back to school. Parents doing the dance thing down the Staples aisle. Teachers stressing out about getting their classroom ready and lesson plans completed. Kids complaining that they have to start getting up early again for the new school year.

I went to Staples (my first trip of MANY!) yesterday to pick up a few things for school. I belong to Teacher Rewards so a certain percentage of what I spend comes back to me in savings. Since I spend so much money in that store, it really pays to belong to the program. I picked up some binders (Although I still keep most of my curriculum on my computer, I still keep the hard copies in a binder), markers for my white board (I officially killed my markers from last year - OR should I say my students killed the markers when they wrote all over my white boards good-bye notes and well-wishes for my trip to Russia on the last few days of school), tacks for the bulletin boards (I'm going to do a board on Russia - surprise!), and binder clips (the best invention ever!). Once I get settled into my classroom, I'm sure that I will be taking a few more road trips to the local Staples to load up on more supplies. Wouldn't it be nice if my school actually provided materials to me???????

Once I get my classroom all set up, I'll take some photos and post them at a later date.

Some of my first day of school memories:

*The smell of pencils and school supplies (still gets me hot and excited - I know - I'm a sick person!)

*Mom and Dad ALWAYS taking a picture of Mandy and I on the first day of school. I have EIGHT of them for the first 8 years of school. You can always tell the styles of clothing and hair of the time based on those pictures.

*Meeting my teacher(s) for the first time. I have mostly positive memories. I have one BAD memory of one teacher I had for 3rd and 4th grades - she was the most horrible teacher in the world! She used to make fun of kids that couldn't read! Who does that???????

*In high school, going shopping to pick out that that "First day of School" outfit.

*In high school, I always wondered if I would know anyone in my classes. I need to point out that my high school had 400 students in it and it was a VERY small high school.

What is your first day of school memory? Could be your own personal experience - could be your child (or children) experience. Please share. :-)

And, for your enjoyment, here is a little picture of me and my friends on the 1st day of school (probably around 5th or 6th grade).

I haven't done "the dirty deed" yet . . . .

I'm such a chicken. I still haven't given notice yet at my second job.

The owner of the store has been so bitchy and hasn't been in the store a lot. She's not even on the schedule for the whole month of August. I understand that she is going through some personal issues but you OWN A STORE!

I worked on Sunday. I was schedule to work 10-3. The lady that was scheduled to work could not work and no one else could work on that day so I got stuck working open to close. I usually don't mind working long hours except that if I need to go to the bathroom and get something to drink, I can't leave the store. And, it was sales tax free weekend in MA so that meant that is would be busy (weekends in the summer at usually busy since we are a tourist town). I worked until 5:30 that day!

The owner came in on Sunday for about 20 minutes (enough time for me to go to the bathroom) and then left! While she was in the store, she was very snappy at me!

So, I guess I won't see her again in the store for a while. I guess I'll have to tell her on the phone that as of the Sept 1st, I will not be working at the store. I don't why I'm being such a chicken about this - I think she's going to throw a fit so I think that is why I'm not telling her. Another employee gave her notice (she's a college student and would be leaving after Labor Day anyway). Another gal that works with us is leaving too.

Reasons why folks are leaving: 1) The bitchiness of the owner (she is very difficult to work for). 2) The responsibility at the store is ridiculous 3) The pay for what we deal with 4) The customers are sometimes rude. The college student that is leaving us got another job this summer working at a retail store in the same downtown area that our store is located (she worked at both stores). I think she realized after working at that store how much easier it is to work at THAT store compared to our store. And, she's making more money for less responsibility. I can't blame her. And, the owner put A LOT of responsibility on her like doing the schedule for the entire summer - essentially this girl was the manager of the store all summer and didn't get paid or treated very well for doing it. I think she just got burnt out. She's been at our store for three years so it's sad to see her go but I don't blame her.

I need to do what is best for me. All of you are commenting and telling me the same thing. I just care too much sometimes. I do love the dogs that come into the store but it's so not worth my aggravation or stress.

Should I just call her to tell her that I won't be working? Please give me your thoughts and opinions. Thanks! :-)

Happy 1st Anniversary Mark & Traci!

Happy Anniversary to Mark and Traci!

Mark and Traci are celebrating their 1st anniversary today!

Wishing you much love and happiness in your lives - love each other - accept each other - laugh with each other.

Enjoy the day!

Lots of hugs and love to you both!!!! :-)

A day off! OR, is it a day off???????

I have the day off from my second job today.

I have lots of stuff to do today. I'm trying to be somewhat productive around the house since I go back to school in a few weeks.

You know those things that never get done but NEED to get done but you NEVER have the time to complete those tasks???? Like organizing and purging the filing cabinet or cleaning closets? I also need to move a lot of boxes and stuff up to my storage unit in the attic. Add to my house list - my school list of stuff that needs to get done before school starts. Like writing curriculum for the new course or research material for a new class I'm teaching this year (Salem in History) or revamping my first unit in World Studies. Plus, I need to write up a lesson plan to submit to the University of IL about my trip by Sept. 1st.

I know that I should probably be relaxing and enjoying my day off. No luck in that happening! My head keeps racing of everything that needs to get done. During the school year, a lot of stuff doesn't get done since I'm so busy working all the time. I'm hoping that once school starts and I get my weekends back, I'll be able to be more productive at home. The best part: not having to set your alarm on the weekend to get up and go to work.

Oh, I did sleep until 10:00 AM today so I guess I did get some relaxing time today. :-)

What do you do on your day off or weekends?

I have to do something that I really don't like or want to do!

I'm sorta of stressed out right now.

I've made the decision to give notice at my second job. There are a lot of reasons why I want to give my notice. Part of it, I don't really need the money. I'm sick and tired of always working all the time and feeling tired and exhausted and not having much of a life. There is also drama that is always happening at the store and I'm getting sick of it.

I also would like to focus on my teaching this school year. I've been in a negative place the past year and I feel that this school year will make or break me as an educator. I would like to be able to say that I gave it my heart and soul and if it's meant to work out, that's great. If not, than life moves on and I will need to find another job outside of education.

The owner of the store is going through some personal stuff right now. I sorta feel bad for her and I don't want to add to her stress but for once, I need to take care of myself. I also found out that another girl just gave her notice too. I want commit to the store until the end of August and finish out the summer. Once school starts, my hours go back to weekends anyway.

The owner hasn't been in the store so it's been hard for me to tell her that I will no longer be working after this month. I don't want to tell her over the phone but I just may have to do that.

So, this is why I'm stressed. I hate confrontations - and I can guarantee that this will be a confrontation with the owner. I would like to leave on a positive note but we shall see what will happen . . . . . . . .

Happy Birthday Mark!!!!!

Mark, Traci, and Jeffrey.

Happy Birthday Mark!

To a wonderful guy and great Daddy! Enjoy your special day with your family and friends!

Hugs! :-)

Adjusting to life back in the United States

Sometimes, you don't realize how lucky we have it here in the United States. Hot water whenever we want it, rights protected under our laws and Constitution, technology, etc.

Life in Russia was hard. And I was only living there for a month. I knew I was coming back to my lovely home with all the modern conveniences, my rights were protected by my government and our Constitution, police are not corrupt here and bribery is rare, and if I wanted to change my financial situation, I could change it. If there is something about my life that I don't like, I don't accept it. I try and change it.

Russians don't live this way. They accept that they can't make a change or difference in their lives. They don't trust the police since the police won't help them. For example, when I was in St. Petersburg, a few members of our group decided to stay in the downtown area for some drinks and dinner for the evening and take the Metro back to the Hotel. We bought our coins for the metro (12 rubles or 48 cents in American money) and headed down the very LONG escalator to the Metro (subway). We were talking and laughing (basically, being loud and obnoxious Americans). We arrived at the bottom and walked in front of the doors to the Metro - waiting for the next available train. The train arrives and we all walk forward to enter the train. As we enter the train, we are shoved HARD! I went flying into the train (which was crowded since it was during Rush Hour or peak hours). I felt someone try and reach into my pocket. I didn't keep anything in my pockets - everything was in my side bag that I always carried in front on me during close confined spaces or situations. One of the guys in my group (Mike) was not so lucky - they stole his wallet with all his money and credit cards and drivers license. Good news - they didn't get his passport which was in his other back pocket. We were warned to not carry our money in our back pockets since pick pocketing is VERY popular in Russia. As the doors were closing, Mike jumped out to chase the criminals that stole his wallet. We all looked at each other - panic-stricken. This woman on the Metro said to us in English, "That's Russia for you!" It's like they accept this type of behavior. The rest of our group got back to the Hotel to tell the main guy in charge of our group what had happened. We also went to the Police and their response was, "Not our problem!" "Stupid Americans! You should be smarter than to keep your money where someone would steal it!" Nice, heh? The Police refused to help us. Mike did come back to the Hotel. He told the Hotel what happened and they allowed him to make a quick phone call home to tell his wife to cancel all the credit cards. And, he'll have to replace his drivers licence. The good news is that he still had his Passport. If they got his Passport, it could've ended up on the black market and sold.

I couldn't get over how the Police reacted (Or should I say the lack of reaction) in this situation. If this happened in the United States, they would've at least filed a report and been more helpful. I heard many stories while in Russia on how the Police are not helpful and if you are in trouble, you don't go to the Police. I had also heard many stories on how you could bribe or pay off the Police. We were also told that if a woman was raped, the Police wouldn't do anything. Very scary society!

Regarding the hot water: There would be days without hot water so people go days without showering or bathing. Makes for a very stinky society! :-( Again, the people in Russia accept it and do nothing about it. They don't go to their local politicians to complain. They don't advocate for their rights. Nothing.

We are very blessed and lucky to have what we have here in the United States. I know we all complain about our government at times or society. But, we really are lucky. Remember that the next time you complain about something here in the United States!

PS Mike lost $150 cash. Nothing was charged on his credit cards before he cancelled them so he was VERY lucky! Some American teachers in my group loaned him money to get by until the end of the trip.

Happy belated B-day to Traci!

Happy birthday Traci!

I've been a horrible friend - I forgot to post your b-day! Ughy! I blame that damn Yankee Homecoming week in Newburyport and all the hours I worked at Paws last week!

Anywho. Traci - thank you for being such a supportive friend to me over the years. You are an amazing person. I watched you become the bestest Mom ever. Over the years, we've had our ups and downs in life but have always somehow kept in touch and helped each other through stuff.

Keep being a wonderful Mom and friend. I wish you much love and happiness on your extra special day.

And, please forgive an old friend for losing her mind!

Love ya kiddo!!!! :-)

Happy Birthday Dorky Paul!

Happy Birthday Dorky Paul!


I have no recent pictures of Dorky Paul.


Who is Dorky Paul? Dorky Paul and I met in college. We both went to Western Illinois University in Macomb, IL. We lived in Tanner Hall. We had some goofy and fun times in college.

We've had our ups and downs throughout the years but we've always kept in touch and always been there for each other.

Happy b-day Dorky Paul! Love ya lots!!!!

Happy Birthday Lauren!

To a dear friend - Happy Birthday!

You have been such a wonderful friend to me throughout the years. Thank you for always being there for me.

I wish you much love and happiness on your extra special day!

Hugs and Love- :-)

Started to update Travel Blog

I've started to update my travel blog. You can check it out here.

Also, check out the University of IL-Urbana-Champaign photo diary here. To access the photos of each week, just click on the dates and scan down. You may recognize a few pics of me. :-)

I highly recommend checking out the other blogs listed on the U of I photo diary web page. You'll get another perspective of the trip.

Oh, the answers to the previous post were:
1) Me, of course!
2) This photo was taken in Bogoliubovo at the Monasteries, built in the 12th century. It is currently a convent. The Russian Orthodox Church requires women to wear scarves on heads and a long skirt. I look like a Polish refugee because I didn't feel like wearing a skirt all day so I threw a skirt in my bag and pulled it over my capris (as did the other American teachers in my group) and then quickly tied the scarf on my head prior to walking into the Cathedral.

Here is a group photo:

Been busy

I've been busy so I haven't had a chance to post anything about my trip yet.

Here's a little "tease":

The teacher in me is coming out so here is a quick quiz:

1) Guess who?

2) Why is this person dressed this way?

Have fun commenting! :-)