Happy Monday, everyone

I love the way Mondays feel, especially when I don't have to work! I didn't get a call to sub today, so I'm enjoying a quiet morning all to myself before I get down to the business of actually getting things done.

I got my hair cut last week.

"I'd like it cut to my chin, so it frames my face," I say, sounding all knowledgeable about style.

"How about a bob?"

"A bob?"

She looks at me expectantly, so I nod, always wanting to please my hairdresser, since they do hold the scissors along with the power to make me feel like a million bucks. She nods back pleased with an easy victim and sets to work snipping and cutting until my hair reaches closer to my ears than to my chin.

I wasn't so sure after the deed was done. The only thing I really liked about it was the back of my head where bobs have that kind of messed up layered look. Does anyone know what I'm talking about? I liked it -- it looked sassy. It wasn't until I got home to face the music with Keith that I really wasn't so sure about the cut.

His response, "Well, everyone needs a haircut, right?"

Worse, Kathleen, the family stylist, does not like it. Keri Lynn doesn't even notice that it's cut until I turn around to show her that it's not in a pony tail. I don't count the other kids who don't care what my hair looks like as long as I feed them and hug them (in that order).

The true test comes from other women. Now, whenever there's a drastic change of hairstyle, ALL women are trained to say, "Wow! You got a new haircut! Looks nice!" We just HAVE to say it whether the hair looks like The Chainsaw Massacre or Miss USA. But we women all pick up on the nuances of the compliment and can figure out if the cut works or not. In my case, I think it's working! At least that's how I feel after the weekend of various church activities. : )

I'll post pictures eventually. I'm about a month behind on my pictures.

Subbing has continued to be interesting. I've had every variety of student known to mankind. I've had to tell a boy to stop marching back to his seat doing a Nazi goosestep. I've lectured another boy on how he can't depend on having a career as an athlete -- how many athletes did he know that were 40? I've taught the Pythagorean Theorem to kids that can't read. I've lifted a high school kid out of a wheelchair to change his diaper. I've fed a blind kid and a cerebral palsy kid at the same time and been charmed by both. I've been in physics class, American history, economics . . . all with the full realization that I remember VERY LITTLE! And all of this I've done with some success and failure.

We're about ready to have enough funds to get our van fixed . . . And can I say at this point how very very happy I will be to have my van back. I have been so very grateful to be able to borrow the minivan, but I do so love my own transportation. Not only because it's mine, but because it's big! Our Wednesday night endeavors have been so very interesting. Kathleen has been inviting a friend from school and Mac has been coming with us pretty regularly, too. This means that I've had to make two trips to church, one back to return the younger kids, another trip (just me) to pick up the bigger kids after the youth group meeting, and then we're finally back home again at about the time that Keith comes home from work all in time to watch American Idol. Whew!

And politics. I'm very unhappy about our choices, or rather lack thereof, of Republican candidates. After Super Tuesday, I think that Romney did see the writing on the wall, and I think he might be a tiny bit bitter that Huckabee stole most of the votes that would have gone to him. Quite simply, his Mormonism more than likely cost him the Presidency. I don't think McCain has what it takes to beat Obama or Hillary in November. Meanwhile, the Democrats are really having at time with it with Obama and Hillary. It's been fascinating to watch. I keep saying that, but it's true. It scares me to think about what will happen if any of these people get into office, particularly Obama or Hillary, but even with McCain. What is going to happen to our country's security? All I can say as I'm glad that God is my security.

I was especially surprised to hear Dr. Dobson's quote last week after Super Tuesday when he said this might be the first time he does not vote for any presidential candidate. I think this is a huge mistake for Republicans. Even as much as some of us don't like McCain, he would still have the power to give Republicans key judicial appointments. If at all possible, we can't give that up. Huckabee is still hanging in there, but the writing on the wall is there for him, too. He only wins the evangelical vote. I think he would have less support to back him up than McCain.

Any thoughts?