Hives Again

Raise your hand if you are sick and tired of hearing about me and my hives outbreaks! Seriously. They are back. Again. I am not completely covered (yet), but they appear to be spreading at a breakneck rate. I am tapering off of yet another round of steroids, and they are making me insane. Like, literally. My brother Jason told me the other day that based on some of the behaviors I described that I had been exhibiting, it sounds like I am suffering with symptoms of 'Roid Rage. Maybe I can become a professional wrestler next. Chris and I have been entertaining the thought of buying a home farther east, specifically, in Rockwall County. However, it does not appear that all the planets are properly aligned for us to do that right now, and I think we might both be at peace with that reality. I have been asked to help to administer the TAKS test to various students this week, and with the responsibility comes a sense of foreboding like none other. I cannot imagine if I were actually the classroom teacher for a TAKS grade. They should get paid extra. I am so tired lately. It is strange. The doctor said that the foggy, exhausted feeling could be due to the steroids. Not to mention the meanness. I have never BEEN sooooo moody and mean in my life. (Some would probably argue this point). It's an ugly, ugly feeling, let me tell you. Sleepy. Must walk around now.

Updates on Monthaversary

Well, it's been one month since the big day, and we are both still alive! I know, that sounds like it should have been at least a minimal expectation! I was finally able to move out of my Mesquite house last weekend, with the help of my mom, Chris, my brother Jason and my friend Sandra. What an undertaking. Chris and I are looking to move out of the city, perhaps out to Rockwall or Kaufman County. Where we can see stars at night and feel safe and a part of a community where we can get involved in a church and really set down some roots. We looked at houses in Heath yesterday, and one of them has really caught our four eyes. It's older, but it has been updated recently, and there are quite a few extremely charming things about it. It reminds me a lot of some of the groovy 1970's homes I saw and visited when working in Los Angeles. Very unique. The harsh and sweeping effects of my allergic reaction to penicillin are still raging in my body, and having never been an unhealthy person, I have determined that I, alone, am completed unequipped for dealing with illness. I know I am probably being tested (feel like I am failing at the moment), so that God can show me that if I rely solely on him, I will be able to endure, but wow! it's difficult. We are about to begin the sixth six weeks grading period at school, and I am incredulous. Just a day or two ago, I really felt like it was still October. My students, however, have found a way to learn so much in spite of my exhaustion and inattentiveness at times with them. They are genuinely concerned for me, and the other day, five year old Josue asked if he and I could pray. So he took my hand and prayed to Jesus for me to get better. Outstanding! I am having a difficult time focusing on grad school, simply because I'd much rather watch TV, be with my husband, and make orderly the house that all my stuff has rendered chaotic, but I am going to persevere through these last few weeks so that I can hopefully get 'er done and be proud of the results. I like my new coffeemaker, but I don't think it keeps the coffee hot enough. Will have to break out the thermal carafes -- one day when I figure out which box they are in! Many of you have give gifts since the wedding (or at the wedding), and I have simply not been able to make time to send out that final batch of thank you notes yet. They are coming, and we appreciate you -- and your patience. They'll get there. I promise. Emily Post and Amy Vanderbilt might look down on me for their tardiness, but I will do them! It's nice to be married -- I hope to be able to really get good at it this summer, when it will be my primary focus. I guess it is my focus now, but I don't feel like I am being a very good student! Pray for us, and thank God that I married a patient man!