After all the kids left, Erin, Sarah, and I went to Telegraph and shopped around. We went to Yogurt Park for frozen yogurt, then went into several different stores. I bought two gold rings and a necklace that says "Anne" from a street artist; I bought several books; I bought the new Air cd and the Breakfast at Tiffany's soundtrack; I also bought some new big black and gold sunglasses from Buffalo Exhange. After the shopping was done, we met up with one of Sarah's old friends from college and hung out in the beautiful back garden of a pub. Erin and I split a pitcher of mango and pineapple margaritas and a yummy tofu salad. We sat around and talked for several hours; it was nice. After that, Erin and I went to the gym and exercised drunk for half an hour. It's the best way to do it!

This morning I was woken up by Sarah, who reminded me of the time change. I hate losing an hour. However, I loved how it was a beautiful, sunny morning. I met up with Erin for iced coffees at Starbucks, then we went to pick Sarah up again. I had bought a mellow cd mix of love songs at Starbucks, so we listened to that on a sunny, relaxing drive to Walnut Creek. We spent an hour at Macy's, where we all went on a bit of a shopping spree. I bought a new summery skirt, some cropped dress pants, and two velvet tracksuit bottoms: one black and one purple. We went to Yogurt Park again, then browsed around the different stores. I bought a nice white top at Banana Republic and tried on make-up at Sephora. Sarah shopped for wedding shoes at Macy's, then we all had to set off early because I had a personal training appointment.

The appointment was fine. I was a little bit late, so I didn't get a full workout. He forced me to lift extra-heavy weights to compensate. It was killer. I really like my trainer, though: he's funny, charming, but doesn't let me get away with much crap "I can't do that!" or "it's too heavy!"). I have one more session with him before I have to buy another package. I think I will keep up with it, though, because he pushes me much further than I would ever push myself.

So tomorrow is another week. I'm not looking forward to it, but at least I'm not dreading it with the passion that I was before. I'm constantly looking for ways to make my experience with the 7th graders better, and I think I've stumbled upon something that might work. If it does, it will take a lot of pressure off me and give them more wiggle room, while still holding them accountable. This is the week that we are supposed to tell the principal whether or not we're coming back next year. My inclination is to say "no," as I've been pretty much miserable for most of this year. The ironic truth is, however, that I genuinely do love these kids and care about our school. I am good friends with most of the staff. There are definite plusses and minuses about staying and going. I guess I'll have to go back for another couple of days, try my new technique, and if thigns don't get better, maybe then it's time to throw up my hands.

My mom is coming in less than two weeks. I'm so excited!

I also have another date with Borders guy tomorrow night. I'll give you all the details later. I'm off to bed now. Night!

Anne