High 4.5

Okay, okay, I KNOW that I haven't blogged in FOUR MONTHS...and I feel really bad about that, but I have some really good excuses....so here goes.

The first of January Dana called me and told me that there was a position open at Page High School working in the Culinary Arts program with her...I could get a provisional teacheng certificate with my college credits and work experience. We would be "working together" and how much fun would that be? So I thought, "sure, why not check it out?".

On Jan. 11th I drove to Page (2 1/2 hours) to see what the scoop was...I was hired on the spot ant in the classroom "teaching" the next day! I know! It's completely ridiculous. I didn't have a clue what to do...so I just faked it. Dana basically told me where to stand, what to say, how to say it ...(I guess you get the idea). It was scary, but not too bad...then the Page Unified School District dropped the bomb on me...."oh, by the way, you are only making $10.00 per hour until you get your certification". What the heck??? Who in their right mind would teach FRESHMEN for that kind of money. I was told that all I needed was a fingerprint clearance and to pass an FBI background check. Okay, no worries. Except the lady that took my fingerprints screwed it up the first time and all the paperwork had to be re-done. Ms. Addy, the H.R. lady told me not to worry because they were planning on paying me retroactively to my hire date. Fast forward TEN WEEKS and I am a certified teacher in the State of Arizona...oh and did I forget to mention that the District Superintendent VETOED my retro pay! Screw you Mrs. Stanford!!!

Then, amidst all this craziness, I tore the meniscus in my left knee (gotta LOVE those DeWitt knees) and then broke the bone graft in my left pinkie finger. When Tracy and I talked about the options for my finger the Ortho. basically said that I would have to see a hand specialist, have major surgery, be in a cast for two months and the bone would still be as fragile as always. That means that (after 5 surgeries on that finger already) that, in the future, every time I hit my finger just right the bone would shatter further, I would need surgery, etc.etc.etc. The other alternative was to amputate from the top knuckle. Here's the picture of my decision:

I have to admit that it looks weird. I cried pretty hard when I first saw it, but, it was the right decision. I had NO IDEA that I would have to re-learn how to type and right now, that is driving me nuts. So Dana and I have formed the "nub club". Holly made me an adorable glove that protects my nub while I am working. Now you get the title of this post, I can no longer give you a high 5, cuz I only have 4.5)

So much is happening so fast that it's hard to keep up. Ben and Briana...I hope we can get to El Paso to see you. Bethany, I hope you are out west soon. Holly, I am praying for you and I am really concerned. Ann, my heart goes out to you, Boyfriend and Mister. Amy, hang in there, you're almost done. Erin, you are a wonderful mother and we all love you SO much. Peggy and Bill...get better soon (little giggle here) and come to St. George when you're not contageous any more.

To all our family and friends we love and miss you all so much. Guess I should say a word about the boys...Trace is still at the U of U. He will be 25 tomorrow. Where does the time go? Kyle has been living in St. George but may be heading back to Salt Lake soon. Both are well and happy.