It was great.

My orientation went really well. Now, I am super excited about the job. I should be able to work almost every day if I'd like to, and the district has a really good incentive program (I mean, I'm not doing this for the money, but, you know, it's always a plus). School is out this week for Fall break, so hopefully I will start on Monday.

Let's see, any other news? Nope! See you later alligators.

Change of Pace

Tomorrow morning I start my orientation to subsitute teach elementary school for a local district. I'm pretty excited. It will be a huge change of pace, given that I have never worked in the school setting before. I'm looking forward to working with kids, as it's always been something I've wanted to do. And I've been doing lots of research and preparation, so I think I'm ready. I think. So I guess here's to hoping I get some really well-behaved classes for the first few weeks!

Free Fall-in'

Ahhh, Fall. It's my favorite time of year. I love the smell of rotting leaves, the blustery cold, and the mellowness of the sunshine. It's great. The best combination is when you pair traditional Fall with some good ol' Colorado snow. Now that, my friends, is perfection.

We had a day like that last week. Beautiful. Fog thick as pea soup (hello, anyone remember the claymation "Rudolph"? You know what I'm talkin' about.) After the fog cleared, the trees and plants sparkled. Everything was dusted with snow, the bright colors of autumn still peaking through. "Hello, we're still here," they cried, "don't forget about us". Don't worry sweeties, I won't, you're still my favorites.

I wanted to grab our camera to take a quick pic of the autumn lovelies so that you could enjoy them with me. I went to grab the camera, but quickly remembered that I broke it six months ago. Darn. A word to the wise: digital cameras and ceramic tile don't get along well. Ahh well, if you want to see the beauty, you'll have to use your good old noodle. Trust me, it was fantastic.

Hmmm, I've been working pretty hard on "fixer-upper" type projects. Mainly of the "I'm way to cheap (oh, um, I mean frugal - that's a nicer way of putting it) to buy this new. Let's see what I can find at garage sales/thrift stores/family throw-away piles instead" variety. Some paint and a sewing machine work wonders, I'm telling you.

Maybe I'll post some “before” and “after” pictures of projects as I finish them. (Given that I can get my butterfingers on a good, working camera. Anyone have one they want to loan me? Promise I won't drop it. Haha. Kidding.) Looking at before and after pics seems to make the project more complete for some reason. It’s almost like getting a reward for accomplishing the task.

Hope everyone is doing well and staying snuggly and warm (or cool, for some of you poor folks still in need of air conditioning.) Have a good day!

From Aunt Tara

I am an aunt! My beautiful neice was born at about 6:25 pm on Monday October 2. She weighed a whopping 8.5 pounds! Mindy, I admire you so much and am very proud of you! Welcome to the world little girl. We are so blessed to have you in our lives, and you have no idea how much we love you!