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Sunday, December 23, 2007

Brown Paper Packages Tied Up With String...

I just had to tell somebody that I have FINISHED WRAPPING! It is 11:50pm on Christmas Eve-Eve and it's too late to call anyone and Danny really doesn't care because I "bought too much again and that's why it's taking forever."

I'm relieved that Kevin is better & at home (it's very scary to hear those dreaded words "Kevin is okay, he's okay, but he's in the hospital...) Hopefully, we will get to visit with Kevin & Jennie and the boys sometime during the holidays. Then I will believe that he's alright. (Love you, Kev.)
I'm excited about seeing our parents and everyone else who will be there tomorrow. Drive carefully and remember I love you all. ~V~

Thursday, December 20, 2007

Highway to the Phobia Zone

Well, aside from the snow in Chicago (thanks a lot, Mom, for pointing that out to me), and the fact that I am going to have to take THREE (count 'em) airplanes to get to Virginia, I am doing really well today.

The administration bought the teachers breakfast this morning, which was wonderful, and very New Mexican: I ate posole, red chile enchiladas with sour cream, and tortillas, and, I also ate a cinnamon roll that wasn't very Southwestern, but tasted pretty good. Three of my students brought me Christmas gifts, which is pretty good for a high school teacher (usually the kids are too busy buying for their girl/boyfriends to worry about their educators - ha ha), and, best of all,
I also had a chance to talk with our district's curriculum coordinator, who offered me the chance to go with her to the New Mexico Public Education Department meetings on revising the state's standards of learning for English/Language Arts.

I am thrilled to have been asked to do this! Next year, I am planning to work on getting my National Board Certification for Teaching (NBCT) and this is such a terrific professional opportunity for me as I begin the NBCT application process. It hasn't been finalized yet, but the principal here at the high school gave her "o.k.," and now it's just up to the state committee to accept me as a member of their team.

I will let you guys know what happens.

Meanwhile, I am stocking up on anti-anxiety medication for my 10 hour trip home. Yes, it really is going to take 10 hours. About 5 and a half of them are going to be in the air. And I will get to spend some "quality time" in the great city of Denver on Sunday, so you can all think of me and send hopeful thoughts that the airport is well stocked with books and coffee (which are all I really need to call my time 'quality'). I will see you all soon!

LOVE,
Emily
P.S. - I am planning to stay overnight, just so you know, Mom. (laugh)

Kevin Awarded Additional Vacation Days

As most of you are aware, Kevin was hospitalized yesterday (12/19) for diverticulitis. Fortunately, he listened to Jennie who insisted he go to the Doctor, as the affected areas of his colon were highly inflamed and could have burst at any time (remember that Dad nearly died with a perforated colon years ago). So, altho' this is not a good way to acquire vacation days (or lose weight!), I am thankful that he is doing well and looking to be released on Friday if all goes well. He is at Williamsburg Community Hospital, Room 338, phone 757-984-9338 and welcomes any diversions!
Regarding Christmas:
I would appreciate anyone staying overnite to let me know when they are coming and how long I will enjoy their company (simply for housekeeping details and meal planning). I, too, welcome all comers!
I have checked the weather for Emily's flight home on Sunday. It appears the only glitch could be Chicago where they expect some light snow...yike!

We are looking forward to soup at the Waltrip's in Rocky Mount on Christmas Eve (about noon). Jeannie is preparing soup (of her choice) and we will bring bread, salad, and dessert. Vicki, we need to talk!

Well - the time is drawing close. This wonderful, wipe-the-slate clean, begin again time of year...I pray that in 2008, God will send you all that you need to be all that you are. I am thankful for the blessing of a wonderful family. D.