7th graders, 8th graders & me....Oh My!

I only have one favorite 7th grader in the whole world. You guessed it - Shania! Well, this favorite 7th grader, along with her teacher Ms. Kendrick, invited me to visit Republic Middle School yesterday to speak to the 7th & 8th grade Career Path class about my job. It was odd to re-enter the musty hallways that I once hung out in many years ago. The pictures on the wall are still the same, the front office where I was an office aide looks the same, the ancient letter board in the hallway showing who holds records in sports was still there - and no my name is not on it. But one thing has changed - I have gotten much older.

It seemed weird cruising the halls in my work attire as a visitor that was just about to answer to a class about my career choices and accomplishments over the past....well....uh....many years ago (there is no need to out how many years it was that I was a student in those hallways.)

I had planned ahead for this career class. I knew that I had to suddenly become the "rock star," the "awesome older sister" and the "best thing to visit class." I brought some beef stick snacks from work AND, more imporantly, I stopped at Walgreen's on the way and bought candy. I knew they would love me!

I was quite shocked that the little critters asked me hard questions: why did it take you 6 years to graduate college? has there ever been a time where you made a mistake in your career? how much do you make? Geesh...I thought I was entering a middle school class not the witness stand!
Ms. Kendrick asked me who I was married to and when I replied with "Blaine" she let out a big ole, "awwwww....Blaine is so adorable. I just adore Blaine!" I guess the hubby knew how to schmooze the ladies even back in 5th grade when he was a student of Ms. Kendrick's. I assured Ms. Kendrick that my Blainer had grown up, was still adorable and had grown in to those ears that he had back then. (Sorry honey - you couldn't avoid those things much like you couldn't avoid telling me how I walked like a horse! Nay! )

But all in all it was a fabulous time. Ms. Kendrick's Career Path class treated me well, participated in my conversations and I even heard, "that's the best one we have had yet!!" I keep trying to convince myself that "best one" was me instead of the candy that I took - but I am not convinced yet.

Thanks Shania for reintroducing me to the halls of RMS - the home of the mighty Tigers!

Little Sister's Weekend

In the past 4 days, I have been hitting the pavement more than usual. Thursday night I headed to Springfield to spend Friday with Mom & Julie and pick up Shania for a much needed "Little Sister's Weekend." I spent much of Friday looking for a dress to wear to a wedding - and found the perfect choice (after my other choice wouldn't zip up around my rib cage - man, I loved that dress.) My new choice is even better (says my momma) and fits like a glove (don't breathe.) I was waiting for Shania to get out of school so we could begin our whirlwind weekend of fun.


Shania and I left Republic Friday night and after one quick stop at Steak 'n Shake, we arrived in Jeff City to begin our fun. Saturday was about to bring more fun than our bodies could handle. We started off with pancakes for breakfast (thanks for making those from "scratch" Blaine!) and headed to the Lake of the Ozarks for more fun. In short, we managed to: ride go-carts (where Shania waxed Blaine and I on the track - seriously), take a boat ride, go swimming, lay in the sun, have dinner on the water at Shorty Pants, shop at the outlet mall (where Nia picked up a new hoodie, tank and earrings), play skee ball downtown, shop at the "Dam" Candy Shoppe, have ice cream at the "Dam" Ice Cream Parlor and watch Uptown Girls at the house. Boy - was I whooped?!?!

We ventured back to Springfield on Sunday (with a quick stop at Pac Sun for the Hurley book bag we just "had to have because it's cool), stopped by the mall for some more shopping and grabbed the family some much needed Cashew Chicken (Springfield-style). It was truly a great weekend of fun for me & Blaine and I think that Shania had fun as well. Although I am very tired from trying to keep up with a 7th grader, I can't wait to do it again!!