Back to Work Willies

I went back to school today.

It was one of those butterfly/willies in your stomach kind of mornings.

I didn't want to do it. I had to do it. I have to make sure everything is ready. But, I knew once I started, my mind wouldn't stop. Horrible feeling.

Walking into my room was so overwhelming.

I walked in, saw this...

...and walked out. No joke. It was just too overwhelming.

So, I went to the office to say hi to the office folks for a few moments. But, I couldn't stay there forever, and this willies weren't leaving, so I had to get back to work.

How do you eat an elephant? One bite at a time.

One step at a time, a lunch break and a trip to Wal-Mart, turned into this:

Shocking. It actually looks like a classroom again. I made sure that there was enough room for me to wheel around the perimeter of the room (hopefully they won't pile more desks in there), and I practiced getting myself in and out of my director's chair with one leg. :) 

It looks much the same as it did last year, with a few additions:

 New family photos

 A collage poster of some Romania pictures--not sure if I'll keep it there or move it. Thoughts?

 More fam pictures

 The big flip-flop is now in front--as is our Kevin McCarthy picture (the kids really should know who he is)

 Earl Warren (purchased at the Supreme Court)

Abe's rules of conduct--they work for me!

There is still quite a bit of work to do, but I feel good with my start. Amy is going to come help me tomorrow, and I know we'll get a ton done. I'll keep you posted. :)

Olympic FEVAH!

The Olympics start TOMORROW! 

Do you realize what that means??? Amazing athletic goodness for over TWO WEEKS!

I am SO EXCITED for...


the screaming
the tears
the stories
the victories
the National Anthem
the medals
the suspense
the rivalries
the underdogs
the memories.

ALL OF IT!!!!!!!!! Get the picture???

It seems like only yesterday that I wrote THIS POST that began the 100 days countdown. Now it's HERE!

How excited am I? I'm more excited than Jessie Spano on pills! (If you don't get that reference, you should have watched more Saved by the Bell).

I just guest-posted on Nicole's blog about what I Quite Like and Rather Dislike about the Olympics. Go read that post HERE! It's worth your time if I do say so myself. :)

As the Olympics quickly approach, what are YOU looking forward to?? Comment below and let me know.

What am I MOST excited about????

Our girls' gymnastics team!

Photo Credit

Bring home the GOLD, girls!

Highlight Reel #5

Aaaand now the last highlight reel is coming at you, from the last few days of our trip. Enjoy!

Day 10: We started our day where Harry met Sally--Katz's Deli--and had the best pastrami EVER! We followed that up with a free ride on the Staten Island Ferry, and ended our day with Jersey Boys!

 Here we are on  the ferry.

 We saw a TON of guns on this trip. Check that one out!

Jersey Boys!

Day 11: This day began at the 9/11 Memorial. There aren't quite words to describe it. You'll just have to look at the pictures for now and go visit it one day... We spent the afternoon in our room watching a crazy thunder and lightening storm outside, and in the evening we ventured to Queens to a Romanian restaurant. It was quite authentic and I loved it!

 Crazy storm!

 Grand Central Station

 Mici!!!

Papanash--yuuum!

Day 12: Our last day! We had brunch, waved goodbye to Times Square and our hotel, almost got killed by a cab driver on the way to the airport, and spent a ridiculous amount of time trying to get home. 

The end. 

Highlight Reel #4

We'll be wrapping these reels up before too long, but for now, enjoy highlight reel #4, brought to you from days 7-9 of our adventure!

Day 7: This day began (and continued) with a six hour bus/walking tour. We saw everything! I'd highly recommend the free walking tours and almost free bus tour to anyone in or traveling to NY! Click here for more information (if you click on the bus tour link, you'll even see our picture)! Our day was completed with our first Broadway show--Sister Act! We LOVED it!

 Central Park

 Washington Square

In Brooklyn, with the skyline behind us 

 A memorial at Trinity Church right by Ground Zero

Sister Act!

Day 8: This day began with brunch with Graham in Greenwich Villiage (so fun!), continued with seeing ONCE (the best show ever!), and was completed with Cannoli (my favorite!). 

 Don't we look snazzy? 

 This is Steve. He won the Tony for best actor. He's taking a picture of us with MY PHONE! It was awesome. ;)

Cannoli is my favorite in the history of ever. 

Day 9: This day started EARLY with a trek to the Today show (we got some mighty good air time), continued with a tour of the NBC Studios where I played weather girl again (we have the video if anyone cares to watch it), and ended with NEWSIES (love the dancing!)! 

 Yup, we're ridiculous. 

 Here I am with Savannah. So cool!

This is in the NBC Studios. Love!

Newsies!!!

I hope you enjoyed these highlights. Stay tuned for the last highlight reel tomorrow!

Highlight Reel #3

Tired of the highlight reels yet? I sure hope not! If you missed the first two, click here and here! Here is the third highlight reel, featuring days 5 and 6 of our East Coast adventure!

Day 5: Our last day in DC consisted of some incredible chili with fascinating history, the Museum of Natural History, and a great twilight walking tour!

 If you are in or near or will be near DC, you MUST go to Ben's Chili Bowl! This is Virginia, Ben's wife, who sat and talked to us for almost an hour! And, the food is incredible! LOVE this place!

 Click HERE for more information about Ben's. You MUST go! Just take the green or yellow metro line and get off at U Street! Easy!

 Here I am at the Natural History Museum with my favorite animal!!

 Washington Memorial 

 WWII Memorial

 Vietnam Memorial. See us in the background? Crazy...

 Lincoln Memorial (favorite).

Hey there, Abe. :)

Goodbye D.C :( ...... Hello New York! 

Day 6: This day began with a train ride from D.C. to NYC and ended on the top of the Empire State Building. 

 Here we are on the train! 

 Oh, Times Square--you are INSANE.

 A bit bored waiting in line to go to the top of the Empire State Building.

 But, the view was SO WORTH it! :)

We had two single beds, so Alyson had to make her own. Yup, that's two chairs and a luggage rack. Good times!