Visa Approved!!

I had a funny feeling this morning when I woke up. After I checked my email and saw there was nothing new I thought, I feel like today's the day! Low and behold, less than 2 hours later, I got the email, my VISA was approved!!! What a relief.

What does this mean?
1. I need to get a police record to prove I've never been in the pokey!
2. Make an appointment with the Brazilian Consulate to turn over my personal doc's.
3. Head to Atlanta to meet with the Consulate (and hopefully see some of my favorite Atlantians...hint, hint!)
4. Book that ticket to Brasilia!

It's getting closer!

All's fair in pranking, Don't be a fool!!

Should have listened to my own advice because man did Dr. L get me back... I headed out to find my car, it was no where to be found(however, a bunch of people were inside watching me desperately search for my car)! What I did find was a sign that said:

Out with the old.
In with the new.

Love, the New Page Prankster

I knew who was paying me back, good ole Dr. L. After a wild goose chase around the school searching for the car, it was discovered. Of course, he had covered it in all the decorations that I used, even the balloons were in there (I should have known something was up when he turned down my offer of helping him clean it up). However, the first rule in pranking is don't prank, unless you're willing to be pranked! This was a first, someone finally got me!

Well played, sir! Well played!

"I solemnly swear that I'm up to no good."

I know my last blog ended with a little bit of a tease. But, hey a girl has to know when to play and show her cards.
For a long time at work, I, along with my friend, Holly, was part of the dynamic duo known as The Page Prankster. Originally, we started it as a way to give everyone a good laugh and try to help people just have something to look forward to and when you work in education, that is a necessity. As my time at my American work is coming to an end, I decided I should really go out with and bang (and hopefully a laugh). So, I decided to dust off my Pranking Gear and pull ONE LAST PRANK!!! :) Since my partner in crime lives 4 hours North, I knew I'd have to pull this one off with her guidance only. Luckily, Mr. N, the assistant principal, was MORE than happy to help. After all, he did watch us prank people on the video surveilance system at school for years. He supplied me with the appropriate keys that would get me into all the places I would need to get into. Should I be on record that the lending of the keys just goes to show that people obviously trust me, really, what are these people thinking? ;)

I know what your asking, so who did you prank? Well, I did say I was going out with a bang, didn't I? If you work in a school, and you are going out with a bang, the only logical choice is the Principal!

I headed to school late Sunday afternoon and attacked. Luckily, I had my students help me out the Friday before. They did want to know why I was having them blow up 100 balloons after their final. : )

Before:

After:

Whenever the Page Prankster pulls a fast one on an unsuspecting (cough) Dr. L (cough) victim, we always send a message to the staff. Here is the final message from the Page Prankster:


The Page Pranksters back and ready to attack.
I feel all rested like I’ve had a long winters nap.
The choices were endless you see.
I just didn’t know who my victim would be.

I went through the list of teachers new and old
But my eyes set quickly on someone as good as gold.
Dr. L****** is who I chose you see.
The poor thing doesn’t even know about me.

Some might say, that is just cruel.
I say all’s fair in pranking, don’t be a fool.
I thought a beach theme might be the way
But the sand in his office quickly steered me away.

“Go Green” has been his motto this year
So, Dr. L******, be full of fear.
I turned his office as green as could be
I hope others won’t be full of envy.

Whether it was Wilkes space age class or the Smith Gallery of Art
Being the Page Prankster was close to our hearts.
My pranking ways have always been fun
But, Im hanging up my prankster gear since my job here is done.

I’ll miss you all and so does Holly.
We hope today’s prank has left you all jolly.

Until Next time and with all of our love,
The Page Prankster(s)

Everything went great and Dr. Lifsey was a good sport about the whole thing(uh, maybe a little too good...blog to follow)! Who knows, maybe I'll become the EAB Bandit!

Mischief Managed!

Going, Going, Gone!

When I first accepted my job, I knew there would be a couple of dates that would serve as signals that my move would be quickly approaching. Turning in my resignation, turning in my contract, selling my car, Spring Break, and TCAP to name a few. This weekend was one of those benchmarks, I had my garage sale.

I am really lucky that I don't have to sell/get rid of everything. My brother is moving in to the house while I am gone. It is great because I will still have a place for me to stay over vacations and i don't have to worry about keeping a storage facility. With that being said, I did need to make room for Blakers. He is planning on bringing some things that I already had, so I knew those items and all the stuff I never-ever use needed to find a new place to call home.

Last week, I posted some of my items on Craigslist and within days they were gone. I really thought I wouldn't have a hard time emotionally getting rid of my sofa, chairs, tv's, and other items, but I found it very difficult. I strait up CRIED!!! I think it was just the realization of how my life is going to change. I mean, I had to put on sunglasses because I didn't want these people to think that I was crazy! It was kind of rediculous to be honest with you, but I couldn't help it!

The garage sale was a success. A lot of things found new homes and everything else is going to the Goodwill. However, I will say, Garage Sales ARE NOT MY THING! I know there are people who get a thrill out of going to them, getting a steal, finding a gem, but that is just not Katie. haha! I just don't understand it. I am relieved because there are a few things I still need to get at Bed, Bath, and Beyond so that will help me out(no Frannie-girl, I won't forget the coupons :) ).

Next week is my last week at Page. I have a bunch a different emotions about this but I have decided I am definitely going out with a BANG...

More to come...

Watch out Brazil!!

You have no idea what's about to hit ya! haha! Mrs. Tidwell and I won the teacher dance off at the 8th grade dance. Now the 8th graders know that not only can I shake it, I know EVERY SINGLE WORD to Baby got Back!

The Sopherina!

The most important thing I am taking with me to Brazil is my sweet Sophie aka Sopherina! It was time for her yearly physical and so the vet and I arranged to take care of a lot of things for Brazil while I was there.

We headed to Dr. Ladd's this morning and of course the idea of a ride in "THE CAR" made her incredibly excited! Once we got there she realized exactly where she was and she got really nervous as she usually does. On a side note, if anyone in Nashville is looking for a vet, Dr. Ladd at Hillsboro Animal Hospital is the best in town...just the best! Sophie got all her usual doses and then we microchipped her, ran bloodwork, and filled her up on Frontline and Heartguard. We also discussed what to expect for the move and he gave me some helpful hints and ideas regarding how to make her adjustment easy. In the end, I spent a fortune, but she is so worth it. I mean just look at her! She will be my BFF in Brazil too!

We have to go back 10 days before we leave for him to fill out the proper USDA Health form.

This is what she looked like for the rest of the day. She was plum tuckered out!

On a side note, Sophie has spent some time getting used to her Sherpa bag for the flight. Last week we took a car ride with Nonna and Poppy to visit Neeley and Tommy in Kentucky. She rode in her bag on the way up and did great! Sorry for the lack luster picture. I took it with my Ipod.

What I'm going to miss most.

One of the things I'm asked about by a lot of people is what I will miss the most. To be honest, this is also something I think about a lot. I am living under the philosophy that if it can be taken to Brazil, and I know I will miss it, it is getting packed. But, there are just somethings that you can't put in a suitcase.

I absolutely love Target, or as I like to call it, Target`. It is my favorite store. Mainly because you can get almost anything your heart could desire. Clothes- got it! Electronics- got that! Home decor- you betcha! Groceries - well I did say almost anything, they do have some though. It is a long standing joke in my family about my obsession. I know that about 2 weeks in, Im going to get a hanckering for something and will wish Brazil had a Target` I could run to.

Another thing I know that I'm going to miss are the seasons, especially the fall. I love the colors of the trees, the sound of leaves rustling and crushing beneath your feet. I always appreciate the changing of the seasons, Brasilia really only has one season, it just varies in terms of rainfall.

I'm excited about learning a new language. I think the idea of challenging yourself to do something like that is a wonderful (yet difficult) thing. It makes you a better person. However, I know that there will be a point where I will be desperate for people(outside of school) to speak English. I hope that when I come back at Christmas that I will be able to carry on at least small conversations but until I can I know I will miss the ability to converse easily with others.

And finally, and most importantly, I can live without Target, and seasons, and to be honest I can even live without my native tongue but these people are certainly the thing I will miss most. All I can say, is thank heavens for IChat, Facebook, e-mail, and airlines, hopefully, it will make the distance seem smaller.

Even though I will miss all of these things I have a world of excitement coming my way and I can't way to take it on.