PHEW!! I made it!!

Through the Houston Livestock Show and Rodeo, that is!

With only one major breakdown and three or four hissy fits, I have survived my first March without working Rodeo since our brilliant introduction three and a half years ago. In spite of the photos, FB posts, and drunken emails from friends... I tried to keep HLSR out of my head. Clearly it didn't work out too well, and I had my first absolutely miserable day in Germany. One of those oh-poor-me, my-life-is-ending, awful days. Which is just ridiculous. I know this. But I missed my friends, and knowing they were ALL together having a blast, doing something I love... well... I was truly homesick for the first time since leaving Texas.

In the meantime... I filled my thoughts, and time, with plenty of work and fun. The basketball season kept me incredibly busy. I am happy to admit - Jessica and I have an undefeated coaching record. We might have to quit now, though, because there is no going up from that!! =) We had a blast with our girls, and while the hours on a train with fifty 12-14 year-old students were surely torturous at times, I had an amazing time. I hope they gained a lot from the season, and I look forward to the opportunity to try again! AND - I learned there is a song called Kelsey. Regardless of the fact that it's by Miley Cyrus' brother's band... and I hate the electronica version... I love the acoustic version. And whenever I hear it, I'll think of Ella, since she was the one who made me listen to it. And Luke and Matthew when I hear Mumford and Sons. And Tasha and the B-Girls when I hear One. So fun. And so lame, I know, but remember - I teach middle school! They rub off on you. ;)

And then the vacations...

I love traveling. The last weekend of February (Ski Break), was not spent on the slopes this year, but rather on the beaches in the Canary Islands. Kelsey, Julie and I went to Madrid for a few days of culture, and then Gran Canaria for a few days of nothingness - Perfect Plan #1. We quickly adopted a must-have, Spanish sleep schedule and imposed mandatory siestas - Perfect Plan #2. And a pitcher of sangria with every meal - Perfect Plan #3. While we certainly met some hiccups on the trip (Guten Morgen, Deutchland! screamed through the intercom at the pool... excuse me, how did I sign up for a German retirement cruise?!?!?), I had a fabulous time. I did learn, however, that I am not yet mature enough for European beaches. Although I still FIRMLY believe that no man should ever wear a speedo AND proceed to hike said speedo up his butt crack like a thong to prevent tan lines... apparently not all people of the world share my opinion. When faced with such a situation, it is generally frowned upon to erupt into giggle-fits... although I have yet to understand the logic of that.

After that, I got to travel with the girls' A-team for an end-of-season tournament to Zurich. For the first time on a basketball trip, there was a little bit of time to see the city. While I only went in for dinner and drinks with some of the other coaches, I thought Zurich was a pretty gorgeous city that I would love to visit again!

I just got back from Prague this weekend, where I got to spend some time with some fabulous college girlfriends (and their husbands), whom I miss dearly!! They came to visit for a week, did some day trips while I was working, and then we went out for dinner and drinks in the evenings. Although they were packed like sardines in my apartment on the last night, AND had to wake up at 4am for our train, I think they had fun. I know I had a great time, and I loved Prague. We spent St. Patrick's Day taking up a giant table in an Irish pub, and saw so much of the city in a short amount of time. I hope they enjoyed their European spring break, and I hope they come back again before I leave!!

With the end of Spring Break in Texas, I know my teacher-friends back home are anticipating/dreading the upcoming (and last ever) TAKS test. I must say, I do NOT miss that pressure. While I am certainly drowning in my own set of nonsense, procrastination, and work responsibilities right now, I really enjoy that stressing over the state-mandated exam is not one of my current problems. My love and prayers to everyone at home to make it through this year's test with all your sanity, and through the school year (and into next) with your jobs. I am afraid to admit, coming home to the mess in education in Texas is not very appealing right now, and I'm gonna need that to get straightened out before I can come back!! With that in mind, back to work so I can keep the job I have now!! =)

Love and love to everyone. I miss you all!!

K