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.
Sunday, October 23, 2005
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...
Saturday, August 27, 2005
My Ideal Registry
Since we're talking about gifts, I'll just make a list of what I REALLY want for my wedding (October 29th), my birthday (November 4th), and Christmas (December 25th).
1. A massage.
2. A visit to the chiropractor.
3. Massage supplies.
4. A cupcake carrying tray/container.
5. A $500 gift certificate to Border's or Barnes and Noble.
6. A pedicure.
7. A manicure.
8. A visit to the dermatologist.
9. A spray tan.
10. A new outfit that consists of those pointy high heeled shoes because they are just like, so in.
1. A massage.
2. A visit to the chiropractor.
3. Massage supplies.
4. A cupcake carrying tray/container.
5. A $500 gift certificate to Border's or Barnes and Noble.
6. A pedicure.
7. A manicure.
8. A visit to the dermatologist.
9. A spray tan.
10. A new outfit that consists of those pointy high heeled shoes because they are just like, so in.
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