My Presentation

Man was I nervous! But the suit helped out....thanks, Dasha!!

It was a class act. Not sure how many people were impacted at this point but that wasn't my intention, I just want so much for children to be in the best possible situation for growth. After all, teachers all want the best for their students. I will say, I work with AMAZING colleagues. No matter the outcome, I'm the happiest I've been in quite a while.

The College

This is the view from the dorms - I just love itYes, indeed!

I'd go to college here.....

Hasn't been the easiest time for me lately. It is wonderful when I can find something so perfect to put my energy into, reminds me of the possibilities for the future.

One foot in front of the other.

This is intended to be a student - but I'm telling you sometimes it feels like - ME!

Tuesday is a big day for me as I prepare myself to present an idea to the faculty at my school.

A couple of years back I did similar work with my buddy Dr. Pat - it's sooooo me.

Anyway, I'm totally psyched - of course I have a bigger better plan for the future.

I already know it's going to be a success.

As a bonus I'm adding a viewing of the Eight Irresistable Principals of Fun - it's about six minutes, worth the time to check it out.

Will update as events occur....

I think the picture says it all.....

Very sad. I thought I wouldn't post on it at all but this blog is supposed to be about me so there it is. I'm not "happy" about this but I believe after so much thought it is for the best.

I can't blame everything on him or me - I just think marriage is something that shouldn't be taken for granted. Like anything else, left untended, it falls apart.

I'd certainly hope that friends who grew to like him will not feel any different after all of this - I want as little drama as possible and for him to have success in his new life. As for me, I guess it will be the hook to keep you lookin'

Thanks so much to friends who have been so supportive thus far - I'm a lucky woman.

My Principal

I totally respect this guy!! He is wonderful!!

My New Home Gets in the Game Too

It's homecoming so we're supporting the high school by wearing their sweaty old jerseys. Number 57 is a defensive line"woman". I offered to tackle our security officer today - he didn't take me up on it. Must be because I look so MACHO!! He was "escared". Members of my team
This is NOT my classroom - those Are my teammates.
My place of power. I absolutely love this atrium - the top floor is mine - isn't it awesome?

To be a Teenager, if only for one night

And to cheer for a fella - even when his team is unsuccessful 20 - 0. In any case she was soooo proud of "him". It was really cool to see her enjoying the evening.

Never complete without the bff's Courtney and Alison
On the side lines, could they look any cuter, or be any more distracting?

Carol goes to her 1st Homecoming

Carol and Margot

she looks so much like her big sister Evelina!!

That smile is reserved for Dad!!

Yes Sir, that's my baby!!

The Artist Formerly Known As......

My new tattoo.

Just kidding. HOWEVER, I have made a shift in my identity.....

May I introduce myself, I am......

Teri!

Teri!

Please don't try to understand, just work hard to help me with the transition.

Well, if you did want to understand you could go here - changed my life :)

As of 10/1 it is under construction - stay tuned, it's awesome, trust me.

Whew!! What a ride

This has been one WHIRLWIND of a month!!

Beginning Monday I'm officially back to teaching that which I know - Math (8th grade - SWEET!) I did enjoy the time I spent in Reading but am looking forward to the move.

It did occur to me that I'm more at home in this school that I have been since I left my buddies 2 years ago. I have some exciting prospects ahead. (That's the hook! More to follow...)

Carol's First Day of School

Poor baby leaves the house at 6:55 in order to get to class on time. I make her walk (it's 3 blocks away) Carol Freshman Year
That's my BABY!!

Save a place for me in Hades.....

I know I'm going for doing this to my cats........Adorable little elephant hat - three angry kitties Duchess
Boo (she almost had a breakdown)
Monkey (note the accomplice in the shot)

Happy Birthday to Me

August 15 - I am 43

It was a GREAT day! I had to go to a reading workshop (wow), but I did get to spend the day with Kristi (wonderful!!), she took me to lunch at Mel's Diner (excellent) and we laughed the whole day - I was so happy to see her since we'll be in different buildings this year

That evening Dan and the kids took me to Red Lobster and I enjoyed a huge place of seafood.

I can't even remember how many people called to wish me a good day, but if it were possible I would publish Missy's Idol rendition of "Happy Birthday" - it's currently saved on my phone.

Man does that girl have a voice - especially when she does the "husky verse".

So, let's take score: Friends, Family, Music, Food, and Food = Superior

I am employed!!!!

Funny how I write this after I have just spent the last SIX days at preschool week, but that's the way it is when you've been off all summer and 4 days before the first day to return you FINALLY sign a contract.


I can't count how many times I've been told I should have signed a contract.......*
The truth is, they system is flawed - it's set up that way and there it is. Last year I didn't sign my contract because I KNEW I didn't want to return to my school - I was being honest. The game is, say you're coming back, sign, and then look for another job.
The only other way to do it is ask to be transferred, a handy little path to take if your final evaluation is BEFORE the deadline to sign up for the transfer fair.

This seasoned math teacher accepted a job teaching.......Reading. But I would have taught under-water basket weaving to be in my new school - the weather looks fine here, I just love the principal (knew that after 3 minutes on the phone) and the staff is great. For now Reading it is, after FTE week, your guess is as good as mine.

*special thanks to all those friends who supported/worried, I knew I'd get a job and you were all so great! I'm a lucky girl!

SimpsonizeME.com

Okay, okay, it's me - Teri Simpson

Simpsonize the Kids

Very cool website - This is: Carol Simpson
Glenn Simpson

The Beach - Part 2

It's not that I HATE the beach - there are some very cool things there too This picture is slightly staged - I moved the shell next to the urchin - there were these type of shells all over the place - very pretty colors

Found in the water, still alive - so we tossed him in further after his photo op (I had his permission to put him on my blog)

The beach is INFINITELY more comfortable when you have a friend who has a timeshare there. In fact, Meg inviting us to visit her at Casa Ybel made the whole day spectacular! That is definitely the way to visit a beach:

-little time in the water or on the shore taking pictures...

-dip in the pool

-stimulating conversation in the condo

-Friends (by far the best!)

Meg and John

Me, Meg and the VIEW (this one was to make Darlene mad)

Carol and Kayla - just adorable

The Beach - Part 1

Truth is I really don't like going to the beach. I live pretty darn close to the beach and even closer to a river that leads to the beach - not my cup of tea.

People say, "If I lived that close to the beach, I'd be there EVERY DAY".

I have my reasons:

It's expensive - not just food while you're there but it costs $6 to get over the bridge to Sanibel, $ to park, and all the extra $$ for the things you need when you are not an organized "this is our beach stuff" kind of person (I'm not an organized any person)

It's a hassle - food needs to be in a cooler, stuff needs to be found (chairs, games, beach towels, sunscreen, etc),

The sun - I'm a white girl - I don't do sun poisoning or skin cancer

It's boring - what do you do if you don't sit in the sun?

The water - is NASTY. In August it is bathtub warm, salty, and.....well, we really need to have pictures to show you what was on the shoreline that day..... We were calling it Manatee Poop
Shells are their corn - just don't digest those.....
Someone's liver? I don't even want to know what it is - but I'll take its picture

GLENN is 21!!

August 4th - Happy Birthday Glenn
Why is he naked you might ask - let me tell you the story:

For Glenn's 21st birthday, he went to Naples to hang out with his three friends as they are moving into a townhouse. That was the plan, help them move, work (because he was given some work in Naples to do) and celebrate turning 21.

I called the next morning - Glenn wasn't feeling well at all (hello, he just turned legal drinking age). I woke him up, he was asleep in the little room under the stairs (very Harry Potter). Turns out, he didn't drink at all but he did smoke a cigar and it wasn't sitting right with him still.
BTW, Glenn never intended to drink for his 21st birthday because "anyone can get drunk on their 21st birthday". Nope, for him he's going to get his concealed weapons license....why? "because, I can" - that's my boy.

Later that day, he came home. Still sick, feverish, visits to the bathroom, etc.

This cake - with over $10 placed in it - was consumed at 10pm - AFTER the alka-seltzer. We had to shoot this scene three times because in the other two, too much of the underwear were showing. In attendance, Carol, Courtney, and the Mama.

Happy Birthday Glenn - "the day you were born the world became a cooler place", I just adore you.

Like a good neighbor.....

sure, we'll help paint the house. Nancy is worth the effort!! The little "touches" are so important
Recall, this is Florida in the summer.......
Carol takes a little break...
Chase and graffiti art - love the look on her face