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Tuesday, June 12, 2007
Shots!
I'm enjoying my 'vacation' and to share in that enjoyment, here is a variety of movie screen shots. Begin the guessing, let's see how smart you are!
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Saturday, June 09, 2007
Hammer Time
For those of you who have not glanced at the calender recently, Father's day is coming up. I saw this commercial today and thought it was hilarious.
School is now done, finished, complete, stick a fork in it. I will now assume the position CFO (Chief Family Officer) of the household. I was actually interviewed for this position, so you know it must be serious. While this includes things like budgets, cleaning and cooking, I'm actually on a power trip and keep telling Chris how things are going to be around here. Because I say so.
But first I get a one week vacation.
I did sign up for class at Jo-Ann Fabric called 'Getting to Know Your Sewing Machine'. I was all excited and bought thread and a magnetic pin cushion. But they canceled it due to low registration. Apparently I am the only person in northern Columbus who does not know my sewing machine. A friendly teacher at school did offer to teach me, so I'll be giving her a call. After vacation.
School is now done, finished, complete, stick a fork in it. I will now assume the position CFO (Chief Family Officer) of the household. I was actually interviewed for this position, so you know it must be serious. While this includes things like budgets, cleaning and cooking, I'm actually on a power trip and keep telling Chris how things are going to be around here. Because I say so.
But first I get a one week vacation.
I did sign up for class at Jo-Ann Fabric called 'Getting to Know Your Sewing Machine'. I was all excited and bought thread and a magnetic pin cushion. But they canceled it due to low registration. Apparently I am the only person in northern Columbus who does not know my sewing machine. A friendly teacher at school did offer to teach me, so I'll be giving her a call. After vacation.
Sunday, June 03, 2007
Our Yard, Illustrated
First, it did occur to me to just put all of these pictures in an on-line photo album and post a link. But I like to do things the hard way, what can I say. So our new home was professionally landscaped by the gardener who originally lived here and maintained by the previous occupants. Now that spring is here, we get to see what surprises there are growing in our yard. There will be more and I will update, so don't be surprised and bear with me as I struggle with what plant is what.
First, on the side of our house are three bushes. If you look closely you can see they are flowering bushes of some type. The bushes are fairly dense so the flowers are just kind of peeking out in little bunches.
Next in the front of our house, but kind of hidden behind everything is azaleas. It didn't come in too well this year, likely due to the late frost, but I do like azaleas :)
This is one tree in the front of the house, I think my knowledgeable husband said it was a weeping cherry tree. I'm not posting the picture of it, but from one angle you could see a broken limb with cherry-size gray pods growing on it. Chris managed to cut it out yesterday. Also notice all of the shrubbery. Shrubbery, I tell you! The bald patch was where some plant was but it apparently died because it was not growing back in.
Here's the other tree in front of our house. This has since been trimmed because it hangs right in your face as you walk up the sidewalk. Not good for us tall-ies. The bush on the right somehow offended Chris and he chopped off at least half of it. Actually, he thinks it's supposed to trimmed and it was hanging on the driveway scratching up my car, so it deserved to get whacked.
This tall grass in the backyard turned out to be some type of orchid. At least it had this nice purple orchid-like blooms. Unfortunately they have already died, so no pictures.
The coniferous trees along the back fence. They make a nice barrier so it doesn't feel like we are sharing our yard with the whole neighborhood. But they do have a LOT of pine cones. I will have to find some craft that incorporates pine cones so I can make money off of this. Or at least put peanut butter on them and use them as bird feeders.
I'm not sure what kind of tree this is, it has mystified both myself and my mom. It started out with pods like it was a magnolia, then it spread out like a regular tree, then it got all of these beautiful pink flowers on it (see next picture) and now that the flowers have died it has developed what I think look the beginnings of buckeyes. Clueless I tell you.
The backyard has more ornamental shrubbery. We aren't sure what they all are, but the first one has mini pine cones, the second is slightly lopsided and the last is apparently expensive to buy.
And there is a lilac bush/tree! It smelled great and it's right by the kitchen window. But alas, it has lost its blooms.
We also have irises, some type of bushy wildflower that came out of nowhere and is bigger than the bushes, lazy eyed suzannes, some other type of weedy looking thing that is growing small but tall flowers, chickpeas, vines (that I am trying to pull up because they are already killing two plants), a holly bush, more coniferous pine-cone-bearing trees and a rose bush.
First, on the side of our house are three bushes. If you look closely you can see they are flowering bushes of some type. The bushes are fairly dense so the flowers are just kind of peeking out in little bunches.
Next in the front of our house, but kind of hidden behind everything is azaleas. It didn't come in too well this year, likely due to the late frost, but I do like azaleas :)
This is one tree in the front of the house, I think my knowledgeable husband said it was a weeping cherry tree. I'm not posting the picture of it, but from one angle you could see a broken limb with cherry-size gray pods growing on it. Chris managed to cut it out yesterday. Also notice all of the shrubbery. Shrubbery, I tell you! The bald patch was where some plant was but it apparently died because it was not growing back in.
Here's the other tree in front of our house. This has since been trimmed because it hangs right in your face as you walk up the sidewalk. Not good for us tall-ies. The bush on the right somehow offended Chris and he chopped off at least half of it. Actually, he thinks it's supposed to trimmed and it was hanging on the driveway scratching up my car, so it deserved to get whacked.
This tall grass in the backyard turned out to be some type of orchid. At least it had this nice purple orchid-like blooms. Unfortunately they have already died, so no pictures.
The coniferous trees along the back fence. They make a nice barrier so it doesn't feel like we are sharing our yard with the whole neighborhood. But they do have a LOT of pine cones. I will have to find some craft that incorporates pine cones so I can make money off of this. Or at least put peanut butter on them and use them as bird feeders.
I'm not sure what kind of tree this is, it has mystified both myself and my mom. It started out with pods like it was a magnolia, then it spread out like a regular tree, then it got all of these beautiful pink flowers on it (see next picture) and now that the flowers have died it has developed what I think look the beginnings of buckeyes. Clueless I tell you.
The backyard has more ornamental shrubbery. We aren't sure what they all are, but the first one has mini pine cones, the second is slightly lopsided and the last is apparently expensive to buy.
And there is a lilac bush/tree! It smelled great and it's right by the kitchen window. But alas, it has lost its blooms.
We also have irises, some type of bushy wildflower that came out of nowhere and is bigger than the bushes, lazy eyed suzannes, some other type of weedy looking thing that is growing small but tall flowers, chickpeas, vines (that I am trying to pull up because they are already killing two plants), a holly bush, more coniferous pine-cone-bearing trees and a rose bush.
Monday, May 14, 2007
Tag, I'm it
Julie has decided to tag me for a meme. So I get to give you random bits of information about myself. At first I was going to totally steal her idea and write about my scars, but I realized I only have stories for the four huge ugly ones. The rest are random bumps and scratches.
So I bring you Hugs' list of random stuff:
1) One of my proudest moments was during the 8th grade graduation. I won the science award, which was totally unexpected. I beat the valedictorian and salutatorian. I kind of hoped for the math one, but didn't get it. It was based on a test we had taken, not based on teacher's feeling bad for me, so I was thrilled.
2) My second proudest moment was getting a 3 on the AP Calculus test. Not the best score of the class or anything, but I was impressed with it. Of course now I can't remember Calculus....
3) My biggest regret is not trying out for track. Running bored me to tears. But at recess I was one of the best Jail-Break players. Now I'm always struggling to run at a decent speed. Well, I've taken about 9 months off for now....
4) My biggest fear is that I will be forgotten. Most people would say drowning or something like that. I'm afraid that I'll die won't make any kind of impact in the world. I realize this is totally irrational and that I have wonderful family and friends. But most fears are irrational.
5) This news clip makes me cry every time.
6) More often than not, I type my name "Amadna" then have to go back and correct it.
7) I am malignant hyperthermia susceptible. In my terminology, I am allergic to general anesthesia. This was discovered when in kindergarten I went to get my tonsils removed (I had strep throat a lot as a kid) and things went very wrong. This led to a muscle biopsy on my left thigh that left a nice 4"+ scar.
8) My picture was in the National Enquirer. Ok, so it was me and 300+ of my relatives and I was like 12, but people can still pick me out of the crowd. It was for the world's largest family reunion. We'd have been in Guinness too, but no one felt like looking up that many birth certificates and wedding licenses.
So I bring you Hugs' list of random stuff:
1) One of my proudest moments was during the 8th grade graduation. I won the science award, which was totally unexpected. I beat the valedictorian and salutatorian. I kind of hoped for the math one, but didn't get it. It was based on a test we had taken, not based on teacher's feeling bad for me, so I was thrilled.
2) My second proudest moment was getting a 3 on the AP Calculus test. Not the best score of the class or anything, but I was impressed with it. Of course now I can't remember Calculus....
3) My biggest regret is not trying out for track. Running bored me to tears. But at recess I was one of the best Jail-Break players. Now I'm always struggling to run at a decent speed. Well, I've taken about 9 months off for now....
4) My biggest fear is that I will be forgotten. Most people would say drowning or something like that. I'm afraid that I'll die won't make any kind of impact in the world. I realize this is totally irrational and that I have wonderful family and friends. But most fears are irrational.
5) This news clip makes me cry every time.
6) More often than not, I type my name "Amadna" then have to go back and correct it.
7) I am malignant hyperthermia susceptible. In my terminology, I am allergic to general anesthesia. This was discovered when in kindergarten I went to get my tonsils removed (I had strep throat a lot as a kid) and things went very wrong. This led to a muscle biopsy on my left thigh that left a nice 4"+ scar.
8) My picture was in the National Enquirer. Ok, so it was me and 300+ of my relatives and I was like 12, but people can still pick me out of the crowd. It was for the world's largest family reunion. We'd have been in Guinness too, but no one felt like looking up that many birth certificates and wedding licenses.
Friday, May 11, 2007
Not much new but...
... by request is here the ole "Guess the Screenshot" game!
I think it might be a toughie, but I could be wrong.
I think it might be a toughie, but I could be wrong.
Friday, May 04, 2007
Flurry of information
Today I will begin by discussing my tv shows.
RIP Gilmore Girls. I found out today that the last episode will be on May 15. I just really enjoy this show and would love to live in Stars Hollow. I can't put my finger on exactly why. And Chris would cause me serious bodily harm before he lets that happen. There will be parties and sadness on May 15.
I don't know if any of you watch Heroes, no one seems to besides myself. But I watched Monday's episode online and was so shocked and awed I nearly cursed at the screen twice. And anyone who knows me knows that is saying something. Possible future time line? Peter kicking butt? Sylar?!?!?
So while my Girls will leave me, I will at least continue to get my super hero fix next fall. After of course the bomb goes off and they leave a huge cliffhanger that will make me swear like a sailor and lay awake at night wondering how to get Chris to name our kid Milo.
In other news, D is a female. I asked. Not her. One of the bosses. While we were alone. And apparently the bosses have to correct the kids. Often.
More news, guess what I found out today. That my license expired on my birthday of 2007. I am such a rebel driving around with an expired license. Even if I was unaware of this transgression, I'm still a rebel right? Of course tonight I will lay awake wondering if they'll make me retake the written test since I've let my license lapse for so long.
RIP Gilmore Girls. I found out today that the last episode will be on May 15. I just really enjoy this show and would love to live in Stars Hollow. I can't put my finger on exactly why. And Chris would cause me serious bodily harm before he lets that happen. There will be parties and sadness on May 15.
I don't know if any of you watch Heroes, no one seems to besides myself. But I watched Monday's episode online and was so shocked and awed I nearly cursed at the screen twice. And anyone who knows me knows that is saying something. Possible future time line? Peter kicking butt? Sylar?!?!?
So while my Girls will leave me, I will at least continue to get my super hero fix next fall. After of course the bomb goes off and they leave a huge cliffhanger that will make me swear like a sailor and lay awake at night wondering how to get Chris to name our kid Milo.
In other news, D is a female. I asked. Not her. One of the bosses. While we were alone. And apparently the bosses have to correct the kids. Often.
More news, guess what I found out today. That my license expired on my birthday of 2007. I am such a rebel driving around with an expired license. Even if I was unaware of this transgression, I'm still a rebel right? Of course tonight I will lay awake wondering if they'll make me retake the written test since I've let my license lapse for so long.
Monday, April 23, 2007
Catch up time
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?
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?
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 :)
Monday, December 18, 2006
Well, here we are again
I'm at home and hubby up and leaves me the week before Christmas to travel for his job. That's ok though, because it is not a regular thing, like him leaving all week for four months. And it is worth it because he likes his job and his job seems to like him. People have even been complimenting his work!
My job situation on the other hand is still looking sad. My tutoring job is ok. I get one or two students an hour (soon to be three students) and just follow the prearranged outline. But I have to say that I am really missing teaching. I want my own classroom and my own students and to work with great teachers. I checked and the one math teacher position that was open was filled. And the library position was also filled. As a side not, way too many of you commented about how I would be perfect in a library. Why did no one mention this when I was in college?
So, I am looking into substitute teaching. I called one district today and a lady took my name and said she was going to pull my file and 'call me back in a few minutes.' She seemed pretty excited that I had a teaching license. Well, two hours later I called to check and this lady left for the day. Hm......
A big thank you to Ikkin for inviting me along to see the Nutcracker. I have never seen it, except for brief glimpses on PBS. I absolutely LOVED it, the scenery, the costumes, the music, the dancing.... I would love to take dance classes again, but have been to lazy to look up adult beginners dance in the area. Although I did see a ballroom dancing studio! And it's good excercise!
My job situation on the other hand is still looking sad. My tutoring job is ok. I get one or two students an hour (soon to be three students) and just follow the prearranged outline. But I have to say that I am really missing teaching. I want my own classroom and my own students and to work with great teachers. I checked and the one math teacher position that was open was filled. And the library position was also filled. As a side not, way too many of you commented about how I would be perfect in a library. Why did no one mention this when I was in college?
So, I am looking into substitute teaching. I called one district today and a lady took my name and said she was going to pull my file and 'call me back in a few minutes.' She seemed pretty excited that I had a teaching license. Well, two hours later I called to check and this lady left for the day. Hm......
A big thank you to Ikkin for inviting me along to see the Nutcracker. I have never seen it, except for brief glimpses on PBS. I absolutely LOVED it, the scenery, the costumes, the music, the dancing.... I would love to take dance classes again, but have been to lazy to look up adult beginners dance in the area. Although I did see a ballroom dancing studio! And it's good excercise!
Thursday, December 14, 2006
Now I have to question my whole life
So here is another quiz. I really thought I would come out geek. I mean between the x-men, Buffy, WOT and now Heroes, I definitely have some geeknees.But I'm normal.... I have to say I'm a little disappointed. And there were questioned I felt were skewed a little. Like asking about attending ComicCon, they didn't have an option of "No, but I'd love to go". And asking about for graphic novels there was no "Library" option. I think the kicker was saying I had a lot of friends. That was a reflection on all of the Christmas cards that need signed.
On a side note, I went to this site looking for the Pirate/Ninja quiz. Maybe I'll post that one tomorrow. Let me know how your quizzes look! The accent one is short, today's quiz is a little longer.
On a side note, I went to this site looking for the Pirate/Ninja quiz. Maybe I'll post that one tomorrow. Let me know how your quizzes look! The accent one is short, today's quiz is a little longer.
Joe Normal 30 % Nerd, 43% Geek, 26% Dork |
For The Record: A Nerd is someone who is passionate about learning/being smart/academia. A Geek is someone who is passionate about some particular area or subject, often an obscure or difficult one. A Dork is someone who has difficulty with common social expectations/interactions. You scored less than half in all three, earning you the title of: Joe Normal. This is not to say that you don't have some Nerd, Geek or Dork inside of you--we all do, and you can see the percentages you have right above. This is just to say that none of those qualities stand out so much as to define you. Sure, you enjoy an episode of Star Trek now and again, and yeah, you kinda enjoyed a few classes back in the day. And, once in a while, you stumble while walking down the street even though there was nothing there to cause you to trip. But, for the most part, you look and act fairly typically, and aren't much of an outcast. I'd say there's a fair chance someone asked you to take this test. In any event, fairly normal. Congratulations! Thanks Again! -- THE NERD? GEEK? OR DORK? TEST |
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My test tracked 3 variables How you compared to other people your age and gender:
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| Link: The Nerd? Geek? or Dork? Test written by donathos on OkCupid Free Online Dating, home of the The Dating Persona Test |
Wednesday, December 13, 2006
No accents here, buddy
What American Accent Do You Have?
I've always wondered about my accent since I grew up in small town mid-Ohio, lived in northern Ohio for about 8 years then moved to southern Ohio. I heard a segment on NPR once from some smart people at OSU studying accents and they said Ohio really varies from the northern to southern section.
There was a bunch of code next to my results, but I haven't figured out how to use it here, so I copied and pasted my results above. If anyone knows what I should do with this code, please leave me a comment.
I've always wondered about my accent since I grew up in small town mid-Ohio, lived in northern Ohio for about 8 years then moved to southern Ohio. I heard a segment on NPR once from some smart people at OSU studying accents and they said Ohio really varies from the northern to southern section.
There was a bunch of code next to my results, but I haven't figured out how to use it here, so I copied and pasted my results above. If anyone knows what I should do with this code, please leave me a comment.
| What American accent do you have? Your Result: The Midland "You have a Midland accent" is just another way of saying "you don't have an accent." You probably are from the Midland (Pennsylvania, southern Ohio, southern Indiana, southern Illinois, and Missouri) but then for all we know you could be from Florida or Charleston or one of those big southern cities like Atlanta or Dallas. You have a good voice for TV and radio. | |
| The Inland North | |
| The Northeast | |
| Philadelphia | |
| Boston | |
| The West | |
| The South | |
| North Central | |
| What American accent do you have? Quiz Created on GoToQuiz | |
Monday, December 11, 2006
And in other news
Fashion News: Apparently this season, short nails with a dark red/purple color are in. And since nail polish is cheap and not an investment that will plummet to the depths of my closet (such as gauchos), I figured I would try it. And it looks good! I am in fashion! Of course, there is always the backlash. My backlash was last night while Hubby and I were putting up plastic on the windows and I had the darnedest time trying to get the backing off of the double sided tape. Stupid short nail fashions.....
Music News: My amazingly talented husband does the best cover of "SexyBack". I'm telling you, he has a knack. And he's only heard about a ten second clip of the song. And the dancing, oooooooh the dancing.
Literary News: I have been reading the Confessions of a Shopaholic series by Sophie Kinsella, so far the first two. I like them, they are funny and zany. I did however spend most of the first book exclaiming to Hubby about how moronic it was to just keep lying and spending money. I think it was mostly jealousy because I don't know half of the designers that are mentioned and I am somehow missing out because I don't understand the joy that a Denny and George scarf can bring me. The third book is apparently about her wedding, so I'm sure more mayhem will ensue.
Holiday News: I swear, the Christmas tree is going up tonight! And I'll do more shopping this week. But NOT this weekend, because just trying to drive by the mall is nuts.
Cooking News: Last night I made chili. This is the only food I have ever made without a recipe. I am usually absolutely paranoid about measuring and times and all that jazz. But that marvelous man I call mine taught me how to make chili and how to improvise. I throw stuff in, I shake the seasonings until I'm content, I look at how soupy it is rather than the time on the clock! And! It's edible! The Jiffy Corn Muffins I measure and timed to a tee though.
Music News: My amazingly talented husband does the best cover of "SexyBack". I'm telling you, he has a knack. And he's only heard about a ten second clip of the song. And the dancing, oooooooh the dancing.
Literary News: I have been reading the Confessions of a Shopaholic series by Sophie Kinsella, so far the first two. I like them, they are funny and zany. I did however spend most of the first book exclaiming to Hubby about how moronic it was to just keep lying and spending money. I think it was mostly jealousy because I don't know half of the designers that are mentioned and I am somehow missing out because I don't understand the joy that a Denny and George scarf can bring me. The third book is apparently about her wedding, so I'm sure more mayhem will ensue.
Holiday News: I swear, the Christmas tree is going up tonight! And I'll do more shopping this week. But NOT this weekend, because just trying to drive by the mall is nuts.
Cooking News: Last night I made chili. This is the only food I have ever made without a recipe. I am usually absolutely paranoid about measuring and times and all that jazz. But that marvelous man I call mine taught me how to make chili and how to improvise. I throw stuff in, I shake the seasonings until I'm content, I look at how soupy it is rather than the time on the clock! And! It's edible! The Jiffy Corn Muffins I measure and timed to a tee though.
Friday, December 08, 2006
Unexcitement
The last two times I have been to the gym, there have been women in the locker room on their cell phones. This used to never bother me (except the time at UT where someone was swearing obscenities at the top of her lungs and there were kids in the locker room). However at this gym there is a sign saying 'Cell Phones Prohibited in the Area.' And today the lady turned down the tv so she could continue her conversation. The tv is right above this sign.
So it's not really a problem, I'm just spoiled and it's a small locker room. I'm used to some casual conversation, but not one-sided, loud conversation. Then the lady followed me out of the locker room up to the cardio equipment still talking away. Fortunately she went to the bicycles, otherwise I would have had to have strong words for her. And I would have tossed her phone off the second floor landing. Really, I would have.
That is about as exciting as my life gets.
Game night tonight! My marvelous husband has arranged for people to come over and even hinted that I can pick the game! He actually phrased it as "we'll let Hugs pick which game she wants to win tonight." ......so true.....
So it's not really a problem, I'm just spoiled and it's a small locker room. I'm used to some casual conversation, but not one-sided, loud conversation. Then the lady followed me out of the locker room up to the cardio equipment still talking away. Fortunately she went to the bicycles, otherwise I would have had to have strong words for her. And I would have tossed her phone off the second floor landing. Really, I would have.
That is about as exciting as my life gets.
Game night tonight! My marvelous husband has arranged for people to come over and even hinted that I can pick the game! He actually phrased it as "we'll let Hugs pick which game she wants to win tonight." ......so true.....
Tuesday, December 05, 2006
Hugs, Illustrated
So here is what I spent the noon hour doing today.
This was actually much more difficult than it looks. Especially without my fabulously tall spouse. I had put some of this garland up over the weekend, but it was half-hearted and slumped by the next morning. So today I went out armed with a hammer and nails. Then I had to lay four garlands out because they were all different lengths and find the two long ones. And due to the lack of spousal height, I had to bring out a chair and then had to wear my Birkenstocks so I could kick them off every time I stepped on the chair. I'm sure the neighbors were entertained. It looks really pretty with the lights on it though!
And because Dandy asked, here are picutres of our new bedroom set.
Huge! And still very Orange! But I do like all of the space in my dresser.
And for those of you who read my manly husband's blog, here is the Flying Monkey meeting Min and Ainsley.
Min totally freaked out and tried to kill Flying Monkey. Ainsley, being more used to these hijinks, simply glared and then curled up and went to sleep with her new friend.
As for the last ScreenCap, Hubby's officemate figured it out by following the clues. The show is Misfits of Science, on tv when I was in 2nd grade. I don't remember much of it except that this is where my super hero obsession began. I think it was Courtney Cox's character (who I didn't realize was in it until I got the picture) was telekinetic and my mom explained how it was moving things with your mind. I sat at the dining room table for at least 25 minutes staring at a pen willing it to move. I gave up on have tk power pretty quick, but I'm still confident that something else will develop. I'm well past the age of getting Slayer powers, but I did have a serious case of precognition the other day. I'll let you know if it develops into anything.
And so here is today's screencap. Much easier, I know someone will get this pretty quick.
note to self: to make illustrated blogs easier, load pictures then type
This was actually much more difficult than it looks. Especially without my fabulously tall spouse. I had put some of this garland up over the weekend, but it was half-hearted and slumped by the next morning. So today I went out armed with a hammer and nails. Then I had to lay four garlands out because they were all different lengths and find the two long ones. And due to the lack of spousal height, I had to bring out a chair and then had to wear my Birkenstocks so I could kick them off every time I stepped on the chair. I'm sure the neighbors were entertained. It looks really pretty with the lights on it though!
And because Dandy asked, here are picutres of our new bedroom set.
Huge! And still very Orange! But I do like all of the space in my dresser.
And for those of you who read my manly husband's blog, here is the Flying Monkey meeting Min and Ainsley.
Min totally freaked out and tried to kill Flying Monkey. Ainsley, being more used to these hijinks, simply glared and then curled up and went to sleep with her new friend.
As for the last ScreenCap, Hubby's officemate figured it out by following the clues. The show is Misfits of Science, on tv when I was in 2nd grade. I don't remember much of it except that this is where my super hero obsession began. I think it was Courtney Cox's character (who I didn't realize was in it until I got the picture) was telekinetic and my mom explained how it was moving things with your mind. I sat at the dining room table for at least 25 minutes staring at a pen willing it to move. I gave up on have tk power pretty quick, but I'm still confident that something else will develop. I'm well past the age of getting Slayer powers, but I did have a serious case of precognition the other day. I'll let you know if it develops into anything.
And so here is today's screencap. Much easier, I know someone will get this pretty quick.
note to self: to make illustrated blogs easier, load pictures then type
Thursday, November 30, 2006
I need to brush up on my languages
Apparently my 'celebrity' status has rocketed into 'internationally known'. Last night at 1:30 am I received some international phone number. At least I'm assuming the long string of numbers and odd time means it is international.I didn't answer it, just shoved my phone into a drawer because I knew what would happen. Sure enough, two more calls quickly followed. When I checked this morning there were two messages. The first is a guy waiting and saying "hello" a couple of times. The second is a long message in what sounds like an Arabic language.
This happened last week also. However, the number was different and I answered it. It was actually the same thing. The first time the guy just said "hello" three or four times after a pause and seemed not to hear me. The second time the guys was saying something in what sounded like Chinese or Japanese. Of course when I'm woken from a sound sleep all foreign languages sound vaguely alike, so it could have also been something Arabic.
The new bedroom set is great, except for the fact that it is trying to maim Husband and me. The foot board just sticks out and up further than we are used to. So you go to walk around the end of the bed and ram your thigh right into it. My adoring Husband has done this once, I have done it twice. I think the second time is worse because I hit the exact same spot where there is a nice purple bruise swelling up.
In other news, it truly bothered me last week seeing people putting up Christmas decorations while wearing shorts. This is Ohio and I don't care if it is 65 degrees, it is just wrong to put up decorations in shorts!
I will deeply regret that next week, and likely even tomorrow when the temperature drops.
On the upside, there is snow predicted! I doubt that it will stick or accumulate, but I just love snow. I do not like the cold though. And I know most of you are probably thinking mean thoughts because you hate the snow and all that entails. Well, tough. When the snow comes you will find me jumping around the apartment like a giddy school girl that just got a pony.
Ok, this is what I would consider a more difficult screen shot just because it was on when I was a kid and no one else I know has ever mentioned it. However there are a couple of pretty good clues in the picture itself.
This happened last week also. However, the number was different and I answered it. It was actually the same thing. The first time the guy just said "hello" three or four times after a pause and seemed not to hear me. The second time the guys was saying something in what sounded like Chinese or Japanese. Of course when I'm woken from a sound sleep all foreign languages sound vaguely alike, so it could have also been something Arabic.
The new bedroom set is great, except for the fact that it is trying to maim Husband and me. The foot board just sticks out and up further than we are used to. So you go to walk around the end of the bed and ram your thigh right into it. My adoring Husband has done this once, I have done it twice. I think the second time is worse because I hit the exact same spot where there is a nice purple bruise swelling up.
In other news, it truly bothered me last week seeing people putting up Christmas decorations while wearing shorts. This is Ohio and I don't care if it is 65 degrees, it is just wrong to put up decorations in shorts!
I will deeply regret that next week, and likely even tomorrow when the temperature drops.
On the upside, there is snow predicted! I doubt that it will stick or accumulate, but I just love snow. I do not like the cold though. And I know most of you are probably thinking mean thoughts because you hate the snow and all that entails. Well, tough. When the snow comes you will find me jumping around the apartment like a giddy school girl that just got a pony.
Ok, this is what I would consider a more difficult screen shot just because it was on when I was a kid and no one else I know has ever mentioned it. However there are a couple of pretty good clues in the picture itself.
Tuesday, November 28, 2006
Current Events
Here is a numbered list of current events and thoughts:
1) Since no one has commented, I guess I am the most famous. I would like to add I also belong to the church where George Clooney went to grade school. I know, I'm just the ultimate in cool.
2) The picture was from Red Sonya. Husband got it right, so I know I married well.
3) I make awesome apple pies. Honestly, the best pies of all of the Thanksgiving pies I tried. Some might disagree, but that is because they were afraid of the dried cranberries I put in. And honestly, you couldn't taste them! Babies.
4) I make awesome Ham-Asparagus Strata. I don't even know what Strata is, but I rock at making it.
5) I make horrible gumbo. Husband even threw the leftovers out. And anyone who knows him can imagine how bad that must taste to make him through it away.
6) I am employed! Its part-time after school tutoring, so it won't interrupt quality Dr. Phil time.
7) I am hoping to get a sewing machine for Christmas. And when I do, I am going to make skirts like The Pink Shoe does. I don't know her, but I aspire to her domestic-diva-ness.
8) Husband and I are getting a new bedroom set tomorrow. We already bought the mattress set, which he told you about in his blog. This means random shopping for sheets and a new comforter. Of course this is also due to the sneaking suspicion that I am allergic to down. What tipped me off to this? Why, waking up every morning sneezing and using 10 tissues! Of course it could also be the lack of dusting and sweeping...
9) No screen shot today just because I just realized the time and have to get ready for work!
1) Since no one has commented, I guess I am the most famous. I would like to add I also belong to the church where George Clooney went to grade school. I know, I'm just the ultimate in cool.
2) The picture was from Red Sonya. Husband got it right, so I know I married well.
3) I make awesome apple pies. Honestly, the best pies of all of the Thanksgiving pies I tried. Some might disagree, but that is because they were afraid of the dried cranberries I put in. And honestly, you couldn't taste them! Babies.
4) I make awesome Ham-Asparagus Strata. I don't even know what Strata is, but I rock at making it.
5) I make horrible gumbo. Husband even threw the leftovers out. And anyone who knows him can imagine how bad that must taste to make him through it away.
6) I am employed! Its part-time after school tutoring, so it won't interrupt quality Dr. Phil time.
7) I am hoping to get a sewing machine for Christmas. And when I do, I am going to make skirts like The Pink Shoe does. I don't know her, but I aspire to her domestic-diva-ness.
8) Husband and I are getting a new bedroom set tomorrow. We already bought the mattress set, which he told you about in his blog. This means random shopping for sheets and a new comforter. Of course this is also due to the sneaking suspicion that I am allergic to down. What tipped me off to this? Why, waking up every morning sneezing and using 10 tissues! Of course it could also be the lack of dusting and sweeping...
9) No screen shot today just because I just realized the time and have to get ready for work!
Tuesday, November 21, 2006
My new claim to Fame
I realized yesterday that I am three degrees from Tom Cruise. When I worked at St. Ursula in Toledo the art teacher was Nancy. And Nancy is Katie Holmes' sister. And Katie married Tom. So there you go, I am almost a celebrity. Don't ask me why I didn't realize this a year ago. It was mentioned in the news about Katie's sister being her maid of honor and something clicked into place.
Anyone out there have better 'degrees' ? I'm sure you do and you are just dying to share!
Not much new going on here. I almost have a job at an after school tutoring place. At least they said they needed teachers and the interviews went really well. But they are really slow about getting back to me. The library never called and the website still says the position is still open, so I am bummed about that. And the school with a math position still open has never called. It is incredibly depressing that a job that I am perfectly qualified for never calls. I did however talk to one of my coworkers from the charter school who is now a sub and he is doing well. So I will probably call them next week about substitute teaching.
In other news, Ikkin and I dominate at Cranium. We played boys vs. girls (so it was 3 vs. 2) and apparently despite not seeing much of each other for many years, we share a psychic connection. It was eerie how fast I guessed 'paparazzi' when she was charading it. Drawing 'vitamin' took longer though.
And because I love to see who is as geeky as I am, here is today's movie snapshot. Start guessing!
Anyone out there have better 'degrees' ? I'm sure you do and you are just dying to share!
Not much new going on here. I almost have a job at an after school tutoring place. At least they said they needed teachers and the interviews went really well. But they are really slow about getting back to me. The library never called and the website still says the position is still open, so I am bummed about that. And the school with a math position still open has never called. It is incredibly depressing that a job that I am perfectly qualified for never calls. I did however talk to one of my coworkers from the charter school who is now a sub and he is doing well. So I will probably call them next week about substitute teaching.
In other news, Ikkin and I dominate at Cranium. We played boys vs. girls (so it was 3 vs. 2) and apparently despite not seeing much of each other for many years, we share a psychic connection. It was eerie how fast I guessed 'paparazzi' when she was charading it. Drawing 'vitamin' took longer though.
And because I love to see who is as geeky as I am, here is today's movie snapshot. Start guessing!
Thursday, November 16, 2006
Toilet paper everywhere
So my grand adventures today include cleaning up toilet paper. Min thinks it is a chew toy. When we had Cottonelle she would unroll it. So I would come home and find a trail of toilet paper leading into the bathroom and a huge pile of it on the ground. Now we have Scott's and apparently it doesn't unroll. So instead she chews it off. And she does this while I am here and perfectly willing to play. I'll get up and walk and see a stray corner of paper. And I walk into the bathroom and there are chunks of it on the ground. Oh, most of it is still on the roll, but as you try to unroll it, there are big holes where Min chewed out the chunks.
And this has happened three times today.
I also attempted my first apple pie last night. The directions were for a 9" pie pan so I made the crust too small for a 9.5" pan. Yes, the half of an inch makes a difference. And yes, I was too lazy to reroll it. I did ok peeling the apples. I made a crumb topping instead of crust. I didn't cook it long enough, so the apples aren't totally done and it has a lot of liquid in the bottom. BUT! It still tastes darn good! So next week, nobody will die of pie poisoning at Thanksgiving.
Today's screen shot is of a movie. It shouldn't be too hard :) Who can name it?
And this has happened three times today.
I also attempted my first apple pie last night. The directions were for a 9" pie pan so I made the crust too small for a 9.5" pan. Yes, the half of an inch makes a difference. And yes, I was too lazy to reroll it. I did ok peeling the apples. I made a crumb topping instead of crust. I didn't cook it long enough, so the apples aren't totally done and it has a lot of liquid in the bottom. BUT! It still tastes darn good! So next week, nobody will die of pie poisoning at Thanksgiving.
Today's screen shot is of a movie. It shouldn't be too hard :) Who can name it?
Tuesday, November 14, 2006
I know it includes apples...
So for my birthday I received a Barnes and Noble gift card (thanks Barb!) and spent it on a new cookbook. It's a basic one with recipes for meatloaf and lasagna. I have lots of cookbooks but none of them have regular recipes. So anyway, I've decided to branch out and try to make a pie. From scratch. So I bought everything Saturday, including ice cream, and told my adoring husband of my grand scheme.
Well. We get invited to two Thanksgiving dinners (though one will be a lunch). And my fabulous husband volunteers me to make apple pies for both. What?? Wait! Huh?? Yes, that is right. I have never made one, but now am making two for other people to consume and enjoy. And thanks to that husband, they know to watch out for a frozen pie so I can't pass it off as my own.
I only hope that it does not turn out like the spice cake I made last year. Oh, the cake was good. But the icing, ohhhhh the icing. I cooked it too long, spread it on the cake and it turned solid. Honestly, it was like hard candy. My mom couldn't cut it and finally PICKED up the cake and turned it UPSIDE DOWN to cut pieces.
Pies aren't known for being turned upside down. I'll let you know how it goes.
And for you, faithful viewers, I have a fun new game. Ok, I think it will be fun but you will just think I'm being odd. A special No-Prize to the first person to name this show!
Well. We get invited to two Thanksgiving dinners (though one will be a lunch). And my fabulous husband volunteers me to make apple pies for both. What?? Wait! Huh?? Yes, that is right. I have never made one, but now am making two for other people to consume and enjoy. And thanks to that husband, they know to watch out for a frozen pie so I can't pass it off as my own.
I only hope that it does not turn out like the spice cake I made last year. Oh, the cake was good. But the icing, ohhhhh the icing. I cooked it too long, spread it on the cake and it turned solid. Honestly, it was like hard candy. My mom couldn't cut it and finally PICKED up the cake and turned it UPSIDE DOWN to cut pieces.
Pies aren't known for being turned upside down. I'll let you know how it goes.
And for you, faithful viewers, I have a fun new game. Ok, I think it will be fun but you will just think I'm being odd. A special No-Prize to the first person to name this show!
Thursday, November 09, 2006
This I Believe
My adoring husband sent me this link earlier in the week. This I Believe
This column has had a profound effect on my life lately. In the beginning of October I was miserable at my job and was actually praying and asking for a sign. Lo and behold while I was listening to NPR there was a gentleman on This I Believe saying he wished his grand-daughter failure instead of luck. I realized I did not want to quit my job because I would be a failure and that is not something to be afraid of, it is something to learn from.
Now I am looking for a new job and everyone I know asks why I don't go and substitute teach. Its in my field and a good way to get my name into a school system. I did do substitute teaching when I first graduated. And I don't want to do it now. I guess I'm a cranky old math teacher stuck in my ways. I'm thinking of doing it in the spring.
So back to the article sent to me. It was hubby's gentle nudge that there is work that is not beneath me and that I would be totally happy with. Soooooo, I will not be selling Mary Kay because I am not a sales person. Instead I applied at the library. I don't care if its part time and doesn't pay a ton. I would absolutely love to work at the library. I would get to organize and help people (with out selling!) and work with nice people. We'll see if they call me, with my luck they'll think I'm overqualified.
This column has had a profound effect on my life lately. In the beginning of October I was miserable at my job and was actually praying and asking for a sign. Lo and behold while I was listening to NPR there was a gentleman on This I Believe saying he wished his grand-daughter failure instead of luck. I realized I did not want to quit my job because I would be a failure and that is not something to be afraid of, it is something to learn from.
Now I am looking for a new job and everyone I know asks why I don't go and substitute teach. Its in my field and a good way to get my name into a school system. I did do substitute teaching when I first graduated. And I don't want to do it now. I guess I'm a cranky old math teacher stuck in my ways. I'm thinking of doing it in the spring.
So back to the article sent to me. It was hubby's gentle nudge that there is work that is not beneath me and that I would be totally happy with. Soooooo, I will not be selling Mary Kay because I am not a sales person. Instead I applied at the library. I don't care if its part time and doesn't pay a ton. I would absolutely love to work at the library. I would get to organize and help people (with out selling!) and work with nice people. We'll see if they call me, with my luck they'll think I'm overqualified.
Wednesday, November 08, 2006
Today's Shocking Coincidence!
Today's SHOCKING COINCIDENCE is....
yesterday we voted, today gas prices went up.
That concludes today's SHOCKING COINCIDENCE.
yesterday we voted, today gas prices went up.
That concludes today's SHOCKING COINCIDENCE.
Monday, November 06, 2006
Painting by numbers
So here is a less pink and fuzzy picture for you, faithful viewers. I loved Thundercats as a kid. Each day either I or one of my siblings got to pick a show to watch. My sister wanted to watch Scooby Doo, but I always tried to talk her into watching Thundercats. It didn't usually work.
So I had a fabulous weekend. My friend Sarah visited on Saturday. We went to Panera Bread for lunch where I scarfed down broccoli cheddar soup. I'm telling you, I would have loved vegetables as a child if only my parents had this soup.
Then we went to Marcy's Clayground to paint pottery. I had so many ideas that within five minutes I had SIX different things sitting on the table to paint. Sarah honestly spent an hour and a half trying to figure out what she wanted to do. One of the most creative people I know was stumped. But we eventually sat painting in front of the fireplace and enjoying hot chocolate. I only finished two of my pieces. I was going to get a picture, but since they are Christmas gifts I shouldn't ruin the surprise. Maybe after the holidays I will post pictures. Because I did a kick butt job! Of course Sarah's tile was better, darn her!
That night Sarah, Chicks514 and I went to Tiffin to see Dandy Mandy in Suessical the Musical. She kicked butt and was definitely the best part of the cast!
Well, I have a mess of papers covering the living room floor, so I should take care of the before my beloved spouse comes home and has kittens. Because I can't handle more cats.
Friday, November 03, 2006
To sell or not to sell
Well, this housewife thing is going well but I feel like I need to contribute more. My days are great as they consist of going to the gym, cleaning up the toilet paper Min unrolled, seeing what Dr. Phil has to say and doing some cleaning and cooking. I am now organizing my school books and supplies. It's been a mess because I kept digging through them to get something I needed for school, but I couldn't bring it all to school because of the construction and lack of shelves, cabinents, etc. Stupid job. Have I mentioned how happy I am that I quit? So anyway, mess. Chicks has held up like a champ and not bugged me about it, but I know its secretly annoying the daylights out of him.
So to get out of the house I went to get a facial from Mary Kay people. Then I went again. And of course I bought facial cleansers. And then they want me to join in the fun. And I almost did. It sounds like a good deal and I wouldn't be out to make a ton of money. But I'm not a salesperson and I don't wear make-up often. SOoooooo, comments on your thoughts are appreciated.
If anyone is reading the comments from my first post, I am so glad I got my own blog so I can post as many My Little Pony pictures as I want. But Chicks, aka my loving husband, would rather I put in pictures of Care Bears. So this is for you handsome!
PSA: Don't forget to vote next Tuesday. And be sure to check out the issues before you vote so you know what you are voting for!
For those who just need to know: how did Hugs become my nickname? From Bart Simpson! It started as 'Amanda Hug n Kiss' (from one of the scenes where Bart calls Moe's Tavern). Then it slowly was shortened to just 'Hugs'. You should see some people's expressions when they hear me called that for the first time.
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