Miss Teacher

Christmas Advice

2011-12-19T11:29:00.000-05:00

A third grade boy in my friend Leslie's class has some good holiday advice:

‎"Believe in Santa Claus, don't believe in Santa Claus- all I know is don't get caught under the mistletoe with some random dude."

Picture Update

2011-10-09T13:50:00.000-04:00

She's ALL VOL!

Maddie and Smokey

Future Soccer Star

Ready for her first convertible ride

Windy!

Seriously-- she fell asleep!

Do you see a theme?

Brusha Brusha Brusha!

More Smokey

She loves soccer!

Look what I can do!

With Uncle John's "Puppy"

Pretty Baby

Love my Munchkin

"helping" unpack

Zuchinni Chocolate Chip Cookie Redux

2011-07-22T11:48:00.000-04:00

OK, so I finally made the Zuchinni Chocolate Chip Cookies-- and I must say I was a bit disappointed. They taste GREAT! But the texture is more cake-like than chewy (I like my cookies CHEWY!) And also, the next day they just seemed soggy-- WAY too moist!

My good buddy Mary from Life in a Small Town sent me this message following my report of the soggy cookies--

I e-mailed a couple of food bloggers for advice on how to crisp up those zucchini cookies. Here's what Jessica (kitchenbellicious) said: "2 1/2 cups of flour total and another 1/2 tsp of baking soda." She said that she has never added honey, so that may be what's causing it. Katherine (smoky mountain cafe) said, "Try adding 1/2 cup cocoa powder and 1/4 cup granulated sugar and leave out the honey." One of these days when I'm bored I may try them out and see what happens

So instead of ditching the recipe TOTALLY... I will give it another go and make the changes. I thought perhaps the zuchinni itself added too much moisture-- I never even considered the honey.

Zuchinni Chocolate Chip Cookies

2011-07-06T23:08:00.000-04:00

I have not tried these yet-- but certainly will... SOON!

‎1 egg
1/2 c. Butter
1/2 c. Brown sugar
1tbsp vanilla
1/3 c. Honey
1c white flour
1c wheat flower
1/4 tsp salt
1/4 tsp baking soda
1/4 tsp cinnamon
1/4 tsp nutmeg
12oz choc chips
1 c finely chopped zucchini

Bake at 350 for 11-14 min.

One Year Later....

2011-07-05T21:54:00.000-04:00

7/5/10

7/5/11

Happy Birthday Miss Priss! <3

Can't Believe...

2011-07-04T22:21:00.000-04:00

This sweet baby will be a year old tomorrow.

Mommy Diaries

2011-07-02T15:31:00.000-04:00

Just wanted to share a lesson or two that I learned this past week.
Wednesday nightI made a curry. In this curry were chiles. Apparently while de-seeding the chiles, I dropped the insides (seeds and all) of one on the floor. I was unaware of this until I saw Maddie with something in her mouth. I realized what it was as she began to scream and turned BRIGHT RED!

Oh no.

I got all the seeds that were in her mouth out, and quickly poured her some milk (base vs. acid-- I'm not completely useless in science!) Poor baby! After some rocking, more milk, petting, soothing, and sweet-talking-- she did calm down-- but was still all blotchy.

Lesson: Make sure all chile remnants make it IN the trash can.

In an attempt to cheer her up, I let her eat her spaghetti (a new favorite) with her hands. Before doing so, I stripped her to her diaper b/c of a lesson I learned Tuesday:

Lesson: Spaghetti sauce stains baby clothes worse than adult clothes.

So my red, blotchy baby looked all redneck with nothing on but a diaper and a bib-- but she was happy-- and afterall, that's the main thing, right?!

---

As a side note: I was so caught up in the chile incident that I forgot, for about an hour, to take the naan bread out-- whoops!

English Escapades 2011: vol. 2 (Pros & Cons)

2011-05-30T07:01:00.000-04:00

Over the last week I have been making a list of pros and cons about England in my head... Before I begin, let me re-iterate that I LOVE it over here! I also LOVE back home... So as one of my students said this year, "Don't get your panties in a wad!" (actually, he asked me what that phrase meant, which is possibly the best question I have ever been asked by a student)-- my lists are not meant to offend peoples from either nation, I just thought this would be a fun exercise. Please feel free to add your own ideas to the list! (Mine are in no particular order)

Pros about England
1. Public transportation-- be it the Underground in London, or trains, taxis, and buses all over the country, it certainly makes travel- long or short distances- much easier for those of us that cannot drive a manual car on the right side of the car while on the left side of the road. (BRAIN OVERLOAD!)

Waiting for the bus

2. Fish & Chips-- To Americans this is the most British meal there is. (I think to people of England, a nice curry is as British as it gets...) I have just this past year been able to eat fish-- certain kinds anyway... So I decided to give this meal a shot the other day. I am proud to report I ate the entire piece-- while Maddie took care of the mushy peas! (Sorry British Buds-- I just can bring myself to eat THOSE just yet!)

3. Accents-- Yes yes, let's just get this one out of the way. Any normal American will tell you that we DO love a good British accent. I will say, I've been a bit irked on this trip because a huge deal has been made about the firing of Cheryl Cole on the US X Factor because Americans could not understand her. While I have never watched this show, I have heard clips of Ms. Cole speaking, and I can honestly say I have NO trouble understanding her, nor do I think would most Americans. I believe there is a deeper issue here. I almost called a radio station here that was going ON AND ON about this, and essentially bashing Americans for their inability to recognize different dialects among the British accents. I wanted to challenge this fool ass announcer to tell me what region of the US I am from. While I can certainly turn on an amazingly southern accent, my normal dialect is not that strong. I think Americans do realize (sorry, realise) there are different sounding English accents, and yes, they would be hard pressed to tell you where specific ones are from... but I think this goes both ways.

Off my soap box now.

4. Pubs-- they just have a different feeling about them than our bars and restaurants back home. Matt would add that the real ale here is much better than most of what we can get back home. In many cases, I agree. While I do love my Coors Light on a hot day, it is awesome to get a pint of a nice stout (with a 6.5% AV I might add)... Not to mention, the drunken old men in pubs are way less obnoxious and creepy than our drunken men in bars back home.

5. TV Programmes-- Again, most English people will cringe and roll their eyes when I say that I love a good episode of The Jeremy Kyle Show and Midsomer Murders. And yes, both are a bit cheesy and ridiculous (how can ANYONE be left alive in Midsomer anyway?), but I like them--so there! I did notice while reading through my mother-in-law's TV guide that a LOT of the shows here are American shows (House, CSI, Glee...) Aside from a brief viewing of CSI Miami last night (which, coincidentally I do not even watch back home) I try to steer clear of US TV shows while here. Long live Graham Norton! VIVA Are you Being Served! Bring on Have I Got News for You! Go Gavin & Stacey! I could go on and on...

6. Cadbury's-- Yes, we have Cadbury's back home, but it is NOT the same. Ours is made by Hershey and thus tastes differently. And while I do love Cadbury's back home also, it is SOOOOOOOO much better here! Plus you have different varieties and more selection in England.

7. Cheese & Onion sandwiches-- MMMMMMMmmmmmmmmmmmmm! I had a great one at the BCA yesterday. Best C&O I have had was probably at the Crooked House. The Black Country Museum does a good one too!

8. Walker's Crisps-- very similar to our Lay's brand back home-- but with some crazy flavours here. My favs are perhaps a bit boring: salt & vinegar and cheese& onion (are you sensing a theme?) Matt likes the prawn ones-- no thanks!

9. 80s Fashion-- While I do not feel that I could pull off a lot of the outfits I see here (both on people and in the shops), I do have a deep appreciation for the retro-feel of the clothing.

10. FUN hair colours-- Lots of bright reds, blue, purple, and pink... on men and women. It really brightens ones day.

11. Students in school uniforms-- I LOVE to watch the kids walk to school (Yes, I said WALK to school) in their uniforms. I think it just looks classier. Of course, when you see them walking home in the afternoon, ties are askew, shirts unbuttoned, pants sagging... but still...

12. Houses with names-- I love how, while walking down the street, you notice that some houses have names. And I don't mean big, posh, fancy houses... Some look rather dumpy, but when given names like Elm Cottage or Daffodil Manor it seems to spruce it up a bit.

13. Roses-- Seems like the roses, and most other flowers really, are bigger, more vivid, and just better here.

14. Liberalism-- Americans may claim to be a fairly liberal country, but to this I say PISH POSH! England is MUCH more laid back about most things. Cursing on TV... nudity on TV.... the way people speak to each other in general. And, as I have discovered in both Pelsall and Wales, with their toilet seats! You heard me! A couple of years ago I encountered a shiny, sparkly, glittery toilet seat in Wales. Well, not to be outdone, the Pelsall Labour Club ladies room has some pretty shiny, mirror-esque seats. (I just happened to have my camera in my pocket today-- I didn't specifically take it in there, but since I had it, thought What the hell?!)

Cons
1. No Diet Dr. Pepper-- I cannot understand this one! England has diet drinks, and they have Dr. Pepper-- so why not my beverage of choice? Seriously people of England, you need to get on this one!

2. Wind and Cold temps-- in late May/ early June! Actually, I have been here many times during this part of the season, and often it is much cooler than home, which really, I am fine with! (I much prefer the 60s to the 90s)... but this trip has been REALLY chilly-- mainly due to the crazy wind I think. It wouldn't be so bad except for Maddie. She doesn't really have clothes that fit appropriate for this weather-- and the last thing I want is for her to get sick while here. And ironically, we can't seem to find long sleeve things for her-- stores all have summer stuff out! We did manage to get her a fantastic hat-- maybe not Royal Wedding attire, but she certainly likes it!

3. Tiny Showers-- I've run into this issue at many hotels here too. We are staying with our buddy Pete who recently had his bathroom made over. It looks great! And really, I don't have a problem with the shower or it's size except when trying to shave. Have you ever tried to shave your legs in Dr. Who's time machine?

4. Beans-- why must they be poured on everything? Well, that is perhaps a BIT of an exaggeration-- but I am not a fan of them period, and especially do not want them on my breakfast, or my bangers & mash. ICK!

5. Coke products in the UK-- just don't taste the same, especially Diet Coke. And, as mentioned before, Diet Dr. Pepper is not an option.

6. Different electric current-- within 5 minutes of being at Pete's house this trip, my adapter broke off in his socket. Matt had to ultimately replace the entire socket, and I had to find a new adapter. It's just a pain in the ass. Of course, as Phil pointed out to me today, it is the same for them when they travel.

7. No cell phone-- Not that I like TALKING to people, but I do miss my text conversations and funny pictures. Plus, I like to have the OPTION of calling someone if I wanted.

8. No Soccer Taco/ mexican food-- it's my fav! I miss my chips, salsa, margaritas, and of course, Uncle Erick!

OK, that is all I can think of/ remember at the moment. I may update this one if more spring to mind.
Again, feel free to chime in with your comments, thoughts, opinions....

English Escapades, 2011: vol. 1

2011-05-26T16:11:00.000-04:00

It seems interesting things always happen while I am visiting the West Midlands. A couple of years ago I got to see a slow motion fight between two men so drunk they could be classified as retarded. The next day we watched the police hunt for someone who assaulted a woman in the toilets at the bus station. Well, it seems my streak continues!

Probably the first out of the ordinary instance of the trip occurred before the plane took off. While sitting and waiting for everyone to load, I noticed a flight attendant walk by with a tray with what appeared to be a bra on it. I then overhear 2 other flight attendants laughing hysterically and talking about it. Apparently it WAS a bra and had been found in the aisle behind a seat. Next thing you hear is a flght attendant, choking back laughter on the intercom, asking if anyone has lost a bra, size 34B.
Yesterday when coming back from Matt's brother's house we encountered a LOT of police cars near Pete's. By a LOT I mean possibly every officer in the West Midlands! The main street in Bloxwich was blocked off. We learned after asking a man on the street that a suspicious package was found on the street. The police had emptied the stores and worse, pubs. While trying to maneuver a way around the scene all officers suddenly left-- so we assume the situation was nothing. I never heard any big boms, so perhaps someone just dropped their shopping.

Happy Traveller

Maddie has been amazingly charming, as always! Going through security she wowed the TSA lady who exclaimed, "She is the MOST beautiful baby I have every seen!" She loved Maddie's passport picture too. Maddie was great on the plane, aside from one breakdown. While Matt was trying to calm her, the head honcho flight attendant came by to help. (The pilot had called attention to the attendant calling her Miss Virgin Atlantic-- apparently she is one of their best attendants, and appears in all the commercials... ) She took Maddie (who was later passed around among the flight attendants) and gave her some "calming potion"-- basically children's tylenol I think. It worked! Maddie slept, well, like a baby, the rest of the night. As we were leaving the plane, she was standing at the exit and she exclaimed, "OH! There is my FAvOURITE baby from the flight!" (This was saying something as there were about 20 babies on that plane.)

We had dinner the first night at a GREAT curry house. As we came in I couldn't help but notice that the server had the personality of sawdust. Certainly not a people person. I thought to myself, If Maddie can charm this guy, she's golden. Within 5 minutes he was smiling at her, waving at her, and even brought her a lollipop! That's my girl!

Maddie has had a great time playing with cousin Lucas and meeting all of Matt's buddies.

Cousin Lucas was very nice to share his toys

She has hit the Pelsall Labour Club twice now on her social circuit. She was a big fan of Helen who gave her some Cadbury's-- mmmmmmmm! "Uncle" Pete is a favourite, of course. I'm looking forward to her meeting the rest of Matt's family, and to heading up to Alnwick for a week.
As always, more to follow! I'm trying to update pictures on FB nightly...

EXHAUSTED after a long first day in England!

Spinach Eggplant Lasagna

2011-04-29T17:14:00.000-04:00

I made this just like my regular spinach lasagna, except that I used sliced eggplant instead of lasagna noodles...

Spinach Eggplant Lasagna

Ingredients:

16 oz. ricotta cheese
16 oz. shredded mozerella (*I use 8 oz. mozerella/ 8 oz. parmesean)
1 jar sauce
1 eggplant, sliced
10 oz. spinach (*I use frozen-- thawed and drained)
1 T. minced garlic
1/2 C. chopped onion

Mix ricotta, 1/2 mozerella/ parmesean mix, garlic, onion, & spinach.

Layer a 13 x 9 or 9x9 pan-- Sauce, eggplant, cheese mixture-- repeat. Top with other 1/2 of mozerella/ parmesean mixture.

Bake at 350 for 1 hour

Tuesday, But Feels Like Monday...

2011-04-26T21:53:00.000-04:00

My little Easter Bunny

I do love an EXTRA long weekend, but MAN was it hard to go back today! I just couldn't get it together! First I couldn't get up... then at school it was like I had ZERO plans, even though I did.

Luckily the weekend was much more productive than today! We got some flowers planted and mulch down out front--

Friday night Maddie stayed with Aunt Lacy, so the hubby and I had a late-night-date-night... we went to a local bar when hubby got off work, then an extra late dinner at Waffle House. It was SO good! I haven't been there in ages! Man do I love a double order of hasbrowns covered!

Saturday I did some baking for dinner that night. Then I got Maddie and we headed to her first Easter egg hunt at Aunt Lacy's church. Needless to say she had no idea what was going on, and looked at us all as though we were crazy... but she did rack up some candy!

Oh! I almost forgot! I made my first cake sale this weekend! I made a friend at school a birthday cake-- and I must say, I was impressed with myself. She wanted a Raggedy Ann cake (She had one when she was 6...) and I have a pan my mom had from 1971... This is what I am planning for Maddie's (UPCOMING) 1st b-day, so I was glad to have a "practice run"

Sunday hubby went with Dad and my bros to the Nashville Predators hockey game... he had a BLAST! I'm so glad he had the night off and the opportunity to get out and have some fun...

So this is yet another short week... funny how those always seem longer some how... Oh well, 17.5 days left of school! WOO YEAH!

Book Club 2011, vol. 3

2011-04-20T23:34:00.000-04:00

Her Royal Spyness by Rhys Bowen
You Can't Drink All Day if You Don't Start in the Morning by Celia Rivenbark
The English American by Allison Larkin (audiobook)
Murder of a Chocolate Covered Cherry by Denise Swenson (audiobook)
Her Fearful Symmetry by Audrey Niffenegger (audiobook)
The Help by Kathryn Stockett
Ghost Soldier by Elaine Marie Alphin (school)
A Red Herring Without Mustard by Alan Bradley (audiobook)
The Secret Garden by Frances Hodgson Burnett (school)
Unbearable Lightness by Portia De Rossi
Joey Pigza Swallowed the Key by Jack Gantos

Currently Reading:

The Great Gilly Hopkins by Katherine Paterson-- reading this one at school as my kids read their book report books.

The Watsons Go to Birmingham, 1963 by Christopher Paul Curtis-- I read this one to the kids at school every year-- GREAT books.

Currently Listening:

Faithful Place by Tana French-- this is the 3rd in the Dublin Murder Squad series. I have really enjoyed these books... Looking forward to the 4th already.

Up Next:

Water for Elephants by Sara Gruen-- Justy Mac and I have decided to make this the next book club book.

Joey Pigza Loses Control by Jack Gantos-- can't believe I have gone all these years teaching without having read these books!

As for my next audiobook, I am thinking 1st to Die by James Patterson. I know several people that really enjoy his books, thought I might give it a shot.

Any opinons?

--

As always-- add me as a friend on Goodreads-- http://www.goodreads.com/sdaunsra

and at The Two Pelicans Book Club-- http://pelicansbookclub.blogspot.com/

Photo Update~ April

2011-04-20T21:26:00.000-04:00

Teething SUCKS!

Maddie meets her CA cousins

NAP TIME!

Mae & Maddie

Cousins <3

Jess & I with our girls

Matt and Mae play some ball

My little doll

Have passport, WILL travel!

Ready for Gma's 95th b-day party

Happy birthday Grandma!

Pulling up already

Enjoying Spring weather and dinner on the deck

Clapping!

Master of Crawling

Home Sweet Home

2011-03-25T23:40:00.000-04:00

Hubby and I had a great trip to Vegas with Justy & Matt-- but boy was I glad to get home! (Of course, I ESPECIALLY missed Miss Maddie!)

That said, man did I need a vacation! I didn't even realize just how much! Although this has been a short week for me-- since I came back Tuesday, I only worked Weds-Fri, I feel like I have actually TAUGHT for the first time in I don't know when!

We are now 2 weeks away from the "all important" standardized tests... Since I took 6 weeks off at the beginning of the year, I feel like I am 6 weeks behind. We are zipping through decades in Social Studies, racing through various concepts in Science, and frantically reviewing in math & language arts. And while I have been EXHAUSTED (from my vacation ironically), I feel like we have really worked hard and been successful this week.

WOO!!!

Enjoyed a nice HH outing this evening. Maddie was fantastic-- but really tired at the end. She crashed on the way home

Fingers crossed for a productive weekend!

You Asked For It!

2011-03-08T11:32:00.000-05:00

Well, since Mary INSISTS that I post MORE pictures of the World's CUTEST Baby.... I will oblige!

Here is your daily dose--

I certainly needed a smile today myself. It was 10 years ago that I lost my mother. I can't believe it! A whole decade! It seems to really hit me harder this year, I think because of Maddie. My mom would have been NUTS over her! I hate, more than anything, that my mom never got the chance to be a grandmother-- especially to this sweet baby girl! The only solace I have is that I know Maddie has a very special guardian angel watching her always.

It is one of my main goals to make sure that Maddie knows all about her grandmother, and what a terrific person she was. I can't wait until she is old enough to enjoy all the crazy tales of my mother. For now, I rest assured that she would have been very proud of me, and of Maddie!

Hanging On....

2011-03-07T11:07:00.001-05:00

(Said in my best teacher voice):

4 DAYS 'TIL SPRING BREAK!

I am BEYOND ready for a break! My brain is mush. My body is tired. And my heart just isn't in it right now. The school system took our 2 days (one was a holiday, one was a professional development day-- both involved NO STUDENTS) because of snow days. We still have some snow days left, but they were worried b/c we have used so many before standardized tests. If we don't use these days, we are supposed to get them back at the end of the year. That's all fine and well-- but I really could have used those 2 days for my sanity in February.

Once we return after spring break, we only have 2 weeks till the dreaded tests. EEK! Pretty sure I have 8 decades to get through in SS. (I am doing 2 decades this week-- HOLD ON!)

But after tests, it's pretty much all down hill-- only 6 weeks left... BRING IT!

In the meantime, this keeps me smiling--

Book Club 2011, vol. 2

2011-03-05T18:01:00.000-05:00

Her Royal Spyness by Rhys Bowen
You Can't Drink All Day if You Don't Start in the Morning by Celia Rivenbark
The English American by Allison Larkin (audiobook
Murder of a Chocolate Covered Cherry by Denise Swenson (audiobook)
Her Fearful Symmetry by Audrey Niffenegger
The Help by Kathryn Stockett
Ghost Soldier by Elaine Marie Alphin (school)
A Red Herring Without Mustard by Alan Bradley (audiobook)

Currently Reading:

Unbearable Lightness by Portia De Rossi-- So far I like this one. I don't usually read biographies or autobiographies-- but Justy Mac suggested this one for our BOOK CLUB read. I loved Ally McBeal so I am finding it interesting when she discusses what it was like on set, etc.

Currently Listening:

I am without an audiobook at the moment! Tragic, I know! I may hit the public library this week for one. Suggestions???

Up Next:

Faithful Place by Tana French-- I think this will be my next audio download from audible.com. I have listened to the first 2 in this series, and really enjoyed them.

Chelsea, Chelsea, Bang, Bang by Chelsea Handler may be my next read. Spring Break is coming up week after next-- I will need something fun and easy!

As always-- add me as a friend on Goodreads-- http://www.goodreads.com/sdaunsra

Pictures Pages

2011-02-04T21:39:00.000-05:00

Maddie with two of her favorite men: Daddy & Carl

Who you calling, "High Maintenance?!"

GRRRRRRRR....

Hi-YA!

Book Club 2011, vol. 1

2011-01-31T13:53:00.000-05:00

This year I have set the goal of reading 35 books. This also includes audiobooks-- which I love to listen to while driving to and from school, cooking, cleaning, laundry, etc. And I got a Kindle for Christmas-- which I LOVE! (Thanks Hubby!)

Here is my list so far:

Her Royal Spyness by Rhys Bowen-- this is a fun, easy mystery set in London in the 1920's.
You Can't Drink All Day if You Don't Start in the Morning by Celia Rivenbark-- a collection of funny essays mainly pertaining to Southern women. I didn't enjoy this one as much as I hoped I would, but it was OK.
The English American by Allison Larkin (audiobook)-- I really enjoyed this one! Between her ties to both Britain and America, and the fact she is adopted, I found I had a lot in common with the main character.
Murder of a Chocolate Covered Cherry by Denise Swenson (audiobook)-- also a fun, easy mystery. I enjoy these mysteries that also incorporate baking. Seems there are several series of them now.

Currently Reading:

The Help by Kathryn Stockett
I swear, I will finish this one soon! I love it!

Ghost Soldier by Elaine Marie Alphin
Reading this one to the kids at school. We missed so many days for snow I feel like we will never finish it. This one relates to the Civil War.

Currently Listening:

Her Fearful Symmetry by Audrey Niffenegger
Ia m really enjoying this one. It is different and kind of strange. Again, it takes place in London (one of my favorite places, can you tell?) This is by the author that wrote The Time Traveller's Wife, which I never read. But several reviews of HFS have made complaints because it is not like TTTW-- well, who would want the same book all over again?

Up Next:

Unberable Lightness by Portia De Rossi
This is one my friend and fellow book club blogger Justy Mac chose for our reading selection. I hear great things about it. I did a lot of research on eating disorders in several of my psychology classes in college, so I look forward to her perspective on it.

Whiskey Sour by J.A. Konrath
Saw this one on sale on audible.com. Looks fun!

My friend Justy Mac and I have started a book club blog this year-- please feel free to read with us, or comment on what we are reading or should read next!

Two Pelicans Book Club

This makes me laugh...

2011-01-30T09:45:00.000-05:00

TOTALLY gonna make the kids watch this when we do geometry at school!

This is My Life...

2011-01-27T13:52:00.000-05:00

One of our spelling words this week is "insects"

One answer on today's practice test-- "incests"

(sigh)

---
Background: I have been grading last week's reading quiz. We read a story called The Silent Lobby about a group of black people that went to DC to lobby b/c their votes had not been counted in the recent election. This takes place during the Civil Rights Movement, so of course, they had to do various things in order to even be allowed to vote. In this case, the people had to pass a literacy test, pay a poll tax, and interpret the state constitution.

Question #3: What 3 things did the narrator's dad have to do in order to vote?

Answer: He had to write, read, and poot the constintushin in his own words.

Calling All Bookworms!

2011-01-24T18:50:00.000-05:00

Join me & my friend Justy Mac on our book club blog--

The Two Pelicans Book Club

Currently we are reading The Help by Kathryn Stockett... well, I am STILL reading, Justy Mac has already finished. Have you read it? Join us! Tell us what you think-- just don't talk about the ending YET, please! :)

Next up is Unbearable Lightness by Portia De Rossi-- come read with us!

Have recommendations? We like those too!

Winter Blues

2011-01-18T19:53:00.001-05:00

So yesterday or today (I've heard differing reports) is supposed to be the saddest day of the year. This is due to BLAH weather, short daylight hours, and credit card bills rolling in from Christmas. While I don't feel particularly depressed, certainly not more so than usual, it did make me think about things that cheer me up or keep me sane on a daily basis.

First of all, this face:

I have also enjoyed reading more lately-- something I have made a priority. Currently I am reading The Help by Kathryn Stockett. More on that over at Two Pelicans Book Club.

Today on the way home from school I heard two songs that made me smile. One was new, or at least new to me. It's called Jar of Hearts by Christina Perri. If you haven't heard this song-- I suggest you try to find it somewhere and give it a listen.

**I found it for you :)

Second, heard Sexy Back by Justin Timberlake. I haven't heard this in ages! It always makes me want to DANCE! (Plus I always laugh at the background vocal "YEAH!" that occurs throughout the song b/c my friend's husband pointed out it sounds like a parrot).

One of the main things that made me happy today is that it was not a total circus at school. As we have been off for 6 days due to snow, there was every chance it would be. The kids actually worked harder and behaved better than usual. Then I found out there is a full moon. Aha!

Oh yeah, and the bag of peanut M&Ms that my TA brought me didn't hurt either!

So what about you guys? What makes you happy during these bleak days of winter?

Thank You Martin Luther King, Jr.

2011-01-17T18:43:00.000-05:00

This gives me chills EVERY time I hear it-- esp around the 2 min mark. I show this to my students every year, explaining that less than 24 hrs later MLK Jr was assinated.

A great man.

A great cause.

A true Hero.

I Pity The Fool

2011-01-13T10:52:00.000-05:00

Maddie rocks her Mr. T onesie, skinny jeans, and new Chucks...

Two Pelicans Walk Into a Bar...

2011-01-12T12:06:00.000-05:00

So my friend JustyMac and I have decided to start a book club. As she lives 3 hrs away from me, meeting to discuss our thoughts is not always an option. So we have created a Book Club Blog where we can list our throughts and feelings about the chosen literary works.

The Two Pelicans Book Club

(intrigued by the name? Make sure to read the ABOUT US page!)

Our first selection was recommended to me by Mary-- heck, she even loaned it to me-- and it has sat on my nightstand ever since. But no longer! Justy and I will begin The Help this week!

Curious about our thoughts, opinions, snide remarks? The follow along-- or heck, even read along with us! We can always make room for more pelicans at our bar!

(seriously, read the ABOUT US section!)

He Talk Pretty EVERYDAY

2011-01-10T21:50:00.000-05:00

A FANTASTIC interview with one of my FAVORITE writers-- David Sedaris.

In case you can't watch the video, here is a LINK to the interview...

Bravo, CBS! And thanks to my good buddy Ran(dom)Man for the post... :)

Snow Days Give Me Time to Post...

2011-01-10T14:59:00.000-05:00

6 months old

Face of Horror

MMMmmmm....

Olive Oil scalp treatment for cradle cap

1/10/11
5 inches

Oh, Hi Carl!

Have you seen all this snow??

We meet again!

One day... I will PULL that tail!

I Resolve...

2011-01-06T10:22:00.000-05:00

Every year I try to come up with a theme for my new year. Within this theme lie my resolutions. A couple of years ago my theme was to be FEARLESS! That was the year I got married... and pregnant... SUCCESS!

This year I have deemed the YEAR OF GETTING MYSELF TOGETHER! This is a more multifaceted theme than most. Not only do I want to get my physical self in better shape, but also my emotional self. Last year WAS a roller coaster afterall! Of course, I firmly believe that by getting my physical self shaped up, that will in turn help a lot of my emotional stress.

Yes, I admit, I am resolving to lose weight. This, I feel, is possibly THE most unoriginal resolution. But alas! It must happen. I have decided to stagger my goals as far as this is concerned.

GOAL #1: Lose 10 lbs by Spring Break! This gives me approximately 9 wks. I'd like to be a bit more fit before VEGAS!

GOAL #2: Run another 1/2 marathon! (I swear I must be CRAZY!) I ran one a couple of years ago-- the YEAR OF BEING FEARLESS, actually-- and I did it! Of course, every step of the 13.1 miles I reminded myself that I hate running. However, truthfully, it wasn't as bad as I had envisioned. Plus I figure the training for this will help with Goal #1. And there is certainly a mental/ emotional component to pushing your body 13.1 miles. (Did I mention it was 13.1 miles?!)

GOAL #3: Be more positive at school! This is one of my major emotional issues. I am burnt out! TOAST! I really feel I need a change, and I have discussed this with my princi, but of course there is not much I can do before next school year. In the meantime, I need to suck it up and stop complaining about THIS year.

GOAL #4: Purge the house! I have done this several times in the last couple of years, but somehow I still have a TON of stuff! And now that I have hubby here-- and he HATES the clutter!-- PLUS a bunch of baby stuff-- I really need to SERIOUSLY cut the clutter! And I need to ORGANIZE what I have. Oy! Luckily my school is planning a rummage sale this spring-- I could provide enough stuff on my own! I really am looking forward to getting this goal accomplished!

GOAL #5: Become more financially saavy! Hubby has helped with this a LOT... as has refinancing the mortgage. I still suck at bills and balancing budgets-- but I vow to at least try harder!

So there it is! Now that it's out there, I hope I will feel more pressure to get these accomplished! Feel free to bug me from time to time on how I am doing.

Monkey Business

2011-01-05T11:23:00.000-05:00

I admit, I was NOT looking forward to today. Not. At. All.

Today is the first day back at school with the kids here. I'm seriously ready to retire. (sigh)

A fellow teacher and good friend of mine stopped me in the hall this morning, and what she had to say TOTALLY turned my day around. This friend of mine is a kindergarten teacher-- something I could NEVER do. This year she has a blind student in her classroom-- talk about adding an EXTRA challenge to an already tough job! (UTMOST respect I have for her!)

Another student in her class came in today with a Build-A-Bear box. Inside was an ADORABLE monkey that he had made at the Build-A-Bear store over the break. But unlike the typical 5 yr old kid, this boy had made the monkey for his friend, the blind student. When squeezed, the monkey plays the message, "Hello _________. I really hope you like this monkey from your best friend _________."

I admit, tough old, cranky me MELTED! I was SO impressed with this kid's generosity and caring! I even wrote him a card telling him what an awesome kid I think he is.

I get so bogged down day to day with the irritating shenanigans of the kids, that I often forget about the sweethearts that we DO have.

I sincerely hope my daughter grows up to be like this kid!

Day Late, Dollar Short

2010-12-02T21:47:00.000-05:00

1. What is the most interesting thing you've done in the last year?

Um... HAVE A BABY!! Yep, definitely think that wins...

2. What is your most meaningful family heirloom?

Anything that was my mom's I guess... not sure I could narrow it down... I love things that make me remember funny stories or specific times with her. I look forward to telling Miss Priss all about her Grandma G...

3. What food festival would you most like to attend? If you're not sure click here to see a list of possibilities.

I've got to agree with From This Side of the Pond on this one--

-the Epernay Christmas Champagne Market...champagne sipped in France...two of my favorite things

4. Snow...do you love it or is it considered a four letter word where you live?

If it's got to be bitterly cold-- then there should be snow! My favorite snow is that which gets me OUT OF SCHOOL! There is nothing so wonderful as seeing your school district name scroll across the TV early in the AM, turning OFF your alarm, and then rolling back over to sleep some more... I do love to just sit and watch it snow. However, when it starts to melt and gets all muddy-- I find that terribly depressing.

5. Can you ski? Do you ski? Are you any good?

No & no... Tried once, couldn't stop, had to throw myself down on the ground. After someone skiid over my head, I was done. Meet you in the lodge with a tasty beverage by the fire, thanks!

6. What quality in your spouse or best friend are you most thankful for?

Well, the Hubby has packed up, moved across the pond, had to adjust to a new country AND being a new dad... He's done a damn good job! It's been a big year, people!
7. Describe the coziest spot in your home.

Currently the living room... I LOVE CHRISTMAS LIGHTS! I love sitting in the glow of all the Christmas trees (3 big ones, 3 small ones, plus lights on the piano) in the living room. Put White Christmas on the TV and I am in heaven!
8. Insert your own random thought here.

11 Days left of school til break. Yes, teachers countdown too!

November: A Recap in Pictures

2010-11-27T14:57:00.000-05:00

One of my FAV pics of Maddie-- modelling her skinny jeans and Chucks

Turning another year older

Eating food for the first time

Reunited with my girls

Completed my first cake decorating class

Maddie working in her "office"

1st Thanksgiving for Maddie (& the hubby!)

I love this cutie!

Maddie models the outfit her Daddy bought her

Ready for December!

Book Club 2010: Vol. 8

2010-11-22T22:03:00.000-05:00

Wow... I seriously haven't updated this in a LONG time! Oh well-- I **have** been a little busy! ;-)

1. Monday Mourning by Kathy Reichs

2. The Sweetness at the Bottom of the Pie by Alan Bradley (audiobook)

3. The London Eye Mystery by Siobhan Dowd (audiobook)

4. The Killings at Badger's Drift by Caroline Graham

5. The Girl with the Dragon Tattoo by Steig Larsson (audiobook)

6. The Girlfriend's Guide to Pregnancy (2nd Edition) by Vicki Iovine

7. Holes by Louis Sachar (school)

8. Four to Score by Janet Evanovich (audiobook)

9. Real Murders by Charlaine Harris (audiobook)

10. The Weed that Strings the Hangman's Bag by Alan Bradley (audiobook)

11. Key Lime Murders by Joanne Fluke (audiobook)

13. Dead Until Dark by Charlaine Harris (audiobook)

14. Who Was Eleanor Roosevelt? by Gare Thompson (school)

15. The Cream Puff Murder by Joanne Fluke

16. Dare to Dream: Coretta Scott King & the Civil Rights Movement by Angela Shelf Medaris

17. A Bone to Pick by Charlaine Harris (audiobook)

18. Shakespeare's Landlord by Charlaine Harris (audiobook)

19. In the Woods by Tana French

20. Fatal Voyage by Kathy Reichs (audiobook)

21. The Lighthouse by PD James

22. Eat, Love, Pray by Elizabeth Gilbert

23. The Likeness by Tana French (audiobook)

**I also relistened to Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows to prepare for the movie release.

Currently Reading:

* Ghost Soldier by Elaine Marie Alphine
(Reading it to the kids at school)

Next up is The Help-- which someone has loaned me-- though I may have to audiobook this one too, as it takes me AGES to read things now... (The audiobook is 18+ hrs!)

I have also had the Black Dagger Brotherhood series recommended to me. If only I didn't have to teach and could just READ all day... (sigh)

Currently Listening to:
*Spider Bones by Kathy Reichs

Started this one today. I needed something I didn't have to think so much about after listening to The Likeness by Tana French.

Wednesday Hodgepodge

2010-11-10T19:25:00.000-05:00

Got this from Life in a Small Town...

1. Do you think you're more like your mom or your dad?

Mom... DEFINITELY my mom! (Thank goodness!) That's not to say that I haven't picked some things up from my dad-- especially in the area of music appreciation... But as I get older, I find myself more and more like my mom.
2. Do you like roller coasters?

Yes. But I hate sitting in the car as it click-click-clicks up the hill... that moment of dread-- wishing I could get off and walk back down... but once the excitement starts-- I LOVE it!
3. How did you name your blog and do you now wish you'd thought about it maybe another five minutes before you hit publish? Would you change your blog title if it were not a huge pain in the derriere? (French makes everything sound a little nicer doesn't it?)

Nah, it's ok... I created this blog when I was applying to teach in England. I created it to correspond with other expat teachers. That goal has long since passed-- instead I imported an Englishman! :) I guess the title is somewhat misleading, as my blog no longer really pertains exclusively to school or my job-- but it still describes me, so I'm fine with it.

4. What is the best wedding gift you received? Not married? Didn't get any gifts? Then what is the best wedding gift you've given?

Wow, this is a toughie! I received so many wonderful things... but have since received so many baby gifts that I can't even think... I'm a huge fan of gift cards-- I know they seem impersonal and "the easy way out"... but I like to view them as practical-- allowing people to get what they REALLY want or need.
5. What is the one bill you most hate to pay?

Right now the damn internet bill... for some reason I CANNOT log on to AT&T's website and pay online. And of course, I no longer receive a paper bill (though I have hopefully remedied this tonight)... thus I have to call. Mr. Automated Man often cannot seem to understand when I key things in on my phone ("BIGBOY!")... thus it is a collosal pain in the ass. And did you know if you have a HUMAN BEING process your payment on the phone it is an extra $5? WTF?!!
6. Is the glass half full or half empty?

I really try to keep it half full... but usually at school it is half-empty. (I'm really burnt out, can you tell?)

7. What is your favorite word? Okay okay. Calm down. How about one of your favorite words?

I have a lot of favorite words... (not all "appropriate") ;-)

Dude has consistently been one of my favorites... I once over heard some students at school arguing over who had the coolest teacher (a high honor, let me tell ya!)... the kid in my class said, "My teacher is the coolest because she says 'dude' and 'yo'." So there it is.

8. Something random...

Maddie models her new Madonna shirt-- I love my little retro baby!

Make New Friends, But Keep the Old...

2010-11-10T09:57:00.000-05:00

Had a FANTASTIC time last night at dinner with some former co-workers. This is the first time we have gotten the WHOLE group together in years! Man I miss these people! It was great to reminisce and laugh about the past. It was also cool that they have now ALL met Miss Priss-- she was GREAT at the restaurant, and got MANY compliments.

My Bucket List

2010-11-08T23:02:00.000-05:00

I never saw the movie... nor have I actually taken time to WRITE my list out... but I did finally do something I have WANTED to do for awhile now-- I enrolled in a cake decorating class.

Hubby's mom sent me $$ for my b-day-- and this is how I chose to spend it. A good friend of mine is going with me-- which makes it that much more fun. Tonight was our first class and I LOVED IT! We didn't do much-- but just seeing what all we will be learning is SO exciting!

I love to bake-- I find it relaxing-- especially when I can do it uninterrupted. (Not that that happens much now-- not so much baby's fault as much as hubby asking me questions or trying to get me to do something else right that minute).

My mom taught be some cake decorating basics... and I have always loved it. Mom made my cakes growing up-- And I want to be able to share that special skill with Maddie as she grows.

I would LOVE to be able to just bake all the time... I know NOTHING about running a bakery-- and it today's shaky economy I know a business venture like that would be risky at best... but perhaps that will be another item on my Bucket List.

34-- The Year of the Purge

2010-11-07T08:03:00.000-05:00

Another year, another candle... And man-- What a year it has been!! I think I might FINALLY be a real adult! HAHAHAHAHHA...

In the past year I have conquered the frustrating world of US Immigration, survived one of the worst school years of my career, made it through 8 mo. of pregnancy on my own, given birth to the most beautiful girl in the world, refinanced my mortgage, cleared all debt, and have now filed my first claim on my homeowner's insurance...

Every year on my birthday I make a plan for the upcoming year-- the way people do on New Year's. This birthday "Yearlong Theme" then ties in with any resolutions I make 2 months later... A few years ago I decided to stop being afraid of everything-- to live fearlessly... This was the year I got engaged and married-- after a crazy, wild 2 years of transatlantic communication. Last year I vowed to take better care of myself. This worked out well as I was constantly at various Drs during the pregnancy. I certainly overcame many of my medical fears during the past year!

This year is going to be about organization. Pardon my french, but I have GOT to get my shit together! When I moved to the house I am in now, I had to go through and purge a LOT! However, I was still very emotional about my mom's passing and all of her belongings... So I really brought a BUNCH of stuff I don't need, will never use, and don't really even know what it is. I have purged a lot during the last 7 years of being here... but I still have TOO MUCH STUFF! And in addition to that-- the stuff I have is NOT well organized.

(**Note: I am NOT a hoarder-- please no one recommend me for the show on A&E**)
;-)

NOW you add on all the baby paraphenelia-- oy! Plus Hubby, of course, brought stuff with him. (Luckily it wasn't a LOT as he was moving across the Atlantic... but still...)

I've always had a lot of STUFF... My bedroom growing up was super cluttered-- but it was my prized possessions! Being surrounded by these treasures made me feel safe and secure. (This is probably why I clung to my mom's things for so long...) But now I feel suffocated by these things... Drowning.

I'm not saying I want to get rid of EVERYTHING... But the purge will continue-- and with greater intensity this time!

Pet Peeve of the Day

2010-11-06T22:57:00.000-04:00

People that pronounce "Tennessee" as though it ended with an "ay"

i.e. TennessAY

Temporarily MIA

2010-07-23T21:13:00.000-04:00

So it's been a busy couple of weeks...

"Miss Priss" (aka Maddie) arrived a wee bit earlier than expected. I was scheduled for a c-section on Wednesday, 7/7-- I went in on Monday to have my last NST and get all my blood work taken care of. Well, my BP was WAY high and wouldn't come down. The nurse said, "I'm going to call the Dr.-- but there's a good chance you will be having this baby today!"

(Insert Hubby almost falling in the floor here)

A few minutes later she comes in and says, "The Dr. is on her way-- let's get your IV started!" Talk about not having time to totally process, let alone be worried or scared. Hubby and I were not exactly prepared-- didn't have our bags with us, his phone was on it's last ounce of power, and while I did have the camera-- it's battery was also in need of a charge. Oy!

Everything went great though. We had a fantastic anesthesiologist-- he managed to keep Matt calm by discussing the World Cup and all things soccer... And he did a great job of explaining the spinal block to me and keeping me calm!

About an hour and a half after the announcement that Miss Priss' arrival was imminent, she was here! WOW! She was still breech-- sitting indian style, with her back to belly. First thing the Dr said when she saw her was, "We have a baby moon!"

After we heard her first cry, hubby and I were greeted with the most beautiful, wide-eyed baby girl ever! She is simply perfect! She has a head full of hair-- was DARK brown when she was born, but has since lightened. She is VERY alert-- loves to look at you, make faces, and just listen. For as stubborn as she has been the last 9 mo. she is a very easy baby-- rarely cries, sleeps well, etc.

Our only issue has been weight gain. She was 6lbs. 14.5oz. when she was born-- later dropped down to 6lbs. 3oz.-- which is normal-- but then we had a booger of a time getting her to bulk back up. We went to the Dr EVERY day for weight checks. I am happy to report that as of today she has surpassed her birth weight-- she gained 9oz this week and now weighs 7lbs. 1oz.!

---

(*PS-- some of you may have noticed that my blog temporarily disappeared-- apparently my email account got hacked, and thus suspended... )

Spinach Lasagna

2010-06-28T19:25:00.000-04:00

It's what's for dinner!

Spinach Lasagna

Ingredients:

16 oz. ricotta cheese
16 oz. shredded mozerella (*I use 8 oz. mozerella/ 8 oz. parmesean)
1 jar sauce
1 pkg. lasagna noodles
10 oz. spinach (*I use frozen-- thawed and drained)
1 t. minced garlic
1 t. minced onion
chopped onion

Mix ricotta, 1/2 mozerella/ parmesean mix, garlic, onion, & spinach.

Layer a 13 x 9 or 9x9 pan-- Sauce, noodles, cheese mixture-- repeat. Top with other 1/2 of mozerella/ parmesean mixture.

Bake at 350 for 1 hour

SNORT!

2010-06-28T11:37:00.000-04:00

I cannot stop laughing! My friend Pete posted this on his FB page-- a spoof of Bonnie Tyler's Total Eclipse of the Heart video... Any child of the 80s is familiar with this over-the-top, slightly creepy video... a true classic!

---
On the baby front-- Miss Priss refused to turn-- so now we are scheduled for a C-section on July 6th-- a week from tomorrow!! I can honestly say I am BEYOND ready for her to be here-- and OUT of my aching body! Between achy back, hips, etc... and the HEAT and HUMIDITY (I'm sorry-- it's ridiculous to be 80 degrees at 9am!)

Hubby is, of course, upset that England is out of the World Cup... personally I am kind of glad there are no more "life-altering" matches we HAVE to available to watch. I mean, he will watch the rest of the matches, but if one is missed-- it isn't a tragedy. I'm soccered out! Glad this only rolls around once every 4 yrs. I'm ready for some good ol' AMERICAN football!

I have one of my last Dr appts today... hopefully the BP will be down and this will not turn into a 4hr event... as it USUALLY does! oof!

Donde Esta??

2010-06-19T19:02:00.000-04:00

Yes, yes... I have been MIA for awhile... but I have good excuses!

BEST excuse is that hubby is FINALLY here! YAY! Almost 10 mo. of the immigration process about did me in-- but I survived! It has been SO nice to have him here to help. And he has been quite busy-- though never fear-- he's had plenty of time to keep up with World Cup! (Too bad England has been rubbish! -- even my MIL says so!)

with the brothers after England's draw with the US

We have also been busy finishing up the nursery-- I saved the shelves project for him! And he has done an EXCELLENT job painting and hanging the shelves-- I am SO happy to have them up and ready--

Another biggie has been getting, putting together, and installing the travel system. This has resulted in some "colorful" language and hilarious quotes-- "Do not take anymore pictures because I am really not happy!" (I was, of course, photoing the whole event)... "You need a f-ing mechanical engineering degree to put this together!" "What the hell *is* this?!" "Look! Little hubcaps!" "How do stupid people do this?"

Again, Daddy has done a great job!

Next up: the baby!! Miss Priss is still breech-- they are going to try to turn her on Monday, so we shall see. I am ready for her to be here-- well OUT of me anyway... It is HOT (mid to upper 90s most days), humid, and I am really uncomfortable. I was positive my feet/ ankles would split open last night. Everyone tells me how great I look-- but WOOF! I am NOT feeling it!

And I just snorted at an email I received-- something from The Bump, or What to Expect... "36 Weeks: Take advantage of that energy surge!" Who the hell are they kidding? What energy surge? Where? It took EVERYTHING I had to drag my swollen self out of bed today-- and even then I did it more out of guilt than anything.

Miss Priss is moving-- which is good-- though it makes me nauseous sometimes... And I don't think she is moving to the head down position-- just dancing-- or re-enacting moments from the World Cup. Oof!

So that's where I've been. I hope to be more "with it"-- we'll see!

Post-It Note Tuesday: Weekly Planning

2010-06-08T08:30:00.000-04:00

Make sure and LINK UP if you play!!

Picture Pages

2010-06-05T08:00:00.000-04:00

More pictures from this week-- it's been quite productive!

Closet-- AFTER I purged about 3/4 of the stuff in there!

Purged closet items ready for donation! WOO!

The closet wasn't the only thing that got organized-- the nursery is also taking shape!

Needless to say, I have been EXHAUSTED since these two projects... I pretty much put myself on bedrest yesterday-- feeling MUCH better today. I have some chores to take care of, but nothing nearly this strenuous. I am looking forward to finishing up the nursery (last baby shower tomorrow, and shelves up once daddy gets here on Tuesday!)

Merci!

2010-06-03T12:51:00.000-04:00

Therapy Time! Make sure to LINK UP at The Daily Dribbles if you play....

To a so-called "good friend"-- REALLY?! Do you honestly think that I am SO stupid that I don't know you are lying to me left and right? See the problem with lying is, once you tell one, you have to tell another, and then another to cover your tracks. And Einstein-- when you tell me one thing, then all our mutual friends the complete opposite-- do you REALLY think I won't hear about it? Do you want to be found out or are you just that bad at lying? I have gone OUT OF MY WAY for you over the last several years-- and for what? To be treated this way? I realize you are in some sort of identity-crisis-can't-find-myself phase of life-- but here's some advice from someone older and MUCH wiser-- DO NOT piss off every friend you have-- every person who has ever been there for you when no one else was... Beacause soon (VERY SOON) you will need those people and guess what? They won't be there this time because you have treated them like SHIT! Do NOT come crying to me next time-- because honestly, I am done! I do NOT care! This is the choice YOU made-- you have to learn for yourself. But in order to do that, I suggest you get your head out of your egotistical ass (not EVERYTHING is about you, by the way-- other people have stress and drama to deal with in theor own lives-- you would know this if you ever took 5 minutes to ask someone how THEY are instead of instantly dumping all YOUR problems on them...) and take a look around-- it's starting to look like a lonely place for you.

Whoa... that felt good!

To myself-- Why in the heck did you let the closet get so out of control? You seriously have to do better about this!
To the HEAT-- really? Is this necessary? mid-eighties to 90s... You're killing me! I absolutely DREAD the thought of waddling across the parking lot at the Dr today... HUMPH!
To the kitchen counter-- why must you always be cluttered? Why? Same goes for you Mr. Dresser! and Dust-- WTF?! GO AWAY!

The Monster in my Closet

2010-06-03T08:43:00.001-04:00

So where was I yesterday? IN THE CLOSET most of the day... I have been clearing things out, little by little... 2 or 3 bags to the thrift store here and there. I REALLY thought I was doing good... UNTIL I got it in my head that what I needed to do was take EVERYTHING out of the closet, sort through, clear out, and then rearrange... HOLY COW!

As I removed things yesterday, I went through, bagging up what I was getting rid of... throwing away any trash, or treasures I no longer wanted. I still don't have EVERYTHING out (mainly shoes left), but I do have 3 bags of trash, and 6 BIG bags of stuff to donate! Oy! And I am STILL not sure there will be room for Hubby and his clothes... Hopefully he won't bring much! ;-)

Before

Keepers stayed on the bed... Cleo made sure they had ample cat hair

OK, I admit... I have a sock addiction... (sigh) I filled OVER half of a large black trash bag with socks to donate... It was hard, but the way I figure... now I have room for NEW fun socks!

Possibly the only thing I have more of than socks, is hangers! As God as my witness- I'll never buy hangers again!

Mr. Sneaky here! Carl camoflauges himself... You can't see me!

So this AM I am back to work... gotta get all the shoes out, vacuum, move some stuff around... then start reloading the closet. I will do my very best to rope off a section for the hubby...

AND, after today's Dr. appt, it's time to move this organizational party downstairs to the nursery! WOOHOO!

LET'S DO THIS!!

Booty-Shakin' Baby Shower

2010-06-01T16:47:00.000-04:00

Here are some of the pictures from the baby shower Saturday at King Tut's--

Egyptian Sampler... Mmmmmmmmmmmmm
Pink Lemonade Vodka Reactions..

What teachers do during summer vacation...

Photofetti cupcakes

My hostesses with the mostests

Some of the best "aunts" any little girl could ask for! Lucky Miss Priss!

Post-It Note Tuesday: Baby Shower Lyrics Edition

2010-06-01T09:48:00.000-04:00

So this past weekend I had not one, but TWO fantastic baby showers. The one Sunday was your typical chicken salad croissant affair... But Saturday night was different! It was the rockin'est, most booty-shakin' baby shower ever! Three of my amazing friends from high school organized the event at this crazy joint nearby called King Tut's... Pictures will follow in the next post. For now, on to the business at hand...

One of the most fun things about King Tut's is the music... sometimes it's kareoke, sometimes it's just get up and dance... And then there is always the music in the car on the way there. So today's post-its feature some lyrics from Saturday night's festivities--

I'm willing to bet you now have one of these stuck in your head.

You're welcome!

Make sure and LINK up if you play!

Heartburn, Peanut Butter, and a Soapbox Rant

2010-05-29T07:05:00.000-04:00

First of all... 8 mo. preggers + Mexican Food + Criminal Minds = HEARTBURN and CRAZY dreams! Luckily I am pretty sure the team from the BAU saved the day every time!

This of course led to me being wide awake at 5:30am... woof. I will HAVE to have a nap later... before the big baby shower party at King Tut's!

Yesterday was a good day-- certainly better than Thursday! No emotional breakdowns... No crazy ass-hot weather... and NO WALMART! :) Lacy and I accomplished a LOT on our day of errands... well, I accomplished a lot-- poor Lacy was just kind of there for heavy lifting and support. I finally got some new glasses-- after carrying the prescription around for a month or so... This was quite a feat-- after awhile all the glasses started to look the same... (Hubby got new glasses yesterday too-- and said the same thing-- "Sometimes you can have too much choice, like peanut butter!"-- the first time he was here in the grocery store with me, he was AMAZED at the selection and varieties of peanut butter we have-- "Who could ever need THAT many kinds of peanut butter? Crazy Americans!")

Also got some more shorts, eye make-up, & cell phone cover... plus Lacy and I got rid of a bunch of books at the used bookstore... YAY for decluttering the classroom... a little, anyway...

Speaking of classroom... YES, I know it's summer break, but I came across this article--

How to Handle a Problem Teacher

Needless to say the title intrigued me.Yes, yours truly has been that PROBLEM TEACHER a few times... Including this year (you're shocked, I know...) Decent advice for the most part... wish some of my parents had read this...

Something else to ask yourself, "Is everything my child saying COMPLETELY TRUTHFUL?" No parent wants to think their kid is a liar-- but how many times have we all exaggerated a teacher's behavior? I've been accused of craziness and things that don't remotely make sense... and if the parents stopped to think about it, they would have seen this too.

And bypassing the teacher and going straight to the principal-- first of all, YES, it blindsides the teacher-- which let me tell you does nothing really but piss them off. But it also usually irritates the principal as well. This happened to me this year-- and my princi was MAD-- not at me, but at the parent. When you think about it-- this is something we teach the kids at school-- conflict resolution! We encourage students to try to work out problems on their own-- before running and tattling to the teacher. It's the same in real life-- when you have a problem at work with someone, do you instantly run to the boss? Do you get mommy and daddy to call your boss and solve the problem for you?

THIS behavior is going to lead to a lot of problems for several kids I know-- yes another reason I can't wait for them to get to middle school and high school. Those principals and teachers won't allow parents to intervene as much as in elementary school. It's called growing up-- look in to it!

Just sayin'...

Thank You Very Much

2010-05-27T19:47:00.000-04:00

I have intentionally NOT done this for several weeks now, mainly because my anger and frustration has been at a boiling point... and I am supposed to be trying to keep the BP down... but as I have been even more furious today, I figured, What the heck?

To the US Embassy in London... SERIOUSLY?! Could you PLEASE take a little longer to send hubby's passport back? It's not like I am over 8 mo. pregnant and in desperate need of my husband for various reasons.
To the OBSCENE heat wave we are having-- 90 degrees in April and May?!! Take that idiots that say global warming is a farce! I wish all those idiots could be pregnant and dealing with this heat and humidity.
To the kid I called an idiot at Walmart today-- yeah, I meant that.
To all the other people at Walmart today-- yeah, I pretty much think you all are idiots too-- I just didn't have the energy to tell each and every one of you. I used all my spare energy telling the kid.
To gestational diabetes-- I F***ing HATE you!! All I want is frickin' donut! or a Frosty! or a Blizzard! Why must you make these days more miserable for me?? (By the way Oreo and Chips Ahoy commercials-- you better get the &$%^@ off my TV now!!)
To neighbor across the street-- I still hate your ugly, 1980s blue Camaro-- GET RID OF IT! It's not cool. It's not classic. It's trashy.
To Cleo-- I know you can't help it, but PLEASE stop yakking around the house! How many hairballs can one cat have?

OK... I will stop... Here's to hoping tomorrow is a better day.

Got someone to thank? Go to The Daily Dribbles and link up!

Post-It Note Tuesday

2010-05-25T09:09:00.000-04:00

I'm in a mood... so some aren't so nice... hormones people, hormones... Trust me, it could have been WAY more hateful! :)

Baby Shower Love

2010-05-23T22:36:00.000-04:00

I have said it before, and will say it again-- I have THE BEST friends and family! My friend Missy, her mom, mother & father in law, and sister in law gave Miss Priss and I a FANTASTIC baby shower today. Here are some highlights--

Not a REAL margarita!

Bon Jovi Baby!

Friday Five

2010-05-21T08:40:00.000-04:00

1. Do you have an iPhone and, if so, how do you get apps and what are your favorites?
Nope. I had a BAD experience with a Mac computer I owned and now pretty much avoid the brand... except for my iPod. But I really only use it in the car and when I travel-- I'm not one of these people that walk around with headphones on all the time.

2. What is your fondest memory of K-3rd grade?
I had awesome teachers! My first grade teacher missed a lot of the year b/c her mom was sick-- but then she was my 2nd grade teacher too-- Mrs. Myers! She was great! My 3rd grade teacher was a BLAST-- Mrs. Grantham. I remember we had weekly coloring contests in her room. And a luau at one point.

3. What makes you cringe at the thought of touching?
a SNAKE!

4. If you could have any celebrity show up on your doorstep who would it be and why?
HMMmmm... I think there are a lot of celebrities I would be scared to meet-- just because they do not give off a personable vibe. I think either Ellen or Sandra Bullock would be fun. They both seem approachable and REAL. And I think I would laugh my a$$ off with either!

5. What would you say is your best physical feature?
Probably my smile... I'd say that is what I get the most compliments on anyway...

Thursday Five

2010-05-20T13:54:00.000-04:00

The instructions--

Today's the day where we (those of us that want to) post 5 things that have made us

Joyful

Giddy

Excited

Thankful

Jubuliant

Just plain ol' happy this week!

So once you do that..come back HERE and link up.

1. BP was back down at my Dr. appt on Monday! YAY! I have to go twice a week now for non-stress tests-- they monitor the baby's heartbeat, and take my BP. Miss Priss has been great everytime they have monitored her-- once she calms down and stays in one place long enough to get a reading.

2. Bed Rest-- I am somewhat ashamed to say that I am SO glad to miss this last week of school! It is always crazy and hectic-- but this year I am sure would have been worse. I am completely ready to have this year far, FAR behind me! And Lord knows I needed some rest! I have enjoyed reading and catching up on my "stories." Sure it is hard for me to sit still and to rely on others so much, but I think I will manage!

3. Hope that Hubby will be here SOON! (Hopefully more info on THIS later!)

4. Friends and Family-- As I said above, I am having to rely more on others lately. This is hard as I have always been an independent person. THANKS to everyone that has helped-- grocery shopping, bringing me things from school I needed to finish grades, taken me to dinner, emailed, texted, etc...

5. All the baby things! Seeing this sea of pastels and pinks, diapers and bibs, teddy bears and onesies... It is really becoming REAL! Miss Priss will be here SOON! It's just hard to imagine!

Random Dozen

2010-05-19T00:00:00.002-04:00

1. What is one really fast, know-by-heart "go-to" meal to fix in a pinch?

Chicken casserole, though to be honest, I haven't made it in awhile... For parties my go-to is the ever famous Pizza Dip!

2. What is one item you won't leave home without. (Purse and license do not count.)

Cell Phone... I feel lost, for one thing. But I have also been involved in a wreck in a remote location with no phone-- NEVER again!

3. Where is one place you never tire of visiting?

Hmmmmm.... England-- especially now that I have family and friends there. Also, of course, Las Vegas!

4. Share one factoid of your family's history.

Well, one factoid that has popped up OVER AND OVER lately is that I do not know my family medical history. I was adopted in the 70's-- apparently before they required full family backgrounds & medical history. So on all these forms lately, I've had to explain that.

5. Complete this sentence: "Once upon a time I ...."

...thought I would be the Old-Maid, Crazy Cat Lady... Funny the difference a year can make!

6. If you could win a one year's supply of anything, what would it be?

gas (for the car!)... Petrol as the hubby calls it... Maybe the price would come down if we quit pumping it into the ocean...

7. "One quirky thing you may not know about me is ...."

I have adversions to food based on TEXTURE... hubby thinks I am insane. I cannot eat oatmeal, for example, because it gags me. Same with a banana. I like the flavor of bananas-- just not the texture.

8. You have one dollar in your pocket. What will you buy?

Probably a Diet Dr. Pepper

9. "One thing that always makes me laugh is ...."

my friends... We could start some sort of exercise regime-- LAUGH YOURSELF SKINNY! Hanging out with them is always an ab-buster workout!

10. What is one thing you could do today to help yourself reach a personal goal?

Clean the bathroom and bedroom... one step on my PREPARE THE HOUSE FOR HUBBY'S ARRIVAL!

11. What is one thing you could do today to bless someone else?

Say something nice... as I am on bed rest, and have limited mobility at the moment, it is hard for me to physically help anyone. If I could, my backside would be in Nashville helping friends there recover from the flood.

12. What is one thing you're looking forward to soon?

The arrival of hubby... soon followed by the arrival of Miss Priss!

Post It Note Tuesday

2010-05-18T17:53:00.000-04:00

I've seen this a couple of times on other blogs... Looked fun-- and I have plenty of time on my hands now... Wanna play too? GO HERE!

of sleeping in?!!

I <3 Carbs!

In the air anyway...

Ole!

Recipe Round-up: Dips

2010-05-18T11:08:00.000-04:00

I am always on the lookout for good recipes-- especially EASY recipes. So I have decided to share a recipe every so often, and hope that other will share some good ones with me! I decided to start with dips-- because they are always easy, and great for summer get-togethers!

I am SO often asked for this recipe-- especially after I have brought it to a party or shin-dig... It is SUPER easy-- and ALWAYS a crowd favorite (so much so that I usually bring two!)

Pizza Dip

1-- 9" pie pan (I usually get an aluminum one if I am taking this somewhere so I don't have to worry about getting the dish back)
1-- pkg. cream cheese
chopped onion (optional)
1-- jar pizza sauce
1-- pkg. finely shredded mozerella cheese
toppings (I usually use pepperoni, sun dried tomatoes, green onion, etc...)

Preheat oven to 350.

Press cream cheese in the bottom of the pie pan. Sprinkle chopped onion over cream cheese. Pour sauce over cream cheese and onions. Cover with mozerella. Add toppings.

Bake for 30 mins-- you want cheese to be melted and bubbly.

Serve with tortilla chips, crackers (I use Triscuits), small pieces of bread, etc.

**Kids LOVE this dip! Great for watching the big game, movie nights, etc. It can also be reheated.

OK, so who else has a great (EASY) dip recipe to share? Come on! You know you wanna!

Book Club 2010: Update

2010-05-17T19:29:00.000-04:00

1. Monday Mourning by Kathy Reichs

2. The Sweetness at the Bottom of the Pie by Alan Bradley (audiobook)
3. The London Eye Mystery by Siobhan Dowd (audiobook)
4. The Killings at Badger's Drift by Caroline Graham
5. The Girl with the Dragon Tattoo by Steig Larsson (audiobook)
6. The Girlfriend's Guide to Pregnancy (2nd Edition) by Vicki Iovine
7. Holes by Louis Sachar (school)
8. Four to Score by Janet Evanovich (audiobook)
9. Real Murders by Charlaine Harris (audiobook)
10. The Weed that Strings the Hangman's Bag by Alan Bradley (audiobook)
11. Key Lime Murders by Joanne Fluke (audiobook)
13. Dead Until Dark by Charlaine Harris (audiobook)
14. Who Was Eleanor Roosevelt? by Gare Thompson (school)
15. The Cream Puff Murder by Joanne Fluke
16. Dare to Dream: Coretta Scott King & the Civil Rights Movement by Angela Shelf Medaris
17. A Bone to Pick by Charlaine Harris (audiobook)
18. Shakespeare's Landlord by Charlaine Harris (audiobook)
Currently Reading:
* In the Woods by Tana French

I picked this one up on my way to the Dr. for one of my non-stress tests. It has received mixed reviews-- it appears people either love it or hate it. We'll see! I am just excited I have some time (& energy) to read now!

Currently Listening to:
*It Only Takes a Moment by Mary Higgins Clark

I actually haven't started this one yet... but probably will this week.
--

Links:

In the Woods

Audible.com

Goodreads.com

If you join, let me know-- we can be friends!

Quote of the Day and Other News...

2010-05-17T10:10:00.000-04:00

I was purusing through some blogs and sites today and came across this quote--

Patience may be a virtue, but I really don't know how much longer I'll be able to stand the wait.

I say, "AMEN!"

Things on the immigration front are moving more now, and really we are down to the final step... but I just want it DONE! And I want it done NOW! Is that too much to ask?

One thing I don't have to wait any longer for is the end of the school year. There is still one week left-- but yours truly will NOT be participating in the end of year madness. (Trust me, NO TEARS here!)

Last week I went to the Dr. and my BP was still high, so I have been placed on a modified bed rest. You won't hear me complaining! Lord knows I needed some rest!

All I need now is a good book to read!

Friday 5

2010-05-14T18:19:00.001-04:00

If it's good enough for The Rantings of a Southern Girl... it's good enough for me! :)

1. Take your pick...date night, girls night out, or night out alone?

HMMMMmmmm... well, I have had plenty of nights alone lately, so not that one. I do enjoy a good Girl's Night... But right now I would choose a date night-- cause that means the hubby would be HERE! I can't wait for him to get here so we can have some date nights (hopefully pre-baby arrival!)

2. Can you touch your nose with your tongue?

Nope... but I bet I looked funny trying!

3. What is your favorite flower and why?

My favorite flower is a pansy. I think it is because I always had my own flower bed as a kid-- and I would always get pansies for it. I like that they look like multi-colored panda bears... I also remember that How the Porcupine Lost her Quills made a cake for the end of our humanities class in HS... It said "Pansies are for Thoughts." For some reason that has always stuck with me. And my thoughts are usually about my mom. So double bonus!

4. If you could go back in time, what advice would you give yourself?

Don't be afraid!

5. If you won the lottery, what is the very first thing you would do?

Boring as it sounds, pay off some bills... then TRAVEL!

I'd Like to Thank the Little People...

2010-05-08T10:20:00.000-04:00

Mary at Life in a Small Town gave me an award!

Thank you so much! It came with conditions, though:

Accept and thank the person who gave it to you! List 10 things about yourself List 5 additional things you DON'T like Then pick ten people to give this lovely award to!

First of all, THANK YOU to Mary... I've been a blog slacker this week and last-- trust me! LOTS going on... But it's nice to know there are some people reading my rants and raves.

OK, ABOUT ME:

1. I am about to be a mom to (what I'm sure will be) a FANTASTIC little girl!
2. I am completely fed up with US Immigration... I just want my crazy British man HERE... is that too much to ask?
3. I like fun hairstyles and colors.
4. My cat Carl is INSANE... but very cute, which may be what saves his life.
5. My cat Cleo is a great friend... she is my sweet old lady cat.
6. At present time I cannot wait for school to be OVER!
7. I am addicted to audiobooks-- especially now that I rarely have time and energy to read.
8. I often wish I had taken Spanish instead of French... though now that I have a student from Haiti, the French is finally useful.
9. I'm definitely a jeans and tshirt kind of girl.
10. I love to travel-- esp. to England, Vegas, California...

DISLIKES:

1. Checking my blood sugar. This is only day two-- but what a pain!
2. Children with anger issues or that are otherwise disrespectful.
3. Pineapple, mushrooms, most beans... (This one's for Matt who swears I am a picky eater)
4. People who do not take responsibility for their actions.
5. Matt's cardiologist who is taking his sweet time sending the Embassy Dr. his report...

Now for passing it on... Not sure I know 10 people/ bloggers... but I will do my best--

How the Porcupine Lost Her Quills
Random Man
The Rantings of a Southern Girl
Blue Artichoke
Daisy Head

OK, 5 it is... Another part of my slacking I s'pose...

One if by land... Two if by sea...

2010-05-02T08:42:00.000-04:00

...Three if by Segway?!

Picture is Unrelated

I couldn't resist... My friend had this on his blog last week... cracks me up!

I've Been Out of Control & Missing in Action...

2010-05-01T09:23:00.000-04:00

Sorry to have been MIA all week on here... It's been a doozie!

I admit, I like to have control of most situations. Sure, there are times when I can go with the flow and just see what happens, but for the most part I don't like the out of control feeling. It's like riding the tea-cup ride at Disney World... I feel like at any moment I will be slung off into the universe.

Maybe that is why this whole immigration thing is so frustrating and uncomfortable. I have NO control over any aspect of it now. I have done my part, filled out stacks of paperwork, written several checks, copied and mailed all important documents and "evidence." Right now we are waiting on, perhaps RELYING on is a better phrase, Matt's Dr. to send a report to the embassy Dr. All the Embassy Dr. wants is 3 details-- it's really NOT hard. But for some reason, this is over the other Dr.'s head. Really?! You went to school for how long? People's lives rest in your hands daily, and yet you can't seem to get one simple letter written correctly? Furthermore, it's not like he writes it anyway, the secretary does. All he has to do is get her the info. Hell, I can write the stupid thing and get it to the Dr. in London (FROM THE US, no less) faster than this guy seems able to.

Needless to say, Matt will not give me the Dr.'s # so that I may call and, ahem, explain the urgency of the situation a little clearer. Apparently Matt is concerned that I will offend the man. PSHAW! I love that Americans have a reputation for abrasiveness... Whatever, we get things done! No stopping for a cup of tea for us!

School has been another out of control issue. This has been a challenging year. I am constantly shocked and saddened by some of the issues that kids in elementary school face. I think back to those years-- fun, carefree... I certainly wasn't worried about taking care of younger siblings, or my parents! I was not neglected-- I had food, clean clothes, I was bathed... My parents cared about my education, made sure I did my work, instilled in me the VALUE of a good education. So what has happened?

If I spoke to adults, or acted the way some students today act... even now in my 30's-- my dad would STILL yank me up. And for some it is a game-- they know there are no consequences at home, and consequences they care anything about at school. Take my recess? Fine. Suspend me? Even better! I'll play video games all day! Kids like this go out of their way to drive teachers crazy for fun! And they win EVERYDAY!

Not only are my nerves frazzled, my blood pressure high, and my head throbbing... but now I feel like a failure because I can't get control over an 11 yr old! The thing is, NO ONE can... No teacher they have ever had... not their parents... no one! So what happens to these kids. If they act like this, and are this apathetic at 11... think what they will be like in high school... when they are 20... 30...

Here are some interesting recent articles from England:

Beaten boy was 'leading light of class trouble'

and the follow up:

Teacher Cleared Of Attempting To Murder Pupil

Now, I am not saying teachers should beat down unruly students. But teachers are human beings- and I am glad, for once, that a jury listened to the teacher. And what about the students' behavior? It will probably go unpunished (aside from a cracked skull)... but maybe other students will think twice before tormenting a teacher.

Thursday was one of the worst days. I had been out Wednesday... Two of my darlings had been in trouble with the sub-- so they were sent to other rooms for the day. That's how our "inschool suspension" works. Thursday, same two in trouble again. It's not always THESE two... but there is never a day that at least one of about 5 don't stir something up. I have not had one uninterupted day. And the school system wonders why test scores go down? It's not all books and learning-- there has to be some discipline-- and that discipline has to start, and carry on AT HOME.

Teachers get blamed for everything-- if a child has low grades, it's our fault-- never mind the kid probably had no food at home for breakfast, is coming in dirty clothes, with dirty hair, face, and hands... Chances are the kid got themself (and sometimes siblings AND parents) up that morning... No one makes them follow directions at home, so why should they at school? Kids that see nothing but anger and fighting at home-- that is the norm-- so why not yell and fight everyone at school? "Multiplication? Who needs that? My daddy says that's a waste of time!"

OK, soapbox over... It's just that is what we are dealing with day after day... then we are told we can lose our jobs if scores don't go up. Parents come in and complain about ME if their child isn't doing their work. Well, newsflash: I have my OWN life. I cannot possibly go home with every student and sit with them until they do their work each night. I give my class LOTS of time IN CLASS... if they CHOOSE to use their time poorly-- well, that my friends is a life lesson. I'm a teacher, not Superwoman.

So on top of THAT stress on Thursday, my Dr.'s office calls to inform me that I have failed the 2nd glucose test. This was the 3 hr long one where blood was drawn 4 times. (I was technically poked 5 times if you could the last one when she couldn't get a vein in one arm). Great. Gestational Diabetes. And yes, I am aware that this is quite common. But it is ONE MORE thing, on top of all the other crap I am dealing with. Add this worry to all my worries about immigration, school, family, stuff at home, etc...

And did I mention I LOVE bread and all things carbs? I am already miserable. All I want this AM is some cereal... Nope, sorry... No can do... I can have an egg. Ever mention I really do NOT like eggs at all? I don't like the smell, the taste. the texture. Oh well.

I will go now, and fix an egg for breakfast, before I get too whiney...

ME Time

2010-04-25T19:10:00.000-04:00

I got this from Mass Hole Mommy... If you wish to participate in this meme, fill it out and link up at Keely's page.

1. If you could star in any movie genre..what would it be..romance..horror..comedy..suspense or action?

I'd say comedy would be my forte there...

2. Do you recycle?

Yes... Both at school and at home.

3. Have you ever been to a strip club?

Just Chippendales... Though I did sit in the parking lot at one once... Right PETE?!!!

4. Do you have a nickname?

Several... I'd say the kids at school have some for me as well...

5. What's a name you can't stand to be called?

Little lady... Especially by men in predominantly men-infested areas-- like hardware stores, mechanics @ garages, car salesmen, etc.
6. What are your Summer staples?

Tank tops, shorts, flip flops.... I like to stay cool. Especially THIS summer!

7. What was the last thing you bought for yourself?

Other than food, probably a book or an audiobook... This week I plan to treat myself to a MUCH needed pedicure...

8. Are you happy with your boob size?

Yes...Though for obvious reasons they have gotten bigger this year... I will be glad when they go back down.

37

2010-04-25T18:55:00.000-04:00

The BBC believes most people will have only read 6 of the 100 books here.
Instructions:

1) Look at the list and put an 'x' after those you have read.
2) Tally your total, add it to the note title.

1 Pride and Prejudice - Jane Austen (x)
2 The Lord of the Rings - JRR Tolkien (x)
3 Jane Eyre - Charlotte Bronte (x)
4 Harry Potter series - JK Rowling (x)
5 To Kill a Mockingbird - Harper Lee (x)
6 The Bible (Extracts) (x)
7 Wuthering Heights - Emily Bronte ()
8 Nineteen Eighty Four - George Orwell (x)
9 His Dark Materials - Philip Pullman ( )
10 Great Expectations - Charles Dickens (x)
11 Little Women - Louisa M Alcott (x)
12 Tess of the D’Urbervilles - Thomas Hardy (x)
13 Catch 22 - Joseph Heller ()
14 Complete Works of Shakespeare ()
15 Rebecca - Daphne Du Maurier ()
16 The Hobbit - JRR Tolkien (x )
17 Birdsong - Sebastian Faulk ()
18 Catcher in the Rye - JD Salinger (x)
19 The Time Traveller’s Wife - Audrey Niffenegger ( )
20 Middlemarch - George Eliot ()
21 Gone With The Wind - Margaret Mitchell ()
22 The Great Gatsby - F Scott Fitzgerald (x)
23 Bleak House - Charles Dickens ()
24 War and Peace - Leo Tolstoy ( )
25 The Hitch Hiker’s Guide to the Galaxy - Douglas Adams( )
26 Brideshead Revisited - Evelyn Waugh ()
27 Crime and Punishment - Fyodor Dostoyevsky ( )
28 Grapes of Wrath - John Steinbeck ()
29 Alice in Wonderland - Lewis Carroll (x)
30 The Wind in the Willows - Kenneth Grahame ()
31 Anna Karenina - Leo Tolstoy ( )
32 David Copperfield - Charles Dickens ()
33 Chronicles of Narnia - CS Lewis (x)
34 Emma - Jane Austen (x)
35 Persuasion - Jane Austen ()
36 The Lion, The Witch and The Wardrobe - CS Lewis (x)
37 The Kite Runner - Khaled Hosseini ()
38 Captain Corelli’s Mandolin - Louis De Bernieres ()
39 Memoirs of a Geisha - Arthur Golden (x)
40 Winnie the Pooh - AA Milne (X)
41 Animal Farm - George Orwell (x)
42 The Da Vinci Code - Dan Brown (X )
43 One Hundred Years of Solitude - Gabriel Garcia Marquez ()
44 A Prayer for Owen Meaney - John Irving ()
45 The Woman in White - Wilkie Collins ()
46 Anne of Green Gables - LM Montgomery (x)
47 Far From The Madding Crowd - Thomas Hardy ()
48 The Handmaid’s Tale - Margaret Atwood ()
49 Lord of the Flies - William Golding (x)
50 Atonement - Ian McEwan ( )
51 Life of Pi - Yann Martel ( )
52 Dune - Frank Herbert ()
53 Cold Comfort Farm - Stella Gibbons ()
54 Sense and Sensibility - Jane Austen (x)
55 A Suitable Boy - Vikram Seth ( )
56 The Shadow of the Wind - Carlos Ruiz Zafon (x )
57 A Tale Of Two Cities - Charles Dickens ( )
58 Brave New World - Aldous Huxley ( x)
59 The Curious Incident of the Dog in the Night-time - Mark Haddon ()
60 Love In The Time Of Cholera - Gabriel Garcia Marquez ( )
61 Of Mice and Men - John Steinbeck ()
62 Lolita - Vladimir Nabokov ( )
63 The Secret History - Donna Tartt ()
64 The Lovely Bones - Alice Sebold ( )
65 Count of Monte Cristo - Alexandre Dumas ()
66 On The Road - Jack Kerouac ()
67 Jude the Obscure - Thomas Hardy ()
68 Bridget Jones’s Diary - Helen Fielding (X)
69 Midnight’s Children - Salman Rushdie ( )
70 Moby Dick - Herman Melville ( )
71 Oliver Twist - Charles Dickens ()
72 Dracula - Bram Stoker (x)
73 The Secret Garden - Frances Hodgson Burnett (X)
74 Notes From A Small Island - Bill Bryson (x)
75 Ulysses - James Joyce ()
76 The Bell Jar - Sylvia Plath ( )
77 Swallows and Amazons - Arthur Ransome ()
78 Germinal - Emile Zola ( )
79 Vanity Fair - William Makepeace Thackeray ()
80 Possession - AS Byatt ( )
81 A Christmas Carol - Charles Dickens (x)
82 Cloud Atlas - David Mitchell ( )
83 The Color Purple - Alice Walker ( )
84 The Remains of the Day - Kazuo Ishiguro ()
85 Madame Bovary - Gustave Flaubert ( )
86 A Fine Balance - Rohinton Mistry ( )
87 Charlotte’s Web - EB White (x)
88 The Five People You Meet In Heaven - Mitch Albom ( x)
89 Adventures of Sherlock Holmes - Sir Arthur Conan Doyle ()
90 The Faraway Tree Collection - Enid Blyton ()
91 Heart of Darkness - Joseph Conrad ( x)
92 The Little Prince - Antoine De Saint-Exupery (x)
93 The Wasp Factory - Iain Banks ( )
94 Watership Down - Richard Adams ()
95 A Confederacy of Dunces - John Kennedy Toole ( )
96 A Town Like Alice - Nevil Shute ( )
97 The Three Musketeers - Alexandre Dumas ()
98 Hamlet - William Shakespeare (X)
99 Charlie and the Chocolate Factory - Roald Dahl (X)
100 Les Miserables - Victor Hugo ()

Just a LITTLE longer...

2010-04-24T08:58:00.000-04:00

Matt had his interview yesterday AM at the US Embassy in London. He said, while it was intense, the consular officer he spoke with was very nice. She didn't ask a lot of questions-- when we got married, how we maintain the marriage across the pond-- he explained we use skype and talk via webcams into (for him) the wee hours of the AM-- he said, "Can't you see the bags under my eyes?" She thought this was funny...

They did not issue his visa today, because the Dr. he saw in London (the one he had to see for the embassy) has no signed off on his medical. She is the Dr. that detected a murmur. He has since been to a cardiologist-- who has told him he has a leak in a valve in one of his arteries. This will require surgery for repair (NOT replacement). The cardiologist sent all of this to the Dr in London, but she still didn't sign it--

In the meantime, I contacted my insurance people, and explained the whole thing. They checked, and because he has coverage in the UK, then he WILL be covered here. They will not consider it pre-existing, and there will be no lapse in coverage. I had them write me a letter to this effect. Matt has the letter and the email from my insurance lady. He took those, plus a letter from my Dr. saying he really needs to be here for the baby. The embassy made copies and have instructed him to take the letters to this Dr. in London. Once she signs the medical (and they feel she has no reason not too, since he WILL have insurance coverage) and gets it to the embassy, they will then call Matt. They will give him a courrier number-- he is to courrier his passport to the embassy, they will then courrier it back with the visa.

I asked how long this will take-- hopefully no more than a week. When I spoke with him the first time, Matt was running down the street in London trying to get back to the Dr's office to talk to her.

She said what she needs is a report from his cardiologist detailing exactly what is wrong, what needs to be done, and a timeline (ie can he wait 6 months, a year, 2 yrs, etc...) She said she has to make sure he is ABLE to come over here. Why she didn't explain this to him LAST week when they spoke, I have no idea. Matt thinks he may have misunderstood her-- anyway-- he is trying to call his cardiologist now so he can set up a time to see him Monday. The Dr had already scheduled a procedure for Wednesday-- to go in with a camera and look closer at the heart, so he may wait till after that to send his report to the Dr. in London-- we'll see.

At any rate, we are still hoping that within the next 2 weeks Matt will be ready to step on a plane! He said he feels like a weight has been lifted. :)

SO... there we are. Not the BEST news, but certainly not BAD news. He said he feels he can go ahead and sort all his stuff, and start packing. This week will also give the airports over there a chance to decongest from all the people stranded by the volcano in Iceland.

Thanks for all the prayers, positive thoughts, and encouragement... this has been BEYOND stressful, but will hopefully be over soon!

The Waiting Game...

2010-04-22T21:27:00.000-04:00

Well, the day is finally here (almost...)

After 10 months of filling out paperwork, answering questions, and WAITING-- Matt has his immigration interview tomorrow. This has been, quite possibly, THE most stressful thing I have ever been through. There are so many things wrong with the immigration process, I don't even know where to start. Nor do I have the answers. I realize immigration is one of the next big political issues to be addressed, and oh how I hope they are able to make some GOOD and LOGICAL changes so no one has to go through what we have.

I don't want to say I have an "appreciation" of illegal immigrants-- but I will say I have a new UNDERSTANDING.

If things don't go well tomorrow, I honestly don't know what I will do. My gut reaction would be to pack up and head to the UK... but at 6 monnths pregnant, that is hardly an option.

My feelings and emotions this week have been up and down. Like Matt, I don't want to get my hopes up-- seems like everytime we do, we hit an obstacle. At the same time, I have a positive feeling-- I have tried desperately to stay positive. It's not been easy-- that's for damn sure! But HOW could they NOT let him come? Surely the people at the embassy have a heart...

(SIGH)

OK... I'm off to try to occupy my time...

Please send good thoughts and positive vibes across the pond! His interview is at 9:30 (UK Time)... no idea how long it will take... letting the waiting game continue...

And the Beat Goes On...

2010-04-19T19:19:00.000-04:00

Whew! I am EXHAUSTED! Had a great weekend-- lots of fun times with family-- my "crazy aunts" were both in town for Gma's 94th b-day... We had a great dinner Saturday night-- I made cupcakes-- coconut for Gma, and chocolate for Aunt V. When we weren't looking, Gma got sneaky with her cupcakes and candles-

Sunday we went to Pigeon Forge for breakfast and some outlet shopping. Then it was off to run some errands for Gma, a trip by my condo so the aunts could check out the nursery, then back to Gma's (I had to get my car)... by the time I got home, I was ZONKED! I took a short nap, then got up to talk to Matt via Skype... then I CRASHED!

Had early AM bus duty this morning (ONLY ONE MORE LEFT AFTER TODAY!) Took Aunt V to the airport, then had dinner with Gma and Aunt Liz. I could seriously go to bed RIGHT NOW and be fine. My lack of weekend naps is seriously catching up with me.

This is THE WEEK! Matt has his immigration interview on Friday... I am nervous-- and I know he is BEYOND nervous! I wish more than anything I could be there with him... Though, looking at the flying situation now-- even if I wasn't 6 mo preggers and able to fly-- I wouldn't make it b/c of the cancelled flights due to the Iceland volcano. Though let me say-- that volcano won't have ANYTHING on me if Matt gets his visa and then has to wait to fly here b/c of it's stupid ash!!

Anyway, I am asking for everyone to send good thoughts across the pond to my beloved British husband... I NEED him here NOW!!

OK, so here is your interesting Monday read--

First President Owes Library $4,577 and Two Books

What a scoundrel!!

May I Recommend...

2010-04-17T09:10:00.000-04:00

...an absolutely HILARIOUS movie to you? If you like to laugh, want to laugh, or (like me) NEED to laugh- go see Date Night!! My friend Missy and I went to see it last night-- and I honestly cannot remember the last time I have laughed like that in a theatre. Of course, I LOVE Tina Fey and Steve Carrell-- and whoever thought up teaming them together was a genius!

There are several hilarious cameos also-- Mark Wahlberg (sans shirt!), James Franco & Mila Kunis, Ray Liotta....

I know the movie has gotten mixed reviews from the "experts"-- but seriously, this is not one of those movies you go to see because it might be Oscar caliber-- you go to have fun & enjoy yourself-- isn't that was the movie experience is SUPPOSED to be about anyway?

Just GO!
--

On a sidenote-- I would like to wish my Gma a VERY happy 94th b-day! Yeah, she's pretty awesome!

FINALLY Friday!!

2010-04-16T17:07:00.001-04:00

I am SOOOOOOOOO glad that it is finally the weekend. This week at school hasn't been TOO bad-- we are taking state tests, so I am able to sit down and rest my swollen feet more. One more test to go (Monday), then back to life as usual in 5th grade. Only 5 more weeks!!

Joining the Bandwagon

2010-04-15T22:42:00.001-04:00

1. How do you feel about "Gladiator" sandals, also called "Roman" or "Jesus" sandals? A fashion yea or nay?

I HATE them! And not just because my fat feet would look DUMB in them... I don't find them flattering or attractive on anyone. So there! :)

2. What is your favorite pizza?

Matt would say I'm an expert in this area. HMMmmmm... this is tough... I'm a pretty big fan of New York style pizza... Locally I enjoy Barley's and Mellow Mushroom... and there is always Big Ed's!

3. There are plans in the works to sell roughly 1,000 items from Star Trek: The Experience in Las Vegas. This means you could buy Picard's chair for your family room. If not a Star Trek item, what prop, background, set, etc. from what TV or movie would you buy if you could?
[Ex: Hurley's "I Love my Shih tzu" shirt from LOST, the plantation home "Tara" from Gone With the Wind, or Tracy's tambourine from the Partridge Family.]

Kate Winslet's cottage in THE HOLIDAY... seems it would be a nice place to hide...

4. Name a local food or restaurant that your area is famous for.

Gonna have to go with Big Ed's Pizza again!

5. What is your current favorite snack?

Been on a Little Debbie kick lately... that and Salt & Vinegar Pringles...

6. Hypothetical: You are required to be a reality show contestant. Which show would you choose based on your probability of success? (You cannot choose "none.")

A. Dancing with the Stars

B. Biggest Loser

C. Survivor

Woof. I hate reality TV... I guess I would choose Dancing with the Stars... That would be the only one I think I would remotely enjoy...

7. On a scale of 1-10, with 1 being uninhabitable and 10 being cleanliness that meets the standards of OCD, how clean is your vehicle's interior?

5... again, something I am working on... Matt would love to insert a ridiculous story of Polynesian Sauce here... but trust me-- he EXAGGERATES!

8. It doesn't feel like Spring until _________.

Flowers bloom...

9. Something that made you laugh really hard recently is ____.

Matt and I hypothesizing on future statements by Miss Priss-- "My daddy says....."

10. Tell me about a goal you're working toward.

Getting Matt here SOON! I WILL conquer immigration!

11. Share a thought-provoking or inspiring quote this week.

“The thing that is really hard, and really amazing, is giving up on being perfect and beginning the work of becoming yourself.” ~ Anna Quindlen

(Thanks Leigh!)

12. Name one thing that you do as a parent that you absolutely know will make your kids happy. If you're not a parent, feel free to substitute "friend" or nomenclature that works for you.

Well, not a parent YET... but I plan to encourage Miss Priss to always be herself, be unique, etc... my mom did this for me-- she never wanted me to be more like anyone else... if Iwanted to wear combat boots, longjohns, and Umbro shorts, I would... and she never commented.

New Kid on the Block

2010-04-11T20:56:00.000-04:00

Everyone needs to check out my friend Leigh's new blog:

How the Porcupine Lost Her Quills

It's fantastic! She is beginning her Year of Living Fearlessly... which was my theme last year-- and we see how that worked out for me! (Don't worry, I've warned her!)

In Memoriam

2010-04-11T09:27:00.001-04:00

My good friend Ran(dom) Man had a past with one Ms. Dixie Carter. Once upon a time, a young radio reporter was give the task of interviewing Ms. Carter. Now, for those of you familiar with the actress' most famous role of Julia Sugarbaker, well, apparently she truly WAS that character, or believed she was anyway. Hey! I only used the Yellow Pages after she told me to in those commercials!

My poor friend was forced to ask her a question (by the radio station powers that be), and if I remember correctly, the question did not really pertain to the interview at hand. Ms. Sugarbaker, uh, I mean, Ms. Carter became outraged, and lit into my poor friend. He played the tapes for me. If it hadn't been so scary, it would have been hilarious.

Through the years, Mr. FAWD has kept up with Ms. Carter-- her wins, her losses... mainly b/c friends like me send him any info we see on the lady. Hey, it's what friends are for!

So last night, I felt it my duty to pass on the news (which I first saw on a facebook status, and later confirmed via a google search), that the beloved Ms. Dixie Carter has passed away. Ran(dom) Man's reply: I win. Classic.

So in memory of this iconic actress, let us visit the archives of Ran(dom) Man :

Dixie Carter, seen here at a local GOP event, did NOT win in her Emmy category Sunday. I’m not gloating, just saying.

Sep
14th Fri

If Dixie Carter wins an Emmy Sunday, I will cry.

Sep
5th Wed

If you ever, if any of you ever call me that horrible word again, I will fire you, and you will never alter drapes in Atlanta again, because you do not cross a Sugarbaker woman. I’m so tired. I’m so tired you guys.

— Liz on 30 Rock after watching an all-night Designing Women marathon. (Two Dixie Carter posts in 24 hours = coincidence.)

Sep
4th Tue

You can’t build your house on trashy, worthless materials, and your life is your house that you’re living in.

— Dixie Carter in a Q-and-A with the Jackson Sun that strongly reminds me why she’s my arch-nemesis

Quote of the Day

2010-04-10T22:02:00.000-04:00

Been having a completely HORRID time dealing with immigration... Everytime something good happens, Matt and I get a kick in the face that knocks us way backwards... I am terrified he will not be here when the baby is born-- add that in with crazy pregnancy hormones-- and well, I have been somewhat hysterical for a couple of days...

Luckily I have some awesome friends that remind me ultimately that I am not alone... and that I am a strong person (though I don't feel it right now), and that everything happens for a reason and that it will all work out. This has certainly been true in the past, and I pray it is true this time as well. Even though most of my positivity has been taken away, I am really trying to BELIEVE...

Thanks to my good friend Leigh for the quote she posted on my facebook tonight:

Sail on Silver Girl, Sail on by; Your time has come to shine,All your dreams are on their way. See how they shine. If you need a friend, I'm sailing right behind; Like a bridge over troubled water...

Book Club 2010: Update

2010-04-10T18:27:00.000-04:00

1. Monday Mourning by Kathy Reichs

2. The Sweetness at the Bottom of the Pie by Alan Bradley (audiobook)
3. The London Eye Mystery by Siobhan Dowd (audiobook)
4. The Killings at Badger's Drift by Caroline Graham
5. The Girl with the Dragon Tattoo by Steig Larsson (audiobook)
6. The Girlfriend's Guide to Pregnancy (2nd Edition) by Vicki Iovine
7. Holes by Louis Sachar (school)
8. Four to Score by Janet Evanovich (audiobook)
9. Real Murders by Charlaine Harris (audiobook)
10. The Weed that Strings the Hangman's Bag by Alan Bradley (audiobook)
11. Key Lime Murders by Joanne Fluke (audiobook)
13. Dead Until Dark by Charlaine Harris (audiobook)
14. Who Was Eleanor Roosevelt? by Gare Thompson (school)

Currently Reading:
* The Cream Puff Murder by Joanne Fluke
Except that I can't find the book... ARGH! Hoping it will turn up during spring cleaning...

* Dare to Dream: Coretta Scott King & the Civil Rights Movement by Angela Shelf Medaris
This one is for school... reading it to the kids.

Currently Listening to:
* A Bone to Pick by Charlaine Harris
This is the second in the Aurora Teagarden series... apparently Charlaine Harris is my author of the year... Her stories are simple and easy... which is what I enjoy most after a long day at school.
--

Links:
Audible.com

Goodreads.com
If you join, let me know-- we can be friends!

TGIF!

2010-04-09T16:37:00.000-04:00

I don't know why it is-- but SHORT school weeks always seem LONGER! I am so glad today is Friday-- though most of the day I was convinced it was only Thursday. Luckily we are preparing for state tests next week-- so must of the day was spent doing practice tests and reviewing that material. This was extra nice for me as I was able to sit more, and get off my swollen-elephantesque feet!

Had a great Dr. appt yesterday... BP is perfect, baby's heartbeat was great-- once they were able to get it, as she was quite the mover & groover yesterday! Now if we can just get the immigration people to let Daddy get here! UGH... that's a whole other stress, and a whole other post! One day-- when I don't find it exhausting!

Trying something new today-- Someone sent me a link to a blog with a Friday Follow/ Blog Hop link... seems fun! I am always looking for new and interesting blogs to read...

No big plans for the weekend-- which is nice! I plan to get some paint for my nursery-painter volunteers... and other than that I plan to just, as my grandma says, "Do around the house"... and of course spend some time with my feet up, RELAXING!

Filler

2010-04-08T21:57:00.001-04:00

Stole this from Mary... had some time on my hands... WOO!

Outside my window...is apparently a neighborhood cat, because my cats are going nuts!

I am thinking...I really should go to bed...

I am thankful for...a good appt at the Dr. today

From the kitchen...is a Cadbury Creme Egg calling my name

I am wearing...jammie pants and a HUGE (& therefore comfy) tshirt

I am creating...a blog entry apparently

I am going...to make it through this week!

I am reading... a book to my kids at school about Coretta Scott King

I am hoping...that Matt is here by the end of the month (PLEASE!!!!)

I am hearing...the episode of BONES that I am watching

Around the house...things are coming together

One of my favorite things...WEEKENDS! Glad tomorrow is FRIDAY!

A few plans for the rest of the week... More TCAP prep at school... and REST for me!

Here is picture for thought I am sharing...

This is mainly for Lacy and Justy's amusement...

Fang Banger

2010-04-08T18:48:00.000-04:00

I must admit, I have been pleasantly surprised by the first book in the Sookie Stackhouse series-- Dead Until Dark, by Charlaine Harris. I am really not into the whole vampire craze that has swept the world in the last couple of years. I tried to read/ listen to the Twilight books. WOOF! I found them some of the most poorly written stories I had tried to read. OK, maybe that was too harsh... they were OVERwritten. The author takes three paragraphs to describe something that could have been done justice with one, maybe two sentences. By the time I have finished with the description, I forgot what she was describing to start with.

Anyway...

I also have tried to watch the True Blood tv show... OK, I tried to watch it ONCE... but I just couldn't get into it at all. So I was very skeptical about the books-- even though I have had numerous people tell me they are "SO much better than the TV show..." (Aren't they always?) Well, I finally broke down and gave book 1 a chance. Since I have trouble finding time, and the ability to stay awake, to read right now, I downloaded it from Audible.com. Part of what REALLY annoyed me with the tv show was the main character's accent-- I worried this would be a problem with the audiobook as well-- however, the reader does a much more believeable Louisiana accent.

As I have listened to the story though, I can't help but notice MANY similarities between it and the Twilight story. I looked to see which was published first-- though I had a pretty good idea. I mean, I realize there are some topics about vampires that are universal-- stake through the heart, repulsion of garlic, only up at night, burnt by silver, etc... But there are several similarities that are not so common-- so if I was Charlaine Harris, I would be asking Stephanie Meyer where she got some of her plot/ character ideas...

Both stories feature

a main female character that is kind of a loner, misunderstood, and somewhat socially awkward
a love triangle between the awkward female, the main vampire, and a male character that transforms into a wolf/ dog
a gang of vampires (2 males, 1 female) that wreak havoc in the small community
a dominant vampire that fixates on the awkward female character
mindreading-- though in Twilight it is the Vamp that can read minds... but in both stories there is one person who's mind cannot be read

I think there are probably more- but that is all I can recall at the moment...

I really enjoyed the mystery aspect of this story. Usually I can figure out who the murderer is long before the end of the book-- but this story kept me curious & guessing until the end. Sookie was somewhat annoying in her naivety and dimwitedness-- but not enough to completely turn me off. I definitely plan to check out book 2.

Weekend Fun

2010-04-04T23:37:00.000-04:00

Afterschool on Thursday, Lacy and I hit the road for Nashville to visit our good buddy Justy... We all had Friday off and thus had time to play... then Saturday, Lacy and I helped host a baby shower for Justy and Matt. It was a fantastic weekend filled with laughter, tears, and a lot of Golden Girls episodes!

Waiting for our table at South Street

Woo-ing our water toast! (I didn't quite fit in the shot...)

cupcakes!

Baby shower fun!

Thank you for being a friend...

"What happened?!!"

SMOOSH!

Thursday's Treat

2010-03-31T21:55:00.000-04:00

As this Thursday is our Friday (since we are off for Good Friday), I figured my fellow educators could use a treat... so I made an orange cake... although, it is more lemon than orange... Here is the recipe:

Preheat oven to 325

1 pkg. yellow cake mix
1 pkg. lemon pudding mix
3/4 C. orange juice
1/2 C. vegetable oil
4 eggs
1 t. lemon extract

1/3 C. orange juice
2/3 C. sugar
1/4 C. butter

Mix cake mix, pudding mix, 3/4 c. OJ, oil, eggs, and lemon extract. Pour into a greased bundt pan. Bake for 50-60 mins. (I baked mine 50 mins.) Let cool.

In a saucepan, cook 1/3 c. OJ, sugar, and butter for 2 minutes. Drizzle over cake. (I punched holes first using a toothpick)

Book Club 2010: Update

2010-03-29T18:52:00.001-04:00

1. Monday Mourning by Kathy Reichs
2. The Sweetness at the Bottom of the Pie by Alan Bradley (audiobook)
3. The London Eye Mystery by Siobhan Dowd (audiobook)
4. The Killings at Badger's Drift by Caroline Graham
5. The Girl with the Dragon Tattoo by Steig Larsson (audiobook)
6. The Girlfriend's Guide to Pregnancy (2nd Edition) by Vicki Iovine
7. Holes by Louis Sachar (school)
8. Four to Score by Janet Evanovich (audiobook)
9. Real Murders by Charlaine Harris (audiobook)
10. The Weed that Strings the Hangman's Bag by Alan Bradley (audiobook)
11. Key Lime Murder by Joanne Fluke (audiobook)

Currently Reading:

The Cream Puff Murder by Joanne Fluke -- if I ever find it again!! AND if I can ever stay awake long enough to read more than a few pages! (Hence why most of my books this year are audiobooks!)

Currently listening to:

Dead Until Dark by Charlaine Harris-- this is the first in the Sookie Stackhouse series that has inspired the True Blood tv series. I have tried to watch the show and HATED it. However, I have had many recommend the books. So far, so good.

Links:

Audible.com

Goodreads.com
If you join, let me know-- we can be friends!

The Weed that Strings the Hangman's Bag

The Cream Puff Murder

Dead Until Dark

Spring Cleaning!

2010-03-28T11:34:00.000-04:00

In keeping with my theme that Spring is for renewal... I have changed up the blog backround and layout... Thought we could use a splash of color!

And in keeping with my entry title... I hope to get some cleaning done around the house today-- just as soon as I recover from the HUGE, carb-loaded IHOP breakfast I had this AM. :)

I've had a great weekend-- which I needed desperately! Looking forward to a SHORT week at school, and another FUN weekend coming up!

Security Blanket

2010-03-26T19:25:00.000-04:00

What a week! I feel like I say that every week lately. As I have already mentioned, this is a very trying school year.

Today was especially rough at school... all sorts of nonsense. Plus I was really tired to begin with-- was up late (after dozing off on the couch only to be awoken by a major Thunderstorm...) Then the internet was down, so I couldn't chat with the hubby-- always a downer!

During these tough times I like to identify and focus on things that make me feel better. Growing up I, like my buddy Linus here, had a security blanket. (well, I STILL have it but do not carry it around-- though maybe it would make me feel better at school!)

So I have decided to make a list of some of my grown-up "Security Blankets":

*Matt... I cannot wait for him to be here! I will be much calmer and much happier I am sure!

* My cats... yes, I am a crazy cat lady! But after a crappy day at school, it's nice to have some unconditional love from the furry children. They know when I am upset, and will just come sit with me.

* My family... They are awesome... from advice from Gma to help moving things & heavy lifting from the brothers, everyone has been most helpful.

* Audible.com... I don't have much time to read lately-- something I have always used as an escape... but audiobooks on the iPod seriously help. I love to get lost in a great story, especially if it takes my mind off other worries, commutes to school, or household tasks.

* My friends... Like the fam, my friends have been a huge help during this stressful time. Luckily I have some amazing friends at school that help out when I am about to fall apart. Outside of school I have also called more upon the friend brigade... from changing litter, to taking junk to Goodwill for me... from taking me out to eat to offering to paint the nursery... I've got AWESOME friends!

*My kitchen... baking always calms me down... and luckily, I have some GREAT taste-testers at school!

Sometimes life is hard... and often it is not fair. But when those hurdles continually pop up in my way, I turn to these things that give me comfort or make me feel better, even if just temporarily.

2010-03-25T17:13:00.000-04:00

There are not words for how ready I am for some CHANGE! And isn't that what Spring is all about-- change... rebirth... new beginnings? BRING IT ON, I say!

First of all, I am so frustrated with the whole immigration process for the hubby. I won't bore you with the ugly details, but SERIOUSLY! Something's got to give! The process is long and tedious on it's own... throw in hormones, stress, and good ol' fashioned impatience-- and it's a NIGHTMARE! I need him here! I can't do all this on my own much longer! And it seems it has been one obstacle after another. I'm not an overly political person-- but YES, there needs to be some immigration reform-- and SOON!

Next, school is on my last nerve. I have some FANTASTIC students-- a few. But overall this year has been a headache. I have never been around this much apathy in my life. And yes I know, they're just children. But even children should have some dreams... a goal... a desire to succeed. (sigh) Sometimes I feel like I am Bill Murray in the movie Groundhog Day.... It's the same crap everyday-- nothing changes, no one remembers details from one day to the next, and no one cares. I am just ready for this group to move on.

Is it too late for a new career? Guess this really isn't the time to look into that seriously...

And the weather! Honestly-- just pick one! Hot or cold... this back and forth is killing me. It's passed the point of hoping for snow days-- not that many of those worked out for us this year anyway! So let's just get warm and stay warm already! Besides, my feet are starting to swell-- it'd be awesome, and MUCH more comfy, to just wear flip flops!

My Random Thought for the Day...

2010-03-24T17:55:00.001-04:00

What if celebrities had to get REAL jobs?

*Jessica Simpson as a school teacher
*Kirstie Alley as a UPS delivery person
*Kim Kardashian as a day care worker
*Tom Cruise as a car salesman
*Madonna as a server at Applebees
*Kanye as a Waffle House cook
*Lindsay Lohan as a secretary
*Spencer Pratt as a gas station attendant/ clerk
*Justin Bieber, Miley Cyrus, any of the Jonas Bros, etc working at McDonald's or Taco Bell
*Kristen Stewart delivering pizza
*Jennifer Love Hewitt as a cashier at Food Lion
*Heidi Montag stocking shelves at Walmart

And yes, I realize that most all celebrities (minus those BORN into it-- I'm talking to YOU Hilton & Kardashian girls!) have had REAL jobs at some time in their life. And many have worked their way up to where they are now-- and kudos to them. But sometimes I get so sick and tired of hearing them bitch about their HARD lives and all they go through. Try teaching 5th grade, 6 months preganant while dealing with your husband going through immigration-- meanwhile living 4000 miles away... paying all your OWN bills with the piddly salary you make... keeping your house clean/ clutter free, doing your own dishes, laundry, etc... I guarantee you some of them woudn't stand a chance!

Maybe I shouldn't read Perez anymore today...

What REAL jobs would you like to see celebrities attempt??

Do-Over!

2010-03-24T16:18:00.000-04:00

So I am thinking of reviving ye ol' blog... some buddies at school have become bloggers and I feel re-inspired. Plus, I have SO much going through my mind at the present time, another outlet for my thoughts is welcoming!

(more on all THAT later)

So yes, I think we will give this another go... I created this blog originally when I had applied to teach school in England. I used it to communicate with other "ex-pat" teachers, etc. Now that is no longer my goal, so the aim of the blog has shifted... but hey, flexibility is a lifeskill!

OK, I will work on organizing my thoughts-- as much as possible. I look forward to getting back into this!

:)

Rocky Top

2009-09-13T23:25:00.001-04:00

4th Quarter Rally @ the UT v. UCLA game, Sept. 12, 2009... sadly UT ended up losing-- but not for lack of fan support!, originally uploaded by SDaunsra.

4th Quarter Rally @ the UT v. UCLA game, Sept. 12, 2009... sadly UT ended up losing-- but not for lack of fan support!

HMMMmmmm...

2009-08-19T20:15:00.002-04:00

Something I have noticed, and recently pondered-- why do so many children's books, especially those geared to kids ages 10-15, deal with orphans and/ or foster kids? I mean yes, there are many (too many) kids that fit this criteria. But more kids are in normal (whatever that is) family situations.

Is this because all kids dream of one day running away? Are authors trying to make kids living with their parents-- harrassed by the everyday chores, demands to do homework, and other petty arguments-- feel better? "See kids, you don't REALLY have it so bad..."

Are they actually targeted to orphans and foster kids-- "See! You can overcome this setback in life!" or "This character too has a harsh foster situation, and they survived-- YOU CAN DO IT!"

Just strange... from Charles Dickens' novels... to Harry Potter... to more recent books like Bud, Not Buddy... Just a trend I have noticed...

Thoughts??

Week 3 of the School Year...

2009-08-19T20:13:00.000-04:00

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Book Club: 2009 List (UPDATE)

2009-07-29T18:08:00.002-04:00

Read So Far in 2009:
1. James & the Giant Peach by Roald Dahl (Yes, this is a school selection)
2. Assassination Vacation by Sarah Vowell (audiobook)
3. He's Just Not That Into You by Greg Behrendt & Liz Tuccillo
4. The Treasures of Weatherby by Zilpha Keatley Snyder (school)
5. Unnatural Causes by P.D. James
6. Coraline by Neil Gaiman (school)
7. Who Was Martin Luther King, Jr.? by Bonnie Bader (school)
8. Marked by P.C. Cast & Kristin Cast
9. Break No Bones by Kathy Reichs (audiobook)
10. Horns and Wrinkles by Joseph Helgerson (school)
11. Devil Bones by Kathy Reichs (audiobook)
12. Burned by Carol Higgins Clard (audiobook)
13. Holly's Inbox by Holly Denham
14. Educating Esme: Diary of a Teacher's First Year by Esme Raji Codell
15. A Matter of Honor by Jefferey Archer (audiobook)

Currently I'm reading:
Notes from a Small Island by Bill Bryson... Matt gave me his copy of this-- which is about the author's trek all around England (where he lived for many years) before his return to the US. I really enjoy Bryson's style of writing and humoUr... Plus I have made several of the same observations about England and its people. He has several books about his travels-- I plan to read more by him.

Up Next:
My Side of the Mountain by Jean Craighead George... this is one for school. Myers has her class read it every year. I have never read it-- but her class really enjoys it... thus I would like my class to enjoy it too! :)And yes, one day I will finish The AngloFiles. One day....

Pip Pip... Cheerio!

2009-06-13T09:18:00.002-04:00

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Off to England tomorrow! CAN'T WAIT!! I am glad I have a direct flight-- just hope my immigration/ customs person is nice than the one last year... sheesh!

I Can't Stop Giggling...

2009-06-06T10:18:00.002-04:00

Last summer in England Nan and I went for a "jaunt" through the countryside. Specifically we hiked (for MILES) through the Cotswolds. As Nan says, "I think I still have some cotswolds in me pants!" During our adventures we came across a very large, VERY dead badger. His spirit has remained with us (possibly b/c we feared we would be joining him...)

Anyway... Matt was working in the region this week. And I said, "You didn't happen to see my friend the dead badger did you?" His reply: "I saw four dead badgers, including a baby. And a dead fox." (Are the cotswolds really in E TN?!!) I digress....

So I told Nan... She has decided she and Matt need to write a guide to the cotswolds-- in which she will discuss proper sun protection. (She is still the ONLY person I know who goes to England and gets a sunburn!)

This whole new addition to our tale prompted Nan to become a poet:

I have written an ode. I call it "Elegy to a Dead Badger, Happened Upon by the Side of the Motorway Whilst on Holiday in the Cotswolds."

O badger, dead badger, I sing to thy grace:
The grimacing rictus of thy stripe'd face.
Thy claws ever clutching
T'ward Heavenly space.
Thy limbs in their stiffness
Of Death's cold embrace.
What didst thou, poor badger, to warrant such end,
Alone by the roadside, sans lover or friend?
Hadst thou been but wary
The traffic to 'tend,
Thy blood might not into
Black asphalt yet blend.

-- Alice Mary Stilton-Teacosy*

* As some of you rememeber, Nan and I came up with British names to use on our journey.

So let us all take pause, and remember our friend, Mr. Dead Badger. (and his bretheren that have since joined him along their frolics in the Cotswolds.)

Here's to Hoping I Don't Wake Up to the Sound of a Cat YAKKING This AM...

2009-06-04T23:42:00.001-04:00

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