Look Out, Abercrombie! I love this picture! I took it yesterday at my cousin Bella's birthday party. This is my cousin and Bella's big brother Colby. Don't you just love the look? I think he's an Abercrombie model-in-training. This kid has so much bull with him that he's either going to be a lawyer or a used car salesman. He could sell ice to an Eskimo! He has also endeared himself to me for life by being a Saints fan. Love ya, Colby! You rock!

The Princess Has Returned! Yep, I'm back! This has been a crazy couple of weeks as far as computer usage has been concerned. I've spent the last two weeks living in my FEMA trailer in Meraux, coming home only on weekends. I don't have the internet at the FEMA trailer, and it was down for over a week here in P.R. (I hate Charter!) Thankfully we're back up and running, and I won't have to spend as much time at the FEMA trailer since morning duty is over until December! Can I tell you that duty just stinks?! It's one of the few things about teaching that I truly dislike. One of the things I really like? Hanging out with my family. Don't you just love that picture? That's me with my sweet cousin Bella Grace at her second birthday party. She had a princess-themed party, and we had lots of fun. She was just too adorable! Last year Hurricanes Katrina and Rita ruined her first birthday. It was great to see her have fun with her cake and presents. Something else that's fun--New Orleans Saints football! I cannot wait until Monday night. The Superdome will have its grand re-opening, and my 2-0 Saints will be playing their first home game since the 2004 season. It is going to be awesome! Maybe I need to get a real tiara for that occasion. I've been lucky lately. Life has been good. I'm so happy to be back teaching at CHS. I love my students and my job. My family is wonderful. I love them so much. My house is almost finished. If everything continues to go according to schedule, we may be in by Halloween! Can you believe it? I need to post some new pics of the house. The walls have been painted, and the doors and trim are being installed. I get so excited everytime I'm in the parish. There is so much left to be done, but there is so much that has been done. Yep, life right now is definitely good!

There's Gotta Be a Country Song Somewhere in This
School began last week, and things worked out just fine. I was a bit worried that I wouldn't be completely ready, but I was. Everything seemed to fall into place at the last minute. I'm enjoying my new students, and it feels wonderful to be back in the classroom. I am in my element again. After the horrible events of last August, I really didn't know if I'd ever return to teaching in St. Bernard Parish. I am so happy to be here!

Most of the middle school classes are located in the portable buildings. I feel a bit isolated from the rest of the school, but I really don't mind. I like my classroom. I have a good bit of space, and it's not so bad being in a portable. I've got my decorations up and am just working on getting some furniture.

The only downside to the whole thing is the commute from Pearl River to Chalmette. I hate that drive during rush hour traffic. I don't want to have to leave at the crack of dawn just to get to work. To solve that problem I have been spending a few nights a week at the FEMA trailer at my house. It's only three minutes from home to CHS. It does get a bit lonely there, but I'm managing. Mrs. Diane and Mr. Herbert are just across the street if I need anything or just want some company. They have been taking good care of me. It's good to have another set of parents!

So, I have been wondering. I live in a single-wide trailer. I spend some of my nights in a FEMA trailer. Technically I teach in a trailer. What does that make me? I guess you can just call me Queen of the Trailers! The whole thing just strikes me as being funny. Maybe I'm just warped. Yep, I'm officially a warped trailer chick!

We did get some wonderful news on Friday. There is a chance our house may be ready in early November! The electrician is supposed to come this week. The AC man is ready. The workers for the sheetrock are lined up. Wouldn't it be wonderful to spend Thanksgiving in our own home?! I don't want to get my hopes up too much, but hopefully we'll at least have Christmas at home this year! Yay!

Well, this trailer chick's gotta run. Talk to my loyal blog subjects soon!

I'm on TV! Remember that LaQuinta reunion I told y'all about in my last post? Well, guess what? We wound up on TV! WDSU came out to do a story on the event. They were looking for people to volunteer to be interviewed, and well, you know how shy and retiring I am! Here's the link if you'd like to take a look. Houston Hotel Managers Organize Evacuee Brunch Reunion

Remember Tony Orlando and Dawn?
Remember that song they sang, "Tie a Yellow Ribbon"? Remember the first line, "I'm comin' home, I've done my time"? Well guess what? I'M COMIN' HOME, I'VE DONE MY TIME!!!! Sorry to shout there. I'm just a little excited. I got a phone call last week. There was a position at Chalmette High School with my name on it. I'm going back to St. Bernard to teach! Yes! I will be back in my comfort zone, 7th and 8th grade language arts. I really didn't think I was going to get called back, so it was a total shock when I did. Oh, it was hard to go to PJHS and resign my position there. It wasn't like I was leaving because it was a horrible situation. I just couldn't pass up the chance to go home.

Now you're probably asking, "So, Bridget, are you going to commute every day?" (Well, you're probably not asking this, but just play along.) The answer to that is no. We do have a FEMA trailer in front of our house, so I will probably spend a couple of nights a week there. Gas is too high to fill up all the time. I also hate driving in rush hour traffic. Maybe I could have the FEMA trailer all pimped out. Now that would be cool! My own little (and I mean little!) bachelorette pad.

What will be especially cool is working with my PGT crew again. So many of us are back in the parish working. I've missed them all so much. They are like a family to me. I also know several of the teachers who were at Trist and CMS, and they are a great bunch too. I'm hoping we have a good school year. I think we all deserve it.

I report to work August 7, and the first day of school is August 14. I hope I'm ready. I think I'll be ready. I'd better be ready!

Well Hello There!
Hello, blog readers! So sorry for my long absence. Let's just say this has been a crazy summer. Also, my life really isn't all that exciting. LOL

I thought I'd share a recent photo with you. That's me with Mom and Dad on the 4th of July. No, we don't always dress alike! You just can't celebrate the 4th without Old Navy flag shirts! Even Debbie had one like Mom and me all the way in Alabama.

I finished working summer camp just last Friday. It was quite an experience. The camp itself was wonderful. There were lots of great activities planned for the campers. I was just disappointed in the attitudes of my campers. I had the junior high group, and it seemed like they just complained all the time. Nothing was good enough for them. We bent over backwards to make this camp a great experience for them, and I felt they really didn't appreciate it. That really disappointed me. I hope when they look back on this summer they will realize what fun it was.

Other than camp I haven't been up to much this summer. OK, I have been scrapbooking, but y'all know I do that all the time! Since I am caught up on my current photos, I've decided to take on a new project. I printed some pictures of Debbie and me when we were little girls and am doing a special album of them. Deb scanned these photos a couple of years ago, and I had them burned to a CD. I think she has most of them still since many of them are from her baby album, but I am so grateful to her for scanning and sending them to me. These are really the only pictures I have left of my childhood. I did evacuate with my baby album, but that only goes up to about age three. I am having so much fun going through these photos. We sure were groovy back in the 70s!

I'm just kicking back and relaxing this week, but next week I'll be back to work. I need to get my new classroom in order. I'll be teaching 8th grade reading/English at Picayune Junior High. Yes, I did get a full-time teaching job there. I've been buying lots of new stuff for my new room. I had forgotten how expensive setting up a classroom is! It's going to be fun, though, playing with my new stuff. I love school and classroom supplies. The room is pretty bare, but I'll fix that! School in Picayune begins on August 7. Can you believe that? It's so early. I remember going back to school in late August. Oh well. That will just be more learning time for these kids. A little education can't hurt.

Our house finally has windows! The window guys came last week to install them. They look so good. Now we're just waiting for the doors. The termite damaged studs have been replaced. Once we get doors we can hire an electrician and a plumber. We're nowhere near finished, but Mom and I are already considering paint colors. Hey, we're not putting the cart before the horse. If we can make up our minds now, we won't have to worry about making those decisions later. See, there's a method to our madness!

I won a prize at my scrapbook store! Last week Scrappin' Buds was entering the names of customers who spent $35 or more into a drawing for a Memory Dock. I won! Shirlene and Mary Ann knew how much I wanted a particular tote, though, so I got to choose that as my prize! I am still excited when I look at it! I've been embellishing it with ribbon and paint. I will post a picture once I'm done.

Debbie and Jamie are going to be in town the first weekend in August. We evacuated to Houston for Katrina and stayed at the LaQuinta in Kingwood, TX. Everyone there was so wonderful. We will be attending a LaQuinta reunion brunch in New Orleans on August 6, and Debbie wants to come in for it. Giovanni and Travis, the hotel managers, will also be in town. I'm looking forward to reconnecting with everyone. These people were so wonderful and truly helped us get through our darkest days. I know we'll have a great time.

How do you like the slide show I added? I wanted to show off some of my scrapbook pages. let me know how you like them.

Well, I think I've covered just about everything. I promise not to be a stranger and post more soon.

All I Have to Do Is Dream
I get teased all the time about the crazy dreams I have. I've been asked if I drink before bedtime. (No.) I've been asked if I eat spicy foods before bedtime. (No.) I thought I would share last night's dream and let you decide for yourself.

In my dream I was home alone for a few days because Mom and Daddy went out of town. I was supposed to feed these dogs we had outside while they were gone. I wouldn't feed them, though, because there was a giant spider outside. I stayed inside the whole time. Luckily someone else was feeding them. I finally went outside again when Mom and Daddy came home. While I was outside, I dropped my new digital camera and broke it. I was able to put it back together, but the pictures on there weren't mine. I didn't know how to fix it, so I went to the FEMA tent by the Super Wal-Mart in Chalmette. They said that they couldn't help me, but Mel Brooks could. I had to go and find Mel Brooks, and he finally helped me fix the camera.

Weird? I'll let you decide. Leave me a comment and let me know what you think.

Bad, Bad, Blogger! (But I've Got a Survey to Make up for it)

Yes my dear friends, it has been quite some time since I have blogged. I hope you can forgive me. If not, too bad! LOL The last two weeks have been busy ones. I am working summer camp, and it is crazy to say the least. I do enjoy the kids, though. Anyway, it's late and I'm coming down with a cold, so I'm just going to give you a survey. I borrowed this from my friend Tara's blog. I hope she doesn't mind.

Have you ever been searched by the cops? * No. They haven't caught up with me yet.

Do you close your eyes on roller coasters? * Oh yeah. I scream too.

When's the last time you've been sledding? * I'm from New Orleans. What do you think?

Do you consider yourself creative? * As a scrap diva I have to answer this with a definite YES.

What are you allergic to? * Nothing really. I did have an allergic reaction to Fig Newtons when I was little.

If you're driving in the middle of the night, and no one is around do you run red lights? * No. I am a good law-abiding citizen.

What shoe size do you have? * 6 1/2--little feet!

Have you ever stood up for someone you hardly knew? * If students count, then yes.

What do you drink with dinner?: * Diet Coke, though I usually drink water with my lunch.

What do you dip a chicken nugget in?: * BBQ sauce unless I am at Raising Cane's. Then I use Cane sauce.

How much do you have in your savings/checking account right now? * Not enough

What is your favorite type of food/cuisine?: * Italian

What movies could you watch over and over and still love? * Gone with the Wind, Shrek, Twister

Ever gotten a speeding ticket?: * Nope

What is your usual bedtime?: * Later than it should be

Are you lazy?: * Yes

Are you an introvert or an extrovert? * It depends on the situation. Seriously, I can be quiet when I want.

What's your favorite mixed drink?: * Pina colada or amaretto and pineapple juice

Do you read the newspaper?: * When I get the chance

How many languages can you speak? * 2 if you count the little bit of French I know

Are you stubborn?: * I can be.

Sing in the car?: * Yes

Dance in the shower?: * No, I'm way too spastic for that.

Dance in the car?: * Yes, but that can be dangerous sometimes.

Ever used a gun?: * No. Again, too spastic for that.

Last time you got a portrait taken by a photographer?: * March when we took spring pictures at school

Wear a bath robe?: * Yes

Wal-Mart, Target or K-Mart?: * This one is hard. I love them all, but I'd say that Wal-Mart has the edge.

Nike or Adidas?: * Nike

Have you ever cried because you were so happy?: * Yes

Hot tea or iced tea?: * Neither. I don't like tea, but I wish I did.

Tea or coffee?: * coffee

Ever had braces or a mouth piece?: * I had braces. It was a miserable three years, two months, and six days.

Are you patient?: * No. Now let's move on.

Which are better, black or green olives? * Green, unless the black ones are fresh from a deli.

When you looked at yourself in the mirror today, what was the first thing you thought? * My hair is a disaster.

How much cash do you have on you? * About $40

Current image on your desktop? * A photo of Puddy, Kirby, and Ollie in my parents' bathtub

What was the last song you listened to?: * "Crazy" by Patsy Cline. I was in my dad's truck and he was listening to the country station.

Have a great Monday!

Two Shopping Days Until Hurricane Season!
Yep, it's that time of year again! In two days the 2006 hurricane season begins. Everyone in the New Orleans area knows this. If they don't it's because they've been living under a rock! That's all any of the news programs talk about. Supposedly everyone is ready. The levees are said to be at pre-Katrina strength. Evacuation routes have been mapped out. Emergency plans have been made by the local governments. Here's hoping we don't have to go through what we went through last year. Will we get another hurricane this year? I don't know. Will we get another storm like Katrina? I really don't think so. I truly think that Katrina was one of those once-in-a-lifetime storms. We will just have to wait and see. It's just sad that it took a hurricane like Katrina to wake up people and get them to take all these precautions. It's also annoying to see hurricanes constantly being talked about on TV. That's all we see here! I know Katrina was a wake-up call, but enough is enough!

If you are a praying person, please pray that all coastal areas escape this hurricane season with little or no damage and no loss of life. I can't wait for November 30 to get here!

So Glad to Be a Grad!
I can't believe it! There I am, eyes closed and all, with my cousin Craig. He's a high school graduate. This afternoon our whole family was there, cheering loudly for our grad. I used to change the little turkey's diapers. Now in just a two-week period he's turned 18 and graduated. I am very proud of him. He is very bright and so handsome. He's got such a wonderful future ahead of him. He'll be going off to college in the fall. (sniff, sniff) I hope he buckles down and works hard. I was the first person in my family to graduate from college, and I want him to do well and have a great college experience.

I used to do the silliest things to this child when he was a baby. I had pictures of him at barely three months old wearing headphones. I used to dress him up, like a cowboy and such. Thanks to my mom, I used to pull him around my house in a box when he was a toddler. I'd take him out for lunch and to Wal-Mart where he'd always get a toy or a treat. When he got to high school, I helped him with many essays. I never minded it, not one bit. I love this crazy kid so much that I'd have done anything.

Congratulations, Craig, and good luck in the future. I know you will make all of us proud!

It's a Survey!
I borrowed this little survey from my friend Benita's blog. I hope she doesn't mind! Check it out, and let me know if you decide to complete this survey too.

Fave coffee: Anything from Starbucks. I like frozen coffees, and I also like vanilla cappuccinos.
Fave tea: I don't drink tea. It's one of those things I wish I liked.
Fave jam: Does jelly count? I love strawberry preserves and good old fashioned grape jelly.
Fave Peanut Butter: I'm not a peanut butter snob. I eat whatever's in the cabinet.
Fave sandwich: Roast beef po-boy and muffalettas from Ben's Pizza in Meraux.
Fave fast food item: Raising Cane's chicken fingers
Fave appetizer: Spinach & artichoke dip
Fave summertime drink: Frappuccinos, lemonade, and good ole H2O
Fave fruit: Strawberries
Fave vegetable: Broccoli & peas
Fave indulgence: Bathing! I love to take baths!

Hope your Monday was a great one!

Ain't No Other Like My Mother
That's Mom and I in the picture on the left. Yep, she's one of a kind. I'm lucky to have her. My mom has been an amazing mom since the day I was born. You know how those pioneer women popped their kids out and went back to plowing the field? That's my mom. If we'd had a plow, she'd have been out plowing the back yard with me in a papoose. LOL I was born pretty quickly, and Mom was amazing through it all.

Mom has always been there for me. She is my #1 fan. She supports me no matter what. If I decided to work in a broom factory, she'd tell me to be the best broom maker in the history of brooms. I know that I'd have fallen apart after this hurricane if it weren't for her. We've all had our moments, but I like to think we keep each other going. I missed her so much when I went back to work!

Growing up, I know kids who wished they had a different mother. Not me. I knew how great I had it. I wouldn't trade my mom for anything. She is the best. Mom, I love you very much! You are the most awesome person in the world!

Happy Birthday, Ollie!

My baby boy is two today! Some might say that I should watch out for the terrible twos, but we've been going through that for the last year and a half! Those of you who don't know Ollie don't know what a loud personality he has. He is always in trouble. He is constantly getting into everything. You never know where you'll find him next. Sometimes he gets in the kitchen cabinets, but sometimes he gets on top of them. He likes the tub and the sink. He opens my dresser drawers. He chases and attacks his brother and sister. You have to be extra careful going out the front door because he tries to run out. When he does, he just goes and sits under the porch. Crazy cat!

Ollie is also very affectionate. He loves to cuddle. He also loves children. As goofy as he is, he is very gentle with kids. He can be quite a sweetheart when he wants to be. And this is why I love him so much. I can't imagine my life without this crazy furball. Happy birthday, my little buddy! I love you!

10 Ways to Reuse Your Target Bag
OK, I'm all for saving the environment. I may be personally responsible for the hole in the ozone layer because of all the hair spray I used in high school and college. Now Target is doing its part to help. You may have noticed that they now list 10 ways to reuse your Target bag on the side of the shopping bags. The uses are pretty compelling, so here's the list if you haven't seen it yet. I am also including my own comments on each use, and those comments will be in black.

1. Tiny Trashcan Liner--Great idea! I do use my bags in my bathroom and scrap room wastebaskets.
2. Doggy Duty--I don't have a dog anymore, but I would use a plastic bag for this.
3. Water Balloon--Hmmm, this would be a pretty big water balloon. I don't know about this one.
4. Roadtrip Rubbish--I like this idea too. My car winds up with a lot of trash in it everytime I evacuate for a hurricane.
5. Soggy Laundry--Go to the beach, put your wet towels and bathing suits in the Target bag, and everything else stays dry. Cool!
6. Ice Pack for Head Lump--Uh, I don't know about you, but if I had a head lump that big I'd be unconscious in the ER.
7. Toiletry Tote--Who wants shampoo leaking all over her suitcase? Not me!
8. Kitty Litter Liner--I use plastic bags when I clean the cat litter. I don't line the litter box with them though. Good idea.
9. Tomorrow's Lunchbag--Sure, if I'm feeding the entire faculty. I don't eat that much!
10. Care Package Padding--Keeps those valuables from breaking!

Have any additional uses? Contact Target! Maybe one day we'll see your suggestion on the side of the bag.

Happy Easter-versary!
Happy Easter to all of you! The resurrection of Christ brings hope to all of us. It's time for a new beginning. Spring is here (or summer if you look at the temperatures!). The New Orleans area is rebuilding.

Something important happened in our family today. My parents celebrated their 40th wedding anniversary. Yep, 40 years ago today Bob and Carol got married. It's amazing. In a world where so many marriages end in divorce, 40 years is a wonderful accomplishment. I am so proud to call these two people my parents. No, their life hasn't been perfect, but then again, no one's is. They have had their trials and tribulations, but they have worked through them to create a lasting and loving relationship. I was hoping to give them a party to celebrate, but Katrina wiped that out. We did spend the day, however, with some dear friends. It was a lovely day. I told them next year I'll give them a party for anniversary 41. We'll call it "forty-one-derful" years. Yeah, I know, bad pun. They deserve better than that.

Thank you, Mom and Daddy, for showing me what a marriage should be. Thank you for loving each other and loving your daughters. You are the greatest, and I love you both so very much!

Feelin' Scrappy
I will admit it. I have been a scrapping fool for the last six months. (Some people will argue that I've been a fool all my life.) Scrapbooking has been one of the few things in my life I can control. It has been an incredible therapy since the hurricane. It filled the time when I was unemployed. Now that I'm working it's giving me a creative outlet. It also helps get my mind off of things.

The picture at the left is a project I made in a class the other day. My friend Toni at my LSS Scrappin' Buds had a ribbon holder class. We used coffee tins and decorated them. There's a hole cut in the top of the container to pull the ribbon through. Cute, huh? Not only did I learn something new, but I also got to socialize with some scrapping friends.

Scrapbooking has affected my life in so many positive ways. I'm preserving memories for future generations. I get to be creative. Best of all, I've met many wonderful people through this hobby (or should I say obsession?). I am so grateful I found this wonderful outlet and that I've been blessed with the ability to create lasting memories.

Happy Birthday, Kirby!
Today my little girl turns four! How quickly time flies. For those of you who don't know Kirby's story, here's the Reader's Digest version. When Kirby was just three weeks old, her mother disappeared. She had been left alone in my neighbor's garden and was crying and crying. We rescued her and fed her cat's milk in an eye dropper. She was so tiny. She weighed less than a pound when we took her in and fit in the palm of my hand. She thrived and grew into my precious girl. She is so sweet and loving--well, to me anyway. She's wary of strangers, running the other way when people come over. She actually went into a depression when we took in Ollie. But I wouldn't trade my little princess for anything in the world. I love waking up in the morning and having her staring me in the face ready to give kitty kisses. I laugh when I call her for treats; it's the only time you'll ever see her run for anything. When I'm sick she will lie in bed with me and be sick too. She cuddles up next to me when I read. I love you, Kirby girl! You are my precious girl!

Like My New Shirts?
Nice, aren't they? The "scrap diva" one was made by yours truly. Saturday I will be going to Scrapfest in Mandeville, LA. Fifteen straight hours of scrapping time! Yippee! I am actually caught up on my current photos, so I've gone back and started scrapping pics from 2004. (Please, fellow scrappers, don't hurt me!) I figured that I needed a special shirt for such a special event, so I whipped this baby up this evening. If you're a scrapper you may recognize the font as Heidi Swapp's Center of Attention. I bought these foam stamps the other day because I love the font.

The other shirt is for my beloved LSU Tigers. I still can't believe they're going to the Final Four. Talk about a Cinderella story! Unfortunately I will be at Scrapfest when they play on Saturday, but you can bet that I will have my Walkman with me so I can listen to the game. No worries, though, because I'll be watching Monday night when they play for the national championship. Geaux Tigers!

The LSU Lady Tigers are also in the Final Four. They are awesome! Seimone Augustus could probably take on opponents single handedly. Geaux Lady Tigers!

Do you think I'll get any dirty looks on Friday when I wear my LSU shirt to my school in Mississippi?! LOL

Have a great day!

A Brees Blows into Town
I know, bad pun, but I couldn't help it. The Saints have a new quarterback! I am so excited about the signing of Drew Brees. I think this is the biggest and best free agent acquisition we have ever made. Drew is a proven winner. Yes, I know he had shoulder surgery in the offseason, but I don't think that will hinder him. He seems to have a great attitude, and that will take him far. He is going to continue to wear #9 with the Saints, so if anyone sees those black and gold #9 jerseys, let me know!

I'm also excited about the signing of linebacker Scott Fujita. I was a fan of his when he played for Kansas City. I think he too will have a great impact on the team. Someone actually told me today that he thinks the Saints will go to the Super Bowl. Uh, no, I don't think so. Stranger things have happened, but I don't think this will be the year. Sean Payton will be a good coach. We have a good QB. I think the pieces are finally in place.

Happy Birthday, Puddy!
It was five years ago today that a black and white kitten was born and changed my life forever. Puddy was my first cat. Over the last five years I have watched him grow from a little furball to a handsome man. I still remember the little baby who played in a big flowerpot. Then as he got older he liked to sit on a stepstool so he could look out of the front door. He'd wake me up in the morning by climbing on top of me and licking my nose. If I didn't wake up immediately, he'd bite my nose! As he got older he became more aloof, but he's still my sweetheart. He keeps me company when I'm down. He's in the bed with me when I wake up in the morning. He's a great big brother to Kirby and Ollie. He is just a total sweetheart, and I can't imagine my life without him. Puddy man, I love you so very much! You will always be Mommy's big man!

Catching Cabbages in Chalmette!
Today we went home again for yet another parade. This time it was the Irish-Italian-Islenos Community Parade. Geez, that's a mouthful! It's the one time each year you can catch produce from a float. I'm not sure how other places celebrate, but it's customary in New Orleans to throw cabbage and accompanying veggies. We caught so much that at one point Mom told me I wasn't allowed to catch another cabbage! We did have lots of fun as you can see in the photos. The first one is of my friend Stephanie and her daughter Jenna. Then there's me with my friend Tara. The last one is of my friends Emily, Kim, & Jonesie. They ride in the parade each year. This parade is very family friendly. Lots of kids like Emily ride along with their parents. It was a great day. I only hope the smell of onions is gone from my car in the morning!

Dad decided to go back and work at our house instead of going to the parade. He and Mom bought a weed wacker since the weeds seem to be taking over the place. He worked hard all afternoon and still didn't finish. Now they need a lawnmower. Everything else might still be dormant, but the grass is growing. I guess that's a promising sign.

Yesterday at church we got some wonderful news. Our priest from Chalmette has been named pastor of the church we are now attending in Slidell. We cheered when the announcement was made at Mass yesterday! I consider Fr. Mark a friend as well, and it will be so great to have a piece of home nearby.

School is still going well. I like working at PJHS. Last week just seemed to fly by. Before you know it the school year will be over. Where has the time gone?

Enjoy the rest of yoru Sunday evening and have a great week!

Scrapping and Shorty's
Hello blog readers! Hope those of you in the New Orleans area enjoyed Mardi Gras. I celebrated by going to a 24-hour crop at Scrappin' Buds. (Check 'em out at www.slidellscrapbook.com.) As you can tell by the picture on the left, I had a good time. I have finished scrapping all of my 2005 pictures and am completely caught up on 2006. Now I'm going back to scrap my 2004 photos. The crop was a blast! I didn't stay up for the whole 24 hours, though. I slept for a few hours on the floor of the store! We were well fed and had lots of fun. It was a great time.

I only went to one parade this year. It was the Knights of Nemesis parade in Chalmette. It was awesome to see my hometown pull together and celebrate for a while. We truly needed that. Now I'm more anxious than ever to go back home. I miss St. Bernard so much.

Today I got to spend some time in St. Bernard. I'm off of school for the week, so Mom and I went home this afternoon. We went to the house first and got to see our neighbor's FEMA trailer. It's pretty nice. It's not bad for two people, but I can't see Mom, Daddy, and me living in one with three cats! We ran a few errands and stopped for lunch. One of my favorite sandwich places, Shorty's Deli, has a trailer set up in the parish. Mom and I had roast beef poboys. Yum! You can see me sinking my teeth into it in the picture on the far left. I don't think I've ever enjoyed a sandwich so much. There was lots of traffic today. I just know things are going to return to normal. It will take a while, but it will.

On March 12, there will be another parade. The Irish-Italian-Islenos Parade will roll through Chalmette. Of course I will be there! I will take advantage of any excuse to go home!

Random Stuff Hello all! The first thing I want to post today is from an e-mail I received. (Thanks, Tara!) I like to post these random surveys when I get them in e-mail. Two Names You Go By 1. Bird--For those of you who don't know the story, I got this name when I was in high school. My sister couldn't spell my name; she'd write it as "Birdget." Somehow my friends found out, and it was shortened to Bird. Many of my old friends still call me that. 2. Derb--It's a shortened version of my last name. Several years ago my students began calling me Ms. Derb, and now most of my students do because it's easier than saying my whole last name. Also, many of my co-workers just call me Derb.

Two Parts of Your Heritage 1. Italian (Why do you think I talk with my hands?) 2. French

Two Things That Scare You 1. Bad weather--I wasn't scared of it until Katrina! 2. The future--it's so uncertain.

Two of Your Everyday Essentials 1. Sleep 2. Chocolate

Two Things You Are Wearing Right Now 1. tee shirt 2. Christmas tree pajama pants (Yes, I do realize that it is February!)

Two of Your Favorite Bands or Musical Artists (at the moment) 1. Michael Buble' 2. Kelly Clarkson

Two Things You Want in a Relationship (other than Real Love) 1. honesty
2. fun

Two Truths 1. Prayer works. 2. Life is what you make it.

Two Physical Things that Appeal to You About the Opposite Sex. 1. eyes--first thing I notice! 2. smile

Two of Your Favorite Hobbies 1. Scrapbooking 2. Reading

Two Things You Want Really Badly 1. To go home 2. To have my own classroom again

Two Places You Want to go on Vacation 1. Ireland 2. New York

Two Things You Want to Do Before You Die 1. Become a mother 2. Live life the way I want

Two Ways That You are Stereotyped 1. That I'm loud and chatty. Well, I am at times, but I'm really very quiet and introverted most of the time. 2. That I don't take things seriously.

Two Things You Are Thinking About Now 1. What book to read next 2. What to bring for lunch tomorrow

Two Stores You Shop at where you spend the most 1. Target 2. Scrappin' Buds
Two people you haven't talked to in a while 1. Lisa 2. Vicki

Two favorite web sites 1. www.twopeasinabucket.com (scrapbooking site) 2. www.qvc.com

Two things you did last night 1. Watched American Idol and the Olympics 2. Read

Two shows you like to watch (currently airing) 1. American Idol 2. Survivor I know some of my scrapbooking friends read this blog, so I want to give a shout out to some important people. The first is my friend Jennifer. If you've read the March issue of Creating Keepsakes, then you've seen Jennifer and her famous chest. LOL Seriously, she is featured in the Embrace Your Space article. She has a beautiful armoire where she stores all of her scrapbooking supplies. It is awesome! If you know Jen, you know that she is not only a great scrapper but a wonderful person as well. Congratulations, Jennifer! Here's a link to the Creating Keepsakes website if you'd like to see. http://www.creatingkeepsakes.com/mag/article.ihtml?index_field=1634 I'd also like to give a shout out to my friends at Scrappin' Buds. They are awesome! If you are ever in the Slidell area, you must stop by! Toni and Deborah are great ladies and the sweetest things. I feel like they've adopted me since I moved to the area. I'm spending Mardi Gras with them at a 24 hour crop. We will start cropping Monday evening and go all the way until Fat Tuesday evening! I can't wait! You can check out their website at www.slidellscrapbook.com. Have a great one!

My Hometown Is Going to Be Famous! You must watch the NBC Nightly News on Sunday evening. (5:30 P.M. CST) Why, you ask? Well, my friend Alvin is one of the founders of a new Mardi Gras krewe that was supposed to begin parading in St. Bernard Parish this year. Katrina, however, threw a monkey wrench in the parish's Mardi Gras plans. The club decided that the people of St. Bernard needed a parade, so they successfully petitioned the parish council and there will be a parade in St. Bernard this Sunday afternoon. NBC has a bureau in New Orleans now, and when they heard about the parade they wanted to do a story on it. There will be an interview with Alvin and the krewe's captain. The story will show their destroyed homes and talks to the guys about why they want to return home and do so much for the parish. I think it's awesome that we will be getting some well-deserved positive publicity. Alvin brought Mom, Daddy, and me our official Knights of Nemesis t-shirts this evening so we can wear them to the parade on Sunday. The picture on the left is of the front of the shirt. I laughed when I saw the krewe's motto--Justice, Vengeance, Retribution. Isn't that how we all feel about that evil Katrina?! I'm excited to be going home for the day for something fun! I plan to take pictures at the parade and will share them afterwards. If you live in the N.O. area and are looking for something fun to do Sunday afternoon, come to "da parish." We'd love to have you!

Happy Valentine's Day! Happy Valentine's Day! In honor of this day, I'm going to make a list of good/happy things that happened today. *I'm having a good hair day. *I started reading To Kill a Mockingbird. *I learned that one of the teachers I work with is a scrapper. *It's the fifth anniversary of my "Jeopardy" appearance. *I got a gift certificate to Scrappin' Buds from the cats. (Thanks, Mom!) Hope you and yours have a very happy day!

Back to School Hi, all! You may be wondering what the picture on the left is. It's the school where I work. It's a beautiful building. It's old and quite charming. Inside the classrooms are modern. I am really enjoying my job. Everyone at the school is so friendly. I will admit that it's a little bittersweet at times because I want to be the one in front of the class teaching. I just suck it up though because one day I know I'll have my own classroom again. I'm just happy to be back in a school and working with kids, which is my true love. There is still some uncertainty about the future. I don't know what I'll be doing in August, but I'm not going to worry about that today. I hope to be back in St. Bernard. That may not happen, and I'm really OK with it. As long as I have a job I will be happy.

Just a Quick Hey! It's Super Bowl Sunday, so this is going to be a quick howdy! Three hours until kickoff. I hope the game is a good one. By the time the pre-game hype ends, I think everyone gets tired. LOL As I said in an earlier post, I don't have a pick. I will be happy if either team wins. The picture at the left is of my new do; I said I would post one. Like it? I love it! Let me know what you think. Have a great Sunday!

Back on the Blog! Hello, all! Yep, I'm back! I know it's been a loooong time since I've blogged, but I hope you'll forgive me. The new job is going great. I'm enjoying Picayune Junior High. Everyone there has been so, so nice to me. I like going into the different classrooms and seeing the different styles each teacher has. I've met some great kids. I've also seen a lot of my old PGT kids. It's made me feel so connected to home. I do miss having my own classroom and doing my own thing, but it's a good job. I really can't complain. Besides, I know I'll be back in my own classroom eventually. I can wait. Tomorrow is Super Bowl Sunday! Yay! For football fanatics like me it's like Christmas day! It's also a little bittersweet since it signals the end of the football season. This has been one surreal season, what with Katrina and all. Do I have any predictions? Nope. I think I'm going to just sit back and watch and enjoy. I like both teams, so I'll be happy with either a Pittsburgh or Seattle win. I had a great reunion today--with my hairdresser! I have been going to Anna for 16 years now. I never thought I'd trust anyone else with my hair. Well, Katrina came along, and I had to depend on someone else. Now Anna is over here near me, so I can go to her again! It was so wonderful to see her. She isn't just my hairdresser, she's my friend. I got cut and highlighted, so there was plenty of time for visiting and catching up. BTW, I decided to go for something different. I cut my hair! Yep, I had Anna lop off about six inches. It is precious! I haven't had it this short in a few years. I love the cut and my highlights. I still have blonde, but this time she worked in some caramel highlights. It looks great. I promise to post a picture soon. Yesterday was a milestone day in our family. Mom turned 60! I told her she doesn't look a day over 59. LOL She went home to St. Bernard for most of the day, which made her happy. Mom, Daddy, and I went to dinner at O'Henry's (gotta get that free birthday steak), and then we had the neighbors over for cake. It was a good day for her. Well, crew, I'm going to leave it at that. I promise to start blogging regularly again. Be good!

The Princess Is Employed!
Yes, you read that correctly! I finally have a job! I received a phone call yesterday from Picayune Junior High School. They are starting a program to work with struggling students to help them improve their test scores. It is basically an inclusion/tutoring program. I will be going into the classrooms and working with the teacher to identify the students' needs. Then I will work with those students to get them up to speed. It is a new program for the school, and the principal is very excited about it. I am too. No, it's not the traditional classroom position I'm used to having, but I'm excited to be involved in a new program.

I have a meeting on Friday to discuss the program, and hopefully we'll get started next week. I'll let you know how it goes.

So many of you have offered prayers, good thoughts, and kind words during this crazy time. Thank you so much! I hope you know how much you have helped me.

Peyton and Payton
Poor Peyton Manning! He is one of the greatest QBs ever, in my opinion, but he just can't get to the Super Bowl. The Colts had such a great season, yet they blew it Sunday against the Steelers. Yep, they blew it. No excuses. Sure, you can blame Mike Vanderjagt for missing that field goal at the end of the game, but what about the way the team played in the first three quarters. I hated to see it. I'm a huge fan of the Mannings. If you read my blog regularly, you know what a Saints fanatic I am. I love Archie Manning, and I have always followed his sons. Unlike Archie, Peyton plays for a winning team. Like Archie, Peyton can't seem to get to that next level. What a shame. The Colts had such a great season, and I hope fans remember that and not Sunday's loss.

Now to Payton. It looks like my beloved Saints will have a new head coach. Sean Payton, assistant coach with the Dallas Cowboys, will be named the new Saints coach tomorrow. I hope he can bring some good fortune to the team. We need all the help we can get! He's worked under Bill Parcells for the last few years, and Bill is one of the best. Let's hope Sean Payton has as much success in N.O. as Parcells did in Dallas.

Super Bowl picks? Do I have any? Hmmmm, this is hard. I like the four remaining teams. I'd love to see the Panthers represent the NFC because of Louisiana boy Jake Delhomme, but the Seahawks have never reached the big game. Over in the NFC, I like both the Steelers and the Broncos. So to answer my earlier question, no, I don't have any picks. May the best teams win!

Can you tell how much I love football?

No Happy Ending
I posted about believing in miracles the other day and how I was hoping to be rehired at my old job. Well, the phone call never came. I didn't get my job back. I have been totally dejected for the last two days. I knew it was a longshot; I'm not stupid. I don't know why, but I thought I had a chance. OK, maybe I'm not stupid, but perhaps I'm just naive.

So now I'm back to square one. Where do I go from here? Good question. I'm going to follow up on the applications I placed in Mississippi. You should see the stack of mail I have to send out! I just hope one of those works out.

I am feeling so many things right now. I'm sad, angry, frustrated, pissed. I am just not one of those lucky people. You know the ones who seem to step in shit and come out smelling like a rose. That's not me. I never seem to have any luck except bad luck. Life sucks right now.

Believing in Miracles
OK, I have always tried very hard to believe in miracles. Sometimes they do come true. I'm not talking about big things either. For example, my family experienced a great miracle on New Year's Eve. My cousin Rachael gave birth to a healthy baby girl, Kaitlin Rose. Rachael had a safe, healthy pregnancy, but at the end her blood sugar skyrocketed and her placenta became detached. Fortunately, a c-section delivered Kaitlin safely. Both are doing great!

Well, I'm hoping for a miracle now. If you've been reading my blog, you know that I have been unemployed since Hurricane Katrina. My school, along with the rest of St. Bernard Parish, was destroyed. I have been unable to find a teaching job since. Let me tell you, living on unemployment is no fun. I have been searching for a job ever since. This Saturday I went back to St. Bernard to reapply for my job. A school was opened in November, serving grades Pre-K through 12. There were 300 applicants for only 15-20 positions! I had to wonder why I even bothered to go. I went into my interview, though, and put my best foot forward. Some teachers are being hired to work from 11-6, teaching a few classes during the school day and working an after school program from 3-6. Because of that I stressed the experience I've had in my old school's after school program. Only those who are hired will be contacted, and those teachers will be contacted by tomorrow afternoon. I would love to receive one of those phone calls, but I'm not holding my breath. I was feeling somewhat optimistic before the job fair, but now I just don't know. It's quarter to six in the evening now, so I don't think anyone will be calling today. I hope and pray I get that phone call tomorrow. I just don't know if it's going to happen. I hope it will.

Believe in miracles. I want to. I want my own miracle. I'll let you know if it happens.

2005--The Year in Review
I saw this done on a friend's blog and thought I'd borrow the idea. (Thanks, Benita!) It's fun, and I encourage y'all to do the same.

JANUARY
1. Did you have a new year's resolution this year?: Yes, to continue the healthy lifestyle changes I started last year.
2. Who kissed you at midnight?: Mom and Dad
3. Did it snow where you live?: Not in January, but it did on Christmas 2004!
4. Have you ever been to Times Square to watch the ball drop?: Nah, don't like crowds that much!

FEBRUARY
1. Who was your valentine?: Mom, Dad, Debbie & the cats
2. What did your valentine get you?: Pajama pants. I also got some cute cards from my students.
3. When you were little, did you buy valentines for your whole class?: Yep. I also bought Valentines for all of my students this year.

MARCH
1. Are you Irish? A tad
2. Did you wear green on St. Patty's Day?: Yes
3. What did you do for St. Patty's Day?: Worked! I went to the St. Bernard Irish/Italian/Islenos parade the Sunday before.

APRIL
1. Do you like the rain?: No!
2. Did you play an April Fool's joke on anyone this year?: Surprisingly no.
3. Did you get tons of candy on Easter?: I got enough.

MAY
1. What's your favorite kind of flower?: Roses and daisies
2. Do you like the spring? Yes! I enjoy the nice weather before the summer comes.
3. Finish the phrase: "April showers bring...": May flowers. May flowers bring pilgrims!
4. What would you think of as a spring color?: PINK!

JUNE
1. What year did you graduate from school?: 1987
2. Did you go on any vacations last June?: No

JULY
1. What did you do on the 4th of July? Went to a BBQ at my cousin's
2. Did you go on any vacations during this month?: Yes, I went to Biloxi, MS, for three days. I attended the Dance Teachers United competition and hung out at the pool and went to the casino.

AUGUST
1. Did you do anything special to end off your summer?: Yes, I evacuated for Hurricane Katrina.
2. What was your favorite summer memory of '05?: July 4 and the Biloxi trip
3. Did you go swimming a lot in the summer?: No, I evacuated for Katrina.
4. Did you go to the beach a lot?: No, but I wish I had.

SEPTEMBER
1. Did you attend school/college in '05?: No
2. Who is/was your favorite teacher?: Me! LOL My favorite teacher was Mrs. Abercrombie. She was my social studies teacher for three of my four years of high school. The woman should be canonized for putting up with me for so long.
3. Did you like fall better than summer?: Yes because I hate heat and humidity.

OCTOBER
1. What was your favorite Halloween costume ever?: The pumpkin costume I had made during my freshman year of high school. I wore that thing for years!
2. What's your favorite candy?: Chocolate!
3. What did you dress up like this year?: Nothing really. I wore my Old Navy Halloween shirt with a crown from Burger King.

NOVEMBER
1. Whose house did you go to for Thanksgiving?: We stayed home and had our dear friends over for dinner.
2. Do you like stuffing?: No.
3. What are you thankful for?: My family and friends and the fact that we all survived Katrina.

DECEMBER
1. Do you celebrate Christmas?: Yes
2. Have you ever been kissed under mistletoe?: Does kissing the cats under the mistletoe count?3. What do you want this year for Christmas?: Flannel sheets, a jewelry box, and good news from St. Bernard Parish officials
4. What's the best present you ever got for Christmas?: A ring that my grandmother gave me. My grandfather had given it to her when they were dating. :-)
5. Do you like cold weather?: Yes!
6. How would you rate your year on a scale of 1-10?: 3--life pre-Katrina was great, but post-Katrina really sucks!

Happy New Year!!!