Well, quick catch up on the room situation. Before I left last Monday (actually Tuesday because I had to completely pack up the room) my AP's and principal met. Between my specialist and the AP's they either convinced Pat that 1) she didn't know what she was doing putting me on the back hallway, 2) it would be stupid to put me there 3) read 1 and 2. Either way I'm back on the front in a large room again. Friends in low/high/perfect places, what can I say. The mouse who roars the loudest gets heard sometime.

Spent yesterday with Tim Holtz and Mario. They are both so cute. Just want to put Tim in a box to keep when I lose my "muse" and Mario, who is Mr. Clean-Up needs to come follow behind me. The first two classes were outstanding. Learning how to use alcohol inks and paint on trasnparencies and other things with them. How to make your own glimmer mist. Working with grungeboard. It's cool, but I'll use it very limitedly (?) on projects. Third class was different, it was canvas and beeswax and paint and ink and sand that we made ourselves)cool,huh). Learned new ways to distress, etc. etc. etc... Spent way to much on the cool stuff. By Design is "da bomb". Tracy is so very sweet and helpful. They have a lot of really cool stuff in right now. I suggest a road trip for any of you.

Beth is coming home in two weeks and will stay until August 8th. Rachel managed to get her a job helping set up the new Barnes and Noble in Pearland. What are big sisters for? Thanks Rachel. Beth hates New Mexico and can't wait to get out, plus it's so dry out there she's having trouble with her eyes. Need to replan my summer somewhat with her being home.

Able has been very sick since about February when my old vet gave him a new flea medicine which his body didn't respond well to and it's been a fight with his immune system every since. Now he has edema in a leg cause by leaking of platelettes (I think, Rachel understands better than I do). We did an ultrasound last Friday and have him on Zantac and antibiotics. Taking him back today for more blood work and hope there has been an improvement. They may have to do a platelette (sp) transfusion. I don't remember my dog growing up costing my parents this much. However he is a part of the family and I can't just do what some people think I should do I should do with him.

Well, it's the first day of in-services for the summer. Gotta go, would hate to be late.

Toodles,

Leann