I'm Getting Into It . . .

I've been working in my classroom for a while now . . . and I can honestly say that I'm actually getting ready to start this new year. I have a little bit of a different feeling about the year - and it is a good feeling! It's going to be a great year!

I do feel like I will be working harder this year to create LA/Reading lessons as this curriculum has experienced changes in Texas. There will be some challenges . . . but I've got my yearly timeline ready and we'll see how it goes!

I've scheduled my dates for the DC trip this next summer . . . and will be traveling July 2-6! Those dates seemed to work out just great this past year - so we'll see how it goes next summer! I'm hoping for another great group this year too . . . and I have several students who had siblings go in previous years.

I declined a student teacher this year after being asked if I'd take one. I was interested - but the schedule just did not seem to match with my ideas of what would work best for me . . . so I've decided to take the year off.

I'm excited about our new assistant principal . . . and I sat down with her today for a little bit to just chat. We made some good connections - and I think she will see me as someone who she can count on this year. She worked at Bransford my first two years - so it will be good!

I'm excited to be working with my team once again . . . the four of us will be going into our ninth year of working together. That is HUGE for our team - and it is so nice because it creates more consistency! Together all four of us have 92 years of experience in teaching . . . we are a strong team!

So, I'm entering my seventeenth year of teaching . . . can't believe it has already been this many years. Where has the time gone . . . and all of those students . . . wow! Some great memories! What a super career I have chosen!

Graduation Gift

This is my graduation gift for Katie D. She was a former student that I had in class in fourth grade and then again the next year in fifth grade. She has gone on to be one of the top students in her graduating class - making it into the top 20 at CHHS. I wanted to give her something unique - something different . . . so I made her this mirror. I'm giving it to her tomorrow . . . and I hope she likes it. She might think it is weird?? Not sure what she will think. I also attached a special message on the back from me. I hope she keeps this forever and it always makes her think about her years growing up in Colleyville and her short time at Bransford Elementary. She will be one of those students I will never forget!

I'm Back!

Yes, I have really let the blog go for the past two months. No excuse really, other than I just had my mind on other things. I'm hoping to get into it and make some regular postings. More to come soon!

iTunes . . . Michael Jackson

I'm checking out iTunes right now . . . and Michael Jackson's music is the most popular downloads right now. Everyone seems to be downloading his music . . . remembering him. I have four songs of his on my iPod - but I'm going in now to download some of his bigger hits - such as "Thriller," "Bad," etc. Wow, still can't believe this has happened.

Time magazine is saying "A Pop Icon's Death: The Talent and a Tragedy." I'll be keeping the next Time magazine I get dedicated to him. Still so shocking . . .

Michael Jackson . . . We've Lost an Icon

Michael Jackson

August 29, 1958 - June 25, 2009

The whole world is in shock about the earlier announcement of the death of Michael Jackson. He was rushed to the hospital after suffering from cardiac arrest and was pronounced dead soon after arriving. The TV is full of news on Michael Jackson . . . it is unbelieveable. He was making it big as I was finishing up junior high school and while I was in high school. I have many great musical memories of Michael.

My BIG "Thriller" memory was sitting a the auditorium at Portales High School watching the yearbook presentation and seeing slides/photos from the year listening to "Thriller" blaring! It was awesome!

Michael Jackson . . . the loss of an incredible icon. Very sad news . . . shocking. I will be glued to the news about him and his funeral for the next week. RIP . . . Michael Jackson.

Farrah Fawcett

Farrah Fawcett

February 2, 1947 - June 25, 2009

Farrah Fawcett lost her battle with cancer today. It has not been looking good the past few months. It is a very sad moment for this "Charlie's Angels" star. I remember growing up and watching every episode of this show. Farrah was a beautiful woman.

HES . . . not the right fit . . .

The AP job I interviewed for on Friday - did not work out. I'm actually fine with that. I got the call today from the principal and I got some great feedback on my interview - which reaffirmed my impression of the interview. She said I was her #2 pick . . . she promoted a teacher from her own building. It is not always easy to beat a candidate that is being promoted from within. I'll get the next one!

AP Interview

I got a call earlier today from the principal at HES and she would like to interview me on Friday for the assistant principal position at her school! I am thrilled!!!! This is such an incredible opportunity . . . and this is an amazing school. This principal is one who can teach me SO much. We'll see how it goes . . . Friday . . . I still have time to think!

Missing Carol Johnson

Carol Ann Johnson

October 17, 1941 - June 9, 2009

A special friend of mine from Clovis, NM, Carol Johnson, passed away yesterday. Even though I knew that she had been suffering for several years I have always dreaded the day that I would hear the sad news. I miss Carol and have many wonderful memories of her.

Carol was the cafeteria manager at Mesa Elementary when I met her. Her daughter, Cindy, was my mentor teacher. From 1992 until my last days in Clovis, Carol took really good care of me. She was one of the nicest people I have ever met in my entire life. She was a special friend . . . . and I will miss her dearly. Goodbye, Carol . . . and thanks for being such a kind and gentle soul. You touched my life in a very special way. Missing you . . .

Summer To-Do List

Well, it is that time of year again . . . the time when I do not worry about grading papers, planning lessons, completing tasks for school . . . and I focus on me! I've begun thinking about the many things I need to do around the house and started organizing my thoughts today! I created a to-do list . . . some summer projects. I have several electrical projects planned - changing some light fixtures, fixing some others, and even adding some new ones! I also want to do some more painting - the loft, entryway into the master bedroom, and redoing the RED in the masterbath! I'm even contemplating adding a patio in the backyard. I need something in the backyard - but know it will cost a little bit . . . so not sure if that will work out or not.

Aaaaah, the summer . . . here at last! Just hoping it does not fly by this time like it usually does. I need to start my list SOON before time runs out! Wish me luck!

Mom is Coming for a Visit!

Mom is coming to DFW this week from Wednesday through Saturday!!! Can't wait for her visit. She is going with me to the Education Foundation Banquet that recognizes the top seniors from GHS and CHHS! It will be great!

I'm also going to find time for us to visit the Baja Grill - for some margaritas!!! She is going to love them! Might have to do that Wednesday night when she gets here!! Not sure . . . it will be fun to have her here for a few days!

Kris Wins!

Kris -- the guy I was voting for is the new winner of American Idol! I'm very happy about that! I can't wait to purchase his first album. I think it is great too that he is from Arkansas!

Who Will Win This Year?

The final two American Idol finalists have been named . . . Kris and Adam! This coming week will be the final show and the winner will be announced on Wednesday. I'v always been a Kris fan . . . so I'm hoping he will win it, but Adam has been a front runner for a long time. I'll be voting on Arkansas native, Kris, on Tuesday night.

My Interview

I took the day off today mainly to have time to do my interview for an assistant principal position in Keller. I was a bit nervous on the drive there - but once I got in there - my confidence soared! I feel like my interview went really well. I was worried that I might not be comfortable with all of the questions they would ask me - but I had an answer for everything! The most important thing I gained from this interview - was a little more confidence in myself! I know I can do this . . . and I'm ready! We'll see what comes of the interview from Keller. I was part of a "pool" interview - where they are trying to narrow down candidates for assistant principals. I might make the final cut - and I might not . . . we'll see! This was my first "practice" interview for this new position.

Southlake's Art in the Square

Art in the Square has returned again this year! I think I've been going to this for the past nine years or so. There are always so many great artists and artwork. It is great to just wander around and look at everything. I did buy a few pieces a few years ago. I'd really like to get something new this year . . . but not wanting to spend too much money. We'll see . . .

Still learning . . .

I rushed over to Bear Creek Elementary after school yesterday to meet with the principal and assistant principal to get some advice and to gain more knowledge about the assistant principal's job. It was another great conversation - and they gave me TONS of advice. These visit are really helping me!

The job in my school district still has not been posted for me to apply. I have applied in a neighboring district - but have not heard anything from them yet.

To be continued . . .

Learning as much as I can . . .

I spent about 45 minutes today visiting with an assistant principal in my school district and gaining information about her job. It was great that she allowed me this opportunity to learn from her. I feel like she had some great insight to the position . . . and I took some good notes! I see where I have a great deal to learn . . . but I'm ready and interested! More to come later . . .

Running . . .

I'm running as fast as I can . . .
running all the time
running to the future
searching for truth, honesty, and trust . . .

Me
I'm the one you chose
out of all the people
what does this mean . . . what do I do . . .

I don't want you to keep falling
I want to help you up so we can keep running . . .
I don't know what to do

Running running
as fast as we can
I really hope you make it
do I reach out my hand to keep from being separated . . .

Sometimes it's hard to keep on running
I don't want to give up
I'm tired of fighting the past and hurting the future
Running . . . . running

Where am I going . . . and will I get there?

**Evan & No Doubt**

I'm a slacker . . .

Wow, it really has been a while since I've made any sort of posting. I don't really have a good excuse - other than I just haven't. I have been busy with school projects and future projects and that has been time consuming. I do have a TON of things I should be doing to work on my DC trip for this summer -- maybe I'll get to that this weekend!?!?

I'm experiencing a little stress in my life . . . but everything will iron out sometime soon. Where is my life headed -- what will it be like this time next year. The answer is . . . there is NO telling. This could be one of those crazy years . . . ?

Updating my resume . . .

with a little help from Erin tonight. I'm trying to get it just right . . . so much to do. It will have a new look and a new focus! We'll see how it goes . . .

Cher in Concert!

As a last minute idea, we all decided to check on concert tickets at Caesars Palace for the headliner . . . Cher! She is the BIG show on The Strip right now - and we were able to get tickets that morning . . . so we did it! She put on a great show. They took my camera from me when I walked in - so I tried to take pictures with my iPhone - and the first picture below was the best I could do. Not the best . . . but it was all I could do!

She did songs from the beginning of her career to the present. She had clips of Sonny and Cher . . . her movies . . . her life from over the years. She ended the show with my favorite song of hers - "Believe" . . . and it was GREAT! It was an amazing show!

Back from Vegas!

I had a blast in Las Vegas on my spring break!! It was great getting away from the reality of life here at home. This is a picture of me across the street from New York, New York where we stayed.

My friends and I spent lots of time walking up and down The Strip, going into as many casinos and resorts as we could, gambling here and there, going to bed late and getting up early, eating . . . just hanging out and taking it easy!

I never really won big . . . win a little, then lose it . . . that is how I gamble! My method of gambling is usually doing the slots. It was a fun time!

Happy St. Patrick's Day!

Just a quick shout out to wish everyone the best on this St. Patty's Day! Wishin' you the luck o' the Irish!

I've got my "lucky" green shirt on - wearin' it on my trip to Vegas in a couple hours! Hope it brings me some luck when I get there!

Texas' Outstanding Teaching of the Humanities Award

I was nominated for this award last year for my efforts in my school and district to promote and teach Social Studies. Although I did not win the top award I was recognized as being a "Commended Teacher of the Humanities." It was a HUGE honor being nominated! I thought I'd post the link here that shows the winner from last year (I'm towards the bottom! :o))!

http://www.humanitiestexas.org/education/awards/winners.php

Sportin' Our New Camo!

The teachers got new shirts this past Thursday and everyone wore them on Friday! Linda snapped this picture of Alecia, me, and Patti! Pink was the color . . . but Al and I got the gray/white/black. Normally I'm not that into camo - but I think I like this shirt! The star in the middle says "Exemplary" . . . because our school is just that!

It is finally here!!!!

And I could not be any happier!!! Ahhhhhhh . . . time to relax and catch my breath!

Ka - in Las Vegas - Spring Break

Embark on an Adventurous Journey

You can see it. You can experience it. But, you won't believe it.

My spring break begins in ONE week! I cannot wait . . . and I'm so ready for some time off! It will be good to have that chance to catch my breath and to give me the momentum to finish the rest of the year. A week from this coming Tuesday - I'll be flying in to Vegas for a week of fun!! One of the highlights of the trip will be watching the Cirque Du Soleil Ka performance! It is going to be a great show - I can tell just by checking out the website and because all Cirque shows are good! I'm ready for the experience!

http://www.cirquedusoleil.com/CirqueDuSoleil/en/showstickets/ka/home/intro.htm

VB - Spring 2009

Volleyball is not going so well this season . . . I'm a captain for my team . . . and we are definitely on a losing streak. I've gotta great team too - just can't pull it together. Ugh! I'm hoping we're going to make a great comeback!

Pissed Off Pickles!

She's actually not upset . . . This is the look she has when she is laying next to me on the couch when she is getting A LOT of attention! She loves getting her head scratched - her back rubbed - and she loves getting spanked! She is a trip! Crazy, Pickles!

Hey Look . . . it's a dummy . . . no that is just J2!

On a trip to Old Navy today -- J2 found some friends! He fits right in with all of these dummies!

Seeing into the future . . .

This is the first year since the fall of 1998 and the spring of 1999 (when I was dreaming about moving to the DFW area) when I have *wondered* what I will be doing next year. I realize that there is a chance that I could be making a change in my career. I'm just not completely sure what that change will be . . . and I wish I could "see" where I will be next year and what I will be doing. I am opening up the doors to see what opportunities are out there for me . . . and I'm excited about the possibilities! Only time will tell . . .

Oscar Party at Victor's!

Big party at Victor's house tonight for the Oscars! This was his 3rd annual party - and my second time to go. The night started with plenty of food and the highlighting of our choices on the Oscar ballot. To play it was $10 per person -- and 14 people were in for the win! I just knew that I was going to do very well - as I had done a little research. It was a fun time with everyone. As it turned out - I did not win - not even really close enough. David D. won (140 bucks!) - for the SECOND year in row. I voted that he not be invited back next year. I'm not sure how he does it. Stinks! I was the ONE who needed the money the most! Heheehheeheheh . . . I'm sure everyone was thinking that. Oh, well . . . it was a fun way to spend the night watching the Oscars! It was great that Kate Winslete (for The Reader) and Sean Penn (for Milk) won for best actor and actress. Slumdog Millionaire won for best movie . . . and I hate it that I did not see that movie yet (I really need to see it).

My Murano goes in for repairs . . .

Yep, the cracked windshield and scrapes down the front hood will finally be fixed next week! I take it in on Monday and get it back on Friday. I hope it all turns out ok - always seems a little weird having repairs done on your vehicle. Just seems like it can never be the same?? It will be fine - and it will feel so much better having it fixed, finally! I have been staring at that crack for two months now -- and I'm done with that!

Evan Art

I'm famous! My photo is hanging in an art gallery! I promise I'm not mad in this photo - just my serious look! This picture was taken after getting too much sun on the beach in Cozumel (October 2005).

Abraham Lincoln - Happy 200th Birthday!

Today we celebrate the life of Abraham Lincoln. This day marks the 200th birthday of this famous American. Lincoln is one who gets a great deal of the credit for keeping the United States from breaking apart during the American Civil War.

I continue to be inspired by the Lincoln Memorial -and enjoy seeing it every year in July when I visit Washington, DC. I usually walk the steps of the Lincoln Memorial on the night of July 2nd, at the night viewing of the memorials.

I have always thought that if time travel was possible - I'd give anything to spend some time with this man. How I'd love to have a conversation with him . . . . what a legend!

Happy Birthday, President Lincoln!

Vegas here I Come!!!

Spring break trip has been booked! Yep, I'm headed back to Las Vegas for some fun and games! I'm staying at New York, New York once again. When I was there last in 2001 I stayed at New York - and was hoping to staying somewhere different - but this was the best deal that could be found. I like this hotel - and it is in a great location! I'm looking forward to the trip!

I'm hoping to see "O" - the Cirque show . . . I've always wanted to see this show. Might look into seeing Cher in concert there too - not sure - we'll see what is available. I'm hoping to check out the downtown section of Las Vegas - the old part of Vegas. J2 says he had a lot of fun and the slots were a little more loose (or is it looser??) there! I've wanted to see the ceiling/covering that encloses the whole area . . . as I've seen that on TV a time or two.

I'm still trying to coordinate more friends to go too. I can't wait to get away and to just have fun!

My Life

A Peek at My Life!

This blog entry is inspired by a blog that I saw the other day. I liked the idea of posting my response to some of the topics listed in this guy's blog. Here it goes . . .

My Name
Evan Bartley P. (still so proud to carry Grandpa Davis' name - Bartley!)

Childhood Ambition
I always remember wanting to be a teacher - a 2nd grade teacher - then later on in life a high school teacher.

Fondest Memory
Wow, I have SO many . . . my first and second trip to London, my trip to France, visiting Glorieta Baptist Conference Center for three summers while in high school, becoming an uncle, getting my first teaching job, moving to Dallas, the many trips to DC, ok -- this list can go on and on and on!

Soundtrack
I REALLY enjoy the John Adams soundtrack that I downloaded from iTunes this past summer. There are no vocals - but the music just seems to sooth me and inspire me - LOVE it!

Retreat
I love my times in Key West . . . always feel the freedom of living life when I'm in that city! I'm not sure why it makes me so happy to be there - but it is the one place that I think about revisiting ALL the TIME!! I've been there three times - and hope to go back in October (which would be a different time of the year to see Key West)! I watch the Duval Street webcam often online -- just to see people walking along the street - feeling the carefree atmosphere of the island!

Wildest Dream
I think it would be cool to be Texas Teacher of the Year! I started thinking about that back when I was Teacher of the Year for Bransford back in 2003. It is one of my wildest dreams . . . just a dream!


Proudest Moment
Graduating with my Masters Degree from Tarleton State University -- and having my parents, Wanda, Rachel, Jason, and Nicola there (Wanda and Rachel REALLY surprised me -- and that is a memory I will never forget)! It was a HUGE accomplishment that I NEVER really thought I'd actually attain!

Biggest Challenge
Finding myself and allowing me to be me - trying to find my place in this world!

Alarm Clock
During the week -- 6:10ish -- but on the weekends -- what alarm!?!?!

Perfect Day
Spending a whole day in a city that is new to me -- a city that is RICH in American History -- and discovering and learning all about actual historical events and sites that helped to create this great country of ours. I can't get enough of American History - and actually feeling and touching this history -- that is a perfect day for me! Boston this summer is an example . . . and I want more days like this!

First Job
Dishwasher at the Flaming Grill! It was an old truck stop in Portales -- but had become a restaurant. Tammie, an old high school friend, helped me to get that job. It was during my senior year - and it was nice having a little cash in my pocket and helping my parents out a little bit. I still remember those bearclaw danish things . . . loved them!

Last Purchase
I guess it was my iPhone . . . and it is one of the BEST items I've ever purchased! I'm about to purchase my spring break vacation destination . . . hmmmmmmm . . . where am I going??!!

Favorite Movie
St. Elmos Fire -- my junior year in high school. Friendships were such an important thing to me at that point in my life and I was inspired by that movie. I loved the setting of that movie - and wished I was growing up in that area. It gave me hope and dreams for my own life . . . and I'm still living those dreams! It was a quest for the "Meaning of Life" - and I'm still searching for that!

Inspiration
My parents have always been a big source of my inspiration . . . always wanted to live my life making them proud of me! I still live my life trying to be what they dreamed I could be!

My Life . . .
is an adventure that has been complicated, fullfilling, sad, exciting, challenging, and fun!

Starting over . . .

Sometimes I have this feeling that I would like to start my life over again. Starting over -- moving somewhere - somewhere unexpected - and building a new reputation in my career - making new friends -- doing new things -- just starting over . . . again! I did this when I moved to DFW nearly ten years ago (June 1999) - and it has been one of the BEST decisions I've ever made. I remember my life so vividly at that moment - and life was exciting!!! I was so happy - about everything - my new job - the new friends - everything! I just have moments in my life when I want that new happiness again!

Where would I go???? Boston (the winters would drive me back), Chicago (I've heard SO many wonderful things about it - but the winters . . . .ugh!), Washington, DC (I love this city and all that is stands for!!!!), anywhere on the East Coast! Not sure where I would go . . .

My teacher retirement sort of makes this only a dream. I think I'm pretty much tied to Texas for the rest of my education career. I'll have to retire here - as it makes things too complicated moving. I'm happy with living here in Dallas/Fort Worth! It is a great place to be . . . and I can stay here for a long time. I still feel lucky to be here, to be working in GCISD, and to have ALL of the friends that I have!!!

I will continue to dream of where I will go someday . . . what about Key West (happy times in Key West - but scary hurricanes are not fun), San Diego (beautiful city!!) . . . . hmmmmm, where else!

Noogie Does a Profile Shot!

Noogie puts on her serious face for this photo! It actually looks like she is seriously trying to make this a great picture. She is so photogenic . . . and a mess! This is one of those pictures that I should send off to make a lot of money because it's a great photo for some cat magazine, or calender, or something. Gotta get some sort of good use out of this cat!

:o)

ICE Blankets DFW

Everyone got the call last night that school would be delayed two hours today . . . and man, that felt really great! About an hour later . . . as the weather got worse -- school was then cancelled! The freezing rain was really coming down between 6:00 PM and supposedly 2:00 AM. It was nice getting to sleep in and just being able to take it easy. I snapped this photo in the backyard at about noon (today) as the ice was beginning to melt off the garage.

I went to lunch with six friends . . . and then went to the movies to watch Defiance - not a bad movie. It was a great day!

Happy Birthday, Mom!

Today is my mom's birthday! I called her tonight to tell her "Happy Birthday!" She and dad went to a steak restaurant in Clovis for lunch so they had a good day. We talked for a bit to catch up. I just hate it that she is not around her kids and grandkids on her birthday. So today is dedicated to Mom . . . and I thought about her many times throughout the day.

"My Life Would S**k Without You"

I've been a fan of Kelly Clarkson since the first season of American Idol! I like to think that I "helped" her get to where she is today . . . heheeheheheheeheh . . . because I called in to vote for her a "several" times that season! I'm a bigtime voter when it comes to American Idol. I even went to see Kelly in concert in Grand Prairie's Nokia Park with J2, Rob, and Chad. Fun times!

This is Kelly's new song that just came out this week and I downloaded it tonight. I keep listening to it over and over and over! It is really great . . . might even become one of her ALL TIME biggest hits?? It has a great beat and a great feel to it. This is going to be super "come back"song for her . . . since her last album was not as popular as her other ones. I'm looking forward to hearing the rest of the album that comes out in March.

Great song! Get it on iTunes!

Hurricane at Razoos

Went to Razoos tonight to have a drink with Julie, Jason, and Erin! I was in the Hurricane mood - because I was thinking about friends of mine being in New Orleans tonight (volleyball tournament) - so we went to Razoos. I was only planning on having one . . . but ended up doing 3!! They were very good! It was great catching up with friends and have a few drinks. Good times!

American Idol is Back!

Season 8 has arrived!!! Yep, one of my favorite shows is back on and I'm hooked once again! It is just the beginning (this past week) - and I'm already watching EVERY show. I always look forward to seeing a regular person become a star.

Gifts from Mom & Dad

My new t-shirt - Portales Rams! Mom & Dad gave Riley, Trey, and Cy one at Christmas - and I said something about wanting one too - so a few weeks later this shirt arrived in the mail! Mom is great! Go Rams! State football champs 2008! Very cool!

I never thought of my parents as being very craft - but this is REALLY crafty! They surprised my brother, sister, and I with these beautiful crosses that they made. Just found a place to hang mine in my house today!

Hope

I found this picture while surfing Facebook a couple of days ago - and thought it was a great piece of art. Yes, America hopes that our new president will make many improvements during his time in office. Hope . . . .

I am really looking forward to inauguration day coming up on January 20th. Our students will not be at school on that day because it is a Teacher Work Day -- and I plan on getting lots of work done - but also watching the news and all of the events that center around the new president taking office!

Hope . . . .

Friday Night Fun!

Bishop Arts District in Dallas

First of all, I'm not sure why I am posting this picture . . . I'm looking a bit frightening! I went with several friends (Rob, Marley, Jason and Dan) to Bishop Arts tonight for dinner. After dinner - we walked around going into a few shops. This shop was a real "artsy" sort of shop (even though it may not look like it!). This manequin was there with this green feathered thing on her head - and Dan thought it would be fun to take a picture of someone wearing it . . . still trying to figure out why I volunteered for that??

Anyway, had a great time - and it was fun going someplace new and different. We ate at Tillman's . . . VERY VERY good - especially the gourmet fries and the peanutbutter cookie ice cream dreamy sort of thing dripping with hot fudge!!! Yummmmmmmm!

http://www.bishopartsdistrict.com/

New Year's Pictures

A few photos I took at the New Year's Eve party Wednesday night at my house!



Jesse is ready to get his drink on!



Tina and Jason



Tina, David, Lu, and Jesse -- and Lu is very excited!!!!



Mad Gab is a great party pleaser!

The winners of Mad Gab - David (hiding his face with red scarf), J2, Dolores (Victor's cousin), and Victor!

Happy 2009!!!

2009 . . . Happy New Year!

I celebrated last night by having some friends over for games and watching Anderson Cooper & Kathy Griffin on CNN in Times Square! Had a great turn-out - there were 11 people here. We had lots to eat . . . and drink. Fun times!

I wonder what fun times are awaiting me this year!!! Hoping to return to Santa Fe at some point this year . . . also hope to plan another return trip to Key West - and maybe in October . . . have talked about doing another cruise!! I wonder where I will be professionally in a few months?? What is in store for me during this year??