So I started work again on Monday.  After having my first summer where I didn’t work at a restaurant or teach summer school, I think I decided that I could not work for the rest of my life and be just fine.  My students have been good, but then again they are still afraid so no behavior problems yet.  I am pretty tired just trying to get back into the swing of things.  Thats where I am at.

…fell.  My first day back in my classroom I was walking on the counter to work on my bulletin boards and my foot slipped.  Had to file a workman’s comp report.  I think this is the worst bruise I have ever had. 

What do you think?  Pretty, huh?

So I am going back to my classroom to start setting it up today.  Ho Hum.  I am officially working again.  My summer break went by way too fast.  Not that my summer was unproductive.  I actually did a lot that I am proud of:

- took an Astronomy class and got an A

- went to IKEA and spent way too much money decorating the house

- helped Pastor Neal start writing his book

- won $500 in a singing competition

- sang backup in an R&B band

- went to Florida and Atlanta with Andrew

- did a few projects around the house

Thats all I can think of right now.  Pretty productive.  What is your favorite thing you did this summer?

If you didn’t already know, August 18th is my hubby’s birthday.  This, ironically enough, is also his brother’s birthday (they are exactly 3 years apart).  He turned the ripe ol’ age of 29 today.  I love this man!

Today I went to the church office and Alexis Parsio saw me, turned and ran away into the other room.  Then I heard “Mom, its the winner!”  Neal and Jen were a bit confused until I walked into the room.  It was really cute.  So…. yep.  I won the singing competition.  I think that whether or not I was the best singer could be debated, but I definately had a few people there to support me.  I felt incredibly loved and had a great time.   I was pretty nervous for the first song, but then Brittany Richey gave me some great advice:  “you’ve worked hard before this, now its just time to have fun.”  And I did. So, thank you so much for coming out.  I had a blast. 

It was awesome that these girls made signs.  One said “Becca Rools.”  I should have kept it.

I don’t think I’ve gotten a trophey since the 4th grade.  I thought that was pretty funny. 

(Thanks for letting me steal your pics, Daniel.  I forgot my own camera)

Once we got back to Riverside, Andrew had to go back to Kaiser’s ER to get things checked out.  The doc had to cut his knee open and get a bunch of junk out.  Poor guy is on crutches now.  Please pray for quick healing.  If you know him at all, you know how much he hates not being able to be active.

The finals of the singing competition is this Wednesday night at Fairmount Park.  If you got an email from Andrew saying it started at 6:30, please make an adjustment:  IT STARTS RIGHT AT 6:00.  All are invited.  Bring a blanket, chairs, some food, and hang out.  Please come!!!!

Andrew and I got back late Sunday night from our very adventerous vacate to Florida.  We moved around a ton so it was was a very fun vacation, but not a very relaxing one.  Out of 300+ pics, here are a few highlights:

We took an airboat ride through the everglades and saw wild aligators.  I was a little scared this one was going to jump in our boat.  AHH!

Then I figured that the best way to get over something is to face your fears.  His mouth was taped shut but it was still a little wierd.

And here is my brave man! 

We went on a dinner cruise.  This was our waitress, Bertie.  She had to have been at least 85.  I thought she was going to fall over when she brought out our tray full of BBQ ribs, but she was so cute.  I loved Bertie.

After dinner, there was a show; complete with magician and ventrilaquist.  “The scarf is in one hand, now its GONE!”  Unbelievable. 

If you have ever been on a cruise, you know how small the rooms are.  We took a 2 night cruise to the Bahamas.  2 twin beds.  30 year old matresses.  The ship left a lot to be desired.  We ended up upgrading to the “suite.”  It made the quarters bearable.

Once we got to the Bahamas, we took a boat ride and went snorkeling.  The water, of course, was beautiful.  I saw Opera’s houses.  Yes, I said houseS. 

We went to the John F. Kennedy Space Center.  Andrew liked it, but being the science nerd that I am, I think I enjoyed it a little more than he did.  Especially since he kept falling asleep during the videos. 

I touched the moon!! (at least a part of it)

We took a detour on our way back and spent a few days in Atlanta with the Whittakers.  They took us to a very southern, “Pigs and Peaches Festival.”

Got a babysitter and went out on the town!!

And the end of our vacation was a little foiled when…….

Andrew got an infection in his knee and had to spend about 10 hours total in the hospital getting IV antibiotics.  At least we got to watch the olympics.

Had fun but we are glad to be home!

I wish I could add some pics but I don’t have the cable that connects my camera to the computer.  I will show tons when we get home.  Today we are just hanging at Carlos and Heather’s. We are watching the “Planet Earth” DVDs from Discovery that aired about a year ago.  It is awesome!!  The girls cried when  the wolf caught the  antelope.  This shot of the shark completely out of the water was the most amazing.

Who do you vote for when you watch these nature shows:  the predator or the prey?

Andrew and I are leaving tomorrow for Florida.  Never been before.  We got this vacation package because a telemarketer called Andrew.  He fell for the deal.  Its a good one, I just have reservations about the quality of places we will stay.  We are taking a 2 night cruise to the Bahamas.  VERY excited about that one.  Then on the way back we are taking a detour to Atlanta to visit the Whittakers and Culins.  Whoo Hoo!

Will post pics when we get back.