After I complained about it, the rash and the elbow miraculously healed themselves.
As for the foot and knee, I went to the doctor. He says the knee is actually iliotibial band syndrome. Which sounds about right. He gave me a list of stretches and exercises to help, but no running or weight lifting.
The doctor thought my foot was a stress fracture and sent me in for x-rays. That was last Monday. I finally heard from him on Thursday at about 6 pm. No sign of a fracture, so it was probably a contusion. I'm supposed to ice my foot several times a day and not repeat whatever I did in the first place (which I still don't know what has caused this).
I'm still limping, but now it's more of a stiff, achy feeling rather than the blinding shot of pain. Doc said to give it about three weeks and call again if it's still hurting. Just in time for me to limp down the aisle at my brother's wedding.
Tuesday, October 07, 2008
Saturday, September 27, 2008
Falling Apart in my Old Age
What the heck?
I seem to be getting some minor rash again. Just a few itchy bumps on my arm and leg.
Since I've started running at the beginning of summer, my right knee has bothered me. During the run, the back and outside of it feels like it is tightening up. If I push it, I can't walk down stairs for the next two days. If I don't push it, there is just a minor ache. I've tried stretches, weight lifting and taking a break from running, but nothing helps. It still hurts when I run. I'll be setting up an appointment about this soon.
This past week my right foot started hurting. I can't see any bruising, but that is what it feels like. It's across the balls of my feet and across the top of my foot. It didn't help that I also managed to stub my foot on a shopping cart and have a screen door slam on the foot.
And to top it off, I managed to slam my elbow onto the arm rest in my car hard enough to hurt it. I can't lean on it or even lean on my hand. This morning I went to do my push-ups (did I mention I'm trying 100 push-ups?) and just whimpered.
I promise I won't be so whiny in my next post.
I seem to be getting some minor rash again. Just a few itchy bumps on my arm and leg.
Since I've started running at the beginning of summer, my right knee has bothered me. During the run, the back and outside of it feels like it is tightening up. If I push it, I can't walk down stairs for the next two days. If I don't push it, there is just a minor ache. I've tried stretches, weight lifting and taking a break from running, but nothing helps. It still hurts when I run. I'll be setting up an appointment about this soon.
This past week my right foot started hurting. I can't see any bruising, but that is what it feels like. It's across the balls of my feet and across the top of my foot. It didn't help that I also managed to stub my foot on a shopping cart and have a screen door slam on the foot.
And to top it off, I managed to slam my elbow onto the arm rest in my car hard enough to hurt it. I can't lean on it or even lean on my hand. This morning I went to do my push-ups (did I mention I'm trying 100 push-ups?) and just whimpered.
I promise I won't be so whiny in my next post.
Tuesday, September 23, 2008
Turning 30
My birthday was on Sunday. I didn't dread turning 30. But it was important for me to celebrate it. Because when I turned 29, we had just spent the first night home with X. So that birthday was a little overshadowed and hormonal. When I turned 28, I was in the middle of the misery and suffering of a horrible job. 27 was pretty good though.
So Chris came home from his most recent work trip early for Xander's birthday on Thursday. And we all went to the county fair on Friday. And Saturday was the big birthday party! Wow, so many people came. Chris and I both felt bad because there were so many people who came from out of town and we didn't get to talk with them as much as we'd like to.
I did make my own cake again. I am so out of practice. I forgot to brush off the cake crumbs and the crumbs mixed into the icing. I used pre-made sugar flowers on it, so that saved time. It tasted awesome though.
On Sunday we went on a family outing and ended up getting new cell phones and updating our plans to have unlimited texts. So now I have speakerphone and cameraphone and can assign pics to phone numbers so your face shows up when you call. I feel like I could be a super hero now.
And my brother Mark surprised me by showing up on Sunday. As great as the party was, it's fun when things actually happen on my birthday. He bought Xander Mega Blocks, like large Legos. But I'll probably be the one playing with them. And Xander will destroy whatever I create.
One last note about 30. I saw at the store a magazine with the cover advertising something like "Happy and Sexy at 20, 30 and 40" and my reaction was "Wow, I have to turn to an entirely different page to be happy and sexy now."
So Chris came home from his most recent work trip early for Xander's birthday on Thursday. And we all went to the county fair on Friday. And Saturday was the big birthday party! Wow, so many people came. Chris and I both felt bad because there were so many people who came from out of town and we didn't get to talk with them as much as we'd like to.
I did make my own cake again. I am so out of practice. I forgot to brush off the cake crumbs and the crumbs mixed into the icing. I used pre-made sugar flowers on it, so that saved time. It tasted awesome though.
On Sunday we went on a family outing and ended up getting new cell phones and updating our plans to have unlimited texts. So now I have speakerphone and cameraphone and can assign pics to phone numbers so your face shows up when you call. I feel like I could be a super hero now.
And my brother Mark surprised me by showing up on Sunday. As great as the party was, it's fun when things actually happen on my birthday. He bought Xander Mega Blocks, like large Legos. But I'll probably be the one playing with them. And Xander will destroy whatever I create.
One last note about 30. I saw at the store a magazine with the cover advertising something like "Happy and Sexy at 20, 30 and 40" and my reaction was "Wow, I have to turn to an entirely different page to be happy and sexy now."
Tuesday, September 16, 2008
No School Today...
...no school today....no school today cause it blowed....
Anyone living in Ohio knows that Ike swept through as a giant windstorm on Sunday. I heard the winds matched the Blizzard of '78 (or, you know, a hurricane) but without the snow (or rain). I actually had to drive one and a half hours in it and had to dodge around something in the road about once every mile.
Our electricity was out for about five hours on Sunday, but was back on at about 7 that evening. The flashing was peeling off of part of the roof and one small chunk of siding came off. So we got off pretty easy. Walking around the neighborhood yesterday was odd, seeing how many people were on their roofs to fix shingles. One house put up a tarp (and the owners had just moved in last week), another was missing siding on half of one side. A couple of trees went down, but since most trees are still young, most people were ok on that front.
In the town, half of the electricity is still off, including the grocery stores. I stopped at one yesterday and they were selling non-perishable foods. It's odd walking through with only half of the lights on, all of the meat gone, the frozen foods section roped off and plastic hanging over the dairy. Lots of big trees are down around town. Fortunately, I haven't heard of any injuries.
So no school yesterday or today. We already have off Thursday and Friday. So we may have only one day of school this week. Or possibly none. I may work for less than an hour each day, but I still love getting out of school.
I do have a lot of little things to pick up at stores, but I don't know what is open and what isn't. I think I'll chance it just to get out today.
Anyone living in Ohio knows that Ike swept through as a giant windstorm on Sunday. I heard the winds matched the Blizzard of '78 (or, you know, a hurricane) but without the snow (or rain). I actually had to drive one and a half hours in it and had to dodge around something in the road about once every mile.
Our electricity was out for about five hours on Sunday, but was back on at about 7 that evening. The flashing was peeling off of part of the roof and one small chunk of siding came off. So we got off pretty easy. Walking around the neighborhood yesterday was odd, seeing how many people were on their roofs to fix shingles. One house put up a tarp (and the owners had just moved in last week), another was missing siding on half of one side. A couple of trees went down, but since most trees are still young, most people were ok on that front.
In the town, half of the electricity is still off, including the grocery stores. I stopped at one yesterday and they were selling non-perishable foods. It's odd walking through with only half of the lights on, all of the meat gone, the frozen foods section roped off and plastic hanging over the dairy. Lots of big trees are down around town. Fortunately, I haven't heard of any injuries.
So no school yesterday or today. We already have off Thursday and Friday. So we may have only one day of school this week. Or possibly none. I may work for less than an hour each day, but I still love getting out of school.
I do have a lot of little things to pick up at stores, but I don't know what is open and what isn't. I think I'll chance it just to get out today.
Friday, September 05, 2008
Little Stories
Teaching is going really great. The students are definitely getting more comfortable with me as a teacher. They are great at doing homework and asking questions. And yesterday when I changed my mind about the homework assignment and gave them the night off they thanked me. Like honest and proper "Thank you Mrs. Hugs."
I'm still trying to adjust to the whole thing though. The class that uses the room before me keeps running a little bit later every day. I started five minutes late today. I'm just used to having bells to tell teachers to change classes.
But I had steam coming out of my ears today. I have asked twice about special schedules and how they might affect my class. And twice I was assured that my class is close to lunch time and won't be affected by assemblies and such. And twice this week I've had shortened classes. I asked about this and was told it was on the schedule. Yes, there are special events listed, but no one told me that my schedule would be affected! So now it is my responsibility to email in and ask every time I see something on the schedule. Which I can handle. I just wish I wasn't assured that my schedule wouldn't be changed just to have a ten minute class today.
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Yesterday I went to the library. Pretty much, I go to the library about twice a week. While I was checking out with one librarian (the cool one who is mid-twenties, wears nice button down sweaters and has tattoos covering her arms and chest) a man walked up to the librarian next to me. He said he wanted to check if he still had a library card and how he could get a new one. The librarian took his driver's license and looked him up. Yes, he did still have a card with them. However, he has two overdue books from '94. He could return them or pay the replacement cost.
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Our area had a special election in August over a couple of issues. One was a levy for senior citizens. The other was an income tax increase for a rec center. I'm happy to say I voted and Xander came along and smiled at the ladies working at the polls. I found out later that both issues passed, but the rec center issue was very close. A week later I read a statistic that said only 10% of the area actually voted that day. So about 5% of the local population decided that everyone needs to pay an extra hundred dollars or so each year.
So I made Chris register to vote.
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And finally, a fun link. I was actually rather proud that I know 11 of the answers. :)
Movie Poster Quiz
Have an awesome weekend!
I'm still trying to adjust to the whole thing though. The class that uses the room before me keeps running a little bit later every day. I started five minutes late today. I'm just used to having bells to tell teachers to change classes.
But I had steam coming out of my ears today. I have asked twice about special schedules and how they might affect my class. And twice I was assured that my class is close to lunch time and won't be affected by assemblies and such. And twice this week I've had shortened classes. I asked about this and was told it was on the schedule. Yes, there are special events listed, but no one told me that my schedule would be affected! So now it is my responsibility to email in and ask every time I see something on the schedule. Which I can handle. I just wish I wasn't assured that my schedule wouldn't be changed just to have a ten minute class today.
--------
Yesterday I went to the library. Pretty much, I go to the library about twice a week. While I was checking out with one librarian (the cool one who is mid-twenties, wears nice button down sweaters and has tattoos covering her arms and chest) a man walked up to the librarian next to me. He said he wanted to check if he still had a library card and how he could get a new one. The librarian took his driver's license and looked him up. Yes, he did still have a card with them. However, he has two overdue books from '94. He could return them or pay the replacement cost.
--------
Our area had a special election in August over a couple of issues. One was a levy for senior citizens. The other was an income tax increase for a rec center. I'm happy to say I voted and Xander came along and smiled at the ladies working at the polls. I found out later that both issues passed, but the rec center issue was very close. A week later I read a statistic that said only 10% of the area actually voted that day. So about 5% of the local population decided that everyone needs to pay an extra hundred dollars or so each year.
So I made Chris register to vote.
-------
And finally, a fun link. I was actually rather proud that I know 11 of the answers. :)
Movie Poster Quiz
Have an awesome weekend!
Tuesday, August 26, 2008
He lives in the WOODPILE behind the SHED
That title is much funnier if you imagine Chris Farley saying it.
Back in the day I mentioned rabbits acting funny. Dandy mentioned that she thought it was a mating thing. Lo and behold we have a cuddly baby bunny in our back yard. I think it's adorable. Chris wonders where the hawk is.
Today was my second day of teaching. So far, so good - all four students returned! I think the students will be great, it's the classroom that is the problem. There are two small chalkboards up front. One is nice, the other old and scratched up. The nice one is magnetic and the regular teacher used it by putting flashcards (with magnets glued to the back) all over it. She also placed the alphabet to hang over the old board. Soooooo, where am I supposed to write all of my fancy math equations (ok, we're actually only working on expressions right now) (and I wonder how many of you know the difference or care) (I know at least one person does)? So today I neatly took down half of the cards and placed them on the table.
This problem would be easily solved if they would only splurge on a SmartBoard. And if I worked full time, had a full class load and more students than I could count on one hand, well then I'd bring it up with the head honcho. For now, I guess I'll just make due.
PS My birthday is coming up and if anyone wins the lottery, you can buy me a SmartBoard. And a TI-84 Plus Silver in pink. Ha!
Back in the day I mentioned rabbits acting funny. Dandy mentioned that she thought it was a mating thing. Lo and behold we have a cuddly baby bunny in our back yard. I think it's adorable. Chris wonders where the hawk is.
Today was my second day of teaching. So far, so good - all four students returned! I think the students will be great, it's the classroom that is the problem. There are two small chalkboards up front. One is nice, the other old and scratched up. The nice one is magnetic and the regular teacher used it by putting flashcards (with magnets glued to the back) all over it. She also placed the alphabet to hang over the old board. Soooooo, where am I supposed to write all of my fancy math equations (ok, we're actually only working on expressions right now) (and I wonder how many of you know the difference or care) (I know at least one person does)? So today I neatly took down half of the cards and placed them on the table.This problem would be easily solved if they would only splurge on a SmartBoard. And if I worked full time, had a full class load and more students than I could count on one hand, well then I'd bring it up with the head honcho. For now, I guess I'll just make due.
PS My birthday is coming up and if anyone wins the lottery, you can buy me a SmartBoard. And a TI-84 Plus Silver in pink. Ha!
Monday, August 18, 2008
Christmas in August
I have three college friends that I try to get together with once a year. When we do get together we call it Christmas and it includes presents. It is getting rather hard to plan these events because I live in Ohio, B lives near D.C., R lives near Pittsburg and M lives in China. This year the event was at our house last weekend. R couldn't make it :( But M brought her boyfriend so I finally got to met him and Chris got some male companionship.
M and her guy showed up Friday night, so we all just hung out and watched the Olympics. It was more interesting watching it with an American who has lived in China for a few years and her Chinese boyfriend. I finally watched one of Phelps gold wins, and it just so happened to be the nail-biter finish.
Saturday we woke up and B arrived. We spent a few hours catching up (while Chris and M's guy dug up spirea in the yard) and we all went to lunch. Then we all walked around downtown, which I don't get to do very often. There are antiques, boutiques, a bookstore, pottery painting, coffee shop, etc. It was a gorgeous day out so when we arrived back home it was voted to play Wiffle Ball in the back yard, complete with ghost runners. And the girls did great until the boys pulled in a ringer from next door. It was the first time M's boy had played and I think we all had a good time, despite running in sandals.
Then was present time for the girls! (Xander was kind enough to loan me a 'Christmas tree')
I provided a thoroughly healthy dinner of beer-cheese fondue with bread and apples for dipping. Afterward Chris started the fire out back and we made s'mores. Yum! I woke up with a stomach ache in the middle of the night, but it was totally worth it.
B had to leave to get back to her guys (husband and baby), so M and I waited up to talk to R on the phone. It was great to hear from her but it was late and a long day, so I crashed that night.
Overall, I love this tradition. We don't do a great job of keeping in touch through out the year, but when we get together it's like no time has passed and I always have such a great time.
M and her guy showed up Friday night, so we all just hung out and watched the Olympics. It was more interesting watching it with an American who has lived in China for a few years and her Chinese boyfriend. I finally watched one of Phelps gold wins, and it just so happened to be the nail-biter finish.
Saturday we woke up and B arrived. We spent a few hours catching up (while Chris and M's guy dug up spirea in the yard) and we all went to lunch. Then we all walked around downtown, which I don't get to do very often. There are antiques, boutiques, a bookstore, pottery painting, coffee shop, etc. It was a gorgeous day out so when we arrived back home it was voted to play Wiffle Ball in the back yard, complete with ghost runners. And the girls did great until the boys pulled in a ringer from next door. It was the first time M's boy had played and I think we all had a good time, despite running in sandals.
Then was present time for the girls! (Xander was kind enough to loan me a 'Christmas tree')
I provided a thoroughly healthy dinner of beer-cheese fondue with bread and apples for dipping. Afterward Chris started the fire out back and we made s'mores. Yum! I woke up with a stomach ache in the middle of the night, but it was totally worth it.B had to leave to get back to her guys (husband and baby), so M and I waited up to talk to R on the phone. It was great to hear from her but it was late and a long day, so I crashed that night.
Overall, I love this tradition. We don't do a great job of keeping in touch through out the year, but when we get together it's like no time has passed and I always have such a great time.
Wednesday, August 13, 2008
Sew no bags
The past couple of weeks I've gotten to sew a few different things. I'm learning! I've even helped my sister and Ikkin fix dresses.
So. Any guesses what this is?
Why, it's a clothespin bag! Obviously! And (in my best Rod Roddy voice) to go with that new clothespin bag is this fabulous new umbrella clothesline!
And also included in this Showcase Showdown is this, as yet unhemmed, sewing machine cover!
Gotta love the creative use of scrap material, right?
I totally would have modeled a sequin dress while standing next to everything, but Xander doesn't understand how to take pictures yet (only how to pose for pictures).
So. Any guesses what this is?
Why, it's a clothespin bag! Obviously! And (in my best Rod Roddy voice) to go with that new clothespin bag is this fabulous new umbrella clothesline!
And also included in this Showcase Showdown is this, as yet unhemmed, sewing machine cover!
Gotta love the creative use of scrap material, right?
I totally would have modeled a sequin dress while standing next to everything, but Xander doesn't understand how to take pictures yet (only how to pose for pictures).
Wednesday, August 06, 2008
Emo Tree
We've had issues with what to do with the trees in front of our house. The one directly in front was nice, but it blocked the view of the entire house. The tree to the left I referred to as 'The Scary, Haunted House Tree.' They were both of the 'weeping' variety. They were both well established. What to do? We were thinking of chopping one or both. Fortunately, Chris talked to a knowledgeable neighbor who suggested how to trim both trees.
So this weekend Chris cleaned them up nicely. So now Scary, Haunted House Tree has become Sad, Tortured Tree. But it looks a lot better!
Chris found Sad, Tortured Tree was hiding a little secret. A perfect little nest was perched at the top of the trunk. Chris picked it up and showed it to me and set it back. It's still there after a big storm blew through here.
So this weekend Chris cleaned them up nicely. So now Scary, Haunted House Tree has become Sad, Tortured Tree. But it looks a lot better!
Chris found Sad, Tortured Tree was hiding a little secret. A perfect little nest was perched at the top of the trunk. Chris picked it up and showed it to me and set it back. It's still there after a big storm blew through here.
Sunday, August 03, 2008
Five Year Plan - Check!
Yesterday Chris and I celebrated our five year anniversary. Yowza! My sister was great enough to visit and babysit while we went out for dinner and a movie.
Dinner was at P.F. Chang's. It's a sign of our relationship that I was the one to suggest Chinese food as opposed to when we first met and I refused to try any. All thanks to that handsome man of mine. I had Orange Peel Chicken, which was fabulous though lacking in vegetables (another sign of Chris's influence). Chris tried Moo Goo Gai Pan, which even I thought tasted bland. I also tried a Pink Bellini. I was all excited because I have loved bellini drinks in the past. They would have champagne and pear juice and would be a nice frozen drink. I must not have read the description very well, or else took creative license with the description. It came out as a tall, narrow glass of pink liquid. It was a little sour but, wow, did it pack a punch.
So we sat and chatted. On our anniversary, Chris likes to think "What were we doing right now five years ago." We discussed the apartments we lived in since then (oh the stories from that first apartment). And we basically enjoyed being out on a Saturday night by our selves.
Afterwards we headed to the movies to see The Dark Knight. When we went to buy the tickets I saw that there were six different rooms showing it. One was the Imax. Four were normal. The last, which was at the time we wanted tickets, had the letters 'AV' after it on the listing. I was curious what it meant. So I asked (and Chris rolled his eyes). Hey, I wanted to make sure I wasn't walking into anything weird. Like the movie time reserved for people who like to come in costume.
Well, the girl behind the counter didn't know. Actually she 'didn't remember.' So she had to turn off her mike and turn to the guy behind her to ask. Sadly, she had to interrupt his air guitar routine. And the answer was, shockingly enough, 'Audio-Visual'. I was confused by this because it seemed to me that all of the movies would be both audio and visual. But I refrained from asking because Chris was giving me the hairy eyeball. So my running theory is that we saw the non-digital version of the movie. And, quite frankly, the digital version of Two-Face might have been too much for me.
Afterward we grabbed quick decaf drinks and headed home. And by golly, we didn't get home until after 11!
Dinner was at P.F. Chang's. It's a sign of our relationship that I was the one to suggest Chinese food as opposed to when we first met and I refused to try any. All thanks to that handsome man of mine. I had Orange Peel Chicken, which was fabulous though lacking in vegetables (another sign of Chris's influence). Chris tried Moo Goo Gai Pan, which even I thought tasted bland. I also tried a Pink Bellini. I was all excited because I have loved bellini drinks in the past. They would have champagne and pear juice and would be a nice frozen drink. I must not have read the description very well, or else took creative license with the description. It came out as a tall, narrow glass of pink liquid. It was a little sour but, wow, did it pack a punch.
So we sat and chatted. On our anniversary, Chris likes to think "What were we doing right now five years ago." We discussed the apartments we lived in since then (oh the stories from that first apartment). And we basically enjoyed being out on a Saturday night by our selves.
Afterwards we headed to the movies to see The Dark Knight. When we went to buy the tickets I saw that there were six different rooms showing it. One was the Imax. Four were normal. The last, which was at the time we wanted tickets, had the letters 'AV' after it on the listing. I was curious what it meant. So I asked (and Chris rolled his eyes). Hey, I wanted to make sure I wasn't walking into anything weird. Like the movie time reserved for people who like to come in costume.
Well, the girl behind the counter didn't know. Actually she 'didn't remember.' So she had to turn off her mike and turn to the guy behind her to ask. Sadly, she had to interrupt his air guitar routine. And the answer was, shockingly enough, 'Audio-Visual'. I was confused by this because it seemed to me that all of the movies would be both audio and visual. But I refrained from asking because Chris was giving me the hairy eyeball. So my running theory is that we saw the non-digital version of the movie. And, quite frankly, the digital version of Two-Face might have been too much for me.
Afterward we grabbed quick decaf drinks and headed home. And by golly, we didn't get home until after 11!
Wednesday, July 30, 2008
There's no singing here
If you know me, you should know I'm a pretty big fan of Joss Whedon. You know, Buffy the Vampire Slayer, Angel, Firefly, comic books.... heck he even helped with Toy Story. Well, during the writers' strike he and some others wrote a small musical that was to be released on the internet called Dr. Horrible's Sing-Along Blog.
So I eagerly anticipated this. It was released in three acts during one week. Well, when I tried to watch it I was told "This video is not available at this site." Aggravation! I assumed that the site was so overwhelmed that it broke. A couple of days later I tried again. Same thing! Argh! Then we went camping for a weekend. I came back determined to figure it out. And they had already taken it down! Oh, I can buy it through iTunes (which I don't have). Or I can wait for it to come out on DVD. So guess what is going on my freakin' birthday wish list.
(I think I can get most of it on youtube, but not act by act. And I don't want to ruin the experience).
But Joss does have a new show coming out in the fall called Dollhouse. :)
ETA: HOLD THE PHONE - I just found out They have made Dr. Horrible available again here. And I fighting the urge to skip like a giddy little girl. Because I should be a good role model for Xander.
So I eagerly anticipated this. It was released in three acts during one week. Well, when I tried to watch it I was told "This video is not available at this site." Aggravation! I assumed that the site was so overwhelmed that it broke. A couple of days later I tried again. Same thing! Argh! Then we went camping for a weekend. I came back determined to figure it out. And they had already taken it down! Oh, I can buy it through iTunes (which I don't have). Or I can wait for it to come out on DVD. So guess what is going on my freakin' birthday wish list.
(I think I can get most of it on youtube, but not act by act. And I don't want to ruin the experience).
But Joss does have a new show coming out in the fall called Dollhouse. :)
ETA: HOLD THE PHONE - I just found out They have made Dr. Horrible available again here. And I fighting the urge to skip like a giddy little girl. Because I should be a good role model for Xander.
Wednesday, July 23, 2008
Nothing to see here
My life is at a fairly even keel right now, not much excitement. Well, there was the camping trip over the weekend, but you probably already read that on Xander's blog.
So. Camping: check. Job: check. Workouts: same as always. Knitting: working on a scarf. Bags: trying to get a small 'inventory' made to sell. Oh, I went to buy fabric today but there were inventory people everywhere. And Xander decided to see just how loud he could be. Not crying, just loud. So, random story time!
When I was in third grade I heard a story about superstitions. Apparently when you find an eyelash, if you close your eyes and blow it away you can make a wish. I don't know why I believed it, I'm not even sure I did believe it. But in my school picture that year I didn't have eyebrows. And by golly, not a wish came true.
And now you know.
Name the TV show, peeps!
So. Camping: check. Job: check. Workouts: same as always. Knitting: working on a scarf. Bags: trying to get a small 'inventory' made to sell. Oh, I went to buy fabric today but there were inventory people everywhere. And Xander decided to see just how loud he could be. Not crying, just loud. So, random story time!
When I was in third grade I heard a story about superstitions. Apparently when you find an eyelash, if you close your eyes and blow it away you can make a wish. I don't know why I believed it, I'm not even sure I did believe it. But in my school picture that year I didn't have eyebrows. And by golly, not a wish came true.
And now you know.
Name the TV show, peeps!
Monday, July 21, 2008
Employed
Well, I've signed the contract and I will be a working mom for the 2008-2009 school year.
The details: It is an 8th grade Algebra class with four students. It lasts for 45 minutes a day. And I will be paid for 3 hours a day. When the principal offered me the salary I had to fight to talk her down. It's not extravagant, but it is way more than I expected to be paid for teaching one class at a private school.
Basically, I am very lucky that this has come my way. I think it will work out great for everyone involved :) Oh, and I already have a new student to tutor during the next school year.
The details: It is an 8th grade Algebra class with four students. It lasts for 45 minutes a day. And I will be paid for 3 hours a day. When the principal offered me the salary I had to fight to talk her down. It's not extravagant, but it is way more than I expected to be paid for teaching one class at a private school.
Basically, I am very lucky that this has come my way. I think it will work out great for everyone involved :) Oh, and I already have a new student to tutor during the next school year.
Tuesday, July 08, 2008
What's old is new
You know how there are shows you used to watch a long time ago? And as your mind wanders and you think "I wonder where that person is now?" A couple of weeks ago I received answers to two of them.
1)
2)
Do you recognize either of them? Do you know what show either was on or is currently on? I'll wait for comments to see just how dorky I really am. Then I'll fill in the rest of the masses. And try not to cheat with IMDB, because I know you are tempted to.
I know you're thinking "He looks sooooo familiar...."
....
I knew Ikkin would recognize the first one. Yes, John Henson was the host of Talk Soup on E! back in the day. Now is a commentator on Wipeout, a new show on ABC. And while it's amusing to watch people splash around the commentators definitely make the show down right laughable.
Any takers on #2? Ikkin is on the right path with the show but not the name.
....
#2 is JD Roth. Way (way, way) back in the day he hosted a kids' game show called (I think) Play House. More recently he hosted a kids' Saturday morning version of Survivor called Endurance. While watching #1 on Wipeout there was a commercial for a new show that Mr. JD Roth will be hosting called Opportunity Knocks. Looks like Amnesia, but funnier.
1)
2)
Do you recognize either of them? Do you know what show either was on or is currently on? I'll wait for comments to see just how dorky I really am. Then I'll fill in the rest of the masses. And try not to cheat with IMDB, because I know you are tempted to.
I know you're thinking "He looks sooooo familiar...."
....
I knew Ikkin would recognize the first one. Yes, John Henson was the host of Talk Soup on E! back in the day. Now is a commentator on Wipeout, a new show on ABC. And while it's amusing to watch people splash around the commentators definitely make the show down right laughable.
Any takers on #2? Ikkin is on the right path with the show but not the name.
....
#2 is JD Roth. Way (way, way) back in the day he hosted a kids' game show called (I think) Play House. More recently he hosted a kids' Saturday morning version of Survivor called Endurance. While watching #1 on Wipeout there was a commercial for a new show that Mr. JD Roth will be hosting called Opportunity Knocks. Looks like Amnesia, but funnier.
Monday, June 30, 2008
Today's Announcements
1) I do believe I will be employed next year. There is nothing in writing, but I'm hired. I will be teaching one (ONE!) Algebra class to four (FOUR!) 8th graders. I will be paid hourly instead of salary and the principal even said she can get a list of parents who might be willing to babysit. I won't be required to go to most staff meetings and I may get a room so I have use of a SmartBoard.
It really works out best for me and the principal. I have a part-time, local job and she found a teacher who is licensed to teach Algebra and willing to work for 45 minutes a day.
2) I went to my first Major League Soccer game on Saturday with Chris and Ukie. We were given free tickets to the Columbus Crew and even managed to wrangle a babysitter. It was so much fun! It was a faster pace than baseball or football, not quite as violent as football or hockey. The stadium wasn't packed, but the fans who were there were all involved in the game. There was lots of cheering, a little booing. My favorite part is even when the Crew missed a goal, fans still applauded the effort. So many other places the players would get booed for missing. The hooligans had seats in the corner and during one corner kick, they threw streamers and smoke bombs on the opposing player.
The Crew won 2-1. I may have to knit myself a Crew scarf.
3) Chris found the poison ivy that caused his previous rash and then passed onto me. He removed the ivey, but seems to have contracted another rash. I am absolutely paranoid that I will catch it. I still have marks from the last one, they kind of look like bruise-scars.
4) Chris has finally talked me into selling the grocery-style bags I've been making. I don't think I've posted any pics of those yet. But they have been so handy for me and I keep getting compliments. Chris keeps bringing one into work to try to sell, but he brings the first one I made so it is ugly and messed up. I've been making more to give away to a few people just so I can practice.
I'll probably go through a 'green' church group to try to sell them first. Depending on how many I can whip out, I may open an Etsy shop.
That concludes today's announcements.
It really works out best for me and the principal. I have a part-time, local job and she found a teacher who is licensed to teach Algebra and willing to work for 45 minutes a day.
2) I went to my first Major League Soccer game on Saturday with Chris and Ukie. We were given free tickets to the Columbus Crew and even managed to wrangle a babysitter. It was so much fun! It was a faster pace than baseball or football, not quite as violent as football or hockey. The stadium wasn't packed, but the fans who were there were all involved in the game. There was lots of cheering, a little booing. My favorite part is even when the Crew missed a goal, fans still applauded the effort. So many other places the players would get booed for missing. The hooligans had seats in the corner and during one corner kick, they threw streamers and smoke bombs on the opposing player.
The Crew won 2-1. I may have to knit myself a Crew scarf.
3) Chris found the poison ivy that caused his previous rash and then passed onto me. He removed the ivey, but seems to have contracted another rash. I am absolutely paranoid that I will catch it. I still have marks from the last one, they kind of look like bruise-scars.
4) Chris has finally talked me into selling the grocery-style bags I've been making. I don't think I've posted any pics of those yet. But they have been so handy for me and I keep getting compliments. Chris keeps bringing one into work to try to sell, but he brings the first one I made so it is ugly and messed up. I've been making more to give away to a few people just so I can practice.
I'll probably go through a 'green' church group to try to sell them first. Depending on how many I can whip out, I may open an Etsy shop.
That concludes today's announcements.
Thursday, June 19, 2008
They might like me
I have an 'informal meeting' with the principal tomorrow about the Algebra position. Those were her words, not mine. I'm taking her up on the 'informal' part by bringing Xander. I cringe at the unprofessionalism (spell check says that isn't a word, but since when do I care what spell check thinks) of bringing a nine month old to an interview, Chris needs to work, it's too early in the day for the neighbor to babysit and also awkwardly overlaps with playgroup time so no one there can help.
I figure I can pitch it as 'my salary is going directly to his school savings for when he attends here.'
I figure I can pitch it as 'my salary is going directly to his school savings for when he attends here.'
Monday, June 16, 2008
A trip for ice cream
Yesterday, for Father's Day, we walked a couple of blocks to get ice cream. Along the way is the neighborhood pond. Here are our conversations.
On the way to get ice cream:
Hugs: Look, there is the mommy duck with her baby ducks! I want a closer look! *runs up to the fence*
Chicks: *rolls eyes*
On the way back home:
Hugs: Look, that isn't a duck down there swimming! What is it?
Chicks: It's a muskrat.
Hugs: Really? Cool! Wait, do we like muskrats? Are we pro-muskrat or anti-muskrat?
Chicks: I guess it depends. I mean it's one of God's creatures. But muskrats eat baby ducks.
Hugs: *shock*
On the way to get ice cream:
Hugs: Look, there is the mommy duck with her baby ducks! I want a closer look! *runs up to the fence*
Chicks: *rolls eyes*
On the way back home:
Hugs: Look, that isn't a duck down there swimming! What is it?
Chicks: It's a muskrat.
Hugs: Really? Cool! Wait, do we like muskrats? Are we pro-muskrat or anti-muskrat?
Chicks: I guess it depends. I mean it's one of God's creatures. But muskrats eat baby ducks.
Hugs: *shock*
Thursday, June 12, 2008
I forgot to tell you
That adoring husband of mine had abandoned me to go gallivanting across England again (at least that's the way I tell it to get sympathy). He's back now and earning his keep as is proper. But while he was gone I had to pick up his slack. That includes (but is not limited to):
a) Cleaning the cat litter. It's not hard. It's not even terribly gross. But it's two cats and one box, so it's often.
b) Mow the lawn. That's right, I took Rocky the reel lawn mower out for a spin. I was nervous because the last time I tried it I had to give up when about 1/3 of the back lawn was done. Granted I was 6 or so months pregnant and it was summer. It was so easy this time! I couldn't strap Xander to my back like Chris, but I had him next to the window so I could see and hear him. And away I went!
c) Taking out trash and recycling on trash day. Once again, not hard or gross.
d) I actually had to wash more dishes even with Chris gone because we only have four baby bottles and that was right when Xander was on formula.
I know there was something else impressive that I did, but now I forget.
Thanks again to Ikkin, Trisha and Lori for helping me to pass the time. Also to my neighbors (who don't actually know about this blog)(or maybe they do and I don't know they know) who helped me and Xander the day I had a fun migraine.
a) Cleaning the cat litter. It's not hard. It's not even terribly gross. But it's two cats and one box, so it's often.
b) Mow the lawn. That's right, I took Rocky the reel lawn mower out for a spin. I was nervous because the last time I tried it I had to give up when about 1/3 of the back lawn was done. Granted I was 6 or so months pregnant and it was summer. It was so easy this time! I couldn't strap Xander to my back like Chris, but I had him next to the window so I could see and hear him. And away I went!
c) Taking out trash and recycling on trash day. Once again, not hard or gross.
d) I actually had to wash more dishes even with Chris gone because we only have four baby bottles and that was right when Xander was on formula.
I know there was something else impressive that I did, but now I forget.
Thanks again to Ikkin, Trisha and Lori for helping me to pass the time. Also to my neighbors (who don't actually know about this blog)(or maybe they do and I don't know they know) who helped me and Xander the day I had a fun migraine.
Monday, June 09, 2008
Decisions, Decisions
This past year I stayed home instead of teaching, but did some tutoring on the side. But I miss teaching and getting out of the house. But when I teach I'm 'all-in' meaning I dedicate a lot of time to grading, making plans and projects and especially staying after school to work with students. That doesn't mesh too well with Xander's plans for me to wait on him hand and foot.
So the perfect plan would be a part time teaching position. But it would have to be local, because part time would not pay enough for daycare and gas prices. And of course, it would have to be math. That's not to much to ask, is it?
Apparently it's not. A local grade school (actually it's the school for the parish we belong to) is adding an 8th grade Algebra. A set of parents we know have been mentioning it all year because they are interested in me teaching it.
So I'm dusting off the resume and cover letter. No j0bs are actually listed on the website, but I'll just email them to the principal.
I'm surprisingly nervous about this. Maybe they won't be interested in me at all (why hire a teacher for one class, even if she has that special Algebra license?) or maybe they will love me (daycare? lesson planning? 8th graders??).
So the perfect plan would be a part time teaching position. But it would have to be local, because part time would not pay enough for daycare and gas prices. And of course, it would have to be math. That's not to much to ask, is it?
Apparently it's not. A local grade school (actually it's the school for the parish we belong to) is adding an 8th grade Algebra. A set of parents we know have been mentioning it all year because they are interested in me teaching it.
So I'm dusting off the resume and cover letter. No j0bs are actually listed on the website, but I'll just email them to the principal.
I'm surprisingly nervous about this. Maybe they won't be interested in me at all (why hire a teacher for one class, even if she has that special Algebra license?) or maybe they will love me (daycare? lesson planning? 8th graders??).
Tuesday, June 03, 2008
Botched
I love telling you about the crafts I do because it makes me feel like I'm doing something fun and important. In reality, I figure many of you tune in to read fun antidotes and when you see a craft story, you skip it. For those who don't skip it, you are either amused at my sudden shift to knitting and sewing or you are aghast at how badly I do at it. Either way, I've only told you about my successes, such as they are. Here's a few that haven't gone over so well.
I bought material to make a pillow and curtain for Xander's room almost a year ago. I finally finished them last week. The pillow is nothing great at all. The curtain is not wide enough. I knew it would be close, but after washing and trimming and the seams it has to hang flat and even then there is room on each side. Chris said to just make another one, but I don't want to spend more money on it.
I tried to reconstruct a pair of jeans into a skirt ala the Pink Shoe. Um, it's definitely a skirt. It took so much work that towards the end I was just making it up as I went. The edges are really ragged, which will only get worse as I wash it.
I tried my first skirt from a pattern. I knew that sizes on patterns were not 'vanity-sized', but I forgot that I still wasn't back to my pre-pregnancy size. So it's too small and I haven't bothered to seam the bottom of it. It is sitting down on my craft table mocking me. I should just finish it and give it away already.
But here is one new project that did turn out well. While shopping I found a remnant that I liked, so I bought it (I've got to be careful not to become one of those people). I figured I could at least make another bag. But it was too pretty. So while sitting at the table pondering I noticed a water ring forming around my glass and thought about how Chris likes to put coasters on the table to stop the water rings but coasters on the dining room table drive me nuts. Oh, a table cloth! Or a table runner! But there wasn't enough material. So... place mats! They aren't normal size and have no backing or second layer, so not the greatest place mats. But I like them and when I'm done they will fit nicely around the table. Plus, I learned to miter corners and get to practice stitching straight lines. The fun doesn't stop around here!
Last Saturday was gorgeous, so Xander and I went window shopping with Ikkin. We found these fun aprons called Kitsch'n Glam that are awesome. They are much more fun in real life than on the website. That is totally something I would love to do.
I bought material to make a pillow and curtain for Xander's room almost a year ago. I finally finished them last week. The pillow is nothing great at all. The curtain is not wide enough. I knew it would be close, but after washing and trimming and the seams it has to hang flat and even then there is room on each side. Chris said to just make another one, but I don't want to spend more money on it.
I tried to reconstruct a pair of jeans into a skirt ala the Pink Shoe. Um, it's definitely a skirt. It took so much work that towards the end I was just making it up as I went. The edges are really ragged, which will only get worse as I wash it.
I tried my first skirt from a pattern. I knew that sizes on patterns were not 'vanity-sized', but I forgot that I still wasn't back to my pre-pregnancy size. So it's too small and I haven't bothered to seam the bottom of it. It is sitting down on my craft table mocking me. I should just finish it and give it away already.
But here is one new project that did turn out well. While shopping I found a remnant that I liked, so I bought it (I've got to be careful not to become one of those people). I figured I could at least make another bag. But it was too pretty. So while sitting at the table pondering I noticed a water ring forming around my glass and thought about how Chris likes to put coasters on the table to stop the water rings but coasters on the dining room table drive me nuts. Oh, a table cloth! Or a table runner! But there wasn't enough material. So... place mats! They aren't normal size and have no backing or second layer, so not the greatest place mats. But I like them and when I'm done they will fit nicely around the table. Plus, I learned to miter corners and get to practice stitching straight lines. The fun doesn't stop around here!
Last Saturday was gorgeous, so Xander and I went window shopping with Ikkin. We found these fun aprons called Kitsch'n Glam that are awesome. They are much more fun in real life than on the website. That is totally something I would love to do.
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