Ha Ha Ha!!!

Last night I spent the night over at my sister's house. My nephews love for me to spend the night even though they don't really hang out with me much when I'm there. Odd! Today we went to see the movie Get Smart with Steve Carell. It was a cute movie and pretty funny at times.

Spoiler Alert!

At the end of the movie my nephew, Matthew, asked my sister and I: "So did the guy that looks like Obama die?" We were puzzled so we further questioned him: "Which guy are you talking about?" He went on to say that the actor Dwayne Johnson looked like Obama to him. If y'all knew Matthew you would know that he has a dark and strange sense of humor. This was just too funny. That crazy kid.

Happy Birthday Veronica!

Today is my niece's 4th birthday. We celebrated it by going to Peter Piper Pizza. All the kids ran around and played games. Us adults ate pizza and talked. It was a great day.

Harry Potter

On Tuesday my niece, Vanessa, had the grand idea to watch one of the Harry Potter movies. Being the lover of the books and movies I gathered all five and sat on the couch ready for a marathon. Much to my dismay we didn't start till the next day and we didn't start at the beginning. I choose movie 3 because it is my favorite movie, while book 4 is my favorite book. Needless to say I have been a bit obsessed with Harry Potter this week. I've stressed the importance of reading the books as well as watching the movies, but Vanessa isn't interested. She actually tried to start them last summer when I was rereading them all before the grand finale of book 7, but she said she just couldn't get into them. I must admit that the first two books are a bit slow. J.K. Rowling is setting up the stage and introducing things. Book 3 gets good and then 4 and on are addicting.
Well anyway, as we continue our marathon I've been doing some internet searching for movie 6 trailers and some unofficial ones are on YouTube. So enjoy the preview. I am over the moon and can't wait until it comes out in November.


Or this one is really good, too.

I GOT IT!!!

Hey everyone! On Sunday morning I ordered my very own Cricut machine and today I received it. I haven't actually tried it out yet. I'm always the kind of gal that reads the manuals and stuff. But I totally will tomorrow and I'll snap some pictures of what I make. I have to start investing in other cartridges so that I can expand my options. I'm so trilled.

Sleepercar

As I mentioned before, my cousin is in the band Sleepercar that is breaking out. I'm excited and proud of him. It's funny, I have several musicians in the family. To be exact, three are in bands. I think back to our days growing up and they used to get together and play at Christmas while the rest of us sang. Everytime we got together at my cousin Gabriel's house my cousin Mary and I (yes the Wilson Phillips cousin), would ask him to play Just Like Heaven by the Cure on the piano and we would dance and sing. I'm really happy for Gabriel cause he has worked so hard for this. So check out Sleepercar's video for A Broken Promise.

My New Look

I just wanted to publicly acknowledge the girl responsible for my new blog look. I think she did a fabulous job or incorporating everything I love, from the Spurs to scrapbooking, to eating. She is a gem and is really good at this. Check her out and see what she can do.

Thanks a bunch, Jen! You did an awesome job.

The New Me

Yesterday I received a text from my cousin. Mary, inviting me to go listen to her brother's (also my cousin) band play. I must admit that at first I wanted to say no. I'm such a homebody and most days I prefer to just stay home. However, as part of the new me I decided to head out for the evening and to my surprise I loved it. So my cousin plays jazz music, which is not at all on my list of favorites, but it was nice.
I feel a little background is in order because my cousin, Mary, is my favorite and closest cousin. She is a year younger than me and we always spent the night at each other's houses. One of my greatest memories includes Mary, me and that Wilson Phillips song "Hold On". We used to walk down the sidewalk in her neighborhood and pretend we were Wilson Phillips on that video. We were missing one girl but we didn't care.
Fast forward to now and we're still close. So I'm so glad she dragged me out. And guess what? I'm going out tomorrow, too! This was actually planned before so it was partly another reason I didn't want to go out today. Tomorrow I'm heading out to see my famous cousin play at a local restaurant.
Two nights in a row. Who is this new Patty?

Congrats Vanessa!

Last Wednesday my niece graduated from high school. We had her graduation party on Friday and it was so much fun. The last time there was a graduation party it was for me back 2005. It was a great one because the Spurs were playing (they won the championship that year) and my best friend, Edie, and her mom came into town for it. They were such a great help.

However, the inevitable question on everyone's mind is why are you still teaching when you got your degree and certificate 3 years ago? My answer is sincere when I say that I'm waiting for a sign. The person I am I strive to be the best. I can honestly say that if I had wanted to be an assistant principal the following year I could have. Trinity is a well-respected university for future principals. Just based on that degree in San Antonio almost guarantees you a position. If hired I would have done a good job but in my opinion good is not good enough. I also knew that if I was to be an administrator I would want to do it back home.
I just completed my 7th year teaching and I am far from knowing even half of what I want to know. I want to be a true instructional leader. Sure I'll have people on my campus to help teachers but I also want to help. I think almost anyone can be a decent managerial leader. But an instructional leader is hard work. That is why I feel so blessed to have the opportunity to teach a primary grade. I also feel that I should teach middle school to get their perspective. I want to learn about their planning and instruction. For this reason I envy my friend, Edie. She's an instructional coordinator at my old school and I think that is such an important position. So to make a long story short. I want to be truly inspiring to my campus. When I feel like I will be an asset to my future school and students, that's when my learning will be done and I will be an administrator.
Or not. I love learning too much. So far I have 6 years TAKS experience and one year in primary so for sure I have a long way to go. I can just hear a 20 year veteran teacher..."she thinks she can criticize how I do guided reading!" My response: "Sort of."
That's why I love America. Opportunities are endless. There are so many things I'd like to do instead of being a principal. I'll leave that to another post. Maybe in a couple of years I'll be ready for the next step, or not. The world needs good teachers. I'm still working on being an exceptional teacher.
Maybe I should print this and pass it out next time someone asks: "What are you waiting for?" I simply say: "I'm waiting for a sign."

The Skinnies

Hello there. I just wanted to update y'all on my progress. So far I've still managed to work out. I've made 4 out of the 5 days or the week. Weekends are my off days. I've also gotten to the supermarket to buy my healthy groceries. I did buy popcorn, which is not so healthy, but I figured I can cheat sometimes. This morning I made myself a delicious breakfast. So week 2 and counting.

The Skinnies Day 4

Hey everyone. I made to Curves again. However, on my way to Curves I was stopped and given a citation for speeding. It was sort of exciting because I finally got my first ticket, ever. In San Antonio I knew people who could get me out of it but I'm still looking for that here at home. My cousin actually is some important cop but I'm not really too close with him. I'll have to check with my family tomorrow at my niece's graduation party. Keep your fingers crossed.

The Planetarium

This is my first day of summer vacation and I feel like I've done so much already. I haven't really but it feels like it. In just five days of vacation I've accomplished the following.

• Woken up 4 days to work out
• Gone to see a movie
• Visited the local planetarium
• Gone shopping
• Attended a graduation
• Read several of my magazines
• Taken naps on 3 days
• Caught up with old friends
  

So I have been very busy. I like the feeling that I have plenty to do, but I also have the luxury of doing nothing. I don't have to work I can do nothing. I've been back home for two years today I am reminded of why I moved back. My family.

I'll have to remember to visit my to do list. There are so many things I want to do this summer. But then again it is only week 1.

The Skinnies Day 3

Guess what? Not only did I make it to Curves today but I got my brother to walk at the nearby park after. I only walked for 15 minutes but by the end of summer I hope to be walking more. So three days and counting!

The Skinnies Day 2

Well happily I woke up today and headed to Curves. I did my usual routine and am continuing to eat healthier.

I also went to see Kung Fu Panda and I must say that it is not only cute but a great movie. It has a special message and action packed fight scenes. Of course they are cartoon scenes but good. After the movie I shopped a little and bought my new shoes. Now I'm set to go walking after my Curves work out. I plan on starting next week.

The Skinnies Day 1

Dinner

Currently I am on my 4th bottle of water. I ate what my mom made for dinner, which is typical Mexican cuisine. It's not what I would call healthy but I did portion control so it's not what I usually eat. I must say I'm really proud. Day 1 is complete.

Lunch

So after my shower I grabbed many magazines, (too many to realistically read) and headed to the living room to catch up on them. During the school year it's hard to read them all so I have major catching up. I haven't yet gone to the store. I figure I'm allowed to be lazy for a couple of days. For lunch I had a bowl of beans with cheese and two handfuls of pork rinds. For a snack I had an apple and two tablespoons of peanut butter. I'd never tried it and it was pretty good. I've also had two bottles of water and two more to go.

Morning

I woke up today at 6:40 ready to exercise. I made my daily fruit smoothie and I must say it was delicious. I went to Curves and did my 30 minute rotation. Oh and I bought a portion control plate that lets me know exactly how much food I should be eating. Not exactly what I've been eating lately. Yikes! Now that I am home I ate a healthy breakfast. Kashi Honey Almond Cereal and a cup of milk. This morning I'll take a shower, read my health magazines, and go shopping for food and shoes.

Things I Wish I Could Do

I'm watching a movie. Don't ask which one because I don't know but it made me randomly think of things I wish I could do.

• Play pool
• Drive a standard car
• Drink beer (yuck!)
  
• Read football plays
• Speak a third language
• Play any sport
  

The Eve of the Skinnies

As I stated in a previous post I'm committed to and excited about working out and eating healthy again. Back in September I started Curves and lost 15 pounds in 3 months. I must admit that I sort of lost focus in the middle of month 2 so I think I could have done better.
So far I've done research, joined an online guide, and am getting my family involved. I hope that I can keep myself motivated. So if any of you see me faltering please get me back on track. I do have to realize that it is summer vacation for me so I will occasionally stray from my routine, and I have to forgive myself for it.
To Do List

1. Buy new walking shoes
2. Shop for health food
3. Throw or give away all distractors
4. Write my commitment statement
5. Gather my support group

So read on in the coming weeks about my progress. I share it all. My ups and downs, all of it except my actual weight. That's personal.

No More Kids Just Us

Today was our last day of school. My class had a great time. They signed yearbooks (yes, our school has yearbooks), played games, ate, and talked. My parents were wonderful. I didn't have to worry about too much party food. All we had were Happy Meals. Even though I didn't tear up, there were some touchy moments in my room. I've never gotten a hug from every parent. And even though teacher appreciation week was only about a month ago, I received some very nice gifts. So all I have is one more day to go. But it's just going to be us teachers.

Loved It!

I saw Sex and the City and I loved it. It was everything I hoped for.

Summer Vacation Is Almost Here

June 6th is my last day of school. I have many projects I want to work on in the summer. I hope I can get to them all. Stuff never works out the way you want them to.

Summer Projects

1. Horacio's scrapbook
2. Continue my jewelry making
3. Learn to decorate cup/cakes
4. Reread the Sisterhood of the Traveling Pants Series so I can read book 4
5. Get back to working out and eating healthy
6. Explore the city
7. Endless possibilities
   

I've also decided to blog about my mission to work out and eat healthy daily. Maybe like that I can stay focused and on track. We'll see how it goes.

I'm also starting my cake decorating this upcoming weekend. I've taken on the task of making my niece's graduation cake. We'll see how that goes.

So look for any pictures and info on my developing summer projects.

Farewell Until October

Unfortunately my Spurs did not make it to the NBA Finals. There are many reasons I believe this happened. However, everything happens for a reason and with Manu not being healthy it's best if he rests until October. It's so strange not having a game to come home to watch. What am I going to do now? How ever will I occupy my time? Kidding! But Go Spurs Go!!! You made it further than most believed. Of course true fans believe when others doubt. So farewell until October. Oh well there is Manu in the 2008 Beijing Olympics. They are the 2004 gold medal winners. So remember August 8 - 24th.