January

Not much time for post-holiday blues, although I feel it in the peripheral. Too busy, really, to think about it. Not that things are getting done, rather my mind just churns and churns.

Not much on the resolutions front this year. Tired of being confronted with not-achieved expectations. Perhaps, my resolution for the new year was not to make any. Not that my usual end-of-year malcontent, if not continual, unsettled emotional state was not present; my mind was leaning towards making a list. I just nipped it quick, perhaps resolving to tolerate the status quo for just a little longer.

Christmas at Adam and Martina's apartment.
A bit sad after Candi, but was OK. Another year of unfulfilled expectations- things I don't want/ need.
I was quite impressed with their art collection, mainly Dia de los muertos.

Quiet birthday.
Went to Deluxe Tattoo to talk to Hannah about sleve (Blake's Whirlwind). She seems fine, but a bit rude perhaps. I will have to see what she comes up with. I have not heard back from her about March appointment.

Back at school this week.
Most students as expected over break: not where they needed to be; not completed the work assigned. But, alas, they will feel it with the formal exams next week. Not much I can do about that.
After a couple of weeks of arguments over the 2011 trip, I submitted my proposal for Spain. The original idea was to do Spain, France, and Germany, but, in my opinion, the trips proposed lacked cultural relevance and little time for students to use their language skills. Support from Hartford and Mikkelsen. We shall see if Thake approves it.
Notorious drama between Johnson and Thanke over at the HS due to affair. Rumors swirling. After talking to Crawford (FEA), I went to Central Office to ask if I was going over to HS (as rumored), and was told "no," it had not even been considered.

Mom in Montreal for Aunt Jean's 100th birthday.
With the 50G I received: paid off Visa; 10G in CDs; 4G to David; 16G in investments; 10G in savings (earmarked for home improvement or down payment for new); paid Christmas; a bit left in savings.

ACIS teacher conference in Madrid February 11-15 (free). Asked David if he wanted to go, but he had already agreed to pick up Martha from O'Hare on the 15th. Originally, I was on the waiting list, but now, as I see the check for a single room went through, I must be on the "go" list. David seems a bit miffed, but he was invited. Two days requested- the other three are President's Day weekend.

Adam and Martina's wedding March 24th, a Wednesday (bizarre). It is the week before spring break, so I only requested three days (Tue-Thr). I will have to take the days without pay, I assume. I am standing.

Otherwise, I just need to figure things out for 2010.
The need to change is stagnant in the air. Either I am going to move it or suffer the toxins.