Autumn chill

Hit 29 degrees last night.
Yesterday, picked what is probably the last of the tomatoes and raspberries, and a couple of buckets of pears (more to go).
Was 70s earlier this week- adios to that.  High 40s today.  Brrr!

Chauncey, aka Chance, is doing fine and getting used to things around here.
Cute and friendly, but still no kisses.
No accidents in the house, but did get off his harness the other day- ran to back door.
Not very playful really, but definitely loves attention.  Some separation issues.
I really wanted to get another, but will probably wait until spring.

Parent-teacher conferences went without any sort of hitch.
Not many parents, but not a big deal.
Finished up grading and started lesson plans- still have to finish.

Otherwise, slept more than 10 hours last night.
Feeling better, but not 100% yet.
Gym this morning (a bit slacking, but went), but been procrastinating since.

Presidential election next month- still on the fence.
Not a fan of Obama with his "blame game" mentality, but he's not that bad.  I believe he does have the interest of the "working poor" in mind, but he pushes the "entitlement" envelope too much.  I think his idea of "transparency" is not very transparent at all, with many things coming to light after-the-fact.  I believe he is too soft on foreign policy, particularly with terrorist-states, and on the economy (too many bail-outs and programs adding to the national debt).  He did repeal DADT.
Unsure about Romney, but I lean towards the conservative.  Sometimes I think he is an ass, aiming his words to a particular group of voters and ignoring others.  He is business-minded, which could be good for the economy and foreign relations.  Still, I see him stealing from Paul to pay Peter and not admitting to it.  I like Ryan though- he is a future President.
Numerous predictions of a tie- which means the Senate and House make the final selection, which could lead to Romney being President and Biden as VP (Biden is Clinton-esque, as in Bill- not a fan at all).  But Hillary Clinton could be VP, and I'm OK with that.

Procrastination over.  Things to do.

New dog.

Acquired "Chauncey" last night (changing name, but not quite sure to what).  Very cute red shih tzu, looking somewhat like a Brussels Griffon.  Two years old, small(er) but a bit plump, trained, fixed and chipped.  A bit shy, not really vocal and not a kisser.  Did not sleep very well last night and a little accident.  Very good on a leash and is already scratching at the door to go out (although not always for potty).
Right now, he is obviously tired and he's trying to figure out where to lay down.  Made the mistake of getting something to eat when I thought he was asleep, so now he's up and about again.  Doggie bed in the bedroom seems not to be favorable and we're just a bit nervous about our bed.  David is sleeping and the room is dark, so I am hoping he'll want to go back in there (he'll have to during the week) and sleep.  Out here, too much light and I've got things to do, which will disturb him.  I don't really want to have to crate him, but maybe we'll have to for a little bit.
The other one we wanted to adopt with him, Ruby, went to another family; A bit of a missed opportunity.  We looked at two other ones, Fire and Oak, which were very cute as well.  Fire was very kissy and cuddly, while Oak was shy.  The two are a bonded pair, although the foster said she would separate, we would not want to (could be a positive thing, as Oak has a jealousy streak).  We're comfortable with two, but not quite sure about three.
Chauncey has never been a solo dog, so we've decided to wait before getting him a friend(s).  I'm hoping he'll become a bit "alpha" and be able to get the other(s) in line.  Before that, we need to work with him on our routines and ways.
Nice to have a dog around again.

Otherwise.... tired, tired, tired.
Averaged about 5 hours a night of sleep last week.  Began running on empty on Wednesday and coasted the rest of the week.  A bit on-nerve by the end, and some student behaviors did not help much.  End of the quarter yesterday with a lot of grading still to do- due Monday....  Not sure if I have a coffee headache or from lack of sleep.  About eight hours last night.  Need to change my night routine.

List for weekend is tremendous!  Gotta get things going.  Shower first (if I can get the dog to sleep).

Dogs, kids and other

Went back over to the Win. Co. shelter yesterday.... disappointing.
Nothing that would work for us; we should have taken the shih tzu or "Bailey" (mix) when we went together a few weeks back.
Looked online at shelters and rescues.  Filled out some applications and made contacts.  Waiting game begins.
I told David I would be going out and coming home with six one of these days.

Back to looking at the national adoption site.
Lots of kids; a few responses to my inquires.
I just wish we would have a placement, but maybe our expectations are too high.

There is something up- an emptiness within.

Autumn 1

Mood in a bit of a switch- blaming the weather:  cold mornings; a bit dreary today with rain expected.
Need to pick the pears and break down the veggie garden AND fountain before it gets too cold.
Picked the last of the tomatoes (probably).
Windows still need to be done.
Lining up house projects.

Also, end of quarter and a couple of students getting a bit on my nerves.
Spanish- some students have different priorities and can not change them.  Nevertheless, we're moving on and sadly some will fall off the boat.
Art- a handful of lazies slowing everything down.

Otherwise- car to shop for mileage check-up and a window recall.
Lots of TTDs this weekend (as is every weekend), but think will be OK (due to weather- nothing outdoors)

15 years

This weekend celebrates our 15th anniversary.
First weekend in October, 1997, I moved to Rockford and in with David.
Good, bad and otherwise- we're OK.
No a big hoop-la (not much of anything really).  We're going out for dinner tonight.

Otherwise:
Homecoming week is over- thank goodness!
Freshman took last overall, but I feel that politics are involved.  Not that there is much I can do about it.
Overall, definitely a learning experience; Not one that I think I'll want to do again.
Stopped in at the dance- drove an hour, stayed about two, and drove back.
Caught the end of the JHS dance, then the HS court presentation and dance.
Frankly, it was SAD.  They do not have the student population- attendance took up maybe a 1/2 of the gym-  nor the money.
Dancing was just a bunch of ass-grinding, if you can call that dancing.
Nevertheless, it is over and done with.

Next- end of quarter; Fall state exams; Fiesta for DdelosM; Thanksgiving.
I'm sure there will be a number of other things added to the mix.

Freeport found a full-time Spanish teacher.  Not sure of all of the info (from Kathy), but I guess she is good and has earned a number of accolades.  The part-timer over at CSMS stated that I taught the students well.
I guess my agreement/ understanding with Ms. Norman for next year was not consummated- I guess I was on the wrong page with that.
I'm crossing my fingers for Keith next year, or something else closer.  Staying at OHS is my plan B.

Three day weekend for Columbus Day and I've just finished my lessons.
Way too tired Friday; yesterday putted around, but finished grades, and went to the dance.  Up at 9 this morning, taking over 3 hours for lessons.
Considering I don't even have to turn them in- why do the work?  Professionalism, that is why.  Still, that is a big chunk of time and I have a shit load of other work to catch up on.
Tomorrow, planning to see Mom.

Looking for another dog.
David and I went to the shelter a couple of weeks ago, having a shih tzu posted online.  A second poodle-mix was there and also a yorkie-mix.
David, of course, could not commit.  I went back yesterday and they are gone, adopted out (hopefully), and nothing that would work with David's allergies.
Planning to go back regularly.

Nothing on the foster care/ adoption front.
Looked at the national database and inquired about a few.

That is all I got.
Things to do.