Everyone needs to escape sometimes - get lost in the mindless fog or adrenaline rush of a reality-bending trip. My drug of choice? Reading.
Though some may not see my choice as dangerous, those of you who share my addiction know the darker price we pay. That's right. It's an addiction like any other. I'm constantly and desperately searching for my next fix, looking to recreate a high or better yet... take it to new heights.
In order for the rush to be really good, I must immerse myself in the story sometimes losing myself and my reality for hours and days on end. Not something my non-junkie husband appreciates. Sometimes his pay-attention-to-me glare is enough to break the spell... sometimes not. I sympathize with his pain. I remember making the same plea to my mother as a young child. "Stop reading those romanicals," I would demand. (Apparently my weakness for reading was genetically inherited.)
I'm still chasing the particularly exhilarating and gripping high I felt while reading Twilight, New Moon and Eclipse. So far it has been unattainable, but at least I'm not going through an entirely painful withdrawal. There has been much to amuse myself with during the agonizing wait for the next push.
Just this week alone, I traversed the dark hallows and seedy underbelly of Dublin as a sidhe-seeing slayer and transported back in time to Grammercy Park circa the 1890s as a privileged socialite torn between honoring her familial obligations and following her heart.
What awaits me next? It could be a trip into the realms of dark magic where I must battle both personal and literal demons to restore The Order... or a shape-shifting experience as the coyote-girl who walks the edge of the preternatural races neither vampire, werewolf, nor Fae... I guess it will all depend on which spine I decide to crack.
Monday, December 31, 2007
Sunday, December 30, 2007
Good News
We are much more hopeful today. It looks like there is a strong possibility that my mother-in-law will not require surgery. The doctors feel that the treatments she has been receiving are working and that in 2 to 4 days she may be able to be discharged from the hospital. Better yet, no surgery means she could continue on with her chemotherapy as scheduled.
She seems stronger and in better spirits. I just came from a great visit with her. We laughed a lot which is a good sign. That's not to say that she isn't a little stir crazy from being stuck in the hospital and she is so ready to have the tube removed that is sucking the gunk out of her stomach and intestines. It does not look comfortable (up the nose and down the throat) but she is fierce and determined when it comes to fighting this disease so you rarely hear her complain.
Keep those prayers, wishes, and good vibes coming her way as they are obviously working. Thanks!!
She seems stronger and in better spirits. I just came from a great visit with her. We laughed a lot which is a good sign. That's not to say that she isn't a little stir crazy from being stuck in the hospital and she is so ready to have the tube removed that is sucking the gunk out of her stomach and intestines. It does not look comfortable (up the nose and down the throat) but she is fierce and determined when it comes to fighting this disease so you rarely hear her complain.
Keep those prayers, wishes, and good vibes coming her way as they are obviously working. Thanks!!
Friday, December 28, 2007
Update
I just wanted to let you all know that things are a little stressful in our house right now and I may not be able to blog much in the next couple of days. For those of you who have known Jon and I for a while, you may also know that his mother has been battling ovarian cancer for the last 8 years. She recently had a recurrence and underwent chemotherapy a few days before coming to visit us.
Yesterday, she was not feeling well. Fearing she was dehydrated, we took her to the emergency room. Sadly, the doctors found an obstruction (possibly from her cancer or scar tissue from previous surgeries) in her lower intestines. As of right now, she has been admitted to the hospital and doctors are monitoring her before deciding whether or not she needs surgery and how this will affect her ongoing cancer treatment.
I will try to keep you posted if I can. Any prayers you can send her way would be greatly appreciated.
Yesterday, she was not feeling well. Fearing she was dehydrated, we took her to the emergency room. Sadly, the doctors found an obstruction (possibly from her cancer or scar tissue from previous surgeries) in her lower intestines. As of right now, she has been admitted to the hospital and doctors are monitoring her before deciding whether or not she needs surgery and how this will affect her ongoing cancer treatment.
I will try to keep you posted if I can. Any prayers you can send her way would be greatly appreciated.
Thursday, December 27, 2007
Catch Up
Having both sets of family here is keeping me pretty busy. If you add to that all the sleep I've been trying to catch up on... well I just haven't had much time for blogging. Going back to sleep for a moment (figuratively anyway), last night I went to bed at 10 and got up today at 8. I feel great except for the slight drugged feeling and headachiness. My body is so not used to this much sleep!
Yesterday, we braved the crowds and made a quick stop at the Aventura Mall to exchange some Reindeer plates at Pottery Barn. Though driving in and around the parking lot was taking our life in our hands, inside the mall was not that bad. Best part: I was able to exchange the items I needed and got $30 back (which I plan to use for more books!) since everything was 50% off.
Then we headed to Miami to see Jungle Island (the zoo formerly known as Parrot Jungle). It was the perfect day to walk around outside. The birds were beautiful, plus they also have different kinds of monkeys and tigers. Most notable exhibits: the Crocosaurus (largest Croc in captivity, 20 feet long and 2000 lbs) and the Liger (lion and tiger mix, body of a tiger and head of a lion - it's pretty interesting looking). My favorite exhibits were the monkeys though. I could sit and watch their monkey business for hours.
In the evening, we had a big spaghetti dinner and then watched the movie Stardust. It was interesting. It had a great cast and some fanciful special effects. I would say that I enjoyed it, but it's not going on my favorites list.
I was so tired afterwards, I didn't even read before bed. Guess I'll have to catch up today...
Yesterday, we braved the crowds and made a quick stop at the Aventura Mall to exchange some Reindeer plates at Pottery Barn. Though driving in and around the parking lot was taking our life in our hands, inside the mall was not that bad. Best part: I was able to exchange the items I needed and got $30 back (which I plan to use for more books!) since everything was 50% off.
Then we headed to Miami to see Jungle Island (the zoo formerly known as Parrot Jungle). It was the perfect day to walk around outside. The birds were beautiful, plus they also have different kinds of monkeys and tigers. Most notable exhibits: the Crocosaurus (largest Croc in captivity, 20 feet long and 2000 lbs) and the Liger (lion and tiger mix, body of a tiger and head of a lion - it's pretty interesting looking). My favorite exhibits were the monkeys though. I could sit and watch their monkey business for hours.
In the evening, we had a big spaghetti dinner and then watched the movie Stardust. It was interesting. It had a great cast and some fanciful special effects. I would say that I enjoyed it, but it's not going on my favorites list.
I was so tired afterwards, I didn't even read before bed. Guess I'll have to catch up today...
Tuesday, December 25, 2007
Forgot
I knew I would forget to mention some gifts and ironically the one I forgot was my new wireless mouse (and here I am sitting and using it right now!).
Naughty or Nice?
Based on the amount of the gifts that I received, I was apparently a very nice girl this year (and it was supposed to be a "light" Christmas considering our big gift was our new TV). Here's a brief list of my goodies: great gift cards (3 from Borders, 1 from a day spa, and 1 from a wine tasting bar), cool clothes and a purse from my mom and mom-in-law, more items for my Reindeer plate collection from Pottery Barn, some books and DVDs, show tickets to Cirque du Soleil, a huge check to help pay for our TV and air conditioner (thanks mom and dad!), and lots more "little" gifts that I can't even list them all.
So as you can tell we had a busy day yesterday opening and enjoying all these presents. We were all pooped and wanting sleep, but our neighbors were having a fiesta next door complete with bounce house that was approximately 10 feet from our bedroom sliding glass door. I didn't even attempt to sleep, but rather stayed up late finishing my book so I could start my new one today (The Luxe - kind of Gossip Girl but set in late 1800s). They finally quite playing their music and stopped shouting and laughing around 12:30 without me having to call the cops. :)
Today we had brunch at my neighbor Venessa's. She was like a short order cook she made so much food: pancakes (blueberry and chocolate chip), waffles, bacon, sausage, eggs, muffins, fruit, plus we brought pumpkin bread, egg bake, and champagne for mimosas. Delicious! Then we headed to the ocean for some relaxation (and more reading for me!).
Christmas in Florida!
So as you can tell we had a busy day yesterday opening and enjoying all these presents. We were all pooped and wanting sleep, but our neighbors were having a fiesta next door complete with bounce house that was approximately 10 feet from our bedroom sliding glass door. I didn't even attempt to sleep, but rather stayed up late finishing my book so I could start my new one today (The Luxe - kind of Gossip Girl but set in late 1800s). They finally quite playing their music and stopped shouting and laughing around 12:30 without me having to call the cops. :)
Today we had brunch at my neighbor Venessa's. She was like a short order cook she made so much food: pancakes (blueberry and chocolate chip), waffles, bacon, sausage, eggs, muffins, fruit, plus we brought pumpkin bread, egg bake, and champagne for mimosas. Delicious! Then we headed to the ocean for some relaxation (and more reading for me!).
Christmas in Florida!
Sunday, December 23, 2007
Clean Sweep
Today was very un-holiday like. Here are the highlights and "low"lights:
- I got up early and finished my book. I wanted to get it done before tomorrow since I know there is a book under the tree that I'll want to start reading immediately after unwrapping and another book I want releases on Wednesday. (I like to be engrossed in only one storyline at a time.)
- I spent the next several hours cleaning my house while doing seven loads of laundry. The first hour was pleasant. I enjoy the smooth feeling a clean floor has on my bare feet. By the second hour, I was getting bored. By the third hour, I was getting tired and CRANKY. By the fourth hour, I no longer cared and quit shortly thereafter. (Now I can sit back and enjoy my efforts for a day - that's about how long my house will stay dust and dirt free. Cleaning is so futile!)
- It was 2 in the afternoon and I had 1) forgotten to eat breakfast or lunch and 2) lost my will to shower and clean up. What to do? Start a new book perhaps! No, I didn't rummage under the tree and rip into my presents, but I did decide to start another book in the meantime. After all I won't be able to start reading my new book until tomorrow night at the earliest so I might as well entertain myself until then.
- Parents came and brought with them a lovely dinner. Now I'm sitting here blogging with 15 minutes to go to Vikings kickoff and my book calling my name. There's a lot of down time in football, I think I can watch and read at the same time.
Not sure when I'll be able to post over the holidays as we'll be pretty busy. Tomorrow is breakfast and present opening at my parent's house. Then dinner and present opening with my in-laws at our house. Christmas Day is breakfast at Venessa's and then Santa presents! Then I'll be busy reading so who knows when I'll blog. Guess I better wish you all a Merry Christmas now! Here's hoping Santa brings you your desired gift and not a lump of coal!
- I got up early and finished my book. I wanted to get it done before tomorrow since I know there is a book under the tree that I'll want to start reading immediately after unwrapping and another book I want releases on Wednesday. (I like to be engrossed in only one storyline at a time.)
- I spent the next several hours cleaning my house while doing seven loads of laundry. The first hour was pleasant. I enjoy the smooth feeling a clean floor has on my bare feet. By the second hour, I was getting bored. By the third hour, I was getting tired and CRANKY. By the fourth hour, I no longer cared and quit shortly thereafter. (Now I can sit back and enjoy my efforts for a day - that's about how long my house will stay dust and dirt free. Cleaning is so futile!)
- It was 2 in the afternoon and I had 1) forgotten to eat breakfast or lunch and 2) lost my will to shower and clean up. What to do? Start a new book perhaps! No, I didn't rummage under the tree and rip into my presents, but I did decide to start another book in the meantime. After all I won't be able to start reading my new book until tomorrow night at the earliest so I might as well entertain myself until then.
- Parents came and brought with them a lovely dinner. Now I'm sitting here blogging with 15 minutes to go to Vikings kickoff and my book calling my name. There's a lot of down time in football, I think I can watch and read at the same time.
Not sure when I'll be able to post over the holidays as we'll be pretty busy. Tomorrow is breakfast and present opening at my parent's house. Then dinner and present opening with my in-laws at our house. Christmas Day is breakfast at Venessa's and then Santa presents! Then I'll be busy reading so who knows when I'll blog. Guess I better wish you all a Merry Christmas now! Here's hoping Santa brings you your desired gift and not a lump of coal!
Friday, December 21, 2007
TGI...Winter Break!
I made it. Whew! There were a few days there in these last couple of weeks when I wasn't so sure, but I persevered. Of course today was crazy and hectic (both at school and when I first got home).
I think I angered the phone gods somehow and now they are punishing me. Case in point: at school my phone is way in the corner by my closet (basically the farthest spot away from where I am teaching). Generally teaching isn't a job where one receives a lot of phone calls, but today mine was ringing off the hook. One time this afternoon it rang 4 times back to back. Actually, I had just enough time to hang up, walk back across the room, start to open my mouth and then it would start ringing again. By the fourth time this happened, I had to slap a hand across my mouth to keep from uttering an inappropriate expletive.
2nd case in point: when I got home, I made a call to my mother only to have the phone that I was using start to die. I switched to another phone to leave a message as I walked the first phone back to the charger. On the way, I could hear my cell phone ringing in my purse. I ran for it, but fumbling with two phones in my hand, I missed the call (turned out to be my mother calling back). I called her on my cell but then it went right to her voice mail (she was probably still leaving me a message). Three phones in hand, three phone calls, and still no connection - my phone frustration was at its peak. With no children around, I let that expletive fly. :)
What kind of sacrifice do you think the phone gods demand?... beating my answering machine to smitherines, making costly international phone calls... if you have any suggestions, please let me know.
There were some fun moments today: me and the kiddos played a lot of "educational" games, watched our play performance on the school TV broadcast (singing and dancing along to everyone's songs), and I scored lots of good holiday loot. Nothing too weird or interesting this year. I did get one glass elephant which I thought was a slightly odd choice. I mean is there something about me that says "hey, I'm an elephant fan"? I know the elephant represents knowledge in some cultures so I'm going with that instead.
Of the good gifts (jewelry, purses, bath and body type products and gift cards), my favorite was a note that one of my sweeties wrote me. I am typing her note below exactly as she wrote it(missing punctuation, kindergarten spelling and all), only the names have been omitted to protect the innocent. I, of course, could the read the message immediately. If you want to test your skills, see if you can decipher the message.
From P------
I like you miss p--ish do you like me miss p--ish be cus your the best chechr in the hod rid rod this the best chechr she loks prete you wut to see hr Hr name is miss p--ish love p------
I think I angered the phone gods somehow and now they are punishing me. Case in point: at school my phone is way in the corner by my closet (basically the farthest spot away from where I am teaching). Generally teaching isn't a job where one receives a lot of phone calls, but today mine was ringing off the hook. One time this afternoon it rang 4 times back to back. Actually, I had just enough time to hang up, walk back across the room, start to open my mouth and then it would start ringing again. By the fourth time this happened, I had to slap a hand across my mouth to keep from uttering an inappropriate expletive.
2nd case in point: when I got home, I made a call to my mother only to have the phone that I was using start to die. I switched to another phone to leave a message as I walked the first phone back to the charger. On the way, I could hear my cell phone ringing in my purse. I ran for it, but fumbling with two phones in my hand, I missed the call (turned out to be my mother calling back). I called her on my cell but then it went right to her voice mail (she was probably still leaving me a message). Three phones in hand, three phone calls, and still no connection - my phone frustration was at its peak. With no children around, I let that expletive fly. :)
What kind of sacrifice do you think the phone gods demand?... beating my answering machine to smitherines, making costly international phone calls... if you have any suggestions, please let me know.
There were some fun moments today: me and the kiddos played a lot of "educational" games, watched our play performance on the school TV broadcast (singing and dancing along to everyone's songs), and I scored lots of good holiday loot. Nothing too weird or interesting this year. I did get one glass elephant which I thought was a slightly odd choice. I mean is there something about me that says "hey, I'm an elephant fan"? I know the elephant represents knowledge in some cultures so I'm going with that instead.
Of the good gifts (jewelry, purses, bath and body type products and gift cards), my favorite was a note that one of my sweeties wrote me. I am typing her note below exactly as she wrote it(missing punctuation, kindergarten spelling and all), only the names have been omitted to protect the innocent. I, of course, could the read the message immediately. If you want to test your skills, see if you can decipher the message.
From P------
I like you miss p--ish do you like me miss p--ish be cus your the best chechr in the hod rid rod this the best chechr she loks prete you wut to see hr Hr name is miss p--ish love p------
Thursday, December 20, 2007
Excited X 3
1) Our HD cable service is up and running. Now we can fully enjoy the benefits of our beautiful new TV. It's such a fancy viewing experience that it seems wrong to be wearing only jammies...
2) Tomorrow our new air conditioner will be installed! I am not excited about the $3500 price tag, but since the FL heat has been increasing daily I am getting desperate for some air to cool the house. I am a bit swollen and miserable tonight. I feel like I am camping indoors and it's a bit too muggy for my preference.
3) Last day of school before winter break! Need I say more??
2) Tomorrow our new air conditioner will be installed! I am not excited about the $3500 price tag, but since the FL heat has been increasing daily I am getting desperate for some air to cool the house. I am a bit swollen and miserable tonight. I feel like I am camping indoors and it's a bit too muggy for my preference.
3) Last day of school before winter break! Need I say more??
Wednesday, December 19, 2007
Frosty Melts their Hearts
The Kindergarten production of "Frosty the Snowman" went off without a hitch today: no parents complained (that's a first), no kids cried (that I know of), and no one fell off the risers (like in practice). We managed to get several "ahhh" moments due to their cute antics and even a couple of laughs like when our Safety Officer played the role of traffic cop and yelled "Stop!"
The best part was only 15 of my 18 kids showed up for school today (and 2 of the 3 that didn't show had been quite a handful in play practice so that made my job a lot easier). Another student left right after the play and yet another left right after lunch. Let me tell you, 13 kids is perfect! It was so quiet and relaxing.
Santa, all I want for Christmas is for 5 of my kids to withdraw. I'll even give you my naughty list of kids to chose from. I'll give all of them extra big hugs just in case I don't see them after the break. Thanks Santa!
The best part was only 15 of my 18 kids showed up for school today (and 2 of the 3 that didn't show had been quite a handful in play practice so that made my job a lot easier). Another student left right after the play and yet another left right after lunch. Let me tell you, 13 kids is perfect! It was so quiet and relaxing.
Santa, all I want for Christmas is for 5 of my kids to withdraw. I'll even give you my naughty list of kids to chose from. I'll give all of them extra big hugs just in case I don't see them after the break. Thanks Santa!
Tuesday, December 18, 2007
Bed by 8
(So the hecticness of the holidays) + (the complete drudgery that is the last two weeks of school before winter break) x (two a day play practices while trying to keep K kids quiet) = exhaustion!
Instead of feeling relieved that there are only three days left till break, I am completely stressed out. In order to survive the next two days (tomorrow: the play - I may never enjoy the song "Frosty the Snowman" again; Thursday: the class party), I need to get some sleep! My normal 5 to 6 hours is just not cutting it, so tonight it's in bed by 8 and lights out by 9.
I have 10 minutes left, so I better get hustling. Nighty-night!
Instead of feeling relieved that there are only three days left till break, I am completely stressed out. In order to survive the next two days (tomorrow: the play - I may never enjoy the song "Frosty the Snowman" again; Thursday: the class party), I need to get some sleep! My normal 5 to 6 hours is just not cutting it, so tonight it's in bed by 8 and lights out by 9.
I have 10 minutes left, so I better get hustling. Nighty-night!
Monday, December 17, 2007
Go Vikes!
I'm finally feeling happy again so I won't blog about how our air conditioning unit crapped out yesterday and we'll be spending several thousand dollars replacing it.
Instead, I'm sitting in front of our new flat screen TV (purchased the day before the air conditioning debacle, thank god, otherwise it would have remained a mere Christmas wish) and watching my beloved Vikings take on the Chicago Bears. This is how football was meant to be watched (and with my Dad here, it's just like old times).
Now if they would just stop fumbling the ball and score a frickin' touchdown, my night would be perfect....
Instead, I'm sitting in front of our new flat screen TV (purchased the day before the air conditioning debacle, thank god, otherwise it would have remained a mere Christmas wish) and watching my beloved Vikings take on the Chicago Bears. This is how football was meant to be watched (and with my Dad here, it's just like old times).
Now if they would just stop fumbling the ball and score a frickin' touchdown, my night would be perfect....
Sunday, December 16, 2007
Christmas Time
I've been tagged by Jess, and I love these things, so here goes:
1. Wrapping paper or gift bag? Wrapping paper! I love wrapping gifts. I turn on the Christmas music or put on a favorite Christmas movie, pour myself a cup of eggnog and just wrap, wrap, wrap. I'm not very good at it though. The fanciest thing I do is add a little curling ribbon or a pretty bow.
2. Real tree or artificial? Artificial. My parents gave me their artificial tree a few years back and I love it. It reminds me of Christmas at home. It even has a few pieces of tinsel stuck to it from the year (a decade ago or so) when we thought tinsel on an artificial tree would be a good idea (it isn't by the way, very hard to remove as evidenced by the fact that some of it is still hanging around!).
3. When do you put up your tree? Thanksgiving.
4. When do you take down your tree? The weekend after Serbian Christmas so somewhere around Jan 10.
5. Do you like eggnog? No I don't like it...I love it! Yum-o!
6. Favorite gift received as a child? My piano. I remember running and kissing the bench seat when I saw it.
7. Do you have a nativity scene? No, but only because dollish things and figurines kind of creep me out. Do they make a stuffed animal version??
8. Hardest person to buy for? My husband - only because he always buys everything he wants for himself and then leaves me with nothing or has me wrap and give it to him.
9. Easiest person to buy for? Me! Just kidding. Probably my Dad.
10. Worst Christmas gift you've ever received? I can't think of anything right now. To me the worst is the gift I asked for every year but never got: the Barbie Dream House. Maybe if I keep on asking Santa, one of these years he'll come through... (I also always asked for the game Operation, but never got that either. No wonder I'm not a doctor - thanks mom and dad!)
11. Mail or email Christmas cards? Mail. I love to write and receive the annual Christmas letter. Though this year, I think I'm going to email a few people too. Best of both worlds, I guess.
12. Favorite Christmas movie? More like Top 10 Favorite (and I count any movie that has the Christmas season in it): Love Actually, While You Were Sleeping, The Holiday, White Christmas, Miracle on 34th ST, Christmas Vacation...
13. When do you start shopping for Christmas? I try to start early, but every year it's always after Thanksgiving.
14. Have you ever recycled a Christmas present? Possibly - not in the same year or anything, but I save gifts and give them to Goodwill mostly. (I'm a teacher, so I get a lot of stuff from the kids and I can't always keep or use it all.)
15. Favorite thing to eat at Christmas? Eat and drink: the infamous Vodka Slush, eggnog, Spritz cookies (must be green trees - those are my favorite and my cousin loves me enough to make me my own special batch every year!), other Christmas cookies and my mom's fudge.
16. White or colored lights? Both. Colored on the tree, white outside.
17. Favorite Christmas song? I already dedicated a post to my categories of favorite Christmas songs, but my favorite "favorite" is: Have Yourself a Merry Little Christmas (Ella Fitzgerald's Swingin' Xmas version)
18. Traveling for Christmas or stay home? We mostly stay home and the parents and in-laws come to us.
19. Can you name all of Santa's reindeer's? Dasher, Dancer, Prancer, Comet, Cupid, Donner, Blitzen, Vixen, and Rudolph. Possibly not in the right order, but I think that's all of them.
20. Angel or Star on top of tree? Star (again angels can be too dollish for me).
22. Most annoying thing about this time of year? The crowds at the mall.
23. What I love most about Christmas? The feeling. Everything feels fun, festive, magical, childlike and I am reminded of simpler times and treasured family memories.
1. Wrapping paper or gift bag? Wrapping paper! I love wrapping gifts. I turn on the Christmas music or put on a favorite Christmas movie, pour myself a cup of eggnog and just wrap, wrap, wrap. I'm not very good at it though. The fanciest thing I do is add a little curling ribbon or a pretty bow.
2. Real tree or artificial? Artificial. My parents gave me their artificial tree a few years back and I love it. It reminds me of Christmas at home. It even has a few pieces of tinsel stuck to it from the year (a decade ago or so) when we thought tinsel on an artificial tree would be a good idea (it isn't by the way, very hard to remove as evidenced by the fact that some of it is still hanging around!).
3. When do you put up your tree? Thanksgiving.
4. When do you take down your tree? The weekend after Serbian Christmas so somewhere around Jan 10.
5. Do you like eggnog? No I don't like it...I love it! Yum-o!
6. Favorite gift received as a child? My piano. I remember running and kissing the bench seat when I saw it.
7. Do you have a nativity scene? No, but only because dollish things and figurines kind of creep me out. Do they make a stuffed animal version??
8. Hardest person to buy for? My husband - only because he always buys everything he wants for himself and then leaves me with nothing or has me wrap and give it to him.
9. Easiest person to buy for? Me! Just kidding. Probably my Dad.
10. Worst Christmas gift you've ever received? I can't think of anything right now. To me the worst is the gift I asked for every year but never got: the Barbie Dream House. Maybe if I keep on asking Santa, one of these years he'll come through... (I also always asked for the game Operation, but never got that either. No wonder I'm not a doctor - thanks mom and dad!)
11. Mail or email Christmas cards? Mail. I love to write and receive the annual Christmas letter. Though this year, I think I'm going to email a few people too. Best of both worlds, I guess.
12. Favorite Christmas movie? More like Top 10 Favorite (and I count any movie that has the Christmas season in it): Love Actually, While You Were Sleeping, The Holiday, White Christmas, Miracle on 34th ST, Christmas Vacation...
13. When do you start shopping for Christmas? I try to start early, but every year it's always after Thanksgiving.
14. Have you ever recycled a Christmas present? Possibly - not in the same year or anything, but I save gifts and give them to Goodwill mostly. (I'm a teacher, so I get a lot of stuff from the kids and I can't always keep or use it all.)
15. Favorite thing to eat at Christmas? Eat and drink: the infamous Vodka Slush, eggnog, Spritz cookies (must be green trees - those are my favorite and my cousin loves me enough to make me my own special batch every year!), other Christmas cookies and my mom's fudge.
16. White or colored lights? Both. Colored on the tree, white outside.
17. Favorite Christmas song? I already dedicated a post to my categories of favorite Christmas songs, but my favorite "favorite" is: Have Yourself a Merry Little Christmas (Ella Fitzgerald's Swingin' Xmas version)
18. Traveling for Christmas or stay home? We mostly stay home and the parents and in-laws come to us.
19. Can you name all of Santa's reindeer's? Dasher, Dancer, Prancer, Comet, Cupid, Donner, Blitzen, Vixen, and Rudolph. Possibly not in the right order, but I think that's all of them.
20. Angel or Star on top of tree? Star (again angels can be too dollish for me).
22. Most annoying thing about this time of year? The crowds at the mall.
23. What I love most about Christmas? The feeling. Everything feels fun, festive, magical, childlike and I am reminded of simpler times and treasured family memories.
Friday, December 14, 2007
Festivus
No time to post. I'm decked out in my festive wear and off to the Ft. Lauderdale Christmas Pageant with mom and Venessa. (It's an annual tradition for me. I have to do certain things to make it feel like the Christmas season considering there is no cold weather or snow.) So I promise to blog tomorrow!
Goodnight to all and to all a goodnight!
Goodnight to all and to all a goodnight!
Wednesday, December 12, 2007
Tomorrow!
This week I have been attending two a day play practices trying to get my kindergartners ready for their play next week. I guess all the singing and pre-break stress has finally culminated in me loosing my marbles. I was humming this song all day and rewriting the words in my head. Thought I'd share my insanity with you.
(I don't think I'll be winning a Grammy or a Tony anytime soon...)
My parents will come... tomorrow
Bet your bottom dollar that tomorrow
They'll be in the sunshine state!
Just thinkin' about this weekend when
Mom will help me clear away the cobwebs,
Dirt and dust... 'til there's none!
When I'm stuck in my day
Full of pouty kids and play practice...
When they stick out their lip
I'll grin, and say...
Oh! My parents will come tomorrow
Gotta hang on and not strangle you
Even if I wanna
Come what may...
Tomorrow! My parents!
Thank God, tomorrow
You're only a day away!
(I don't think I'll be winning a Grammy or a Tony anytime soon...)
My parents will come... tomorrow
Bet your bottom dollar that tomorrow
They'll be in the sunshine state!
Just thinkin' about this weekend when
Mom will help me clear away the cobwebs,
Dirt and dust... 'til there's none!
When I'm stuck in my day
Full of pouty kids and play practice...
When they stick out their lip
I'll grin, and say...
Oh! My parents will come tomorrow
Gotta hang on and not strangle you
Even if I wanna
Come what may...
Tomorrow! My parents!
Thank God, tomorrow
You're only a day away!
Tuesday, December 11, 2007
Tacky Twinklers
I love twinkle lights! (Actually I find the term twinkle lights confusing, since to me "twinkle" implies blinking and I actually prefer my lights to be of the non-blinking variety, but I digress as usual). I love to drive around and see all the fanciful displays. I get excited when I see people out working in their yard and can't wait to see what their creation will look like in the night.
That is except when I see our community's maintenance man putting up the common lights. I live in a fairly nice housing development with a gated entrance and a fancy European turnaround all lined with Royal Palms, yet every year my complex puts out the tackiest display of Christmas lights. They're scattered here and there, some white, some colored. I hate to use the term "trailer park Christmas" since I know and love my trailer park buddies, but I know none of you will be offended and will also know exactly what I mean. :)
I saw him putting the lights out yesterday and when I came home late last night after Girl Scouts, my eyes beheld the most interesting assortment yet. Although all the palms were wrapped in white lights (an improvement over the bizarre colored assortment of yore) each tree was unique if you took in the "twinkle factor." Some strings of lights were not blinking, some strings of lights were blinking. Some strings were blinking slow, some strings were blinking fast. Some palms had a string of blinking, non-blinking, slow blinking and fast blinking all on one trunk! I kind of felt like if I stared too long, I might have a seizure and drive off the road.
Oh well, most days I return home before it gets dark...
That is except when I see our community's maintenance man putting up the common lights. I live in a fairly nice housing development with a gated entrance and a fancy European turnaround all lined with Royal Palms, yet every year my complex puts out the tackiest display of Christmas lights. They're scattered here and there, some white, some colored. I hate to use the term "trailer park Christmas" since I know and love my trailer park buddies, but I know none of you will be offended and will also know exactly what I mean. :)
I saw him putting the lights out yesterday and when I came home late last night after Girl Scouts, my eyes beheld the most interesting assortment yet. Although all the palms were wrapped in white lights (an improvement over the bizarre colored assortment of yore) each tree was unique if you took in the "twinkle factor." Some strings of lights were not blinking, some strings of lights were blinking. Some strings were blinking slow, some strings were blinking fast. Some palms had a string of blinking, non-blinking, slow blinking and fast blinking all on one trunk! I kind of felt like if I stared too long, I might have a seizure and drive off the road.
Oh well, most days I return home before it gets dark...
Sunday, December 9, 2007
Busy Bee
The holidays are starting to kick my butt. I was running around all weekend and the rest of my week looks just as busy. I know I won't be able to post tomorrow (as I have a doctors appt followed by Girl Scouts), so don't bother checking back until Tuesday or Wednesday. :)
I will soon be sipping some hot chocolate and letting the pretty lights of the Christmas tree soothe my nerves... ah, the ups and downs of the holidays.
I will soon be sipping some hot chocolate and letting the pretty lights of the Christmas tree soothe my nerves... ah, the ups and downs of the holidays.
Saturday, December 8, 2007
The Spirit of Gift-Giving
I am so delighted that today I was able to partake in the merriment that is holiday shopping at the Sawgrass Mills Mall on a Saturday in December. In case you can't detect sarcasm in the written form, I'm obviously joking.
Any mall is crazy this time of year, but Sawgrass is especially insane. (It is rumored to the be the next largest tourist attraction in the state of Florida after the major theme parks.) I can barely stand shopping there on a normal day, let alone during the holidays, but Jon and I were down to those last couple of gifts that just could not be bought anywhere else.
Amazingly we found a parking space without having to valet park or drive around for half an hour stalking people as they walked to their cars. Based on the cacophony of blaring car horns I heard and wild finger gesturing I saw, other people were obviously not so lucky. Parking is only half the battle, inside you must navigate the treacherous pathways clogged with people and other obstacles like benches, strollers and carts. Forget walking side by side, we alternated taking the lead and NASCAR'd our way through the crowds.
Along the trip, we took in many sight-seeing opportunities. Two of my favorites were the massage chair sleeping zone (just a thought but if you're exhausted enough to sleep in the middle of a crowded mall, it might be time to go home) and the cranky-child-in-stroller pit row (no amount of bribery or sweets was working on these kiddos). In other viewing news - I saw London, I saw France, I saw everybody's under...garments: thongs sticking out of jeans, bras peeking through tops, and full boxer shots from the homies who belt their jeans around their knees (fashions change seasonally so when is that going to out of style?). Nothing says the holidays like scantily clad women, gangsta fashion, and screaming babies over piped in Christmas carols.
People have to get creative to survive in an environment like that. Now I've seen people loaded like pack mules before, and I've even seen parents drop their children into those cloth carts amongst all their other packages (sort of reminds me of when they drop Maggie Simpson into the ball pit to play and she sinks to the bottom), but today was the first time I witnessed bird calling as a navigational shopping strategy. More inventive than yelling someone's name and each call may have carried a different meaning. I would have like to observe her in her natural habitat longer, but as I mentioned, Jon and I were on a mission.
3 hours and only 5 stores later (they were in no geographic proximity to one another so the majority of our shopping excursion was walking), we emerged triumphant. I think we are now 99.9% done with present-buying. Yippee! All that remains is to finish the wrapping, write and mail the Christmas cards, make fudge and cookies....
I can't really complain though, I do love the holidays - Sawgrass Mills and all. :)
Any mall is crazy this time of year, but Sawgrass is especially insane. (It is rumored to the be the next largest tourist attraction in the state of Florida after the major theme parks.) I can barely stand shopping there on a normal day, let alone during the holidays, but Jon and I were down to those last couple of gifts that just could not be bought anywhere else.
Amazingly we found a parking space without having to valet park or drive around for half an hour stalking people as they walked to their cars. Based on the cacophony of blaring car horns I heard and wild finger gesturing I saw, other people were obviously not so lucky. Parking is only half the battle, inside you must navigate the treacherous pathways clogged with people and other obstacles like benches, strollers and carts. Forget walking side by side, we alternated taking the lead and NASCAR'd our way through the crowds.
Along the trip, we took in many sight-seeing opportunities. Two of my favorites were the massage chair sleeping zone (just a thought but if you're exhausted enough to sleep in the middle of a crowded mall, it might be time to go home) and the cranky-child-in-stroller pit row (no amount of bribery or sweets was working on these kiddos). In other viewing news - I saw London, I saw France, I saw everybody's under...garments: thongs sticking out of jeans, bras peeking through tops, and full boxer shots from the homies who belt their jeans around their knees (fashions change seasonally so when is that going to out of style?). Nothing says the holidays like scantily clad women, gangsta fashion, and screaming babies over piped in Christmas carols.
People have to get creative to survive in an environment like that. Now I've seen people loaded like pack mules before, and I've even seen parents drop their children into those cloth carts amongst all their other packages (sort of reminds me of when they drop Maggie Simpson into the ball pit to play and she sinks to the bottom), but today was the first time I witnessed bird calling as a navigational shopping strategy. More inventive than yelling someone's name and each call may have carried a different meaning. I would have like to observe her in her natural habitat longer, but as I mentioned, Jon and I were on a mission.
3 hours and only 5 stores later (they were in no geographic proximity to one another so the majority of our shopping excursion was walking), we emerged triumphant. I think we are now 99.9% done with present-buying. Yippee! All that remains is to finish the wrapping, write and mail the Christmas cards, make fudge and cookies....
I can't really complain though, I do love the holidays - Sawgrass Mills and all. :)
Friday, December 7, 2007
Torn
So tonight I was torn. Should I go to bed early (I had been yawning pretty regularly since about 8:00 pm) or should I stay up and get some work done (I have lots to do to with Xmas and my parents and in-laws arriving shortly)? I decided to go to bed.
Then I walked into the bedroom only to hear our Spanish neighbors talking and laughing it up right outside our window. They haven't set foot outside their house since they moved in six months ago, but tonight they want to party. Damn Murphy's Law!
I guess I'm going to get some work done after all...
Then I walked into the bedroom only to hear our Spanish neighbors talking and laughing it up right outside our window. They haven't set foot outside their house since they moved in six months ago, but tonight they want to party. Damn Murphy's Law!
I guess I'm going to get some work done after all...
Thursday, December 6, 2007
Cleaning Machine
So I finally got bit by the cleaning bug tonight: I vacuumed, cleaned and dusted the kitchen/living room, scrubbed the bathrooms (including the shower), and even made a quick pass in the bedroom. I'm calling the downstairs sufficiently clean. Maybe I'll clean the upstairs this weekend - it's easy to ignore since I can go days without ever walking up there, especially since I went wireless and do all my blogging downstairs!
Besides I can't clean it right now, we have furniture all over the place up there. We're in the process of the "cabin 10 to cabin 4 to cabin 7" right now. (If you've read my blog before you know what that means.) Jon and I bought a flat screen TV for our Christmas gift to each other (though it is back ordered and I'm doubtful that it will be here in time). As a result, we also needed to buy a new entertainment system for our living room. We did, but then what to do with our old one? I love our old one. Jon and I built it when we lived in Houston. It has sentimental value to me so I couldn't part with it. Thus, it's in the process of being relocated to Jon's man room upstairs. His crap is going to Goodwill. :) We will have an extra TV that will need a good home, however, in case any of you locals are interested...
Even though the new TV isn't here, it's still fun to hang out in what feels like my new living room. I'm gonna kick back on the couch and watch a little Grey's Anatomy. And make a reindeer craft, crap, I can't forget to do that! Still, not too shabby for a Thursday evening. :)
Besides I can't clean it right now, we have furniture all over the place up there. We're in the process of the "cabin 10 to cabin 4 to cabin 7" right now. (If you've read my blog before you know what that means.) Jon and I bought a flat screen TV for our Christmas gift to each other (though it is back ordered and I'm doubtful that it will be here in time). As a result, we also needed to buy a new entertainment system for our living room. We did, but then what to do with our old one? I love our old one. Jon and I built it when we lived in Houston. It has sentimental value to me so I couldn't part with it. Thus, it's in the process of being relocated to Jon's man room upstairs. His crap is going to Goodwill. :) We will have an extra TV that will need a good home, however, in case any of you locals are interested...
Even though the new TV isn't here, it's still fun to hang out in what feels like my new living room. I'm gonna kick back on the couch and watch a little Grey's Anatomy. And make a reindeer craft, crap, I can't forget to do that! Still, not too shabby for a Thursday evening. :)
Wednesday, December 5, 2007
I Was Going To...
I was going to leave work early (ie on time) today and head home to clean the house.
I did leave work, but never managed the cleaning part... shocker! (You readers must think I live in filth with all the blogging I do about not cleaning - it's really just a little dust... and grass clippings tracked in by Rio... and toilet rings... and... maybe I am living in filth?!) Anyway, I stopped off at the liquor store for some eggnog. They didn't have the kind I like so I settled for some spiced chai cream. It sounds delicious, I will let you know. Then I wandered into Hallmark and ooh'd and aah'd over the decorations. Finally, I ran over to Publix to pick up some more salad (more on that below) and by the time I got home I had lost all motivation for cleaning.
I was going to eat something good for dinner. (I've been eating a lot of lettuce these days in a last ditch attempt at losing a few pounds pre-holiday, but I was planning on cheating.) Then I caught wind of a rumor at school that I was pregnant (a false rumor, sadly) and decided that if my muffin top was indeed being mistaken for a baby bump, I had better eat lettuce after all.
I was going to get some schoolwork done tonight,... if you've caught on to the theme of tonight's blog you can pretty much guess where this is going... but I watched episode one of Tin Man instead. I knew from some of your posts and comments that it wasn't that good, but I couldn't help myself. It was a little bizarre and poorly acted, but it was better than cleaning!
That is all. Good night. :)
I did leave work, but never managed the cleaning part... shocker! (You readers must think I live in filth with all the blogging I do about not cleaning - it's really just a little dust... and grass clippings tracked in by Rio... and toilet rings... and... maybe I am living in filth?!) Anyway, I stopped off at the liquor store for some eggnog. They didn't have the kind I like so I settled for some spiced chai cream. It sounds delicious, I will let you know. Then I wandered into Hallmark and ooh'd and aah'd over the decorations. Finally, I ran over to Publix to pick up some more salad (more on that below) and by the time I got home I had lost all motivation for cleaning.
I was going to eat something good for dinner. (I've been eating a lot of lettuce these days in a last ditch attempt at losing a few pounds pre-holiday, but I was planning on cheating.) Then I caught wind of a rumor at school that I was pregnant (a false rumor, sadly) and decided that if my muffin top was indeed being mistaken for a baby bump, I had better eat lettuce after all.
I was going to get some schoolwork done tonight,... if you've caught on to the theme of tonight's blog you can pretty much guess where this is going... but I watched episode one of Tin Man instead. I knew from some of your posts and comments that it wasn't that good, but I couldn't help myself. It was a little bizarre and poorly acted, but it was better than cleaning!
That is all. Good night. :)
Tuesday, December 4, 2007
Update
Yesterday: no internet connection (so frustrating!)
Tonight: Girl Scouts
Guess you all will have to live without my witty repartee for one more day!
Tonight: Girl Scouts
Guess you all will have to live without my witty repartee for one more day!
Sunday, December 2, 2007
Tidbits
Since I don't have a story to tell today, here are some little tidbits I've been meaning to share:
On my first Thanksgiving (on my own in college), I invited a bunch of friends to my apartment for Thanksgiving dinner. Having baked the pumpkin pies the night before, I got up at 6 am Thanksgiving Day to put in the turkey. Half asleep, I padded around the kitchen. I opened the pantry door for something, walked away and then paused. I walked back and opened the pantry door again. There on the top shelf was 2 cans of evaporated milk. If the evaporated milk is still in the pantry, what is in the pies?! I thought to myself. Two pies into the garbage and one emergency trip to the store later, I was back on track. The rest of the day was perfect.
Anyway, I know you're wondering why I'm telling this old Thanksgiving story... so I'll get to the point. The other day I opened the refrigerator to get some cheese. Closed the door, walked away, and paused. Went back, opened the door, looked at the cheese. There lay an unopened package of shredded Parmesan and I thought, Oh my God, I didn't put cheese in the salad I brought to the Froyd's on Thanksgiving! Not that it mattered, the salad was still delicious, but it was a weird Thanksgiving flashback.
Another tidbit that starts many years ago: When Jon and I were first dating, I made him a cross-stitch Christmas ornament of the Detroit Pistons basketball logo (it says Xmas 1992 on the back). Better yet, if you pushed the center it had a little music box thing-ama-jig inside that played We Wish You a Merry Christmas. Later when we were married and that ornament became part of our set, we would joke about it as we put it on the tree. Every year, we push the center to see if it will still play. 15 years later and it still works - must be the energizer bunny himself inside that thing! (That battery has long outlived Jon's love of the Detroit Pistons or the NBA for that matter.)
Last tidbit: On the radio today, I finally heard truth in advertising.
During the commercial, you hear this guy calling into a customer hotline.
He says something to the effect of: I love your cough medicine. It worked great on my cough, cleared it right up, but is it supposed to taste like trash bag leakings?
Lady on the line answers: Yes, it is.
Guy: Oh, okay then.
Then it finishes with a tagline like:
Buckley's cough syrup. Tastes terrible, but works on coughs.
It cracked me up. I love that they're being honest.
I always think the stuff they say tastes good, tastes horrible.
So can you imagine how bad this must taste?!
On my first Thanksgiving (on my own in college), I invited a bunch of friends to my apartment for Thanksgiving dinner. Having baked the pumpkin pies the night before, I got up at 6 am Thanksgiving Day to put in the turkey. Half asleep, I padded around the kitchen. I opened the pantry door for something, walked away and then paused. I walked back and opened the pantry door again. There on the top shelf was 2 cans of evaporated milk. If the evaporated milk is still in the pantry, what is in the pies?! I thought to myself. Two pies into the garbage and one emergency trip to the store later, I was back on track. The rest of the day was perfect.
Anyway, I know you're wondering why I'm telling this old Thanksgiving story... so I'll get to the point. The other day I opened the refrigerator to get some cheese. Closed the door, walked away, and paused. Went back, opened the door, looked at the cheese. There lay an unopened package of shredded Parmesan and I thought, Oh my God, I didn't put cheese in the salad I brought to the Froyd's on Thanksgiving! Not that it mattered, the salad was still delicious, but it was a weird Thanksgiving flashback.
Another tidbit that starts many years ago: When Jon and I were first dating, I made him a cross-stitch Christmas ornament of the Detroit Pistons basketball logo (it says Xmas 1992 on the back). Better yet, if you pushed the center it had a little music box thing-ama-jig inside that played We Wish You a Merry Christmas. Later when we were married and that ornament became part of our set, we would joke about it as we put it on the tree. Every year, we push the center to see if it will still play. 15 years later and it still works - must be the energizer bunny himself inside that thing! (That battery has long outlived Jon's love of the Detroit Pistons or the NBA for that matter.)
Last tidbit: On the radio today, I finally heard truth in advertising.
During the commercial, you hear this guy calling into a customer hotline.
He says something to the effect of: I love your cough medicine. It worked great on my cough, cleared it right up, but is it supposed to taste like trash bag leakings?
Lady on the line answers: Yes, it is.
Guy: Oh, okay then.
Then it finishes with a tagline like:
Buckley's cough syrup. Tastes terrible, but works on coughs.
It cracked me up. I love that they're being honest.
I always think the stuff they say tastes good, tastes horrible.
So can you imagine how bad this must taste?!
Saturday, December 1, 2007
Kuala Lumpur
Saturday is the day I receive my site monitor report telling me how many visits I have per day, where they originate from, and how they found my blog. Usually, it's pretty standard info. Lots of hits from FL and MN (makes sense since this is where the majority of my friends and family live) and a few other states from my old NASA friends that are now scattered about the country.
Today's report was much more interesting. As a result, I'd like to give a shout out to my peeps in Warsaw, Poland; Almagor, Israel; and Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia! Okay, so all these people stumbled onto my blog by mistake and will probably never return, but it was fun to see anyway.
Curiosity getting the better of me, I decided to see what they were searching that led them to me. Here's what I found out. People in Israel apparently love The Office's Jim and Pam too. The phrase "intruder in the house" is considered search-worthy in Poland. (I'm guessing he/she wasn't talking about intruders of the lizard variety as my post referenced.) Sadly, I never could see what the Malaysian was looking for, the link was too old. I did, however, see that somebody in northern FL was searching for Seinfeld quotes and hit on my usage of Jerry's "You've got your shirt in my oven!" to Kramer.
The best search though was one I quite don't understand. Someone from Duluth, MN no less searched "agate boobs." Carol, is this an actual geology term? I now feel compelled to google the phrase myself for more info!
Today's report was much more interesting. As a result, I'd like to give a shout out to my peeps in Warsaw, Poland; Almagor, Israel; and Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia! Okay, so all these people stumbled onto my blog by mistake and will probably never return, but it was fun to see anyway.
Curiosity getting the better of me, I decided to see what they were searching that led them to me. Here's what I found out. People in Israel apparently love The Office's Jim and Pam too. The phrase "intruder in the house" is considered search-worthy in Poland. (I'm guessing he/she wasn't talking about intruders of the lizard variety as my post referenced.) Sadly, I never could see what the Malaysian was looking for, the link was too old. I did, however, see that somebody in northern FL was searching for Seinfeld quotes and hit on my usage of Jerry's "You've got your shirt in my oven!" to Kramer.
The best search though was one I quite don't understand. Someone from Duluth, MN no less searched "agate boobs." Carol, is this an actual geology term? I now feel compelled to google the phrase myself for more info!
Friday, November 30, 2007
Shift Happens!
My grandmother, who has Alzheimer's, doesn't recognize her reflection. She thinks she is about 35 years old so when she sees this wrinkled 80 year old woman staring back at her, she gets very agitated. We had to hang a curtain in front of the mirror to block the offending image.
I feel her pain. I'm only 31 3/4 old, but I am starting to not recognize myself. There is a lot of shift going on and I'm not sure I like it!
I'm still the same weight (well, maybe up a couple pounds due to the holidays and monthly water weight gain, but not enough for my pants not to fit or anything like that) and this is actually about 15 pounds lighter than I was in my 20s. Still, my butt seems wider and my stomach not so flat. I'd like to pretend it's an adorable little baby bump, but it's just a result of my absolute lack of exercise. Age spots are cropping up here and cropping up there, and no they can't pass as freckles. I don't so much mind the few gray hairs that I see sprouting, they are very sparkly and I do love me some sparkly things!
I've always been square-jawed like my grandmother and mother before me, but when did I start looking increasing more like Sponge Bob Square Pants? Add in the fact that I have not had my hair trimmed since July (I only trust my mother to touch my hair when it's long - don't want to end up with butchered layers) and that is one sorry sight looking back at me. Thank goodness my teeth are still straight and now even more sparkly white thanks to those delicious Listerine whitening strips or I might never leave the house.
I'm so not the type for plastic surgery, so I guess it's back to the basics for me. Less carbs, more exercise, blah blah blah. Then again, I was at Ikea last night and they had some very lovely curtains....
I feel her pain. I'm only 31 3/4 old, but I am starting to not recognize myself. There is a lot of shift going on and I'm not sure I like it!
I'm still the same weight (well, maybe up a couple pounds due to the holidays and monthly water weight gain, but not enough for my pants not to fit or anything like that) and this is actually about 15 pounds lighter than I was in my 20s. Still, my butt seems wider and my stomach not so flat. I'd like to pretend it's an adorable little baby bump, but it's just a result of my absolute lack of exercise. Age spots are cropping up here and cropping up there, and no they can't pass as freckles. I don't so much mind the few gray hairs that I see sprouting, they are very sparkly and I do love me some sparkly things!
I've always been square-jawed like my grandmother and mother before me, but when did I start looking increasing more like Sponge Bob Square Pants? Add in the fact that I have not had my hair trimmed since July (I only trust my mother to touch my hair when it's long - don't want to end up with butchered layers) and that is one sorry sight looking back at me. Thank goodness my teeth are still straight and now even more sparkly white thanks to those delicious Listerine whitening strips or I might never leave the house.
I'm so not the type for plastic surgery, so I guess it's back to the basics for me. Less carbs, more exercise, blah blah blah. Then again, I was at Ikea last night and they had some very lovely curtains....
Thursday, November 29, 2007
Celebration of ...Was It Worth It?
Last night's Celebration of Learning event meant that I put in a 13 hr day at school. My friend Lisa was presenting an awesome writing lesson and since she helped me last year when I was presenting, I wanted to repay the favor. The school was expecting up to 30 people per session (we were teaching three).
First session: 1 family (3 people).
Second session: 2 families (5 people).
Third session: 4 families (about 10 people).
Let's just say we have a lot of photocopies leftover. :)
Was it worth it? Yes, if only for the fact that I got to spend time with my gal pal and dish - something we're usually too busy for on a normal school day.
One funny story though: Lisa and I have very similar last names. They rhyme and people are often confusing us because of it. One of my kid's parents came in last night and was trying to pay me a compliment, I think. She was saying how she had talked to another parent on the way in and they had asked her who her son's teacher was. When she said my name, they got all excited and told her what a great teacher they heard I was. She worded the compliment oddly, like now she was proud that I was her son's teacher as if their opinion was what mattered and not the fact that I've taught her son to read and write these past months... but that's not the point. The point is, I'm pretty sure those people thought she said my friend's name so really the compliment was for Lisa! Oh well, at least my parent likes me... now... even if it is under false pretenses!
First session: 1 family (3 people).
Second session: 2 families (5 people).
Third session: 4 families (about 10 people).
Let's just say we have a lot of photocopies leftover. :)
Was it worth it? Yes, if only for the fact that I got to spend time with my gal pal and dish - something we're usually too busy for on a normal school day.
One funny story though: Lisa and I have very similar last names. They rhyme and people are often confusing us because of it. One of my kid's parents came in last night and was trying to pay me a compliment, I think. She was saying how she had talked to another parent on the way in and they had asked her who her son's teacher was. When she said my name, they got all excited and told her what a great teacher they heard I was. She worded the compliment oddly, like now she was proud that I was her son's teacher as if their opinion was what mattered and not the fact that I've taught her son to read and write these past months... but that's not the point. The point is, I'm pretty sure those people thought she said my friend's name so really the compliment was for Lisa! Oh well, at least my parent likes me... now... even if it is under false pretenses!
Tuesday, November 27, 2007
Missing Elsie
Sometimes I miss my grandmother so much, the wound feels as fresh as the day she died. The holidays are tough of course. I miss calling and asking her whether or not I need to cook her Christmas egg bake covered or uncovered. I never thought to write that down. It was easier to ask. I miss the way she told stories - even the funny ones made her cry. (We're all a bit weepy in my family. I love that about us.)
I have the most beautiful photograph of my grandmother. She's sitting in her kitchen at her usual spot, surrounded by the things she loved, a cup of coffee in front of her weathered hands, and a knowing smile on her face. It reminds me of a little poem she wrote in one of her journals:
My first thought in the morning's light,
Is of some coffee, black and hot.
To me, there is no finer sight,
Than coffee perking in a pot!
You all know I'm not a coffee lover, but what I wouldn't give to walk into my grandmother's kitchen for one more visit.... one more story shared over a cup of coffee. :)
I have the most beautiful photograph of my grandmother. She's sitting in her kitchen at her usual spot, surrounded by the things she loved, a cup of coffee in front of her weathered hands, and a knowing smile on her face. It reminds me of a little poem she wrote in one of her journals:
My first thought in the morning's light,
Is of some coffee, black and hot.
To me, there is no finer sight,
Than coffee perking in a pot!
You all know I'm not a coffee lover, but what I wouldn't give to walk into my grandmother's kitchen for one more visit.... one more story shared over a cup of coffee. :)
Monday, November 26, 2007
Pain in the Neck
I've had the weirdest couple of days. First, I was woozy and nauseous for several days (and no it's not due to anything exciting). Then, yesterday, when I finally felt like I no longer needed to consume crackers 24/7, I bent my neck wrong and wham - a huge kink in my neck with a shooting twinge down my back. It feels only marginally better today, so I'm planning to lounge on the couch with my Advil and my icepack. What fun!
P.S. Totally unrelated, but I bought the holiday special edition Hershey's Kisses today. I think they're called New York Cheesecake. Anyway, they are de-lic-ious! Treat yourself if you can find them. :)
P.S. Totally unrelated, but I bought the holiday special edition Hershey's Kisses today. I think they're called New York Cheesecake. Anyway, they are de-lic-ious! Treat yourself if you can find them. :)
Sunday, November 25, 2007
Holiday Photo Shoot 2007
Today was Rio's big photo shoot for the 2007 P family Christmas card. Last year's card was such a big hit that I doubt we will ever be able to top that, but we have to try.
She had her hair trimmed...
shampooed...
and styled by Mr. Jon. As you can see below, she likes the wind blown look.
2 locations and 51 photos later, Rio was actually falling asleep during the last shots.
You'll have to wait for your Xmas card to see how those photos turned out. :)
Friday, November 23, 2007
Turkey Day
I was feeling a bit blue about Thanksgiving this year. I longed for an old-fashioned holiday with my crazy family and the chaos that ensues when we all get together (fun, laughter, chores, unplanned disasters, silliness, friendship, love.) I don't understand, or particularly enjoy, holidays without some element of sweet, perfect chaos.
Enter yesterday. I started off my day with chocolate chip pancakes made by Venessa (Jon's in the shape of an airplane, mine a flower) and all I had to do was bring six strips of bacon. Follow that by persuading Jon to crawl up in her attic to retrieve her Christmas tree (a 9-ft behemoth she hasn't admired in several years). While we had him up there, we might as well empty out the rest and save him the trouble of making a second trip later. And as long as he was already hot and sweaty, he might as well investigate that outdoor storage shed that may or may not house tree rats. Thankfully, it didn't. Fun, laughter, chores...check.
After showering and cleaning up, it was off to our friend's Ryan and Erin's. By the time I arrived, they had already plugged the kitchen sink with too many potato peels.
Here's a shot of Ryan (minus plumber's crack) trying to rig a solution. Although duck tape was considered (along with removing and "borrowing" the same pipe from my sink), they were finally able to fix it. Unplanned disaster...check.
Here's the "real" band embarking on their first tour. Silliness, friendship...check.
Enter yesterday. I started off my day with chocolate chip pancakes made by Venessa (Jon's in the shape of an airplane, mine a flower) and all I had to do was bring six strips of bacon. Follow that by persuading Jon to crawl up in her attic to retrieve her Christmas tree (a 9-ft behemoth she hasn't admired in several years). While we had him up there, we might as well empty out the rest and save him the trouble of making a second trip later. And as long as he was already hot and sweaty, he might as well investigate that outdoor storage shed that may or may not house tree rats. Thankfully, it didn't. Fun, laughter, chores...check.
After showering and cleaning up, it was off to our friend's Ryan and Erin's. By the time I arrived, they had already plugged the kitchen sink with too many potato peels.
Here's a shot of Ryan (minus plumber's crack) trying to rig a solution. Although duck tape was considered (along with removing and "borrowing" the same pipe from my sink), they were finally able to fix it. Unplanned disaster...check.The rest of the afternoon was spent chatting, watching football, listening to our Indian friend recite Taj's monologue from the movie Van Wilder, and playing Rock Band. I was never all that interested in Guitar Hero so I've never tried the guitar and I was way too chicken to sing, but the drums were a blast.
Don't ask me why Jerry is trying to get a cleavage shot when I'm wearing a shirt that is buttoned up to my chin. For that matter, I'm not sure why he would bother anyway considering I have no cleavage period. Below is a pic of Jess rocking out on the vocals. She did a great job. Although in her blog she states we were laughing at her, you can clearly see it was with her.
Here's the "real" band embarking on their first tour. Silliness, friendship...check. One dining room table, two card tables and chairs, two turkeys (1 smoked and 1 fried), 20 lbs of potatoes, 1 green bean bake, 1 corn bake, 2 salads, a gallon of stuffing and 7 pies later, we had eaten enough to tranquilize a rhino and still had plenty of leftovers in case we wanted round two later.
Exhaustion befell us, plus Jon and I needed to head out to destination number two: a stop at Venessa's for more pie and plum wine sangria.
It was a glorious Thanksgiving filled with everything I had hoped for and more. I love my family, I miss my family, but my friends are the best family I ever chose. I love you guys.
Love...check.
Wednesday, November 21, 2007
Random Pre-Holiday Weekend Thoughts
- Last night, Jon and I watched the Thanksgiving (or rather Slapsgiving) episode of How I Met Your Mother. It was hilarious as usual. If you're not DVRing it, please do. It's like Friends with an Office twist.
- Never make fun of your husband's music selection when he's trying to create a "mood," apparently they are very sensitive about this. Though it will ensure that you can go to bed early and read...
- Today two of my most challenging students were absent. I hate to say that I was glad, but I now have another thing to be thankful for.
- Charlie Brown's Thanksgiving is timeless. My kids laughed and laughed as we watched it today. Oddly, the part they thought was funniest was when Peppermint Patty kept calling CB, Chuck.
- I brought home two huge bags of school books and projects to work on this weekend. Yeah right! (Well, I did bring the stuff home. It's the working on it part that seems unlikely.)
- I cannot wait to get the Christmas lights up and the tree up. I have two stories to tell you there, but they'll have to wait until another day.
- Lastly, Jon surprised me tonight by telling me he would take me out for dinner. Here's a brief recap of our conversation.
Jon: Where do you want to go?
Me: I don't care. You pick.
Jon: No, you pick! (He hates that I don't like to make these kinds of decisions. I prefer to be the "limiter." I'll narrow it down to two or three places and he'll choose.)
Me: Okay. Well, Panera is closed so that's out. (What's up with that anyway?) How about Moes?... (no response) TGI Fridays?...
Jon: No. Hey, too bad it's so late, we could see if PF Chang's is open.
Me: Oh, I know, let's go to Pei Wei!
Jon: No, too far. I want to stay around here.
Me: (uncontrollable giggles)
Jon: What?
Me: I'm glad you decided to let me pick tonight! (Men! We compromised on Appleby's in case you were wondering.)
Happy Slapsgiving! :)
- Never make fun of your husband's music selection when he's trying to create a "mood," apparently they are very sensitive about this. Though it will ensure that you can go to bed early and read...
- Today two of my most challenging students were absent. I hate to say that I was glad, but I now have another thing to be thankful for.
- Charlie Brown's Thanksgiving is timeless. My kids laughed and laughed as we watched it today. Oddly, the part they thought was funniest was when Peppermint Patty kept calling CB, Chuck.
- I brought home two huge bags of school books and projects to work on this weekend. Yeah right! (Well, I did bring the stuff home. It's the working on it part that seems unlikely.)
- I cannot wait to get the Christmas lights up and the tree up. I have two stories to tell you there, but they'll have to wait until another day.
- Lastly, Jon surprised me tonight by telling me he would take me out for dinner. Here's a brief recap of our conversation.
Jon: Where do you want to go?
Me: I don't care. You pick.
Jon: No, you pick! (He hates that I don't like to make these kinds of decisions. I prefer to be the "limiter." I'll narrow it down to two or three places and he'll choose.)
Me: Okay. Well, Panera is closed so that's out. (What's up with that anyway?) How about Moes?... (no response) TGI Fridays?...
Jon: No. Hey, too bad it's so late, we could see if PF Chang's is open.
Me: Oh, I know, let's go to Pei Wei!
Jon: No, too far. I want to stay around here.
Me: (uncontrollable giggles)
Jon: What?
Me: I'm glad you decided to let me pick tonight! (Men! We compromised on Appleby's in case you were wondering.)
Happy Slapsgiving! :)
Tuesday, November 20, 2007
Foxy Day
I got two Jeff Foxworthy emails today. Since I have nothing else to blog about (other than my extreme giddiness that tomorrow is the last school day before the Thanksgiving holiday!!), I decided to share some of my favorites. :)
You know you're a teacher if...
- You get a secret thrill out of laminating something. (Except all the dang cutting, laminating is the best!)
- You walk into a store and hear the words "It's Mrs. _____" and know you have been spotted. (It is a little like being a rock star...except they don't usually throw their underwear at me unless they're soiled.)
- You feel the urge to talk to strange children and correct their behavior when you are out in public. (Sometimes I can resist, sometimes not.)
- You are secretly addicted to hand sanitizer. (I had to scale back after it started to eat holes in my skin.)
and my personal fave...
- You've trained yourself to go to the bathroom at two distinct times of the day: lunch and prep period. (So true!!)
You know you're a Minnesotan if...
- There are 7 empty cars running in the parking lot at Mill's Fleet Farm. (Oh, Fleet, how I miss your school supplies and candy.)
- You have ever refused to buy something because it's 'too spendy.' (What's wrong with that? Maybe you should try Fleet Farm.)
- Your local Dairy Queen is closed from November through March. (That first Spring Blizzard was always worth the wait!)
- Your town has an equal number of bars and churches (...and both are places of worship).
- You see people wearing hunting clothes at social events. (Does a Ducks Unlimited shirt at my wedding count?)
- You measure distance in hours. (I do! I grew up about 2 1/2 hours north of Mpls.)
and my personal fave...
- Vacation means going 'up north' for the weekend. (Of course! If it didn't, my grandparents wouldn't have been in the resort business for 60 years!)
You know you're a teacher if...
- You get a secret thrill out of laminating something. (Except all the dang cutting, laminating is the best!)
- You walk into a store and hear the words "It's Mrs. _____" and know you have been spotted. (It is a little like being a rock star...except they don't usually throw their underwear at me unless they're soiled.)
- You feel the urge to talk to strange children and correct their behavior when you are out in public. (Sometimes I can resist, sometimes not.)
- You are secretly addicted to hand sanitizer. (I had to scale back after it started to eat holes in my skin.)
and my personal fave...
- You've trained yourself to go to the bathroom at two distinct times of the day: lunch and prep period. (So true!!)
You know you're a Minnesotan if...
- There are 7 empty cars running in the parking lot at Mill's Fleet Farm. (Oh, Fleet, how I miss your school supplies and candy.)
- You have ever refused to buy something because it's 'too spendy.' (What's wrong with that? Maybe you should try Fleet Farm.)
- Your local Dairy Queen is closed from November through March. (That first Spring Blizzard was always worth the wait!)
- Your town has an equal number of bars and churches (...and both are places of worship).
- You see people wearing hunting clothes at social events. (Does a Ducks Unlimited shirt at my wedding count?)
- You measure distance in hours. (I do! I grew up about 2 1/2 hours north of Mpls.)
and my personal fave...
- Vacation means going 'up north' for the weekend. (Of course! If it didn't, my grandparents wouldn't have been in the resort business for 60 years!)
Monday, November 19, 2007
Sunday Synopsis
Another great Sunday. Jon and I got up early and headed out to get our Thanksgiving grocery shopping done. Bonus: we stopped at a cafe for breakfast first (Georgia pecan banana pancakes, yum-o!). Shopping with the hubby was quite fun. Jon and I always used to do the grocery shopping together. It seemed to make it more fun and less of a chore, especially because Jon invented a game where he would act like an emotionally abusive husband to see what kind of reaction he could get out of the other shoppers. Example: "woman, you don't need to be eating those cookies, get them out of the cart!" I would get lots of sympathetic looks. :) Since I started teaching and working so much on the weekends, we haven't had time to go together - so this was a real treat.
On our way in, we saw a guy that gave us the giggles. He looked like a New Yorker (the type of guy who flipped pizzas at a pizza parlor is Jon's backstory - we like to make up stories about people, as I'm sure you all do too.) He was wearing a black long sleeve shirt tucked into black sweat pants (the light weight kind from the 80s that are kind of tapered at the leg). The outfit alone was enough to make us share a look, but then right as he was walking in the store, he reached out his left arm to grab a coupon flyer and his right leg came up to his knee in a little ballet-esque pose. I'm not sure how we managed it, but we held it together until he rounded a corner and then burst out laughing. (Obviously the guy had a hidden dream of being a dancer, so we added that to his backstory as well.)
The rest of the day was also productive. Schoolwork, check. Laundry, check. Ikea mirror hung, check. Then Venessa came over and we feasted on Chef Jon's delicious venison stew and watched Ocean's Thirteen. Best part, I was in bed by nine with lots of time to read my book before actually turning in to sleep.
Sunday is staring to climb the chart as my favorite day of the week. :)
On our way in, we saw a guy that gave us the giggles. He looked like a New Yorker (the type of guy who flipped pizzas at a pizza parlor is Jon's backstory - we like to make up stories about people, as I'm sure you all do too.) He was wearing a black long sleeve shirt tucked into black sweat pants (the light weight kind from the 80s that are kind of tapered at the leg). The outfit alone was enough to make us share a look, but then right as he was walking in the store, he reached out his left arm to grab a coupon flyer and his right leg came up to his knee in a little ballet-esque pose. I'm not sure how we managed it, but we held it together until he rounded a corner and then burst out laughing. (Obviously the guy had a hidden dream of being a dancer, so we added that to his backstory as well.)
The rest of the day was also productive. Schoolwork, check. Laundry, check. Ikea mirror hung, check. Then Venessa came over and we feasted on Chef Jon's delicious venison stew and watched Ocean's Thirteen. Best part, I was in bed by nine with lots of time to read my book before actually turning in to sleep.
Sunday is staring to climb the chart as my favorite day of the week. :)
Sunday, November 18, 2007
Surrey with the Fringe On Top
You all know how much I love my neighbor. Not only is she sweet, funny, and thoughtful, but she's also willing to tag along with me on boring errands or keep me company at weird events. So last night, when she asked if I would accompany her to the local Jewish Community Center's production of Oklahoma!, I jumped at the chance to return the favor. Besides, it doesn't really matter what we're doing, we always have fun... and this evening did not disappoint.
We started out by meeting up with a dozen other medical professionals for dinner at Bahama Breeze. The drinks and appetizers were delicious and the conversation was fun and interesting. Especially since one of the ladies brought her precocious 6 year old son. He kept us busy with guessing games all evening long (guess the name of his friends, his teachers, numbers etc). My favorite was when he asked me to guess a number. "I'm thinking of a number between 1 and 3," he said with all seriousness. "Is it 2?" I asked. I got it on the first try! He was really impressed with that. :)
After dinner, it was off to the JCC for the play. The lead male, Curly, was being played by another one of their friends. Let's just say he's a guy who loves to sing show tunes all day long and probably needs to take some time to clean out his closet. It was rumored that he had to smooch with his female co-star, so they were all a little interested to see how that was going to go.
It was a blast! Here are the highlights:
- the stage was about half the size of the one at my little high school
- there was only one set piece (a little housefront), a gate and a couple of hay bales
- there were probably 50 - 80 people there (max)
- we sat in row three, so I could see the piece of scotch tape holding their mic to their cheek
- picture the predominantly Jewish cast using fake southern accents and one Indian accent for the peddler (hilarious!)
- it was an interesting mix of ages as well so often couples looked a little mismatched due to their age difference
- the singing was excellent and their enthusiasm was infectious!
Their friend did an amazing job, he truly can belt out those show tunes. The kisses were a bit awkward, but all in all, a great job. My favorite storyline though wasn't that of the main characters Curly and Laurey, but of Ado Annie, Will Parker, and Ali Hakim. (For those of you not too familiar with Oklahoma!, Ado Annie is a bit of a slut. She lives by the motto "love the one you're with." Her father has promised her to Will Parker, but only if he can get $50 cash to pay for her. He's a little slow-witted, so he keeps getting the money but then spending it or losing it somehow. In the meantime, she gets involved with the Indian peddler, Ali Hakim, who gets roped into an engagement with her that he is desperately trying to get out of. It's only with his help that Ado Annie and Will finally end up together.)
Anyway, the gal that played Ado Annie did a fantastic job. (Her songs are very comedic and sung a bit off key with a southern Betty Boop type flair.) In her first song, "I Cain't Say No!," she started all sweet and innocent with her dress buttoned up to her throat and then shocked us all when she ripped the top open and flashed us her barely-covered, gigantic boobs. Throughout the rest of the play, her boobs were on predominant display. You couldn't keep your eyes off them. You tried to look away or up or anywhere, but two seconds later your eyes were right back where they started. If we women can't help but stare, I really do feel for you guys! I will start cutting you some more slack when it comes to the ladies. :)
What a night's entertainment! They have a few more plays coming up this year - I may have to go and check them out...
We started out by meeting up with a dozen other medical professionals for dinner at Bahama Breeze. The drinks and appetizers were delicious and the conversation was fun and interesting. Especially since one of the ladies brought her precocious 6 year old son. He kept us busy with guessing games all evening long (guess the name of his friends, his teachers, numbers etc). My favorite was when he asked me to guess a number. "I'm thinking of a number between 1 and 3," he said with all seriousness. "Is it 2?" I asked. I got it on the first try! He was really impressed with that. :)
After dinner, it was off to the JCC for the play. The lead male, Curly, was being played by another one of their friends. Let's just say he's a guy who loves to sing show tunes all day long and probably needs to take some time to clean out his closet. It was rumored that he had to smooch with his female co-star, so they were all a little interested to see how that was going to go.
It was a blast! Here are the highlights:
- the stage was about half the size of the one at my little high school
- there was only one set piece (a little housefront), a gate and a couple of hay bales
- there were probably 50 - 80 people there (max)
- we sat in row three, so I could see the piece of scotch tape holding their mic to their cheek
- picture the predominantly Jewish cast using fake southern accents and one Indian accent for the peddler (hilarious!)
- it was an interesting mix of ages as well so often couples looked a little mismatched due to their age difference
- the singing was excellent and their enthusiasm was infectious!
Their friend did an amazing job, he truly can belt out those show tunes. The kisses were a bit awkward, but all in all, a great job. My favorite storyline though wasn't that of the main characters Curly and Laurey, but of Ado Annie, Will Parker, and Ali Hakim. (For those of you not too familiar with Oklahoma!, Ado Annie is a bit of a slut. She lives by the motto "love the one you're with." Her father has promised her to Will Parker, but only if he can get $50 cash to pay for her. He's a little slow-witted, so he keeps getting the money but then spending it or losing it somehow. In the meantime, she gets involved with the Indian peddler, Ali Hakim, who gets roped into an engagement with her that he is desperately trying to get out of. It's only with his help that Ado Annie and Will finally end up together.)
Anyway, the gal that played Ado Annie did a fantastic job. (Her songs are very comedic and sung a bit off key with a southern Betty Boop type flair.) In her first song, "I Cain't Say No!," she started all sweet and innocent with her dress buttoned up to her throat and then shocked us all when she ripped the top open and flashed us her barely-covered, gigantic boobs. Throughout the rest of the play, her boobs were on predominant display. You couldn't keep your eyes off them. You tried to look away or up or anywhere, but two seconds later your eyes were right back where they started. If we women can't help but stare, I really do feel for you guys! I will start cutting you some more slack when it comes to the ladies. :)
What a night's entertainment! They have a few more plays coming up this year - I may have to go and check them out...
Friday, November 16, 2007
Work Life
Taking another note from Jess’s blog, I decided to chronicle a day in the work life of me. It was a pretty typical Friday…
5:25 Rolled out of bed late (I can’t seem to wake up at my usual time these days). But since I normally arrive at school much earlier than necessary, I’m in no risk of being late.
6:45 Jon and I say goodbye to Rio, watch as she takes up post in her little bed by the front door (this is her duty post for the next 10 hours), and head out to work ourselves.
6:50 Arrive at work. (I love my commute!) Her are a couple of pics of me and my classroom.
5:25 Rolled out of bed late (I can’t seem to wake up at my usual time these days). But since I normally arrive at school much earlier than necessary, I’m in no risk of being late.
6:45 Jon and I say goodbye to Rio, watch as she takes up post in her little bed by the front door (this is her duty post for the next 10 hours), and head out to work ourselves.
6:50 Arrive at work. (I love my commute!) Her are a couple of pics of me and my classroom.
Sorry the self-pic is a little scary. I forgot to take the mirror shot before I left home and although I have a bathroom in my classroom, I never use it. Little boys have aim issues so my bathroom always smells like a urinal. (I walk all the way to the front office or the library to pee.) Obviously, I wasn’t about to go in there for a photo op.
It was only 50 something degrees when I left for work this morning – that’s brisk baby and I love it! You can’t tell but I’m wearing a long sleeve shirt (what fun!) and a cool knit jacket from Target.
It was only 50 something degrees when I left for work this morning – that’s brisk baby and I love it! You can’t tell but I’m wearing a long sleeve shirt (what fun!) and a cool knit jacket from Target.
This is my classroom where I engage and inspire eighteen 5 and 6 year olds daily. FYI: this is my favorite time of day to be in my classroom. :)
7:55 Bell rings and the little ones arrive. Put the slaves to work unpacking their backpacks, unstacking the chairs, and hanging their seat sacks.
8:05 Please stand for the Pledge of Allegiance and National Anthem!
8:10 Math: review three-dimensional shapes: cube, cone, cylinder, sphere; play colors and shapes bingo. No, you don’t have a bingo. You need to get four in a row… in a row, means in a line. Sadly, this is not the first time we’ve played bingo.
8:45 Thank goodness, it’s time for Specials. Have fun in art! Check my mailbox. Check my email. 30 minutes up already!
9:15 Walk in line. Faces forward, hands by sides, mouths closed. Time for Writing: i lik t pla on compooders! Great sounding out!
10:00 Demonstration: How Squanto helped the Pilgrims plant and grow corn. Oreo cookie for dirt, candy corn for seed, goldfish cracker for fertilizing fish. Yum!
10:40 Time for lunch! Drop 12 off at the cafeteria, bring 6 successful spinners back for Royal Lunch. They earn tokens for good behavior and chances to spin the prize wheel. Yes, one prize is lunch with me. Surprisingly, it’s probably the most popular. It could be my winning personality or, more likely, the fact that I let them watch TV. (As a result of these Friday gatherings, I’ve developed a real fondness for the PBS cartoon Word Girl. She's a super girl who defeats evil with her advanced vocab and a little help from her sidekick - the lovable monkey, Captain Huggy Face!)
11:15 Theatrical reading of Cinderella complete with moronic step-sister and wicked step-mother voices.
11:30 Reading groups: b – a – t? b-a-t? bat! Some of these kids have obviously never watched Sesame Street.
12:20 Stood up by Book Buddies again. On Fridays, a 4th grade class comes to partner read to the kids… or should I say they doesn’t come? They don’t call, they don’t email, they just don’t show. Who knew 4th graders could be so rude?
12:45 Mister Rogers time: heels off, sneakers on.
7:55 Bell rings and the little ones arrive. Put the slaves to work unpacking their backpacks, unstacking the chairs, and hanging their seat sacks.
8:05 Please stand for the Pledge of Allegiance and National Anthem!
8:10 Math: review three-dimensional shapes: cube, cone, cylinder, sphere; play colors and shapes bingo. No, you don’t have a bingo. You need to get four in a row… in a row, means in a line. Sadly, this is not the first time we’ve played bingo.
8:45 Thank goodness, it’s time for Specials. Have fun in art! Check my mailbox. Check my email. 30 minutes up already!
9:15 Walk in line. Faces forward, hands by sides, mouths closed. Time for Writing: i lik t pla on compooders! Great sounding out!
10:00 Demonstration: How Squanto helped the Pilgrims plant and grow corn. Oreo cookie for dirt, candy corn for seed, goldfish cracker for fertilizing fish. Yum!
10:40 Time for lunch! Drop 12 off at the cafeteria, bring 6 successful spinners back for Royal Lunch. They earn tokens for good behavior and chances to spin the prize wheel. Yes, one prize is lunch with me. Surprisingly, it’s probably the most popular. It could be my winning personality or, more likely, the fact that I let them watch TV. (As a result of these Friday gatherings, I’ve developed a real fondness for the PBS cartoon Word Girl. She's a super girl who defeats evil with her advanced vocab and a little help from her sidekick - the lovable monkey, Captain Huggy Face!)
11:15 Theatrical reading of Cinderella complete with moronic step-sister and wicked step-mother voices.
11:30 Reading groups: b – a – t? b-a-t? bat! Some of these kids have obviously never watched Sesame Street.
12:20 Stood up by Book Buddies again. On Fridays, a 4th grade class comes to partner read to the kids… or should I say they doesn’t come? They don’t call, they don’t email, they just don’t show. Who knew 4th graders could be so rude?
12:45 Mister Rogers time: heels off, sneakers on.
Recess! Hey, it’s cool outside. I can stand in the sun without the fear of sweat stains under the bra line. Bonus: the kids don’t get sweaty either and they don’t come in looking like breaded chickens from all the sand stuck to their skin.
1:00 Calendar Math: let’s listen to the teacher sing off key - Macarena Months and Days of the Week set to the Addams Family!
1:20 Centers – go play! Not you. You didn’t do your writing this morning. You’ve got to get your work done before you can have the fun!
1:45 Now run along home. Be helpful and kind.
Pick up a book to challenge your mind.
Go to bed early. Get plenty of rest.
So Monday at school you can do your best!
(music and lyrics by MN Mom)
Chat with co-workers, check voicemail and email, lesson prep and still out the door by 3:45… must be the weekend! :)
What do you think, Jess? Ready to trade those college students for Kindergartners?
1:20 Centers – go play! Not you. You didn’t do your writing this morning. You’ve got to get your work done before you can have the fun!
1:45 Now run along home. Be helpful and kind.
Pick up a book to challenge your mind.
Go to bed early. Get plenty of rest.
So Monday at school you can do your best!
(music and lyrics by MN Mom)
Chat with co-workers, check voicemail and email, lesson prep and still out the door by 3:45… must be the weekend! :)
What do you think, Jess? Ready to trade those college students for Kindergartners?
Thursday, November 15, 2007
5 Things
After reading Jess's blog, I've been tagged to tell 5 random things about myself. Since there was so much randomness to choose from, I decided to reveal some of my quirks. Unfortunately there was also a lot to choose from in the quirk department, so I narrowed it down again. Here are 5 of my quirks that revolve around water. Here goes:
1) I pretty much have an exclusive relationship with water in the beverage department. I drink less than 1 soda a month. Maybe 1 glass of juice on the weekend, a cup of tea here or there, but that's it.
2) As much water as I drink, I have specific criteria for how I will drink it. If it is in a glass, it has to be cold and there has to be ice. If the ice melts, I need to add more or I won't finish it. To me, it tastes different with no ice. If it is in a bottle, it can be either cold or warm. The plastic makes the warm acceptable somehow.
3) I am incapable of taking pills with water. It doesn't really have to do with the swallowing, again it's the taste. (Taking pills with water is one of the few things that will actually make me gag.) Instead, I open a Gatorade and take a sip out of it each day until, after a week or so, there isn't any Gatorade left. (This both annoys and grosses out my husband.)
4) I use a minimum of three toothbrushes daily. In the morning, I use my fancy electric toothbrush. At night, I use my disposable vibrating toothbrush (I'm thinking of upgrading to a musical one when the batteries die.) Anytime in between, I use a regular toothbrush. I do this because I like a clean, dry brush (no water).
5) This last one has to do with bathing in the water, so I think it still qualifies. I rotate shampoos, conditioners and body wash. Rotate makes it sound normal, like one day I feel like one shampoo and one day I feel like another. It's a little more involved than that. It's more of an alternating schedule that I keep running in my head. It would take too long to describe it and honestly you might all think of having me treated for OCD if I revealed it in full.
(Okay that's it. I know you all have quirks too, so I hope you don't go judging me too harshly!)
1) I pretty much have an exclusive relationship with water in the beverage department. I drink less than 1 soda a month. Maybe 1 glass of juice on the weekend, a cup of tea here or there, but that's it.
2) As much water as I drink, I have specific criteria for how I will drink it. If it is in a glass, it has to be cold and there has to be ice. If the ice melts, I need to add more or I won't finish it. To me, it tastes different with no ice. If it is in a bottle, it can be either cold or warm. The plastic makes the warm acceptable somehow.
3) I am incapable of taking pills with water. It doesn't really have to do with the swallowing, again it's the taste. (Taking pills with water is one of the few things that will actually make me gag.) Instead, I open a Gatorade and take a sip out of it each day until, after a week or so, there isn't any Gatorade left. (This both annoys and grosses out my husband.)
4) I use a minimum of three toothbrushes daily. In the morning, I use my fancy electric toothbrush. At night, I use my disposable vibrating toothbrush (I'm thinking of upgrading to a musical one when the batteries die.) Anytime in between, I use a regular toothbrush. I do this because I like a clean, dry brush (no water).
5) This last one has to do with bathing in the water, so I think it still qualifies. I rotate shampoos, conditioners and body wash. Rotate makes it sound normal, like one day I feel like one shampoo and one day I feel like another. It's a little more involved than that. It's more of an alternating schedule that I keep running in my head. It would take too long to describe it and honestly you might all think of having me treated for OCD if I revealed it in full.
(Okay that's it. I know you all have quirks too, so I hope you don't go judging me too harshly!)
Wednesday, November 14, 2007
Family Reponsibilities
I was going to blog tonight, but as I logged in right now,
Jon asked, "what are you doing?"
I gave him one of my famous eye squints that translates to "take a guess."
"I need your help brushing Rio and getting all the goop out of her ear," he demanded. (She recently had an ear infection so she is a bit gooped up from the meds.)
"Ok. Let me blog that I can't blog tonight and we'll get started," I answered. See how accommodating I can be?
"Yeah," he said. "Tell them you have a family that needs you!"
Men and dogs can be so demanding: walk me, pet me, love me...
and that's just Jon. Rio's easy. :)
Jon asked, "what are you doing?"
I gave him one of my famous eye squints that translates to "take a guess."
"I need your help brushing Rio and getting all the goop out of her ear," he demanded. (She recently had an ear infection so she is a bit gooped up from the meds.)
"Ok. Let me blog that I can't blog tonight and we'll get started," I answered. See how accommodating I can be?
"Yeah," he said. "Tell them you have a family that needs you!"
Men and dogs can be so demanding: walk me, pet me, love me...
and that's just Jon. Rio's easy. :)
Monday, November 12, 2007
Music Mood
I love to listen to music, especially when I'm getting ready in the morning. Although I have a couple thousand songs on my Creative Zen MP3 player, I rarely have it set to play all the songs randomly. Instead, I usually have 4 or 5 CDs that I am obsessed with and I play these for weeks even months until I rotate in new music (I'm worse than the local radio stations - no variety). Lately, the artists in heavy rotation have been Mat Kearney, The Last Goodnight, Colbie Caillat and a couple of self-created soundtracks (of various artists I have downloaded from iTunes and lumped together).
Today, I couldn't decipher my music mood. I tried listening to a couple of songs from each artist, but nothing was really working for me. I wanted something else. I wanted Christmas music! I know... pre-Thanksgiving... I tried to resist, but I could not. I picked an uptempo Chrimmus Mix CD made by DJ Master Froyd (Mr. AL-KO-HALL) and happily jammed away. (It's actually not entirely unusual for me to listen to Christmas music out of season. When I lived up in MN, I made Christmas lawn decorations for a few years while I was working my way through college. It was hard not to have Christmas on the brain... even in July!)
Listening to the CD got me thinking about my favorite Christmas songs. I prefer my Christmas music crooned by Dean Martin or Ella Fitzgerald (not today's pop artists). Here's my list:
- Favorite song to listen to (but I do not attempt to sing): O Holy Night
- Favorite song to jam to: Run, Run, Rudolph!
- Favorite comedic song: Santa Baby
- Favorite, Favorite: Have Yourself a Merry Little Christmas
(I prefer Ella's version, but Ms. Garland's is not bad either)
There's more, but my husband is giving me the eye. The get-off-the-computer-and-pay-attention-to-me eye. I guess, I have to go. :)
Today, I couldn't decipher my music mood. I tried listening to a couple of songs from each artist, but nothing was really working for me. I wanted something else. I wanted Christmas music! I know... pre-Thanksgiving... I tried to resist, but I could not. I picked an uptempo Chrimmus Mix CD made by DJ Master Froyd (Mr. AL-KO-HALL) and happily jammed away. (It's actually not entirely unusual for me to listen to Christmas music out of season. When I lived up in MN, I made Christmas lawn decorations for a few years while I was working my way through college. It was hard not to have Christmas on the brain... even in July!)
Listening to the CD got me thinking about my favorite Christmas songs. I prefer my Christmas music crooned by Dean Martin or Ella Fitzgerald (not today's pop artists). Here's my list:
- Favorite song to listen to (but I do not attempt to sing): O Holy Night
- Favorite song to jam to: Run, Run, Rudolph!
- Favorite comedic song: Santa Baby
- Favorite, Favorite: Have Yourself a Merry Little Christmas
(I prefer Ella's version, but Ms. Garland's is not bad either)
There's more, but my husband is giving me the eye. The get-off-the-computer-and-pay-attention-to-me eye. I guess, I have to go. :)
Sunday, November 11, 2007
Indian Food
Last night, I gave myself a break from being sick long enough to join some friends for dinner at their favorite Indian restaurant. We were a little worried about how busy the place would be since we knew it had recently been a major Indian holiday. I'm thinking it was Diwali, but it could have been something else entirely. (FYI: my limited understanding of Diwali came from watching an episode of The Office. It's sad that I know so little about other cultures.)
The food was great, but I think my cold was interfering some with my true appreciation. Everyone kept commenting about how spicy everything was, but I didn't think anything was spicy at all. I am quite tolerant of the spicy foods, but I should have at least noticed the spice. I guess I'll have to head back there another time to compare.
With the exception of vacuuming, I've been pretty lazy again today. I sat outside in the breeze and started a new book... blissful. Now we're headed to our friends for the Vikings game. It should be exciting since we're playing our rivals, Green Bay. Those Vikes better dominate those cheese-headed Packers or they'll ruin my good spirited Sunday. :)
The food was great, but I think my cold was interfering some with my true appreciation. Everyone kept commenting about how spicy everything was, but I didn't think anything was spicy at all. I am quite tolerant of the spicy foods, but I should have at least noticed the spice. I guess I'll have to head back there another time to compare.
With the exception of vacuuming, I've been pretty lazy again today. I sat outside in the breeze and started a new book... blissful. Now we're headed to our friends for the Vikings game. It should be exciting since we're playing our rivals, Green Bay. Those Vikes better dominate those cheese-headed Packers or they'll ruin my good spirited Sunday. :)
Saturday, November 10, 2007
Personal Best
After three years of teaching, I've managed another personal best for length of time to first cold. Nov 9th isn't too bad considering since Aug 20th I've been surrounded by 18 little germ carriers who repeatedly projectile sneeze snot into their hands.
Is projectile sneezing a talent that is lost to us as adults? I don't often see adults running with ooze dripping from their nose to their hand. Kids, on the other hand, seem fascinated by obtaining the maximum in stretch distance. (Again, thank goodness for my high tolerance gag reflex.)
This time of year, you could just put my voice on a continuous background loop like at the airport: "Get a tissue, wash your hands." Maybe I could also add one that would be automated to when the bathroom door opens and would say: "Did you flush the toilet? I didn't hear it flush." I teach so much more than their ABCs and 123s!
I'm a little bummed that my 3 day weekend is being tainted by their sickness, but at least this should mean I'll be healthy for the long Thanksgiving weekend. And I can use my stuffy head and sore throat as a get-out-of-chores-free card. I plan to do a lot of flat-backing, I mean recuperating, this weekend. :)
Is projectile sneezing a talent that is lost to us as adults? I don't often see adults running with ooze dripping from their nose to their hand. Kids, on the other hand, seem fascinated by obtaining the maximum in stretch distance. (Again, thank goodness for my high tolerance gag reflex.)
This time of year, you could just put my voice on a continuous background loop like at the airport: "Get a tissue, wash your hands." Maybe I could also add one that would be automated to when the bathroom door opens and would say: "Did you flush the toilet? I didn't hear it flush." I teach so much more than their ABCs and 123s!
I'm a little bummed that my 3 day weekend is being tainted by their sickness, but at least this should mean I'll be healthy for the long Thanksgiving weekend. And I can use my stuffy head and sore throat as a get-out-of-chores-free card. I plan to do a lot of flat-backing, I mean recuperating, this weekend. :)
Thursday, November 8, 2007
Must See TV
Today, although long and busy, has been relatively crazy-free. And now that my work is behind me, I'm ready to relax.
Here's my plan: sweatpants... couch... My Name is Earl... bed... read... The Office... sleep. Ahhh... :)
Here's my plan: sweatpants... couch... My Name is Earl... bed... read... The Office... sleep. Ahhh... :)
Wednesday, November 7, 2007
Bizarro Week
I'm not sure where to begin... it's been such an exhausting and bizarre week so far - and it's only Wednesday! I guess I'll start back at Monday.
Monday
I had a truly relaxing weekend (the hubby had been out of town since Thursday for deer hunting in MN - he shot a 200 lb doe in case you were curious) that consisted of: watching all 3 of my Netflix rentals, reading 2 books, and watching a truly exciting and win producing Vikings game (I know, shocker!, I'd forgotten what it felt like to be happy after a game). Monday night was to be my last night of singledom. I was going to make myself a delicious breakfast-for-dinner (something my husband opposes, one of his few annoying traits) and settle in for a night of couch-potatoing and Dancing With The Stars. Oh, the best laid plans...
By sheer luck, I checked my email at 5:45 and realized I had a Girl Scout event that evening. Usually we meet the 2nd Monday of the month, but I had forgotten that we moved it up due to Veteran's Day and the school holiday next week. I have to be out the door a little after 6:00 in order to make it all the way east to their offices, so that shot my breakfast-for-dinner idea. A few minutes and one scarfed-down Lean Cuisine later, I was rushing out the door. Of course, it wasn't until I was halfway there that I realized I forgot my Girl Scout bag with the keys and alarm code etc. Crap! I turned around and raced back to my house only to get stuck in the event traffic that surrounds my community (the drawback of living next door to a stadium - stupid hockey game!). Get on the express way, go the other way, construction, it was a comedy of errors. Father Time must have done something to freeze the minutes, because I was still able to get there on time (technically two minutes late, but after all that I'm calling it on time!). Kickball was fun, but I've been limping on my kicking leg ever since. That rubber ball smarts if you kick it wrong! (I was a little happy when someone kicked it and got the ball stuck in a palm tree thereby ending the game.) I came home late, bruised, exhausted, and disappointed that my Monday plans had been changed.
Tuesday
Last night was another busy night. After Grade Chair meetings all day, I had to rush home to spend a few minutes with the returning hunter before heading off to my monthly Bunko game. Bunko was fun and I won back my money for once, but it meant another long night. And things only got weirder from there...
At 2:30 in the morning, Jon, Rio & I jumped awake to the sound of a crash. It couldn't be another car accident?? We've lived here for 5 years with no incident, now 2 crashes within 2 weeks! After pulling on shorts and t-shirts, we headed outside to investigate. Thankfully it was not our driveway, but our neighbors. These are our "rental neighbors", I don't think I've blogged about them before. They've only been here a couple of months and don't speak much English, so they extent of our relationship is casual waves from the driveway.
A white hummer had smashed into one of their cars (they have four, don't get me started!) they keep parked on the swale. This sent that car flying into one of their cars parked in their driveway, and then somehow back out into the street narrowly missing their other cars. The lady driving the hummer left (she later returned claiming she was not drunk and had just spilled her coffee and then left to get her cell phone which she still didn't have with her) so the neighbors on the other side were already calling the police when we got out. The rental neighbors are heavy sleepers apparently and still hadn't come out to investigate. After banging on the door, they finally came out. There was some humor as we watched the guy calling 911 try to explain that he wasn't responsible for the crash. He just kept repeating "I'm your neighbor" louder and louder as if that would help in the translation. When the white H2 returned whining and grinding like a swarm of bees with its wheel bent at an unnatural angle, I think he finally understood. After a few more minutes, we were just wanting to get back to bed. Jon looked around and casually said, "I think I'll grab the paper." He scooped up the newspaper and headed back inside as if that was the real reason we had come outside. I'm sure it was the combination of exhaustion and circumstances, but this struck me as the funniest thing ever... and I laughed about it for at least 30 minutes before I could get back to sleep.
Wednesday
I know this is the longest post ever, so I will make today's short. At about 10:00 am this morning, they came over the loud speaker and announced a Code Yellow lockdown with the words "this is not a drill." Not knowing what is transpiring on campus, I rush to lock my doors and email that all my students are accounted for. Later, I found out that a convict shot and killed a man while on transport and escaped. As a result, they put all the schools on lockdown as a precaution. This meant we were trapped in our rooms until 1:00 pm when he was apprehended... no leaving the classroom for lunch, recess, anything. Some teachers lucked out and were actually locked out from their kids (if there kids were in Specials classes) so they got a free planning day! Me, not so lucky!
Craziness! I need to check out my horoscope, my stars must not be properly aligned this week.
Monday
I had a truly relaxing weekend (the hubby had been out of town since Thursday for deer hunting in MN - he shot a 200 lb doe in case you were curious) that consisted of: watching all 3 of my Netflix rentals, reading 2 books, and watching a truly exciting and win producing Vikings game (I know, shocker!, I'd forgotten what it felt like to be happy after a game). Monday night was to be my last night of singledom. I was going to make myself a delicious breakfast-for-dinner (something my husband opposes, one of his few annoying traits) and settle in for a night of couch-potatoing and Dancing With The Stars. Oh, the best laid plans...
By sheer luck, I checked my email at 5:45 and realized I had a Girl Scout event that evening. Usually we meet the 2nd Monday of the month, but I had forgotten that we moved it up due to Veteran's Day and the school holiday next week. I have to be out the door a little after 6:00 in order to make it all the way east to their offices, so that shot my breakfast-for-dinner idea. A few minutes and one scarfed-down Lean Cuisine later, I was rushing out the door. Of course, it wasn't until I was halfway there that I realized I forgot my Girl Scout bag with the keys and alarm code etc. Crap! I turned around and raced back to my house only to get stuck in the event traffic that surrounds my community (the drawback of living next door to a stadium - stupid hockey game!). Get on the express way, go the other way, construction, it was a comedy of errors. Father Time must have done something to freeze the minutes, because I was still able to get there on time (technically two minutes late, but after all that I'm calling it on time!). Kickball was fun, but I've been limping on my kicking leg ever since. That rubber ball smarts if you kick it wrong! (I was a little happy when someone kicked it and got the ball stuck in a palm tree thereby ending the game.) I came home late, bruised, exhausted, and disappointed that my Monday plans had been changed.
Tuesday
Last night was another busy night. After Grade Chair meetings all day, I had to rush home to spend a few minutes with the returning hunter before heading off to my monthly Bunko game. Bunko was fun and I won back my money for once, but it meant another long night. And things only got weirder from there...
At 2:30 in the morning, Jon, Rio & I jumped awake to the sound of a crash. It couldn't be another car accident?? We've lived here for 5 years with no incident, now 2 crashes within 2 weeks! After pulling on shorts and t-shirts, we headed outside to investigate. Thankfully it was not our driveway, but our neighbors. These are our "rental neighbors", I don't think I've blogged about them before. They've only been here a couple of months and don't speak much English, so they extent of our relationship is casual waves from the driveway.
A white hummer had smashed into one of their cars (they have four, don't get me started!) they keep parked on the swale. This sent that car flying into one of their cars parked in their driveway, and then somehow back out into the street narrowly missing their other cars. The lady driving the hummer left (she later returned claiming she was not drunk and had just spilled her coffee and then left to get her cell phone which she still didn't have with her) so the neighbors on the other side were already calling the police when we got out. The rental neighbors are heavy sleepers apparently and still hadn't come out to investigate. After banging on the door, they finally came out. There was some humor as we watched the guy calling 911 try to explain that he wasn't responsible for the crash. He just kept repeating "I'm your neighbor" louder and louder as if that would help in the translation. When the white H2 returned whining and grinding like a swarm of bees with its wheel bent at an unnatural angle, I think he finally understood. After a few more minutes, we were just wanting to get back to bed. Jon looked around and casually said, "I think I'll grab the paper." He scooped up the newspaper and headed back inside as if that was the real reason we had come outside. I'm sure it was the combination of exhaustion and circumstances, but this struck me as the funniest thing ever... and I laughed about it for at least 30 minutes before I could get back to sleep.
Wednesday
I know this is the longest post ever, so I will make today's short. At about 10:00 am this morning, they came over the loud speaker and announced a Code Yellow lockdown with the words "this is not a drill." Not knowing what is transpiring on campus, I rush to lock my doors and email that all my students are accounted for. Later, I found out that a convict shot and killed a man while on transport and escaped. As a result, they put all the schools on lockdown as a precaution. This meant we were trapped in our rooms until 1:00 pm when he was apprehended... no leaving the classroom for lunch, recess, anything. Some teachers lucked out and were actually locked out from their kids (if there kids were in Specials classes) so they got a free planning day! Me, not so lucky!
Craziness! I need to check out my horoscope, my stars must not be properly aligned this week.
Tuesday, November 6, 2007
Beat!
Sorry no posts the last couple of days. I was out last night until 10:00 pm and tonight until about two minutes ago. I'm a very busy girl this week! I'll check in with you all tomorrow when I'm awake. :)
Sunday, November 4, 2007
So Delicious
I have to confess: I'm one of those people who doesn't do well with scents. I have a fairly sensitive sniffer, apparently I'm more like Scooby in that respect. (Sorry! I couldn't help it. I think I made a little challenge with myself as to how many blogs I could write with a Scooby Doo tie in.) Anyway, perfume of any kind makes me feel nauseous. This mostly occurs when I wear it myself - I don't want any of my friends to think they can't wear perfume around me - which is why I never wear the stuff. I also tend to avoid strolling through the makeup counters at the department store. That is like scentsensation overload! I come out feeling light headed and shaky.
Even scented lotions pose a problem. Bath and Body Works you tempt me with all your pretty labels and fanciful names, but I can't wear anything fruity or too sweet. (It's best if I don't inhale too deeply when I'm visiting their store either.) Luckily, I was able to find one B&BW lotion that doesn't make me want to crawl out of my skin, so I've been wearing Creamy Coconut lotion daily for the better part of a decade.
I'm sure most women hope their signature scent will be tantalizing and that every man/woman in the room will wish to devour them. My Creamy Coconut lotion takes this to a whole new level. Everyone who comes near me only smells vanilla and baked goods. Disappointing your co-workers after they come sniffing around the cubical looking for a Crispy Creme or Oreo cookie induced sugar-rush makes one surprisingly unpopular, but this is a sacrifice I'm willing to make.
Recently, I discovered that I can also wear Spicy Pumpkin. You can imagine my excitement. With Halloween and Thanksgiving in the air, I lathered up and headed out to work. As I strolled past some co-workers that morning I heard one of them comment, "I think someone is baking gingerbread cookies." I just smiled to myself and kept on walking.
Even scented lotions pose a problem. Bath and Body Works you tempt me with all your pretty labels and fanciful names, but I can't wear anything fruity or too sweet. (It's best if I don't inhale too deeply when I'm visiting their store either.) Luckily, I was able to find one B&BW lotion that doesn't make me want to crawl out of my skin, so I've been wearing Creamy Coconut lotion daily for the better part of a decade.
I'm sure most women hope their signature scent will be tantalizing and that every man/woman in the room will wish to devour them. My Creamy Coconut lotion takes this to a whole new level. Everyone who comes near me only smells vanilla and baked goods. Disappointing your co-workers after they come sniffing around the cubical looking for a Crispy Creme or Oreo cookie induced sugar-rush makes one surprisingly unpopular, but this is a sacrifice I'm willing to make.
Recently, I discovered that I can also wear Spicy Pumpkin. You can imagine my excitement. With Halloween and Thanksgiving in the air, I lathered up and headed out to work. As I strolled past some co-workers that morning I heard one of them comment, "I think someone is baking gingerbread cookies." I just smiled to myself and kept on walking.
Saturday, November 3, 2007
Damsel in Distress
With Scooby Doo on the brain lately, I was thinking last night why Daphne was my favorite character and specifically what does that say about me? We all know Velma was the brains behind the operation, Shaggy and Scooby the comic relief, Fred the unnecessary male figurehead, and Daphne the damsel in distress. I know they tried to "Buffy-fy" her in the movies, but in truth, it's the original two-dimensional Daphne that I always identified with.
Why? I think it was her fashion sense that drew me in. I mean purple is still one of my favorite colors. I bought the most beautiful purple blouse the other day from Target. I also have a penchant for purple ink, it was kind of my signature when I worked in corporate (that way there was no mistaking my notes for anyone else's and I didn't even mind being labeled the "purple pen lady"). The Vikings wear purple jerseys... maybe that's why I've never been able to sever our destructive relationship (they break my heart every Fall and yet I keep coming back for more). Forget "puppy power," it's purple power for me!
And I guess I'm comfortable being a little bit of a damsel in distress. I'm a wimp and I know it. I don't do yard work, bugs or anything gross. I can't open a jar without gadgets, gizmos, divine intervention or human assistance. I once cried in frustration because I couldn't scoop particularly hard ice cream. (Ice cream is my drug of choice. When I gotta have it, I gotta have it now!) Thank God I married young, apparently I'm completely incapable to taking care of myself.
Well, Daphne mystery solved.
I don't even want to begin to analyze my affection for Smurfette, the only female in a population of 100 willing man-slaves with names like Papa, Handy and Hefty....
Why? I think it was her fashion sense that drew me in. I mean purple is still one of my favorite colors. I bought the most beautiful purple blouse the other day from Target. I also have a penchant for purple ink, it was kind of my signature when I worked in corporate (that way there was no mistaking my notes for anyone else's and I didn't even mind being labeled the "purple pen lady"). The Vikings wear purple jerseys... maybe that's why I've never been able to sever our destructive relationship (they break my heart every Fall and yet I keep coming back for more). Forget "puppy power," it's purple power for me!
And I guess I'm comfortable being a little bit of a damsel in distress. I'm a wimp and I know it. I don't do yard work, bugs or anything gross. I can't open a jar without gadgets, gizmos, divine intervention or human assistance. I once cried in frustration because I couldn't scoop particularly hard ice cream. (Ice cream is my drug of choice. When I gotta have it, I gotta have it now!) Thank God I married young, apparently I'm completely incapable to taking care of myself.
Well, Daphne mystery solved.
I don't even want to begin to analyze my affection for Smurfette, the only female in a population of 100 willing man-slaves with names like Papa, Handy and Hefty....
Friday, November 2, 2007
The Birds & The Bees
A few days ago, I seemed to be plagued by bird issues: the dead bird on the playground; the splat attack on my car; and I didn't even tell you about the mess I discovered on the pool deck, or poop deck rather. (Poor Rio doesn't know where to walk, it's like navigating a mine field back there). So today when I was walking my kids back to the classroom from the cafeteria and I felt something plop on my head, my first thought was great, a bird pooped on my head. After fingering through my hair and finding no goopy liquid, I was relieved and simply assumed I had imagined it.
I didn't give it much thought until about twenty minutes later when I felt a sharp pain in my upper arm. I miraculously refrained from cussing in surprise, but my kids still knew something was wrong since I was standing in front of them with my mouth hanging open like a guppy and my hand clutching my arm. One of my girls thoughtfully inspected the wound and confirmed my suspicions - I was stung by a bee!
Since I am an asthmatic with allergies, I have fearfully and successfully avoided bee stings my whole life. I was actually a bit concerned when the area around the sting site immediately got puffy and white, but my heart rate felt normalish (only slightly elevated due to my panic) and I was breathing so I determined the injury was not likely to be fatal. Still, it hurt like heck! I actually had to send two messengers to our clinic to fetch me an ice pack. My kiddos were very sweet and one even gave me her Super Job sticker since I was being "so brave and didn't cry."
Later when I sent the kids to their play centers, we found my attacker hiding out in the doll house where I assume he was looking for potential hostages. He was barely clinging to life, however, so he didn't put up much of a struggle when I scooped him up and tossed him outside. I don't know my bees, but he wasn't of the cute yellow and black striped bumble variety. I'm guessing he was a wasp. One of my students told me a wasp's sting hurts much worse than a bee sting so that must have been it!
I'm not sure I'm going to enjoy this new phase of nature's assault against me but at least I can say that I've confronted one of my worst fears and survived to tell the tale.
I didn't give it much thought until about twenty minutes later when I felt a sharp pain in my upper arm. I miraculously refrained from cussing in surprise, but my kids still knew something was wrong since I was standing in front of them with my mouth hanging open like a guppy and my hand clutching my arm. One of my girls thoughtfully inspected the wound and confirmed my suspicions - I was stung by a bee!
Since I am an asthmatic with allergies, I have fearfully and successfully avoided bee stings my whole life. I was actually a bit concerned when the area around the sting site immediately got puffy and white, but my heart rate felt normalish (only slightly elevated due to my panic) and I was breathing so I determined the injury was not likely to be fatal. Still, it hurt like heck! I actually had to send two messengers to our clinic to fetch me an ice pack. My kiddos were very sweet and one even gave me her Super Job sticker since I was being "so brave and didn't cry."
Later when I sent the kids to their play centers, we found my attacker hiding out in the doll house where I assume he was looking for potential hostages. He was barely clinging to life, however, so he didn't put up much of a struggle when I scooped him up and tossed him outside. I don't know my bees, but he wasn't of the cute yellow and black striped bumble variety. I'm guessing he was a wasp. One of my students told me a wasp's sting hurts much worse than a bee sting so that must have been it!
I'm not sure I'm going to enjoy this new phase of nature's assault against me but at least I can say that I've confronted one of my worst fears and survived to tell the tale.
Wednesday, October 31, 2007
Boo!
The day has arrived! The house has been spookified, orange and purple lights trail along like spider webs (or should I say along the spider webs?... I still haven't cleaned the house). The pumpkin has been carved with scary vampire fangs. Rio and I are decked out in our coordinated cowgirl outfits. Now we wait...
We're hoping the trick or treaters will brave the gloomy and windy weather, courtesy of Tropical Storm Noel, if only to help us empty the cauldron of candy I no longer want to eat. Not because I've decided to be good and watch my caloric intake, but because I've pretty much eaten all the good stuff. Only the crappy, non-chocolate candy is left!
Happy Halloween!
We're hoping the trick or treaters will brave the gloomy and windy weather, courtesy of Tropical Storm Noel, if only to help us empty the cauldron of candy I no longer want to eat. Not because I've decided to be good and watch my caloric intake, but because I've pretty much eaten all the good stuff. Only the crappy, non-chocolate candy is left!
Happy Halloween!
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)