So since I have posted last I have:
1) Gotten my hair cut. Thanks for the compliment on it Mandy! There was over 3 inches hacked off, more around my face. However, my family did not notice. That or it really doesn't look that great and no one wants to mention it.
2) Gone to Charleston. My prompt husband has already posted about that on his blog. We had an awesome time. I totally love getting spring break! And Charleston was great because there weren't any spring-breakers around. It also was the cleanest city I have been to. I saw a fair amount of people smoking, but nary a cigarette butt could I find.
3) Had a game night. Well, there were only 4 of us and only one game of Clue was played (Sergey won, but I let him. really). Instead we spent lots of time chatting about such topics as gun control and feet issues. Ikkin left Cranium with us for next time, and I am not reading through the cards getting ideas for how to win.
4) Visited hubby's grandma. We got to do some landscaping by transplanting some irises. I really miss doing my little bit of gardening here, but since we're moving soon there is no sense in planting flowers. She also gave us a couple of pamphlets on infant care which are very entertaining, but I'll post them on the baby blog. She also gave Peanut some flowers that we can plant at the new house, so thanks Marie!
5) We also visited hubby's uncle and family. His cousins are just getting to their teens and we see them only a couple of times a year, so its scary how tall they are now.
6) Bought maternity clothes, which can be viewed at the baby blog. I'm not gaining a lot of weight, but my belly just doesn't fit my clothes anymore. However it's not big enough for the shirts. So I just look funny no matter what I wear.
So none of that is new, most of it has been covered in other blogs, so I figured I can fill in some space by talking about one of my filler subjects: today's topic is androgyny.
So there is a coworker I have at my tutoring job who I will call D. D is heavy set with short, spiky hair and glasses. D wears a hoop earring in the left ear. D seems to be somewhat endowed in the upper chest reason. When I first started I believe my bosses referred to D as 'she'. Ok, no problem. However, I had a student refer to D as 'he'. Hmmm, better to trust the bosses. Then two weeks ago D came in with facial hair under the chin. Oh! Ok! Then last week I was talking to the boss and (not feeling well and not with it at all) referred to D as 'she'. The boss used the term 'her'.
So now I'm all confused. Any thoughts?
Monday, April 23, 2007
Thursday, April 05, 2007
I'm still here
Sorry I've been away. Life has been hectic and then I get really tired. I'm always thinking of things I want to blog about (note to self: personalized license plates, superstitions, more Min stories) but never finding the time or motivation.
But now I'm on Spring Break! Oh, the joys of being a teacher. Over a week without classes or papers to grade or lessons to plan. I just want to curl up on the couch in a blissful ball. But alas, I have to work at my tutoring job tonight.
By the way, you know that saying in Ohio "if you don't like the weather, just wait 15 minutes"? Well on Tuesday we had a record high of 81 degrees. On Wednesday it snowed. Despite it being April, spring is nowhere in sight. I'm not complaining, just wanted to share the joy with you who are not here to enjoy the endless flurries today.
And because my prompt husband already posted about our house and said I'd post about the borders, I should probably do that. So this house has border in several rooms. The kitchen/dining area has a dark neutral border that looks like wheat and names spices. The one bedroom upstairs has a watercolor flower border at about waist height. Then there are the bathroom borders.
Why yes, that sheep on the left is wearing a tie.
Outhouses in the bathroom, how original.
It wouldn't be so bad except our current bathrooms contain
Pastels and purples mixed with sheep and outhouses. I don't see this going well.
But now I'm on Spring Break! Oh, the joys of being a teacher. Over a week without classes or papers to grade or lessons to plan. I just want to curl up on the couch in a blissful ball. But alas, I have to work at my tutoring job tonight.
By the way, you know that saying in Ohio "if you don't like the weather, just wait 15 minutes"? Well on Tuesday we had a record high of 81 degrees. On Wednesday it snowed. Despite it being April, spring is nowhere in sight. I'm not complaining, just wanted to share the joy with you who are not here to enjoy the endless flurries today.
And because my prompt husband already posted about our house and said I'd post about the borders, I should probably do that. So this house has border in several rooms. The kitchen/dining area has a dark neutral border that looks like wheat and names spices. The one bedroom upstairs has a watercolor flower border at about waist height. Then there are the bathroom borders.
Why yes, that sheep on the left is wearing a tie.
Outhouses in the bathroom, how original.
It wouldn't be so bad except our current bathrooms contain
Pastels and purples mixed with sheep and outhouses. I don't see this going well.
Saturday, March 24, 2007
Panic at the Disco!
So we are looking at this house and were going to look at it one more time tomorrow and put in an offer. But we get a call this afternoon saying someone else put in a bid.
Mad panic ensues. We can still put in an offer but it needs to be immediately. We'll have to up what we originally planned to offer too.
You know, I was getting cold feet about this too. Mostly because buying a house is a lot of money and I do not like spending lots of money. An occasional spree of a shirt and pants satisfies my spending desires. And coming this fall we'll have an extra mouth to feed and only one income.
But as soon as I hear that someone else put in an offer I thought "Someone's trying to take our house." So I guess I do want it.
Back to the story. I run out to Hubby's work (were he is) and we open up the documents we need to sign to put in the offer. And the computer laughs at us. So we try a couple of different ways of getting the documents to open. The computer rolls around on the ground clutching its sides. This is a computer at a high tech radar and signal place, but we can't read a simple document. Finally, the real estate agent emails .pdf versions that we sign and fax back. After several hours we found out that our offer was better but the seller was making a counter offer. Bear in mind that the price we did offer was about as high as I (as financial manager of the household) was comfortable going. And I am severely hormonal and prone to spats of crying.
The counter offer was for $250 more than we offered. We're getting a house!
Mad panic ensues. We can still put in an offer but it needs to be immediately. We'll have to up what we originally planned to offer too.
You know, I was getting cold feet about this too. Mostly because buying a house is a lot of money and I do not like spending lots of money. An occasional spree of a shirt and pants satisfies my spending desires. And coming this fall we'll have an extra mouth to feed and only one income.
But as soon as I hear that someone else put in an offer I thought "Someone's trying to take our house." So I guess I do want it.
Back to the story. I run out to Hubby's work (were he is) and we open up the documents we need to sign to put in the offer. And the computer laughs at us. So we try a couple of different ways of getting the documents to open. The computer rolls around on the ground clutching its sides. This is a computer at a high tech radar and signal place, but we can't read a simple document. Finally, the real estate agent emails .pdf versions that we sign and fax back. After several hours we found out that our offer was better but the seller was making a counter offer. Bear in mind that the price we did offer was about as high as I (as financial manager of the household) was comfortable going. And I am severely hormonal and prone to spats of crying.
The counter offer was for $250 more than we offered. We're getting a house!
Friday, March 16, 2007
You're just jealous
Days off of school are just awesome. Today I slept in till almost 8, despite my well-meaning husband trying to get me up for school. I was able to get to the gym for a good workout. I had time to shave my legs (I know you wonder about my leg shaving habits). I went to the library and to the book store. I watched some Gilmore Girls and got groceries. And then it was 3 and everything after 3 doesn't matter because I would be out of school anyway.
The internet here has a habit of randomly stopping. You'll be on a website and then the next one won't work. You'll be watching a video and it stops loading. Even my laptop, which connects to a neighbor's wireless network, won't work. All signs look like the internet is on, but nothing will work. Fortunately, it's working right now, but the problem seems to have narrowed it's target. I can't get to my email. I had every intention of catching up on my email today and reading messages from people getting the news, and now I can't. Bitterness.
Handsome Hubby owes me Steak'n'Shake for a lost bet and we can't because it's Friday in Lent! Man, it sounds good too.
Oh, he owes me because he was wrong about what my Valentine's gift looked like. That's right, he orders me this ring from Wal-Mart using their website and customizing it, and he didn't realize that two of the stones were cut like hearts. I got the ring on Wednesday and it is great. :)
And in case anyone hasn't gotten the announcement in the mail, Hubby and I are having a baby! Most people know this and have seen our new blog, but I'll add it to the links here too. I'll try to keep all the pregnancy-related topics there.
The internet here has a habit of randomly stopping. You'll be on a website and then the next one won't work. You'll be watching a video and it stops loading. Even my laptop, which connects to a neighbor's wireless network, won't work. All signs look like the internet is on, but nothing will work. Fortunately, it's working right now, but the problem seems to have narrowed it's target. I can't get to my email. I had every intention of catching up on my email today and reading messages from people getting the news, and now I can't. Bitterness.
Handsome Hubby owes me Steak'n'Shake for a lost bet and we can't because it's Friday in Lent! Man, it sounds good too.
Oh, he owes me because he was wrong about what my Valentine's gift looked like. That's right, he orders me this ring from Wal-Mart using their website and customizing it, and he didn't realize that two of the stones were cut like hearts. I got the ring on Wednesday and it is great. :)
And in case anyone hasn't gotten the announcement in the mail, Hubby and I are having a baby! Most people know this and have seen our new blog, but I'll add it to the links here too. I'll try to keep all the pregnancy-related topics there.
Sunday, March 11, 2007
Sorry I've been gone
I've been pretty busy with two jobs and some other stuff (more about that tomorrow).
Friday night was game night. It didn't have a great turnout, but the few of us here had a great time. We played Scattergories this time, which I love. It was particularly fun during the first round because we overly explained the rules to Ukie, but is was Chicks who didn't understand them. Scattergories was one of my favorite games as a kid, so I loved playing and eeked out a win. We only played for a while and then sat around chatting. Also, the Donato's veggie pizza (due to Lent) was a huge hit. Everyone who ate it raved about it. Obviously, I neither ate it nor raved about it.
Saturday was chore day, but of course I didn't get as much as I wanted done. Sometimes I get annoyed and want to clean. Most of the time I just get annoyed that I need to clean. It was finally warm enough to get the grill out and cook some pork chops. Then we headed out to Ikkin's birthday party. It was at Gameworks, which I knew about but hadn't been to. It's all sorts of games, from shooting to racing to skee ball, plus food and drinks. It was hugely crowded at first, but after 10 pm it became 18 and up. There was a point that Chicks heard some kids point me out as a teacher, so I know I'll hear about that on Monday at school. But a good time was had by all.
Today my parents visited and we took a second look at a house we liked. We still like it, but thanks to Mom and Dad and the real estate agent, we did find some areas of concern that need to be addressed. Well, Mom's concern was the lurid yellow paint and green carpet in the bedrooms. Every room had some green and it drove her nuts, but apparently the yellow and green combo was the worst. So we'll let you know what happens with the house. Afterwards they took us to Graeter's for ice cream! Chris and I shared a Killer Cardinal sundae (chocolate ice cream with strawberries) which was suprisingly good.
I'm off to grade papers and make my lesson plans. I am seriously behind for some reason and it won't help that I have to help proctor the OGT this week. Ah, well.
Friday night was game night. It didn't have a great turnout, but the few of us here had a great time. We played Scattergories this time, which I love. It was particularly fun during the first round because we overly explained the rules to Ukie, but is was Chicks who didn't understand them. Scattergories was one of my favorite games as a kid, so I loved playing and eeked out a win. We only played for a while and then sat around chatting. Also, the Donato's veggie pizza (due to Lent) was a huge hit. Everyone who ate it raved about it. Obviously, I neither ate it nor raved about it.
Saturday was chore day, but of course I didn't get as much as I wanted done. Sometimes I get annoyed and want to clean. Most of the time I just get annoyed that I need to clean. It was finally warm enough to get the grill out and cook some pork chops. Then we headed out to Ikkin's birthday party. It was at Gameworks, which I knew about but hadn't been to. It's all sorts of games, from shooting to racing to skee ball, plus food and drinks. It was hugely crowded at first, but after 10 pm it became 18 and up. There was a point that Chicks heard some kids point me out as a teacher, so I know I'll hear about that on Monday at school. But a good time was had by all.
Today my parents visited and we took a second look at a house we liked. We still like it, but thanks to Mom and Dad and the real estate agent, we did find some areas of concern that need to be addressed. Well, Mom's concern was the lurid yellow paint and green carpet in the bedrooms. Every room had some green and it drove her nuts, but apparently the yellow and green combo was the worst. So we'll let you know what happens with the house. Afterwards they took us to Graeter's for ice cream! Chris and I shared a Killer Cardinal sundae (chocolate ice cream with strawberries) which was suprisingly good.
I'm off to grade papers and make my lesson plans. I am seriously behind for some reason and it won't help that I have to help proctor the OGT this week. Ah, well.
Monday, February 26, 2007
Toilet paper just doesn't taste as good
So Min has learned a new trick. She goes up to the closet door and lays down and, prying with her front paws and clawing with her back paws, she slides it open a couple of inches.
Neat, huh? I beg to differ.
She does this because she has discovered something in the closet. Something thats chewy and easy to carry. Something that smells vaguely of feet. See, two weeks ago Hubby shut her in the closet for a few hours. So she explored. And she found a shoe box. And in that shoe box? Apparently the world's greatest cat toy. My knee high pantyhose and footies.
So today I come home and find a footie on the living room floor. And a knee high on the stairs. Then a trail going around the corner into the bedroom. And the closet door is open slightly. And the box lid is lying next to the box. And the box is empty. The hose I already found is definitely not all of it, so I'm trying to keep my eye out for where she is stashing the rest.
The bright side is at least she isn't chewing on the toilet paper anymore. Wait, no, I'm wrong. She's still chewing on that too.
Neat, huh? I beg to differ.
She does this because she has discovered something in the closet. Something thats chewy and easy to carry. Something that smells vaguely of feet. See, two weeks ago Hubby shut her in the closet for a few hours. So she explored. And she found a shoe box. And in that shoe box? Apparently the world's greatest cat toy. My knee high pantyhose and footies.
So today I come home and find a footie on the living room floor. And a knee high on the stairs. Then a trail going around the corner into the bedroom. And the closet door is open slightly. And the box lid is lying next to the box. And the box is empty. The hose I already found is definitely not all of it, so I'm trying to keep my eye out for where she is stashing the rest.
The bright side is at least she isn't chewing on the toilet paper anymore. Wait, no, I'm wrong. She's still chewing on that too.
Friday, February 23, 2007
They made me work four whole days this week
It was rough, let me tell you. And I'm being serious because I had tests and quizzes and reviews to get ready as well as some projects for next week to prepare for. Plus many of these students actually care about their grades and are coming in to retake tests and study for the upcoming ones.
Although I really didn't care for being lectured about how many points the students have right now. Especially since I've heard other teachers discussing how few points they have. I've been doing this for over five years, I think I have some idea how to handle grades.
I did have a great time last night. Five of my coworkers for my previous school in Cincinnati were in town for a conference. It was fun to hang out with people who a) already like me, b) actually care about teaching and c) know how to hang out and have a good time.
We went to Brio at Easton for dinner. Expensive, but they all got to eat on the company dime. So I mooched dessert from them. There was a game of "Would you rather" and gossip of course.
Um, lets see, what else. Tomorrow Handsome Hubby and I are looking for houses and then I may go to the knitting bee at the library. Then grade, laundry, groceries, workout, etc.
Soooo. I feel like I should have more to report since I haven't been posting much. But I don't.
Although I really didn't care for being lectured about how many points the students have right now. Especially since I've heard other teachers discussing how few points they have. I've been doing this for over five years, I think I have some idea how to handle grades.
I did have a great time last night. Five of my coworkers for my previous school in Cincinnati were in town for a conference. It was fun to hang out with people who a) already like me, b) actually care about teaching and c) know how to hang out and have a good time.
We went to Brio at Easton for dinner. Expensive, but they all got to eat on the company dime. So I mooched dessert from them. There was a game of "Would you rather" and gossip of course.
Um, lets see, what else. Tomorrow Handsome Hubby and I are looking for houses and then I may go to the knitting bee at the library. Then grade, laundry, groceries, workout, etc.
Soooo. I feel like I should have more to report since I haven't been posting much. But I don't.
Friday, February 16, 2007
A great week
So I finally got snow days. Three of them, one last week and two this week. I have become used to sleeping in until 8 and it is cruel punishment when my alarm goes off at 5:45.
But I had an awesome time off this week because my charming husband also got two days off this week. He did go in on Tuesday and called an hour later to tell me to get ready for sledding. Read his blog for more about that. The link is --------->
Not much else going on here. I did make my first snow angel of the season, which was promptly snowed all over. Ummm, yeah, that's about it.
Job is still going well. Here's a little known secret. Every school I've worked at has had a teacher hangout for Friday's after school. It's always a place to get drinks and it's always a select group - not everyone knows where it is. At Live Oaks I got the invite in the first few months. I almost blew it though because another new guy was asking if I knew any hangouts and I almost told him. Needless to say, he was NOT on the invite list. Anyway, I did get the invite at my new job. So I am in! They like me! Granted, I haven't gone yet, but still!
On a side note, it's weird to think my teachers in high school might have gotten together to drink and discuss students.
But I had an awesome time off this week because my charming husband also got two days off this week. He did go in on Tuesday and called an hour later to tell me to get ready for sledding. Read his blog for more about that. The link is --------->
Not much else going on here. I did make my first snow angel of the season, which was promptly snowed all over. Ummm, yeah, that's about it.
Job is still going well. Here's a little known secret. Every school I've worked at has had a teacher hangout for Friday's after school. It's always a place to get drinks and it's always a select group - not everyone knows where it is. At Live Oaks I got the invite in the first few months. I almost blew it though because another new guy was asking if I knew any hangouts and I almost told him. Needless to say, he was NOT on the invite list. Anyway, I did get the invite at my new job. So I am in! They like me! Granted, I haven't gone yet, but still!
On a side note, it's weird to think my teachers in high school might have gotten together to drink and discuss students.
Tuesday, February 06, 2007
And I didn't even wear my pajamas inside out
This school year I have not yet had a snow day. However, I have had:
1 no-electirity day
1 one-crack-head-bus-driver-means-they-all-need-background-checks day
2 its-too-cold-to-make-the-little-darlings-wait-for-buses days
Columbus public held out on the last cold day. Seriously, every other school had called off already and finally at the very end of the 6:30 news last night they called in.
So I've had two surprise days off in a row. Of course I spent them making up for lost time on the house-wifery front. *snickers* Ok, really I did make up some lost time. Then I knitted and watched tv. Today I went over to Ukie's apartment to give his cat attention and ended up playing Mortal Kombat for an hour.
Now it is snowing! It's so pretty! I'm totally aware that it will be plowed and I'll have school tomorrow. And I'm ok with that.
1 no-electirity day
1 one-crack-head-bus-driver-means-they-all-need-background-checks day
2 its-too-cold-to-make-the-little-darlings-wait-for-buses days
Columbus public held out on the last cold day. Seriously, every other school had called off already and finally at the very end of the 6:30 news last night they called in.
So I've had two surprise days off in a row. Of course I spent them making up for lost time on the house-wifery front. *snickers* Ok, really I did make up some lost time. Then I knitted and watched tv. Today I went over to Ukie's apartment to give his cat attention and ended up playing Mortal Kombat for an hour.
Now it is snowing! It's so pretty! I'm totally aware that it will be plowed and I'll have school tomorrow. And I'm ok with that.
Saturday, February 03, 2007
One New Year's resolution down!
My week without my husband draws to a close. I kept busy, but also didn't get chores done. So my approval ratings as a house wife are in danger. I'm getting laundry and dishes done, as well as picking up a few piles that developed. Really, he has spent years trying to break my pile habit. He leaves for a few days and they just appear! It's like the piles are paying me visits because they know they are not welcome while he's here.
My Monday activity was going to a little workshop at the library to Learn to Knit. Success! I can knit! Proof:
After spending many more hours working, it now looks like this:
What IS it, you ask? Well, the reason the library had this workshop is to support Warm Up America. There is a local chapter, Warm Up Worthington, and everyone knits (or crochets) rectangles. Then the rectangles are joined together to make afghans. There is a knitting bee today, but I have chores. Later in February the library is having a finishing bee to put the rectangles together. A patron even donated a ton of yarn (which is what you see above).
The day of the workshop I went to Joann's Fabric and bought needles and yarn. The directions said I should get 'chunky' yarn. I asked a lady and she walked me around and apparently of the two aisles of yarn, they only had four colors of chunky yarn. It even said chunky on the wrapper. Then I went to buy the needles, the directions said size 10. So grabbed those and ran. I only found out later that there is the size and then there is the length. I bought 10mm, which is the length. The size was actually 15. So mine was looking all strung out and had big loops. So the next day I ran and bought new needles (the ones you see above).
My Monday activity was going to a little workshop at the library to Learn to Knit. Success! I can knit! Proof:
After spending many more hours working, it now looks like this:
What IS it, you ask? Well, the reason the library had this workshop is to support Warm Up America. There is a local chapter, Warm Up Worthington, and everyone knits (or crochets) rectangles. Then the rectangles are joined together to make afghans. There is a knitting bee today, but I have chores. Later in February the library is having a finishing bee to put the rectangles together. A patron even donated a ton of yarn (which is what you see above).
The day of the workshop I went to Joann's Fabric and bought needles and yarn. The directions said I should get 'chunky' yarn. I asked a lady and she walked me around and apparently of the two aisles of yarn, they only had four colors of chunky yarn. It even said chunky on the wrapper. Then I went to buy the needles, the directions said size 10. So grabbed those and ran. I only found out later that there is the size and then there is the length. I bought 10mm, which is the length. The size was actually 15. So mine was looking all strung out and had big loops. So the next day I ran and bought new needles (the ones you see above).
Sunday, January 28, 2007
Fatality!
It's been many years, but my love of video games has not been sated. We visited Ukie Friday and played Guitar Hero. It's fun, but you really have to practice to get good. I was on the easy level and tried one one the medium level and it was mass hysteria. They added in a fourth chord!
Today Ukie brought the games to us. He bought some racing games and a fighting game. I'm just not a big fan of racing games (or sports games) but it was fun to watch. Then we played Mortal Kombat! The makers really upped the gore factor, but it was still a blast to play. It still has the classic characters that I liked, I kicked butt with Sonya Blade!
My amusing husband is off to California bright and early tomorrow. Well, he'll leave at 5am, so I doubt it will be that bright. Somehow I will make it through without him. Fortunately, I happen to have plans for most of the week. Monday night I'm going to learn to knit at a workshop at the library. Tuesday I'm going to a friend's house to watch Gilmore Girls. Wednesday I have the 'Protecting God's Children' workshop (required for my new job). Thursday night I tutor. Finally, I'm free on Friday. I was thinking of calling friends for a girl's night, but after a busy week I may just want to chill. Plus I tutor Saturday morning.
Today Ukie brought the games to us. He bought some racing games and a fighting game. I'm just not a big fan of racing games (or sports games) but it was fun to watch. Then we played Mortal Kombat! The makers really upped the gore factor, but it was still a blast to play. It still has the classic characters that I liked, I kicked butt with Sonya Blade!
My amusing husband is off to California bright and early tomorrow. Well, he'll leave at 5am, so I doubt it will be that bright. Somehow I will make it through without him. Fortunately, I happen to have plans for most of the week. Monday night I'm going to learn to knit at a workshop at the library. Tuesday I'm going to a friend's house to watch Gilmore Girls. Wednesday I have the 'Protecting God's Children' workshop (required for my new job). Thursday night I tutor. Finally, I'm free on Friday. I was thinking of calling friends for a girl's night, but after a busy week I may just want to chill. Plus I tutor Saturday morning.
Friday, January 26, 2007
Wheeeeeeee!
Two weeks done at the new school and so far things are good. Yesterday was especially good because school was canceled! It was not for snow but because on Tuesday a bus driver was pulled over and they found a needle with cocaine on the bus. Turns out the driver had a history of tickets and DUIs. Apparently the company contracted to do the bussing never did a background check! So all of the buses were grounded on Thursday so emergency background checks could be done. I guess five other drivers were zapped, but there were enough that passed that we did have school today.
Oh, and today when I was walking out, a group of freshman girls all waved and wished me a good weekend. They like me, they really like me. Now if I can only get this one punk in 4th to simmer down.
In other news, there is no other news. My life once again revolves around school.
This next week will be interesting though. My fabulous spouse is abandoning me to go out to California again. So what if it's work related? I'll have to feed myself! And do my own laundry! And clean! Oh, wait, I do that anyway. But I'll be darned if I do the dishes. Hello, dishwasher!
Oh, and today when I was walking out, a group of freshman girls all waved and wished me a good weekend. They like me, they really like me. Now if I can only get this one punk in 4th to simmer down.
In other news, there is no other news. My life once again revolves around school.
This next week will be interesting though. My fabulous spouse is abandoning me to go out to California again. So what if it's work related? I'll have to feed myself! And do my own laundry! And clean! Oh, wait, I do that anyway. But I'll be darned if I do the dishes. Hello, dishwasher!
Sunday, January 21, 2007
A great day after a great week
So my new job rocks! The lessons are going well, students are following directions, I have a routine going. I have two study halls plus a conference period, so I am getting almost everything done at school as opposed to grading in front of the tv (which my darling husband despises). There are two large Algebra 2 classes and two small Basic Algebra classes.
After the lesson on Thursday I asked the A2 class if everything looked familiar (it is review from before break) and they said yes. Then I asked if it was helping that I was going over it again and they replied YES. The math department head also told me some of the students were commenting to her about being happier.
The BA classes are squirrely and I've scared the daylights out of two students already. Friday was partner work day. I saw a boy across the room lean over and drop some pieces of paper in a girl's hair. After I finished answering a question I just walked over, leaned in and looked him in the eye as I quietly said "if I ever see you put paper in someone's hair again, you'll be spending detention with me after school." He totally had the deer-caught-in-headlights look. Later I saw two girls trade papers. When I walked up, one girl was doing a lot of writing. I asked who's paper it was and she pointed at the other girl. I asked why she was writing on her paper and she replied that she was explaining the work (*snort*). Then I calmly pointed out that the other girl was in another group and I took both of their papers. I heard her in the hallway later saying "I had my paper taken away" in a totally incredulous voice.
Yeah, it's good to be the teacher.
Today has totally rocked. I woke up at 7:30 and looked out the window and it just looked dreary (of course everything looks dreary without my contacts). Went back to bed. At 8:30 got up and there was SNOW!! Finally!!! So my talented husband cooked us an omlette and toast for breakfast. He then celebrated the snow by tossing the cats into it. Min took to it, Ainsley just stayed by the door making pitiful cat noises. Then off to church, which we were late to because apparently Worthington doesn't believe in plowing snow until after 10 am.
On the way home from church we saw a house that has been for sale having an open house. So we stopped. It was pretty cool, too expensive to buy or even to heat. Oh well. So then we went to a neighborhood where we saw a house previously that we liked and was more our price. We wandered and found one for sale and with an open house that started at 1. So we went to lunch and went back. It was -exactly- like the first house in that neighborhood that we'd liked. Except with paint colors that we didn't like. Too bad we aren't planning on buying for 4 more months.
After the lesson on Thursday I asked the A2 class if everything looked familiar (it is review from before break) and they said yes. Then I asked if it was helping that I was going over it again and they replied YES. The math department head also told me some of the students were commenting to her about being happier.
The BA classes are squirrely and I've scared the daylights out of two students already. Friday was partner work day. I saw a boy across the room lean over and drop some pieces of paper in a girl's hair. After I finished answering a question I just walked over, leaned in and looked him in the eye as I quietly said "if I ever see you put paper in someone's hair again, you'll be spending detention with me after school." He totally had the deer-caught-in-headlights look. Later I saw two girls trade papers. When I walked up, one girl was doing a lot of writing. I asked who's paper it was and she pointed at the other girl. I asked why she was writing on her paper and she replied that she was explaining the work (*snort*). Then I calmly pointed out that the other girl was in another group and I took both of their papers. I heard her in the hallway later saying "I had my paper taken away" in a totally incredulous voice.
Yeah, it's good to be the teacher.
Today has totally rocked. I woke up at 7:30 and looked out the window and it just looked dreary (of course everything looks dreary without my contacts). Went back to bed. At 8:30 got up and there was SNOW!! Finally!!! So my talented husband cooked us an omlette and toast for breakfast. He then celebrated the snow by tossing the cats into it. Min took to it, Ainsley just stayed by the door making pitiful cat noises. Then off to church, which we were late to because apparently Worthington doesn't believe in plowing snow until after 10 am.
On the way home from church we saw a house that has been for sale having an open house. So we stopped. It was pretty cool, too expensive to buy or even to heat. Oh well. So then we went to a neighborhood where we saw a house previously that we liked and was more our price. We wandered and found one for sale and with an open house that started at 1. So we went to lunch and went back. It was -exactly- like the first house in that neighborhood that we'd liked. Except with paint colors that we didn't like. Too bad we aren't planning on buying for 4 more months.
Sunday, January 14, 2007
Things I Don't Usually See
1) A baby in a bar (a la the movie Sweet Home Alabama). Granted, there was no smoking in the pub we were at. But still, after 9 there should be an age limit enforced.
2) A man in church with an extra pair of underwear hanging out of his back pocket. At first I thought I must need new contacts, but then I realized I could read 'fruit of the loom'. Fortunately the lady behind him alerted him to this right away. I think they might have been for his son.
3) A little background first. I'm very nosy and am always looking out the window at what the neighbors are doing. The other day an ambulance pulled in, so I had to go look. There was no lights or sirens. When the medics jumped out, they didn't seem in any particular hurry. They pull out a gurney and start to walk and I think 'gee, don't those usually have wheels? Then I realize they are carrying a kayak. Then a guy jumps out wearing only a towel. He's carrying his clothes and even walking barefoot. The medics put down the kayak in the yard and towel boy runs to the door to realize its locked. He runs back to the ambulance and the next time I look out he's at his door with another towel around his shoulders and unlocking the door.
Usually I come up with little stories about these things. My darling husband has heard many conspiracy theories from me. However kayaking in January and having to be brought home by an ambulance is theory enough.
Tomorrow is my first day - teacher inservice. I'll let you know how it goes!
2) A man in church with an extra pair of underwear hanging out of his back pocket. At first I thought I must need new contacts, but then I realized I could read 'fruit of the loom'. Fortunately the lady behind him alerted him to this right away. I think they might have been for his son.
3) A little background first. I'm very nosy and am always looking out the window at what the neighbors are doing. The other day an ambulance pulled in, so I had to go look. There was no lights or sirens. When the medics jumped out, they didn't seem in any particular hurry. They pull out a gurney and start to walk and I think 'gee, don't those usually have wheels? Then I realize they are carrying a kayak. Then a guy jumps out wearing only a towel. He's carrying his clothes and even walking barefoot. The medics put down the kayak in the yard and towel boy runs to the door to realize its locked. He runs back to the ambulance and the next time I look out he's at his door with another towel around his shoulders and unlocking the door.
Usually I come up with little stories about these things. My darling husband has heard many conspiracy theories from me. However kayaking in January and having to be brought home by an ambulance is theory enough.
Tomorrow is my first day - teacher inservice. I'll let you know how it goes!
Wednesday, January 10, 2007
But who will make sure the cats get their naps?
So, its time for the Happy Snoopy Dance!
I am an employed math teacher! And not a sub, but a real teacher!
Last Thursday I went and applied and was put in one school system as a substitute teacher. I even had an ID tag complete with picture made up (note to self: call and quit). Then Friday afternoon I received a call from another school checking on if I was still available. They called Sunday and I had an interview on Monday. Today I went in and talked to the principal. I got the job and start teaching on Tuesday!
It's a Catholic high school. I will be teaching 4 math classes, have 2 study halls as well as lunch and planning period. I was warned that the students in the classes need some discipline and I should start out by keeping my thumb on them. (note to self: don't smile until March). I'll go in Friday at noon to do more paperwork and Monday is an in-service day (not a 3 day weekend after all).
Yeah!
Tuesday, January 09, 2007
Movies I am looking forward to
I don't need a deep and meaningful storyline. I don't need convincing acting. I just want good special effects and characters from my childhood.
Fantastic Four - Rise of the Silver Surfer
Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles
Transformers
Live Free or Die Hard
Fantastic Four - Rise of the Silver Surfer
Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles
Transformers
Live Free or Die Hard
Friday, January 05, 2007
The return of Yoga
Back in the days of teaching at Live Oaks, twice a week a handful of teachers would gather and gripe and complain. Then they would breath deeply, stretch, balance and pretend to be a corpse. After that, everything was right in the world (at least for the rest of the evening).
But seriously, there were about five teachers who would do yoga after school. The instructor, Heather, was the daughter of a teacher who was trying to get her certificate and had to teach. So we were her lucky students. It was beginners yoga, basic poses and salutations. And over time I did get stretchier and more balanced. It even had the power to get rid of developing migraines. When Heather received her certification we wooed her back with money (and I think she thought we were entertaining). She had a soothing voice and would walk around and help us with our positions. I was forever tensing my shoulders and she would just walk by and put a hand on one and I would immediately drop them into a more comfortable position.
Alas, Columbus has yet to yield such a great instructor. I went to a Yoga class at the gym and it was crazy. The instructor was shouting out positions like an enthusiastic aerobics instructor. There was no pausing and breathing. And there were mirrors, so I could see just how bad I looked trying to keep up with sweat dripping down my knees. I was just happy I hadn't tried the Power Yoga class. And it really didn't help that the instructor had an obvious boob job. There is something just wrong about a yoga instructor with a boob job.
Last week I tried Yoga 101, for beginners. It is back to soothing music and slow positions and a small group of people. There are still the mirrors. The instructor is amazingly in shape, but no implants so I'm more motivated then annoyed. Anyway, it's not what I had before but I like it and will stick with it (pending a teacher position that may come up, I'll tell you about it when I hear more).
Namaste
But seriously, there were about five teachers who would do yoga after school. The instructor, Heather, was the daughter of a teacher who was trying to get her certificate and had to teach. So we were her lucky students. It was beginners yoga, basic poses and salutations. And over time I did get stretchier and more balanced. It even had the power to get rid of developing migraines. When Heather received her certification we wooed her back with money (and I think she thought we were entertaining). She had a soothing voice and would walk around and help us with our positions. I was forever tensing my shoulders and she would just walk by and put a hand on one and I would immediately drop them into a more comfortable position.
Alas, Columbus has yet to yield such a great instructor. I went to a Yoga class at the gym and it was crazy. The instructor was shouting out positions like an enthusiastic aerobics instructor. There was no pausing and breathing. And there were mirrors, so I could see just how bad I looked trying to keep up with sweat dripping down my knees. I was just happy I hadn't tried the Power Yoga class. And it really didn't help that the instructor had an obvious boob job. There is something just wrong about a yoga instructor with a boob job.
Last week I tried Yoga 101, for beginners. It is back to soothing music and slow positions and a small group of people. There are still the mirrors. The instructor is amazingly in shape, but no implants so I'm more motivated then annoyed. Anyway, it's not what I had before but I like it and will stick with it (pending a teacher position that may come up, I'll tell you about it when I hear more).
Namaste
Wednesday, January 03, 2007
The gifts!
Well, after Christmas I am no longer the Crazy Cat Lady, I am now the Sweater Lady! But I do like the sweaters, they are all cute and comfy. And best, no teacher themed sweaters in sight (insert shudder here). Now if the weather would only cooperate....
I also received a sewing machine! I have absolutely no idea what to do with it and the book my mom got me to accompany it is only making me more confused. Tomorrow or Friday I will pull it out and play with it. If worse comes to worse I'll just have to visit my mom more so she can teach me.
Of course the best part of the holidays is giving. I told you back in November about painting pottery at Marcy's Clayground. Behold below the wonders I created. And by create, I mean paint.
First is a dragon for my mother-in-law. It's much cooler in person because the green paints have little flecks and makes him look kind of warty. It turned out better than I'd hoped. When I went in to pick it up, I told the salesperson I was there to pick up a dragon thinking 'how many dragons could there be'. Roughly around ten, most of them with obvious child painting on it (one red wing, one purple wing, etc). Anyway, MiL liked it and that is what counts.
Next is a water bowl for TooTall's cat, Pedro. I was going to do stripes but realized that would take skill to get tape to make stripes on the bowl surface, so just used round sponges instead. The dark spots were supposed to be gray, I guess I added to many layers. TooTall looked at me like I was nuts when he opened it....
And finally a water bowl for my sister T's cat, Baby. The background was supposed to be a little more pink and the white flowers were supposed to stand out more. She hasn't opened it yet, but I don't think she reads this so I should be ok posting it.
Also, my New Year's Resolutions:
1) Learn to sew
2) Learn to knit (found a great website with video for this and there will be a class at the library)
3) I forget....
4) Write things down so I don't forget
5) The usual jazz about eating better and exercising
6) Read more non-fiction
I also received a sewing machine! I have absolutely no idea what to do with it and the book my mom got me to accompany it is only making me more confused. Tomorrow or Friday I will pull it out and play with it. If worse comes to worse I'll just have to visit my mom more so she can teach me.
Of course the best part of the holidays is giving. I told you back in November about painting pottery at Marcy's Clayground. Behold below the wonders I created. And by create, I mean paint.
First is a dragon for my mother-in-law. It's much cooler in person because the green paints have little flecks and makes him look kind of warty. It turned out better than I'd hoped. When I went in to pick it up, I told the salesperson I was there to pick up a dragon thinking 'how many dragons could there be'. Roughly around ten, most of them with obvious child painting on it (one red wing, one purple wing, etc). Anyway, MiL liked it and that is what counts.
Next is a water bowl for TooTall's cat, Pedro. I was going to do stripes but realized that would take skill to get tape to make stripes on the bowl surface, so just used round sponges instead. The dark spots were supposed to be gray, I guess I added to many layers. TooTall looked at me like I was nuts when he opened it....
And finally a water bowl for my sister T's cat, Baby. The background was supposed to be a little more pink and the white flowers were supposed to stand out more. She hasn't opened it yet, but I don't think she reads this so I should be ok posting it.
Also, my New Year's Resolutions:
1) Learn to sew
2) Learn to knit (found a great website with video for this and there will be a class at the library)
3) I forget....
4) Write things down so I don't forget
5) The usual jazz about eating better and exercising
6) Read more non-fiction
Tuesday, January 02, 2007
Let's do this again next year
My husband, Chicks, had this crazy idea to have a New Year's party. At first I was hesitant due to various issues like the pressure of making it a good party. But we had a good number of people show up and most had a great time. The theme was "Bring your own six pack of something unique to share" which went over very well. Chicks again had the brilliant idea to tape the holders to the wall so our guests could see the selections. We did have a great variety, though there was panic when people saw two containers of Trader Joe's Winterfest taped up. But one of them was filled with several different beers, so chaos was avoided. Also, it was widely agreed that the Berry Weiz beer was foul and people were actually sneaking off the the bathroom to pour it down the drain.
To be original and funny, at least I thought it was funny, one person even brought a six pack of peach mango applesauce. After most of the guests left and there was little beer left, my Brother (TooTall), Dandy's husband (Schemer) and Chicks drank them as shots.
Overall, there was little damage. We had to take plastic off the windows because at 50 degrees outside and we weren't about to turn on the air conditioner. There were three party fouls, all easily cleaned. TooTall and I were the darts champs. And the Spouses of Lehman Alumnus Club was officially begun.
Although I will forever think of Macaroni Grill as Macaroni Penguin Grill, not that I'm saying anything about the meat there. I just found out that there are such things as Macaroni Penguins and one of my friends thought that was where the name came from.
And I saved the best for last - Chicks and I might get to meet Robert Jordan! Granted it is a slim but still realistic possibility. I was sitting talking with my friend Sean about our cats' names. The second one is Min which I explained was a character from the Wheel of Time books by Robert Jordan and Sean says "Oh yeah, he's related to Elizabeth" (his fiancee). I said something along the way of "You're joking, shut up" and he said "Wanna bet" and stuck his hand out. I just knocked him out of the way and went screeching through the apartment for Elizabeth. I asked her if it was true and she said yeah and was about to explain when I left her standing there and went screeching again for Chicks. I then dragged him back to Elizabeth and told him. I think we scared her a little. It turns out that her mother's cousin is Harriet and is married to R.J. So depending on where the wedding is and R.J.'s health, he'll be there! But of course we'll be going to celebrate the wedding of a near and dear friend, really.
To be original and funny, at least I thought it was funny, one person even brought a six pack of peach mango applesauce. After most of the guests left and there was little beer left, my Brother (TooTall), Dandy's husband (Schemer) and Chicks drank them as shots.
Overall, there was little damage. We had to take plastic off the windows because at 50 degrees outside and we weren't about to turn on the air conditioner. There were three party fouls, all easily cleaned. TooTall and I were the darts champs. And the Spouses of Lehman Alumnus Club was officially begun.
Although I will forever think of Macaroni Grill as Macaroni Penguin Grill, not that I'm saying anything about the meat there. I just found out that there are such things as Macaroni Penguins and one of my friends thought that was where the name came from.
And I saved the best for last - Chicks and I might get to meet Robert Jordan! Granted it is a slim but still realistic possibility. I was sitting talking with my friend Sean about our cats' names. The second one is Min which I explained was a character from the Wheel of Time books by Robert Jordan and Sean says "Oh yeah, he's related to Elizabeth" (his fiancee). I said something along the way of "You're joking, shut up" and he said "Wanna bet" and stuck his hand out. I just knocked him out of the way and went screeching through the apartment for Elizabeth. I asked her if it was true and she said yeah and was about to explain when I left her standing there and went screeching again for Chicks. I then dragged him back to Elizabeth and told him. I think we scared her a little. It turns out that her mother's cousin is Harriet and is married to R.J. So depending on where the wedding is and R.J.'s health, he'll be there! But of course we'll be going to celebrate the wedding of a near and dear friend, really.
Wednesday, December 27, 2006
Merry Christmas! (belated)
I hope everyone has had a great holiday and all of your Christmas wishes have come true!My holiday is great, but flying by. My Mother-in-Law is visiting and we went to her brother's house for the big day. Very fun. Hubby's cousins got Guitar Hero 2, which is an awesome game.
We got back yesterday and hung out. Last night we played Monopoly. But not any Monopoly.... Star Wars Episode 1 Monopoly. The board comes with this plastic edge for the property cards and apartment buildings to fit into. I lost horribly due to the yellow and red properties that I did not own. I referred to it as 'the Guantlet' and made it through a couple of times with no hits, but then hit both on one turn.
We own at least 4 versions of Star Wars version games - 2 different Star Wars Monopolies, Star Wars Trivial Pursuit and Star Wars Battleship. The Trivial Pursuit is rarely played and Hubby is always the overwhelming winner.
I am in the mood to add to our board game collection. I love Apples to Apples and Cranium, but they are only fun with five or more people. So I'm thinking I might splurge on SceneIt, probably the TV version or the Friends version. I saw a Marvel Comics version, but no one would want to play that with me.
And for anyone interested, our NEW YEAR'S EVE PARTY is still a go! Hope to see you there :)
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