New Place

Last night we took a short drive before eating at a Sushi Restaurant (Sekisui) and went by our future home... I took a couple of pictures, but because I didn't have my good flash attached, they are not the greatest. But here! Take a look at our yard, driveway, and garage ... I cannot WAIT to be there.

Our Attached Garage/Driveway ... We can fit all of our cars!!! (we have three)

This is part of the yard. If we ever get a doggy, they will have a small place to play!!! And it will be big enough for a game of bags or washers! :)

The place is called Camden Grove. Here is the sign in the entrance. And the best part you ask? We're REAL close to the clubhouse and pool (walking). We are close to the tennis courts. Finally - there are NO speed bumps! We are done Done DONE with speed bumps.

Life Cycle of Broccoli.

Snow!!! So, it was nearly 6 inches in less than a day ... and now it's nearly gone (also in less than 24 hours). Here is the birth and death of "Broccoli" ... Frosty's close cousin.

One large ball. Conception?

Two large balls. Second Trimester?

Shaping his mis-shapen head. Third Trimester?

Placing the vegetable face/head parts. Ta-da! We have a friend named Broccoli. Birth.

He has a butt just like you and me.

Best Buds... Dustin and Broccoli.

We're shakin' hands ... "Nice to meet you Broccoli. My name is Stefine."

I love Broccoli.

Family Portrait!!!

Here is the MAN watchin' over the two most important cars on the lot.

Sadly, all lives will end someday ... Broccoli's life was short, but he enjoyed his time "thumbs-ing up" the drivers who passed at Lincoln @ Wolfchase on Vardon Lane. RIP Broccoli. Thanks for giving use to old vegetables ...

Just hear those sleigh bells ring-a-ling..

jing-jing-jing-a-ling ....

It snowed. ~4inches? little more? little less? Memphis does not have snow plows -it didn't snow last year. It hasn't snowed this year. Until today. Today it snowed and it was HILARIOUS! Memphians ... it's a different world down here. The threat of snow was enough to close nearly every school early if not completely. Our center was open, but parents started rolling in about noon and most children were gone by 3 (we close at 6). Needless to say, I got the late afternoon/early evening time off and so did Dustin.

We used the time to go out to eat at an old fav - B-dubs! We played the trivia and really enjoyed ourselves. It's been one of the best nights since I've moved down. We laughed a lot tonight and I believe I know why ... the snow! Dustin LOVES snow and he's been in an unbelievably good mood tonight. At one point, I may have answered a trivia question really stupidly but his answer to one question tops the cake! Did you know Manhattan was around in 2900B.C. Before Christ, Manhattan was splitting in to two parts! (The correct answer was EGYPT!) ... It was funny - but he was just answering too quickly. However, when I told him that "tulle" (a fabric) was named after a southern French town he said no, "satin" was... hmmm... I was right: "tulle." THEN! Huffy bikes had banana seats and tassels and baskets ... Dustin said "Schwinn" ... hmm... WRONG AGAIN! Huffy was right ... we coulda won right there with those two questions. Oh well ... there's always next time ...

With the Snow Warnings around here, traffic was a little silly - but not as bad as I would have imagined. It may have, and probably, did have something to do with the fact that so many schools closed early and most cars were off the road by 4pm and not all out at the same time. If that had happened, I can only imagine that there would have been chaos and disorder (and accidents every 1/10 mi). On a sunny day, one can expect to sit in traffic for an hour at the end of the day - so getting home in 45 minutes was by no means a small miracle today when the roads were wet (not covered) with snow. As a matter of fact, there wasn't even a snowflake on the road yet!

Traffic has by far been the most difficult thing to adjust to. As most of you know, I am from Springfield - it took 8 minutes to go 9 miles for my daily commute to Ava's. (I miss this, but not as much as that little angel ... I NEED PICTURES LORI!) Now when I used to live in Farmersville and worked all the way on the north side of Springfield at Northfield Inn, Suites and Conference Center at exit 100 (about 25-30 miles) it took 25 minutes (30 on a heavy traffic day). Now, I work 19.2 miles away from my current place of employment. In the morning, it takes about 40-50 minutes to get to work (the fly-over at I-40 and I-240 is the worst and construction at Walnut Grove does not help). In the evenings, it can be anywhere from 30 minutes to an hour ... it changes. daily. unexpectedly. I will adjust and I am getting pretty used to leaving one hour before work even begins!

The job is going better, now that I am starting to settle in. I still do not want to teach forever, but it's okay for now. The kids are wonderful (for the most part) and I do not fear a biting or punch upon entering the room. I do not fear that I will be kicked or spat at either. I am called Ms. Stefine and they listen most of the time. We have clear routines and they are amazing at keeping them (or adjusting to a new one as necessary!).

I have noticed that I now also call many people "Miss" or that I say "Yes, ma'am" more than I ever have in my life. I just cannot help it.

Tomorrow is the Tigers vs. UAB game. We are going. We may stop by Beale Street. I hope I can capture some good pics on the camera of this great street ... Bourbon Street of Memphis. I also hope the Tigers win. I also hope to get more snow pictures. Oh, and I also hope to build a snow man with a carrot nose! :)

Good night!