Working here is like working with the cast of Glee!

As stated by our newest teacher today! Today wasn't a perfect day... In fact, it sucked overall. But, we all have crappy days. And the silver lining is that tomorrow is a promise of a better day.

What makes a less than perfect day better is working with awesome people who really care about kids and really love their job. I may not be able to sing like Rachel or have the amazing style of Emma Pillsbury, but I do work in a place with some serious school spirit and I have a reason to smile when I walk into the double doors everyday.

And can we talk about Puck was singing Billy Joel? Awesome!

Totally Made my Tuesday

• Fall has finally found us!
• Every window in our house is open, fresh air is in my lungs, and our electric bill is downsizing as I write this.
• Simon and Sophie are squeaky clean (baths for everyone!)
• Mr. R and I have a night to ourselves (AT HOME!)
• I didn't have to cook dinner
• I am ALMOST up to date with paper grading
• I am using Discovery Educations 5 Es in my classroom and my students are totally buying it. (I will take engaged, excited, and enlightened students any day!)
• My morning allergy crud seems to have subsided.
• And thanks to the wonders of vitamins and hand sanitizer, I have avoided two of the crazy bugs my students keep sharing with fellow students and staff.

On to Wednesday... for me, that means another lab day, more papers to pass back, some planning time in the afternoon, and hopefully an appearance at small group and a quick 2 miles the gym.

PERFECTION IS SO OVERRATED...

I am a type A, list making, neurotic over achiever. I like to have all my ducks in a row. I like to-do lists. I LOVE calendars. I like everything in its place. I like the idea of a perfect house, a perfect body, perfect teeth, and perfect weather.

I like to convince myself that if I could only plan better, make more lists/better lists, or work harder my life will straighten out, organize, and somehow become perfect.

Things are changing in the Republican household right now. Mr. R is taking on more responsibilities. I am getting more involved in community projects. We are adding a few new commitments to our plates. We are taking on a new roles in our family life. These changes are making life messy. They are making our house messy.

My calendar is full of activities and things get added and crossed out daily. I honestly don't want to even talk about my to-do list. My workouts are currently hit or miss. My dinners are packed full of veggies and fruits but they may be eaten at 4pm or even as late as 10 pm...

I think I have to face facts and realize I will never be Mrs. Perfect. I am going to read this book first. I hear it helps soften the blow that perfection isn't real.

But I do like the idea that maybe, just maybe, imperfect is the new beautiful.

Invitations are finished!

And addressed.

And stamped.
And soon to be in the mail.

I got a random spurt of creativity & productivity around 5:30 today.

Let's hope this energy lasts all week!

Mr. R and the most magical place on earth!

Today we had plans for lots of laundry, cleaning the bathrooms, and grocery shopping. Not the most fun or exciting day, right? Mr. R suggested we take off and go to Disney, we have annual passes that were itching to be used. He said that we should blow off our chores and the responsibilities that come with being 28 and go ride roller coasters, see a parade, and shoot some aliens. How could I resist?

Today was beautiful and Disney is currently all decked out for fall. I think my favorite place on earth is Main Street USA. It looks just like Mr. R's hometown in NJ and it smells like brownies.

We started the day in Tomorrowland with Space Mountain and Buzz Lightyear.

We fast passed Peter Pan's flight which treated us to a little London flashback complete with views of Tower Bridge and Big Ben.

The lines were nonexistent today so we also visited the Haunted Mansion,

Snow White's Adventure, Tom Sawyer Island, and Big Thunder Mountain Railroad.

We ended our day with Pirates of the Caribbean and the celebration parade.

We are back home and lazy Sunday is in full effect. I am in yoga pants, eating cheesy rice, and Mr. R is working on Republican stuff. I am sure, later this week, when I am in the midst of grading, laundry, cooking, and republicing...I will cherish today.

It's not about the place (although Disney is amazing), but really it's about how much we laughed, how much we screamed,

how Mr. R beat the pants off me at killing aliens (167,000 to 47,000)

and finally, how Mr. R held my hand during the crazy train ride and the mystery mansion.

I must admit its pretty great being Mrs. Republican.

P.S. And... I may need to revisit this post a lot in the next few weeks leading up to the election.

WELCOME FALL!

Last night we celebrated Rachel's 25th and all of her awesomeness! Over sangria, dancing, and easy listening music, we reveled in her 1/4 century achievement. And... we wore mustaches too. Kristin was the designated photog last night so you will have to wait on her for pictures.

This morning I was greeted with rain and an offer to go shopping and plan a party. Um, yes please... so Mr. R and I hit the outlets and the town center. The temperatures have dropped to the 70s here and its officially fall weather. You northerns laugh, now with your fun fall boots and cute wool sweaters. But I will be laughing just as hard when you pull out your shovels and rock salt right after Thanksgiving.

I found the most perfect pair of skinny jeans today in GAP outlet, but the $55 price tag made me put them back. I was sure Old Navy, Target, or regular GAP would come to my rescue, but no dice. I guess I will just have to keep outlet stalking in hopes they go on sale.

Mr. R is in the market for a trench coat and Banana Republican had an awesome one for $85... seriously, do stores not understand we are in a recession? He will also be stalking the BR website in hopes of price reductions.

Tonight we locked ourselves in the house. I am exhausted and in need of a night off and Mr. R turned off his phone and is taking the "just say NO!" approach to the Republican parties cries for more help and volunteers.

The AC is off, our windows are open, and for once there is a blank to do list on the dining room table. Life is BEYOND good!

All hallows eve and a murder...

I am ecstatic to announce the the Republican household will be hosting it's second murder mystery party! Bring on the fall decorations, costume planning, and mystery clue cards. I need to brush up on my thriller moves and get working on the invites. Wish me luck!