Cruise anyone?

Hey! I'm going on a cruise February 14-21 to the Mexican riviera and two of the girls in my room can't go. . .so if we don't want to pay more (can't, buying a house!) then we need to fill those spots!
It is $462 and my flight cost about $200. . . . Not bad for a 7 day vacay, right?

If you're interested, let me know!

Profound.

Invictus
William Earnest Henley (1849-1903)

Out of the night that covers me,
Black as the Pit from pole to pole,
I thank whatever gods may be
For my unconquerable soul.

In the fell clutch of circumstance
I have not winced nor cried aloud.
Under the bludgeoning of chance
My head is bloody, but unbowed.

Beyond this place of wrath and tears
Looms but the Horror of the shade,
And yet the menace of the years
Finds, and shall find, me unafraid.

It matters not how strait the gate,
How charged with punishments the scroll,
I am the master of my fate:
I am the captain of my soul.

I memorized this poem with Ms. Heart in either 10th or 12 grade English, I'm not sure. I had forgotten most of it, but the last two lines have always resonated with me. Aside from being beautifully written, they are true.
Tracie and I saw "Invictus" today and it was very powerful. Morgan Freeman was picture-perfect as Nelson Mandela and I don't know much about the guy he played, but I thought Matt Damon did amazingly. I just loved it. It made me want to learn more about South Africa, and Mandela, and rugby. I highly recommend it.

Officially becoming an adult

If graduating from college, having a job in a career and almost turning 30 doesn't do it, I'll officially reach adulthood on January 6. This is the day I am expected to close on my townhouse! It is in Balmoral Community, on 5600 west and 2800 south. It's totally cute with three levels and covered parking. I am finishing the basement, and when it is done there will be 4 bedrooms and 2 baths, and I may eventually put in a master bath.
I'll take pictures when we close, probably before we paint, and let you see it! I'm so excited!

The Blind Side

This is amazing. I knew it would be because it had Sandra Bullock, Tim McGraw, football, AND the south. Ever since the first trailer, I had been waiting for this to come out. I got to go see it with Jenn, which is always a good time. And Iggy's fries beforehand? Can't really get better than that.
I really did think this movie was fantastic. It was inspiring. It was funny. It was really touching. It made me want to adopt kids. It made me want to work harder with my trying students. It was just really well done. I highly recommend it.

On the other hand, saw "New Moon" as well. . . . I don't know that I realized what an unhealthy relationship is portrayed in book two. Don't get me wrong, it was entertaining and I won't lie, Jacob totally made this movie (I could definitely do without Edward AND Bella. Stop whining. Smile once in a while. Don't grunt and whimper when you kiss.) It is what it is, and I'm not going to rush out and see it again. Can't say the same for The Blind Side.

I heart Thanksgiving!

It's coming up. I'm really looking forward to this week. . .and not just because there are only two days of school!!! Well, really, since the students (and probably me) will be totally useless on Tuesday, just one! I saw this on another blog and loved it!

Ok. It's too big for my blog layout so I'll just link to it HERE.

Just can't get enough.

Hysterical. Touching. Amazing. Love it.

Dear Friends,

I need to start hanging out with people my own age. Felt like a 29 year old trying to hang out with high school kids today. Oh wait. . . .yeah. That's right. It's what I do.

Any takers?

Love,
Kat