Hey ma, look! New hair!

In response to Nathan's blog, here is the comparison between me in 1999 (my senior picture) and me in 2007. Not a big difference, but here ya go. :)

Hello from Ohio!

I've been in Ohio for two days now and boy, is it exciting. But for real, it is so nice to be able to relax and not feel the need to clean the entire house top to bottom or worry about my next meal. Mom always breaks out the food, whether I feel like cooking or not. It's quite nice.

Meanwhile, in Florida, two former girls from our youth group have become engaged! Let me tell you how weird it is to have a student of your own get engaged. I mean, I was their leader when they were 17-18, but still. Weird. Now they're just 19 and 20, but they are both more ready for marriage than many couples I've known.

Just when John and I thought we were done with weddings for a while...

Time to check registries and go dress shopping.

Also, I'm a little bit overwhelmed by Ohio State fans. I mean, we are in Ohio, but I swear there were not this many OSU fans when I left here four years ago, and it annoys me slightly that, now that they're awesome, they have all these fans. Seriously, I knew about TWO Ohio State fans my whole life, and now everyone is suddenly a die hard fan, painting their kitchen red and gray and stuff. Weird.

Stockings!`

John and I have spent the past two afternoons shopping for stocking stuffers for each other. He's going to be home soon with my presents. I am so excited. Aren't stockings almost the best thing about Christmas morning? I just love the whole concept.

Life with DVR

Since the purchase of our something something inch LCD television and a small box that is quickly becoming an idol in the Erdman household, life has not been the same. If you know me well, you know that I am not a huge fan of TV. I've never really liked sitting and watching things, except movies, because it's boring. I'd rather read a book because at least when I'm reading, I can picture people the way I want to and make their voices the way I want them to sound in my wacky little brain.

ANYWAY, for some reason the enormous-ness of this TV mesmorizes me, hypnotizes me and I find myself watching football, the news and John's psycho murder and sex abuse shows (NCIS, Law and Order, Criminal Minds) with newfound passion.

But the best thing of all is that I recorded all of those Janette Oak movies on the Hallmark Channel. Love Comes Softly, Love's Enduring Promise... I watch them before I go to bed. Then, I lay awake crying over the miraculous strength all the characters showed throughout their hardships, love conquering all things blah blah blah. They are as cheesy as they sound, but I just love every minute.

Yow-zah!

Guess what I am wearing to our staff Christmas party tomorrow night? A sports bra and a baggy shirt! Hooty-hoo!

In case you have been an unfaithful reader, I had surgery on Wednesday in a pretty sensitive area of the female body found in the general bra area. I know that's graphic, but we're all adults here, and just my luck, most of you are women.

So my bandages came off today, and I haven't had any pain so far except now that the massive bandage isn't holding things together anymore. So I'm stuck wearing a sports bra and holding onto my chest a lot. Awk-ward!

Rhinovirus Hugs

There's always one huggy student in my class who always gives me a cold. This year it's Cheyenne. She's pretty much the cutest kid in the world, and she gives the best hugs. Whenever she gets into trouble (which she sometimes does), she always gives me a hug five minutes later and says, "I love you, Mrs. Erdman." So what am I supposed to do? I just hug her and think, one hour from now, I will be coughing. And sure enough, that's what happens. Every month of this school year so far. Last year, it was Samantha. The year before that, it was Priscilla. And my first year, it was Akira. They are forever in my heart as the ones who damaged my immune system.

KANSAS JAYHAWKS GO TO THE ORANGE BOWL!

And I get to go to my first ever football game in professional football stadium! I am so psyched.

December

December is here.

What am I going to wear in Ohio? The only winter clothes I have are the same ones I had all through college. Same coats, same sweaters, same shoes. It's not like I am going to go out and spend hundreds of dollars on winter wear that will only be good for seven days. Everything seems hugely out of style, and I am going to see friends I haven't seen in ages. They'll all have new, grown up looking jackets and sweaters. I'll have the same clothes they saw me wearing four years ago. Yippee.

By the way, I enjoyed the beach today. Perfect weather. Warm sun, cool breeze. Ahhhh.

Pioneer Day!

Pioneer Day was a huge success. I forgot to take my camera, but I wouldn't be able to post pictures anyway. My job was to have 5 first grade classes make butter and explore the differences between today and long ago in the making of cornbread, butter, and getting milk. I just loved every minute of it.

It says something, too, about the differences between teaching middle school, high school, and elementary school. When part of your day is just teaching the same lesson twice or more, it sure does go a lot faster and requires less planning. It also leads, I think, to a better lesson and maybe a better experience for the kids.

All the first graders at Highlands Elementary received five very involved, very planned, and very hands-on lessons today from 8:00 until 11:00. I hope we do things like this more often.

At our school, none of the classes switch, not even fourth and fifth grade. I don't know how the 4th and 5th grade teachers get really in depth with schedules like that. Yet they choose to do it that way. I wonder why. It makes sense for the little ones to stay in the same class, but I don't know about the bigger kids.

Someday I'll write something on here that's interesting.

Christmas Cards

Why do we send Christmas cards? To spread joy, to share news, to keep in touch with our friends and family, and many other reasons I'm sure. Like to show off our family, our pets, our talents, our money. Who knows, but a lot of work goes into this whole card business.

For one thing, I spent about an hour of my life searching for the perfectly worded, priced and painted card. I wanted something that said Merry Christmas. None of that Season's Greetings crap. Who the heck is happy about the SEASON? Well, unless you live in Florida. No Happy Holidays, either. I'm going to wish you a Merry Christmas like it or not, and if you want to wish me a Happy Hannukah, Happy Kwanzaa, I will wish you a Happy Hannukah or Kwanzaa right back. But we do Christmas round these parts.

Then there's the issue of getting a Jesus card or a not Jesus card. A spiritual card or a goofy card, a cute card or a Santa card. Jesus cards are always a possibility for me, except all the Jesus cards have gold squiggly writing, lots of stars, Mary with a halo, or some other ridiculous hullaballoo. So I just look for cards with cute animals on them. You can't go wrong with cute animals.

Then there's price. Jesus cards always cost somewhere around twenty dollars a box. Jesus would so not be happy with you, Hallmark. Then they charge you extra if there's a Bible verse, as if God's agent is out trying to scavenge more money from us all whenever Scripture is quoted. God would so not be happy with you, either, American Greetings.

OK, so I finally found cards that fit my criteria. Nothing Jesus about them, but if you're moron enough to not figure out that I DO wish you a Merry Christmas, a blessed New Year, and that the grace of God be in your life, and praise the Lord that Jesus was born, come to the earth to save all humankind, yada yada, then I am sorry and will get the gold calligraphy card for you next year.

Then I had to deal with getting address labels that sort of match the card and try to figure out if I want the label to say Mr. and Mrs. Erdman, Mr. and Mrs. John Erdman, John and Amanda Erdman, The Erdman Family (which wouldn't leave Rosa out). Then I have to try to get special Christmas stamps, which will likely cost $950.00.

And of course, it's finding all the addresses that really takes a lot of time and makes you realize how much you suck as a friend. My best friends' addresses are still college addresses and we graduated 3 and a half years ago.

Then on the stinkin' cards you gotta figure out how on earth you should write everyone's name in the household on the card, seeing as the kids have different last names, sometimes the live-in boyfriend has a different name of course, illegitimate children, step children, grandchildren, children that are sorta-kinda moved out but not really...arrgh.

Sometimes people name their kids all these crazy names and you can't remember how to spell their names, so they just get left off the card.

Merry Christmas! I hope you all enjoy our Xmas cards this year!

All she ever does is complain.

Symptoms:

Tired. Body hurts all over.

I eat healthy, get enough exercise, drink enough water, and I eat good breakfasts. So what's the problem? My face hurts. My neck hurts. My feet hurt. What the heck?

Sigh. I don't know.

Anyway, with my sore body, lugging the new PLASMA television was not a pleasant experience, but thanks to John's MacGuyver skills, we got it into the elevator and into our condo just fine. Only one piece of crown molding was damaged. We used two of those huge water purifier bottles to develop a conveyor like system. I was in charge of replacing the bottles every two or three steps.

John put together an entertainment stand and a "media" stand yesterday, and we've pretty much been mesmorized by the TV since we plugged it in. I think I can actually get into football now that I can see the football.

I did take pictures of our new set up, but I STILL can't get my camera to download pictures onto the computer.

I invited 35 people to our house today for a Signature Homestyles party (that's like Tupperware, but baskets, blankets, and home decor) and only one person came. I pretty much hate myself now. But John bought me some tea from Teavana, so it's all right.

Sigh.

Black Friday

Today we will be going to Circuit City to look for an enormous LCD television. We have saved up enough money for our Mac computer, but now that I am having surgery, we're going to spend the money on a TV and use the leftovers for surgery.

This works out to be a pretty good deal, because I will finally get my Christmas wish of having an entertainment stand. We just realized today that we have nowhere to put our old TV, which is pretty large and doesn't have much to offer. It's not HDTV or LCD or any of those other acronyms.

We started decorating for Christmas lastnight. I will try to take pictures. Our camera has been on the fritz. I hate it when people say that, "on the fritz." I am going to try to remember not to ever use that expression again.

The Glass Castle

I just finished reading The Glass Castle by Jeannette Walls. It was very good. It's one of those books that will keep me thinking for a while, and has probably altered my view of poverty, alcoholism and homelessness. I highly recommend it, but I don't really feel like writing a review. I'll give you a boring book report instead.

The Glass Castle is a memoir told by Jeannette starting with her earliest memories as a three year old living with her genius, impoverished, and mentally ill parents. Her father is a severe alcoholic and was probably suffering from some sort of paranoia. Either that, or he was one pretty sick liar. Her mother was an artist and writer who never sold anything and refused to do any house work or maintain any order in the household. You can imagine the tragedies that follow with these two adults trying to raise four young children.

Jeannette's way of telling her story is intriguing because she doesn't cast herself or her family in a pitiful light. Instead, her writing is sometimes very funny, but unavoidably sad. She paints her parents in a strangely positive way, so that you can't help but feel for them, love them, but hate them for their irresponsible ways and many mistakes.

Get the book. And while I wait for you to get it, I will be sneaking food into my students' backpacks just in case any of them is poor enough to go through the lunch room trash cans.

Teavana

John and I found treasure today! It's a little store called Teavana that sells loose leaf tea, and all kinds of other tea stuff to help you make it, store it, pour it, etc. Anyway, we both loved it and think everyone should try it. Unfortunately, there are no locations in Ohio, so please visit their website and remember to visit the store the next time you come to visit us.

http://www.teavana.com/

I've been trying to read as many books as possible lately in order to be inspired to write something, in hopes that I'll be the next out of nowhere genius author. Though the reading does get my mind turning, I think my main problem is that I'm not depressed enough to write anything good. My best writing period ever came and went sophomore year of high school, when I was a depressed teenager somewhere between an agnostic and an atheist. And since then I have been too happy to write anything good, and feel guilty when I write anything that isn't positive.

Obviously I would never want to stir up sadness or anything negative in anyone. My conscience simply can't deal with that, so I thought about writing under a pseudonym, maybe even taking on a whole different personality for a few weeks. I have a feeling God wouldn't be down with that, and the consequences of disobedience to God, I've learned, are not worth the meager earnings I would gain even if I did come up with something good enough for the clearance rack.

So I'm stuck hoping for a gift like C.S. Lewis instead of J.K. Rowling. Not holding my breath for that one.

I have been writing on this blog for over 5 years. Incredible. I just went back and read all my birthday entries. Very interesting.

The day has come

I don't remember my mother being 24 or 25, but I do remember her being 26. And today I turned that age, the age I remember my mother being. That is weird, my friends. Very weird.

Anniversary Number Two

Exactly two years ago today, John and I were probably having our first dance as husband and wife. Either that or we were eating that delicious fried chicken I still have dreams about.

Anyway, it's just incredible. Every piece of it, every part of our lives, the good and the bad that brought us together and made us perfect for each other. All the manipulating, meandering and crying I used to do about who I wanted and when and where and why, to just know that the whole time God had a plan that was far better than anything I could have imagined.

Sometimes, especially when John does things like do the grocery shopping and pick up my messes, finish the laundry that I forgot about or remind me not to forget my cell phone, make coffee for me every single morning, scrambled eggs on Sundays, etc. etc....I just wonder, "Where did this guy come from?" I certainly never dreamed up a guy like that, one that could do those things PLUS everything else I could have asked for.

And what do I do for him? I think my biggest contribution to his life could be pure entertainment. Though I'm not funny enough to be a comedian, talented enough to be a singer, artist, or writer, for that matter, I do make a pretty interesting wife. That's for sure.

Christmas Cards

So, would you guys like a card with a picture of John, Rosa and me, or just a regular old card? One of our friends is a photographer and she wants us to get our picture taken. But I think you guys would think that was stupid.

Crap, crap, crap.

The past two days have been nightmarish. Literally and figuratively.

Monday was a teacher planning day, scheduled for teachers so that we have time to enter grades for report cards and write report card comments. These days should be relaxing and, besides, what a nice change to be able to go to the bathroom whenever I please.

But the day was lonely and I went home feeling tired, unaccomplished, unsatisfied. I missed Lilly complaining about the hole in her gums where she lost her tooth last week. I missed Roberto obsessively grabbing, tapping, pulling, pushing. I just missed them.

Today after school I conducted my very own Faculty Advisory Committee meeting of which I am the chairperson. This means that I get to bring up a whole bunch of complaints, stir up conflict, and try to resolve issues pertaining to our school with a group of eight or so other teachers. I have to tell teachers to basically stop complaining and move on at times, and other times know when to say something official such as, "This is a direct violation of our contract according to section IIA item 3."

It's really horrible. I feel like all the teachers at these meetings hate me, walk to their classrooms and bash me to their friends. Sure, Amanda, as if they have nothing better to do. Sure, Amanda, and now it's time to move on to adulthood and leave your egocentrism behind you.

Nightmares. I had a horrible nightmare lastnight about being stalked by two scrawny old men and I can't stop thinking about it. I have no idea where in my subconscious this dream came from, making it all the more disturbing. I also have no idea why I have suddenly become so self-conscious as if I have reverted back to being 17 years old.

I forgot to tell you!

YOU ABSOLUTELY MUST TRY THIS STUFF!

Please go right now to your local pharmacy or drug store and look in the traditional medicines section or sore throat section for this tea called "Throat Coat." It's made by a company called Traditional Medicinals (www.traditionalmedicinals.com) and buy it so it's ready for the next time you have a sore throat.

It tastes a little bit like black licorice, but it's worth it. I hate black licorice and yet this stuff is to die for. It works much better than any cough drops, cough medicine, etc. that I've ever used. Please, please try it.

If only teachers could really leave at 3:00.

Yesterday I got home at 3:30. How nice is that? Usually I'm at work until 6:30 on Fridays, but my computer wasn't working so I left in a huff. I think it was meant to be. I came home and, because I'm an afternoon person, got most of the big cleaning stuff done for the weekend. Now the weekend is mine. Well, it's mine to grade papers, do lesson plans and grade cards, that is. Shoot. I guess I better get started.

New books!

I ordered three new books on Amazon.com last night.



Digging to America by Anne Tyler

The Emperor's Children by I Forget Who

New Moon by Stephenie Meyer



Hootie hoo, I am so excited. :)



Cathy! Thanks for the leaves! My students loved them. You are amazing. Now I just need homemade noodles, Christmas cookies, and um...a scarecrow. Haha.

Boring Life

Some would think my life must be boring. I don't have much to write. In fact, a fourteen year old, who knows everything, of course, told me on Saturday that my life must really suck. It must suck because my pay is so low (it's not), we don't have an entertainment stand (who cares?), and I'm a first grade teacher (which I love).

But I could look this hard headed teenager in the eyes and say, "I love my life. I love my husband, my family, my friends, my home, and my job." And what percentage of the world can really say that? Not her, for sure.

You know what? So what if I can't tell you about my latest trip across the US in a beat up Chevy, or the late night I spent flirting around downtown? I spend my days singing songs about pumpkins, reading books about Siamese who pretend to be chihuahuas, and making applesauce with the help of 17 little pairs of hands.

I'm getting tired of negativity. From myself and especially from others when I'm feeling good.

If I were reading some good books, maybe I'd have something interesting to write about. I saw a few books at Border's lastnight that I wanted, but I'm not sure I want to pay for them. The library is always an option, but I owe them about a million dollars in late fees. Also, our library rarely has anything new. I want something new. I think someone should invent "Bookflix," like Netflix, with a higher shipping charge of course, but worth it, probably.

Floatin' like a butterfly

John and I had a wonderful time lastnight hanging out with the people from our marriage retreat in August. I guess we're going to get together every other month and review the stuff we learned and update everyone on how things are going. It's kind of an accountability thing.

Anyway, I'm learning such cool stuff about marriage. It's neat to get together with other couples and, instead of complain about each other or make fun of one another, we can actually lift each other up.

So our new friends invited us to sit on the other side of the church for tonight's service, which is really quite a big step. We've been sitting on the other side for the past three years. It could be time for a change seeing as this lady has been sitting near us lately that is really irritating. :)

I also went to breakfast this morning with the ladies from the retreat, and we're going to start going to a Bible study type of thing with them, too. And finally, we have friends. But you know, I still don't fill totally comfortable with them yet. I feel as though I've been shut up too long, and am just getting used to being out of the dark. Like a butterfly, just sprung from its chrysalis, waiting for her wings to dry and strengthen. Yep. Like a butterfly. Haaa. ;-)

Here I am again

John and I actually had a social life this weekend. On Friday night, we went out for ice cream with friends and John flirted with the girl behind the counter, asking her for "All Lovin,' No Oven!" If you know my husband at all, you know how ridiculous this sounded coming out of his mouth, especially when it was directed toward a beautiful 16ish girl who had never heard of that kind of ice cream before. She had an astonished look on her face, and the rest of us were laughing, while John stammered out that it was the one with cookie dough and some other stuff in it.

Saturday we had a meeting at church, and today we're having friends over for lunch. This means that I am making two of my specialties: cheesy potatoes and chocolate chip cookies, and John is making one of his specialties: shredded BBQ pork sandwiches. Oh yes, and I made iced tea. Which is very special because no one here in Naples makes their own iced tea.

And just a sidenote for all the ladies out there: My husband has been doing all the grocery shopping. Lovely.

On Friday I was eating lunch with two of my students while we listened to a kids' CD called "Six Little Ducks." Jasmin, age 6, asked me, "Mrs. Erdman, will you burn this CD for me?" And just because she's so adorable, I certainly did burn that CD for her today.

Sad Day

I think that Hermie, my hermit crab, has died. But I'm not sure. He just molted, so hermit crabs are supposed to be immobile after molting. However, he didn't bury himself or anything like hermies are supposed to when they molt. And now I've researched molting a little bit more, and I see that it's probably all my fault if he's dead.

It's so weird, because it seems like just yesterday when I could take him out of his cage anytime, and as soon as I put him on my hand he would peek out with his eyes on top of his head like an alien to look at me and explore my hand. And if John came around, he would immediately pop back in his shell.

I thought about getting another hermit crab, but no hermit crab could be as cool as Hermie. I've never killed one of my own pets before. Especially a pet I bought for my class. I'm so neglectful.

Just wondering

Does anyone actually follow the Q-Tip rule? Wash your ears with only soap and water. Use Q-Tips to clean out the outer ear only.

I use Q-Tips for many things. Cleaning between small spaces, touching up eye liner, fixing mascara mistakes, and more. But I definitely have never followed the ear cleaning rule. Though I've tried using just soap and water, it just doesn't get the job done.

I now love vampires.

I also finished the book Twilight by Stephenie Meyer last weekend. It took me just over a day to read, and I pretty much did nothing else for those hours aside from sprint back and forth to the bathroom when necessary. I thoroughly enjoyed it, and can't wait to get the next one.

Children's Books

Recommendation: Skippyjon Jones

A great read aloud as long as you know the tune of the Mexican Hat Dance. It's a crazy, loco story.

September has arrived.

Work has been exhausting and I'm being pulled in many directions. Feeling half full but running on empty. Getting enough sleep but having dreams laced with fears and fantasies beyond reach. So I call my former college housemate and share stories, news, and catastrophes. And somewhere in the mix, as I hang up the phone, I know everything is just perfect. The world has gone on, many lives are spinning in and out, and I am not alone.

Whatever will I do?

Ha
ha
ha
ha
ha.

It seems that, because I have went off >>>THE PILL<<<, I have been dropping weight like crazy cakes! Whatever will I do? I ate three brownies today, that's what! Heck yeah.

Well, don't get excited. For those of you who don't know, the only reason I went off THE PILL was for health reasons (apparently, human cyst factories aren't good places for oral contraceptives). And the dr. has absolutely forbidden me to get pregnant.

I now weigh--get ready--my actual weight from high school mid-track season. Break out the spandex, baby. Why can't my high school ten year reunion be today? Why?

We saw The Bourne Ultimatum yesterday. I looooooooove Jason Bourne. And I don't feel bad about it, either, 'cause John loves Julia Stiles. Great movie. I felt like doing karate kicks on the people right outside the theater. Then climbing outside of windows and running across rooftops. Just because.

All I want to do lately is eat junk food.

However, one of my co-workers had McDonald's today and the smell of it was nauseating. But I could definitely go for some donuts, popcorn, chips, or an ice cream cone.

I don't know what my problem is, but I have been staying at work way too long. It seems like there is just so much to do, yet most teachers leave at 3:00. What am I doing wrong?

It's not like I've been doing that many extra things that are super over-achieverish. I can be so inefficient.

My computer is retarded.

Sorry I haven't written lately, but there really hasn't been much news. Still the same old stuff: Getting my classroom ready. I went over there for four hours today, which was just about meaningless. I feel like I'm not getting that much done. However, all I really need to do is clean up, make nametags and labels and do a little walk through of my day to work out the kinks. They give us five paid 7.5 hour work days to do all this work, and I've worked ten days in a row, some far more than 7.5 hours. I wonder what HIGH SCHOOL teachers did this week. I'm rethinking my choices...

I think I'll change my mind when I see my 17 first graders cute, eager little faces. I love school.

John's sick today. His whole body is really sore for no apparent reason, so I told him to take a hot bath. He hasn't taken a bath in over 15 years. He looks really funny in a bath tub.

Classroom :)

My classroom is starting to kind of look like a classroom, and I'm getting more and more excited, sleepless, and nervous each day. It's going to be really weird being in the building now, as I'm used to being out in the middle of nowhere in a separate portable. So, I had my principal stop by like six times today, two third grade teachers, two second grade teachers, and more. I'm growing kind of paranoid that someone is always looking through my windows laughing at me. I'm going to need Prozac soon.

Good News!

I went to the dr. today and it turns out that he doesn't want to do anything about my newest addition. Yee-haw!

I visited my new classroom today and it is really nice. It was arranged very poorly, however. I'm not sure how I'm going to arrange the rest of it. It's too bad engineers don't ask us teachers what we want. Mleh.

I want to go to culinary arts school.

Camp Blues

I was at camp last week from Tuesday until Saturday morning, and let me tell ya, it pretty much blew. I won't complain too much, because I'm not completely sure who might wander onto this site. Let me tell ya about the great things, though.

First, and most importantly, I was in a cabin with freshmen girls. Although we had to go through the pain of a few attitude adjustments, these girls were sweethearts and I love them. This year I might be teaching them every Saturday night, too, so I already got a head start in getting to know them. My patience didn't wear too thin at 3:30 am when they were begging me to help them play a prank on someone, either.

Next, my team (HONEY MUSTARD!) got second place. We were way awesome, and the only reason the Cotton Candy team won was because their color was pink and the guys had to cross dress in the fashion show.

Our youth pastor had some great teaching, and I got to know his wife, Stacie, a lot better. They are both close to our age, so that's pretty cool. They also went on the Peru trip, of course. I don't know what I would have done without Stacie's encouragement at camp.

Big problems arise at camp when adult leaders forget why they are there. Camp is ALL about the kids: their relationship with God and each other. At camp, a good leader will neglect his/her friendships, sleep, and materialism in order to make sure each camper has the best experience possible. I'm not trying to be like, "Oh, I'm the best counselor ever," but now that I'm home and have time to reflect on the experience, I am disgusted at the behavior of some leaders at this camp.

Ack.

Remember how I told you yesterday that we were going out to eat? Well, on the way down the stairs, I had a bit of a tumble. I came to what I thought was the last stair, stepped down confidently, and realized my mistake as my rear hit the concrete.

I have been practicing the RICE method today (Rest, Ice, Compression, Elevation) and I may be seeing a doctor tomorrow, because I'm finding it difficult to walk on my right foot. I don't think it's that bad. But I've heard that you can have a broken bone in your foot without really knowing. Let's hope it feels better soon.

Writers' Block

I haven't really been in the mood to write. But I guess I'll give you a very brief update of everything, as boring as that is.

Peru was great.

I'm working on making a scrapbook of our wedding and another of Peru.

I'm thinking about working on a bunch of stuff for school, but I haven't done anything since we got back from Peru.

I spent 200 dollars on clothes at Target the other day and now have no money left to buy things I need for my classroom or buy the Nikes and Merrells that I wanted. And all my khakis are ruined, so I could use a pair of those, too.

I went to the doctor the other day, she found a suspicious "lump" and now I have to either have a biopsy or surgery, which sounds completely undesirable at this time.

I am supposed to leave on Tuesday to go to high school church camp for a week, which, because of the biopsy thing, also sounds completely undesirable at this time and I'm kind of hoping to do one or the other next week instead of trying to do both and then go directly back to work, exhausted, cut up, and unprepared.

But I do look really cute today in my new clothes and we're going out to lunch in just a few hours. And the new Super Target is now open. Life is good!

Peru!

I'm going to Peru today! After standing and sitting at the Miami Passport Agency for NINE hours, I received my passport.

Hallelujah.

Goodbye, my friends!

Reindeer has brown antlers,
Ride on his pants!

What a fantastic day.

Today, I watched You've Got Mail and Charlie and the Chocolate Factory while organizing my teacher files. I also did the Caribbean Workout this morning with Denise Austin. She's a nutball, but she makes me laugh. So I think I'll start exercising with her every morning. It's too hot to go outside.

Nope, no passport yet. Definitely looks as though Peru has been shelved for me.

I am so tired. And sick. I can't stop coughing, which means I can't sleep. I can't do anything about my passport not being here. So I might not be going to Peru, which we've spent thousands of dollars on. I feel depressed. My head hurts and I've been drinking hot green tea with honey all day. I hate honey. I hate the passport people. I hate coughing.

Join facebook!

Please visit this site:

http://www.seventhgen.com/

Oh, Come Oh Ye Passport!

Bad news! My passport has not yet arrived. Please pray for it to get here by Thursday, as we leave for Peru on Friday the 13th!

I'm freaking out. A little bit.

In other news, I've been a pretty good housewife so far. I'm pretty efficient, I guess. Yesterday was a real success, as I stuck to my schedule almost perfectly. Today was pretty lazy, so I am off to go clean now.

Hello Summer!

No more teaching for me until August!

Top Ten Favorite Things About T.V.

1. Legally Blonde is on at least one channel at least twice per month.

And um--that's all!

iPods

I got my first iPod the other day. It's weird.

Grow Up

I believe John Edwards owes Ann Coulter a big "THANK YOU" for all the publicity she's throwing his way, while making herself and the Republican party look like a bunch of heartless, immature, malevolent...the list goes on.

I just can't believe this lady.

Elizabeth Edwards confronted Ann because she had "suggested that my husband had a bumper sticker on the back of his car that said, "Ask me about my dead son."

And also, on an earlier date:
"It turns out you have to go into rehab if you use the word 'faggot,' so I'm kind of at an impasse -- I can't really talk about Edwards," she said.

"Rehab" may have been a reference to "Grey's Anatomy" star Isaiah Washington's decision to go into rehab during a public relations firestorm after he called one of his co-stars a "faggot."

-msnbc.com

This is wrong on so many levels.

I'm a Giraffe

I was a party lastnight and I think I have a tendency to talk about myself and not ask others good questions about their own lives, but I feel like I'm being too nosy or forward if I ask people a lot of weird questions. I'm so socially awkward I should crawl in a hole.

Attack of the Protein Bar

Back Up Plan Foods

John and I are on the hunt for back up plan foods while we are in Peru. That means that in case we get sick of rice and beans, we'll at least have something else to eat. It also means that if we get stuck with traveler's diarrhea, we have something to, uh, back us up.

This would have been much easier if I'd had a trusty woman's point of view on what's good and what's definitely not, so here are some reviews that you can use on your next backpacking trip. :)

Luna Bars

We actually bought a whole box of 15 Luna bars because they were on sale, so I'm slowly trying the varieties. I have tried Nuts Over Chocolate, which was probably one of the best ones I tried. Luna bars come from the same maker of Clif bars, but Clif bars have tons of calories (they're made for men, really), so they came up with a lighter women's version. Anyway, this type of Luna bar had really bitter chocolate, which I wasn't crazy about. However, the rice crispy stuff in it made it a winner.

Luna Tea Cakes: Berry Pomegranate

This one was excellent. If you like Nutri-Grain bars and those weird packaged muffin bar things, you would like this. It still has that weird protein bar taste, and a very dry, dense texture, so it's not something you'd really eat for the fun of it. I don't think any of these things you would eat for fun. But there's even this cute drizzle of icing on it, which is quite endearing.

I like that this one has Omega-3s, 35% of my calcium for the day, and is infused with green tea for extra antioxidant power. Only 1.5 g. of fat, 140 calories. Not bad if you're going to be walking around the Andes.

Kashi Go Lean bars

The one I had with the rice crispy cereal was even better than the Luna bar, but that's probably because it has a lot more sugar and a lot more calories.

But I tried this Kashi Go Lean candy bar, which had a sort of peanut butter nougaty stuff in it, and it was disgusting.

PowerBar

Was this a craze between 1997-2000 or was that just me? I have no idea why anyone would eat these things, but the times that I did try them, I nearly threw up. No amount of protein is worth the disaster.

Exercise in the land of the luscious and the scorching.

Amanda. Southwest Florida. Everybody waxes their entire bodies. Everyone gets pedicures and manicures. Everyone is tan, highlighted, and sexy. Everyone, I tell you.

Okay, maybe not. I mean, I do work with teachers and almost none of them are fit or sexy. But if they aren't, they at least get their hair done every 3 weeks, have perfect clothes and jewelry, etc. etc.

But anyway, I've been trying to exercise every day and do this dieting stuff, and I swear I am hurting in all the fat places. In fact, my butt hurt so much lastnight during my 20 minute WALK, I thought it was gonna get road burn from dragging on the ground.

John is the foul-language nazi of the household, so I warned him that if I don't get a move on soon, my butt will officially take on the status of "fat ass." There's just no other word for it, my friends.

Magic Kingdom 2007

John and I took one of my students from this past year, Samantha, and her brother Angel to Magic Kingdom on Saturday. We stayed one night in the All Star Sports hotel, and on Sunday we had some swim time and a lovely trip to McDonald's.

Favorite Magic Kingdom Moments:

1. The kids definitely liked the Buzz Lightyear attraction best. It was like being warped into a video game, so I quite enjoyed it myself. Angel talked us into riding that one twice.

2. Samantha's favorite was the carousel. Despite my constant pleading, she refused to hold on with both hands and waved at everyone watching as though she were a beauty queen.

3. The 3D movie starring Donald Duck was pretty fascinating (it was my favorite).

4. Edy's Cookie Swirl Ice Cream was my favorite part of the whole trip.

5. The hotel gave us the wrong room number which caused me to be very embarassed for trying to open someone else's room, Angel to pee his pants, Samantha to break her flower bouquet balloons, and me to suffer under the weight of 900 pounds of gym bags, a stuffed dalmation, and half full water bottles while John tried to fix the problem.

Basically, we had a great time. The trip almost couldn't have been any better (except the hotel room thing).

John and I went to Tuscora Park in New Philadelphia Sunday to visit our friends Kendra, Richard and their little girls Evelyn and Riley, and Tim and Lindsay. We had a lot of fun!

The guys probably had the most fun.

Loooove is in the Aiiiir!

But hate is in my heart.

Mwahahaha. Sometimes I love to hate. Love to think of hitting people with my car, dumping spaghetti on someone's head, pushing someone into a lake.

If you know me at all, you know that when someone screws up with me, plays with my head, breaks my heart, etc...that person may as well crawl in a hole and die because I put hexes on 'em like Ron Weasley on steroids.

Good thing about living outside of Ohio: Never see hated ex-boyfriends. Never.

This weekend: Going to see, must talk to, must be civil

to
the
snake
of
the
earth
at
a
wedding
beside
a
very
mossy
lake
that
would
be
perfect
for
pushing
someone
into.

All right, Amanda. Calm down.

It's Almost the End

May is almost over and I've stopped crying myself to sleep.

My hell raising students have been extremely well-behaved in these last few weeks, thanks to my genius strategies.

Number One End of the Year Strategy: Bribe with candy. Lots of it.

Number Two End of the Year Strategy: Stick with the same exact schedule. I even gave them a test on Friday. They don't know their grade cards have already been printed.

Other news:

Last year, John and I took this class at church called "Crown Financial." Since then, we have been trying to become completely debt free in three years or less. We made a few other financial goals that seemed practically impossible. But we've been working hard, praying hard, and John has been an amazing budget keeper. Listen to this.

I did get my preschool job for the summer, which is absolutely a work of God. I kid you not, because I absolutely had no way of getting it. Easiest job, so rewarding, so fun, weekends off, only one month long. Two thousand buckaroos in my pocket. Heck yes.

I was offered a new opportunity for next year, instead of the after school program. It's tutoring a group of five kids for 60 dollars an hour. Are you kidding me? It's so much easier than what I do now, and I LOVE working with small groups like that.

John had his one year evaluation a few weeks ago, which means he got a raise. I was expecting a 50 cent raise, a dollar? He got a two dollar raise. Hallelujah!

Don't tell me God ain't in the miracle business.

"Therefore if you have been faithful in the use of worldly wealth, who will entrust the true riches to you?" Luke 16:11

check this out: www.crown.org

Top Ten Things My Mother Always Said

10. "Come on douche bag!"

9. "Everybody wants to be me!"

8. "Sara is so much like you!"

7. "I want some General CHO's chicken!"

6. "This room is a disaster! How do you even LIVE in here?!"

5. "I trust my daughter. If she were drinking, she would tell me!" Haha! Good one, mom!

4. "You should show off your best ASSet more often."

3. "If you got it, flaunt it!"

2. "Try it before you buy it!"

1. "I don't know why I even bother talking to you!" :::sniffle:::sob:::

Top Ten Things My Mother Taught Me

10. How to make a latch-hook rug.
9. How to take care of a paralyzed rabbit.
8. How to make meat loaf and twice-baked potatoes.
7. A way to a man's heart is through his stomach.
6. Wear cotton underwear or none at all.
5. Don't shave your thumbs.
4. Don't let pompous a-holes get to you. They'll get what's comin' to 'em.
3. It's okay to pretend to believe in the make-believe sometimes.
2. Don't ever, ever, EVER smoke.
1. God will always provide.

I always feel this way in May.

One wonderful thing about this online journal is looking back. Today I looked back on this week two years ago and one year ago. Can you believe there's a pattern? Every May I'm stressed out because of testing, anxious, summer-ready students, and very sad to be saying goodbye to my best friends.

Yes, my best friends are seven year olds.

Some students I could say I probably do enjoy a little bit more than others, but surprisingly, these are not the ones I have trouble letting go. Usually the kids I most enjoy will do just great in second grade.

Some students break my heart. Students that I know will lie around empty homes most of their summer days. Students that I know will drop two or three reading levels. The ones who are worried about breakfast and lunch--it won't be free over the summer.

I wonder if they know how I pray for them. How I lay awake these last few weeks of school, tears pouring down my cheeks and off my earlobes. I wonder if they know that I would take them home, keep them safe, keep them fed, and make them feel loved if I could. If I could.

Packing Up

It's been my most difficult year of teaching.

And somehow, I think it's going to be the hardest year to say goodbye.

It's difficult teaching English as a second language to first graders, as you can imagine, for many reasons. Adding to this frustration is my tutor, who uses consistently poor grammar and um...vocabulary.

One of the most difficult habits to break with the kids is saying mines.

"This is yours, and this is mines."

Another is the weirdness of everyone in Immokalee misusing the word barely.

Barely.

"I barely got my new van when it was hit by a truck."

Isn't it supposed to be, "I just got my new van...?"
Or, even better, "I had just bought my van..."

Everything's about that word "got" nowadays. Even on our church's private school's radio commercial, it says, "We've GOT cross country, basketball..."

I don't know if that's incorrect, but it sounds stupid. I can understand saying it in casual circumstances, but in a commercial for a private school? It can't be right.

Twinkies and such

John drug me to the library yesterday.

I don't like our library because it's organized funny.

Anyway, I got two books.

Twinkie Deconstructed and The No A**hole Rule.

Twinkie Deconstructed: I've read the first three chapters of this book, and just let me summarize it for you. DO NOT EAT TWINKIES. Maybe I will tell you more about that later.

The No A**hole Rule: The rule is to not hire a**holes, how to successfully rehabilitate an a**hole at work, and even how to get rid of them. I figured I should start reading it because of my current work situation.

I also found two books about Cinco de Mayo and Hispanic American crafts for kids. I'm totally excited about Cinco de Mayo this year. In fact, it makes me wish I could drink a margarita. And eat a lot of queso...

Queso means cheese. I'm practicing my Espanol for Peru.

I feel like torturing myself, okay?

Not like I am going to become a cutter or anything, but...

My students are torturing me. I am not kidding. I used to think, okay, just one or two of them are annoying. But today, I looked around and thought, "Every single one of these children has somehow tried to torture me this week. Except Elias."

It's only Tuesday.

I am tired. They are tired and hopped up on Peeps and pastel M&Ms.

So I figure, why bother? Just go with it, Amanda. So yesterday I decided to start torturing myself, too. Every body's doing it!

I opened a can of pop biscuits without flinching. I ate a bag of peanut M&Ms for dinner and topped it off with a double chocolate chip cookie. And the night before that I ate chips and a whole bunch of nacho cheese right before bed. I listened to a woman talk about herself giving birth and having to wait almost 30 minutes for her placenta to come out (with extra details).

Is there therapy for pop biscuit self-mutilation?

Easter Scrooge

I hate Easter.

I hate Easter grass, Easter baskets, Easter eggs, Easter bunnies, hot cross buns, and I really hate Easter ham.

I have no idea why I hate Easter, but I don't think I ever did until I moved to Florida. This probably means I hate Easter because I don't get to see my family or my friends. Everyone down here is too busy with their own family and friends to invite John and I over for some nasty Easter ham.

Last year, John and I successfully avoided Easter by traveling to Key West. Best non-Easter ever!

I think John knows how much I hate Easter, and that I get really homesick around this time, so I believe he's trying to form our own traditions (that do NOT involve ham or hard boiled eggs). This morning, he surprised me by waking up at 7:30 and driving to Dunkin' Donuts for some breakfast. The bad part is he told me to wake up and make coffee so that it was ready upon his return, leaving me with only eight hours of sleep. Nazi husband.

Anyway, it has been a nice Easter Sunday so far, thanks to John breaking our normal Sunday routine and splurging on some donuts.

Soon it will be time to head to his grandparents for a smashing good time with ham, sweet potatoes and, most likely, some really great cake laced with repulsive imitation fruit filling.

I hate Easter.

Exciting Saturday

My morning began after my usual spring break ten hours of sleep. I had to finish off the rest of the Raisin Bran Crunch, so I had an unusually large portion for breakfast. Before I knew it, John was home at noon and ready for lunch. I masterfully grilled up some hamburgers in a skillet and filled my belly once again, topping it off with a giant cup of coffee that was not needed. Hyperactivity soon set in, and I talked poor John's ear off all the way to Best Buy.

This is where we spent our life's savings on a new mouse. A computer mouse, that is. Following Best Buy, we then went to Petco to buy some pet food: some new sand for Hermie and a dead, frozen mouse. A real mouse, that is. As in mammalian.

Arriving back at home, we fed our starving animals and then I made dinner. I made dinner early so that it could go into the slow cooker, so that it would be ready after church tonight.

If you can't tell already, I'm getting tired of Spring Break. My life has been reduced to cooking, eating, and cleaning up. Cooking, eating, cleaning up. And laundry.

But I sure do love the ten hours of sleep (not to mention my mid-day two hour nap!).

Hey there! Sorry it's been so long, but our mouse has been dying slowly. Our computer mouse, that is. I'll be back when we get a new one, k?

In Memory of KitKat
1991-2007

I smelled November coming in August
Neatly wrote my birthday list
A hooded sweatshirt,
A new tape,
A cat.

I was turning ten that week.
We gazed at the cornfields.
Tried to catch a glimpse
Of a lonely Amish girl's
Plain, white face.

Kittens were cuddled in a box.
It didn't take very long.
I chose the cat that looked most wild
Bobcat ears, a mischievous smile.

From that day on, I slept unsoundly.
Not a limb, not a hair could slip
Over the bed's side or between the rails.
The wild kitten, orange, brown, November,
Would attack my feet, my face,
Any appendage that hung over.

I have outlived you,
Deceitful feline.

Childhood Memories

Childhood Memories
Mark the things that you have:
[x] A mom
[x] A dad
[] Stepmom
[x] Stepdad
[x] A younger brother
[xx] A younger sister
[] An older brother
[] An older sister
[] Grandfather
[x] Grandmother
[x] Cousins
[] Half-brother
[] Half-sister
[] Stepbrother
[] Stepsister
[x] Brother-in-law
[x] Sister-in-law
[] Niece
[] Nephew

Did you enjoy your childhood?
Yes, I liked being a kid for the most part. I think I pretty much did whatever I wanted. My mother is very fortunate I was a good kid.

5. When you were a kid, what did you want to be when you grew up?

I wanted to be a first grade teacher, a writer, and one point I wanted to be a zoologist just because I was obsessed with baby lions, tigers, etc.

6. What do you want to be now?

I want to be a wife, a mother, and a teacher. I think I'd still like to be a writer, but it's just not going to happen. I don't even really like to do it anymore.

7. Name the first memorable vacation you took as a kid.

Washington DC in first grade and fourth grade. Pigeons.

8. What was your first best friend's name?

Jennifer and Staci, Randy, Ryan, and Ben, and Nicholas from preschool.

9. Are they still your friend?

Nope. I'd say hi if I saw them, though. Maybe chat for a few minutes.

10. Can you name all the schools you ever attended?

I sure can.

11. Were you closer to your mom or dad as a kid?

My mommy.

12. What was the first record, tape or CD you remember buying?

My first CDs were Aladdin and Paula Abdul. I definitely remember playing Debbie Gibson, Amy Grant, and Ace of Base tapes. Before that, it was all Beach Boys records.

13. How old were you when you first heard of Chuck Norris on GoofyAuctions.com?

All I know is that someone had a crush on Chuck Norris and I think it was my Aunt Cathy.

14. Are you scared of anything? Of course. I don't know what to tell you.

15. How old were you when you wanted to get your ears pierced for the 2nd time?I

got my right ear pierced a second time in fourth grade, I think. It was the thing to do. But the first time I ever got them pierced was for my seventh birthday at the county fair.

16. Did you buy school lunch or bring your own?

I did a little of both, but kids used to make fun of my juice boxes from Aldi's and my salisbury steak sandwiches, so I think I preferred buying. Thanks, Mom.

17. Broken any bones or had any freaky accidents as a kid?

One time I had a high fever and was hallucinating a lot. I still do that when I have a fever...it's pretty exciting.

18. Were you a mean kid?

Only to my little cousin, Drewly.

19. Favorite board game of all of time?

Drew and I played a lot of Candyland Bingo, but I think I mostly liked Chutes and Ladders. Drew was too retarded to play that, though, so we just played Bingo and Poker.

20. Did you play house or pretend to be a super hero?

My friend Staci and I played some pretty intense episodes of "Hospital," but when I was really little, I'm sure I did pretend to be Shera. Drew and I played "Don and Nancy," which usually consisted of us just getting married 100 times. I would use the curtains as a veil and wear my flower girl dress.

21. What was your favorite class in elementary school?

I think I liked writing and reading the best. My favorite thing was my teachers reading aloud books like Ramona and Mrs. Piggle Wiggle. That stuff cracks me up.

22. Seriously, are you still just a kid at heart?

Seriously, I am. I love watching cartoons and playing games. I even like coloring and playing with Barbies. I even like watching Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles. I really wish I had a little cousin, niece or nephew that I could take to Disney on Ice or something.

Now, repost this with the title "Childhood Survey," and see what your friends answers are to these questions, because it will be life altering.

Can I skip Easter this year?

Hobbies: None

I still haven't found a hobby, which is rather annoying during the NCAA tournament. I want to be able to sit and watch the games, but I just can't. I just can't sit still. Maybe if I had something to do with my hands, I could manage this feat. These are the activities I've considered:

1. Crochet or Knitting: I can't do this. I've tried dozens of times and just can't do it.
2. Sewing: HA!
3. Cross Stitch: Who would I cross stitch for? Do I know anyone who likes cross stitch?
4. Scrapbooking/Card Making: Not only do I HATE scrapbooking, but I just don't see the point. My pictures are just fine in a box. Plus, too expensive and too messy.
5. Plastic Canvas or Latch Hook Rugs: Could I get any more lame? I think this was an okay thing to do in the 70s, at least for my mom...not cool for me. I really would have no friends. Can I make anyone a Kleenex box cover???
6. Writing or reading: Not able to multi-task with these.
7. Grade papers: Borrring. The great thing about first graders who come from Spanish speaking homes is I can throw away half of their papers. No one notices :)
8. I suck.

Any ideas?

Rosa's True Identity

This is what the results were for our cat, Rosa's identity on tickle.com:

Former Incarnation: Al Capone

Aliases: Biggie, Mugsy, Vinny, Chunko, Bunto, Killer,Claws, The Predator, Meanie, Feathers

Description: Subject is known murderer, and has taste for the blood of birds and small rodents. Although known for rough behavior, subject always remains well groomed and wearing immaculately tailored coat. Fur may be illegally imported from Italy. Probably has scars. Runs catnip ring, and extorts cat food from others. May meow with slight Brooklyn accent. Prefers to stay in its own neighborhood, but strays into other areas at night. Fearless defender of the homestead from all invading squirrels or mice. Does not give a hoot about other cats, and will attack just for kicks. Good for a quick cuddle, but do not push this cat too far. Protective eyewear suggested. Ankle injury likely upon meeting subject. Has earned a degree in creative shredding of valuables. Loves gangster movies.

Interesting...

Sunday, March 23, 2003

Nothing compares to the anger and frustration that I feel right now as Florida is sucking beyond all suckage and is now out of the bracket which I picked as the number 2 team, stupid me. Stupid, stupid, stupid. Florida, I had faith in you. I will never again visit your state. It sucks anyway. I think I'm going to cry.

No Friends in Florida or Ohio

The Kansas Jayhawks will prevail!

I work with a bunch of Gator fans, who probably weren't really Gator fans until this past fall. So everytime I see a Gator fan, I trash talk and make some more enemies.

And Ohio State. Blah blah blah. I knew ONE person in my whole life that was an Ohio State fan. Now every flippin person I know in Ohio is such a huge OSU fan. I hope Ohio State does really well...for a while...until the final game when the Jayhawks eat 'em for breakfast. Scrumptious buckeyes in the big Jayhawk beak. Crunch, crunch, crunch.

I think I was getting too nice there for a while. It's good to have something to be nasty about :)

All in good fun, kids. All in good fun.

Sick in your face

I am so sick and tired of being sick and tired!

When I was sixteen...

Daylight savings time began today, as you are all keenly aware. I slept until the new 9:30 am and my eyelids are now stuck open at the new 10:30 pm. So I thought I'd do what I do best when I should be sleeping but can't: write about all the crazy things I'm thinking.

I am so sad today.

You see, I became a Christian at the age of sixteen. That means I finally realized, after being such a complete moron for so long, that I was imperfect. That no matter what I did, I deserved hell and nothing more. But a few very wise adults and even wiser teenagers helped me understand that I didn't have to carry the weight of my sin on my shoulders. In fact, my sin was the whole reason Jesus died. So to deny him any longer was crazy, selfish, and well, just pretty stupid. I accepted Christ as my Savior while driving home from a spirit-filled sermon by Clancy Cruise. I don't recommend getting saved while driving at 16. Pull over first. :) Well, especially if you're as bad a driver as I was.

Anyway, the reason I'm sad. After accepting Christ, all I wanted to do was learn more about him. In fact, not too much time in my life has passed without motivation to learn more about him or grow closer to him. So why do most of the girls in my youth group completely lack that desire? They say they've been learning "this stuff since kindergarten." They've grown up in a Christian school, in Christian homes, in a Bible teaching church.

They say, "We don't want to do lessons anymore in Bible and Life (Sunday School) Groups." Why?

They say, "I used to like you, Amanda." Because I've started to hold them more accountable for their actions (for example, "Um...do you think it's okay to say, 'That's so gay,' all the time?" or to demand respect while an adult is speaking).

"But we just want to have fun, Amanda."
"But that's just our culture, Amanda."

A year ago, I may have taken these comments personally, but I know that someone else is taking them personally. It's certainly not an attack on me. It breaks my heart, God. Forgive them, for they know not what they do...or do they? Haven't they been learning that since kindergarten?

I need some encouragement. I need some prayer. Desperately.

The Next Prefontaine...

...is living next door.

He is three years old and everytime I sit down at the computer, I hear his little feet slap, slap, slapping on the tile floor in the apartment next to us for five, ten, 15 minutes at a time. He might stop after 15 minutes, only to get right back up again. Run, run, run, little man. He has a remarkable pace. Consistent, constant. This family needs a yard.

HaaaaaaaaHaaaahahahahahahahaha!

I've begun to laugh on my way home from work. I just force myself to laugh at anything or nothing. I laugh all different sorts of laughs and it actually ends up making me laugh because I feel so nutty.

Hello from Orrville! I arrived on Friday night, late as usual. Said goodbye to yet another friend on her wedding day. Kari is on her honeymoon now. I stayed in my college roommate's house, but we couldn't sleep in the same room because she's married now. Her cat, Max, slept with me though, and her rat terrier slept with me for a few hours in the morning. Call me Amanda, the animal magnet. Kendra called this morning to announce the arrival of her second child.

Kids just grow up too fast.

We moved!

We have been very productive and are almost completely done moving. Things left to do:

Clean up the old house.
Have cable/internet installed.
Move and hook up computer.
Pick up new furniture and arrange living room.
Everything else is done! Can you believe it? We did it in three days with only two hours of help from John's friend, Jon.

We won't have a computer until tomorrow night. Talk to you soon!

If you don't have our new address, please e-mail me:

AmandaLErdman@hotmail.com

Moving week has arrived!

We started packing lastnight. Packing up your whole house is weird. I've never packed up a whole house before. All I can say is that it's weird. I couldn't figure out where to start, so I Googled it and got some good moving tips. :)

Just a few updates

Peru: I was serious about going to Peru this summer. It's in the works. More info. later.

Hermie: Hermie the Hermit Crab is doing really well. I gave him a bath lastnight and he really likes peanut butter.

Mr. Snake: Mr. Snake is now trained to eat frozen mice instead of live mice, which is saving us a lot of time and he gets to eat more often. Thank you, Mr. Snake, for not being a picky eater!

Moving: Moving plans are set for Feb. 16th. We're moving into a brand new condo that is located in a golf course development. We have a balcony that overlooks a green, so that's pretty neat. Anyway, the condo is nicer that what we have now, cheaper, has much better appliances, doesn't have well water, and it's closer to town. It has ceiling fans, carpeted bedrooms, two bathrooms, and a really nice washer and dryer set. AND a dishwasher. All those things we have been living without! I can't believe it. Plus we won't have to mow the lawn and if I want to go for a walk, goats won't chase me.

I seriously need an adventure.

Monkeys on the Bookshelf, Owls in the Cupboards

Now I finally have an opportunity to write.

It is Saturday morning and I woke up to Rosa's 8 hour meowing. That means that, after 8 hours of sleep, Rosa thinks it's time for me to wake up. She doesn't take no for an answer.

In my 25 years of life, I have at least learned one thing: Always take a shower and get ready for the day immediately after waking up. That's what I did this morning, and I got so many things done. I'm ready and beautiful!

So why is it that on the weekends I avoid taking a shower, doing my hair, etc. until the afternoon? I should know by now that when I procrastinate on THOSE things, I end up procrastinating on everything else and watch E True Hollywood Story or read Glamour magazine...which in turn makes me feel ugly and un-glamourous, which in turn makes me not want to bother even trying to make myself look halfway presentable which therefore leads to me wishing I had more money to go shopping in Naples where all the rich people go shopping, like Gucci and DKNY. Then I feel depressed, ungrateful, sulky, and hopeless.

But that's totally not how I feel today! I look great, I have all the things I need and even a lot of things I don't need. I feel grateful, full of joy and hope and love and all those other good things. I hope I remember next Saturday to just get up and take a shower immediately. To put on my makeup and do my hair right away. To not sleep in past Rosa's wake up call. It really makes such a huge difference.

Off topic statement: I heard on the radio today that adults and children should all take 20-30 minute naps every afternoon. I like that. Maybe someday I'll try it.

What a week! Shwew!

I know my life has been boring for all of you readers lately, but it just got totally exciting today! Why? Because we got a new pet! It's a hermit crab.

I know it's kind of lame, but we've been reading a few stories at school about hermit crabs and we've done a bit of research on them. Did you know little kids are fascinated by hermit crabs? They just love how they have to go searching for a shell whenever they grow too big for their old one.

Well, little Hermie is so cute. His little eyeballs stick right off his head just like Mr. Crab from Spongebob Squarepants. He's very active and friendly. He will be our new classroom pet.

I love our hermit crab!

PS: I almost got a betta fish, too.

It's not much, but here ya go.

Our experience with Netflix has gone well so far. It's a really neat idea. We watched a documentary thing about Netflix and its creator, and I was totally inspired. If you get Netflix too, you can add me as a friend and you can see what movies I liked and hated. You can give me recommendations and stuff. Very neat.

I have sold three books on Amazon.com but have made very little profit. I figured out the USPS deal though, and now I think I have it.

After having our cat boarded for nearly two weeks, she came out looking like a mountain man. So we took her to get groomed, but forgot the shot records. We had to reschedule. The whole ordeal took over an hour of our Sunday. It didn't go completely to waste. We let Rosa out of her kennel as we were driving, and she LOVED it! She was so cute peeking out the window and watching the world go by. I love my baby Rosa.

That's what is going on in my exciting life.

Today I got home at 3:00 and yesterday at 3:45! Yahoo! Is my inefficiency as a teacher done? And my overachieving attitude finished? Perhaps...

Except I committed to three days per week in the after school program, something I promised myself I wouldn't do. SHOOT!

But there are some contributing factors:

John doesn't get home until 6:30 or 7:00 (because of coaching).
We must pay off all credit cards by December (because we have big plans!).
I refuse to cut out Maggie Moo's ice cream (because I must have it at least once a month).
We will probably start buying more organic food once Wild Oats opens (because it's healthy and there are few other places to buy organic nearby).

I don't really have a New Year's resolution, but I'm trying to do several things. Like not overdo it at work, pray Rosa into Heaven, and make & save a LOT of money, baby.

I love to be inside my head.

Entrepreneur Amanda

I've started my own business. It's called Amazon.com. Haha. I'm selling books on Amazon.com. We'll see how it goes. Right now I have about 20 books for sale. I'm about to make my own address labels. My business is called Mrs. E's Books. I thought that sounded kind of middle-aged and people trust middle-aged book sellers.