Thursday, March 16, 2006
Wednesday, March 15, 2006
Saturday, March 11, 2006
Wednesday, March 08, 2006
Your Gifts are LOVED!!!
We just wanted you all to see that your gifts are being put to very good use. We've used them all for such wonderful things! See below!
Sunday, March 05, 2006
Humbled
God is teaching me tough truths.
Like, not everyone is going to like me. Some people will hate me.
I need to be more aware of others' feelings.
I need to stop being so sarcastic. Sarcasm is basically saying what needs to be said in a real chicken sort of way. If I have something to say, I need to just say it.
I need to work on my speech/language. Meaning, I really need to practice being encouraging and uplifting to others.
Ah, it's difficult.
Why do people have to be so overly sensitive? It just ruins EVERYTHING! See, there I go again. Why do I have to be like that?
Like, not everyone is going to like me. Some people will hate me.
I need to be more aware of others' feelings.
I need to stop being so sarcastic. Sarcasm is basically saying what needs to be said in a real chicken sort of way. If I have something to say, I need to just say it.
I need to work on my speech/language. Meaning, I really need to practice being encouraging and uplifting to others.
Ah, it's difficult.
Why do people have to be so overly sensitive? It just ruins EVERYTHING! See, there I go again. Why do I have to be like that?
Thursday, February 23, 2006
I have good news...
and no, I DID NOT save a "bunch" of money on my car insurance.
It's better. It turns out that, despite having been told last year that my reading endorsement did not transfer to Florida, it actually HAS transferred. Hallelujah! This means that in just a mere two years I can be a...
Literacy Specialist!
Translation: I could make 1,500 dollars more per year on the average teacher's pay scale and actually leave school at OH MY GOODNESS...
3:00. (Do you hear angels singing? Cuz I do!)
Will that job be as fulfilling? Doubtful. Will I get to be as creative? No. Is it what I really want to do? Not really.
But I DO WANT TO WORK 40 hours per week, not 37 paid + 20 more unpaid.
Just a thought. A possible future plan.
It's better. It turns out that, despite having been told last year that my reading endorsement did not transfer to Florida, it actually HAS transferred. Hallelujah! This means that in just a mere two years I can be a...
Literacy Specialist!
Translation: I could make 1,500 dollars more per year on the average teacher's pay scale and actually leave school at OH MY GOODNESS...
3:00. (Do you hear angels singing? Cuz I do!)
Will that job be as fulfilling? Doubtful. Will I get to be as creative? No. Is it what I really want to do? Not really.
But I DO WANT TO WORK 40 hours per week, not 37 paid + 20 more unpaid.
Just a thought. A possible future plan.
Saturday, February 18, 2006
Thursday, February 16, 2006
Florida...Forever?
Funny how your life can change with just one simple statement
that begins with, "We were wondering if John might
be interested in a job..."
P L A N S
You'd think I would know by now that plans never go according to plan. I've always been fairly open to new things, whether they are exciting, boring, new or old. I thought John and I would live here in Florida for 3 years--five years max. Knowing that our three years was almost up, I had already begun to detach myself.
I haven't tried too hard to make friends. I haven't planted anything in our front lawn. I decided that I hate Naples. I decided that the drive to Immokalee is torture. We haven't wanted to buy furniture because we'd just have to move it thousands of miles soon...
But that may never happen now.
So what did I do today? As I walked my class back to class from recess, I appreciated the palm trees. The cool breeze and warm air. The fact that I wasn't wearing a coat, or even a sweater. The young egret that crosses our path every now and then. And as I tried to explain the meaning of the word "lamp" and "lightbulb" to my second-language learning students, I thought, "Maybe this is the place for me."
I took a walk through the woods/swamp that lie just outside our home--woods I was too scared to go into before. Now I am a Floridian. Now I can't be scared of silly things like alligators, black bears, and God-only-knows what kind of snakes, insects, and reptiles.
I heard a noise, like something HUGE falling/climbing one of the trees above me. Looking up, I saw a little black and white bird with a red helmet (a woodpecker!) pecking his little brains out to get his dinner. I stood there, watching, reminded of my Grandpa Harrington and my dad, with their telescope, and how I used to watch the birds outside in Marshallville, Ohio.
No matter where I am and no matter where I go, I will always think of the people back home. Ohio will always be home to me.
that begins with, "We were wondering if John might
be interested in a job..."
P L A N S
You'd think I would know by now that plans never go according to plan. I've always been fairly open to new things, whether they are exciting, boring, new or old. I thought John and I would live here in Florida for 3 years--five years max. Knowing that our three years was almost up, I had already begun to detach myself.
I haven't tried too hard to make friends. I haven't planted anything in our front lawn. I decided that I hate Naples. I decided that the drive to Immokalee is torture. We haven't wanted to buy furniture because we'd just have to move it thousands of miles soon...
But that may never happen now.
So what did I do today? As I walked my class back to class from recess, I appreciated the palm trees. The cool breeze and warm air. The fact that I wasn't wearing a coat, or even a sweater. The young egret that crosses our path every now and then. And as I tried to explain the meaning of the word "lamp" and "lightbulb" to my second-language learning students, I thought, "Maybe this is the place for me."
I took a walk through the woods/swamp that lie just outside our home--woods I was too scared to go into before. Now I am a Floridian. Now I can't be scared of silly things like alligators, black bears, and God-only-knows what kind of snakes, insects, and reptiles.
I heard a noise, like something HUGE falling/climbing one of the trees above me. Looking up, I saw a little black and white bird with a red helmet (a woodpecker!) pecking his little brains out to get his dinner. I stood there, watching, reminded of my Grandpa Harrington and my dad, with their telescope, and how I used to watch the birds outside in Marshallville, Ohio.
No matter where I am and no matter where I go, I will always think of the people back home. Ohio will always be home to me.
Tuesday, February 14, 2006
Sunday, February 12, 2006
Posting Comments
Because of spam comments and other such novelties, I am asking that everyone who would like to comment on my blog become a "team member." Also, please remember to sign your name to comments so that, when you write a sarcastic comment I can take it as being funny, not as being mean or hurtful. When you post a sarcastic comment anonymously, it makes me think you have something hide. Posting a confrontational comment anonymously is cowardly and lacking in integrity.
Thank you for your cooperation.
You will be receiving an email from me inviting you as a team member. If you did not receive this email, please email me to let me know you'd like to be added.
Thank you for your cooperation.
You will be receiving an email from me inviting you as a team member. If you did not receive this email, please email me to let me know you'd like to be added.
Saturday, February 11, 2006
Wednesday, February 08, 2006
Oh, Puzzles
Sorry I haven't written lately. I am just...confused. I'm having writer's block or something.
I guess I just haven't wanted to write because I feel like a psychological basket case and if I write about what's going on in my life, I can't leave that out because I'm a really bad liar and I always write how I'm feeling...
And when I'm in this sort of state, I write a lot of run-on sentences.
Puzzles. Have you ever sat down to do a 5000 piece puzzle? I don't understand what motivates people to do this. I wonder what kind of person does this, and why am I not that kind? What if someday someone really wants me to do one of those things, like my mom when she's 97 and has to do that stuff to keep her brain working? I think I'll have a panic attack. Seriously. Even thinking about 5000 piece puzzles makes me feel dizzy.
I guess I just haven't wanted to write because I feel like a psychological basket case and if I write about what's going on in my life, I can't leave that out because I'm a really bad liar and I always write how I'm feeling...
And when I'm in this sort of state, I write a lot of run-on sentences.
Puzzles. Have you ever sat down to do a 5000 piece puzzle? I don't understand what motivates people to do this. I wonder what kind of person does this, and why am I not that kind? What if someday someone really wants me to do one of those things, like my mom when she's 97 and has to do that stuff to keep her brain working? I think I'll have a panic attack. Seriously. Even thinking about 5000 piece puzzles makes me feel dizzy.
Friday, February 03, 2006
Tuesday, January 31, 2006
I'm just thinking out loud...
You can now find me on myspace at www.myspace.com/mandilu202 (check out my neat-o video)
Don't you wish I was inspired? Don't you wish you had something interesting to read?
I was thinking a lot today about families.
Families and their perspectives. We think we know everything about our family members. We've experienced similar stories. And yet, none of us has the same story. If we were to compare notes, they would all be entirely different.
I've dealt with substance abuse. With diet pills. With anxiety attacks. With child abuse. With lots of things. So when I see others going through the same thing, many thoughts and emotions rush through my system.
Child abuse. That makes me angry--at the abuser. Grown ups who have been abused and cry about it all the time--that makes me angry as well. Adults who were abused and deny it ever happened--that really aggravates me.
Substance abuse. We all have our own stories. Me, I had the opportunity to experience several substances second-handedly. I didn't have to try many. The illegal stuff? I tried that. Fortunately, two weeks later my friend asked me to church. Jesus saved me. I learned I don't need anything but Christ in my heart to take care of the hurts.
The friend who asked me to church? He's on all sorts of drugs now, so I hear. Why? I don't know. I mean, he must have his reasons. He must have forgotten all that he taught me. Hypocrite? No. Confused? Maybe.
Diet pills, caffeine, anxiety--little things that can easily become life-threatening. All of this stemmed from my teenage perspective that I had to perfect. It's not that anyone expected me to be perfect. I just wanted to be immaculate. I wanted to catch someone's eye. I wanted to turn heads.
And when the heads turned, I became proud.
And when I became proud, God humbled me. I became like dust, wrapped up in my own mistakes, my own lies I'd told myself, my own mess. No one else's. There was no one to blame. Just me. And when I realized what I'd done, I apologized. And God lifted me.
And lifted me.
And lifted me.
Until I was no longer lying in the dust. And you know, I wasn't even standing on my own two feet? In fact, I was lying. Comfortably. In my Savior's arms.
Because we can not break the chains on our own. However, EVERY time I knock, Jesus answers. EVERY time I come to Him and ask the simple question, "Will you please take me from this?" Or, "Will you please take this from me?" He does.
I'm not trying to be preachy, self-righteous, blah blah blah. Because I don't know your life, your experiences, your background. But what is the same for everyone is this: Jesus came to this world for you. When he died on the cross for you, your sin was taken into his heart. So why hold it within you? Why torture yourself with guilt and pain? Hold it in and you say to God that his sacrifice was not enough to cover YOUR sin.
And Who
Are You
To Judge.
Don't you wish I was inspired? Don't you wish you had something interesting to read?
I was thinking a lot today about families.
Families and their perspectives. We think we know everything about our family members. We've experienced similar stories. And yet, none of us has the same story. If we were to compare notes, they would all be entirely different.
I've dealt with substance abuse. With diet pills. With anxiety attacks. With child abuse. With lots of things. So when I see others going through the same thing, many thoughts and emotions rush through my system.
Child abuse. That makes me angry--at the abuser. Grown ups who have been abused and cry about it all the time--that makes me angry as well. Adults who were abused and deny it ever happened--that really aggravates me.
Substance abuse. We all have our own stories. Me, I had the opportunity to experience several substances second-handedly. I didn't have to try many. The illegal stuff? I tried that. Fortunately, two weeks later my friend asked me to church. Jesus saved me. I learned I don't need anything but Christ in my heart to take care of the hurts.
The friend who asked me to church? He's on all sorts of drugs now, so I hear. Why? I don't know. I mean, he must have his reasons. He must have forgotten all that he taught me. Hypocrite? No. Confused? Maybe.
Diet pills, caffeine, anxiety--little things that can easily become life-threatening. All of this stemmed from my teenage perspective that I had to perfect. It's not that anyone expected me to be perfect. I just wanted to be immaculate. I wanted to catch someone's eye. I wanted to turn heads.
And when the heads turned, I became proud.
And when I became proud, God humbled me. I became like dust, wrapped up in my own mistakes, my own lies I'd told myself, my own mess. No one else's. There was no one to blame. Just me. And when I realized what I'd done, I apologized. And God lifted me.
And lifted me.
And lifted me.
Until I was no longer lying in the dust. And you know, I wasn't even standing on my own two feet? In fact, I was lying. Comfortably. In my Savior's arms.
Because we can not break the chains on our own. However, EVERY time I knock, Jesus answers. EVERY time I come to Him and ask the simple question, "Will you please take me from this?" Or, "Will you please take this from me?" He does.
I'm not trying to be preachy, self-righteous, blah blah blah. Because I don't know your life, your experiences, your background. But what is the same for everyone is this: Jesus came to this world for you. When he died on the cross for you, your sin was taken into his heart. So why hold it within you? Why torture yourself with guilt and pain? Hold it in and you say to God that his sacrifice was not enough to cover YOUR sin.
And Who
Are You
To Judge.
Thursday, January 26, 2006
Exhaustion, Anxiety, Nightmares, OH MY!
That's right folks. I'm officially exhausted.
Ever since my last car accident, I feel like I am going to have a panic attack whenever another car comes near me.
I keep having scary dreams.
Anyway, four of my students can read chapter books now, so every day I get to read a little bit of Cam Jansen and Magic Tree House and whatnot. The exciting thing is that they are actually COMPREHENDING! I even have one girl who takes notes--voluntarily--to help her remember what she is reading. Yay :)
Does Naples, Florida make people legally insane?
Ever since my last car accident, I feel like I am going to have a panic attack whenever another car comes near me.
I keep having scary dreams.
Anyway, four of my students can read chapter books now, so every day I get to read a little bit of Cam Jansen and Magic Tree House and whatnot. The exciting thing is that they are actually COMPREHENDING! I even have one girl who takes notes--voluntarily--to help her remember what she is reading. Yay :)
Does Naples, Florida make people legally insane?
Tuesday, January 24, 2006
Makes me wanna be a black woman...
Still I Rise
You may write me down in history
With your bitter, twisted lies,
You may trod me in the very dirt
But still, like dust, I'll rise.
Does my sassiness upset you?
Why are you beset with gloom?
'Cause I walk like I've got oil wells
Pumping in my living room.
Just like moons and like suns,
With the certainty of tides,
Just like hopes springing high,
Still I'll rise.
Did you want to see me broken?
Bowed head and lowered eyes?
Shoulders falling down like teardrops.
Weakened by my soulful cries.
Does my haughtiness offend you?
Don't you take it awful hard
'Cause I laugh like I've got gold mines
Diggin' in my own back yard.
You may shoot me with your words,
You may cut me with your eyes,
You may kill me with your hatefulness,
But still, like air, I'll rise.
Does my sexiness upset you?
Does it come as a surprise
That I dance like I've got diamonds
At the meeting of my thighs?
Out of the huts of history's shame
I rise
Up from a past that's rooted in pain
I rise
I'm a black ocean, leaping and wide,
Welling and swelling I bear in the tide.
Leaving behind nights of terror and fear
I rise
Into a daybreak that's wondrously clear
I rise
Bringing the gifts that my ancestors gave,
I am the dream and the hope of the slave.
I rise
I rise
I rise.
Maya Angelou
You may write me down in history
With your bitter, twisted lies,
You may trod me in the very dirt
But still, like dust, I'll rise.
Does my sassiness upset you?
Why are you beset with gloom?
'Cause I walk like I've got oil wells
Pumping in my living room.
Just like moons and like suns,
With the certainty of tides,
Just like hopes springing high,
Still I'll rise.
Did you want to see me broken?
Bowed head and lowered eyes?
Shoulders falling down like teardrops.
Weakened by my soulful cries.
Does my haughtiness offend you?
Don't you take it awful hard
'Cause I laugh like I've got gold mines
Diggin' in my own back yard.
You may shoot me with your words,
You may cut me with your eyes,
You may kill me with your hatefulness,
But still, like air, I'll rise.
Does my sexiness upset you?
Does it come as a surprise
That I dance like I've got diamonds
At the meeting of my thighs?
Out of the huts of history's shame
I rise
Up from a past that's rooted in pain
I rise
I'm a black ocean, leaping and wide,
Welling and swelling I bear in the tide.
Leaving behind nights of terror and fear
I rise
Into a daybreak that's wondrously clear
I rise
Bringing the gifts that my ancestors gave,
I am the dream and the hope of the slave.
I rise
I rise
I rise.
Maya Angelou
Sunday, January 22, 2006
Take the wheel...
I went to the doctor today for my car accident injuries and guess what video I saw? Carrie Underwood's "Jesus Take the Wheel." I wasn't particularly fond of the song, but I like it now! Here's a really stupid poem I wrote describing my day today.
Now I lay me down to not sleep
Because I was hit by a runaway creep.
I don’t know his story, that’s true,
“But what about me?!” I scream at you!
I could have yelled at everyone today.
I hated the world and all they had to say.
Asking me dumb questions of this or that—
Telling me that maybe I was driving too fast.
I wanted to stay in and lock myself away.
Sleeping in the closet might be okay.
Don’t try to comfort me or give me sympathy,
But please spoil me and hold me like a baby.
Twisting metal and crunching glass--
Echoes of my silent scream that I thought may be my last—
My life didn’t flash before my eyes.
All I thought was, “Why is this person such a dumb---.?”
What excellent thoughts to have just before a crash.
Now I am tingly and my hands are numb.
I have a million things to do before Monday comes.
Exhausted, but no sleep.
Boy, that idiot got off real cheap.
I went to church despite the urge to hide.
Faced the same smiling faces as every Saturday night.
I learned things I didn’t expect—
I was reminded that God cared about the pain in my neck.
I was reminded that joy doesn’t grow from good days
Or even a happy home.
Joy comes from Christ alone.
It is offered to me every day.
Today, I just picked it up a bit late.
“And I will sleep in peace, Oh Lord. For you alone make me dwell in safety.” -Psalm 55:11
Now I lay me down to not sleep
Because I was hit by a runaway creep.
I don’t know his story, that’s true,
“But what about me?!” I scream at you!
I could have yelled at everyone today.
I hated the world and all they had to say.
Asking me dumb questions of this or that—
Telling me that maybe I was driving too fast.
I wanted to stay in and lock myself away.
Sleeping in the closet might be okay.
Don’t try to comfort me or give me sympathy,
But please spoil me and hold me like a baby.
Twisting metal and crunching glass--
Echoes of my silent scream that I thought may be my last—
My life didn’t flash before my eyes.
All I thought was, “Why is this person such a dumb---.?”
What excellent thoughts to have just before a crash.
Now I am tingly and my hands are numb.
I have a million things to do before Monday comes.
Exhausted, but no sleep.
Boy, that idiot got off real cheap.
I went to church despite the urge to hide.
Faced the same smiling faces as every Saturday night.
I learned things I didn’t expect—
I was reminded that God cared about the pain in my neck.
I was reminded that joy doesn’t grow from good days
Or even a happy home.
Joy comes from Christ alone.
It is offered to me every day.
Today, I just picked it up a bit late.
“And I will sleep in peace, Oh Lord. For you alone make me dwell in safety.” -Psalm 55:11
Saturday, January 21, 2006
Wednesday, January 18, 2006
Habitat, Rainforest, Medieval Times, and Warewolves
Habitat for Humanity: Wanna visit Florida and help out with Habitat? Be here on February 4th and you can come help us build a house in Immokalee!
Rainforest: To add to my rainforest sound spa sounds, we are currently reading the Magic Tree House chapter book about the rainforest and I am discovering that some of my students are wickedly smart. Now all they want to learn about is the rainforest, and our curriculum is not allowing us time for anything fun like that. I hate you, government idiots.
Medieval Times: For the after-school program, the other teachers and I have taken matters into our own hands and we're teaching whatever we darn well please. So now we're learning about medieval times (which is so incredibly interesting! Why didn't I learn any of this stuff?), next is Chinese New Year, and after that we are going to do some stuff about the Olympics. As they say in New Zealand, "Sweet As!"
Warewolves: Two of my students are warewolves. When there is a full moon, they can't sit still, are constantly howling, look like they've been awake ALL night, and hurt other children.
Rainforest: To add to my rainforest sound spa sounds, we are currently reading the Magic Tree House chapter book about the rainforest and I am discovering that some of my students are wickedly smart. Now all they want to learn about is the rainforest, and our curriculum is not allowing us time for anything fun like that. I hate you, government idiots.
Medieval Times: For the after-school program, the other teachers and I have taken matters into our own hands and we're teaching whatever we darn well please. So now we're learning about medieval times (which is so incredibly interesting! Why didn't I learn any of this stuff?), next is Chinese New Year, and after that we are going to do some stuff about the Olympics. As they say in New Zealand, "Sweet As!"
Warewolves: Two of my students are warewolves. When there is a full moon, they can't sit still, are constantly howling, look like they've been awake ALL night, and hurt other children.
Tuesday, January 17, 2006
The three day weekend is over, and so it is back to life.
John and I saw the movie Munich yesterday. Yes, my day off was spent watching how people become insane murderers who kill other murderers and terrorists. It all started with this guy, who was an all right kind of guy--he seemed pretty nice
SIDENOTE! (the bad thing about watching movies in movie theaters for me is that I can't get up to get online to check the filmographies...and it drove me nuts the entire time thinking of what I've seen this guy on before. Eric Bana. It turns out that, well, I don't think I recognized him from anywhere. I believe he just reminded me of my high school history teacher and a mixture of other actors, including Jude Law and Ewan McGregor and Cary Elwes, the guy who played Robin Hood in Robin Hood Men in Tights and Westley in The Princess Bride).
Anyway, this guy was hired to kill the people who killed the Israeli hostages in the 1972 Olympics, which were in Munich, of course. So he starts out just normal and then becomes this cold-blooded killer (he wasn't really cold-blooded, still a "nice" guy, just brainwashed or desensitized or something) and then his life is ruined by nightmares and such, sorta reminding me of Vietnam movies.
Well, the moral of the story was, I believe, the world sucks. And so do world leaders and even the CIA and all the people that will do anything to save their own butts or be declared a hero. And the other moral of the story was: stop killing people. Just stop. Really, just stop it.
In other news, Rosa is going to the vet on Friday because she has had some tummy troubles.
My tutor is 10 weeks pregnant.
People who don't "believe" in birth control are idiots.
My prescription went up 20 dollars and I have not figured out why.
I still haven't received my reimbursement from Progressive from my accident that occured in September. As if it was my fault. I should sue for all the emotional distress. :)
I made a kick-A dinner lastnight.
I've spent way too long on the computer.
John and I saw the movie Munich yesterday. Yes, my day off was spent watching how people become insane murderers who kill other murderers and terrorists. It all started with this guy, who was an all right kind of guy--he seemed pretty nice
SIDENOTE! (the bad thing about watching movies in movie theaters for me is that I can't get up to get online to check the filmographies...and it drove me nuts the entire time thinking of what I've seen this guy on before. Eric Bana. It turns out that, well, I don't think I recognized him from anywhere. I believe he just reminded me of my high school history teacher and a mixture of other actors, including Jude Law and Ewan McGregor and Cary Elwes, the guy who played Robin Hood in Robin Hood Men in Tights and Westley in The Princess Bride).
Anyway, this guy was hired to kill the people who killed the Israeli hostages in the 1972 Olympics, which were in Munich, of course. So he starts out just normal and then becomes this cold-blooded killer (he wasn't really cold-blooded, still a "nice" guy, just brainwashed or desensitized or something) and then his life is ruined by nightmares and such, sorta reminding me of Vietnam movies.
Well, the moral of the story was, I believe, the world sucks. And so do world leaders and even the CIA and all the people that will do anything to save their own butts or be declared a hero. And the other moral of the story was: stop killing people. Just stop. Really, just stop it.
In other news, Rosa is going to the vet on Friday because she has had some tummy troubles.
My tutor is 10 weeks pregnant.
People who don't "believe" in birth control are idiots.
My prescription went up 20 dollars and I have not figured out why.
I still haven't received my reimbursement from Progressive from my accident that occured in September. As if it was my fault. I should sue for all the emotional distress. :)
I made a kick-A dinner lastnight.
I've spent way too long on the computer.
Monday, January 16, 2006
Sunday, January 15, 2006
How to Raise a Smart Child
Talk to them.
Read to them.
Ask them questions.
Give them hugs.
Tell them you love them.
Surround them with print (books, magazines).
Turn off the television.
Go places (on walks, to the park, to restaurants, to the movies, to the zoo, to family members' houses, wherever you can!)
Expose them to other cultures (even if it's the neighbors' and they are the same ethnicity or religion...)
Have them take responsibility for their own actions.
Talk to them.
Talk to them.
And most importantly, talk to them!
Read to them.
Ask them questions.
Give them hugs.
Tell them you love them.
Surround them with print (books, magazines).
Turn off the television.
Go places (on walks, to the park, to restaurants, to the movies, to the zoo, to family members' houses, wherever you can!)
Expose them to other cultures (even if it's the neighbors' and they are the same ethnicity or religion...)
Have them take responsibility for their own actions.
Talk to them.
Talk to them.
And most importantly, talk to them!
Saturday, January 14, 2006
I am QUEEN of the AMAZON
Since John and I love to run up the balance on my Clout Rewards card, we get all kinds of free gifts. The coolest free gift we just received recently and actually by accident is our "Sound Spa" Alarm/Radio thingamabobber. I thought it was a big bunch of crap, but this thing has changed my life. I am actually sleeping rather soundly these days, waking up fully rested.
It's all due to the nice sounds of the rainforest that sift from this handy dandy clock radio's speakers. The only trouble I've had is the nightmare I had lastnight about a panther chasing me...
Other than that, I've been sleeping so well, and John likes that the time is lit up on our ceiling. I don't know why he likes it so much, but guys are so weird about their stupid gadgets.
Oh, and mom, I was up so early on a Saturday because I had to go to my friend's wedding shower, which I had to make cookies for, and I had to run to Border's to get her gift and some school books.
My cookies failed miserably. For some reason, they didn't puff up. Usually they puff so nicely. Oh well, I'm still queen.
It's all due to the nice sounds of the rainforest that sift from this handy dandy clock radio's speakers. The only trouble I've had is the nightmare I had lastnight about a panther chasing me...
Other than that, I've been sleeping so well, and John likes that the time is lit up on our ceiling. I don't know why he likes it so much, but guys are so weird about their stupid gadgets.
Oh, and mom, I was up so early on a Saturday because I had to go to my friend's wedding shower, which I had to make cookies for, and I had to run to Border's to get her gift and some school books.
My cookies failed miserably. For some reason, they didn't puff up. Usually they puff so nicely. Oh well, I'm still queen.
Inappropriate Teacher...
Actual Conversation
Michael (age 7): I like to sit on my desk like this.
Mrs. Erdman: Ew! You don't wanna get your butt germs on your desk!
And he will never sit on his desk again.
Michael (age 7): I like to sit on my desk like this.
Mrs. Erdman: Ew! You don't wanna get your butt germs on your desk!
And he will never sit on his desk again.
Saturday, January 07, 2006
Five Things in Our Kitchen You Really Oughta Buy
Hurry! Go get your debit card and buy these things right now because you just can not go on living without them! Click the links and shop away!
Over-the-Sink Colander Am I the only one who occasionally tips the little plastic strainers over in the sink, only to watch my beloved gemelli fall down the drain? Well, now I get to keep all my pasta...without burning myself.
Bread Dipping Set This has revolutionized the way John and I eat. Forget dirtying another dumb pan to make that 12 grams of fat a piece Texas Toast. This is much cooler and tastes even better. Get yourself a french loaf and some E.V.O.O. as well.
Mr. Coffee Programmable Coffee Maker It's like having a manservant. My cup of coffee is always ready at 6 am.
Barnie's Coffee Mmmmh. Yum. Too expensive to use every day, but a great treat for holidays (Thanksgiving, Halloween, Christmas, Martin Luther King Jr. Day, Valentine's Day, Sweetest Day, Mother's and Father's Day, Child Abuse Prevention Month, Hanukkah, Boxing Day, Yom Kippur, Good Friday, Ash Wednesday, Easter...)and the stuff lasts for like 60 cups of coffee...you do the math :)
Kandinsky Calendar Every other calendar in the world is too...girly or manly or just kind of cheesy or stupid or fruity or animaly...while I have a cat calendar at school and I'm sure John would love a Dave Matthews calendar or something stupid like that, this is one we could both agree on. And it's a good conversation piece. And it makes us look educated and artsy and stuff. And Kandinsky is one of our favorites. So you may not like it. Because we like odd things.
Over-the-Sink Colander Am I the only one who occasionally tips the little plastic strainers over in the sink, only to watch my beloved gemelli fall down the drain? Well, now I get to keep all my pasta...without burning myself.
Bread Dipping Set This has revolutionized the way John and I eat. Forget dirtying another dumb pan to make that 12 grams of fat a piece Texas Toast. This is much cooler and tastes even better. Get yourself a french loaf and some E.V.O.O. as well.
Mr. Coffee Programmable Coffee Maker It's like having a manservant. My cup of coffee is always ready at 6 am.
Barnie's Coffee Mmmmh. Yum. Too expensive to use every day, but a great treat for holidays (Thanksgiving, Halloween, Christmas, Martin Luther King Jr. Day, Valentine's Day, Sweetest Day, Mother's and Father's Day, Child Abuse Prevention Month, Hanukkah, Boxing Day, Yom Kippur, Good Friday, Ash Wednesday, Easter...)and the stuff lasts for like 60 cups of coffee...you do the math :)
Kandinsky Calendar Every other calendar in the world is too...girly or manly or just kind of cheesy or stupid or fruity or animaly...while I have a cat calendar at school and I'm sure John would love a Dave Matthews calendar or something stupid like that, this is one we could both agree on. And it's a good conversation piece. And it makes us look educated and artsy and stuff. And Kandinsky is one of our favorites. So you may not like it. Because we like odd things.
Friday, January 06, 2006
Back to work!
It's back to school for me, and I'll be there all weekend. I'm excited for a new semester and already exhausted at the same time. Teaching has its ups and downs, but I am so grateful we get the vacations that we do. However, I am all for the year round school plan. HOWEVER, if school was year round I really would probably spend most of my breaks in the classroom...so maybe having summers off is good. I can also spend time during summers to get another job or work on a hobby.
Speaking of hobbies, does anyone have any suggestions of some hobbies I could pick up?
Speaking of hobbies, does anyone have any suggestions of some hobbies I could pick up?
Wednesday, January 04, 2006
Not to be impish or anything...
...but did Hillary Duff get cheek implants? Dude, she looks weird. I LOVED her as Lizzie Maguire. She was so cute! And I saw part of that "Life Size" movie with Lindsay Lohan as a little kid... Anyway, what is happening to these girls?
Ewwww. Stop getting plastic surgery, anorexia and stuff. And, oh my gosh, Paris Hilton, how could you steal Michelle Tanner's boyfriend? How ruuude.
Ewwww. Stop getting plastic surgery, anorexia and stuff. And, oh my gosh, Paris Hilton, how could you steal Michelle Tanner's boyfriend? How ruuude.
Tuesday, January 03, 2006
Ten Things in Our Bathroom You Gotta (at least) Try (mostly if you're female)
1. Bath and Body Works True Blue Spa "Pretty in Zinc" SPF 45 for face Hey, burned skin is gross. This SPF isn't greasy, looks good, doesn't make me break out, etc. The only thing is, if you want SPF to work, you have to keep re-applying, so I'm told.
2. Clinique Happy Heart perfume and roller application thingy. I love to put on this stuff, because you just roll it all over, and it gets this very small amount everywhere. It's perfect--and spray doesn't wastefully fall to the bathroom floor.
3. Aveeno Daily Moisturizer (unscented) This stuff is great because it really, really is unscented. So John and I can both use it. Plus, I got it for Christmas from a student, so it came with all these different sized bottles. So I keep one in my purse, the car...everywhere. And it doesn't ruin the smell of my perfume.
4. Bed Head Manipulator This stuff (it's a sort of pomade) is great if you don't fine hair or hair that easily looks greasy. It's perfect for hair emergencies. I don't use it very often, but when my hair isn't cooperating, a tiny bit of this fixes it.
5. Neutrogena Advanced Solutions Facial Peel How glad am I that exfoliating with avocado peel is just not the thing anymore? I've discovered that my face is actually very low maintenance and that perhaps I was overdoing it a bit. Store bought microdermabrasion stuff is kinda pricey for things you get at Target or the grocery store, but they are totally worth it...you only use a very little bit every week. It lasts like a year.
6. Bath and Body Works True Blue Spa foot care kits I personally feel that these products are overpriced, so I never buy them myself. I just ask for them in gift exchanges. They are certainly things you can probably live without, but are oh-so-nice to receive.
7. Multi-Vitamin of choice... When I take my vitamins (which is actually pretty rare) the most immediate and noticeable difference to me is my skin, hair, and nails. I'm sure the vitamins are doing great things on the inside, too, which is of course even more important.
8. Loreal Paris Lineur Intense I never thought I'd be able to apply liquid eyeliner. However, this stuff is so easy to apply. Gotta try this one.
9. Loreal Paris Infallible Make-Up This is the best foundation I've ever had. I don't know if stuff like Estee Lauder or something is better, but I think this might be the best thing you could possibly get at Walgreen's.
10. Oil of Olay Age Defying Daily Renewal Cream I personally think this ranks better than any other Walgreen's-level lotion. I have tiny sample of Estee Lauder stuff that is pretty good, but this is much more worth the price.
2. Clinique Happy Heart perfume and roller application thingy. I love to put on this stuff, because you just roll it all over, and it gets this very small amount everywhere. It's perfect--and spray doesn't wastefully fall to the bathroom floor.
3. Aveeno Daily Moisturizer (unscented) This stuff is great because it really, really is unscented. So John and I can both use it. Plus, I got it for Christmas from a student, so it came with all these different sized bottles. So I keep one in my purse, the car...everywhere. And it doesn't ruin the smell of my perfume.
4. Bed Head Manipulator This stuff (it's a sort of pomade) is great if you don't fine hair or hair that easily looks greasy. It's perfect for hair emergencies. I don't use it very often, but when my hair isn't cooperating, a tiny bit of this fixes it.
5. Neutrogena Advanced Solutions Facial Peel How glad am I that exfoliating with avocado peel is just not the thing anymore? I've discovered that my face is actually very low maintenance and that perhaps I was overdoing it a bit. Store bought microdermabrasion stuff is kinda pricey for things you get at Target or the grocery store, but they are totally worth it...you only use a very little bit every week. It lasts like a year.
6. Bath and Body Works True Blue Spa foot care kits I personally feel that these products are overpriced, so I never buy them myself. I just ask for them in gift exchanges. They are certainly things you can probably live without, but are oh-so-nice to receive.
7. Multi-Vitamin of choice... When I take my vitamins (which is actually pretty rare) the most immediate and noticeable difference to me is my skin, hair, and nails. I'm sure the vitamins are doing great things on the inside, too, which is of course even more important.
8. Loreal Paris Lineur Intense I never thought I'd be able to apply liquid eyeliner. However, this stuff is so easy to apply. Gotta try this one.
9. Loreal Paris Infallible Make-Up This is the best foundation I've ever had. I don't know if stuff like Estee Lauder or something is better, but I think this might be the best thing you could possibly get at Walgreen's.
10. Oil of Olay Age Defying Daily Renewal Cream I personally think this ranks better than any other Walgreen's-level lotion. I have tiny sample of Estee Lauder stuff that is pretty good, but this is much more worth the price.
Monday, January 02, 2006
Rosa and the Half-Blood...Housewife?
It's 4 am. My time is all messed up because John works overnight and I don't work (because it's Christmas break for all of us teachers). So I sleep, sleep, sleep. And I cook. And I iron. And I do laundry. And I watch "I LOVE THE 90's!" so that I can become an expert of 90's Trivial Pursuit and one day, one day I will defeat the remarkably trivial mind of John. I came close tonight, but I always get stuck on the computer/technology questions.
When I do laundry, I start the washer and add laundry detergent. Then I add the clothes, bit by bit, because our laundry baskets actually hold clean, folded clothes from the last time I did laundry...so my arms are what carries dirty laundry to the washer. I have no idea why the clothes never end up in the dresser drawers. Anyway, this involves a lot of walking back and forth, so Rosa thinks it's cute to lay right in the middle of the kitchen, on her back so that her fuzzy belly fur is all over the place, and she attacks my feet as I walk past.
Since I am home more often since December 22nd (the last day of school), Rosa is in Cat Heaven. We are B.F.F.s. So, when John gets home and lies down (to sleep), Rosa attacks his feet. Because, when John isn't there, Rosa sleeps with me. But when John is here, she attacks him, lays on him, rubs her nose in his face, puts her butt or tail in his face, etc...
She's the perfect cat. Why? Because I'm her favorite person. That's the great thing about cats. ;-)
When I do laundry, I start the washer and add laundry detergent. Then I add the clothes, bit by bit, because our laundry baskets actually hold clean, folded clothes from the last time I did laundry...so my arms are what carries dirty laundry to the washer. I have no idea why the clothes never end up in the dresser drawers. Anyway, this involves a lot of walking back and forth, so Rosa thinks it's cute to lay right in the middle of the kitchen, on her back so that her fuzzy belly fur is all over the place, and she attacks my feet as I walk past.
Since I am home more often since December 22nd (the last day of school), Rosa is in Cat Heaven. We are B.F.F.s. So, when John gets home and lies down (to sleep), Rosa attacks his feet. Because, when John isn't there, Rosa sleeps with me. But when John is here, she attacks him, lays on him, rubs her nose in his face, puts her butt or tail in his face, etc...
She's the perfect cat. Why? Because I'm her favorite person. That's the great thing about cats. ;-)
Sunday, January 01, 2006
Happy New Year!
Well, it is 2006. Now I'll have the darndest time trying to get my students to write 1-8-06. I kept thinking it was 2006 like in April, so I don't think I will have too much trouble making the switch this year.
New Year's Eve is always kind of sucky for me. Seriously, I don't think I've ever gone to a party or anything that was actually fun on New Year's. I always go to parties that try to be fun, but they end up failing--miserably.
To "ring in the New Year" (how much do I hate cliches?), we went to John's brother's, Mark's, and Jen's (his girlfriend) for New Year's and it was okay. I mean, it was like a normal night with people we don't normally hang out with (except Mark and Jen). Jen, her sister and I watched 48 hours mystery. It was a lame episode. The guys played poker. John fell asleep at 11:50 and I had to wake him up at 11:58. We left their house at 12:15. We're real partiers.
So I probably fell asleep at 2 am and I slept non-stop until 3 pm. Our pastor said that as we get older, we won't be able to sleep past noon. So I've decided to sleep as much as I can before it's too late.
:)
New Year's Eve is always kind of sucky for me. Seriously, I don't think I've ever gone to a party or anything that was actually fun on New Year's. I always go to parties that try to be fun, but they end up failing--miserably.
To "ring in the New Year" (how much do I hate cliches?), we went to John's brother's, Mark's, and Jen's (his girlfriend) for New Year's and it was okay. I mean, it was like a normal night with people we don't normally hang out with (except Mark and Jen). Jen, her sister and I watched 48 hours mystery. It was a lame episode. The guys played poker. John fell asleep at 11:50 and I had to wake him up at 11:58. We left their house at 12:15. We're real partiers.
So I probably fell asleep at 2 am and I slept non-stop until 3 pm. Our pastor said that as we get older, we won't be able to sleep past noon. So I've decided to sleep as much as I can before it's too late.
:)
Friday, December 30, 2005
Thursday, December 29, 2005
Wednesday, December 28, 2005
Siiiigh. Gift Registries! Yuck!
While it was really fun creating our gift registries, I am totally at a loss with Nicole's (girl I work with) registries. She registered at Target, WalMart and Sears. First of all, WalMart? Ugh. Well, aside from that, she registered for like five things at each place. And they are really, really dumb things. I'm not going to buy her some 5 dollar curtains from WalMart. That's stupid. So I was trying to think of other things that perhaps my team (the other first grade teachers and I, there are 6 of us) could do for her. I mean, if we each pitch in an average of 30 dollars, we would have practically 200 bucks. So we could get her something pretty nice. But should we really just stick to her registries, or should we be more creative?
Some of my favorite gifts were actually things not on our registry. So I was trying to think of some fun stuff we could get her, but I'm not like, her best friend, so I don't feel comfortable getting her massage oils and kama sutra books or anything like that (that's what I'm getting Susan when she gets married ::wink, wink::)!
We could just get her a large gift card (the third grade team gave me 200 dollars at my shower for Target!), but since she is a fellow first grade teacher and I do know her pretty well, I figure we should do something a little more personal than that.
Plus, she's marrying the PE teacher, so maybe we should really shell out some extra dough and creativity.
Maybe we could do like some sort of a theme basket, like I did for Lindsay. Since her fiance is Mexican, he really has a large family with get-togethers all the time, and he already has two kids. So, maybe something kid-friendly or something to get away from the kids?
I need help. Please comment.
Some of my favorite gifts were actually things not on our registry. So I was trying to think of some fun stuff we could get her, but I'm not like, her best friend, so I don't feel comfortable getting her massage oils and kama sutra books or anything like that (that's what I'm getting Susan when she gets married ::wink, wink::)!
We could just get her a large gift card (the third grade team gave me 200 dollars at my shower for Target!), but since she is a fellow first grade teacher and I do know her pretty well, I figure we should do something a little more personal than that.
Plus, she's marrying the PE teacher, so maybe we should really shell out some extra dough and creativity.
Maybe we could do like some sort of a theme basket, like I did for Lindsay. Since her fiance is Mexican, he really has a large family with get-togethers all the time, and he already has two kids. So, maybe something kid-friendly or something to get away from the kids?
I need help. Please comment.
Monday, December 26, 2005
On the THIRTEENTH day of Christmas...
...my true love gave to me a brand new SUV!
Well, brand new to us, anyway. John and I have started a FAMILY. You know, you can't "start a family" without an SUV. Well, we wanted a car, but we needed something big enough to hitch a trailer, carry things like ironing boards and tv's when we buy them, etc., and this was the most gas-efficient deal we could find. It's a Hyundai Santa Fe. And it is very cool. I'd like to say that it's cute, but then John would feel emasculated. The poor dear already has to drive my Cavalier sometimes. The Santa Fe is kind of this bright blue that, to the pessimist, is hideous. However, to the optimist, the bright blue is very unique. Since John and I are optimistic, we both agree that it is a unique color.
:)
Well, brand new to us, anyway. John and I have started a FAMILY. You know, you can't "start a family" without an SUV. Well, we wanted a car, but we needed something big enough to hitch a trailer, carry things like ironing boards and tv's when we buy them, etc., and this was the most gas-efficient deal we could find. It's a Hyundai Santa Fe. And it is very cool. I'd like to say that it's cute, but then John would feel emasculated. The poor dear already has to drive my Cavalier sometimes. The Santa Fe is kind of this bright blue that, to the pessimist, is hideous. However, to the optimist, the bright blue is very unique. Since John and I are optimistic, we both agree that it is a unique color.
:)
Thursday, December 22, 2005
It was a great year!
I don't remember a lot of it, but here goes (this survey found on Veronica's blog, copyright 2005)...
January
1. Did you have a New Year's resolution this year?: Yes, that I could start wearing socks to bed again.
2. Who kissed you at midnight?: No one. I think I was with my family.
3. Does it snow where you live?: Hahaha…no.
4. Do you like hot chocolate?: I do.
5. Have you ever been to Times Square to watch the ball drop?: No and I don’t ever want to be there at that time of year, either.
February
1. Who was your Valentine in 2005?: John
2. What did your Valentine get you?: Ummm…I don’t remember
3. When you were little, did you buy Valentines for your whole class?: Yes.
March
1. Are you Irish?: Half.
2. Do you wear green on St. Patty's Day? Of course. And wobbly shamrocks on my head.
3. What did you do for St. Patty's Day in 2005?: We made St. Patrick’s decorations at school (teacher).
April
1. Do you like the rain?: no, unless it’s really warm and I have a swimsuit on.
2. Did you play an April Fool's joke on anyone this year?: don't think so
3. Do you get tons of candy on Easter?: tons? I don’t think so. A little bit though.
May
1. What's your favorite kind of flower?: roses, daisies, sunflowers, gardenias, hibiscus
Where's #2?
3. Do you like the spring?: Yes.
4. Finish the phrase: April showers bring may flowers, what do May flowers bring? Pilgrims! (I stole that from Veronica)
5. What would you think of as a spring color?: yellow, white, green, blue, pink..
June
1. What year did you graduate from school?: Orrville High School: 2000
Muskingum College: 2004
2. Did you go on any vacations last June?: I don’t think I did.
July
1. What did you do on the 4th of July? Went to the Orrville fireworks with my sister, the Wineys, and Emily, high school friends.
2. What about on July 12th? I don’t know.
3. Do you go on any vacations during this month?: Ohio!
August
1. Did you do anything special to end off your summer?: Wedding plans
2. What was your favorite summer memory of '05?: Wedding plans?
3. Do you go swimming a lot in the summer?: No…I don’t really like swimming.
4. Do you go to the beach a lot? No. Not a whole lot.
September
1. Did you attend school/college in '05?: If first grade counts
2. Who is/was your favorite teacher?: Shirley Wallner, who I work with, Scott Bardall (history in 10th grade), Carol Brenneman (6th grade English), Jackie Conway (1st grade)
3. Do you like fall better than summer?: I love fall more than any other time of year
October
1. What was your favorite Halloween costume ever?: a princess
2. What's your favorite candy? Krackle bars, fruity tootsie rolls, bubble gum, Snickers
3. What did you dress up like this year?: a bride
November
1. Whose house do you usually go to for Thanksgiving?: Aunt Cathy’s
2. Do you like stuffing?: definitely, I love it
3. What are you thankful for?: I have an absolutely amazing husband, a beautiful cat, a wonderful home, a terrific, loyal and dependable family, a few great friends, enough money to get by, good food to eat, and of course, Jesus in my little heart
December
1. Do you celebrate Christmas?: Certainly, just like 94% of America
2. Have you ever been kissed under mistletoe?: Yes! Thanks to Aunt Cathy when I was little and her mistletoe
3. What do you want this year for Christmas?: Well, Christmas just ended, so I made out pretty well already. We got a big tv, an SUV, new watches, some clothes, gift cards, etc. We are spoiled rotten.
4. What's the best present you ever got for Christmas?: my vanity was nice, and my silky pink pajamas that made me feel like a princess, jewelry boxes that played music and had dancing ballerinas…oh, and my engagement ring!
5. Do you like cold weather?: Not at all. I can’t even stand the 60 degree weather we are having here in FL!
6. How would you rate your '05 from 1 - 10?: I would say 9, 10 if not for all the hurricane stuff, tsunamis, etc.
January
1. Did you have a New Year's resolution this year?: Yes, that I could start wearing socks to bed again.
2. Who kissed you at midnight?: No one. I think I was with my family.
3. Does it snow where you live?: Hahaha…no.
4. Do you like hot chocolate?: I do.
5. Have you ever been to Times Square to watch the ball drop?: No and I don’t ever want to be there at that time of year, either.
February
1. Who was your Valentine in 2005?: John
2. What did your Valentine get you?: Ummm…I don’t remember
3. When you were little, did you buy Valentines for your whole class?: Yes.
March
1. Are you Irish?: Half.
2. Do you wear green on St. Patty's Day? Of course. And wobbly shamrocks on my head.
3. What did you do for St. Patty's Day in 2005?: We made St. Patrick’s decorations at school (teacher).
April
1. Do you like the rain?: no, unless it’s really warm and I have a swimsuit on.
2. Did you play an April Fool's joke on anyone this year?: don't think so
3. Do you get tons of candy on Easter?: tons? I don’t think so. A little bit though.
May
1. What's your favorite kind of flower?: roses, daisies, sunflowers, gardenias, hibiscus
Where's #2?
3. Do you like the spring?: Yes.
4. Finish the phrase: April showers bring may flowers, what do May flowers bring? Pilgrims! (I stole that from Veronica)
5. What would you think of as a spring color?: yellow, white, green, blue, pink..
June
1. What year did you graduate from school?: Orrville High School: 2000
Muskingum College: 2004
2. Did you go on any vacations last June?: I don’t think I did.
July
1. What did you do on the 4th of July? Went to the Orrville fireworks with my sister, the Wineys, and Emily, high school friends.
2. What about on July 12th? I don’t know.
3. Do you go on any vacations during this month?: Ohio!
August
1. Did you do anything special to end off your summer?: Wedding plans
2. What was your favorite summer memory of '05?: Wedding plans?
3. Do you go swimming a lot in the summer?: No…I don’t really like swimming.
4. Do you go to the beach a lot? No. Not a whole lot.
September
1. Did you attend school/college in '05?: If first grade counts
2. Who is/was your favorite teacher?: Shirley Wallner, who I work with, Scott Bardall (history in 10th grade), Carol Brenneman (6th grade English), Jackie Conway (1st grade)
3. Do you like fall better than summer?: I love fall more than any other time of year
October
1. What was your favorite Halloween costume ever?: a princess
2. What's your favorite candy? Krackle bars, fruity tootsie rolls, bubble gum, Snickers
3. What did you dress up like this year?: a bride
November
1. Whose house do you usually go to for Thanksgiving?: Aunt Cathy’s
2. Do you like stuffing?: definitely, I love it
3. What are you thankful for?: I have an absolutely amazing husband, a beautiful cat, a wonderful home, a terrific, loyal and dependable family, a few great friends, enough money to get by, good food to eat, and of course, Jesus in my little heart
December
1. Do you celebrate Christmas?: Certainly, just like 94% of America
2. Have you ever been kissed under mistletoe?: Yes! Thanks to Aunt Cathy when I was little and her mistletoe
3. What do you want this year for Christmas?: Well, Christmas just ended, so I made out pretty well already. We got a big tv, an SUV, new watches, some clothes, gift cards, etc. We are spoiled rotten.
4. What's the best present you ever got for Christmas?: my vanity was nice, and my silky pink pajamas that made me feel like a princess, jewelry boxes that played music and had dancing ballerinas…oh, and my engagement ring!
5. Do you like cold weather?: Not at all. I can’t even stand the 60 degree weather we are having here in FL!
6. How would you rate your '05 from 1 - 10?: I would say 9, 10 if not for all the hurricane stuff, tsunamis, etc.
Hello!
Oh, excuse me. I was just saying hello to the bald eagle that is...sitting outside my window! Whoa!
Anyway, today is my first day of vacation. I've watched a bunch of tv shows, trying to keep myself from cleaning our ridiculously messy house. How do people keep their houses clean? I haven't figured this out yet.
Well, I've already cleaned anyway and now our kitchen is more of a mess than it was and I took a break to look at wedding pictures and that made me think of my mom's Christmas present, which made me think of the internet, which made me come on here, which made me check everyone's blogs, profiles, away messages, catch up on what's going on at target.com, etc. etc.
Oh, vacation. I love you.
Anyway, today is my first day of vacation. I've watched a bunch of tv shows, trying to keep myself from cleaning our ridiculously messy house. How do people keep their houses clean? I haven't figured this out yet.
Well, I've already cleaned anyway and now our kitchen is more of a mess than it was and I took a break to look at wedding pictures and that made me think of my mom's Christmas present, which made me think of the internet, which made me come on here, which made me check everyone's blogs, profiles, away messages, catch up on what's going on at target.com, etc. etc.
Oh, vacation. I love you.
Saturday, December 17, 2005
"Season's Greetings!?"
What the *%^&$ is that?
Okay, so if you're Jewish, go ahead and say Happy Hanukkah. If you're celebrating Kwanzaa, say Happy Kwanzaa. But if you're not a believer in Christ and if you're not Jewish, come up with a better holiday greeting than "Season's Greetings." This is the time of year we celebrate Christmas, not the season.
But I guess some people like to celebrate Santa Claus and presents.
It just seems worse this year, and when I talk to my students, trying to prompt them..."What is Christmas REALLY about?" Not one kid said Jesus, God, or anything close. They said presents, Santa, snow, family, love...
Okay, so if you're Jewish, go ahead and say Happy Hanukkah. If you're celebrating Kwanzaa, say Happy Kwanzaa. But if you're not a believer in Christ and if you're not Jewish, come up with a better holiday greeting than "Season's Greetings." This is the time of year we celebrate Christmas, not the season.
But I guess some people like to celebrate Santa Claus and presents.
It just seems worse this year, and when I talk to my students, trying to prompt them..."What is Christmas REALLY about?" Not one kid said Jesus, God, or anything close. They said presents, Santa, snow, family, love...
Monday, December 12, 2005
Poor Rosa...
John and I lit all of our Christmas lights and candles tonight as we were eating our yummy chili dinner. It gave us a remarkable sense of peace. I felt like breaking out into song, "Leeet theeere be peace on earth...!" Before I could ruin the moment, I held back my beautiful singing voice--not to be arrogant or anything, but it is beautiful.
Ha...
Well anyway, Rosa was trying to find a spot where she could: a.) cuddle with one of us or b.) capture our attention by doing something ridiculously bad. So, she climbed up on the armrest of the couch and started clawing, not realizing that her enormous, feather-duster tail had landed right in the middle of our caramel-scented candle.
I didn't realize it was happening until the smell of caramels suddenly morphed into the smell of burning fur, and lo, there was the smoke to prove that yes, our dear cat's tail was burning off right before our eyes. John grabbed her tail with his hands to quench the smoke (there were no flames, thank goodness).
Rosa was fine, and only lost a bit of fur (completely unnoticeable). She was obsessed with the smell of it, though. The funny yet awful thing is that she couldn't find exactly where the smell was coming from, so she walked in circles trying to figure out the source of the singed scent...
But, as far as I know, she never did figure out that it was actually her tail that was smoking.
Poor Rosa!
Ha...
Well anyway, Rosa was trying to find a spot where she could: a.) cuddle with one of us or b.) capture our attention by doing something ridiculously bad. So, she climbed up on the armrest of the couch and started clawing, not realizing that her enormous, feather-duster tail had landed right in the middle of our caramel-scented candle.
I didn't realize it was happening until the smell of caramels suddenly morphed into the smell of burning fur, and lo, there was the smoke to prove that yes, our dear cat's tail was burning off right before our eyes. John grabbed her tail with his hands to quench the smoke (there were no flames, thank goodness).
Rosa was fine, and only lost a bit of fur (completely unnoticeable). She was obsessed with the smell of it, though. The funny yet awful thing is that she couldn't find exactly where the smell was coming from, so she walked in circles trying to figure out the source of the singed scent...
But, as far as I know, she never did figure out that it was actually her tail that was smoking.
Poor Rosa!
Saturday, December 10, 2005
Saving Jane
I am regretting that I don't live in Ohio right now, because people are telling me that Saving Jane has made it into the Top 40 and is on the RADIO...
Now some of you don't know Saving Jane, but I'm telling you, go to their website right now (www.savingjane.com) to buy their CD for just $10.00, and if you continue on to their actual website, you can listen to 4 whole songs on the CD.
I started listening to Saving Jane because Marti, the lead singer, is best friend and soon-to-be maid of honor of my cousin, Autumn (who is in a song on the CD, by the way). And, thanks to Autumn, I have come about the closest I'll ever come to knowing a real live singer on the radio...............
Okay, so I've never even met anyone from Saving Jane. Whatever.
I knew Saving Jane would be famous!!!!
Now some of you don't know Saving Jane, but I'm telling you, go to their website right now (www.savingjane.com) to buy their CD for just $10.00, and if you continue on to their actual website, you can listen to 4 whole songs on the CD.
I started listening to Saving Jane because Marti, the lead singer, is best friend and soon-to-be maid of honor of my cousin, Autumn (who is in a song on the CD, by the way). And, thanks to Autumn, I have come about the closest I'll ever come to knowing a real live singer on the radio...............
Okay, so I've never even met anyone from Saving Jane. Whatever.
I knew Saving Jane would be famous!!!!
Christmas Cookies
Erdman Family Tradition Number One:
Amanda makes cookies to join the cookie exchange (at school) because it would be cruel not to show others what REAL Christmas cookies are like.
And it's sort of competitive. For example, I know last year my cookies were the best ones, but this year, I may have some tough competitors. I like doing the cookie exchange because it's fun to bring 14 different kinds of cookies home, try a bit of each one...throw away the yucky ones, and eat all the good ones!
But you know, it's kind of torturous to be doing this. I mean, I'd rather just have 7 dozen of MY cookies to myself than all these other kinds. I am trying to figure out my motivation for this, so I am guessing it could only be because I want to show off. Or maybe I really do like to share this most wonderful recipe. I think it's a little of both.
You should see how beautiful our cat, Rosa is right now. I think she truly believes she is a human baby, because she always wants to lay and sit up just like a baby in my arms. I love kitties.
Amanda makes cookies to join the cookie exchange (at school) because it would be cruel not to show others what REAL Christmas cookies are like.
And it's sort of competitive. For example, I know last year my cookies were the best ones, but this year, I may have some tough competitors. I like doing the cookie exchange because it's fun to bring 14 different kinds of cookies home, try a bit of each one...throw away the yucky ones, and eat all the good ones!
But you know, it's kind of torturous to be doing this. I mean, I'd rather just have 7 dozen of MY cookies to myself than all these other kinds. I am trying to figure out my motivation for this, so I am guessing it could only be because I want to show off. Or maybe I really do like to share this most wonderful recipe. I think it's a little of both.
You should see how beautiful our cat, Rosa is right now. I think she truly believes she is a human baby, because she always wants to lay and sit up just like a baby in my arms. I love kitties.
Saturday, December 03, 2005
Rosa is Very Naughty
She's getting a lump of coal for Christmas. She's already broken two of our ornaments.
Our picture website isn't letting us order our pictures or Christmas cards. Has anyone else tried it?
Does anyone have any tips for keeping cats away from Christmas trees?
Christmas is a very busy time of the year. I am spending beaucoup dollars on my classroom. Kids, buy your teachers gift cards.
Our picture website isn't letting us order our pictures or Christmas cards. Has anyone else tried it?
Does anyone have any tips for keeping cats away from Christmas trees?
Christmas is a very busy time of the year. I am spending beaucoup dollars on my classroom. Kids, buy your teachers gift cards.
Tuesday, November 29, 2005
Thursday, November 24, 2005
Happy Thanksgiving!
I was standing outside of Gate 36, waiting for the call to begin boarding my plane to Cleveland, which had already been delayed. It was 3:50 in the afternoon--30 minutes before take-off. Just at a glance, I saw the ticker screen above my head change. Flight 470 to Cleveland. Canceled. Crap.
Many middle-aged people stood in line, furious, while young college students, traveling alone for the holidays, stood nearly in tears. Young couples with children stood by with bewildered looks on their faces. One man, a big man in his forties or so, cussed and cursed every person working for the airline. Most people took the 2 am flight.
So I weighed my options and decided to fly into Pittsburgh instead. The airline easily changed my ticket and my bags in order to fly to Pittsburgh. Then, JR called and asked if I could possibly fly into Columbus. So changed my ticket and my bags again.
I was disturbed by that man's behavior, so when I sat down to read this week's Newsweek, pictures of the recent earthquake in Pakistan had a more significant effect. One picture shows hundreds of men sitting on the ground. The caption states, "These men trekked for days in the mountains to get to a helipad in the Naran Valley, only to learn that supplies of tents and blankets had run out several days before. Now they wait for new shipments."
While we Americans freak out about our flights and arriving to see our families on time for the holidays, there are men separated from their cold, starving, unsheltered families because of a natural disaster. So when my flight is canceled because of snow, I am reminded to appreciate that I am warm, that I am fed, and that I am with my family.
Now my luggage is lost, probably somewhere in Pittsburgh. I don't have my super cute new outfit to wear for Thanksgiving or my makeup or my special gel to make my hair curly...and just when I start to feel sorry for myself, I remember--this is 2005. Katrina, Rita, Wilma, earthquakes, terrorist attacks, war, soldiers without needed supplies and gear. And I don't have my hair gel. How selfish.
Happy Thanksgiving, everyone. I hope you have been blessed with warmth, food, family, and friends. And if you're in Florida...air conditioning!
Many middle-aged people stood in line, furious, while young college students, traveling alone for the holidays, stood nearly in tears. Young couples with children stood by with bewildered looks on their faces. One man, a big man in his forties or so, cussed and cursed every person working for the airline. Most people took the 2 am flight.
So I weighed my options and decided to fly into Pittsburgh instead. The airline easily changed my ticket and my bags in order to fly to Pittsburgh. Then, JR called and asked if I could possibly fly into Columbus. So changed my ticket and my bags again.
I was disturbed by that man's behavior, so when I sat down to read this week's Newsweek, pictures of the recent earthquake in Pakistan had a more significant effect. One picture shows hundreds of men sitting on the ground. The caption states, "These men trekked for days in the mountains to get to a helipad in the Naran Valley, only to learn that supplies of tents and blankets had run out several days before. Now they wait for new shipments."
While we Americans freak out about our flights and arriving to see our families on time for the holidays, there are men separated from their cold, starving, unsheltered families because of a natural disaster. So when my flight is canceled because of snow, I am reminded to appreciate that I am warm, that I am fed, and that I am with my family.
Now my luggage is lost, probably somewhere in Pittsburgh. I don't have my super cute new outfit to wear for Thanksgiving or my makeup or my special gel to make my hair curly...and just when I start to feel sorry for myself, I remember--this is 2005. Katrina, Rita, Wilma, earthquakes, terrorist attacks, war, soldiers without needed supplies and gear. And I don't have my hair gel. How selfish.
Happy Thanksgiving, everyone. I hope you have been blessed with warmth, food, family, and friends. And if you're in Florida...air conditioning!
Tuesday, November 22, 2005
Stuffing!
We made stuffing today at school! I'm actually on my lunch right now and it smells sooooo good. It's simmering in the crock pot right now. I can't wait to eat it. The kids loved making it...they've never had REAL stuffing before. They were great bread breakers and celery cutters.
We now have our wedding pictures! I will do my best to have them online soon.
Love ya all!
We now have our wedding pictures! I will do my best to have them online soon.
Love ya all!
Sunday, November 20, 2005
It's been so long since I have posted, I forgot my password! Shwew...married life has caught up to me and taken over everything! I am adapting to my new role...I think I'm adapting well, so far.
Work has been insane. I mean that literally. I have a couple of insane students. I'm voting to put a mental hospital on our school's campus. Now I have 18 kids in my little portable...which is a lot for a Florida classroom. Probably not for an Ohio classroom. The kids are killing me, honestly. This year has been dreadful.
I was teaching second grade in the after-school program and now I have switched to first. I can't believe the difference. First graders are such angels compared to those little second grade punks. I have nine students after school and four of them are from my regular classroom, which is really neat because they're pretty much kids I really enjoy.
I am traveling to Ohio for Thanksgiving! I am so excited to eat homemade stuffing and noodles and mashed potatoes!!!!!!!!!!!!! I am trying my best to prepare John for my leave of absence, as he will be working and sleeping non-stop and I'm afraid he'll forget to eat or something. The wifely duties just kick in, I tell ya. It's weird.
:)
Work has been insane. I mean that literally. I have a couple of insane students. I'm voting to put a mental hospital on our school's campus. Now I have 18 kids in my little portable...which is a lot for a Florida classroom. Probably not for an Ohio classroom. The kids are killing me, honestly. This year has been dreadful.
I was teaching second grade in the after-school program and now I have switched to first. I can't believe the difference. First graders are such angels compared to those little second grade punks. I have nine students after school and four of them are from my regular classroom, which is really neat because they're pretty much kids I really enjoy.
I am traveling to Ohio for Thanksgiving! I am so excited to eat homemade stuffing and noodles and mashed potatoes!!!!!!!!!!!!! I am trying my best to prepare John for my leave of absence, as he will be working and sleeping non-stop and I'm afraid he'll forget to eat or something. The wifely duties just kick in, I tell ya. It's weird.
:)
Friday, November 11, 2005
Perfect Winter Recipe!
Here's a recipe for chicken and dumplings my mom really enjoyed while she was here, so I decided to post it for her and anyone else who may be interested.
Chicken and Dumplings
prep time: 10 min. Start to Finish: 30 min.
1 1/2 cups milk
1 cup frozen peas and carrots
1 cup cut-up cooked chicken (a can of chicken works great in this recipe because
you can't tell the difference)
1 can (10.75 oz.) condensed cream of chicken soup
1 cup Original Bisquick mix
1/3 cup milk
1. In 3-quart saucepan, heat 1 1/2 cups milk, the peas and carrots, chicken and soup to boiling, stirring occasionally.
2. In small bowl, stir Bisquick and 1/3 cup milk with fork until soft dough forms. Drop dough by 8 spoonfuls onto boiling chicken mixture. Reduce heat to medium.
3. Cook uncovered for 10 minutes. Cover and cook for 10 minutes longer.
Makes 4 servings. 14 g. fat per serving 340 calories
Chicken and Dumplings
prep time: 10 min. Start to Finish: 30 min.
1 1/2 cups milk
1 cup frozen peas and carrots
1 cup cut-up cooked chicken (a can of chicken works great in this recipe because
you can't tell the difference)
1 can (10.75 oz.) condensed cream of chicken soup
1 cup Original Bisquick mix
1/3 cup milk
1. In 3-quart saucepan, heat 1 1/2 cups milk, the peas and carrots, chicken and soup to boiling, stirring occasionally.
2. In small bowl, stir Bisquick and 1/3 cup milk with fork until soft dough forms. Drop dough by 8 spoonfuls onto boiling chicken mixture. Reduce heat to medium.
3. Cook uncovered for 10 minutes. Cover and cook for 10 minutes longer.
Makes 4 servings. 14 g. fat per serving 340 calories
Thursday, November 10, 2005
We're from the country!
So I live in the Everglades with a bunch of hillbillies, right? And so today I was on a walk after work and I got stared down by three unfenced goats, one with massive horns. I thought I was going to get chased down. But I didn't.
Friday, November 04, 2005
You say it's your birthday?!!! It's my birthday, too!
TODAY, I am making a three layer chocolate cake...with a new recipe from a new recipe book. John is making some delicious steak with another new recipe, using our new GRILL that was given to us as a wedding gift...and we are making baked potatoes in our new Crock Pot! Oh yes, we are feeling so spoiled!
For our honeymoon, we went to St. Pete Beach and stayed in one of America's Haunted Hotels, the Don CeSar resort. It's a big pink castle. It was very cool.
We ate alligator, too. AND we went to the Museum of Science and Industry of Tampa and guess what exhibit was there? You'll never guess.
BODIES. That's what it's called. You may have heard of it. Scientists have taken real, live human bodies and injected them with this chemical (silicone polymer?) to preserve them. So, they didn't have any skin, but you could see everything else. There were all these really amazing displays...the muscular system, circulatory, reproductive, digestive, nervous... I also got to see what a real ovarian cyst looks like, a cancerous lung, a thyroid with cancer, breast cancer, a heart attack, emphysema, etc. I was impressed, and highly recommend it--especially anyone interested in physiology--or any life science, really.
For our honeymoon, we went to St. Pete Beach and stayed in one of America's Haunted Hotels, the Don CeSar resort. It's a big pink castle. It was very cool.
We ate alligator, too. AND we went to the Museum of Science and Industry of Tampa and guess what exhibit was there? You'll never guess.
BODIES. That's what it's called. You may have heard of it. Scientists have taken real, live human bodies and injected them with this chemical (silicone polymer?) to preserve them. So, they didn't have any skin, but you could see everything else. There were all these really amazing displays...the muscular system, circulatory, reproductive, digestive, nervous... I also got to see what a real ovarian cyst looks like, a cancerous lung, a thyroid with cancer, breast cancer, a heart attack, emphysema, etc. I was impressed, and highly recommend it--especially anyone interested in physiology--or any life science, really.
Sunday, October 23, 2005
Cosmo
Have you seen the cover of Cosmo this month? Are you wondering the same thing I'm wondering? If you know the answer, please tell me, as my curiousity has gotten the best of me and I refuse to buy this magazine :)
Well, sorry.
Well, sorry.
Wednesday, October 19, 2005
READY and waiting...
for the wedding and hurricane Wilma!
Most of our preparations are DONE! Since I know many of you flip out when anything occurs south of the Mississippi, I just thought I'd let you know...
John and I are keeping a very close eye on Hurricane Wilma and taking tips from smart, cautious people we know in the area. We're not listening to the freaks that stay at home no matter what. Situations like this actually make me grateful for the situation in New Orleans, because it seems that people are being much, much more cautious about this than they were with Charlie, Ivan, Rita, etc., last year.
From Weather.com: After that (being in the extreme southern Gulf of Mexico), Wilma is expected to come under the influence of westerly winds aloft blowing across the Gulf. That should shift the hurricane toward the Florida Peninsula, probably the southern part of the peninsula, this weekend. Wilma is expected to be weakening by then, but weakening is a relative term and Wilma may still be a major hurricane (winds over 110 mph) when it makes landfall.
Well, it does look pretty bad, but already from experience we know there is no use in evacuating yet. Chances are if we evacuated to the central area of the state, Wilma would hit that area the hardest. You just can't tell yet.
We are stocked up on supplies, water, batteries, weather radio and such. Please pray for us, and, in case of emergency, we have designated my mom and JR as our contact persons.
It is very highly likely that our electricity will go out. It always does. We do have car chargers for our cell phones, so as long as Cingular does their job, we'll be able to contact you or receive calls. I'm giving my mother a list of phone numbers in case we become unreachable.
Most of our preparations are DONE! Since I know many of you flip out when anything occurs south of the Mississippi, I just thought I'd let you know...
John and I are keeping a very close eye on Hurricane Wilma and taking tips from smart, cautious people we know in the area. We're not listening to the freaks that stay at home no matter what. Situations like this actually make me grateful for the situation in New Orleans, because it seems that people are being much, much more cautious about this than they were with Charlie, Ivan, Rita, etc., last year.
From Weather.com: After that (being in the extreme southern Gulf of Mexico), Wilma is expected to come under the influence of westerly winds aloft blowing across the Gulf. That should shift the hurricane toward the Florida Peninsula, probably the southern part of the peninsula, this weekend. Wilma is expected to be weakening by then, but weakening is a relative term and Wilma may still be a major hurricane (winds over 110 mph) when it makes landfall.
Well, it does look pretty bad, but already from experience we know there is no use in evacuating yet. Chances are if we evacuated to the central area of the state, Wilma would hit that area the hardest. You just can't tell yet.
We are stocked up on supplies, water, batteries, weather radio and such. Please pray for us, and, in case of emergency, we have designated my mom and JR as our contact persons.
It is very highly likely that our electricity will go out. It always does. We do have car chargers for our cell phones, so as long as Cingular does their job, we'll be able to contact you or receive calls. I'm giving my mother a list of phone numbers in case we become unreachable.
Sunday, October 16, 2005
Friday, October 14, 2005
Swamped
Hello! Earth to Amanda 10 months ago! What were you thinking scheduling your wedding for October?!!!!
October just so happens to be, like, the busiest month of school. First grade cards, first open house, first major testing, first adjustments being made to adapt to my new class and their needs...
And since I am so majorly into this union rep thing, I've really um...gotten myself in trouble in a few situations. To make a long story short (sorry for that really terrible cliche), I emailed my New Zealand "colleagues" about the jacked up way our school is doing "guided reading." Our school sometimes thinks it is SO GREAT. Well, the things they want us to do are just plain loco.
Anyway, I told my NZ friends this stuff, and they emailed me back...professional opinions, professional advice, on what our guided reading should look like. In case you didn't know, guided reading comes from NZ...they are reading gurus and have proven they do it best. So America adopted this idea and completely blew it all to Timbuctu.
ANYWAY, I copied and pasted their comments (which pretty much said that the way we are doing guided reading is completely wrong and insane and advised me on what it SHOULD be), and sent it to all the teachers in our school.
HA! Our principal is just not a happy camper, not to mention the reading specialist the berated me today.
Then I get into this car accident. A crazy, stupid car accident that was not my fault even though Florida is a "no-fault state." My car is significantly damaged and is in the shop for at least a week. In the meantime, I get to drive this awesome Mazda 6. I have never pictured myself in a Mazda, but I'm liking it.
Since the accident, I have had a case of the loonies. Forgetful...losing everything (Mom, make no comment).
So, John's cell phone is broken, my cell phone got left in my classroom for the weekend (it was that truck driver who hit me's fault...to make a long story short), and I'm slowly losing my mind.
Perhaps God just doesn't want me to be completely focused on the wedding. Then I might really go nuts.
I really haven't been thinking about the wedding much!
October just so happens to be, like, the busiest month of school. First grade cards, first open house, first major testing, first adjustments being made to adapt to my new class and their needs...
And since I am so majorly into this union rep thing, I've really um...gotten myself in trouble in a few situations. To make a long story short (sorry for that really terrible cliche), I emailed my New Zealand "colleagues" about the jacked up way our school is doing "guided reading." Our school sometimes thinks it is SO GREAT. Well, the things they want us to do are just plain loco.
Anyway, I told my NZ friends this stuff, and they emailed me back...professional opinions, professional advice, on what our guided reading should look like. In case you didn't know, guided reading comes from NZ...they are reading gurus and have proven they do it best. So America adopted this idea and completely blew it all to Timbuctu.
ANYWAY, I copied and pasted their comments (which pretty much said that the way we are doing guided reading is completely wrong and insane and advised me on what it SHOULD be), and sent it to all the teachers in our school.
HA! Our principal is just not a happy camper, not to mention the reading specialist the berated me today.
Then I get into this car accident. A crazy, stupid car accident that was not my fault even though Florida is a "no-fault state." My car is significantly damaged and is in the shop for at least a week. In the meantime, I get to drive this awesome Mazda 6. I have never pictured myself in a Mazda, but I'm liking it.
Since the accident, I have had a case of the loonies. Forgetful...losing everything (Mom, make no comment).
So, John's cell phone is broken, my cell phone got left in my classroom for the weekend (it was that truck driver who hit me's fault...to make a long story short), and I'm slowly losing my mind.
Perhaps God just doesn't want me to be completely focused on the wedding. Then I might really go nuts.
I really haven't been thinking about the wedding much!
Wednesday, October 12, 2005
My First Coffee Work Day
HOLY MOLY! Coffee has changed my life!!!!!!!!
All this time, I had no idea what it could do for my energy level! My cheeriness level! It's a flippin' miracle, I tell ya!
NOT to mention that I REALLY need the extra boost, what with my recent major car accident and all...
All this time, I had no idea what it could do for my energy level! My cheeriness level! It's a flippin' miracle, I tell ya!
NOT to mention that I REALLY need the extra boost, what with my recent major car accident and all...
Sunday, October 09, 2005
Rosa is meowing in the kitchen.
We bought a new coffee maker.
I've decided to become a coffee drinker.
And not just mocha.
It's red and black. I like those colors.
Orrville High School.
Muskingum College colors.
Red and black.
Lovely and mysterious.
I have glasses now, too.
Brown, thick frames.
We're going to get a table someday.
I'll sit at our table with my glasses on,
A robe, sipping coffee that I've forced myself to enjoy,
Reading the articles in the Sunday paper
That are not being covered by Rosa and her feather duster tail.
I saw two huge black birds, like ravens yesterday.
Calling to each other in the parking garage.
Lovely and mysterious, almost haunting.
Now, October is truly here.
October is the best time of the year.
We bought a new coffee maker.
I've decided to become a coffee drinker.
And not just mocha.
It's red and black. I like those colors.
Orrville High School.
Muskingum College colors.
Red and black.
Lovely and mysterious.
I have glasses now, too.
Brown, thick frames.
We're going to get a table someday.
I'll sit at our table with my glasses on,
A robe, sipping coffee that I've forced myself to enjoy,
Reading the articles in the Sunday paper
That are not being covered by Rosa and her feather duster tail.
I saw two huge black birds, like ravens yesterday.
Calling to each other in the parking garage.
Lovely and mysterious, almost haunting.
Now, October is truly here.
October is the best time of the year.
Friday, October 07, 2005
Sunday, October 02, 2005
*Cough* *Cough* *Cough*
I knew that, after writing the last post, that I was bound to get sick soon. It always happens when I'm feeling overwhelmed. God reminds me to take it easy through some stupid illness every single time.
And not even vitamin C can beat God. Trust me, I know.
Anyway, I'm not too sick. Just coughing, painful coughing...which is not cool because I'm not sick enough to be babied, but I am just sick enough to feel eck, and I'm not sick enough to stay home, but I am just sick enough to have no excuse for not getting everything done that I need to get done.
And not even vitamin C can beat God. Trust me, I know.
Anyway, I'm not too sick. Just coughing, painful coughing...which is not cool because I'm not sick enough to be babied, but I am just sick enough to feel eck, and I'm not sick enough to stay home, but I am just sick enough to have no excuse for not getting everything done that I need to get done.
Friday, September 30, 2005
SUPERteacher
I should definitely receive a reward.
I am definitely super teacher this year. Much more efficient, much more in contact with parents, much more on top of things.
Much more overwhelmed.
However, I did do all my lessons for next week AND lessons for all of October...I left work tonight at 7pm, but that's normal, and I achieved a lot more. My tutor is also back at work, which probably won't help that much, but we shall see...
Now I just have to work on very, very detailed substitute plans...
I am definitely super teacher this year. Much more efficient, much more in contact with parents, much more on top of things.
Much more overwhelmed.
However, I did do all my lessons for next week AND lessons for all of October...I left work tonight at 7pm, but that's normal, and I achieved a lot more. My tutor is also back at work, which probably won't help that much, but we shall see...
Now I just have to work on very, very detailed substitute plans...
Monday, September 26, 2005
Time Flies...
If there is one thing in this world that can make me swear right now, it's when I think of how fast time is flying...our wedding is almost here. At least three times a day, I say to myself, "Oh...shoot." I just can't believe it. I just can't believe it. I just CAN'T believe it.
Ohhhhhhhhhh SHOOT!
It's one of those things where I think, surely I'll die by then or something. I mean, no way is it REALLY going to happen. No way. It's just a joke. A dream.
Ohhhhhhhhhh SHOOT!
It's one of those things where I think, surely I'll die by then or something. I mean, no way is it REALLY going to happen. No way. It's just a joke. A dream.
Saturday, September 24, 2005
Remember Me!!!!?
My online diary is feeling bad about herself because no one is commenting. Hey, that bear entry was pretty funny, you must admit.
Anyway, whatever. Right now, life feels pretty good. John and I both just got huge-o-mungo paychecks due to overtime hours and the after school program. It doesn't mean that we're rich or anything, but it looks like we won't have to put our flowers and cake on credit cards, thank goodness.
I am also going to buy a hand mixer today. I am just sick and tired (hahaha!) of not having one. That and a cookie sheet. Do you know how many things need to be cooked on a cookie sheet? It's ridiculous. And guess what I am going to do? I am going to have a Remember Grandma Curie day. I'm going to make meatloaf, mashed potatoes, and peas (from a can, of course, just like she did). I think I'll buy some crackers and Cheez-Whiz, too.
Anyway, whatever. Right now, life feels pretty good. John and I both just got huge-o-mungo paychecks due to overtime hours and the after school program. It doesn't mean that we're rich or anything, but it looks like we won't have to put our flowers and cake on credit cards, thank goodness.
I am also going to buy a hand mixer today. I am just sick and tired (hahaha!) of not having one. That and a cookie sheet. Do you know how many things need to be cooked on a cookie sheet? It's ridiculous. And guess what I am going to do? I am going to have a Remember Grandma Curie day. I'm going to make meatloaf, mashed potatoes, and peas (from a can, of course, just like she did). I think I'll buy some crackers and Cheez-Whiz, too.
Sunday, September 18, 2005
Beary Scary!
Okay, so John left for work the other night at about 9:15. As soon as he has pulled away, my phone rings. I know it's John because he's pretty much the only person who calls me (except Mom).
He says, "I just wanted to let you know not to open the door. I just saw a bear. It was getting into our trash..."
I reply, "What?!"
"It was just a little bear," he says.
"A BEAR?"
So I immediately called Kari, because I figure she'll enjoy this story more than anyone I know. Plus, she just moved to North Carolina and I know there's probably just as many freaky animals there as there are here. She answers the phone sounding like she just woke up from a three hour nap...
I tell her, "I just wanted to call and talk to someone because I'm kind of freaked out right now. There's a bear outside my door."
Well now she is definitely fully awake and laughing hysterically.
As I'm explaining the situation, I notice a cockroach on the door frame...or some kind of strange, large bug that looks like a cockroach (probably got in as John was opening the door). I try to kill it with a broom (that doesn't work very well, by the way) and finally start trying to smash it with the handle of the broom. As I'm doing this, I am still on the phone, shouting, "DIE! DIE! DIE!"
I have some major pest control issues.
Then, as if that wasn't enough, I notice that Rosa (cat) is still going crazy over the gigantic dragonfly (their bodies are about the diameter of a broom handle) that is stuck between our back patio doors.
Not to mention the three tree frogs climbing on the outside of the windows. We have three tree frog pets that sleep all day around the patio door, white as ghosts because they change color to match whatever they're sitting on. There's Earl and Frieda (they're married) and their retired uncle, Zeke.
He says, "I just wanted to let you know not to open the door. I just saw a bear. It was getting into our trash..."
I reply, "What?!"
"It was just a little bear," he says.
"A BEAR?"
So I immediately called Kari, because I figure she'll enjoy this story more than anyone I know. Plus, she just moved to North Carolina and I know there's probably just as many freaky animals there as there are here. She answers the phone sounding like she just woke up from a three hour nap...
I tell her, "I just wanted to call and talk to someone because I'm kind of freaked out right now. There's a bear outside my door."
Well now she is definitely fully awake and laughing hysterically.
As I'm explaining the situation, I notice a cockroach on the door frame...or some kind of strange, large bug that looks like a cockroach (probably got in as John was opening the door). I try to kill it with a broom (that doesn't work very well, by the way) and finally start trying to smash it with the handle of the broom. As I'm doing this, I am still on the phone, shouting, "DIE! DIE! DIE!"
I have some major pest control issues.
Then, as if that wasn't enough, I notice that Rosa (cat) is still going crazy over the gigantic dragonfly (their bodies are about the diameter of a broom handle) that is stuck between our back patio doors.
Not to mention the three tree frogs climbing on the outside of the windows. We have three tree frog pets that sleep all day around the patio door, white as ghosts because they change color to match whatever they're sitting on. There's Earl and Frieda (they're married) and their retired uncle, Zeke.
Saturday, September 17, 2005
Trick or Treating
I think that after the reception, we should go trick-or-treating. John and I will dress up as a bride and groom! Hahaha
Meal Plan
Mom, I already made a meal plan for the week of the wedding!
Sunday: Chicken Parmesan
Monday: Turkey Burgers and French Fries
Tuesday: Chicken and Dumplings
Wednesday: Tacos or Fajitas
Thursday: Buca di Beppo (place John took me the night he proposed...Italian place)
Friday: Rehearsal Dinner
Saturday: Reception
And Sunday morning, you're on your own!
Sunday: Chicken Parmesan
Monday: Turkey Burgers and French Fries
Tuesday: Chicken and Dumplings
Wednesday: Tacos or Fajitas
Thursday: Buca di Beppo (place John took me the night he proposed...Italian place)
Friday: Rehearsal Dinner
Saturday: Reception
And Sunday morning, you're on your own!
Monday, September 12, 2005
What...?
I am totally unsure of what to write about...what interests you most?
Work?
Pre-Marriage?
Food?
Okay, let's talk about food. John made these oatmeal/banana/walnut pancakes tonight. They were deeeelish. And then we watched the movie, Crash. It was interesting...
Work?
Pre-Marriage?
Food?
Okay, let's talk about food. John made these oatmeal/banana/walnut pancakes tonight. They were deeeelish. And then we watched the movie, Crash. It was interesting...
Monday, September 05, 2005
Jonah, Noah, Adam and Eve...
As a student in public schools, I was sort of brought to the belief that the Bible was a fairy tale, maybe partly true, halfway true, mostly true...I didn't know, to be honest. So when information on things like carbon dating and all that geologic, biological mumbo jumbo came my way I believed every little bit of it. Besides, scientists are smart and professors with doctorates know their stuff. Unfortunately, they knew their stuff better than I knew mine.
But I'm learning, thanks to this class on Creationism, that so much of that science is stretched, inaccurate, swayed, or simply not true. Surprise! There is also a great deal of it that Creationists can explain and fit perfectly into the context of the Bible. Guess what? The Bible doesn't change, either. Neither does God. How many times have scientists changed the age of the earth? Or tried to explain the dinosaurs? Or tried to explain (inaccurately) the Grand Canyon?
I'm realizing that I will believe Noah filled up an ark with animals before I believe I evolved from a completely different species.
We must realize that we can't create truth out of our opinions. There is only one truth...and it confirms history, it confirms and explains things like rock layers, plate tectonics, DNA, the human genome, speciation, people groups, etc. It has been around for thousands of years, and was written by the creator Himself for us to use, to provide us with all the answers we need.
Visit the website: www.answersingenesis.org
But I'm learning, thanks to this class on Creationism, that so much of that science is stretched, inaccurate, swayed, or simply not true. Surprise! There is also a great deal of it that Creationists can explain and fit perfectly into the context of the Bible. Guess what? The Bible doesn't change, either. Neither does God. How many times have scientists changed the age of the earth? Or tried to explain the dinosaurs? Or tried to explain (inaccurately) the Grand Canyon?
I'm realizing that I will believe Noah filled up an ark with animals before I believe I evolved from a completely different species.
We must realize that we can't create truth out of our opinions. There is only one truth...and it confirms history, it confirms and explains things like rock layers, plate tectonics, DNA, the human genome, speciation, people groups, etc. It has been around for thousands of years, and was written by the creator Himself for us to use, to provide us with all the answers we need.
Visit the website: www.answersingenesis.org
Saturday, September 03, 2005
Back to the Kitchen
Wow! I actually had time to cook today! Well, actually, I just don't have enough money to pay for gas and go to the library and Hallmark, so I was stuck at home. I didn't want to clean, so I watched a documentary on Vince Lombardi and another on Brian Piccolo. I am trying to learn lots of things about sports so that I can beat John someday in Trivial Pursuit.
I made chicken parmesan. It was so good. I had to slice the chicken and smash it flat, too. It was the most involved meal I've done in a couple months. I only wish I'd had my Brancott Sauvignon Blanc to go with it.
We don't even have wine glasses, though. And who wants to drink wine from a fishy cup?
And we don't have a table either, and somehow sitting wine in a plastic fishy cup on our cardboard box coffee table isn't very pleasing. Sometimes that aesthetic stuff can really affect your tastes.
I made chicken parmesan. It was so good. I had to slice the chicken and smash it flat, too. It was the most involved meal I've done in a couple months. I only wish I'd had my Brancott Sauvignon Blanc to go with it.
We don't even have wine glasses, though. And who wants to drink wine from a fishy cup?
And we don't have a table either, and somehow sitting wine in a plastic fishy cup on our cardboard box coffee table isn't very pleasing. Sometimes that aesthetic stuff can really affect your tastes.
Wednesday, August 31, 2005
I Know I'll Regret It...
...but I have decided to teach in the after-school program three days per week. Sigh. What can I say? An extra $150 per week I just can't pass up right now.
This is what my weeks are looking like:
Sunday: Class on Creationism at church, 6:00
Monday: Work 7:00-3:00, After school program 2:30-4:30
Tuesday: Work, Union Rep Council once a month, Faculty Advisory Committee once a month
Wednesday: Work 7:00-3:00, After school program 2:30-4:30
Thursday: Work, "Marriage Savers" (that's like our pre-marital counseling), 7:00
Friday: Work 7:00-3:00, After school program 2:30-4:30
Saturday: Church 6:00-7:30, Teach the high schoolers 7:30-9:00
I know that's like, so neat to see my schedule and I know you're all really interested. :) I'm sorry if I bore you.
Oh! Our creation class is so cool. I'm having a lot of fun with all this stuff. We'll see how long I last...
This is what my weeks are looking like:
Sunday: Class on Creationism at church, 6:00
Monday: Work 7:00-3:00, After school program 2:30-4:30
Tuesday: Work, Union Rep Council once a month, Faculty Advisory Committee once a month
Wednesday: Work 7:00-3:00, After school program 2:30-4:30
Thursday: Work, "Marriage Savers" (that's like our pre-marital counseling), 7:00
Friday: Work 7:00-3:00, After school program 2:30-4:30
Saturday: Church 6:00-7:30, Teach the high schoolers 7:30-9:00
I know that's like, so neat to see my schedule and I know you're all really interested. :) I'm sorry if I bore you.
Oh! Our creation class is so cool. I'm having a lot of fun with all this stuff. We'll see how long I last...
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