I heard the buzz about the Twilight series by Stephenie Meyer. But I wasn't interested. I am not about to scare myself out of sleep by reading a book about a bunch of vampires.
Then I spoke to Krista. Krista has been a friend of mine since childhood and came for a visit one day with her super-cute son, Jack. The conversation goes something like this...
K - Have you read Twilight yet?
Me - No, I don't think I can. I can't read horror books. Is that about vampires.
K - Oh, you have to read it. It's a love story. The vampire stuff is secondary.
My tone changed immediately. My 16-year-old cousin is reading the series, by 15-year-old step-daughter wanted the books for Christmas. So, I ask myself, should I jump on this bandwagon? I'm not typically a bandwagon jumper. I decided this, I would read the book if they had it at the library, I was not about to buy the book when I could read it for free. The next thing I know there's the book on my mother's end table.
So I read the book in 24 hours. Incredible. I loved the book and cannot wait to read the 2nd, New Moon. I hope the library has that. Should I venture out in the cold snow and wind for this book? I can see why teenage girls fall in love with this story. It's a easy read. Great even when you're too tired to concentrate.
Have you read any good books lately?
Wednesday, December 31, 2008
Thursday, December 25, 2008
Merry Christmas
Good Morning!
It's about quarter of 7 where I live and everyone else is still asleep. Ah....the quiet before the storm. I loved Christmas morning as a child. My parents were such great sports. I use to set my alarm to wake early in the morning. When I say early, I mean like 3 or 4 in the morning. Did my parents tell me to go back to bed? Did they get mad and order me away? No, they got out of bed and watched me open my presents. Of course, a nap was in order for the afternoon.
Luckily, Jared does not have an alarm clock in him room. Luckily, Jared understands what to do when I say, "Santa was here!" He jumped out of bed and was a perfect little angel getting out of bed and downstairs.
Christmas is totally different with a 3-year-old. He really makes the day. Thank you Jared!
It's about quarter of 7 where I live and everyone else is still asleep. Ah....the quiet before the storm. I loved Christmas morning as a child. My parents were such great sports. I use to set my alarm to wake early in the morning. When I say early, I mean like 3 or 4 in the morning. Did my parents tell me to go back to bed? Did they get mad and order me away? No, they got out of bed and watched me open my presents. Of course, a nap was in order for the afternoon.
Luckily, Jared does not have an alarm clock in him room. Luckily, Jared understands what to do when I say, "Santa was here!" He jumped out of bed and was a perfect little angel getting out of bed and downstairs.
Christmas is totally different with a 3-year-old. He really makes the day. Thank you Jared!
Tuesday, December 23, 2008
How I met your Father...
I have been good friends with Jason since 7th grade. I loved to go to football games and watch him play, he was the quarterback and I enjoyed that he basically controlled the game. Once Jason was old enough, he joined the fire company. It was inevitable, most of his uncles and cousins were members and I believe his father was too until he was injured. Since Jason and I spent a lot of time together, his fire house friends became my friends too.
We use to go out every Thursday night. Usually we went to Frank's. Frank's was once a one-room school house that was converted into a restaurant-bar - I even went there for my 21st birthday, but that's a story for another time.
When I turned 22 I decided that I wanted to buy a house. I was dead set against renting because I wanted all of my money to turn into equity...not someone else's equity. So in 2001 I bought a house on 1/4 acre of land for $64,000. It was about 10 minutes from my parents' house and it needed some serious TLC. It only had a bathtub, no shower, and that tub stuck out about 6 inches past the door frame. I could live with this...at least I could take a bath. But the part I could not deal with was no washer hook-up! I needed a plumber and I needed one now.
There were two plumbers that I knew of...Dan and Dave. They were brothers that worked in the plumbing business for their father. Since I knew Dave better than Dan I expected to ask for his help. Oh, I forgot to mention...Dan and Dave are both firefighters and regularly attend the Thursday night outings. So, the next time we went out, Dave wasn't there but his brother Dan was. I asked him for the office number and he was extremely helpful.
The rest is pretty much history. I have had many plumbing needs since that washer hook-up. So, I've kept him around. Just to make sure that I am first priority I married him and started a family. Dan, I'm just kidding. Thank you for taking care of me. If it weren't for you I'd still be washing my clothing by hand and taking baths instead of shower....oh, and paying a fortune for oil from a oil-guzzling 40-year-old furnace!
You're the best!
We use to go out every Thursday night. Usually we went to Frank's. Frank's was once a one-room school house that was converted into a restaurant-bar - I even went there for my 21st birthday, but that's a story for another time.
When I turned 22 I decided that I wanted to buy a house. I was dead set against renting because I wanted all of my money to turn into equity...not someone else's equity. So in 2001 I bought a house on 1/4 acre of land for $64,000. It was about 10 minutes from my parents' house and it needed some serious TLC. It only had a bathtub, no shower, and that tub stuck out about 6 inches past the door frame. I could live with this...at least I could take a bath. But the part I could not deal with was no washer hook-up! I needed a plumber and I needed one now.
There were two plumbers that I knew of...Dan and Dave. They were brothers that worked in the plumbing business for their father. Since I knew Dave better than Dan I expected to ask for his help. Oh, I forgot to mention...Dan and Dave are both firefighters and regularly attend the Thursday night outings. So, the next time we went out, Dave wasn't there but his brother Dan was. I asked him for the office number and he was extremely helpful.
The rest is pretty much history. I have had many plumbing needs since that washer hook-up. So, I've kept him around. Just to make sure that I am first priority I married him and started a family. Dan, I'm just kidding. Thank you for taking care of me. If it weren't for you I'd still be washing my clothing by hand and taking baths instead of shower....oh, and paying a fortune for oil from a oil-guzzling 40-year-old furnace!
You're the best!
Friday, December 19, 2008
No More Karate
Dan and I decided that Jared was no longer going to karate class, at least anymore this year. This past week was....embarrassing.
At this particular Karate school, everyone receives a free month to determine if they like the school. Until that time the students (children or adult) don't have a karate uniform. Jared was the only child in the class that was still in his free month and stood out like a sore thumb without a uniform (more than usual).
We finally decided that enough was enough when Jared left the gym floor and started running through the other parents to hide from us. I guess it is our fault, well, my fault. Jared told us that he didn't want to go there that evening. He insisted, "I don't want to go to karate class!" as he crossed his arms, turned his head away, and closed his eyes. Dan looked at me and asked, "Well?" I was taking him. He wasn't going to join something and then quit. I should have listened. Why oh why don't I listen to Dan? Why?
So, picture this....
There are all of these cute little 3 year old children down on the gym floor doing their front kicks all in their little white karate uniforms. Then there's Jared. In his black tee-shirt and gym pants. Yelling, "Mommy! Look at me!" As he pirouetted.
At this particular Karate school, everyone receives a free month to determine if they like the school. Until that time the students (children or adult) don't have a karate uniform. Jared was the only child in the class that was still in his free month and stood out like a sore thumb without a uniform (more than usual).
We finally decided that enough was enough when Jared left the gym floor and started running through the other parents to hide from us. I guess it is our fault, well, my fault. Jared told us that he didn't want to go there that evening. He insisted, "I don't want to go to karate class!" as he crossed his arms, turned his head away, and closed his eyes. Dan looked at me and asked, "Well?" I was taking him. He wasn't going to join something and then quit. I should have listened. Why oh why don't I listen to Dan? Why?
So, picture this....
There are all of these cute little 3 year old children down on the gym floor doing their front kicks all in their little white karate uniforms. Then there's Jared. In his black tee-shirt and gym pants. Yelling, "Mommy! Look at me!" As he pirouetted.
Tuesday, December 16, 2008
New Year's Resolution
It's that time of year again when we need to think about our New Year's Resolution. When I was in Junior High and High School, my resolution every year was to stop biting my nails. I never did...until I went to college and didn't have time to bite my nails. Then in college, my resolution was to lose weight every year. Then I met Dan, got serious and lost the weight. So as of the last few years my resolutions have been things like: have less clutter around the house, put myself in other people's shoes, and other things like that.
This year, I'm going to increase my emergency fund. I would like to see it grow up to $10,ooo one day, but this year I'm going to focus on....hmmm....how about $2000. That's a decent start.
I figure there are two ways to make my fund reach $2000. One way is to spend less money. The other way is to bring in more money.
How am I going to spend less money? Here's what I've come up with so far. We are going to eat at home more often. In fact, we haven't eaten out in over 9 days. I know that 9 days doesn't seem like a lot, but for a family that eats out at least twice a week, this is huge! I also starting using the clothes dryer less - I hang most of my clothing on a rack in the bathroom near the radiator. I clip coupons like there's no tomorrow. We found local discounts....I found out that our wireless provider will give us a discount just because I'm a teacher. No bottled water for this lady...straight from the faucet...I'm not scared. And the library. Who needs a bookstore?
Now, where do I find more money to bring in? Well, I did mention earlier that I am in direct sales. Perhaps I will put a little more effort in that area. I can create my little heart out and list my creations on etsy (I will let you know when I do this one). There are so many opportunities at work for extra money. Detention monitor, after school tutoring, bus duty, curriculum, summer school, etc. I will definitely take advantage there.
I promise to keep you updated and we'll see if I can reach this goal.
What's your resolution?
This year, I'm going to increase my emergency fund. I would like to see it grow up to $10,ooo one day, but this year I'm going to focus on....hmmm....how about $2000. That's a decent start.
I figure there are two ways to make my fund reach $2000. One way is to spend less money. The other way is to bring in more money.
How am I going to spend less money? Here's what I've come up with so far. We are going to eat at home more often. In fact, we haven't eaten out in over 9 days. I know that 9 days doesn't seem like a lot, but for a family that eats out at least twice a week, this is huge! I also starting using the clothes dryer less - I hang most of my clothing on a rack in the bathroom near the radiator. I clip coupons like there's no tomorrow. We found local discounts....I found out that our wireless provider will give us a discount just because I'm a teacher. No bottled water for this lady...straight from the faucet...I'm not scared. And the library. Who needs a bookstore?
Now, where do I find more money to bring in? Well, I did mention earlier that I am in direct sales. Perhaps I will put a little more effort in that area. I can create my little heart out and list my creations on etsy (I will let you know when I do this one). There are so many opportunities at work for extra money. Detention monitor, after school tutoring, bus duty, curriculum, summer school, etc. I will definitely take advantage there.
I promise to keep you updated and we'll see if I can reach this goal.
What's your resolution?
Friday, December 12, 2008
A Long Winter's Nap
Tomorrow is the Christmas party at my Mother-in-Law's house. This is a tradition and so much fun because Santa makes an appearance at this party and everyone gets a chance to sit on his lap and get a present. So, my part is to make the cheesy sausage meatballs for this gathering.
Here's the recipe....
1 40 ounce box of bisquick
4 Cups shredded cheddar cheese
5 packages of jimmy dean sausage.
Mix all together and form into meatballs and bake at about 400 degrees for a half-hour.
Anyway, back to the point of this post. It took me about an hour and a half to make these in conjunction with supper.
Everything was quiet in the living room and I decided to see what was going on. I found Dan asleep on his recliner. And I was a little envious. Not that Dan curls in his chair, but I found myself wishing that I was curled up on my couch for a little nap.
Then I wondered why Jared was so quiet. I looked over at Jared's recliner and he too was sleeping. All curled up in his chair. But, not like you would think.....
Here's another view....
Here's the recipe....
1 40 ounce box of bisquick
4 Cups shredded cheddar cheese
5 packages of jimmy dean sausage.
Mix all together and form into meatballs and bake at about 400 degrees for a half-hour.
Anyway, back to the point of this post. It took me about an hour and a half to make these in conjunction with supper.
Everything was quiet in the living room and I decided to see what was going on. I found Dan asleep on his recliner. And I was a little envious. Not that Dan curls in his chair, but I found myself wishing that I was curled up on my couch for a little nap.
Then I wondered why Jared was so quiet. I looked over at Jared's recliner and he too was sleeping. All curled up in his chair. But, not like you would think.....
Here's another view....
This poor child. Do you think that Santa should bring him a bed?
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Thursday, December 11, 2008
Classroom Technology
Our school is making the switch from the old-fashioned white boards to the new fan-dangled interactive white boards. I have both in my classroom. And the more I learn about this new technology the more I like it. I know, technology doesn't come without it's own problems. I also know that the benefits outweigh them.
I've had my interactive white board for almost a year now and I am able to place all of my classroom notes on my very-own webpage. This is exciting stuff. Not only can my students get the notes and homework from the internet, their parents can see what we are doing in class everyday and so can my administrators. Some of you may be cringing, but I love this idea. I love that parents can never say that we do nothing in class, not that they did before, but they certainly can't now. If I could have a camera put in my classroom I would do that too. I would love for some of these parents to see what their 'angels' are really doing.
Want to see what a digital classroom looks like? If you said yes, click here. This is my class website. Yup, that's a picture of me, taken by a student last year. You can't really see it, but I'm about 6 months pregnant in that picture!
I've had my interactive white board for almost a year now and I am able to place all of my classroom notes on my very-own webpage. This is exciting stuff. Not only can my students get the notes and homework from the internet, their parents can see what we are doing in class everyday and so can my administrators. Some of you may be cringing, but I love this idea. I love that parents can never say that we do nothing in class, not that they did before, but they certainly can't now. If I could have a camera put in my classroom I would do that too. I would love for some of these parents to see what their 'angels' are really doing.
Want to see what a digital classroom looks like? If you said yes, click here. This is my class website. Yup, that's a picture of me, taken by a student last year. You can't really see it, but I'm about 6 months pregnant in that picture!
Tuesday, December 9, 2008
My First Job
You'll never guess what my first job was....that's it, McDonald's. And to this day I claim that that was the best job I ever had. Not the best paying or the job that utilized my skills, but definitely the most fun. My cousin, Erik, worked there and was one of the reasons that I too filled out an application. I remember my interview with Kelly. One of the things she mentioned to me was that I needed to shower or bathe everyday. Hmmm. I guess when you apply to an entry level position, they tell you about personal hygiene.
My cousin and I like to fling pickles at each other. We would place a pickle on the end of a spatula and pull it back for extra speed and let go, much like a catapult. One Saturday morning we were doing this - his back to the customers and me facing him. He flung a pickle at me and I of course retaliated and flung one back. But, I missed. As soon as I saw the pickle fly past him, I ducked down. Erik however did not duck, he decided to turn around to see where the pickle landed. His eyes were met with a gaze from an angry customer with a pickle on his face. hahahaha. I'm still laughing about this and it happened over 10 years ago. hahahaha.
I never minded getting up at 4:00 in the morning for this job. And the food...a teenagers dream! I ate french fries and fried chicken all the time. There is something I want you to know. I did lose weight by working there and did learn how to eat healthier. Before working there I never, I mean never, ate a salad. Once I started working there and was making the salads, I figured, why not give it a shot? I fell in love. And now they have such awesome salads. My favorite it the southwest salad with the vinaigrette dressing. Once I realized that the bad foods were always at my disposal, I didn't feel the need to eat them.
I learned a lot about teamwork by working there too. I had been playing basketball since I was in the 5th grade. But, since I'm not much of an athlete, I spent the majority of the time on the bench. Teamwork was shoved down our throats but I didn't truly understand it until I took that job. I am still friends with a lot of people I worked with there. Of course, Erik! I encourage any teenager to go out and get that job. It is so worth it!!
What was your first job?
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Saturday, December 6, 2008
My Favorite Christmas Movies
I love December. I'm sure that's it's my favorite time of year because it was my parents' favorite time of year too. My mom ALWAYS goes overboard with decorations, but I wouldn't want it any other way. We also had a tradition of watching Christmas movies starting on Thanksgiving night.
My hands-down favorite Christmas movies is Emmet Otter's Jug Band Christmas. This is the first movie that we watch for the Christmas season. Last year I found an old copy of a book of Emmet Otter's Jug Band Christmas on eBay and bought it for my mom. We didn't even know that there was a book.
Jared likes to watch The Polar Express. As you know, my little boy is in-love with trains so I'm sure this makes sense.
Dan made the comment one year that it didn't feel like Christmas until we watched It's a Wonderful Life. Believe it or not, he never saw that movie until he met me. How can a person go for 29 years without seeing that movie? The poor man.
I know that my dad is a big fan of White Christmas. For as much as he enjoys it, I've never seen anything but the end of the movie. Maybe this is the year.
A few other Christmas movies that I like to catch each year are:
Garfield's Christmas Special
There's one on cable with Tony Danza...let me google that quickly...Stealing Christmas
Charlie Brown Christmas
The Grinch (animated and the one with Jim Carrey)
What are your favorite Christmas movies?
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My hands-down favorite Christmas movies is Emmet Otter's Jug Band Christmas. This is the first movie that we watch for the Christmas season. Last year I found an old copy of a book of Emmet Otter's Jug Band Christmas on eBay and bought it for my mom. We didn't even know that there was a book.
Jared likes to watch The Polar Express. As you know, my little boy is in-love with trains so I'm sure this makes sense.
Dan made the comment one year that it didn't feel like Christmas until we watched It's a Wonderful Life. Believe it or not, he never saw that movie until he met me. How can a person go for 29 years without seeing that movie? The poor man.
I know that my dad is a big fan of White Christmas. For as much as he enjoys it, I've never seen anything but the end of the movie. Maybe this is the year.
A few other Christmas movies that I like to catch each year are:
Garfield's Christmas Special
There's one on cable with Tony Danza...let me google that quickly...Stealing Christmas
Charlie Brown Christmas
The Grinch (animated and the one with Jim Carrey)
What are your favorite Christmas movies?
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Friday, December 5, 2008
Dean
Dean is my brother. Well, my half-brother...and that's a story in itself. Anyway, I want to share of story with you about the time he got me lost in the woods...
I remember that I was in 1st grade when this happened, so that would make me, what, 6 years old. My parents went to visit friends of theirs and took us along. Their friends didn't have children our age so that meant we had to entertain ourselves.
Now, since my brother was 7 years my senior I trusted him and so did my parents foolishly. Dean and I decided that we were going to play hide-and-seek in the woods behind their house. The woods weren't really woods. It was maybe an acre of trees that seemed like a complete forest to a 6-year-old. And hide-and-seek wasn't really hide-and-seek. It was more like Dean ran behind a tree and I would giggle all the way to that tree, once I reached it he ran behind another one. I felt safe because I could always see him or I knew which tree he was behind. Here's where the trouble starts. Deans started to do this faster and faster and I got disoriented and I couldn't find which tree he was behind and before I knew it, I couldn't find him at all.
So, I didn't want to just stand there, actually that thought never occurred to me. So, I kept looking for him and finally came up to a road. This car stopped and I got in. Yes, I think about that now and I can't believe how incredibly lucky I am. Anyway, I remember sitting in the back seat behind the driver and I couldn't put my feet on the floor because her guitar was there. So, we drove around the development for a while and the next thing I can remember is my parents standing in the front yard of their friends.
I don't remember either one of them being hysterical. And I also don't remember my brother getting into trouble. That's not to say these things didn't happen, I just don't remember if they did.
But here I am today, safe and sound.
I remember that I was in 1st grade when this happened, so that would make me, what, 6 years old. My parents went to visit friends of theirs and took us along. Their friends didn't have children our age so that meant we had to entertain ourselves.
Now, since my brother was 7 years my senior I trusted him and so did my parents foolishly. Dean and I decided that we were going to play hide-and-seek in the woods behind their house. The woods weren't really woods. It was maybe an acre of trees that seemed like a complete forest to a 6-year-old. And hide-and-seek wasn't really hide-and-seek. It was more like Dean ran behind a tree and I would giggle all the way to that tree, once I reached it he ran behind another one. I felt safe because I could always see him or I knew which tree he was behind. Here's where the trouble starts. Deans started to do this faster and faster and I got disoriented and I couldn't find which tree he was behind and before I knew it, I couldn't find him at all.
So, I didn't want to just stand there, actually that thought never occurred to me. So, I kept looking for him and finally came up to a road. This car stopped and I got in. Yes, I think about that now and I can't believe how incredibly lucky I am. Anyway, I remember sitting in the back seat behind the driver and I couldn't put my feet on the floor because her guitar was there. So, we drove around the development for a while and the next thing I can remember is my parents standing in the front yard of their friends.
I don't remember either one of them being hysterical. And I also don't remember my brother getting into trouble. That's not to say these things didn't happen, I just don't remember if they did.
But here I am today, safe and sound.
Wednesday, December 3, 2008
Karate Update
So, this week was our third week at karate class. Just to recap...
The first week was horrible. I was so embarrassed. Jared kept running around the gym. He even got some of the other children to not pay attention.
The second week my husband went along. His thoughts were that if things don't get better by the end of the free month we're not paying money. Jared was better for the 2nd week, but it wasn't good. This time he only ran in one-half of the gym. At least he was in the right area, right?
The third week (this week) was super! Dan's thought's...I would pay money for this. Jared did awesome. He stood in line and tried to do what the instructors wanted. He waited his turn in line to hit 'Bob', one of the dummies. I was so proud. I wanted to yell to the other mothers who rolled their eyes at me during week one, "Look, I am a good mother! Take that!"
Who knows what our last free week has in store for us.
The first week was horrible. I was so embarrassed. Jared kept running around the gym. He even got some of the other children to not pay attention.
The second week my husband went along. His thoughts were that if things don't get better by the end of the free month we're not paying money. Jared was better for the 2nd week, but it wasn't good. This time he only ran in one-half of the gym. At least he was in the right area, right?
The third week (this week) was super! Dan's thought's...I would pay money for this. Jared did awesome. He stood in line and tried to do what the instructors wanted. He waited his turn in line to hit 'Bob', one of the dummies. I was so proud. I wanted to yell to the other mothers who rolled their eyes at me during week one, "Look, I am a good mother! Take that!"
Who knows what our last free week has in store for us.
Tuesday, December 2, 2008
Every Monday Matters - On a Tuesday
Oops! Looks like I missed a Monday.
Okay, so eating healthy for one week should not be a problem. Well, it was. There was way too many desserts, and just unhealthy things at my disposal. I will try this week again in January. I will not even try to lie to you and say that I will try again this month, because I will not.
This week you are suppose to get rid of junk mail. I honestly do not receive that much junk mail. I will try to rid myself of those credit card offers though.
By the way, I tested my Wii age again and I am happy to say that I am 27. I am in my twenties again!! We wii, do you wii?
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Okay, so eating healthy for one week should not be a problem. Well, it was. There was way too many desserts, and just unhealthy things at my disposal. I will try this week again in January. I will not even try to lie to you and say that I will try again this month, because I will not.
This week you are suppose to get rid of junk mail. I honestly do not receive that much junk mail. I will try to rid myself of those credit card offers though.
By the way, I tested my Wii age again and I am happy to say that I am 27. I am in my twenties again!! We wii, do you wii?
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Saturday, November 29, 2008
Christmas Comes Early This Year
My parents bought a Wii yesterday! Oh, what fun it is! I am considering selling all of my exercise equipment to buy one, just kidding (I think). Anyway, we played bowling and boxing the most and, my goodness are we sore.
I think that I'm hot stuff knocking out my opponent in the first round, turns out that as more score gets higher the opponents get tougher. My score currently is 650 something. I don't remember my exact score. Please don't tell me if that's not a great score, I still think that I'm hot stuff.
We went back over to my parents' house this morning to fine tune our skills and I notice that area that tells you your fitness age. Well, I'm embarrassed to say that my age was determined to be 56. After seeing that 30 don't seem so bad anymore. Ha!
Anyway, I'm convinced that my husband won't be able to get an age younger than mine. He always proves me wrong. His age was 44. 12 years younger than me. I'm going to sneak over in the middle of the night to practice!
Wii system - $250
2 year protection plan - $20
new flat screen TV - $700
Having your Daughter and Son-in-Law over everyday to beat each other's score - priceless!
I will keep you updated on our Wii adventures!
I think that I'm hot stuff knocking out my opponent in the first round, turns out that as more score gets higher the opponents get tougher. My score currently is 650 something. I don't remember my exact score. Please don't tell me if that's not a great score, I still think that I'm hot stuff.
We went back over to my parents' house this morning to fine tune our skills and I notice that area that tells you your fitness age. Well, I'm embarrassed to say that my age was determined to be 56. After seeing that 30 don't seem so bad anymore. Ha!
Anyway, I'm convinced that my husband won't be able to get an age younger than mine. He always proves me wrong. His age was 44. 12 years younger than me. I'm going to sneak over in the middle of the night to practice!
Wii system - $250
2 year protection plan - $20
new flat screen TV - $700
Having your Daughter and Son-in-Law over everyday to beat each other's score - priceless!
I will keep you updated on our Wii adventures!
Tuesday, November 25, 2008
Mr. Snowman
This is Mr. Snowman. He has been in our family for a few years now...and Jared LOVES him. Last year he made Mr. Snowman sing so much that the batteries needed to be replaced at least 3 times. The good news is that Mr. Snowman lives at my parents house.
My mom was afraid that one day Mr. Snowman would just stop working and bought a back up. I couldn't find a picture of this back up one online but he's sitting in a sleigh singing "sleigh ride".
Are you familiar with the lyrics? One line is..."Outside the snow is falling and friends are calling you hoo!"
My son believes that the lyrics are this....
are you ready?....
"Outside the snow is falling and friends are calling you poo!"
And he will argue with you. Some friends he has :/
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Monday, November 24, 2008
Every Monday Matters #4
For those of you who are not familiar with EMM check out this website.
Prepare for an emergency. Where I live there aren't too many emergency situations that may arise. However, it's always a good idea to be prepared. My husband and I are buying extra supplies the next time we go grocery shopping and storing our supplies in the basement. The book suggests these items:
fresh water, food, first aid, towelettes, garbage bags, flash light, batteries, local maps, a whistle, dust masks, tools, a can opener, and cash. Also, make sure to rotate your stock!
This website has a plethora of information about preparing for an emergency.
The next challenge is to eat health. However, Thanksgiving is this week, but you know what? I can do this. I'm not making any promises about Thanksgiving day though.
Prepare for an emergency. Where I live there aren't too many emergency situations that may arise. However, it's always a good idea to be prepared. My husband and I are buying extra supplies the next time we go grocery shopping and storing our supplies in the basement. The book suggests these items:
fresh water, food, first aid, towelettes, garbage bags, flash light, batteries, local maps, a whistle, dust masks, tools, a can opener, and cash. Also, make sure to rotate your stock!
This website has a plethora of information about preparing for an emergency.
The next challenge is to eat health. However, Thanksgiving is this week, but you know what? I can do this. I'm not making any promises about Thanksgiving day though.
Saturday, November 22, 2008
Holiday Giveaway
Have you heard about the Holiday Giveaway? If not go here or click on the button on my sidebar. Coloradolady is giving away lots (I mean lots) of holiday Cheer! Here is just a sampling of what is being given away. All you need to do is go to the blog and leave a comment....that's it...and you will be entered to win. Hey, what do you have to lose?
Friday, November 21, 2008
Horseradish Fire Alarm
Yes, you read that correctly - The Horseradish Fire Alarm.
I first heard about this on my way to work while listening to the radio. And at first I thought These people are crazy! But once you think about it, I guess it makes sense. So I told my fireman husband about this. He was quiet at first and then he said yes, that's not a bad idea.
You can read about this little gem here. It is designed for deft people.
Here's my thought: If these people are deft and are asleep (therefore their eyes are closed) why not rig something up to vibrate their bed?
Of course, my husband gets all technical and reminds me that a smoke alarm would not have enough voltage to carry out such a process. But, I sure they could come up with something even if it needed to be plugged into the wall.
Did you know? Your local fire department may have smoke alarms for free. If you are in need of one and cannot afford one, please go to them and get one! So easy to save your life. Don't go expecting the horseradish one though...they won't be available for about 2 years.
.
I first heard about this on my way to work while listening to the radio. And at first I thought These people are crazy! But once you think about it, I guess it makes sense. So I told my fireman husband about this. He was quiet at first and then he said yes, that's not a bad idea.
You can read about this little gem here. It is designed for deft people.
Here's my thought: If these people are deft and are asleep (therefore their eyes are closed) why not rig something up to vibrate their bed?
Of course, my husband gets all technical and reminds me that a smoke alarm would not have enough voltage to carry out such a process. But, I sure they could come up with something even if it needed to be plugged into the wall.
Did you know? Your local fire department may have smoke alarms for free. If you are in need of one and cannot afford one, please go to them and get one! So easy to save your life. Don't go expecting the horseradish one though...they won't be available for about 2 years.
.
Thursday, November 20, 2008
Karate
First, I'd like to talk about basketball camp. This past summer we enrolled Jared in a week-long basketball camp. I was thrilled that the flyer mentioned ages from 3 on up. Jared just turned three! Yippee, he can participate. My one girlfriend from high school (we played basketball together in school) raved about this camp. She informs me that they bring in all these little nets for the kids, they show them the proper way to shot, etc. I was impressed.
Do you see this picture? That is our week at basketball camp in a nutshell...
Do you see this picture? That is our week at basketball camp in a nutshell...
The cost for the camp was minimal. It cost $50, but then each child received a certificate, an imbroidered T-shirt, and a quality basketball at the end of the week. But, I still can't believe that I paid money to chase my son around a basketball court and fight with him to listen and pay attention. I could have done that at home for free.
I was embarrassed, and annoyed that there weren't more activities geared towards a 3-year-old who doesn't even understand what a basketball is.
Remember those self-defense classes that I've been taking, well the instructors have a karate school only blocks from our house. My husband and I have been debating whether or not to sign Jared up for these classes. The first month is free, so I figure that I have nothing to lose but my dignity.
This past week I took him there and he did it again. He didn't listen to the instrutors and ran away, but here's the best part....the instructors went and got him and brought him back, and when he ran away they did it again. I couldn't believe my eyes. Instructors that instruct! I will try again next week and see if Jared does better. I can't wait until he gets his little robe thing (I don't know that proper name for it yet).
.
Tuesday, November 18, 2008
Wish us Luck!
I am taking 8 students to a math competition today....Let's hope for success.
I will update you later.
Update:
We didn't place in any of the competitions, but this was our first year there. So, we didn't really know what to expect. Hopefully within the next few years we work our way up to the top. Although we didn't place, we did have a lot of fun, and I got to know 8 of my students even better. That alone made the trip worth while.
And if that wasn't enough, we received some cool T-shirts:
They are incredibly nerdy and that's why I LOVE them.
Here's the front:
Here's the back of the shirt:
I will update you later.
Update:
We didn't place in any of the competitions, but this was our first year there. So, we didn't really know what to expect. Hopefully within the next few years we work our way up to the top. Although we didn't place, we did have a lot of fun, and I got to know 8 of my students even better. That alone made the trip worth while.
And if that wasn't enough, we received some cool T-shirts:
They are incredibly nerdy and that's why I LOVE them.
Here's the front:
Here's the back of the shirt:
Monday, November 17, 2008
Every Monday Matters #3
This is the week that we have amber alerts sent to us. Go to this website to get details. I looked over the website and it is amazing how effective the amber alert is. For example, from the 2007 report there were 278 amber alerts in the United States. - 48 recoveries were from the issue of amber alerts. That's 17% of the cases. If you don't include those missing children that were reported due to a prank, then the percentage increases to 21%.
I don't know about you but those are some pretty good percentages, but we can make them higher. If you go to this website you can have amber alerts sent directly to your cell phone. There is a button on the website that is quick and easy to use.
I just registered my cell phone number for amber alerts and you can narrow it down to a certain region. I will only be receiving text messages for amber alerts in 5 zip codes around me. Once you enroll, you will receive a text supplying you password, your zip codes, and how to change your setting.
Next week:
Prepare for an emergency.
I don't know about you but those are some pretty good percentages, but we can make them higher. If you go to this website you can have amber alerts sent directly to your cell phone. There is a button on the website that is quick and easy to use.
I just registered my cell phone number for amber alerts and you can narrow it down to a certain region. I will only be receiving text messages for amber alerts in 5 zip codes around me. Once you enroll, you will receive a text supplying you password, your zip codes, and how to change your setting.
Next week:
Prepare for an emergency.
Friday, November 14, 2008
The Answer is Right in Front of Me
Yes, the answer is right in front of me. In this very blog. Last night I went back and read the previous 2 entries. And right there, in order none the less, was my answer. My twenties were a golden moment. I can't stay there forever or I will ruin it. I will trudge forward and look back on my twenties and be proud of all that I have accomplished. I can only imagine what the 30s have in store for me. More children? Who knows. More wisdom? Yes! I was smarter yesterday for sure. Let me share a math problem with you....
Given: log (base 8) 10 = P, log (base 8) 12 = Q, and log (base 8) 11 = R
Find: log (base 8) 5/256.
Sounds greek doesn't it? But I solved it yesterday and I'm positive that I would not have been able to solve such a problem in my twenties. Then again, I never tried the problem in my twenties either, but that's not the point. Anyway the answer to this problem is P - 3.
My feelings have not changed overnight. I am still mourning the loss of my twenties. And no funeral would be complete without flowers:
Given: log (base 8) 10 = P, log (base 8) 12 = Q, and log (base 8) 11 = R
Find: log (base 8) 5/256.
Sounds greek doesn't it? But I solved it yesterday and I'm positive that I would not have been able to solve such a problem in my twenties. Then again, I never tried the problem in my twenties either, but that's not the point. Anyway the answer to this problem is P - 3.
My feelings have not changed overnight. I am still mourning the loss of my twenties. And no funeral would be complete without flowers:
A friend at work gave these to me and the card of course said something along the lines of happy birthday, but for this post we are going to pretent the card read, "Sorry about the loss of your twenties. I know that the two of you were close."
Goodbye Twenties! It was great while it lasted. I will always remember you!
Wednesday, November 12, 2008
20-Something
I have thought about not posting this as I don't want the 'happy birthday' comments or people telling me that I'm not old, blah, blah, blah...but I do feel the need to get something off of my chest. I usually like to write things down and then return later to determine if that's how I really feel. I'm not going to do it this time. I am going to be risky and post before I've had a chance to come to my senses.
Today is the last day that I will be in my twenties.....EVER. I will never be twenty-something after today. Tomorrow I begin the thirty-somethings...and yes, I'll admit it....I'm upset. I didn't think I would be, but when I came home from work today there was a card waiting for me in the mail. HAPPY 30TH BIRTHDAY! I started crying.
I know, I know, I KNOW:
It's only a number.
You are as young as you feel.
With age comes wisdom.
And the million other saying I can't think of right now.
There is nothing wrong with being in my thirties...I just liked being in my twenties. I graduated college in my twenties, I bought my first house in my twenties, I got my career in my twenties, I got married in my twenties, I had children in my twenties. These are all HUGE things. Why would anyone want to leave their twenties?
Today is the last day that I will be in my twenties.....EVER. I will never be twenty-something after today. Tomorrow I begin the thirty-somethings...and yes, I'll admit it....I'm upset. I didn't think I would be, but when I came home from work today there was a card waiting for me in the mail. HAPPY 30TH BIRTHDAY! I started crying.
I know, I know, I KNOW:
It's only a number.
You are as young as you feel.
With age comes wisdom.
And the million other saying I can't think of right now.
There is nothing wrong with being in my thirties...I just liked being in my twenties. I graduated college in my twenties, I bought my first house in my twenties, I got my career in my twenties, I got married in my twenties, I had children in my twenties. These are all HUGE things. Why would anyone want to leave their twenties?
Golden Moments
Did you ever hear that saying about golden moments? I don't remember exactly how it goes but it's along the line of people get upset because they let golden moments slip by, but some moments are golden because we let them slip by.
I understand now. I love the fireman's banquet. I haven't been to one in about 8 years, back when I was 21 and it was so much fun. I actually won the limbo one year. Yup, but I can only be that flexible when I've ingested alcohol. It has been bothering me that I haven't been to one in almost a decade and I'm married to a fireman for Pete's sake. So, this year he broke down and bought tickets for us.
I bought a new dress, we found a baby-sitter for Jared, and we were off. Yippee!!
After the meal the DJ turned up the music and yelling to the person 2 feet from you was necessary. Now, you would think that a bunch of drunk fireman would result in a lot of fun. I suppose it could, but it mostly involves them standing in a circle around a keg of beer laughing about old times - not dancing and making fools of themselves. Except for one, but that's a story for another time.
So, as my husband and I are sitting at the table we yell this conversation back and forth:
Me - DAN!
Dan - WHAT?
Me - WE CAN DO THIS AT HOME AND HEAR EACH OTHER!
Dan - YOU'RE RIGHT!
Me - IT'S STARTING TO GET LATE TOO!
Dan - I KNOW. IT'S ALMOST 10:00!
Me - PLUS WE COULD GO HOME AND PLAY SORRY!
Dan - OKAY! LET'S GO!
I want to comment on a few things....yes 10:00 is late for us. I am usually asleep at 9:00 if not earlier and you always have to wake up early when there is a toddler in the house. Sorry? I love that game. Nothing makes me happier than to send one of my husband's pieces back home. *evil laugh* hahahahahaha.
My husband and I leave the fire hall, get into the truck, and look at the clock. HAHAHA it's not even 9:00. They never changed the clocks at the hall. How old does this sound? We left because the music was too loud and it was getting late at 9:00.
I learned my lesson...not that the banquet was terrible, it just wasn't golden this time. Had I let it go (and listened to my husband) the banquet would have always been a golden moment for me.
I understand now. I love the fireman's banquet. I haven't been to one in about 8 years, back when I was 21 and it was so much fun. I actually won the limbo one year. Yup, but I can only be that flexible when I've ingested alcohol. It has been bothering me that I haven't been to one in almost a decade and I'm married to a fireman for Pete's sake. So, this year he broke down and bought tickets for us.
I bought a new dress, we found a baby-sitter for Jared, and we were off. Yippee!!
After the meal the DJ turned up the music and yelling to the person 2 feet from you was necessary. Now, you would think that a bunch of drunk fireman would result in a lot of fun. I suppose it could, but it mostly involves them standing in a circle around a keg of beer laughing about old times - not dancing and making fools of themselves. Except for one, but that's a story for another time.
So, as my husband and I are sitting at the table we yell this conversation back and forth:
Me - DAN!
Dan - WHAT?
Me - WE CAN DO THIS AT HOME AND HEAR EACH OTHER!
Dan - YOU'RE RIGHT!
Me - IT'S STARTING TO GET LATE TOO!
Dan - I KNOW. IT'S ALMOST 10:00!
Me - PLUS WE COULD GO HOME AND PLAY SORRY!
Dan - OKAY! LET'S GO!
I want to comment on a few things....yes 10:00 is late for us. I am usually asleep at 9:00 if not earlier and you always have to wake up early when there is a toddler in the house. Sorry? I love that game. Nothing makes me happier than to send one of my husband's pieces back home. *evil laugh* hahahahahaha.
My husband and I leave the fire hall, get into the truck, and look at the clock. HAHAHA it's not even 9:00. They never changed the clocks at the hall. How old does this sound? We left because the music was too loud and it was getting late at 9:00.
I learned my lesson...not that the banquet was terrible, it just wasn't golden this time. Had I let it go (and listened to my husband) the banquet would have always been a golden moment for me.
Monday, November 10, 2008
Every Monday Matters #2 (EMM)
As you know, this past week's challenge was to turn off the TV. Well, my schedule wasn't interrupted too much. I rarely watch TV and when I do, I like to watch the food network or home and garden. But, I do enjoy a good episode of Spongebob with Jared.
I was able to get my husband to participate some of the evenings. We played trains with Jared, or if he'd let us we played Sorry.
I also tried to work on the things that I wanted to improve on from the first week of EMM. I slightly improved my exercise percentage. There's nothing I can do about work right now other than increase my retirement contributions (I will do that today!). I did socialize with friends more. I did notice that my percentage of housework is low...and you are all going to be jealous of this one...
My husband is a huge help around the house. I don't know if help is the right word. It's more like I help him. This man is not afraid of laundry, or dirty dishes, or scrubbing toilets, or vacuums, or even cooking. I love this man. Did you ever see that book Porn for Women? If not you need to google that and take a look....that sums up my husband.
Oh, and let's not forget this week's challenge for Every Monday Matters:
Have AMBER alerts sent to you. I will do my homework and see what that takes and I will let you know.
I was able to get my husband to participate some of the evenings. We played trains with Jared, or if he'd let us we played Sorry.
I also tried to work on the things that I wanted to improve on from the first week of EMM. I slightly improved my exercise percentage. There's nothing I can do about work right now other than increase my retirement contributions (I will do that today!). I did socialize with friends more. I did notice that my percentage of housework is low...and you are all going to be jealous of this one...
My husband is a huge help around the house. I don't know if help is the right word. It's more like I help him. This man is not afraid of laundry, or dirty dishes, or scrubbing toilets, or vacuums, or even cooking. I love this man. Did you ever see that book Porn for Women? If not you need to google that and take a look....that sums up my husband.
Oh, and let's not forget this week's challenge for Every Monday Matters:
Have AMBER alerts sent to you. I will do my homework and see what that takes and I will let you know.
Sunday, November 9, 2008
Meatball Soup
Here is another one of my husband's favorites. And so easy to make...throw it all into a pot and heat it up. How much easier can it get? I usually have all the ingredients on hand too, so that's a plus.
1 cup uncooked pasta (shells are nice)
32 frozen italian meatballs (if you are wondering, yes, I do count them out)
2 cans of chicken broth (14.5 oz each)
1 can diced tomatoes
1 bag of frozen soup vegetables
1 can kidney beans, rinsed and drained
1 jar spaghetti sauce
Put everything in a pot and boil until noodles are done!
1 cup uncooked pasta (shells are nice)
32 frozen italian meatballs (if you are wondering, yes, I do count them out)
2 cans of chicken broth (14.5 oz each)
1 can diced tomatoes
1 bag of frozen soup vegetables
1 can kidney beans, rinsed and drained
1 jar spaghetti sauce
Put everything in a pot and boil until noodles are done!
Friday, November 7, 2008
What have I done?
I am totally stealing this idea from Learning to be a Wife. Feel free to steal it from me. Below is a list of things and I have bolded the ones that I have completed. Then you can copy the list from me and paste it into your blog and bold the ones you have done. Here we go...
01. Bought everyone in the bar a drink
02. Swam with dolphins
03. Climbed a mountain
04. Taken a Ferrari for a test drive
05. Been inside the Great Pyramid
06. Held a tarantula
07. Taken a candlelit bath with someone
08. Said "I love you" and meant it
09. Hugged a tree
10. Bungee jumped
11. Visited Paris
12. Watched a lightning storm at sea
13. Stayed up all night long and saw the sun rise
14. Seen the Northern Lights
15. Gone to a huge sports game
16. Walked the stairs to the top of the leaning Tower of Pisa
17. Grown and eaten your own vegetables
18. Touched an iceberg
19. Slept under the stars
20. Changed a baby's diaper
21. Taken a trip in a hot air balloon
22. Watched a meteor shower
23. Gotten drunk on champagne
24. Given more than you can afford to charity
25. Looked up at the night sky through a telescope
26. Had an uncontrollable giggling fit at the worst possible moment
27. Had a food fight
28. Bet on a winning horse
29. Asked out a stranger
30. Had a snowball fight
31. Screamed as loudly as you possibly can
32. Held a lamb
33. Seen a total eclipse
34. Ridden a roller coaster
35. Hit a home run
36. Danced like a fool and didn't care who was looking
37. Adopted an accent for an entire day
38. Actually felt happy about your life, even for just a moment
39. Had two hard drives for your computer
40. Visited all 50 states
41. Taken care of someone who was drunk
42. Had amazing friends
43. Danced with a stranger in a foreign country
44. Watched whales
45. Stolen a sign
46. Backpacked in Europe
47. Taken a road-trip
48. Gone rock climbing
49. Taken a midnight walk on the beach
50. Gone sky diving
51. Visited Ireland
52. Been heartbroken longer than you were actually in love
53. In a restaurant, sat at a stranger's table and had a meal with them
54. Visited Japan
55. Milked a cow
56. Alphabetized your CDs
57. Pretended to be a superhero
58. Sung karaoke
59. Lounged around in bed all day
60. Played touch football
61. Gone scuba diving
62. Kissed in the rain
63. Played in the mud
64. Played in the rain
65. Gone to a drive-in theatre
66. Visited the Great Wall of China
67. Started a business
68. Fallen in love and not had your heart broken
69. Toured ancient sites
70. Taken a martial arts class (if Billy Blanks counts)
71. Played D&D for more than 6 hours straight
72. Gotten married
73. Been in a movie
74. Crashed a party
75. Gotten divorced
76. Gone without food for 5 days
77. Made cookies from scratch
78. Won first prize in a costume contest
79. Ridden a gondola in Venice
80. Gotten a tattoo
81. Rafted the Snake River
82. Been on a television news program as an "expert"
83. Gotten flowers for no reason
84. Performed on stage
85. Been to Las Vegas
86. Recorded music
87. Eaten shark8
8. Kissed on the first date
89. Gone to Thailand
90. Bought a house
91. Been in a combat zone
92. Buried one/both of your parents
93. Been on a cruise ship
94. Spoken more than one language fluently
95. Performed in Rocky Horror
96. Raised children (I'm in the process)
97. Followed your favorite band/singer on tour
98. Passed out cold
99. Taken an exotic bicycle tour in a foreign country
100. Picked up and moved to another city to just start over
101. Walked the Golden Gate Bridge
102. Sang loudly in the car, and didn't stop when you knew someone was looking
103. Had plastic surgery
104. Survived an accident that you shouldn't have survived
105. Wrote articles for a large publication
106. Lost over 100 pounds
107. Held someone while they were having a flashback
108. Piloted an airplane
109. Touched a stingray
110. Broken someone's heart
111. Helped an animal give birth
112. Won money on a TV game show
113. Broken a bone
114. Gone on an African photo safari
115. Had a facial part pierced other than your ears
116. Fired a rifle, shotgun, or pistol
117. Eaten mushrooms that were gathered in the wild
118. Ridden a horse
119. Had major surgery
120. Had a snake as a pet
121. Hiked to the bottom of the Grand Canyon
122. Slept for 30 hours in a 48 hour period
123. Visited more foreign countries than U.S. States
124. Visited all 7 continents
125. Taken a canoe trip that lasted more than 2 days
126. Eaten kangaroo meat
127. Eaten sushi
128. Had your picture in the newspaper
129. Changed someone's mind about something you care deeply about
130. Gone back to school
131. Parasailed
132. Touched a cockroach
133. Eaten fried green tomatoes
134. Read The Iliad and The Odyssey
135. Selected one "important" author who you missed in school, and read
136. Killed and prepared an animal for eating
137. Skipped all your school reunions
138. Communicated with someone without sharing a common spoken language
139. Been elected to public office
140. Written your own computer language
141. Thought to yourself that you're living your dream
142. Had to put someone you love into hospice care
143. Built your own PC from parts
144. Sold your own artwork to someone who didn't know you
145. Had a booth at a street fair
146. Dyed your hair
147. Been a DJ
148. Shaved your head
149. Caused a car accident
150. Saved someone's life
01. Bought everyone in the bar a drink
02. Swam with dolphins
03. Climbed a mountain
04. Taken a Ferrari for a test drive
05. Been inside the Great Pyramid
06. Held a tarantula
07. Taken a candlelit bath with someone
08. Said "I love you" and meant it
09. Hugged a tree
10. Bungee jumped
11. Visited Paris
12. Watched a lightning storm at sea
13. Stayed up all night long and saw the sun rise
14. Seen the Northern Lights
15. Gone to a huge sports game
16. Walked the stairs to the top of the leaning Tower of Pisa
17. Grown and eaten your own vegetables
18. Touched an iceberg
19. Slept under the stars
20. Changed a baby's diaper
21. Taken a trip in a hot air balloon
22. Watched a meteor shower
23. Gotten drunk on champagne
24. Given more than you can afford to charity
25. Looked up at the night sky through a telescope
26. Had an uncontrollable giggling fit at the worst possible moment
27. Had a food fight
28. Bet on a winning horse
29. Asked out a stranger
30. Had a snowball fight
31. Screamed as loudly as you possibly can
32. Held a lamb
33. Seen a total eclipse
34. Ridden a roller coaster
35. Hit a home run
36. Danced like a fool and didn't care who was looking
37. Adopted an accent for an entire day
38. Actually felt happy about your life, even for just a moment
39. Had two hard drives for your computer
40. Visited all 50 states
41. Taken care of someone who was drunk
42. Had amazing friends
43. Danced with a stranger in a foreign country
44. Watched whales
45. Stolen a sign
46. Backpacked in Europe
47. Taken a road-trip
48. Gone rock climbing
49. Taken a midnight walk on the beach
50. Gone sky diving
51. Visited Ireland
52. Been heartbroken longer than you were actually in love
53. In a restaurant, sat at a stranger's table and had a meal with them
54. Visited Japan
55. Milked a cow
56. Alphabetized your CDs
57. Pretended to be a superhero
58. Sung karaoke
59. Lounged around in bed all day
60. Played touch football
61. Gone scuba diving
62. Kissed in the rain
63. Played in the mud
64. Played in the rain
65. Gone to a drive-in theatre
66. Visited the Great Wall of China
67. Started a business
68. Fallen in love and not had your heart broken
69. Toured ancient sites
70. Taken a martial arts class (if Billy Blanks counts)
71. Played D&D for more than 6 hours straight
72. Gotten married
73. Been in a movie
74. Crashed a party
75. Gotten divorced
76. Gone without food for 5 days
77. Made cookies from scratch
78. Won first prize in a costume contest
79. Ridden a gondola in Venice
80. Gotten a tattoo
81. Rafted the Snake River
82. Been on a television news program as an "expert"
83. Gotten flowers for no reason
84. Performed on stage
85. Been to Las Vegas
86. Recorded music
87. Eaten shark8
8. Kissed on the first date
89. Gone to Thailand
90. Bought a house
91. Been in a combat zone
92. Buried one/both of your parents
93. Been on a cruise ship
94. Spoken more than one language fluently
95. Performed in Rocky Horror
96. Raised children (I'm in the process)
97. Followed your favorite band/singer on tour
98. Passed out cold
99. Taken an exotic bicycle tour in a foreign country
100. Picked up and moved to another city to just start over
101. Walked the Golden Gate Bridge
102. Sang loudly in the car, and didn't stop when you knew someone was looking
103. Had plastic surgery
104. Survived an accident that you shouldn't have survived
105. Wrote articles for a large publication
106. Lost over 100 pounds
107. Held someone while they were having a flashback
108. Piloted an airplane
109. Touched a stingray
110. Broken someone's heart
111. Helped an animal give birth
112. Won money on a TV game show
113. Broken a bone
114. Gone on an African photo safari
115. Had a facial part pierced other than your ears
116. Fired a rifle, shotgun, or pistol
117. Eaten mushrooms that were gathered in the wild
118. Ridden a horse
119. Had major surgery
120. Had a snake as a pet
121. Hiked to the bottom of the Grand Canyon
122. Slept for 30 hours in a 48 hour period
123. Visited more foreign countries than U.S. States
124. Visited all 7 continents
125. Taken a canoe trip that lasted more than 2 days
126. Eaten kangaroo meat
127. Eaten sushi
128. Had your picture in the newspaper
129. Changed someone's mind about something you care deeply about
130. Gone back to school
131. Parasailed
132. Touched a cockroach
133. Eaten fried green tomatoes
134. Read The Iliad and The Odyssey
135. Selected one "important" author who you missed in school, and read
136. Killed and prepared an animal for eating
137. Skipped all your school reunions
138. Communicated with someone without sharing a common spoken language
139. Been elected to public office
140. Written your own computer language
141. Thought to yourself that you're living your dream
142. Had to put someone you love into hospice care
143. Built your own PC from parts
144. Sold your own artwork to someone who didn't know you
145. Had a booth at a street fair
146. Dyed your hair
147. Been a DJ
148. Shaved your head
149. Caused a car accident
150. Saved someone's life
Wednesday, November 5, 2008
Ah...Life with a 3-year-old
You've heard of the terrible twos? Well, every mother that I've talked to had a worse time with the terrible threes that the twos. My family included.
Every morning I wake up at 5:30 and leave for work at 6:30. My husband wakes up around 7:00 and leaves with Jared around 8:00. I don't help to get Jared ready as no one else is willing to wake up when I do to receive my help. Anyway, yesterday Dan was attempting to get Jared ready for the day, but Jared would have no part of it. I've only had the pleasure to get Jared ready in the morning a few times, and I know that when he resists you the whole time, it really sets the tone for the day. It sucks!
At dinner yesterday I decided to go over the morning routine with Jared. Just to have him verbally go through our expectations.
Me - Jared, what is the first thing that you do when you wake up in the morning?
Jared - I pee potty.
Me - Good. Now, what do you do right after you pee potty?
Jared - I give Daddy a hard time. (With a serious look on his face).
Me - Noooo.... you get dressed.
Jared - Oh, I get dressed. That's right.
Me - What do you do after you get dressed?
Jared - I sit in time out. (With a serious look on him face).
Me - Noooo...you brush your teeth.
Jared - Oh, I brush my teeth. That's right.
Can you believe this child?
The other day Jared was not listening (again :-/) and Dan called him over and pointed to spot right in front of him. Jared looks over and says......
What......is.........the PROBLEM.
I lost it. I think my husband's head exploded.
Every morning I wake up at 5:30 and leave for work at 6:30. My husband wakes up around 7:00 and leaves with Jared around 8:00. I don't help to get Jared ready as no one else is willing to wake up when I do to receive my help. Anyway, yesterday Dan was attempting to get Jared ready for the day, but Jared would have no part of it. I've only had the pleasure to get Jared ready in the morning a few times, and I know that when he resists you the whole time, it really sets the tone for the day. It sucks!
At dinner yesterday I decided to go over the morning routine with Jared. Just to have him verbally go through our expectations.
Me - Jared, what is the first thing that you do when you wake up in the morning?
Jared - I pee potty.
Me - Good. Now, what do you do right after you pee potty?
Jared - I give Daddy a hard time. (With a serious look on his face).
Me - Noooo.... you get dressed.
Jared - Oh, I get dressed. That's right.
Me - What do you do after you get dressed?
Jared - I sit in time out. (With a serious look on him face).
Me - Noooo...you brush your teeth.
Jared - Oh, I brush my teeth. That's right.
Can you believe this child?
The other day Jared was not listening (again :-/) and Dan called him over and pointed to spot right in front of him. Jared looks over and says......
What......is.........the PROBLEM.
I lost it. I think my husband's head exploded.
Tuesday, November 4, 2008
Socks!
Here is a photo of the scarf (yes, that's a scarf) that I was working on. But, I ran out of yarn. So, I went back to the store and it's all sold out, I keep checking...it never comes back. I check online, it's not there. Sigh. I only had one more row to go to finish this little project and could not find the right yarn. So, I improvised and used yellow to finish. You can see it pretty clearly in this picture.
My mom being my mom went out and bought yard for me that she believed was the correct color. It wasn't, but that's how awesome my mom is.
So, I asked her "What should I make for you from this yarn?"
"Socks!"
I went to my favorite knitting website. Lion Brand Yarn. And found a pattern for a pair like this. Although my colors are much nicer.
My mom being my mom went out and bought yard for me that she believed was the correct color. It wasn't, but that's how awesome my mom is.
So, I asked her "What should I make for you from this yarn?"
"Socks!"
I went to my favorite knitting website. Lion Brand Yarn. And found a pattern for a pair like this. Although my colors are much nicer.
Here is my progress so far. I have never made a pair of socks before. My mom will love that she is getting my first pair of socks ever!
Monday, November 3, 2008
Every Monday Matters #1
Did you ever hear of Every Monday Matters? No? Well, check it out here. The book picks Monday because it is usually the worse day of the week. It is for me anyway. But, it jumped out of bed this morning on time so that I could write this entry.
Here's the idea:
Do something every Monday to make the world, your world, a better place. The book starts the first Monday off making your world a better place. The first week's challenge is to determine what matter most to you and then find time to make it happen.
Steps:
1) Write a list of what matters most to you.
2) Write down your list of weekly activities and determine what activities are required and which ones are a complete waste of time.
3) Rearrange your schedule.
What matters most to me:
1) My Family
2) My Health
3) My Job
4) My Finances
5) My hobbies (reading, knitting, sewing, scrapbooking,and of course blogging)
So, for almost one week I kept track of all the activities that I did and determined the percentage of time that I am involved in said activities.
Sleep - 36% (I sleep a lot)
Work - 32% This percent would normally be higher, but we had an early dismissal and a two hour delay last week.
Family - 21%
Hobbies - 4%
Housework - 3%
Part time job - 3%
Exercise - 1%
These results were a rude awakening. Do I really only exercise 1% of the time? Really? Okay, I see a need for change there. Also, it bothers me that I spend more time at my job than I do with my family. Why is that? Which is more important? My job is important to me, but not more important than my family. I noticed that socializing with friends isn't even on the list.
The challenge for week #2 is to turn off the TV. Or if you are unable to do this watch educational programs such as the history channel, or the food network, maybe I should watch FitTV. The book suggests making a list of things that you could do instead of watching TV. I will let you know the results of my week without TV in one week.
Sunday, November 2, 2008
Beer & Bean Burritos
Yummy!! This is a great meal for a few reasons.
1- It contains beer. This is a favorite of mine especially when I was pregnant. The one thing I use to crave when pregnant was beer. Oh, the smell would do me in and I would have to cook with it then.
2- It's vegetarian. So, when I cook this for people (if I ever cook it for people) I don't have to worry if their vegetarian.
3- My husband loves it. One of the best feeling I get is when my husband complements my cooking. When we first started dating I didn't even know how to make macaroni and cheese from a box. Seriously, I know there are directions but I couldn't believe that a tablespoon of milk was even necessary.
Here's the recipe:
Gather these items:
Tortilla Shells - I like the cheddar jalapeno ones.
1 can of black beans
1 can of diced tomatoes
1 can of corn
red pepper flakes
1 bottle of beer (corona works well, but any one will do)
Drain and rinse your beans and put into a skillet with a little bit of beer. Mash the beans with a fork. Do this for about 5 minutes.
Add the tomatoes, corn, red pepper flakes, and a little less than half of a bottle of beer. Drink the rest of the beer, unless you are pregnant.
Increase heat to boiling for about 10-15 minutes. You want to let this boil until the mixture is not so watery, you want it to have a paste-like texture.
Spoon onto tortilla shells and wrap like a burrito.
Now, what do you do if there are leftovers? Well, eat them with tortilla chips the next day. I would have taken a picture of this recipe for you but it was all gone before I could find the camera. Enjoy!
1- It contains beer. This is a favorite of mine especially when I was pregnant. The one thing I use to crave when pregnant was beer. Oh, the smell would do me in and I would have to cook with it then.
2- It's vegetarian. So, when I cook this for people (if I ever cook it for people) I don't have to worry if their vegetarian.
3- My husband loves it. One of the best feeling I get is when my husband complements my cooking. When we first started dating I didn't even know how to make macaroni and cheese from a box. Seriously, I know there are directions but I couldn't believe that a tablespoon of milk was even necessary.
Here's the recipe:
Gather these items:
Tortilla Shells - I like the cheddar jalapeno ones.
1 can of black beans
1 can of diced tomatoes
1 can of corn
red pepper flakes
1 bottle of beer (corona works well, but any one will do)
Drain and rinse your beans and put into a skillet with a little bit of beer. Mash the beans with a fork. Do this for about 5 minutes.
Add the tomatoes, corn, red pepper flakes, and a little less than half of a bottle of beer. Drink the rest of the beer, unless you are pregnant.
Increase heat to boiling for about 10-15 minutes. You want to let this boil until the mixture is not so watery, you want it to have a paste-like texture.
Spoon onto tortilla shells and wrap like a burrito.
Now, what do you do if there are leftovers? Well, eat them with tortilla chips the next day. I would have taken a picture of this recipe for you but it was all gone before I could find the camera. Enjoy!
Saturday, November 1, 2008
Trick OR Treat
As you know my son was the Incredible Hulk this year for Trick or Treat. For the past two years we've been having this certain problem with him. He doesn't seem to get the hang of going for candy. For those of you who know that children hate to leave anywhere, that is my son to a tee. If he's at home he doesn't want to leave. When it's time to go back home, he doesn't want to do that either. If his skin would turn green and be able to tear off his shirt just by flexing his muscles, I'm sure he would. He is certainly incredible.
You can imagine our frustration last year when trying to take him trick-or-treating and everytime we went to a house he cried that he didn't want to go to the next. I don't know how thing work where you live but in my town, we go trick-or-treating for 2 hours. Jared did not catch on to the idea that he was getting candy until about an hour and a half into it. ARGH! That was last year. This year he caught on after one house. Sort of.
The first house was my mother-in-laws, Nana. Jared cried that he did not want to leave Nana's house. We even told him the truth, 'If we leave, we'll give you candy!' That's not a bribe, is it? The poor child, even though we're going through town getting candy, he still insisted that he wanted to go back to Nana's for her candy.
Maybe next year :-/
You can imagine our frustration last year when trying to take him trick-or-treating and everytime we went to a house he cried that he didn't want to go to the next. I don't know how thing work where you live but in my town, we go trick-or-treating for 2 hours. Jared did not catch on to the idea that he was getting candy until about an hour and a half into it. ARGH! That was last year. This year he caught on after one house. Sort of.
The first house was my mother-in-laws, Nana. Jared cried that he did not want to leave Nana's house. We even told him the truth, 'If we leave, we'll give you candy!' That's not a bribe, is it? The poor child, even though we're going through town getting candy, he still insisted that he wanted to go back to Nana's for her candy.
Maybe next year :-/
Wednesday, October 29, 2008
Blanket Huts
My colleague, Mary, and I dubbed yesterday the Best Day Ever!! Out of the blue we received an early dismissal from school. I took advantage of this extra time and immediately called my husband...
I met my husband for lunch at our favorite little pizza shop. I miss having lunch with my husband during the school year. During the summer he comes home for lunch practically everyday, unless he's working out of town. Yesterday was certainly a treat for me.
After lunch I picked up my son up from my mother-in-law's house. For all you wondering why we didn't take Jared to lunch with us, it's because he already ate. Anyway, I picked him up and we went home to make this...
That, my friends, in my living room. We made a blanket hut...we pulled in all of the dining room chairs, I found every blanket in the house and we (meaning me) made this hut. Yes, that is his head poking out of the top to watch TV. I actually fell asleep while in said hut and woke up to a little boy's giggle...you know, the giggle where they think they are getting away with something. My eyes popped open and there through the blankets I can see that Jared is about to walk on top of the hut! No one was hurt in the making or use of this hut. Everyone is fine.
I love when I am gifted a few extra hours with my family. Yes, I love a good snow day to sleep in and not have to go to work, but mostly I love to be with them.
I met my husband for lunch at our favorite little pizza shop. I miss having lunch with my husband during the school year. During the summer he comes home for lunch practically everyday, unless he's working out of town. Yesterday was certainly a treat for me.
After lunch I picked up my son up from my mother-in-law's house. For all you wondering why we didn't take Jared to lunch with us, it's because he already ate. Anyway, I picked him up and we went home to make this...
That, my friends, in my living room. We made a blanket hut...we pulled in all of the dining room chairs, I found every blanket in the house and we (meaning me) made this hut. Yes, that is his head poking out of the top to watch TV. I actually fell asleep while in said hut and woke up to a little boy's giggle...you know, the giggle where they think they are getting away with something. My eyes popped open and there through the blankets I can see that Jared is about to walk on top of the hut! No one was hurt in the making or use of this hut. Everyone is fine.
I love when I am gifted a few extra hours with my family. Yes, I love a good snow day to sleep in and not have to go to work, but mostly I love to be with them.
Tuesday, October 28, 2008
Self-Defense
A group of women at my school pulled together to take a self-defense class. Very interesting. Some of the things were a little scary when you think about it. One thing the instructor kept saying was, "And this is the thing that will change your life." Meaning when a person approaches you in an unfriendly manner. Then I started looking around the room and wondered, why aren't ALL of the women here. Come on, it's $50 for the knowledge to save your life. Why would you not be there? I know that you all can't be there, so I will try to teach you what I can.
How to get out of a one arm hold:
If someone is holding your wrist with the opposite hand, for instance they are holding your right wrist with their left hand. Twist your wrist to the right and you will be free. I know you don't believe me, I did not believe my instructor either. But then I tried it with my partner and I was able to break away from her. Then I thought that maybe it was because she is a woman. So, I came home and tried it with my husband and I broke free from him. Yes, my husband!! My husband is no wimp.
This also works if they are holding your left wrist with their right hand. In this case you will need to twist your hand to the left. Always twist it out.
If you are being held with two hand (your one wrist is being held by both of their hands): Interlace your fingers together and pull back as hard as you can (don't hit yourself in the face). You would also do this if they are holding your wrist with the same hand and you can't twist away.
Your homework assignment:
Try both of these with a partner, preferably someone stronger, and see if you can get out of it. Let me know the results.
How to get out of a one arm hold:
If someone is holding your wrist with the opposite hand, for instance they are holding your right wrist with their left hand. Twist your wrist to the right and you will be free. I know you don't believe me, I did not believe my instructor either. But then I tried it with my partner and I was able to break away from her. Then I thought that maybe it was because she is a woman. So, I came home and tried it with my husband and I broke free from him. Yes, my husband!! My husband is no wimp.
This also works if they are holding your left wrist with their right hand. In this case you will need to twist your hand to the left. Always twist it out.
If you are being held with two hand (your one wrist is being held by both of their hands): Interlace your fingers together and pull back as hard as you can (don't hit yourself in the face). You would also do this if they are holding your wrist with the same hand and you can't twist away.
Your homework assignment:
Try both of these with a partner, preferably someone stronger, and see if you can get out of it. Let me know the results.
Saturday, October 25, 2008
This is my Dad...
This is my Dad. In this picture he is wearing his new hat. Wish you had one don't you? Growing up I thought that my dad was the funniest man in the world. I use to argue with my friends about whose dad was funnier. My dad is quick to laugh and make a joke. He taught me what a great sense of humor is. Now, I am unable to write all the funny stories about my dad as they would make a book. I will give you two high school stories.
The wig story:
One day when my dad was in high school he decided that he was going to wear a wig to class. He put the wig on before the teacher can into the room. Now, this wig had long hair and of course made my dad look like a girl. He sat at his desk looking down so the 'hair' would hide his face. When the teacher came into the room she asked the 'new girl' to introduce herself. My dad started laughing silently and of course it looked like the new girl was crying. The teacher came over to the desk and told her that it was okay, she should introduce herself to the class. I'm not sure what happened when my dad finally took the wig off, but I can only imagine what the teacher's thoughts were.
Graduation:
My dad was in danger of not graduating high school. He was called into the principal's office during the spring of his senior year and was informed that if he missed any more days of school we would not graduate. My grandfather passed away when my dad was 16, and my grandmother always told her boys (5 boys that is) that it was their dad's wish that all of them graduate high school. Well, my dad being my dad skipped the next three days. I suppose they decided to graduate him anyway as he was the youngest of the 5 brothers and they would not have to deal with him anymore. Can you believe that he now works in that very school? Who would have thought?
Friday, October 24, 2008
Pumpkin Carving
When I was in high school I loved to carve pumpkins. My parents would buy those kits and I would tape the paper to the pumpkin and poke holes, the whole business. When I was done, it looked like a butchered mess to everyone but me. But then you lit it up with a candle and all became clear. Sorry about the pictures, they were in my scrapbook and I didn't want to tear the pictures out of it...
Now it's your turn. Try carving this online pumpkin. Warning...do not open at work, you will become addicted.
Thursday, October 23, 2008
Life in a Nutshell
We hired a new math teacher this fall, Mary. Her classroom is directly across from mine and we see each other a lot between classes, even during classes. One day I confessed to her that I loved to scrapbook. It so happens that she has a book of the first 18 years of her life. It was an assignment in one of her classes when she was a senior in high school. She was so kind as to bring it to work and let me see it. I read every word she wrote. That book is amazing. It is a 3" 3-ring binder with writings from her parents, pictures, memorabilia, and her recollection of her life up to 18 years.
As I'm reading her stories I am reminded of so many of my own. Like my friend Jason slipping on the ice in the gutter every morning when I picked him up for school. I haven't thought about that in years. Or the time when my dad was in high school and wore a wig so the teacher thought there was a new student. Or what about my entire basketball "career" in school. I never wrote any of those things down. I think I need to do this.
What a treasure that Mary has. Everything in one place. Her grandchildren will thank her for it, I'm sure.
As I'm reading her stories I am reminded of so many of my own. Like my friend Jason slipping on the ice in the gutter every morning when I picked him up for school. I haven't thought about that in years. Or the time when my dad was in high school and wore a wig so the teacher thought there was a new student. Or what about my entire basketball "career" in school. I never wrote any of those things down. I think I need to do this.
What a treasure that Mary has. Everything in one place. Her grandchildren will thank her for it, I'm sure.
Wednesday, October 22, 2008
A day with Jared
I took a personal day yesterday so that I could spend it with Jared. I followed him with a camera and noted the times that he did things. Here are the results...
7:40 - I woke Jared
8:00 - Breakfast - waffles
9:00 - 11:00 - Pre-school
12:00 - Lunch at Burger King with Dad and Nanner
1:30 - 4:30 - nap (This is incredibly rare that he even took a nap)
5:00 - supper
5:30 - Bake a cake
6:00-8:00 playing trains on the floor with Mom and Dad
8:00 - up to bed to read books and watch a little TV
He also spend a great deal of the day singing Old MacDonald.
Here are a few of his quotes:
Jared was stiring the cake batter when I put the eggs in, after a while he looked into the bowl and asked, "Where did the eggs go? Now how are we going to find them?" He threw his hands up in the air in disgust.
While in a time out, between sobs he says, "Ah, tartar sauce!" - Perhaps we're watching a little too much Spongbob.
I had a great day with him. I miss him when I have to go back to work, but I know it's good for us. Come August, I think we've both had enough of each other. Those first few weeks that I went back to work he started acting out and straight out told me that he missed me. Oh, how he can break my heart.
On a totally different topic - I learned something about housework yesterday. I put off emptying the dishwasher until the afternoon. When I finally did empty it, I timed myself. And do you know what? It only took 6 minutes to empty and refill that sucker. Yes, only 6 minutes. Next time I have to empty the dishwasher I'm going to remind myself that it is only 6 minutes. Why do I spend hours with that chore looming over me?
7:40 - I woke Jared
8:00 - Breakfast - waffles
9:00 - 11:00 - Pre-school
12:00 - Lunch at Burger King with Dad and Nanner
1:30 - 4:30 - nap (This is incredibly rare that he even took a nap)
5:00 - supper
5:30 - Bake a cake
6:00-8:00 playing trains on the floor with Mom and Dad
8:00 - up to bed to read books and watch a little TV
He also spend a great deal of the day singing Old MacDonald.
Here are a few of his quotes:
Jared was stiring the cake batter when I put the eggs in, after a while he looked into the bowl and asked, "Where did the eggs go? Now how are we going to find them?" He threw his hands up in the air in disgust.
While in a time out, between sobs he says, "Ah, tartar sauce!" - Perhaps we're watching a little too much Spongbob.
I had a great day with him. I miss him when I have to go back to work, but I know it's good for us. Come August, I think we've both had enough of each other. Those first few weeks that I went back to work he started acting out and straight out told me that he missed me. Oh, how he can break my heart.
On a totally different topic - I learned something about housework yesterday. I put off emptying the dishwasher until the afternoon. When I finally did empty it, I timed myself. And do you know what? It only took 6 minutes to empty and refill that sucker. Yes, only 6 minutes. Next time I have to empty the dishwasher I'm going to remind myself that it is only 6 minutes. Why do I spend hours with that chore looming over me?
Tuesday, October 21, 2008
Pet Peeves
I'm not sure why, but the mood has stuck to let you know my pet peeves. To other people these things are nothing but they irritate me to no end.
I know there are more but all I can focus on are the three I wrote about. ARGH!
I hate when people chew with their mouth open. It's one thing is they have a head cold and can't breath, but there are people who do it all the time. ALL THE TIME!
There are driving laws for a reason people! That stop sign, yeah that one, it means stop, not yield. Oh, and the speed limit, I guess that is just a suggestion. I hate that other people take my safety and the safety of my son in their own hands when they decide not to obey the law.
It drives me crazy when people mispronounce words. Like mattress, the word has a T in it. It's not pronounced ma-ress. The state of Illinois. For some reason the s is silent. Here's a trick my parents taught me - There's no noise in Illinois. There are other words but I can't think of them right now.
I know there are more but all I can focus on are the three I wrote about. ARGH!
Sunday, October 19, 2008
RAKC
So, you are looking at the new advisor for the RAKC at my school. That's the Random Acts of Kindness Club. It happened on the very day is listed my last entry. I could use some ideas or website that have ideas. Our club has a little bit of money, but the emphasis here is low cost ideas. We're trying to start simple and grow from there.
Friday, October 17, 2008
Random Acts of Kindness
I love to commit random acts of kindness. So simple, so easy, and the pay-off exceeds the effort. Here is a random act of kindness that I committed a few months ago and I am still feeling the high from it. 
I was grocery shopping and I HATE grocercy shopping. However, I never give the chore to my husband as I am unable to give up the control as to what food enters our house. Anyway, I was done finding my purchases and got into line. As I'm standing in line with my shopping cart overflowing with food an older couple gets in line behind me with two items. I still remember those items to this day - a bag of lettuce and a can of whipped cream (kinky). So, I figure - why not?...and allowed them to get infront of me in line. As the cashier is ringing up their order I tell her to just put their stuff on my bill - she doesn't bat an eye. The older couple didn't hear what I said and stood there waiting for the total. When the cashier explain that I was paying they starting saying things like God bless you and thank you so much, when they left the store the cashier looked at me and asked, "Did you know those people?" Nope, did not know them. As I was bagging my groceries I could overhear other cashiers and customers talking about me (in a good way).
So, there it is...I paid an extra $2.50 and made an old couple happy. I doubt that I'll ever forget that experience.
Tuesday, October 14, 2008
Happy Birthday Hubby!
Today is my husband's birthday. We don't do much for each other's birthdays. You know what, I'm very happy about this. There is just so much pressure. Why the extra effort on just one day? I've notice other couples and for some of them - it's just not a happy birthday unless their spouse went all out and killed themselves for the other's birthday. Now that's love :-)
Anyway, my husband and I have a great relationship. I feel (since I can't speak for my husband) that you need to make everyday extra special. My husband works hard and is a busy man. I don't expect him to go to great lengths for my birthday. Actually, I prefer that he doesn't.
I left little notes around the house this morning for my husband to find when he woke up. Little notes like, Happy Birthday, I love you, have a great day with my typical doodle on them. I know that he appreciated it because he called and told me. It cost me no money to write those notes. It barely took me any time. I feel that means more to him then me attempting to buy him a power tool he either already has or doesn't need - then return it to the store - to either get what he really needed or a refund. What a hassle. We buy what we need/want when we need/want/can afford it.
I remember our first Valentine's Day together - I told him weeks in advance to not buy me anything. I informed that I too would not buy anything for him. He couldn't believe it. He kept asking me Are you sure? I was getting annoyed - why couldn't he accept that I didn't want anything for Valentine's Day? Here's why...it happened to him before - he was told in a past relationship to not buy something, he followed directions and didn't buy anything, then caught heck for not buying anything. Argh...I hate women like that.
HAPPY BIRTHDAY!!! LOVE YOU!
Anyway, my husband and I have a great relationship. I feel (since I can't speak for my husband) that you need to make everyday extra special. My husband works hard and is a busy man. I don't expect him to go to great lengths for my birthday. Actually, I prefer that he doesn't.
I left little notes around the house this morning for my husband to find when he woke up. Little notes like, Happy Birthday, I love you, have a great day with my typical doodle on them. I know that he appreciated it because he called and told me. It cost me no money to write those notes. It barely took me any time. I feel that means more to him then me attempting to buy him a power tool he either already has or doesn't need - then return it to the store - to either get what he really needed or a refund. What a hassle. We buy what we need/want when we need/want/can afford it.
I remember our first Valentine's Day together - I told him weeks in advance to not buy me anything. I informed that I too would not buy anything for him. He couldn't believe it. He kept asking me Are you sure? I was getting annoyed - why couldn't he accept that I didn't want anything for Valentine's Day? Here's why...it happened to him before - he was told in a past relationship to not buy something, he followed directions and didn't buy anything, then caught heck for not buying anything. Argh...I hate women like that.
HAPPY BIRTHDAY!!! LOVE YOU!
Friday, October 10, 2008
S-A-T-U-R D-A-Y Morning!
I loved Saturday mornings when I was a kid. I knew when it was a Saturday long before I knew the days of the week. Everything was different...the sun was a little brighter, my parents were more cheerful, and dance class!! I loved dance class. We sang songs like Animal Crakers in my Soup. Here are a few pictures for you to enjoy...
The Incredible Hulk
So, the family and I went to Wal-mart and bought a costume for my son. We held up a superman costume, a power range costume, and a hulk costume. He chose the hulk...
He was so cute...look at the sleeve on his left arm...he kept looking in the mirror making growling noises. haha...kids are so much fun.
Wednesday, October 8, 2008
Piano
I know that I mentioned in an earlier entry what great parents I have. This entry is going to help hit that idea home. Out of the blue my parents bought me a piano. It's not my birthday. It's not Christmas. It's just October. My dad did make the comment that my husband has been very helpful to them with their new home. Dan helped them with a few remodeling projects. So, the way I see it, I am rewarded with a piano because I have good taste in men. Thanks Dan!!
This picture is bad, but the lighting in my dining room isn't that wonderful.
The piano was delivered on Monday and I haven't stopped playing since. Don't let me fool you...I am not that great a player. I think I saw Dan cover his ears out of the corner of my eye one time.
Saturday, October 4, 2008
Football Season
I love football...well, I use to like football...ah, who am I fooling? I hate football. At one point in my life I actually had myself convinced that I liked it. I like the idea of football. I have great memories associated with it.
For one, when I was in high school, that was the highlight of the week. I went to the games and saw all of my friends there. I went to every single football game. I know this for a fact since I was in the band. I loved Friday nights.
For two, most of my friends when I was in high school and college were guys. They watched football. If I wanted to fit in, I had to watch it too. Looking back, I don't understand why it was so important to be one of the guys. I guess maybe because I could.
For three, my mom is a fan of football, and my paternal grandmother was too. So, I thought it was in my blood. nope, it's not.
However, did you ever watch the Disney movie Invincible? It's based on a true story about Vince Papale. Love it!! Mark Wahlberg is so hot!
Thursday, October 2, 2008
Knit-Wit
I love to knit. I don't watch TV anymore...well, for one I'm busy, for two I have a husband who is bigger than me, and 3 I have a toddler son who is addicted to SpongeBob. So instead, I knit. Here is a bag that I made for me, my step-daughter, a friend. I love this bag. So, much fun to make.
I have even made myself a pair of arm-warmers but I don't wear them in public since it looks like I'm wearing two casts.
Are you ready to learn how to knit? Yes, you can. I did. I had no one to sit down and show me. I just made up my mind one day and I learned how to knit from books. No, it didn't happen in one day, but it did happen. Here is where you go for all of your knitting needs.
How Can I Help?
I've been thinking. I should use this blog for good...not evil. Anyway, I've been looking for sites where I could help people out. I remember this first one from Country Mouse's husband (I use to work with him). It's called free rice. You can improve your vocabulary and feed hungry people. How great is that?
Here are a few more sites that all you need to do is click to help:
This one helps 6 different areas.
And this one benefits children.
I challenge you to find a helpful site and post it on your blog!
Here are a few more sites that all you need to do is click to help:
This one helps 6 different areas.
And this one benefits children.
I challenge you to find a helpful site and post it on your blog!
Monday, September 29, 2008
S.O.B.
Last weekend my husband, son, and I were grocery shopping. I don't remember what made my son say it, but he said Son of a !@#$!. My husband and I looked at each other in disbelieve, so I asked him, "What did you say?"
In the case he wasn't speaking loud enough, my son yells "Son of a ^%$#$!" My husband being the mature adult scolds him and informs him that that is a bad word and he should not say it. I however, am not as mature as my husband and start laughing. I did remember to turn around to hide it.
As this is all taking place there is a older couple in the same aisle as us listening to all of it. The woman walks past me and under her breath says "Oh my god."
Oh give me a break lady. Don't even tell me that your children never cursed. If she even has children.
I haven't heard my son say SOB lately but he does enjoy saying "What the..."
In the case he wasn't speaking loud enough, my son yells "Son of a ^%$#$!" My husband being the mature adult scolds him and informs him that that is a bad word and he should not say it. I however, am not as mature as my husband and start laughing. I did remember to turn around to hide it.
As this is all taking place there is a older couple in the same aisle as us listening to all of it. The woman walks past me and under her breath says "Oh my god."
Oh give me a break lady. Don't even tell me that your children never cursed. If she even has children.
I haven't heard my son say SOB lately but he does enjoy saying "What the..."
Sunday, September 28, 2008
Jenga
Jared decided (yes decided) that he was sleeping over at Nanner and Pappy's house last night. It is not often that Dan and I have the whole house to ourselves. No, it's not what you think. We NEVER are allowed to do anything adult, like play board games, when Jared is around. He insists on participating and making his own rules. So, that is what we did last night. We played two rounds of SORRY, two games of CHESS, at least 20 times we played CONNECT 4 (sadly, I one connect 4 maybe 4 of those 20 times), then JENGA. You all know the rules to JENGA right? Whoever knocks the tower over loses. Well, we need you help. We have no idea who won. Here I'll show you....
See that? There are no more moves remaining. This tower started as 18 levels and ended at 37. The tower never fell down...until we forced it to. Has this ever happened to you?
Ammendment to the games posted earlier. I just couldn't waste an evening without Jared and this rare opportunity to play games. So, my husband and I decided to play the game where you hit each other's hands. I know we've played this before but I guess it's been a few years and Dan didn't remember the rules...here are 2 rules I didn't mention before.
You do not have to take turns
You may move you hands away when the other person goes to hit them. This is very funny to watch as the other person waves their arms in the air as they try to regain their balance. haha.
Try that game, let me know what you think...
I was laughing so hard that I was crying. Once we started to pay attention to our surroundings we noticed that we were standing infront of a window that faces the street while hitting each other and I was crying and screaming. Hmmmm....
Friday, September 26, 2008
The Library
I love the library. I've been wanting to go there for a long time but I was always too busy. Then I took my son there for reading hour one evening and fell in love. There I was standing in the middle of a building with tons (is that the right word? How do you measure information?) of information all around me.
Yesterday I picked up this book "Simple Fun". It was written over 10 years ago, but it still applies today. Let me show you some of the book's ideas and a few of my own.
Here is a game that my family plays while on a long drive - We call it the Alphabet Game. As we drive along the road we look for words that begin with the letter of the alphabet. For instance I might yell out "Apple" if I see a sign that states "Apples for sale", then we're looking for the next letter. We cheat a little bit for letters like x, q, and z.
Here's a mealtime game from the book...
During the meal ask one person to close their eyes. While their eyes are closed remove something subtle from the table (the salt shaker, a fork, etc). The person opens their eyes and tries to guess what is missing.
From the book...
For 2 people
Each person wears their socks on their hands (clean socks preferably). Whoever is able to get the socks off the other person first wins!!
Here is a game that my husband and I play when we are waiting around...
He will name someone famous, such as, George Bush, then it is my turn and I need to name someone who's first initial is the same as the last initial. So, I might say Barbara Streisand, and back and forth until we are sick of it.
My dad first taught me this game - I love to play this with my husband since he is so much bigger than me, he just pushes me around.
Stand facing your opponent about 2 feet apart. Hold your hands up as if you are going to do a push-up off of the other person. Hit the other person's hands to try to move them. Whoever moves their feet first loses.
Here's another one from my dad...I told you he was fun.
Hold you hands out palms up. You opponent will place their hands on top of yours but palms down. You will try to slap the tops of their hands quickly before they remove theirs.
I will keep reading and keep you posted. I hope that I didn't break any rules of plagiarism...
Yesterday I picked up this book "Simple Fun". It was written over 10 years ago, but it still applies today. Let me show you some of the book's ideas and a few of my own.
Here is a game that my family plays while on a long drive - We call it the Alphabet Game. As we drive along the road we look for words that begin with the letter of the alphabet. For instance I might yell out "Apple" if I see a sign that states "Apples for sale", then we're looking for the next letter. We cheat a little bit for letters like x, q, and z.
Here's a mealtime game from the book...
During the meal ask one person to close their eyes. While their eyes are closed remove something subtle from the table (the salt shaker, a fork, etc). The person opens their eyes and tries to guess what is missing.
From the book...
For 2 people
Each person wears their socks on their hands (clean socks preferably). Whoever is able to get the socks off the other person first wins!!
Here is a game that my husband and I play when we are waiting around...
He will name someone famous, such as, George Bush, then it is my turn and I need to name someone who's first initial is the same as the last initial. So, I might say Barbara Streisand, and back and forth until we are sick of it.
My dad first taught me this game - I love to play this with my husband since he is so much bigger than me, he just pushes me around.
Stand facing your opponent about 2 feet apart. Hold your hands up as if you are going to do a push-up off of the other person. Hit the other person's hands to try to move them. Whoever moves their feet first loses.
Here's another one from my dad...I told you he was fun.
Hold you hands out palms up. You opponent will place their hands on top of yours but palms down. You will try to slap the tops of their hands quickly before they remove theirs.
I will keep reading and keep you posted. I hope that I didn't break any rules of plagiarism...
How nice...
I was recently thinking about my 6th grade moving up ceremony. When I was about to enter junior high our elementary school held a ceremony or graduation for us (no caps and gowns :-( We had to vote on who was the smartest boy, smartest girl, funniest boy, funniest girl, you get the picture. Well, I really wanted to be voted prettiest. At that time being pretty was important. I didn't win prettiest girl - I won nicest girl. I was happy about being the nicest girl but I also remember staring daggers into the back of the head of the girl who did win prettiest. I immediately started picking out all of her flaws. (Why do girls do this?) Nicest? Ha! Here I was hating the girl who won....
Fast forward about 20 years.
I am so proud to be nicest. I still have that adjective used to describe me. I do try to live up to my name. Last year a few students asked a fellow teacher, "Who is the nicest person you know?" He took a few moments to think then announced my name. Isn't that nice?
Fast forward about 20 years.
I am so proud to be nicest. I still have that adjective used to describe me. I do try to live up to my name. Last year a few students asked a fellow teacher, "Who is the nicest person you know?" He took a few moments to think then announced my name. Isn't that nice?
Wednesday, September 24, 2008
Funny thing happened today....
A few months ago my mom bought me a black blazer that was on sale for like $5 at Kmart. I decided to finally wear it to work today. Blazers are really my thing...but I thought the building is always so cold and a blazer would keep me warm. Halfway through the day I went to the ladies room, looked in the mirror and noticed a hair out of place. I lifted my left arm to fix and and low and behold hanging from my armpit are the tags!! Oh, the horror. I did a quick metal recap of my morning and that's funny, I don't remember any of the kids laughing, or snickering, or even at lunch none of the other teachers said a word to me....hmmm....
I guess I never use my left arm. No one even noticed, I hope.....
I guess I never use my left arm. No one even noticed, I hope.....
Tuesday, September 23, 2008
Who am I...
Here are a few things about me on the surface....
1) I am a high school math teacher and have been for 9 years. I enjoy my job and I really like the students. I know, most of you are probably making a face right now, but listen, you're wrong. I have students who could conduct class without me. They are mature enough that if I didn't come into the classroom the whole period my neighboring teachers wouldn't even know. The students would probably treat class like a study hall and do their work without yelling. For the most part my job is about relaying information to my students - rarely discipline.
2) I am a wife. I have been married for over 4 years now. I love being married to my husband. He and I fit perfectly. For those of you who understand what I am talking about - you must have someone too.
3) I am a mother. I have a 3-year-old son and a 15-year-old step-daughter. Some days I want to pull my hair out...but they are so worth it.
4) I am a daughter. My parents are awesome. I really look up to my mom and depend on her for her honest opinion. My dad is a people-person and really knows how to have a good time. My husband and I actually lived with my folks for a period of time. I know that you are probably cringing once again, but again you are wrong. We regretted moving out. It was nice to live with my parents and share all the household responsibilities like cooking, cleaning, grocery shopping, etc.
1) I am a high school math teacher and have been for 9 years. I enjoy my job and I really like the students. I know, most of you are probably making a face right now, but listen, you're wrong. I have students who could conduct class without me. They are mature enough that if I didn't come into the classroom the whole period my neighboring teachers wouldn't even know. The students would probably treat class like a study hall and do their work without yelling. For the most part my job is about relaying information to my students - rarely discipline.
2) I am a wife. I have been married for over 4 years now. I love being married to my husband. He and I fit perfectly. For those of you who understand what I am talking about - you must have someone too.
3) I am a mother. I have a 3-year-old son and a 15-year-old step-daughter. Some days I want to pull my hair out...but they are so worth it.
4) I am a daughter. My parents are awesome. I really look up to my mom and depend on her for her honest opinion. My dad is a people-person and really knows how to have a good time. My husband and I actually lived with my folks for a period of time. I know that you are probably cringing once again, but again you are wrong. We regretted moving out. It was nice to live with my parents and share all the household responsibilities like cooking, cleaning, grocery shopping, etc.
Is this an insult?
I went to a craft fair this past weekend with my sister-in-law. We happen to see her neighbor there. Now I met her neighbor before. Let me give you more information. I have a small part time job as a consultant for one of those direct sales companies - so I did a home show for my sister-in-law and her neighbor was there.
Okay - back to the craft fair. Her neighbor sees me and askes SIL how old I am. So SIL yells over to me "How old are you?"
-29
-haha, my neightbor thought you were in high school.
When I was 20 or 21 that was a compliment. But this woman thought I was a child, a teenager. I'm at the point in my life where I want to be taken seriously - not seen as a child. Maybe in another 10 years I'll be happy that someone thinks I look 15 years younger than I really am.
Okay - back to the craft fair. Her neighbor sees me and askes SIL how old I am. So SIL yells over to me "How old are you?"
-29
-haha, my neightbor thought you were in high school.
When I was 20 or 21 that was a compliment. But this woman thought I was a child, a teenager. I'm at the point in my life where I want to be taken seriously - not seen as a child. Maybe in another 10 years I'll be happy that someone thinks I look 15 years younger than I really am.
Monday, September 22, 2008
Hello
I've been thinking about blogging for a while. But, I've finally decided to join in by a challenge from country mouse. Check out her blog - she is so funny - and real. Anyway, here are a few of my favorite things...
There you have it. I wonder - what do these things say about me. Take country mouse's challenge and tell us your favorite things.
1) my pottery - for the past two summers I have taken a pottery class on the wheel. You cannot believe how good wheel throwing is for you. It really takes your mind off of everything.
This is a little tea-set, or should I call it an iced-tea set, that I made this summer. 
2) I LOVE the antiques that I have aquired from my family. I have quite a few pieces but here is my favorite. It is a hutch from my great-grandmother.
3) My sewing machine - I can take a pile of fabric and turn it into something to use, to wear, to give away. There is nothing better than a handmade give - especially if it's a totebag!
4) My son's scrapbooks. My 3-year-old loves to sit on my lap and listen to stories about the pictures in his scrapbooks.
There you have it. I wonder - what do these things say about me. Take country mouse's challenge and tell us your favorite things.
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