Cartoon Time

Michael came up with a funny cartoon (at least I thought it was funny). We put it down on paper. Let us know what you think:

We're Not in Kansas Anymore

I've always feared tornados. I have had nightmares for years that deal with tornados. Sunday night, you know - when it was POURING down rain, I watched the Discovery channel's series on the perfect disasters. The one that dealt with tornados was of course set in Dallas. They called the show SUPER TORNADO and showed what would happen if an F5 (really it was bigger) hit Dallas. Wow. I wish they had shown how the city was going to be prepared, but no - there was no sense of comfort at the end of the show. Most tornados occur around 5:00, aka rush hour, due to the day's warmth. I'm thankful that I now live a few minutes from work. :)

The Dallas Stars

I'm a big Stars fan, but I'm also a big Razor fan. If you know who he is, then you'll probably enjoy his blog. Today he wrote about how many of the Stars drive trucks or SUVs...just kind of describes the team for you.

Randomness

Well, I've been on Spring Break for the past few days. I can't believe it is nearly over. I have been working really, really hard this week and I want to RELAX!

I started my Spring Break on Friday by going out to eat with my fantastic husband, Tim and his fiance. That was really fun. We went to Cabrerra's and had some fantastic food. Michael and I split this trio of chicken....Soooooo good!

Saturday, Michael and I went to see his nephew, Andrew, play soccer. Andrew is five years old and most of his teammates are seven years old. You could see what a couple of years does for an athlete. That was a lot of fun as well.

Then, Saturday night, we went out to eat and then go bowling with some of Michael's co-workers. They are also engaged and they are from South Africa. Absolutely cool accents! They always sound polite. I'm sure us Texans just hurt their ears! I stink at bowling, but Michael did awesome. We found out that they hadn't been to church in a long time (while being in the States) and they didn't feel right, so they also visited us at church Sunday. They enjoyed it and may come back.

Monday, I tried to strip the paint off of some furniture. I also did a bunch of laundry. Michael's family had a family reunion of sorts at Luby's. I know my dad would have enjoyed that gathering. Tuesday, I tried to stain the furniture. I then decided it would be best to paint the furniture. So that's what I did. Wednesday, I put all of the furniture back, organized/decorated the book shelf in the bedroom, hung things on the walls and tried to put up curtains in the kitchen. Michael will have to do that since I've come across all sorts of problems. I also met Michael for lunch in Coppell. Today, I brought in my summer clothes into my closet and organized it into colors of shirts. Let's see how long that last. I have bleached about everything in the house. I have surface-washed the couch, spot-cleaned the carpet, vaccumed, swept, mopped, done more laundry, washed dishes, moved all of my china to a new location, and I need a shower! :) I can't believe how a house gets so dirty when you do your best to be tidy.

Tomorrow, I am going to the movies (Curious George) with Michael's sister, Emily, and her kids. I hope to see my parents too. I haven't asked them if they're available. Then I will be preparing for the end of Spring Break. I dread going back to school. I wish it were summer already!

Poor Edgar!

I am soooooo hooked on the show 24. Monday nights on FOX at 8:00. Last night was a two hour special, which I was very okay with. I am never ready for the show to end after just an hour...it just leaves you hanging. So, if you are aware of the show, but missed the second episode last night because you didn't know they were doing a 2-hour special...here's the gist of it: The key card that was stolen from Lynn (Rudy!) was used to let a man carrying nerve gas into CTU. CTU didn't realize until the gas was being released. They sealed off rooms as quickly as possible, but Edgar did not make it! I CRIED!!

I love the relationship between Chloe and Edgar! Also, Kim was informed that Jack was still alive. I bet the man she is with now is also a terrorist and now he's locked in with all of CTU. I bet as well that Tony is going to kill the terrorist that is being questioned because he was sent to the clinic when the gas was released. When Tony finds out that he had a hand in killing Michelle, its over. Ah! This show is so wonderful and intense!!

1/2 of a Year!!!

Today marks 6 months of marriage for Michael and me. I was in a meeting with my principal and a bunch of teachers when we were talking about what today meant to each of us. I mentioned that I married Michael 6 months ago. Someone said, "Ah, the first year of marriage. I remember wondering if I had made a huge mistake that first year. Anyone else?" A chorus of agreements rang out. I have not felt this at all! Every day, I wake up wondering how come I got so lucky. There have been adjustments, but never did I wonder about my decision. I asked them if I was doomed because I have never doubted this decision or felt ?trapped? in the marriage. I have lived with a number of people (girl roomies and brothers) and I can adjust to anyone. I can honestly say that because I am married to Michael, every aspect of my life has improved. Here are 6 things I admire most about my husband:

1. He never says a negative thing about life, unless it is REALLY bad.

2. I have never seen another male care for his family so much.

3. He works so hard. He's an honest worker and does it correctly and completely.

4. He is able to look at the big picture and let the little things slide right on by.

5. He begins most of his days by asking God to remind him of the opportunities our jobs bring us as Christians.

6. He has the capacity to love so deeply. I am at awe by how he loves me.

Thanks, babe, for a wonderful 6 months!

Lent

Yesterday was Fat Tuesday today is Ash Wednesday and little me was unaware that this was the time to fast from something for 40 days. Now, I'm not Catholic, but I do think focusing on the Lord for 40 days is a splendid thing. I realized this in the early afternoon and had to find something to fast from that I hadn't had so far today. My weakness is ice cream. So, I'm declaring now a fast from ice cream for 40 days. What will you fast from?

Are you the 2,222 reader?

Look at the counter to see if you are the "fortunate" one to be number 2,222. Congratulations, I think.

My Hard Working Husband

I rarely see someone work as hard as Michael works. He has been working fairly late, and brings his work home with him. He worked at home late last night and then got up at 4 AM to do some more work. I bet he'll bring more work home tonight and get up by 5 AM tomorrow. I am so glad he is so determined to be good at what he does; I just wish he could get some rest.

FOUR

Four jobs you have had in your life:

1. Babysitting/Child Care
2. Secretary in HS building
3. Waitressing
4. Teacher

Four movies you would watch over and over:

1. Sound of Music
2. Mighty Ducks
3. Airplane
4. Miracle on Ice

Four places you have lived:

1. Dallas
2. Abilene
3. Rockwall
4. Farmers Branch (I try to block out my time in Plano)

Four TV shows you like to watch:

1. 24
2. Oprah
3. American Idol
4. CSI

Four places you have been on vacation:

1. Colorado
2. Disney World/Land
3. Vermont
4. Vancouver

Four web sites I visit daily:

1. Blogland
2. C-FB ISD
3. Dallas Stars
4. Google's Personalized Page

Four places I would rather be right now:

1. Mom and Dad's as Mom cares for Maddie
2. The Olympics
3. On the couch
4. Movie Theater (Its been a long time since I've been there)

Brrr...It is COLD!!

We realized early Saturday that our heater wasn't working anymore. The fixer-upper guy is coming today, Sunday. That means we sat next to our fireplace all of Saturday and wore tons of clothes to bed last night. Michael even wore a tabogan to bed. It is so very cold. Michael is covering his ears to keep warm in the picture below.

Way to Go Mo!

Mike scores for the USA!

Top Men in My Life

I am following Blake's lead and listing the top men in my life.

1. Michael~ This guy is amazing! I know most don't know him very well yet, but he is top quality. Our ROCK group (9th and 10th grade Bible study group) hostess mentioned Sunday that he is just wonderful. I couldn't agree more. He is sweet everyday, but he goes to great lengths for days like today. His mother and sisters raised him right. God really blessed me with him. Thanks for all that you are, babe. I love you!

2. Dad (Tim)~ Excellent example on how to be a man. I've never seen him really upset but yet I have/had a healthy fear to never wrong him as a child of his. He always tells us how proud of us he is. I never want to disappoint him. A true man when it comes to handling pain, but also leading a family spiritually.

3. Oldest Brother (Brett)~ Smart, funny, outgoing. That's Brett. He has found such a calling to serve by helping people with finances. Michael and I put so much trust in him as we were house-hunting. He gave me my first sister by marrying Jenny. Thanks!

4. Older Brother (Blake)~ I became closer to Blake since he actually stayed in the same city with me for more years than Brett. My 8th grade year/his senior year was a learning experience for me. He helped me tons in Abilene my freshman year/his senior + year. Then, Blake and I lived close to each other after I graduated college. He has become more and more of a friend. Anyone will tell you he is the sweetest guy. I love his wife Jaime too.

5. Steve Sargent~ My best friend for many years. Steve got me through things I never thought I could. He encouraged me with my walk with God and will always be dear to me. He is truly mission-minded. I pray that he and his wife bring thousands to God.

6. Mike Cope~ Best Bible teacher I ever had. Tons of respect for this man.

7/8. Gramps/Granddaddy~ Loved them both. Sure wish Michael could have met them. I know Gramps would have thrown math questions at him. Michael would have also understood Perkins humor a bit more if he had known Granddaddy.

9. David (father-in-law)~ He has accepted me from day one. He makes me laugh by his bluntness. I enjoy arguing with him on almost every topic imaginable.

10/11. Shaun/Mike (Bro-in-laws)~ True brothers. We argue, we fight, and we share. They have done so much for me already.

My mind and body are tired.

I've had a lot of things going through my mind recently. There are different situations that have arisen that have knocked me out cold emotionally, spiritually, and mentally. It has almost put me into a depression. Luckily, I have a husband and friends that are there for me and have encouraging words. What I had to learn earlier in life, I am re-learning now. That lesson was to give it to God and let it go...really let it go. Earlier this week, I would pray with little faith of seeing any change. I knew I had to change my mindset. I want to pray, knowing God has the same desires and is working everything out in His perfect and mighty plan. I am working on praying that way and then not stressing over the issue...TRUSTing God completely. I may see something amazing as soon as this weekend, or honestly, never. I have to be okay with this.

School has been hectic. I have had an ARD each day this week and parent conference tomorrow. It is approaching the middle of February. I always dread this part of the school year. Maybe we get spoiled during Christmas. We come back after Christmas and then it is MLK day. Then, nothing but school for weeks! Spring Break seems so far away. This is really the time to push tutorials...I'm having as many as I can. After this really horrible week, I've got to stay late and decorate before hitting the road for a 5 hr trip. Joy.

I'm sleep-deprived. We have had wonderful things going on after work, but I need my sleep. I need to not worry about anything, go to bed at a descent hour, not have to get up early for a parent meeting, and just sleep. Last week, before I had any reason to fret, I wasn't sleeping well. So, nearly two weeks of little sleep can really get to you.

Sorry for being "Debbie Downer." The thing is I really am blessed. I love my friends, even if they make poor choices...haven't we all done that?? I looked through our wedding album today. Family, friends, God, and love. That's what I have. Most of my students don't have all of that. I am truly blessed. Praise God.

It's February?

Yesterday was groundhog day. We will have 6 more weeks of winter. Did winter ever arrive???

Today is our 5 month. Michael and I spoke last night and we decided that we have laughed every single day since we married, except for his food-poisioning day (aka, Michael's worst day of life). We are truly happy. It seems that so much has happened in these short 5 months: Katrina, our tree branch blown down by Rita, entire tree blown over by cold front, colds for both that required doctor visits, food poisoning for Michael, pink eye for me, Canon getting a liver, almost 2 birthday celebrations, Michael's grandfather passing away, my former student dying, and so much more. Even through those hard times, we were able to lean on one another and support each other...or get hiccups from laughing so hard.

Michael's birthday is Monday. We'll both be 26! Yes, I'm older by a few months, but I look like the kid. Tonight, I'm treating Michael to Ruth Chris' steak. Then his parents are treating us to the Harlem Globetrotters. Saturday we will spend time with friends and Dave and Busters. Sunday is the Super Bowl. Monday, his actual birthday, is actually not booked. Then on Tuesday, in continued celebration of the big 26, we're going to the Mavs/Lakers game.

I had dinner last night with a friend that I hadn't seen in a long time. It is so good to hear of good decisions being made in the lives of those whom I care about. God does bless those who seek Him.

Next Friday, I'll be the only person decorating for the Spring Social. Me. I've never been to a dance, but I'm expected to know how to decorate for one. Wish me luck on that one. Then it is off to Houston. Michael's old roomie and his wife are staying at our house and we're staying at Michael's sister's house. It's a big house swap! Maybe we should do something that would be done on Trading Spaces. I would love to see what they would do in our house!

I'm on the lookout for missing undershirts. I have lost a whole pile of Michael's undershirts and we have searched every room, every drawer, and under everything. They're gone. Even our cars were searched.

Today, I sat in a parent conference with a child. Her IQ is one point above mental retardation, but for some reason, we can't share this with the parent. The poor kid was getting chewed out for her grades. I had to get up to leave. I'm going to give her a big hug this afternoon. It is so sad.

Life can be so good at times!

Yesterday, I had a really long phone call with a parent. The parent wanted me to find out some info from this really shy student. The parents mentioned that the student speaks about me because of how I speak of God and display His light in the school (how cool is that!). I need to be careful though...I would hate to lose this job. So anyway, I met with this student before school for tutorials. After making sure the student was prepared for the test I'm giving today, I started telling her the observations I have made about her throughout the year. I encouraged her to continue to make good decisions while being surrounded by darkness. She totally opened up and gave me the information that I was needing to hear. I was anxious all last night about our little talk, but God totally took care of it. I feel as though I'm on top of the world because God takes care of me through the very last detail. Praise Him!

I taped the last part of the Stars game last night. Even though it was between the Stars and Avs (Michael is from Denver), we could not stay up to watch the end. I got up this morning to see the Stars tie it up and win it with another shootout!! Woohoo!

Tag, you're it!

I have been tagged in blog-world. I am suppose to tell you 5 of my guilty pleasures. Aren't you excited!?!?

1. HOCKEY! I watched my first shootout last night! The Stars tied the game with less than a minute remaining in regulation. The Stars were down a man for nearly half of overtime. 4 on 3 hockey is pretty exciting to watch. Then there was the shootout! The Blues hit the crossbar on the first shot. Zubov sank in the Stars' first shot. Turco made a great save on the Blues' second shot. Then our perfect rookie remained perfect. STARS WON! Michael says he's going to have to buy earplugs for when I watch hockey.

2. CHOCOLATE! I'm a girl, come on!

3. BLUE BELL ICE CREAM! Michael frequently tells the story of the first time he saw me eat ice cream. He is amazed how I eat twice as much as he does and then takes what he doesn't eat.

4. MARSHMALLOWS! This is my new favorite snack.

5. SUNDAY NAPS! I almost can't make it through a Sunday without a nap. Those rainy days are killer.

I've done my part. I tag Dad and Blake.

Worries

The last two Oprah shows have been on what Americans should be worried about. I have heard talk on the radio about this because of the Oprah show. The two shows were on terrorism and the Bird Flu or some other epidemic. How are you living your life? Are you worried about something? Are you watching out for something? I think the End Times are near...just don't know how near.

Is 100 Really Safe?

From David more in The Dallas Morning News

Can Kobe score 100?

Bryant not content to be second best, but even he can't fathom matching Wilt

Now that he's flaunted the laws of physics and NBA box scores, it's only natural to wonder if he can do more.
Kobe Bryant isn't constrained by the mundane boundaries of reality and history. He's one of those rare athletes who tempt you to believe the impossible may now be possible.
This is what Bryant has done with his 81-point game. He's forced us to examine the assumption that Wilt Chamberlain's record will never be broken.

The 100 points the Big Dipper scored on March 2, 1962, are the product of a bygone era when Chamberlain was bigger and stronger than anyone he faced and defenses weren't nearly as sophisticated. It's one of those athletic feats, along with Joe DiMaggio's 56-game hitting streak in baseball, revered as untouchable. "If one person did it, it's possible that someone else can accomplish the same feat," argued George Gervin, who once scored 63 points in a game and now works in community relations for the San Antonio Spurs. "All the young kids who have people tell them you can't do this, you can't do that, those who hear Wilt's record will never be broken ...
"Kobe has proven things like that can happen."
Maybe it can. But it's not likely.
That's the difference – OK, one of many differences – between a four-time NBA scoring champion and a jaded journalist. Gervin looks at the highest scoring game in nearly 44 years and sees more.
I look at Bryant's brilliant performance and see why Chamberlain's record is safe.
I'm not alone. After the Los Angeles Lakers star autographed copies of the box score for teammates and staff, he was asked about Chamberlain's record.
"That's unthinkable," Bryant said. "It's pretty exhausting to think about."
He wasn't being gracious. Breaking 100 in today's game is unthinkable.
Chamberlain scored 100 points in a season in which the league average was 118.8 points. Only five teams are above 100 in the NBA this season, and the average is 96.7 points.

Even former Lincoln standout Chris Bosh couldn't help Toronto stop Los Angeles' Kobe Bryant on Sunday.
The possibility of Bryant, or any player, scoring more than the league average is absurd.
Another crucial consideration is the number of possessions.
The Lakers average 80.8 shots a game. That's 27 less than teams averaged during the 1961-62 season. It's part of the reason seven of the 10 highest scoring games in league history came between 1960 and '63.
Not everything about this era puts Bryant and others at a disadvantage. The Lakers guard picked up seven additional points behind the 3-point arch that wasn't available when Chamberlain played. Rule changes that prevent defenders from hand-checking an opponent have opened up the game on the perimeter.
Chicago's Michael Jordan never scored more than 69 points in a game. Portland coach Nate McMillan is one who believes Jordan would have scored 100 points under the current rules.
"You better believe it makes a difference," said Gervin, who holds the record for most points in a quarter with 33.

Kobe Bryant hugs coach Phil Jackson as teammates celebrate his 81-point game.
"Back in the day, you could be held. A defender used to be able to put a hand on your side or an arm in your back. I was 185 pounds and had guys at 225 pounds putting their hands on me. It was like trying to move a stump.
"I'm not saying it's easier now, but it's different."
Very different. And that makes for a spirited debate.
The Lakers' Phil Jackson said he's never witnessed anything like what Bryant did to Toronto, which is pretty heady stuff when you consider he coached Jordan. Gervin considers Bryant's 81 as impressive as Chamberlain's 100.
Bryant did shoot better and score a greater percentage of his team's points (66.4 percent to 59.2 percent) than Chamberlain did in his 100-point effort.
"To compare it to anybody would be useless," Gervin said. "He set himself apart from everyone else. Everyone looks for another Michael Jordan, and there probably won't be one.
"What Kobe did was establish himself as one of the greatest scorers of all time at an early age. He's a phenom. I'm a believer, man.
"Now we've got to sit back and wait and see if anyone scores 82."
Notice he said 82.
Not 101.

THE TOP TWO SCORERS
The top single-game scorers in NBA history:

Wilt's 100
Game: March 2, 1962 vs. NY Knicks
Time played: 48 minutes
FG: 36 of 63
FT: 28 of 32
Rebounds: 25
Assists: 2

Kobe's 81
Game: Jan. 22, 2006 vs. Toronto
Time played: 41:56
FG: 28 of 46 (7-of-13 from 3-point range)
FT: 18 of 20
Rebounds: 6
Assists: 2

MAGIC NUMBERS
Baseball: 56
Since Joe DiMaggio's hitting streak came to an end in 1941, only Pete Rose (44) has come close.
Football: 47
John Unitas' mark of consecutive games with a touchdown pass still stands. Brett Favre hit 36 in 2004.
Hockey: 215
Only Wayne Gretzky has reached 200 points in a season four times in his career.
Basketball: 50.4
Think about averaging that many points per game for an entire season, like Wilt did.
Chuck Carlton

BIG BANG
Anecdotes and facts behind other high-scoring games in NBA history.
1 Wilt Chamberlain
100 points, March 2, 1962
Went to a penny arcade before the game and broke records in pinball and air rifle, which he took as an omen. Hitched a ride to New York after the game with several of the Knicks players he set the record against.
T-4 David Thompson
73 points, April 9, 1978
Big game came on the final day of the regular season to ease past George Gervin for the scoring title. Gervin scored 63 points later that evening to take the title back.
T-8 David Robinson
71 points, April 24, 1994
Big game came on final day of the regular season to beat Shaquille O'Neal for the scoring title.
11 Michael Jordan
69 points, March 28, 1990
Highest scoring game came against Cleveland when Cavaliers coach Lenny Wilkens refused to double-team him.
T-25 Joe Fulks
63 points, Feb. 10, 1949
Highest scoring game before the introduction of the shot-clock. Fulks was 27-of-56 from the field and 9-of-14 from the free throw line.

David Moore

MORE MAGIC
Amazing scoring milestones from the four major pro sports:
4
MLB: Fifteen players have hit four homers in a game, a barrier that stands like the speed of light.
6
NFL: Three players have scored six TDs in a game, including a memorable day by Chicago's Gale Sayers in 1965.
10
NHL: Toronto's Darryl Sittler recorded 10 points (6 goals, 4 assists) vs. Boston in 1976. Not even Gretzky matched it.
100
NBA: Wilt Chamberlain's record night in Hershey, Pa., still stands as a massive round number.
Chuck Carlton

Now That's Better!

Last night, 18 girls and I went to El Fenix and the Stars game and watched them tear up the Coyotes 4-1. This was a much better game than last Wednesday!!! It was so much fun to see so many girls from all walks of life have fun together. I set up the event and I don't think I knew half of the girls there! It was really nice to see Lori. I had not seen her since the wedding. She brought a few of her friends and I really enjoyed talking with one of her coworkers. It really is amazing how faith can connect two people.