Up at the crack of dawn. This was the first official day back for teachers. We had a very inspirational 3 hour presentation that was about 2 1/2 hours too long. I could see on all the faces of my fellow teachers that they would have preferred to be in their classrooms doing the millions of things they needed to do. I had already been back to school last week so I had a jump on things. I didn't feel to stressed. And some parts of the presentation were pretty good. I did get to meet many of the new teachers. Man, they are so young and naive. I hope I wasn't that arrogant when I was new.

I'm so glad tomorrow is pay day. I am so broke. I didn't go out to lunch with my colleagues today because I just didn't have any cash. Luckily, I gorged myself on the breakfast items at the presentation so I wasn't hungry anyway. I went to my classroom and go to work. It's not like I don't have any money. I have plenty in my accounts. I just don't like to dip into savings for stupid things like cash for lunch. I have direct deposit, so the money will be in my account at midnight tonight. On my way to work tomorrow I'll hit the cash machine so I can go out to lunch like regular people. Some people think teachers get paid enough because we only work 10 months of the year, but remember, we only get paid for 10 months of work. I have mine spread out over 12 months so I can afford to live in the summer. However, we do NOT get paid like we should get paid, no matter what people think.

Even though I was able to get work done at school today, I actually brought home many things I can do while watching TV tonight. Once the school year gets going and I get into a routine, I won't bring home very much work. I usually organize my time very well during the school day so that I won't have to bring work home. I know so many teachers who take things home everyday. I just need my evenings to rest and relax. I won't be relaxing too much tonight. I need to get a few things done. I will, however, be in bed by 9:30. I've got to get back into that routine. I will.

Today I had a reminder of what the next 10 months will be like. The alarm went off at 5:00 AM and I had to drag my ass out of bed. I have not gotten up that early since June. Did the morning routine and was at school by 6:30. Met some colleagues for breakfast and then we were all off to a meeting by 8:30. Got back to school at 12:30. Then had lunch with more colleagues and finished just in time to have a meeting at 2:00. The meeting wasn't over until 4:10 and I didn't get home until 4:40. That was a long day. The meetings went fine and hanging out with the colleagues was fine too. The bad part was I was having withdrawals from getting my e-mail and being able to reply right away as well as blogging and checking out the threads on the Tribe. I couldn't find one minute today to get away and check the e-mail. I guess for the next 10 months if you send me an e-mail I won't be able to reply until I get home. It looks as though my schedule is going to keep me from having any free time to play on the computer this year. Well, I'll just have to retrain my brain to e-mail and blog when I get home.

I had planned to write earlier this evening but I've just spent the last 3 hours on the phone. A friend called to chat about his boyfriend problems. I listened and offered support where appropriate. Then I talked to David several times about all kinds of things. He was telling me about his latest conquests. The guy sounds adorable. I told him to hold on tight and make it happen. Then I got a little misty and said, “I want a boyfriend.” Then he quickly returned with, “It's my turn!” I started laughing. He reminded me that I've had like 5 boyfriends since he had one. He said it was his turn to have one. It's funny though, when I have a boyfriend, he doesn't. When he has an interest, I won't. It's like we have to take turns. I guess I'll let him have his turn and I'll take a break for awhile. But as soon as it ends with adorable guy, it's my turn again. Hahahaha

I've seen this Quiz on several blogs. I told myself awhile ago I wasn't going to take another quiz. It seems the information is only interesting to the person who takes them. But since this one was about relationships, I decided to find out what kind of relationship guy I am. Interesting results. I do think most of it is correct. Especially about approaching the opposite sex….I have no problem talking to women. It's men that cause me stress. Anyway, here are the results:

You are a XPYG–Expressive Practical Physical Giver. This makes you a Roving Spouse.

Of the 1820 people who have taken this quiz, 16.7 % are this type.

So who wants to be my boyfriend or ask me out? (grin)

Men. Interested in meeting/dating white men, 38 to 42. Prefer men who enjoy reading, watching movies and DVD's, having intelligent conversation about books, movies, and politics. Men who are single, established, grounded, independent, have direction, enjoy quiet nights at home or an occasional night out on the town, and are looking to settle down and develop a long term relationship.

Now, where to post this ad?

First dates can be very awkward. There are so many things that can complicate the event. Whether you chat with a guy online or meet him in a bar, there are things to think about when having a first date.

You first have to decide on where to meet. Will it be for coffee, a drink, or dinner? Near where you live or near where he lives? Depending on how strongly you feel about these decisions you could really let him decide. I actually prefer to have coffee or a drink. I'm a very picky eater and agreeing on a restaurant might be difficult. I also prefer to meet closer to my place. I'll feel more comfortable coming back to my place if I find him interesting and want to learn more about him. And when it comes to paying, make sure it's dutch. The first date with a guy shouldn't be one person paying for the other. Do you want him to think he owes you something more or you owe him something more?

Another point is what to wear. You don't want to get all dressed up and give the guy the impression that you are a sharp dresser all the time when in actuality you wear jeans and tee shirts. If you don't get dressed up though, he may think you're a bum. It's so complicated. Take the middle ground and dress casual. I have learned to dress like I normally would so as not to give the impression that I'm something I'm not. Depending on the temperature, I'd wear jeans or shorts and a plaid shirt. My basic uniform. And are you even thinking about what he's going to wear?

Having things to talk about on a first date can be tricky as well. If you have talked on the phone before hand and have already found out all the things you were curious about, what will you talk about on the date? I've done that in the past and found myself asking the same questions on the first date that I asked when we talked on the phone. It made me sound like I wasn't listening the first time we talked. You don't want to have any of those awkward silences that signal the date should end soon. Oh, and definitely avoid controversial topics. Stay away from politics, religion, and sexual proclivities. And definitely don't talk about your ex-boyfriends. Unless of course he asks you about them. Recent first dates for me consisted completely of conversations about ex-boyfriends. I say this is a bad thing but you can actually find out more about the current guy and what happened with the ex then you could if you didn't talk about them.

What about the end of the evening? Should you kiss? Have sex? It has been my experience that having sex on the first date dooms the possibility of the relationship. In my most successful relationship we didn't have sex for almost 5 weeks of seeing each other. Then again, we're not together today so maybe that's bullshit. I guess you have to go with your gut feeling. If the chemistry is right and things feel good, go for it. But if you have the slightest hesitation looming in your mind, avoid the sex. A kiss is nice. But who initiates it? Don't be too eager but don't let the chance to feel his lips pass either. When the evening is obviously over and you are saying your goodbyes, simply lean in slightly and if he is feeling it too, a kiss will occur. If the first kiss leads to a second then maybe a little tongue can be added. But don't go overboard. Just give him a taste of what's to come. Jamming your tongue down his throat might be turn off on the first date.

Ah, first dates can be so complicated but they can also be so exciting. The chance of new love gives you that warm fuzzy feeling….and a woody sometimes. Anyone want to go out?

2876.9
957.41
59
23
11
5
1.98
1.65
2
1
0

What do these numbers mean? Let me tell you:

2876.9 is the total number of miles traveled on my vacation.
957.41 is the total amount of money spent on this vacation.
59 is the total number of comments left on my vacation posts on my blog.
23 is the total number of dead armadillos seen on Arkansas roads.
11 is the number of states I drove through.
5 is the number of phone calls I missed while I was gone.
2 is the number of times I had constipation on the trip.
1.98 is the highest price I paid for a gallon of gas.
1.65 is the lowest price I paid for a gallon of gas.
1 is the number of broken hearts.
0 is the number of times I got laid.

Interesting information, I must say.