The Circus

Was an absolute blast!!

We saw the Ringling Brothers and Barnum and Bailey's Zing Zang Zoom show.

I've told anyone and everyone that they NEED to see it before it leaves town.

We saw elephants, clowns, acrobats, high wire acts, tigers, and more. The highlight of the show was when they shot people out of a canon. OMG! That was wicked cool!!!  Our seats were right where they landed. We were a little worried that they might end up in our laps, but they didn't! They landed exactly where they were supposed to.  The other thing we liked was the pendulum guys! We were right at eye level with them... it was awesome!

I love the live band - I think it makes the whole show so awesome!  The music is simply phenomenal!!


So - if you are looking for something fun to do - head to the circus.

That said, I will tell you that there are some people who should simply stay home:
Those of you who want to have long involved conversations with the people in your party - the circus is not the place for you. The circus is loud and is not the place to have a lengthy conversation. You have to speak loudly to be heard over all the noise and the people around you can hear every word you say. Trust me, people in front of you don't care about that new web site, your mother in law's bunions, or what you had for dinner...
Those of you who have children that are afraid of loud noises or darker places - again, the circus might not be the best place for you.  The circus is dark and loud and noisy.  If your kid is a screamer, the people in front of you don't want to listen to your kid scream at the top of her lungs the entire show. They would like to enjoy the show without worrying about going deaf because of the high pitched whine in their ears.

The Nun

My mother sent me this in an email today and it tickled my funny bone... enjoy!

A nun, badly needing to use the restroom, walked into a local Hooters. The place was hopping with music and loud conversation and every once in a while 'the lights would turn off.'

Each time the lights would go out, the place would erupt into cheers.

However, when the revelers saw the nun, the room went dead silent. She walked up to the bartender, and asked, 'May I please use the restroom? The bartender replied, 'OK, but I should warn you that there is a statue of a naked man in there wearing only a fig leaf.'

'Well, in that case, I'll just look the other way,' said the nun. So the bartender showed the nun to the back of the restaurant.

 After a few minutes, she came back out, and the whole place  stopped just long enough to give the nun a loud round of applause.
 
She went to the bartender and said, 'Sir, I don't understand. Why did they applaud for me just because I went to the restroom?'

Well, now they know you're one of us,' said the bartender, 'Would you like a drink?'

'No thank you, but, I still don't understand,' said the puzzled  nun.

'You see,' laughed the bartender, 'every time someone lifts the  fig leaf on that statue, the lights go out.

Now, how about that drink?'

My time

is almost my own again.
I have one more week left at school - That would be 5 days for those of you who are counting.

I'm really going to miss those kids... There was a time when I thought I would never remember all of their names and now I'll never forget them. Each kid is special in his or her own way. I can't wait to see what becomes of them... Some of the kids are off to a different high school that the one my sweet cherubs attend, but I'll keep track of them. I've got connections...  One of the kids asked me if I was going to sub at the high school level next year... you think they might be missing me already?

I am definitely ready to have my life back. Wrapping my head around the schedule was the most difficult thing about the whole long term experience. Things I do during the day haven't gotten done in a while, but after next week, we'll be back to normal around here.

I can get back to the pool, my volunteer work, my housework, my laundry, and my friends.
I certainly am ready for that - even the laundry!

3 Weeks and Counting

My subbing job is winding down - albeit slowly...

I have to admit that I'll miss these kids when my time is up, but I'll be glad to get back to my life, that's for sure!  Math and science are not my favorite subjects, but I'm managing.

The kids, for the most part, are terrific. There are a few who I consider a challenge, a few who I consider characters, and just a few who are a combination of the two. Those will go far... and someday I'll be able to say, "I remember when...".

This week the kids asked, "Mrs. Ladybug, how much do you make for being a sub?"
I responded with the dollar figure per day. One little girl pulled out her calculator and did a calculation.
"Mrs. Ladybug, that's $x per week. That's pretty good!"
"Yes, now take half away for taxes."
She did the calculation.
"Oh... Mrs. Ladybug, that's definitely not worth it!"

I'm still chuckling over that one!

Colors...

I found this color test over at Suzy's...

My result was this - and it is absolutely right...
You're a CREATOR
Keywords
Nonconforming, Impulsive, Expressive, Romantic, Intuitive, Sensitive, and Emotional
These original types place a high value on aesthetic qualities and have a great need for self-expression. They enjoy working independently, being creative, using their imagination, and constantly learning something new. Fields of interest are art, drama, music, and writing or places where they can express, assemble, or implement creative ideas. CREATOR OCCUPATIONS
Suggested careers are Advertising Executive, Architect, Web Designer, Creative Director, Public Relations, Fine or Commercial Artist, Interior Decorator, Lawyer, Librarian, Musician, Reporter, Art Teacher, Broadcaster, Technical Writer, English Teacher, Architect, Photographer, Medical Illustrator, Corporate Trainer, Author, Editor, Landscape Architect, Exhibit Builder, and Package Designer.
CREATOR WORKPLACES
Consider workplaces where you can create and improve beauty and aesthetic qualities. Unstructured, flexible organizations that allow self-expression work best with your free-spirited nature.
Suggested Creator workplaces are advertising, public relations, and interior decorating firms; artistic studios, theaters and concert halls; institutions that teach crafts, universities, music, and dance schools. Other workplaces to consider are art institutes, museums, libraries, and galleries.

The Circus is BACK!!

I love the circus!! There is no better way to spend an evening getting lost in the fun that is the circus. I love the music, the lights, the acts, the clowns... I love it all!!

We went to see the circus last year and had a blast! If you haven't been, you've gotta go!!

Through the mystery of magic and the mastery of skill, audiences will be spellbound as Ringling Bros. and Barnum & Bailey® Presents ZING ZANG ZOOM®, a thrill-filled, mind-blowing circus spectacular where family fun is no illusion. Magical Zingmaster Alex and his assistant Levitytia lead audience members through an extraordinary world of fantasy that celebrates the uplifting spirit of the circus and also wards off the cynical Mr. Gravity and his team of Heavies, who try to bring everyone down.

Want to go?
Verizon Center - in DC – March 18th – 21st
Patriot Center - at GMU – March 25th – April 4th
1st Mariner Arena - in Baltimore – April 7th-18th

Want to go, but need a bargain??
4 tickets for $44 good for weekday shows (Monday through Thursday and Friday morning) and $4 off on the weekend shows (Friday matinees through Sunday). Use code MOM at Ticketmaster

Want more information?
www.ringling.com

Home today...

LLB is under the weather. I think she might have strep.
Poor kid...
We have a doc appointment scheduled.
We'll spend the day resting, getting this house picked up, and being quiet.
I sure am appreciating my time at home today - although I hate for my sweet kid to be sick... But on the positive side: No crazy 8th graders to deal with... ahhh....