"It's just another day...for you and me...in paradise." Phil Collins I do believe I'm recalling this fine, HOT afternoon.

Now was I correct in reading Justin's blog with a report of SNOW? Craaaaazy!

At this point in time, I am sitting in one of my many classrooms passing the time avoiding research paper grading.

We got Dad's package in the mail and it was a dooszy! I got a color game boy hand me down, which makes me very happy.

Also, dad hooked Casey up with some c.s. lewis videos to teach the chronicles. THANKS DAD!

Mom, I just moved my sewing machine back to the back room where I hope to work at the desk. I had it in the living room every since you left in order to motivate the jean quilt completion. No avail.

I need an extended amount of time where I can really give it my all, and not feel overwhelmed with other things to distract.

So I plan on making my DC quilt, a quilt for Casey's shirts, and a couple other projects this summer, AFTER we get back from Anchorage.

Speaking of Anchorage! YES! Very pumped to explore up thru nor cal, washington, and oregon. YES! 8 weeks away! peace for now

Saw a shocking picture of James Taylor today with a mustache, skinny head, and long hair. Oldest Ripley brother anyone?

I've joined an "all ages" women's soccer team that plays on Sundays, and we had a game today in the blazing sun. Many of the players tossed some cookies and that was funny to me, but not them.

My new Wal-mart cleats are not being kind at ALL to the back of my feet, BLISTERS are majorly hindering my play.

Also, I'm finding that I've been out of the loop fairly long as far as organized sports. I can still do it easily physically, but some of the game I'm rusty at.

Besides that, this weekend was very lazy and well deserved. I ended up taking a never before done tour of Chowchilla, while hunting down some fund raiser tickets from my softball team.

That was fun enough.

I just watched Oliver Beene and before that My Big Fat Greek Life. Fair entertainment. Yet, I managed to catch some "Amercian.....something about that family in the 60s who have a daughter on American Bandstand everyweek.

What a great enjoyment and appreciation I have for oldies. Ever since 5th grade, dad has assisted in molding this love of oldies, let alone music. Should credit be given to Kit Eridon for sending that oldies tape to us in Australia?

Really though, thanks Dad! We all love music, and you've been a big shaper of that love.

So it's april this week, and Mom time as far as bdays! Talk at chew all later.

Suzy Dally! I just read your blog, and that was a blast!

Your best quote was: "Mrs. Dunn I didn't even really start my paper" reply "it was an in class paper, turn it in!" (then a blank sheet of paper is stapled to the prompt hmmmmm) Hahahahhahahahahha

I'm off to coach a softball game 2 hours away!!!!!!! Also, I'm suppose to teach 4th period right now, but NO! I have another teacher to cover for me......b/c I'm.......getting softball equipment....

For 45 minutes.

Please pray for one of my P.E. students who got in a car wreck Wednesday. She broke her back in 4 places and has internal bleeding. She has a good chance of making it and has been concious with some memory.

Lord? she's so young....15 years on earth...

He has His ways. check ya

CONGRATS J on the excellent 1st place movie award deserving tonight!

In addition to that, so many things are fun right now!

My JV team called for a team pizza dinner tonight, at the Pizza Factory. It was a good time to release tension of PLAYING LIKE 3RD GRADERS for so many days in a row. HA!

Tomorrow I only have to teach 1 and 1/2 classes b/c we have a game 1 hour/45 mins away.....CRAZY bus ride!

Mom's bday is happening soon, and it was fun to get Mike and Justin's presents out. Soon is Casey's birthday (apr.25 :)

AND DID I MENTION SUMMER SEEMS RIGHT AROUND THE CORNER? Well, it will drag a little bit, but you must know spring break is in 10 school days.

All this, however, yet I AM saddened that Michelle is in this California but I cannot hang with her, and I miss hanging out with Matt and Tracey a lot.

I ordered Plumb's new album in which the lead singer promised a more upbeat album. Equation has had a new one out for months, yet I am without. Plus, two of their band members have a side duo project. EXCELLENT! MUST GET THOSE!

And I absolutely cannot diss the lyrics and quality of sixpence's new one. They certainly have god given abilities with God speaking so directly to me thru them!

Well, have a great Thursday night. OH YOU FORGOT tomorrow was Friday?!? How could you! love you all, and certainly miss you big time....Ohio......sooooo....far.

Matt, glad you get to keep your job. Keep working hard, they'll keep you.

The war seems to be heating up. That is a weird concern in the back of my head.

What's new, besides teaching STUDY HALL for 2 hours a day! Man, it gets long but I get to do whatever I want. Who's complaining?

Not me, but the kids are starting to be "bored". Whatever to that :)

Today we had a lock down situation where we have to lock our classroom doors and get all kids near our door into our "safe" classroom.

Everyone thought it was drill, but I had a feeling it was not. It was very abrupt and odd happening right after our morning break 3rd period.

It took forever for our principal to give the "all clear", and he told us there was a man on campus. A man who was armed and was soon arrested out back by our gym and p.e. area.

SCARY! It was even more weird b/c in Madera (15 mins. away), 5 people escaped from their jail cell (all 5 in the same cell), and are currently still on the loose.

God protect us if it is His will. Same for the war, and Justin your comments on Bush were amazingly well said. I agree.

Keep hindering God's movement at that youth group, ha hee, as per say Mike's hint to such comments.

What? I don't know, I've been sitting here too long. Have a great day my friends and fam.

MIKE HAPPY DAY TO YOU!

Mom I saw what you wrote! YAHOO!! I miss you too!

Softball game today, big time blow off! YES! Peace till later

"My Three Favorite Parts of Teaching: June, July, and August". Haaaaaaa! I saw this on the wall of one of the very veteran teachers' rooms I use this year.

Maybe you can picture it too: a wonderfully, wooden heart-shaped "country home" piece of decor hanging so lovely on her classroom wall.

Anyways, we saw the gweneth movie Friday, and it was okay. Very clean and trying to be touching with a girl going for her dreams and falling in love too.

I enjoyed it enough for brainless escape, but probubly only recommended for a 99 cent rental in 2 years -----or not.

Mike! Since your mention, I've been downloading Divine Discontent, and meant to a long way back. I still love them!

Plus, I think it's cool you say your name in your song, and I totally got why you have it in there. Best part of the song, "the reminnicing (bad spelling) will kill....."

It's so live in the NOW message to me! Hay! Your present is on it's way!

And Justin did you get yours yet?

What else today? School happened. I think. Have I mentioned that I get to have 3 days a week study hall for my "rough class" the REST OF THE YEAR!!!

Actually I could have 5 days of study hall, why don't I?

Not sure ----oh I guess b/c I don't want to babysit 5 days a week. This junior class I have (that I'm talking about), is the talk of the school in immaturity, stupidity, and rudeness. Bless their hearts!

So next year, I am guaranteed, quote unquote, a job, but in what...we do not know. I certainly hope it's not 15 subjects, and I would absolutely love if it was just English I (freshman are so easy to trick!)

Better yet 5 periods of P.E. WOOOOOOOO!!!!

Well, I suppose I shoud get back online, send this, and let Casey's parents call from Florida. They're at Casey's friend's spring training game (Carlos Pena from the Tigers as you may know) in Florida, and trying to let "(Car)Los" talk to Casey.

Have a good, quick week AND ENJOY YOUR WEEKEND! It's only like 3 days away---til Friday.

Oh and Matt and Tracey did you end up going to Cush, and do tell on how Joshua went. check ya

Grades were due today (well Monday), but why leave that annoyance till then.

Tonight we're going to that Gwyneth Paltrow silly movie, hope it makes us laugh at least 4 times. We'll seeeeeee!!

It's the WEEEEEEKEND! YES~! Tomorrow both the boys baseball teams, and both girls teams are travelling 2 hours up to the mountains to play a double header of the same high school: Sierra High School.

Sadly, the San Fran trip didn't work out with Michelle! Until next time in Cal!

Matt and Trace, I am so jealous of CUSH! Man I miss them. I need to pod them from you when you come up here ---can ya bring your cds if you any of theirs?

check ya

I ABSOLUTELY CAN NOOTTTTT beeeeelieve the caliber of ridiculous and incredibly idiotic Americans that we have in this country!

Just watching the beginning of this war unfold, you can't miss all the discussion about "protesters" and bla bla bla, should they be considered patriotic or not.....

Annoyingly enough, I thought MTV would have a sitcom on so I could pretend like this Gulf War II isn't happening (but really just sick of Peter Jennings already, sad to say)

Anyways, and Pharrell Williams, a complete idiot as well.......I mean......a member of the hip hop group Neptunes, currently sporting a Justin Timberlake collaboration song last month......

(why do I know all that) .........he was trying to be "celebrity (politically) correct" with the protesters and said:

"I can understand what the President is doing....but also I'm with the protesters b/c so many people will die.....I mean.....people......people are people, man....people..."

Well, maybe you won't get as annoyed as me, but how stupid could he have sounded.

I trust God number one, then I trust that our gov't will do what's best. All in all though, the Lord's will be done, and really how much closer will we be to His beautiful face if the world goes down. Yah Lord.

Also, does anyone remember September 11th? Hmm....I think those protesting San Fran weirdos need a reminder ----well no offense to san fran (I like it), but those are the only protesters I have witnessed with my own eyes.

Next topic: GET THIS, last night.................... CASEY called me KATHY TABER!! He keeps making up names to tease me, and this was the bombshell he came up with last night.

Multiple explosions of laughter at the randomidity of it ----and if you know the Tabe'ster, you know you feel the explosion too.

Peace in the middle east ----yet trust in that good God of ours!

P.s. I heard today that Max Lucado asked Bush how he finds the strength to deal with war....Bush replied:

"only on my knees before God am I strong", then he asked America to pray for "clarity of mind for wise decisions", and "safety for his family".

I'll do that. Especially b/c people are people man, come on, people, you know.

And hey we're going to that Mike Myers movie Friday ----pass or fail, at least we'll see the highlights again from their trailer. Em--PHFASIS and SYLLLAhhble... commercials. hee, hee.

This war stuff has me thinking about how much doesn't matter in this day and age. The only one true thing of course is the Lord and whether or not your heart is in His hands. 2ndly, my family and the moment.

Tomorrow, not. Food, not (yum oreos :). Whether or not my kids ever get the correct spacing and tab buttons necessary for a research paper outline, not.

Other thoughts today: Matt and Tracey that totally stinks about the theft of the flips! HOW DARE THEY!

It's like palease, if you really want our material things befriend us, then just ask for them.....well that was kind of weird but SHEESH!

The past couple days, I've been feeling less restless. Besides normal school speed brained activity, I don't feel as compulsive to throw old belongings out (well sort of), or go here, go there.

Just really feelin' the moment lately. It's all we have ya know.

Dad! Those pictures you have of a huge redwood root fallen down ---is that near santa cruz or, it really looks like the pics at Yosemite too.

Have a great green beer day, without the disgusting beer though.

FINALLY! I rebooted my computer to an "earlier restoration whatever computer mumbo jumbo", and we're back in business.

We've been without the comp. for about two days.

And now, I have watched WAY TOO MUCH TV this weekend ----often times getting up and meandering around the house with a drowsy "what am I doing daze".

Well, the parents are gone and it was a very nice time! Busy and fun, and sadly working took over as NORMAL! I can't wait till next year when things are more relaxed and set in. Already this quarter things are coasting --- mostly due to my attitude! Ah freedom to relax finally.

I'm about to order mike's bday present and I hope noone else buys it. It's weird b/c he suggested what I was going to get him anyways, SORRY MIKE for spoiling the surprise for sure now.

Glad to see the parents are back and well into the bg routine again. It seems you brought back some of that California sunshine in your pocket! hahahhahahahahhahahhahaha.

Don't tell me you've never wanted to say that matt and tracey!!!!!! l;ksajdkfajfjwafjjwafjkdfjsaf;dsaf

School tomorrow! Everyone have a great week! Love ya all

P.s. San fran this weekend to meet up with michelle! That will rule! :)

Happy Birthday Just!

I hope you have an excellent bday back there in Ohio! Wish I could celebrate it wit chew.

Your gifty is in the mailey!

Keep pushing the envelope with all your wonder and dreamings come true!

You're an inspiration and I love ya!

Woooooo! Another movie this afternoon with the excuse: "California Exit Exam overload". Mary promised a break after intense prep all semester for that standardized monster last week!

Tennis last night with the babu! I LOST! Well, not offically b/c the set is not complete at 4-3 bruce up. Tonight or tomorrow morning will be more completion of it.

After practice, I will run to Save Mart and get some rice, curry, ice cream, and cake for a big fun meal with the padres. Power of One on DVD too.

As you read earlier maybe---Casey's salmon and dadoma wine ---PLUS, a mini fake birthday for mom and case CELEBRATED TONIGHT!

I'm in a good mood :) bye bye blue peeps (available at your nearest grocery store's supply of easter candy.)

A little Mosquito Coast and food from the Taco Shop made a good relaxing evening for us last night.

Wishing for softball and baseball to be less life consuming this week is really the mindset. But we are having super fun just having you parents around!

Tonight salmon din din a la Casey and try some Dadoma wine. ---peace out

Tears of the Sun was touching as far as the African people. I remember their gentle, yet intense strength day in and day out. And the people in the movie showed the same spirit.

It was touching in several parts, yet way toooooo...long in the JUNGLE. Plus the theater we were at might of had to much darkness in the coloring. Who knows! It was enjoyable enough :)

School is busy, mind boggling, scatterbrainly busy. How many times can I say that on this blog! It's great to be productive, but you really realize the busyness after you have a little break (like we had 2 weeks ago).

TENNIS tonight! Tacos, Mosquito Coast, and Power of One videos!

4 weeks till spring break, and only 11, ELEVEN, ELEVEN till summer. Who's counting down?

MEEeeeeeeeeeeeEEEEE!

Tonight we'll Sonic our heads off after a matinee of "Tears of the Sun".

Thank the Lord for softball to remind that there's more to life than lesson plans and scheduling. Finally after a semester of opressive, under-the-pile living and working: I'M FREE!!

Sports, sun, and fun equate a more healthy attitude! 12 WEEEEEEEKS of school left....then it's real freedom!

Thank you Jesus! It was so sickening to be an alien for so long :) HAHAHHAHAHHAHHA

THE PARENTS ARE HERE! We're having fun too! Friday was wacky as they flew in by 2:30 p.m. (to chow by 6 ish) and Casey and I were bound by coaching all evening. p.s.We're getting so sun burnt! That's great!

Yesterday we drove up to our "bear creek cabin" and it was a really neat cabin. Kind of oddly placed in the middle of some mountain people apartments, but other wise very enjoyable.

We tried to drive into the actual yosemite park and see the sunset over the glacier boulders, but the sun faded fast.

Our dinner was at a funny other campground/tent cabin place like 100 yards from ours. The lodge we ate at was like a big dorm room with people playing live music. On the shelf were boardgames getting thoroughly used by all the dinner inhabitants of the night.

Dad and I ate weird chicken, and mom and casey got solid tasting steak. Nothing too special ---just food.

We're all pretty tired, but I'm proud the parents stayed up so late tonight ---3 a.m. their time. We watched Oliver Beene and some Batman remake movie.

Some dude was acting like Christopher Guest on tv and mom's like ---"hey.....that reminds me of dog show." (Best in Show)

Soooo......we'll work tomorrow ----supposedly-----and then head to Merced to catch the matinee of "Tears in the Sun", and SONIC TIME!!

Have a great week!

p.s. and WHOA! Don't ever have a blog continually posted about "all things lung". Advice to me.

About today:

The countless ashzma (bad spelling) and bronchitis-------"All things LUNG"----- going around is icky to extreme creepy. It's a wonder these people have lungs.

There are constantly air alerts and warnings about unclean air. Sometimes schools even cancel athletics b/c of it. I'll bet back east you would suspect this, but not really ever think about it.

I really don't think about it though, b/c it's always so clear and sunny, the haze just hides there with it's evil.

Anyways, we should know about our job status within 2-3 weeks, and for sure of course by the end of the semester, but that's too late really.

I'm sure Tracey your school districts are talking and experiencing cutbacks galore. Apparently this Gray Davis Governor promised the teachers and educators so much money and support to get elected.

Then once he got in office he has done NOTHING to help ----actually he has done all he can to CUT PROGRAMS! I haven't researched and probubly won't but that's just ridiculous. I suppose it is some federal cuts as well.

Man what a boring adult subject------how about: Three cheers for Cinnamon Toast Crunch! My balanced diet this week includes about 3-4 bowls a day of the stuff!

Hip, hip, hooray! Hip, hip, on an island in the sun.

Hey Matt and Tracey, Casey put his Alaska Flag on the wall yesterday. It seemed redundant to put a California flag on the wall, so I will save that for when we leave this state, to remember the memories.

Well, the parents are here in 2 1/2 days! WHAT WHOA!! And we'll be going to a radical Bear Creek Cabins for Saturday night, and I WISH FOR LONGER a longer stay!

Here's a website link, to take a look: http://www.yosemitecabins.com/site/index.html

Have a great Tuesday night! PEACE!

A good half day of school, then a long afternoon of inservice! Found out the superintendent is making cuts on positions and people will know by March 15th! Maybe Alaska is sooner than we think?

But in reality, it seems special ed is in demand, so perhaps that's insurance for me..........we'll see.

This weekend we coached and watched Rocky 1 on tv. A good old movie :) Did we know Sly Stalone wrote that movie?! WEIRD!

Softball is fun! All this week, students take the California Exit Exam and I get to "proctor", hahahahhahahhahahaa. So I miss every morning this week!

Then Friday is an ALLLLL DAY SOFTBALL tournament! So now you know my schedule! You can rest easy :)

P.s. looking forward to my parents FRIDAY FRIDAY FRIDAY!!!