With Age Comes ...

The old saying is that "With Age Comes Wisdom".   I have decided that old saying is just that - "old" - "too old"!  So, I have done my own take on it - "With Age Comes Moxie".

I awoke on May 23 to celebrate my ?? birthday.  (I had put three question marks there and then was afraid it may be interpreted I was in the three digits!  I made sure it was only two question marks!)


Today was the day the students' end-of-year report cards went home.  I had done everything possible to get all of my students to turn in their missing work.  Sometimes I have trouble getting parent support. So, when I went to the students  for those missing assignments, I got responses like this:

"Say what?  I was just texting my BFF.  ... Oh that ... I told you my little brother had soccer practice, and I had to go to the mall with my stepmom to pick out a wardrobe for our trip to Hawaii.  ... It just didn't get done.  Sorry!"

All I could say in return was: "It's the grade you earn."  I was going to call parents a final time, but I had already done that, along with writing in the students' agenda books, sending e-mails, and reminders home.  (All of that is done on my own time after school.)  So, I finalized all the report cards and sent them home.  I am assuming this is what happened:

"You've got to be kidding me!  Who does that woman think she is giving my stepdaughter these grades!  She's nothing more than a glorified baby sitter, for goodness sake!"

"Well, I guess it's about time I just put her in her place.  I am so glad we didn't bother sending her a 'Thank You' card or gift during Teacher's Appreciation Week or do anything for her for the holiday last year or the last day of school today!  Sure she may have purchased books, games, students snacks, pizza for parties, and school supplies for the classroom from her own money.  So what if she arrived at school early everyday, often left late, and had perfect attendance this year.  She's expected to give up several afternoons and weekends for staff development,  competitions for the students, and PTA activities.   Afterall, she does have the summer off. "

"Let's just see how she likes this little message!?"  (Click on photo to read message.  This is a compilation of the various threats a teacher may see in an academic year.)

Fortunately, my school day ends at 3:15 on Wednesdays, and I decided to leave on time.  All the calls and e-mails had to wait.  After work, I decided to stop at Tuesday Morning and pick up some more of those Frank Sinatra dolls for their pivotal caucasian bodies.  I had used the first one on "Rear Window" Grace Kelly.  I think she looks wonderful!

When I got there, they had three Frank Sinatra and two Elvis.   I decided to leave one of each on the shelf.  I went to the checkout lady to pay.  I used to get, "Are these for your daughters?"   This time the "lady" was a "girl" - probably in her early twenties.  She made the mistake of saying, "Are these for your grand daughters?"

I could definitely put in an expletive here, but I have strived to keep this blog rated PG.  I looked her right in the eyes and said, "No.  These are for me.  I have a collection of dolls.  I like the bodies on these dolls because they can pose.  I plan on popping their heads off and using the bodies on other dolls in my collection.  Then I am going to sell the duplicate outfits to pay for this purchase."

She just looked startled and responded, "Oh. That's not very nice for these dolls."

"It's not about nice.  It's about enjoying my hobby and relieving my stress.  It's what keeps me from going postal.  It calms me down after a difficult day of trying to teach children whose parents have taught them to be disrespectful of teachers because the parents disrespect teachers."

Two ladies behind me gave applause!

Here is what I did with the Elvis outfit.  First I used the body on a Barbie Basic that I hadn't deboxed yet because I didn't have a body donor with the right skin tone.  She is wearing the Elvis blouse, a jacket from a Models on Location, and the pants from AFL Vanessa. 

I had trouble choosing a top to go with the gold lame pants.  BTW, the pants are long enough for the NuFace and FR dolls.  They are a little tight in the thighs, but they work.  I tried a casual top first.  (Since The Rock Wedding trio are getting so much attention on the internet, I brought out my Lilith.)

Then I tried some more dramatic blouses.

And this:

But finally decided on this.

That left me with the jacket.  My poor Chaundra had felt neglected lately.  I couldn't let that happen.  Afterall, she is one of my very favorites.  And since we are talking "moxie", no doll has more of it than Chaundra.

She is also wearing the Elvis shoes.  The blouse is a Dynamite Girl blouse and the slacks are from Silkstone Continental Holiday.  I am loving her in this!

Now for the disclaimer.  This was a photo story and fiction.  It was an example of my acquiring moxie and was more in response to general public opinion toward educators.  The norm for me personally is extraordinary experiences with children and parents who are kind, generous, and supportive. 

Excuses, Excuses

Today was one of those days when you should just stay in bed.  I left home early because I needed to stop and pick up juices for my class's end-of-the-year celebration.  I always listen to the radio for traffic news.  The traffic report said that the exit above the one I use was shut down due to a truck fire (hazardous materials) with the interstate being closed just below the exit.

That exit is three miles north of mine, so I thought it would be alright.  Afterall, it was 5:30 a.m.  The next traffic report said the truck fire had started at 3:00 a.m., and the traffic had backed way up the interstate.  The following report advised people on the interstate to take certain exits and use a side street up to my exit to get back on the interstate.

Knowing the patterns and roads as well as I do, I still felt confident I wouldn't experience much delay.  When I got to the exit ramp, it turns out that my exit was the one actually closed!  It took me an additional 45 minutes to get to work ... only I didn't get to work.  (BTW, about halfway there the traffic reporter announced that the exit I use was ALSO being affected!)  My car started acting up, and I had to take it to the garage next to the school.  All this time I was sweating bullits because I have perfect attendance this year (which is a remarkable feat for an elementary school teacher, since we come in contact with every germ known to science).  Fortunately, a friend came and picked me up and we got to school on time.  Only 3 more days to go!

This morning I got another call from my ex-husband who wants me to do him "a favor" because he is re-financing his home (the home I helped him get, decorated, and helped pay for).  The same man whose girlfriend moved in after I moved out and told him he could no longer have contact with me, including helping me in any way.  All of this, after we had a very amiable divorce since he told me that he would always be there to help me in any way he could.  Now HE needs a favor.  Get in line buster!

It turned out the new battery installed in my car had gone bad.  Fortunately, the repair was free.  However, my brakes were gone (which had been serviced last summer).  I knew there were problems, but the mechanic who serviced them swore it was my imagination and refused to do anything about it. So, I let my regular mechanic take care of it to the tune of $450.

When it was time for my pizza party, I found out that the pizza delivery guy was running 2 hours late.  So my pizza party was delayed until the end of the day. 

I had to get my car tag renewed after work.  The line was horrible.  Then, when I got home, we had a storm and my satellite TV went out.  Naturally, tonight is the season finale of American Idol - the only show I watch during the week.

So, I play with dolls.  That's one of  my excuses for enjoying this hobby - a day like today.  I can take the things I purchased at the doll show on Saturday and redress my girls.  I can escape my frustrations and be taken away from it all.  It relaxes me and comforts me. 

First up is my favorite Barbie wearing the Frank Sinatra outfit I got.

I really think she looks great in this.   (I tried it on Victoire first, but the shirt wouldn't snap!   Oh, those well-developed 40 DD's!)   I took the Frank Sinatra pivotal body and gave it to a Grace Kelly doll.  (Photos to follow).   The head will be put on another body and sold.

Since Exaggeration is my current favorite doll, she had to get something, too.  I decided to see how she would look in the Vintage American Airlines Stewardess outfit.

I really don't think there is anything that she cannot wear successfully.  I simply love this doll.  Especially those big, bee sting, silicone-enhanced lips!  

A little redressing, a little photography, a little blogging.  A whole lotta rest and fun.  I think I will be able to sleep tonight.  After such a day, I dare anyone to question why I play with dolls.  I hope this hobby brings you the joy, pleasure, and relaxation I experience!