Gift Exchange

I must say, I do love this time of year. I especially like it when I don't have school/ work and I can do what I want... hmmnn...
Monday I had my church Sunday School kids (15 year olds) come over (4 of them) to make Reindeer poop. A package of oreos and a box of cream cheese... made into balls and then dipped in chocolate. Quite tasty. The kids had a good time. I introduced them to the proper way of making hot chocolate. It was a great way to start of the week.
Tuesday-- class started to get interesting. We went to the Bodies exhibit. I have seen one similar so it was still good. However, standing there waiting to get in one of the "louder girls" comes over to chat with me. She proceeds to let me know how those in her car decided to drink and get high on the way over. A 10 min. drive! Seriously? And why tell me about it!!!!

Wednesday-- we had a "Christmas" party. There were ok treats. I think someone brought sandwiches with bologna on them... I brought fudge and they liked it. The interesting part was the gift exchange. I decided to be nice and bought a $5 throw. What did I get? A package of peanut M&M's....yeah... not even the king size! That's okay... the girl who gave me the M&M's got a box of condoms.
I had a written final on Wed. I missed 2, but with my extra credit I got 100%. The teacher asked for those who studied to raise their hands. I was the only one who did!!! Kills me!
I have decided being middle class sucks. Because I did ok for myself LAST year-- I got to take out a loan for school. Well because I am considered 3/4 time I had to pay for the remaining balance.... Some of the students were talking about how they needed to go and get their bus passes.... get their check from financial aid... WHAT? Yep, some kids are being PAID to go to school. So, I went to financial aid to see what they could do for me since I LOST my job. NOTHING! I can have lower monthly payments, but that is it! UGH!!!!!! So maddening to me. Can they pay my gas? Nope. grr.

on to happier things- CHRISTMAS. I do love shopping for Christmas. I think it is fun to see all the people out (ok-- only when I am not in a hurry). Christmas Eve I had to get some stuff at the grocery store and at Barnes and Noble-- it was fun to see everyone. People were kind. Because Texas weather went from 70* on Wed. and SNOWING on Thurs-- people were even nice in the parking lots!

I have eaten good food. And just enjoyed the time with those around me. Gotta love family!

Class happenings

I was telling Dad some stories of massage class and he asked me what I have gotten myself into... yes, it is a unique experience. Drew you will have to call me to find out the BEST story of the week. It is best that I not publish this one.

I have learned to stay clear of anyone at school. It is good I know how to be quiet and stay out of someone else's business. This was the week of fights.

Monday I learned that in the Medical Assistant school there were 2 girls who got into it... So, girl 1 decides to leave class and hang out in her car for girl 2 to walk out so girl 1 can jump her. Girl 2 leaves the building "some other way" and heads to the nearby gas station. Girl 1 asks a classmate where girl 2 is and drives over to gas station. Girl 2 sees girl 1 coming so she heads to the bathroom. Now this is where I am unclear... either girl in bathroom hangs out for awhile figures coast is clear and leaves or the bathroom is more than one person and girl 1 goes on in. Needless to say girl 2 got busted up pretty bad.

Tuesday: 18 year old girl (who is rarely in class) starts to get into it with the loud mouth guy of our class. She and he exchange heated words (why is it blacks can use the "n" word and it is ok, but it is so much more awful when a white person uses it?! No one should use it)... girl gets angry-- slams the door (Sis-- almost as good as you used to) Then she comes back in and decides to leave for the day... all the while loud mouth guy is still blabbing.

Wednesday: School starts at 7 AM.... at 6:55 I hear screaming in the hall.. I think no way-- it is TOO EARLY for a fight... nope, 2 girls are going at it in the hall... now were they on the same bus to have been having a conversation? How on earth can someone get so angry so early in the morning. Don't know how bad the fight was. At first break I went to the bathroom and there was a security guard standing outside of it.... yeah that makes me feel better!

Thursday: Yet again loud mouth guy and another loud girl in my class go at it. (words.. not fists-- that has just been between girls). This fight was done in front of the executive director of the school! Teacher was REAL happy about this.
It is so messed up! CRAZYINESS I say!

We did have an open talk one day where those in the class could tell about a hard time in their life so we could get a better understanding of each other... .needless to say this white girl kept her mouth shut.

Other than that I have been flashed a few times. Expected I guess, but on the first massage day? Sheesh. We don't go commando just yet. But we did do full body massages and have to work the glutes. I had a girl tease me for my grandma underwear. Sorry-- how long has it been since I wore "cute" underwear? The teacher said if girls were on "that time of the month" then they should wear a g-string. WHAT? Like that helps!!! hmmnnn... guess I need some sexy panties for school.

New Adventure

I started Massage Therapy school on Tuesday! In a class of 20 I am one of 3 white girls. I am most likely the only one with a college degree....let alone a high school diploma. I may also be one of the only ones with out kids.... We played a game on Wed-- 2 truths and a lie.... I discovered a girl is bi-sexual (who tells that!!!) One guy almost murdered someone... another guy has been in a cop chase.... one girl has 13 brothers and sisters.. another has 9... a girl has 12 tattoos.. (oh-- could be only one with out any tattoos)... I can tell I will have lots of stories. The cool thing is that the school gives out tickets for showing up to class. I may win an ipod or a flatscreen tv!
I learned CPR-- I think I finished the test first. Then I started reading for next week. I don't think the teacher knew what to do with me. There was a girl that had to be high or something.... so SLOW! The girl behind me was like "what is WRONG with you?! There is NOTHING to think about on this test!" But the girl still took about an hour to finish it!!!!!!!!! And she was the one who had no clue how to play 2 truths and a lie. After each person she was like-- oh I have to vote? On which one is a lie??? KILLING ME!!! It's gonna be fun.
The fact that I had Anatomy this summer is going to really help me. Maybe the 2nd go around I will actually understand it. The book is geared toward a massage person so this will be GREAT! The program director said to expect the classes to feel like they did in high school. I can so handle that. Maybe going to school and working at the same time will be manageable... and I can still get good grades! I still want to work hard.

Thanksgiving was wonderful. Such good food!!! The weather was perfect. Good times with the family. I think Larry even made it through the meal without falling asleep! Good Job Larry!!!!

Got to see The Blind Side. WHAT A GREAT MOVIE!!! I loved it!!

I think I am done Christmas shopping. Whew!

I just love this time of year!!!

My sis's kids-- cute!

Rodeo

Saturday I went to the Dallas Rodeo. It was quite good. I like to see the action of the events. It is always made more exciting when a scary moment occurs. (You do have to have a fight or two at a hockey game...) I was not disappointed. There was a bull rider that was stepped on, but he got up and walked away. The most exciting was when a clown was trying to protect a cowboy and the bull got up under the clown and tossed him so high!!! Thankfully the clown got up-- a little shaken, but didn't appear to be injured. We did get to see the top ranked cowboys- and cowgirls. (Amazingly-- the cowgirls were older...interesting.) Lots of guys from Utah. I wish them all well at the finals in Las Vegas.
After the rodeo we got to see Lady Antebellum. I really like them. I was happy to listen-- I didn't want to go down to the rodeo floor and stand in dirt/manure.
A fun random night.-- Thanks Heather!

Massage

Last week I went to an ultrasound meeting. I decided it was not something I was wanting to do. You have school for 2 years and then work for at least 3 years before you get "comfortable".... they have a "recommendation" in the guidebook that you don't have any major life changes for the 2 years. There is also a pregnancy clause! (Not that that pertains to me...) So... I backed out.

I went to the church employment center and took a personality test.... it was soooo funny. Amazing how it pegged me. Anyway it listed a lot of jobs that my personality would fit... and massage therapy was one of them! I have always enjoyed massages.. and I have been ok at giving them.... I have a lot of respect for the man who was my massage therapist in UT... so I went to the school and signed up! CRAZY! I start in 2 weeks. I should be done in May or July (Not sure if the internship was counted in the length of the program). I am excited. I have classes 7 AM until noon.. then I can go work at Sylvan.... (If Sylvan can stay open. Things are still pretty rough!)

Muggle Madness

Last week was a good week. I got to go to So You Think You Can Dance! It was a great show. I enjoyed the commentary this year better than last. Last year I had watched so I really knew who I was watching...this year I just got to enjoy the dances and not be sad if I didn't see someone enough times.

Then I got to go to UT for a Baby Blessing. Got to see minimal friends and a short time with family, but it was still fun.

Check out the pics. and see what I have been having fun with!